The Sun.
London, England, 1869-02-19 00:00:00

Si 31 0;, rULLIC JOLTI-Lx'aLs,

CA.YOEING O 2 THE TO

The Times hails with pleasure the intimation given to Mr. Macgregor, alias "Rob Roy," writes from "Tell
Him Sea of Galilee," by date Jan. 22, giving an interest-
both Houses of her Majesty's willingness to receive in
person the addresses in answer to the Royal Speech, and ing account of some canoeing which he has "done" on
believes that the people at large will hear the intelligence the Jordan. Leaving Damascus, where the snow lay on
the ground, he made his way round the spur of Herman,
with even livelier satisfaction and interest than the mem-
and launching his boat near Habesast, he soon reached the
dent for the occasion which is full of historical interest.
hers themselves. Mr. Gladstone has discovered a prece-
Dan. He was stopped, however, at length by the inhabi-
The 21st January, 1806, formed one of those epochs which tants, and had his canoe captured. The novelty of a canoe
on the river first collected a crowd, which grew gradually
seem like turning-points in the history of the world, when
larger, By and by the cry of " bucksheesh " (money)
the destinity of humanity itself bangs in the balance. The
nation was thrilled with the excitement of Trafalgar, when arose, and as "Rob Roy "would not stop and give them any
the naval power of France and Spain was destroyed, but
they captured him and his boat after firing at him several "
The greatest sailor since the world began " was lost to times. " They hoisted the canoe on their shoulders, and
his country." The nation hung also over the death-bed of I bore it, with me sitting inside, to the tent of the
Pitt, and was perplexed, if not in despair, at the thought i Arab sheikh. A large crowd followed, shouting
of the anarchy that must follow on the death—realised and dancing. I insisted on having the Rob Roy
two days after—of that commanding genius. The King brought into the tent. A grand 'palaver was,
lamenting the death of his brother, suffering from incipient held. I told them I was an Englishman. Sown,
blindness, and not unwarned of that more terrible sows, they said (friend). I said I must pass on to the
alienation of power which was to follow, did not meet
lake. They assured me there was no road. I said I must
Parliament in person, but Parliament, casting aside, if it i go to see. The seniors of the tribe assembled to consult,
ever cared to consider, the question of precedent, hastened and several precious hours were wasted in talk. Mean-
to testify its loyalty and patriotism at the foot of the Throne. while I made sketches fur some, gave a lesson in
geography
to others, fired off some wax matches for
The Queen will come from 'Windsor to receive the
the
rest,
and cooked my luncheon of hot soup in my
addresses of Parliament, and it may be presumed that an
early day in the ensuing week will be appointed for the canoe cuisine' to the wonder and delight of all.
ceremonial. The people will see in this spontaneous act Over and over they pressed for bucksheesh,' and I
something more than anxious solicitude on the part of her answered, `Certainly, but it must be given to your
Majesty to perform her high public functions in a manner sheikh.' He winked to me. I knew I had bought him
most gratifying to her loyal subjects. The reception of then. I privately gave him a gold napoleon, and he
the two Houses by the sovereign on the assembling of pressed me to stop the night in his tent, but I was at last
allowed to go on. and so in triumph launched the canoe
this new Parliament, indeed, bespeaks the Queen's kindly
again on the fast flowing stream." But only one of the Arabs
feeling towards the mass of her people, her broad, popular
had before seen an Englishman, so they "followed him up"
sympathies, the satisfaction she has in being associated
until getting entangled in some weeds he found he would
with an assembly representing in the largest and freest
manner the weight and purpose of the national will. have to remain with them for the eight. Setting off next
morning, he paddled on to the Lake of Genessareth,
The Standard declares that there is cause for satisfaction " where," he goes on to say, " I have spent six hours of
in the arrangements that have been made for the pre- this fine summer-like day in a careful scrutiny of the
sentation of the address to her Majesty. "Bringing up water on the north-east shore. I soon found ruins under
the address" is usually a form which does not excite the clear water, and it seemed that no one was within
the slightest interest. The clerk reads the sentences in half a mile of me then, but suddenly a man
which the House humbly thanks her Majesty for what came forth, as if out of the earth. He was of the
she has said in her gracious speech in the midst of a general colour of the soil, too, and perfectly naked. He gave a
conversation, and unless a member whom the Speaker loud Shout before plunging in to reach my boat, but the
could not see on the opening night insists upon delivering warning was in time, and of course he could not catch me
the speech with which he was primed, the question is put by swimming. I asked some of the Arabs why they
and the incident is over. Last night, however, the routine wished to get hold of the canoe. Some said because the
consecrated by the practice of so many years was broken boat was so low in the water they thought I was sinking ;
upon. Mr. Gladstone moved that the address should others that, being alone, I must be lost. `Then to
be presented to her Majesty by the whole House, a pro- save me from being lost or drowned,' I answered,
ceedina under the circumstances almost unprecedented. It you think it best to shoot me.' The real reason is, I
had been, the Premier observed, her earnest desire to meet believe that an Arab cannot resist firing at what is new
herself the new Parliament, but the state of her health and moving. In England many of us would take a shot
rendered the gratification of that wish impossible. at a man flying in the air if he suddenly hovered over
At all times the ceremonial of opening Parlia- some country village. I had already seen Palestine before
ment had taxed her Majesty's strength most severely, in the usual way, but the varied enjoyment of this
and severe and long-continued suffering had rendered journey has made it all new again, and I finish the tour,
her personal appearance at the opening of Parliament so novel in its mode, with my boat uninjured, and the
impossible. But the Queen was anxious, the Minister happy recollection of months of glorious weather in which
explained, to meet a House elected under such peculiar every day has been a delight to the crew of the Rob Roy,
circumstances, and had therefore been graciously pleased Jways in perfect health."
to suggest that the address should be presented to her
by the whole House. Mr. Gladstone's proposition to that

