The Sun.
London, England, 1866-12-06 00:00:00

lIIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

r 1 Is DAY.—Morning, lh. 30m.—Afternoon, lh. 50m.
Ta-llotutow.-Altrning, 2h. Bm.—Afternoon, 2h. 26m.

4
4:--97:14016\11 Snit.

LONDON, THURSDAY, DEC. 6, 1866.

The arrival of the Bombay Mail, with intelligence
to the 13th November, brings u
political news. The accounts no very important
of the famine are,
however, anything but reassuring, and the number
of deaths have reached a frightful aggregate. In
Cuttack. and Manublicom the distress continues
unabated, and in Cuttack 30,000 persons are fed
daily ; is Manubhown about half that number.
Notwithstanding that assi3tance in Cuttack, paupers
aro dying at the rate of 2,000 a week. This is a
frightful picture, and
.the sufferings of the people
Must be terrible. No doubt the best efforts of
Government will not prevent the effects of want
and overcrowding of the cities and wretchedness
making themselves felt among the miserable crowds
who throng the relief houses, and pestilence too

often follows on the track of famine, but the num-
ber of deaths are certainly startling. The scarcity
has made itself felt in other parts of India as well,
and in Hyderabad grain has become so precious
that the Nizam has forbidden its exportation from
his territory. The new crops were, according to
the last intelligence we received, likely to turn
out well, and we hear nothing to the con-
trary by this mail, so that we may hope
the severity of the calamity will ere long be
abated ; but these periodical famines in India
are so great an affliction, so widespread in the deso_
lation and misery they create, and so fatal to the
progress and content of the people, that it will be
well to organise a properly constituted commission
to inquire fully and impartially into their origin,
symptoms, periods of recurrenc, places of visitation,
and above all the best means of prevention or miti-
gation. No less can be expected of a Government
which professes a paternal character, and certainly
no less would be attempted by a repre-
sentative administration. It is generally be-
lieved that irrigation might do much in the
matter, and although some authorities have
denied this, the subject has never been fully and
fairly entered into. The supineness which has
weighed down successive Indian Administrations
has made Governors and Lieutenant-Governors,
councillors, and officials of every degree, glad to
believe that the misfortune was one beyond human
control. It is, however, very doubtful whether
such be actually the case. If, indeed, it is impos-
sible to prevent the recurrence of these periods of
scarcity in certain districts, then some system of
relief must be organised. It will be a disgraceful
thing if we quietly fold our hands, and allow
thousands of our people to perish every few years
from actual want of food.

Th© news from Cabul is stormy. Sirdar Ma-
hommed RAFFEEK KHAN has been strangled by
orders of the rulers, who are said also to have sent
secretly an envoy to the Russians, requesting assist-
ance for " a holy war," but the Ameer, SIIERE ALI
KnAN,still declares himself a follower of the British
Government. The sepoys of SHERE ALL'S army
are, however, said to be deserting him in consequence
of arrears in their pay, and there are dissensions in
his family, which are weakening his cause, so that
the affairs of oar ally do not look very hopeful.
Two pieces of domestic information gives us an
encouraging view of Indian progress. The Central
India Industrial Exhibition is to be opened at Jab-
bulpore on the 26th December, which we may hope
will give a stimulus to invention and ingenuity, as
well as an encouragement to trade and commerce.
Judging from the splendour of the Indian De-
partment of our own Great Exhibition the spec-
tacle will be a gorgeous one. The other item of
news, indicating social progress, is the comple-
tion of railway communication between Bombay
and Nagpore on the one hand, and between Cal-
cutta and Delhi on the other. The bridge over
the Jumna has united the two great cities north
and south, the City of Palaces with the abode of
the Great Mogul. What would this not have been
worth in 1857 ?

