The Sun.
London, England, 1864-06-04 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, JUNE 4, 1864

bridge. The sentiments that found an utterance in
that vociferous applause will outlive the feelings
that prompted the evanescent utterances of the
hour, and that heroic people may count it as net the
'east of their tributes that the rank of England rose
up to do them honour.

The improvement of the means of communication
in our busy metropolis has long been occupying a
large share of public attention. The changes pro-
posed, discussed, and partly carried into effect
during the last ten or twelve years, will shortly
have revolutionised the whole appearance of our
timeworn and smoky city. Londoners seem to have
suddenly awoke to a sense of its drawbacks and
deficits, and instead of retaining their old faith in
its perfection, or their old listless indifference to its
failings, they are inclined to begin at once upon
half a dozen works of stupendous character. 'We
are to have an embankment along both sides of
good old Father Thames—we are to have the
inequalities of one great thoroughfare remedied by
the Holborn Valley Improvement, and an intricate
network of railway lines is to relieve our leading
highways of all superfluous traffic. Indeed, what
with the demolition of ancient structures, the erec•
tion of new stations, the consequent new streets and
numberless changes, ouiet folks are beginning to get
somewhat tired of improvements and innovations.
There is, however, one very important department
in which little or nothing has been done, and which
must be altogether reformed before our metro-
politan traffic can be put upon a permanent and
satisfactory footing. So long as London continues
to be the vast emporium of trade and commerce,
which it now is, there must always be a mighty
stream flowing from north to south, from south to
north. Ten years ago it was calculated that 11,000
vehicles passed Foster lane in one day, and since our
traffic is ever increasing, what must the average be
now ? We can form some dim idea by the ceaseless
panorama of wheels passing daily by a City win-
dow through the long hours of daylight and far
into the night. We can estimate its rapid increase
by the constant crush, the frequent stoppages,
which no devices for relieving traffic have
as yet sufficed to cure. And out cf these
hundreds of thousands of vehicles of all kinds
how many need or wish to cross the waters that
divide Middlesex from Surrey ? Those who have
stood on London-bridge through a busy afternoon
may perhaps be able to answer. In spite of railways
thrusting their long arms right into the midst of
our streets and squares, in spite of embankments,
new streets and every other improvement, we have
no reason to hope, or rather to fear, that this streem
of treffic will materially diminish, for the commercial
fortunes of our nation show no evidence of decay.
But a foreigner, while admiring or perhaps envying
the spectacle, would certainly, if a stranger to the
country, learn with surprise that only three of the
bridges which span the Thames are free. It is
curious to find such an anomaly in the great free-
trading nation, when Paris has free bridges and most
other continental cities as well. If toll gates ere
generally detested and are about to be abolished by
common consent, why should the toll on bridges be
preserved ? It is certainly a much greater hindrance
and obstruction to business than the bar on the or-
dinary highway, while it presents much moreserious
difficulties to the poorer class of passengers. A poor
person may go round a street or two without incon-
venience, but to go from Waterloo to Westminster
is another matter, and it is the foot passenger to
whom the toll-money would be the real object.
Some time since Alderman SALOMOeeS brought for-
ward a motion with the object of making all the
Thames bridges free, and such would be the proper
course. The Board of Works could easily purchase
the bridges if empowered so to do by Act of Parlia.
ment, and they might levy a halfpenny rate on
the benefitted property, which is estimated at
£12,500,000. It is at present a noticeable fact that
the neighbourhood of the bridges is comparatively
thinly inhabited, and one result of throwing open
the bridges would be, that working men would be
enabled to live on the south side of the Thames,
thereby relieving a little of the terrible pres-
sure on the labearing homes of London. Rents
would in consequence be less exorbitant,
and what is more important, the public
health would gain. So long as men are obliged to
live within walking distance of their work, and are
deterred by the toll from crossing the neighbouring
bridge, they will be found to huddle their families
into smal rooms and close courts from absolute
lack of choice. The scanty population near the
paying bridges is evidence how much they affect
the settlement of the poorer classes, and we need
not wonder that men of that rank take the toll
into consideration when we find large firms like
CIIAPLIN and HORNE taking advantage of the free
bridges. It is but natural that they should do so,
since their business is not of a pressing nature, but
the fact of such a choice shows how much the open.
ing of the bridges would relieve the traffic on the
northern side cf the river. Some movement is
likely, we hope, to he made in this matter before
long, since the Chairman of the Southwark-bridge
Company has informed the LORD MAYOR that the
directors are prepared to conclude a negotiation for
opening the bridge to the public for a limited period
on terms to be agreed upon, or which seems the
simpler and better methor!, they are willing to
effect a sale for £200,000. The bridge originally
cost £700,000. The proposal has been submitted
to the Common Council, and referred to the Bridge
House Estates Committee for consideration. Let us
hope that they may decide upon it in accordance
with the requirements of the public convenience.
It would besides be prudent to seize this opportu-
nity of securing the bridge, since the present time
would be most favourable for improving the ap3
proaches thereto. The steep incline on the
northern side especially needs attention, and could
now be remedied without unnecessary expense or
delay. But if the present opportunity is allowed
to slip, and the new street by the Mansion House
is formed, the time will come when the improve-
ment must be effected, and the bridge bought up
at a great sacrifice and needless outlay. These
public matters should be treated in a public spirit,
and not dealt with in a petty and temporising man-
ner. Continental nations set us a better example
in such things. England too often presents a '
startling contrast between vast enterprises and
daring speculation on the one hand, and a short-
sighted prejudice and false economy on the other.

