The Sun.
London, England, 1863-12-15 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 15, 1863.

gratulation; but it will be matter fiotrhraengt a retinstead
of rejoicing if Denmark succumbs Struggle
toin,andisauccohnsais
hand,
n unjustdt and
is
stated
tat
dthat
aggressiveth s Danish claims. pr On
press
maintainst he other
that it would be impossible for the Government to
with its former line of policy. Austria and Prussia
submit towtnhael
d invasion
:e rt a in
certainly
hHe o
altogetherl s t e
pro-
ceedingt inconsistent
ace endeavouring to follow a middle course. They
are unwilling, Prussia especially so, to, abandon
their claims upon Denmark, but the Treaty of Lon-
don fetters their proceedings, particularly after Earl
RUSSELL'S reminder. It is owing to their being
compelled to ,remember in their own words, that
they are European as well as German Powers, that
the proposed "occupation" of the Duchies has been
merged into "execution," to the dissatisfaction of
the union of States, Bavaria in particular. Nee er-
theless the two great Powers have hitherto shown
no disposition to reciprocate the desire for reconcili-
tion indicated on the part of Denmark by the repeal
of the patent of the 30th of March, and the new
constitution proposed for Denmark and Schleswig
is now the war cry of the Federal party. It will be
remembered that the March proclamation, while
uniting Schleswig with the Danish Kingdom,
granted to the Holsteiners, whose grievances had
always been so loudly proclaimed, more than they
could have asked. It provided them with the right
to administer their own finances, with authority over
their own laws, and exclusive legislation within
the limits of the Duchy. But the Holsteiners and
their Confederates—the German Powers—were
very unwilling to accept this liberal gift. It re-
moved from them, it is true, all ground for political
complaint, but in granting them the extremity of
their claims it deprived them of any excuse for
further intermeddling with Danish affairs. Nothing
could be further from the wishes of the
Diet, and such an arrangement was especially
opposed to the designs of Prussia, who
cared very little about the political rights
of the Holsteiners so long as she could get
possession of Kiel and pursue her chimerical ambi-
tion of a Prussian fleet ; consequently another sub-
ject of complaint was put more prominently forward,
and it was declared that the union of Schleswig
with Denmark by a common constitution was an
outrage on the Federal obligations of the KING. It
was convenient to forget or to overlook the decla-
ration made in 1823 by the plenipotentiary of that
very Power that now most loudly upholds the con-
trary doctrine, to the effect that tichleswig did not
form part of the German Confederation, and, in
fact, lay beyond their jurisdiction. 7empora
2nutatatur mores. The Prussian representative of
1863 tells a very different story, and should his
present pretensions be satiefied it would not be
difficult to find some other pretext for continuing
the system of aggression and persecution until Kiel
would be fairly in Prussian hands, and Denmark
entirely subjugated to the dominion of the Diet.
How far the other Powers will suffer such proceed-
ings remains to be seen. Lord WODEHOUSE has
departed on his mission, which comes late, for the
troops of the four Powers commissioned to carry
execution into effect are already on the move, and the
expenses necessary for the aprovisional Govern-
ment of Holstein have been voted by the
Diet at yesterday's sitting at Frankfort.
It is said that some days' grace will be given
by the troops at the frontier, but a decisive step has
been taken, and matters have been suffered to go
further than they have done since the Treaty. It
is announced, however, by a semi-official Berlin
journal, that the Diet, apparently not wishing to
commit themselves too far, will not permit the
active interference of the Prince of AUGUSTENBURG
in issuing proclamations, &e., t 3 the Duchies, until
the legal question has been settled. The great diffi-
culty with which the German Potentates have to
contend, supposing they subjugate their own ambi-
tion to considerations of prudence and policy, is the
eagerness of the people for immediate coercion.
With a folly that is really lamentable, in considera-
tion of their own interest as well as those of others,
the bulk of the population of Germany have put
aside all thoughts of the great national questions,
whose settlement involves the future interests of
their country, to give all their energies to the proe
secution of the struggle with Denmark. At a meet-
ing of the representatives of the different German
Diets, recently held at Nuremberg, at which several
distinguished members of the Austrian Reichsrath
attended—no less than the chid's of the democracy—
three resolutions were unanimously come, to, declar-
ing the independence of the Duchies, the necessity of
their total separation from Denmark, the indis-
solubility of their union, and the legality of the
claims of the Prince of AUGUSTENBURG. It was
further determined to invite the members of
all the German Chambers to attend a public meet-
ing at Frankfort. Such an assembly shows the
universality and strength of, the feeling in favour
of German aggression, and the pretensions of the
Governments are only too well supported by the
populace and their representatives. Meanwhile
two of the Danish journals announce that the treaty
with Sweden is about to be sanctioned, and it is to
be hoped that such intelligence will prove true. It
cannot be supposed either that England will suffer
the legitimate rights of her old ally—an ally whose
fortunes are now doubly interesting to her--to be
sacrificed to German ambition. Earl RUSSELL'S
notions of peacemaking may consist of recommend-
ing an unconditional surrender to the weaker party,
but England will expect something more from her
Foreignj Minister. The country, through its re-
presentatives, will demand that the aid to be ren-
dered to Denmark does not consist of empty words,
but of vigorous action, and any cowardly attempt
to avoid an embroilment with the German Powers
will only serve to expedite the very catastrophe it
seeks to shun. The Treaty of London was expressly
framed to prevent the dire confusion that would
result from the dismemberment of the Danish
Monarchy, and the disputed succession to its throne,
and if it is to be deliberately infringed by the very
Powers who signed it so few years ago, there is an

