The Sun.
London, England, 1867-11-19 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, NOVEMBER 19, 1867.

Mr. HARDY has effected a great deal, but that more
remains to be done is abundantly proved by the
recent revelations at Farnham and elsewhere. An
important step has been gained in forcing on Par-
liament and the public the conviction that our
workhouses, as at present populated, are in reality
hospitals rather than infirmaries, and it is a fact
which, once acknowledged, is not likely to bo for-
gotten. It is hardly to be expected that the old
and new systems will work together harmoniously
for a time, and some opposition to the inauguration
of reforms was naturally to be looked for ; but if we
decide that our paupers are not to be longer treated
like criminals we shall have gained a good deal.
Sickness, like death, is a great leveller, and neither
industry nor providence can avert its direful con-
sequences from the sick or disabled poor. Parlia-
ment has of late shown considerable anxiety to re-
deem its former neglect, and we may hope to see
1868 still further carrying out the good work begun
in 1867.

All these larger topics may very well be deferred,
as they probably will be, for consideration in the
new year. But there are some humble claimants
whose necessities should not, we think, be so long
overlooked. The poor stall-keepers of Whitechapel,
numbering with their families some thousands of
persons, see their occupation going from them with-
out any prospect of another filling its place. They
have no other means of livelihood, many of them
having followed the same calling for the greater
part of their lives. They are of considerable
service, too, to the poor population among which
they live, for they can afford to sell cheaper than
the highly-rented shops, and have a good stock of
customers, who prefer buying at stalls to the more
regular method. It is but an inclement season for
a sudden failure of income. The rates are already
heavy enough without forcing these poor people on
them. The substance of their appeal to Parliament
is, that the severity of the clauses of the new
Traffic Act may be modified, and only enforced where
absolutely necessary. By some strange oversight
their claims were never mentioned during the pro-
gress of the Bill through the House, but it is not
too late to lessen the pressure upon them, and we
hope that their humble petition will obtain a suc-
cessful hearing within the next few weeks.

It is certainly a strange coincidence that the
French Chambers should have been opened the day
before the autumn session commences in England.
This year also the Emperor NAPOLEON has antici-
pated the time for meeting his Parliament, on
account of important affairs arising which have
claimed his attention, and called for the earnest con-
, sideration of the Government. According to his
usual custom, the Emperor delivered the speech in
person, and more than usual interest will attach to
it in consequence of the rumours that have been
afloat for some time past about the probability of
war. Not only, says the speech, is there the "ne-
cessity " of resuming the interrupted discussion of
important laws, but recent events have further
caused the desire to appear before the Senators
and Deputies, to have the benefit of their assist-
ance and sagacity. The period which has elapsed
since the French Chambers separated has indeed
been rife with incident, and that of a kind that
more or less affected France i❑ an intimate degree.
The public mind of Europe has been disturbed by
the constant disquietudes that have arisen from
various causes—first in Germany and then in Italy
—and also from the reports that have fullowed upon
them. Industry and commercial transactions in all
quarters have been greatly disturbed in con-
sequence, and monarchs and statesmen may
well deplore the sad results. It will furnish
a solemn warning to those who needlessly disturb
the peace of nations to reflect upon the catalogue
of disasters that may be enumerated as the sequel
to the vanity and ambition of those who rush to
extremes, reckless of consequences and regardless of
the suffering and loss occasioned thereby to others.
It appears to cause the EMPEROR great annoyance
that the repeated assertions of his Government can-
not be credited, and that many will persist in finding
occasions for its making war, or at all events sug-
gesting motives which will induce it to mix up with
the disputes of other nations, and thus hopelessly
embroil itself. To each and all of these evil har-
bingers of strife and discord the Emperor NAPOLEON
gives a flat contradiction, and denies in the most
emphatic manner the probability of their prognos-
tications being realised. Thus we find him stating
that the state of uncertainty about Germany cannot
endure much longer, and that there is no cause to
fear the likelihood of a conflict arising from the
modification of its internal system. It is necessary
" to accept frankly the changes that have taken
place upon the other side of the Rhine, to proclaim
that so long as our interests and our dignity shall
not be threatened, we will not interfere in the trans-
formations effected by the wish of the population."
This is decisive language, at any rate, and
must be accepted as conclusive for the
present. The EMPEROR is certainly so far
consistent that he can appeal with perfect jus-
tice to his often-repeated assertions as to the Em-
pire being peace. "My Government," says he,
" has never varied in its pacific attitude ;" and
yet, strange to say, more is predicted of the warlike
intentions and startling policy of the Government
than any other in Europe. Of late, indeed, there
has been ample cause for these rumours on ac-
count of the extraordinary course pursued by
BISMARCK, and the very supercilious manner in
which France has been treated. If ever one people
felt to go to war with another, not only for an
" idea," but for a reality, it is the French senti-
ment concerning Prussia. Over and over again has
the intolerable assumption, or the impertinent in-
terference of Count BISMARCK provoked and irri-
tated the French beyond endurance, and yet
through all peace has been maintained between
the two Governments ; and that peace, we hear,
on good authority, is to be maintained unbroken.
One advantage of this is that a general feeling of
security will be established in many quarters, and
where doubt has prevailed as to the inconvenience
of war, there will now succeed a more settled
state of things. So far so good, for we cer-
tainly need a change for the better in
many respects ; and a war now breaking
out between France and Prussia must
inevitably increase the feeling of depression
already prevailing to so .cad an extent in the busi-
ness concerns of this country and of other nations
on the Continent. The unsettled state of affairs on
the Continent conduced in a great measure to bring
about the fearful climax of last year among mer-
cantile interests, and ever since little or nothing has
tended to hill art stability to foreign policy, or to
increase the confidence that must be felt before
trade can revive and speculation flourish anew.
We rejoice, then, for several reasons that the oracle
of the Tuileries has not declared the gates of Janus
are to be opened, but our feeling of satisfaction in his
having done so is a mixed one for many reasons. It
cannot be conceded that the doings in Germany
have been brought about or are still maintained by
the wish of the population, and those who can see
and judge for themselves know this right well, and
appreciate it accordingly.

