The Sun.
London, England, 1866-07-09 00:00:00

HIGH WA.TEr, AT LONDON BRIDGE.

Tins DAY—morning, 11h. sm.—Afternoon, 1111. 40m.
TO-MORROW.-Merning, h. m.— Afternoon,
_l2 h. 12m,

tft • 4'.-L; .
411,„ 4 4 44.
elk* 'F "0 wt.
N

LONDON, MONDAY, JULY 9, 1866.

All is still uncertain respecting the state of things
in Germany. It is said that the Prussians have
expressed their readiness to an armistice for the
present upon certain conditions, but these are hard
ones. No doubt the intervention of the French
EmrEnor. was the cause of this tardy acquiescence,
for to have persisted in a refusal would have been a
decided affront to him. It is still possible that the
war may be renewed, but not likely, taking all
things into consideration. In Vienna it was offi-
cially stated that there was every prospect
of an armistice being concluded for six
weeks, and this statement is confirmed by
the intelligence that the army of the North is
continuing its retreat unmolested. The semi-
official Oesteirreische Zeitttng explains the apparent
inconsistency of the present state of things by de-
claring that when l\larshal BENEDEN. sent General
von GABLENZ to the Prussian head-quarters it was
only to make a military and not a political arrange-
ment, and might be termed the proposal for a
" truce" and not an " armistice," but since that
time the affair has assumed a new aspect, France
having offered to the belligerent Powers her
mediation, in order that an armistice may
be considered which could lead to a peace.
From the French papers we hear that
the King of Pitussia has accepted the "proffered
mediation" of France, but that he reserves to him-
self the conditions respecting the proposed armis-
tice, the particulars of which the Prussian represen-
tative at Paris will declare. The chief points of
importance in this arrangement are that the pro-
visioning of the Prussian army be facilitated, and
that they should occupy the lines of railway in
Bohemia. The King of ITALY'S consent will be
necessary to the fulfilment of this practical affair,
and that does not seem likely to be easily obtained,
to judge from appearances. Perhaps the secret
lies in the fact that the Italians have not come out
of the affair very brilliantly, after all their boastful
anticipations of success so unguardedly indulged in.
It would appear as if the Italian Volunteers were
anxious to make the most of the opportunities that
yet remain to them, and accordingly they are con-
stantly attacking the enemy, but with no SUCCCSR.
Five thousand of them attacked the Austrian posi-
tion on Monte Suello, but they were repulsed with
the loss of 500 killed and wounded. Another en-
gagement lasted for five hours, and ended in the
game result, the Italians being driven back over
the Tuacardine Pass. It certainly confirms the
idea of the supremacy of the needle-gun, that the
Austrians have had the advantage in all their en-
counters with the Italians.
This is indeed the great invention of the day,
and it seems extraordinary that the Austrians, who
witnessed its efficacy when they were acting in con-
cert with the Prussians in the Danish war, did not
profit by such experience, and either look to their
preparations, or abstain from encountering such
dangerous adversaries. We have witnessed the same

result wherever the Prussian forces have appeare
and their success in Northern Germany v /as
only FLa prelude to their eventual denouement in
Bohemia. It seems really difficult to explain, the
cause of the fatal hesitation which has been dis-
played by the other countries of Europe. It; is said
that Marshal BENEDEK has been relieved of his
command, but according to the accounts Nswe have
received it would appear as if the faults of th e Aus-
trian management may be laid to the charge of the
Government of Vienna rather than to the ( general
in command. In regard to this important matter
it is certainly an advantage that our Government
has changed hands, for the Ministry of Earl
RUSSELL was conspicuous for its neglect of
he army and navy departments. Ques-

