The Sun.
London, England, 1866-05-07 00:00:00

jv
dp1,01., nc,

LONDON, MONDAY, MAY 7, 1866.

The anniversary dinner of the Royal Academy
is always one of the most attractive festivals of the
London season, and it presents many advantages of
a particular nature. All shades of politicians can
there meet and discuss the prospects of Art, in
which they have a common interest. The enter-
tainment of last Saturday was a very brilliant one,
and graced with the presence of royalty. The
Prince of WALES and Prince ALFRED both appeared
to do honour to the affair, and this circumstance
afforded great satisfaction to the company. Sir
FRANCIS GRANT was well supported on this, his
first occasion of occupying the chair as President.
In proposing the health of the Prince of WALES
he appropriately observed that he could wish his
Royal Highness "no greater happiness than that,
considering the cares and anxieties which must natu-
rally belong to his exalted position, he may be able
to understand and enjoy the soothing influences of
a love of art." In this respect the present Royal
Family are very fortunate, for all its members seem
to inherit the tastes of its parents, and in nothing
can the example of his illustrious father be better
followed by his Royal highness than in cultivating
the love of those refining arts among the commu-
nityd which have already done so much to inspire
and elevate the present generation. In returning
thanks the Prince of WALES made a touching allu-
sion to the great loss which the Academy sustained
last year in the death of its President, Sir CHARLES
EASTLAKE. In referring to the nature of the exhi-
bition then before them, his Royal Highness de-
clared that it was of a peaceful tendency, and the
only painting of a warlike tendency to which he
would refer was one called " Volunteers at a Firing
Point,,, which was interesting, as showing that at
present Volunteers were not required to come for-
ward in a direct manner for the defence of their
country.

The President made an interesting speech, com-
mencing with paring a tribute to the memory of
LAEE, and declaring that the
difficulty of his own position was enhanced by the
circumstance of his ha
Succeed one so famous
and so gifted. Anotherifißsa to
o,T' o
heavy loss to the Academy
w as the death of Mr. G
European reputa-
tion, and of whom Sir
C. EA' sTLf
great
once observed,
that " the union of such
simplicity
with
such remarkable integrity and
character was absolutely sublime". M. plicity of
Mr. G
testified his love of art to the insoN
last, in
bequeathing, to the Academy the original
east, of
all his works, some statues in marble, and a large
sum of money. After mentioning the pride which
all must take in the British School of Art that
had been so " honourably recognised" by foreign
nations, the President admitted that, with the ge-
neral body of artists, the Academy did not enjoy
deserved popularity. He trusted that this would
be in a great measure altered for the better, how-
ever, when they had more space. The public will
learn with surprise and regret that one hundred
and eighty is the annual average of " accepted
which are returned ,solely from
want of space, and have patiod the judgment

worLs,

of the assembled council as of suffix ient merit.
We share in the hope expressed by tlae President
that better days are in store, and that we shall soon
have a building that more adequately r epresents the
necessities of the times. Sir FRATACIS gave an
amusing illustration from one of Sir WALTER
SCOTT'S novels about a certain artist named DICK
Tmo, who was originally a sign.-painter, but who
afterwards set up in London, where he was getting
on so well that " now he has got to damning the
hanging committee at Somerset-hofise." I sup-
pose," said the President, that we shall. always have
our D ICK TINTS, but confidently expect that when
we have increased accommodation we shall rally
round us all the best artists in the country."

Earl RUSSELL spoke briefly, and seemed
labouring under indisposition. The noble
lord referred to the advantages that might
be derived from Exhibitions of the kind before
them, and the commemoration of these.acts, which
were recorded in the pages of history, might serve
to stimulate the young who contemplated them to
deeds of heroism. The immortal works of our lite-
rature are also illustrated by the talent and re-
sources of art. As the'noble lord happily observed,
Art thus contributes to the promotion of litera-
ture, and in its turn gathers from it freshness,
variety, and vigour ; and thus all these heroic deeds,
literature, and art contrive to form into one wreath
of national glory, making one proud of the name of
England."

