The Sun.
London, England, 1870-12-02 00:00:00

THE WAR NEWS IN AUSTRALIA.

It was on the 10th of Sept Amber that the intelli-
gence of the war en the Continent reached Sydney.
We are told that when the proprietor of the Sydney'
Morning Herald put up in front of the office the
poster of the leading events, the streets in the neigh-
bourhood became thronged with an excitable crowd
of people of all parties and classes. The telegraph
boys, as they arrived one after another with portions
of the message, were forwarded to their destination
over the heads of the mob. The importance of the
situation was increased when German after German
systematically got drunk in honour of the cause
which was even then stated to be going favourably
for their country. These fellows embraced each
other, while the Frenchmen looked dubious and
reckless. The latter, supported by the English,
could scarcely believe that the establishment
of a military En pirs could so soon have
resulted in the nation receiving a shock
which was paralysing it. The agitation in
the streets, was not calmed for several hours. A
telegram from England now reaches New South
Wales in 10 days, so it is propable that the prin-
cipal events of the war are as well known to Austra-
lians by thin time as they are to a large number of
the Britons at home.
ESTABLISHMENT OF MUSE nerd

The President of the Royal Society declares that
there is a large surplus stock at the British Museum
which is rotting, presumably from want of the need-
ful accommodation. Tie thinks it is very desirable
that Museums should be formed in various populous
places of the kingdom, and suggests that the sur-
plusage, being distributed, would materially
assist in the establishment of a great means
of instruction. The suggestion is not a new
one, but coming from such a distinguished quarter
it may have the effect of engaging more general
attention. The advantages of such institutions are
obvious.
HOMES FOR WORKHOUSg aHiLDRIgi.

It has long been a difficult question how to deal
with the juvenile population of the workhouse.
District schools" have been substituted in some
places for the ordinary workhouse school, which has
proved so complete a failure, but these have not
been altogether satisfactory in their working.
In Scotland the results of the system of
boarding out workhouse children are good. Unkind
treatment is rarely met with, and the Poor-law
Inspectors whu reported on the working of the
scheme remarked that the children seemed satisfied
with their adopted homes, and dreaded to return to
the workhouse. The Poor-law Board have become so
convinced of the advantages of this system that
they have extended the order which hitherto has
permitted the guardians of unions to beard out de-
serted and orphan children within the limits of the
union. Pauper children may, in future, be boarded
in country places beyond the limits of the union.
Some excellent regulations have been made;
more especially the one which prohibits
anything resembling a workhouse uniform
to be worn by the children. Due provision
is to be made for their education. Voluntary associa-
tions are to be formed to act in conformity with the
Board of Guardians, and to exercise supervision.
The Poor-law Board have been informed of the
desire of " many persons in several parts of the
country to devote time and personal attention
gratuitously to this most tifieful work,"