The Sun.
London, England, 1857-01-19 00:00:00

NMON, MONDAY KVEiNING,- JANUA'RY l9, 1 857.

illusory. The writer in question, after recount-
ing very lucidly, and with the most persuasive
affectation of succinctness, the principal events
leading to the lawless seizure of Herat by Persia,
and to the consequent declaration of war against
the SHAH by the Governor-General of India, in the
name of the British SOVERElGN—protests against
the notion that the Government of Teheran has
been in any way influenced of late by instigations
coming from that of St. Petersburg. The Edin-
burgh reviewer, in fact, observing " we by no means-
concur with those writers who declare that this is
not a Persian question, but simply a Russian ques-
tion"—adding, it appears to us rather inconsis-
tently, " There may be not merely a Russian but a
world-wide question before us, but the present is
a Persian question." Prevarication all this—
nothing but prevarication ! The question before
us is, of course, obviously a Persian Question, but
it is also, beyond that—and we say this despite
the Edinburgh's avowed dissent from the opinions
of " those writers " with whom it fails just now
to concur—distinctly, and we oonoeive, likewise,
none the less obviously, a Russian Question I If
it be not—How about the recent Muscovite occu •
pation of that little group of islands in the south-east
corner of the Caspian ? How about the direot appeal
for Muscovite assistance recently addressed to the
CZAR by the Court of Teheran 1 No—it is merely
another illustration after all of the old adage, to
the effect that none are so blind as those who
will not see ! Notwithstanding which, however,
we who de see, we who cannel help siting, with
so many glaring facts before us, all pointing in
one direction--assert still with the utmost possi-
ble degree of explicitness, and with all the earnest-
ness of conviction, that the new Persian war upon
which we have embarked has been originated,
fomented, and precipitated by the nefarious in-
trigues of the Russian Government.

enforced. This is the time for action. A few
months, even a few weeks, may be too late. Let
petitions be multiplied, until every member is
intrusted with one or more from his constituency,
and let an earnest request for his support accom-
pany it, together with a significant hint of the
probable consequences of his neglecting or refusing
to comply with the demand. Let every voter bind
himself not to bestow his suffrage on any candi-
date who will not render complete justice to the
sufferers. By these means a comprehensive mea-
sure of fiscal reform may be secured, and those
who have long been oppressed will obtain tardy,
but effectual relief.

