The Sun.
London, England, 1822-02-28 00:00:00

2. -ON LIGHT.

Hail Holy Light ! offspring of Heaven, first-born,
Or of the eternal co-eternal beam—

Bright effluence of bright essence increate,
Whose fountain who shall tell
Were we to believe the inferences which have been drawn
from the language of the immortal Author of Paradise Lost.
He saw the difficulties which have attended its investigation,
with that apparently super-human eye with which he appeared
always endowed, whether " high towering o'er space," or
" plunging into the depth profound." The hardly less illus-
trious, and far sweeter bard, of the " Seasons," has sung what
Milton had before described so well—
Prime cheerer Light— •
Efflux divine—Nature's resplendent robe—
Without whose vesting beauty, all were wrapt
In unessential gloom.
The phenomena of light, which these poets have so nobly cele-
brated, is too apparent to our senses, too all-present, too com-
mon, for us not to be for a moment struck with its beauty, or
astonished at its wondrous nature. Various philosophers, dis-
tinguished fur their abilities, have investigated its properties
with unwearied patience. But the success of their labours,
however splendid, has certainly not been commensurate with
the talents of the labourers employed in the research. All,
therefore, still appears unsettled, and though a Davy and a
Brewster have attacked this unconfinable principle, yet still
even the question, is light a substance, remains yet undecided.
At a future period we shall examine the facts and arguments
which have been produced on both sides of the question, which
in the present state of our knowledge are often mutually un-
answerable. When two pieces of lump sugar are rubbed
against each other in the dark, light is emitted ; or, when a si-
milar lump is melted in the dark, by placing it on a hot coal, a
similar appearance presents itselt. Light is necessary for
plants : when a plant is deprived of light, as in bleaching sa-
lads, sea kale, &c. by gardeners, its colour is lost, and, instead
of its beauteous green, a sickly yellow tint serves in its stead.
The French gardeners call these sickly plants etiolated, as if
they grew by star-light. It has been lately discovered that
the gas which is now employed for the purposes of illumina-
tion (carbonated hydrogene), and which is almost always
present in coal mines, has the curious property of preserving
the green tints of plants unimpaired after all light has been
withdrawn from them, various plants having lately been dis-
covered growing in such situations, whose green, colour was
quite as perfect as of those growing in the light.
When animal matters are just beginning to putrefy, they
often emit light ; this is particularly the case with sonic kinds
of fish, as the herring, whiting, &c. The finest phosphores-
cent appearance of this description we ever witnessed was emit.;
ted from the head and shoulders of a large cod-fish deposited
in a damp larder, in the night after a warm summer's day ; an
evolution of light took place, of a very beautiful description,
and the largeness of the fish, which appeared one mass of light,
added not a little to the solemnity of the scene. Dr. ThoMson,
in his learned System of Chemistry, gives a process for pro-
ducing this light at pleasure. When four drachms of the
herring, the whiting, or the mackerel, are placed in a phial
containing two ounces of sea-water, or water holding so-
lution one half drachm of common salt,. or two drachms of'
Epsom salt, and the phial put into a dam place, a luminous
ring appears upon the surface of the liquor within three days,
and the whole liquid, when agitated, becomes luminous.
Much discussion has lately taken place as to the power pos-
sessed by the violet ray (into which, with six others, the sun's
rays are divided, when received on a prism of glass) of impart-
ing magnetic powers to a steel needle, ; it seems, however, by
the experiments of the Marquis Ridolfi, that this is really the
case, and we are not without our hopes that this discovery may
have a tendency to throw some little light upon the at present
dark and unexplored fields ofmagnetism.
3. ON THE GREAT SIZE OF MANY CELEBRATED TREES.
The enormous size to which some celebrated trees have ar-
rived is truly astonishing. There is now, says Forsyth, in
Lord Dacie's park, at Fortworth, in Gloucestershire, a sweet
chesnut tree 'which measures 17 yards in tircumferefice ; it ve,s
growing there in the reign of William the Conqueror, "and in
the reign of Stephen was called the great chesnut of Fortworth.
It is known, we have understood, to have existed in the reign
of Stephen, from mention made of it in several of the old deeds
in the possession of the Dacie family, mention being made
of Manorial Courts held under its shade.

