The Sun.
London, England, 1859-12-14 00:00:00

THE CITY SEWERS COMMISSION.

The Commissioners of Sewers met yesterday at
Guildhall, Mr. Deputy Christie presiding.

• PUBLIC INDICATORS.
Mr. DANNY', chief clerk, read a letter which had
been addressed to him by Mr. Ponsonby, manager
to the Public Indicator Company, stating that on
Tuesday 'last the workmen of the company com-
menced their preparations for erecting a public
indicator, which the company had obtained permis-
sion from that court to erect at Exchange.buildings,
but that the workmen were assailed with much
violent language by the inhabitants of the neigh-
bourhood, and the company were next day served
with notice to desist by the churchwardens of St.
Michael's, Cornhill, under threat of an appeal to
the Court of Chancery, and that they had desisted
accordingly; restoring the pavement to its original
state.
Mr. ABRAHAMS said the interference of the
churchwardens of St. Michael had raised a grave
question of right, which it was necessary should be
thoroughly understood. He moved, therefore, to •
refer it to the General Purposes Committee. •
Mr. ELLIOTT seconded the motion, believing'
that the control and regulation of the pavement
rested solely with that court.
Mr. Deputy HARRISON said he knew there had
been a good deal of excitement in his ward (earn-
hill) on the subject, and he had recommended them
to come by memorial to that court, which had only
given permission for the continuance of the indi-
cator while it was not complained of as a nui-
sance, and would therefore, no doubt, have speedily
ordered its removal if the nuisance were proved.
The inhabitants, however, had preferred to act for
themselves in the matter, and so the company had
desisted.
Mr. Deputy FARRAR—Yes, and by taking the
law into their own hands they have succeeded
much mere effectually than the Duke of Welling..
ton with regard to the indicator near Apsley-
house. (Laughter.)
The motion was then agreed to.
SANITARY CONDITION OF TIRE CITY.

Dr. Letheby, the Medical Officer of Health, re-
ported of 204 houses that had been inspected during
the week, and he submitted a list of 87 places that
required sanitary improvement. The mortality re-
turns have fallen from an average of 70 per week
during the last fortnight to 50. This is below the
average (64) for the corresponding period of the last
four years. 19 of the deaths were among infants
of less than 5 years of age, and 14 among old per-
sons of 60 and upwards. Diseases of the respira-
tory organs bare declined from an average of 30
per week to 15. There were only 2 deaths from
phthisis, 7 from pneumonia, and 6 from bronchitis;
and diseases of the zymotic class have declined from
17 per week to 8. The deaths were 3 from small-
pox, 2 from diarrhoea, 1 from scarlet fever, 1 from
diphtheria, and 1 from measles. 73 births were
registered during the week—viz., 37 boys and 36
girls.

DEATH FROM A DAMP BED.—A few days since
Mr. Henry Edward Stanley, of Stourport, son of the late
Rev. Jacob Stanley, Wesleyan minister, was on his usual
journey, and slept at Rosa. He was put into a damp bed,
and in the morning he discovered the effect upon his frame.
He immediately returned to Stourport ; but medical aid
was of no avail, death ensuing in a fov days; and by this
distressing negligence a widow and six children have to
lament an irreparable loss.
LeluvEirrisumENT.l—Err s'S (Homoeopathic Chemist)
COCOA.—This esteemed preparation is sold by the prin-
cipal grocers at ls. 6d. per lb., in 11b., in., and Vb.
packets. Each packet is labelled " James Epps, Homoito•
pathic chemist, London."

-

BENSON'S WATCHES.
" Perfection of mechanism."--Morning Post.
Gold Watches - 4 to 100
Silver Watches
33 nd t • Ludgate-hill, London, E.G.
Send 2 stamps for Benson's Illustrated Pamphlet on Watches

ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA,
COVE-NT-GARDEN.
Under the manag•ement of Miss L. Fyne and Mr. W. ITarriSoll.
THIS EVENING, THE CROWN DTAMONDS. Messrs.
G. Honey, B. Corti, St. A ibyn, and W. Harrison; Miss Thlrl-
wail, and Miss Louisa Fyne.
Conductor, Alfred Mellon.

