The Sun.
London, England, 1867-04-30 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 30, 1867.

LONDON, TUESDAY, APRIL 30, 18G7.

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The King of PRUSSIA cannot resist the tempta-
tion of ranking a speech, and accordingly he has
opened the Prussian Chambers in person, and edi-
fied the Deputies with his words of wisdom and
counsels of prudence. According to his theory all
is progressing favourably towards the accomplish-
ment of the great purpose in view, the establish-
ment of German unity. This extraordinary session
did not excite the enthusiasm which some of its
predecessors have done, but that is not to be won-
dered at under the circumstances. It is on the
principle that one cannot have toujours perdrix
that the Prussians are getting rather tired of
these incessant public ceremonies and this constant

iteration of the same thing. The KING's remarks
were addressed to the union of the North German
Confederation, which seems to be the one thing
needful according to his doctrine. To hear him
talk one might imagine that collective Germany had
just escaped from a great danger, instead of nothing
having happened to disturb its serenity but the plots
and plans of the KING and his advisers. Also it
might be thought that the Germans were far behind
their neighbours in point of progress ; but if they
are, whose fault is it but their own, and how can
" united and vigorous development" be secured by
the arbitrary interference of Prussia in all matters,
civil and military, of great and little import? We
hear that a constitution has issued from the delibe-
rations of Parliament, but nothing is said of the
drawbacks to the plans of Count BISMARCK which
took place in the course of deliberation in the said
Parliament, and however he may gloss it over the
KING has certainly no cause to plume himself upon
the success he has met with in this matter. National
unity sounds very grand, but it is after all but a
very vague term, and may mean a little or a great
deal as the case may be. In the present instance
no one need be ashamed to confess himself puzzled,
because there is not the ghost of unity to see. Had
the several States of Germany simultaneously re-
solved to join together it might have been different,
and had the majority been unanimous it might
have succeeded; but as it is, mere force of arms can
never create unity, nor can the assumption of power
by, one kingdom to the exclusion of others allow of
the fulfilment of comprehensive designs.

Notwithstanding the flourish of trumpets with
which the speech opens, we soon come to some very
practical illustration of the name of freedom being
all that remains to the component parts of this
grand Constitution, and learn that the introduc-
tion of the Federal Constitution will subject the
individual States to " unavoidable restrictions" in
all departments which will have to be subordinate
to the general development. We doubt very much
if the people will find the promise true of their
rights not being forfeited in consequence of their
being transferred to the representatives of the
extended commonwealth. As for the consent of the
Deputies being necessary for the laws of the North
German Confederation, that is a very sorry source
of comfort, because it is easy to pass over a great
deal of what is decided upon. It is worthy of no-
tice that the KING gives a very broad hint as to the
South German States shortly joining the others,
and he has also to refer to the indecent haste exhi-
bited by his Government so early as last autumn
in making offensive and defensive treaties with those
States, of course with the object of curtailing their
privileges andof increasing the ascendancy of Prussia.
In conclusion, the King expressed a hope that
he and his Government would find that the Deputies
would exhibit that patriotism which Prussia has
always displayed in serious times. The times would
have been serious just now had not the Berlin
authorities done their best, or rather their worst, to
make them so, but this must be passed over with
the other inconsistencies of the Prussians.

