The Sun.
London, England, 1866-05-28 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, MAY 28, 1866.

good groundwork to work upon. Of course, it is
easy to understand that whenever a proposal
of Reform is made the parties who are
the subjects of it refuse to perceive the neces-
sity, and a measure for redistribution more
especially is certain to provoke the resolute oppo-
sition of all affected by it. Privileges are never
resigned with a good grace, and it is the know-
ledge of this, as well as the consciousness of their
own internal weakness, that has made the Minis-
try so timorous and reluctant in dealing with the
redistribution question. They have endeavoured to
do so in the manner least calculated to give offence,
and the grouping scheme is an ingenious evasion of
the difficulties attending disfranchisement.

The proceedings of this evening will probably
excil e a good deal of interest, as we shall see what
line the several parties intend to adopt. A spirit
of conciliation and good sense might settle a great
deal if all sides would be guided by it. No doubt
even in minor points the Government bill makes
many blunders, but is it impossible to correct
them? The arrangements of grouping, the num-
ber and size of the towns so united, may in several
cases be ill advised, but surely we need not
take a year to find out how to equalise and
improve them. We believe that the leaders
of both parties would be heartily glad
to have the question settled ; the general public is
weary of the discussion, and the whole country
would be well pleased to have Parliamentary Re-
form satisfactorily and conclusively dealt with, at

least for the time. Only a few factious and rest-
less spirits are impatient of any conclusion, and
would gladly keep up the agitation and fever of the
last few weeks. Such a result can answer no good
end, and we sincerely hope it may be avoided by
the general good sense and right feeling of the
House.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

-•

(FRO3I OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
Yams, Sunday Evening.

The idea of the Conference does not allay the
martial spirit of Italy, and young France is also
" eager for the fray." I have full reason to know
that hundreds, or, to speak more by the card, thou-
sands of excitable youths of Paris are taking steps
to enrol themselves under the banners of Garibaldi.

The General is getting up the steam a little, by
means of letters and other persuasives. A Liberal
Italian paper publishes the following letter from the
General to a friend :

"Dear Bagnasco,—lt is useful for the country
that everybody should be ready and united. It is a
question of life or death for the country, and it is
the business of all Italy to solve the problem. I will

accept all who wish to fight against foreign aggres-
sion. Put differences of opinion aside, and let us

act."

The Siecle contributes a goodly portion to the ex-
citement in Paris in favour of United Italy by pub-
lishing authentic correspondence from Florence,

giving details of a plot organised at Naples, which
ha's ramifications in the provinces, for the restora-

tion of the expulsed Princes. Intrigues and con-
spiracies are in operation, baying for object to re-
establish the former King of Naples, the ex-Grand
Duke of Tuscany, and the Duke de Modena. All
these " little games" are to be played the very
moment that Austria shall attack Italy. Garibaldi

is still at Caprera, and the reason is explained by
his desire not to evoke a premature conflagration.
In the meantime the young men of Florence join
the volunteers to the cry of " Evviva la Guerra !"
(the war for ever.)
An account has been received in Paris of
the death of Prince Paul Esterhazy, at Rates-
bon. The Prince was eighty years old, and
was not only a first-rate diplomatist, but he had a
prominent share in several difficult and important
missions. For instance, he negotiated the marriage
of the first Napoleon with Marie Louise of Austria.
In 1814, at the time of the Congress of Chatillon,
he was sent on a secret mission by the Emperor of
Austria to the Emperor Napoleon to endeavour to
induce him to make peace. lie was successively
Austrian Ambassador at Dresden, Rome, Paris, and
London. his last public mission of importance was
in 1856, when he represented Austria at the corona-
tion of the Emperor of Russia, Alexander the
Second.

Religion as well as Industry will in one sense be
represented at the Exhibition of Paris. A space,
to the extent-of 200 square metres, has been allotted
for the exhibition of interesting articles sent by
missionaries from distant islands and from South
Africa and Asia.
The Moniteur says : " France, England, and
Russia having come to an agreement to make strong
efforts (s'efforer) to prevent the conflict which is ready
to burst forth in Germany and Italy, have thought
that, with a view to give their proceedings a really
useful character, they should propose to open a
Conference, indicating at the same time the ques-
tions which will be submitted to it. These ques-
tions regard Italy, the Duchies of the Elbe, and the
reform of the Germanic Confederation. In conse-
quence, each of these three Governments has just
sent to those of Austria, Prussia, Italy, and the
Germanic Confederation letters convoking a Con-
gress to meet at Paris as promptly as possible. I
may add that a Cabinet Council was held yester-
day, presided over by the Emperor, and at which
the Empress attended, when the precise terms of
the communications to be sent to the different
Courts were decided upon.

