The Sun.
London, England, 1859-10-05 00:00:00

.ANOTIIER BOILER EXPLOSION.

The truth of the adage that " misfortunes never
come single" unhappily receives daily confirmation.
Thus, our columns, containing the close of the in-
quest on the five persons killed by the late steam
boiler explosion at the Lewes Fair on the 21st ult.,
are scarcely before the" public ere it is our painful
duty again to record a somewhat similar catastro-
phe, though fortunately far less sweeping in its.
disastrous results to human life, if entailing a
greater destruction of property.
Last Monday evening, about ten o'clock, great
excitement was occasioxed in Lewes by the report
that a steam boiler explosion had occurred to the
engine of the up goods train, which leaves Lewes
station shortly after nine o'clock. The catastrophe
was stated to have occurred near the site where
Ashcombe turnpike gate formerly stood, and thither
numbers of persons quickly bent their steps, only to
find that the rumour was unfortunately but too
true.

It appears that the goods train, a heavy one, con-
sisting of about 45 trucks, left the Lewes station
shortly after nine o'cloTl, drawn by engine No. 108,
and propelled at the hindmost extremity by engine
No. 50, the steepness of the incline from Southover
to Feltner necessitating this description of aid. On
arriving at that part of the line situated some few
yards beyond the first milestone near Ashcombe,
the boiler of the -leading engine exploded. The
engine-driver, Jones, and fireman, John Oliver,
were thrown with terrific force to a considerable
distance, Jones falling some thirty yards to the
front upon the line, and Oliver on the right hand
or north bank; the engine being driven forward,
and finally whelming over across the up line, the
tender falling in a transverse direction across the
down line. A luggage truck filled with pockets of
hops, bearing the name of Mr. Wheatley, of Bux-
ted, was next to the tender, but owing to the pro-
pulsion of the train by the No. 50 engine, a cattle
truck containing two cows was driven with such
violence that it was forced completely over the hop
truck and upon the top of the engine. Such was
the position of things as ascertained by those who
first arrived on the site of the accident. It seems
that among the persons earliest on the spot were
Mr. Brittain, one of the clerks of the London and
County Bank, and Mr. R. Wells. These gentlemen
were walking on the Brighton-road, when their at-
tention was drawn to the goods train, and while ob-
serving its progress they were suddenly startled by
a loud explosion. They immediately ran to the
spot, and, after a brief search,, discovered the
unfortunate engine-driver and fireman lying as
above described, and in a fearful condition. As-
sistance was immediately sent for. Brandy was
obtained from Mr. Ingram, of Ashcombe, who
promptly repaired to the spot, and information of
the catastrophe was despatched to the station at
Lewes by means of the hindmost engine. No
time was lost in telegraphing to Brighton for aid ;
while Mr. Turner and his son, surgeons (Lewes),
Ore at once summoned. But a very short time
elapsed More Mr. Brooks, the Lewes stationmas-
ter, accompanied by the Messrs. Turner, and by
such force as could be got together, proceeded to
the scene of the disaster, in a carriage drawn by
No. 50 engine. Mr. Senner and Mr. llaws, of the
East Sussex constabulary, were also quickly on the
spot. The first object was to render assistance to
the unfortunate- sufferers. On examination it ap-
peared that the engine driver had received severe
injury and contusions, but not to the extent suffered
by the fireman, whose legs were said to be broken,
and one thigh " smashed" in the most terrible man-1
ner. By about 10 o'clock a train had arrived from
Brighton, conveying Mr. Craven, chief of the loco-
motive department, Mr. Sadler, his chief assistant,
and a numerous staff of men. On their arrival it
was at once decided to place the wounded men in a
railway carriage, and, accompanied by both the
Messrs. Turner, Mr. Geer of Southover, Mr. Stormer,
and Sergeant Baldwin, who kindly volunteered
their aid, the sufferers were conveyed to Brighton
station and thence to the county hospital. At first
some hopes were entertained that life might be
spared, but we regret to say that the injuries sus-
tained by John Oliver were so extensive that he
died shortly after his admission to the hospital. In-
deed, he was sinking rapidly when Mr. Turner and
his son left him in the hands of the medical officers
of that institution. Jones's leg and collar bone
were found to be broken ; but strong hopek are
entertained that his injuries, though great, will not
prove fatal.
Fortunately the injury to life and person was
confined to the two poor fellows above named.
There were two guards to the goods train, riding in
the guard-van at its end, and neither these nor the
engine driver nor fireman of the hind engine ap-
pear to have sustained any injury, although dis-
tinctly feeling the shock caused by the sudden check
given to the train.

