The Sun.
London, England, 1871-01-03 00:00:00

THE JUDGE ADVOCATE-GENERAL.

The Right Hon. John R. Davison, Q.C., the newly-
appointed Judge Advocate-General, addressed a crowded
meeting of his constituents on Friday night in the ToWn-
hall of the city of Durham. The Recorder, Mr. John
Bramwell, occupied the chair. After speaking on local
matters, Mr. Davison said he went to Parliament pledged
on only one question—the disestablishment of the Irish
Church. He had been present in Parliament whenever
he could possibly attend, and while he had not, perhaps,
given so many `votes as his friend Mr. Candlish,
of Sunderland had given, he had taken part in the
divisions the greater number of times than a majority of the
representatives. In the Irish Land Bill it had been the
object of the Liberal Government to deal out justice to
the sister country, and if that country only accepted the
measure in the spirit in which it was enacted much good,
he felt confident, would result in the end, and there would
be a better understanding between the two countries.
Such an understanding would lead to prosperity for Ire-
land, and would avoid the necessity for those sterner
measures which Parliament so disliked, but which were
necessary, which resulted in the expatriation
of those misguided persons who had joined the
Fenian movement. With regard to the question of
the greatest importance to England—the Education
Bill—he said that in dealing with all the difficulties
that surrounded it he mild not avoid paying a high tri-
bute to Mr. Forster for the courtesy, tack, and sagacity he
had displayed, and this admiration, he believed, was gene-
rally shared by the majority of gentlemen on both sides of
the House. To reach the class who, so to speak, began
life in the gutter was the grand object of the Legislature,
and the measure passed, although not claimed, by Mr.
Forster as perfect or complete in all its parts, yet aimed in
the right direction. After referring to various measures
likely to be brought before Parliament next session, and
especially to a bill for army reform, Mr. Davison said if
there was one subject more than another in the mouths
and minds of everyone at this time, it was that which
called for a continuance of peace and security in this little
isle of ours. A great deal had been said with reference to our
conduct in the present aspect of European affairs. He could
not say what the motives of the Government might be, but
he always said that the duty of this country was to keep
peace. In this war perfect neutrality had been kept by the
Government, and the neutrality of the nation was further
demonstrated by the equal manner in which their aid to
the sufferers had been dealt out. It was now seen that
efficiency was better than numbers, and that one efficient
soldier was better than half a dozen otherwise ; and to
bring efficiency into every branch of the service would be
the object of the Army Reform Bill.—At the conclusion
of Mr. Davison's speech a cordial vote of confidence in
him was unanimously adopted. There is not likely to be
any opposition to his re-election.

ELECTION EXPENSES.—The election expenses of
Colonel Learmouth, the new member for Colchester, have
just been returned at £946. Agency cost the hon. and
gallant member £306 ; and printing and. stationery, £2Ol.
MEATH ELECTlON.—Hurriedly got-up meetings
were held in Navan, Kells, and other parts of Meath
during last week, to call on Mr. John Martin to contest
the county with the Hon. Mr. Plunkett. Mr. ,Martin's
acceptance of the invitation has been published, together
with his address to the electors, at the eleventh hour.
Mr. Martin announces himself a thcrough-going
Repealer.
WORKING MEN'S UNIVERSITIES.—A number of
classes have been opened in different parts of Lives pool
for the practical instruction of operatives in building,
naval architecture, and all mechanical arts, as well as in
chemistry, &c- The scheme has been principally pro-
moted by Mr. James Samuelson, the founder of the School
of Science at the Liverpool Library. So far the move-
ment has been remarkably successful, the attendi'nce of
working men being very good. To members of the Trades
Hall Is. is charged, and to non-members 2s. 6d. for a
whole course of twenty-five lectures:

