The Sun.
London, England, 1849-09-25 00:00:00

MARY LEBONE THEATRE.

Mrs. Mowatt made her debd for the season here last
evening, as Beatrice in Much Ado about Nothing.
This is one of the most perfect of Mrs. Mowatt's
Shaksperian impersonations. Vivacious and witty,
yet lady-like withal, her representation of Beatrice
is at the same tinie spirited and graceful, pointed and
polished. She was admirably supported by Mr.
Davenport, whose Benedict is one of the best on the
stage. They were called for at the conclusion of the
ccmedy, and Mrs. Mowatt was nearly overwhelmed
beneath a shower of bouquets. The theatre was
crowded to the ceiling.

MEETING OF MASTER BAKERS IN ST. PANCRAS.
—Yesterday evening a numerous meeting of master and
journeymen bakers was held at the Argyle Tavern,
Liverpool•street, King's-cross, to establish a district
House of Call and Benefit Society, fur the mutual co-
operation and support of the masters and journeymen
bakers in the district of King's cross, Somers-town,
Tottenham Court-road, and Camden-town, with a coffee,
reading-room, and library for the use of the members;
to establish a Trade Protection Society for the master
bakers of the district; and also to establish a District
Branch Association, in connexion with the Operative
Bakers' Society, to obtain a diminution of the hours of
labour, and the abolition of night-work in the baking
trade, Mr. H. M. Nevill, of Sidmouth-street, in the chair.
Resolutions were adopted to the effect, that a legislative
enactment was necessary to remove the evils consequent
on the undue amount of labour exacted from the men;
Ind that the meeting pledge itself to support the Opera-
tive Bakers' Society in that object; also that for the
better organization and improvement of the members of
the trade in that district, an institution be established
for their accommodation, convenience, &c., and that a
committee of masters and men be appointed to carry the
object into effect.
THE MURDER IN LAMBETH.—Yesterday afternoon
an inquest was held at the George Tavern, Lambeth, by
Mr. Carter, the Coroner fur Surrey, on the body of
Louisa Charlotte Watson, an infant, who was drowned
by her father in the water butt on Thursday evening
last. The facts of the case, as already stated, were
clearly proved, and, under the direction of the Coroner,
the jury returned a verdict of " Wilful murder" against
Henry Watson, the father. There is, however, no doubt
that the unfortunate man was insane at the time that he
committed the act, though that question is, of course, re-
served for another tribunal.
NIGHT GLEANING.—A novel mode of plunder has
been practised in bouth Devon during the harvest. In
the wheat fields, after it has been cut and stood in
stitches, some night marauders have, with a sharp in-
strument, by handfuls cut the flush of the ears and
carried them away. Mr. Adams, of .Woodleigh Farm,
lost in one night about one bag of wheat, and Mr. King,
of Cross Farm, Loddiswell, a similar quantity, and one
farmer of Kingbridge from three to four bags.—Sher-
borne Mercury.

