The Sun.
London, England, 1854-06-16 00:00:00

THE' SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, JRTNE 16, 1854,

we have taken up arms together. It would be
quite absurd to suppose that a mighty antagonist
like Russia is to be successfully assailed by occur-
rences such as the capture of two or three smacks
laden with sulphur, or byhalf-a-dozen war steamers
throwing bombshells into Odessa while " waltzing"
for a whole morning in front of its fortifications,
or by one fleet loitering about the Gulf of Finland
opposite Helsingfors, and another fleet in the
Black Sea hovering about the entrance to Sebas-
topol. It would be equally absurd to imagine
that the long continuance of the war can be any-
thing but most injurious to the Ottoman Govern-
ment.

The prolongation of the struggle by the over-
prudence of France and England would be an ad-
vantage to Russia, second only to the quiet aban-
donment to her of the Danubian Provinces, and
of the city of Constantinople. For by lengthening
the time of warfare between Russia and Turkey,
the allies of the latter must obviously be multi-
plying day by day the difficulties of the assailed,
already at the outset sufficiently numerous, oppres-
sive, and embarrassing. It is true that the Moslem
has hitherto won the prestige of success over the
enormously disproportioned forces of his antago-
nist. It is probable that that prestige might only
be yet further increased, even without the aid
brought to OMER PASHA by the arrival of the
Anglo-French contingent. But all the while the
invading army of the CZAR is subsisting within
the boundaries of the Ottoman territory ; all the
while the resources of Turkey are being taxed to
the very uttermost ; all the while its sea forces
and its land forces are being maintained at the
highest point possible under existing. circum-
stances ; all the while the courage of the soldiers
of the SULTAN is being sorely tried, their powers
of endurance are being severely tested, the Turk-
ish exchequer is being rapidly drained, accumulations
of weighty and almost overwhelming responsibilities
are pressing everyhour more and more heavily upon
the Ottoman Government. If it be still main-
tained, as some ventured to maintain upon this
matter formerly, that England and France have
been really, in spite of any appearances there
may be to the contrary, hastening to take part in
the struggle against Russian barbarism, then,
indeed, has Festina Lente been adopted as the
motto of the champions of civilisation.

A change has certainly come over " the spirit
of the dreain" of certain English Politicians. A
change, we mean, in reference to the head of the
French Government. It is needless to refer to
the altered opinions upon this subject of the astute
and prescient First Lord of the Treasury. It is
unnecessary to allude otherwise than most cur-
sorily to the blundering scurrilities uttered a year
or so back at Halifax by the President of the
Board of Control, and at Carlisle by the First
Lord of the Admiralty. Those illustrations of
the utter lack of foresight manifested among our
statesmen and administrators have long since be-
come, all things considered, sufficiently notorious.
Neither is it at all requisite to do more here than
hint at the vulgarities and railings of a certain
Brummagem-JuNtus who prostituted the name of
"An Englishman" by adopting it as his signature,
and took the town by storm as- a nine days' won-
der by the mere bluster and insolence of his
vituperations. Nothing more is heard of these
rhetorical invectives. Nothing more is seen of
the big-booted and sausage-nosed caricature that
used to figure in every imaginable attitude, week
after week, in the pages of a facetious contempo-
rary. The abusive chorus of the Press has upon
the same theme become hushed, and those who
were scouted during the continuance of the pre-
vailing prejudice, as "base exceptions," without
an atom of foresight, have found their views
adopted, first by one and then by another,
until the- minority has grown at last to be the
majority, and the majority has embraced
all classes and parties alike both in the Press
and in the Population. It was not surprising,
therefore, on Tuesday evening, though it would
have been wonderfully surprisi 3g indeed a year
ago, to find- Mr. HENRY BERKELEY, the liberal
member for the City of Bristol, d-uring the course
of his brilliant speech upon the occasion of his
bringing forward his annual motion about the
Ballot, speaking of the French EMPEROR in terms
of almost unmeasured eulogium : and this, more-
over, amidst the cheers of the British Parliament.
" Why the time was," said Mr. BERKELEY, " when
my Lord PALMERSTON himself was almost hunted
about the country like a mad fox because he was
deemed not to be as much opposed to the head of
the French nation as the rest of his colleagues."
(Laughter, and cries of " Hear.") " Nor can I
forget," he added, " that Lord PANMURE, then a
Secretary of State under a Whig Government,
actually declared that, although he had always
supported the ballot, he could no longer support
it, because it had elected the French EMPEROR."
" Why," said the Hon. Gentleman (facing the
Treasury Bench)—
" Why should I not now turn round upon you, con-
founding you with your claptrap, and choking you with
your calumnies ? (Hear, hear.) Thank the ballot for
having given to France lithe most constitutional mo-
narch she has ever pogssessed. Thank the ballot
for having given to France a monarch whose senti-
ments and actions are alike French. (Hear, hear.)
You called out the militia, you fortified your ports,
you built ships, all in dread of this French monarch
—who, instead of wishing to draw the sword, has
kept it in the scabbard until it could no longer
be kept there except with dishonour—and then
only to draw it, not to minister to a hostile am-
bition, but drawing it for the oppressed against
the oppressor, for the due balance of power, and the
rights of nations. (Loud cheers.) Yes, thank the ballot
for all that, as you found fault with the ballot for having
elected the man. The other day, at that glorious pageant
at Portsmouth, there was no man that did not express
the feeling and sentiment that was re-echoed by the press
from one end of the country to the other—that there
was but one thing wanting to make the most glorious
sight complete, and that was the presence of the French
fleet in our waters—and on the deck of her Majesty's
steamer her august ally, praised by you all as faithful,
loyal, and brave—the latest elected Monarch of France."
(Loud cries of " Hear, hear.")