The EMPEROR makes but brief allusion to the
recent events in Italy, which is perhaps as wise a

thing as he can do under the circumstances. lie
mentions the fact that revolutionary agitations have
threatened the Papal States, and that, in order to
sustain the September Convention, he has been
compelled to send troops to Rome and to " protect
the Holy See by repulsing the invaders." This,
however, in no way concerns the independence and
unity of Italy, and that nation now comprehends
the situation, though for a moment she was natu-
rally surprised. It will afford general Eatisfactiou
to see that the EMPEROR counts confidently upon
the time when his troops can be recalled from Italy.
The Convention of September exists so long as it
is not replaced by a new International Act. "The
relations of Italy to the Holy See interest the whole
of Europe, and we have proposed to the Powers to
settle those relations at a Confirence, and thus to
prevent new complications." Having Ulm disposed
of the rumours concerning war in Germany and
Italy, the EMPEROR passes on to dwell upon topics
nearer home, and declares that foreign politics per-
mit them to devote their thoughts to domestic im-
provements. He admits that the state of affairs
presents some embarrassments, but he urges upon
his Parliament that they should have faith in them-
selves, and direct all their most earnest efforts to
the good and glory of France. It is encouraging
at this season of depression at home and war
abroad to find one so intimately acquainted with
the true meaning of events thus exhibiting a
brave spirit and manifesting a hopeful disposition.
We do not know when a speech from the Emperor
NAPOLEON has been more indicative of peace and
progress than this one we now refer to, and we
hope that the faith which the EMPEROR declares
he has in the future, in spite of obstacles and
unjust opposition, will not be deceived or dis-
appointed.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

__-0 _.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, Sunday Evening.

The Moniteur, in publishing the Speech of the
King of Prussia at the opening of the Prussian
Chambers, characterises its language
." as emi-
nently pacific," and secs in it the proof " that the
personal interviews which the King had last summer
with the Sovereigns of Germany and foreign coun-
tries were in conformity with the amicable character
of the relations which his Government still keeps
up with all the Foreign Powers."
The Tunisian Prince Sedi-El-Adel Bay, who
took part in the late revolt, and who, as your
readers will recollect, was sent to prison by his
brother, against whom the revolt was directed, has
just died in that prison. The Prince was only 32.
According to the latest accounts from Madrid
the state of siege has been discontinued in all the
provinces, but Spain is far from being in a tranquil
condition.

