The Sun.
London, England, 1864-06-30 00:00:00

MARLBOROUGH STREET.

PAT'S DILEMMA.—A rough-looking Irishman, with a
not over-clean face and uncombed hair, stepped forward to
ask the magistrate's advice.
Magistrate—What do you want ?
Pat—Me shirt.
Magistrate—Your shirt I You have mistaken the place.
This is not a shirtmaker's.
Pat (looking round)—lt's my shirt I want, sure'enough.

Royal Horticultural Society.

The great rose show of the season (with which
is incorporated the national rose show) took place
yesterday in the gardens of this society at South
Kensington, and, despite the threatening aspect of
the weather, was numerouslyattended. Fortunately,
however, on the present occasion the rain during
the afternoon, although continually threatening,
did not eescend, and the company were not com-
pelled to confine themselves to the conservatory and
the arcades. But still there was wanting the bright°
ness of the sun to refloot the full beauty of the
flowers, and to give animation to the company,
whose enjoyment was too obviously alloyed by the
apprehension that umbrellas and goloshes might
probably he brought into requisition. As to the
floral display itself it would indeed be difficult to
say anything which has not been said many times
before, and even during the present season. There
was visible in every direc'ion the same apparent
determination on the part of the exhibitors to sut-
pass each other, as the patrons of these gardens
have always had the opportunity of witnessing;
and the race between the amateurs and nurserymen
was so well sustained, that it would be almost invi-
dious to bestow any special marks of commendation
on any of the competitors. The tea scented and
noisette roses, the yellow and moss roses, and, in
short, every variety of that queen of flowers now
obtainable, were there to captivate the eye, and the
display was in all respects strikingly effective and
satisfactory. It might be possible to particularise
certain specimens which, from their beauty and de-
velopment, commanded somewhat more notice than
others, but as the fortunate exhibitors of these find
their reward in the prizes allotted by competent
judges, it is well that comparisons should be avoided.
A floral show devoted almost exclusively to the ex-
hibition of one species of flower might, not unnatu-
rally, be thought to partake in some degree of mo-
notony, but the arrangements were so skilfully
carried out that the prevailing characteristic was
one of harmony rather than sameness. Towards
the latter part of the day the rain poured down in
earnest, and caused a large portion of the company
to bring their promenade to a premature close.
Amongst the more distinguished persons present
were the Marquis of Bristol, Lady Egerton of Tat-
ton, Lord H. Lennox, Earl and Countess Grey,
Lady Ross, Lady Lewis, Lady H. Campbell, Lady
Bell Harden, Lady Burgoyne, Lady G. Grey, Lady
Blakley, Lady Laurie, Sir William Topham, Sir W.
W. Wynn, Lord Grantley, Lady Bagot, Lady Elcho,
and Lady Sandford.
The entertainment was enlivened by the perfor
mantes of two military bands.

The Darien Canal.

