The Sun.
London, England, 1861-03-26 00:00:00

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER on the Physiological
:tracture and Functions of the Reproductive Organs.
CHAPTER IT.—Causes of Spermatorrhcca and Irapotenoe;
warly Vicious Indulgences; Dangers of Neglect.
CHAPTER lII.—A Review of the various Disqualifications
,1 Marriage; whether resulting from Youthful Abuse, the
Follies of Maturity, the Effects of Climate, or Infection.
CHAPTERS IV. and V. on the modem Treatment of
Gonorrhcea and Syphilis.
The Book concludes with numerous varied and interesting
ases, to which is added the Author's recipe of a preventive
Lotion.

REVIEWS OF THE WORK.
should
"Curtis on ood.This is a truly valuable work, and
-?3d March, 1856, be in the hands of young and old."—" Sunday Times,"
"The author has conferred a great boon by publishing this
little work, in which is described the source of those diseases
which produce decline in youth or more frequently premature
old age."—" Daily Telegraph," March 27, 1858." This work, which for twenty years has stood the test of
professional criticism and empirkal hostility, treats in aplain
and sympathising manner on the various disqualifications
and
Impediments arising from nervous excitement and de-
bility ; and to invalids suffering from youthful errors and
excesses it Aril' be found valuable and useful."—Record.
London : Published by J. Allen, 20, Warwick Lane, Pater-
noster-row; Mann. 39, COrnhill.
1/0411 of Consultation-10 to 3 and 6to 6 ; Sundays, 10 tin 2.

The manifesto of the Emperor Alexander, eman-
cipating the serfs in his dominions, has been issued.
It bears the date of Feb. 19 (March 3), 1861.
We publish in extenso this important document :
"MANIFESTO OF HIS MAJESTY THE EMPEROR.
"By the grace of God, we, Alexander 11., Emperor
and Autocrat of all the Russias, King of Poland,
Grand Duke of Finland, &c., to all our faithful
subjects make known :
" Called by Divine Providence and by the sacred
right of inheritance to the throne of our ancestors,
we took a vow in our innermost heart so to respond
to the mission which is intrusted to us as to sur-
round with our affection and our imperial solicitude
all our faithful subjects of every rank and of every
condition, from the warrior who nobly bears arms
for the defence of the country to the humble artisan
devoted to the works of industry; from the official
in the career of the high offices of the State to the
labourer whose plough furrows the soil.
" In considering the various classes and conditions
of which the State is composed we came to the con-
viction that the legislation of the empire having
wisely *provided for the organisation of the upper and
middle classes, and having defined with precision their
obligations, their rights and their privileges, has not
attained the same degree of efficiency as regards
the peasants attached to the soil (kr epostnye), thus
designated because either from ancient laws
or from customs they have been hereditarily sub-
jected to the authority of the proprietors, on whom
it was incumbent at the same time to provide for
their welfare. The rights of the proprietors have
been hitherto very extended and very imperfectly
defined by the law, which has been supplied by
tradition, custom, and the good pleasure of the pro-
prietors. In the most favourable cases this state of
things has established patriarchal relations founded
upon a solicitude sincerely equitable and benevolent
on the part of the proprietors, and on an affectionate
submission on the part of the peasants; but in pro-
portion as the simplicity of morals diminished, as
the diversity of the mutual relations became compli-
cated, as the paternal character of the relations be-
tween the proprietors and the peasants became
weakened, and, moreover, as the seigneurial autho-
rity fell sometimes into hands exclusively occupied
with their personal interests, those bonds of mutual
good will slacken, and a wide opening was made
for an arbitrary sway which weighed upon the
peasants, was unfavourable to their welfare, and
made them indifferent to all progress under the con-
ditions of their existence.

