The Sun.
London, England, 1867-10-24 00:00:00

LONDON, THURSDAY, OCT. 24, 1867.

An interesting ceremony took place at Liverpool
yesterday, when the Earl of DERBY laid the founda-
tion-stone of the New Southern Hospital at Liver-
pool. For some years past this institution has been
of great benefit, but in consequence of the increas-
ing demands upon it, it was found necessary to
have a larger building. Mr. IIonsFALL gave some
details concerning it, and informed the company
that the present hospital had been built in 1842, and
was enlarged in 1849, but it had since been found
quite inadequate to meet the wants of that increasing
neighbourhood. Fortunately a proper response was
made to the appeal addressed to the public some
months ago, and hence things have gone on pros-
perously in regard to the undertaking. After the
ceremony was concluded, Lord DERBY made some
appropriate remarks on the subject which brought
them together that day. As he observed, to begin
with, the object for which they were met required
no argument, and no recommendation on his
part. It is quite certain that, in the
case of hospitals, the objections cannot be
made that people are sometimes very prone
to urge against other charities, that they have the
effect of encouraging the habits and vices which
they are meant to remove, and therefore, although
they arc benevolently intended and admirable in
their object, they do harm instead of good. No
doubt this is made the most of by many who would
rather take the uncharitable view of the question ;
but, as the noble lord said, in the case of hospitals,
this excuse cannot be given. "Itis a charity at
once large. and comprehensive, embracing every
sect, every denomination, and every rank ; meeting

the exigencies common to our human nature, and
ways of life." Some amusement was created by
the illustrations given in this speech of the truth of
this, for "no man would voluntarily break an arm
or a leg, or fracture his skull for the purpose of
experiencing the admirable treatment he would
receive there."

The avowed purpose for which an hospital -is
created is enough to insure for it a cordial support
and an unhesitating approval. All must feel an
interest in the alleviation of suffering if they have
the slightest feelings of humanity. .It fol-
lows, as a matter of course, that as the
population of a town increases there must be a cor-
responding increase of discaso ; but we trust with
Lord DERBY that the time will never come, " how-
ever the population and the suffering may increase,
that there will not be found abundant charity to
meet the exigencies as they arise from time to time."
His Lordship concluded by stating that he was not
there as a Minister of the country, but as one of
their neighbours who took an interest in the town
of Liverpool. In going upon 'Change afterwards
the noble lord was received with a hearty welcome.

The course of events both at home and abroad is
so rapid and remarkable in these days that, how-
ever exciting or interesting the incidents of any one
particular epoch, they are soon superseded by fresh
objects of attention. The members for Edinburgh,
however, are seemingly of opinion that there is still
something to be said respecting the history of last
Session. The other day we reported a lengthened
address by Mr. MoNoREIFF, and since then Mr.
ITLAREN has vindicated his own conduct during

lie Reform question, and has summarised the his..
ory of the political year for the benefit of,his con-

stituents.

Mr. M 'LAREN started from the somewhat original
premises that when he first read Mr. DISRAELI'S
bill he thought it, as a whole, the most objection-
able bill he had ever seen. He thought, however,
that Mr. DISRARLI'S speech in introducing the bill
to the house was fair and candid, and he approved
of the course he proposed. Mr. DISRAELI said in
effect, " We know one party cannot carry any Re-
form Bill without the assistance from the opposite
side, and they knew from the experience of last
session that they cannot carry one without our
assistance. Let us then agree that a joint action
shall take place, that the House of Commons and
the Government may frame a good bill in committee,
both parties making concessions in order that one
may be carried this session." Such was, in fact,