The Sun.
London, England, 1854-01-24 00:00:00

•11.11ENNUM.M.

like bold or even partial innovation in the course
f its proceedings), that whereas the difficulties
Atendant upon the discharge of the duties of
Speaker IN ere recognised no less than2so years ago,
we find that the Committee appointed in 1606 to
report on the office of Speaker was fruitless of any
result until the appointment of a similar commit-
tee in 1853, so that it required actually those 250
years before the Legislature could make up its
mind to any improvement. No wonder that with
these facts before him the Edinburgh reviewer
should exclaim in regard to the national repre-
sentation, "Ds n'ont rien appris, ils n'ont rien
oublie," just as was said of the Bourbons in that
memorable sarcasm of NAPOI.EON ! Humanity, if
nothing else, ought surely to have suggested long
ago to the Commons the necessityfor some diminu-
rion of the toils otherwise accumulating upon the
shoulders of that unfortunate dignitary, Mr.
SPEAKER—toiIs, but poorly compensated, we can-
not but think, by the glory of being regarded by
right of his august position as the first gentleman
is England. So enormous, in point of fact,
we those labours of the Speaker of the House
)f Commons, that it has been calculated that
luring the present Speakership—a Speakership of
fourteen years' duration—" upwards of 13,000
hours," 1196 of which have been after midnight,
have been consumed in sittings of the House, in
spite of the strenuous and unceasing efforts of the
ever indefatigable Mr. BROTHERTON. Well may
the Whig Quarterly exclaim—" Assuredly the
Speaker will be able to give a good account of his
stewardship !" If further testimony is required
as to the amount of exertion devolving upon the
Members as well as upon the Speaker during the
course of an average session, it has only to be
sought in the records of the last, and may
be there discovered in abundance. For exam-
ple, in particulars such as the subjoined. That
on the sth of July the House assembled at 12
o'clock and adjourned at a quarter to 4 o'clock on
the following morning—five divisions having then
taken place after midnight ! That in several in-
stances the sittings were protracted during more
than fifteen hours out of the twenty-four ! That,
beyond all this, the Committee business was, from
the beginning of the Session until its close, labo-
rious, and in a manner uninterrupted ! That
there were actually as many as 49 Election Com-
mittees 51 Public Committees !44 opposed Pri-
vate Bill Committees! 119 unopposed Private Bill
Committees! altogether no less than 263 Commit-
tees! That 31 members served on the Tenant Right
Committee, and 38 on the Committee on Indian
Territories ! Bearing all these particulars in mind,
it can scarcely be matter for surprise that the
" Votes and Proceedings" sometimes amount to a
volume in a single day—as on the 20th of last
April, when they extended to 84 folio pages, and
on the 23d of last July to 80 folio pages—the
latter equivalent to 160, and the former to 168
pages octavo. Neither can it be subject of
amazement under the circumstances that Mr. BRO-
THERTON should declare that the labour required
from members was " beyond what human
nature could endure !" or that Mr. WILKIN-
SON should recommend the House to " strike
for shorter hours !" or that Mr. HUME should
at last candidly acknowledge, on the sth of
August, that "he could stand it no longer I"
Something must be done. That everybody has
come at length to recognise. The evils com-
plained of are past endurance. The House will
follow the advice of Mr. WILKINSON, and strike
for shorter hours—other members, besides Mr.
HUME, cannot stand it any longer- the labour is
more than human nature can endure, as was said
without any exaggeration, but with so much
earnestness by Mr. BROTHERTON. It is, therefore,
seriously to be hoped that during the next session
the memorable declaration made by Sir J. PAK-
INGTON during the lapt--" We have out-grown
our forms" will be remembered ; and that
the masterly treatise in the current number of
the Edinburgh may be found to have led the way
to a series of extraordinary and comprehensive
improvements in the machinery of legislation.

