The Express. — London, England, 1860-12-19 00:00:00

T. JAMES'S HALL RESTAURANT, lteipelstreet am% Plocsday. masa. who% Ikyssn, , ter Lau, Oultimmes. WIL DONALD, PisAnoka% SECOND-HAND PIANOFORTES. CRAMER, EMMA mad Co. have a lam assortment of leseonst.hoadWs by the most esteemed makers, at reality Metedßkea~t, ltegiaNtreet. gee en) refiL ISviellssessie bal7s;SW foe -11;11;;;;" imam leesieS MINE es tie dig at =solo it tbo oak*, 0, Boavadwelrent, by Two pablketloa, LIT. Tnn Evircnlo,ree WitOO MATM L Pot SCANDAL Messrs Chip pendale, Rogers : il,dee, rams, Oaaapton. and Back/tone Mies A. *Warwick. —GRIST TO VIZ MILL Mr. adgipaidale. M IL Howarl—And 1.1 If 848513D11 OMMlL—Oommeace st 7. minim TKO Mango, WHAM BMITIL Mr. It Mollbsws sod Mu e Many -THE t/Mi.:AN BROTH'S& Maws. Yachter, A. Harris. Rad Meadows; M Ifforray.Aad TEI GARIBALDI RIC URSION IST9. IL JANINA. ETENTWO, THE LOAN OF A Win. Nostra Aahlay and Ynaag Nun 14, canc-4TILLWATIMS BUN DM.. Neon. N Altnid Wigan and Emery: Nr• A. Mum Hatbart.—And EXIT DOOl.--Conunence ithaltipmelt EILITAHIeI A. TRIP 0111MCH ARLEY WAG. —The Bedouin Arabia—Nl.mr Entertainment —The new Poetical Britannia FestlvaL—RED RIDING HOOD: or. The Wolf that wouldn't Keep from the Duca Ms. 8 Line.—And THE FLIRT. Yea 8. Um. HUM WATT R AT LONDON MIDGE. Ms DAT —Mania& 011 TO-11011.1oW—liardis 7 h• 3 gb AngisoCe. TIL 10a. LONDON, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 19. APA lit altogether from its serious political com motion% the year now drawing to a close has ac quired a special character, and will hereafter be distinguished by the unusual disturbance of the material and moral elements on which the welfare of the community depends. It is the year of violent storms and brutal crimes. We by no means, of course, wish to suggest any necessary connexion between the extraordinary variations of the baro meter and the increase of murderous assaults. The depressing influence of November weather is, in deed, proverbial ; and during most mouths of the present year we have had a good deal of November damp and gloom. But this would only explain any increase there may be in cases of suicide, and madness of the melancholy type. Why cloudy skies and ungenial weather should inflame men's evil passions, and raise them to a pitch of mur derous violence, is not so apparent. But, absurd as a meteorological explanation of murder may be, some of the explanations actually offered are scarcely less so. At a meeting of the Law Amendment Society two days ago, for in stance, Mr. Wseeraa stated his belief that "in " most instances murderers were influenced by "psychological conditions, and it was vain to " expect such persons would be deterred from the " commission of murder by fear of the hangman." This curious statement is either an inconsequent truism, or a denial that such a crime as that of murder is possible. Of course, any one who acts, who dose anything at all, is influenced by psycho logical conditions ; for both the will and the motives that affect it are psychological conditions. In the cave of the criminal, the fear of punish ment is just as much a psychological condition es the gratification of passion. Strictly interpreted, therefore, Mr. Wammut's statement is a contra. diction in terms. He says, that since murderers are influenced by psychological conditions, it is vain to expect that they will be affected by motives—or in other words, by psychological eon (biking. If, on the other hand, he means to say that criminals are fatally determined by passion to the absolute exclusion of all considerations, then there ia no such thing as crime. In either case Mr. WEIRTIA failed to ex plain what the psychological conditions on which murder depends are, and why they should have been more active during the last six months than • year Whatever the explanation may be, the fact re mains, and it is • very serious one. Within the last few months there have been upwards of • dozen brutal murders committed, about as many savage manslaughter; and an equal number of murderous assaults, in which the victims' lives have been saved only by accident. Murders and attempts to murder have indeed during the last few weeks accumulated in such numbers that it is impossible for the 'lady journals to report them fully. The most terrible tragedies have to be crowded into a few lines. They have multiplied so rapidly that the most diligent readers cannot keep up with them unless they happen to possess • morbid appetite for horrors. The more sensitive, sickened with the thrice-told tale of brutal outrage and violent death, instinctively re coil from the fatal columns. We cannot wonder at it. Take up our impression of yesterday for example. In a single column of Assize intelligence, containing the report of the Oxford and Northern Circuits, there follow conse• cutively live trials for wilful murder ; while in another column are accounts of three attempts to murder, each of the most determined character, and one of peculiar atrocity. The first of these trials for wilful murder will indicate the general character of the fatal outrages perpetrated during the last few months. In a majority of cases they have been of a peculiarly savage kind, without adequate motive or provocation. The murderers have given way to an ungovernable passion of hatred, jealousy, or revenge, apparently on the slightest grounds. In one or two cases their evil passions were inflamed by drinking, opposition, or fancied ill-usage, but in general the more powerful motives that urge desperate men to tho last fatal step ins course of crime are wanting. In place of such motives we have simply the terrible ferocity of passion and a savage thirst for blood. Tile victims are unsuspicious and unresisting. The real or fancied wrong is brooded over till an oppor tunity for sanguinary retaliation offers, or avenged at once by • tiger-like spring at the life of the un conscious offender. Take the first case at the Oxford .tesizes--that of SAMUEL Twioo, arraigned for the wilful murder of his wife, Mane Twiou. This e nitched man was convicted on the evidence of his son, a youth sixteen years old. The son deposed that his father, who is a bricklayer, came home very late on the night of the murder, all the family being in bed. He heard his father knock ing at the front door and shouting, "Now, Poo.; " get sip and let me iii." His mother went down stairs and let him in. Twu.n having