effect, which was seconded by Mr. Disraeli in a few well.

.UR RELATIONS WITH CHINA,

chosen words, was unanimously accepted by the House,

A similar resolution was arrived at by the Peers, and An important correspondence concerning the relations
consequently her Majesty will come to Buckingham Palace between Great Britain and China has been published. The
to receive in person, from both Houses of Parliament, most important of these diplomatic communications is a
their addresses. The country will appreciate as it merits letter addressed by Lord Clarendon to- Mr. Anson Bur-
this anxiety of the Queen to show her sympathy with her lingame, the chief of the Chinese Embassynow in Europe.
people, and her interest in the work of its representatives. In this letter our Foreign Minister lays down the substance
of a conversation with Mr. Burlingame respecting the
The Daily News says that the disappointment felt by
views of the Chinese Government as to its foreign rela-
the Queen's subjects when the announcement was made
-.that the first session of the Reformed Parliament would tions. Alluding to the object of the Chinese mission to
Europe, Lord Clarendon says that at his interview
not be opened by her Majesty in person was, we believe,
with Mr. Burlingame be understood that the Chinese
felt in at least an equal degree by the sovereign herself, so
soon as it.bccame clear to her that she could not prudently Government were fully alive to the advantage, if not the
tax her strength with the burthen of a protracted and necessity, of extending the relations of the Celestial
fatiguing ceremonial. The fact that the proceedings of Empire with foreign countries, but that with all this they
Tuesday last were practically the commencement, not felt that any attempt abruptly to introduce new systems
simply of a new session, not merely of a new Parliament, or new ideas among a people whose knowledge of foreign
but of a new period in the history of our representative nations was of recent date, and who had been brought up
under a traditional system, would not only produce con-
openfusion and even revolution in the country, but would tend
system, naturally prompted in her Majesty the desire to
the new era, if it may be so called, in person. Her
design to do so was abandoned, it is understood, on to retard instead of promoting progress. Our Foreign
the distinct advice, couched in terms which amounted Minister fully recognises on the part of England the
almost to a prohibition, of her physicians. The Queen's wisdom of not pressing the Chinese to rapid and preju-
solicitude that the first meeting of a House of Commons dicial changes, but adds that her Majesty's Govern-
representing her subjects more amply than any previous went expected from China a faithful observance
Parliament should not pass without recognition on her of the stipulations of existing treaties. He con-
part, has found, in the revival of an occasional practice, a tinues : " But her Majesty's Government are, more-
suitable means of gratifying itself. In the graceful speech over, entitled to expect from China, as an indispensable
in which, on behalf of the sovereign, he tendered her condition of their goodwill, the fullest amount of protection
Majesty's invitation of the representatives of the people to to British subjects resorting to her dominions. They are
her presence, Mr. Gladstone stated that at every period aware that the Provincial Governors are too often in the
habit of disregarding the rights of foreigners, trusting to
of her Majesty's life, even at the period of its unclouded
impunity a.s regards the Central Government of Peking, and
happiness and unimpaired strength, the lengthened
ceremonial connected with the opening of Parliament to the unwillingness of foreign Powers to assert the rights of
taxed her Majesty's strength to the very utmost.
their subjects by local pressure. Her Majesty's Govern-
merit feel that they are acting iu the interest of the
At the time fixed for the meeting of Parliament this
Chinese Empire, wizen they announce their preference for
year, the Queen suffered a degree of pain and prostration
which amounted to a positive disablement for the office an appeal rather to the Central Government than to local
which she was anxious at any endurable cost to herself to authorities for the redress of wrongs dune to British
perform. That considerations of merely personal con-
subjects. It is with the Central Government, and
venience did not influence her in determining on dischar,-
not with the provincial authorities, that foreign Powers
ing by commission the duty of opening Parliament is r
have entered into treaties, and it is for the interest of the
proved by the Queen's readiness to come up from Windsor Central Government that foreign Powers should recognise
to London to receive the address of both Houses. As its supreme authority over its provincial governors, and
Mr. Disraeli said, it is important and desirable that some that the Central Government should assume, and, on all
personal relations should be established between her occasions when appealed to for the redress of local wrongs,
Majesty and the new Parliament, and the course suggested be prepared to exercise that authority. It rests with the
by the Prime Minister wisely and judiciously established Central Government so to order its intercourse with Great
those relations. Britain and the Queen's subjects as to avoid cause of
The Daily Telegraph regards with satisfaction the speech difference. I have only to add, that all her Majesty's
agents in China have been instructed to act in the spirit
in which Mr. Gladstone explained to the House the
arrangements which had been concerning the address, and with the objects which I have just explained to you ;
and remarks that in broaching the subject, the Prime and generally to caution British subjects to pay due
Minister explained—what we had stated, indeed, some respect not only to the laws of the empire, but, as far as
few days before—the regret which her Majesty felt at may be, to the feelings and usages of the Chinese people."
not being
g able to open the session of Parliament in person In reply, Mr. Burlingame asTees as to the general accu-
and, to show how desirous she is of meeting the national racy of these deductions from the conversation between
representatives, it is now proposed that, instead of reading himself and Lord Clarendon. He adds that Lord
the Speech from the Throne in the House of the Lords
she should listen to the addresses of the Lords and Common; Clarendon's explicit declaration will give great satisfac-
in Buckingham Palace. Wehave, on a full knowledge of the tion to the Chinese Government. Copies of these letters
facts, borne witness to the conscientious endeavour with were sent to four of our representatives abroad. In ad-
which the Queen has always, in times of joy or trouble, in
health or in sickness, sought to do her part in the practical dressing Sir RutherfordAlcock, our Ambassador at Peking
public business of the empire—an endeavour needing on this important matter, Lord Clarendon says : " You will
more exertion and attention than many can possibly observe in Mr. Burlingame's letter that he clearly under-
people, e.
it weßutre, theto vi grac
siteher ful
in her act whicown house when she h makes her ask her stands that force may be at once employed "to protect life
cannot as
go to theirs, evinces the earnestness of her desire and property immediately exposed." When, these being
not merely to fuldher share of the work done, but to meet secured, the question at issue has been referred to Peking
them face to face, and to exchange those greetings of to be diplomatically discussed between her Majesty's
mutual esteem and kindly feeling which she has so sincerely
at heart. representative and the Central Government, the manner

