The Sun. — 1868-04-17 (London, England)

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, APRIL 17, 1868.  so violent and prejudicial, that it defeats itself as to achieving any definite purpose, and only shows the narrow limits in which the question is con sidered.  The visit of the Prince and Princess of WALES to he sister country has already fulfilled the most sanguine anticipations formed of its results. The loyal enthusiasm manifested by the people has convincingly testified to the Heir Apparent and his consort that whatever disaffection exists in Ireland it has no influence over the community at large, nor does it refer in any way to the reigning power. The cordial shouts of welcome resounding from the well-lined quays and streets and pier to greet the first arrival of the royal vessel gave token of the intense gratification with which an eager and excitable people received the intended compliment, and all through the line of procession the houses and the pavements, and, indeed, every available space for eight-seeing, were thronged with spectators. Yesterday, at Punchestown races, the same scene was repeated. The weather, happily, has hitherto been exceedingly propitious, so that there has been no check or disappointment to the holiday-seekers even inithat direction, although the scene is laid in the " Isle of Showers." So early as seven o'clock in the morning the railway station was completely besieged, although there were enough loyal sight-seers left in Dublin to line the steets through which the Prince and Princess passed at a later hour en route to the station. At Punchestown itself the concourse was immense, the greater portion of the population of five or six neighbouring counties assembling there. Excursion trains had run from Dublin, Limerick, and Cork, and these were gladly taken advantage of by the inhabitants of those districts. Punchestown is always a favourite place of resort, but it has never witnessed so large a gathering as on this occasion. The races were to most of the spectators a very secondary feature in the programme, but they went off extremely well. The conduct of the people hasbeen extremely good, their national good humour showing itself to full advantage, and their loyalty being manifested by addresses from the most remote parts. We must give the crowds which have everywhere attended the progress of the Prince and Princess full credit for their good behaviour, because they;were not all citizens of the capital or even of the leading towns, but a large proportion came from rural districts and distant counties. The railway companies have naturally seized the opportunity of making money, and have run excursion trains at low fares from various quarters. The visit of the Prince and Princess at this juncture is taken as a proof of confidence which touches the hearts of the Irish, always sensitive to such impressions very deeply, and the strongest proof of how little hold Fenianism really has on the hearts of the people is found in the fact that it has not dared to lift its head in presence of the general enthusiasm. It is much to be regretted that amidst the general rejoicing the harmony of the day should be broken by the news of a reckless and daring assassination. Mr. FEATIIERSTONHAUGH, of Bracklyn Castle, county Westmeath, was shot dead as he was driving from the railway station at Killucan. The murderer was so close to the car that Mr. FEATHERSTONHAUGH'S clothes were singed by the fire. No arrest has yet been made, but we hope that before long the criminal may be detected. It is said the murder was committed in revenge for some evictions, and, if so, the police will know in what direction to search for the murderer. Such crimes as these, which no alleged injustice can palliate, are serious drawbacks to the national progress. They produce and foster that feeling of mistrust and suspicion which leads to absenteeism and neglect. Ireland bitterly resents the consequence, but she has no right to be surprised at it. Let us hope that we are now witnessing the inauguration of better and happier times, iu which law and order will be strictly maintained, not by foreign soldiers or even by the national constabulary, but by the people themselves, who will feel and acknowledge that they can secure just and honourable treatment without resorting to the torch of the incendiary or the pistol of the assassin.