The Sun.
London, England, 1866-12-22 00:00:00

THE SUN", LONLON, SATURDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 23, 1866.

lunatics is often very bad. A large proportion of
traem are, inmates of our workhouses, residences in
e very -gray unfitted for them. With the best and
kindest .of management, there is in such institutions
no provivion for the proper care of such sufferers,
for sufferers they are, and as such they should be
treat, ad. The great prevalence of epilepsy and
other- diseases, producing continual fits among the
poor, eves rise also to another class of sufferers,
those Who gradually get worse under unfavourable
treatma at, and end their days either insane or im-
becile. What chance has any of these invalids of
recover ing health of mind or body, kept constantly
in one -ward, without any soothing or cheering in-
fluence, under the constraint, perhaps, of a violent
tempered pauper nurse, surrounded by others in
different stages of illness, disturbed at night by the
fits of the other inmates, the only break in the
weary round of weeks and months being the arrival
of a fresh sufferer or the departure of one of the sad
company to the lunatic asylum or the grave. Yet
such is the life to which hundreds in this metropolis
are yearly condemned. The governess, the servant,

the workman, whose Health breaks down from such
causes, and whose relatives are unable to support
them, have no other resource. Evan if they could
pay for lodgings, they could not pay for the attend-
ance they require. The few hospitals that would
accommodate them are more than full, they must
enter the wards of the parish workhouse, to lead the
life we have described, and too often ultimately to
swell the list of pauper lunatics.
Those who are actually insane when they enter

the wards set apart for their reception suffer pro-
bably less in mind, but their chances of recovery
are very much diminished. Such an ailment de-
mands the highest medical skill, the kindest care,
the most incessant watchfulness. Workhouses were
never intended to meet such cases. They were de-
signed for the able-bodied destitute who could bear
rough treatment and the coarest of food rather than
run the risk of absolute starvation, and it is un-

fair to suppose that the system, worked at its best,
would meet the exigencies of mental and physical
sufferers. Yet the annual statistics of pauper in-
sanity show that the number of insane paupers
chargeable to the poor rates in England and Wales
on the Ist of January last was 39,918, of whom
29,674 were lunatics and 10,244 idiots, and 9,973
of these were in workhouses. The total number
constitutes 4.3 per cent. of the number of persons
in receipt of relief ; and it is noticeable that the
usual statistics of insanity are reversed, and the
proportion of females is much larger than of males;
17,437 are males, 22,390 females, the remainder not
being distinguished. The loneliness and hardship
of the lives of many women perhaps accounts for

this. It is known that domestic servants form a
large proportion of our insane paupers, a fact which
suggests something wrong in our household eco-
nomy; but whatever the predisposing causes, it is
certain that there is a large number of. these suf-
ferers, male and female lunatics, who have no chance
of recovery ; idiots and imbeciles, who have no
chance of improvement under the present system.
Yet even on the score of economy such an arrange-
ment is very shortsighted, because the paupers are
kept a burden on the rates, when by improved treat-

went they might possibly recover the use of their facul-
ties. Some of our large metropolitan workhouses have
latterly adopted the wise plan of sending some of
their afflicted inmates to the country; that is to say,
to those suburban districts where fresh air and exer-

cise can be allowed them without danger to them

selves or inconvenience to others. When the whole
question of our workhouses and their infirmaries
comes, as it must do, under the consideration of
Parliament, we hope that special attention will be
paid to this branch of the subject. Such patients
should surely have the same advantages of Govern-

went inspection which those in places like Hanwell
or Bethlehem possess. They cannot care for them-
selves ; they cannot even plead their own cause.
The State, which undertakes their provision and
maintenance, is therefore bound to care for them.

