NEWS BY THE MAIL.

Globe, Volume III, Issue 264, 16 April 1875, Page 3

NEWS BY THE MAIL.

OUR LONDON LETTER.

{From a correspondent of the Press.)

London, February 19th, 1875.

Parliament waa opened by Royal Commission on the sth inst., and business proceeds with tolerable despatch. Her Majesty was unable to attend in consequence of the dangerous condition of Prince Leopold, who, en passant, is far advanced towards recovery. The Liberals up to the last had failed to find a leader, but at the eleventh hour the Marquis of Hartington, as 1 told you in my last would most likely be the case, was chosen. The Conservatives seem to be gaining Btrength every day, and there is every prospect of their reign being a long one ; while the once great consolidated Liberal party is split up into numerous factions. Lord Hartington, though taken altogether he was perhaps as good as was to be got, is hardly the leader to educe order out of the chaos the Liberals have fallen into. He is a poor orator, and after one of his Parliamentary speeches Mr Lowe is reported to have remarked that "the House wouldn't have stood it if he had not been the son of a Duke." Social legislation, seems to be the great aim of the session. The dwellings of the working classes in towns, the condition of merchant seamen, the sanitary laws, the laws regarding the friendly societies, the law of agricultural tenancies, are all to be improved and amended, and measures for the better protection against personal violence are to be adopted. This last measuie'refers to the proposed extension of the punishment of flogging to all those convicted of brutal assault. Aa the law mow stands this punishment can only be inflicted for violence when coupled with robbery. Mr Cross, the Home Secretary, has been diligently gathering the opinions of all whose testimony could be of any value. A circular involving the question waa addressed by him to judges, chairmen of quarter sessions, recorders of boroughs, stipendiary magistrates, and sheriffs—in short every one of experience in the matter, from the Lord Chief Justice of England down to the chief constable of some remote borough, and the majority of the opinions thus gathered are decidedly in favor of the extension. There are some to whom the circular was addressed who dissent strongly from the general view, but tt:e weight of opinion is altogether on the side of extending the punishment of flogging, more especially tq persons convicted of brutal assaults on wqmen and children. Public feeling is decidedly in favor of the lash for the repression pf the brutality which of late seems to have seized on certain classes like an epidemic, and the question excites considerable attention. "Whatever is the result of the Bill which will at once be laid before Parliament it cannot be said that the action of the Government in the matter has been hasty or unadvised.

Great BritaiD, through Lord Derby, has declined to attend the St PeteraburgU (Jon-

ference on the rules of military warfare, which is a continuation of the Conference on the same subject, held at Brussels in July and August last year. At this meeting Englard was represented, but the whole direction of the project, particularly in those proposals regarding the belligerent rights of leveSs en masse, was so manifestly in favor of the great military powers, and so detrimental to those states in which every citizen is not a soldier, that England has now refused to pursue the subject at the adjourned meeting at St Petersburgh. It is said that France has followed the spirited initiative of Great Britain, and that other states will probably do the same. Our withdrawal will probably give some offence to Bussia, under whose auspices the Conferences have been convened, but the course pursued by Lord Derby meets with the decided approval of his countrymen. Advices from St Petersburgh tell us that our refusal to attend has created a sensation there, but Prince GortchakofE's reply to Lord Derby's note is courteous. The Army estimates for the year 1875-76 have been issued, and are especially interesting, as being the first framed by the present Government. They amount to £14,677,700 being an increase of £192,400 on the estimates of last year. For this sum we have the following force. Our total regular force amounts to 186,821. Of this 100,059 are at home, 23,912 in the colonies, and 62,850 in India. Of the troops at home, 12,945 are cavalry, 18,853 are artillery, and 60,180 are infantry of the line. The number of field guns at home is 336, and in India 348. Besides this regular force, we have 118,000 militia, 12,500 yeomanry, 161,150 volunteers, and 32,000 army reserve. The excess on last year's estimates provides for an increase of 287 men on the home establishment, and 7884 efficients in the volunteers. Besides this the additional day of the leap year 1876 falls within the next financial year, and is not such a small matter as it may at first seem. The additional coßt for this one day under the single head of regimental pay amounts to £13,000. The item for military purposes in the colonies amounts to £1,752,535, and is incurred for the maintenance of a force which is distributed as follows:—Nova Scotia, 1869; Bermuda, 2062; the Cape, including Natal, 2432; China, Ceylon, and the Straits settlements, 4000; Wind wind and Leeward Islands, 1038; Gibralta, 6062; Malta, 5191. Some of the colonies contribute to the maintenance of their garrisons. The Cape is set down as likely to repay £10,000; Natal, £3500; Hong Kong, £20,000; the Straits settlements, £51,000; Ceylon, £121,000; and Mauritius, £27,000, Australia, Africa, and the West Indies, and those places where garrisons are maintained solely for Imperial purposes, contribute nothing. Since my last letter three of our celebrities have passed away from us. Lord St Leonards, Canon Kingsley, and Sir Sterndale Bennett were men whose names will long be remembered with honor by their countrymen in connection with law, literature, and music. Lord St Leonards died at the advanced age of ninety-three. He was born in 1781, and was of humble origin, being the son of a hairdresser in Duke street, Westminster, of the name of Sugden. Young Edward Sugden commenced his legal career in a conveyancer's office, and was called to the Bar in 1807. In 1823 the dignity of a silk gown was conferred upon him, and in the same year he was made a bencher of Lincoln's Inn. He soon after entered Parliament as a member for St Mawes in Cornwall, and in 1829 was made Solicitor-General, and, as usual on such occasions, was knighted. He was a persistent and shrewd opponent of the Reform Bill. In 1835, for a few months only, and from 1841 to 1846, he held the post of Lord Chancellor of Ireland. In 1852 Lord Derby, on coming into power, offered him the Lord High Chancellorship of England, and he ascended the woolsack under the title of Lord St Leonards. This high appointment he held for only a short time, owing to the speedy downfall of the Derby Ministry. On Lord Derby's return to power he was again offered the seals, but being in his seventy-eighth year he declined the offer. He continued, however, a constant attendant at the House of Lords, and took an active part in its judicial business up to his ninetieth year. He published many legal treatises, which are still regarded in the profession as standard works of reference. The following anecdote is related of him:—When presiding over the Chancery Court in Dublin he decided against the claim of some high aristocratic personage, when the gentleman (?) fixclaimed, "Ah I 'pon honor, I could not have expected any other decision from the son of a barber." " Sir," replied Lord St Leonards, "if you were the son of a barber it is very possible you would be in no higher position at present." Lord St Leonards' will cannot be found, and this is all the more strange from the fact that he was known to have made one, and that the place of its deposit was a matter of not unfrequent reference by himself. There is an extraordinary fatality overhanging the wills of Lord Chancellors, it appears. This is the second instance. The will of the late Lord Westbury haß occupied our law courts on and off ever since his death. Of all persons a Lord High Chan* cellor should be the last to bequeath any trouble of this sort to his relatives.

