The Sun.
London, England, 1865-10-05 00:00:00

place has happily been established after a delay of 30 years,
and the exertions of our association have powerfully con-
tributed to a measure which was so much required by the
mercantile community, and not resisted upon any solid
ground by the legal profession. The Commission on Capi-
tal Punishments has now closed its labours, and though
the report is not yet made public, there can be no doubt
that a great and useful body of information has been col-
lected with respect to the operation of the law both in this
and foreign countries. We had a most interesting discussion
on the subject at York, and didfull justice to the labours of
the society, under Mr. Gurney, and its secretaries, Messrs.
Tallach and Beggs. An able paper of the latter came before
us at York ; and no doubt that society has been usefullyem-
ployed in circulating information on the subject, and in
promoting the discussion of it. But whatever difference of
opinion there may be on the great question of capital punish-
ment, there can be none upon the necessity of giving the
Home-office an efficient help of counsellors, as this associa-
tion has.so often recommended. On this head of crimi-
nal law it must be added that there is in all cases far
'too great a disposition to regard intoxication as a circum-
stance of mitigation, whereas it is really an aggravation.
There are even reasons for regarding a diseased general
habit of mind, induced by intemperance, in the same light
of an aggravation, and certainly it ought never to be
reckoned among circumstances of extenuation. 0 ur esteemed
colleague, Lord Clanricarde, having obtained a Commission
on the Irish Law Courts, found that two bills were intro-
duced by the Government to assimilate the practice in both
countries—the one for equity, the other for common law.
These were vehemently opposed, and not passed. But in
last session only the Equity Bill was introduced, and
though the opposition was withdrawn, the bill was not
passed. The Government had at that time no Irish law
officers in the House. In the new Parliament they have both
the Attorney and Solicitor-General and the Castle adviser
in the House of Commons, and Lord Clanricarde hopes
that the result will be complete, as well of consolidating
the three common law courts as of reducing the number
of their officers, for whom there is really little business to
do. The subject of recording titles to landed estates was
fully discussed at our meetings upon papers by Messrs.
Torrens and Robert Wilson, and an Act was passed last
session for recording such titles in Ireland through the
machinery of the Estates Court. Nothing can be more
satisfactory than the proceedings of last year with respect
to the reformatory system, and credit is duo to the Homo
Department, of which we formerly had reason to complain.
The great changes which have been effected are entirely in
accordance with the views often urged by the association
and its supporters. In the class of penal servitude, the sub-
division of large prisons, the introduction of the mark sys-
tem, the reduction of the excessive gratuities and of the
dietary, the use of photography, and the giving police
superintendence (beneficial not only to the public at large,
but to the convicts themselves), are great and important
improvements ; and these, together with the use of inter-
mediate prisons in certain cases, have approached the Irish
to our own. But there has been groat improvement in the
convict prisons for minor offenders, and an Act passed last
session has been executed most beneficially by the Home
Department. All these changes have received the full ap-
probation of the Prison Directors, whose report has been
published, and who boar their testimony to the excellent
effects of the various changes on which they comment. It
is very important that the absence of Sir Walter Crofton is
well supplied by his able successor, and has been so far
from injuring his system that this has been consolidated
by time, and its details aro perfected by experience. The
great principle has now received full effect that the term of
punishment should be lessened merely by the convict's con-
duct since his imprisonment, but by his subsequent con-
duct until the supervision now first actually exercised
under the ticket of leave has expired. This supervision
of his entire liberation has had all the success that could
be expected from it. Tho defect which experience shows
in the existing regulations for suspension depends upon the
absence of connexion between the police force at different
stations. The improvement in the discipline of county
and borough gaols urged by Lord Carnarvon, and effected
by the gratuitous labours of Sir Walter Crofton, will be
sufficient for the reformation of the convicts, provided
that drawback shall cease which at present exists, the
term of confinement not being shortened in those prisons
by the convict's behaviour. These and many other matters
will, it is to bo hoped, receive full consideration at this
Congress, as our invaluable colleague, the Recorder of
Birmingham, if he shall unfortunately bo unable to attend,
will certainly communicate the result of his residence in
Ireland, and also his opinion upon the working of the Liver-
pool Act, passed last session, for enlarging the powers of
grand juries in sanitary cases—an Act which ought to
be extended to other towns. We shall also have
the advantage of the presence of Miss Carpenter, whose re-
cent work " Our Convicts" contains the fullest account of
the whole subject. The threatonings of another visitation
of cholera gives rise to a meeting under the sanction of our
Council, and presided over by the Bishop of London. The
whole subject was fully discussed, and an elaborate report
presented by the Committee of Health Department. While
all has been proceeding satisfactorily in legislation since our
last Congress, it is gratifying to find that considerable pro-
gross has also been made by our rulers, and especially our
Finance Minister, for the benefit of trade. The negotiations
