The Sun.
London, England, 1867-12-09 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDoN, MOMMY EVENING, DECEMBER 9, 1867.

have deteriorated from the effect in the eyes of
foreign nations. There was no regular fighting
between the leaders on either side, for in conse-
quence of the absence of the Chancellor of the Ex-
chequer, from distressing causes, Mr. GLADSTONE
made no direct attacks upon the Government. In
this he did himself honour, and shows his party to
advantage ; but it cannot be said that the
Ministers had nothing to do in the conduct
of affairs through the House. There have been
many side-thrusts, which are always dif-
ficult to parry, and many insidious comments
have been made. These have, however, been all
refuted one way or the other, and the fact remains
that the Houses of Parliament and the general voice
of the public have pronounced in favour of the Ex-
pedition. It must be borne in mind that some gain
has followed upon this anticipatory session, and that
the various bills which have been passed must
save some time and trouble iu the long session
yet to come. Lord STANLEY made sonic remarks
iu the House of Commons on the various observa-
tions and questions that have been addressed, and
in reply to Mr. DARBY GRIFFITII on the proposed
Conference, he said that the Government had not
changed its opinion since the explanation he had
tendered at the beginning of the Session. Of course
the settlement of the Homan question would be, as
the noble lord said, a great advantage if it
could be attained ; but, as he added, there
is little gain to be derived from a Con-
ference in which it is well known that
the separate parties entertain such totally
opposite views. At the same time Lord STANLEY
declared, on the part of her MAJESTY'S Govern-
ment, that ho would be very glad to hear of a satis-
factory scheme for meeting the difficulty alluded to.
With respect to the Abyssinian despatches, the
noble lord assured Mr. SCHREIBER that be would
during the recess look over the earlier part
of the correspondence, and if any papers
were found which could throw more light
on the question, he would produce them.
Lord MAYO referred to illegal processions in con-
sequence of a question addressed to him on the
subject. Ile very properly reminded the House
that it was the duty of the Executive Government
to administer laws and not to make them.
They must be guided by circumstances, and if it
appears that the meetings are likely to lead to dis-
turbances they will be dealt with accordingly.
This is all that can be expected, and we really do
not see how more can be expected from the autho-
rities i❑ this awkward matter.

A SECOND time has Her Majesty's Theatre been
destroyed by fire. The home of the Italian opera
for half a century was reduced to ruins in less than
two hours, and involved in hopeless destruction in
less than ten minutes. Happily the calamity was
unattended by loss of life. TITIENS, KELLOU and
SANTLEY on the evening before repeated their
triumphs in " Giovanni" before large and al
miring audiences, but on Friday night the
opera house was empty. Had it been full
the fire might have been detected in time, 01
wholly prevented. Among other possibilities,
however, we must reckon that of a frightful sacri.
five of life and a re-enactment of the shocking
tragedy of Santiago. Instead of counting possi-
bilities it is more important to fix the attention on
the suddenness with which the fire obtained com-
plete mastery over the building. In a few
minutes after the alarm was given the flames
were illuminating one-half of the metropolis.
There is no difficulty in supposing an, equally rapid
conflagration in a crowded house. Add to that
supposition the inevitable terror and panic, the
delirious fear never wanting on such occasions,
which leads even strong and brave men to trample
on women and children to secure their own safety,
and we have the other half of the catastrophe which
Providence has in this instance spared us.
Practically this is a fresh call to consider
whether theatres and all public buildings cannot be
better protected from fire. Something has been
done to secure more efficient means of egress. But
that is not enough. Before half the audience in
a crowded house, on such an occasion as we have
supposed, could force their way out, the flames
would be upon them. Can nothing be done
to render the buildings themselves fire-
proof 1 The danger arises from the extreme
inflammability of the materials—a variety of textile
fabrics in the first instance, and, next, the wood of
the building. With regard to the first, it is well
known that they arc capable of being treated with
several chemical preparations which practically
render them proof against flame. The phosphate
and sulphate of ammonia, chloride of ammonium,
and borax all answer the purpose sufficiently
well without injury to the fabrics themselves.
The same may be said of wood. We cannot render
it wholly incombustible, but when treated with
btu ax, or, still better, with silicate of soda, it will
cease to burn, and smoulders but slowly. The
mere brushing a plank of moderate thickness three
or four times over with a strong solution of the
silicate of soda will'render it practically incombus-
tible. This simple process applied to our theatres
would obviate the greatest danger to which they
are exposed, and often prevent calamities frightful
to contemplate. When science has furnished a
remedy so simple for a peril so great, no argument
should be necessary to secure its adoption.

