The Sun.
London, England, 1866-09-21 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 21, 1866.

LONDON, FRIDAY, SEPT. 21, 1866.

The usual autumnal dinners are beginning to be
held throughout the country, and, as might be ex-
pected, the Conservatives are rejoicing over the
recent triumph of their party. The members of the
Lewis Conservative Association have some cause for
especial rejoicing, since their organisation has only
been
in existence about sixteen months, and they
are able to boast of a pretty formidable gathering.
It is true that in place of Parliamentary represen-
tatives the meeting could only claim defeated can-
didates ; but, judging from the success that has
attended their recent efforts, and the impetus which
has been given to Conservative energy throughout
the country by the change of Ministry, it is not
very likely they will long occupy such a melancholy
position. The present member for Lewes, Mr.
BRAND, has fallen somewhat into disfavour with
his constituents concerning; Newhaven harbour, and
therefore Sir A. SLADE'S charitable hope that he
may be forced to vacate " his Lewes shoes " at
the next election is not altogether a visionary
one. The fact is that Lewes, like other
places, has found that it has not profited
much by Liberal professions, and begins to think
that a change of hands at the reins may do more
good than harm, especially as the strong tendency
of public opinion is in favour of progress and reform,
so that there is little actual danger of a reactionary
policy. Mr. CHRISTIE, one of the Conservative
candidates, is evidently half a Reformer, although,
in common with his associates, he denounced
Mr. BRIGHT and Mr. BEALES. " All Con-
servatives," he said,
"are ready to support
any measure of real reform. They particu-
larly wish that question to be settled. They
wish to see the honest
and
industrious artisan
having a vote. They are proud of him ; they
believe that there is no other workman in the
world equal to the English workman, and they
Would be glad to give him a voice in the
govern-
ment of his country." This is straightforward and
manly language, and we should be glad to believe
that it represented the feelings of the majority of
the influential Conservatives. Whatever may
be the points at issue of detail or the diffe-
rences as to the representation of classes,
the Conservative party must adopt the
principle of giving the working man a
vote if they hope for a tenure of power. Mr.
RAIKES, on Wednesday, in speaking of Lord PAL-
DIERSTON'S popularity as Premier, said shrewdly
enough that he believed it was partly due to his
satisfying the real wishes of a large class of poli-

ticians who liked to talk a good deal about Liberal
principles, while in their hearts they were averse
to any change or interference with existing institu-
tutions. But such half-hearted Liberals must not
be accepted as really representing the feelings of
the country. On the contrary, so great is the
disgust excited in the minds of earnest and
thoughtful men by the abuse of Liberal professions
that they have gone out of favour, and an absolute
Tory has more chance of success in some quarters
than a professing Liberal who has no practice to
recommend him. We should be glad to see both
sides address themselves to really practical ques-
tions, for they have been fighting about words
and phrases long enough. The disturbances
of the year and the disappointments of
the Session have at least brought all
parties to acknowledge two things—one, that there
is a wide-spread demand for Reform ; the other,
that Reform must be comprehensive without beLag
Democratic. The great vice of our present system
is unquestionably that of bribery and corruption,
and the records of our election commissions must,
one would think, put to shame any further talk
about the merits of open voting. If the Conserva-
tives can make up their minds to abandon
their old prejudice against the Ballot—which
the Whigs, for their consolation, have abused as
heartily as themselves—and show the country that
they are really anxious to remove this scandal from
our representative institutions, they will gain im-
measurably in the opinion of all honest men, and
show themselves to be genuine Reformers.

The triumphal entry of the Prussian troops into

Berlin took place yesterday, and of course the
greatest enthusiasm prevailed ; and no doubt the
day will long live in the recollection of those con-
cerned in the affair. Count BISMARCK has been
raised to the rank of General, though what military
services he performed it is difficult to say ; but it
may be presumed that the voice was taken for the
deed, and he has certainly rendered considerable
service to the army, and brought the military or-
ganisation of Prussia to a high standard of perfec-
tion. If success be a proof of merit, there can be
no doubt that the present Prussian Premier
is a very deserving individual, and so his
countrymen think. It is so far satisfactory
to notice that public expectation has been
realised by the proclamation of an amnesty; it is, at
all events, a step in the right direction, and we hope
it may indicate a more favourable state of things.
At any rate it will afford a gain to some parties,
and this may be regarded with satisfaction. It is
curious to look back to the time when Herr von

BISMARCK was summoned from Paris in consequence
of the house rejecting by a large majority the pro-
posal to reorganise the army. He has kept this
purpose in view ever since, and has had of course
great obstacles to contend against in the course
of his labours ; and now, it may well
be asked, what object has he gained by his
extraordinary and extravagant pursuit of conquest
at any risk or hazard ? He has made enemies in all
directions, and greatly offended a Power which may
in the long run prove too much for him. The tide
of affairs may soon turn, and then what will be-
come of all those who now rule with such arbitrary
power, and give themselves such airs ?
The French will have viewed this triumphal return
of Prussian troops into Berlin with feelings of any-
thing like satisfaction. There has been so much
to excite and irritate them of late in various events
that have taken place that this will be as it were
the completion of the matter, and, combined with
what has gone before, produce a very awkward state
of feeling. The EMPEitOR, as yet, can keep the
impatience of the French in check ; but the question
is, how long can he do so ? If the Berlin Govern -
znent go on as they have begun, we do not doubt
that in a short space of time the outraged feelings
of the nation will become too strong for him to
control it any longer.

