The Express. — London, England, 1864-03-17 00:00:00

HOW COLD rr HAs BEEN.—NEoßirrri sad 7.1.11111•11 celebrated TILLIKOKITIOS will cor rectly raitder the lomat tesaperafare. Moe L. ad.-1, Ballow ; 69. Cernklll; 153, ; and lfl, ILereatetreet. wanted. THE DEPOTS AIITHENTIQIDIS for SALE oytbe SNUFFS, Tobaccos, and Cigars, suantsctwred THB PBs.\ CH 001 roneoo ADMINISTRATION, Irs st 202, PICCADILLY, W. : 40, KING WILLIAM-STREET. CITY. WESTERTON'S LIBRARY, KNIGHTS'S/W:OGL Bite entreoo. TO 00112101PONDE1TB. Alwollowslabo laboodod for Tbo lima' landau Evades Paper, most be at tbs Mob 10, Bouvaiwotroot, by Two o'clock oa dej at pablkotkos. HOVINT.GAILDIEL TM thrum, Maefarren's Open SHE STOOPS TO comem. mean x . H. Weise, H. Coal. G. Perron, and W. Harrison ILinass L. Pros and A. Ellea.--Ccndactot, Mt. A. Mel on—And PANCHETTL. HAYIAALLICL . THIS Emmen, LITTLE DAISY.—BUNKUM sirtLER. Mr. Sothern—OUß AKERICAN COUSIN. Meson. anthem Ruck atone and Chippendale : Mesdames Angel. Snowdon, and Raerta—And AN UNLUCKY MORTAL. Wm Harris P!LINC1198:8. - _ ISO EVENING. PAUL'S RifURN. Mesas. Vining, Nelson, Fisher. Mesdames Marston and Kato Saville.—THE COMEDY OP KEBOBS. Messrs. Vining, Nelson, and the Brothers Webb. —And JACK'S ARRIVAL !MOM CANTON. LYcztriL . Tins Bryant% THE LiiliZ•B CHILD. Yr. Wldelloomeb sad Kim P. Laelarcq.—BEL DIVONIO. a Love glop. Marra. Brougham. /Miry, F. Morton. Charles, aad Jordan; Mama Kate Terry, Lammas. sad Laworthy, sad lira Lee. B&ZTAI(NLA. THIS EVERIN6. EVIL 11AN68 --- AilD HONEST HEARTS. Messrs. Reynolds Cranford, Blgwood Mrs. Lana—Dancing by HMIs. Stephan—And BARRINGTON. THE PICKPOCKET . Miss 8. Mlles and the Company.—Commence at half-past E HIGH WATift AT LONDun 88.1110/L TI Oat M wnlal. SM. 3m . Afternoon. 9n. As.% TO4IOIIIIOW Morning. 10n. .Attionoes. Ilb. ten LONDON, TLICRSDAY, MARCH 17. THOSE estimable but too timorous persons who believe that the security of the Church of England depends upon subjecting the lay members of that Church to theological tests, will discern new cause for anxiety in the success of the Tests Abolition (Oxford) Bill, the second reading of which was yesterday carried in the House of Commons by a majority of 22, 400 members voting. The Bill abolishes all the tests which are now re quired to be taken on the occasion of anyone re• ceiving the degree of M.A. at the University of Oxford, and in this respect it goes further than the University of Cambridge. For whilst the Act which governs Cambridge does not permit any graduate to vote in the Senate unless he be a member of the Church of England, the proposed Bill confers the privilege of voting in Convocation on all Oxford graduates, without reference to their religious opinions. It is obvious, therefore, that if Mr. DODSON'S Bill were passed, the constituency of Oxford would be increased by all those who are at present debarred from taking the degree of M.A. because they will not sign the Thirty-nine Articles. The Bill, however, has to encounter further risks of defeat and mutilation in the House of Commons, not to mention the Lords. And even if it were passed in its present form it could not be considered an entirely satisfactory measure. It does nothing to relieve Fellows from the necessity of making the declaration of Uni formity ; and therefore does nothing to open the prizes and emoluments of the University to general competition. This, indeed, is the only change which is worth contending for. It is the only reform which will put all citizens of the country upon an equality, and place them in a position to claim those pecuniary benefits to which every layman is justly entitled. In short, the first clause of the Bill is good so far as it goes, but it can be regarded as a small instalment only of the debt which has so long been due to those who have hitherto been excluded from the University. But the importance of yesterday's debate did not depend upon the comparatively narrow ques tion which was immediately in issue. Its im portance consisted in the expressions elicited from successive speakers as to the immorality and injus tice of imposing theological tests upon lay gra duates of the University. It is true that the CHANCELLOR of the Excueoren protested against admitting those who would not subscribe the Thirty-nine Articles to Convocation. But he did not shrink from avowing his conviction that theme tests ought not to be made compulsory upon all graduates, and that some measures were absolutely required for the purpose of extending the benefit of University endowments to those who were not members of the Church of England. It was hardly to be expected that even so distinguished a states man as Mr. GLADSTONE should not be somewhat fettered by his relation with the University. And it required no small courage, not only to separate himself from his colleague, Sir W. DEATLICOTE. by voting for the second reading of Mr. DODSON'S WI, but to ignore the petition of his own constituency. Of course, Mr. IVALII.LE and Mr. SetwvN, the Members for the sister University, were found coupled together on the illiberal side, and were naturally supported by that wakeful watchdog of Protestantism, Mr. NEWDEGATL But it is a significant fact that every member of University experience and Uni versity distinction in the House of Commons de nounced the system of tests. They showed without difficulty that the Universities were not ecclesiastical but lay corporations—that they were public institutions intended for the benefit of the whole people of England, and that therefore they ought not to be confined to those who who chose to sign the Thirty-nine Articles, or any other theological opinions. They showed that these cor porations had defeated the attempts of the Bishops to keep then, within ecclesiastical control, and had submitted themselves to the jurisdiction of the QUEEN'S Courts. They thus proved that these institutions were intended to supply not only the Church but the State with useful instruments. But they did more. They showed that the sys tem of testa had lamentably failed that instead of producing unanimity of opinion they had produced discord instead of suppressing they had aggravated differences. Fortunately