The Sun.
London, England, 1858-05-17 00:00:00

MONTENEGRO.

(Prom the Daily News.)
A tall, stalwart, fierce-looking gentleman, in the
Albanian costume, accompanied by a Hussar in
most gorgeous braiding, made his appearance more
than a year ago on the boulevards of Paris. A deep
scar across his cheek showed him to have been fami-

liar with close conflict. On inquiry this personage
was found to be Dmielo, Prince of Montenegro.
This potentate was the most arrant of politica
coquettes. There was no Court to which he had
not vowed fidelity, and from he had not derived
succour, or at least encouragement. He was for a
long time at Vienna, and made use of the patron-
age of Austria to accomplish the revolution by
virtue of which he reigns—the revolution which
allowed him to avoid taking ecclesiastical ordev,
and to govern as Prince, not as Bishop or Yladika.
He was then Russian, but, to do him justice, gave
no trouble during the war, when he might have
done serious mischief. -For this conduct he came,
no doubl-,, to seek a reward in Paris.
Should the Levant be divided, as it is asserted
and feared, between two alliances, the English,
Austrian, and Turkish on one side, the French and
Russian on the other,—this latter band will have
an immense advantage over iti rival. Fiance and
Russia are governed by rich, irresponsiNe, and pro-
digal rulers who have the habit of paying and pen-
sioning their friends, including even those of the
rank of prinees. England has abandoned this prac-
tice even in the far East. Austria, the most parsi-
monious of empires, knows the use of the sabre,
not that of coin, and Turkey claims more the right
to rob than the duty to pay.
. . .

No one can doubt to which of these two alliances
a paltry power in the Levant would be inclined to
Lan. The inevitable character, in fact, of their ten-
dencies is a great argument against petty princes,
and against all rulers who are not above the neces-
sities and meannes of mere personal greed, and
who do not participate in that feeling of dignity
and pride which arises from the consciousness of
their ruling and representing a nation. Take the
Prince of Servia, for example ; he would not sell
his Principality for a bribe, nor put on either Aus-
trian or Russian livery ; because he knows and
feels that the spirit and attachment of his own peo-
ple are his best support.
It is otherwise with Montenegro, and the circum-
stances which have raised the chief of 109,000 souls
into an independent Prince are, we must confess,
to be regretted. But Montenegro, as a military po-
sition, is so important, that no great power would
now willingly see it acquired by another. It con-
stitutes in itself a mountain fortress, formidable
from its position, and for its 20,000 well-armed
fighting men, who, it will be recollected, defeated
and destroyed an army of 30,000 Turks in 1796.
It is at once the point of junction and of sepa-
ration between Albania and Bosnia. The
Prince of Montenegro is from position the
natural master of Cattaro, the most magni-
ficient harbour in the Adriatic. Austria jealously
guards this harbour for the time ; but it is not the
less a natural dependency of Montenegro. Austria,
therefore, though consenting at the present moment
to the humbling of the Montenegrins, could no
more desire to see them actually conquered by the
Turks, than to see them reduced under Russian
suzerainty or French influence.
It being thus the interest of all the Powers that
Montenegro should remain independent, indepen-
dent no doubt it will be: The Turks themselves
have achieved a feat in shipping and conveying a
large army from the B ,sphortis to the Dalmatian
coast, and landing it there fre.h and well provided,
instead of sending it by an exhausting and expen-
sive march accoss Roumelia. This precedent will
greatly add to Turkish force in those western
regions, and prove powerful to deter Bosnians or
Albanians from insurrectionary movements. And
this, probably, is what Turkey chiefly proposed to
itself by the expedition.
It would be more difficult to explain what good
the French.Goverument proposes to itself by its
valiant declaration in the Moniteur on behalf of
the Montenegrins. Perhaps the Court of the
Tuileries, feeling that in retroceding on the
Danubian question it is playing no very glo-
rious part, seeks to recover a portion of its lost
credit in the smaller Matter of Montenegro.
But to set Prince Daniel() ever so upright upon
his rocky throne, must appear to every one, and
especially to Frenchmen, a somewhat insignifi-
cant result of the Crimean victories. The French
Republicans and Orleauists are already sneering at
the ignominious retreat of the Emperor before
Austria and Turkey, and no petty triumph on the
Lake of Scutari will be likely to be taken as a set-
off for total defeat upon the Danube.
The proverb, or the translation of a proverb,
that took birth about the year 1840, cannot be for-
gotten. It was then said that the expression of
"May France protect you," " Que la France volts
protege," meant " Qae le Diable t'emporte," " The
Deuce take you." And in truth the realisation of
the proverb, which so darnaLed the lustre of Louis
Phi pp's rule and throne, has taken place so often
of late under Napoleon the Third, that the French
begin once more to repeat it Apparently nothing
more is needed than for the Moniteur to come out
one month with a flaming assertion and resolve, in
order to be sure that the next the Emperor will
shrink from the magnanimous declaration, and his
,Ministers sneak out of it, ore the ink of their first
vaunt is well dry.
French government promise, magniloquent at
first, become at last infinitesimally small. They
were to tree Italy one day ; they end by garrison-
ing Rome for the Pope. The Emperor was thento
liberate Poland; when of a sudden Poland dwindled
down to the Danubian Principalities, which were
a'suredly to be saved. Now, the inclination seems
to be to waive the question of the Principalities,
and to substitute in their place the little rock of
Montenegro. Even that may one of these days
appear too vast, and the sympathies of the Moniteur
be concentrated upon and satisfied with Dumas's
island of Monte Christ°.

