The Sun.
London, England, 1866-08-07 00:00:00

The Bank Charter Act of 1844.

This important enactment will be found, given
in extenso, in another part of our impression of
this evening, in fulfilment of the announcement
made by us on Monday, to the effect that we so
proposed giving it in The Sun of to-day, Tues-
day, the 7th of August—the document being one
of very painful interest, and of only too vital im-
portance, during the continuance of a prolonged
monetary crisis like the present.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

THIS DAY.—Merning,_lola. LOrn.—Afternoon, 1111. 30m.
To-Molutow.-Morning, L. n,.—Afternoon, 121 i. sm.

2,.c17
L,,T;rgg Al!
' t-4
de+.o 44444

LONDON, TUESDAY, AUGUST 7, 1866.

The approaching prorogation of Parliamen ,
naturally gives rise to some uneasiness lest anything
should be left undone for the protection of the
public health. Thanks to our system of divided
authority, excellent though it is in many respects,
the Executive has not, as in other countries,
the entire charge of sanitary matters. Mr. SMITH
last evening therefore asked the President of the
Poor-law Board, " whether, viewing the extensive
outburst of cholera in the eastern districts of
the metropolis, the Government were pre-
pared to allow Parliament to separate
without providing the means of summary
interference in cases where the vestries might ne-
glect the enforcement of sanitary precautions, or
might omit or delay the necessary arrangements for
the care of the sick and the separation of the
healthy from the dying and the dead." Mr.
AYRTON strongly urged the importance of at-
tending to the matter, and pointed out that
many of the evils complained of arose from the
unequal pressure of the rates in different parts of
the metropolis. Some other members advocated the
levying of a Id. rate on the metropolis for
necessary expenses, especially Mr. HENLEY, who,
in dwelling upon the urgency of the case,
reminded the Government that the cholera would
not wait till next February, but would do its work
while the members were away. The Chancellor
of the Exchequer thought it would be
unwise under the influence of a sudden
alarm to interfere with the principle of
local administration. At the same time he promised
that in case of great emergency the Government
would shrink from no responsibility. The new Pub-
lic Health Bill will greatly enlarge the powers
of the local boards, who at present have often great
difficulties to contend against when they try to do
their work efficiently. The owners of property are
often great offenders, and there is much trouble in
compelling them to do their duty to their tenants.
A different order of things must now be inaugurated
without delay.

Last night Mr. GURNEY explained an apparent
discrepancy that had occurred in his speech the
other evening, and in the report of the Commis-
sioners. The fact was, that a few months ago some
reports had been made to the authorities at Kings-
ton about some alleged drillings, near Kingston,
among the negroes ; but it turned out, upon inves-
tigation, they were of no importance. It was,
however, shown in the evidence given before
the Commissioners that at Stony Gut and
other parts in the neighbourhood of Morant
Bay midnight drillings went on under PAUL
BOGLE and others, and it was stated that 300
negroes came out upon a signal from BUGLE. 110
referred to these drillings the other night as a proof
of the organisation among the negroes before the
outbreak, and that it was not the result of the pro-
ceedings at the vestry. It is very satisfactory that
Mr. GURNEY should thus have plainly and positively
stated his conviction that there was in certain

parts of Jamaica an intention of rising among
the natives before the affair of Morant Bay,
because it has been over and over again declared
that all the riots that took place were in con-
sequence of the unwise steps taken by the
authorities, and they would not allow the term out-
break to be given to the disturbances. In nothing
that has occurred of late years has more prejudice
been displayed than in this Jamaica business, and,
of course, it is now quite impossible to eradicate the
impression that has been made in the minds of
many as to the great errors committed by the au-
thorities. This is to be regretted on every
account, and perhaps, in some respects, it may
be a good thing for Mr. EYRE if the Ja-
maica Committee fulfil their threat of pro-
secuting him, because it will bring the matter
in its true colours before the public. It has been
said that a fund will be raised called the Eyre
Defence Fund, and it would be a good thing if it
were so, because of course the expense would be
great which would be required for such a purpose,
and as a gentleman, who wrote to the Standard
of to-day, says, his thorough belief is that a " most
unjust outcry is raised against a man who did his
best, if not the best, which could be done at the
moment, and therefore he should not be immolated
to vulgar outcry." Mr. EYRE has been sacrificed to
clamour, and had Lord PALMERSTON or Lord DERBY
been at the head of the Government at the time of
the outbreak, we do not believe that he would have
been suspended, and thus had his case prejudged
most prejudicially,

