The Sun.
London, England, 1856-05-16 00:00:00

HIGH. WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE,

THIS DAY—lforn. 0 min. aft. o—Evening 55 min. aft. 11
Tn-Moußow—Morn. 50 min. aft.l2 —Evening 21 min. aft. I

THE WEATHER—SUN OFFICE, MAY 16.
THERMOMETER, IN TRH SHADE.
60—high :at since noon yesterday.
4.3—lowest this morning and during the night.
59—this 4sv at noon,
BAROMETER, down to 29.48 now up to 29.61.
WIND, N.W. to W.—Light, with variable weather.
It rained heavily yesterday afternoon, and continued
on till late in the evening, from S. to S.W.

c
,41

~~<

LONDON, FRIDAY, 313 Y 16, 1856.

It is more than hinted that a Secret Treaty, no
relating to Turkish affairs, has been entered into
between Austria, France, and England. It i,
also positively asserted that it has no direct refer-
ence to the Italian questions, ventilated by Count
CAVOUR at the Conferences, and subsequently em
bodied in the Notes presented to the Cabinets of
St. James's and the Tuileries.
If this be so, it would be well to know what
can be the object of these mysterious stipulations.
Everything relating to Turkey was disposed of
either by the " Precious Treaty " or by the se-
parate, although not "secret," convention sub-
sequently arranged between three of the contract.
ing parties, for the purpose of guaranteeing the
integrity of the Ottoman Empire. Nothing re-
lating to Italy or the Italians could fairly or
honourably be entered into by France or
England without the privity and assent of Sar
dinia, their faithful ally, who had acquired
an irresistible claim on their confidence and co-
operation. Austria was the Power against whose
unwarrantable proceedings she had been com-
pelled to protest, and a private arrangement with
Austria, on any of the points in which she was
interested, was therefore totally and altogether
out of the question.
What, then, can be the subject of this new con-
tract ? Is it relating to Belgium, and the initia-
tory measures to be adopted for controlling the
liberty of the Press ? That seems more likely.
Ring LEOPOLD is closely connected by marriage
with the houses of Hapsburg and of Brunswick.
It may be necesimry to strengthen his hands to
enable him to set aside the constitutional law of
the country over which he now reigns. England
could not well openly interfere in a crusade
against Journalism. But a private arrangement
might be made to answer every purpose, and
which could not be subjected to Parliamentary
criticism. This is but a further extension of the
objectionable system, lately introduced, and now
pertinaciously followed up. The object is to
deprive Parliament of its legitimate functions,
and to enhance the prerogatives of the Crown, so
as to render the English more congenial to the
German system of Government.
Secret diplomacy is at all times to be depre-
cated. The representatives
of the people have an
cting
indefeasible right to full information respe
every contract entered into on behalf cf the
nation, and by which we ourselves, or our eha..
dren, may hereafter be affected. A peculiar
jealousy is entertained of Austria. The deplor-
able evidences of duplicity and insincerity, as well
as of selfishness, displayed by that Power during
the late War, has excited the disgust and indig-
nation of all true-hearted Englishmen. It was,
however, clear that an extraordinary influence
was exercised in her favour, and that whatever
might be her conduct she would not be called to
a proper account thereof. There is, therefore,
the greaten reason why no secret article should be
entered into, or any stipulations made, without
the sanction and ratification of the British Par-
liament.
Although the points referred to in the Treaty
may not directly refer to Italy, it is impossible to
say tint they may not be turned to matters of
Her Royal Hishuess the Duchess of Kent visited the
which the English Plenipotentiaries have at pre- Duchess of Gloucester yesterday, at alounester
sent no knowledge, or, what is nearly the same The Countess Craven will give a great ball to-night
at her residence in Charles-street.
thing, may disclaim all knowledge. How caul it Mr. and Mrs. James Hall and Miss Hall have ar-
rived the Clarendon from Searborous 01.
b© known that wa may not be committed! by Mr. and
fieneral terms to sustain the Court Mrs. J. A. Hudson have left the same, establishment
of Viennaa in for Pad:7.

ance at church and chapel. Never was the sway of
hypocrisy more exigent, nor, we are happy to be-
lieve, in greater peril. It has overstepped the
mark, and looking as we do for a grand demon-
stration of the fact, we earnestly entreat that no,
grounds may be furnished for reasonable inter-

farence on the part of the police, but that all will
be so orderly as to confound " the saints." The
Parks, we suppose, are the people's, and it is

greatly to be desired that as many of the upper
and middle classes should be present to counte-
nance the toiling masses, and each other, in the
vindication of their common rights. Sabbat-
ism really merits a sound (metaphoric) drub-
bing, and this cannot well be administered too
'

openly or effectually. It has dared to lay its
hand on the ark of the people's health and enjoy-
ment. Down with it !

We invite attention to the Seventeenth Annual
Report of the Chairman and Directors of the In-
ternational Life Assurance Society, which will be
found in another column. Notwithstanding the
depressing character of the late War, the number
of New Policies effected during the year amounts
to 935, assuring the sum of 379,7621., and
yielding in premiums 12,5921., in addi-
tion to the sum received on renewals on
Old Policies, and other sources, making the
present income of the Society upwards of 90,0001.
per annum. This is a most encouraging state-
ment ; and we doubt not that every succeeding
Year will produce one more promising than its
Predecessor.

SPEEDY RETURN' OF LORD ST. RATFORD
DE itEDOLIFFE TO ENGLAND.

-
! We believe we are Stratford de Radcliffe,our " correct in stating that Lord
extraordinary " Ambas-
Ple, has applied for and obtained
Fodor at Constantino
leave of absence. His lordship may cox sequently be
almost
o mistake
im
m iend i
this
expected in England. There can be
n ycase as to what the wolTde, " leave of
taiesl
absence," mean. It is a gentle way of expressing the
fact that the irritable nobleman has been, in reality, re-
called.—Morning Advertiser.
[Just two years too late.---En. Sun.]