The Sun.
London, England, 1870-05-16 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY, MAY 16, 1870.

TOWN TALK.

(From the Western Mail of Saturday.)
LONDON, Friday Evening.
The adaptability of the ballot to all sorts of political in-
stitutions is certainly, it must be allowed, something re-
markable. Upon the other side of the Channel it is em-
ployed successively by a republic, and by a republic im-
perialised—by a despotism, and by a despotism liberalised.
Upon the other side of the ocean it is employed by a pure
democracy ; and upon the other side of the world, by the
electors in our own constitutional colonies. It was a
curious coincidence that the proposition to apply the
ballot to our own electoral system should at length have
been formally made by the Marquis of Hartington upon
the very morrow of the memorable day of the last French
pl6biscite. Every one recognises, at any rate,' in the
application of the " urn " and the billet to the gathering-
in of the suffrages of the adult male population of
France, the extraordinary tranquillity with which the
votes of 9,000,000 electors out of an aggregate
of 10,000,000 or thereabouts, may, within a few
hours, • be gathered together and placed upon record.
Whether the ballot, as applied to ourselves, will hence-
forth render bribery impossible, may yet remain matter
of doubt. But that it works smoothly and quietly as a
system is by this time placed altogether beyond dispute.
Among the most excitable and revolutionary people upon
the 'face of the earth, one has but just now witnessed an
alternative of the most momentous kind decided, " Yes "
or " No," with a placidity the most imperturbable. After-
wards, no doubt, when in reality the matter in dispute
was already decided, a barricade or so was hurriedly
thrown up by some of the more reckless desperadoes among
the gamins de Paris; but these frivolous and insensate de-
monstrations were simply the outcome of the wildest folly,
and were swept aside at a rush by a handful of Chasseurs,
answering with cries of " Vive Empereur " the interrupted
refrain of the choral chant of the " Marseillaise."

Who are the manufacturers of such wanton errors,'l won-
der, as that one which announced at the beginning of this
week the occurrence of a frightful railway accident on the
continent, whereby several lives had been sacrificed, where,
in point of fact, no accident whatever had occurred.
During the last few days I have almost felt disposed to
imagine myself in autumn rather than in spring, living in
the extra-Parliamentary period rather than in the 'very
middle of the session. Why ? Because in the news-
papers I have read repeatedly of late some of those hor-
rible little incidents (purely mythical and apocryphal,
let me hope) that have, hitherto, been reserved for the
dead season of the year, when new sensation paragraphs
of any kind have, upon some plea or another, to be manu-
factured—now a " little Toddlekins" mutilated, in effect
gnawed to death, by a ferocious donkey ; now an infant
frightfully bitten by rats. Reading any detestable little
paragraphs like these,Tl always feel inclined to exclaim,
as Paul Dombey exclaimed to Mrs. Pipchin, " I don't
believe that story !"
Unmistakable evidence, apart ]from this, however, we
have abundantly around us just now—we Londoners—
that, instead of being "in the sere and yellow leaf,"
we are in the heyday of " the season"—a most precious
but most fugitive epoch, the actual commencement
of which dates from May-day. Already at one o'clock
p.m., and again at six o'clock p.m., the Row—Rotten-
row, the Lady's-mile—is a sight to see. Then, again,
Kensington-gardens, that loveliest of all the London
parks, is in a very glory of spring blossoms, not only on
the flower beds, but luxuriantly and resplendently over
the trees clustered about in all directions. Pink and
white May, one sees and smells, creaming into bloom over
the hawthorn. The laburnum trees are golden cascades.
The lilacs, with their heart-shaped leaves and their
plumes of delicate fragrance, set me thinking of the
American poet who has sung their beauty most effectively

—Walt Whitman, the half-tabooed, half-civilised.
Towering above them all—each tree amongst them a
cone of splendour—are the horse-chesnuts, with pyra-
midal blossoms either pinkish-white or rosy-red. I have
all a Cockney's belief that one nowhere can see such
spring effervescence of May, and laburnum, and lilac,
and horse-chesnut as in Regent's-park, or, better still, in
Kensington-gardens, unless, indeed, it be in that veritable
rus in urbe, that most charmingly be autiful of inland
watering-places, Cheltenham.
Hard by the Row and the gardens there are noticeable
just now very different splendours than those of the
flowering trees and shrubs of spring-time. There, near the
site of the first Crystal Palace, that of 1851, not of Syden-
ham, the golden glories of the Albert Memorial are, day
by day, become more visible as the scaffolding is being
cleared away, pole by pole, from the top downwards.
There, confronting it, on the other side of the high road
to Kensington, the Albert Hall is rising gradually to a
magnitude, though it cannot be said to a sublimity, equi-
valent to the ruin of the Flavian Amphitheatre.

