The Sun.
London, England, 1858-07-03 00:00:00

while there might be any number in committee.
It would be impossible then to restrain the burn-
ing eloquence of those panting for distinction,
and for whom ono opportunity would be alto-
gether inadequate. The silent but potential
admonitions of the Thames—the nauseating
effluvia and sickening odours—could not induce
ale malcontents to surrender any portion of their
privilege, or to extend to the Government the
courtesy which was never refused to their prede-
cessors. A suggestion that the committee should
meet this day, in order to conclude the business,
was also strenuously repudiated. Another day
has thus been wasted. But the public will know
who are the pries rcany responsible for the
procrastination, which may annoy but cannel,
seriously injure the Government.

The first amendment on which a division was
taken was that on the salaries of the members of
Council, which it was proposed to reduce from
1,2001. to 5001. pei. annum,. Notwithstanding
that the services of the best men would be re-
quired, and that not only much time and trouble
whould be indispensably required, but also a
residence in London or its immediate vicinity,
and that the party would be excluded from Par-
liament, it was considered by 59 gentlemen that
5001. a year would prove a sufficient inducement
to men of high standing and experience, and pos-
sessing the requisite qualifications, to accept the
situation. As, however, 226 members were of a
different opinion, the original scale of remunera-
tion was carried by a majority of 167.
The closest division that took place was on
clause 27, which provided that " orders now sent
through the Secret Committee, may be sent by
the Secretary of State, without communication
with the Council." Lord JOHN RUSSELL thought
it inconsistent with the policy of the bill that there
should be any secrecy from the Council. It was
manifest, however, that such a regulation would
be opposed to the full responsibility of the
Minister, and might unduly fetter him in cases of
pressing emergency. He could, of course, if time
and circumstances permitted, and if be deemed it
expedient so to do, obtain their opinions, but it
would be very impolitic to bind him to do so.
The clan se was therefore retained by a majority
of 24. The numbers being for it 119—against it
95.

The chief discussion took place on the 38th
clause, which provides that the dividend of the
Company, and existing and future debts, liabi-
lities, and expenses, should be charged on the
revenues of India " alone." The word " alone"
was objected to ; the effect of the omission would
be to saddle the Consolidated Fund with every
Indian liability, and of course to improve
materially the position of those who advanced
money at 5 or 6 per cent., which with
a national guarantee could have been obtained at
3 or 31. The Chancellor of the Exchequer,
however, was firm, and the amendment was ulti-
mately negatived without a division.
Notwithstanding these delays, we may, how-
ever, hope that the bill will be introduced into
the Lords early in the week, and that it may be
disposed of so as to admit of a prorogation of
Parliament before the close of the present month.

Mr. HENRY BERKELEY is entitled to great cre-
dit for the judicious manner in which he framed
and introduced the interrogatory which produced
the satisfactory information that a plan had been
presented by the Metropolitan Board of Works, on
Thursday, which, they believed, ought to be
adopted to remedy the grievance. Also, that the
Government intended to propose a measure at the
earliest possible day, and certainly in time to
enable both Houses of Parliament to come to a
decision—he trusted a satisfactory one, on the
whole question.
This is as it should be. Should the Government
be enabled to abate this monster nuisance; should
they purify the " filthy ditch," and avert the
pestilence that may be engendered by its horrible
exhalations, and enable parties once more to re-
sort to the silent highway, they will have
entitled themselves to the national gratitude
in no ordinary degree. We use the term
" national " advisedly. It is not a 'mere local
question. The present condition of " the silver-
winding Thames " is a stain and disgrace to the
British Empire. It not only disgusts the inhabi-
tants of the metropolis and its numerous provincial
visitors, but induces intelligent foreigners to cast
a slur on the institutions under which such a state
of affairs could possibly arise.
It would of course be better if time could
be taken to select the best of the nume-
rous schemes that have been put forward.
But procrastination would be fatal, and any
thing would be better than inaction. Ere the
close of the year, England may have to deplore
the loss of a greater number of its citizens than
perished in the Russian War or the Indian
Rebellion. It is not now merely a matter of
L. s. d. The health and lives of the people
are at stake : not merely of the inhabi-
tants of London, but of the entire country ;
for most assuredly, if disease, in any of its
multifarious forms, should be engendered,
it would spread throughout the length and
breadth of the land. There would be no safe-
guard in any district —no adequate defence
against the insidious assailant. The laying down
of pipes cutting off the sewage from the river
would do much, and. that step might be taken
with but trifling loss of time. In suoh
a case, the expense is of comparatively
trivial importance. The lives of the people are
of more importance than money. Red-tapist regu-
lations must be suspended under the circum-
stances, hud whatever is to be done should
be done quickly, and, so far as practicable,
effectually ! We shall await the introduc-
tion of the Government measure , with con-
siderable anxiety, taubtiLig, however, that it may
redound to their credit, and add to the reputatiou
they have already achieved since their accession
to office.

REMOVAL OF THE COURT TO THE ISLE OF WIGHT.—•
The junior breaches of the Royal family are expected at
Osborne on Monday next, and her Majesty and the
Court on' Wednesday.
Captain the Hon. Joseph Denman has taken White
Rose Cottage, and is expected at Cowes on Monday.
henry Thorold, E.g., has taken Sir John Hippesley's
house.

POPULARITY OP THE PRINCESS FREDERICK WILLIAM.
—A letter from Berlin says :—" A grand rifle match
is now coming off in this city. Upwards of 130 rifle
societies have sent deputations, comprising altogether
more than 1,000 persons. As it is the fashion at present
to .put the name of the Princess Frederick William
everywhere, the name cif Ftrnedtehe affair.rickWilliaEmacVbicotfetrbiae
Rifle Match' has been given
riflemen is to roc Ave a sr ver medal from the Rifle
Society of 13.rliu, and the Princo and Princess will give
go'd medals to the sumressful competitors."
A meetirg of the creditors of Messrs. Skeen and
Freeman, timber brokers, who lately suspended, took
place yesterday morning, at which there was a similar
ejlort to prevent any general disclosures. The annexed
balance-sheet was presented, showing debts to the
amount of 33,690/, with assets estimated at only 6,2371,
and, after a long and stormy discussion, it was resolved
to throw the estate into bankruptcy.
At a meeting of creditors of Messrs. Bristow, War-
ren, and Harrison, wholesale grocers, who stopped en
the 26th of last month, a balance-sheet, prepared by
Messrs. Coleman, Turquand, Youngs, and Co., account-
ants, was presented, showing liabilities 49,563/. (exclu-
sive of 23,5061. on account of bills receivable not ex,
!noted to prove against the estate), with net assets
amounting to 38,1461., or about 15s. in the pound.
An adjournment was ordered to receive the report
of a committee. In connection with the circumstances
of this failure there was apparently a desire to avoid pub
licity, and no reporters were admitted.