The Sun.
London, England, 1865-06-15 00:00:00

THEIarSITY, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, JUNE 15, 1865.

observations of the Duke, and they form a good
criticism on the inconsistent cause of the Prussians.
" Why did you come to the Duchies ? " demanded
the Duke of Herr BISMARK ; "we did not call you,
matters would have been settled without Prussia."
This is more true than polite or pleasant, when it
was so plainly declared that the assistance of the
German powers was greatly needed. It was the
best proof of the correctness of opinion of those who
all along mistrusted the sincerity of Prussia thus to
witness the contretemps and confusion that prevails
now that the settling-day has arrived. When several
parties are mixed up in an affair and joined together.
to forward an undertaking, there is sure to be mis-
chief and misunderstanding unless all agree and
make a common cause of the matter. Such a con-
summation is far off in the present instance, and
the other nations of Europe, that last year were
shocked at the arbitrary proceedings of Prussia in
conjunction with her ally, are now scandalised to
witness the altercations which are taking place, and
the disgraceful spectacle which that country pre-
sents—tumult among its counsellors and discords
with its allies. Herr BISMARK intimates his inten-
tion to go on in his pre-determined course, for he
states that the Duke of AUGUSTENBURG, having
refused their " moderate demands," they will
now be justified in subsequently increasing
them. This is always the end of every-
thing with the Ministers of Prussia. When
their hard and harsh requirements are not complied
with, and when any protest is entered, even.of the
mildest character, against their encroachments, then
they turn round and declare that they will be mode-
rate no longer, but increase their demands and in-
sist on their being complied with. The King of
PRUSSIA, of course, accompanied by Herr BIS3IARK,
Will shortly proceed to Carlsbad, where he will
meet the Emperor of AUSTRIA, and his Prime
Minister, Count MENSDORFF. These woithies will
have plenty to discuss when they do assemble, and,
doubtless, it would be very edifying to hear what is
said at these congratulations. It is a reproach to
the whole of the party that last year this same sub-
ject of the Duchies was discussed when the EMPE-
ROR and KING met last year, and the question is still
in abeyance. Such a course of proceeding is quite out
of character, and incompatible with the dignity and
decorum that should distinguish the rulers of
mighty kingdoms and the statesmen of great
people ; but we see now very plainly that high
principle, chivalrous sentiments, and heroic feelings
are far removed from the counsels and considera-
tion of the Germans at this juncture. All their
policy is to get as much as possible into their
possession, and if force and fraud can ac-
complish this great desideratum, they are
welcomed eagerly, and pressed into the ser-
vice as aids and auxiliaries, instead of being
spurned and despised as being beneath the notice
and as unworthy of the character of a great people.
Now that this question of Schleswig-Holstein has
assumed such formidable proportions, and its solu-
tion is still threatened with delay, we may well
consider the circumstances of last year. We regret
the resolves which were then made by those in au-
thority, and unfortunately acceded to by the ma-
jority of the House of Commons. Had our
Ministers and Legislature taken a more decided
course, and endeavoured to convince Prussia of the
folly of her conduct, very different would have been
the consequences to many, and even to Prussia
itself advantages would have accrued, because
the Ministers would have been prevented from
making an exhibition of themselves before the
world, and bringing disgrace upon the country—
now, in the eyes of its contemporaries ; hereafter,
in the pages of history. It is quite certain now
that Prussia had but one object in view from the
outset of these attempts on Schleswig-Holstein,
and that that object was to obtain possession of the
Duchies for herself at any cost and at any price.
It is a significant sign of the times that no one is
now found to take up the cause of the
German Powers, and that none of those zealous
advocates who last year were so ready and resolute
in the matter now give themselves any trouble
about it. The evil is done, however ; and, while on
one hand Denmark is virtually ruined, on the other
the States of Germany and the Duchies are threat-
ened with war, and the general peace and prosperity
of the rest of Europe likely to be assailed through
their agency. That the present Cabinet of Berlin
is losing its hold upon the confidence of the people
is very evident from all the accounts that reach us
of the doings in the Chamber of Deputies. Only
yesterday a proposal, which Herr Von BISMARK, in
the name of the Ministry, combated, was agreed to
by a very large majority, thus adding another to
the long list of rebuffs and defeats sustained by
Ministers this session. It would be difficult to decide
who are the gainers in this affair as yet, or who
are likely to be so in the long run. It is one of the
most striking instances of the folly of these unwar-
rantable designs upon the rights of nations and the
liberties of the people that has been adduced in
modern times. What did Prussia want with more
territory, and why did the Austrians so eagerly join
with her to despoil and depredate? Their plots and
plans have utterly failed in increasing their real
strength, and immense sums have been squandered
to no purpose. The Schleswig-Holstein affair is
likely to live long in the memory of all concerned,
and while it has entailed great losses on Denmark,
the injuries which the German Powers will have to
sustain will be far more serious in the end, for they
will lose the respect and forfeit the goodwill of
other countries without having acquired anything to
serve as an equivalent..