a companion with him ordered his wife to cook some steaks and let them have supper at once. She replied there were none in the house, and that it was impossible at that hour, one o'clock us the morning, to get any. Having only a shawl on, she left the room and refused to return while the stranger was present. TiVIGO, it seem., bad been drinking, and this refusal roused him to a state of savage vindictive passion. Th e boy heard him say, "If her don't conic down and " conk me some steaks, I'll cut her throat from " ear to ear." The stranger having left, his wife and WU ...sine down stairs to get Tw ea: to hed. He refused to go, and they made him as comfort- THE EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 19, 1860. able as they could on the chair by the fire, taking off his shoes, and placing a chsk for his feet. In a quarter of an hour afterwards he called to his son for a light, saying he wanted to come to bed. His wife went down and stooped to stir the fire for a light. 'While doing so her husband said, " Give us a kiss, Pouv," and, as she turned, stabbed her with a long clasp-knife in the side. The boy heard his father deliberately close the clasp•knife, and 'ay aloud, "Now " I am rationed." The poor woman died the following night. Drunkenness is the only ex cuse offered in this cane ; but there is a collected nese and savage deliberation about the guilty man's procedure that shows he had not lost his self command, and suggests that he acted quite as much under the influence of vindictive passion as of drink. His wife refused to comply with his unreasonable demand, and, roused by the disap pointment to a fury of passion, he threatened her life. That might easily enough have been done by a drunken man. But after his wife and son had tended him with their good offices, and all seemed to be made right again, he still cherished his murderous purpose, and matured a plan for its execution. During the interval while his wife was upstairs she heard him open the clasp-knife, and when she returned to give him a light, he never paused for a moment in his fatal purpose, but plunged it at once into her heart. Five wretched men lie at this moment under sentence of death for crimes similar to that of Twioo, and in each case the sentence will be carried into effect, there being no grounds in any of the cases for a recommendation to mercy. During the last week there were four murders nearly committed, one of which may still result in the death of the victim, while in all life was the object directly aimed at. Justice will in all these cases overtake the criminals, but the cause of this sudden increase of crime is a problem well worth the investigation of those who would probe to the bottom the less favourable symptoms of our social state. THE MII3BIIIG ENG iiISHMSN IN CHINA. ....—•—_ FOkEIGN-0171C18, Dsc. 18. A telegram has been received from her Majesty's Minister at Bt. Petersburg, dated this afternoon, and stating that the Russian Government have received no news of the fate of Remus. Bowlby and Brabazon. BANQUET AT MERCHANT TAYLORS' HALL TO GENERAL LORD CLYDE. -4,-- On the Bth of January, 1868, the court of arsistants of the Merchant Taylors' Company unanimously Medthe following resolution That the honorary om of the company be presented to Lieutemant. General Sir Cohn Campbell, Knight, Grand Crass of the Most Honourable Order of the Bath, commander-in-chief in India, in testimony of his long and faithful services, and particularly in effecting the pßant relief of the late Major- General Sir Henry Havelock, Bart, with the women end children, and the sick and woondad, at Lucknow, and the total routing and annihilation of the Glwalior mutineers near Cawnpore.” - The noble and gallant lord having vreterday been for. wally admitted an honorary member of . the company, was entertained in the evening at a magnificent dinner in the ancient hall of the oorpozation. Upwards of 150 gentlemen sat down. The Duke of CAMBRIDGE, in replying to a toast to the army, disclaimed much credit in rendering the Chinese ex pedition efficient. "That credit " said lus royal highness, is due to my noble and gallant friend who sits on my left (Lord Clyde). The expedition came for the most part from India, and tho merit of putting it in a date of effi ciency devolved upon him as the general officer in command of the Indian army. I have not the pleasure of personally knowing much of Sir Hope Grant, but I consider that he deserves well of his country, and I understand that such is the opinion of all who have had the honour of *erring under him. (Hear, hear.) And, my lords and gentlemen, I think it would i ll become me if I did not pay a passing tribute to the valuable assistance which the Chinese expedition has re ceived from the recent important invention in , gunnery. (Hear.) Sir WillianiArnistrong, who is present this evening, has the merit of having invented a inert efficient and power ful weapon ; and although this is not the time or place for drawing comparisons between the claims of other inventors —valnabie and important as their inventions may be—dill, as his invention has now been tested in the field„ and has well come out of the ordeal, I am glad thus publicly to be able to express in his presence my sense of the peat vane which the army and the country has received from him weapon." (Hear, hear.) Lord Cm; ou his part, would not accept the oompli. meat. " I lay no claim to such credit, for I was but an instrument in the halide of the Governor-General. To that great man—for be is a great man--(applause)— below the merit ; for he it was, assisted by his govern ment, who equipped the expedition , and to bim the Fake blimp. While speaking on this subject, there is one subject which I cannot forget, and that is the sisitle heartednem, the devotion, and the manly intrepidity which animated the Indian army from the highest to the lowed, and which was exhibited throughout the campaign. (Her-, beer.) I must also, in connexion with this subject, pay a tribute of admiration to the fearless behaviour nod indo mitable endurance of the civil servant' of :whom ex ertions, united with those of the army, were y in strumental under providence kinstoring tranquillity to that great empire." (Applause.) LATEST INTELLIGENCE. FRANCE. PARIS, Wiagsran At MORNMO. The biota/tut:says :—" On the Ist of January next the Emperor wi l receive the diplomatic corps, the constituted bodies of state, and deputations from the National Guard and the army. Their Majesties will not receive on the 2nd January." EXPRESS FROM PARIS. (nom ODE OWN PARIS, TUESDAY Eviaroo. The Emperor's long-announced work—" The Life of Ctesar "—is already in the press, and is expected to be out by the middle of January. Yesterday evening Lord Cowley and M. de Met ternich met at M. Thouvenel's, and those three personages afterwards went to see the Emperor at the Tuileries. It is more than ever believed that negotiations pressing Austria to give up Venetia, receiving a pecuniary indemnity, are actively going on. There is no doubt whatever that M. 