The Sun.
London, England, 1864-11-11 00:00:00

tryirg to pass a rope on to the ship, offering 100
rupees to any man who would take it out. Crowds
were round him, but none would willingly eneoun-

zens be protected by the authorities ? Cannot it
be enacted by the Legislature that it be unlawful
to employ any child or very young person in this
deteriorating work. The jury very properly ad-
ministered a censure in their verdict of acciden-
tal death, to the effect that it was reprehensible
to allow children so young to be engaged in such
combustible materials. This is as it should be,
under the circumstances of the case, It would be
well if not only this establishment but all its
fellows were to take this counsel to heart. It would
be productive of great benefit to all concerned, and
no right-minded, nor deep-thinking person will fail
to subscribe to the merits of the advice tendered.
An awful warning has been given to the heedless,
and let them not disregard the teaching of expe-
rience. If anything could lesson the horrors of
this reminiscence, it would be out of evil came
good, if some would be persuaded that there is a
limit beyond which cupidity must not venture to
intrude, and that no designs will succeed if they
are not based upon firm foundations. Philan.
thropists and reformers of abuses in distant lands
may well look at home at first, and find out
whether within a stone's throw of their dwellings
they may not find enough to engage their atten-
tion and arouse their energy. " Children," says
the Psalmist, are " arrows in the hand of the
giant," but how are we throwing away our re-
sources if we suffer our young population to perish
in the flower of their age, or to contract the most
fearful diseases through the unseemly traffic to
which they are doomed. If the commonalty tole-
rate such a scandal, and permit such abuses, it
cannot be said of them—" they shall not be
ashamed when they speak to:their enemies withi❑
,he gate."

ter Eu ch a fearful risks when an English sailor
came up, and, knowing nothing of the reward,
volunteered to swim out with the cable. He sac•

ceeded in his gallant task,' and, having fastened
one of the ends of the rope to the bow of the vessel,
returned to the shore amid the hearty cheers of the

spectators. It must have been a greater reward to
this gallant British seaman than the unexpected
rupees which awaited him that the nine men on
board all reached land in safety by means of his
rope before the vessel went down. Of course,
when ships of this size were wrecked outright,
smaller craft could not hope to escape, and the
destruction among the river boats and steamers was
terrific. Nine out of every ten boats are said to
have gone down, and, consequently, the difficulties
of the case are increased tenfold from the want of
means of communication with the eh-Qs. The police
hulks have all foundered with only one exception,
while a great part of the vessels that were swept
away from their mooringa were carried high and
dry upon the opposite batik of the river, from whence
many of them can hardly be got off. LLOYDS'
agent calculates the number of ships and cargoes in
jeopardy; at at least 100, and the loss of property
represented by that figure must be something seri-
ous. Still sadder is the loss of life, which is as yet
not even guessed at. The number of English sea•
men lost is variously computed from 100 to 300,
while the loss of the natives is not even calculated.
They went down in hundreds at a time on their
this, and the survivors are now helpless and deso-
late, for they have not a home standing, and the
heavy rain on the piles of decaying vegetation col-
lected by the storm is producing malaria and fever,
At this unhealthy season of the year, this is espe-
cially to be deplored, and active measures are
necessary to avert the dangers still following
on the track of the storm, It is unfortunate that
the Gavernor-General should be absent at the
Durbar in the Hills, but we do not doubt that he
will return at the first moment possible after the
news reaches him. He will find a very different
city from the one be left—with unroofed houses
and churches, with desolated parks and aver uee,
roads blocked up with fallen trees, and the Govern-
ment dockyard itseif iu ruins, while the river still
presents a moat melancholy spectacle. We must
be thankful that the destruction of European life
has been comparatively small; but the loss, ruin,
and disaster which it has carried in so many quar-
ters, will long mark the terrible cyclone of 1864 as
memorable in domestic and commercial as in
meteorological annals.

It is certainly a disgrace to the resources of our
boasted civilisation, that periodically some lives are
sacrificEd to the false systems and faulty manage-
ment that prevail in our workshops and manufac-
tories, to say nothing of the establishments where

milliners' and dressmakers' assistants are cribbed

cabined, and confined at their tedious toil by stern
and unpitying taskmasters and mistresses. Every

now and then some unhappy victim falls a sacrifice,
and a nine days' wonder is created; but hardly has

he tomb closed over the sufferer before every one

goes on his way, heedless of the csuEe and forge

'ul of the consequences of the sad calamity. Surely
t would be more becoming it due heed were paid
Lo the matter, and the right means taken to pre-

vent others falling into the same dangers and being
beset with the same perils. Such coLdict would
be more seemly in a Christian country, and conduce
more to the credit of its citizens and the welfare of

