The Sun.
London, England, 1867-01-25 00:00:00

TUE SUN, LOINUON, FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 25, 1867.

LONDON, FRIDAY, JAN. 25, 1867.

On Wednesday evening a Working Men's Asso-
ciation of some importance was inaugurated at
Huddersfield. The association itself was set on
foot last October, and has since then flourished in
an unexpected manner, about fifty new mem-
bers being added to it weekly. It partakes
of a political character, styling itself the
Huddersfield Working Men's Conservative
rl ssociation," and, although belonging to a
part of the country not usually considered very
favourable to Conservative opinions, it has, as we
have seen, prospered surprisingly. This is a hopeful
sign of the times, and one which is encouraging to
all disinterested politicians, whatever their particu-
lar bias. We want the labouring classes to have
a mind of their own to form definite opinions
on the questions of the day, and to be able to judge
for themselves between different lines of policy and
rival principles of administration. It has been often
argued by Reformers that the increased representa-
tion of the working classes would not really greatly
affect the balance of political parties, because they
are just as much divided' in opinion as those above
them. No doubt as a general rule certain trades
and occupations do more or less affect the political
sentiments. The agriculturists are averse to change,
the city mechanics are eager for political progress.
But there is a wide class whd, once they have gained
the vote fur which they are now anxious,will in reality
incline more to the Tory than to the Whig party.

Political economy is not a science which comes by
instinct, as we see among the intelligent and partly
educated members of the Trades Unions, who are
even now but dimly beginning to perceive that the
interests of capital and labour are identical, and
that the principle of combination, however good
within certain limits, may be employed to the
ruin of their trades. One of the great objects of
Reformers is to encourage an intelligent interest in
the affairs of the day among men who hitherto
have been too much under the influence—
we might almost ',say the dominion—of par-
ticular individual leaders, against whose
assertions and declarations there is no appeal.
Those who have assumed the position of spokesmen
for the working-men may indeed be disappointed at
any division in their ranks, thinking it may weaken
their political weight and influence ; but what we
want is not so much to effect a great change in the
character of Parliament, or in the manner of con-
ducting the business of the nation, as to give the
working classes a voice in the matter, to enable
them to feel that they have a stake in the nation,
and that their wishes and opinions are not wholly
disregarded in the administration of public affairs.
The most noteworthy incident of the Hud-
dersfield assembly was the reading of a letter
from Lord STANLEY, in which that nobleman's
usual clear sense and sound judgment on social
matters were especially shown. The Foreign Sec-
retary had been invited to attend the inauguration,
but found himself compelled, from the pressure of
public business, to decline the invitation, coupling
his refusal, however, with the complimentary in-
timation that he had taken a day to think it over,
and endeavour to find time. " I see with great
pleasure," wrote the noble lord, " the growth of
Conservative associations among working men.
The more we have of them the better.
Everybody, as far as I know, desires
that the best of the working-class should be ad-
mitted to the franchise ; and it is the interest of
these quite as much as it is that of capitalists or
landowners tint the right of voting should not be
rendered practically valueless in their hands by being
extended to others who, from (perhaps) inevitable
ignorance, are unfitted for so grave and responsible
a trust." No one probably is so anxious to main-
tain the distinction existing between members of the
working-classes as between all other classes than
what Lord STANLEY calls " the best of the working
men" themselves. No one can better appreciate
the shortcomings and errors of the ignorant, the
illiterate, and the idle artisan, than his intelligent
and industrious fellow, and so far from being grati-
fied by the possession of a vote shared with his less
worthy neighbour he would probably be incensed
and disgusted by the want of discrimination which
classed all alike. Lord STANLEY'S letter might
be quoted in support of Mr. CLAY'S Educational
Franchise, and we are not without hopes of seeing
that test superadded to the other qualifications.
It is a signifiant sign of the times that, at the
Hundersfield meeting, there was no attempt to pass
over the great question of Reform. On
the contrary, it was distinctly understood
that some change in our representative sys-
tem was inevitable. Major WATERHOUSE, M.P.,
one of the chief speakers, observed that they were
not met to repudiate any reform in Parliament.
" He was a great advocate for increasing the privi-
leges of those who were outside the pale of the con-
stitution, and he trusted the present Government
would introduce a measure that would meet with
the approbation of the country at large, and he
should be deeply disappointed if the spirit of inac-
tion prevented their doing so." The same speaker
touched briefly on the other reforms which
he believed were at hand, and which all must
admit to be necessary. The remodelling of
the army, the improvement of the navy, the
confederation of our American colonies, the
amendment of the Poor Laws and the Factory
Acts were, in his opinion, as obligatory upon the
Government as a measure of Parliamentary Reform.
In fact, the latter question has blocked the way for
so many years that unless it is speedily disposed
of we shall come to a political deadlock.

