The Sun.
London, England, 1866-02-22 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 22, 1866,

THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN."
J. IIt..'LAIES begs to inform his friends, and the pubic
thrt he isupphes the LATEST EDlTltili of
ate..'• as soon as published —No. 16, Hampstead-
r)ad, N. W.

QPORTING.—JOHN ROBERTS supplies the
LATp.ST EDITION of "TEE bUN" as suou as pub-
Batlf-;trf et, City-road, E.C.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

THIS DAY.-31c,rning, 6h. 54m. Afternoon, 7h. 20m.
T °lmo w.-3I orni g, 7n. 501-IL—Afternoon, 84. 26m.

figa .4,31
eig

LONDON, THURSDAY, FEB. 22, 1866.

From the intelligence brought by the Hibernia
from Newyork on the 10th we may infer that both
parties are anxious to get over the French-American
crisis without havingdangerous recourse to the costly and
alternative of war. We need not indeed
accept unreservedly
the statements of the New York
Tribune, that the Marquis DE MONTHOLON and Mr.
SEWARD have had
-final interview upon Mexican'
a
affairs, at which it was positively understood that
the French EMPEROR h
given orders for the with-
drawal of his troops,
leaving MAXIMILIAN his
own resources. The tone of
the care which the Ihe
public mind is,
however, decidedly pacific, and
Government of the United States have taken to dis
' -
avow the Bagdad affair,
and even to Punish those
suspected of complicity in it, seems to indicate an
anxiety on their part to avoid an open rupture with
the Government of France. If they have reason to
believe that the EMPEROR is willing to withdraw
his forces without unnecessary delay, they may well
feel some annoyance at the unprofitable struggle
which is likely to precipitate matters, and to give
the Government of France ground for complaint.
The Federal commision appointed to investigate
the affair have made their report, in which they
throw the blame upon General CRAWFORD. Colonel
REID, his adjutant, has been arrested for complicity,
and Captain SINCLAIR of the Liberal army has
also been arrested for violating the neutrality
laws of the United States. The States Marshal is
disarming all parties at Brownsville and in the
neighbourhood ; and not too soon, for a French,

......—..----
man-of-war has arrived atthtahte27oooutFhreonfchthteroßopsio
Grand, and it was reported
were ex p, cwt ei
tdh,
(Irt haowuaglho
ft htish
e isl
oirncceosn. s islttenwtilwl ibt he
at
dh e..
rumoure
vantageous for France and America alike to settle,
the dispute amicably, and though no one in their
senses would be inclined to endorse General WEIT-
ZEL'S assertion, and declare " Mexico not worth
fighting for," still if the restless spirits of the army
choose to accept that form of resigning sour grapes
it will matter little to their superiors.
A somewhat amusing instance of the manner in i
which the Americans construe that doctrine of in- I
ternational neutrality which they preach so loudly
to other nations is mentioned in the Hibernian's
summary. The New York police one night
arrested a man with a waggon-full of arms and
ammunition. O'MAiroNv claimed the property as 1
belonging to the Fenians, and the man, arms, ammu-
nition, and all, was discharged. As the Fenians
, openly declare their hostile intentions towards a
friendly Power, the United States Government had
better look at home before they address any more
polite remonstrances to our Foreign Secretary.
There are indications of trouble for Spain, who
is likely to be a serious loser by her aggressive con-
duct towards Chili. Intelligence from Panama of
the Ist announces that Peru has concluded an
offensive and defensive alliance with her gallant
little neighbour, and has declared war against Spain.
Three Peruvian frigates and two corvettes had left
to join the Chilian fleet, so that the blockading
squadron will not be in a very enviable position.
Valparaiso is closely blockaded, and it was thought I
that an attack on the city was meditated. Probably
the Spanish commander, finding the tide of fortune
turning against him, had resolved to try a bold
stroke to recover his lost prestige. It was hoped at
Lima that the other South American Republics
would join:the alliance against Spain; and, if so, we
trust they will abide by the resolution of the Chilian
Ministry, and refuse to lay down their arms until
they have obtained a satisfactory guarantee from
the aggressor. If, whenever the Spanish exchequer
gets low, the Madrid Government seeks to replenish
it at the expense of one or other of the Southern
Republics there will be little peace or prosperity for
them. It would be far better to seize the oppor-
tunity, and by firm and united action teach the
Spaniards a useful lesson, and prevent the repeti-
tion of aggression and defiance on such paltry
pretexts.