In some of the shop-windows of London her Majesty's

lieges are just now being horrified by a very ghastly photo-
graph, displaying to view, in a hideous group, the obtrun-
cated heads of those horrible demi-semi-classical ruffians,
the Greek brigands or murderers. There they are, with
their noses half eaten away by decomposition, with their
eyeballs swollen, and two or three of them with a loathly
smirk upon their bruised and bloated lips. A more fright-
ful carte-de-visite of horrors I have not witnessed since I
saw at Brussels last winter a similar reflection from the
life, or rather I should say from the death, of the unfortu-
nate Kinck family, the victims, at Pantin, of the monster
Traupmann.

A picturesque institution has, of late years, sprung into
existence in the metropolis, whereby what was formerly
an eyesore has been changed almost into an adornment. I
allude to the systematic application to advertising pur-
poses of the wooden enclosures surrounding any house or
houses in the great city, which may happen, at any mo-
ment, to be undergoing repairs of a lengthened character.
Formerly these "hoardings," as they are, for some occult
reason which Isannot conjecture, designated, were care-
fully emblazonedjwith a warning against bill-stickers. Now
they are " farmed," as the phrase is, by advertising agents,
like Willing and Company, who go in for bill•posting in
all the colours of the rainbow, the chromatic effect being as
brilliant, often, as a peep down the tube of a kaleidoscope.
The notion, I believe, is one derived from our go-ahead
cousins across the herring-pond. About as 'cute an adver-
tisement as I have noted for this long while past is one
that appears on a fly-leaf of the second number of " Ed-
win Drood," in which a ladies' seminary at Rochester is
boldly identified (by the advertiser) with the Nun's House
School at Cloisterham.

Few can have failed to identify with living personages
several of the leading characters introduced into Mr.
Disraeli's brilliant romance of fashionable life nowadays.
His description of Cardinal Grandison is far more than a
mere silhouette ; it is a very cameo of Archbishop Man-
ning. Monsignore Capel was very well known to
be the prototype of that bland and persuasive Mon-
signore Catesby whose pseudonym has so suggestive
a remainder of the Gunpowder Plot. Mizzini, who
can fail to detect under the thin disguise of Mirandola ?
Wonderfully should I like to know who sat to the ex-
Premier for Father Coleman—who for Mr. Pinto—who for
the Duke of Brecon—but, best of all these really inimit-
able portraitures, who it was, especially, who was the
original of St. Aldegonde ? That last-mentioned character
is, to my fancy, the most delightful, and, at the same time,
the most life-like limning in the whole of this singularly
brilliant book of " Lothair."

Is there anyone who does not feel grateful to the
honourable member who administered that smart rap over
the knuckles the other day to the habitually evasive and
officially nonchalant Mr. Ayrton ? Or who failed to en-
joy the "one two " between Mr. Fawcett's ill temper and
Mr. Gladstone's sarcasm ? As they number up, the highly-
coloured cartoons in Vanity Fair become more and, more
painfully accurate in their whimsicality. As for the new
illustrated paper, the Graphic, it has long ago distanced

the old Illustrated London Nevi's. Two detestable little

intruders among the so-called comic publications of London
(as a rule the dreariest periodicals out) have recently been
outraging the common sense of the street passengers, under
the titles of the Ferret and the Devil. They are about as
unwholesome as one or two of the more fantastic police
cases recently reported,

NATIVE CHRISTIANS IN FURTHER INDIA.-A per-
secution of native Christians is said to be going on in
Siam, where several persons have been put to death,
one being crucified.

PunLrc WORKS IN INDIA.—The drainage scheme
of Calcutta has, it is said, collapsed, though for what
reason is not stated. A million sterling has already been
expended on the wank. Railways are extending, and the
survey for the Government State Railway between
Kundwah and Tudore, will commence directly after the
rainy season is over. A sanatorium for troops in the
Kulu Valley is also, it is said, in contemplation by the
Government.

