The Sun.
London, England, 1859-07-04 00:00:00

VIOLENT THUNDERSTORM.

On Saturday night London and its environs were
visited by a very heavy thunderstorm, which, we
regret to say, was productive of a good deal of da-
mage, and more especially by causing fires either
by the lightning or from the rain penetrating
buildings in which unslacked lime was stored. The
first fire, which is alleged to be from the former
cause, broke out about a quarter-past ten ,on Saturday
night on the premises of Mr. Shelton, linen-
draper and silk-mercer, Bowman's-place, Holloway,
and was not extinguished until the house and its
contents were entirely destroyed.
About a quarter past twelve o'clock, the premises
of Mr. J. Stevens, soap-boiler, situate at No. 9,
St. Mary-street, Whitechapel, were found to be on
fire. This fire was also caused by the storm. The
rain descended in such torrents, broke through the
partition of a shed in the yard, and falling upon
about a dozen bags of unslacked lime, caused the
whole to become ignited, and the fire could not be
extinguished until the lime was destroyed and the
building charred.
About a quarter of an hour later, the firemei
were called to another fire at the St. Thomas's
Board of Works, situate in St. Thomas's-street,
Borough. This fire was also caused by the storm.
Mr. Braidwood, in his official report, describes the
origin of the fire from the rain being forced upon
two loads of lime, which immediately slacked it,
when the whole burst forth in a general conflagra-
tion. The fire was not subdued until the two car-
goes of lime and the timber building standing in
the middle of the street were destroyed.
About half-past twelve o'clock the same morning
another fire, resulting from the same storm, oc-
curred at the Board of Works, Camberwell, situate
in Earl's-road, Old Kent-road. About 100 bags of
lime were destroyed, and the roof of the shed-
building burned.
At the same time another fire took place in the
premises of Mr. S. Cripps, situate in Swan-mead,
Bermondsey New-road. The premises were used as
a size and gelatine factory, and at the time of the dis-
aster there were about 40 or 50 sacks of lime in the
different compartments of the works. The rain
coining down in such tremendous showers forced
the windows through, and the water coming in
contact with the lime ignited it, and at the same in-
stant set the weather boarding in flames Forty.
sacks of lime were destroyed, and the weather
boarding of the ground floor destroyed.
The most extensive fire of any that occurred
during and owing to the fury of the storm hap-
pened about four o'clock yesterday morning in the
premises belonging to Mr. West, a leather-dresser,
situate in Upper Russell-street, Bermondsey. The
property covered a large space of ground, and com-
prised many buildings, one was three floors high,
used as a drying house, and another about 100 feet
long and 20 feet deep. This fire is also officially
returned by Mr. Braidwood as having been caused
by the rain entering the building and slacking the
lime used for the business. The three-story build-
ing was burnt out, and the hundred feet building
about one-fourth destroyed.
Whilst the storm was at its height the electric
fluid, or else the immense weight of rain that was
descending at the time, forced from the Roman
Catholic Cathedral, in St. George's-fields, South-
wark, one of the beautifully carved figures repre-
senting an Angel standing on the roof of the con-
vent. The massive weight of stone-work fell within
a few feet of Sergeant Thompson, of the L division
of police, and alighted upon the stone flags beneath
and actually splintered one of them. Had it struck
the officer, his death, in all probability, would have
been instantaneous.

The rain that fell during the raging of the storm '
was so heavy that the gratings of many of the
principal streets in London were found to be too
small to allow the water to run into the sewers,
and many thoroughfares were for hours ankle deep
with water. The water, as it rolled from the hilly
country places into the Thames, caused the river to
swell to an alarming extent, but no mateiral damage
appears to have been done to the shipping or small
craft moored in the Thames.
The violence of the storm was most severely felt
in the various parks, where branches were torn off
stately trees, and the shrubs in the ornamental gar-
dens severely damaged, many being literally 'washed
out of the earth. In Hyde-park not fewer than 14
sheep were struck by the lightning and killed.
1 The animals had taken refuge under one of the
along the
trees, which was•struck by the electric current, and
the sheep killed. The market-gardens
side of the Thames, as far as New-cross, Hateham,
Bermondsey, and Battersea, were
completely
swamped, and whole beds of strawberries destroyed.
Such destruction of property by a similar visita-
tion has not been known for a considerableo'clock, the lightning was
for a
iid there seemed every proba-
bility period.
commencing.
aLgasaitn nviegrhyt, v
iavit d
of another storm

