The Sun.
London, England, 1868-12-24 00:00:00

tionally discussing the question as to its
advisability amongst themselves. Whether it
may be accomplished in the present generation, is
an open question of course ; but, at the least, it is
under discussion. The only other point not yet
particularised, here, still remains among the Utopian
fancies of the hour as things are now—namely, that
sixth point of the Charter, Annual Parliaments.
At present, with open voting and all the
time and turmoil of contested elections in
counties and boroughs, the notion is clearly not to be
thought of. But—concede the Ballot, and the pro-
ject becomes no longer necessarily Utopian, becomes
no longer necessarily impracticable. Annual, or at
any rate Triennial Parliaments might be
brought readily enough within our reach
through the Ballot Box ! First, let us get
the Ballot, and the rest will follow. One
thing at a time. We have got Household Suffrage.
We have rid ourselves of the Property Qualification
for members of Parliament. Let us now at last se-
cure to ourselves the Ballot. Happily the Question
is in good hands. Sir HENRY BULWER, we may be
certain, will take no question up otherwise than ener-
getically. The Prime Minister and the Secretary
of State for War have each avowed a readi-
ness to secure free voting to the possessors of
Household Suffrage. Open Voting, they say, if
possible, but in any case Free Voting. There lies
our hope. Mr. GLADSTONE has spoken thus—Mr.
CARDWELL has spoken thus—at the very time when
converts to the Ballot have been appreciably multi-
plying—at the very time when the age and the infir-
mities of the veteran member for Bristol justify him
in conceding the lead of so vital a question as this
to a Liberal as staunch, as consistent, and as gifted
as the right hon. gentleman now restored to Parlia-
liament (after a very eminent diplomatic career) as
the colleague of Sir ROBERT PEEL in the representa-
tion of the Liberal Borough of Tamworth.

WE are glad to see that the Gibraltar question, to
which we called attention some weeks ago, is now
assuming prominence. There are few foreign
topics of greater importance than this. We hold
Gibraltar by right of conquest, but the conquered
have never recognised the right. On the contrary, the
recovery of the Rock has long been andstill is one of the
most cherished dreams of the Spanish people. That
people is now for the first time about to enjoy a
popular representative Government, and we may,
therefore, be sure that before long we shall receive
a demand for the restoration of this stronghold.
No doubt the demand will be diplomatically worded,
and urged with all courtesy ; but not the less will it
be a demand, to be enforced, in case of refusal, when-
ever we become involved in the exigencies of war.
Nor is that contingency so impossible as is some-
times thought. We do not say that the United States
desire or contemplate war with this country. Yet it
is not inconceivable that that Power might find its
! advantage in making a close alliance with Spain—an
affiance whose conditions might include the sale of
' Cuba and the restoration of Gibraltar. Nor in the
present unsettled state of Europe can we venture to
say that under no circumstances will we engage in
hostilities. These begun, we know not where nor
with whom we should have to fight.

LATEST INTELL MENU.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

TURKEY.

CONSTANTINOPLE, Dec. 23.

The Porte has given a denial to the assertion of
the Russian and Prussian journals that the present
action of Turkey towards Greece was due to the
counsels of Austria. The Ottoman Cabinet took
the initiative resolution in the matter without even
previously giving any information to tha Ambas-
sadors.

Turkey will not recede from her demands, which
the European Cabinets acknowledge to be legiti-
mate. The Porte only notified to Servia and Rou-
mania the approaching expulsion of Hellenic subjects
without meaning it to be obligatory upon those
Governments to pursue a similar course. The
Ottoman ports will remain open to Greek ships
which may have sailed previous to the 16th of
December.

It is believed that 200 lives have been lost in the
Egyptian mail steamer which foundered at Smyrna
after a collision with another mail.
llobart Pasha has informed the authorities of
Syria that he has received instructions of a peaceful
character from his Government. He requested the
commander of the French war steamer Forlin and
an Austrian vessel to convey the Enosis to Athens,
there to be brought before the proper authorities for
trial.