Ballet, LA. FIANCEE. Messrs. W. H. Payne, 11. Payne,
F. Payne, 31(111e. Lequine, Pasquale, Pierron, Clara Morgan
and Mons. Vandris.
Doors open at Inlf-past 7—Commence at 8 o'clock.

THEATRE-ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Lessee, Mr. J. B. Bnckstone.
TUTS EVENING- the performances will commence with
A CURE FOR THE HEARTACHE.
After which, by desire, THE CONTESTED ELECTION,
Mr. and Mrs. Char:es Mathews, Mr. Buckstone, &c.
And A KISS IN THE DARK.
Commence at 7.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.-
Lessee, Mr. A. Harris.
THIS EVENING. the new drama.' entitled HOME
VtUTIIS. Messrs, G. Melville, J. G. Shore, F. Matthews,
Miss C. Lec'ercq and Mrs. Charles Young.
Followed by A WONDERFUL WOMAN. Mr. A. Harris,
Shore, Frank Matthews, and Miss C. Leclercq.
After which. Mons, Espanosa (Premier Danseur Comique),
will appear, with Madlle. Nariquita, assisted by the Ladies of
the Corps de llet, in Le Grand Pas du Dervish de Faust, as
danced by him 150 consecutive nights at the Theatre de la
Porte St. Martin, Paris.
To conclude with NURSEY CHICKWEED. Messrs. Tl.
Widdicomb, Meadows, H. Saker ; Miss L. Keeley and Mrs.
Weston.

NEIV THEATRE - ROYAL, ADELPHL
Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Beni. Webster.
THIS EVENING, THE DEAD HEART. Messrs
B. Webster. J. L. Toole, David Fisher, Paul Bedford. Stuart,
Billington, C. J. Smith, Eburne, Moreland; Miss Woolgar,
and Miss K. Kelly.
Followed by the successful piece of extravagance, called
DINORAII UNDER DIFFICULTIES. Messrs. J. L. Took,
P. Bedford, C. J. Smith, Eburne, and Miss K. Kelly.
Doors open at half-past six—Commence at seven. Box-
Office open from 10 to 5. No charge for securing seats,
nor tar bills of performance. All fees to servants of this
establishment are strictly prohibited.
Acting Manager—Mr. Wm. Smith.

THEATRE-ROYAL LYCEUM.-
So!e Lessee and Directress, Madame Celeste.
THIS EVENING. a new Vaudeville Comedietta, called
THE KEY UNDER THE DOOR-MAT. Messrs. James
Vinning, Jno Rouse, (tn. ; Mesdames A, H. Hatton and Julia
St. George.
To be followed by the new Drama Fantas+ique, entitled
PARTS AND PLEASURE ; or, Home and Happiness.
Principal characters by Messrs. W. Lacy. J. Vining, .1. John-
stone. P. Villiers; Misses Julia St. George, Hudspeth, Kate
Saville, A. Burdett, and Madame Celeste.
Po conclude with ST. MARY'S EVE. Madame Celeste
and Mr. Rouse.

