The Sun.
London, England, 1860-12-25 00:00:00

THE:' 'SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING; DECEMBER 25, 1860.

THE BRIGHTON ANTI-HOTEL COMPANY
(Limited).
Capital, D 75,000, in Shares of D 5 each. Deposit Dl per
Share.
Incorporated under the Common Sense Act, which ex-
pressly limits the liability of each Shareholder in the
degree of his prudence and acuteness.
DIRECTORS.
NICHOLAS NOBODIE, Esq., Chairman.
Thomas Brown, Esq. John Smith, Esq.
P. Green, Esq. John Doe, Esq,
John Jones, Esq. Richard Roe, Esq.
James Robinson, Esq.
Auditors-Solicitors—Brokers—Secretary.
The aforesaid having observed the advertisement of an
extraordinary Prospectus bearing a title not unlike the
heading of this present, together with the names of
he sundry
persons "unknown to fame," and seeing that t said
Prospectus may in some instances be mistaken by the un-
wary for ft serious and practical project, have resolved to
and do hereby propound a few inquiries which shall be
calculated to convince the most credulous of the jocular and
delusive nature thereof.
1. Had those persons unknown to fame, whose names
occupy the same honourable position as do the names cf
our respected directors, John Doe, Richard Doe, &c., at the
time of publishing the said Prospectus of the " Brighton
Hotel Company," possession of, or any sort of legal claim
to, land whereon the professed Hotel could be built?
2. Is it possible that business men could be in earnest in
-proposing. to carry into effect a project including purchase
of land on the sea frontage of central Brighton, and the
construction of a building advertised to contain "two hun-
dred bedrooms, apartments with bed and bath rooms en
suite, dining-rooms, coffee-room, salon library (sic), ladies'
coffee-room, reading-room, music-room, billiard-room,
smoking-room, hot, cold, and vapour baths," with the
furniture and appurtenances essential thereto for the sum
of £75,000 ?
3. And if the foregoing could be "done for the money,"
would the freehold tenement found and furnished for the
sum of £75,000--considering that unlike other commercial
undertakings operated in by a company cepable of indefinite
extension, hotel business is confined at its utmost opportu-
nity to four walls soon occupied—require for its profitable
administration eight directors, one architect, two auditors,
solicitors, brokers, and secretary ?
4. On what authority is it stated in aforesaid pro-
spectus that the ability of the said " Company" " to
pay large dividends is fortified by the fact that the Great
Western Hotel Company has paid dividends of 25 per
cent. per annum out of actual net profits, and that the
Euston and Victoria Hotels, and other similar companies,
have also paid unusually large dividends ?" Is it not,
rather, true that the once published profit of £25 per cent.
of the Great Western Hotel was taken on the small private
capital, less than £lO,OOO, of the Committee, whilst the
enormous investment of Great Western Shareholders'
money on the building and furniture was set off at 4 per
cent ~ no account being taken of the land, which belonged
to the railway company ? Again, that the Easton Hotels
were for years in a bankrupt state ? Further, can the
speculators concerned in said Prospectus adduce authentic
evidence that any hotel in the United Kingdom conducted
by a company not established by the
mmoinus ne hasof railway
shareholders nor fed by a railway ter
success ?
5. Even if it could be shown that an hotel at a metropo
lifted the -
litan railway terminus had exemp suitability of a
board of directors, &c., for its successful management,
would that prove the same with regard to an
lace," where, at the besth tel in ,
the pro
the
town of a o watering-p
able plentitude of business occurs only during 1 en or twelve
peeks of the year?
D. Finally, though all the rest were granted, what evi-
dence is there, precedent, professed or presumptive, of the
qualiZcations of the "Directors" named in the said pros-
pectua to exercise efficiently the functions of hotel keepers
by means of the money of shareholders ? May they not
possibly be more competent as share dealers ?