But we prefer not to rest the matter upon the pos-
sibility of that, we trust, very remote contingency
being realised. There are other considerations which
should influence us—considerations of generosity,
justice, prudence. We gave the lonian Islands to
Greece when the new dynasty was set up five years
ago ; why should we not repeat that gracious
act by giving back to reconstituted Spain a
possession to which she has far greater claim than
Greece had to the Septinsular Republic ? It may be
said that the conduct of Greece does not encourage a
repetition of the experiment. But it must be re-
membered. that that country is, unfortunately for
herself, the victim of constant intrigues, and that
these would have been more serious still both to
her and to us if the English flag still floated over
Corfu. The case with Spain is far other-
wise. Spain is strong enough to reconstitute
herself, and when reconstituted will doubtless become
a Power demanding respect as much as Italy
does, The cession of Gibraltar is likely to aid this
good work, and to tranquillise the newly constituted
Power. Nor would the cession be generous only ; it
would also be just. Fortunately the " golden rule"
is now being recognised by nations as well as by
individuals, and thus we are able to try all interna-
tional acts by the test of their effect upon ourselves.
It is enough to ask how we should bear to see
the Spanish flag floating upon British soil in order
to understand how odious must be the sight of the
Union Jack waving from Point Europa. Lest
generosity and justice should not move us,
there is the further consideration of prudence.
Self-interest counsels us to make this restoration.
Gibraltar is useless as a harbour of refuge, almost
useless as a coaling station, and would be worse than

General Ignatieff has proposed to the Porte that
a conference upon the subject of the disagreements
with Greece should be held, but it is said that the
Turkish Government has declined the proposition.

M. Delyamus, the Greek Minister, left here yes-

erday.

The American Minister has consented to protect
,he interests of the Greeks domiciled in Turkey.

SPAIN.

MADRID, Dec. 23.

The lmparcial states that at some places in the
North of Spain the Carlists, in the recent elections,
went up to vote in large bodies, carrying banners
with the inscription " Viva Carlos ! Viva Cabrera !
Viva Religion ""fhe lmparcial congratulates the
Carlists upon resorting to this constitutional mode
of representing their principles, but deplores only
that the manifestations should be prompted by
priests.

ASSOCIATION.

useless as a port in time of war. South-westerly
and easterly gales alike render Gibraltar dangerous
nautically, the impracticability of erecting a sub-
stantial pier renders it unavailing for the supply of
our large steamers, and the increased range of modern
artillery renders it alibut untenable against a bombard-
ment. Add to these considerations that Gibraltar
is a most unhealthy station, that it costs us a
prodigious sum for men and materials, and we have a
strong combination of reasons for surrendering this
place unconditionally. Admiral GEORGE GREY has,
indeed, suggested that the Spaniards should give us
Ceuta in exchange for Gibraltar. We have yet to
learn if they are prepared to make the exchange, still
more if they are disposed to construct a pier for us
at their own expense. Even if they would consent,
it will be still a matter for consideration if in
relieving one nation from the yoke of conquest we
ought to impose our dominion upon another—if in
deferring to the national susceptibilities of the
Spaniards we ought to take no account of those of
the Moors. As for the arguments against the cession,
they will not bear a minute's scrutiny. The idea
that we should lose prestige by a volun-
tary surrender is not only unfounded, but con-
trary to the fact. Rather we should gain immense
moral influence by setting an example to Europe of
a sacrifice made out of a conscientious regard to the
doctrine of nationalities. Nor is the other objection
which the Times has started of much greater force.
True, the Fenian head-centre, STEPHENS, did argue
that because we gave up the lonian Islands
therefore we might be worried into giving
up Ireland ; yet only a Fenian could draw
such an inference. Between the cession of a fortress
in a foreign land and the dismemberment of the
Empire there is nothing in common. The restora-
tionatthe we
sluveprperepsrseiopnareodf
to do justice to another
isihate
Fenianism has already shewn that we mean to do
justice to our own. nation; that

Tier Majesty's unarmoured screw frigate Are-
thusa, 35, 500-horse power, Capt. R. Coote, has
returned the whole of her powder and shell into the
magazines at Upnor Castle, Chatham, and yester-
day was taken in hand to be dismantled and
stripped, previously to being paid off out of com-
mission.

Ifer Majesty's ship Porte, 29, 400 horse power,
unarmoured screw frigate, is being brought for-
ward, in the steam basin, for the first division of
the Steam Reserve in the Medway, in readiness for
being despatched on foreign service.

