The Sun.
London, England, 1864-01-27 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 27, 1864.

every man 'must do for himself—by securing the
assistance of some well qualified adviser in matters
with which he is himself unacquainted, and by only
dealing at places of known and assured respec-
tability.

The borough members appear to think it neces-
sary for them to take some steps to acquaint them-

selves of the wishes of their constituents, and to set
forward their own opinions previous to the meeting

of Parliament. Lord FERMOY and Mr. HARVEY
LEWIS addressed their constituents at some length,
and their remarks appear to deserve attention. Lord
FERMOY spoke with energy and earnestness, but

his views seemed too much in accordance with the
tactics of Ministers to afford scope for the delivery

of any original opinions, or to enunciate a particular
line of policy. Even in this limited arena, however,
it will be difficult to follow him altogether. In the

first place, he and his friends will find some diffi-

culty in persuading the House of Commons as glibly

as he did his hearers the other evening, that a
" more prudent course was never adopted by any
Ministry than that of Lord PALMERSTON and his

colleagues in relation to the American question."
Neither does it appear altogether so evident that if
we had adopted a different line of action, we should

have made things worse instead of better. If Lord

FERMOVB oration is the text-book from which the

speakers on the Treasury benches are to draw their
discourses, and bears any semblance to the line of
defence abOut to be taken, the Government and
their supporters will have a weary time of it. The
seizure of the steam rams is also glorified in by his
lordship. When he dropped these vexed questions
of Ministerial agency, and proceeded to discuss
the Schleswig-Holstein affair, however, he appeared
to far greater advantage, and gave utterance to
some home truths which might be of very great
service to those whom they were intended for, were
it but possible to persuade them to take notice
thereof. For instance, what could be better or more
to the point than the passage which refers to the

inconsistency and insincerity of Austria and Prussia
in making so much ado about nothing, and insisting
on the principle of nationality being carried out in
all its integrity. Why do they not apply it at home,
forcibly argued the speaker. Why does not Aus-

tria relax in her treatment of Venetia ? Row much
she regards its value. Also Prussia might well be
called to account for not relinquishing that part of
Poland which she now grips.' This is the only
way in which to treat this subject ; and it is gratify-
ing to meet with so spirited and satisfactory an ad-
dress on the eve of the meeting of Parliament.
Were many to re-echo its sentiments, much benefit
might accrue to the good cause of freedom, and pro-
gress might be made in impressing upon these con-
tinental tyrants the glaring inconsistency and
manifest violation of justice which marks the course
of their actions and shapes the fashion of their

policy. The fact is that there is great cunning in
all this parade of " nationality ;" and all those who
are adepts in tyranny and well skilled in oppres-
sion can, when it suits their purpose, become the
warmest advocates of constitutional measures, and
discourse with glowing eloquence concerning the
rights of nations and the claims of the people;
at all events, there is much satisfaction in
turning to the prophecy of Lord FER➢ioY,
that if a war is in reality to take place the two
States which have provoked it will be themselves
the first to suffer for it. If ever a retributive event
took place this would be one, and all right thinking
individuals would rejoice to hear that the effects of
the sinister catastrophe prepared for another had
recoiled on those whose cupidity and want of proper
feeling had occasioned the dilemma. With regard
to home matters, Lord FERMOY'S remarks were
very appropriate. The passage which bore reference
to courts-martial is a very suitable one, and aptly
illustrates the case. Who can say that the present
system is not safe, cheap, or sound, and above all
that it does not answer the ends of justice. It is
satisfactory to find this all - important subject
treated in the right spirit, and it will be for the
interest of the army, the benefit of all concerned in
future disputes, and the great advantage of the
country generally, if these spirited remarks are the
herald and precursor of others, similar in meaning
and synonymous in aim, delivered within the walls
of the House. Also, wa find an allusion to the
question of condemned criminals, and the able
exposition of the failures and fallacies of the law in
this respect elicited loud and universal applause. At
any rate Lord FERMOY does not seem to propose
either for himself or his fellow members a repetition
of that dolce far niente, in which the occupants
of the benches at the right hand of the
Speaker have been wont to revel in during
past years, greatly to their own convenience
no doubt, but seriously to the detriment of the
public interest, the injury of their political reputa-
tion, and the gradual extinction of their influence
and importance. Mr. HARVEY LEWIS made some
observations on the subject of metropolitan rail-
ways, which is likely to engage a great deal of
attention this session, and concerning which some
steps must be taken, or the results may prove as
inauspicious as they were once thought to be pro-
mising. The hon. member also advocated the re-
duction of the interest on insurances, and truly said
that the effect of lowering the duty from three
shillings to one would be of great benefit. It is to
be hoped that the essay may be made at all events,
and thus a valuable service rendered to the many
who stand in imminent need of it. The first day of
the session and the last might almost bear compa-
rison with any of the lost chances, or shattered
castles in the air of legendary romance or fairy
hallucination. So much is to be done, so many
advantages gained for all, is the universal cry during
the whirl and excitement which ensue at the spring
dawn of every new session ; but what affinity does
the last bear to the first, when fictions must give
place to facts. May the present session be an ex-
ception to the rule, and it no very shining or bril-
liant achievements distinguish our foreign policy,
at any rate let some of these urgent home questions,
so earnestly and eloquently advocated by the mem-
bers for Marylebone, be taken up with energy, and
treated with promptitude and foresight.

