The Sun.
London, England, 1854-06-02 00:00:00

Tbg

LONDON, FRIDAY, JUNE 2, 1854.

A little more of what Mr. JAMES HARTIIOUSE
calls " blue coaching," and we shall have, we hope
and anticipate, both in the Lords and Commons,
a careful discussion in regard to the recent policy
and proceedings of the Hellenic Government.
According to promise, Lord JOHN RUSSELL last
evening laid upon the table of the Lower House
the correspondence respecting the relations be-
tween Greece and Turkey---a correspondence so
long delayed, that, in moments of petulant impa-
tience, we might almost have been pardoned for
despairing of ever witnessing the publication of
it. An interval will now be required, of course,
before the contents of a blue book so extended
in dimensions, and relating to a question so be-
wildering and complicated' in its entanglement,
can be properly digested and effectually mastered.
There should on no account in a matter of so
much importance be the slightest sign of precipi-
tation. The Honourable Member for the West
Riding may be chivalrously eager to break' a
lance in the cause of the arch conspirators with
Russia at the head of the Athenian Government.
The Honourable Member for Manchester may be
burning with magnanimous solicitude to under-
take the defence of the political fair fame of the
royal lady, whilom Princess of the House of
OLDENBURG. But common justice, at least, de-
mands that the conduct of the representatives of
the Hellenic Dynasty and that of the leaders of
the
Atittnian Administration should be carefully
examined into
at theirbefore any formal effort be made
vindication,
We fled, from thef are perfectly well satis-
notorious in re adds already for sometime past
tern of Greece 'thatr to the Crown and the Minis-
haveinterferetahe Western Allies of Turkey
only
between the Cabinets of
Athens and St. Petersb
imperatively when such interference
had become
the
honYdsrerisite, in order to
break asunder
of the most
atrocious compacts ever contri "6
trigues of a treacherous dipl: d, by the in-
guile and the
perfeScotiverezigenli
false andweungarrae
guile of a
Of this, we repeat,
satisfied, from facts already notorious throughout
Christendom—before turning over the farstgaluft,
dozen pages of the blue-book at last given to the
world by her Britannic MAJESTY'S Government.
Nevertheleris, we admit that conclusions should
not in this remarkable matter be anywhere jumped
at. Let the official correspondence now before
Parliara'ent be examined carefully and dispassion-,
ately--and then, but not until then, let the sub-
ject be minutely discussed in all its bearings, both
in t)ae columns of the press and in the Houses of
the- Legislature.

Otherwise than on the absolute knowledge of the
triminalicy of the Athenian Cabinet, France and
England would never have entered upon
proceed-
lugs as bold, and resolute, and uncompromising
as those upon which we behold them at this !
moment in regard to the kingdom of Greece sys-
tematically and deliberately adventuring.. Unless !
the allied Governments of NAPOLEO N and Vie-
TOR.TA were perfectly satisfied that the policy
hitherto carried out i by OTHO antd AMELIA
ill' reference to the Russian and murkish
belligerents, has been
May rest profoundly convinced flat Athens
would never be proceeded
aga.inst as daringly
or a. 4 rigorQuily Ali by awe eztrp49 rdijaary moan- -

sures upoi which the two great maritime Powers
have at length adventured. But for the crimi-
nality of the Greek Monarch and his Ministers
being "proved" beyond the possibility of doubt,
we should not be witnessing just now events as
startling as the debarkation of eight thousand
French soldiers at the Piraeus, the appearance of
-Sixteen English and French vessels of war off that
outport of the Greek capital, the consequent re-
signation of the old Ministry, and the compulsory
preparations made for the forming of a new and
more trustworthy Government. . Neither England
nor France have leisure for trifling upon a scale of
such extraordinary magnitude. With a mighty
war with Russia on their hands, with the ob-
vious necessity • before them of concentrating
their military forces at the actual scene of conflict
in Turkey, with enormous maritime armaments
engaged far away simultaneously in the Baltic
and in the Euxine—England and France have
not the capacity at this moment, supposing even
they had the desire, to involve themselves, either
by sea or by land, in any extraneous contest that
might otherwise be avoided safely or honourably.
The appearance of sixteen of their war-vessels
off the Pira3us is therefore necessary-...proved to be
necessary by all these manifest considerations.
The debarkation of 8,000 French troops on the
coast of Greece is necessary. The Greek Blue
Book proves all this to have been absolutely ne-
cessary, for while it evidences, at almost every
page, the sagacity of her Britannic MAJESTY'S re-
presentative at the Court of Athens, it reveals at
the same time the treacherous weakness of King
OTHO, the inimical ambition of Queen AMELIA,
the incontestable abandonment to the &signs of
the CZAR of the whole machinery of the Hellenic
Government.

