The Sun. — 1866-01-04 (London, England)

STEPHEN. Men who go to such extreme lengths as this are the most dangerous -witnesses against themselves, and in point of fact need no further condemnation in the sight of intelligent and independent persons. But it is because a large class of ignorant and infatuated persons listen to Mr. BRIGHT, and applaud his remarks to the echo, that we take every opportunity, and trust that others will take every opportunity, of denouncing his mischievous tours'. In the first place, GORDON was not hurried to death, but had two days for preparation.  Mr. BRIGHT'S indignation is aroused by the report that when Parliament meets there will be a " desperate onslaught" made on the Government respecting the course they have pursued in this Jamaica affair. " One of those Tory gentlemen said, " Ay, if So and So had been Prime Minister, he would not have given way to the clamour of a hundred Dissenting parsons." Such remarks Mr. BRIGHT considers most absurd, and he drew a melodramatic picture of Mrs. GORDON appearing at the bar of the House, and demanding justice, and still further of her going as a suppliant to the steps of the Throne as the widow of the " murdered" GORDON, to seek redress from England's widowed Queen. Such a claptrap style of oratory is contemptible, and alike derogatory to the dignity of him who indulges in it, and insulting to the common sense of those who listen to it.  The course pursued by Mr. BRIGHT, and some others of the leading Radical members about this Jamaica business, has covered them with disgrace, and proves how totally unfit they are to be trusted with the conduct of affairs, or even to influence, in any especial degree, the policy of the country. Fair play is quite out of their line, and after proof has been afforded they reiterate their former charges, with a sublime contempt and a total indifference for all that has been adduced since the subject was first broached. Earl RUSSELL has made a complete mistake, and one of an irretrievable character. It  has cast a blight upon the opening of his new career of Premier, and may yet bring his tenure of office to a  premature and precipitate termination. It appears,  from Mr. BRIGHT'S speech, that he has given offence by not going far enough in vindicating the claims  of the ill-used blacks, so that the noble lord will reap the due reward of his vacillation by pleasing  neither side. Mr. BRIGHT trusts that Mr. DISRAELI  will have too much sense to permit the " shocking  atrocities" committed in Jamaica, or a defence of them, to be in any way associated with his public character or career ! Perhaps he speaks his wishes in thus expressing himself, and endeavours to propitiate the Tory party by informing them that he ' can't believe they will make the question of Jamaica a battle-ground during the eni: suing session," as if the faction of Exeter Hall  had not been making it a battle- ground with  a vengeance for some weeks past, and were not ready to hurl defiance at all who presume to treat their comments with the  scorn which they deserve, or compare their extra vagant assertions with correct details aad authentic  reports.  The second proof of feebleness which Mr. BRIGIIT has discovered in the present Government is, that Earl RUSSELL has asked Lord STANLEY to join his Administration. This is a confession of weakness,  it seems, as if Earl RUSSELL " acknowledged to the world that the Whig party, as far as Statesmanship was concerned, was worn out. If so, he considers it to be their own fault, because they have  never been c4reful to fill up their vacancies by the able men of their own party. The hopeful spirit of the member for Birmingham will not quail, however, if all the old `Whigs are deposited in Westminster Abbey. He thinks that a very good Government might be formed out of the three hundred and sixty Liberals who now appear in Parliament, and that it is quite inconsistent to go over to the Opposition to seek recruits. We have no doubt that Mr. BRIGHT thinks Earl RUSSELL might have looked in his direction, instead of seeking the services of Lord