The Sun.
London, England, 1857-02-10 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY lO,

of the expression of general disapprobation and
disgust at the " pettifogging quibble"—to keep
his "slight convenient intrenchment in the dis-
tance," concealed from observation—as a masqued
battery in fact, not to be resorted to save in the
last extremity. •

This is a cunning game, but it has been too
long deferred. The concession should have been
made at an earlier period, and with a better grace.
The time for capitulation has gone by when the
assailants have it all their own way ; and if a
beleaguered garrison expect the honours of war,
they must lay down their arms while there is the
possibility of their offering a formidable, if not an
effectual, resistance. Had Sir G. C. LEWIS an-
nounced to the deputations that waited on him
respecting the Income Tax that he would put
forward his financial scheme within ten days
after the meeting of Parliament—had he, even
during the discussion on the Royal Speech, made
a similar declaration, the public anxiety would
have been alleviated, and numerous notices of
motion on the subject might not have been given.
We long since demanded the unconditional re-
peal of the War Income Tax Acts of 1854 and
1855, so that the "pettifogging quibble" might
be definitively abandoned. The impost would
then be levied under Mr. GLADSTONE'S Act of
1853, at the rate of sd. in the pound. If the
16,000,0001., which would thus be relinquished,
could not be spared consistently with the efficient
maintenance of the national establishments, the
Right Hon. Baronet might then appeal to the
tried liberality of the House, and that appeal, if
justified by circumstances, would be promptly and
generously responded to. He could not, how-
ever, make up his mind to relinquish the petty
advantage, and he must therefore abide the con-
sequences. Nothing but the repeal of the ob-
noxious Acts will satisfy the nation, and that must
be obtained before any terms of compromise can
be even listened to.

Mr. DISRAELI has entered on the right course
in one respect. But, unfortunately, the Right
Honourable Gentleman does not stop at the right
point. He is not satisfied with proposing the
simple repeal of the Acts of Parliament that entail
the grievance, but he endeavours to commit the
House to another grievance far more flagrant,
viz., the quasi equal charge on all receipts, with-
out reference to the sources from whence they
might be derived, assessing at the same rate the
permanent income arising out of accumulated and
realised property, and the precarious and fluctu-
ating earnings of industry. He declares that it
is " more judicious not only to remove the griev-
ance, but to assort these just and sound principles
on which the tax ought to rest, as long as it is
permitted to remain in existence." This was
skilfully contrived, by mixing two totally different
subjects, to attract the votes of the independent
Members by the immediate repeal of the Act, and
then tack on a rider that NI 0111(1 prevent the
parties who voted in its favour from
claiming a more equitable apportionment of the
burden ! This is practically a " pettifogging
quibble," as unfair as that of Sir G. C. LEwrs's,
although far better concealed. When the pledge
had been given against any modification of the
impost, then the combined strength of the
Derbyites and Aberdeenites would reimpose at
least a considerable portion of the weight that had
been nominally, although not really, removed.
The dodge bears the impress of Mr. GLADSTONE'S
hand. We suspect that the night Honourable
aaaexpan might_ as on a previous occision, ex-

—Me, me, adsum pi feci,
Iri me, eonvertile ferrum—mea frans omnis."

The Liberal Members will not, however, be
quite so easily taken in ; and, fortunately, there
is a mode by which they can avoid the trap so
artfully laid for their reception. Major REED, in
redemption of his solemn pledge, has given notice
hat he will this evening move a resolution : that
" whereas the Act of Parliament (18th Vic., c. 20)
contains a proviso, which, by its technical construc-
tion, would inflict in time of peace a second year of
full war Income Tax upon the loyal, but heavily
burdened, subjects of her MAJESTY, the House is
of opinion that the provisions of said Act should
cease'and determine from the 6th of April next."
We trust that the Honourable and Gallant Mem-
ber may persevere in this motion, and steadfastly
resist all the blandishments that may be used by
professing Liberals to induce him to postpone or
withdraw it. Such a course will be far better for
irhe Government, and for the Liberal members.
By prompt concession, the Government,
will extricate themselves from a very em-
barrassing position, while the artful dodge of
the DISRAELI-GLADSTONE Coalition will be turned

against themselves. -.We trust the Gallant Major
will exhibit firmness befitting the occasion, the
fiat and greatest requisite of one who aspires to
be a leader amongst Parliamentary Reformers.

