The Sun.
London, England, 1854-09-19 00:00:00

we shall not be considered as unduly captious by
our• friends and subscribers.
While thus apparently damping the public
ardour, we cannot participate in the doubts that
have been hinted at, rather than avowed, by the
organs of the French and English GovernMents.
The Moniteur and the Times have thrown out
feelers as if to pave the way for a disappointment.
The Times particularly tells us that "if there be
any who have thought diplomatic negotiations too
long and military preparations too slow, and have
longed to raise the evil spirits of war in swifter
and more terrible action, such men may yet learn
that, come when it will, the dreadful reality comes
soon enough." This is doubtless very fine, but
it may all be comprised in Mr. BURCHELL'S ex-
pressive monosyllable, "Fudge!" It is appa-
rently intended as an apology for the really inex-
cusable delays that have already taken place,
while we were " bamboozled" by Austria and
Prussia, who have made the " inaction" which
they themselves occasioned the excuse for their
own vacillation. Now we are also told that "if
the plac6 can be taken within the time allowed by
the elements and the character of the seasons, it
must surely fall before the efforts of the allied
troops." The alternative is, however, pointed
out. We are gravely told that " the worst that
can happen is that the enterprise must
be renewed when the year is not so far
spent ;" with the additional declaration that
"if Sebastopol fall at once it will be
an enormous triumph ; if it should hold
out against this sharp autumnal foray, it will be no
disaster to the Allies ! "

From this we must entirely dissent. It would
be a very serious disaster, depriving them of the
prestige attached to their names, and inducing the
" German Powers" to fling themselves into the
arms of the enemy. For that we would only
have to thank the imbecility of the Home Govern-
ment that led to the delays that produced such
untoward consequences. We still trust that we
are not too late for the destruction of Sebastopol

this season ; but, if it should be so, Lord: ABER-
DEEN will have to render an account on the meet-
ing of Parliament, which cannot possibly be de-
ferred beyond the beginning of February next.
We shall not anticipate the result of that reckon-
ing, but earnestly hope that the taking of Sebas-
topol may render it an easy one for the CZA.I'S
" friend of forty years' standing."

ASTLEY'S ROYAL A.IIPRITIIEATitE.

Lessee and Manager, Mr. William Cooke.

First appearance of those celebrated Equestrians from Paris, 31
almer and Mlle. Caroline.

THIS EVENING,

The thrilling and interesting Equestrian Spectacle, THE WOOD
AN'S HORSE; or, THE FALbE KNIGHF.

After whigh, the Graphic SCENES in th CIRCLE, in which Mr.
William Cooke will introduce the "Smallest Horse in he World."
Miss Emily Cooke w.ll appear, M. Palmer, and Mlle. Caroline.
The whole to conclude with the Equestrian Burlesque (compressed
Into one act), THE SIEGE OF TROY ; or, THE GIANT H JRSE.
Box-ofilee (poi, from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager,
West. Acting Manager, Mr. W H. Cooke. Equestrian Director,
Mr. Wm. Cooke, jun.

