The Sun.
London, England, 1858-06-02 00:00:00

statement would have been utterly at variance
with the well-known truth. Lord PALMERSTON
and his colleagues were driven from office, not for
indifference to the French alliance, but for having
purchased that alliance at the cost of concessions
which the Hcuse of Commons declined to offer,
and which were absolutely repudiated by the
country.

The oharge against them was not that they
treated the EMPEROR with coldness; but that they
obeyed him with servility, not that their policy was
too English, but that it was too French. More-
over, they always gave as their excuse for these
obsequious proceedings, that they were indispen-
able to the maintenance of the alliance ;
and every one must remember that Lord PAL-
MERSTON endeavoured to extort the unworthy
concessions to France from the House of
Commons, by the threat that if the despatch were
answered, and if the Bill were rejected, our rela-
tions with the EMPEROR would be in imminent
peril. Lord DERBY stated last night that a similar
announcement had been made to him privately by
Lord CLARENDON himself, and that Lord PALMER-
STON'S followers in the House of Commons were
also privately urged, by representations of the same
nature, to adhere to the policy of the Conspiracy
Bill. Lord CLARENDON confessed, in interrupting
Lord MALMESBURY last night, that when the
DERBY Government came into office he had warned
his successor that if the Conspiracy Bill teas not
proceeded with we should be unable to maintain
peace with France. Well, what happened ? The
House of Commons decided that the insulting
despatch should be answered, and that a change
in our laws, which the late Ministers had
taught the EMPEROR to consider both just
and necessary, could not be made consistently
with the interests or the honour of England.
And now these gentlemen are surprised to hear
that what they foretold actually came to pass !
When we heard of Lord PALMERSTON'S intended
attack upon the Slough speech, we naturally antici-
pated that he was going to say—" There, you see,
what I told you would happen, actually came to pass.
I told you that if you would not do the EMPLROR'S
bidding, we should run the risk of a warwith France.
But, when Lord PALMERSTON and his friends come
forward and say that there never wasthe least danger
of war, it is manifest that,if they had. made out their
case against Mr. DISRAELI, which they have not
succeeded in doing, they would,only have deprived
themselves of the only circumstance which can
possiLly be urged in justification of the base policy
which they recommended the country to adopt.
In conclusion, we must call the attention of our
readers to the extraordinary announcement made
by the Opposition Peers last night, to the effect
that they still adhere to their un-English, despot-
serving policy, and that they are still pining for a
Conspiracy Bill. Nothing can be worse than
Lord CLARrarrnorr's tone upon this question,
and he even goes so far as to insinuate
that the House of Commons in accept-
ing Mr. MILNER GIBSON'S motion, declared
i=s intention of protecting foreign conspirators.
We must also notice the strange Red-tapeism of
Lord CLARENDON'S policy and speech, when ho
tells us that WALEWSKI'S insulting despatch, which
was published in the Moniteur, reproduced by the
Press of Europe, and presented to Parliament by
her Majesty's command, required no answer, be-
cause it was not usual in diplomacy to reply to a
despatch unless it be accompanied by a covering
note I

" Still harping on my daughter." Another
night has been spent in discussing the oration at
Slough, to the electors of Buckinghamshire.
Flaying occupied two nights in the House of
Commons, when the rival leaders of the Whig
party, who, having arranged their difficulties, were
like the twin Kings of Brentford, smelling at the
same nosegay, and having received explanations
and answers from the party solely responsible,
which neither will speedily or easily forget; the
matter might surely have been dropped and no
further time wasted in reference thereto. But
Lord CLARENDON; undeterred by the castigation in-
flicted on his coadjutors, again ventilated
the question, and verily he received his re-
ward. Lord DERBY wielded the " knout" with
surpassing skill and energy, and the result has
been that what was seemingly designated as a
" post-prandial oration," has been elevated to
the dignity of a "State paper," whose cutting
sarcasm has only been exceeded by its truthful-
ness and accuracy. And the community have
had their attention attracted to one of the most
brilliantaddresses ever delivered to a sympathising
and admiring audience.
The object of these combined and organised
attacks is but too palpaple. Having hunted one
leading member of the Ministry to a political death,
and having then failed in the general attack,
it seemed practicable to assail another, one
who in his department -had giiren the greatest sa-
tisfaction to the country. The attempt to worry
the Chancellor of the Exchequer was, however, a
total failure. The Right Hon. Gentleman was
more than a match for, his numerous assailants.
His game was too staunch, his prowess too un-
questionable, and though the prize hounds--
" Little JoHN " and "PAM," were let slip, they
were compelled to retreat considerably the worse
for the encounter.

