The Sun.
London, England, 1856-12-31 00:00:00

that have taken place in reference to the Prussian

difficulty. It completely vindicates the conduct of

the Swiss authorities, which has been temperate

and conciliatory, while it was also firm and
dignified. They were prepared to make any con-
cession consistent with their cherished indepen-

dence, for which they would struggle to the last.
Although simple Republicans, their honour was as

precious as that of FREDERICK WILLIAM, and
they could not consent to the immediate liberation

of the insurgents, until satisfactory assurances

had been given of a final arrangement. As truly
stated, " the mere assurance of good offices given
in a vague manner could not satisfy them. It
was necessary, at the least, that France and
England should engage to bring about

such a transaction as should not impose
on Switzerland conditions inconsistent with
her honour and dignity. They had an unques-
tionable right to such a pledge, and without it
they could not take a step which would be tanta-
mount to the admission of the Prussian claims.
It is due to the English Government to say
that, notwithstanding the contemplated matri-
monial alliance, they took a more straightforward
and equitable view of the subject than any of the
Imperial Cabinets. They never " recommended
or wished to recommend the preliminary and
unconditional liberation of the prisoners."
That would, indeed, be begging the question.
It would leave everything in the hands of Prus-

sia, permitting dormant claims to continue, that
must inevitably occasion future complications.
All that FILEDERICS WILLIAM would grant was,
that, the preliminary demand being satisfied, he
would be prepared "to enter into negotiations/

The Federal Council were equally to enter into
negotiations ; but they could not, in the first in-
stance, grant what was equivalent to a recognition
of the disputed title of the claimant. The insur-
gents had endeavoured by force to over-
throw an existing and recognised Govern-
ment. In that attempt blood was shed, and
although considerable allowance might be made
for the feelings by which the Prussian tools were
misled, it would be neither more nor less than an
abdication of supreme power if an amnesty -
granted save on conditions exj
The terms propounded by Ei
it may be assumed, were kn,
to Prussia, would readily be
essential that they should be
The Confederation were quite willing that FRE-
DERICK WILLIAM should retain the empty title of
Prince of NEUCHATEL, provided no substantial
authority were associated therewith. They
would respect his private property as they
would that of any and every private
individual in the canton, but they could not
recognise the domains, dues, and revenues
claimed in the capacity of Sovereign as falling
under that category. Therefore, in order to pre-
vent the possibility of misconception, or future
disputes, they very reasonably required that the
property claimed should be distinctly specified ;
and, in like manner, that " the religious and
charitable institutions, in which the KING took a
lively interest," should be stated and set forth.
These are reasonable precautions, which no
" moderate" man could refuse. If, after such a
proposition, hostilities should break out, we can
only say they cannot be ascribable to the Federal
Council, who will possess the sympathies of every
right-minded and unprejudiced man in the
arduous struggle that must ensue.