they had not far to seek for an illus tration. The scandalous persecution of the Greek Professor was still fresh in the minds of all. The furious denunciations of the contending Doctors at Oxford were still ringing in the public ear. And even now men can scarcely bring themselves to believe that learned and reverend theologians brought up in the same University, drilled under the same discipline, proved by the same tests, ostensible members of the same Church, and living within the same University, should be found to declare that they do believe in "the same Goo." There may, perhaps, be some system of producing unanimity of opinion, but this is not the system which now exists at Oxford. Tried by results this system is condemned. Tried by reason and common sense it is equally inde fensible. At present, young men of all denomi nations can enter the University. Their claim to be educated there is admitted even by the Mem 1 hers for the University of Cambridge. At present, i it is twos the student must be under the control of *member of the Church of England ; but Mr. GLADKIVNI not only admits that this is an injus tice, but is evidently prepared to compel the Uni versal, to do its duty, by allowing dissenters to open places of education at Oxford for themselves. For two or three years, therefore, young men of all denominations are brought up together ea friendly rivals or as penis! tioiiipanions. They may spend their days and nights together ; discuss every problem under the run ; and form their own conclusions from such various and discordant authorities as they may choose to consult. What then? If they are intended for Orders their course is clear. But if they are intended for the counting-house, the Bar, St. Stephen's, or the county magistracy, what is their fate t They can only obtain their University degree upon one condition. They must sign the five or six hundred declarations of opinion contained in the Thirty-nine Articles. And for what purpose? They have already concluded their career at the University, and therefore can exert no further in fluence upon their college companions. They I have already earned the right to put on, as it were, the University badge. It is therefore an injustice to prevent them from doing so. Is no one a mem ber of that Church who is not prepared to undergo the existing test Let it be proclaimed to-mor row that no one shall be entitled to consider him self a member of the Church of England unless he is prepared to sign the Thirty-nine Articles, and the result must be that the Church of England will become a vanishing quantity. There was a time when boys and young men used to breakfast with their tutor, and gabble over the ar ticles as *necessary preliminary to obtaining a degree. These were the days when the misdirected zeal of the Church of England bad so encumbered the public with tests that they were swallowed whole and never digested. But these times are changed. And now the Church of England must either relax the stringency of the testa imposed upon those who aspire to degree*, or must practically expel from the walls of the University men who, had they been permitted to remain, would have proved its most brilliant ornaments. WE learn on good authority that the Duke of SUE-Coal RG Gums has altogether failed to attain the object of his journey to Paris. The Exeznoa refuses to encourage the claim of the Duke of ACOESTENBURG to the Duchies of Sleswig and Holstein. The Duke of Contata leaves Paris to-morrow, greatly disappointed. At their interview the Eitrzson professed the most pacific intentions towards Germany. THE EXPRESS, THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 17, 1864. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. -6.-- REPORT OF HER MAJESTY'S COMMIS. SIONKRB.-(THIS DAT.) This morning was issued, in four bulky blue books, the report, with appendix and evidence, of her Majesty's Commissioners appointed to inquire into the revenues and management of certain oolleges and schools, and the studies pursued and instruction given therein. The commissioners were the Earl of Clarendon, the Karl of Devon, Lord Lyttelton, the Hon. N. Twisleton, Sir Stafford Northcote, the Rev. W. IL Thompson and Mr. H. H. Vaughan. The schools repor ted on are Rugby, Shrewsbury, Winchester, Harrow, Charter house, Westminster, Merchant Taylors', St. Paul's, and Eton. The commissioners held 127 meetings, and examined 130 witnesses ; and they also per sonally visited each of the nine schools. Each school is reported on separately, and recom mendations relating to each are subjoined. These recommendations may be broadly clagaified under five main heads-1, those which relate to the constitution, functions, and powers of the go verning bodies of the several schools; 2, those re lating to the rights of foundations ; 3, those relat ing to the endowments of the schools, whether existing at the schools themselves or at the univer sities ; 4, those relating to the management of the schools, including the appointment, remuneration, and powers of the masters, the system of admission, the regulations with respect to the board and lodg ing of the boys, the rates of charge, and the gene ral discipline of the schools ; 3, those relating to the course of instruction. As regards the first three at least of these the commissioners apprehend that parliamentary legislation will be required, in order to make the changes which they consider desirable. " To determine," say the commissioners, "the form which such legislation should take is not within our province. Whether any step should be taken to give the sanction of parliamentary authority to soy part of our recommendations under the two latter heads is a question of grave public policy upon which we do not express any opinion." A separate chapter is assigned to each school, containing a succinct statement of the material facts relating to it which have been elicited by the inquiry, together with such observations as are necessary to explain the changes recommended. In the "General Report," with which the let vol. opens, there is a summary of recommendations, 32 in number, applicable to the schools generally. We select a few : 1. The governing bodies of the several colleges sad schools should be reformed, so far es may be neoeinary. in order to render them thoroughly suitable and efficient for the purpose' and duties which they are designed to fulfil. 