Yesterday the Chamber of Deputies held its first
sitting, and, as might have been expected, the
greatest unanimity prevailed as to the expression of
opinion in favour of the Government. The senior
member of the house, General STAVENHAGE, made
the opening speech, and declared that the Deputies
would be found quite willing to co-operate with the
Government in permanently securing the greatness
and liberty of Germany and Prussia. In conse-
quence of the resolute demeanour of their
Government, and the clever management of
the army, the enemy was conquered, and
their " heroic KING" had in a few weeks marched
to within a short distance of Vienna. In what
manner the KING displayed such heroism we are at
a loss to understand. Ile and Count BISMARCK
did not depart for the seat of war till victory had
virtually declared itself on the side of the Prussians,
and there was no such great bravery required in

anything that he undertook. If the Deputies and
those who send them to be their representatives
chose to be so taken in it is their own affair, and
they will now find out how grossly they have been
deceived. At present of course all wears a very
attractive hue, and the doings of the authorities
wear the aspect of devotion to the State, but
before long they will appear in a more true and
distinctive manner. When we consider under what
circumstances the Government and the last assem-
bly of Deputies parted, it does indeed seem strange
that all things should hay e been so completelych an ged,
and that the contending parties should now meet
on such amicable terms. Yet if we look more closely
into the matter, what do we find really altered in
the condition of affairs ? In what has the Govern-
of Berlin given any indications of ihaprovdment,
and what guarantee is there for the Deputies that
the suture will not be as bad as the past, if not

worse? Upon the act for indemnifying the Go-
vernment for the course which they have taken in
respect to the Budget the liberal party in Prussia
will have lost ground that they will find it difficult

to regain in a hurry.
We are not surprised to find that Prussia has
positively declined the proposition of Russia for a
Congress of the signitary Powers of the Treaties
of Vienna. It would be very inconvenient under
the circumstances of the case, and it was significant
that the KING, in his opening address to the Cham-
bers, made no mention of the intentions of the
Government respecting the unfortunate Princes
who have been dispossessed by Prussia. Very
likely to the arrogant manner in which she is
conducting herself Prussia will give great offence
to Russia and France, who will not forget to call
her to account when a fitting opportunity presents
itself.

The Italians are displaying as much obstinacy as
ever, and putting all the obstacles they possibly can
in the way of settlement. France takes no part in
the negotiations for an armistice, which is unfortu-
nate, as the Italians would then have some check
put upon them. Difficulties seem to be interposed
which prevent the contending parties from
coming to an understanding. Austria has
laid down as a first condition in the
negotiations that the Italians should evacuate
all the Austrian territories not belonging to the
Venetian provinces, and will not sign the armistice
until this stipulation should have bees carried out.
This seems reasonably enough so far ; but it is
doubtful whether she will be able to carry the in-
tention into effect. Alone Italy could do nothing
against the forces of the EMPEROR, as has been
proved both by land and sea ; but backed up by
Prussia there is great difficulty in putting limits to
its demands. She may, however, go too far, and have
to begin the war on her own account again, which
would be sure to result in a most disastrous failure.

The arrival of the City of Paris brings us 'Lintel•

ligence from New York' on the 27th ult., which
enlightenus us with regard to American views of
foreign policy. The House Committee on Foreign
Affairs have given in their report, which exhibits
inconsistencies which would be amusing if the mat-

ters were not so grave. The committee recommend
a revision of the neutrality laws, and declare that
England has given America no cause to respect her
sense of justice or regard for right. Englishmen,
upon this, may naturally inquire what their national
offences have been, when they will probably receive
for answer—the popular sympathy expressed for the
Confederate cause, and the building of vessels of

