The Sun.
London, England, 1855-06-04 00:00:00

THE ROYAL PANOPTICON.

The latest novelty at this admirable institution is an
excellent dioramic illustration of the recent eruption of
Vesuvius, in which all the details of this terrific convul-
sion are reproduced with startling effect and marvellous
fidelity. In a brief introductory lecture, Mr. Leicester
Buckingham gives a clear and succinct explanation of
the nature of volcanic agencies, the mode of their opera-
tion, and the part which is assigned to them in the vast
scheme of creation, demonstrating that the benevolenne
of the Almighty is apparent even in these tremendous
manifestations of His power. To this is added a sum-
mary of some of the most remarkable of these volcanic
phenomena, and a graphic sketch of the late eruption
gives additional interest to the pictorial illustration.
This diorama forms an agreeable and appropriate ap-
pendage to Mr. •Buckingham's lecture on " Life in Pom-
peii," which apparently continues unabated in its attral-
tion. After dwelling uponthe interest which attaches
to the study of classical manners, and the abundant faci-
lities which the discoveries at Pompeii have afforded for
the pursuit of such investigations,Mr. Buckingham gives
a brief sketch of the history and topography of that buried
city, and then, transporting his auditors to the days of
its ancient glory, describes the construction of Pompeian
dwellings, and the daily life of their inmates—touching
in turn upon their out-door life, their baths, their ban-
quets, their theatrical amusements; and their cos-
tume, and agreeably interspersing his narrative with
many amusing contrasts between the manners of ancient
times and those of modern days. The dioramic views
which illustrated this lecture, embracing restorations of
many of the most prominent edifices of Pompeii, are
admirably chosen, and of a very high order of excel-
lence, and the gratification of the public at the entire
entertainment is ever heartily manifested at its close.
The other attractions of the Panopticon still continue
undiminished—the Scenes of the War in the Crimea,
the Scientific Lectures, the Gigantic Electrical Machine,
and the Grand Organ, all afford high satisfaction, and
the Luminous Fountain, with its sparkling showers of
many-coloured gems, occupies a position confessedly
unique among all the metropolitan exhibitions.

LORD JOHN RUSSELL AND JEWISH
DISABILITIES.

It may be recollected that Lord Palmerston has re-
cently been interrogated by Mr. Duncombe in reference
to his intentions on the subject of the Parliamentary
Oaths question, and that the Premier declined to bring
forward "at present" any measure on the subject. Lord
John Russell has been addressed on the subject by his
constituents, and the following somewhat remarkable
reply has been elicited :

" Cheshatn-place, 'May 26.
" Sir,—l did not answer your former letter of the 19th
inst., as I wished to take some time to consider the posi-
tion of affairs as it regarded the privileges of the Jews. It
appears to me that while the friends of religious liberty are
unchanged in their opinion respecting the disabilities of the
Jews, the majority of the House of Lords are likewise un-
changed in their opinion, that the removal of those dis-
abilities may be safely refused. The Government in these
circumstances would be only throwing away time in at-
tempting to carry a measure which one house of Parliament
is sure to reject. Many liberal members of Parliament,
while they would support a motion to relieve the Jews from
their disabilities, would consider as inopportune a question
which would not advance the object to be attained. I must,
therefore, consider that it would be inexpedient to stir the
question of Jewish emancipation in the present session of
Parliament. That claims so just can be permanently re-
jected I will not believe. But the friends of intolerance
naturally cling to this last vestige of religions persecution,
and exult in the facility with which the exclusion of a body
not formidable in numbers can be maintained.—I remain,
sir, your obedient servant, J. RUSSELL.
" Sidney Smith, Esq."