The Sun.
London, England, 1863-09-04 00:00:00

THERMOMETER.

This morning
This day at Two o'clock

Barometer-29.83.

Wind—South-Westerly; moderate, and cloudy.

41- -
•
(tz, /g snit
44-41 v,,

LONDON, FRIDAY, SEPT. 4, 1863.

The treatment of little children in this our own
country is fast becoming one of the most bitter
anxieties to every true philanthropist. Never in
any age or in any land was child-murder known to
be so frequently perpetrated. One of the last, as
it was also one of the most laudable, acts of the
late Mr. THOMAS DUNCOMBE—for so many years
the independent representative of the great metro•
politan borough of Finsbury—was the procuring of
a return (duly laid upon the table of the House of
Commons shortly before the death of the hon.
member who had asked for it)—an appalling return,
comprising within it a lamentable catalogue
of the infanticides brought to light within
the two or three years then last past—
infanticides perpetrated in London al•lne or in its
immediate neighbourhood. Since that return W&73
issued, the frequency of this miserable crime has
in no perceptible degree diminished. Coroners'
inquests have been holden just as frequently as ever
to inquire into the cause of the death of new-born
infants, whose remains have been still dis-
covered at rapid intervals in all kinds of
likely or unlikely places of concealment. Child
murder indeed has of late years become so rife
here in this metropolis, that the question has
arisen whether it might not after all be ads isable to
adopt the humane contrivance of the bell and turn-
table so long attached to the porches Des Maisons
des Enfants Trouser in France —to adopt that
humane contrivance here in England at the very
time when it is beginning to drop into desuetude
on the continent.

Another system long established among the
labouring classes of the French pcpuiation, benevo-
lent observers in this country have yet more ear-
nestly hoped might some day be adopted here in
England—to the certain and immediate diminution
of a very large amount of infant mortality caused by
the injudicious administration of soporific draughts
such as the notorious " DAFFY'S Elixir." In Sir
FRANCIS HEAD'S delightful volume of gossip about
France and the French people, but principally
about Paris and the Parisians, a work oddly en-
titled "A Faggot of French Sticks," there may be
found a very graphic and charming description of
one of those same useful and beneficent institutions
now, and for some years past, in full opera-
tion, daily, in various parts of the French
capital. Day-homes, they may be described as being,
for children-in-arms whose mothers are engaged,
from sunrise to sundown, in the workshops of Paris,
earning their livelihood. At these benevolent
establishments, usually presided over and tended
throughout the day by a Saar de la Chariti, the
toiling mothers, early of a morning, on their way
to their daily labours, leave their little infants iu
the care of the good nuns or matrons—leave them
there to be cherished and nurtured until those
mothers shall return for them towards nightfall:
and all this for some fractional amount of money per
week ; just sufficient, indeed, to pay for the food,
rent, and firing required upon the respective
institution& None of those deleterious drugs con-
sequently are the Parisian mothers tempted to admi-
nister, none of those baneful drugs administered only
too frequently by hardworking mothers here in
a
London—drugs employed amongst the latter to
hush into an unnatural quietude—repeatedly re-
sulting in death—the " little hindering thing," ac-
cording to an exquisite phrase applied by
GERALD MASSEY to an infant child over whose
death he is lamenting.
Immeasurably worse, however, than the infant
mortality caused here in England, either uninten-
tionally by the incautious administration of an over-
dose of ‘IDAFFY'S Elixir," or designedly by the
fiendish perpetrators of the crime of infanticide—
immeasurably unutterably worse than the actual mor-
tality thus caused among the chili-population, are
the dreadful wrongs affecting one most afflicted sec-
tional part of that population, wrongs that, during
these last few weeks, our leading contemporary has
nobly ventured not only to touch upon, but boldly
to stigmatise and reprobate with a scorn and
eloquence not unworthy of the limes. Dreadful
wrongs these are,only
requiring, here, thus casually
to be glanced at—wrongs of twofold infamy, here of
loathsome disease inherited, he
re of individual
profanation.
Reflecting, in this wise, upon how it
has long since come to pass that so many
tender innocents are being dealt with here
in England, here in London, the thought recurs
to us of the fiery tempest poured down centu-
ries back upon the cities of the plain, and
we yearn at least for some tardy effort being at
length made with a view to the diminution of
those frequent atrocities by a vigorous interposition
on the part of the Legislature. The mere publica-
tion of a return of the number of infanticides, within
a given time, in and about the neighbourhood of
the metropolis, is as nothing. It is simply and
purely a preliminary proceeding. It should lead
to something else of a really practical character—
with the intention ef at least striving thereby to
bringab°llt an appreciable diminution in the number
of infanticides. Mr.DuNeOMBE, who moved for the
return alluded to, has unhappily passed away
from amongst us. Another must follow up the
good work, he was in this particular quite
evidently meditating. Is there no 'Me amongst all
the members of the House of ecmnon3,
is there no
ono especially amongst our metropolitan represen-
tatives, who will take up the matter where the late
member for Finsbury left it-, and who will next

session plead in the Legislature for the more
effectual protection'by the law of the lives, of the
bodies, of the souls of little children ?

