The Sun.
London, England, 1856-02-22 00:00:00

LUDON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 22, 1856.

There is, it appears, to be a farther inquiry
into the matter adverted to in the elaborate Report
of Sir JOHN WNEIL and Colonel TuLLocar, her
NlAJr.wry's Commissioners appointed to inquire
into the State of the Army iu the Crimea. A
Board of General Officers has been appointed "to
hear the explanations of the o#lcers who conceive
themselves aggrieved by that Report." This is
certainly a peculiarly mild form of expression in
reference to men against whom the gravest
charges have been preferred—who are asserted to
be primarily responsible fur the loss of ten
thousand British soldiers, for the fearful sufferings
and privations encountered by those who had
stamina sufficient to endure the formidable ordeals
through which they were compelled to pass, and
for the virtual annihilation of the English Cavalry
in the Crimea ! Nor do these accusations rest
on the evidence merely of newspaper correspon-
dents. They have been corroborated by the
evidence taken before the Sebastopol Committee,
by the Report of that Committee, and even more
powerfully by that of the Royal Commissioners,
who from evidence taken on the very scene of
these terrible disasters, arrived at the deliberate
conclusion that not only was everything which had
been asserted by the vituperated correspondents
fully and completely established, but that the guilt
of the offenders, whether occasioned by incapa-
city or negligence, was of a far more heinous
character than had previously been imputed.
If ever a case was made out for putting incul-
pated parties on their trial, it has been against
the noble, honourable, and decorated defenders.
True bills have been found by competent authori-
ties, and it is time that the alleged culprits
should be required to enter on their defence, not
invited to offer explanations.. The lives of ten
thousand men cannot be sacrificed with impunity.
The irreparable injury to the nation is not to be
ssltiAfi©d by explanations. If Captain BROWN,
Lieutenant JoNES, or Ensign ROBINSON were im-
pugned, a court-martial would at once be ordered,
and the parties kept in arrest Instil the result
were known. We cannot see any reason why a
different course should be adopted with respect to
Generals and Colonels, or why a different mea-
sure of justice‘ should be meted to the Earls of
Tice.tis and CATtnis4N, Sir R. AIBEY, and the
Hon. Colonel GORDON.

We do not wish to prejudge the guilt or inno-
cence of the accused. Every British citizen has
au inalienable right to be heard in his own defence
before he can be condemned. ' It is his birthright,
of which he should not, under any circumstances,
be deprived. But we desire that the trial should
be public, and before a tribunal in which implicit
confidence may be reposed. This was what we
iletnanded ten days since, and wick nothing less
will the people be contented.
A public investigation is alike due to ther com-
munity and to the parties accused. Englishmen
like lot secret tribunals, nor will they be satisfied
while any portion of the proceedings are in-
"l"d in doubt and mystery. Against the
decision of a private court the accused may
still appeal to the opinions of their countrymen.
No conviction by such a body can therefore be
final and conclusive, The result will be still less
satisfactory if the Reports of the Sebastopol Com-
mittee and the Royal
Commissioners be over-
ruled. There cannot, under any circumstances,

be a decisive verdict that will either convict or
vindicate the characters of the accused. We
trust, then, that while there is yet time the
determination as to the secrecy to be observed
with respect to the proceedings may be rescinded,
and that everything may be carried on above
board, without concealment or mystery.
Nor can we quite approve of th© constitution
of the court. It is to consist of general officers
" totally unconnected with affairs in the
Crimea." If it were a court-martial (as
it ought to be), we can easily understand
why none but military officers should be
appointed. But when it is a mere inquiry
that may or may not lead to ulterior proceedings,
no sufficient reasons can be adduced why eminent
civilians should not be associated, who would be
exempted from the prejudices with which men of
high military rank might regard charges against
persons holding similar positions. But, above
and beyond all, why should officers who have
served in the Crimea be excluded ? Surely such
men would be more capable of arriving at correct
conclusions on every point under consideration
than those who had no such experience to guide their
decisions. They could at once perceive the weight
to be attached to the acts, either of commission
or omission, attributed to the defendants, or some
of them, and could more properly condemn or exo-
nerate them from responsibility for things which
they have either done or left undone.
For these reasons we feel that the proposed
inquiry cannot be satisfactory on any side. It is
so strictly in accordance with the red-tapist
system, that the only possible effect can be
to shelve the matter until it is supposed
the public interest has abated. We warn them,
however, that such cannot be easily accomplished,
and that a stringent and searching investigation
must ultimately take place, and that before a
truly impartial tribunal, placed beyond the reach
of suspicion. We repeat that it is alike due to
the public and the accused, that such should be
the case, and the sooner it be instituted the better
for all parties concerned.

