The Sun.
London, England, 1852-05-28 00:00:00

MESMERIC INFIRMARY.

The annual general meeting of the friends and sub-
scribers to this excellent institution was held yesterday
at Willis's-rooms, King-street, St. Jamce's. The atten-
dance of ladies and gentlemen was so large that it was
found necessary to adjeurn the meeting from the apart-
ment in which it first assembled into the large ball-room.
Earl STeenore, who was unanimously elected to the
chair, considered it a distingui.heci honour to be called
on to preside over such an assembly, but he sincerely
regretted the chair was not filled by one of his learned
friends, who, from his medical. knowledge and expe-
rience, would be far more worthy of it than himself.
I From a very early period of his king life he had taken the
deepest interest in all that related to medical science, to
which he attached the utmost importance, as it had for
its object that which was most important to mankind—the
alleviation of suffering, and, as far as it was practicable,
the restoration of health, which was the greatest bles-
sing they received from Providence, and which was in-
dispensably requisite for the enjoyment of life. As soon
as mesmerism was revived in this country, in which
it had slumbered for many years, he became
curious about it, and h© took the earliest opportunity of
witnessing the experiments that were made at the hos-
pital y
of the London University, and by Baron Dupotet.
After attentively considering tho'se experiments he saw
a phenomenon of a physical and also of a psychological
nature, which appeared to him eminently entitled to
philosophic investigation Ile was not discouraged
from pursuing
the inquiry. from an observation made in
the Globe newspaper, that in attending those experiments
he ought to be considered as lrisan a test mes-
merism was to be considered
m nt ase.lf a belief in mes-
of insanity, all the
lunatic asylums in the country wouldu not be sufficiently
httbere.
,capacious to hold the patients.
(te LoTrehbeemwoares he examined the effects of mesmerism,
convineefi %fits reality and truth
that
ethe studied
,the eubjectrAhe deeper was his conviction
übt, i) ii t_ .
had
xtreme importance and of the utmost practical ait Wag
yof
llii
tiiing formed that opinion on deliberate reflection ,
ters:Olden in avowing it freely, for he always thought
nktr.worse and most discreditable species of cowardiceA
ak
iss,ntherwant of moral courage.—(Hear, hear.)
2epori.deficient in bodily courage might allege that want
--df taerve, or weakness of constitution, did not enable him
or render him unwilling to expose himself to any per-
sonal danger, but no apology could be made for him
who, being thoroughly convinced of any truth, was
ashamed or afraid to avow it.—(Hear, hear.) It was
fortunate for the world, fortunate for the honour and
dignity of the medical profession, that there were physi-
cians in this country who, disregarding fame and fortune,
and those advantages which were most dearly prized
and eagerly pursued, nobly and magnanimously sacri-
ficed them'to the cause of truth.—(Hear, hear.) They
might be reviled and ridiculed—they might become ob-
jects of censure or misrepresentation, but their names
would be transmitted to posterity with the honour to
which they were justly entitled, and they
would have the satisfaction of knowing that truth
would ultimately prevail. They read in the Holy
Scriptures of what would, he was convinced, be fully ex-
emplified in mesmerism—" Great is truth and stronger
than all things. It endureth, and is always strong—it
liveth and conquereth for evermore." Mesmerism has
to contend, not only among members of the medical
profession but also among the public, with such invete-
rate prejudice that, in one case that came within his own
personal knowledge, it had actually obstructed the course
of justice. This was a somewhat curious ease. About
nine years ago a young woman applied to him to be
mesmerised, as she was obliged, in consequence of being
subject to epileptic attacks, to leave her situation. He
found her so susceptible, that in a quarter of a minute
she fell into a deep mesmeric sleep. In returning from
the house he was informed—but later than he ought to
have been—that she had had another fit of such violence
that it continued for several hours, and the strength of
four men were required to hold her. He visited her im-
mediately, and found she had been seized with tetanus or
loOk-jaw. Taking hold of an instrument which happened
to be at hand—a kind of ripping chisel—he used it as
a lover, and wrenched her jaws open. He was shocked at
the operation, and still more at the noise, which seemed
to indicate that the jaws had been broken. By making
a few mesmeric passes she opened her jaws without any
difficulty. In that year he was obliged to remain con-
stantly in London, so that the opportunities he had of
mesmerising her wore few and far between; but he had
the goodlortane of restoring her to health and of seeing '
her return to service. Some years afterwards she en-
tered the service of a person in the metropolis, who, for
a very trifling cense, got into a very violent passion, and
seized her by the throat. The excitement made the
girl frantic, arid her epileptic fits returned. Complaint
was made to a magistrate, who thought the case so
serious that, instead of summarily convicting, he sent
the party before a court of justice. The young woman
was afterwards cured by his friend Dr. Elliot-
, son. When she was examined on the trial, she
stated correctly what took place. She was
asked, among other foolish questions, on cross-
examination, whether she was ever exhibited as a mes-
meric patient, and she truly denied that she ever was.
She was then asked whether she was quite sure she was
I awake when her master committed the assault, and also