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SPIRIT OF THE PRESS.

The Times discusses the Ministerial modifications in
France, and observes that M. 011ivier now becomes the
beginning and end of the 011ivier Ministry. Whatever
mistakes he may have committed during his tenure of
office, he is not committed to any system of government
inconsistent with his Liberal principles. He has said that
the French people deserved well of their Government, and
it is not too much to ask that they should be ad-
mitted to the exercise of their newly-acquired rights.
The Emperor and his Minister who have had their own
way completely in the plebiscite will have to answer this
appeal. Their good fortune has hitherto surprised them-
selves, as it has mortified their opponents. But they have
now to consider on what majority the new Ministry will
depend for support, and what chance it has to improve
its position in a new Chamber.
The Post says that the appointment of a French
Minister for Foreign Affairs must always be a matter of
importance to-the English public, and that a better selec-
tion than that of M. de Gramont could not have been
made. He has always been well disposed towards Eng-
land, and is likely to carry out the policy of the country
in a liberal spirit with respect to other relations: M.
Laboulaye is also an able man, and these new appoint-
ments give promise of future success to the French cabi-
net by ensuring for it the confidence of the country.
The Daily News thinks that Sir John Gray's scheme of
Permissive Parliamentary Tenant-right is not required,
and that its provisions, if carried out, might be pro-
ductive of mischief. The Government Bill has been most
carefully prepared, and it will not be fair to interfere with
its working by adopting alternative arrangements. To
consent to Sir J. Gray's plan would be virtually to undo
the work that is already accomplished, and seriously to
interfere with the progress of the session.
The Telegraph considers that the victims of 'the Greek
massacre were representative Englishmen by character as
well as position. As ordinary English gentlemen they all
exhibited the qualities of the race which makes an En-
glishmen noble. Face to face with a cruel death, the
native habit of patience and propriety made each of them
a hero, for there were many tempting things they would
not do for the sake of living. Life must have been
sweet to them, ynd they were sorely tried, yet they
condescended to nothing mean. Mr. Vyner insisted
that Lord Muncaster should go to Athen s for his wife's
sake, and would not let his servant be his hostage. Mr.
Herbert and Mr. Lloyd acted with calmness and decorum.
Such characteristics are national rather than individual ;
their heroism is of the character of Regulus, who went
back to die because his mission had failed. It is an

honourable pride, which we ought to think one of the
best possessions of our island, and which we ought to
vindicate with all the majesty of the Empire.
The Standard thinks Mr. Ayrton has learned a lesson
from the debate on Friday with reference to Mr. Cooper
Temple's motion, when he all but received a vote of cen-
sure. Had not Mr. Gladstone and the Chancellor of the
Exchequer exercised great ingenuity, the result would
have been very damaging to the First Commissioner.
There is reason to doubt the wisdom of the decision that
non-professional subordinates should supervise the archi-
tectural works of our public buildings. The public do
not desire to see a saving effected by this dangerous ex-
periment, Mr. Ayrton's practice has verified the justice
of his profession at the outset of his career as First Com-
missioner, that he knew and cared little for art, but the
House of Commons has taught him a lesson he will not
forget.

OPENING OF THE INNER TEMPLE HALL.

On Saturday morning his Royal Higuess the Prince
Christian, accompanied by Her Royal Highness the
Princess Louise, formally opened the fine new hall of the
Inner Temple. Prince Christian was installed a bencher of
the Inn. The Inner Temple Hall will not, of course, com-
pare with the noble old hall of the sister inn, the Middle
Temple, where the most modern addititions which
have been made to the carved oak roof and magnificent
screen were made (according to tradition, if
not fact,) with oak timbers from the ships
of the Spanish Armada. It is built on the
site of the old hall, and is in the perpendicular style,
with a richly carved dark oak roof. There are six lofty
pointed windows at each side, and an oriel window in a
side bay at the south end. Above the carved oak panelling
which rises from the floor runs a bright band of colour
formed, as in the hall of the Middle Temple, by the arms
and names of the " readers" emblazoned on small heraldic
shields, in which the names and dates of all that can be
traced by records are inserted. Mr. Sidney Smirke is the
architect.

