The Sun.
London, England, 1863-06-17 00:00:00

THERMOMETER.

This morning ........
This day at Two o'clock 6B
Barometer-22.88.
wind—S.W. ; light, and fine.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
runs DAY.—Morning, 2h. 45m.—Afternoon, 3h. 3m.
To-monnow.-I'yforning, 3h. 21m.—Afternoon, 3h. 40m.

V4lO
oldi:l7?e,„_,,
J4' -‘

lief of Vicksburg from farther assaults—to prevent
the Confederate General from crossing, not by con-
fronting him with a single corps, but with the
whole force of the army under his (GRANT's) com-
mand.

It is a curious coincidence, we would remark,
before closing these running commentaries on the
last telegrams brought to us by the Etna from
America—it is, to say the least of it, an exceedingly
curious coincidence, that while on the 16th of
June the member for Birmingham, here,

in England, is addressing a large meeting
at the London Tavern, in words full of
reproach to the Government and the Press of Eng-
land, because they have not hounded on this miser-
able war of the North against the Confederates—on
the 3d instant, that is at a distance of not quite a
fortnight previously, an enthusiastic meeting was
taking place in New York, in the name and
in furtherance of the Principles of the Democratic
State Peace Convention. A meeting very remark-
able both in numbers and in enthusiasm. Resolu-

tions being there passed—not by large majorities,
but by acclamation—resolutions declaring—
What? Mr. BRIGHT must surely have
already been interested to see—What ! De-
claring among other things—that the Go-
vernment has no constitutional power to
coerce States by military force—that if the power
of coercion exists it is of a legal, and not of a
military character—that the democracy cannot
sustain a war against sovereign States—and con•
sequently that, in obedience to the dictates of
right, and justice, and humanity, this shameful
war should cease!

The " annual benefit" of Mr. BERKELEY, as Lord
PALMERSTON, with that pleasantry which is often
a convenient method of dealing with awkward sub-
jects, styled the oft-repeated question of the Ballot,
took place last evening, with the customary result.
Mr. BERKELEY, in introducing the old familiar
motion, reminded the House that this was the
fifteenth occasion on which, as the successor of Mr.
GROTE and Sir HENRY WARD, he had brought
forward the question of the Ballot. In support of
his motion he cited the example of numerous
societies, besides the chats, of which most of his
Parliamentary antagonists are members, and re-
ferred to the experience of other countries, as show-
ing how beneficial was the introduction of the
Ballot, even under the most unfavourable circum-
stances. In France it has enabled the Opposition
candidates to enter the Chamber of Deputies in the
face of a despotic Government. In Australia it
has been serviceable, although, from the general
character and condition of the people, no country
needs it less. In America, the hope of reversing
the mad policy which is urging the North to ruin,
lies is the ballot box; while in our own country
we have, unhappily, only two many illustrations of
the necessity of reforming our present mode of Par-
liamentary elections. Mr. BERKELEY alluded to
an incident which gave a very striking support to
his theory. At a recent election the Conservative
candidate commenced his address with the words,
" I abhor the ballot." The next day, however, this
hater of secret voting informed his supporters that
he regretted being compelled to withdraw from the
contest, as a great territorial influence had been
brought to bear on it, and, therefore, he could not
go to the poll without involving many of his humble
supporters in instant ruin. As Mr. BERKELEY
justly observed, one of these addresses was a com-
mentary on the other. Let us hope that the
results of the present "honest and English
system" has made a convert of the gen-
tleman in question. The ingenuity with
which some landlords evade the Corrupt
Practices Act—one man declaring he gave his
tenant notice for the shape of his nose—was also
forcibly shown by Mr. BERKELEY. We suppose
these subterfuges and ingenious devices are consi-
dered English and manly by the opposers of the
system of secret voting. Lord PALMERSTON having
repeated the old, timeworn arguments, which are
never subjected to the test of practice, determined,
with his usual readiness and daring, not to shrink
from the advocacy of his opinions, even though, as
leader of the Liberal army, he was attacking one of
its chief positions. But all arguments, sneers, and
denunciations fail before the " inexorable logic of
facts." This unaccommodating evidence shows us
how measure after measure, reform after reform, are
powerless to touch the evil. Now candidates and
agents can evade the acts that forbid bribery and
treating with a facility only too gladly welcomed
by the lower class of electors ; now landlords and.
employers can escape the consequences of open in-
timidation by a thousand secret byeways—the end
of which is only too surely known to the "indepen-
dent" voter. The need of election committees and
bribery petitions is a disgrace to our age and con-
stitution. It was only the other night that a mem-
ber introduced a bill to guard against fraud and
corruption with regard to those very petitions, a
fact which proves significantly enough how hope-
less are such piecemeal reforms and precautions.
It is notorious that almost every one of the clauses
of Corrupt Practices Bills may be easily evaded.
Who can prevent a man from acting in the capacity
of a disinterested friend of the candidate ? and
who shall prevent that disinterested friend from

