The Sun.
London, England, 1865-06-01 00:00:00

MAGAZINE DAY.

BLACKWOOD.—" Piccadilly ; an Episode of Con-
temporaneous Autobiography," is continued, and is
very amusing in its spirited sketches, and yet, at
the same time, it contains some sage reflections
which some volatile readers would do well to pon-
der over. When the writer exclaims, "if you only
knew what a comfort it would be to talk sense, in-
stead of that incessant chaff, you would road a little more,"
he utters words of wisdom and warning which may well
be pondered upon with advantage. "Notes and Notions
from Italy" presents a glimpse of affairs as they are at this
moment, and no very lively prospect is afforded. Turin is
especially commiserated upon its blighted hopes and ruined
fortunes, and the writer eloquently bemoans its fate.
" After being the head of the corner, it is doubly cruel to
be cast down, and rejected by the builder ; after having
been for centuries the chosen of kings, and courts, and
senates, it is grievous to dwindle into the insignificant re-
sidence of a provincial aristocracy." "Miss Marjoribanks"
is continued at some length, but not much that is striking
occurs in this number. Lucilla is just now suffering one
of those temporary eclipses which all must expect occa-
sionally who take a prominent place in any sphere of life;
but the heroine of Carlingford bears the stroke of adverse
fate with equanimity, and exhibits aresolution that sustains
her throughout. The account of little Rosa Lake's feelings
at the party to which she went is very naturally given,
and her dismay at the cold and cruel conventionalities of
society is truthfully depicted. Mrs. Chiley is a very amus-
ing person with her peculiar style of talk ; and, altogether,
this new series of the " Chronicles of Carlingford" is very
well represented, and forms an entertaining subject
for perusal. " Hero Worship and its Dangers"
is a ludicrous sketch of the evils that result
from being in too much burry to run after celebrated
people. The adventures of the hero of this narrative aro
most peculiar, and his final condition, denuded of all his
goods and possessions, certainly taught him not to put his
faith in princes, and all must sympathise with the' feeling
which prompted him to exclaim in the bitterness of his
spirit, " The sovereigns that come from the Mint are the
only ones I mean to deal with from this day forward." A
second article on the " Rate of Interest" pursues this com-
prehensive theme, and will be found to contain some sound
truths and sober arguments. A third instalment is pro-
mised, in which some important questions will be treated
of. It would be well if due heed were paid to the sugges-
tions here put forth, for there is sterling sense in the con-
demnation of our present system, and unprejudiced readers
will admit that many and great are the evils which impair
its efficacy. It is truly said hero that nowadays the
principle of monopoly is universally condemned in this
country ; but " strange to say the only branch of trade
still invested with the injurious principle of monopoly is
the very one upon which all other trades, the whole in-
dustry of the country, is necessarily dependent." -Time
must eventually remedy some of these evils, and adjust
these anomalies ; but meanwhile a great discredit attaches
itself to our legislators for their perversity in this matter.
" How to make a Pedigree" is the title of some very amus-
ing verses, which are full of life and spirit " Sir Brook
Fassbrooke" is continued, and affords an agreeable subject
for perusal, with its varied sketches of society and its in-
teresting descriptions of individual character. " The Go-
vernment and the Budget" is the name of -the political
article this month, and is written with the usual ability
with which such subjects aro treated in this periodical—
the confusion of Ministers on the occasion of Mr. Baines'
bill coming on for discussion, is ably depicted, and cer-
tainly the affair affords ample scope for the satirical powers
of political opponents.
DUBLIN.—" The Great Stratford Jubilee of

1769" is an interesting article, and the contrasts
presented by past and present are very striking, and
the retrospective glimpse thus presented to us will
well repay perusal. Some of .the professional jea-
lousies that will always creep in with malignant
prtinacity are well described hero ; and Garrick, in his
capacity of manager, certainly did not wear a thornless
crown. "Who is the Heir" contains some spirited anec-
dotes in its chapters, and is written in a lively, dashing
manner. The brilliant style of this story, its finished de-
scriptions of society, and its general character, render it a
decided success, and a great acquisition to the pages of this
magazine. " How Murders have been Discovered" is an
article that is sure to attract notice, and, notwithstanding,
its painful tendency, it exercises an almost irresistible fas-
cination upon its readers, from its peculiar details and
thrilling incidents. The sad fate of Le Brun, who was
wrongfully suspected, shows the fallibility of human judg-
ment, and how the most suspicious circumstances may be
explained satisfactorily with time and opportunity. "Guy
Deverell" is proceeded with ; and this instalment is very
exciting in its events, the story is very complicated in its
details, and quite melodramatic in some parts. Varbar-

