The Sun.
London, England, 1854-10-28 00:00:00

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LONDON, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1854.

We are again indebted to Prince MENSCHIKOFF
for the latest intelligence flora Sebastopol ! The
information, which the negligence and carelessness
of our own Commanders and Government with-
hold from the anxious people of England, is ,
supplied by the zeal and energy of our opponents.
In that respect, at least, we might take a leaf out
of the Russian books. Our authorities might de-
rive a salutary lesson from the proceedings of
their adversaries. The present account, however,
is one on which the same reliance cannot be placed
as on that which announced the commencement
of the bombardment, and the serious loss
to the Russians on the first day. The opening
of the fire was a distinct and intelligible
fact, which no amount of equivocation or colour-
ig could get rid of—and the promulgation of
that solitary truth might serve as the ground-
work for numerous falsehoods, for flattering tales
of failure on the part of the assailants, and
vigorous defence by the garrison.
According to the statement of the veracious
Muscovite, " the Russian fire had successfully
answered the fire of the Allies." This, however,
is, at least, rather a vague announcement. That
a vast quantity of powder had been con-
sumed in the various fortifications, and
many balls and shells discharged in the
direction of the besiegers, we can easily
credit. Indeed they had not waited for the
opening of the French and English fire, but from
the first moment that the Allied Forces came
-within range had indulged in a lavish expendi-
ture of ammunition. But, inasmuch as their fire
had Proved singularly ineffective in every instance,
whether directed towards the land or the sea, we
can Scarcely feel any dread that they had mani-
fested any decided •
improvement. They
have "answered might
our fire " without inflicting much
damage on these
against whom they aimed. In-
deed from the circumstance that Fort Constantine
and other neighbouring batteries kept up a
continued fire for some hours on a vessel under
Austrian colours, which, laden with 600 tons of
hay for the English camp, drifted past them at a
distance of 2,500 yards, and was subsequently
towed off with comparatively little damage by the
Firebrand, proves that we have not much to fear
from the "direful skill" of the Russian artillery_
men.

It is also declared that " the damage done to \
the fortifications was but trifling." This is clearly
a matter of opinion, in which the Russian General
allows himself considerable latitude. To judge
from the tone of the despatch, he looks on it,
or deserves to be thought of as looking upon
it, in rather an amusing light than otherwise.
As Punch's drover, who was " tossed many times
and likes it," the valiant Russians considered it
an agreeable excitement that pleasingly varied the
dull monotony of garrison life, which he could
sbop at any moment he thought proper, but suf-

fered to continue in order to render the final
defeat the more decisive. We can, however, form
some notion of the probable effect of the bom-
bardment from 200 heavy guns, concentrated on
any fortifications for five consecutive days. If
it admitted losses in killed and wounded on the
first day, it can scarcely be supposed that
the damage on the fifth was but trifling.
Nor can we suppose that the fire from
the fleet would, if once opened, be discontinued
while anything remained to be done. Greatly as
we may deplore the inactivity so long displayed
by Admiral Du-NDAs, we shall not do him, or
any English or French' officer, the injustice of
supposing that he would thus disregard his duty
to his country, and to his own character, on such
very unsatisfactory evidence as that of a Russian
despatch.

We also hear that a part of the reserve—the
Russian—had arrived, and that the rest was ex-
pected immediately. A moment's consideration
will show that this statement had not caused the
slightest uneasiness, for it is not said from whence
they came, or in what numbers. It could not
have been Count ORLOFF'S corps, for, indepen-
dently of the satisfactory reasons we have for be-
lieving that they could not arrive for some time
subsequent to the date of the despatch, we may
feel certain that if it were so the pleasing fact
would be put forward so as to admit of not the
slightest doubt or question.