" These facts had already attracted the notice of
our predecessors of glorious memory, and they had
taken measures for improving the condition of the
peasants ; but among those measures some were not
stringent enough, insomuch as they remained sub-
ordinate to the spontaneous initiative of such pro-
prietors who showed themselves animated with
liberal intentions ; and others, called forth by pe-
culiar circumstances, have been restricted to certain
localities or simply adopted as an experiment. It
was thus that Alexander I. published the regulation
for the free cultivators, and that the late Emperor
Nicholas, our beloved father, promulgated that one
which concerns the peasants bound by contract. In
the Western Governments regulations called in-
ventaires' had fixed the territorial allotments due
to the peasants, as well as the amount of their rent
dues ; but all these reforms have only been applied
in a very restricted manner.
" We thus came to the conviction that the work
of a serious improvement of the condition of the
peasants was a sacred inheritance bequeathed to us
by our ancestors,—a mission which, in the course of
events, Divine Providence called upon us to fulfil.
" We have commenced this work by an expres-
sion of our imperial confidence towards the nobility
of Russia, which has given u 3 so many proofs of its
devotion to the Throne and of its constant readiness
to make sacrifices for the welfare of the country.
"It is to the nobles themselves, conformable to
their own wishes, that we have reserved the task of
drawing up the propositions for the new organisa-
tion of the peasants—propositions which make it
incumbent upon them to limit their rights over the
peasants, and to accept the onus of a reform which
could not be accomplished without some material
losses. Our confidence has not been deceived. We
have seen the nobles assembled in committees in the
districts, through the medium of their confidential
agents, making the voluntary sacrifice of their rights
as regards the personal servitude of the peasants.
These committees, after having collected the neces-
sary data, have formulated their propositions con-
cerning the new organisation of the peasants
attached to the soil (krepostnye) in their relations
with the proprietors.

These propositions having been found very
diverse, as was to be expected fronT the nature of the
question, they have been compared, collated, and
reduced to a regular system, then rectified and com-
pleted in the superior committee instituted for that
purpose, and these new dispositions thus formulated
relative to the peasants and domestics (dvorovye) of
the proprietors have been examined in the Council
of the Empire.
" Having invoked the Divine assistance, we have
resolved to carry this work into execution.
" In virtue of the new dispositions above men-

tioned, the peasants attached to the soil (attaches a
la glebe) will be invested within a term fixed by the
law with all the rights of free cultivators.
" The proprietors retaining their rights of pro-
perty on all the land belonging to them, grant to
the peasants for a fixed regulated rental the full en-
joyment of their close (enclos), and, moreover, to
assure their livelihood and to guarantee the fulfil-
ment of their obligations to wards the Government,
the quantity of arable land is fixed by the said
dispositions, as well as other rural appurtenances
(ougodie).

" But, in the enjoyment of these territorial allot-
ments, the peasants arc obliged, in return, to acquit

the rentals fixed by the same disposition to the
profit of the proprietors. In this state, which must
be a transitory one, the peasants shall be designated
as ' temporarily bound' (temporairement obliges).
" At the same time they are granted the right of
purchasing their close (enclos), and, with the con-
sent of the proprietors, they may acquire in full
property the arable lands and other appurtenances
which are allotted to them as a permanent holding
(puissance). By the acquisition in full property of
the quantity of land fixed the peasants are free from
their obligations towards the proprietors for land
thus purchased, and they enter definitively into the
condition of free peasants—landholders (paysans
librespro—prietaires).
" By aspecial disposition concerning the domestics
(gens de la domesticite—dvorovye) a transitory
state is fixed for them adapted to their occu-
pations and the exigencies of their position. On
the expiration of a term of two years, dating from
the day of the promulgation of these dispositions,
they shall receive their full enfranchisement and
some temporary immunities.
" It is according to these fundamental principles
that the dispositions have been formulated which
define the future organization of the peasants and
of the domestics (dvorovye), which establish the
order of the general administration of this class,
and specify in all their details the rights given to
the peasants and to the domestics, as well as the
obligations imposed upon them towards the Gov-
ernment and towards the proprietors.
"Although these dispositions, general as well as
local, and the special supplementary rules for some
particular localities, for the lands of small proprie-
tors, and for the peasants who work in the manu-
factories and establishments (usines) of the pro-
prietors, have been, as far as was possible, adapted
to economical necessities and local customs, never-
theless, to preserve the existing state where it
presents reciprocal advantages, we leave it to the
proprietors to come to amicable terms with the pea-

