The Press. — London, England, 1855-03-17 00:00:00

MARCH 17, 1855. instructors, namely, his capacity for excessive mechani cal expertness, and his stern adherence to time and rule, are almost inconsistent with the original exist ence of real musical genius, while their development and cultivation have probably fairly extinguished whatever spark of the true " Promethean heat" he may have at one time possessed. His pianoforte mum presents alternate difficulties and platitudes, or so palpably apes Mendelssohn, affects Spohr, or borrows from Weber, that even an ear but slightly disciplined would instantly detect the plagiarism and the deterioration. His songs are cold and scientific ; overstrained complexity of construction, and hope less wandering over all the keys of the clavier, characterise his productions generally. On the other band, his playing is faultless in execution, but no more. In Bach's magnificent fugue every note was distinctly given, but without a particle of ex pression. No mistake can be more fatal than this. Bach is rendered dull and distasteful to the public at large by Euch painfully conscientious performers as Mr. Bennett, who deprive him of the effect of his intention, which we assert was to produce some thing far greater than mere precision of answer. Scarlatti's " Study " was admirably played, and Handel's air and variations came on the ear, palled by the eternal Rosellen and the ever-recurring Brinley Richards, like a refreshing shower after weeks of very dry weather. The remaining concerts are fixed for the 3rd of April and the Ist of May. THE FOURTH AND LAST OF THE SERIES Of Concerts of Glees and Madrigals selected from the works of Sir Henry Bishop, takes place this afternoon. The great success which has attended the performance of this series—a success which we never for one moment doubted, so deeply rooted in the minds of young and old is the love for those pure English melodies, which are the delight of every social and domestic circle throughout the kingdom—that Mr. Mitchell has decided upon giving a grand evening concert at Exeter-hall upon the 27th inst. The programme will consist of glees, quartets, and concerted vocal pieces, with a chorus of 200 voices, and moreover the services of Mr. Sims Reeves have been engaged for this occasion. The concert will, as in the present series, be under the personal direction of Sir Henry Bishop. tap f rame. HAYMARKET.—A comedietta was brought out here on Saturday under the title of The Secret Agent. It is of German origin, and has been made known to the English public through the columns of Fraser's Magazine. It is a true German affair in idea and feeling, as well as invention. You have a petty court with a petty prince, governed by a petty mother, with a couple of petty ministers, who plot and coun terplot with the mingled bonhommie and tyranny to be found nowhere but in Germany. The Grand Duke is under the government of his mother the Grand Duchess, who has a league with the Prime Minister and Grand Chamberlain; and, to escape from their exactions, the Duke invents a secret agent, under whose advice he declares himself to act. The whole plot consists in the mystification of the three intri guers respecting this secret agent, whom t Minister believes to be a woman, and the Chamber lain to be a man ; the mystification being carried out until at last each believes the other to be their in visible tormentor. There is a small love plot run ning through. The niece of the Grand Duchess, persecuted by the attention of a court fop, declares herself in love with the " secret agent," being really attached to the Duke. This incident alone relieves the love part from the most hideous monotony. The Grand Duchess is bothered into giving up her power, and the two Ministers are sent about their business. The strength of the piece lies in a few positions. Buckstone, the Minister, is thought to be mad in his wild chases after the secret agent, and in the same pursuit com es out as a Spanish dancer. Any one that can imagine the actor kicking and struggling in the one case, and pirouetting in the other, can likewise imagine the "hits," such as they