The Sun.
London, England, 1856-03-28 00:00:00

ALL THE LONDON JOURNALS

As the greatest artisticat triumph of the day. It constitutes an Opera.
Comedy, and Vaudeville. With a host of characters in Correct Cos •
tames; aid Songs in
SIX DIFFERENT LANGUAGES
Never attempted by any other artiste.

- - -
Evening performances on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and
Fridays, at 8.
Morning performances on Wednesdays and Saturdays at half-past
two, precisely.
- - -

Adraissien—Chairs, 3s. ; Centre Seats, 2s. ; Back Seats, ls.
SAINT MARTIN'S HALL, Long-acre.

lllerEl WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

Tun DAY—Morn. 33 min. aft. s—Evening 53 min. aft. 5
T'4-MORROW—Morn. 15 min. aft. 6—Evening 41 min. aft. 6

THE WEATHER—Sox OFFICE, MARCH 28.
THERHOIIIITER, IN THA SHADS..
no - highest since noon yesterday.
33 -towest this rnoraiag and durost the night.
46 -this day at noon.

BAROMETER-29 95.
WIND, E.—Freah, with fine, cold weather.

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LONDON, FRIDAY, MARCH 28, 1856.

Some time since, in speaking of the Vienna
Conferences, the Elrl of ELGIN declared that
next to the triumph of our arms, the failure of
our diplomatists was the greatest blessing that
could happen to the country." So it would be
on the present occasion, but we fear there is no
reasonable chance of so auspicious a termination
to the present negotiations. The work was done
but too surely. The pride and arrogance of
Russia had been abated. She felt how thankful
she ought to be in being permitted to evade the
condign punishment she had so eminently merited ;
that: she was in fact obtaining a triumph in sur-
rendering no substantial portion of territory, and
paying no indemnity towards the expenses of the
war. She well knew that she would not allow
any of her opponents to escape on such singularly
easy terms if their positions were reversed, and
she had the opportunity of striking a blow that
would place Europe ather mercy, and have enabled
her to render it in every respect "Cossack." It was
not likely, then, that she would contend very ob-
stinately on mere points of form, when the sub-
stantial advantages were so greatly on her side,
or permit any trifling matter to prevent the peace
which has become to be a matter of paramoun t

importance.
Nor was Austria less decided in patching up a
treaty. She saw that it would be impossible to
maintain neutrality much longer—that the time
had arrived when she should make vows for or
against us, and she would draw the sword either
for or against Russia. This she was determined
to avoid at any sacrifice ! Besides, there is
but too much reason to think that Austria will
chiefly benefit by the terms agreed on as the
basis of the treaty. The ratification of the
Russian frontier in the vicinity of the Lower
Danube—the stipulations respecting the Prin-
cipalities—will all ensure advantage to the
Wily Power that profited by all that was achieved
by the blood and treasure of the more generous
and high-minded combatants. That every Aus-
trian effort would be made to acoomplish any ar-
rangement, however discreditable or injurious to
the Western Powers, is beyond the possibility of
doubt, and no trifling impediment would be suf-
fered to prevent the attainment of the consum-
mation 60 devoutly wished for by the Austrian
Coat,.

We regret to be Compelled to add that the

same energetic and decided support that was ac-
corded
on all previous occasions could not be an- I
ticipated on the present occasion. It is useless to
deny that the chief glory attached to the capture
of Sebastopol fell to the lot of oar gallant Allies.
The taking of the Malakhoff was the feature
mainly associated with that great event. That was
accomplished by French troops, while the Eng-
lish failed in achieving the minor victory at
the Redan. It is true that a close and
searching investigation into all the circumstances
connected with the transaction will show that the
English really forfeited no portion of their well-
established reputation ; that the French soldiers
had approached to within a few yards of the foot
of the Malakhoff before the signal was given,
while the English had to traverse 200 yards across
an exposed plain, during which their ranks were
mowed down by the deadly and concentrated fire
of the Russians. Besides, the Malakhoff, the
possession whereof rendered that of Sebastopol
itself certain, was the only object really aimed
at. This other attacks were merely intended to
distract the attention of the Russians until the
French had time to establish themselves in their
positions. This was done ; and it was the attack
on the Redan, as well as those of the French in
other quarters, that enabled our Allies to retain
the fruit of their great victory ; and if the Eng-
lish failed in one point, it must be re-
membered that the French did so in no
less than three directions. We do not allude
to these matters for the purpose of depreciating
the efforts of our brave Allies. Far from it.
They did all that could be expected from gallant
men ; but we wish to vindicate fat, characters
of our own countrymen from the reproach of
failure, because they did not succeed in that
' which would never have been attempted if stand-
ing per se. But these circumstances will not be
taken into consideration. The general impression
will be that the triumph belonged exclusively to
France ; and that narrow and short-sighted view
of the case induced many of our Continental
brethren to clamour for peace, in such a manner
1 as materially to assist the views of Austria and
of Russia.