A hideous revelation like that which has but
just now startled the inhabitants of London
" down east " !nto a reconsideration of this
dreadful frequency of infanticide in the metro-
polis—the discovery of the broken coffins and
mutilated remains, of the mouldering bones
and raiment of a whole cluster of little children,
whose debris have been found festering in a heap
upon the roof of Whitechapel Church—a hideous
revelation like this ought surely at last to close the
legislative apathy in regard to a peculiar class of
crime, a class of crime here, in one sense, most re-
luctantly alluded to Crimes that demand the
most stringent application of the law with a view
to their prevention or diminution, while perpetually
crying to HEAVEN for vengeance upon their per-
petrators.

The oonclusion of the Frankfort Congress makes
one reflect as to what has been done by all this stir
and commotion, this gathering of princes and as
semblage of potentates. It would be ungracious
to say that no good has been effected, while at the
same time it would be untrue to declare that more
practical benefits might not have been gained.
The future Directory is settled to consist of six
voices. Some of the plans seem reasonable enough,
but, as usual, some objections were
Gretakenhd toptheekleiboef.
ral tendency that prevailed. The
BADEN and other princes made several reservations.
These princes seem determined that it shall not be
their fault if reform gains the day, and enlightened
principles prevail in some measure over those long
in vogue. It is strange that people can be so blind
to the signs of the times, and put themselves, as it
were, out of communion with those who look to
them for help in the great work of progress now
exciting the minds of all civilised communities, and
identifying itself, as it were, with the spirit of the
age. At the close of the Conference, the Emperor
of AUSTRIA proposed the formation
porfoatocCoolms.miTttheee
for the purpose of examining the
Congress proceeded to elect six members for this
Committee, and fixed upon the King of SAXONY,
the Grand Dukes of BADEN and MECKLENBURG
SCHWERIN, the Elector of IJESSE, the Duke of
SAXE COBURG GOTIIA, and Dr. HALLER, the Bur-
gomaster of Hamburg. Unfortunately, the mem-
bers of the Committee could not come to an under-
standing, and therefore the final consideration of
the revised form could not be considered, as was
proposed on Monday. There is, doubtless, consider-
able truth in the reports afloat that the Emperor's
patience is severely put to the test by the conduct
of some of those debaters in the assembly. They
seem to ignore the purpose for which they have
been assembled, and to shut their eyes to the fact
that if they are to consider all their own fancies,
and seek only the furtherance of their pet projects,

they might as well, indeed they had much
better, have remained at home. It is idle
to come to a great national assembly intent en
private aggrandisement, sad inflated with pecu-
liar prejudices. Unless every one is willing and
able to sink personal pique, and to put aside parti-
cular views to attain ganeral advantages, no meeting
can ever prosper, and the details and discussions
will end in smoke. "Self-denial" is not a pleasant
thing, but it is a very necessary one sometimes, and
those Princes who now abhor its mention may
hereafter bitterly regret their lost chances and
missed opportunities. One thing the EMPEROR
holds fast to, and it is not to be wondered at—he
will not relinquish the right of being at the head of
the German Confederation. This is not a matter
of surprise, and, indeed, he can hardly be called to
account for his persistency, since Austria has more
claims to respect and regard at present than Prus-
sia. In other things the august proposer of the
scheme has not shown himself unwilling to make
sacrifices, if they are such as may conduce to the
benefit of the Germans, and help to maintain a
spirit of unity. There is great doubt existing with
regard to the question of Ministerial Conferences.

It is rumoured that Prussia will not immediately
agree to their arrangements, but later on may bring
forward counter propositions. It is hardly likely
that King WILLIAM will have the sense, the deci-
sion, and the courage to dismiss M. BISMARK ; but
if he should do so, and propose a series of resolu-
tions that would offer more liberty to the States,
and give the people a truer representation, he might
yet gain the prestige for himself of being the re-
generator of the freedom of his country, and of those
contiguous States whose interests are so identical,
and whose mutual influence is so considerable for
good or for evil. It is an opportunity not to ba lost
by one who would distinguish himself now, and
acquire a renown that should survive in enduring
kustre hereafter. It is to be feared that the present

ruler of Prussia has not the discernment to behold
the necessity, nor the discretion to adopt such a
course. The general state of affairs is not altogether
as it ought to be. A reflective people like the
Germans, one would imagine, would not find
so much difficulty in arriving at a solu-
tion of political enigmas as they have uni-
versally done. If, as has been feared in some
quarters, some princes refuse to sign the protocol,
they will be exhibiting to their own subjects
their inefficiency and unwillingness to meet half-
way, in any scheme for reform, and they will
also demonstrate to Europe that pretentious as-
nuance and determined self-will may
mar the
best •constructed plans, and render void the efforts
of Statesmen and the counsels of Princes. The
Giraan ent
Grand
av ll
Government
it has been intimated, has agreed to
h
joining any Ministerial Confer •
ences,
that both the Great Powers
agreeG
•them. This is making a
on
to take part condition
in

oophole for escape, since grave suspicions are

entertained that such an event will not take place.