the community than the apathy which now reigns
so paramount in quarters where it might least b.:

expected. T,.e case of the unfortunate boy MICHAEL

MURPHY is one that deservtdly claims attention
alike from its painful character and the discicsures
made in consequence concerning others who follow
the same trade in considerable numbers. One
mistake must be guarded against, not to lock upon
this as an individual instance of misfortune or acci-
dent, nor to consider that the establishment in
question was particularly faulty in its selection of
workers, too juvenile to be fitted for the responsi-
bility. It may surprise some to learn that as many
as 1,800 children and young persons are employed
in the lucifer manufactories of the kingdom, Sad as
the fate of MußraY was, it must be borne in mind
that in dwelling upon his risk we are also alluding
to the chances to which this immense number are
exposed. It ie no exaggeration to state that this is
a subject of great importance, and demands the
attention of those suited and qualified to act, and
able to exercise a repressing influence in this mania
for employing those too young for the dangerous
tasks assigned to them. The Deputy Coroner bore
his testimony to the prevalence of the reprehensible
practice. He stated that "he saw children whom
he would not entrust with a lighted candle at
work near fire works, and in the midst of the most
explosive materials." The sentimental reader
may shudder at the details, and shrink
from the perusal of the frightful death which
the poor lad MURPHY met with, but their feelings
might be rather more painfully excited if
they were told that he is one of a class whose
name is legion, and that hundreds of youthful
creatures who should by rights be sheltered in
some home under the fostering care of relations,
or at least be employed in suitable tasks, are
dragging on their weary work in the midst of this
appalling life in death affair. Can it be right or
fitting that for the sake of the profits of such
cheap employes human life should be placed in
imminent peril, and children exposed in situations
of risk that it is fearful to contemplate. The
cause is a national one, and from the thousand
homes of England should rise the voice of censure
at such management. It is scarcely possible to
imagine a more distressing death than that which
carried off the boy MURPHY. It must have been
a merciful relief when he ceased to exist in such

torments. He was etirring some compound too
violently, it is supposed, when the dangerous mat•
ter exploded, and it is only wonderful that he
was the only victim to the catastrophe. The par-
ticulars of his sufferings are most dreadful to
realise. He was burnt with the mixture in a
frightful manner, and his throat was so in•
jured that he could hardly breathe, and indeed
soon afterwards died in agonies. The well-known

ines in the song—
.' Wives and mothers most despairing, call them lives of
men,"

may, with bitter significance, be applied to this
fatal business, which traffics with its tender human
victims. It is the existence of children that is at
stake in this flourishing trade; and may not their
young voices plead for their release from Euoh un-
suitable labour. When they are taken in some cases
at the ege of six years, it seems time t) do some-
thing in the way of employing a remedial agency
to redress such grievances, and put a period if pos-
sible to much that is unmeet and unadvisable. The
parents and guardians of these little outcasts are
much to be censured for permitting them to enter
upon such a hurtful traffic; but in many cases it is
the little wanderers of the wayside who are taken
to do the work. If they are bereft of those near
and dear, if the ties of family are severed, and the
friends once trusted indifferent or perhaps departed
this life, ought not the welfare of these embryo oiti-

Missouri.

SVINT, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING', ISOVEMBERW, 1861.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

AMERICA.
ARRIVAL OF THE SCOTIA.
(Via Crookhaven.)

The Royal Mail steamship Scotia, :from New
York, ou the 21 inst., arrived at Queenstown at
6.30 a.m. on the 11th inst., with 124 passengers
and 393,300 dole. in specie. She landed 108 sacks
of mails and three passengers, and proceeded at
6.60 a.m. All well.

NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (Morning).

Grant's army has returned to its former position.
It has been ascertained that the country around the
South side railroad is strongly fortified. During
the movement the Confederates on the Boylton
plank road charged the right flank of the 2d
Corps at a point where the connection between the
2d and sth Corps was sot formed. The .New York
Times correspondent asserts this compelled Grant
to withdraw his troops to a safer position.
During Butler's movement General Weitzel as-
saulted the Confederate position on the -Williams-
burg road, but was repulsed with the loss of nearly
two brigades. Grant lost 1,500 men, and captured

800 prisoners.
On Sunday the Confederates penetrated into
Grant's lines for some distance between the 2d and
sth Corps, taking numerous prisoners. They after-
wards charged the breastworks, but were repulsed.
Hood has attacked Decatur, Alabama, and been
repulsed with the loss of four guns and 100 prison•
ers. He has retreated westward along the south
side of the Tennessee river.
A large force under Forrest has been concentrated
on the line of the Tennessee river to attack Padu-
cah and Columbus, Kentucky.

