The Sun.
London, England, 1857-02-21 00:00:00

THE RIVAL TWIIVS.

The discussion which arose on Mr. Locke King's
proposition was chiefly remarkable from the line
taken upon it by Lord John Russell and Sir James
Graham. True to the traditions of their former
political history when in opposition, these two
statesmen started for ward to embarrass the Govern-
ment by supporting Mr. Locke King's proposition
—a proposition which, had they been in power
themselves, they would have strenuously opposed.
As far as Lord John's argument is intelligible, it
appears to rest upon the foundation that, as the
House throughout the session will have little or
nothing to do, they may as well take a turn with
Mr. Locke King as with anybody else. Lord John
has no great belief that anything will come of the
discussion upon education ; the Government is
not prepared to legislate upon agricultural sta-
tistics. There is no prospect of a row anywhere,
or to use Lord John's own more Parliamentary
Owes*, "of disturbing the placid course of.
events." When things are at the worst they will
mend, however, and Lord John spits in his hand
and clutches his stick immediately he sees his hon
friend Mr. King trailing his jacket through the
fair, in hopes that somebody will tread upon the
sleeve. Hero, at last, is a chance of disturbing the
"placid course of events " by breaking the head
of one friend or another. The position of Lord
John Russell in the House of Commons, after his
many failures, must be a somewhat uncomfortable
one. It is intelligible enough that, as a party man,
as seeking the chiefship himself, he should seek to
throw difficulties in the way of his rival, but the time
has not yet come. With regard to Sir J. Graham,
it is strange to find him praising his old antagonist
with the most fulsome eulogies. Like Mrs. John
Anderson in Burn song, the Right Hon. Baronet
was quite pathetic in his recollections,—

" John Anderson, myjo, John,
" When we were first acquaint," &e.
The loving pair in the House, as in the song, seem
resolved "to gang down the bill thegither," and
we think the general opinio►i will be that they are
bath uncommonly near the bottom of it.—:Times.

The Earl and Countess of Sandwich have arrived in
town, at their new residence in Curzon-Street, front
Hinchinbroke House, Huntingdonshire.
The Earl and Countess of Lichfield have arrived at
the St. George's Hottl.

Viscountess Palmerston will "receive" this evening
at Cambridge House.

Lady Stuart de Rothesay has arrived in town, at the
residence of Caroline Countess Somers, in Grosvenor-
place, for the season.
Lord and Lady De Tabley and the Hon. Misses
Warren have arrived in town from Tabley House,
Cheshire.

Lord and Lady Edward Thynne have arrived at their
residence in Wilton-crescent for the season.

Lady William PO,ll t,t had an assembly last evening
at her residence in Curzon-street.

Sir William Fraser arrived in town on Thursday even-
ing from Brighton. •
Mrs. Wiliam E. Gladstone has issued cards for an
assembly on Tuesday next.
Lieut. Robert Ross has been nominated t.) the out:-
pension of Green wich.
We hear that Vice Admiral Sir Barrington Reynolds,
K.C.8., is a candidate for the command at Devonport,
to be vacated next May by Sir Wiliam Parker.
We (Union) understand that the judgment of the
Committee of Council in the case of the Knightsbridge
churches will probably not be delivered until May next.
ROYAL BRITISH BANK.—We have been credibly in-
formed that the expenses connected with this unfortunate
concern will not fall far short of 40,0001.
METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS.—At the meeting,
yesterday, Mr. Credin brought forward his vote of cen-
sure upon Sir B. Hall, the chief commissioner. The
motion was negatived without discussion.
The Hon. Edwin B.rkley Portman, yesterday, passed
tlirLu4h the Insolvent Court. The cause of his insol-
vency was betting transactions. On a former occasion
the insolvent's father paid his debts) which amounted to
nearly 10,0001. -

WAREHOUSEMEN AND CLERICS' SCHOOLS.—At the quar-
terly Court of the Warehousemen and Clerks' Sale ►l,
held-last night, at the London Tavern, a very flourishing
report was presented. The accounts showed a large
balance at the bankers. The success of this institution
is hi4hly gratifying.
THE CHURCH-RATE ABOLITION BILL. —Sir W. Clay's
new to aboli,h Church rates, which was read a first
time on Thursday week, enacts that no Church rate shall
oe made or levied in England or Wales • with a proviso
as to sums borrowed and salaries charged on Church
rates by statute, in which case rates may be levied to
pay off the debts and the salaries in question. The act
will not extend to Scotland or Ireland.
GAROTTE ROBBERY AT CHATHAM.—On Thursday
night Lieut. Brent, of the Royal Marines, was attacked
in the High-street, Chatham, by three men, one of whom
a-ized him by the throat from behind. Lieut. Brent,
however, escaped from his grasp and had at severe
struggle with the men—one of whom he secured, and
the two others have beeniince apprehended. During
the struggle one of the men got possession of
.Lieut
Brent's watch,