The Sun.
London, England, 1863-08-01 00:00:00

Tim SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, AUGUST 1, 1863

LONDON, SATURDAY, AUGUST 1, 1863.

At this particularly critical moment in regard to
the Peace of Europe generally, the tone of the
French press is, it appears to us, more than usually
worthy of consideration. And it is so pecu-
liarly by reason of the continued pressure
upon that section of European journalism
of the weight of the Censorship. It is precisely
because our brethren across the Channel are rot
permitted (as yet !) perfect freedom in writing and
printing, that we are disposed to look with all the
morn eager and attentive curiosity to the views to
whiel they nevertheless venture to give utterance
at a :period of such supreme emergency. It is the
general sense of the significance attached to these
broken or hesitating accents of the publicists of
Fra'ace, which induces still so many observers, both
in France and out of it, to pore over the columns of
the principal journals of Paris for whatever hint
they throw out as to their opinions in regard to
passing events even under the repressing influence
of the Censorship. It is this which drives
so latany to the counter of M. DENTU when-
ever that enterprising publisher of the pamphleteers
issues from the press a more than usually apropos
brochure, as, in effect, is actually occurring at this
present moment is reference to one of those myste-
rious little anonymous pronunciamentos, entitled,
rEmpereur, La Pologne, et L'Europe." Although
anonymous, its utterances are, in their way, how-
ever, so oracular of their kind, that—as usual—the
rumour naturally enough gets about that the views
put forth by the writer are penned (we all know the
now familiar phrase employed on these occasions)
under very high inspiration. The mere publication
of pamphlets of this peculiarlybold character has, of
course, a certain air of authority about it. Whoever
the writer may chance to be, his sentiments are so
far approved of by the Imperial authorities,
that they are permitted to appear and
to be read for a franc or two, in those light
paper covers of a delicate lilac or primrose
colour, that have come to have about them a sort of
flavour of Napoleonism. They have, at least, the
timbre of " permission," if not of " approval,"
stamped upon them, in the mere fact of their appear-
ance. Circumspection expresses, it may be said,in one
word, the advice put forth by the new pamphleteer.
It is a word, however long though it is, singularly
enigmatical in its character. It leaves the reader
no further advanced upon closing the brochure
than he was upon opening it. No further advanced,
that is towards the point whence might be recog-
nised the merest glimmering indication of a solu-
tion of the Polish problem by the decision of the
Ei4l%/toa. Still, although all this cannot but be
profoundly regretted as a rather irritating reticence
on the part of the pamphleteer, his argument—
tolerated, is it be not even authorised and originated
by the chid
of the State—is especially valuable at
this juncture, for inasmuch as it reprobates, in
the severest terms, the atrocities perpetrated by
the Russians,
with a view to the crushing
out of this Polish insurrection. His conclusion is,
that the unanimity new assumed by the complete
coincidence of the policy put forth respectively by
France, by England, and b
Poland, is of itself a y Austria, in regard to
distinct security for peace.
A conclusion that would be all the more re-assuring,
however, as a security for peace, if it could only
have been accompanied by any guarantee that the
comeicils of the Russian autocrat are in this matter
in any way at all open to the dictates of right and
reas on—that the evil
passions inspired in the breast
of the CZAR by the Polish insurrection are to be in
ace! way mitigated in their fury by the Ceeees
pr ixiation of the force of that unanimity. P"
Leaving the anonymous pamphleteer, however,
for the only too clearly indicated writers in the Paris
ee respapere, we find far more significance
just now in the tone of those journalists
is anywhere discoverable in that of
the, hidden writer supposed to wield his pen under
such very high inspiration ! Already we have
said in our remarks yesterday, in reference to the
possibility of a general war in Europe, that it ap-
pears to ourselves all the more of a possibility, by
reason of some among other questions of extreme
importance, and also some of them of extreme
urgency, trending, like the drift of the Polish
Question, precisely in that one direction! Conspi
cuous among these were indicated at once—as who,
indeed, could fail to do so?—the incompleteness of
things generally, up to this very moment, in regard
to what some are actually disposed to regard as the
settlement of affairs in the Roman Peninsula. The
situation, there, is as undeniably at this very mo-
ment incemplete,as it was glaringly incomplete upon
the morrow of the Treaty of Villafranca. And now,