Sir C. BRIGHT last night addressed his con-
stituents, and rendered an account of his steward-
ship. He regretted the distress that prevailed in
the place ; and, in proceeding to take a retrospect
of affairs, declared that the Liberal party being
driven from office was just what might have been
expected from the loss of such men as Mr. COBDEN,
Sir G. C. LEWIS, and Lord HERBERT. As for the
Bill of last Session he had given it his support, be-
lieving it to be as good as any likely to appear.
The hon. member was more liberal in his views than
some, however, for he gave those who opposed the
measure brought forward last year credit for
sincerity; besides he wisely said it was more
profitable to dwell upon the future than the past.
If all those who make it their business to scan
public events would oftener adopt this view it would
be much better for all concerned, and the time and
energy that are wasted in profitless abuse and con-
sumed in suppositious reflections on the action of
others might with advantage be given to the consi-
deration of the actual wants of the present. Sir C.
BRIGHT was not very tolerant to the present Govern-
ment, and said that if they brought in a Reform
Bill he did not think it would be done
with a bona fide intention of carrying it.
We really do not think that such remarks are fair,
and, judging from the course pursued by the
Liberal Ministers when in office, we do not think it
at all suitable or consistent that such disparaging
remarks should be so constantly made as to the
sincerity of their opponents. It is this jumping at
conclusions that goes a long way to cause the evil
that the various critics on the matter profess to
deplore. If the present Government bring in a
Reform Bill, we think that they have a right to
demand a fair hearing for it, and should
they meet with a factious opposition it will be a
crowning proof of the real insincerity of their op-
ponents. It is high time that the matter of reform
was settled one way or the other ; it may perhaps
be advantageous to delay its consideration a little
longer, but one thing is imperatively necessary, and
that is that whenever it does engage the attention of
Parliament it should cease to be a party question,
and be elevated to the height that is due, namely,
that of being a subject of vital importance and of
national interest.

It is to be hoped that, after all, there will be
some chance of affairs being so arranged in Hun-
gary that a better understanding may prevail be-
tween that kingdom and Austria. Yesterday the
EMPEROR received the deputation which was
charged to present to him the address of the Hun-
garian Diet respecting the Imperial patent on the
organisation of the army, and the reply was so far
satisfactory that his MAJESTY said he hoped that
the apprehensions that had been expressed in the
address would be speedily removed by an Im-
perial rescript to be promulgated shortly.
He added that he was willing to give satis-
faction to the wishes expressed by Hungary
so soon as mutual confidence should render it
possible to remove the difficulties still opposing the
fernyAticn of a responsible Ministry. No doubt
this answer may afford satisfaction to those whom