REPRESENTATION OF WEST NORFOLIi.---It seems
a matter of some doubt whether the local Liberals will
contest the vacancy occasioned in the representation of
West Norfolk by the elevation to the peerage of the Hon.
T. de Grey, in consequence of the death of his father,
Lord Walsingham. The Hon. T. de Grey was first
returned for West Norfolk in July, 1865, when the
numbers polled were :—Bagge (C.), 2,710 ; De Grey (0.),
2,611 ; Jones (L.), 2,133; Gordon (L.), 2,088. At the
dissolution of November, 1868, Mr. de Grey was again
returned unopposed with Sir W. Bagge.
THE ROYAL ARTILLERY.--lt has been decided
that the mounted batteries of the Royal Artillery are to
consist of 16 batteries of Horse Artillery and 40 field
batteries, being an increase of six of the former and 20 of
the latter. The increase in the field batteries will be
carried out by the conversion of 20 garrison batteries, and
the latter, we presume, will be filled up again by recruit-
ing. The sufficiency of the augmented force may be a
fair subject for discussion, but there can be no difference
of opinion as to the importance of having each battery
fully horsed. It is all very well in filing past after a
a review to take the horses from the cannon which have
gone by the saluting point and hurry them into the rear
to do duty over again, but this stage manoeuvre might be
found inconvenient in case of actual warfare.—Broad
Arrow.
FUNERAL OF THE LATE MR. WALTER, JUN.—
On Saturday the remains of this gentleman were interred
in the family vault in Bearwood churchyard. There was
a large concourse of spectators. The deceased was fol-
lowed to the grave upwards of eighty mourners on foot,
including the resident gentry and a number of employes
on the estate. Mr. and Mrs. J. Walter followed as chief
mourners, behind whom came the different members of the
family. Amongst the other mourners were the Rev. Sir
John Hayes, Bart., Sir John Conway, Bart., Mr.. Delane,
Mr. Dasent, Mr. Motley, Dr. Balston, Messrs. Morris,
Kinglake, Thompson, Salwey, Simonds, Hubbard,
Harman, Maitland, Leigh, McDonald, Wetherall, Cooke,
so. Upon the pall was laid a large cross of white
camelias, surmounted with a wreath of white flowers.
The coffin was covered with fine black cloth, with silver
furniture. Business was partially suspended.
BREAKFAST.—EPPS'S COCOA.- -GRATEFUL AND 00M-
FORTING.—The Very agreeable character of this preparation has
rendered it a general favourite. • The Civil Serv•icc Gazette re
marks :—" By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which
govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a
careful application of the fine Trioperties of well-selected cocoa.
Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately
flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors'
bills." Each packet is labelled—JAMES EPPS & CO., Homoeo-
pathic Chemists, London. Also, makers of Epps's Cacabine, a
very thin evening beverage. —Advt.

LITERATURE.

PERCY FITZGERALD'S NEW WORK.

Two Fair Daughters. By Percy Fitzgerald, M.A.
(3 vols.) Hurst and Blackett.

This new story, by Mr. Percy Fitzgerald, is one of the
most brilliant and vivacious achievements of his " ever-
pointed" pen. The character of the Doctor, who is the
veritable hero of the book, is a masterpiece. For cool
effrontery, for a more than Hibernian capacity for
self-assertion, for daring unscrupulosity, and withal
for amazing ability in dexterous generalship, Peter
Findlater, of Macroon, is positively unrivalled. The
reader of this very enthralling narrative finds himself
indeed in a very embarrassing position, being compelled—
positively compelled by the skill of the writer and the

irresistible fascination of the chief actor—to admire a
man whom in his conscience he cannot but condemn, and
to take an interest in the success of schemes
which he cannot but regard with reprobation.
A. similar charge to that which has before now been
brought against Eugene Aram and Jack Shepherd might
be brought against this new work of Mr. 'Fitzgerald's—
the charge, not of depicting villany, all novelists must do
so more or Jess, but of so depicting it as to make us forget
the iniquity and admire the offender. We would ask

any interested reader of "Two Fair Daughters"
whether he has not throughout the last chapters
of the third volume followed with breathless
eagerness the vicissitudes of the deadly warfare
waged by the rich man's death-bed, in which Doctor
Findlater, though ch coked at every move, at every check re-
co vershimself,and "baffled off," is ever NI, inning,and whether
at the last he has not listened with responsive exultation
to the doctor's triumphant exclamation—" Oh, father and
mother, snug under your headstone in Alacroon, why Peter,
your boy, can now drive his pair o' elephants if he chooses!"