AN EPIC POEM IN TWELVE BOOKS.
By Sir Edward Buizeer Lytton
Our admiration of this splendid tffusion of genius
—the masterpiece of one of the most remarkable
minds of this generation—has been nobly verified. lts
popularity has already commenced; and that popu-
larity, we are satisfied, is not ephemeral, but VS ill
prove, on the contrary, of an elevated and enduring
character. On the occasion of its first appearance we
endeavoured to subject the poem of "King Arthur"
to such a severe and scrutinizing analysis that we find
but little left fur us to say now, beyond the simple
announcement of its republication. It is due, never-
theless, to the illustrious author to remark that the
present edition has undergone a very careful and
laborious supervision ; and that wl.erever any reason-
able objections have been entered in the way of cri-
ticism, there the text has been submitted to einenda-
ti on. We are proud to know that we ourselves may be
numbered among st those reviewers whom Sir Ed ward
1;u1 ever Lytton Las thus 1 nioured with his coinci-
dence. The plenary with which the literary
journalist revereetlV proffered his suggestioes has
been shared by the poet in tl.e collation of his
original manuscript. "King Arthur" must now win
for itself the admiration to which it is entitled by its
numerous and exquisite beauties. henceforth its
fame must rest upon i s own intrinsic excellence.
All that its creator could effect in its regard has been
accomplished—the last touches of his pencil, still
glowing with the warmth of novelty, and still bloom-
ing with the freshness of adolescence, have been im-
parted—whatever was crude or jejune has been
ripened by correction—the work, so far as the
capacities of the writer are concerned, has attained
the period of its completion. Conscious of this,
we do not consider ourselves premature when we
tender, as we do, our most earnest felicitations to Sir
Edward Bulwer Lytton on the fulfilment of his des-
tiny, on the achievement of his highest success, and
the attainment of his loftiest ambition. In him the
future critic cannot fail to recognize a brilliant evi-
dence that the most extreme versatility is not incom-
patible with the most felicitous adventure. Yearning,
as he has undeniably done throughout his career, to
acquire celebrity as a man of letters, our author has
obtained the most signal triumphs not in one alone,
but in all the various and, until now, apparently
incongruous departments of literature. In prose and
poetry, in romance and biography, in fictitious and
historical narrative, as a lyrist and as an essayist, as
a bard and as a dramatist, in comedy and in tragedy,
he has successively advanced andsuccessfully retreated.
Unlike Sir 'Walter Scott, he has commenced with
prose fiction and terminated with heroic and chivalric
poetry. And his last production has surpassed all its
predecessors. In the preface to " King Arthur," Sir
Edward very judiciously exclaims—" On this foun-
dation I rest the least perishable monument of those
thoughts and those labours which have made the
life of my life." Each perusal of a poem which we
have read more than once assures us that in so
speaking he has formed a correct estimate of his
powers and of their performances. It were well
fur his renown, as a novelist, if the same pure
and rarified atmosphere had been always re-
spired by his imagination, during the intervals of
the composition of his earlier writings, as
that atmosphere which he has breathed in his poetical
and of late also in his prose productions. It were well
if the sensual genius of French romance had never
exercised over his fine, but occasionally distorted, in-
tellect its pernicious fascination. It were well if some
of the more youthful novels of Bulwer had been cha-
racterised by the sweet and wholesome morality of
the last two novels of Lytton—by the unsullied merits
of " Harold," and the gentle and humanizing tone of
the " Caxtons." Now that the collected works of
this distinguished man are being re-issued in a form
such as will extend their popularity by scattering
them mere widely throughout the population, we
would most earnestly suggest to him the increase of
his labours of emendation. Five of his admirable fic-
tions have already been completed in the cheap edi•
tion ; and yet our respectful suggestion comes not too
late, seeing that in none of those five do we recog-
nise the necessity for corrections such as those to which
we are alluding. In saying this, Sir Bulwer Lytton
will perceive that we are not among the hypercritics
whom he has so very logically refuted in the mas-
terly pamphlet penned by him as a vindication from
their aspersions. Our hint at emendation is directed
along a very different channel. For, with him,
we are satisfied that the delineation of great
and tragic crimes, such as those committed by
Lucretia, and such as those wrongfully imputed
to Aram is strictly within the province of a literary
moralist; and that, if handled as he has endeavoured
to handle them, they are calculated to exercise a
bitter but salutary influence over the community of
readers. What we cannot, however, regard as bene-
ficial in this or in any other analogous walk of lite-
rature is that roseate and impassioned delineation of
vice which ravishes the heart and intoxicates the
brain with its voluptuousness. Tell us not that cur
feelings in this particular are the feelings of a prude,
and that our objections are the objections of a fribbler
in morality. Talk not of the lessons of virtue incul-
cated through the medium of these bewitching por-
traitures of depravity. We are neither blind to the
truths of common sense nor deaf to the arguments of
right reason—we know, and feel, and see that the
effects of this fictitious licentiousness, especially when
accompanied by the seductive tones of eloquence and
clothed with the resplendent decorations of genius,
are not to ba counteracted by an ejaculation of re-
morse, or by a sentence expressive of awe for reli-
gion, however cleverly turned or sententiously arti-
culated, We are conscious, moreover, that the noble
intellect of a man like this stands in no need of any
such meretricious assistance. That a writer with a
corruptible reputation, as for example Charles Paul de
Kock, should have recourse to such tricks of passion to
win his way to the darker nerves and pulses of
humanity, to make them thrill and throb at his bid-
ding, is not surprising. But that a man gifted with
such extraordinary and diversified faculties should
condescend to the emulation of minds so inferior;
that he who can at pleasure place his hand upon the
noblest chords of our nature and make them vibrate
to the measure of his inspirations, should ever, even
for a moment, interrupt the melodies of a lyre dropt
from heaven for " the lascivious breathings of a
lute " picked up from the kennel, has been to us
matter of earnest regret and deep astonishment.
Hence we have spoken. Our regard, or rather we
should say, our admiration for the genius of Sir
Edward Bulwer Lytton prompts the suggestion. We
would see his collected works, fraught as they are
with beauties, purified from those casual blemishes.
IVithout making any invidious catalogue of the
passages we yearn to know have passed under his own
generous emendation, we may refer as examples to
an incident befalling Ernest Maltravers and another
occurring to Lumley Ferrers. Our anxiety to wit-
ness this expurgation has been enhanced by the con-
trast afforded by the two latest of the prose, and poeti-
cal productions of the poet-novelist of England—the
pure and beautiful story of the " Caxtons " and the.
untarnished splendour of " King Arthur." Of the
latter, as a superb national epic, we do not hesitate to
predict that its appearance will hereafter be ranked
among the most memorable literary events of our
generation—an anticipation which is fully justified
when we reiterate that it is the masterpiece of Sir
Edward Bulvrer Lytton.