France is not only cultivating horse-racing, but
is advancing more in the national sports than may
be generally imagined. It appears from the official
tables arranged at the Ministry. of the Ma-
rine that there are in France no less than 4,696
pleasure boats of various dimensions, employing
5,776 amateurs or men classed as sailors. With a
view to give still greater encouragement to this class
of sporting a committee has been formed, of which
M. Benoit-Champy is president, to make arrange-
ments for splendid regattas and boat-racing at the
Great Exhibition. This national exhibition will
take place on the river opposite the Camp de Mars,
and a port will be constructed there, having an extent
of 500 square metres, for the reception of boats of
all nations. The committee were occupied in ar-
ranging the conditions for the reception of such
boats.

It results from calculations, made also at the
Ministry of Marine, that the total number of vessels
lost during the month of April last was 189. Of
this number 90 were English, 19 French, 12
Swedish, 10 Norwegian, 9 American, 9 Hanoverian,
7 Dutch, 4 Austrian, and 24 belonging to other
nations. From the absence of news respecting them,
21 vessels, with their crews, are supposed to be
totally lost. The number of vessels lost in January
was 410 ; in February, 268 ; in March, 269 ; total,
9.47. Adding those lost in April, viz., 489, there
is a total of 1,136 vessels between the Ist of Jan.
andl has been said that every one is mad upon
the 30th of April of the present year.
someres,.di nlanttsot rltoetinh eyr. .
nAt gentlemanhe department
named
Li
It
nesle
of
Sarthe,oftleen
has a very strange kind
monomania. His idea
is that his mother, who was burnt last January,
is still alive, and so sincere is he • in his belief that he
has just presented a petition
to the Senate, praying
for authority to have the body
is sure that his mother is not dead. This petition
was actually presented to the Senate, and with the
remark from one Senator that the
<<petitioner was
certainly mad," the House passed to the order of the
day. If I mention the name of the Marqui • s de
Boissy in the next sentence, it is because he made a
little display on the very same day, and whenever I
speak of monomania, I cannot help thinking of the
marquis. This time his monomaniac spite was not
against England, but against free trade, which he
seems to hate quite as cordially. During a discus-
sion respecting the theatres, the Marquis said that
under free trade we had been promised amelioration
in everything, but the means of existence were
never so dear. The freedom of the theatres was to
turn to the advantage of the public, but it was a
fail= like free trade in everything else, and it re-

suited in the suppression of all that constituted the
enjoyment of the greater portion of the piblic.
Unless he were mistaken, in spite of the hoisted
liberty of the theatres, they were still subjectad to
police regulations. M. Boudet said that themar-
quis, having linked together two subjects whidi had
nothing to do with each other, it was difficult to
answer him, but that, at all events, the establish-
ment of the freedom of theatres had tended to in-
crease the amount of the sums levied upon them for
the relief of the poor.
Marshal Randon, the Minister of War, has sent
a report to the Emperor, to which his Majesty has
given his approval, having for object to male vari-
ous changes and modifications in the strong places
of France. The changes to be made will arlect 98
fortified places.

A letter from Jerusalem, dated May 13, states
that on the previous day at the Church of St.
Sepulchre, and in front of the Holy Sepulchre itself,
M. Bracco, Auxiliary Bishop and Vicar-General of
the Latin Patriarcalate, was consecrated. The
ceremony was Monseigneur Valeiza,
the
Patriarch, performed
assisted b
by M. Massaca, Bishop
of the Gallas (southern Ethiopia) and M. Melchior,
Catholic Armenian Bishop. This is the first time
since the days of antiquity that a Catholic Bishop
has been consecrated before the Holy Sepulchre
itself. During the Crusades the bishops going to
Jerusalem were consecrated in the East. The
Consul of France and all the members of the Im-
perial Consulate, as well as several foreign consuls,
were present. The ceremony was terminated by
singing the Domine salvam fac Imperatorem nostrum
Napoleonem, and by solemn prayers for the Empe-
ror before the Holy Sepulchre.
Another instance of the danger of taking refuge
under trees during a thunder storm has occurred in
the forest of Chaux (France). A few days ago
four shepherds went under an oak during a violent
storm, when the lightning struck the tree and one
of them was killed on the spot. The other three
men were very severely burnt in various parts of
the body.

