The Sun.
London, England, 1863-07-18 00:00:00

THERMOMETER.

This morning
This day at Two o'clock
Barometer-29.75.

Wind--S.-West; moderate, with cloudy weather.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

rHIS DAY.—Morning, 3h. 40m.—Afternoon, 3h. 54m.
To-lionnow.-Morning, 4h. 10m.—Afternoon, 4h. 25m.

Mit fit,trn

LONDON, SATURDAY, JULY 18, 1863.

-
It was among the most noteable characteristics of
the late Sir R. PEEL that, whenever he was proved
to have been in error, as he certainly was occa-
sionally, he could at all times frankly and manfully
acknowledge as much himself. It was a generous
characteristic. It was a characteristic eminently
befitting a great and magnanimous statesman. It
is precisely one, however, that Lord PALMERS-
TON has never once evidenced throughout the
whole of his long career. No man in the House
is more rash, no one is more petulant, or
occasionally even more spitefully perverse in
his way of scattering about him apparently
careless, but we are often almost compelled to be-
lieve wilfully perverse imputations. These impu-
tations, thrown out by him with an air of implicit
confidence, serve his purpose at the moment, raise a
laugh against some opponent, elicit a ringing cheer
or two from the serried ranks of his supporters. A
little time elapses—and these statements of the
Prime Minister of England are proved, to
absolute demonstration, to be utterly un-
founded in every individual particular—are
shown, with the distinctness of a syllogism,
to be made up, from beginning to end, of a tissue of
idle rumours, to be, from first to last, one elaborate
mass of misrepresentation. Evidence of its being
so, is adduced upon the highest authority—docu-
mentary evidence—evidence based upon the solemn
attestation of a crowd of perfectly reliable wit-
nesses. Yet, when all this has been literally done,
and the noble lord is appealed to in the British
House of Commons, and is there besought to do
what any generous and magnanimous nature, we
might suppose, would be eager to do, under the
circumstances, namely, to express some passing re-
gret for having put forth so very flagrant a misre-
presentation—Lord PALMERSTON is prepared to do
just absolutely anything but that!
Acting as he has often done, before now,
most flagrantly in this way, he has never
yet acted so flagrantly after this disin-
genuous fashion as he has but just now done,
as he did only yesterday in the instance of the Pere
Cuaei. It will be yet vividly within tee recollec-
tion of those Who are in any way given to note the
course of the proceedings in Parliament during the
session, that Lard
PALMERSTON, some time back,
stated that the Pere CURCI had delivered a political
discourse, or rather diatribe, in the shape of a ser-
mon, which discourse, or diatribe, has now been
most positively and distinctly proved never to have
been,delivered at all. The ecclesiastic referred to
by Lord PALMERSTON; has himself formally written
a letter stating quite distinctly, most emphatically,
and without one particle of hesitation, that
he never did give utterance to anything
whatever of the kind imputed to him, in the British
House of Commons, by the Prime Minister of Eng-
land. And this deliberate contradiction, penned by
the hand of the Pere CURCI, is now corroborated by
the solemn attestation, reduced to writing, before a
public notary, and signed by those vouching for
the truth of every syllable contained in that official
document. It is signed by a whole cluster of wit-
nesses who had been present, and who had
heard the Pere CURCI on the occasion referred to !
Witnesses altogether no less than twenty-two
in number ! Witnesses comprising amongst
them Prelates, Princes, Dukes, and various
other noble personages, as the notary's
document has it : " his Moat Rev. Excellency Mon-
Bishop of Anglona and TurA, his
signor Accorde,
Most Rev. Excellency Don Michael Alisia, Bishop
of Patti, the Prince of Bisegnorno, the Duke of
Regina, Cavaliers Naladi di Altavella, the Count of
Comaldoli, Baron Camillo Nolli, the Duke Riario
Sforza, the Prince of Chearamonte, the Prince of
Aguaviva, the Duke of Maddaloni, Count
Enruco Statella, Count Anthony Bianculli,
the Duke of Terra Conyiano, and the Duke of St.
Valantino." Yet, when absolutely proved thus, upon
the most highly authenticated and authenticating
evidence, to have been, in this matter, from beginning
to end, entirely in the wrong—what is Lord PAL-
MERSTON's disingenuous and most ungenerous
mode of evading anything at all approaching
even to the faintest semblance of a remit-

