The Sun.
London, England, 1864-02-04 00:00:00

LONDON, THURSDAY, FEB. 4, 1864.

sanity or insanity such doubts are entertained and
such suspicions engendered. The last intelligence
on the subject is most important, and will doubt-
less afford considerable satisfaction to those who
have all along been indignant at the lax and un-
business-like fashion in which the whole case has
been managed. It was an unfortunate coincidence
that the case of Weelora should have occurred
when it did, since many have been led to believe,
and some have boldly avowed, that justice appears
under different aspects to the rich and the poor.
The conduct of WEIGHT'S trial was most precipi-
tately arranged ; but there is no reason to declare
that he was not guilty. In the instance of TOWN-
LEY, however, there were cogent and weighty rea•
sons for questioning the decision arrived at, and
deprecating the course pursued by all who
took an active part in the affair. The
present decision of Sir GEORGE GREY to
ignore the previous declaration of lunacy, and sub-
ject the prisoner to penal servitude for life, is very
excellent act, and it is to be hoped that it will be
received in a right spirit. Under the circumstances
no better arrangement could have been come to, for
it would be of course impossible now to carry into
execution the extreme penalty of the law, and at
the same time to leave things in statu quo would be
a prostitution of justice. While, however, com-
mending this resolution arrived at by the Home
Secretary, it must be remarked that this solution is
but a dexterous contrivance to be extricated from
a difficulty which ought never to have occurred, and
that the last paragraph of the commission sent to
the visiting justices of Derby is only an avowal
which makes a virtue of necessity. It is not the
wisdom of the Cabinet, the astuteness of the law
officers of the Crown, nor yet the skilled intelligence
or practical experience of the Home Secretary, that
has discovered the urgent necessity and the vital
consequence of a change of the features of the act
" under which the certificates of insanity in this case
were given." It is the indignant expression of
popular opinion, the public censure that has been
affixed to the whole transactions that related to the
case -of the Derbyshire murder, that has called
forth the change and given rise to the alteration.
Therefore the declaration of Aggesting a change
comes all too late to do honour to the perspicacity
of our rulers, or to save their reputation for fore-
thought, skill, or judgment. There was no reason
why Sir G. GREY should have lent so willing an
ear to the representations of the magistrates regard
ing the supposed lunacy of the criminal. A due
inquiry should have been instituted. Why were
not the gentlemen whose names appear now at the
end of the inquiry, then engaged to make assurance
doubly sure, and to expose the errors and certify
the blunders into which well meaning but most mis-
guided individuals had fallen in respect to the im-
portant fact of the responsibility of the condemned
criminal ? The truth is that negligence,
over consideration, and most mistaken notions
prevailed. They have sufficed to create a
state of things which must not again be
suffered to occur. The majesty of the law,
the cause of justice, and the sacred claims
of honour demand imperatively that the truth be
at all times avowed in a case of this hind. There
must be no mistakes, and more thah that there must
be deep research, accurate testimony, and sound
judgment employed to guard against the possi-
bility of such an anomaly again occurring as that
which has just now caused our Secretary of State
for the Home Department to waver in this way,
and vacillate after the fashion which the last few
weeks have recorded. The fact is that this
TOWNLEY case has been a great blunder through-
out, and adds another to the long list of offences,
grievances, and short-comings with which thy
present Ministers must face Parliament. Seldom
have a Government appeared, at the opening of
a Session, with such a sombre catalogue of charges
arrayed against them; but this one in particular,
which now forms one of the chief topics of the
day, as regards home questions, is of great
importance, and must not be thrust aside, or
slurred over, because foreign affairs of moment en-
gage the attention of our legislators. There is a
time for all things, and no one in public or private
matters ever succeeds better in great undertakings
because he neglects the smaller or more trivial
ones. Not that this subject of criminal procedure
is at all a trifling one, but some may rank it as
secondary to questions which concern events that
in future generations will rank foremost in the
pages of history. It is to be considered whether
we can discuss a more solemn thing than the right
disposal of those unhappy men who are charged
with the gravest offence of which man can be
guilty. As the law is at present constituted, or at
11 events carried out, we seem to waver and alter-
nate between the unseemly haste with which we
hurry on the immortal soul, unfitted to die, all
unprepared, into the presence of its Maker, to await
the audit of the final judgment, or else there come
the conflicting claims, the twofold arguments, and
the complicated asseverations to prove guilt guilt-
less, which end in the defeat of justice, the unfair
treatment of the prisoner, and the general confusion
of ideas which cause the whole affair to become a
byword and a reproach. All that appertains to
the carrying out of sentences, and the execution
of the law concerning criminals charged with mur-
der must be entirely changed, and the footing on
which it is based be of so, solid a structure that
mistakes may be of unfrequent occurrence, and
errors impossible.