Much as there is to rejoice at in the peace which
now reigns over Europe, there is also much to ap-
prehend in the future, and therefore we
may well look with suspicion on what takes
place in various quarters. Had the Prus-
sians conducted their actions in an upright
fashion, no one would have interfered with them
in any way, or passed any remarks upon their -ac-
tions ; but as it is impossible for any one to refrain
from expressions of discontent, even if their utter-
ance does no good, those who believe that the
Prussian conquests are now consolidated, and that
nothing remains for the Government of King
WILLIAM to do but to make the most of their bar-
gain, may find that they reckon without their host,
and that they may find out too late that
they have made a rash venture. We should
always look with doubt upon all great achieve-
ments that rest upon the ruin of others ;
and who can say that there is any lawful excuse to
be given for the destruction which has been created
far and wide by the lawless work of the Prussians ?
When the Emperor NAPOLEON went to war in 1859
he had a lawful object before him, and there was
no ground of just complaint against him ; but, as

it now is, can we say that the war, whose glory
reached its culminating point yesterday in the
parade of Berlin rejoicings, was one of those things
which deserve censure instead of applause, and
that those who swelled the triumphant train of the
conqueror might have blushed to be seen there if
they possessed any lingering remnant of self-respect?

couRESFONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

The ilfoniteur is destFitAn
s of, Thursdayd Ea
-ay
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hi ndg•
th
e
other papers are in the same position
According to the Siee/e the negocia. tions between
Italy and Austria are likely to be prolonged, so that
the expected treaty of peace is not yet to become an
accomplished fact. Some of the German papers say
that Prussia has declared that she shall consider the
peace of Prague brought into question if the Cabi-
net of Vienna should raise any difficulties in the
way of the solution of the Italian question. These
difficulties turn upon the application of Article 2 of
the treaty of Prague, according to which Venetia is
to be reunited to the kingdom of Italy upon the
condition of recognising the payment of the debts
due by the countries ceded, conformably with the
provisions of the treaty of Zurich. Austria con-
tends that the share of debt which Italy is to take
upon herself should be proportioned to the total
population of the empire. As Article 3 of the treaty
between Prussia and Italy stipulates that neither of
those Powers shall agree either to peace or an armis-
tice without mutual consent, the Cabinet of Ber-
lin affects to consider that it is obliged to in-
terfere.

The Conslitutionnel, returning to the considera-

tion of the Circular of the Marquis de Lavalette,
refers to the important modifications accomplished
by the enlightened policy of the Emperor Napoleon,
which has acquired for him " additional eclat
and greater prestige." " Immense advance has
been made by the peoples in the path
of progress. It will be one of the claims
of France to greatness that she has, either by arms
or mediation, contributed to overthrow the barriers
which, by obstructing the expansion of the spirit of
nationality, opposed the natural power of civilisa-
tion. Napoleon 111. has thus laid the foundation of
true peace, durable peace.,,
• The following is also from the Constitutionnel
"l he news is confirmed that M. Bismarck is ill, for

he was not able to attend the sitting of the House
of Lords during the discussion of the Electoral law

of the Confederation of the North. The labour

the commission charged with the organisation of the
new provinces, which commission consists of M.
de Savigny and the delegates from the Prussian
authorities, is concluded. The illness of M. Bis-
marck, however, is the cause of the postponement,
till next week, of the publication of the law relative
to the annexations."

The Paris papers are at the mercy of the Havas
telegraphic agency for all the information they de-
rive from London. The mistakes in it generally are
only calculated to excite laughter, but its incompe-
tent appreciators upon important subjects begin to
excite the attention of the Paris editors. The sum-
mary received of the opinions of the English jour-
nals upon the Circular of the Marquis de la Valette
did not convey the slightest idea of the general satis-
faction it excited in England. The Journal des
Debats says—" 'We have before us the articles with
which the Circular of the Marquis de la Valette has
inspired the English press, and we cannot say that,
according to our opinion, the two or three sen-
tences which the Havas agency has extracted from
those papers can give any idea to the French reader
of the view which the English papers have taken.
Several other Paris journals give prominence to
the opinion of The Sun, which has great authority
in Paris upon all important political matters.
In Italy the Circular has been received with satis-
faction amounting to enthusiasm.
The Provincia of Turin says :--" We call atten-
tion to the new Circular of the French Minister of
Foreign Affairs. It leaves no doubt of the favour-
able issue of the negociations at Vienna, for its
tenour is very conciliatory towards Vienna, and it
proves that the convention of September will be
faithfully executed. The departure of the French
troops from Rome, after 18 years' occupation, will
be a memorable fact in history, no less than the in-
auguration of our flag upon the wall of Verona and
Venice."