THE LATE EARL GREY AND THE EARL OF
DERBY.—The precedent set by William IV. in making
Earl Grey a supernumerary member of the Order of the
Garter has been followed by her Majesty in the case of
Lord Derby ; but in the latter instance the special statute,
or decree, of the sovereign, by which the ex-premier's ad-
mission to the order was made valid, recites at considerable
length the services of the earl to the crown, and expresses
her Majesty's appreciation of them in a manner the highest
degree complimentary. Thus the special statute contains
within itself the reason of the temporary abrogation of the
ordinary laws of the Order. This has been done much
more fully than was the case in the previous instance of
Lord Grey.—Court Journal.
Later accounts from Perugia confirm the state-
ment that nine women and children were victims to the
Papal soldiers in different houses, and that the cruelties
were aggravated by the horrors of licentiousness.

After the usual formalities had been gone through
the noble viscount delivered the prizes.
Lord PALMERSTON then rose, and was •.most
loudly cheered. He said the observations he should
make might be addressed, not only to•those who
were connected with the University, ' but ' also to
the ladies then present. (Hear, hear.) He assured
them that it had been to him a source of the, highest
gratification that he had been allowed to
preside on an occasion so interesting, and in such a
place as that in which they were assembled. (Hear.)
There was nothing more interesting, to his mind,
than to see one's-self surrounded by that generation
upon whose conduct in their future course of life
must depend the prosperity, power, and wealth of
this great country. It was most gratifying to find,
on the occasion that it had been his good fortune to

witness so many instances of successful study of the
development of talent and the exercise of industry,
all giving high promise for-the future welfare of
that institution. It was also most pleasing to see

that those who had been honoured with the rewards
of the University for their industry and talent were
not confined to the metropolis or the United King-

dom, but that our colonies had contributed a great
share to the number, and that other nations had
sent hither their promising youth to gain_ know-
ledge from the University, and to take it back to
t hose countries to which they belonged. (Hear.) And
it was also most gratifying to know that the doors of
the University were thrown open, and that so large
a scope of human knowledge was found written on its
walls. If he might address those who had been
competitors in the recent examinations, he would
congratulate those who had succeeded in the dis-
tinction theyhad acquired, and he would urge those
who had not been successful not to be discouraged
by their temporary failure, for many of them would
no doubt, be successful on future occasions. (Ap-
plause.) It was well said by Fox, that great
master of human nature, when he was told of a

young man having distinguished himself by his
first speech, that he might get on, but he would
rather see the young man not so successful at the
first, but who was persevering, and he would back
him against the one who had his triumph at the
first. (Applause.) He (Lord Palmerston) would
request that those who had received rewards would
not be too much elated with the success they had
gained,for they must all feel that the struggles and
contests they had gone through would only better
fit them for their future life, and cause them to use

that perseverance which was the peculiar character
of the English nation, and which would develop°
those talents with which nature had endowed them.

If they did that, they might be sure of success in
the end. (Cheers.) There was one thing—per-
haps the most important—which he wished to
earnestly impress upon them. Every man, he pre-
sumed, intended to devote himself to some course

of business or profession. Let him make that

his chief study, but at the same time he must ob-

tain a knowledge of matters of other kinds. (Hear.)
It had been said that a little knowledge was a dan-
_