of unduly prejudicing the accused. Far from it ;
he only acted in accordance with the recognised
laws and customs of the Island, and it is of those
laws and customs (which have already been con-
demned by her MAJESTY'S Commissioners) that
we complain. Above al], we cannot in any de-
gree underrate the admirable exertions of the
prisoner's advocates, Messrs. FALLA and GAL-
LIENNE. Exertions the more honourable to the
parties as they were gratuitously bestowed, with-
out the slightest expectation or desire of receiving
any remuneration for their services, and yet the
most eminent member of the English Bar could
not have displayed greater zeal and efficiency than
these learned gentlemen. Mr. FALLA particularly,
on whom as senior the weight of the defence
chiefly fell, and whose address to the Court
which lasted 20 hours—exhibited a thorough
knowledge of his profession, an intelligence and
acuteness in turning that knowledge to the best
advantage—and a devotion to the interests of his
client which could not be surpassed. It was, we
believe, to Mr. FALLA'S earnest appeal to the
Home-office that the respite for a week—until
the 3d of February—for further inquiry may be
attributed.

It may be said, from these acknowledgments,
that TAPNER was fairly and justly convicted
according to the lex loci, or law of the Island
in which he was sojourning, and that, there-
fore, he could not complain at the consequences
of that law. But this is not so. Where a Bri-
tish subject has been condemned under au un-
just or unfair law, we have always interfered in
his behalf, and that although he had voluntarily
placed himself within the jurisdiction. It is only
necessary to allude here to the case of Miss CUN-
NINGHAM-to say nothing of that of the MADIAIS
—when we called on the Grand Duke of TUSCANY
to release the prisoner, and this, we apprehend,
would be the case if a conviction for a recognised
offence had taken place by improper means, as,
for instance, if the prisoner had been put on the
rack or exposed to any species of torture in order
to extort a confession. Now TAPNER was an Eng-
lish subject, born in Sent; he was not voluntarily,
or of his own accord, a resident in Guernsey. He
was sent there on her MAJESTY'S service, as a
clerk in the engineer department of the Ordnance,
and during that time he maintained a good repu-
tation, and gave every satisfaction to his superior
officers. It is a well-known principle of the law,
that a person sent to another country on her MA-
JESTY'S service is entitled to ample protection
against the local authorities, and that he would
not be surrendered for any alleged offences unless
his guilt was unquestionable, according to the rules
of the English law. If this be so with respect to
other powers, if we should be prepared to risk even
the horrors of war rather than see one of her MA-
JESTY'S subjects, when engaged in her MAJESTY'S
service, unfairly condemned, it is equally impera-
tive on us to prevent his execution, in a depen-
dency of our own, where the QUEEN'S prerogative
may be exercised in his favour.
First, we find that TAPNER, during his pre-
liminary, was kept au secret, without the advan-
tage of professional advice, or even, for a con-
siderable time, of knowing the nature of the
charges against him. He was then subjected to
a stringent examination, without being allowed to
hear the depositions of the witnesses against him.
He was examined four different days, during,
which no less than 240 interrogatories, all art-
fully framed, so as to lead him into contradictions,
were exhibited, his answers to which were used
against him at the trial, and relied on by the Pro-
cureur, who declared that he attached more than or-
dinary importance to these interrogatories. Now it
is a fundamental principle of the English law, that a
man is not bound to criminate himself. So far do
we carry this, that, if questions be put to a person
charged with an offence, we do not permit his
statements in reply to be given in evidence, un-
less he had previously been distinctly cautioned
that they would be used against him. But here
we find a man entrapped, and betrayed into a
series of answers that are so turned and twisted,
and made such use of, as to become the
chief means of his conviction. On this ground
alone, then, TAPNER should be saved from the
extreme penalty. There are other, however,
even stronger points to which we shall direct at-
tention, and which, in our judgment, render his
execution impossible.

ALONE ir MA RKI
, mi
2.

AND
COMME.aCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.