Were it not for the Parliainentary Oaths Bill,
and the series of Jewish relief bills, but little
opposition 'would have been offered to the judi-
cious and moderate alterations proposed by the
Common Law Procedure Bill with respect to
judicial oaths. We have already seen a striking
illustration of the jealousy entertained by the
House of Lords to any change whatsoever in these
sacred obligations, and the acknowledged grounds
for that jealousy. The measure brought forward
last Session by Lord LYNDHURST.--416 nobleman of
immense influence in the hereditary branch of the
Legislature—was rejected solely on account
thereof. Although an express clause was intro-
duced, providing that it should not in any degree
affect the Jews, their Lordships could not quite
shake of their distrust ; and the. consequence was,
as we have stated, that one of the best measures
of the Session, so far as it went, did not receive
the legislative sanction. The Peers had appar-
ently made up their minds in all matters relating
to oaths, "stare super antiques vias," and not to
admit the slightest deviation from the beaten
course, even for the purpose of avoiding
glaring and acknowledged abuses. We may,
therefore, feel thankful that the clause re-
lating to the dispensing with oaths was sustained,
even by so small a majority as " ten," and that
one of the most important and useful provisions
was not expunged from the bill which has just
passed through the House of Lords.
It will, however, be satisfactory to all legal re-
formers, who must naturally entertain a high re-
spect for any opinions of Lord ST. LEONARDS, to
know that, as we yesterday stated, his Lordship's
opposition to the measure was based on political
rather than legal grounds. It could scarcely
have been supposed that one of our learned
Judges could not discern whether the refusal of
a witness to be sworn was conscientious or other-
wise. A man of infamous character, who felt no
seal, scruples, would not be deterred by the oath
he had taken from bearing false testimony. The
temporal punishment would be all that such a
person would dread, and that would be the same
in the case of 'a false affirmation as of a false
oath. His word would be as good as his oath—or,
in other words, each would be equally worthless.
Some security would be afforded by the prelimi-
nary examination (on the " Dori. dire," as it is
technically termed), by which the reasons of
the witness for objecting to be sworn would
be elicited. The Jurors would thereby have au
opportunity of forming a correct opinion as to the
credibility of the party, and the degree of weight
that should be attached to his testimony. We thus
find, that, with an unconscientious person, there
could be no harm, and there might be some possi-
ble benefit from the alteration.
With a truly religious man who really felt these
scruples, there really could be no possible danger.
Such a man's word would also be as good as his
oath, but for a very different reason from that of
the infamous witness. Such a man would not
deviate from the paths of truth under any circum-
stances. His testimony might be implicitly relied on
in whatever form it might be given. And yet that
testimony should, according to the present system,
be rejected, to the serious loss, possibly the ruin,
of one of the litigants. Surely, this is not just
or reasonable. The liberty, character, or property
of any person may be dependent on the evidence
of such a person ; and anything that could act as
an insuperable obstacle to its admission should, be
forthwith altered. As was truly stated, the pri-
vilege is not that of the witness, but of the party
on whose behalf he is brought forward. Any
person whatsoever is entitled, as one of his most
valuable privileges, to the evidence of any other
member of the body politic who can throw light an
the subject under investigation ; anything that '
causes any witness to be rejected is a direct
and positive injury to him--a withholding of
one of his most valuable privileges. It would be
extremely hard on such a person to be punished
for the default of another, and the temporary
imprisonment of that other would be but a poor
satisfaction for the damage he had sustained either
in his person or his reputation ; and it would
be equally hard on a witness that, because of a
really conscientious scruple, he should be subjected
to incarceration for an indefinite period.
The only point to be regretted in the measure
under notice is, that it does not go far enough. It is
only applicable to the Superior Courts of Common
Law, and does not extend either to the Chancery
or County Courts, nor to bankruptcy or insolvency.
It could not do so in the present bill, which only
relates to the Common Law Courts. We trust
that this omission may be supplied, and that a
short bill may forthwith be introduced, extending
the operation of the 21st clause to all tribunals,
and giving the presiding Judge in any legal pro-
ceeding the power of dispensing, if he deem it
expedient so to do, with the oath of any witness,
who may be produced before him.

