The Sun.
London, England, 1861-10-31 00:00:00

.'111E: SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY I VENING, OCTOBER 31, 1861.

consciences, and to the nation, for the votes given
in their assembly.

The friends of popular education will observe
with satisfaction the increasing number and im-
portance of the various literary and educational
institutes throughout the country. At one time it
was a matter of much regret to those who watched
their fortunes with interest that they seemed to
languish ; to be little heeded by those classes for
whom they were designed ; and scarcely to realise
the anticipations formed of them. Of late, however,
a reaction has taken place. The existing institutions
seem to have taken a fresh start, and the establish-
ment of new ones in other districts testify the public
approval of their purpose and character. The opening
of a new lecture hall at the Literary and Mechanics
Institute of Witham (Essex), last evening, afforded
Mr. Du CANE, M.P., who is president of the insti-
tution, the opportunity of making some remarks on
the objects and development of this movement.
He observes that the institution in question had
increased both in members and funds, in spite of
the emigration northwards, which had diminished
the population. Regarding the subject from a
wider point of view, he then proceeded to_ quote
recent statistics, which showed there existed in the
United Kingdom one thousand institutions for
literary and educational purposes, numbering more
than 100,000 subscribers, ana containing in the
libraries connected with them more than a million
volumes. The objection which some had raised
against these establishments—namely, that they
were not exclusively used by the working classes—he
considered could no longer be brought forward, since
in the manufacturing districts especially, large
numbers of mechanics and artisans were to be found
among the supporters. But, as Mr. Du CANE
justly observed, we must not consider the institutions
failures, even if they are not the sole property of the
working classes, for no institution established for an
educational purpose can fail to benefit its neigh-
bourhood, by enlarging the means of knowledge,
cultivating the taste, and awaking an interest in
subjects otherwise disregarded. Such establish-
ments supply, as he appropriately remarked, a void
in the educational system of the country. When
we consider the great number of adults who, thanks
to the negligence of the last generation, have re-
ceived no instruction in their youth, and the
very early age at which children of the present day
are withdraw n from school, we shall at once see the
advantage of offering knowledge in a form that is
not directly instructive, and which, therefore,
grown-up men do not resent as humiliating. Be-
sides the value of conveying information and culti-
vating the mind, these assemblies possess also the
merit of diminishing the temptations of the public-
house, where the cheerful lights, the company, and
talk are often the great attractions. If a man be a
member of one of these institutions, on the contrary,
he can secure company and conversation of a
better class without risk of expense and discom-

fiture. We fully agree with Mr. Du CANE in ap-
proving the admission of works of fiction and poetry
to the shelves of the library, believing that not only
amusement but profit may often be derived from
them. Lessons conveyed by example are prover-
bially more effective than didactic precepts; social

and moral truths can be more forcibly impressed

on uncultivated minds through the lives of men and
women than by treatise or homily. It is for this
reason that biography affords so useful and inte-
resting a study; but biography, unless it trenches
unduly upon the sacredness of private life, leaves
the wants of the imagination unsatisfied. It may
record facts, but can scarcely deal with feelings.
Often the great joys and great sorrows of a famous
man, the motives that have swayed his acts, the
hopes or disappointments which have influenced his

destiny, are unknown save to himself or to a few

cherished friends who would shrink from betraying
his secrets. Biographical works thus lack that
exciting interest which is necessary to secure the
attention of the tired and indifferent reader. It is
possible that the projectors and managers of

these institutions have erred on the side of solid
instruction. A little larger admixture of amusement,
more concerts, lectures on the poets, humorous
readings, &c., might have increased their utility by
extending their influence. Among the educated
classes we do not find scientific lectures more
largely attended than the theatre or the concert
room, or works of history so popular as " The
Cantons," or " Adam Bede." Men of any
rank who have to devote their energies,
mental or bodily, to any pursuit for long consecu-
tive hours, require when their labour is done
amusement as well as mental cultivation. We
must not expect from untrained minds and wearied
bodies powers of application of which those habitu-
ated to mental exertion are not always capable. In
conclusion Mr. Du CANE made some sensible re-
marks on the competitive system, which he sup-
ported in principle but which he thought defeated
its purpose by grasping too many subjects. The
plan of " cramming" often confusing the mind
and loading the memory with superficial and ill-
digested knowledge, is certainly far from encourag-
ing that soundness of information and mental
readiness which the examinations were intended to
secure. Mr. Du CANE'S parting advice to the mem-
bers of the institution was appropriate and excel-
lent, and the young students present must have
listened to his speech with profit as well as plea-
sure.