The worst part of a disturbance like that which
recently occurred in Italy is that long after all
apparent excitement is over there remains an angry
feeling that it seems almost impossible to allay.
The tone of the debates in the French and Italian
Chambers speak sufficiently strong as tb the nature
of the mutual views entertained. It cannot be
said that the French have displayed their ac-
customed courtesy, for the speeches of M.
MOUSTIER and M. ROUIIER have given great
offence in Italy, and both in the Cham-
ber of Deputies and in the Senate the
Government have been questioned as to the moan-
ing of the matter. If words ever mean anything,
there can be no doubt as to the intentions of the
French Government respecting the state of things
in Italy. M. ROUHER eagerly demanded "Is this
clear," after declaring that Italy should not seize
upon Rome, for " France will exact from Italy a
rigorous and energetic execution of the Convention
of September 15th, otherwise she will provide
for it herself. In order to do away with
some of the awkwardness of this declaration,
he added that they wished also to respect and
strengthen Italian unity. " We do not wish that the
work accomplished by our victories should be
destroyed by the second part of our reign. The
French people do not desire either the overthrow of
the POPE or the destruction of Italian unity."
Considering his very difficult task, it
must be confessed that General MENABREA ac-
quitted himself very successfully. He adopted a
a moderate tone in explaining the policy of his Go-
vernment. And his prudence will be commended
by all who can appreciate the situation in which he
finds himself. He observed very opportunely that
our rashness must be avoided if it was desired that
they should obtain a settlement of the Roman
question. The order of the day declared
that the Senate put full confidence in the Go-
vernment, and believed that it would " man-
fully maintain the rights of the nation,"
and we believe that the trust thus reposed will not
be thrown away. In the Chamber of Deputies the
General assured them that he had sent to Paris to
receive further intelligence from their representative
in that capital, and until the answer came he must

postpone his explanations. As to the foreign policy
of the Government, on the whole, then, we believe
that the affairs of Italy are being administered
as well as possible in this crisis, and if the douses
of the Representatives only have patience the diffi-
culty may be got over without any further recourse
to extremities. The situation is a curious one, but
with perseverance in a policy of moderation much
may be done that the impatient and reckless can
hardly dream of, and that is saying a good deal
under the circumstances of the case.

LATEST INTELL IGEN CE.

(REUTERS TELEGRAMS.)

ITA I, y.

PARIS, Dcc. 9.

The Moniteur of this morning publishes the fol-
lowing as the expressions used by General Menabrea
in his reply to Signor Sorrearsa in the Italian Senate
on Saturday :

" 1 consider it absolutely necessary to display as
much reserve as moJeration in seeking a solution of
the Roman question, the difficulties of which the
Government, whose intentions and line of conduct
have been repeatedly clearly expressed, has asked
the Chamber of Deputies not to complicate by in-
opportune discussions.

FLORENCE, Dec. 9.

The green-book will be distributed to-day. It
contains 27 documents relating to the Antibes
Legion and 66 on the Roman question.

NA YAL AND MILITARY INTELLIGENCE.

The finding and sentence of the general court-
martial which assembled at Chatham on Monday
and Tuesday last, under the presidency of Col. C.

Louis, for the trial of Capt. Chas. Loftus Totten-
ham Usher, of the Chatham division of Royal Ma-
rines, were promulgated to the oili,lers at the head-
quarters of the division ou Saturday. The prisoner
was tried for being drunk at the Royal Marine
Barracks, Chatham, on the afternoon of the 20th
ult., he being at the time in uniform. The Court

found the prisoner Guilty, but in consideration of
his lengthened service, and also the high character
given him by the numerous officers called for the
defence, including several members of the Court
on the occasion of his trial, he was only sentenced
to be placed at the bottom of the list of captains of

the loyal Marines Light Infantry.
By direction of the Duke of Cambridge a class
has been formed at the Royal Engineer establish-
ment, Chatham, for the instruction of the non-
commissioned officers in architecture and architec-

tural drawing to qualify them for filling the ap-
pointments of foremen of works at the various

Government offices.

Capt. Wakefield, 83d Regiment, has proceeded
to Landguard Fort, Harwich, to take the command
of the troops stationed at Harwich and Landguard
from Brevet-Major Edmonstoune, who returns to
Colchester. The Rev. Mr. Duthrie is to be chap-
lain at Colchester, in succession to the Rev. Mr.
Wylde, transferred to Shoeburyness.
The screw steam frigate Aurora, 35, Capt. Alger-
non F. N. De llorsey, recently returned from the
North American station, has been placed alongside
the jetty in the Devonport dockyard for the pur-
pose of being dismantled. Her crew will be paid
off shortly.
The iron armour plated screw steamship Agin-
court, 26, having undergone sundry minor altera-
tions, was removed on Friday from Keyham yard
to the Steam Reserve in ilamoaze, where she will
remain until opportunity offers for reducing her
masts from five to three.

The iron armour plated screw s'eamship Black
Prince, 41, was placed on Saturday in Keyham
steam yard.

The machinery of the iron screw steam troopship
Himalaya, 2, Capt. S.:Piers, having been repaired,
was tested at Keyharn on Saturday preparatory to
her being tried at the measured mile outside Ply-
mouth breakwater during the present week.