Lord BROUGHAM has long worthily occupied
bile chief place amongst legal reformers. No
man has ever worked more steadily, indefatigably,
and efficiently in cleansing the Augean stables of
the law. The alterations in the national statutes
will constitute his " most glorious memorial"
whenever (and far distant be the day) he may be
removed from amongst us. The grievance which
he last night exposed in the House of Lords is
one of a very serious character. Any man is
subject to au action on the most frivolous and
vetious grounds. Re can do nothing to arrest
the evil. A pauper may put forward a claim
ecting his character or property, and ho must
encounter heavy expenses and serious annoyance,
with the certainty that when the f erdic t is pre-
flounced in his favour he cau never hope to obtain
the costs, oven as between party and party, to
which ho has been 30 wantonly and recklessly
liff
subjected. Should his opponent resort to the
Insolvent Court, although a frivolous and vexa-
tious defence would furnish sufficient grounds for a
prolonged demand, the bringing a vexatious ac-
tion, without even the shadow of foundation,
could not in any way be punished. Some of the
learned Commissioners have repeatedly deplored
their want of power to pronounce a sentence ade-
quatq to the occasion, so that the unfortunate and
innocent defendant was left wholly without re-
medy —although the offence was really far greater
than that of a vexatious defence, inasmuch as it
must have been committed either through a vindic-
tive and malicious feeling, er in a reckless and

wanton spirit.
Lord Baonorram last, night detailed a case which
happened in the Court of Queen's Bench, in his
early days, where privileged defamation was uttered
against the defendant, without any attempt at
proof, or any opportunity
warrantable attack, for rebutting the un-
or sending forth the antidote
with the poison. There are many similar cases of
far more recent occurrence ; and we venture to
assert that there is not a single practising barristerof
three or four years' standing, who could not draw
on his experience for corroborative evidence. It
was some years ago perfectly notorious on the
Munster Circuit that actions were brought for
the sole purpose of obtaining an opening speech
frxn a Queen's Counsel, whose vituperative
powers had been largely developed, and who
generally contrived to fasten a soubriquet or nick-

; name on the defendant that stuck to him for life.
So that the plaintiff had the double gratification
of materially hurting the feelings and injuring the
pocket of his victim. Such a deplorable state of
affairs requires no comment, and it is sufficient to
say that it is still possible, although a more
healthy feeling, both on the Bench and at the
Bar, renders it of far less frequent occurrence.
Lord BROUGHAM is entitled to the greatest
possible credit for the introduction of this salu-
tary and much-required measure, which was read
the first time last night. Care must, of course,
be taken not to obstruct the gates of justice;
•r to prevent a man, merely because he is poor,
from obtaining any amount of redress to which he
may fairly be entitled. But it is one thing to
permit free access to every meritorious suitor,
and to refuse admission to vindictive scoundrels
who merely seek to give vent to their evil pas-
sions. The Noble and Learned Lord has shown
that he is fully alive to the necessity of due dis-
crimination, and his past career :Affords the best
and most conclusive testimony that he may be
safely trusted, and that his prudence is as strong
as his lively sense of injustice. We trust that he
may succeed to the full extent of his wishes on
this very important subject. Should he do so he
will have established another powerful claim on
the national gratitude, sufficient to render the
name of HENRY BROUGHAM a household word
amongst our children, and their descendants
hrough many successive generations.