In internal affairs the negro question has again
come uppermost. A deputation of coloured men
visited the PRESIDENT, and urged upon him the right
of the negroes to representation, seeing that they aro
taxed. Mr. JOHNSON, who is never afraid of avow-
ing his opinions, declared that he had always been
the friend of the black man, but that he believed
the Southern negroes would not be benefited by
enfranchisement, for it would breed a war of races.
The question he averred was one for the people to
settle, and it would be tyrannical for him to force a
decision upon them. The coloured deputation, as
may be supposed, were not at all satisfied with this
plain speaking, but it represents the opinion of
most moderate and unprejudiced men nevertheless.
To another deputation, expressing approval of his
general policy, the PRESIDENT is said to have
replied that he intended to adhere to the policy laid
down in the annual Message ; adding that he was
not a candidate for re-election, desired no office, and
could afford to do right ! If the majority of
American statesmen could act up to this prin-
ciple whatever their views, it would be fortunate
for themselves and the country. 'We hope
Mr. JOHNSON will maintain his independence and
straightforwardness, for one term of official duties
conscientiously fulfilled will give him a higher place
in the record of American statesmen than half-a-
dozen re-elections obtained by subserviency to the
intrigues of party.

At the present time few subjects can be so profit-
able for study or so appropriate for inspection as
that of the negro. What with the recent circum-
stances that have taken place, and the extraordi-
nary and absurd course pursued by some persons in
reference to them, it seems difficult for the unini-
tiated to come to a correct conclusion or to form a
fair judgment upon abstract matters relating to the
blacks. Among those publications which throw
light upon this question must be mentioned a paper*
that has lately been read before the Anthropological
Society of London, which contains much to interest
and instruct. In his preface the author truly states
that the occurrence of the Jamaica rebellion will
cause Englishmen to be brought face to face with
the negro. This paper was well received by a
numerous meeting in St. James's-hall on the first of
this month, and the writer declares that such a de-
monstration leads him to hope that he has brought
Iforward his facts opportunely, "and that the shal-
lowness and impiety of those who have dared. to
compare the wretched GORDON with St. STEPHEN,
nay, even with our SAviouß himself, will be in
the future thoroughly understood." A com-
prehensive view of the condition and cha-
racteristics of the negro are here met with ; and
it is curious to dwell upon the fact that the negro
race has always been the same in its features and
attributes. Thousands of years before the Christian
era, before the people of this country were known
of as rude savages, the sculptures of ancient Egypt
show us the " well-known features of tho negro,
pourtrayed with a fidelity and truth which leave
not a doubt of his identity, as being, in fact, the
counterpart of the African of the present day."
Then we find that the close connection with
civilisation which he enjoyed at that time
in no way improved the negro, and he
was then a menial. One fact is mentioned here as
showing the wide difference that exists among
races. CESAR tells us that the ancient Britons
were so savage that they were not even fit for
slaves. This, as we stated, shows the " great gulf
between the European and other races."
Looking at the negro as he appears in Africa,
where he is certainly free from those influences
which, it is said, do him so much injury, we find
the testimony of the enlightened men who have
travelled there, and have had much to do with the
black race, agrees with the opinion of those who
have had dealings with them, and they concur in
stating that there is an almost " total absence of
all those attributes which enable other races of man-
kind to advance in civilisation." On the other
hand, unanimity prevails respecting the " innate
cruelty" of the negro, his brutality when excited
ior misled, and his " inbred sloth." " The most
1 notorious vices seem to be his portion, and they
are strangers to every sentirnent•of compassion, and
aurheeannleaftwftuol
himself.
of the corruption of man
by the remarks
recentlyTniiiaisdeoib)ioynisonpEiKsEc,onlifiArKnriend,
and BURTON the latter of whom declares that there
are two distinct creeds touching the African race '
in England—that of those
who know him and the
who do not.
"Ignorance, not knowledge senti-
mentality, not sense, sway the ; e
practical public
mind." FRANKLIN, the philosopher, gave
it as his opinion that the negro is best
when " held to labour" by better and wiser
men than himself, and with this view BURTON coin-

