The Sun.
London, England, 1864-09-28 00:00:00

LATEST INTELLIGENCE. 1

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28, 1864.

Sir CHARLES HASTINGS' remarks cn the public
health are most worthy of notice, and many may
derive benefit from their perusal. There is no
question that more intimately concerns the safety
and well-being of the community than this; and,
strange to say, there is none mare neglected—at
all events it is a source of satisfaction to find men
of eminence came forward to give plain statements
and impart valuable advice on such topics, and no
one can now pat forward the excuse that they are
ignorant of the nature of the requirements of
health. Among other questions, Sir CHARLES
commented on the high rate of mortality among
infants, and stated that it was a matter which con-
cerned equally the directors in town and country,
e ill we must concede that all kinds of fatal influ-
ences exist in town which infallibly conduce to this
r'sult. Surely if mothing else can induce persons
to pay ordinary attention to the evils put before
them, it should be the distressing circumstance
that so many infants perish prematurely the victims
to our faulty management of the drainage
and the other matters connected with
It
ise sanitary regulations of all large towns.
observances,
solemn protest against many of our SOCidi
that so Luaierous a race of these little
ones either die or grow up sickly and deformed.
Such a State of things is prejudicial to the best
interests of society, and it behoves all who are cap-
able of lending their aid toeome forward earnestly
and endeavour to put a stop
to
up e
some of the worst
of the grievances now ®pranging
around ty.
r that "per. Truly might Sir C. rilasTlNGs decla
haps there is no view of society more disheartening
than that which is afforded by th,
facts lately
brought to light respecting the murderous destruc.
tion of infant life." 31Any who have had the
opportunity may not have availed themselves of it

to ascertain the nature of such details, and hence
Sir C. HASTINGS may be the means of affording
instruction as to the fearful extent of infant disease
among our crowded population, Facts speak for
themselves, and it is needless to add that
mnething might be done to improve the condi-
tion of affairs, when we learn that no less than
a third of the inquests that were held
last year were upon infants under seven years of
age. This shows also that infanticide is most
prevalent, and suggests other painful thoughts
upon the same topic. The suggestions made re-
lative to the Effect upon health which the over-
crowding of all dwellings produces, touches a
subject to which all should be alive, and its
neglect will not fail to work deadly ills to the
idle, ind fferent, and ignorant. How many who
slave night and day to procure additional means
of support for their families, neglect the very
means which would preserve the health, which is
of more value than money to their families; and
for the loss of which no wealth can compensate.
A sort of infatuation appears to prevail in some
minds upon the subject ; but inasmuch as worldly
considerations can hold sway, it is almost the
one thing needful as regards comfort or conve-
nience; and as far as higher influences can pre-
vail, no one can rightly keep the laws of his
CREATOR who is living in a careless or indifferent
manner relative to the preservation of the laws
of health. Overcrowding is one of the most fruitful
sources of disease, and yet it is sad to reflect upon
that this difficulty is almost insuperable in many
instances, and the very means that aro taken to
benefit the inhabitants of one locality seem but to
increase the troubles of another section of the peril..
lation. Sir C. HASTINGS very properly drew at-
tention to the great sufferings that ariso in cmse-
(pence of the neglect of persons to ventilate their
habitations. This want of thought on the part of
the inmates is a fruitful source of the spread of
epidemics, and it would be well for the community
at large if they would take this advice to heart, and
thus secure themselves and those most dear to them
from the contagion of fearful and fatal afflictions.
Overcrowding is most unquestionably a great evil,
but if one thing more than another can mitigate its
horrors it is the introduction of fresh air into a
house, and yet how seldom is the antidote witnessed
on entering small and densely packed places.
Persons seem to think that the winds of heaven
must not blow upon them, and wonder that they
are never well when they refuse to follow
the laws of nature and be guided by
the dictates of common sense. The more
this subject is dwelt upon by the lecturers and
writers of our day, the better they follow the
example of the poet, " Never despair until
success has crowned their efforts." It is fright-
ful to ponder upon the aggregate of evils which
arise from the want of the circulation of pure air
into houses, where whole families are crowded to-
gether in a very small space. We read here—
" Perhaps of all causes, this has most to do with
inculcating and diffusing those continued fevers
which are known as inflammatory or relapsing
fever, typhus, enteric, and gastric fever." If such
teachings cannot induce persons to be wise, they
must learn from the hard lessons of experience ;
bat even of those so taught how few comparatively
improve their opportunities or benefit by the o:cas
sion. Foremost among inimical prejudices is that
dislike which exists among many of the lower orders
relative to the practice of vaccination. This deplor-
able objection is the cause of much calamity, and it is
distressing to learn that the British Isles derive less
from the " genius of their immortal countryman"
than do the dwellers in other lands. Surely this is
a disgrace to the intelligence of cur country, and
means should be speedily taken to do away with
the injurious effects of what Sir C. HASTINGS most
truly depicts as " the striking proof of the obstinate
adherence to preconceived notions created by un-
informed prejudice." It is time that such a scan-
dal should be removed from among us, and one of
the greatest boons which was ever bestowed by
skill and science on the human race should be
enjoyed to the fullest extent, and not perverted by
ignorance and assumption from its proper uses.
Sir C. HASTINGS very truly said that Parliament
ought to interfere more in the matter, and not per.
mit the laxity which endangers the lives of others.
Perhaps next session something may be effected
in this desirable direction; but in the mean
time a great service to the cause of health
has "been rendered by Sir C. HASTINGS,
in his skilful explanation of the subject. As he
observed, we may not live to see the time when the
laws of health will be universally recognised, but
we oaay hasten the advent of that day and thus
benefit the future generation. Surely such a work
is a high and holy one, and will find faTcur in
the sight of all who can appreciate the importance
of following the laws of their being with reverence
aad homage, and looking through Nature up to
Nature's God.