THE TOWER-WATER.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SlR,—The Tower of London, which, prier to the
draining of its moat, was notoriously one of the most
unhealthy garrisons in the country, has since taken a
much higher position in a sanitary point of view, still
it has had to contend against a disadvantage of no
ordinary kind, namely, a deficiency of water.
Through the columns of The Sun the proposal for
the removal of the moat (or ditch, more correctly
speaking) first emanated—and through the same
medium let it be known that the latter evil no longer
exists. A communication has, during the present
week, been made between the fortress and the Ar-
tesian well at the lloynl Mint, by which means a
bounteous supply of pure spring-water will be con-
stantly available to the troops therein stationed. I
need not expatiate on the value of such a blessing at
such a time, and am persuaded that you will be deeply
gratified to hear such news.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
Sept. 22, 1849. AQWEIUS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.
SlR,—Can England do nothing to testify her ad-
miration of the heroic Garibaldi, who is described, in
a letter written by a lady at Rome, as being " as
good as he is brave, and more of a French cavalier
than all the French army put together." I would
suggest that a penny, or sixpenny subscription be
got up throughout the kingdom, and that with the
proceeds (which I have no doubt will be considerable)
a sword, designed after the old .Rman fashion, be
purchased and presented to the General, with this, or
a similar inscription :

THE PEOPLE OF ENGLAND
TO

GARIBALDI,

THE
DEFENDER OF ROME.
I am, Sir, your obedient servant,
LIBERTAS.

Ilfracombe, Sept. 24th, 1849.

THE SILK TRADE OF CHESHIRE.-It is gratifying
to state that the staple trade of Macclesfield and Congle-
ton; the two great seats of the silk trade.in Cheshire,
continues in a thriving and healthy condition. Weavers
are in demand, and all the dye-houses are in full and
constant employment. The silk trade, up to a late
period, had been in a drooping state, and the working
classes engaged in it had suffered much and severe pry.
vation. At present the labouring population aro in com-
paratively easy circumstances, and the cheapness of food
adds much to their domestic comforts.

SANITARY COMMITTEE.
Last evening a meeting of emergency of the Sani-
tary Committee, convened by Mr. Corder, the clerk
to the Guardians, by direction of Mr. Poolton, the
Chairman of the Committee, was held in the Board-
room at the Workhouse. At the hour of meeting
(half-past five o'clock) there was a numerous attend-
ance of the committee, consisting of Mr. Poolton,
their zealous chairman; Mr. Dee, the Chairman, and
Mr. Allday, the Vice-Chairman of the Board of
Guardians; Messrs. Hebbert, Mason, Beale, Jchn
Rinks, Joseph Rinks, Mills, Collins, Heaton, J. W.
Lloyd, Maiden, and others.
The CHAIRMAN reported that he had received a
letter that morning, the contents of which he would
submit to the committee ; and he further stated that,
considering the serious nature of such communication,
he lost not a moment in directing Mr. Corder to
convene that meeting ; and he trusted, when they
heard the letter read, they would deem its importance
a sufficient apology for calling the committee to-
gether on the Sabbath-day.—(Bear, hear.) Mr.
Poolton then read the communication as follows :
Birmingham, 233 September, 1849.
" Sir,--I have been informed that the Cavalry have
been removed from the Barracks at Coventry in conse-
qucrc.% of several deaths from el:elem. At the present
time the re are four or five soldiers not fit to be removed.
I understand that the barracks there are to be taken
charge of by a guard: from the Infantry Barracks here,
and to be relieved every seven or ten days by a fresh
party from here—the others returning to the quarters
at Ifeardworth'. In my humble opinion I don't think
that is fair fur the inhabitants. If 3ou agree with me,
Colonel Arbuthnot is the gentleman to see, at his office,
Vauxhall, about eleven All -I am, &c."
The name of the writer of the letter did not
transpire.

