The Sun.
London, England, 1867-11-26 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON TUESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 26, 1867.

and yet the only notice he had vouchsafed in this
matter was to write to Lord MALMESBURY, who
could not come, as it happened. Although he de-
clined at that juncture to enter into a discussion on
the subject, he declared that he had not the slightest
hesitation in saying that there was no difficulty
with regard to the point which he thought he had
discovered. The noble lord promised, however, to
give full information at the proper time, and to lay
the paper referred to on the table of the. House
at the earliest possible moment. Notwithstanding
all this, however, Lord GRANVILLE made further
objections, and certainly sought to begin the argu-
ments over again, by declaring that he had not
outstripped the rules prescribed by the Committee
of last year, for he had not spoken on questions
that were likely to lead to debate. This was extra-
ordinary, to say the least of it, for what is more
likely to lead to debate than the remarks of the
kind the noble earl indulged in ad libitum ? Be-
sides, he contended that the information
he sought for was worth having, and that
the sooner it was given the better. It is quite
evident that all this meant the noble lord was dis-
appointed in not having effected his object, but it
was really going too far to expect that Lord DERBY
would consent to anticipate the debate of to-night
in the Commons by consenting to the wishes of the
noble lord. In reply to the second charge, the
noble Premier stated that it was evident Lord
GRANVILLE had come down " fully prepared
with a number of papers to back his case,"
and that seeing him there he could not resist
the temptation of putting forward a charge against
the Government. So the matter ended, but we
hope that this is not the spirit in which the Oppo-
sition of the House of Lords intend to conduct
themselves in the Abyssinian affair. The question
is one of national interest and importance, and the
asperities of party warfare may well be suffered to
sink into nothingness in the consideration of a
subject, which affects the honour of the country;
and should be estimated accordingly.

We are glad to find that in spite of some opposi-
tion the House of Commons has permitted the
Metropolitan Streets Act to be read a second time.
The case of the costermongers would at any time
have been a very hard one ; but on the very eve of
winter, at a season when the difficulty of obtaining
employment is so greatly enhanced by the dullness
of trade and the slow circulation of capital, it was
impossible for any one who considered their circum-
stances not to desire some alleviation for the sudden
hardships inflicted upon them. They had many of
them passed nearly all their lives in what they be-
lieved to be a lawful calling, and when suddenly
called upon to give it up and take to something new
might very well be puzzled how else to get their
living. A costermonger's cart, a hawker's basket
or barrow, requires very little capital, but the smallest
shop would offer insuperable difficulties in the class
who provide the street obstructions. They have to
pay no rent, and can therefore sell their small
wares to small purchasers at a much lower rate of
profit than the shopkeepers, and they would, in
taking shops, be compelled to go up to the regular
prices, and lose their customers. They would be
only neglecting their several trades and injuring all
parties. No doubt the natural jealousy of the re-
gular shopkeepers makes itself felt against these
poor people, and the opposition which has shown
itself in some quarters to the proposed amelioration
of the bill is clearly traceable to this source. But
the class who patronise the costermongers and
street stalls, especially at the East- end of London,
would regret the loss of their old dealers nearly as
much as the dealers themselves would regret the
abandonment of their old profession. The cheap,
irregular method of dealing suits the fluctuating and
shallow purse, and the change to a more costly and
orderly method of purchase would be very unwel-
come. Mr. LABOUCHERE, indeed, brought forward
a somewhat original argument in defence of the
shopkeeper against the costermonger. The latter,
he contended, if he sold things cheap, often sold
them bad, and medical men had sometimes expressed
the belief that in this way costermongers did more
harm than good. But we apprehend that if Dr.
HASSALL paid a domiciliary visit of inspection to
all the small shopkeepers in Whitechapel he would
not find their stores always immaculate. Purchasers
may very fairly be allowed to judge for
themselves on such matters, and certainly if
the Government and the House of Commons
undertake to preserve the public health
by guaranteeing the quality of all the provisions
sold in the thoroughfares they will have enough to
do ! They will, perhaps, under medical advice,
close the tobacconists, and very certainly they must
curtail the number of the gin-palaces ! Mr.
LABOUCIIERE, however, did not object to some
modification of the bill, but he thought the best
course would be to repeal the sixth clause alto-
gether. The same view was taken by Sir GEORGE
BOWYER and Alderman LAWRENCE, who advised
the total repeal of the clause, and the introduction
of a new bill on the subject next year. Mr.
G. HARDY, however, thought the clause a good
one on the whole, only it should have
been made discretionary instead of absolute.
This alteration would be effected by the change he
proposed, and as the traffic of London is, by the
Metropolitan Traffic Act, placed under the control
of the police, he thought the present bill was in
accordance with the spirit and intention of the ori-
ginal measure. Ile professed his readiness to dis-
cuss in committee any amendments. It should not be
forgotten that its only object was to deal with the
grievances that threatened to press unfairly upon
the itinerant traders. We hope this object will be
kept steadily in view, and that any amendments
which may be brought forward will be only
directed to alter the manner, and not the
matter, of the relief to be given to the complainants.