As we remarked by anticipation a few days
since, this session of Parliament for 1864 opens
under circumstances almost unparalleled. A
European war actually commenced.! News of
Battle coming to us from the banks of Eider—
where are arrayed against each other in deadly
conflict the troops of Denmark on the one side,
and, on the other, the banded soldiers of Austria
and of Prussia, the invading armies, in fact, of the
two chief Powers of the Germanic Confederetion !
Although our own soldiers have not been thereupon
the foughten field of Missunde—upon the one hand,
as the royal chief of the victorious Danes, Eng-
land recognises not only CHRISTIAN IX., the
patriotic King of DENMARK, but, in his person,
also, the sire of our beloved Princess, nearer and
dearer now than ever to the heart of England, as
the mother of the heir of the Heir Apparent to the
Crown of these Realms. And yet—while our
thoughts fly thus in instant sympathy to the sue of
the Danes, as viewing in them not only a race akin
to oar own, but the vindicators just now of the
imperilled rights of Denmark, and, beyond that
even, it may be, the stability of the whole fabric of
Danish independence—we are principally conscious,
meanwhile, that there are, in truth, also dynastic
reasons for our not looking with unperturbed
satisfaction at the result of the recent conflict
before Missunde. Reasons indicated pretty plainly,
as it happens, by one most significant announcement
among the telegrams received from the seat of war
this very afternoon. That announcement being, as
will doubtless here be instantly conjectured, the
wounding of a:Prince of PRUSSIA: not, it is true, of
the Prince of PRUSSIA, Her BRITANNIC MAJESTY'S
son-in-law, but of a member of his Royal House,
the Prince FREDERIC CHARLES ALEXANDER. And
it is in the very midst of this just beginning war upon
the European Continent that Parliament has this
afternoon assembled again, down at -Westminster.
It may safely enough be asserted, and asserted in
truth with perfect confidence that never once before
this day's Royal Speech was delivered by Commission,
has there been a Speech from the Throne so entirely
Delphic in its character. The Royal Speeeh has
often before now—has, indeed, it may be said
mostly before now—been enigmatical as any riddle
of the Sphinx. But never—certainly not within
our own recollection has the utterance either by
the lips of the SOVEREIGN, or in the name of the
SOVEREIGN, been so entirely and completely
enigmatical from first to last. Scanning it, how-
ever closely, it is a matter of absolute im possibi-
lity to learn from any syllable in it whether
Abroad we are to have War or Peace—whether At
Home we are to have the smallest further modicum
of Reform of any kind, or the smallest further doling
oat of additional boons in the way of Retrench-
ment. The War now afoot between Denmark and
Germany is clouded over with a very haze of words,
The Measures about to be submitted to the Legisla-
ture are vaguely spoken of in the plural in terms of
the most studied generality. A 3 to A Policy of any
description, it remains to this moment entirely invi-
sible, What Ministers are going to do—even if
they are going to do any thilig—we know not, we
eennoi even conjecture. The Administrative future
was indefinite before to-day—it is rendered if pos-
sible still more so now that the Programme (ye
Gods !) has been delivered this afternoon by the
Royal Commissioners in the name of her most gra-
el AS MAJESTY. And this—byway of inaugurating
what will prove, nevertheless, we believe (and small
thanks to the Cabinet when events shall demon-
strate it to be as here predicated), in some respects
one of the most momentous sessions of the Legis-
lature since the date of the accession of VICTORIA
to the throne of England.

