The Sun.
London, England, 1867-01-09 00:00:00

LONDON, I VED-.YESDIY, JILY. 9, 1867.

Sir STAFFORD Noffrucon made an interesting
speech on Monday last at Exeter, when he took the
chair at the annual meeting of the Exeter School of
Arts, of which institution he is President. The
right lion, gentleman Jaid great stress upon the al?'
pro Aching Exhibition at Paris, and declared that it
waz likely to surpass all that had ever been done in

this way before. " I think," said he, " without
jealousy or carping, that the French have a wonder-
ful degree of organisation, which probably exceeds
this or any other nation ; and we know well that
they are on their mettle, that they are determined
to make this one of the greatest Exhibitions
that have ever been seen." We hope, as the
President said, that England will do well, and be
creditably represented in industry and art at this
celebrated display of the works of all nations. The
affair of 1851 was chiefly valuable inasmuch as it
first brought to light the opportunities that existed
for the bringing together of the best exploits of dif-
ferent countries; but by the time that the Paris
Exhibition is opened in full splendour and increased
lustre this year mankind will be able to judge of the
progress that has been made, and of the heights
which the several nations of the world have
attained to in their upward and onward struggle
after the sublime and beautiful in art. One
thing is certain, that the English have made
important progress in art and all connected
with it since then, and have taken a start as it were
in that most interesting and elevating study, which
for one reason and another bad been too much
slighted among them.

As Sir STAFFORD NORTHCOTE very truly said,
it is important to notice the spread of art-education
among us. Drawing has now become, as we are
glad to find fully proved most completely, a part
of national education among us. The right
honourable gentleman cited an instance of this,
which he was well qualified to do, as a
member of the commission on middle-class
education, in looking through the report of
one of the assistant commissioners. He observed
that drawing stood higher than any other of the
various branches in the district that was then sur-
veyed. " Drawing was taught in 95 per cent. of
the schools which he visited, while only in about 87
per cent. was any other subject taught." As the
President well said, it was not desirable to put the
study of drawing above that of grammar, history,
or mathematics, but it will be.very gratifying to
lovers of art to learn that drawing is now so much
appreciated in our schools and other places
of education as it is. At one time, as all
must remember, we used to look upon
drawing as a " mere accomplishment," and
that it was a perfect waste of time for a boy to
learn it who had to look to being useful, and that,
in fact, it should be reserved for those who happened
to have a particular taste for it. Now, however, a
change has come over us, and, as Sir S. NORTHCOTE
said, emphatically, the delusion is dispelled, or in
the course of being so, and it has been one that has
done considerable injury to us as a nation. Draw-
ing, rightly considered, can be taught upon strict
principles as well as any other branch of education.
"It maybe made a means of training the mind as well
as the eye and hand, and will enable the learners to
appreciate much more fully the work they have got
to do in other respects. We are beginning to see
that it is not only useful in all branches of indus-
trial life, but that the habit of working carefully,
truly to represent on paper actually what we see ,
is good for the mind, because it induces a habit of
clear observation."

A deputation yesterday waited upon Mr. WAL-
POLE in reference to a very important topic---the
better local government of the metropolis. The
deputation, which was a very large one, repre-
sented the Metropolitan Municipal Association, of
which Lord EBURY is President, and a number of
influential gentlemen, including some of the
metropolitan representatives. The object of this
association is to effect a complete change and
thorough reform in the local management of the
metropolis, and to merge the 100 bills affecting the
sanitary arrangements of London into one clear
and simple act. The changes proposed by this
association appear at the first sight rather
sweeping, and are certain to meet with ob-
stinate opposition from interested parties, but
there can be no doubt that there is already very
general dissatisfaction, and if the common sense
of the measure commends itself to the great body
of the public it will ultimately be successful. Any
proposal for an alteration in the present system is
usually met by an outcry against centralisation,
but we must take care that in grasping the sha-
dow we do not miss the substance. If we have
not got centralisation, we have got monopoly, and
a good many evils besides. Complaints are felt to
be useless against Boards and Vestries, whose one
idea too often seems to be the saving of money,
although it is often saved from public
purposes to be wasted in petty litigation. The
rates in London are high enough in all conscience
to provide all that is requisite, but with the un-
certainty and inconsistency of the district system,
in which every parish manages its own affairs in its
own way, the state of London is a national dis-
grace. As Lord EMMY yesterday observed in
introducing the deputation, the Government of
London is far inferior to many provincial towns,
and certainly far inferior to the city of Paris in
its agencies of local administration. Many old
grievances have become almost popular from
their antiquity, and the force of custom
often blinds us to the existence of serious
drawbacks ; but in this matter of local administra-
tion we have not even this consolation. How many
useless complaints have been made of the tyranny
of the gas companies. What bitter fruits we have
gathered from the maladministration of the water
supply in some quarters. How loud and universal

