The Sun.
London, England, 1864-10-27 00:00:00

TI E' SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 27, 1564.

upon the condition of society, and must finally im-
prove the very indifferent circumstances which
seem hitherto to have surrounded the avenues of
the law. It seems strange, indeed, that more at-
tention was not paid to the anomaly that existed
in this department of justice previously, for
much serious evil was doubtless wrought by
the pernicious practice so much in vogue of
passing short sentences at every available
opportunity. It is almost incalculable to trace the
extent and importance of the feeling thus engen-
dered among criminals, and it may safely be ins
ferred that the results were grievous to the com-
munity at large and most deplorable to theconvicts
themselves. Mr HILL referred to the granting of
licenses, which has been largely dealt with in the
new measure. One of the chief merits of the alte•
ration is, that if one of these license holders is
convicted of any offence, be is subject to recommence
his sentence, and, not as heretofore, merely to con-
clude the term yet unexpired in prison. This is
an admirable arrangement, and cne calculated to
produce a most salutary effect on the conduct of
those en probatior. It would really seem as if
every possible laxity had been held out to convicts
of old by the peculiar arrangements in vogue, and
the many indulgences granted to them. Besides
this order to enforce the whole of the
sentence it is enacted that this shall be independent
of any punishment to which he may be subjected
on indictment. Sir GEORGE GREY'S instructions
as to the notification of the new rules respecting
the conditions on which alone licenses are in future
to be granted are most important, and, of course,
Mr. HILL touched upon them. Besides these con•
ditions of good conduct, which hitherto have been
alone required, it will now be necessary for the
convicts to give proofs of industry, on which point,
indeed, the decision will turn as to whether they
are permitted to enjoy the privilege of a license or
not. The custom now introduced of altering the
diet of the prisoners has also greatly changed the
convict service, and the amount of gratuities given
to convicts, when discharged, has likewise intro.
dvced a new feature into the establishment
generally. Referring to these charges, Mr. HILL
observed, that our New Penal Servitude Act
formed an epoch in our legislation, not only be-
cause it was the exernplifievion of the wishes of
the Government and Parliament, but also because
it was the echo of the opinion of public bodies
" charged by authority, or who had charged them.-
selves with the duty of careful investigation into
the working of our criminal law." The learned
gentleman gave a very succinct account of the causes
which led to the peculiar state of the criminal law
in England, cahich is very instructive and interest-
ing; and people may learn from it not to fall into
such errors again from want of due care and caution.
Half a century back, said the Recorder to his
hearers, our criminal code was conspicuous to the
world for its tremendous " denunciations against
crime." Those who now consider that some
laws are too stringent against offenders had
better reflect upon the old regime, in which
no less than one hundred and fifty different offences
were punishable by death, and the other regulations
were proportionably severe for minor crimes. "At
Last the public mind resisted against these rigours,
sad a strong tide set in which in the course of years,
not only swept away a multitude of severities, but
brought the law into a greater state of leniency
than could be justified by a due regard to the
general interests of the community." This is an
able definition of a puzzling question, and accounts
for the unsatisfactory state of things respecting our
Penal Code in a manner that re-moves discredit from
those who administered it, and those who framed
its rules. It is always best to err on the aide of
kindness than of cruelty, and mercy should ev,r
temper justice icy a Chriatia^ country. The mischiet
was that, as Mr HILL remarked, " the law, mild
as it bee one, was outstripped by the laxity
with which it was administered." Now the
learned gentleman says the tide which. has so long
flowed has begun to ebb, and a reaction has taken
place of so strong a nature that we mast expect to
see the reversal of the current. Still this need
cause no fear, for in the present enlightened day it
is not likely that any•of the barbarous practices of
olden times and even comparatively modern ones
will be renewed. On the contrary, there is good
reason to be glad that these erring children of
humanity are now put into a better condition of
training, and have a better chance of amending
their crooked ways. Mr, IT'LL declared with truth
that to discharge a man from prison with false
principles and evil habits, was to leave him in a
state of slavery more surely incompatible with his
welfare here end hereafter than any state which
could result from the harshest visitations of
human jurisprudence." It is well and wise
to consider questions of such grave importance
to ourselves and others in a spirit like this, that the
unhappy beings on whom the law has pronounced
a sentence may be seen in the right light, and not
looked upon as total outcasts, nor yet elevated into
sufferers and victims. Th'e beneficial effects which
are likely to accrue from voluntary industry being
made the sine qua non in granting licenses was
earnestly dwelt upon by Mr HILL; and the super.
vision of the police—so often objected to—was
shown by him to be, in the end, of essential service
to the discharged prisoner, as enabling him to have
some one to appeal to, and to furnish a proof of his
steadiness if unjustly accused of relapsing into old
habits. The learned Recorder of Birmingham has
delivered a very interesting address to his hearers,
and many besides them may gather therefrom
words of warning, and obtain an instructive ana-
lysis of crime and its treatment if they dwell
upon its condensed and comprehensive passages.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTERS TELEGRAMS.)

