The Sun.
London, England, 1867-12-07 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 7, 1867.

danger that they were many of them removed in
spite of falling sparks and other risks. Happily
no life was lost, but the thought of the terrible
calamity which London has suffered is enough to
sober the most trifling. Had the fire burst out
with such suddenness and violence in the midst
of a thronged night of the season a tragedy
unparalleled in our modern social history would
have had to be recorded. Remembering this, the
loss of the building, beautiful as it was, is a secon-
dary matter ; but all must join in cordially regret-
ting it. The size of the structure alone would have
made it remarkable ; but it was in every other
respect worthy of its position as the first of London
theatres. Belonging to the last century, it was the
storehouse of an immense collection of scenery and
other theatrical properties, besides many valuable
scores of the principal operas. Mr. MAPLESON'S
loss will be a heavy one, and will elicit general
sympathy. Unfortunately his insurance was within
a few days of completion.
The scene at the fire was a most exciting one.
The crowds which thronged to the scene of action
from every part filled all the surrounding streets.
Every crevice, every window for some distance
round, was filled with spectators. Order was main-
tained by the police assisted by detachments of
the Foot Guards, and the streets leading to the
theatre were kept clear. So great was the heat
thrown out, however, by the vast mass of flame
that the crowd in Cockspur-street had to fall back
to escape it. Thanks to the new system of tele-
graphic communication, every fire brigade in Lon-
don had immediate notice of the disaster within a
few minutes of its first discovery. The powerful
steam fire engines threw their volumes of water, the
firemen worked with even more than their usual
bravery and determination ; but, from the first, the
rescue of any part of the opera house was hopeless.
The sea of fire swallowed up everything before
it, and it was only by the most strenuous
and unceasing exertions that the whole of
the neighbouring houses were saved from
total destruction. The extreme force of the wind,
of course, added strength to the flames, and made
them more difficult to combat. Those who bad
heard of the great water tanks at the top of the
building looked hopefully for the moment when it
should fall in, and lend the aid of its supply to the
engines. But that moment never came, and the
fire, after raging for about two hours with terrific
violence, fairly burned itself out, with the annihila-
tion of the building. The scene of Friday, Dec. 6,
1867, stands out as a parallel iu theatrical history
to that of March 4, 1836, when the famous old
house of Covent Garden met with a similar fate.

We are glad to find that so important a subject
as that of Irrigation in India is not to be altogether
overlooked. Last evening, in the Commons, Mr.
OTWAY asked the Secretary for India some ques-
tions respecting the regulations of the East India
Irrigation Company ; and Sir S. NORTIICOTE, in
reply, showed himself familiar with the details of
the question. The Indian Government has, it
seems, given its opinion to the Secretary of State
that it is desirable for the State to purchase the
works of the East India Irrigation Company at Orissa
and Bebar, and after some consideration the Council
have decided upon doing so. The purchase money is
to come out of the India revenues, and will amount
to between £BOO,OOO and £900,000 ; the manner of
raising it is not yet determined upon. We hope
from this that it is the intention of the adian
authorities to push vigorously forward these all-
important works in Orissa. Had they been earlier
completed the terrible record of the famine might
have been of a very different character. Those who
contend that irrigation would not prevent famine
and scarcity have they must acknowledge
only presumption on their side. So far
as practical experience goes, we know that
in districts where the water supply is regular and
plentiful seasons of scarcity are very much more
rare, and it is evident to the most careless observer
that the means of cheap and ready communication
afforded by canals must greatly facilitate the trans-
mission of stores. The tragedy of Orissa will not
soon be forgotten either in England or in India.
Let us turn the bitter memory to account by vigor-
ous action, which shall diminish the risk of its re-
currence in the future.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