was the outcry raised last week respecting the con-
dition of the London streets. A fair specimen of the
spirit in which vestries conduct their affairs has
just been given on this very subject. Yesterday,
the very same day on which the maladministration
of the local boards was being so strongly dwelt
upon at head-quarters, the St. Pancras board held a
meeting. Mr. SCOTT, the chief surveyor, presented
a report, showing the active and energetic measures
which he had taken for opening the main thorough-
fares after the heavy fall of snow last week. -He
sent orders to the contractors to remove the snow
from parts of the roads, so as to leave the channels
open for the thaw as well as to open the traffic.
Seven thousand loads were carried away, and nearly
ten miles cleared, which, of course, was of the
greatest possible service to the trade of the locality.
On Sunday, too, men were employed in clearing the
gullies so as to prevent flooding. It was well said
by one of the gentlemen present that St. Pancras
had set an example to all other parishes. But there
were not wanting malcontents who strongly
censured the energetic proceedings of the sur-
veyor, declaring that they had wasted £l,OOO.
" He could not imagine," said one member of the
vestry, " a more extravagant bit of madness than
that of clearing the snow away, for if they had let
it alone it would have melted away !" Here is a
specimen of what really practical and energetic men
have to contend against in vestry administration,
and it is only fair to the St. Pancras Board to admit
that even now they have the advantage over other
parishes, whose surveyors have not ventured on
such proceedings.

The plan which the depuatioa yesterday
submitted to the Home Secretary was as

follows : It is proposed to
.estal)lish ten

municipalities, seven north and three vouth of the

Tha'aies, all having as nearly as possible the same
population. They would have greater power than
t'ne bodies at present existing, and at less expense.
'rile conflicting interests of about 100 different com-
mittees would be reconciled ; there being at present
in, the metropolis about 40 vestries and 4,000 per-
sons engaged in our local government (or mis-
government ?) It is proposed to reduce that num-
ber to 400 aldermen and councilmen. No inter-
ference with the parish boundaries is proposed,
though vestries are no longer to have any power
except for ecclesiastical purposes.

The present Bill is to be supplemented by another
for establishihg a central controlling body, which
would have control over the main drainage, the
management of bridges, gaols, lunatic asylums, and
also extensive powers of improvement. Under this
scheme the metropolis would be made a county, and
questions relating to gas and water would be re-
ferred to the central body. Mr. JAMES BEAL, a
member of the deputation, said very truly that a
great many of the existing evils arose from the utter
helplessness of the citizens to cope with the power-
ful joint-stock companies. One of the arguments
used in favour of the plan was that under it a
better and more intelligent class of men would be
induced to become agents on account of the im-
proved character of the administrative body.
Other gentlemen who took part in the discus-
sion brought forward strong evidence in favour of
a change. Mr. GODWIN, F.R.S., whose name is
well known among the champions of sanitary re-
form, declared that medical officers elected by
vestries were afraid to speak the truth, and had to
do good by stealth. " Estimating it at no extrava-
gant rate," said Mr. GODWIN, "the deplorable man-
ner in which our thoroughfares are managed costs
the metropolis about £500,000 a year." Mr.
lluGuEs, M.P., and other gentlemen, stated that
every gas-lamp in London costs the inhabitants
five guineas, while in Manchester they are supplied
at a rate of 255. a-piece. In fact, in almost
every department there is something that calls
for reform, and we have no doubt that a measure
for the amendment of our local administration will
form one of the principal tasks of the coming ses-
sion. Mr. WALPOLE, who listened attentively to
the statements of the deputation, promised to submit
the scheme to his colleagues, and to give it his full
consideration. It has some very good points, and
is at any rate deserving of attention and delibera-
tion.