Mr. ALLDAY stated that he had seen the captain of
the infantry at the barracks in Cheapside that morn-
ing, on the subject of the communication received by
their chairman, who had communicated the same to
him, and that the gallant captain admitted the truth
of such statement, and informed him that he had, by
order of the commandant, sent some of his men from
Birmingham to take charge of the barracks at Co-
ventry, where the cholera was now raging, and that
such men were to be relieved on Saturday next.
These communications created quite a sensation in
the meeting; and
Mr. DEE strongly protested against the introduc-
tion of any of the military from Coventry into the
town under the circumstances ; and if driven to such
an alternative he, for one, would join his brother-
townsmen in opposing their entrance.—(Hear.)
It was then moved by Mr. ALLDAY, seconded by
Mr. BEALE, and resolved—" That Mr. Dee and the
Chairman be requested to wait on Colonel Arbuthnot
this (Monday) morning, for the purpose of remon-
strating, on the part of tha Sanitary Committee and
the inhabitants of Birmingham, against the proposed
removal of any of the troops from Coventry into this
town."

After the transaction of some other business the
committee adjourned.
We are happy to add that no further case of cho•
lera was reported to the committee.

As cleanliness and pure water are strongly recom-
mtnded-by the Board of Health, it is satisfactory to
know that the authorities of the Birmingham Water
Works Company have, at the suggestion of the sani-
tary committee, resolved to furnish the town daily
with a copious supply of water..
It is a remarkable fact, and one that ought to form
a subject for deep and reverent thankfulness to the
Almighty disposer of events, that whilst the prevail-
ing pestilence is committing its awful ravages, and
daily sweeping off its numerous victims in so many
other districts, including the metropolis itself, the
borough of Birmingham, with a population exceeding
200,000 souls, has had but one indigenous case of
cholera.—Aris's Birmingham Gazette, Sept. 24.

THE PREMIER AND THE CIRCU-

LATING SOCIETY OF REVOLUTIONISTS.
TO THE EDITOR OF THE SU.N.
SlR,—The Governor of Malta could not allow the
Roman refugees to land, as they might possibly
belong to that formidable society—a society evidently
omnipotent, and also omnipresent. They first inflamed
all Sicily, then Paris, Berlin, Naples, Vienna, Milan,
Prague, Venice, Rome, Frankfort, Florence, Baden
and Hungary. Why, they even attempted a revolu-
tion amongst us on the 10th of April ; but, meeting
ith such bad success, I question whether they did
not open their travelling bag to let out the cholera
upon us. They are well provided with gold, they
speak the language of every country, and they have
only to present themselves in any metropolis, and
immediately the throne is upset. Seeing, however,
that thrones still maintain themselves, some by fair
and some by foul means, they are now all gone off
to California to collect a new supply of gold. 'Why,
surely Mr. More O'Ferrall must be almost as great
a statesman as Lord John Russell himself, and quite
as penetrating and humane. C. S.

THE Rum TO CALIFORNIA.—Somebody has fur-
nisbed us with the following dialogue, which occurred
in this town a few days since between a shipowner and
a stranger:—Strarger—" How much do you ask Mr.
—2for a cabin passage to California?" Shipowner—
" One hundred dollars, cash down, in advance; but I
crn't take you; all full in the cabin." Stranger—
Well, suppose I go in the hold; how much du you ask
then?" Shipowner—" Eighty dollars; but I can't take
you—hold is full." Stranger—" But can't Igo in the
tore peak ? What is the price of a passage there?"
Shipowner—Bilety dollars; but I can't take you. Full
fore and aft." Stranger—" Well, can't Igo aloft some-
where—and suppose I do, what will you charge?" Ship-
owner—" Wo charge eighty dollars to go anywhere; but
can't carry you aloft; got to carry provisions there.
Stranger—lt's a hard case, isn't it. But I want to go
tolerably bad! what will you charge to tow me? " The
shipowner retreated suddenly,:and didn't make his ap-
pearance again till the vessel bad sailed.—Sandwich
Island Polynesian.
SUDDEN DEITII.--011 Saturday last an inquest
was held by Mr. James Lewis, coroner for Rochester,
on board her Llajesty's ship Royal George, lying in Salt-
pan Reacb, between Chatham and Sheerness, to inquire
into the cause of death of George Brown, a lad nine
years of age, son of Mr. Hudson Brown, a warrant-
officer in charge of the above ship, whose death was oc-
casioned in the following singular mermen—Deceased,
whilst walking from the ward-room to the cabin for the
purpose of cutting a candle, carr)ing with him a pair of
scissors, tripped and fell, when the point of the scissors
pierced the jugular vein just under the jawbone, which
caused almost instantaneous death. Verdict—" Acci-
dental death.