The Sun.
London, England, 1860-06-14 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, JUNE 14, 1860.

LIMISAMMOW
REMOVAL OF WES TAIINSIZR SCE 0 OL.

An adjourned meeting of old Westminster scholars
was convened yesterday in the Jerusalem Chamber,
Westminster Abbey, and held in the schoolroom
for more space, to discuss the question of the re-
moval of Westminster School into a rural situation.
Many noblemen and distinguished gentlemen were
present.
The Dean of WESTMINSTER, who presided, said
the Chapter. who had invited them to meet, did so
not with any foregone conclusion on the subject,
nor with any desire to shift on others the responsi-
bility which belonged to themselves as legal guar-
dians of the school. He only asked the old West-
minsters to make a distinct declaration of their opi-
nion. If they decided it would be best for the school
to remain where it was, the proposal 'to remove it
might be adjourned to the Greek Kaleuds. But to
prolong this uncertainty a few years longer would
be a most fatal course. In reply to some questions
addressed to the Dean and Chapter he stated that
the simple removal of the school could be done with
the Royal consent expressed through a Queen's let-
ter, but the transfers of property which it, would
involve could not be effected without an act of Par-
liament. The Dean and Chapter had no proposal to
make as to the future locality of the school. Four
conditions must be fulfilled : the situation must be
near London, within an hour or an hour and a half
by train ; it must be near the railway; it must be
in proximity to the Thames, for the sake of the old
recreation of Westminsters; and there must be am-
ple space, besides salubrity of position. The Chap-
ter were informed by their surveyor, who had made
some inquiries, that he believed a decent piece of
land, about 80 acres in extent, would be obtainable
at no excessive price, fulfilling all these conditions.
With regard to the funds he did not think there
would be any insuperable difficulties.
The Archbishop of YORK said he must approach
this subject with as much delicacy and tenderness
as he should visit the sick bed of a revered old pa-
rent, for he owed to Westminster School his own
opportunities of receiving an university education.
Its present condition was not such as they could
wish. The locality had indeed been improved on the
northern side, but on the southern side it was con-
fined and closely built up. The river, too, which
had afforded them so much enjoyment and exercise
in their school days, was now spoiled for such pur-
poses. He was convinced, however, that this km-
pity was perfectly healthy ; and as for morality, he
believed Westminster, though in the midst of the

metropolis, was not inferior to other districts; but
parents, and mothers especially, were disposed to
object to the situation. The number of boys in the
school now was but 119. Was the school to remain
a t that number, and to become a second or a third
rate school ? He did not attribute its depressed
state to any want, of scholastic or administrative
:ability in the masters, but to the situation only, and
it would be a national misfortune if any one of our
great public schools were allowed to go down. The
proper number, of boys there should be 300 or 400,
for he thought such a large number as Eton had
-was disadvantageous. If the school were removed
the schoolroom in which they were then assembled,
and which teas endeared to them by so many fond
associations, might still be kept in its present con-
dition ; the school elections might take place there,
and the annual dinner at Westminster.

