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

THE DU
HLNDRED Ati
and Last Week bat Two

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.-
Under the Sole Management of Mr. PECHTER.
ILast Week but Two of the present Season.
'PHIS EVENING, to commence with an orizinal ciketch,
entitled A SUDDEN ATTACK. Messrs. Shore, Garden,
Widdioomb, Miss Henrade, and Mrs. Lee.
Alter whioh, at a Quarter-past Eight, the Romantic
Drama, in Three Acts, and Pr3lovue, entitled THE
DIME'S MOTTO, by Paul Feval and John Brougham.
The principal character will be sustained by Mr. Fechter,
purported by Messrs. J. G. Shore, G Jordan, J. Brougham,
Ix-. N.; iddi ombe, F. Charles, Garden, Raymond, Dawson ;
fiVsses Carlotta Leclercq. Kate Terry, N. Cayenne, and
Els worthy. Doors open at 7, commence at half-past.
Acting-Manager, Mr. H. Barnett.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
Sole AM.(' and Manager, Mr. G. Vining
THIS EVENING, at Eight o'clock, Shakespere'. Play of
RO EO AND JULIET. Romeo, Mr. Walter Montgomery;
Mercutio, Mr. G. Vining; Friar Lawrence, Mr. H. Marston ;
Apothecary. 11r. Belmore ; The Nurse, Mrs. H. Marston ;
Juliet, Mdlle. Stella Colas.
To be preceded by the new Comedietta, entitled COUSIN
TOM.

THEATRE-R0 YAL, ADELPHL-
-ole Proprietor and manager. SI:. B. Webster.
THIS EVENING, THE IRI-H TIGER.
After which, at Eight u'cloek, a new drama, entitled THE
AUNTED MAN; t)R, T E GHOST'S itARGAIN, in
which will be exhibited Professor Pe; per's adaptat!on of
the Great Spectral Illusion. Messrs. J. L. Toole. R. Phi lips,
Sefton C. J. Smith; Mrs. Alfred Mellon and Miss H. Simms.
Followed by a new Burlesque, ent fled ILL-TREATED
IL TROVATORE. stirs. Toole. P. Bedford, R Phillips,
Ebnrne, C. J. Smith, Romer; the Sisters Nelson, Carry and
Sara, and Miss K. Kelly.

' longeer found to work satisfactorily. Great part of
FelpFri
K E S
SEVENNITHO TNIT O.
NIGHT, the town, too, is below the level of high water, and
thTirt Season.
this is especially the case near the river on the
southern side, where the sewers are forced to run
below underground cellars, which themselves are
beneath highwater mark. The consequence natu-
rally is, that these sewers can only discharge their
contents into the river at low water, being tide
locked for eighteen hours out of the twenty-four,
and apt in times of heavy and long-continued rain
to overflow and flood the basements of the surround-
ing houses. It is long since these evils and annoy-
ances were observed and discussed, but the vast
outlay required prevented any steps being taken
towards remedying matters until 1856, when the
drainage of the metropolis and the purification of
the river were entrusted to the Metropolitan Board
of Works. The difficulties in the way of the un-
dertaking have been great, but they have been
surmounted by patience and skill. The varying
quantities of sewage, the rainfall in heavy storms,
end the lowness of some of the districts, have been
among the principal obstacles.
have very sensibly acted on the principlerrheporofjectors'
thus bringing one of the g
carry-
ing off as much sewage as porsesaibtlenabtyurgal farcesravitattotno,
their aid instead of trusting to pumping. An ins
portant point in their scheme is the reduction of
pumping to its minimum, while the storm
waters, as they call the excess of the rainfall,
are provided for by " the conversion of the existing
mainsewers into storm over flows," which shall
carry the surplus waters into the Thames when the
intercepting sewers are full. On each side of the
river there are three main tunnels which divide
London into three departments, and intercept all
existing sewers flowing into the Thames, carrying
their contents to Barking-creek on the north side,
and Closeness-point in the Erith marshes on the
south. These three tunnels are called respectively
the High, the Low, and the Middle Level. The
first of these runs from Hampstead to Bow, and is
about 8 miles long, gradually increasing in its cir-
cumference from 4 feet 6 inches to 12 feet 6 inches.