AMERICA.
ARRIVAL OF THE PERUVIAN,
NEW YORK, OCT. 14 (Evening).
(Via Greencastle.)

The TVorld contains a rumour that Gen. Grant
has removed Generals Warren and Meade for pro-
testing against his orders to assault the Confede-
rate works in their front, which are of great
strength.

The military situation is unchanged.
In accordance with Secretary Seward's request,
the Governor of Cuba has ordered the arrest, at
Havana, of Appleton Oaksmith, a slave trader.
He has, however, not yet been found.
The bids for the loan of 40,000,000 dols. amounts
to 60,000,000. The tenders range from par to 30
hundredths.

The steamer Roanoke from Havana for New
York is missing since the 29th ult. She is supposed
to have been captured by the Confederates.
The case of the passengers of the steamship Etta
has been decided in favour of the Government.

NEW YORK, OCT, 14 (Evening).

Money easy. Gold has fluctuated violently be.
tween 108 and 118. The closing quotation to day
is 114 per cent. premium.
Stocks slightly firmer. New York Centrals,ll9l;
Illinois Centrals, 122; Erie, 971 6.20. U,S. Bonds,
108.

NEW YORK, OCT. 15 (Morning).

The Richmond journals contain rumours that
Hood had captured Atlanta, together with four
Federal corps; and other Southern journals still
assert that the movements progressing in Georgia
render Sherman's position untenable.
Price's headquarters are at Borneville. He had
made a speech asserting that if the people would
rally to his standard he would remain in Missouri.
It was reported that the preparations which were
being made for a Federal attack on Wilmington,
both by sea and land, ware nearly completed.
The elections in Pennsylvania have resulted in a
large Democratic mAjority on the home vote, which
it is believed the soldiers' vote cannot overcome.
I❑ Maryland the elections show a majority of seve-,
ral thousand against the adoption of an anti-slavery
Constitution. It is believed that the soldiers' vote
will not reverse this result.

It is reported that Mr. Chase will succeed the
late Chief Justice Taney.
Gold 119 premium.

NEW YORK, OCT. 15 (Evening):

Vice-President Stephens has written a letter in
which ho says that the only key-note to peace is
the acknowledgment of the Sovereignty of the
States. He favours an armistice and a convention
of the States, and believes that the question of the
boundaries of the Confederacies—Union or Unions
—would adjust themselves to the interest of parties
and the exigencies of the times.
S:seral guerilla bands have entered Maryland.

The Government has accepted GO per cent. of the
bids for the 40,000,000 dole. loan at from par to
30 hundredths. The balance has been taken above
that figure.
Money easy. Gold declined this afternoon to
1151 per cent. per cent. premium.
Stocks slightly firmer. Nay? York Centrals,
119} ; IllinoiQ, 1211 ; Erie, 971; 5 20 Bonds, 108 i.
Cotton slightly firmer. Middling Upland, 115 e.
Flour, wheat, and corn advancing. Provisions
steady. Petroleum Cz ude, 40 to 42. Refined, 66.

CANADA.

QUEBEC, Oct. 10.

The General Convention of Delegates from tt:e
five provinces assemble to-day to inaugurate their
proceedings. Their deliberation 3 will be conducted
with closed doors in the Parliament House, which
has been fitted up for their reception. It is probable
the Conference will last a fortnight.
The delegates to the formal Conference are as
follows :

NEWFCUNDLAND,—Hon. Mr Carter, Speaker of
the House, and the Hon. Mr Shea, Attorney
Gcntral. These gentlemen attend unofficially.

NOVA SCOTIA.—The Hon. Mr Henry, Attorney
General—and the Hon. Messrs. Supper, Archibald,
M'Cully, and Dickey.