We do not suppose that the EMPEROR. could
thus be misled, but there was an event approach-
ing that materially 'changed his views and feelings.
The birth of a direct Heir to the Throne, the
prospect of founding a dynasty, the objects of his
most ardent aspirations were almost within his
grasp ; and it is scarcely to be wondered at tha t
he yielded to the influences, and agreed to
accept what he would previously have rejected
with scorn.

The backstairs and unconstitutional influence
prevailing in England was also urgent for peace.
The Prussian matrimonial alliance could scarcely
be solemnised during the continuance of war, par-
ticularly while Prussia, under the specious garb
of neutrality, was rendering powerful assistance
to our enemy. The prospects of a Thuringian
kingdom could not be materially advanced, nor
the assimilation of British institutions to Ger-
man models. King LEOPOLD desired peace,
and therefore the wishes of an overwhelming
majority of the English people were set a:
nought, and a result was brought about
which has been well described by a morning con-
temporary—viz., that "our victories and our un-
diminished resources are their own, reward. The
defeats of the Czln, and the dissipation of fears
which had brooded over Europe, are the losses of
Russia !" Even the latter point has not been
achieved, for we believe that, in consequence of
her too easy escape, while she retains all the
means of mischief in her hands, grave apprehen-
sions may be entertained of the probable conse-
quences of her insatiable ambition and grasping
cupidity.

Yesterday we had again occasion to narrate a
tale of savage assault on a policeman. The offi-
cer, JAMES CHAPMAN, is in this case disabled for
life, will be obliged to walk 'with a crutch, and
must quit bis employment at the very time he
was about to be promoted in it. He was, more-
over, discharging his duty in the most proper,
and even too forbearing, manner. If we de-
nounce misconduct on the part of the police like
that in Hyde-park, we ought equally to
support them to the uttermost in the
steady discharge of their duty. MICHAEL HOGAN,
the savage who has disabled the officer, was, ac-
cording to his own account, a ticket-of-leave man,
just out of prison with a four or five pounds gra-
tuity in his pocket; he used it to get partially in-
toxicated, but must have well known what he
was about, being steady enough on his legs and
sufficiently collected to attack CHAPMAN cunningly
and unawares, to raise him from the pavement, and
to throw him down violently on it, at thesame ti me
giving his leg a severe kick as he MI. CHAPMAN
had in consequence to be carried into court, the leg
uselessly dangling from his body. His only offence
against HOGAN was refusing to fight with him,
and directing him to go home quietly.
We need not repeat HOGAN'S defence ; it
amounts to loss of consciousness, through drink-
ing, till the following morning—a plea which
would seem to require that he should be deprived
at least of the power to lose again his senses through
beer, adulterated or unadulterated. Liberty to
drink is, in HOGAN'I3 case, liberty to break the
legs of those who do their duty towards him.
The matter of consequence is to let men of his
class know that intoxication, partial or complete,
will be no excuse for the crimes they commit in
such a state. Society is not to be at the mercy
of drunkards. It is well for gentry of that quality
to be aware that they will be held answerable for
all they do, drunk as well as sober. This knowledge
may be a salutary check on their worse than brutal
appetite ; but if not the half-drunk man, and this
was clearly HOGAN'S state, by no means loses his
memory entirely. He can recollect many things
on which his heart is set, and it would
be desirable for him, if he will sink into partial
frenzy, to do so under the dread of heavy respon-
sibility for violence mingling with his dreamy and
excited fancies. There is reason in drunkenness
as well as in madness. SHERIDAN, lying in the
gutter, to the question, " Who are you ? "
could answer, " W-I-L-BER-FORCE." It is due to
the sober that the remaining reason of the in-
toxicated should warn them not to commit assault,
and possibly murder.
For policemen,
however, we claim in this case,
as we, have done in others, the severest vindica-
ti©n of law, and the most liberal compensation for
the injury sustained. Captain SOMERSET was
sent to prison for beating one with a whip, and
rightly. The policeman carries with him, or
should carry, in the discharge of his legitimate
duties, the anthority of the Sovereign. If he
must use force frequently, yet those with whom
he has to do should be taught that society ex-
pects the authority intrusted to him to meet
with ready submission. We see it stated
that there h to be a subscription for
CHIPMAN, and his wife and nine children.
Except as a testimonial from the public, this
ought to be unnecessary. The country is bound
to maintain the policeman who fights its battles
with the depraved at home, as well as the soldier