MR. CARDWELL'S MOTION.

(From the Morning Herald )

Discord and confusion reign in the ranks of the
cabal. Mr. Smith's disclosures, the debates on Fri-
day, and the strong reaction in Lord Ellenborough's
favour, have materially damaged that which once
promised to be a very pretty cause. Moreover, the
real character and object of the conspiracy have
been fully disclosed, and many of those who felt an
inclination to support Mr. Cardwell's motion
oppressed by strange misgivings on the subject.
Public opinion sets strongly in favour of Ministers,
and their chance of obtaining a glorious triumph,
even in a House of Commons elected at the bidding
of the member for Tiverton, improves day by d iy.
The Opposition chiefs never for a moment doubted
that with Lord Shaftesbury's aid, a large majority
would be secured in the Upper Hpuse. Yet a ma-
jority of 25 of those present Oft the occasion reduced
itis 10, by the liberal use made by the Whigs of their
proxies, have declared in favour of Lerd Derby.
The course pursued by Lord Shaftesbury has mate-
rially shaken his influence. Although he professes
to be a Conservative, the public cannot forget that
he is nearly related to Lord Palmerston, and
that he has been of late one of his most devoted
adherents. In a certain portion of the religious
world Lord Shaftesbury's reputation stood high,
but his share in the Sunday movement at Cam-
bridge House has created surprise and even indig-
nation amongst many of his former friends and
admirers. Whether Lord Shaftesbury was or was
not present at the meeting at Cambridge House o u
Sunday can be of litt!e consequence. We are not
in the confidence of these politicians, and we do not
therefore pretend to decide that point. The Pal-
merston organ on Monday last announced that
such au assembly had taken place at Cambridge
House on the previous Sunday,
e erealinvdtd.
that
On
nn
tahse-
ssault upon Ministers was to be d
evening of the day on whichtlile
forwardannou ancesnate the
appeared Lord Shaftesbury came
champion of the Opposition. He thus virtually
became the approver and the abettor of this Sun-
day movement. Many. persons imagined that there
must be some mistake in the matter, and that Lord
Shaftesbury would not on any account whatever
sanction by
.his advocacy a movement commenced
under such circumstances and upon the most sacred
dsy of the seven. But the weekly organ of the
s)cpesition yesterday repeated the statement in
conclusive terms. ‘! On Sunday afternoon," says
the Observer, " a meeting of most of the members
of the late abinet was held at Lord Palmerston's,
when the position of affairs was fully discussed,"
ks." And to this intrigue to reinstate a Cabinet
scouted from power only three months ago Lord
Shaftesbury lent his influence and support.
Deeply do we regret that one generally respected
should so far have forgotten himself, and thus have
sh dken confidence in our public leaders.
On being invited to undertake the direction of
affair?, Lord Derby explained to her Majesty the
state of parties, requested our gracious Sovereign
to reflect over the matter, .and evinced no anxiety
for office. Lord Derby did not, however, hesitate
to accept its onerous responsibilities when con-
vinced that so deity' he should best serve his Queen
atid country. The noble earl was aware that in a
House of Commons constituted like the present he
must be exposed to the risk of a defeat wionevcr
hostile and jarring sections chose to combine for
the purpose of harrassing and perplexing the

