The Sun.
London, England, 1849-09-07 00:00:00

envnin4 t

LONDON, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 7, 1849.

At a period when the mortality in London, in
England, in Europe—nay, more or less in almost
every quarter of the world—is alarmingly increased
by that dreadful epidemic which is at present thin-
ning our population, a powerful stimulus is afforded
to a cause which we have always regarded with pe-
culiar favour—we mean the cause of Sanitary Im-
provement. Very nearly ten thousand of our fellow-
creatures, in the metropolis alone, have already
within the last few weeks fallen victims to the Asiatic
Cholera. And according to the statements officially
notified by the Registrar-General, the disease is
gradually increasing as to intensity, and extending
as to locality. This is, consequently, no period for
either indolence or indifference. If sanitary innova-
tions were advisable heretofore, they have now
become an absolute necessity. Not only for
our own sakes, but for the sake of our neighbours,
it is incumbent upon each individual to take those
rational precautions which are judicious at ordinary
periods of sickness, but which, in extraordinary
periods;] like the present, have become imperatively
requisite. Indeed we would force upon the reason
of every one indiscriminately a truth which all must
allow to be glaringly incontrovertible—namely, that
extreme carelessness is as culpable as over solicitude.
While we are satisfied that the general interests of
the cause of sanitary improvement have been latterly
advanced by the prevalence of this destructive epi-
demic, we cannot remain blind to the fact that its
principal advocates have been brought into deserved
disrepute by the frivolity of their arguments, the
immethodical and cursory character of their
investigations, and by the extravagant inconsis-
tencies, and even absurd contradictions, which
have been perceptible in the majority of their
decisions. From the glaring faults, indeed, which
have latterly marked the proceeding of the Commis-
sioners at Gwydyr House, and from the egregiously
false logic of the reasoning of such men as Mr.
CHADWICK, we augur but a very brief (or if pro-
longed, a very inglorious) reign for the present
Seignors of the Sewers and Vicegerents of Ventila-
tion. Had_many of the points now at issue been
submitted to the ,decision of a "jury of matrons,"
or, let us speak more plainly, had they been submitted
to a party of " old women," the result could not have
been very different from that which is conspicuous in
the judgment delivered by the sages congregated in
council in the gardens of Whitehall. If the blue-
books generally are to be stuffed full of such
twaddle as that which has of late proceeded from
the General Biard of Health, we think that the lover

of historical glories, and the aspirant for the preset.,

vation of our political and swill reputation, may allay
henceforth all his foregoing solicitude in regard to the
construction of a suitable edifice in London or West-
minster, for the preservation of our State papers and
national records. And had the book of Prospero con-
tained nothing worthier of consideration, that master
mind might have permitted its burial many fathoms
deep 'without any very distressing qualms of con-
science.

What the public wants on an occasion of such im•
minent and grinding emergency is, not any fanciful
speculations, or elaborated theories, or inge-
nious suppositions—hut facts, facts, facts. Facts
the most naked. Facts the most simple.
Facts the most vivid and undeniable. Hence

we cannot but think the majority will be disposed
to laugh with a sort of savage indignation at such
propositions as that one seriously made by the Com-
missioners as to the employment of a fire or garden-
engine for the purpose of effectually cleansing the low
courts and alleys of the metropolis, and to coincide
implicitly and entirely with a correspcndent of one of
our morning contemporaries, who has pronounced the
views of the Board in regard to zymotic poisons as
equally idle phantasms with the Phlogiston of STAHL
and the Vortices of DESCARTES.

Among all the numberless suggestions as to the
origin of the prevailing epidemic, not one has
appeared to us so 'singularly felicitous, because so
Possible, so probable, so raticnal, as the one made
by this same anonymous correspondent—writing
under the psuedonym of " Anti-Zymosis." Ac6ording
to his argument, the cholera is nothing more nor less
than the result of a deficiency of ozone in the atmo-
sphere. Thy reasoning is founded upon the following
elementary truths—facts removed beyond the reach
of all denial :
" 1. That the electrical intensity of the atmosphere has
during the whole of the year been only
one half that of
former years; that it has been regularly diminishing
since January up to a certain period; and then remained
for some time stationary.

