The Sun.
London, England, 1855-03-15 00:00:00

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basis of our negotiations, until he is tired " with letting
empty buckets down and drawing nothing up,"
But we should like Lord Palmerston to apply this
argument nearer borne ; to himself, in short, and his
own domestics. Then let him judge how far he would
consider a similar excuse justifiable. For instance, if his
lordship's "man" should absent himself for a week en a
mission of his own in the servants' hall, and leave the
dressing of his lordship's hair to the French cook or the
' groom of the kitchen (we beg Sir George Grey's par-
don), it is quite possible that her Majesty's Secretary
of State might not for the time be a loser by the change ;
but what would he feel—what would he say ? Sep-
posing that his "Hyperion curls" were as admirably ad-
justed as they have been heretofore, would he think
himself very unreasonable for refusing his assent to such
an arrangement ? Would he wait for some instance of
maladroitness to occur before he complained ? Would
he be content with an answer couched in his own words
to Sir John Pakington, "That he (the cook) and the
scullion were responsible for what was done, and if there
could be brought forward any charge of neglect they
were ready to justify their course, and bear the blame
for what had been done l" Would he consider that a
justifiable' answer t The neglect is committed already;
the greatest neglect that a public or private servant can
commit, of being absent from his proper duties, to take
up those which do not properly belong to his functions,
And in that neglect Lord Palmerston himself is a par.
t ;ceps criminis.
Why, what a shallow excuse is it to say that no harm
has yet been done, and no neglect can yet be proved,
when every sensible man will feel that it is not merely
the injury incurred, but the chance and hazard of evil
that may be incurred, by absence from his post, which
constitute the real offence of a Minister. And we say
at once, that the excuse urged by Lord Palmerston
would be equally valid for any absence from duty, for
any collusive arrangements of clerks in an establishment,
or of servants in a household, if culpability is to consist
only in the harm which actually has, or rather can be
proved to have, taken place. When the injury has taken
place it is too late to complain ; and that would be a
very sorry policy indeed (though not altogether unlike
Lord Palmerston's late doings) which should only try to
remedy evils when they have already occurred, and
not provide against their occurrence. This is exactly the
same argument, in kind and spirit, so familiar in the
mouths of that Cabinet in which Lord Palmerston held
lately a subordinate station ; they, too, complained
bitterly of all remonstrance ; they would have silenced
all reproaches by the same maxim ; they, too, in the
spirit of this veteran Po/oaius, would have barred the
door when the steed was stolen.
In the meantime Lord Palmerston and Sir George
Grey have quite enough to occupy their thoughts and
their time with the duties of their respective offices,
without taking upon them the duties and responsibilities
of another. The nation has not demanded this at their
hand., nor will it accept their responsibility. It will be
time enough for that when the administrative talent of
the country is at so low an ebb that, failing the press nee
of Lord John, no other Colonial Secretary is to be had.
The country employs its servants, of whom Lord Pal. merston is one, in the same way as Lord Palmerston or
any other gentleman employs his, and rewards them by
honours and emoluments for special purposes ; it requires
of them, in return, the performances of special duties—
it expects that neither it nor its dependencies should re-
ceive injury, or be exposed to the hazard even of receiv-
ing injury, so far as the vigilance of its servants, and
their attention to their respective duties can prevent
such hazards. But that duty neither Lord Palmerston,
nor his colleague Sir George Grey, nor yet Lord John
Russell, are strictly fulfilling; they are faithless to the
trusts severally committed to them ; Lord Palmerston
and Sir George Grey, because the time devoted by them
to the Colonial Office ought to be solely devoted to their
own special duties ; Lord John Russell, because he is
neglecting the obligations imposed upon him when he
accepted office. We care not whether the colonies have
complained or not—whether any overt act of neglect
can be proved against Lord John's lieutenants or not--
his way of managing, or rather mismanaging the public
service, is the greatest neglect and the greatest evil that
can befall the nation—an example of confusion and dis-
order in the highest and most dangerous place. What
more would Palmerston have ? Can nothing short of
open rebellion constitute neglect or wrong 3

THE POLITICAL INFLUENCES SURROUND-
ING THE EMPEROR ALEXANDER 11.
(Font the Daily News of this day.)
The telegraphic messages from Vienna, which on
Tuesday encouraged several large capitalists to purchase
extensively in the funds, and sent up the prices of pub-
, lic securities to a height that yesterelay found them un-
able to retain, were dictated—on the most charitable
interpretation—more by the wishes than the knowledge
of the persons who transmitted then. Both purchasers
and their correspondents believe in the speedy advent of
peace because they desire it. They hope for it, in de-
fiance of every threatening sign to the contrary in the
political horizon.