2. The subsisting statutes and laws of the several col leges and schools, by w►ich they respectively are, or legally ought to be governed, should be carefully revised under competent authority ; roles and obligations which it is inexpedient to retain should be abrogated ; new regula tions should be introduced where they are required ; and the governing body of each college and school should be empowered, where they do not already pewee the power, to amend its stated.* from time to time. The approval of some superior authority, such as the Queen in council, or the visitor, may be required where the character of the foundation renders this desirable. 3. The governing body of each college sad school should have the general management of the property and endow ments of the college or school. They should have the ap pointment sad dismissal of the head muter, and should re tain, where they now pores, them, the same powers in respect of the second master. They should be authorised to make general regulations for the government and admi. nistration of the whole school, including both foundation boys and boys not on the foundation, except in matters specially maenad to the head master. They should be especially empowered and charged to make such regulations as may from time to time be required on the following subjects :—a. The terms of admission and the number of the school ; 6. The general treatment of the foundation boys ; e. Boarding-houses ; the rates of charge for boarding, the conditions on which leave to keep • board ing-house should be given, and any other matters which may appear to need regulation under this head ; d. Fees and charges of all kids, and the application of the money to be derived from thole sources. e. Attendance at Divine service ; chapel services and sermons, where the school possesses a chapel of its own. f. The sanitary con dition of the school, and of all places connected with it. g. The times sod length of the holidays. Ir. The introduc tion of new branches of study, and the suppression of old ones, and the relative importance to be assigned to each branch of study. It should be incumbeot, however, on the governing body, before making regulations upon any of these subjects, or upon any subject affecting the manage meet or instruction of the school, not only to consider at tentively soy representations which the head master may address to them, but to consult him in such • romper as to give ample opportunity for the expression of his views. R. The classical languages and literature should continue to hold the principal place in the course of study. 9. In addition to the study of the classics and to religious teaching, every boy who passes through the school should receive instruction in arithmetic and mathematics ; in one modern language at least, which should he either French or German ; in some one branch at least of natural science ; and in either drawing or music. Care should also be taken to ensure that the boys acquire a good general knowledge of geography and of &Delimit history, some acquaintance with modern history, and a command of pare grammatical English. 10. The ordinary arithmetical sod mathematical course should include arithmetic so taught as to make every boy thoroughly familiar with it, and the elements of geometry, algebra, and plane trigonometry. In the case of the more advanced student., it is desirable that the course should comprise also an introduction to applied mathematics, and especially to the elements of mechani 11. The Leeching of natural science should, wherever it is practicable, include two main branches, the one com prising chemistry and physics, the other comparative phy siology and natural history, both animal and vegetable. A scheme for regulating the teaching of this subject should be framed by the governing body. 12. The teaching of classics, rcathernatim, and dii:nity should continue during the whole time that each boy stays at school (subject to Recommendation 13). The study of modern languages and that of natural science should con tinue respectively doing the whole or a substantial part of the time, and the study of drawing er music should con tinue during a substantial pert, at least, of the time. 13. Arrangements should be made for allowing boys, after arriving at • certaio place in the school, and upon the request of their parents or guardians, to drop some portion of their classical work (for example, Latin vane and Greek composition), in order to devote more time to mathematics, modern languages, or •atural science ; or on the other hand, to discontinue wholly or in part natural science, modern languages, or mathematics, in order to give more time to classics or some other study. Care should be taken to prevent this privilege from being abused as a cover for idleness ; and the governing body, in communication with the head-master, should frame such regulations as may afford • sufficient safeguard in this respect. The permis sion to diecoctione any portion of the school work should in each cane rest with the head-muter, who, before exer cising his discretiou, should consult the boy's tutor (if be his one) and the muter who has given him instruction in the study which he purposes to discontinue, should satisfy himself of the propriety of either granting or refusing the the application, and in the latter cue should, personally or through the tutor, communicate his reasons to the parents. *EI. Everybody should be required, before admission to the school, to pass an eutrance examination, end to show himself well grounded for his age in classics and arithmetic, and in the elements of either French or German. It appears generally advisable that the examination in each subject should be conducted by one of the roasters ordinarily teeth ing that subject. 