'ereire, the great financier, is the author of the pamphlet on the subject which has made so much noise. It is also true that the Emperor revised the proof sheets, or, at least, read them before they were printed. The truth is, I believe, that the Emperor having heard that M. Pereire was about to publish this pamphlet desired to see it. M. Pereire waited on his Majesty, and offered to read the sheets to him, but the Emperor said he should understand the matter better if he read it himself and begged that the proofs might be left with him. I am assured on authority which I cannot doubt, that in one passage the Emperor made a correction with his own hand. This passage is the following one, which speaks of the cession of Venetia as the object to be desired, and a congress the means of arriving at it : To revive the great idea of a holy alliance (says the writer), and the reconstitution of it for the sake of popula tions and kings on bases in conformity with the wants of the epoch, and to cause the present frontiers of France and of all the states of Europe to become in the eyes of all and for ever sacred—sach is the universal wish of nations and of governments; ; such the grand enterprise of the century. M. Pereire had written lea frontieres de France, but the Emperor, wishing more emphatically to declare his renunciation of all projects of further annexations and extensions, interlined the word "aetuelles." This anecdote is much commented upon in political circles, and is considered as strong additional evidence of the fact for which there has long been much converging testimony—that the Emperor whatever ambitious views he may have entertained formerly, does now really desire peace and good fellowship with all his neighbours. Of course he wants a congress to confirm his appro priation of Savoy and Nice. A very inaccurate assertion of the Constitutionnel that since the decree of Nov. 24 the journals which a month ago were clamorous for change, now dis tinguish themselves by an " eloquent silence," pro vokes the following retort from M. Nefftzer in the Prase : The great molt of the decree of November 24 is that it has shown the existence of • party purely and simply liberal—a party devoted to liberty for its own sake, for the good it does to the country—a party ready to accept • public good wherever it is to be found. This party taken the Emperor at his word as he 'must wish to be taken, and has shown • vitality which was thought to be extinct but was happily only latent. On the subject of an augmentation of the French army, which is conventionally to be called no augmentation, the Memorial de la Loire says : The formation of a 4th battalion is actively going on In all the military circumaciptiona. The moment it is com pleted the generals commanding divisions and subdivisions will set about organising active divisions—that is to say divisions always prepared to take the field. These divisions will be 14 in number—two to each grand command. And thus without any atigmantation of the effective, and with out extra expenditure, will be realised the Emperor's idea of having, in time of pesos, an army always ready for war. The Patric states that the existence of the Cercle Impirial is not imperilled by the defalcations of its manager, now under arrest, the members of the club having subscribed the amount of the deficit. It adds that the club has been re-organised on what it calls a " liberal sense," and, as evidence of this assertion, mentions that the new committee has chosen Count de Morny for prasident, and M. Baroche and General Allard for vice-presidents. The Bourse remains in the same state of atrophy. The Rente closed at 68fr. be., without variation for account, and with a rise of be. for cash. Mobi lier rose 2fr. 50c. In railways there was nothing doing worth noting. During great part of the day the parquet was nearly deserted. One of the Madrid journals says that information hadbeen received that 30,000 tracts and other works defend ing protestant doctrines bad been printed at London in the Spanish language, and that GO smugglers bad undertaken to introduce them into Spain ! A letter from Naples, of the 11th, states that King Victor Emmanuel was about to take part in a grand bear bunt in the mountains of Castel di Sanyo, in the Abruzzi, sad that Count de Castiglione, orderly officer of his Majesty, had left to make the necessary arrangements. A letter from Rome of the 11th says : "In pri vate conversation Pio Nouo alludes frequently to the deter mination to hold his mimed polt until the last extremity. Such expressions were used by his holiness on Saturday but to Mr. Justice Terry of Sydney,who with his lady was received in private audience by the Pope, with the consideration due to them, not only as good catholics, but also as zealous benefactors to their cause, and co-religionaries in the Ans- Malian colonies. Pio None presented a handsome silver medal to Mr. Terry, and gallantly placed upon Mrs. Terry's finger a gold ring, enriched with a jewelled moss. Mon signor Talbot was present, and acted as interpreter on this occasion." A now protestant church is in course of construc tion in Paris. When this is completed Paris will be able to boast of no leas than 20 protestant churches and 104 pro testant clergymen. The number of children regularly attending protestant Sunday-schools in Paris is 2,600. Amongst the improvements about to be made in the Rue do Faubourg St. Honore, it is intended to make a hand some square in front of the church of St. Philippe. This causes the expropriation and consequent removal of that well•known institution for poor English and American children, called "The British Free Schools," of which Earl Cowley sad Lord Cray are at the head. Prior to leaving