The Express. — London, England, 1853-06-03 00:00:00

1 tem pt of English ministerial journals to persuade ir realm that Austria is a better ally to resit Pollan e ncroachment in Turkey than France ! Tot- evening her Majesty's Ministers are to tell t o what plan they propose for the future government of ha w . Within the last few days a notion has got a b r oad that it is their positive intention to rush into panianent legislation, against the public opinion of Eegland and—su far as it has been expressed—against public orinion of India; the Ministry tho• m lets being raw and uninformed, and scarcely on e quarter of the inquiry which they themselves is-tituted having as yet been completed. It is also a id —we hope for the reputation of Lord DAL ,IE untruly—that the last mail brought a com munication from him ads ising immediate legislation, so is to foreclose the Indian question and avert certain cell. which the keen eyes of East India Directors and their GOVLItNuIt-UENLBAL detect in Indian agitation—agitation be it remembered for some amelioration in the condition of one hun dred millions of British subjects. The President of the India Board ought to be asked in his place in Parliament under what circumstances Lord 1011 fin: six, if lie have really given it, has come to offer his cpinion on the question of Indian agitation. Did he volunteer it, or did he give it in reply to a leading question put to him pub licly, or put to him privately, in that confidential corr espondence on public matters which is stated to take One between the President of the Board of Cannon-row and "the Chair" of Leadenhall-street and the Go LiiNur.-CENERAL? Whether pubic or confidential, the importance of the question is such that the correspondence,—with the evidence, if any, on which the Coo ERNOtt-GENERAL'S notion of dan gerous Hindu agitation is founded,—ought to be laid on the table of the house of Commons, in order that the !louse and the public may be able to form an opinion of its value. In the meanwhile, we must my that this notion of danger from Indian agita tion has for sonic months beck been industriously pro gagated by the Directorial body of Leadenhall-street, and that, unluckily for their own reputation, some members of the existing Cabinet have been found too credent of the fable. For ourselves, we are quite satisfied that the" dangerous agitation" which Directors fear is English and not Indian, and we are confirmed in this view by the opinion en. tcrtaincd by the mercantile classes in the City, that if the inquiry now going on be continued but for another year there is a sure end to the Company and to their long rule. Let us, however, examine for a moment the value of the opinion of the Marquis of DALstorstE, under the supposition that the noble lord has been simple enough to give it. In the first place, agitation for intension of political rights is an English, and not • Law felon. In reference to India, it is contrary la the Meetings of near a century of English, and of seem centuries of Mahomedan history. Indeed, it is sostrary to the truth of all Asiatic history. Oat et one hundred millions of people, there are not ono hundred thousand who understand the English language, and not 6,000 who un derstand or care for politics, and even this little fraction, to whom the agitation is eon fined, is restricted to three small corners of a ter ritory above ten times the size of the united islands of Great Britain and Ireland. The Indian agitation, moreover, is directed to a demand for a very small instalment of a hugs' debt which has been owing for the best part of a century, and the demand is made in terms so moderate, that had it been made for Englishmen it would be condemned for its timidity. We can readily understand the danger of closing the door against necessary reform, but danger from a reform of crying evils is unintelligible. There is another danger also intelligible enough—that of betraying fear of reform when the danger is purely Imaginary,—as undoubtedly in the present instance it is. The Indians have seen us conquer one Indian people alter another, until by foul or fair means we have subdued all India, but they have agitated for no political change on this account. They have seen us squander mil lions of their own money in making or attempting to make foreign conquests, but they have neither agitated, nor revolted, but now that they ask to be relieved of a small share of the grievances inflicted on them by the misrule of the East India Company, they are denounced as dangerous agitators, and the legislature is besought to shut the door in their faces, and bid them to be contented as they are. —to put up for another score of years with what they have already endured for nearly eighty ! No doubt there has been agitation in India under our rule, but it has never been one for exten sion of political rights. It has been an agitation to avert extortion, and it has often ended in insurrec tion and even in dangerous rebellion, put down only by cannon and the bayonet. Of these "agitations," within the last 40 years there have been at least half-a•dozen, produced, in every ease, by the imposi tion of new taxes or the aggravation of old ones, and we may refer our readers to an ample, truthful, and well-written account of these " agitations "—with all the terrible story of the blood that flowed from them—to the history of India by Profaner WILSON; now and for the last forty-five years a servant of the East India Company. In such a work the sins of that Company are sure not to be overstated. But there is a palpable danger to India and to England from not agitating for Indian reforms, to which we must now refer. Unless we agitate and carry a sweeping reform of the existing system, India will be beggared and bank rupt through the want of improvement, and as it will be quite impossible for us to cut India adrift, England will have to pay 20s. in the pound for her bankrupt dependency. Let as proceed to a short proof. For the ten years ending with 1848-49 there was an annual deficit in the In dian revenue averaging a million and a half a year, and making a total deficit of better than 13,000,000/. Next year there was a surplus, the amount of which was about one-fourth part of the average deficit of each of the ten preceding years ; but this surplus arose entirely from an extraneous cause. The Chinese in the year in question paid a larger Price than usual and smoked a larger quantity then usual of Indian opium. With an expensive and ill conducted war at present on our hands, any surplus for the next ten years is not to be expected, and the great probability is that an annual deficit of a couple