In Prussia all seem intent on the cherished
scheme of consolidating the constitution of North
Germany, which, according to all accounts, is mak-
ing great progress. It is said by the Provincial
Correspondenz that the plan drawn up by the Prus-
sian Government is above all calculated to satisfy
the general desire of North Germany for a united
and powerful State, and a common national deve-
lopment. This is all very fine in theory ; but when
we come to practice we find it far from satisfactory,
for the Prussians are insinuating themselves into
the management of affairs, and when they have
once gained an entrance they make one encroach-
ment after another. The way in which matters
are being carried on in Hanover is quite enough, we
should think, to convince the most sceptical that
those who are so unfortunate as to get under Prus-
sian domination must bid farewell to all indepen-
dence, direct or indirect. Le Poi le vent is the
magic talisman, and whoever ventures to act con-
trary to the rule laid down finds himself in a very
awkward position. A Royal order has been issued
in Hanover, which is of a most stringent nature, and
shows pretty plainly the manner in which affairs
are to be conducted under the new regime.
In] point of fact we should suspect that long be-
fore this all the Hanoverians, high and low, must
have arrived at the conclusion that their day of
liberty was over, at any rate for the present ; and
by this time, unless they are very credulous people
at a distance, must agree in the notion. As for
talking of German unity and the advantages that
will accrue from this or that arrangement, it is quite
idle, and seems rather a mockery when we come
to think of things. Here are orders being
issued and well laid down in Hanover, for
instance, which, if carried out, will very
speedily convert the kingdom from its former inde-
pendent condition into a state of comparative serf-
dom, and totally change its condition and under-
mine
its prosperity.
Every possible facility is given in this order to
encourage the Prussian functionaries to all kinds of
tyrannical acts and
are the penalties to vexatious restrictions, and great
be
presume to offend themenforeed against those who
nariesoarr e otbos
bt reuscut
ptehnedme
di ni
mt hmeei
r
course. All functio
ancatheGt
Governor-General
of oociffi aheley
Hanoveriif
t hiGovernment;seyb e failsid to carry ou
es empowered to remove to the
cti nfortress of Minden, under arrest,
all officers orar w
sol-
diers of the late Hanoverian army who take
p
agitations against the Prussian authorities, and
alsoo
to try before a military tribunal all persons who
may i‘ insult military men wearing the Prussian
uniform." This is really taking a leaf out of
General BUTLER'S book, and if this is to be the
result of Prussian progress we wish Count
BISMARCK joy of it. At any rate, we
may gather from this comprehensive order
what the llanoverians have to expect ; and
surely there is no need to dwelluponwe are,themo ral
of
it, which those who run can read •
how-
ever, induced to speculate upon it on accougnutaorftetrhse,
oft-repeated assertions made in various
that, notwithstanding the individual injustice and
the particular hardships inflicted, there will ensue
a general benefit to all concerned in those transi-
tion stages of German politics. 'We wish we could
see any chance, however slight, and any pro-
spect, however remote, of such coming to pass ;
but we are constrained to believe that the contrary
will be the result of all this transformation, of
which Count BISMARCK is the active agent.
The irritation which will naturally be felt among
those who are affected by these imperative com-
mands and interfered with in this arbitrary fashion
will naturally find vent in one way or another,
and before long we shall in all probability hear of
some vexatious outbreaks against the powers
that be in those States that have been
annexed to Prussia. It is not in the nature
of things that men should readily or easily
submit to such sweeping changes, and still more to
such arrogance of tone and manner, as characterise
the Prussians in all their arrangements, whether of
peace or war. Of course, nothing could have jus-
tified the course pursued by Prussia iu taking pos-
session of all those places, but still the work might

la we been done far more quietly, and with much
lc ;s assumption than it has been. Whether we look
Saxony, with its resources cut off and its mili-
-tary power suppressed, and at Hanover crushed
under this overwhelming device, (or turn to any
~other of the new Prussian dominions, we see the
same thing; the one idea unmistakeably impressed
, upon all edicts and enuuciations, that of the supre-
t lnacy of Prussia ; and this ruling passion of the
,Berlin Government animates all their words and