Sir G. ROSE spoke at some length, urging that a
committee should be appointed to examine into the
-whole state and prospects of the school.
The Marquis of LAINSDOWNE expressed his re-
luctance to see the school abandon a place hallowed
by so many recollections, but admitted that neces-
sity must govern this, like other human affairs. It
would be very ill-advised, however, to determine on
such a step until they were clearly assured of being
able to substitute for what they would leave some-
thing better. The condition of the Thames had
more influence with him than any other circum-
stance in favour of removing. If a locality could
be found which combined all the requirements, and
if the requisite expenditure could be provides for,
be was in favour Qf the proposed change; but they
ought not to incur any risk.
Dr. JAMES WILSON, as a physician of 35 years'
practise in London, testified that the situation of
the school was as healthy as anywhere in the me-
tropolis, and when he was young it was much more
unhealthy now. Tothill fields were then a swampy
marsh, and there was much more chance of malaria
than at present. The river, he admitted, was a nasty
filthy ditch, but not worse now than in former times,
when he used to swim in it. 1 he present set of boys
were as fine, clean, healthy looking fellows as he
would wish to see. There had been more fever at
Eton, and more pulmonary complaints at Harrow,
than he, had ever heard of at Westminster. The
present condition of the school was owing to other
causes, and he opposed the removal.
The Marquis of WESTMINSTER said it seemed to
him that instead of the character of the locality
being of late years changed for the worse it was
much improved, by the superior class of houses
erected about there. As for the river, so many
millions were now being spent upon it that some
improvement might be hoped for, and the Duke of
Buccleuch was not afraid to build a new palace by
the river side. The school was -not, indeed, like
some others, surrounded by trees and green fields,
but the Dean and Chapter might give more facili-
ties than they did for making the college garden
available. Little Dean's-yard might be extended,
and Great Dean's-yard would do for playing foot-
ball; besides the cricket ground in Vincent-square.
He did not ,think, however, that the elder sons of the
aristocracy were ever likely to come to Westminster
School; yet there was no reason why it should not
flourish as well as the Charter-house.
Lord J. RUSSELL, who was very warmly cheered
when he came in, said he could sympathise with
all that bad been said of the interesting associa-
tions of that place; yet the question to be decided
was not whether they cherished the memories of
the past, but how Westminster School in future
i might best be enabled, by educating good and
great men, to confer the same advantages it had
conferred in past ages upon this country and upon
attaind hereafter by continuing the school on
the world. Were those advantages likely to be
its present site ? Now it had been remarked
that this was where Queen Elizabeth thought fit
to have the school placed three centuries ago; and
doubtless in the days of Queen Elizabeth the
locality was deemed to be a very proper one. But
so with respect to another question which would
soon come before Parliament—he meant the de-
fences of the country ;—it might as well be argued,
that because Queen Elizabeth, in her days, thought
fit to take her stand at Tilbury Fort to repel the
Armada, therefore our plans of national defence
should be based on the same foundation, though she,
with her practical sagacity, would hare taken many
other things into account if she had lived in the
days of improved artillery and steamships. It
did not, therefore, follow that the best situation in
Elizabeth's time was the best now. (Hear, hear.)
He was not much enamoured of the hanges
that had taken place in the neighbourhood since
he (Lord John Russell) went to school there; and
although Victoria-street had been constructed, he
almost regretted the loss of Tothill-street, where
he used to go and buy his butter. (A laugh.)
The opinion of fathers and mothers was not
generally so much in favour of sending their boys
to Westminster School as it used to be. Lord
Lansdowne, who felt great affection for the school
had indeed sent his son there, but his grandsons
did not come there ; and he (Lord J. Russell) would
acknowledge that he had preferred sending his son
to Harrow, and not merely on account of the great
merits of Dr. Vaughan. It might be called a pre-
judice or a fashion, but there was certainly a pre-
vailing notion that a school like this should be si-
tuated where there was plenty of fresh air, with
open fields for recreation, and where the river was
not too offensive for the boys to swim in it, or to
row in boats upon it, for amusement and exertion.
(Cheers.) This being a very natural opinion, he
thought that, if they kept the school at -Westmin-
ster, they would be indulging the sentiment of old
associations, but they could no longer expect the
school to produce:that succession of eminent men,
statesmen, soldiers,. judges, poets, or divines, which
it had yielded in former times. At the same
time, ho did not feel convinced that the
transplantation was sure to be successful,
and he should he unwilling to come to
a decisive vote at once. If a committee were now
appointed, they might prepare some plan, and .re-
port to a general meeting what site could be found
sb:lieephrouvsiidtenda,tiaonnd,
theet
schoole r i,
couldNs pbreo
rbeasbtloer
et
dh atto,
it
and what it would cost, and how the money could
former The Rev.fame
Prebendaryand
e form o
theval
useof theo f
the
trhae-
C 1 RETON' contended that
tthheerrmiddlew h which was
residenti
neighbourhood than for the t aris ocracy, would not
be just. He believed one third or one-fourth of the
boys there were boys belonging to Westminster.
Lord EBURY gave some statistics of other public
schools in the metropolis. King's College School,
in a very bad situation underground, had 430 scho-
lars, and was always full. So was Merchant Tay-
, lor's, with 260 boys. The City of London School,

for day scholars only, had 612 ; University College
School, 320. St. Paul's Schobl was limited by Dean
Colet's will to 153 boys. The Charterhouse 'and
Westminster did not encourage day scholars ; they
preferred boarders, and that was the reason they
were below the other schools in their numbers. The
interests of people resident in London ought to be
considered before deciding on a removal of the
school.