They have a right to kindness and care,:and to every
chance which they can have of recovery. Such a
right is readily acknowledged on all hands, and our
large asylums are strictly inspected, though with
the efficient organisation, and the able and experi-
enced medical staff of such establishments, it is very
probable that they could much better dispense with
it than the workhouse insane paupers. There should
be in different parts of the country public institu-

tions adapted for the cure of all affected in mind
who are unable to support themselves, and whose
friends are unable to keep them. The cost would
not be great, but the amount of suffering relieved
would be immense. It would be well also if the case
of the inmates of what are generally known as the
" fit wards" was also considered, and practical
philanthropists endeavoured to discover some better
means of dealing with those who, through no fault

of their own, are thrown upon the public charity.

THE EXTINCTEUR.—The day before yesterday a
series of most successful experiments, to show the power
and capability of this comparatively new and highly useful
invention, was given at the White Lion Grounds, Hackney-
wick. Captain Shaw, the chief of the Metropolitan Fire
Brigade, Superintendent Mitchell, and the Chief Engineer
of the Kilburn Volunteer Fire Brigade, Mr. Hamblin of
the Southwark Bridge Station, several directors of the
largo insurance companies, and a number of scientific gen-
tlemen, were present, and, judging from the expres-
sion of their approbation, the experiments must have
both astonished and entirely satisfied them of
the importance of the Extincteur in cases of
the sudden outbreak of fire. The Extinctour is a very
simple yet powerful machine. It consists of a small vessel
hermetically closed, holding from two to three gallons
charged with a mixture of bicarbonate of soda and tar-
taric acid. By this moans a pressure is obtained;within
the machine of from 451bs. to 601b5., consequently by
turning a handle a stream of the liquid is projected by the
mere force of the pressure to a distance of some 30 feet,
acting in the same manner as the band pump, while at
the same thno such an amount of carbonic acid gas is
evolved as completely extinguishes the stronge*t flame.
One of tho experiments of yesterday was really marvellous.
A largo wooden tray, come 12 or 14ft. square, was covered
with pitch,
tar, oil, petroleum, and other inflammable
materials, and on being set fire to a body of flame rose
some 20 or 25 feet high. But upon a small jet of the
composition from the Extincteur being thrown on it, the
fire was completely extinguished in about a couple of mi-
nutes, whereas it was stated by those practically versed in
the extinction of fires that if water had been applied it
could only have had the effect of spreading it. An extem-
porised staircase was also sot on fire, and blazed away at a
great rate until a jet of the composition was thrown on it,
when it was reduced at once to a piece of charred wood.
In like manner a sort of outhouse, stuffed with shavings
and tarred barrels, was ignited, and produced a fearful
b
which, however, was just as easily extin-
guished.possession of such a machine as the Ex-
tinctourth oi dy
sof opinion
ofinaTine
boardh ship must be invaluable, and fortunately
e'
is established by some of the largest owners
whose vessels all carry them. Many a valuable ship has
gone to the bottom of the sea, and every soul on board
perished through the absence of ready means of extinguish-
ing fire, but with an Extincteur on board the dreadful cala-
mity might have been avoided. In warehouses, too, the
machine would bo a great protective agent, because on the
outbreak of fit e it can be instantly caught up and used suc-
cessfully by any person. Mr. Casper, the licenser of the
patent, was present, and frankly admitted that whore out-
side assistance became necessary the Extinctour was power-
loss, but at the commencement of a fire in a store-room or
private dwelling its efficiency could be depended on, and
the experiments proved such to be the case beyond the
possibility of doubt.
An old minister enforced the necessity of
.opinion
by argument. " Now, if everybody had been of my opi-
nion, they would all have wanted my old woman." One
of the deacons who sat just behind him responded—" Yos,
and if everybody was of my opinion, nobody would have
her."

~
" Garibaldi, says the Tempo of Venice, " has
just informed an inhabitant of this city, M. Zecchini, who
had offered the general the accommodation of an apart-
ment on the Piazza San Marco, that he has not as yet
come to any decision respecting a visit to Venice."