24. In schools where seniority or length of time during which a boy has remained in a particular form or part of the school has been countered a ground for promotion, no boy should be promoted on that rolled unless he has pasted such an examination in the work of the form into which he is to be promoted as proves that he Is really Ilt to enter that form. 25. No boy should be suffered to remain in the school who fails to make reameable prqrrees in it. For this purpose certain stages of progress should be fixed by reference to the forma into which the school is divided. A maximum age should be fixed for attaining each stage ; and any boy who exceeds this maxi mum without reaching the corresponding stage of promo ' One of oar number [Yr. Vaughan] &went, from this Cbt Court. WLNDSOR CASTLE. Masts 16. The Queen drove out yesterday afternoon, at tended by the Hos. Mrs. Bruce. Isdy Fanny Howard arrived at the Cantle, and had the hooour of dining with her Majesty and the Royal Family. The Countess of Caledon has anoceeded Lady Churchill ea Ladyio•Waitiog. The Hisao of Wales rode as horseback yesterday morn ing, attended by Lieatenent-Colomil Koppel., and visited the King of the Belgians at Buckingham Palace. The Prillooll4 of Wales took a carriage drive, attended by COMMIS De Grey. Prince John of Glueltaburg visited the Duke of Cam• bridge et Giononskratorise. A deputation of paper manufacturers had se interview with Lord Pa'mentors at Cambridge house yesterday. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council sat yester day, and gave judgment in an appeal from the High Court of Admiralty, " Duranty v. Hart and others," and in an appeal from the Supreme Court of New South Wales, "Osborne and others T. Kees." The judgment of their lordships in both instances was in favour of the respondent . The L ords present were Lord Chelmaford, Lord Kingdom, the Lords Justices Knight Bruns and Turner, and Sir Ed , ward Ryan. Despatches were received yesterday at the Colonial-office from the Governors of the Wed India Islands, British Co lumbia, and Vancouver's bland. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Prin cess of Wales, according to present arraogementa, will leave Marlborough-house on Tuesday next to pawl a week with her Majesty and the Royal Family at Windsor Castle. At the expiration of their stay at Windsor their royal high nesses go to Sandriogbam for a few weeks. Their Royal hie:bees/les the Duchess; of Cam bridge end the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg Strelitz, accompsmied by the Prince= Mary of Cambridge, and • distieguished party, attended the afternoon representation of `•The Pyramid." and "Mrs. Roseleaf's Little Everting Party," on Saturday Mat, at the Royal Gallery of Illustra - Moo. The Earl and Countess Russell entertained at dinner yesterday 'mules his Excellency the Russian Ambaseadee and the Baroness Brunton, the Duke and Duchess of Argyll, Viscount Smiley, the Right Hon. Sir Robert and Lady Emily Peel. Colonel and Lady Elizabeth Romilly, Hon. Robert H. H. Meade, and Mr. J. H. Smith, at their house in Caecham-place. - . . Last night Viscountess Palmerston gave a " dance" at Cambridge House, Piccadilly, when above 230 members of the aristocracy and a large number of the corps diplomatique were present. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge honoured Lady Palmerston w ith his presence, and remained until 12 o'clock. His Royal Highness Prince John of Clarksburg is expected to leave Marlborough House, where his royal highness has been staying on a visit to the Prince and Princess of Wales, on Tuesday next, oe his return to C-- penhageo, after his mission to this country to represent the King of Denmark at the baptism of the infant son of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess of Meckleobarg.Strelitz hosoured the Earl and Countess Stan- hope with her company as dinner tut erecting, at their residence, Grosvenor•place Houses. The following were' in. cited to meet her royal highness :—The Duke end Duchess of Marlborough, the Earl of Brecknock, Viscount Hamiltoo, Lord and Lady Harry Vane and the Hon. Miss Primrose, 800. Frederick Cadogan, the Hight Hon. B. Disraeli, M.P., and Mrs. Disraeli, and Mr. Fronde. The grand duchess was attended by Lady Caroline Cult and Captain Ellis. The family circle included lady Mary Stanhope and the Hon. Edward Stanhope. The Countess Frances Waldegrave and Mr. Chi chester Fortescue, M.P.,1 entertained the Duke d'Aumale at dinner last evening in Caritas-gardens. The following were invited to meet his royal highnese :—The American Minister and Mrs. Adams, the Duchees of Somerset, the Marquis and Marchionese of Clanricarde, the Rol and Coyotes of Beuborough, the Ecrl of Abingdon, Viscount and Viscountess Sydney, Viscount and Viscountess Castle rare, Baron Beck-Fries, the Right Hon. Sir David Dundee, M.P., the Right Hon. Robert Lowe, M.P., and Mrs. Lowe, Lady Moleeworth, 800. Mrs. Granville Vernon. Mr. Bernal Osborne, ALP., and Mr. Alfred Seymour, M.P. Later in the evening the coaster bad a reception. The Right Hun. the Speaker gave his seventh parliamentary full-dress dinner Luit evening to the follow ing noblemen and gentlemen :—The Earl of Bective, Vis count Grey de Wilton, Viscount Curzon, Hon. Henry Cole, Hon. W. Egerton, Hon. Colonel Rowley, Hon. Agar Ellis, Hon. Percy Wyndham, Sir M. White Ridley, Bart., Sir Percy Brinell, Bart., Sir Graham Montgomery, Bart., Sir Jobs Welsh, Bart, Sir Hairy Stracy, Ban., Sir Frederic Smith, Bart., Colonel Vendalent, Calmat Smyth, Lieutenant-Weisel Stuart, Mr. John Tolhoncho, Mr. Perry-Watlington, Mr. Thornhill, Mr. Stirling, Mr. Henry D. Seymour, Mr. Antrobris, Mr. Buchanan, M r . Merry, Mr. Rogan Mr. &our&ld, Mr. Selwyn, Mr. Tuner, Mr. Vawrittart, Mr. Weguelin, Mr. C. William, Wynn, Mr. Smollett, Mr. W. Malcolm, Alderman Sidney, Mr. Paul, Mr. M'Evoy, Rev. Charles Minyale, B.D. (ehsplain), Mr. Alfred Nakao (priests secretary). lion should be removed from the aehool. A Mazatlan o f this rule, to a eirtsin extent, might be allowed in certain ohms where It clearly appeared that the boy's failure to oh taia promotion woe doe to his deficiency in cos partieder subject, whilst his marks on other =Watts would have counterbalanced that deliciesey had the system of promo tion permitted it. W. The charges made to parents and the stipends sad meohnnente of the masters should be revised, with a view to pat both on a more simple and equitable footing. 