The Sun.
London, England, 1857-07-31 00:00:00


Ves-Er-ni
(From the Ttine5.).......;
It may not be forgotten th ct abotiki a fe
—ye publicity to a rumour villich
cin , siong persons the most likely to be well
infornie, opon the subject of the National
T; rumour was this :—lt was said :hat
when Parliament had risen, and during the rececs,
it was the intention to rem sve the pictures now in
the National Gallery to Kensington-gore. The
Royal Commission appointed on an Address from
the House of Commons, as we stated, had made its
Report, and we added that this Report was in
favour of the site of the present National Gallery.
Last week the subject, in consequence of what Wall
said in the columns of this journal, was very pro-
perly mentioned by Mr. Wise in the House of
Commons. In answer to a dues, ion from that gen-
Colman theChancellorof theExche pier ende scoured
at first to treat the rumour and the alleged Report
of the Royal Commission in the gond old style of
the Treasury Bench, of which we had such ex-
tensive experience during the Russian War.
According to Sir Coinewall Lewis, "The rumour
was deserving of little notice." "He could,
however, assure the honourable gentleman that the
Report of that Commission had not yet been pre-
sented." This was a little too much even for the
practised patience of the Hou e ; accord•nAy our
Parliamentary report for the day proceeds,—
" (Murmurs of dissent.) Well, he bad not seen a
copy of it, he was ignorant of its content s and
he could only say that the Government had come
to no decision upon the subject." It was never
said that the Government had come to any decision
upon the subject. If the rumour be true—and we
repeat that it came to us accredited by the highest
authority of which " rumour" is susceptible—the
obvious policy was for the present a wis c inac-
tion. During the recess, when the representa-
tives of the people were all absent, it would
have been ample time to take the Report of
the Royal Commission into consideration, to
treat it as a nullity, and to c arry the change into
effect. When Parliament again assembled it would
have been almost impossible to compel the
Government to retrace its steps. To proceed with
the discussion of last week :—Mr. Wise, very
naturally dissatisfied with the ambiguous answer
of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, persisted
RI I
- ra. inquiry. Sir George Grey then rose in
support-of htis friend and colleague ;—" be was the
only member of the Government who had seen
the Report, and he had not had time to read it."
The Report, which we publish elsewhere, consists
of three pages and a-half of printed matter, and
the perusal of it will possibly task the faculties
of an ordinary reader for the space of ten minutes,
or those of a Minister for, say, a quarter of an hour.
Sir G. Grey added that which at the time we be-
lieve was true—namely, "He had received a copy
of it, and also a letter from Lord Broughton, the
Chairman of the Commission, stating that they bad
as yet been unable to append to the report the
documentary evidence connected with it. When
the report in a complete state was iu the hands of
the Government it would be laid before Parlia-
ment ; at present it was impossible for him to say
what conclusions would be drawn from it, but he
had no doubt that it would receive the fullest con-
sideration." In this way Slr G. Grey and tl o
Chancellor of the Exchequer endeavoured t , fence
off Mr. Wise's question. At the conclusion of the
conversation, however, in reply to a remark from
Mr. Ayrton, who asked for something like an
assurance that the Government would not commit
the House to any course without an opportunity
for discussion, Lord Palmerston decisively said,—
" Surely no pledge is necessary. No steps can be
taken to build a new National Gallery without
the vote of the House." We take note of this
assurance. Lord Palmerston's high position and
higher character inspire us with full confidence
that he will not permit any disingenuous dealing
upon a matter which he has thus virtually assured
the House shall be reserved for their decision, as
it should be of right.
And now for the Report of the Commision. The
Royal Commissioners were originally in number
six. Mr. Ford, the well known Spanish traveller,
was one of these, but in consequence of ill-health
he declined to act. Five commissioners rem iined,
—namely, Lord Broughton, the chairman, Dean
Millman, Professor Faraday, Mr. C. R. Coc'ierell,
and Mr. G. Richmond. The conclusion at which
the Royal Commissioners arrived was this : —" It
only remains for us to state, that having duly con-
sidered the premises, we have decided by a ma-