When, where, and by whom she had been mesmerised.
Great surprise was shown when his (Earl Stanhope's)
name was mentioned. The case name on before Mr.
Law, the late Recorder, and the result was that the un-
fortunate person was treated as an impostor and non-
suited. Now, the opponents of mesmerism had not only
shown a disgraceful want of candour, but, in some in-
stances, had been guilty of the most flagrant injustice.
He alluded to the case of a labourer in Nottingham,
whose leg was amputated without feeling any pain while
in a mesmeric sleep. The medical men of London met
to consider the case; not knowing the individual,
and not being able to cast the slightest re-
proach on his veracity and honour, they re-
presented him as an impostor. Now he said it was
infamous to represent tiny man as an impostor, be
he peasant or prince, without full and substantial proof.
—(Hear.) The folly of the charge was equal to its ma-
lignity. Did these medical gentlemen not know that,
even if he had endeavoured to act the part of an ia3pos•
tor, though his spirit might have been willing, his flesh
might have been weak? If they supposed it possible by
any extraordinary effort he could suppress all manifesta-
tions of pain, such as groans, shrieks, and cries, still
there were other indications which would show whether
he felt the operation. He was well aware that the same
effects were produced by chloroform, and he also knew
that all persons were not susceptible to mesmeric influ-
ence; but this he contended, that when that influence
could be exerted, it was much safer than chloroform;
and in that he was confirmed by all candid
medical men who had examined into the
subject. When it was said by their opponents that
mesmerism was the effect of the imagination, he asked
whether insensibility to pain could be the effect 'of the
imagination? If so, it seemed to him rather extraordi-
nary that the imagination should be brought to apply
when people suffered from :violent toothaches, or from
other excruciating pains. Even supposing mesmerism
did excite the imagination, what objection could there
be to its use, if it relieved pain and cured diseeders? But
he denied that mesmerism was connected with the imagi-
nation. Then it was said there was collusion in mes-
meric ester meats, that the experimenter had a confede-
rate who exhibited various antics before an audience at
his desire. Now, he should like persons who entertained
that opinion to read a very curious and interesting
pamphlet by Dr. J. Wilson,who medial% series of experi-
ments on the brute creation, including wild and
domestic animals, some of which we:o ferocious
in their nature, and might be supposed least
susceptible of mesmeric influence. Could it be said these
animals were moved by the imagination, or that there
was any collusion between them and the mesmeriser?
But then it was said, " What is your theory—how is all
this explained?" Now, he did not think they were
called upon to explain the theory. It was sufficient to
say that the practice of mesmerism was efficaciouisf. Butthey
could should like to ask these medical
could explain the theory of a numlrgoreolfitplehmenenomena ea); '
oation. It was
' exhibited in the animal and vegetable
could they give a
evident they could not do so.
p Again,poduced sleep? All
satisfactory reason
one of Moliere's
knew the effect of thewcihryago,-bi7toc.no-nrlencould discover the
causes a bleb produced thateff
plays this subject was treatedd in. a very ludicrous light.
in
4h, is own bad Latin,
One of the characters asked
Why does opium
Quare opium Idea dormire?"
produce sleep," and the other replied, " Quict
est, in ea virtus dormitiva." ".Because it had a
soporific quality."—(Laughter.) Though he was not
able to explain the manner in which mesmeric influence
passed from the mesmeriser to the patient, yet there wag
every reason to believe that the immediate effect on the
patient was produced by the invigorating restorative
power of nature—via medicatrix nature—for it was very
truly and candidly stated by a physician that he did not
cure disorders, but only enabled nature to cure them by
removing the obstructions that were in the way. As
facts were stubborn things, he would mention two- out
of some thousands that had been effected by mesmerism.
He visited in a street near Holborn a tradesman, whose .
son, about thirteen years of age, had a paralytic
affec-
tion of the spine—he was unable to raise his headand lifted slightly up in bed he fell back on one sidealior
the other like an inanimate object. In twenty rninutes
from Dr. Elliotson's first visit he rose from hisbed
walked across the room, and, as the fathertruly aoltd.
served to him on a subsequent occasion, Dr. Elliotson
had almost raised his son from the grave.--(Cheers.)
The next case was that of a lady, eminent from her
high station, and still more eminent for her benevolence
and exertions in this cause, who had cured a person of
y
blindness who had been afflicted b fory tt y
ae
ra
dr si _
nary process stall, .
Now, could either of those cases be curedl b
still less in so abort a time? The
instructive collection of cases by their worthy secretary,
Mr. Capern, showed that mesmerism had been efficacious
.14 no less than fourteen different diseases, some of
which
iii could not be treated b
tiey
Ansi art. He rejoiced to the ordinary
find that mesmerism
• id rciade such progress in this country; and also that
elt. , .. .
Dr !s4raents had been formed in various parts of the
i gdOin for the aseistHanecbesoaf those to whom it wouldta_n.r be
extremely valuable.
the meeting with so long a discourse, to apologise for de
.!
was
a but he felt 15 w
a duty which he owed to them'
ex-
press the conviction which, after of study
, after many years
and the country to
and experience, ho entertained on this most important
and valuable subject.