receiving a token of his friendship, or, what
is more, who will know that he receives
it ? The confusion, and sometimes the riots,
of a contested election would be effectually

prevented by secret voting, so we may certainly

expect a strong and persistent opposition from all
who profit by the weakness or vices of their fellows.
Still there is no reason to despair of the good cause
being won. Every year it gains in strength, every
year its supporters make their protest against the
folly that leaves weakness open to temptation, and
exposes dependence to the abuse of power; and
similar perseverance has won many a harder fight

before now. The gradual adoption of the Ballot in
so many of our social and municipal arrangements
is the best proof of the feeling of the middle classes,
and when once the public is thoroughly convinced
of the urgent need and benefit of its adoption, when
the public voice is once loudly raised to demand
honest elections and independent representatives
the virtuous indignation of the upholders of open
voting will prove powerless against it, and the
Ballot will be won.

Yesterday was a grand day for Oxford, and one
that will long live in the recollection of all who
were fortunate enough to ba present. As has been
the
hease with the numerous meetings and cere-
palret, ame:erhyicthhinthe:went
Prince
off auspiciously
and Princesson h
havea
brilliant occasion. The entertainment had also,
in this instance, the
Princess could hmerit of novelty. The
like it before, and the ave
welcome
dme nlyvth
she received
in all quarters had in its enthials
chivalric in its devotion. The m something Prince of
was not a stranger to many present, Tie
passed some time at Oxford during the course
of his extended and excellent education, and
therefore greater interest was imparted to his
presence in those halls and colleges where he had
dwelt as a scholar before visiting th m as a prince.
When the Prince and Princess ha entered the
Sheldonian theatre there was a burst of applause

that must have taken by surprise even those pre-
pared for a grand ovation. Never, it is said, " since
the theatre was built have its walls echoed and
vibrated to such a long, hearty, and absolutely
deafening outburst as when the young Prince
advanced bowing, with his usual kindly courteous
grace, from side to side, and leading his fair young
bride, who was quite unable to conceal the expres-
sion of absolute astonishment in her face at this
astounding welcome." Lord DERBY, as Chancellor
of the University, delivered a long Latin oration,
which was greatly applauded. The noble earl
acquitted himself very successfully of this arduous
task, only pausing occasionally in the course of his
address, which was everywhere distinctly audible.
The general opinion of the oration was, that it was
worthy of the speaker and of the occasion, and when
some minor flaws in its composition have been rec-
tified it will be given to the public. Amid great
applause the Chancellor presented the diploma con-
ferring the degree of Doctor in Civil Law on his
Royal Highness. The honorary degree of D.C.L.
was also conferred on Lord SPENCER, Lord MOUNT
EDGCUMBE, Lord HARRIS, and General KNOLLYS.
Two undergraduates recited some odes of their own
composition which created great amusement,because
of their not having committed the verses to memory
with anything like accuracy. The compliments
were, of course, rather extravagant, but appeared to
give general satisfaction. These lines that were
after repeated seemed great favourites :
" Oh, happy Prince, who such a prize has won I
Oh, happy Princess, pride of England's son I"

The ode was not so successful in its delivery, as the
poet appeared nervous, and made long pauses at
some peculiar passages. He exclaimed, " Thine
happy Princess, with those trustful eyes," and made
a dead stop. Of course there was genera: laughter,
in which the PRINCESS could not but join. Pre-
viously to the commencement of the chief ceremony,
the undergraduates, according to time-honoured
custom, amused themselves in criticising all who
entered, and giving the result of their opinion in
very noisy expression. Mr, DISRAELI, as usual at
Oxford, came in for a very favourable reception,
The undergraduates seemed to think that they
could not pay too much honour to one who has
so distinguished himself. After the other cere-
monies had been gone through, the PRINCE and
PRINCESS of WALES went to a grand banquet given
at Christ Church by the Dean and students of the
foundation. Such a banquet was never before given
in Oxford. At eleven o'clock their Royal High-
nesses proceeded to the ball at the Freemasons'
Hall. The telegraphic account describes it as a
most splendid spectacle. In front of the building,
in bright gas, were the words " Let the nations
rejoice, and be glad." It is very gratifying to
notice the cordial and earnest welcome that was
given at this grand seat of academical learn-
ing to the future rulers of the country ; doubtless
it will long live in the memory of the PRINCE and
PRINCESS, and perhaps be ranked as among the
most attractive of the many bright entertainments
that have done honour to their auspicious union.

CRYSTAL PALACE COMPANY.

MEETING THIS DAY.

The usual half-yearly meeting of the proprietors of this
company was held this day at the London Tavern, for the
purpose of receiving the directors' report, and for transact-
ing the ordinary business of the company.
The chair was occupied by T. N. Farquhar, the chair-
man of the company.

