The Express. — London, England, 1867-04-17 00:00:00

',DEN'S VALI:A! JOHN BROG: 24 carata fine, le worth .. C 4 4 per ounce. 23 carats.. 4 1 5 22 carats (British standard; S 17 191 IR carats.. 3 14 4 20 carats .. 3 10 9; 19 carats.. 3 7 S ' Manufactory, 16, Het 'ION of GOLD. 18 carata..S.3 81 17 carats.. 3 2 16 carats.. 2 1 71 15 carats.. 2 1 1 14 carats.. 2 61 13 carats.. 2 0 12 carats.. 2 61 11 carats.. 1 1 11 10 carats.. 1 1 41 Irietta-street, Covent -1 9 carats tl 11 10 8 carats .. 1 8 Si 17 carats .. 1 4 9 6 carats .. 1 1 24 6 carats .. 017 8 4 carats .. 014 2 3 cants.. 010 7+ 2 carats .. • 7 1 1 carat .. / 0 301 irdes, Londe% W.C. B ROWN and POLSON'S CORN FLOUR for CHILDREN'S DIET. To obtain extra profit by the sale other kinds are sometimes offered Instead et BWIWN and POLSON'S. "John Brown," "John Poison." Is signed by the makers on each packet. eke •xlleoo• TO CORRY-SPONDENTS. Ldverthemente intended for "The Murals," London livening Pwr, must be at the Office, 10, Bouyeriwatreet, by Two o'ck on the day of publication. DAVEY LAI!7 L_ (111 EASTER NIONDAT ;117111 ir. will be produced se original (rowdy-Urania. is four acts. entithal THE GREAT CITY, by Andrew Halliday. with new and charact,ristic scenery by Mr. W. Beverley.—To conclude with THAT ItAiiCAL JACK. HAYMARKET. Tnis Evnnnto, PERlrit-ilt./K7 1r: Kendal k Mk• Burks.— As YOU LIKE IT. Mem Rowe, Compton, Farrell, Chippen dale, de.; Mrs. Soott-siddmut—ierues trona Kohl E.) AND JULIE . Mrs. Scottdlddont.—And SMOCKING EVENTS. Tars Reasons, NO. I,IOI.NDTILS CORNER. Messrs. Shore and Forrester. —And IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO MEND. Messrs. Vining. M. Vllllers, Verner, Shore, Calkutem, and Mellon ; Musses Page end Rodgers, LYCEUM. On EA , TER MONDAY. BAillijariNO. Mr. Price and Min Kate ilish..p.—And THR DUKE'S MOTTO. Mr. Feenter,llesara. Jminn, Emer), Price, Widdlentun. Fitzpatrick, dc.; Mires Ilenrade, Elsworthy. Grattan, and Carlotta Leciaren. THIN EVENING, :WEEfar:Ai:hi AND WIVES. Mr. Bel ford ESMF.RALDA ; OR, THE SENiATION GOAT. Meson. Ihnrue, James. Ruhson, and Turner ; Mesdames fiwanborough, Hughes. Weatherby, ae.—And THE FRENCH EXHIBITION. HOLBORN. THIS EVIIIIIING MY -- Yoota and Lennoi—AndTANLV4ll". Mr. rake; vou _ ; ; _ KITS _Marrs. Ne....e Bt. Leere Fida r L ,L 4 0 . 4 21 " x = 4 F . .4 . 06 .Phar C. =wane. THU Evattnio, Two Acts otiOß BOY, with Grenadier Guards from the Tower—FAUnT. Mrs. Lane, %flows Edwin. Booth, dr. —Grand Concert, Mr. Green, Madame Polley, Mr. Adams, Littl e Lotto, Miss Bennond, the M•Bafiles: Your Marvels of Mexko. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGR. Till DAY —Morning. OR 69m......After500t. lb. Mk. TO-NlOAROw—Nornbag, lb. 42m.._..A!{rrn0ol. A. lm. LONDON, WEDNESDAY, APRIL 17. THE revolting scene which was exhibited yester day at Horsemonger-lane Gaol may not, we hope, be without its good effects. One fact, according to the common saying, is worth a thousand argu ments, not, perhaps, as an instrument of rational conviction, but as a means of popular im pression. Opinion in England is undecided in regard to the infliction of capital punishment, and still more as to the propriety of public executions. A single incident, timely occurring, may furnish the occasion for the adoption of opinions for which there has been a long but secret preparation. The circumstances and details of the execution yester day of JAMES Lomon mar are likely to have more weight in favour of the abolition of the punish ment of death, or, if it be retained, against its public infliction, than volumes of argument and cart-loads of reports. Little can be said on behalf of the prisoner. His crime was so outrageous that oven Mr. WAL POLE, in spite of the recommendation of the jury and the representations of the Chaplain of the gaol, backed, within the last few days, by a peti tion from the country gentry and others dwelling about Dorking, where the murderer had resided, could see no reason for commuting the sentence. Viewing the age of the offender and his unde veloped mental condition, which was said to rise little above imbecility, it cannot be pretended that his crime was greater than that of the murderer WAGER, whom MI. WALPOLE has lately spared ; and the fanciful reasons, derived from the Report of the Royal Commissioners on Capital Punish ment, on which he acted in the one case, apply almost exactly to the other. But the Royal prerogative of mercy is little better now than the HONE Seetterser's prerogative of caprice. In this case Mr. WALPOLE was capriciously right. During the twelve months of the murderer's con finement his demeanour appears to have been inoffensive, and, according to the regulation-judg ment in such cases, exemplary. He was respect ful and, in his way, attentive to the Chaplain, and obedient to the prison authorities. He exhi bited some degree of natural feeling on the visits of his relations ; and expressed, on being moved to do so, compunction for his crime; and, as seems to be habitual with great offenders, forgiveness of those by whom he had been injured. But his strongest feeling seems to have been a kind of animal clinging to life. When the convict was brought face to face with the executioner and the apparatus of death, the instinctive re sistance of life and strength broke forth. He wrestled with the turnkey who led him; it was necessary to throw him down, in order that Ca.Leasrr might pinion him securely. It took four or five warders to hold him, of whom one or two were severely injured by the blows and kicks of the prisoner. On reaching the foot of the scaffold, he renewed his violence, and he had to be forcibly dragged up the steps, and held under the beam by three or four men, while the rope was fastened round his neck, and in a short time the frantic " struggle for existence" was over. If the last and gravest act in the administration of justice should partake of the solemnity of its preceding stages, the system which gives occasion to such scenes as these is of very questionable ex pediency. Public executions take place expressly and solely for the sake of them that stand by; and to present to them, not the submission of a criminal to the laws he has offended, but what in its outward inci dents—we do not speak of its spirit and justifica tion—is indistinguishable from the crime which is thus punished, the violent slaughter of a strug gling and fainting victim, is to defeat the purpose of the exhibition. The decency of the classic stage forbade MEDEA to slaughter her children in the presence of the audience ; and if the mock-murders of the theatre need to be kept behind the scenes, actual homicides surely should not be