Lord CLARENDON, if possible, received a greater
mauling. He was, in Yankee parlance, " most
catawampously thawed up " by the Premier. It
might have been anticipated that with an English-
man's propensity for fair play, he wonhi not ha v_e
assailed an absent man—one who, like poor M.
PINE, had already met two political gladiators,
and defeated their most skilful assaults. But the
ball should be kept up—the hunt closely pursued,
notwithstanding the failure of the discomfiled
leader. But there was a trustworthy champion
available, and the ex-Foreign Minister, the cringer
to despotic dictation, was left, if possible, in a
worse plight than his quondam colleagues, who so
vainly "kicked against the pricks."
It is scarcely necessary to allude to the thrice
of what had been stated
told tale, the recitauffee
on Friday and Monday. Lord CLARENDON r,-
peated the substance of what had been said by
Lord JOHN RUSSELL and Lord PALMERSTON re-
specting foreign affairs, and India. Be did not
at all improve the case of his party, while the
additional repulse added strength to the Gown,-
meet. But there was one topic to which he did
not dare to i der one field on which h,
could not trespass. The region of financ©
was "tabooed" to the brother-in-law of the ci.
Edinburgh Reviewer and ox-Chaucelllr of tl,,
Exchequer. The Budget, which, it was fondly
hoped, would have proved a ground of attack, had
been received with universal acclarn ition. Mr.
DISRAELI bad kept faith with the nation. Ho had
sanctioned the abatement of the inequitable
income-tax, in place of demanding a con-idtrab:e
increase, as his predecessor would have done, had
he.not been happily driven from Downing-stree'.
Mr. DISRAELI effected a-saving of two-fifths of the
interest on Exchequer-bills, and aimed a deadly
blow at the ridiculous Lawisian Sinking-fund ;
and all that could be said and that
after Lord DERBY had resumed his seat

was, " that the Government had not
muddled ►way their money in paying debts." It
would have been monstrous if the nation which
had so cheerfully sustained the heavy burdens
imposed on it during the late war had not been
allowed a little rest. Sir G. C. LEWIS would
have driven the " willing horse" to death. He
produced a financial crisis by his inveterate adhe-
sion to the iniquitous Bank Charter Act, and he
would have wearied out the people had he re-'
mained in office. Mr. DISRAELI has afforded
judicious relief. The sufferers can breathe once
more, and Lord CLARENDON was too wide awake
to institute any comparison between the past and
the present financial Administration of the
country.

We may now hope that the great " Slough "
feud is at an end, and that the pressing business
of the country may be carried en. Let the Sun-
day conspirators pause before proceeding on their
reckless career. They may be fully assured that
every convulsive plunge will hurt themselves far
more than the person against whom their virulent
blows are directed.

OSBORNE, June I.—The Queen, accompanied by the
Duchess of Kent, Princess Alice, Princess Helena,
Princess Louisa, Prince Arthur, and Prince Vidor of
Hohenlohe, embarked in the Fairy yesterday afternoon,
and cruised towards Spithead.
_

RETURN OF HER MAJESTY AND COURT PROM OSBORNE.
—Yesterday extemive preparations were being made at
Buckiugbam Palace, for the return of her Majesty and
Court from Osborne House, Isle of Wight, who accord-
ing to the present arrangements will return to Bucking-
ham Palace on Friday next.
ROYAL ACADEMY OF MIISIC.—Her Majesty the Queen
has graciuuly signified her intention of honouring with
her presence a grand vocal and instrumental concert,
for the benefit of the Royal Academy of Music, which
will take place in the St.. James's Hall, on Wednesday
evening, the 23d of June. Her Maj Is ty, who is to be
accompanied by a brilliant court, will occupy a dais in
the area of the hall.