Government. That peril now impends, but the
remedy is in Lord Derby's hands. Lords Palmer-
ston and Russell head a new coalition in order to
obtain office, but the country support the present
Ministry. Their policy has been eminently success-
ful, and has gained them many friet.ds. Were this
new cabal to succeed in thrusting the Government
out, they could not remain in long themselves. Their
div sions are healed, the strife is merely suspended.
Of courseliberal professions are tendered for the pur-
pose of obtaining support, but the experience of the
last few years shows how pledges are violated and
engagements the most solem❑ set at nought. In
this emergency, were Lord Derby to retire without
a dissolution, he would leave the country without
a government. His assailants can only combine for
factious purposes—they do not possess the elements
of a powerful C tbinet. The public are waiting for
the opportunity to sweep away this scattered band
of intriguing politicians. Unable to direct affairs
with credit and success they coalesce in order to
prevent others from carrying out a bold, a wise,
and a progressive policy.
The popularity of Ministers and the progress
made during the last three months in wholesome
legislation have induced the member for London
and the member for Tiverton to lay aside their
animosities and biter jealousy. The old rivalry
is not however, extinguished, it is only smothered
Hence their great object is to avoid a dissolution.
Lor Is Palmerston and Russell know better than
we can tell them that at the next general election
the old Whig party will be broken up. The bare
mention of an appeal to the people makes them
shudder. Yet this is the abyss towards which they
are hastening. Should success crown their intrigue
it will be to them but the forerunner of disaster.
The members of the House of Commons have a
duty to perform ; and if they fail, by an appeal to
the nation will the balance be restored. The elec-
tors are already preparing for the struggle. Lard
Derby has but to give the word, and the majority
which he requires will be obtained. Let those
who have any doubt upon the subject whisper
" dissolution" in the ears of any of the Cambridge
House confederates, and mark the effect it will pro-
duce. They would not make wry faces, and de-
nounce such a constitutional appeal, if they did not
feel convinced that for them and their coalition it
means nothing better than total annihilation.

TESTIMONIAL TO THE LATE FIRST COM-
MISSIONEIi OF PUBLIC WORKS.

Mr. Butler, M.P. for the Tower Hamlets, bas
recently handed the following memorial to Sir
Benjamin Hall :
"To THE RIGHT HON. SIR BENJAMIN HILL,
BART., M.P., LATE CHIEF COMMISSIONER OF HER
MAJESTY'S 7ORKS, &C.
" Sir,—We, the undersigned owners of property
within the borough of the Tower Hamlets, take
the present opportunity of expressing our
thanks to you for having originated and
matured many great improvements in the Royal
Parks of the metropolis, but more especially in the
Victoria Park; in which large masses of the indus-
trial c'asses of the people resident in the eastern
parts of London are so deeply interested.
" We are also much indebted to you for having,
after many years' delay by your predecessors in the
office you so recently filled—a delay which operated
to the serious loss and inconvenience of the rate-
payers—caused the important line of communica-
tion from Shoreditch to the Docks to be opened for
public use. We feel that it has not been usual for
gentlemen holding high official positions to identify
themselves by constant personal inspection of, and
take so deep an interest in, the improvements of the
eastern parts of the metropolis, and we therefore
desire to express to you our respectful opinion that
the duties of the office of Chief Commissioner of
Works, &c., were performed by you with great
real. energy, and ability, and in a manner greatly
to the advantage of the public.
" It is also a source of gratification to us to ob-
serve that, in the disposition of your patronage of
gatekeepers and other offices in the public parks,
you have selected as worthy objects of your consi-
deration those who have claims upon the public
service, and who bear the marks of their valour in
the late wars.