The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were
estimated at from 4,000 to 5,000 bales, all to the
trade. The sales comprised 150 Pernam and Ma-
ranham at 61d. to 7id., 300 Egyptian at 61d. to
82d., 1,200 Surat at 3d. to 3d., 10 Sea Island
at 2s. 9d., and the remainder American. Railway
shares were dull, at lower prices.
It is stated in a report by Messrs. Smith and
Charles, tallow brokers, that " the Petersburg ad-
vices are to the 4th (16th inst.) There was nothing
whatever doing in exports for next season, but
the feeling amongst commercial men is pretty
clearly indicated by the rise which is quoted in
all descriptions of imports, including sugar, lead,
coals, &c."

In their circular respecting the course of the
East India produce markets at Liverpool, during
the last fortnight, Messrs. Browne, Hunter, and
Co. state, that--
"Notwithstanding the unfavourable circumstances
that prevailed at the opening of the year—dear money,
high prices of food, and the probability of this country
being involved in a war which threatens to become
general, all which, under ordinary circumstance-4, would
have interfered greatly with and curtailed business--
the produce maaket re-opened with considerable activity,
and transactions since have been to a very great extent at a
considerable advance. For rice, influenced by the further
rise in the corn markets throughout the country, a great
demand has been experienced, chiefly on speculation.
Hemp, linseed, and all descriptions of oils and tallow
have also been influenced by the probability of a war
with Russia ; whilst sugar, from its favourable position
regarding stocks and largely increased consumption, and
from the high prices of grain which may cause it to be
brought into use for distilling and brewing purposes,
has also been largely operated in by speculators."
At the meeting of the Union Bank of Australia
yesterday, the extraordinary dividend of 20 per
cent. for the half year was declared.
The Roxburgh Castle has arrived from Melbourne
with 71,882 ounces of gold on board.
The India Overland Mail brings no Australian
letters, the steamer having arrived too late at
Ceylon.

The New York accounts contain a statement of
the financial position of the United States. From
this we find that on the 31st ultimo the public out-
standing debt was 54,393,757 dols 62 cents, since
which date there have been 113,700 dols. of debt
redeemed. The last weekly return of the city banks
showed an increase in the discounts of 18,348 dols.,
and in the deposits of 1,977,235 dols. The circu-
lation was extended 154,068 dols., and the specie
517,956 dols. There was a large business doing in
breadstuffs at advancing prices.

Californian advices represent the mining news
from the interior as being highly encouraging.
There was a cessation of river mining owing to the
rise in the waters, but dry digging was active.
Rather more business was being transacted at San
Francisco in a few departments of trade, but the
demand was not extensive.

The Honourable East India Company had, dur-
ing the fortnight to last evening drawn bills to
the amount of 100,4821. 19s. 3d. upon the three
presidencies.
The English market opened rather firmer,
Consols being 90g 4-, but fresh sellers appeared
soon after, and there has been a gradual decline to
90 and 89k, and at present the rates are 89
The latest advices from St. Petersburgh show
greater apprehension there at the decided attitude
:taken by the English and French Governments,
and it is just possible that the Emperor may be
glad, even now, to extricate himself by accepting
the most recent propositions. Were it not for
this probability, the funds would be still lower.
The New 31 per Cents. have been 91k to 91L and
the 3 per Cents. 901 to 2. Bank Stock has been
firmer at 215 to 216. Exchequer Bills have
realised 6s. to 9s. premium, and India Bonds par
to 4s. premium.

There is generally a very dull market for Foreign
Bonds, but in particular stocks there have been
several transactions, although in every instance at
reduced quotations. Russian 5 per Cents. have
fluctuated between 1051 to 103, being at the pre-
sent time about 2 per cent, lower than yesterday.
Mexican Bonds are heavy at 221, and Peruvian
41 per Cents. at 63 to 60. There is nothing be-
yond the general depression to account for these
securities being affected. Spanish Deferred Bonds
are weaker at 181. Dutch 21 per Cents. are 58
to 60. The 4 per Cents. 88 to 89, being reduced
prices.

