The Sun.
London, England, 1859-06-08 00:00:00

result, and the loss on both sides must have been
very serious. Taking' all these matters into
consideration, the battle of Magenta will, we
believe, turn out to be one of the great conflicts
that exercises a lasting influence on the welfare
and stability of nations. We shall look with much
anxiety for the authentic accounts of the termina-
tion of the transaction. If the Austrians are re-
treating rapidly, as has been asserted, they will
probably be glad to make the concessions that
will be urged on them by the British,
and we should hope the Prussian, Government.
It is full time that their rule in Italy, which should
never have been tolerated, should cease ; and if they
are wise, they will adopt such measures as will
induce the peoples of Hungary and Gallicia to
remain in some degree contented with the rule to
which they are compelled to submit. Without
Lombardy and Venice, without in any degree
interfering in Italian affairs, Austria will still have
a very extensive territory and numerous subjects.
She will, in fact, save money by avoiding the
undue meddling in the affairs of other States in
which she has previously indulged, and thus be
enabled to meet more successfully the pecuniary
demands on her exchequer. This is an important
matter, and one which cannot be lost sight of even
by an Imperial General.
It is satisfactory to know that her MAJESTY'S
Government are determined to preserve a strict
and impartial neutrality under any circumstances
that may arise—that they will not be induced
to let the blood of our brave soldiers, or
the money of the overweighted taxpayers to be
expended in such a cause, where neither party can
obtain our sympathies. We should greatly desire
to see Italy free from German mal-administration ;
but we greatly doubt if giving it over to LOUIS
NAPOLEON would not be merely a removal from
the frying-pan into the fire, which would by no
means benefit those subjected to the operation.
We must, of course, keep up a high state of prepa-
ration for any contingency that may arise. It is all-
important that our navy should be so constituted
as to be prepared to meet the united navies of any
other nations that could by any possibility be
brought against us. England is, with abundant
reason, proud of her wooden walls. She will
never willingly, or for any pettifogging saving,
relinquish the maritime supremacy which has so
long been her acknowledged right. The moment
she should do so she would sacrifice .her position
in the scale of nations, and she would sink into a
a second or third rate power, compelled to submit
to the dictation of her continental neighbours.
This will never be submitted to so long as Great
Britain has a man or a shilling to expend. The
process may be costly, but it is indispensable. We
cannot avoid it ; and whatever additional burdens
may be imposed on us for the purpose, we must
submit to them with willing hearts, and pass
bravely through the pecuniary ordeal to which we
may be exposed. The lives of our men must be
spared, but the best security for peace is, always to
be prepared for war. It is an assurance against
fire which every prudent man and every prudent
nation would not disregard.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA COVENT,

GARDEN.

An extra performance took place on Monday even
ing, when Meyerbeer's opera of " Les Huguenots"
was given. Madame Grisi and Signor Mario filled
the principal parts, and it is unnecessary to say that
their performances were entirely successful. The
characters of Raoul and Valentine afford ample
scope for the display of dramatic power. Ma-
dame- Grisi's fine acting was fully equal to the
occasion. The duet in the third act, in the scene
between Raoul and Valentine, in the castle of De
Nevers, was especially effective, and was warmly
applauded by the audience. Mdlle. Marai was
graceful Marguerite de Valois, and Madlle. Didiee
was very successful in the small but important role
of Urbano. M. Zelger acquitted himself creditably
in the difficult part of the old Huguenot, Marcel,
though without distinguishing himself particularly.
The other parts were well filled up, and the
choruses went off very satisfactorily. The anathema
by the monks in the third act was given with great
effect. Last evening, in accordance with the general
desire, Rossini's opera of "La Gazza ladra" was
repeated, and Mdlle. Lotti's rendering of the part-
was as successful as on the former occasions. Her
pure voice and careful singing were displayed to
full effect in the arduous part of Minetta, and her
acting of the unfortunate heroine was natural and
pathetic. Mdlle. Didill again appeared as Pippo,
and was very favourably received. Ronconi's
performance of the unworthy magistrate was as
good as on the former occasions; and Tagliafico
and Gardoni, as the father mid lover, were both
excellent. The house was fully and fashionably
attended, and the performances warmly applauded.
On Thursday's Flotow's opera of " Martha" will be
given, when Mdlle. Lotti will be the prima donna.