The Confederates are actively reorganising in
West Tennessee. The Confederates under Vaughan
have been routed at Morristown, East Tennessee,
with the loss of several guns and numerous pri-

soners.
The Federals have destroyed the Confederate ram
Albermarle. _ _ .

At a mass meeting of merchants and bankers,
held at Wal'•street, in favour of M'Clellan, reso-
lutions were passed, declaring that the financial
and commercial interests demand a change in the
Administration. Lincoln's abolition policy was

denounced.
The war democracy have held a meeting in New
York. General D x read an address refusing to
support the Chicago nominee, or platform, and re-
commending the reorganisation of the democracy.
The military commission have condemned Dona-
hue and Ferry, New York State agents, at Balti-
more, to imprisonment for life.
President Lincoln has proclaimed the Nevada
territory a State of the Union.
The Military at Buffalo are under arms, being
apprehensive of a raid from Canada.
A serious political riot has taken place at Phila.
delphia during a democratic procession, and numer-
ous arrests were made.
The National Democratic Committee have issued
an address stating that Mr. Lincoln's unscrupulous
supporters are determined to employ for his re.
election a system of violence and_frand unknown
in American history. The Committee urge the
poople to let nothing prevent their casting a demo-
cratic vote.

Governor Seymour has appointed Commissioners
to proceed to Washington to enquire into the arrest
of the New York State • agent, and to take such
action as will vindicate the State laws.
The Cammandant of the New York State
Militia has issued an order enjoining vigilance to
prevent Canadian raids. He denounces the
attempt of General Dix to take the supervision of
the elections as dangerous to the public peace.
The Federal Government is charged with no duty
relative to the election. The Militia will repress
any attempts to disturb the peace, and, if necessary,
will prevent interference with the rights of persons
to attend the polls.
Ti►e Governor of Kentucky has announced that
if military interference is attempted at the elec-
tions, and there are sufficient citizens at the polls
to arrest the offenders, the Sheriff will take them
in charge. If the military force is too large to
arrest, the election will be adjourned.
The Persia and Hibernian have arrived out.
NEW YORK, Nov. 2 (Morning).
Money easy. Gold is excited. It opened on
Monday at 123, advancing late last night to 148 j
per cent. premium, at which it is now quoted,
Exchange on London, 264. Stocks advancing
igew York .Centrals, 1271. Illinois, 1314. Erie
104 i. U. S. Bonds, Five-Twenties, 101. Cotton
advancing. Middling Upland, 125. Breadstuffs
advancing. Provisions steady. Coffee and molaeses
firm. Sugar, good inquiry. Petroleum Crude, 46.
Refined do., 67.
According to the official October statement, the
public debt amounts to 2,017 millions.

(FROM THE CORRESPONDENT OF THE TIMES
NEW YORK, Nov.

Grant's repulse on the 27th ult. was more serious
than at first represented. On the left he threw
forward three entire corps, the 9th, sth, and 2d,

with the expectation of carrying or flanking the
entire Confederate works covering the South Side
Railway. In the sortie made by the Confederates
they interposed a strong force between the sth and
2d corps, doubled up the right flank of the latter, and
drove it back in confusion, capturing many prisoners'
The Federal loss in killed and wounded was 1,500.
Gen. Butler's operations cn the right were equally
unsuccessful. Both the 10th and 18th corps were
repulsed with heavy loss in attacks upon what
were considered weak points in the enemy's lines.
Two brigades were cut off from retreat b 3
the fire of the Confederate batteries. They were
forced to throw themselves upon the ground to es-
cape annihilation, and were captured in that posi-
tion. Both wings of the army returned, under
cover of the night, to their original position.
On the 30th ult. the Confederates made a night
attack upon Grant, penetrated his lines to a conside-
rable distance on the left, capturing 400 prisoners;
but, failing to make any impression on the centre,
returned to their works.

Hood is reported to have crossed the Tennessee
at Cypress Creek, Alabama, on the 30th ultimo,
advancing toward Tennessee, to co-operate with
Forrest, who has large forces at Jackson, in that
State, and at Corinth, Mississippi.
The Confederate Governor Harris, of Tennessee,
is at Jackson, preparing to assemble the Legislature,
Louisvi,le despatches of yesterday state that For-

rest has sent General Buford into Kentucky to de.

monstrate againt Columbus end Paducah. Business
in both places is suspended, goods removed froth
the stores, and preparations made for defence.

General Price appears to be retreating to
Arkansas, with the spoils of his late occupation of

President Davis has appointed the 16th inst. as
a day of thanksgiving for recent successes of the
Confetierate Arms.

CANADA.
NON [REAL, OCT. 28.
The Conference which has been sitting Quebec