of millions is what must be reckoned on. And now even the opium revenue is itself in danger. The importation of opium has been declared legal by the Chinese Go vernment, and the culture of the poppy and prepara tion of opium is on the point of being made aci,—se we find by the accounts broaght by the last maiL Here is the argument of the Chinese Cabinet Minister, who recommends the legalising of the prone tion of native opium : " The native resources of the country being developed, the ex pin of money abroad will diminish in the natnral:rourse of things. Native-grown opium daily becoming more abundant, there will be leas demand for the foreign opium ; the quantity will gradually dwindle away ; at last there will be none mid Chinese traitors will then be deprived of where. withal to support their vocation. The productions of barbarian countries, being, with the exception of opium, very limited, the fountain of our prosperity daily swellina higher, the fountain of theirs will daily subside. It will be needless for us to deprive them of it by force, for in verity it will of itself de part from them. Behold the subjection of the enemy without the fighting of soldiers." The illustrious WOO-TING-POO seems as bent on the peaceful overthrow of the East India Company as any recent petitioner. But the Chinese Minister not only proposes to legalise the production of native opium, but he also tells us that it is already grown in several provinces clandestinely, and he particu larises that of Yunan, a great province bounded by Siam and Ava. "The Imperial officers, it is true," he says, "are sent to cut down the poppies, but, re ceiving a small bribe from the cultivators, they de putt, reporting that the business is complete. The cause of the prosperity of Yunan," he adds, " is, that " its native grown opium is abundant, and the drain of specie proportionately inconsiderable." Next in amount to the opium revenue in the In- 1 dien Exchequer comes the money gained by the Tax on Salt; and here the prospects of the future are very gloomy. On the authority of a Calcutta journal in the interest of the G overnment, we bad that in the two years from 1849-50 to 1831-52 there had been a decrease in the consumption of this necessary of life of 60,000 tons!—implying, beyond what would be inferred from a diminished consumption of any ex ciseable article with us, diminished means to con same, or in other words, increase of poverty in the people. The diminished consumption infers a loss l of revenue to the amount of 415,0001.! The opium lrevenue, in round numbers, is 3,000,0001., and the salt revenue 2,000,000/., making between them 5,000,0001., or one-fourth part of the whole net re venue of India. With this and many other evidences of mal-administration staring them in tho face, our rulers are for rushing into a legislation which has for its object in ono shape or another the continu ance of an administration which has brought British India to this piteous and perilous condition. " Agita tion " is a truly conservative duty when such folly is in the ascendant. TURKEY. A despatch, purporting to have been received from Constantinople,and announcing the arrival of "Count Nesse!rode," was yesterday published in London. As this name is generally understood when not fur ther qualified to designate the well known Chancellor of the Russian empire, it was supposed by some that the Czar, as soon as he was made aware of the hesi tation of the Porte to yield to the demands of the Prince do. Menchikolt resolved to send 'a more moderate and at the same time more skilful nego tiator. Others better informed of the position of Count Neseelrode, and the impossibility of news of the 22nd reaching Bt. Petersburg in time for sending him so early to Turkey, concluded that there was some jumble in the despatch, which, it was observed, had no date. The following is the true reading of the message: TICIESTE, TVESDAT EVENING. News has arrived from Conetantinople, dated May 2s. Count Nesselrode has arrived in oar port, charged with di spatches. That is to say, that the eon of the Imperial Chan cellor, who was attached to Prince Menchikoff's mis sion, had arrived at Trieste, not at the Turkish capital, and from Constantinople, not from Russia, having left in the Lloyd's boat the day after Prince Meachikoff started for Odessa. Respecting the departure of M. Ozeroff and the resident Russian legation from Constantinople, ao counts are contradictory; those from Seadin report ing that the chargE d'affuires remained alter Prince Menchikoffs departure, although preparing to follow him to Odessa ; and those him Trieste stating that M. Ozeroff and all the personnel of the legation ac companied the special envoy on buard the Bessarabia. The Trieste despatches, moreover, differ from one another ; some stating that the protection of the sub jects of Russia is confided to the Austrian legation, and others that they are entrusted to the care of the Danish minister. Letters from Constantinople, of the 19th, contain some interesting details respecting the facts which accompanied and preceded the departure of Prince Menchikoff. On the 17th alt., an extraordinary council was held under the presidency of the Sultan. Fifty-seven pawns were present, among whom were Kosrew Packs. Raouf Pacha, Riza Pacha, Sateti Pacha, Nafiz Pacha, Filed Effendi, Chekib Effendi, Chekib Bey, Ziver Effendi, in fact, all the former ministers and high functionaries of the empire. The deli beration lasted two days, and the council was unanimously of opinion that the government must persist in the negative response made some days pre vious to Prince Menchikoff. When all had expressed their opinion, the Sultan said, "We have done all that depended on us to satisfy Russia and avoid a rupture with her ; if we have not succeeded, the fault is not ours. It was my duty to defend my sovereign rights ; I know also my duties, and in all the grave circumstances which may arise I shall know how to fulfil them. Have confidence in me, as I have in you." The Prince was informed of the result of the council on the evening of the 18th, and next day the decision was formally notified to him. On the other hand, 'the attempts made by the principal members of the diplomatic corps to in duce Prince Menchikoff to modify his demand, and the instances of Reschid Pacha, wholad a long conference with bim, having completelyfailed,and the Porte having declared that it had no modification to make in its first reply, the Prince addressed to the Porte a final note, signifying the cessation of diplomatic relations and his approaching departure with the entire Russian mission. The Divan, although not