The Sun.
London, England, 1863-10-16 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 16, 186,1,

EDWARD BIILWER LYTTON. It is in one Of his
dedications, if we remember rightly, that the author
of the "Pilgrims of the Rhine" speaks of his own
reading public in Germany as, perhaps, among all
his readers, those who have welcomed his writings
the most generously. After the genial tribute
spontaneously proffered to him in Le Temps,
by a writer himself of great eminence, we

should be disposed to imagine that Sir EDWARD
would almost be tempted to revise that opinion, at
least in so far as it relates to any appreciation by
individual critics in the different countries of the

European continent.
Having ourselves, as already intimated, com-
mented upon the brilliant speech delivered by Sir
E. BULWER LYTTON upon the occasion referred to

by the critic in Le 7enzps, it were superfluous here
to follow the latter, (tempted though we are

to its analysis. He mentions
the
matter of course, as the
event of the evening. That, however, being its
do so)
speech throughas a
very humblest definition. He says of it that
nothing could have been at once more practical or
more elevated. And then—after illustrating
copiously the orator's mastery of his subject in
the course of this ample analysis of the speech as
a discourse upon agriculture—the critic refers again
to his remark made in the earlier part of his com-
munication, to the effect that the Chairman, who
was delivering this speech at this banquet of farmers,
upon the subject of agriculture generally, was a
great Poet as well es an eminent practical
man. "For myself," he says, "if I had ever

_ .
doubted its being so, before then, I could by pose:

bility doubt it no longer after that discourse of Sir
RIILWER LYTTON'S." Alluding to the orator's
faithful attention to his theme throughout the chief
part of his speech, our French critic seems almost to
exult at last at the notion of the illustrious author of

" The Caxton Family," of " The Last Days of
Pompeii," of " Eugene Aram," of " Rienzi," and,
besides so many other equally famous romances
of poetical works less known, perhaps,
though some of them yet worthier of ad •
miration—eventually escaping from it. In the
first part of his harangue, says Le Temps' Corres-
pondent, it was the territorial lord who was speak-
ing. In the second part it was the ex-Cabinet
Minister. Earnestly would we commend the gener-
ous spirit in which this large-minded and warm-
hearted French critic can weigh in the balance of
his magnanimous judgment the distinguishing gifts,
merits, and graces of an illustrious contemporary
who happens also to be an Englishman—earnestly
would we commend the whole tone of this genial tri-
bute to the consideration of such atrabilious commen-
tators upon either side of the British Channel, of such
spiteful and acrimonious commentators, let us say,
the one upon the French, the other upon the Eng-

lish, as—that fribbling M. ASSOLANT, and, here,
upon our own shores, that historical caricaturist,
who draws his pictures of foreigners with a pencil of
lunar caustic, the hon. and learned member for
Bridgewater.

Lord BROUGHAM is certainly a model for states-
men of the present day. He perseveres in his work,
and exhibits an energy and determination that
would do honour to any age, and redound to the
credit of any vocation. Again and again, at the
proceedings of the Social Science Congress at Edin-
burgh, has he taken part in the various subjects, and
delighted his audience with his knowledge, wit,
and perspicuity. At the dinner in the Music Hall
he was the chairman, and in that capacity of course
addressed himself to the consideration of several
topics. His tribute to the excellent manner in
which the QUEEN fulfilled the duties of her posi-
tion, and the admirable way in which she brought
up her family, furnishing thus an example to
mothers, and a pattern to Sovereigns, was very ap-
propriate, and the terms in which ha proposed the
health of the Prince and Princess of WALES were
also felicitous. "From the cause," he said, "we
pass to the effect," and thence illustrated the train-
ing which had been given by her MAJESTY and
Prince ALBERT to their children. The Volunteers
afforded another occasion for the evidence of the
skill of the noble chairman in bringing forward the
most conspicuous features of his case, so as to attract
notice and win approval. In referring to the ques-
tion of war, he very vividly explained that it was
not because we were afraid of peace being disturbed,
or desirous of such an occurrence, that we
welcomed the Volunteers; but that what-
ever was done by way of defence was on the prin-
ciple of insurance. Therefore our volunteer in-
surance was of a double value, " because it not
only prevents loss, if the mischief happens, but
tends to prevent the mischief from happening."
This is a very correct definition of the establish-
ment of the Volunteers, and this parallel of Lord
BROUGHA3eS is the more satisfactory at the present
time, because since the war-panic has, in some
measure, subsided, the people are sometimes heard
to say that all the excitement was needless, and
that we could have done very well without the
Volunteers at all. Those wiseacres appear to for-
get that the two modes of rendering service to
the State, one of action, and one of prevention,