A letter from Lille mentions a fact very interest-
ing to the sporting world—the death of Africain,
the horse which has been victorious at so many
steeplechases. He met with an accident at the last
Lille races, and all the resources of the veterinary
art could not save him.

In consequence of the prevalence of cholera at
Brussels the races which were to have taken place
next Sunday have been indefinitely postponed.
The latest information received in Paris respecting,
the health of M. Bismarck is that he has not im-
proved, and the Minister is thought to be in rather
a dangerous condition. King William was desirous
to visit his Minister, but his physicians have forbid-
den any access to him for the present, on the ground
that even the excitement of conversation might have
injurious consequences upon the patient. One of
the papers says that the disease is more than com-
mon rheumatism. The excessive labour incident to
the late campaign has so shaken the health of M.
Bismarck that he is not able to go to his country
house as he intended. As soon as he shall be able
to leave Berlin, however, M. Bismarck intends to
pass his autumnal recess at the chateau of Charls-
bourg, in New Pomerania. This chateau is the pro-
perty of Count de Bismarck Bohlen. It is very
doubtful whether M. de Bismarck will be able to
accept the invitation of the Emperor Napoleon to
meet him at Biarritz.

The Emperor's journey to Biarritz is not indefi-
nitely postponed, as has been reported. His Ma-
jesty held a Council of Ministers yesterday at St.
Cloud, and I am informed 'that his Majesty will
leave for Biarritz to-morrow, perhaps to-day, the
day which, as I informed you, was fixed for his de-
parture.

Cotton Supply Association.

At the usual meeting of the executive committee

field on Tuesday, September 18, a letter was read

from Dominica, West Indies, advising the despatch
of two bales of cotton to the association, and stating
that the appearance of the next crop is very favour-
able, and that should it escape a similar gale to that
which it experienced last year, and was so destruc-
tive, satisfactory results will be obtained. A letter
dated Viequez, situated between Porto Rico and
St. Thomas, was received, accompanying nine
samples of cotton, represented as superior to any
other produced in the West Indies. The writer has

ad about three hundred acres planted, from which
the first crop has just been gathered under very
unfavourable circumstances, owing principally to
the want of labour. The average yield has been
about 1501 b. per acre, whilst it is supposed that an
equal quantity has been lost for want of hands at the
proper season for picking. The island is about
24 miles long, averaging about one mile in width ;
the soil generally light and specially adapted for
the growth of cotton, which is now cultivated upon
upwards of 500 acres. A letter was read from the
honorary agents of the association in Calcutta, re-
porting that in the district of Meerut the area under
cotton cultivation this year will greatly exceed that
of last year, and it is asserted, from personal ob-
servation, that greater care has been taken in the
preparation of the soil than in previous years.
Should equal care be taken with the picking and
cleaning of the staple there is every probability
that the next crop will be a much improved one.
It is stated that the vernacular pamphlets and ad-
dresses of the association, which have been sent and
widely distributed, have contributed to this im-
provement. Applications continue to be received
from Zemindars for further supplies of these publi-
cations. A letter was received from Tacna, Peru,
stating that a gin sent out by the association is
much liked, and in constant work, and that addi-
tional gins, together with a press, which are ex-
pected, will be usefully employed. So long as cotton
in the seed will pay to ship, costing 36d. the
251 b weight, it will continue to be supplied ; under
that price no one will pick and bring it to mar-
ket. It is believed that a safe, profitable business,
might be carried on by anyone sending out goods of
fair quality, well got up, and receiving cotton in
return. Consular reports, forwarded by the Foreign
office, were received from Lima and Tabreez, upon
the cultivation of cotton in those districts. Her
Majesty's charge d'affaires and acting consul-gene-
ral at Lima, Peru, states that, judging from the
export of cotton during the year 1865, it may be
estimated that from 3,000 to 4,000 " fanegadas" of
land, or from 24,000 to 32,000 acres, were devoted
to its production. Immense tracts of land exist of
a soil and climate very favourable for its cultivation.
Cotton used to be duty free for exportation, but
since March 1, 1866, an export duty of 3 per cent.,
on a valuation of 300 dollars per 100 lb., has been
levied. Cotton seed and machinery are imported
duty free, also the bagging used for bales ; but no
other facilities or encouragement have been given by
the Government. The probabilities of increased
production of cotton in Peru greatly depend on the
course of prices in Europe. Should they fall, the
only increase likely to take place will accrue
from improvements in the culture of the exist-
ing plantations. Her Majesty's Consul-General
at Tabreez reports that in the province of
Azerbaijan, in Persia, there was a large quan-
tity of cotton exported in 1865 than in the previous
year, being about 2,800,0001 b. against 1,635,0001 b.,
though the extent of land cultivated was probably
not greater than in 1864. American Cotton is said
to degenerate after a few years, which may be owing,
however, to carelessness in the method of raising
the crops. Whilst the price of cotton remains high
it will continue to be exported from this part of
Persia ; when it falls materially, the trade will, it is
feared, in a great measure cease, until the means are
thSeelaa'st Itwrao-
anceatdoe.thdeurg Blackio
nf eunnsde profitsof hea
phave n conveyance
been m
quantity grown, the co
years by cotton cultivasttorosf,
uiproportion to the
production remaining
trebled, and even quadrupled
sitations of locusts
nearly the same, whilst the markedtuprriinege htahsedogurebaletedr,
part of that period. Several visitations
Thehave
rose-coloured been
e xpere
thrush,e°d during
which
uringthe a
is
the locusts. The province is as large as
lfound Bin years.vast
flocks during the fruit season, is very destructive to
the whole
of Ireland, and the soil of the
plains is generally
suitable to cotton cultivation, but the want of water
in many parts leaves much of the country wholly
unproductive.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