;actions to the total exclusion of a more elevated

! -tone, or a more generous course. In the pre-
;sent state of things it is especially interesting to
_notice what are the opinions entertained in France
Its to German policy, and M. JULES FAVRE is a
, good authority to take. He is against an alliance
-between Prussia and France, and gives some very
• ,excellent reasons for his disapproval thereof. He

looks back to the time when he was in favour o:

raising diplomatic interference for Denmark, and
exclaims, " `"hover thinks of that sad triumph of
force over weakness and right. The complaints
of betrayed States are stifled under the ruins of
the Germanic Confederation, and of Monarchies
overthrown or partitioned !" Then talking of the
position of France in relation to these stupendous
charges, he says—" We are disdained until the
time comes for us to be openly defied." We sus-
suspect that these sentiments will find an echo in
many French minds just now ; and indeed the
longer they dwell upon the condition of Germany,
and the more they study the conduct of Prussia,
the greater will be the indignation that will gather
in France—not the anger that is speedily subdued,
but the deep-seated conviction of wrong and in-
jury which makes men most dangerous as enemies,
and renders nations formidable when the day of
reckoning arrives, and the long list of offences are
recalled to the minds of the avengers.

'The movement in, favour of middle-class educa-
tion is one of the most noticeable signs of the pre-
sent day. It is a favourable indication of the in-
telligence and praiseworthy ambition of our com-
mercial ranks, who are anxious that their children
should be fully equal to the requirements of the
age in which they live. These high-pressure days
leave little time for the full-grown man to extend
his theoretical knowledge ; he must put up, as best
he can, with the deficiencies of his early education,
since not only the opportunity and the time
are wanting, but, in most cases, the un-
trained mind loses its inclination and its
aptitude for fresh branches of study. Yet it is not
desirable that our shopkeepers, our clerks, and those
in similar positions, should be altogether shut out
from the paths of literature and science. They are
expected to take an interest in the politics of the
day, and to influence in some degree at least the
course of national policy. How can they do this
wisely and well if they know nothing of the history
of the past, if they are ignorant of the mistakes
and the achievements of other rulers and peoples ?
An acquaintance with foreign tongues is often of
the greatest practical service to men in their
several occupations, while a knowledge of the
higher branches of arithmetic is almost indispensable
to their success in life. As for the pleasure and the
profit to be derived from a familiarity with the
great authors of our own and other nations, there
are few we should hope who would raise a dissen-
tient voice. We should like to see every English-
man of the middle ranks receive an education of this
kind. lie would be better fitted to play his part on
the stage of life, better fitted for practical success,
and more qualified to keep his right position in ad-
vance of those labouring classes who are pressing
so closely on their steps.
The success of the local examination system has
been very great. It has given a stimulus to our
private schools, which is likely to exercise a very
beneficial effect on the character of the instruction
given, and it has certainly afforded great encourage-
ment to the youths themselves, who thus obtain a
recognition of their abilities and their acquirements.
The distribution of certificates and prizes to the
successful candidates at the examination held in
Loudon last June took place yesterday at
Willis's Rooms. Lord TAUNTON, who pre-
sided, made a short but sensible speech,
advising the young men before him not to look
on their success as the end of their efforts, but
rather as the beginning of future exertions. The
number of the successful candidates gave gratify-
ing evidence of the increasing estimation in which
these examinations are held; and though much re-
mains to be done, yet we may believe that we have
entered upon a wise and beneficial course.

were placed in a strong box and taken to Paris,
and from thence to the Forest of Bondy. The
number of individuals concerned in the robbery was
nine, and Mme. Bohn's father was one of them. The
robbery having been discovered most of the thieves
were arrested. Mme. Bohn's father, who was a Bel-
gian, was condemned by default, but he managed
to reach the frontier and escaped. Some years
afterwards he returned to Paris, and, taking his
daughter with him to the Forest of Bondy, he
pointed out a spot at the foot of an oak, where, he
said, the box containing the treasure was buried.
This box, he said, contained diamonds, jewels, and
other valuables to the enormous amount of 20 mil-
lions of francs. Four men have been employed for
several days in digging at this spot in search of
the treasure, but up to the present time they have
not discovered any indication of it.