with France have had the happiest results for both coun-
tries—for our neighbours as well as ourselves ; their alarm
lest importation from us would interfere with their manu-
factures having boon proved groundless by the exportation
to this country of their own wares. Similar treaties have
been made with other countries, as with Belgium and Italy,
while one with Austria may reasonably be expected. Our
foreign commerce has nearly doubled in five years as regards
France, and our paper-makers, who were the most alarmed,
have not in any instance ceased to carry on the business,
while the amount of paper made has been steadily increas-
ing. But the Post-office accommodation to savings-banks
has been an incalculable benefit to the humbler classes.
Above 3,000 of these have been established, the permanent
deposits in which are nearly six millions, and almost all in
sums under £3. This is exclusive of those in former banks.
`While everything has been so prosperous with us, it must
also be admitted that, with but few exceptions, in foreign
countries a likes prosperity has existed. In Russia the
emancipation of the serfs has been vigorously enforced. The
kingdom of Italy has been recognized by Spain, and it may
be hoped the treaty of September, 1864, will at length satisfy
the Court of Rome. The Italian Parliament is dissolved, and
a general election takes place immediately. Nor can the pa-
triot and friend of Italy wish her a greater good than that the
now Parliament may in all but its great difficulties resemble
the old, which for firmness, moderation, and tolerance was a
model to representative bodies. The Island of Cuba has taken
steps towards the abolition of slavery ; and at Madrid a
disposition to favour the colonists has been indicated by
the formation of emancipation societies and the establish-
ment of journals in their behalf. The termination of war
in America must give all our friends and supporters the
greatest satisfaction. It was never regarded by us as any-
thing but a grievous calamity, and we hoped that out of
evil good might come to tho slave, although it was clear
that the emancipation by the North haci onlybeen a measure
of hostility, and the support of slavery, that utterly execrable
institution, by the South only a partial cause of the seces-
sion. But the condition in which the war has left the
country, especially the South, is painful to contemplate, as
the difficulties of the Government are great and numerous.
There seems, however, reason to believe that the President
has resolved upon temperate measures towards the defeated
Confederates, and all must admire the courage, and the
skill by which the victory has been gained, while both
parties have alike distinguished themselves in the war, the
South having to extol Lee, while Sherman, on the side of
the North, is justly admired. The great difficulty arising
from the slaves would have been much lessened, if not
wholly avoided, had the measure of emancipation been
gradual like ours. They might then have had to show
their coloured people engaged in free labour, as we have
had no less than 100,000 so employed in our colonies.
Europe has been astonished and shocked at the seizure of
the Danish territories by force and fraud, a crime of which
the partition of Poland affords the last example. But the
great crime of the last century was on a far larger scale ;
the late atrocity, both in its amount and in its tricks, bears
the same relation to it that petty larceny bears to highway
robbery. The chief blame in all respects is that of Prussia,
and the probability is that the wrong-doers will find their
folly to have exceeded even their guilt. It must, however,
be admitted that in his domestic affairs the Austrian ruler
has shown generosity as well as wisdom by his treatment
of Hungary ; and it is confidently believed that the new
Cabinet has determined upon the most important measure
that has been introduced on the Continent—the creation of
an unpaid local magistracy similar to our own. This would
be- by far the greatest benefit that could be conferred upon
the country, and the Emperor and his Ministers would gain
immortal honour from it. In Prussia no such home im-
provements in the home administration are to be set off
against the foreign misdeeds of the Government. On the
contrary, there has been the wholesale violation of the Con-
stitution in a series of oppressive acts ending in the prosecu-
tion of senators for w.ords spoken in debate, at a moment
when the kinsman of a Minister is suffered to commit mur-
der without being brought to trial. It is highly satisfac-
tory to find that our French neighbours have gained a
material advantage in the freedom allowed to their munici-
pal elections, and we may reasonably expect a like deter-
mination to abstain from Government interference with the
far more important election of deputies. Meanwhile, we
most all heartily rejoice in the cordial amity between the
two States ; the subjection of ideas of military glory to the
useful object of pursuing material interests ; the reduction
of the standing army and the enjoyments of the blessings
which a solid peace secures to both countries. The time
appointed for our Congress unfortunately deprived us of
the presence of our foreign associates at York. But M.
Desmarest came over to London at the beginning of
winter, and attended our meetings with M. Berryer. It is
needless to say that their reception was most cordial, but,
indeed, Berryer, alike eminent at the Bar and in the Senate,
had in all quarters, from the Ministers as well as from the
people, a reception worthy of his great celebrity, and which
gave the highest satisfaction to all parties in the country of
that illustrious man. We last year testified our great re-
spect for Mr. Peabody by electing him an honorary mem-
ber, the only ono on ourlist. Hisgroat and wise munificence
is the theme of universal admiration. But the last year
affords an example of generosity of a like, we need not say an
equal extent in the great llindoo of Bombay, Sir Jamsotjee