Paris, a few days ago, Sir Janisetjee Jejeehhoy sent to Mr. Hamilton a magnificent present for this institution, and many travellers remember the institution in the kindest manner every time they visit the French capital. A letter from St. Petersburg states that a topaz weighing almost 201bs. was lately found in the river of Urelga, province of Nevanek, in Russia, and was presented by the finder, a tradesman, to the Emperor Alexander. A PariB letter of the Nord of Brussels, ear:: " Arrangementa are being made in Paris for re•organismg the service of the omnibusees. Your readers will smrcely imagine that those carriages convoy annually nearly 70,000,000 passengers, or nearly double what they did five or six years ago. The Government is inclined to lengthen the term of the monopoly, increase the material, and add to the measures necessary for protecting the interests of the shareholders by rendering the action of the Prefect of Police greater over the whole service." bEEIOI7B AFFRAY ON THE TWEED. —About mid night ou Friday an encounter of a serious nature took place between a party of ten water bailiffs, under Superintendent Smurthwaite, of the Tweed river police, end a gang of about thirty fishers, near Ashiestiel Bridge, on the Tweed. The poachers were "burning the water," and on the officers making their appearance and calling upon them to desist, they raised a rall ying cry, and a ...Mr immediately ensued. The fight lasted forabout twenty minutes, +wd sticks, batous, and other weapons were freely used. fwo of the bailiffs were disabled by the blows of their usailants, and it is believed that their opponents suffered to ►n equal ex tent; but their superior numbers enabled them to remove their wounded comrades. (Me non, a fisher, wax in immi nent denser of losing his life ins deep and rapid current, but was maguauiniously rescued by Mr. Smurthwaite, who is a tall and powerful man. For the moment, Mr. Stour. thwsite ►ppears to have forgot his OfliCial character in his desire to save the mans life ; at all events, the fellow managed to escape to his own party. Three fish were left on the ground, which it is thought were all that had been captured. An in meditation has been eutered on by the Sclkirkshire authorities, but no apprebensious have yet been made.—Edinburgh Courant. ORANGE DEMONSTRATION IN LONDnN. DERRY. A great Orange demonstration took place in Lou. donderry yesterday. A disturbance was expected, and g military forte and additional magistrates were station e d ui the town to preserve order. It appears, however, that the affair passed off quietly. A telegram from Londonderry, dated 1 p.m. yesterday, says :—" Up to this time every. thing is quiet, crimson flags are flying from the usual piney ; and the effigy of Lundy is suspended front Walker's owns- meat for conflagration in the afternoon. No firing has taken place. Troops are placed at convenient stations to act if necessary." A telegram dated 4 p.m. says :--" ju rounds more were fired from the cannons. Everything is quiet." This firing of cannon, we should mention, refers to a display on the part of the Orangemen. trim Court. WINDSOR CASTLE, Die. 1& The Queen and Prince Consort, accompanied by Princes Alice, walked in the Rome Park this asoraiag The Prince of Wales returned to Oxford University, at weds& by Major-General the Hoe. H. Braes awl lientreirat- Colonel HeppeL Prince Louis of Heise west to Lew sad visited the Duchess of Cambridge and Princess Mary. The Duke of Cambridge took leave of her Majesty, sad left Windsor for London, attended by Lieutenant• Colonel Clifton. The following visitors have likewies taken their depar ture :—The Duchess of Sutherland, the Duke of Devon shire, the Duke of Newcastle, the Marquis of Exeter, the Marquis Camden, the Marquis of Ailesbury, the Marquis of Westminster, the Marquis of Normanby, the Earl Gninville, the Earl of St. Germane, the Earl of Carlisle, the Earl Spencer, the Earl of Clareudos, the Earl of Harrowby. Viscount Sydney, Viscount Palmerston, the Bishop of Win, cheater, the Bishop of Oxford, Lard Foley, the &dal Doris, Sir Augustus Clifford, Bart., Sir Charles Young, and Major , Geoeval Wylde. The Duchess of Kent and the Primo and Princess Leinin. gnu visited the Queen, from From" and took luncheon. The Countess at Gainsborough ban miessoded the Duchess of Atholl as Lady in Waiting to her Majesty. Major•Genersl Seymour has eneeented Lord Charles Fiteltoy as Equerry in Waiting to the Qum. Tnoottat Palmerston arvivad in Lemke yesterday from Windsor Cutts. Lord end Indy Palmerston afterwards left town for Broadlands. The Duke of Newcastle strived in town from Windsor Castle ristwday. Denpatehas were sent yesierdsy from the Colonial-aloe V) the Coverage of Malta, and to the Lord High Cornelis. skein of the Lahin Wanda DEATH OP all GEORGE CARROLL, KNIGHT. (THIS DAY.) Information was received this morning shortly after 12 o'clock by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, to the effect that Sir George Carroll, knight, the alderman of On ward of Candlewick, had expired this morning (Wed nesday) shortly before 9 o'clock, at his residence, 34, Caven dish-square. Sir George belonged to the ornpany of Spectacle Makers. He was appointed alderman of the ward of Candlewick, upon the resignation of Alderman Birch, upon the 21st of December in the year 1840, so that it will be seen the worthy alderman bad served the ward for twenty years, len two days only, in that capacity. In the year 1937 be was sheriff, and in 1846 he filled the office of Lind Mayor, much to the satisfaction of hie fellow citizen'. We understand he was , in his 81st year, and within a week of hie death enjoyed his usual health; in fact, he attended at the last Court of Aldermen, and voted on the election for a chaplain for the prison at Holloway. 1111T1110 or PARLIAMMT.