The operation of the recent enactments respect-
ing the sale of beer is becoming more vexatious,
and the definition of the word " traveller" more
doubtful than ever. The police witness with the
most perfect indifference dense masses of smoke
polluting the atmosphere. They do not apparently
think it worth their while to complain of any
violations of that law, which came into operation
about the same time. But the utmost vigilance
is displayed as to the " licensed victuallers." If
a glass of ale be given to the driver or conductor
of a late omnibus—if a drover, wearied with his in-
cessant toil, obtains refreshment, or an over-worked
operative quenches his own or his wife's thirst be-
tween the hours of half-past two and six on the only
day when they seek pure air and recreation, a host
of spies are to be found ready to give information,
and, if possible, to exact a share of the penalty.
Now, we ask is it for such purposes that " the
force" is so handsomely paid at the expense of the
community. They are kept up for a very dif-
ferent object—to protect, in place of annoying, the
community.
In the slovenly mode in which the obnoxious
Act was hurried through both Houses of Par-
liament, the decision of the point "What
is a traveller ?" was manifestly evaded. That
was left for Magisterial interpretation. But the
worthy Justices carefully avoid any " definition."
They acquit or convict at their mere will and
pleasure, without giving any indication to guide
the parties who are thus subjected to such seri-
ous annoyances and expenses. We believe that
the great majority of " the Trade " are desirous
of strictly complying with the statutes, not only
according to the letter, but also in the spirit.
They feel that it is an unwise and injudicious
law, one that would be " more honoured in the
breach than in the observance ; " but still
they wish to avoid any infraction of its
provisions—and, until its repeal can be
obtained, only e.sii to be informed " what
We lend an easy credence where "the wish is it really is." But this reasonable request is
father to the thought." It is, therefore, right, ignored. 'ley are practically told to find out for
under present circumstances, to receive every themselves ; that it is not the police, but the
Magi.strates, who are to determine the interpreta-
tionflattering account with a wholesome distrust until .
of the various sections ; and thus every
we have bad ample time to scrutinise carefully
doubtful or difficult point is to be determined,
the evidence on which it is put forth, every doubt resolved, at their expense.
This caution is the more essential, inasmuch This is really intolerable. That persons having
as accurate accounts may be looked for at any in the aggregate capital to no less an amount than
moment. There are (as might be anticipated) 60,000,0001. sterling invested in their business
very conflicting accounts respecting the sailing of should be subjected to such annoyance is
the expedition. Every date from the 2d to the too bad. They are already made to
bear far more than their due proportions of the
Bth inst. is given for its departure. We believe, national burdens. Not only are they in the first
however, that what has already appeared in The instance exposed to Magisterial caprice, and liable
Sun will be found as nearly correct as possible. to have their licenses refused without the assign-
We yesterday published a telegraphic message meat of any adequate reason—not only are they
from Marseilles, which stated, under date of the compelled to pay large sums to Government for
6th September, that the party was " just weigh-
the privilege of carrying on their trades, but they
are subjected to police surveillance at any hour,
ing anchor for the Isle of Serpents," where the
and obliged to give up some of their best apart-
fleet was to rendezvous—and another to the effect •
meats to marching troops, at the requisition of
that " the English portion of the fleet had been the billet-master, and that without the shadow of
seen on the Bth steering for the North." We remuneration. As if this were not enough, when the
also had advices from Constantinople to the sth extra war expenditure is to be provided, a large
inst., that " the harbour was without a British proportion is levied on malt and spirits—the
or French man-of-war." These accounts ma articles in which they deal, and the charges for
y ,
licenses are in many instances enhanced. As
however, be reconciled, when we consider the if all these vexations were not sufficient for those
number of the vessels engaged, certainly we advisedly designate as a very meritorious body,
exceeding 600, and some said, including all they are to gratify the prejudices of Sabbatarians
descriptions of " crafts," amounting to no less than and teetotallers, exposed to the incessant torment of
1,200 bottoms (!)—and also the different points police espionage, and of having themselves brought
brfore the neighbouring justices for supposed in
from which " the news" have been transmitted.
Some came from Constantinople, others from fractions of the law, where even success is
13aateliik or Varna. It would seem, then, that attended with serious loss, inasmuch as the
even the moretardy informers are seldom, if ever, required to
sailers were well at sea on pay costs, when they fail; and, generally speaking,
the Bth instant, and a very few days, we had the injured victuallers, even when dismissed
almost said hours, would have brought them to without a penalty, is ordered to pay costs as a
the scene of action, A little time should then be species of compromise.
spent in making the necessary arrangements for These matters are all very unfair and
the disembarkation. This ought to have been very oppressive to a respectable class. But
effected during the latter end of last week—say we look even higher than the interests of
on Thursday and Friday, or the licensed victuallers, important as they
, perhaps, Saturday. unquestionably are. It is the "Job Smiths"
The news to Kostendje w(lid Probably take about who are victimised to the "Slogginses " who
30 hours, and about as much more from thence have the greatest right to complain, men
to " Cronstacll," where the electric telegraph who, while toiling incessantly on the week days,
being available the important tidings would be are debarred from the comforts which they have
flashed on to Vienna, and thence to isaxia
and a right to demand. Because a few miscreants
scarcely a perceptible may possibly feel disposed to abuse their
London, with interval.
That we have not underrated the time re freedom,
to turn their liberty into licentiousness,
quired
that is no reason why thousands, aye, and tens
'
may easily be estimated, from the fact that the of thousands of well-disposed persons should be
distance from Sebastopol to Kostendje is but subjected to vexatious restrictions, and compelled
miles less than to relinquish that which • 250 miles, or some 29 is as much required for
_ their health
the distance from Bristol to Cork, which is usually
really to the
as for their comfort. What is it
accomplished within the 24 hours, while that more or less point whether a dozen scoundrels,
, be found locked up in the police
from Kotendje to Cronstadt.is about 200 miles cells , on a Monday morning ?We know how
which must be performed by special courier. This I e ,
easily such statistics can be
got -
sion
was the distance which " The Squire" went in and how readily the police will take a hint
less than nine hours when performing liis tale- from a Lord Provost, or the local magistracy,
grated feat. We cannot, however, look for such not to be too active on a Sunday night or Mon-
day morning. To be enabled to judge correctly, we
speed on the present occasion; but in giving more I should also know how many have only postponed
than thrice the time, or 30 hours, it will, we I their debauch from the Sunday until the Monday
think, be admitted that we have made ample al- evenings, or who have become lawfully into *-
lowance. I own domiciles. These xl
sated in their are points
From the above it will-be apparent that at any ion which we shculd receive ample information
moment we may expect important news, and this from those who choose to sing praises in favour of
the operation of the Statute. But they will not
is the very state of affairs whi h unconscientious
c afford it. It does not suit their purpose to do
persons make use for their own nefa
rious purposes; so, for they are well aware that the alleged benefits
therefore; in inculcating the propriety of
caution, would be more th,an counterbalanced by the evils.

FTOH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tins DAT —Morning 2 min.after 12 I Evening 27 rnin.aft. 12
To Aossow --Morning 49 min.after 12 Evening 9 min.qt. 1

THE WEATHER.—Strs Orrai, Sm. 19.

TIIICaNONIETICB, IN TICE SHADE.
63 —highest since noon yesterday.
54 —lowest this morning and during the night.
67—this day at noon.

BIRO METER, 30.07—falling.
WIND. S.W.—Light, with dull weather. It blew a gale
last evening and night.

§Att.