perpetrated comm populo. It is worse than trifling to talk of the moral lessons of which Mr. Cswasrr is the medium. The impression on the senses would, even in edu cated and thoughtful men witnessing such exhibi tions, overpower all others. With the men and women—and they form the bulk of the crowds that stand round the gallows—who have never been taught to look beneath the surface of things, these impressions must necessarily occupy the whole mind. How cagily the sight of death becomes an animal pleasure, and the desireto witness itananimal craving, entire periods of history, as well as indi vidual cases, prove. Public executions are a train ing school for violence and murder. Scenes like that of yesterday may be rare and extreme ; but rare and extreme cases test a principle. Some thing more or less like them is witnessed or imagined in every instance of public strangulation. The eager and quick attention which is directed by tens of thousands of eyes upon the , demeanour of the dying criminal, and the 1 THE EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY sort of connoisseurship in death and agony which the spectacle creates, aro inexpressibly demonalis ing, whether the criminal dies " game " or in a paroxysm of fear. The demoralizing effect of public executions is pretty generally admitted, and Ithe incident of yesterday will strengthen the de mand for their abolition. But the publicity of capi tal punishments, and the exemplary character which such publicity gives them, have hitherto been con sidered to be their chief -eecommendation as instru ments of prevention. Executions in private will not be demoralizing ; but it is doubtful whether theywill be deterrent. The moral effect of the punishment of death on the criminal is a secondary matter, into which human insight can penetrate but a little way, and which lies mainly outside the sphere of human justice. But the violent disturbance of the mental balance which is displayed in struggles and resistance, and which must often be simply hidden under the enforced calm of stronger organizations, do not indicate the mood in which a fellow-creature about to leave the world sliould be deliberately placed. An hour's panic may undo the effects of a month's or a year's counsel and reflection. OUR CONTEMPORARIES. (THIS DAY.) tive attorneys, contractors, and engineers. But if tit* legislature resolved to intervene, government could obtain, on the mint terms, the capital that the tompenies cannot obtain at all ; it could also put down at OM. the reckless speculation of railway jobbers. It could, therefore, ensure for these enterprises what they meet require—ample credit and security from fraudulent competition. The Telegraph believes that it could carry out this intervention without risking a single shilling, and could at once save railway creditors from loss, railway shareholders from utter ruin, and the travelling public from the practical dangers that must inevitably follow financial derangement. FORRIGN AFFAIRS. If the Times expresses a hope that France may recede from an untenable position vith regard to Luxem burg, it is not because it holds that right preponderates on the aide of Germany. Legally, the only rights in volved are those of the King of frolland and the Emperor Napoleon, the former of whom is at liberty to sell, and the latter to buy, the nominal sovereignty, with any pri vileges that may attach to it. The reason why a conces sion may honourably be made by France is, that the over tures for the transfer proceeded in the first instance from the Hague, and that the opposition to it is notoriously supported by the whole German people, who believe, reasonably or unreasonably, that a cession of Luxemburg would be the prelude to further " reeti fications" of the north-eastern frontier of France. Under such circumstances the French nation has no motive for insisting upon a contract which promises them no solid benefit, and which would excite a storm of patriotic indig nation in Germany which would greatly contribute to its strength. By recognising the reluctance of the Luzern burgers themselves to change their existing lot, the Em peror Napoleon will gain a diplomatic advantage, and be enabled to intervene hereafter with far greater effect if any violent attempt should be made to unite Luxemburg with Prussia. So far has the verbal fight gone between France and Germany that the Standard doubts whether even such a compromise as the neutralisation of the Duchy of Luxem burg, involving, of course, the destruction of the fortress, would now avert the conflict. England, Russia, and Austria might appropriately propose that solution, but the chances of its acceptance by either France or Prussia would be but poor. True, it would save the honour of both, and if there were a real desire to maintain peace, it would be welcomed by both. But so much passion has now been excited, so intense a conviction that there must be a war, and in strong a desire for it has grown up in both countries, that a compromise would, probably, be ac. ceptable to neither. The Daily News fears that the verdict of a naval court martial upon Admiral Persano would bave been consider ably more severe than that of the Senate, if the court martial had been composed of the divisional rear-admirels and captains who served under him at Lissa, one moral of this sad affair is clear enough to the most uninstructed civilian mind, and that is the utter waste of the most costly material, if the eserak, the spirit, the discipline of officers and ships' companies, and the ectip-d'crif of the commander-in-chief are found wanting when the hour of trial has struck. Discussing the chances of the new Italian cabinet, the Tina observes that while liatani is promising to loyally execute the September Convention, Garibaldi and the Roman committee appear to be arranging for an insurrec tion. Evidently the new premier will lie on no bed of roses. His friends are few but stanch ; foremost among them is the King. In the same Cabinet with Ricasoli, Ratarsi would have been a godsend to Italy in her present straits. Alone, this will be the third time that he takes the destinies of the country in his hands. Let us hope that present success may efface all recollections of past failures. The Post thinks it would be folly to disguise the fact that a ministry confirmedly existing on mere sufferance, which the first assault of Signor Crispi can shake to its foundation', which the first frown of Baron Ricasoli can scatter to the winds, doe■ not present the guarantees for the preservation of order at home and the maintenance of an independent attitude abroad which, in the present