The Sun.
London, England, 1865-12-12 00:00:00

TUE SUN, LONDON, ITESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 12, 1865.

to express an opinion until they were in possession
of the facts of the case, instead of rushing into
wild extremes and jumping to hasty conclusions,
and -then refusing to listen to any explanation and
to hear any argument that confuted their statement.
Mr. COOPER very properly deprecates the course
pursued by some members of Parliament who have
vehemently denounced Mr. EYRE with no positive
proof against him ; and indeed the conduct of such
individuals cannot be too strongly denounced or
too severely reprobated. When the House meets,
however, they will find their proper level. It is one
thing to be the demagogue at a violent and igno-
rant assembly, and another to attempt to lay li
down the law before an enlightened and educated
assembly, the most independent and the most im-
partial in the world. It may safely be said that a
more un-English proceeding has seldom been seen
than this " conspiracy," for it deserves no better
term, against the reputation of an honoured servant
of the Crown, a man who has won his posi-
tion by his own exertions, and who had
achieved for himself a world-wide reputation
for courage and constancy before he assumed
the office he now holds. While we entertain with
Mr. COOPER and others a " confident trust" that
he will come out of the inquiry with his fame un-
affected, we cannot too deeply deplore, and too
emphatically condemn the course now pursued by
those set in array against him. One of the members
of the deputation who waited upon Mr. CARDWELL
the other day declared that he was abroad when
the news of the outbreak at Jamaica was first dis-
seminated for the first time. He blushed for his
country when heheard the comments that were made.
We have far more cause to blush for our country
when we find the total want of fairplay exhibited in
many quarters, and the virulent intolerance that
characterises the language of those who ought to
know better to be led away by the passions of the
moment into a forgetfulness of proper tone and
bearing to be expected from public speakers. It
will be a great relief to all impartial individuals
when these scandal-mongers are silenced by the all-
important voice of public opinion.

The news brought by the Moravian tells us that
President JoriNsoN has issued a proclamation re-
storing the right of habeas corpus throughout the
country, excepting in the late rebellious States.
This is a further step towards the re-establishment
of the supremacy of civil over military law, and the
restoration of the old forms of individual security
and public liberty. The PRESIDENT has undoubtedly
an anxious and difficult task before him—the
pacification of the country—and the meeting of
Congress must increase rather than lighten
his troubles. The Radical party are strong
in the Senate, whose officers were chosen
at the extra session convened for Mr. LINCOLN'S
second inauguration, and in the House of Repre-
sentatives the Radicals have a majority. The first
great difficulty which will present itself to the
Congress will he the question of the admission of
the Southern members. The PRESIDENT himself
holds that such States as have repudiated the
Confederate debt, abolished slavery, and protect
the freedmen, ought to have their members admitted
to Congress, but the Radicals will not agree to this.
There will probably be a sharp struggle on the mat-
ter, as on other points connected with reconstruc-
tion. Another difficulty is likely to arise respecting
the Free-trade policy. The Democrats, wisely enough,
uphold Free-trade principles in their platform,
and there is also a Free-trade League among the
Republicans. Of course these parties will have to
encounter a formidable opposition from the Pro-
tectionists, but it is to be hoped that good
sense and public spirit will carry the day.
The condition of the South as described
by witnesses is not encouraging. The people are
uneasy and apprehensive as to their political future.
They object, as a high-minded and honourable
people naturally might, to the forced repudiation
of their public debt, while the threatened
exclusion of their representatives from Con-
gress leaves them little hope of having their
wants and grievances fairly stated. It remains to
be seen whether the Congress will be actually as
antagonistic to the South as is feared, and much
will depend on the results of its deliberations. The
President is known to be on the side of conciliation
and moderation, but the Radicals include the wildest
extremes in their ranks. It is true that those ranks
are divided, and therefore there is some ground for
hoping that moderate men of all parties may yet be
able to combine and endeavour to bring about a
better state of things.

THE FENIAN TRIALS.

DUBLIN, Monday.

When Nagle's (the informer) direct examination
was concluded, O'Donovan (Rossa) insisted upon
cross-examining him himself, thereupon Mr. Butt
and Mr. Dowse threw down their briefs. The pri-
sioner broke down Nagle on two or three points,
which was not done on any previous cross-examina-
tion. There was considerable excitement in court.
DUBLIN, Monday Evening.

Rossa continued his cross-examination all day.

He was often interrupted by Judge Keogh, who
said he was making his case worse, and was wasting
public time.

_
O'Donovan replied that the prospect of 20 years'•
penal servitude gave him good right to the public
time, and that if things were as Judge Keogh had
said his trial was a legal farce.

The whole proceedings became very irregular.
The Board of Prison Superintendence, at their
meeting to-day, passed a resolution calling on Lord
Wodehouse to appoint a special commissioner to
inquire into Stephens's escape.