Dr. ELLIuTSuN then read tho following annual re
port:—

" Ihe committee of the London MCSIIIerie Infirmary
'oleo
rsecjriber in
being able to coratulate the donors and sub-
tle public
8 Upon the increased of the charity by
support
friends in the
—the increased confidence of the sick and their
benefits of mesmeriim, and upon the con-
tinuance of
-- proofs of the alleviating and remedial
powers of ono of the greatest blessings ever vouchsafed
to mankind. The conviction of the truth of mesmerism,
of th© truth of its phenomena, and its alleviating and re-
medial powers, has spread most extensively since we
production of oloop
`last runt, 'A doubt the mesmeric

and sleep-waking, and their dispersion; of rigidlty,`eats-
lepsy, and relaxation; the mesmeric abolition
p peculiar
a rr e
andsto-
ration of sensation; mesmeric traction;
formerly unknown effects of metals,
ecnrr
in
and other
substances in the mesmeric state,
thee ordinary
state of some persons who have been innmesmeric
state, and even in some who have never bee
mes-
merised, is no longer regarded as a mark of sn 'nee;
and superiuri-y, but, excic*.s surprise, end causes an to be considered ignorant and absurd. IL:-
such phenomena as the mesmeric excitement of disn-
duct cerebral organs, the symealey of sense-
Liens and ideas, and a certain eegrse of cleirvoyance,
are generally admitted, and their admission no longer
subjects us to the imputation of credulity, or exposes U 9
to ridicule. Fourteen years ago mesmerism was de-
clared in London to be destroyed for ever, utterly ex-
tinguished, and sure to be never heard of again except
as a tale that was told—illustrative of the ignorance,
weakness, and folly of a few individuals who had rained
their reputation irrecoverably. But now mesmerism is
one of the chief topics of conversation, and is alluded to
as a fact in publications of every description. The sale
of mesmeric bot ks is very large, and has increased asto-
nishingly of late, and Mr. Beilliere informs us that the
demand for the English quareerly journal of mesmerism,
the Zoist, far exceeds the demand of even last year.
The medical journals sneer at mesmerism, and vilify u;
less frequently than before; and, though they continue
to keep all our splendid tacts from the eyes of their
readers, to whom it is their duty to make all:these
facts known, it is evident that they are conscious of
being in an awkward position, behind the present day,
and near an overwhelming necessity of acknowledging
the truth of what they have so violently, coarsely,
and obstinately denied, and of reporting mesmeric
facts as regularly as others. Although the mana-
gers of the Royal College of Phyeiciane, of the Royal
College of Surgeons, and of the Royal Medical and Chi-
rurgical Society, still refuse to purchase mesmeric
works, it is known that the members of the two latter
bodies continually ask for the Zoist, and the desire can-
not much longer be disregarded by those who ought to
know better, and to have more feeling for the sufferings
of their fellow-creatures. The spread of the conviction
of the truth cf mesmerism is shown in the additions to
our list of donors and subscribers. Since the last annual
meeting, we have had 47 new donors, besides anonymous
contributors of mites to the donation-box, and 38
new subscribers. Five only of our former subscribers
have resigned, four expressing their regret at their in-
ability to continue their subscriptions, and the fifth com-
plaining that a case of St. Vitus's dance that she sent us
was not cured off-hand
donations were bestowedat ainfewcosnitstiegnugesneeSoevfermalesomf mesmeric
cures having been effected in the families of the
donors, without
ehgicte
any connexion _
Mr. Baillia-e • , whose dati,htsr2a
recovery from typhus
recordedinwith the infirmary.
will, .1 trust, be
has sent us, in consequencetKsvithe next Zoist,
the
er hands.
gree
great
benefit
ofh it, five
derived from mesmerism
guineas through
related in the Zoist
while recovering from a sevhewereoaehcasident, has sent us 10/.
tude by presenting
assiduously mesmerised by
Miss Jane Preston, who was
remedial powers
sick and
Mr. Janson, has evinced her
us with 15/. The increased confidencegrati
powers of
their friends in the alleviating and
mesmerism is manifested on every side, and lshown by the numerous applications for admission etFikingtlY,
our infirmary—far more numerous than we have the
means of satisfying. They are now aware that
es
merism exerts a powerful influence, not over nervous
affections only, but over the diseases of every organ, andu
over diseases of every description—upon inflammation,
structural as well as functional diseases, enlargement,
change of texture, ulceration, &c.; and that it not only
soothes but invigorates. Some who are believers in its
blessings are still shut out from them by the gross
superstition of its Satanic nature. This preposterous
absurdity will continue till education becomes
what it should be, and points oat to those upon
whom it is bestowed that all around us is nature—all
governed by universal and unerring laws ; and that
mesmerism, like everything else that man does, must
be natural, and not a supernatural affair. It may be
worth the reflection of the superstitious that we have 12
divines on our lists, the greater part of them clergymen
of the Church of England, one a elector of divinity and
formerly a professor in the University of Oxford, and
at the head of them, an archbishop—his Grace the
Archbishop of Dublin—who did not for a moment he-
sitate to become one of our vice-presidents. Another
anti-Satanic argument is, that above 50 ladies appear on
our list. Continued proofs of the assuaging and reme-
dial powers of mesmerism pour in upon us on all sides.
The Zoist teems with them from every quarter—num-
berless others are occurring daily which are not re-
corded. Since the last meeting 154 patients have been
treated at the ins:itution-20 were not improved at all—
but the greater part of them attended too short a
time for mesmerism to exert its power. Thirteen of
them attended but two or three times, and among them
were cases of epilepsy, blindness, and consumption-19
weie slightly improved, and the greater part
of them left us before there was any chance
ca: a cure ; 39 were much improved, so much that
they did not think it worth while to attend any longer,
