The Sun.
London, England, 1870-12-13 00:00:00

INTERNATIONAL OBLIGATIONS.

The Standard, in commenting on the Luxemburg ques-
tion, says : The apologists of Russian repudiation have
another opportunity of enlightening a perverse genera-
tion respecting the true theory of international
obligations, a new subject for the exercise of
an ingenuity which must move the admira-
tion even of these who still obstinately Wet ng to old
fashioned notions of truth and honour. AiThe case of
Russia le comparatively feeble and uninaresting, and
rests much less absolutely upon the principles laid down by
the new school of jurists. Russia had a strong case ; Prussia
had none. Russia was asserting her national dignity; Prus-
sia is invading the national independence of another State.
Russia repudiated a treaty that had already lasted four-
teen years ; that whiola Prussia' has now. denounced
has not lasted one-fifth of that period. The defence of
Count Von Bismarck and his master must, therefore, rest
exclusively upon the general doctrine of the non-obligation
of treaties, and in proportion as it is in itself, apart from
that doctrine, indefensible, offensive, and insulting
to the common sense and common feeling of
Europe, ft affords to theorists a more effective
illustration of their own principles, and a most
excellent opportunity of shewing their truth and wisdom.
The case of Prussia, as against Luxemburg, is
utterly rotten. It is the old story—the lamb has
troubled the stream at which the wolf is drinking. Aa
regards the other parties to the treaty. Prussia does irot
even pretend to have a case. It is for them to con-
sider how they will meet so wanton a challenge.
so contemptuous a defiance. England, perhaps,
cannot be expected to act alone ; but if any one pf
the neutral Powers is willing to support her, it will
be an everlasting cause of shame if she do not assert
against Prussia the binding force of the Treat; of 1867.
In the meantime the future Emperor of Germany has
given to Europe a fair specimen 'of his Imperial policy.
Henceforth those who rely on the pacific and ,purely de-
fensive tendencies of the Germanic Empire, cannot com-
plain that Prtissia has deceived them, when —as will
surely happen—they shall find that they have deceived
themselves. We shave fair warning what sort of respect
for law and treaties is to be expected from the Supreme
Government of tho great, peaceful, honest, and law-abiding
German nation.
I PRUSSIA AND THE NEUTRALITY OF LUXEMBURG.

The Daily IRws remarks : The accusations brought
against Luxemburg by 'Prussia arc, on the face of
them, frivolous. They afford no basis what-
ever for the withdrawal of Prussia from the
Treaty of London. They are as obviously more
excuses as were the complaints brought forward

by Prince Gortschakoff when ho announced the
abrogation of the Treaty of Paris. If Prussia claims
the Duchy as a member of the new Federation, and
if she renounces the guarantee of 1867, in order to put
Federal or Prussian troops into the great fortress which
must be rebuilt for the purpose, it will not be to punish
Luxemburg for having, , according to the allega-
tion, favoured French prisoners. It will be because
she sees an opportunity of aggrandising herself at
the expense of an innocent but weak neighbour, with no
other sacrifice than the sacrifice of her honour. But
until the shameful project is avowed, we will not believe
that it is entertained, or wilrbe carried out. The absurdity
of the Treaty, which was at the time looked upon as a
marvel of diplomacy, will, in such a case, become suffi-
deafly clear. A collective guarantee such as was then
entered into, means an arrangement by which a
number of Powers bird themselves to preserve a certain
condition of things until any one of the Powers finds it
convenient to alter it. England is free from all obliga-
tions towards Luxemburg' the moment that Prussia de-
clares the Treaty ruptured. This may be satisfactory to
England, but will not afford much consolation to the
Luxemburgeois.

The first section of the Pimlico, Peckham, and
Greenwich Street Tramway, viz., from Blackheath-hill to
New-cross, will be opened for traffic this morning. The
Act was only passed in August last, and a second section,
of the line, viz., from East Greenwich to Deptford, where
it will join the section opened yesterday, will be
ready for traffic by the end of this month. These lines
will be immediately extended towards the City and West-
end, in accordance with the Company's Act, whereby
they are already authorised to Dome to tho south side of
Blackfriars and Westminster Bridges, and to cross the!
Thames to the north side to Victoria Station, Pimlico.
Extensions are now being applied for to cross the Thames
also at London, Blackfriars, Waterloo, and Westminster
Bridges, thereby bringing these lines into direct com-
munication with the City, Strand, and Westminster.
DEATH OF MB, TOOGOOD, F,R.C.S. --The death
of Mr. Jonathan Toogood is announced, at the age of 87.
The deceased was the founder, and for many yeare sur-
geon, to the Bridgwater Infirmary. Mr. Toogood was
the senior Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons off
England. His diploma bears date May 4, 1804.
CRYSTAL PALACE.—The amiss of operas kinder
the direction of Mr. George Perren, which commenced
early in October, is now drawing to a close. The last two
performances will be given this week—" Vita Diavolo
this afternoon, and " Il Trovatore " on Thursday.
CRYSTAL PALACE. One Day, Ma:l-
- December 12th, 1870.—Atlinissions by season tickets
1,102 ; ditto on payment, 4 ; total visitors, 1,558.

BREAKFAST.—Er.IN.- 8 COCOA.--GRATEFUL AND COM-
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Mr. Epps has provided 04tv breakfast tables with a delicately
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pattic Chemists. tendon. Also, sna,kera of Epps's Cacaonbe,
sa
very tb,tiA VWlltlig beverage, —Attvt.