The Express. — London, England, 1866-02-24 00:00:00

LIFEBOAT SERV WES. During the storms of the post year the Natiosal Lifeboat Institution, by its life heat mod other mean; contributed to the saving of 707 from different wrecks on our coasts. The Institution arta raided E 51,514 in the same period on Its lifeboat 8040 inaddltlon to granting 84,960 for rewards for earing li = etarcising the lifeboats. The committee of the InatitnUou earnestly APPEAL to the public for ASSISTANCE, to enable them to meet the oositemed heavy demands on the Institution', li3 Lifeboot Stations. Contributiou are reeeivesi by the London and Country Bankers : and by the Recretary, "{chard Lewis, Too., at the Is siltation, la. Johnotreet. Adelphl, Linton. JOHN BROODEN begs to make the following announcement regarding the VALUE of GOLD, feeling per• waded that the interests of the fair trader and the publio will be alike protract by the wide circulation of knowledge on the wagon, Goid being divided into 14 parts or twang, it follows that goki of U carats Ice, Is , 18 careAu.23 3 - worth _Le 4 111 17 carats— 3 0 per ounce. 16 carats.. g It 74 13 carats.. 4 1 6 13 carats.. fls 1 32 carats (BMA 14 carats.. g 11 81 siandardl 3 17 104 13 carats.. 2 6 0 tl carats.. 314 4 12 carats.. 6 f 64 29 carats.. 6 10 94 11 curate.. 1 18 11 19 cants.. 3 7 3 10 carats.. lis 4j 9 carats.. 11 11 10 3 was.. 1 8 86 7 anis.. 1 4 9 6 carats.. 1 1 26 6 cants . 017 8 4 mask.. 014 2 3 ousts.. 0 10 76 2 cants.. 0 7 1 1 cent 0 3 8 leenTelackiri. le. del N. B. assays made Solabllalument la de as ace o'clock. Chains and Jewel d a$ I in the eve rf -- iriidoir. W.C. ii fo e r a, la each. TM, i, sad o Saturdays 25 OLD BOND-STREET (late Call and 9 Martin's Bank).—.l. W. BENSON, Watch and Clock Maker to the Erten' of Wake*, having reconstructed the above magnificent Premises, inCtes an Inspection of ARTISTIC WORKS, consisting of CLOCKS and BRONZES from She Mellen of Rely, Pianos, and England. Watch's of emu eanslroetlon, Diamond and Fine Gold Jewellery, Silver and fIIAMOND and GOLD JEWELLERY of Original Designs at moderate pricea—Makar of the Gold Casket presented by the City of Landon to LULL the Prince ot Wales. 2S, OLD BOND-STRitifr. MOURNING JEWELLERY for LADIES sad __ _ GENTLIMEN. 25 OLD BOND,STBIO2I. jrzwzuacß for BRIDAL PRESENTS, dedgbed by Italian tuid /trend P 26. OLD SONWITILUT. SILVER PLATE for TESTIMONIALS, *slimed expressly for the'r respeeltre Ojeda Se, OLD BOND•811.101T. SILVER PLATE, for RACING, FIELD, aad AVATIO SPOILT& U. OLD BONDATAIXT. SILVER. PLATE for the SIDEBOARD, Miner and Tes Tthiss&e. 25, OLD BOICD4I3TRiir. °LOOKS for the DRAWING, DINING, or BZD ROOM. t 5. OLD BOND-STBC.Z. CLOCKS for the LIBRARY, Hall, Carriage, dto. 24 OLD BOND4ITRINT. CIACKS for CHURCHES, Turrets, and Stables. 25, OLD Borip-ararsr. WATCHES, Chronometers, Duplex, Levers, Horizontals, Repeater', Centre Seconds, Keyless, Chro =IMAM Ee. • IS, OLD BOYD-STRBIT. BRONZES WART, by Rosa and Isidore Bonhear, Pearls% Melee. Dame, Lo. U. OLD BOND-STILEBT. T W. BENSON, Prize Medals, London, Clase SS te • Dukein, Clan 10 : Honourable Mention, London, Mee 15. 25, OW BOND4TILIit JW. BENSON's STEAM FACTORY for • CLOCKS and WATCHES, 68 and OD, LUDGATE-HILL; WEST END ESTABLISHHIST, 86, OLD DONO-STRIET. MIMS MEDAL AWARDED.) AWNS PATANT PORTMANTRAI7B and iItATIELLING BAAS with gun LAMS WARDSOU TRUNKS, DIJOISVGTAGS, iiiirxrcit BOXES, WAITING and DRIBBIEG CAM, and I Wed arrears for bones or continental travelling. Illastratod Satorogues pod trews Also Alien's Barrack Strident.* Catalogue of Portal*, Bed Wes* Drawees, Easy Chairs, Wukhandweands, Canteens, do., sod trot J. W. ALLEN, Manerfactarer and Patents% 17, West Strand, Imam W.C. eht erpregio. TO 00!./02M'OPTDIN7II. Ildwetisonents Intended for " The ltrpreas • London Evening must be at the Offioe, 10, Bouverleatreet. by Two paper on the day of publication. HATICARINT THIS svismoo, A ROrdliflTC ATTACHMENT. Messrs. W. Amen and Compton ; Mill Ada Cavandlsh.--nitOrHEB BAII. Mn.ar notheru and isnak.sonts • Mtn Nally Moore— )kr.PESUB IN THE HAYHAEKET.—And A KISS IN THE DARK. PRINCEBB'S. Tam "lima, certst robeiliii—Artar which IT re NIVEA TOO LATE TO MIND. Mena Vining, G. Melville, T. Mead, D. Murray, h. Wham, F. Vililem J. G. Shore, G. Mug , ray, sad Z. Caihuart s Mimeo L Moore sad L Rodgers. LYONI7II. Tins suarea. THE IMIANGIIt. Mr. H. Widdkomb.—r a z MAirrsa OF ItAiritNOWOOD. llama Fochtor. Jord to, Vicki. Noun, Widdicomb, Fitzpatrick, Bzeco ; llordzotes Taman, Riswortio, Lavaca, C. Leriorcq. BRITANVIA . . Me Emma, THE CASUAL WARD.—Yrs. Howard Pant —sr. J. King and other, survivors from the wreck of the London. —Johnny Day. —The Grand PVITOIIIIOt. Mn. 8. Lane, M. and Madame Btertzentech.—AndOlmar, King of Granulate. HMS wAris AT LONDON-BRIDGIL INN DAT Windom 9A. Afternoan. 91s. To-miaow Monism, 101. 50m.— —Mersa" Ilb. 13m. LONDON, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 24. Ix is satisfactory to learn from the explanation given last night, in reply to Sir ROHL= Pm, that Ministers do not intend to commit the Crown to any formal action towards the Queen's University in Ireland, or any engage ment with the persons a( eking to bring about changes in its government, without first giving Parliament an opportunity of expressing its opinion on the subject. The only thing we find to regret in connexion with this announcement is that it was not made earlier. Mr. Gusarrons's pre vious statement was oertainly calculated to convey the impression that the Executive had resolved to stand on its rights, make important altera tions in the charter of the University, and then leave Parliament to act as it might think beat. We are glad to find that the Government have no such intention. If the question concerned an appointment about to be made by the Horse Guards there would be nothing surprising to hear it said by Colonel NORTH that the army was a royal army, and that the House of Commons had no right to inter fere with the QUEEN'B prerogative—that the duty of the House of Commons was oorined to supply :ng funds necessary to support the officers of the army, but that the Duke of Communes was not to be controlled in the exercise of his patronage. But it would ba s mnething quite novel to hear this theory applied by the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHRQUER. As we have observed more than once, the plan of University education in Ireland was not adopted until the sanction of Parliament was obtained. The Queen's Colleges were built with public money, and the civil service estimates which have just been printed and laid before Parliament furnish conclu sive proof that they are still supported by money an nually voted by Parliament. It wouldnotbepossible to maintain that these Colleges are not subjectto the control of Parliament, and that the annual grant about to be demanded for their support is to be voted, whatever may