The Sun.
London, England, 1866-06-15 00:00:00

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

THIS :Dar.—Morning, 3h. 35n1.—Afternoon, 3h. 56m.
TJ-Mor.now.-11srning„ 4'u. 18m.—Afternoon, 4h. 40m.

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LONDON, TRIDAY, JUNE 13, 1866.

The troubles of the Ministry with respect to their
Reform Bill are not over. They may indeed felici-
tate themselves upon having gained another victory
upon what Mr. GLADSTONE considers to be one of
the mean features of the bill, but the amount of the
majority was anything but satisfactory. When
Mr. BRAND received the numbers after the division
of the evening, the Ministerialista promptly ex-
pressed their satisfaction, but when it turned out
that in a house of 553 members the Government had
only obtained a majority of 7, the cheers were,
not without reason, taken up by the other
side. In one view of the case the narrowness of
the majority is not wonderful, seeing that, although
Mr. GLADSTONE justly termed the £l4 county
franchise one of the vital points of the measure, it
is regarded as one of its worst and most dangerous
features by the Conservatives. The borough
franchise has really little to do with the Tories; the I
majority of the members returned by the towns
will naturally be most liberal and progressive, and
whether they are returned by 5,000 or by 20,000
constituents will not really affect their political ad-
versaries. But the Conservatives shrink from any
alteration which shall affect the nature of the agri-
cultural and rural constituencies, and diminish that
territorial influence over their tenantry which many
landlords look upon as part of their natural right.
They are uncertain as to the consequences of
the proposed reduction, and having failed to
reject the £l4 clause as it stands they have at-
tempted, byi Mr. HuiTr's amendment, to preserve
themselves indirectly against the innovation
by substituting the rating for the rental
as a qualification for the voter. This was
a trial of strength between the parties, and after'
the speeches of Colonel LINDSAY and Mr. DuCANE
in support of Mr. lluNT's amendment, and of Mr.
AYRTON and Mr. GOSCIIEN pointing out its fallacies,
the sense of the house was taken on the matter,
when there appeared the respective numbers of 280
and 273. This result appears to have startled the
Ministry, or at least to have convinced them that
it was better not to provoke another struggle, for
on Mr. STANHOPE'S moving the omission of part of
clause 4, which provides that the qualifying premises
mist consist of a house; and that where they con-
slit of a house and land, the house must be of the
clear annual value.of £6, or else the dwelling-house
of the voter, Mr. GLADSTONE unexpectedly gate
way. He was undoubtedly wise in so doing, for
the matter was of no great moment, and it would

be idle and contentious of the Government to insif it
upon every word ; but the dissatisfaetionpudly ex-
pressed by his Radical supporters may give us some
idea of the difficulties against which the Govern-
ment has to contend. On the one hand, they have
to face the determined opposition of the whole Con-
servative party to any considerable constitutional
changes; on the other hand, they are pressed forward
by a party who have more regard to trifling politi-
cal triumphs than td any real settlement of those
vexed questions which harass the country. Again
they have to contend against the more insidious
danger of pretended friends, who talk loudly
about Reform, but who are really glad to
avail themselves of any pretext for de-
laying or remodelling the bill, which, in their
hearts, they find so very unwelcome. That they
have not always acquitted themselves with pru-
dence, that they have failed to give complete satis-
faction to the genuine friends of Reform, or to con-
ciliate its open and disguised enemies, must be
frankly admitted ; but, at the same time, it must
be acknowledged that their task has been both
arduous and invidious. Mr. GLADSTONE'S conces-
sion was, as we have said, received with a very bad
grace by his supporters below the gangway, some
of whom had the bad taste to force the question to a
division, which did not much improve their position.
Still some progress was made last night, though it
must be admitted that the rate of progression is very
slow, and, what is more, the obstacles which threaten
the future are so numerous that there is not much
hope of getting on any faster. The next great
stumbling-block in the way is Lord DUNKELLIN'S
amendment respecting the borough registers, and
the Government will have to be well on their
guard against the probable division which
it will occasion. It now appears extremely
doubtful whether the bill can be carried
through this session, and should-that prove impos-
sible we hope the Ministry will decide upon an
autumnal session. Under any circumstances the
grave aspect of continental affairs would justify
such a proceeding, for whatever may be thought
of their domestic policy the conduct of our foreign
affairs by Earl RUSSELL and his colleagues fails to
inspire public confidence. The public would learn
with satisfaction that their representatives were to
be called together during the autumn months, and
hon. gentlemen can very well be expected to sacri-
fice their usual rural recreations if their political
sentiments are half as strong as they maintain.