The Secretary of State for the Home Depart-
ment last night introduced his premised measure
on the interesting question of secondary punish-
ments and tickets of leave. It is needless to say
how anxiously the subjeot has been looked forward
to by the peaceable and well-disposed classes of
her MAJESTY'S subjects. Protection for life and
property is the equivalent which they are
supposed to obtain in return for their heavy
contributions to the national exchequer,
and the various restrictions to which they willingly
submit. But a new and formidable foe has
arisen, far more formidable than adverse nations.
The domestic Ishmaelites have acquired extra-
ordinary force, and energetic efforts are impera-
tively demanded to abate the social grievance.
No man feels himself safe under his own roof un-
less he has taken extra precautions against daring
burglars, and if his business compels
him to traverse lonely ways after nightfall
he does so in constant fear of garotters, and the
various members of the predatory hordes who
look upon every man as fair game, and who will
not scruple to take life, should it be necessary for
their escape, or even the complete success of their
diabolical projects.
Hitherto the law has looked solely to the
punishment of convicted criminals. The pre-
vention of crime was a matter wholly
beyond its frontiers. There was no notice taken
of the palpable intention—and men who were
known to be living by crime, to be arrayed in
open hostility against the laws of the land, were
not only permitted to pursue their nefarious pro-
jects without let or hindrance, but they had their
ranks recruited by experienced hands fresh from
the hulks and houses of correction, who had
succeeded in gammoning the chaplains, or me-
dical men, by the reformed or sick dodges.
This serious evil must in some way be checked,
and although Sir GEORGE GREY does not strike at
its very root, by interposing the protection of the
law against notorious members of the swell mob
flifrerptif ssisaals of erime.that abound,
more especially in the metropolis, he has ninths s
creditable attempt to prevent convicted and expe-
rienced criminals from getting loose to prey
upon society for the second time. He
does not proceed to the full extent that
is required, but the step is in the right direction,
and we have no doubt that further ameliorations
will gradually be introduced, until all that could
be reasonably anticipated will be effected.
The main feature of the new proposition will
be, that transportation and penal servitude will
be convertible terms, so that notoriously incorrig-
ible offenders may be detained in perpetual imprison-
ment at home or aeported for life, or a prolonged
term of years, as may be deemed most expedient
by the authorities. There is no doubt that the
old system of transportation was by far the most
effectual, that it afforded the best protection
against the criminal, and at the same time the
most auspicious prospects of his reformation.
Natural humanity revolted against anything that
deprived even the most atrocious malefactor of any
motive for improvement, that excluded even hope,
and delivered hint over a victim to despair.
Besides, he was rendered a permanent burden on
the national finances. The means essential to
his safe custody rendered it impossible for him to
earn his daily bread by his daily labours on works
of public utility. But there were other parties
to be consulted before a judicious system of tran-
sportation could be carried into operation. Our
colonists were entitled to protest against the con-
tamination to which they would be exposed by the
invasion of the offscourings of our population.
Even those who would be willing to receive con-
victed offenders stipulated for the class which we
ourselves were anxious to retain. It was not the
incorrigible or the helpless, but those who might
be reformed, and who could make themselves use-
ful auxiliaries in the battle against the wilderness.
There was then, apparently, an insuperable ob-
stacle to carrying out our own views and intentions,
and no adequate solution has as yet been offered
of the interesting and important problem.
For the present, West Austrialia stands alone
in being willing to receive our criminals, and it
must be obvious that unless great discrimination
be exercised that " locus penitentiaa," as it may
properly be termed, may speedily be overstocked
and closed against us. Sir GEORGE GREY is,
therefore, fully justified in demanding the legis-
lative sanction to that which, under all the
circumstances of the case, was all that he could
at present suggest. But the measure can only be
regarded as a tsmporary expedient—not as a per-
manent system. It may always be useful, but
more is required. We want a new and exclusively
penal settlement. We shall not at present enter
into the vexed questions of the Falkland
Islands, the Hudson's Bay Company's dis-
tricts, the Hebrides, or the islands of
the western coast of Ireland ; some of them
may beneficially be resorted to. Suffice it now to
say that Sir GEORGE GREY'S measure is good so far
as it goes, but that far more is required before the
criminal question can be considered settled, or
even as placed on a satisfactory foundation.