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
Lessee, Mr. E. T. SMITH.
NOTICE --The Lessee respectfully informs the Nobility,
Patrons, and Supporters of this elegant Theatre, that,
"FOR THE FIRST TIME," he will attempt a Grand
Pantomime. The greatest care has been taken to produce
and make it suitable to tbo taste of children. Every objec-
tionable matter has been omitted in the Harlequinade,
which has always been considered too long and tedious,
and the Lessee has studied the tastes of the junior branches
of society, for whom, at this season of the year, this par-
ticular entertainment is produced.
There will be Morning Performances of the Pantomime
on Saturdays, December 29, January 5 and 12, at Two
o'clock precisely.
On Wednesday, Boxing-day, December 26th, 1560, and
every evening during the week, an original Opera, entitled,
QUEEN TOPAZE.
Raphael (a Captain)
Annibal Barbiano (a Rich Vene-
Mr. SANTLEY.
tian)
FrancatripPa 1 (Gips. Mr. PATEY.
Fritellino ****** 1 Mr. TERROTT.
Gritti
Zeno Mr. BEALE.
Loredano (Young Venetian Mr. ST. ALBYN.
Manfred Nobles) Mr. BAKER.
Bembo Mr. THOMPSON.
Topaze (a Gipsy)
Countess Filomela
Hostess of an Inn
Nobles, Ladies, Male and Female Gipsies.
The scene is laid at Venice, 1512.
After which (the first ever represented at her Majesty's
Theatre) will be produced, an entirely New and Original
Grand Musical, Magical, and Comical Burlesque Ballet
Pantomime, founded on one of the most popular of our Old
National Stories, and entitled
HARLEQUIN AND TOM THUMB ;
OR, MERLIN THE MAGICIAN AND THE GOOD
FAIRIES OF THE COURT OF KING ARTHUR.
The Scenery, entirely new, under the superintendence of
Mr. WILLIAM BEVERLEY. Artists, Mr. CHARLES
BREW, Mr. SANDERS, &c., &c., &c. The Overture,
Choruses, and the whole of the Music composed by J. H.
TULLY. The Libretto by Mr. E. L. BLANCHARD,
and the whole produced under the direction of Mr. ROBERT
ROXBY, assisted by Mr. R. PHILLIPS. The Panto-
mimic Physiognomy and Designs for,the Dresses by DYK-
WYNKYN. The Machinery by Mr. Tucker. The Tricks
and Properties by Mr. NEEDHAM, Mr. GLINDON, and
Mr. H. ADAMS. The Costumes by Miss DICKINSON
and Mons. LAURI. The Harlequinade by the LAURI
FAMILY.
INTERIOR OF GAFFER THUMB'S COTTAGE.
Gaffer Thumb. Mr. Forster.
Goody Thumb.. Mrs. Linden.
Merlin (the Wizard of the Early Ages, and Professor of
Parlour Magic) Mr. Dixon.
Hocus Pocus, Popalorom, Shixtum Stixtum, Cockalorum
Jig (his Four Familiars)
Masters Quick, Pass, Fly, and Begone.
om Thumb (" The abridgement of all that is pleasing in
man." Engaged especially for Juvenile Patrons)
Miss LIMA ROSS.
Schoolboys—Masters Hop, Skip, Jump, Trap, Bat, Ball,
Chevy, &c., &c.
"'f he famous magician Merlin, being once in a dark
orest, when he wanted food and rest called at a poor man's
cottage. The Good Dame grieved, and shed many tears,
because she was so lonely all day_ long, as she and her
husband wanted a little child to keep them company. My
husband,' quoth she, would be happy if he had but a child
no bigger than his thumb,' and so—."—Legend of
Thomas Thumb.
ROSEWATER LAKE AND
FAIRIES. ROMANTIC HAUNT
OF THE _ _

Rosalie (Queen of the Fairies) Miss Mason.
Fran.ipanni, Musk, Petcheuli, 'Verbena, Heliotrope, Ron-
doletta, Violet, Moss Rose, Sweetbriar, Eglantine, Car-
nation, Bergamont Jasmin, Myrtle, Lavender, Eau de
Cologne, Scc., ecc.
Attendants, Toilet Fairies Mdlles.
" And he danced with the young Fairies, whose eves
were like diamonds and whose hair was like silver thread,
and whose skin was white and smooth like ivory, and they
gave him wine made of the sweet smelling wild flowers."—
The Legend.
GAFFER THUMB'S COTTAGE.
Tom the Tinker..
" Once he got into a playfellow's bag of cherry stones,
and was shaken almost to death for his tricks; and another
time he fell into a large batter pudding, and • the pudding
was put to boil, but ho kicked about in it so violently that
his mother thought some evil spirit was in the pot, so she
gave it to the Tinker, when—."—The Legend.
FARM YARD AND DISTANT COUNTRY.

"Another time his mother tied him to a thistle, whilst
she milked the Cow, and the Cow did eat the thistle, but he
kicked about so in the Cow's throat that he was soon up
again in his mother's apron ; when a great Crow ."

The Legend.
TURRETS AND TERRACE OF GIANT'S CASTLE.
Eurlothrnmbo (the Giant) ...... Mr. Feefawfolum.
" The Crow dropped him on the .... of the Giant's Castle,
viten the Giant swallowed him, but he was soon glad to give
him up, and he fell into the sea where —"—The Legend.
IBANQUETING HALL IN THE PALACE OF
. KING ARTHUR.

