The Sun.
London, England, 1871-02-10 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1871.

THE QUEEN'S Speech of 1871 is, in some respects,
a surprise. A lingering fear seems to have lately
possessed itself of the public mind that the Govern-
ment was, from some unexplained reason, not likely
to come quite up to the proper Liberal mark this year.
The Foreign Office, it was thought by some, had not
displayed sufficient activity ; there was no promise
of such a measure of army reform as would satisfy
the country; there were few symptoms that Mr.
BRUCE'S various measures would emerge from that
stage of " consideration " in which they have vege-
tated so long. There is nothing in the Speech from
the Throne to confirm these premature. apprehen-
sions, and not a little to the contrary. It is the
longest message read to Parliament within the- last
few years, and its fulness does not arise from long-
winded ambiguity, but from the multiplicity of
the subjects dealt with. Indeed the Speech is
unusually full of information. In the large propor-
tion necessarily devoted to foreign affairs, con-
sideration is shewn to the now prevalent sympathy
of the country by the adoption of a tone of
the utmost respect to France. It is " with con-
cern" that no representative could be ac-
credited by England to the Government
of Defence, but the September Ministry has been
recognisel for all practical purposes, and there will
be no hesitation in completely acknowledging any
Government whatsoever that may be established by
the votes of the people. Naturally, Englishmen
look most eagerly fox some explanation touching
the efforts made by the English Government to pro-
cure peace. Such overtures were put forth on more
than one occasion previously to the fall of Paris, but
came to nothing. We believe it is correct to say that
these friendly offices have been much more actively
exerted during the last few days, in deference to
the clearly expressed wish of the public. HER
MAJESTY'S Ministers, in common with most people,
have great hopes that a peace will now be obtainel, '
and they add the wish that it_may be honourable for
both parties, and of long duration. It obviously
depends entirely upon one party whether these
wishes are to be fulfilled. Not merely a peace of
long duration, but any peace whatsoes er can be
secured only by reasonable terms, and if the British
Government have pointed out to the German leaders
the inestimable benefits they will confer upon them-
selves and Europe by a generous policy in the hour
of victory, the full approval of Englishmen will be
given to so difficult and delicate a procedure.
Other foreign matters of importance are touched
upon. Of the first moment is the announcement
that a commission has been appointed to settle
the Fisheries Question, and that this commis-
sion will deal with the klabama Question
at the same time. This advanced state of negotia-
tions will be a universal surprise. It was under-
stood that the difficulties with America had been
seriously taken up again; it is a decided triumph of
the Government to have advanced them eo far
already. We can only express a hope that in the
matter or the fisheries the dignity of
England and the interests of Canada will
be carefully maintained. The claim as made
by President GRANT was a most unjust one; it was
preferred in a very offensive manner; and it hardly
indicates a disposition to cultivate friendly re-
lations that the American House of Repre-
sentatives should be hailing Fenian prisoners with
joy whilst we are doing our best to ensure peace and
harmony. The advances of great nations ought to
be met halfway. The announcement touching the
Greek brigands is not a surprise. Nobody who knew
anything of the state of affairs in Greece, could expect

any satisfaction from the inquiry set on foot by
the English Foreign Office. The case, we fear, is quite
a hopeless one.
The paragraph which has been most anxiously
awaited by the country, is that referring to the
reform of the army. We are simply told that such
a measure is coming. It will involve, "at least for
a time," increased charges; but whether it will
remove those abuses which are at present insupe-
rable obstacles to the bettor organization of the land
forces, remains to be seen. 'The exercise of public
patience will not, however, be severe: The budget
of social measures promised is fine and satisfactory,
and the statement that something will not be done
is likewise acceptable. For one session Ireland
will give way to the Empire, and it is
not too mtich to say that the latter this
time deserves the preference. The measures
promised mostly deal with the arrears of former
sessions, but they are numerous and of prime
importauee. Scotch Education, the Ballot,
University Tests, Law Re:Orin, and Amend-
ment of the Licensing Laws are the chief ones.
On the wbele the Speech begins the Session well. It
is impossible to regard the prospect as satisfactory
whilst Europe is suffering from one of the greatest
evils that ever befel it, and whilst our own chief
pre-occupatioA will be to provide for the national
defence ; but the Government is not behindhanci in
facing flicks questions which most intimately
affect the national interests and honour. It promises
all that we could expect of it. It remains to be seen
whether it will fail in the performance. The Speech
from the Throne is necessarily a formality more or
less, but the Speech .if 1871 is so to a smaller extent
than any other of late years.

TOPICS OF THE DAY.

THE SUN. LONDON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1871.

well as men in several pursuits whereof they coul I
undertake the work as efficiently. The Times wishes
that the intelligent-, heads of the Postal Telegraph
Department, who have conferred many
c-Ilateral kindnesses on the lady assistants
by allowing them to have dinner cooked in the
office, by absolving them from night labour,
&C., would designate them by some more appropriate
title than " female clerks." The expression is only
worthy of Mr. Gradgrin,l, while the admirable
industry, quickness, and intelligence of the la lies, it
is contended, form a claim to some distinctive pro-
fessional title.

STEAM ILOLLEUS.

A question of considerable interest has been raised
by the Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to
Animals, and it is to be hoped it will not be allowed
to pass out of notice. The needless cruelty of com-
pelling the draught horses of our large towns to
tread down sharp pointed pieces of granite into .the
macadamised roads has often been spoken of. The
work is quickly, cheaply,. and effectually done by a
steam roller. The society have long wished to test
the law on the subject, and have no* taken out two
summonses against the parish authorities of M:iry-
lebone, for injuring a horse which ha 1
its foot cut by a piece of sharp granite.
The case was argued on both sides, and the
magistrate, who strongly advocated the ~se of the
roller, said it could hardly be doubted that it was
cruelty to cut horses' feet. At the same time the
defendants could have no guilty intention, and he
believed the object of the prosecution would be
answered if the vestry undertook to u-e the steam
roller. The case was therefore adjourned for lour-
teen days to give an opportunity for some arrange-
ment. It appeared that the vestry had a steam roller,
but that it was not use,].
THE SUEZ CANAL.

• There has been some idea of forming a board of
' English directors in London in connection with the
Suez Canal. Sir Daniel A. Lange has been
requested by influential persons to take the
management, and it was urged that the
commerce of the country was greatly concerned in
the efficient maintenance of the canal. Sir D. Lange
did not express his concurrence with the views set
forth by the proposers of the scheme, but be signified
his willingness to support any undertaking which would
promote the interests of the Suez Canal and tend
to the advantage of England. At the same time, he
said, it would be useless to go further into the matter
in the unavoidable absence of his friend, M. de
Lesseps, who is now in Paris. He could not make
any promise, or commit himself to a definite arrange-
ment, without M. de Lesseps's full knowledge and con-
sent. These sentiments were received with general
satisfaction by those interested in the plan.