The Emperor Alexander is surrounded by the same
statesmen and the same political influences as his father.
The promotion of General Rudiger is ominous ; for that
able and experienced soldier, though a German by
birth, has become thoroughly Russianised, and has
adopted all the sentiments and maxims of the Sciavonic
party. 'Within the private circle of the young Emperor,
there are only two persons from whose influence over
his mind good results may, with any degree of con-
fidence, be augured. The one is the Empress, the other
Baron Lieven, who has been charged with the mission
of formally announcing the Emperor's accession to the
Court of Vienna. Both are deservedly listened to by
Alexander ; but what are they when opposed by a nu-
merous faction, strongly entrenched in the most impor-
tant offices of the State ?

The footing on which the new Emperor is likely to
stand with the Courts of Berlin and Vienna must also
be taken into account. The vain and facile King of
Prussia will only bo the more firmly knit to Russian in-
terests if allowed to believe that he exercises over the
mind of Alexander somewhat of the same influence that
Nicholas exercised over his own. The young Emperor
bears such a strong resemblance to his uncle in mind and
disposition. that it will be easy for the intrignanti of the
St. Petersburg Court to lead him to assume a compliant
and deferential tone in his intercourse with the King of
Prussia, by which he will be enabled to guide that mo-
narch, under the pretence of being guided by him. A.
similar game will be played with the Emperor of Austria.
The domineering manner adopted by Nicholas roused
him to assert his independence ; the camarilla which
rules the new Czar will take care not to fall into the
same mistake. All the fawning duplicity which Rus-
sian statesmen and diplomatists know so well how to
hung into play will be exerted to alienate the two Germat
Powers from the Western Allies, and re-cemeat the union
of the Russian, Prussian, and Austrian Governments. Al-
most the last words uttered by Nicholas were a charge to
the bystanders to convey to the King of Prussia his dying
injunction to abide by the instructions of his father's
will. The passage in the document alluded to is as fol-
lows :—" Beware, my dear Frederick, of the mania for
innovation which has become so prevalent ; beware of
many impracticable theories that have been propagatcd
but beware, at the same time, of an error that may be
equally fetal, an exclusive predilection for antiquated
institutions. It is only by avoiding these two rocks that
you can introduce really useful improvements. Main-
t in, as= far as depends upon you, a good understanding
with the other European Powers. Above all, may
Prussia, Russia, and Austria never be divided ; their
union is the security for the peace of Europe." This
advice must be read by the light of the character of the
Prince to whom it was addressed. The antithetical
balaneg between undue predilection for innovations,
and undue attachment to the obsolete, means more
than the usual seesaw slang of those who seek to mask
an inveterately obstructive policy by semi-liberal
phrases. It was intended to warn the mediwvalist that
there is danger in any movement, whether it be back-
wards or forwards. Only in death-like immobility i.a
their hope for despotism. The testamentary injunction
of Frederic William 111. of Prussia is a very incarnation
of the spirit of resistance to all change, however bone-
tfihcei al .
alliance A ndo tfh el)r prayedu ssiear, breath
Russia,
afno
dr tAh
ne s
tperpetuityet
is
of
ex-
pression of that King's conviction that nothing else could
render the power of the three despots of these States firm
and enduring. In obedience to the dying words of
Nicholas, every art of Russian diplomacy will be exer-
cised to reconcile the three great champions of Absolut-
ism ; and not, so far as present appearances go, without
some chance of success. The language of Austria has
again 'Rooms suspiciously tinged with procrastination.
There is imminent danger that the conference at Vienna
may prove as dangerously and disgracefully protracted
and aimless as the earlier conferences on the great
Eastern difficulty. But the English Premier and his
noble plenipotentiary at Vienna, may rest assured that
the country will not again tolerate their allowing them.
selves to be entangled in the meshes of such stale diplo.
matio falsehood.