* The Negro in Jamaica. By Commander Bodfora Pim,
E.N. Trubner and Co., Paternoster-row.

cider. A quotation is given from the writings of

an anti-slavery man who has served on the Coast of
Africa. Commander A. H. FOOTE, United States
navy, thus speaks of the African race—" No philo-
sopher among them has caught sight of the myste-
ries of nature ; no poet has illustrated heaven, or
earth, or the life of man. No statesman has done
anything to enlighten or brighten the links of
human policy ; in fact, if all that negroes of all
generations have ever done were to be obliterated
from recollection for ever, the world would lose no
great truth, no profitable art, no exemplary form
of life. The loss of all that is African would
offer no memorable deduction from anything but
the earth's black catalogue of crimes. Africa is
guilty of the slavery under which she suffered, for
her people made it as well as suffered it." Mr. M.
FORSTER, who for fifty years had great experience
in the characteristics of the race, states that he
has had many of the native children in England,
under his care, and that it is not till they grow up
that their natural deficiencies:are discovered ; they
acquire the rudiments of education with great
facility, and have " consideiable receptive,
but no creative powers." This gentleman con-
siders that they are the worst enemies of
the negroes who would give them sudden
liberty without being prepared for it. The writer
concludes the first part of his paper by stating that
he has shown sufficient to prove that the negro, in
his own land, is little better than a brute "in
mental power a child, in ferocity a tiger, in
moral degradation sunk to the lowest depths ;"
and from this he infers that "social slavery is
the effect, not the cause, of this degraded condition."
The experience of ages, the observation of the wise,
and the discoveries of the learned, all tend to con-
fute this view of the matter; and the more the sub-
ject is studied, and the investigations are pursued,
the clearer will it be shown that the negroes are
an inferior race, incapable, under any circumstance,
of attaining to the heights reached by other races,
and only kept in their just limits by strict super-
vision and firm and judicious treatment. Their
savage propensities are most manifestly displayed
on all possible occasions, and it is perfectly idle for
for pseudo-philanthropists to rave about the per-
fection of the African race, when history, ancient
and modern, emphatically belies their statements,
and the personal experience of those best qualified
to judge goes directly against the extravagant pro-
positions set forth.
In speaking of the negro elysium, the Island of
Jamaica, the writer affirms that this plan furnishes
proof that the "negro is a negro still, theories to
the contrary notwithstanding." The Maroons, to
begin with, show that the possession of mere free-
dom has not affected a savage people to civilise it.
They have been free since the island was taken
by the English, and they still wander through the
woods in a half-naked state, and exhibit other signs
of barbarism. It is truly stated that nowhere more
than in Jamaica could a better opportunity
have presented itself for proving the soundness
of the wisdom of those who declare that
the negro is equal to the white man, and that if
he had the same privileges he would attain the
same degree of excellence. The writer of this
paper has a good right to speak with boldness and
decision, for he has had great experience, and
what he utters is the " practical conviction of
twenty-five years' experience of the negro charac-
ter." We shall take another opportunity of re-
ferring to his able and explicit remarks upon this
interesting subject.