LOAN SOCTETIES.—Mr Tidd Pratt's annual ab-
stract of the accounts of loan societies in England
and Wales shows a constantly lengthening list. These so-
cieties now number 758. At Oaf, close of the year 1859 he
had to report on societies with £293,005 in borrowers' hands;
at the close of 1863 the societies in the list just issued had
£473,985 out on loan. Loans were made by them in 1863 to
172,850 persons, and the amount circulated in the year was
£802,261. The societies received L 54,370 for interest, and
charges for forms of application and.for making inquiries ;
and the expense of management was £20,266. The sure of
£28,402 was paid for interest to depositors or shareholders,
and there was left a net profit of £7,969. In the year 1863
15,966 summonses were issued for £33,551, and 1,804 dis-
tress warrants ; borrowers or their sureties paid £2,805 for
costs. Five hundred of these societies are in the metropolis
and suburbs, and the place of business of these London so-
cieties is almost invariably a publichouse. In Lancashire,
Cheshire, and Yorkshire, and at Nottingham there are so-
cieties on a higher scale, having£3,Coo, £4,000, and £5,000
in circulation. A loan society at Leeds has above £ll,OOO
out on loan ; at Hanley, and also at Birmingham, there is
one with £lB,OOO, and one at Longton, Staffordshire, with
£20,000,

LATEST INTELLIGENCE

LREUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

THE PRINCIPALITIES.

ST. PETERSBURG, JUNE 4.

The Deutsche Petersburger Zeitung publishes a
semi-official article, stating that the recect acts of
Prince COUZA were illegal, on account of their being
in opposition to the Paris Convention of 1858, and
because no modification of the Constitution of the
United Principalities can take place without the
consent of the Sultan.

SWITZERLAND.

BERNE, JUNE 4,

The Federal Commissioners returned from the
Basle district, announce that the reports of hostile
feeling and danger to the public peace in that dis-
trict have been greatly exaggerated. The Go-
vernment having, for the present, made all the
necessary concessions to the people, there was
nothing to fear.

NEW ZEALAND.
(Per Telegraph from Suez).
MELBOURNE, APRIL 25.

Advices from New Zealand announce that two
severe engagements had occurred at Alaungataw-
biri and Tarachi. The natives were defeated at
the former place, which they abandoned, while at
the latter the English troops suffered a reverse.
The English loss, in both engagements, amounted
to 80 killed and wounded.

The probability of the close of the campaign
is stili distant,

CHINA.
(Per Telegraph from Suez).
SHANGHAI, APRIL 22.

Mijor Gordon has defeated the rebels at
Waisoo, and expected that Nanking and Soochutuf
would surrender shortly.

SOUTHAMPTON, JUNE 4.

The chartered steamer Norman, Captain Johns,
with troops, from Gibraltar, has arrived in the river,
and is waiting orders from the Government.

ALGERIA.

PARIS, JUNE 4.

The 3foniteur of to day publishes the details of
the victory obtsined by General Jusuf over the con-
tingents of Djebel Amour, and says—
" The man oeuvres of the troops daily render it
more difficult for the Arabs to keep up the insur-
rection. Gonerai Deligny foresees the time ap-
proaching when the insurrectionists will be forced
to disperse, The insurgents renewed the attack on
Ammy Moussa, but were repulsed."

FRANCE.