Prussia has certainly no cause to congratulate
herself upon the result of the discussion in the Fede-
ral Diet, for she was defeated on every point of
consequence, the proposal of Austria for the mobili-
sation of the Federal army being adopted by nine
to six votes. This was a serious blow to Prussia, she
having declared, through her representative, that
the proposition was contrary to the Federal Consti-
tution; and yet, despite of this assertion, all the
most important Middle States voted against her.
After the motion the Prussian representative de-
clared that the Federal Pact was dissolving in the
opinion of Prussia, and submitted proposals for
constituting a new Build, and announced
that Prussia seceded from the present Confedera-
tion, and withdrew at once from the Assembly. It
is quite ovident, from this comprehensive statement,
that the Berlin Government were pretty well pre-
pared for a defeat, which result must be all the
more mortifying since they have been striving with
all their might and main to win over so many of
these States to their side. It augurs ill for the
psospects of Prussia in the war so likely to ensue

have been made. At any rate the decision has had this
advantage, that it shows unmistakeably how little
influence Prussia now possesses, and how little effect
her voice produces in the councils of Germany. The
importance of the affair is heightened by the fact
that some of the chief States were included in the
number of those who were in the majority.
Bavaria, Saxony, Wurtemberg, and Hanover, were
all against Prussia, and nothing can obliterate this
effect from the minds of men, whatever stirring
events may hereafter ensue. The Austrian Minister
was not behind his adversary in decision and
earnestness, for he insisted upon the indissolubility
of the Federal Pact, declaring, very truly, that
no member had a right to secede from the
Bund, and maintained its right of continuance.
He concluded by inviting the Diet to join him in a
" solemn protest for the preservation of the rights
and competency of the Bund, and to declare that it
should continue in full force and binding upon its
members." This the Diet adopted, so that Prussia
sustained a second defeat in this important contest.
It was asserted yesterday iu some quarters that
Austria had actually declared war, but Mr. LAvAr.D,
in answer to a question in the House, stated that he
had not received any communication to that effect
at the Foreign-office. It was not likely that the
Austrian Government would have compromised itself
to that iegree at this stage of the proceedings, and
indeed they have shown great discretion and re-
markable reticence in abstaining from fighting
under the provocation they have received. It is
quite evident that the object of Prussia was to
provoke Austria to take the initiative in a war,
but having failed in this she then went on to enter
Holstein, which insulting step she made certain
would settle the point, and exhibit Austria to the
world in the light of the oppressor. She has again
met with no success, and very likely the declaration of
war may finally proceed from Berlin. The Austrian
i Government very properly insisted upon Councillor
LESSER being released before the passports of
Baron WERTHER were given to him. We are glad
that they should have exhibited'such firmness and
1 discretion, for they have to deal with most unscru-
pulous adversaries, and cannot be too wary and
circumspect in their arrangements. It was an
outrageous act on the part of the Prussian forces
to
a:dhaivt have seized
very uspaotnisftaheet(4:ryouncillor after this fashion,
that they should have
been compelled to revoke their intentions. The
Common Council of Vienna has presented an ad-
dress to the EMPEROR which conveys loyal assur-
ances of support. The EMPEROR, in reply to the
Burgomaster, made some appropriate observa-
tions, in which he said that he had done
all in his power to preserve the peace and
liberty of Germany, but it had been quite impossible
for him to succeed. He further expressed his great
satisfaction at the course pursued by his subjects in
thus exhibiting so much unanimity, and presenting
him with such testimonials of confidence in the
emergency before them.
Herr HOFFMAN, the Austrian Civil Adlatus, has
addressed a very proper communication to General
YOH MANTEUFFEL, iu which he says that he pro-
tests against the fresh act of violence which has
been committed in the order recently issued for all
functionaries to deliver up their documents to Baron
ScHEET-PLAssEa. The Prussian Government are
overreaching themselves in their vehement efforts to
obtain the mastery in Holstein, and each succeeding
day brings fresh proofs of their intolerance and
harshness. No doubt the decision against Prussia
in the Diet was mainly brought about
by her recent
conduct in Holstein, which is a conclusive proof of
her want of consideration and proper feeling. In
many respects, indeed, this decision may be con-
sidered as a very important event at this juncture,
•