A woman named Marie Galina has been brutally
murdered by a man with whom she had long been
on intimate terms. It appears that she had told
the assassin that an offer of marriage had been
made to her, and that she must therefore break off
the acquaintance. He went into a terrible passion,
and said he would kill her if ever she spoke of the
marriage again. This statement the deceased
made to a neighbour on the day of the conversa-
tion. The assassin, however, afterwards pretended
to be pacified, and they supped together on the
night of the murder. They went towards the house
till they reached an unfrequented spot, and there he
nearly severed the victim's head from the body with
a chopper. He then went to the woman's house
and took away with him nearly 2,000 f. in gold be-
longing to the deceased.
It is stated that at the last meeting of the Con-
ference respecting the Danubian Principalities, it
was agreed on the part of France and Russia to
observe neutrality, and not to interfere with
the choice of the people of Roumania for their
hospodar or ruler. In reference to the coming
Congress respecting the affairs of Germany and
Italy, it may perhaps be useful to recall to recollec-
tion that the last Congress at Paris took place on
the 25th of February, 1856. The Duke (the Count)
de Walewski presided. It was marked by an inte-
resting incident. The young Imperial Prince was
born while it was sitting, and all the ambassadors
went to the Tuileries to congratulate the Emperor.
A curious circumstance is stated relative to this
Congress. The treaty which resulted from it was
signed by a quill from an eagle in the Garden of
Plants. With this pen the treaty was signed by
Count Walewski, Count Orloff, M. de Buol, M. de
Cavour, All Pacha, M. Manteuffel, Lord Cowley,
and Baron Brunnow. The pen was afterwards
presented to the Emperor as a homage and souvenir,
and his Majesty carefully preserves it. The new
Congress is becoming popular in Paris. Some
shopkeepers have put up a new sign—" The Con-
gresS of Peace." As to the pen, it is to be hoped
that it may not realise the poet's prediction, " On
eagles' wings immortal scandals fly."
The announcement in the Moniteur yesterday
about the Congress had the best effect, on the
Bourse at least. The Rente and other securities
closed at an advance.

The work of art given by the Emperor to be added
to the Grand Prize of Paris of 100,000 f. at the races
to-day, is a beautiful cup of oval shape, with dogs
and foliage representing a wild boar hunt, The
value is 10,000 f.

his own importance to press his services, he waited to be
summoned ; but from behind his newspaper he watched
with calm and searching eyes the scene, and especially the
countenance of Owen. He was not mistaken in expecting
an appeal, for in a moment Lady Fairfax roused herself
and said, "Mr. Duke, you must give us your opinion."
"With great pleasure," he replied, laying down the
newspaper and coming forward. " What does Sir Owen
want ?"

" This is a letter from his uncle. He invites him to
lb christening of his son, and begs him to be his god-

father."

Owen turned his eyes slowly on Mr. Duke. The ex-
pression of countenance was still dark and rebellious, and
for the first time perhaps in his life, certainly in his deal-
ings with Owen and Lady Fairfax, Mr. Duke felt some
hesitation as to what line he should take.

May I read the letter?" he said. "Much depends on

that."

What the care and forethought of his wisest friends
fails to compass the discipline of Heaven effects for
the unhappy Owen. As we have already intimated,
however, we leave the accurate narration of the
history to one well qualified for the task, namely,
the authoress of this very excellent story.

Mirk Abbey. By the author of " Lost Sir-Mas-
singberd." Three Vols. Hurst and Blackett.
The author of " The Clyffards of Clyffe" has
made a wonderful improvement in his present
work. While to the full as interesting as that very
romantic production, "Mirk Abbey" possesses, for
ourselves at all events, the additional charm of less
sensation and greater probability. The reader's
interest is aroused in the very first chapter of the
first volume, and it is sustained undiminished to the
close of the third volume. It is an interest
that is intensified by concentration upon one
character, " My Lady," who, unlike the favourite
heroines of nowadays, is as virtuous as she is uu.
fortunate. "In my Lady's chamber" in the open-
ing chapter, we find Lady Lisgard, a widow in
the prime of her life, the guardian of her three
children, the eldest of whom, the self-satisfied,
haughty Sir Richard, is about to attain his majority.
Five-and-twenty years before Sir Robert Lisgard
had married his young wife, a friendless orphan
saved from shipwreck, a bride of three weeks, who
had lost parents and husband in the terrible storm,
and who, after long delay, had consented to become
the wife of the only friend who could protect
her desolation. A right noble lady is Lady Lisgard,
although not brought up for such a lofty station,
and a good wife and mother. Only in her own
heart does the memory of her girlish love sur-
vive. But the sea gives up its dead to her unut-
terable dismay, threatening adversity and disgrace
to the proud abbey and the haughty baronet. The
position of the lady, perfectly innocent as she is, is
singularly painful, and very admirably has the
author of the situation verified it in its minutest
details. The conduct and character of Lady
Lisgard is consistent and natural throughout,
while that of Derrick, the ne'er -do - well
and Desperado, with his kindly heart and blighted
life, is very vividly and accurately portrayed. Miss
Rose Aynton threatens for awhile to become that
character for which we entertain a singular aversion,
the Fair Female Fiend of the modern romance ;
but her evil propensities are happily nipped in the
bud. Her fatal habit of getting people under her
thumb is interrupted, and the reader rejoices to
learn in the heading of one chapter " How Miss
Rose Aynton's thumb is turned back," much to the
satisfaction of all parties concerned. Somewhat
appropriately at this Derby season some chapters
are devoted to racing matters. Captain Walter
Liskard, the Lady's younger son, is a somewhat
" fast" young gentleman, and speculates rather
largely upon the Derby. Here is a characteristic
account of his visit to Mr. Chifney, the celebrated

