The Sun.
London, England, 1864-09-22 00:00:00

lit,

LONDON, TEURSD.'_Y, f',EP f. 22, 1864.

-

Doubtless 14any .huppased that we had hesr3
nearly the last of the Dino-German War, and that
the peace negotiations would soon be concluded and
an end put to the melancholy episode in the history
of nations. Such does not, however, appear to be
the C 250 exactly, and we have now the the extra-
ordinary fact before us that M. 13intAltx has called
upon England and France to agree as to the mode-
ration displayed by the Prussian Government in
the terms imposed upon the Dines. Surely such

u nparalleled Effrontery is almost past understanding

Earl RUSSELL'S reply to the communication referred
is a very suitable one and well adapted to the ocoa-

sion. It refers at length to the course taken by the
Prussians in the affair and forcibly comments upon
their very remarkable proceedings. It is unfortu-

nately too late for anythingmore to be said or done
on behalf of the Dines now, but still, as the Cabinet
of Berlin has had the audacity and the impertinence
to exult i❑ their crimes, and to call upon us to co-

incide with their extreme conduct, it seems some
satisfaction, though a trivial one, to know that a
fitting answer has been given to their despatch.

It is unnecessary to add a comment to the passage
in AI. BISMARK'S dispatch, in which he instructs
Count BERNSTOFF to express to Lord RUSSELL the
hope that his Government will recognise the mode-
ration and placability which have been displayed
by the two German Powers. After this we may
certainly expect anything, and our expectations are
not likely to be disappointed as to the hard mea-
sures imposed upon Denmark, and the arrogant tone
assumed by the conquerors. We learn that the
Prussians were obliged to insist upon the cession of
the three Duchies in obedience to the " national feel-
ing." How was it that the national feeling
imperatively demanded this surrender to be made,
and that the necessity should have sprung up so
suddenly for the possession of places not before
belonging to Prussia or Austria. It is all an idle
excuse, and besides, where, may we ask, was this
deference to the national feeling exhibited, when
the Government of King WILLIAM resolutely de•
clined to fulfil any of the wishes of the Chambers.
Did not they bid open defiance to the popular de•
sires? did they not render a revolution imminent
by their unworthy fulfilment of the duties of their
position ? A 9 if the preceding passages were not
enough, the writer goes on to affirm that they de-
serve great consideration for not having insisted
upon the cession of a part of the kingdom of Den-
mark, although they held in their hands " a large
and important province." We then learn that it is
through the fault of the Danish Government that
these exactions have been rendered necessary, but
surely that is a very unnecessary piece of intelli-
gence. Herr VON BISMARK cannot imagine that
any one will have the effrontery to say that it is
the fault of the Prussians. By his showing they
are immaculate models of clemency in war, patterns
of moderation in negotiation, and throughout all
things only animated by the desire of rendering
justice to all parties—such is the Berlin version of
theustory. The English reading of the riddle may
differ slightly to the foregoing conclusions, and
Earl RUSSELL has not proved himself an unfit
scho!ar in his construing of it. He begins well by
saying that " Her MAJESTY'S Government would
have preferred a total silence to the task of comb
menting upon the conditions of the peace." Surely
this is a significant hint that even the obtuseness of
Prussian vanity cannot fail to comprehend, and it
speaks volumes as to the opinions entertained over
here as to the conduct of the German Po wers.lHow-
ever, says the noble lord ,as they are challenged by M.
BISMARK to admit the moderation and forbearance
of the great German Powers, they must not hesitate
to_exprese their opinions upon the subject. There•
upon he speaks out and declares that it is the con-
viction of her 'MAJESTY'S Government that the war
waged by Austria and Prussia against Denmark
was an unjust one, and had not for its groundwork
any of those causes which alone can sanction the
prosecution of hostilities. As to the national feel-
ings referred to by Herr BISMARK, Earl RUSSELL
very truly states that no infringement has been
made in this respect, and that whereas before com-
plaints were made that the language of Danmark
was forced upon the German subjects of a Danish
Sovereign, it cannot with equal truth be averred
that the language of Germany is forced upon the
Danish subjects of a German Sovereign. His lord-
ship gives a hint as to the want of good faith every-
where apparent in the proceedings of M. DE BIS-
MARK and his friends by saying that the suggestion
made by the Prussian Plenipotentiary has not been
carried out, which alluded to the retention of the
districts north of Flensburg by the Danish CROWN.
The most striking censure of all, however, in tke
despatch is contained in the passage which treats of
the claim on the part of M. DE BISMARK as to the
consideration displayed by his Government. It says
that "If it is said that force has decided this ques■
tion, and that the superiority of the arms of Austria
and Prussia over those of Denmark was incontest-
able, the assertion mast be admitted. But is that
case it is out of place to claim credit for equity and
moderation." This is as cutting a satire upon the
upstart pretensions of Prussian arrogance as can
well be conceived, and it is a credit to Earl RUSSELL
that he should have penned such a document. It
cannot be very agreeable to the Prussian Minister