King Arthur ("He was a goodly King." Minstrel of the
Period) Mr. E. St. Albyn.
His Cook Nil% Kitchener.
Riffs Scullion
ii.
-n—un.; Knights
(his Daughter) ....Miss Highbury Barnes.
—4 -"fghts of the Round Table by distinguished repre-
sentatives of the days of ancient chivalry, and illustrat-
i" a Long Knight, a Short Knight, a Green Knight,
a Dark jil , .cr,ut,
~„ a Wet Knight, a Baron Knight, a Box-
ing,KZuzli , &c,, -dr.c. The Discovery! The Recovery !
And 'the CataFitrophe I
4‘ My naTo is Tom Thumb, from the fairies I come.
11, hen it-ing Arthur shone, this Court was my own.
.. In me he deligyea; by him I was knighted ;
Did y oU never i'',l' of Sir Thomas Thumb ?"
Metrical Legend.

Changing to
THE CHAMELEON TExpLE OF THE FAIRIES.
GRAND MAGICAL MET
MORPHOSIS.
Harlequin, Mr. J. Lauri. ColalinbAi
Clown, Mr. C. Lauri. ae, Miss Jenny
pantaloon
Sprites by the eelebrkt,d, Mr. H. Lauri. Lauri.
doors open at
. NOTlCE.—During I'llo P.Latonlirne Zba•
Half-past Six, ermnrr,lnce Ftt, Sev.'ll o'clock.

THEATRE • ROYAL, ,Tru-
Lcs3ee, Mr. T. s
piertsure in atm:flinch:l
g
1,.
NOTICE.—The Lessee has much
his Ninth Paittoinime at this national establishment. E„
cars has been beStoivad on it to make it suitable to the ta:10
of his patrons who have honoured the theatre with their
presence, and have pronounced the Pantomimes under his
management superior to any produced. Great objections
have been rands as to the length of the .ornic scenes in
pantomime. This has also undergone the necessary Prun-
ing, and the pantomime will be so arranged as to leave off
at Half-past Eleven, that the audience may avail themsels
ve
a the late Trains. The Lessee, having selected Wednes-
day morning for eight years for his morning performance,
bogs to inform his friends the Pantomime will commence
every Wednesday at two o'clock.
Re-engagement of Mr. and Mrs. CHARLES MA.T HE WS.
On WEDNESDAY, Dec. 26, 1860, and during the week,
her 7da.j,..,:ty's servants will perform a nets Comedy, in
two acts. entitled
THE ADVENTURES OF A BILLET-DOUX.

Principal Characters by Mr. Charles Mathews, Mr.
Tilbury, Nirs. Charles Mathews, Mrs. Frank Matthews,
Miss E. Arden. Miss H. Howard, &c.
After which the new Grand Comic Christmas Annual,
which, for a considerable time having engrossed the atten-
tion of every departmept, will be produced on a scale of
unprecedented magnitude and magnificence, under. the.
title of
PETER WILKINS ; or, HARLEQUIN and the FLY-
ING WOMEN of the LOADSTONE ISLAND.
Founded on the most remarkable and beautiful romance

in the En glish language, written early in the last century, '"
and recording the Life and Adventures of Peter Wil-
kins," a Cornish man, relating particularly his shipwreck
near the South Pole, his wonderful passage thr ovii a sub-
terraneot is cavern into a kind of new world, his there meet-
ing with a Gaurey, or Flying Woman, whose life he pre-
, serves, snd whom he afterwards married, and-his extra-
ordinary conveyance to the country of Glumms and Gauries
er Men and Women that Fly. Tho new and splendid
scenery. by Mr. WILLIAM BEVERLEY (to whom is
due the merit of originating and bringing to perfection the
present ;state of grand scenic effects now adopted at this sea-
son of the year by every theatre in the kingdom), assisted
by Messrs. H. CRAVEN, C. PITT, GOMPERTZ
BREW, &c., &c. The Overture and Music composed
and arranged by Mr. J. H. TULLY. The Grotesque
Burlesqtte Opening invented and written by E. I. BLAN-
CHAR D, author of the great Drury lane Pantomimes for
the last eight years. The whole arranged and produced
under the superindence of Mr. ROBERT ROXBY.
The 'Masks, personal Appointments, and designs for the
Costumes, from the best authorities, by DYKWYNKYN.
The Machinery by Mr. F. TUCKER. and Assistants.
T 1 4e Tricks, Properties, Changes, and Transformations by
Mr. NEEDHAM, assisted by Messrs. H. LANGAN,
GLINDON, H. ADAMS, &e. The Costumes by Mr.
PALMER and Miss DICKENSON. The Gas Appoint-
ments by Mr. HINCKLEY. The Dances and Chore-
• graphic Arrangements by Mr. CORMACK. The Comic
Scenes by Messrs. HULINE, CORMACK, R. POWEIt,