ROYAL ST. JAMES'S THEATRE,
King-street, St. James's. Lessee, Mr. T. B. Chatter-
ton. The nearest Theatre to Chelsea, Pimlico, and West-
minster, the Park being open to carriages and, foot passen-
gers all hours of the night
THIS EVENING, TIIEY'RE BOTII TO BLAME.
Followed by MAGIC TOYS, supported by Miss Lydia
Thompson, Clara St. Cassc,
After which, A DESPERATE GAME.
To conclude with the New and Original Burlesque, by L.
Buckingham. Esq., of VIRGINIUS ; or the Trials of a Fond
Papa. Virginius, Mr. Charles Young.
Reduced Prices—Gallery, 6d ; Pit, is. The Box-office open
from 11 to 5 daily. Doors open at half-past six ; perform
ante commences at 7.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRg,
Westminster-road.
Sole Lessee—Mr. William Cooke, his Farewell Season.
TEAS EVENING. the grand melo-dramatic production,
by Tom Taylor, Esq., called GARIBALDI ; illustrating the
principal events in the Life of the Great Italian General.
To be followed by New and Transcendant Equestrian Talent
of Young Menoni, supereminent in his somersaults and inap-
proachable—The brilliant Lady Rider, Miss Emily Cooke—
Tee Wouderfully-schooled Dogs and Monkeys, and Intelli-
n•ent Elephant—Amazing /Erial Rondines by John henry
Cooke, the first horseman in the Universe—Equestrian Blind
Man's Buff—Vaulting Ambition, by the treble-headed Won-
ders—Sig. Delavanti and his admirable Proteg,ees. varied by
those heralds of fun, the Clowns, Mimes, and Drolls.
To commence at 7.
Stage Manager, Mr. R.. Phillips

CNTERBUR V HALL CONCERTS.
EVERY EVENING.—The Music of Verdi's Opera of
MACBETH (now first made publiCin England at these Con-
certs).
And a Grand Se lietion from lileyerheer's new opera of
DINOR.AII.
Comic Vocalists —Messrs. George Holson (the Trish Come-
dian and Mimic), W. T. Critchfield, and E. W. Hackney.
Several interesting Pictures are added to the Fine Arts
Gallery. The suite of Halls have been re-decorated and
beautified, and constitute one of the most unique and brilliant
sights of the metropolis.
ROSA BONFIEUR'S celebrated PICTURE of the HORSE
FAIR is now added to the already magnificent Collection of
Paintings in the Canterbury Hall Fine Arts Gallery. The
gallery is open from 4) a.m. till 12 p.m. Admission, Six-
pence.

THE WEATHER.—SUN OFFICL, DECEMBBII, 14.
THERNIONCUTER, IN THE SHADB.
40 —highest since noon yesterday.
20 —lowest this morning and during the night.
33—this day at noon.
BAROMETER.-23.97.
WIND, North; fresh, with fine sharp frosty weather,

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tim; I)iv.-11.1ornin,g, 4h. 36m.—Afternoon, 4h. 59m
T4)-NIO uttow.-Morning, sh. 24m.—Afternoon, sh. 49m.

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1-1-E SUN.
LONDON, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14, 1859,

What is " the situation ?" as our neighbours
would say. Neither they nor we may be able to an-
swer the question very precisely, yet it is in many
respects apparent enough to all attentive observers,
and is a question of deep interest to us all. Who
can look on the nations of Europe now, and not feel

that we may be, and most probably are, in the
midst of a political crisis? Beyond the immediate
centre of action we see Turkey hearing with finan-
cial and administrative reforms, which have called
forth one vast conspiracy, and may yet engender
others ; while its neighbours are watching curi-