to receive it, and doubtless he has treasured it up
as another in the long list of affronts that he has
received from England. The German papers are load
in their diatribes against our Government for send-
ing forth this communication, and if they are really
as hurt and mortified as they profess to be, so much
the better. It is well that the shaft has struck
home, and that they should understand that from
the shores of England no voice of approval will
ever come forth, and no sympathy will be felt
in their proceedings. Lord RUSSELL indulges in
another hit at the expense of Herr VON BISMARK'S
eloquence. He says that he is glad to find that the
latter admits the right of Ring CHRISTIAN to rule
over the Duchies of Schleswig, Holstein, and
Lsuenberg, "for if they were not his to hold, they
could not be his to give away." Surely the rest of
Germany has been greatly at fault to permit the
possibility of such an interpretation being put upon
enunciations of policy and assertions of negotia-
tions. What is the object of this despatch of M.
de BISMARK ? Is it that he is really ashamed of his
proceedings, and that he is resolved to brave it to
the utmost, and defy public opinion ? Whatever
are his motives, it cannot be said that he has taken
much by his motion. Earl RUSSELL, with some-
thing of the spirit of his better days, has given an
answer to the extraordinary communication im•
parted to him. No twisting and turning can make
the reply look otherwise than a rebuff, and so it
has been taken by those whom it concerns. So it
will doubtless be taken by all who hear of it and
read it. A change must shortly take place in the
tactics of Prussia, or she will have evil days to en.
counter ; but meanwhile it is lamentable to witness
the spectacle of Danish immolation before the greed
and vain glory of her ruthless conquerors. It is
one of those occurrences which are a disgrace to
human nature, and make honest and honourable
men b'ush for their species. If anything would add
to the regret e sperienced at the sight of such spe-
'iation and sacrifice it must be the thought that in
this crisis of her fate Denmark has not found the
arm of England mighty to save, nor her influence
;. hut Ptill at the eleventh hour
iptowwielrlfnuol
ttoimimp
rpssorreematters to make no protest, and
Earl RUSSELL has shown the Prussian Minister that
he is one of those arch deceivers who cry peace
where there is no peace.

The deliberations of the British Assriciation have
just been brought to a close before the opening of
the other assembly, kindred rather than rival in its
nature, which is now gathering at York• As the
Scientific Association, whose 14bo irs are most

patent to the world, and whose researches are most
within the comprehension of the general public, the
British Association for the Advancement of Science
possesses some distinctive features. It numbers
among its leaders some of the foremost men of the
age in intellectual warfare, some of the names
which are not only honoured in other zones and
another hemispheres than our own, but which
will leave their trace on the great history
of scientific knowledge down to other generations
and succeeding eras. It is impossible for the wisest
and most far-sighted politician, however deeply he
may have studied the story of the past, to foretel
our national future; but it is easy to foresee that
so long as the records of human ingenuity survive
and literature retains its influence the names of the
great discoverers of the truths of natural philosophy
will be cherished and revered. True scient.fio
knowledge may be as yet but in its infancy, and
in fact it is very remarkable that as our scholars
advance in their studies they lose that tone of
arrogance and confidence which marked their early
endeavours and successes. But those who have
laboured to clear the path will not be forgotten,
even as we still turn with respect to the achieve•
ments of those ancient scholars whose codes and
systems have since been completely reversed. But
the British Association is not only noticeable for
the presence of distinguished men who might pro-
bably be found at other scientific gatherings. It is
valuable as a means of popularising science and of
interesting the outer world in the results of labours
and researches which are beyond their ken. The
large numbers who attend the meetings, the thou-
sands who read the reports in the daily journals,
all gather from its deliberations enlarged
views and clearer notions of the purposes
of science, if not more accurate knowledge
of detail. The labours of the Assembly, too, are of
great public benefit in another form. They bring
under practical consideration many of those ques-
tions which perplex the public mind in the ordinary
affairs of life. It is always well to see a question
on every side, and many of our social and political
problems bear a scientific aspect on which it is
well to have the opinion of scientific men. Thus,
in the section of Chemical Science, very full con-
sideration was given to that important question of
sewage, which has puzzled a good many wise
practical men for soma years past. Curiously enough
the same question came under the notice of another
section in the form of Physiology in its effect
on Public Health. If we cast a glance over the
list of recommendations at the close of the report
we shall see that the labours of the Assembly have
not been purpose'ess. Many valuable suggestions
are made, one of them pressing on the attention of
the Government the importance of fog signals, and
another proposing to the Russian authorities the
establishment of a series of magnetics) observations
for the furtherance of magnetic science. Our phi-
losophers of the present day cannot be accused of
indifference to the wants of the world around them,
but wisely apply their knowledge and their skill,
not only to the enlightenment and instruction of
those less-informed, but to the practical benefit of
the whole community ,by the solution of social
problems.