&c.
Programme of the Incidents and Scenery :
A TIN MINE IN CORNWALL.
Black Ralph (Captain of the Mine) Mr. Glindon.
Peter Wilkins (a Miner)
The Earl Polwholfoltolderyddel Fitz Arthur Trevanion
Mr. Rirower,

Constantia (his Daughter)
iss Conway.
" By 'rre, Pol, and Pen, ye may know the Cornish Men."
n."
Miners Messrs. Tremor, Tremendus Politticks, Pol-
trooi, Polytechnick, Pendeve,
Pencutay, &c., &c.
Feldapur (Chief of the Kobolds or Goblins of the Mine)
Mr. Barsby.
Little Kobolds or Goblins of the Mine ..Masters Tip, Tap,
Top, Tip, Nip, Flip,
Grip, &c.
How Peter is struck by the hard hands of Black Ralph
and the soft eyes of the fair onstantia, d how, after
being driven to extremities, he takes a medium course and
gets a true communication per raps from the knocking
Spirits of the Mine—The Divining Rod—the Magical
Mysteries of the Crystal, and the change to
ELFIN LAND IN THE CRYSTAL SPHERE I
se ivtiatrhl
gahnt o
sr itgairnl
iagl
hSto,,n)g ,
Nyemoiriphoidsieaa pyul,elern.
jo.fHth.
Miss H. Howard.
.Mdlles.

Attendant Elves
GRAND BALLET FANTASTIQUE.

Hew Peter, havine, become invisible, finds, though out of
sight, he is not out 'Of mind, and how the Elfin warning he
receives causes him to change his situation.
THE VANION CASTLE, ON THE CORNISII COAST,
NEAR THE LAND'S END.

Cornish Milk Girl Miss Pollychalk.
Baker's Boy Master Treble.
Maid Servant.... Miss Allwork.
Cornish Fisherman Mr. Pennylot.
Jeames (the Head Footman)
Black Page Master Bob Ridley,
Domestics of the Castle, Messrs Fag, Brag, Lag, Gag, Tag,
Rag, and Bobtail.
Cornish Wreckers, Messrs. Smash, Crash, Dash, Flash,
Splash, Breakup, and Goaway.
Jack Robinson (first mate of theAd venturer) Mr. T .Matthews
Giles Grogrum (the Pilot) Mr. Sowester

Second Mate
How Peter runs away and goes to sea, and how the
wreckers, having missed a price, receive a quid-pro-quo
from Jack Robinson.
QUARTER DECK OF THE ADVENTURER.
THE LOADSTONE ROCK. By NIGHT.
FLIGHT OF THE FLYING ISLANDERS TO
THEIR AERIAL_HOME.

Great Gathering of the Winged Women at the Trysting
Place by the SPREADING BANYAN TREE.
Descent of the Glumms and Gauries borne through the air
on their beautiful wings, and
BRILLIANT TRANSFORMATION.
Harlequins—Mr. Cormack and Mr. St. Maine.
Columbines—The Misses Gunniss.
Pantaleons—Mr. Naylor and Mr. E. R. Martin.
Clowns—Mr. Huline and Mr. R. Power, and a little one
in by Young Huline.
Sprites—By the celebrated Lavater Lee Family.
Scene I—EXTERIOR OF A GREENGROCER'S,
A PRINTING OFFICE, AND A PUBLIC
TAVERN.
Cormack, Huline, Naylor, E. Gunniss, and Lavater Lee
and Sons. _ _

Cheap Publications—Plum Pudding and Pantomime
for ever I—New Edition of Oliver Twist—The Ink-em-Tax
—A Prima-facia Case—A new Sheet, just printed—The
Head of a Staff well Chased—Clown kicked out of Office—
Who's your Hatter—Heavy Swell (of Indignation)—
Clown enters into the Hop Trade, and of course does his
Duty—Dance, Mr. Huline and his Son, in their Pas de
Polichinello, on Stilts—Harlequin well up in the Print-
ing Business—a Rise in Spirits—Change for the Better—
Duty off Wines—Light Wines—The Spirit of Fashion—
and as it is the Fashion (Pantomimic) to finish the Scene
with Spirit, a Rally will really take place and place before
you
Scene 2.—A NURSERY C-ROUND AND SCHOOL.
St. Maine, R. Power, Martin, Miss Gunniss, and Lavater
Lee and Sons. _ _ _

Hop, step, and a jump—What are you at?—Out for an
Airing—Bell ringing extraordinary—Clever at School, but
you can't lodge here—Beware of Steel Traps and Spring
Guns—No end of a distance to Turnham-green—A change
in Mile-stones and a fall of Finger posts—A miss as good
as a mile—Fine Shooting, in perspective—The New Treaty
—French Fruits—Pas des Dames des Hall 6, with Chinese
Accompaniment, by the Ladies of the Corps de Ballet—
True Blue for ever I—Rather a rise in the School, and a
floorer for Clown.
Scene 3. FARMHOUSE AND SPORTING
COUNTRY.

