The Sun.
London, England, 1863-08-17 00:00:00

THE SUN, .LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, AUGtTST 17, 1863.

and a satisfactory one for them, according to the
manner in which it was received.

Her MAJESTY'S visit to Germany, although nomi-
nally of a private character, is yet not without its
significance. In the first place, it is notable to witness
a constitutional Sovereign leaving her own people
in security, and travelling to foreign parts, while
so many other monarchs are just now involved i❑
such serious struggles and overcome with heavy
burdens of State. If these ambitious men care to
learn a lesson they may do so in this event, and
observe that if our countrymen do not make such a
parade about their liberties, they are yet in the en-
joyment of independence at once solid and secure,
Also they may perceive that it is not those Sove-
reigns 'who are the most absolute in their sway,
and exert the most despotic power, who really enjoy
the most freedom, or can exercise the greatest privi-
leges. There are some potentates now in Europe
who would be puzzled to go away from their own
dominions with as much trust and security as our
QUEEN has done, and who are indeed so constantly
plunged in excitements of one kind or another as
to render such an achievement all but impossible.
The QUEEN'S visit has also, mingled with its mourn-
ful and melancholy associations, something of a poli-
tical interest attached to it this year. Though no-
thing might have been further from the thoughts
of those who planned the excursion when the sub-
ject was first mooted, the ever-changing current of
events has brought things to pass that no one fore-
saw. It is certain that the QUEEN cannot receive
the Crown Prince and Princess of PRUSSIA without
touching on questions of vast moment, and whose
issue may concern the existence of the monarchy
itself. In consequence of the very peculiar conduct
of King WILLIAM, it is not likely that the recapi-
tulation of events will be very pleasant ; but it is
not to be supposed that any of the party assembled
at Rotandsecke would wish that the meeting had not
taken place. It must be a source of satisfaction to
the QUEEN to be able to impart her advice person-
ally, and it is not likely that at this junc-
ture the Prince and Princess could have come
over to this country. Much may be done when
affairs are discussed viva voce, which can never be
attained when other forms of communication are
resorted to. After this second visit to the scenes
that are so associated with the memory of the de

parted PRINCE CONSORT it is to be trusted that our
QUEEN will return to her subjects more consoled.

She has many distractions to divert her mind from
overwhelming trouble and inconsolable grief.

There is another daughter to welcome her abroad
with new ties of affection to attract and awaken
sympathy and regard. When she returns to her
own country again her subjects will be greatly re
joiced to welcome her back, and if she can suffi-

ciently rouse herself to appear among them as of
old, the whole nation will consider that their prayers
have been answered. It is only the blessing from
above that can enable the mourners to recover their

strength, and the afflicted to come back to the weary
march of life. That their SOVEREIGN may enjoy this
privilege has been the constant hope of her devoted
people, and now that the second year of her mourn-
ing is far advanced, they may venture to look for-

weird to some lightening of the gloom that has hung

over the palace homes of England, and imparted

some of its sombre shade to many other dwellings

hrough the length and breadth of the land. Ail

lese will rejoice with heartfelt thanksgiving when

he night of sorrow has passed away and given

place to the day, not perhaps of gladness, but of

cheerful calmness and refreshed energy,

The last part of the Boulevard Sebastopol has
just been finished. The Medicis Fountain, which has been
reconstructed, and gilt with great magnific42nce, was to
be opened on Saturday last.
PLANETARY ATMOSPIIERES.—M. Secchi, the di-
rector of the Observatory at Rome, according to the
London Review, has been making special analyses of the
light of the various planets for the purpose of determining'
the existence or absence as well as the nature of any atmos-
pheres around them. The deductions from these experi-
ments are that the moon has no atmosphere, or so little that
its effect is barely sensible, and requiring the most delicate
atatmospheresua Which COrcpubitiQD, axe net very different

and we might now be rejoicing over a cotton har
vest as rich and liberal as our store of wheat. But
while deploring the perversity that has produced
such dire distress, we must be thankful that its
effects are likely to be in some degree alleviated by
that merciful Providence who tempers evil with
good, and that the general plenty and prosperity
enjoyed throughout the nation at large will enable
us the more readily to assist our suffering coun-
trymen.

Sir JOHN TRELAWNY has certainly not lost
much time in rendering an account of his steward•
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discussing a session that has been barren of events.
He contented himself by referring to the questions
of the day in 'general terms rather than in a par-
ticular manner as regarded the past. He first
alluded to the subject of reform, and observed that
he considered it very unwise to exclude so many of
our artisans from the franchise, since it was enough
to drive them away to places where they could
obtain that privilege, and thus serious inconvenience
would bo sustained by the country. As regarded
the ballot, he did not see any chance for it at
sent, but he would remind the electors that they
would have the question in their own hands at the
next election. Sir JOBN then passed on to the
question of finance. He said that it was encouraging
in many points of view. The revenue of India had
balanced itself, and the expenditure would be
diminished in the lonian Islands by taking
away the troops. He blamed, however, Govern-
ments on both sides for allowing small grants
without due inquiry. There was great truth
in this objection of the hon, baronet, for there is no
doubt that much is wasted through incautious and
hasty passing of votes, without taking trouble to
note the circumstances of the case. He explained
why he had voted against the purchase of the
Exhibition building; he was convinced that it would
have led to far greater expenditure than had been
stated at first. Next Sir JOHN adverted to
Mr. SOAMES' bill for closing the public houses on
Sunday. He truly said that "no one more fully
appreciated, both on sanitary as well as moral
grounds, the vast importance of adhering to tem-
perance, but it was possible to ride the hobby too
far." He hoped they would have some alteration
in the county rates shortly, and he thought that
those who paid them ought to have some control
over their expenditure. He trusted that the Con-
servatives would assist him in some of these endea-
vours to equalise payments. As for Church-rates
Sir JOIIN observed that he would in future leave the
conduct of that question to younger and more ener-
getic men, but he would be happy to render any
assistance. Both the opponents and supporters of
that bill will agree that it could not have had a
more able exponent or untiring advocate than Sir
JOHN has ever proved himself to be, and if success
has not crowned his efforts it has not been because
either will or ability were wanting in his exertion.
On the whole this first exposition of the services of
a member to his constituents, since the prorogation
of Parliament, has been a creditable one for himself,