though we should have wished them still to persevere
for some weeks; but persons in all ranki, and of all ages
and education, are disposed to impatience, and the poor
have but too many causes of inability to attend an insti-
tution daily for any time; forty-two have been cured;
thirty-four are still under treatment; and of these ten
are already greatly improved, and some have not been
with us long enough for benefit to be expected. It
must be remembered that the majority of our cases are
chronic—that most of them have defied medical treat-
ment, generally, at the hands of several practitioners—
and that many are certain of receiving no amelioration
from any kind of non-m.,sresrm treatment."
After describing numerous cases the report proceeds
to state that the receipts for the year have been
437/. 9s. 6d., and the expenses 437/. 10s. 18., being
bid. over our receipts; but the mciety has 8841. 3s.
9d. in hand. It then states—" We may, therefore ,
consider :.urseltes very prosperous; but we are anxi, us
to extend the benefits of mesmerism—we are anxious
to be able to mesmerise a much larger number of
patients, and to have an hospital in which patients
may reside, as the sick cannot obtain the advantage of
meemerism in the ordinary hospitals. Twenty names
en the list of donors and subscribers are those of me-
dical men. We know the advantage of ordinary medi-
cal treatment; we have the same good opinion of all
well-established practice as our brethren, and give our
patients the full benefit of it. The difference between
us is that we employ mesmerism in addition to the means
used by them, knowing that mesmerism cures diseases
not at present cured by ordinary means, and asmsts all
the established methods of cure. The general healing
power of mesmerism appears to be that of assisting na-
ture to throw off disease, whatever that disease may be
—to aid the vie medical ?taunt. The lease of the pre-
sent house will expire at Christmas, and we are desirous
of taking such further measures in this respect as may be
necessary. We are bound to express our warmest thetas
to the ladies who kindly compose the ladies' commiLee,.
nt irm
They meet weekly, and one or more visit the house
every day. Their presence, their euggestioes, and
general'assistance are invaluable. Nor can we conclude
withaut expressing our sense of Mr. Cagan 's value. lies
devotion to the blessings of mesmerism, his ti
zeal, his beoevolence, modesty, and disinterestedness
aro beyond all praise."
t ah
e portioni.o _to It* the
of
Mr. M. MILNES, MT, in moving the Adoption r
report, said he regarded mesmerism not ill -n
-,--O. the
(bC,,ellects.)
sionai or iimoiftednprftluntr,vo,f vdTeawa,nbdaigasrc'fese
kingdom
He believed
every intelligent man end the
of of
appreciation or every
tshtuedeltnetsomfenraietairee yitduhtiioentorhya•—d
and prudently conducted. Is was no Wisely established
such an institution is the prenerst r easy matter to form
about mesmerism. He was did :due of public feeling
circumstances connected with poaed to think there were
explain the great difficulty it 'mesmerism, which might
ingitself as a science, and es ,ndd to encounter in assert-
careful of receiving evidtm aplishing itself in a nation so
rally were. The feet of th e.O as tie English people gene-
rally
rule defining the h • -cit. not being able to lay down
of mesmerisP2smle
had glee,' and psychological pro-
pertiescovered with
so ltd to mesmerism being
Much imposture and falsehood.
Owing to scientific men refusing from prejudice to re-
ceive mesmerism
as a science •t h d been delivered up
as a prey to the impostor,- " I a •ns and de-
lusions,. had whose exaggeratio .
prevented an clear and definite understand-
ing as to the realcharacter mysterious agent
being arrived at.
R of this
confident
the institution
would do a vast deale worgood, because it was in
the hand of as self-sacrificinge body of men as ever
stood forward to demandthe public sympathy.—
(Cheers.) Re believed it was a great mistake and a
dangerous error to use mesmerism for the mere purpose
hoped that so dan-
gerous experimeet and amusemeafe and
emplo) ed by per-
sons an instrument would only be
sons well acquainted with its real effects.
Mr. A. J. ELus seconded the motion, and said the
report alluded to the fact that mesmerism was Once con-
sidered dead. Indeed,
it was a matter of notoriety that
a certain well known coroner presumed he had eat on
its body, and even dug its grave with an insignificant
Lancet.—(Laughter:)
Bat that occasion was a glorious
rising, he would not say like a phoenix,
apotheosis of its _ . . .
fled being.—(Hear, hear.)
but like a sort of beatified ,
The motion was then put and carried.
The CLUJ„Ices observed that Mr.;M. Milnes had said
a good deal about the imposition which was practised by
se smerism. Now, he denied that imposition
means of --es
possible tie purely medical cases, for they were to be
"3 judged by medical men. He supposed the Hon.
Geutleman mast have alluded to those psychological
_ .
on which he had abstained from saying any-
benOMena
P for they were not, never were, and never would
thing; . inquiry but, at the
object of by that institution;
be, the
' same time, he did not wish to be understood as throw-
ing
any doubt on the reality of thosphe
e nomena.
JENDIE
Mr. J. C. Luxxonu moved, and Mr. A.
Tided that Professor De Morgan, profess
-or of mathe-
seem. s .
• ' Univewhich rsity C
was aollege,greed tbe
o elected vies-president
m in
of anesthe society,.
Mr. J. JANSON moved, and Mr. J. B. PARKER Se-
conded, that Dr. Ashhonrne and Mr. W. Topham, who
retire from the committee, be re-elected, and that Mr.
Kiste arid Mr. Wilberforce be elected on the Committee,
in the room of Mr. Chandler and Mr. Robertson, who
are unahie to attend.—Agreed to.
The Rev. G. Seeman. moved, and Mr. O.I3NDEKWOOD
seconded, a re,olutien of cur.-I:al tht:Lits to the lad' of
the committee for their important services, ladies - -
which was
carried by acclamation.
Mr. JOHN AMOR moved, and Professor IsT•DONALD SE-
condcd e. motion, that the cenaa La, e; eee empowered to
naske arrangements for takiag ,h,,,,5h
er house for the
purposes of the institute;;,;; ur for .. 1 e at: ye in g their interest
in the present house, wb;eh v.
A vote of thanks to
11 as also agreed to.
Noble Chairman concluded
the business of the a ' '
me, ling,

