The Sun.
London, England, 1857-05-26 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY E' :k !NO, MA V' 26

con. is worthy of attentive consideration. It is a
reproach to our country that a man should be per-
mitted to traffic in his own shame, to receive
what may almost be termed " the wages of sin."
It is a matter in which pecuniary compensation is
altogether misplaced, for the man who could
receive them as a recompense would be un-
worthy of " the smallest coin of the realm." The
only reason that justified the continuance of the
flagrant scandal was, that by a very absurd regu-
lation, the recovery of substantial damages was
made, with few and rare exceptions, where the
omission could be clearly explained, an indispen-
sable preliminary to obtaining a dissolution of
the matrimonial contract. But many cases were
brought into Court merely for the sake of the
damages (!) and still more for the sake of the
costs (!) where there was neither the means nor
the intention of taking any further proceeding.
The proposition of Lord CRANWORTH postponing
the action until after a decree for divorce had
actually been granted is a very decided improve-
ment on the existing state of the law, that of
Lord LYNDmmtsT, which would completely abate
the social nuisance is still better, and we ear-
nestly hope that it may speedily, as it must
eventually, receive the legislative sanction !
Before going into Committee, the Duke of
NORFOLK proposed an amendment that the bill
should be referred to a Select Committee. The
Noble Duke desired to prove that. " Scriptural
authority was against the main principle of the
Bill,"—viz., that which permitted the divorced
parties to marry again. In other words, he
wished to establish that which is a tenet of his
own Church,--viz., the indissolubility, for any
cause whatsoever, of the nuptial contract. No
exception could be taken to the manner in which
His Grace urged his own views, and we could
wish that some of those who bring forward po-
lemical arguments in either House would display
equal moderation and good taste. But we would
remind the Noble Duke that religious opinions
cannot be controlled by the reports of select com-
mittees, or even by Acts of Parliament. Men
will, in such matters, think and reason for them-
selves. They will claim and exercise the right of
private judgment. All who agree in the Scrip-
tural views taken by the Duke, the Bishop of
OXFORD, and others, may act on their own con-
scientious scruples, and abstain from entering
into second marriages : but why should those
who think very differently on these points, who
believe that "it is not good for man to be alone,"
and that •' it is better to marry than burn," be
bound by opinions which they repudiate, and
against which they earnestly and emphatically
protest ? We desire that there should be the
most perfect " civil and religious" liberty, and
that no man should be bound by canons or tenets
in which he cannot honestly concur.
Let us not, however, be misunderstood. We
desire, so far as practicable, that married persons
should live together in harmony, that there
should be mutual forbearance and the greatest
possible indulgence on either side. But when it
is clearly and unequivocally established, that it is
impossible that they can ever again lire together,
we would not maintain an enforced celibacy,
which must necessarily, in a large proportion of
instances, prove injurious to public morality—that
the parties should be permitted to enter into
second nuptials rather than to live in open and
unblushing opposition to public opinion, the great
practical injury being inflicted on the innocent
offspring, who should be objects rather of sym-
pathy than punishment. As will be seen from
the Parliamentary Report, the Noble Duke's
amendment was rejected by an overwhelming
majority of 97—there being 123 against and but
26 in its favour.
Would that we could say the same of that sub-
sequently brought forward by the Archbishop of
CANTERBURY. The Most Reverend Prelate car
ried, by a majority of 6, an amendment which
prohibited the guilty parties from marrying again.
We do not suppose that those by whom the pro-
vision was brought forward and supported, were
actuated by any improper views, but we are
thoroughly convinced that there could not be
anything better calculated to promote the crime, or
more inimical to the sanctity of tae nuptial state. The
chief check ou the seducer has hitherto been the fear
that be might be compelled, by the so-called laws of
honour, to identify his fate with that of his unfor-
tunate victim. He might hesitate to gratify his
passions at the expense of being compelled to bind
himself for life to a degraded woman, who could
never be received in society. But when that fear
was removed, as it would be by the amendment
last night sanctioned, he would give full scope to
his wishes. We believe that fifty would be stimu-
lated to the crime by the prohibition, for one
woman—and it is only aimed against the weaker
sex—who would be deterred by the knowledge
that she could not marry her seducer. We trust,
therefore, that the House of Lords may recon-
sider the question. They will yet have an op-
portunity ; but should they decline doing so, we
have no doubt that the obnoxious provision will
be amended in the Commons, and that their
Lordships will eventually yield, albeit with not
the best possible grace.
The Lord Chancellor promised " most ear-
nestly to consider" a proposition brought forward
by Lord ST. LEONARDS, for the purpose of giving
protection to a woman, who having been deserted
by her husband, had obtained possession of pro-
perty either through her own industry or from
friends. The bill would only give that protection
after a divorce a mensa et thoro, but there are
many cases, in which an injured woman might be
unwilling to adopt that extreme course for the
sake of her children, a consideration that must
press strongly on every mother, who might yet
require such protection, the wantof which would
compel.her to refrain from forgiving the erring bus

