The Sun.
London, England, 1866-04-18 00:00:00

and did not make over this merit of the sacrifice to
those who have quite enough to do with their own
affairs without troubling themselves with the cares
and trials of the future. It is curious, at all events,
that we never heard anything of all this outcry
about the National Debt when the repeal of
the duty on paper was criticised. It is
not the way to impress the country with a
sense of the fairness and consistency of our legis-
lators to find that what suits the fancies, and
answers the purpose of certain members, especially
the Chancellor of the Exchequer, must have all
them give way to it, while the interests of the people
' are to be put aside to suit dogmas, and fulfil
Utopian schemes of finance. Mr. GLADSTONE'S
speech was just what we expected, full of argument
and replete with didactic advice. He approved of
the spirit of the amendment, but it should not be
discussed in this incidental manner. He particu-
larly objected to pledging the House to " iso-
lated remissions in an anticipatory form." This
sounds very fine, but we may bear in mind that
had it not been for " isolated remissions" being
discussed, we should not have had the reduction of
the duty on fire insurance last year. It would
be more creditable to Mr. GLADSTONE to forego his
prejudices in this respect instead of persisting in
reiterating his old objection as to sticking at the loss
of indirect taxation, &c. According to the tenour
of his speech last night, there is no hope of any re-
duction of this tax so long as he remains in office,
ne matter how large may be the surplus at his dis-
posal, nor how few and unimportant the other de-
mands made upon it.

The Northumberland is at last afloat, and all the
anxieties, the suggestions, and the speculations
which have been so busy about her during the last
month have come happily to an end. The scene
yesterday at Millwall was a most exciting one, and
very anxious were the gentlemen who had the
management of the affair that no fresh disaster
should occasion further delay. Extraordinary exer-
tions had been made to assist the movement of the
vessel ; and, in fact, although high water was not
until half-past three, the vessel was partially
afloat at two o'clock. It was thought better, how-
ever, not to make the final effort until the river
was clear, and everything in readiness. Shortly
before three o'clock; the signal was given, the men
were set to work at the vast hydraulic presses, and
after a brief delay the Northumberland glided
slowly and safely into the 'river. amid the hearty
cheers of the spectators, who had thronged to watch
the launch. And so it came to pass,
after all the delays and disappointments,
the Northumberland was actually afloat before the
public believed the attempt to have been begun,
and excursion steamers going down to see the sight
were amazed to learn that the great undertaking
was safely over. No exertion had been spared in
the preparations, which reflected the highest
credit on all conc3rned. Seven hydraulic presses
were used to push the cradle down and lift the fore
part of the vessel, and large wooden camels were
also employed in great numbers. The floating
power given by these camels and the lines of
empty barrels employed amounted to 1,600 tons,
besides the vast power of the hydraulic
rams. It was calculated, after estimating all these
motive powers, that only about a weight of 2,000
tons remained to be started. At all events, in spite
of all difficulties, the launch has been happily ac-
complished, and every one will be glad to know
that the great ship is at last afloat.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM 017 R OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, Tuesday Evening.

I do not see in the Paris papers the reply of
Austria to the Prussian Note but the Cologne
Gazette gives an account of it, which may be pre-

sumed to be authentic. It is certainly of a very
pacific character, and announces in positive terms
on the part of the Emperor of Austria, that, up to
the present time, that Empire has not made any
military arrangements which are always necessary
before the commencement of any great war. There
has been no concentration of troops, and no assem-
blage of troops on the frontier. Neither has there
been lily purchase of horses, or a recall to active
service of any considerable number of soldiers on
leave. Austria has no idea of making an attack,
and the Emperor desires the reciprocal cessation on
the part of Prussia of any steps of a warlike cha-
racter.