The Sun.
London, England, 1866-06-11 00:00:00

,erms.

It is not yet quite out of the question that an
arrangement of an amicable nature may be come to,
but the chances are so much against it that it seems
almost useless to think of it or to speculate upon
how or where the difficulties will be adjusted. In
all probability we shall 80011 receive intelligence of
war having actually broken out, and, if so, Prussia
and her friends will have cause to rue the day.
France, now so tranquil, will not long remain an
inactive spectator of the struggle ; and of one thing
we are certain, the people of this country will regard
with indifference the spoliation of the Prussian terri-
tories, for that Power has shown itself so reckless
of consequences, and so indifferent to the claims of
justice, that it has forfeited the respect and regard
once entertained towards it. Honour and
honesty have been banished from the high places at
Berlin, and any mischances that the events of war
may bring will be looked upon in the light of a
retribution rather than considered to assume the
shape of a misfortune.

Annual festivals are generally somewhat tedious
things. They are very similar in feature—the
speakers, however gifted in their several spheres,
are forced to keep to the matter in hand, and the
matter in hand is only interesting to those con-
nected with the institution. The loyal and national
toasts are routine work, into which it is very diffi-
cult to infuse either spirit or originality ; and every
one knows that speaking or writing to order is at
at least a troublesome business. Sometimes,
however, we have to celebrate the anniver-
sary of some association or establishment which
belongs rather to the whole public than to
any particular body of philanthropists, and whose
interest is sufficiently general in its character to
commend itself to all who think, read, and feel.
Such may fairly be claimed to be the attribute of
the Newspaper Press Fund, for those whom he
designs to benefit are truly public servants, and the
results of their labours are felt and seen around us
every day. The most distinguished statesman re-
lies upon the assiduous industry of the reporter for
the faithful exposition of his policy; the foremost
orator cannot disregard the profession which en-
larges his audience from a limited assemblage
to the whole intelligence of the country. On the
other hand, the humblest and most obscure indi-
vidual feels a security for his rights and liberties
in the existence of the Press, on which he knows he
may depend for the exposure of his wrongs if
oppressed, or for independent opposition to the
insidious encroachments of power. Until lately the
literary profession was supposed to share the failing
attached to most of those who live by the exercise
of their heads rather than their hands, whose em-
ployment depends on the continuous exertion of
thought or judgment, or taste or imagination.
Authors, artists, and actors make their money
rapidly and witnhlg.esseeming ease, but the exer-
cise
itsoelff etxhheausfatclu'ti Tbyhewwhoicrk which
donethey wmitahkeitis
compa-
rative easeand quickness necessitates rest even more
than longer and calmer application. He who
works against tittle must " put up the steam,"
and though the goal is reached sooner, the expendi-
ture is greater than power in a quiet and dilatory
journey. Those who pursue these professions for
their livelihood are very apt, therefore, to
deceive