The Sun.
London, England, 1848-09-05 00:00:00

mention, for in his subordinate capacity he his aided
the skill of Prior and the genius of Turner in the
production of this masterpiece of art.

ALISON'S HISTORY of EUROPE.
The popular edition of this great standard history
has just been completed by the publication of the
twentieth volume. A better reprint in any essential
particular cannot appear. The Messrs. Blackwood
have issued a work in a manner worthy of themselves
and creditable to this advanced epoch in the art of
typography. And in addition to this, the seventeenth
part of the Atlas, illustrative of the campaigns,
battles, and sieges of the times described by the nar-
rative has appeared with the commencement of Sep-
tember. One would have imajned that having ac-
complished so much, no further enterprise, at least no
further enterprise of a judicious character, was within
the reach of the publishers. That such an impression,
if entertained, would have been singlarly erroneous,
however, is sufficiently shown by the handsome and
substantial volume of some 662 pages, which has just
been published. The book is an " Epitome of
Alison's History of Europe," compiled for the use
of schools and young persons. All the facts of
the more voluminous work are enumerated, accumu-
lated, and condensed ; and note ithstanding the com-
pactness into which this bulky composition has been
compressed, the epitome is more remarkable for its
symmetry than for its deformity, some of the most
brilliant passages in the original being preserved un-
V.uched. As a lucid and portable history of the
most wonderful epoch since the rise of Christianity,
the book appears to us to be altogether invaluable ;
though at the same time our political opinions and
the records of our judgment are so diametrically the
reverse of those of Mr. Alison, that we could wish
the narrative cleared of many absurd calumnies
long ago disapproved, we mean such preposterous
assertions as those respecting the assassination of
Pichegue and Captain Wright. Apart from these
blemishes of opinion, the volume is of most laudable
excellence.

SURREY TII EATRE.
Extraordinary attraction is now the order of the
day, and the gay little Surrey, under its present ma-
nagement, is not second to any of its kindred houses
of the sock and buskin in the production of it. Last
night, after the performance of The Pedlar Boy (a
new drama, from the pen of Mr. J. Harrington), in
which Mrs. R. Honner, as the Pedlar Boy, sustained
her acknowledged talents in dramatic impersonations,
Monsieur Herrmann, acknowledged to be the first
professor of magic in the world, and the wonder of
the age, made his first appearance here, and, with the
exception of five nights more (also at this house), the
last of his entertaining soirees in England. M.
Herrmann, to be duly appreciated, must be, ought to
be seen. 'Nothing that we can write on paper
can thoroughly describe his illysterieuses in the
" magic" art. We have seen " ground and lofty
tumbling" in the House of Commons, and particu-
larly on " budget" night ; but no "state tricks," no
efforts of honourable and distinguished magicians of
that great National Theatre, can at all stand com-
parison with those of M. Herrmann. But M. Herr-
mann has had great continental experience. He has
also exhibited at the Haymarket, and at the Prin-
cess's, and now we fairly have him— caught like
"Mrs. Glass's hare"—at the Surrey Theatre, situate
on the south bank of the river Thames. M. Herr-
mann, "the juggler of the sun and moon," truly
surprised us with his new and wonderful illusions—
illusions which he varies every night. He is an
excellent card, and deals his cards with as easy a
pitch to " the gods in the gallery," beaux in the
boxes," and " the critics in the pit," as an expert hand
would at a 100-table. But amid all the tricks, amid
all the extraordinary legerdemain which M. Herrmann
performed, that of his inexhaustible, his many-
liquored bottle was the most extraordinary we have
ever witnessed. " One bottle more" is familiar to
every lover of hospitality, but M. Herrmann's bottle—
a black one, not a shade larger than a wine bottle, is
a standing article—it contains spirits and liqueurs of
all kinds, and seems interminable in its quantity.
The real tun of Heidelberg is nothing to it.
M. Herrmann entertained a party of some hundreds
last night out of it, serving with the rapidity of the
quickest hand all kinds of liquors of the above, which
their taste, caprice, or whim led them to call for. The
scene was most amusing, as the company pressed for-
ward for their glasses, and the great magician dis-
penser cried in rapid succession whisky, rum,
brandy, gin, liqueur, &c. Another most singular
feat of M. Herrmann was the sustaining of a child by
the power of ether in suspension in the air. This
and his various other feats elicited rapturous ap-
plause. In a word, those who have not seen M. Herr-
mann have seen nothing.

BALLOON RACE.

