The Sun.
London, England, 1864-09-16 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY, SEPT. 16, 1864.

The yearly meeting of the British Association is
always looked for with interest by all who have
knowledge or intelligence enough to profit by its
discussions. Men of the highest rank in their
various lines of study each bring their contribution
of experience and ability to the general fund, and
no twelvemonth passes without adding something
to the stores collected by their study and mental
application. The pursuit of science now occupies
a very different position in public estimation from
that in which it was held. Formerly the scientific
philosopher was looked upon as a sort of visionary,
a scholar whose only place was his study, and
whose theories of gases and compounds, and deal-
ings with test and analysis, were suspiciously akin
to the remnants of the black art. Science, however,
has asserted her pre-eminence long since, and no
class of men are now looked upon with more respect,
even by the unlearned and ignorant, than the
natural philosopher. The study of natural science
is indeed at the bottom of all our great inventions,
and more than one important practical revolution
has been suggested by a man of science. Every
year enlarges our knowledge, if only by enlarging
our experience, by new combinations of matter,
new applications of received theories, new tests
of those about which the scientific world is
still in doubt. It is, therefore, commonly the
custom of the eminent philosopher who is
selected to fill the presidential chair at
the annual autumnal gathering to devote his
opening discourse principally to a recapitulation of
the progress of discovery and knowledge up to the
date of the assembly. The distinguished geologist
who was this year elected to the presidency, adopted
a somewhat different ccurse, and his hearers must
have deemed the exception a fortunate one. The
place of meeting this season is the famous watering
place of Bath, and considering the high authority
With which Sir CHARLES LYELL'S observations OD
any subject connected with his favourite science are
invested, no happier coincidence could have occurred
than that which converted the inaugural address
into a lucid exposition of the nature and history of
mineral waters and hot springs. The gaily dressed
crowds who throng the Pamp-room, and the en.
feebled invalids who creep thither in search of
health, would certainly be puzzled if they were
closely catechised as to the origin acd nature of
their fareutite waters. The level scientific among
the audience of the other evening, however, must
have followed Sir CHkRLES'S luminous discourse
with interest and delight, and the least attentive
must have derived from its ample illustrations a
b3tter idea of the qualities and peculiari-
tlee of a hot spring than they had previ-
onily fermsd. The Bath waters, though less
famous than their Continental rivals, possess
same claims to notice,being remarkable
for their vAnme and. high temperature, consider-
ing their distance from volcanoes or the regions of
eerthqeekee. Ia the matter of antiquity, not of
existeace, but of discovery, they may also
claim
&erne interest, as in the days of the Romans they
were in active demand. 'Die modern Bath, like
many another city, owes its prosperity and its

fashion to the presence of the springs, but probably
few of its inhabitants are aware that they are in-
debted to those springs for the very existence of
the city, When the Romans first landed in this
country the spot where these waters rise, was, as
Sir.CHARLES LYELL reminded his hearers, a desc-
late morass, with clouds of white vapour rising into
the air. The Romans were not likely to overlook
such a chance, and accordingly a spacious bath-
room, " built in a highly ornamental style of archi-
tecture, and decorated with columns, pilasters, and
tessellated pavements" soon sprung into existence.
By its side a stately temple was erected to Minerva,
of which some relics are still extant. Then come
the military quarters, and many other buildings, the
massive foundations of the surrounding wall being
traceable. Bat this gorgeous city was not the
Bath of the present day. The Aqum Solis of the
Romans lies some ten or twenty feet below
the level of the modern fashionable city,
and the antiquary may still find proof of its
earlier existence in coins and pavements, and even
coffins. It is a noticeable fact that while even the
architecture of the Romans has crumbled into
nothing the hot springs have not even modified
their temperaturein the years that have passed. In
common with the most noted springs of the Conti-
nent, they have retained a heat as great as is toler-
able to the human body, although when used by
the ancients they did not require any artificial cool-
ing, so that a remarkable degree of uniformity
of temperature has been preserved in some places
for more than two thousand years, while the iden•
tity of the mineral ingredients with those of centu-
ries ago and the unfailing constancy in the ♦olume
of the water are also very noticeable facts which sti-
mulate the philosopher to fresh investigations, Sir
CHARLES LYELL entered at some length into various
theories concerning these mineral springs and their
subterranean sources, and brought forward the
treasures of his knowledge and experience to illus-
trate the several hypothesis which he suggested to
his audience. The concluding portion of his address,
in which he referred to the changes which have
occurred in our planet in the subdivision of sea and
land, was especially interesting, and the facts which
he recited were more intelligitle to ordinary com-
prehensions than the scientific analysis of the waters.
The effects of the sirocco which sweeps over the
African deserts upon the glaciers of the Alps are
especially curious, and the influence of the Gulf
stream upon the climates of Europe, though better
known, are no less remarkable. Such statistics are
full of interest, and it is the office of such associa-
tions as the present to popularise them among the
general public while collecting valuable data for
he cone Le ation of men of science.

