The Sun.
London, England, 1844-01-01 00:00:00

POSTSCRIPT POLITICAL.

THE THREE HUNDREDTH ANNI-
. VERSARY OF THE PUBLICATION OF
THE COPERNICAN SYSTEM.
On Sat orday-, the 30th December, a meeting was held
the Chambers of the Literary Association of the
Criends of Poland, to commemorate the above event.
.A. great many Poles, as well as distinguished friends of
Porand,,,were present. Among the latter we noticed
L'rd Dudley Stuart, the Hon. Colonel Leicester Stan-
hope, Cobfiel Watson, the Rev. Dr. Worthington, John
Wood Eq.; Chairman of the Excise ; Professor Ber-
nays, of 'King's College ; W. D. Saull, Esq.; member of
the Astronomical Society ; Dr. Gardner, Thomson
Mulkey, Esq., &c. &e.
Lord 1). STUART, having taken the chair in virtue of
his office-of Vice-President (the President being absent),
shortly explained that the objects of the Association
were of a literary, political, and charitable nature, and,
although. circumstances had for some time compelled it
to devote nearly the whole of its attention to the latter
objects, still that it was not unmindful of the former,
mid when'any opportunity arose of attending to the first,
it gladly embraced it. Many of the .Poles having ex-
pressed a desire that the present year, the three hun-
dredth since the work of Copernicus on the solar system
wa-s fiest'printed, should not be suffered to elapse without
some public notice of that event, the present meeting of
the, Association had been called. It would give an
opportunity for refuting the absurd attempt which had
been made of late years to deprive Poland of the honour
(1 _counting Copernicus among her sons. It was no
wonder the Poles should be anxious to repel such an in-
justice. Spoliated and oppressed, they had nothing left
thein but the proud recollections of former glory.
These--and one thing more, hope—alone remained
to them. May that hope, said his Lordship, be one day
fulfilled to the utmost of their wishes.
Colonel SZYRMO then read a paper which he had pre
pared fur the occasion. He gave an ouline of the state
astronomy was in at the age of Copernicus. Entering
upon the Copernican system, he extolled its superior
merits in application to geography, navigation, and espe-
cially in its legitimate province; astronomy, where it has
pared the way to the vast discoveries in the succeeding
three Centuries. He dwelt upon the sensation the great
work of Copernicus produced in Europe after it appeared
in print, and mentioned the singular fact that the first
copy of it the astronomer received when on his death-
bed, and died on the same day. He had bestowed on it
thirty-six years, and, published it only at the solicitations
of his friends. The lecturer refuted the notion of Coper-
nicus being a German as absurd, it being of recent date,
and unsupported by any historical document. Not one
word is said by his biographers, ancient and modern, in
confirmation of it. Copernicus was born in 1473, at
Thorn, which was a town of Regal i. e. Polish Russia.
That province formed at his age an integral part' of
Poland, and continued for 300 years after him to belong
to that kingdom, until the first partition of it in 1772.
Besides, the father of Copernicus was not a native of
Thorn, but settled there as a citizen of Cracow (Civis
Cracoviensis). Copernicus acquired the rudiments of
Greek and Latin in his native town, and completed
his studies at the University of Cracow, at that time
celebrated for mathematics. The most eminent of the
professors there was Albert Brudzewski ; the astrono-
mer was his pupil. His life was considered by the lec-
turer under manifold aspects. He deScribed him as a
student at Padua, where Copernicus was graduated
doctor of philosophy and medicine, and in his character
as professor of mathematics at Rome ; as a recluse;
after his return to Cracow, whop maturing his great
astronomical system, and, subsequently, in the character
of a priest and a canon of Warinia ; as the ad-
ministrator of the demesnes of the Bishopric,
and as an opponent to the Teutonic Order in
Prussia, whom he considered as foes to Poland and
aliens to the Prussian people ; as a nuncio to the I'olish
Diet at Grandentz, and calculating like Newton, debated
money currency, and proposing a plan to the States for
reducing it to an uniform standard in the whole kingdom;
as a physician administering medicaments to the
peasantry, by whom, on that account. he was worshipped
like a deity (ut ;rumen quoddam) ; as a civil engineer
who constructed hydraulic machines for supplying the
town with water, and so forth. The sketch he gave of the
astronomer's posthumous fame was not-less interesting,
and having, in. a tour through Prussia, himself visited
all the places where Copernicus resided, he minutely
described the house, and the interior of it, where the
philosopher was born, and the observatory, where he
made his observations. In the portraits be had seen of
him he discovered a strong resemblance to Roger Bacon ;
and mentioning the representation of Copernicus on the
ceiling of the Picture Gallery at Greenwich, with the
firmament over his head, and his solar system in his
_hand, be said—" Nowhere could a fitter association of
Copernicus be made than in that place of England's naval
glory, and in the very asylum of the seafaring men who,
on their voyages to distant regions, might be said to
hang on the abyss and to tread on the stars." Colonel
szyrmo added a description of the inauguration of the
bronze statue of Copernicus (by Thorwaldsen), which
took place at Warsaw, in 1830, and at which he was
present.
Several excellent and interesting speeches were then
delivered by Colonel 'Watson, the Rev. Dr. Worthington,
Mr. Wood, and others, who expressed their admiration
of discourse which had been delivered by Colonel
Szyrmo, and their full concurrence in his views ; and
thanks having been voted to that gentleman, and to
Lord
Dudley Stinsrt, for his conduct in the chair, the meeting
separated.

SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAY.
On Saturday, a special general meeting of the Pro-
prietors in this Company was held at the Nine Elms
station, Vauxhall, Mr. William Chapman, Chairman of
-the Board of Directors, presiding, to take into considera-
tion the propriety of extending the line to 'Salisbury,
Newberry, And Epsom. There was a numerous attend-
ance of Proprietors, amongst whom were Mr. Chute,
IL P., Mr. Tretrart, M.P., and several gentlemen attend-
ing as a deputation from Salisbury.
Mr, MORGAN, the Secretary, read the Directors' Re-
/ion, from which it appeared that Mr. Locke, the en-
gineer, hui completed the survey of the proposed line to
Epsom, and which, by the construction from the parent
line of five miles of railway, touching at Ewell, would
brieg Epsom within fourteen miles of Vauxhall,
the cost of the line being estimated at 51,000 L
and the traffic at 5,4121. per annum, of which a
largo) amount would be derived from carrying visitors to
'the races.. The propoSA Salisbury Railway, front the
Bishopstoke stetton, by tlo72asey, somewhat under 22
miles, might be enmp:eted for 230 .g baring the advan-
tage of forming a good communication between the ports
of Portsmouth and Southampton. The total estimated
revenue to be derived from traffic would be 25,000/, of
which 14,0001. would accrue from passengers, so that,
allowing 40 per cent. for the, working expenses, there
would be 7 per cent. pretit on the investment. The
Directors did not propose the construction by themselves
of the proposed railway to Newbury, but proposed to
accept a lease of it in perpetuity, at it rental of 3,1
per cont. The length of the branch would be about
16 miles, and could be constructed for 200,000/., the
traffic being Jutlicient, and more so, than to replace at
least 7,0001. u-year. The Directory further proposed,
en account of the accession of traffic, to increase _the
public accommodation at the Nine Elms station, either
bv removing the booking-offices, &c., to a new site next
Site Wandsworth-road, or by transferring thither a por;
tient of the good: trade. The Director, proposed that
-the requisite capital for these branch liner, the New-
bury excepted, should bo raised amongst the Proprietors,
and concluded their Report by suggesting that they be
empowered by the Proprietors in the next session to
apply for an Act of Parliament, authorising the con-
version of the :.hare capital of the Company into stock.
The CHAIRMAN addressed the meeting at considerable
leep-0 on the topics contained in the Report, repreeent-
ing then great advantages that would accrue to the
parent lino by the construction of these tributairy rail-
wa) s, itt iuldition to the Lutac which it at present de•
'lived from its beint one of the great arteries of commu-
ideation by means of Portsmoto I and Sindhampton,
with India and China, from its connexion with
tlie shipping at Portsmouth and the military
station et Gosport, and the general traffic of
the . south-western parts of _England. The - New-
Wry branch hail the support ef Lord Cautery:in. Lord
Critven, and Lord it dton, anal the Fupport of his Grace
the Pulse of Wel!iugton. A branch to Guildford was
also under cmusideration.
hung and animated discussion followed, in which
Me,,Chute, Mr. Trowatt, Mr. Tito, Mr. Gilbert, and
other; took part. Ultimately resolutions embodying
the propositions contained in the Directors report were
passed uniinimausly, and the meeting separated.

