The Sun.
London, England, 1863-01-07 00:00:00

The WEATHER:—Sun Office, Jan. 7, 1863.

THERMOMETER.
Highest since Noon yesterday
Lowest during the night ... 32
This day at Noon 36
Barometer-29.27.
IVind—N.W.; rain last night, to-day fine.

SIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
THIS DAT.—Morning, 3h. 31m.—Afternoon, 3h. 50m.
To-moßßow.-Morning, 4h. 3m.—Afternoon, 4h. 54m.

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LONDON, WEDNESD AY, JANUARY 7, 18e3,

-Within a comparatively brief period Europe has
been called upon to witness the overthrow of the
governments of her two most ancient States.
Though exciting the interest and sympathy of the
higher class Gf politicians from the glory of their
classic memories, heightened in the one case by
indignation for the wrongs inflicted by an irre-
sponsible despotism, Greece and Italy have long
been poli►ically unimportant. It remained for the
yea: 1859 to prove, in spite of disorganised States,
rival foreign interests, a long course of tyranny,
and a people unused to self-government,
that Italy was something more than "an
idea;" that without attempting to emulate
the dignity of the C2RSARS her rulers might
hope to take a prominent part in European politics,
and to see their country duly ranked among con-
stitutional powers. The case of Greece is not alto-
gether similar. The hope, the interest, the indig-
nant sympathy which of late years we have given
so freely to the Italians struggling for their liberty,
we felt for Greece some thirty or forty years ago.
The pages of two of our best known poets attest the
warmth of English feeling in the days of the
struggle with Turkey. The independence of Greece
was as favourite a theme with liberal orators in
the era of Navarino, as the unity of Italy
was in the time of Magenta and Sol-
ferino. It must be confessed, however, that
the result of the experiment was not similarly
satisfactory. One great obstacle to the indepen-
dence of both kingdoms during many generations
has been the fierce contentions, the jealous rival-
ries existing within themselves. The contest between
Athens and Sparta, the war of the Chioggia between
Venice and Geno 3, have not been without modern
instances in feeling, if not in deed. During the
late outbreak, however, the Italians laid aside their
internal jealousies and dissensions, and with a
patience and a unanimity that did them honour, put
every other object second to the unity and
constitutional freedom of their common coun-
try, in a manner that leads us to hope
for the best results, when time and experience
shall have consolidated their constitution. The
Greeks, unhappy in the King selected, unhappy,
too, in the want of good faith and purpose in the
people, have presented but a melancholy spectacle to
Europe since their grand regeneration. The
overthrow of the late unpopular and effete dynasty,
swayed as it was by Russian influences, has been
long looked for as a matter of course, and it remains
to be seen whether the Greeks will learn from their
past failures, and profit by the Opportunity now
fairly in their hands. Their almost unanimous
choice of Prince ALFRED as their future
Sovereign, however extravagant in a political
sense, indicates, we may hope, their determination
to have some substantial guarantee for the inde-
pendence and constitutional tendencies of their new
King. It was certainly not likely, after all the
evils brought upon them by Russian intrigues, that
they would have dreamt of selecting a nominee of
the CZAR. But the unanimity with which all
classes turned to this country, however littleflatter-
ing to the two other great Powers of the Protecto-
rate, shows a faith in English disinterestedness and
uprightness which may be a lesson to more ambi-
tious States. This confidence has been rewarded
on our part by the cession of the lonian Islands,
which, after Mr. ELLIOTT'S memorandum in last