It is as a poet and novelist—more especially the latter—that Charleß Kingsley was chiefly known to the world; but his memory is also cherished by certain of his countr>men who knew him, as a kindly philanthropist and a genial, loving pastor. His short poem "Sands of Dee," will probably be sung centuries hence; and some of his novels, such as " Two years ago," " Westward, Ho !" and " Hypatia," will live as long as the language in which they are written. His style was glowing and dramatic, and carried his narrative along with a rush. The " hard grey weather" of England, which he was wont to say had so much to do with the English character, was too much for him. The fogs and damp of this winter killed him at the comparatively e&ily age of fifty-five.

Sir Sterndale Bennett was considered one of the most gifted musicians this country ever produced. He was the son of an organist at a church in Sheffield, and his early childhood was passed as a choir boy. His abilities soon attracted attention, and he was sent to the Academy of Music. His first compositions were so remarkable as to command the notice of Mendelssohn, who desired to be introduced to the young musician, and this was the commencement of a friendship which ripened into close intimacy, and was probably of the greatest service to young Bennett. Hisprincipal works are " Parasina," « The Naiads," " The Wood Nymphs," " The May Queen," —the best known of all—" The Woman of Samaria," a sacred piece; " Paradisc *ud the Pwi," and "lbs Maid ol

Orleans." He was Musical Professor at Cambridge University, where he also graduated as Musical Doctor and Master of Arts. In 1870, he was made D.O.L. at Oxford, and in the following year he was knighted by the Queen. He was also Principal of the Royal Academy of Music. He died in his fiftyninth year, and was buried in Westminster Abbey. Dr Kenealy of Tichborne trial notoriety, was returned the day before yesterday as member of Parliament for Stoke-on-Trent. The intelligence must hare sent a thrill of dismay through the House of Commons. It was only a few days ago that a question of privilege was raised in the House on the subject of a member five months ago, in an after-dinner speech, speaking of certain Home Rulers as " a disreputable Irish band whose watchword was Repeal of the Union." This language is bad enough, but it is " high polite" compared to Dr Kenealy's customary utterances. Here are a few of the flowers of speech culled from the rhetoric with which he charmed the ears of the worthy Stoke-on-Trent electors :—" A little bit of lynch law for the liars and assassins who were going about the district would do them a great service." (This remark was of course in allusion to his political opponents.) " The House of Commons was a mass of corruption." " The generals in the army were fools, and the admirals more fitted for a lunatic asylum than anything else" He said he " hated the present Government as the devil hated holy water," and that the Speaker of the House of Commons, in refusing to present his petition, was " guilty of high treason against the people of England." In politics, Doctor Kenealy announces himself an Independent, and his war cry seems to be " Down with everything and everybody." Yesterday afternoon he took his seat in the House, and the occasion gave rise to a spirited discussion. It is the custom of the House, based on an order in 1868, that a new member should be introduced by two other members, but so outrageously has Dr Kenealy set at defiance the laws of his country and the laws of society that out of the whole assemblage he has been unable to secure the services of two gentlemen in this capacity, and on presenting himself at the table of the House to be sworn he was unaccompanied by the usual sponsors. The Speaker drew his attention to this omission, whereupon Dr Kenealy, whose drawback in life has not been bashfulness, leaned his hands on the table and showed a lively disposition to argue his case with the House. The Speaker very properly stopped him, and pointed out that he could not address the House until he was a sworn member. Here Mr Disraeli came to the front, and moved that, under the circumstances, the ordinary rule be not insisted upon, adding, amid general laughter, that there was no question of the new member's identity. There was more discussion, but finally Mr Disraeli's motion was carried, and Dr Kenealy was duly sworn. On the table at which new members are sworn rests the mace, and a thrill of horror ran