Cormack, Huline, Naylor, E.Gunniss, and Lavater Lee
and Sons.

" Harvest Home is a glorious day, so jolly let us be I"
Old English Harvest Dance by the Ladies cf the Corps de
Ballet, and a characteristic Pas de Deux by Mr. Cormack
and Miss E. Gunniss—A farmer's life for me I—Clown and
Pantaloon in want of employment—Not allowed to be
drunk on the premises—Crinoline to its right use—Dog
cart early laden with heavy swells—No end of pointers—A
fall in game and a rise in turnips—The right man in the
right place.
Scene 4. EARLY MORNING AND EARLY
•
CLOSING.

St. Maine, Power, Martin, Miss Gunniss, Lavater Lee,
and Sons.

An Early Breakfast—Have your boots cleaned ?—Early
love—Why don't you pay the roan ?—Clown's true polish
—Beware of the Police—Alas 1 poor Bobby—The true
Young Englands—The present fashion—Clown v. Wright
—Harlequin's cab, or wheels within wheels—My noble
commander—A few Sandwiches, and Smith's advertising
board—Flunkeyism the present fashion—Oh 1 what a
Guy—A new mode of dog stealing—A sight at the moon—
A heavy cannon, with a heavy " troupe" of Volunteers—A
slap at the bull's eye—John Bull and his wife—Always
reward true merit.
Scene—MlSTY VIEW. _ _

Characters in the dark, but oft a cloudy and rainy morn-
ing brings forth
" A bright and sunny day."
REDUCED PRICES AS USUAL.

THEATRE -ROYAL LYCEUM.
Sore Lessee and Directress, Madame CELESTE.
TO-MORROW EVENING (Boxing Night) THE IRISH
TUTOR. Dr. O'Toole, Mr. John Drew.

- - -- •
Alter which, the Lyceum Christmas Comic Extravaganza,
rHE VISION OF A ROSE, ITS FADING AT EVE,
AND THE MAY-BLOOM OF THE WILD BRIAR.
Followed by the comic Drama, entitled HANDY ANDY.
Messrs. Campbell, Johnstone, T. Lyon. Forrester, Villiers,
Butler, and John Drew; Mrs. J. Rouse, Miss Rudspeth, Miss
M. Ternan, and Miss Neville.

STLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.—
Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Was. BATTY.
This Evenin‘r, a new Spectacle, entitled TAE LION
CONQUEROR; or, The Death Jungle, expressly for the
introduction of the Wonders of the -World, " The Groupe
of Performing Lions." The Lion Conqueror, Mr. J. Crockett.
To be succeeded by Scenes in the Arena, supported by
talented Parisian and Brifish Artistes.
Concluding, with Batty's Prize Equestian Comic Panto-
mime, for Good Little Boys and Girls, by T. L. Greenwood,
entitled HARLEQUIN AND THE WONDERFUL
HORSE ; or, Percinet and Groclosa, the Ugly Duchess and
the Greedy King, produced with Gorgeous Scenery, by Mr.
Cuthbert, new Costumes and _Appointments, and introducing
in the covaie scenes Batty's Prize Equestrian Harlequinadi,
and the celebrated Old Bob Ridley, and Brandon Ledger.
Harlequin Mr. Sylvester.
Columbine Miss Hariet Dalton,
Pantaloon Mr. G. Perks.
Clown
Sprites—Messrs. Thorne, Lockhart, and Sons.
Doors open at halt-rag ti, performance commence at 7.
Box-office open daily from 11 till 4
Stage Manager—Mr. W. WERT.
Director of the Arena—Mr. Pearson.

HALL.

CANTERBURY
Open Every Evening. at Seven.
GRAND SELECTIONM (First Time) from LA FTGLIA
DEL REGIMEN TO (Donizetti), NORMA, SONNAMBULA,
and MARTHA.
Principal Artistes Miss RUSSELL, Madame MARIA, Miss
TYRRELL, Miss WILLIAMS, Mr. HENRY HERBERT, C.
W. BERNARD, and Signor TIVOLI.