NEW BnuNswicx.—The Hon. S. L. Filley, Pro-
vincial Secretary—and the Hon. 'Messrs. W. li.
Steeves, Mitchell, Fisher, Chandler, Gray, and
Johnson (Attorney Genetal),

PRINCE EDWARD'S ISLAND.—The Hon. Mr
Palmer, Attorney General—the Hon. Mr Pope,
Colonial Secretary—Messrs. Davis, Coles, Havis
land, Hamilton, Gray, M'Donald, and Whelan.
CANADA.—Sir E. T. Tache, Premier—Hon. J.
A. M'Donald, Attorney-General, C.W.—Hon. G.
E. Cartier, Attorney-General, C.E.—Hon. Ales.
Campbell, Commissioner of Crown Lands—Hon. T.
D. M'Gee, Minister of Agriculture—Hon. A. T.
Galt, Finance Minister—Hon. George Brown, Pre-
sident of the Council—Hon. C. J. Chapais, Commis-
missioner of Public Works—Hon. Oliver Mowatt,
Postmaster-General—Hon. James Cockburn, Soli-
tor-General, C.W.—Hon. Mr Langevin, Solicitor-
General, C.E.—and the Hon. William M'Dougall,
Provincial Secretary.
The Governor-General will hold a drawing room
in the Parliament House to-morrow, and a grand
ball will be given in honour of the delegates from
the maritime provinces, on Friday evening, in the
same building.

The Rossi; House, which was burnt down in the
autumn of 1862, is at last to bo rebuilt: For this
purpose an influential company has been organised,
and all the stock, with the exception of £B,OOO, has
been subscribed, The prospectus mentions that
the total cost of reconstruction will not exceed
96,000 dols. An offer has been made to rent and
furnish the hotel by a responsible citizen.
A collision has lately taken place on Lake Erie.
When off Fairpoint, the propeller Ogdensburgh,
with four passengers and a crew of 28 persons, was
run into by the schooner Snow Bird and sunk. She
was laden with flour and grain, which, together
with the vessel, were insured. All on board were
fortunately saved.

Indications of coal oil are said to exist in the
neighbourhood of Hamilton city, in that portion of
Barton township
lying between Albion Mills and
Limestone Hill, Boring is being vigorously prose-
cuted under the direction of Mr Fiskett, of Ennis-
killen notoriety. It is thought by some that the
region referred to w:11 equal the "Oil Springs',
themselves in productiveness. _ _

Seven of the persons who were engaged in the
Lake Erie piratical :aid are said to have been ar-
rested at St, Catherineei, C. W., by order of the At-
torney-General. They will be delivered up to the
United States authorities in conformity with the
Extradition Treaty-.
We have had a very heavy fall of snow in Que-
bec, an unusual thing at this season of the year.
The indictment preferred against Birney, the
engine-driver of the train on the occasion of the late
accident, has been ignored by the Grand
Jury at the Montreal Assizes. _ _

QUEBEC, Oct. 12,

It is understood that the resolution declaring the
desirability of a Federal Union was unanimously
adopted by the Convention yesterday.
The second resolution, it is said, if Confederation
succeed, contemplates the jurisdiction of general
subjects to the Federal Government, and of local
subjects to the Provincial Government, and the
admission of the North West Territory, Columbia,
and Vancouver's Island.

Oct. 14.
The Canadian Union conference meets with

closed doors. It is understood that an invitation
will b 3 sent to the Pacific colonies to join the con-
federation.

A proposal for the Crown to appoint the bead o
the Confederate Executive and the Governors
the Provinces has been favourably received.

FRANCE.

PARIS, Ocr. 27.

Th© ilionitear of this morning announces that
the Emperor set out yesterday at noon for Nice to
pay a visit to the Emperor and Empress of Russia.
Vho Constitutionnel of today says :—" We are
authorised formally to deny the rumours relative to
the issue of a new loan."

NICE, OCT. 27.

The Emperor of Russia has given a banquet to
the battalion of Chasseurs of the Guard. Prince
Witgenstein proposed a toast in honour of the
Emperor of the French ; and the commander of the
troops reciprocated by proposing the health of his
Majesty.
BOURSE, Oat. 26.—The market has been heavy,
and quotations are in general slightly lower.
Three, for the Account, are now at 61f. 55c., and
Mobilier at 872 f. 50c. Railway Shares rather
offered, with a decline on some of the lines. The
market improved towards the close, and left off as
follows :

41 per Cents. 9l 75
Do. end month
3 per Cents
Do. end month 6l 70
Credit Mobilior BB2 50
Do. end month B7B 75
Bank Shares 3385
Credit Foneier 1145
Roman

RA IL

I Italian Loan 65
Do. end mouth 65
Ditto Threes ..
New Mexican .... 40
Russian
Austrian ..
Spanish Threes —
Elome Debt ..
Deferred

Cash. Account.
830 830
973 50 .. 970
886 50 885
585 .. 585
495
495 .. 495
337 50 .. 333 75
432 50 .. 435
515 .. 513 75
375 .. 375 75
465 .. 463 75

Orlest4.•c••••:••••,••••
Northern
Lyons and Medituranean
Southern ••••• ••• a e • •
Wetcrn
Eastern
Sardinian
Austrian
Lorrlmrd
North of Spain
Saragossa
Ditto to Barcelona

Naval and Military Intelligence.