—A proclamation wpm's is yesterday's Gazette proroguing parliament from the 3rd of Jemmy to the be of February seat, on which day it will asset for the despatch of business. The Marquis and Marchioness of Abercorn and family hams left Chesterfield House for Brocket Hall, Herts. Earl Granville arrived in Bruton-street Yester day from visiting her Majesty at Windsor Castle. Lord Methuen has arrived at Farranee's Rotel boas Corsham Court, Wilts. Lady Margaret i3catimoat, who has been seriously indisposed at Bywall Hall dace he confinement, is now pro gressing favourably._ Mr: Disraeli; BLP., and Mrs. Disraeli are ex pected at Radon Howe, near Exeter, on a visit to PAr Laurence Palk, Bart., ld.P., on the 27th inst. The Prinoe Lotus of Hesse-Darmstadt, who is to be united in marriage with her Royal Highness the Princess Alice, is the eon of Prince Charles (brother of the reigning Grand Duke) and the Princess Elizabeth of Prussia (daugh ter of Prince William, uncle to the King), and was born on the 12th of September, IRf7. The marriages of the two daughters of Sir Walter George Stirling. Bart, and Lady Carolioe Stirling, and granddaughter of the bite Field-Marshal the Earl of Straf ford, G.C.8., ere about to take place. Miss Stirling will be married to the Be►. Henry Stapleton, eon of the Hon. and Bev. Sir Francis Stapleton, Bart., of Mereworth ; and Miss Harriet Stirling to Charles S. Hogg, Esq., son of Sir James Weir Hon, Bart. The contemplated marriage between Mr. Hope Scott, of Abbotdord, and Lady Victons Fit:shin Howard, eldest daughter of the late Duke of Norfolk, sad god daughter of her Majesty, will take place on Monday, the 7th of next month, being the earliest illy after Christmas that is allowed by the arrangements of the Roman catholic church. It is well known that it was the late duke's desire that as Mr. Hope Scott is left guardian and trustee of the present duke and the younger children of 64 grace, the marriage should have taken place before his decease and a that was found impossible, it is understood that it was the duke's wish that it should be solemnised a early as passible afterwards. The ultramontane journal, the Monde, thinks that the decree as to passports in France can only be preliminary to a more general measure which will include all Frenchmen. Otherwise, "in order to be free in France, Frenchmen would hare to get naturalised in Eng land—which would have a very awkward look, and give rise to many unpleasant remarks. Let us be polite towards the English, but let our politeness have some limits, and not be carried to the extent of conferring a privilege which offends our nati , mal hdhits. Few Frenchmen travel in England ; the English, on the contrary, overrun France — they settle there, end live just as they would at home. The least they can do is to conform to oar ewes. r,ee what progress an ides makes in the world ! Before 1789, the fnivigner was regarded as an enemy (and rightly too, we think). After 1789, equality having come into fashion, be was assimilated to the native. Lastly, by an unexpected step, he is now placed in a better position than the French man himself ! It is unnecessary to dwell on this point. We only ask to he treated the same.. the most (avowed nation; and our government cannot, in reasuu, refuse us that." THE WESTIONETZE PLAY. This is an age of revivals, and as the spirit rapper callsit it the ghosts of the departed, Daniel Weaver recreates • in the lapsed, what good reason can be shown wh in Play should not be restored in the old do rmitory of St. Peter's School, Westminster ? Yet this regular forerunner of the Christmas holidays was well nigh being numbered with the things that have been. For the bud two yeah there had been no Warming'', Play, and it e ha rei s j with ewrally supposed that the religso loci was nom ble the cleric muses, and that a victory been won by the partisans of the Abbe Groan. But owing . we believe, to • memorial very numerously armed by the "Old Weettninsters," not only has the Play been revived, bat Plautus has taken the place of Terence. Not fur sixty years has that elegant and polished language which gave pleasure to Cicero and coo solation to St. Jerome after his heart bad bees wrung by the memory of past sine—not for sixty yen have those bread jests which equally amused the how pepaleen of the Sabena and the Velahruni end the maperar Diocletian, after a persecution of the Chrierans, been heard within the walls of St. Peter's. How the Arley of Dr. Busby which was intredneed in the epilogue mar have rejoined ; bow the spirit of Justus Livens, to wham Plautus was "the tenth muse"—" the darling of the Haman mow," must have exulted ! Titus Macchia Plautus is no doubt coarse —far too rouse in some of his plays for a modern audience. The elder Bah= goes so far as to say that " Teralfoo . ll loosest are often more modest than Plautus's most marred wertetatui ;" but as Nairn* Darer moat justly observes, even he was a reformer, for be improved upon and rive refinement to the gtthy estyr-insaks which existed previously. The rule wl"ch Passeratiss gives is full of good sense in reference to Phistes• and authors of his kind :-=" When you neet with the coarse parades, imagine that you are walking in the middle of the Sarum to the shrine of Chastity." If there were not much truth and good sense in this, why should learned Beeedictines and pious Jesuits edit Plautus for the use of the " Most Serene Dauphin, the Most Christian King, and his whole family"—thaw farina', to use the language of pure minded Jacopo Corbnielli. The world would not willingly resign an author whose play of the " no leas shrewd a critic than Tpronounced to be the best ever put on • stage. In his judgment also the "Trim numus," which was acted by the Westminster student. last night, stands second in mak. _ The play has no female characters at all, and is full of moral sentiment, which perhaps recommended it to the reverend directors of the school. The acting of the young gentlemen in the Terentian comedy was a thing almost of traditioo,and consisted rather of an adherence to established rules than of any endeavour to strike into new paths. In the present instance there wee more latitude of interpretation, and we must Illy that we have never seen a better performance. The part were well got up, the enunciation, though rapid at times, as the current of the dialogue demanded, was distinct, and the points were well brought out. Where all acted so well, it would be invidious to particularise any. The epilogue was a counterpart of the play. The spend thrift bubo:dens resolves to sell the precincts of Westmin ster, bat the shade of Dr. Busby is evoked, and signifies his auger that his Treasure (the Treasure was the name of the Greek play of Philemon, from whom Plautus copied it) should be disposed of by public auction. But the sale doe* not take place, the " umbra " is pacified, and when the Treasure is dug up it is neither gold nor copper, but Dr. Busby's big rod. All this scene was highly comic, and it of course refers to the intention which had been entertained of disposing of the present property, and transferring the school to some other locality, a proposition which by no means appears to be acceptable to the alumni. There were present yesterday the Chancellor of the Exchequer (probably from his con. DeXiOD with the Treasury), the Provost and Head Master of Eton, Archdeacon Lane Preen, Colonel Sir Alfred Horsford, K.C.8., Dr. Phillimore, Dr. Page, Sir Walter James, Dr. Jelf, and Mr. Chester. MiRCHANT TAYLORS' SCHOOL.