The Sun.
London, England, 1855-11-27 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENINOs NOVEMBER 27, 1855

protective duties of every kind were in turn dis-
carded, amid the execrations of the indignant suf-
ferers from their effects. But the chief cause of
all these evils---" a fettered and restricted cur-
rency "—has not only been suffered to remain in
unabated stringency, but its rigour has been ma-
terially enhanced. The Bank note, intended
mainly for our internal commerce, must be liqui-
dated in gold on demand. All notes of smaller
denominations than 5/. are peremptorily prohi-
bited ; and, lastly, even the larger denominations
of notes cannot be issued beyond a certain arbi-
trary amount, unless on the deposit of gold, that
must remain useless and unemployed in the vaults
at Threadneedle-street.

We have repeatedly pointed out that all these
restrictions do not insure "convertibility," that
which has alone been aimed at, and that the Bank
itself might be compelled to stop the payment not-
withstanding the presence of seven or eight mil-
lions of gold in its coffers. Nay, more, that very
stoppage may be occasioned by the means adopted
to prevent the possibility thereof.
What the nation requires is free trade in
money, or rather in banking and currency. If
necessary let security be given, but not in gold.
The Bank of England offered security, but surely
the nation itself could offer far better. The
power that gives value to all Consols and Ex-
chequer Bills must be far better than that
which i 3 founded• on the possession of a
limited amount thereof. If there are pro-
fits to be derived they should belong to the State,
which Will receive notes in satisfaction of
all its demands on the taxpayers. Let us then
have a real National Bank, the directors and
managers whereof are responsible to Parliament,
and really national notes of the smaller and
more convenient denominations, which will speedily
replace the gold circulation and render some forty
to fifty millions sterling available for carrying on
the War, and for foreign commerce. Notes of 11., 21.,
and 31. each, would be all the people could require,
perfect for all domestic purposes. This is the
time to agitate the question, when the Act under
which the nation has suffered so severely has vir-
tually expired, and a suitable substitute is only
required in its place. Lot Monetary Reformers
consider this, and avail themselves of the golden
opportunity, which, if wasted or misapplied, may
not be restored for many tedious years.

The love of distinction is capricious enough in
its selection of titles. Accor ling to NESTOR or
HOMER, no matter which, the Trojan generals and
field-marshals delighted to be accosted by their
patronymics ; it was as honourable to be termed
" your.father's eon " as it nowt is to be called
" your Grace." Later in the day, as we learn
from another poet, Queens rejoiced in the desig-
nation of "mother of their husband's children."
The latter taste has descended ()Vein to the last
Birmingham ovation, and Field-Marshal Prince
ALBERT is enthusiastically cheered in that
great manufacturing town as the " father
of our QUEEN'S children." Its loyal citizens
justly conceived that no personage could inaugu-
rate with greater Mat the commencement of a
building for a Literary and Scientific Institution
than the father of our future Monarchs. To his
distinguished virtues in this capacity the Corpo-
ration did not fail, amid the din of arms and the
claims of literature and science, to do especial
honour. The Mayor and Burgesses, with the
Council of the Institute, addressed the Prallon in
native English, the lads of King EDWARD'S School
in modern Latin, and the Brummagem men
cheered all the way from such pavements as Brum-
magem possesses. We do not remember of late
any occasion when the Boyal Field-Marshal en-
joyed more of such honours as our great towns
can give.