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, Friday Evening.
The Moniteur has no announcement of any fact
of importance, but it contans some explanatory de-
tails upon foreign matters, the chief points of which
are already known.
A telegraphic private despatch from Pesth states
that the Upper Chamber of the Hungarian Diet
(Magnats) has adopted the address of the Second
Chamber by a large majority.
The various shades of opinion in the Prussian
Chamber of Deputies are thus represented :—Con-

servatives, 117 ; Imperial Conservatives, or Right
Centre, 17 ; CentreXCatholic party), 15 ; Liberals
(Vincke Schweri❑ party), 25 ; Left Centre, 56 ;
Progressive party, called National (Twesten), 23 ;
Pure party of Progre.ss, 63 ; Polish, 23. Five
deputies, without counting the Ministers who have
seats in the Chamber, not belonging to any party,
and seven seats are vacant.
The Dresden Journal, in its account of the journey
of the King of Saxony to Berlin, says that the most
cordial reception was given to the Saxon Princes.
The Italian journals announce the death of Com-
mander Cassinis, Senator of the kingdom of Italy,
formerly President of the Chamber of Deputies.
Yesterday morning, shortly before four o'clock,

the Princess Clotilde Napoleon, wife of Prince

Napoleon Jerome, gave birth to a princess. An
official document announcing the gratifying fact
was immediately drawn up in the register of the
Imperial family by the Minister of State, in the pre-
sence of the Prince Napoleon, his Excellency the
Keeper of the Seals, Marshal Duke de Magenta, M.
Bonjeau, Senator, President of the Court of Cassa-

tion, appointed as witnesses by the Emperor, his
Fxcellency the Grand Master of the Ceremonies,
the Minister of Italy and Portugal, and the ladies
and officers of the houses_of their Imperial High-
nesses. The young Princess was baptized with the
names of Marie, Letizia, Eugenie, Catherine, Ade-
laide.

Some of the London papers have announced the
arrival at Paris of Lord Brougham, with the inten-
tion of stopping here some days previous to his
usual sojourn during the winter at his chateau at
Cannes. There is some mistake in this announce-
ment. Lord Brougham has not come to Paris, or
he has passed through the capital without stopping.
It had always been his custom to leave his card at
the English Ambassador's, but his arrival is not
now known at the Embassy.
Lord and Lady Cowley have left Paris for Eng-
land.

Lord Lytton is still in Paris, and so is his brother
Sir H..Bulwer. The latter, I believe, is engaged in
writing a work upon the politics andoccurrences of
modern times,which, from his high position as dip-
lomatist and politician, will, no doubt, command
attention and excite interest.

The Journal des Debats says it has received a
translation of the transatlantic despatch sent on the
23d of November to the French Government, com-
plaining of the delay in the embarkation of the first
detachment of French troops on their return to
France. In reference to this document the Debats
says--" We do not know whether the text of this
document be correct or not. All that we discover
is that the President, in disaccord with the Ameri-
can nation, seeks to regain popularity by violence
of language."
The comprehensive and statesmanlike account of
the financial position of France, drawn up by the
Minister of Finance, M. Fould, seems to have given
satisfaction in almost every quarter. It, of course,
is almost the exclusive topic of remark with the
papers to-day. The following appreciation of the
Constitutionnel, though short, expresses accurately
the general feeling :—" This report, the clear de-
ductions and accurate arguments of which will be
remarked, attests at once the good direction which
our finances have taken, and their prosperous con-
dition. It will therefore be hailed with satisfaction
by public opinion."

Winter, according to the almanacs, only begins
to-morrow (the 22d) ; but it has stolen a march
upon these publications, and has inaugurated its
reign to-day. The cold has been very severe. We
have had a fog in the London style all day, and the
prediction of snow is likely to be realised. The ba-
rometer, however, marks " fine weather." Fog is
considered unpleasant by some, but, of course, this
is a matter of taste, so it is possible that this day of
fog may have been thought a " fine" one by the
weather wise.

WILLS AND BEQUESTS.

(From the illustrated London News.)