reire's proceedings are like those of a conspirator, so
stealthily and warily does he set to work to carry out his
deep designs, and foster his strange schemes. Sir Jekyl
Marlowe has got himself into sad straits with his pranks
and plots, and is likely to pay dearly for it. "Fictile Art
in England in the Eighteenth Century" is a very interest-
ing sketch, and will be found both instructive and
entertaining in its perusal. Some detailed accounts are
given of "pottery" as it, appeared at different periods, and
such information is sure to attract attention. The bio-
graphy of Wedgwood is considered here at length, and a
high opinion is expressed of its merits—" We have secured
much in a biographer distinguished by a clear and ener-
getic style, by delicate judgment, extensive information,
and a deep interest in her subject." " Scenes in the
Transition Age from Camar to Christ" aro continued, and
"Merlin" is the title of a curious sketch that will be wel-
comed with approval by all lovers of the romantic.
TEMPLE Sir Jasper's Tenant" is more
agreeable in this part, for the widow tears herself
away from the place where she has stayed too long
and, caused such disquiet and annoyance. The
mysteries which envelope her career are not yet ex-
plained, but it is a positive relief when she departs
from Scarsdale Abbey. Maria's gloomy ways and rather
inactive style of life are refreshing after the fuss and fer-
ment caused by the "florid widow." Little Dorothy's
engagement will evidently serve to disclose some mystery
eventually. The "Streets of the World" brings Havana
before us in tho usual lively style of this writer. "House-
hunting in Munich" is a little sketch that discloses
some of the chief characteristics of the place,
and tertainly the task of finding a domicile in
that place cannot be very agreeable, or profitable either.
" On Duty with the Inspector" is a paper 'that should bo
attentively read at the present juncture, and will serve to
explain some of the matters which perplex the uninitiated.
The concluding passage is very true,and should meet with
notice from the proper quarters : " If local acts really im-
pede public benefits, why are they not repealed ? And if
Governinent has any difficulty in taking the initiative,
have we no independent members who will bring their
privileges and drawbacks before the country and the
House." " Land at Last" proceeds with its varied adven-
tures and startling occurrences ; and " David Chantrey"
is continued also at some length. David's delight at the
publication of his mother's book is damped by a very unfor-
tunate review ; the Major's character comes out in no very
flattering manner in this instalment. The article on the
"American Struggle" is well written, and presents us with
the chief features of the unsatisfactory affair. The writer
enters into-the details in an appropriate manner 'and' a'
sympathising spirit. The dangers that still threaten the
" not yet reunited Union" are well depicted, and the loss
of Lincoln is mourned as it deserves at the present critical
period. "Horses and Horsiness" is a smartly written paper
that is certain to please many readers, and is very appro-
priate at this time of the year when racing is so much in
vogue. Some other articles of interest make up the con-
tents of this number, which presents great variety.
THE ST. JAMES'S MAGAZINE.—Miss Braddon's
interesting story of " Only a Clod " is now so near
its conclusion that the final denouement is actually
in the hands of the novel readers. The instalment
before us bears evident traces of the approaching
end, since, thanks to the plain speaking of the honest
little parvenue Rosa, "the clod," i. e. generous, trusting
Frank Tredettilyn discovers the villany of the false friend,
who has so sorely betrayed his confidence. With charac-
teristic impetuosity he denounces him at a supper table,
giving the languid and fashionable idlers present the plea-
sure of a new sensation. Maude is on the eve of finding
out her great mistake, and all the tangled knots, including
the true story of poor Susan's marriage, are in a fair way to
be unravelled. The great composer, and honest and high-
minded man George Frederick Handel, receives a cordial
tribute of admiration from one who is evidently familiar
with his magnificent works. It is remarked, in reference
to his extraordinary power of composition, that "The
quality of his writings has given a tone to subsequent
works, and the quantity of them proclaims a power of in-
vention absolutely inexhaustible. Yet, not to take into
consideration these two characteristics, what shall we say
of Handel's velocity of composition ? Witness, for ex-
ample, his Trioupo del Tempo,' founded on Cardinal
Pamphili's poem, executed in one evening; his 'Funeral
Anthem' in five days ; the ' Israel in Egypt' in twenty-
seven days, begun four days after 'Saul,' the
Saul' itself having followed close upon ' Athalia,'
'which has perished within the limits cf
one month. Again, The Messiah' was completed in
23 days, and the 'Hercules'
Sand Belshazzar' in about one
month each—hardly that portion subsisting between the
conclusion of ono and the commencement of the other."
Wonderful as this rapidity is of itself it appears doubly so
when we remember for how long a time Handel continued
to compose. Had he, like some others, crowded into a few
short years the labour of a life, it would have been suffi-
ciently astonishing, but when we consider that Handel's

first oratorio, " Esther," was performed in 1720, and that
'"Jeptha," his last, was composed in 1752, the industry and
variety of his genius grows marvellous. An article on