The report, which has already appeared in T/ Sun,
having been taken as read,
The CHAIR-MAN, in moving its adoption, said he had
great pleasure in meeting the proprietors on that occasion,
because their affairs were going on in the most satisfactory
manner. The great fetes that had taken place up to the
present had proved successful ; and altogether the prospects
regarding an increased dividend in December next were
highly encouraging. The completion of the extension of a
branch of the London, Chatham, and Dover to the Palace
would open up another channel of traffic, while, at the
same time, it would relieve the directors of Dulwich Wood,
which had always been an incumbrance to the directors. The
railway station would occupy a portion of the land, and
therefore, instead of being an expense, it would prove a
source of profit. He had great pleasure in moving the
adoption of the report.
The motion having been seconded,
Mr. H. GEORGE said he had great pleasure in observing
that during the past nine months there had been a great
improvement in the affairs of the company. He was also
glad to observe that a wise economy was now being exercised
in every department of the company. He was no advocate for a
close and illiLeral saving, but if a judicious economy was ex-
ercised in every department their dividend, which was now
exceedingly small, would, he was sure, become something
respectable. He knew the great expense the directors had
to incur in getting up their attractive exhibition, but he
could not help thinking that a less number of visitors, at-
tracted at a less cost, would be found to be quite as remu-
nerati'se. He regretted the directors did not intend to fill
up the vacancy which had occurred in the board of.airec-
tors, because he had lifard it whispered that the
infusion of a little new blood would not be
undesirable. He did not mean to say that the
present directors wanted any urging on, but he did not
think it was quite desirable that a seat at the board should
be looked upon as a permanent appointment. It might, he
thought, be possible to make some arrangement by which,
when the ordinary time came for the directors to retire,
in accordance with the deed of settlement, they should not
be re-elected before the lapse of twelve months. He was
not in the least dissatisfied with any of the gentlemen who
at present directed their affairs ; he only wished to see the
company as prosperous and successful as it deserved to be.
Mr. PUNCHER complained of the great expense incurred
for gas. _ _ _

The report was adopted, with the the exception of the
passage relative to the non-filling up the vacancy at the
board of direction, which was omitted.
Mr. Bicknell and Mr. Horsley, the retiring directors,
having been re-elected,
A proposal to elect Mr. Bohn to the vacant seat was then
brought forward, but a motion for the adjournment of the
meeting was carried almost immediately.

Mr. Michell, one of the Sheriffs nominate, is well
known in the railway world, and was recently elected a
director at the Great Western Board, on the nomination of
the Shareholders' Committee.

SIR CHARLES LOCOCK.—Yesterday morning Sir
Charles Locock sustained a serious accident by a
fall from his horse. It appears that he rode on horseback
in Rotten-row during the morning, and on his return to
his residence at the corner of Hertford-street, Park-lane,
his horse suddenly stumbled and threw him with some
violence and then rolled upon him. Assistance was promptly
rendered, and Sir Charles was extricated as soon as possible
and taken into his residence. Upon examination it was
discovered that the injuries consisted of a fracture of the right
arm just above the elbow and much straining of,the muscles
of one of his legs. We are happy to say that the result of
inquiries at the house last evening was that Sir Charles
was in no danger, and progressing very favourably.
TUE TOUCHING TRIBUTE OF GRATITUDE
PAID BY LORD CLAYDFORT TO A DOG.—
He had an only son, whom he adored.
The son had a Newfoundland dog who was devoted
to him. The son falling into the water, the Newfoundland
dog pulled him out. How was this distinguished mem-
ber of the Humane Society to be duty honoured for the act ?
' The appropriate reward was thus hit upon :—A few days
after the event, Lord Claydfort summoned the whole family
to a festival. The table is covered with the most exquisite
delicacies, the choicest meats, the rarest fruits, and in the
middle is an enormous pie in the shape of a tomb. "My
friends," said Lord Claydfort, his eyes moist with emotion,
and pointing to this masterpiece of the culinary art, " here
reposes the good Black, to whom I owe my son ; I thought
that the best mode of showing my gratitude was to distri-
bute him to each of you, that his flesh might be mingled
with your blood. Do as I do, and let your stomachs be his
last resting-place." And after this speech, and leaving on
his cheek the tear of gratitude which had escaped from his
eyes, the noble lord gravely attacked the last bat one rest •
ing place of poor Black. Does this not recall the answer of
the savage to the civilised man ? " Barbarian," said the
civilised man, " you eat your father when he is grown old."
"Ingrate," retorted the savage, "you leave yours to be
eaten by the worms."—La Comtesse de Bassanville's Salons
d'Autrefois,

THE
ROYAL
written meet-
ing of this soc,:ety was held on Monday, at thr
o'clock—the Right Hon. Holt Mackenzie, vice-president,a
ASIATIC SOCIETY.—A general
eein the chair. Dr. Goldenblum, of Odessa, was elected
onn ut:aet
non-resident member. A paper was read by the secretary,
of Buddhist idols in Tibet, and showing from a series of
by Mr. E. Schlagintweit, on the bodily proportions
132euddternents made by his brothers, that all images of
the Aryan type, while those of their saiats are
tions of
Bechiulot,troyr Preserve
io c a Tu.
r tat:lt:l'7 modificationfeatures and
00
fp
tohr e-
moulded
human form,