The Sun.
London, England, 1870-01-12 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 12, 1870

until some boy, still in his teens, is of legal age to
take it. No bishop would venture to inflict upon a
parish first a man past work, and then a youth too
inexperienced to work. But a private patron will do
this without fear of any consequences. Therefore of
the two, irresponsible lay patronage is far worse than
episcopal patronage, just because the latter is in a
certain measure responsible. Both classes of patron-
age ought to be wholly responsible, and this change
can be effected only by giving the parishioners a voice
in the selection of the incumbent who is put over
them.

The great difficulty in effecting any reform in the
Church, however urgently it may be required, lies in
the fact that Parliament is no longer a purely Church
Legislature. No one who has not tried it can estimate
the enormous obstacles that have to be overcome
before any ecclesiastical measure can be passed. Urgent
as was the need of Bishops, it would never have been
mot if there had not teen in existence an old
forgotten, but fortunately unrepealed Act which
allol,'ed bishops to rppoint suffragans. This difficulty
incrascs ery year, because there is a growing
b lief that the days of the State church are numbered
and they who wish them to be so, whether High
Church clergymen or members of the Liberation
Society, are equally jealous of State interference in
the concerns of the Church. It is tolerably certain that
no Minister, not even so bold and energetic
a one as Mr. GLADSTONE, will venture to
propose an extensive scheme of Church reform, or to
suggest a new administrative body for the Church.
Public opinion must first demand these things in un-
mistakeable language before any Government will
touch them. At the same time no change of the
kind could take place without the sanction of Parlia-
ment, and no measure involving such a change would
have a chance of passing through Parliament unless
it were introduced on the responsibility of
the Government. Public opinion once aroused,
and public demands once formulated in a
definite shape, Government would feel itself
E 3 rmg enough to propose the establishment
of a Church body which should administer the affairs
of the Church as the Board of Admiralty does those
of the navy. The new regulations of the first would be,
as those of the second are, subject to the approval of
Parliament. In such a body the laity must have
equal rights with the clergy as they had in
Apostolic times. "A subordinate institution," as "A
Layman" well observes, "animated by a clerical spirit,
and guided by clerical counsels, would very speedily
come into collision with Parliament. The new
organ, to accomplish its object, must be in the highest
and fullest sense national ; it must represent the
whole people, and not merely a single profession."
HOOKER long ago said that " till it be proved some
special law of CHRIST bath for ever annexed
unto the clergy alone the power to make
ecclesiastical laws, we hold it a thing most
consonant with equity and reason that no
ecclesiastical act be made in a Christian com-
monwealth without the consent as well of the laity as
of the clergy." This legislative power would apply
alike to questions of doctrine and questions of disci-
pline, for the laity are as much interested in the first
as in the second. In only such a manner as we have
described does " A Layman " believe that disestablish-
ment is to be avoided. He is byno means sure that this
alternative will be adopted, for with a large number
of Churchmen the chief object seems to be the expul-
sion of those who differ from them. Exclusion, not
comprehension, is their aim ; and this being so, they
are not likely to remain content with a Church Esta-
blishment which must either consent to be more
comprehensive from age to age, or cease to exist,

A FINE old British soldier is gone to his rest.
The name of DE LACY EvaNs recalls gallant ser-
vices performed on three continents. Born eighty-
three years ago, he first saw active service in India
sixty-three years ago. He took part in the Peninsular
campaign, and shared in the victories of Vittoria and
the Pyrenees, as well as in the retreat from Burgos.
On two occasions he had horses shot under
him, and on ono he was wounded. From Spain
he went to North America, and was present at the
capture of Washington and other engagements.
Then returning to Europe, in spite of severe wounds,
he took part in the gigantic struggle of 1815, and
witnessed the capitulation of Paris. Five years of
hard fighting, this, in Asia, Europe, America, and
Europe again, such as the bravest soldier has no
chance of witnessing in these piping times of peace .
Then followed over ten years of rest. But the Carlist
War of 1836 gave him an opportunity of returning
to the scene of his old victories. He went as
commander of an auxiliary British and Spanish army
corps, saw some desperate fighting, and won some
hard-fought victories. He had no small share in the
final defeat of the Carlists and the establishment of that
most unsatisfactory of monarchs, Queen ISABELLA.
Then followed another interval of tranquillity, ter-
minated gladly enough, we may well believe, in DE
LACY EVANS'S case, by the declaration of war
against Russia in 1854. When the expedition to
the Crimea was resolved upon, he was ap-
pointed Commander of the Second Division,
and behaved with such gallantry at the battle
of the Alma and at Inliermann that Lord RAGLAN
selected him out for especial praise. His health
failed, and he was compelled to return to England at
the end of the year. Whatever might be thought of
certain other officers holding high commands, Sir
DE LACY EvaNs was never suspected of shirking or
chewing the white feather. He was greeted with
enthusiasm on landing at Dover, and he received
the thanks of Parliament in person: He himself was
a member of Parliament. So long ago as 1833 he was
returned for that king of borough constituencies,
Westminster, at that time Liberal, and something
more in its politics. Its gallant representative always
supported advanced measures, and spoke occasionally.
In 1865, being then well on towards 80, he declined
to come forward again, and retired from public life.
Without being a commander of the first rank, and
still less a consummate politician, he was a noticeable
man, by reason of his bravery in the battle-field
and his courage in the political arena. Men like him
are not born every day ; and we cannot lot him pass
away from US without taking note of his fine
qualities.