•
EN'GLISIIy FRENCH, AND BELGIAN PORTS. ----Tito tollowe
tboeeannamfardoera showing the aggro.
England at the French
and Belgian ports in 1854 :
Pc rts.
ignagt fig
paus reeesn ghearvteraj ffiu sc t

80u10gne....,....... ........ ... ........ Passengers.
Calais
64,683
Dieppe ......... . .......
Havre
Dunkirk
2,585
Ostend . 20,627
Antwerp

Total 232,031
NEW BANAIIIAN LOAN.—The letters from Frankfort
yesterday announce a new Bavarian 4. per cent loan of
6,500,000 florins (about 550,0001. sterling). Every sub-
scriber of 50,000 florins, or more, is to receive one-half
per cent,
enct.eretaoin to
mmisbsieonv,eryanndumthereouasp.plications are con-
A Youxo Ilsno.—Under this bead like Sun a few
days since contained an account of the heroio conduct
, of a drummer boy belonging to the 3d battalion of Gre.
nadier Guards at the several battles of Alma, Balaklava,
and Inkerman. But for the care taken of them by this
lad many of the wounded would never have survived to
receive the benefit of surgical aid. His Royal Highness
Prit.ce Albert has since announced his intention of pre-
senting the lad with 5/. Earl Beauchamp has also given
efic rocuhanipst
tgab
ifenrno eniFfi rtta.
the
ee
rT,
crimes.e bey
wasl .
N t
Aalivethe
acfnuodi dws
zenl
Twaot
Lett
leht:e
Ta
lastEs i
Ed ae
sa.
com-
manding the division of Coast Volunteers in Scotland
(successor to Captain Craigie), has commenced his tour
of visit to the several fishing villages, for the purpose of
paying to the Coast Volunteers their annual bounty of
U. is. The Government have invited men from the
Cat Volunteers to lend their services in bringing home
prizes from the Baltic. A considerable number of the
north country fishermen have already volunteered for
this @erviee,—Edinburgh 4civerilort
_ _

71-yr
7/0-6-e a-,

NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the
GENERAL ANNUAL MEETING of the Commissioners of
the Metropolis Turnpike Roads north of the Thames, will be held
at the Commissioners' Office, No. 22, Whitehall-place, on THURS-
DAY, the 29th instant, at One o'clock in the afternoon precisely.
By order of the CJ.
L mmissioners.
. PANTER, Chief Clerk.
Metropolis Roads Office, 7th March, 1855.

DRUB Y-LANE.—Lessee, Mr. B. T. Smith.—
Reduced Prices as usual.

THIS EVENING,
Will be performed an adaptation, written expressly for this
Theatre by Mr. Itivisotusorg, of Meyerbeer's Grand Opera,
VETOILE DU NORD. Characters by Messrs. Henri Drayton,
Williams, Bawler, Leffler. D. Beal. Miranda, and Blake • Mrs
Bend Drayton, Miss Johnsen, Miss E. Arden, and Mdlle. Jenny
7dattr.
To conclude with -S0 SONG, NO SUPER.

THICATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET.
'Cinder the management of Mr. Backstone.
THIS EVENING,

Will be presented THE SECRET AGENT. Principal characters
by Mr Rucketone and Miss E. Chaplin.
After which a new Ballot, entitled THE BULL-TIGHTER.
To be followed by THE BALANCE OF COMFORT.
To which will be added the new Ballet by the Spanish Dancers,
called THE GALICIAN FETE.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET.
Under the Management of Mr. Cuoaus KERN.
THIS EVENING,
Will be performed LIVING TOO FAST.
To be fo'lowed by THE CORSICAN BROTHERS. Principol
character by Mr. C. Kean.
To cenelade with (4th time) a new Farce, entitled A GAME
OF ROMPS Principal characters by Messrss Harley, and Chester
Mrs. Wthsteinley, Misses Beath, Murray, C. Leclercq, Daly, and
Tern an.