It drains an area of no less than 14 equere mike,
being laid at a depth of from 20 to 26 feet. The
middle level is still lower, being more than 30 feet
underground. It extends from Kensal-green to
Bow, and is nearly finished. The low level reaches
from Cremorne to Abbey-mills, near Stratford, its
waters being raised at Bow by engines to the level
of the others ,thence to descend by their own gravity
to the great outfall at Barking. One part of the
low level will pass through the Thames Embank-
ment, and this the last item in the northern system
of drainage, is expected to be completed in two
years and a half. In the southern districts the
arrangements are similar, and are proposed to be
fully completed by this time next year. The Con-
tents of the high level sewer was on Saturday
turned on for the first time direct into the river.
The visitors proceeded in the first place to
Crossness Point and examined the extensive and
elaborate works there in progress, of which a re-
servoir covering an area of six acres, and capable of
containing twenty millions of gallons, is but a
part. The floor of this immense receptacle is of
Portland stone, and its roof, not yet completed, is
to be formed of brick arches resting upon rows of
brick piers. Twice in the day it will be emptied
into the liver in order to prevent any accumulation
of sediment, a large tunnel on the land side will be
opened, as soon as the reservoir is emptied whose
waters rushing through will wash it out. The
main culvert delivering the sewage info the river
from the reservoir is of great size, and built with
brick sides, and the roof supported by iron girder,.
As evidence of the vast expense and labour entailed
by these works, we may remind the reader that a
reservoir of even greater extent is required on the
Northern side, where it has to cover ten acres and
contain forty millions of gallons. The works on the
Northern side of the river are however less for-
midable, owing to thedlffereuce of the level and the
consequent power to discharge the sewers by
gravitation instead of by pumping. The visitors
were equally surprised and gratified at the pro-
gress already made, as well as by the vast size
and comprehensive character of the works. They
were regaled with a eubterrauean luncheon beneath
the vaults of the great reservoir and in this
singular spot, speeches were made, healths pro-
posed, congratulations exchanged, and all the forms
of a regular banquet gone through. Mr.
THWAITES, the chairman of the Metropolitan
Board of Works, presided, as was due, at this
underground festival, and we may suppose looked
round on the result of the labours of his Board
with feelings of unmixed gratification. Lord
STANLEY, who was among the visitors, in a brief
address distinguished by his usual good sense, con-
gratulated the Board on the fulfilment of this great
undertaking, and remarked that although the
works were strictly of a utilitarian character, the
magnitude of the design, and the perfection of the
execution, deserved the epithet of magnificent
London, added the noble lord, had long been
said to be the worst drained city in Europe,
but it would soon stand at the head
of all
cities in that respect. Mr. THWAITES, in acknow-
ledging the compliment paid him in drinking his
health, remarked that the cost of the work would
be found to have exceeded the estimate by £900,000
owing to bricks having risen in price, and to the
bricklayers having struck for higher wages. The
public, are not likely to begrudge the
übi
if they however,
see this important undertaking
amount, l
strati, toeangde
kandre y
to the benefit of the public health. Ventilation and
a t
l of
satisfactorily carried out. It will accomplish the
double purpose of improvingboth C
the
a
purifying the river, and, in
d now that we are in a fair way to secure the most
drainage are the two great secrets of health in towns,
an
costly and difficult of these necessaries we may hope
that a larger supply of the common yet priceless
blessing of pure air will soon be brought into our
dwellings.