After some remarks from the Earl of May, Earl
of Stradbroke, and Mr. Darby,
Lord C. RUSSELL spoke in-favour of the removal,
having a son at the school,le said, and having a
second son whom he could not send there unless it
were removed. He replied to some arguments of
the Marquis of Westminster' and other preceding
speakers.
The meeting was further addressed by the Rev.
Mr. Bourne, the Bishop of Moray and Ross, the
Dean of Christchurch (Dr. Liddell, formerly head
master of the school), Lord Llanover, Sir Walter
Stirling, and Sir David Dundas. A resolution,
moved by the Archbishop of York, to the effect
that the subject of the removal should be enter-
tained, was met by Sir David Dundas with an
amendment as follows :—" TEA a committee be ap-
pointed to confer with the Dean and Chapter, and to
consider the state and condition of Westminster
School and College, with a view to improve them
on the present site, and also to ascertain where a
fit and proper site might be obtained elsewhere
should the removal be found necessary."
On a division, the amendment was carried by a
pretty large majority. The committee was then
appointed, to consist of the Archbishop of York,
Marquis of Westminster, Earl of Stradbroke, Earl
of Devon, Lord Llanover, Lord C. Russell, Sir C.
Dundas, Sir G. Rose, Ikle.--411. Chester, Mr. J,
Mure, and Mr. 11. Bull. A vote of thanks to the
Dean concluded the proceedings, which had lasted
four hours.

TILE INSURREC7IOY IN SICILY.

(From the Special Correspondent of the Times.)
PALER:VI°, MAT 31.

In the letter which I sent off yesterday evening
I had just time to mention shortly the conference
which took place on board the Hannibal between
Garibaldi and the two Neapolitan Generals.
It was 5 p.m. before the conference was over.
Returned to the town, every nerve was strained to
put it in a state of defence. The four Commis-
sioners who had beep named for the four quarters
of the town set to work to strengthen the barricades
already existing and to construct new ones; the
people were stirred up, and made aware of their
position, which left no choice but to fight or to
parish, and in this dilemma they certainly displayed
more activity and energy than I had expected.
Priests, women, and children all worked at the bar-
ricades ; stones and other projectiles were taken up
to the top of the houses to be thrown down on the
assailants. Messages were sent to all the outlying
squads partly to come in, partly to attack the
Royal troops in the rear, the next day. The com-
mittee was urged to get ready as much ammunition
as possible to complete the fabrication of Orsini
shells ; the guns which had been taken in the town
were put into position at the different barricades ;
ammunition and provisions were distributed to the
men. In one word, an activity was displayed till

late at night width promised well for the next
day.

.7
This morning the activity not only did not di-
minish, but, on the contrary, the few hours which
were remaining were made the best of. It was the
anniversary of the battle of Palestro, the beginning
of the cireer of victories which made Upper Italy
what it is ; it seemed a good omen for the day. The
town was stirring very early. The first look into
the streets was not encouraging. A regular emi-
gration seemed to be going on, numbers of women
and children, followed by men carrying a few traps
and provisions, were making their way across the
barricades. The order was not to let any one pass
but women and children, who were better out of
the way when the fight, and, probably, the bom-
bardment began again. But this emigration was
only possible for the more wealthy classes, who
could take carpet bags full of dollars with them and
pay for their accommodation on board the mer-
chant vessels, or find room in the men of war. The
Admiral had given orders to receive every one on
board who chose to come.