The news from China confirms the rumour of the
occupation of Nankin by the imperialists, and
although the Chinese Commander, no doubt, takes

infinite credit to himself for the exploit, it seems
that the renown of the English leader had some-
thing to do with the capture. Colonel GORDON, as
we know, retired from active service before the
assault, but the long continued successes of the
irregular forces under his command had
inspired too much wholesome fear for the
feeling to be easily got over. The enemy
were evidently much disheartened, and in-
deed their want of spirit was so great that one of
their chiefs is said to have destroyed himself on
hearing that the dreaded Colonel GORDON was
actually before the walls. The English officer, it
will be seen, did not altogether keep to the promises
made on his behalf by Lord PALMERSTON to the
Taeping partisans. He is restricted, indeed, from
taking part in the active strife still going on around
him, but he is not forbidden to aid "with counsel,"
if not with hand, in the cause of the Imperialists.
He surveyed the walls of Nankin, and imparted the
result of his observations to the Chinese cowman•der, who probably acted upon them, since on the
19th ult. the stronghold was in his hands. Full
particulars are not as yet forthcoming, but the
attack was made simultaneously by land and water,
and an entry effected by the Taeping gate, Before
the close of the day on which the assault was
attempted the city was in the hands of
the Imperialists. The Taepings were driven
to the centre of the city, where probably many wen
slaughtered, fur the EMPEROR'S troop have nu
more humanity or magnanimity than their adver•
caries when they get the advantage. It is a notice.
able ftct that CHUNG WANG, one of the most con-
spicuous of the rebel leaders, who has already
effected his escape from Soochow, and from another
city of less note when they fell into the hands of
enemies, has again contrived to elude their vigi•
lane?, and with singular good luck has proved that
he possesses " the better part of valour" in a higL
degree by passing unhurt from Nankin. His eecap(
is a matter of -orae moment, inasmuch as he has
with him a considerable body of troops, and is from
his military addrcis styled the " fighting king."
There is, therefore, too good reaeo . to think that

he and his party will add to the number of bri-
gands and plunderers who have already played
such havoc with Chinese trade and corn.
merce in some districts. There are, however,
contraditory rumours afloat, from which it is pos-
sible that the escape of CHUNG WANG may after
all be fabulous, and that he is at present safely
lodged in the care of the Imperialists. At any rate,
the capture is an important one, for Nankin is a
city of great extent and some consequence. How
far these various successes of Imperialist arms may
prove profitable to our interests remains to be seen.
It seems to be a pity, since the real labour and credit
of the campaign is mainly due to Colonel GORDON'S
force that some recognition should not be obtained
from the Chinese authorities—not of individual
merit, bat of national goodwill and assistance. An
extension of oar commercial dealings is possible if
the affair were properly negotiated at a time when
the Imperial Government is forced to be sensible of
its obligati,)ns. The people, too, who are losing
their prejudice against the " outer barbarians"
who have intruded themselves into their sacred
country will begin to appreciate the advantages
conferred upon them by the presence of Europeans,
when they see the contrast afforded by the districts
within the 30 mile radius of the treaty ports, and
those whose ravaged fields and plundered home.
steads prove their need of a stronger or more in-
vincible arm to defend them. It is, of course, too
much to expect that we shall keep China in order
even for our own interests, but the more willingly
the people submit to our presence in the Treaty
towns the less risk there will be of a war, The
Chinese are naturally a highly commercial people,
and the more their attention is turned to the great
advantages now opening out to them, the better it
will be not only for English merchants and manu-
facturers, but for Chinamen of all ranks, degrees,
and professions.