PRIVY CouNalLLon.—The Right Hon. Sir Cresswell
Crasswell, Kilt., Judge Ordinary of the Divorca and
Probate Courts, was this morning sworn in a Privy
Councilor, befcre Lord Campbell, in the Court of
Queen's Bench.

Lady Peel came to town on Monday, from Sandy
Lodge, Beds. We are sorry to learn her ladyship is
very much indispoied from grief, caused by the intelli-
gence of the death of her son, Captain Sir William Peel.
Dr. Seymour has been in attendance on her ladyship.
Lady Peel has had visits of condolence from several
members of the Royal Family and a great number of
the members of the aristocracy.
. . _ _

Lord and Lady Wodenouse- and family are expected
to arrive in Loneon in the course of the present week,
from St. Petersburgb.

We regret to state that Lady Morgan is suffsr:na from
a severe attack of bronchitis at her house in William•
street, Lowndss-square.

DEATH OF LADY HARRIET G-. SIITTIE —We are sorry
to announce the death ef Lady Harriet Grant Suttie,
who died on Sunday last. Her ladyship was the seventh
daughter of the 'ate Earl of Wemyss.
WELLINGTON BARRACKS BAZAAR.—Hrr Majesty
having with her usual liberality forwarded 50/. to be
expended at the bazaar held last week in the Wellington.
barracks, several of the most costly and striking contri-
butions were silected from the various stalls and pur-
chased for her Majesty by Mr,. Frederic Sayer and
Maria Viscountess Glentwertb. The stalls held by the
Countess of Fife, Viscountess Ingestre, Mrs. Moncrielf,
and Mrs. fits Therobill, were especially honoured
with the Royal patronage.

LORD STANLEY'S RE-ELECTION.—There is no proba-
bility of any opposition being offered to Lo.d Stanley's
re-eltction for King's Lynn, in consequence of his ac-
ceptance of the Presidency of the Board of Control. The
nobld lord is deservedly popular in the borough.
KEW GARDENS.—The Arboretum, Botanic gardere,
and pleasure grounds are now in the most perfect order,
and opon free every day at one. Sundays at two. The
museum and conservatories close at cis, the gardens at
seven, the landscape gardens and grounds at eight.

CRYSTAL PaLaeE.—The additional new wind band
now performs in the grounds until a late hour in the
evening, acid is a source of much pleasure to many who
have not an opportunity before the afternoon of visiting
the palace. The performances are principally in the
Rhododendron Valley, a spot which presents at this
moment a richness and variety of floricultural beauty
on its banks which has probably not its equal. Tue
display a rhododendrons, azaleas, and other American
flowering plant:, is remarkably fine, and the park and
gardens have never appeared to such advantage as at
this time. The view from the Water Tower appears for
wale visitors to be the great object of at raction.
CAB ACCIDENT.—Yes arday afternoon (Tuesday) a
spirited horse attached to a cab, while standing on the
cab rank in the-131rongh-road, Southwark, took fright,
' a td da•ted off at lull speed in the dime. ion of the Surrey
Theatre. The cabman (who was on his box at the tit...o
in the endeavour to restrain tha animal, broke the reins,
and was thrown into the road and much shaken. The
horse continued his furious career until he arrived at the
Sr. George's-circu-, where,a young man attempted to
restrain him, but was knocked down and severely in-
jured. However, a number of cabmen belonging to the
cab rank at the St. Gdorge's.circus eventually secured
the animal, and restrained him from doing further inis-
cbi,f. The man knocked down was enabled to walk to
his home.

THE LATE FATAL7:COLLISION ON THE RITER.—An
adj )urned inquiry was concluded yesterday at the
Anchor and Hope, Charlton, into the c Alision on the
231 ult., an account of which appeared in our paper. It
will be remembered that the bow of a brig was stove in
by one of two screw colliers coining up the river, and
that two boys who were in their berths in the fore part
of the brig lost their lives on the occasion. The jury
returned the following verdict :—"That the deceased
were accidentally drowsed on board a brig called the
Arab, which was run down by a screw steam-vessel
called the Black Dlamond, the steerage way of the
B:ack Diamond having been affected by the improper
navigation of a screw steam-vessel called tha John
Bowes, causing the said Black Diamond to sheer (4
against her he:m, and to run down the said brig called
the Arab."