Jeejeebhoy: If tho princely weath of such men is to be envied
a far greater subject of envy is the extraordinary wisdom
and generosity by which its application is guided. Tho
kindred association which was founded at Brussels in
1862 held this year its Congress at Berne, and was at-
tended by Mr. Hastings on our part. He will doubtless
report what there passed. Neither he nor any other of
our body took any share in those Alpine ascents which
have this autumn been attended with so much loss of life,
and without the possibility of any good, by mere displays
of hardihood in climbing to heights whence nothing was
to be seen. The promoter of Social Science deeply la-
ments the loss to families in such displays of useless
courage and perseverance, but his contemplations are
directed elsewhere. We are pleased to contemplate the
flowers in their raiment surpassing all the glories of Solo-
mon. To examine the animal creation in its endless
variety of instincts, each adapted wondrously to accom-
plish its purpose ; to observe the members of the human
family, the capacity of individuals to unfold the order of
the universe and subdue to our use the elements, and
light, and electricity. But the social aptitudes of man aro
yet more worthy of our study, and the communities
which he forms, and which are the especial objects of
the Divine care. Social Science, then, has pre-eminently
claims to our regard, and promoting it is our highest duty
to our Heavenly Father. That duty we delight to per-
form, rejoicing to be the instruments of His justice and
mercy, and devoutly thankful to His goodness, which
makes what He commands a pleasure to obey."
_ _ _

Earl FITzwILLIAM proposed a vote of thanks to
the man whose life was still devoted to public duty
with as much earnestness as it was fifty years ago.

The MAYOR seconded the motion. Mr. HtD-
FIELD supported it, and it was passed with acch-
mation.

Naval and Military Intelligence.