As to the undertaking being too stupendeus to be practi•
cable, we have only to look to the other side of the Pacific,
and reflect upon what has been done in China. Compared
with the canalisation, drainage, and irrigation of the Celes-
' tial Empire, to say nothing of its great wall, cutting a canal
across Darien is but a pigmy work after all. " Its execu-
tion," said the engineer sent in 1852 by Messrs. Fox,
Henderson, and Brassey, " offers no engineering difficulties
and no risk of future failure; it is simply a question of
cubic quantity of excavation, dependent on the dimensions
of the cross sections." It is, then, merely a question of
pounds, shillings, and pence. Compare the small amount
of work to be done in Darien with the difficulties overcome
in the case of the Forth and Clyde Canal-35 miles in
length, with a aummit level of 16) feet—which had to be
carried through moss, quicksand, gravel, and rocks, over
precipices and across valleys ; in the course of which, be-
sides smaller ones, 18 drawbridges and 15 aqueducts had to
be constructed. It was commenced in 1768 by Mr
Smeaton, and finished in 1790, at a cost of two
hundred thousand pounds. Compare it also with the
Desagiie Huehuetoca in Mexico, a canal 200 feet deep and
300 feet wide for 1,000 yards, and above 100 feet deep
through an extent of 3,000 yards, executed within the last
three centuries by the Mexicans. To expatiate on the in-
conceivable importance of this design woula be waste of
time; nor is it necessary to allude to the eager anxiety that
has long existed to see a canal across the isthmus effected
somewhere. The Darien route is so feasible, it possesses
BO many favourable features, it will be so easy of execution,
and the circumstances attending it will be so advantageous
independently of the immense, the incalculable result—
that every commercial man, and even the merest smatterer
in science, must feel a deep interest in the consummation of
the greatest work, viewed in connection with its conse-
quences, that the world has ever beheld—a work that will
be the grandest effort of engineering science, and the surest
basis on which to found our hopes of the future esta-
blishment of universal peace and the brotherhood of
nations, forming, as it will, the neutral ground and
place of congress where the nations of the earth
will meet in peace. , This design of joining the two
oceans, and thereby, as it were, approximating the two
hemispheres, is worthy of a progressive age, although it
only seeks now to supply an acknowledged necessity to the
commerce of the world. ►% hen we look back some 30 years,
there was not one ocean steamer afloat. Who shall count
their numbers 30 years hence ? Before the discovery of
gold in California there was not one steamer on the Pacific.
Now, from Panama to California, and from thence to China,
the lines are as continuous as on the Atlantic. The result
of increased facilities of travel is to diminish distance and
link the uttermost bounds of the earth together. A new
nation is rising in Australia, and in its neighbourhood an
old and powerful empire is gradually expanding its com-
mercial relations with the rest of the world. The jealousies
of monopolised commerce have originated many wars, but
international free trade is the great peace-maker of the
world. shall a narrow strip of land, not 40 miles across, be
allowed to remain any longer a barrier on the highway of
nations ? Shall the engineering genius of the most civi-
lised nations confess itself bilfflid by the notion of cutting
a canal less than 40 miles in length.—The Isthmus of
Darien Ship Canal, by Dr Cullen.

The Undergound Mail between Richmond

and the North,

In several of the most prominent refreshment
saloons and gambling dens in Richmond are posted
placards announcing "Letters sent to Baltimore
and the North, and replies brought in return. For
particulars inquire of the proprietor." The pros
prietors of these establishments are principally
Marylanders, and therefore favourites with
General Windor. They are permitted by that
functionary to receive letters for the North,
examine them and pass upon their pro-
priety, and despatch them to their desti-
nation. By the proprietors of these dens these
letters are tz aosferred to the carriers, or, as they are
called, blockade runners, who deliver them at regu-
lar depots in Baltimore. The under-ground post-
master at the latter point distributes them in
various ways among the parties to whom they are
addressed. Persons in the city known to be
devoted to Jefferson Davis receive them directly
from the hands of the postmaster—others find
stuck under the door, while persons outside the
city receive them through the United States
mail. Hundreds of letters from Dixie, brought
North and thrown into post offices in Maryland,
pass through our mails every week. The different
couriers, in going to and from Richmond, take
different routes. Some work their way up through
Loudoun county, and on reaching the Shenandoah
river, a few miles above Harper's Ferry, pass their
mail over to other parties, and wait on the Loudoun
side until the return mail is brought to them. On
the river mentioned is an establishment known as
Coleman's Mills, about four and a half miles from
Charlestown, which the people of that village
(nearly all of whom are rebels of the most desperate
character) are permitted to go to and from at
pleasure with grain and flour. Several persons in
this village, who profess to be loyal but are in
reality traitors, have taken the oath of allegiance
in order to obtain permission to go to and from
Frederick and Baltimore to purchase necessaries
for their families, so that there is not the
slightest difficulty in getting the mail from the
Shenandoah to Baltimore. At Coleman's Mills
the letters are concealed in bags of grain or flour,
and are carried to the village, Where they are
taken out and handed over to one of the "loyal"
residents, who happens to be ready to proceed to
Baltimore to procure necessaries for his family.
Other 'carriers go by way of Mathias and Rock
Points, and at night cross into Maryland, and work
their way to Baltimore, sometimes overland and
sometimes in boats up the Chesapeake. About a
fortnight ago a mail,
consisting of upwards of tOO
letters, many of them of much interest and impor-
tance, was captured in the Bay on its way to Balti-
more. Carriers proceeding in this way invariably
have weights fastened to their mail, so that, if they
are in danger of capture, they can readily sink it;
bat in the instance alluded to, as the mail was
t;aro,.vn overboard the weights became dett.ehed,
and the letters were left floating on the water.—
New York Tribune.

IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT

HOUSE OF COMMONS.--Yester Jay.

The SPEAKER took the chair at a quarter pas t 12 o'clock.
POOR LAW (IRELAND) ACTS AMENDMENT
BILL.

Mr HENNESSY moved the second reading of this bill,
which he said would give to the Poor Law Comm issioners
in Ireland the same permissive power now peasesst by the
English Poor Law Board of issuing orders for the out-
door relief of the able-bodied. He contended that while
the system was expensive, it operated against the morality
of the people.
Lord NAAS regretted the hon. member Iv id renewed
this question, which was discussed very fully Id the com-
mencement of the session, when it was shown that a com-
mittee which had sat upon the subject had reported almost
tmantmou,ly against the proposition proposed by the hon.
gentleman. He denied that athis bill would assimilate the
Irish law with that of England, and contend ect that it it did
the English law could never work in Ireland. He believed
that public opinion was altogether against the measure in
Ireland. He, therefore, moved that the bill be read a
second time that day throe months.
Mr BAGWELL supported the amendment. He ad-
mitted that the people of Ireland had too much pride to go
into the workhouses, but he had no hesitation to say there
was not a farmer throughout the country who would not
receive outdoor relief. The people paid the rates, and ac-
cepting relief; they considered they were merely getting
back a portion of what they had paid. He had himself
known applicants for relief who had a thousand pounds in
the bank. (Loud laughter.)
Mr P. URQUHART supported the bill on account of
its permissive character, and because it was only designed
to meet special cases of distress.
Sir R. PEEL said as the feeling of the house appeared to
be against the bill, the hon. and learned gentleman would
not press it to a division. He believed the law of the two
countries could not be assimilated with advantage.
Mr. BLAKE denied that the impression of the house
was against the bill. He thought it a good one, and he
should therefore give it his snpport. He hoped his hon.
friend would go to a division.
Mr O'REILLY supported the bill.
Mr GEORGE thought the bill quite unnecessary, and
therefore he should vote against its second reading.
Mr MONSELL said if they wished to destroy Ireland,
to increase emigration tenfold, and to impose taxation too
heavy to be borne, the best course they could adopt would
be to agree to the principles advocated by the mover of the
bill. It was perfectly kilo to talk of this bill being popular
with the intelligent chasm, in Ireland.
The house then divided, when there appeared—
For the second reading
Against it
Majority.. —l77
The bill was consequently lost.
TEST ABOLITION (OXFORD) BILL.
This bill passed through committee, and was reported.
Air SELWYN gave notice that he should oppose the
third reading.
STREET MUSIC (METROPOLIS) BILL.
The house went into committee on this bill.
Mr HANKEY inquired whether " Punch" would be
prohibited by the bill ?
Mr BASS—Certainly not.

Mr. KNATCHBULL-HUGUESSEN said "Punch"
was generally accompanied with a drum and fife, and
might he removed under the scope of the bill.
Mr BASS said that if the hon. gentleman would intro-
duce a bill protecting the ancient exhibition of "Punch,"
he would gladly consent to it.

I Mr AYRTON amusingly criticised the letters which Mr
Bass had circulated from parties in favour of the bill, all
begging him to persevere with his bill. lie thought a
person in a handsome house when music was played in
front of his house, might go to the back room.
Mr BASS said one organ came before, and one behind.
Mr AYIiTON felt it to be a measure of tyranny, and
that if people did not pay the musicians they would not
come. In private streets the music was encouraged by the
domestics, and no one ever saw these wandering Italians
look up to the drawing-room windows for payment. They
alwaye cast their eyes to the kitchen, and this bill would
be directed not against musicians so much as against
domestic servants, who were the great supporters of this
sort of music

Sir J. PAKIN G TON thought the bill should remain
as it is, or that every householder should have the power
of sending away street musicians if they wished to do so.
He should be sorry to interfere with the German bands,
because he had heard some well worth listening to, but upon
a balance of considerations, ho was prepared to give power
to the householders he had indicated.
Sir J. SHELLEY opposed the bill on the ground that it
would deprive the poor of a means of amusement.