The Earl of CARNARVON has come forward in a
bold spirit to enter his protest against a system
which is fast becoming intolerable in its results,
and bids fair, if not checked, to rank among the
national grievances. His lordship moved for " a
select committee to consider the system of prison
discipline in this country, and the expediency of
Icy change therein." He denied all idea of con-
veying any censure on the Visiting Justices, whose
duties he affirmed were to maintain the prison dis-
cipline on the system on which it is at present
founded, whereas the task imposed on the committee
he wished to see appointed would be of a totally
different nature, they would have to consider the
principles rather than the details of the penal
system. He did not intend to enter into
questions which referred to sentences beyond
two years, as they came under the class called
penal servitude, and Parliament would soon
be called upon to consider what course
to them. Hieemustbe
pursued by Government in relation
lordship then explained in the clearest manner the
reason which induced him to make this statement.
It was 15 years since a committee bad laid down
the system upon which prison discipline in this I
country should be conducted; he reminded Viscount
EVERSLEY, who presided that day at the Sessions,
that he had been the chairman of that committee.
In these earnest words his lordship proved the
impossibility of considering it unnecessary to make
that a neplus ultra arrangement. " Since that time
committees of both Houses of Parliament have sat,
commissions have been issued, reprts published, and
a very abundant and voluminous Rood of evidence has
been brought forward upon this particular subject,
and, therefore, it would be preposterous to jump to
the conclusion that, however well the subject was
deliberated by the Committee to which I have
alluded, its conclusions ought to be invested with
any degree of finality, so as to preclude the idea "of
a reinvestigation of the present day. During these
15 years various
changeshavdeisbeeipenlinmea;daenidn, the
mode of administering prison
i n themselves
revolutionary
though it may be true that
those changes have been great
changes, yet, taken in the aggregate, they really
do, in consequence of their uniform tendency and
operation being all in one direction, constitute a
very considerable change in our prison discipline."
He then proceeded to show how the original orders
had fallen into disuetude, until they were mere
apologies for punishment. The committee had laid
down these rules. The prisoners were divided into
four classes ; those serving their first month were
to be allotted eight hours' hard labour a-day,
the second class six hours, the third four hours, and
the fourth three hours. As the case now stands,
through the mitigations of the system, the wurk
has degenerated into the following ratio :—The first
class only labour three hours and a half, the sccond,
The game preservers have met with a slig!it
check in their over-exultant application of their tiiirdp and fourth receive about two hours' work
Night Poaching Act. The magistrates have too a-day.
act, `` Well, then, I ask," exclaimed his lord-
filched,
generally bgcn eager to show that thisship, it pot idle to talk of sentencing a pri.

night's Gazette, may be regarded as almost a fait
accompli. The surrender of a doubtful Protectorate,
which put us to heavy expense without certainly
bringing us much increase of dignity, will be no
disadvantage to this country. It will save us some
thousands a year, and in no wise weaken our in-
fluence in Edrope. Mr. ELLIOTT'S communication
is couched in sensible and moderate language, re-
commending in the selection of a Prince the very
qualities most desired by the Greeks themselves.
Who this future Prince may be is yet uncertain ;
union of the lonian Islands will
but the proposed

naturally strengthen his kingdom, and as in the
present disabled state of Turkey he has little to
fear from foreign eggression, we may hope that he
vvill turn his whole attention to the consolidation

and improvement of his internal administration,
and, in accordance with the declaration of the Pro-
visional Government, maintain for Greece consti-

tutional monarchy and the relations of
peace with
all other States.

Boner to hard labour if this is to be the state
of things in the prison? What is tho result ?
Look at it in any light you please, either
as respects the prisoner, ()rasa regards the judge, it
must have a very bad effect." He truly stated that
as concerned the men themselves who were under
sentence it was a perfect mockery, the inflictions
imposed by the Court with due solemnity and
gravity, went for nothing in the minds of those who
had been committed like those last before him-18,
20, and 25 times. His lordship then went on to
speak of the diet, which belongs to the sentence as
much as hard labour does. His own words will best

THE PRINCE OF WALES.

WOLFERTON, TUESDAY AFTERNOON

His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, accompanied
by Lieilt.-General Knollys, Captain Grey, and suite, ar-
rived here by special train at 3.30, en route for Sandring-
ham Hall, the new shooting-box of his Royal Highness,
the rest of the journey being undertaken by the private
carriages which were in waiting. The scenery where the
Royal party dismounted is most picturesque.
The greatest excitement prevailed at Lynn and at the
various stages of the Royal journey, but the curiosity of
the vast crowd was doomed to disappointment, as the
"special" did not stop at all. The greater part of his
Royal Highness's household arrived on Saturday. It is
confidently asserted that his Royal Highness joins the
West Norfolk hounds to-morrow, the meet being at Hun-
stanton, and the draw being at Sandringham,

explain his meaning.
"Ism not one of those who are in favour of harsh and crue

me3sures towards criminals. I am not in favour of a star,

The Approaching Marriage of the Prince of
Wales.