We cannot, then, derive much direct informa-
tion from the despatch. It, however, contains
valuable negative testimony, as it proves that the
defenders had not during the first five days ac-
complished any great success, either by means
of a sortie or sorties, or silencing any one
or more of the besieging batteries. We may feel
well assured that any tangible fact on which he
could frame a plausible tale would not be neglected
by Prince M2YscuncorF ; and his silence on the
subject is conclusive proof that there has been
nothing of the kind, and with that we must per-
force remain contented during the protracted
silence of our own Generals, relying on the valour
of our men, and the irresistible nature of the
armaments which we have brought to bear
against the doomed town.

Some more of the crew and passengers of the
ill-fated Arctic have, it appears, been rescued
from destruction. The last advices from New
York announce the preservation of Captain LUCE,
the commander, and some forty of the passengers
of the lost vessel. They had, it appears, arrived
at Montreal shortly before, and there are some
slight grounds for hope that a few others may have
been picked up. But even under the most favour--
able circumstances there has been a fearful sacrifice
of human life. Nearly 300 persons, in the prime
of life and vigorous health, have been suddenly
cut off with but brief time for preparation for the
awful change. Truly might they have exclaimed,
"In the midst of life we are in death," when
the hearts, but a few moments previously beating
high with gladsome expectation, were depressed
by the total overthrow of all their joyous antici-
pations, and the thoughts of anxious friends, of
faithful partners, and helpless children, whom
they were no more to behold.
The catastrophe was indeed a fearful one ;
and we cannot wonder at the intense excitement
occasioned in New York when the dreadful tidings
were first announced. Those who had near and
dear relatives on board hastened to glean the
slightest information that might tend to mitigate
the heartrending anxieties, or at once convince
them that their most gloomy doubts and fears
had been realised. Anything was better than the
awful suspense. It would even be a relief to
know the worst, and to be able to resign them-
selves to sorrow—possibly despair. The intelli-
gence of safety was, as it has been graphically
stated, regarded as "a resurrection from the dead "
—all minor concerns forgotten in the intense in-
terest created for those who were supposed to be
buried in the depths of the ocean, and for their
mourning families. Business was suspended, the
law courts adjourned, and the population looked
like the inhabitants of a plague-stricken city, who
had lost their nearest and dearest, and were look-
ing forward hopelessly to the rapidly-approaching
hour of their own dissolution. Dire consterna-
tion was exhibited on every side.

What added to the intensity of the feeling
was the knowledge that a little judicious
care might, in the first instance, have alto-
gether prevented the accident, or greatly mitigated
its deplorable results. The collision was
occasioned by carrying on with unabated speed,
during a dense fog, in a course constantly resorted
to by vessels of all classes. It is true that the
size, power, and strength of the Arctic rendered
it almost certain that she could escape from any
serious consequences, and that whatever vessel
might come in contact would be the chief sufferer.
It was as if an immense coal waggon should be
recklessly driven through a crowded thoroughfare,
on the principle that every one was to take care
of himselef. The reckless and selfish calcula-
tion was, however, defeated, and the mighty
Arctic went to the bottom, while the mer-
chant steamer Vesta escaped through the skill
and energy of her gallant captain. Had the fog
signals been resorted to, as a due care for the
lives of others would have demanded, the Arctic
would have arrived safely at her destination—the
three hundred persons lost would have been hap-
pily restored to their afflicted families.

But as it was, the evil appears to have been
fearfully aggravated by the sudden panic that
seized on the crew, and indueed a large proportion
to take possession of the boats and abandon the
ship, while they might have stopped the leak, or at
least saved the lives of a large proportion of those
who were sacrifieed through the unseaman-like
desertion of their charge. As this part of the
case will, doubtless, receive the most stringent
and searching investigation, we shall not antici•
pate the result of the inquiry. "Audi alteram
partem" is a golden rule, and GOD forbid that we
should condemn any man or body of men without
affording them the opportunity of being fully
heard in their own defence.