The Chief Commissioner of Public Works gave
a very satisfactory account last evening of the
intentions of the Government in regard to the
proposed new bridge at Westminster. In answer
to an inquiry (relative to those intentions) ema-
nating from the lion. Gentleman the member for
Honiton, Sir BENJAMIN HALL intimated that
Ministers had already formally adopted the re-
commendation of the Committee, to excite a com-
petition, in reference to the designs for the new
bridge, among the principal architects and engi-
Ineers of the day. So completely indeed has
the Administration adopted this suggestion,

that no less than 1,'741 copies of conditions and
particulars have been circulated in all directions—
through Sir BENJAMIN HALL'S own department,
through the Foreign Office, and through the agency
of the French Government. As many as 1,541
of these "forms'' passing through the Office of
Public Works ; I'7o being disseminated through
the Office of the Foreign Secretary; and 130 being
supplied to our Gallic Allies for the purposes of
appropriate distribution. Immediately the replies
to this comprehensive invitation to the more con-
spicuously gifted among the living votaries
of architecture and engineering, shall have been
received—it is proposed by her MAJESTY'S GOVVII-
ment to make, somewhere, a grand public exhibition
of the various designs sent in by the competitors.
Probably, says Sir BENJAMIN, Westminster Hall
will be the place selected for this rather unusual
exhibition. If so the public will be reminded
somewhat forcibly of another grand public exhi-
bition which took place there some ten or a
dozen years ago--that, we mean, of the gigantic
Cartoons in the production of which some of our
more ambitious artist's, such men as Messrs.
Mecusn, and POOLE, and CROSS, and ARMITAGE,
revealed new powers in a new department. It is
earnestly to be hoped that the forthcoming dis-
play of designs for the New Westminster Bridge
in Old Westminster Hall may be auspicious of
grander improvements in our metropolis generally
—improvements to be effected by means of com-
bined architectural and engineering achievements.
It is to be hoped that the proposed exhibition,
promised last evening in the House of Commons
by Sir BENJAMIN HALL, may be auspicious of such
improvements, improvements thus diffused and
comprehensive--precisely as the former Exhibition,

the Exhibition of Cartoons just alluded to, was
auspicious of a novel and unaccustomed evidence
of taste, enterprise, and munificence, as applied
to the decoration of the magnificent palace of
the Legislature. Whichever of the numerous
designs for the new bridge about to be
received and exhibited by Her Majesty's Govern-
ment may be selected as the most suitable in every
particular—it is sincerely to be trusted by us all
that due regard will, in the first place, be had to
tfie site chosen, as well as to the precise sweep of
the new approaches. Sufficient space, moreover,
ought to be cleared in the immediate vicinity of
the Bridge itself, and in that of the palatial Houses
of Parliament; otherwise the old shame and griev-
ance will, in this instance again, therefore, be de-
plorably perpetuated. Tkat we mean which is so
obviously the disfigurement of all our metropoli-
tan specimens of architecture. The want of
room, actually, in which to be seen. St. Paul's
Cathedral being a flagrant instance of this. Se-
veral of our principal churches, moreover, being
ignominiously poked down back lanes, as in the

instance of St. Bride's, with its beautiful tele-
scopic spire. If the competitors in the proposed
or rather promised Exhibition of Designs for the
New Bridge want " no favour"—the Bridge itself
most assuredly wants "a clear stage." And so
for that matter, too, does the contiguous
palace of the Legislature. Unless some regard
be had to this very pressing want of space, both
in regard to Westminster Bridge and the Houses
of Parliament—the more stiffnecked passers-by
will run the chance repeatedly of dislocating
their ♦ertebras in trying to get a peep at the sum-
mit of the Clock Tower ! Now that Sir BBNJA.MIN
HALL has fairly warmed to what ought to be the
spirit of his office, it is satisfactory at any rate to
note his readiness to acquit himself of its duties
with a due regard to the numerous and onerous
1ucTuA.—..“........,__ •._ , :—.oLve.