who vindicates its rights abroad—when either are
disabled in their respective services.
If we are to be severe, however, on the
drunken wretch who endangers a policeman's life
—what are we to say to country squires, and even
a grand jury, seekingthe life of a rabbit shooter. Our
readers will have seen the trial in yesterday's Sun.
The man was employedby his master to shoot rab-
bits. A gamekeeper sneaked along in some high
grass, we suppose to detect the man in poaching.
The man naturally enough thought the grass was
moved by a rabbit—shot—and hit—hut did not
much hurt—a gamekeeper ! There was not a
shadow of evidence that the mau—or rather lad,
for he was but nineteen—thought of murder.
He showed great distress of mind—ran for a
doctor, and rendered all possible assistance. The
Judge, Chief Justice JERVIS, remarked that the
grand jury had not the slightest pretence for find-
ing the bill, but added, "it is a game county."
He further observed, in reply to an observation of
the prosecutor about poaching—that " if this
was the effect of game preserving, it ought not to
be allowed, it was shocking !" The prosecutor was
obliged to withdraw the charge !
The game-preserving squires have had their
disgrace, but, alas, they have had also their sweet
revenge. The poor lad has been in prison
for this accident ever since the 9th of Sep-
tember ! Surely the committing magistrates
ought to receive a hint from the Lord Chan-
cellor, or at least one from the Home Secre-
tary, on the propriety of indemnifying the young
man. Looking at the two cases we have brought
together, we ask, who are the guiltier parties—
Squires, who imprison, and Grand Juries, who
send to trial, a poor lad—prosecuting him on a
charge which should bring him to the gallows—
the lad's real and only offence being their fear of
his poaching—or, half intoxicated men, who half
kill a policeman ? The gentlemen endeavoured to
strangle a man lest rabbit shooting might lead to
shooting hares and pheasants. MICHAEL HOGAN
broke a policeman's leg for proper interference
with his irregularities. What are we to say, too,
for the comparative deserts of intoxication with
game preserving and with beer ? Both are done
for excitement, bat your game preserver is a very
fiend, utterly reckless of all evidence and
justice in regard to the poor rustics whom he sus-
pects of liking game as well as himself. He is
cruel and relentless in cool blood ; and, on the
bench of what should be justice, coolly cruel,
even to imprisonment and death, in behalf of his
amusements merely. The criminal through in-
toxication is always more or lens beside himself.
It is high time that game-law offences were no
longer tried by the game-preserving class, indeed
time that these barbarous relics of Norman
feudalism were utterly destroyed.

PRESENTATION OF PLATE TO THE 2d
LIFE GUARDS.

The magnificent silver centre, for the mess-table of
the officers of the 2d Life Guards, given by the late
Marquis of Londonderry, but not completed in the
lifetime of his lordship, has been presented by the
executors.

The plate is of triangular form, each angle of the
base occupied by military figures—an officer, a trooper,
and a bugleman. The centre is composed of a column
enriched with flags, kettle•drums, helmet, swords,'
trumpets, and other military trophies, and bearing re-
IterO of .the charge of the Guards at Waterloo, of the
names of their battles, and the inscription, which is as
follows :

" A Memento of Affection
from
CHARLES WILLIAM VANE,
MARQUIS OF LONDONDERRY,
K.G., &c.
Colonel of the 2d Life dnards,
To the Regiment.
Intended to have been presented
June, 1851.
Death makes no conquest of this conqueror ;
For now he lives in fame though not in life."

The whole is surmounted by a figure of Britannia. The
weight of the silver is 560 ounces, and the value 5001.
The ornament was designed and modelled by Alfred
Brown, and manufactured by Hunt and Roskell, of
Bond-street. It has been inspected by her Majesty
and Prince Albert, and does honour to the successors
of SW) r and Mortimer.

COURT CIRCULAR.

WINDSOR, MARCH 27.

The dinner party, yesterday, included his Majesty
the King of the Belgians, her Royal Highness the
Duchess of Kent, her Royal Highness the Princess
Royal, the Belgian Minister (Van de Weyer), Lady
Fanny Howard, Baroness de Speth, Colonel W.
Thornton, Commanding Officer, 2d Battalion Grenadier
Guards ; Colonel tie Moerkerke, Captain Prisse, and Dr.
Rieken.