Musical Director.... Mr. F. JONG MiLAN S.
The Comic Department compri,es Messrs. J. BL ANCH %RD,
A. B. HOLLINGSWORTH, Master BARRY, G. W. PELL,
CHARLEY Fox. and E. MARSHALL.

The Fine Arts Gallery has been enriched by the addition of
the late John Martin's three Grand Pictures—viz., " THE
GREAT DAY of HIS WRATH," "THE PLAINS of
HEAVEN," and "THE LAST JUDGMENT," on view
until 12 o'clock at Night.

TILE WEATHER.—Sux OFFICE, Dic. 25, 1860.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
29—highest since noon yesterday.
11—lowest this morning and during the night. The
coldest yet.
22—this day at noon.

BAROMETER-29.40.
WlND—North-Easterly—almost a calm; with fog, and
bitterly cold frost.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
CHIB DAY.—Morning, 12h. —m.—Afternoon, —h. —m.
ro-moßnow.-Morning, 12h. 19m.—Afternoon, 12h. 43m.

The Telegram received at the Foreign-office, as
well as by REUTER, at length confirms the news
from China via St. Petersburg in all its integrity.
We refer to another column for the conditions of
the Treaty of Peace, or rather compulsion, for the
Chinese would never listen to reason while any
chance remained for evasion—even from their own
professed compliance. While we may now exult that
the haughty bearing of the Tartar-Chinese Govern-
ment has been brought to its fitting level of abject
submission, we cannot but regret that the lives of
our confiding officers, beguiled under the sanctity
and protection of a flag of truce, have been sacri-
ficed to the mortified vengeance of a cruel people.
But the Chinese are now made to learn their own
weakness, and to pay proper homage to what
they in their vaunted pride styled us as mere
" outside Barbarians." Aye, and in that submission
they are made to pay—nothing, indeed, comparable
to the extent of their treachery—far less their
cruelty—yet still enough to humble them in their
own opinion throughout their immensity of space
and population, but in the eyes of the civilised
world. This is, indeed, a fitting sequel to their
assumed superioriy over the rest of the universe.
One of the articles stipulates that the treaty of
peace, with the humble apology of the Brother of
the Sun and Moon, shall be published all over China,
so that the people shall know who are the real
masters—the barbarians or the Emperor of the
Sacred Glance, as the Mandarins have styled the
tool of their cunning.
The sum of one hundred thousand pounds has
been extorted as a poor recompense to the families
of those victims to Chinese cruelty. But we can-
not agree that the Island of Chusan, the very
commanding key of the Great River of China
should have been given up to the Chinese a
second time. True, we have acquired a strip of
land or promontory near Hong Kong of more
salubrious quality, but that we might have got,
and kept Chusan as well. We affect to
be generous in our negotiations—but there are
times for justice —if not policy, as well as generosity.
Had we kept Chusan it would have acted on the fears
oft he Chinese, and be the best and cheapest guaran-
tee for the continuance of peace, for such people are
kept on their good behaviour more from love for
their own safety than from any respect for their
ruler's. We hope the Taku Forts will be retained
as an impartial guarantee.
The commercial business of the treaty promises
well. Universal free trade is to begin at once, and
Tien-tsin, the Gravesend of Pekin, is to be opened
for commerce. So far so good. We wish it were
better.

Another Christmas Day ! The world's eighteen-
hundred-and-sixtieth ! Another of those anniver-
saries that—year after year in the very depths of
each wintry season—came to gladden the hearts of
us all, and bring us nearer in thought and feeling
to one another—bringing us we might even
(at the risk of the reproach of sermonising)
venture to add, though it be through the
columns of a newspaper, nearer and nearer
in thought to Heaven. Gladdening the hearts of
Ks all we have said—bringing us all nearer and
nearer in feeling to one another, and in thought to-
wards Heaven ! Can we, however, say it ? Are we
justified in writing —with a strict and rigid regard
to truth—in words of such comprehensive generalisa-
tion ? It is true that the conviviality of this most
happy season spreads s• far and so wide, sinks so low
down in the social Beale, that it penetrates even to
the poor pauper inhabitants of our humble work-
houses. Christmas fare, Christmas cheer even to
the grey clad pauper population of the Union ! But
to all the population indiscriminately, to all ranks
and classes of the community without exception ?
THAT unhappily it were, alas ! rash to assort 'with
any confidence. For of whom was it that the late
Lord MACAULAY spoke almost as with a cry of
lamentation—when he bewailed the existence of
some who were no better, according to his famous
dictum, than " savages in the midst of civilisation
and heathens in the midst of Christianity." They
are here amongst us to this day, these forgotten
pariahs of our social system. They are hid away
in the thick of Ibis vast throng of 3,000,000 men,
women, and children peopling these wondrous twin
cities of London and Westminster. They are close
beside us, they are at our very doors; they are there
in swarms in the back-slums and rookeries, festering
down dark lanes, behind our magnificent squares
and gay thoroughfares. It is one of those Two
Nations of whom one of our most emiuent states-
men and administrators—the right hon. gentleman
the member for Bucks, the leader of her MAJESTY'S
Opposition, has written a brilliant and affecting
story—that " ower true tale," that fiction founded
upon fact, that enthralling romance based upon an
appalling reality, " SYBIL, or the Two NatiOrifin ,