trainer.
" There ; that's a Derby nag, Blue Ruin, in the cloths
yonder, and I believe the Duke would not sell him for
three thousand pounds; but I have told his Grace, as I
tell you, that I wouldnt' back the horse even for a place."
"A splendid stepper, too," exclaimed Walter admiringly,
as the beautiful creature paced slowly round the straw-
yard with arching neck and distended nostrils, as though
ho was aware of the trainer's depreciating remarks, and
could afford to despise them.
"That's true," rejoined Mr. Chifney drily; "but we
don't want steppers, but goers ; there's a vast of steppers
in this world, both men and horses.—Now, in that box
yonder, there is an animal who, in my opinion, could give
Blue Rain ten pounds ; but you shall judge for yourself
presently. The King's palace is this next one."
And truly, scarce could horse be better housed than was
his equine majesty. No light-house could be more exqui-
sitely clean ; no drawing-room in Mayfair more neat, or
better suited to the:requirements of its inhabitant, although
of ornament, save the plaited straw that fringed the royal
couch, there was nothing. A dim religious light pervaded
this sanctuary„which was kept at a moderate temperature
by artificial means, while an admirable ventilation
prevented the slightest "smell of the stable" from
being perceptible. The object of all this considera-
tion was a magnificent bay horse, by rule of Liliput,
very fitly named The King, since, if not a head taller than
his fellows, he was fully "a hand." His coat quite shone
amid the gloom, and as the key turned in the door, he
pricked his long fine ears. and turned his full eyes upon his
two visitors inquiringly, with far more expression in his
lean-jawed face than is possessed by many a human
creature.

" This gives the world assurance of a horse indeed,"mut-
tered Walter to himself as he contemplated this wonder.
"Show me his faults," Mr. Uhifney, for his excellences
dazzle me."
" Well, sir," whispered the trainer, looking up towards
a square hole in the ceiling, "it is not for me to depreciate
the crack;' and there's a boy up yonder—for the horse is
never left for a moment, night or day—who is getting too
sharp to live, at least in my stables. But look at what he
stands on."

Most men who ride think it a disgrace not to know all
about a horse. Every man,who keeps a pony thinks him-
self qualified to "pick out the winner from any number of
thoroughbreds before "the start ;" and when the race is
over protests that he had picked him out in his own mind,
only something (not quite satisfactorily explained) made
him distrust his own judgment, and back a loser.
It was a great temptation to Captain Walter Lisgard, of
the 10th Light Dragoons, to show himself horse-wise, but
he put it from him manfully, or rather, with strength of
mind far beyond :that of most men of his class. " The
pasterns seem to be long and strong enough," answered
he, " and the feet neither too large nor too small."
"Just what my lord says," observed the trainer in the
same low tones ;" nor can I make him see that there is any
degree of contraction. But he is not your horse, so tell me ;
look now— is it not so ?"
It was so, or at least it seemed to be so to the captain,
as the trainer returned the faulty member to its proprietor,
with the air of a banker declining a forged cheque.
" It is of small consequence to me," said Walter ; "but
I shall be very sorry if the winner does not come out of
your stable. I took a thousand to twenty in October,
which I can now hedge to great advantage."
"If you take my advice, you will hold on," said Mr.
Chifney confidentially.
The " trial" scene between the King and his
chief rival, which is too long to quote, is capitally
described, with the discovery of the lurking spy hid
in the gorse bushes. The indignation suppressed or
outrageousness of the lord and the Cariboo miner
(for, as the writer well observes, " the Turf like the
Grave levels all distinctions," is vividly portrayed.
Very striking is the incident at the memorial window,
when Derrick, looking for the tomb of his lost wife,
finds himself face to face with his own epitaph !
We have said enough to commend Mirk Abbey to
our readers, as a pleasant tale right pleasantly
told. .