ST. JAMES'S TCompany arrived at the St. Kath.irine'a-wharf early yester-
dayilFAT-R ..---The German Theatrical
ig.
morning, by the General Steam Navigation oOlPPanra
StO4M-ship Qeogga,troy 491t4rdia'

ROYAL MA.ItIONE'r'fE
ADELAIDE-STREET, WEST STRAND.
THIS EVENING, and every evening during the week,
A new Characteristic Address, by the Manager.
After which a new Piece, entitled THE HAPPY MANAGER. A
Dramatic Diticulty. In one act.
To bo followed by a new and original Burlesque, called THE
SPIRIT OF PUNCH ; or, The Arcadian Brothers.
To conclude with an entirely new version of the Grand Eastern
Spectite'e of ALADDIN ; or, The Wonderful Lamp, produced with
all the vast resources of this small establishment.
Doors ocen at Halt-past seven. and commence at Eight o'clock.
A Morning Performance To-Morrow. IXors open at Half-past
wo, and commence at Three o'clock.
The Ebony Marionettes are re-engaged, and will appear on Whit-
Monday.
There will shortly be produced several New Pieces, which are now
In active rehearsal.
Private Boxes and Stalls to be bad at the Box-office of the
Theatre, and of all the principal Librarians.

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
Extraordinary Combination of Talent.
Mesdames Sofle Cruvelli, D'Angri, and De la Grange.
Signori Calzelari, Gardoni, F. Lablaclae, and Lablache
TO-MORROW
Will be presented Benail's celebrated Opera,

LA SONNAMBULA.
Amine., Madlle. Sella Cruvelli ; Lesa, Madlle. Feller ; Count Ito-
dolpho, Signor Belletti ; Elvina, Signor oardoni.
To be followed by Grecco's celebrated Opera Biafra,
LA PROVA D'UN OPERA isERIA.
Corilla, Madame De la Grange; Federico, Signor Calzolari ;
Gnl-
lett°, Signor F. Lardache ; Campenore, signor Lablache.
To conclude with a rew Ballet Divertissement by M. Gosselin, the
music composed and arranged by M. Vadaud, entitled
LA FETE DES ROSIERES.
By Madlle. Carolina Rosati, Madlles. Rosa, Esper, Lamoreux, and
MM. Di Mattia, Venatra, Gouriet, and Mathieu.
Applications for Boxes, Stalls, and Tickets to be made at the Opera
Bog-office, Colonnade, llaymarket.

ROYAL ITALIAN
TO-MORROOPERA, COV
WENT-GARDEN.
win be performed Bellini's Opera,
I PURITANT.

Elvira, Madame Gris" Henrietta, Madlle. Cotti ; Georgio, Signor
Marini; Bruno, Signor Soldi; Vatton, Signor Poloninl ; Riccardo,
Signor Romani ; Arturo, Signor Mario.
Composer, Director of Music, and Conductor, Mr. Costa.

The performances commence at Eight o'clock precisely.
Tickets for the Boxer, Stalls, or the Pit may be had for the
}tight or SeaAon), at the Box-office of the Theatre, which is open
from Eleven till live o'clock ; and of the principal librarians and
mnsicsellers.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Mr. B. Webster, Sole Lessee and Manager, Old Brompton.
THIS EVENING,

Will be performed GO6DTOIi
To be followed by an entirely new comic Drama, entitled MIND
TOUR OWN BUSINESS, by 2lcssr,. B. Webster, Leigh Murray,
Backstotle, and Keeley ; Mrs. Stirling, Miss Reynolds, &c.
After which a new Burlesque on a frightfully popular subject, to
be called 0, GEMINI ; or, the Brothers of Co(u)rse. Characters by
Messrs. Buckstone, Bland, Woolger ; Mesdames Buckingham, Col-
ins, Caulfield. Honey, &c.

THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPELL
Lessee, Mr. B. Webster c Directress, Madame Celeste.
TEIIS EVENING,

Will be performed SEA and LAND. Characters by Messrs. Paul
Bedford, Wright, Hughes, 0. Smith. Worrell, Emery ; Misses Ellen
Chaplin, K. Fitzwilham, and Mis. Keeley.
Atter watch, a aevihsh new Extravaganza, called MEPHISTO-
PHELES. Characters by Mr. Honey, Miss Fitzwilliam, and Miss
Woolgar.
After which, DID YOU EVER SEND YOUR WIFE TO CAM-
B ?,RWELL?