The Ballot, even at the Antipodes, is a formid-
able fact. Transportation is abolished, but the
Ballot, having proved itself where adopted in
England a dangerous foe to intimidation and un-
fair influence, and having threatened electoral
corruption also with a murderous attack, has been
transported—we hope not for life—to Australia ;
and there, though at large under a ticket-of-leave,
it has not desisted from its well-known practices ;
in Victoria it has actually garotted electioneering
abuses, deprived them of strength, and left them
for dead. Some time back we recorded this
daring exploit. Angle-Saxons, who have voted
under their landlords' eyes, being now located at
Melbourne, have literally been forced to vote, no
one but their own consciences and HEAYRIT being
witness to the fact ; and honest men have been
unable to prove which way they voted ; they
could give only an honest man's word for it !
Out of a constituency of 40,000 not an indivi-
dual could produce a voucher for his vote 1 A
whole constituency was thus confessedly deprived
' of that first right of an Englishman, to do all he
does openly and above board ; and worse than
that, no wealthy diggers or nugget-finders,
There can be but little doubt that the Govern-
er lucky speculators--no mortgagees or Go-
ment will bring the whole question of the Income vernment officials, or bankers, or lawyers, or
Tax fully before Parliament during the ap-
customers, eould exercise the legitimate influence
preaching session. The people have been
over another's vote, which every man ought to
thoroughly aroused, a vigoroas agitation has taken have who has another in his power. The English
place, and Sir G. C. Lewes and his coadjutors
domestic institution" is decidedly in danger in
clearly perceive that it would be a dangerous Victoria.
experiment to avail themselves of the pettifogging Now, the press is free in Australia, but most
unaccountably the respectable press of Melbourne
quibble put forward last spring. It by no means
ie enthusiastic on behalf of the expatriated Ballot.
follows, however, that the iniquitous impost will
I
be modified, or its assessment rendered more It gees virtues where the "leading organ" of
England sees crimes. The " organ," accordingly,
being rather hard up for witnesses, and finding
equitable. The sinister influence of Mr. Greta-
stone may still prevail, and the decided manner in '
which he refused to enter into a just arrangement, none at Melbourne, sends a " commissioner" to
notwithstanding the speeches of the PREMIER Adelaide, who cuts out of the Adelaide Weekly
and Lord Joner RUSSELL then leader in Dispatch a, testimony against the Ballot in the
the House of Commons warrants us in
sister colony. The said Dispatch testifies that the
anticipating the most virulent hostility at his Melbourne editors are false witnesses ; that they
hands. The people must, therefore, still agitate, lie in the face of their own columns, and that
not for the abolition, but for the amelioration of these advocates of the Ballot themselves prove it
the tax. As we have repeatedly stated during a to be a dead failure. This seems, indeed,
series of years, a judiciously constructed " Pro-
somewhat strange. We should not, with-
perty Tax" is the best possible mode of collecting out some special reason, quote an Edinburgh
the nationalrevenue. It is only by means thereof journal to prove how an election was
that the doctrines of Free Trade can be fully and conducted at Bristol ; and there seems even
fairly developed, that the nation can hope for the less reason for quoting an Adelaide journal on a
prosperity that has ever attended unrestricted Melbourne election. Mr. F. H. F. BERLELBY,
therefore, takes the liberty to remind the " lead-
competition, and that a large proportion of the
sums extracted from the pockets of the taxpayers ing organ" of this singularity in its proceedings,
if indeed singular it be for the " organ" to ad-
can find its way to the Exchequer. As we long
since explained, and the Liverpool Financial
duce evidence on one side only ; and in the letter
Reform Association recently conclusively proved, addressed to us on Thursday he remarks on the
indirect tease add at least 50 per cent. to the known jealousy felt by Adelaide for the rival
colony of Victoria and for its institutions. The
oast of the articles subject to duty. The
jury appealed to, the English public, must judge
originalimporter mustcharge a profit on that duty
therefore for themselves of the value of the Edi.
as well as the prime cost, and each of the
torial witness, who witnessed no more than any of
middle men in like manner calculate their profits
4sn the entire sum paid to the previous holder. us have, the things (we cannot call them facts) to
Thus, after passing through some six or seven which he testifies.
different hands, the consumer ultimately pays at Mr. BERKRLET, very properly, having cross.
least 30e. for every pound collected. That alone examined this hearsay witness, brings forward the
would form an adequate reason for substituting testimony of those who tell what they saw. One
direct for indirect taxation. But there is another qndeniable fact speaks unanswerably for the eye-
ground of even greater importance—viz., the witnesses' testimony—that the Municipal Cerpo-
extraordinary development of British commerce, ration is so well satisfied with the results of the
that would inevitably attend the abolition of inn- election that it has resolved on the adoption of
port duties, and the security for future peace the Ballot for the town elections.. A better corn-
afforded by the extension of trade with other mont could hardly be required. Some of the
nations. local magnates have very great influence, and
The Property Tax, then, will be retained, and have hitherto used it successfully, and we may
unless the people bestir themselves zealously and be sure that nothing but overwhelming evidence
indefatigably the charge on earnings also, The of the value of secret voting could have overcome
Chancellor of the Exchequer will not, if that influence, and forced them to succumb to the