be the changes introduced into their character and constitution. These institutions were founded upon specific principles, and intended to accomplish specific objects. For these ends they were clothed with certain privi leges and bound by certain laws. It is not com petent, therefore, for the Government either to extend that privilege or to relax those laws with out consulting the authority--Parliament— which originally founded them. But even if the Crown were entitled, upon the advice of Ministers, to alter the charter of the Queen's University with out consulting Parliament, it would be impossible to do so in the present instance without being guilty of inconsistency. From the origin of those insti tutions until the present moment Ministers have never ventured to set np any such claim. They 1 ~. i THE EXPRESS, SATURDAY EVOlnge -- . FEBRUARY 24, 1860. • 11 have studiously consulted Parliament in every contingency. Lest session Sir Game Intaav de clared the principles upon which the Government were prepared to act ; and even now the Govern ment continue to insist that to these principles I they still adhere. They have practically admitted the right of Parliament to control the Executive in this matter ; and all that we have urged on be half of the public is this—teat the Government shall explain their proposals in Parliament in order that they may be considered with reference to the permanent interests of the country. We ase glad to Snd that so reasonable a demand is not to be refused. OUR CONTEMPORARIES. (rills DAY.) BRITISH AID AIIIMICAN 111ZUTILLLITY. The Times does not believe that the destruction of merchant mewls by cruisers which have escaped from neutral ports, or have been fitted up in them, can over be wholly prevented. Not only the United States and Spain, but England and France, if ever they go to war, must to a certain extent suffer from such evasions of the law. The only complete remedy would be to make the property of merchants at sea inviolable, a measure which is little likely to be assented to either by the 'nation' which possess large navies or those which can equip swift privateers. Our own law I room for improvement, but the Times thinks the American government must by this time be convinced that the accusations so freely brought against this country with respect to the Confederate cruisers during the war are without foundation. Moreover, what damage dome by the escape of a single steamer can be compared with the miseries which mialit be inflicted on the United Kingdom by a treasonable conspiracy openly serried on in every chief town of the Union? The law of the United States is powerless to prevent such measures, and the Times approve. the dbioretion of our government in refraining from protests against them ; but it is too much to claim for American law a superiority to our own, when it is unable to prevent proceedings so manifestly contrary to the comity of friendly nations. The Daily News observes that the speech of Mr. Wat kin last night wls at little mischievous in spirit al any speech could be which was directed to the practical end which he contemplated, but the legal grounds do not exist for each representations es Mr. Welkin urged ber Majesty's ministers make to the cabinet at Washington ; and, as Mr. Gladstone featly alleged, it would be unworthy in England to address to the United States demands =eh as those which we have often remivod, and have always refused to listen ta, from continental powers. The govern meat of the 17eited States may be excused if their vision is not yet sufficiently pureed t 3 actable them to see the moral difference betwee3 the replan Brotherhood and the Southern Independence Association—between the bonds of the (so called) Confederate States and the bonds of the (so called) Irish republic. They may possibly regard the threat of sending Irish-Amadeu' privateers to sea in order to prey upon British commerce as a smaller outrage than the actual equipment in Great Britain of Anglo-Confederate cruisers, and their honourable reception in British ports in the intervals of their ruinous mission against American merchant vessels. The destination of these ships was as math matter of notoriety as the purposes of the Faction in New York. Nay, for yt - ars the designs of the Fenian, in Ire land have Ire a notorious; but it is only within the lest six months that the Irish executive has been able to get the positive evidence which made it rfe to act. The criminal intentions of hundrejs of persons now in Ireland is I:01 ter of common fame; bat the go verment cannot gets ven such presumptive proof of guilt as would justify a ra , gi,t. ate in sending them men t 3 trial ; and it cuts the kept by suspending the Habeas Corpus Act. We can scarcely ask the American Prclideat and Congress to do this for us, seeing that we were bitterly offended when they ventured to d) it for themselves. Our appeal, if °coulee arisen for it, must be rude not ti the frieadly feeling of the Ames:can executive, but to the equal justice of the Amerkan omits of law. All the speakers *greed last evanin7„ the Post says, that it was highly expedient Pont the creation of a fleet by a belligerent in a lima .ral port shoal 1, if possible, be rendered impranticable, and it was also confuse 1 that the Foreign Enlistment Aot, however interpreted, failed to secure that sad. Nor is tea Actinic in s.stute any mote satisfactory. The matter Is ose exclusively of an international nature, and is better snits! far the i.. insideratioa of • congress of the representatives of several sista than of the legislate-e of only one. Paella meat cm of coarse alone frame what would be • municipal law, but its getter .1 principles ought to be determined by international consent. The Herald can see no end to the Fenian movement. We may continue the suspension of Habeas Corpus, fill and refill oar convict art sbl'-huse al in Ireland and Eng land with politimd psi -onus ; but, as Mr. Welkin said last night, so long as the fortis are supplied with the cognisance and sanction of the Unite 1 States government there can be no vane in Ire , end. President Johnson and Kr. Seward know th;s. They know, tie, the government they have to deal w.th in this country. They are making us pay fi r rur " neutrality " already. Ws shall not 13 surprised if, in the wards of Prince Sihwarzenberg, they astonish us with their ingratitude. The most important object in the estimation of the Star is to appreciate the real teachings of the past. The Attor ney-General says we shall be better able now than before the war to devise an effective law is concert with the United States. Doubtless we shall ; bat we shall never make the law as effective as it can be made unless we give it an elasticity corresponding with the general and moral character of the international obligation lying upon ns. The Americus government insists that in order