—The day of the winter speeches, technically called the Doctors`-clay, was celebrated yesterday at this ancient seat of learniw, the tercentenary of which occurs in 1861. The school leas a history, end it seems likely to have a future and a distin guished am, if we may jut* from the performance of its scholars on this °neuron. At the conclusion of the exami nation, which bad now been carried on for some days, and the rivet ewe portion of which took place that morning, the Master of the Company (Mr. Gordon), the warOens, the examiners, Archdeacon Browne, sod Dr. Maine were intro duced to the school by the Hoed Master, the Rev. Dr. Henley, at 2 o'clock. A variety of speeches were then de livered, according to the usual programme. Many of the characters, in p articular that of "Lord Chatham," by Mr. Hall ;of the Queen," in Richard 111., by Mr. Derrner ; of " Syrtis," in the Adelphi, by Mr. Trsill ; and the inter locutors in the French scene, were remarkably well sea- Wined Dr. Hersey linkhed the proceedings by reading a list of the scholars who had done well during the half-year, and by a few words of encoursgoment to the scholars. The school then broke up till Tuesday, Jan. 15. WINDBOII, Dac. 17.—This day the Right Hon. John Arthur Douglas, Lord Bloomfield, wee, by her Ilajeety'scommand, sworn of her Majesty's Meet Honourable Privy Council, sod took his plsoe at the board soconlingly.— ampette. --- Werraxau, Dec. 18.—The Queen has been to give and grant unto Sir William Verner, Bart., d formerly a lieutenant-colooel in her Majesty's army, her royal license and authority that he may accept and wear the insignia of a Knight Commander of the Royal Hanove rian Guelphic order, which the late King of Hanover was pleased to confer open him in approbation of his distin guished services iu connexion with Hanoverian troupe of the German Legion employed against the enemy dam( the Peninsular war and at Waterloo. —Gts:etfr. WHITEHALL. Da'. IM.—The Queen hee been pleased to present the Reverend Charles Hinman, /3.A., to the rectory of Barfoid St. Marna, in the county of Wilts, and diocese of Salisbury, the same being void by the promotion of the Honourable end Right Reverend Father in God Doctor Waldegrave to the nee of Carlisle.—Gazette. Rtrow ELECTION. —The election for a representa tive for this city. in the place of the late Mr. Wane. ha., hese appointed for Friday next. There are two candidate, —Mr. Reginald Vener, nmaia and brother-he-law of Earl de Grey aad 114pou. sad Dr. F. IL Lees, a well-known tee tetallee and advocate of the Maine Liquor Law . They both profess Mend principles, bet Dr. Less a are of the extreme diameter, including the lane., to which Mr. Viper is op posed. The probability is that, tho latter will be elected by • large orsionty. WAR IN THE SPRING. The correspondent of the Debate at Turin says : "General Benedek has informed his troops that they must be prepared for war in the spring, and that it is at Mantua he means to crush Garibaldi and his adherents. The Turin Gazette, a very mo derate journal, likewise says that the Venetian question must be settled, and no ministry could stand for a single day which gave up Venioe— which is quite true. Therefore, if diplomacy wishes to avoid a conflict, it must make the best use of the months of January and February." AUSTRIA. "Despatches from Vienna," says the Pays, " announce that the plan of the Chevalier de Schmerling, who has just entered the ministry, has been adopted, and will be carried into execution in the delay of four months. According to that plan the empire of Austria will for the future have an Upper Chamber composed for the first time of at least 200 members, for whom will be admitted, as for the House of Lords in England, the principle of hereditary descent ; and a second, or Elective Chamber, which will comprise 260 members, to be named by the different provincial assemblies, in proportion to their respective im portance. In consequence of this mechanism, Austria, like the United States, would have a double representation ; one concerning the special interests of each province, and the other the inte rests of the whole empire." THE PASSPORT SYSTEM. The ind.fpeodance Belga thus concludes a long article on the abolition on the part of France of the passport system as regards England :—" No plausible reason then can henceforward be adduced to justify the continuance of passports. They are merely a ridiculous and expensive annoyance. We may even confess that they are more inconvenient in Belgiu-n than elsewhere, because our geographi cal position puts us, with regard to them, in quite an exceptional position. We are in some degree the outport of a part of Europe, the link of connexion between the west and east, and for us to maintain the pass port system after P.ance has abolished it in favour of England would be simply ridiculous. We count, therefore, with confidence upon the enlightened initiative of the government which cannot desire to be distanced in the course that others have opened to it. When France, Belgium, and Prussia have relegated passports to their archives as objects of curiosity, the general adoption of the step cannot be much longer delayed." ITALY. FRANCIS 11. REFUSES TO SURRENDER. ROME (vii Mownles), Dim 15. The Piedinontese have occupied Ponta Corvo since the 11th inst. Some reactionary movements have taken place at Cagli and Gubbio. The bombardment of Gaeta will recommence, in consequence of the non-acoeptanoe by King Francis H. of the proposed conditions to surrender Gaeta. The King has issued a'manifesto, calling upon the Neapolitans to make a last effort to preserve their nationality. He guarantees to maintain their liberties and grant distinct parliaments to the Two :Nellie'. He also promises an amnesty. U com pelled to succumb, he will maintain the firm hope of