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET.
Under the Management of Mr. C. Kean.
THIS EVENING,
Will be performed the CORSICAN BROTHERS. Principal
characters by Messrs. C. Kean, A. Wigan, Ryder, Meadows, J.
Vining, J. Chester ; Misses Phillips, Murray, Robertson, and C.
Leclercq.
After which A LUCKY FRIDAY, in which Mr. A. Wigan will
appear.
To conclude with a new and original Fairy Tale (compressed into
one act), entitled WITTIKIND AND HIS BROTHERS or, the
Seven Swan Princes and the Fair Melusine.

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.
Under the Management of Madame Vestris.
Sole Lessee, Mr. Charles Mathews.
THIS EVENING,

Will be produced a dramatic story, in eight acts, entitled A
CHAIN OF EVENTS. Characters by Messrs. Charles Mathews,
Frank Matthews, Robert Roxbv, Belton, Baker, Suter, Horncastle,
Itosiere, Butler, and Bonner; Madame Vestris, Miss Laura Keene,
Mrs. F. Matthews, and Miss Julia St. Georte, Miss Wright, Miss
Oliver, Mrs. Horn, Mrs. Macnamara, Lliss alartinditle, Miss Ellis,
Miss Grove, and Miss Foote.

ASTI..EY' ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.

Under the Patronage of her Majesty and his Royal Highness
Prince Albert.
Proprietor and Manager, Mr. W. Batty.
Tha meat_4lme-elqta: and porn!ar Theatre In Landon•

The Last Week of Bonaparte in'Egpyt, in consequence of the
production of St. George and the Dragon on Whit-Monday.
"filly EVENING,

Will be presented a new grand Military Spectacle, which is now
exciting all Paris, entitle' BONAPAW.CE IN EGYPT; or, the
Battle of Aboukir.
To be ,ollowea by Batty's Inimitable Scenes of the Arena.

In addition to the extraordinary talent at the above Establish-
ment, Mr. Batty has engaged the celebrated Equestrian Mr. A.
Cooke ; also Mr. Boswell, the renowned Coln que, and Madlle. Re-
becca, the graceful Equestrian, the whole forming the must elegant
and unique perfoamance ever witnessed within the walls of an am-
phitheatre.
To conc►ude with a Laughab'•e fßrce.

Tieltete to be had at th-e-ox:oflice tram Eleven till Four daily.
Stage Manager, Mr. Leelereq.

ROYAL SURREY ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS.
Open for the Season,
Monday, Tuesday, Wedn: sdey, Thursday, and Friday.

Exhioition of Dansoles Colossal llaylightView of MOUNT
ETNA and the CAVES of 'VULCAN and the CYCLOPS—Splendid
and interesting Mcnagerte—Prornena,ae Concert by Godfrey's un-
rivalled Military Band—Various Amusing Novelties—Concluding at
Desk with a Grand Pyrotechuic Exhibition by Messrs. Southby,
representing the Interior ot the Mountain (the Pandemonium ot the
Ancients), with the Caverns and Forges 01 Vulcan and his Cyclops,
the whole terminating with the Eruption of mount Etna and a
Grand Tableau on tile Lake of TheLi, and the Niriads receiving the
Armour of Achilles.

Doors open from Nine A.m. Feeding the Animals at Five. Con.
Cart at Half-past Six. Fireworks at Half-past Nine.
_ADMISSION, ONE SkiILLING.

ROBBERY OF NEWSPAPERS

TEN POUNDS REWARD.

In answer to the complaints of several Subscribers,
whose papers are stolen in periods of political or
other excitement, we can only renew the expression
of our deep regret. In order, if possible, to bring
some one of the robbers to account, we hereby offer
a reward of Ten Pounds for such information as
may lead to the detection of the culprit, and
Ten Pounds more on conviction of the offender.
Sun Office, May 24, 1852.

HIGH WATER AT LONDWS BRIDGE:

Tins DAT —Morning 0 v itfl. after 9 Evening 3-5 min after 9
To-Moscow—Meraing 7 in:n. alter 10 Evening 42 min atter 10

THE WEATHER-3ux OFITICH, MAY 2S.
THISEYIO3I/01t/:, IV 4HS SIIAIAS.
51—highest since noon yesterday.
44-lowst this MOlthng and during the night.
53—this day, at noon.

BARMAN:nu, 29.91.
Wnn N.E.—dill, cloudy weather.

DAILY WEATHER TABLE.
State
pacesaotf iinfietihWind and Weather at each of the following
Are arranged o'clock yesterday morning.—The stations
PLYNo ill order 01 latitude.
unt....wied
Posasatotrra_w_E.. strong breeze—partially cloudy.
gasTus—wiudt4 E., gentle breeze—overcast.
sooTßAmprox.....wilu.,E3.., fresh breeze—overcast.
FOLSZSTorin—Wind N.IE , strong breeze—overcast.
TtrcßßlDGE_wind s., , gentle breeze—overcast.
GREENW IC R—vvind'ii strong breeze—overcast.
gen,tzeette breeze—overcast.
STgOOD--Wind N.E.,
gentle
breese—overcast.
swaixo—Wind 1,4. E ,
counnoTEß—Wind B.W e breeze—overcast.
'd N E
C.tmnarDom.--Wm N.
,geode
" entle breeze , —overcast.
yumouTH—Wind E., strong b I'reezeov—eorNc-aesrct.ast.
The returns from the foliewingreeze,
dle
the wind and Places
cinlod:
weather on w „ince
micaornite4ie
asttateninoef
o'clock :
Lusenunc—Wind N.B. strong bre3-2Y
CARLow_wind N.E. gentle breeze—pu sa•
hintwirohlt—Wind E , strong breeze—partial, cloudy.
PooLE—Wind N.E.. gentle breeze—rain. Y cloudy.
LzinirroN—wind N.r.,.. stro.:g breeze—overcast.
Ciatnitmcm—Wind N.E., strong breeze—overcast.
Bißmilicaum....l,yind N.E., strong breeze—overcast.
I.l°LYFin AD _`V ind E.N. E., bard wind—partially cion,,
W /JAN eAsTm—Wind ME en tle breeze—partially'Y.
. , g cloud..
.‘ arri-,T—Wind N gentle breeze—f-ggY•
tri)Anzniniroll--t
Arind N.W., gentle breeze--overcast. overcast. .
i3"E ....
" ind N.E., gentle breeze—partially Cloudy.
arrocx—Wind E , hard wind—cloudless.