So son as the train containing the unfortunate
sufferers had been despatched, immediate steps were
taken by Mr. Craven to clear the line. We ought
to state, however, that on the occurrence of the as-
cident immediate precautions were taken by the
guards to send danger signals both in advance and
in the rear on the up and down lines, in order to
give timely warning to any trains that might ap-
proach. Fortunately, the last regular trains be-
tween Brighton and Lewes had already priSsed the
scene of accident. An excursion train, however,
the last of the " Swiss Gardens" series, was ex-
pected from Shoreham, and this was intercepted at
Brighton and sent up the line to the Keymer junc-
tion, so as to reach Lewes by that route. And now
commenced the work of examination and of clear-
ance. It appeared on inspection that the explosion
had taken place in that part of the boiler immedi-
ately above the fire. The ash pan and fire bars were
completely driven out, and as the engine lay on its
side the fire box entirely " gutted" exhibited the
damage to the boiler. The top of the inside fire-
box, formed of thick copper, clamped with massive
iron bars, was rent asunder and hung down into
the firebox, bent and twisted by the violence of the
explosion. The exterior casing of the smoke-box,
at the farther extremity of theboiler, was also blown
out, and shattered to fragments, which were forced
to a considerable distance. Of course both engine
and tender had, received minor injuries from the
force of the concussion, but that we have described
appeared to be the main damage done to the engine.
Indeed, it seemed to be almost incomprehensible
that such enormous power could have been exerted
is that which must have been needful to overthrow
two such masses of iron as the engine and tender
without entailing infinitely greater damage to both.
The scene presented at this period, while the re-
moval of the wreck was going forward, was most
striking, and will not be easily forgotten by those
who witnessed it. Crowds of persons had assembled
on the bank on the south side of the line, and these,
with the number of workmen and others on the
railway itself, were brought into prominent relief by
tile glare of the torches and fires lighted for the
purpose of enabling Mr. Craven and his staff to
execute their arduous task. The first thing at-
tempted was to extricate the cattle imprisoned in
the truck mounted aloft on the top of the engine.
Sledge hammers and saws were quickly in requisi-
tion, and in a very short time one side of the truck
was cut away, and to the astonishment of all, the
two cows drspped quietly on terra.fir»ta, and the
fence being cut through, walked coolly into an ad-
joining meadow, where they, apparently unhurt,
immediately began to graze. These animals having
been rescued from their perilous position, and the
cattle truck being found to be damaged beyond re-
pair, it was forthwith knocked to pieces, with the
double cbje2t of disentangling it from the engine
and of affording fuel for the fires which it became
necessary to make, in order to enable the workmen
to prosecute their labours. About 11.30 a further
train, bearing a fresh relay of workmen, with
ropes, chains, tackling, and appliances of every de-
scription, arrived from Brighton. Thus reinforced,
Mr. Craven was enabled to make rapid progress
with the removal of the debris, and the mode in
which the chaos which prevailed was gradually re-
duced to order seemed a marvel to those who, on
beholding the extent to which the line was block-
aded, would have been disposed to pronounce a
clearance inspossible within the next 24 hours.
One by one, however, the truck 3 were disengaged,
placed upon the rails, and removed, until at last
only the engine and tender remained to be dealt
with. These, however, required the application of
great power to effect their removal, as both had
been thrown over on their sides. The first attacked
was the tender, and the plan adopted was to raise
the side lying on the ground by means of powerful
jacks until it had been elevated to a sufficient point
to enable it to be pulled upright by ropes. Once
on its "feet," or rather its wheels, there still
remained the laborious task of removing the
ponderous mass sideways across the metals to
the up-line, which was ultimately effected. By, 5
o'clock this morning the down-line 'a entirely
clear; all the debris of every description had Leen