We wish that those who are so constantly
telling us about the great advantages that are to
be derived from Prussian rule, and the many bene-
fits and blessings that will accrue to the States
and Provinces annexed, would take the trouble to
consider a little what those most immediately con-
cerned think of the matter themselves. The great
gain of unity and centralisation can never com-
pensate for the loss of liberty, personal and
national, which all must experience who have
mixed up with the authorities of Berlin and
their officials. A curious instance of the un-
popularity of the Prussians was given in
Frankfort the other day when the play of the
" Merchant of Venice " was being performed. At
that part of it where it is asked by the judge what
the Jew requires, and he replies, a pound of
flesh," a voice called out, " and eight cigars," which
provoked universal applause from the citizens, who
have lately had the honour of giving up their inde-
pendence, and being joined to the Crown of Prussia.
Of course the Prussian officers objected, and the
police being called in order was speedily restored.
This is, hOwever, a very significant circum-
stance, and one that speaks strongly for
the Frankforters to conform themselves to the sway
of Prussia. A n anecdote like this shows plainly the
state of feeling among the people, which no hints of
official journals can gainsay or contradict, and no
emphatic declarations of Ministers may put aside.
There is no doubt whatever, no matter how they
may glose it over, that the Prussians are hateful and
obnoxious to all the inhabitants of these annexed
States ; and so they will find to their cost before
long when an opportunity presents itself to them for
giving public expression to their private feelings.
How can it be liberty, in any sense of the word,
which these new subjects of King WILLIAM enjoy
when they are not permitted to give free expression
to their sentiments, and when the strong arm of the
law puts down all their attempts at self-♦indication
and national representation. They are now weighed
down by circumstances, but a rebound will as-
suredly take place, and then the perpetrators of the
injustice and tyranny which are now crushing down
national feeling and insulting independent citizens
will regret when it is too late that they did not pay
more attention to the scruples of conscience and the
dictates of honour.

' whose safety great fear had been entertained, had
succeeded in reaching the French expedition, after
landing at Tche-fou. The despatch thus concludes:
—" The destruction of Kang-hoa, an important
war position, the powder magazines and the public
establishments of the town, must convince the
Corean Government that the murder of the French
missionaries will not remain unpunished."
The Italie states that it may be considered as
certain that the Pope has come to an understanding
with M. Tonello, the Envoy from the Italian Go-
vernment, upon the principal points of his mission.
The only point which remains to be settled regards
the reduction of the number of Dioceses, but the
delay only turns upon an obstacle of form, and it is-
expected that the difficulty will very shortly be
overcome.

To-day has been warm for the season, but it has
been very stormy, though attended with little rain.
The Seine continues to rise, and the official meteo-
rological observations presage more unsettled
weather. The Marseilles papers notice a thunder-
storm in that city a day or two ago.

I mentioned the serious illness of the Marquis de
Larochejacquelain. Ile died at his chateau at Pecq
on Sunday night last. The marquis was only G 3.
He was a member of the Senate, and his name
has for many years beea connected with important
political events.

The trial of the young convicts before the Court
of Assize of the Var, held at Draguignau, is con-
cluded. The jury gave a verdict of guilty on
most of the accusations. Three prisoners—Paris,
Lecoq, and Ferrandou—were acquitted. The last
two accused, however, will be kept prisoners in a
house of correction until they shall have attained
30 years of age. The jury managed to discover
"extenuating circumstances" in reference to all
the other prisoners. Four were sentenced to hard
labour for life, and the rest to imprisonment for
various periods.

Accounts have been received of the death of
M. Charles de Malvin, Consul of France, at
Cronstadt. Madame Reine Dumez, of Boulogne,
who had reached her 100th year on New Year's
Day, died on that day. A widow lady, named
Fontain, has just died at Epaney (Calvados),
aged nearly 105.

I recently alluded to a very pacific manifesto
from the Swiss Confederation. Nevertheless the
Federal Government seems to desire to prepare
for any warlike eventuality. It has contracted a
loan of 12 millions for the purchase of 100,000
guns upon the Winchester system, the military
authorities preferring that weapon either to the
Chassepot gun or the Prussian needle gun.
The only additional accounts received in Paris
respecting the earthquake in Algeria is contained
in a letter dated Mont-Riant, near Algiers, Jan.
2d, but it does not supply any new fact of much
interest. It states that there were three shocks,
the first of which was the most formidable, and
lasted 15 seconds. The noise was much more ter-
rific than that produced from the firing of a park
of artillery. The two other shocks followed at
the interval of half an hour for each. Almost all
the houses in Algiers suffered more or less. Some
of the public establishments were completely de-
stroyed. The weather on the day previous to the
earthquake was very fine, and the sea calm, but
the barometer descended suddenly. Up to the 3d
there had not been any other shock.

