The Express. — London, England, 1864-01-06 00:00:00

eO. and J. FIELD, original manufacturers • On NDIPADIFOat PARAFFINItCANDLES,towhomtheprIaa medal (Mt) has been awarded, and their candles adopted bee Sisklaty's Govenament for use at the military station These candles tad be obtained of all chandlen:ead poems In the United K ingdo m. Price le. Sd. pee pound also Field's cele brated United •rlce Soap Tablets, ed. and ad. each. The public are cautioned to see that Field's label Is on the packets or boxes. Wholesale only, and i.e esportatiom—Upper Lambeth, London. R. ALFRED WEBB MILES, Everybody knows Mr. MILES, REMOVED from Homily wet, to IS. BROOK•STREET, Ranoteraquare, in MI The Inc TROUSERS originated by Ditn, In all the New Patterns for Winter, " better than ever." SPECIIL NOTICE TO -OENTLFMEY: —.-- A. W. k.A hersll most respectfully to announce that his stock in the various department. of his establishment ts now replete for Overcoats, Vestings. Bedford Cords, and scarlet waterproof cloth fur hunting. The wool-dyed Black and Bine Frock Conte, bOa, A choice of 60 pieces of indestructible worded West of England Cloths. NiTABLISIDdr Ib4l. Ouly address. HOW COLD IT HAS BEEN.-NEGRETTI and Ea thßA'a celebrated THERMOMETERS will cor rectly re:later the lowest temperature. Prke J. 6,1.-1. Hatton garden . 59, Cornbill ; 153, lieetestreet and 122, Regent-street. Agents wanted. WHERE CAN WE MEET AFTER THE PANTOVIIME.S My dear fellow! gentlemen sup at EVA NAB, Covent-garden. Bile ergreoo. TO CORRESPONDENTS. _.-- 01verWeementa intended for "The Capron" London Evening Paper, mw: he at the °dice, 10, Bonveriewtawit, by Two o'clock on the day of publication. CoV ENT-GARDEN. Erumm. EtNiitiltiTE. --- 111;;Eryne and Mr. W. Har ris,. -And HARLEQUIN ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON. Die,srs. W. M. Payne, H. Payne, F. Payne, the Heathers Stonette, 9dllo. Eather.--Comueuee at 7. II AYNIARKET. TIM Eriatten, OUR A3l;lllt,Z.;Vti. - .SIN. Mews Sothero, Buekst.ow, Chippend de, Gordon, Rogers. Coe, and Clark; Meatones kn el ant Sno.don.—And KING ARTHUR. Coulpto11; MeiaLunel L Keeley, Ivry. Lindley, E. Romer. PRtNCFSS'! . .. Tio9 EVENING. THE II El'MoON.—And HARLEQUIN LI ['TEE TOM TUCKER. Messrs. Seyton, Caths•art. A. and C. Led, rob Hahne and Son, 31115 n.,, Naylor, rod Chapin°. sdAwes Barnett. Adams. aad Howard LYCEUM. THIS EVIIING, THE if:WC ; ill LD. 3Lr. Widdlcomb and Mae P. Leek TIN —BEL MEMO, a Love Story. 51 mare. Teenter, Brougham, Emery, Oule% and Jordan ; Anew Terry, Lavenne, and Elmorthy, sod Mr,. Lee. BRITANNIA. TEM EVENING. the New Pantomime HICKORY, HICKORY, Sin Lsue and drat rate Litton mists—The Marvels of Peru. - TII I.: C GMAT OM Ix 1' 1.11 , 14.Cr.-4rthurrinti Bertrand. Fount:dn.—Awl lIIL GuRILLA HIGH WATER AT YONDON BRIDOII. MUM DAT ijorlihot .llh chn Afternoon. 11h. 44m. Z.-noinow Morning, vh. 0m... .Ariorsoolo. oh. iSm. LONDON, WEDNESDAY, JANUARY G. ORDERS have been given for the return of the Channel Fleet to a port in the United Kingdom. THE present condition and prospects of Sweden form a subject to which one naturally turns on : seeing the peril which besets the other chief mem bers of the Scandinavian nation. Undoubtedly the most desirable and natural mode of safe guarding the Scandinavians would be • close alliance between them. Denmark has a popu lation of two millions, with 600,000 more in those provinces south of the Eyder which are now occupied and menaced by the Germanic Confederation. There arc nearly four millions of Swedes, with a million and a half of sturdy Norse men. A population of eight millions of the Scan dinavian race, a great portion of whom are as much at home on sea as on land, might defy, and ought to be enabled to defy, German or Russian encroachment. The best and fairest distribution of these people existed in 1813. Norway was then joined to Denmark, which thus had a population of four millions, leaving the same number to Sweden. The wise men of the Congress of Vienna thought this arrangement might be improved. To please BEENADOTTE, Norway was given to Sweden ; and it was fondly imagined that by including Holstein in the Germanic Confederation, Denmark would be strengthened and firmly united to Germany against France. We see the result. However politically separated, it is manifest that at the present moment all the Scandinavians are anxious to march to the defence of Denmark. The Swedes had offered and concluded a Treaty for the purpose. But unfortunately Sweden is the declared foe of Russia, whilst Denmark used to be befriended by the Court of St. Petersburg. Sweden, therefore, probably at Denmark's request, has held back, and left it to be soon proved how much sincerity and zeal there was in the pretended friendship of Russia for Denmark. Su great, indeed, at present is the necessity in which Russia stands of Prussian support in the military and diplomatic questions which arise out of the insur rection iu Poland, that the Court of St. Petersburg cannot pursue any policy highly distasteful to that of Berlin. But if Russia thus shows itself completely obsequious to Germany, there can no longer be a reason why the Danes should reject the help of their Scandinavian brethren. Last month the King of SWEDEN closed the triennial session of the National Parliament in a remarkable speech. At the close of it he stated his policy with respect to Denmark, which was to refrain from flinging his sword into the scale as long as there was any chance or hope of Scandi navian rights being safeguarded in Denmark by peaceful means. The great concern of Swedish statesmen is the reform of the constitution—a difficult task, towards which the best political intellect of the country has been devotei. for a number of years. It is well known that the Parliament of that country has still its medimval organization, and consists of States divided into four orders—the clergy, no blesse, burgesses, andipeasants. The result of this division has been that each class was so powerful in its own circle and attributes, that no measure of improvement could be carried. The nobles monopolised place and army, the clergy perte cuted all dissidents, the burgesses in their corpora tions fettered trade, and the peasants were as paramount in the rural districts as they are in Switzerland. Still burgess and peasant were en lightened enough to petition for a reform in 1860. It was proposed to have two Chambers, the lower of which should be elezted without reference to class. In short, it was desired to assimilate the Swedish constitution to those which prevailed in the other countries of Europe. We virceive that is the Diet of 1863, just closed, the KIN.: has applauded the Assembly for having, after the discussion of the new• constitution, de- ferred tival decision on the subject till the next Diet. This will be in 1866. In the mean time, other landed proprietors than pea sants will bo allowed to vote for the deputies of the peasants—one important infringe ment of the law of class. A