His Royal Highness the Field-Marshal did his
part too unusually well. In reply to the Council
he said, "Most heartily do I join with you in
congratulating the country that not even such a
war as that in which we are now engaged, calcu-
lated as it is to engage our warmest sympathies,
and our' more immediate interest, can divert
Englishmen from the noble work of foster-
ing the arts of peace, and endeavouring
to give a wider scope to the blessings of freedom
and civilisation." This is a great improvement
upon the Trinity-house manifesto. No latent
panegyric here of despotism, no plaoing of consti-
tutional Government at the bar and examining
the War as witness against it ; the merits of
despots and the demerits of constitutionalism
were alike in abeyance, and the Field-Marshal
goes into partnership with the " warmest
sympathies" of the people in regard to the
War. This is a great step ; an advance from
Aberdeenism to almost Palmerstonistn. We
could have liked a sentence or two more ;
just a few words apprising the Coburga and their
afftnes and cowanguinei, all Europe over, that
the father of England's future Monarcks did not
wish to see Russia left with unabated strength as
the despots' prop, the Crimea as a menace to Tur-
key, Warsaw to Germany, and Sweaborg and
Oronstadt to Sweden. However, no other Co-
burg has said even so much as the Prince Consort
of our QUERN. Our Belgic Pensioner did not even
think the mighty struggle worth an allusion in his
royal speech to his Chambers. We must therefore
remember a hurable native pro►erb on the
comparative merits of " half a loaf," and be con-
tent.

As to the main business of the day the Prince
did his part very fairly indeed ; a kind of com-
promise, his oration was, between German mys-
ticism and English common sense. His text was
" the great principle of the introduction of science
and art, as the conscious regulators of productive
industry." Our business was to study the
Divine laws which regulate all the move-
ments and changes- in nature, and to wield them
to practically beneficial purposes. Mathematics
and the classical languages ought not to be the
sole occupants of University Chairs, or rather ap-
propriators of University- honoura ; natural
science, in the Birmingham and ALBERT sense,
ought to have an equal share. Lord ASUBURTOI;
higher
in more telling and English style, impressed on
his hearers the vast importance to a free-trade
country of keeping parallel, at least,
with
countries in the general
diffusion
educa-
tion, eulogised the Prince as the appropriate un-
official minister of public instruction, and just now,
l e
ofa r othe
vfhil a the hands of Cabinet Ministers aro filled
with war business, commended the scientific edu-
cation of the people to his Royal care. We can
only say we trust his Royal Highness will listen
to this excellent advice. We should be most
happy to know that his Birmingham triumph had
determined him to give his exclusive attention to
the great object which called him thither. In
that half of ALnRED the GRE.IT'S labours he might
be a useful imitator; a touch of Garmanism in
our intellectual and artistic education might do us
no harm, even good ; but, in respect to war and
foreign affairs, save ns from the arbitrary yet
reptile policy of German Courts ! '

In sober truth, the progress of improvement in
the metropolis is of the " most ancient" and
tortoi3o-lik3 description. The Purification of the
Thames is still a great mystery there aro no

public baths ; the termini of our railway are nearer
the circumference than the centre ; interment:
still take place is the midst of crowded localities ;
and two, at least, of the most important of our
arterial channels of communication are in a state
of the extremest constriction. The latter, to
which we desire, at present, to draw attention,
viz., Chancery and Gray's-inn Lane, are the special
wonderment of our provincial friends, and cer-
tainly leave most unfavourable impressions on their
minds in regard to the public spirit of the metro-
politan authorities. We would appeal to any indi-
vidual of common sense, whether Chancery-lane is
not ax outrage on his notions of propriety. A
narrow " one-horse shay " street like that, the
chief connecting channel between Holborn and
Fleet-street, with their roaring tides of traffic
and vehicular commotion ! There is absurdity in
the idea. Yet, for anything we can see to the
contrary, a century may elapse if no stir be made
before it is widened. Pedestrians will go on
grumbling at being bespattered with mud, and put
in fear of their lives by cabs, waggons, and om-
nibuses, while the drivers of these vehicles hourly
aggravate the QUEEN'S English in indignation at the
obstructions they meet with in their course ; and
all the notice taken is likely to be a murmur as to
the cost, and the throwing back of house by house
in yearly instalments. The question of cost is
certainly a matter for grave consideration in most
cases, and, no doubt, the widening of Cbancery-
lane could not be effected without a heavy expen-
diture at the outset ; still the advantages to be
derived from it would afford an adequate return.
But, so far as Gray's-inn-lane is concerned—that
roadway where there is as much splashing and as
many dead-locks as anywhere almost in the metro-
polis—the excuse of cost is but of little force.
The houses could in all probability be purchased
at an average of 4001. or 5001. each, and being,
we believe, freehold, would prove a capital bar-
gain when new and commodious premises were
erected in their stead. We really did indulge a
hope that the members of the CJrporation of
London, who during the year have visited Paris,
and witnessed the grand improvements effected
there, would have manifested, on theirreturn, some
striking indications of interest in the widening of
our thoroughfares, and thus set a good example to
others. But Corporations have no son's, and
that of London would seem to be incapable of in-
curring gratitude, profiting by or sAting a good
example, at all events, in a quiet way. There
must be a flourish of drums and trumpets before
you can get them to " move on."