TELL COURT.—The Lord Chamberlain, the Marquis
of Breadalbane, by command of the Queen, has issued
invitations to the number of 510 for the second grand
State concert to-morrow evening, at the Palace, for
which the services of the principal artistes of the Italian
Opera have been engaged. The Queen's second grand
State ball, on the 20th inst., will be given on the usual
scale of splendour.
The Earl of Eldon, we regret to state, continues much
indisposed at Shirley House, near Croydon.
Lord Falkland, who has just arrived from. Bombay,
in the government of which his lordship was succeeded
by Lord Elphinstone, had a long interview with Sir
Charles Wood, President of the Board of Control,
yesterday.
The Prince Nicholas Esterhazy, and his youthful
family, at the date of the last letters from the Austrian
arrived
lb capital
Palace
at the Earl of Jersey's, were staying at the an-
cientwhether Tel
of Esterhazy at Vienna, where they had
the
AucsßtryiantAlatispyiead.cr.
Chateau at Galanitza. It is doubtful
Countess of Jersey will visit her relatives in
accompanied
Rthoeyapl tpheuDchuecssheossf
of Kent,
uke and
Nemours, and attended by Sir George
the Palace yesterday morning.
and
two hours in inspecting the works. Cowper, visited
sYlenrt Roal rHd7 hf
ness was pleased to express much gratification with he
great progress which has been lately made, and with the
arrangements for the opening ceremony on the 10th
inst.

WATERLOO-BRlDGE.—Yesterday the annual assembly
of the Waterloo-bridge Company took place at they
Freemasons' Tavern. The report stated that the tolls
received to the end of February last amounted to
9,3441. 13s. 4d., being 5741. 4s. 4d. more than those
received during the corresponding year. A further in-
crease had taken place, both in the horse and foot tolls,
since February last, the former amounting to 3461.
10s. 11d., and the latter to 2056. 6s. ld. After paying
the current expenses, &c., and making a dividend of
4s. in the pound, there remained a balance of 2,953/.
6s. 9d. The structure was reported to be in a sound
ooadition.

IVIUN*EY MARKET

AND
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO o'CLOCK.
The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were
estimated at 10,000 bales, including 2,500 American
taken for export, and on speculaton. The market
closed firmly compared with Friday's rates, prices
of American were 1-16 d. to id. per lb. against the
buyer, other kinds without alteration. The
sales comprised 8,500 American, 400 Pernam
and Maranham at 6kd. to 71d., 100 Bahia, at 6fd.,
200 Egyptian at 6jd. to 10d., 800 Surat, at 2d.
to 34d., and 80 South Sea Islands at 10d. to
Is. 3d. per lb. Railway shares were firm.

Colonial produce has generally been subject to a
slight reduction in value, owing to the inclination
to sell. The supply of sugar, coffee, and other
articles is fully equal to the consumption, and
there is an absence of speculation. Tea has been
rather firmer since the overland mail came in.
Rice has been unfavourably influenced by the
heaviness of the corn market. Cotton is steady
and hemp very dull. In saltpetre scarcely any-
thing has been doing. The settling day in tallow
passed over without any difficulty. Iron has been
a shade dearer.