-
Another- of those interesting and attractive en-
tertainments was given yesterday afternoon at
Cremorne-gardens. The weather being extremely
warm and fine, a circumstance almost despaired of in
these times of wet and wind, the grounds were early
thronged by a company of some thousands in number,
a testimony at once to the excellence of the enter-
tainments provided and the desire of the multitude
to participate in healthful out-door recreations. The
aeronautic contest was between the Royal Cremorne
and Albert balloons, the former conducted through
the regions of space by Lieutenant Gale, the letter
under the direction of Mr. Gypson. The balloons
being very nearly of a size, and of elegant shape,
rendered the race more interesting and exciting ;
circumstances, heightened by the knowledge in
some degree, of the ascending and sailing powers
of the two machines obtained in the last race, of
which we made favourable mention some time past.
Both balloons were inflated on the grounds, thus ren-
dering the whole arrangements complete. Shortly
after seven o'clock, all preparations having been ef-
fected, the signal for starting was given, and the bal-
loons were released from their moorings to set out on
their struggle for supremacy. The Royal Cremorne
was the first to rise, thus gaining the lead of its anta-
gonist. For some time it kept low down, proceeding
in a straightforward direction, thus obtaining a consi-
derable advantage over its opponent, which had by
this time made its ascent perpendicularly. They
continued in this state, the one ascending and the
other proceeding onwards for a considerable
time, when the Albert appeared to be fast
overtaking its adversary, evidently with a view
to pass over it. Lieutenant Gale appeared to
perceive this, for his tight aerial vessel darted for-
ward and was lost to the sight, closely followed
by the Albert. The two racers had a most beautiful
appearance as they sailed through the fine clear air ;
the one opaque and dusky appeared to reflect the rays
of the setting sun, while the other, clear and transpa-
rent, seemed to be illumined from within, its yellow
coloured silk and crimson zone showing like amber
set with rubies. When the balloons were fairly lost
in the distance, and not till then, did the company
turn to participate in the other amusements afforded
by the spirited lessee. The ballet in the theatre, with
its characteristic dancing, pretty dresses, and light
sparkling music, gave general satisfaction. Previous
to the. Lai trete, a piece of music, entitled " A Storm
in the Pyrenees," was performed by the band in the
Pagoda Orchestra. This musical novelty is rendered
more striking by the introduction of novel scenic and
pyrotechnic effects. The ball and firevvorks w
tinh
followed both attracted their due share of atten
the
and eulogy; indeed the proceeding
s throughout e
afternoon went off with the utmost eclat.

REVIEW OF TIIE MONEY MARKET FOR THE
MONTH of AUGUST, 1545.--The general tendency of
the transactions of the month ot August has been
towards decline and circumspection. There has
encerce
-
tainly been no marked depreciation, nor the prl
of any distinct precaution, but the general observation is
nevertheless true. Consols have fluctuated between Sii
and 85k, and Exchequer-bills have gradually come
down from 3S to 28. In the Railway market the dealers
have been very much at the mercy of the half-yearly
meetings, and we are not sorry to observe that the
result of most of these meetings has been such as to
impress the holders of railway property very strongly
with the conviction that, after all, a railway company is
only a shopkeeping concern on a large scale, and that to
obtain the pounds it is more than ever essential to take
care of the pence. The French loan, to which we al-
luded in our last review, has been subscribed, very
out much
to the justifiable surprise of most people, entirely of
French capital. Our own Chancellor of the Exchequer
informed the House, on the 25th August, that he also
wants a loan for 2,000,0001., and he proposes to take an
Act which will authorise either the issue of Exchequer-
bills or the creation of stock forte he r
noequ tired amou
ho nillt.
Unless he uses great expedition, w do thinkw
find it expedient to interfere s
with
`hi own bills in
sup the
market by increasing the supply. e hould rather
pose that a funding operation would suit the times better
than one of the opposite character. If he sells Con-
sols, he will certainly not sell them at 89—the price he
obtained for the Irish loan. The scrip of that speculation
has left behind it many unpleasant reminiscences, and
we are disposed to fear that Sir Charles Wood has had
the imprudence to postpone his announcement until a
conjuncture at which a borrowing minister will have, as
well the recollections of the past as the difficulties of the
present to contend with. He should have tried his hand
in the market five weeks ago, when Consols were at 89
and looking up to 93.—Bankers' Magazine.
RAMSGATE.—The town is now, we think, at the
top of the season; vast numbers crowd the splendid
sands every morning. We have heard some complaints
as to the practice ot the bathers, and hope that the pier
authorities will use the powers invested in them. With
the many visitors that arrive there are also a great num-
ber who have come down with the intention of preying
upon their neighbours' chattels. A female last week
lost her purse and 6!. 19s. This town is far behind any
other watering-place in having amusements for its
visitors. The only place, Victoria Btazeaar, is nightly
crowded, as is the Marine Library, by h g
have no theatre or public garden nearer than St.
IT
. Ne
Peter's,
which it is often difficult to reach, owing to the weather
being so unsettled.—Canterbury Journal

IRELAND.