-Remembering that these were the words of a
Liberal Member like Mr. H. BERKELEY, cheered
to the very echo, as the foregoing extract from
the report of the debate shows, by the House of
Commons—may we not repeat with reason—that
a change, and a very marvellous change, too, has
come over " the spirit of the dream" of certain
English Politicians.

We have never been among the opponents of
the County Courts. We hailed the enactment of
what promised to be a new and complete code for
the cheap and expeditious recovery of small debts
with the greatest satisfaction, 'and were equally
gratified at the subsequent extension of their
jurisdiction, and even felt that further progress
might be made in the same' direction. But we
were not so blinded by partiality as to be indiffe-
rent to the defects that speedily becaine apparent
in the system—defects which, in many instances,
converted what ought to be exceedingly beneficial
to the community into nuisances of no ordinary
magnitude; the first and most glaring grievance
—that which converted small debtors into
misdemeanants, and subjecting them dur-
ing the term of their incarceration to punish-
ment as stringent as that accorded to felons, or
other criminals. Men can no longer have their
hair cropped in Houses of Correction because
they owe a few pounds which they are unable- to
pay. It can no longer be asserted that, so far as
the treatment of debtors is concerned, there is
one law for the rich and another for the poor.
All classes are now placed under similar regula-
tions, and that formidable objection to the work-
ing of the law has happily been removed.
But there are others which, although not so
immediately perceptible, are yet no less:injurious
in their operation, abuses which still flourish in
rank luxuriance, and furnish the opponents of the
system with powerful arguments against its con-
tinuance, and which every sincere friend of the
County Courts, every genuine legal reformer must
desire to haVe removed with all convenient speed.
Two of these evils were clearly illustrated on
Wednesday last ; and unless we are prepared to
consent to the abolition of these minor tribunals
immediate
.efforts should be made to provide
BPeedy and adequate remedies.
,The first case—Snulrimarn v, GILLARD---oC-
rred: in the tail Court, hokre Air. Justice

WIGHTMAN. A rule was applied for to prohibit
the County Court of Middlesex from proceeding
in an interpleader matter. It appeared that exe-
cution had been issued from the County Court of
York, which was sent to by levied in the Middle-
sex district ; goods were taken that had previously
been assigned to trustees for the benefit of credi-
tors. An interpleader summons was issued by
the trustees, but nothing further was done ; no
particulars of claim were lodged, the trustees,
probably, considering it cheaper to pay the demand
than to engage in litigation. Here it was sup-
posed the matter had dropped. None of the
claimants supposed that the service of a summons,
which would have cost 13s. 4d. in the Superior
Courts, the dear tribunals which had to a certain
extent been superseded, on account of the heavy
expenses incidental to any proceedings therein,
could lead to any liability worth speaking of.
But they " reckoned without their host." To
their dismay and astonishment, a " little bill"
was tendered, in the shape of a peremptory order
for the payment of costs, amounting to no less
than 9/. 18s. 11d., or nearly fiftecn times the
amount to which they would have been liable in
the Superior Courts. This is "cheap law" with
a vengeance ! It shows that the complaints of
Lord BROUGHAM in the House of Lords had not
only ample foundation, but that they did not
relate to anything like extreme cases. Nine
pounds. eighteen, shillings and eleven pence
where there was no step whatsoever taken
after the service of the original summons (!)
It is absolutely astounding—more, we venture to
say, than could have been sanctioned in the worst
days of the Superior Courts, before any efficient
attempt had been made to cleanse these Augean
stables.