I mentioned that M. Peyrat, the chief editor and
manager of the .dvenir National, was to appear
before the Correctional Tribunal on the charge of
having inserted an article in that paper calculated
to " excite hatred and contempt against the Go-
vernment." The Tribunal decided that the charge
had been proved, and sentenced M. Peyrat to im
prisonment for a month, a fine of 1,000 f., and to
pay the expenses of the prosecution.
M. Magne, who now resumes his position asMini-
ster of Finance, is a native of Perigueux, and is 61.
The town where he was born was illuminated when
the news of his appointment was received. He was
born of poor but honest parents, who bad some
ditlieillty in paying for his education. In 1831 he
was called to the bar at Perigueux, and a few years
afterwards he was named as Counsel to the Prefec-
ture. On the 11th of July, 1846, M. iNlagne received
a legal appointment as the Minister of Finance.
After the Revolution of 1848 M. Atigne returned
to Perigneux, and again practised at the Bar in
that town. In 1850, under the late Achille Fould,
the great Finance Minister, he was under Secretary
of State at the Ministry of Finance. M. Magne
has been a Senator since 1852. He is peculiarly
versed in matters of finance.

M. Pinard, the new Minister of the interior, is
only 45. He was born at Autun, and, like M.
Magne, begau his career as a barrister. After prac-
tising at Angers, he became an advocate at the
Tribunal of the Seine, and was subsequently At-
torney-General at Douai. His eloquence is remark-
able and convincing, of which he gave many proofs
before the Council of State.

official account sent to the
antheltalian
I paper, which makes
somehacorrections
e di
in
Government by General do Failly relative to the
battle of Mentana. It states that after the capture
of Mouteßotondo, Garibaldi, on his march to Rome,
had 24 battalions, the effective maximum of each of
which was 250 to 280, in all 6,500 men. In retreat-
ing from Rome on the night of the 29th, a retreat
the motive for which was the entrance of the French
troops, a thousand volunteers recrossed the frontier
in small detachments. An advanced guard of about
400 had marched to Tivoli on the day of the battle
of Mentana, and consequently could not take part
in the battle. A rear guard of more than 500 men,
including a few companies of the Roman Legion,
had remained at Monte Rotondo and at the railway
station. This corps also was not with the main
body of troops. It is therefore materially impos-
sible that more than 4,000 volunteers were opposed
to the Papal troops. Besides, on the day of the
battle and in the night, more than 3,500 passed the
frontier at Corese and laid down their arms.
Nearly 700 who had capitulated at Mentana
were also conducted to the frontier dur-
ing the day of the 4th. A numerous detachment
was dissolved at Tivoli by Colonel Panciani. It is
therefore evident that the alleged total of 600 killed
(and wounded in proportion) and 1,600 prisoners
are inexcusable exaggerations and errors in the
report of the French General. In another respect
we have also to point out errors. Besides artillery
there were six French battalions engaged at Men-
tana. Calculating only 500 to each battalion, 3,000
Frenchmen at least must have taken part in the,.
combat. The Journal de tlonze reckons the number
at more than 3,000. The French are actively en-
gaged in erecting fortifications at Rome and Civita
Vecchia. A contract has been made for the pur-
chase of wood to the amount of £3,000 or £4,000.
This wood is to be employed in the erection of
palisades along the walls, where there will be cannon
so as to enable the French soldiers to keep up a
murderous fire in the case of attack.

The cholera, which has prevailed more or less in
France since 1865, is now quite extinct. The
Asiatic epidemic first broke out at Marseilles in
July, 1865, and shortly afterwards manifested itself
at Toulon, where the mortality was very great, as
well as in several localities of the departments of the
Var and the Bouches du Rhone. At a small com-
mune, near Toulon, there were 50 deaths in one
night. The cholera appeared in Paris in September.
At first the mortality was trifling, but it increased
in intensity towards the latter end of October,when
there were 250 deaths daily. It prevailed, but not
with violence, until the 15th of January, 1866, when
there were only a few isolated and not frequent
cases in the hospitals. During the four months
which the dread disease existed the total number of
deaths was 6,000 in Paris. There was then a
period of cahn, favoured by the decrease in the
rate of temperature. It re-appeared when the
weather became warmer. The mortality was not
alarming in Paris, but it invaded the suburbs and
adjoining departments, and then broke out at
Amiens, where the ravages were frightful. The
heroic conduct of the Empress will not be easily
forgotten. Her Majesty repaired to Amiens, brav-
ing all danger, attended the sick in the hospitals,
and acted like a ministering angel to the sick and
the afflicted. This visit will ever form a bright
and noble. record in the history of France. After
January, 1867, the epidemic followed precisely
the same course as in the corresponding period of
1866. There were only a few isolated cases iu
the hospitals, and the deaths were from 10 to 15 a
month. It particularly attacked newly-born chil-
dren. There was alarm lest it should increase
during the warm weather at the time of the Great

Exhibition, but happily there was no sensible in-
crease in the number of cholera patients at that
period. In the countries to the west and north-
west of France, where the epidemic prevailed dur-
ing two winters, the public health is now in a
satisfactory state. The choleraic action is now
extinct in the western part of Europe, where it
exi3ited, but with unequal intensity during two
winters.