admitting the possibility of war, yet believing that in the present state of affairs Ithe brat mode of assuring peace was by taking an ener getic attitude, resolved on adopting a series of impos ing measures. Orders were sent to Achmet Pacha, com manding the Mediterranean squadron, to return im mediately with his fleet. He was expected at Con stantinople in the course of the present week. The fleet of the Viceroy of Egypt was also expected in a few days, a courier having been sent to Alexandria with orders. This fleet was Ito bring a reinforcement of about 15,000 men. At the same time order was given to Omer Pacha, General-in-Chief of the army of Rnmelia, to descend to Shumla with his corps-d'armee, a force of from eighty to one hundred thousand excellent troops, inured to war, and a great number of which took part in the expeditions to Bosnia, Kurdistan, and Montenegro. The Commander-in-Chief has also ordered the immediate formation of two camps, one at Roud jouck and the other at Brume. These two camps, com posed of the redif or reserve, will comprehend 260,000 men, who, joined to the active army of about 230,000 men, will form a total effective force of more than 500,000, available for the defence of the country. Besides its ordinary resources, Turkey has at its dis posal the reserve chest, recourse to which is only had in extreme oases. This treasury has not been opened since 1827. Its present contents are estimated at 300,000 " purses "or 37 million francs at least. The enthusiasm of the army is unmistakeable. The Turks of all classes are decided in their hostility to the, Remises; and, should war break out, it is the whole nation that will rise against the Muscovite. The Greek clergy have taken the alarm at the first glimpse . of the Russian yoke, and are ready to persuade their flocks to oppose the advance of a despot who would reduce patriarchs and priests to the slavery . of the Russian clergy. Important and powerful in Turkey, the Greek priests see that the merest corporal would be of more consequence in Ramie than they. It is said that with a view to re cognise and confirm the devotion of the Christian population, the Sultan contemplated a new act of sovereignty which shall for ever secure to all Chris tians of whatever communion rights and immunities more extensive and valuable than those which have been before granted, whether in treaties or in the hatti-sherif of Gullianfi or in the Tanzimat. A copy of this act will be given to all the foreign embassies, so that it will be thenceforward a diplomatic docu ment. r. L., NCLOSVRE OF HAMPEITEAD HEATlL—Yesterday the vestry of St. Pancras resolved that a petition be pre sented against the measure, and that a committee be ap pointed to oppose by every legal means the bill for 'Delos. wag Hampstead Heath now before the House of Lords THE EXPRESS, FRIDAY EVENING, JUNE 3, 1853. FRANCE. PARIS, TR VIIIIDAY. There has been much inactivity in business at the Bourse to-day, and a considerable fall has again recurred in the Three per Cents., purchases in that desetiption of stock for the account having ultimately been effected at a decline of lf. on yesterday's closing quotation ; for cash there was a fall of 60e. The Four-and-a-Half per Cents. were well maintained, the previous quotation for the term remaining unchanged, with a variation of 10c. only for money. Bank of France shares fell sf. Closing prices.— For cash: Three per Cents., 7SE 50c. ; Four-and a-Half per Cents., 101 f. 90 c. For the account: Three per Cents., 78f. ate.; Four-and-a-Half per Cents., 101 f. 75c. Bank Stock, 2,680 f. 50c. Not many transactions took place is the railway share market to-day. The final quotations were: —Northern., 890 f.; Paris and Orleans, 1,060 f.; Paris and Strasbourg., 905 E; Paris and Lyons, 920 f.; Paris and Bonen, 1,065 f. ; Lyons to the Mediter ranean, 7601.; Western of Prance, 745 L; Rouen and Havre, 5101. PARIS, WEDNESDAY EVENING. It is settlement day, and the bears have been caught. The rise has been extraordinary. The Threes have risen nearly 2 francs, and the railways from 30f. to 40f. Two of the " foreign correspondents," MM. Flan din and de Planhol, have appealed to the Supreme Court of Cessation against the judgment of the Im perial Court. Tho Moni€eur contains a decree promulgating, so far as respects Sardinia, the international sanitary convention, which was agreed to, in the early part of last year, at the conferences held on the subject at Paris, and which has been app ro v e d of a nd adhered to by the principal maritime powers of Europe. The powers that have finally agreed to set upon this con vention are Turkey, Sardinia, Portugal, and Tus cany. The Paris and Strasburg and Baden Railways are about to be prolonged, so that the terminus of each, instead of being at a considerable distance from the lthine, may be brought close to the respective banks of the river. A letter from Lille states that the judicial autho rities of that place had proceeded to the frontier, in sposequenee of an important seizure of seditious writings having been made by the police at Tour coi og. It is said that several persons residi lig at Roubaix, who are compromised in the affair, have been arrested and brought to Lille. Wo read in the Moniteur : Apprehensions were hitherto entertained of the state of the crops, but at present no doubt can exist as to the excel lent situation of our principal articles of praduee. Wheats are in general backward, it is tine; but the recent rains and the warmth have already made them shoot above the parasitical plants which might injure them. As to rye, it is in general flue everywhere, and the colas is most abun dant. Oats are not very forward, but the late rains have been most favourable to them. As to the gross crops, they were never seen more abundant, particularly in the fatal eial meadows. SW: Before accepting the command of the Federal army, General Dufour applied for the advice of his friend and former pupil, Louis Napoleon, Emperor of France. " Take it at once," was the reply. The very broad statement published yesterday by the Times, that "diplomatic relations have been re established between Austria and Switzerland," appears to rest upon the too narrow foundation of the following paragraph in the Independance Beige: We are informed from Vienna that M. de Bourqueney, Minister Plenipotentiary of Frame, having demanded ex planations of M. de 800 l respecting the read of M. de Karnicki and of the rupture of diplomatic relations between Switzerland and Austria, M. de Buol informed him that no.rupture In the strict diplomatic sense had taken place, and that M. de Kunicki had only received orders to