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

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LONDON, MONDAY, APRIL 4, 1864.

Upon this day pre-arranged before the holidays
for the resumption of the business of the session
by Parliament it will certainly be allowed that
there is no lack of interesting and, some of it,
very important intelligence.
From the seat of war in North America the AU3-
tr3.lian brings us tidings that General LEE has
broken up his encampment on the Rapidan, and
that ho is said to be moving on the Shenandoah
`Valley with a view apparently to an early attack on
the army of the Potomac.
From the seat of war in the north of Europe
comes, via Hamburg, the intimation that the Austro-
Pru3sian troops, in lien of continuing their direct as-
sault upon Duppel, now propose turning the Danish
position there, or at any rate attempting to turn it,
by crossing over to the island of Alsen by means of
Austrian pontoons, everything already, it is said,
being fully prepared for that same formidable move-
ment.

From Paris we learn simultaneously, in re The
Conference, that—according to M. PAUL LIMAYRAC
speaking through the columns of the Constitutionnel,
and seemingly with an air of confidence so impres•
sive as to indicate the announcement as having been,
if not directly authorised by the Imperial Govern-
ment, at the very least what is called by our neigh-
bours" semi-officially inspired"—we learn thus from
the French capital, in re The Conference, that the
Government of his MAJESTY seriously proposes to
suggest at the council-board of Europe the solu-
tion of the Danish Problem by an appeal to Universal
suffrage in the disputed Duchies, to wit in Schleswig
and in Holstein I An announcement so strange of its
kind that the mere fact of its publication in the Con-
sti tutionnel appears of itself to have caused—and no
wonder—a sensation among the Parisians.
Simultaneously with these remarkable fragments
of information coming to us from such wholly diffe-
pass, there are others drop-
pingrent Points of the compass,
in upon us at the same moment from other
directions aitegether-; fragments of intelligence there
last only second in importance to those already
enumerated. A few of the more remarkable it may
be worth while jotting down, here, in a rapid

eat &Logue.
The Archduke MAXI:OIJAN, then, to begin with,
is announced as already on his way to assume his
newly created throne beyond the Atlantic, as the
f.,rst Emperor of Mexicc, all the difficulties hitherto
preventing him from doing se, having at length, it
is said, been removed.

The intelligence brought from the extreme north
of Europe to the effect that the Norwegian
Stor-
thing has just been closed, is Accompsnicd by a

renewed intimation from the King of Sweden and
Norway that those countries may be counted upon
by Denmark es fully prepared to go to her aid in
the event of any supreme emergency—any ewer.
gency, that is, indicating that the Danish Sovereign
and his People are threatened with being over-
whelmed by the superior numbers of their German
assailants.

A telegram from Rio Janeiro, brought hither as
rapidly as steam could bring it across the Atlantic,
carries to us the not unwelcome news from South
America that the Brazilian Government has con-
sented to recognise the mediation of Portugal be-
tween itself and the estranged Government of her
Britannic MAJESTY.

A Swiss Treaty with Japan is announced es
having been ready for signing at Yeddo on the sth
of February—though the treaty in question had
not been signed according to the latest tidings
received direct from Yokohama.

The transference of the lonian Islands from Eng-
land to Greece, news from Corfu defines as having
been formally fixed to take place on the 28th of this
month of April.
Accounts from Lisbon speak of the young King
of PORTUGAL as preparing to take his departure
from the Tagus o❑ his projected visit to the Empe-
ror of the FRENCU at the Tuileries.

The most conflicting rumours still come, mail by
mail, almost telegram by telegram, from the Eter-
nal City as to the state of health of his Holiness—
the more alarming of these rumours, it will be suf-
ficient to say, being, as usual, grossly exaggerated.
While such are the tidings dropping in, fast and
thick, from all quarters in the shape of Foreign
intelligence—here at home are indications of what
are likely to prove sources of no small amount of
popular excitement both within and without the
walls of Parliament.

GARIBALDI'S arrival yesterday at Southampton
may yet be rendered the signal (it is impossible not
to feel this), if not for a stormy political movement
here in England, at any rate for what may even•
tually be developed into one more or less affect-
ing the tranquillity of Christendom.
The struggle of the two great opposing Parties
in the House of Commons, long delayed but now
very imminent—it is impossible again not to recog-
nise this, too, as almost immediately before us—may
begin, in earnest, at any sitting, directly the busi-
ness of the sess;on shall have fairly recommenced
upon the reassembling of the two Houses of the
Legislature.