And yet—and yet, looking back in a cooler moment upon
the doings of Peter Findlater, who, among the admirers
of his success, will venture to condone the antecedents
to that suceess ? The hapless Mr. Leader, the new pro-

prietor of Leadersfort, tyrannised over by his second
wife, is a pitiable object indeed, and yet more pitiable is
Cecil Leader, his weak-minded--almost imbecile—
son, who falls a ready prey to the clever, unscrupulous
doctor. The marriage scene, in which the poor wretch

is dragged from his sick bed to go through the
ceremony, is positively revolting—the inquity of the
Spanish marriages was nothing to it. Severe is the struggle,
relentless the warfare, waged by Dr. Findlater and Mrs.
Leader over these two unhappy men, or rather over the

possession of the great Leadersfort estate, and assuredly
if anything could justify the sympathy which (we are
forced to admit it !) we do feel for Dr. Findlater
it would be the heartless ambition and cruel
selfishness of the second wife. Let us turn to fairer
themes and more pleasant subjects, the two fair daughters
who give the title to the book. Unconscious of their
ambitious father's manoeuvres, unspoilt by his arts and
artifice, but believing in him throughout with unquestion-
ing and unqualified love and admiration, Katey and Polly
Findlater are two as charming and delightful heroines as
novel reader could desire. " Two brilliant faces,
lit up with a delighted, most genuine, and devouring
curiosity, dancing eyes of Irish violet, gay cheeks, and a
freedom of limb and attitude which to the nice world
may seem vulgar. They walked well, and with the
haughty carriage of Killarney peasants. Polly was so
piquante and dashing, she affected strangers at once and
did mischief right and left. Katey grew on all ; she was
sweet and generous ; with a charm of graciousness she
threw over everything. Such were the doctor's daugh-
ters, a dangerous and bewitching pair." Such
are the heroines of this very attractive . tale,
of which the doctor himself is the very
delightful hero--a tale sparkling with wit and pleasantry
and Irish fun, and " bonhummie." as the doctor calls it,
a tale full of incident and adventure, plot and counter-
plo, but and this notwithstanding two such heroines !
a tale entirely devoid of love or lovers, Fentiment or sen-
timentality, but a very interesting tale for all that.

NEW YEAR'S SERVICES AT ST. ALBANS.
The services at St. Alban's Church, Holborn, on New
Year's Day, were very triumphant, ornate, and effective.
At the Communion Service the musical portion was
performed with full orchestral accompaniment, in addi-
tion to the organ and choir. There were several selec-
tions from the "Messiah"—" Why do the people rage r,
and "Unto us a child is born," in which the vio-
lins, drums, and trumpets, as usual, told with excellent
effect. In the " Adeste Fideles," the " Sanctus," " Bene-
dictus," "Gloria in Excelsis," and "Hallelujah Chorus,"
and other pieces, in which the band led the choruses, the
congregation generally joined in the triumphant and joy-
ful strains. In the afternoon there was, at the 3.30 ser-
vice, a very imposing procession, in which at least over
500 persons joined. This was the procession of the Guilds.
In connection with the Church, it appears there are six
of these confraternities, their stated object being to pro-
mote by mutual encouragement and assistance the growth
of a Christian life among their members, more especially
the graces of truth, purity, godliness, and courage. The
Rev. A. H. Mackonochie is styled the Father Superior of
the chief brotherhoods ; and the Mother of the Society of
St. John Baptist, Clewer, is the Lady Superioress of the
;ssuii
rod,
en:hc;Bannerhaipeeml proceededboifner
Members
uhl peef
sisterhoods. The church on Sunday afternoon was crowded
san thean
nec
drha Theon fc
to witness the procession round the edifice of the members
theothf
Acolytee
mChoir these
h:
ilreconfraternities.
bearing
aislea tfBirs
from
me Bk
following order :—lncense Bearer and * Attendant,
Sacred Heart ;" the Clergy ; the Rev. A. H. Stanton, in
embroidered surplice and magnificent white satin
vestment, embroidered with gold, with two choristers hold-
ing his train : Banner and 60 members of the Guild of St.
John the Evangelist, banner and 20 members of the " Con-
fraternity of the Blessed Sacrament," banner and mem-
bers of St. John the Baptist ; banner and about 60
members of the Brotherhood of Jesus of Nazereth ; sisters
of mercy in their robes ; blue silk banner, borne by a sister
in white veil; 50 girls, covered with long white veils, of
the order of St. Mary the Virgin; blue silk banner, fol-
lowed by shout 200 women in scarves and crosses,
members of the Guild of the Holy Family,
surplicese
the
h)rae procession
Church
The procession proceeded up the middle aisle, down
the left, through the chancel, and, passing down the right
aisle, re-entered the middle aisle again, andthen the clergy
and choir proceeded to their places in the chancel, and the
other members to their respective seats. The members
sang several carols while the procession was proceeding on
its route. The sermon was preached by the Rev. A. H.
Stanton, in which he rigidly enforced the necessity of the
virtues of humility, purity, and self-restraint.