The latest intelligence received from Shanghai
fully confirms the account which had reached us in
telegraphic outline of the treachery and cruelty of
the Futai and his men, and of the rupture between
him and Major GORDON consequent upon events
attending the surrender of Soochow. Matters indeed
have reached such a crisis as to render the imme-
diate withdrawal of Major GORDON'S services from
the Imperial cause a very probable occurrence;
while the glaring breach of faith and deliberate in-
sult to a British officer on the part of the Futai and
his fellows have called forth an emphatic protest
from the whole body of foreign consuls. It appears
that the rebels, who were holding Soochow, were
much disheartened by their defeat in the attempt
to repulse Major GORDON'S attack on the earth..
works at the eastern side at the close of November
last. CiIUNG.WANG, whose palace is within the
city, called a council of the Wangs, or chiefs, and
proposed to surrender not only Soochow but all
other cities held by the rebels in the province of
Kiang•sn, Most of the councilors agreed with him;
but there was one important dissentient-- MowANG,
the c.eaamandant of Soochow. He declared he
was able to hold the city although the entire
works were captured, and his determination pre-
vailing the assembly parted. Whether the com-
mander could have carried out his promise under
the assault of disciplined troops led on by an
English officer, may very well be doubted, but he
was not put to the test. CI UNG WANG left the
city the very night on pretence of getting rein-
forcements, but he took his troops with him and
returned no more. O•WANG still remained firm,
but one of the other chicfa opened communicatio❑
with GORDON and the Imperialist General with
a view to the surrender of the city. Before this
was arranged, however, another council of the
Wangs was called, at which, after a stormy dis-

The TOWNLEY case seems destined to establish a
precedent, so far as warning gots: in the future Con-
duct of the authorities with reglird !o those crimi-
nals charged with murder, and concerning whose

THE SPN, LOI\DOIN, THURSDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 4, 1864.

