The Sun.
London, England, 1862-10-21 00:00:00

THE TEMPLE CHURCH.

The inscription of "Te Deum Laudamus," in
unical characters, with illuminated capitals at the
beginning of every verse, commencing at the north-
west corner, and extending quite round the side
walls, has a most impressive appearance, and is in
admirable taste. The blank wall to the west, near
the round, is covered with portraits of the English
kings who reigned during the prosperity of theorder.
The series begins with Henry 1., in whose time the
knights were domiciled in this metropolis. He is
seated on a regal chair, and supports with his right
hand " the glorious Beanseant," or black and white
war banner of the Temple. Above are the two
lions of Normandy, and below appears the "Pega-
sus," or winged horse. Next may be noticed King
Stephen, who endowed the Templars with many of
their richest manors. With his right hand he grasps
the Red Cross Banner, and holds a sceptre in the left;
over the apex of the centre arch are portraits of
Henry 11. and Richard Ccear do Lion. Henry IL
was a great benefactor to the Templars ; he made
them large grants in money, and endowed them with
lands over the whole of England and in many yarts
of Ireland. The round was consecrated in his reign.
Richard is enthroned, and wields a naked sword.
He owed much of his success in Palestine to the
Knights, but seems to have regarded
otfheNmen
with
aversion, il
tyl
avers;on, for being counselled by Fulk,
to put away his three favourites—pride, avarice,
and voluptuousness—he answered, " Thy advice le
good, and I hereby give the first to the Tem-
plars, the second to the Benedictines, and the
third to my prelates !" On the northern side of
the arch we find King John, who delivered
the order from all amercements in the Exche-
quer, and granted them exemption from all jutlgee
but the Sovereign himself, or his chief justice. At
the earnest solicitation of Amaric de St. Maur,
Master of the Temple, John consented to sign Magna
Charts. At the west end of the north aisle is a
portrait of Henry 111., under whom the oblong was
finished. He is depicted with his right hand rest-
ing on a model of the completed building. By his
charter, 1228, he conceded to them many important
immunities and rights. Funds were provided to
support three chaplains, who were to celebrate
aml al
sosv de
ra itl hye3 raenal mdt they
l strapw eregeempproi leerge
ed
forto hold
nighf ai fag
of the Cross !—City Press.

THE MINISTERIAL CHANGES IN
FRANCE.

The appointment of M. Drouyn de Lhuys to the
important post of Minister of Foreign Affairs is
generally considered by the Paris journals as sig-
nificant of a determination on the part of the
Emperor not to make any modification at pre-
sent in the policy of France with respect to Rome.
Naturally enough, the France, as well as the cleri-
cal journals, speak exultingly of the Ministerial
modification, and represent it as an undeniable
proof that their views with respect to the temporal
power of the Pope is the correct one. We subjoin
the following from the Temps, which, after quoting
passages from M. Thouvenet's despatches, published
on the 25th September, says:— -
"The conclusion to be drawn from the present modifica-
tion is that the public had been mistaken as to the bearing
of the publication in question, and that M. Thouvenel
has thought the situation sufficiently prolonged to falsify
the policy of France, but that his opinion has not prevailed.
We may, in short, conclude that the solution of the Roman
question is again postponed. As a symptom, therefore,
the retirement of M. Thouvenel cannot but afford.
pleasure to the partisans of the temporal power, and
afflict the friends of Italian unity. Asan act, it must meet
with unanimous approbation, like all those which in politi-
cal men denotes character, decided ideas, and personal con-
victions. We shall now know how M. Thouvenel will treat
the Roman question if he ever returns to power, and that
should it be again rending, which is not impossible, for we
'lo not think that the Court of Rome will find in the acces-
sion to office of K. Drouyn de Lhuys a motive for relaxing
its categorical immobility. We think, on the contrary,
that the situation, by being prolonged, can only more and
more falsify our policy."

The Presse expresses itself in these terms :
"The retirement of M. Thouvenel and the appointor ent
of M. Drouyn de Lhuys as his successor will produce a
,leep sensation not only in France, but throughout Europe.
Public opinion, which has only very limited information on
which to form its judgment, will doubtless consider the
replacement of the Minister of Foreign Affairs as the mark
of a change, if not in the policy itself, at least in the ten-
.lencies of the foreign policy of the Government with regard
to the Italian question. We can with difficulty explain to
ourselves those modifications at the very moment when
Italy has just, at the cost of the most painful effort, given a
mark of her gratitude to her French all 3. The France,
it is true, will be satisfied; the Monde will soften
its rigours ; and probably M. de Riancey and M.
de la Gue'ronniere will unite in their applause. When
reaction shows itself so satisfied, it may appear natural
that we should show ourselves afflicted. Nevertheless,
we still hope that the bearing of the Ministerial m o difica-
tion is exaggerated. M. Billault has not tendered his re-
signation, and certainly the Minister who before the repre-
sentatives of the country defended the diplomatic acts of
M. Thouvenel, would not consent to support those of M.
Drouyn de Lhuys if they materially differed from those of
his predecessor. The Minister who said, We violate at
Rome the right of the Romans' will not cover with his elo-
quence a new policy, which will consist in rendering that
relation of right indefinite."