The Sun.
London, England, 1863-05-21 00:00:00

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SIR,--I shall feel greatly obliged if you will kindly per-
mit me to call attention to a subject which seriously affects
the health of the public at large. I allude to the dangerous
and extensive adulteration of almost everything we eat and
drink. Anyone doubting this has only to g., to the Food
Museum, at South Kensington, and there will be seen the
deleterious ingredients with which we are all slowly poi: oned,
openly displayed. Our tea is mixed with carbonate of cop-
per, carbonate of lead, Venetian red, Pruscian blue, Dutch
pink, and black lead; chalk and marble are mixed with
sugar; red lead, red ochre, and brick dust with cocoa;
copper in pickles, and ground glass in snuff. No wonder
that the doctors are so often puzzled as to what ails their
half-poisoned patients; they know no mor. what has brought
about the symptoms than the man in the moon. So they
sum up in the old way by saying, " The system is out of
order," and send in physic. Now comes the question—
are there any means for checking these really dangerous
practices ? One would think that if the vendors of poisoned
provisions were punishable by law there would soon be an
end of them, and if cheap and simple tests could be brought
into general use an enormous demand would reward the in-
ventors, who would deserve well o• their country.

I have said notbing about the mere cheating adultera-

tions, such as linseed in pepper and sawdust in coffee,
which gives it that peculiar woody taste so often observed,
Now, although there is nothing poisonous in sawdust, it if

not agreeable to have one's coffee flavoured with a worn-out
chair or an old bedstead.—l have the honour to be, Sir,
your most obedient servant, GEORGE ELLIS.
May 20th, 1863.

The Great Omninational Derby Race.

(From .Punch.)

This great event has naturally attracted an immense
amount of interest, not merely on account of the fame of the
competitors, but because of the enormous value of the
stakes. For the benefit of the unlearned, we may state that
these included "Peace and General Prosperity," and when
we add that " Civilisation and National Advancement"
also formed a portion of the prize to be contended for, we
need hardly say another word about its vast importance and
its great intrinsic worth. The following was the latest
betting on the course :-
3to 2 on John Bull's British Constitution
(offered)
10 to 1 against Louis Napoleon's French Empire
15 to 2 „ Victor Emmanuel's United Italy
(f aken)

50 to 1 „ Czar Alexander's Quiet Poland
100 to 1 „ Austria's Hungarian Indepen
deuce

1000 to 1 „ Prussia's Pigheaded King W
ham
10,000 to 1 „ Abe Lincoln's War Policy
0,000,000 to 1 „ American Re• Union (offered)

The Yankee lot for some months had been knocked ou,
of the betting, and indeed there was no chance that animals
so over-worked could ever win a decent place. We warned
their friends long since that such must prove the fact, and
they hive no cause to reproach us at finding our words
true. Still, with all their brag and bounce, the Yankees
have good stuff in them ; and it they wouli but pay more
attention to their training, there really is no knowing what
they might not win. So far as we can trace his pedigree
straight back to John Bull's stables, it is clear that Brother
Jonathan comes of a good stock ; and although of late the
breed has terribly deteriorated, still we could lay f< finger on
a specimen or two of what in Yankee phraseology is known
as real grit:
The rac- has been so talked about that all its details must
be known, and we shall add but few remarks to the dry
official statement of the " coming in," which, as all along
had been expected, was as follows :
British Constitution

French Empire (distanced)

All the other starters were emphatically "Nowhere," in-
deed there seldom has been witnessed so hollow a defeat.
It was rather thought at one time the Italians would have
seen their horse assume a better place, and considering the
pains and patience of his backers, we should have been
much pleased so have announced their better luck. Their
horse is young, however, and may do great things yet
Some fancy if French Empire had not hampered his free
running, he might perhaps have shown a little bet ter in the
race. It is clear he is an animal that wants a skilful jockey,
and it may perhaps be questioned if his owner Victor Em-
manuel be so well up to his work as his friends would wish
to see him. The Russians and the Austrians both declared
they meant to win, but looking at their horses the world
put little confidence in either protestation. Quiet Poland
went at one time clean out of the betting, as much
as ten thousand to one being offered, end no takers. It is
clear that if the Emperor means winning with this horse he
must adopt a vastly different mode of treatment. It is ac-
knowledged on all sides that the poor animal has been most
cruelly ill-used, and so long as it continues in its present
wretched plight the Czar can hardly hope to show well in
competing for the Civilisation Stakes.
That John Bull would win easy it was th 3 universal faith,
but the even event exceeded the general expectation. So
complete a victory has rarely been recorded, and, when it is
remembered with what a heavy weight the animal was
burthened, the British nation justly may feel proud of their
old horse. It was a sight to see his present trainer lead him
from the course, for Pam has all the "noble sportsman"
element about him, and likes to see a good horse proving
himself such. French Empire was at one time thought a
rather ugly customer, but this animal, though much
younger, has not half the strength of British Constitu ion,
and although at times successful, is not to be relied on as a
thoroughly safe horse. Among other defects, the animal, it
is clear, wants freedom in his action, and he has had so little
liberty allowed him that of course it stands to reason his
movements must be cramped. On the other hand, John Bull
has long ago discovered that to curb a horse too tightly is
sure to check his progress; and that when you can rely upon
him not to break away, it is wise to let him take what liberty
he likes. The policy of this good training has been shown
in the success with which h's animal has gone through
all his tri ,ls, and with ease won the Blue Ribbon of the
Omninational Turf.

British Constitution has great powers of endurance, and
is remarkable as well for his steady going quality, good
temper, and rare pluck. Though not a showy animal, he
goes always in good form. When put upon Lis mett!e,
nothing cramps his stride, and there is no fear of his ever
being found among the ruck. Although burdened with
such weights as must have heavily tax :d his energies, he
has always been undaunted in pulling through a race.
When called on, he has answe, ed with tla•- heart (,f a lion,
and having justified so well the confidence of his backers,
there is very little fear that we shall ever see him scratched.

Cows AND LOCOMOTIVES.-0a Tuesd,:y morn-
ing the LAncashire and Yorkshire train, which is
due in Manchester from Leeds at 11.25 a.m , had a narrow
escape when approaching Rochdale. Five cows had got
upon the line, and were not discovered by the engine driver
until he was close upon them. The train was a long and
heavy one, containing a great many manufacturers on their
way to the Manchester marker, and the results might have
been serious; but fortunately the engine struck the beasts
so as t throw them aside, killing only two of them, with-
out getting the wheels clogged by the flesh, and the train
escaped without injury. It will be remembered that a simi-
lar accident on the London and North-Western line, near
Rugby, resulted in a great loss of life to the passengers.

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HER MAJESTY,

BALMORAL, May 19,
The Queen drove out yesterday afternoon, accom-
panied by Princess Helena, and attended by the
Duchess of Athole.
Princess Louise rode out in the morning.
The Duke of Argyll is the Miaister in attendance
on her Majesty.