domestic and foreign relations of Italy, are imperatively called for. The Daily News describes the manner in which Mr. Johnson's purchase of Russian America has been received in the States. The New York Trilogne, which pre-eminently represents the yeomen of the North, that class of citizens which within these seven years has again and again shown that it holds the real governing power of the republic, de nounces the suggestion that the purchase was in any sort a menace to Great Britain, and regrets that the government should place the country for a moment in an attitude of seeking ostentatiously the friendship of a power not friendly to England, and of contracting what is tantamount to an alliance for the sake of an affront. M/PCILLANEOL'S TOPICS. The Times sees in Mr. Gla , lstone's letter to the Reform Association of Guildford a sad despondency for which there is no warrant in the facts, and says it would have been kind to let the little missive abide in obscurity. The principle of the government plan would seem to be sounder than the principle of the rival scheme and its ultimate effects to be larger. The difficulties in the way of a compound householder taken at the worst, even as they are now, are not such as would deter any zealous politician from acquiring a vote, and they may be so smoothed away as to become absolutely insignificant. The great majority of the 288 gentlemen who voted with the ayes on Saturday morning must by this time be conscious of the exaggerated importance attributed to the inequali ties of the government bill, and are no doubt, thankful that they were unsuccessful in their attempt to throw it overboard. The Times trusts that Mr. Gladstone, despite his letter, will appear as a vigilant critic when the com mittee resumes after Easter, and that he will never desist from his exertions to improve the bill. A similar hope is expressed by the Post. Equality of treatment as between the old and the new voters is all, it says, that is required, and this much cannot be refused with any show of reason, and will not be refused if only it is asked for with earnestness and determination. The moral which the Star draws from the recent events is—that Mr. Gladstone ought to have more and not less confidence in his own powers of leadership ; that be ought to look more to the people and leas to the whigs ; and that he ought to seek the support of the oountry, and to resist with a firm foot the undisciplined encroachments of uncertain and eccentric liberals. His leadership is as secure a political fact as anything known to our day, if he only determines to maintai.t it. Examining the points in dispute in the North Eastern Railway strike, the Times comes to the conclusion that the proposal for arbitration now made by the men is too late. It should have preceded, instead of following, the appeal to violence The men expected to bring their employers to terms by sudden and irresistible pressure, imagining that the inconvenience to which they could put the whole country would be too great to be endured. In this they have been altogether disappointed. Their employers have got on without them, and they have lost the sympathy of the public by their precipitate and ill-judged conduct. If they were really treated with bad faith by their masters, the fact is much to be deplored ; but, in say event, they should have contented themselves with renewing their notices, and carrying the contest to a peaceable close on the terms on which it had been commenced. Parliament, the Telegraph contends, is bound to provide some other system than the ordinary one of winding up railways, since railways are enterprises which it openly regulates and restricts. It will not allow a company to cease working; it will not allow a company to pledge the property u security for loans ; and it cannot secure the vested interest from the dishonest competition of specula. the daurt. WINDSOR CASTLE, Aran, 16. The Queen and Princess Beatrice rode on ponies in the Home Park this morning. Princess Louise, attended by Lady Churchill, went out walking. Prince Leopold also went out walking, attended by Mr. Legg. Princess Louise, attended by Lady Caroline Barrington, the Hon. Flora Macdonald, and Lord Alfred Paget, went to London last evening, and honoured the performance at the Haymarket Theatre with her presence. Her royal high ness afterwards returned to Windsor Castle. Lord Skelmersdalc has succeeded Lord Raglan as Lord in Waiting. . _ _ APRIL 16. The Princess Christitn's recovery goes on favourably, and the infant prince is quite well. Despatches were received yesterday at the Colonial. office from the Governor of Heligoland. Despatches were sent to the Governors of the West India Islands, British Honduras, Bermuda, and British Columbia. The Duchess of Cambridge and the Grand Mohan of Mecklenburg-Strelitz have left town for Cam bridge Cottage, Kew. The Duke of Marlborough left his residence in St.. James•s-square on Monday for Paris. Viscount and Viscountess Sydney leave Cleve land-row, St. James's, to-day for Paris, to pass several weeks. Lord and Lady Stanley of Alderley and Hon. Miss Stanley have left Dover-street for Alderley Park, Cheshire, to pass the holidays. The Countess of Granville was confined on Sun day last, and gave birth to a daughter. THE Raw BISHOP OF ROCHESTER. —The Rev. Thomas Claughton, Vicar of Kidderminster, has been ap pointed by Lord Derby to the Bishopric of Rochester. MR. GLADSTONE AND REFORM.—Mr. Gladstone has sent the following letter, in reply to a vote of confi dence which had been passed in the right hon. gentle man's leadership by the Guildford Reform Association : " No. 11, Carlton-house-terrace, April 14.—Sir,—I beg to acknowledge with gratitude the letter and resolution you have been good enough to address to me. You will have observed the division last night, and it will probably lead you to an altered estimate of any power possessed by me to improve the Reform Bill of the government. I beg, how ever, to assure you that my attachment to the great end in view is unaltered.— I have the honour to be, kn., W. E. GLADSTONE.—Mr. K. W. Brooks." We learn by telegraph that at a numerous meeting of the Norwich Political Union last night • pro test and remonstrance against the government reform bill wu adopted. A copy will be sent to every member of the House of Commons. THE PRINCESS OF WALES.