end to all security for the tranquillity of Europe for

the future.

It too often occurs that in seeking to redress
wrongs abroad, we neglect those nearer home, and
yet daily experience often proves most incontestably
that there are glaring evils to be remedied, and most
cruel injuries to be inquired into. The case of PORTER
that has recently come before the public is one that
especially demands attention and calls for a minute
investigation. It is painful to reflect that such
inhumanity should disgrace our nature, but bad as
the conduct described would be if it were an isolated
things can
ease, it seems doubly lamentable when we consider
that so many
had
one
rad:
ihb'l e t 0
that r fi e
an
reflect ueptioenr g
virtually participated in the wrong,
and were tacitly encouraging the atrocious cruelty.
Civilisation must be at a very low ebb, where such
go on, and the first principles that
should actuate and influence mankind seem totally
ignored, Where the inhabitants of a village can go
and Whose sad condition called for kindness
on for years making no attempts to rescue a fellow-
creature who was un., .
uergoing the horrors of a living
sympathy, instead of t
energetic visitor should have
odretuedressofadnadrkp:ievsastihoands
. and barbarous to behold.
gtobaeesnpostuffered
it is well
where such
to go on unnoticed and un-
so gonell3

checked. The facts are now patent to the com-
munity, and perhaps the general expression of
scorn and indignation that the supineness and ob-
tuseness of the inhabitants of Flushing has called
forth may awaken a sense of shame in their minds, and
bring about a remedy that no sentiments of pro-
priety, or feeling of justice seem to have engendered
during the long years that they were acquiesent of
the dreadful doings that have now seen the light of
day and horrified all who have leard of them. It
is important that this crime be properly visited, and
it is to be trusted that no efforts will be spared to
bring the offender to justos, and that his sentence
wili be as severe as the law can inflict upon him.
This is the only way to deter others from fol-
lowing his example, and those whose natures will
not be moved by any feeling of compassion must
be taught to dread the consequences, in so much as
they concern themselves. " The tender for
another's pain, the unfeeling for his own," is a
very true description of the suffering of different
individuals. Another point of great consequence
is that due regard be paid to the condition of those
unfortunate beings who are labouring under a
similar affliction to that of the wretched PORTER.
It is very likely not generally known that there are
so many idiots in the country, and; indeed, it is only
on an occasion like the present that the full par-
ticulars of any case, and the exclusive proclivities
of a class, are disclosed and made manifest to those
who do not trouble themselves to seek for informa-
tion,i but,
is
brought neve nevertheless, t heel
beforess,
them.
In the Times of
last Friday there is a very interesting letter
from the Secretary of the National Asylum for
Idiots. This gentleman brings the question before
us in a very decided manner, and points out how
necessary it is for something to be done at once in
good earnest for the better protection and more
proper treatment of the unhappy class referred to.
In the first place, it is highly satisfactory to learn
that " Earlswood" has been eminently successful
so far as its powers will allow it to be ; but then,
of course, as Mr. NICHOLAS
states, it is only a part
and not the whole of a system. The example
should be followed, and similar institutions should
abound throughout the land, otherwise it is impos-
sible to meet the demands of the case, and the many
sad sufferers cannot be rightly treated. It is only
with the raving that " training" can be effectei,
but of course in all stages of the disorder proper care
and judicious treatment are necessary. The success
that has attended the efforts made at Earlswood is
very encouraging, and holds out every inducement
to other places to follow in the wake of the founders
of this noble institution. It is gratifying to hear
that only two cases failed out of thirty-one in the
way of improvement, and that twelve among them
were sent away capable of earning their livelihood.
Let any one picture the contrast between these
fortunate beings and the wretched creature
who was found in Cornwall. It now remains
that the error must be redressed with speed,
and that succour should be promptly provided for
those who nre in such grievous need of it. Surely,
now that the facts are so fully made known, and
the great want is explained of the existence of suit-
able institutions for the idiot and the imbecile,
proper means will be adopted to remedy the defect
and provide for the emergency. It must not be
that the cruel sufferings of the unhappy PORTER
have been all in vain, they should at least be made
instruments to mitigate the troubles of others simi
larly afflicted. When once it is known that there
are many appropriate places in which these sad
members of society can be cared for in a fitting