jority of three votes to ono (one of our colleagues
having declined to vote) in favour of the site of the
present National Gallery." The Commissioner who
declined to vote at all was, we believe, Professor
Faraday. Now, is it possible to treat such a deci-
sion as a nullity We have no wish on the subject
but that the best site, whatever that may be,
shall be selected ; and surely this is a point upon
which the judgment of the Commission is entitled
to respect. We well know how greedily their
decision would have been snapped at had it been
in favour of Kensington. It is our belief that the
vast preponderance of opinion is in favour of the
retention of the present site, which is the most
'central one in London, and in every way the best
adapted for the purpose. The only point which
can be urged against this is, that in Traralgar-
square the pictures are more liable to be aullied
by the metropolitan smoke than in a more sub-
urban situation. This point is taus noticed by
the Royal Commissioners :—" In regard to atmos-
pheric impurities, it is, as has been previously
admitted, inferior to the site at Kensington-
gore ; but addional care, the more general pro•
tection of the pictures by glass—which is strongly
recommended by some of our more competent
witnesses—architectural improvements iu a now
building, and recent legislation—which has done
much to purify the metropolitan atmosphere,
and may do more—would probably much improve
its present condition." Of this there can be little
doubt, while, on the other band, the merits of
the present site, as far as locality is concerned,
are unquestionable. It is not only that the
National Gallery in such a situation would 113 most
easy of access to all classes, but, when we look to
the architectural devolpment of the town, there
can be no doubt that our national pictures would
be most fitly placed in a suitable building at one
end of that magnificent street which leads to West-
minster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament.
This ought to be one of the finest perhaps the
finest, street in Europe, when the bit'ck of houses
between King-street and Parliament-street is re-
moved, when the public offices are erected, and
when proper fountains are substituted in Trafalgar-
square for the miserable squirts which at present
disgrace it. If for the present it should be judged
advisable not to incur the expense, let us hold our
hands
is done,
until we can afford it. But, when
the thing done, whether it be now or at any
future ttme, let it be properly done. Let us crown
that magnificent street which runs from Charing-
cross to Westminster Abbey with a stately building
in which the pictures of the English nation shall be
fitly deposited. Let the building be worthy of the
wealth and glory of the British name.
The Committee of the House of Commons which
was appointed in February, 1848, to report upon
this subject unanimously decided in favour of the
present site. Sir Charles Barry was examined be-
fore this Committee, and we refer to his evidence
merely to show that sufficient accommodation can
be secured there. Sir Charles Barry said,—". lam
of opinion that if the site of St. Martin's .
Work-
house were purchased, an alteration were made in
the form of the Barrack-yard, and a por ion of
Castle-street stopped,—if the Royal Academy were
located elsewhere, the portico and other projcc-_
tions beyond the line of the present front taken
down, and considerable additions were made to the
ob-
tained on the present site that would be an present building, a National Gallery could Le
orna-
ment to the metropolis, and afford accommodation
equal to the requirements of the country for the na-
tional pictures for ages to come." It is perfectly true
that at a later period Sir Charles Barry came to
the conclusion that it would be a good plan to
wre-
move the pictures to the British Museum. This is
oausrteopwonn judgmentthe propriety; b
ut will ieh
1) ewe
remarked
of
fit which
can
all
formti a t
we only quote Sir Charles Barry's evi •
dence to show
that, in his opinion, there is ample room for a
National Gallery at and about the present site in
Trafalgar-square. It is also true that another Com-
mittee of the House of Commons sat in 1850, which
reported against any further expenditure upon the
present National Gallery in Trafalgar-square, but
which would not positively recommend its removal
elsewhere. The preservation of the pictures and
convenient access were the only points touched
upon in the second report, and we venture to think
that the Committee of 1848 had already disposed
of one point, and the Royal Commission of 1857
has now successfully dealt with the other.