vation diet, but I think that what has hitherto been for-
gotten or practically ignored in these discussions is the
consideration that there is a medium between a starvation
and an excessive diet. While I would give such a dietary
as should sustain fairly the bodily vigour of prisoners, I
would studiously refrain from giving anything like a luau
rious diet. I certainly think that the scale of dietary laid
down in 1858 did not err on the side of starvation ; but
even if it did, that dietary has been revised, and you will
find that all the changes have been on the side of relaxa-
tion, and there has been a considerable increase in the
amount of the meat given to the prisoners, who now have
meat five days out of the seven. But that is not all; for
there exists a system of extra diet, and that has grown to
such an extent, that out of 300 or 320 prisoners the number
on extra diet is no less than 59. I do not say that that
extra diet is wrongly given, but I do say that we ought
thoroughly to understand the principle upon which it is
given ; for I assure this Court that, if they compare the
prison diet with the workhouse diet, it will be found that
the comparison is far from being in favour of the work-
house diet ; and I must say that when a poor man without
a blot on his reputation, who has perhaps lived a long life
without the slightest shadow of suspicion attaching to him,
is at last obliged, either through misfortune or through old
age, to resort to the workhouse and receive hardly sufficient
to keep body and soul together, while the sturdy felon, who
has been committed over and over again, is well fed and
comfortably cared for, it is dealing with guilt and innocence
in a most unsatisfactory manner."

We have, authority to state that upon the occasion of the
arrival in this country of her Royal Highness the Princess
Alexandra of Denmark, previous to her marriage early in
March with his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, her
Royal Highness will land from her Majesty's yacht Vic-
toria and Albert at Gravesend, where her Royal Highness
will be received by the Prince of "Wales.

Their Royal Highnesses will then proceed to London,
and will be conveyed in her Majesty's carriages, with mili-
tary escort, through the metropolis to Windsor Castle.
We have also authority to state that it is the Queen's
intention that, in the courso of the year, Levees shall be
held, on the part of her Majesty, by his Royal Highness the
Prince of `'ales; and that Drawing-rooms shall also be
hold, on her Majesty's behalf, by ono of their Royal High-
nesses the Princesses, her Majesty's daughters; or, after
her marriage, by her Royal Highness the Princess of
Wales.

It is also the Queen's intention that, shortly after their
marriage, the Prince and Princess of Wales shall hold, in
her Majesty's name, an Evening Reception at St. James's
Palace, at which the ladies and gentlemen invited by the
Lord Chamberlain, by the Queen's command, shall have
an opportunity of offering their congratulations to their
Royal Highnesses.

FATAL STEAMBOAT ACCIDENT.

THIS DAY.

About ten o'clock this morning a shocking accident
occurred through the dangerous practice that has been so
general amongs young men arriving by those steamboats
in the morning at all the City piers—viz., of jumping off
the boat before she is properly secured. The young man
who lost his life this morning was on board the Lotus
penny steamboat, which, as usual at that period of the morn-
ing, was crowded with clerk and others engaged in the dif-
ferent commercial firms in the City. As the vessel approached
the All Hallows-pier, the dangerous and reprehensiLle
practice commenced; several safely reached the shore, but
just as the rope was being made secure, preparatory to its
being thrown to the piermen, the unfortunate young man
attempted to jump from the fore sponson. In doing so his
foot struck against the edge of the barge, and fell back, his
bead coming in contact with the paddle-•wheel of the Lotus,
when he sunk under the water, and was seen no more. The
Thames Conservancy piermen lost no time in taking the
most active steps to recover the body through the instru-
mentality of the drags, but up to half-past 11 o'clock they
had not been successful. The hat worn by the young man
was picked up, and in the interior of it were the
words " Victor Company." Just at the moment when the
young man lost his life, a number of other passengers were
engaged in the same dangerous and reprehensible practice
in the after part of the vessel, one of whom narrowly escaped
death by drowning. In jumping from the vessel his foot
slipped, and he fell from the boat ; however he had the
good fortune to seize one of the chains hanging from the
steamer, and thus his life was saved.

