The Sun.
London, England, 1863-09-24 00:00:00

THERMOMETER.

This morning
This day at Two o'clock

Barometer-29.04.
Wind—S.-Westerly ; moderate, and cloudy.

Int aa) SAM,

an opponent of slavery as an institution that he waits
for a who'e year or two after his succession to the
Presidency, before he can venture to deal with it
as an institution even partially—then doing so only
partially—inflictingemancipation as a penalty upon
the more obdurate antagonists of the Union ! De-
monstrations of this kind, we may rest quite assured
of this, will never farther the interests of Eman-
cipation by a single hair's breadth—no matter
whether they be indulged in, as political pastimes,
in Yorkshire or in Virginia.

It was justly observed by a public speaker the
other day that the English were always great in
associations. We have societies for the patronage
and cultivation of every branch of art, science, and
literature, and we have charitable assemblies and
associations for the furtherance of objects of practi-
cal benevolence. If any great political question
becomes the leading feature of the day, we are sure
to hear of public meetings, of companies formed for
the assistance of one side or the other, of chairmen
elected and committees appointed to carry out the
popular views. If an eminent man passes away
from among us, sme among his friends and ad-
mirers are sure to bind themselves together in order
to do honour to his name and his memory. In more
private life, too, the principle of association is
usually carried out to a considerable extent among
the English. Clubs and assemblies, institutions
and meetings of various kinds enable men to gather
together to discuss the different sides of a question,
to collect and contribute information in that free
and open manner so congenial to the atmosphere
of our national mental life. So useful and so plea-
sant were these institutions felt to be, that it was
suggested by some practical philanthropists that if
they could be brought down to a lower scale of life
they would prove valuable antidotes to the
temptations which so continually assail the
working man. Mechanics' institutes have been
in existence some years, and have doubtless
been productive of much good, although they may
not have fully carried out the sanguine antici-
pations of their founders and originators. They
are chiefly designed to give the working man an
opportunity of cultivating his mind, and as such
they have probably given the first help up the
wof h
o would learning
ou id tt oh e
rmwaina ye
ha a
vyeo u
been
ege
na mkbe ipt
ti o ui
ins
lsapdi
rdietr,
durance vile by

• "Those two gaolers of the daring mind,
Low birth and iron fortune."
The movement that is now being made in some
places is, however, totally distinct in its character.
We allude to the formation of Working Men's
Clubs, which are gradually extending through the
metropolis. Lectures, recitations, and classes of
different kinds will be part of the programme, but
still instruction is not the chief aim. There is a
reading-room, a library, smoking-room, and lava-
tory, and members will be supplied with refresh-
ments. Free discussion on all public topics is also
courted, and tl.iis is a feature especially worthy of
notice, as several clergymen have been prominent
leaders of the movement. A public meeting was
held in the National School-room of St. Martin's-
in-the-Fields, on Tuesday evening, to celebrate the
opening of one of these clubs in the parish. The
Rev. H. SWABEY stated that it was now fairly
launched, and remarked that there had been con-
siderable difficulty in finding suitable accommoda-
tion, but it had at last been obtained in Great
May's-buildings, St. Martin's-lane. Mr. MAR-
SHALL, one of the speakers, said that these clubs
provided for a want long felt by the lower
classes, and it was satisfactory for the working
teen of the district to know that, by sacrificing
one pot of beer, they could become members
of this useful and agreeable institution. They
would have, in addition to other advantages, the
privilege of assembling together for the purpose
of exchanging ideas, as the upper classes did.
The remarks of some working men who addressed
the meeting are especially worthy of notice, as
showing the sentiments of the class for whom
these institutions are designed. Mr. NOEL, a
journeyman carpenter, who seconded the resolu-
tion, pledging support to the club, said that there
were many working men who required a club like
the present, but who did not want to cultivate their
minds, and therefore did not care about joining
mechanics' institutes. The Working Man's Club
would, he thought, meet every objection. They
did not intend to exclude any Lind of discussion,
neither were they members of a teetotal society,
although they hoped to reclaim drinkers by giving
them better amusements. He considered that these
clubs would tend to counteract the evil influence of
the publichouse. Mr. TURLEY, a tailor, told the
meeting that, in consequence of some reports, he
had asked Sir F. GREY, the chairman of the meet-
ing in St. Martin's Hall, what restrictions were to
be placed on members ? Sir F. GREY had replied
that there was none whatever, but that the work-
ing men might manage their club in whatever
manner they pleased. This is how it should be;
and we agree with Mr. TURLEY in believing that
the working men will prove themselves worthy of
the trust reposed in them, and that their club will
be conducted in a spirit of order, fairness, and mo-
deration that will deserve success.