A Lock Hospital will be opened in connection
with the camp at Colchester next mouth. The de-
signs of the hospital were supplied by the Royal
Engineer Department, approved by the War-office,
and the building contract has been substantially
carried out by Messrs. Everett and Son, of Colches-
cheater. The total cost of the hospital has been
nearly £4,000 ; the accommodation provided is for
25 patients.

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 24, 186 g.

CONSERVATIVE CELEBRATION AT
DARTFORD.

On Tuesday the Conservatives of the Dartford district
:elebrated the return of their two members for West Kent,
&[r. Mills and Mr. Talbot, by a grand dinner, under the pre-
sidency of Mr. Hart Dyke, M.P. for Mid-Kent. The chair-
man declared his belief that the victory in West Kent was
won by the great middle-class. He was not discouraged by
the Liberal majority in the House of Commons, as he thought
there were great divisions among them. He should like to
hear Mr. Bright and Mr. Lowe have their first quiet
talk about Reform. Mr. Mills and Mr. Talbot,
who were received With enthusiasm, both addressed
the meeting. Mr. Mills thought the late Government had
done wisely in resigning as they did, but the Irish Church
was not settled, and the word " compromise" was already
whispered. Mr. Talbot spoke in general terms to the same
effect; and in denying the charges of intimidation and
bribery brought against the Conservative party, said he
thcught for his part the ballot would be of advantage to the
Conservatives. Their majority had been largest in the popu-
lous districts. The proceedings, which were very enthu-
siastic, were kept up to a late how.

MR, LEATHAM ON THE NEW
GOVERNMENT.

The new Government was the subject or some interest-
ing remarks made by Mr. Leatham at Huddersfield a
day or two back, He first referred to the precipitate
retreat of Mr. Disraeli, and proceeded to criticise the new
Administration. He thought it an admirable one. Still,
some old-fashioned Radicals were of opinion that a Liberal
Administration need not have so much to do with
the peerage. It was also objected, that the Government
contained too many Whigs. The Whigs had a hereditary
taste for office, if they had not a hereditary right to it.
Those who look at the Treasury Benches next February
would not find much difference in the selection
from past days, and there might practically
have been no Reform Bill at all, for the
alterations that had taken place in official arrrange-
ments. One name was there to make an exception as
great in isolation: as in strength and weight. The con-
stituencies, which were more democratic than had been
believed possible some years ago, had returned a House of
Commons which had created a Government as anti-
'democratic as any before in all time. They were, how-
ever, on the eve of great changes, and they might take
the question of the Ballot as an illustration that progress
had been made. The good ship was going out of harbour,
and only land-lubbers would regret the motion that was felt,
and the lover of his country would rejoice in a storm it so he
they left the "land-locked" anchorage of the past.

THE PRINCE CONSORTS 'WINDSOR

The annual meeting of the Prince Consort's Association
for improving the condition of the labouring classes has been
held at Windsor, under the presidency of Major-General
Seymour. The association was founded in 1850 by the
Prince Consort, its object being to raise the social
condition of tho labouring classes by stimulating the
spirit of industry. It arose from a desire expressed by the
Prince Consort to bestow some mark of favour on those cot-
tagers in and around Windsor who were diligent in keeping
their houses tidy. By degrees the design grew, and it now in-
cludes rewards for neat cottages, well cultivated gardens, for
thehonestbringing up of families, forlong service of labourers,
artisans, and domestics, especially of young persons in their
first situations. The Queen herself signs all the certificates
given, and the society has administered at different times
more than £5,000 in these rewards. A grand entertainment
was given in 1860 to celebrate the tenth year of the associa-
tion's existence, when 565 persons who bad benefited by it
dined in the Queen's marquee in the Home-park, and it was
announced by Major-General Seymour that a similar festival
would be held in the year 1870.

THE RUPTURE BETWEEN TURKEY
AND GBEECE.