The will of Sir Jobn Pollard Willoughby, Bart.,
of Westbourne-terrace, Hyde-park, and Fulmer
Hall, Slough, Bucks, was proved in London on the
30th ult., by Lady Willoughby, his relict; Mr.
Anthony Morris Storer, his son-in-law ; and Mr.
Sebastian Stewart Dickenson, the executors and
trustees. The personalty in England was sworn
under £lOO,OOO. A duplicate of the will was proved
in Bombay. The will is dated Jan. 3, 1856, and
there are two codicils, both executed in March, 1866.
Lady Willoughby and Mr. Storer are appointed
guardians of minor chill-en. Sir John was formerly
in the civil service of the Honourable East India
Company, bad been chief secretary to the Bombay
Government, and a member of the local council,
from which he retired in 1831. Sir John died Sept.
15, 1866, at the age of 68. His only son and suc-
cessor is a minor in his seventh year. Sir John has
left numerous legacies to relatives ; and his execu-
tors £3OO each. He bequeaths to the Grand Medical
College, Bombay, and to the Bombay District Bene-
volent Society, each 2,000 rupees ; to the poor of
Marsh Balden, Oxfordshire (his native place), £lOO,
to provide fuel and clothing for the most destitute ;
to the Cancer Hospital and St. Mary's Hospital,
Paddington, each £lOO. He bequeaths to Lady
Willoughby, beyond any other provision, a legacy
of £l,OOO and an annuity of £2,000; and after mak-
ing some specific bequests to some of his children he
leaves the residue to be divided amongst them.

The will of General Sir John Mitchell, K.C.8.,
late of Portland-place, was proved in the London
Court, on the 7th ult., by his relict, Lady Mitchell,
and Mr. Thomas Banpfield Uttermore, the execu-
tors. Tho personalty was sworn under £B,OOO.
The gallant general was attached to the Royal
Artillery, and had seen much active service in
Holland and the Peninsula, and greatly distin-
guished himself in several engagements, and was
rewarded with many badges of distinction. He
attained the age of 86, and died Aug. 23, 1866,
having executed his will in 1812, and a codicil in
1850. He leaves the principal part of his property
to his wife. His estates at Huish and Langfort,
Somersetshire, after her ladyship's decease, he leaves
to his son Edward, having made a provision for his
three daughters, and trusting to the disposal of the
personal property by Lady Michell according to her
judgment and discretion. He also leaves to her
ladyship all his shares in the Commercial Bank at
Kingston, Canada.

The will of Mr. Sergeant Storks, late of Gower-
street, Bedford-square, but who died on the 4th of
November, at 24, Avenue des Champs Elys6es,
Paris, was administered to in the London Court on
Nov. 22, by his son, Mr. Robert Reeves Storks, the
residuary legatee, there being no executor named
in the will, which is very brief, and entirely in
his own handwriting in the words to the following
effect :—" I leave to my son, Robert Reeve Storks,
all my personal property absolutely which is not
specifically bequeathed. To Kearns £5O a year.
Sir Henry and Mary are provided for. Tom
omit, as he possesses a fortune. Dated Oct. 12,
1859." The personalty was sworn under £120,000.

THE LORD RECTORSHIP OF ABERDEEN UNIVER-
SITY. —We learn by telegraph that the election of Lord
Rector of Aberdeen University took place yesterday, the
candidates being Mr. Grote, the historian, and Mr. Grant
Duff, M.P. The students vote in four nations; these
divided equally, the gross numbers being in favour of Mr.
Grant Duff. The casting vote lies with the Duke of Rich-
mond, the Chancellor of the University.
NORTII BRITISH RAILWAY.—Mr. Beaumont, of
Huddersfield, has, we learn by telegraph, resigned the
chairmanship of the North British Railway in favour of
Mr. Stirling, of Kippendavie. Mr. Beaumont has been
elected deputy chairman.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

AMERICA.

(By ATLANTIC TELEGRAPIO
NEW YORK, Dec. 21 (Evening).
Gold, 133. Sterling exchange on London, 109
5-20. United States Bonds, 1064 ; Illinois, 1161
Erie, 71. Cotton, middling upland, 34 c.