to woke the neutrality laws effectual there should have been a readiness on our part as there was on theirs early is the century to modify them and strengthen them on their proving notoriously inefficacious. These are coneideratioes Irbil demand the most serious attention ; and it is gratifying to judte from the noble speech of Mr. Gladstone last n4ht cm the Fenian impact of our American relations that a new era of mutual confidence has been establ'shed under the happiest auspices. land, u important, and, to make the matter clam, recap'. Ilsilstes the prinnipal facts in the hbtory sI the Queen's °alkyls, and In the foundation in , 1850 ef the Queen's Ineiversity—givieg a sketills also of the Oaths& UniveseßY. It then leaves the topic with the remark that, owlbg to Ifr. Gladstone's timely concession last night, the house will bays an opportunity of expressing its opinion on the ex pediency of a obange before any irrevocable step is taken, and consequently the dissuasion which seemed likely to ensue on a point of form is adjourned to a future day on • , more substanti►l issue. _ _ The Star says that the answers previowily given were nnsatisfactoey and seemed equivocal. Half-a-dosen plain, straightforward words in the first inatanoe would have prevented mienode rstanding and removed appre hension. Nobody mks for more than a full dimuesion of the proposed changes by parliament end a deliberate de cision upon them. _ . . The Daily News can hardly believe that the negotia tions for a re•ewal a the reciprocity treaty will not be resumed, with a view to the preservation of the Canadian trade which has been so benetioiel to the United States. In any cue, however, the intelligent people of (Made must be taught by this experiesoe the neosesity of doing something to inspire their neighbours with more respect for their political positiou than they at present feel; and if one result of this temporary failure should be to stimulate them to exertions having this aim, and excite them to demean themselves as becomes • community larger than was that of the United States when they achieved their independence, this rebuff will not be a matter for perma nent regret. . The ;oat regards the Prussian constitution as now vir tually got rid of. When, in this country, such an issue was raised between the nation and the government, his. tory tells no how the controversy wen wrought out. It would seem that in Prassia the people will have to exercise the virtue of patience until the advent of a more consti tutional ruler or a less perverse minister. - While the elephantine gait of the political progress of the Prussian people sets the world laughing, the cue, in the opinion of the Telegraph, is marvellonaly like that of 1830-40 in England. Whoever has studied and understood Thorau Wentworth, Earl of Strafford, as a burns type, can comprehend Bismarck. To note the similarities—the same abilities, the same eloquence, courage, cruelty, con tempt, end sinister breadth of view--almost suffices to make trauemigration a likely theory. Strafford's game was lost by one false lead at • time when Bismack's great great-grandfather was not born ; and there are many cards to play yet before divine right end the junking same the rub. LAVEST INTELLIGENVE. (small mizawis.) AMERICA. (Per the Virenis, viA Rooho's Point.) NEW YORK, rm. 11, Houma. Eight members of the Virginian Legislature waited yesterday upon President Johnson, and pre sented a resolution from the Virginian Assembly proclaiming the loyalty of the State and en dorsing the course pursued by Mr. Johnson. The delegates addressed the President, saying that Virginia will abide by the results of the war, including the abolition of slavery and the recogni tion of the necessity for the perpetuation of the Union. Towards freedmen the people of Virginia felt only kindness and sympathy. The President stood between the South and danger by defending the constitution from violation or innovation. The President responded that mutual confi dence and forbearance must be exercised, and that the people of the South are entitled to repre sentation whenever they send loyal repreeenta . tives—only loyal men should exercise political power. He believed that the right of the South to representation would soon be acknowledged. There were some foreign difficulties which would be settled when the Union was again complete and re sumed its course of prosperity, for then no power on earth would wish to have a rupture with the United States. In the House of Representatives Mr. Williams, the radical member for Pennsylvania, alluded, in severe terms, to President Johnson, and declared that Congress should consider the question of re coustruction without reference to the President's theory on the subject. RUSSIA AND THE PAPACY. PARIS, Fn. 24. The Monifeur of to-day publishes a letter from Rome, stating that Baron Meyendorff will shortly leave that city for Lithuania, iu order to take pos session of the lands which the Czar has bestowed upon him as a recompense for his diplomatic services. The same journal announces that Cardinal An tonelli has issued a circular announcing that the Pontifical army is complete, and ordering all re cruiting for volunteers to be stopped. THE DANUBIAN PRINCIPALITIES. BUCHAREST, Fla 23. A change in the ministry has taken place. The Following is the formation of the new cabinet : Foreign Affairs John Wake. Interior Demetrius Ghika. Justice Public War THE LONDON, CHATHAM, AND DOVICB RAILWAY, The directors' report of the above railway for the half-year ending 31st December, 1865, states that the vans receipts for tee half-year upon ell the lithe owned and worked by the company haul been 271,1331. 19s. Id. For the corresponding period of ' 1864 they were 237,2241. Rh. 9d. The increase is therefore 33,9091. 81. 4d., which ls equal to 14.3 per cent. The gross l w l or d. k st g d e l x 2 P.".B 4,lF4l. tag lOs t . be lld sam . reerp i t e peri lv 4 s p lE r p e o T rti liTater 2N ot eased . u Ba : ; expenditure has been 19,701. penditure to receipts in the half year has been 53 per cent The receipts of the general undertaking foe the half-year have amounted to 2C3.1151. 18e. 9d., being an icerease of F 3,8671. 51. 4d., or 13.10 per cent upon the reoeipte of the corresponding half of 1864. The length of railway opened io both periods was 72/1 miles ; and the average receipts per : mile in the half-year have been 2,8421. 19s. Ifel. as against 2.5131. 15s. 61. in the corresponding half of hat year. The receipts of the Metropolitan Extension for the half year have amounted to 62,8761. 4s. tid., which is an increase of 14,9511. 16a. 73., or 31.20 per cent upon those of the coaresponding period of 1864. The length of railway open during the ball year was twelve ; miles, being half a mile more than in 1864, and the . ave. ge reedit!' per mile in the two polio& have bees 5,2391. 