The Sun.
London, England, 1867-10-03 00:00:00

TB E SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVE NINR,

.s hand the report of the Executive
that attheheLheealgtd.ii b'
en
in this matter, and that the conclu-
si n at was that no celebration of the pass-
ing b e Reform Act should be held, 1 arrivedt
be-
cause* go ieral dissatisfaction was felt throughout
the cow itry at the ratepaying clauses con-
tained. therein. The report, among other
things, stated " that every hour assured the com-
mittee • that the Act will bring no Reform at all,
and tl,at it will be worthy of condemnation instead
of celeet ation." This is really most extraordinary
langur ge, and we are puzzled to account for it, but
it will not deceive and delude the public. They
will see very plainly for themselves that disappoint-
ment, jealousy, and bitterness of spirit have actuated
and inspi red these proceedings, and in the sight of
all inde.oe:adent and impartial observers the line
thus taken condemns those who follow it most
completely! and unreservedly.
It will, no doubt, take many by surprise, because
the last news was that the Reform League was to
have a banquet of its own, and now the entertain-
ment, like a fairy structure, has vanished into thin
air. The resolution drawn up by Mr. BEAUS,
which was agreed to after a very long discussion,
was entirely condemnatory of the measure as it
stands, and seemed, indeed, to indicate that it had
better not have passed at all. " Considering the
complaints now being made in various quarters
of the probably very injurious working of the
Reform Act through the householder fran-
chises being connected with ratepaying conditions,
against which this League always protested, and
which are being made the means of causing the
franchise to be a cruel burden instead of a benefit
to a large mass of tenants and occupiers, the Council
recommend the delegates to be convened for the
purpose of postponing, for the present, the celebra-
tion of the passing of the Act, and to assist the
Council in devoting its active efforts to obtain the
repeal of the obnoxious ratepaying clauses, which
are, in fact, the result of a class desirous of
preventing any measure of Reform, which
they only adopted through compulsion and
insincerity, from being a real means of enlarging
the franchise for the benefit of the working classes
and the great mass of the people." A more un-
called-for declaration than this could not well be
conceived, but it only shows what errors people
make, and what ridiculous positions they put them-
selves in when they attempt to do too much. It
was only the other day that we were told the
Council of the Reform League was offended be-
cause another section of Reformers had pre-
sumed to usurp their privilege of cele-
brating the Reform Act being passed, and
now there is to be no celebration at all. Well
might one of the speakers at the Crystal Palace
the other day point out the Conservatives as
examples to his friends, and advised them to keep
more in unity. Such an extravagant proceeding as
this last exploit of the League is giving a handle to
the enemies of Reform, and showing how little the
most important and interesting cause can avail
if steadfastness and single-mindedness are
wanting. There is no need to go out
of the way to charge the Government with
insincerity, when such a glaring instance of it can
be met with nearer home. Those whom this League
professes to represent have a right to demand a
more elevated course than this being taken by their
counsellors and guides. It is quite idle to profess
to set forth what the people really require, and then
to become so involved in petty squabbles and
material details that the spirit of the enterprise is
lost sight of altogether, and the great question of
the day is lost in the small and trivial accidents
of the hour. We may unhesitatingly affirm that
those who so forget their duty stultify themselves,
and it does not require much inspiration to predict
that the Reform Act of 1867 will be remembered
with honour to those who framed it, and were instru-
mental in so doing,when all these unworthy attempts
to detract from its merits will have sunk into well-
deserved oblivion, or at best only cited to show
how dissatisfied people can become when they have
received more than they ever asked for or expected
to attain, but there is nothing so difficult to over-
come as prejudice.