The Luxemburg question was referred to in the
House of Commons last night, and Lord STANLEY
said that he had every reason to hope that
France and Prussia would accept the pro-
posal to hold a Conference in London on
the subject, and the noble lord added his belief
that a peaceful arrangement might be come to in
consequence. The public will learn this with un-
mixed satisfaction, for there is no desire for war in
any quarters. The noble lord added a declaration,
which will also be most welcome to all, and which
was received with cheers by the House when he gave
it. " I may also say that from the first, and
throughout, the language I have held to all parties
concerned has been this—that if, unfortunately,
matters took a different turn from that which
they now seem likely to take, and if hosti-
lities were to break out, the position of Eng-
land in this quarrel would be one of strict and im-
partial neutrality." It is of the greatest consequence
that they should be clearly understood from the
first in the most decided manner and on the best
authority, and we think that the thanks of the
nation are due to the noble lord at the head of
Foreign Affairs for the admirable manner in
which he has conducted matters. The " meddle
and muddle " policy of Lord RUSSELL would have
been sure to complicate things, and per-
haps we might eventually have been mixed
up in the war ourselves, albeit it is one in
which this country has no concern. Her MAJESTY'S
Government has not expressed " decided views"
upon this question, we are told by Lord STANLEY,
but they did express a " very strong opinion" in
favour of peace, which is all that could be ex-
pected of them, and we have no doubt that if
happily this peaceful solution be arrived at the
noble lord and his colleagues will deserve a large
share of the credit of the affair by their firm
demeanour and their wise counsels. On the whole,
the explanation afforded to the House las t night by the
noble lord, in answer to the question on the subject,
was as satisfactory as it could beunder the circum-
stances ; and we can say, without exaggeration,
that it is the first time for years that an answer has
been given in Parliament on any topic of European
importance which has been so, thanks to the very
efficient way in which affairs have been conducted
in our Foreign Office. A policy that neither inspires
confidence nor excites fear, that neither commands
respect nor gains consideration, can never- answer.

The Conservatives are apparently determined to
make the most of their opportunities, and some
members of the party are now bent upon organis-
ing a Conservative Union, whose ramifications are
to extend throughout the country, and to unite the
various provincial associations under one head.
Some years ago such an attempt might have been
looked upon with uneasiness as indicative of the
growth of a reactionary policy, but the time has
gone by when the term Conservative signified an
antagonist to all improvements. No doubt the
ranks include some members who prefer the
old ideas to the new, and who secretly
think stage coaches and three-deckers far
better than express trains and monitors, but we
are not to judge bodies by individuals. The Liberal
party is always more elastic than its great adver-
sary, and it numbers among its supporters advo-
cates of manhood suffrage and admirers of the Re-
publican form of Government, as well as gentlemen
who, whatever their professions, are heartily glad
when any obstacle opposes itself to change and pro-
gress, and matters are left in statu quo. The acts
of men are fortunately sometimes wiser than words,
and if men do not often put their grandilo-
quent theories into practice, they often pause
in fulfilling mischievous intentions. A large
party, if they are to keep together, must
be guided by the opinion of the few, and the leaders
•are generally wise enough to see the weakness and
evanescence of extreme opinions. The heads of
the Conservative party have been wise enough to
abandon the untenable positions which some few of
their followers would gladly see them endeavour to
retain, and the term Conservative, if it has lost
something of the vigour and determination that
belonged to the Tory of the old school, is no longer
identical with civil and religious intolerance and re-
solute opposition to all popular cla•uis.. The new