in which the matter should thereafter be dealt with, if
it could not be amicably settled on the spot, would
necessarily be left to the decision of her Majesty's
Government.
THE ATTACK UPON ENGLISH MISSIONARIES
AT YANG-CHOW.
These principles are applied to the consideration of the
practical case of the outrage on missionaries at Yang-
chow. Respecting this affair, Lord Stanley addressed
our Ambassador in general terms, hoping that missionaries
would act with the greatest circumspection, and do their
utmost to avoid occasion of collision. Lord Clarendon,
writing January 14th, says that Sir R. Alcock
properly referred the assault on these missionaries
to the Central Government for redress. But the Foreign
Secretary cannot approve of the interference of the naval
force to threaten and intimidate the local authorities,
irrespective of the demand upon the Central Government
for redress. The active interference of the naval forces
should only be in cases of sudden emergency. In another
despatch Lord Clarendon gives further instructions to the
employment of force:—" I have to instruct you (Sir
R. Alcock) to explain to her Majesty's consuls
thatad ships
etomht ep
lwo special ec ia
darol
en
stthapurposesstationed
ne d
coastsfori n
aretwhichhe
tports
herp r
toefct
China
tMajesty'se
floating commerce of British subjects against piratical • attacks in Chinese waters, to support her Majesty's
consuls in maintaining order and discipline among the
crews of British vessels in the respective ports, and, in
cases of great emergency, to protect the lives and proper.
ties of British subjects, if placed in peril by wanton ,
attacks directed against them either on the part of local '
authorities or by an uncontrolled popular movement.
As regards this last point, her 'Majesty's consul must
constantly bear in mind that the interference of naval
force, either on their representation or on the part of
naval officers acting on their own estimation of facts before
them, will alone receive the subsequent approval of her
Majesty's Government when it is clearly shewn that with-
out such interference the Lees aryl properties of. British
subjects would in all probability have been sacrificed; and
even in such a case her Majesty's Government will expect
to learn that the alternative of receiving them on board ship,
and so extricating them from threatened danger, was
not available. Her Majesty's Government cannot leave
with her Majesty's consuls or naval officers to determine
for themselves what redress or reparation for wrong done
to British subjects is due, or by what means it should be
enforced. They cannot allow them to determine whether
coercion is to be applied by blockade, by reprisals, by
landing armed parties, or by acts of even a more hostile
character."