—It is universally regretted that the health of her royal highness continues to give causes for anxiety. Mr. Hawkins, and Mr. Pol lock have both seen the royal patient, in consultation with Mr. Prescott Hewett and Mr. Paget. In deference to the well.known wishes of the illustrious family we have all along ebstained from comments on the case, except such as were really called for by the public interest excited on behalf of the Princess, who has endeared herself to the nation. We shall continue to maintain what we consider a judicious reticence, merely repeating that the informa tion we have given as been absolutely correct, while the attempt of some of our contemporaries to give a different version to the facts is as erroneous as it is uncalled for.— Kafka/ Press and Cirmior, April 17. A CONSEZVATIVZ VIEW or CONSERVATIVZS. The brother to the Earl of Carnarron, the Hon. Auberon Herbert, who was an unsuccessful candidate in the conser vative interest for the representation of New port Isle of Wight, at the last general election, addressed his friends and supporters in that borough, at the Star Assembly rooms, on Monday evening, when he withdrew himself from further connection with them on the ground that, since his contest for the borough, a change had taken place in his opinions, and he now differed in certain points from the conservative party. He had hoped to find it poss n ble to return to his own party, but felt that one mistaken step on their part had almost necessarily been followed by another. He remtted the way in which they had opposed the Reform Bill brought into the house by Mr. Gladstone last year, and thought that they should now have confessed that they misunderstood how the heart of the country was set upon reform, and how great was the need for passing a large and comprehensive measure. They should have said that reform had never been their business, but that of the liberal party, and that, having voted and spoken against it, they would admit the necessity of the party subjecting itself to the will of the nation, and expressed their willing. ness to resign and let their opponents carry a measure. Such • course would, he was certain, have done more for the reputation of the present ministry, for their party, and for their future influence, than that which they bad pursued. There were but two bright spots in this mist and darkness—the resignation of three members of the Cabinet, between whom and himself there was a very narrow political sympathy, but be respected and admired them for their disinterestedness; and the conduct of Mr. Gladstone, to whom he felt bound to give credit for his manliness and courage amid the mass of insincerity he had met with on the subject of reform. It was • difficult thing for the leader of the liberal party to say that there was a certain point below which it was not advisable or expedient to draw the franchise line, and the conduct of Lord Cranborne, the Earl of Carnarvon, General Peel, and Mr. Gladstone, by acting up to their convictions, deserved the admiration of all true patriots. It bad cost him a a great deal of pain to sever an old connection, and even to break with those of his own family with whom he found himself at difference, but after what bad taken place between them, it would be still more painful for him to preach to them any other political doctrines than those which be bad already delivered in the borough. SURREY CHAPEL POPULAR LECTURES. The closing lecture of the season was delivered last Monday by the Rev. Newman Hall. In the absence of the Lord Mayor, the chair was taken by Mr. Alderman J. C. Law- fence, who expressed his deep sympathy with the efforts thus made for the working-classes. The Rev. N. Hall read • statement of accounts, from which it appeared that the money received for reserved tickets and in the boxes had a little more than covered all the expenses. The lectures had been delivered every Monday evening since the first week of November. The subjects and lectures had been as follows :—" Pompeii," by Mr. Layard, M.P. ; " Explo ! sides in Mines," by Dr . Bemays ; " America," by the Rev. W. Brock ; Switzerland," by the Rev. L Byrnes " Power," by Mr. H. Cosham • " News papers," by Mr. W. Saunders ,• " Pal estine," by the Rev. A. Hall ; " Women and Watch-work," by Mr. Bennett ; " Jamaica," by Mr. Gorrie ; " Life in London," by the Rev. G. Werra ; " Bores of Social Life," by the Rev. J. Stock ; " Ride to York " and " The Lions," by the Rev. G. Murphy; " Battle of Hastings," " Early Closing," and " Working Men's Objections toChurch.going," by the Rev. N. HaU, &c. Among the chairmen had been Mr. Thomas Hughes, M.P., Lord Ebury, Lord Shaftesbury, The concluding lecture was by Mr. N. Hall, on the late I charge of the Chief Justice on the Jamaica prosecutions. He read extracts from the charge, and mud that, as • member of the Jamaica Committee. he had no personal ill. will to Mr. Eyre or any of his subordinates, but merely desired a vindication of English law as against arbitrary authority. This had been nobly given by the Chief Justice, who had confirmed all that had been urged in reference to the illegality of Mr. Gordon's trial and the insufficiency of the evidence on which he had been con demned. Some poetical readings were then given, and several anthems performed by the choir. After • cordial I vote of thanks, the crowded assembly of above 2,000 work ing people aspirated at about halepast 10 o'clock, with the assurance that the lectures would be roamed in the autumn. Testimony was given to the invariable good behaviour of the large assemblies to whom the building had been thrown open, and the various good results, social and spiritual, which had followed. DRESSING UP biZMOIRS.—A volume appeared not long ago in Paris, entitled " Anne-Paule-Dominique de Noailles, Marquise de Montagu," purporting to be an authentic memoir of that amiable woman, the fourth daughter of the Duo d'Ayen, and a sister of Madam e d e Lafayette. Nothing could be more interesting and affect ing than this narrative of her blameless and heroi cal life. It was originally printed as • " reeueil de souvenirs qui n'etait point destine au public," by the children of Madame de Monu, and with the sanction of the illustrious house of Noies. The facts and details were stated to be taken from the journal of Madame de Montagu herself, or from her correepondence with her sisters. "On ne petit avoir," say the editors, " dllementa plus certain et plus sincere', pour raconter la vie de quelqu'un, et pour se faire une idea de ce qui la compose et de as qui l'entoure." We know from the best authority that these statements are true, as far as the materials of the work are concerned ; but unfortunately they were placed in the hands of • person who grossly abused the confidence of the Noeilles family.—Edintargli Review, new number. B. I T.I W. L I Zxtr .