The important question of cheap gas for the
metropolis has not been suffered to drop, and the
advent of the long evenings of winter suffices to
remind the consumer that he very often pays very
dear for an inferior article. The comfortable mono-
poly of the companies has been so long established
that it requires some energy and perseverance to
bring about a change, and it is not possible to
oppose the companies with any success unless by
means of a formidable organisation. Such an orga-
nisation, we may hope, is now in a fair way of being
established, and the meeting which was held in Exeter
Hall last evening is an encouraging sign of its pro-
gress and its prospects. The objects of the meeting
were such as to commend them to the public. They
were-Ist. To organise an opposition to the amal-
gamation of the thirteen Loudon gas companies,
who are seeking to create a perpetual monopoly in
gas ; '2d. To secure gas of an improved quality at
2s. 9d. per 1,000 cubic feet ; and, 3d. To seek the
repeal of the Metropolitan Gas Act of 1860. If
the association secures these objects it will do good
service, and the difference in the proposed 2s. 9d.
and the ordinary charge of 4s. per 1,000 cubic feet
would be most acceptable to most householders.
We are besides promised better gas, a desideratum not
always to be obtained. Mr. FLINTOFF, gas engineer,
made an interesting speech, showing that gas could
be manufactured more cheaply in the metropolis
than in the provinces, and that coke fetched more

money. The gas should, therefore, be cheaper,
whereas it is supplied at Plymouth and many other
places at the rate of 2s. 9d. The Corporation of
the City have thoroughly investigated the matter,
and find they can supply the citizens with gas of 18
instead of 12 candle illuminating power, at Ss. per
1,003 feet. Gas, as Mr. FLINTOFF very justly ob-
served, is one of the necessities of lifeln the pre-
sent day, and its supply is no longer a matter
confined to a few. The annual consumption
in the metropolis alone is about one million cubic
feet, and every eight years this consumption is
doubled. No doubt in this, as in every other case,
the gas companies would eventually gain by the
abolition of monopoly from the increase of con-
sumption, but as they do not seem willing to make
the experiment on their own account, we are very
glad that some other association is coming forward
to do so.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

PARIS, Monday Evening.

The yellow book just laid before the Chambers
contains diplomatic documents respecting Italy and
Rome to the number of 90. Among them is one
which hitherto was totally unknown, and will, no
doubt, excite considerable surprise. In the month
of May last, when exciting points were agitated at
Florence, and Revolutionary Committees began to
be formed, Garibaldi addressed to the Ministers of
England, Prussia, and Russia accredited to Florence
a Circular Note, in which, after protesting against
the temporal sovereignty of the Pope, he recalled to
recollection the fact that the Roman Constituaute
had appointed him Governor of Rome. The General
therefore contended that this dignity could not be
taken from him except by a new assembly of the
popular body. Garibaldi had the effrontery to say
—" I possess the only legitimate power at Rome."
This document, it is worth while to remark, was not
communicated to the representative of the French
Government. All these documents go to prove in-
contestibly that the French GoYernment has never
changed its faithful policy in regard to Italy, which
has been to insure the simple execution of the Treaty,
and to support the honour and prosperity of that
country and the just rights of the Pope.
I am able to inform you that all the French
troops will shortly be withdrawn from Italy. A first
division will sail from Civita Vecchia for Toulon iu
the course of this week.