tion ? Having, according to his wont upon
such peculiarly jocular subjects of discussion,
as a question bearing upon Religious Liberty in
Spain, raised a silly laugh or two from the more
frivolous of his hearers in the House of Commons
last evening, Lord PALMERSTON went on to say.
" I now come to Father CURCL" Remember, he did

so in answer to the hon. snd learned baronet.
tie member for Dundalk, who had closet: his
reference to this miserable misstatement abcut
Father CURCT, by saying, as gentlemen to gentle
men, " I now leave this matter in the hands of the
noble lord !" Responding to which appeal, thus
answers Lord PALMERSTON, in reference to the
Pere CURCI—" I am very sorry for him indeed."
Whereat—being an intensely facetious remark—
there was, as a matter of course, "Laughter." Lord
PALMERSTON2however,has, in this, only commenced.
The noble viscount goes on to say, " When I heard
that the hon. and learned gentleman has something

to say about him, I imagined that he had some letter

of denial from Father CIIRCI—[As the member for
Dundalk had, in point of fact !]. I said
to myself, poor Father Cunci. He is one
of those who ' do good by stealth and blush to find
it fame." At which wholly inapposite
quotation, again, as at something wonderfully face-
tious, there was " laughter." " However," con-
tinued the noble lord, " the hon. and learned gen-
tleman has brought forward a great deal of other
testimony. Well, it is testimony ageinst testimony.
[Against What testimony ?] The hon. and learned
member asks me whence I derived my information.
I told him at the time that I had read a idler in a
newspaper, professing to give that account. I told
him that I could not answer for it, but I said it
he had any doubts about it if he might have an
opportunity of ascertaining from Father Cußcl him-
self whether any such transaction had taken place."
NV,-dch had actually been done, and with what resu
the House had just then learnt! Instead of refer-
ring to anything of all which, however, Lord
PALMERSTON, encouraged by the laughter and
eliciting more of it as be proceeds with his

generous waggaries, exclaims, " Why, Sir, I have
► letter too !" (Laughter.) It is dated from
Italy"—as Lord DUNDREARY remarks on read-
ing America" at the top of his letter from
Brother SAM, "I am glad he gives his address !"
So might Lord PALMERSTON congratulate himselt
upon the precision of his correspondent ! The letter,
remember, is dated "Italy." He won't say whether
it comes from Turin. And when the question is
asked of him a second time, his claquers in the
House come to his aid with a cry of
" Order!" Equally reticent is the noble lord
as to the person from whom it comes. It comes
from "Italy," and it is distinctly anonymous !
This, in opposition to the Pere CIIRCI'S own posi-

tive and distinct denial of having spoken as
Lord PALMERSTON had described him to have done
—and in oppnsition also to the solemn asseveration
of corroborative evidence formally written down
and signed before a notary-public by Prelates, and
Princes, and Dukes, and other illustrious per-
sonages. All that even Lord PALMERSTON can say
in support of his anonymous letter "from Italy"
—after reading passages from it—after uttering
in regard to his former misstatements no one single
word of regret or apology—all that even Lord
PALMERSTON can say in support of his anony-
mous letter " from Italy" is, that "it may
be taken for what it is worth !" Qliet but crush-

ing is the retort immediately thereupon uttered by
Sir GEORGE BOWYER, " Yes, we may take it for

what an anonymous letter is worth I"—The hon

and learned baronet eliciting in his turn, for once
by those few and simple words, mingled plaudits of
Hear, Hear, and Laughter.