in regard to that situation, what are the views put
forth, for example, not a year ago, but under date
this very morning, " Samedi, ler Anat," not in an
obscure provincial newspaper, but in a Paris journal
of eminence and authority like those possessed by
L' Union. "We hesitate not to proclaim once more,"
says L' Union of this morning, "and we do so at the
risk of scandalizing the patriotism of the Journal
des Debats, and even of the Nation : we are intrac-
table upon all those questions, which remain firmly
and consistently attached to the rights of civilised
peoples, and to the honour of our country ; and we
cannot comprehend at all, no matter what may have
been our experience of the complaisances and of the
fallings off among our contemporaries, we cannot
comprehend at al! how any person can possibly
entertain any other sentiment in the matter
than we do ourselves, or, entertaining it,
can dare to express it." Having spoken
thus vaguely but emphatically in regard to the
situation of things already hinted at, L' Union
hesitates not to add " Our flag has been insulted,
our territory has been violated, the faith of treaties
has been despised, the protection guaranteed by the
signature of our ambassador has been disdain-
fully set aside and changed into abso-
lute oppression. Such are the glaring facts
flagrantly accomplished, at broad noonday and in
the face of the whole world. For these things the
dignity of France requires a prompt and solemn
reparation. There is not a single nation under the
sun that could quietly put up with so insolent an
outrage without jeopardising its reputation." And
so on—and so on—the bitterness of feeling arising
out of the actual situation of things in that one di-
rection alone, breaking through the customary
equanimity of the Union, in words so resolute and
uncompromising, even though the writer wields his
pen all the while under the shadow of the censor-
ship.

A fancy fair held at a gentleman's country seat for
a charitable purpose is not in these days a wonder-
ful novelty. Our great landowners, and the pro-
prietors of stately parks and pleasant grounds, are
for the most part very ready to throw open their
gates on occasion, and to admit the public to a sight
of their domains. The agreeable combination of a
rural fete and a benevolent purpose are usually the
opportunities selected for these "general invita-
tions," and such has been the object of the fancy
fair held at Tiptree-hall. But the festivities in
question possessed a peculiar and distinctive
feature which render them deserving of pub-
lic notice. The estate at Tiptree has long
been famous for the energetic and liberal
manner in which its owner has applied the
various inventions and improvements of modern
times to the cultivation of his land and the different
departments of his farm establishment, and the
great success which has attended his endeavours
renders a visit to Tiptree especially interesting. It
is a great advantage to the agricultural interest of
the country when gentlemen of large means and
public spirit come forward as the pioneers of im-
provement and progress. The application of steam
to the various purposes of agriculture is known to
be a most valuable aid to the farmer. It did not
need much sagacity to discover that if the greet
aerial agent could do the work of horses so much
better and quicker than horses could do it on the
highroad, there was no reason why it should like-
wise eclipse them at the plough. Still there were
very great obstacles in the way. In the first place,
farmers, proverbially slow and sure, looked with sus-
picion and prejudice on such new-(angled notions.
The second objection was more serious, for farmers,
in spite of Mr. COBDEN'S sneers, are open to reason
like other men. The first expense of steam ploughs
is, however, very great, and it was not to be ex-
pected that a farmer of moderate means should em-
bark a large sum in what was after all a specula-
tion. It is, therefore, a very great advantage to
the community when gentlemen, who can afford to
speculate in such matters, and to whom the preli-
minary outlay is a matter of no great moment, like
Mr. DENISON and Alderman MECHI, come forward
and give their neighbours practical evidence of the
working of new and expensive schemes. The far-
mers in Mr. DENISON'S neighbourhood, who
watched the new steam plough breaking and tear-
ing up the hard ground, baked by the hot spring
sun, were unanimous in their approval, and readily
perceived the great advantage of the steam plough
in breaking up hard clay lands. There is no doubt
that Alderman MECHI has given a great stimulus
to the farmers in his vicinity, and although his
humbler neighbours may not hope to rival the
glories of Tiptree Hall, they may learn how
to make the most of their own lands by
what they see there. The attention of the
visitors to the fits on their round of inspec-
tion was especially attracted by the huge manure
tank from which a system of manure irrigaticn is
carried on over the lands. This reservoir is
described as having the appearance of an immense
well with folding doors, from which, when opened,
a cloud of steam issued, This was the waste steam
which is forced into the compound to prevent the
manure from settling to the bottom of the water
with which it is mixed. The steam keeps the mass
in constant action, and from this well iron pipes
traverse the grounds in all directions with stand
pipes to every eleven acres. As the estate consists
of 170 acres, it is manifest that this scheme must
have been carried out at great expense. Its returns,
however, are rapid enough to satisfy the most im-
patient, since the crops are of the finest, while two
or three grass crops are obtained in a season—
one of nine days' growth being, in some places, a
foot long. The manner of applying the manure is
similar to the application of water to a fire. A hose
is fixed to the stand pipes, and a farm labourer plays
upon the surrounding land, the manure being forced
through the pipes with six horse power. This pro-
cess requires a hundred gallons a minute, to procure
which supply the neighbouring hills are drained to
one point. Mr. MECIIII has certainly spared neither
expense nor trouble in carrying out his scheme,
and its striking effects must convince any observer
of the correct principles on which it is founded.
The other departments of the farm are worked on a
similar scale, and the most satisfactory and practical
proof of successful management was given to the
visitors in the shape of a luxurious collation of
which all the articles were obtained on the estate.
Such displays are by no means useless; they afford
that unanswerable evidence which the old proverb
tells
with due cautione
' lso
n "the eating," and effectually silence
any
u doubtss lies in
as to the practical benefit of new and
startling theories,
O ld-fashio
innovationsne d
an
d de men, whopar t look
from time-honoured
ways,
always on the look-out for fa
ualnt
sd,
ccaynnui cost, s
hwuht ot
hat are
eyes to the practical existence of rich crops and
good beef and mutton. Such gatheringsseem to dif-
fuse general knowledge and to interest agricul-
turists in the discussion of new plans and systems.
We may hope when such knowledge becomes more
widely diffused that we shall see Mr. DENISON'S
suggestion realised, and several farmers com-
bining to obtain the more expensive implements
which are only wanted for occasional use. There
can be no reason why the application of
science to agriculture should not be productive of
as great and striking results as it has brought about
in other directions. There is, surely, nothing dis-

