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

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, SEPT. 28, 1864.

Sir CHARLES HASTINGS' remarks on the public
health are most worthy of notice, and many may
derive benefit from thair 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 more neglected—at
all events it is a source of satisfaction to find men
of eminence come forward to give plain statements
and impart valuable advice on such topics, and no
one can now put 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,
will we must concede that all kinds of fatal influ,
ences exist in town which infallibly conduce to this
r.sult. Surely if Nothing 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
thei sanitary regulations of all large towns.
It is a solemn protest against many of our social
observances, that so rumerous a race of these little
ones either die or grow Et sickly
Such a state
of
things ts prejudicial to the best
intcrests of R and
itoelety, behoves all who are cap-
able of lending their
o come forward earnestly
and endeavour to put a
top to some of the worst
of the grievances now
springing up around
Truly might Sir C. TiasTiNos declarebreyevditehheaatrt.e‘
npienrg-
haps there is no view of society
than that which is Worded
had e st r
the
hey:
the facts lately
brought to light respecting the raurdhearovuea
Lion of infant life." Many who
opportunity may not hay() 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
s)mething 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, indifferent, 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 are taken to
benefit the inhabitants of one locality seem but to
increase the troubles of another section of the popu.
lation. Sir C. HASTINGS very properly drew at-
tention to the great sufferings that arise in conse-
quence 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 affictions.
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 'now 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 ;
but even of those so taught how few comparatively
improve their opportunities or benefit by the wear,
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 our 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 riot 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 may 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 favour in
the sight of all who can appreciate the importance
of following the laws of their being with reverence
and homage, and looking thrcugh 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 tile cause of the Imperialists.
He surveyed the walls of Nankin, and imparted the
result of his observations to PIE) Chinese comman-
der, who probably acted upon them, since on the
19th ult. the stronghold was in his hands. pull
particulars are not as yet forthcoming, but the
attack was made simultaneously by land and water,
and an entry effected by the Taeping gate. B.ifort
the close of the day on which the assault was
attempted the city was in the hands of
the Imperialists. The Teepings were driven
to the centre of the city, where probably many west
slaughtered, for the EMPEROR'S troops have no
more humanity or magnanimity than their advers
series when they get the advantage. It is a notice.
able f4ct 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
theirhehandvsigoi!
enemies, has again contrived to elude
lance, and with singular good luck has proved that
he possesses " the better part of valour" in a high
degree by passing unhurt from Nankin. His escape
is a matter of some moment, inasmuch as he hat
with him a considerable body of troops, and is from
his military address styled the " fighting king."
There is, therefore, too good reason 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 com-
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, but of national goodwill and assistance. An
extension of our commercial dealings is possible if
the affair were properly negotiated at a time when
the Imperial Government is forced to be sensible of
its obligations. 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 homes
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,
alai professions.

We hear a great deal about the moderation and
suaviter in modo 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 BISMARK 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 in to the Duchies.
Unfortunately, the events which have reached us
seem to indicate most perversely the con-
trary, and while Prussia is marvelling at her
ovvn'moderation, England is standing aghast at
what she deems the outrageous conduct of her
quondam ally. The war levies in Jutland
occasioned a complete outory 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 official, the
old pastors, &c., 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 remoristrances
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 araty
of occupation, a duty is to be henceforth
levied on all goods coming from Denmark. 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 grandiloquent phrases, boldly
proclaim that she is reckoning on the supineness
or dynastic entanglements of England to carry out,
without remoras, the dictates of her selfish, ag-
gressive, and unscrupulous traditionary policy,

DEATH OF MRS. HARRISON, OF DRIFFIELD.—
On Wedndesday last, Mrs. Harrison, of Driffield Weld,
paid the debt of nature. Ever since the memorable
conviction cf her farm servant, Isaac Watson, before 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 CUSTOMS.—Although the Dalao•
man customs have been greatly exaggerated, and admit
some little palliation, the annual destruction of human
life is terribly great. However trivial an action is done
by the King, such as inventing a new drum, being visited
by a white man, or even removing from one place to another,
it must be dutifully reported by some male or female
messenger to the paternal ghost. I can hardly rate the
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 occas:ons, especially of the King's
illness, many are slain on the suspicionof
offence.witchcra n ft,
ag
the e
whichrin
here, as
ichwehrehlpA prostrated is a capitalted Accra, in 1862, Gelele was
infroer'ined earthquake
that his father's ghost had been seen bathing in
the sea, and was returning to Agbeme. According to Mr
Barnasko ho slew two slaves—others say the unfortunate
captives from Ishagga—and was surprised to hear that the
earthquake had been felt where 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 altcraticn 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 report 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 secresy, 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 were compelled to witness
the executions. In 1862-3, the wretches were put to death
within hearing, if not within sight, of the white visitors. In
1863.4, the King so far regarded the explicit instructions
which I had received, that no life was publicly taken during
daytime. This is, let us hope, the small end of the wedge.
—Burton's Mission to the King 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, Sheffield Moor. Mr Copley occupies as a sale
!hop and manufactory one of three one story shops at the
junction of South-street and Button-lane. He got up
early in the morning to finish some fireworks, La- which he
teal 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
out, the one into South-street, and the o her across Button-
lane. The wall separating Mr Copley's shop trom the adjoin-
ing oyster shop disappeared, end 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
dangerous,f ace, hands,
laeurde
arms, beyond
His
smine
juservieesrearbeubrealsievo
was no one else on the premises at the time of the explssion.
end notthe,
tohebaed
—§befieW ,lndependmt.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

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

The Constitutionnel of this morning publishes an
article, signed by M. Paulin Limayrae, upon the
Franco-Italian Convention.
The writer states that the Convention assures to
the Pope the independence of his army and his
financial arrang(m3nts.

" 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 Neue Freie Prase 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 Angustenburg, 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 Pinzon 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 Picket Company's ship
Panne, has arrived here from the Brazils, &0., 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 £9,396
in specie,

•.•...........

WEST INDIA AND PACIFIC MAILS.
SOUTHAMPTON, SErT. 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, &I, 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 fine weather during the voyage.
On the 23d she passed the brig Germania, and
on the 26th the brig Acacia, of Hartlepool.
Her Majesty's ships Virago and Rinaldo were at
Vera Cruz. The Shannon sailed from Ilavennah 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 let
West India R-giment, which had been engaged in
the Ashantee war, They left Cape Castle on the
30th July in the troopship Wambojceg, followed by
her Majesty's ship Gladiator to the south of the
equator, which thenee 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 garbadoes 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 Post•oflice accounts.

The Legislature is still in vacxtion.
At Grenada, exchange on London at 90 days is
4871.

The rainy season has set in. Much activity is
displayed on the estates. The shipments of pro-
dose 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 Demerara,
Nassau, and Bermuda; the two latter places espe•
cially.
No advices has been received from Mexico.