greater modifica tion of the old system had been previously passed in a law of municipal and proviucial assemblies, which allowed citizens and rustics to discuss and vote together, instead of being each parked off, the one in towns, the other in the fields. A law on Synods had weakened or destroyed the hitherto close identification between Church and State. The KING complained of the resistance which the Diet in its classes offered to the Government plans for lowering tariffs and freeing trade. Class interests were for raising instead of lowering THE EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 6, 1864 . tariffs. On this subject the Kum read the Diet a lecture : " All legal industries," said his MAJZSTY, "have a right to equal solicitude and equal " protection from the State. Protection given " to one industry, raising by a duty the value "of its products, falls inevitably upon other " classes. I resist, therefore, all measures of the " kind, and aim at the gradual reduction and " suppression of all these duties which one species " of industry or production seeks to impose upon " another. The contrary system is merely that " of asking or obliging one class of society to " make sacrifices to the other." Our advanced ideas on political economy could not find a more lucid or more liberal exponent. The Swedish Diet at the slims time voted all the sums which the Government deemed necessary for military defence. Rumours of a war for Poland were then current, and the Court of Stockholm was evidently determined not to be left out of the great current of European politic. These have now taken a turn which Sweden then could not expect. Instead of a crusade for rescuing Poland, several great Powers have entered upon the lea arduous task of crushing the little kingdom of Denmark. We have yet to learn how far they will be re sisted, and how great will be their success. This only we may observe, that U by a coalition of powers, or a change of circumstances, the kingdom of Denmark should be diminished in territory and importance, the Court of Copenhagen will be compelled to look out of its own dominions for support. It might find this in Russia, bet only at the expense of its political independence. It might find it at Stockholm, but this would establish the permanent ascendancy of Swede over Dane. Nor, in contemplating such a contingency, should we forget that, however patriotic and liberal the Swedish Government, still its liix“ comes of a French race, and looks to Paris as the great centre of power, authority, in tellect, and change. Aberdeen Leith Ardrossau Greencastle fia'way sass Vslentm Cape Clear yuLtu4oaru Liverpool Holyhead Pembroke Peanut* Brest L'Orteut Rochefort Plymouth Weymouth Portmoutb Loudon laver Yarmouth +c thorough Welds iiiiiii;l.l - 4 30.24 I.r - 40 3, 1 - 30.30;34 - 34425 - 30.22 - .44.1; 41j 2 30.14 41 I 31.133, 1 I:ioYiis - 1w.2.1 31 - _ 30.1 - 30.1t0 1.. - 30.14 - 30.2 , 't5. - V 29 - 10.t3 2 - 30.,V3G! 3 01 3 . 2 21,, 3 3t - • (. It. 8. S.S. 1. S.S. %I% N. E. \,E. b , 1 o 1 1 1 off— 3 b i 1 c 2 c 3 c 0.13 5 0 2 1 ; 1 C ; 3 o . 4 b ; 1 I I o! 3 o A 2 - 1 - , 4 3 - PRODABLI iIII'I~DAT. OR NoRTIIZAN ♦RIDAY. B.E. to W., nouterate, Cousia. B.E. to s. W. and N.w., snow to planes. fresh, with moue snow. EBE to BW., mo. W1:97113. As above. Berate to fresh. some MOW. E. N. E. to 8 8. E., fresh, some snow to places. E N E. to S., fresh to strong. E. to S. sod KS W. fmh to strong, tine E.S.E.to S.S IV , fresh to moderate, some fall, H. to S. and S.W., strong to fresh. HAMM. B.E. to S.W. and N.W., fresh, snow In places. MIDDLIL Sortßsait. Northern= Scotland. Western= Ireland. Diddle = Wales, opposite and adjacent. lwnbern=English Channel and Biscay Bay. Xasi ern = Eastward England sod Hel*oland. 11.—harometer corrected and reduced to Stv at half Ude level. Each ten feet, of vertical elevation. causing about one bandlEIRR of an Inch rd YINCTI,.N : and each ten degrees, above ft-, caus ing nearly three hundredths INCREASE L—lisposed thereto. meter le shade. IX—Difference of wet bulb for evaporation and dew point). W.—Wind, ding:tion of )1101—two points LEFT of magnetic). F.—Force )I to 12—estimated). X.—Extreme force since sat report. Q. —Quarter whence EXTREME force (NNE=I, to g2=N). I. : b.—blue sky: c.—clonds (detached): I.—fog: h.—hall; L —lightning : m.—mist y (hazy) o.—overcast r.—rate. s.—arrow; t.—thunder. = snow or hall (melted), since Lai report. B.—Sea disturbance (I ki 9). It is announced that the government does not intend to nominate to the vacant Deanery of St. Patrick's, Dublin, u the advisers of the Crowe consider that, though the exceptional circumstances of the case relic. a serious question, they do not clearly establish a legal right. POLAND. A letter from Wilma, dated _22rel Dee., says: The Russian organs frequently deny that prisoners brought before the military tribunals are ever tortured. All of coarse so not subjected to the severest treatment, but those who an most suspected are tormented in various ways, in order to force them to make dislosnree. They are kept in cells on bread and water, without any light foe weeks, in • fetid atmosphere, and are threatened with death, torture, and even burning alive. It is a fact that among those who lost their senaes in prison, and are now in the lunatic asylum, some exclaim, • Pardon! do not flog me ;" and others constantly complain that they see before them • red hot oven, and that they will be thrown into it. Does not this prove what means are used by the Rustiest inquisitors? You have no doubt heard of an insurgent chief in the palatinate of Kovno, named Antony Luksszewski. He is • Lithuanian peasant, a common man net even knowing how to read, but ardently attached to his country. and full of courage and devotion. He was born in the crown village of Dusiaty, and the Russians have only waited for an opportunity to wreak their vengeance on its inhabitants. The opportunity soon arrived : a spy brought some information which furnished the imperial troops with a pretext for entering the village and searching the peasants. Major-General Kowalewakoj and Colonel Belize, who led the Russians, began by floggiog the peasants in the market place, in which they had first ordered a gibbet to be erected. After the peasants had been subjected to every indignity and the moat terrible suffering, the soldiery were let loose on the houses with permission to plunder. Seventy-four families, consisting of 280 individuals, were then sent to the citadel of Dynaburn, whence they are to be transported into the governments of Samar and Bestow, in Eastern Russia. Russian monjicks are to be sent as settlers in their places. On the 18th December, 173 persons, including 13 women and 19 children, were again sent into exile from Wiles, and on the night of the 20th upwards of 20 persona were arrested, among whom was the widow of the well known national poet Syrokonda, with her children and servants, and the guests who happened to be in her