NEWSPAPER

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removed, and the rails and permanen • 4-
stored to something like order. The engi ' ho
ever, at that hour still remained off the metals,
blocking the up line ; but before this statement
comes under our readers' notice even this last and
chiefest obstruction will also doubtless have been
removed.
It is stated that .Tones, the engine driver, had
only been a few weeks in the service of the South
Coast Company, having come to them from the Ox-
ford and Wolverhampton line. Oliver had also not
been long in their employ ; but was an extremely
careful and steady man, and attentive to his duties.
lle is well known in Brighton, where he has
brothers, who are builders, and who, it is said,
were with the poor sufferer in his final moments
last night.
The cause of the explosion appears to be wholly
unknown. Considerable pressure of steam must
have existed. The explosion seems to have acted
with a downward force, as shown by the top of the
fire-box being driven down, and the fire bars and
ash pan forced out. The appearance of the shingle
at that spot on the line where the explosion is sup-
posed to have taken place corroborates this suppo-
sition, as it is distinctly blown away, while the
hedge and bank at the side of the line exhibit like
indications of the explosive power. That the force
must have been terrific there are unfortunately but
too many proofs, both on the persons and in the
clothes of the unfortunate sufferers. The coat of
the fireman was found during the night rent to
tatters, little else than the collar and part of the
sleeves remaining together. One of his waistcoat
pockets-had been blown away, and was found by.
Superintendent Jenner on the bank at some dis-
tance from where the sufferer first fell. In this
was a pocket book containing the name of " John
George Golightly," as also a memorandum, singu-
larly enough referring to some spot " 140 yards
from where the man was killed," doubtless in allu-
sion to some former railway accident.
Numerous pieces of lion belonging to the engine
were found at various distances from the site of the
explosion. The firebox-door was picked up in
an adjoining field, and it is Fizeposed that it was
this which shattered the limb of the fire-
man when blown off. The funnel damper was
also lying some 50 yards off. The ash pan was
extricated from under the truck dontainin g hops, as
above stated. The rails gave evident signs of the
severe strain to which they had been subjected, be-
ing greatly bent and displaced in the proximity of
the spot at which the engine and tender whelmed
over.
There will doubtless be an official investigation
into the cause and results of this calamitous acci-
dent.

THE LATE CRUELTY IN ST. PANCRAS
WORKHOUSE.

Yesterday afternoon a numerously attended meet-
ing of the:airectors of the poor of St. Paueras was
held at the Vestry-hall, Camden-town ; Mr. Church-
' warden Cameron in the chair.
' The subject of the recent alleged ill-usage ofa female
inmate, named Kate Sullivan, by the master, and
for which the board passed a vete of censure upon
him at its previous meeting, was again brought
under consideration, in consequence of the receipt
of the following letter from Mr. Winlo, the master,
tendering his resignation :
" St. Pancras Workhouse, Oct. 4, 1859.
" To the Chairman and Board of Directors.
" Gentlemen,—The censure passed on me at the last
meeting of the board of directors I feel will impair my
usefulness in the workhouse. When, in April last, the
late board were pleased to award ma a vote of thanks for
the performance of my duties, in thanking them I took
the opportunity of remarking that it would have been
impossible to have carried out the Worms mid improve-
ments in the house without their assistance and support.
Feeling that support wanting, and having considered the
matter fully, I feel it is my duty to resign my appoint-
ment. I therefore respectfully beg to give the board of
directors notice of my resignation, as welt as the matron's,
in accordance with the terms of our engagement when our
services were accepted, and I shall feel obliged by your
laying the same before the vestry at their next meeting.—
I am, gentlemen, your most obedient servant,
GRORGE Was. WI LO, Master."
Mr. DOUGLAS moved that the resignation be re-
ceived, entered on the minutes, and forwarded to
the vestry, which having been seconded,
Mr. AUSTEN said he felt assured that this would
be the effect of the strong vote of censure proposed
by M. Turner, and carried by the board. It would
have been less unmanly to at once have moved the
master's dismissal than to have passed the motion
censuring, and thus stabbing him in the back by a
side wind. (Oh, oh.) There was uo doubt that in
consequence the present master's authority was en-
tirely gone, and lie (Mr. Austen) for one felt that
the master's resignation would be a loss to them.
The house had been visited by lords, members of
Parliament, and by bishops, who all bore testimony
to the excellent management and cleanly appear-
ance of the establishment, and they had by a hasty
vote, because the master had committed one error,
lost the services of the man who had mainly carried
out these reforms.