if not celebrated with all the "pomp and circum-
stance of war," those who have preserved the
blessings of peace to their country are surely
worthy of recognition, and their work may be as
valuable and as honoured as the more notice-
able and glorious achievements of war. Only
those who have studied the minutia+ of the details
of foreign States, and the various plans and plots
that have been concocted and devised of recent
years, can rightly understand the importance of
the services that have been rendered to their
country by the Volunteers. The Lord Provost's
remarks on the noble President were in excellent
taste, and seemed to enter fully into the spirit of
the theme. When he said that the career he was
referring to had rarely, if ever, been equalled in
the history of public men, for " brilliant success,
extended duration, and unabated vigour," he might
have had the satisfaction of knowing that he was
recording facts, and not merely rounding periods,
and dilating on events to suit the purpose of a
public meeting. Lord BROUGHAM'S remarks on
the Association are well worthy of notice. His
defence of the name "Social Science" is in itself
an animated exposition of the causes that led to its in-
stitution. His remarks on the
particularly impressive subject of slavery are and the zeal and energy
with which he confutes the assertions
that have been
made in reference to his decadence • in this point are
full of the fire and fervour of his earlier years Well
may this time-honoured and world-renowned.sta
states.
man be justly indignant at the impertinent re-
marks and absurd conclusions that are made
respecting his conduct. Loud and prolonged
cheers might well greet the earnest sentences with
which the veteran orator denied the charge im-
puted to him, and disclaimed the idea of his having
derogated from his previous high position in regard
to this important question. " It is said that .1
underrate and undervalue the emancipation of the
slaves ; why ! have all the advocates of slave eman •
eipation done half so much for the liberation of the
Slave and the abolition of slavery as I myself have
' doted p" More than half a century has elapsed since
Lord BIIOUGHAM'S Act passed for abolishing the
slave trade. That Act changed the circumbtances i

and consideration of the case from being contraband
only, to being regarded as a crime. Surely the men-
tion of such a circumstance is as a sign-manual to a
man that he is exempt from the charge of
being in collusion with elaveholders, and of
favouring their views in any way. Lard
BROUGHAM also spoke greatly to the point on
the question of emancipation when he said that he
did not desire a sudden change but a gradual altera-
tion. He denounced the proclamation to emancipate
the slaves lately issued by North America, as a
" measure of hostility," and as such it must surely
be regarded by all wise and well-informed indivi-
duals. It was a privilege to hear Lord BROUGHAM
thus treat of public affairs, and discourse on subjects
of home interest. " He touched nothing that he did
not adorn" might with accuracy be applied to his dis-
courses, which blend and unite the distinctive quali-
ties, and the several characteristics of the orator, the
lawyer, and the philosopher. It is a fine sight to see
one advanced in years and laden with honours, still
foremost in the cause of philanthropy, and eager
in the march of science. He is a shining light and
a bright example to those who are tired of work
before half their race is run. On the contrary, his
energies appear to increase rather than diminish as
time brings him to the twilight hours of his well-
spent day.

The re-appearance of our beloved QUEEN
amongst her people cannot fail to give rise to very
general satisfaction. It is true that the occasion for
her breaking through the strict reserve she has
maintained during the past two years was in some
respects a melancholy one, and only too much in
harmony with the grief that has dictated her re-
tirement. Still the presence of the QUEEN at any
large assembly was felt to be indicative of a new
era, however closely the object of her appearance
was connected with the memory of her lamented
Consort. The inauguration of the first statue raised
to Prince ALBERT in this country was an incident
which was certain to excite the interest and
awaken the sympathies of his Royal Widow ; bu
it was not expected, nor even hoped, that her
MAJESTY would take any part in the proceedings.
To the surprise and satisfaction of all concerned,
however, the news was received at Aberdeen that
the QUEEN had signified her intention of being
present, and accordingly, with that courteous
punctuality which has always distinguished her,
her MAJESTY arrived at the day and hour appointed,
to attend a ceremony which possessed a deeper in-
terest for her than for any other spectator. As she
herself observed in her touching reply to the ad
dress of the subscribers, there were circumstances
which render the inauguration at Aberdeen espe-
cially interesting to her, In that city, a very few
years back, he who was then in the prime of life and
health, delivered an address to the British Associa-
tion, of which his scientific acquirements and re-
markable abilities, no less than his eminent position,
rendered him so prominent a member. In the stern
old North, too, which has been but lightly esteemed
and but seldom visited by her predecessors, theQUEEN
assured the subscribers that some of her happiest
days had been passed, in the company of that be-
loved and lamented Consort whose early death has
thrown a gloom over her life. Times have, indeed,
changed in the last century, and the fervent and
enthusiastic loyalty whibh once bled at Culloden
for Prince CHARLIE is now transferred to the de-
cendant of GEORGE 11. But the day for unreasoning
loyaltyis passed, and the fair and gentle SOVEREIGN
whom all creeds, races, and parties in her dominions
" delight to honour," has long ago proved herselt
worthy of the affection lavished upon her. The
loyal people of the North have been especially
favoured by the QUEEN. She has loved to dwelt
among them in her hours of leisure, to visit their
cottages, to climb their hills, and to explore their
heath-covered wilds. A proof of the kindly feeling
with which she regards the Northern people, no
less than en additional testimony to the love and
reverence which she bears to the memory of her
departed Consort, was afforded by her public pre-
sence at the ceremony of inauguration. It was a
personal exert:on, as well as a mental effort, in
breaking through her seclusion, bdt her MAJESTY
simply and feelingly expressed the motives that
prompted her. She could not, she tells
the loyal citizens of Aberdeen, reconcile her-
self to remaining at Balmoral while such
a tribute was being paid to the memory
of the Prince, without making an exertion to assure
them personalty of her deep sense of their kindu 288
and affection, as well as to give public evidence of
her feelings of love and admiration towards her
lamented husband. The city of Aberdeen may well
feel proud at having received such an honour, and
the respect and thoughtful attention to the sup•
posed wishes of the QUEEN afforded a sufficient
proof that they were worthy of it. Her MAJESTY
must have been deeply touched by the silent recep

tion, so different from the noisy cheers that used of
old to attend her pathway, and doubtless sno reeog.