band. We hope that far more may be effected for the
weaker sex, but the proposition of Lord ST.

LEONARDS would be a vast improvement on the
existing law, and would clearly be a step in the
right direction.

There are cther points requiring attention,
more particularly that which would afford relief
to females, as well as males, where anything ap-

proaching to a condonation was hopeless. These

matters may safely be permitted. to rest

on the Judicial discretion ; and any stringent
rules fettering that discretion can only operate
disadvantageously. Surely there could be no neces-

sity for obtaining the concurrence of three judges,

of whom two at least must be sEleeted from the

Lord Chancellor and the Chief Justices or Chief

Baron of the Common Law Courts, if some lati-

;ude be not allowed to afford relief where it is

urgently and imperatively called for.

The Divorce and Matrimonial Causes Bill was The Dowry of the PRINCESS ROYAL was again
last night considered in committee of the Upper brought under consideration last night I We
House, and considerable progress made, no less confess that we are bitterly disappointed in the
than 43 clauses having been disposed of. Some results. Two divisions were taken. The first,
important questions were ventilated, which will, proposed by Mr. CONINGHAM, to the effect that
we trust, be satisfactorily disposed of before the the annuity should be reduced from 8,0001. to
sanction. 6,0001. was rejected by a majority of 314 ; and
measure finally receives the Legislative
The suggestion of the Nester of the hereditary the second, proposed by Mr. MAGUIRE, that the
branch of the Legislature for the total abolition vote of 40,0001. should be negatived, by a ma-
of the degrading and demoralising action of orini. jority of 343. The toadying principle prevailed I

Honourable Gentlemen, not very regular in their
attendance on other occasions, rushed to the lobby.
So far as we are concerned they shall get
all the credit to which they are entitled. We,
therefore, give the division lists on both questions.
So that the several constituencies may exercise
their own judgment respecting the conduct of
their representatives. We regret to say that we
cannot find the name of Mr. ROEBUCK in either
list. The Hon. and Learned Gentleman seems
to have made a complete mull of it. Indeed, but
for his self-constituted leadership, a much better
fight might have been made. All honour, how-
ever, to the small but independent mino-
rities that, influenced neither by fear
nor by favour, voted in accordance with
what we believe to be the popular view of the
subject. We cannot refrain from repeating their
names in our leading columns. They were on the
first division :

on the other hand, that the Turks would know.
ingly ensnare us. We give them as full credit
for honourable intentions, as we do the Russians
for knavery. The word of a CZAR was never yet
worth a straw ; the word of a SULTAN is as good
as that of an English gentleman. The Petersburg
Railway Scheme was a trap, the Smyrna Scheme
is honest business. The promoters expect a re-
turn of twelve per cent. for their investment. We
should not be surprised if something approaching
that dividend were actually realised. Our own
railways in the East have surpassed all expecta-
tion.