M. Brisseau Mirbel, when treating upon the causes of the
death of plants, gives the following statement in the Journal of
Science, Vol. 4, p. 9:—
The yews of Surrey, which are supposed-to have stood from
the time of Julius Ciesar, and are now two yards in diameter,
the cedars on mount Lebanon,nine yards in girth, from the mea-
xarement of the learned Labillardiere. The fig-tree of NI alabar,
according to Ramphius, usually from 16 to 17 yards round, the
stupendous chesnuts of mount /Etna, one of which 11 owell
tells us measured 17 yards in circumference. 'The ceibas of the
eastern coast of Africa, of such bulk and height that a single
stick is capable of being transformed into a pirogua, or sailing
vessel, 18 or 20 yards from stem to stern, and of 30r4 in the
waist—the Baobab of Senegal of 10 or 12 yards in girth, and,
according to the computation of Adamson, a or 6,000 years old.
All of these; giants as they are, vegetate as does the smallest
bush; solely by the thin herbaceous layer of the liber annually
produced at the inner surface of their bark. The concentric
layers of preceding libers constitute the mass of 'the wood a
lifeless skeleton, serving solely to support the new formed ports,
and to conduct to them the juices by which they are fed, nor is
it even necessary for these functions that this should be in an
entire state. Willows and chesnuts when quite hollow at the
heart still continue to grow with vigour, but in their soundest
state strip them of their bark and they quickly perish.

THE SUN.

SOLEN (WES DIC,ERE FALSU)I AUDE.47' ?

LONDON,
THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 28, 1822.

A lesson was read to Ministers last night on
the weakness and inutility of givingnp established
.and salutary rights, in compliance with popular
clamour. Et will be remembered that in the
year 1817, when a number of sinecure places
were abolished or reduced, a Bill was brought
in, enabling his MAJESTY to grant retiring pen-
sions, of limited number and amount, to certain
public•officers after a stated period of service.
CaEEVEY, it appears, had supported
the .principle upon which this Bill was intro-
.duced, but was unluckily absent from Eng-
land, at the time of its passing... Having now re-
turned to this country, and having also chang-
ed his mind on the present subject (in spite
.of the saying ('oelum, non onimum, mutant qui
trans-mare currqnt) he comes forward with a ve-
hement accusation of the Bill, its supporters, and
.all whpare likely to profit by its provisions. Now,
as Mr. CRC-I:VEY observed, " it is not extraordinary
.that a. man should at one time see a question in one

view; at another time in another ;" but neither
-is irto be wondered at that the public should
hold. in very moderate estimation the judgment
whkh undergoes such violent changes and flue-
tuatioqs in the course of ,a few years. We may
atlfult far argument's sake, that a man may be
,quite sincere, who alters his mind every six
hours, but we may be excused from taking his
atiVice or :placing any reliance on his opinions.'
ft is however fair to say, that we do not greatly
diffkr from Mr. CJLEEVEY'S sentiments of last
as to the alteration effected by the Bill of
,It4i7 in the mode of rewarding public services.
Although it might have been desirable that some
•I
:iiinecure offices should, if possible, be reduced in
or ,entirely thrown aside; we think that
-)v,fa4ever was 'gained by ,establishing the present
pension system was gained .by en improvident
sacrifice of ,the dignity and just influence of
,the, ,Crown. ,it would have been much bet:
and more honourable both to the giver
„aud'the . receiver, that certain offices should.
:14ave remained -,to be freely .distributed as

