The Sun.
London, England, 1863-02-10 00:00:00

of the neighbouring commotion. WILLIAM, 0
which, re learned the other day,
Prussia, had need. for the supplies troops,
woafs thruororPys:
been cast into the wuters, and -,vho can tell hIW far
hurry-
ing forward to the frontier, for tb., Stone has
spread.
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tDeutsche
übzl troubled
tocujir,cloers
lastmay pevsenrig
news of an alarming character has been received
from the Polish provinces—that the agitation,
which had not hitherto crossed the frontier, now
prevails in several districts, chiefly in that of Kulm,
among the Polish landed proprietors. It adds
that it is believed that serious interven-
tion on the part of the Government will
be necessary. So that there will be in Prussian
Poland a repetition of the miserable scenes further
north—a renewal of the old attempt to crush out
nationalities with the iron heel of despotism.
FRANCIS JOSEPH evidently feels himself in an
awkward position between his two allies and neigh-
bours. It is supposed that the order for the pro-
rogation of the Galician Diet, which was published
yesterday, was owing to the intention of Prince
SAPIEHA to propose that the Diet should vote an
address to the Emperor of AUSTRIA, requesting his
diplomatic intercession with the CZAR in favour of
Poland. FRANCIS JOSEPH is not perhaps the best
qualified mediator. The ruler who tyrannised over
Italy and trampled on the brave Magyars, might
possibly meet with the old retort of to quogue if he
attempted remonstrance in favour of oppressed na-
tionalities. The great Western Powers, however,
are differently situated. There is no reason why
England and France should not try the effect of
diplomatic intervention if they shrink from taking
arms. With all tact and courtesy, the message
might be worded, but it might convey to the CZAR
in sufficiently distinct language the feeling of
Western Europe with regard to the treatment of
the Poles, and impress upon him the hopelessness of
his father's system of ruling their unhappy country.
We are glad to see that Mr. HENNESSY gave notice
last night in the Commons of his intention to call
attention to the violation by Russia of her treaty
engagements with respect to Poland, and to move an
address to the Crown on the subject. If no practi-
cal results follow from this motion, it will at least
enable the British Parliament to express the feel-
ings of the nation, and as ALEXANDER 11. has not
always shown himself indifferent to the opinion of
Europe, or regardless of the claims of humanity, we
may hope that it may even produce its influence in
the Cabinet of the CZAR.
While we write fresh intelligence has just
arrived from Warsaw, which is unfavourable to the
insurgents. The band which occupied the forest
of Skiernewic has been dispersed, with the loss of
50 killed and 40 captured.
Another telegram from Wilna tells of a still
greater disaster near Semiatiezy, where General
MAaJRIAKINE has completely defeated an insurrec-
tionary band, the village being burnt. The loss of
the insurgents is said to be 1000, while that of the
Russians was only 12 killed, of whom six were
officers. These numbers, we apprehend, are by
no means to be depended on. A band of such
considerable numbers must have apparently stood
still to be slaughtered, if they could give no better
account of their foes, while the discrepancy between
the numbers of the officers and men must strike
even the most casual observer. Either the men
must have left the fighting to their leaders, or the
official journal of Warsaw has found it convenient
to mistake the figures. But the struggle is not
yet over, and we can hardly hope that either the
extension of the insurrectionary movement to
Prussian Poland, or this defeat at Sennatiezy will
bring the antagonists to terms. We can, indeed,
hardly wish that the Poles would too readily lay
down their arms without some substantial guarantee,
knowing as they must do that the knout and
Siberia are the too probable rewards of their
valiant chiefs. Still it is impossible to do other-
wise than lament the wasting of the best blood of
an heroic people in this incessant striving against
the chain. It is impossible not to feel for the fate of
the prisoners who have probably said their last
farewell to their countrymen and fellow-soldiers.
Surely the voice of civilised Europe has some power
even in the autocratic chambers of the CZAR, surely
the indignant protest of the nations who have ap•
plauded the emancipation of the serfs, and given the
EMPEROR the moral support of Europe in his self-
imposed and perilous assault upon the old estab-
lished customs and privileges of his haughty no-
nobility, should have some weight in his
councils. Russia will never emerge from
her state of semi-barbarism so long as
he energies of her rulers and the swords of
her army are turned against a valiant and united
people. The amelioration of the condition of
Poland would react upon Russia, by leaving
arms and government and finances free to protect
her own interests, and not engrossed in pursuing a
cruel and purposeless war, which the generous and
enlightened of all nations combine to reprobate—in
which eventual failure is certain, and in which a
temporary triumph is less honourable than de-
feat.

Dr. BRADY is entitled to the thanks of the com-
munity for his praiseworthy efforts of last night,
with a view to the better regulation of street con-
veyances. He asked the Home Secretary " whether
his attention had been directed to the evils result-
ing from persons labouring under infectious diseases
being carried to hospitals in public conveyances;
and also, if it was his intention to introduce any
measure this session with a view to remedy the
same." Surely there can be but one opinion on the
merits of such a case. Nothing can be more detri-
mental to the health of a metropolis than to have
the same vehicles employed for the transit of those
afflicted with the most deadly diseases flesh is heir
to, and also for the conveyance of those in health
who are pursuing their customary avocations, or
engaged in pleasure excursions. The plan that is
now so preNalent is sowing the seeds of disease
broadcast over the population at large, and doing
all that man can do to further the spread of conta
gious disorders. Of what avail is it that persons
shrink from incurring unnecessary risk in going to
the houses of those who are known to suffer from
a deadly disease, and taking all due precautions
theywh enmcaoymbpe led t
ep placed
c eao visit the sick,
a position
which
al timeni
almost
t
utshl eyi rt
oi naevuorirdi
eans
ssiudrueos
d-
ing the health of a larlgteicsi
.ng the evil they have sought so
spread of disease ; but how c
at
yagreat
tt oh as
tto pointbr e a
do
very inonne
egi
eur a
the
hhd
ee-
very buildings that are erected for the benefit of
the distressed sons of humanity in their hour of
sickness are the indirect means of propagating the
evil it is their object to stay. Sir GEORGE
GREY'S reply to the hon. member was
not very satisfactory en the whole, as it
amounted to nothing in the end ; although
he did not suggest
perforce he was obliged to agree to the validity of
Dr. BRADY'S remarks in theory,
any practical rectifying of the evil. Ha said he
admitted the importance of the question, but it was
a very difficult matter to legislate u
meetthe
rightdiffi chuolnd.
the questioned:
Of what use are Secretaries of State if they cannot
soundness of this argument may be
pon. Really
authorities hades
baronet
so andsometimes
eotviame
Irlecosowmeed assignedw a obstacles.s,t
hac ot npvAae
parochial
lacnthl
eaa
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Specially for this purpose, and he held that thei