A loyal address ,was presented, to which the Princess
made a suitable reply. The proceedings concluded with
an elegant luncheon.

GRAND MASONIC CEREMONY.

The installation of Earl de Grey and Ripon. as
Grand Master of the Freemasons of England took
place on Saturday evening, in the presence of a
numerous and distinguished assembly, which in-
cluded the Prince of Wales, the Earl of Zetland
Earl Dalhoussie, Earl Percy, M.P., the Earl of
Limerick, Lord Leigh, Lord de Tabley, Sir War-
ren Hayes, Sir Michael Costa, and Sir Albert
Woods. Amid an elaborate and splendid cere-
monial, Lord_ Zetland, :the retiring grand master,
inducted his successor into the chair of office, and
the assembled masons, about 1,200 in number, sa-
luted Lord de Grey as Master Mason. The noble
earl then informed the Lodge that he had appointed
the Earl of Carnarvon, Deputy Grand Master, and
that his lordship was unavoidably prevented from
attending. Lord Zetland was afterwards presented
with an address, expressing the regret of the craft at
his retirement.

THE SAPPHO AND THE CAMBRIA.

COWES, Sunday Evening.

In the race which commenced on Saturday the
Cambria never joined in the race, but stood back for
Ryde, the Vectis following the Sappho for 12 miles.
The Sappho returned at noon to Cowes Roads,
having sailed round Cherbourg Breakwater and back,
the course indicated to Mr. Douglas by the umpires.
The yacht was becalmed far five hours when within
a few hours' sail of the breakwater.

Mr. Douglas claims the crap, and has hoisted the
winning colours. The dispute regarding the condi-
tions of the race will be submitted to arbitration.

The Sappho behaved splendidly in her voyage
across the Channel. She made seven tacks, one of
60 miles, from Bembridge to off Cape Barfleur.

The next race will be run on Tuesday.

The health of his Royal Highness Prince Leopold
appears to have improved since his return to Windsor
Castle. The prince has taken daily drives in the park and
in the vicinity of Windsor.

A Cabinet Council was held on Saturday in
Downing-street, at which all the Ministers were present.
The Chief Secretary for Ireland and Frances
Countees Waldegrave entertained a select circle at dinner
on Saturday evening.
Mr. Charles Mathews has arrived in Melbourne
in good health, and has been feted on his arrival by the
colonists.

THE DUKE OF NEWCASTLE.—The case of the Duke
of Newcastle came before Mr. Baron Bramwell, in Cham-
bers, on Saturday, It was decided that the liability of a
peer to be made a bankrupt should be admitted, so as to
raise the question whether the money in court belonged to
Mr. Padwick or the assignees.
Baron Brunnow, who has been for many years
Russian Ambassador in this country, is about to exchange
his post for that of the Embassy at Paris.
DEATH OF THE DEAN OF ROCHESTER.—The Very
Rev. Thomas Dale, Dean of Rochester, died suddenly on
Saturday night. The deceased dignitary, who was
familiarly known in London as Canon Dale, was born Au-
gust 22, 1797, and was consequently in the 73rd year of
his age. He was educated at Christ's Hospital and Cor-
pus Christi College, Cambridge.
The Annual Dinner of the Royal General Theatri-
cal Fund takes place to-day, the Prince of Wales will pre-
side.
Baron Pigott will preside to-night over a public
meeting at the Western National Schools, Upper York-
street, Bryanston-spiare, on the question of the sale of in-
toxicating liquors.
CRYSTAL PALACE.—The Shilling Operas will be
resumed this week. The Great Flower Show takes place
next Saturday.
Lord and Lady Muncaster arrived at Windsor on
Saturday afternoon on a visit to her Majesty. They will
return to town this day.
The annual meeting of the Royal Society for the
Prevention of Cruelty to Animals will be held at Willis's
Rooms on Saturday, May 28th, the Right Hon, the Earl
of Harrowby. &G., in the chair.

DuttviLl,E and Co., Belfast, are the largest holders
of whisky in the world. Their Old Irish Whisky is recommended
by the medical profession in preference to French brandy. Sup-
plied in casks and cases for home use or exportation. Quotations
on application to Messrs DUNVILLE & Co., Royal Irish Dis-
tilleries, Belfast ; or at their London Offices, 4, Beaufort
strand, W.C.