t the rate of 6 per cent. per annum,
haTvehenoEtinfig,ldishth,
aStcaottttishbe,irannideetunsztroanliatnheC4hathrt eorfel
üßagul
the dividend will be at
free of income-tax, while 1,5001. will be written off pr e-
liminary and other expenses, and 3,640/. will be added
to the reserved fund.
INCREASED Symms oir COTTON.--A large and in•
fluential deputation from the Cotton Supply Association
of Manchester, comprising merchants and manufacturers
from Lancashire, Glasgow, and the midland counties',
bad an interview with Lord Palmerston at his residence,
Cambridge-house, Piccadilly, yesterday at 1 o'clock, for
the purpose of making certain Statements to his lordship
o lrim
o fthe deputation,as to the present supply of this important raw material,
and tosubmit t
certain
a large by
cr
imeansne
a s
eol
of
supplywhich in
the opinion
might be obtained frogs British( t dia. No re.
porters Were ativaitted.

IN REMEMBRANCE of the late Mr. DOUG-
LAS JERROLD. In answer to the "Caution
to Tus PUBLIC," which has been inserted in tha Newspapers,
by the Committee, Miss Julia Pastrana's guardian begs to
state that certain intended exhibitions, " wholly unsanctioned
by them," and the " unauthorized use of their honorary
Secretary's name," of which they complain, arc ent'rely an
error of judgment on the part of Miss Pastrana's Guardian,
who, being an American, was ignorant of the fact that any
propesed representaiion for the benefit of the "JERROLD
.FUND," should have the sanction of the Committee,
avd, he trusts, they and Particularly the Public, will acquit
bin.' of any intention whatever boyond a desire to aid in a
philanthropic matter.
Regent Gallery, July 31, 1857.

ur ER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
FAREWELL PERFORMANCES AT
RE:DUCED PRICES.
THIS EVENING, FRIDAY, July 31,
LA TRAVIATA.
Madlle. Piccolomini ; Alfredo, Sig. Giuglini ;
Germont Giorgio, Sig. Beneventano.
To conclude with the new Bai:et Divertias ment of
MARCO SPADA.

Madams Rosati, Mdlle. Katrine, M. M,ssot,!Signori Boretti,
Cecchetti, and Ronzani,
PRICES :
Pit Tier, Grand Tier, and One £2 12 6
Two Pair 1 11 6
Half Circle 1 1 0
Pit Stalls Ol2 6
Gallery Boxes 0 12 6
Gallery Stalls
Gallery Side Stalls 0 3 0
Pit
Gallery 0 2 0
No free list.—Applications to be made at the Box-office of
the Theatre. Doors open at 7, :Jpera to commence at half-
past 7.

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.
Farewell Performances at Reduced Prices.
THIS EVENING, FRIDAY', July 31—LA TRAVIATA
and MARCO SPADA.
SATURDAY, Aug. I—FIGARO and ALPHEA.
MONDAY—LUCIA DI LAMMERMOOR.
TUESDAY—IL DON GIOVANNI.
WEDNESDAY—FIGARO.
THURSDAY, (Last Night)—LA TRAVIATA and the
Last Act of I PURITAN!.
The NATIONAL ANTHEM will foll-tw the Opera.
The entertainments in the Ballot will combine the talents
Madame Rosati, Madlles. Katrine, Boschetti, and Marie
Taglioni.

Prices as above.

THEA TR E-R OYA L, DRURY-LANE.
Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith.
OPEN EVERY EVENING.
GREAT EQUESTRIAN AMERICAN and CONTINENTAL
COMPANY.
Trtees—Pit and Promenade, is ; Boxes, 2s. 6d., es., and Is.
6d. ; Galleries, 6d. Doors open at half-past 7. Commence
at 8.

JACK THE GIANT KILLER, with novel effects.

LOYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
THIS EVENING will be performed
Shakespere's Play of
THE TEMPEST.
Preceded by LIVING TOO FAST.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET
Lessee—Mr. J. B. Buckstone.
THIS EVENING, to commence at Seven o'clock, with
the now and greatly successful original Comedy, entitled
VICTIMS, in which Mr. Buckstone, Mr. Howe, Mr. William
Farrell, Miss Reynolds, &e., will appear.
After which, the successful Classical Love Story, un-
der the Applo-lation of A CAL A.NTA • or, The Three Golden
Apples: in which Miss M. Oliver will appear; also Miss M.
Wilton, and Miss Ellen Ternan.
Followed by ACTRESS OF ALL WORK, in which Miss
Anna Maria Quinn (from the principal theatres in Australia)
will sustain six characters.

Orchestra Stalls (which may be retained the whole of the
evening), 6s. each. (No charge for booking.)
First Price. a. d. Second price. s. d
Dress Boxes 5 0 Dress Boxes 3 0
Upper Boxes ... 3 0 Upper Boxes 2 0
Pit
i 0

Lower Gallery 1 0 Lower Gallery 0 6
Upper Gallery 0 6No half-price to Upper Gallery.

THEATRE ROYAL, A DELPHI.
Lessee—Mr. Ben. Webster.