13e. Bd. in 1865, and 4,1671. lle. 9d. in 1864. The receipts of the steam-hosts for the half-year have been 36,6451. 16s. ld., and the expenditure 24,3851. 19s. sd. This includes a slime 2,5001. carried to the reserve and insurance feud, which lye now embed the sum of 15.5621. in. sd. The balance of the revenue account of the general leader-I t-.king amounts to 91,0241. 7s. 6d. The balance of the ear responding period of 1864 was 80,5431. 14s. ld., showing an increased profit of 10,4801. 13s. sd. in the last half-year. The balsam of the revenue account of the Metropolitan i Extension amounts te 31,4381. 2s. 3d. The balsam for the ; corresponding period of 1864 was 23,962/. 3s. 11d. The is- creased profit realised in the past half-year hie; therefore been 7,475'. 18s. 43. In the past half year 5,123,038 were carried, being 759,374 more than in the corresponding peeled of 1864. Of tels increased number of travellers 626,632 were carded on the metropolitan extension, and 132,742 on the other lines of the company : In their last report the directors pointed out to the proprieties the injurious effects upon the traffic of the line arising from the difficulty attend rag the woes to the London stations, and I especially to Victoria'. To the continued existence of this state of tbingn the direeton are able to attribute a very serious loss of traffic during the whole of the half-year, and especially duds( the months of July, August, and September. Great exertions have been made by all concerned to obtaie the completion of the works in progress at the earliest possible moment. On the City sermon the two additional lines between Loughborough Junction and the Elephant and Castle, a dl.tasce of 1 mile 63 chains, are now com pleted, and are awaiting ionisation by the officer of the Board of Trade. There are already four lines between Charlotte-street and Bitaeldriars, a distance of 25 chains. The portion immediately between theElephantaideastle and Charlotte-street, a distance of 60 chiles, and involving some very heavy work in bridges over wide streets, is also well advanced and will, it is believed, be ready to be open by the Ist May next. The possession of four lice. betweea Loughborough and Ludgate will enable the directors to extend to she important districts of Clapham, Brixton, Camberwell, and Walwanth, a large in creme hi the facilities of travelling to and from the City. On the west-end section the construction of the additional lines is also Neuf actively pushed forward. The bridge over the Thames is the measure of this part of the work, and there is every probability that two of the four lines of way over this bridge and into Victoria will be ready to open by the Ist of June. This will afford immediate relief to the traffic of the whole system, for the directors will than, for the first time, have control over the arrangement of their trains cunning to and from Victoria, and will be freed from the double di ivantage attending the access to sod egress from their most important terminal station being utterly insufficient, and at the same tens in-the bands of another company who, not unnaturally, consult their own interest and the convenience of their own traffic before that of other people. Arrangements have been made under which the Borough goods traffic of the Great Northern Company will be carried on at the Blackfriars station, and goods and opal trains will com mence to run through between the systems on the Ist of March. A few of the main line trains of this company now also run to and from King's-cross, and as soon as the cireumatanose attending the opening of the Metro politan Railway to Finsbury, and the removal of the traffic of the Great Western and Great Northern Companies from the old to the new statics at Farringdonatreet will admit, a considerable number of the Metropolitan Extension trains will in like manner be run to sad from King'seross. The Metropolitan Company have adopted a wise and liberal policy in their relations with this company, and an understanding has been ar rived at under which not only will the public enjoy the advantage of through tickets between all the stations on that line and the metropolitan extensions, bus as soon as the necessary plant can be provided, a suffideut number of through trains will run between Paddington and Herne Hill in the first instance, and later, in all probabi lity, to the Crystal Palace and Victoria. The South- Western Company have given notice of their intention to run trains via Clapham Junction to Ludgate on Aped L The continental traffic, already very valuable, and which is susceptible of immense extension, will alone, and within the next three or four years, secure a handsome increase of revenue to the general undertakine, whilst there is no doubt that the friendly feeliegs now existing between the London, Chatham, and Dover and South Eastern Companies', and which, it is hoped, op pertunity will cement and extend, will make it possible to effect large reductions in the working amputees of both coin pales without In any way impairing the efficiency of the services or abridgiag the reasonable facilities to which the public are entitled. The directors noticing the bills 'in parliament connected directly with the metro- politan extensions or general undertaking remark that the application for the line to Brighton is not a new eon It was first made by independent parties in 1863, and in consequence of the strenuous opposition of the Brighton Company, was defeated. This matter has been subsequently &seated, sad the directors were willing to enter into negotiations with the Brighton and the South Eastern Companies, which, with due regard to the interest of the public, would have settled the question of railway accommodation in the intermediate country abutting on the Chatham and Dover system, and situated between the Brighton sad South Eastern main hoes, without the constant renters/toe of oar wintery imatessa. The position which the Brighton Core ' pang assumed rendered all attempts at an amicable settle ment of the question hopeless. Meanwhile the great demand which exists fir access to eligible and attractive residential districts near London has been urged aeon the attention of the directors. No more eligible and beautifully situated district for this purpose ran be found then that lying be tween Beckenham and Emit Grinstes 1. A very valuable traffic both to the metropolitan exteesions and the main line has sprung up between London and Bickley and Bromley, as well as between London and Sevenoeks ; and the directors feel that they ere bound to support a project which will provide another such outlet from, and Is calculated to bring a considerable increase of traffic to, their costly metropolitan termini. This consideration, together with the necessity for r eommodatiog so large and extending a traffic as that between Loudon and Bricbton by means