The force and truth of this, all must allow, and it
is, indeed, a crying evil that the workhouses in
general are so mismanaged. When the serious
evil of the penal system has been remedied by the
intervention of Parliament, it is to be hoped that
the workhouse question will subsequently come
under consideration. His lordship concluded his
eloquent oration by stating that the consequence of
all these indulgencies has been that during the last
two weeks they have been on the brink of a serious
conspiracy, which would inevitably have led to an
outbreak occasioning bloodshed, and loss of life.
He declared that his object was to see the system of
prison:discipline brought down to the level to which
it ought to be. "We have rushed, as it were, from
a system of excessive severity into one of excessive
lenity and indulgence." It is eminently satisfac-
tory to know that the Committee was carried,
though by a very small' number. Lord CARNAR-
VON must be well pleased at the result of his efforts,
and he deserves to be appreciated by all well-
wishers of the community for his zeal and discre-
tion in proposing the highly desirable reform.
In this important movement, which will be one of
the chief domestic questions of the ensuing session,
he stands out the pioneer of progress, and it is to
be hoped that he will be deservedly estimated,
and that many lovers of the high and holy function
of justice will bear in mind the well-known adage—
" Judex damnatur cum nocena absolvitur."
Mercy is quite another thing to inconsiderate
clemency, and the evils and abuses that have sprung
up, partly from mistaken motives and partly from
carelessness in our prison system, must be remedied
at once with a strong hand, and the result cannot
be otherwise than a benefit to the country and a
blessing to the community.

THE EMPRESS OF THE FRENCH AND THE LADIES
OF MILAN.—.When in 1859 Milan was delivered
from the hands of Austria through the active intervention
of France, the ladies of that city formed a committee for
the execution of a marble group to be presented to the Em-
press of the French as a mark of gratitude to the nation
that had so generously spilt its blood for the Italian cause.
M. Vela, the sculptor, was entrusted with the task, and
the conception of his genius, after having been exhibited for
a few days in the rooms of the Albertine Academy at Milan,
is now on its way to Paris. The group, entitled "The
Kiss of Italy to France," represents two females, of the
size of life—one being France, the other Italy, the latter in
the attitude of imprinting on the former the kiss of grati-
tude. The figure of Italy is bare to the waist, the remain-
der of the person being concealed by the rich folds of a
mantle spangled with stars : her hands are folded in an
attitude of thankfulness. The figure of France is entirely
covered with well-conceived drapery; her left arm rests
lovingly on the shoulder of Italy, while her right hand
gathers some of the folds of her Imperial mantle. The
group is of a single block of the purest marble, and the
whole is described as unrivalled both in execution and
conception.
The Monarchia Nazionale of Turin announces
the presence of Mr. Smith O'Brien in that city,
and hints at his intention to deliver a "Lecture on America"
there. This lecture was read originally to a number of
mechanics in Dublin, and took the Federal and North side.
Mr. O'Brien is also to go to Greece, for what purpose is not
known. A Dublin journal jocuiarly asks—ls he about to
offer himself for the gilded chair of Otho ?
Mr. John Pender, the representative of Totnes.
has placed at the disposal of a committee the sum of one
thousand pounds, to be applied as they may see fit for the
general welfare of the inhabitants of that borough.
LOAN FOR THE CONFEDERATE GOVERNMENT.—

The King of PRUSSIA'S New Year's Day was
probably not a very agreeable one. His loyal Ber-
liners have offered him, as a New Year's gift, a homily
which he will fully understand, possibly respond to
in angry or martinet style, but which will probably
more encourage the representatives of the people in
a firm course than soften the stubbornness of the
wilful monarch. With expressions as courteous as
those with which the Parliamentary patriots of
CHARLES I.'s reign approached their Sovereign, the
Berliners address the Prussian STUART. But they
declare it their duty to be frank, and frankness re-
quires them to tell him that they look to him to
put an end to the " serious complications "—the
"lamentable conflict" with which the year termi-
nates. They apprise him that it is a conflict which
confuses the minds of the people, by rendering
doubtful the " bases of the constitution," which
lowers Prussia in the eyes of other nations, whose
respect must rest on " the union of the King and
People." " May it please your MAJESTY," they
say, "to enter on a path which will take from u■
discord, and lead to conciliation ;" and thus they
hope for the scattering of dissensions and illusions
by the justice of their SOVEREIGN, and to see a new
year a year of internal prosperity and external
respect.