M. VICTOR HuGo recently published a long

and eloquent letter to the inhabitants of the

Island of Guernsey, calling on them to free their
beautiful island from the reproach of encouraging

and sanctioning the infliction of capital punish-

ment. The case of JOHN CHARLES TAPNER, now
lying under sentence of death in the public prison,
the execution whereof has been respited until the
3d of February, elicited this communication from
the distinguished writer. We fear, however,
that he has, although with the best motives, in-
terfered on erroneous grounds, and that his
address, able and brilliant as it is in many parti-
culars, may be prejudicial rather than serviceable
to the unfortunate prisoner, whose claim should
be for justice rather than for mercy, inasmuch as
he was condemned on evidence which could
never have obtained a conviction before an English
Judge and an English Jury, and also because of
the attendant circumstances----the manner of his
trial, the stringent and inquisitorial cross-exami-
nation to which he was subjected, and the unfair
inferences drawn from trivial contradictions in his
answers, all of which are so repugnant to English
feelings and English laws, that, if his guilt was
thereby clearly brought to light, we should object
to the unfair proceeding, and regret to see the
punishment founded thereon carried into prac-
tical execution !

There appears a disinclination to operate in
Railway Shares, and the consequence is an inactive
market and a downward tendency in prices. Great
Northern have receded 10s. to 11., Great Western
10s., North British also 10s., and York and Ber-
wick about 1/. Midland have been firmly main-
tained. French Shares have participated in the
reduction, and are on the average 10s. to 15s. per
Share lower.

BRITISH MINES.—The market this day is very
inactive, but the following shares may be mentioned
as mostly inquired for :—Alfred Consols, 25 26 ;
Porkellis, 101 ; West Providence, 35 37 ; Hingston
Downs, 9i 10; Combmartins, ; Poltimores, 1 & ;
Great Crianis, 30s. ; Sortridge, 255., 275. 6d. ;
Wheal Sarah, I; So. Carradon, 380 ; Wheal Bul-
ler, 1,100 1,110 ; North Pool, 200 205 ; East
Russell, 61; West Sortridge, ; South Russell,
; Arundells, 255. ; Great Tregune, 3± ; MA-
land,
The current prices for the Jamaica Mines not
officially quoted, are as follows : Jamaica, par to
premium; Metcalfe, I, to premium; Sue River,
discount to par ; Port Royal, to g premium.

A 4 VICTOR HUGO directs his arguments against
the propriety or expediency of the extreme
penalty of death being inflicted in any instance.
On this point be reasons acutely, but not
sufficiently so to change or even disturb the
opinions we have arrived at after calm and mature
consideration. It is, however, unnecessary to
enter into any discussion on this point at this
moment, inasmuch as we both endeavour to
achieve the same object, the reprief of the pri-
soner, although we are influenced by very differ-
ent reasons for so doing. We may, however, here
say, that, widely as we differ from M. HUGO on
the basis he has taken, we willingly admit the
excellence of his motives, and recognise the great
ability of his address to the people of Guernsey.

Gold Mine Shares are neglected, and also Joint
Stock Banks. The Australian Agricultural Land
Shares are steady.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK.
(Prom the Official List.)
Business done.
Bank Stock ............ 216 15
3 per Cent. Reduced Annuities 9O
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities 9O 90 j 89,3
New 3,} per Cent. Annuities 9ll
Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860 -16
Ditto 30 Years, Expire sth Jr.,r 1850 4 15-16
India Bonds, £lOOO . ......
Ditto, under £lOOO • par 4 p
Consols for Account 15th Fob. 9oa 898
Exchequer Bills, id.
£lOOO
Small lO p