of another railway, has, the directors consider, fully justified . them in joining with the South-Eastern Oompanyin the open and avowed prosecution of the new lien The district to be traversed is greatly in need of additional railway seem modation and the lines constructed through it will not only have a considerable local traffic, and create a large re sidential traffic for some miles out of London. but must from the enormous superiority which the combined metropolitan stations of the South hatter a and London, Chatham, end Dover Companies present over those of the existing rail way, ensure to the companies concerned a very large pre- Portion of the valuable traffic between London and Brighton. The intention is to construct the lines re separate undertaking., to be worked by the South-Easters and London, Chatham and Dover Companies kingly, the risk which they run being limited in any case to the lees of same proportion of the working it:prises, a possibility which is exceedingly remote, and which mast be very considerably outweighed by the certainty of the great be nefit accruing to those poetic)°, of the parent line oeer which the trail* of the new lines will bays to pus on its way to and from London. Lord Harris, Sir R. W. Cardee, Sir Cusack P. Hooey, and J. Lake, Esq., directors, and Mr. Coleman, auditor, retire by rotation, sad, being eli gible, offer themselves for reedeation. The Right Hon. Chichester Fortesene and the Connie's Frances Waldegrave eatertaised the following company at &Meer on Wednesday last at the Chief Secretary's Lodge, Mena Park, Dublin :—the Earl end Countess of Obarlemoet, the Lord Chasesllor and Mrs. Brady, Lady Fanny Cole, the Muter of the Rolls and Mre. C. Smith, Sir Hugh Rut" the Bight Boa. J. Whiteside, Judge Berwick, Sir Percy Basest, Captain the Hon. Z. Boyle, Major Byrne, Mr. Corry Cosnellan, Mr. Rnstehbull- Hugesses, M.P., Dr. and Mrs. Bank', Dr. Hughes, Miss Mosey, Mr. Chichester lismiltos. Colonel and Mrs. Vail, Ise. In consequence of the death of Colonel Charles Wyndham, brother of Loed Lisooldleld, the marriage of the Marquis of Qum:witry and Wm Sibyl Montgomery. which WWI to have tams plies at Bt. Cleorge's Haisoverequare, London, on Thursday, will. says Yorkshire Gazette, be poetpowed aat , l Yoeday. the 26th. We (Sunderland Herald) are glad to be able to state that Mr. Fermi& is gradually resoserieg from hie Moms, though of mune he will be unable to bike soy further part is the eleetioe. His place, dada, the pro medley, will be supplied se far as possible by kb brother, Mr. George John ramie, a partner in the beating firm of Nam Immielen mid 00. EASTIR BUNDA7.—Eillter Sunday falls this year on the Lt of ApriL This sireseateses ►se sot occurred since 1804, sod will only oecor split twice is the peseent watery. is 1877 sad 1888. THE WEEKLY PRESS. The nearer we get to the day when the Reform Bill is to be announced, the more (dearly it appears to the Saturday Review that substantially the go vernment reform measure must include a more or less extensive redistribution of seats as well as a large reduction of the property qualification. The objection to the fancy franchises iv not they are ri diculous, but that, as a matter of fact, they do not millet the support of any considerable body of people. This is the ease with Mr. Bare's plan and with Mr. Clay's. The latter hoe. member calculates that even ambitions and intelligent working men would ord justly have to give up all their leisure for three months in order to pass the elimination, and it is not to be conceived that the working-man would like that mode of getting the franchise. That he cannot afford to live in a better house is so familiar a part of a maw's daily experience that at no particular moment ie the sense of the fact of the driven into him with a atioging force. But it would be very mortifying for a good zealous workman to stay away from b;1 beer, and learn to spell word, of four syllables all night for months, and then be plucked just before an elect;oo, while be saw a good-for sable( pleasure-seeking counter-jumper, whose father hap pened to be able to pay for his schooling, go though the examination in a canter, and vote, perlyips, minuet Mr Clay. It is not surprising that few members oared to speak on Mr. Clay's motion, which it would be impossible to dieeres to any purpose until the proposal of the goveroment is made known. If the franchise is to be fixed ate 61. rental, so many persons may very probably be qualified who do no snow, and never stay a night away from thee public, that the pains-taking, self-d riving man might think it 'tinnily worth hie while to arrive by a re, yet :op and thorny path at the 'miliaria' which an his neighbours climbed so easily. We shall not have to wait long tow, for Mr. Gladstone says that the prom'sed at,tiatics ere very tearly ready, although obviously, except as an amentent f. r secreting or rejecting particular figurer in a property quanficatioo, and as bearing in a more indirect way on the question of re distribution of seats, statistics can do very little to help parliament. Discuming the merits and demerits of music -halls, the Spectator describes the real danger that threatens them as arising from the &depletion of women. To suit the class who now attend the cha.aeter of the performers is lowered, end from the same cause the wives and daughters of decent mechanics end tradesmen are kept away. The only possible palliative' ear contempor ry could suggest for this blot upon our music-halls era twofold. Whenever the whole theatrical licenstng system is done away with, a consummation which cannot loug be deferred, the musio halls will be able to give theatrical entertainment( and will in consequence &Watt eudiences of a higher elms than that which at present form the staple of their public ; and secondly, the meusgers of these places might weed away the noxious element in their audiences without much difficulty. Our theatres have long ceased to be the stalk iog grounds of vice, though entrance to them is perfectly open to every man or woman who can pay for his or her tickets at any respectable theatre in the metropolis. Any woman would be removed from the hones who was ob viously soliciting the attention of men ; and there is no reason why a similar system should not be introduced into our music-halle. In the lung ruo, the patronage of the re spectable classes always pays hotter than that of the dis reputable members of the community, and mower or Lim music-hells will have to choose between the public of theatres and the pubte of 0111.1101. At present they occupy a neutral and an untenable position between the theatre and the night-house. The Economist expects the reduction from 8 to 7 per ant. veil have a favourable effect upon the foreign ex changes, and that the Oriental demrod for silver, es yet at least, will not revive, sed if this c`iould