The Sun. — London, England, 1862-01-09 00:00:00

D RURY-LANE THEAT ROYAL. Lessee, Mr. E. T. SMITH.' CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. GRAND MORNING PERFORMANCE of the PAN TOMIME every WEDNESDAY, at Two o'Clock. THIS EVENING (9th January) her Majesty's Ser vants will perform the popular Farce, by J. B. Buckatone, Esq., entitled AN ALARMING SACRIFICE. Bob 'Wicket, Mr. Atkins ; Pugwash, Mr. Barsby ; Mr. Skinner, Mr. Hope; Susan Sweetapple, Miss Keeley; Miss Wadd, Miss Stuart; Miss Tibbit, Miss Bland; Miss Gimp, Miss Harfleur ; Deborah, Mrs. Dowton. After which will be produced, with that attention to com pleteness in every department by which the Christmas Annuals of this Theatre have been so pie-eminently dis tinguished, the New Grand Comic Pantomime, entitled HARLEQUIN and the HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT; or, Old Mother Hubbard and het onderful Dog. " If a man do build a dwelling upon common land fr.)m sunset to sunrise, and enclose a piece of ground, wherein there shall be a tree, a beast feeding, a fire kindled, a chim ney syoking, and provisions in the pot, such dwelling shall bc- freely held by the builder, anything herein to the con trary nevertheless notwithstanding."—Old Forest Charter. The Novel Effects and Splendid Scenery by WILLIAM BEVERLEY, Assisted by Messrs. C. Pitt, Craven, Brow, &c., &c. Masks, Symbolic Devices, Personal Appointments, and I)esigns for the Costumes, by the celebrated Dykwynkyn. The Overture and Music composed and arranged by Mr. J. H. TULLY. The Machinery by Mr. Tucker and As sistants. The Tricks, Properties, Changes, and Transtor• mations, by Mr. Needham, assisted by Messrs Glindon, H. Adams, H. Langham, &c. The Costumes by Miss Dickin son, Mr. Lauri, and Mr. Palmer. The Gas Appointments by Mr. h inckley. The Choregraphic Arrangements by Mr. Cormack. The Harlequinade and Comic Scenes by Messrs. Cormack and B. Jones. The Perfume of the Flowers supplied by Bimmel's process. The Grotesque Burlesque Opening invented and written by E. L. BLANCHARD. And the whole arranged and produced under the imme diate superintendence of Mr. ROBERT ROXBY. Synopsis of Scenery, Incidents, and Characters, OLD MOTHER HUBBARD'S COTTAGE, _ _ With Rural Landscape, and Rookwood Manor Hall in the Distance (Daylight). "Old Mother Hubbard, she went to the cupboard, to get her poor Dog a bone ; when s h e go t th ere , th e cupboard was bare, and so the poor• Dog had none."—Ancient Nur sery Legend. Old Mother Hubbard, Mr. Atkins ; Her Dog , Signor Lorenzo ; Jack (the " Man all tattered and torn"), Miss F. Hunt ; the Squire, Mr. Tom Matthews ; Dame Wiggins of Lee, Mr. Dixon ; Dame Trot, Mr. Barsby ; Her Won derful Cat, Master Waggles ; the Great Goose, Master Sageaninguns ; Constables, Messrs - . Grib and Grab; Parish Beadle, Mr. Bumble ; Villagers, Messrs. Yokel, Pumpkin, IVhackstraw, Chawbacon, &c., &c.; Rosetta (the " Maiden all Forlorn"), Miss Stuart. How Mother Hubbard has a certain " party" to tea and turn out, and of the remarkable pranks played by her comical Dog—The Head, the Hat, and the Hose—The . Dog's Tale and Mrs. H.'s Narrative— Arrival of the Squire—Proclamation of Witch Burning— Threatened incremation of Mother Hubbard on her own hearth, and her Mystic Flight upon a Broomstick. THE WITCHES' GLEN AND WATERFALL, in the Valley of Perfumed Flowers, by Moonlight. Will-o'-the-Wisp _ _ _ Ignes Fatui—M dile& Sidney, Travers, Barnes, A. Barnes, Livermore ; Webb, Taylor, Braithwaite,Hammilton, Stap ley, Harris, Candy, Copeland, Archer, Hawkins, Delaney, Wilson, Williams, Robinson, Wood, Watson, and Hamel ton. Grand Ballet, Chagne-a-Lanterne, by the Misses GUN NISS and the Ladies of the Corps de Ballet. ___ The Invocation I The Incantation 11 and the Evapora- tion I I I THE VILLAGE GREEN AND ROADSIDE ALE- HOUSE. Old Grype (the Steward), Mr. Glindon ; Old Scratche (his Clerk), Mr. Tanner ; Tenantry, Messrs. Cringe, Scrape, Shuffle, Cut, Packoff, Moonraker, and