and more especially so, as it will divide Ger-
many into parties, and in the event of war
breaking out, all the States will most pro-
bably engage in it, from the highest to the
lowest. It is deplorable to think of the strife and
discord that will reign paramount, of the sufferings
and losses that will be endured, and all because of
the greed and vainglory of one Power. Prussia is
so inconsiderate that the small States may well hesi-
tate to decide whether it is worse to accept her as
an ally or an enemy. What assurance have they
that she will not monopolise all power over their
affairs when the war is over? And yet again what
reason have they not to dread total extinction if the
ruthless forces of Prussia invade their terri-
tories. The best chalice of safety will be in
exhibiting spirit and determination, and so far a
possible banding together to resist the encroach-
ments of the common enemy, for such must the
Government of Berlin be now considered. The time
for compromise and expediency has gone by, and it
remains for those who have the independence and
ultimate prosperity of Germany at heart to stand
firm at ther posts, and withstand the overbearing
tyranny and insidious devices of that Power which
is alike destitute of moral rectitude, and devoid of
political honesty.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

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

The Sicle says :—" Diplomatic relations are de-
cidedly interrupted between Prussia and Austria.
It is Austria who has first launched its letters of
recall. Count Karolyi, Austrian Ambassador at
Berlin, was to leave that capital to-day. To-mor-
row the Diet will have to vote relative to the
Federal execution demanded by Austria against
Prussia." Baron de \Verther, the Prussian Am-
bassador at Vienna, is also about to leave that
capital.
Kossuth has just addressed the following procla-
mation to the Hungarians :
" A great number of my countrymen have from
various parts of Italy asked my advice by letter as
to what they ought to do under present circum-
stances, and, as it is impossible for me to reply to
them all personally, I declare by the present that my
advice to all my countrymen who are employed in
miltary service, or in any other way, is to remain
for the moment where they are and wait quietly the
course of events. Those, on the contrary, who have
no occupation and are fit for military service, and
desire to enter the army, will do well to enrol them-
selves under the flag of the Hungarian Legion.
They may, for the rest, be all convinced that if
affairs should so develope themselves as to offer for
their patriotic zeal a field of action, they will have
due notice of it."
A letter from Florence, dated June 11, says :
" War is the only door open to emerge from the
position. Happily, all is ready. Italy has five
grand corps d'arinee, representing 400,000 men.
The first corps is commanded by Durando, the
second by Cucchiari, the third by Della Rocca, the
fourth (the most numerous, seven divisions) by
Cialdini, and the fifth by Garibaldi. In two days
the King and General La Marmora will leave for
head-quarters. And now, courage and hope, and
thanks to God who protects the just cause."

Accounts from Adria mention the death of the
patriot Lodorico Ferrari. At the moment when he
was passing the frontier the Austrians fired upon
him, without any previous intimation. Ile was
buried at night, it being feared that there would be
a demonstration on the part of the inhabitants.
In an article in La Liberte, by M. Emile de Gir-
ardin, he says that the Emperor's letter means war,
and that it confirms his speech on the sth of No-
vember, 1863, which concluded in these terms:—
" Two modes are open ; one conducts to progress
by civilisation and peace ; the other, sooner or
later, leads fatally to war, by obstinately maintain-
raril;nh nwaV."

