The Sun.
London, England, 1865-05-31 00:00:00

fearing probably that their own influence might be
weakened. They have, in fact, shown just the
same unwillingness to admit their inferiors to
political rights which they warmly denounced when
shown in former times by the aristocracy to them-
selves. But the working classes are more
intelligent than they give them credit for,
and have tong ago discovered that their anomalous
position is not due exclusively to the cold shade of
aristocracy. They perceive that if the middle classes
had returned honest Reformers as their representa-
tives they would long since have obtained their
rights. The resolutions proposed at the Birming-
ham meeting were for the most part moderate
and reasonable, and the meeting declared its
intention of supporting any measure of genuine
Reform, even if it did not go as far as they
might wish. Such assemblies, though they may
have little practical effect upon the immediate
policy, are still productive of good, especially upon
the eve of a general election. They serve to show
our politicians that the anxiety for Reform is not
a mere fiction, but a substantial fact ; and they
may serve to remind the electors that they will very
shortly have the opportunity of expressing their
wishes through their representatives. After the
experience of the last six years, it will be the con-
stituencies' own faults if they return again the
members who have neglected their opportunities,
trifled with the wishes of the people, and proved
entirely faithless to the principles upon which they
entered Parliament.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

SPAIN.

MADRID, MAY 31.

The Diario Espanol of to-day says that, should
the Government dissolve the Congress, the party of
the Liberal Union will abstain from taking part
in the elections.

GREECE.

ATHENS, MAY 30.

The elections terminated last evening throughout
Greece. Order prevailed everywhere, with the ex-
ception of a few unimportant outbreaks. The Go-
vernment remained impartial during the elections.

CALCUTTA AND CHINA MAILS.

SOUTHAMPTON, MAY 31.

The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamer
Ripon, with the heavy portion of the above mails,
has arrived here.

She brings 200 passengers, £3,251 in specie, pre-
cious stones valued at 2,000 rupees, and a general
cargo, including 434 bales raw silk, value £90,000.
On the 26th inst. she spoke the steamer Redschia,
and on the 29th the steamers Delhi and Keplar.
H.M.S. Victoria, Meanee, Cossack, Pelican,
Firefly, Phoebe, Resistan,ce, Royal Oak, Magi-
cienne, Enterprise, Enchantress, and Caradoc, were
at Malta.

GIBRALTAR, MAY 26.

The steamers Morocco and Italian, from Liver-
pool, and the Syria, from Southampton, arrived
here yesterday. Her Majesty's ships Surprise,
Procris, and Redpole were in the harbour.
Exchange and freights unaltered.

ITALY.

NAPLES, MAY 25.

The Avvenire says :—" The Englishman captured
by the brigands at Battipaglia has not been libe-
rated, as was stated, neither, as far as we know,
has the troop in pursuit of the band yet succeeded
in discovering their retreat. The English Consul,
it is said, leaves nothing undone to obtain the libe-
ration of the prisoner, whose sad condition, as well
as the novelty and gravity of the affair, greatly
disturbs the English residents. They are making
the most active search, and the departure of General
Armelfii for Salerno will, it is hoped, be the means
of efficaciously terminating this unhappy affair."