The Sun.
London, England, 1865-09-11 00:00:00

BENJAMIN, by a brief resume of the negotiations,
brings the blame to the door of the Federals. Every
motive of humanity and of interest urged upon the
Confederates the encouragement of an exchange,
which not only relieved them from a costly burden and
which required men to guard it, but gave them back
their own soldiers, whom they could replace from
no other source. With the Federals, however, in-
terest and humanity were at issue, and humanity
was sacrificed on the plea of military necessity. By
a mixture of ingenuity and effrontery, favoured by
that success which is virtue in the eyes of
the world, the Federals now turn round and avoid
the opprobrium due to their own acts by throwing it
upon their adversaries, who were the greatest losers
by the system. Mr. BENJAMIN says emphatically
" that the refusal to exchange prisoners was one of
the most fatal blows dealt to the Confederacy
during the war." " Others," he adds, " must
judge of the humanity and justice of the policy
which consigned hundreds and thousands of
wretched men to captivity apparently hopeless ; but
I can testify unhesitatingly to its sagacity and
efficacy, and to the pitiless sternness with which
it was executed." His testimony to the
humanity and generosity of JEFFERSON DAVIS is
the same as that of every one who came in contact
with the Southern President. Mr. BENJAMIN'S
evidence has, however, additional weight, from his
long and intimate association with him under vary-
ing circumstances. When urged to stop the cruelties
of BUTLER, M'NEILL, and others by retaliation,
Mr. DAVIS was always immoveable, and declared
that the innocent must not be victimised for the
guilty. In support of this statement Mr. BENJAMIN
mentions the case of some soldiers belonging to
DAHLGREN'S expedition against Richmond. The
papers found on their leader's body after
his fall showed that it was the design to
assassinate Mr. DAVIS and the heads of his
Cabinet, and to fire the city. It was generally
declared that these men had no right to be regarded
as prisoners of war, but as brigands and assassins,
but Mr. DAVIS stood firm, though his firmness
occasioned a division in the Cabinet, declaring that
whatever their offences the men had been received
as claimants to mercy as prisoners, and the
Confederacy would be dishonoured if harm
overtook them. A somewhat striking con-
trast this to the very brittle nature of Federal
military promises, as evidenced by Captain IV wrz
himself ! Ic is not likely that the man so consistent
in his sense of justice and humanity would permit
the enormities with which Confederate subordinates
are charged, and the Federals themselves have been
forced to withdraw his name from the accusation.
The humanity which has been shown in the North
to white and to black is not of so tender a nature
that New York should set up to judge those whom
the Federals themselves encumbered and harassed.

When we call to mind the feeble attitude which
our Government has assumed in all matters relating
to the Danish question, it is positively refreshing to
find the course which France pursues so much
firmer and more decided in its tone. M. DROUYN
DE LHUYS has addressed a circular to the diplomatic
representatives of France abroad, which is most ad-
mirable in its treatment of the Gastein Convention.
There is no hiding of unwelcome truths, and no
departure from the stern criticism which naturally
suggests itself to the mind when such an act as that
of the wilful seizure and monopoly of States has
taken place. In this circular the writer wisely re-
frains from entering into details; but he seeks to
understand what are the motives which have guided
and influenced the German Powers in the drawing
up these negotiations. It were well if more of the
leading Powers of Europe had followed this example,
and addressed themselves rather to the intentions
I than merely confining their remarks to the results
of these treaties and conventions. The world in
general would be more likely to realise to its full
extent the enormity of the oppression and the extent
of the craft of the two great Powers. The abstract
which M. DROUYN DE Lit UYS takes of the long-drawn
out conventions is a capital aid, and brings before us

in a masterly manner the ruling spirit which actu-
ated and informed all the proceedings of the chief
actors in the affair. It must have proved a most
unpalatable document for the conspirators them-
selves to peruse, and, doubtless, it will damage them
still more in the estimation of others, if that indeed
were possible. We are able to judge dispassionately
of the matter when we survey the calm and business-
like manner in which the French statesman dis-
cusses the various points of the question. Thus he
asks if the two Powers intended to consecrate the
right of " ancient treaties," and replies most decid-
edly in the negative. The treaty of Vienna pro-
vided for the necessities of the case, and settled the
conditions of existence of the Danish monarchy.
We now see that these " conditions" are overthrown

in the most reckless manner by the German despots,
and no more respect is paid to the decisions of
modern diplomatists than they have exhibited for
the regulations of the statesmen of an older genera-
tion. As M. DROUYN DE LHUYS emphatically
observes, the Treaty of London was another
proof of the anxiety of Europe for the integ-
rity of Denmark, and has been " torn by
two of the Powers by whom it bad been signed."
The conduct of Austria and Prussia strikes us as all
the lower when we thus follow the statement of
their translations so ably put forward in this
circular.

