The Sun.
London, England, 1864-08-27 00:00:00

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LONDON, SATURDAY, AUGUST 27, 1864.

Mr BERKELEY has long been the acknowledged
champion of one of the most important of political
reforms, and to judge from his brief letter to a con-
temporary the other morning, he has no intention
of abandoning his position. If he is again among
the members of the Legislature, " it is his intention
to again unfurl the old banner, and do his best to
rally our 200 ballot members to the old war cry—
abella vindex tacitte libertatis." The next election
will, no doubt, give him plenty of illustrations of
the evils of the present system, for Exeter, he de-
clares, is but a type of what will occur in every
contest, and certainly we have all seen enough of
the usual effects of a general election to
be able very readily to fill in the outlines.
There is not much hope that the opponents
of the Ballot will be convinced by anything they
naly hear or see, by any amount of bribery, corrup•
Lion, and intimidation. There have been revelations
startling enough to shake the most resolute convic-
tion, spectacles sufficiently humiliating and painful
to overthrow the most obstinate prejudice. But the
poet tells us that

A man convinced against his will,
Is of the same opinion still;
and we have not yet got to the length of obtaining
even apparent assent. Our opponents still prefer
to regard these various election mal•practicea as
especially " English," and therefore to be cherished
by every national well-wisher. There is no line
of argument more convenient and more inex-
haustible than an intangible one. It is so eilsy to
affix an epithet or to declaim in genera: phrases, and
so difficult to fight against an " idea." The vision-
ary opponent is not to be beftled. You may attack
him with argument, illustration, and remonstrance;
you may exhaust all the powers of logic and rhe-
toric to prove him in the wrong, and he starts
up again, answering you with the old cry "It
is un-English." It is quite impossible to answer
this accusation, seeing that nobody has hitherto
defined exactly what it means, and therefore its
advocates CAA easily shift their ground when ne-
cessary. If it means that Englishmen are not
ashamed of their conduct at elections, we can only
reply that they ought to be, and it would be more
to their credit if they mere. If it means that all
that is now done in election times is perfectly
fair and open, that is so perfectly well known to he
contrary to actual facts,
that it is no wonder sensi-
ble men are glad to disguise such meaning in vague
terms. If it means that the lower classes would be
affronted by the Ellipicion of being afraid to vote
openly, that 15 a stigma that a large portion of them
are bearing now, and it is no disgrace to them to
a protection which does not compel
grant them
them to bold their tongues. They may speak of
their votes as they will, and canvassing will not
altogether be put a
stop to. In the clubs, which are
conducted on this very coun-English " fashion, votes
and interest are frequently solicited and pros
mixed, but a member is not obliged to affront
his friend by openly putting in the black ball
against his candidate. Lord PAL3IERSTON, indeed,
thinks so highly of the honour of the man who
takes a ten pound note for his vote that he thinks
the system of bribery will still be carried on, as
agents can bribe the voters beforehand, and of
course they, will keep to their word The same
obligation, he thinks, applies to the relief from '

intimidation, since landlords and employers will
ask which way the elector is going to vote, and
treat him accordingly. The on'y wonder is that
persons of such remarkable good faith on the one
side, and such singular confidence and simplicity
on the other, should have anything to do with such
questionable work as bribery and intimidation at
any time. If everyone always kept his word with
such undeviating fidelity, and if we lived like the
residents in the famous Palace of Truth, in a spot
where plain speaking was compulsory, the Ballot
might be superfluous, but as things at present
stand, such implicit truth and confidence are not
likely to exist per se among electioneering
agents and voters with itching palms. But
if our present arrangements are so immaculate,
what need is there for election committees and the
cumberous machinery of the Corrupt Practices Bill?
Such solecisms should surely be done away with,
when an elector's word is as good as his bond, and
every candidate a modern Bayard ! But this un-
lucky Reform is no question of party. It has no
more uncompromising opponents than the noble
lord at the head of her Majesty's Government, and
the noble lord the Secretary of State for Foreign
Affairs. The City of London has not yet forgotten
or forgiven its former member's conduct towards
the Ballot ; and many another Liberal constituency
has good cause to complain of its representative.
The extension of the franchise is, without doubt,
'a question of considerable moment. Large bodies
of the people, intelligent, conscientious, and patri-
otic, are excluded from the exercise of political
rights, but until we have some reform in the system
of election, the lodger, the £6 householder, and
other excluded classes may be admitted within the
pale, but we shall have no actual representation of
the people. Very certainly we have not such a re-
presentation now as Denmark can vouch for. How
shall we obtain it ? Mr. BERKELEY quotes the
words of Mr. BRIGHT, who says, that " When a
man is hungry he eats, when he is cold he goes
to the fire, when he needs shelter from bribery
and intimidation he goes to the ballot box." This
plain and forcible language points out the cure
which every one abuses, but which no one will con-
sent to try. However, when Parliament is installed
for another term of six years, Ministers and mem-
bers may possibly be more willing to conciliate the
country, as electioneering will be temporarily
over.