marks of the Royal grace, than that a stated
sum of money should be set apart for his MA..
JESTY to dole out from time to time under rigid
and arbitrary limitations. This, it will easily
be supposed, was not the objection most in-
sisted upon by the Opposition last night. As it
will happen in every case of imprudent conces-
sion, the discourse was, not of what had been sa-
crificed, but of that which had been retained.
—The question of sinecures was now a minor
consideration, and Mr. CitEEVEY with the ut-
most boldness denounced as " abominable and
outrageous," the doctrine that high and efficient
public men should be rewarded at the national
expence. The Honourable Member, in the course
of his speech, repeated very frequently an as-
sumption, which will, no doubt, be found well
worth re-echoing out of doors, that the present
Bill charged the nation with a yearly payment of
42,0001. a year, thus taking as the ordinary
and necessary charge, the highest sum allowed by
the Bill under any circumstances. That the
measure of justice might be quite full on this oc-
casion, Mr. BANKES, in recompense for his exer-
tions in the proceedings connected with the Bill,
was personally assailed with a most violent phi-
lippic by Mr. BENNETT, who declared, that if he
were called upon to name a member of Parlia-
ment who seemed to value less the public inte-
rests, and who was more wasteful of the public
money than any other, he would point at the
Hon. Member for Corfe Castle.

An effort was made in the Committee of Supply
to extricate Mr. Hume.: from the mauvais pas into
which he had brought himself by his late obser-
vations on the Navy Estimates. The Hon. Gen-
tleman explained some of his former statements,
omitted to explain others, and added some new
ones, in which he was again controverted by the
Secretary to the Admiralty, upon whose sheaving
it appeared, that if Mr. HUME was unfortunate
in his original statement, his blunders increase in
the explaining, at compound interest. The out-
cry and the vehement efforts of his friends on
this occasion sufficiently attest the importance
they attach to his failure on Friday night.

The Patriots of Great Britain seem to value
Mr. HUNT'S merits and commiserate his sufferings
in a degree proportioned to their distance from
his sphere of action. A Petition was last night
presented to the House of Commons, from
the people of Greenock, in the West of Scot-
land, on behalf of Mr. lIENay HUNT, " at pre-
sent suffering solitary imprisonment in the gaol
of Ilchester." Our readers may not perhaps
know what is considered solitary imprisonment
at Greenock and on the Opposition side of the
House of Commons. Mr. IIuNT, then, (nature
recoils at the idea !) is only permitted to see
visitors in the common day visiting room, with the
exception of his attorney, surgeon and physician,
who, by a mitigation of the prison rules, are al-
lowed (as we understand from the debate) to see
him in private. Mr. AUNT not choosing to receive
his friends in a room which is open to prisoners
for felony, his son is compelled to the hard
necessity of rowing in a boat to that part of the
river which is under his father's window, and con-
versing with him while resting on his oars. All
this may be very tragical, but we confess that,
according to the popular acceptation of words,
it seems to us a mere defiance of truth to apply
the term solitary confinement to the situa-
tion thus described. Mr. BENNETT, indeed,
admitted with vast candour that this was not the
worst degree of solitary confinement, but observed
" that there was another degree of it which
was perhaps not less painful to the sufferer,
and it was that sort which inflicted degradation
and insult, as classing the prisoner who had not
committed any crime, among those who disgraced
society." We do not know by what code of morals
the assertion can be justified that Mr. HUNT has
committed no crime in presiding over an assembly
scarcely less tha❑ treasonable; but we think that
he who convened the ignorant and deluded
people of Lancashire on the fatal 16th of August,
and by his conduct rendered himself morally re-
sponsible for the blood which was shed on that
lamentable day, is not improperly placed among
those who have disgraced society. If he is con-
fined in a situation dangerous to his health, that
complaint deserves attention; but we do not see
any ground for the claim of indulgences, or of
the smallest relaxation in his favour, of rules
which are not considered too hard for other pri-
soners in the same situation.