AUSTRIA.
VIENNA, Sept. 20 (Evening).

llerr Haimerle, Counsellor of Legation, leaves
this evening for Berlin, to assume the functions of
Austrian charge d'affaires in that city until the de-
finitive appointment of an ambassador shall have
taken place.

It is stated that peace has been definitively con-
cluded between Prussia and Saxony. The publica-
tion of the treaty of peace is shortly expected, and
the return of the Saxon troops is believed to have
been fixed for the beginning of October next.

AMERICA.
(By Atlantic Telegraph.)
NEW YORK, Sept. 18 (Evening).
Gold, 145. Exchange on London, 154/. 5-20
United States Bonds, 111 k. Illinois, 1211 ; Erie,
731. Cotton, middling Upland, 34i.

FRANCE.
PARIS, Sept. 20 (Evening).

The Emperor left last night for Biarritz.

According to the Vienna Free Press the news is
certain that, thanks to the intervention of France in
the negociations for peace between Prussia and
Saxony, the independence of the Saxon army is
insured.

BOURSE, Sept. 20.—Two o'clock.—The announce-
ment published this morning in the Moniteur that
the October coupon of the Mexican Bonds would
be postponed in consequence of the non-receipt of
the necessary funds, not only caused a fall on that
security, but made a very bad impression on the
market in general, and put an end to the movement
of improvement which has been in progress for the
last few days. French Threes were done at 69f.
371 c., or 17f c. lower; Italian Fives at 57f. 60c., or
a fall of 205 c. ; Credit Mobilier at 672 f. 50c., or a
decline of 7f. 50c. ; Comptoir d'Escompte at 915 f.,
or a loss of 10f. ; Credit Foncier at 1,385 f., un-
changed. Mexican Bonds have been done as low
as 125 f., but have recovered to 131 f. 25c., or 31f.
25c. below yesterday's quotation. No noticeable
variation in railways.
Three o'clock.—A sligh
the closing prices being a
If per Cents 97 10
Do. end month....,
3 per Cents 69 45
Do. end month 69 45
Credit Mobilier 675
Do. end month 676 25
Credit Foncier
Do. end month 1380

recovery has taken place,
follows:
Bank Shares 3550
Italian Loan 5B
Do. end month 67 85
Mexican Loan —
Do. Bonds —
Spanish Threes -
Home Debt —
Deferred -
RAILWAYS.

Orleans For Account.
890
Northern 1175
Lyons and Mediterranean 902 50
Southern 572 50
Western 571 25
Eastern 545
Sardinian —
Austrian
Lombard 423 75
North of Spain —
Saragossa —
Ditto to Barcelona —
Roman

American Lady Tipp'ers.

(From the London Review.)

In these days ladies begin to imagine that they
display a spirit of independence by eagerly imitating
their male friends—in America especially this fancy
is pushed to the utmost. They preach, they teach,
and they practise—as physicians. They lecture as
vehement politicians, they masquerade in various
costumes more or less masculine, and Dr. Mrs. So-

and-So is stated with applause to have discarded the
barbarous and slavish custom of long robes and
side-saddles when she goes to visit her patients.
When once they have begun to play " fast and
loose" with the old world notions there is nothing
to hinder them from advancing beyond these limits.
Once that it becomes a fixed idea that the more
women imitate men the more independence of cha-
racter do they show, and the more justice they do
to their " individuality," there is no reason to be-
lieve that they will refrain from drinking strong
liquors because some men think it unwomanly. The
fashion is against being " womanish." There are,
no doubt, among ourselves, persons who may be
termed frail bibbers, and some who regard as the
chief attraction of certain of our places of
amusement the possibility of gratifying their ap-
petite without comment. Physicians also know of
cases where ladies of a higher station take as
medicine various " strengthening tinctures," less
medicinal than alcoholic. But these keep their
shame concealed ; they do not obtrude it on the
public view.