Mr NEWDEGATE has taken his turn in discours-
ing upon public events, and in his speech at Coven-
try last Wednesday he discoursed with his usual
decided manner and his downright style. There is
always this to be noticed in Mr NEWDEGATE, it is
his distinguishing characteristic, and it secures him
the respect of those who differ greatly with him in
politics. Ia this respect he forms a notable con.
trast to those wily politicians who aim at nothing
beyond the needs of the passing hour, and if they
can only secure their immediate object all else is
unheeded and uncared for. He spoke on behalf of
the House of Commons, and ceri.ainly made a most
effective address. HO had an awkward task before
him in accounting for his own conduct in the great
debate which took place at the end of the session.
He took what he truly called an " isolated part" in
that great discussion, and it was not a fortunate
selection that he made. It is impossible to account
altogether for people's predilections as to their own
choice, but it must require a powerful incentive to
induce anyone to exult in the issue that has taken
place in the affairs of Denmark. The position in
which that country has been placed is a reproach to
allconcerned in the matter whohad authority to act,
and yet neglected their opportunity. Mr NEWDE-
GATE'S chief object appears to have been to secure
peace. As for the satisfaction with which Mr NEW-
DEGATE regards the present interference of nEutral
Powers, it rests upon a very shadowy foundation,
and he will be very much disappointed if
he is counting much upon it. His criticisms
upon the present state of the House of Commons
were a little more to the mark; and, certainly, no
strictures can be too severe which bear reference to
an assembly the majority of which conducted them-
selves in an tin-English and anti-national manner
at the period of a great crisis. The hon, member
alluded to the caricature in Panch, and declared,

with reason, that there was truth in the represen-
tation of" John Bull" in a state of plethora, a " sort
of commercial Falstaff in top boots." This is a
ludicrous definition of a serious subject, for it is,
indeed, greatly to be deplored that such a semblance
of indifference to the welfare of others, and of ex-
treme selfishness as regards individual and national
benefits, should have crept in among us, and found
their way to the high places and great assemblies
of the land. The principle that has lately been so
eagerly put forward, and so vehemently proclaimed
by influential persons, and by those possessing
power to regulate the actions of others, is a very
false and fatal one. It is false to the hest feelings
and noblest instincts of humanity, and it is fatal to
the growth and maintenance of honourable senti.
meats, to encourage the doctrine that the best
policy is always the safest one. It is not by such
notions that nations have sprung up from obscurity
into renown, aril grass-grown solitudes have been
transformed into cities that impress and influence
the world. As Mr. NEWDEGATE said, this Parlia-
ment has grown old, and it is high time that it
was swept into the past ; a new one can
hardly so misrepresent the genius of the
people and the spirit of the country.
From the actual state of things at present the
honourable member passed on to discuss the nature
of the Parliament in itself, and his remarks contain
reflections worthy of notice. He said that lately
two attempts had been made to describe the House
of Commons. Oae was by Mr. ROEBUCK, and those
who remembered that eloquent harangue will ac-
cord with the praise here pronounced upon it by
Mr. NEWDEGATE, when he said that " in speech
the steel of Sheffield shone bright through their
representative." The Duke DE PERBIGNY made
the second endeavour to give an account of our
Parliament. He was not so successful in his task,
it being of course nearly impossible for a foreigner
to comprehend fully and fairly the nature of the
functions performed by that body, and the high
duties and responsibilities it has to fulfil. Mr.
NEWEDEGATE'S definition of the difference that
exists between the constitution of England and that

of France is a correct one, and he Las shown great

perspicuity of a difficult subject. He said that the
French Constitution was " based upon what was
called authority, which meant absolute power in the
chief of the State however modified," but that the
Constitution of England was quite different. " It
was based upon the freedom of the people, but a
freedom regulated by this adherence to the only
true source of freedom, that pure morality which
was to be found in the Gospel." In this description
we have, perhaps, as good an account as can be
met with of the difference observable in
the two countries. The French nation re•
present an "idea," but the English ex.
hibit a principle in the form of gore! nment, The

former may often be more dazzling in its achieve-
ments ; but the latter is the surer course to follow
in the instability and uncertainty of human affairs.
It is perhaps doubtful if our Constitution would
suit the French, but it has always called forth their
admiration, and their great writers have paid tri-
bute to its excellence. VOLTAIRE, in his " Hen-
driade," has given a fine passage which aptly
describes the apparent enigma of its structure. The
three powers of the State, King, Lords, and Com•
mons, are spoken of as divided by interest, yet
united by the law. Those who do not follow Mr
NEWDEGATE in his extreme ideas about religious
topics must respect the consistency with which he
advocates his peculiar notions; and he does this
without the bitterness that too often distinguishes
such discussions and observations. Altogether the
House of Commons might have had a far worse
representative to do their service, And the hon.
member for North Warwickshire appears to enter-
tain some of those ideas and principles which are
the source and origin of true greatness, and concern
intimately the welfare and well-being of a country.
" The great powers with which the people of Eng-
land have been pleased to invest the House of
Commons," are fruitful topics for consideration ; but
with slight deviation most educated and intelligent
persons concur in the belief which the test of time
and the experience of trials has confirmed, that the
popular branch of the Legislature is the sure sup.
port of liberty, and the unfailing medium for the
exercise of that freedom which is our pride and
honour. •

New Evidence in favour of the Hon.
Mrs. Yelverton.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sir,—From the kind and generous support you have
constantly afforded me, I believe I may trust to your giving
immediate publicity to the following letter, addressed to
me by a ccmparative stranger; one however, too upright
and honourable to suffer such foul injustice to stalk abroad
in open day unchallenged by him. Thus truth asserts its
divine right after six years of the usurpation of falsehood :
"There is a Providence that shapes our ends,
Rough hew them as we may."