M. Le Saint, a French officer of great attainments
and energy, is about to penetrate into countries
hitherto unknown in equatorial Africa, either by
ascending the Nile beyond Khartoum and advancing
resolutely towards the south-east, and traversing
the completely unknown region of the gulf of Benin,
or by starting from the French establishment of the
Gabon, mounting to the north-west towards the
upper basin of the Nile. The project is a bold one
and full of dangers, but the most important disco-
veries are likely to resnit from it. ,The adventurous
traveller thinks of making the journey quite alone.
There have never been so many destructive fires
at Paris as have occurred within the last month. On
Monday night the little theatre in the Faubourg St.
Martin, called the Theatre des Nouveautes, was
nearly destroyed. It was only opened a year
ago. The fire broke out at about 7 o'clock, just
before the performances were about to commence,
but the dcors, happily, had not been opened. The
firemen arrived at the spot in a very short time,
but in spite of their exertions the whole of the in-
terior of the theatre was destroyed. The scenery
and decorations were all burnt. Nothing has been
saved but the dresses of the actors. One of the fire-
men was slightly burnt, but that is the extent of
the personal injury. The fire was extinguished
about nine o'clock. The play announced was
" L'lle des Sirenes," which had been got up with
great splendour.

A match manufactory at Le Villette has been
nearly destroyed by fire.
A few days ago (says the Journal du Havre) there
was a very unjustifiable marriage disappointment.
Anindividual had obtained the permission of her
family to marry a
young servant girl. All was
ready for the wedding, the friends were invited and
the dinner ordered. Nothing was wanting but the
intended husband. The poor girl, in her bridal
dress, waited in great anxiety and suspense. At
length came a letter from the bridegroom, with these
words, "My good young lady, do not be surprised
at not seeing me again. lam going into exile."
This morning early the weather was mild and
genial, like spring. About one o'clock in the after-
noon the sun broke forth with great splendour, and
it was really warm. Afterwards, however, there
was rain. There are often much colder days in
Englane at midsummer. Although The Sun says
that the weather was unfavourable for the Reform
demonstration on Monday in London, in Paris it
was a beautiful day.
The report in circulation at the Bourse is that the
Legislative Session will commence on the 14th of
January.
Some alarm exists in Paris in consequence of the
sudden and mysterious disappearance of several
persons within a week or so. A few days ago a
clerk employed at the chief telegraph office disap-
peared, and now the wife of an honest workman
is in great grief at the absence of her husband, of
whom nothing is known since he left his work,
although the police have made strict inquiries about
him. There have been several violent nocturnal
attacks.

PRUSSIA.

The trial of Laniirande at Poitiers proceeds. The
Court overruled the objections taken by his counsel
as to the illegality of his capture. 'The Court also,
at the request of the First Advocate-General, gave
a decision to the effect that the various charges
should be proceeded with separately.
M. Sardon's piece, "La Maison Neuve," about
which a little storm raged some time ago, was pro-
duced at the Vaudeville on Monday. It will be re-
collected that the author withdrew his production in
a rage, because some anticipatory criticisms and
extracts were published from it. 1 have not seen it,
but judging from several critiques, it would seem
that it is hardly worth the fuss made about it. One
writer says, "The piece excited by turns the ap-
plause and the murmurs of a public evidently
friendly to the author." They who " murmured "
must have an odd idea of the best way of " backing
your friends."

MARKE T s.7•This day.

METROPOLITAN CATTLE.