We hear a great deal about the moderation and
suaviter in ?nod° which have distinguished the
dealings of the great German Powers with their
Northern victims. So great was the self-satisfac-
tion felt at Berlin, that M. VON BIsarARK could
not rest without calling the attention of the other
European Cabinets, more especially of that whose
foreign affairs are administered by his good friend
Earl RUSSELL, to the surprising mildness and
humanity of the German intruders into the Duchies.
Unfortunately, the events which have reached us
seem to indicate most perversely the con-
trary, and while Prussia is marvelling at her
own moderation, England is standing aghast at
what she deems the outrageous conduct of her
quondam ally. The war levies in Jutland
occasioned a complete outcry in this country ;
but, indeed, the passage of the Eider was scarcely
an outrage on the political sense of right. The
tyranny exercised towards the Danish efficial, the
old pastors, &0., was only commensurate with the
expectations formed by those who remembered the
old stories of Prussian occupation. Still all has
been now for some time left unsettled, and the final
conclusion of the armistice is looked for anxiously
by those unhappy Schleswig-Holsteiners who have
effected the unprofitable exchange from King LOG
to King STORK. Lord RUSSELL'S remonstrances
do not appear as yet to have exercised a very bene-
ficial influence on Berlin, for we learn the following
moderate announcement from the Aarhuus Zeitung.
" As the revenue of Jutland has proved insufficient
to pay for the provisions served out to the army
of occupation, a duty is to be hencefcrth
levied on all goods coming from Der mark. Also
by way of encouraging that free political action
which was professedly one of the main ends of
Prussia in commencing the war, the entry of all
Danish papers into Jutland has, with three ex-
ceptions, been prohibited." A very fair specimen
this of Prussian moderation and magnanimity—a
very apt illustration of what the Duchies are to
expect from their new masters. It is hardly worth
while under these circumstances for Prussia to keep
on the mask ; she may as well
,through it off, and
instead of any more grandilcquent phrases, boldly
proclaim that she is reckoning on the supineness
or dynastic entanglements of England to carry out,
without remorse, the dictates of her selfish, ag-
gressive, and unscrupulous traditionary policy,