cordant between natural science and nature herself.
They are, after all, natural forces which are to be
turned to man's service, and the discrepancy is not
readily perceptible. On the principle that he is a
public benefactor who makes two blades of grass to
grow where one grew before, the landowner who
shows his neighbours how that result may be ob-
tained is still more praiseworthy, for he is extending
and perpetuating the capacity. Happily, we are
this year less dependent on artificial aid. Thanks
to the glowing sunshine and the seasonable rains,
the harvest prospects are most promising. The
accounts from all parts of the country are favour-
able, and the present year is expected to excel all
its immediate predecessors. The last two or three
seasons have been scarcely above mediocrity, but
this autumn we may hope to celebrate that great
and substantial blessing—a good harvest.

M. CHARLES DE FRAN QUEVILLE, Auditor to the
Council of State, and late Secretary-General to the
Imperial Commission of the Great Exhibition of
London, has just brought out a volume which will
excite great interest. He has displayed a singular
appreciation of the English character, which is the
more satisfactory, since it is seldom seen among his
countrymen, or if seen rarely acknowledged; indeed
the occasion of this very Exhibition was the theme
of abuse against the English in some letters that
were written by foreign visitors last year. It is
the more grateful, then, to turn to the consideration
of one who speaks out frankly and fairly, who at
the same time awards due praise, and bestows just
acknowledgments for any merits he has perceived
during his stay in the country. It is to be hoped
that this volume will be extensively circulated
throughout the writer's own country, and efface
some of the disagreeable impressions that unfortu•
nately exist in many quarters regarding the habits
and general demeanour of the inhabitants of this
commercial country. M. DE FRANQUEVILLE
is at pains to contradict some errors into
which his countrymen have fallen with regard to
the existing state of things in England. He refutes
the assertion so often made that over here there is
liberty but not equality, and demonstrates that
in some respects there is more equality than in
France. For instance, in the eye of the law
there is not equality among the French ; many
classes are exempted from the ordinary form of
prosecution, and can only be proceeded against with
the authorisation of the Council of State. Also,
administrative tribunals and other arrangements
prevent the courts from taking a decided lead in the
conduct of legal affairs. M..DE FRANQUEUVILLE
explains that in England it is not so ; the peers
and the army are amenable to their own House or
to courts martial for certain offences, otherwise
there is no restriction. Every citizen, whatever
his title or his quality, may be proceeded against
in the same form before the same tribunals, and ac-
cording to the same laws. Also in public taxation
he informs his readers that they are under a mistake,
and in public employments he proves that in
England, as in France, every man is admissible,
and that the peerage opens its ranks to all capa-
cities. He gives the aristocracy a high character
of which, he says, honour is at once the parent
and the child. He explains that the word
" parvenue" is unknown on this side of the Channel
—there is no difference between a newly-created
peer and one whose nobility is of ancient date.
He gives it as his opinion that in France there
could not be an aristocracy like what there is in
England, and if there were a Senate of nobi-
lity, dukes, cornets, &e., the social rela-
tions of the country would not be altered.
thereby. M. DE FRANQUEVILLE does not admire
the foreign poliey of England, but with the domes-
tic he is charmed :—" The Englishman acts more
from reason than from impulse ; he is, if not less
impassioned, at least more under self-control. Be-
cause the British mind is less graceful and less
prompt, it is less mocking and less aggressive; and,
being less unsteady, is more conservative. By the
union of these qualities with patriotism, which is