union, which was discussed last night with so much
pomp and circumstance at the Freemasons'
Tavern, is intended apparently to represent
those more advanced opinions which have
of late years given us some good measures,
and which may rather be described as constitutional
than Conservative. One gentleman last evening
proposed, indeed, the substitution of the latter title.
" If," he said, " they were called the Constitutional
Union, they would be enabled to enrol members of
moderate political views who were opposed to the
spread of democracy, but who also had a strong ob-
jection to the word Conservatism, though they really
upheld Conservative principles. If the union is to
stand and exercise any widespread influ-
ence it must be framed in a broad and
comprehensive spirit, adapting itself to
the wants and wishes of the time. It is quite
possible to be at the same time Constitutional and
Liberal, and if any one proves himself to unite both
qualities, he is usually secure of a good share of
public approval. We want a little more activity
infused into our public life. During the last half
century or so the predominance has been shared,
indeed, by both parties ; but at first the Tories were
all-powerful, and afterwards the ascendancy was
completely gained by the Whigs. The result has
been disadvantageous to the country ; for though,
no doubt, we have had great reforms in legisla-
tion, no party can long hold an irresponsible tenure
of power without becoming supine and indifferent.
They grow fearful of introducing sweeping changes
for fear of disturbing the dolce far niente in which
they are reposing. They hesitate about beginning
reforms which may weaken their ranks and endanger
their power. With a powerful and united Opposi-
tion, on the contrary, the Government, to which-
ever side it may belong, is kept up to the mark.
Its members know that keen, and not too friendly,
eyes are watching their footsteps, ready to take
advantage of the slightest false step. They are
kept on their mettle, and should they flag,
or become incapable of conducting the
public business with energy and spirit, their places
are- quickly filled by their rivals. The ranks of the
Liberal party are just now so much disorganised
that they do not present a united front to their
adversaries. Their leader has abandoned his post,
and they are far from unanimous as to their line of
action. By the singular turns of the wheel of
Fortune they find themselves compelled to choose
between opposing a Liberal measure and supporting
a Conservative Government. Such an alternative
is very trying, and we must not be too severe
on individual members of the Liberal party
if we find them contradicting their professions or
abandoning their allies. Such occasions test se-
verely the political independence of individual
members, and it is not every one who has moral
courage enough to support what he believes to be
a good measure when it is brought forward by his
antagonists. Still we believe the large majority of
the Liberal party will be heartily glad to see the
question of Reform settled by any means, however
much they may feel themselves compelled to oppose
a Conservative measure.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

0-

(FROII OUP. OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, Monday Evening.

The Moniteur announces officially that the Em-
peror yesterday received in the chapel of the Tuile-
ries Monseigneurs Landriot and Allemand Lavi-
giere, promoted to the Archbishoprics of Rheims
and Algiers, and their holinesses Thomas, Hacquard,
Toulon, and Las Casas appointed Bishops of
Rochelle, Verdun, an:l Constantine to take the
oaths to his Majesty on their appointment. They
were introduced by the Grand Almoner of his Ma-
jesty, and the Minister of Public Worship and the
keeper of the scAlg were present.
_ _

A telegram from Gibraltar, dated April 2G,
evening, aunbunces the passage before that town of
the French ship, Le Souverain, which brings back
the remainder of the French troops from Mexico,
and Marshal Bazaine. The troops on board Le
Souverain were in perfect health. The vessel is
expected at Toulon on Thursday or Friday.
The Government of the Sultan has decided upon
the creation of a diplomatic post at Washington.
Blaq-Bey is appointed to represent the Sultan at
the Cabinet of the United States.

The Portuguese journals announce, on the autho-
rity of letters for Oporto, that tranquillity had been
completely re-established in the latter city.
Although it is well not to give too easy credence
to the reports in circulation in Paris about Luxem-
burg, yet in the multitude of councillors wisdom
may be found. Taking the general accounts pub-
lished to-day they confirm the pacific anticipations
of yesterday. It is, I believe, beyond much doubt,
that Prussia will accept the neutralisation of the
Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, and will send a
representative to the proposed Congress of the
leading Powers to arrange the details arising out
of such a compromise of her claims. This view,
however, is opposed to the opinion of some of the
Paris papers.

Another case of cattle plague has manifested
itself in Belgium. It has appeared in the small
village of Dormael, near Hassell. Two oxen were
ordered to be slaughtered as being infested with the
d isease.

A letter from Rome mentions a very interesting
archaeological discovery which has been made while
digging at a cloister not far from Santa Cecilia in
Trastavera. It is an antique marble statue of Her-
cules with singular clothing. He wears a tunic, and
upon the right shoulder is the hand of a woman.
The statue is of good workmanship. A portion of
both arms is wanting.