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

It is stated from Florence that Garibaldi, who
was sent to Caprera with a view to the restoration
of his health, is, nevertheless, at the disposal of the
judicial authorities, who will not release him until
the Government shall decide upon the course which
ought to be adopted respecting him. A picket of
gendarmerie has been sent to Caprera to hinder his
escape, and to prevent any communication with him
on the part of the unquiet spirits, who may even
yet attempt the organisation of more mischievous
projects. These gendarmes are posted in the case-
mates opposite to the house where Garibaldi resides.
The Moniteur announces the death of the Car-
dinal Archbishop of Malines.
There was again a long discussion in the Legislative
Body yesterday relative to the Pope and Italy. The
Baron Jerome David entered into an examination of
allthe facts and circumstances, and contended that
the policy of the Government was wise, national, and
honest. lle answered the objections of the opposi-
tion orators, and said he concurred with those who
thanked the Government for having sent a second
expedition to Rome to protect the temporal power
of the Pope against armed attacks, and to insure the
observation of the treaty of September. What was
requisite to save Italy was the maintenance of the
authority of Victor Emmanuel, who desired unity
with France. It was necessary that there should be
a rigorous hand to guide the State and to contend
against the European revolution, which seemed to
have established its head-quarters in Italy. Italy
has shown herself ungrateful to France, for in spite
of her device—" Act for yourself "—she had only
conquered by the assistance of her allies.
M. Rouher, Minister of State, defended the policy
of the Government respecting the Roman question.
He demolished the contradictory theories of M.
Thiers. The Minister was by no means complimen-
tary to the Italian Government, and said M.
R9.ttazzi had exhibited " weakness.'' If the prin-
ciples of the Opposition were to prevail, said the
Minister, " civilisation would be repulsed and bar-
barism would resume its conquest." In another
part of his speech M. Rouher said very emphatically,
" We declare in the name of the. Government that
Italy shall never take possession of Rome. (' Very
good. Repeated applause. ' Never, never.') Never
will France allow that violence to be done to its
honour and to Catholicism. (More applause.)
France energetically demands the execution of the
treaty, and if the treaty be not sufficient, it will
supply the means of making it efficient. (Very
good.) Is that clear ? (' Yes, yes, very good.')"
The Chamber opposed the propositions of the Op-
position by the overwhelming majority of 231 to 17
only, and so passed to the order of the day, " pure
and simple."
M. Benazet, the well-known director of the
gambling establishments at Baden Baden, died on
Tuesday at Nice, aged 67. The attraction of Baden
was in a great measure due to M. Benazet, for he
used much exertion to render the place agreeable.
He made liberal donations to the hospital and for
various charitable purposes. On learning his death
the Municipal Council met and voted au address of
condolence to Madame Benazet, who is still staying
at Nice.

A very curious letter has just seen the light, which

was written by Sanson, the executioner, to the editor
of the Journal le Thernzometre, in which he gives
particulars of the execution of Louis XVI. The
letter, which was written a month afterwards, is as
follows :

" Citizen, my absence on a short journey was the
cause of my not replying sooner to the request made
in your journal, to be furnished with an account of
the death of Louis Casset. Here is the exact truth
of what passed. On descending from the cart for
the execution, he was told that he must take off his
coat, to which he made objection, and said they might
execute him as he was. Upon being told that this
was impossible he even assisted the executioner to
take his coat off. Ile made the same difficulty
when they were about to tie his hands, but he held
them to the person, who made the remark that this
was the last sacrifice he would have to make. Ile
then asked if the drum would continue to beat.
The reply was that they did not know, and that
this was the truth. He mounted the scaffold, and
wished to turn round as if he were about to speak,
but it was represented to him that this was also
impossible. He then allowed himself to be led to
the spot, where he was tied, where he said in a loud
voice, People, lam innocent.' Then, turning
to us, he said, Gentlemen, lam innocent of all of
which lam accused. I hope that my blood may
cement the happiness of the French.' Those., citi-
zen, were his last and his real words. The sort of
discussion which took place at the foot of the scaf-
fold arose from the circumstances that he did not
think it necessary to take off his coat, and because
they tied his hands. He also made the proposal
to cut his hair himself. And to do homage
to truth, he supported all with a calmness and firm-
nes which astonished us all. lam very convinced
that he derived this firmness from the principles of
religion, with which no person appeared to be more
penetrated than himself. You may be assured,
citizen, that here is the truth in its greatest extent.
I have the honour to be, citizen, your fellow-citizen,
SANSON. Paris, this 20th Feb., 1793, in the second
year of the French Republic."
Monday next has been fixed for the discussion
on the interpellations upon the affairs of Germany
and Italy.
I went to the Exhibition to-day with a view to
report progress of the removals and demolitions.
Such activity has been used that in many of the
departments where there used to be movement and
activity there is now a clear stage. All the articles
have been removed from the English portion, and
most of the stands are demolished. It is a scene
of desolation within, and without the work of de-
stroying the many beautiful and fanciful erections,
the types of the architecture and industry of all
parts of the world, has commenced, and even pro-
gressed. The splendid pavilion of the Emperor is
doomed. Its internal ornaments have been carried
away, and ruthless hands are ready to level the
whole construction to the dust. Gloom and dis-
order are i❑ full reign.