repair to Vienna, so that whenever be might be seat back sato Switzerland be would need no new credentials. It results from this statement, supposing it to be an authentic report of a private conversation, firstly, that Austria hue been so neglectful of the estab lished forms of diplomatic procedure as to leave Switzerland and France in doubt as to her real position towards the confederation ; se condly, that on withdrawing her representative, Austria did not wish to deatro the basis upon which peaceful intercourse with Switzerland m*ht be re mind in case of need; and, thirdly, that France has not, as has been asserted within these few days, cast off the friendship of the confederation and made common cause with its enemy. Of the re-establish ment of diplomatic intercourse, however, this pare, graph contains no trace. A rumour was, however. current in Vienna on Tuesday evening that new ne gotiations were about to be opened at Berne. The Amsterdam Mandela/kid of Wednesday states in a telegraphic despatch that the federal council of Swit zerland has dissolved the grand council of the canton of Neufchatel, a canton now menaced more directly than ever with Prussian aggression. irbe Court. GERMANY. AUSTRIA. VIENNA, MAY 29. The Minister of Foreign Affairs has addressed a circular to the Austrian representative' at foreign courts. In this circular, which is dated the 28th May, the Minister declares formally that the meet ing of Sovereign princes at Vienna had nothing whatever to do with politics. In conclusion, the circular announces the marriage of the Duke of Brabant with the Archduehem Maria. RUSSIA. ST. PETERSBURG, MAY 23. Russia demands from the Shah of Persia either the immediate repayment of the loan of 50.000 f., or the cession of the territory of Asterabad, on the shores of the Caspian. The Shah has refused com pliance with either demand. It is said that the Prince Dolsomki, Secretary to the Russian Embassy at Teheran, hu pun a blow to the secretary of the Shah, and that Ahmet Affendi, the Turkish Ambassador, who took the part of the insulted dignitary, hes addressed a circular to the foreign consuls at Teheran. AMERICA. ARRIVAL OF THE HERMANN. The Herman arrived yesterday morning at Cowes, on her way to Bremen. Her mails and passenger for England were landed at Southampton. She had on board about 160 passengers, and specie to the value of about half a million of dollars, chiefly for Havre. The news by the Hermann is unimportant, and hie been anticipated by that brought by the steam-yacht North Star, whkh appeared in yester day's Etp-es.. THE ARCTIC REGIONS. TO THI Bne,—l presentedopiiin steam vessel Placentia, with four pair of carrier-pigeons, one of which he intended to let fiy half way to Cape Farewell, another on reaching that plate, and the remainder at a fitter* mild. The interest attached to news from the Arctic squadron may induce you to make this public and a sovereign will be given to any one who will send the note that win be attached to the bird to Mesas. Prescott, Grote sad Co., 62, Threadneedle-street. Yours faithfully, F. P. June 2. I, Wo CORONERSHIP OP THE QUEEN'S HOUSEHOLD AND TEI Vanos.—William Thomas Manning, Esq., solicitor, has, we understand, been appointed to the office of Coroner of her Majesty's Household and of the Verge, and been sworn in accordingly. EXTBAORDINiiI NIDIFICATION.—Our readers are familiar with the tall signal poets at railway stations on which large balls are run by pulleys and cords, to intimate, by their being lowered or elevated, when the way is or is not clear for a coming train. One ofthese balls at the signal post on the Ardroman line; near Kilwinning,:lately attracted the notice of a couple of starlings on matrimonial thought s latent. With much labour they forced tittle way into the centre, and proceeded, despite all interruptions, to construct a nest. The ball has to be lowered and elevated 14 times a day, but this did not interfere with the proceedings of the happy pair, and in due time four eggs were deposited in the moveable nest. Our last despatch informs us that the female is still sitting closely, quite undisturbed by the fre quent process of being let down within a very few feet of the ground, and raised again. There is every probability of her hatching her young, and if so, we believe the circum stances will be quite unprecedented.—Dunsfrier Courier. THE DRA WINO ROOM. The Queen held a drawing-room (the first this season) yesterday afternoon in St. James's Palace. Up wards of two hundred ladies were presented at the recep tion, which was very numerously attended. Her Majesty and Prince Albert arrived from Bucking ham Palace escorted by a detachment of the Royal Horse Guards, and were received by the Lord Steward, the Lord Chamberlain, the Treasurer of the Household, the Vice- Chamberlain, and the Comptroller of the Household. The Duke of Genoa, the Hereditary Grand Duke and Grand Duchess and the Duchess Caroline of Mecklenburgh- Strelitz, the Princess Mary and the Doke of Cambridge, the l'rincess Adelaide of Hohenlohe and Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar were present at the drawing-room. The Royal Family were received by the Vice-Chamberlain, and conducted to the Queen in the royal closet. Before the drawing-room her Majesty, according to annual custom, received a deputation fromShrist's Hospital in the throne room. The deputation, which was ushered to the royal presence by Sir William P. Martins, Gentleman Usher in Waiting, consisted of Mr. Alderman Thompson M.P., the presi dent ; Sir Adolphus John Dalrymple, Bart. , Mr. Benjamin Bond Cabbell, M.P., an d M r . James Bentley, three of the governors of the institution; accompanied by the Rev. William Webster, M.A., the mathematical muter; Mr. William H. Back, the drawing master; and the 40 boys of the Royal Mathematical School founded by king Charles the Second, and was most graciously received. The Queen condescended to inspect the charts and draw ings of the boys and to express her approbation of their performance. The Hon. Corps of Gentlemen-at-Arms were on duty in the State rooms, under the command of the Lieutenant. The nub-oflicers Lieut. Colonel Net ill and Major Cooke,were also on duty. The Yeomen of the Guard were on duty, under the com mand of the Exon in Waiting. Her Majesty was attended by the Duchess of Sutherland (Mistress of the Robes). the Viscountess Jocelyn (in wait ing), the Duchess of Wellington, the Coast/se of Mount Edgcumbe, the Countess of Desert, the Viscountess Can , ping, the Marchioness of Ely, and the Duchess of Norfolk (Ladies of the Bedchamber), the Hon. Caroline Cavendish (in waiting), the Hon. Flora Macdonald (in waiting), the Ron. Lucy Kerr, Hon. Matilda Paget, lion. Eleanor Stanley, lion. Mary Seymour, ion. Beatrice Byng, and the Hon. Mary Bulled (Maids of Honour), the Hon. Mra. Trevor and the Hon. Mrs. George Campbell (Women of the Bedchamber), the Duke of Norfolk, h.G. (Lord Steward), the Marquis of Breadalbane, K.T. (Lord Chamberlain), the Earl of Mulgrave (Treasurer of the Household), Lord Ernest Bruce (Vice-Chamberlain), Lord Drumlanrig (Comptroller of the Household), Earl Somers (Lord in Waiting), Lord George Lennox (Lord in Waiting to his Royal Highness), Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipps (Keeper of her Majesty's Privy Puree), Col. the Hon. Charles Grey (Private Secretary to his Royal Highness), Lieut.