It is a pity that Princes and Statesmen in gene.

ral should thus delude and deceive themselves.

If they can outwit this reformer, and mancoavre to
upset this scheme of progress, they think they have
achieved a great success. Experience will show
them very different things, and the page of history,
if they read it aright, would instruct far other-
wise. It has attested through many a deathless
age how often legislators have erred, and monarchs
have mistaken their vocation in smothering the
incipient signs of reformation, For the storm has

burst, and in the cormon ruin neither sceptre or

crown has been spared to survive the wreck. It

is the tree wisdom that can appreciate the neces-
sity for a change)
and at once set to work to
make it.

The cause of meteorological science is likely to
derive much valuable assistance from Air. GI-
sHER. That gentleman has, by repeated experi-
ments, effected at the cost of some risk and hard-
ship, made a series of observations, whose results
are calculated to afford important service. We
have of late years learned to appreciate more highly
the practical utility of this science- Thanks to
Admiral FITZROY, meteorological knowledge has
proved of immense benefit to our mariners and
fishermen. The seaman, no longer dependent on
his "weather eye " for judging the fluctuations of
the weather, may consult the glass, and avoid
those sudden and disastrous storms which so
often quench tho light in a humble home.
Time was when meteorology woe looked upon

as one of the most purposeless and profitless of
studies by many persons, who are now startled to
find winds and waves confirming the auguries of
the man of science. But Mr. GLAISHER would ex-
tend its range even further. He employs a new
term, " aerial meteorology," to typify
his branch of
the science. He says—" To ascend vertically like
a rocket into the regions of the upper atmosphere
instruments,—to test personally,
the
and bythe ofthene iricaest
space, with a circular
smallest
in th
and temperature—to sail horizontally at will in
horizon around of almost
illimitable extent—to view the conflicting varia-
tions of a day's weather exhibited in their rise,
progress, and subsidence—to be present among
the hidden influences which direct the meteoro-
logy of a day on the earth, and to see them un-
rolled, is bringing a new faculty to bear, making
a new opening for study in the science of meteo-
rology." The risks attending such a mode of
locomotion he considers have been exaggerated.
In all modes of transit, he observes, there is some
danger ; accident and occasional loss of life are
inseparable attendants on every mode of locomo-
tion ; and while the average number of disasters
in aerial ascents is not so greatly in excess of
those attending excursions by other means, he
complains that every single catastrophe that has
ever occurred to an aeronaut has been carefully
registered, without regard to the numerous aerial
voyages accomplished without any accident what-
ever. He cautions prudence, however, and know-
ledge of one's business—two qualifications indis-
pensable alike to the safety of charioteers, engine-
drivers, and helmsmen. A timid, imprudent, or
incapable aeronaut puts himself and Nis compa-
nions in undeniable jeopardy. "Mr. COXWELL,"
says Mr. GLAISHER, " admiral of his own craft,
in the high atmosphere, seated in his basket vessel,
with his grapnel at his side, I hold as worthy of
confidence as any admiral in England to con-
duct his fleet." The experience and judgment
of so accomplished an aeronaut are not, however, to
be attained in a day, and it is to be hoped that the
late melancholy accident, which resulted in the
death of Mr. CHAMBERS, will prove a caution
against similar needless attempts.
The interesting account given by Mr. GLAISHER
of his ascent last April from the Crystal Palace ex-
emplifies some of the dangers of aerial navigation.
An hour and eighteen minutes after starting, the
aeronauts were fodr miles high. But, in descend-
ing, Mr. COXWELL'S experience suggested that
they might have been travelling along more quickly
than they supposed, and he deemed it advisable to
descend until the earth was again visible. He
opened the valve freely, and they came down at the
rate of a mile in three minutes. When they were
still 10,000 feet from the earth, Mr. GLAISHER, who
was busy with his instruments, heard Mr. COXWELL
suddenly exclaim, " What's that ?" He might well
be startled, for the sight which he saw was no other
than Beachy Head, betokening that they were close
to the sea, and could barely save themselves. Mr.
GLAISHER tells us that he looked over the car and
the sea seemed to be under them. " There is not a
moment to spare," cried his companion; " leave the
instruments." We may fanny the keen regret with
which the man of science obeyed these instructions,
not only forfeiting his observations, but losing his
instruments, which were nearly all broken by the
rapidity of their descent. Thanks to the bold and
decided course adopted by Mr. COXWELL, the dan-
ger was averted, the balloon descending at New-
haven, close to the sea, only four minutes the time,
when at an attitude of 10,000 feet Mr. COXWELL
first caught sight of Beachy Head. Mr. GLAISHER
describes the singularity of the effect produced bv
their hasty down-coming : the earth appearing to
be coming up to them. On a subsequent expedition,
starting from the same spot, Mr. GLAISIIER made
est
iooermar
eeocfvt ana tears
oas
ff ca
tbi
hi s,
ee
tr
hvs
eau tgeio causes
one
sss
etrespectiwhichng
reehtghnehl
apatveece ui aet rehi-
ne
already made respecting its variations, the tem-
peratureinterestnogf
experiments.the surrounding
Unfortunatelyatm osp here,
hisand oth other
accident,
obser-
vations on this occasion were cut short by an
untoward
icnercpolmexpietlileeed
untilhim to defer
thesolution o
fseve which
perplexities
voyage. The reason of this delay Mr. GLAISHER
professed himself to be almost ashamed to give, and
truly it may well temper the •
pride and self-conceit
of humanity, possibly
unduly elevated by the tri-
umphant researches of science, to receive positive
evidence of the malice and
contemptible wickedness
that can disfigure man's nature. Some miscreant
had cut the balloon with a knife previous to the
ascent, and consequently Mr. COXWELL suddenly
detected a large rent in it which compelled their
descent. The püblic will be
to learn from Mr. GLAISHER
event, for that Mr. GREEN had a still narrower