---^---..... ).. W. I N. 1 3. t0 Nairn • 20.02 42 W.N.W. 11 3 . W.N.W. b ,6.03 2 Aberdeen 19.36 43 N.W. 3 4 I N.W. cb I— I 2 Leith 19.812 48 W.N.W. 4 4 W. e —I 4 Ardroesan 29.7445 N.W. 6 a I N.W. eh —I 4 Greencastle 20.8147 N.W. 1 3 W.S.W. ro 111.02 1 - 1 -- I - Cape Clew 29.96 Hi W.B.W. 4 6 I &W. lob t— 1 4 Uverpool 20.81 44 W.N.W. 1 4 I W. to , 0.29. 1 Holyhead 29.131 HI W.N.W. 2 4 W.S.W. r ! OM/ 3 Penzance 29.9953 W.N.W. 4 8 N.W. lons 3 Steal 3804 52 N.W. I 6 W.N.W. Ih I a —' 4 Lorient 30.00 55 W. 2 6 W. Io , 0.04 3 Rochefort 30.08 43 W. 2 4 W. to . i 2 Plymouth 19.93 23 W.B.W. 2 I W. au , t 2 Wiummoth 27.9462 W. 3 3 &W. o l II Portsmouth 20.43 66 W. 3, 4 W.S.W. ro 6.05 2 London 2882 48 N . Y.W. 1' 4 W.S.W. or .0.08 - Yarnioath 19.78 48 N.N.W. i 3 3 W. oc I 3 Scarborough 29.74 44 W.N.W. ,' 2 2 1 W. eh 3 Shields 11.7445 N.W. 14 2 N.W. eh ' 1 Helder iti;4 ll. ` EVENING, APRIL 17, 1867. ~. LATEST INTELLIGENOL TOW LUXEMBURG QUESTION. • The Minwrial Diplomatique mentions as a widely circulated report that England has not merely con fined herself to expressing an opinion on the treaties of 1839, which is absolutely contrary to that of the Berlin cabinet, but has strongly urged that the Luxemburg question should be settled in a sense the most conformable to the wishes of the population and the in terests of France. The same journal learns "from a sure source" that England, Austria, and Russia, unanimously admit, contrary to the opinion of Prussia, that the guarantee stipulated by the' treaties of 1839 cannot authorise Prussia to occupy the fortress of Luxemburg. According to the Indipendance Beige, France has simply laid the facts before the parties to the treaties of 1839 without asking for their interven tion or arbitration, and says that these powers, especially England, are working with laudable zeal to find a solution which would be accepted by the parties interested. The Paris correspondent of the same journal says : The hopes of peace which the French press have indulged in since Friday do not prevent the armaments from being urged forward with the greatest vigour. The reserves have been called into the depots and leaves of absence are entirely suspended. Six regiments h►ve been called from Algeria. The transport Le Var, after having landed the 82nd of the line at Port Vendre, left Toulon, where it took in coals, ou the 13th for Oran, where it is to embark the 2nd Hussars. The fibre ar rived at Marseilles on the 13th with the 7th of the line. The Aveyron and Ardilche are also employed in bringing troops. 111111T1leti TELIGRAMR.) ENGLAND AND SPAIN. MADRID, Aran. 16, EvionNG. The prize court at Cadiz has declared the capture of the Queen Victoria by the Spanish cruiser to be illegal. The Epoca considers that by the decision the difference between England and Spain in this matter is terminated. ADOPTION OF THE NORTH GERMAN CONSTITUTION. CLOSE OF THE PARLIAMENT. • BERLIN, APRIL 17. In to-day's sitting of the North German Parlia ment Count Bismarck announced that the Federal government have resolved to adhere to the constitution as voted by parliament. Be therefore formally declared the constitution of the North German Confederation adopted both by the parliament and by the governments, and read a royal message stating that his Majesty would close the parliament in person at noon in the White Saloon of the Royal Castle. PRUSSIA. BERLIN, Anut. 17. It is not yet known whether the King will go this year to Carlsbad. His Majesty will in any case remain in Berlin during the sitting of the Prussian Chambers. The projected visit of the King to the Paris Exhibition has not been relin quished. RUSSIA. ST. PETERSBURG, APRIL 17. An imperial ukase has been published to-day, placing the financial administration of Poland wholly under the control of the Russian Minister of Finance. The official journals, Northern Post and Inrafide, continue to discuss the Luxemburg question in a sense favourable to the maintenance of peace. PORTUGAL. LISBON. Aram IC. The tumults in Oporto on account of the new taxes have been suppressed by the military without loss of life. Count Aguilar, president of the cabinet, is seriously ill. A change in the ministry is con sidered imminent. The King will set out for Paris in Easter week. AMERICA. (IT ATLANTIC TZLZONAPH.) NEW YORK, Aram 16, 6 r.w. The Supreme Court has restored the ship Peter hoff to the owners. At the engagement at Queretaro there was heavy loss on both sides. Esoobedo retired a short dis tance to wait until he was reinforced. The Hamburg and American Company's steam ship Allemania arrived at New York on Monday afternoon. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. Closing prices :—Gold, 134 i. Sterling exchange on London,lo9. 5-20 United States Bonds, 109 f ; Illinois, 113} ; Erie, 5511. Cotton : Middling Up land, 274. Petroleum, refined, 26. ENGLAND AND SPAIN. GIBRALTAR, APRIL 16, 215 P.L. The ironclad' Prince Consort and Royal Oak have arrived here, with orders to complete coaling without delay. Other ironclad' from Malta are expected to follow.—Times. WEATHER REPORT.-(THIS DAY.) Win DAY, Ann. 17, B A.Y. REMARKS. An increase of barometrical pressure has been general, more especially in the north. The winds hare veered • little, and am light to moderate. The weather is One In the north and east, but overcast elsewhere. According to some of the Constantinople advice' a coalition has been formed between " Young Turkey" and the high Mussulman clergy. A constitutional govern ment, equality of races, and control of the public power, are preached in all mosques, the example being cited of Mahomet and the greatest caliphs. The influence thus brought to bear upon the masses is very great. - - A census has been taken of the number of graves in the national cemeteries where those who perished in the war with the Southern Confederacy are buried. At Nashville there are 18,000 graves ; at Vicksburg, 15,000 ; at Andersonville, 15,000 ; at Memphis, 12,000 ; at Chatta nooga, 12,000 ; at Marietta, 10,000 ; at Corinth, 6,000 ; at Stone River, 5 000 ; at Pittsburg, 4,000 ; at S avanna h, 3,000 ; at Knoxville, 3,000 ; at Natchez, 2,500 ; at Camp Nelson, 1,500; at Perryville, 1,200 ; at Columbia, 1,200; at Millen, 1,000 ; at Lexington, 1000 ; at Mobile, 1,000 ; at Lebanon, 750 ; at Covington, 600 ; at Mill Springs, SOO ; at Richmond, 500 ;at Montgomery, 500; at Danvi ll e, 400 ; at Cumberland Gap, 350; and at London, 300. LAW INTZLLIGENCZ. (THIS DAY.) EQUITY COURT. (Before Vice-Chancellor Sir It Mani.) PERUVIAN RAILWAYS COMPANY (LIMITED) P. THAMES AND MERSEY MARINE INSURANCE COMPANY-RE PERUVIAN RAILWAYS COMPANY. This was • motion to restrain the Thames and Mersey Marine Insurance Compare by injunction