The Sun.
London, England, 1870-05-14 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY, MAY 14, 1870.

like that of the Observatory at Greenwich. Economy
of time and capital are very good things in their
way; but, like other advantages, they may be bought
at too dear a price. The House of. Commons can-
not hesitte on the question, and the public will
already have pronounced its opinion on the matter.
It would be a work of supererogation to dwell on
the point, and all that can be said is that the wise
will derive a warning from the extraordinary narra-
tive, and realise the mistakes that people may fall
into, in their over-haste to make improvements
which are the reverse of their name, and militate
against interests which are dear to society, and should
claim respect from those who cannot comprehend
their full importance.

THE most remarkable feature of the Plebiscite
in France is beyond question the vote of the
army and navy. It was expected by almost every-
body, Republicans as well as Imperialists, that the land
and sea forces would give a mass vote in favour of
the Empire. They are entirely dependent on the
Government ; an adverse vote would be
likely to bring them into disfavour. The secrecy
of the ballot is not respected in France
inasmuch as the box is placed upon a table, and an
official sitting before it is able to distinguish the
kind of bulletin deposited therein. Under such circum-
stances it seemed ridiculous to expect that the hun-
dreds of thousands of well-disciplined French troops
would display the smallest sign of hostility. Yet they
have done so. Altogether 40,000 soldiers voted
"No," and 5,000 men of the navy took
the same course. In Algeria the army re-
corded 6,000 Noes to 30,000 Ayes. In all cases
the number of those who opposed the Empire is, of
course, vastly inferior to the numbers that supported
it. But the EMPEROR'S friends and foes alike
anticipated a still greater disparity. The
forty thousand votes are a most unexpected manifes-
tation, and it is not surprising that the Republicans
are delighted with such an issue. In one respect it is
gratifying to all friends of liberty. It
shews that there is greater electoral inde-
pendence in France than has been commonly sup-
posed. If the troops can vote "No " with impunity
—though it remains to be seen whether the grave
offence will be punished —no class of
voters need remain under official restraint.
If a soldier can vote just as he thinks
best, the rudest civilian may. On the other hand
this decision of the army is proof that the spirit of
disaffection and discontent has penetrated very
deeply into the nation. The symptom is
alarming. Forty thousand " Noes " are like
forty thousand defects in the great machine, which
was pointed at as the most unanimous in Europe.
Should the taint spread—and we cannot forbear
rememembering that the revolt of the army over-
turned the BOURBON dynasty in 1789—things
will look very serious for the second' Empire. If
the army grow in discontent as the great towns have
done, the EMPEROR will derive little benefit from the
help of his seven million rustics.

i"Joirt

HER MAJESTY.

WINDSOR CASTLE, May 13.

The Queen, accompanied by her Royal High-
nesses Princess Louise, walked and drove in the
grounds this morning.
Prince Leopold also went out.
Her Royal Highness Princess Louise, attended by
Lady Churchill, honoured Mr. Boehm with a visit to
his studio yesterday.

Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess
of Wales had a dinner party last evening at Marl-
borough House.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)
ENDIA.

BOMBAY, May 13.
The Bishop of Madras has left for England.
CALCUTTA, May 13.
Four per Cent. Government Securities, 974 ; Five
per Cent. ditto, 107; ; Five :and a Half per Cent.
ditto, 1141.

AMERICA.

WASHINGTON, May 12.

Capt. Selfridge, Commander of the United States
expedition for the survey of the proposed Darien Ship
Canal Route, reports the same to be impracticable,
adding, however, that he is now engaged in survey-
ing another route, starting from Sanßlas,with better
prospects of success.

(CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAMS).

A BARONET FINED FOR REFUSING TO PAY

TOLL.

Sir Gilbert A. Clayton East, Bart., who lives near
Maidenhead, Berks, has been summoned before the county
magistrates, charged with driving through a turnpike at
Hurly without paying toll. Defendant said several
parishioners were in the habit of passing through free,
and as the parish repaired the roads he did not consider
himself liable. He was, however, fined a guinea, in-
cluding the costs.

THE PRINCE OF WALES AND THE
HUNTINGDON FREEMASONS.

The Prince of Wales has written to the Duke of Man-
chester, and intimated his regret that he will be unable to
attend the meeting of Freemasons of Huntingdonshire
and Northamptonshire, to be held at Peterborough on
Thursday next, at which the' Duke of Manchester will
preside.