DUBLIN, MONDAY MORNING.

The Freeman's Journal of this morning says—
" The Premier was visited at the Viceregal Lodge, at
eleven o'clock on Saturday, by the Lord Chancellor,
who remained more than half an hour. It is understood
that his Lordship has accepted an invitation from the
Earl of Charlement to pass a few days with him at his
beautiful residence, Alarino, near Clontarf. Nothing has
yet transpired respecting Lord John Russell's intention
of going down the country; but for whatever period his
stay in Dublin may be prolonged, he will continue to re-
side at his Excellency's lodge in the park."
The weather is now all that could be desired.
Last night there was a slight frost, and this morning
every symptom of rain has disappeared. Notwith-
standing the favourable change, there has not been
any revival in business here ; on the contrary (says s
trade report), the present week has been worse in the
produce-markets than any that have preceded it;
transactions are, in fact, as near at a standstill as can
well he imagined. Money is comparatively cheap,
from the absolute want of employment for it. The
same document thus refers to the Irish railway meet-
ings of the last week :
" Tho half-yearly meetings of most of the Irish rail-
ways have been held during the last week or two. Of
these tho only one in full operation is the Dublin and
Drogheda, whose report is sufficiently discouraging. It
appears that the gross receipts of the company are barely
suffiicient to pay 5 per cent. per annum on its capital of
800,000/., and that although a portion of the expenses
are charged to the amount of capital, the amount left for
a dividend is only los. per cent. on the half-year. If
this be the result of the working of the Great Northern
Trunk, after being some time in operation, there is small
room for hope on the more distant and less frequented
lines of road. We observe that the expenses are rather
disproportionate, being about GO per cent."
THE SPECIAL COMMISSION.

According to the Clonmel Chronicle, it is still un-
certain whether Messrs. Duffy, Leyne, and O'Do-
noghue will be tried at the special commission to be
held for that county, but the trial of Mr. O'Brien
there is positively decided upon, that being the main
object of the commission. The Chronicle also states
that—
" The informations in Smith O'Brien's case, which are
very luminous, and of immense length, are at present'
in the hands of a Dublin artiste for the purpose of being
lithographed. We believe such a course is never
adopted but in cases of high treason, when a large
number of copies are required, in which there would
be a possibility of mistake if prepared i❑ the usual
manner. In lithographs, however, there is no such
liability."
It is expected that a military' force of little less
than 4,000 men will be located in Clonniel, and
the neighbourhood, during the sitting of the corn-

mission.
INCREASE OF THE POLICE FORCE.
The following statement appears in the Limerick
Examiner :
" We have heard from very good authority that Go-
vernment intend augmenting the police force to 30,000
men, to whom the peace, protection, and possession of
the country are chiefly to be intrusted ; the more im-
portant fortresses only being selected for military
occupation. The means will thus be afforded of
withdrawing great part of the present army of cecupa-
tion. It is stated that ten pieces of artillery—field
pieces, will be appropriated to the police force in every
county."