It is understood that a member of the Confederate
government has arrived in Liverpool, having the necessary
official documents and full power to negotiate moan in this
country. It is proposed to raise the loan upon the security
of cotton stored in the Southern States.
SERIOUS RAILWAY ACCIDENT AT KNOTTINGLEY.
—TWELVE PERSONS INJURED.—We learn from the
second edition of the Leeds Mercury that a serious collision
took place yesterday morning at the Knottingley Junction,
between the first Great Northern up •trains from York and
Leeds. The s'ation is approached in a direct line from
Leeds, but the York trains run into the main line by a loop
from Burton Salmon. The weather was foggy, and on the
two trains coming up to the junction, they ran into each
other with great violence. Two carriages were smashed to
atoms, and about twelve persons were injured, several re-
ceiving severe fractures. Medical aid was immediately
obtained from Pontefract, and the sufferers were attended
to. The up-line was blocked, and the trains, it was under-
stood, only running as far as Pontefract when this account
was written.

We trust the KING will have many such New
Year's salutations from the larger towns of the
kingdom. They will be a suitable response from
the centres of wealth and intelligence, to the hole
and corner addresses got up by little bands of reac-
tionaries in obscure localities. They will teach the
KING, if he be indeed capable of learning, that he
is quarrelling with the very strength of his king-
dom. Already he has taught the smaller states of
Germany to look to Austria as more likely to sup-
port constitutional liberty than Prussia, for the
EMPEROR has listened to his Reichsrath, on the very
points on which the KING has broken with his par-
liament. The KING is irritated beyond measure
that the Northern, and even Protestant states should
desert him, and Herr von BISMARK blusters to the
Austrian ambassador respecting occupying, without
warning, the States of Hanover and Hesse, and re-
calling Prussia's representative from the German
Diet. But it is all bluster. He dare not do it.
His own people would be against him. They them-
selves do not wish Prussia to lead Northern Ger-
many as a despotic, but as a genuinely constitu-
tional power. They point the KING themselves, in
the address of the Berlin Municipality, to the only
condition on which Prussia can be a leading Ger-
man power. The KING must no longer fight with
his people's Representatives, twice elected to tell
ihnimthtehreigsahmt ecutvriuntehso—f
Royalthe m
obstinacy.,onarchmus,„t govern the
people by yielding to the people, not by persisting

VOLUNTEERS' SALUTES.—The following War-
office Circular has been addressed to commanding
officers of Artillery Volunteers :7" Sir,—Complaints hav-
ing been made of the danger arising from firing salutes
from heavy guns in small batteries belonging to Artillery
Volunteers, I am directed by Secretary Sir G. Lewis tu in-
form you that in all cases in which blank ammunition is
fired from garrison batteries in use by Volunteers, which
consist of less than four guns, the intervals between the
firing should under no circumstances be less than 25 se-
conds, and that especial care should be taken in such ease
in sponging out the guns and serving the vent, with the
view of obviating, as far as possible, any chance of acci-
dent.--I have the honour to be, sir, your obedient servant
DE GREY AND RIPON."

PIRACY IN TUE SHANNON.—The Limerick corre-
spondent of the Freeman's Journal says :—" On the
1 night of the 31st ult., while a boat laden with turf from
Kilrush was lying at anchor at Coonagh Point, in the river
Shannon, two of her crew who were in the hatchway
thought they heard a noise as if turf was falling. One of
them, named Flaherty, looked up and saw a man armed
with a gun, which he discharged at him and wounded him
with some shot in his head. Flnharty ; A: , k
arktnp...ate.y.rew .ack,
when the top of the hatchway was fastened down, during
which time about eight loads of turf were taken away in
boats by some persons unknown. Flaherty's wounds are
not dangerous, but ho had a most Providential escape.
Through the aid of a comrade he forced up the hatches, and
discovered the turf to be stolen."

rances Anne Marchioness of Londonderry is
suffering from indisposition, at \Vynyard Park, Stockton-
on• Tees.