FlRES.—During last night and this morning
a number of fires took place in various parts of London.
The premises of Mr. Sinclair, carpenter, Thomas- street,
Woolwich, were destroyed. About 3 o'clock the house of
Mr. Woodward, auctioneer, Thornhill-road, Barnsbury,
tookfire, when there wore 13 people in the house, who were
rescued by the escapemen. The damage was not serious.
Another fire took place at Weymouth-street, Portland-
place, caused by an escape of gas ; one at Windsor-terrace,
Edgware-road ; one at 113, Whitechapel-road ; and one at
Margaret-street, Cavendish-square, with more or less
damage in each case.
AMERICAN EXTRAVAGANCE IN EUROPE.—On
this subject the London correspondent of the New
York Times discourses thus feelingly :—" In London
there are so many American visitors, so few who
spend any time except for business, that Mr. Adams has
very little trouble. He gives a few official and some
social dinners, and usually presides at Fourth of July
festivals. But, were I of an inquisitive disposition, I might
ask, why should Americans spend so much money abroad
for the honor of their country when their official represen-
tatives are kept on the meanest and most meagre pittances ?
America may claim to be the richest country in the world.
It has the largest revenue in proportion to its population.
Fifty thousand dollars a year is not too much salary for a
Minister to either of the great Powers. The representative
dour ciui
of America should be in a position to maintain the honor
rAmtns, whose hossheade. profusion These in
Yankees enpl-
oof his country, and not be ridden over either by foreign
aristocrats
teorthw him into
richo Americans,
money-kings spend a thousand dollars a week in pure
folly, sowing gold wherever they go. Think of a thou-
sand francs for a supper, and a gold-piece of twenty francs
tossed as a gratuity to the waiter. A landed potentate
from the Empire City, whose father may have been a
market gardener, came over in a steamer the other day
(and would have come in two if he could), and at the end
of the trip gave every waiter on board a sovereign—to
keep his memory green. If the rich Americans travelling
in Europe would send home works of art, they *ould en-
rich themselves and their country. If they would spend
half the money they fool away in giving orders to Ame-
rican artists in Paris, Florence, Rome, ,tc., either for good
copies of the unattainable old masters, or for origins
works of art, they would do good and get glory. They
would have the, worth of their money to enjoy and leave
behind them. They would do good and get good."

LA TEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGEAMS.)

PRUSSIA.

BERLIN, DEc. 12.

The English and French Ambassadors, with their
wives and the personnel of the embassies, left the
court fête immediately after the marriage of Princess
Alexandria of Prussia, daughter of Prince Albrecht
and niece of the King, with Frederick William
Duke of Mecklenburg Schwerin, because no places
had been provided for them at the table of the
King, notwithstanding that previous to the banquet
they had complained of this arrangement. The
Royal Chamberlain justified his conduct by pre-
cedents.

CHINA AND JAPAN.
(By Overland Telegraph from Galle.)

CANTON, Nov. 15.
The gunboats have successfully attacked the
pirates in the neighbourhood of Amoy.
Advices from Japan state that the foreign Minis-
ters had gone on an expedition to open Osseolivywn
(Ossaco ?)* to foreign trade.

The other murderers of Lieutenant Bird and Mr.
Album (?) have been arrested at Jeddo. They con-
fessed their crime, and were executed.
* According to treaty this port is to be opened in 1866.

AUSTRIA.
VIENNA, DEc 12.

The Emperor left to-day for Pesth.
It is stated that his Majes:,y on the presenta-
tion of the address of the Lower Austrian Diet as-
sured Prince Colloredo that he would make no
further concessions to Hungary that were not com-
patible with the interests of the whole Monarchy.

LAYBACII, DEC. 12.

In yesterday's sitting of the Diet the German
members spoke in favour of the address against the
September Patent.
The Selavonian members opposed the address, and
their motion to pass to the order of the day was
agreed to.

CZERNOWITZ, DEC. 12.
The Diet agreed yesterday to an address to the
Emperor in favour of the September Patent.

FRANCE.

PARIS, DEC. 11.

BOURSE, Dec. 11.—The telegraphic announcement
of a further fall of per cent. in English Consols
has had no effect on the operations here, and although
little business is transacted, the market remains firm,
with quotations well maintained. Three per Cents.
and Mobilier Shares show an improvement—the
former of 71c., at 68f. 90c.—and the latter 2f. 50c.,
at 885 f. Italian Fives also have a slight advance,
the current quotation being 65f. 20c. In the railway
share department Austrian have receded 3f. 75c. ;
Saragossa, 2f. 50e. ; Lyons, lf. 25c. ; Northern and
Lombards remain without variation. The following
are the last quotations :-
44 per Cents 97 25
Do. end month
3 per Cents. 6B 95
Do. end month 6B 05
Credit Mobilier 886 25
Do. end month 888 75
Bank Shares 3800
Credit Foncier 1327 50
Italian Loan 65
Do. end month 65 25

Roman
Ottoman Fives 43 60
Mexican Loan 4B 50
Do. Bonds 333 75
Russian —
Austrian
Spanish Threes
Home Debt
Deferred

Acct.
835 -

1125 -
841 25
570 -

- - ... 518 75
- - ... 211 25
- - ... 426 25

420 -

.-- --- ... 165 --
--- - ... 195 -

-- -
... 155 -

VOLUNTEER INTELLIGENCE.