Mr. ROEBUCK has not been idle during his holi-
days, and his address at Hull is a most excellent one.
It must have afforded great satisfaction to his
hearers, while it reflects the highest credit on the
hon. and learned member. The text was a most
suggestive one. "Why should the science of politics
form a portion of the education of every English-
man?" This is in itself an important subject, and
one that should be freely discussed by all competent
persons. There is no likelihood of one arriving at
the truth, if we only take up the study of politics in
a vehement hurry, or resort to the violent extremes
which party zeal and official excitement are apt to
engender. The real value of things can only be
ascertained by grave reflection, and the relative
position of events, their bearing one upon another,
must be considered calmly. It is, therefore, highly
judicious for a talented man like Mr, ROEBUCK to
bring these matters before intelligent hearers, and
they become impressed with the importance of this
change, or the desirability of that arrangement
much more readily than if they plunged in medias res
into the discussion on the eve of a contested election,
or while persons were angrily debating on the
merits of a difficult question. Mr. ROEBUCK'S
remarks were characterised by their modera-
tion, and this alone constitutes a very great
claiml on our regard, for nothing can militate more
against the effect of one of these popular speeches
than their being imbued with a spirit of bitterness,
and setting class against class. It is a notorious fact
that Mr. BEIGHT has done considerable damage to
the cause of Liberalism by his determined, virulent
advocacy of this mode of diatribe. Incalculable in-
juries have been done to many really desirable mea-
sures by this vehement personality in discourse, for
all quietly disposed individuals naturally confound
the cause with the effect, and are put against the
introduction of plans whose origin seems to spring
from amid the horrors of Radicalism, and to breathe
the atmosphere of revolution. It is well worth
while to peruse Mr. ROEBUCK'S remarks attentively,
for a good deal that deserves consideration will be
found there. His theories were not at all levelling
ones, but he advocated the necessity of the people
becoming more worthy of the political power which
was their heritage by preparing themselves by
education for the high trust. How ranch wiser and
better it is for eminent politicians and skilled orators
to take this view of the subject than to argue as if
the poor were the natural enemies of the rich,
and vice versa. A heavy responsibility
must rest with those who thus misuse their influence
and prostitute their powers in influencing the pas-
sions and rousing the jealousy of their fellow coun-
trymen. Mr. ROEBUCK'S remarks concerning the
education of women are also worthy of attention,
and there is great truth in this observation that
"the .mall wit that was employed against learning
in women was very silly and very mischievous."
He fully explained his meaning by stating that the
influence of a mother upon her children was most
important, and how could that power be rightly
exercised if the mother's intellect was not trained
and matured. Above all, there is reason in the
portion 9f the address which refers to the advan-
tages that would accrue to the people generally if
they were sagacious enough to measure the abilities
and morals of those they chose to be their represen-
tatives. It was the charlatan who promised to do
everything perfectly correct, for ignorance and
want of judgment are the opportunity for such de-
signing individuals, and they reap a rich harvest
from the gullibility of inexperience and conceit
combined. Mr. ROEBUCK brought this topic home
to the minds of those addressed by pointing out the
deplorable ignorance and superstition that prevailed
in many quarters. What with belief in witchcraft
and other gross absurdities, it is nearly incredible
to what devices people will resort to gratify their
morbid love of horrors and their insane notion of
excitement. Mr. ROEBUCK pointed the moral to
his hearers by this vigorous illustration. " Would
it be wise, safe, or sane, to put the destinies of
England into the hands of people like these." No
mistake can be more fatal than to assume that be-
cause a man isof the lower orders he ia naturally and
necessarily unfit for taking part in the legislation of
his country, and selecting those who are to rule its
tactics and regulate its destiny. Another strong
contrast which Mr. ROEBUCK'S remarks cffer to
those of Mr. BRIGHT, is the tone in which he treats
of America. Whereas the member for Birming-
ham strives:to brazen it out, and persists to the last
that all is right as regards his model Republic, Mr.
ROEBUCK more wisely admits that these transatlantic
squabbles have done much to damage the cause of
Liberalism, and have frightened and disheartened
many who had the true cause of freedom at heart.

This is certainly the way to meet with attention
from one's hearers, and to command the respect of
all who peruse the remarks afterwards, No one

will be convinced againd his will, and if wild, un-
tutored listeners burst into a torrent of applause,
it by no means follows that conviction is carried to
the minds of those whose approval is worth posses-
sing. It is very agreeable to dwell upon such a
speech or address as that before us, and it would be
well if more such abounded, and especially from
those of avowedly Liberal principles. The cause
of reform would prosper much more if advocates
would acknowledge the merits of both sides a
little more, and not be afraid or ashamed to confess
when an error was committed, or an injury in-
flicted. Then there would be a better ground for
hoping that the day might not be far distant when
Mr. ROEBUCKS elcquent picture would be realised,
and "the great people of England would be roused
to a fine conception of the great destiny awaiting
them, and surrounding nations would say of them
that they were a people to be reverenced, honoured,
and envied."