escape many years since, and he denounces it as a
danger to which all aeronauts are liable. Such
criminals, if they could be detected, ought to be
treated with the greatest severity, and we trust
that on future occasions a sharp watch will be kept.
The perils of aerial navigation are great enough in
the present state of experience and science without

uP a peril Which might endanger any
traveller.sPdineradTghe manner in which Mr. GLAISHER

describes the impression left on his mind by his
aerial flights is most instructive and startling. We
meet with none of the boastful arrogance too com-
mon among successful savans. We find none of the

materialistic train of thought which sometimes

mars the lessons of scientific explorers. In launch-
ing into the vast regions of the upper world, i❑
voyaging through the illimitable pathways of space,
the sense of Infinity grows upon the mortal travel.
ler, the existence of an unseen Power makes itself
felt through the harmony of the universe. The
able man of science who has first recorded his ex-

perience describes himself as a hard-working prac-
tical man, used to logical reasoning and exact cal-
culations, yet the sense of awe and sublimity was
his dominant feeling, not curiosity as to results or
triumph in successful achievements. " I believe
it," he says,
"
the knowledge ot of
the
a cn
RiEnat
Te I.o]
Re e, taunadl
ayne ai rnnvionl gu
natfatreyr
faith acknowledging the immortality of the soul."

DISTRICT COURT-MARTIAL AT ST. GEORGE'S
BARRACKS, TRAFALGAR-SQUARE.—On Saturday a
district court-martial was commenced at the above bari.ak
to inquire into certain charges preferred against Sergeant
Major Charles Fletcher, of the Ist Battalion of Grenadier
Guards, regimental clerk. The following officers composed
the
com oseed
the court :—Lieut,Col. Stanley (president), Captains Gas-
coyue, Jarrett, lion. Douglas Pennant, and Lord Claude
Hamilton, and Lieut. rrotter. Tho Hon. Capt. Sackville
prosecuted on the part of the regiment, and Mr. Smythe,
solicitor, of Rocheafer•row, defended the prisoner. The
following is a summary of the charges for the investigation
of which the court-mattiil was appointed : " For disgrace-
ful conduct in having at different times, as stated below,
when employed as regimental clerk to the Grenadier
Guards, at London, embezzled or fraudulently misapplied
sums cf public money amounting to £415, or thereabout,
obtained by means of cheques on tha recruiting account of
the Grenadier Guards—namely, £35 by means of a cheque
for £6O, payable to himself or order, on account of vari ,us
recruiting sergeants, on or about the Ist of February, 1860."
The other items of fraud and embezzlement were stated, the
entire deficiency amounting to the above sum. The pri-
soner, who at the commencement of the proceedings was
asked what he had to say to the charge, by the advice of
his solicitor, pleaded guilty. He said he had been led to the
commission of the offence by gambling and drink. Evidence
ofprevious good character having been given, the court
deliberated
mwoutilodnb, eferownartdheedirtoj utdhgemmenilti,tawryhicaatll
hitoNrviatisesannounced
would be forwarded to the military athorjties for confir-