returning to his dominions. TURD Dec. 18. . - There is no truth in the statement contained in some Italian journals that Austria had sent to the Sardinian government a list of names in connexion with the conspiracies which are being organised in Italy for the purpose of encouraging the agitation in Hungary. HUNGARY. GB.AN, Die. 18. The Conference was opened to-day at 10 a.m. At 11 a.m. the electoral law of 1848 had already been adopted by the Assembly. M. Dessewffy demanded that the imperial diploma, inaugurating the new state of things, should be established on an inviolable legal basis, which would at once remove any doubts concerning the national rights. He also said :—" A Diet constituted according to the electoral law of 1848 could only be considered to form such a basis." GRAN, Dxc. 18, Erman. The conference has been definitively closed, after having lasted four hours and a half. Count Bareoczy censured the electoral law of 1848, and spoke against the privileges of the no bility as established by that law. He also advo cated equal rights for everybody. Finally, it was unanimously resolved to request the Emperor to grant the electoral law of 1848. The Primate, in his closing speech, expressed the hope of an early convocation of the Diet, and exhorted the nation to union and confidence. A banquet afterwards took place in the Primate's palace, when speeches of a conciliatory character were delivered. The healths of the Hungarian and other oouncillors of state were drunk amidst loud and enthusiastic cheering. UNITED STATES. LIVERPOOL, WEDYISDAT. The Liverpool, New York, and Philadelphia Company's steamer Kangaroo, whioh sailed this morning for New York, took 82,0001. in specie. THE CALCUTTA, CHINA, AND AUSTRALIAN MAILS. SOUTHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY. The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamer Pere, Captain Jamieson, with the above mails, has arrived. She brings 118 passengers, 2,3221. in specie, and a large cargo, including raw silk, value upwards of 200,0001. The British bark Washington, of Shields, home ward bound from Odessa with wheat, foundered on the 10th instant. The ship's papers only were saved. The master and crew were taken on board the Pera, and landed at Gibraltar. On the 11th instant the Pera passed the steamer Royal Bride, of Bristol, hove to in a gale of wind, and on the 13th a man-of-war, supposed to be the St. Joan d'Acre, 34 days from; Malt& The Peru also observed several vessels with topmasts gone, and on the 15th passed her Majesty's ship Mersey coming out of Lisbon. Gibraltar freights and exchanges were unaltered. A universal exhibition of paintings is to take plane next year at Florence. The municipality has eentri buted 100,000 fr. to the expense; the provincial council, 30,000(r. ; Milan, WAHL ; Pisa, 7,0001 r.; and Leghorn, I,ooofr. KING'S COLLEGE HOSPITAL. Tho magnitude of the London climities, their infinite variety, and the countless benefits which they confer on the sick and friendless poor of this east wetro. polls, have often excited the admiration of foreigners, but the most extraordinary part of their history is the fact that they have almost exclusively been founded by private bone. volence, ant with few exceptions are supported by the wan!, tary subscriptions of the charitable public. In a promi. rent place among these institutions stands King's Colleg e Hospital, and we congratulate the friends of the charity on the prospect of their speedily exchanging the old and inconvenient building in which they have hitherto carried on their labours for the handsome and commodious edifice which is now almost ready to receive them. The building, which covers an area of nearly an acre, and Is in the Italian style, will contain accommodation for 200 patients, and, being the moat recently constructed hospital, will be re. plate with all the conveniences and appliances which in this philanthropic age are considered essential to the comfort and welfare of even the poorest patients. It is six stories in height, and, from the great extent of the building, the roof forms one of the conspicuous objects to be seen from the bridges, overtorping, as it does, both of the great theatres in the neighbourhood. When completed it will hare cost no leas than 100,0001., every shilling of which has been raised by voluntary subscriptions. THE ATTEMPTED MURDER AND SUICIDE AT BURY. Last evening, the young woman Jane Mooney, who was shot by her sweetheart on Thursday night last, was supposed to be rapidly improving, being able to sit up in bed and converse. The orifice formed by the slug entering her neck, still remains open ; and it has been discovered that the e to the throat is complete, for when she receives f which is generally in • fluid state, • portion of it won through the aperture to the outside of the neck. At the time when she was shot she was suffering from an ulcerated sore throat ; but the inflammation has now con. /durably subsided, and it is probable that she will soon recover. The sh 4, which was supposed to be lodged near the base of the Anil, has not yet been discovered. The prisoner Leather has been removed to the New Bailey, where he will remain until he has to appear on remand. The nomination of a knight to represent the south division of Notts in parliament in the place of Lord New• ark, elevated to the peerage through the death of Earl Manven (his father), took place yesterday morning at the Town-hall, Newark. Since the vacancy In this division Lord Stanhope, son of the Earl of Chesterfield, is the only candidate who has offered himself to the electors, the liberals imagining that any opposition to the noble lord would be fruitless. Maw SPIRITUAL Peza.—ln consequence of Ige death of Dr. Pews, Bishop of Worcester, the Hon. and Rev. Dr. Samuel TValdegrave, who hem recently been con accreted Bishop of Carlisle, will become entitled to a seat in the House of Lords, and, in the capacity of junior bishop, will act as chaplain during the next aeries of parliament. The bishop nominate of Worcester (Dr. Philpotti, who will remain for the present without a seat in the House of Lords, will, in all probability, be consecrated in the perish church of Lambeth ot Friday, the 25th of January, being the Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul. CRYNTAL PALACE SCHOOL OF ART, SCIENCE, AND Lrrnstarnits.