Among the many striking changes witnessed
during the last half century in the Governments of
the world at large the fortunes of the South
American States have not been the least remarkable.
The several little States who succeeded in breaking
off the yoke of Spanish domination have, indeed,
still much to accomplish ; but their history, so far
as we know it, shows that the people are capable of
a higher development and a more vigorous indi-
vidual existence than they have yet attained. Un-
fortunately, it is not easy to get at the exact truth
respecting them. They are cut off from us not
only by distance, but by. circumstances. Respect-
ing Paraguay, for instance, we get the greater
part of our intelligence through a Brazilian
medium. The shadow of Brazil sweeps over half
the Southern Continent, and it id not difficult for
parties
.so closely interested in the result of the
struggle to represent it as certain to terminate in
their own favour. The truth, however, seems to be
that the success of the Brazilian arms is by no means
certain. The arrival of the mail ship Seine brings
us intelligence from the Brazilian ports that the
news from the seat of war is not considered favour-
able. The Allies cannot pass Ilumaita, and have
not taken Curupaity, the army remaining
between the two ports. The determination
of the people of Paraguay is unshaken, and
a Buenos Ayres journal, commenting on the
war, tells us that the Paraguayans fire and destroy
everything on the Allied line of march. Even the
oranges which grow wild in their fertile country
are converted into material of war, "and the Allies,"
adds the writer, " behold in the bare trees evidence
of the undying determination of the enemy to fight
to the very last." In warring with such a people,
he continues, regard must be had to the resources of
the invaders, as well as those of the invaded, in
estimating the chances of the war. The expenses
of the Allied Army are much increased and the
risks are also greater. The attacks on the convoys are
constant and harassing, and that its expense is great
is evident from the financial proceedings of Rio
Janeiro. The Budget makes several important
changes with a view to giving a considerable in-
crease of revenue. The EMPEROR had also addressed
a letter to the President of the Council informing
him that, in order to assist him in his desire to re-
duce the public expense, he would cede the fourth
part of his dotatiun from the Ist of March next, and
the EMPRESS from the Ist of January. The Para-
guayan raids upon the convoys form a serious ob-
stacle to the Allied arms, and the Buenos Ayreans,
at least, have little confidence of the result.
From the difficulties which surround the
Allied position, says the journal from which
we have already quoted, "we are disposed to think
that the war must come to a more speedy termina-
tion than what those engaged in contracts for the
army supply apprehend." The syrupathes of this
country at all events will be on the side of the gal-
lant little Republic, fighting with such undaunted
resolution against desperate odds. The battle is
not always to the strong, and there is good reason
to hope that Paraguay may add another to the list
of those small but valiant nations who, haying Won

their national independence at the point of the
sword, continue to maintain it with all the energy
and the resources of which they are capable.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

PARIS, Wednesday Evening.

A telegram from Stockholm has been received
in Paris, which states that the King of Sweden
has suffered a very painful operation, but his
Majesty is in a satisfactory condition.

It is stated from Berlin that the Government
of the States of Southern Germany have been in-
vited to send plenipotentiaries to that capital,
charged with the mission of preparing a system of
cheap uniform postage.
It was yesterday that the Federal German War
Marine came into existence, and Prussia may be
said to have made another advance in influence
and power. The Federal flag—black, white, and
red—is now hoisted by Prussian ships, and the
Royal flag, white and black, discarded.
The budget of 1868 and 1869, presented to the
Chamber of Deputies of Bavaria, estimates the
expenses at about 178 millions of francs, which
will necessitate an increase of taxes. The Minister
of War asks for a credit of three millions of
florins, and the Minister of Finance proposes a
malt tax, which will be levied not only in Bavaria,
but in the Rhenish Palatinate.

It appears, from the German papers received to-
day in Paris, that public opinion in Germany is
much occupied with the consideration of the im-
portant question about to be discussed in the
Chambers of the kingdom of Wurtembe:g. The
Representative Body of Wurtemberg is asked to
consent to the ratification of the treaty of alliance,
offensive and defensive, which will bind that State
to Prussia, and place all her military forces at the
disposal of King William, as well as of the Minister
who has reconstituted the Zollverein. I have already
alluded to the opposition which has been engen-
dered against this project. The adverse feeling
appears to be on the increase. Of all the Stags of
Southern Germany Wurtemberg is the one which
has all along manifested the most decided aversion
to the policy of M. Bismarck. The democratic
party energetically opposes the idea of being incor-
porated with the Confederation of the North. The
ratification of the treaty in question by the Cham-
bers would be an important step towards that
incorporation, and one may therefore easily conceive
the interest that will be created by the debates which
aro about to commence at Stuttgart.
A meeting of what is called the German party,
that is to say, the party which supports Prussia,
has taken place, and has agreed to resolutions in
favour of the Bismark policy. On the other hand,
the Democratic party have had their counter-meet-
ing, which was much more numerously attended
than the Bismark assembly; and the speakers, men
of considerable influence, earnestly recommended the
rejection of the treaty, and with unanimity passed
resolutions having that object in view. It is difficult,
under present circumstances, to say which party
will be triumphant ; but Prussia has such potent
means of influencing the Wurtemberg Chambers,
that both German and French papers well acquainted
with all the intricacies, not to say intrigues, connected
with the question, believe that Prussia will succeed
in this attempt to increase her military domination.

Some of the Ministers are leaving Paris to recruit
after their arduous labours. The Marquis de la
Valette, the able and popular Minister of thelnterior,
and M. Rouher, Minister of Finance, are now with
the Emperor at Biarritz.
A letter from Florence, dated September 26, in
the Moniteur, contains some interesting facts. It
states that, although the arrest of Garibaldi of
course produced a certain degree of excitement, it
did not elicit any manifestation of sympathy with
his avowed object of overthrowing the temporal
power of the Pope. There have been some insigni-
ficant street riots in Florence, but in the large cities
of Italy, Milan, Naples, Genoa, Bologna, and
Venice the people have made no sign and committed
no act which could be construed into a desire to sup-
port the Garibaldian policy. Even the eldest and
most sincere friends of Garibaldi advise him
to abstain from further action. General Garibaldi
himself seems to feel, although a little late, that all
classes stand aloof from him, for he made the re-
quest to be reconducted to Caprera. The alarm at
first caused by the appearance of Garibaldi seems
likely to be rapidly dissipated.