cussion, MOWANG was assassinated. The only
obstacle to a compromise being thus disposed of,
affairs were speedily settled. Major GORDON
guaranteed the safety of the lives and property of
the Wangs, and the Futai endorsed his assurances.
The rebe,s, however, would have been slow to
trust the professions of the Imperialist leader
without the word of the English officer.
At first all went quietly. Major GORDON on
the day after the entry went to the palace of the
Lawang, the chief who had first opened communica-
tions with him. He received his assurances of
safety, and was informed that the chiefs were about
to pay a visit to the Fatai. We may fancy Major
GORDON'S rage and indignation when, on return-
ing from his ride, he heard that the whole of the
Wangs had been executed, and their palaces were
being sacked by the Chinese soldiers. He hastened
to protect one whose owner besought his aid, but
he was powerless to defend it against the riotous
soldiery. After keeping them at bay for some time,
he was obliged to abandon the attempt, and with
difficulty escaped. It is said that CITING, the
Chinese General, rode into the city with his guard,
and endeavoured to check these outrages; also that
the Futai took stringent measures to restore quiet ;
but subsequent events make us doubt whether their
seeming indignation was not part of their plan.
Major GORDON sent for hisbodyguard, and ordered
up the steamers, with tha view of intimidating
the Futai, and holding him responsible for
his disregard of the A:sjor's plighted word.
His messenger was intercepted and be-
headed, and GORDON Limself prevented from
leaving the city and kept prisoner within it until
dusk. This does not look much as if the Imperial
authorities were anxious to stop the massacre and
plunder. It has rather the appearance of being
part of a scheme for destroying the Wangs and
sacking their palaces, The Futai, wishing to avoid
his English coadjutor and his steamers, took refuge
in the city, out of his reach. Major GORDON with-
drew with all his force to Quinsan, where he had
an interview with General BROWN, who had set out
for Soochow, on learning the news that had filled
the whole of the European community with feelings
of indignation and disgust. The Imperialists have
outwitted themselves. They have lost more by this
treacherous conduct than they would have gained
by the capture of half a dozen cities. They have
disgusted the Europeans, incensed their best ally,
and will probably have bitter cause to lament the
massacre of Soochow. Even so far as the rebels
themselves are concerned, it has been sa great error.
SAWANG'S son, who has taken refuge with Major
GORDON, has informed him that the greater part of
the inhabitants of the silk districts were willing to
surrender, but were fearful of the tender mercies of
the Imperialists. A wise clemency and good faith
shown at Soochow would have brought about their
submission. As it is, they may as well die
sword in hand, as by the axe, or the bo tvstring.
Meanwhile General BROWN obtained an interview
with the Futai, and gave strong expression to his
feelings with regard to the fligrant breach of faith.
And what was the answer of the Imperialist who
owed his position iu the very place he was resting
in to the skill and valour of his English ally ? He
said it was a Chinese affair, in which Chinese sub-
jects were concerned, and to which only Chinese
customs were applicable. Then, in the name of our
Christian civilisation and national honour, let the
Chinese settle these purely personal affairs. Let
these very independent authorities subdue their
refractory subjects unaided, and let us give them
no further opportunity of employing the word of an
English gentleman as a lure to betray confidence,
and to entrap those who rely on his promised pro-
tection. Major GORDON is at present strictly
passive, waiting orders from Sir FREDERICK BRUCE.
His inactivity will completely paralyse the efforts
of the Imperialists, and will check the tide of suc-
cess which had turned in their favour. The
rebels, who aro forced to acknowledge the
superiority of his troops, are more than a match for
the Mandarins, and will be greatly encouraged
when they hear of the neutrality of the dreaded
leader. A brief experience of this may induce the
Court of Pekin to take decided measures to induce
Major GORDON to renew operations; but it is time
for English authorities to consider whether they
they will not do wisely in revoking the permission
given to British officers to aid the Imperialists, a
favour for which they have shown little gratitude.
This tragic event proves the wisdom and foresight
of Captain OSBORN in refusing a limited command,
and Sir FREDERICK BRUCE so fully approved of
his conduct that we trust he will act strongly in
the present instance. Let the Chinese settle their
disputes among themselves henceforward, for if ever
the principle of non-intervention is advisable, surely
it is so when our assistance is asked by men who
only seek it iu order that British truth and honour
may be their steppingstones to the commission of
the most ruthless and treacherous crimes.

LE,EUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

AMERICA.
(Arrival of the Teutonia.)

while the best guarantee of stability, and exemption
from fluctuations of moment in the claim account,
is found in the fact that the risks are distributed
over more than 8,000 policies.
We are glad to see by the names attached to the
documents before us, that " Time, the Destroyer,"
has still spared some of those to whose patience and
energy these gratifying results are due. The same
leaders" of commerce, Baring, Hankey, Prescott,
and Rothschild, still head the listlof office-bearers as
trustees, and three at least of the directors can still
look back upon the achievements of 20 years, and
say, with honest pride, " Quorum pars magna
fuimus." There is, however, one point in which the
association has made no progress, and claims to
have made none. In honesty of purpose, in eco-
nomy of management, in publicity of its accounts,
in all those features which make up a good and
sound Life Office, the original programme has been
adhered to, and the Provident Clerks' Association
of today, is simply the association of " Twenty
years ago."