None of our most censorious critics have yet ven-
tured to inform us that even " girls of eighteen, the
daughters of our most respectable merchants, have
been seen grossly intoxicated upon our public
streets." An American journal, of good character,
gives us this piece of information ; and from private
sources we can, unfortunately, corroborate many of
its statements. Ladies of good position in society have
been noticed in Broadway passing along in all the
majesty of silks, satins, and diamonds, but with
a step lamentably unsteady. The " watering-
places " have become " liquoring-places " for many
of them ; there the young belles of the season
first become initiated in the fashionable vice. They
sit out on the piazzas in the long evenings, and,
separated from the usual sights and routine of
life, permit themselves more freedom than usual.
They think it amusing, we are told, to be
made funny " by drinking with gentlemen.
But it unfortunately happens that this " passing
spree" does not pass away altogether when they
return to town., 'They have created an appetite
which is in no hurry to leave them. Nor need they
give up for want of opportunities to gratify their
vitiated tastes. They go out shopping, and the
merchants always keep on hand a bottle of wine,
lest their customers should thirst in vain. They visit
their modistes, and their establishments, it appears,
are fashionable drinking-houses also. It is not merely
thit the proprietor offers her customers a glass of
wine, but she really sells her whatever drink is most
agreeable, and sets it down in the bill as " small
trimmings." " Small trimmings !" it is the title of
an essay, but perhaps the essayist would prefer that of
" extra luncheons," which is the synonyms adopted
at the watering-place hotels. But besides these
panders, there are the " ladies' restaurants." In
some of these " saloons" there is nothing to shock
the most fastidious eye upon the bill of fare—none
but the initiated understand the full meaning of the
considerate intimation—" if you do not see what
you want, ask for it."
But there are other restaurants where even this
affected reticence is not observed restaurants
where " all sorts of fancy drinks are as freely
ordered by, and supplied to, women as creams and
ices used to be." Fashionable ladies enter here un-
attended, we are told, and call for liquors at all hours
of the day. Wine is not what they want, they can
get wine readily enough at home. Nor do they care
greatly for claret punches, sherry-cobblers, and the
like; these they can sip at evening parties, before
gentlemen. But ICinahan's " Lord Lieutenant"
whisky, or imitations, and undiluted brandy, are
forbidden fruit at such social reunions. They are
obtainable at the restaurants. For these are the
voices of the fashionable ladies, "moving in the best
circles," heard calling at all hours of the day. And
when such is the case, who can wonder that the il-
licit enjoyment occasionally becomes a topic of pub-
lic conversation, from the demeanour of the habituees
in the street ? It is perhaps the most melancholy
sight that can be conceived, that of matrons and
maidens afflicted with this dipsomania. We have
suggested one mode of moderating the evil; the
Americans have found out another, which is but a
palliation in particular cases. " Some of the most
elegant ladies of our leading cities," says an Ameri-
can
journal, " will pass this summer not at Sara-
toga or Newport, as usual, but at an asylum for
inebriates." After such an announcement there is
no need of drawing a moral.

Salmon in the River Medway.

Yesterday afternoon an influential public meeting
of landowners and other inhabitants of West Kent
was held at the Townhall, Maidstone, to take into
consideration the propriety of adopting measures
for stocking the river Medway with salmon and
other fish, and for the general improvement of the
river. The chair was occupied by the Mayor of
Maidstone, Mr. Lawrence, who had convened the
meeting in compliance with the request of an asso-
ciation recently formed at Tunbridge; and amongst
those present were Col. Scott, Dr. \Voodfall, Alder-
man Haynes, Rev. J. Stratton, and Messrs. H. D.
Streatfield, Larkin, Goddard, Balling, Horton,
Hollingsworth, Watts, Cruttenden, Hoar, Edmett,
&c.; and Mr. Frank Buckland, with Mr. J. W. Fen-
nell, one of the Government inspectors of fisheries,
attended to point out the practicability of the
objects sought by the association.

The CHAIRMAN having read letters from the High
Sheriff of Kent, Mr. Whatman, M.P., and other
gentlemen, approving the objects of the meeting,
and regretting unavoidable absence, said he read
with pleasure a report of the important meeting held
at Tunbridge, where this movement was commenced,
and the information afforded by Mr. Frank Buck-
land was invaluable. The difficulties which existed
to prevent the stocking of the Medway with salmon
might at present be considered almost insuperable,
especially when it was well known that a large
amount of sewage and noxious refuse matter from
paper-mills and various factories was emptied into
the river ; but in this scientific age it was impossible
to say what might be done, and he, for one, should
be glad to see the stream in such a pure condition
that they might be enabled to take salmon at their
very doors. He should at once call upon Mr.
Buckland, who was a good authority, to give them
information on the subject.
_ _ _ _