"2. That oz ,me is a product of electrical action, and
consequently that the amount of it in the atmosphere
varies in an exact ratio with the electrical intensity.
"3. That ozone combines with and changes in the
most rapid manna• al animal matter—except albumen
in its fresh state—and that it immediately deprives the
most putrid and zolid bodies of all disagreeable smell.
"4. That during the last three months not Even the
minutest quantity of ozone has been nor could be de-
tected in the air of London.
5. That during the prevalence of influenza and the
spread of catarrhal affections there is invariaWy an ex-
cess of ozone in the atmosphere.
" 6. That ozone is always formed during combustion."
Out of the consideration of these broad facts," Anti-

Zymosis" declares that "an excess of ozone is imme-
diately conneeed with influenzi, and that a deficieney
k the concomioin, of choiera." ii oth( r. arid, per

hAps, simpler words, " that ieflueLz I is the peculiur
form of disease produced when the atmosphere is plus,
and the cholera when it is minus that particular amount
(of ozone) which appears necessary for producing
the proper changes in the body." Now
whether this argument be sound or illusive, it is
certain that it is borne out by many startling corro-
borative circumstances. For example, the deficiency
of ozone in the atmosphere during times of cholera is
sufficiently demonstrated by the experiment made in
St. Petersburgh during the period of its devastations
in that capital, when a magnet ordinarily capable of
sustaining a weight of 50ibs. had its power gradu-
ally diminished to 251b5., a fact clearly indicating
the absence of the usual amount of ozone—ozone
being directly dependent upon the intensity of the
electrical action. Nor must the experiment in ques-
tion be regarded as isolated and as consequently re-
stricted in its application; for the calculation made
in the capital of Russia has been found on inquiry to
tally to a nicety with that made by the Belgic philo.
sopher, M. QUETELET. Again, the fact adduced by
" Anti-Zymosis" to the effect " that ozone is always
formed during combustion," is singularly, in
accordance with the remarkable immunity from the
pestilence enjoyed by such towns as Berlin, as Lyons,
and as Birmingham—towns in which are continually
burning the large fires employed in the labours of
different manufactures. Various experiments are
suggested by the writer for the purpose of testing the
accuracy of his arguments, such as the employing of
a mixture of white starch and iodide of potassium to
discern the presence of ozone in the atmosphere
—when a blue colour would be imparted to the
starch, the iodine being liberated. He also suggests
the advisability of endeavouring to discover whether
or not 'Dame may be artificially produced, as, for
instance, " by discharging a series of electric sparks
through a mixture of vapour and oxygen"—showing
by the failure or the success of those experiments
whether ozone be a binoxide, or a teroxide, or a
sesquioxide of hydrogen. Altogether, while ac-
knowledging that the hypothesis of " Anti-Zymo
sis
is at present in a very crude or elementary condition,
we are satisfied that there
justify furtheraresufficientintvreustthisgatn.
iocom-
prised in his argument to
Meantime, while efforts are being seriously made
to detect the actual or proximate cause of the epi-
demic, a rational amount of precaution in cleanliness,
diet, and a speedy demand of medical treatment, is
absolutely incumbent upon every individual through
out the United Kingdom.

In the observations which we felt it our duty to
offer in our impression of the 9th ultimo on the pro-
bable consequences of the decision of the Learned
Chief Commissioner of the Insolvent Court, in re
CHARLES THROSBY, we gave full credit to that emi-
nent and experienced Judge for the praiseworthy
motives by which he was actuated—motives that in-
duced him to depart in some degree from the spirit
and object of the code which it was his duty to ad-
minister. We believe, however, that a most dange-
rous precedent was established—a precedent affording
the strongest encouragement to the " credit system"
at our Universities, which would induce the
creditors, who almost thrust credit on young
men," to drive matters to extremities, to
refuse any compromises that might be offered,
believing that they would still obtain everything
they could hope for, after
.subjecting their victim to
the degradation and injury of appealing to the Court
for a discharge, and which would prevent parents or
friends from coming forward to offer any partial
payment, since they would be held thereto, although
the objects for which the offer was made had been
defeated. We also showed that the decision might
have a very injurious result on the unfortunate young
man, who, although expressly " exonerated" by the
presiding Judge " from any charge of con-
tracting his debts by false representations, or
by any means that trenched upon morality
and gentlemanly conduct, beyond his having involved
himself in unnecessary expenses," might be subjected
" to a protracted imprisonment, far more than would
be inflicted if he had been guilty of reckless and un-
principled conduct."
From an application made to the Court nn Monday
last, reported in The Sun of the following day, it
will be seen that our 'anticipations have been fully
verified, and that Mr. THROSBY still remains
in close custody, his father's solicitors not
considering themselves warranted, under the
instructions received from that gentleman, in
complying with the condition upon which the dis-
charge was directed, by payment into court of the
sum of 2504 sterling. These gentlemen were still
willing to pay the full sum of 3001., provided a release
were executed by all the creditors, by which the i❑

solvent would be discharged from any future demands,
and having communicated that offer to all the parties
named in the schedule, seventeen creditors, whose
debts amounted in the whole to 5461. 16s. ld., being
three-fourths in value, and more than one half in
number, returned answers accepting the terms
proposed. Mr. THOMAS RANDALL, however, the
liberal and accommodating THOMAS RANDALL, who
" claims for himself the privilege of placing some con-

