The Sun.
London, England, 1860-03-07 00:00:00

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.-
Lessee, Mr. A. liarris.

THIS EVENING, the Comedy of MONEY. Messra. Geo.
Melville, Ryder, Frank Mathews, Widdicomb, H. Bland, IT.
Saker, Garden. Graham ; Misses Carlotta Leclercq, Clifford,
and Mrs Charles Young

After which, a new Christmas burlesque pantomime, by 11.
J. Byron, called JACK THE GIANT KILLER ; or, Harle-
quin King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table,
Jack, Miss Louise Keeley—Harlequin, Mr. Cormack Panta-
loon, Mr. Paulo—Columbine, Miss Caroline Adams—Clown,
Mr. A. F. Forrest.

MW THEATRE - ROYAL, A_DELPHI
ole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Benj. Webster.

THIS EVENING, ICI ON I"ARLE FRANCAIS, Mr. .7
L. Toole, Chas. Selby Billington, Mrs. Chatterlev, Mrs. Bil•
lington, Miss Kate Kelly, and Laidlaw. _ _

After which, PAPER WINGS, Mr Alfred Wigan, J. L.
Toole, D. Fisher, Billington, P. Bedford, Stuart, C. Selby,
Eburne, C. J. Smith, Powell, Romer, Mrs Alfred Wigan,
Miss H. Simms, Miss Kate Kelly, and Mrs Chatterley.

Followed by DINORAH UNDER DIFFICULTIES.
Messrs. J. L. Toole, P. Bedford, Eburne, C. J. Smith, Miss
K. Kelly.

ROYAL ST. JAMES'S THEATRE,
King-street, St. James's. Lessee, Mr. T. B. Chatter-
ton. Directress, Miss Wyndham. The nearest Theatre to
Chelsea, Pimlico, and Westminster, the Park being open to
carriages • and foot passengers all hours of the night.
THIS EVENING the performances will commence with
"No. 49."

After which, MAGIC TOYS. Miss Lydia Thompson.
_ _

Followed by a new burlesque called DIDO. Mr. Charles
Young, Mesdames Wyndham, Clara St. Casse, Murray, Eliza
Arden, C. Ranoe, A. Evans, and Corps de Ballet.

To conclude with FIRST Ark' F.tTIONS. Messrs. H. T.
Craven, G. Spencer, and Miss Wyndham.
Reduced Prices—Gallery, 54:1; Pit, is. The Box-office open
from 11 to 5 daily. Doors open at half-past six ; perform
anoe commences at 7.

CANTERBURY HALL CONCERTS.-
THIS EVENING,
LUCREZIA 'BORGIA,
(Donizetti).

Donna Lucrezia
Maffio Orsini Mrs. Anderson.
Gennaro Mr. Henry Herbert.
Don Altonzo Signor Tivoli.
Conductor—Mr. Jong,,hrri ans.
Comic Vocalists —Messrs. George Hodson (the Irish Come-
dian and Mimic), W. T. Critchfield, and E. W. Mackney.

THE WEATHER.—SUN OFFICE, MARCH 7, 1860.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
50—highest since noon yesterday.
38 —lowest this morning and during the night.
38—this day at noon.
BAROMETER-30.24—falling again.
WIND, North-Easterly ; very fresh and cold, with slight
sleet. It rained heavily in the night and morning..

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
THIS DAY.—Morning, lh. 34m..—Afternoon, lh. 56in,
To-moßitow.-Morning, 2h. 18m.—Afternoon, 211. 39m,

P. •-W-
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THE SUN.
LONDON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 7, 1860,

The question of the sale and purchase of commis-
sions in the Army was brought forward last night
by Sir DE L. EVANS, " who moved an address to
her MAJESTY, praying that she would be pleased to
order the gradual abolition, as soon as practicable, of
the sale and purchase of commissions in the Army
(having due regard in doing so to existing rights),
with the view of substituting, for the purchase sys-
tem, promotion partly by selection, partly seniority,
grounded on war services of merit, length of colo-
nial and home services, and attested professional
fitness." The hon. and gallant General adduced
various reasons in support of his motion, and was
followed by several, but opposed by many, who
evidently seemed to apprehend that their
occupation was in danger in the event of the
motion being carried. The main feature in
favbur of Sir DE LACY'S argument was
its moderation for he did not want immediate ac-
tion, but a recognition of the principle that merit
and not money should lead to promotion. The ma-
jority of officers in our army are poor as compared
to those who have the good fortune of belonging
to the aristocracy or people of wealth, and their
merit consists chiefly in their rank or their
pocket. This is felt as a. sad grievance standing in
the way of fair promotion ; fur long service, meri-
torious action and unblemished character too often
go for little or nothing in the face of such frepon-

derating influences.

In saying this we do not by any means assert
that there are not gentlemen in the army whose merit
is far more conspicuous than their rank or fortune.
But the impression still weighs heavily on the
poorer officer that his chance is small as against
wealth and aristocratic influence, however worthy
may be his conduct or approved his claims.
The question is beset itli difficulties—personal,
pecuniary, and regimental. Mr. SIDNEY HER
BERT, the Secretary of State for War, did
ample justice to the subject; and promised to enter
into all the suggestions offered with a view of meet-
ing the wishes of the House, the Army, and the
Country. He thought the best course to pursue
was to prevent the purchase of Commissions in the
higher ranks of the Army, but to continue it among
the lower grades of officers up to Captains inclu-
sive, as recommended by the Commission which
sat on the subject four years ago under the present
Duke of SOMERSET, and Mr. S. HERBERT pro-
mised to devise a plan in accordance with that
suggestion.

Let Italy be true to herself and she need not fear.
At
present the appearances are in her favour. The
first cut and dried confederation scheme of Villa-
franca was not to her taste, and she civilly and
wisely let it drop through. A second programme
has been sent from the French Foreign-office,
avowedly because that of Villafranca would not do.
When will intermeddlers learn wisdom ? Certain
very amiable single ladies, having missed somehow
the happiness of matrimonial bliss, conceive a fancy
that they can tell every married pair, and all the chil-
dren of their friends also, how they may best be
happy. They will not let you be happy in your
own way. They can prove, by unanswerable rea-
sons, how much better you could amuse yourself,
and how perfect your youngsters might be, would
you all but shape your ways by Aunty's direction.