27. The charge for instruction should be treated as dis tinct from the charges for boarding sad for domestic gaper intendenoo. It should cover initial:Sion in every *abject which forms part of the regular course of study, and tutorial iestretotioo, where all the boys receive it alike, as well as instruction in school. This charge should be uniform for all boys who are sot on the foundation. For the in struction of every boy on the foundation a sum should be paid oat of the revenues of the foundation when they admit of it, sad this payment should supersede all statutory or customary stipends and other emoluments now received by soy of the masters from that source. ' 29. The working of the moeitorial system, where it exists, should be watched, cad boys who may deem them selves aggrieved by any abuse of it should be able at all times to appeal freely to the head master. The power of punishment, when entrusted to boys, should be carefully guarded. 30. The intim of fogging should be likewise watched. Fags should be relieved from all service. which may be more properly performed by servants ; and care should be taken that neither the time which a little boy has for pre paring his lessons, nor the time which he Imo for play, should be encroeched upon unduly. 31. It is desirable that the governing bodies should, after communication with each other, endeavour to make the holiday times at their respective schools coincide or far as possible, so as to enable school-boys who are members of the same family, but at different schools, to be at home for their holidays together. The commissioners express very emphatically their sense of the efficiency of the services rendered to them by their secretary, Mr. Montague Bernard, Chichele Professor of International Law at Oxford. The witnesses orally examined included, in addition to persona officially connected with the schools, and persons recently educated there, the following eminent men :—Dr. W. B. Carpenter, Sir Charles Lyell, Professors Faraday, Owen, Max Muller, Airy and Acland ; Dr. Hooker, and the Ven. R. W. Browne. PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION. HOUSE OF COMIIONS.—Ktica 16. TESTS ABOLITION (OXFORD) BILL. Order for aeoood reading read ; motion made, and question proposed, " That the bill be now read a !second time :" Ameadment propoed, to Wove oat the word " now," and at the end of the question to add the words " upon this day six months :"—(Sir Willam Heothoote). Question pat, " Thet the word now' stand part of the question." The house divided : Ayes, 211 ; noes, 189. _ AYES. Acton, SirJ. D. Fitzroy. Lord F, J. recite, Col. Adair. D. Z. Forster, C. Padmore, R. Adam, W. P. Forster, W. E. Paget, C. Agnew, Sir A. Fortescae, H. Pezton, Sir J. Alcock, T. Fortescue, C. S. Peel, Sir R. Antrobus, E. French, Col. Peel, F. Athhamney, Lord °whelk J. M. Pester. J. Ayrton, A. S. Davin, MeJor Fete, Sir S. M. Aytoun, R. S. Gibson, T. IL Pilkingtoa, J. Baines, E. Gilpin, C. Pinney, CoL Baring, H. B. Glyn, G. C. Pollard-UrquhartW. Baring, Sir F. T. Goldsmid, Sir F. H. Ponsonby, A. Baring, T. 0. Gower, F. L. Potter, E. Barnes, T. Greene, J. Pug h, D. Bean, M. T. Greenwood, J. es, T. J. Barley, T. Gregeon, S. Robertson, D. Beale, S. Grey, Sir 0. Russell, A. Beaumont, W. B. Garden, B. lin eel!, H. Beaumont, S. A. Hadfield, G. Russell, sir W. Bellew, It. IL Banbury. R. St. Autiyu., J. Berkeley, H. F. Hankey, T. Salomon., Alderman Berkeley, Cot Hardcastle, J. A. Scholefteld, W. Berkeley, C. P. F. Hartingtork Marquis Scott, Sir W. Buidulph, Col. Heedlam, T. E. Scully, V. Black, A. Henderson, J. Petty. C. Blake, J. Henley, Lord Seymour, A. Blencowe, .1. O. Herbert, H. A. Seymour H. D. Bonham-Carter, J. Hlbbert , J. T. Shelley. Sir J. V. Beuverie, E. P. Hodokinson, G. Sheridan, H. B. Bouverle, P. P. Hodgson, K. D. Sheridan, R. B. Brand, H. B. Howard, C. W. Smith, Augustus Bright, J. Ingham, B. Snsith, J. A. Bruce, Lord E. Jackson, W. Smith. J. B. Bruce. H. A. Jervoise, Sir J. C. Stacpoole. W. Buchanan, W. Johnstone, Sir J. Staniland, M. Buller, J. W. Kershaw, J. Stanley, W. 0. Buller, Sfr A. W. King, P. L. Stensfeld, J. Buda, C. S. Eingbike, A. W. Steel, J. Butt, I. Einneird, A. F. Stirling, W. Bust. .u, C. Enatchbull - Huges- Stuart, Col. Caird, J. leo. E. Sykes, Cot. Cardwell, E. Layard, A. B. Talbot, C. R. Castlerosse, Viset. Langton, W. H. Taylor, P. A. Childers, H. C. Lawson, W. Tire. W. Cholmeley. Sir M. Leathern, E. A. Tollemache, F. J. Churchill, Lord A.S. Lefevre, G. J. Tomlin, G. Clay, J. Lewis, Clifford, C. C. H. T Lindsay, W. S. racy, C. R. Turner, J. A. Clifton, Sir it. J. Lloyd, T. Vane, Lord H. Clive. G. Locke, J. Verney, Mr 11. Cobden. R. Lowe. R. Vernon, H. F. Collier, Sir R. P. Lysley, W. J. Villiers, C. P. Con, W. MecEvuy, E. Vivian, H. IL craufurd, E. H. liackinnon,W ;Gym) Wsreser, E. Crawford, It. W. Mackinuon,W. ;Rye) Watkins, CoL Cromley, Sir F. ll'llahon, P. Western, S. Davey, It. MarJoiibanks, D.C. Westhead, J. P. Denim. Sir L Martin, P. W. Whalley, G. It. Laillwyn, L L Merry, J. Whitbread, S. Dingle', Sir C. Mildmay. H. F. White, J. Duff, 11. K. Miller, W. White, L Duke. Sir J. Mitchell, T. A. Wickham, H. W. Dunbar, Sir W. Moffatt, 0. Williams. W. Dundee, F. Moncrear, J. Winnington, Sir T. Dundee, Sir D. Morris, D. Wood, Sir C. Enfield, V Met. Morrison, W. Woods, H. Evans. T. W. Neste, C. Wyld, J. Insert, W. North. F. Ws nil, M. Ewart, J. C. Ogilry, Sir J. Fenwick, H. Onslow, G. rnLER.s. Fcrmoy, Lord O'Reilly, St. W. Dodson, .1 0. Finlay, A. S. Owen. Sir H. 0. Coacher', O. J. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. ACCEPTANCE OF THE CONFERENCE BY DENMARK. We learn on excellent authority that Denmark has accepted the proposition of a conference. AUSTRIA AND POLAND. The establishment of the state of siege in Galicia allows the Austrian authorities to make searches and to seize arms destined to be introduced into the kingdom of Poland. The chanceries of Lem berg, Cracow, and Warsaw have received orders to constantly exchange communications and to mutu ally assist each other. Five Austrian agents have been sent to Warsaw to assist General Tre poff in the discovery of the Polish national organisation, and K Osten-Sacken has, on his part, placed at the disposal of the Austrian government five Russian agents, who are to assist the police of Lemberg and Cracow in discovering the principal delegates of the national government in Galicia. The Poem Journal announces that the Austrian authorities have prohibited the journals of Galicia, placed under the rfgime of the state of siege, from publishing any news of the insurrection emanating from a Polish source. Thus for the last few days no important accounts relative to the situation of the Poles is to be found either in the Chuila of Cracow, or in the Gazeta ifarodowa of Lemberg. (marries Timsaa Am.) THE WAR IN DENMARK. COPENHAGEN, MAWR 15, 9.50 p.m. The enemy kept up a heavy fire this morning. One battery was directed against our left wing and the ships before Sonderborg. The result waa insignificant. COPENHAGEN, Mace 16, 6.3 P.M. All the superior officials and mayors of that portion of Jutland now occupied by the allied troops have been brought to the head-quarters of the enemy. This measure is connected with the delivery of the requisitions for supplies intended to be en forced upon the inhabitants. OPENING OF THE NORWEGIAN STOR THING. IMPORTANT SPEECH FROM THE THRONE. CHRISTIANIA, !Uses IS, EVL‘O4.3. The Norwegian Storthing was opened to-day. The King, in his speech from the throne, an nounced that a bill would be laid before the chambers granting an extraordinary credit of li millions of rigsdalera to the government in order to enable it to give active aid to Denmark, in certain emergencies. SPAIN. MADRID, MARCH 16. Some Madrid journals state that the Ministerial Council will occupy itself with American affairs, particularly those of Mexico. It is rumoured that the Archduke Maximilian will visit the Queen of Spain. EXPRESS FROM PARIS. EXTRAORDINARY TRIAL. (PROM 005 OWN COILILISPONDIZIT.) PARIS, WEDNESDAY EVMMO. A cause celebre is now being tried at Aix. All the principal Paris journals have sent special re porters, and MM. Jules Fevre and lachaud are retained for the defence. In July last a man named Maurice Roux, a coachman in the service of M. Armand, a gentle man of large property residing at Montpellier, was found in the cellar of his master's house, lying on his face, with a wound on the back of his head, a rope tightly drawn round his neck, his hands tied behind his back, and apparently in a dying state. It was in the evening that he was thus found. The man had been missing all day, and K Armand bad several times spoken angrily of his absence from his duties. A maidservant in the house, who had heard her master inquiring for Maurine Roux, told him that she thought she heard Maurice groaning in the cellar. M. Armand said the girl must be dreaming, but he nevertheless accompanied her down the cellar stairs, and there found Maurice in the position described. M. Armand at once ran to fetch medical men, and a commissary of police. According to the report of the medical men Maurice was nearly strangled, and in a most dangerous con dition. He could not speak a word, but was able to understand what was said to bin,. The commis sary of police produced a child's alphabet of ivory letters, and asked the man to spell the name of the person who had attempted to murder him. He spelt name of " Armand"—his master. A long examina tion ensued by means of the alphabet, in the course of which the man explained that while he was sawing wood in the cellar his master came behind him, and saying, "Je t'apprendrai it appeler ma maison une baraque "—fl will teach you to call my house a barrack}—he struck him a tremendous blow on the head with a log of wood, which felled him to the ground ; then he twisted a rope tightly round his neck, and tied his hands behind him. This happened at eight o'clock in the morning. When Maurice Roux recovered he repeated by word of mouth everything that he had indi cated by the alphabet, persisted in his story after being warned by the Judge of Instruction of his terrible responsibility to God and man if he made a false accusation and took the sacrament upon it in the presence of the judge. K Armand was arrested upon this testimony, and at the end of last year he was brought to the bar of the assize court of Montpellier to take his trial on • capital charge. But when judge and jury were as sembled, when the Procureur Imperial was ready with bis speech for the prosecution, when M. Jules Fevre, specially brought down from Paris, had taken his seat in front of the dock in which the prisoner was placed ; and, when the court was crammed to suffocation with the prin cipal inhabitants of the department, burning with curiosity to hear the case, the astounding news came that Maurice Roux, on his way to the court to give evidence, had been waylaid and beaten within an inch of his life, so that it was impossible for him to appear. The trial was necessarily postponed. The general opinion in Mont pellier was that M. Armand, who is a very wealthy man, had suborned a bravo to murder Maurice Roux in order to prevent him The Solicitor-General gave a parliamentary din- nee last sassing at his residence is Eatso-place West, to from appearing against h i m . Maurice Roux, how the following members of the lower house :—Aldernmas Sir ever, revived after some days' medical treatment James Duke, Sir Prank Crosaley, Mr. Bellew, Mr. Baas, Meanwhile K Armand's counsel applied to the Mr. Mammy, Mr. Childers, Mr. Clay, Mr. Balms, Mr. W. Court of Caseation for a change of venue on the E. Forster, Mr. Leathern, Mr. Morrison, Mr. Roebuck, Mr. ground that there was so much prejudice against Schoisfield, he. The subject of the removal of the mail-packet i the prisoner in Montpellier that be could n o t have a fair trial there. The court granted station from Southampton to Falmouth to be brought the application, and ordered that the trial before parliament this maim THE CATA. OPHE AT SHE7PIELD. Tbe sub- I should take p lace at Aix. It is a sin- THE list emotion. to more than 16,0001. The trustees gular circumstance, and one that gives rise of the Duke of Norfolk's estate have gime 1,0004 An Ito many conjectures, that when the list of wit °Meld return of the bodies miming fix* it at 241. 