Some demolitions are in progress which will open
a space before the Palace of the Legion of Honour,
in the Rue de Lille, in the faubourg St. Germain,
and direct more attention to that small but remark-
able edifice. It is in the Roman style of the last
century. The façade presents a triumphal arch,
with two wings of the lonic order. The principal
building is at the bottom of the court yard. The
front has a Corinthian portico, with friezes orna-
mented with arabesques, and havingtlll7eBin6s,ctroipetirocect,
" Honneur et Patrie." The Prince of Salm-Salm
this
edifice, employed tla et architecthe circular
saloon
of a u
which was , in
deco-
rated by Bocquet, a painter patronised by Louis the
Sisxwteinendtlher.,
calling himself the Marquis do During the first years of the Revolution
a
Bois-
gerard, lived here for a time in great state and
luxury, but it was found out that his riches were
accumulated by forgeries, and he was sent to the
galleys. One of the literary glories of France,
Madame de Stael, once lived in this edifice, which
was called the Palace of Salm-Saltn. It was bought
by the State some years ago, and the Emperor
Napoleon ordered it to be devoted to business con-
nected with the Legion of Honour. The Grand
Chancellor of the Order has his official residence in
this palace.
A new opera in one act, "La Franck, de
Corinthe," the Bride of Corinth, by M. Camille du
Lode, music by M. Duprato, is in rehearsal at the
Grand Opera, of which report talks wonders.
There are but four characters and three artists in
this opera. Daphne and Chloris, by Mdlle. Man-
dent ; Lysis, by Mdlle. Bloch ; and Polus, by M.
David. The music classes have recommenced at
the Conservatory of Music.
M. Albert Auguste Perdonnet, civil engineer,
called the patriarch of railways, has just died at
Cannes, in his 67th year. He largely contributed
to the establishment of the first railways in France,
and has the reputation of having been more inti-
mately versed in all their details than any other
Frenchman. M. Perdonnet wrote a great many
practical works upon railways. His remains will
be brought to Paris for interment.
The Imperial Exhibition Commissioners adhere
to their determination to close the Palace on the
31st of October, or rather the last day of general
admission will be the 30th, for on the 31st there
will be a special fete and banquet, and all sorts of
novelties and attractions. Ladies will be present
at the banquet, at which men of all politics and
from all countries will assemble. The various pro-
ductions for the palate from all parts of the world
will give additional zest to the guests. The wines
of all countries will figure at the table, and cham-
pagne, it is said, will for once give way to Con-
stanta wine. The attraction to the Exhibition is
undiminished. On several days lately 50,000 per-
sons have been present. The average number who
pay daily is 40,000.
An article was recently copied into The Sun from
the Anglo-American 2imes, which spoke in well-
deserved praise of Walker's crystal case watch. It
has attracted many persons to Mr. Walker's stand,
class 23, myself among the number, and I can, from
close inspection, endorse all that is said of the use
and excellence of these watches. They avoid the
annoyance and expense so often experienced with
the ordinary watch, and they have also other advan-
tages. For instance, the hunting watch must be
opened to see the time, and the spring often breaks
or wears out. Although so durable, these watches
are very neat and portable. Of their durability a
strong proof was afforded at the time of the memor-
able robbery at the establishment of Mr. Walker in
Cornhitl in 1865, when eighteen watches were
thrown into the Thames. Of twelve recovered by
the diving apparatus seven were crystal case watches,
not one of which (although thrown from a height of
more than 60 feet) had its glass broken. Perhaps
the best proof of the excellence of these watches is
that their exhibition has led to extensive purchases.
As I have spoken of the excellence of French
watches, it is only fair to point out a triumph of
English manufacture.

OCTOBER 3, 1867

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

THE PAPAL STATES.

FLORENCE, Oct. 3.

The intelligence received here concerning the
insurrectionary movement in the Papal province of
Viterbo is of a very contradictory character. Up
to the present, however, no serious conflict has
occurred between the Papal troops and the insur-
gents. The latter continue to occupy certain loca-
lities. At Rome many arrests have been made, and
the authorities have taken various precautionary
measures to prevent disorder. Some fresh detach-
ments of Italian troops left there for the Roman
frontier yesterday.

KING GEORGE OF HANOVER.

BERLIN, Oct. 3.

The funds and castles recognised by the Prussian
Government, as the property of King George of
Hanover, are to remain for the present under Prus-
sian administration. The castle of Herrenhausen
and the Marienburg, with the Crown demesne of
Calenberg, are the residences comprised in the
arrangement.

At the sitting of the Federal Counsel yesterday,
the draft of the bill permitting free change of domi-
cile in the countries belonging to the North German
Confederation was adopted with slight modifi-
cations.