raised in them a more eloquent profession of attach-
ment and sympathy than had ever been manifested
in more tumultuous greetings. The same sympathy
which prompted her MAJESTY in the hour of her own
bereavement to send kindly messages to the dis-
tracted widows of the North, inspires her people
with a quick and ready tact in what will be most

congenial to her feelings on an occasion which,
under the most favourable conditions, could not be
otherwise than trying. Such kind consideration is
much needed, now that we may hope her MAJESTY
is about once more to resume her place among us, a
place from which we could ill spare her. Although
the promise held out in the youth of the Heir to the
Throne is being fully fulfilled in his early man-
hood, still the people turn with increased

attachment and confidence to the mother who has

proved so able a guardian, whose hand has guided
the reins of State so well and so wisely, and whose
high and noble office it has been to raise the
Monarch of England once and for all out of the

arena of party warfare, The lesson she has read to
all succeeding rulers of strictly constitutional

government of regard for the welfare of the great
body of her subjects, instead of favour shown to
some political clique or partisan, is one that was
perhaps never more needed in oar history than when
she ascended the throne. It has been a difficult
task, but one safely accomplished, and it leaves her

resting securely on the love of all classes and parties,
enjoying a degree of honour end respect for which
the proudest despot might be glad to exchange his

power. So that Queen VICTORIA, in resuming those

public functions, which the weight of sorrow hae
for a time compelled her to lay aside, has sources of

consolation as well as of regret in the past years of
her reign.. The bright prospects and affection of
her family must be her first source of satisfaction ;
but next to that must be reckoned the veneration
and love of her people, of which the uncovered
heads and silent greeting at Aberdeen gave more
convincing proof than the most tumultuous welcome
or the most deafening cheers.
It

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LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

AMERICA.
ARRIVAL OF THE BAVARIA.
SOUTHANIPON, OCT. 16.

The Hamburg and American Company's steam-
ship Bavaria has arrived here. She brings 67 pas-
sengers, 800 tons of cargo, and 54,940 dols. for
England, 95,100 dols. for France, and 1,000 dole.
Hamburg.

On the 7th the Bavaria spoke the British ship
City of Ottawa from Plymouth for Quebec. She
left New York on the 3d, called at Cape Race, and
received New York telegrams to the evening of the
6th, which confirm the news of considerable skir-
mishing having taken place in rear of Rosencranz's
force; of the Confederate attempts to interrupt the
communication between Nashville and Chattanooga;
of Bragg's fortifying Missionary Ridge; of Burn-
side's retiring to Cumberland Gap ; and of the
reported occupation of Knoxville by the Confe-
derates.
RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

TRIESTE, OCT. 16.
News received here from Constantinople states
that the Russian Minister in that city had declared
to the Porte that any recognition of the Poles as
belligerents by Turkey would be considered by
Russia as a declaration of war between the two
Powers.

The news that the Russians are constructing 12
gunboats in the Black Sea is confirmed.

According to advices received here from Athens,
❑o change had taken place in the Greek Ministry,
The Royal Palace had been prepared for the
future residence of King George,

LITERATITRE.

Sackville Chase, By C. J. Collins. Three Vole,

Maxwell.

This novel is of the sensational class, and its inci-
dents are indeed of a singularly startling character.
Two "equine heroes," to use the author's expres-
sion, "run through" the pages of the narrative, and
the catastrophe that befalls them in the very climax
of their career is fully as astounding and as unex-
pected as are the vicissitudes which await the
human heroes of this drama. Foremost among
these latter is the Earl of Sackville, the owner of
Sackville Chase—and the secret owner also of one
of the Derby favourites. This nobleman, bltst
with a supreme y virtuous Countess and two noble
sons, is bound to undergo the penalties of c truly
Corsican vendetta, incurred by his misdemeanours
some twenty years before. The winding up of the
story is melodramatic in the extreme : we almost
behold the glare of the foot-lights and expect the
fall of the green curtain ! We must not betray,
however, the secrets of the plot and counterplot,
neither as regards Lord Sackville, and Denzil
Raikes, and Agony Jack, on the one hand, nor their
four-footed companions, Arbitrator and Sackville,
on the other. We must content ourselves with
giving a few specimens of Mr. Collins' very ani-
mated style and very lively descriptive powers.
Place aux dames ! First and foremost, let us
introduce the all-attractive, universal fascinator,
who gracefully flits through the chapters, winning
all hearts and turning all heads:—