f England is content to buy peace and tranquillity
at home, at the price of non-intervention in quarrels
which nearly concern the welfare of her industrial
community, it is pretty clear that occupation for her
naval and military forces will shortly be found in
the distant ports of the globe. Already has the
British Government entered into a sort of compact
with the Chinese authorities to aid in suppressing
a rebellion, or rather a civil war. We are on the
verge of hostilities with Japan, and now, just to
keep up the.balance, fresh misunderstandings with
the natives of New Zealand will in all probability
end in a protracted struggle, and much bloodshed.
It will be remembered, perhaps, by some of our
readers that at the conclusion of the last war a
piece of land situated a few miles south of New
Plymouth, known as " Tataraimaka Block," was
left in possession of the natives. It had previously
been occupied by a settlement of Europeans, wil°
were compelled on the outbreak of hostilities to take
refuge with their families in the town. The natives
occupied the ground, and plundered and destroyed
the houses of the settlers. It is evident that at the
reoccupiedterminatio bnoyf the war this ground should have been
the English authorities. There was
no legal difficulty or dispute about the land, as in
the case of the Waitara ; the natives them-
selves could make no objection to our ori-
ginal possession of it, but they have claimed
since the war the right to retain it as their cap-
ture. This should never have been allowed ; as a
precedent it was dangerous, and put us on an en-
with regard to the
e
ddriselelydgwedrosnegttlefrosoitig, whileus ,
it was manifestly cruel and unjust.
Since that time this unfortunate peopl, have been
in a state of great distress. Deprived of their
homes and property, they have been earning a
scanty living as road labourers, looking eagerly for
a visit from the Governor to restore their rights.
It was not, however, until last spring that Sir
GEORGE GREY was able to proceed to Taranaki.
The General Assembly having voted £20,000 for
taskas
GEORGEGovernorthoughtThis
sagacity Sir
accomplished beedwstith g
and firmness. He paid a private visit to the Wai-
katoes—a powerful tribe of the district—to secure
their non-intervention, and then proceeded with a
strong military force to take possession of the land
as the rightful property of Europeans. The natives
on the spot submitted quietly, and assembled in
great numbers unarmed to welcome his Ex-
cellency.
things Unhappily this promising
,state of
did not last, and it is to be re-
gretted that the Governor did not carry his
arrangements a little further, and provide ageirse
what might have
been
stripforeseeni
atnod beth
eaproperty
of the natives, divides Tataraimaka Block from New
Plymouth, and through this no European is allowed
to pass. It is greatly to be lamented that during
the last war, after the natives had taken possession
of the European land, they were not dislodged
from it, and the intervening strip of ground might
have been occupied at the same time. Or, in
the present state of things, it is a
pity that the Go-
vernment have not attempted to purchase the land
from the natives, as in the existing condition of
aff.tirs nothing but trouble will result from the con-
juncture. The road to New Plymouth needed re-
pair, and the party repairing it required to take
some atones from the bed of a small rivulet running
through the native territory. This was imme-
diately taken as a great offence, and the attitude of
the Maories was so threatening that the road party
was withdrawn. But all p:: cautions and

conciliation were useless. The natives were
known to be in a very disturbed state, and
the Waikatoes, who are the foremost of the " King"
party were no less dangerous. Intelligence
was received at Auckland stating that a large body
of Waikatoes were marching to Taranaki, and on

the 25th of April a warning was sent to the GJver

natives.noran Strange and to the
to say,egoutlyin sgsier byuGtGtleErosE G
someuEy h
friendly
fit to disregard this intimation, and even endea-
voured to persuade the settlers who had come into
the town to go back to their farms. This was
carrying his desire to preserve peace a little too far,
as the sequel proves. Happily the settlers did not
follow this dangerous and imprudent advice, bat on
the morning of the 4tn of May two escort parties
were passing along the Tataraimaka road when they
were fired into by some natives in ambush. One
of the parties succeeded in retreating—the other,
consisting of two officers and six privates of the 57th
Regiment, was entirely destroyed, the unfortunate
soldiers being shot down and their bodies after-
wards mutilated. Immediate measures of precau-
tion were taken on the receipt of this dreadful in-
telligence. Sir G. GREY decided on regarding the
attack as a murder, and an inquest was held accord-
ingly, the jury in their verdict remarking
on the want of caution shown. Troops had arrived
from Auckland, and more had been sent for at the
departure of the mail. Volunteers are ready to
come forward in large numbers, and it is proposed
to raise a volunteer contingent of no less than 1,000
men in the province of Otago. The Government
have at last determined to do what they ought to
have done before—to occupy the native land be-
tween New Plymouth and Tataraimaka, and to
place there a settlement of persons able to protect
themselves. Free grants of 50 acres, arms, amain-
nition, and rations are offered to all who will hold
the land on a system of military tenure, and as most
of the men of the 65th Regiment, whose term oi,
service is almost out, intend to remain in the colony,
there is little doubt that the ground will soon be
satisfactorily occupied. The colonists are hearty
and united in their support of the Governor at this
crisis. The common danger has made all differ-
ence of opinion forgotten, and there is no
doubt that the spirit and determination of the
settlers will be equal to the occasion. Still