Gounod'a opera, founded upon
" Romeo and
Juliet," has been completely successful. The words
are by Messrs. Jules Barbier and Michel Carre, who
have followed the plot with tolerable accuracy. The
music is pronounced to be agreeable, if not striking.
Romeo is played, or rather sung, by Michot, and
Madame Carvalho was all that could be desired as
Juliet. One critic says, "The author of Faust'
has achieved another great triumph. Some portions
of the opera are very remarkable and others are
sublime."
The experiment of the Café Concert Diva
Theresa at Marseilles, as was expected, turned
out a complete failure. The crowd was immense
and tumultuous, but it was outside the Alcazar, and
scarcely one single person at first had the courage
or folly to pay 20 francs for admission. The gene-
ral cry was, " We are not such fools as to pay 20
francs to hear Theresa as the Parisians can hear her
for 15 sous." The persons who went in were hissed
and insulted. At last 50 persons paid, but the ex-
citement was such that it was thought best to return
them their admission money. Some damage was
done to the chandeliers. Theresa wrote a letter to
the editor of the Seriptphore, of Marseilles, in which
she said she had nothing to do with the prices. She
regretted that " tumulmous masses" had assembled,
but, as an artist, she felt flattered by having
drawn together such a large number of people.
Theresa ended her letter by saying that she
was too ill to sing again for the present.
The fact is the lady has left Marseilles, and will,
no doubt, be soon back at her accustomed spot in

Paris.
The storm prevailed with great violence all last
night, and the rain fell heavily. It has rained all
day, and the cold has returned. In this respect the
weather to-day was exactly like that of winter.
Storms have raged for some days in parts of France.
The papers from the Northern Departments are
filled with details of the damage and loss of pro-
perty which has resulted. At Waudignics more
than 40 houses received much injury. Two houses
were entirely blown to the ground. The wind re-
sembled a clap of thunder at times. At Mar-
chiennes roofs of houses were blown away and
trees uprooted. At Vendegies fourteen houses

were unroofed. One house was entirely destroyed,
and hailstones fell of a size never before seen
in that part of the country. At Etaples the wind
blew down a portion of a building on the Quai
where merchandise was landed.

In the summer garden of the Palace of the Em-
peror of China, attached to the Chinese restau-
rant, there will be a theatre. It is not known
exactly what the performances will consist of, but
there will of course be Chinese jugglers and pan-
tomimes. Various curious mysteries are hinted
at. As to the restaurant the report is that all
the delicacies of the Chinese kitchen will be served
up, including birds' eggs, shark chops, and various
strange dishes in which the Chinese are known
to delight. As to tea that will be served up by
Telling Yong, a real Chinese tea dealer, in his na-
tive costume. The Chinese garden is i n a for-
ward state. Chinese gardeners are hard at work
upon it every day, and, as its name indicates, it
will be formed upon the model of the summer gar-
den of the Emperor. As to the International
theatre, which will make two theatres in the park
of the Exhibition, it advances wonderfully, and
will be of a more capacious and important character
than was supposed. It will contain 1,200 per-
sons. Its general aspect resembles the Grand
Opera in the Rue L3p;..ll3tier. The stage
appears to be nearly as large. The opening
will take place with a comic opera, "La Fiancee
d'Aremberg, to be followed by a ballet, in which 60
English and foreign female dancers will appear.
In spite of the exceedingly unfavourable weather
the attendance at the Exhibition to-day has been
numerous, larger, indeed, than it was last week
when there were fine days. The fact is the secret
seems to be beginning to unfold itself. Had every-
thing been finished at the opening day, in a short
time there would have been sameness and satiety.
As it is almost every day a change is perceptible.
Something new is to be seen. Buildings which pre-
sented bare boards become covered with ornaments
and devices, and the scene realises what is some-
times seen in the play-bills—" a change of perform-
ance every day." The aspect of the Exhibition is
ever varying. He who went last week may come
now again, and he will find an increase of novelty
and beauty. With progression like this, in a month
or so, the scene will be one of magnificence never
before witnessed.

There are now on sale at the Halle new almonds,
ripe grapes, and bananas from Algeria. Vegetables
of the luxurious class, asparagus, green peas, cauli-
flowers, and French beans, are abundant and cheap.
A quart of shelled green peas may be bought for two
francs. Nice strawberries are sold at 2f. a pound,
and small strawberries at a cheaper rate. In spite
of inclement weather in Paris, cherries are cheap.
Where they come from Ido not know. Meat and
poultry continue to be very dear. I before men-
tioned the alleged reason given by the butchers for
the high price of meat, but it does not seem so clear
and satisfactory as the poulterer in regard to
venison. He said it was impossible that venison
could ever be cheap, and when pressed for the
reason why, he said that venison must be deer. The
gardens around Paris give promise of a large crop
of peas. The vines look well, and grapes will no
doubt be good and cheap.