be so, a further diminution in the value of money, may, even neat week, at all event, very soon, wiU take place. There are, however, two most important facts which will prevent the veins of money falling to at all a low point. First, there ie a great deal of foredo money in London lsveated in bills at mode rate dates, end sure to be withdrawn and taken home if the value of money should be reduced very much. Secoodly, there ere many *themes, if we may my so, lying in wait for the market, and vs 'y to apt:og forth the moment it shows the least weakness. Thts suspended demand must have its natural effect, and prevent aey great reduction is the value of the e-.pitel it la so curious to consume and absorb. The Press protests easiest the language used by the Saturday Review towards Mr. Disraeli. No man has ever been so cruelly treated by his opponents or exposed to so much of vulgar, me►o, and cowardly abuse. The game of the liberal party has been all along to instil suspicion of Mr. Disraeli into the bre•.ts of hie followers—a pitiful polio'', and one which has not met with much suocem. It has, in fact, been overdose, snit the coneervatives are in their turn somewhat erapiaious of the solicitude of their oppoeente for their +ilia». They »member, with justice, that it le to Mr. Disraeli that they owe their reoonetrectior, almost their ex;sterice, as a potty. Aid they are proud of • leader such ►s no other party can owe. We are told he is in a/Pm, en ►llegation which is false fa feet and falser still la spirit. Next, some my he le an adventurer. Bat an adventurer of such prescience sad ability would surely at least have oboe» the whining side. The latest chasge against Mr. Disraeli is that be is getting stupid. This, the Pram says, comes well from the &tar &ph for whose benefit, were it worth oar while, a peat part of the abusive article might Fe paraphrased "with • direct application" which would be more beneficial than palatable. Mr. Disraeli is commanded to " oome oat." Probably he will ere long "Dome out," to the dimemfiture of his opponents. And the revolt will be that he may come in," and, having done so, may stop these—which Is more than the Saturday bargains for. CAnnrier Counorr..—There will be a Cabinet Council this afternoon. NATIONAL PORTRAIT Itanzarrion.—We are re quested to date that Os ipso+ which Imo ben delimit is the Exhibition of National Perirdie is completely Elleg and that no farther offers of portr.iti MO be esterianei until salt yeas, when them will bo a emplenceatery ex hibition of pet:site bslonging to the perlol bemoan. THE ARM! ZISTIIIATZIL The Times thinks the Army Estimates, which we pub lished yesterday, will scarcely console those who were dis appointed at the meagre saving shown in the Navy Estimate. issued last week. There is an appirent reduc tion of force, and au apparent reduction of expenditure. but when the estimates are more narrowly scrutinised, it is seen that the burden to be borne by the nat'on is not really lessened, and that retrenchment, like its twin brother, reform, is in truth at a standstill. It is a matter of regret that the reduction of war expenditure, which has been • anbjeot of oon3ratulat'on du :ng the last three or four years, should be thus euspeadci, even if it be suspended but temporarily ; but the fast itself cannot be denied. There is a net abatement of 6,C 101. upon • gross expendi ture of 14,000,0001., and even this redaction, small as it is. could not have been secured had there not been an accu mulation of clothing in the tiothieg establishment which has been made amilatle iu aid of the next year, and so spared us the necessity of meeting a tailor's bill. The total of the votes to be asked for this maim shows an apparent saving of 253,4471. ; but, on the other hand, the extra receipts paid into the Exchequer partly by colonial goverment', but orincipally by the government of Luba, will fall from 1,703,440/. to 1,456,4001., a lees of 217,0401. The balance, or 6,4071., is the total diminution In the estimated (sharp of 1866.67, compared with the esti mated charge of 1865.6, and as them is a saving on the clothing estimates of nearly 120,0001., it is evident that the army expeditors would have shown an Mamie but for this casual and temporary gain. The Daily Yews remarks that a glance at the return re specting the expenditure for the Dolman will convince us that until we can make up our minds to require our dependencies to bear • larger share of their owe defence, 1 we can expect bet little relief from the heavy pressure of the army estimates. Bet we may at least, from the events of the part year, draw some smouragemeat is this direr:- lion. The true defence of our external territories in the event of • war between us and another greet nation, mast be Nand in our amal superiority, and in our opacity to strike a disabling blow at the heart of ear foe. Neither of these objects is meantime subeerved by maintaining so many sad so costly scattered garrison, not one of which is streeg enough to defend itself spirt a formally organised attack. The Viso ehsessteriees this selijost of the proposed alteration is the shatter el the genies Ihirersk, In. PORTUGAL LISBON, 818. 23. The journals of this city state that General Prim will proceel to Southampton by the next steamer touching at this port from the Brazils. Cht Court. WINDSOR CASTLE, FEB. 23. The Queen drove out yesterday afternoon, accom panied by the Pr anew Louise and Ptiocess Beatrice, and walked this moramg with Princess Louise. Lox 1 end Lady Napier anired at the Castle yesterday, and bad the hooonr of an interview with her Majesty. Tee Hon. Emily Cathcart sod the Hon. Floienoe Sey mour have arrived at the Castle as Maids of Honour in Waiting. A committee of the Lords of the Privy Council met yes t clay at the Privy Council-office, Whitehall, to consider csriain matters rel.ting to the cattle plague. The Lords present wore—Earl Granville (Lord President), the Duke of A-gyll (Lord Pnvr Seal), the Duke of Somerset, Lord Stanley of Alderhy, the Right Hon. Sir George Grey, the Right Hon. T. Manor Gilosou, and the Right Hon. G. J. G.aohen. Mr. T. Baring, Mr. Waddington, the Attorney and Solicitor General, Mr. Arthur Helps, and Mr. E. S. Harrison, attended toe committee. Despai:hee were seat from the Colonial-o Sos yesterday t) the Governors of the Settlements on the West Coast of Africa. DEATH OF COLONEL THE HON. SIR CHARLES PHIPPS, S.C. 8.