LONDON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 263, 23 October 1862, Page 5

LONDON.

(FROM OTJR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)

London, 25th August, 1862,

So many startling questions now agitate men's minds here, that the European Correspondent is naturally puzzled as to his first subject. But, on the broad principle that "Charity begins at home," our distressed operatives in Lancashire shall take precedence. In our House of Commons, Mr Villiers, on behalf of Government, introduced a measure called " The Union Relief Rate in Aid Bill,'' which passed after much stormy discussion, during which Ministers were defeated on most of their points. This Bill enables one Union to demand assistance from others in the county till the rates reach 3s. in the pound, and then to borrow for twenty years on security of the rates; this, aided by large public and private subscriptions, will meet the present urgency, but not come up to the requirements of a lengthened depression in the cotton trade, and must be supplemented by a Government grant. Large mills are contiuually closing, and the increasing distress will culminate with the coming winter, and as the labor market has raised the rateable property of Lancashire to eighty millions sterling, it must be relieved in its distress, which is not caused by any iault of its own, but purely by reason of the Manchester princes neglecting to provide against the present contingency. The markets have long been overstocked with manufactured goods, and these gentlemen, instead of seeking the raw material elsewhere, contentedly button up their pockets during the crisis, and thus get a premium on their stock, leaving our starving artisans to their fate; no doubt, expecting Government will take the initiative, and procure the necessary supply. One would think our merchants would be ashamed to have an example set them in France, where already a company is formed for the growth of cotton in Algeria, while it has long been notorious that any quantity, of the best quality, can be raised in India alone, if we would undertake to buy it when grown. From five to six million bales are consumed yearly, and it has been proved, over and over again, that this large quantity and much more, can readily be obtained from India, New Zealand, Australia, the West Indies, Angola, Italy, Malta, Venezuela, Peru, the Mauritius, Madagascar," Siam, Natal, the Zambesi, Egypt, Syria, Liberia, the Ecuador, and other places, —and yet neither our Government, nor the wealthy men of the north would avail themselves of these advantages, but sullenly relied on a supply which must, in the common course of events, fail sooner or later. The consequence now is, they will have to pay ten times more to support the pauperism they have occasioned, thaa would suffice to establish agencies for encouraging the growth of cotton in the countries above mentioned ; countries that have sent to our International Exhibition samples which fully prove that, as regards both quantity and quality, we are independent of America if we will but condescend to patronise other markets. Could our great men see these simple points, so plain as to be patent to a group of school-boys,—much misery and political agitation at home would be averted, and incalculable good rendered to many fertile districts abroad, which only await the open hand of the English capitalist to be transformed from desolate swamps into flourishing hamlets. In the meantime, 2,000 guineas from the Queen heads an extensive subscription list, in relation to which friend Punch gives as the best " Improvement in Westmi?ister" a donation of 1,000 guineas from the "Marquis" which, considering that nobleman's antecedents, is not so bad.