SALMON IN IRELAND.—A fish-walk has been
made for two miles over the rocky ground between
Lough Corrib and Lough Mask, in the county Galway, at
a cost of £650. By this means salmon aro now enabled to
pass up and down freely. The Galway Express says:—
" Within the last four weeks Mr. Miller has collected and
deposited no less than 770,000 salmon ova in the streams of
Lough Mask, in addition to those of last year, making a
total of 1,429,000 ova. But in addition to this large
supply, Mr. Miller has conveyed 40 adult salmon alive a
distance of 23 miles in a large tub of water, and, by fre-
quently renewing the water on the way, they arrived as
lively at the end of their journey as they were at the begin-
ning. Those were the first salmon that were ever known to
inhabit the river Robe, a tributary of Lough Mask, which
covers an area of ground thirty miles by ten."
THE METROPOLITAN RAlLWAY.—Yesterday the '
experimental traffic on this line was resumed with
the greatest success. Trial trains, consisting of first and
second class carriages, each compartment well lighted with
gas jets, which are supplied from the reservoirs on the roofs
of the cars, were despatched regularly every quarter of an
hour, under the direction of Mr. Tanner, the traffic super-
intendent, from the termini of Paddington and Farringdon-
street, commencing at 9 a,m,, and continuing during the
day till about 2.15 p.m. All the trains were regularly
otfrifmi
eten h dde n hl
r.
hrof
teeardsnetor
aoi ctt
trip
pt
r.along punctualityl.ow it(h,re being observed in their
starting and the time allowed for stoppages. In the course
linethe engineer,
specialin e e r withtr aitrain.
Every-
thing
pa rt y o
f
worked smoothly and well. The railway will be
opened to the public on Saturdainext. About 21 minutes
were occupied by each train in performing the whole dis-
tance,

i Palmerston
in
returned arrive cin town yested
morning. His
s lordship the afternoontorhaiys
seat, Broadlands, Hants.
The Earl and Countess of Portarlington have left
the Duke of Marlborough's seat, Blenheim Palace, for
IV,yuyard Park, Stockton-on-Tees.
Lord and Lady Arthur Hay are staying at Mr.
and Lady Charlotte Sturt's seat, Critehill House, Wim:
bourn, Dorset.
The Hon. George Barrington comes to town to-
day from visiting the Earl and Countess of Westmoreland,
at Apethorpe.

LATEST FROM SPIRIT LAND.—Oar able contern.
porary, Punch, has a capital illustration represent.
•—•
jug the ghost of George the Third asking an awkward
question Qf President Washington "
Mr. Wash-
ington, what do you think of your fine Republic now?
Eli ?—What d'ye think ? What d'ye. think, Eh ?"
which the great Republican returns no answer but the ex-
pressiye monosyllable—" Humph In

LATEST INTELLIGENCE,

AMERICA.

(Per Edinburgh, via Roche's Point, January 7,

11.20 a.m.)

NEW YORK, DEC. 27.

Great frauds have been discovered on the Go-
vernment in the matter of army debts. Many mer-
chants and brokers in New York are involved. A
secret investigation has been in progress for two
months. The loss sustained by the Go%ernment
amounts, as far as known, to about 1,000,000 dols.

The evidence given in the Court of Inquiry on
General M‘Dowell continues to show that all the
insinuations against his loyalty and military capa-
city were without any foundation.

A decision of the Attorney-General, Mr. Bates,
fully establishes that colour is no bar to citizen-
ship under the United States constitution.

Orders for supplies for the French army in
Mexico oontinue to be received here.

RUSSIA.

The St. Petersburg Gazette announces the return
of the Emperor and Empress from Moscow to St.
Petersburg, where they met with the most enthu-
siastic reception. St. Petersburg was brilliantly
illuminated in the evening.