The Sun.
London, England, 1863-09-12 00:00:00

TIM SON, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 12, 1863.

no; go, and when they are grown up, it is not likely
that they will depart from it. How true was that
saying of some thoughtful moralist, in regard to
the rival meats of schools and prisons,—" It is
better to place a sign post at the beginning of a
man's life than a gibbet at the end of it !" In the
good cause of ameliorating the condition of our
poor children much has already been undertaken,
much more also remains to be done, and to every
single effort which, like the country gathering we
have alluded to, tends to help on that noble work,
we very heartily wish a GOD-speed; and while we
congratulate the generous Samaritans who so bene-
volently lend their aid on the occasion we have
been here referring to, we trust that many others,
prompted by their example, may "go and do
likewise."

Among t he pt
nr easye nhtedraeye
;Iwo which
tahr
ee
absence of that narrow exclusiveness which of old
concentrated the interest of each class upon itself.
unmistakeable the
improvements changes
° 1
Agriculture and mechanism were regarded as an-
tagonistic forces; they had each their votaries who
looked upon the members of the rival profession as
enemies ; and the idea of anyone not a farmer or an
agriculturist of some sort, taking any part in the
proceedings of an agricultural society would have
been greeted with ridicule. But things have altered
for the better. As each science becomes more de-
veloped, as each branch of useful knowledge grows
more complete, a harmony is perceived between
them which was never visible before. It is seen
that, instead of being antagonistic, they are really
congenial, and that a man never does his own work
the worse from understanding the principles which
govern that of his neighbours. In addition to this
reason for the increased interest now taken in rural
gatherings and exhibitions, we may-add that such
shows have considerably increased in interest,
owing to the application of science to agricultural
implements. Those who know very little of farm-
ing practically may feel considerable curiosity in
watching the action of the new steam ploughs, or in
examining the various devices by which air and
iron are brought to do the work of man. A liberal
example of the wonders effected in this class of
machinery was exhibited on Wednesday last by the
Manchester and Liverpool Agriculture Society.
This society possesses some claims to notice on the
ground of its antiquity, being thirty yeah old. It
has lasted through all the changes of those eventful
years, and has more especially flourished since the
two societies of Manchester and Liverpool were
united, at the suggestion of Lord DERBY, who is
one of its patrons. Its annual show, which was
this year the largest ever known, was held in
Birkenhead Park, a fact which gave occa-
son to some singular comparisons of the
present condition of the busy and thriving locality
with its former state. Fifty years ago Birkenhead
had only about sixteen houses, and little mire than
100 inhabitants. What it is now we all know, and
it is but fair that the first representative it has re-
turned to Parliament should be one of those public
spirited and energetic men who have made it what
it is. Mr. LAIRD was, of course, present on the
occasion of the recent gathering, and took a promi-
nent part at the annual dinner, where plenty of al-
lusions in jest and earnest were made to that far-
famed vessel which has made Birkenhead a word of
terror to the Yankees. However, all was taken in
good part, and when the health of " the first Parlia-
mentaryrepresentative of Birkenhead"was proposed,
the hearty cheers with which it was drunk were
wound up with " one more for the Alabama." So it
appears that the cause of the North is not very
popular in Birkenhead at all events, and the pre-
sumed infraction of neutrality which has called
down such vials of wrath from Mr. SEWARD has not
exposed the builder of the " 290" to any loss of the
respect of his town-fellows, The gentlemen con-
cerned in the management of the show might well
seek for some refreshment and entertainment at the
close of the day, for their labours were most arduous.
The judges found it impossible, notwithstanding
their exertions, to award the prizes until a very
late hour, and we shall not be surprised at this if
we glance at the extent and variety of the articles
to be decided upon. There were, of course, agri-
cultural implements and machinery of all descriptions
—the new magic steam machinery exhibiting its
powers in action, cutting imaginary chaff, and crush-
ing useless corn. But besides tt ese familiar and useful
articles of industry there were model iron cottages
to be inspected, washing machines of fabalous power,
exciting the admiration of thrifty housewives,
and a still more astonishing apparatus for drying
the clothes thus marvellously washed. As Liver-
pool and its vicinity have long enjoyed an unenvi-
able notoriety for smoke and " blacks," it is to be
hoped that these industrial inventions will help to
remedy the evil. But the tasks of the visitors and

judges were not half done when ploughs, carriages,
sausage machines, and summerhouses were inspected.
There remained the live stock, which comprised four
separate shows-163 entries of horned cattle, 223
entries of sheep, and 83 entries of these equally use-
ful but less esteemed animals, pigs, kept up our

English reputation in this particular, while the

show of poultry might serve to attract lady visitors,

and the canine race had An exhibition of its own.