The Field-Marshal Commanding-in-Chief was
present at a review and sham fight which took place
yesterday on the Round-down, between Dover and
Folkestone. The troops engaged were those gar-
risoned at Dover and Shornelifle, and consisted of
cavalry, artillery, and infantry. The troops were
formed in two divisions, the infantry brigade occu-
pying the northern hill being under the command
of Major-Gen. Ellice, C. 8., Commandant of Dover
garrison, and consisting of the Dover brigade—the
Royal Engineers, 2d Battalion 60th Rifles, and the
39th Regiment. The division on the Cliff-side hill
was commanded by Col. F. R. Palmer, C. 8., 60th
Royal Rifles, and composed of the Shorncliffe
troops—the Scots Fusileer Guards, the Royal
Engineers, the 48th and the 89th Regiments. Two
squadrons of the Ist Royal Dragoons and a battery
of the Royal Horse Artillery were posted on each hill,
and Major-Gen. Sir Robert Garrett, K.C.8., K.H.,
commanding the troops in the South-Eastern Dis-
trict, assumed the command of the entire force,
numbering 7,000 men. Col. Ormsby had the com-
mand of the artillery. At 11 o'clock the Duke of
Cambridge rode upon the ground, accompanied by
Major.-Gen. Lord F. Paulet, K.C.8., Adjt. -Gen. ;
Col. G. Gambier, C. 8., Deputy Adjt.-Gen. Royal
Artillery ; with Col. Clifton, as aide-de-camp, and
a large staff. His Royal Highness having taken up
a position on the southern hill, the troops were
formed to resist an imaginary attack from the Dover
side. Skirmishers were thrown out, and the 60th
opened fire, then falling back, a line was formed on
either hill, and heavy firing by the artillery and the
main body of infantry ensued. The cavalry then
made a dash along the hills and turned the right
and left wing of the supposed enemy. The best of
the contest appeared at Houghain Court-farm, from
which the defenders eventually retired in good order
a short distance behind a copse, where they re-
formed, and the movement being followed by those
on the contiguous hill, another volley was poured
into the teeth of the enemy, who, however, conti-
nued to advance to the downs, where the two divi-
visions connected, and a third line of defence was
formed across the downs. Heavy volleys continued
in rapid succession simultaneously with the dis-
charge of the field pieces along the valley, until the
four squadrons of cavalry combined and made a
dashing charge in line, which discomfited the sup-
posed enemy, and ended the sham fight. The troops
then concentrated on the downs, and the review
was concluded by a " march past." His Royal
Highness and Staff were entertained at luncheon
in a marquee erected upon the ground, after which
he inspected the Dover Citadel and its fortifi-
cations, having on the previous day inspected the
Castle and the new works. The Duke remained
at the residence of General Ellice at Dover last
night, and will proceed to Shorncliffe this morning
and return to London to-night.
The iron screw steamship Agincourt, 26, at Devon-
port, has had her five masts stepped and running
bowsprit fitted, all of iron. She will shortly be re-
moved, from Hamoaze into Keyham-yard, to be pre-
pared for the first division of the Steam Reserve. It
is expected that the Agincourt will be supplied with
rifled guns.

The screw steam sloop Greyhound, 17, recently
put in commission at Devonport by Capt. Chas. Stir-
ling, got up steam yesterday (Wednesday) morning,
and proceeded from Hamoaze into Plymouth Sound,
to receive herpowder and prepare for service abroad.
His Swedish Majesty's frigate Vanadis, Capt. K.
L. Nattochdag, from Carlscrona, outward bound,
put into Plymouth Sound yesterday afternoon.