CONTOCATIoN.—The adjournment of the convocation
of the province of Canterbury is to the 26th of June
ensuing.
REPORTED DEATH OF COLONEL WYNDHAM.—We are
happy to state that there is no foundation for this ru-
mour.-- United Servke Gazette.
THE EARL of HAREWOOD.—The medical bulletin from
Harewood-house yesterday morning was as follows :
"The Earl of Hare wood is a little better. Harewood-
house, Monday morning, Feb. 9."
Mr. H. W. Schneider has withdrawn his claims to
the representation of Hull, and Mr. James Clay is now
the only candidate.
Major the Hon. W. Boyle, M.P,, delivered a lecture
during the past week, at the Literary and Scientific
Institution, Frome, on the subject of Algeria.
Ye-terday the Liverpool Town Council revoked to
invite Mr. W. Brown, M.P., to lay the foundation stone
of the new tree library in the Easter Parliamentary recess.
It is stated that the East India Company wilt shortly
invite tenders for the conveyance of upwards of 2,000
troops from England to Madras.
Tile continental exchanges continue with a favourable
appearance. At Hamburg the rate of discount has de-
clined to 3i per cent.
The Presse and Estafette both contradict the statement
of the Revue Britannique that Ledru-Rollin had left
London for the -United States.
atnhcee aßt
rtehaedeStat.irJeamboeaslamTehee,athrae,s
SaturdayenTh
yielded 701., after pay went of the expenses.
ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON.—At the meeting
of the Zoological Society this evening, Professor Owen
The
am a
tamateur
u r
last, performance
f°TO;
will read a paper on the anatomy of the great ant-bear.
Canaca PREFERMENTS.—Rev. A. C. Copeman, 8.M.,
minister of St. Andrew, in the City of Norwich ; Rev.
Edward Pote Neale, M.A., to the vicarage of Horsey,
in Norfolk.
A correspondent, writing from Dresden, says :
" Baron Forah Rouen, the French envoy at our court,
was received to-day, at twelve o'clock, in solemn
audience, to deliver to hie Majesty the Grand Cross of
the Legion of Honour.
The Agra, from Shanghai, is reported off the Western
Islands with a valuable cargo of 2,359 bales of silk and
517,5001b5. of tea. The Virginia has also arrived with
a quantity of tea.
THE STAMP DUTY PAID BY THE BANK OF ENGLAND.—
The sum of 60,0001. is paid by the Bank of England as a
composition for stamp duty, and 120,0001. contributed
out of the profits of the circulation department.
WHITEHAYEN, CLEATOR, AND EGREMONT RAILWAY.—
The directors will declare a dividend for the half-year at
the rate of nearly 9 per cent. per annum.
GLOUCESTER AND DEAN FOREST RAILWAY.—At the
halt-yearly meeting of this company, which was held on
Saturday at Gloucester, Mr. Baker in the chair, a divi-
dend of 114. Bd. per share, free of income tax, was de-
clared.

GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY.—The Bradford branch
of this company's railway from the main line at Bath to
the Wilts, Somerset, and Weymouth Railway at Trow-
bridge, was opened on Monday for passenger traffic.
The departures from the port of London for the Aus-
tralian colonies durirg the past week have comprised
three vessels—two t) Port-Philip and one to Hobart
Town, with an aggr3gate capacity of 1,402 tons. The
rates of freight continue to exhibit heaviness.