The show of horses was something of an innovation
on the ordinary custom, but its extent and success
will probably make it a more prominent feature in

agricultural shows. Fruits, flowers, and vegetables
were also represented, and this department excited

general approbation. We mention these various

items to show the variety and character now pos-

sessed by an agricultural show. Could the farmers
of thirty years back have seen the present exhibi-
tion, they would probably have disclaimed its con-
nection with agriculture. They would have re-
garded it as some exhibition of a more general

nature, and might perhapa have been as much sur-
prised at the number and character of the visitors
who took an interest in the scene as at the marvels

which formed part of the show. But old prejudice
is dying out on both sides. The agricultural inte-
rest is no longer wrapped up in its own traditions
and unwilling to share its sympathies with workers
in another sphere, or to profit by the results of their
labours. Men of cities, too, have learned to interest
themselves in questions connected with that profes-
sion, without which, after 411, the wisest and
shrewdest among us would be sadly at a loss. We
might make excellent taws, write wonderful books,

nay, eN en construct astonishing machinery ; but if
our supply of bread and meal were tot kept up by
the. industry of the farmer, our skill and science
would be of little profit. Such exhibitions as

the present are doub!y useful in bagging together
the representatives of both forms of industry—the

mechanical and the agricultural, and by uniting
their sympathies, and proving to each how much
the other can accomplish, they serve still further to
cement that happy co-operation by which the skill
and energy of both are made to work for the com-
mon good. ir

DEATH OF THE MARQUIS TOWNSHEND.—The
Marquis Towushend has died at his seat at Norfolk. The
deceased peer was born in 1798. He was a rear-admiral on
the reserved half-pay list, and war naval aide-de-camp to
the Queen. He represented Tamworth in Parliament from
1847 to 1856, when he succeeded his cousin in the peerage.
The title descends to his eldest son, Lord Raynham, who is
one of the members for Tamworth.

HOW ABOUT THAT OTHER LION OR Two ?—Sir
Edwin Landseer has left town for Scotland, to pass a few
weeks in the Ilistaauds,

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

ITALY.

ROME, SEPT, 11.
A Papal Bull hes been Published, creating several
benevolent establishments, and apportioning them
a revenue out of the private estates of the Pope.

THE BOMBAY MAIL.
ALEXANDRIA, SEPT.
The Valetta left here with the Marseilles portion
of the above mails at noon this day.
The Delta, with the heavy portion of the mail,
sailed at four p.m. yesterday. She may be expected
at Southampton about the 23d inst.

The Onissa brought the mails to Suez, arriving
there on the 9th inst.
The Carnatic reached Calcutta on the 20th
August-54 days from Southampton.

CALCUTTA AND CHINA MAILS.
IVIARSELLES, SEPT. 12.
The Euxine arrived here with the above mails al
7.30 this day.
The mails leave for London by the 11.30 a.m.
trait.

THE POPE'S ENCYCLICA.

The following is a very able epitome of the
Encyclica of His Holiness, as summarised by the
.31orning Post's Roman correspondent :
Induced by the present religious and political
condition of the peninsula, his Holiness has
addressed an encyclica to the cardinals, archbishops,
and bishops of Italy-, which has just been published
under the date of the 10th ult.
In the first paragraph the Pontiff laments the
sacrilegious war waged against the Catholic Church
in almost the whole world,but especially in wretched
Italy, by the Subalpine Government. The firmness
and constancy of the prelates under such a trial
affords his Holiness matter for the warmest con-
gratulation. Irreligious, heinous, and obscene
Publications are next complained of, with theatres,
houses of prostitution, abominable vices and crimes,
incredulity, indifferentism, and contempt of eccle-
siastical authorities, depredation of the property
of the Church, and persecution of her ministers, and
many other wickednessea committed by the enemies
of Catholicism.
The final triumph of the Church is next predi-
cated ; and the example of bishops, priests, and
laymen, who have laid down their lives and suffered
tortures for Carist's sake, in Tonquin and Cochin
China, is earnestly held up for imitation.
His Holiness goes on to condemn the grievous
error fallen into by some Catholics that salvation
may ha obtained out of the pale of the Catholic
faith and unity. Invincible ignorance, combined
with a moral life, is allowed as deserving Divine
clemency ; but the Catholic dogma is repeated
clearly that no one out of the Catholic Church can
be saved, and many passages of Holy Writ are
quoted in support.
After recommending the use of Christian charity
towards all such erring brethren, the Pontiff pro-
ceeds to reprove the insatiable love of riches and
Power which at present leads mon into all sorts of
crimes, inquiring very justly, What profits it a
man if he gain the whole world and lose his own
soul ?"

Members of the regular and secular clergy are
next reproved for forgetting their holy vocation so
far as to excite the people against the temporal
sovereignty of the Holy See, and to form the
societies vulgarly called Cierico•liberali Di Mutuo
Soccorso, Emancipatrici del clero Italiano, and
others animated by an equally depraved spirit.
Impious publications of all sorts, and the open en-
couragement of non-Catholic worship, with public
instruction by non-Catholic masters, form a source
of deep regret with his Holiness, who goes on to
urge the clergy to combat these rising evils by their
personal integrity, moral habits, sound doctrine,
and industrious teaching, and winds up by a tri-
bute of praise to the greater part of the Italian
clergy who have proved faithful to their duties, to
the virgins consecrated to God,'who, expelled from
their convents, have continued to offer up prayers
and wait for the mercy of the Lord, and to the
people of Italy, who, animated by Catholic senti-
ments, detest impious attacks on the Church, and
endeavour to relieve the dicalties of the Pontiff
and the Holy See by subscriptions of money or other
oblations.
His Holiness concludes with reminding his vene-
rable brethren and beloved children that the gates
of hell shall not prevail against the Church, and
requesting their urgent prayers for the assistance
of the Almighty, that she may pass through the
present tremendous tempest, triumph over her ene-
mies, and enjoy peace and liberty on the earth.
Time flies rapidly, for this encylical letter of Pio
Nono is dated in the 18th year of his Pontificate.
It is to be hoped that the numerous evils which
afflict the paternal heart of his Holiness will be
alleviated by the devout procession which is to
take place to-morrow of the image or rather picture
of the Saviour, known as the Acheropita, which is
painted on a panel of cedar or palm wood, six feet
high by two feet and a half, and represents the
Saviour standing with a long beard. Pope Inno-
cent 111. covered it with silver, save the face and