Notices have been published as to the delivery
of the medals. The English exhibitors, I believe,
have received theirs. Not so many of the French.
These medals will mark a great epoch in the posi-
tion of art and industry in 1867. England has
reason to be proud of the advance she has made.
France, on the other hand, rewards skill unparal-
leled in the perfection of articles of first-rate
utility. For instance, clock and watchmaking has
advanced with gigantic strides. I mentioned the
estimation of the jury that it was impossible to
procure such a cheap and perfect watch as that
submitted by Detouche, of the Rue St. Martin ; but
I forgot to say that at the last Exhibition in Eng-
land his skill and ingenuity were acknowledged by
awards of medals. He has completely destroyed
the prejudice against French watches which onca
existed.

In my accounts of marvellous things of the Exhi-
bition, I have hitherto forgotten to mention an in-
vention which has no second in utility. The incom-
bustible coffers of M. Haffner, of the Rue de
Richelieu, have been submitted to the most severe
tests. The result is perfect proof that a coffer can
now be had for the security of deeds, or any valu-
ables, which no fire can penetrate. I see that
various experiments have been lately made iu Eng-
land to insure this important desideratutn, but it
has not been so coaipletely attained as by this
great triumph of mind engendered by the Inter-
national Exhibition. A cash, or deed box, can now
be had which will baffle tire and water, and eve❑
defy the ravages of time.
A telegram has been received by the Govern-
ment, to-day, announcing that the King of Persia
returned to his capital on the 20th of September,
which he left at the end of April to undertake an
expedition against the Turcomans.
Tis has been a fine day for the season. Snow
lies around Paris, but no more has fallen.

LATEST INTELL LGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

FRANCE.

PARIS, Dec. 7.

The illoniteur of to-day publishes the full text of
the Marquis de Moustier's despatch of, the 18th
October on the grounds that that the summary of
it, which appeared in the report of the debate iu
the Legislative Chamber of the 4th December, did
not convey the exact meaning of it. The despatch
iu question has already been published in the yellow-
book.

AMERICA.
NEW YORK, Dec. 6, 6 p.m.

The steamer Cella has arrived out.
COMMERCIAL IN FELLIGENCE.

Closing Prices. —Gold, 137 g. Sterling exchange
on London, 1094. Five—Twenty United States'
Bonds, 1882, 1071 ; ditto 1885, 105 ; Illinois, 134 ;
Erie, 71k. Cotton—Middling Upland, 17.
PHILADELPHIA, Dec. 6.
Petroleum—standard white, 24c.

VENEZUELA.

HAMBURG, Dec. 6.

The Venezuelan Consulate in this city announces
that a decree was issued upon the 6th November at
Caraccas, imposing an extraordinary increase of
import dues to the extent of 20 per cent.
The increased duty takes effect, upon the 15th
December, at La Guayra and Puerto Cabello, upon
all goods imported from the Antilles and North
America, and upon the 31st December at the re
maining Venezuelan ports. Ships from Europe
will not be subject to the duty until the 15th and
31st January next respectively.
The increase is to continue in force for a year,
being subsequently compensated by a diminution in
the duties for two years upon the articles affected
by the change.