DEATH OF MRs. HARRISON, OF DRIFFIELD.—
On Wedndesday last, Mrs. Harrison, of Driffield Wold,
paid the debt of nature. Ever since the memorable
conviction cs her farm servant, Isaac Watson, be fore the
magistrates in petty sessions assembled at Driffield, for
refusing to attend the parish church, she had experienced
great depression of mind. Mrs. Harrison seemed to regret
the injustice to which she was a party to punishing this
rustic for declining to worship God in the established
church.—Leeds Mercury.
THE DAHOMAN idT:STOMS.—Although the DAho-
man customs have been greatly exaggerated, and admit
some little palliation, the annual destruction of human
lbiyfethise
Bing,terri
terribly great. However trivial an action is done
such as inventing a new drum, being visited
by a white man, or even removing from one place to another,
ti
rit
sms
eunsgt
r bet dutifully
paternal
rnreported tb. y I so
cma
cane
hmale
yo rr
afteemtahl
ee
slaughter at less than 500, in average years of the annual
customs, and at less than 1,000 during the year of the grand
customs. At exceptional occasions, especially of the King's
illness, many are slain on the suspicion of witchcraft, which
here, as everywhere in Africa, is a capital offence. During
the earthquake which prostrated Accra, in 1862, Gelele was
informed that his father's ghost had been seen bathing in
the sea, and was returning to Agiscme. According to Mr
Barnasko he slew two slaves—others say the unfortunate
captives from Ishagga—and was surprised to hear that the
earthquake had been felt whero his father's name was un-
known. The history mentions part of the palace wall at
Agbomo being overthrown in the days of Sinmenkpen
(Adahoonzou 11. 1774-1789), when the Europeans, im-
proving the occasion, tried to reform the royal manners.
" It does not, however, appear that this representation
produced any alteration in the King's behaviour." It is
evident, that to abolish human sacrifice here is to abolish
Dahome. The practice originates from filial piety, it is
sanctioned by long use and custom, and it is strenuously
upheld by a powerful and interested priesthood. That, as
our efforts to abolish the slave export trade are successful,
these horrors will greatly increase, there is no room
to doubt. Finally, the present King is for the pre-
sent committed to them; he rose to power by the goodwill
of the reactionary party, and upon it he depends. There is
a rept:att that his grandsire Agongoro (Wheenoohew) was
poisoned because he showed a propensity to Christianity,
and the greatest despots are in Yoruba easily told to " go
to sleep," or are presented with the parrot's eggs. Gelele,
I am persuaded, could not abolish human sacrifices if he
would; and he would not if he could. The interference of
strangers will cause more secrecy, and more decorum in the
practice; but the remedy must come from the people them-
selves. Daring the last reign, the victims, gagged and car-
rying rum and cowries for the people, were marched about,
led with cords, and the visitors wero compelled to witness
the executions. In 1862-3, the wretches were put to death
within hearing, if not within eight, of the white visitors. In
1863.4, the King so far regarded the explicit instructions
which I had received, that no life was pub:icly taken during
daytime. This is, let us hope, the small end of the wedge.
—Burton's Mission to the Bing of Dahomey.:
EXPLOSION AT A FIREWORKS MANUFACTORY.—
Early on Sunday morning an alarming explosion
occurred at the fireworks manufactory of Mr Copley, top of
South-street, Sht ffield Moor. Mr Copley occupies as a eale
shop and manufactory one of three ono story shops at the
Junction of South-street and Button-lane. Ile got up
early in the morning to finish some fireworks, fur which he
nal an urgent order. He prepared some paste for rockets,
and at three o'clock applied a light to the paste to try it.
There were other combustibles on the table before him.
The paste gave a slight flash, which instantly ignited the
other combustibles, and in a moment an explosion occurred
which alarmed the whole neighbourhood and completely
destroyed the shop. The front and back walls were blown
oat, the one into South-street, and the other across Button-
lane. The wall separating Mr Copley's shop from the adjoin-
ing oyster shop disappeared, and the latter was almost as
entirely wrecked es that of Mr Copley. The roof of the two
shops was for the most part blown off, and the contents of
both shops were destroyed. It is marvellous that Mr Copley
was net killed on the spot. He, however, is not injured
beyond
warms,asnno one
Hissomen e in severe
else
j uor
injuries
the
er burgs
e premises
onavee h
sd
at
te
tte ht
the time head,
thime face,
de
aonf hands,
dangerous,
eh reeeuxsp,i and
L::ute
.
—Vveie4 jidepeldott,

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

THE FRANCO-ITALIAN CONVENTION.
PARIS, SEPT. 28.

The Constitutionnel of this morning publishes an
article, signed by M. Paulin Limayrac, upon the
Franco-Italian Convention.
The writer states that the Convention assures to
the Pope the independence of his army and his
financial arrangements.

"The Pope,", continues the writer, " could not
refuse to accede to a Convention without placing
his enemies in the right. There is no secret under
standing in the Convention. Before the sth of
September a false state of things existed for all
parties. Now matters have a true aspect for all.
For Italy, who now has foreigners only at Venice ;
for the Pope, who re-enters the normal condition of
his whole power; and for France, who, faithful to
herself, will not have quitted Rome before having
given to the Holy See guarantees against external
dangers and the means of ensuring its security
within."

ITALY.

VIENNA, SEPT. 28.

The Neu° Freie Prose of to-day says :—" Earl
Clarendon has explained to Count Rechberg the
necessity for bringing the peace negotiations to a
speedy issue. He also advocated the early inaugu-
ration of the Duke of Augustenburg, who would be
recognised by England. Earl Clarendon further
explained that the Italian question urgently re-
quired a solution, and that should Austria form a
Northern Alliance to oppose the latest movement of
the Franco-Italian policy, England would not cos
operate with her, although the latter was ready to
support Austria should she lean towards the policy
of the:Western Powers."
To these overtures the Aus-rian Government
reserved its reply.

SPAIN.

MADRID, SEPT. 27.

Official despatches from A dmiral Piozon announce
the satisfactory state of the Spanish fleet in the

Pacific.

It is expected that the Progressist party will
abandon their policy of abstaining from voting.

THE BRAZIL MAIL.

LIMA, SEPT. 27.

The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company's ship
Par Ana, has arrived here from the Brazils, &c., and
will leave for Southampton at 4 p.m, with 80 pas-
sengers, 15 bales of cotton, 342 bales of wool, 807
of tobacco, 145 packeges of sundries, and £9,390
in specie,

WEST INDIA AND PACIFIC MAILS.
SOUTHAMPTON, SEPT. 28.