were

The Income Tax excitement is still progressing;
and will soon arrive at the boiling point. Many
interesting and important meetings have been held
in various parts of the country. None more so,
however, than that of the citizens of Gloucester,
who for the second time assembled to express their
detestation of a tax " unequal and unjust in its
application, oppressive in its execution, vexatious
in its assessment, demoralising in its tendency,
and, from its inquisitorial character, derogatory
to the freedom of Englishmen—more particularly
when applied to trade, professions, and uncertain
incomes, which should therefore be immediately
and totally repealed so far as relates to schedule D."
The leading feature of this interesting discus-
sion was the presence and co-operation of a gal-
lant Admiral holding an influential position in the
Ministry. The First Naval Lord of the Admi-
ralty is one who could scarcely be expected to
oppose the Government. And yet Sir M. F.
BERKELEY spoke in a manly, straightforward; and
intelligible language. He actually confessed that
the attempt to take advantage of the quibble
was worthy only of a pettifogging attorney who
had been struck off the rolls for chicanery and
dishonest practices—would be " a sneaking po-
licy, unbecoming gentlemen and men of honour."
There is a sailor-like frankness in the speech of
the gallant Admiral that wins respect. He repu-
diates with disdain " the dirty trick," and seems
disposed to break A lance with those who ascribe
such vile intentions to the Government. We like
him all the better for this honest indignation, and
only regret that he was not enabled to give an
authorised contradiction to the rumour. But
he himself declared that he spoke only as
a subordinate, without direct communication
with the head of the Cabinet, and he must be
conscious that the Chancellor of the Exchequer
last session more than hinted that the "petti-
fogging quibble" would be resorted to, and that tie
Ministerial organs have assumed it as an estab-
lished fact. There is, therefore, ample foundation
for the supposition that the unworthy dodge-may
be attempted. If it should not be so, nothing
that has been put forward, either in the press or
the shafts will fall innocuously from the shieldj
,
at public meetings, will apply The cap not fitting,
strengthened by candour and honesty.
We rejoice to find that the Gallant
Admiral agrees with the language origi-
nally put forward in The Sun, and since
adopted by "The Liverpool Financial Reform
Association:" It may be " rather harsh," but in
such Cases it is necessary to speak plainly and
intelligibly, so as to leave no doubt Of the estima-
tion in which such proceeding would be held:
We ftllly concur in the financial -fiews put for-
ward by the Honourable and Gallant Admiral.
We do not, the country does not, desire to do
away with direct taxation.
It only requires that it should be equitably and
fairly assessed and levied without harshness. We
do not seek to re-establish indirect taxation, nor
would we impair the efficiency of the national
establishments--more' especially of our wooden
walls, of which, as Englishmen, we are justly
proud. We cannot, however, accept Mr. COBDER
as a mouthpiece—" RICHARD is now no officer of
ours." Despite his assertions, we feel and know
that the Income Tax does interfere with " the
progress of industry," A wide distinction, how-
ever, exists as to a tax on accumulated and rea-
lised property. That is the least impost, as we
have repeatedly stated, that can be enforced.
If the Financial Minister be contented there-
with the nation will cordially acquiesce in the
necessity. If not, he must prepare himself for all
the opposition which an indignant and thoroughly
excited people can offer to that which they feel to
be alike inequitable and impolitic.

BEER AND ALE EXPORTED.—The declared valne of
beer and ale exported in 11 months ended November
was 128,114/.

RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF STEAM OOMMUNI-

CATION TVITH AUSTRALIA.

A. contract has been concluded by her Majesty's Go•
vernment with the European and Australian Royal
Mail Company, for the conveyance of mails once a
month, by the route of Suez, between this country and
the Australian colonies.
The packets under this contract will depart from the
port of Southampton, and, as in the case of the Indian
mail, in addition to, and in connexion with, the direct
packet, a special service will be maintained via France,
for the conveyance of supplementary mails from this
country.
The first mail to be despatched, via Southampton,
under the new arrangements, will be made up in Lon-
don on the morning of the 24th February next,
and the first mail to be despatched, via Mar
seilles, will be made up in London on the
evening of the 28th February. Subsequently to those
dates, the mails will be despatched uniformly, via South-
ampton, on the morning of the 12th of the month (com-
mencing with the month of March), and via Marseilles
on the evening of the 16th of each month.
On those occasions, however, when the 12th of the
month falls on a Sunday, the mails for Australia, via
Southampton, will be made up and despatched on the
previous evening, and when the 16th of the month falls
on a Sunday, the mails will be made up and despatched
on the following evening.—By command of the Post
master-General,

ROWLAND HILL, Secretary.
General Post Office, Dec. 30, 1856.

The Earl of Clarendon arrived in town, yesterday,
from visiting her Majesty at Windsor Castle.
The Countess of Erroll arrived in town, last week,
from Slaines Castle, A.berdeenshire.
The Earl and Countess of Desart have arrived in town.
The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., is at pre-
sent on a visit to his uncle, the Rev. Dr. Cardwell,
Principal of St. Alban Hall, Oxford.
A letter from Nice states that the Baroness Vigier
(Sophie Cruvelli) is at present residing in that town for
her health. She is seen almost every day in a pony-
carriage, which she drives herself.
The Rev. Father Ventura had a few days ago an
attack of apoplexy, which placed his life in danger ; but
he is now recovering.
THE GUANO TRADL—There is no duty on guano. In
the 11 months ended November the quantity imported
was 175,688 tons.
A powerful man named Jones, alias Giles,vvas yesterday
fully committed for trial from the Southwark Police-
court for highway robbery. He was the holder of a
ticket of leave.
The ship, John Bunyan, has arrived off the Start,
from Sydney, with dates about six days later than those
received from the same port by the Red Jacket. The
amount of gold brought by the John Bunyan (if any)
remains to be ascertained.
THE FOREIGN TRADE OF THE COUNTRY.
The
number of vessels employed in the foreign trade of the
United Kingdom, in the 11 months ended the 30th
ultimo, was 28,147 that entered inwards, and 38,867
that cleared outwards.
It is at present believed that the shipments of specie
~ which will leave South-
Ld China mails, on the 4th
:eed 600,000/., but this , is