tions about " breech-loaders" have already
been asked in the House of Commons since the
result of the campaigns in Bohemia was reported to
the public, and it is satisfactory to notice that
General PEEL seems fully alive to the necessities of
the case. 'We trust that he will use every effort to
improve our position in this respect, and so remove
a slur from our military reputation. We are not so
likely to require the aid of such weapons as the
nations on the Continent, but, at the same time,
we should be fully prepared for the emergencies
that may present themselves.
It is now, of course, the great question with all
What will the Emperor of the FRENCH do in the
approaching deliberations concerning Germany ?
It is suggested that Prussia has a perfect right to
enjoy the gains she has fairly won by the sword,
but it is not likely that the Emperor Lows NAPO-
LEON will quietly look on and see the Prussian
Monarchy become more powerful than his own.
The state of affairs in Europe is, indeed, most com-
plicated at this juncture ; and it will require
care, consideration, and magnanimity on the
part of those
engaged in their adjust-
ment to prevent wrong and injustice.
The question is,Where are we to find these needful
qualifications? Of one thing are we quite convinced,
that it will fare most badly for all parties concerned
if Prussia is to be allowed to be in the ascendant,
and to dictate terms as she pleases. The only Power
that can or will check her will be France, and it is
to be hoped that, after reflection, the King of
PRUSSIA and his advisers may consent to those just
conditions which will be put before them by the
neutral Powers of Europe. We see no hope of a last-
ing arrangement of a satisfactory character if the
Prussians are to give the word of command, and
merely make a tool of the French Emperor not to
carry out their design in the best way that he can.
Of course substantial advantage will be gained by
the victorious Power in Bohemia, but it will be in-
consistent to expect that they are to take possession
of the best part of the Austrian dominions. Such a
course of aggression will only draw upon them the
contempt of Europe, and their best friends will be
against their following it out to the extent
that they seem to desire and expect, to
judge from what has taken place already.
We hope the French EMPEROR will be firm and
cautious in his difficult position, and that the other
Powers will support him ; for it is the interest of
all not to allow any one nation to acquire a special
ascendancy over the others. If Prussia become too
strong now it will cause a great deal of trouble
hereafter to keep her in check, and she herself will
be the greatest loser in the end by her over-greedi-
ness just now to secure all that she can possibly
take.

The Princess of WALES has just performed a
kindly and graceful action— one no less consonant
to her feelings as a young mother than to her
charitable inclinations as a member of that Royal
family who always take a cordial interest in bene-
volent undertakings. The ceremony of laying the
foundation stone of the Home for Little Boys near
Farningham, Kent, was something more than a
mere formal matter of routine. The presence of
the Prince and Princess of WALES and the brilliant
assembly which accompanied them testifies to the
growing sense of our national obligations towards
those helpless little ones whose fathers' sins
are visited upon them in their early associa-
tions of vice, crime, disease, and wretchedness.
In former days it was thought that the State had
done its duty when it punished with unpitying
severity the offences of adult criminals, dealing with
them simply as they stood before the offended law,
regardless of their past or of their future. The
gradual improvement of mind and feeling has by
degrees brought about a better state of things. We
cannot, indeed, overlook the crimes of any culprit
whatever his natural or accidental disadvantages.
Public justice can admit no excuse in palliation
of fraud or violence, but Christian charity has now
addressed itself to the consideration of the question
whether we cannot anticipate the evil. The enter-
prising philanthropy of the present day has suc-
ceeded in penetrating the gloom which in former
times enshrouded " the dangerous classes ;" it has
gone down, as it were, to the lowest strata of our
social organisation, and has placed before the public
such startling facts that humanity can no longer
refuse to listen to its appeals. We know the train-
ing which the children of vagrant or criminal
parents are likely to receive in the streets and lanes
of this city. Can we reasonably expect them to
turn out decent, honest, and industrious citizens ?
Should we not hold it little short of a miracle if we
discovered a boy, the son of a thief or a beggar, the
constant associate of pickpockets and sharpers of all
• degrees, who was honestly working for his living,
and likely to grow up a respectable man ? Few
, would be inclined to believe such a transformation
; even possible for true, as is the old warning that
[ " evil communications corrupt good manners," it is
. never so true as in the tender and impressible days
of childhood and youth. So firmly are all intelli-
. gent men convinced of this fact, that constant and
E general encouragement has been given to the
. numerous homes, refuges, asylums, industrial schools,