Among the various meetings and gatherings
which usually distinguish this time of the year
the assemblies of the Volunteer Associations are by
no means the least important. Such gatherings
prove that the national interest in the movement is
kept up undiminished, and that the Volunteers
themselves have not flagged in spirit and persever-
ance. Perhaps the numerous local associations
scattered throughout tile country whose matches
come off about this time afford stronger evidence of
the number and skill of the marksmen on the one
hand, and of the pu'olic interest taken in the pro-
ceedings in the other, than even the great annual
Easter review or the Wimbledon gathering. They
show that the principle on which the Volunteer
system is founded is one that has thoroughly ap-
proved itself to Englishmen of all classes, and is re-
cognised by their good sense and national spirit.
It is quite characteristic of English life that the
military service should be voluntary, and the prin-
ciple of self-government is aptly represented in tha
varied uniforms of the Volunteers. The happy
combination of public respect for the law with the
resolute maintenance of popular rights which espe-
cially distinguishes this country is illustrated in the
mixed government of the Volunteers, who combine
an observance of the orders of the War Office with
regulations of their own as to all minor matters.
Among the most conspicuous of these gatherings is
the meeting of the Wilts R•fie Association, which holds
the first rank among them from the numerous com-
petitors usually attracted to it by the number and
value of the prizes offered by the liberality of the
surrounding gentry. At the fourth annual meeting,
which has just been successfully terminated, prizes
to the amount of nearly seven hundred pounds have
been distributed, and accordingly no less than 250
candidates assembled at the butts, near the venerable
city of Salisbury, to try their skill, and win, if it
might be, these tokens of approval. The interest
of the meeting has not, however, wholly centred on
tha achievements of the Volunteers, but was di-
visled by the presence of our indefatigable Premier.
Lord PALMERSTON, who is equally at home in a
cPiavricliabmanecinutaerty,
orsta rugglean agricultural dinner, a
Volunteer contest, had, of course,
the right words to say at the right time. Lady
HERBERT, in whose grounds the grand concluding
fete was held, was the giver of most of the prizes,
but to Lord PALMERSTON was left the gracious
office cf presenting the chief prize, a challenge
cup, to which is added a silver vase by the Mayor
and Corporation of Salisbury. The fortunate re-
cipient was a sergeant of the 6th Wilts, who was
doubtless not a little gratified by the trophy and
the manner of receiving it. In his brief but pointed
address Lord PALMERSTON did full justice alike to
the spirit which dictated the Volunteer movement,
and to the energy which has maintained it. How-
ever temporary the cause of its origin, the move-
ment would not, he trusted, be temporary in its
nature, but would retain its place among the per-
manent institutions of the country. After refer-
ring to the geographical differences which reader
our plans of national defence so distinct from those
of Continental States, Lord PALMERSTON observed
that he believed we had now from 150,000 to 160,000
Volunteers organised, equipped, trained, and dis-
ciplined by officers who had made themselves ac-
quainted with their duties. Numbers, as he
reminded them, do not alone constitute strength,
but the Volunteers of England have shown them.
selves to be sufficiently expert iu their duties to call
forth the approval of experienced military men,
who could scarcely be supposed to be prejudiced
in favour of amateurs of their own profession. The
events of the Wimbledon meeting were of them-
selves unimportant, but they are significant as evi-
dence of the warm interest taken in the move-
ment by all classes, and as showing that our states-
men recognise its value and its national character.

DEATH FROM SWALLOWING A WASP,—On
Monday, at Swingfiald, a small village near Dover,
Kent, Mr William Masted, a blacksmith, was drinking
some ale from n jug, when he remarked to those near, "I
have swallowed something. lam afraid it was a wasp; it
so, I am a dead man." In a very short time after-
wards he fell into the arms of a bystander, and imme-
diately expired.