The Sultan has sent to the Vatican a silver casket
containing 20,000 francs in gold.
The Evangelisation Society have issued invitations
to Christians throughout the world to attend daily prayer
meetings during the week, to be held at Freemasons
Tavern. The first meeting, which was held yesterday,
and numerously attended, was presided over by the Revd.
Canon Baldwin of Toronto ; who made an earnest appeal
for christian effort to avert the intemperance and infidelity
which was spreading so fast throughout the land. Mr.
Spurgeon and others, were announced to speak in the
evening, and to-day will be set apart for prayer, specially
referring to nationalities, and the present war.
THE WESTERN FISHERIES.—Upwards of thirty
railway trucks of herrings were despatched from Ply-
mouth during the past week for London and other
markets. The Cornish pilchard fishery is at an end.
Many of the drift boats have done exceedingly well, but
280 seines, representing a capital of at least £lOO,OOO,
secured but three hundred hogsheads, which realised
£1,125. About 3,000 mackerel were caught by St. Ives
boats during the week, which sold at from 255. to 28s. per
six score.

MESSES. BEWLF.Y, WEBB, AND CO.-It is Stated
that the committee of creditors appointed at the last
meeting
andny issued
Co .
accountants,
report,ount an ts
whoprepared b
werey iMessrs.n
investigate the affairs • and that the adjourned meeting
will be held on Wednesday, the 4th proximo, at the office
of the accountants. The committee have stated the
amount of composition which they would recommend the
creditors to accept; and it is to be hoped that an amicable
' str u c te Craig,d
o
Gardner,
arrangement will be come to at the meeting, and that
nothing will occur to prevent the carrying on of this
large and enterprising concern, which gives so much
employment in this city, and which has done much to
establish shipbuilding on a large scale in Dublin.
CosT OF GITARDIANS.—The inhabitants of Kens-
ington have requested the Poor Law Board to institute
fl
judicial inquiry into the proceedings of their Board of
Guardians. During the investigation it was shewn that
the workhouse stores had been used for the purposes of,
feasting by those who were styled the " eating guardians.
One of the witnesses gave a surprising account of the
quantity of ale which was furnished at these repasts. The
ale for the dinners of the guardians was taken from the
workhouse stores, and was ordered expressly for that pur-
pose. Six kilderkins only lasted six weeks,
which make the weekly consumption seventy.two
quarts. Some attempt was made to pay for '
the,
dinners to some extent by small contributions, but it did
not appear that an account could be given of the dinner
money. The expenses of the minor officers were also
very great, as may be gathered from the account that the
master, .the matron, th assistant matron, and the master's
clerk required, with allowance of waste in cooking, six
pounds of meat a day. One witness said that orders were
still given for supplying rum to the workhouse, although
there was rum enough in stock to last six months; Under
these circumstances no one will be surprised to learn that
it costs fifty per cent. above the average rate to maintain
paupers at Kensington workhouse.

SPECIAL EDITION.

SUN OFFICE, 7 P.M.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE

THE WAR,

THE BOMBARDMENT OF THE
PARIS FORTS.
BORDEAUX, January 2,
The Prussian siege preparations indicate that they
intend bombarding both Chatillon' and Montretout,
and attacking Mont Valerien.
The French army is anticipating with impatience
the general attack.

MOVEMENTS OF THE FRENCH.
EERNE, January 1.