Mr. Goodwin, who still refused to leave his post,
is spite of the Admiral's invitation daily repeated,
had received into his house till the women and
children of the poorer British subjects.
The question was only would the townspeople
who remained fight ? Priests and monks, who
show themselves as true patriots almost without
exception, went about the streets, carrying the
cross before them, and encouraging the people to
trust in Providence and to fight for their lives and
goods. The different troops had taken up their
positions, and all looked so ready and resolute that
I really believe, had the signal been given then, the
result would not have been doubtful. But while
this was going on outside a change had already
taken place in the Pretorial Palace. Early in the
morning Lanza sent a parlenzentaire, in which he
asked for an escort for General Letizia, who wished
to have an interview with General Garibaldi at 10
a.m. There was no doubt it was a request for a
further armistice. I happened to be in the room
when Letizia arrived. His tone was quite diffe-
rent from what it had been the day before, and no-
thing could be more amiable or sweet than the
manner in which he brought forward his request.
He asked, first, for an indefinite armistice, express-
ing the hope that perhaps all further fighting
might be stopped. The indefinite armistice was
not granted, but first one day more was proposed,
which was not thought sufficient, and at last three
days were fixed.

:l'ilwteithStnares
asfetiz' had gone orders were sent not
to begin the attack at noon. The town had been so
worked up that the general feeling. was decidedly
against the prolongation
one
most saw only
onf
A s soon
advantagesof the o
r armistice,he
N e aipno
lwi
tha incsh.
They might get rid
connected with it themselves with provisions, wounded, provide
from Naples. and get reinforcements
thatseemed to see the other
side of the question,
took place a letter
it
had timer
oerspe
iitgtoennf mercenaries.t arrive.h ree days
arrived i theret
from
mwtel ricee a
ganlliasaotri
ienoa ad-
vantageslf
forces. just about th
the 28th, in which time this interview
100 Was announced that a
2w,ooonOldshteanedlosoef
taortmhes,
satnedamotthrearnswpoat Caceiatori, picked men,
stores, was on the way, and
great deal of ammunition,
o weren
immediatelyth the very
taken
to
means a despicable the 31st. It was by
man
rein-
forcement, and measuressin
the neighbourhood of
tl look-outa
spread,
bo bringth
among u p
same time the guns which
advise the authorities in
this materiel.
toAbte
andmonths
had
gives
B u beent,
timeni lefto rfeor
thana
demoralization
o ar
ll
let oh
tnehe i
s,
tan regiments—the
Neapolitan ltiht ar
three
troopsof tthe
ea nNdehtaahpveoeolfi
awlthoopther
was
up
1 tOot 10th—who ;he
eerNe
such signs of unwillingnessago given
a succession of
insubordination
All to-day there
6th,that Bththe;ahnadd
them in the town—numbers as
and re-
modelled.coming over altogether,
others coming over to fraternise, and all anxious to
see and kiss the hands of Garibaldi. Several of the
Sicilian officers have come over to see their families
in town, and a few only returned, while even those
who did will be more useful on the other side than
they could have been here. 1
tain kissing Garibaldi's hands,saw, myself, a cap-
and asking him,
with tears in his eyes, to prevent bloodshed among
to do
Italian brothers, promising all in his power
to induce his own people to do the same.
Among those who passed throueli
the town was
Major Bosco, a Sicilian, the mu'
, mander of one of
the battalions of Riflemen who had promised the
King of Naples the head of Garibaldi. He was re-
tained because the Neapolitan outposts would not
let a convoy of flour for the town
raes. Ho became
quite a Liberal towards the end h
his
stay.
Among those who came over was a Swiss belong-
ing to the foreign mercenaries. $e had been a
sergeant and was degraded for a small offence, as
he says. He told us that there were only about
one-fifth of Swiss and the others were a collection of
scum from Austria and Croatia, most consum-
mate set of scoundrels that could be
Their only, aim was plunder, Whiolot together.
khad been
freely promised by the Commander M'e
It was not long before the proofs 'e
el.
came in of
what he had said. They had broken
position,
open all the
houses which were near to their
aond, plundered
the contents, violated the women, burnt the
houses. In one warehouse they had nf
selling at
a good
deal of corn, which they were at a cheap
price to those who were inclined to take)
They
advantage
of their neighbour's misfortunes. had estab-
lished a regular fair outside. At first the represen-
tations made to the general commanding met
by excuses that the thing was done in first ar-
dour yesterday, and other things were flatlye
denied,
but at last the Neapolitans themselves
were obliged
to agree that they were a bad set. Commander
Bosco himself called them "a heap of brigands,
who cannot be kept in order." Of course not.