Sir G. GREY thought the bill would be of great service,
as it would enable the magistrates to come to a decision on
a matter upon which there was now great doubt. He
thought it fair that every householder should have the
power of removing that which he considered a nuisance
from before his door.
Mr BASS said Mr C. Dickens had remonstrated against
this sort of -music, and it would simply be ridiculous to say
that he was one who wished in the slightest degree to lessen
the e'ijoyments of the poar and industrious classes. (Hear.)
Poor Thackeray was driven from house to house by this
street music, and it was known that Tenn) son was driven
away from London for the same cause.

Sir J. TRELAWNY objected to this species of penal
legislation.
Mr HANKEY also objected to the bill.
Mr CLAY thought the object of the bill had been mis-
understood. It would not stop street music, but merely
have the effect of senaing it from districts where it was
objected to to places were the people did not object to it.
Mr A irRTON having moved an amendment to one of
the clauses, the house divided, when there appeared—
For the amendment .. 87
Against it c, 2Ol
Majority
The amendment was therefore negatived.
Mr BENTINCK moved an amendment, which gave to
magistrates before whom a street musician might be con-
victed power to imprison him for any period not loniser than
three days.
Mr. W. R. CRA WFORD asked the hon. member how
he proposed to make provision fur the unfortunate monkey
during his master's incarceration. He presumed the
monkey could not be sent to the workhouse.
Mr BENTINCK said he proposed that the monkey
should be maintained at the expense of the metropolitan
members.
The committee then divided, when there appeared—
For the amendment l2l
Against it
Majority -10
The amendment was then agreed to.

Mr. AYR TON proposed that the proviso empowering
a policeman to take a street musician into custody without
a warrant be omitted.
Mr. BUTT rose, but as the committee refused to hear
him, he moved that the chairman report progress.
The committee divided—

For the motion
Against it
Majority —l2l
The committee then divided on Mr. Ayrton's proposal—
For - ..
Against..
Majority —B3
Sir G. GREY moved to insert words whtch rendered it
necessary that the offence should be committed within
view of the constable apprehending such ‘ffender.
The committee then divided, when there appeared—
For the amendment ..
Against it .... 118
Majority --35
The amendment was lost, and it being
now a quarter to
six, the Chairman repotted progress, and the house resumed.
WEIGHTS AND MEASURES BILL.

This bill was read a third tirue and passed.
The other orders of the day were then disposed of, and
the house adjourned.

THE VOTE OF CENSURE ON THE
GOVERNIAENT.

Mr Kinglike's Amendment,
Last evening, just at the rising of the house,
Mr. Kinglake put the following on the notice
paper of the House of Commons:—
MR. RINGLAKE.—DENMARK AND GERMANY.
—"ln lieu of the last pariAgraph of the Address
proposed by Air. Disraeli, to substitute, by way of
amendment, the words following :
To express the satisfaction with which we have
learnt that at this conjuncture her Majesty has
been advised to abstain from armed interference in
the war now going on between Denmark and the
German Powers. [Monday, 4th July.]

Despatches were received yesterday at the Col'ini
Office from the Governors of the Cape of Good Hope, Natal,
St. Helena and the Bahamas.

DEATH BY FIRE.—On Tuesday Mrs. Beckett, 30
years of age, residing in the Borough, was burnt to death
in her own house in consequence of her dress catching fire,
She was alone at the time, and it is conjectured that she had
placed the candle on the floor while engaged in some house-
hold duties, and set herself on fire by incautiously approach..
log it. When discovered by her neighbours she was en-
veloped in flames from head to foot.
PRESERVATION OF SILKWORMS.—M. Onesti has
found that wood-soot. if sprinkled over silkworms
attacked with f,;bri,ze, effects an almost certain cure, or, at
ail events, prolongs their lives until the cocoons are finished.
The French Minister of Agriculture has addressed a circular
to the p, efets of the sericultural departments of France, and
has requested t;_iat a commission be formed to report on the
value of M. Out ars diEcovery,— Quarterly Journal of
Science.