The Sun.
London, England, 1865-04-27 00:00:00

understand the gist or drift or inner purport of its
prospectus—formed purely, solely, and wholely in
the interests, as we might almost say, of visible,
tangible, palpable truth. An association, otherwise
to express it, constructed to the end that it should
became the means of seeking after, and of collecting
together, and, in the end, of arranging symmetrically
facts drawn forth to the light of day by means of
one or other of the physical sciences, in illustration,
more and more clearly, of the Sacred Records, at
once of Judaism and of Christianity. It is an
enterprize altogether, so far as we can in any way
comprehend it, that the enlightened members of
any sect -or of any party might be rejoiced to pro-
mote, with a view to its more rapid and energetic
development. Insomuch, in truth, does it appear
to us exactly in this light, that—supposing it to
have been projected but; a little while earlier—we
could perfectly well have imagined the possibility of
finding upon the list of the Committee now led off
by his Grace the Archbishop of YORK, the name of
his Eminence the late Cardinal WISEMAN, the author,
among other kindred works, of the learned and
daring treatise upon the " Connection between
Science and Revealed Religion." So far as the
objects of the society are concerned, they might,
for that matter, with perfect consistency on his own
part, receive the sympathy and co-operation of Dr.
ADLER himself, the Chief Rabbi in London. For, in
point of fact, what is it that this Society is in search
of, this Society now setting on foot. what we trust
may soon come to be known far and wide, not
merely by its title as the Palestine Exploration
Fund, but yet more familiarly and yet more widely
known by its many successful aclaievin.ents ? What,
we ask, is it—avowedly—in search of ? Facts !
Truths ! Data! Measurements drawn from scien-
tific surveys ! Particulars to be dug up out of the
very soil of Palestine ! At Jerusalem alone, what
a world of information is there not
reasonably to be hoped for, when the " sixty feet of
rubbish" upon which the holy city stands comes
to be probed and penetrated—that debris of centu-
ries, of nations, of generations ! Rubbish, from
beneath which may be yet dragged forth to view, to
the light of day, to scrutiny by the eye of man—
believer and unbeliever alike—who will not hope it,
if only in the sacred interests of abstract truth ?
facts, fragments, actual data, nay even substantial
portions of the Tombs of the Kings on Mount Zion !
The actual extent of the area of the Temple ! The
veritable sites of the Tower of Antonia! of the
Palace of Herod 1 of the Pool of Bethesda ! Other
lands are ransacked by cultivators of the Natural
Sciences with a view to the advancement, let us say,
here of Botany, there of Zoology ! Why—
as the promoters of this new Association for the
more systematic exploring of Palestine, suggest in-
terrogatively—why, indeed, may we not look at
last for the application of similar energy, of equal
ability, to the investigation in the same way, for
example, of the zoology and botany of the Holy
Land ? The cedars of Lebanon and the " lilies of
the field," lilies so lovely in themselves, but lovelier
yet by far because of their biblical association, as
having been spoken of by Holy Lips—the Lions of
that land of DANIEL and of SAMPSON, of the Pro-
phet they left unharmed and of the Warrior to
whom the dead jaws of one of them yielded
up the honeycomb—the foxes and the ravens of
the Holy Land—why should we not look now at
last, in reason, for some more accurate description
of these very 'creatures, birds, quadrupeds, flowers,
trees, than such as have been put on record alone
by chance travellers or by pre-occupied pilgrims?
The Society we are here referring to includes already
upon its. Committee, besides the Archbishop already
mentioned (his Grace of YORK), three conspicuous
members of the Episcopal Bench—the Bishops,
that is, of ELY, OXFORD, and LONDON. Together
Iwith whom are associated men of as varied eminence,
in their several ways, as Professor OWEN and the
Dean of WESTMINSTER, as Sir RODERICK MURCHI-
SON and Sir HENRY RAWLINSON, as Dr. WILLIAM
SMITH and Mr. ANTONIO PANIZZI, as the Member
for Bath and the Member for Chichester, to say
nothing of such representatives of the peerage as
the Earl of SHAFrSBURY, the Duke of ARGYLL, and
the Duke of DEVONSHIRE. Again, as Hon. Secretary
to this Committee—for once, " the right man in the
right place" has been happily selected and formally
nominated—the Secretary to the Committee of this
Palestine Exploration Fund, to this Society for the
exploring of the Holy Land for Biblical Illustrations,
being no one less qualified for the task than Mr.
GEORGE GROVE, a gentleman not only long since
well known to the general public in his official posi-
tion as Secretary to the Crystal Palace Company,
but more recently equally well known to scholars
and thoroughly appreciated by them, as one of
the most conspicuous and laborious among Dr.
IVILLIAm SMITH'S collaborateurs. The Society thus
martialled under these chiefs of science, art, and
literature propose to direct their intended labours
of Exploration in Palestine, not in a piecemeal or
fragmentary manner, but comprehensively and sys-
tematically. They purpose to illustrate, for example,
the botany of the Holy Land, in continuation of the
labours of HOOKER—its geology, in continuation of
the researches of LARTET—its ornithology-, in con-
tinuation of those of TRISTRAM—its topography,
in advance of the investigations of RotaNsoN—its
archaeology, in advance of those of D E SAULCY.
When this bold design shall have been yet
further matured, we shall rejoice upon being
enabled then to notify the fact of its nearer
approach to the period of its actual realisation.
Already, it is gratifying to know, that the scheme
is even now being energetically organized, and that
it appears to have a really fair prospect of winning
its way to an auspicious inauguration.