from levying execution upon the goo ds of the Peruvian Railways Company, by virtue of a judgment for 15,0001. upon certain bills of exchange, or taking any further proceedings for the recovery of the money. The WIN in question were accepted by the directors of the Peruvian Company and transferred to the Thames and Mersey Company. The plaintiffs' company was established with the object of forming a Societe Anonyme in Peru for the construction of certain railways there, in accordance with the provisions of • concession g ran t ed by the re public in May and December, 1864,and - the nominal capital was 3,34000 W., in shares of 214/. each. The concession was obtained by the International Contract Company, and for that concession and for making the railways the plaintiffs were to pay 3,340,00 W. The articles of association were signed by Mr. Philip Shaw Fletcher, who was • share holder and director of all the three companies concerned in these transactions. In February, 1866, when an instal ment of the debt to the Contract Company was about to become due, a meeting of the plantiffe company was held, at which it was re s ol ve d to amept bills of - exchange for 58,3311. at six months, and ofthat amount the 15,0001. in question formed part. In August last year the Thames and Mersey Company brought an action upon these ac was filet ceptances, and obtained judgment, an d thereupon this bill Mr. Bally, Mr. Roxburgh, and Mr. C. L. Webb, for the plaintiffs, submitted that the claim was invalid, on the ground t hat it was incompetent to a corporation not formed to trade in the ordinary way by buying or selling, to accept bills of exchang e , or band Woolf by contracts apart from the specific purposes for which it was estab lished. Mr. Glare and Mr. Kekewich, who represented the Thames and Mersey Company, contended that every com pany formed under the act of 1862 was a trading corpora tion, and as such was entitled to aooept bills of exchange. Mr. E. Smith and Mr. Higgins appeared for the Inter national Contract Company. The Vice-Chancellor held tth►t the company had power both under the Winding-up Acts and under the general law to issue bills of exchange, and that it would be most inconvenient if they had not. He, therefore, dismissed the bill with costs. Mr. Glare then supported a petition of the Thames and Mersey_ Company for the winding-up of the Peruvian Rail ways ,- ;ompsny. Mr. Hydras appeared on the part of the International Contract Company, who were stated to be the holders of 4,600 shares._ ' The Vice-Chancellor made the order as prayed, and re fused the Contract Company their costa. COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH. Sittings in Banco.—(Before the Lord Chief Justice and Justices Blackburn, Shee, and Lush.) HYAJIB V. IVKBPITift. Mr. Laxton moved fora to show cause why bail should not be dispensed with in an appeal in this case. It was an action for personal injuries received by the plain tiffs wife, and also to a horse and cart, in St. Mark's road, owing to the alleged negligence of the defendant, who was a contractor, in not prorly reinstating the road. The soil had subsided, leaving a large bole in the road. The jury returned a verdict for the plaintiff for 1.101., the Lord Chief Justice who tried the case reserved leave to the de fendant to move the court to enter the verdict for him if the court should be of opinion there was no evidence of negligence to make him liable. The point was subse quently argued, when the court took time to consider its judgment. On the 26th February they gave judgment in favour of the defendant. The plaintiff, who was a working man, bad become greatly impoverished by the ►ccident, and prosecuting the action, sod unless this application was granted no doubt he would be taken in execution for the costs. He had become impoverished by the acts of the defendant, and as it was a matter in the discretion of the court, he (Mr. Laxton) hoped the court would grant the application. Mr. Justice Lush said that as the case now stood, the defendant was not liable. Why did the court subject him to further costa without requiring the plaintiff to comply with the necessary rules of the court? Mr. Justice Blackburn said the plaintiff was not de prive(' of his right to prosecute the appeal. Without calling upon Mr. IL Chambers, Q.C., who ap peared to show cause in the first instance, The court refused the application. Rule refused. COURT OF COMMON PLEAS. Sittings at Nisi Prius in Middlesex.—(Before Mr. Justice Wiles and a Common Jury.) LAVIIG4 r. FRANKS. . _ The plaintiff in this case, Dr. Lanes, on the 29th May last, bought of the defendant, a dealer in horses, a gre mare, for 40 guineas ; but on the 11th August he returned her upon the ground that she was not " quiet to drive in double and single harness," as when sold she was warranted to he. The present action was to recover hack the pur chase money paid for the animal. Mr. Lush and Mr. Cave appeared for the plaintiff, and Mr. Serjeant Robinson and Mr. Daly for the defendant. The plaintiff's case was that, having purchased the mare, she was sent to his stables in Warwick-mews, and all the time she remained at that place there was great difficulty with her. No one man could put her to without as sistance, because she kicked, jumped, reared, and plunged, and, indeed, did almost everything but stand still. Some times she would not start at others she started too soon, and for a short time was freque ntly beyond control. On one occasion she could not kept to the roadway on leaving the mews, but got the carriage upon the pavement, and it took five men to prevent it being upset, and on another occasion she made a plunge and knocked down the coachman's wife who was rendering some &onetime. The defence was tint the mare was perfectly quiet before she went to the plaintiff's stable ; and it was believed that something in connection with the stable caused her to be I uneasy there. After she was returned she fetched 36 guineas at Aldridge's, and again got into the defendant's hands. He void her to Mr. Potter, who had her two or three months, after which she passed into the possession of a gentleman who had her still. During all this time she I was quiet, and she was quiet also whilst waiting from 10 to 3 in Palace-yard yesterday for the inspection of the jury. The jury found for the plaintiff—damages 40/. COURT OF EXCHEQUER. Sittings in Banoo.