The CirArnmANlooked upon this matter as a very
painful one. Not only had the master testimonials
from gentlemen, but even the inmates of the house,
notwithstandinw the discipline kept up, signed a
testimonial to his general kindness, and humanity.
This step on the part of the masterf had not taken
him by surprise, for he felt no honourable or spirited
man could rest under the stigma cast upon Mr.
Winlo. It must be remembered that the master
had a most difficult duty to perform;and he had dis-
charged his duties in his (the chairman's) opinion
generally most efficiently.
Mr. TURNER was quite prepared to defend the
position he had taken in this matter. If the master
was so sensitive at the resolution admonishing
him, he would have been equally so with the
amendment, which, although it tried to bring the
woman Sullivan under censure, equally condemned
the master's conduct. As to the testimonials
referred to, they were being got up by Mrs. Coster,
the surgeon's wife, and Mrs. Clarke, and the in-
mates were told if they did not sign it they would
remove some little privileges.
Mr. DOUGLAS said it was also asserted that a
member of that board (Mr. Stubbs) was taking one
round. (Laughter, and " Oh, oh.")
Mr. STUBBS indignantly denied this, and on the
contrary said he voted against the master for his
tyranny. He exercised a vast amount of intimida-
tion over the inmates.
Mr. TURNER said as testimonials from inmates
had been spoken of, he held in his hands letters
bearing the signatures of inmates, expressing
astonishment that the master could have made such
a statement, that he found when he came there a.
rule existing that no person was permitted to go
out on a Sunday who had not been there six months.
They denied such statement. But in order to show
the meanness and spite of the master, he (Mr.
Turner) found, from the punishment-book, an entry
on the day after he was admonished by the board :
—" Kate O'Sullivan, for refusing to comply with
the rules of the house, and using insolent and
abusive language to the master, reprimanded."
And the inmates stated in their letters that she
had aeen sent to the strong room. This showed a
spirit of meanness and vindictiveness on the part of
the master quite unclit..mnifizd and improper.
Mr. Churchwarden FUIiNISS strongly condemned
the resolution of the board, and said it was calcu-
lated to subvert all discipline, and was an encou-
ragement to Miss Barnes and the woman Sullivan
to indulge in their blackguard conduct.
_ .

Mr. FisIIEIt justified liis vote against the master,
and said it was in compliance with his oath.
Mr. COSTER, the surgeon, said he ordered the
removal of Sullivan from the infant school, as she
was violent and insulting.
In answer to questions, lit said he had seen her
since with her children. He did not send her to
the strong room. She might be sent there without
his knowing it.
Mr. SHEFFIELD also justified his vote for the
Censure, and said from the tone some gentlemen
took they had better ask the board to beg the mas-
ter's pardon. (Laughter, and " Oh, oh.")
The resolution was carried unanimously, and the
'fleeting, after the other business, separated.

QUARTERS FOR MARRIED SOLDIERS.—Few of
our visitors, says the Dover Express, will have wandered
over the 'Western Heights without noticiNT a splendid pile
of buildings skirting the Citadel plain on its southern side
and overlooking the road leading from,the Citadel to Arch-
cliff Fort. These arc the new quarters, designed for mar-
ried soldiers and their families, just ere„ by the eminent
contractor Mr. W. Moxton, and now undergoing the re-
maining interior fitting
b which will make them habitable.
To those taking an interast in the social condition of the
soldier these premises are well worth a visit, displaying as
they do very gratifying evidence of the greater care which
the War Department is manifesting upon tho vital subject
of barrack accommodation. Eracted in the situation they
are, no barracks in England could be bealthier,• speaking
with reference to external influences, while, looking to the
interior, nothing seems wanting to promote the comfort and
convenience of their future occupants. In a few months
these quarters will be inhabited, and will afford accommo-
dation, it is stated, for no less than 123 families.

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[AnvEnzisEmENT.]—liolloway's Pills.—Bilious head-
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THE SUN.
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 1859.

The game of PLON PLON for Italy is over, and
her chance is now, more than ever, in her own
hand?. Happily she seems to know it. Each of
the four States might now adopt for the motto on
their shield Arma virumque cano, for the cry is to
arms, and VICTOR EMMANUEL, the man with whom
they have resolved to link their future; and, they
will succeed. We begin now to feel pretty confi-
dent that they must. We knew that the man of
the coup d'etat has not spoken ; that the author of
the Villafranca peace maintains an ominous silence ;
and that Austria is ready for any villany—for the
spy or the incendiary, for dagger or poison, for
bribery or violence. Still we trust that the dark
perfidy and brutality of Austria, and the myste-
rious cunning of the Liberator of Italy, will all be
equally at fault before the attitude assumed by the
four Italian States.