It is then asked if Austria and Prussia have con-
cocted together for the defence of an unacknow-
ledged succession, and the answer of course is that
they share the disputed inheritance between them,
instead of restoring it to the most rightful claimant.
A still more bitter reproof is conveyed in the re-
sponse to the query as to whether they have con-
sulted the interests of Germany, for their confede-
rates, as is here mentioned, only point their
intentions through the public prints. It is well
known what were the wishes of Germany in this
respect. It desired to establish an " indivisible
Schleswig-Holstein State," which should be alike
separate from Denmark and from the rule of the '
leading Powers of Germany itself, ruled over by an
independent Prince. The climax of the affair has
been that this claimant whom Germany set forward
has been put aside in the most unceremonious
fashion, and the Duchies, which were to have been
united, have been put under the dominion of diffe-
rent rulers.
So much for any attention that has been paid to
the oft-repeated wishes of those whose interests
Austria and Prussia are bound to consider, and
whose views they were pledged to forward to the

utmost extent of theirability. We now come to the
consideration of the claims of the Duchies them-
selves, and certainly they have fared no better
under the ruthless treatment of the rapacious Go-
vernments who have arrogated to themselves the
supreme authority. It was stated over and over
again that it was an undisputed fact that the indis-
solubility of the territories was the " essential
condition of their prosperity," and yet, behold
when the plot had become sufficiently developed
and complete severance takes place, all that has
previously been done and said to the contrary is
conveniently forgotten. But asks M. Daoim DE

lams has this partition at any rate been con-

ducted in a manner that " disintegrates two riial

nationalities, and thus puts an end to their aft-
repeated dissensions and jealousies ?" By no
means, for we find that no account is taken of
the distinction of races in the recent arrange-
ments that have been made, and thus Danes are
confounded with Germans.

As to the notion that some persons more sanguine
than sapient have entertained as to the wishes of
the inhabitants of the Duchies being consulted or
considered, that has indeed been shown to be a
a vain thought and an empty dream. They were
not asked for any opinion, and there is not even a
question, as is here correctly stated, of convoking the
Schleswig Holstein Diet. That made M. DROUYNDE
LHUYS finally exclaim, " Upon what principle, then,
does the Austro-Prussian treaty truly rest ?" and
his answer is an admirable one :—" We regret to
find in it no other foundation than force, no other
justification than the reciprocal convenience of the
sharers." Can anything more completely define
the mode of procedure recently witnessed in Ger-
many than this striking remark ? And there is
great justice in the next passage, which states—
" Europe nowadays is quite unused to such a
policy, and for precedent we must look to
the saddest epochs of history." Sad, indeed,
are the chronicles which must be perused to find a
parallel ; and it is yet more melancholy to think
that our days of enlightenment and progress have
witnessed the renewal of might against right, to the
sacrifice of principle and denial of just claims. We
have seen in the admirable ipitome presented to us
by the accomplished Minister of France how every-
thing has been cast aside by the two German
Powers that honour, truth, and justice could in-
terpose to curb their unlawful ambition and check
their guilty wishes. Europe has beheld a course of
deliberate treachery pursued by Austria and Prussia,
and nothing that craft of design and cruelty in
execution could permit has been found wanting. A
more complete account of the Schlewig-Holstein
affair could not have been given than M. DROUYN
DE LHUYS has put forward in his brief but powerful
statement, and it may well be regarded as a skilfu
solution of a difficult problem.

Mr. J. L. Toole, the German Baron, Paddy,

and the British Association.