Intelligence has been received at the Admiralty
of the arrival of her Majesty's ship Perseus at Hong-
kong on the 15th ult.

OXFORD U:VIVERSITY TRIAL EIGHT-

OAR RACES.

OXFORD, Saturday Evening.
The annual eight-oar trial race which usually precedes
the selection of a crow to represent Oxford against the
Sister University took place this afternoon from Abingdon
Lasher to near the cottages at Isluneham. For a long time
past Mr. Willan, the president of the Oxford University
Boat Club, and his brother officers had been engaged in the
formation of two crews worthy of the University, and
capable of affording aquatic men at Oxford an interesting
race—a result we must compliment them on attaining. The
day was:bitterly cold, a strong north-west wind prevailing,
but an unusual number of University men and townsmen
availed themselves of the Great Western Railway to Abing-
don Junction, while the aquatic clubs of London and Cam-
bridge were numerously represented. It will be remembered
that on Thursday the trial eight encountered a picked Uni-
versity crew in two distinct race 9, from which it was thought
Mr. Darbishire's beat was much the best, but, to counter-
balance the apparent advantage, Mr. Hall's crew were given
the Berkshire side, which on a calm day is reckoned to be
equal to two boat lengths, but which on the present occasion
was more valuable than ever, owing to the protection the
bank afforded the inside station from the broadside of wind
that swept across the river. Speculation on the issue was
exceedingly dull, odds of 6 to 4 on Mr. Darbishire's boat
not being responded to, but 2 to 1 was rather freely sought
for. The knowledge, however, of the advantages of sides
prevented Mr. Darbishire's fi lends from responding.
The following are the names and weights, &c., of the
competitors:—
_

0011111SPONDENOE FROM PARIS:

r. 4024 ()VII OWN CORRESPONDEFT.)
SuNDAY.
Cho:weather in Paris has been unusually cold for the last
few days, and ice covers the ornamental waters of the pub-
lic parks. The recent gale has left traces of disaster
behind it. The conservatory has suffered damage which
is estimated at 100,000 f. ; and the palm-trees and exotic
plants by which the general appearance of Paris is
distinguished and beautified, have been almost all
destroyed. But if the weather is chilly the debates
are warm, and the gale that roared over the city the
other day did not surpass the storm of argument,
vituperation, and fervid congratulation _ which is
at present raging here. _

esterdai-the Emperor hunted in a part of the forest
of St. Germain, in company with General Fleury, Mar-
shal M`Ma,hon, General Bourbaki, and Doctor Nd'atom
The bag was, of course, tremendous—the amount of
butchery accomplished was vast. I cannot conceive the
interest that is taken in hunting 'acre. The amusement,
however, may serve to change the current of one's ideas ;
and in banging away four times a minute at birds which
have been beaten up from the country all round, and got
together within such a small area that as they rise they
darken the air around the sportsman, may be an employment
beneficial for excited nerves and overwrought brain.
When the father of Charlotte Brontd fell into certain
humour; he found relief from his melancholy in firing off
pistols in the back-yard of his house. p ; ,

At a conference held a few days ago at Vincennes, M.
Decroix, a delegate from the committee de la viande du
demi, clearly demonstrated that the flesh of the horse is
more healthy, more nourishing, and more easily digested
than beef.

The Emperor of Austria has made a present to the city
of Paris of a vase of Bohemian glass mounted upon a
pedestal of solid gold, ornamented with precious stones
and with carving, as a testimony of the welcome he
received when staying here at the Hotel do Ville. The
lid of the vase is also ornamented with calving and with
gems equally rich and delicate, and it is surrounded by a
statuette of the Archangel Michael vanquishing Satan.
Her Majesty the Empress having expressed a desire that
this splendid object of art should be placed in one of the
reception rooms of the Hotel de Vile, the request was
complied with. •
The last number of the Revue Contemporaine contains an
article upon the life of Percy Bysshe Shelley, a name
which the Parisian reviewer spells "Percy Byssee Shelly."
In noticing the article, the literary contributor to the
Libcrta says of Shelley that he was "one of the most in-
dependent, daring, vagabond spirits of Parnassus ! Mise-
ries, deceptions, persecutions, Percy Shelley supported
them all—not, one should say, with the resignation of a
sage, but as a being sojourning in this planet, but whose
country was not of this world." I give you the bald,
literal translation, that you may know the more exactly
what the man really does say.
A young lady who luxuriates in the name of Afdlle.
Scriwaneck has ceinsaexced an engagement at the Theatre
of Saint Germain. She opened with the " Gamin de
Paris," a poor play. The good humour, however, and
the genuine power of the actress carried the piece through,
and won for herself a success which was quite unqualified
and perfectly deserved.

,•
The popular concerts, under the direction of M.
Pasdeloup, have commenced, ball de l'opera are about to bp
inaugurated, invitations for the great balls are now in
circulation, and the winter season in Paris has Coma
menced.