Lord DERBY made some interesting remarks, and
expressed the satisfaction which he felt at hearing
his name associated with an undertaking which had
excited great attention and interest among artists,
and with the public generally, namely, the
National Portrait Exhibition. The noble
Earl declared that those who understood
1 this work were under the greatest obligations
to many, and particularly to the President of the
Council. Her MAJESTY, before a fortnight had
passed from the announcement of this exhibition,
most considerately placed at their disposal every
portrait in all the Royal Palaces, excepting
a few in the private apartments. This illustri-
ous example was followed by the heads of
many noble houses, and, indeed, nearly all the
great collections of the country have contributed
their share to the great undertaking. Lord DERBY
said that, considering all things, " there never has
been in this country, or any other, a contempo-
raneous exhibition of portraits so calculated to
excite the interest of the artist and student of history
as that which now adorns the walls of Kensing-
ton," As Lord DERBY observed—" We may notice
the extent to which we were in former days depen-
dent upon the assistance of foreign artists. But
we may date the rise of a School of British
Art from about the commencement of the
eighteenth century, especially art in portraiture,
in which we have not been surpassed.
" Beginning with Sir JOSHUA REYNOLDS, GAINS-
BOROUGH, ROMNEY, LAWRENCE—these four in
succession form a constellation of artists reflecting
the highest credit on the British school of art."
Altogether we may say the gathering at the
Academy on Saturday was not inferior to any
of a similar nature which have inaugurated the
art season in the Metropolis, and in some respects
it was far beyond the average, both from the ex-
cellence of the speeches made, and the interest of
the subject on which they treated.

The most important part of the intelligence
which we receive from New York by the Asia is the
summary of the diplomatic correspondence which
the PRESIDENT has laid before the House of Repre-
sentatives. The correspondence between Paris and
New York respecting the French troops in Mexico
has been actively carried on during the last few
months, and at length a definite result has been
arrived at, although the removal of the troops has
been postponed as long as possible by the French
Government. There is a good deal said on both
sides about the traditional alliance between the
two countries from the time of the revolutionary
war, and M. DROUTN DE LIIITYS disclaims any
idea of active interference. Intestine war, he de-
clares, has become the normal condition of Mexico,
and the present opposition to MAXIMILAN gives no
proof of the unpopularity of an Imperial form of
Government, but is merely the result of previous
anarchy. All States need allies, he adds, senten-
tiously—an aphorism which Mr. SEWARD meets
with the plain intimation that the United States do
not regard the Government of MAXIMILIAN as
legitimate, and capable of forming alliances. He
concludes by asking for definite information regard-
ing the removal of the French troops, adding, that
the withdrawal need not be delayed from any year,
and that the United States would forsake their avowed
policy of non-intervention. This statement appears
to have reassured the French Government, since on
the 6th of last month M. DRoUYN DE LHUYS writes
to M. DE MONTHOLON that France receives it with
confidence and finds them sufficient guarantee no
longer to delay the removal of the forces. The
EMPEROR has decided that his troops shall evacuate
Mexico in three detachments, in November, 1866,
in March, 1867, and in November, 1867. This is
certainly, as we have said, putting off the evil day
as long as possible, and giving plenty of time
for the thousand-and-one chances of war and
diplomacy to interrupt the fulfilment of the promise.
Nevertheless it is something gained to have an epoch
definitely fixed, and the chances of a rupture
between the two Powers avoided. The Emperor
of the FRENCH no doubt thinks that he
has quite enough on his hands just now,
in watching the condition of Continental politics ;
and in case of a European war he does not wish to
be hampered and entangled by a costly, unprofit-
able, and unpopular war in Central America. At
any rate by fixing these dates for the removal of his
army he has avoided a rupture with the Washington
Government, and has left himself comparatively free
for action if he pleases.