The Constitutionnel approves of the vigour and
resolution displayed by the Derby Government in
regard to the Fenian culprits executed at Manches-
ter on Saturday, and says that the English people
were naturally indignant at the threats of incen-
diarism and murder made by the Fenians.
On Saturday the respective Plenipotentiaries
signed at Berlin the postal convention concluded
between the States of the Confederation of Northern
and Southern Germany, as well as the stipulations
of the same kind negotiated between those States
and the Empire of Austria.
An incident of a curious and important character
has arisen in the Senate relative to the demand for
interpellations. 111. Larabit complained that the
request of interpellation relative to the maintenance
of the temporal power of the Pope was announced
at the public sitting. According to the regulation
made, " such demands should be placed in the hands
of the President of the Senate, who is to communi-
cate it to the Minister of State, and send it to the
bureaux for consideration." M. Larabit gave his
opinion that such requests should be sealed and
delivered to the President, and that the nature of
them should not be allowed to transpire in the
Chambers. It is somewhat strange that M. Larabit,
now or formerly connected with a party who are
always clamouring for the right of publicity, should
wish to preserve secrecy in regard to the exercise of
one of the most important political privileges.
The bureaux having authorised the interpella-
tions upon the affairs of Italy ; they will commence
on Friday next in the Senate. The subject will
not be brought forward in the Legislative Body
until Monday next. The interpellations relative to
" Germany and Italy" will not commence until
after those upon the subject of " the second expe-
dition to Rome" and " the temporal sovereignty of
the Pope" shall be disposed of. There is no doubt
that these important subjects will give rise to long
and exciting discussions. M. Thiers, it is reported,
will come out ton formidable extent.

It is stated to-day as a matter of certainty that
the Pope has consented to send a representative to
the proposed Congress. Indeed, an important docu-
ment published among the despatches relative to
Italy indicates that months ago such an assembly
was considered desirable. In an important de-
spatch from M. Moustier, dated the 18th of October,
there is the following sentence :—" In a conversa-
tion with the Minister from Italy his Excellency
intimated to me that the idea of the Cabinet of
Florence was, that if the Italian troops should
occupy the Pontifical States it would be understood
that the occupation would not in any way prejudice
the question of the sovereignty of the Pope, and
that it would afford the opportunity of coming to
an agreement with France, having for object to
insure the independence of the Holy Father. Italy
besides would agree to a Congress of the Powers to
provide a definite solution of the Roman question."
Another striking and sudden change of weather
has come upon us. There was an intense frost this
morning ; it has been extremely cold all day, dull
and gloomy, without a ray of sunshine, and occa-
sionally slight flakes of snow fell during the after-
noon.

The bread question continues to excite very serious
attention. By the law of last &sem the trade of
baker was rendered free, but it appears that the
mayors of towns still possess the power to fix the
authorities of Paris
havepric of e
issued
e ue
d bread.v various
ele'h e
regulations,
egmunicipalulatjees,
having for object,
to prevent the price
ef thoughbre in a a indfronm edxicreeecdt
nmga nfinveer, ,
sous a
pound. A list
is published of a vast number of bakers in Paris
who agree to sell the best bread at five sous a pound,
but many are enabled to hold out for a higher price.
In several towns beyond the limits of the city of
Paris the bakers raised the price of bread again only
a day or two ago, and the bread is sold at 28
centimes the pound—that is to say, five sous and
the third of a sou the pound. The bread question
is a subject of equal interest in Belgium, and the
Belgian Government devotes much attention to the
subject. Large quantities of corn have recently
been imported into Belgium from Hungary and
Germany.

A new opera by Offenbach was produced with
great success at the Opera Comique, on Saturday,
called " Robinson Crusoe," of which I shall speak.
It attracted a crowded and fashionable audience,
including tlip Prince and Princess de Metternich,
the Duchess de Morny, the Duchess d'lntrie, and
the Duchess de Cadore. Auber, the composer, was
present, and also Mdlle. Patti.