' The entertainment at Liverpool to the officers
of the Channel Fleet was a very successful affair.
The greatest cordiality prevailed throughout, and
on several occasions much enthusiasm was excited.
Lord STANLEY, who was present, responded for the
Houses of Parliament, and made an effective speech
on the auspicious circumstances which drew them
together. He said that he valued the opportunity
thus afforded him of testifying his gratitude to
Admiral DACRES and the officers under his corn-
mend for the honour of the visit thus paid them by
the Channel Fleet, and also for a sight that was at
once " interesting and unique. The chairman bad
truly said that it, was the first time since Liverpool
had been a borough that the Mersey had been
visited by a considerable portion of the Royal
Navy. He added that he trusted this first visit of
Admiral DACRES would not be his last, for Liver-
pool always appreciated naval men. The sea had
made it what it was, and Liverpool men took pride
in the sea. In one way they had a navy which
could compete in some measure with the magnifi-
cent ircn vessels lying in their waters ; a navy
existing indeed for purposes exclusively peaceful,
but not the less a triumph of human indus-
try and skill—those vast ocean steamers, which
have joined the New World to the Old,
and creased the Atlantic with the regularity of
boats crossing a ferry, at a speed which is only sur-
passed by the railroad." In this fleet before us,
Lord STANLEY went on to observe, there is a series
of novelties, for almost every vessel is an experiment.
We have most likely seen the last of these old
wooden two-decked ships which will carry the flag
of an English Admiral. We also saw the first of
those noble engines of destruction, which are revo-
lutionising naval warfare, and which our friends
on the other side of the Atlantic are kind enough to
be trying for our instruction, and at their expense.
Re wished the House of Commons could see and feel
what they now experienced, and then be was sure
that they would believe that for the money that
they had expended they had ample value received,
and also they Would then, acknowledge that they

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, SEPITNIBET 21, 1863.

were feeling their way in this naval architecture.
Lord STANLEY concluded his able speech by the
following pertinent remarks concerning the part
that was assigned to the Legislature in the difficult
task of naval transactions :—" It is our duty to
grudge no outlay which is necessary for purposes of
efficient defence, and that is a duty from which
assuredly we shall not shrink. It is our duty, above
all, to shrink from no outlay which may be ne-
cessary for the purpose of experiment, but it
is not the less our duty at the same time to
avoid that fault into which we have often
fallen before, and into which, while men
remain what they are, it is always pos-
sible we may fall again. I mean the fault of being
satisfied with what we have accomplished, of rest
log upon our oars, and of assuming that what we
consider as the perfect model of the day will be an
equally perfect model 10 years hence." If Lord
STANLEY'S advice was followed, and members of
Parliament took more heed to the tentative and
experimental character of the work before them,
it would be better for the navy, more profitable for
the country, and more creditable to themselves.
Admiral DACRES made a smart speech, which gave
great satisfaction, and produced considerable amuse-
ment. He paid a compliment to Liverpool for its
treatment of the sailors, and said that there had
been fewer reports of misconduct among the sailors
here than at any other place at which the Channel
Fleet had stopped, and that was because " JACK was
a knowing fellow, and knew when he was well off,
and would not kick up a row." On the whole, all
those assembled appeared to be highly pleased with
the evening's entertainment, and it was a very
creditable affair to all engaged in it. It must be
of essential service in keeping alive the public in-
terest in the navy to witness these displays in vari-
ous parts of the coast. It is to be trusted that
everywhere the same enthusiasm will be excited as
in Liverpool, and that the same unanimity may
prevail wherever the Channel Fleet may proceed.
At this time, more especially when wars and ru•
mours of wars are rife, it is most important to relax
no efforts in maintaining the efficiency of our navy,
and in stimulating the interest that should bey
taken in its welfare. Such results can but be pro-
fitable and satisfactory.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

[REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

THE POLISH INSURRECTION.
BRESLAU, 24 SEPTEMBER.

The Breslauer Zeiturey of to-day says :—Colonel
" Colonel Lebouchine, Who took a prominent part in
the destruction of Count Zamoyski's palace was
stabbed yesterday in Warsaw."

has arisen since the union of the grand duchy with
the empire ; in other cases there is a want of clear-
ness and precision. Wishing to remove these de-
fects, I purpose ordering the preparation of bills con-
taining explanatory and supplementary provisions,
which will be laid before the next Diet that I in-
tend calling together three years hence. Firmly
maintaining the constitutional monarchical prin-
ciple which is deeply rooted in the customs of the
Finnish people, and which is distinctly stamped on
all their laws and institutionz, I will concede, in
these measures to the States, a more extensive right
to the revision of the taxes than that which they at
present possess, and also the right, which they
formerly had, of introducing measures; rest rving to
myself, however, the right of initiative in all ques-
tions which relate to an alteration in the funda-
mental laws.