IRELAND.—A Privy Council was held in Dub-
lin on Saturday, at which it was resolved to place
the County of Cork under the operation of the
Insurrection Act, from and after Friday (to-
morrow), the Ist March.
The Special Commission terminated its labours
in Cork on Stturday, when the Judges proceeded
for Fermoy, and from thence, on the following
day, for Dublin. In summing up the evidence
on the trial of Heffernan,- Baron M'CLELLAND
stated, that he had closely observed the character
of the disturbances, and that he was convinced
no religious or party feeling of any kind was
connected with them. It was a confederacy of
the lower classes, who, in the southern parts of
the country, were generally of the Roman Ca-
tholic religion, against the higher classes,
and against religion of all persuasions—
Protestant, Catholic, and every other. He also
' said that he felt it his duty to express his appro-
bation of the conduct of the Catholic Clergy,
wherever that conduct had come within his ob-
servation. The Attorney-General, while the
Jury were deliberating on Heffernan's case,
took that opportunity of publicly announcing
that clemency would probably be extended to
some of the prisoners capitally convicted, pra.

vided the returning tranquillity of the country
were manifested by a speedy and general sur-
render of arms.

It appears by letters from Cork that the insur-
gents had formed the daring design of capturing
the Judges, on their way to Cork to hold the
Commission ; and that this audac;ous and despe-
rate enterprise was only frustrated in consequence
of information given by a Roman Catholic Clergy-
man. The rebels were assembled for the pur-
pose to the number of several hundreds, near
Watergrass-hill, between Fermoy and Cork, but
were overawed by the strong escort which ac-
companied their Lordships in consequence of the
discovery of the plot.
The Limerick, Ennis, and Clonmel Papers
contain the details of various outrages, amongst
which is the burning of the Church of Bally-
brood, which however was Not entirely consumed,
and the partial demolition of the interior of
Final' Church, from which the insurgents carried
off every thing portable.

The following are extracts from the Paris
Journals of Monday :
" MADRID, FEB. 14.—T0-day, at ten o'clock
in the morning, loud discharges of artillery an-
nounced the departure of his Majesty and his
august family from the palace, for the purpose of
closing the Session of the Cortes Extraordinary
for the year 189.1. All the regular troops and
the national militia were drawn up, and an im-
mense number of people thronged the entire line
of procession. The approach of the Monarch
was hailed by unanimous acclamations from every
side. It was, however, not difficult to perceive,
in the crowd, the sinister representations of cer-
tain Descamisados ; but not one among them
dared, at this moment, raise exclamations that
were insulting to the throne. Ilis Majesty was
received at the entrance of their Chamber by a
Deputation of the Cortes, where he delivered
the following speech :

" Gentlemen Deputies.—l have the greatest satisfaction in
being able to announce, in the midst of this august Congress,
that the legislative measures adopted during the Session of this
Extraordinary Cortes have so far advanced the admirable work
of our political regeneration, that, aided by a few more efforts,
it will shortly attain the highest pitch of perfection.
" I shall not delay to enforce those enactments which relate
to our out-ports and customs, nor those ameliorations which
have been made in the tariff duties, which, by circumscribing
the extent of commerce, must restrain all contraband trade,
while presenting to industry all the facilities of increase.
" The measures which it is impossible not peculiarly to extol'
are, the great undertaking of the division of the Spanish terri-
tory, and the formation of the Penal Code • the latter of which,
by far the most arduous and sublime, is indebted for its execu-
tion at the present time to the wisdom and zeal of the Cortes.—
Their titles must alone shew the importance of these great mea-
sures, whose necessity was notorious, and the developement of
which, reserved for future times, cannot at present be adequate-
ly known.
" I congratulate myself while reflecting on these stupendous
monuments of the Spanish character, which, constant in its
purposes, will never fail to achieve things the most glorious and
most difficult, which are justified by events.
It is thus, Gentlemen Deputies, that on returning to your
Provinces, you will be accompanied by the national gratitude,
and also mine. 1 reckon, in fine, on your patriotic virtues, and
on your councils for maintaining public order and the respect
due to legitimate authorities, as affording the best means of
consolidating the constitutional system, on the etict observance
of which depends the well-being and prosperity of this mag-
nanimous nation."