VISIT OF THE PRINCE OF WALES TO
THE TEMPLE.

(THIS DAY.)

This afternoon the long promised visit of his Royal
Highness the Prince of Wales to the Middle Temple took
place, and the preparations made by the Benchers for the
reception of their Royal guest were worthy the occasion.
For some time the necessary arrangements have been in
progress, and it was not before noon to-day that everything
could be said to have been completed.
The occasion of the visit is the calling of his Royal
Highness to the bar, his election as a bencher Of the Middle
Temple, and the inauguration of the New Library.
There was a very great crowd of persons assembled to
witness the arrival of the Prince, and a guard of honour
formed of the volunteers of the Inns of Court belonging to
the Middle Temple was appointed to receive the royal
visitor.

About two O'clock the Prince of Wales and his atten-
dants arrived at the Temple, and was received by the
Benchers and Treasurers, and by them was conducted to
the new Parliament Chamber, where his Royal Highness
was called to the bar with the usual formalities by Mr.
Anderson, seconded by the Lord Chancellor. At the con-
clusion of this ceremony the Prince was conducted along a
covered avenue through Garden-court to the new library,
the whole distance lined with ladies, barristers, and their
friends. The prince, with the benchers in their antique robes,
passed down the handsome flight of stone steps leading
from Fountain-court to Garden-court, and here the gardens,
with their magnificent show of chrysanthemums, were seen
to advantage. The library is a fine Gothic hall, in the
upper portion of the new building overlooking the Thames.
The part of the building below the library forms chambers,
occupied by members of the legal profession. The building
externally is 117 ft. long, 55ft. wide, and ilOft. high, and
contains about 20,000 volumes, the whole of which, with
very trifling exceptions, are on law and jurisprudence.
On the arrival of the Prince at the Library, a loyal
address was presented, to which his Royal Highness made
a suitable reply, after which the building was declared
open, and the procession then moved to the Temple Church,
where a grand choral service was performed.
At the conclusion of the service his Royal Highness was
conducted to the Grand Hall, where a sumptuous dejefuner
was served.

No speeches were made, and the only toasts given was
" The Queen," by Mr. Anderson, and " Domus," proposed
by the Prince of Wales.

The festivities of the day will terminate with a eonversa-
zione this evening, which it is expected will be a very
brilliant affair.

The Duke of Newcastle left London yesterday
far his seat, Cluniber Park, Notts.
The Duchess of Wellington arrived at Apsley
House on Tuesday evening from a tour in Scotland.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Bath arrived at
Viscount De V esci's residence on Carlton-house-terrace on
Tuesday evening.
The American ship Vision has arrived from
Japan within the last few days, and is now discharging her
cargo in the St. Katharine's Dock. Among other articles
she brings over 900 tons weight of cotton rags, which it is
said can be had from that country in large quantities. The
freight is at the rate of £3 108. per ton measurement, which
would be equal to about £6 ls. per ton dead weight, Large
quantities of these rags are also obtainable in India, but a
recent experiment to import them resulted unsatisfactorily,
as their value was found to be small, owing the wear to
which they had been subjected.
A meeting was held at Torquay, on Saturday,
for the purpose of discussing the new minute on education.
Sir Lawrence Palk, M.P., took the chair. The hon. baronet
was of opinion that to a certain extent, the new code in-
volved a breach of faith, while the scheme included no pro-
vision for religious instruction. He also objected to the
proposed grouping of boys for examination, and he had no
doubt that the regulations will be very sharply debated and
keenly considered in the House of Commons. Resolutions
condemnatory of the new code were passed by the meeting.
DISCOVERY OF GOLD IN IRELAND.—WO (Derry
Sentinel) have received three specimens of auriferous quartz,
found on the shore of Lough Swilly, on the 16th inst. It
is considered to be exactly similar to that of the gold-pro-
ducing countries. The specimens in question were taken
from Government land, which is not likely to be explored
by miners, but there is little doubt that plenty of the same
kind of rock is to be found in the bold heights of that Neigh-
bourhood, and would probably remunerate those who have
time and means to search for it. The locality where the
quartz was found was within ten miles of this city. The
vein from which the specimens were taken was from nine
to twelve inches thick, twenty or thirty feet high, and run.
ning through a block of headland of considerable depth.
It will be singular if, some time or other, there will be gold
diggings in Donegal.
It is stated in good quarters that the principle
upon which the terms of the intervention in Mexico have
been arranged is that of a strict recognition of prior rights
and claims. There is, it appears, a pressing French claim
of old date for 200,000 dols. This and the British bond-
holders' claim for the restitution of the 660,000 dollars of
which they were scandalously robbed, will, we understand,
be met out of the first funds that come into the chest of the
allies, Other claims by French and Spanish subjects are
to be liquidated in due course, but it is said that the under-
standing arrived at is that the hypothecation of the 25 per
cent, of the customs duties to the English bondholders shall
be rigidly respected. This point is of much importance,
seeing that the arrears of interest amount now to 23 per cent.
THE LONDON, CHATHAM, AND DOVER RAIL-
WAY.—The progress that has been made in the works of
the Blackfriars extension of this line during the past month
has been amazingly rapid, the viaduct, with the exception
of the girder bridges across a few of the main roads, having
been completed to within a short distance of Camberwell-
gate, and the uprights for the arches to rest upon have
been constructed nearer Walworth, and the site between
Newington and Walworth is being cleared. The works at
the Blackfriars station will be commenced immediately.
On the Pimlico extension, the advance of the works has
been equally rapid, the viaduct being completed nearly
as far as Clapham, where a large number of houses are
being pulled down, and the ground cleared
for the railway arches. Two sales of materials will take