•
THE NELSON MONUMENT.—For some days work-
familavetwert employed on a new scaffolding around the
the architect having found, as every passer-by
had found long since, that from some defect, either in the
position or stincture of the statue, it had a most awkward
Appearance. The deformity, it is saul, is caused by that
part of the base representing a cab?-e, which completely
Judea the legs,.and orders have been given to diminish
its proportion. We are not inclined to find Tank with
Mr. Railton, who has erected a very beautiful pillar, the
oily Corinthian pillar of such a height in the world ;
but we have often wished, on viewing the statute from
Whitehall, that it might be speedily dashed to the
ground by a hurricane. It is a disgrace to the arts in
the present day, and, we fear, cannot be mended.
PEERY-JANE THEATRE.—The unprecedented at-
traetwn of the Bohemian Girl, and the new Pantomime,
has fillet: the theatre nightly ; •and, amongst others, we
bavetiotifted Royal Highness the Duke of Cam-
bridge, Duke of Devonshire, Earl of Chesterfield, Earl
0f Cardigan, Earl of Wilton, Baron and Baroness Brun-
slow,
.Earl and Countess of Harrington, Marchioness of
Conyngliam, Countess of Wustmoreland, Count Nessel-
rode ; Lathe; Fitzroy. Somerset, Strathaven, Jersey,
Dungannon, Graham, Strafford, Mary Berkeley, Towns-
end, Villiers, Seymour, Mary Ross, Sheffield ; Lords
Castlereagh, . Dovr, Qssulston, W. Beresford, Clifton,
ltussell, Seymour, De Manley ; Baron Knes,beck ;
General Sir .De Lacy Evans, Sir Frederick Trench,
33art. ; Sir Henry Munloke, Bark; Sir Henry Webbe,
Part.; lion. Cecil Forester ; Hon. Mr. Grevillo $ lion.
Mr. Anson, Hon. Miss Tollemache.
pictuorouraN IMPROVEMENTS.—On Friday, in
consequence of orders from the Commissioners of Woods
stud Forests, the -occupiers of the several houses facing
Great St. Andrew's-street, Seven-dials, removed their
goods and furniture? preparatory to their being taken
down. for the imProVem, erns, it*t . that neighbourhood, for
which purpoSe they wilt be sold in a few days. When
removed, there will be a direct - line -from Upper St.
llartin's-lane, into Broad-street, St. Giles's, which will
snake a very spacious streek•- The houses which formed
?fiddle-row, Holborn have bean ,demolished for the
tissue object. Several houses in Plumptrn-Street, nearly
oppOsite to Great St. Andrew's-street, have been pur-
chased by the Commissioners, and will be pulled down
to toon as possible, in order to form the line from Ox-
for4l44,Teet to Holborn. Many houses in this line, dur-
ing the last few weeks, have been cleared away,

_
(From Tuit's Magazine for January.)
In the modern Politician's Calendar, the month of De-
cember might aptly enough be termed the Guessing
Month. It is then, and up to the meeting of Parliament,
that all sorts of rumours arid conjectures are se' afloat ;
that feelers are thrown out by party organs, and tubs
are launched to amuse the whale ; while every new day
demolishes the lie of yesterday, and spreads its more
novel fabrication. According to one late rumour, the
Whigs and Tories are to coalesce ; in order, we presume,
that a strong Government may show a bold face to the
country and the Anti-Corn-law Laague, and save as
much of the wreck of " Landlords' Protection" as is now
possible. Other reports make the Whigs and Radicals
fraternize, but forget to say for what purpose. Cer-
tainly not to carry a fixed duty on imported corn,
and make a final stand upon the grand Russell prin-
ciple of Finality. Reports, quite as extravagant, hint at
Sir Robert Peel being about to become a total repealer !
In the midst of these contradictory rumours, whether
cireulated by the quidnuncs of the Clubs, or by editors at
their wit's end for a new idea, and fond of being imagined
in the secrets of the Government or the Opposition, we
may mention a fresh report that has more of novelty to
recommend it, with quite as much probability as any of
those which have enlightened or amused the public dur-
ing the currency of the guessing month. It is whispered
in " high circles," that it is understood to be theinten-
tion of" a great personage," on the first hitch, which
cannot be very far distant, to send for Earl Spencer, who
lately made so emphatic a declaration for Free Trade,
and against fixed duties, sliding scales, and all the other
apparatus of monopoly. We do not see that the love of
retirement, or any consideration of self, could absolve
Earl Spencer from obeying the commands of his Sove-
reign in the contemplated emergency. lie will, no doubt,
receive ample powers to form a broad-based and really
Liberal Administration ; -fitted to meet the exigencies of
the times, and calculated by ability, integrity, and moral
influence, to gain the support and win the confidence of
every class of citizens. It is, however, believed that Earl
Spencer will on no consideration accept of office. But is
this a conjuncture in which a good man, with'the power
to serve his country, can conscientiously decline the
responsibilities of place, on the mere plea of disinclina-
tion ? Or, if' determined against place, then the new
and anomolous office of Director of the Cabinet, and
umpire of public affairs, held at present by the Duke of
Wellington, may be vacant ; and it cannot be more un-
constitutional when held by a peaceful, sagacious, and
Free Trade Earl, than by a warlike and Conservative
Duke. If ever there was a time when, leaving factious
motives and party interests to those that like them and
thrive by them, enlightened and unanimous councils
and energetic measures were required, it is now ; and
from what party administration, whether represented
by Sir Robert Peel or Lord John Russell, can the
nation rationally hope for what it urgently requires ?
These rumours and speculations may seem idle enough
and perhaps they are so ; but not so the pertinent
question, That if Sir Robert Peel be not the man who
is either to work out the salvation of the commonwealth,
or even to lend a helping hand in finishing what the