First, and chiefly, they are now arming rapidly
General FANTI'S proposal to have 50,000 or 60,000
men shortly in arms, is likely to be soon realized.
GARIBALDI is the great recruiting sergeant. To
the appeals of his soldier-like eloquence the youth
of Italy are responding. Whithersoever he goes,
" He sends an electric spark, (we are told), through
the heart of the Italian youth," in his progress
through the Romagna. " The priests and foreigners
(he tells them) have been, and are at the bottom
of all our evils. It is time to settle accounts with
them, and make short work of it. Let every one
who counts himself an Italian stand up and follow
me. I have seen both the French and Austrians
face to face more than once ; they are brave troops,
both of them, b'ut no more than men, and men we
are too. Their ranks are numerous, but we have a
just cause, and GOD on our side. I offer myself as
your guide; those who corns after me will be at
no loss to find where the enemy is." Such
is the language of the man who is recruiting Italians
to guard the newly-gained liberties of Italy, and, if
need be, to fight for them. From every side we
learn that volunteers are flocking in. Even tram-
pled down Venetia, and the remaining parts of the
Roman States, are sending their contingents. Men,
we doubt not whom the villanies of Austrian ad-
ministration and the corruptions of the Papal Go-
vernment had converted into brigands, now find by
hundreds that they can give full play to their in-
dignation against oppression,by offering their skill
and courage in the service of virtuals patriotism.
And this they are doing. " Our liberties depend on
ourselves" is now the universal feeling; and when
that is the case, a nation is in the position which can
alone maintain its liberties. FANTI and GARIBALDI,
with 60,000 men determined that the future op-
pressors of Italian liberty shall reach it only, over
their bodies, is a security which no Congress can
give—a fact, indeed, which will compel the favour-
able verdict of a Congress.

Now, too, the day of vengeance for the Jews has
arrived. Long have they edured all kinds of in-
sults and oppression from Austrian, Modenese, and
Papal bigotry—even their children being baptised
by stealth, and then wrested from their father's
bosom—but their turn is come. ''Ye learn that the
Jewish moneylenders freely open their strong boxes
and take up the loan by which the patriot army
is to be equipped; the ducats and florins which
Austria and her lieutenants could hardly obtain by
threats of imprisonment and torture come forth,
we are told, as if the project were to reconquer
Jerusalem or to rebuild the Temple ! How deadly
must be the hatred of Austrian religious oppression,
how firm the confidence that Sardinian Catholicism is
deed which honours the sacred rights of conscience,
bildren of Israel thus hazard their trea-
Luch a thorough revolution. We
lap on earth better un-

sures i
value this fad.

derstand the probabilities of a case like this. They
have agents in every royal and imperial city—they
know better than any of us every Exchequer in
Europe—they can tell who are able and likely to',
go to war, if any people can, and they—the " Jewish
money-lenders"—are zealously contributing to the
Central Italian Loan. If they thought unfavour-
ably of the prospects of the cause, however
much they sympathised with it, they would not
lend their money uselessly. Perhaps we could
hardly blame them.

The authorities, too, of the four united States
are labouring wisely and well to make a prac-
tical fact of the union with each other and
Sardinia before any congress can assemble.
Were it to meet even now, the Great Powers
would find passports between the countries abo-
lished, and the boundary custom-houses removed.
They would find the same coins, weights, and mea-
sures adopted, and they would find a whole people
in each State exerting themselves in every way to
fuse the four States into one with Sardinia. The
peasantry, the last to stir themselves in a revolu-
tion, and the secular clergy, who sympathise with
the'people,are becoming ardent unionists. The Italian
country priest is a jovial fellow, who cares more for
the people than for bishops, cardinals, and popes,and
the priests have therefore, in great numbers, signed
the popular documents, while the ecclesiastical
Dons have closed the doors of cathedrals to masses
for the patriot dead. The consequence is that cathe-
drals are deserted and parish churches crowded.

Such is the state of things for the two Emperors,
and the other Powers of Europe, to muse on. They
may like it or dislike it, tut it will not be
easy for them to change it. Hardly will Europe
stand by and see FANTI and GARIBALDI'S noble
army crushed by superior force. The Emperor of
the FRENCH having lost his chance for his cousin,
can never let Austria impose her Dukes by force, if
she wish ever so strongly to do so. He has made him-
self a position with which he cannot trifle, and all
the moral influence of England will be used on the
right side. Indeed, Europe generally must follow
her. We do begin, therefore to hope the best for
Italy ; chiefly because Italy places her principal
hope in the swords of her own sons. Now is the
time when personal and pecuniary sacrifices may
insure her freedom, and she seems increasingly
ready for both. Now is the time for them to do
what English patriots did in the days of the
STUARTS, and they are prepared to do it.