____ _4._

In order to prevent a considerable delay in the
delivery of the stern posts for the Bellerophon, which
are being forged for the Admiralty at one of the
private iron establishments in the north, a notifica-
tion lass been received at Chatham that the principal
part of the levelling and planing will be undertaken
in the factory at the dockyard, and not by the con•
tractor. dome additional machinery has recently
been erected in the factory at Chatham dockyard,
adjoining the dock in which the Bellerophon is
under construction, for the preparation of the 6-inch
and other armour-plates which are destined to en-
case the sides of the frigate. Yesterday an announce-
ment was made at the dockyard that, in consequence
of an accident to some portion of the rolling ma■
chines at the Millwall Iron Company's works used
in rolling the iron slabs for the Beilerophon's ar-
mour•plates, some delay is likely to arise in the
manufacture and delivery of the ridge•plates. This,
however, is expected to be only temporary, and, as
there are considerable quantities of skin-plates ready
for shipment to Chatham, the delay is not likely to
cause any very serious inconvenience.

The Queen of Spain has awarded to Commander
George F. Cottam, of the gunvessel Speedwell, a
sword of honour, in recognition of the prompt ser•
vices rendered by him to the Spanish Government
in the month of Nov. last by conveying from Palma
to Santa Cruz, Teneriffc, 671 Spanish soldiers, the
transport ship General Ale.va, which was taking the
troops to San Domingo, having been destroyed by
fire. The troops were much wanted at San Domingo
to assist in'quelling the insurrection. The sword has,
by direction of the Lords of the Admiralty, been
presented to Commander Cottam by Commodore A.
P. Eardlay Wilmot, in command of the equadron
on the West African station.

A trial was made at Chatham dackyard yesterday
afternoon, in the presence of Capt. Stewart, C. 8.,
the superintendent of the establishment, Mr Thorn-
ton, principal master shipbuilder, a party of officers
of the Royal Engineers, and other officials, of a new
description of boom to be used at the entrance of
rivers, harbours, &3., to act as an obstacle to the
passage of hostile vessels, on a plan proposed by
Capt. W. Horton, of the Royal navy. A trial had
previously been made with the invention in the
river, The experiments yesterday were undertaken
to test the resisting power of the boom, and what
force would be requisite to break it asunder. The
boom, or whatever else it may be termed, tested
yesterday consisted of nothing more than four balks
of fir timber, each ono foot square, all firmly bound
together by means of strip iron. Its entire length
was 40ft., but hs bearing spar 33ft. sin. from sup.
port to support. The mass of timber was first tested
up to ten tons, when the deflection was found to be
2in. The 'odd was then made up to 13 tons, when
the strain on the timbers was so great that it was
considered unsafe to increase the weight any further,
the deflection being as much as.3lin.
The Alumbagh t ransport,W. H. Dale, commander,
belonging to Messrs. Dunbar and Co., having on
board 223 men,l2 women, and 17 children, in charge
of Major Mackenzie, arrived at Madras, after a flue
passage of 87 days from the Wight.

MABEE T S—T his Day.

MARK-LANE.

IMPERIAL WEEKLY AVERAGES. Wheat, 38s 6d;
barley, 30s 2d; oats, 20s Od ; rye, 29s id ; beans, 38s 2d ;
and peas, 35s sd.

THE SIX WEEKS' AVERAGES..— Wheat, 39s 8d ;
barley, 30s 9d; oats, 20s 5d ; rye, 33s 2d; beans, 39s 9d;
peas, 36s 2d.

ENGLISH GRAIN SOLD LAST WEEK.—Wheat, 106,931 ;
barley, 82,671; oats, 6,453; rye, 46; beans, 3,544; peas,
1,681 qrs,

METROPOLITAN CATTLE.
The supply of English beasts here to-day was limited;
of foreign extensive, but in very poor condition. All breeds
met a dull sale at Monday's currency. The best Scots and
crosses were worth 5s 2d to 5s 4d per 81b. With sheep we
were fairly supplied, and the mutton trade ruled inactive
at previous rates : the top figure was 5s 6d per 81b. Calves,
the show of which was good, sold heavily at a decline in
value of 2d per 81b. Prices ranged from 3s 10d to 4o 10d
per 81b. There was a fair inquiry for pigs at full prices,
but mulch oows were very dull.