If the situation of European politics is such as
to render the Emperor of the FRENCH unwillingilmoreto
drift into a war across the Atlantic,
should similar reluctance be felt by the Austrian
Emperor. It is not exactly the time, one would
think, for Austria to spare her soldiers for Mexico,
yet we find that Mr. MOTLEYinMarch last informed
Mr. SEWARD that it was probable that Austria
would permit the levy of 4,000 volunteers for
Mexico, and following up this intelligence a
little later with the news that 1,000 Austrians
were about -to embark for Mexico at Trieste. Mr.
SEWARD has assumed a lirm attitude on this subject,
and has plainly informed the Austrian Government
that in the event of the Austrians taking part in
that this
the Mexican struggle the United States
willn
ot remain neutral. It is to be hoped
h
Austrian
Mexicandirect intimation will induce the
Governmaeffnatirtso.
The news from avoid entangling them-
selvesat tl i
eChilianAis d
Admirals
someralsi n
chiiimportance;iaia
waters th e
British and Ameri
having protested against the bombardment of Val-
paraiso, and having insisted that permission
should be given for the removal of the women and
children, otherwise they would resist the bombard-
ment by force. The unwarrantable conduct of the
Spaniaxclii Will thus-receive A cheek, and we hope

the unjust war will not be continued much longer,
but that the independence of the gallant little
Southern Republics may be finally and completely
secured.

The Fenian movement appears to. be sub-
siding into its natural dimensions. The affair on
the New Brunswick frontier is considered by
the New York press to be " a collapsed
bubble," and the excitement is rapidly abating.
The fact is, that, as on former occasions, the Hiber-
nian heroes retreat when they find the preparations
made for them are really in earnest. Two com-
panies of Federal artillery have arrived at Eastport,
and Federal troops guard the bridge between Calais
and St. Stephen's, and the consequence is that the
Fenians are all leaving Eastport. The old adage
about grasping a nettle has been illustrated in the
case of the Fenians, but that they intended mis-
chief is amply proved by the arms and ammunition
they provided.

There is a great deal being said just now about
the preservation of the few open spaces which the
remorseless iron horse and the ambitious builder
have allowed Londoners to retain within their
reach. There is every reason for taking due pre-
cautions on behalf of Hampstead Heath, Epping
Forest, Wimbledon Common, and other places of
the kind ; but while we are discussing and considering
the best means of protecting them, we are suffering
a most lamentable injury to be inflicted upon one of
our beautiful and popular parks. It will be some-
thing new to many to hear that parks and enclosures
are also engendered by the innovations of the age ;
yet such is the case, and after expending large sums
and taking great care of a public park, we are now
to see it seriously damaged, if not irretrievably
ruined. It is proposed to erect enormous gas works
within 300 yards of Victoria Park, which will, when
completed, daily consume about 2,000 tons of coal.
We may easily imagine the effect upon the trees,
shrubs, and grass, and we should certainly have
Park-lane and Piccadilly in an uproar if the West-
end parks were threatened with a similar fate. We
cannot see why such a pleasant and healthful source
of recreation should be taken from the hard-
pressed thousands of the Eastern parishes,
who are for the most part quite out of
reach either of the green fields or the
Western Parks and gardens. Victoria Park was
laid out on purpose for their benefit, and very
amply have they availed themselves of its ad-
vantages. There can be no doubt that the
gas-works will prove, as a gentleman connected
with the neighbdUrhood styles them, "an intoler-
able nuisance." And why should this nuisance
be inflicted on so large and populous a district ?
One of the three companies, who are bent on vic-
timising the Park, endeavoured to obtain the neces-
sary ground at Fulham, but the attempt failed owing
to the strong opposition of the residents. The
inhabitants of the poor and densely crowded
neighbourhood of Victoria Park are doing what
they can, and on Saturday evening held a public
meeting on the subject, at which petitions were
signed, a committee appointed, and other
measures. resolved upon. There is no time
to lose, however, for the bills are to be
read a second time this evening, so that
we hope the real friends of the working classes will
bestir themselves. It is a strange way of showing
our regard for the health and mcrals of our arti-
sans and mechanics, if, in spite of all our professions
about their political rights and our anxiety for
their education and instruction, we suffer so great
a grievance to be inflicted upon them as the de-
struction of their beautiful and much-cherished
park.