place in a short time, the occupants of a number of houses
at Clapham, and in Southwark and Newington, having
been served with notices of removal.
LIVERPOOL FINANCES.—In spite of the loss of

the town dues, the Liverpool Corporation rejoice in the
possession of a surplus, and yesterday, at the meeting of
the Town Council, it was resolved to establish a " surplus
account," the minimum to be £50,000. The first instal-
ment to be banked amounts to £6,800 for the year 18,59-60,
and £7,000 for 1860-61.
FATAL ACClDENTS.—Yesterday morning an acci-
dent, which was unfortunately attended with fatal conse-
quences, occurred to a middle-aged man of the name of
Charles Tyrell, an ostler, residing in the Old Kent-road
under the following circumstances :—lt appeared that the
poor fellow was riding a very spirited horse, when a dog
started out into the road and barked furiously. The horse
took alarm and dashed away, when it fell, throwing the
deceased on his head, and rolled over him. He was at once
picked up, when it was found he had sustained very serious
injuries. He was conveyed to Guy's Hospital, where every
assistance was rendered, but he gradually sank and expired.
Another fatal accident happened to James Nash, boat
builder, who resided in Suffolk-street, New-road, White-
chapel. The deceased was knocked down by a coal waggon
near King William's statue. He was taken to St. Thomas's
Hospital, where every assistance was afforded by the house
surgeon, but he gradually sank and expired.
NEW STREETS.—A return made by the First
Commissioner of Works states that the Spitalfields line of
street of 700 yards; Dock-street, 285 yards; New Oxford-
street, 770 yards; Endelb.street, 350 yards; and St. Mar-
tin's. lane and Cranbourne-street alteration, 370 yards—
together, cost £837,660. The Spitalfields extension, 520
yards, cost £211,689 ; and the Pimlico improvements, 378
yards, £62,478. A return from the City states that New
Cannon-street, 1,166 yards in length, cost £589,470; and
the completion of the improvements authorised to be made
by the Clerkenwell Improvement Commissioners, Victoria-
street, Clerkenwell, 1,120 yards, £333,675; but there is
building ground not disposed of, in consequence of railway
communication in the line of street being sanctioned by
Parliament. Upon the whole 5,659 yards of street, not
quite 3/ miles, there has been laid out £2,034,872, or £359
upon a yard's length of street.

YOUTHFUL SUICIDE.—An extraordinary event
occurred a few days back at Algiers. One of the pupils
of the college, only 15 years of age, blew out his brains.
Ho did so with extraordinary calm, stating beforehand to
his fellow-pupils his intention to commit suicide, and as-

signed as a reason his determination to escape a punish-
ment with which he was threatened. They, thinking he
was jesting, took no notice of the intimation.

HORRIBLE TRAGEDY.—The commune of Pertnis
(Vaucluse) was the scene of a horrible tragedy a few days
since. A farmer named Leonard murdered his wife and
two children, cut their bodies to pieces, and then set fire to
the premises. The murderer afterwards attempted to shoot
himself, but failed, and was immediately arrested. Nothing
is known as to his motive.