If we believed that JOHN CHARLES TAPNER were
really guilty of the threefold offence laid to his
charge, and that he had received a perfectly fair
trial, we should certainly not interfere on his behalf
in any way. So far as we were concerned the law
might take its course without remonstrance. The
offence was of the most atrocious charac'er. There
was apparently a coolly premeditated murder,
which had not even " the wild justice of revenge"
for an excuse, if excuse it could be considered.
There was not, and could not have been, the
slightest animosity against the unfortunate de-
ceased. The murder, if committed by TAP-
NER, was merely for the sake of a few
pounds, which he hoped to appropriate to
himself ; and for that paltry sum he was willing
not merely to commit robbery, but also murder,
with the view of concealing that robbery—and
arson, to prevent the detection of the double
crime. The very position in which TAPNER was
placed--•his superior education and employment in
a public office—would only have aggravated his
guilt, and rendered the infliction of condign
punishment a matter of still greater necessity. But
on the closest and most searching examination of all
that was adduced against him—even with all the
disadvantages to which he was subjected—we do
not think that the case was established beyond
the possibility of reasonable doubt. And were
it otherwise, we could not see any British
citizen a native of England acknowledging
the same allegiance as ourselves—executed under
circumstances so totally opposed to all our notions
of fair play, and of the privileges that should
be accorded to the most degraded criminal. We
shall enter into the consideration of the last point
in the first instance, and show the unconstitu-
tional mode in which the whole of the proceedings
were conducted, and the great disadvantages to
which TAPNER was exposed in conducting his de-
fence, as well from the preliminary steps taken as
at the actual trial.

PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Mexican 3 per Cent.
Peruvian Bonds, 4i per Ce-it.
Kussian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. .£ St lO4 53 5 3
Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent lBl

Dividends on the above payable in London.
Dutch Exchange, 24 per Cent. 12 Gull 6O 58i
Ditto for the Account s9i
Ditto 4 per Cent. Certificates
Ditto for the Account ... 88i 8 9
HALF•PAST TWO.
Consols
Ditto February Account

And here, before entering into the point, we
desire to free ourselves from misconception. We
do not wish to be taken as accusing the Jurats,
but as protesting against the entire system--
as asserting that the QUEEN'S Procureur trans-
gressed the strict line of duty, for the purpose

THE REPORTED LOSS OF THE STEAMSHIP SAN FRAN-
CISCO.— LIVERPOOL. MONDAY.—It will be remembered
that the recent accounts from America announced that
considerable anxiety was felt on account of the above
ship, which had about 700 soldiers on board. The An-
tartic, Captain Schoeffen, which arrived here yesterday,
had 175 persons on board from her ; but whether picked
up at sea or taken from her had not been elicited when
the despatch closed,
DEPARTURES FOB AUSTRALIA.—The departures for
the Australian colonies from the port of London during
the past week show a decrease. They have comprised
altogether six vessels—three to Adelaide, with an aggre-
gate burden of 2,088 tons ; two to Port Philip, with an
aggregate burden of 432- tons ; and one to Sydney, of
355 tons. Their total capacity was consequently 2,875
tons. The rates of freight exhibit a tendency to decline.
BUSINESS OF THE PORT OF LONDON.—In the general
business of the port of London during the past week,
although the entries inward have diminished, there has
been much activity, the vessels arriving being of a large
class. The number of ships reported was 147, being 86
less than in the previous week ; and the total quantity
of flour brought was 31,948 barrels and 960 sacks, to-
gether with 13,899 quarters of wheat, nearly the whole
of which was from America. Of sugar there were re-
ported 3,190 hhds., 1,000 casks, 42,940 bags, and 419
cases ; of tea 37,146 packages, and of coffee 1,951 bags
and 27 barrels. The number of vessels cleared outward
was 88, being an increase of 12 over the previous week.
Of these, 27 were in ballast, and 6 for the Australian
colonies, as above stated. The number of vessels on the
berth loading for those colonies is 89, being an increase
of 16 over the number loading on the 22d ult. Of this
total, 9 are for Adelaide, 7 for Geelong, 8 for Hobart
Town, 3 for Launceston, 11 for Melbourne, 5 for New
Zealand, 19 for Port Philip, 25 for Sydney, and 1 for
Swan River.

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 24, 1854.

RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

IMPORT ANT 'FROM ST. PETERSBURGH.

In a third edition to-day, the Morning Post
publishes the following, from its Paris correspon-
dent, dated this morning :

" The Russian courier who was to leave St.
Petersburgh shortly after the 15th, has arrived here
to-day, bearing most important despatches to M.
Kisseleff.

" Their contents have not transpired ; but it is
known that they will lead directly to important
events.