INAUGURATION OF THE GREAT
NORTHERN RAILWAY OF FRANCE.—FES-
TIVITIES AT DUNKIRK.
DUNKIRK, MONDAY MORNING.--Yesterday, for
the first time, the shrill whistle of a locomotive awoke
the echoes round the old battlements of Dunkirk.
Extensive as were the preparations that were made at
Calais for the ceremony of opening the great Northern
of France Railway on Saturday, they were as nothing
compared with those made by the good people of
Dunkirk for the same event. For many days past
the town (one of the most beautiful in France) has
been busy in anticipation of the great event which
yesterday gave a direct line of railway communication
from the Northern coast to Paris.
Visitors have been pouring into the town ever
since yesterday morning, and the throng still in-
creases. The streets, all day yesterday, were literally
choked up with pleasure-seekers, and unalloyed en-
joyment seemed to reign in every quarter. The
townspeople appear indeed to have been animated by
a desire to eclipse everything that has hitherto taken
place in the shape of public rejoicing in their neigh-
bourhood. As soon as the day for the opening of the
railway was announced, the authorities commenced a
subscription, and in a very short time a sum of up-
wards of 3,0001. was subscribed to carry on the fes-
tivities, with which to do honour to the inauguration
of the Great Northern Railway of France.
At half-past nine o'clock yesterday morning a pro-
cession was formed in beautiful order opposite the
Ilotel de Ville, and proceeded to the railway station
which crosses the Calais road inside the ramparts.
A splendid canopy has been raised over an altar
opposite to the passenger station for the ceremony of
the benediction.
The various companies of the national guards hav-
ing been drawn up in the open space surrounding
the station, the Cardinal Archbishop of Cambria, and
the clergy of the district, ascended the altar, and
awaited the arrival of the train from Calais, contain-
ing the directors of the line and their friends.
A burst of artillery having announced that the
train was in sight, the municipal authorities, all
wearing tricoloured scarfs, placed themselves in line
on each side of the railway, and the train having
drawn up to the platform, the directors alighted and
were introduced to the municipal authorities, and by
them were conducted to the toot of the altar. The
Cardinal Archbishop then addressed them, and in
warm terms complimented them upon their having
succeeded in extending railway communication to
Dunkirk. He enlarged upon the advantages which
would result to France by the extension of the rail-
way system from Paris to the northern frontier, and
said that as France, par excellence, had always taken
the lead in matters connected with the civilization of
the world, so she ought to be foremost in widely ex-
tending the railway system.
The ceremony of the benediction then commenced.
The platform on which the altar was placed was
crowded with priests of various classes, in the midst
of whom stood the Archbishop, attired in all his
splendid pontifical robes. Leading to the altar from
the station was a broad flight of steps covered with
crimson carpeting, and on the top of those steps the
Cardinal stood and blessed first the engines, then the
road, and finally the military and the people.
The ceremony concluded, the principal authorities
on the railway formed into procession again, and
marched back into the town with banners flying and
military bands playing.
We never saw any place display such animation
and general rejoicing as Dunkirk did on the proces-
sionow entering the town. Every house was
tchre
pidacde
with spectators, and from every window
lanted, round
every street poles had be7:ed
depended festoons of thicklytricolour. lanced, p each side of
the ground, and
thefrom
poles for the entire
carried along the tops of
which evergreens were tw
At intervals of about three
length of the street.
yards were carried across the streets,
sashes of red
and blue and white drapery, interspersed with gar-
lands of beautiful flowers. The windows in every
house were ornamented with diamond-shaped tri-
coloured lanterns, each containing a variegated lamp
for the illumination at night.
The procession having arrived at the Place Jean .
Bart, the Cantate d'lnauguration was performed upon
an elevated stage in the centre of the square, near to
the statue of the celebrated Jean, after which the
authorities proceeded to the harbour to witness the
launch of an iron war steamer, called Le I3iche, and
again returning to the Place Jean Bart, a military \
musical performance took place. b y was given
At four o'clock a splendid banquet ,
the authorities of the town to the directors of the rail-
way, and the leading visitors . The banquet was held
t the m
at the college ; and amongst
is
'
were M.M. Marie, Gamier V
lowski, and several other members o
a
Puier, Wol.
agpany present
of the National
Assembly. was splendidly illumi-
In the evening the town .
n in various parts
nated, and public balls were g
hour before the veof the city, and it was a late u
festi-
vities of the first day were brought to a close.
by
To-day the rejoicing commenced adistribution
of medals to the corps de neusique, after which, a mock ,
procession will take place, the principal character in
which will be Reuse, a personage bearing a strong
resemblance to our own Ciog and Magog. 'lbis in-
dividual is a figure twenty-two feet high, and is
attired in a sort of ancient costume.
In the evening there will be a concert of vocal and
instrumental music, followed by a grand ball ; and
to-morrow the festivities will be brought to a close •
by regattas, races, and amusements of that descrip-
tion.
A great number of English visitors are here, ex-
cursion boats having been running from Dover since
Saturday last.

THE RAILWAT BRIDGE ACROSS THE TWEED.-011
Saturday last some interest was excited by the appear-
ance \for the first time, of a railway carriage (third
class, on the temporary wooden bridge across the Tweed.
The
carriage, which was filled with people, was pushed
to and fro several times along the bridge—even the dizzy
height from the river not preventing many from hang-
ing round it. A piece of artillery planted on the bridge
was fired in honour of the event, and the structure was
also decorated with a number of flags. The temporary
bridge is ready only across the river; the communica-
tion with the embankment behind Tweedrnouth is not
yet formed. It is anticipated, however, that this will be
made by the Ist of October, when the trains will pass
without interruption, and the delay and expense of
omnibuses for passengers, and carts for goods, coke,
will then be avoided.' The temporary bridge at
Newcastle was expected to be opened to-day (Friday).
—.Berwick Warder.