News from the Continent does not seem to
reassure us respecting the probability of peace,
and indeed we may say, on the contrary, that
war seems more likely of the two. Count Bis-
MARK has worked things up to such a pitch that
it is almost impossible now for Prussia to be ex-
tricated, either from her difficulty with Austria,
or with the other German States. At any rate,
it is evident that the Prussian Government are
resolved to be prepared for emergencies, and we find
that Ministerial ordinances were issued on Saturday
placing restrictions on the granting of passports to
Prussian subjects who wish to go abroad. This mea-
sure has been taken in consequence of the steps now
being adopted to place the different divisions of the
army on a war footing. The eighth army corps,
whose head-quarters are at Coblentz, are also to be
mobilised. It is said that the French dispatch to
Austria touching the armaments in Austria way
couched in the most civil terms, and only requested
explanations. The Austrian Government, in reply,
stated that it would keep up a defensive attitude.
A mutual undertaking was come to, that in case of
Italy attacking Venetia Austria would not secure
any of the eventual results of victory without the
diplomatic intervention of France. Rumours are
afloat in Vienna to the effect that the
Austrian Ambassador in Berlin and the
Prussian Ambassador in Vienna will soon
be recalled. Warlike movements are prevailing
in Austria, and the whole style of the intelligence
has changed during the last few days, and in conse-
qaence of the military measures lately taken by
Prussia, Austria and Saxony are said to have com-
bined their forces in Bohemia. Count MENSDORFF
had some foundation for his remark to the French
Ambassador, that the Austrian Government
could not rely upon the declaration of Italy so long
as that assertion was so much at variance with fact.
Now that we seem again on the verge of hostilities,
we may more than ever deplore the mischievous and
mistaken policy which has led to such a catastrophe.
The conduct of the Prussian Government has for
the last year or two tended to this result ; nor is
Austria free from blame. Had she resolutely re-
sisted the efforts of her ally in the Schleswig-Hol-
stein affair matters would never have come to the
pass they have. We have here a notable instance
of want of faith in Governments and want of
honour in public men that can never fail to produce
lamentable consequences, and which may seem
likely to convulse Europe and to plunge the nations
of the Continent into all the horrors of war—war,
too, which will have no definite aim or object to
counteract its evils, or any solid gain to compensate
for its losses.

MR. HARVEY, M.P.—The liberal and inde-
pendent vote given by this hon. member on the Franchise
Bill has afforded great satisfaction to his constituents, a
large number of whom petitioned in favour of the bill. The
Conservatives affect to be surprised at Mr. Harvey's inde-
pendence, but it seems unaccountable that they should be
so. He has never ranked as a party man ; was always
neutral, we believe, even in the sharpest municipal and
Parliamentary contests for this city; and, when induced
to enter the council, though nominated by the Conserva-
tives, he took his seat amongst the Liberals, and his first
speech and vote were adverse to the party that elected
him. Moreover, if we remember rightly, in his first
address to the electors of Thetford, he avowed himself
" A man of progress," and in his address to them
at the last election, he used the words, " Nor do I class my-
self with any political party ; I believe that an independent
representative best subserves political interests ;" and he
expressed his determination to support " measures irrespec-
tive of party." We hope the hon. member will continue to
exhibit this independence throughout his parliamentary
career, abstaining from abject submission to the whip
either of Mr. Brand or Col. Taylor, and placing in the fore-
igarroguen.tl rights,.t.\,hroerfibnitx,er\e_esiitss,.
and liberties of the people at
At the recent election in Madison, Wisconsin,
thirty-live negroes e.i.ereised the right of suffrage under
the recta clecilii9A §uprenw Gout of that tate.