Leave was given on Tuesday night to bring in
a very important social measure in the House of
Commons. Mr. TOfIRENS introduced a bill to pro-
vide better dwellings for artisans and labourers ;
and the principle of his measure was a practical and
simple one. He proposes that whenever the Home-
office is called upon by a corporate body,
or by twenty ratepayers of a district to direct
an inspection to be made of a fever-stricken locality,
the Home Secretary should have power, supposing
the houses to be found unfit for habitation, to de-
mand from the local authorities an estimate of the
cost of removing and rebuilding such houses, and
that it should be competent for the Public Works
Commissioners to advance the necessary funds on

,he security of the rates. Mr. TORRENS remarked

that many philanthropic individuals had been en-
deavouring for some years past to improve the
dwellings of the labouring classes ; and he instanced
Mr. PEABODY'S munificent gift, Miss BURDETT
COUTTS'S charitable efforts, and other noble examples.
However great the good effected by each and all
' of these the work is beyond the scope of private
effort, and as it is emphatically a national question,
it is clearly the duty of the Government to take it
up. Mr. TORRENS cited the opinions of several
experienced medical officers. The prevalence of

fever in the metropolis is a great and recognised

evil, and it is an evil which does not only affect the
poor, for. as Mr. TORIMNS justly said, how do the
wealthy residents of the West End know from what

fever-stricken quarters their clothing or their fur-
niture come ? It need not, we hope, be necessary
to appeal to the selfishness of hon. members

to induce them to give a favourable hearing
to this bill, for the facts are powerful
enough to demand consideration. The number
of persons who live by wage labour within the bills
of mortality are roughly estimated at about 648,000,
and for these proper accommodation is only
provided for 9,000. No wonder that typhus
in all its forms is ever at work amongst us,
that over seven hospitals are full to overflowing,
and our pauperism never lessened. " There were
men," said Mr. ToRRENs, "living with their fami.

lies in a single room, deaths taking place there,
births taking place there. As the inevitable result,
there was a pestilence ; fever held revel in those
places, fever never departing. He could multiply a
list of the evils resulting from the system. These
places were the well-heads of pauperism—the
springs of disease and demoralisation and death ;
and unless they were dried up and drained, as was
done with the land, to expect health in the inhabi-
tants was vain." The bill is not intended to
benefit London alone. Newcastle, Liverpool,
Glasgow, arc all described as anxious for
something of the kind. Mr. TORRENS dis-
claimed any idea of indicting a loss upon the
owners of the property rebuilt. They were to be
fully compensated, but the free trade in fever which
they had hitherto enjoyed was to be put a stop to.
It is quite certain, whether the TOR R ENS bill becomes
law or not, that the Session cannot be suffered to
pass without the Legislature taking some steps to
remedy so great and increasing an evil. The health
and morality of the population should be the first
care of Parliament, and all reform, education, and
preaching will in vain seek to elevate the people so
long as they are confined to habitations which are
a degradation to the inhabitants and a disgrace
alike to our civilisation and our humanity.

The biddings for bills on India took place yes-
terday afternoon at the Bank of England. The
proportions allotted were, to Calcutta, £217,200 ;
to Madras, £3,200 ; and to Bombay, £lOO,OOO.
The minimum price was as before, Is. Hid. on
Calcutta and Madras, and Is. Il4d. on Bombay.
Tenders on Calcutta and Madras at 2s. will receive
about 80 per cent., and on Bombay at 2s. Old.
about 13 per cent. ; above these prices iu full.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

PARIS, Wednesday Evening.