League have all but accomplished without, or in spite of
Whig or Tory help or- opposition, who, then, is that
man ? Where are we to look for him ? And if none
such be found in the Whig or Tory ranks, the next
question is—Does the country possess none of the
desired material ? IS there not intelligence and
virtue sufficient in its own bosom to guide its councils
and to save itself ? In the heart of the people
of America and of France, the rulers of France
and America are looked for and found. So, we
presume, it- is expected to be in Ireland, should that
country ever become an independent kingdom. England
alone, though nearly all its science, knowledge, business,
talent, and enterprise, are to be found among its middle-
classes, must be governed exclusively by its aristocracy;
by Whig and Tory alternately, as of hereditary right !
When the Queen shall verify the above rumour (for
which we do not vouch), by sending for Earl Spencer to
aid her with his advice as to how a new Government may
best be framed, we anticipate that " Honest Lord Al-
thorp" -will act upon the simple and true principle of,
in every case, recommending the man best adapted for
the office ; that he will—to illustrate our opinion—point
out Mr. Rowland Rill for Postmaster-General, as infi-
nitely tho best choice that could be made; and Mr.
M‘Gregor, Mr. Cobden, or. Mr. Grote, for the Board of
Trade. Either Mr. Joseph Hume or a reformed Sir
Robert Peel, might make a very fair Chancellor of the
Exchequer. We are not so sure of Joseph' Sturge, a
man of peace, succeeding Lords Palmerston and Aber-
deen as Foreign Secretary ; but are next to certain, that
Lord Dunfermline would be pointed out as Lord-Lieu-
tenant of Ireland. We, however, merely enunciate the
principle on which the new Ministry might be formed,
and do not pretend to enter into details. Nor do we
give currency to these rumours merely to raise a foolish
laugh ; but in the sober assurance, that official appoint-
ments must be made on this principle, before there can
be either peace in Ireland,-or prosperity in England.
In speculating upon changes in the Administration,
or of Lord John Russell taking, for a time, the place of
Sir Robert Peel, no one appears to get farther than the-
hackneyed idea, that, as a matter of course, the Whigs
must come in ; because .Sir Robert Peel has lost the
confidence of the middle classes, and is distrusted and de-
serted by the High Tories. No one seems to believe the
Premier possessed of that moral courage, of that confi-
dence in himself, and that strength of purpose which, by
arousing the enthusiasm of the country, might make the
day of his apparent defeat the birth-hour of his ultimate
triumph. And yet so timid is dishonesty, that some of
the Whigs Sepin in trepidation lest the manoeuvring Sir
Robert should- once more forestall them, by all at once
giving effect to his " abstract principles." However this
may be, Sir Robert will assuredly not stoop to pick up
the abortive Whig " fixed duty." That is now repu-
diated by everybody but Whigs. They need not be
alarmed for Sir Robert's manoeuvres here.
Whatever becomes of his Tories, the majority of the
electoral body will support any Minister who, nailing his
colours to the mast, declares for total repeal. Less will
satisfy no member of the League. That Association ha
not, we would hope, in the opinion of the nation, per-
formed its work so badly, that it must all be done over
again at some future period, in order to get rid of the
fernientive dregs of the iniquitous impost, the eight or
five shilling duty. If the principle of a tax on the people's
food, for the protection, as it is called, of the land-
owners, be recognised, and retained in any shape, what
shall prevent its increase ? We have had half-a-dozen
changes of sliding-scales and corn-laws within the last
thirty years ; and what is to give security against other
changes and increase in the amount of duty ? What
shalt prevent what is eight.- shillings this year from be-
coming sixteen shillings in another, or twenty-four shil-
linc;-; in a third ? Besides the effect of free trade can
neve
r have scope for
,development while any vestige of
duty or restriction remains. The League have not
surely, as we said, done their work in so loose or slovenly
a way, that it may be all to do over again in another
generation. We ara not afraid of this ; but then the
feat settlement must be final. If Sir Robert Pee'