The foregoing painful account ot provincial distress in Old England will scarcely prepare our New Zealand friends to hear of the gay doings in the metropolis. But such is life; there never were such times in London; for, despite the departure of the fashion, the influx of country folks, and their daily pilgrimage to the Exhibition, with huge baskets stored with creature comforts, must impress the mind of a casual observer that this is the Garden of Eden. Our very cabmen, while enjoying their share of the general plethora, have such exalted notions of this endless prosperity, that they convene public meetings to oppose the wholesome regulations fulminated from Scotland Yard to check their ardor; —regulations which come in good time, fur few people can recollect such universal gadding about. j." Where does the money come from?" is a pertinent question just now. The theatres are nightly filled, and the numerous music-halls ditto-(the latter, by-the-bye, must mend their manners, for Mr Punch is looking out, and accusing them of immoralities, which, he says, must be stopped). Then again we have our out-door sensation amusements, and everybody goes to see the vaulting acrobats. Indeed it's no way surprising to hear that, while Blondin attracts eighty or ninety thousand visitors to I the Crystal Palace—fifty or sixty thousand go on the same day to the Exhibition. Truly, seeing is believing at times ; but it requires all one's discernment to realise facts in these marvellous days. The sensation seekers have, however, just received a check by a sad accident happening to Miss Young, the "female Blondin," who fell off a high rope surrounded with fireworks, and barely escaped with her life; the poor thing now lies in the Hospital, with but little hope, and the press call loudly for the suppression of this dangerous display of agility. The Inter-national Exhibition will close in October, aDd on the very last day the awards will be distributed to the successful exhibitors —seven or eight thousand iv number. The system of giving prizes is much condemned, and will be abolished in future. In 1851 there were first and second class medals, but this year all are of the first-class, and then comes honorable mention; but the whole affair is too intricate to be properly tested; and hereafter the catalogues and public papers will be left to explain the merits of the articles, and the world at large discriminate for itself. This will prevent much : in justice and ill-feeling;.' and, so sure as, water finds its level, will sterling talent be duly appreciated. At present there is no appeal from the Jurors' awards; and lately one of the exhibitors, dissatisfied with the decisions, expressed his feeling by nailing a large paper on; his goods, telling the public of Ms ill-treatment. This obnoxious placard he was ordered to remove; and on his refusal the innocent articles were covered up and a soldier placed on guard. This scandal was mentioned in Parliament by Mr Sheridan, wno talked loud about " dragooning the people into good behavior," &c.; the things were uncovered, and the matter ended. Much attention has been attracted to the steam ploughs exhibited, by means of which three or four acres can be ploughed in an hour; in fact, improvement, in agricultural implements is very popular, shewing the immense saving in labor, induced probably by the mighty exodus of latter years, both Western- andI'Antipodal.'* .". Another striking feature. is.,,tlje amount,of gunnery, and other warfike apparatus, now displayed, as contrasted with the former Exhi-

bmon. 18.51 was a year in which air nations weremvited peaceably to assemble and exhibit their inventions and improvements—no thought being then entertained how soon the world would be convulsed,—but what thoughts must now arise, on looking at the fearful engines of war. The splendid Armstrong's and other deadly weapons too truly denote the necessity that, while we cultivate "the arts of peace, and endeavour to place ourselves foremost among nations, we must also be prepared to defend our own. Again, we contrast the two Exhibitions on entering the picture gallery. In 1851 there were no pictures—a little sculpture was there, but paintings were rigidly excluded, —whereas now may be seen hundreds of choice sculptures by the first masters, and a picture gallery such as no one ever dreamt of seeing in England,—whether as regards its extensive range or its beautiful contents. It is asserted that the priceless gems of art contained in the present Exhibition surpass anything previously witnessed in this country: and many a poor artist may thus acquire notoriety, and' be rewarded for talent here set forth, which mi»ht otherwise have lain hidden for years. °Of course, in this vast edifice there is much to amuse as well as instruct. Iv the early days of the week, pic-nic parties are scattered over the building; it matters but little to the manyheaded multitude whether they pitch their tent in the grand promenade or at the foot of the golden pyramid; and it's nothing unusual for some of the upper ten thousand to complain of sliding over greasy wrappers, which had encircled some two or three pounds of plebeian beef and carrots, or stumbling over cast-away pork bones and other rejected dainties. Again will be heard disputes about Englishman's rights and liberties when umbrellas or walkingsticks are objected to. These obtrusive articles are taken from visitors on entering, and a penny fee is charged on return • but in one instance the party indignantly refused to pay the fee, and his* umbrella was detained, to recover which he brought an action against the commissioners m the County Court, and was nonsuited, and consequently had to pay all the costs and the penny, the judge observing that when Englishmen bawl out for their rights and liberties, they should be mindful of the rights and liberties of others. Another gentleman felt aggrieved at the reduction in price of season tickets, and brought his action for the difference betwixt his three-guinea ticket and the cheap one-, but he got floored like the umbrella champion. And it is now thought the^ authorities have surmounted all their difficulties, and will be allowed to pursue the even tenor of their way till their arduous duties close. It is, however, gratifying to know that all our large capitalists and manufacturers vie with each other in generously treating their workmen, their wives, and families, to this wonderful fair. The directors of all public schools likewise gladden the hearts and elevate the intellects of the children entrusted to their charge by conducting them to this highly instructive exhibition ; in fact, thousands are daily in attendance under these graceful auspices. No wonder, then, that the average weekly returns give 250,000 visitors.