Mr. F. BUCKLAND said in that county they had three
good rivers—the Thames, the Medway, and the Stour
—but they were at present comparatively useless so
far as the production of fish was concerned. He
believed that no valid reason existed why this should
continue to be the case, and that, by adopting the
proper means, it was as easy to grow fish as to
grow hops. The annual value of the salmon fisheries
amounted in Scotland to £500,000, in Ireland to
£300,000, but in England to £lO,OOO only. The
Medway, in consequence of its tributaries, was well
adapted for the cultivation of salmon, and it was
stated in ancient records that 1,300 salmon from the
Medway was supplied to the monks at Rochester.
He was not yet fully acquainted with the river and
all its sources. He knew, however, that some of its
tributaries were from 15 to 20 miles in length, and
it was to these streams that the salmon would go
to lay its eggs, if allowed to do so. There were a
number of locks on the Medway, which would pre-
vent the fish from going up the river, but this diffi-
culty might be overcome by the use of ladders,
which had been proved by repeated experiments.
Of course it would be impossible to breed salmon in
polluted water, and the refuse of gas works and
similar matter was particularly destructive. He
presumed, however, for the sake of their own health
and that of their families they wished to keep the
river pure, and if that was done, he felt confident
the object he advocated might soon be attained.
Mr. FENNELL, Government inspector of fisheries,
referred to the commission appointed in 1860 to in-
vestigate the subject of the salmon fisheries, and its
subsequent labours, which had been attended with
a large amount of success. In Derbyshire the pro-
duce of the salmon fisheries had increased tenfold.
The Medway was not one of the rivers which had
yet been officially considered with respect to the
salmon fisheries, and he could not give any definite
idea at present as to the capabilities of the river,
but he felt very much encouraged from what be
had heard that morning from the man in charge of
the lock near Maidstone, who said that within two
months he had caught two salmon weighing about
121bs. each. Lie quite agreed with Mr. Buckland
that the obstacles caused to the progress of the fish
up the river by these locks might be easily obviated
by the use of ladders. The length of the Medway
from its rise to the Nore was 69 miles, and there
were now many rivers in this country of not one-
fourth the extent which produced abundance of good
salmon. Mr. Fennell then referred to the act, in
order to show that irrespective of the fisheries local
authorities had power to prevent sewage, the refuse
from gasworks, and other offensive matter from
being emptied into rivers. In the course of his ex-
perience he had generally had more trouble with
small than with large gasworks, for the large gas
companies had found out that all the refuse from
their works could be disposed of and rendered a
source of profit. In that locality the existence of
numerous paper-mills was no doubt considered a
great obstacle to the breeding of salmon in the river,
but the refuse which came from these mills ought
not to be allowed to pollute the stream, and it was
quite unnecessary that such should be the case, as
by a small expenditure a reservoir might be con-
structed to receive the refuse, which could be sold
to the advantage of the manufacturer. This fact
had been repeatedly proved, and the paper-makers
were now beginning to recognise that they had been
throwing away that which might have been sold.
There had been several Government prosecutions
against papermakers for polluting rivers, and it was
clearly illegal to do so. At Richmond, in Yorkshire,
he had to bring a charge against a paper manufac-
turer for poisoning the fish in a river, and he pointed
out to the party offending that he ought to take a
piece of waste land upon which to remove the refuse.
This advice was taken, and all parties were satisfied.
lu conclusion, he would say that he should, in the
exercise of his duties as a public officer, occupy
several days in making a complete inspection of the
Medway and its tributaries, so that he might be in
a position at a future time to give more definite in-
formation, and he hoped in the prosecution of his
work to receive the valuable assistance of Mr.
Buckland.
Mr. BARLING acknowledged that it would be a
very pleasing thing to have the river stocked with
salmon, but he objected to the remarks made about
the nuisance from the paper-mills. He believed the
sewage was the chief cause of the pollution of the
river near Maidstone. They must remember that
the making of paper was the staple manufacture of
the town, and afforded employment to a large por-
tion of the population. Allusion had been made to
the value of the produce of the salmon fisheries,
but the value of the paper made in that town was
£300,000 per annum ; and if the salmon did come
up the river, he did not expect that it would be one
penny per pound cheaper than at present.
Mr. Ilicxmorr was glad to see the increasing
opposition to the pollution of rivers by sewage, &c.,
and had read with pleasure the letters which had
appeared in the newspapers on the subject.
Mr. BROOK strongly supported the project, and
contended that no person should be allowed to pol-
lute the river to the injury of the public.
Mr. MONCKTON, town clerk of the borough, said
he was warmly in favour of the objects of the asso-
ciation, which had been well set forth by Mr. Buck-
land and Mr. Fennell. He contended that the paper
manufacturers in the town, whomade large fortunes
ought not to be allowed to pollute the river as they
did at present. The number of mills was now about
the same as when he was a boy, and at that time
the river was not polluted. The change was caused
by the different material now used. It was quite
time that the evil was stopped, and he wondered
the town had put up with it so long.
Other gentlemen supported the objects of the
association, and the meeting was then adjourned to
enable Mr. Fennell to inspect the river and its
tributaries and present a report on the whole
subject.