were. But this was totally unrelieved by any other merit. The everlasting mystification became tire some, and the catch-word "secret agent," repeated at every sentence for an hour and a half, absolutely annoying. M . Compton played the Grand Cham berlain, but bad little scope for his talents ; This piece in a very small way is another evidence that a single idea which does exceedinagly we st of tll upon of pa per will not answer on the stage, t lea Germany. Balzac's beautiful monologue, "Le lys de la vallee," one of the most touching of his writings, was dramatised some time ago at Paris, and brought out with all the adjuncts and advantages of the national theatre, and fail ented alto gether. T he he a d ap t a tion of The Secret Ag is by Mr. Stir Coyne. The newSS.— farce at this theate , A Ga me PRINCE of Romps, is in every respect a very slight affair — slight in plot, null in dialogue, and below notice in characterisation. It begins with a fit of giggling, THE PRESS. and ends with a game of blind man's buff, in which Mr. Harley is, of course, blindfolded, which is, of course, interrupted by the unexpected arrival of the marchioness, in whose house it is played, who is, of course, mistaken by him by him for the soubrette (who again, of course, is carrying on a flirtation with Mr. Harley himself), and held in his arms, in spite of her rigorous and repeated screams, in a very awkward and very affectionate embrace, the servants at last arriving, selon lea ?ivies, with the usual amount of wax-lights and wonder. Of the interme diate part of the play, between the giggle and the game aforesaid, we retain no recollection beyond a vivid mental picture of Mr. Harley's wig and stock ings, and the pretty costumes of the charming actresses who had nothing to do in the female cha racters. 265 Lucas to the Calcutta; JooslyneJ. W. Lewis to the Coast Guard Spencer H. Pickard to the Odin ; Thomas M. Campbell to the Archer ; Allen Bathurst to the Enryalus ; Frederick C. Herber selected for special service, and attached to the transport depart went; William G. England to the ',liver; Charles G. G. Per eevsl to the Horatio; Hon. A. C. Hobart to the Duke Of Wellington; James W. Armstrong to the Bulldog. Chaplain—ltev. Richard B. Howe, 8.A., to the tle ylon. Surgeons—William F. Noott to the Hecate; Witham T. Billing' to the Melampus ; James Whicher to the Bulldog. Assistant -Surgeons—Daniel W. Stephens, 11. D., to the Vi gnaw ; John Fisher to the St.tieorge ; William G. J.Ayre to the Recruit ; Thomas H. Smith to the Pembroke ; James Holt to the Hastingii; James Young, M.D., to the Tyue; Simon A. Willis, ILD , the Calcutta. Acting Assistant-Surgeons—Andrew M'Mann to Plymouth Hospital ; Joseph King to the Cornwallis; P. W. Wallace, M. to the Arrogant; Joseph King to the Cornwallis; George T. Keele to the Pylades. Masters—Richard Stokes (of the Fleet) to the Duke of Wel lington; George Biddlecombe to be Assistant-Mrster-Attendant at Keyliam-yard, Devoliport; John N. Willis to the Hecate! William Mills to the Fisgard ; Charles A. Smart to the Arab; Peter Wellington to the Tyne; William T. Mainpristi to the Victord. Mate—Alexander Henderson to the Neptune. Second Masters—James H. Ryan to the Volcano; Edward I'. C o x to the Neptune; Edwin P. Cox to the Weser. Midshipmen—H. F. H. Parker to the Duke of Wellington ;H. p ao ke to the Orion; A. W. Murray to the Ariel; C. W. Blount t o the Odin; C. Mitchell to the Arrogant; P. Prosenburg to the Est: T. G. D. Bedford to the Vulture; N.l). 1. Ullingston te the Weser. Naval Instructor—Thomas S. Osborn to the Agamemnon. Master's Assistant—H. G. Kelly to the Pylons.. Paymasters—James Lewis to the Hecate; William B. V. Farror to the Rodney ; William H. Richards to the James Watt. Clerk-in -Charge—Thorns C. H. Shears to the Wearer. Clerks- John 0. Rikerd to the Hannibal; John F. Fairsoll (acting) to the Hastings; William Rogers to the 'Victory Joseph /linemen to the Impregnable; Edward J. Giles to the Belleisle ; Richard Curgenven to the Pembroke; Richard Shambler to the Cornwallis; Henry J. Kelly to the Victo; Robert Davison to the James Watt; Gee . Brown to e Centaur ; Richard Shambler to the Cornwallis ; George M. Ul yth to the Hawke. secretary's Clerk—John T. Sorter to the Victory. Clerks' Assistants—FrealerickJ. Fitiansurice, Alfred J. Meyers Henry T. C. Medder, and John B. Alviee the Royal Albert ; Bertram Mitford to the Prowetheur. Nand Cadets—H. T. Stevens to the Royal Albert; R. 0. Baker to the Majestic; J. D. V. Butler to the Pembroke ; A. B. C. Booth to the Exmouth. PROMOTIONS. Mate—Willlam H. 