This grievance clearly arises from the desire to
make the new tribunals not only self-supporting,
but a source of profit to the Exchequer. With
that view fees were payable at every stage, so as
to prevent" the possibility of any person obtaining
redress at a moderate outlay, and to more than
justify the assertion that the really " cheap shop"
was to be found at Westminster rather than in
any of the recently created districts. We have
so recently commented on the fee system in the
County Courts that we shall for the present
content ourselves with merely directing public
attention, and more particularly that of Mr.
FITZROY, to the matter, which speaks trumpet.
tongued as to the imperative necessity for a
suitable remedy.
On the same day a case was heard at the In-
solvent Debtors' Court before Mr. Commissioner
MURPHY. An application was made for an order
to 'discharge from custody a person who had duly
obtained protection, but was subsequently arrested,
by order of Mr. Sergeant MANNING, Judge of the
Whitechapel Court, for a debt which had been
entered in the schedule of the insolvent, and ad-
judicated on by the Commissioner, It was at
the same time stated that it was by no means a
solitary instance of the learned Whitechapel
Judge nullifying the proceedings, and treating
with contumely the decisions of gentlemen
who have, at least, a co-ordinate, if not a
paramount jurisdiction. The conflict of different
tribunals is at all times a painful and an unseemly
spectacle. To see one Judge undoing what
another has done is calculated to bring the law
disrepute, besides inflicting
into contempt and
serious annoyance and inconvenience on the parties
concerned. The unfortunate victim had, under
the authority of an Act of Parliament, relinquished
all his property, and, after a searching investiga-
tion, been declared entitled to protection for his
person, and subsequently acquired personal pro-
perty from all the debts specified at the time of
the adjudication. lie was sent to commence the
world de novo, with nothing but his own exertions
to depend on for a livelihood. But at this mo-
ment Mr. Serjeant MANNING steps in and sends
him to prison because he cannot pay a per-
son who was entitled to a fair dividend
on his . debt. This is a power which none
of the Superior Judges have ever claimed,
and which if they possessed they would never
think of exercising. Mr. Sergeant MANNING,
however, sets every consideration at defiance,, and
subjects the unfortunate debtor to new vexation
and annoyance, and may do so again and again
as frequently as the creditor may please to de-
mand. The prisoner was forthwith released by
the Commissioner, but he has no redress for the
injury be has sustained. He cannot recover
damages for false imprisonment from the White-
chapel Judge. Surely it is time that such vagaries
should be checked, and that a legislative enactment
should forthwith abolish powers that have been
so far perverted. A very short bill would be suffi-
cient, and no time should be lost in bringing a
suitable one before Parliament.

Sir CHARLES NAPIER has gone to the Baltic
without the advantage of gun-boats, and without
the aid of military co-operation. With a proper
supply of gun-boats he might, after the anticipated
destruction of Cronstadt, adventure with confidence
against St. Petersburg, in spite of all the enor-
mous and otherwise insurmountable obstacles of
shoal-water navigation. With an adequate
body of troops to assist him by land in
whatever attacks he might make by sea
—the gallant old Admiral might then in
earnest, and before much longer, realise the
most sanguine anticipations of his fellow-country-
men. Otherwise than with a provision like that
just specified, are we not asking too much, are we
not expecting too much, from the hero of St.
Jean d'Acre ? A contingent of about 10,000
British soldiers, and twice as many French
would be more than amply desirable in the
Baltic just now under the emergency. These
troops might be landed on the coast of the
Baltic waters within a fortnight. They
might be conveyed thither with all despatch from
our shores in some of those splendid steam tran-
sports which were recently employed in sending
our contingent to Scutari, and which are now at
leisure for this supplementary and kindred employ-
ment. Additional ship loads of brave fellows
might simultaneously hasten through the Catte-
gat onwards towards the Gulf of Finland, for de-
barkation at any point on those northern coasts
that might be deemed advisable by the maritime
Commander-in-Chief. A land force composed
thus of an Anglo-French contingent would be
eminently serviceable at the present juncture ; not
merely in co-operating with the combined fleets in
every important movement against the enemy,
but would be marvellously serviceable in helping
to win over to our cause Swedes, Norwegians,
and Finlanders. And more could follow, accord-
dineglayt. s to
ucircumstances,oe with the least possible
would soon settle the war
chamv
in the North—that in the •East will speak for
itself. But there, too, gun-boats are also wanted.