PARIS, JUNE 3,

The Emperor and Empress yesterday afternoon
walked together for some time in the Bois de Bou-
logne near the lake.
The Japanese ambassadors gage a splendid din-
ner the day before yesterday at the Grand Hotel to
M. Drouyn de Lhuys, Minister of Foreign Affairs,
Count de Chasseloup-Laubar, Minister of Marine,
and a distinguished party, consisting of the heads
of the great bodies of the State ; several persons
connected with the Court; Senators, Counci-
lors of State, and Deputies ; and high officials
belonging to the various Ministries. Nothing
could surpass the exquisite politeness of the
hosts, who with all their secretaries and numerous
staff, were in grand official costume. Such of the
members as speak French, Eoglish, and Dutch,
exerted themselves to do the honours of thefete,and
general surprise was expressed at the admirable
manner in which they acquitted themtelves; At
the dessert, the first Japanese interpreter :ose, and,
in the name of the three ambassadors, proposed a
toast to the Emperor of the French, to which M.
Drouyn do Lbuys responded by drinking to the
health of the Taicoun and to the consolidation of
friendly relations between France and Japan.
" We have received," says the France," through
Bona, accounts from Tunis to the 28th ult. At
that date, the situation had not changed. The
plenipotentiary sent to the Bey by Aiondoub, the
leader of the insurrection, had returned to the camp
of the latter near Cephas. That envoy declared that
the Bey refused to give any official reply to the
ultimatum of the insurgents, but made known to
them that, of his full will, he granted, by way of
voluntary concession, most of the points comprised
in their demands. As to accepting the resignation
of the Kasnadar, the Bey did not think proper to
give any explanations. That reply did not satisfy
the chiefs of the movement, who nevertheless have
not undertaken any fresh enterprise."

The Ariege steam transport has left Toulon for
Algeria, having on board a detachment of Hussars
and a million of cartridges.
The Mons journals announce that the Duke de
Brabant is to visit that town ou Sunday* on the
occasion of the e, when a grand military car-
rousel is to be organised.

An ancient Roman sword, having a gold hilt, set
with precious stones, was found last week at Hoilig-
kreuz, near Ti eves. The blade was nearly destroyed
by rust, but the hilt was in perfect preservation.
BOURSE, June 3.—The market has been firm,
and the business done shows an improvement. For
the Account, Threes are now at 67f. 15c. Mobilier
have advanced to 1,147 f. 50c. Little doing in Rail-
way shares. The market closed as follows :
Loan Italian zo
2100
Do. end month.. . • 70
Ditto Threes,..• .•
New Mexican •• • • OS
Russian —
Austrian
Spanit4a Threes
Horne Debt
Deferred

43 per Cents. 93 50
Do. end month
3 per Cents
Do. end month 67 10
Credit Mobilier 1145
Do. end month 1151 25
Bank Shares 3375
Credit koncior 1240
Roman
RA IL I

Cash. Account.
86 872 50
D 95
877 60 .. 880

Orleans
Northern
Lyons and :Mediterranean
New ditto - • •
647 50 . • 652 50
Southern
Western ..
7°l —52
05 • 4 -
5-6
3686
725
Eastern
Sardinian
Austrian
536 25 .. 542 50
Lorrbard
North of S pain
575 bia
Saragossa..
Ditto to Barcelona 257 5°

AMERICA•

-Av. --
SOUTHAMPTO N, JUNE 3.

The North German Lloyd's screw steam-ship
Hansa, Captain H. J. von Sautes, from New York
on the 21st ult.. arrived off Cowes at 7 p.m., and
went on to Bremeu. Fine weather and easterly
winds were experienced on the passage.
She brings 40 passengers for this port and Havre,
and 172 for Bremen. On freight, 51,700 dole. for
England; 71,200 dole. for France; and 1,500 dole.
for Bremen.
The Hansa spoke the foliowing ships:--May 24,
in lat. 41 N., long 55 30 Mr., the ship Rheme ; 25th,
in lat. 41 40 N., long. 49 15 W., the British ship
Shakspere ; 26th, in lat. 43 2 N., long. 43 50 W.,
the British ship Elizabeth Greetling; 28th, in lat.
45 N., long 32 50 W., the British ship Ketelly;
31st, in lat. 48 50 N., long. 18 10 W., the British
ship Hannah Foroner and bark Sidney; June 1, in
lat, 49 18 N., long. 13 58 W., the British bark
Constantia.

Her news has been anticipated.

MTSSING SHIP.—LoNDoN, Jane 3.—The Argus,
of London, which sailed from Gravesend on the sth of
February for St, Michael's, was snoken on the 18th of
February, on which night it blew a hurricane, and she has
not since been beard of,

Napoleon the Great and Pius VII,

In the Constitutionnel we find quoted by M. Paul
Limayrao, from the newly-published " Life of
Cardinal Consalvi," two very remarkable letters that
have never before been given to the public—the one
written by his Holiness Pope Pius VII., the other
by Madame Mere, both addressed to his Eminence
Cardinal Consalvi, and both having especial rela-
tionto the Great Napoleon,

They are filled, these two letters, says M. Limey-
rac, with such moral grandeur that it is difficult to
read them without emotion. Rarely has religion
inspired more elevated sentiments than are ex-
pressed in this page, emanating directly from the
heart of Pius VII. Language like this seems to
descend from heaven. Truth in all its purity is
triumphant, the man disappears' from view, the
Pontiff can remember nothing but the immense
service rendered to the Church by the powerful
legislator who, after having borne the crown of
Charlemagne, became nothing less than a martyr.
Here, however, is the letter itself, written at
Castel Gondolfo on the 6th of October, 1817, by his
Holiness—