-General Sir Edward Bowater (Groom in Waiting), Colonel Wylie (Groom in Waiting to his Royal Highness), Lord Charles Fitzroy (Equerry i n Waiting), Captain the lion. Dudley de Roe (Equerry in Waiting to his Royal Highness), Mr. George Gordon Macpherson and Mr. Charles Edmund Phipps (Pages of Honour in Waiting). The Queen wore a train of blue and silver cloth with gold stars, trimmed with gold braid and silver blonde. The petticoat was white net over whit* satin, trimmed with gold braid and white roses with green and gold 1 Her Majesty's head-dress was formed of diamonds and feathers. The Princess Mary of Cambridge won a blue moire antique train embossed with white Bowers and trimmed with blue. The stomacher was of diamonds. Three skirts of blue tulle embroidered with silver over a blue silk petticoat. Her Royal Highness's head-dress was composed of feathers and a tiara of diamonds of wheat ears, with lace lappets. The necklace and earrings were diamonds. The Princess Adelaide of Hobenlehe wore a train of white watered silk, brocaded with silver leaver, trimmed with white satin ribbon and silver, the stomacher of silver blonde sad blush roses. The petticoat of white satin trimmed with tulle, silver blonde and blush roses. The dress was of English manufacture. The princess's head dress was formed of feathers, [OW, and diamonds. The diplomatic circle was introduced, when the following presentations to her Majesty took place: By the French Ailassadreu—Miss Wileooks, niece of the Minister of the United States ; Mrs. Gilpin, a lady of the United States. By . Madame Tricoupi—Her daughter, Mademoiselle Tri mph By Madame de BMe—Madame Is Ca ntos° Henriette de Danneskiold Samos, Rile du Comte Danneskiold. By the French Ambassador M. le Marquis de Chain pgne, attaché l'Ambassade. By the Prussian Minister : Prince Felix de Silas &dm, Lieutenant in the Prussian Hussars; Baron Leo de Blumen thal, Captaia in the Great Staff General ; Lieutenant Oscar John, of tho Prussian Uhlans. By the Sicilian Minister: M. le Marquis Serra•Gerace ; Chevalier Nicola Ciramine. Minister:By the Awtrian M. le Comte Powell, a nobleman of Rome ; M. Flies , Lieutenant in the army of H. I. and B. A. Majesty. By the Danish Minister : His Excellency Count Douses kield Samoa, Grand Echanson de S. M. le Roi de Dane-' mare ; M. Le Baron Heintz', a Danish cavalry officer. By the Minister of the United States: Mr. Van Buren, late President of the United States • Mr. Martin Van Buren, son of the late President ; M r. Kenable * governor and late member of Congress ; Major General Cooper of New York ; Hon. Thomas Butler King, of the Uni ted States ; and Mr. Gilpin, formerly Attorney-General of the United States. The Diplomatic circle was attended by the French Am bassador and the Countess Walewaki, M. Charles Bandit' (First Secretary), and H. Jules de Saes, Second Secretary of the Embassy ; the Bavarian Minister, and Barrow de Cetto ; the Russian Minister and Le Comte Audivi Bleu doff, Secretary of Legation; the Hanoverian Minister, the Prussian Minister and Madame Bunsen, Mdlle. Bensan,.Mr. Ernest Bunsen, Count Fleming,Councillor, and Baron Lan gen, Attache to the Legation ; the Swedish and Norwegian Minister, and Baron do Gar, Secretary of Legation ; the Spanish Minister, M. P. Soak, Secretary, Mr. J. Crooke Navarrot and Mr. M. de rotated, Attaches to the Legs-- tin ;. the Sardinian Minister, his Excellency the Cheva ll er Maisano d'Azeglio, Marquis Oldoini, First Secretary, Count L Corti, Second Secretary , and Mr. C. F. Menotti, At tache to the Legation; Marquis St. Marisa and Count Della Val. Aidee-de-Carai t ei rsi f his Royal Highness the Duke of Genoa ; Marquis and Count Avogadro, °Olden d'Orilanames of his Highness the Duke of Genoa ; Count Beativeglio d'Aregon the Greek Minister and Madame Trim* ; the Turkish Minister and Madame Meares ; Prince A. VOrti44ll. COSIIZMOr of Legation ; limed Bey, First Secretary ; sad Maar Effendi, Secre tary Interpreter of the Legation ; the Portuguese Minister and the Countess de Laradio ; the Chevalier Pinto de &meal, Secretary of Legation, and Madame Pinto de Several ; Mr. F. F. de la Figaniere, Attache, and Madame de la Figankre ; Viscount and Viscountess d'Alts ; the Bra zilian IMor and the Chevalier der Sava Maya, Attaché ; the Sicilian Minister and Princess di Carini ; le Com mandeer de Martino, Secretary of Legation, and Madame de Martino; the Danish Minister and Madame de Bills, and Count Roventlow, Secretary of Legation the Austrian Minister and Countess Colloredo Count Batthyany ; the United States Minister and Col onel T. B. Lawrence, At tube to the Legation; the remake Minister, M. J. A. Rodulfo, Secretary ; M. Julian Sandoval and Captain Maxima de la Puente, Attaches to the Ligation; the Pa sha Envoy, Major Ibraham Khan Malcolm, lint Secre tary and Interpreter, and M. Anthoine B. lesavezdens, first Attaché to the Mirka; the Mexican Chargé d'Affaires and Madame Fad% Faeio, M. B. Gomez Feriae, Atteché to the Mission; M. Dronet, Belgian Chargé d'Affaires; M. Maurice Delfosse Secretary of Ligation ; M. Octave Willa/re, Santa; of Legation ; Madame and Mademoiselle Delepierre, and M. Leopold Orb's, At taché to the Legation the Earl of Clarendon Ka., the Queen's principal Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs; and Major General the Hon. Sir Edward Coat , K.C.H. her Majesty's Master of the Ceremonies. The following ladies had the honour of being presented to her Majesty : Mrs. Abney, by the Countess Howe. Lady Alison, by the Counter of Eglinton and Winton. Miss Aldridge, by her mother, Mn. Aldridge. Miss Andrews, by Lady Panmnre. Miss Anna Maria Antrobus, by Lady Antrobu. Mrs. Richard H. Appleyard, by Lady Penman. Miss Arbuthnot, by her mother, the Hon. Mrs. Arbuth not. John Arkwright, by Lady Harriet Clive. Miss Arkwright, by her mother, Mrs. John Arkwright. Miss Mary Arkwright, by her mother, Mn. John Ark wright. Mrs. Charles Astell, by