'Mutton, of the Nankin, to be Lieutenant. Second Mestere—Francis Taylor, of the Vulture; John Thomp son, of the Sharpshooter—to be hisSteTS. Deputy-Inspector of Hospitals—David Dees to be Inspector, and appointed to the Royal Albert. Surgeon—John Davidson, M.D., to be Deputy-Inspector of Hospitals. Corps of Itoyaltlarines.—First Lieutenants A. de FL Raper), H. Sprott, and 0. E. 0. Jackson, to be Captains; Second Lteu tenants T.P. Newell, F. G. I.e Grand,S..l. ()ration, R. F'. Tayler, J. W. V. Arbuckle , A. H. (laid. E. It. Pritchard, and O. F. Blake, to be First Lieutenants; First Lieut. Poueonby May Carew Croker to be Adjutant First Lieut. Edward Joseph Ridg wa y to be Adjutant. FROM THE LONDON GAZETTE. Tuesday, March 13. BANKRUPTCIES ANNULLED.—Davw LEoeol.o I.sw Is C a nnon-street, and Diutha llVES grove C , Clapham REEOM, Dare' court, (}utter-lane, JACONN HILL, Rynis , Isle of Wight, tailor. BANKRUPTS. --CORNELIUS AUBREY 'MARKHAM, Godman cheater, currier—lin:HAßD KUSIDILL, LeamingumPriors,printer —ItoBERT HIMMER,TOLIIJOU,WOMBBI.BriiIIITE, publican--JOKE.PII WELL, Brierly hill, Staffordshire, grocer KDWARD Wolverhampton, licensed victualler and timber-dealer—Tnougs ?Hums MEYRICK, Wolverhampton, cominissiomagent and 13lts - dealer--J ost an Hann's, Quethiock , Cornwall, miller—Jo NORRISH 0 REENHLADR, Ookfonl, Devonshire, fanner and butcher —JOHN SMITH, Horton, Yorkshire, innkeeper STEPHEN COMPERTHWAITE, Idanningham, Yorkshire, bobbin turner — WILLIAM CLAREBROUOII, Sheffield, mason and LIAM BIRKS, Sheffield, brush manufacturer —J Joss., Man chester, innkeeper—JOHN Lows, Salford, slate merchant. SCOTOH SEqu EST KATIONS.—J AKE% Mitu.s, Dundee, hatter—H NCTOIt TINNANT, Glasgow, wine and spirit merchant —WILLIAM FLEKINO and HOBERT P RI TCHARD, Glasgow, sewed muslin manufacturers —WiI.LIAM MACDONALD , Glasgow, draper and oommissionageut Friday , March 16. BANKRUPTS.—Jassa Ilarusws and J A NZX ALUM'S.* JAMES E.Pansars, _ -a .• .m•mt.A.) 1111 l mo —J °MEM LILNY and Wood-street, Cheapside, wareoooscmco - - HuouEs, Victoria park-road, Hackney, builder—Airaan Tog- STALL T o ttenham, Middlesex, eltictro-plater—Hasas Yosinmis. Southampton, corn and coal factor—Tuouas Crtatu.stsworrri, Nottingham, plumber-147E1,1mm Krum Coventry, _printer— WILLIAK RUMMY, Coventry, NORRIS, Peolthaca, w h o l esa le stationer — WILLIAM DOVTICrr Bride/Ater, plumber and glazier —Jogs Mamma. Mososs and Jour' LEWII, Ystalyfera Grit Glamorgan , dripara—HOSEßT Ntomnitos, Hingstomupon- sailmaker—Wii.i.isu JENNINGS, Bradford , linendraper—JOHN Paws barium., Blackburn, shuttle manufac turer—WiLuxu FRENCH, Bedlington, Durham, brewer-11111 1 ? HOLLAND, Liverpool, merchant —Many JACKSON anti THOIIIII HEYWOOD, otherwise THOMAS JACKSON, Droyl^den, Lancashire, skein printers—Crwusa Pgssiscrox, later, builder-- WILLIAM (MICR WELL, South Shields, shoemaker—Duscas lgo OsEoon, "Newcastlempon•Tyne, paper manufacturer. SCOTCH SEQUESTRATIONS. —PETER M'Lzurs, Goesis, Glasgow, gyoeer—Joms MARTlll,Milleroltreet,Olasgow, aldler —HENRY 'GALBRAITH, Haddington, iromnonger, dewllak• ANDER WADDELL SHANKS, Glasgow, late ruNEHMKaltrar and HWY IniSßloll agent. ADAM AND EVE.