ously every writhing, of the " sick man." Enough
there is in him of material, of commercial, of financial
resources to send the bleod.vigorously again through
his veins, if he could but secure the single blessing
of a few honest, determined, andable servants. Will
such arise ? Will the occasion create the man in
Turkey ? Spain again, little and but indirectly con-
cerned in Italian matters, has her own little busi-
ness in hand—bne which the numbers, bravery, and
whirlwind-like tactics of Moorish cavalry may ren-
der a more tedious one than she expects—one on
which Europe looks chiefly with the inquiry,
Does Spain really wish to become an African power,
or will she venture to pick a quarrel with England
by rendering herself mistress of both sides of the
Straits ? Little danger of that while Cuba is at our
mercy, after we have paid her nearly half a
million for abolishing that Slave-trade which she
and the Freedom-loving subjects of Presi-
dent Bu C lIINAN still uphold in full
vigour. Germany, too, has a small struggle
for freedom in hand, in the petty but much wronged
State of Hesse, but that will make little difference
we fear. The Germans, unlike their ancestors,
have little love of freedom. They are essentially
a set:of political children, fond of having all done
for them, and they will not soon be free. They
can theorise, write, and vapour, but there is more,
we believe, of the substance of manhood in Rus-
sian serfs than •in German peasants. And Russia,
by the way, even she is in an interesting condition,
and some great improvements must result from
emancipation of the serfs—she will then possess
an energy unknown to her before.
BUt it is France, Austria, and Italy that we all
think of when we lock to the Continent and anti-
cipate the approaching Congress. France self-
contained—united in its power at least, and ready
to move it all as the one man at her head shall
direct. Italy united in wish and hope, divided
politlCall yet desirous combine politically,
probably from the Alps to Sicily itself, but kept
sepaiate by a BOLT,BON and a POPE within her,
and by a mighty pressure without exerted not to
amalgamate, but to crush apart all the sections
which past years had created. Still Italy is strong
if left to herself. Long experience of Austria, of
Pops, and ofßotmuoNs have rendered all parts of
the country enthusiastic for union, and for union

under a Constitutional Monarchy. Italy ,knows
'er mind. Setting aside him of Naples, who
soon mend or move off if the
northern part of Italy obtained its objects,
Italy wants to relieve the POPE and his
Cardinals entirely of the cares of temporal govern-
ment, to leave him the chair of ST. PETER, and to
form one strong kingdom under the dynasty of
SAVOY. The Duchies and half the States of the
Church have done the thing as far as they could ;
the other half would follow but for French soldiers,
and Venetia is emigrating as fast as she can, to eom•
plete the army of 50,000 men which Central Italy
under FANTI has already nearly organised. Even
while forced to keep apart, these:States have strug-
gled into a kind of unity, under the Headship of
BtiONCOMPAGNI.

How, then, must the two great belligerents look
down upon what both wish to hold more or less as
their prey, though one prates of liberated Italy,
while the other does not conceal that she prefers
the stick, the dungeon, the bullet, and the gallows
as her instruments of government ! France, since
the ignominious failure of " my cousin's" courtship
of the Tuscans, thinks her interest concerned in a
divided and weak Italy, that she may reign by
divisions throughout the Peninsula. A mean and
ignoble policy. There is no reason for France to
fear any modern Italian C-ESAR. it is ungenerous
in the extreme, therefore, to wish to deprive a
whole people and race of the advantages of unity
and good government, that France may regard
herself as the virtual ruler of half-a-dozen Italian
satraps. May we not hope that France, now she
cannot have a NAPOLEON there, will have mag-
nanimity enough to stand still and see Italy save