"Historical Misrepresentations" gives us the prototypes of
the famous story of Tell and the apple. But not content with
disposing of the good old tradition, our critic disposes of
Tell himself, reminding us of the apology made to the
French King for not firing a salute—" In the first place we
had no cannon." The King interrupted the long-winded
address by reminding the speaker that a second reason was
superfluous, but with this layer of the ghost of Tell the
second reason comes first ! After carefully proving the
story of the apple to be of Danish origin, he goes on to as-
sure us that the whole character of Tell as the liberator of
the people is fictitious. There are several other papers
worth reading, including Sir Lascelles Wraxall's account of
"A Silk Dress" and its history, a discourse on " Cuckoos,"
and some sensible remarks on " Insanity," by Dr. Scoffern.
LONDON SOCIETY.—As the season is still at its
height, the attractions of " London Society,"
whether in print or in practice, can hardly be on
the wane, and accordingly we find this gay little
serial still sparkling without and within. " Our
Brilliant Failure " tells a not very original tale
of the miseries of a seaside expedition ; and two love
stories, "Between the Lights," and "Held Asunder,"
both possess the rare recommendation of beginning and
ending in the number before us. They are pleasant tales
of English domestic life, ending happily—as all such
phases of London society are bound to de—in fiction. For
more substantial reading we have the continuation of the
" History of William Paterson, the Founder of the Bank of
England," a discourse on "Harmonious Furnishing," and
an essay on one of our "London Shadows"—the police-
station notice-board. A paper on "Fellows," cleverly
illustrated by G. H. Bennett, is among the prominent
features of entertainment.

THE WATCH-TOWER. No. 3.---This magazine
fully sustains the character of the former numbers.
" In the Vicarage" the essayist discourses of the
effect of news in town and country, showing how
differently the broad-sheets are regarded when they
lie waiting on the breakfast-table, where they
arrive late in the afternoon, after long and patient expec-
tation. "Mammon Worship" treats of a great and grow-
ing evil of our time; and a paper on " Church Music"
discusses a subject of no small ecclesiastical importance.
"Bread upon the Waters " is the slng-ular but not
inappropriate title of an interesting account of the Boys'
Home in the Euston-road. We have besides an article on
Sensation Novels, which treats on their merits and de-
merits very fairly, and it is to be hoped that in considera-
tion of its praise that our English novelists will listen to
'very reasonable warnings. " Through the Furnace "is
continued with unabated interest, and a dark shadow is
seen brooding over Sophy's new home, The illustrations
and the poetry are both of a thoughtful and suggestive
character.

THE ENGLISHMAN'S MAGAZINE.—A very able
scientific article opens this number, and all who
are attracted by the wonders of geology will read
it with pleasure and profit. Another paper of a
kindred character, though less directly scientific, is
entitled " A Ramble on a Glacier." "An Incident
of Italian Travels" is worth reading, and the "Physiological
Studies" aro continued with some ability. The second part
of the essay on "Memorials of 'Westminster Abbey" is full
of historical research and anecdote; The readings from the'
Old Testament treat this month of Deluge, one of the'
Scripture facts to which the revelations of modern science
'bear effective testimony. There are several poems, the
most vigorous, if not the most regular, being founded on
the old- tradition of Aldheim, the Minstrel. There are
several other papers of interest and merit among the re-
maining contents.