If, however, the fact of a panic and of such
unwarrantable desertion should be ascertained, it
will also be necessary to ascertain whether it was
not created or aggravated by the wilful neg-
ligence of the owners in not providing ade-
quate means of escape by boats in the
event of such an accident. If there is
only boat-room for 150 out of 400 per-
sons, we can easily credit how desperate would be
the struggle to obtain a place, and that those
who, under more auspicious circumstances, would
struggle to the last, might leave their companions
in jeopardy to secure their own safety. It is one
of the imperfections of human nature, and those
who, for a paltry saving, would run the chance
of setting such machinery in motion have much to
answer for when so fearful a calamity has occurred.
Without prejudging anything, then, there are
three points that must be strictly investigated
three questions, to which distinct answers
must be returned :-
Ist. What was the reason whywe the precautions
on
usually taken in a dense fog were
the unfortunate occasion ?

- - -
2dly. What was the conduct of the crew after
the transaction ? _ _

3dly.—Was there a sufficient supply of boats,
and other appliances for saving life, in case of
shipwreck ?

The safety of Captain LUCE, and his power of
defending himself, will enable these interrogatories
to be answered in a more decided and satisfactory
manner. The people on either side of the Atlantic
expect that there will be no flinching on these
important issues.

FUNERAL OP THE LATE LORD DU-SALLE-Ir.—On Wed-
nesday the funeral of the above justly-lamented noble-
man took place, and was oxe of the largest ever wit-
nessed in that part of Ireland,

COURT CIRCULAR,

WINDSOR, OCT. 27.
There was no addition to the Royal dinner party to-
day.
Her Majesty, his Royal Highness Prince Albert, and
the Royal children, attended by the Ladies and Gen-
tlemen of the Household, inspected Mr. Wousbwell's
menagerie of wild animals this afternoon, which was
brought into the Quadrangle at the Castle for that pur-
pose.
Her Majesty having been graciously pleased to signify
her wish to the Head Master of Eton that the Eton boys
should be allowed to avail themselves of the opportu-
nity, the whole school, accompanied by some of the
masters, appeared in the Quadrangle about four o'clock,
and remained for some time inspecting the animals.
His Serene Highness Prince Nicholas of Nassau
visited the Qeeen to-day.

The French Ambassador, the Turkish Minister, and
the American Minister, transacted business yesterday
at the Foreign-office.
Despatches for the Governors of the North American
Provinces were sent yesterday from the Colonial-office.

INSP3ICTION BY BER MAJESTY, HIS
ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBERT,
AND T_13.11 ROYAL FAMILY, OF WOMB-
WELL'S MENAGERIE.

WINDSOR, FRIDAY.
This afternoon Mr. Edmunds, the proprietor of the
late Mr. George Wombwell's collection of zoology, who
has been exhibiting at Windsor during the fair, had the
honour of receiving a command from her Majesty to
attend at the Castle with the whole of his collection.
Accordingly by two o'clock all the carriages, 15 in num-
ber, were drawn into the Quadrangle, and afterwards
arranged under a temporary pavilion, over which floated
the Royal standard. At three o'clock the Queen, his
Royal Highness Prince Albert, with the Royal children,
and attended by their suite, entered the pavilion, and
were received by Mr. Edmunds, his fine brass band
playing the National Anthem.
After inspecting this unique collection, about 500 in
number, the juvenile branches of the Royal family in
particular were much amused and astonished by the per-
formance of the colossal elephant Jamoona and his little
companion Abdallah—the latter balancing himself on a
pedestal about two feet square, standing on his head,
and performing many other extraordinary feats, at the
keeper's command, with elephantine agility. This is
the second time the exhibition has been honoured by a
visit from her Majesty and the Court at Windsor Castle,
Mr. Wombwell having had a similar summons in 1847.
After the Royal visit, all the Eton boys were admitted,
by command of her Majesty. During the Royal inspec-
tion in the Pavilion, Jamoena and his friend Abdallah
were allowed to walk about the Quadrangle, and ap-
peared perfectly at horse.

The King of the Belgians returied to Laeken on
Wednesday. A royal ordinance, published in the
Moniteur Beige, convokes the Chambers for the 7th of
November next.