Our Parliament is, of course, prorogued, but not before acqniring unenviable notoriety from the fact of its having performed little or nothing during the session. Ministers had evidently made up their minds from the beginning, that there was nothing to do except voting the supplies, and other triHes of that kind ; and when any industrious member ventured to rise with an intention of setting them a task, the nuisance was obviated by counting the House; and thus the "count-out session" eventually came to an end, much to the relief of the members themselves, and the entire British public. Certainly towards the fag-end lots of so-called business was got through, and Royal Assents in any quantity liberally bestowed; occasionally too our jaunty Pam would have to fight his way through a little storm got up by Dizzy and Co., who manage to secure Cobden and Bright, and that dissatisfied part}', to assist them in some general melee on fortifications, reform, American intervention, Italian complications, &<•., but all to no purpose—there was really nothing to do, and so they shut up shop and went shooting. Said Pasha has left us after a sojourn of two months. He did much good while here. Folks credit him with enormous wealth, and justly too, if actions go for aught. His splendid entertainments in his river palace, where he might be seen on deck surrounded by his numerous guests and oriental attendants— his extensive purchases of coaches, horses, steam-engines, railway carriages, &c.,' &c—in fact, the Viceroy's munificence was a common theme, and one of his latest charitable acts was to subscribe a thousand guineas to Lancashire distress. Is it an empty word to call such a man a prince ?

Europe is full of anxiety and excitement just now in consequence of the recent mysterious movements of the patriotic Garibaldi. What his real intentions are no one seems to know, lie is making rapid marches and violent speeches, and sets at defiance not on]y King, Lords, aud Commons, but Emperors aud Popes to boot. He is sometimes at the head of ten or a. dozen men, and sometimes as many hundreds or thousands, The King expostulates, Ratazzi ditto, Bonaparte frowns, and Pio Nono trembles, yet he heeds them not. He goes not near the Eternal City, but still his cry is " Rome or death." He is known to be here, there, and everywhere exciting the people and beating up recruits. The Royal troops hover on his flank, or precede him on his march, and yet there is no collision. He issues proclamations; and counter proclamations are immediately issued by the King. He distributes arms, and the King directly orders disarming of the people. He is known to have millions of money at his command, and yet he is as poor as a church mouse. He shouts for the departure of the French garrison, and orders his followers to suffer themselves to be shot down with grape, but not return the fire'on the French. In fact, he is doing these extraordinary things in the face of such apparent obstacles that one is at a loss to conceive the drift of it. His are not like the acts of a sane man, and yet though so full of danger no steps appear to be taken to stop them; any moment may bring on a collision, and then who shall foretell the result—ltaly totters to its base, while the King and his minister seem powerless to act. Mazzini is supposed to be the prime mover of thisastounding expedition, and poor Garibaldi thinks the time has come for action, and unfortunately listens to the subtle eloquence of that r dangerous marplot who has his own thoughts on the regeneration of his country— but, does all this mean nothing, or is it part of the Franco-Italian policy ? Many reasons, are assigned for Napoleon's conduct; some folks say he wants Southern Italy a separate kingdom for his own- family, others assert that he has great Tobjection to a strong and united Italian confederacy— another charitable suggestion is that he will.keep the newlymade kingdom distracted till, he can make his own bargain — indeed, many opinions are hazarded about the conduct -of this inscrutable* Emperor, but the most general idea isthat Napoleon wishes to withdraw his troops \rithout offending the, -i, clergy, and that "Ratazzi.is to put.mi motior* an under-current ;whicfr'shall excite Italian patriotism; this naturally rouses G^ribaldi^ who cares for no more than he know* of, State

craft, and then the cry is, " Rome or death~ under the pressure of which the Emperor can recall.: his troops, but that he vs ill not-be openly dictated to is clear enough.; It was generally expected Napoleon would declare his policy on the 9th instant, but his listeners wore disappointed;—then it was stated as certain lhat he would speak out on the loth (that glorious French anniversary), but like the former day of expectation, the 15th passed away without the important revelation. Of Reviews •end illuminations on that eventful day there were plenty, and a splendid affair it was; but the wot Id is still in darkness as regards the intentions of the mighty Arbiter. There is no mistake in the assertion that Louis Napoleon dominates half Europe; and the fate of more than that half depends on his decision in the affairs of Italy— at present, its .all guess work, and I for one wi;l not be rash enough to prophesy what shall yet take plaje while that dread potentate reigns paramount. Recent telegrams from Turin siate that Garibaldi has been proclaimed rebel and traitor, that the agitation increases, and with it great enthusiasm for the General, the war cry still is1 " Rome or death," but as yet there has been no collision. Another telegram just arrived says, "Italy in a blaze at last, Garibaldi surrounded at Catania, the two Sicilies in a state of siege,"—thus, treason, rebellion, revolution, and bloodshed are again sown broadcast over that fair land, and by whom ? Although shrouded in mystery the veil must soon l;e lifted, retribution awaits the guilty, and be they who they may, a heavy judgment will be pronounced by outraged Europe against those who thus " cry havoc and let slip the dogs of war,"

