The Sun.
London, England, 1855-07-25 00:00:00

clause remained for argument, on which a fierce

conflict would certainly take place.

It now only remains for those really anxious
to have a fair and just enactment carried on

this important subject to stimulate Government
in the early part of next session. We
do not believe that the Irish members generally,
or those connected with the Government, merit
the imputations that have been so recklessly and
so unfairly cast upon them. It is not at all sur-
prising that the members of the Cabinet should
not feel any extraordinary anxiety about a bill
that has been forced on them, and of the policy
whereof many may remain doubtful. But those
who, although in subordinate situations, have in-
duced the Government to take charge of the mat-
ter, although, possibly, not as energetically as
could have been desired, have rendered valuable
service to the cause, and have insured its ultimate
success, and that at no very distant period. We
allude more especially to the Irish law offi-
cers, Messrs. KEOGH and J. D. FITZGERALD, who
have been very unjustly attacked, after having
done all that could reasonably and justly be re-
quired, and, indeed, all that was practicable,
under the peculiar circumstances of the case.

What were the facts ? The bill was introduced
by thd Hon. and Learned Member for Kilkenny
at the very commencement of the session. But
three months elapsed without his being enabled
to overcome the impediments cast in the way of
private members, and he then discovered that it
• would be impossible to anticipate a favourable
result unless the Government could be induced to
take charge of the measure. They were, we believe
mainly through the energetic exertions of the Irish
law officers, induced to do so ; but these gentlemen
could not obtain for it the priority they desired
over other Ministerial measures, many of which,
although originally brought forward by the Go-
vernment, and of great national importance, have
likewise been shelved. We trust and believe
that next year the result may be more auspicious.
To that the Irish members must direct their at-
tention. It is far better to use a gentle pressure
in due season than to indulge in useless vitupe-
ration when there is clearly no alternative.
Something ought certainly to be done to enable
the House to resume the consideration of matters
that had reached a certain stage during the ensuing
session. At present much time is wasted that
might be saved, and many valuable measures
are unduly procrastinated, although the principle
has been repeatedly affirmed. On this point
there should be some modification, which would
enable independent Members to carry their own
propositions without being compelled to surrender
them into the hands of Government as the only
means of averting -their total loss. Let the Irish
Members turn their attention to this point, and
they will render good service to, the country gene-
rally, and will insure the passing of an equitable
adjustment of the law of Landlord and Tenant
.n Ireland.

There is but too much reason to fear that
the hospitals at Scutari are, notwithstanding
the disinterested and efficient exertions that
have been made for their improvement, gra-
dually drifting back to their old condition. Great
improvements had unquestionably been effected,
but the red-tape system is resuming its ascen-
dancy—routine is still pursued as the summurn,
bonitm,—and the volunteers who have done all the
good regarded, if not with enmity, at least with
jealousy, and their plans received with discourage-
ment whenever practicable.

It is more than hinted that the new Medical
Superintendent, Dr. CUMMING, is of the same
class as the HALLS and MENZIES by whom he
was preceded ; that he is an " obstructive," who
does not deem any suggestion worth having un-
less proceeding from an official source ; and that
he is not very remarkably for
professional kind-
ness, either to the officers or men with whom he
may chance to be brought into contact. The
medical practice is chiefly left in the hands of the
juniors, and, generally speaking, matters are
working round to the old objectionable system
once more.

Now, if there be any portion of truth in these
rumours, and we regret to be obliged to say that

we fear there is but too much foundation
for them, there can be no excuse made for

the Government. Before they would not credit
any derogatory statements from mere civilians.

The statements of the officials, made on mere hear•.

say, were taken as perfectly authentic. Bat their
eyes were at length opened. They discovered the
Fearful consequences of their over confidence.

They said that strangers were doing the work for
which others were largely paid--and the evils of
the system were painfully illustrated. Full in-
'orination may now be obtained, and it is incum-
bent on those in power to seek for it, so that

should there again be any untoward events the
plea of ignorance may not again be put forward.

Mies NIGHTINGALE has already done a wor
of good, but unfortunately she has been stricken
with severe illness, from which she is but slowly
regaining strength. We cannot hope for further
aid at her hands ; and the other friends of suffer-
ing humanity have scarcely sufficient weight to
overcome the impediments habitually interposed
to their efforts. The culinary department, under
the direction of ALEXIS SOYER, has been placed in
a most efficient and admirable condition. The
illustrious " chef" has succeeded there as every-
'there else in the department in which he is
.without a rival. But it is said that even he has
T=ot _received the assistance which he was pro-
mised, and which he had every reason to expect.
Although the right man is unquestionably in the
right place, yet he ought not to be overworked, or
required personally.to do matters which might be
properly effected
by others under his control and
direction. For instance, it is said that four first-
class cooks were 'Promised by the Government.
He was left, however, for three months to work
single-handed,- or at Last with such temporary
obtain on the spot. At
assistance as he could
length the promised auxiliaries arrived. They
had, been sent by a sailing-vessel, and had only
been 48 days on their passage.- Still, it was bet-
ter late than never, but, alas, the anxiously-looked-
for aid turned out of a very inferior description.
In place of a professed cook for each kitchen, it
was found that there were two bakers, one butcher,
and one cook, a third-rate one—and even these
were not allowed to go to the work for which
they were sent out, but employed at the desk and
in other capacities.
Now this system should be corrected while
there is yet time. There should be no relapse
into the bad habits which were shaken off with so
much difficulty. The nation will not now tolerate
the iefliction of unnecessary suffering on our
gallant soldiers. They should not be compelled
'privations when there are ample
nli-b‘n.tlieroviding them with every comfort. In
Such
a case expense is a matter of comparatively
• -
trivial impdit
anee,,and no petty economy will be
received as an •
aixeoey for any shortcomings,
even thou r.ll it may. net, a Lr:nerly, affect the
victims, but,' Leerdiy ennauue
lives of the
their affliction. We gi4e .
word of warning
in due season, hoping - that , it tea); be