through the House as the Doctor, designedly or otherwise, coolly hung his umbrella on the sacred symbol of authority. We may expect now and then some exciting little episodes in Parliament. I know not how he will be able to reconcile his position as a framer of laws with his position as editor of the Englishman, which is devoted to bringing the laws of the country into contempt. I don't know if any copies of the Englishman have found their way out to you, but if inclined you can easily obtain a fair idea of its style. Get hold of a good quarrelsome navvy, inflame his angry passions with some liquor, tie his hands and feet so that no weapon but his tongue is left him, and then hit him in the eye. If you then take down his utterances by the aid of a shorthand writer you will be able to circulate the result among your readers as a fair specimen of a leading article in the Englishman.

Altogether the House of Commons was rather lively yesterday evening, and the strangers' galleries and the members' places were crowded. As soon as the Kenealy episode waß over the discussion concerning the return of John Mitchell to Parliament, as member for Tipperary, was entered into. John Mitchell, in 1848, was sentenced to fourteen years' transportation, for treasonfelony, and as he broke his paiole and escaped before the completion of his sentence, and has never since been arrested, he is still a convict, and as such cannot sit in the House of Commons. There was a warm debate on the subject, the Irish members and others wishing to refer the matter to a committee, but Mr Disraeli, in a speech of unusual warmth, called upon the House to avenge its outraged privileges by declaring promptly that a convicted felon should not sit as one of its members. This resolution was carried by a large majority, and a fresh writ was ordered to be issued for Tipperary. The electors of Tipperary declare that they mean to elect John Mitchell as often as a new writ is issued. If they carry out their intention, their borough will remain unrepresented —that is all. John Mitchell himself arrived in Ireland a day or two ago, and Cork, Tipperary, and Clonmel have accorded him ovations of the wile est character.

Mr Sergeant Ballantine has left for India to defend the Guicowar of Baroda, who is to be brought to trial by the Indian Government on a charge of direct implication in an attempt to poison Colonel Phayre, the British Resident at his Court. Sergeant Ballantine's retaining fee was 5000 guineas, and a further scale of fees, not less than 5000 guineas more, has been also arranged. Nothing in the record of legal fees at all approaches this. In case of an acquittal it is dazzling to imagine the shower of barbaric pearl and gold which will descend on the head of the lucky counsel; for the Guicowar is said to be lavish, and the descriptions we receive from India of his treasures read like a page from the "Arabian Nights.' Sir Garnet Wolseley proceeds shortly to Natal, and in the interval between the retirement of the present Governor and the assumption of office by his successor, will devote himself to settling several important points connected with native affairs and defensive organisation. It is said that that colony is sadly in want of able and vigorous administration.

Prince Louis Napoleon has passed seventh out of thirty-four candidates at Woolwich, for commissions in the Artillery and Engineers. Considering that his studies have been conducted in a foreign language, the high place he has gained reflects the greatest credit on his intelligence and industry. He does not take a commission, but he will probably be attached to some regiment for a course of instruction. He is said to have been very popular amongsi the gentlemencadets at Woolwich. It is quite on the cards that our two military schools may count two continental monarchs amongst

their former students. King Alphonso XII. of Spain was a young cadet at the Royal Military College, Sandhurst, the other day, when he received the unexpected summons to the throne of Spain. The following additional items of news by the Suez mail are taken from the Argus telegrams:

In the event Jof Mr Disraeli's withdrawal from public life, the Duke of Richmond would probably assume the titular leadership of the party, while the leadership in the Commons lies between Mr Gathorne Hardy and Sir Stafford Northcote.

Sir Garnet Wolseley nas been appointed temporary Governor of Natal, pending the choice of a successor to Sir Benjamin Pine.