-{THIS DAY.) We regret to announce the unexpected death of Colonel the Hon. Sir Chas. Beaumont Phipps, keeper of her Majesty's privy purse. Sir Charles expired shortly after 5 o'clock this morning at hi- VC idenos in the Ambassador's Court, St. James's Palace, after an One's of orly two days, from bronchitis. The late Hon. Sr Chas. B. Phipps was the second coo of Hear►, first Bud of Mu'grave, by Martha Sophia, daughter of Mr. Christopher Thomp. son Dialing, of West Herrington, county Dur ham. He was born 27th December, 1801, and monied 25th Jane, 1835, Margaret Anne, snood daughter of the Veo. Henry Bathurst, Archdeacon of Norwich, by whom he has a f►mily of tiro sons and two d frighten. Sir Charles was formerly in the Soot■ Fusilier Guards. He was secre tary to his brother the fats Marquis of Norman!), when that nobleman was Governor of Jsmaica from 1832 to 1834. On the late Marquis of Normsoby going to Ireland as lord-lieutenant to 1835 he was appointed steward of the vice-regal household, which be held up to 1839. After acting for a short time as Searetary to the Master-General of the Ordnaoce, he was ii Aug 5',1846, appointed an Equerry to the Queen. In De amber, 1845, he was made private swnter► to his lets B nal Hilhneis the Prism Consort aid on the death of Sir Heo.y Wheatley was made keeper of her Majesty's privy parse, and treasurer to the late Primo Consort, and also trek-arse and colferer to h:s Royal Higbrnes the Prince of Wales in October, 1849 ; was made Receiver-General of the Duch► of Cornwall in 1862, and in January of the following year was appointed one of the council to the Primo of Wale.. He was nominated a Knight Commander of the (Civil Division) Order of the Bath in 1851, in recognition of his faithfol /or4:oes in her Majesty's household. His Royal Highness Prince Arthur, attended by Major Elphindone, yesterday paid a visit to the cigar ship at the West India Doah. The Earl and Countess Russell received at dinner last evening, at their residence is Carsham-place, the Earl of Morley, Lord Healey, Viscount and Visomnteu Amber ley, the Right Hoc. Sr' De,il Dasdss, Y. Bright, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Russell, and Lady Georiicia Russell. The Countess of Derby will bare evening parties on the 10th sod 17th of Marob. Her Royal Highneee Prince's Mar/ of Cam bridge arrived .t the Massa of Cambridge's residence at St. James's Palace yeeterdty ef:ernoos from Germany, at- Marled by Barosesi &here sad Colossi Home Panes._ The Marquis and Marchioness of Salisbury had a dinner party yesterday eveniag M their residesee is Arlington-street, Piccadilly. Amoopt the distinguished gads were :—His Exoellsocy the Austrian Ambassador, his Exoelleuoy the Netherlands Misister, the Doke and Duchess of Wallington, the Earl sad Countess of Derby, the Earl and Countess Stanhope sad Lady Mary Stanhope, the Earl and Countess of Carnarron, the Earl of Malmo bury, the Earl of Tyrone, Lord end Laiy Colville, Hon. Henry Wellesley, ha _ . . . . . The Marquis and Marchioness of Westminster and Lady Theodora Grosvenor do not ;named to leave Ifot. combs Park, Dorsetahire, for Groeveoor House till after the Feeter holidays. . His Excellenoy the Austrian Antbsamodor will not take possession of ti. new rcsidenw is Belgr•re-gaga till August nee. His ezoelle•aybsa taus it toe • term of Woe yearn _ _ The Countess of Clarendon has issued cards for ememblles en the 28th leet and the 14th of sett mouth. The remains of the late Hon. J. C. Dundas have arrived at Aeke Yor'whir% from N•oe, for letermeet is t .e family vela. GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY.--( THU Dir .) The half-yearly meeting of the propsi g t en ye . held at it o'clock, at the lEing's-croar station • Col. P IC Y., in the chair. The report, which bad been previously publis h ed be take° u read. taria t The CHAIRIII/1, in moving its adoption, said le het repeat hi. comsratalationa on th e continuer psea pwk s_3 the line. In the last half year slues amo am had lo se e n capital, but this iseleded tie addition of 774,000:, f ee ,. stook of the Leeds, Bradford , and Halifax Itallwey, g a l digt,Cool. for the stook of the West Yorkshire Rad a . — mad there were also additions for st Woos, sidings, h e 134 ell the lines were completed expenditure of that kind emir not be entirely discontinued. Th ere wu 1,200300c3 capital for lines which were as yet soproduetivo, hale.; h e t rea t e d would eratie to be so in the Kum d aw e year. The increase of revenue emoted the e x pectations of the board ; and they we,, go a hhi recommend the same dividend as lut year, %sew, required 45,0001. more. The line wan h exulleat irk The locomotive expense were of course setse ee e by the additional mileage ran, the increase la ic e department in the half year being 18.010/ . L . opposition to a complaint on the past, tr em i de•al are that the rolling stock bad never bora la how • order than It wee at preeeot. The nag eremika : item showed a reduction, the principal NIS SI how being for the repairs of locomotives wawa, Th ee wee a cousiderabte increase in the quantity o f rel y u s down, though the extra expense was . only abo u t /raj Proposals bad been made to the board f ee new lives in different parte of the country. Th za considered all such schemes, end were g o avoid any expenditure of espial SS fir la Mk. I What they now sought powers to do was essential to ew e ; own (minute, one of the chief things being the d ee m s . of the Copenhagen Tunnel. As the punster, were ea ssy --.‘ an arrangement had been made with the board of the gar; ; Eastern Company with respect to the trait) to the N i s i: Eliseo the report was issued the b oar d had mewl a letter dated the lith of February from the Crest Us e , board, enclosing a copy of a resolution whisk bad te e I agreed to on that subject. The Elgoiwrase then read the resolution which eas ythe effect that in the present position of the Glut Pu ne C ompany , it was undesirable to pressed with a, bills In parliament which were presented ea** !by the Great Northern Crinpany, sh e o sei Barters Company, and the Hancheater, eltigheld, Linooinshire Company, it being added that befere fi . Greet Eugene board could recommend the slislieldev adopt the agreements the terms would moire firths ea, sideratioo. The secretary also read the reply of dog e * Northern board, dated February 7d stet by the had e t e messenger yesterday evening, expressive empties se* i retest at the course taken, which was a complete heed of the sealed agreement between the three empesia,w • intimating that the board felt bound to resift say atimpth 4" The .Cgarnian said he had no doubt the quad would be carried out. The resolution was adopiet ,t I min bees depart already thetef ineurZ. PeclailY as considerable ag ues W Hat mooting, after the appointment of the pees Eastern committee of shareholders as directors, saa • doubt the object was to gain time for romid e r s h a Be could not for a moment suppose that a hip oft pany like the Great Eastern would not any ago agreement which bad been arrived at with so oast MI. and through so many meetings. and which would lisises Hoist both to the companies concerned and to the pet& (Hear, hear.) After some dissuasion. the report was adopted, amigo, lends in accordance with it were afterwards cliched. GREAT EASTERN RAILWAY.