it is a trying and anxious state of things, and

it is much to be regretted that a more decided tone
was not taken in regard to the natives all through
our dealings with them. European settlers have
usually been harsh and aggressive towards the
aborigines; but in New Zealand we have erred on
the other side, and forgotten justice to our own
countrymen in our eagerness not to trench o❑
❑ative rights. Tae end of all this is but too obvious.
Unless by firmness and decision the natives are
taught to respect the British Government, and the
authorities are able to protect the interests of the
settlers, the latter, in self-defence, will be obliged
to take the law into their own hands, and a war of
extermination will be waged. It is to be hoped
that the decisive measures now being taken will be
fully carried out, and that all questions of dispute
with the natives will be fairly and finally set at

rest in a manner that admits of no dispute. Above
all, the Governor must not again put faith in the
professions of the Maories, nor imperil the safety
of the colonists by disregarding symptoms of
coming danger.

The Russian Reply to the French Note appears
so far satisfactory. M. DE BUDBERG, the Russian
Ambassador to France, was received by M. DROUYN
DE LHUYS, and gave to him the answer or his Go-
vernment to the communications of the French
Cabinet. It is stated that Russia accepts the six
points, and instead of an armistice, proposes an
amnesty for all who will lay down their arms.
Nothing better could have been expected certainly
in the present state of affairs, and the comments
of the French papers on the subject seem to convey
the most favourable impression. La France ob-
serves that "The reply of Russia is said to be
mark, d by a strong spirit of conciliation. Russia
adheres in principle to the six points, and also ac•
cepts the project of a conference, pointing out,
however, that, at the same time, it would be de-
sirable that its deliberations should not be limited
to the single question of Poland." The same jour-
nal adds that the question of an armistice is the
sole point on which there is not complete accord
between Russia and the three Powers. But, it

continues, as an armistice is ;n no way contrary
to the dignity of the CzAR, and as it meets the

mperious interests of policy and humanity,
he systematic refusal of St. Petersburg
could not be admitted. There is great truth
in these assertions, and it is to be trusted that
ate present Government will persevere in the
decided course they have entered upon. It is a
well-known fact that the chief work of ameliorat
ing the condition of Poland will rest with them,
since their actions ale not so fettered as those of
our Ministers are, through complicated arrange-
ments, and especially in consequence of the alli-
ance with Prussia. The Russian authorities are,
of course, well aware of this impediment to our
taking up the cause with great ardour, and at all
events of proceeding to extremities, without great
provocation, and they take advantage of it. They
know, on the contrary, that a war with Prussia
would, far from being inimical to the interests of
France, but serve to realise the long-cherished
wish of her Government to attack the Rhenish
provinces. It has been expected throughout this
insurrection that some sudden dispute, or ill-
advised action, at a critical juncture, would bring
this te, pass, and so gratify the desire of the
French nation and its rulers.
"And what if Venice wed the Sea,
Some dotards ring the sign,
The sword shall France's emblem be
That France shall wed the Rhine,"
was written by one who was well versed
in the ruling principles of the French
policy, and aptly expressed its correct design, if not
its openly-expressed intention. It is therefore with
France that the real influence rests; and having
succeeded so far it is to be hoped that the French
Government will not relax their energy nor abate
their zeal till they bring their labours to a success-
ful termination, and substitute peace and compara-
tive security for the reign of terror that now devas-
tates Poland, and renders that land alternately a
prison-house and a grave for its distressed inhabi-
riots. The reply of Russia, on the whole, is better
een expected, but it is of cause-
than could have b
quence that the armistice should be granted, because
it is not likely that the Poles will voluntarily cease
hostilities. That would seem like surrender, but
the adoption of the other mode would appear as if
they had so far gained their point, and at all events
procured some great good for their country. It
may even be surmised, too, that it will be lasting,
as the Russians will hardly dare to provoke the
wrath a the three Powers by violating the
conditions they proposed, and which have
been granted by themselves. The impor-
tance of
delay is coming to some arrangement without
proved by the intelligence that arrived
yesterday concerning an engagement between
Prussian troops and the insurgents. According to
this report a body of insurgents, amounting in num-
ber to 300, Were assembled in the forest near Milo-

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