house. The Cologne Ga:ette contradicts the statement of the official D:.iennik of Warsaw, that political exiles are well treated and are sent only into parts of Russia which are not very distant. " Letters from the exiles," it says, " to their relatives prove that they are sent to the Amoor, east of the Baikal Lake. They receive four kopeks a day, their beads are shaved, they are chained together, and proceed to their destination on foot, with a mounted escort of Cossacks. Chained and on foot on a journey to the Amoor in January ! How mild, compared with this, is even the picture of a slave caravan in Soudan. And among the Poles so deported are the noblest, the most accomplished of the nation— men who have grown old in prosperity, and even women and damsels who had collected money for their relations, or clothes and bandages for their brothers in the field. And all this that Russia I may rule as a robber to the Vistula." MOURAVIEFF'S RULE IN LITHUANIA. The following circular has been issued by Mou' ravieff, dated the 10th (22nd) December, 1863 : By my circular of the 30th November (12th December) I directed lists of the nobles and the whole population to be drawn up in all districts. The chief object of thin waste purify the country of all persons of all classes not deserving of confidence, ►nd also of ill-disposed persons who might in future disturb public peace. Considering that, according to the last reports, some of the insurgent leaders have tied across the frontier on the approach of winter, and dispersed their bands, quartering them on sympathising inhabitants of the country, and especially on the farms of small nobles and in the villages of crown peasants, in order that they might be ready to recommence the insurrection at a more favourable opportunity, I hereby direct your excellency to remind the military chiefs of districts and ►ll ranks of the po lice to be particularly careful that no one shall escape being inscribed in the above mentioned lists, and that the strictest i search be made after all persons unworthy of confidence, 1 participators in the insurrection, and former insurgents, 1 who are all to be arrested, es also those who give them re fine or assist in concealing them, and at once sent under a strong escort to the governors for deportation to the inte- nor of Russia. Particular search is to be made in Roman catholic convents, rectories. and the residences of priests in general, and the houses and estates of nobles. The proprie tors and residents of houses which have nerved as a refuge for ill disposed persons are to be fined according to regula tion, besides being punished in their persons according to law. In directing your excellency to inform all your sub ordinates that they are made strictly responsible for the execution of this decree, I expect from their activity and zeal that in the mouth of January there will not be a single person unworthy of confidence in the country that has not been observed by the police, and that by that ►ime the country will have been completely purified of such injurious persons. The following paragraph is running the round of the French journals :—" Water always flows to the sea'.' is an old and true saying. A wealthy gentleman of the de partment of the Hautes-Pyrifmes has just died, leaving to M. P,'reire an income of 100.000 fr. • year. This is not all ; M. Wreire has also just gained the sum of 100,000 fr. in the drawing for the Cridit.Foncier prizes." SHOCKING DISASTER AT STAMFORD.—A very sad accident happened at a ladies' school, kept by Mies Collins, in St. Mary's-place. Stamford, on Monday, which resulted in the death of Mr. Arthur Banton. aged twenty years, and severs injury to one of the servants. In the scul lery was • small boiler, which was used for the purpose of supplying hot water to • bath upstairs. On Monday morn ing • fire was lighted under the boiler, to prevent the water in t.e pipes from freezing; and in the afternoon the attention of the mistress was directed to the fact that the water in the bath-room still remained cold. She had not left the scullery more than a few minutes, for the purpose of sending for a plumber, when the boiler exploded with great force. The door and window of the scullery ware blown out, and nearly every thing in it destroyed. The deceased had been skating, and bad just called at the house with his sister, our of the teachers, and it is supposed that, bearing the boiler nuke • suspicions noise, he went to see the cause at the moment it exploded, and he was instantly killed. The cook, a young woman aged ?2, also sustained • compound fracture of the thigh and other severe injuries, Moil now lies is • dangerous state at the infirmary. At the inquest which was opened on the body of the deceased, a juror expressed his opinion that there was ice in the pipes leading from the boiler to the bath-room, and that the circulation of the steam was prevented. The inquiry was adjourned, that • scientific examination might be made. KILLED BY A BOAR.—On New Year's-day, a man named Seeds, employed as cowman on the home farm of Mr. Howard, of Greystoke Castle, was killed by a boar. The deceased, who was 34 years of sae, bad been employed oe that day in cleaning out the stye occupied by a boar, which he turned out into the yard. When he had removed the litter, he went to drive the animal back into its house. He toned that it had strayed towards a gate leading to an adjoining field, whereupon he took a hazel stick in his hand, and finding that the boar refused to move be struck it several times upon the head. This seems to have irritated the animal, which, raising itself npoo its hinder parts, gored him severely in the thigh with its tusks. The man called for help, and the dairymaid, bearing his cries, west out with a stick to his assistance. She heard the man call out "I'm dying." and saw blood running from his leg. When he had gone about • dozen paces he fell down and died. Mr. Barker, steward, and Sir John Ogilvie, who was on • visit to the castle, had by this time reached the spot, having been attracted by' he cries of the deceased, hut their services were now, of course, of no avail. It was found that the fatal wound in the thigh was about 2in. long and 2in. deep; the femoral artery had been severed, and the flesh and sinews were much lacerated. At the inquest held before Mr. Carrick, coroner for the district, on Saturday, it was proved that the boar had never before shown any signs of viciousness, but had frequently been left to wander about the yard end in the lanes, without attempting to do anyone injury. The jury returned a verdict of " Accidental death, is accord. MIKA with the circumstances. The boar was shot next day. DISCOVERY OF A RIVAL TO THE FALLS OF NIAGARA.