THE ATTEMPTED MURDER. AT CHATHl3l.—Yes-
terday the prisoner Thomas Lock, who stands
charged with having attempted to murder Susannah Emma
Williams, aged 19, to whom he was about to be married,
by discharging a loaded pistol at her, under the circum-
stances previously reported, underwent a lengthened exa-
mination at the Chatham Police-court. The prisoner, on
being placed in the dock, presented a deplorable appearance,
his features being scarcely discernible,while both his upper
and lower left jawbones were broken, and his face, hand, and
arms severely injured from the bursting of the pistol with
which ho fired at his intended victim. The prosecutrix,
who, as well as the prisoner, has been confined in St. Bar-
tholomew's Hospital, Rochester, ever since the occurrence,
was also in an exceedingly weak condition, the marks
where the shots and slugs took effect on her being clearly
discernible. According to her evidence it appeared that she
is the daughter of a warrant-officer belonging to her Ma-
jesty's ship Wellesley, 72, at Chatham, and that she had
known the prisoner for about a month before the attempt
on her life by working with him at the same sewing-
machine establishment. They were engaged to be married,
and the banns had been published, but the prosecutrix had
subsequently wished prisoner to release her from her promise.
This, however, ho refused to do, although the prosecutrix
repeatedly told him she would never marry him. On the 24th
of May she was in the house with a Mrs. Keafe, inGoldstou's-
court, High-street, Chatham, whore she was in the habit of
taking her dinner, when Lock came in, and having stated
that he had not been to work, asked the mistress of the house
to send for some beer for the prosecutrix and himself. This
she refused to do, Lock still remaining in the room. ' The
prosecutrix then proceeded to put on her hat, with the in-
tention of leaving the house, when the prisoner took from
his pocket a large pistol and, pointing it at her, discharged
its contents at her head, the prosecutrix falling insensible
to the ground, most of the shots taking effect in her head
and face. The pistol burst at the moment of the discharge,
inflicting on Lock the injuries already stated, and they were
both conveyed in a cab to the hospital. The prisoner with
difficulty cross-examined the prosecutrix to show that they
were on terms of great intimacy before the occurrence.
Mrs. Keafe, at whose house tho attempt at murder was
made, fully corroborated the evidence of the prosecutrix ;
and after the Bench had examined the medical witnesses
concerned the prisoner was fully committed to take his
trial at the next mixes for Trent.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE

(REUTEI'S TELEGRAMS.)

-~-

THE CALCUTTA AND CHINA MAILS.
MARSEILLES, tiIINE 14.
The Syria, with the above mails, arrived here at
9 p.m. to-day.
The mails leave for London at 10 p.m.

way, the staff and chief officers, the heads of
all the departments, the magistrates of the two
cities, numerous magnates and other notabili-
ties. The Viceroy thanked his Majesty for
having visited the metropolis, and the Em-
peror replied that he had been greatly pleased
with the heartiness of his reception. Enthusiastic
cheering broke out as the Emperor entered the car-
riage, which immediately ceased as he was seen to
rise and speak. He said " Your affection convinces
me that I may count upon you. Be happy. We
shall soon meet again."

Upon the morning of his departure the Emperor
addressed the following letter to Count Palffy, the
Viceroy of Hungary :

" BUDA, June 9.

" Dear Count Palffy,—The observations I have
made as to the public order during my sojourn here
have convinced me of the zeal and circumspection
with which you exercise your functions of my Vice-
roy in this country. It therefore becomes my
pleasing task to express to you my full content and
recognition.
(Signed)

" FRANCIS JOSEPH."

The Wreck of the Leader—Fearful Suffer-

ings of the Crew.