A. letter from SI Petersburg, of the 31st ult., bays ,
"The Emperor Napoleon has sent to the Emperor
Alexander 11. a magnificent copy of the 'lmitation of
Jesus Christ,' printed at the Imperial printing office in
Paris. It was sent to Count de Kisseleff by the Minister
of Justice. The Imperial Library purchased a copy of
this work in 1855, at a cost of 6000 f "
A copy has been received of a correspondence between
Mr. Luard and the London and County Bank, of which
be was lately the manager. Mr. Luard complained of
the tone of a circular ssued by the bank in April last,
and the bank, in a letter dated the 4th instant, have re-
plied that it was not the intention of the board to im-
peach his integrity.
FIRE IN QUEEN-STREET, LONG-ACRE.—Last evening,
between five and six o'clock, it was discovered that a
house belonging to Mr. Hooper, of Berners-street, Ox-
ford-street, was on fire. The fire was not got under
till it had excited some alarm iu the neighbourhood. A
little boy four years old was burnt to death, Nothing
is known as to the origin of the fire.
IRON BOILERS SUNK.—On Saturday last, whilst the
steam-boat Gollob was towing three iron boilers, each
weighing 101 tons, from Whitby to Rosedale, near
Staithes, at which place blasting furnaces are being
formed, two of them filled with water, and went to the
bottom, off Kettlene,s Point. Their value is about 3001
each.—Dover Chronicle
LIVERPOOL TOWN DUES. Our readers will perceive,
by a perusal of the debates that we were right in our
assertion that the Government did not intend to take
any further notice of the Liverpool town dues. Mr.
Lowe moved, on Thursday, for leave to bring in a bill
for the abolition of passing tolls, but from this bill the
Liverpool town dies are excluded.
At a meeting of the Australian Royal Mail Company,
yesterday afternoon, the proposal of the directors to ap-
are not to take
any measures for further operations i with-
ply for a su cha
out previously censulting the shareholders. Since the
last meeting
four of the vessels have been discharged
Pplemental rter was confirmed, but they
from the transport service—viz., the Sydney, the Ade
laide, the Victoria, and the Australian, and have been
placed in the Victoria Dock, waiting purchasers. The
arrangement of accounts with the Government la pro-
ceeding

LATEST YEWS.

MARSEILLES, FEB. 9.
The Thabor has come in, with letters and
papers to the 2d.
The Sultan has desired M. Thouvenel to con-
gratulate the Emperor Napoleon on the happy
issue of the negotiations relating to the moot
points respecting the Bessarabian frontier and the
Isle of Serpent. 4. _

A despatch from Bagdad received in Constan-
;inople affirms that Russian troops are making
Forward movements towards the Persian frontier ;

it is said they will enter Persia.
The Persian Ministry is divided upon the
question of devoting 600,000 tomaus to the war.
Tho governor of Tabriz having called upon the
garrison of Marragha to march to repress an in-
surrection, the mountain tribes entered the city so
soon as they had loft, and pillaged it. Anarchy
and rumours of incursions reign on all sides.

Fifteen English ships had appeared at Bender-
abbas, and were there buying provisions and

stores for money.

A letter from St. Petersburg, of the 31st ult.,
states that the affairs of Persia appear to assume a
serious appearance. Several generals who com-
mand the troops stationed on the frontiers of
Russia and Persia, on the coast of the Caspian
Sea and the Caucasus, have been summoned to St.
Petersburg, to attend a council of war. Several
couriers have been despatched to Count Peroffski
at Orenburg, to the Caucasus, and to General
Prince Orbelian, who commands on the Caspian
Sea. General Kappher, chief of the staffof the right
wing of the line of the Caucasus, and the chief of
the staff of the corps detached from Siberia, hav e
left to resume their command, having received in-
structions for every eventuality which may arise.
The writer then denies that there is any truth in
the assertions of some of the Austrian Rows-
papers, that the Russian Government is occu-
pied in re-establishing its military ports in
the Black Sea, or rebuilding the towns of
Kertch and Sebastopol, or raising the ships of
war sunk in the harbour. On the contrary, ac-
cording to the writer, the Russian Government is
gradually reducing its military establishments in
the Crimea, and the denomination Russian fleet
in the Black Sea is erased from the Imperial
almanack, and replaced by flotilla of the Black
Sea. Admiral Zebrikoff, appointed to the com-
mand of that flotilla, left St. Petersburg on the
30th ult. for Nicolaieff.