A formidable spur steam corvette, the Armida
has just been launched at Rochefort with full suc.

COSS.

Among the houses just demolished in the Rue
Laflitte for further improvements was the one num-
bered 53, to which au interesting recollection is
attached. It was there that the etlebrated Ame-
rican, Robert Fulton, resided in 1799. He brought
to Paris the first panorama ever seen in France. It
represented Naples, Rome, and Milan, and had im-
mense success. The panorama was installed on the
Boulevard Montmartre. A passage was built upon
the spot, which now exists, and the remembrance of
the panorama is perpetuated by the name given to
it—the Passage de Panoramas, which still exists.
It is only to-day, the 17th, that November has
appeared under its true colours, cold, foggy, rainy,
and gloomy. Yesterday the weather was finer,
brighter, and warmer than it often is in June or
July.

The audacity of the robbers does not decrease.
On Friday night some villains broke into the con-
vent of the Religeuses de l'Assomption, at Passy,
and were about to enter one of the bedrooms, but a
sister gave the alarm, and they thought it prudent
to decamp. They forced several strong doors and
locks.

PARRS, Monday Evening.
The Emperor is as lucky in regard to weather as
her gracious Majesty, who has in general been so
favoured iu this respect, when there was any public
ceremony, that "Queen's weather" became a pro-
verbial saying. Yesterday it was gloomy and dark
as "Erebus;" to day it was bright and beautiful,but
rather cold, and, therefore, the streets near the
Louvre were excessively crowded. And, what with
the military and the gay equipages of the ambassa-
dors, ministers, and personages of distinction, the
ceremony of opening the Legislative Session went
off very satisfactorily to sight-seers out of doors.
The Emperor's 'Speech was published at an early
hour, and I need hardly say was very eagerly
sought for. This speech (despatched to you by
telegraph) seems even upon the instant perusal,
as far as can be ascertained in this short time, to
have provided the general impression of being of a
more than usually pacific character. The memor-
able expression " The Empire is Peace" is ratified
and elucidated by its whole tenour. In the com-
mencement, the Emperor asserts that " his Govern-
ment has never varied in its pacific attitude," and,
further on, his Majesty alludes to " the incontest-
able proofs of concord" which have been displayed
by circumstances. The three laws which the Em-
peror says will principally occupy the session, are
the law upon the press, the lalv respecting public
meetings, and the law for a reorganisation of the
military system. I have reason to believe that the
Government intends to propose measures respecting
the press of a very liberal character.

There was a Cabinet Council yesterday at St.
Cloud, under the presidency of the Emperor. The
Empress was present.

The Queen Dowager of Prussia, sister of the
Queen of Saxony, has arrived at Dresden, where her
Majesty intends to stay a few days.
Immediately upon the invasion of the Pontifical
territory by the Italian troops, Cardinal Antonelli,
in the name of the Holy Father, addressed an ener-
getic protest against that invasion to the various
representatives of foreign courts resident at Rome.
In this document full justice is done to the course
adopted by the French Government. The following,
are the terms in which reference is made to the Em-
peror :—" The Holy Father, although he cannot
conceal the consolation experienced from the gener-
ous assistance sent to him by the august head of the
illustrious French nation, which has full right to
boast that she is the eldest daughter of the Church,
assistance, upon which he is pleased to place the
most solid hopes—cannot avoid experiencing at the
same time a now sensation of bitterness at the
recent attack upon his rights and upon the rights
of the Holy See, which he is bound by all possible
means to protect and defend."

Reports or conjectures still abound in regard to
the proposed Congress. The most authentic infor-
mation upon the subject seems to be that Italy
consents to take part in it, as well as France,
Austria, and Bavaria. It is even believed that
Prussia is not adverse to the idea of a Congress,
nor to the settlement of the Roman question upon
the basis of the maintenance of the temporal power
of the Popo with some modifications. Spain, of
course, will consent to the Congress, it being under-
stood that the great object will be to maintain both
the spiritual and temporal power of the Pope.
Portugal will stand aloof for the present at least.
England and Russia will not take any part in the
Congress.