sants and to conclude- transactions relative to the
extent of the territorial allotment and to the amount
of rental to be fixed in consequence, observing at the
same time the established rules to guarantee the
inviolability of such agreements.
" As the new organisation, in consequence of the
inevitable complexity of the changes which it ne-
cessitates, cannot be immediately put into execu-
tion; as a lapse of time is necessary, which cannot
he less than two years or thereabouts, to avoid all
misunderstanding and to protect public and private
interests during this interval, the system (regime)
actually existing on the properties of landowners
(seigneurs) will be maintained up to the moment
when .a new system shall have been instituted by
the completion of the required preparatory measures.
"For which end we have deemed it advisable to

ordain— •
" 1. To establish in each district (gouvernement)
a special Court for the question of the peasants; it
will have to investigate the affairs of the rural com-
munes established on the land of the lords of the
soil (seigneurs).
"2. To appoint in each district justices of the
peace to investigate on the spot all misunderstand-
ings and disputes which may arise on the occasion
of the introduction of the new regulation, and to
form district assemblies with these justices of the
peace.

"3. To organise in the seigneurial properties
communal administrations, and to this end to leave
the rural communes in their actual composition, and
to open in the large villages district administra-
tions (provincial boards) by uniting, the small com-
munes under one of these district administrations.
"4. To formulate, verify, and confirm in each
rural district or estate a charter of rules (une
eharte reglementaire —oustavnaia gramota), in
which shall be enumerated on the basis .of the
local Statute, the amount of land reserved to the
peasants in permanent enjoyment, and the extent
of the charges which may be exacted from them for
the benefit of the proprietor as well for the land as
for other advantages granted by him.
" 5. To put these charters of rules into execution
as they are gradually confirmed in each estate, and
to introduce their definitive execution within the
term of two years, dating from the day of publica-
tion of the present manifeSto.
" 6. Up to the expiration of this term the pea-
sants and domestics (gene de la domesticite) are to
remain in the same obedience towards their pro-
prietors, and to fulfil their former obligations with-
out scruple.
" 7. The proprietors will continue to watch over
the maintenance of order on their estates, with the
right of jurisdiction and of police, until the orga-
nisation of the districts (volosti) and of the district
tribunals has been effected.
" Aware of all the difficulties of the reform we
have undertaken, we place above all things our
confidence in the goodness of Divine Providence,
who watches over the destinies of Russia.
" We also count upon the generous devotion of
our faithful nobility, and we are happy to testify to
that body the gratitude it has deserved from us,
as well as from the country, for the disinterested
support it has given to the accomplishment of
our designs. Russia will not forget that
the nobility, acting solely upon its respect for the
dignity of man and its love for its neighbour, has
spontaneously renounced rights given to it by serf-
dom actually abolished, and laid the foundation of
a new future, which is thrown open to the peasants.
We also entertain the firm hope that it will also
nobly exert its ulterior efforts to carry out the new
regulation by maintaining good order, in a spirit of
peace and benevolence, and that each proprietor
will complete within the limits of his property the
great civic act accomplished by the whole body by
organising the existence of the peasants domici-
liated on his estates, awl of his domestics, under
mutual advantageous conditions, thereby giving to
the country population thq example of a faithful
and conscientious execution of the regulations of
the State.