The President of the Cones, in reply to the King, delivered
a Speech concluding as follows Our successors, Sire, chosen
by the nation, sensible of the requirements of the people, and
faithful interpreters of the general will, in occupying this sanc-
tuary of the laws, can consult only the welfare of the State. To
them is reserved the inestimable happiness of consolidating so
majestic a work, without once exposing it to the assaults of
power or the tumult of the passions ; and, animated by the same
desire, we feel, while instructed by our inexperience, they will
always insure the prosperity of the nation. While your Ma-
jesty prides yourself on this august scene, seated on that throne
which is supported by the Constitution of the Cortes, on that
throne which must henceforth form the happiness of your
august family and of all Spaniards, we shall invariably offer up
our wishes for the prosperity of our country, and, by persua-
sion and example, give lessons of unalterable fidelity to the po-
litical Constitution and the Monarchy, of obedience to the laws,
and respect for the sacred person of your Majesty."
" General Riego arrived at Madrid on the
12th of the present month, and entered by the
port of Atocha, where he was expected by some
partizans ; but his presence has not caused the
least sensation.

" Some disorders took place at Seville, on re-
newing the garrison there.
" General Itiego, it is rumoured, has been
commanded to wait upon the King, and every
one is anxious to learn the result of the con-
ference.

" It appears that the Laws for restricting the
Press and the Liberty of Petition have received
the sanction of the King.

44 During the Sitting of the Cortes Extraordi-
nary, on the 13th of this month, the affairs of
our American Settlements were taken up, when
it was resolved, in the first place, that the treaty
which recognized the independence of Mexico
was unlawful and of no avail as it respected the
Government of Spain. Conformably with this,
the Spanish Government was required to make
known to all those Powers in alliance that it re-
garded the absolute or even the partial recogni-
tion of the independence of the Spanish American
Provinces as a violation of treaties. It was also
resolved that the Government be charged to take
all possible means for preserving those parts of
South America which remained in allegiance to
the Mother State."

A private letter from Paris, dated Monday
evening, says, that the accounts received that
day from Madrid are more satisfactory than
usual. The Cortes had assembled, and the re-
gular business of the Session entered upon.
The French Five per Cents. closed on Mon..
day at 91 f. 40c.

American-Papers have arrived this morning to
the 2d February. They do not contain any
news of importance.

We received Buenos Ayres Papers this morn-
ing to the end of November ; the following is an
extract :

PROPOSITIONS.

1. The Deputies of the province of Buenos Ayres to the ge-
neral Congress of Rio de la Plata, invite the other Deputies
there assembled, to form compacts, under the following ar-
ticles, which being determined upon, they will return to Bue-
nos Ayres.
2. A. compact of alliance offensive and defensive, among all
and every one of the provinces, against the common enemy.
3. A compact to maintain the integrity of the provhces
against all foreign powers.
4. An engagement not to determine or resolve on any affair

which shall interfere with the municipal concerns of any pro-
vince, without the concurrence of such provinces.
5. A regulation for maintaining a free and unrestrained in-
ternal commerce in all the provinces.
6. To appoint by common accord two agents, one of whom
shall be engaged in Europe, and the other in America, to pro-
mote the acknowledgment of the independence of La Plata,
fixing the appropriations for that purpose, and furnishing the
instructions by which they are to be governed.
7. The provinces shall pledge themselves to form a census of
the population of each, and to determine the ratio of repre-
sentation to a General Congress.
8. To pledge each to the other, for those several purposes, by
establishing in each province a local representative Goveriament,
and to prepare a system of public contribution and revenue, in
such a way that in each province so organized, the general
Congress may be assembled, consisting of representatives from
each, within a year from that time, and the deputies now as-
sembled at Cordova shall determine the place in which the
future general Congress shall assemble.