Although the supply of beasts on offer here to-day was
only moderate, the demand for all breeds ruled heavy, and
prices had a drooping tendency. The extreme quotation
for Scots was 59. 4d. per 81bs. The show of rump was
rather limited, yet tho trade was in a most inactive state,
and Infirm breeds were rather cheaper. The top price
was 6s. per Blbs. Calves were Very dull, and quite 2s. per
81bs. lower. In pigs, both English and foreign, very little
was doing, at barely stationary prices.

Per Sib to sink the offal.
sdsd
s ds d
Pinecrs-wool sheep 5 0 5 8
Prime J'th down a 0.5 10 6 0
SecondPerrisme e(l' I aignrugr:Lelbiotey: sedtaos 143 806 543 1060 Large coarse ca Ives. 4 8 5 2
Prime Scots, dr.c....5 2 5 4 Prime small do 5 4 5 8
Crse. and inf. sheep. 3 8 4 0 Large hogs 3 8 4 4
Second quality do ..4 24 10 Sinai'. porkers ...4 6 4 8
Lamb.... 08 Od to 0, Od.

Suckling calves, 20s to 238; and quarter-old store pigs, 293
a 3Zs each.

THE SUN, LOALON, THousimY EV ENING, DECEMBER Q 1866.

L A TEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

AUSTRIA AND RUSSIA.
VIENNA, Dec. 6.

The semi-official Vienna Journal of to-day pub-
lishes an article upon what it designates as certain
" wilfully disseminated rumours" respecting alleged
tension in the political relations between Austria
and Russia. The article concludes as follows :

" We learn upon most reliable authority that the
relations between Russia and Austria are most
satisfactory, and that nothing whatever has taken
place calculated to disturb them in any way. No
concentration of troops has been made by Austria
and Galicia, nor is such a measure contemplated.
Russia, on the other hand, has not effected any mi-
litary movement out of the ordinary course, or of a
nature to give rise to any apprehension."

BERLIN, Dec. Gth.

The Crown Prince of Denmark has arrived here.
His Royal Highness was received at the railway
terminus by the Military Commander of the town,
the President of the Police, and the officers ap-
pointed to attend upon the Prince during his stay
at Berlin. The Prince will reside in that portion of
the Royal Castle formerly inhabited by Prince

THE CANDIAN INSURRECTION.
PARIS, Dec. 5.
The bulletin of this morning's Monitcur contains
the following :
" The hopes to which the favourable turn of
events in Crete had given rise have not been com-
pletely realised. The native insurrection being ter-
minated, a period of appeasement and pacification
was already opening for this unfortunate country,
when adventurers of all nations, partly recruited
in the kingdom of Greece, partly from among the
former bands of Garibaldi first transported to Syra,
and subsequently from that island into Candia
by small rapid Greek merchant steamers that
have been made the purveyors of the insurrection,
have come to import fresh elements of agitation.
These foreign bands have established themselves in
the mountainous and uncultivated parts of the
country, where they have dispersed so as to be able
to carry on for some time a partisan warfare, ren-
dered possible by the supplies they receive from
Syra, by evading the vigilance of the Ottoman
cruisers. As to the population of the island, as we
said some days ago, it has almost everywhere made
its submission and profited by the amnesty skilfully
promulgated by Mustapha Pacha. The peasants
have returned to their homes, and are peacefully
engaged in cultivating their crops. Only a few
Chiefs specially compromised still seek to hold the
country.

" Be this as it may, everything leads to the belief
that this last effort of the rebellion, in which the
right thinking part of the Candian population
takes no part, will not succeed in again inflicting
a new era of misfortune and ruin upon the island
of Crete at the very moment when peace and calm
begin to revive, and that the foreign bands, isolated
and devoid of support in the country, will promptly
abandon a struggle the issue of which cannot be
doubtful. It may be hoped that the Ottoman
authorities, acting wisely, will persevere in the
system of moderation to which they have hitherto
had the sagacity to remain faithful."