The Sun.
London, England, 1867-10-07 00:00:00

LONDON, MONDAY, OCT.
,7, 1867.

French news is of an exciting character to-day.
It is true that all maintains its usual aspect, but an
accident occurred which nearly caused general con-
sternation in France, the Empress and the Prince
Imperial nearly escaped death by drowning, and it
is indeed a wonder that they escaped. It appears
that the Royal party had been cruising towards the
Spanish coast, but on returning they found the sea
was too high for them to land at Biarritz, and con-
sequently took the yacht's boat, in order to effect
a landing at St. Jean de Luz. The pilot
who had the charge of the first boat con•
taining the Empress and the Prince con-
trived somehow to miss the entrance of the
harbour, and run the boat among the rocks. The
unfortunate man fell over, and was drowned. The
others were, however, carried through the surf and
landed in safety. The surprise and horror of
those in the following boats when they learned
the risk run by the Empress may be imagined. It
is strange to think how difficult it would be for
France, or even for Europe, if the chances had been
otherwise, and this morning the news was spread
abroad far and wide concerning the loss of the
Royal Lady and the illustrious Prince. It may be
suggested that sufficient care is not taken in these
Royal expeditions. It would have been more
prudent not to have started at all during tempes-
tuous weather ; or, if so, it was unwise to attempt
landing in the dark. All is well that ends well
must serve to console us on this as on other occa-
sions of peril that have been surmounted, and the
loss of the unfortunate pilot seems to have been the
only result to deplore.

Another piece of news of importance is the death of
M. Fouin, which took place on Saturday evening.
He was a Minister of Finance at one time, and a
member of the Privy Council. His loss will be deeply
mourned by many, and the State has lost the ser-
vices of a most valuable servant. Reports are in
circulation relative to the understanding that pre-
vails between the Emperor NAPOLEON and King
VICTOR EMMANUEL on the subject of the military
occupation of the POPE'S territory, but nothing
appears to be of a very reliable character. Prussia,
it is declared, is in favour of the demands of Italy
for an alteration to be effected in the September
Convention, which may be true so far. From Paris
we learn that no great faith is put in the reports of
the victory of the insurgents published at Florence.
The Etendard declares that the contrary is the
truth, and that trustworthy despatches affirm the
state of the Roman provinces to be most reassuring,
and that the general impression in Rome was a
favourable one. It will be very satisfactory when
we hear on good authority that the disturbing in-
fluences which now prevail in Italy, and which must
militate against the prosperity and progress of the
land, without effecting any corresponding advantage
by way of compensation.

Whatever may be the political differences existing
between the Governments of England and the
United States, there has been no want of respect
and good feeling in the closing honours paid to Sir
FREDERICK BRUCE. Although he had filled his
responsible post for a comparatively short time, he
had succeeded in gaining very largely the respect
and the confidence of the Americans, and this not-
withstanding that the time was one of trial and
difficulty. y The feeling of regret for his sudden and
premature death has been deep and general. All
classes of citizens in the leading towns have
hastened to do him honour, and many
eminent names may be read among the
list of his mourners. The funeral obsequies were
performed at Trinity Church, Boston, on the 24th
ult., the church being appropriately draped with
the American and English colours looped with
black. The principal members of the diplomatic
corps were present, and though the task he so much
wished to accomplish remains unfinished, Sir FREDE-
RICK BRUCE has been laid in the grave amid the
sincere regrets and with the respect and affection of
all who knew him.

Mr. THORNTON, now Minister at Rio Janeiro, is
said to be appointed in his place. Whoever may be
called to fill so arduous an office, we hope that he
will succeed in winning his place in the esteem of
the Americans as readily as Sir FREDERICK BRUCE.
It needs some time and experience to understand
fully the peculiar characteristics of any nation—
even those whose language and habits are so much
like our own ; and if the new Ambassador enters
upon his duties without due caution he may irritate
the ❑ational susceptibilities, or arouse popular
suspicion, which will subsequently put serious
difficulties in his way. The Southern and the
Northern continents of America are occupied
by very different peoples, animated by different
aims and inspired by different traditions. In spite
of the struggles for national independence so gal-
lantly maintained by some of the Southern States,
there is almost the distinction between the old
world and the new, between New York and San-
tiago. In fact there is more sympathy between
some classes of English and Americans than be-
tween the Chilians or Brazilians and the New
Englander=. It is likely, however, that Mr.
SEWARD, however vehement his indignation on
paper, will take care that matters are not pushed too
far, since a war with this country would be on all
accounts most undesirable and disastrous to the
slowly reviving commercial prosperity of the States.
Meantime the perpetual fever which is kept up in
America by the rapid succession of elections is now
at a great height in the States of Pennsylvania,
lowa, Indiana, and Ohio. Very important elections
are at hand, and the Democrats confidently believe
they will succeed this year in gai,ling ground upon
the Radicals. Last year's elections gave the Radi-
cals large majorities in all these States, the