The Hon. Eleanor Stanley and the Hon. Lucy M.
Kerr have succeeded the Hon. Caroline Cavendish and
the Hon. Flora Macdonald, as Maids of Honour in
Waiting to her Majesty.
Colonel the Hon. N. Hood has succeeded Lieut.• Col.
F. Cavendish, as Grown in Waiting.

In consequence of the boisterous state of the weather,
his Majesty the King of the Belgians has been induced
to defer hisjourney a day longer, and orders were accord•
ingly sent, last night.,to inform the various authorities
connected with the journey.
As at present arranged, the King leaves Windsor at
half-past nine o'clock to-morrow morning.

The Bishop of Jamaica and the Bishop of Kingston
had an interview with Mr. Secretary Labouchere, on
Wednesday, at the Colonial-office.
Dr. Ryerson had an interview yesterday with Mr.
Secretary Labouchere.
Captain Bates, 43th Regiment, had an interview, on
Wednesday, with Mr. Secretary Labouchere.
Despatches were received yesterday, at the Colonial-
office, from the Governors of Victoria, South Australia,
Van Diemen's Land, Newfoundland, Nova Scotia, and
Prince Edward's Island.

The Duke of Newcastle has left Portman-square for
Clumber Park, where his grace will remain until tho
reassembling of Parliament.

The Duke and Duchess of Hamilton are still staying
at Nice, and will not return to England until May.
The Marquis of Northampton is at Castle Ashby,
surrounied by a select party. The noble marquis comes
to town, for the season, the week after next.

The Marquis of Exeter arrived in town, yesterday
afternoon, from Burghley, near Stamford.
Frances Countess Waldegrave and Mr. Harcourt,
M.P., are expected in town to-morrow, from Nuneham
Park, Oxfordshire.

The Earl and Countess of Sandwich are still enter-
taining company at Hinchinbroke House, Huntingdon-

shire.

THE AILERIIIN MAILS.—LIVERPOOL, Thursday Even-
ing.—The Collins steam-ship Baltic, Capt. Comstock, is
now fully due, and hourly expected. Her dates from
New York will be to the 15th inst. The Cambria, Capt.
John Leitch, sails on Saturday for Boston and Halifax
with the English mails and passenger.. Letters must
be posted here before 10 a.m., with late fees to. 11 a.m.,
and at the landing stage till noon on the 29th inst.
EAST INDIA HOUSE.—Some important changes are
in contemplation in the Examiner's office, consequent
upon the retirement of Mr. Peacock and Mr. Hill,
the chief and deputy examiners, and we understand
that these duties will devolve upon Mr. J. S. Mill
and Mr. F. W. Prideaux, while the assistant exami-
ners will be Mr. Hawkins, a retired Madras civilian,
and at present secretary to the Indian Law Commis-
sion ; Mr. Bourdillon, for many years in the Ex-
aminer's department ; Mr. W. Thornton, of the marine
branch ; and Mr. J. W. Kaye, the projector of the
Calcutta Review, who is spoken of as likely to under-
take the Public Works Department.—Some News.

TILE BOARD OF GENERAL OFFICERS.—It was stated
yesterday morning, in answer to inquiries at Chelsea
Hospital, that the general board of officers, appointed
to inquire into the conduct of the Earl of Cardigan,
the Earl of Lucan, Sir Richard Airey, and Colonel
Gordon, will assemble on Saturday next, under the
presidency of Sir John Woodford (vice Lord Seaton
retired), for the purpose of formally arranging the
course of their proceedings, and that they will enter
upon the investigation entrusted to them upon an
early day next week. The board now consists of Ge-
neral Sir John Woodford, Lord Beauchamp, General
Rowan, Sir John Bell, General Jonathan Peel, M.P.,
General Knollys, and Sir John Berkeley. The in-
quiry will be conducted in the large ball of Chelsea
Hospital, and it is understood that the preliminary
proceedings on Satuday will be conducted with the
strictest privacy.
TEE EASTERLY WlNDS.—Letters from Amsterdam
state that a singular spectacle now presents itself, which
has not been seen for the last half century ; the Znyder-
zee, in consequence of the long continuance of northerly
and easterly winds, is almost dry. Between Genemin-
den, Blockzil, Lemmer, Kampen, and Harderwyk the
bed of the sea may be crossed dry-footed, and steamboats
and other vessels are everywhere high on the sands.