They were encouraged to plunder in the beginning,
and every excess found approbation rather than
punishment.
Even the better part of the Swiss seem to be dis-
gusted with their companions, and about 100 have
already offered to come over if well paid. Whether
the negotiations which have been opened will lead
to anything remains to be seen.
In the afternoon Garibaldi made a tour of inspece
tion round the town. I was there, but find it
really impossible to give you even a faint idea of
the manner in which he was received everywhere.
It was one of those triumphs which seem to be al-
most too much for a man. The most wonderful
thing I ever saw in this way was the reception of
Napoleon and Victor Emmanuel at Milan, just
about a year ago, and I am almost inclined to think
that the one yesterday was more extraordinary.
The entry of the Sovereigns was something
more formal, which prevented the full expres-
sion of popular enthusiasm. They were on horse-
back and surrounded by their guards, while the
popular idol, Garibaldi, in his red flannel shirt, with
a loose coloured handkerchief round his neck, and
his worn wideawake, was walking on foot among
those cheering, laughing, crying, mad thousands;
and all his few followers could do was to prevent
him from being bodily carried off the ground. The
people threw themselves forward to kiss his hands,
or, at least, to touch the hem of li!s garment, as if it
contained the panacea for all their past and perhaps
coming sufferings. Children were brought up, and
mothers asked ou their knees for his blessing ; and
all this while the object of this idolatry was as
calm and smiling as when in the deadliest fire,
taking up the children and kissing them, trying to
quiet the crowd, stopping at every moment to hear
a long complaint of houses burnt and property
sacked by the retreating soldiers, giving good ad-
vice, comforting, and promising that all damages
should be paid for.
When Garibaldi returned a representation came
from the Neapolitans that the barricading was still
going on during the armistice. The answer given
was that each party could do as it pleased within
its lines, and that, as the Neapolitans could trans-
port their wounded and get provisions, it was bat
fair that the town should make barricades.
Shortly afterwards a flag of truce came in from
the Finanze, which is still held by the Royalists,
offering to give up the building and 4,000,000 taxi,
or about 2,000,000 f., which are said to be in it. It
is mostly private property, deposited for safety.
The conditions were accepted.
The news of the prolongation of the armistice
changed at once the physiognomy of the town.
Many of those who had gone on board returned,
for this respite allowed them to put their things
in better order than they could do in the first
hurry. The fever gave way, and animati'm be-
came the prevalent feature in the town, which, as
ever since our arrival, was illuminated. Many of
the funeral processions have been preceded by
crosses, pictures cf saints, especially Santa Rosalia,
and wax candles, converting them into street al-
tars. The moon shines brightly, and every one
turns in with widely different feelings from those
with which we got up this morning.

JUNE 1.
Last night one of the Neapolitan steamers went
off with, it is stated, General Lanz% himself on
board. Her destination is Naples, and there are
good reasons for supposing that the General, who-
ever he was, went there to show the necessity of
making concessions. As I said, Garibaldi is willing
to come to an understanding if the constitution,
guaranteed above all by England, is given back,
and the King of Naples promises to begin a truly
Italian policy. The mediation of Admiral Mundy,
which has hitherto led to such good results, removes
all difficulties. Should the Neapolitans think that
they can do it otherwise, either by calling in another
mediation, or no mediation at all, they are mis-
taken, for Garibaldi will not hear of any other, and
trusts no other.' The Admiral forced the Neapoli-
tans to treat directly with Garibaldi, and thus re-
cognise him, and Garibaldi is not the man to forget
this.

Every hour brings fresh news of the spreading
of the insurrection. A Neapolitan steamer arrived
yesterday from Trapani with the news that the in-
surgents were expected to attack it at any moment.
Messina is said to have been bombarded. It is time
the Neapolitans came to terms.