The Duke of Devonshire, in answer to inquiries, was
described to be going on favourably yesterday.
The Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress have issued
cards to the principal citizens, to meet the King of Por-
tugal and Algarves, and his Royal Highness the Duke
ofOporto, at lunch, attwo o'clock, in the Mansion-house,
on Monday next, the 19th of June.
We are sorry to announce the demise of the Rev.
Lord Augustus Fitzclarence, who died on Wednesday
aftdrnoon, at his residence, Maple-Durham, in Oxford-
shire. The deceased, who had not completed his 50th
year, married,' in 1845, Sarah, eldest daughter of Lord
Henry Gordon.
of Sig T. E. M. TvrgoN.—We have to re-
cord the death of this hon. baronet on his way from Cal-
cutta, of the Supreme Court of which he was registrar,
to England, for the benefit of his health. Sir Thomas
was born in 1790, and married, in 1812, the second
daughter of Major-General Browne. In 1831 this lady
obtained a divorce and re-married. In 1842 Sir Thomas
married the daughter of Captain Edmund Denman,R.N.
He is succeeded in the baronetcy by his son.
THE WIDENING OF NENVGATE-STREET.—The City Im-
provements Committee have obtained possession of the
houses on the north side of Newgate-street, from No.
96 to the corner of Christ Church-passage inclusive, and
preparations are now being made to have them pulled
down, and re-built further back, in order to widen that
thoroughfare.
ROYAL POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION. —ln proof of the
-desire which is being manifested by the youthful King
of Portugal to witness those places of entertainment
where instruction is combined with amusement, his Ma-
jesty, accompanied by the Duke of Oporto and suite,
has this week paid a visit to- the Polytechnic Institu-
tion, when he was much gratified with the various ob-
jects of interest and art which are there exhibited, and
expressed himself greatly pleased with the dissolving
views illustrative of the past and present operations at
the seat of war.

MONEY MARKET

AND
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO o'CLOCK.

The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were
estimated at 8,000 bales, including 2,000 Ameri-
can and 500 Surat taken for export and on specu-
lation. The market was steady, and, compared
with Friday's rates, American 1-16 d. per lb. lower.
The sales comprised 6,500 American, 230 Pernam
and Maranham at 6d. to 71d.; 100 Bahia at 61d ;
200 Egyptian at 60. to Bd. ; 700 Surat at 2id.
to 41d., and 50 Sea Islands. Railway Shares
were steady.

Colonial produce has been rather quiet this week.
In sugar there has been a decline. Coffee has
been more wanted. Cotton firm, and rice rather
duller. Tallow and tea have been inactive. Jute
is about ss. to 10s. cheaper on the common kinds.
At public sale, good and fine bright long staple 261.
to 281. 2s. 6d., and short to middling mixed 231. to
25/. 153. per ton. The market for Russian hemp
has been steady, Petersburg clean selling at 521.
to 631. Sunn is cheaper ; 500 bales middling
brought 25/. ; 68 bales coarse, like Aloe fibre, sold
at 261. 10d.. to 271. per ton. Scotch pig iron is
steady at 88s. to 88s. 6d. cash, and one month 89s.
per ton.

The English Funds have been feeble again, and
there appears to be a supply of stock upon the
market, emanating from the savings banks or
otherwise. Consols have been 91 to 91k. The
New 3f per Cents. have been 911 to 91k, and the
3 per Cents. 91 to 911. Exchequer Bills have been
par to 3s. premium, and East India Bonds at the
same rates. The Exchequer Bonds scrip is at
premium.
Foreign Securities have been quite neglected.
Mexican Bonds are firm at 241, and Brazilian at
99. Dutch 2i per Cents. have been quiet at 60i,
and Russian 5 per Cents. flat at 98. The 4i per
Cents. were 85 to 85k. Spanish 3 per Cents. have
been at 6ci.
Railway Shares have been steady, but with
very limited transactions. French shares are
heavier.

The Gold Mines are flat generally. Santiago
de Cuba are higher.
The Joint Stock Bank shares have been firm.
There is au improvement in the Crystal Palace
shares.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK.
(From the Oficial List.)
Business done.
i per Cent. Reduced Annuities . 91i 4 1
New 3i per Cent. Annuities 9IH3
India Bonds, £lOOO par
Ditto, under £lOOO 3 p
Consols for Opening 19th July
Exchequer Bills, 24d.
£1000
£5OO par 4 p
Small 5 3
Exchequer Bonds Scrip
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent.
Ditto Small
Mexican 3 per Cent.
Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £ St 9B'
Ditto 4i per Cent B5
Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 4O
Dividends on the:above payable in Union.
Dutch Exchange, 28 per Cent. 12 Guil
HAL.P.PA ST TWO.
Consols for Opening 19th July 9l it x d