THIS EVENING, will be performed the drama of THE
RENT DAY. Messrs. B. We 3ster, Wright, Paul Bedford,
and Madame Celeste. _

Aft r which, DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Mr. Wright and
Miss Arden.

To conclude with MY PRECIOUS BETSEY. Mr. Wright,
P. Bedford, Mary Keeley, &c.

ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
Lessee, Me. Alfred Wigan.

THIS EVENING, FRIDAY, July 31, will be performed
ALL IN THE WRONG. Characters by Mr. Robson, Mr.
Addison, Mr. G. Vining, Mr. G. Cooke, Mrs. Stirling, Miss
Swanborengh,

To conclude with the original Extravaganza, by Robert
B. Brongh, req., called MA.SA.NIELLO. Messrs. Rob-
eon, Cooke, Danvers, &c. ; Misses Swanborough, Thirlwall,
Hughes, Bromley, and Mrs. Melfont.
Commence at her-past Seven.

OYAL SURREY THEATRE.
Plk Lessees, Messrs. Shepherd and Crsswick.
Success of the great English Tenor, Mr. Henry Squires.
THIS EVENING, will be performed
IL TROVATORE.
Mr. H. Squires, Lucy Escott, and Miss Lamm..
To conc'ude with THE DAUGHTER OF THE REGI-
MENT. Mr. Manvers and Mies Dyer.

GREAT NATIONAL STANDARD
THEATRE.

Proprietor, Mr. John Douglas.
Professor ANDERSON in a round of Dramatic Characters,
supported by Mr. Hamilton Brahma, Mrs. Vickery, drc.
THIS EVENING, will be performed the late Mr. Douglas
Jerrold's drama of BLACK-EYED SUSAN. William, Pro-
fessor Anderson.
After which, CRAMOND BRIG.
To conclude with THE PRISONER AT WAR.

ASTLETS ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke.
Under the patronage of Her Majesty and His Royal Highness

Prince Albert.
Last Nights of the Splendid Spectacle of MAZEPPA.

•
The greet Parisian Equestrienne, Madlle. Mllilos, continues
to be received with unbounded approbation.
THIS EVENING (FRIDAY), and every evening during
the week, the entertainments will commenea with Lord
Eyron's grand spectacle of MAZEPPA AND THE WILD
HORSE. _ _

3fazeppa, Mr. James Holloway.
Concluding with a Brilliant Series of Mr. William Cooke's
Novel awl Inimitable SCENES in the ARENA, in which
Madllo. Mililos will appear.
CommeMie at seven o'clock. Dress Boxes, 4s. ; Upper
Boxes, 3s. ; Private Boxes, from Vs., no charge for booking;
Pit, 2s. ; Gallery, is. ; Upper Gallery, 6d. Hilf-price at
half-past Eight.
B. x.o,fice open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager,
Mr. W. West. Equestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun.

CANTERBII PAY HALL, Westminster-road.—
OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow-
inzeompany of Vocalists aro engaged for the performance of
Felections from all the popular Operas, Madrigals, Choruses,
lees, Duets, ?zc., viz.: Miss E. Pearce, Mrs. Palmyre, Miss
:ott, !is.% Brunell, Miss Summers, and Madame Marietta;
Mr St. Ailayn, Herr F. Jonghmaus, R. Grover, T. Far-
rant, S. loien, J. Barker, W. Melling, P. Corri, Senor An
tonio M. .le Solla, and E. L. Hime ; Master Corri; Messrs.
Sam Collins, and E. Mackney, Pianoforte, Mr CeCil
Wicks; harmonium, Master Willi tins ; Director, Herr F.
Jonghni Commence at Seven o'clock pre:dsely. Sap.
per, &c., until twelve o'clock

RIG Fl WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.

TRU3 DAT —Morn. 47 min. aft, B—Even., 23 min. aft. 9
To "Aounow—Morn,, 1 min. aft. 10 —Even. 39 mln aft. 10,

THE WEATHER—Sui Oreioz, JULY 31.
THERMOMICTER, I' THE SHADE.
1 —highest sinse noon yesterday.
0/ —lowest this morning and during the night.
77 —this day at neon.
BA3OE7STEIt, 30.13.
Warr; Vir.N.W., light, with fine summer weather.

59r. .45 si4,,
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