—A detachment of troops recently scouting in the valley of the Snake or Lewis Fork of the Columbia. discovered a waterfall, which is, doubtless, justly entitled to the distinction of being called the greatest in the world. The entire volume of Snake River pours over a sheer precipice 198 feet high —3s feet higher than Niagara. Soak. River is full as large as the Niagara, and the cascade ie In one solid sheet, or body. The locality of this immense waterfall is near the point heretofore designated as the Great Shoshone or Salmon Falls of that river, but they have always been enveloped in mystery. Almost a dozen yean ago the writer reseed along the Soak. River road. For two days he beard the monies of these falls, but learned no more respecting them than if they had been in the moon. It was said that there were a aeries of fall and rapids, making a descent of seven hundred feet in seven miles, sod the sound gave colour to the report. For hundreds of miles across that great plain Snake River Sows through a canon, with vertical walls, hundreds of feet high. It is only at long intervels that salient points are found by which the river can be reached, The road crosses from point to point of the hands only approaching close to the river where there is a shame to deposed for water. From these facts, very few, if any, of the tens of thousands of adventurers that have crossed the plains ever looked ups the Great Fells.—Mieeostri Dewoerat, Dec. U. CITY SEWERS COMMISSION. At a meeting of the Commissioners of Sewers (the OM after the adjournmeet) held yesterday at Guild hall, Dr. Letheby, the medical ofiloar, reported on the state of 325 houses that bad bets inspected daring the last three weeks, sad he submitted a list of 37 places for sanitary im provement, as well as a list of plums requiring further pro ceedings on amount of orders already issued not having been mg4thwith. a markets and slaughter-homes had been duly in spected, and the officers had condemned 8,3161 b. of meat as unfit for food. Itconsisted of 18 sheep, 21 V 63 quarters of beef, and 124 joints of meat ; 3,8661 b. were diseased, and the rest was from animals that bad died from accident or disease. Dr. Letheby drew the attention of the court to the fact that on the Wed December last the caresses of three pigs were seized at the shop of Mr. Scales, meat salesman in Aldgate, and that one of the pigs was afterwards sold by one of Mr. Scales' men, but that when the inspector remonstrated Mr. Scales Lamed the pig to be brought back, ad gave it into the custody of the inspector. Dr. Letheby said he bad brought the matter under the notice of the court more to I show the necessity for the possession of some receptacle in, the market where the meat could be at once deposited and kept in safe custody. The mortality reveres showed that for the last three weeks there had been a great increase in the average num ber of deaths for the season. During the month which has just expired, the weekly number of deaths averaged 50, whereas last week the number roes to 88. The increase was chiefly caused by the excessive mortality in young children and old persons. This, Dr. Letheby said, was no doubt caused by the sudden accession of cold weather. In the last week the thermometer fell nearly six degree , below freezing point, which was a temperature that was not experienced daring the whole of last winter. The chief causes of death were as follows :—Yhthisis, 25 ; pneumonia. 12 ; bronchitis, 35 ; continued fever 4 ; scarlet fever, 3 ; measles, 6 ; erysipelas, 6 ; croup and diphtheria, 6 ; whoop ing-cough, 2; diarrhea, 3; small-pox, I—making together, 25 deaths from palmouary consumption. 47 deaths from in flammatory affections of the lungs, and 31 from diseases of a zymotic character. Dr. Letheby reported that the illuminating power of the gee supplied to the City had, as usual, been above the re quirements of the act of parliament, but that the chemical quality of the gas had been slightly variable. LOSS OF THE SHIP CLIFTON IN THE NORTH SEA, WITH ALL UN BOARD. The particulars of a very fearful catastrophe in , the North Sea, viz., the total Ices of the large ship Clifton, Captain Johnstone, bound to Madras, with all on board, during the late gales, were made known in the City yester day. The Clifton was • fiat-class ship, nearly 1,000 tons burden, and belonged to London. Laden with • cargo of iron, coals arid coke, she left Sunderland late in the day of the 26th of last November for India, in charge of Mr. Wrightson, an old experienced North Sea pilot. Alto gether she had 35 souls on board, including the captain, wife, their eldest child, and • lady named Thorogood, • passenger. From intelligence which has subsequently been elicited by Mr. Willcocks, the ship's husband, who was sent over to the Dutch coast to make some inquiries about the ill-fated vessel, it appears that she was seen beating off the Lincoln shire and Norfolk coast for several dap, in company with two help, • schooner, and it is stated a Russian torque. The ILsrkaway, of Shoreham, Captain Railcard, one of the brigs, reports he last' saw the Clifton off the Smiths Knoll, on the port tack, when the gale set in with such fury in the early partof the month from the W.S. Ay. to N. W., with her top-sails blown away and driftinT bodily towards the Hakes. It has been ascertained that the lighthouse keeper at the Helder observed her close to the sands, and mistook her for • British man-of-war. On the following morning (sth) nothing could be seen of her. The Harkaway it seemed escaped by running into Nieu Diep, and the Russian torque was driven ashore at the Koog-Tezel. On Mr. Willcocks arrival at the Isle of Tezel he went to the village of Hoorn, where he found a great portion of the new cabin fittings, deck planks, &c., and at Koog many of her decl_ beams, water casks, part of mizen meat, and the royal arms from off the boom board. At Cockadorf, to the northward of Tezel, her name board, "Clifton, London," her wheel complete, and more wreck were found. Mr. Willcocks continued his search to the Koog by the sea shore, and dis covered • part of her side, and passed seven wrecks high and dry; near the Kee; a boat, white bottom, with black top sides, marked "John, of Lynn," "Samuel Billing" painted inside in white letter,. At the burgomaster's ren dezvous for wrecked goods at the Helder, Mr. Willcocks further found the ship's mahogany capstan, spare topmasts, upper-deck beams, and other portions of the ill-fated vessel. It was clear. therefore, beyond all doelst that she must have been carried by the hurricane on to the long range of sands which stretch along that part of the coast, sal speedily went to pieces, all belonging to her perishing. Captain Johestooe was an off cer in the Royal Naval Reserve and was much respected. It appears that the pilot hail orders to take the ship down Channel as far as the Isle of Wight, and to return to London with a note from the unfortunate commander for payment of the pilotage; but it is needless to state that nothin; has been seen or heard of the pilot. The ship and cargo were insured. A BluiviritEvr Girr.