—A large gallery picture, repre senting Adam and Eve in Paradise before the Fall, has just arrived in this country for exhibition, painted by the celebrated Belgian artist Van Lerius, who has devoted many years to the production of this work of art. It is spoken of by continental authorities in the highest terms of eulogy. A raw days back (says the Courtier de Lyons) a singular phenomenon wee produced in the neighbourhood of Botugoin ( Isere). A considerable number of black worms, nearly half a foot long, came down at the same time as a heavy fall of snow. It is supposed ntairthat m of the were carried up into t he air from ths nxiu Dauphine by some kind of whirlwind, and then fell as just described. daltsintital. PREFERMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS. The Rev. Edward Oirdlestone, M.A., to the Vicarage of St Nicholas with St. Leonard, Bristol. The Rev. J. It. Freeing, AA., to the Incumbency of South Burcombe, Wiltshire. VAC AN C I ES. The Rectory of Brington, near Northampton ; worth 6001. a a year ; in the gift of Earl Spencer. The Rectory of Whelton, near Daventry ; worth 4001. a year I in private patronage The Vicarage of Selston, near Idanstield ; worth 1301. a year' in the gift of Sir A. Dixie, Bart. The Vicarage of Boughton, Norfolk; worth 1001. a year ; in the gift of the Bishop of Norwich. The Rectory of Neen Solars, near Tenbury ; worth 4001. a year; in the gift of the Provost of Worcester College, Oxford. The Incumbency of Cwmyoy, near Abergaveuny ; worth 1001. a year; in the gift of Mr. John Morgan. The Rectory of Kirkbride, near Urgton, Cumberland ; worth 31.01. a year; in private patronage. The Vicarage of Deane, Lancashire; worth 2001. a year; In the gift of the Lord Chancellor. The Rectory of Lianyalymdwy, Cerium year ; in the gift of the Bishop of Bangor. The Incumbency of Rassenthvraite, Cumberland; worth 2501. a year; in the gift of the Dean and Chapter of Carlisle. ; worth 501)1. gilt lam. WAR-OFFICE, MARCH 10. BREVET. The undermentioned officers to be promoted to the rank of Colonel, in accordance with the Royal Warrant of the 6th Oct., 1854 : Lieut.- Colonels James Hope Grant and Charles Henry Ellice; Major and Brevet Lieut.-Colonel Edmund Richard Jeffreys to have his brevet converted into substantive rank unattached; Lieut.-Colonels Richard John Stodherd, Alexander Gordon, Cowper Rose. The undermentioned officers on the retired full-pay list of the Royal Engineers to have the honorary rank of Colonel, in consequence of the officers who stood next below them having been promoted Lieut.-Colonels Thomas Coryndon Luxmore. William Faris, Thomas Here ; Lieutenant Robert Cadell, of the Madras Artillery, employed on a particular service in Turkey, to hate the local rank of Captain while so em ployed. The undermentioned promotion to take place, consequent on the death of General Robert James Latter, of the East India Company's service, on the 25th February : To be General in the East Indies--Lieutenant - General Augustus Andrews. Colonel William Fergusson Beatson, of the East India Company's army, employed on a particular ser vice in Turkey, to have the local rank of Major- General while so employ ßombayNative Captain Frederick Kane, of the 15th Regiment of lnfantry, to have the local rank of Major in the Army in the East Indies. The undermentioned officers of the East India Com pany's Service, who retired upon full-pay previously to the introduction of the new system of promotion, to be ad vanced to a step of brevet rank in the East Indies, in order to place them in as favourable a position as those officers of their rank, who may hereafter retire under that system, the rank in both cases being only honorary ; their com missions bear date the 28th November, 1854 : To be Colonel in the East Indies—Lieutenant - Colone l Robert Waters Baldock. To be Lieut.-Colonels in the East Indies—Majors John Robson Wornnm, John Bartleman, John Ranken, Williams Brown. To be Majors in the East Indies--Captains Archibald Chisholm, Thomas Reid James, John French, Edward B. Stevenson, James R. Lumley, Charles R. Mackensie, Peter E. Warburton. The undermentioned officers of the East India Com pany's Service, retired upon full-pay, to have rank in the East Indies as follows ; their commissions bear date March 16, 1855 : To be Colonels in the East Indies--Lieut.-Colonels Wm. F. Grant, Win. Rawlins, Geo. S. Wilkinson, Paul W. Willis. To be Lient.-Coloneis in the East Indies —Majors Patrick T. French, Samuel R. liagshawe, John S. G. Ryley, William Edwards, Charles Wollaston, Archibald Park, Henry John M`George, Charles Gordon. Ike gave. ADMIRALTY, FEB. 22. APPOINTMENTS AND PROMOTIONS. -------- H. Gardner to the Driver. ni. Arthur Hay to the Excellent; Charles 1:1' t. ;1 1