it concerned, and we earnestly hope that the Em-
PEROR will keep up to his promises, and not think
that nothing need be done, because the disturbances
are over. It has been too mufh the plan of late to
make no provision for future emergency, and there-
fore every now and then difficulties start up
which are not easy to get over. It ap-
pears to us that a bolder and a more compre-
hensive policy might be better and safer for
Hungary than a more tame and timorous one.
What with one thing and another, things have been
left too much to chance in all that relates to the
internal arrangements of Hungary, and we are not
surprised at the misunderstandings that have arisen
in consequence, although they afford ample cause
for regret and apprehension.
The mistake seems to be principally in this, that
the EMPEROR and his Government seem to be wait-
ing for things to be settled before they commence
the work of reformation, and the task of conciliat-
ing differences of opinion, whereas these should
form the prelude to the affair instead of
coming afterwards. It is rather too much
to expect that those who are impatiently awaiting
the fulfilment of their long-cherished wishes and
the realisation of their schemes should become more
willing than they have been to bear annoyances
and suffer from various evils. On the other hand
the Hungarians themselves have been much to
blame, because they have hindered the work of ad-
justment by their irritation and impatience, thus
giving rise, whether justly or unjustly, to fears as
to their steadiness and self-control. At any rate,
we hope that both sides will now profit by
past experience, and exhibit more mutual con-
fidence and reliance on each other. The EMPEROR
could not do a wiser thing than strengthen his posi-
tion in Hungary, and he may rest assured that such
a course would be the wisest way of acting, while it
would materially tend to diminish, in some degree,
the overweening influence of Prussia. It would be
a great vexation to the Berlin Government if they
were to find that a really good understanding had
been come to by the Hungarians and their rulers,
and this fact alone ought to induce the Imperial
Government at Vienna to do all in their power to
hasten the solution of difficulties and to bring for-
ward the dawn of a more prosperous day.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, Thursday Evening.

A Cabinet Council was held yesterday at the
Tuileries, at which the Emperor presided. The four
new Ministers, having previously taken their usual
oaths to the Emperor, were present at the Council,
viz.—M. Rouher, Minister of Finance, Marshal
Niel, Minister of War, Admiral Rigault de Genou-
illy, Minister of Marine, and M. Forcade de la
Roquette, Minister of Agriculture and Commerce.
The Moniteur says :—" The prejudices almost for
so long a time prevented relations between the ex-
treme East and the other countries of the world be-
come weaker every day. The Japanese Govern-
ment appears to perfectly understand the benefits of
the new situation. The new Taikonn, since his ac-
cession, has addressed several letters to the represen-
tative of France at Jeddo, and he appears to be
animated with the most conciliatory intentions to-
wards foreign Powers. Conferences have taken
place at Kioto between that Prince, the Mikado, or
Spiritual Sovereign, and the Feudal Chief of the
country. The question is the establishment of the
administrative system upon new bases. Japan, like
the greater portion of the European States, is
ahit,sru
he
elelsyiAgeu
Austrian
etdri
inesdpiionisnttih.s e r t
ehr reo
rganisatFinance,ion
Cr
oohuf
naistt s
iranarmy."otisthe
t
been appointed.

The Saxon Government has just advanced from
the establishment of M. Krupp, at Essen, 100 can-
non of cast iron, similar to those of the Prussian
artillery.
Some very successful experiments have been made
at Versailles with the Chassepot gun. At a range
of 1,000 metres it will hit with unexampled preci-
sion. It has a kind of plug of caoutchouc, which
hermetically closes the barrel. It may be fired 15
times in a minute, but in the recent experiments
the officers only fired eight times in that period.
The gun is very light ; it only weighs about 81bs.
English. The gun can be placed with great preci-
sion to the shoulder. A bayonet is easily fitted to
it. This gun is very superior to the Prussian gun,
which only carries 400 metres, and has too long a
needle, which often breaks. Some of the French
chasseurs exhibited great skill, and at a distance of
1,000 metres obtained extraordinary results. At
that distance they hit the target thirty times out of
a hundred.

The Moniteur contains a long report making
various suggestions for the improvement in the
maritime service, to which the Emperor gives his
assent. In its bulletin the official paper says :
" We hear from Florence that Commander Tonello
and the Cardinal Secretary of State of his Holiness
are entirely agreed upon the various questions which
they discussed together, and that the concessi ons of
the Italian Government as regards the oath and
the cxequatur have overcome the greater portion of
the obstacles which had hitherto existed to the
nomination and installation of the new bishops in
the vacant dioceses.