THE SURREY THEATRE.—
le, the deputy coroner, held
,e of St. Gorge the artyr,
,:er, who came to her death
Suddenly in the lobby of the boxes of the Surrey Theatre,
on Saturday night last. The surgeon who was sent for
said she had died of a disease of the heart. The jury
returned a verdict of " Natural death."
TRADE REPORT—MANCHESTER, TUESDAY.—Under
the renewed influence of a further excited cotton
market in Liverpool yesterday, the prices of yarns and
goods were again quoted higher. The active demand
which arose a few days ago from several unexpected
quarters of the world has sufficed to take of any pre-
existing stocks, and the usual requirements of buyers
are not likely to be obtained except at permanently
higher rates than at present.
CAPTURE OF PAUL FOR THE FRAUDS AT THE CITY OF
LONDON UNION.—John Paul, late assistant clerk of the
City of London Union, in St. Mary Axe, who has been
oharged with several " misdemeanours and felonies," in
the misappropriation of sums to a very large amount,
was captured about six o'clock last night, in the vicinity
of Hackney, by Daniel May, one of the most intelligent
of the detective force connected with the city of London

constabulary.
ACCIDENT TO MR. CHARLES MATHEWS.—Varions
rumours having been in circulation respecting the health
of Mr. Charles Mathews, we are requested to state that
he has been confined to his bed for the last week under
a most painful affection of his arm, the result of an acci-
dent at the Manchester Theatre. A severe operation
was yesterday performed for his relief, and although he
is still seriously ill, every hope is entertained that he
will soon be enabled to resume his professional engage-
ments.
Dr. Wynn, of Finsbury-seri:re,. was yesterday placed
before Mr. Hammill, at the Worsh::)-street Police-court,
charged with violently assaulting Mr. -.o.Boham, an attor-
ney's clerk, residing in the same house. The complainant,
whose head was enveloped in bandages, state on the
preceding evening the doctor rushed out of his root 2 and
oommenergi assaulting him so violently that he becan;9
insensible. There had been some mlsuntlei4tawli.6-
between them relative to the possession of the house.
The magistrate ordered Dr. Wynn to appear at the
sessions to answer the charge. Bail was accepted.
An interesting archaeological discovery has just been
made at the village of Trigneres, near Montargis, de
partment of the Loiret, in France, It consists of the
remains of a Roman amphitheatre, 230 feet long, by
195 wide, capable of containing 10,000 spectators. The
walls in some places are between three and four feet
thick, in others almost double. There are two large
staircases at each extremity, leading to the upper rows
of seats. The complete exploration of the ruin has not
yet been effected.—Literary Gazette.
The process of painting the interior of the new read-
ing-room at the British Museum has at length been
completed, and the scaffolding removed. There are
twenty panels in the ceiling, each of which is painted
in light blue, the decoration of the intervening girders
being executed in gold, which has also been liberally
employed in ornamenting the cornices and other acces,
sories. The effect is considered extremely satisfactory
the celours being brilliant in themselves, and from their
lightness investing the vast dome with an appearance of
grace and airiness which could hardly have been expected,
considering its colossal proportions.—Literary Gazette.
A RIVAL oF Ma. SPURGEON.—A young gentleman of
the name of Guineas, a relative of the great Dublin
brewer, has lately been creating a sensation among the
religious public in Devonshire. His admirers say that
he has ti vOiCe quite as powerful as Mr. Spurgeon's,
and much more Senotous and. persuasive. He preached
at Crediton on Tuese4ey last, when the Baptist chapel,
not being found capable Of holding half the applicants
for tickets, the Music-hall gt the Public Rooms was
hired for the occasion, and although more than 500
people were there crowded together, gfeat numbers went
away who could not gain admission.
LVIEUSf TREATRE.—An incident occurred at
.t_hirs
