The Sun.
London, England, 1867-09-03 00:00:00

IRELAND

The condition of the crops is DwuaßteLhlssei Sweipt
ht. 2n.er
toas made
vous anxiety at the critical period of the harvest,
tanet lastan( 1 three
sanguine a y days
as h
and an unfavourable change in the weather daring
h
re
ptrhoes
pf ae :Ts e. r sAless
tblui
little-
anti e-
or no injury has been done, but heavy rain has fallen
in some parts of the t coun ry, which, if it continue,
must retard the reapers and damage the oats in the
low lands. The f 13.
e subject of apprehension is the
potatoe crop, which is peculiarly susceptible of dis-
ease in damp, close weather such as now prevails.
The terrible blight which spread such desolation in
1846 has haunted the memory of the Irish peasantry
ever since, and the slightest symptom of decay is
viewed with exaggerated fear. As the produce is
remarkably fine this year, and covers a very large
breadth of ground, the ccncern felt for it is propor-
tionately great. In some places in the county of
Dublin, in the vicinity of Nenagh, Tipperary, and
in isolated places in the north and west disease has
shown itself ; but this happens every year, and there
is no real ground of uneasiness as to the condition
of the crop, unless the change in the weather, which
seems only partial and temporary, should become
general and confirmed. In places such as Sligo,
where ravages were reported to have been com-
mitted, we now find that the tubers prove to be
healthy and well flavoured in fields where the stalks
are withered and blackened. The reports from Gal-
way state that the crop is safe. While the blight is
stated to be in the North Riding of Tipperary, the
accounts from Clonmel and the South Riding assure
us that potatoes of first-rate quality, as dry and
mealy as the oldest person can recollect, may be
purchased at 4id. to 51. per stone, and that no
blight or taint has yet appeared, except, such as
has always been observed to some extent. Labourers
are everywhere in great demand, and obta'n high
rates of wages. A remarkable circumstance has
boon ...atieivi in Tipperary and other parts_of the
country, namely, that women are employed at
higher wages than men. They receive 2s. a day and
their fool, while the men receive only 10S. a week
and their food. A large area of crops has been
already cut, and if the present week be fine the
farmers will have abundant reason to rejoice.
The investigation at Rathfriland was resumed on
Saturday. Additional evidence was given as to the
character of the procession, the fifing and drum-
ming, and firing of shots. John Clyde, whose field
had been entered, deposed that about 1 o'clock in
the day in question a party of processionists passed
his farm at Aughnavalley, some of whom rushed
through his fences and discharged firearms. A se-
cond drumming party passed in an hour later, and
in a short time afterwards a number of men came
into his house for protection. He could not identify
any of the defendants. In answer to Mr. Rea on
cross-examination, he said that having beard that
an opposition party had attacked the processionists
he went into his house and charged a gun. He never
knew an Orangeman do any person harm if he was
let alone. James Duncan, another witness, esti-
mated the number of persons in the first party which.
passed Clyde's at 200, but the majority of them
were women and boys. Constable Morton stated
that he and two other constables stopped a party of
about 200 persons coming into Rathfriland. They
had one fife and six drums, and when remon-
strated with they said they had come out for a
ent the same
day's amusement, as the Orangemen
about Rathfriland had done." James Chas. Burns,
one of the defendants, said that witness told them
that if the Orangemen of the Ita,thfriland neigh-
bourhood did what was wrong they should not do
likewise." Burns agreed to everything he said, ex-
cept as to going back. Witness observed that
the Orangemen did not go to Tullyorier, and they
should not come to Rathfriland, as danger would
probably happen-
Some of the party stated that
they had been attacked and fired upon in the town-
land of Aughuavelly, and that if attacked again
they would defend themselves and had wherewith
to do so. Mr. M'Cleneharn,
J. 1., then came down,
and Burns having told him of the attack, he said he
would endeavour to get him the protection of the
police. The magistrates and police accompanied
the party on their way back towards the Diamond
for more than a mile. S.tw a pistol protruding from
the pocket of one of the party. They continued, to
beat the drums until Mr. Miller, R.M., threatened
to take the drumsticks from them. lie identified
some of the defendants as belonging to the party.
One of them said they were as (rood subjects as the
Protestants, and ought to be° protected. James
Johnson, an Orangeman, was next examined. Ile
identified three of the defendants. On cross-exami-
nation he stated that he had often been drumming
parties of Orangemen, and he did not see the Roman
Catholics do anything more on the 15th of August
than the Orangemen do on the 12th July. Robert
Chaine, another witness, deposed that he heard
Burns addressed by the drumming party as " Cap-
tain," and that Burns crossed the ditch at Aughna-
valley and told his companions to " take the coun-
try." Heard a man in .the crowd say, " Burn the
houses as you need then)." Heard another say,
" Charge and play into them." Burns and the men
who had followed him into the field came out again
on the road and followed the drum. It would. have
tiken a competent jud(re, he thought, to tell what
the music was. Th investigationwas adjourned
e
until Monday next.

