The Sun.
London, England, 1864-12-30 00:00:00

Commence at 7.

ISS BAT EM A N.-NEW THEATRE
11 ROYAL ADELPIIL— Mr. Webster begs to announce
that the great Tragedienne, Miss BATI MAN, having per-
formed with unparalleled success the character of " Leah"
for a period of nine consecutive months during the last season
at this Theatre, and since won the plaudits of thousands in
Liverpool, Birmingham, Dublin, Manchester, and Glasgow,
the will RE-APPEAR, at this Establishment JANUARY
2d, 1865, in her original character of the Jewish Maiden for a
limited number of nights, previously to her appearing in
oPier illustrations of the tilt, sic Drama, which are in prepa-
ration. The B x-office will be opened on Monday, Dec. 19,
when places may be secured for Miss Bateman's engagement
a fortnight in advance.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.--
Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining.
THIS EVENING, a new Extravaganza, entitled THE
MAGIC HORSE AND THE ICE MAIDEN I RINCESS.
After which, THE STREETS OF LONDON. Messrs.
Vining*, J. W. Ray, D. Fisher, D. Murray, J. Nelson, 11.
Forrester. H. Mellon ; Mrs. Henry Marston, Miss Emma
arnett, and Misa Fanny Gwynne.

ROY AL STRAND THEATRE.
Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs. Swanborough,
THU; EVENING, at 7, SHORT AND SWEET.
Ater which, the Grand Christmas Burl‘sque, THE
" GRIN" BUz,IIES ; or, the Mrs. Brown of the Missis-sippi.
Messrs. Stoyle, Thorne, James, Fenton, &c.; Mesdames Ada
Swanborough, Itaynham, Simpson, Johnstone, &c.
To cmclude with THE WILFUL WARD. Miss Palmer.

COALS.—The LILLESHAL L COMPANY'S
COALS.
Direct from their own Collieries.
Marquis' 264. per ton. Double.. 21s. per ton.
I
Top 255. „ De, p ....225. „
'Well screened and delivered within five miles of their De-
pots, Westbourne Park-road, IV., and 17, South Wharf,
faddington, W., and Maiden-lane, N.
Best Coke
Terms cash.

JOHN SCOTT, Sole &Tent

T" THIRD EDITION OF " THE SUN,"
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oan be had Every Evening of

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HIGH WATER. AT LONDON BRIDGE.
This DAY.—Morning, 2h. 54m.—Afternoon, 3h. 18m.
To-monnow.-Morning, 3h. 40m.—Afternoon, 58. n.

I**.
• 7,2" •••••
te.
4*,
- "-• *44 th

LONDON, FRIDAY, DEC. 30, 1864.

As 1864 is drawing rapidly to a close, men are
already speculating on the prospects of 1865, and
more especially on what will be distinctive features
of that session—the last of the preEent Parliament
—whose openieg days are now only a few weeks
from us. It is scarcely likely to partake of the in-
dolent apathy of its immediate predecessors.
Cabinet and Parliament, es hich alike refused to act
when the choice was left to them, and which
thought to evade all responsibilities and escape all
dangers, like the ostrich, by hiding their heads from
the sight of men, will probably find that they have
purchased their short-lived holiday very dearly.
The evils which might have proved only shadows,
had they been boldly faced, may develope into
alarming realities which will not be put off with
pleas of neutrality and non.intervention. The whole
Continent of Europe is likely to feel the effects of
that Danish War, which a more manly and straight.
forward course upon our part would have averted ;
while the 'Yankees themselves seem about to tear
the mask from our timorous neutrality, and make
us speak out to the world and stand by our prin-
ciples. The Canadian question will certainly de.
mand attention in the early days of the next
Session, and we doubt not that Parliament and
people will give it kindly and careful con-
sideration. But amid the press of foreign
matters home affairs must not be alto.
gather overlooked, and there is at least one
great question of national domestic policy which
has been too long postponed to bear any further
delay. Oar legislators must no longer trifle with
the question of Reform, so often put off from
session to session, on one frivolous excuse or
another. First tho popular feeiing on the matter
was so well understood that pledges and pro.
mises were given in profusion by Ministers on
their own pars, and on the part of the SOVE-
REIGN. So long ago as 1858, when Lord DERBY
took office the demand for Reform was so much
a recognised thing, that when h© entered upon his
new duties he feit bound to declare distinctly that
he woul I introduce a Rofarm Bill. This promise,
as we all know, he carried cut, however partially
or unsatisfactorily, but the temper of the present
House of Commons was sufficiently shown by their
unconditional rejection of the bill, without attempt-
ing modification or improvement. Half a loaf is
better than no bread is a homely adage, but a true
one, and if oar members had tried to do the best
they could with Lord DERBY'S measure, which
really contained some good points, an important I
step would have been gained, and there would be
less to do now, But there was, in fact, little heart 1