feet, and a scar under the left eye is attributed to
an outrage of the Iconoclasts. It is traditionally
assigned in the outline to St. Luke and in the
colouring to angels, whence its name of Acheropita
(not made by hand), which is traced back to the
ninth century. The arrival of this picture in Rome
is variously attributed to St. Peter, to the Emperor
Titus, and to St. Germanus, patriarch of Constan-
tinople under the Iconoclast Emperor, Leo Isauricus.
This prelate, flying with the sacred images of the
Virgin and the Saviour, encountered in a storm in
the Archipelago, and entrusted the Acheropita pic-
ture to the mercy of the waves with a letter directed
to Pope Gregory /I. The Pope, informed of the fact
by a vision, proceeded at the head of the Roman
clergy to the port of Ostia to receive the picture and
transport it solemnly to the capital.
It appears to be proved that the picture existed
in Rome in the eighth century, and it was carried
about in times of public calamity, whence Pope
Honorius 111. called it the Athlete, or defender of

the public. The first public record of these pro-
cessions is under Pope Stephen 111. (752), when
Astolphus, King of the Lombards, threatened to
exterminan Rome and the Church. Pope Leo IV.
had recourse to a similar procession in 847, to deliver
Rome from a terrible serpent which had taken re
fuge in a cavern under Santa Lucia, in Orphea,
and by its pestiferous breath killed all who passed
by that way. The serpent disappeared after the
procession of the Acheropita.
Numerous miracles succeeded in after ages, and
a special adoration was paid by the Romans to this
image, which appeared in public on every occasion
of public danger or calamity, until Pius VI., on
the 16th of January, 1798, invoked its aid against
the French Republicans, who, notwithstanding,
entered Rome under General Berthier on the 10th
February following. The last procession of the
Acheropita was in 1831, when Pope Gregory XVI.
feared that the revolutionists of Romagna (Napo..

—•-- -
leon 111. included) would have succeeded in upset

ting the Papal throne.
To-morrow I hope to witness this renewal of a
most ancient custom, and to give you an account of
the impression it makes on modern Romans.

A Few Bold Words on the Great Socia
Evil.

(From the Law Times of to-day.)
The evils that flow from this state of things are quite
certain. Disease transmitted from parent to offspring, and
tainting the healthy of the present and the constitutions of
future generations, is the foremost mischief, Next to this
comes the degradation of our streets by the flaunting harlots
who have taken possession of them ; vice forced upon the
notice of virtue ; our wives and daughters expelled from all
public places of amusement by the immodesty that throngs
them ; temptation meeting our boys at every step, and
turning them to premature debauchery ; England pointed
at by all foreigners as a hypocrite, who preaches against
vice and professes extraordinary virtue, and yet leaves her
streets to be what they are.
These are the facts. We have already dealt by law with
adultery, seduction, and bastardy, offences growing out of
the same passion. We havepartially subjected prostitution
to police regulations, and so far we have recognised its
existence. Is not the time come to deal with all of it
that yet remains untouched ?
But what to do ? Plainly it cannot be prevented. But
may it not be regulated ?
May we not learn from experience? What has been
done by other countries ? Certainly we do not see in them
the scenes that nightly disgrace our own towns and cities.
They have succeeded in restraining and regulating a vice
they cannot prevent, and in reducing it to the most harm-
less condition possible.

This th©y have dune by placing prostitution under police
regulation, compelling it to observe strict ruks, and requir-
ing medical inspection and hospital cure. To this they add
a license. But reasonable objections may be raised to so
far assimilating harlotry to honest trading, and therefefe
we would suggest, in lieu of license, a medical certificate of
health, to be granted periodically, say once a week at the
least.

It is the opinion of medical men that, if some such plan
were to bo persistently acted upon, the disease that is now
desolating so many families and sapping the vitality of the
nation, might be nearly if not quite extirpated, and in the
army alone this would be equivalent to the saving of seve-
ral regiments every year.
Perhaps some of our readers could suggest the outline of
a bill for embodying these suggestions iu a practical shape,
to be submitted to Parliament next session.

THE MEXICAN THRONE.—It is stated by tbe
Paris correspondent of a morning contemporary that the
Archduke -Maximilian has positively accepted the Throne
of Mexico,