The Sun.
London, England, 1866-03-05 00:00:00

Parliamentary Reform.

A second public demonstration in favour of the
principles advocated by the Reform League was
held on Friday in St. Martin's-hall ; Mr. EDMOND
BEALES, the president of that body, occupying the
chair. The attendance, as before, was exceedingly
numerous, and both the galleries and floor of the
hall were well filled, the auditory consisting chiefly
of working men.
The CIIAIRMAN, in his introductory address, said
the meeting had been called together to receive the
report of a conference which had just been held on
the subject of reform. That conference was com-
posed of delegates from every part of the country,
including Ireland and Scotland ; and without fol-
lowing the example of another place, and waiting
for statistics, they had resolved that registered resi-
dential manhood suffrage, protected by the ballot,
was the only principle upon which a new reform
bill ought to proceed, and they had agreed to peti-
tion the House of Commons to allow twelve of
their number who were working men to be heard at
their bar in support of that principle. (Hear, hear.)
Having offered a few remarks upon the evils and
corruptions arising out of the existing system of
representation, he insisted that the continuance of
such a state of things was not only subversive of the
constitution, but revolting to common sense,'and the
sooner a remedy was applied the better it would be
for all classes of society. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. GREENING of Manchester, before proceeding
to move the first resolution, gave an explanation of
the absence of Mr. Ernest Jones, who was to have
been the first speaker, according to the programme
of the evening's proceedings. It was feared, he said,
that Mr. Jones's excellent constitution had been
overtaxed in serving the cause of reform, and his
friends were now apprehensive that it was breaking
down ; at all events the present state of health
would not admit of his undertaking a journey to
London, and at the last moment Mr. Jones had
been compelled to telegraph his excuse for not
being present. The resolution which he had now
to propose, in place of Mr. Ernest Jones was
this :—" That this meeting highly approves of the
resolutions passed by the Reform League Con-
ference held in St. Martin's-hall the 28th Feb-
ruary and Ist of March, and cordially affirms the
principles advocated by the Reform League of resi-
dential and registered manhood suffrage, protected
by the ballot, as the only sound and proper founda-
tion of all real representation and of self-govern-
ment, as being in entire accordance with the theory
and spirit of the constitution of these realms, and as

imperatively necessary to render the House of Com-
mons, not in name only but in reality, the house of
the commons of the United Kingdom." In advo-
ting manhood suffrage he combated the objections
which Lord Elcho and Mr. Lowe had advanced
against it, and insisted that the fears which these
opponents entertained to an extension of the suf-
frage were groundless. He next dealt with the
scheme of reform which had already been shadowed
forth as that of the Government. A£6 franchise
would still leave that arbitrary line which the league
were anxious to see abolished. Such a suffrage was
exclusive rather than inclusive in its character, and
would make no change in the present conservative

system. It would do no good for London and the
other great cities of the state, and therefore could
not satisfy the people who were demanding to be
admitted within the pale of the constitution. He
was equally opposed to an educational franchise,
such as that proposed by Mr. Clay. One of the
qualifications embodied in that gentleman's bills was
being able to spell correctly, and he had been told
that if this should become law it would have the
effect of disfranchising a majority of the present
House of Commons. (Laughter.) But give the
people that franchise which the league advocated
and education would soon follow. On the other
hand, if it rested on education the opponents of the
people would have a direct interest in keeping them
in darkness ; and on that account he called, in the
language of the resolution, for an unlimited fran-
chise. (Hear, hear.)
Mr. GREW, of Birmingham, seconded the re-
solution.

Mr. SAMUEL POPE supported it in an argumenta-
tive speech, though he thought it ought to demand
as a right what it asked as a favour. He agreed
with the Edinburgh Review, that the question was
not an amendment of the Act of 1832, but an exten-

sion of the electoral power of the people. Experience
had convinced him that working men would make

better, more loyal, and more independent voters
than any other class in the kingdom, and he advised

hat when next the league sent a deputation to

Downing-street it should be accompanied by such

a mass of working men as should for the time stop
the traffic in Parliament-street. (Hear, hear.)
The resolution was then put to the vote, and
carried by acclamation.

Two other resolutions were also passed, one in-
viting all classes of real reformers throughout the
country to unite in contributing to the funds of the
league, and in agitating, and labouring in their
several localities, by means of local associations or
otherwise, in support of the principles of reform set
forth in the first resolution, and the other directing
that copies of these resolutions should be transmitted
to Earl Russell and Mr. Gladstone.
A vote of thanks to the chairman closed the pro-
ceedings, and the meeting separated at a late hour.