herself.
But the situation of the late great oppressor o
Italy is daily becoming the most critical and
anxious of all. Austria seems to be falling to
pieces. Her parts never had natural cohesion ;
they were clamped together by the pressure of an
enormous army, which even then required the
pressure of a Russian army quite as large to keep
Hungary beneath her hated rule ; and now that the
army has lost its prestige, and is itself exasperated
by defeat, almost every province is either in covert
rebellion or showing its utter indifference to the
fate of the HAPSBURGS and their petty patrimo-
nial estates in Germany. South of the Alps, the
very Quadrilateral itself is a heavy burthen to her ;
its inhabitants kept down by mere brute force, or
emigrating to strengthen the really hostile batta-
lions of FANTI and Central Italy. Even the Tyrol
and Bohemia are uneasy, and give her trouble ; but
Hungary, with Croatia and Transylvania, are ready
at any moment to set up as Independent States—
to follow the example of Central Italy, and to re-
lieve themselves at once of the incubus which has
so long depressed their civil, religious, and commer-
cial energies and liberties.
The House of HAPSBURG is one of the inexter-
minable weeds of Europe, or it would have been
got rid of long ago. It has repeatedly ruined all
hopes and prospects of national improvement, even
when they have appeared most promising. It has,
on the other hand, been apparently almost destroyed
itself, but, like the weed alluded to, which our far-
mers find ever returning if not ever warred with,
so Austria has come to life again, to blight once
more the fair hopes of patriots and their countries.
From the times of WALLENSTEIN and the scaffold
at Prague to those of HAYNAU and the
butcheries of Arad, she has again and agai regained
the power to shed the noblest blood, for which
the blood of all the Imperial House of Austria now
living were but a poor expiation. But for this
we should think the doom of the merciless, the
dark, the Jesuit-ridden Hapsburgs come. There is
no part of their dominions, except perhaps the
little family of household German slaves around
them, which loves them. And even they would
probably like a little less despotism of the Counts
who govern for the " paternal " boy that plays the
Emperor. But the strength of the Empire is hos-
tile to the EMPEROR. Its largest, bravest, and, till
1848, freest population now desires nothing better
than to see its oppressors swinging on the gallows
at Arad, and atoning for the blood they shed there.
The Hungarians, if, however, they be not vengeful,
have not yet lost their love of liberty. Koss=
could have made them an independent nation if the
conqueror at Solferino had not been frightened
at the prospects of freedom. The mock
patent of Protestant liberties is scouted by
the whole Protestant population ; Roman Ca-
tholics there—how different to Irish Catholics
—unite in demanding Protestant liberties, and
all parties join in their indignation against the
seizure of a harmless but a patriot Greek bishop.
Austria will come into Congress with Hungary,
Venetia, Transylvania, and even the Tyrol,
weighing her courage to the ground. Will not
England then speak out ? She has a noble oppor-
tunity. Austria would limit the decisions to
Italian questions—on those we know our mind; but
surely the time will be come in January to burst
the fetters of diplomatic conventionalism, and to
say a word for Hungary and Venetia, against
both of whose liberties England—by her rulers
—not by her people, has so deeply sinned.

The expiring year will be held memorable, among
other melancholy reasons, for the demise, towards its
close, of so many of the bright ornaments of science
and literature, beloved and honoured by the present
generation, Has not Germany lost one of the
most radiant of her intellectual glories in ALEX-
ANDER VON HUMBOLDT, the seerlike author of
" Kosmos," one of this earth's most illustrious tra-
vellers, a philosopher with a nature the most simple
and childlike, a grasp of knowledge almost univer-
sal, and a genius in its character nothing less
than encyclopdiac ? Has not Scotland had
reason to lament in a peculiar manner
over the mournful circumstances of the death of
one of the most gifted of her self-taught sons ?
HUGH MILLER, the eminent geologist, who, if he
did not absolutely and to the full find " books in
the running brooks, sermons in stones, and good in
everything," had an eye at least to the dis-
covery of the source of those three Shaksperian
marvels witness his especial masterpiece in
the authorship of the "Old Red Sandstone."
More recently have we not all of us had
to mourn the breathing of their last breath
successively, by LEIGH HUN T, the most charming
of all our Poet-Essayists, and by THOMAS DE QUIN-
CEY, the wonder-revealing Opium-Eater! And
now America, having, by the expiring of WILLIAM
PRESCOTT, been bereaved, so very recently, of the
most brilliant of all her historians—has but just
had snatched from her loving admiration the pure
and amiable life of the foremost, and the
best beloved of the few original men of
letters who ha-; e already, by the force of their
rare powers built up for her a literature. WAsa-
INGTON IRVING, in his seventy-sixth year, at length,
after life's fitful fever, sleeps well near his almost
life long home of Sunnyside. Peace to his gentle
dust ! Honour to his stainless memory ! lie has
left a fair fame that appertains not simply to the
United States alone, but that is held dear to th e hearts
of all the Anglo-Saxon race scattered over the wide,
wide world, over so many varied climes and
countries "speaking the language SiLuisruz