-(tHIS DAL) e— The half-yearly meeting of the proprietut at held at noon, at the Landon Tavern ; Mr. 0. H. Tem in the chair. The aitaidecoe was very nuentens. The report which bad been issued and publishei Illi time before, having been takes as read, The CHAIRMAN said whea he entered that room It le with mingled feeling of regret and plenum; WAS amount of the unfavourable balance-sheet, end plena,* tame he believed a fearf el calamity had jest hie everted. (Cheers.) He had intended to shake fah eft ha oonedered should be the future policy of tlas mem ! hut after consideration he thought it best to aleatt fan doing so at present and to stand on the report. At the ass ' time he trusted the company had attend on a an email . that one thing which would distinguish that see 0 I would be regularity is their meeting'. (Cheers.) Ti.. port on the whole wee • cornet one; but the Bothrdaaal i arwioh account formed an exception of 31,000 i., wails • hoped would be dealt with separately. As Imelda 6 Great Northern Company, be wee an admit/ hr i • proper Onus, but tot for such ea sew meet as had bees contemplated. (Cheers.) H. hl just received from the Great Northern board a laNg t expressing surprise and regret at the detaminatice al ; to proceed ; but he thought the proprietors maid nth* ' approve of the course pursued by the Great Soto, dine ton. (Camera) The new board would avoid all gm bills as far as possible ; but as regarded the miniollim extensions the late directors had committed the saarm so far that it could not withdraw. In that one he maw plated the making of an arrangement nada whisk the • eontractore would pay interest during custraction. liti a the state of affairs was at present it would in sornetameleh I worse at Midsummer. There would be 40,0001. of additional interest due at the end of Julie end ether 'dirtiest balk lilies. He was pestered to death with applisatims hi i situations on that lies, but he begged to slate MI a appointment would be nade, whether the appliance ant • from peer or peasant, which would Dot be fre the interest of the company. (Ohara.) As to the all servants, they would In dealt with li to their merits, and if there were any who was at worth keeping, they would be &twined. In coaciesimie said it was his determination always to adhere to the and to do his duty to the utmost ; and ha hoped Wiwi would be united and the shareholders would entre their oonfidenee. (Cheers.) ' Dr Oltinte auratulated the company on babe U bonestandinde . pendentchainnao. (Cheers.) He weaselled to see es the last of candidates the AMA of Mr. Gosh% 1 who had done much towards brining this oompaerisielle omelet deplorable condition. ("Hee", bear," sad "Nom) . He hoped the chairman would look into the state el lie works at Stratford, for he was told on Hood suborbital half the men spent their time in mating persabeital for their cbildreo. (Great laughter.) I Mr. hos wished to know whether the secants added the whole of the liabilitioa. The Commas replied that they did, with the melt" of the 31,0001. to wluch he bad alluded, and 11,0001. anent for unproductive works. 1 Mr. faros contended that the accounts did notec a se ~ correct impressions with regard to anything, aid Illieltet . to some of the figures to show that a pans of the amount kept back eboald be applied in the Maid of dividends. ("No, No.') The result of his exudates's' that instead of the working expiates being sot dews atieplr cent. they ought to be eat down at GO, which wou ld leas them 100,00 a, or a dividend of 3) per cent. (leettille) What they chiefly wanted now wee acass to abs earth (A Voice—Not at any price.) He was serprieed that di committee should have thrown cold wale es the sear meat made with the Great Northers Coupe* m his opinion that arrangement ought to be Itel out in its integrity. (Loud cries of " No. el If the directors would not do their duty the altnbmßr ought to take their affairs into their own Mode (Lash' i ter and miss of " We have does the'.") 1 The Ciuntatur said be admitted that it was desirstele have an arrangement with the Great Northern Coale* 1 but it should sot be one under which thf . I would be parsed by another coroceol. Al an r. 1 the amounts , be begged to say tbat they wen I result of the most arefol consideration. ' had been carried forward previously till it was Ito understand them; but everything au 11°. d 6,0 I wen" account. tUt ( h Ch in efga. thill ) AR A t s etose t° riliad Perwu e, he bal . h oula u "lak"'" 1 that they should be wheeled out of the way. ( A SHAREHOLDER complained of unnecessary Woo° an nan adva"im ad t T o ntise f rntheeninietemlntitiMaeinteeasofobseuri'fbcalase""t4rnalttrughsiidebb:dwi: 80.16174 attacks on Captain Jamie. (Cries of " Name the PP" lied • noise. " The ?amity Herald.") d Mr. J. Peens , M.P., couratulated the anim as 1 having placed the amounts ..n a proper buteem as for ling. He objected to interest being chard to __ A during emstructios. In his opinion , 0 milr : should always be paid by the m etre:ear—al eL rasgemest whisk gave him an interest in the atel! oomplet'on of the work, ; and be was very Ilea 9111: sew directors bad adopted that view. As to the arten . with the Great Northern Company tbe 111 _ Sheffield, an Lincolnshire Compan, be and s hould like to tr; why the chairman dy considered that the alliance willet s f,, bees ommeneed was rat • proper me. It w as 2,:, awkward Wag for now director+ to inaugurate taker; by breaking • solemn agreement. (Hear.) Tbeee „wee III: • thing as commercial morality, and he theta , " wu always best to adhere to it. (cres t t la sotio til li t Max)' He thought the agreement 15 1 d bit was far tie Wand of this company. It .01 the effect of putties the immense working Pelt Wks of Yorkshire and Loacashin at an an • A lt t i preeen ""illimlim t i t i llie de°ln com i: pl u ry °ll wee tkmat th ail l u ll i b u e p r e t e o nd l im - I(l;n em eatie ; (7:4l.l". loam Markt. (Haar. hear.) wee broken off, they would get es good terms es-- _.. WrialLlll°4 Mr. FILD CRAIRMAI M eald ip h l a: mAid deubtod tha wbe th th e e q r, ue i s7 t hae _.,. reuteeninalill : video of th e traffic between Landon and Yorkshire wed 7 won sOrk parti a ati undst the year, ardioiliewhole of that traffic this eemflai •lation of Yorkshire, anea‘reat ° rho t por Lonkig ine acmes 6o the goal district, be was in favour of a fi ll to the 'grommet. instead of relying m the teak siselmery ecomties. Maus.) Mr. FL Love said as • large shareholder he meet etelli hie deep regret OM there was no dividend on Nu esafit (Laughter.) He demented a ny exhihitioe of fellatr vrazds himself. prosper as s lot nee had labourei mere 1 „ge the yof the ecenellx i t , l If• die s etthat S h il l s r e ral curgai I s im un o ce s o t f th vanoba7e maim 51" t Pa 4 mew (B a by . os, byik dew tb. iltat ter, 'tab bald x%• TI Ur_ KC ila so tit me ern Itee TI! VII POI X