IT has long been very clear that there is little
prospect of putting an end to duelling in France by
entreaty or moral suasion. But it not unfrequently
happens that the fear of ridicule is of stronger effect than
lived in the hope that if duelling were not con-
demned for its immorality, it might fall into
discredit through its absurdity. It would,
it is true, be unwise to rely too much
upon even the powerful influence of ridi-
cule. Many exceptionally absurd single combats
have taken place at divers times, and yet the
institution flourishes. When the English army
occupied Paris in 1815, French officers who
were well trained in the use of the sword systema-
matically challenged and killed Englishmen, until
the latter, disdaining the rules of fence, rudely cut
down their adversaries after «first principles."
Even this foolish and lamentable slaughter-did not
rouse public indignation. Still we remember that
a Sovereign who once hanged a duellist produced a
remarkable change in the fighting propensities of
his subjects, thereby proving that repression is not
impossible. In fact, unless the Government of a
country connive at the practice, it is not difficult to
put down duelling. Surely the last occurrence in
Paris—the homicide of a journalist by a Prince—
ought to induce the EMPEROR'S Government to give its
attention to this crying evil. So far as the facts aro
known, and they are yet in a confused state, the-
story is one of the most disgraceful of the kind on
record. It was not a duel, but the murder of a man
whilst on duelling business. M. HENRI ROCHEFORT
published in the Marseillaise a characteristic article,
referring to Prince PIERRE BONAPARTE, and the
latter replied by a challenge. M. GROUSSET,
who wrote the article, answered the chal-
lenge by sending two seconds, M. VOTOU
Norm and M. FONVIELLE, to the resi-
-41.100_9f the TIIO3___LAVITIM

diately degenerated into a quarrel. One version
says that the Prince struck M. VrcTon Nora ;
another affirms the contrary. But the main
fact is that the Prince seized a pistol and shot the
journalist through the heart, also firing, it is
stated, at M. FONVIELLE, who, however,
escaped. His Imperial Highness is now
in prison, and will be tried for murder. This
prompt decision on the part of the E3IPEROR is only
in the interests of justice. No doubt the provoca-
tion was great, but the dignity and self-respect of
a Prince ought to have risen superior to the insult.
To challenge M. ROCHEFORT is merely to give him
a new lease of popularity with the Paris mob. To
parley with a second-rate lampooner is degrading.
Justice demands an example, even though the victim
be a member of the NAPOLEON family. Equally does
civilisation require repressive measures; nor is there any
need for the severity of the King who made duelling
a capital offence. A. short period at the galleys would
operate as a complete deterrent.

The Marquis of Hamilton is very unwell.
The Tenant Right Conference in Dublin will com-
.nence on the 2d of February.

The Princess Mary Adelaide of Teck and the
infant Prince are doing well, according to the latest
bulletin.

The office of inspector of Chatham Dockyard will
shortly be abolished, and the whole of the inspectors placed
on superannuation.

This day the courts of law and Equity were re-
opened for the Hilary term. Tho Courts met at the usual
hour, as the Lord Chancellor did not receive the Judges.
The effect of rumours as to reductions (says the
Times) has been to cast gloom and stagnation over every
branch of private industry and trade in Sheerness.
The Exeter Gazette says there are already 1,000
signatures to the address which the working men's societies
of that city propose to present to Bishop Temple.
Between 500 and 600 hired men in Chatham Dock-
yard are to be discharged, and it is expected that a large
number of "established" hands will be superannuated under
the new regulations.

It is stated in the German papers that General
Grant intends to come to Europe in. the month of June of
the present year, in order to visit the Sovereigns of Eng-
land, France, Prussia, and Russia.

The Dublin Corporation yesterday adopted, after
discussion, a resolution calling upon the Government to grant
a Royal residence and a National Parliament to Ireland. It
was inserted on the minutes.

James Lowe and William Nicholson, working at
Wolverhampton as navvies, have been arrested for being
concerned in the recent poaching affray at Over Darwen,
Lancashire.

It is stated that Mr. James Young, of Kelly
College, intends to found, in connection with the Andor-
sonian University, two Technical Chairs and another of
Natural Philosophy, towards which he is to devote the
magnificent sum of 20..000 guineas.

The consecration of the new Greek church at
Liverpool took place yesterday. It was announced that
the English clergy who might wish to attend would have
seats reserved for them, but they were to wear their secular
dress, and were not to take part in the service.

" A Canterbury Pilgrim" asks if the body of Car-
dinal Coligny, which has lain at Canterbury in a brick box
for 300 years, cannot be provided with the decencies of
Christian burial ? Or might not the Dean and Chapter send
it over to France, as Queen Elizabeth intended to do ?