EVENING.

Ernest Jones lectured this evening in the Round-
room in the Rotunda on political freedom. He
was accompanied
by Mr. Beaks and a deputation
of working men. The room was about half filled
and there was no enthusiasm. The O'llonoghue
occupied the chair. The lecturer said he came to
establish a perfect understanding between the Eng-
lish and the Irish people. He advocated residential
manhood suffrage and vote by ballot. A public
meeting will be held to-morrow evening'.

THE ABYSSINIAN EXPEDITION.—The West In-
dian, in addition to the Californian, both belonging to the
\Vest Indian and Pacific Steamship Company, has been
accepted by the Admiralty for service in the Abyssinian
expedition. Yesterday at Liverpool the Inman etoamship
Edinburgh was taken up by GoverPlen to or9r coal to
the Ole at five guineas per ton.
t

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER,'S TELEGRAMS.)

---

THE ABYSSINIAN CAPTIVES.
ADEN, Aug. 24.

Intelligence has been received here from Abyssinia
to the Ist July. The captives were well, and were
still separated from the Emperor Theodore.

ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF PARIS
(Via Queenstown.)

NEW YORK, August 24 (Morning).

General Sheridan has declared all contracts made
with the old city Council of New Orleans to be
annulled.
It is feared that the ill health of General Thomas
will prevent his assuming the command of the
Fifth Military District, vice General Sheridan.

General Grant is discharging numerous super-
fluous employe:3 from the War Department.

Several clubs are organising at Washington,
Cincinnati, and elsewhere, in favour of Mr. John-
son's re-election as President when his present term
of office shall have expired.
The new Turkish Minister, Blacque Bey, was
presented to the President yesterday, when the
usual courtesies were exchanged.

The New York Herald urges the President to pro-
claim a general amnesty throughout the South, and
to form a new Cabinet.

Cholera of a malignant type has appeared in

On Thursday last Admiral Tegethoff sailed from
New Orleans, on board tne Austrian frigate Eliza-
beth, for Vera Cruz.
Advices published here from llayti state that
several conspiracies had been discovered in the island
against President Salnare, and that numerous
arrests had been made.

The Inman steamship City of Paris arrived at
Queenstown at 2 a.m. to-day (Sept. 3), with 39
passengers and $15,097 in specie. She landed mails
and passengers, and proceeded immediately for
Liverpool.

SOUTTIAMPTON, Sept. 3.

The Hamburg and American Company's steam-
ship Hammonia passed the Needles at 10.30 a.m.
to-day.

CALCUI'TA, CHINA, AND AUSTRALIAN

MAILS.

SUEZ, Sept. 2.

The Nubia arrived at 2 p.m. to-day.
SOUTHAMPTON, Sept. 3.
The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamer

Euxine passed the Needles at 10.25 a.m. to-day.

FRANCE.