he can possibly help it, relinquish so pro- measure by which it is annihilated.
fitable a source of revenue, from which Looking, however, at the additional extracts
sixteen millions sterling may be realised—for, as sent us by Mr.
BERKELEY, the case becomes clear
we have explained, under the existing system, enough ;
we may now see why Lord Joule Rus-
about a million is obtained for every penny in saLL and his tail so pertinaciously refuse a trial
the pound imposed. We are enabled to judge of for the Ballot in a single town here. It seems
the proportions derived from earnings and pro- strangely dogged not to concede for one or two
perty respectively by means of a very useful re. reprobate boroughs at least, unfair as the experi-
turn just made, pointing out the amounts paid meat might be for the advocates of the Ballot, a
by different classes of contributors—for the year single trial of their method anywhere. Melbourne
ending the sth April, 1855—and thus to ascer- I verifies the oft-alleged reason. The whole happy
rain how far industry may be exempted without family know that a
single trial might prove fatal
serious loss to the revenue, to their opposition. The colony of Victoria tries
In England and Wales the total amount col-
it for the colonial elections, and so great is its
lected in that year was 12,086,5221., of which success that the corporation hastens to adopt it
lei than a third, er 3,851,0221,, was obtained
for its municipal elections ! So it would be, be..
under schedule D. If that schedule were entirely
vend doubt, in England. If Hull, or Ipswich, or
emitted, and precarious and fluctuating profits Cambridge, or Northampton, or any Government
altogether exempted from the tax, more than two-
town once voted by the Ballot, all the oonstituen-
thirds of the amount would still be obtained with-
cies in the kingdom would demand it for them-
out difficulty or inquisitorial and vexatious selves, The men of order and honour after all
scrutiny into private affairs. But if the
outnumber the worthless ; and they would have
charge were fairly assessed on property there are an unanswerable argument in the results of
few indeed who would escape from the charge. Al-
actual trial.
most every person engaged in business is possessed For what is the testimony of Melbourne wit-
of some capital. The professional man has his nesses themselves. That " some of those who were
, books and instruments, the tradesman or farmer previously its most determined opponents, both
his stock. There may be a "good will" which in and out of the Legislature, were won over"
could easily and promptly be disposed of—all by the actual working of the Ballot. That "in
these would be available assets justly liable, its social aspect, secret voting may be considered
Even household furniture should be charged, and to have proved itself as successful as it certainly
the party paying would be far better off than one
has in its political aspect." That when " indi-
who had to live in a ready-furnished house or red influence was resorted to, the efficacy of the
lodgings, and pay dearly for the use of the goods
Ballot was proved by the notoriety which such
he required. The loss to the revenue under suck practices at once acquired."
That "decorum,
circumstances would be very trilling indeed, and amounting almost to silence,
the class who would reap the thief benefit would various polling booths--the police had a sinecure
be the most meritorious of all, viz., the clerks, of prevailed at the
it—the remark was, that the Ballot, with all
traders, and professional men, whose earnings its merits, made an election day barrein er ins:g-
range between 1001. and 3001. per annum. The dent,'' ik iitetigheiit the day it proved utterly
most numerous class of all, those brought I lttpossible to guess the chances of the candidates.
within the mashed of the impost, "The experiment made of the Ballot as a part of
by the extension Or its area, are those in our electoral ayeteta, based on an extended fran-
receipt of
In Minos t
mune varying from 1001. to 1501., and vshist, eeits brilliantly sutcosefulb" "
who oertainl 4 • .
y have nothing to spare therefrom for . , •
every instants most hotliT-6,Orltestect elections
the tax-collect Their name is legion, for n Paggea. Oit Lr'ery peaceably indeed—even in the
less
than
119 or.
GLAIATONE
charged.. 3482 persons are mttleted by the
The get
Y Pay ill the
much less than the ~t.
lection. Surely tbeee humble
persons might be I '
Who were hel'^er previously immediate neighbourhood of the teollineehoothe
the excitement almost Vanished altogether."
aggregate 561,0401., We need not, however, multiOlk 41rniat
`2lst partof
Pared the i a• • ions:
the entire col- Five journals at the Amt et conflict all bear un-
wed hard-working tee'erVed testimony to the large number who voted,
they have been subjected by
n ietten te which to the peace and order which prevailed, to the
the cruelty of Mr. happy escape of numbers from party malice and
GLADSToNE. The next clue
2001., yield 383,8411. • , between 1501, and individual rancour, and to the simplicity and ease
and e
2001. and 300/., 425,6431, third, between of the process. Perhaps we cannot conclude bet-
obtained from the three classes was gross amount ter than in the words of the 'ille/boterne Argus.
X,370,5241..,
about 1-9th part of the total revenue" There is no use mincing matters. The Ballot
3 WhiCh
easily be spared. But if the charge on might is a perfectly successful mode of securing the sense
--
according to its capitalised value were property of a constituency in accordance with the spirit of
added, a free • • •
considerable portion of this amount would be ob. institutions. And our English readers may
tained. Let the people, then, endeavour rest pretty well assured that any one who objects
to obtain justice. Let them exert enaselve to the Ballot is beset with the desire to tamper with
th
until the great desideratum has h B the votes of those who ntay be in his power. It is
been all very well to surround the subject with a great