war for the Southern States. Of course, then, these
acts are considered politically wrong by Americans.
But, in the very next sentence, we find that the
report " expresses strong sympathy with the
Fenians." Then we find the committee reporting
a bill which the House of Representatives passed
unanimously, repealing the more stringent provi-
sions of the neutrality laws, and modifying the
penalties attached to their infraction. This bill
provides that the laws shall not be construed " so
as to prevent the sale of American ships and steamers
and war ammunition to the inhabitants of other
countries or Governments not at war with the
United States," and also repeals the acts requiring
the owners and consignees of armed vessels to give
bonds for good conduct, and commanding collectors
of customs to detain vessels suspected of hostility
against other Governments. Such are the principal
items of a Bill whose passing numerous prominent
Fenians were present to watch. Certainly, remem-
bering the arms and ammunition ships from British
ports for the supply of the Federal Government
during the war, the House of Representatives may
well feel bound to relax the rigour of their laws !
The whole affair is of course intended as an affront
to the PRESIDENT, whose prompt and vigorous ac-
tion with regard to the Fenian raid into Canada has
brought him into still greater disfavour with the
Radicals. The Government has thought proper to

show some attention to their demands, for a commu-
nication from Mr. SEWARD was read to the House,
in which he stated that the desired representation
on behalf of the Fenian prisoners would be made
to the British Government. Mr. SEWARD quoted
a letter written by himself to Sir FREDERICK BRUCE
last June, in which he expressed a hope that
the customary administrative law would be
tempered " with special forbearance and
clemency by the Canada authorities." It
would not be very easy to discover on what grounds
' these worthies deserve special forbearance and
clemency, and might perhaps tax Mr. SEWARD'S
ingenuity somewhat severely to discover. The
only claim which any of the prisoners might make
upon the pity or forbearance of the Canadian
authorities would be that they were the dupes of
their unworthy leaders; but we very much doubt
if this is the view taken by the Radicals of Congress.
Happily we in this country have learned to dis-
connect the vehemence of ultra-Republican fury and
malignity from the general feeling of the Ameri-
can people. Were it not so we should see with
suprise and regret that the Judiciary Committee of
the house of Representatives have reported that
there is probable cause to believe that Mr. DAVIS

was privy to the assassination of President LIN-
COLN. The committee recommend a further inves-
tigation and speedy trial. We had hoped that
this miserable attempt to blacken the character

of a distinguished but unfortunate adversary
had been abandoned,:since the charge was long ago
so completely disproved that Mr. DAVIS'S worst
enemies were forced to abandon it. Happily for
America and for Europe the direction of the affairs
of the States is .not left exclusively in the hands of
Congress, and we may trust to the enlightened
judgment and stedfast resolution of President JOHN-
SON to counteract in a great measure the hasty and
intemperate legislation of a popular assembly which
neither represents the feelings of the people nor
protects their constitutional liberties.

DEATH OF TIIE REV. LORD BAYNING.—The Rev.
Lord Bayning died at Honingham, Norfolk, on Sunday.
The deceased nobleman, who took his degree of M.A., at
St. John's College, Cambridge, in 1817, was rector of
Honingham and East Taddenham, Norfolk, and was a
rural dean in the diocese of Norwich. He was formerly
rector of Bream, in Suffolk. His son died a few months
since, and the peerage, which was created in October,
1797, becomes extinct.

BLIND TOai.—The great popularity of this won-
derful negro pianist in America induced some un-
principled speculators to announce a concert after Tom had
sailed for England. We copy from the New York Clipper
the following'particulars:—" ' Going it blind' in Wheelig,
Va.—Blind Tom was announced to give a series of enter-
tainments commencing July 11. Only 5,000 tickets will
be sold,' says the programme, 'and 3,000 dollars in gifts
will- be distributed among the ticket-holders.' Well, on
the evening of the 11th the hall was crowded with anxious
expectants ; but neither Blind Tom nor managers were to
be seen, and the audience soon discovered they had been
swindled. We are informed that 3,000 tickets had been
disposed of at one dollar each. Tickets and ticketholders
were alike sold."
PUNCH to-day is wonderfully good. Best of all
being the first little woodcut in the number—
Bennett's initial letter D, showing Derby and Dizzy,
revelling over a dish of whitebait, while Gladstone and
Russell are looking hungrily in at the window.
The same whimsical artist's " Fresh Game for Mr.
Punch," again, has some capital bits of fun in it—
such as Henley, Naas, and others. Excellent, too, is another
draughtman's portraiture of a "Ruffianly policeman about
to perpetrate a brutal and dastardly assault on the people"
one man, confionting a mob of roughs armed with blud-
ge9llo and ixt a Bert of halo of brickbats!