Mr. BRIGHT has again spoken—and spoken
manfully—upon the Reform of Parliament. He
has spoken this time not through the medium of
an elaborate three-hours' oration from a platform,
but through some half-dozen sentences in about
the briefest possible fragment of a purely incidental
and almost unpremeditated correspondence. But
these few words are so very clear, and, so to speak,
they are so very distinctly articulated, that they
are really, as far as they go, all-sufficient. There
is no glozing over a difficulty. The plain and simple
truth is spoken right out—and it is spoken plainly
and simply. Mr. BRIGHT expresses himself like a
man who has nothing to conceal, and who (having
nothing to conceal) has thoughtdeeplyandearnestly
upon the subject upon which he is expressing his
opinions. The communication here referred to is
one addressed to the author of a pamphlet, entitled
"A New Reform Bill," one Mr. JOHN DAVIDSON.
It is written from Rochdale, and dated " Septem-
ber the 21st, 1859." It goes at once directly to the
point without an instant's circumlocution.
Mr. BRIGHT tells his correspondent, the pam-
phleteer, at the very outset, " I do not
think such a bill as is described in your pamphlet
either practicable or just." And why ? It is soon
told. "The exclusions," obs'erves Mr. BRIGHT,
"the exclusions contemplated would turn out
most capricious in working." He adds, thereupon,
quite clearly—what it really is upon that point that
he himself is particularly desirous of seeing accom-
plished. " I am," he writes "in favour of an exten-
sion of the franchise, consistent with our ancient
practice, based upon occupancy and unfettered by
considerations connected with education or tem-
perance." And he observes yet further and yet
more explicitly—" Fix the franchise at the point
which will include all ratepayers, or at a £6
rental—at some point on which the majority can
agree—but don't confuse the question with ques-
tions of morals." In this there is an obvious con-
sistency. And the hon. member Tor Birmingham
thus forcibly and manfully draws these his latest
comments upon Reform to a conclusion in the
earnest words here following :—" If," he writes,
" you try to exclude all men who are not perfectly
wise and prudent, and to include only the intelli-
gent—your whole system will break down. If you
will trust the people in the hulk,, without attempt-
ing definitions and choice selections, you will get
a good constituency, and -without diffi-
culty." Opinions like these frankly ex-
pressed in opposition to the more involved views
of Mr. JOHN DAVIDSON, the pamphleteer—opinions
such as those above quoted, opinions deeply thought
and clearly worded, while they are authenticated
by the signature of JOHN BRIGHT (and are worthy
of him), might almost have been signed plain JOHN
BULL, from their manly bearing arid significance.
If we could but get Another JOHN to speak out as
plainly ! One whose surname is RUSSELL, and
whose prefix of courtesy " Lord." But that Other
JOHN, alas, happens to be such a rnaster of state-
craft, of the tricks and chicaneries of your profes-
sional administrator ! And as he is less burly in
shape than either BULL or 13:RIGHT, he is
in his own ways and means more diminu-
tive. Insomuch that he is, to very many of
us, not so distinctly JOHN as JOHNNY. " The calm
JOHNNY," as the late Colonial Secretary says of
him, through a popular satire, crystalising for the
nonce Lord DERBY'S famous not in;to a now fami-
liar couplet—

" Next, cool and all unconscious of reproach,
Comes the Calm JOHNNY who upset the coach."
Instead of speaking out plainly and to the purpose
like JOHN BULL or JOHN BRIGIET, this Other
JOHN has his attention too variously di-
rected elsewhere—watching his opportunity to
to clutch at the reins—casting an eye askance at
the dangling skid—or (at the change of horses, and
just before the fresh start) fumbling suspiciously at
the lynch-pin! 0 for one hour of the old " fire "in
the old days, when the noble lord's afa.s were worthy
of JoHN BULL, and his words were It orthy of JOHN
BRIGHT, when

- the steam wag .on,
And languid JOHNNY glowed to glorirms JOHN!"

The Earl and Countess of Darnley have left
Claridge's Hotel for Cobham Hall, near Gravesend.
The Countess of Longford and. Lady Louisa
Pskenham have arrived at the Queen's Hotel, Upper Nor-
wood, from Worthing.
Viscount and Viscountess Lismore, purpose spend-
ing the winter months at their seat in Ireland. The noble
lord and her ladyship have arrived at Sh tnbally-castle from
visiting the Earl and Countess of Bessbo,-crugh.
Viscount and Viscountess Donervale have arrived
at Claridge's Hotel from Shrubland-part--; Suffolk.
Lord Bellew has taken his dep artnre from the
Albemarle Hotel for his seat in Ireland.

Mr. and Mrs. E. Cottreill Scho 'lefield have left
arranee' s Hotel, Belgravia, for Paris.
The Misses Bertie Mathews haN rp left Farrance's
Hotel for Tunbridge Wells.