THE STATE OF BILLINGSGATE•MARKET.—AA a meeting
of the City Commission of Sewers, at Guildhall, yester-
day, Mr. Deputy Christie presiding, a report' of Dr.
Letheby in reference to the state of Billingsgate-market
was submitted. The report' had been drawn up in conse-
quence of a memorial from the shell-fish men on the un-
wholesome condition of that part of the market allotted
to them. The report concluded with the following
suggestions :-1. A more perfect ventilation of
the place, and a supply of air from the outside
of the market. 2. The re-construction of the drains
with a proper incline for the immediate discharge
of the foul water into the refuse tank. 3. The adoption
of some contrivance for preventing the solid refuse from
getting access to the drains. 4. The erection of a recep-
tacle for the solid refuse of the market ; and, 5. The
enforcement of such rules and regulations as will pro-
vide for the sanitary deficiencies of the place, and main.
tarn good order amor g the salesmen.
VISIT OF THE QUEEN TO LEEDS. —The inhabitants of
Leeds will learn with the greatest interest and pleasure,
from the announcement made by the Mayor to the
Town Council on Monday, that it is the intention of her
Majesty the Queen to honour this town with a visit
about the end of the month of August, on her way to
Scotland, and to inaugurate our new Town-hall by her
royal presence. It was added by his Worship that her
Majesty will not merely pass through 0),o-town, but will
spend a night here. Leeds, we believe, has Dever le en
honoured with a visit from its Sovereign paid expt
to its inhabitants as a mark of royal favour and reg,
and in the way of that intercourse with which oer b.
loved and patriotic Queen indulge+ her people. We are
sure the inhabitants of Leeds will regard her Majesty's
intention-with lively gratitude, and that her visit-wi-1
call forth every demonstration of loyal and affectionate
enthusiasm towards the best and most constitutional of
sovereigns. It is probable, judging from the events of
last year, that her Majesty will leave 0-borne for the
North on Monday, the 30th of August, and will arrive
here in the afternoon of the erine day ; and that on the
following day, Tuesday, the 31st, the inauguration of
the Town-ball a i 1 take place.—Leeds Mercury.
PRICE OF GOLD.-The price of gold at Paris is about
11 per tnille, and the short exchange on London is 25.05
per pound sterling. On comparing these rates with the
English Mint price of 3/ 17s. 101 d. per ounce for
standard gold, it appears that gild is.about 3-10tha per
cent. dearer in Paris than in London. 13y advices from
Hamburg the price of gold is 425 per mark, and the
shoit Exchange on London is ]3.5j per pound sterling:
Standard gold at the English Mitt price is therefore
rather mcr; than 1-10th per cent. dearer in London than
in Hamburg. The course of exchange at New York on
London for hills-at 66 days' sight is about 1091 per cent.,
which, when carnpared with the Mint par between the
two countries, shows that the .exchange is slightly in
favour of England ; and, after making allowances for
charges of transport and difference of interest, the [reser t
rate leaves a small profit on the importation of geld
fr en the Ut ited State".

LATEST NEWS.

RAILWAYS.
Orleans
Northern
New Ditto 735
Lyon and Mediteran 735
New Ditto
Geneva

VAUXUALL-BaIDGE COYEINY.— A special meeting of
the shareholders of this company was held yesterday,
mr. Prendergast, Q C., in the chair, when the report of
the committee appointed for considering the proprie'y
of reducing the toile, in con,equ,:nce of the coinpetiti n
of the new 'midge at Chelsea. ens read t) the me t'ng.
Tee alterations p•opo,e I by the c )rnrui tee were as
fol :—For ftotpassengerp, frton 13. te ;hi
cabs, 41. t.) 21.; all empty cabs, ld. ; private carriage 4
—one horse, 4d. to 3d. ; every a idiiional horse, 34- ;
t ttio:1,1; ;
These. alto
lattol
ctiortqal ahn,r,irsw,a,
a-
tions were rt.c,rninendsd to take .plate on and afier the
passing of the bill now in Parliament on the part of ti e
1y estminittr District Board a Works. The oje,t of
the B ;a1..) of works, and the Vestry of St. George's,
Hanover-square, comprises the taking into their own
hands the co.npany 8 roads within their r,sp2ctive dit-
tricts. Some di-cussion took place, in which Mr. Box,
Dr. Greenwood, Mr. Grover, and others, toe k part
Mr. Hedges thought the reductions were of vital irn-
portant'', but they ought not to be in forco before the
roads were taken up by the parishes, as proposed in the
bill before ParliaTent. An amendment was proposed
in respect to one of the items of reduction, but it was
rejected, and the report of the committee was adopted.