„7 4,,,_,
,p
t- ,\,,..!--7. 3,. ~, .A• , .
......_.....
t,
,_lc,. f:,,, •;,•
• . '
- -la, ~,.
----

leb-t I Tina 64
LONDON, FRIDAY, ALAY 28, 1852.

Immediately before the dissolution • of Parliament
the ,Earl of DERBY has expressed his .views upon the
all-important question of the extension of the political
franchise. It must consequently be with more than
ordinary interest that the speech delivered last even-
in the House of Lords by the present leader of her
MAJESTY'S Government will be examined by the
various constituencies throughout the United King-
dom. From th 3 observations which then fell from
the lips of the Palms 11/IrtsrsTEn, the electors
may perceive how far the members of the
ruling Cabinet are prepared to maintain the
oligarchic influences of Toryism C 9 opposed- to the
liberalizing tendencies of the afte—tboi3e tendencies r
which are nothing less than the inciting principles in
the onward march of civilization. Ueless he had been
in a manner compelled to explain his sentiments upon
a subject of such extraordinary magnitude,
and in
some respects, moreover, of such bewildering intricacy,
it is-scarcelyfprobable that Lerd.Deßny would have
dead p critical junel!ge 44A k4lentt iqwiai°"'

t After being read la for a second time, it
eveningst
s
wasate
n decided
tLaw
nen the(ien titouse of Commons that the
r
13111 should be referred to a
Ablna
Select Committtee. The question may be considered
therefore
Although
As virtually shelve,' duringittheiseximistpeonscsiebloef
Parliament. Although
th© assertion made yesterday
the present
btoydtehneynthone.accuraoy
Member for Newark, to the effect that
the subject treated by the proposedenactment had
the rwe cannot butlament
the
et beenn sufficientlynecessity
si
ty
fo r still investigated,fu
its
procrastination.
The rights of inventors have already been too
long overlooked to render it a matter of indifference
whether their claims should be denied examination
for another year, upon a plea inadequate under
ordinary circumstances. There cannot, of course,
be one moment's doubt that such must literally he
the effect of the decision arrived at last evening
in the House of Common!. The reference to a Select
Committee, at any period, i 3 the most advisable
....4