—(Before the Lord Chief Baron and Barons Martin, Bramwell, and Pigott.) LAITRENCR ABU °THRILL( T. THR BRISTOL AND NORTH SOMILRWAT RAILWAY COMPANY. This action was tried before the Lord Chief Baron at Bristol and resulted in a verdict for the plaintiffs— damages, 29,0001. Mr. Kingdon, Q.C., pursuant to leave reserved by the learned judge, now moved for a rule to set aside the ver dict and enter a nonsuit. The plaintiff contracted with the defendants to construct their railway in Somenetahire, and in May, 1856, after a great portion of the line had been completed, disputes arose between them,and they agreed to refer the matters in di ff erence to arbitration. The arbitrator made an award in favour of the plaintiffs for 29,0001., and the company not having paid the money, an action was brought upon the award, and the jury found a verdict for the plaintiffs for that sum. The learned counsel contended that the action could not be sustained inasmuch as the award was not final, the arbitrator not having decided two of the matters referred to him. The Lord Chief Baron said that seven matters were re ferred to the arbitrator, and the counsel and parties who were before him agreed that two of them should be with drawn from his consideration, and that he should make an award upon them. The question then was, whether, as the arbitrator had omitted to deal with these points, his award was bad. At the trial a resolution of the board of the railway company stating that they agreed to carry the award into execution was given in evidence. Mr. Ringdon submitted that when the two matters in question were withdrnwn from the arbitrators' notice he ought to have decided that upon them there was no claim against the company. Mr. Baron Martin thought that it was perfectly compe. tent for the parties to agree that the arbitrator should not deal with the points mentioned, and that the award was not open to the objection taken to it. He was of opinion that the rule should be refused, and he was glad in arriving at the conclusion, because he thought the defen dants had set up a dishonest defence to the action. The other judges also agreed that the rule should not be granted. Rule refused. COURT OF PROBATE. (Before Sir J. P. Wilde.) The oonrt was occupied by bearing a number of motions which had stood over from the paper of yesterday, but up to the time of going to press nothing of public import a n ce had occurred. COURT OF BANKRUPTCY. (Before Mr. Oosamissimer Gonlbum.) IX H 6 ROWE.—APPLICATIOIt TO DOOII4II A PLTITION. . . The bankrupt in this case was formerly • grocer at Southampton, in partnership with • Mr. Newman, at whose instance the partnership bad been dissolv ed, by reason of the bankrupt having incurred a large liability in oonnexion with the Accidental Marine Insurance Company (Limited.) On retiring from the partnership the bankrupt received in cash and bills upwards of 9001., nearly the whole of which he paid over to Mrs. Rowe, his aunt. He then filed his own petition, and obtained adjudication of bank ruptcy against himself. An assignee was chosen, a small creditor (friendly to the bankrupt), but be of course took no steps to recover the amount paid to the aunt. Subse quently a petition was presented on behalf of the official liquidator of the Accidental Marine Company, who claimed upwards of 5001. from the bankrupt ; and the prayer of the petition was that bankrupt's petition for adjudication of bankruptcy against himself might be die. mimed with a view to a fresh ad jl , lication being :Lade on the petition of a creditor, who would take steps to recover the amount paid to Mr.. Rowe. The case was argued a few days ago, Mr. Bagley, yi n and Mr. Reed appearing for the different parties. Sarl dr tionour, in giving Judgment, remarked on the ex. tensive ruin which had been Inflicted by . persons bei ng weak enough to inv es t their savings in pmt stock co panics. In this case it bad not been made clear to the court that the bankruptcy bad been concerted with • view to deprive the creditors of all benefit, and to secure pay. meat to one favoured creditor. Besides the application was made too late, and on those grounds the court must de. cline to accede to it, but would make no order as to cork. IN RE BURTON. The bankrupt was a cooper, of Randolph-street, Camden. town. The debts were only 2751. Mr. Reed opposed. The bankrupt had attempted to carry through a mm,. sition deed for 2s. 6d. in the pound ; but the court, thi n k. ing it fraudulent, had directed execution to issue, wad mediately a petition in bankruptcy followed. But before executing the deed the bankrupt had received 4731. fres the Midland Railway Company, and the credito rs w i s h ed to know what had bec ome o f that money. An adjournment was ordered for a cash account. IN RI T. B. ROME. The bankrupt, described as bridge-muter of the City of London, applied for his discharge from debt. of He stated that at one time be bad a pension of 9w., in rt. apect of the abolished office of coal-meter, but that pensiva had been assigned. He had now only M. as kid,. master. The bankrupt, in examination, denied having ever re . presented himself as Alderman Rose, or said that ro u made up his mind to work till he was worth 2,000 t. • Sr•r, or that he was now in that proud position. (A laugh.) An adjournment was ordered for inquiry and at: eEd• ment of accounts. THE POLICE COURTS. (THIS DAY.) MARLBOROUGH-STREET. THE ARABS. Elizabeth Baron, a girl, wee charged before Mr. Tyrwhitt with disorderly conduct, he. Police-constable Charles Vindon, 34 E, said that on the previous night about 9 o'clock be saw the prisoner and several other boys and girls in Cumberland-street, abi directly the_prisonor saw him she called out, " Here comes the Bobby," and ran away, sod after liming a short distance she turned round and made use of a anion* expression. Mr. John Beale, harness maker, of No. 1, Gresse-street, Rathbone-place, said be knew the girl to be an associate of a clams of boys and girls whose conduct was fremently frightfuL They were in the habit of congregating and annoying the i nh abitants of the street, and if anyone inter. fered with them they were grossly insulted. Of a Sunday the boys and girls picked pockets, pelted the passers by, and bonnetted elderly gentlemen. A f ew days ago a number of them went into a pastrycook's shop, and took away a number of tarts, and threw them into the street, and about 400 panes of glass at Percy Chap e l h a d been demolished by them. The prisoner said it was not done by ber, but the other girls. Mr. Tyrwhitt said it was a melancholy thing to see a girl so young devoted to such wickedness. She was going to ruin as fast as she could. He should fine her 205., er seven days. WORSHIP-STREET. BTIALIIIG . 