MACMILLAN'S MAGAZINE.--The author of " The
Heir of Eedclyffe" continues her story of "The
Dove in the Eagle's Nest." It is full of interest,
and certainly original enough in its scene and sub-
ject, for it carries the reader to a German baron's
castle in the old freebooting days of internal war-
fare and pillage. The influence exercised by the trained
and shrinking Christina in the "Eagle's nest" is well de-
'scribed, and the story has already advanced considerably.
Cradock Nowell," the other title, proceeds pleasantly
enough in a lively and animated strain. Mr. Palgrave con-
tributes a thoughtful and sensible paper on the relation of
women to the fine arts. Henry Kingsley •gives a well
written discourse "About Salmon," and Miss Meteyard's
"Life of Wedgwood" is the subject of a brief but attractive
paper. The question of hereditary ability is always an
interesting one, and it is very fully considered in an essay
by Francis Galton. The seventh number of " Essays at
Odd Times" is devoted to examination of the constituents
of "Success in Life." There are several other papers of
more or less merit, and altogether this number of Mac-
millan may be considered superior to the average. ,

GOOD IV ORDS.—Charles Kingsley's story of
" Hereward, the Last of the English," is continued
in four chapters." The admirers of his " Westward,
Ho !" will be glad to have another .specimen of his
mediaeval style, but most other readers prefer the

more familiar scenes of the life of the present day.
Alexander Smith also proceeds with his history of
"Alfred Hagart's Household" with unabated interest ; and
Mr. Kayo, well qualfied for such an undertaking, con-
tinues his series of lives of our Anglo-Indian heroes.
Mr. Buchan, the secretary to the Scottish Meteorological
Society, gives us his opinion of the peculiarities of the
British climate, and the author of " The Eclipse of
Faith" gives us some sensible obvervations on prose com-
position. Miss Winkwurth has an article upon " Our Con-
victs," and the religious papers are, as usual, moderate and
thoughtful.

THE SIXPENNY MAGAZINE.—The wild and com-
plex story of " The Fate of Thorsghyll" proceeds
rapidly, and there are other stories and sketches of a
light and amusing kind. The late American President
forms the subject of a lengthened article, and there are
several other papers worth reading, such as " Voice and.
Speech," "Popular Physiology," and " Carriages."
THE BOY'S OWN MAGAZINE. THE BOY'S
MONTHLY MAGAZINE.: Beeton.—These little mis-
cellanies are as usual full of entertainment, and the
"faction, fiction, history, and asl/Cnture" which they
undertake to set before their readers can hardly fail to
fascinate the most indifferent. They do their editors cre-
dit, and are likely to win the favour of a large circle of
readers.

Brigandage in Southern Italy.

The Avvenirc of Naples, under date 25th May,

says :--

" The Englishman captured by the brigands at
Battipaglia has not been liberated as was stated,
neither, as far as we inow, has the troop in pursuit
of the band yet succeeded in discovering their re-
treat. The English consul, it is said, leaves nothing
undone to obtain the liberation of the prisoner,
whose sad condition, as well as the novelty and
gravity of the affair, greatly disturb the English
residents. They are making the most active search,
and the departure of General Arnulfi for Salerno
will, it is hoped, be the means of efficaciously ter-
minating this unhappy affair."

The Naples correspondent of the Nazione, writing
from that city on the 25th inst., on the subject of
the captured Englishman and the revival of bri-
gandage in the Southern Provinces, says :
" The Englishman released by' the brigands is
making the most strenuous exertions among his
compatriots here to raise the ransom of his unfor-
tunate friend. The consul appears to have fully
taken the matter in hand, and for some days
past has been continually journeying to and
fro between Naples and Eboli. A report was
current the day before yesterday that the
brigands, exasperated by the harassing pursuit to
which they are subjected, had murdered their pri-
soners. The consul's house was thereupon imme-
diately besieged by the resident English, anxious
to learn the truth of this rumour, and calling for
justice on account of so barbarous an act. The
general exasperation manifested itself by actions
and words by no means of a diplomatic charac-
ter, and entirely unmarked by the usual inter-
national observances. At this moment, how-
ever, fortunately arrived an official with the in-
telligence that the prisoner, so far from having
been murdered, was taken excellent care of by
Giardullo himself. The brigands allowed him every
possible liberty, by which he might have profited to
escape, were it not that his having given his word of
honour to make no such attempt kept him in his un-
pleasant position. I heard to-day that the British
consul had been authorised by his Government to
treat with the brigands, and not to let money form
any obstacle to the release of his fellow countryman.
It is better so. But this is not all. It is said here
that the English residents have addressed serious
representations to their Parliament upon this un-
happy affair. The Parliament may cause the
Government to take up the matter to have it investi-
gated, and we shall then have inquiries, and per-
haps claims for compensation. Unhappily, even this
misfortune is only an episode in the tragedy of
brigandage being enacted in our provinces. The
district of Cilenti, oppressed and afflicted as it is in
every way, must yield the palm to the Calabrias,
where the bands headed by Palma, Correa, and
many others, are daily" committing murders and
depredations in every direction. It is worthy
of note that General Pallavicini is now commanding
in the Calabrias, with a numerous and picked body
of troops. Brigandage, however, broke forth with
fresh vigour shortly after his arrival. How is this
to be accounted for? In the district of Beneven-
tano we are again in the old scenes of bloodshed.
But the inhabitants, less to blame than their
other countrymen, no longer allow themselves
to ,be intimidated as before, but, when at-
tacked, defend themselves. Giardullo's band,
by whom Signori Magnoni and Bellelli, and
the Englishmen are held captive, invested, as they
are, on all sides by an immense number of troops—
no less than 15,000 having been set in movement in
the single province of Salerno—this band, I say,
still continues its acts of outrage and aggression.
The brigands lay in ambush for the volunteers of
the company of Pettinati, a village in that district,
and, on their approach, suddenly discharged upon
them a point blank volley from about 50 mus-
kets. One of the volunteers fell dead on the spot,
and two others were desperately wounded. Al-
thaugh only twenty in number against nearly
sixty brigands, the volunteers, undeterred by the
suddenness of the attack and the numerical supe-
riority of their adversaries, held their ground
firmly and returned the fire. After a brief
resistance the brigands retired. A number of
arrests are being made in the district of Saler-
intano, not only among the peasants, but also
in the better classes, such as lawyers, physicians,
and landed proprietors. The priests of course
furnish a very large contingent. Ido not mention
them first, as they are naturally misunderstood.