theatre on Monday which for the time excited conisid
able apprehensiod. In the opening scene the
" Corsair," Submarine .spends, attended by a naia.l.
Last evening the light dress !if the latter was suddenly
observed to be in flames. The seessations of alarm were
speedily changed, however, to shouts of applause at the
presence of mind of some gentleman connectedg;thh.
the theatre, who dashed forward from wings and
with his hat succeeded in beating down and extio
ing the fiddles. It Was, nevertheless, some time b.Jore
the plaudits of the people could reassure the trembling
little naiad.
EXPLOSION or GAS IN A STREET LETTER-BOX.—
During the past summer the Post-office gOthoritiee fixed
a number of letter-boxes for public convenience at the
extremities of the borough of Wakefield. One of them
was erected at the tee of Wrengate. On Christmas
Day, tWci beys, who reside in that locality, wanting
a light, one of them struck a lucifer match against
the iron pillar, when an explosion of gas immediately
took place, and one of the youths wad severely burnt
and the other somewhat injured. Mr. Rowland Hurst,
the postmaeter at Wakefield, at once despatched far.
Howson, one of the elevks in the Post-office, to ascertain
the particulars. Vrorti inquiry, it appeared that the
gas bad escaped into the box from the mains in the
street, the door of which was blown open, and the bag
which receives the letters was tossed, with its contents,
to a considerable distanCei.
HEATH IN THE CASUAL WAnIM OF ST. PANCRAS
WORKHOUSE.—Yesterday, at the meetYlig of the direc-
tors of the poor of St. Pancras, held in 610 Board-
room adjoining the workhouse, at Camden Town, Mr.
Churchwarden Streeton in the chair, very
considerable'
sensation was created by a report that ayoung woman
named Ann Lane, who had been admitted into the
casual wards of St. Pancras Workhouse in a state of
e
destitctioni and who had been discovered to be ex-
ceedingly ill by the nurse, had been allowed to remain
in the ward in an eiposie:df t place,nearly 4s
where the window
panes had been broken, hours, without
medical treatment, and that she had there expired.
Considerable discussion ensued as to the pfopriety of
the board entering into any investigation until after
the coroner's jury had made theirs ; and a motion,
moved by Mr. Churchwarden Wyatt, that a special
board be called after the inquest was held, was nega-
tived ; and an amendment, moved by Mr. Lawford,
and seconded by Mr. Stockton,ra ewd to investigateascarriedbyl3to
11, that the board at once ce
conduct of their officers. EventuallyP the inquiry the
was
adjourned till after the coroner's inquest.
THE PLANET JIIPITER.—This planet will again be
occulted by the moon on the afternoon of Friday next,
January
2. It will come in contact with her limb at two
min. before 5 o'clock, and will emerge at one minute after
6. The disappearance will trite place at a point 157 deg.
from the moon's vertex, countinground by the right hand,
in an inverting telescope ; the re-appearance at an angle
of 284 deg. reckoned in the same manner. During the oc-
cultation Jupiter will be near the meridian of London,
and consequently in a very favourable position for obser-
vation. All four satellites will be visible at the time, the
fourth at a considerable distance from the planet on the
left hated in the inverting telescope, the third about
half as far from it on the same side, and the first and
second near together on the right of Jupiter. On this
occasion the planet will be entirely hidden by the moon
for about an hour, the metropolis being far within the
limiting parallels of latitude for the occultation. On the
Bth of November la,t the upper limit pasted very Acts
to the northern suburbs of London, and hence occurred
the interesting phenomenon of a partial occultation of
the planet, the predicted and actual circumstances agree-
ing almost exactly.

xpressly arranged. and bullion by the Colombo
am .I. ~itl*e_ Illidia and
England, and w t •.. - - ' l-..
, ,c4r„...tn, excfm
Lown ,Aed ac.'
" OMAN IN
'''.
ed,' ' . . r. W. J. Payne
i. ore clew ;' .. , , ~ . inquest at the Workhouse
.. - _ on the body of Martha Bak,