THE GOLDEN LEGEND—HISTORIA CRITCIS.—
When Adam was about to die, Seth went to the
gate of Paradise to implore oil from the Tree of Mercy, but
the Archangel Michael gave him a branch of the Tree of
Knowledge, saying that when the tree bore fruit his father
would be cured. Meanwhile Adam had died, and Seth
planted the branch upon his grave. it grew into a large
tree and was cut down by Solomon for his Temple. After
various difficulties it was laid aside and came to serve as a
bridge over a pool of water. The Queen of Sheba, prompted
by a vision, warned Solomon that one who would be sus-
pended on that tree would by his death cause tho destruc-
tion of the Jewish empire; and Solomon consequently
had the tree buried deep in the earth. On that spot
was afterwards formed the Pool of Bethesda, and the
healing qualities of the wood appear to have impregnated
the waters. At the appointed time, the wood rose to
the surface, was taken by the carpenters to make the
Cross, and, after the Crucifixion, was once more buried
in the ground, where it remained until the period
of the pious researches of Constantine and his mother
Helena. The pictures, with doggrel verses below them,
are 64 in number. The wood is made in this narration to
pass successively and in immediate contact, with Moses,
David, Solomon,iSybilla, the Queen of Sheba, Abias, Pilate,
and Helena. The Holy Cross was not even then allowed
to remain undisturbed after this; but the Empress Helena
took half of it away with her, and the remaining portion
was carried off by Cosdras, a conqueror of Jerusalem.
lleraclius engaged to rescue the treasure, slew the plun-
derer on a bridge across the Danube, and making a sudden
appearance before the heathen father of Cosdras, sum-
moned him at once to embrace Christianity. Without ap-
parently giving time for a reply he struck the tyrant's head
off, as he sat upon his throne, and finally, restored ate relic
OW) Cross to Jerusalem,—.4thencelon.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

LREUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN. •
HAMBURG, JAN. 27.

News received here from Schleswig states that
the Danes continue to fortify the Dannewerke.
Six thousand soldiers are daily at work forming
entrenchments in order to command the Hadde-
byer and Movenberge road. Two batteries have
been erected in the entrenchments.
COPENHAGEN, JAN. 27.

It is rumoured that the Rigsraad (common
assembly for Denmark proper and Schleswig) will
be convoked very shortly.

VIENNA, JAN, 27.

a delay of six weeks
The Danish note proposing
for compliance with the Austro-Prussian summons
of the 16th instant, to withdraw the November
Constitution, was presented the day before yester-
day to Count Reehberg.

SPAIN.

MADRID, Jan. 26.

The Opposition has agreed not to ask questions
of Ministers until after the accouchement of the
Queen, which is expected shortly.

PORTUGAL.

LISBON, JAN. 25.

The American corvette St. Louis sailed hence
to-day to intercept an English barque with guns
and stores for the Confederate cruiser R ippahan-
nock.

The late loan is now being discussed in the

Cortes.

The Government procrastinates in settling with
Mr. Lindsay.
A corvette has been launched at the Royal
Arsenal. The King was present.

......-..........

THE BOMBAY MAIL.
SOUTHAMPTON, JAN. 27.

The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam-
ship Ceylon has arrived here with the heavy por-
tion of the above mails-27 passengers, 6 packages
of specie, value £942, and 486 packages of cargo,
including raw silk to the value of £35,000.
Exchange on London at Gibraltar, on the 22d
inst., was quoted 5011, for 90 days' sight; on Paris,
526 ; Madrid, 8 days' sight, 4 premium. Freights
were unchanged.

Sir Moses Montefiore, with a numerous retinue,
left Mogador on the lith inst., on his journey to
Morocco. He wi►s received at Mogador with the
same demonstrations of gratitude that welcomed
him at Tangier. Sir Moses gave £2OO for the poor
of Mogador.
The Ceylon spoke the steamer Ripon on the 24th
instant.

The Ellora was to leave Gibraltar seven hours
after the departure;of the Ceylon.

FRANCE.

PARIS, JAN. 27.