Lord PALMERSTON'S remarks on racing were
most amusing, and it was a very happy idea which
suggested itself to him of drawing a comparison
between the rules of the "Turf" and the rules of
Parliament. It might not have occurred to every
one, and it could not have been carried out by any
one more likely to make the most of it than the
Premier. His aptitude for the joking style of dis-
course is certainly equalled by few and surpassed
by none, and his hearers must have been gratified and
surprised at the illustration. Politics were wisely
eschewed at this gathering, but the reference made
to Parliamentary proceedings was of cc urse in keep.
ing with the rule, since it was conducive to mirth
and harmony rather than discord and disquietude.
" The House of Commons very much resembles a
race-course," said Lord PALMERSTON, and then set
out to illustrate his meaning, and carry out his
simile. "First of all, parties go there and run for
the Queen's Plate." No wonder this produced
shouts of laughter and shouts of applause. Of
course this came well from one who stood before
the assembly as the winner, par excellence, of that
much coveted prize. " Then, again, there is the
match, and he is a lucky man who does not meet
with his match ; but almost every one does, and is
not at all contented in that enco•anter." This is
true enough, and eptly characterises the prevailing
feature of that assembly, in which, it has truly been
said, that every one finds his level. There is no
place like the House of Commons for putting
down undue assumption, and proving false
expectations. Among so many individual
attainments are soon reduced to their just
level, and while extreme talent can rise to the
height that is due, mediocre capabilities are lost in
the crowd. Then Lord PALMERSTON went on to
illustrate the rest of the parallel by saying that there
was the good feeling in the House which gave
weight for age ; but then, he added, it was true that
the young ones sometimes trotted out of the course,

It is not likely that one of the noble lord's experience
has not had several practical illustrations of this
truth during his long and active parliamentary
service; and, indeed, if report speaks true, only this
session one of his own colleagues played him that
trick, thereby causing much confusion and misun-
derstanding. The " dead heat" is similar to the
"tie," and that has frequently occurred of late years,
particularly in the debates on Church Rates. Lastly,
the noble lord mentioned an occurrence that is about
to take place both on the turf and at St. Stephen's.
" It often happens that a very good-looking horse
breaks down." Thus did the Premier make a great
deal out of what at first sight appeared to be very

little, and succeeded in drawing a picture of politi•
cal life at once humorous and suggestive. It is well
occasionally to go out of the beaten track and find
something new or unexpected in the dry details of
everyday existence. Amid the monotony of official
existence there are occasionally some brightening
gleams to be witnessed, and some peculiar features
may furnish a field for the introduction of wit and
repartee. They are to be applauded who can find
entertainment in such everyday occurrences, and like
Lord PALMERSTON not only enliven their own
existence thereby, but at the same time diffuse a
feeling of hilarity around.