Old and hackneyed though the words ere, tfiey can

never be reiterated too frequently, these aphoristic
words averring that one half of the w)rld does not
know how the' other half lives. It is a familiar

saying that can never be repeated too often, that

can never be uttered or written more appositely

than at Christmas time—when One Half, when more

than One Half, when the immense majority of the
population is in the midst of its holiday enjoyments.
For all the while, oven when the hapless paupers
in the workhouses are regaling on their Christmas

rations of roast beef and plum pudding—all the

while, outside the wars of the Union, hid
away in overlooked and unfrequented

corners, there remains a residue, a miserable
minority of the people, even in this happy
and thriving country, even in this rich and
prosperous capital, who are in no measure what-

ever influenced beneficially by the recurrence even

of Christmas. Nay, the wretchedness of this low-
liest minority of all (the very dregs of im-

poverishment) is such, is so extreme and utter
that the old threadbare axiom might, in their
regard, more appropriately run—that the other
part of the world knows nothing, not of the way
in which their neighbours Jive, but of the way
in which they die ! It was the recollection of
this simple fact, that awoke the sympathies of an
anonymous philanthropist only the other day,
the recollection of this undeniable, notorious,
and most lamentable fact, that occasional deaths
are recorded in England, in LondOn, that occa-
sional deaths take place here amongst us, deaths
caused by actual starvation ! Men, and women,
and children, it seemed frightful to this phi-
lanthropist to remember, are at intervals ab-
solutely fainting and dying in London, in the
midst of plenty, in the midst of luxury,
nay, in the midst of a charity that would rejoice
to allekiate all their miseries, were only these woes
we speak of brought to the knowledge of this sur-
rounding world of benevolence—a world inactive
in these instances, because unconscious of the
depth of poverty close at hand requiring instant
alleviation ! Clothes, fuel, bread, medical aid, reli-
gious assistance—all these in these extreme cases—
are wholly and entirely wanting. And it was
with a view to hunt out these hidden distresses,
and to prevent thereby, as far as may be, in
every way practicable, the possibility of their
recurrence in future that a movement was recently
organished by W. D. B.—a movement cordially
aided towards its development by the co-operation
of many zealous sympathisers—a movement that
we do most earnestly trust may date a long and
prosperous course of beneficence from this very
Christmas Day. It is especially upon this first
Christmas Day that has arrived since the period of
its original advancement that we are desirous,
in a few matter of fact, but deeply heartfelt,
words, to commend this kindly scheme pro-
posed by W. D. B. to the sympathies of
the general public and to its powerful and
active co-operation. Let it be particularly
borne in mind in regard to this new scheme of
Charity for the most forlorn and the most destitute
that it has claims upon all who hear of it, claims
of a very impressive and remarkable character.
It is a charitable project, for example, that
is to be worked out wholly and solely by Volun-
teers. It is a chatitablo project of a kind in no
way whatever sectarian. It is a charitable scheme
that will give succour to those who are at once most
in need of it, and are nevertheless the most entirely
neglected. Above all, it is a charitable scheme that
will expend upon the poor themselves every single
farthing that may be contributed to the funds of
the association. Knowing this, remembering this
—let us now, more particularly upon this holy
festival of Christmas, say from our hearts, GOD
bless and prosper this scheme of W. D. B. and his
numerous sympathisers.

Are infidels in England to enjoy the protection
of Law ? The question is suggested to us by a
recent proceeding in the Rochdale County Court,
which, we confess, struck us as about one of the
hardest cases of religious intolerance we have seen
for some time. The essential facts were these.
An artist of the name of SAMUEL MADEN sued his
wife's stepfather for £6 35., the estimated value of
a pianoforte, which it was alleged the stepfather
had wrongfully detained. The defence was that
the piano was -the property of Mrs. MADEN's
mother, the defendant's wife. The plaintiff, it
seems, had but one witness, Mrs. MADEN, or pro-
bably her evidence would have been so complete
that nothing further would be needed: She was
not, however, permitted to give it, so that we can
form no conception of what the grounds of her
claim would be. But, probably she would have
proved that her mother had given it to her before
she married her stepfather. C. TEMPLE, Esq., the
judge, did not, however, see fit to let the plaintiff's
witness tell the facts to the jury. The reason for
this will appear from the following dialogue be-
tween the witness and the judge.