.as courage to be the 'Minister that will manfully pr.(
pose the only Omissible terms of final settlement,
there is, we believe, a spirit in the country that will
bear him out. But he has not. It is mere folly to look
for it. Will Lord John Russell then, sometime between
this and next Easter, looking to the triumphant.progres-
sion of the League—to its geometrical progression
screw his courage to the proper pitch; declare, like Earl
Spencer, for the total repeal of the corn-laws, and also
tor the abandonment of the income-tax; and, instead of
finality, take up the suffrage where Lord Durham left
it in the lurch eight years since? This is surely not
much. Tnis is not asking. anything either impracticable
or visionary; lout it is moving onward—and that mere
Whigs never will do, Sir Robert Peel has of late been
fully snore liberal-20 far as a flourish of fair words at
agricultural meetings goes—than, for example, Mr. La-
honehere. 130th gentlemen tell the farmers in substance,
that since bandlords cannot hope much longer to squeeze
rack-rents out of the pooplu (the agriculturists included),
the farmers must contrive to !open,: them out of the
soil; fur " rents must be maintained."
We h4ve no spirits at this time to speak of Ireland.
We anticipate a protraeted and irritating trial; and, it
the Government has the ram) good fortune to obtain a
verdict, a grand stroke of.graoiousnega and magnani-
mity, Nt the pardon of, at least, the principal culprit (if
he should eves, be even sentenced) ; and then England
and Ireland will 4tarid n 4 no better terms than betbre.

THE LATE LORD f:Y 141- Spowt.-We understand
that intimation was sent to the relatives of the late Lord,
that, if it would meet their wishes, or not be inconsistent
with the intentions of the,deccased, his remains would
be tlepaiited in WestiginSter- Abbey. However deserv-
ing of this honour, and however gratifying such request
wai to his surviving relatives, it could not be taken ad-
vantage of, as, we understand, his Lordship had ex•
pressed on his death-bed a decided wish to be buried
beside the ashes of his long.lexcented wife which lie in
M tloan church- yard. With a view to this, his Lord•
ship, some years ago, caused a piece of ground within
that place to be inclosed fur a family burying ground.—
Perthshire Courier.
A few days since an inhabitant of Bamptnn, sent a
man in his employ to get change for a sovereign. The
servant proved a rogue, and never returned again, but_
&mud his way to this town, where he set about spending
the cash. Whilst in a public house drinking, he had his
pocket picked of somo of the stolen money, and detect-
ing the thief, ho gave him into the custody of,our active
Inspector Satnuels, on a charge of robbing him. In the
meanwhile his master hail traced the delinquent to Taun-
ton, and had given information to the police, who soon
found him out. The first rogue was then given into
custody charged with purloining his master's property.
The owner of the sovereign eventually declined to prose-
cute, and the knave,_ in gratitude for his escape, refused
to appear against the man who had abstracted a poetlon
of the stolen coin from his pocket. Thus two rascals
have escaped from the bands of justice through mistaken
kindness.—Somerset Gazette.

THE hum' POPULACE..7—The Irish are a very ro-
ligious people, and have all kinds of pretty pious saluta-
tions always at hand. If they pass people at work in a
field the regular form is n nd Mess your work," and
the answer " Save you too." • It' ono praisas-a person or
even a thing, or more especially a child, one must nevee
forget to add " God bless it," for praise always seems
stivicious to an Irishman, and, unless accompanied by
an invocation of God's blessing, it 4ppefgq to him to
dicate a desire either to possess it oneself or to destroy it
by calliag towards it the attention of fairies and bad
sphiis., who are always lipon the look ont for what is
beautiful,..; An Irish isioiligr would rather hear a
Stranger say, " *What a nasty, screaming, disagreeable
brat your child is," than ". What a charming little angel
you've got there," unlesi he instantly warned off the
bad spirits by adding " God ideas him." As Owl !ever
forget to ask a blessing, they are also most diligant in
returning thanks. " Thanks to the great God," is a
phrase often in their mouths, and certainly I believe in
their boarp also. They often utter this thanksgiving
even when speaking or a misfortune, as " I've lost my.
poor dear little child, thauks to 11w great rod."—Hull
4drertiper.