Opening of the Prussian Chambers.

SPEECH OF KING WILLIAM.

BERLIN, April 29.

The opening of the Prussian Diet for au extraor-
dinary session took place to-day in the White Hall.
About 250 members were present. In the diplo-
matic box were the representatives of England,
Russia, the Hansa Towns, Hesse Darmstadt, and
Saxony. The Court LoK was unoccupied.
King William was accompanied by the Crown
Prince, Pritleo Frederick Charles, Prince Albrecht,
Prince Alexander, and Prince George of Prussia,
Prince Augustus of Wurtemburg, and Duke Wil-
liam of Mecklenburg-Schwerin.

His Majesty, who was received with cheers on
entering the hall, delivered the following speech
from the throne :

" illustrious, Noble, and Honourable Gentlemen
of both Houses of the Dict,—A constitution of the
North German Confederation, by which the united
and vigorous development of the nation appears
secured, has issued from the deliberations of the
Parliament, to which the Prussian people sent its
representatives in conformity with the law approved
by you. I have summoned you around my throne
to submit this constitution to your decision. The
task of national unity, which the Government com-
menced with your co-operation, is now to be con-
cluded by your assent. Upon this basis the protec-
tion of Federal territory, the care of common rights,
and of the prosperity of the people, will thenceforth
be guaranteed by the collective populations of
Northern Germany and their Governments in firm
community.
" By the introduction of the Federal constitution
the Privileges of the representations of individual
States will be subject to unavoidable restrictions in
all those departments which will be in future subor-
dinate to the general development. But the people
itself will not have to forfeit any of the rights it
has hitherto possessed. It will merely transfer
their maintenance to its representatives in the
more extended commonwealth. Th 6 consent of
i. Provision has been made
the Ger German
freely-electedtainll
C b
oeeeeiduen
onDeputies of the entire people
will
ri
requisite to every law in the North
by the Federal constitution in all respects that
those rights, whose exercise the various representa-
tions abandon in favour of the new community
of States, shall be transferred in the same extent
to the general Parliament. The secure founda-
tion of national independence, power, and pros-
perity shall go hand in hand with the development
of German rights and constitutional institutions.
My Government entertains the assurance that both
Houses of the Diet, correctly appreciating the
urgent national necessity of speedily settling the
task before us, will readily afford their assistance to
its completion.
" Gentlemen,—The newly formed Confederation
at present only includes the States of North Ger-
many, but an intimate national community will
always unite them with the South Germany States.
The firm relations my Government concluded for
offensive and defensive purposes with those States
as early as last autumn will have to be transferred
to the enlarged North German commonwealth by
special treaties.
" The vivid consciousness of the South German
Governments and populations of the dangers of
German dissension, and the necessity of firm na-
tional union, which constantly finds more decided
expression throughout the whole of Germany will
assist to hasten the solution of that important task.
The united strength of the nation will be entitled
and be competent to guarantee to Germany the
blessings of peace, and effectual protection of her
rights and her interests. With this assurance my
Government will devote itself to averting any in-
terruption to European peace by every means com-
patible with the honour and the interests of the
fatherland. The German people, however, strong
in its unity, will be able calmly to face the vicissi-
tudes of the future, if you, gentlemen, will aid in
completing the great work of national union with
that patriotism which has always been displayed in
Prussia in serious times."
There was frequent applause during the delivery
of the speech. At its conclusion Herr von For-
kenbeck called for cheers for the King, who then
quitted the hall.
Count Bismarck thereupon declared the Diet

open.
A sitting of both Houses takes place to-day.