7IOII AN AUCTION.ROOM. William Whitehead, a porter, was charged with steak,: a painting from an auctioneer's premises in Featherston. street, St. Luke's. Mr...fohn Mears maid—l had • sale et my auction -rooms„ 32, FeathendonsHitreet, on Monday last. Yesterday the goods were cleared, and the prisoner, who wia employed by one of tho purchasers, had to mass the painting in question to get at other articles. Subsequently it could not be found, and he de. used all knowledge of it. About 4 o'clock he wan taken into custody at the Green Man public-house, about lin yards from the sale-room, and the property was found to have been left there by him. At the station-holm: he admitted having taken it. Mr. Newton—Where is the painting? Prosecutor—This is it, sir(Producing a rough sketch of a bull-dog at a gate). Mr. Newton—That is not a Landseer, I presume. What is the value, pray ? Mr. Moen—l value it at 2s. 64., sir. Mr. Newton (to prisoner)—What do you say to the chY rger ner—Nothing, sir. I did take it there and left it, but not with intent to steal. Mr. Newton—With what intent, then? Prisoner—To retutn it ' • I was in liquor. Mr. Newton—Oh, this is not a drunken freak. What character can you get? Mr. Mears—l b eli eve that he was in liquor, sir. Mr. Newton—Well, I can scarcely think from its ap pearance that you could hope to gal it, so you must pay it. value ass &ne or be imprisoned a week. Prisoner—Thank you, sar. SOUTHWARK. CUTTING AND WOUNDING A NAN WITH AN AAL _ . . . . JoAn Chamberlain, a carpenter, Ina brought before Mr. Woolrych, charged with cutting and wounding William 1111111911 the head with an axe. Polioe-constable 92 L said that shortly after I o'clock in in the morning he was on duty in Granbystrreet, Waterloo-road, when he saw a crowd outside a public. house, and on proceeding there found the prisoner and another man fighting. He went up to them, and ordered them away, and after some persuasion they left. A few minutes afterwards witness heard a cry round the comer, and on going there he saw the prisoner with a basin of tools on his shoulder 'impended from the end of an ale. Hall went up to him and struck him, when the pri• sowr threw his basket down, and seizing the sae struck the other with it on the head, and he fell down. Witness assisted him up, and took the prisoner into custody, when they all went to the station•houne, eml the wound on the prosecutor's head was strapped up. Mr. Woolrych asked whether the complaining party as in attendance._ Witness replied in the negative. After his head WIN dressed he went home, and he had not seen him since. Mr. Woolryeh inquired whether the wound WWI indicted with the sharp F art of the axe. Witness replied that it was not. He used the flat it of the head, and it was more of a bruise than a cut. The priso r ner here said that the complainant struck his several times when they came oat of the public-home, soJ he did not resent it for some time. When the mutable parted them in Granby-street he othouldered his ticket and was proceeding home when Hall ran after him .ed struck him again. In a moment of passion he took up tte axe to protect himself, but had not any intention of in juring him. The constable, in answer to the magistrate, said he be lieved the wound wax very slight. Mr. Woolrych observed that it was very dstigerom wits such a weapon under any circumstances. The wan triglt have been killed. He remanded the prisoner until Men day next. BIRMINGHAM LIBERAL AriSOrIATION.—At meeting held on Monday, Mr. J. B. Wright in the chair, the following resolution, moved by Mr. Aldernian Hawkes, and seconded by the Venerable Arch.lcaan Sandford, was unanimously paved:—" That this me,t. Mg, having anxiously considered the two propositions now before the House of Commons for a boiough froze chile, is of opinion that the principle of personal pa. meet of rates insisted upon by Mr. Disraeli is “ilculaMl to prevent a real extension of the franchise to the nun• electors, and will continue to exclude at least 31:,imat owe piers in this town ; and we embrace this opportunity to renew the expression of our undiminished c o ntalcnce in the wisdom of Mr. Gladstone, Mr. Bright, and the liberal members who voted with them on Saturday morning last. and we earnestly inkiest their continued exertion to amea the tory bill." FRIGHTFUL ACClDENT.—Te.sterday an inquest was held at the Volunteer Anus, Wantage•road, before Mr. W. D. Wasbrough, coroner for that division of Berk. shire, Oil the body of Mr. William Ireson, a contract or, who met with a frightful death on Monday afternoon. For a considerable period the deceased had held the pni of "ganger " on the line, but relinquished it receu, t I Y. and provided the company with the hone labour mom` , at the above station. On Monday afternoon he bad char of one of his horses on the siding, and incautiously led across the down line at the moment the espies...Lich leaves Paddington at 4.50 approached at full speed, the train not being timed to stop at Wautage-road. The us• fortunate man and his horse were both struck doal , with fearful force and instantly killed, and one of the rot, Party's porters, being knocked down by the horse. yrs , it" Jared, but not seriously. The jury returned a verdict of "Accidental death." THE FENIAN PRISONER..—A young mass, apparently about 23 years of age, whose name WAS 4...0 toCharles Edward King Joyce, was brought up baste Mr. Mr. C. J. O'Donel, at the head-office. D e tain. on Mc' day, on a charge of being concerned in the Fenian more meat. It appeared from the evidence of John d.Th Cullen (an approver) that the prisoner was serving m a list tenant in the American army in the year Istd. an'i th e be was afterwards seen taking an active in at various Fr nian meetings in New York and other places. He mo 11° , seen by the witness at an important Fenian meeting hel d 12 Las erpool, in the latter part of Den, at which moat of the leaders were present, and having for its object the conoll• dation of the brotherhood and preparation for immediate action. The prisoner held the rank of captain in 0 , movement, and was arrested in Liverpool and bronglit eve to Dublin. He was sent to take his trial at theme: 00S* large numbers of the brotherhood are offering the e ' selves to the police as approvers. The principal of tht who have conic forward most recently is said 1 ° a man named Corkery, who served in one of the America armies. 1. - tbe HER DIAJFINTY'S STAIMOUNDS.—Yesteru ..% 7pack met at Wexharn.atreet. There was' gall !k tri l excellent sport, the deer leading away in the dr ton of Beaconsfield and over a line of country botanic; MUM old 01 lievec The c arid u better oomp that i beaks credit four t The inchud that h have I (Chee dead Th impra UPward -- art e aro Wales. , 1 2widaa The am beaver, sea -bon