Every now and then, in the midst of the ordinary
routine of business and pleasure, while statesmen
are involved in political speculations, and combina-
tions depending entirely on the action of a few
prominent players on the world's 'stage, while the
interests of the moment are all engrossing, and the
anticipations of the future are most confident,
comes a sudden and startling reminder of our mor-
tality. The central figure drops from the scene,
the curtain falls just at the crisis, and while the
question is, what policy will be followed, what
party predominate in the council, there comes a
terrible and unexpected solution of the problem.
The uncertainty of human affairs has, perhaps, never
been more strongly shown than by the recent events
in America which have so completely defeated con-
jecture and disappointed expectation. It is difficult
in such a turmoil, when the vehement and vindic-
tive passions of men are so thoroughly aroused, so
completely let loose, to foresee what fresh turn of
events will alter the whole complexion of affairs
but so startling and tragic an incident as the assas-
sination of President LINCOLN had not certainly
been calculated upon by any political prophet.
Rulers who fill so prominent a position, upon whose
will the whole policy of a country turns, are espe-
cially liable to the dagger or the bullet, and
there have always been fanatics who be-
lieve. they are fulfilling a patriotic duty, as
well as empty brained seekers for noto-
riety, who hope to win a lasting reputation by
the commission of a crime. But whatever be the
motive, the wise and good of all tim s have been
unanimous in condemning the act. No provoca-
tion can justify so cowardly and treacherous a deed.
No love of country can be accepted in extenuation
Of o flagrant a dereliction of the racral law. The