The strike at Manchester continues, without any alto-
: ation in the position of affairs.
The Gazette Militaire, of Switzerland, states that tho
leral army numbers 115,000 men, with 476 guns.
organised militia consists of 10,000 to 20,000 men.
DEPARTURES FOR AUSTRALIA.—The departures from
-',e port of London for the Australian colonies during
past week have comprised four vessels—one to Syd-
den one to Portland Bay, one to Launceston, and one to
-;:van River, with an aggregate capacity of 1,929 tons.
r_J rates of freight have latterly exhibited increased
iirmness.
THE WEATHER IN THE SOUTH OF RUSSIA.—A letter
from Odessa of the 12th inst. contains the remark—
" Fer the last three days we have had thorough winter
weather, and warm pelisses out of doors and stoves
within are everywhere to be seen. it is very foggy,
whence we conclude, according to experience, that in
the Crimea it rains."
THE WEATHER AT MALTA.--Letters from this island
to Nov. 22 announce the fall at last of refreshing rain,
to the great relief of the agriculturists, whose interests
were threatened with ruin from the continued drought.
Very warm weather, nevertheless, still prevailed, and a
number of invalids were flocking in from England to
take up their winter quarters. The attacks of cholera
had ceased among the military, and cases in the civil
population were very rare, and almost entirely accounted
for by indiscretion in diet.
MR. MIALL, M.P.—On Saturday morning it was
announced by placards posted on the walls of the town
that Mr. E. Miall, M.P., would address the electors and
non-electors of Rochdale this week. A rumour is cur-
rent that some of the electors are dissatisfied with Mr.
Mlall's negative mode of dealing with the question of
the war ; and we are informed, on good authority, that
a placard is in the press calling upon the electors to con-
sider how far Mr. Miall represents them on that ques-
tion.—Manchester Guardian.
THE TAFF VALE RAILWAY.--We regret to find that
the dispute between the Taff Vale Company and the
Aberdare has at length assumed the character of a public
grievance, and that a public meeting at Merthyr Tydvil
has been held, at which most severe resolutions were
passed, and the interference of the Board of Trade soli-
cited, in order to the examination and remedy of the al-
leged grievance. We must hear what the Taff Vale Com.
pany have to reply to such grave charges.—Railway
Record.
COMMITTAL OF A PARISMOVERSEER.—On Thursday,
before the Dover Bench, Mr. James Brett, grocer, of
22, Portland-place, one of the overseers of the parish of
Hougham, was brought up in custody of police-constable
Terry, charged with using disgusting and obscene lan-
guage, and creating disturbance in a place of public we:-
ship, viz., the Church of Latter-day Saints, on the pre-
ceding evening, thereby preventing the minister of the
said place of worship performing divine service. Me
was committed for trial at the sessions. Defendant was

admitted to bail.
THE REV. Dr.. VAUGHAN.—Much of the excitement
that prevailed amongst the inhabitants of Brixton at the
late conduct of their vicar has bccn allayed by the re-
moval of the rev. gentleman, with his family, to St.
John's Wood. It is also alleged that Dr. Vaughan has
resigned his living, and it appears very evident that un-
der no circumstances will he be able to recommence his
sacred duties in the same parish. The rev, doctor is re-
presented to be very wealthy, his father, who was a
banker at Bristol, having died a few years ago, ard left
him a fortune of, it is said, 60,0001. At all events, he