surN,_ LOND 0 N, WEDNE:S DAY VENI NO, JUNE 2, 1858.

n the slightest on points which involve neither the
dignity nor the interest of the country, but, on the
contrary, it is revealed in the practice of a foreign
policy, which is the more profitable to general
interest; since it maintains an alliance which is the
inexhaustible source of prosperity for the two na-
tions. It is on this subject that the ideas of the
present Cabinet differ from those of its predecessor
and it is on this conciliating policy and on the sen-
timents professed by the present Cabinet that may
be founded a confidence in the continuation of ex-
cellent relations between the two countries."
BOURSE, June I.—The following were the last
quotations :-
4i per Cents 9:3 50
Do. end month — --
3 per Cent. ..... 69 40,
Do. end month 69 401
Bank Shares
Credit Mobilier 635
Do. Account 635

Credit Fonder

Belgian 4l
Piedmontese (5)
Roman BB
Austrian
Spanish Threes
Home Debt
-FOR CASH.

Midi
Western- 567,
Strasburg 622
,
Grand Central
Sardinian , 421/
Austrian

LAW INTELLIGENCE—(This Day.)

COURT OF CHANCERY.
(Before the Lord Chancellor.)
APPEAL-AUSTIN V. BOYES.

The further hearing of this part-heard appeal was
resumed this morning.
Mr. Bova!, Q C., of the common law bar, was heard
for the appellant, Mr. Austin.
This is an appeal from a decree of the Master of the
Rolls dismissing the bill with costs as to Mr. Tweedie,
but without oasts as to Mr. Bopp.
The contention is, whether there was a legal dissolu-
tion of this partnership, as solicitors, by the articles of
agreement of 1846 ; what was the true construcion of
the terms of that agreement ; was the retiring partner
bound not to practice within a hundred miles of London I
what were the considerations for retiring duties and
obligations of the partners inter se ; and what was the
marketable value of the shares and good-will and jute.
rest of the business to the retiring partner, Mr. Austin
undertaking that he would not carry on business as a
solicitor within a hundred miles of the partnership resi-
dence, but, on the contrary, do everything in his power
to promote the interest of the new company, and
thereby increase the marketable value of the shares of
the remaining partners of the new company. That the
appellant had a legal vested interest and claim of com-
pensation under this agreement, beyond the market
value of two days of the profit of the business, which he
was found entitled to by the decree of the Master of the
R ,lls ; and that he was entitled to decree against the
defendants in so far as he was benefited by the agree.,
ment.
Mr. Burdon followed on the same side.

Mr. Lloyd, Q C , is now being heard for Mr. Tweedie
as to costs. It is probable the hearing will occupy the
whole of the day.

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Goulburn.)
THE WEST HAM DISTILLERY COMPANY-IN RE DAVIDSON

AND GORDON.

To-day was appointed for the last examina ion of
these bankrupts, who were distillers at West Ham, and
convicted some time since of extensive fraud.

An adjournment took place by consent, as Messrs.
Hart Brothers, who have been acively engaged for a
considerable time past in arranging the complicated ac•
oounts, had not been able to complete the balance-:,beet
in time to file, under the rules of the court. The
balance-sheet is very voluminous, and, when published
in detail, will probably expose more of the modes in
which frauds are effected than has hitherto transpired.
The rough estimate of the debts and liabilities, &c.,
have been reported on several occasions.

LITERATURE.

Heckingtoit. A Novel. By Mis. Gore. 3 vol q.

Hurst and'Blackett.