" The numerous examples of the generous solici-
tude of the proprietors fog the welfare of their pea-
sants, and the gratitude cf the latter for the bene-
volent solicitude of their lords, give us the hope
that a mutual understanding will settle the majo-
rity of complications, in some cases inevitable, in
the partial application of general rules to the different
conditions under which isolated estates are placed;
that in this manner the transition from the ancient
order of things to the near will be facilitated; and
that the future will strengthen definitively mutual
confidence, a good understanding, and the unani-
mous impulsion towards public utility.
"To render the transactions between the pro-
prietors and the peasants more easy, in virtue of
which the latter may acqtire in full property their
close (encloo, homestead) and the land they occupy,
the Government will advance assistance according
to a special regulation, by means of loans or a trans-
fer of debts encumbering an estate.
" We thus confidently rely upon the upright feel-
ing of the nation.
" When the first news of this great reform medi-
tated by the Government became diffused among
the rural populations, who were scarcely prepared
for it, it gave rise in some instances to misunder-
standings among individuals more intent upon
liberty than mindful of the duties which it imposes.
But generally the good sense of the country
has not been wanting. It has not misunderstood
either the inspirations of natural reason, which
says that every man who accepts freely the bene-
fits of society owes it in return the fulfilment of
certain positive obligations; nor the teachings of
the Christian law, which enjoins that' every one be
subject unto the higher powers' (St. Paul to the
Romans, xiii. 1) ; and to ' render to all their dues,'
and, above all, to whomsoever it belongs, tribute,
custom, respect, and honour. (ibid., 7 v.) It has
understood that the proprietors would not be de-
prived of rights legally acquired, except for a fit
and sufficient indemnity, or by a voluntary conces-
sion on their part; that it would be contrary to all
equity to accept this enjoyment of the lands con-
ceded by the proprietors without accepting also
towards them equivalent charges.
"And now we hope with confidence that the
freed serfs, in the presence of the new future which
is opened before them, will appreciate and recog-
nise the considerable sacrifices which the nobility
have made on their behalf. They will understand
that the blessing of an existence supported
upon the base of guaranteed Property, as well as a
greater liberty in the administration of their goods,
entails upon them, with sew duties towards society
and themselves,,the obligation of justifying the pro-
tecting designs of the law by a loyal and judicious
shield of the laws, the
use of the rights which are now accorded to them.
For if men do not labour themselves to insure their
own well-being under tie
best of those laws cannot guarantee it to them.
"It is only by assiduous labour, a rational em-
ployment of their grogth and their resources, a
strict economy, and, abcvo all, by an honest life,
a life constantly inspired by the fear of the Lord,
that they can arrive a; prosperity and insure its
development.
" The authorities intristed with the duty of pre-
paring by preliminary measures the execution of
the new organisation, aid 9f presiding at its inau-
guration, will have to sae that this work is accom-
plished with calmness sad regularity, taking into
account the requirements of the seasons, in order
that the cultivator may not be drawn away from his
agricultural labours. Yet him apply himself with
zeal to those labours, that he may be able to draw
from an abundant granary the seed which he has
to eonfide,to that land which will be given him for
permanent employment, or which he has acquired
for himself as his own property.
" And now, pious and faithful people, make upon
thy forehead the sacred sign of the cross, and join
thy prayers to ours to call down the blessing of the

I
.

The following circular has been issued from the
Adthiralty to the Commanders-in-Chief and Super-
intendents of her Majesty's dockyards, and dated
March 22:

"The attention of the Lords Commissioners of
the Admiralty having been called to the great ex-
pense incurred in the alterations of the fittings of
ships, their lordships acquaint you that in future
the captain of the steam ordinary, who is directed
in page 1 of the general instructions for that service
to superintend the fittings of ships and vessels, in
the same manner that the captain of a ship in com-
mission does, is to be made acquainted with all the
fittings proposed to be placed in the ships under
his charge; and that no fittings of any kind are to
be put up, either bythe dockyard artificers or engine
fitters, without a previous consultation with that
officer.

" He will then be held responsible that on a ship
being put in commission the ship's fittings are per-
fect, and that no alterations will be required, and
that permission to make alterations will not be given
until a survey has been held, and a report made of
the reasons for making such alterations,
" The captains of the steam ordinary will be pre-
sent at the morning readings at the office of the
superintendent of the dockyard, in order that they
may be fully enabled to carry out the duties of
seeing the ship properly fitted, and to take the
place of the superintendent when the latter is un-
avoidably absent for 25 hours."