The President of the Board of Trade on
Art Education.

---
The Right Hon. Sir Stafford Northcote took the
chair at the annual meeting of the Exeter School of
Art, of which institution he is thd'President, on
Monday evening. In the course of his address, he
said—" There will be an interesting exhibition of
the works of all nations in Paris this year ; and
though we have had a great many international ex-
hibitions, I think there is a general feeling that there
never has been an exhibition since that of 1851
which possessed the interest which the Paris Exhi-
bition of the present year is likely to possess. The
Exhibition of 1851 was exceedingly interesting, be-
cause it was the first bringing together of the pro-
ductions of all nations. The E xhibition of 1867
will be interesting, because it is likely to be the
greatest attempt at bringing together a fair repre-
sentation of the works of all nations. I think, with-
out jealousy or carping, we may admit that the
French have a wonderful power of organisation
which probably exceeds this or any other nation ;
and we know well that they are on their mettle,
that they are determined to make this one of the
greatest Exhibitions that have ever been seen. I
think there is every promise that it will be perhaps
more remarkable than any since that of 1851, to
which it will be decidedly very superior in extent and
scale of magnificence. It is important that England
should show well at the Paris Exhibition, and 1 think
very probably that England will do well and be very
creditably represented in industry and art. I hope
that those who take an interest in art will go over to
Paris, and I hope the result of the Exhibition will
be as remarkable in its way in advancing the cause
of art education as the Exhibition of 1851 was in
first promoting a movement which has now grown
to so much. 1 think the French Exhibition will be
extremely valuable, and will well repay the trouble
and expense of a visit." In another part of his
speech the right hon. baronet referred to
the spreadto e
sec
art
that
education. said—" I am
pleased drawing s
now becoming so
completely a part of national education as it is. I
was very much struck the other day in looking at a
report of one of the assistant commissioners who are
sent out by the commission upon middle class edu-
cation, of which I have the honour to be a member,
to find that in going through the list of the various
branches of education, drawing stood higher than
any other in the district which the assistant com-
missioner was appointed to survey. Drawing was
taught in 95 per cent. of the schools which he
visited, while in only 87 per cent. was any one other
subject taught. If you looked at the number of
pupils learning different subjects, more boys were
stood third. Ido
learning
draLaltliinnga;ndhnEt English grammar than were
drawing
not place drawing above grammar, history, and
mathematics, or any other branches of instruction,
but I do look upon it as a very important fact, and
one exceedingly gratifying to those who are friends
of schools of art, that drawing has taken such a
place in the education of the country ; because
when this movement began we remember quite well
people used to talk of drawing as a mere accom-
plishment, its acquirement waste of time to boys
who ought to be learning something useful, and
only to be taken up by those with a particular taste
and genius for it. But lam happy to find this de-
lusion is beginning to be dispelled, and we may hope
that in course of time the English nation may throw
aside altogether the delusion, which I believe was a
very unfortunate one for this country. We arc be-
ginning to discover that drawing may be taught on
as strict principles as almost any branch of educa-
tion. It maybe made a means of training the mind
as well as the eye and the hand, and will enable the
learners to appreciate much more fully the work
they have got to do in other respects. We are be-
ginning to see that it is not only useful in al]
branches of industrial life, but that the habit of
working carefully, truly to represent on paper actu-
ally what we see, is good for the mind, because it
induces a habit of clear observation.

TIM CONDEMNED CONVICTS AT MAIDSTONE.—
Although efforts have been made to obtain a commutation
of tho capital sentence Passed upon the woman Anne Law-
relict; who was convicted at the gaol delivery for Kent of
tl.to murder of her child, a boy four years of ago, by cut-
ting his throat, it appears that they have been unsuccess-
ful. A communication was received on Monday by the
acting under-sheriff of the county from tho Home Secre-
tary that the Government hadicarofully considered all the
circumstances connected with the crime, and they were
unable to discover anything to justify the Executive in re-
commending her to the clemency of the Crown. With ro-
gard to the other culprit, Junes Fletcher, who was con-
victed of the murder of one of the warders of the Chatham
Convict Prison, where the prisoner was confined under a
sentence of penal servitude, it was felt from the first that
the case was of such a description as to preclude all chance ,
of the Government interfering, and the culprit, who is a
fine young man, only 20 years of ago, appears from his ap-
prehension to havo been prepared for the inevitable result
of bis act. The oxecutieus will take place on Thuriiday at
12 o'clock,