This is another of Mrs. Gore's satirical sketches of
society, another of those brilliant records of
fashionable life, which expose its meanness, reveal
its follies, and chronicle its inconsistencies. In the
present instance we meet with a most attractive
heroine, Sophia Corbet, who is superior to many of
the female characters drawn by this authoress. She
is represented as something genuine, in the midst
of deceit and treachery, something simple, sur-
rounded by affectation, something pure and un-
spotted in a world of scandal. Sophia, or " Tiny"
as she was called, had not an easy task assigned to
her to perform in the labour of existence, and it
was no light burden which she was called upon to
bear in the journey of life. The affairs of her
family were very much involved in mystery and
litigation ; and family quarrels, that fearful cala-
mity-, hung darkly over her path—their funereal
shadow. It is not likely that ode so young and
inexperienced as she was should suddenly have
displayed any great foresight in judgment, or
manifested any great skill in adjusting the diffe-
rences that existed. In what she did, however,
she was earnest and sincere, she did not aim
at impossibilities, but she tried the only way
that can ever succeed in making the crooked
:•tioaight and the rough smooth—she gave to wrath
a soft answer, and met the storm of indignation
with a gentle dignity which, while it never con-
ceded to injustice, made no irritating demonstra-
tions of its own. The description of the confusion
that ensued in consequence of " Heckington," as
the family estate of the Rawdons was called, being
left in a peculiar way, is very ingeniously de-
picted. The unhappy feud that divided the
branches of the family into jarring sections,
achieved its most fatal work when it separated the
brothers who had " played beneath the same
green tree" in childhood, and appeared likely to
live as bre'hren in unity till the sad day when
Heckington was mentioned as a word of reproach.
From that time peace was over, and the sons of
one mother became as strangers—worse, indeed,
for they were enemies. This disunion occasioned
great sorrow to their gentle cousin, Sophia, and
she endeavoured to make peace between them.
When she had persuaded Arthur, the eider, to
write to his brother, who was anxious to end the
dispute, the most serious lesson that•humanity can
learn was at hand to inform them of the vanity of
man's purpose, and the danger of his allow-
ing the sun to go down on his wrath, when he
knows not that another sun will rise for him to make
reconcilietioe. Willie Rawdon had died suddenly
in Jamaica, to the regret of all who knew him, the
consternation of his cousin, who appreciated his
worth and excellence, and to the remorse of his too
late repentant brother. The sketch of the Hers-
fords is very successful, we are introduced to a
scheming family, whose object in life was their own
self-aggrandisement, by whatever means it could
be obtained. Delicacy of feeling, rectitude of pur-
pose, high principles, generous emotions, were un-
known to them, such plants were not indigenous to
the soil of Clevelinds, which prided itself on far
different productions. Envy, hatred, malice, and
all uncharitableness, were the abiding guests, and
the actuating spirits of that abode, whence sons
and daughters issued forth into the world, to mar
happiness, create discord, and dishonour them-
selves and the homes that had reared and that had
adopted them. The only exception was Amy, but
she was saved by being removed from the evil in-
fluence of her family till better interests filled her
mind. It would have been well for Arthur Rawdon
if he had yielded to his impulse, and broken off
his engagement with Florence Horsford. The
misery of his domestic life was great, and great
also was the sorrow of the sympathising Sophia,
who had fondly imagined that the clouds were re-
moved from the long-overcast horizon of necking-
ton, and that brighter scenes and fairer days would
dawn for i s long-suffering heir. She was mistaken
—for Arthur had to endure the agony and feel the
humiliation, which is the most acute to bear, and
the bitterest to be crushed under ; his wife proved
false, and the honour of his name was sullied. Lu-
cretia, the old maid of the family, is a very amusing
character, and her energy is a relief after the fashion-
able idleness around her, while her abruptness is
welcome in the midst of the hypocrisy of the rest
of the circle in Hertford-street. On the whole, with-
out being remarkable, this work will interest those
who appreciate an ingenious story, ably executed,
and who desire skilful sketches of the world and its
worldly votaries. Such a character as Sophia Cor-
bet goes far to redeem a host of selfish and sordid in-
dividuals, and thus vindicates the narrative from
the charge of bitterness or prjudice. "Hecking-
ton" can lay claim to the attention of the novel-
reader, for it possesses many of the features that
form the fascination of romance.