fidence in the honour of that portion of the chivalry
of England who pass for purposes of education the
period between raw youth and maturel,manhood in
the university," did not condescend to return any
reply. The proposition was treated with sovereign
contempt by that excellent tradesman, who, although
" he did not wish to keep the insolvent in custody,
and was fax from wishing to keep any gentleman in
prison, could not consent to forego his claim upon
the insolvent's future earnings." He would have the
full penalty of his bond. He would have the labour
of the young man, whose prospects in life had
been materially prejudiced, if not irretrievably
blighted, mortgaged until the amount contracted " at
West-end prices, and interest at the rate of five per
cent. after two years," should be liquidated to the
uttermost farthing. It was nothing to the champion
of the system that the young man whom he himself

admitted to have had "nothing that an undergraduate
in his circumstances might not fairly have require,l,

and who, after the first year, had become more
sparing in his orders, and had only what was neces-

nary," might linger in a gaol, acquiring habits even
more injurious and demoralising than those contracted

at that ancient seat of learning, the University of
Oxford. The " pound of flesh " shuuld be obtained,

and the course adopted by the Chief Commissioner,
whose health, we doubt not, was toasted with " three
times three," and one cheer more, at the festive board
in the vicinity of the " ruination shop," led to the
hope that his obstinacy might be attended with the
desired result. Under these circumstances no course
remained but a new application to the Court to cancel
the condition annexed to the judgment, and to decree
the immediate discharge of the insolvent.
The proceedings afforded the strongest illustration
of the danger of any departure from the beaten

;rack. In vain the Commissioner endeavoured to

arbitrate between the parties-4n vain be "recom

mended" Mr. RANDALL, and those who acted under

his auspices, to sign a release upon receiving their
dividends out of the 3001.—shout 7s. in the pound—
and to leave the residue " to the honour of the young
man and the feelings of his family." Mr. RANDALL
would retain "his hold on the future property," be-
sides he had "others to consult, and begged to defer
giving his opinion." In vain the Chief Commissioner

appealed to Messrs. YOUNG and VALLINGs to recon-
sider their decision, urging that the discharge
which he could pronounce would give a full discharge
. . .

o the insolvent, with the exception that the creditors

might hereafter apply to the Commissionars of the
Court, in the event of the insolvent's becoming possessed

of property."
,These gentlemen continued firm to
their instructions, which only authorised the payment

n the event of a fall and unconditional release.

What, then, was to be done ? An immediate dis-

charge would exhibit in the strongest light the grave
mistake which the Learned Judge himself had com-
mitted, while a lengthened remand could scarcely
be justified under the spirit of the insolvent
code, where the applicant was " exonerated
from any charge of contracting his debts, by
false representations, or by any means that trenched
on morality and gentlemanly conduct, beyond his
having involved himself in unnecessary expenses." A
middle course was therefore alopted, and the case
was again adjourned until the 18th instant, when
final judgment will be pronounced.

*We cannot conclude without referring to the ad.

'likable judgment of Mr. J. B. PARRY, Q.C., in the
.till more recent "Oxford Insolvency." The Learned

(--ienti:e2ll4,

he Insolvent Ac. .3as to prevent fraud, and to
punish those who fraudulently obtained goods without
:lily reasonable or probable expectation of being able to
pay for them. The insolvent had not been guilty of
either, and, therefore, he thought it would be contrary
to the policy of the law and the public welfare to pre-
clude him from providing for himself by his own exer-
tions, or from setting aside any portion of his earnings
towards the liquidation of his debts. He should, there-
fore, order his discharge, but would remark, that it was
very proper that the insolvent should pay his debts Übe
should ever come into possession of means to do so."

This is a just and 'equitable judgment. As such
we commend it to the consideration of the Chief
Commissioner. By refusing a discharge until the
2501., is paid, he may condemn the young man to
perpetual imprisonment, or force an innocent party
to pay money from his own resources that he had
never received from the insolvent; for it is, we be-
lieve, only in cases of fraudulent preference or sup-
pression of assets, that such conditions have hereto-
fore been annexed to the discharge. A most un-
merited stigma would thus be attached to the name
of this unfortunate young gentleman, that may
materially prejudice his future career—a prejudice
which we are convinced the Learned Chief Com-
missioner would himself be the first to deplore if
created by any ill-considered or hasty decision on his
part.

THE FRENCH REPUBLIC.