When Mrs. MADEN stepped into the box, instead
of allowing her to be sworn and examined, the
defendant's counsel, Mr. STANDRING, commenced
questioning her on her religious belief. He asked
her whether she believed in a future state of
rewards and punishments. She answered in the
negative. The judge himself then took up the
examination :

Judge—You do not believe in any human re-
sponsibility for telling a lie ?
Mrs. Maden—Yes I do.
Judge—Except to society ?
Mrs. Maden—No.
Judge—Do you believe in a God who can punish
you for telling a lie ?
Mrs. Maden—No.

Judge—Then I cannot hear you, and I nonsuit
the plaintiff, with costs for the defendant's advocate.
If people will insult public opinion in a court of
justice they must take the consequence.
Now, perhaps, Exeter Hall will applaud such
administration of justice—or rather of injustice,
and we shall be deemed infidels' friends,
infidels ourselves, perhaps, for uttering our
protest against such conduct on the part of a
judge. But if we mistake not, it is not merely a
grave infraction of religious liberty, and a violation
of common justice and Christian principle, but if
the same principle were carried out in Spain or in
Rome, Exeter-hall would be the first to complain.
It would get up a deputation to the Foreign Minis-
ter, and complain that Protestants were excluded
from the protection of the courts of justice, because
they " insulted the public opinion of the country."
Had Mrs. MADEN been guilty of wantonly annoy-
ing any sect of religionists, by conduct offensive to
their feelings, we should have been the last to
excuse her. Nothing ought to be re
spected more than even the religious Supersti-
tions of others ; but she merely answered, without
bravado, questions she was compelled to answer, she
was willing to take the oath and toll her story
quietly; and a judge from the bench, because her
creed, unfortunately for her, is at variance with
that of nearly all of us, declares her guilty of
" insult" for simply telling the truth in answer to
his own questions. We suppose if she had refused
to answer she would have been committed by him
for contempt, or insult, of court; if she answers, it
is still deemed insult, and punished with denial of

justice and costs. What, in the name of common
sense, was the poor woman to do ?

We say this is a denial of justice. In this indivi-
dual case, every reader will perceive that the
4iano did belong to her husband, probably through
her. Mr. STANDLING would assuredly not have
relied on so outrageous a defence, if he had had a
better one. Inexcusable as we think his questions,
we cannot think so ill of him as to believe that
he would have demeaned himself to put them,
had it not been his only hope, and we may be
allowed to suppose, also, that he knew something
of the temper and religious prejudices of the
judge before whom he was to conduct the defence.
But it is the general case which is most im-
portant. Generalise it, and what does it amount
to, but denial of justice to infidels in every case
in which their obtaining it depends on their own
oath. Indeed it might easily happen that an
infidel's testimony would he the only one some
such Christian as Mr. TEMPLE himself might be
able to bring in his own case. What would he
then think of being nonsuited and saddled with
costs, because his witness happened not to be of
the same faith with the judge in regard to what
constituted the binding nature of an oath.
But the infidel himself, in a thousand cases,
might be wronged without the possibility of re-
dress. He might be robbed with impunity in
solitude, since however certainly he might identify
the criminal, his oath, if he were willing to take
one, would be denounced as an "insult." We do
not see even how he could easily in any case prove
that his own name had been forged, or that he did
not owe money in cases in which receipts are not
common, or even prosecute the man who had half
killed him by violence. The truth is, that
sound principle requires the placing of
all evidence before a jury which can
be got ; with or without oaths makes little

difference; the Jury and the Judge, too, are corn

petent to sift its value. It is quite easy from
the manner of witnesses, from the results of cross-
examination, and from accordance or discrepancy
with other testimony, to judge of the value of un-
sworn evidence—and it is for those who have to
decide in regard to the fact to have everything
before them. Evidence, even, which we cannot
altogether or at all believe, may yet afford a clue
to better evidence. One thing we hold to be clear
—infidels are Englishmen—they pay taxes—they
must obey the law, and if the laws will not protect
them, it must be made to do so.

4,-jt.
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47- • -

THE SUN.
LONDON, TUESDAY, DEC. 25, 1860.