The Sun.
London, England, 1870-04-23 00:00:00

that R. B. must somehow have caught the more
salient and distinctive features of that mobile and
marvellous countenance—points recognisable at a
glance to Shakespeare's own immediate friends and
contemporaries, even in a picture that looks to us, in
its intolerable rigidity, less a portrait than a carica-
ture. One consideration I cannot but r,dd, namely,
that it will be a burning shame if this peerless, price-
less treasure (more, no doubt, of art than of litera-
ture) be permitted to pass any whither than into the
National Portrait Gallery. For this, I would say,
let us one and all hold her Majesty's Government
responsible. Mr. Disraeli, two or three years ago,
won the cheers of the House of Commons by boldly
seizing the golden opportunity for the purchase, at a
good round sum, for this nation of an inestimable
collection of costly art treasures at Paris, long known
as something very admirable indeed among the
cognoscenti of Christendom. Can we hope for any art
comparable to this from our present guardians of
art and finance—from Mr. Lowe, or from Mr.
Ay rton ? Here is an easy means for righting them-
selves with the public, by the simple and compara-
tively inexpensive method of purchasing Burbage's
portrait of Shakspeare for the nation.
everal private views to water-colour galleries and
other collections are temptingly before me for to-
morrow (Saturday), too late, of course, for any re-
ference, beyond that of mere anticipation, being made
to them in my present communication.

PRUSSIAN OPINION OF ENGLAND.
The policy of England in respect of the Central Asis
question is exciting much attention in Prussia. An article
in the Prussian Gear Book expresses the belief that Eng-
land is not sufficiently vigilant in guarding against the
encroachments of Russia. The writer observes :—" Eng-
land is so rich, so cotented, and so sensitive with
respect to her numerous and varied interests, that she
shrinks from every contest. In this respect she reminds us
of Holland in the eighteenteenth century, which carefully
avoided every conflict. But other States are not in
the same humour, and sooner or latter they may put
her patience to such proof as will convince her it
would have • been better to have made the necessary
sacrifices at an earlier period, and to have secured
firm alliances against the time of need. It is cheaper
to adopt a well-defined diplomatic position, and to
lend it emphasis by supporting a strong fleet in the back-
ground than in the end to brar the brunt of a great war
with Russia alone. We hope England will pursue s
vigilant and energetic policy with respect to India, for
we are convinced the continuance of her power greatly
depends on her Indian Empire being retained, and this
we consider a matter of the very first importance for the
interests of Germany and Europe."
The Schlesische Zeitung make some observations on this
essay :—" England is our natural ally, and were
she weakened our loss would be irreparable.
The English, it is true, will not take advice,
but they are not quite indifferent to the state
of public opinion on the Continent, and it cannot too
frequently be repeated that States do not generally sink in
times of great exertion, or under intolerable burdens, but
after periods of the greatest apparent prosperity. The
soldiers of Hannibal were the first who ruined themselves
at Capua, but since then their story has been often re-
peated."