Just what we anticipated. The motioi cf Sir
JOSHUA WALMSLEY for the opening of the British
Museum and the National Gallery after morning
service on Sundays was last night defeated by a
considerable majority. The scene was sufficiently
amusing and instructive. Honourable members,
whose individual observance of the " Sabbath"
carries with it no painful reminiscences, and is
pleasingly compatible with a good deal more than
was asked for on behalf of our workmen, tottered
with the resignation of ascetics towards the table
with their loads of petitions, relieving their over-
drawn muscles with a laugh as the frosty billets
melted in their arms and dropped like icicles on
the floor. It would have done the thirty mil-
lions of the population good to have seen what a
lot of petitions may be got up out of a hundred
and fifty thousand subscribers, and was enough to
set the papermakers into fits of ecstacy at the
thought of the roaring trade they would drive if
the example were followed by the people.
Exeter-hall was really in great force ; but, for
the consolation of our anti-Sabbatarian friends,
we can state that its bray was but a stupid per-
formance. The good creature's voice was neither
so resonsnt nor so musical as of yore, and its
kicks might be described as a little spas-
modic. The largeness of its triumph seemed
lindeed to excite in it a feeling of uneasiness,
and it now and then might be observed listening
1 for the roar of the British Lion without. " Au-
-1 other such victory and"—but let us drop meta-
phor and turn to the debate.
Beaten in point of numbers, the moral and in-
tellectual triumph was beyond all controversy with
ithe supporters of the motion, and to this triumph
ILord STANLEY essentially contributed. His speech
was a masterpiece of sound logic, and moral vigour,
and persuasiveness, and ought to be put into the
hands of every working man. Summarily dis-
posing of the alleged expression of public feeling
in the petitions, by showing how miserable was
the minority which the petitioners constituted,
and how little importance attached to the sig-
natures of most of them, who are prepared, or in
a manner compelled, to sign what their spiritual
pastors and masters set before them, whether they
understand the subject matter or not, he pro-
ceeded to inquire on what principle the resolu-
tion before the House was opposed. Honest
and conscientious persons (as we ourselves are
ready to admit and certainly believe) might be
offended by the resolution. But that was not the
question ; the question was, whether it was a
reasonable offence ? Those who so a.rgues did not
know the fundamental difference between compul-
sory and permissive legielatien. No supporter of
the motion would make it compulsory upon any
man to go to a Museum or National Gallery on
Sundays. On the other hand, the opposers of
this resolution did not ask for freedom to stay
away from these places on Sundays, "but what
they wanted was to compel others to act as they did
—(the legislative voluntary Sabbatarians at this
stage began to prick up their ears and look as if they
had got into a mess) —and in so doing," said his
Lordship, " those persons, in his opikion, mistook
and misunderstood not only the theory of Govern-
ment, but that of religious obligation. In dealing
between State and State, each member of a commu-
nity was, of course, bound by the act of the ruler
of the State. But there was no such individual
responsibility in the relations between man and a
higher Power—in foro conscienti a', each man must
answer for himself. Relative duties were the per-
sonal attributes of each individual man, and if
they attempted to force their notions of duty
upon other mer they rather injured than
strengthened their consciences. (Hear, hear.)
He believed that half of the social injuries com-
mitted among men---half of the misery endured
upon earth since it was first inhabited, arose out
of that mode of argument to which all men were
prone. That which men considered right they
took for granted that it was absolutely right, and
therefore they would compel their neighbours to

do, not as their neighbours thought light, but to
do as they did. The necessary consequence of
this WWI hypocrisy and persecution, so that, iu
the end, religion itself was brought into discre-
dit. He denied that this was a principle upon
which that House ought to legislate—he denied

the right of that House, or of any earthly tri-
bunal, to deb le and enforce the duty which each
man owed to la higher Power. (Hear.) Human
laws existed, and must exist, in order to enforce the
observance of duties between man and man,
but the duty- between man and the SUPREME
13j Isa was enforceable by conscience alone (the
Cc inpulsivee Yoluntaries seriously uneasy here !).
Bt it, grant ug that it were a religious duty not to
go to aMr iseum on a Sunday,l still he denied it
:s such I a duty as the law bad a right to en-
Woe. Thilre were some who contended that this