Equally rash would it be to predict what shall yet happen in America, or where that barbarous and inhuman war shall cease. Kven now the Federals are trying to levy another army of 600,000 men, and should they succeed, this will with their former levy of 700,000, make a grand total of 1,300,000, which is within 200,000 of their entire stock of fighting men; and all this in the short period of 18 months. The population of the Northern States at the last census was 20 millions ; what a sad tale will be told by next stock-taking. The first Napoleon sinks into insignificance when compared with President Lincoln. The world looks on aghast at this hideous reality. It is conjectured that a moiety of the first Federal levy is destroyed, and Lincoln's idea now is to commence a fresh campaign with 900,000 men and sweep the rebels off the face of the earth : and as the Southerners are equally resolute, it seems mutually determined to use up the last man and the last dollar; "reprisals" fright the world—they hang, draw and quarter each other without mercy. The blacks are openly invited to rebel against their masters—it is a war of extermination. European intervention is now entirely out of the question, otherwise Christian charity might well insist on that policy which cnutious statesmanship has hitherto (perhaps wisely).shunncd. There was lately a nnmerous gathering at Washington called a war meeting, at which Lincoln presided,— "aut Casur ant nullus" was the order of the day— one resolution adopted was—"We engage to support the Federal Government under any circumstances whatever." Another ran thus ■ —"Let the Union be preserved, or the whole Continent be made a desert." In fact this soul harrowing subject is almost too dreadful to write about. The conscription with all its horrors, pains and penalties, is now in full force, and a second " Keign of Terror" and military despotism is the probable fate of America. Large bodies oi citizens hastily cross the frontiers, anxious to place the St. Lawrence between themselves and their warlike countrymen. Seaportsare crowded with men flying their country, only too eager to escape by steamboats to England, and for the nonce preferring the protection of the Red, White, and Blue, to their own Star-spangled Banner —well knowing that confiscation of property attends their flight. The recreant Irish flock in shoals to the British Consul, and pray to be allowed once more to become faithful subjects of the good Queen Victoria. Some of the Northern States are in armed opposition to the hated conscription ; and yet the Federals, with all these evasions and sacrifices—with all these destructive horrors clearly before them —are now proceeding, with a desperate energy, for a crowning campaign. With regard to the Southern States, but little is known, and we can only imagine the awful sufferings there—it may be that the righteousness of their cause carries them cheerfully through this severe trial, but at present the world is spared the recital. It is not within the range of this limited article to narrate the thrilling incidents connected with this American tragedy, which has been thus described '' A war of giants—its armies are hosts—its movements, journeys, and voyages —its field of battle a continent—its slaughter hecatombs." There has been again severe fighting in Virginia, between Federal Pope and "Stonewall 1 Jackson; butreliableparticulars have not yet arrived. General Halleck is confirmed in his appointment as Comman-der-in-Chief of the Federal forces. Under ordinary circumstances a war like this must speedily die out; there is no money in the country. Gold, silver, copper, all gone, and nothing left but postage stamps and other trash ; and as for men, the fact speaks for itself—they refuse 200 dollars bounty, and fly to avoid conscription. It would be curious to know the feelings of the Americans when on the 4th July last they celebrated " Independence day ;" but these extraordinary Republicans put all common theory in the shade; and much as I should rejoice next mail in congratulating you on the termination of hostilities, I cannot but remember from whom these people are descended; and that the Anglo Saxons once sustained a 7 years war against their own kin. We can now only rely on the interposition of an all-wise Providence, and for the present end this dismal chapter.