The judicial investigation in the case of the Italian
conspirators against the life of the Emperor is not
yet completed. The trial will probably not come
on before the latter half of February.

BOURSE, Jan. 26.—The arrival of the English
funds with a decline of,- has caused the market to
be dull, but prices have 'been, notwithstanding,
pretty well maintained. For the Account, Threes
are now at 66fr. 40c. Mobilier have slightly re-
ceded, being now quoted at 1,015 fr. Railway
Market quiet, but firm. The market closed as
follows:

41 per Cents. 95 10
Do. end month
3 per Cents
Do. end month 66 50
Credit Mobilier 1015
Do. end month 1018 75
Bank Shares 3277 50
Credit oneier 1225 --
Italian Loan 6B 45
RALLI

Do. end month 68 50
New ditto —
Do. end month —
Russian
Austrian
Spanish Threes 5l
(Tome Debt
Deferred
Roman -
VATS.
Cash. Account.
992 60 .. 990
951 25 .. 952 50

Orleanes • • •
Northern

New ditto
Lyons and Mediterranean 930 .. 932 50
New ditto .... - 885 .. _
Smthern ........
Western
Eastern
SarJinian 3BO .. 380
Austrian ......
Lombard
North of Spain
Saragossa 570 .. 671 25
Ditto to Barcelona

the legislature, recommends a conciliatory policy
to the South, and declares emancipation, peace,
and the reconstitution of the old Union should be
the sole object of the war.
A. National Democratic Constitution for the no-
mination of a candidate for the Presidency will be
held in Chicago, on the 4th of July next.

The New York limes has come out for the re-
nomination of Mr. Lincoln to the Presidency.

. The municipal report on the condition of the
barracks o❑ Broadway, near Astor House, has
created much indignation. Sixty men, arrested
for various military offences, were found confined
in a room 15 by 20 feet square. Many had been
there for months with no accommodation for sitting
or lying down. The report states that they were
covered with filth, and treated worse than wild
beasts, and that the existence of such a place was
an outrage on humanity, bringing disgrace to a
nation.

The judge of the Halifax Admiralty Court de-
clared that he shall treat the Chesapeake case as
piracy throughout.
Southern journals report that the steamer Hero
ran ashore, on the 11th inst., off Wilmington, after
having landed the navy officers. One Federal
steamer was blown up, and 24 prisoners were cap-
tured.
The pirate passengers who lately captured the
schooner Garety, from Matamoras, for Havannah,
took her into Honduras, and, after selling a portion
of her cargo escaped.
The Sidon and the Glasgow have arrived out.

NEW YORK, Jan. 16, Morning.

Chattanooga despatches of the 11th instant report
that General Longstreet has been reinforced by
12,000 infantry. His entiro force consists of 34,000
infantry and 12,000 cavalry. Ho is fortifying him-
self at Bull's Gap.
In Cleveland and Tennessee General Longstreet
has levied all able bodied men by conscription.

Washington despatches assert that the reported
raid by General Stuart upon Leesburg is an unim •
portant affair, as he has not sufficient force to make
a demonstration against the Federal right.
General Lee is being reinforced by conscripts and
is organising his cavalry for the spring campaign.
General Butler has sent a messenger to City
Point to arrange for an exchange of prisoners, and
ordered the Confederate prisoners to be brought
into his lines to await release.

The New York Legislature has passed a bill to
enable soldiers in the field to vote.

The steamers Dire and Bendigo have been de-
stroyed off Wilmington.
The Federal steamer blown up off Wilmington is
supposed to be the Iron Age.

COMMERCIAL.

NEW YORK, Jan. 15, Evening.

Money easier. Gold advanced to 551- this morn-
ing, but has since been receding under more pres-
sure to sell, and closed at 55 per cent. prem.
_

Exchange on London—Bankers' Bills, 170 to

1708 ; Paris, sf. 28e.
Stocks steady. New York Centrals, 1331 ;
Illinois Centrals, 123; Erie, 1111 ; Six per Cent.
United States Bonds, 104 Cotton improving—
Middling Upland, 82 to 821. Flour slightly firmer.
Wheat advancing. Corn heavy. Provisions tend-
ing downwards. Coffee quiet. Sugar good in-
quiry. Molasses (11111. Petroleum inactive—crude,
311 c. to 32c. ; refined, 46e. to 48.
NEW YORK, Jan. 16, Morning.
Money easier; gold, 59/ per cent. prem. Exr
change on London, 1701.

QUEENSTOWN, JAN. 27.

The Inman steamship City of Baltimore, from
New York on the 16th inst., arrived here this
morning with 91 passengers and 856,156 in specie.
She landed eight passengers, and proceeded at
3.45 a.m. All well.