and other institutions which have for their object

the rescue of these neglected children and their
training in honest ways. Such associations com-
mend themselves to the support of every man what-
ever his faith, his politics, or his opinions. There can
be but one conviction as to the duty and benefit of
giving these little ones at least the chance of better
things, and, if we neglect so manifest a duty the
country will most assuredly rue our negligence and
have to pay heavily for our error.
The Home, which has been fortunate enough to
secure the co-operation of the Princess of WALES,
is designed to fill a vacancy which formerly
existed in the list of these kindly refuges
and asylums. It is intended for very young
boys whose characters and circumstances disqualify

them for orphan asylums, and whose youth excludes
them from refuges. It gives a home to such children
as are deserted by their parents, and are left to be
vagrants and infant thieves, and to others of a
similar class. It has been in existence for about
two years at Tottenham, but the committee have
found their work grow so much, and have received
such encouraging promises of support, that they
have now removed and extended their establish-
ment. They have obtained a site of 20 acres at
llorton Kirby, near Farninghain, Kent, upon rea-
sonable terms. The design includei school build-
ings, a superintendents residence, with workshop

and stores, and four dwelling-houses, to contain
thirty boys each, while in the main schoolroom
infants' school and class room there is accommoda-
tion for 300 children. If the institution grows and
prospers as it deserves to do a larger group of build-
ings is in view ; but at present this plan meets the
requirements of the undertaking. The inaugura-
tion of the work on Saturday was all that was pro-
mising. The day was favourable, the preparations
loyally made for the reception of the Royal
visitors were on a scale which did credit to the
taste and liberality of those concerned, and the
Princess must have been touched while she listened
to the little voices of the children singing a hymn,
and thought of her own little boys so differently
gifted by nature and fortune. Her Royal Highness
perforMed her duties as an amateur mason with
characteristic grace and courtesy, and had the satis-
faction of feeling that her presence had been pro-
ductive of substantial benefit to the institution,
since the presentation purses alone amounted to
£775.
The Prince of WALES, not to be outdone in
kindness, had undertaken to preside at the dejeuner
which followed the laying of the stone. His Royal
Highness proved an earnest advocate of the claims
of the charity, and reminded his hearers that they
were all called upon to give it practical assistance by
their subscriptions. This duty the Prince and Prin-
cess fulfilled by donations of £5O each, and by placing
the names of Ibrince ALBERT VICTOR and Prince
GEORGE on the list as life-governors. The enthu-
siasm excited by this kindly act apparently stimu-
lated the generosity of the assembly, for the sub-
scriptions received on Saturday amounted to £1,600.
Such a result must have been very gratifying to the
president of the " Home," Mr. ROBERT lIANBURY,
M.P., who has laboured arduously in its behalf.
In his address at the dejeuner, he gave an appro-
priate illustration of the work drawn from the
scene around them. " I trust," he said, " that the
spot where we are assembled may be the type of
our work and of its success. A few days ago
all to be seen here was a barren moor,
without roof or shelter, and the beginning of the
work gave little promise of its close. So may it be
with the effort inaugurated by your Royal Highness
to-day. The class from which our little boys'
are gathered may seem rude, rough, and unpromis-
ing as this once barren moor ; and the early days of
their training may seem of small avail. But in them
may be wrought, by GOD'S blessing on our efforts,
that change which shall fit them ere long to be
earnest Christian men, useful, happy, and loyal sub-
jects of her MAJESTY." The Home is designed for
the youngest and most necessitous children of this
necessitous class ; it is open to all sects and denomi-
nations, and to children from all parts of the country.
The only qualification required is that the little
ones should be homeless and destitute, and the only
objects proposed are to give them " a sound, useful,
Christian education, and to teach them at an early
age as possible to earn their own livelihood." The
trades and occupations taught in the workshops
will fit them for employment either at home or in
the colonies, so that instead of crowding our gaols
and burdening our taxpayers, these children may,
when they reach manhood, add to the strength,
the industry, and the welfare of the State, able in
their turn to stretch out a hand to others instead
of helping to drag a fresh generation down to de-
gradation and misery.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, Sunday Evening.