Her Majesty and the royal family will arrive at Wind-
sor Castle from Buckingham Palace on the 9th of June.
His Serene Highness the Hereditary Prince of Saxe
Meiningen has arrived in Portland-place, on a visit to
his Serene Highness Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar,
last from Goodwood Park, the seat of the Duke of
Richmond.
The Duchess Dowager de Grammont has arrived in
Hyde•park:place, from Italy, on a visit to her relative,
Mr. Mackinnon, M.P.
The Duke of Buccleuch and the Earl of Home left
town last evening for Bothwell Castle, near Glasgow.
The Duchess Dowager of Hamilton has returned to
her grace's residence in Portman-square from Easton
Hall, Suffolk.

BLACKBURN, PETER.
- _

BLAKE, J.
BOWYER, G.
CORBALLY, M. E.
DALGLISH, R.
JONES, D.
31AcEvoY, E.
M WEIRS. J.
O'DRNOGLIOS, THE
And on the second :

PEASE, H.
STIRLING, WILL'AM„
TAYLOR, S,
TRELAWNEY, SIR, J.
WILLIAMS, W,

TELLERS.
CONINGRAM, W.
COX, WILLIAM.

The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland entertained
a select party at dinner last evening at Northumberland
House.
The Marchioness of Bath and Lady Louisa Thynne
have arrived in town from Italy, after a lengthened ah-
scence on the Continent.
The Countess of Jersey received the Earl of earner-
von, Count Karolyi, Lord and Lady William Powlett,
Lord J. Manners, Lord A. G. Lennox, Hon. G. Heath-
cote, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Wm. Rose, Mr. Baring,
Mr. Douglas, and a select party at dinner, on Sunday,
at the family mansion, in Berkeley-square. The Earl
of Jersey is much better.
The Earl of Winchilsea is, we are happy to announce,
recovering from his recent illness.
The marriage of the Earl of Stradbroke with Mrs.
Bonham, widow of the late Col. Bonham, will take place
this day.
The Earl of Radnor is greatly improved in health.
Viscount and Viscountess Ebrington arrived in town
on Friday last, from Rome. The noble viscount is
greatly improved in health.
We are sorry to learn that Lady Londeshorough is
suffering from severe indisposition at Grimeton Park.
His lordship is in consequence detained in Yorkshire,
and will not be in the south this week.
Lord and Lady Wenlock arrived at Northumberland
House, yesterday, from their seat in Yorkshire, on a
visit to the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.
Sir Robert and Lady Pigot and Miss Benyon have
arrived in Bruton-street, fur the season, from Chippen.
ham Park.
Mrs. A. F. Thistlethwayte was taken dangerously ill
on the morning of the 17th inst., and for some time was
not expected to live by her medical attendants. She is
now out of immediate danger.
The Grand Duke, before leaving Bordeaux, gave a
sum of I,ooof. to the mayor for the poor of the town.
MARRIAGE IN HIGH LlFE.—Yesterday morning the
marriage of Archibald Peel, Esq., son of General Jona-
than Peel, M.P., and Lady Alice Peel with Miss
Palmer, only daughter of Sir Roger Palmer, Bart.,
was celebrated at St. George's, Harover-square, in the
presence of a brilliant circle of the friends of both
families.
Among the aud'ence that crowded the Lyceum on
Satarday, to witness the performance of the Traviata,
was Madlle. Piccolomini, who appeared to watch the
performance with the most attentive interest, and joined
heartily in the applause accord to Baeio's rendering
of the part, which is so much identified with her own
name.

AYRTON, A.
BLACKBURN, PIM
BLAKE, J.
BOWYER, G.
CORBALLY, M. E.
Cox, W.
DUNNE, M.
EVANS, SIR DE LACY
GREENE, JOHN
HADFIELD, Ganes
MacEvoy, E.