The Post considers that by this time the public must
-nave arrived at a tolerably correct comprehension of the
meaning of the word " financing." It has been a great,
influential, and little understood phrase hitherto, but
seldom in the history of trade has one single term exer-
cised such wide and powerful influence. For seven years
we have been living upon " seems," and treating dead
leaves ailf they were golden sovereigns. The investing
public has been somewhat rudely awakened by the heavy
fall which the year 1867 inflicted on speculation, a fall so
continuous and so deep that it has landed its public appa-
rently at the bottom of that famous well where it is said
Truth is to be found. There has been a great find of truths
lately, and the speculative manipulators of money seem
to be seized with a mania for revelations and confession
which has apparently an epidemic character, just like
humping, shaking, or harking among religionists. They
ave certainly told their stories plainly, and in many
instances-with so little reticence and with such a face,
that it is evident, painfully evident, that the standard of
morality in the monetary world is so low as to be scarcely
appreciable. The whole of the transactions are so bad
on the face of them that no denunciation can make
them more evidently black. If we would prevent
money from withdrawing itself from all adventure, we
must reform the system and punish the men who have
been engaged in its dishonest development.
The Star, in discussing the meeting held the other night
fur the reform of the licensing system, observes that its
promoters succeeded in making out a good case for imme-
diate and practical action upon the limited ground they
had chosen. It is conceded on all hands that the Beer-
shop Act of 1830, which it is proposed to repeal, has
entirely failed to attain the ends which the Legislature
had in view when it was passed. It is acknow-
ledged that beershops do an infinite amount of mis-
chief, and that the inequality established by the law
between their status and that of licensed public-
houses is the cause of that mischief. The abolition of beer-
houses, if agitated in a determined spirit, would probably
be carried without material difficulty, and, besides being
in itself a beneficial measure of reform, it would be a step
to the reorganisation of the licensing system cai more
stringent and uniform principles. The reform which is
now demanded- is merely the abolition of the Act of
1830, as far as the further issuing of Leershop licenses is
concerned. It is not proposed to touch vested interests,
but to allow beershops to die out by degrees, so that in a
short time the whole liquor traffic of the country may rest
upon one uniform basis. That basis, of course, ought to
be a remodelled licensing law of a very stringent
kind. For this reform, however, some further
agitation and discussion of the question in all its bearings
will be necessary ; but there is at present general and just
discontent at the manner in which public-house licenses
are granted by the magistracy. One significant instance
of the lavish wanner in which licenses are eTanted
way
pointed out on WtAncs lay night l'y Mr. .T 7 A. Smitl
Ile called attention to the fact that in Upper Thames':
street five consecutive Louses were licensed as pi 1 lic
Louses. It is impossibie that there could be a demand 'for-
so many dealers in intoxicating liqnors within sucli irr
limits. The change proposed does not startle bYits'anaaogvi-
nitmle, while all must admit its expediency.
The Herald observes that the only objection raised
against Mr. Forster's Endowed Schools Bill referred to
the proposal to fix the second reading for Thursday. The
persons interested in this bill must necessarily rely in a
great measure upon the debate .in the House of
Commons for their information as to the character
and effects of the bill. It is therefore of the
utmost importance that the House of Commons
should proceed to its consideration after a sufficient study
of the provisions of the measure, and with a full knowledge
of the objections which the interests affected can urge
against it. Much more time will be saved by discussing
the bill thoroughly- upon the second reading, than by post-
poning discussion to another stage ; and Mr. Forster, in
yielding to the wishes of the House, has really advanced
lts Dassaae iiitQ

TESTIMONIAL TO MR. KENDALL, EX-M.P. FOR
EAST CORNWALL—A large meeting of leading Liberal
and Conservative politicians assembled at Lostwithiel on
Thursday, and presented Mr. Nicholas Kendall, late Con-
servative member for East Cornwall, who was obliged to
retire from the contest at the last election, with a hundred
guinea salver, on his leaving the country for Gibraltar.
Twelve hundred rounds have already been subscribed, and
the list will remain open for another fortnight, when the
money will be handed over to Mr. Kendall. 1