" You know my sentiments, my desires for the
welfare and prosperity of the peoples committed to
my care. No one of my acts has been of a nature
to disturb the relations which ought to exist between
the Sovereign and the nation. I desire that this
may continue, that it may, as heretofore, be a secu-
rity for a continuance of the good relations which
unite me with the brave and loyal Finnish people.
It will powerfully contribute to the welfare—so
dear to my heart—of the country, and give me an
additional motive for assembling yon around me at
regular periods.

" It is for you to prove, by the dignity, modera-
tion, and order of your deliberations that, in the
Lands of an intelligent people determined to labour
in a practical manner, in concert with their Sove-
reign, at the development of their own welfare,
liberal institutions are far from being a danger, but
are much rather guarantees of order and pro-
sperity."

PORTUGAL.
(From the Correspondent of the Times.)

LISBON, Sept. 16.
The South-Eastern of Portugal Railway from
Vendas Novas to Evora was opened on Sunday last
by the Duke of Louie (President of the Council and
Minister of Public Works), Viscount Sada Ban-
deira (Minister of War), some members of the
Diplomatic Corps, and many Portuguese dignitaries,
whom the contractor (Mr. Edward Price) had in-
vited, with several of his personal friends.
The party, after crossing the Tagus by a steamer
between 7 and 8 in the morning, partook of a capi-
tal breakfast at the Barreiro station. After pass-
ing over the first section of railway to Vendee
Novas, the Don Luiz, prize engine of the late Exhi-
bition, opened the new section by conveying them
along the rails to Evora, a distance of 38 miles, in
6a minutes, including eight minutes' stoppage.
The ancient and celebrated city of Evora seemed
mad with joy ; the Archbishop gave his benediction
to the engine, the Municipality invited their visitors
to a splendid lunch, while many thousand mouths,
congregated from different parts of the province,
gave hearty vivas of congratulation (as well they
might.) in anticipation of the benefits they will derive
from the progress of the South-Eastern Railway.
Evora was gaily decked out with flags, and illumi-
nations were preparing for the evening, when the
Duke of Louie and party were obliged to return
along the line to Barreiro (where a recherchi dinner
Was served to them at six o'clock by the proprietor of
the Brag anza Hotel, and by order of Mr. Price).
The Tagus was recrossed in the steamer, and the
party re-landed at Lisbon before 11 at night, de-
lighted with the excursion, and particularly with
their rapid and easy transit over the new line of
railway they had opened, the speed of the Don Luiz
being at times above 50 miles the hour. Its mate-
rial and construction are considered equal to the
best lines in Europe, and I believe there is no doubt
of the fact that the Portuguese Government, repre-
sented by its intelligent fisoal engineer, M. Sebastiao
do Canto, has not had a single dispute or disagree-
ment with the company or contractor during the
progress of the works—a very rare occurrence in
public contracts executed by foreigners, and parti-
cularly by Englishmen, in this country.
The Queen's expected confinement prevented the
King attending the opening of the railway. The
healths of their Majesties and the royal family of
Portugal were given with great enthusiasm, as also
those of the Duke of Louie, the South Eastern
Company, Mr. Price the contractor, Mr. Symonds
the engineer, and others too numerous to report.
Upon returning thanks Mr. Price bore testimony to
the consideration, good faith, and assistance he had
received from the Duke of Louie, and from the other
Ministers in office, since the commencement of the
works, and to which he attributed the satisfactory
completion of the section just opened to Evora, and
the favourable progress of the rest of the line.
In two or three months it is expected another
section will be opened to Beija, and the line will
doubtless then be continued from the province of
Atlentejo through the Algarvas to the Guadiana and
Spanish frontier, which will develop great agricul-
tural resources and an important traffic.

The railway from Lisbon to Badajoz is already
open, and this capital is now placarded with adver-
tisements of excursion trains for next Sunday's bull
fight and fair at Badajoz. The northern line, also
contracted for by M. Salamanca, has several sections
already open, and the whole is expected soon to be
so from Cintra to Oporto—thus the principal Portu-
guese lines of railway through the heart of the
country from Lisbon north to the Douro, south to
the Gudiana, and east to Badajoz, are now so near
completion that their progressive influence upon the
trade and resources of the country may be fairly
relied upon as tangible realities, already demon•
strated in the large increase of revenue actually
collected to the end of the financial year on the
30th of June last, which I mentioned in a previous
letter.

The wheat harvest in Portugal has turned out
rather better than exprcted ; maize is expected to
be very large ; wine also promises well, both as
respects quantity and quality.