THE LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF THOMAS
SLINOSBY DUNCOMBE, late M.P. for Finsbury. By his Son.
2 vols.—" These volumes contain much racy anecdote, and
some startling disclosures which will ruffle politicians.
Buncombe was at the same time a darling of Mayfair, a
leader of fashion, a man of many pleasures, and a hard-
working member of Parliament, who delighted to be called
a Tribune of the People. Fear men of his time were of
greater mark amongst the notabilities of London than this
patrician radical, who was Count D'Orsay's 'Dear Tommy,'
and Finsbury's Honest Tom Buncombe.' Mr. Dun-
combe's singular career is ably handled by his only child.
He tells us much that the world did not know concerning
his remarkable sire."—Atheneum.

MR. SPEAKER IN THE WILDERNESS.—The Speaker
of the Legislative Assembly of Natal, Mr. Macfarlane,
went into the Transvaal Republic on business after the
last recess, and when the House reassembled was not
forthcoming, and, in fact, did not present himself until the
23d of September, when the Assembly had been some
weeks in session. On taking his seat he explained that
his arrival had been delayed by the want of grass, the
death of his cattle, and other difficulties incidental to
travel in South African wildernesses. A bill was passed
legalising all acts done by the Deputy-Speaker.
THE MURDEROUS OUTRAGE IN LEEDS.—DEATH
Or FARRAil.—John Farrah, who was so seriously injured
by blows inflicted upon him with a poker by John Burke,
in Somerset-street, Leed,, on the IGth inst., died at the
infirmary on Sunday, at half-past one o'clock.

LATEST INT. CELLIGENC E.

(REUTERI'S TELEGRAMS.)

ATYJE RICA.

I\TE;VT YORK, Nov. 25, 6 p.m.

The majority of the Judiciary Committee have
presented their report, -wl'ich is in favour of the
impeachment of President Johnson.
The Moravian, Saxon'ta, and Manhattan arrived
out on Sunday.
COMMERCIAL INTELLICENCE.

Closing Prices—Gold, 140 ; Sterling Exchange
on Landon, IC9f ; 5-20 ;United States Bonds, 108 ;
Illinois, 130 ; Erie, 71; Cotton, middling up-
land, 15i.

. _
ril ILADELPiIIA, Nov. 25.
Petroleum (standard white), 23.

(Per the: Hermann.)

NEAP 'Yowl, Nov. 14 (Noon).
President Johnson w as serenaded at Washington
last evening by the Cor,servative Army and Navy
Union. In response he expressed thanks for the
flattering demonstration, and confessed himself
gratified at the result of the recent elections. He
said he always had cotxfidence in the people, and
would remedy existing evils and come to the rescue
of the violated Constittrtion. He hoped that rod
despotism would be broken, and armed heel power
lifted from the necks of :the people.

The counsel for Mr. Davis and the Attorney-
General, after consultation, have determined to
proceed with the trial, on the 25th November, on
the original indictment.

General Swayne has inaued an order giving freed-
men in Alabama a lien on crops for wages,
The citizens of Botocourt county, Virginia, have
petitioned General Schofield to suppress the armed
negro leagues.
It is reported that Gen eral M'Clellan had been
offered the Secretaryship of War.

General Grant has isarted an order requiring
greater economy in the array contracts.

SOUTHAMPTON, Nov. 26.

The North German Lloyd's steamship Hermann,
from New York on the 14th November, arrived here
to-day, with 66 passengers, 38 sacks of mails, and
$6,000 for Bremen. During her passage she ex-
perienced easterly storms and a very rough sea.

GIBRALTAR, Nov. 21.
The last batch of mules for the Abyssinian expe-
dition leaves for Alexandria to-morrow.

The British steamers Sydney, Sofia Latona, Pen-
insula, Syria, Olympus, Poonah, Grecian, Amazon,
the ship John Fraser, the schooner John Bell, and
the brigantines Gem and Saturn have arrived here
since the departure of the last mail for Southampton.
Exchanges unaltered.