The Sun.
London, England, 1865-11-07 00:00:00

as a new Reform Bill. At any rate, this
is an honest declaration, and shows to
advantage by the side of those who persist in
going on as if they wanted a measure of Reform,
and really militate against its progress. Mr. KEKE-
wicn created great amusement by assuring his
hearers that, if the prophecy of some was realised,
and they were again to be shortly dissolved, he
would present himself to them again on the hust-
ings, and trust to obtain their support. Sir LAW-
RENCE PALK'S speech was the grand one of the
occasion. He, also, appeared to be confident of
success, should the chances of parliamentary war
again bring him before his constituents. Sir L. PALK
is a much more liberal politician than his friend and
colleague, and expressed himself with equal frankness
concerning public affairs. Nowadays `.it is really
not of much material consequence which side of
the House a man sits on provided he is ready to
admit the necessity of change. Immense differences
of opinion may exist in various quarters, but the
majority will never agree to any startling change,
whatever may be the views entertained by extreme
politicians. Sir LAWRENCE PALK also testified to
the excellence of the man they had just lost, and
declared that it was greater than most men can at
present appreciate, on account of his peculiar posi-
tion in regard td both parties. The hon. baronet
defended agricultural meetings, which he declared
were made the subject of abuse by the various
journals which did not approve of them, and
he added that he wondered why they noticed
them at all if their abilities were so small and their
gatherings so insignificant as they sought to make
out, and Sir LAWRENCE alluded to Lord RUSSELL'S
general course in public life, and came to a conclu-
sion not very flattering to the new Premier. His
meddling and muddling has become proverbial, and
his hectoring despatches to foreign countries have
been productive of most mischievous consequences.
He did not agree with his friend Mr. KEKEWICII on
the subject of Reform, but he properly considers
that many men of education and intelligence are at
present shut out from the representation. Ile inti-
mated what his answer would be to those who in-
quired his opinion. "I think a Reform Bill
is demanded, and ought to be entertained,
and that that Reform Bill ought to be one which
will give the elective franchise to every one who is
properly educated, and can show that he has a pro-
per stake in the country to enable him togive a free
and honourable vote." As for Lord DERBY'S Re-
form Bill, Sir L. PALK rightly declares that it was
defeated by a combination alike un-English and
unfair, and ought to have received more attention
and consideration.

South Devon has been lucky in escaping hitherto
the fearful infliction of the "rinderpest," and the
hon. member made some very sensible remarks on
this subject. Ile recalled to recollection that at the
time of the cotton famine all classes and interests
combined to render assistance to those who
suffered so greatly. The agricultural interest
was true to the commercial interest in the time of
trouble, and now it is very appropriately asked,
" Is the agricultural interest to bear the loss ?" in
this new calamity that has occurred. All the
country should combine now, as heretofore, to
indemnify those who are menaced by ruin. There
is also truth in what was said as to the harshness
of an edict of the Government ordering the destruc-

tion of all cattle supposed to be infected, and yet to
insist upon the losses to be borne by the owners

alone.

As for education, Sir LAWRENCE PALK spoke
out boldly, and declare) that it was the duty of the
State to provide a proper elementary education for
each child, and to seo that all are instructed in
reading, writing, and arithmetic ; but it is not fair
that from the public funds " one class of the com-
munity should receive an education that is in itself
capital and wealth, and that even an elementary
education is withheld from another part of it." In
concluding his admirable speech, the hon. baronet
declared that he was Conservative in most things,
but he was Reformer enough earnestly to desire that
every man, whether the son of a ploughman or of
the highest duke, should receive the fair award of
his services, and alluded to the treatment of masters
in the navy, who never receive proper recognition
for their services, be they ever so great. This speech
was throughout animated by a thorough English
spirit, and was deservedly well received.

Arrangements are being made for a campaign in
Bhootan, and it is to be hoped that the long-pend-
ing dispute will be finally and effectually settled.
There has been some alteration in the disposition of
the troops, and the presence of scurvy in the force
on the Bhootan frontier has given convincing evi-
dence of the unhealthy situation selected for the
military positions taken up in the Dooars. It is
rumoured that the DEB RAJAH has given orders for
all his subordinates to furnish their contingents,
and that the TONGS() PEULOW has declined, saying
he means to act for himself both as to war and
peace. The division of councils and authority in
Bhootan, while it certainly weakens the power for
mischief, has also an injurious effect in retarding
the chances of peace, since if the one party is paci-
fically inclined, it is ton to one that the rival power
takes up the idea of warfare with fresh energy. The
whole arrangements of our dealings with Bhootan
have been very defective and unsatisfactory. It is
earnestly to be hoped that this season may see the
end of it, and put our relations with the Bhootanese
on a new and firm footing.
Military and commercial topics are dividing
public attention in India. The question of the
native army is being actively discussed. Some
persons consider both the native and European
armies too large, others think that they are hardly

large enough for the immense extent of our posses,