the salient point of the national character, the Eng-
lishman has the political spirit which unites, but
not the revolutionary spirit which divides." This
is a very correct definition of the national charac-
ter, and could not have been better drawn and more
accurately described. Some may consider it as
unimportant that these things should be set down
and conned over, but it is not so in reality. Al-
though they are familiar in all mouths as household
words, they are quite strange and foreign to those
to whom they are addressed. Constant communi-
cation goes on between the countries, but an inti-
mate knowledge of the inner arrangements of the
two States is very rarely attained. M. DE FRANQUE
VILLE speaks what he knows, and when he sets
down these several items of information he presents
them not only as facts, but as facts contradicting
fallacies that have obtained ground in the opinion
of the majority of his countrymen. Nothing, a
foreigner said and wrote, could ever efface the im-
pression or remove the idea ; it must be one of
themselves that does it, and hence great are the
obligations of both countries to this independent
and straightforward observer. He is not afraid to
speak the truth, whether its words are pleasing or dis-
pleasing; he fairly states his impressions,and it is well
known that the impressions of an educated stranger
are of first-rate importance in taking an estimate of
the manners and customs of a people. He starts
unbiassed and unprejudiced, with no trammels of
self-interest to fetter him, and no gradual inculca-
tion of ideas to weaken ttie effect of the first appre-
ciation of the new state of things and style of
manners before him. M. DE FRANQUEVILLE has a
high opinion of English liberty, which he describes
as lair and impartial. " The Press and the Parlia-
ment, and even the citizens, comprehend that true
liberalism consists in respecting the opinions of all,
and those of an adversary even more than of a par-
tisan." When the writer states that an English-
man does not abuse his liberty but firmly maintains
it, he declares the whole secret of our national
strength and individual greatness. It is this senti-
ment put into action that prevents any encroach-
ments on our rights, and yet preserves us from con-
stantly falling a prey to revolutionists, as is the fate
of so many nations who ardently desire liberty
but had not learned to deserve it by mode-
ration on one side and desermination on
the other. It is most probable that this
volume will impress and influence many of its
readers, and the more the better, since mutual in-
terchange of good opinions, and a right under-
standing of each other, is of essential advantage both
to France and England. Neither can benefit by
opposition, but the blessings of peace, the interests
of civilisation, and the spread of cultivation all fol-
low in the wake of the union and of the good un-
derstandingworld. of these two foremost countries of the

M. ASSOLANT might take a hint from the Paris
correspondent of the Times, who relates that when
as ambassador of Prussia to the English Court was asked
his opinion about the country to which he had been accre-
dited, he replied, " After three weeks' residence in England,
wall quite ready to write a book on it ; after three months
I began to think that the task was somewhat difficult ; and
now that
I have lived there three years I find it im-
possible.";
Marshal O'Donnell has left Berlin for Dresden.",

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

CAPTURE OF NANA SAHIB.
BOMBAY, JULY 9.

Nana Sahib has been captured in the Temple of
Ajmere by Captain Brodigan, of the 28th In-
fantry, on information supplied by the Bombay

6 per cent.; upon 100,000 florins, 2 per cent.; upon
50,000 florins, 1 per cent.; and upon upon 25,000
florins, per cent. This tax is to be levied after
the Ist of Ju'y, 1863, by the accredited agents of
the National Government from the individuals
liable 5D exchange for a receipt, and the amount to
be immediately transmitted to the Central Trea-
sury, in the manner pointed out in our confidential
circular of the 21st April, 1863. (Date, seal, and
signature follow.)"