Employment of Children is well worthy The report of the Commissioners co
tnhoyerin
consi-
deration. Some time since the Government ap-
pointed a royal commission to inquire into the em-
onfg the
ployment of children and young persons in trades
and manufactures not regulated by law. The Com-
missioners have taken note of children engaged in
potteries, lucifer match manufactures, lace and
hosiery manufacturers, and chimney sweep-
ing. They have reported the result of their
varied experience, and they recommend the adop-
tion of various alterations and improvements. They
advise that in potteries, the premises should be im-
proved by a better plan of ventilation, and also that
overtime in works shall be discontinued ; also that a
medical inspector watch over these regulations for
the period of two years, and that afterwards the
duty be carried on by the inspectors of factories. The
next recommendation would be of incalculable bene-
fit, but its adoption would be more difficult to carry
out. They suggest the gradual introduction of the
half-time system, so that the children may have
more opportunities afforded them for recreation and
education, and that on attaining the age of thirteen,
each child be presented with a certificate of the
" amount of education received." The mom

deleterious occupation on the list is that
of the lucifer manufacture. This trade
furnishes employment for 1,613 childzen. It

is well known that immense numbers of lucifer
matches are sold yearly at a very small price, but
their coat to health and comfort is very differently
computed by those who take note of their effects.
The Commissioners remark on the prevalence of a
particular class of disease, called "jaw disease,'
which has arisen since the working of this manu-
facture. They advise in this case also the attendance
of a sanitary
inspector, to effect what is possible
towards the maintenance of the health of those en-
gaged in this very unwholsome trade. The employ.
meat of boys as chimney-sweepers is the subject of
particular notice. Although some time back an
Act was passed prohibiting this evil custom, the Act
is often allowed to fall into disuetude, and the nefa-
rious system continues. In order to obviate the
prevalence of this practice the Commissioners have
suggested an excellent scheme, "that for the future
no master-sweeper shall be allowed to employ it
his business, in any capacity whatever, any one
under the age of sixteen"; and, further, that no
person shall be allowed to carry on the trade of a
chimney sweeper until he has received a licence
from a magistrate, renewable under certain circum-
etances. It is earnestly to be hoped that this
advice will be especially attended to, as there can
he no valid reason adduced against it, and by the
adoption of this simple plan great suffering will be
prevented, and the miseries of a persecuted class
will be put a stop to. There is hardly any style of
-mploymeat more cruel than this, and it is incum-
hent on our legislature to make it impossible at
once by the ingenious device alluded to. Particular
ac's of prohibition are all very well in their way,
hut it once they are evaded or considered a dead
letter they are worse than if never caLed into exist-
ence, because those who might plan an improve-
ment are deterred from so doing under the idea that
the evil exists no longer, while all the while in a
stealthy manner it is working out its designsand
swelling the ranks of its victims. The Commis-
sioners ate now directed to inquire into the condi-
tion of the dressmakers and millinere' apprentices,
and to ascertain what steps may be taken to im-
prove their condition. They could not be employed
in a better work, and the result of their investiga-
tion is sure to conduce to the welfare of the class
in whose service they are engaged. There are sure
to be many obstacles in the way, and many well-
disposed persons are certain to declare that
it will be impossible to render their
condition any better by interference. There is this
consolation, however, for those who earnestly desi-
derata some striking change to be introduced at
once, that no opposition can be greater than that
which was in force against the factory improve-
ments, nor can any denunciations as to the imprac-
•icability of all interference, and the idurieus effects
of arbitrary rules, exceed the wrath and con-
sternation of those who militated against the Ten
Hours' Bill. Many years have passed away since
then ; the excitement has long since ceased and been
forgotten in many quarters, hut the effects of the
good deed then accomplished are still extant among
us. Suit will be when a like reform has been once
Instituted in those establishments where helpless
young females toil from early morn till latest evt
et pursuits that are enervating to the mind and in-
jurious to the bodily frame, that exhaust vitality,
destroy the health, and often sow the seeds of death
itself. Once let prejudice and self interest be cas,
iside, and there can exist no cause why inspection
should not take place in these departments of labour
as easily as in others where it has been tried suc-
cessfully for years. It is certain that to limit the
number of hours to a reasonable standard is the only
real and effectual mode of treating this subject. I
employers are compelled to keep within dui
limits the tasks they set to their apprentices, an
Important end will have been attained. If the
Mate of the establishments wi h regard to ventila-
tion and other matters of a sanitary kind be also
attended to, a vast boon will be conferred on hun•
dreds of the community. If it be too late as regards
many hapless toilers to rectify the evils produced by
the pernicious old system, still it will be gratifying
to think that a new regime has been introduced, and
that all new corners will start under favourable
auspices, and not run the risk of an untimely
death, and the fearful certainty of a wretched life,
with broken health and impaired energy, till they
fall into a state that may be considered as more
painful than death itself. In the second report the
commissioners are sure to speak out strongly as to
the deleterious practices now is vogue, and most
likely they will suggest many improvements. One
thing is certain, that no one in any rank can now
lay claim to ignorance on this subject. Through
the length and breadth of the land the voice of
wailing and lamentation has been heard concern-
ing these distressed workwomen. Their cry has
reached alike the palace and the cottage, and
to all the varying grades and several classes
which exist between, may their appeal be
addressed. A more universal claim on general
sympathy, or one more invested with personal attri
bates cannot be brought forward. It certainly
brings into immediate contact the most diverse
classes of society, from the lowest, whose children
born the heirs of toil, may any day be engaged it
such precarious vocations ; to the highest, wisest
lives of ease render them an especial cause of that
employment for others which in this branch pro
duces such direful effects. The consideration of this
subject should not, therefore, be regarded as one
solely in the charge of the Commissioners. There
are many others who should make the task thtir
own during the leisure hours that the approaching
autumn will afford them. if next season is to wit-
ness no amelioration in the cruel system now in
vogue, it wilt be a disgrace and a scandal to the
reputation of all concerned in the immediate traffic,
and a reproach to those more remotely connected
that
ve o
ienv ehr
iys
belt,E ai sn hd
iatrcwhoeuridcaserermiedastwifeslvome
empeenr'-s
with the affair. In the days of old it was considered
ng
sons wished the ladies of thi • s generation to
emulate the renown in a different I sty e, so that
when they proceed to some gay place of
can reflect that each sumptuous robe has cost a
life. If the jaded harms and
ghastly visages
of these victims could appear at some gorgeous ban-
quet, they would rival the effect of the skeletons
at the Egyptian feasts of antiquity. There are
some things too inimical to the tastes and repug-
nant to the feelings of humanity to be tolerated,
and this overworking of children and young per-
sons is one that comes essentially into the category.
It is high time that a new era be introduced, and
that, in the over-baste to make rich among the
grasping spirits
of this time, they do not destroy
what no wealth can replace, and yet what should be
counted as among the choicest riches in the stores of
the well provided State. When the Psalmist invoked
the chiefest blessing on the people, he not only de-
sired that their garners should be plenteous, afford-
ing all manner of store, but that their sons should
grow up as the young plants, and their daughters
should be as the polished corners of the Temple.
those who sap the strength and waste the health
of the rising generation are inflicting injuries on the
community that no prosperity will counterbalance,
and robbing their country of its mainstay and sup-
port, by undernsinieg- its- vital source of welfare.
Truly tae the poet •1 lustrated this sad state of
things in these lines
" 11l fares the land, to haste •
ning ills a prey,
Where wealth sconzehlet,g. nal men decay."