Viscountess Herding,. Mrs. Begge, by the Countess of Benton. Miss Daggs, by her mother, Mrs. Begge. Lidy Bailey, by Lady Emily Foley. Miss Jane Baillie, by her mother, Mrs. Hanle. Mn. W. F. Beaton, by her sister, Lady Davis. Mrs. H. P. Best, by Lady Harding. Miss Bethell, by her mother, Mrs. Betbell. Mrs. Bethell, by the Duchess of Norfolk. Lady Lavinia Bingham, by her mother, the Countess of Luca& Mir Fanny Blackett, by Lady Blacked. Miss Boner, by the Countess (Dowager) of Glasgow. Mir Marian Boner, by the Countess (Dowager) of Glasgow. Mrs. Booker, by Lady Gore Booth. Miss Booker, by her mother, M. Booker. Miss Mary Booker, by her mother, Mrs. Booker. Mn. Temple Bewdoin, by her mother, Lady Clay. Mrs. Edgar Bowring, by Countess Granville. Miss Flews Bradford, by Lady Dillon. Miss Bradshaw, by Hon. Mrs. Bradshaw. Miss Brinkman , by Lady Brinckmen. Miss Georgians Buckley, by her mother, Mrs. Henry Buckley. Miss Florence Burnaby, by her mother, Mrs. Burnaby. Mrs. Col. Bush, by Lady Mary Lsbouchere. Lady Butgbersh, by Mrs. Locke. Lady Anne Butler, by the Countess of Clancarty. Mrs. Edmund Calverley, on her marriage, by her mother, Mrs. eelwin. Miss Hume Campbell. by Lady Hume Campbell. Hon. Cecilia Campbell, by her mother, Lady Stratheden and Campbell. Lady Veru Cameron, of Loehiel, b 1 Visounteis Can ning. Min Cameron, by Lady cilantro, The Hon. Katherine Canning, by Viscountess Stratford de Redelifia. Lady Louisa Cavendish, by the Duchess of Sutherland. Mrs . . Chattetie, by her mother, Lady Seaford. Min Laura Clay, by her mother, Lady Cisy. Lily Mary Clive, by Lady Harriet Clive. Hon. Mrs. Coke, on her marriage. by Lady Dover. Miss Mary Adeline Crewe, by the Dowager Lady Crewe. Miss Crompton, by Lady Crompton. Min Curtis, by her mother, Lady Curtis. Min Madeline Curtin, by her mother, Lady Curtis. Mist Curzon, by her mother, the Hon. Mn. Edward Curzon. Hon. Mn. Edward Curzon, by Countess Howe. Lady Adelaide Curzon, by the Countess Howe. Viscountess Dalrymple, by the Duchess of Norfolk. Mies Ereleen Darner, by her sister, Viscountess Eb rington. Lady Harriet de Burgh, by the Marchioness of Clan ricarde. Mrs. Dempster (of Skibo), by the Duckett of Sutherland. Miss Dempster, by the Duchess of Sutherland. The Hon. Mrs. George Denman, by Ludy Cranworth. Mrs. Bonfield Des Voeuz, by Lady Cecilia Des Venn:. Min Caroline Des Voeuz, by her mother, Mrs. Bonfield Des Voeuz. Mrs. Bimodal', on her marriage, by the Hon. Baroness Dimsdale. Min Catherine Duff (of Corsinda), by Lady Agnes Duff. Miss Edith Dundas, by Lady Mary Christopher. Miss Eckford, by Mrs. Charles Astell. Miss Egerton, by Lady Charlotte Egerton. The Lady Ers{due, on bar marriage, by the Marchioness of Breadalbane. _ Miss Margaret Ewart, by Lady Clay. Viscountess Falmouth, ea coining to the title, by Vis countess Jocelyn. Lady Elinor Fitzgibbon, by Lady Wodehouse. Miss Louisa Fitzroy, by the lion. Mrs. 13ateson. Miss Fitzpatrick, by her aunt, Mrs. Godman. The Ilon. Esther Flower, by her mother, 'Viscountess Ashbrook. Mrs: Edward Forbes, by the Marchioness of Hutings. Mrs. Ford, on her marriage, by her suter-in-►aw, Lady Molesworth. _ Mn. Fort, by Lady Augusta Gordon. Hon. Mrs. Augustus Lane Fox, on her marriage, by Lady Louisa Douglas Pe t. Miss Helen Fraser,by her mother, Mrs. Fraser. Lady Payne Gallwey, by the Duchess of Athol!. Miss Maria Garf•rth, by her mother, Mrs. Garforth. Mrs. Garland, by the Dowager Lady Talbot de Malahide. Mrs. Osselee. by Lady Elizabeth Thaekeray. Mrs. Frederick Gannett, on her marriage, by Mrs. Whit man. Miss Gibbons, by Mrs. Gibbons. Mrs. Pemberton Gipps, on her marriage, by Mrs. Spencer Walpole. Mrs. Godmsn, by the Dowager Lady Talbot de Malahide. Miss Godman. by the Dowager Lady Talbot de Malahide. Lady Gooch, by her mother, Lady Elizabeth Hope Were. Miss Gordon (of Railhead) by Lady Graham Montgo mery. Hon. Mrs. Grant, of Grant, on her marriage, by her ano ther, Lady Abercomby. Mrs. Thomas Gregory, by the Duchess of Sutherland. Min Florence Mary Gregory, by her mother,Mrs. Thomas Gregory. Miss Mary Florence Gregory, by her mother,Mrs. Thomas Gregory. Mrs. Charles Grenfell, by the Countess of Sefton. Mrs. Grimwood, by Lady Louisa Cater. Lady sane Grosvenor, by the Marchioness of West minster, Mrs. Russell Gurney, by Lady Trevelyan. Mrs. Howel Gwyn, by the Honourable Mrs. Bateson. Miss Frances Handley, by Dar mother, the Honourable Mrs. Handley Miss Handley, by her mother, the Honourable Mrs. Handley. Lady Emily Rankly, on her marriage, by the Honourable Mrs. Seymour Bathurst. Lady Emily Hare, by the Countess of Listowel. Miss Hargreaves, by Lady Edward Howard. Miss liarrineton, by the Duchess of Atholl. Lady Alice Hay, by the Countess Dowager of Erroll. The Lady Elizabeth Hay, by the Countess of Kinnoull. Min Emma Heard, by Lady Charlotte Heard. Miss Adelaide Henley, by Mrs. Henley. Miss Anne Henley, by Mrs. Henley. Mies Louisa Herschel, by Lady Herschel. Miss Claudine Hogg, by her aunt, Lady Hogg. Lady Holland, by the Duchess of Sutherland. Lady Honywood, by the Dowager Marchioness of Ely. Miss Honywood, by the Dowager Marchioness of Ely. Miss Hope, by Lady Graham Montgomery. Mies Charlotte Hope, by Lady Graham Montgomery. Mrs. Hervey Hopwood, by the Countess of Sefton. Lady Isabel Howard, by her mother, the Countess of Suffolk. Lady Maria Howard, by the Countess of Effingham. Mrs. Otway Inglefield, by the Hon. Mrs. Charles Bruce. Miss Emily Jebb, by Dowager Lady Crewe. The Lady Isabella Jodrell, by the Marchioness of Hastings. The Hon. Mrs. Hope Johnstone, by the Duchess of Sutherland. The Lady Gilbert Kennedy, on her marriage, by Mar gust Counter of Newburgh. Lady Cecil Kerr, by thelffarchionese of Lothian. Miss Georgina King, by Lady Eagan. Miss King King, by her mother, M. King King. Miss Kinglake, by her mother, Mrs. Kinglake. The Countess of Hinton, on her marriage, by the Mar ehionen of Breadalbane. Miss Eleanor Knatchbull, by her mother, Lady Knatch bull. Miss Emily Sophia Lambert, by her mother, Lady Lam bert. Mrs. Douglas Lane, on her marriage, by the Hon. Mu. Newton Lane. Miss Latham, by her mother, Mrs. Latham. The Hon. Mrs. Robert Lawley, on her marriage, by Lady Wenlock. Miss Lee, b Lady Napier. Min Shaw Lefevre, by her aunt, Lady Over stone. Miss Frances Kincaid Lennox, by her mother, Mrs. Kin caid Lennox. Mrs. George F. Leslie, by Lady Farquhar. Miss Annie Levu e, by Mrs. Rolleston. Mrs. Charles Lewis, on her marriage, by Lady Crin worth. Mrs. Henry Liddell, on her marriage, by the Countess of Strathmore. The Countess of Lisburne, on her marriage, by the Marchioness of Cholmondeley. Min Lister, by her mother, Lady Theresa Lewis. Lady Caroline Lister Kaye, on her