I have nothing more important to speak of to-day
than the attitude assumed by M. Bismark, which I
noticed yesterday. The anticipations prevalent as
to the course he was likely to adopt have proved
perfectly correct. He declares, by a single letter
to the President of the Chamber of Deputies, that
the resolutions adopted by the Chamber of Repre-
sentatives of the nation are unconstitutional and
unacceptable, and that he sends them back to the
Chamber, considering them to be null and void, and
says he shall treat them as not having come to his
knowledge. The Siecle, iu reference to the attitude
of Prussia, says that diplomatic communications
between the Cabinets of Austria and Prussia have
been very frequent within the last few days. There
is a desire to prevent an armed conflict between
Austria and Prussia, and to arrive at a pacific solu-
tion of the question of the Duchies. The obstinacy
of the Cabinet of Berlin has rendered this diplomatic
activity more necessary than ever. The restoration
to Denmark of the northern portion of Schleswig
appears to have been again under consideration.
By such a plan Prussia would gain the co-operation
of the other portions of the two Duchies.
To-day is observed in some circles of Paris with
a degree of veneration as the anniversary of the day
when the remains of INloliere were committed to the
grave. Moliere died on February 17, 1673. At
that period he was treated as an atheist, and his re-
mains were conveyed to the cemetery of St. Joseph
by two priests, accompanied by about 100 persons
with torches, like those of a malefactor, no funeral
service having been performed over them previously.
A schism has taken place among the society of
Gens de Lettres, the cause being the Tresor Lit-
teraire. .A very stormy meeting of the society has
just taken place in the Rue Scribe. The society is
now divided into what may be called,two intrenched
camps, Conservatives and Liberals. The commit-
tee were attacked very vigorously, but on a scrutiny
the Conservatives obtained seven nominations out of
nine. Another scrutiny, however, is to take place
next week, to decide the points at issue.
The doubts as to whether the late Leopold of
Belgium was or was not a Free Mason have been
settled by a masonic funeral ceremony celebrated
with pomp in the hall of the Lodge of the Grand
Orient at Brussels. A sarcophagus was erected,
ornamented with all the masonic insignia of Ma-
sonry. The Grand Master, M. Van Schoor, pre-
sided at the ceremony, and M. Defre pronounced
an eloquent funeral oration. Mr. Van Schoor,
holding in his hand the symbolical ear of corn, said,
" The life of man here below is only a passage.
Look at this ear. It has fallen under the scythe of
the husbandman. Thus man falls under the scythe
of Time. The ear is dried up, but it is not de-
stroyed. If this grain be placed in the earth it will
have new life. Nothing is lost for the Great
Architect of the worlds. Brothers, let us return to
the tomb of our venerated Master. In the name of
the Lodge of the Grand Orient, whom he loved so
much, and by whom he is so much beloved, let us
say a last and eternal farewell." At the same time
the funeral veil, which separated the tomb of the
Temple of Immortality, disappeared, and the bust
of the late King was seen surrounded with lights,
flowers, and plants. To the sound of music the
Masons defiled around it, each depositing a laurel
of acacia on the sarcophagus. The ceremony is
said to have produced a profound sensation.
A terrible story is told by the Epoque. Some
time ago a young girl named Sophie G- left the
convent to be married to a respectable young man.
The marriage had been in contemplation for some
time, and was looked forward to with pleasure by
both families. Unfortunately the young lady had
been confided to the care of a governess,
supposed to be a woman of great purity,
but who, in reality, is bad in every re-
spect. She taught the worst lessons to the
young Sophie. One evening she took the young
girl out into bad company, and she did not return
home till the next day. The governess told such a
lame story that she was instantly discharged, and
Sophie was sent back to the convent. Her behaviour
there was so regular and so good for a time that her
parents thought she was quite reformed, and again
sent for her home. The marriage was once more
talked of, and indeed arrangements were made for it
to take place. Unfortunately, however, the bad
example of the governess had taken too deep a root,
and Sophie thought of nothing but balls, concerts,
lovers, and novels. By an unhappy chance, Sophie,
who was not watched closely enough, about a week
ago, met her former governess. Sophie was in vain
expected to breakfast. For some days there was no
news of her, and then came the information from
the Prefecture of Police that she had been with girls
of bad character, and was in prison. Both father
and mother were horror-struck. The father went
into his study and blew out his brains with a pistol.
The mother rushed into the room. Soon after the
young man who was to be Sophie's husband followed.
Sophie's mother was sitting beside the corpse. Her
reason was gone. She was mad. Next day a corpse
was found in the Seine. It was that of Sophie's
affianced. He had announced his coming marriage
to all his friends, and from shame, disappointment,
and despair, he had committed suicide. Sophie,
who is but 17, is still under the care of the police.
The young man was very rich, and there was every
probability that the marriage would have been a
happy and prosperous one.
A circular has been issued by the Minister of
Public Instruction which directs that henceforward
education is to be given in the religious schools
without any distinction in regard either to birth or
fortune. The distinction heretofore made between
rich and poor children has sometimes led to various
evils and much dissatisfaction.