Agricultural meetings and gatherings of all de-
scriptions will now be the rage for some time to
come. Lancashire seems to be particularly active
in these affairs just now. It was only the other
day that Lord STANLEY presided at the Southport
meeting, and there made an excellent discourse on
various topics connected with the subject before
them. Last Wednesday there was the annual dine
ner of the Royal North Lancashire Agricultural
Society, and some noticeable remarks were made
during the course of the evening. Colonel PATTEN
took the chair, and he fulfilled his task very
efficiently, although he apologised on account of his
long absence, from various causes, from that part of
the country. He cot curred with Lord STANLEY as
to the propriety of givieg leases. It will be greatly
to the advantage of all concerned when the preju •
dices entertained by many against them are done
away with. It is the surest mode of inducing im-
provements to be made, and, as Colonel PATTEN
very property put it, " whenever a tenant wishes to
have a lease, and shows his caracity for working a
farm, it is to the interest both of himself and his
landlord that he should have one." Oae who has
done so much for Lancashire as the gallant Colonel
has a claim to be listened to, which should not be
passed over, and there was great truth in his ex-
portations not to neglect the society which he then
discoursed upon, on account of the smaller ones
starting up in various directions. Being on a more
comprehensive scale, it can do more effec-
tual service to the cause than local ones,
however estimable in their way. Of course,
much that is said at these meetings is
of a lccal character, and is not of much interest to
the general reader ; but, at the same time, it is satis-
factory to know that due attention it being paid to

such matters throughout the country, and thus we
may hope for an improvement in the affairs of
agriculture generally. Of late years many and
most' important changes have been made, and altera•
tions have been effected that a generation ago would
have confounded the steady-going old farmer and
the quiet country gentlefolks. It is not too much
to say that much of this improvement has been
owing to the societies that have so strenuously
laboured in the cause of agriculture, and brought
intelligence to bear upon experience, and studied
the subject in an abstract form before advising the
practical part of the question to be put in execution.

Anniversary of the Battle of Algiers.

-

This day being the 48th anniversary of the battle of
Algiers, we subjoin the names of ,the surviving veteran
office s who served under Lord Exmouth in that ever-
memorable victory, together with their rank then and now,

VIZ.:-

Aitchison, E , midshipman of Leander, now lieutenant
Armstrong, J, W., second master of Falmouth, now

captain

Barnett, E., midshipman of Superb, now rear admiral
Beatty, D, M. N., midshipman of Severn, now lieutenant
Belcher, Sir E,, midshipman of Superb, now'rear admiral
of the red.
Blenkarne, W., mate of Impregnable, now commander
Bond, T. 8,, midshipman of Glasgow, now captain
Browne, W. C,, midshipman of Minden, now captain
Banbury, G. 8., midshipman of Minden, now lieutenant
Burt, W., midshipman of Superb, now lieutenant
Barton, T. R., lieutenant of Albion, now admiral
Caley, Charles, midshipman of Severn, now lieutenant
Carnac, J. R., midshipman of Queen Charlotte, now vice

admiral.
Cheyne, G., lieutenant of Albion, now captain
Christie, G,, lieutenant of Granicus, now commander
Clarke, J., first lieutenant, R.M., of Superb, now major
general
Cole, W., midshipman of Leander, now lieutenant
Dalafosse, E. H., senior lieutenant of Hebras, now cap-
tain

Dashwood, W. 8,, commander of Prometheus, now ad

miral
Dickson, D. J., lieutenant of Britomart, now captain
Douglas. J., midshipman of Britomart, now commander
Davies, G., midshipman of Queen Charlotte, now captain
Davies, J., lieutenant of Queen Charlotte, now captain
Dickson, bir W., Bart., midshipman of Minden, now

vice admiral
Dent, C. C., mate of Minden, now captain
Dixon, J. S., lieutenant of Leander, now commander
Edmont, Earl of, commander of Internal, now admiral
Evison, J. C., lieutenant of Albion, now commander
Ferrer, W. A., midshipman of Severn, now captain
Featherstone, C. J., mate of Fury, now captain
Freeman, W. L., clerk in Glasgow, now paymaster
Frampton, T. R., midshipman of Minden, now lieutenant
Fraser, midshipman of Leander, now rear admiral
Fulton, It., master of Glasgow, now commander
Griffin, W., midshipman of Minden, now rear admiral
Gordon, It, midshipman of Queen Charlotte, now rear
admiral
Goldsmith, J , purser of Superb, now paymaster
Gill, W. Y., midshipman of Albion, now lieutenant
Hardwicke, Earl of, midshipman of Queen Charlotte, now
admiral
Helby, J. H., midshipman of Queen Charlotte, now
captain