It is a sign of better times when the intelligence
which we receive from our Eastern Empire relates
exclusively to matters of domestic interest. 'When
the hill tribes are in arms, when the frontier is
threatened, or sedition is rife in the interior, we
hear nothing of social difficulties or political per-
plexities. When whole districts are parched with
drought and thousands sinking from famine, there
is little thought to spare for discussions is the
Chamber, or modifications in the criminal code.
When the financial prospects of a country are a
perpetual deficit the appointment of minor officers
of state sinks into insignificance. Therefore, when
topics of this mild and reflective nature form the
ehief staple of the news from Calcutta, we have
good reason for hoping that no urgent or weighty
matter is pressing on the public mind. Such is,
indeed, the case, although the rumoured removal of
the seat of Government from the City of Palaces
must have given both Anglo-Indians and natives
enough to talk about for a considerable time. It
is, as we have said, a satiafactory sign to find the
most prominent place in the Indian budget of news
assigned to a debate in the Legislative Council on
the necessity of making some alteration in the ad-
ministration of the criminal laws. There is room,

it seems, for a second HOWARD. The number of con-
victs under jail control is something startling—the
result is, that in a large community the rate of
mortality among the fever-stricken patients is no
less than 20 per cent. ! One-fifth of these miserable
detenus perish, principally, no doubt, by removable
agencies and the state of the jails, since the
passing of the Penal Code, which forbade the
old summary mode of whipping and dis•
charging a prisoner, gives no hope of a
better condition of things. In this strait it
has been proposed to revive the old custom of
ordering a culprit to receive so many lashes and
then to dismiss him, thus getting rid of a prisoner
whom the prisons cannot easily accommodate.
There has been of course a good deal of opposition
to this measure, one of the most eminent of the
opponents being Sir CHARLES TREVELYAN. But,
after some debate the measure was carried, con-
vincing arguments having been brought forward
on its behalf by Mr. ROBERTS, who introduced it
in the Council. During 1862 alone it seems that
10,000 culprits were imprisoned for offences for-
merly punishable with flogging, and the extra cost
to the State was two lacs of rupees. The question
of expense ought not of course to exercise undue
influence in a matter which concerns the moral and
social welfare of the people, but competent autho-
rities declare that whipping has been found to be
the most effectual means of diminishing crime,
since it is the only punishment which the I-Undo°
really holds in dread. It must be borne in mind
that the new measure does not render flogging
compulsory but permissive, and, while recommends
ing its infliction on juvenile offenders, it leaves all
particulars as to its application to the discretion of
the local governments. Since our great object
must be of course to deter from crime, it is well
to consider what punishments are most disliked and
dreaded by the lower orders, having due regard to
proper humanity. If imprisonment only tends to
foster the evils already existing, besides spreading
vice and disease to an alarming extent, it would
be false kindness and mistaken lenity to persevere

in thus crowding our gaols. The approaching
Budget was being looked forward with some eager-
ness when the mail left. There is unfortunately
not much hope of reduction, as Sir CHARLES
TREVELYAN has a deficit instead of a surplus to
deal -with. Happily there is little fear that so
enlightened and energetic a financier will suffer
the public works to stand still. The advantages
which the further extension of the railway sys-
tem and the water works will confer upon India
will be almost incalculable. Already a refuge
from the heat and unhealthiness of Calcutta is
locked for at Dargeeling, which lies nearly due north,
and whose fertile soil has proved so profitable for tea
cultivation. It is hoped that before long Dargee-
ling and Calcutta will be but 18 hours apart, so
that the weary merchant or exhausted official
may, with this brief interval, exchange the malaria
of the city for the life-giving freshness of the hills.
The substitution of a more salubrious and central
spot for our present Anglo-Indian capital is a mat-
ter of great importance and interest, and we are
heartily glad to see the subject brought on the tapis.
In addition to the folly of retaining our hard worked
Governors and their council in the low, marshy, ill-
drained banks of the Hooghly, the glowing impor-
tance of our possessions in the north render it most
unadvisable to be so entirely out of reach of the
Punjab. In a few years we may hope railways will
branch from the one central spot, where the new
capital is situated, through the length and breadth
of India, while the wonder-working electric tele-
graph bears in an instant the warning of danger or
difficulty to the needful quarters. When we add
to this picture the cultivation of the present arid
wastes by means of an efficient water system, and
the reclamation of those waste lands so dear to Sir
CHARLES WOOD, we may hope to see India begin
really to assume her fitting place in the scale of
nations. Meanwhile, it is highly satisfactory to
find that the one source of wealth and prosperity
'which concerns England almost as much as it does
India is holding out most encouraging prospects of
success, and that the cotton crop of the current
year is likely to excel all previous computations,