gerous thing, but he held that a little knowledge
was a useful thing. As his noble friend (Lord
Brougham) just reminded him, a little knowledge
was better than great ignorance. (Cheers.) The
important thing was, that whatever a man learnt,
let him learn it thoroughly, having distinct ideas,
and embracing a clear knowledge of what he did
learn • and, to do this, he must go to principles, and
not rely on abstract notions. (Cheers.) It must
be impossible for any one to be present on that oc-
casion, and compare the results of the present exa-
mination with what took place a few years back,
and not to see that great progress had been made in
the advancement of knowledge and science. It
was with the greatest ,delight he saw that the
study in that University- embraced the highest
range of human knowledge a system which had
proved to have been attended with the greatest suc-
cess. Referring to the advancement of human
knowledge, ho could not refrain from embracing
that opportunity of saying that there was no man
living who had done so much to advance the posi-
tion of his fellow-man than his noble friend on
his right, Lord Brougham—(tremendous applause)
—for he had laid down those principles by which
knowledge could be extended—one of the greatest
benefits that could be conferred—and to those prin-
ciples he gave that wide improvement necessary.to
their practical utility. (Cheers.) University in-
stitutions were calculated to produce advancement
in every department, and that was one of the most
striking instances of that system which he (Lord.
Brougham) had extended. His noble friend had
the good fortune to combine with his experience and
age great bodily and mental vigour, and yet he
upset the greatest obstacles and dealt with the
minutest details. He (the noble Premier), there-
fore, entreated the young men he was addressing to
take the example of his noble friend as their future
line Of conduct. The system which his noble friend
had extended was one which he hoped they would
all endeavour to emulate, making the study of that
particular profession in which they intended to em-
bark their chief aim ; also to obtain a knowledge of
other matters, for on this the prosperity of their
future life depended ; and let them depend upon it,
that every little added tended to invigorate their
faculties, and in the end they would become useful
members of society. He repeated, ho was glad that
the doors of the University were opened to all
classes to receive every branch of human know-
ledge, and any mind endowed with that-which con-
stituted the character of genius of any kind, that
man would find ample opportunities of satiating
himself with that knowledge—rendering himself

not only useful to his Mena, but also a great and
lasting ornament to the country to which he be-
longed. (The noble Premier resumed his seat
amidst loud cheers.)
Lord BROUGHAM then rose to move a vote of
thanks to the noble chairman, and was received
with repeated rounds of applause. He expressed
his pleasure at meeting them once more, espe-
cially with his noble friend, who was his col-
league in former years, and said that if any proof
were wanted of the intrinsic value of having his
lordship in the chair, it could be found in the talent
and sagacity shown by the excellent advice he had
given to the members of that university. The chief
point put for their guidance was that it was im-
possible they:could too closely attend the studies of
that profession to which they intended to devote
themselves—be it a profession, a trade, or handi-
work. That ought to be the first object of a man ;
but then he ought, as his lordship had said, study
for further acquirements which would improve his
mind, increase his wealth and position, in addition
to his faculties, and make him better fitted for his
intended station in life. It could not be too often
was to
never yet had they had the
meetings,
e
avoidrepeated
all that
superficiali n a l study the trueknowledgeand
principle superficial mat-
ter, and go to the thing at once. They hasdomoefteinn
office,astatesmenadvantage
others
eopresiding
being t ,
presided over by an ex-member
of the University of Cambridge. It would be use-
less, nay, it would be impertinent for
him to pro-
nounce a panegyric on a man so well
known as his
lordship in the chair ; therefore he would spare the
meeting that pain. (Hear, hear.) His lordship had
spoken of his (Lord Brougham's) and
experience
age being combined with • vigour of mind, but he
thought the same might be said ofPalmerston
himself,
himself, and thatstill-
body
and
mind
for the performance of those arduous
duties now devolving upon him. (Loud applause.)
He (Lora Brougham) had been asked by the noble
chairman to become the Chancellor of the Univer-
sity of London ; but he felt, as president of Uni-
versity College, he should have been placed in an
inconsistent position, and have conflicting duties to
perform. The University, of London was a good
one, and the offer was made with all politeness, and
the reasons he had assigned were the only ones for
declining the offer of his noble friend. In conclu-
sion his lordship moved the thanks of the meeting
to Lord Palmerston for presiding, also for his able
address and the useful advice he had tendered.
The motion was agreed to amidst loud applause.
Lord PALMERSTON briefly acknowledged the
compliment, and took occasion to express his pipe"
sure at the present system of examination, whien
threw open the competition for public honours ean
.
appointments to many who were otherwise x
eluded.
Thee "The Queen,"
cheers were then given for
" and the as-
" The Chairman," and " The Ladies,
sembly dispersed.