—Lady Cotton Sheppard has presented 250/. to the National Lifeboat Institatioo, roi, of which she has collected in various sums amongst her friends and neighbours, for a lifeboat to Le stationed at Porthdimellaeo, on the Caroarvonshire coast. Her lady ship, who takes the warmest interest in the National Life boat Institution. has herself already given 4001. for two boats, one of which is stationed at Portheawl, and the other , at Portrush. The latter lifeboat was instrumental, a short time &Mee, in mei:l;er daring a heavy gale, the crew of ten men from the schooner Champion, of Liverpool, wrecked off ' Fortis:awl. THE MISSING NORTH COPNTRY Trmerme.—A missing Tyne ship, the Advance, has fortu nately come into port, having been at pea since the 2nd of December. She left the Tyne that day, and imme distely after putting out from port she was driven about with gales of wind for ten days. She was brought up in the North Elbe on the 12th, and rode at anchor 1; days without being able to communicate with the shore. The crew ran short of provisions, but fortunately the weather moderated on the 29th, and the master was enabled to run into Cuxhaven wed get some supplies for his starving crew. The arrival of this vessel io the Tyne has caused great rejoicing among the seafaring population, as she had been given up as lost. There is a vague hope that another Tyne ship, of which great fears were entertained, may yet cast up. The vessel is the Spray, belonging to South Shields. She was a good ship and had a skilful commander, and hopes are always entertained that if any of the !biasing captains would bring his vessel into port he would. A laden brig exactly corresponding to her description was seen running by a port in the extreme north of Scotland in the middle of last week. and as some of the vessels that were blown away have turned up in the most extraordinary places, the families of the seamen aboard this vessel have been cheered by this little hit of news. Portions of the wreck of the James and the Elite, collier vessels belonging to Shields, have drifted up on the Danish coast, which leaves little doubt that these vessels have perished with their crews. The Filey fishermen have picked up • portion of wreck at sea with " Othello' painted on a board, leaving the impression that a vessel of that name ban foundered nil there. Yesterday • telegram which was despatched from Odessa on &today, reached Shields. It stated that an easterly gale had raged off there on Saturday, and that the Felton Park, belonging to North Shields, was totally lost. MR. SPURGEON ox " THE STATE OP CHI - RI-HRS." —Yesterday morning • vast number of parses assembled in Freemasons' Hall to hear an address from the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon in conneximi with a series of special services at present being held there. The hall was so densely packed long before the hour appointed for the commencement of the proceedings that many hundreds of persons were com pelled to go away after having vainly striven to obtain ad mission. Captain Trotter presided, and amongst those present were Lord Radstock, Mr. X liaobury, M.P., the Rev. It. 11. Renick, XL, rector of St. Clement's Danes; the Rev. Dr. Jobsoe, sod many other clergymen and gentle men. As soon as Mr. Spurgeon rose there was • loud cry from the people who were crowding the passages and stair case for an adjournment to Exeter Hell, but the request was not complied with. He said the topic on which he had to speak was that of "Conversion," and it seemed to him that this was the most important thing the church could seek after. If there was a church which did sot continually make converts, it would be well far it to ask itself whether it was • church at all. He felt quitesure that in any church where there was not a (request accession of new convert. the old members would soon fall off. He had been into such churches and bad found the service gone through as by machinery ; hut whenever a new convert was added it was a blessing to • church and to the old members, who felt that they were pushed forward sod roust Weslaco. If churches did Dot add fresh fuel to their fire there would be very little fire for a man to warm his bands at, although there might still remain a little warmth in the ashes. Even on the most selfish principles, churches most strive to make converts, or they would inevitably die out and become extinct. Lately a great deal of infi delity had broken out in the church. and be thanked God for it. It seemed as though God bad let the devil loose among them to stir them up to renewed exertion. He trusted that God would deliver them from a sleeping devil, for • roaring devil was • blessing rather than the reverse. Let learned men continue to write as they bad date, and though none then present would be likely to agree with them, it was • matter of hove • that their pro. ductless would lead to eneversions, and that thus the state of the churches would be improved. Waist of success in ' this respect would be • species of dry-rot that would bring about the ruin of the church. The rev, gentleman spoke earnestly on the present condition of the various Christian churches, and concluded with to energetic prayer for their increased success throughout the world. WHITEHALL. JAx. 4. —The Queen bar' been pleased to present the Reverend Ashby Blair Ilasiewood, B. A., to the Meanies of St. Micbael , is the city of Coventry, and diocese of Worcester. void by the resignation of the Rev. Sidney Henry Widdrington.—Gezette. The ice at the Crystal Palace us in the most ex , cellist condition for skaters. The practice both as the lower lakes and the grand metre bubo yesterday waa Bess ' rally good, in some oases admirable. To-eight the grows& I are to be open till late, with bonfires round and torchlight on the ice. SERIOUS EXPLOSION AT THE CITY GAS WORKS.-( THIS DAY.) This forenoon, shortly before 12 o'clock, the workmen employed at the City Gas Works, Whitefriara, were thrown into a state of consternation by a loud explosion taking place in the immediate vicinity of one of the large gasholders. As soon as the confusion occasioned by the accident had in some measure subsided, it was found that the accumulation of water under the gasholders had become partly frozen, and one of the workmen had lit a fire to thaw it, but tho water being strongly Impregnated with gas, as soon as it became heated, exploded. Thesearethemeagre particulars thatcan begleaned on inquiry at the works, there being great unwillingness to give any details. One of the workmen was severely scalded about the head and shoulders, end was removed in a cab to the hospital. This would appear to be the only casualty resulting from the explosion, and there has been no inter ruption to the works. - - THE GREAT FIRE IN THE CITY LAST NIGHT. LOSS—UPWARDS OF £20,000. The fire which occurred late last night in the neighbourhood of Basingb•lletreet, City (u briefly reported in another column), involved • loas computed to amount to upwards of 20.010. Like the fire le Wood-street three weeks