JUNE 2.
Yesterday afternoon the Fin an ze, a large building
in the Toledo, was given up by the Royalists. The
negotiations had been going on for the last four days.
The first offer they made was not accepted, Garibaldi
insisting that they should give up their arms, which
they refused to do. Since the armistice began, the
offer was renewed on the part of the troops, under
circumstances which made it desirable to accept it.
No one supposed that the money had been left in the
building, but so it was; the Neapolitans were so sure
of their position that they did not think it neces-
sary to provide for emergencies, and so above
5,000,000 ducats, or above £1,200,000 remained in
cash. The exact sum is 5,444,444 ducats ; out of
this only about 100,000 ducats are Government
property, the rest private deposits. M, Crispi, the
Secretary of State, went there in company with
the cashiers and controllers of the establishment ;
a proses-verbal was drawn up and signed by the
above-named employes, as well as the captain in
command of the post. He had about 125 men with
him, who were allowed to retire with arms and
baggage. From the papers found it appears that
792,000 ducats were taken out of the Government
funds to defray the war expenses, which were
rather heavy, as the soldiers have received double
pay ever since the beginning of the disturbances.
This morning the news arrived that yesterday,early
in the morning, the steamtug Utile had approached
Marsala and landed about 100 men, 2,000 muskets,
and a quantity of ammunition without meeting with
any obstacle ; all the Neapolitan ships being at Pa-
lermo, Messina, Trapani, and Catania, the only
four points where Royal troops have still some little
hold.

This is not the only reinforcement which is ex-
pected. There is reliable information that the
Blackwall steamer left Leghorn on the 26th ult.,
with 1,500 or 1,800 volunteers.

The-ugh thei:e have been no shots fired durinr, the
last three days, the armistice is on that account by
no means a time of peace and harmony between the
two parties. There is an almost continual succession
of parleinentaires on both sides, trying to explain
misunderstandings, quiet apprehensions, and verify
facts. At one time the Royalists stop convoys, at
another their soldiers break in and through the
houses, and rob and carry off everything they can
lay hold of. A great many of these complaints have
been verified, but I believe that these infractions of
the armistice are not so much the effect of treachery
on the part of the Neapolitan Generals as of a com-
plete want of discipline among their troops. On
another side of the town the soldiers tried to break
into a convent of nuns, and all the authority and
the numerous messages from Lanza were scarcely
sufficient to stop them. Again, on another side they
carried off the inmates of the convent of the Oblati,
a kind of female orphan asylum. The mothers of
the girls came up crying. The thing was not denied,
but it was explained that the nuns had gone over of
their own free will. Not a moment passes without
one or another person coming in with a complaint
against the excess of the soldiers. Were it not for

that marvellous ascendancy which Garibaldi exer-
cises over his men as well as over the whole popula-
tion, it would be impossible tokeep to the armistice.
On one point only the people are implacable and
that is the death of the sbirri, who are hunted down
like wild beasts, and shot wherever they are found.
The desertions still continue, and, strange to
say, mostly among the non-commissioned officers,
sergeants, and corporals. Not only do all these ask
to take service, but likewise the 300 or 400 prisoners.
Even the foreign mercenaries begin to come in—
at any rate the better part of them, who are dis-
gusted with their own comrades and the service.
Almost every officer who goes over as parlementaire
is asked about the pay on this side, and had it not
been for our untimely patriotism, disclaimed the
veryidea of pay, no doubt the Bavaresi would have
been open to an offer. It is, probably, not too late
even now, There is plenty of money at the Finanze
for this or any other purpose.
One might write volumes of horrors on the Van-
dalism already committed, for every one of the
hundred ruins has its story of brutality andin-
humanity. It is, above all, in the quarters to the
right and left of the Royal Palace, mostly inhabited
by the poorer classes and thickly crowded with
monasteries, that the horrors can be witnessed by
every one who walks up. Any one can do so by
using his senses. There are the black ruins of blocks
of houses. As you can see by those which have
hitherto escaped, they are in the style of St. Giles's
or the Seven Dials, with the only exception that all
the windows have balconies before them. '4 In these
small houses a dense population is crowded together
even in ordinary times; the fear of the bombard-
went
crocrushingwded,them eve
nb uloy in re; a shell falling on
one, g the inmates, was
ta
uk
pe
irue ftuhgee e
eal e
Nvf u rhtehne littler
hoen ,Rsohyuatltiisutgs
sufficient to make people abandon. the neighbouring
ars.
set fire to those of the houses which
retiredo themselvesnean dhey