deal of mystery and of false argument which hare
nothing to do with itf but the real question re-
solves itself into what we have stated, and the
friends of the Ballot should make their arrange-
ments accordingly. THE BALLOT HERE IS A BRIL-
LIANT SUCCESS.

In reference to the sentence we have put in
Italics we have often thought the matter might be
brought home personally to a candidate opposed
to the ballot like General CODRINGTON just now
at Greenwich. "Do you think the majority of us
will vote for you if certain persons know how we
vote, but against you, if only we ourselves know I
If so, you either think us rogues to be purchased,
or dependents who have no right to a vote. If
you do not think so, then why refuse us protec-
tion we ask for our votes since the result would be
the same 1"

LATEST N E WS.

THE MINISTERS.—The members of the Cabin4are
expected to arrive in London in the early part of the
week. The Duke of Argyll, Sir George Grey, the
Lord Chancellor, Lord Panmure, Mr. Labouchere,
and Lord Stanley of Alderley, are already in London.
Lord Palmerston, it is expected, will arrive from
Broadlands to-day or to-morrow, his lordship having
nearly recovered from his recent attack of gout. Lord
Granville is expected in town to-day, as is also the
Marquis of Lansdowne from Windsor Castle. Sir
George Lewis is expected in the beginning of the week
from his seat in Herefordshire.
Lord John Russell has left Florence for England.
Mr. Disraeli is prolonging his stay at Paris.
The Earl of Aberdeen and one of his sous are on a
visit to Sir James Graham, at Netherby.
His Grace the Duke of Northumberland has given a
donation of 61. towards the funds of the Jewish Ceme-
tery, Durham.
The Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone, M.P., and Mrs.
Gladstone arrived at their residence on Carlton-house-
terrace, on Friday, from visiting Lord and Lady Lyttel-
ton, at Hagley Hall, Worcestershire, and have since
left town to join the circle visiting the Right Hon.
Sidney and Mrs. Herbert, at Wilton House, near
Salisbury.
Mr. John Bartlemore, of Paisley, has been appointed
Commissary Clerk for the county of Renfrewshire.
STEALING CHEQUEE.—On Saturday John Macdonald
was fully committed for trial for stealing two cheques
for 84/. and 361. respectively, the property of his
tem-
ployer, Mr. Frewer, of Southampton-row.
THE LATH MR. BEOTHERTON.—A meeting is to be
So
held to-day (Nlonday), in the Town-hall of Manchester,
to promote the erection of a monument, or a memorial
of
Ssemeuez leDin HARMONIC d, o the late
omemberETy.
_f for
he
Salford.
second and last
performance of the " Lobgesang" and "Requiem," takes
place this evening.
GREAT HANDEL FESTIVAL, 1857.—Official notice hail
been given that the examination of the numerous offers
of assistance in the orchestra at the Great Handel Festi-
val, at the Crystal Palace, in May next, has commenced.
It is also stated that no promise can be given that appli-
cations received after this week will receive considera-
tion, unless under very special circumstances.
SUDDEN
DEATH IN CRIPPLEGATE CHURCH.—Yesterday
morning, just before the commencement of divine ser-
vice, Mr. Prickett, a gentleman who was formerly one
of the churchwardens, was observed to fall back in his
pew. Medical assistance was instantly procured, and
he was removed to the savings bank, where in a short
time he expired.
CONIIRMAIRON 01 THE ELECTION Or THE LORD
Bisetor Or RIPON.—YORI, Saturday.—The ceremony
of confirming the election of the Rev. R. Bickersteth,
D.D., the newly-appointed Bishop of Ripon, took place
at the cathedral here to-day, in the presence of a large
congregation. The consecration of the bishop took place