The following appointments and promotions have boon
made at the Admiralty :—Capt. Geoffrey T. P. Hornby, to
the Bristol, commissioned, and to be commodore of the first
class and Commander-in-Chief on the West Coast of Africa
station,vice CommodoreWilmot, whose period of service has
expired ; Wm. F. Haines and Edwin Rowe, promoted to the
rank of Staff Commanders; Lieut. W. E. S. Browne, to the
Greyhound; Lieut. W. G. Scott, Lieut. R. H. C. Lawson, and
Lieut. Chas. V. Anson, to the Bristol ; John T. E. Webb,
master, to the Bristol ; Hon. E. A. T. Pery, midshipman, to
the Prince Consort ; James Lewis, paymaster, additional,
to the Ilander ; James E. Terry, paymaster, to the
Bristol ; Frederick F. Flynn, assist.-surg. to the Asia;
William Redmond, assist.-surg. to the Sparrow ; Dr.
George E. Wright, assist.-surg., additional, to the Rattle-
snake ; W. F. H. Alston, assist.-paymaster, to the
Bristol ; C. G. Nash, assist.-paymaster, to the Cumber-
land ; J. Hynes, assist.-paymaster, to tho Rattlesnake, as
supernumerary ; F. A. Smith, assist.-paymaster, to the
Frederick William ; G. Ralph, master's assistant, to the
Greyhound ; J. K. Mosse, clerk, to the Bristol ; J. Watts,
clerk, to the Fisgard ; and J. Emerson, assist.-clerk, to the
Bristol ; W. Nicholson and J. Minhinmich, promoted to be
engineers, to the Fisgard, as supernumeraries; H. Johnson,
engineer, to the Caradoc ; W. H. Nicholson, engineer, to
the Caledonia; J. Meiklejohn, engineer, to the Indus, as
supernumerary; Alfred Long, engineer, to the Cumber-
land ; Jas. Rogers, engineer, to the Haughty ; Alfred H.
Rogers, engineer, to the Asia ; Henry Onions, engineer, to
the Asia for the Royal Alfred ; T. Scarratt Grice, engi-
neer, to the Asia, as supernumerary ; Walter H. Binnfield,
acting engineer, to the "Wye ; John G. Scott, first class
assist.-engineer, additional, to the Royal George, for ten-
ders ; and W. B. Cleverly, promoted to be first-class assist.
engineer.

A CANOE VOYAGE.—It may be remembered that
some time back we mentioned the intention of Mr.
J. Macgregor, of London, to undertake a lengthened tour
through Europe by means of a light boat passing along
several of the rivers and lakes. The tour has now been
accomplished with success, the vessel used being a small
canoe, the Rob Roy, built of oak, and furnished with sails.
After descending the Thames and rowing along the Meuse,
the Rhine, and the Maine, the boat was carried through the
Black Forest for an excursion on the Tiusee, and thence
to the source of the Danube, which the tourist descended
for a week through magnificent scenery, much of which is
quite uDknown as it is accessible only in a boat. Leaving
the Danube at Ulm the Rob Roy wont to the Lake of Con-
stance, and sailed through it to the Zeller Zee, and so down
the Rhine to Shaffhausen. Reaching Zurich by railway
(the canoe being carried as baggage) the voyage was con-
tinued through that lake and on Zug and Lucerne, from
which the canoe descended by the rapid Reuss and the Aar,
after successfully paddling over the rapids at Bremgarten.
The rapids at Rheimfelden being also traversed, the voy-
age was continued to Basle, and afterwards by canal to
tho over Jill, whence the boat was carted over the Vosges
Mountains to the Moselle, and descended that river, the
Meurthe, and the Marne, so as to return to England by
the Seine. Very great interest was exhibited by the in-
habitants of the German towns through which the canoe
passed bearing the British flag, for in many parts
of the Danube above Ulm a boat is utterly un-
known. Various amusing and interesting adventures oc-
curred in this novel journey, and it may be presumed that
after this experiment other travellers will paddle and sail
on the Continent, and thus combine exercise with the
pleasures of a foreign tour.
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Holloway are acknowledged by every person who has
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flammations. These pills purify and strengthen :—and
thus even in moderately good health occasional doses of
them prove beneficial by their tendency to preserve the
body from impurities and weaknesses, whence serious
ailments frequently arise.