The weather is still very ztrong and unsettled.
The wind to-day has been colder than on any day
during this winter. lam told, hut Ido not know
the fact myself, that snow fell last right a few miles
from Paris. It does not freeze, but the temperature
is very little above freezing point,

A ROYAL DESSERT SERVICE.--A magnificent
dessert service in porcelain and ceramic statuary
has just been completed by Mr. Copeland of New Bond-
street, for his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, which
far outrivals anything yet produced in " the Potteries."
The centre piece is of extraordinary beauty. The principal
comfort being supported by figures representing the four
quarters of the globe, each with its appropriate symbol,
modelled from designs by the celebrated sculptor
Durham. The exquisite taste and richness of the deco-
ration of this specimen of the potter's art is positively
enchanting. The four raised fruit dishes are also elevated
upon groups of figure; and represent, by their various
zodiacal signs and diversity of the ideal occupations, the
months of the year. The remaining portion of the
elegant service includes ice pails, cream bowls, sweet
meat dishes, plates, and coffee cups and saucers. The
plates are of the finest porcelain, perforated to show the
skill of the potter's art. On each plate there are four panels,
surrounded by festoons and ribbons of raised and chased gold,
most delicately painted with varied flowers and fruit. In the
centre is the monogram of their Royal Highnesses the
Prince and Princess of Wales, the initial of the Prince
being in gold, that of the Princess in strings of roses. Tho
design of the plates is carried out throughout the
entire service, both as regards the pedestals of the vari-
ous groups, which are all perforated and magnificently de-
corated in a truly regal style. For our own part we
hardly know which to admire most, the gorgeous beauty
of the gilding or the chaste and exquisite flower painting,
as the colours in every instance being quite up to that of
Sevres. The labour of producing such a brilliant speci-
men of British art must have been immense, but it must
be extremely gratifying to Mr. Copeland to hear the an-
bounded and especial praise that is lavished on his
efforts by all those who have the good fortune to get a
glimpse of it before it is convoyed to its destination.
BURGLAR PROOF SAFES.—The many recent
robberies from so-called thief-proof safes has stimu-
lated the different makers of these articles to remedy the
glaring defects of their construction, but hitherto without
effect, for forcing ci la crowbar is now a daily, or rather a
nightly fact. The safe patented by Mr. Hendry, Cheap-
side, is so constructed that it is impossible for the same to
be opened by foul means, as the more it is forced the more
firmly does it got fixed. The safe has a circular door which
screws into its position, the screw round the edge of the
door worming itself into the mouth of the safe; when
locked another bolt presents itself so as to prevent tho
turning of the door ; when unscrewed it rests on a pivot,
which is home by a frame hinged to the side of the safe,
thus permitting the door to be swung round. Tho safe is
semi-cylindrical, and is thus calculated to resist a large
amount:of force. It is made of half-inch boiler plate, care-
fully packed with a fire-proef composition•

LA TEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

SPAIN.

MADRID, FEB. 21 (Evening).

Congress has adopted the proposals of the com-
mittee in reference to the bill to prevent auy person
from being at the same time a Government func-
tionary and a member of the Chamber of Deputies.

PORTUGAL.
LISBON, FEB. 21.

To-day the motion protesting against the order
addressed by the Government to General Prim to
quit Portugal was rejected, after an animated de-
bate, in the Chamber of Deputies.
It is said that General Prim will go to Gibraltar.

AUSTRALIA.
(By Overland Telegraph from Galle.)
MELBOURNE, JAN. 25.

The severe drought which prevailed has at length
terminated, and rains have fallen over the whole

continent.

NEW ZEALAND.

MELBOURNE, JAx. 25.

Intelligence from New Zealand announces that
General Chute had attacked and captured a large
rebel pah.

The war was virtually over, and the troops were
leaving for England.

CHINA AND JAPAN.

HONG KONG, FEB. 1.
It is reported that a large rebel force is within 30
miles of Nunkan (? Nankoo).
Intelligence from Japan states that Belgium is
endeavouring to conclude a treaty with the Japanese
Government.