marriage, by Lady Lister Kaye. Miss Lockhart, by her mother, Mrs. Lockhart. Mrs. Robert Lowe, by Lady Mary Wood. Mrs. Lowther, on her marriage, by the Countess of i Vly . Georgina L gon, by Lady Harriet Clive. Mrs. D. H . M , by her mother, the Hon. Baroness Dimsdale. Mrs. Richard Melina, by Mrs. Spencer Walpole. Mrs. Bonner Maurice, by the Countess of Perris. Miss Mensal, by her mother, Lady Mansel. Mrs. Maxwell, by Mrs. George St. John. Mrs. Edward Heron Maxwell, by the Viscountess Dalrymple. The Lady Marren, by Lady Palmerston. Mrs. Frederick Milbank, by Lady Augusta Milbank. Mrs. Mirehouse, by Mrs. Charles Lewis. Mir Emma Morehouse, by Mn. Charles Lewis. Miss Mitford, by her mother, Mrs. Mitford. Ms Mary Morrison, by Mrs. Morrison. Miss Ellen Morrison, by Mrs. Morrison. Miss Moubray, by Mrs. W. G. Hate r. Mrs. Musgrave, on her marriage, by Lady Napier. Mrs. Nash, by Lady Dillon. Mrs. Medea Neill, by the Countess of Eglinton. Mrs. March Nelson, on her marriage, by Lady Maclaine. The Lady North, by the Countess of Guilford. Lady Harriet North, by her mother, the Counties of Guilford. Viscountess Newark, on her marriage, by the Duchess of Norfolk. Mrs. Oldfield, by the Duchess of Roxburgh'. Miss Oldfield, by her mother, Mrs. Oldfield. Mir Osborne, by her aunt, the Duchess of Somerset. Lady Ouseley, by the Marchioness of Salisbury. Mrs. Paley, by Mrs. Edward Begot. Lady Clarence Paget, by Viscountess Sydney. Miss Paget, by her mother, Mrs. Paget of Crsnmore. The Lady Panniure, by the Marchioness of Breadalbsna Mr. John Parker, on her marriage, by the Duchess of Norfolk. Mn. Pashley, tea De Lauer-Muenchhofen, on her mar riage, by the on. Mrs. E. P. Bouverie. Mn. Patton, by her sister, Mrs. Boldero. Miss Patton, by her mother, Mrs. Patton. Miss Emma Douglas Pennant, by Lady Louisa Douglas Pennant. Mrs. Peto, by the Duchess of Sutherland. Hon. Susan Pitt, by Lady Rivers. Countess of Pomfret, by the Marchioness of Hastings. Mrs. Wyndham Portal, by Mrs. Portal. Miss Pulteney, by Lady Sophia Tower. Lady Region, by Lady Charles Somerset. Lady Rediogton, by the Countess of Caledon. Mrs. Henry Rich, on her marriage, by the Countess of Zetland. Mrs. Roddam, on her marriage, by Lady Louisa Cotes. Miss Gertrude Rogers, by her mother, Mrs. Newman. R Vi r l a ißowe, by Lady Wharncliffe. Miss Rowe, by her aunt, Lady Rowe. Lady Ribblesdale, by Lady John Russell. Mrs. Schenley, by Lady Clarence Paget. Miss Schenley, by Mrs. Schenley. Mrs. Seymour, by the Lady Glamis. Miss Granville Sharp, by her mother, Mrs. Frederick Pearson. Hon. Mrs. Dyes Sombre, by the Duchess of Bedford. the Countess Semen, by the ~Marchioness of Water ford. Hon. Miss Somerville, by her mother, Lady Somerville. Mrs. James Spaight, by her sister, Mrs. Charles Astell. Mrs. Speke, by Lady Charles Somerset. Miss Speke, by her mother, Mrs. Speke. Mrs. Oswald Smith, by Lady Graham. Miss Markin Smith, by her mother, Mrs. Oswald Smith. Miss Frances Smith, by her mother, Mrs. Oswald Smith. Mies Stevenson, by Lady Virginia Sanders. Lady Octavia Shaw Stewart, on her marriage, by the Duchess of Somerset. Miss Fox Strangways, '.sy the Lady Theresa Digbv. Countess of Suffolk , on succeeding to the title, - by the i Duchess of Norfolk. lady Sykes, by Lady Charlotte Egerton. Miss Sykes, by Lady Sykes. Miss Sophia Sykes, by Lady Sykes. The Hon. Mrs. Wm. Chetwynd Tribut, by the C. tir.*.c es Talbot. The Hon. Mn. Wm. Talbo', on her marriage, 1 y bet mother, the Hoe. Mrs. Lefroy. Miss Louisa Tbackeray, by her mother, Lady l:::zabetta Thaeloray. Miss Eliza Thomas, by Mrs. Thompson. Miss Thomas, by Mrs. Thomp son . Miss Amu' ell Thorpe, by her mother, the C.:rates% cf Pomfret. Mr.. Thorold, by Lady Charlotte Copley. Miss Morold, by her mother, Mrs. Thoroid. The lion. Mrs. William Tomline, on her marriage, by her mother, the Viscountess Gage. Mrs. William Tufnell, by Lady Eustaee. Lady Georgian' Tumour, by her aunt, Lady Charlotte Heard. Miss Caroline Tyler, by her mother, Lady Tyler. Miss Louisa Tyler, by her mother, Lady Tyler. Miss Vansittart, by Viscountess Sydney. The lion. Mrs. Vaughan, by the Countess of Li.Lurne. Miss Vaughan, by the lion. Mrs. Vaughan. Mrs. Quintus Vivian, by Lady Herries. The Hon. Lalege Vivian, by her mother, the Dowager Lady Vivian. Miss Walcott, by Lady Tyler. Miss Walker (of Sand Hutton), by the Duchess of IL:i.- burghe. Lady Wallace, by the Countess Dowager of Erroll. Miss Walters, by the Countess of Wa ldegrave. Mrs. Arthur Ward, by Lady Kirkland. Miss Helen Warrendvr, by Lady Alvanlcy. Lady Welby, by Lady Willoughby De Ereshy. Miss Mary Welby, by Lady Willoughby Do Brest y. Miss Felicia Welby, by her sister, Mrs. Liven,. Lady Wenlock, by the Duchess of Northututreriand. Miss Wightman, by her mother, Lady Wightman. Mrs. George J. Wingfield, by Viscountess Jocelyn. Mrs. Whippy, by Lady Churchill. Miss Hawkins Whitshed, by her mother, the Hon. Lady Hawkins Whitshed. Mrs. Whittuck Whittuck, by the Dowager Lady TalLot de Malahide. Miss Woodburn., by Mrs. Henry Daniell. Mrs. Wright, by Mrs. John Wood. Mrs. Wyndham, by the Duchess of Atboll. Miss Wyndham, by Mrs. Wyndham). Mrs. Young, by Lady B. Johnstone. The Queen sad Prince Albert returned to Buckingham Palace after the drawing-room. The Queen, withthe Prince of Wales, and the Princesses Helena and Louisa, drove out in an open carriage 3,cster,lay afternoon, attended by the Hon. Flora Macdonald. Lard Charles Fitzroy and Captain the lion. Dudley de lies were in attendance on horseback. Prince Albert went cut ors horseback. Her Majesty and Prince Albert honoured the Rryal Ita lian Opera with their presence last evening. The royal suite consisted of the Viscountess Jocelyn, the hon. Flora Macdonald, the lion. Caroline Cavendish, Earl Stners, and Captain the Hon. Dudley de Roe. The Queen's Private Band attended in Buckirgham Palace after dinner on \Vednesdsy evening, aad Flayed the following compositions:— Overture , " Mumma" Mozart. Selection, "Heyday" March Colonel Wylde will be in attendance on the Duke of Genoa, dozing his stay in England. FATAL ACCIDENT ON THE LEEDS NORTHERN RAILWAY. On Wednesday morning last an accident occurred upon this line of railway, to a train running between Knaresborough and Ripon, which resulted in the death of the guard, who was killed on the spot. Atrain leave, Knaresborough every morning at 7.30 a.m., and proceeds to Ripoe, whence it returns at 8.10 n.m. to Knaresborough, and thence forward to York, on the East and West Yorkshire line of railway, which is new amalga mated with the York and North Midland, and worked by that company. The East and West Yorkshire joins the Leeds Northern line at Starbeck, beyond Knaresborough ; and