AN END TO A NEW YORK PROJECT.--
New York, or at least certain interests in it, have
lately been jubilant over the prospects of an under-
ground railway, which was to relieve the crowded
streets of their throngs, and whisk rejoicing pas-
sengers, in darkness, from the Battery to Harlem, as
fast as steam could carry them. They have under-
ground railroads in London, why should they not
have them in New York ? Ah ! why not ? New
York is a " metropolis," so is London. Why
should not the metropolis of America enjoy all the
advantages of the metropolis of Great Britain ?
There could be no satisfactory answer made, and so
the underground railroad was declared to be a cer-
tain thing. It was settled, upon theory, that the
scheme was perfectly practicable, and until lately
the speculation promised well. But now there
comes forward one Craven, who sweeps away the
whole project with a few strokes of the pen. He is
the Chief Engineer of the Croton Water Board, and
he tells his fellow-citizens that unless they are will-
ing, large numbers of them, to go without water
during the months that the great public improve-
ment is in progress—unless they are willing to build
new sewers to an extent which cannot even be
estimated at this time, to relieve those which will
be disturbed by the operations of the railroad
builders—they might as well give up the plan. The
route chosen for the railroad is under the largest
water mains and most important sewers and cul-
verts in the city of New York. It will ba impos-
sible CO. prosecute the work without stopping off the
water in extensive districts, not only adjacent to
the railroad, but in remote sections which are
supplied from the main pipes. The consequence
would be the stoppage of manufactories which must
use the water, increased danger from fire in conse-
quence of the want of means of extinguishment, and
the serious inconvenience and injury to citizens
deprived of a necessary fluid. Add to this the
nuisance of stopping communications with culverts,
and the consequent injury occasioned by the accu-
mulation of deleterious matters above ground which
might occasion malignant epidemics, and there are
reasons sufficient to put an end to the underground
railway schemes, and to compel the savans of the
American metropolis to find some new method of
getting rid of an undoubted difficulty, enabling them
to present something startlingly original, and alto-
gether unlike what they do in London.
SIR ROBERT PEEL AT TAMWORTIL—Sir Robert
Peel presided at an annual meeting on Friday night of the
Fazeloy Club, Reading-room and Library, of which ho is
both the founder and the president. He was accompanied
by Lady Emily Peel. Mr. John Pee], the other M.P. for
Tarnworth, and his family were also present. The parish
school-room, in which the meeting was held, was thronged.
SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY, EXETER HALL.—
liadyn's
" Creation" will be performed on Friday next,
March 9. Principal vocalists—Miss Edmonds, Mr. Cum-
mings, and Mr. Santley.
Dr. Wilson, who has lately received the appoint-
ment of consul at Antwerp, was the physician of Gover-
nor Seward during his illness consequent upon the mur-
derous attack of Payne, one of the Wilkes Booth con
spirators.

r."''

1,601114
•

HER MAJESTY•

WINDSOR CASTLE, March 3.
The Queen walked in the grounds this morning
with Princess Helena.
e'en
Her Royal Highness Princess Louise also
out walking. March 4'
The Queen, Princess Helena, Princess Loui.9the,e
Princess Beatrice, and Prince Leopold, . e
ladies and gentlemen in waiting, attended Dis3s
service this morning in the private chapel.
The Rev. J. Shuldham preached the sermon.
31
There is no truth in the report that his E°
pal
Prince Leopold is about to go abroad n
account of his health, such a step being quite till.
necessary.

The Prince and Princess of Wales took a carriagg
drive on Saturday.
In the evening their royal highnesses had a dinner
party.
The Prince and Princess of Wales, with theNollt:
Mrs. F. Stonor and Lieut.-Colonel Keppel in
ing, attended Divine service at the Chapel Rope
St. James's, yesterday.

An Old Scandal in a New Light.