Runaway ;' Tailor, Mr. Snipshears ; Bootmaker, Mr. Tightfit ; Mum mies, Messrs. Grinner, Joker, Magger, Cracksides, O'Reilly, M'Phun, &c. ; St. George, Mr. E. Roe ; the Dragon, Mr. Scalyfellow ; Valentine, Mr. Febbyerry ; Orson, Mr. Wildman; Still-Walker, Mr. Longlegs; Bear, Warden, Mr. Smuggins ; the Bcar, Mr. Huggins; Land lord, Mr. Treblex ; Morris-Dancers, Messrs. Trip, Tap, Flip, Flap, &c., &c. ; Jack Padding, Mr. Merryman. How the Squire celebrates his birthday, and the Village Revel that follows—Coming of Age in the Olden Time I How the Tenantry treated in one way and how Jack is rented in another—the Dog's instinct and Mother Hub - bard's reason. THE "CAGE" ON THE COMMON (Sunset). Grand Scena Comique and Pas de Broomstick, by Mother Hubbard. The Dreamer and the Worker—The Vision of Pleasure and the Division of Labour—Figures of Fun (from the Fancy-store of Dykwynkyn) Messrs. Mason, Drainpipes, Carpenter, Rodman, Old Brick, and Young Shaver, Lilli putian Labourers, Pigmy Plasterers, Tiny Tilers, Minia ture Masons, Baby Bricklayers, Short Sawyers, Dwarf Drain Makers, and Child Carpenters by a Host of Juvenile Auxiliaries. THE HOUSE THAT JACK BUILT, The Rat, Mast€r Longwhisker ; The Cat, Miss Mouser; The Deg, By Himself; The Cow, Madame Brindle; The Priest (" All shaven and shorn"), Mr. Jollyman; The Cock (" That crowed in the Morn") Master Cocky-doodle doo. Realisation of the famous Picture in the National Gal lery of Little Britain, taken (by permission) for Boys, from a rare work in the collection of Master Smith, London. FROGPOOL IN THE MARSHES (Twilight). Song, " Will o' the Wisp," composed by J. IL Tully, Esq. How the Squire goes Hunting and loses his way and his temper, and what, follows in consequence—Another curious instance of Canine sagacity—Bull-frogs,. Masters Hop, Skip, Jump, Creak, &c. SQUASH-HOLLOW SWAMP AND BED OF BULRUSHES. How the Squire comes to grief and afterwards to repent ance, and how Jack is recognised as the rightful heir—The reward and harmonious movements of the Fairies on a Grand Chromatic Scale towards WILL 0' WISP'S HOME BENEATH THE WATERFALL. The Transformation. Harlequins Messrs. CORMACK and ST. MAINE. Columbines The Misses GUNN'S& Pantaloons Messrs. G. TANNER and MORLEY. Clowns Messrs. FORREST and HULINE. Grotesque 1861-1862 SPRITES by the RIDGWAYS and SUWELL FAMILY. 1.-EXTERIOR OF TWO SHOPS IN " UP-OR- DOWN" STREET. Messrs. Huline, St. Maine, Tanner, and Miss S. Gunniss. Christmas PI esents—every Man (and Boy) to his Post, oven the Post-Man—Clown rides the high horse, which proves his rock a-head—Two Young Men from the Country, and Clown gets over them—a Sewing Machine (not a poor Needlewoman)—a thorough Blow out—a Man in very re duced circumstance—Clown finds the Fruits of stealing Apples in an elephantine way—a Band of Brothers—the Police in Great and Small Force—Clown gets into a row and blows up a policeman—the end of this scene is all Bustle—N.B. Not Crinoline. 2.—THE GREAT SENSATION KITCHEN. Messrs. Forrest, Cormack, Morley, and Miss Gunniss. Harlequin seeks Protection, although a Free-trader— The Cook's Guide—Clown tries to take the chair—the head dish of the table—Harlequin goes through a Deal, and Clown becomes a Board-er—Silence those dreadful Bells— 'Clown and Pantaloon make an ap-Peal to the Audience on the Merry Musical Bells—Pantaloon rather bard pressed— arrival of a distinguished Foreigner—Clown falls into his own trap, and kills a Blue-bottle, which proves a bad Buzz-ness for him—a Lecture on the Gorilla, by a well known character—Clown meets with a few Friends (not (,tuakers)—this Scene ends at the finish of it. 3.-THE INTERIOR OF A RAILWAY STATION. Eight hours at the Sea-side for 2s 6d—Duty off Paper— " The Times" reduced and the Times on the rise—a book that takes leafe of Clown—Harlequin gets his horse from a Stall and sets up a trap. No Smoking a•Loud, only on the Quiet—Clown makes a Tremendous Christmas Tree— late arrivals—Messrs. NeverTntime, Tcolate, Dearme, and 131essme-,--elown, burns his fingers (not the only person that has done so)—Clown gives Good Bail and finds a Bale of goods. - 4.