Intelligence from China says we are regularly in for a campaign-^thc extent, the duration, the loss, or the gain whereof, is not prophesied. Wellington always maintained that England could not be engaged in a little war; whether this is to, be a large affair or a small one has to be proved-r-the primary object is to hold our own. And next we agree to assist that ever mysterious Son of the Moon in chastising his^ebel subjects —and, considering there are seventy or eighty millions of those yiilainoijs Taepings to reduce to order and civilisation, our task is no easy one, and not likely to disturb the spirit of the Hero of Waterloo by the insignificancy of the undertaking. The French are helping us in this job, which gives hope that it will not be an expensive one; they, are evidently up to their work 'in that part of the globe, and have just concluded a satisfactory arrangement in Cochin China, whereby the King.of Annam pays the expense of the war, and a trifle over, gives the French, half-a-dozen good-sized provinces, and guarantees freedom and protection for all French citizens for ever end ever. So our friend Buonaparte has surmounted that little difficulty, and ; ,taiight us another useful lesson—^hqw to sa,ye oun own cash while fighting otherjpepple'sibattles;; and he npw turns his polite, attentions to Mexico, whither he is sending a respectable fleet of gun-boats to-aid and assist the gallant; Forey and, his 35,000 troops. ',? This eacpedi?; tion will, no dpubj^be ytjry.instructiye, if not

altogether, agreeable, to the wild horsemen of those fertile regions, and elevate their notions of war somewhat abovea; Guerilla skirmish-

The sovereigns of Russia, France, and Prussia are daily expected to meet; and many people would much like to know what they are going to talk about. There appears to exist some ■•"dissatisfaction in the minds of these continental rulers. Alexander cannot understand why his family and his ministers should be the objects of vengeful assassins, while his wbtije thoughts are devoted to reform and liberty.' Prussia is uneasy because the Germans are so slow in appreciating his magnanimous offer to take the lead hr Fatherland, albeit he might see the propriety of allowing his French neighbors a little more scope on the Khine. N. 111. is anxious of course to convince the world of his peaceable intentions, he merely wants to have his own way, and he gets his two big brothers to acknowledge the Italian Kingdom on condition that no advantage is taken of th?s triple condescension; Austria being specially given to understand that the first movement she makes will also be her last. But there's no mistaking the material aspect of Europe; even German fleets are assuming respectable dimensions. Every body speaks peace, yet all nations are prepared to defend their geods'and chattels from some mighty marauder (name unknown) and thus wags, the world.

Let me caution our colonial friends against spurious Bank of England notes. AJarge quantity of bank paper has been stolen, and it is not yet known to what extent used. It is now very difficult for the Bank authorities to recognise their own offspring, and when two notes of the same number are compared, the perplexing question arises, which is the real Simon Pure ? London tradesmen refuse paper offered by strangers at the present time, and all notes are carefully endorsed. Much blame is attributed to the Directors for the inartistic engraving now in use, and for the loose manner generally in which they guard this important branch of commerce. They have, however, offered a reward of LISOO for discovery, &c, which will probably be the means of elucidating this mystery, and no doubt the whole bank note system will be managed on sounder principles.

"Roupell v. Waited—This extraordinary trial is occupying much attention here. Old Roupell, a rich money grubber of Lambeth, died three or four years ago ; his son William, a lawyer, immediately came forth as heir to property worth L 300,000 or more; made himself popular in the borough, and was elected M.P. lie forthwith assumed princely airs, and quickly sold or mortgaged the whole estate; was duly made bankrupt and outlawed. Soon his conscience smites him, and he comes back to tell his family what a rascal he has been, says the property can be recovered by ejectment, and advises proceedings against the innocent purchasers. He was the principal witness in this action, and recounted his "game of speculation" admirably; "Mr. Affable Hawke" was never better represented by Chas. Matthews in his best days. This credible witness coolly and deliberately informed both judge and jury how he systematically robbed his father in his life time—how he entered the chamber of death, and, in the presence of that kind father's corpse, broke open drawers and stole wills, codicils, deeds, papers, and writings—how he destroyed the will and forged and proved another—how he forged a deed of gift, and had fac simile copies made of numerous legal instruments, then forged the signatures and destroyed the originals ; in fact, unblushingly admitted all this devilry, and branded himself in open court a consummate thief, liar, forger, and peijured villain, such as the world perhaps never heard of before. Of course if all this could be believed, the defendant's tenure was unsound, and as he had paid the scoundrel £15,000 for this property and the Roupells be£,an to sicken of these nefarions disclosures, an arrangement was effected by counsel, by which plaintiff and detendant agreed to divide the loss, and so the trial ended. But there are many other victims whose cases are not yet gone into, which the Eoupell family will not be slow to compromise. There is some thing inexplicable in all this, notwithstanding the open confession of the worthy ex-M.P., who was duly handed over to justice, and committed to Newgate to await the punishment to be awarded for his manifold sins. On his trial it may come out Avhether all this is bonajida. Penal servitude for life is of course his doom, and he as a lawyer must have known it, and yet he emerges from his secure hiding place to meet this terrible fate on purpose to restore to his family the large fortune he had squandered away, and by doing which he will bring additional misery on many of the innocent parties who bought and sold with the supposed heir-at-law of the wealthy Roupell.