The Royal Mail Company's steamer Atrato, with
the above mails, has arrived here. She brings 102
passengers, 2,265,043 dollars in specie; precious
stones, diamonds, &c., value £3,100; and 2,727
packages of cargo, consisting chiefly of cochineal,
cocoa, cigars, coffee, and bark,
The Atrato left St Thomas on the 14th inst., and
experienced fiae weather during the voyage.
On the 23d she passed the brig Germania, and
on the 26th the brig Acacia, of Hartlepool.
Tier Majesty's ships Virago and Rinaldo were at
Vera Cruz. The Shannon sailed from Haysnnah on
the 7th inst. The Leander was at Callao. The
Shearwater left Valparaiso on the 9th.
The Pylades, Greyhound, and Styx had sailed
from Barbadoes for Jamaica with troops of the Ist
West India Regiment, which had been engaged in
the Ashantee war, They left Cape Castle on the
30th July in the troopship Wambojeeg, followed by
her Majesty's ship Gladiator to the south of the
equator, which thence sailed to Barbadoes, arriving
there on the 2d Sept. The health of the troops on
the passage was good, only two deaths having
taken place.
The weather at Barbadoes are favourable to the
crops, though provisions are scarce and dear.
Shipments of produce are finished.

Defalcations amounting to £l,lOO have been dis-
covered in the Poet•office accounts.

The Legislature is still in vacation.
At Grenada, exchange on London at 90 days is
487 k.

The rainy season has set in. Much activity is
displayed on the estates. The shipments of pro-
duce are closed. The island has been visited with

heavy gales.

Martinique has also been visited with very bad
weather, and the plantations of cane, coffee, and
cocoa have suffered greatly. Plantain walls have
been prostrated, and houses unroofed and thrown
down. The Botanical Gardens have also been
excessively damaged.

The yellow fever still continued at Demerera,
Nassau, and Bermuda; the two latter places cspe.,

cially.
No advices has been received from Mexico.

FRANCE.

BOURSE, Sept. 27.—There has been no charge in
the tone of the market, which remains inanimate,
but pretty firm. Threes, for the Account, are un-
variel at 65fr. 90c. Mobilier is slightly lower,
being now. at 1,013 fr. 75c. Railway Market quiet.
Italian Loan firm at 671. 50c. The market closed
as follows

4t per Cents 92 55 Italian Loan 67 55
I Do. end month.... Do. end month 67 55

3 per Cents
65 85
Do. end month 65 90
Credit Mobilier 1012 50
Do. end month 1012 50
Bank Shares 339)
Credit Foncier
Roman

Ditto Threes
New Mexican isesa
Russian —
Austrian .. Bl 25
Spanish Threes 43
Rome Debt
Deferred

RAILWAYS.
Cash. Account.
890 -- 888 75
987 50 .. 986 25
920
627 50
615
497 50 .. 500
348 75 .. 348 75
452 50 455
535 -- 536
400 358 75
487 50

Orleans
Northern
Lyons and Mediterranean
Southern
Western
Eastern
Sardinian
Austrian
Loirbard
North of Spain ....
Saragossa..
Ditto to Barcelona

A CONFEDERATE WAR STEAMER TN THE
CHANNEL.—Our Malta correspondent reports that Captain
Browne, of the barque Crawfords, which reached Malta
with coals, from Newcastle, early on the morning of the
21st September, states to have exchanged colours on the
evening preceding
with a three-masted, barque-rigged
armed Confederate steamer, cruising probably to intercept
American vessels, fruit-laden, from Smyrna, for no other
Federal merchant vessels are known to be on their way to
Malta.

HERNE BAY.—VISITORS EXTRAORDINARY.—
Never has such a large influx of visitors entered
this town as on Tuesday week, on which occasion a specu-
lator residing in the bay arranged with the London, Chat.
ham, and Dover Railway Company
for the conveyance of
passengers from London and the return at is 6d per head.
At about noon trains packed with living freights continued
to arrive, and the number of excursionists safely landed at
the station per railway numbered 9,000. To this number
must be added those who came from other parts, Canterbury,
Ramsgate, Whitstable, &e., which would give a grand total
of about 18,000 visitors. As might be guessed, considering
the low rate charged from London, the arrivals were not of
the highest order; indeed, it is to be feared that many were
characters of the worst class. Some rough sports were pro-
vided by the local speculator, and the weather being fine,
the numerous party appeared to enjoy the amusements
amazingly. Although the precaution was taken to com-
mence the despatch of the return trains early in tbo even-
ing, it was half past 1 o'clock before the last batch of ex-
cursionists quitted the railway station, Several fellows were
apprehended for card-sharping and practicing other illegal
games, and were punished by the magistrates,