Doctor Thorne. By Anthony Trollope, ,utlior of
" The Three Clerks." 3 vole. Chapman and
Hall.
The author of this work has previously distin-
guished himself in the world of fiction, by several
novels of varying merits, but all displaying that
vigour and freshness which is the chief attraction
of his writings. While main aining his strength of
style, however, be has not improved in polish ;he
has given no thought to that careful cultivation
without which the most luxurious garden will be-
come a wilderness, and the r rpidity of its deterio-
ration will be in proportion to the strength and fer-
tility of its plants. It is more incumbent on an
author, whose style is vivid and emphatic, to revise,
to refine, and soften, than on one whose natural
tameness of manner and monotonous language pre-
serve him from the rsk of going too far. It is not
that there is anything in itself objectionable in the
work, but in the author's dislike of all pretence of
mock propriety and affectation, he rushes into the
opposite extreme. He forgets that though he may
resolve to walk in a straight line to his object,
instead of by crooked turnings, it is very
desirable to avoid the brambles or pitfalls by the
way. We shall hope, iu his next contribu ion to
the world of literature, to notice a sensible im-
provement in this respect. His ability is no doubt
considerable, and his powers of observation and
delineation of character are great. The old locality
of Barcheiter and Barsetshire is the scene of this
work, and some of our old friends are incidentally
introduced. Dr. Thorne, the country doctor, is
the hero of the book, at least the professed hero, as
he gives it its title, but the chief interest centres
on his niece Mary, and the family of the squire,
Mr. Gresham. The plot displays considerable in-
genuity, and if not very probable, is not extrava-
gant. In these days of rapid changes we cannot
wonder at a stonemason becoming a railway king,
and eying like Sir Roger, worth three hundred
thousand pounds. Neither, certainly, can we object
to the doctrine that in these days every
door is open to wealth, that the character and
family connections, which are intolerable when
their owner is penniless, are deserving of all
honour and respect when the favoured individual
owns half a million as well. The author does not
spare the follies of human nature. Tie idols of
family pride and exclusiveness, the worship of
money and of great connections, are all attacked
with unsparing hand. Many of his figures are no
doubt drawn from life, but they belong to a class
which could furnish many examples. Whether
real independence be quite so huffy, so sensitive,
as to its own position, may be questioned by the
philosopher. Whether the intense conviction that
you are the equal of every other human being,
would be the most beneficial for thq, individual
character, or the pleasantest attribute for a com-
panion who is bristling wi h indignation at every
imagined hint_ or allusion to social position, mAy
also be doubted. That the mere fact of an elevated
position does not lift the possessor above his fellow-
men in intrinsic worth, is now generally main-
tained, but the want of those social possessions
does not necessarily invest him with every virtue.
The true equality ranks all -alike, and is no mere
inclined to idolise a Chartist than a duke. The
author attacks with all his powers the fatal prin-
ciple of marrying for money. Frank Gresham,
the squire s only son, is to succeed to a be wily en-
cumbered property, and a very limited income.
Every year increases his father's difliculties, and the
universal decision of the family is that, to avoid the
threatened rule, "Frank must marry money."
How he contrived to reconcile the contending
points of his love for Mary Thorne and the nece-si-
ties ef his position we leave the reader to discove-,
merely suggesting that real life is not always so
complaisant, and the moral might have been bet er
as well as more practical had Frank kept to his
early notion and turned farmer. The difficultiet of
Dr. Thorne, and his couscientioui conduct are well
described, and the sketch of the SJatcherds, father
and son, is vividly drawn. Though painful, it is
lifelike, and should speak a word of warning to
those who ae, like thou, vo!untary slaves. Then
are many other characters introduced, all drawn
with more or less skill, and many who scorn ro-
mance and sentiment will find r ntertainment in
the group of secondary figures. We trust we sh ill
meet the author at some future period in another
work of fiction, in which he will avoid the occa-
sional extras stances and want of refinement that
derogate from his present volumes, while preserv-
ing the freshness and vigour of his stye, the
hone sty and. clearsighteducks of his satire, and the
beelike fidelity of his characters.

The Cruelest Wrong of All. One yd.. Smith and

Elder.

This story displays con<iderable ing-,,nuity and
invention, and some degree of freshness and origi-
nality, but there are some traces of vault of care