REPRESENTATION OF EAST CORNWALL-Mr. T.
J. A. Robartes for many years the Liberal member for tho
Eastern Division of Cornwall, has intimated that he has
finally resolved not to offer himself for re-election. He
feels that his health will not permit of his giving that close
attention to Parliamentary duties which the duties of a
representative require, and he has therefore fully made up
his mind to withdraw from the position he has so long
maintained to the satisfaction of his constituents. Sir
Calmau Rashleigh, Sir C. G. P. Sawle, Sir John Tre-
lawny, and Lord Elliot aro each and all named for the seat
which will become vacant by ➢lr. Robartes's retirement,
and it is almost certain that the Liberal party will select
one of these gentlemen.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

FRANCE AND THE LUXEMBURG
QUESTION.

PARIS, April 30.
The Monileur of this morning publishes tho fol-

[owing :

"At the time when the late incidents relative to
Luxemburg gave rise to certain apprehensions for
the maintenance of peace, the French army in con-
sequence of the reduction in 1805 had fallen below
its normal effective. On the other hand, the corps
of occupation in Mexico had left in America 7,000
horses, 3,000 of these being draught horses, which
it was indispensable to replace. It was therefore
the duty of the Government to take precautionary
measures. These have consisted in raising the regi-
ments to their effective strength, in purchasing
a certain number of horses, and placing the fron-
tier fortresses in a state of defence. The pacific
intelligence which has transpired within the last
few days has determined the Emperor to take no
further measure, in order not to furnish any pre-
text for agitating the public mind, and not to dis-
courage the hopes of peace. Thus the number of
horses to be bought will be limited to what is
strictly necessary, and the soldiers on furlough, who
were to be ordered to rejoin their regiments, will
be allowed to remain in their homes.

PORTUGAL.

LISBON, April 30.

The Royal Mail Steam Packet Company's ship
Seine has arrived here from Brazil, &c., and will
leave at 8 a.m. to-day for Southampton with 104
passengers, £52,456 in specie, 1,546 bags of coffee,
677 rolls of tobacco, 40 barrels tapioca, 50 packages
of ipecacuanha, and 164 packages of sundries.

The Shannon, with the out mails of the 9th inst.,
had arrived out at St. Vincent (Cape Verds).

THE BRAZILS.
(Arrival of the Seine.)

Rio, April 8.

Exchange on London, 23.1 24 ; on Paris, 892 to
398. Coffee, good first, 7,200 to 8,500 reis. Total
export since the departure of the last mail,
114,456 bags, of which 11,491 were for the Chan-
nel, 23,033 for north of Europe, 11,161 for the
Mediterranean, and 2,228 for the Baltic. Sales,
99,200 bags. Stock-, 80,000. Freights, 425. Gd.
to 4Th Gd.

BAIIIA, April 13.

Exchange on London, 2.4 i 24g. Sugar—whites,
2,600 to 3,400 reis ; browns, 2,100 to 2,200 reis.
Cotton, 13,500 to 14,500 reis.
. _ _

PERNAMBUCO, April 16.

Exchange on Loudon, 24k. Sugar—whites,
4,300 to 4,500 reis ; browns, 2,250 to 2,700 reis.
Cotton, 13,800 to 14,000 reis.

The royal mail steamship Shannon arrived at
St. Vincent on the 20th inst.

BUENOS AYEES, March 27.
Exchange on London, 49 to 491. Dry hides, 44.
Wool, 45 to 90. Lumber, 38 to 42.

TIIE WAR IN TIIE BRAZILS.

RIO DE JANEIRO, April 8.

The mission of the United States Minister to
the camps of General Lopez and Marshal Caxias
with the object of promoting peace between the
belligerents has led to no result. No fresh opera-
tions have taken place at the seat of war.

INDIA AND CHINA (HEAVY) MAILS.
GIBRALTAR, April 29.
The Syria will leave during the night. She may
be expected at Southampton on the 4th May.

SuEz, April 29.
The Madras, with the outward mail of April 12-
20, left for Bombay at 7 a.m. to-day.