thus the trains running from York to Knaresboreugh are conveyed forward to Ripon. The train above mentioned left Knaresborough last Wed nesday morning, at half-past 7 o'clock, for Ripon, in accord ance with the arrangement just stated, Knaresborough being the point where the engine which is used upon this lice of railway usually remains for the night, and which engine belongs to the York and North Midland Railway Company. The train consisted of the engine and tender, the guard'. van, and four passenger carriages. la the first three of these carriages there were no passengers, and there were only two passengers in the last, which was • third clan carriage. The train proceeded at its ordinary speed, as far as we have been able to ascertain, and completed its journey without anything of an unto ward character occurring as far as Wormald Gren, about five miles on the Harrogate aide of Ripon. On its arrival at this point the tire of the off leading wheel of the engine broke, the train being at the time in motion. On the breakage occurring, the tire of the wheel was thrown or fell under the body of the engine, and, coming in contact with the lower portions of tho machinery, it caused some considerable disorganisation and breakage ; but the engine and tender nevertheless passed over the broken tire without being thrown off the rails. Not so the guard's van, the front axle of which there is reason to believe was struck with such violence by the broken tire as to cause the fatality which ensued. When this concussion between the tire and the van took place, the shock was so great as to map the couplings by which the van and carriages were attached to the engine and tender, both of which, constr+ quently, broke away, and proceeded about three hundred. yards along the line toward' Ripon before they were brought to &stand. Almost at the same moment that the engine and tendat thus broke away, the guard's van was thrown over upon its side, and it was then that the guard was killed. It I. 'uplifted that he had felt the shock that was caused by the concussion between the broken tire and the van, and that he bad immediately thereupon; rushed to and opened the door, and that he was either looking out' or making an attempt to escape by jumping out at the moment the van fell over on its side. However this may be, it is certain that the van fell upon him, and there can be no question that his death was Instantaneous. The poor fellow was literally smashed to atoms, for not only did the van fall upon him, but he was dragged along ander It for some distance, the van being forted forward, on its side, by the impetus of the passenger carriages be hind it. Rotors the van and carriages came to a stand, however, the former, it is imagined, had been raked a little by some inequality, perhaps, in the four feet between the metals ; he was thus freed, and left upon the lice quite deed. The carriages continued to force the van along until it came up to and struck the engine and tender, when it stopped; but the foreo with which the van and the car riages came in Contact with the engine and tender was smelt that the top of the van was broken in. It would seem that the two passengers had never felt any shock from the concussions which bad taken pace, nos were they aware that any casualty had occurred. An inquest has been opened on view of the body of the unfortunate man, and has ►een adjourned until SAtunlay. the 4th Inst. _ _ _ . This catastrophe, of course, caused a stoppage of the line for some time, but by noon the rails were cleared, and the trains ran as usual. CONVERSION OP SOUTH SEA STOCK.—This day (Friday) the nfw act of parliament (16 Vice., cap. 23) for the reduction of the National Debt by South Sea and other annuities commutation will take effect. Proprietors of South Sea stock, Three per Cents., may, by giving notice oa or before this day, for 1001. of their stock receive 821. 10a. new Three-and.a Half per Cent., 110/. Two-and• a-Half per Cent., or 1001. Exchequer Bond carrying interest at 21. 15e. per cent., not later than the Ist September, 1864, and after at 21. 10s. per cent. Persons not assenting to commute ars to receive on the sth January, 1854, 1001. for 100/. stock. The holders of South Sea stock to avail themselves of the act are required, on or before the 3rd June (this day), but within the usual hours of transacting business at the Bank of England or South Sea House, by themselves, or agent. duly authorised to signify ; their anent in writing, together with the amount of the stock, to be entered in a book or books to be kept for that purpose. Persons out of Europe between the Bth April and the 30th July, 1853, are to have to the Ist February, 1854, to signify their assent to commute the stock specified. Such persons are to signify their assent within ten days of their return to the United Kingdom. MEETING GP MIDDLESEX MAGISTRATES.—A meet ing of the magistrates of the county of Middlesex was held yesterday at the Sessions - house , Clerkenwell-grecc, Henry own4ll, BK., in the chair. Various reports were received and sums of money voted. A report was received from the committee appointed in Merck last, to whom was referred the subject of providing a convenient and proper place, for the purpose of keeping therein the arms, accoutrements. clothing, and other stores belonging to the Royal West minster Regiment of Middlesex Militia, when no embodied. The committee recommended the purchase of a piece of land for the purpose of erecting a storehouse at Turnham green, at en expense not exceeding 2,0001. Viscount Chel sea moved a resolution confirming the recommendation of the committee, which, after some discussion, was greed to. TUE ATTEMPT AT MURDER NEAR EXETER.—The Jew pedlar, who was found in a copse near this city is still dangerously ill, but consciousness has born restored. Several attempts have been made to elicit from him a state ment of the cirownstances which led to kis being so dread fully injured, but hitherto without effect. He has con versed on other subjects, but has manifested a desire to evade anything relating to the mysterious affair. He has, however, stated that he had Si. 10s. on hint in slyer, and was surprised when informed that he had no money on him when found. On one occasion, when asked about the Jew who was in his company, he inquired if he was is Exeter. He frequently repeats " That it came on of itsti:l;” and on Tunas) , morning, when questioned on the subject, be said " If I bad a stick and a person struck me, would not I strike him again i" The police have hitherto been unable to find the Jew who was seen in his company the day pie- Timis to his being found. 7 I