Some mention has been made in the Court et
Probate upon one or two recent occasions of th
case of "Ryves against the Attorney-Genera
It may not be generally known that, although the
cause has not as yet assumed a very important shaP e
it involves points of historical interest ; and will
it shall have come fully before the Court it will, t
have no doubt, attract a large share of public 3 ;
tention. The suit is undertaken by a mother all;
her son, who, though they are now living in C011:Tog
rative obscurity, aspire to the high honour of bell;
recognised as members of the Royal family be
endeavouring to accomplish their end it will to
necessary for them to inquire somewhat closely 111131
the private history of King George lIL, and
nut
curious incidents must of necessity be brought "
by the evidence and documents exhibited in refs'
n
rence to this part of the case; for Mrs. Ryves, th_efs;
titioner, asserts that she has descended from the ioPo.
of a private marriage contracted by the fourth °ay
ther of George 111., who was known as Prince i1e,.00
Frederick, Duke of Cumberland. The lady to wuli.ie
the Prince is said to have been married Was ° tee
Wilmot, the daughter of Dr. James Wilmot, rector
of Barton-on-the-Heath, in Warwickshire. 111 ,wite,
isi,
the mother of this Olive Wilmot, was a Polish re.
cess. How much interesting matter it will be ilro,
cessary to disclose, for the purposes of this suit, re
specting the private relations existing between Ili_
Prince and Olive Wilmot prior to the alleged Inha
riage it is impossible to say at present ; but as.
whole suit hinges upon this point, everything, n
ink=
dental to the intimacy of Prince Frederick and
Wilmot and his family will no doubt be thorough
canvassed.
But whether this marriage can be proved or nets
it was quite certain that it was acknowledget.aos
the time, for the gossips of the period seem to Pter
made it one of their stock subjects, and the Baugh
ed.
born of the marriage was also publicly recogius e
It seems, however, that in the course of tune th
Prince got into a scrape with Mrs. Horton, a s tor
i'ol,
to Col. Luttrell, who was afterwards retignedine
of
ber of Parliament by Court influence in place
" Demagogue Wilkes." The Prince event
was CO'
married Mrs. Horton, and, as the bigamy Nv-- tMhe
f
witted in the face of the acknowledgment - o
arl
issue of the former marriage, it became neeessthe
that something should be done to hush 1113,
scandal. The histories referring to the period env,
that the King about this time would not receive h':
brother at Court, and it is conjectured, with s° oof
show of reason, that the prohibition arose out 00
the disagreement between them consequent uP,
this bigamous marriage. The Prince, accordingl_.;
unwillingly or unable to deny himself the pleasure
of Mrs. Horton's society, and equally loth to be de'
nied the Court, neglected his first wife, who after
wards died in France. He also consented to a Prio"-
posal that his daughter should be brought up a
ignorance of her parentage until the scandal had
died a natural death, and certain distinguish%
personages had died too. When this had bye
settled to the satisfaction of all concerned, sap
those who, if the story be true, had been Wee
grievously wronged, the marriage of the Frill._
with Mrs. Horton was allowed to pass without 1;
terference, and it is this Mrs. Horton who has e.°l4,
tinned to be acknowledged as the only and ell' d
less
It
ia
wifeeasilyconceived of Prince Frederick t
atan
arrangement such the
that which, it is said, was come to between tout
Prince and the King was not concluded wit'cip.
some writing, and it is asserted that several de
the
meats were signed touching the legitimacy °f
daughter of the Prince and his wife, nee Olive SV
to
mot. These documents, it is further asserted, ;of
witnessed by more than one Minister of 6t30 re.
the period and carefully preserved at the King the
quest. They were ultimately committed to
wh dap'
solemn of certain eminent persons, upon n.
solemn obligation of secrecy was laid until the 1/4
• oc-
pening of certain events which have long sincewe
curred. The names of all these persons will'
the
have no doubt, be made known in the course Of
proceedings before Sir J. P. Wilde. ot
The case has already been before the public' nt
and
only in courts of justice, but also in Parliateetition
by petition to the Royal Family. The first Peiso.
to the Crown was made in 1819, and the last jutaioecl
In 1861 Mrs. Ryves, then 64 years of age, eb .0g
a decree against the Attorney-General
estabbs
we
the marriage of her father to the lady to duke'sWh
have already referred as the daughter of the
esot
first marriage, and the chief object of the pr lisp
petition is, as we have already stated, to estprince
Mrs. Ryves's descent through this lady freuk.,h the
Henry Frederick, Duke of Cumberland, with
the
ultimate object of proving her son's
Cumber)
and and dignity of the dukedom of Cum
• se of C'
and her own right to the title of "'MCC
berland. f
The case was introduced to the notice o
ux,' ag-.
ment by Sir Gerard Noel nearly half a cent
,0 the
He moved for a select committee to inquire in' be
title t'e
• 11w ich
truth of statements made in her petition, he
•
had presented three months before. It seem
believed
seyed
was very earnest in her cause, thoroughly,
in the genuineness of her case, and persiete'Ais
announcing that he " had it in command from wal
Royal personage" to do so and so—" for
71/....°,01
personage he would continue to believe her
oswr
she was proved and declared to be an jail/ 05.
by a select committee of the House of Con% at
The petition of that day seemed to aim netfvoral
the declaration of Mrs. Ryves's legitimacy anu,11,400
descent, but also to the acquisition of a gral% bad
the Civil List. Sir Gerard Noel declared he
royal
always believed that every member of the
was
family was upon the Civil List, but here.7_..,,
member of the royal family quite unprovided 1u:
of
The present petition was filed in the Colturct, in
Divorce, under the Legitimacy Declaratio%wa for
August last, and the case has been set
coals
hearing by a special jury, but a series oirtio
_ths.
have caused it to be put off for another three a _
00
An application for an adjournment was in "
Feb. 27 by Mr. Bourke, on behalf of the
General, and opposed byDr. Smith and rai
on the part of the petitioner. The Attorney t7'
into be
desired delay because he had just come
could not
posses-
sion of a number of documents which
ers,
the
arranged in time for the trial. These papers PcaePrtificates
petitioner asserts, are simply copies of in
furnished by her or her mother to the Sovereign,c_
company with petitions concerning the claims
was
Attorney'rr tornhoia
have referred to. A significant obF.,,erva i he
made by Ile re"
granted the application for postponement. •-
an imp
Sir J. P. Wilde on Tuesday, When
marked that it was an important case—,
iron
::od bearing
I) t lringe upon
it ta thatt
reasonably an dall
be informations obtained
duced in court, and, when tried, should bo tr ie—
i
once for all.