The Diario of Madrid says that the King of Naples
has offered Queen Christinia, his sister, a refuge in his
states, but site had refused on account of the position of
Count de Montemolino in the Court of Naples.
The Earl of Duaraven has purchased Mr. Bland's
Island, near Sneem, county Kerry, on which he intends
to erect a marine castle.

The Duke of Buceleuch has arrived at Montague
House, Whitehall-gardens, from Dalkeith Palace, Mid-
Lothian. The duchess, we regret to state, continues
in a very delicate state of health.

-
Colonel Smyth, C. 8., 16th Lancers, is on a visit with
Lieut.• Colonel Dickson, at Croora Castle.

Her Majesty's stag-hounds hunted on Friday, the 20th,
and again on Tuesday, the 24th ; and on each day had
capital sport in the forest.
The curacy of Barking, in the diocese of London, has
become vacant. It is worth 1001. R.-year, and is in the
gift of the Rev. Henry Seymour, M.A.
A chaplaincy on the Staines and Wokingham Railway
is vacant. It is worth 150/. per annum. Applications
for the appointment are to be made to the Rev. T. V.
Fosbery, M.A., rector of Sunningdale, near Chertsey.
Richard Graves Macdonnell, Esq., C. 8., at present
Lieut. Governor of St. Vincent, is to succeed Sir Henry
E. F. Young in the government of South Australia ;
and Edward John Eyres Esq., late Lieutenant Governor
of New Munster, in New Zealand, is to be the Lieut.
Governor of St. Vincent.
THE VACANCY IN THE REPRESENTATION' OF ABING-
DON.—No less than three candidates, all professing
Liberal views, are in the field, soliciting the honour of
supplying the vacancy in this borough, occasioned by
the death of the Earl of Abingdon.
COLLISION ON THE MIDLAND RAILWAY IN IRELAND.
—The Galway papers bring accounts of an accident, at-
tended with serious, though happily not fatal results,
which occurred on Monday on the Midland Great West-
ern line of railway.
ARRIVAL OP THE FIRST CARGO OF NEW TEAS.—
Livzr.roor., Friday.—The clipper ship Vision, Captain
A. Douglas, arrived in the Mersey this morning from
Hong Kong, after a capital run, including detentions, of
103 days. She sailed from Hong Kong on the 15th of
July, Canton, July 16, and Anjer, Aug. 14. She brings
to this country the first cargo of the new teas.

THE AllCTl.—Letters hive been received from New
York, under date the 12th inst., announcing that the
Lebanon, arrived there from Newport, reported having
spoken the Huron, from Bristol to Quebec, 29th Sep-
tember, in lat. 413 N, long. 52 W, and took from her lq
persons belonging to the Arctic steamer, lost of! Cape
Race.

MAILS TO CHINA.—The following notice was published
by the Postmaster-General yesterday ;—" The mails for
China will be made up and despatched on the 20th of
each month via Southampton, and on the 25th of each
month via Marseilles, as heretofore ; but, instead of
being sent direct from Pont de Galle (Ceylon), they will
be forwarded to Calcutta, at which place a steamer will
be provided to carry them on to China."
NEW FRENCH POSTAL TREATY.—Lord Canning's
mission progresses favourably, and is much facilitated by
the empresseraent shown by the French Post-office to
meet his lordship's views on the subject. His lordship
has been ordered to St. Cloud, by command of the Em-
pero^r, on a visit.—Civil Service Gazette.
THE WAR DEPARTMENT.—We understand that Lieut.
Lord Burghersh, who received promotion, according to
custom, on the occasion of his lordship bringing to
England the despatches announcing the important
victory on the heights of Alma, left Lord Westmore-
land's town residence, in Harley-street, yesterday,
charged with despatches for General Lord Raglan, the
General commanding our expeditionary force in the
Crimea, via Paris and Marseilles.
SAVINGS BANKS FOR SEAMEN.—By a proviso in the
Merchant Shipping Act of the last session it is enacted
that the Commissioners of the National Debt, or the
Comptroller. General acting under them, may, en the
application and recommendation of the Board of Trade,
establish savings banks at ports within the United King-
dom for seamen or their wives and families, such depo-
sits not to exceed the amount of 1501.
THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT AND THE WAR.—The
French Government has bought the steamer Sicilia—n
fine vessel built for the Mediterranean trade by Me,srs.
J. and G. Thompson, of Glasgow—and is everywhere
seeking the finest and swiftest vessels, to convey troops
to the East.