—New rooms have been fitted up in the north wing of the Crystal Palace for the educational classes, cm ducted by eminent professors and teachers appointed thereto by the &rectors of the Crystal Palace Company. The ad. vantages here offered, especially to ladies, who may thus obtain the very highest instruction in mu sic or in other accompliahments, such as water-colour painting, at a very moderate cost, are now becoming appreciated, and with the ample accommodation that is now provided for them, they will be sure to grow in favour. Nothing can be more con venient than the new studios, lecture-room, and set of clam moms, which are now ready for the use of the pupils in each department. Adjoining the studio for tigure-&awirg and modelling there v • corridor with a sliding door, through which any of the statuary casts belonging to the ins. manse Crystal Palace collection may safely and easily be introduced for the purpose of being copied. The supply of light from the roof and side of the apartment towards the front of the Palace is regu lated by an awning. There is • small separate room for Mr. Goodall's classes in water-colour paistiug. The large lecture room will hold 300 persons comfortably, for the parents and friends of the pupils, though not the public generally, are admitted to the professors' lectures. The entrance to Mr. Leslie's singing -class will be from the Queen's private-road. The private lessons of M. Benedict on the pianoforte, and of Signor Garcia in singing, are given in • little room, which has been elegantly furnished, and there is a suitable dressing-room. Pot the dancing-class, • splice of 72 feet by 24 feet has bees provided, to be well lighted with gas. We are informed that, in addition to the art classes and others just mentioned, with those of lan guages, history and geography, arithmetic and mathematics already established, there is to be a botanical clam con ducted by Dr. Dresser, and one of tecknologiall or applied chemistry. The Crystal Palace conning, an abundant store of materials, and specimens for the illustration of such lemons. nu: CovmcritY WEAVE - M.—The silk and riband weaves of Coventry are actually starving in Inch numbers and so utterly that we almost fear to state the figures lest the came should be thought hopeless, and moderate people should hold beck their charity for more manageable distress. The working population of the Coventry iliatnct is estimated at near 60,000; and as in the least distressed port two thirds are out of work, have been so for a lowe time, and will be so for many weeks or months, it follows that more than 40,000 sufferers are appealing to us for food, fuel, and, no doubt, clothing, at this deed and cold season. It is • fact that ought to be remembered every time we sit down to a Christmas party, or fill our pews at church with the young folks from school. It is a season for sacrifice, and Christmas must have its offering as on its first day, and as the old painters drew it. Don't we see even the poor shepherds bringing their lambs and their poultry, and the Kings bringing their gold, incense, and spices to an humble family in a stable? rhat is a picture for all time. The great original is rehearsed every year at our doors, no t _ in shown and mysteries, but in sober realities. The Lord of the season always sends His representatives to receive oar homage and our offerings. • • Those of our readers who wish to celebrate the coming season as it ought to be cele brated, and who are often only too glad to have their atten tion called to a suitable object, will not require more from us, but will at once send what theycsu afford with the com pliments of the season to the starving rihard and silk weavers of Coventry said that neighbourhood.• —Ti airs. MIL PARKES, THE LATE PRISONER AT PERIN.--. It is not generally known that Mr. Parkes, who has Lady been released from captivity in China, is a native of this district, and that his parents some years ago resided in Lichfield-street, in this town. Mr. Parkes s father for. mealy held for some years a confidential petition in Mer 4.4. Bate and Itobnit's Stuurbridge Ohl Bank, but afterwards became proprietor, in conjunction with Mr. Otway, of a small iron work at Capponfleld, near Batton, which has since that period been greatly enlarged, and now belongs to the Cldnington Company. Messrs. Parkes and (away aleo we believe, had an iron foundry at Goocote, nee Kimball. Mr. Parkes ' senior, was afterwards tailor. tunately thrown out of his gig going dowu a gel , bill in some part of this district, and lie was killed. He left five or more children, and one of them, Harry, the present consul in Chinn, and who his lately undergone a painful implitontund iu that c ountry, was sent to the Birmingham Blue Coat School for two Yeas through the medium of his uncle Parkes, who had a veterr nary forge in Highetreet, Birmingham, sad who was a Boo tempt in the navy. Mr. Harry Parkes was subsequently sent out to India through the kindness of the late aptsin Eaton, who died at West Bromwich a few rears ego. lie remained in India many years, and afterwanfi went to Onus, where having evinced an aptness in acquiring a knowlelge of the Chinese language be was appoiuted interpreter sad subsequently consul. The career of Mr. Parkes afford , another striking instance of what may be achieved by in• domitable perseverance, industry, and great ttttural ability. Mr. Parkes was a pupil of the celebrated and Chinese traveller, Dr. Geisha, auil is himself now the best Chiuese interpreter of the day. He is well kuown the city of Worcester and neiglibourlit.sl, h axing “huut f•ur years ago visited his sister, Miss Parkes, then residing with her aunt Mrs. Borattou, at Lark-hill near that city.— reristrapton Chronicle. ROYAL ACADEMY OF Music.—The for the two King's scholarships vuouat at this time of the year took place on Monday, the 17th iu,teut. The 1,,a114 examiners consisted of Mr. Charles Luca., chairman : Mr. J Z hn .,, G oss Mr. Henry Illagrave, Mr. G. ..lacfaro Ur • W. H . Ho lmes, Mr. Frank R. ('ox, 111.11 Mr. Waiter Macfsrren. The number of caadidate• examined was 9 young gentlemen swll6 young ladies. The Collor ing wrw elected scholars : Mitt A. Zitumeinniuu mad lilashi Hill. The following Miss Lanni Pain E. I'u obey, Miss E. G. Stevens . Me sic. F. d. B. Mallatratt, and S. Weekes. The ,wing wet,. eat: mended : Mina H. Milton, M ie. E. :40.0.aii. Mi. , • nonagon, and Ila.tut C. H. DanelL II 1