The Salut Public gives some further details of
the fearful steamboat accident at Lyons. It took
place at about half-past eight in the evening as the
steamer was about to effect her last trip. The boiler
was suddenly rent open from some unexplained
cause, and the steam spread through the vessel,
scalding the passengers in a dreadful manner. The
boiler was not exploded and blown up as first stated.
No other persons have died in addition to the three
already mentioned, ane. the number of those who
received less serious injuries is now said not to ex-
ceed eight or ten.

Proceedings against the London, Chatham,
and Dover Railway.

Yesterday, at the Sheriff'sjeurt, Red Lion-square, before
Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell and a jury, the case of the Rev.
Francis T. Blackburne and others v. the London, Chatham,
and Dover Railway, was heard, and created considerable
interest. It was a proceeding by way of elegit in the Com-
mon Pleas on a judgment for £9,000 to obtain a charge on
the surplus property of the company advertised for sale.
Mr. Lanyon was counsel for the plaintiffs ; and Mr. Bridge
appeared for Mr. Johnson, the secretary, and Mr. Forbes,
the general manager of the company, who had been ap-
pointed receivers by the Court of Chancery.
Mr. Lanyon proceeded in his address to the jury to ex-
plain the nature of the proceedings, and said their duty was
to find what surplus property the company had in Middle-
sex which might be made available for his clients.
Mr. Bridge wished to inform the Court that he appeared
for the feceivers of the company appointed by the Court of
Chancery, and by an order, which he would read, the Sheriff
of Middlesex had been restrained from all interference with
respect to the property of the company. The learned coun-
sel read the order.
Mr. Lanyon objected to his learned friend appearing in
the matter, as the receivers were not parties before the
Court, but only the company.
Mr. Bridge apprehended he could appear. Certain deben-
ture-holders had instituted suits in the Court of Chancery
and receivers had been appointed, the object being that de-
benture-holders should share pares passe, and he attended
to protect the interests of all parties, and to inform the
Court of the order made, which he considered was sufficient
answer to the present proceedings, and would prevent the
Court hearing the case.
Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell was of opinion that, as officer
of the Sheriff, he was bound to execute the writ which had
been sent down from one of the superior courts. The learned
counsel (Mr. Bridge) had referred to a fi. fa., and not to
proceedings under a writ of elegit now before the Court.
Mr. Bridge said the learned Under-Sheriff was quite
right, but the injunction to the sheriff was in general terms,
and would apply to the present proceedings. Nothing
could be done in the matter without a writ of ejectment,
and, therefore, no good could arise to the plaintiffs.
Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell decided on proceeding with
the inquiry.
Mr. Bridge intimated that proceedings could be taken to
set this matter aSide.
Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell apprehended that the appli-
cation would rather be to set aside the return fo the pro-
ceedings, and not the writ of elegit, which was simply to
the sheriff to ascertain what lands and tenements the com-
pany possessed.
Mr. Lanyon told the jury, in concluding his address, that
the writ of elegit could be extended to "surplus" land be-
longing to the company, which he should show they pos-
sessed in Middlesex.
Mr. Robt. Vigers was called—He was with his brother,
Francis V igers, surveyors and auctioneers to the company.
They had received instructions from the solicitors to sell
certain surplus property, and advertised the same in the
Times, on the 23d August last.
Mr. Bridge made an observation, and Mr. Lanyon
strongly objected to his interfering in the case, as he could
not be heard.
Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell told Mr. Bridge that he had
no locus standi, and begged he would not interfere.
Mr. Bridge offered his services to " assist" the Court.
The learned Under-Sheriff thought the best course for
the learned counsel would be to sit still until he asked for
his assistance. (A laugh.)
Mr. Vigers, in answer to questions, said he did not know
any other surplus land but the property at Pimlico, which
was advertised to be sold.
Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell asked what was meant by
surplus land.
Mr. Lanyon said the term in the act was surplus, and on
Mr. Bridge making a suggestion, begged him again not to
interfere.

The evidence of Mr. Vigers was deferred until the secre-
tary of the company had been called.
Mr. Wm. E. Johnson said he was secretary to the Lon-
don, Chatham, and Dover Company, and also one of the
receivers appointed by the Court of Chancery. He knew
of the advertisement which appeared on the 23d August,
but was not consulted upon it. Ho did not know of any
other surplus land in Middlesex, nor of any mortgage or
charge upon it.
Mr. James Forbes said he was the general manager, and
also the other receiver appointed by the Court of Chancery.
Ho knew what land was in use, and did not know of any
other surplus land in Middlesex, save the property described
in the advertisement. There was other property surplus
in Surrey and Kent. He did not know whether the surplus
property was mortgaged.
Mr. Vigers was recalled, and was questioned in reference
to the property advertised in Hugh-street, Pimlico. He
declined to state the value of a plot.
Mr. Lanyon told him he was bound to answer the question
or he would be liable to a contempt of Court, and to be com-
mitted to prison.
Mr. Vigers said ho could answer the question, but it would
be au injury to the company to state the value. In another
case he had been pressed to give an answer. -
Mr. Lanyon said unless the question were answered, he
must ask that Mr. Vigers be committed to Newgate.
Mr. Vigers replied that if the Under-Sheriff said he must
answer, he would do so, but it would prejudice his clients.
Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell thought ho ought not to be
called upon to exercise the authority the Court possessed
in ordinary cases. The present proceedings were on a writ
of elegit, and the plaintiffs themselves were to satisfy the
Court and the jury of the nature of the case front their own
witnesses. It was, in his opinion, very different from one
of the ordinary cases.
Mr. Lanyon said he must ask for the committal of Mr.
Vigers for contempt.
Mr. Vigers said he would answer, if the Court told him