OTONOGIION, Tllll
STIRLING, W.
SULLIVAN, MICHAEL.
TAYLOR, S.
TOWNSHEYD, J.
TRELAWNEY, SIR J.
WHITE, JAMES

TELLERS.
CONINGTIAE,iW.!
MAGUIRE, J. E.

We trust that men who have so well
entitled themselves to the thanks and gra-
titude of the community may receive some
public recognition of their faithful services in the
time of trial. Surely the opportunity will not
be suffered to pass away without some attempt to
get rid of the Royal Marriage Act—an Act as
unjust as it is impolitic, and which may occasion
as much domestic misery to the Princes and Prin-
cesses of the blood Royal, and as much public
scandal, as it did in the reign of GEORGE 111. No
pecuniary grants, however extravagant, can com-
pensate for the social disabilities occcasioned by that
law, which was only carried during the reign of
GEO. 111., and was not in accordance with the ancient
statutes or customs of the country. The fiction
on which it is based has long been repudiated by
the common sense of the nation, and the sooner
the blot be removed from the national statute
book, the better for all parties concerned—for the
Royal family, and the community at large. Under
the present system the former are restricted to
German matrimonial alliances, and we have al-
ready had far too many for the interests or the
wishes of the British People.

It is not our province to write down one rail-
way and to write up another, but it is our pro-
vince to give our opinion frankly on the railway
projects of other nations when they are laid before
the English public, and when we consider them
to involve something more than merely commer-
cial speculation. The Advertisement which ap-
peared in our columns of the Smyrna and Aidin
Railway, reminds us rather strongly, in the way
of contrast, of the late attempt to fortify Russia
by strategical railways at the cost of Western
Europe, and of England especially. With most
of our fellow journalists we denounced the attempt
as it deserved. It combined all conceivable de-
merits. Investment seekers are not troubled much
with patriotic scruples, or the House of BARING
would not have .lent its name to an enterprise in
the interest of Muscovite domination and aggres-
sion ; the palpably military and anti-European
character of the scheme was, however, an element
of unpalatableness to the public here, so soon
after the trial and con viction of the Csars and their
Muscovites. Great monied houses, and coup d'etat
Emperors, can afford to forget that NICHOLAS and
all who aided him deserved the block much more
than our CHARLES I. ; indeed, more than any of
the convicted highwaymen who have died by the
gallows, the garotte, or the guillotine. Eng-
lishmen generally do not forget it ; and they justly
regard Russia and her CZARS as capable of repeat-
ing the villany of NICHOLAS, if only they could
succeed in it ; and hence they have refused to fill
the pockets of the CZAR by taking his shares, and
those of Messrs. BARLNG by the handsome com•
mission he would gladly have allowed them.
What a contrast is this Turkish Railway in
the grand point ! It is perfectly non-military,
and purely commercial. The contrast is,
indeed, as complete as it well can be. The
Russian Railways were to end nowhere ;
even their own great commercial port of Odessa
was avoided, on military grounds, for the
unimportant port of Theodosia ; here, on the con-
trary, we have a railway connecting a great in-
land centre of trade with its noble seaport Smyrna;
it is computed that the land carriage between
Aidin and Smyrna already employs some 10,000
camels, at a cost of 400,0001. per annum. This,
with a large amount of other carriage to the coast,
must all come to the railway. It is but seventy
miles long, instead of more than seven hundred ;
and not one million and a quarter is wanted, in-
stead of forty millions. It is made through a
fertile district ; instead of through steppes and
marshes, in a Word, to serve the interests of
Turkish and English trade, instead of those of
Russian aggression.
How different, too, the spirit of the terms.
Russia threw the real hazard of the undertak-
ing on the shareholders, Turkey takes them on
herself, guaranteeing six per cent. on a cost
already secured by contract. Russia secured the
right of pnrohace on terms which might have left
the original shareholders without a penny for their
shares. Turkey must pay them the six per cent. ;
merely stipulating to divide profits with the com-
pany when they were above seven per cent., and to
have the right of purchase only at long intervals,
and on terms agreed on. The CZAR was willing
to take our c tpital, but lest the poor shareholders
should endeav our to render their lines more corn
he kept the managemen
mercial than, military,

practically in Russian hands ; the SULTAN.