FRANCE.
PARIS, MONDAY EVENING.
The reports lately current of the probable ar-
rangement of the difficulties which had arisen be-
twee". the Western Powers and the Neapolitan
Government appear to assume a certain degree of
consistency. The foreign journals state that the
attempts made for this purpose, by the Prussian
envoy at the Court of King Ferdinand, have been
favourably received, and that the Cabinets of
London and Paris seem disposed to follow the
conciliatory suggestions of the Court of Potsdam,
supported by the Cabinet of St. Petersburg.
" The event of the day here in Vienna," says a
letter from that city in the Presse, " and which
occupies general attention, is the step which Sir H.
Seymour, by order of his Government, has just
taken to officially congratulate this Cabinet on
the act of amnesty accomplished by the Emperor
during his residence in the Lombardo-Venetian
provinces. It is not yet known whether the French
Ambassador or the Russian and Prussian Plenipo-
tentiaries have addressed similar congratulations •n
the part of their respective Governments ; but the
step taken by England does not, by being isolated,
less indicate the desire of the British Cabinet to
unite itself closely with the Austrian Government."
BOURSE, Feb. 9.—The following were the last

- Cash. fr. c.
4i per Cents
_ _

. .
3 per Cents 6B 10
New Loan -

End of Month.
-fr. -c.
68 45

Bank Shar©s 4,100 Roman

Credit Mobilier 1;355 Austrian
Belgian Fives . 99k— Spanish Threes
Piedmontese (5) 9O 75 Home Debt

RAILWAYS-FOR CASE.

tr. c. fr c
Orleans 1,367 50 Western
Northern 928 75 Strasburg
Lyons 1,377 50 New Ditto
Mediterranean 1,742 60 Grand Central
Lyons Geneva

Cate -

THE ROYAL THEATRI

'CALS.

TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN.

Sir,—lt is with great reluctance that I request
you to insert a few lines in your columns in expla-
nation of the paragraphs that have appeared in
several newspapers, in consequence of the step which
Mr. Rogers, of the Olympic Theatre, has thought
proper to take with reference to his payment for
services rendered at the performance at Windsor
Castle.

When performers are singly engaged at the
Palace their remuneration is allotted according to
a scale, which has ❑ever, to my knowledge, been
questioned ; but when it occasionally happens that
the greater number of the performers for the even-
ing's entertainment are taken from one theatre,
and the manager finds it necessary to clone his
house for the night, he receives a sum of money
in payment of the services of himself and his com-
pany, which are transferred to Windsor Castle,
instead of being given at his theatre in London.
When a theatre closes for this purpose every perso.
of this company receives the same salary to which
he would have been entitled if the theatre had re-
mained open to the public, and those members who
are engaged at Windsor, in addition to the pay-
ment of every inoidental (-xpense, receive an extra
night's salary. Mr. Wigan closed his theatre, and
Mr. Rogers, therefore, must have been paid as much
again as if he had acted on that night in London.
individual salaries are not specified, but the mana-
ger names the aggregate sum, which is handed to
him accordingly. Until I read the paragraphs in
the newspapers I was not aware that 13s. 4d. was
Mr. Roger's nightly payment at the Olympic
Theatre.

I remain, Sir, your obedient servant,
CHARLES KEAN,
Director of Her Majesty Private Theatricals.
7, Upper Hyde-park-street, Feb. 9.