at Bishopsthorpe.
SUICIDE AT HAMPSIEID.—On Friday an inquiry was
held before Mr. Brent, at the Castle Tavern, Hamp-
stead, respecting the death of Mr. Curtis, a retired
architect of considerable property. The deceased was
at the Castle on Wednesday morning, apparently in
his usual health, and half-an-hour after was found dead,
hanging to a gate close by. Evidence was given of a
state of despondency for some time past, and the jury
returned a verdict of " Insanity."
FREE TRADE WITH RUSSIA. —We observe, by a public
notice inserted in the Malta newspapers by the Russian
Consul, that, under orders from his Government, all
ships or persons proceeding to the Russian ports of the
Black Sea or Sea of Azoff must be furnished with a spe-
cial bill of health, to be obtained on application to the
Consulate.
THE AUSTRALIAN MAILS.—The Government has de-
cided on appointing Admiralty agents to take charge of
the Australian mails under the new contract. These
agents will be lieutenants in the royal navy, and will be
under the supervision of the captain superintendent of
mail packets at Southampton. The staff of Admiralty
agents connected with the Southampton station will
shortly consist of upwards of 40 naval lieutenants.
THE SAMARITAN INATITITION.—Mr. Barber, the sec-
retary of the institution, was in attendance on Saturday
at one o'clock in the Guildhall, in order that the inves-
tigation might be proceeded with, but the Alderman not
arriving till half-past four, Mr. Barber's medical adviser
said that it would be dangerous, after waiting in court
so long, to proceed with the further hearing of the case
that day. The further hearing was adjourned for a
week.
THE TUB STEAMER.—SOUTHAMPTON, Jan. 18.—The
unfortunate man who had his back broken by being
jammed betweAl the back and the sponson of the
Steamer, as mentioned in The Sun of Saturday,
died yesterday afternoon, and an inquest will be
held to-morrow at the Infirmary, where he dieel,
being removed there from the steamtug which brought
him to Southampton. His name was William Instance,
and he was one of the seamen of the Teviot steamship—
not the quartermaster of the Tyne, as was at first reported.
Thera is nothing new to report with reference to the
Tyne.
The prospectus has been issued of the Nassau
Railway Company, with a capital of 1,600,0001. in 201.
shares, against which amount the Nassau Government
grant the company 1,000,0001. in 4 per cent. bonds,
while 200,1001. hail been subscribed and paid by Wies-
baden shareholders. The railway will comprise about
120 miles (about 29 of which are wholly or partially
completed), and will form the link to bring Wiesbaden,
Rudesheim, Ems, and Weiiborg into connection with all
the principal German lines. The payment is proposed
of a high rate of interest during construction, and
sanguine statements are put forth of the returns to be-
realised thereafter.
BLENHEIM FREE DISPENSARY.—The annual ball in
aid of this excellent institution (situate in Blenheim-
street, Great Marlborough-street), is to be given at
Willis's Rooms this evening. The dispensary is under
the patronage of her Majesty the queen, the Duchess
of Kent, the Duchess of St. Alban's, the Lady Elizabeth
Clements, the Duke of Devonshire, the Earl of Cardi-
gan, Lord John Manners, M.P., Lord R. Grosvenor,
M.P., Sir Benjamin Hall, Bart., M.P., Sir J.V. Shelley,
Bart., M.P., Sir W. M. Farquhar, Sir De Lacy Evans,
M.P., and Colonel Wood. The funds of the institution
are not in so prosperous a condition as they should be,
owing principally to a great demand having been made
upon its funds in consequence of the fact that it was
in the midst of the district in which the cholera made