manner, one great excuse will be taken away from
those who are so ready to exclaim that there is no
use in making a disturbance, because nothing can
be done for the oppressed and afflicted. It is never
too late to mend, and it is also never too soon to
begin to do so; therefore, the more eagerly and
earnestly the cause of these idiots is taken up
the better. No one can possess a better claim
on our attention than a class who cannot aid
themselves by any possibility, and yet can be so
greatly benefited by timely aid and right treatment.
It is a subject that cannot be overlooked, if we have
any regard to the rights of others, and a benevolent
community cannot allow so large a proportion of the
population to leave their wants unprovided for, and
their sad state neglected. As maey as from 50,000
to 60,000 have been shown; by the reports, to exist
,of idiots and of imbeciles. Can it be brought for-
wardi
as an excuse, theee.thet t is a limited class
Whose case is put forward and whose claims is made
known. Since it has been shown that so many
come under this unfortunate denoMination, and that
of these so large a proportion can, if aided in time,
be benefited, if not rendered cepable of earning
their livelihood, there is every iriducernent to urge
on the efforts and inspire the eiertibas of all whom
are at all qualified to render assistance in this mat-
ter. Hitherto, ignorance may have been pleaded
as an excuse for the fatal neglect that has prevailed
in this quarter, but that reason can no longer be
adduced, and the affair rests on its merits. There.
can be no better way of bestowing alms than in
befriending the afflicted ones of poverty, but if one
class more than another *seems specially to call for
favour, it must be those of our fellow-creatures,
who, by some mysterious dispensation, are
to endure the greatest of all privations, the worst
of the thousand ills to which flesh is heir. No
language can be too extreme in which to speak of
the conduct of the brother of the victim who has
been relieved from his clutches, and it seems impos-
sible to account for the arathy which has prevailed
in the place where the crime was committed, but
there are other evils to be avoided in connection
with this subject which, if minor in commission, are
important in effect. It will not do if those who
declaim at the cruelty and deprecate the neglect of
the actors in this sad story in Cornwall, forget the
whole case after a nine days' wonder, and by their
indifference conduce to like events, and pave the
way for worse barbarity in future times. All must
be deeply impressed with the horrors of this story,
but that will do no good if action is not the hand-
maid of sentiment, and some lasting good follows
the expression of temporary indignation. The only
real consolation to the right-minded who shudder
at the tale they peruse, will be to reflect that some-
thing has been done to remedy the evil that is now
too plainly shown to exist. The adoption of souse
of the suggestions that have been made in many
quarters will do much to rectify the error, and sup•
ply a want that has long been felt by many well
qualified to give an opinion on the subject, but who
had no opportunity to came forward.

The memorial to the late Prince Consort ereeel
in St. Thomas's Church, at Newport, in the Isle of Wight,
by 13aron Marochetti, has cost about £230, which has been
raised by public subscription.
ALBERT THE GOOD.—The ahnuFtl
performance of
the " Dead March in Saul" will take place to-morrow night
in memory of the Great and Good Prince, by the National
Choral Society, prior to the commencement of Handel's
oratorio, the "Messiah," at Ext3ter•hall. Mr. Sims Reeves
and other eminent vocalists are engaged for the occasion.
Mr. G. W. Martin will condUct as usual. The performance
will commence at 7.30.

M. GOUNUD'S NEW OPERA, " Mireille." founded
upon a Provengal legend, has been purchased by Mesqs.
Boosey and Sons for £BOO.

STREET,NORFOLK STRAND, of a summer even:
ink;, when the dust and waste paper lie in it, and stray
children play in it, and a kind of a gritty calm and bake
settled in it, and a peal of church bells is practising in the
neighbourhood, it is a trifld dull.—XrB, Lirriper.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

THE PAPAL STATES.

ROME, DEC. 14.

The Pope in consistory today appointed Bishops
to the vacant dioceses in the Romagna, the Marches,
and Umbria.

DEC. 13.

The Pope, without any previous announcement
to King Victor Emmanuel, has nominated Cardinal
Gusdi, Archbishop of Bologna, and Monsignori
Clementi, Vitteleschi, Cardoni, and Micaleff,
Bishops of Rimini, Osimo, Recanate and Castello
respectively ; all these sees being in the former
pontifical provinces now forming part of the Italian
Kingdom•

AUSTRIA.
VIENNA, DEC. 14 (Evening).

All the reports in circulation of the Ministerial
crisis are authentically declared entirely devoid of
foundation. The old Conservative party in Hun-
gary, headed by Counts Forgach and Sczecson, are
endeavouring to prepare the way for the election of
a Diet favourable to the views of the Government.