Some suggestions have been made by M. Rouher,
Vice-President of the Great Exhibition, relative to
the prizes to be awarded to exhibitors, and they
have been approved of by the Emperor. There are
to be 10 prizes, the total value of which will be
100,000 f., and, in addition, one great prize of
100,000 f. (say £4,000), which will be granted either
to the individual or to the place from which they
are sent, some objects considered to be wonderful,
or of first-rate superiority. The jury who will have
to judge the various articles will be formed of per-
sons of note, from the different countries from which
articles may be sent. There are to be three classes
of prizes, the total value of which will be 800,000 f.
The jury will be empowered to make " honourable
mention " in 20 cases only.

Aspe, the man who murdered his servant woman
atToulouse, cut off her head and mutilated her body,
under extraordinary circumstances, has arrived at
the hulks at Toulon. The version he now gives of
the murder is that they had a violent quarrel, which
so enraged him that he struck his victim on the
head two blows with a heavy piece of wood which
was in the fire-place, the woman having first threat-
ened to stab him with a knife. As to the head,
although he first stated that he would point out the
locality where he had hidden it, he now says that
he burned a portion of it so that it could not be re-
cognised, and then threw the remainder into a mill
in order that it might be ground to dust. He is
very sullen and indifferent as to his posi'don.
Although horse racing is so much in vogue in
France at the present time, the amusement was
little thought of at the beginning of the present
century. It was in 1807 that Napoleon issued a
decree instituting public races in France. Very
little progress was made up to 1830. The total
number of races in 1829 was 62. Of this num-
ber 25 prizes were gained by Arabian horses, and
37 by English bred. Four years ago the present
Emperor inaugurated the races at Fontainebleau,
but they were never first-rate until Sunday last.
The racecourse in the beautiful valley of the Solle
was arranged under the auspices of a committee
composed of Count A. de Beries, Count 11. de
Grefulhe, and M. de la Rochette, over which Gen.

Prince de la Moskowa presided. The spot was
selectad by the Inspector of the Forest, M. de
Naffieux.

In spite_of the late panic at the Bourse, the state

ment of M. Viutry, the Minister, as to the general
soundness of French finances, is confirmed by the
position of the Bank of France. According to the
last account the sum in the Treasury exceeded 700
millions. The current accounts of private indi-
viduals had reached a higher amount than was ever
before known ; they excc2ded 400 millions. At the
same time the portefeuille and the circulation of
notes had sensibly diminished.
The interment of the remains of two of the vic-
tims by the explosion of the boiler of the steam-tug
of the Passe-Partout at lave has taken place in
that town with marks of general sympathy. The
_ _

bodies were those of the Captain (Duhamel) and the
stoker Gallard. There is as yet no trace of the re-
mains of two other men who were known to have
been on board. No doubt the remains were pre-
cipitated to a considerable distance. Part of the
boiler has been found at a distance of many yards
from the steamer. The captain's wife went to Caen
on the morning of the fearful accident to be present
at the marriage of a relative, little thinking that
she would return home a widow. About 18 months
ago Captain Duhamel's brother was killed on board
a steamer on the Seine which he commanded, in
consequence of the screw having been suddenly
put into motion wh;le he was attending to
some repairs to it which were in progress.
The Government, with great promptness and
humanity, has ordered the Commissary of Marine
at Havre to give pecuniary assistance to the families
of the sufferers.
One of the pleasure steamers which ply on the

Seine between Paris and St. Cloud, from some un-
explained cause, was suddenly sunk the day before
yesterday. There were no passengers on board, as
the voyage was only an experimental one. The
crew managed to escape to shore. This is the first
time that an accident has happened to any of these
boats. _ .

The Emperor, accompanied by the Minister of