MUNIFICENCE OF MISS BURDETT COUTTS TO THE
LIFEBOAT CAUSE.—Miss Burdett Coutts has, with her
wonted sympathy for the shipwrecked sailor, intimated her

intention to present to the National Lifeboat Institution the

cost (about £200) of the new lifeboat which that society is
about establishing at Plymouth. The residents of that and

the neighbouring towns, fully appreciating this noble gift,
have subscribed liberally towards the cost of a substantial
boathouse and the future maintenance of the station. Miss
Coutts had previously defrayed the cost of three lifeboats.
It is to be hoped that many will be found to follow her

example in so noble and sacred a work, How many a brave
seaman, who is now in the full enjoyment of life and
strength, and able to provide for his family, would long
since have hai, but for the services of the lifeboat, his last
requiem sung by the ruthless waves I

LATES T NEWS.

PARIS, OCT. 31.
The lifoniteur , in itst ialletin of to-day, makes the
following announcemen t

" The controversy no w being carried on between
several journals might have the effect of leading the
public to form wrong i de as respecting the policy of
the Emperor in regard to certain changes to be
effected in the internal constitution of the Empire.

" The contents of certain newspapers would suf-
fice to show that the Government remains free from
all responsibility (solida.rite) on account of publica-
tions which are only self-inspired, and engage no
other responsibility but their own.
" In order to at once crat short all false commen-
taries, we call attention to the fact that the 2Woni-
teur is the sole organ of the policy of the Govern-
ment, and that no seird-official journal exists in
France."

TURIN, OCT. 30.

The Official Gazette of to-day publishes a circular
addressed by the Minis ter of Justice to the Arch-
bishops and clergy, in wlach the Minister deplores
the grave acts of clerical opposition against the
laws and the national Government, and says—
" The Government wishes to respect the liberty
of the Church, but will take severe measures if
the clergy continue to attack the laws and insti-
tutions of the country and endeavour to disturb
public order."

NAPLES, OCT. 30.

Seventy-four brigands, who have been infesting
the country between Concello and Nola, have made
proposals to the authorities to surrender.

The official Dresden Journal of-to-day publishes
a letter from its correspondent at Warsaw, assert-
ing that General Lainbert had not left that city on
account of ill health., but in consequence of a t ele-
graphic order to proceed to St. Petersburg, for the
purpose of making a report on the state of affairs in
the kingdom of Poland.

He proceeded by rail, via Konigsberg, and is ex-
pected to return to 'Vlra rsaw.
According to the srtme letter two more Lutheran
priests had been arrersted.

PESTH, OCT. 30.
The whole of the magistrates in the Comitat of
Pesth have tendered t Lair resignation.
A few functionaries only will remain in office a
fortnight longer, in order to transact the most
urgent public businesEi.

THE CAPE OF GOOD HOPE MAIL.
PLYMOUTH, OCT. 31.

The Union Company's Royal Mail steamer Celt,
with the above mail, arrived here this morning.
She left the Cape on the 21st ult., St. Helena on
the Ist inst., and Aseem3ion on the 6th inst.
She brings 55 pasuengers, among whom are
Generals Durban and Gordon; and a collection sent
by Sir George Grey as a present to the Zoological
Society.

The Celt was detaine6l a day at the Cape by the

Government.

All alarm as to the intentions of Cetywayo and
the Zulus had passed aws
Cetywayo had professed loyalty to the British
Government, and declared himself ready to fight on
the side of the Englikh if necessary.

Furious internecine wars were still going on
between the native trib es. There had been a terri-
ble massacre in No Ma re's Land. Tebu, a chief of
the Amabacas, surprise d a number of Hottentots,
under the Chief Fodo. The Hottentots fought
bravely, but Tebu's p ople fired their huts, and
upwards of 100 person s, including many women
and children, perished.

A rumour was curie nt at the Cape that Krell,
with all his forces, was going to re-enter the Trans-
keian territory, from which he was expelled by the
frontier police in 1858. It was feared that the
Cape would not be rep: resented at the forthcoming
International Exhibitic n, as the Government Com-
missioners had resigned, and the Cape Parliament
had declined to grant a;id.

A reformedmunicipa Li.ty had been elected in Cape
Town.

The arguments in 'the case of "Long v. the
Bishop of Cape Town' had concluded. ;The Su-
preme Court reserved ii:s judgment.

A movement was on foot for augmenting the in-
comes of the clergy in fate diocese of Cape Town.

Intelligence had bee-a received from Drs. Living-
stone and Mackenzie to the 15th May. All were
in good spirits. They had failed in ascending the
Ruvuma on account of its being too late in the

season.
The slave trade was Im ing carried on briskly on
the east coast.
The troop ships Conlict and Boanerges had
arrived.
Business at the Cape lt ad considerably improved,
and trade was increasing .
The clip of wool prow ises to be one of the best
ever known.