Hawes, E., mate of Britomart, now captain
Higginson, F., midshipman of Severn, now commander
Heathaote, G. H., midshipman of Glasgow, now com-
mander
Holland, R. C., first lieutenant of Queen Charlotte and
still holds the same rank
J.agu, J. S., acting lieutenant of Queen Charlotte, now
lieutenant

Jones, Sir L. T., midshipman of Granicus, now rear.
admiral

Jackson, G. V., lieutenant of Hecla, now rear admiral.
James, H., second lieutenant, 11.,M., of Hecla, now

captain.

Justice, It., mate of Minden, now lieutenant
Johnston, H., midshipman of Leander, now commander
Kerr, J. J., midshipman of Impregnable, now lieutenant
Laston, S. H,, lieutenant of Queen Charlotte, now com-
mander

Le Messurier, F. H , midshipman of Fury, now lieu-
tenant
Liddell, J., midshipman of Albion, now lieutenant
Leslie, A,, surgeon of Severn, still same rank
Manners, R. H., midshipman of Minden, now vice ad-
miral,
Miller, J., master of Minden, now staff commander
Mayne, D., midshipman of Leander, now captain
Michell, F. T., lieutenant of Queen Charl.)te, now vice
admiral
Mitchell, T., midshipman of Impregnable, now captain
Munro, M., lieutenant of Impregnable, now commander
M'Dougall, Sir J., lieutenant of Superb, now vice admiral
March, C., midshipman of Superb, now lieutenant
O'Brien, J., lieutenant of Impregnable, now vice admiral
Parker,Chai les, mate of Queen Charlotte, now lieutenant
Parkin, J. L., mate of Minden, now captain
Palmer, J., purser of Glasgow, now peymaater
Perkins, H. A , lieutenant of Granicus, now commander
Pridham, W. D., lieutenant of Prometheus, now com-
mander
Pew, G,, mate of Beelzebub, now lieutenant
ropham, 8., lieutenant of Glasgow, now vice admiral
Richards, P., lieutenant of Queen Charlotte, now vice
admiral

Brogers, E., lieutenant of Queen Charlotte, sow captain
Roddam, W., lieutenant of Impregnable, now commander
Radcliffe, J., midshipman of Albion, now lieutenant
Ryder, W., mate of Severn, now lieutenant
Symes, A. S., midshipman of Hebrus, now commander
Stocker, W. It., ruidshipman of Prometheus, now captain
Stanley, E,, midshipman of Queen Charlotte, now rear
admiral
Stevens, J. H., first lieutenant of Queen Charlotte, now
major general
Sweeting, W., midshipman of Superb, now lieutenant
Sibley, J., midshipman of Minden, now lieutenant
Sanders, T., lieutenant of Leander, now rear admiral
Sproute, 0., assistant surgeon of Leander, now admiral
Stuart, It., midshipman of Glasgow, now vice admiral
Skinner, A. M'G.. midshipman of Glasgow, now captain
Seymour, E. W., lieutenant of Glasgow, now commander
Tinling, E. 8., midshipman of Queen Charlotte, now rear
admiral

Tvmkins, H. W., mate of Cordelia, now lieutenant.
Tomlin, J., master of Superb, now staff commander.
Turner, M., midshipman of Hebrus, now lieutenant.
Tracey, B. W., midshipman of Albion, new lieutenant.
Wakefield, J. W., midshipman of Hebrus, now lieute-
nant.
'Walker, W., master of Beelzebub, now commander.
Ware, C. B , mate of Leander, now lieutenant.
Weller, J. H., midshipman of Albion, now captain.
Wentworth, W. F., lieutenant of Hebrus, still holds the
same rank at Greenwich Hospital.
Webber, G. W., midshipman of Hebrus, now lieutenant.
Whish, W. G. H , midshipman of Queen Charlotte, now
rear-admiral.
Wilkinson, F. A., midshipman of Superb, now captain.
P., midshipman of Superb, now lieutenant.