Tha report of the Committee on the Supersession of
Colonels (the Overland Mail hears) is not unfavourable to
the immediate advancement of those colonels of the Indian
Army whose promotion hos been stopped by the War-office
authorities.

Mr. Henry Bayley, cotton broker, of Liverpool
and Manchester, was brought before a Liverpool magistrate
yesterday, charged with having obtained, by false pretences,
25 bales of cotton, valued at £5OO, from Messrs. Chambres
and Holder, Liverpool. He was remanded till Thursday.

At the annual meeting of the Board of Arbitra-
tion and Conciliation in tho North of England Iron
Trade, held at South Stockton yesterday, Mr. Thomas
Hughes, M.P., was dEcided upon as an arbitrator in the
wages question.

There was a great gathering of clergymen and
ministers of all denominations yesterday at Manchester
to consider the proposal to establish "a charity Sunday"
in that city. The meeting passed a resolution affirming
that it was most desirable that simultaneous annual col-
lections should be made on behalf of the medical charities,
and the la.st Sunday n Februairy was fixed for that
purpose.

The Diocesan Synod of Down, Connor, and Dro-
more assembled yesterday at Belfast for the purpose of re-
ceiving and discussing reports from the Standing Commit-
tee on Church Organisation and Commutation. The Lord
Bishop of the diocese presided, and there was a large at-
tendance of the clergy and also of influential laity. The
sittings will last for several days.
The Rev. George Gilfillan, U.P. Minister of
Dundee, made a protest from his pulpit on Sunday against
proceedings being taken against him for saying that he did
not believe all the statements of the Assembly's Shorter
Catechism. He would stand (he said) on his distinct legal
rights; and he repeated that the doctrine of the eternal re-
probation of non- elect infants, and the statement that the
world was made in six literal days—both found in the
Catechism—were each, to say the least of them, very
dubious matters. The former was bad theology.

Another " miners' conference" was held yesterday
at Tipton, the entire district of South Staffordshire and
East Worcestershire being represented by delegates. A
variety of topics were discussed, and amongst other
things it was resolved to join the Lancashire colliers in agi-
tating for the eight hours' system of labour. In reference
to the education question, an offer made by Lord
Lichfield to meet the colliers of the district during the
present month, in order that the matter might be fully
discussed, was gratefully accepted by the conference. A
resolution was also adopted, affirming that the Govern-
ment ought to appoint a number of aub-inspectors of
mines, the inspectors not being numerous enough to fulfil
efficiently the duties imposed upon them.
The Leeds Mercury says :—" There is reason to an-
ticipate that the increase in wages recently conceded to the
colliers in Staffordshire will be extended to those of West
Yorkshire. The deputations from the pits appointed to
ask the masters to return the 71- per cent. reduction
made in the spring of 1868, met at Methley last night
to communicate the resu:t of their interviews on the
subject. It was stated that toe whole of the employers were
favourable to the advance being granted ; but there appeared
to be on the part of each some hesitancy as to which should
give way first. The meeting passed a resolution to the
effect that a fortnight's notice, to date from Thursday next,
be given if at the men would cease work unless the advance
was conceded. About 1,400 men are affected by the deci-
sion."

DESTRUCTION OF THE S 7 AR AND
GARTER AT RICHMOND BY IlItE.

LOSS OF LIFE- -THIS DAY.

The " Star and Garter," one of the most cele-
brated of hostelries in the suburbs, was this morn-
ing destroyed by fire. For years this hotel has
in-7s-e-s;
ln•hwehiheihghsen
ifiz jovial
r, but
pnaorwts have
eaolde
hpereen-
ovial parties
held, are a blackened heap of smouldering embers.
The fire was ut-,rad about half-past two
this morning, and the inmates or tu. _
once aroused, but by this time the fire had taken
such firm hold of the premises that many had to
jump from the windows. The manager of the
hotel, after rescuing several of the inmates, returned
to the burning house to save a favourite dog, but
unfortunately he never returned alive, as the roof
fell in and the flames immediately after shot up with
the greatest fury and prevented all attempts of
rescue.

There was a large arrival of fire engines in a
comparatively short time, but their action was
retarded by a lamentable want of water, which was
so short that the building was nearly consumed
before the whole of the engines could be got into
play.

LATEST INTELL IGENCE

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

AMERICA.

(Per French Atlantic Cable.)

NEW YORK, Jan. 11.
COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.
CLOSING PRICES.

Gold closed at 123 ; the highest quotation dur-
ing the day was 123; the lowest, 1211.
Sterling Exchange on London lOBl.
5-20 U. S. Bonds, 1882 ll3/.
it " 1885 ll3.
(t " 1867 ll5l.
10-40 it
Illinois
Erie
Cotton—Mid. upland 2sic.
Petroleum—Standard White 3olc.
Flour, extra state, $5.30c. to $5.90c. Corn, old
mixed, sl.loc.