VIOLENT STORM AT GRAVESEND.—Loss OF FOUR
ming, between two and three o'clock,
YstoesrtmertraoVe°ovei. Gravesend and the surrounding
experienced in many
e.ee the storm doing considerable damage to the corn,
cownseqhichuwenecrees
to
&c., and injury to shipping on the river. The s term was
tons burthen the property of A. the splendid new
Burn-
castle, Esq., which vessel lay off the Clifton Bat hs. Her aLivlse
country,
attendednt t hwel with c6t, sta: f
rio.ging got entangled, on her fouling another ye sad, and
sa was thus pulled down to the water's edge in a strong
yacht Albatross/. 6i
tide, and sank with all on board. We could not tscertain
the number on board the Albatross, but we regret to say
that three, if not four persons (three gentlemen and a boy)
have met with a watery grave. Some of the crew saved
their lives by swimming. A gentleman who was in his
berth at the time the vessel went down, was rescued with
only his night clothes on.

ONCE A WEEK.
No. 1., price 3d.
London : Bradbury and Evaie-stred•

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
Under the Management of Mr. Charles Kean.
play
THIS
KEVENINING will be presented Shakspeare's historical
ot G HENRY V.
Sing Henry v., Mr. C. Kean; Chorus, Hrs. C. Kean.
After which, IF TB CAP Firs.

THEATRE-ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Lessee, Mr. J. B. Bucluitone.
THIS STENDIG the performances will commence with
new Comedy, entitled THE CONTESTED ELECTION, in
which Mr. and Mrs. C. Mathews will appear,
After which, MY MOTHER'S MAID.
To conclude with THE WATR WITCHES.
CommenceE at 7.

W THEATRE - ROYAL, ADELPHL
NESole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Benj. Webster.
THIS EVENING, ICI ON PARLE FRANCAIS. Messrs.
J. L., Toole, Chas Selby, Billington ; Misses Keeley, Arden,
sad Laidlaw. and Ws. Billington.
Followed by THE HOUSE ? or, THE HOME ? Mr. A.
-Wigan, C, Selby, Ellington ; Mrs. Alfred Wigan, Mi"
mss. Miss Laid law.
Followed by THE FIRST NIGHT. Mr. Alfred Wigan,
Mr. Billington, Miss M. Keeley.
After which, THE RIFLE VOLUNTEERS. Mtnars. C.
Seto}, and More ; Misses Woolgar and K. Kelly.
Acting Manager—Mr. Wm. Smith.
Doors open at a quarter-past sbc—Commeuce at seven. Boa".'
Otilee open from 10 to 5 -no chary for booking. No fees to
servants permitted. A registry kept of aU articles found.

ROYAL STRAND THEATRE.
Lessee and Directress, Miss Swanborough
THIS EVENING, the performances will commence with
THE SPITALFIELDS' WEAVER. Mr. J. Rogers.
Alter which, A SCHOOL FOR COQUETTES. Misses
Swanborough, Oliver, andpLavine.
To conclude with KENILWORTH.
Commence at 7 o'clock.

ROYAL SURREY THEATRE--This Evening
THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. • Shylock, Mr. H.
Vezin ; Portia, Mrs. Vezin.
To conclude with THE MASKED MOTHER

11ANTF2aBURY HALL AND FINE ARTS
ika GALLERY. Westininster-road.—Open at Seven.
ItViay EVENING during the week will appear
THE DELEPIKRRE FAMILY,
_ _ _ - -- • •

- -
Ounsisting of three Juvenile Violinists, viz., Jules, Juliette,
and Julia Delepierre, aged, respectively, FOITR, SIX, and
ZIGHT years.
The perfect execution by these Lilliputian Artistes of some
el the most difficult and brilliant Solos, Duets, and Trios evel
written for the violin, has excited mingled wonder and admi-
ration in Continental Musical Circles, and drawn forth enthu-
idiotic tributes of praise from the Public Journals of France
and Belgium.
They will perform EVERY EVENING, at NINE and
ZLEVEN o'clock, in addition to the usual Entertainments.

THE WEATHER.—Sux OFFICE,
THEILMOICHTER, IN THE SHADE.
72_higheat since noon yesterday. •
62lowest this morning and during the night.
72__this day at noon.
BAROMETER-30'17.
Wurp, Easterly in the morning, now Northerly. with
iine weather.
We had a very heavy storm of lightning, thunder, and
rain last night. It began about 8, and continued on till
past midnight. The lightning illumined the sky for some
time previously with its lambent flashes, which were very
brilliant and beautiful.

'I:7LY

JUNE 4.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
76—highest since noon yesterday.
6.s—lowest this morning an& 'during the night.
72—this day at noon.