The Giornale di Napoli publishes the following
intelligence from Cosenza :-
1 ,6 On the afternoon of the 22d inst. the same band
which formerly committed so many acts of barbarity
at San Giovanni, in Fiore, 50 in number, attacked
on the Montagno Grande della, Sila, some gentle-
men; escorted by 18 soldiers of the National Guard,
going to San Giovanni, in Fiore. In the con-
flict which ensued one soldier was killed and an-
other severely wounded. Some of the travellers
also received wounds of more or less gravity. The
following gentlemen remained in the hands of the
brigands :—Deputy Gallucci, Judge Nicola Sa-
vini, Chancellor Nicola Miani, Advocate Raf-
faeli, Cavaliere and Signor Antonio Marescalo.
The band, with their prisoners, took the road to
Catanzaro, setting at liberty, shortly afterwards,
Chancellor Miani and another of their prisoners.
This band, led by Correa, is the same which, a few
days ago, murdered the brothers Tancredi in the wood
of Carlomagno. On receiving the above intelli-
gence General Pallavieini despatched military in
pursuit of the brigands, with the object of surround-
ing and destroying the band."

• •
MISS LONGWORTI-I.—Mrs. Yelverton (Long-
worth) left Edinburgh for Rotterdam about :three
weeks ago, by the steamer Holyrood, a cabin in it being
generously put at his service by Mr. R. Macgregor, the
proprietor, who is one of the most wealthy of the Leith
merchants, and a man of influence from his wealth, as also
from his oratorical talents. She was so weak as to re-
quire to be carried on board the steamer. She arrived
quite safely, and is fast getting strong under the sunny
skies of the Continent. For two or three months before
she left she had been confided to bed, and it was feared
by.sOrae of her friends that she might die. Her lungs
were affected, and she was ill of intermittent fever that
recurred at intervals at 12 hours, and loft her quite weak.
Professor Simpson and his assistant visited her every day,
and sometimes oftener, exhibiting more than merely pro-
fesSional kindness. Her appeal against the judgment of
the First Division was presented late in March, and the
time for her entering into her recognisances has been ex-
tended on account of her ill health. In her action against

the Saturday Review, the interlocutor of Lord Jerviswoode,
finding the proprietors of that journal liable in respect of
the arrestment of £34, bas been appealed to the Inner
House, and will probably come up for judgment in a few
weeks.—Lefds Mercury.

ALARMING FIRE AT BERMONDSEY,—This (Thurs-
day) morning, about a quarter before five o'clock,
great alarm was caused in the immediate neighbourhood
of Bermondsey-wall, in consequence of a fire breaking out
in the extensive premises belonging to Messrs. Young and
Raymond, granary-keepers. The flames originated, from
some unknown cause, in a one-story warehouse. The
engines of the London Brigade, and Shand and Mason's
laud and steam-floating engines quickly attended, and the
firemen happily succeeded in confining the fire to that
portion of the property in which it commenced, but a deal
of damage was don?.