—The SEA-SIDE. The Sands I The Sands I I The Sands I I I Come unto these yellow sands. A Sailor telling a Yarn and a boat Lying too—the Pier Master's ap-Pierance—Clown makes a Man's hair turn sandy and proves himself in the wrong box—by a slight Miss-Take, which a certain Miss won't Take—Pantaloon gets some shell-fish in a very Selfish manner—Clown asto nishes the Natives—Sailors that use their Cut-Lasses but don't Cut Lasses when they can join with thorn in a National Hornpipe—Clown gets a Sensation Leader—'l he Great Donkey Stir St. Leger—Clown and Pantaloon's Concert—fine ears for Music—they fish in troubled waters —a Divided Interest—a sudden Squall (Children and all) --The latest Novelty in Parrehutes. Scene—A DISMAL SWAMP—After a storm a calm appears, a HARLEQUIN'S HOME ON HIS THRONE OF SPLENDOUR. Doors open at half-past Six, to commence at Seven o'clock. Tickets for Boxes, Pit, and Galleries, may be had at the Box Office before the opening. E NGLISH OPERA, Co VENT GARDEN. YAL Under the management of Miss Louisa Fyne and Mr. W. Harrison. THIS EVENING, THE PURITAN'S DAUGHTE R. Mi ss Louisa Pyne, Miss Susan Pyne; Mr. Santley, Mr. H. Corri, Mr. George Honey, Mr. Patsy, 'Mr. A. St. Albyn Mr. T. Matto, 1 i r . W a l lworth, M r. E ugene D usse k , Mr. C. Lyali, and Mr. W. Harrison. Conductor, Mr. ALFRED MELLON. After which will be produced (written expres,ly by J. M. Morton), a Grand Comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled LIARLEQUIN GULLIVER ; or, A Trio to Brobdignag„ a Peep at Lilliput, and a Flying Visit to Laputa. Gulliver, Mr. W. 11. Payne ; Mrs. Guliiver, Mr. F. Payne. Principal' dimmense."Mdlle. Lamoureux, supported by the Ladies of the Corps de Ballet. The Harlequin/de sustained by the eminent Pantomimists, Messrs. H. Payne, F. Payne, 11. Lauri, E. Lauri, S. Lauri, an d Miss Jenny Lauri. Commence at Seven. • It EA TRY,. ito If AL, HAYMARKET, Y' I ,Psgeo. Mr. J. R. tHI EVENING, to commence with THE HONEYMOON. Juliana, Miss Jane Coombs (hcr sth appearance in Eng land). After which, a Comic Christmas Pantomime, LITTLE misS MUFFET AND LITTLE BOY BLUE • or, !Uric an Old Daddy Longlegs. Louise Leclerc% 'Cliarlvst Le ih Lrert Cole, G. Becket, and Miss !Cosine. e I ererl, Colon rue nce a 7 OUBITT, Mayor.— A PUBLIC MEETING v will be held on TUESDAY next, the 14th inst., in the EGYPTIAN HALL, Mansion House, to consider the pro priety of inviting contributions for the purpose of erecting a lasting Memorial to His late Royal Highness the PRINCE CONSORT, and to adopt such measures for carrying out the object as may then be decided on. The Right Hon. the LORD MAYOR will take the Chair at Two o'clock precisely. Mansion House, Jan. 9, 1862. HO YAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.- Lessee, 111 . r A. Harris. THIS EVENING, PLAYING WITH FIRE. Mr. John Brougham After which a Comic Christmas Pantomime, 'WHITTING TON AND HIS CAT ; or, Harlequin King Kollywobbol and the Genius of Good Humour. The grotesque opening invented and written by Henry J. Byron, Esq., author of the Princess's Pantomime of "Jack the Giant Killer." The Scenery by Mr. James Gates, Mr. H. Cuthbert, and numerous assistants. Good Humour, Miss Helen 'Toward; Princess Popsiwopsi, Miss Rose Leclercq; Alice, Miss Pauline Le clercq; Mcssrs. Garden, Cathcart, Morland, Collett, Hast ings. Raymond; Dick Whittington, Miss Maria Harris; Robin Goodfellow and the Cat, Master John Haslem, ;pupil of the celebrated Gabriel Ravel; Clown, Mr. Hildyard ; Harlequin, Mr. John Lauri ; Pantaloon, Mr, Paulo ; Colum bine, Miss Caroline Adams. Morning Performances wail take place at Two o'clock every Monday till further notice. N EW THEATRE-R0 VAL, ADELPHI, Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. • THIS EVENING, and