(. ancient corn mand was still binding
upon us ; but
i he reply to that argument was, that the day
h ;tying been t hanged the obligation was not bind.
in g—that, ac !Cording to the DIVINE Coralmand, we
W. j re obliged to keep, not merely one day in seven
s Acted, but t' lie seventh day, and he did not think
' ;hat of ,jectiott had been answered. Sunday, he ad-
mitted ', was aAnestvaluable institution, but it would

be easy to show that the rigorous ascetism of mo-
dern times was unknown beyond two centuries ago."
Having disposed of this part of the question,
his Lordship, it will be seen, took to pieces the
objection, that to relax the observance of Sunday
was to rna,ke it a working day, and showed its
hollowness. With great justice he complained of
the misrepresentations of the purport of the motion
by the Sabbatarian party out of doors, and threw
some not unneeded light on the Sunday-school
objection. He freely admitted that the Sunday-
school system was, generally speaking, a valuable
institution, but the children really in too many
instances got too much of it. "He had known
cases in which young children—the majority of
them not ten years of age—were made to attend
two services of the Established Church, and in
addition three or four hours' teaching. Now,"
said his Lordship, and we thoroughly agree with
him, " that was a degree of mental and bodily con-
finement inconsistent with mental and bodily vigour"
—an enforcement of the system calculated to de-
feat its own ends; so that the liberation of the chil-
dren on a Sunday afternoon was not so undesirable
a thing after all—especially, we would add, from
the numerous chapel :vaults, necessarily un-
wholesome, is which they are Sunday after Sun-
day incarcerated. The remainder of the speech,
outspoken, practical, and convincing, will be found
worthy of all praise, and is not likely to be over
looked by the ebtusest reader. In conclusion,
we would remark the dominancy, the worse than
Popish dominancy, of the Sabbatarian party is
doomed. Let them keep the resurrection day of
the LORD of Life and Light, and the GIVER of all
Good, as gloomily as they please, the people will
not much longer be compulsory participators
therein within them. The pothouses will have to
disgorge their reluctant guests on Sunday, and the
doors of our National Institutions to be opened.
Following the advice of LUTHER, it may be neces-
sary to signify by some striking manifestation the
popular belief in the human origin of Sabbath
Observances ; but whether or not, the people will
rise before long in their strength and cast off the
Sabbatarian yoke at once and for ever, and well
will it be for the cause of truth if in their ex-
asperation they are content with this.

THE NEW LOAN AND FUNDING OFj
EXCHEQUER-BILLS.

This morning there was a numerous attendance of
capitalists at the Treasury, to take part in the biddings
for the New Loan and funding of Exchequer-bills.
Shortly after 10 o'clock a.m., the hour appointed for the
business, the gentlemen in attendance, including Barony
Rothschild, Messrs. R. and T. Thornton, J. Capel,
Lawrence, L. Cohen, and others, were received by Lord
Palmerston, Sir G. C. Lewis?, Mr. 'Wilson, &c., on the
part of the Government. The Governor and Deputy-
Governor of the Bank were also in attendance.

The proceedings were opened by the Chancellor of the
Exchequer placing in the hands of the Governor of the
Bank of England the sealed paper containing the mini-
m?, in terms which would be accepted.
In answer to questions from Mr. LAPEL,
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that the
scrip would be delivered on the passing of the resolutions
by the House of Commons ; but,
The GOVERNOR of the BANK explained that be feared
the scrip 'night not be ready on the payment of the first
instalment of 10 per cent. If that were the case the
letters of allotment would be stamped at the Bank.
Mr. CAPEL asked whether, in the case of the Ex-
chequer-bills, it would not be a convenience to have the
interest male payable at the Bank of England ?

The CaascEtiou said it had not been the custom to
do so, and he was afraid it was not possible.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER then requested
the presentation of tenders. Only one was made, by
Baron L. Rothschild, on the part of Messrs. Rothschild,
Brothers, in the following form :
" We hereby propose to the Lords Commissioners of
her Majesty's Treasury to subscribe the sum of 5,000,000/.
sterling for the loan for the service of the year 1856, on
the followinz terms :
" For every 1001. of money to receive 1121. 5.e. (say
five shillings) Three per Cent. Consolidated Annuities,
with a dividend from January last; the payments in
conformity with the notice.
"This proposal is made subject to Parliament autho-
rising and directing ourselves and our contributors t o
carry the aforesaid terms into effect."
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER asked what that
price would be in Consols ?
Baron ROTHSCHILD intimated that it would be at 891
for every 1121. ss.
The CHANCELLOR replied that that was below the
minimum price of the sealed paper placed in the hands
of the Governor of the Bank of England, and which he
requested him tb open.
The GOVERNOR of the BANK of ENGLAND having
done so, intimated that the terms were 111/. 2s. 2d.'
Consolidated Three per Cent. Annuities, or equivalent
to Consols at 90.