MEDICAL OFFICERS IN INDIA.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

SIR,—Kindly grant me space in your columns to
draw attention to a despatch of the Right lion.
the Commander-in-Chief in India on the medical
service of the British army, and published. in March
last, with the sanction and satisfaction of his
Excellency the Governor-General in Council.
It may be premature to draw attention to that
despatch, or to ask if its remembrance has passed
away with the day of its issue. The medical ser-
vice trust that they will not be so treated. The
reading of the despatch has excited confidence in
the breasts of officers who have distinguished them-
selves for zeal and ability during the memorable
struggle for supremacy in India in 1857, 1858, and
1859, that their services will not be ignored.
The contest is considered over, and long Gazettes
bear by every mail rank and honours to all officers,
except medical officers, who saw service during the
mutiny. Of the officers of the royal regiments
serving in India some five hundred have been either
decorated or promoted. Of the medical officers of
these regiments but four have been decorated, none
promoted. Of the junior regimental medical
officers one (of the 32d Light Infantry) was pro-
moted, so that out of three hundred military sur-
geons but five have received any reward for valuable
services. It is difficult to reconcile this forgetful-
ness with the reading of the despatch of Lord
Clyde recommending these officers to the protection
of his Excellency the Governor-General, and who
have received the cordial acknowledgments of the
Government of India for the important services
they have rendered.
The withholding of rewards freely conferred on
all others from military surgeons is questionable or
rather unquestionable policy. The feelings engen-
dered by such open illiberality are certain to affect
the medical service, and consequently the public
purse, as such slights tend not a little to prevent
men of professional zeal and ability from entering
our army. Of nothing a highly organised mind is
more sensitive than to be made to feel that his pro-
fession, instead of being a passport to position, is
too often cast up as an excuse for the refusing of
equal honours.
How must Dr. Linton feel, who came so success-
fully out of a campaign which brought him nothing
but incessant labour, great anxiety, and forgetful-
ness ? He naturally should feel the slight cast on
him and on his services ! How must the regimental
surgeons feel when observing that even the head of
their department, notwithstanding oulogiums and
recommendations, and incessant mental labour
during the last two trying and wearisome years, is
passed over in marked silence on the point of deco-
rations ? IVhy is this ? Is a third-class decoration
of the Honourable Order of the Bath to be the ne
plus ultra of a military surgeon's honours; and, that
distinction once gained, are no services, however
brilliant, masterly, and successful, to be further
rewarded ? Such cannot be the opinion of a Go-
vernment which prizes the conservation of life more
than its destruction. Such cannot be the opinion
of Earl Canning.
We trust that the despatch on the medical ser-
vice, published on the 31st INiarch last, will not be
allowed to remain a dead letter, but that his
Excellency the Governor-General and the Right
Hon. the Commander-in-Chief will show that they
do not consider their published opinion a mere
empty compliment, and that the military surgeons
in India, and Dr. Linton, their Inspector-General,
really deserved the protection and cordial acknow-
ledgments of the Government, and, deserving such,
shall be suitably rewarded, either by decoration,
promotion (brevet or substantive), or by having
some time added to their service.

Such an act of grace would come well from the
Government of India, and would remove from the
minds of our army surgeons the uncomfortable
conviction that they form- a marked exception in
the general bestowal of decorations and rewards.

I remain, sir,

Bengal.

JENNER.

DBURI7-LANE THEATRE.

Last evening the enterprising and indefatigable Mr. E. T.
Smith gave a very fine performance of "I 1 Trovatore," with
Titiens, Giuglini, Madame Borchardt, and Signor Badiali
in the chief characters. The great German prima domia
sang in her grandest manner throughout, and was most
ably supported by Giuglini, who, as Manrico, again dis-
played all the exquisite beauty of voice, refined taste, and
dramatic ability which have rendered him cne of the most
popular singers of the day. The veteran Badiali, too, "fought
his battles o'er again" with undiminished energy, and
gained new victories. To 11a6ame Borchardt, who perso-
nated Azucena for the first time in London, great praise is
likewise due. The music of the part is in many places ra-
ther too low for her, but she altered it where necessary very
judiciously, and her performance on the whole was very
successful.

The house was densely crowded, and the usual redeniands
and recalls were not wanting.
Mr. Smith gives another performance of Italian opera
this evening.

A pension of £7O a-year has been given to Mr.
Charles Duke Yonge, author of several Greek and Latin
school-books, for literary services.