, .
was quite independent of his living, and why he should
have committed an act which he must have known
-rould render him liable to transportation for life, for the
impery gain of, at the utmost, 61 per annum, is truly
.ervellous.—Sunday Paper.
FORTNIGHTLY PAYMENTS AT COLLIERIES.—The Clay
cross Company have set a good example to the coal-
reasters of the country generally, by adopting weekly,
iestead of fortnightly, payments to the men. This step
'.as been taken with a view to aboli-h the system of
credit so extensively practised in the colliery districts.
The shopkeeper has to charge the collier a higher price
for hi; goods under the credit system, and it is thought
that the weekly payments will abolish the evil, and put
the tradesman and the collier on a better feeting.—Der-
bychire Courier.
NEYLAND PIER AND TERMINIIS.—The construction of
the great pier at Neyland at present being Tidal work
progresses slowly, yet satisfactory work has been made.
The sea wall will ba based on a solid rock, and will be
30 feet in height. A large force of men is now employed,
the ground for the station has been levelled, and a num-
ber of houses removed, and it is understood that the ter-
minus will be a large and imposing structure. The rails
have bees laid dow❑ nearly the whole length of the ex-
tension, and the opening is expected to take place in the
course of two or three months.

LITERARY SOCIETIES OF THE GREAT WESTERN RAIL-
WAY. Attached to the Great Western Railway Com-
pany are two excellent societies, the Literary Institute
and the Mechanics' Institute. They have each been
established some considerable time, and there is every
reason to believe that much instruction has been derived
through th'ir influence. A course of lectures on history
is being given by Mr. Arthur B. Thompson to the mem-
bers of the Mechanics' Institute, which that gentleman
has made so popular as to bring historical knowledge
within the range of every understanding. Eris first lec-
ture, embracing the history of Assyria, was delivered on
Wednesday evening in the class room of the institution,
and the evident attention paid to his lucid remarks upon
this difficult theme, proves the interest the members take
in the subject.
LUXEMBOURG RAlLWkt.—The Echo du Luxembourg
says—" The Government of the Grand Duchy has just
accorded to a French company the concession of th e
[ three lines from Luxembourg to the Balgian, Prussian,
and French frontiers. The contract has just been signed.
The Luxembourg Railway will by this means be con-
tinued into Prussia, where the chamber is to have a bill
brought before it, to guarantee a minimum of interest of
four per cent, in favour of the line to the Grand Ducal
froEtie-."

ACCIDENT ON A RAlLWAT.—Yesterday morning the
London and North-Western passenger train from Chel-
ford to Manchester, due at that city at 10.10 a.m , was
delayed .bout two hours at Alderley by the bursting of
one of the steam tubes inside the boiler of the engine.
The cause of this acoident is not known. The engine
driver, whose name is Taylor, was severely scalded about
the face, knees, and hands, but no other person was in-
jured. Taylor was attended as soon afterwards as pos-
sible by Dr. Harrison, the railway company's medical
officer, from Manchester, but his case is not thought to
be dangerous.

MADAME TIISSAIID'S EXHIBITION.—Among the nume-
rous models of illustrious women in this exhibition per-
haps at this moment no figure attracts so much the
attention of the visitors as that of the Dowager Empress
of Russia, a lady who has long been distinguished for
her talents in all State matters, and who was, conse-
quently, so much valued by the late Emperor for her
judgment that he left expressly in his will that his suc-
cessor should on all occasions take her advice in matters
of State, and that she was to be treated with the highest
ossible respect by all the Imperial Family. A group,
to be called "The Fraudulent Bankers," is in progress,
~nd will be shortly exhibited to the public.