We have received the Paris papers of yesterday.
An official notification has been received by the
PRESIDENT of the Republic of the intention of the
Emperor of Russia to immediately withdraw all his
forces from Hungary.
The Committee of 25 of the Legislative Assembly
etendts tow atshemmnostf
themet
satisfactory.!t(astte3rodfa YP. a r iTs haen da c et
re td
eppraerstemn
The Government has determined, in accordance
with the recommendation of the greater number of
the Councils-General of the Departments. to re-
establish the duty on potable liquors.
The .111oniteur announces that M. DE RESSRGUIER,
representative of the people, has been pleased to
accede to a request made to him by the Minister of
Public Instruction, to accept a mission to proceed to
Algiers to collect all th - information that may seem
calculated to promote la) development of education
and charitable institutions in Algeria. He is accord-
ingly to embark for the colony by the fiat packet
from Toulon.
The Evenement says—
" According to a letter from Rome, addressed to a
member of the Cabinet, General Oudinot is to be in
Paris before the 20th instant. The General is expected
with impatience by the Government, to whom he can,
better than any one, give explanations on the Roman
question, and the attitude of the reactionary cardinals."
The embarrassments of the French Government
consequent upon their interference in the affairs of
Rome continue to increase. The Cardinals have, it
is declared, positively stated that they will pay no
attention to the suggestions of the French Govern•
went, and orders have, consequently, been dispatched
to Generel ROSTOLAN to virtually depose the Car-
dinals and assume the reins of government himself,
in order to defend the Roman citizens against the
outrages perpetrated by the vengeance-seeking sa•
cerdotal faction. The Sentinelle of Toulon of the Ist
publishes the following :
" It is announced that a steamer touched yesterday at
Antibes, where it brought very pressing dispatches
relative to Roman affairs. They announce that the
P.pe has d-tided to enter his capital, and to en-
trust the a Iministration of his states to secular func-
tionaries."
This report needs confirmation.
M. RAVE; who, under the Monarchy, was at one
time President of the Chamber of Deputies, died on
Sunday at Bourdeax of the cholera.

At about two o'clock yesterday, as the crowd of
Seculators and curious began to assemble in the
alle de la Bourse, one of the clerks of the Tribunal
of Commerce remarked with astonishment, in one of
the galleries near the corbeille of the agens de change,
a rather large package, from which smoke issued,
with a strong smell of saltpetre. Having called
the attendants, the fire in the paper was extin-
guished without accident, and the package was
conveyed to the office of the Commissary of Police
at the Bourse. The package was found to contain
sixteen cartridges. If it had not been discovered an
explosion would very shortly have taken place.
According to all probability this infernal machine
was prepared to enable malefactors to commit rob-
beries in the panic which the explosion would have
caused. An investigation has been commenced, but
no one has yet been arrestad, though cevPral /lemons
are strongly suspected. Some years ago an extensive
robbery was committed in a gambling house in the
Palais Royal in the alarm caused by the explosion of
an infernal machine.

M. BERTIN, the ad interim Mayor of Havre, having
given in his resignation, in consequence of the vote of
the Municipal Council, disapproving of his speech to
the PRESIDENT of the Republic, the Sub-Prefect has
appointed N. PERQUER, a member of the Council, to
replace him.
The inauguration of the railroad from Paris to
Tonnerre will take place on Sunday next, as already
announced. It is thought that the PRESIDENT of the
Republic will, notwithstanding the length of the
journey, be able to return to Paris on the same day.
Intelligence has been received from Guadaloupe, of
the Bth, that serious disturbances had taken place at
Point d Pitre.

The Patric says that, according to the dispatches
that have been received by Government from the
divers prefets, it is improbable that many Councils-
General will demand the revision of the Constitution.

•
PARIS BOURSE, THURSDAY, SEPT. 6.
The market has been rather more buoyant to day,
but prices are merely a shade higher ; Threes closing at
56e. 15c. ; and Fives at 91f. 70c. The market closed as
follows :—•Threes, for cash, 56f. 15e. ; for account, 56f.
15e. ; Fives, for cash, 91f. 70c. ; for account, 91f. 70c.;
Bank of France Shares, 2,370 f. ; Spanish Threes, 35f. ;
Do. Fives and Neapolitan not quoted.
RAILWAYS.—RaiIway shares have been rather offered
to•day, but prices have not materially varied. Orleans
closed at 77.51.; Rouen, 540 f. ; Havre, 2701. ; Avignon,
227 f. 50c. ; Vierz,m, 315 f. ; Strasburg and Bale, 1051. ;
Bordeaux, 4031. 25c. ; Northern, 441 f. 25c. ; Paris and
Strasburg, 3531. 75c. ; Nantes, 305 f. ; Monterau, 120 f. ;
Dieppe, 1801.

BUSINESS DONE IN FOREIGN RAILWAYS AT THE
LONDON STOCK-EXCHANGE, SErr. 6.
Boulogne and Amiens, 6 V—East Indian, 41i —Paris and
Rouen, 213% Paris and Strasbourg, 54 Northern of
France, 21,E dis.-. Orleans and Bourdeaux, 3A —Rouen and
Havre,: 1014.