Dr Steere, the new bishop of Central Africa, has started for his diocese. Mr Childers has returned from three months' official visit to North America and West Indies.

Sir George Elliott, M.P. for North Durham, has left for Egypt charged with a mission from the Government.

The Marquis of Bute has been elected chief of the Glasgow Celtic Society. The late Rev Dr Forbes, of Glasgow; has bequeathed £IO,OOO to evangelical and charitable objects. Dr Lyon Playfair's commission of inquiry respecting the civil service has made a report containing recommendations in which are involved important changes in organising the Government departments,

The British settlements of Sierra Leone and Gambia are formed into one Government under Mr C.*H. Kortright. Mr Garth, Q.C., has accepted the Chief Judgeship of Bengal, vacant by the retirement of Sir R. Crouch, who remains in Inula only to finish the Baroda Commission business.

Great excitement exists in the Isles in consequence of the proposal to amalgamate the see of Sodor and Man with the new Liverpool bishopric. The correspondence between the Baron de Lesseps and the Nicaragua Minister has been published in reference to a canal across the isthmus to connect the Atlantic and the Pacific. Mr Blanchard Jerrold declares this to be a revival of the scheme originally propounded by the late Emperor Napoleon. Advices from the Gold Coast to January state that King Coffee has retired to the country, and that a successor has been appointed. It is rumoured also that some of the subject tribes have revolted and committed several murders onAshantees. Great dissatisfaction prevails among the nativt kings and chiefs in connection with the abolition of slavery, and a petition has been sent to Governor Strahan on the subject. Should this fail, a memorial will be addressed to the Queen. The text of the Governoj 's proclamation, published in England, and the policy of immediate emancipation therein embodied, are generally approved by the press. Cape advices state that Sir Benjamin Pine has been recalled, and that the chief Langalibalele is to be released, but not allowed to return to Natal. The Earl of Carnarvon has instructed the Governor to pay Bishop Colenso £l2O for the expenses of his visit to England. The African Steamship Company's steamer Houdan has been totally wrecked on the rocks off Madura. The passengers, crew, and mails were saved.

The Royal mail steamer Nile, on the voyage to the West Indies, witth nearly 200 persons on board, took fire, which was subdued only by the heroic energy and perfect coolness and discipline displayed. The contest lasted three hours and a half, and when the flames were extinguished it was found that several oil casks were nearly burnt through.

An American billiard tournament has been played in London. Roberts won the deciding game, defeating Alfred Bennett by 140 points. After paying; expenses, about £550 will be divided among the competitors. INDIA AND THE EAST. The Burmah Chinese expedition left on 25th January for the Chinese frontier under Colonel Brown, but was attacked by the nephew of the Chinese Governor of Moulmein, and forced to return to Burmah. Mr Margarey, who had crossed from Shangai to Burmah, and who precedes the expedition, on going back was murdered, and Herr Elias, the well-known traveller, who went another way, has also, it is feared, been murdered. A survey party on the Nagi Hills was suddenly and treacherously attacked by a hill tribe, and Lieutenant Holcombe and sixty-three men were killed, while Captain Badgelley and fifty men were badly wounded. A detachment of the Duffla Expedition, which has been successfully concluded, was at once (.27th February) sent to punish the Nagi Hill men. Mr Malcolm Reade, of the Bengal Civil Service, brother of the well-known writer, was shot dead with his own rifle, in his tent near Agra, by his native attendant, whom he had scolded and threatened with punishment the previous evening. After a good deal of fighting, Herat has surrendered to the Ameer of Afghanistan's troops, and the cause of his son Yakoob is considered desperate. Cholera in an epidemic form has prevailed for some weeks in Colombo, 250 cases being reported, out of which there were 120 deaths. This disease is confined to the crowded parts of the town.

Crown jewels to the amount of 80,000 rupees were stolen from the residence of the Maharajah of Travancore, while be was on a visit to Calcutta, by professional thieves, but all the valuables were recovered bj the Calcutta detective police. Gold-mining machinery has arrived, to be set up in the Neilgherry Hills. Great preparations are being made for a visit of the Viceroy to Delhi on the 17th March. The lieutenant chiefs are to receive him.

LATE TELEGRAMS

London, March 12

Prince Arthur's arrival in Egypt is announced. His visit is ascribed to an industrial motive. The Khedive has decided to construct a railway along the whole course of the Nile, and the Prince will endeavor to persuade the Egyptian ruler to place the line exclusively in English hands. The Prince of Wales has paid a week's visit to Brussels, to participate in the festivities connected with the marriage of Duke Phillip of Saxony with the Princess Louisa, the daughter of the Belgian King. The Comte de Paris, and the Dae d'Aumale were present. The first Koyal levee of the season was held by the Prince of Wales, at St James's Palace, on the 22nd February, the second on the Ist March.