M. Eugene Sue is seriously ill in Savoy, and an emi-
nent physician summoned by telegraph has left Lyons
to see km.
THE BISHOP OF NORWICH.--The installation of the
Bishop of Norwich will take place in the cathedral
church of his diocese, on the 26th of Jane.
The royal salute and annual review of the Honourable
Artillery Company took place at two o'clock to-day, in
the ground of the company, near Finsbury-square, io
honour of her Majeety's birthday.
The Persian Government is said to have ordered a
number of rifless on the most approved plan to be made
.n France for the purpose of arming the private guard
of the Slet„:e.
Wiea respect to the affair of the five seamen of her
Britannic Majesty's ship Curlew, who were imprisoned
at Malaga, the Spanish government has given orders
to quash the proceedings against them, and immediately
to give them up to their commanding officer.
THE REFORMATORY FRIGATE AKBAR.—LIVERPOOL,
Hay 25.—The reformatory frigate Akbar was tn.dey re-
moved from the ['trust Pleat, Btrkenhead, and moored in
the Sloyne. Since its establishment as a reformatory
it has been productive of the happiest results upon the
training and conduct of the boys who have been sent on
board. Within the past 18 months 20 boys have been
hound apprentice at sea, and the frigate has now up-
wards of 90 boys on board.
THE EXHIBITION Ow ART TREASURES.—The attend-
ance yesterday was not equal to that of Saturday, but
still the numbers were considerable, and included a good
number of strangers; Mr. Marcus had a cheap excur-
sion train from Birmingham, containing 200 visitors,
And another from Liverpool, with nearly an equal num-
ber of passengers. There were some cheap trains also
yesterday from Leeds, the Staffordshire Potteries,
Shrewsbury, and Sheffield. The one from Shrewsbury
brought a great number of passengers.
Mum) COASTGUARD.—The port of Milford has been
made the head-quarters of the coast guard service for
Wales, and the Amphitrite, 26 guns, sailing fri-
gSaotuet,hc
aptaii
Edward Tatham, has just been stationed
there to serve as a depot for the training of the coast-
guard, in order to keep up a supply of good and efficient
seamen, ready at a moment's notice to serve in the Royal
Navy. It was originally intended that the Amphitrite
should be moored in the Channel, but this Was found
to be too dangerous an arrangement. Toe Hon. Mr.
Boyle has been appointed to the command of the coast-
guard at Tenby.
REBUILDING OP NEVIGATE.--The Court of Aldermen
having determined on the rebuilding of Newgate Gaol
on the cellular system, the plans proposed for that pur-
pose by M
orks cr. Binning, their architect, have been adopted,
ad the wommenced by the demolition of the pre-
sent north wing of the prison, containing wards in which
several prisoners were usually congregated together, and
also the condemned cells, The system of the cells and
the system of ventilation will be similar to that which
has been successfully adopted at the City Prison, Hollo-
way, which Was also erected from Mr. Banning's de-
sign. The amount of the contract for the works now in
progress is 115501., and the contractors are Messrs.
Browne and Robinson, of Collegeehill, city.
PLYMOUTH, Monday Evening.—Several ships were
detained off the port this morning by strong easterly
winds, but have gone on this afternoon in consequence
of a change. Among them are the screw steam mail
packet Thomas Lowe, with passengers from the East
Indies and the Cape of Good Hope, bound for Dart-
mouCh ; the Spirit of the North, from China ; the bark
Alice Tarlton, Capt. James William,, from St. lago de
Cuba, April 1 ; and the Bombay, Capt. Flamank, belong-
ing to Messrs. Dunbar, of London, from Bombay, Jan.
31, with Capt. Inglish (14th Dragoons), Lieut. Sweeny
(83d), and 200 invalids, under the command of Captain
Adams (86th Regiment). She touched at St. Helena
April 9, and spoke, May 24, the ship Talbot, out ward
bound.