Spring has come, for to-day at least. The air
has been soft, mild, and agreeable, and the sun has
shone during most part of the day. The official
meteorological table says that the rapid rise of the
barometer has been succeeded by a fall equally
rapid iu the Channel and the British Islands. The
barometer has risen in the south of Franco, the
Alps, and Italy. The south-west winds are rather
violent, but there has been a remarkable rise in
the temperature. It rained yesterday morning
throughout the north of France.

The Augsburg Gazette states that negotiations
have taken place between the Governments of
Bavaria, Wurtemburg, Hesse, and, perhaps, Baden
also, having for their object the greatest possible
uniformity in their system of military organisation,
and it is not improbable that the presentation of the
proposed project of law to the Bavarian Chamber
may be postponed until the conclusion of these
negotiations, which will soon be effected.
A letter from Berlin to the Gazette du Weser
says There are various indications which prove
indubitably that the Prussian Government is silently
making its warlike preparations, so as to be ready
for any warlike event to which the Eastern ques-
tion may give rise. Orders have just been given
that the working companies of the various corps of
troops shall preserve their utmost effective state on
the peace footing until the Ist of April next, so as
to fill the magazines. There is very great activity
in the manufactories of arms, so as to arm with the
least possible delay the Prussian Army and the
Army of the Confederation with needle guns; and it
is thought that a sufficient quantity of arms will be
ready by the commencement of May to supply the
regiments of the Landwher, which are not already
provided with them. There is also great exertion
to provide the artillery with a new species of rifled
cannon, as in future the other cannon will only be
employed in the fortresses.
An eminent lawyer, M. Pinard, of the Imperial
Court of Paris, ha; just died rather suddenly. He
wrote a celebrated work, the " Etudes" upon the
modern bar.
Miss Mario Michael Chevallie, daughter of M.
Chevallie, Senator, has just been married to M.
Albat Le Play, Councillor of State and Commis-
sary General to the Universal Exhibition.
There was a novel night skating feteognht, whichth
the lake
in the Bois de Boulogne on Monday night,
was as magnificent as it was rare. The temperature
had become warm, but the ice was tolerably firm.
The skating commenced at eight o'clock, not only
by the aid of torches, but by splendid illuminations.
There was a grand display of fireworks at eleven
o'clock. At midnight the thaw became rather too
pronounced for the continuation of the fete, and so

the skaters reluctantly left the ice. No unpleasant
incident occurred to neutralise the pleasures of one
of the most curious public entertainments of modern
times.

THE DISTRESS IN THE EAST OF
LONDON.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

PRUSSIA.

BERLIN, Jan. 25.

A grand banquet will take place to-day at the
Palace of the Crown Prince to celebrate the anni-
versary of his Royal Highness's marriage. The
British Ambassador and Lady Loftus are among the
distinguished personages invited.

ENGLAND AND EGYPT.

MALTA, Jan. 24.

Lord Clarence Paget has left for Alexandria, in
the Psyche, in order to invest the Viceroy of Egypt
with the Order of the Rub. H.M.S. Caradoc, with
the Naval Staff on board, has preceded his lord-
ship.
The Arethusa, Endymion, and Racer are already
waiting at Alexandria in order to assist at the cere-
monial.

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND.
(By Telegraph from Galle.)
MELBOURNE, Dec. 26.
Intelligence received here from New Zealand
announces that the Maori King has signified his
submission to the English authorities.
The shipments of gold from Australia since the
departure of the last mail are B,ooooz. (?) for Eng-
land, and 20,5000 z. for Gallo.

THE FENIAN PRISONERS 1N CANADA.
The sentenees of those condemned to death have
been commuted to twenty years' penal servitude.

SOUTHAMPTON, Jan. 25.

The North German Lloyd steamer llansa, from
New York, passed the Needles at 10.55 a.m. to-
day.