since, the warehouse-rooms where the flames corn mewed stood behind the houses in Basinghall-street, and those on the suet side of Coleman-street, and the danger wee unknown until the whole place burst into flame and lighted tip the district all round. The brigade showed great promptness in bringing the whole forte of steam power into play as expeditiously as possible. Witb the aid of the telegraph. which is now laid down and connects the whole of the fire stations in London with that of the chief depiA in Watling-street, the alarm of the outbreak of the fire was made known almost simultaneously to every station, and within half-an-hour the entire force was at action on the spot, including no fewer than seven steamers. Mere being • bountiful supply of water at hand, they were immediately got to work. and mainly through Ibis immense force the fire was stopped destroying the whole stack of buildings and warehouses at the south end of Basinghall-street cud Coleman-street. The operations were under the superintendence of Mr. Swanton, of the headquarters of the brigade, their chief, Captain Shaw, being a guest of the Duke of Argyll until his recovery from the effects of the late severe accident. The official report of the extent and damage done by the fire forwarded this morning to the different insurance com panies, supply the following additional details : " BasinghaU-etreet --At seven, p.m., fire commenced at No. 3, occupied by several manufacturers. " The ground warehouse rooms, by Messrs. E. Dawson and Co., woollen merchants ; back warehouse burnt out and stock destroyed ; front warehouse severely damaged by fire and stock destroyed. Insured in the General Insurance. office. "The first floor warehouse-rooms, occupied by Messrs. D. T. Howlett, horse hair merchants—Back windows burnt out and stock considerably &imaged. Property insured. The second and third doors similarly damaged. " No. 2. Warehouse-rooms of Messrs. J. and T. Clark, woollen merchants—Back war.bouse partly gutted, and stock destroyed. Front warehouse severely damaged by fire; stock partly burnt. Insured. " Upper warehouses in No. 2, belonging to Messrs. Jacobs sod Sons, wool brokers—Back warehouse-room win dows burnt out, and considerable damage to stock. First and second doors, occupied by the same firm, also damaged. Insured. " Coleman-street--The premises of Mr. C. Vincent, hair cutting saloons, back part damaged. "The amount of insurance effected on the property is given out at from 30,000 f. to 40,0001." ANOTHER DES TR LICTIVE FIRE. About six o'clock this morning the house No. 21. St. Jane 'e -terrace, Clarendon-road, Notting-hill, in the WM patio° of Mr. W. F. Mitchell, watchmaker and jeweller, was discovered to he on tire. The family were for tunately rescued, though they lost everything they pee. mowed. The Nutting-hill volunteer fire brigade were ex peditions in their arrival. but their energy was damped owing to being unable to get a supply of water to work their engines for at lent twenty minutes after their arrival, by which time the whole house was iu a furious blaze, from the basement to the roof ; consequently the house was soon burnt down. The cause of the tire was unknown. IiNOTHER. FIRE. A third alarming fire occurred shortly after the above outbreak, at No. Northampton-street. Clerkenwell, in the occupation of Mr. Rust, fancy goods manufacturer, and notwithstanding the speedy arrival of the engines, the dames were not got under till the premises were entirely consumed. Four other fires ale., broke out this morning in other district. of the metropolis, but were quickly subdued before the arrival of the engines. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. THE PROPOSED CONFERENCE." The Carlsruhe Gazette, the semi-official organ of the government of Baden, publishes an article in opposition to the English project of a Danish con ference. The journal in question does not admit that this assembly should include only the Powers which have engaged to maintain the treaty of the Bth May, 1862, all of which, it says, are in fact the enemies of Germany in the ques tion. Those Powers are not mediators, whose counsels can be listened to, to prevent a san guinary conflict, so long as they shall not have declared that their work of 1852 requires to be re vised or abrogated, and that Denmark undertook engagements which she must fulfil to render the treaty valid. That has, however, not taken place. The Gautte is of opinion that the question would appear under a totally different form if England had proposed to discuss it in a European congress, in which were assembled the different parties con cerned, as well as the States whose opinion is not yet engaged, which latter might perform the part of mediators. The Gazette therefore considers the Diet right to reply to the English proposal by a refusal. THE PREPARATIONS IN DENMARK. A Stockholm letter says: Warlike preparations continue here. Some few days ago the King named a special committee, composed of three naval officers, for the purpose of applying all recent im provements to the artillery of the Swedish navy. In Norway, the war department has ordered that the vacancies among the noncommissioned officers shall be filled up as moon as possible, sou to be ready for any eventuality. The Swedish government has purchased lead to the amount of 141,300 rixdollars (lfr. 40c. each) ; war stores for nearly 30,000 rixdollars, tents for 140,41 , 03 2i:dollars, 8,000 breech loading muskets for 320,000 rixdollars, revolvers for artil lerymen, to the amount of 40,000 ri: doll s, &c. The war department has also mounted, within the last few days, a number of cannon of large calibre on the Waxbolm Fort, which defends the entrance to the port of Stockholm. The Thigh!mkt, one of the most important of the Copenhagen journal!, employs in its last number the most warlike language, testifying the extreme excitement which prevails in the public mind in that city : Denmark (it says) will support the war with all the energy and perseverance in her power. We are well aware that for our country and for our people it is a war to the death. But rather than willingly yield a shred of our ter ritory to disgraceful threats, we will fight to the last for the maintenance of our rights. If victory is not on our aide, we shall at least perish with glory. THE DUKE OF AUOUSTENBERG IN HOLSTEIN. Some of the German powers appear to think that the attitude of the pretender, the Duke of Au,gnstenberg, will tend to thwart their own pro jects. The Vienna Gm. f. publishes, under the form of correspondence from Dresder, a complete indictment against the prince. It accuses him of having tried to disturb, in a territory of the con federation, the state of possession guaranteed by Article 20 of the final agreement, and of erecting for a private individual a personal government, which has not received federal sanction. Moreover—and this is the offence which at Vienna will be pardoned the least—he is reproached with speaking in the name of legitimacy and of nationality, whilst lie relies ou the agitating committee established at Frankfort by the Abegeorduetentag, and is eager to obtain the intercession of a foreign sovereign in au affair which Germany wishes to settle en fainille. lu Holstein the federal commissioners seek to regain the authority which bad escaped them. A telegram published by the Praise:of ,Vienua says that they have received new instructions enjoining them to tolerate no act of government ou the part of the pretender, and no demonstrations which wauld tent to anticipate the future decisions of the Diet. (6EC1731 . 