The Sun.
London, England, 1861-04-18 00:00:00

VOCAL ASSOCIATION.

At the third concert last night, amid a host of miscella.
neous attractions, vocal and instrumental, there was one
feature of more than ordinary interest—viz., the first ap-
pearance of M. Ole Bull, the Scandinavian violinist, after
so long an absence from London that his style of execution
was probably something quite new to 99 persons out of 109,,
in the room. To those present, however, who remembered
M. Bull, it was like travelling back a quarter of a century
and more. There were the same tours de force, the
same eccentricities of expression, the same profusion of
"harmonics," die same left -hand accompaniment while
a theme went on, the same double stopping, the same
alteration of " staccato" and " pizzicato," the same fits and
starts, and surprises, and unexpected contrasts ; and, as a
medium of exhibition, precisely the same kind of pieces we
were used to hear—one of them a fantasia of Paganini's on
an air by Paesiello (La Molinera), the other a fantasia by
the "virtuoso" himself on Mozart's "La ci darem," both,
as of yore, for violin without the aid of any other instru-
ment. If M. Ole Bull, has lost somewhat of his mechanical
dexterity and force, he is, at any rate, just as individual,
original, and entertaining as ever. He completely hits
the taste of the patrons of the 'Vocal Association who
crowded St. James's-hall on the occasion, and was
enthusiastically applauded and encored in both his per-
formances. In response to the second " encore" he
played our National Anthem, arranged in harmony after
the fashion invented by Paganini, and perpetuated by his
disciples, among whom, at one period, M. Ole Bull conspi-
cuously figured. The rest of the concert included Meyer-
beer's " Pater Noster," which is attaining a marked popu-
larity at these meetings, and was far better sung than at a
recent concert; madrigals and part songs, by the members
of the association; vocal solos, by Misses Louisa Pyne,
Lascelles, Horder, and Chipperfield (the. last two belong-
ing to the choir) ; and a 'brilliant pianoforte fantasia of
Thalberg, performed by Mr. W. G. Cusins. Mr. Benedict
conducted, and M. Francesco Berger was the pianoforte
accompanist.

LONDON MECHANICS' INSTITUTION.—It will be
remembered that some time since a project was set on foot
for raising a subscription, the proceeds of which were to be
devoted to the purchase of the lease of the premises occu-
pied by this institution, by which means the managers
would be relieved from the pressure of a heavy amount
annually for rent, and the surviving trustees, Lord
Brougham and Jeshna Walker, Esq., would be released
from the liabilities generously incurred by them at the
foundation of the Institution in connection with the pre •
mists. We understand that upwards of 4000 have already
been subscribed towards the object in view, but about
£1,500 more aro required, and we are glad to learn that
Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P., has consented to preside at a
public dinner, which will be held at the London Tavern, on
the 7th of May next, for the purpose of raising this sum.
We trust the meeting will be a successful one, for it is not
right that our public men should be made to suffer loss
through their philanthropic exertions.

From abroad all accounts prepare us for changes
of the gravest importance. Everywhere events are tending
to revolution. In France, the struggle between Imperial
and priestly power seems to be past all reconciliation
The bishops revile the Emperor, and the Emperor's go-
vernment holds punishment over the bishops. From
Count Cavour's frank avowals that the Roman question is
virtually decided, following upon Prince Napoleon's cele-
brated speech, it is generally assumed that the French
occupation of Rome is drawing to a close. The expec-
tation seems to be that the Pope will be secured in a free
spiritual dominion at Rome, and handsomely provided for
externally, while the Italian parliament will hold its sittings
on the other bank of the Tiber. If this is accomplished, it
will be a great feature in the life of our generation that it
has witnessed the close of the fight which Henry VIII.
began, and been present at the oyez throw of a power which,
having advanced the best interests of the human race, led the
march of civilisation, became corrupt and domineering, and
brought on its own humiliation. Future generations will
say that if it was a great thing to see the Papal power first
called in question in the sixteenta century, it was a yet
greater to see it extinguished in the nineteenth, by a pro-
gress which it strove in vain to hinder. Catholicism will
probably endure for generations to come, but it will never
more lead the affairs of the world. It will be left in the
peace and freedom which it never allowed to other faiths;
but henceforth it must exercise its powers within its own
limits.—Once a Week.

THE DOMINICAN REPUBLIC. The attempt,
apparently successful, to annex the Dominican Republio
to Spain will excite considerable indignation in the United
States, and may be viewed as one of the first results of the
diminution of political influence sustained by America sinca
tho commencement of the disunion movement. About
seven years ago a project was on foot in the United States
to acquire gradual control over this Republic, the first step
contemplated being to secure a naval station in the Bay of
Samana, one of the finest harbours in the world, and which
is alleged to possess an abundant supply of coal fit for steam
purposes, and so situated that vessels might load Seven
alongside the mines. This position once attained, the
accomplishment subsequentlyof any designs in Cuba would
have been greatly faciiitited. In its strategical and mari-
time bearings, St. Domingo is ono of the most valuable
islands in the world, lying as it does on the highway from
Earope to Central America, and across the isthmus to
Australia.

ATTEMPTED MURDER ON SPIIPBOARD.—At the
Liverpool Police-court yesterday (Tuesday) James Hallam,
a steerage passenger on board the screw-steamer Vigo,
which arrived from New York on Monday, was charged
with attempting to murder George Corner and James
Nash, also etecrage passengers, while the Vigo was at sea,
on the Gth inst. It appeared from the time the Vigo left
New York until he 6th instant, the prisoner kelt t') his
bei th, and betrayed no symptoms of insanity. However,
on the 6th inEt., the steward hearing a noise, went to tho
prisoner and found him with a razor in his hand. lie had
a scuffle with the prisoner, and after he got away from hin,,
Corner and Nash came up, when the prisoner cut them
both very severely in the face. He afterwards cut his own
throat so badly that it was at one time feared ho would die.
The prisoner was ultimately coixtraittecl fg trial pie two
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