FINSBURY RIFLE VOLUNTEERS.

This corps assembled at Myddelton Hall, Isling-
ton, last evening, in order that the prizes awarded
for good firing during the last year should be pre-
sented to the successful candidates.

The chair was taken at half-past seven o'clock by
Mr. Alderman Lusk, M.P., who, in opening the
proceedings, congratulated the country at large,
and that corps in particular, on the great progress
the volunteer movement had made during the last
few years. It was now a standing institution of the
country, and taught other nations that the old mili-
tary spirit which always characterised Englishmen
still existed in its full vigour. (Cheers.) The people
of our country, and especially of this metropolis, were
always partially estranged from each other, in con-
sequence of the great subdivision of labour which
existed ; but the volunteer movement had the effect
of bringing men together, and promoting cordiality
and good fellowship amongst them. (Hear, hear.)
Then, again, they were a commercial people, and
much mischief had often been created by pains and
fears of an invasion, but since the volunteer move-
ment was established they had altogether ceased.
(Cheers.) That, if nothing else occurred, was a
great advantage gained, and he was also glad to say
that it contributed, in a remarkable manner, to en-
large the physical qualities of his countrymen.
(Hear.) Young men were now looked upon by
fathers and mothers with pride and pleasure in con-
sequence of that erect bearing and martial appear-
ance they presented, acquired from military drill ;
and he believed the same feeling was exhibited by
many of their sweethearts. (Laughter.) He was
happy in standing there that evening to distribute
the prizes gained during the past year, and hoped
the Finsbury volunteers would not be the least
efficient of any in the country. (Hear, hear.)
Captain HISLOP then read a report giving an ac-
count of the shooting during the past year, the
principal feature of which was that 154 fired in
class, of which 40 were third class, 59 second class,
27 first class, and 28 marksmen.
The distribution of prizes then commenced, the
principal one being a beautiful silver challenge cup,
value £25, given by the hon. chairman, to be shot
for quarterly at 200, 500, and 610 yards, five shots
each range, and to become the property of the mem-
ber winning at the greatest number of times in two
years. It was presented by Mrs. Lusk amid loud
cheers, and won the first time by Captain Hislop,
who made 41 points.
The prizes having been distributed,
Judge PAYNE came forwUrd, and in one of his
humorous speeches proposed the " Health of the
Ladies," which being seconded by Capt. DONNELLY,
was unanimously passed with loud applause.
Col. ERSKINE, Inspector-General of Volunteers,
next came forward, and said that about that time
last year, if his memory served him, he had the
honour of addressing them, when he urged on them
how desirable it was that the number of their " effi-
ciente" should be increased as much as possible.
Now he regretted to say that that number had not
only not increased, but diminished since that time.
Now it was very important that advice so given
should be adopted as far as it was practicable, and
he would just tell them why in a very few words.
They all knew that that corps was composed almost
entirely of men engaged from one end of the year
to another in business, and it had been remarked by
many shrewd observers that those made the best
volunteers who had the most business on hand.
(Hear, hear.) Those so engaged had such an ap-
preciation of the value of time that when they had
a leisure hour they preferred devoting it to some
useful occupation than indulge in absolute riot or
in frivolous amusements. (Hear, hear.) Now he
hoped, with that fact before them, they would in-
crease the number of their " efficients" during the
ensuing year, that they would also increase the
number of badges, because the latter would make a
corresponding increase in the funds of the corps.
He had the honour of inspecting the corps last sum-
mer, and thought the men went through their duties
remarkably well, but the muster, he regretted to
say, was exceedingly small. Satisfactory reasons
were no doubt given for that by their gallant colonel.
It was very unfortunate that they did not assemble
in greater numbers. (Hear, hear.) The inspection
took place once a year, and it was then very de-
sirable to have as great a number as possible pre-
sent on the occasion. (Hear, hear.) Indeed, he
was so pleased with those who were present that he
should like very much to have a look at those who
were absent. (A laugh.) He hoped, however, that
at the next inspection the numbers would be much
more numerous. (Hear, hear.)
Captain BLANKLEY next moved the thanks of the
corps to the prize donors, which, being seconded by
Captain BARDOE, was passed.
Colonel GARDENER returned thanks on behalf of
his father, one of the principal donors ; and Mr.
HOLLAND, another liberal donor, on his own behalf.
Thanks were next voted to Colonel Erskine and
the Chairman, both of whom acknowledged the
compliment in brief terms, and the proceedings
terminated.
Colonel Penton, commanding the corps, was pre-
vented from being present in consequence of the
serious illness of his son.