NOTTINGHAM HOSPITAL.—The 72d anniversary of the
General Hospital, Nottingham, was held on Thursday,
under the presidency of Mr: Walter, M.P. The cor-
poration, governors, and subscribers assembled at half-
past 10 in the grand jury room of the Shire Hall, and
attended Divin• service at St. Mary's Church, being
accompanied thither by the town bailiff bearing the
maces.

BEDFORD, OCT. 26.—Mr. Henry Stuart, M.P. for
this borough, died suddenly this morning. There is,
therefore, a vacancy in the representation. Mr. Stuart
represented the borough of Bedford for many years.
He was first returned in 1337, but unseated on petition.
In 1841 he was elected, and has continued in the repre-
sentation ever since. He was born in 1804, and was a
descendant of William Penn, the founder of Pennsyl-
vania.

THE EARL OF CARLIBLE.—Tho Earl of Carlisle was
to deliver his lecture On the " Poetry of Gray," on be-
half sof the Early Closing Association of Bradford, when
he heard of the death of his nephew. The noble earl
consequently addressed the following letter to the Mayor
of Bradford :

" Castle Howard, Thursday Morning,

" Dear Sir—l was almost in the act of starting, when I
have been stopped by an account which has just reached
me of the death of my nephew Lord Frederick Leveson
Gower, in the Crimea. In addition to the sorrow of the
event, I deeply regret any inconvenience which this ne-
cessary breach of my engagements may occasion. I shall,
of course, feel myself bound to fulfil them whenever it may
be wished under happier circumstances.—Believe me, very
faithfully yours, " CARLISLE.
" Samuel Smith, Esq., Mayor of Bradford."
ARRIVAL OF THE BAND OF THE GUIDES.—The band of
the Imperial Regiment of Guides arrived from Paris by
the South-Eastern Railway on Thursday evening, for the
purpose of taking part in the grand musical per-
formance at the Crystal Palace this day, in aid of
the Patriotic Fund. This band, which consists
of fifty-six members, is under the charge of the
Baron de Verdiere, captain on the imperial staff, and
Baron Vidil, an officer of the Guides. It is quartered,
by pre-arrangement, at St. George's-barracks, Trafalgar-
square. Its reputation as a musical corps is pre-emi-
nent, and will, no doubt, have the effect of considerably
swelling the receipts.
Tam BAmeeroei MARRIAGE CASE.—This inquiry was
to have been resumed yesterday morning, before the
bench of county magistrates, at Witney, and they met
at the Town-hall accordingly, when, after some delay,
Mr. Wester., the attorney for the Rev. Dr. Giles, an-
nounced to the bench that his client, acting under the
advice of friends, would not appear to answer the charge,
and that his bail would submit to their recognizances
being forfeited. The usual proclamation was then made
for Dr. Giles to appear, and, as he (lid not, the magic-
tratos directed the recoenizances of 5001. to be estreated.
TIIE EMPEROR NAPOLEON.—The commission formed
to collect and publish the correspondence of the Emperor
Napoleon 1., which had already applied to the different
Administrations, in order to obtain any documents or
letters which may be in the archives and other public
depots, either in France or foreign countries, has now
made an appeal to private individuals or families who
may possess documents emanating from Napoleon 1.,
and expresses its confidence that, from the general inte-
rest and importance attached to the intended publica-
tion, every one will be happy to contribute to it. The
commission will gratefully receive all documents of the
kind, either by certified copies or the original documents,
which will be faithfully returned to the owners.—egglig•
nccni'3 Messolger.