" Despatches from St. Petersburgh of the 17th
inst. have arrived here. The excitement in that
capital was intense consequent upon the knowledge
of the active measures taken by the Western
Powers, and their forbidding the Russian Flag to
navigate its waters.

" The Emperor, on appearing in public, was
cheered enthusiastically by the populace.
"The Constitutionnel publishes the following ex-
pressions of the Czar, and I have reason to believe
they are strictly authentic. When the Emperor
learnt the entrance of the fleets into the Black Sea,
he displayed perfect calmness, and said to those
about him—

" When battle is offered to Russia, Russia
accepts. She can afford to mourn for a fleet, but
not for the honour of the nation.

" I expected the resolution taken by France
and Great Britain, and, therefore, I am not found
unprepared. All my orders have been given in
advance, foreseeing this act which, by violating
treaties, frees me from their obligations.' "
"It appears certain that the Czar had asked
Prince Menschikoff whether he could make head
against the combined fleets. The Prince's reply
was—' Yes : we can conquer, or fight and die to
the last man.' "

Despatches from St. Petersburgh, dated the 15th
inst., mention that on that day the Emperor re-
ceived a despatch from Prince IVlenschikoff, enclos-
ing the communication which had been made to
him by Admirals Dundas and Hamelin, respecting
the entrance of the combined fleets into the Black
Sea for the purpose of protecting the Ottoman ter-
ritory, and requiring the Russian commander-in-
chief to give such instructions to those under his
orders as might obviate hostile collision.
This intelligence had produced a great effect on
the Emperor, and he was about to send off couriers
bearing instructions to his ambassadors at the
Courts of the Tuileries and St. James's.

Warlike preparations were carried on with great
activity.
Since the first notification of the entry of the
fleets into the Black Sea, the warlike ardour among
the upper classes, which was never very strong,
has considerably diminished ; and among the other
classes the enthusiasm has very much cooled.
The poets keep silence, and the public writers no
longer pour forth insults against England.
The Court appears gloomy ; the preparations for
war have already cost enormous sums, and the
Minister of Finance has laid his hands on the capi-
tals of loan societies conducted by private persons.
We learn that a courier from St. Petersburgh,
with despatches for Baron Brunow, arrived this
morning in London.
From Berlin we learn that the Czar has in-
structed his Ambassadors to demand whether
by the entry of the combined fleets into
the Black Sea, it is intended to take part with
Turkey, or simply to observe a strict neutrality ;
in the former case, they are to demand their pass-
ports. Some expectations were indulged in at
Berlin of the probability of an amicable settle-
ment between Russia and the Porte.

The Pasha of Belgrade insists on the immediate
dismissal of all Russians from Servia, and vows
that if M. Moukhine, Russian Consul-General,
crosses the river from Semlin again, he will arrest
him.

According to letters from St. Petersburg there
remains not the remotest hope that the Emperor
will listen to any compromise such as that proposed
by the Vienna Conference. One letter states
that, in a conversation with the French Ambas-
sador, the Emperor declared that though his
original intention was not war or conquest, yet
that he should consider it an act of the greatest
, cowardice and indignity not to accept the war
which the Powers offered him. It is the same
policy throughout ; the Czar would still have it
that he is more sinned against than sinning. An-
other fact mentioned is, that the Emperor having
heard of the negotiations going on for an arrange-
ment, and of the nature of the propositions
that would be made to him, before they were offi-
cially presented, and having determined -to reject
them, issued his orders accordingly to the Generals
of the army ; that he communicated with Prince
Menschikoff, and asked about his fleet, and whe-
ther it was in a state to face the combined French
and English squadrons ; that the reply was, that
the fleet was in very good condition, no doubt ;
that it was ready to meet the squadrons, but on
the condition that every man -must make up his
mind to die ; and that the Emperor replied that
that was all he wanted, for to die in such a cause
was in the old Muscovite spirit. The only inter-
pretation that can be given to Prince Menschikoff's
message is, that destruction was inevitable in such
an encounter, but that they were all prepared for it.