BOURSE, Sept. 2, Two o'clock.—The settlement
on French stocks is proceeding to-day ; there is a
deport on Three per Cents. of 12c. /The emirs de
compensation are fixed as follows :—Threes 69f. 70c.,
Four-and-a-Ualf 100 f., Fours 90f., Treasury Bonds
370 f. Three per Cents., which have advanced to
69f. 75c., are now quoted at 69f. 67c., showing uo
change. on Saturday, Italian Fives are active at
48f. 95c., with a decline of 5c.. Credit Mobilier
shares are at 270 f., a fall of 16f. 25c.; Comptoir
d'Escompte at 715 f.; and Spanish Mobilier at 177 f.
50c., or 22f. 50c. lower. The railway market is

quiet.
,li per Cents lOO 25 Bank Shares
De. end month — Italian Loan 4B 95
3 per Cents. 69 70 Do. end month 4B 95
Do. end month...—. 69 70 Mexietu Loan
Credit Ifobilier ... 275 Do. Bonds —
Do. end Month • ... 277 50 Spanish Threee
Credit Foucier — biome Debt —
D.). end month 1372 50 Deferred

ItAILYVAYS.

For Account.
Orleans
Northern 1162 50
Lyons and Mediterranean :897 50
Southern
Western
Eksti•ru
Sardinian
Austrian
Lombard
Nurth of Spain
Saragossa
Human

483 75
383 75

711 E IMPERIAL VI IT TO LILLE.

A letter from Lille gives the subjoined details:—
" When the Empress went to the prison of Loos
her Majesty visited the penitentiary in its most
minute details, inquiring into everything— the
sanitary state, dietary system, and the general spirit
of the inmates; nothing, indeed, escaped her inves-
tigation. The Empress excited astonishment at the
precision and multiplicity of her questions on the
most varied subjects, hygiene, discipline, and ad-
ministration—discussing everything with equal com-
petency and solicitude. The young prisoners, wt o,
knowing her Majesty's kindness of heart and charity,
had given her a most hearty welcome on her arrival,
were astonished to see so high a personage descend
to all those details; they pressed around her, and
endeavoured to touch her dress, while their looks
showed even better than any applause could do how
grateful they were to see the Empress interesting
herself in their welfare, and recommending that no-
thing should be neglected for their improvement. The
imperial visitor, in examining the dormitories, turned
down several of the beds to ascertain the state of the
linen. One of them being badly made, the sheets
being too short, her Majesty observed it, and join-
ing example to precept, re-made the bed with the
precision of an accomplished housewife. The fold-
ing of the sheets would have done honour to a pupil
at St. Cyr, where the dormitories are models of the
kind. The Empress did not confine herself to re-
ceiving several petitions presented to her by inmates
whose good conduct proved their repentance, and
promising to mediate for them with the Emperor,
but also conversed at length with some of them.
You were at La Roquette ?" she said to one lad,
laying her hand on his shoulder. Yes, Madame.'
How much longer have you yet to remain ?' Six
months.' And where will you go when you leave
this place ?' vro Paris.' No, do not go to Paris,
you will again meet with the bad acquaintances who
led you astray ; if you promise not to return there
I will try to obtain your release earlier'

I have no need to add that the lad gave his word,
and ran off shouting Viva linapciratice P with all
his might, to announce the news to his comrades.
And you,' said the Empress to a boy of 15, what
have you done to be here ?' The young delinquent
blushed, looked down, and remained silent.
Come,' said her Majesty, laughing and laying
her arm on his shoulder ; ' come with me apart,
will confess you, and will not say a word to
any one.' The Empress then walkei aside
with the lad, and when she returned a
minute or two later her companion was in tears.
Her Majesty shook him by the hand, and he went
away with his head more erect, and no longer
despairing of his own reformation. After those in-
cidents I will not attempt to describe the cordial
adieux made to her Majesty. From the details I
have given you may guess what they were. Imagine
the most enthusiastic you can picture in your mind,
and you will still be far below the reality."