Baron ROTHSCHILD having withdrawn for a short
time with his friends to consult, on returning announced
that they accepted the Gover3ment minimum. They
were in hopes that some alteration might have been
made in the terms for Exchequer bills, as the price was
much higher than they anticipated.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, after consultiag
with Lti rd Palmerston and Mr. Wilson, replied that the
Government could not make any alteration in the
terms. Having placed the Ininiutum price in the hands
of the Governor of the Bank of England, no deviation
could he made.

The ciOTERNOR of the Bank said it alight be as well
to read the terms again, and did so.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that it was
not exactly at the price of 90, for they had taken the
money quotation ; but on the average it was as near as
possible 90.
Mr. CAPEL requested that the Government would
in future communications to the Stock Exchange state
the amount of the loan at once, since it would appear
that parties were acquainted on Saturday last with
the amount cot only of the loan, but also of the
funding, and bad won heavily by bets upon their infor-
mation. It was then distinctly stated that the loan
would L• for 5,000,0007., and the funding for 3,000,000/.
If, in future, the amount was stated at once, all parties
would be in a position to judge for themselves, and any
possibility of undue preference would be avoided.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said that be had
followed the precedent of previous loans. Probably
it would he the best course to publish the amount at
once ; but hitherto, during a long experience in such
matters, it had not been the practice.
Mr. JAIIES CAPEL said that he was told yesterday the
minimum terms of the Government would he 00.

THIS CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCITIEQUER smilingly re-
plied—That was a very good guess, but the minimum,
price wa,4 not finally settled yesterday.
After some further conversation, in answer to a ques-
tion from the Chancellor of the Exchequer,
Baron ROTHSCHILD intimated that the whole, includ-
ing the amount of the Loan and the Exchequer Bills,
was accepted at the Government price.

Mr. Jfkm. CAPEL asked what the; future rate of interest
would be on Exchequer Bills, when called in by adver-
tisenient for exchange.
The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER replied that he
could not answer the question then, but the announce-
ment would be made at the usual period in proper
form.

Baron ROTHSCHILD having signed the contracts on the
part of the firm, the proceedings terminated.

The Queen, with the Princess Royal and the Princess
Alice, rode on horseback yesterday morning in the
Riding School attached to Buckingham Palace.
Her Majesty, attended by the Countess of Desart,
Major-General Bouverie, and Captain Du Plat, ♦isited
her Royal Highness the Duchess of Glecester in the
afternoon, at Glocester-hotpe.
His Royal Highness Prince Albert rode on horse-
back, attended by Captain Du Plat.
The Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred visited Mr.
Fenton's Photographic Exhibition in Pall-mall yester-
day morning.
M. Picco, THE SARDINIAN MINSTREL.—We were yes-
terday afforded by Mr. Anderson, the lessee of Covent-
Garden Theatre, an opportunity of witnessing the ex-
traordinary performance of the Sardinian minstrel,
Picco, whose fame has already preceded his visit to
this country. The performance was a private one,
i❑ the presence of some amateurs, although, in order
to test the powers of the artist, it took place on the
stage. M. Picco is entirely blind, and utterly ab-
sorbed in his art. He needs t• be so, for nothing abort
of absolute devotion of body and spirit could enable
him to work such wonders with such an instrument.
To call it a " pipe" (though tibia is its traditional
name with the Sardinian shepherds) is to invest it
with too much dignity. We are afraid it must be set
down as a " whistle," for such it is, not more than two
inches long, and with no other machinery for producing
separate notes than three of the ordinary round holes. 1
Upon this instrument the artiste (for artiste he is in the
highest sense of the term) discourses really most elo-
quent music, developing power and even pathos, and
executing the most intricate passages with a delicacy,
finish, and aplomb that might be envied by the most
perfect violin player. To the mere sight-seer the exhi-
bition would be interesting because of the wonders pro.
duced by such insignificant means, but the musician will
find abundant food fay reflection and admiration that
this untutored child of nature should have acquired so
complete a mastery over the mysteries of an art which
it is given to few so thorougly to understand, and to still
fewer to he able to interpret. We trust that it will not
be long before M. Pieco,p.ppears i❑ public. His talent
is unique, and he will gaud alone,