Prussia and Russia have proposed a conference of the
six Powers for the purpose of settling the dispute
between Turkey and Greece. The project is really an
acknowledgment of the difficulty of bringing about any-
thing like a joint action on the part of the Powers. Had
there been an agreement amongst the great States, it is
hardly possible that either Turkey or Greece would have
defied their unanimous resolution. The want of an under-
standing has evidently provoked this proposition for a
Congress. As the Telegraph remarks, the end
in view seems more likely to be attained by
private understandings between the leading States
of Europe than by a general conclave at which
Russia, Prance, England, Austria, and Prussia would be
compeled, not only to give tacit acquiescence in a certain
line of action, but to pronounce themselves distinctly in
favour of certain definite principles of policy. It is
not likely that the Russian Emperor would ever affix
his signature to a protocol declaring that if Greece did
not listen to reason coercion should be applied to her
Government. Nor is it likely that the decision of a Con-
gress would be accepted by both the disputing States. A
protocol would not reconcile the Turks to being despoiled
of their territories, nor would it induce the Greeks to aban-
don what they consider their destiny—the expulsion of the
Mussulmans from Europe. The Telegraph thinks it probable,
therefore, that the object of the Congress will be to decide
upon the Eastern Question in bulk, and not the present
quarrel alone. Such a proposition deserves serious consi-
deration. " There can be no doubt that the position of
Turkey in Europe is transitional ; no one would
contend that the dominion exercised by the Otto-
man Empire over the Christian races subject to
its rule can be regarded as permanent. Lord Stanley's
recent description of the state of Turkey, as being so bad
that the dissolution of the empire was impending, may
have been premature and impolitic, but it represented a
truth to which we cannot afford to shut our eyes.
Sooner or later, Europe will be called upon to deal
with the condition of Turkey, and the chances
seem to .be that it will be sooner, and not later.
The only way in which the ultimate certainty of a
European war can be avoided seems to be the attainment
of some definite understanding between the Great Powers;
and such an understanding might possibly be the result of
an international congress."

The Telegraph, however, can scarcely believe that the
time is favourable for the convocation of a general con-
gress. The relations between the various European
States are so complex and various that it would be difficult
to treat separately any of the so-called questions of the
day. All the great States have interests of some kind
to promote. England is the only Power that could enter
an iaternatioual conclave for the settlement of the Eastern
question with an unmixed desire to promote the true
interests of Turkey and Greece. " The circumstance
that the scheme is put forward with the sanction of
Prussia does not increase our belief that the conference
has been proposed in the interests of the Ottoman Em-
pire." Nevertheless, a telegram from Vienna states that
Austria and Italy are disposed to accept the offer, and that
there is reason to believe in its realisation.

A correspondent of the Standard says that deputations

have not, as the Patrie asserted, arrived from the lonian

Islands to urge upon the Greek Government a pacific
policy. "At Athens the people are labouring under a
kind of warlike delirium tremens, and from all the islands
assurances of co-operation and support in men and
money are coming in. This, I can assure you, is a fact."
The same writer adds that the concord between the Great
Powers exists only in the columns of the Moniteur and
other official papers, and that the threatening attitude of
Turkey has been the result of inspiration both from
Austria and France. The latter Power is, in fact, the
prive mover in the affair. It has baited its hook with the
Eastern Question in the hope of catching England and
Austria as allies, and in the case of the latter it has been
successful. Another correspondent of the Standard says
that every day renders the work of diplomacy more diffi-
cult. Since the despatch of the Turkish ultimatum every
hour serves but to inflame the resentment of both parties.
There is no chance of a pacific solution unless the Porte
abate some of its demands.
A correspondent of the Siecle says that the concession
of the demands of the Ottoman Government would be the
signal for a revolution in Greece.
The Presse has received intelligence from Roumania to
the effect that the Minister who lately retired is actively
employed in securing the support of the new Government
for the cause of Greece.
The Patrie says the Turks have occupied Taro, the port
by means of which all the communication between Crete
and Greece has been kept up. The revolt in the district
of Sphakia has terminated.
A Trieste journal gives as certain the intelligence that
the Turkish ultimatum was submitted to the Austrian

and Fr nch representatives, and approved of by them,
before it was sent to Athens.

Professor Brewer, of King's College, .LoecTon,
writes a smart letter to the Globe, in which Le attempts to
prove that unless all endowments aro taken away from the
Irish Church its disestablishment—or rather the inaugura-
tion of pure voluntaryism—is impossible. "You cannot,"
he says, "have an endowed clergy and an unendowed epis-
copate." If the bishop refuso to do this or that, and he is
compelled to do as the State wishes, where is the volun-
taryism ? If a Commission be appointed by the State to
govern the Church, what is that but Establishment with the
Royal supremacy? In fact, ➢lr. Brewer's contecition is that
disestablishment cannot mean more thtlll tho libroglitiOrt of
Rohl oupromach