And yet another scandal. A company lately started here with, as usual, many highsounding names as directors, called "The London and British Columbia Overland Transit Company," which undertook to convey people direct to Vancouver's Island for L42 each. Thirty-four men paid their passage money and started a few months back, and all want merry as a marriage bell until they arrived at St. Paul, on the Red River. It was then discovered no provision was made for the completion of the journey, and, the victims of this vile fraud were compelled to camp in the open air, and live as best they might while one of their party (Mr. Collingwood) hastened back to London to seek redress. On his arrival here the company's offices were closed, and the birds of prey had fled. The secretary was apprehended, and is now under examination; but the swindling schemer Col. Sleigh is far beyond reach unfortunately. The situation of the poor fellows camped at St. Paul is represented as wretched in the extreme, and means are being adopted to release them.

I am sorry to say the vile garotting system is still in active operation in London. There must of necessity be a large amount of ruffianism in the metropolis, but why it should be gratuitously increased by the wholesale grants of tickets-6f-leave surpasses understanding. Our colonies have wisely determined to be no longer receptacles for the outcasts of the. mother-country, and we are not allowed in these enlightened days of civilisation to act according to the wisdom of our forefathers and " improve the rascals off the face of God's earth," and political economy forbids their competing with the labor-market; but surely British Guiana or some other place might be selected where they could be ■turned to useful account, and do no further harm to society. .At present, •" transportation," with its ticket-of-leave accompaniment, is but a farce; let it once be clearly understood that a convict's sentence will be fully carried out, and that there is actually, a commensurate and fearful punishment awaiting crime, and society will be better ordered. Our criminal code is a thorough disgrace, and to it must be attributed the fact that no oneV life is worth,a moment's purchase after dark in this, the first city of the world, England has but recently escaped from a very wet season, and fears' were entertained for the crops, but we hope the warm sun, though so late in entering an appearance, comes justin time to prevent calamity. A bad harvest added to our other provincial troubles would bring .us - a sorry winter indeed. Of .course, no grain will be obtainable from America; and, indeed, whether at all we ought

to:buy such large quantities of food yeaily is still an open question; but, uutii our landed proprietors see the necessity ol extending the cultivation of the country, we must look abroad for the staff of life. Fortunately there are plenty of markets open to us; and in this respect we are not depedent on Brother Jonathan.

Our volunteers have for some time been doing, good practice, and have now established for themselves undying fame. Our prizeshooting (as is .well known), is open to the riflemen of every country, and in the days of our novitiate we had to contend against some °l b -beSt men that could be foimd > but now the British volunteer can take his own part like a man; his aim is so true at any reasonable distynce that the celebrated Swiss and other foreign marksmen have yielded the palm by retiring from the friendly contest; our shores are now safe from invasion, and England if not exactly a pattern to the world, shows, at all events, a good example to htr colonies. It is a pity that any thing like illieehng or jealousy in relation to this subject should exist" at the Horse Guards, but such is the fact, and although as Shakspeare says, a ' boldier's a man," men are but mortals after all. However, we hope soon to report better things. Ladies volunteer clubs are becoming popular, and with this amiab c addition to the service, harmony will no doubt be speedily restored. ■ J ~ '■'"■' ~"^~^ZZi:'Jl^f^±^i in_iiin«niMiiy,i