its most serious ravages during its last visitation of the
metropolis. Those demands continue to be made when-
ever there is any general sickness. It may be mentioned
that the entire services of the medical and surgical staff
of the institution are rendered gratuitously. J. T.
Ashton, Esq., surgeon, of 31, Cavendish-square, is the
treasurer of the dispensary.
WYLD'S GREAT GLOBE.—The new diorama of Russia,
which has recently been added to the attractions of
the "Great Globe, is among the moat instructive
and interesting exhibitions of the day. In the two
dioramas now on viers' there are not less than 90 very
admirably-painted views of the principal cities and towns
of Europe, or those scenes in Asia and the Crimea
which have so lately occupied so much of the attention
of the British public. The new diorama consists entirely
of Russian scenery and tableaux of sites and scenes
of the late war, and after a voyage in the Baltic, and
witnessing the destruction of Bomarsund, the forts
of Cronstadt, Revel, and Sweaborg, the visitor is
shown the stony massive buildings and statues of St.
Petersburg, and from thence proceeds to Moscow to
witness the coronation of the Czar, and then to Nijni,
Novgorod, famous for its great fair, and the rapid visit
of Sir Robert Peel, and his excellent investment in Bok•
harian turquoises, Sinope, Kalafat, Giurgevo, Silistria,
the Salina Mouth of the Danube, Gallipoli, Constanti-
nople, Scutari, Odessa, and its partial bombardment,
Amine, Trebizond, Varna, the Battle of the Alms, the
Allied Meets in the Black Sea, and lastly a sad but
beautifully painted representation of Cathcart's-bill.
'line various tableaux of the dioramas are accompanied
by an eitilat6toty lecture delivered by one of the nume-
rous "guides to knovilL'„'"" wha 99"PY the different
departments in the Great Globe.
thiIiuTATION TO SIR G. GREY.—On Saturday a
deputation cOniposed of the rector, churchwardens, and
vestrymen of toe parish of St. James, Wentenioster, hal
an intcityloy with Sit 0, grey, in Otder to call his atten•
Lion to the increasing numoer of iletistie ht 9il4mine and
betting-offices in that part of London. A memorial Was
read by Mr. Buzzard, the vestry clerk, which stated that
hotises 100 fdr prostitution had become alarmingly nu-
merous in the pat-1,3E; fttey wets not only highly
injurious to public morals but Betide sly detrimental to
the Value of property. The memorial then refereed to
the Oiliftelitti Of betting-houses and to the obstruction on
the highways oeciasiatied by the persons frequenting these
houses, and concluded by requesting that some law
should Be fearned td remedy both the grievances com-
plained of. Sir Geo. Grey ittid that ho would refer the
first complaint to the Attorney-General. As to the bet-
ting houses the complaint was rather against the admi-
nistration of the law than the law itself. Sir R. Mayne.

..... ___ _ .
entered into an explanatio❑ of the difficulties experienced
by the police in obtaining convictions against the pro-
prietors of betting houses. A conversation arose as to
the powers of the police in regard to obstrnctions in
the streets. Mr. Geesin said he had been informed that

po icemen were in the habit of frequenting gambling
touses. Sir R. Mayne said he had not received a single
complaint on the subject. Sir G. Grey, after replying to
several statements made by members of the deputation,
intimated that the memorial should have his considera•
_ _

tion, and that he would communicate with the Atto;;;.
General in reference to the most effective steps for car-
rying the existing law bearing on the subjects brought
under his notice into operation,