BATTY'S GRAND NATIONAL HIPPO- to announce opinions calculated, for many reasons, to
.
DRONE,
Opposite the Broad Walk, Kensington-gardens, provoke the most implacable feelings of am-
Will OPEN for the Season, on WHIT-MONDAY, slay 31st, 1852, mosity against his Government. It was,
When an ASCENT will made in the Royal Hippodrome
Balloon, by a celebrated Aeronaut. s there-
fore, by no means spontaneously that
the
Mr. B, in announcing his Second Season, and gratefully remem- Noble Earl addressed himself yesterday to
bering the liberal patronage bestowed upon past performances, begs
leave to state that he has spared neither pains nor expense in select- the consideration of the subject, his real Ben-
ing the best Artists from the principal Continental and Foreign . been elicited
Amphitheatres, to realise the spirit-stirring scenes and exciting con- timents the matter having
tests of the Curiculum, for which the Romans were so famous; and
by the remarks with which the Earl of
to ensure a perfect production of the various scenes, the celebrated
Henri Franconi, founder of the Parisian Hippodrome, has been en- HARROWBY presented a petition praying for such an
gaged, under whose superintendence the numerous Stud of Trained
extension of the franchise as
would bestow upon
Horses, Ponies, Stags, Ostriches, Elephants, &c., will be introduced
from time to time, forming the most complete tout ensemble of learned bodies the rights and privileges of represen-
Antique Pastimes ever witnessed in England.
A splendid Brass Band will be in attendance. tation. Driven to the necessity of at once pro-
Admission—Reserved Seats, 35.; First Class, 25.; Second ditto,
flouncing his opinion upon the most desirable means
is.; Third ditto,
of solving the problem of reform in the constitution
or re-organization of the House of Commons, the
First Lord of the Treasury spoke out with a
candour such as might scarcely have been anticipated
under the circumstances. He endeavoured in no way
to conceal the dislike with which he had regarded pre-
ceding innovations. Nay, more than this, be affected
no readiness whatever to yield to the solicitude of those
who are desirous of placing the elective franchise still
more easily within the reach of the population. The
system of rotten boroughs he was, of course, obliged in
common truthfulness to reprobate as having been al-
together "indefensible." But, notwithstanding this,
Lord DERBY appeared last evening to intimate with
tolerable distinctness an anxiety on his part to pre-
vent, if possible, the further distribution of the pre-
rogative of suffrage to those classes which he boldly
asserted to be "the most easily misguided portions
of the community "—meaning no other than
the industrial part of the population. For inasmuch
as the PRIME MINISTER declared his intentions thus
unmistakeably, we are rejoiced at the circumstance of
last night's discussion. Without that explicit announce.
ment of the intentions of the Minister as to the pro-
minent question of the day, that of Parliamentary
Reform, there might perchance have been serious
misapprehension as to the future policy of his Admi-
nistration. Henceforth all doubt upon the matter
appears to be removed. The Cabinet, with-
out having issued any manifesto, stands be-
fore the country in its true colours, as one
diametrically opposed to the further political emanci-
pation of the multitude. The people must look else-
where if they are really solicitous—as we devoutly
trust in our heart, and as we sincerely believe in our
conscience—to extend yet more largely amongst
themselves the sacred and (when once obtained) in-
defeasible rights of representation. It behoves the
Liberal electors therefore to take Lord DERBY'S
speech of last evening as a guide and an incentive in
their electioneering preparations.
Nevertheless, it must not be imagined that
the leader of the new Government has alto-
gether closed his eyes to the difficulty
of his own Ministerial position, or to the necessity of
something being done in reference to the House of
Commons with a view to its speedy re-organization.
Far from it. As a statesman of considerable
sagacity and experience he perceives the twofold
exigency by which his Administration has from the
first been confronted. It required no great pene-
tration, indeed, to discover that, whatever might be
the name of the Party elevated to power, from
that Party would be demanded concessions the per-
tinacious refusal of which would be impracticable
without the general disruption of the empire. From the
Radicals those concessions would have been large,
from the Whigs less, from the Tories least. Natu-
rally enough, the Tories imagine that the result of
the numerous and comprehensive reforms certain to
be accomplished by a Radical Cabinet would be, of
all things, the most disastrous to the Constitution.
Whereas the Radicals no less naturally feel assured
that the diminutive changes for the better brought
about by a Tory Administration would more than
anything—more even than a French invasion—en-
danger the stability of the state, the peace of the
country, and the prosperity of the population. Of
the medium course pursued by the Whigs the
country has had experience. It rests with the consti-
tuencies of these islands, therefore, to decide as
to the difficulty of the existing alternative.
From the forethought of the Liberal electors we
expect much. To the Free-traders generally we
look with implicit confidence, Neither will consent,
we feel assured, to commit the fortunes of Great
Britain, at this epoch, to the chances of an unneces-
sary and perilous experiment. The Free-traders
must bear in recollection that, although the Protec-
tionist leader has virtually abandoned the principle
of agricultural monopoly, he kiss done so, not be-
cause of his recognition of its pernicious ten-
dencies, but simply because he regards its triumph
to be wholly impracticable. The Liberals, on
th ) other hand, cherish in remembrance
the conviction forced upon them by common
sense that, although the Tory PREMIER admits the
reasonableness of extending the franchise to
Darned bodies like the universities of Scotland, for
example, and to remote quarters of the empire, such
as Canada and Australasia, he allows that his mind is
more than ever averse to distribute more widely
among the masses nearer home the universally
coveted privileges and prerogatives of representation.
Satisfied as to the nature of the policy likely to be
carried out in the event of the Tories being
strengthened by a majority in the next Parliament--
aware from an unhappily protracted experience of the
nature of the policy certain to be revived in the
event of the Whigs being raised once more to the
offices cf Government—the electors of the United
Kingdom should henceforth prepare themselves for
the electioneering struggle about to commence, not
from feelings of party, but rather from the pure and
elevated motives of patriotism. They should demand
of the various candidates, not who are their
men, bat what are their measures. They should
look not to persons, but to principles. The
battle at this moment is not, as formerly,
to be fought in the courts of registration. It is to be
commenced at the hustings and decided at the polling
booths. At the hustings the question ought to be
"Are you a Free-trader ?" net as Sir JAMES
GRAHAM advises, "Are you a supporter of Lord
DERBY ?" Those who aspire to obtain a seat in the
House of Commons ought to be catechised Benne
vshat more closely than es to whether they are
Whigs or Tories, Liberals or Conservatives, advo-
cates of Progression or Retrogression, of
the oligarchic or demceratic principles of
government. They should, instead of being
examined solely upon these general heads, be cross-
examined in detail as to what may be the sentiments
entertained by them individually upon such matters
as national education, and vote by ballot, and an ex-
tension of the franchise, and a re-distribution of elec-
toral districts, and an advance in sanitary improve-
ment, and a continuance of recent efforts at retrench-
ment, and a further modification of our fiscal and
financial arrangements, together with other
scarcely less important reforms long de-
manded, often refused, but ultimately cer-
tain of realization. The next general election,
in short, should be one in which the real feelings of
the
people ought to be sounded more deeply than has
been the case in any one of our foregoing Parliaments.
In order to secure this happy result, it is only neces-
fsrauryitftuhlat the electors should be more true to them-
should regard the juncture as one
asesliviekse•iygTnetoonht7Yodnly of good or evil to themselves, but
eelrreaiaiouernisd to the glory or disgrace of many
future
ap-
proaching
infinitely more is dependent than
morustto
oboeneionna.
the victory of
.r t
oT
undermineh The result
measure very great
data the Constitution.
11:3:9:abeiintUhetepon the balance of the