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

ATTACK OF THE AUSTRTANS UPON
THE DANNEWIRKE,
COPENHAGEN, FEB. 4, 8.43 a.m.
The Berlingske Tidende of this morning pub-
lishes the following account of the events of yester-
day at the theatre of war :
The day before yesterday our troops engaged the
Prussians, yesterday the Austrians. The engage-
ment of yesterday points to an approaching general
attack, hut was attended with no less good fortune
to our arms than that of the previous day. Our
despatch is dated from
SCHLESWIG, Feb. 3, 8.15 p.m.
From half-past 3 this afternoon the Austrians
attacked the position of the Dannewirke at
Bustrup.
Artillery and columns of infantry advanced',
against Hatidely.
Towards dark the enemy withdrew, leaving a
few prisoners in our hands,
Later in the evening firing recommenced, bat
ceased for a time.
The King, with one of his aides-de-camp and the
President of the Council, inspected the works at
Missunde in the forenoon. Upon his return
his Majesty heard the firing at Bustrup, and wit-
nessed the retreat of the enemy from the extreme
point of the Bustrup works.
HAMBURG, FEB. 4, 9.37 A.M.
An engagement is expected to-day between
Missunde and Jagel.
The Austrians cannonaded Jagel yesterday.
Preparations are completed for throwing a bridge
across the Schlei.
Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia is said to be
wounded in the arm.
The Prussian losses at the attack upon Missunde
were considerable. Many officers were among the
wounded, and one company alone had 130 men
killed and wounded.

SCHLESWIG, FEB. 3,

The Danish forces engaged in the field today
were the 2d battalion of the first Regiment, the
9th, 11th, and 7th Regiments of Infantry, and
the 11th Battery of Artillery. The Danes lost 1
gun. The Danish loss in soldiers and officers was
not unimportant. Some Prussians were made pri-
soners. The outposts of the Prussian army are at
lionphor, near Vedelspanege. •
Field Marshal von Wrangel's head quarters are
at Kropp.

PARIS, FEB. 4.

The Constitutionnel of to-day publishes an article
by M. Limayrac protesting against the pretensions
of some English journals to throw the responsibility
of the Dano-German conflict upon France. The
writer says :

" The publication of the documents upon the
question will prove that even after the adjournment
of the proposal for a Congress France was ready to
accept any practical proposal. She sees with sor-
row the calamities with which friendly nations are
visited.

"We are convinced," concludes the Constitu-
tionncl, " that England feels the pain, but in cer-
tain quarters it may be mingled with regret to
think that a different policy might perhaps have
averted the calamity."

SOUTHAMPTON, FEB. 4.

The Hamburg and American Company's steamer
Teutonia, from New York on the 23d ult., has
arrived off Cowes. She brings 78 passengers,
110,000 dols. for England, and 500 dols, for Ham-
burg.
On the 31st ult. the Teutonia spoke the North
America in lat. 48 N , long. 25 W. ; on the 2d inst.
the ships Gitana ; and on the 3d the Ow= and
Cambridge.
Her news has been anticipated.

PORTUGAL.
(Per Magdalena, via Southampton.)
LISBON, JAN. 31.

The project of law abolishing the tobacco contract
has been presented in the Cortes by the Minister of
Finance. The duty proposed to be levied is 1,200r5.
per kilogramme on unmanufactured tobacco, and
2,800r5. on cigars, with a drawback on the export
of snuff.
The Government still procrastinates the settle-
ment of Mr. Lindsay's proposal. It is said that
Portuguese shipowners do not wish their African
trade to go into English hands.
The Minister of Public Works has under consi-
deration a new plan for the amelioration of the
Oporto Bar.
A grand masked ball will shortly take place at
the Palace of Ajuda. The King has prepared no
less than thirteen different costumes for the occa-
sion.
The Visconte Sada Bandeira and St. Anselmo
Braamcamp have left the Ministry in consequence
of the reception given by the Cortes to their pro-
posed reforms in the army and municipal guards.
The railway to Baja will be opened in a few days.
A new corvette, the Duke de Palmetta, has been
launched at the arsenal. Another corvette is nearly
ready, and an iron-clad frigate will soon be com-
menced.

Trade is dull, and money tight. Exchange on
London, 53-a ; Paris, 531; Hamburg, 471 ; Genoa,
525; Bentes, 48:7 ; Coupons, 49; Bank of Portugal
shares, 553.

THE BOMBAY NAIL.
MARSEILLES, FEB. 4.
The Valetta, with the above mail, arrived at
Marseilles, at 10 a.m. this day.
The mail leaves for London at 11.30 a.m.