A young man only twenty, named Casimir
Farneau, has just been convicted, and sentenced to
death by the Court of Assize of Loir at Cher,
at Blois, for the murder of an old gentleman and
his wife, named Herpiu. They resided in a lonely
house iu a neighbouring commune, and were re-
ported to be ♦ery rich. From the evidence, and
indeed from the confession of the prisoner, he com-
mitted the murders for the sake of the money he
might find in the house. The furniture had been
ransacked, and great confusion reigned in the
apartments. Some money had been taken by him
out of a chest. It appeared from the evidence of
one of the witnesses that when the prisoner was
only sixteen the promising youth had said that he
would never be without money, and if at any time
he should want some he would murder anybody
for sfr.

There was a very disastrous fire at St. Laurent,
Grand Vaux, in the department of Jura. St. Lau-
rent is the chief town of the canton, with a popula-
tion of 1,300. The fire broke out in the stable
of an inn, and, favoured by a strong wind, it soon
assumed formidable proportions, and destroyed
nearly the whole commune. The houses and the
church have been reduced to ashes. The only build-
ing which remains entire is the Hotel de Ecu del'
France. An idea may be formed of the intensity
of the flames from the fact that this destruction was
effected in two hours. The telegraph station was
destroyed. At present there is no inforriation of
any inhabitant having been burnt, but the flames
destroyed horses and cattle. The result of the
calamity is terrible. Twelve hundred persons are
without asylum and without resources, but the resi-
dents of the locality promptly gave every possible
assistance, and brought provisions and clothing. A
subscription has been opened in the department for
the assistance of the sufferers.

The section of the Paris, Lyons, and Mediterra-
nean Railway from Nice to the frontiers of Italy is
so far completed that it will be opened for traffic in
the course of next month. The opening of this
section will materially facilitate the communications
between France and Italy. It has been rapidly
completed, and at a comparatively small expense.

FIRE AT NOTTINGHAII.—The factory of Messrs.
Hutchinson and Bentley, bonnet front manufacturers,
Woolpack-lane, Nottingham, was completely destroyed by
fire last night. The discovery was made about 11 o'clock,
and the new corporation steam engine was at once got to
work. But there was a partial lack of water, and before
midnight the place was a ruin. A considerable number of
hands will be thrown out of work.

THE FENIAN CONVICTS.—The scene of the execu-
tion on Sa: urday next at Manchester will be in New Bailey-
street. In addition to a strong mili; ary force the police
force will be supplemented by a numerous body of special
constables. The adjoining streets will be barricaded
strongly, and the principal avenues of approach will be
defended by a chevaux de frim, which is being procured
from Chester. None of the prisoners wero visited by their
friends on Sunday. On the previous day Larkin was
visited by his wife, mother, sister-in-law, and four children.
STP.IKE OF SOUTH YORKSHIRE MINERS.—On
Friday last the whole of the men and boys employed at the
Silkstone Hall Colliery struck work in consequence of the
masters neglecting to put up and adjust a weighing ma-
chine. The 180 to 200 employed at the pit are members of
the South Yorkshire Miners' Association, which society
will support them in their efforts to got the machine put
up, which, it is said, will shortly be done.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

THE ISLAND OF TORTOLA.

NEW YORK, Nov. 18..
The intelligence received here in reference to the
submersion of the island of Tortola was received
from Porto Rico, via Havana, and was as follows:
" Tortola disappeared during a gale, and was sub-
merged for eight hours. All living things perished."
According to the same intelligence, it was
rumoured that San Domingo city had been de-
stroyed.

The British Consul at Cuba has declared his
belief that the news of the submersion of Tortola is
much exaggerated.

Her Majesty's Consul at New York reports, in
telegrams received this morning, that the intelli-
gence respecting the destruction of Tortola was
received only by the Herald, and is doubted at New
York. The Consul at llavana has informed him
that no particulars had been received there, but the
rumour was supposed to be greatly exaggerated. A
letter, dated November 1, had been received at
Havana from Tortola saying that a great fire had
occurred there during the hurricane of the 29th,
mentioning that a family named Sinclair Briart had
been drowned.
Foreign-office, Nov. 19, 1867.

DEMOLITION OF THE FORTRESS OF
LUXEMBURG.

LUXEMBURG, Nov. 18.

The first mince have been sprung for the partial
demolition of the fortifications. A break has also
been made in the great wall behind the arsenal,
and mines are being sunk in the masonry supporting
the Marie earthworks. With the material thus
obtained the ditches between these fortifications will
be filled up, and free access given to the whole of
this portion of the fortifications, which would have
to be secured before a hostile force could enter the
town.