The Sun.
London, England, 1870-05-21 00:00:00

SPIRIT OF TilE PRESS.

The Times considers it fortunate that Sir Roundell
Palmer deferred his motion relative to the Greek mas-
sacres, for the debate which followed was free from the
heat of passion. But it established one conclusion. Sir R.
Palmer and Sir H. Bulwer alike condemned the conduct
of the Greek Governmet, and even Mr. Gladstone, though
very cautious in his words, admitted that the charge
against them required explanation. It is doubtful, how-
ever, whether the ' special claim on behalf of Mr.
Herbert as a diplomatic agent can be substantiated.
The ground of complaint is broader, for the Greek
Government has shown itself incapable of fulfilling the
obligations of a civilised nation. The murders have only
brought to light a truth long familiar to those who know
Greece. A system of rapine existed without in-
terference, which the Ministers proved unable to repress,
though it called loudly for repression. It is
clear that the position of the Protecting Powers authorises
their interference, and a straightforward appeal to France
and Russia will secure unity of action. The Three
Powers might easily suggest an administration which
should restore Greece and give satisfaction to her people.
The Post says that Sir Roundell Palmer put the case
of the Greek brigands before the House in the most
direct maflner, and that Sir Henry Bulwer's notion was
more irnikrtant •irk its character. The House of Com-
mons could not consistently pass a vote of censure
upon the Greek Government. We cannot absolutely dic-
tate to other nations what course they are to follow, and
Mr. Gladstone very forcibly stated the requirements of
the case in his speech last night.
The Tele;raph. believes that the Lords, in their eliscus-
sion of the Irish Land Bill, will not disappoint the Irish
nation. The Irish landlords have received the bill with
wondeliful equanimity. It was partly due to the fact
that during the dangerous agitation of the recess
Ministers were compelled to be silent, and more
extreme measures were feared. Hence the Irish
landlords are willing to accept the bill, and the opposi-
tion in the Peers is likely to be moderate. The law lords
will probably discuss it thoroughly, and when first
passed into law it may no doubt produce some
litigation, but when a few specimen cases have been de-
cided, matters will settle down and the second great step
will have been taken towards pacifying Ireland.
The Standard hays that the state of things in Spain is
critical, and the greatest embarassment prevails as to
which.course will be the best to pursue. The Cortes seems
quite unable to decide the matter, and the installation of
a temporary Sovereign would not be of much avail. General
Prim is anxious that Serrano should be invested with full
attributes, although the influence of such a step must be
apparent to all. It must be borne in mind that
Serrano has all along promised that he would not take
these powers upon him. The Duke of Montpensier does
not appear likely to succeed notwithstanding the perse-
verance which he displays on all occasions. Spain has
fallen into such a condition of despair that in a moment
of irritation her wise men and counsellors are very likely
to make a changa whether it is for the better or riot.

The Daily News declares that there can no longer be a
doubt as to the intentions of the Pope with respect to
Infallibility. No doubt he is delighted at the prospect,
but in the excitement of success he forgets the dangers
which surround the triumph. The opposition
of Germany has been aroused by the prosecution
of this dogma, and most decided protests have been made
by distinguished sons of the Church. Cardinal Rauscher
is a formidable opponent, and the course he has
pursued is a very significant one. The influence
which men like him have over the cultivated minds of
France and Germany cannot be overrated, and the authori-
ties of Rome may find out too late that they have sowed
the seeds of lasting dissensions by the adoption of these
measures, which professed to impart security and peace,
and, above all, promote union.