" Divers urgent and important affairs" prevented
the Emperor from leaving Paris on Wednesday last,
as was fully arranged, and now his departure for
Fontalnbleau fs I believe indefinitely postponed for
the same mighty reason. His Majesty presided at
a Council of Ministers yesterday at the Tuileries,
at which the Empress was also present.

The " armistice" proposed by the Emperor has
led to historical and etymological investigations into
this term and other devices connected with " war's
vast art." There are three modes employed in war
to procure a cessation of hostilities. The suspension
of arms, a truce, and an armistice. There is a dis-
tinction as well as a difference between these three
modes. A suspension of arms is often granted by
mutual consent for purposes of humanity, or to
bury the dead, without any immediate intention of
discontinuing the conflict. There was a suspension
of arms during the recent campaigns in the Crimea
and in Italy. A truce is a warlike arrangement of
very ancient derivation, and was connected with
theological points. Thus arose, says one writer, in
religious wars the term God's truce. The Council
of Tuluges in 1041 decreed that, in order to render
honour to Sunday, the mutual enemy should not
attack each other between the hours of nine on
Saturday night and one o'clock on Monday morn-
ing. In later times God's truce was extended from
Wednesday until Monday. One of the longest
truces on record between belligerents was between
Spain and the United Provinces, which lasted 12
years. An armistice is general or particular. When
it is general it must be signed by the respective
Sovereigns; when private, it is of local effect, and
may be arranged between the heads of the two
armies in presence of each other. A memorable
armistice was agreed to in 1813 in Silesia between
France, Russia, and Prussia. It is important to
bear in mind the exact signification of an armistice,
to understand the position of affairs in Germany.
It appears from information to be relied on that the
Emperor of the French has received two telegrams,
one from the King of Prussia and the other from
the King of Italy. The King of Italy declares that
before agreeing to an armistice he desires to come
to an understanding with his ally and co-contracting
party the King of Prussia, and the latter replies that
before consenting to an armistice, it is necessary
that he should become acquainted with the prelimi-
naries, so as to discuss them, without being bound
to reject or to agree to them. Thus, according to
the views of some of the Paris papers, there may be
a diplomatic delay of a fortnight before an armistice
may be accepted or rejected by Prussia. Negotia-
tions upon the subject will commence immediately
in Ppris. On the other hand, there is a report that
Prussia is disposed to agree unconditionally to an
armistice.

The following is from La Liberte :—‘l The Cabi-
net Council lasted from four till six o'clock, and it
was only at nine that Prince de Metternich arrived
at the Tuileries, and declared that he was furnished
with full powers to treat, on the part of Austria, for
the armistice upon the basis of the terms transmitted
by the French Government to Vienna. The Em-
peror sent for the Empress to his private room, al-
though she was hardly recovered from the fatigue of
her journey to Vienna. M. Drouyn de l'Huys
came, and the conference was prolonged to half-
past ten o'clock at night, when Prince de Metternich
and M. Drouyn de l'Huys took leave of their
Majesties, the Emperor turning to the Empress,

said " Eugenie, this is a good day for France, and I
at Paris have done a good day's work." The ces-
sion of Venetia to France has been completely and
definitively effected without any other condition
on the part of Austria than the permission to with-
draw her cannon, guns, and munitions in the places
of war. Venetia is now entirely French territory.
There is a remarkable distinction between the
Legislative Session in England and France. Al-
though the Session of the Legislative Body was pro-
rogued some days ago the Senate is still sitting, and
it is to meet to-morrow (Monday) to appoint a com-
mittee to consider the proposed Senatus Consulte.
It is composed of four rather long articles, and the
first president, M. Troploug, explained that in its
amended form the objects of it are these : to insure
in a more efficacious manner respect for the Con-
stitution ; to fix precise rules for the examination
of petitions tending to the modification o the Con-

stitution ; to facilitate the Legislative body in the
exercise of the right of amendment, without alter-
ing the protecting conditions of deliberate exami-
nation ; to modify the regulations respecting the
duration of the Session of the Legislative Body ; the
indemnity to be paid to the Deputies of the Legis-
lative Body is to be 12,500 f. for each ordinary Ses-
sion, whatever may be the period of its sitting.
A subscription has been organised for the relief
of the victims from the invasion of locusts in Algeria.
The Emperor has subscribed 20,000 f., the Empress
10,000 f., the Prince Imperial 500 f., and each of the
Ministers 500 f.