THE ABYSSINIAN EXPEDITION. —The Viceroy of
Egypt has not, as has been stated, been requested to pro-
cure camels for the Abyssinian expedition. He has only
been asked to facilitate the purchases of our officers who
have been despatched to Egypt for the purpose.
IMPRISONMENT IN A COAL PIT.--An alarming ac-
cident took place at the Astley's. Delf pit, Dunkintield,,on
Friday evening; 160 men and boys being imprisoned in the
pit until Saturday evening. The pit is worked by two
relays of men, the men working eight hours each. Ono set
of men commence work at 3 o'clock in the afternoon and
leave at 11 at night, and the second set commence at 8
o'clock at night, and leavo at. 4 o'clock in the morning.
About half-past 9 o'clock on Friday evening, as the engineer
was winding up a cage with four tubs of coal upon it the
rope suddenly snapped between the head stocks and the
engine-house, and the bottom of the shaft was blocked up.
The pit is 6861 yards in depth. The men were released by
what is called the Town-lane shaft, but not without great
exertions, and not until between 6 and 7 o'clock on Satur-
day evening. Food was forwarded to the men by a wire
down the Town-lane shaft. Happily no ono received any
injury,

THE REVIVAL OF COMMERCIAL CON-
: - • FIDENCE.

(Front the London Review)

Twelve months ago business men were congratu-
lating themselves that the rate of discount had been
lowered from 10 to 7 per cent., and it was prophe-
sied on all sides that we should very soon see a great,
if not a complete, revival of commercial confidence
throughout the country. Since then the Bank
directors have gradually brought down the mini-
mum rate from 7 to 6, from 6 to 5, from 5 to 4,3,
and lastly, to 2 per cent., at which it now stands.
A year of peace has passed over our heads, for what-
ever other countries have said, or done, or threatened,
England has never armed a regiment, nor brought
together half-a-doen ships for war purposes, and
yet what is the present state of trade ? where is all
the vast wealth of this wealthy laud, which may be
truly called the counting-house of the mercantile
world ? The reply is unfortunately but too patent.
In every branch of business there is the most com-

plete stagnation, and upwards of twenty millions
sterling are lying in the coffers of the bank, as un-
productive as the gold which the Arab sheiks bury
in the desert in order to keep it safe. On the
Stock Exchange, as well as with the discount houses
and the various banks, money is a perfect drug ;
and on Government securities any amount can
be had from to a below the Bank of England
rates. The latter establishment is euffer-
ing quite as much from its present useless wealth as
it was in May, 1866, from the many calls made upon

its resources. From every quarter the same cry is
raised, " We have too much money, there is nothing
upon which we can safely employ our funds ; show
us something in which we can have confidence, and
any amount of capital will be forthcoming." Aud
yet there is no cloud, so far as men can judge of the
future, on the political horizon. There has been no
over-trading. The weak firms and the bubble com-
panies have long ago been wrecked on the shore
.of
undue speculation. Many unsound concerns have
foundered, but the good vessols remain. Still,
with all this, confidence has not revived, and the
trade of Europe seems dying because it has not
strength to eat of the food prepared and placed
within its reach.

There are many persons who attribute the present
state of things to the frauds and misrepresentations
by which scheming promoters and other speculators
induced so many thousands of persons to embark
their money upon undertakings which never did,
and never could, return them a shilling of interest,
and which in but too many instances failed to re-
turn their capital also. This, however, is a mis-
take. The chief losers by the flash companies were
not business men ; they were country gentlemen,
country clergymen, half-pay officers, widows with
fixed incomes, and too many other persons who,
anxious to make much money with little capital,
were caught by the lying prospectuses of adven-
turers who called themselves honest men, but were,
in fact, nothing more than so many commercial
Robert Macaires. The railways—the old as well as
the new companies—were also chiefly supported by
men who thought themselves far too well posted in
City matters to speculate in anything that was not
perfectly sound. The fate of the London,
Chatham, and Dover line must have awoke
many from their slumbers of security, and the pre-
sent price of all railway stock is a witness as to how
strong was the reaction respecting this kind of in-
vestment. The relapse in the iron trade, too, must
have injured many and frightened more. This,
as well as the many failures in Indian, no doubt
caused a great break down in that confidence with-
out which no business is possible, for it only prevents
those who have money from speculating, but it is
often the cause of a number of adventurers, whose
only capital is their impudence, rushing into under-
takings in which they are certain to break down, and
thus increase the general distrust.
There is a theory prevalent in some quarters that
because the stagnation in trade and speculation has
lasted sa long there must very soon be a complete re-
action.' We cannot see any reason for this belief.
Unless money is employed, it must be idle ;
and so long as it is idle the interest it can
command will be merely nominal. The question,
therefore, remains how to use the money ; and
the best practical answer to that is now being given