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.
Tinder the Management of Madame Vestry.
THIS EVENING,

Will be performed TARE THAT GIRL AWAY.
To be followed by A COZY COUPLE.

To conclude with the new Comic Drama, called TOO MUCH OF
A GOOD TILING. Principal characters by Mr. Boxloy and lira.
F. Mathews.

Box-office epea from 10 until 6.
8610 agent for Private Boxes, Mr. Aileron, 15, Now-Bead-street.

THEATRE ROYAL ADELPILL
ProPrieto!, Mr. B. Webster.—lXrectrees. Madame Celeste.
THIS EVICIsrUgo.

Will Le performed a IleW and original Drama, pracekled by a Pro-
bane, and called JANET PRIDE.
After which, I'LL TELL YOUR WIFE,
To be followed by THE UNKNOWN AND Tra BATADERE.
Characters by Messrs. P. ItedirTcLiuid G. Lee; Misses Woolgar and
Keeley, and bidlles. Maraquita and Benonl.

ROYAL OLYMPIe Tinian&
Lessee and Manager. Mr. A. Wigan.

---
THIS EVENING.
Will be presented the new Cornedtette, called TIT FOR TAT, in
Which Mesas. F. Robson. A. Wigan, and Miss Maskell will appear.
Followed by ♦ LUCKY FRIDAY.

- - -
After which, a new Fairy Extravaganza. entitled THE YELLOW
DWARF AND TILE KING OF THE GOLD MINES. Characters
by Mr. F. Robson, Mina Julia St. George, Mias E. Ormond°. Miss
Mutt) R , Miss Bromley, and Mrs. Fitaallan.

ROYAL STRAND THEATRE.
Uader the direction of bliss Rebecca Isaacs.
THIS EVENING
Will be performed OUR :TELLY. Principal character, by 111.93
Rebecca Isaacs.
After which, MIDAS. Midas, Mr. Ba'ford.
Followed by THE MARRIED BACHELOR.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Lease and Manager, Mr. Wm. Cooke.
THIS EVENING,
Last time bat one. The BATTLES of BALAELAVA,
MINN, and the ALMA!
To conclude with the SCENES In the CIRCLE, and the wonderful
performance of Herr Endersohn, named Fil-de-Fer, with I'Entrdo (is
Clown Ile Francalse.
MONDAY next, the Complimentary Benefit of Mr. WILLIAM
COOKE. Timour the Tartar, novel scenes in the Arena, and Herr
‘..;ndersobit's performance.
Box-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W.
West. ♦cting Manger. Mr. W. 11. Cooke. Equestrian. Director,
Mr. W. Cooke, jun.

GREAT NATIONAL STANDARD THEATRE, SUOREDITCII.
Proprietor, Mr. John Douglass.
Miss GLYN, the popular Actress, OA Cleopatra.
Every evening, Shekspeare's ANTONY and CLEOPATRA. An
Wily by Mr. Henry Marston; Cleopatra, Miss Glyn. The play wii
be produced with new and splendid scenery, dresses, and appoint.
merits. • •

To concl'ide with The SCAPEGRACE of PARIS, by Mrs. R.
llonnor.
On Wednesday, OTHELLO ; Othello, Mr. Henry Marston ; to con-
clude with the MISTRESS of the MILL.
Boom open at six, commence at half-past six. Boxes, 2s. 6d.; 20.,
Is. Gd.,

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tail DAY —Morning 34 min.after 11 Evening 0 inin.aft. 0
To.Alot.now--Mornily 12 inin.after 12 Evening 43 maw. eh 12

THE WIA.TTLXIC-Bua Qviruni, March. 15.
THERMOMETER, IE THE SHADE.
47—highest since noon yesterday.
31—lowest this morning and during the night.
45—this day, at noon.

BAROMETER, 29.89—5ti11 rising.

WIND, S.S.W.—Moderate, with fair weather.

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z Xl/11