The Minister of the Co-l'onies and Marine has re-
ceived despatches from Vice-Admiral Rose, com-
mandant of the chief naval division in the China
Seas and Japan, dated Won-sung, May 5, which
state that, in concert with the Commander-in-Chief
of the British naval forces, active measures have
been taken to put down the piracy which has done
so much injury to maritime commerce in those
waters. A subscription had been opened to erect a
monument to the officers and sailors who were killed
in Oima in conflicts with the rebels. At Japan ne-
gotiations were in progress between the Taicoun
and the Prince of Nagato. The Prince of Satzonma,
one of the Damios hostile to the Taicoun, has
intimated to the Minister of France his de-
sire to send the products of his provinces to
the Great Exhibition of 1867. M. Roches, in
reply to the application for permission to do so,
said that it belonged to the Taicoun to grant the
requested authority.

The Nouvelle Presse Libre, a German paper, says :
" Count Mensdorff has quitted the Army of the
North to give a faithful account to his Majesty of
the state of things. It is said that it is the Minister
of Foreign Affairs who is charged with this mission,
because during the sad campaign which Marshal
Benedek has just made he criticised with much
lucidity, in a strategic point of view, the operations
of the General-in-Chief. He positively contended
that the positions assumed on the 3d by Benedek
were the most unfortunate which could be chosen.
If, in spite of this, his Majesty did not interfer to
modify the :dispositions of the General, it was be-
cause the Emperor wished to keep the promise he
made to the Commander-in-Chief, and which he
did keep. Count Mensdorff will be able to judge
upon the spot whether Field-Marshal Benedek
ought to rally the remains of the army, and lead it
toOlmutz or elsewhere, or what upon the whole it
is best to do.

Benedek has ceased to be Commander-in-Chief
of the Army of the North. It is not known who is
to be his successor, because, as it is said, it is not
known whether it will be necessary to have one,
because the army of the North must be reformed
altogether; and because, on the other hand, a diplo-
matic negotiation has been commenced which may
change the whole situation. " The duties of Count
Mensdorff at Vienna will be temporarily performed
by Count Maurice Esterhazy during his absence."
Baron Werther is officiating for Count Bismarck
during his absence at the Prussian head-quarters.
The illness of Madame Dump, the wife of the
Minister of Public Instruction, to which I alluded
terminated fatally. 'lhe funeral ceremony at the
church of St. Clotilda was attended by members of
the Chambers, and many men of note, diplomatic
and literary. In the course of the day the remains
were transported to Villeneuve, St. George's for
interment in the family vault.
A new and important experiment on terostation
is announced for the 15th of August, the day of the
Emperor's fete. The inventor announces that he
will ascend in a balloon, and that he will navigate
the air in any direction he may desire by means of
steam power. As was the case on Friday there
was yesterday (Saturday) more "method in the
madness" of the speculators at the Bourse. There
was, however, a sl;ght renewal of agitation towards
the close. The Italian fell to 51 75. The Rente
closed at 68 60. The last quotation of the 4/ per
cents. was 97. The speculators still entertain some
doubt as to the acceptance of the armistice by
Prussia. Sometimes conquerors, flushed with vic-
tory, are very desirous to follow up advantages ob-
tained with bloodshed and difficulty. The cholera
at Amiens is rapidly declining, but the number of
deaths is still considerable, upwards of 30. They
have been 80 a day-.
A tasteful monument, the work of M. Baltard,
has just been placed in the church of St. Germain
des Pres, to the memory of Hyppolite Flandrin, the
painter, a native of Lyons.