The Dublin Evening Mail of yesterday states that
Archbishop Cullen has announced to his friends that he
has received a cardinal's hat from Rome.

THE REFORM BILL.—The following notices of
motion have been put on the paper for this evening:
—Mr. Bouverie—On reading the order of the day for the
Committee on the Representation of the People Bill, to
move that the Representation of the People Bill and the
Redistribution of Seats Bill be referred to the same com-
mittee; that it be an instruction to the committee that
they have power to consolidate the said bills into one bill.
Captain Hayter—As an amendment to Mr. Bouverie's in-
struction on going into committee on Representation of the
People Bill, to move, that this house, although desirous
that the subjects of the franchise and of the Redistribution
of Seats should be considered together, is of opinion that
the system of grouping proposed in the present bill for the
Redistribution ot Seats is neither convenient nor equitable,
and that the scheme of her Majesty's Government is not
sufficiently matured to form the basis of a satisfactory
measure. Mr. Kinglake—On motion for going into Com-
mittee on Representation of the,People Bill, to move that
it is not expedient to go into committee on the said bill
until this house shall have before it the expected bill for
the Redistribution of Seats. Mr. Philip Wykeham Martin
—On motion fur going into committee on Representation
of the People Bill, to move that, in tho opinion of this
house, it would be neither just nor expedient that any
class of persons who are entitled to vote at the election of
members to serve in Parliament against whom no corrupt
practices have been proved should be deprived of their
franchise by the present bill.

LA TEST INTELLIGENCE.

(P,EUTER'S TELEGRAM.)

THE WAR CRISIS.

FLORENCE, May 28.

The Opinione of to-day says :—" It is probable
but not certain that Austria will accept the

Congreis."

TRIESTE, AUG. 28.
A rumour is current here that a Turkish fleet
of 30 ships has entered the Adriatic.

DENMARK.
THE HAGUE, May 28.

A new Ministry has been formed, composed as
follows :—M. Zuylen von Nyevelt, Minister for
Foreign Affairs ; M. Myer, Minister for the
Colonies ; M. Heimskerk, Minister of the Interior ;
M. Schemmelpennick, Minister of Finance ; M.
Borret, Minister of Justice ; and M. Andreae,
Minister of Marine. The Ministry for war is still
vacant.

THE BOMBAY MAILS.

SOUTHAMPTON, MAY 28.

The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam-
ship Tanjore, with the heavy portion of the above
mail, has arrived here. She brings 120 passengers,
£3,855 in specie, and a general cargo, including
1,277 bales of cotton.

The Tanjore experienced fine weather throughout

the voyage.

On the 20th she spoke the steamer Syria, on the
22d the brig Castle Eden, on the 24th the steamer
China, and on the 27th the steamer Massilia.
Her Majesty's ships Sunbeam, Victoria, Resist-
ance, Royal Oak, Assurance, and Psyche were at
Malta. The Phoebe left for England on the 17th
instant.

GIBRALTAR, MAY 23.

A quarantine of five days is imposed on vessels
arriving from Liverpool.
The war vessels Skylark and Supply are in har-

bour.

Exchange on London, 49- ; on Paris, 5.26 ;
Madrid, 2 dis. ; Cadiz, 5 dis.

PORTUGAL.

LISBON, MAY 27.

The Royal Mail Steam-packet Company's ship
Rhone, from the Brazils, arrived here yesterday at
8 a.m. with 172 passengers for Southampton ; also
specie £6,164, 700 bales of cotton, 1,007 bags of
coffee, 270 barrels of tapioca, and 290 packages of
sundries.

The Douro, with the outward mail of the 9th
inst., was at Saint Vincent on the 20th inst. The
Prince Augustus and Princess of Saxe Coburg have
come from Brazil by the Rhone.

SUEZ, MAY 26.
The Messageries Imperiales steamer, with India
and China mails, arrived here at 4 p.m. to-day.

THE WAR IN THE BRAZILS.
(By Telegraph from Lisbon.)
RIO DE JANEIRO, May 8.
A division of the Brazilian army was disembarked
on the 16th ult. upon the left bank of the Parana.
An engagement took place on the following day,
resulting in the defeat of the Paraguayans, who
were compelled to abandon Stapira and their bat-
teries on the Parana.
The allied army finished crossing the Parana on
the 18th ult. Lopez burnt his camp and retreated
upon Humaita on the 23d ult.