love of Rome which guided the dagger of BRUTUS
against his friend has not saved his memory from
reproa&l, the enthusiasm which fired CHARLOTTE
CORDAT . when she slew the detestable MARAT could
only be possible in an age of such chaos and infi-
delity.. B at the fanaticism of the assassin of royalty
or authority is as often fatal to the enlightened
ruler as the unscrupulous or incapable. If HENRI
TIT. fell -beneath the knife of JACQUES CLEMENT,
France lost her greatest King by the treacherous
blow of RA_VAILLAC, and there is sound reason as
well as unquestionable morality in the doctrine
which condemns all assassination under any circum-
stances whatever. The revolt of a great people
against an unjust or oppressive authority is a very
different thing from the murder of an individual,
so different that the act which has removed
ABRAHAM LINCOLN from the Presidency will,
' doubtless, be condemned with equal severity by the
North and South. The same disaster might have
befallen DAVIS, or LEE, for no man is safe against
treachery ; and in times of such momentous inte-
rest and difficulty every leader must offend some
party, and may possibly provoke a dangerous
enmity in the breast of a man whom he has
never seen or heard of. It is probable
enough that the murderer may prove to be an ex-
treme member of the Abolitionist party, or some
fanatic who considered Lnicouf s last public utter-
ances too moderate and conciliatory to the South.
The leaders of the Southern people, who have ex-
torted the admiration of the world by their high
tone of principle and chivalrous courage, can have
• nothing to do with such a crime. They have
sought their end by very different means, in the fair
field, by open fight, by resolute
.opposition in the
Council, and those who would, without further
knowledge, fix the stigma of such an act upon any
considerable party in the Southern States are guilty
of most unwarrantable injustice.
What may be the consequences of the catas-
trophe it is difficult to tell. Its immediate effect
will be the elevation of ANDREWJOHNSON to the Pre-
sidency—a change which the worst enemies of LIN-
COLN must deplore. The Vice-President's display
on the occasion of the great inauguration ceremony,
but a very few weeks ago, was so humiliating
to his party that his accession to the supreme
power can only be looked upon with anxiety
and regret. His address, when the oath was
administered to him, was brief and to the pur-
pose. He announced his resolve to fulfil the duties
which had so unexpectedly devolved upon him to
the best of his ability, and to rely on the tried coun-
cillors around him, but it is not in the first moment
when the solemn sense of responsibility might
well impress the most callous that we can
look for any real indications of his future policy.
All we have recently heard of his sentiments implies
bitter animosity to the South, and there is reason
to fear that with the accession of JOHNSON to the
Presidency violent and vindictive counsels will gain
the ascendancy.. The attack upon Mr. SEWARD,
which has by this time but too probably proved
fatal to his weakened frame, complicates the over-
throw of the Northern Cabinet. The two leading
minds are gone, and those who are left are but
ill-fitted to take their places by experience, mode-
ration, or legislative ability. The complica-
tions produced by this event may completely
reverse the recent issues of the war. Hap-
pily for the South, Davis's last procla-
mation declares his unshaken determination to
uphold the standard of secession, so that the Con-
federates are not committed to any rash proceed-
ing. The disunion and disorganisation of the
country will now have reached its acme,
and we need not wonder that through-
out the North men were paralysed by the
shock. New York, so lately the scene of
festivity and rejoicing, is draped in mourning,
while he, who but a few days since seemed so
near the goal of his wishes, lies where no sound
of victory or of mourning will reach him. Sic
transit gloria mundi. But a few months ago
ABRAHAM LINCOLN was straining every nerve to
secure his re-election as President, and what has it
brought him ? But a few weeks ago he was re-
ceiving the congratulations of senators and diplo-
matists at the inauguration of that fresh term of
power which was to be so brief. But a few days
agohe was visiting the hard-won capital of the South,
and receiving the intelligence of the surrender of his
most powerful enemy. It is impossible not to feel
pity for the man so suddenly called from the scene
in which he played so busy a part, as well as hor-
ror at the crime. Eyen the bitterest opponents of
his policy may say with MOORE, on a similar

occasion :

" We forgot in that hour how the statesman had erred
And wept for the husband, the father, the friend."
The shock produced by President LINCOLN'S death
will be felt throughout Europe ; its consequences
are as yet unknown and undiscernible. It can
hardly fail to inflict serious damage on the North,
and may probably reanimate the drooping courage
of the Confederates. We fear, however, that there
is still a gloomy period to be passed througl before
that great nation regains the blessings of internal
tranquillity, and the star-spangled banner which so
lately floated gaily over the metropolis, announcing
the surrender of Richmond, and now hangs droop-
ing for the violent death of the foremost man in the
Federal councils, shall be once more raised in
celebration of the return of peace and freedom.

The banquet at the Fishmongers' Hall last even-
ing was an interesting affair, and the importance
of some of the topics mentioned imparted additional
attraction to the speeches, With the toast of the
"British Colonies" the Chairman coupled the names
of the Hon. G. E. CARTIER and the Hon. A. T.
GALT, members of the Canadian Deputation,
who were present. Mr. CARTIER made a long and
impressive discourse, which gave great satisfaction
to those present. The hon. gentleman alluded to
the honour which had been paid to, them by having
their healths proposed in conjunction with the
Canadian Deputation before the toast of the Lords
and Commons of England was proposed. The
scheme now in consideration relative to the Confede-
ration of the North American Provinces naturally
occupied the attention of the speaker, and
he entered ink; some explanations which
were interesting to hear, and will be found also well
worthy of perusal. The " larger and grander scale"
upon which the Canadians wish to develope their
present system has already met with the approval
of the majority in this country, and it will therefore
be acceptable to many to hear what one connected
intimately with the affair has to say. Mr. CARTIER
declared that the Canadians had told the Lower or
Maritime Provinces of North America that there
were two elements in Canada necessary for the con-
stitution of a nation—the personal and the terri-
torial, but they lacked one which made England's
greatness, namely, the maritime element. Hence
the conclusion is perfectly comprehensible that is
drawn from these premises. Their friends want
territory and they want sea, and there is
no reason to doubt that these united will
make them great and prosperous. The
Deputation has come to England in order to urge on
the Imperial Government the importance of this
Confederation Scheme being put into execution.
. .
Mr. CARTIER enumerated some of the chief reasons