by many of the largest banking firms. These
are now commencing to invest very largely in Go-
vernment securities, one firm alone last week having
purchased to the extent of nearly half a million in
Consols, and several other houses and joint-stock
banks having followed the example in lesser amounts.
The movement has commenced, and in the City the
belief is that it will continue. In every way it com-
mends itself to common sense and it is the one only
—but we are happy to believe the very certain—
means by which confidence will be revived both
in trade and finance by the time business-men have
made an end of their holiday-keeping. A very
slight calculation will realise the truth of what we say.
The joint-stock banks are now paying 1 and 11 per
cent. upon deposits, and this money they can haisdly
employ at 2 per cent., 4 and q is nearer the mark.
Now even the most unbusiness-like men will readily
understand that a margin of +or per cent., out of
which all expenses have to be paid, and for which
the usual amount of fair risk must be encountered,
would hardly pay any establishment, more particu-
larly when,as in the present instance, the deposits are
very large and very numerous, but the discounts or
loans very small and very few. It Would almost be
better—it certainly would had not bankers an eye
for, and great hope in, the immediate future—to refuse
all deposits, reduce the staff of the establishments,
and confine the banking to paying and receiving
money on current accounts. But the English funds
at their present prices pay from 31 to 31 per cent.,
and money thus invested is at all times convertible
into cash. Surely here is the solution as to how
money deposited at 1 and 11 should be employed,
and it is the most hopeful sign. of the times which
has appeared fur many months past in the financial
horizon that bankers themselves have perceived
where their true interests lie, and have taken the
inftiative in what must cause the restoration
of commercial confidence: When Consols are in
demand the prices rise, and when that takes place
money comes forth to seek other investments. But
without an advance in the price of stocks there never
was, and we believe never will be, any revival of
confidence in a money market over which panic has
reigned supreme. But let the public funds rise in
price, and confidence is everywhere restored. It is
like the weather glass that, when it points to fair
weather, induces even the most timorous to brave
the risks of a storm. Risks there always are, in
finance as in everything else, but we believe that
these may be now fairly regarded as dispersed,
and that it needs but a continuance of the move-
ment which has commenced to make every one
believe in a very much brighter future. It is true
that political events may perhaps cause clouds to

rise, but these are chances which need not trouble
us here in England. Moreover, if there is any
meaning in words, the French Emperor has declared
that nothing is further from his thoughts than draw-
ing the sword, and the warnings he has had cannot
surely be thrown away. But even suppose it be
otherwise—suppose that the long-talked-of struggle
between Prussia and France should turn out as
the prophets of evil foretell, has not England all
her Colonial and Indian empire left in which her
train will be carried on ? Or would she not, in the
event of a European wAr, become both the carrying
nation as to her ships, and the banker as to her
funds, of the whole Continent ? There are records
of English prosperity even when her neighbours
were all cutting each other's throats.

THE RISING IN SPAIN.—The Independance Beige
says :—" The news from Spain continues to be con-
tradictory as to the condition of the insurrection. What
is certain, however, in spite of official telegrams and re-
ports, is that the movement is not suppressed. The
strangest and most unexpected rumours are in circulation
in Madrid, which shows that they regard the situation as
grave. Thus it was reported that there was a split in the
Cabinet, and that three Ministers were anxious to retire,
but were prevented by their colleagues. The resignation
of the entire Ministry is now spoken of. The Queen will
in Espartero and the progressist party. It is stated
that the ex-Queen Christina has gained over General
Prim, and that this turn in affairs is the result of her
councils. On the other hand, there is a report of a stil
more reactionary Government than the present one under
the direction of General Pezuele."

, ~.•••••

imp
vs* 44,v
((Mir t " tfirdiar.

HER MAJESTY.

The Queen, currounded by the Princess Louise,
Prince and Princess Christian, and the members of
the Court, continues in the enjoyment of excellent
health

On Thursday next the annual Braemar Gathering
takes place. The Prince and Princess Christian and
the other members of the Royal family at Balmoral
are expected to be present.