he must.
The learned Under-Sheriff told Mr. Vigers that as a wit-
ness he was bound to speak the truth, and the whole truth,
and if a question was put, no matter what would be the
result, ho should answer if he could.
Mr. Vigers said he would answer the questions. He was
asked about the property advertised. The value of the
plot of freehold ground was £2OO. Some freehold resi-
dences he described, and the land of the site of St. Michael's
School was of itself worth £3,000, and £7,000 was the
value of the land on which Trollope's-yard stood. He
asked whether he was to go on. Only £9,000 was re-
quired by the writ, and he had already given evidence of
property worth more than £ll,OOO.
Mr. Lanyon required further evidence as to the value of
the property.
Mr. Vigers gave the value of other property, £2,000 one
house, another was let at £l2O a-year, and the leasehold
interest in several others he estimated at £3,000.
In answer to further questions,
Mr. Vigers said he did not know of any mortgage or
charge on the property. He was not likely to know.
Mr. Francis Vigers, brother and partner of the last wit-
ness, was called. He confirmed the evidence, and did not
know of any other surplus property in Middlesex, or
whether the property in question was mortgaged or
charged.
Mr. Bridge wished the Court to ask whether he did not
know that the receivers appointed by the Court of Chan-
cery were in the receipt of the rents of the part let. In
the interest of the pqblic it should be known.
Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell declined to put the question.
He had no curiosity in the matter, nor did he, like a
coroner, take evidence, which might be used for the benefit
of the public.
Mr. Francis Vigers knew the receivers had served a
notice that the property vested in them by their appoint-
ment.

Mr. Lanyon submitted that he had satisfactorily proved
that the property he had described vested in the company.
Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell told the jury it was for
them to say whether they were satisfied with the evidence.
The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the evi-
dence as to the value of the property in question.
Mr. Bridge asked the Court whether the property could
be handed over to the plaintiffs, as he was ready to show
that it rested in the receivers of the Court of Chancery.
Mr. Under-Sheriff Burchell must decline to answer" the
question. The parties could lodge a notice, if they thought
proper, at the office of the Sheriff.
Mr. Bridge was anxious that after the injunction by the
Court of Chancery the Sheriff should fall into no scrape.
Mr. Lanyon thought his friend took a personal interest
in the learned Under-Sheriff. (A laugh.)
Verdict accordingly.
THE REV. DANIEL ELOUGH V. THE LONDON, CHATHAM, AND
DOVER RAILWAY-ANOTHER WRIT OF ELEGIT.
This was another writ of elegit by the plaintiff, the Rev.
Daniel Oliver Elough, on a judgment debt of £2,097 4s. 4d.
obtained in the Common Pleas.
Mr. Tindal Atkinson, jun., for the plaintiff, suggested
that the evidence given in the former case should be im-
ported into the present action.
The suggestion of the learned counsel was acted upon,
and the jury returned a similar verdict, which was entered
on the proceedings.

ADELPHI THEATRE.—On the occasion of the
benefit of Mr. Anson, the respected treasurer of the Royal
Adelphi Theatre, Miss May Holt, daugWer of Mr. and
Mrs. Clarence Holt, made her first appearance in England
—having only performed once befo:-e, when a mere child,
during the Australian tour of her patents. She has an ex-
cellent voice, and sang delightfully—the audience being
demonstrative in their approval, as well as upon the appear-
ance of Mr. and Mrs. C. Holt, who acted with their accus-
tomed ability.

DRURY-LANE THEATRE.—The season commences
to-morrow evening with Shakspero's "King John" and
" Comedy of Errors." "King John" will be supported in
the principal characters by Mr. Phelps as Ring John, Mr.
Barry Sullivan as Falconbridge, Mr. T. Swinburno as
Hubert, Master Percy Roselle as Prince Arthur, and Mrs.
Hermann Vezin as Lady Constance. In the " Comedy of
Errors"—an abridgment of course—Messrs. Henry and
Charles Webb will sustain the parts of the two Dromios.
At the conclusion of the tragedy the National Anthem will
lie sung, Madame Jenny Bauer, Miss Poole, Messrs. Henri
Drayton, and W. 11. Harrison taking the solos. Mr. F. B.
Chatterton's new management could hardly be inaugurated
with fairer prospects.