3 TEL , 'C1.i1(9.) FRANCE. PARIS, JAN. 6. The Coutituttonnel of this morning in an article signed by M. Limayrac, upon the Dano-Germanic question, refers to the proposition of a restricted congress made by England, and says :—" France will offer no impediments or obstacles to the plan, but every day shows its iueflicaciousitesq, and proves the practical utility of the European congress pro posed by the Emperor." SPAIN. PROSECUTION OF THE "NOVEDADES." MADRID, JAN. 5. The Neccdcides has been prosecuted for having demanded tolerance of religious opinions. AMERICA. QUEENSTOWN, JAIL 6. The National Steam Navigation Company's steamship Virginia, from New York, arrived here at 11 a.m. to-day, landed 14 passengers, and pro c.:eded for Liverpool at 11.40. Her news has been anticipated. WEATHER REPORT.-(THIS DAY.) WEDNESDAY, JANUARY 6, 8 A.M. ti. K U. EN Court. OSBORNE, JAN. 5. The Queen, accompanied by Princess Beatrice, drove out yesterday afternoon. Professor Max Muller arrived at Osborne. The Queen will bold a Privy Connell at Osborne to morrow (Thursday). His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, at tended by the equerry in waiting, went out shooting on Monday in the Groat Park. Yesterday his royal highness, attended by his suite, went oat skating on a piece of water in the park called "Balaklava," which, since the frost has set in, has become covered with thick ice. A number of sledge chairs and an ice-escape were taken from the stores at Windsor Castle, and conveyed to the ice for the use of the Prince and suite. Viscount and Viscountess Palmerntou are ex petted to arrive in town shortly from Brom'lands, Hants, for the season. The Baron and Baroness Lionel de Rothschild will retain Kingston House until the end of March, when it is expected the family mansion in Pimadilly will be in sufficient condition to receive the family and establishment. The marriage of Mr. Alexander H. Baring, M.P., eldest son of the Hon. Francis Baring, with the Hoe. Leonora Caroline Digby, second daughter of Lord and Lady Digby, took oleos yesterday forenoon at St. James's Church, Piccadilly. _ . We understand that the marriage of Captain Brand, of the Coldstream Guards, to Miss Victoria Van de Weyer, eldest daughter of the Belgian Minister, will probably take place at Bray, near Maidenhead, on the flat of this mouth. The Duchess of Somerset arrived at the Ad miralty last night from Netherby, tear Carlisle, the seat of Sir Frederick and Lady Hermione Graham. The Right Hou. the Chancellor of the Exchequer and Mrs. Gladstone and family are expected to wive in town towards the close of the ensuing week for the season. MUSIC. EXETER HALL-THE FRIEND OF THE CLERGY CORPORATION. From the first production of the .31,ssiah, more than a century since, Handel's grand oratorio has been con stantly called into requisition in aid of charitable aod bene volent purposes. Its sublime strains have effected more for the relief of distress and the furtherance of philanthrc pic objects than has been achieved by any other work ' of human art and genius. The total of the rums collected by ' the various performances of the Messiah and appropriated to good works would form a marvellous item in art statistics. The came at Jenny Lind, too, has long been as sociated with similar philanthropic purposes. From the commencement of her career of emcees.% this high-minded artist has devoted much of her exertions, and a large share of her earnings, with open hand and large-hearted gene rosity, to the purposes of charity and benevolence. The performance of the At cuialt which took place at Exeter-hall last night, and in which Madame Lind-Goldschmidt and M. Otto Goldschmidt gave their services. was for the benefit of the Friend of the Clergy Corporation, an excellent institution, the objects of which are to make provision for the widows and orphan daughters of clergymen, and to give occasional relief to clergymen and their families when under the pressure of temporary diffi. coley. Some notion of the good effected by this society may be derived from the fact that, although founded only some fourteen years since, it has in that period distributed between 20,0001. and 30,000/. in pensions—ninety-six pensioners being now on the funds and in receipt of 3,5001. per annum, while a sum of 8,200/. :has been bestowed on clergymen aid their families suffering from sickness or other unavoidable misfortune. Much as has been done, however, the demands are still in excess of the means, Blocs there are now 200 applicants for relief, whose claims are necessarily postponed from the inadequacy of the funds. Here then was a noble object fur the exercise of Madame Lind-Goldschmidt's artistic benevolence, and judging from the full attendance at last night's performance, and the high rates of admission, the results must have been largely favourable to the institution benefited. The performance of the oratorio was altogether a remarkably fine one, the band and chorus being of first-rate excellence, and Madame Goldschmidt being supported by Madame S.iin ton-Dolby, Mr. Wilbye Cooper, and Mr. Weiss—three artists whose singing of }feeders music is irreproachable. Of course the chief interest centered in the performances of Madame Gold- Schmidt, whose appearances arm now to be principally limited to occasions like the present, when higher objects than applause and personal reward ors the actuating mo ' tivea. Madame Goklachmidt's singing in the present in stance was characterised by all that nobility and purity of • style, and intensely earnest feeling, which have always dia_ tieguished her interpretation of sacred music. The solem. nity and sublimity of the text and the music, coupled with the consciousness of the high purpose of her exertions, seemed to inspire the artist with • sentiment far beyond that which actuates a mere personal display or desire of selfish gain. The various airs allotted to Madame Goldschmidt were all specimeni of • vocal excellence and noble sentiment, especially "Come unto "How beautiful are the feet," and " I know that my Redeemer liveth," which were given with an elevated feeling and intense pathos that could not be sur. pawed. The other three solo vocalists were, of course, tho ' roughly efficient in music which they are so frequently in the habit of singing. The choruses were given with great • steadiness and excellent intocation, and were all the better l for being somewhat fewer in number, and consequently more select than the exaggerated assemblage which generally con. stitutes an Exeter-hall chorus. Mr. Goldschmidt is a careful and intelligible conductor, as was evidenced by the proclaims ' with which bind and chorus responded to his baton ; and last night's performance of the MeAxiah was is every respect worthy of the work and of the (=anion. The hall, although quite full, was not overcrowded, and the arrangements in this respect were so good as to deserve imitation on other occsaioes in the mote locality. Mlle. Patti has arrived in Paris from her engage ment at Madrid. FRIGHTFUL DEATHS OF CHILDREN FROM FIRE. INQ CT RSTS.