The vicarage of Basildon, Berkshire, has become
vacant by the death of the Rev. Robert Bailey Fisher,
M.A., of Pembroke College, Oxford. The benefice, which
is worth about £360 a-year, is in the gift of the trustees of
the late Rev. Charles Simeon, of Cambridge.
TIIE EDINBURGH BANQUET TO LORD BROUGHAM.
—We understand that the dinner to Lord Brougham, for
which a requisition from many of the leading citizens of
Edinburgh of all ranks and classes was despatched to his
lordship several months ago, is likely to take place on Wed-
nesday, the 26th inst.
There is no prospect, at present, that the Mi-
nisters will be summoned again to London to attend a
Cabinet Council, but, immediately after the arrival of the
Court at Windsor Castle (expected on the 17th instant),
the Queen will hold a Privy Council, at which the leading
Minister of the Crown will attend. At this Council the
further prorogation of Parliament will be taken into consi-
deration. At present it stand prorogued to Thursday, the
27th of October.—Court Journal.

The " secret mission," which was announced as
returning from India, is ascertained to have been de-
spatched by the request of the Emperor for the acquisi-
ti.on of a splendid diamond, said to be uniqiie in the
fineness of its water, and which his Majesty was
determined to present on the 16th of the month,
the fete day of Saint Eugenie. The diamond had
been reported as having been last seen in the possession of
a Jew merchant at Goa, thence carried off for sale to the
confines of China, and was finally captured in possession
of a Portuguese jeweller just at the moment when he was
on the point of setting out to offer it to the Shah of Persia.
—Court Journal.

THE ALLEGED POST-OFFICE INQUISITION.—We
are authorised to say that there is no foundation whatever
for a statement which has appeared in some of the public
journals to the effect that, by direction of the Postmaster-
General, or of Mr. Rowland Hill, the officers in the Post-
office at Liverpool have been called upon to reply to a series
of questions of an inquigtorial character. The facts of the
case are, that a few persons in that office having, it was
feared, become embarrassed in their affairs and entangled
in a system of pecuniary accommodation, an investigation
was ordered; and the postmaster of Liverpool judged it
expedient, in making that investigation, to address to these
persons certain questions ' • but this course he took on his
own authority alone ; and on the matter coming to the
knowledge of the chief office, an inquiry into the post-
master's proceedings was immediately instituted.
BRITISH SUBJECTS EXPELLED FROM MEXICO.—
It may be remembered that, after the victory of the reac-
tionaries and the triumph of Miramon at Tacubaya, several
English gentlemen of peat respectability were arbitrarily
expelled from Mexico by the de facto Government for hav-
ing, in a private representation to Mr. Otway, the British
Minister, used some strong expressions respecting certain
outrages committed by the Mexican authorities on English
subjects. Lord J. Russell, on becoming acquainted with
the circumstances, addressed a despatch to the Mexican
Government, in which he not only demands that the ex-
pelled gentlemen shall be allowed to return, but that repa-
ration shall be made for the lOss7s they have sustained, and
compensation given to those who have been sufferers from
the excesses of the priest-party in Mexico.
The accounts from St. Petersburg confirm the
view expressed as to the bearings of the recent ukase for
the conversion of the enormous paper currency of Russia
into 5 per cent. notes, inconvertible except in certain pro-
portions by annual drawings spread over 37 years. The
measure is said to bo regarded with favour, and it appears
no doubt is entertained that a sum equal at least to about
£60,000,000 of the £110,000,000, which is supposed to be
the total of paper afloat, will be brought in. It is also men-
tioned that since the promulgation of the ukase there has
been an increasing tendency to depression in all other Rus-
sian securities—a natural consequence of a change that
may be regarded as a virtual creation of a new stockof un-
precedented magnitude.
PRICE OF GOLD.—The quotation of gold at Paris
is about 1 dis. and the short exchange on London is 25.15
per £1 sterling. On comparing these rates with the Eng-
lish Mint price of £3 17s. 101 d. per ounce for standard
gold, it appears that gold is at about the same price in
Paris as in London. By advices from Hamburg the
price of gold is 4221 per mark, and the short exchange on
London is 13.4 a per £1 sterling. Standard gold at the
English Mint price is therefore about 3 10ths per cont.
dearer in London than in, Hamburg. The course of ex-
change at New York on London for bills at 60 days' sight
is about 110 k per cent., which, when compared with the
Mint par between the two countries, shows that the ex-
change is in favour of England; and, after maldng
allowance for charges of transport and difference of inte-
rest, the present rate leaves a small profit on the importa-
tion of gold from the United States,