" We wish also to acknowledge the courtesy and
attention we have invariably received from you. It
is true that you may not always have conformed to
the application we may have made to you, but we
have always felt that you have decided imparti-
ally, and with a view to the public good.
" We have the honour to remain, Sir,
"Your very faithful and obedient servants."
[Here follow the signatures.]
Sir Benjamin Hall's reply was as follows :
" Great Stanhope-street, May 13, 1858.
"Dear Sir,.—l beg to acknowledge the receipt of
your letter containing a memorial from certain
owners of property and others within the Tower
Hamlets, and request that you will be so good as to
convey my thanks to the memorialists for the ex-
pression of their favourable opinion in relation to
the matters to which they refer.
" I certainly was most anxious during the short
period that I held the office of First Commissioner
of Public Works to improve the parks, to render
them still greater objects of attraction, and bene-
ficially to expend the moneys voted by Parliament.
With regard to the appointments made during elf
tenure of the office, 1 considered it to be my duty
in the distribution of the little patronage at my dis-
posal to select persons who really had some claim on '
the public service, and bythe appointment of whom
merit might be acknowledged, and a stimulus
offered to others to deserve reward.

"As you allude to the subject, I may mention
that in two years, ending January, 1858, I ap-
pointed 57 men who had served in the late wars to
places as park keepers, park constables, and other
somewhat similar offices, admitting those only who
could produce with their discharge the most uneV
ceptienable references from their commanding offi-
cers; and these 57 gallant fellows wear upon their •
breasts 49 Crimean medals, six Indian medals, one
Caffre war med.il, one China medal, one Baltic
me lel, four medals for distinguished services on the
field, nine good conduct medals, one French good
conduct and long service medal, one French war •
medal, and one Sardinian medal. They have also
139 clasps declaratory of the action in which the/
have been engaged ; three of them wear the legion
of honour, aud three others have that most noble
of all distinctions, the Victoria Cross, making a
total of 219 marks of honour possessed by these 57
men.

" Of those who bad won the Victoria Cross, one
has the China medal, the French war medal, and
the Crimean medal with three clasps, and he now
occupies a new lodge at Holyrood-place. Another
has the Ghuznee mei:, al, and the Crimean medal with
three clasps, and he lives at the new lodge at the
Marble Arch. The third has the Crimean medal
with 2 clasps; and is Chevalier of the Legion of
Honour ; he also occupies a lodge which bas recently
been built in the long walk of the Regent's Park.
The \xaduot of these men has been most admirable,
and I am happy to think that I have had it in my
power thus to bestow places on persons who hem"
so nobly d.scharged their duty to their Queen and
their country. With the renewal of my thanks to
the memorialists, and to yourself for the friend/
expressions contained in your letter, I remain yours
sincerely, "B. 114.1.1..
" C. S. Butler, Esq., M.P."

THE CROPS IN CAMERIDQE.—The wheat and barley
orops are thriving ani looking well, the latter
appearing
to lose its blue and frost-bitten colour, and no doubt only
requires a few warm days for its natural greenest,.
Meadow crops in this district are materially improved
during the last fortnight. Most of the potato shoots
ab )ve ground have been cut off by the severe frosts, and
other garden produce is considerably retarded in growtb.
—Cambridge Independent.