—(THIS DA Y.) This morning Mr. H. Itattlea Walthew, deputy coroner, held inquiries at the London Hospital, respecting the deaths of Margaret Ryan, aged 5 years, and Sarah Keeley, and 4 years, who were burned to death. Mrs. Reilly, 13, Queen-street, Tower-bill, said that last Thursday the mother of Margaret Ryan went out for a few minutes, leaving that child in ch►rge of another, aged fi years, and the baby on the bed. Witness heard a noise and upon going iota the room she found both children in • blaze. She wrapped the eldest girl, who was next her, in her gown, and eating aished the dames before damage was done, but the younger girl was terribly burnt, and had to be taken to the hospital, where she died. Mary Ryan, a little girl, hardly able to talk, explained that her sister went to play with the fire and make a doll of the tongs, when her pinafore caught fire and set fire to witness. Thee all screamed, and the baby on the bed was frightened sou also screamed. Verdict, " Accidentally burnt to death." In the case of Sarah Keeley, Mrs. Keeley, wife of a compositor, living at No. 1, Dinneen-street. Whitechapel, said that co Monday last she saw the deceased walking uptake stairs in one mass of dames. Witness, in putting not the fire with her own dress, burnt herself severely, and then fainted. Deceased was carried to the hospital, where she cited the same evening. It ap peared that she had taken a Christroms candle, and in at tempting to light it in the tire, set her clothes in • blaze. No one was in the room at the time—verdict " Accidental death from tire." DESTRUCTION OF A FIREWORK MANUFACTORY. — A few minutes after five o'clock last evening the inhabitants of Albion-place, Walworth-road, were alarmed by repeated explosions taking place on the premises, No. 71), Albion place, io the occupation of Mr. Payne, a licensed firework manufacturer. Almost at the same moment • large body of flames burst forth from the windows. and the front door being thrown open's. young woman, named Sladem,employed as an assistant in the business, ran into the street enveloped in dame.. Several persons who had been attracted to the spot by the expiation caught hold of her, and after some trouble extinguished the flames, but the poor creature was much burnt about the head and shoulders, and was removed at once to St. Thomas's Hospital. The wife and children of the proprietor escaped unhurt, the proprietor himself being absent. The brigade engioes, with that from Hodges' distillery. had by this time arrived, and the fireworks and powder having all exploded, the firemen at once set to work to save the adjoining houses, which had now caught fire, and after about belt an hour's incessant labour succeeded in arresting the progress of the flames. The premises of Mr. Payee, in which the fire originated, were, with the whole of the con tents, completely destroyed. There were several hundred p ands of manufactured fireworks in a room at the rear of the premises ready packed for exportation, and it is sup posed the spark from a candle incautiously taken into this Place by the assistant was the cause of the accident. The force of the explosion was so great that the glass in several of the adjoining houses was entirely shattered. INrunniartista IN YORKSHIRE.—The Esat Riding police believe they have at last struck scent of the iDOOI2- diaries (or one of them) who have since harvest so greatly alarmed the farmers of the Wail district by burning their stacks. At Fimber. a village about three miles from the mane of Mr. Smarry's fire at Sledmere, on Wednesday eight last, • travelling sweep, who gives the name of Shields, has been arrested on the charge of firing the stacks of Mr. Horsley, at Huggate Wold. on the 23rd ult. The Pocklington Bench have remanded the prisoner for eight dem. The man seen running from Mr. Snarry's fire at Sledmere turns out to have been • labourer despatched for assistance, and not the incendiary. This fire, therefore, is as much • mystery as the rest. Another fire in • stsekyard is reported to have occurred in Holderness on Saturday, but it is ascertained to have been the result of accident, and the damage is not large. THE CONDEMNED MURDERER LUKE CHARIZR.— A numerously signed petition was yeeterdsy forwarded from Liverpool to the Horne-office on behalf of Luke Charles, who awaits execution at Kirkdale gaol. The memorial prays that the execution may be stayed as the *eidetic, upon which the prisoner was convicted won purely circumstan tial, and his friends say that they may possibly be able to prove his innocence. It may be remembered that the charge against the prisoner was that he drowned his wife in a canal near Manchester, in order that be might be ena bled to marry a girl named Ellen Ford, with whom be had fallen in love. Charles since his condemnation bas paid strict attention tothe Rev. Mr. Gibson. the Roman catholic chaplain of the gaol. It has been decided that Charles shall be hanged on Saturday next BLACKBERRIISS IN JANUARY. —It is a remarkable fact that before the frost of Saturday last ripe blackberries were frequently to be found in the hedge-rows in this part of Devooshire and the borders of Somerset. On the lest day of the old year, a youth called Nelder, of this town, picked a very fine bunch of ripe blackberries on Exeter-bill ; sod New Year's-day several blackberries and a fine bun ch of ripe miss were also found in the hedge-rows near the Ottery-road station of the South Western Railway Com pany.— Tiverton Gauge. 0180 Two" th red fore 31 • rbance altit Henry le two ogtone tee at t any be deh rce e toll enter, ter at le. and e 's hi s S l rat job to tl Serge , e fount f ietoxi out eat n so, the seri nee an he plan ustody iolent, ..k bol or his at. Hyatt Buck his ought Mr. 1 onial act y if ti • .•ttl Jane . main' Or " tb te Ise cb If to I . the 11r.1 f Shoi •Irigh, It In' to of .Iden ierion• ne bat he wo •er ha ouni is. an The ci Mr. end= is. i o Tau joth peak entlet rem acior. to ft .he al oil at "logs be ha oee most etter I Ed be log. afol ink: your A have ut • I in k gi bi tare hich end • fen The not • ,Ido ' bags • I ly Mr. e di oter pon .fen; ak • gi .Ide • bbei I t I (sal diet • th JoA • Thi th • b tan 7. all e p as fa Mr, hit Wi 55 ' II CE 7 0 ,1 . a with ker