TIDE
-p
ast
three IN
cakA: ft re
Y waters THAMES.--Yesterday
s t
oe
afternoon,AttAnMlNaboilutlGhatilffr dt ah ye
Thames rose to an unusual height. Several barges
struck the bridges, and one heavily laden, named the
William and Mary, was driven by the current against
the Westminster bridge steam-boat pier, on the Mid-
dlesex shore, and bounding from thence came broadside
on to the pier of the bridge, when she instantly heeled
over and went down. The two men navigating her had
a very narrow escape. The tide flawed over the wharf
at EC ungerford-market, at the Fox-under-the-hill, Strand-
lane, the landing-places for steam-boat passengers at the
Temple and Adelphi. The basements of the houses in
Cannon-row, Westminster, were invaded by the tide.
TRANSATLANTIC STEAMERS.—COHnundere Vanderbilt
has obtained a transatlantic mail contract on the Bremen
line, and there is every reason to believe that he will
shortly obtain one on the Havre line, and that the Wash-
ington, Hermann, Arago, and Falter' will cease to be
ma:l packets. The Washington and Hermann belong to
the Ocean Steam Navigation Company of New York,
and the Arago and Fulton to the New York and Havre
Steam Navagation Company. The Washington was the
pioneer of the United States Atlantic packets, and both
she and the Hermann have been running regularly with
mails for many years. They both are fine sea boats, and
although rather slow for the present day, they have been
favourites with both Englieh and American passengers.
The Arago and Fulton are faster than the Hermann and
Washington. Their predecessors, the Humboldt and
Franklin, were wrecked.
WHAT TO Do IN CASH OF FIRE.—A medical acme-
gPcndent, referring to the late lamentable accident to
Miss M‘Nauelaten, desires us to remind the public of
the best course to be adopted in such cases. He recom-
mends all ladies, "the moment they find their garments
ignited, to ring the bell violently, throw themselves
dosvo, and roll in a rug or over a carpet. The flames
will in that case rise from the body, and at all events
leave the head untouched till aid. may come." -
THE CAUSE OF THE ExPLOSION AT LUNDHILL.—
From the evidence of the eminent engineers employed
to examine the pit, there is no doubt that the use of
nak..d fights instead of safety lamps was the proximate
cause of this explosion, 89 also of the two other frightful
explosions which occurred in the immediate neighhour-
tiood (i.e., at the Darley Main and Oaks collieries)
some few years ago. The proprietors of the Luodbill
Colliery have intimated their intention of adopting
all measures necessary for the safe working of the pit,
without regard to the cost, It is estimated that the
explosion will entail an expense of from 12,0001. to
15,0001. on the proprietors,. apart from the loss of
interest on capital.

honestly, leaves the power of management Imre

strictea, A point of the greatest importance. Those
who I,,ave trusted their money will retain full power
over their investment.

We need not, however, dwell on details.
Thcmie will be best learued from the advertiie-
mcint and the Company itself. We have felt it
but right, however, as journalists, to call atten-
'don to the contrast which strikes us so strongly
between the obvious -cunning and knavery of the
CZAR, and the manly and fair proposals of the
SULTAN. As to the -better credit of Russia, we
would infinitely rather trust Turkey where any-
thing depended on honour. Muscovites have not,
as DE CUSTINE t-ells us, the power oven to com-
prehend the Turkish• and English notion of the
word. Russian necessities we can trust. We
can rely, therefe,re, on her paying the interest of
a foreign loam. She cannot live without borrow-
ing, and she c annot borrow without paying her
dividends. B)ut let her once get our money suck
in her steppes, and marsheo, and we might whistle

for it, moat assuredly, long enough before we

should see our own again. We do not believe,