THE DONCASTER RACE GRANT.—At the last meeting
of the Doncaster Town Council, held on Friday, Alder-
man Dunhill moved, and Councillor Wellborne seconded
the motion, that the sum of 1,200/. be granted out of
the borough fund for the next Doncaster races, being the
same amount as that voted for the last three years.
Alderman Sir Isaac Morley moved, as an amendment,
that the suns of 1,0001. be granted for this purpose.'
After a lengthened discussion, the motion for the larger
sum was carried by 15 to 3.
DEATH OF MR. ALDERMAN WILLIAM LAWRENCE.
This gentleman,
who represented the ward of Bread-
street in the Court of Aldermen, and who had been for
some time in a precarious state, expired at his town re-
sidence, 94, Westbourne-terrace, Paddington, on Sunday
evening, in the 69th year of his age. He was elected
Alderman in the year 1848, and served the office of
Sheriff in 1849, and would have filled the civic chair in
1857. His habits of business and personal industry were
remarkable, and his extensive building transactions were
all conducted wit's singular regularity. He was one of
the most extensive builders in the city of London, and
also at Lambeth. The deceased Alderman was a mem-
ber of the Unitarian denomination, and took an active
part in the proceedings of that body.
AN UNGRATEFUL AND DISHONEST SERVANT. The
commercial circles of Liverpool have, within the last few
days, been surprised by rumours impugning the honesty
of a man who hitherto has been respected as one of the
most trustworthy cashiers in the town. He had grown
grey in the service of his employers, who had ever placed
the greatest confidence in his integrity. After a thirty
years' service, however, during which period he had re-
ceived frequent marks of their approbation, including an
annuity of 2001. left hint by the will of one of his late
masters, it has been ascertained that since the commence-
ment of his term of office he has systematically with-
drawn from the concern various sums of money, to the
extent, it is believed, of about 3001., a-year, and now
amounting altogether to no less a sum than 9,000/. The
firm with which this p&nful discovery is associated is
that of Messrs. J. C. Ewart, Myers, and Co., general
brokers, and the person alleged to have been guilty of so
serious a breach of trust, coupled with so much gross
ingratitude, is Mr. Bulmer, their cashier, who, up to the
present time, was highly respected by an extensive circle
of friends. For some reason, at present unexplained,
the case has not appeared before the public in a judicial
form.—Liverpool Albion.
STRANGE RAILROAD CATASTROPHE IN AMERICA.—
One of the most singular railroad catastrophes that we
have had to record for many years occurred on Monday
evening near Boston Corners on the Haarlem Railroad.
The Albany express train, consisting of engine, tender,
a baggage car, and three passenger cars, in charge of
Mr. Robert White, conductor, left Chatham Four Cor-
ners at half-past 5 p.m., and bout half-past 6 o'clock, as
it was Approaching Boston Corners, on a part of the road
elevated upwards of 35 feet, a sudden and violent gust
of wind threw the entire train, except the engine and
tender, off the track and down an embankment, a dis-
tance of 15 feet. The scene which followed was truly
painful. Most of the passengers, many of them groan-
ing from their injuries, lay suffocating beneath the cars,
which were turned bottom up by the catastrophe, and
for some time but little aid could be rendered. Mr.
White, the conductor, with others connected with the
train, and some of the passengers who managed to extri-
2ate themselves, set to work to rescue their fellow-tra-
ellers, a task which required a considerable time to
accomplish. One man was killed, and 12 others se-
verely injured. —New York, Courier, Nov. 14.
The Earl of Listowel had a narrow escape last week.
It appears his lordship had a large trap constructed for
destroying foxes in Couvamore ; this was so well and
ingeniously concealed that, having walked on it un-
awares, he wag very nearly trapped himself. In his
efforts to escape from being tumbled into the pit under
the trap door, his lordship dislocated hie shoulder; but
we are happy to hear that, having called in two phy
eiciano, Its was soon restored,—Cork CoutiNtion. •