during the week the great Drama, entitled THE OC'T'OROON; or, LIFE IN LOUISIANA: Messrs. Grace. Billing ton, Emery, Phillip, Jamison, Smith, Stephenson, homer. Lewis ; Mrs. Billin.gton, Mrs. 11. Mar ston, Miss C. Denvil, Miss Latimer, and Mrs. 11. Lewis. After wh'ch, at 20 minutes past 0, till great Irish Dram's of THE COLLEEN BAWN. Mr.D. Boucicault, Slissßanoe, Mr. Fisher, Miss Woolgar, Box Office open from 10 tll5. N EW It OYALTY THEATRE Dean-street, Oxford-street. THIS EVENING, A LESSON FOR HUSBANDS. After which, CAMELIA ; Camelia, Mdlle. Albina di Rhona. Fol lowed by a New and Operatic Burlseque, by J. TI. Tully, Esq., entitled THE VERY EARLIEST EDITION OF IL TROVATO ; or, Who Killed the -. To con lude with A NICE QUIET DAY.--Commence at half-past 7. _ L A I STLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.- Last 10 Nights of "The Colleen Bawn - -Triumphant Success of the grand Equestrian Pantomime. THIS EVENING, and during the week, to commence with Dion Boucicault's Drama, THE COLLEEN BAWN. New and daring Scenes in the Circle, by the Eclipse Artistes, nightly hailed with thunders of approbation. Concluding with the Grand Comic Pantomime of JOHNNY GILPIN'S RIDE TO EDMONTON. SPECIAL NOTICE. A GRAND JUVENILE MORN ING PERFORMANCE will take place on SATURDAY, Jan. 11, at 2 o'clock, for the convenience of families residing at a distance. By the kind permission of the Commandant, Colonel Crutchley, the Boys of the Military Asylum, with their Juvenile Band, will attend. Stage Manager, Mr. W. Searle. CANTERBURY HALL CONCERTS, AND FINE ARTS GALLERY. Triumphant Success of Mr. Marshall's Grand Christmas Entertainment, "THE ENCHANTED HASH " (SECOND EDlTlON)—Wonderful Transformations—Every Evening at a quarter-past ten—in addition to the following Comic talent : Mr. Frederick French, the great Shakesperian Bur lesque Vocalist, Mr. Wood and Son, Mr. J. G. Forde, Miss Harriet Covency, and Miss Greene. Grand Selections from LA TRAVIATA and TROVATORE, at ten o'clock, By Miss Russell, Mr. Herbert, Signor Tivoli, and full Chorus. Musical Director, Mr. Jonghmans. Admission—Hall, 6d. ; Stalls aad Balcony, ls. CANTERBURY HALL.-VICTOR JULIEN, " THE FLYING MAN " Every Evening at half-past Nine o'clock. 1111 E 0 X F O RD, 6, OXFORD-STREET, OPEN EVERY EVENING. Selections from Verdi's Grand Operas, " Email," "Simon Doccanegra," and "Macbeth," by Miss Russell and Machine Enderssohn ; Messrs. Albert, W. Morley, Greene, and C. Greville. Full Band and Chorus.—Conductor, Mr. F. Jonghmans. Solos by Mr. V,otti Collins (the great English violinist). And other Vocal and Instrumental Entertain ments, the Comic portion by Messrs. Sam Collins, 14]. Mar shall, M. P. Foster, W. Randall. and Miss Harriet Coveney. Hall, 6d.; Stalls and Balcony, ls. ; Private Boxes, 10s. 6d. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Titis DAY.—Morning, 7h. 53m.—Afternoon, Bh. 21m. To-monnow. -Morning, Bh. 55m.—Afternoon, 9h. 33m. THE WEATHER.—Sum OFFICE, JANUARY 9, 18d2. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 48 —:ighcst since noon yesterday. 36—lowest this morning and during the night. 49 —this day at noon. BAROMETER-29.74. WIND—South-Westerly; light, with dull rainy weathei. THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, JANUALY 9, 1862. quence, and with all the power derivable from ample and extended experience, come forth forcibly now in corroboration of what was already known and reasoned amongst ourselves. Earnestly we commend these arguments of the Hon. JOSEPH HOWE to the serious consideration of in tending emigrants. The letter from Madagascar which appeared in The Sun of Tuesday, offers a very interesting men tal transition to a part of the world which, for the last thirty years, and during the reign of the late QUEEN, has been ,a country of mystery, The Madagasses, through the nature of their country, were able to drive away Europeans, and when they admitted them on public business to the