LIVERPOOL, Wednesday.

The steamer Moravian, which arrived here yester-
day from Quebec, brings full details of the loss of
the schooner Leader and the fearful sufferings of the
crew. The Leader left Montreal on the 22d Novem-
ber, 1864, under command of Captain Vigeau, and
manned by a crew of seven men, with a cargo of
flour and pork, for S. John's. On the 27th, when
off Quebec, a river steamer ran into the Leader,
carrying away her bowsprit and cutwater. After
repairing at Quebec they sailed on the following
Saturday, and had got as far as Quarantine Island,
30 miles below Quebec. The Leader experienced
unsettled weather until Friday, Dec. 9, when the
weather became very thick and boisterous and gra-
dually and steadily increased to a gale. "That
night," says Mr. Marcier, the second officer and
only survivor, "it was my watch on deck, all the
crew and the captain being asleep at the time. I
saw a ground sea rising close to the vessel, and
before I had time to sing out it came aboard.
I was knocked senseless under the wheel, and
it was full 20 minutes before I could recover
myself. When I came to I looked round and
saw that the cabin was gone, the maintopsail
carried away, and not a sail to be seen.
Presently, however, I saw the steward and
one of the sailors in the water to leeward,
but before I could render any assistance they went
down. I next saw another of the crew, Mercer,
crawling out from the wreck of the cabin with his
hand smashed; then a man, named Willett, called
out. I went to him, pulled away, and found that
his back and thighs were broken. I next found the
captain, with his head on the deck and his feet ou
the rails. He was much hurt inside. I lifted him
up, and carried him into the storeroom. I never
saw the mate or a sailor named Pike afterwards.
They must have gone overboard with the cabin.
There were now four of us left—the captain, Mercer,
Willett, and myself. Everything had been washed
away but what we had on. About two o'clock the
next morning (Dec. 10) I saw we were going ashore
against a very high cliff. I sang out it was time for
ever man to save himself. The night was very dark,
and the sea was running fearfully high. Mercer ran
up the fore rigging. A sea then struck us, and went
two fathoms over the vessel, knocking away 10 feet
of the stern,.nearly to the mainmast. The captain
was washed to the lee side, and I took a rope, crept
to him, and lashed him fast. He could not walk.
His head had swollen tremendously, and he was
sick and weak from swallowing salt water. For
half-an-hour the sea broke over us, and then the
vessel worked over the reef and into water where
it was a little quiet, where she eventually
grounded. We remained on board the vessel
until daylight next morning (Sunday), December
14. The mainmast was then cut away, thinking
it would form a bridge to the shore, but it fell fore
and aft and alongside. Mercer then fastened a rope
round his waist, and, after several attempts, reached
the beach, but unfortunately let go the rope. I then
got a rope, and after hard work worked my way
through the surf and landed. The place where we
landed was Wall Cove, between Coal River and the
Bay of Island. This was about nine o'clock in the
morning." The narrative then proceeds to tell how,
after walking about in search of a human habitation,
they were obliged to take shelter in a " tilt." They
had no boots, and Mercer's feet were fearfully lace-
rated and frost-bitten. They were on shore two
days when Mr. Marcier managed to get on board
the wreck. He found the captain frozen to death,
and Thomas Willett, who was alive, was unable to
move. The latter had had nothing to eat for two
days, and after giving him some raw pork and flour,
Mr. Marcier got ashore with some pork and flour.
They remained there four weeks, Mr. Marcier going
on board every two days to feed Willett. They tried
every means to get a fire, but could not succeed.
The weather was fearfully cold, and Mercer's legs
were frozen from the knee downwards, and they had
scarcely any covering. Another four weeks of hope
and despair, and then a tremendous fall of rain came
down, which drenched them thoroughly, after
which the wind came on from the N.W. with
severe frost, so that they were literally frozen
to the ground. They then agreed to re-
turn to the wreck, but Mercer could not
walk, and as he crawled along the flesh dropped in

pieces from his legs. However, they got on board,
where there was no sheltered Place to lie in. There
was no fire, no clothes, nothing to eat but raw pork

and flour, and only now and then a little water. On
the 28th of January, Willett, after living eight