Minute guns were fired yesterday from the forts
and shipping at Portsmouth, from 1 until 6.30 p.m.,
in accordance with orders to that effect, consequent
upon the interment' of the remains of her Royal
Highness the Duchess of Kent. The firing was
commenced from Fort Moncton from 1 until 2 p.m.
Her Majesty's ship Mersey, 40 guns, Capt. H.
C. 8., lying at, Spithead, next took up the
firing, and continued it until 3 p.m. ; Southsea
Castle followed until 3.30 p.m., when the Town
Battery, on the King's bastion, opened, and fired
until 4.30 p.m. The shipping in the harbour next
took up the firing, and the batteries at Hurst Castle
and Fort Victoria, near the Needles, closed. it at
6.30 p.m.
In considering the best form to be given to iron-
cased ships the size of the ports has received natu-
rally a good deal of attention, and various means
have been suggested for reducing the aperture. In
one instance it is proposed to lessen the width of
the Warrior's ports by iron bars placed vertically,
giving, in fact, iron cheeks to the sides of the ports
or embrasures. To enable a gun to be worked effec-
tually through this narrowed port iron legs are
affixed to the fore part of the gun slide, which,
meeting in front of the carriage, form a V, with the
base to the carriage and the apex in front. The
apex fits over a bolt in the centre of the port, and
thus, whichever way the gun may be trailed, can-
fines the gun's axis to: the centre of the port. The
port must, however, be cut deeper than usual to
admit of this plan being carried out, but it presents
a much less area for the admission of shot or shell
than as constructed at present. It is said this plan
has been viewed by the authorities with consider-
able favour, and that -it is the suggestion of an offi-
cer of great and acknowledged authority on all
matters connected with naval gunnery. Among
the rejected plans is one for preventing altogether
the ingress of shot or shell through a ship's ports.
This was proposed to be effected by a circular port,
the gun working through an iron ball, the latter
moving in the port on brass bearings, and the two
forming a ball and socket. This plan is stated to
have effectually closed the port against an enemy's
projectile, bat the increased weight .it brought to
bear on the ship's side was objected to. The inventor
of this principle, on finding it rejected by the autho-
rities at home, at once puthimself in communication
with the French Government, and in compliance
with Imperial commands was to leave for Paris this
morning, the Emperor having appointed Thursday
next for the inventor to wait upon him with models,
&c., to give the necessary explanations to his Ma-
jesty.
The detachment of Royal Marines ordered for
service on board her Majeity's ship Marlborough,
131, screw, Captain W. H. Stewart, C. 8., em-
barked yesterday under the command of
Captain J. H. Maskery. Caulking has been com-
menced on the ship's upperworks, and the ship's
masts are having their cheeks taken off for exami-
nation and to report upon.
The Osborne paddle yacht, Master Commander
G. It. Bower, will be taken out of the steam basin
of Portsmouth dockyard to-day, and berths at the
mooring-buoy, where she will be swung for the ad-
justment of her compasses on Thursday.
The Mersey, screw, 40, Capt. H. Caldwell, C. 8.,
will go into Portsmouth harbour, from Spithead,
this morning. The greater part of the defects to this
vessel's machinery has been caused by the extraor-
dinary manner in which she works when at sea.
The Isis, 44, Capt. F. L. Barnard, is expected to
sail from Chatham this day, when she will drop
down to the Nore, there to be inspected by Admiral
Hope Johnstone, the Commander-in-Chief. She
takes out Marines for the detachment now serving
at Ascension, under the command of Capt. Webb.
The War Department lighter Inkerman, from
Woolwich, with war materials for the Gun-wharf,
arrived at Plymouth on Sunday.
The screw steam corvette Jason, 21, Capt. Von
Donop, in Plymouth Sound, got up steam yesterday
(Monday), and proceeded outside the breakwater on
her trial trip.
Commander Trevenen, who arrived in Plymouth

on Saturday, Acting Commander of the paddle-
wheel steamsleop Buzzard, 6, and was conveyed
immediately to the Royal Naval Hospital, died in
the establishment on Sunday.

!Mr. Ernest N. Rolfe and Mr. Ambrose Carbon-
nell have been nominated to naval cadetships.
The following appointments were made yester-
day at the Admiralty :—J. Ellis and C. J. Martin
promoted to the rank of acting first-class assistant-
engineers in the Clio.