1 messes was called at the opening of the trial, NOES. Adderley, C. B. Gore, W. R. Monitt, W. J. Addington, W. W. Gower, O. W. Mowbray, J. R. AngerWeln, W. Graham. Lord W. Murray, W. Arbuthnott, Gen. Grecian, G. Naas, Lord Archdall, Capt. Grey de Wilton, Via. Neadegate, C. N. /well. J. H Orogen, Sir E. Newport, Visct. Bantle, H. J. Hamilton, Lord C. Noel, G. J. Baring, T. hamiltoo, Vint. North, Col. Barrow, W. H. Hamilton, L T. 3 orthcote, Sir S. Barttelot, Col. Hardy, G. Pack.), C W. Bathurst, A. A. Hardy. J. Paklugton, Sir J. Bathurst. Col. Hartopp, E. B. Papillon, P. O. Beach, W. W. Harvey, R. B. Patten, Col. Bective. Earl of hay, Sir J. Peel. Gen. Beecroft, G. B. Henley, J. W. Pennant, Col. Brntinck. O. W. Hervey. Lord A. Pevenaey, Visa. Timone, R. He) gate, Sir F. W. Powell, P. 8. lieresford, W. Seagate, W. U. Powyg-Lybbe, P. L Bernard, Col. Hodgson, R. Renton. G. W. Bernard, T. T. Holford, R. 8. Ridley, Sir Si. Bond, J. W. liolmesdale, Visct. Rogers. J. J. Bramston, T. W. Bottum Lord Bolt. J. Bridges, Sir B. W. linruberston. P.S. Rowley, R. I'. Briscoe, J. I. Hume, W. W. Belk Thomas Brace, Major Hunt, G. W. Sclater-booth, G. Bruce, Sir H. I ngestre, Vlsct. Scott, Lord 11. Burghley, Lord Jermyn, Earl ficourSeld, J. H. Burrell. Sir P. Jervis. Capt. Smith, Abel Care, S. Jolliffe, Sir W. G. Smith. 8. G. Cecil, Lord R. Jollifle. H. H. &myth, Col. Chapman, J. Kekewich, 8. T. Somerset, Col. i odrington, Sir W. Kelly. Sir F. Some., J. Cole, H. Ker, D. S. Stanhope, J. B. Collins, T. Kerrigan. Sir K. C. Stuart. Lient -CoL Cubit, G. King. J. K. Strawy, Sir H. Curzon. Sleet. KnalchbulL W. F. Aurtees, H. K. Dalkeith, Earl of Knight, K W. Taylor, Col. Darner, S. D. Knot, CoL Tempest, Lord A. Dickson, Col. Langton, W. G. Thyoue, Lord E. Disraeli, B. Leeke, Sir H. Tollemaclie, J. Da Gine, C. Lefroy. A. Tottenham, LL-Col. Dtinoombe, A. Leah. Major C. Trefusia, C. H. Duncombe, W. E. Leith, W. J. Turner, C. Do Pre, C. G. Lennox, Lord G. Vance, J. Dutton. It. H. Lennox, C. s. Vaaslttart. W. Edwards, Col. Leslie, C. P. Verner, Sir W. Egerton, A. F. Igalle, W. Verner, E. W. Egerton, E C. Liddell. H. G. Vise, Col. Exerton. W. longlield. R. Walcott, Admiral Elphlnatone, Blr J. Laraine, Lord Walker, J. R. Estcoort, T. IL Lygon, F. Walpole, S. H. lane, CoL Lytton. Sir E. B. Walsh. Sir J. Farquhar, Sir 11. Malnwaring, T. Walter, J. Ferrer, J. Malcolm, J. W. Waterhouse, S. Follower, E. Idaho., R. Wallington, J. W. Fergumon. Sir J. Manners, Lord J. Welby, W. It, Ferrand, W. Manners, Lord G. J. Whitmore, H. Fitzgerald, W. 8. Miles. Sir W. Wood& II T. Fleming. T. W. Miller, T. J. Wyndham, P. Floyer, J. Mills, A. Yorke. K. T. Franklyn, G. W. Mltford, W. T. Yorke, J. R. Oallwey, Si, W. P. Montagu, Lord R. VELLUM George, J. Montgomery Sir G. Heathente, Sir W. i Getty, 8. G. Mordaunt, Sr C. Selwyn, C. J. Four conservative tomboy voted, it will be seen, for the bill. viz.—Mr. E. Autrobas, Lord A. Churchill, J. IL Gasket], and G. Toolbar.. Mao "ice Roux did not answer, and it was stated in court that when he arrived at Aix by the rail. way he was taken very ill. The public prosecutce said, however, that he was expected to attend the next day. The extraordinary defence set up is that Maurice Roux's story is a pure invention, that he indicted injuries upon himself, put the rope round his own neck, and tied his own hands behind him, upon the calculation that by seeming his master, who has the reputation of being a violent man, and is said to have struck his ser vants before, he should get a large sum of money out of him. This theory is supported by Dr. Tardieu, the most eminent professor of medical jurispru dence in Paris, and by Dr. Jacquet, a leading surgeon of Montpellier. Nevertheless, the public prosecutor made a crushing speech against the pri soner, and pressed urgently for a conviction. The improbabilities on either side are very great, and the result of the trial is awaited with extraordinary interest M. Beware application against the Prefect of the Seine to have his name placed on the list of candidates was called on to-day, but in copse quenoe of an informality in the citation, stands over till to-morrow. It is very clear now that if an injustice has been done it cannot be remedied in time. The Bourse has been very firm. Rente es div. closed at 66fr. 20c., being a rise of 20c. BANK OF BNGLAND.-(THM DAY.) A half-yearly general court yea held at noon, at the Beak, Mr. lEnustAle D. HODGRON, M.P., governor, in the choir, for the declaration of a dividend for the last half. year. The minutes of the last court having been read, The CHAIRMAN said that the net profits of the half-ear ending 29th of February last were 736,143/. sa. 24., • the amount of the Rest on that day, 3,772,770/.178.7d, a that, after providing a dividend of 51 per cent., the Rest would be 3,008.738/. 7a 7d. The Court of Directors there fore proposed, " That a half•year'e . dividend of interest and profits be made on the sth of Ap ril next of 5} per cent., without deduction on account of income tax." The motion having been carried unanimously, The CHAIRMAN said he bad now to acquaint the court that as the proposed rate of dividend exceeded the last, it will be necessary. is conformity with the Act of Perharnent, 7 Geo. 3, cap. 48, that the same be continued bye ballot in the customary manner. Accordingly he moved, "that the court be adjourned till Tuesday, the 22nd instant, at 11 o'clock in the forenoon till 4 o'clock in the afternoon, to take the determination by votes, in print or writing, of the question on the resolution for the divi dencL” — Before the motion for adjournmeut wee put, Mr. CLAIIKR moved a vote of thanks to the Lovernor, deputy-governor, and directors of the bank. Mr. Lawitmece LEVY, in seconding the resolution. com. planked of the non-employment of the rest, and of some other things which he considered required amendment. The CHAIRMAN, in reply, said it should be borne in mind that besides its ordinary depositors, the Bank had for its chief depositor the nation, the receipts from taxation being paid into the bank periodkolly, and it was absolutely necessary, therefore, that there should at no period be the slightest suspicion as to its power to meet its engagements on the instant. The reserve must always be 'scald and inviolable. It assisted, however, in earning the dividends, and the fact that in the last /ear there had bees earned a profit of 1,400,00 01 ., or 9f per cent. on a capital of 14.500,0004 appeared to him highly satisfactory. The vote of thanks was then agreed to; and the chair. man, having afterwards stated, in reply to • question, that female proprietor' had a right to attend and vote at the meeting, the meeting adjourned till the 22nd inst. VAA DIEMEN'S LAND COMPANY.