A curious and somewhat ominous circumstance
is mentioned in the New Rotterdam Courant, re-
ceived this morning. _ It appears. a French cor-
vette, the Favourite, is stationed off Helvoetsluys,
and that she is likely to be there permanently.
It was rumoured, also, that two more ships of war
were coming, and that an English one would be
stationed at Flushing. The only clue we have to
this proceeding is that orders had been given
at Delft for litters and other things necessary
for the sick during a campaign, and that these were
probably on Russian account : but perhaps, when
the matter is more closely looked into, it will be
found that there is some smuggling of warlike
stores and important necessaries for Russia going
forward, the indulgence extended to neutral ves-
sels offering many facilities, and the Dutch Cham-
bers of Commerce having endeavoured on several
recent occasions to induce their Government to ask
for still greater concessions. There is naturally
some uneasiness felt in Holland at this demonstra-
tion.

The amountof Exchequer bills which the holders
will receive will ;be decided this afternoon, as no-
tice to that effect must be given before 3 o'clock.
After that it will be considered that all persons not
so signifying their intention desire to be paid off.
It is stated that yesterday 400,0001. of bills were
sent in to be paid off, but probably other's having
a like intention would wait until the last day, un-
der the idea that possibly the rate of interest would
be, increased. It would be inconvenient if the mo-
ney were asked for just now to any very large
amount.

There has been but little speculative business in
the funds, but the purchases for investment have
given an impulse again, and Consols are still ad-
vancing. They closed yesterday at' about 91i 11,
opened this morning at 9.1 i I, and have just been
done at 91i to 92. The Bears struggled yester-
day to stem the current by their allegation
that the Exchequer Bills now due will
not be, renewed to any large amount. The
scarcity of stock, however, seems to overcome all
other consideratioas, while the idea that the Empe-
ror of Russia is coquetting for peace prevails more
generally than might have been supposed. The
New 3k per Cents. have been marked 91k to 91i,
and the 3 per Cents. 904 to 11. Exchequer Bills
have been at par to 4s. premium, but in those adver-
tised to be paid off, there is no longer any busi-
ness doing. _

Foreign stocks are very good this morning, and
more lively. Peruvian bonds have been at 64k for
the 41 per Cents., and at 46k to 48 for the 3 per
Cents.—a further rise. Chilian stock has been
quoted 100/. Equador stock is at 31. Spanish 3
per Cents. have touched 40 and 40k, and the New
Deferred 191 and I. Russian 5 per Cents. have been
as high as 98k, though since 97i. Portuguese 4
per Cents. have realised. 40. Dutch 21 per Cents.
are quiet, at 60k.
The market for the English Railway Shares has
been very elastic, and a further improvement in
some of the quotations has occurred. North-
Western, South-Western, Shrewsbury and Bir-
mingham, York and Berwick, and York and North
Midland have been most dealt in. The French
lines have been at higher prices nominally, with
very limited transactions. • Great Central have been
dealt in at s to s discount.
The Mining Share Market has been brisker,
without any improvement, however, in the gut,
tations, and the Silver, Lead, Copper, and Brazilian
Mines are those in which business has been chiefly
done. The Gold Mines are quite inactive.
The shares of the Joint Stock banks have been
firm generally, with smaller transactions.

The Australian Agricultural Company's shares
have been cheaper again. Crystal Palace shares
have been steady.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK,
(From the Ogcial List. )

Business dens.
3 per Cent. Reduced Annuities 9ok i
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities 9li 4
New 31 per Cent. Annuities 9li' i
Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860 -16
India Bonds, £lOOO 4 Consols for Account 6th June 9lip
I
Exchequer Bills, 21d.
21000
2500 1 4 p
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK,
Chilian Bonds, 6 per Cent.. ......
Equador Bonds
Peruvian Bonds, 4i per Cent. 644
Ditto 3 per ent 464 8
Portuguese Bonds, 4 per Cent 4O
Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £St 9B k
f 7f
Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 4O
Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent. l9i i
Dividends on the above payable in London.
Dutch Exchange, 2} per Cent. 12 Guil
Ditto 4 per Cent. Certifieates .. .

HA LP-PA S7' TWO.
Consols 9li 2
Ditto June Account 94 2