I am happy to say, this is the last of the calumnies of
which the whole case for the defence consists. You were
good enough to publish in your columns a refutation from
lily sister, Madame Lefebvre, concerning my first meeting
with Major Yelverton, at which she distinctly asserts she
was present; also another letter from Mrs. Bellamy, who
declares she was present the whole time Major Yelverton
called upon us at our residence in London, The wanton
untruth that I followed Major Yelverton to the Crimea is
absolutely contradicted by the evidence of Captain Gray;
for by a curious coincidence I joined at Marseilles, on one
of her return voyages, the vessel which had taken him
home.

With regard to the caluniny invented to rob me of friends
and fair fame at Mrs Gemble's house, it was made so trans-
parent by that lady and Miss Macfarlane, to say nothing of
the three distinct and contradictory statements by the
Major, who appears to have an inaptitude for remem-
bering the legal statements made for him, that not one
of the fourteen judges, favourable or otherwise, believed
them.

Important as is the letter of Captain Champion in a
moral point of view, another, bearing upon one of the most
vital legal points, has also reached me, and is now in pos-
session of my lawyer..—l am, Sir, yours truly,
Condette, Sept. 13. THERESA YELVERTON•

" Great Britain S.S., Dec. 7, 1859.

" Dear Madam, —Replying to your letter, I beg to say
that I have commanded the Great Britain steamship for the
past five years, and perfectly remember Major Yelverton as
a passenger from Malta to England in the Great Britain
steamship. On referring to the log-books I find that Major
Yelverton embarked at Malta, March 24, 1855, and landed
at Portsmouth April 4, 1855.
" On referring to the log-book I find you embarked at
Marseilles on the 12th May, 1855, and landed at Constanti-
nople 21st of that month. Subsequent to your leaving the
vessel I twice had the pleasure of seeing you at the Galata
Hospital, on the last occasion in the dress of the French
Sisters of Charity.

" Believe roe to be yours respectfully,
(Signed) " JOHN GRAY,
Commander of the Great Britain S.S.

"2, Alliance-villas, Victoria-park-road, Hackney,
London, Sept. 8, 18G1.

" Hon. Mrs T. Yelverton,

" Madam,—l think it duo to you, as well as to myself,
to refute, as far as my knowledge of facts will allow, the
false statements which I have seen in a pamphlet respecting
what took place on board the steamship Melbourne in the
harbour of Balaklava, March, 1856. I commanded the
Melbourne at that time, and distinctly recollect General
Straubenzn bringing you on board (then Miss Longworth),
and placing you under my protection. Previous to that I
had frequently seen you out riding with the General and
his lady. When yourself, the General, his aide-de-camp,
and Major Yelverton, who I knew by sight, came on board, I
was on shore, but returned shortly after ; the General then
told me he wished to put Miss Longworth under my care fcr
a passage to Constantinople, After remaining on board about
20 minutes, himself and party landed. Some time afterwards

I observed Major Yelverton had returned on board in plain
clothes. I also remember him walking on the poop-deck for
some time with yourself and the doctor ; you then sat down
on the arm-chest at the af terpart of the poop, a signal lan-
thorn burning a bright light being suspended directly over
head and exposing every person on deck to view, there being
no bulwarks round that part of the ship. I remained on
deck till nearly midnight, after seeing all the sentries pro-
perly posted. A petty officer was a!s) on watch cn that
part of the poop near where you and the Major were sitting.
Having a large number of troops on board at the time, sen-
tinels were placed on other parts of the deck as well, so that
no part of the deck, fore or aft, was unseen. I saw nothing
in the conduct of Major Yelverton improper ; had it been
so, it could not have escaped observation. The assertion
that any no'Be in
your cabin could be heard in mine is not
correct. The cabin you occupied was in the after part of
the saloon, and mine in the fore part, about 60 feet between
them. The reason that Major Yelverton assigned for not
going into your cabin must therefore be a fabrication. We
sailed at 4 a,m. On arrival at Constantinople I landed you
in my own boat, and saw you safely in the care of some
French ladies wearing the order of the Sisters of Charity.
When these false assertions were first made public I was
not in England, and did not become aware of them until
my return, then too late to ba of any service ; but seeing
the matter revived, and understanding that you continued
the struggle solely for the purpose of clearing your honour
and fair fame, I could no longer refrain offering my tes-
timony so far as I remember the circumstances,
"I have the hono ur to be, Madam,
" Your obedient servant,
(Signed) " W. CHAMPION."