-(THIS DAY.) The thirty-ninth annual meeting of the proprie tors was held at 1 o'clock, at the company's offices, 6, Great Winchestorstrest ; Mr. B. PILAREIt in the chair. The report stated that during the last year the leases falling in bad been renewed on the favourable terms anti cipated. The present year would add to the rent-roll, and outetaodiag claims were being recovered. The estimate received of rent' for 1864 exceeds 3,70 W. The report was adopted. and the retiring directors re. sleeted. ELECTION COMMITTEES.-(THIS DAY.) LISBURN. The select committee appointed by the House of Commons to try the validity of the return of Mr. Wm. Wing• Sold Verner for this borough. resumed their investigation this morning ; Mr. Adair in the chair. Mr. Clerk applied to the committee to compel the Weed aims of a material witness, named Alexander M'Cann. He had been served with a Speaker's warrant, directing him to attend, end was peasant at the Batting on Friday ; but sines then be had absented himself and had changed his resideoce. He was discovered at Woolwich yesterday, and on being communicated with positively refused to attend. Under these circumstances, the learned counsel applied to the committee to report the case to the house so that the necessary steps might be taken for compelling the witness's attendance. The Chairman stated that when he took the chair this morning, he found a letter upon the table isolating a medical certificate which declared that liVano was too al to attend. — lir:Clerk rid the certificate mast be false, u the mu was sue ha Woolwich yesterday, aed was Una is a good state of health. - - 7 A witness was called who proved the facts stated by the learned counsel. and after umse discussion, Mr. W. E. Forster asked if Mr. Clerk would be satisfied with an affidavit verifying the certificate? Mr. Clerk—Certainly, if it is a boon fide affidavit. The Chairman remarked that if the witness proved to be contumacious and was wilfully absenting luring( without a satisfactory cause, an application to compel his &Mesdames might then be made to the house. Mrs. Catherine Stuart was then called. She said her husband, William Stuart, voted for Viewer, much to her pleasure aod satisfaction. He voted for Richards= to I$5J. Knew Mr. David Beatty, sad went to his cacti after the last election in Jose. Hs lent her some money out of his own private ileums. She got 41. altogether. She received it on three different 0036. aims. On the last occasion she took • pawn-ticket of her WO 'S clothes, and Mr. Beatty lent her the money on that ticket. It bad no coosezion with the election. Never re ceived • bribe in her life. Did not leave the pawn. ticket with Mr. Beatty. Had never borrowed money of Mr. Beatty before th e last June election. She received W. after the election was over. Did not remember Mr. Beatty telling her that there was a petition going 00, and that as soon as it was over she should have the rest. (The witness was still noderexamination when our report left] DEPUTATION OF PAPER-MAKERS TO THE PRE* max —A deputation eousistieg of more than • hundred representatives of the paper-makers of Great Britain waited on Lord Palmerston yesterday in order to urge upon his lordship and the government the immediate considera tion of the ruiaous condition to which their trade bee been reduced by the removal of the import duty on foreign paper, while the export duties on foreign rap in maintained. After having listened to the representations of se►erd gentlemen, who spoke on the occasion, hie lordship pro• mimed that the subject should receive his early attention. Sir Edward Grogan will ask the Under Secretary of State far the Colonies, to-morrow, whether the Hudson's Bay Company had any right, except that of taking wild animal@ therein, to the district of country lying between Lake Saporta and British Columbia, comprising the only prairie and some of the moat fertile laird in British America; and, if the company had no right, whether the said die. trial should not be operated for settlement under the Crowe, and thus invite the emigrant' who now leave this country for the United States to settle in our own colony. On Friday, April 8, 1864, Mr. Newdegata will "more for a *elect committee to inquire into the alleptiocs omitaised in the petition of Mr. Alfred SOWN relative to the St. Mary's Burial-ground, Sydenhant ; and, further, into the existence sod increase of conventual and monistic establishment. in this country." Yesterday was the anniversary of the French Prises Imperial's birth. He Dow eaten on his ninth year. A trial of some interest to the medical profession has jest taken place before the polies-court of NHL A physician was prosecuted for having divulged the nature of his client's diseme, sad thus injured his character. The court foetid the physician guilty. and sentenced him to beprieoement for one year, to pay a Bee of 500 fr., to be placed for Bre years under the surveillance of the police. sad to pay the costs of the trial. The judgment of the marl added, farther, that, "inumuelt as by thus divulging the nature of his diners he caused the complainant an Udall far which compusestion is doe to him, the tribassl, more over; madam= the 'ceased to pay the prosecutor a sum of I,ooofr. damages." The Italie of Turin publishes the names of 3.12 actorious brigands now living in safety on the Roman ter- Ater,.