A French force, 10,000 strong, is marching. from
Ilypolyte to Yontiraide. General Treskow is beyond
Delle.

ENGAGEMENT NEAR BUSIGNY.

LILLE, January 2.
A train conveying a body of mobilised troops of
the Ardennes was attacked yesterday between Mau-
berg and Busiguy by a detachment of Uhlans. The
train was stopped and the National Guard put the
thlans to flight.

Communication between Cambray and Acbiet
has been re-established.
The Prussians have passed Courcelles, near Lens
(Pas de Calais.)—Lombard Telegrams.
ENGAGEMENT _AT GRAY.

BESANCON, January 1.

The Germans evacuated Gray yesterday, after a
severe engagement with the Francs-Tireurs of
Bourras.

;GERMAN MOVEMENTS ON THE LOIRE.
NEUVY, January 1.
The Germans are falling back on Gien, and
evacuated Bonny yesterday.

SPEECH BY THE KING OF PRUSSIA.

VERSAILLES, January 2.

At the New Year's reception, held yesterday at
the Palace of Versailles, at 11.30 a.m., the King of
Prussia made the following speech :
" Great events must have passed to unite us on
such a day and at such a place. I owe it to your
heroism and to your perseverance, as well as to the
bravery of the troops, that we have achieved such a suc-
cess. But we have not.yetreached our goal. Important
tasks are still before us ere we arrive at an honourable
and lasting peace. Such a peace will be ensured it
you continue to perform deeds such as have led us to
this point. Then we can confidently look to the
future for what God in His gracious will may destine
for us."—Reuter's Telegrams.

THE ATTACK ON THE FRENCH
FORTS.
CONTINUED ILLNESS OF COUNT
BISMARCK.

VERSAILLES, January 2.

Forts Rosny and Nogent have not replied to the
German batteries, and the French appear to have
Withdrawn their guns.
A grand banquet was given by the King last
night. The Imperial epoch begins.
Count Bismarck is still indisposo.l.
It is believed redress will be made for sinking
British ships in the Seine.— Times.

BERLIN, January 2.

A. determination is supposed to exist at Ver-
sailles to bombard Paris until peace is con-
cluded.
The news that three of the eastern forts have
been silenced has produced here a conviction that the
capitulation of the city is only a question of a few
days.

BORDEAUX, December 30.
The Prussians before Paris have been repulsed in
their attack on two of the forts.
Another balloon has arrived here from the capi-
tal; but the nature of the news it brings has not yet
transpired.
In a few days you may expect to hear of great
Military doings. The armies of Bourbaki and
Chanzy are in excellent condition and splendid
spirits.

All classes here strenuously insist that the war
should be prosecuted to the very end.—Telegraph
Telegrams.

The following telegrams come through Reuter's
agency :
ENERGETIC MEASURES DEMANDED.
PARIS, December 30 (Evening).
The Mayors of the various arrondissements of
Paris had a meeting yesterday, when M. Jules Favre
Presided. The meeting lasted eight hours. The
defence of Paris was discussed, as well as the con-
duct of several members of the Government. Deles-

cluze and his friends severely attacked General Trochu,

and MM. Favre and Picard, but moderate
views prevailed, The meeting restricted itself to
the expression of a wish that the military operations
should be carried on with all possible energy and
activity.
No pigeon has arrived here for ten days. It is
stated that Malmaison has been destroyed by the fire
from the guns of Mont Valerien.
The evacuation of the Plateau Avron has caused a
certain emotion, but no disorders have occurred.
SKIRMISH NEAR ORLEANS.

DARMSTADT, January 2,
Prince Louis has sent the following telegram to
the Grand Duke of Hesse Darmstadt :
" ORLEANS, Jan. 1.
"The Second Foot, the Second Cavalry Regiment,
ael a battery of horse artillery, commanded by
General von Rantzow, were engaged yesterday near
h°nnY, south-east of Orleans, against superior
:stile forces. One officer was killed, and two
'Cres and 50 men wounded."

CAPITULATION OF MEZIEItES.
BOIILZICOURT, January 2.
46z►eres has capitulated, and the German troops
march into the town to-day at noon.