Mr. Toole, the favourite comedian, now on his provincial
our from the Adelphi, has been playing at the Theatre
Royal, Birmingham, with most extraordinary success. At
his benefit the audience, occupying the orchestra, stage
entrances, and every foot of standing room, having sum-
moned him before the curtain, he pleaded his inability to
make a speech, but a desire to do his best. . (Cheers.) At
the Crystal Palace, at a fete, in which he had the pleasure
of taking part annually with his friend Mr. Paul Bedford,
Mr. Bedford and he were required by the treasurer to make
speeches every five minutes, ample time, however, to
instruct and excite their quickly-changing audiences,
and—to take their money. (Laughter.) It being obvi-
ously a difficult mattter to find anything to say, the
manager suggested that he (Mr. Toole) should deliver
a German lecture, and for the benefit of the fete
he had the audacity to attempt it. He procured a portrait
of a romantic German baron by one of the Punch artists,
and told his audience that what he had to relate about this
extraordinary baron was one of the most interesting stories
in the German language, and fearing that it would lose half
its charm by translation, he would deliver it in the original
tongue. He therefore commenced some gibberish which
neither he himself or anybody else understood, but by look-
ing solemn, and pointing with due emphasis of joy and
sadness frequently to the portrait, he gained credit for de-
livering a most learned discourse. How the romantic baron
fought duels, bought castles, caught princesses, andperhaps
killing everybody, became in no time the king of somewhere
—all this without extra charge—was entrusted to the playful
imagination of an intelligent British public. (Laughter.)
Many of his friends were still under the impression that he
was a good German scholar. He could not play any trick of
that kind now, but he related what had taken place in order
that, seeing ho A he had sometimes to make shift for a
speech, they might be indulgent to him upon that occasion.
(Applause.) However, he could have no difficulty in say-
ing plainly what he felt strongly, that his engagement had
been of a very delightful character, and he regretted much
that it was not possible for him to renew it. When he had
the pleasure of playing in Dublin, and was leaving the
theatre after his farewell performance, he was followed by
two young patrons without shoes or stockings, who had
been located in the gallery. One cried out, "I say Toole,
arn't you goin' to gie us a copper afore you lave Dublin ?"
" Arrah be asy," said the other, "and don't woarit the gin-
tleman ; gin it to me, Toole ; wasn't I the manes o' gettin'
you the ray-ingagemint by clappin' in the gallery every
night ?" (Laughter.) The audience he had the honour of
addressing were in some sense like the Dublin boy, for they
were " the manes of gettin' him the ray-ingagemint by
nightly clappin' so heartily in the gallery, and everywhere
else. (Laughter and applause.) He felt grateful for the
kindness he had received at their hands. He was glad to
find that a piece that had been so successful in London had
been equally so in Birmingham. Indeed, the elements of
success with them and himself were identical, viz., " Fire
and Water." (Applause.) Their forges and mills worked
wonders. Joe Bright, he believed, would always be re-
ceived in Birmingham, and he looked upon that name as
an omen of success. (Hear, hear.) He wished he could
have remained till next week, when the British Associa-
tion would be in the town, because they would be hunting
for objects of interest. Antiquarians would be looking
after all the curious spots, and he should like to
show them the "Birthplace of Podgers." (Great
laughter.) However, that could not be, and he had
only to thank the Birmingham public heartily for their
support, and he should be ungrateful to the brilliant
audience assembled if he omitted publicly to thank the
esteemed and worthy mayor of Birmingham (Mr. Wiggin)
for his special patronage and presence that evening.
(Cheers) He was grateful also to the press for their
elaborate criticisms of his performance, and to Mr. Mercer
Simpson, who had put his pieces on the stage in a way that
was surprising, considering how long he was behind the
scenes ; for quiet as everything looked, he could assure
them that a " Tempest" was brewing. (Laughter, and
hear.) He alluded in complimentary terms to Mr. Ores-
wick, who is to appear in " The Tempest." After Saturday
night he should not be able to appear before them again till
next year, and then he should, like Caleb Plummer, try to
"unite art with labour, and go as near nature as he could
for sixpence." (Laughter.) Mr. Toole then retired, being
loudly cheered by the audience:

YOUNG OXFORD ABROAD.—On the shores of the
Lake of Lucerne, and of other Swiss waters, it
was amusing to notice the " reading parties" from the
English universities. There was something refreshing in
the high spirits of these young men as compared with
Continental youth ; in that devotion to the classics which
made them so nobly indifferent to the languages of the
country, and in the energy with which they cultivated
that physical education so necessary to the development of
perfect manhood. In the morning Jones (who had a
sprained ankle) would remark, " I say, let us have a
tremendous grind to-day ;" and though this proposal was
never greeted with absolute enthusiasm, yet was it never
lightly or hastily set aside. On the contrary, it was
usually received with that respect and solemn silence
with which toasts are drunk to the memory of the dead ;
it was accepted as a grave possibility—as a zest to the
actual employments of the day. After a decent interval
Clifford would suggest that the morning was rather hot
for reading, or that the air was too damp for sitting still ;
another would remember that the night before he had
some lines which required looking after ; while a third
had engaged Carl to teach him how to row standing
Occasonally one of the party separated himself from
the others, and remained shut up for hours in his own
room, where he might be seen seated at the window
with a pipe in his mouth, diligently poring over some
volume which bore a superficial resemblance to the
veracious histories of modern life published by Messrs.
Tauchnitz and Co., but eventually it was some passage
iu Plato or Eschylus on which he had been engaged ;
for, on emerging from his seclusion, the others invariably
inquired whether it had been very stiff work, and if he had
had had a terrible sweat over it. One innkeeper who had
received a party of these youths was sorely exercised in his
mind concerning them. As he was the only native in the
place who understood English he was kept perpetually at
their beck and call. It was Reuter this, Router that, from
dawn to midnight. On the ground that they required
quiet for the prosecution of their arduous studies they had
engaged a large upper room in his house—a wooden house,
and on the door of this room some wag had chalked up
cWo Pies;" but out of that upper heaven there used
to issue the most hideous and violent sounds, as if a party
of demons were engaged in breaking up the furniture
acscompanted with bumps that shook the whole fabric.—
Blackwood.

CRICKET IN FRANCE.—Cricket is making progress
in France, but there are plenty of jokes at the
expense of the player. Chain sketches one enthusiastic
cricketer, who exclaims, "At first your teeth and eyes are
no doubt very much in the way in cricket ; but when once
the ball has knocked them out, you can give your undi-
vided attention to the game." Another is interrupted as
he takes his place before the wicket, by a spectator, Who
cries, " Stay one instant! Are you married ? Have you
any children ? Is there nothing to bind you to life ? No.
Very well, then, play away !"