weeks with his back and thighs broken, and being
badly frost-bitten, was found frozen to death on the
deck. Marcier then told Mercer that Willett was
dead, and received the reply, " Ah, well ; it's my
turn next." About 3 o'clock the same afternoon,
Mercer asked for a drink. " I mixed," says• Mr.
Marcier, " a little flour with some water, and he
tried to drink it, but he was too weak to swallow
it. So I got him on my lap, with his poor head
resting on my arm, and tried to feed him with a
spoon. While the spoon was in his mouthy heard
the rattle in his throat, and he died almost imme-
diately. I laid him down beside me." And there
they remained, the dead and the li'ing, from the
28th of January to the 21st of March, when Marcier
was rescued by the whaler Lilly Dale, and taken to
Channell, where he arrived on May 5. Mr. Mar-
cier lost the toes of his right foot by frost, and
when the crew of the Lilly Dale came across the ice
to the wreck they were fearfully alarmed on finding
a live man on board. They lashed him to a plank,
and carried him five miles across the ice to the
vessel, where he was hospitably received.

DREADFUL MURDER AND ATTEMPTED SUICIDE AT I
ISLEWORTIL —Last evening, about 8 o'clock, as some
men were at work on the banks of the stream at Isleworth
they heard screams as from a female. On proceeding to the
spot they found a man standing up with his throat cut in a
ghastly manner. A short distance from the spot, in a gar-
den path, they discovered the dead body of a woman with
her head nearly cut off. Medical assistance was promptly
at hand, and the man was removed to Islaworth Work-
house, where he remains without hope of recovery. .The
man's name is Samuel Dawson, and the murdered woman
was his wife. No motive has yet been discovered for the
dreadful tragedy.
SHOCKING S UICIDE .—Yesterday morning Mr.
John Humphreys, corner for Middlesex, held an in-
quiry at the White Horse Tavern, Finsbury-street, Fins-
bury-square, respecting the suicide of George Wm. Newton,
aged 23 years. It appeared from the evidence that the de-
(=sad had been employed in the biscuit factory of Stephens
and Co., Shadwell, and that three of his fingers had been
cut off by the machinery. His employers gave him a sum
of money as compensation, but he was unable to obtain
other employment. He therefore determined to live on his
money as long as it would last, and he took furnished apart-
ments in Finsbury, where for some time he lived with a
young woman, whom ho kept as a mistress. His funds
becoming exhausted, and his landlord pressing him for
arrears of rent, he determined to commit suicide by means
of poison, which he appears to have had by him for the
purpose for some time. On Monday last he sent the young
woman out on some pretext, and in her absence ho mixed
a very large quantity of cyanide of potassium in a cup of
water, and drank it off. Ho was found lying dead on the
floor, with the cup by his side. His death must have been
instantaneous. Since the loss of his fingers he had been
much depressed in his mind. The Coroner having summed
up, the jury returned a verdict of "Suicide while in a state
of unoound. mind."

Scenes in the

Conspiracy Trial Room.

(Washington Correspondence 0/Philadelphia Inquirer.)
The introduction of the

REBEL GENERAL JOHNSTON

created a decided sensation. Brigadier-General
Howe, with the instinct of a high-minded and hon-
ourable soldier, objected to the red-handed rebel
being examined as a witness, and moved he be ejected
from the court room, for having violated his solemn
oath, and his obligation to the country which edu-
cated and fostered him. The scene was a most re-
markable one.

The witness, facing his accuser with an air of
defiance, waited patiently for the question to be
decided. The countenance of every member of the
Court betrayed high excitement, but suppressed
feeling, as they eyed the witness, while the brief
discussion continued, which finally resulted in the
objection being withdrawn, for strictly legal reasons,
at the suggestion of Judge Advocate Holt.
General Johnston then told his storf in a self-
possessed but nervous and animated tone, concern-
ing Von Steinacker, whose evidence the counsel for
Mrs. Surratt seek to impeach, but what connection
it has with her case it is difficult to see. Johnston
was not a voluntary witness, being brought from
Fort 'Warren, where he is held as a prisoner of war,
to testify in this case, and while here was detained
at the Old Capitol Prison, except when brought
into court to testify.
It would have been better had the objections to
him been submitted to the Judge Advocate-General
previously for his opinion as to its legality, or the
court being cleared to consider the question in secret
session, than to have it submitted and then have
had it withdrawn for technical reasons. It allowed
the witness a momentary triumph which should not
have been permitted him, even in so trifling a
matter.