capital, it was under the most jealous restric tions. The rule of the late QUEEN, who died on the 16th of August last, had been very cruel and tyrannical ; but her son, who has ascended the throne under the title of RADAMA 11., is of a directly opposite character. Indeed, the fear of well-wishers to the island is, that he may, prove too lenient a ruler, and that his merciful policy may spare the lives of those who, if they can find the opportunity, will not spare his. His cousin heads a faction of cruel heathen fanatics, who would not hesitate to assassinate the King and place RAMBOULASAMA on the throne. They attempted it while the QUEEN was living ; but RADAMA IL has determined " to begin his reign on the broad principle of shed ding no blood," and he therefore merely detains his fierce and treacherous cousin in " honourable cap- tivity." So dreaded was the QUEEN that when she was found by the numerous guards and officers who mounted guard during tier illness to be really dead, they actually threw up their arms—spears, shields, and swords,—into the air, in an involuntary tumult of joy. In her wars with the other tribes she butchered thousands in cool blood. One officer told the writer of the letter, that he had seen, in a few years' service, a hundred thousand prisoners of war systematically killed, a thousand at a time, and their wives and children sold into slavery. An officer who bad shown a little emotion at the painful sight, was recalled, and not employed again. She entered thoroughly into the lowest superstitions of the country, and hence bitterly persecuted the Chris tians after the missionaries had been driven away. Not less than two thousand of them, according to the most favourable accounts, suffered death. The mode of inflicting it being to bind them with cords to crosses, and in that position to stone them to death. Others were chained together in gangs of from 15 to 20, and in that condition obliged If topoenre ambulate the country begging te of the number died, the survivors had still to drag his chain about, and the writer saw an old lady of 70, who after surviving the whole gang besides dragged about the chains of the dead till she and other gangs were liberated by the new KING. He saw the deep galling marks of the chain on their I necks. The present KING professes a kind of Deism, and is favourable to Christians and to Europeans. He received the embassy, of whom the writer , ists one, very cordially, as did the people. Presents of a rather primitive kind were abundantly offered. RADAMA enquired repeatedly for the health of our QUEEN, andby his directions particular inquiry was made for Lord PALMERSTON, whom the Madagasses regard with special favour. They must be an intelligent people naturally. Some of the officers who, 35 years ago, had been educated in England conversed fluently and idio matically in English. One is mentioned as under standing French also, and he rendered the Drench easily into English. Some accompanied their pre sents of bullocks, &c., with notes written in good English. It must have somewhat surprised COI. MIDDLETON to receive with the living beef this short business-like note : —" To Col. MIDDLETON,— I send you and your companions a bullock by my son. How are you after your journey? Saith— RAMONJA, 14th Honour, officer of the Palace, Prince." The people appeared to be highly de lighted with the sight of the embassy. They had not for 30 years seen a European at their capital with the good will of the Sovereign, and appeared to be almost piled on each other in order to get a sight. A new era has begun for Madagascar in relation to Europeans, if only the better feeling of the inhabitants be judiciously cultivated, and civi lised men have the sense to respect not only their own good name, but the national prejudices of the uncivilised. Mr. ELLIS'S interesting account of his visit to the QUEEN a few years ago, had given us a fair idea of the capital of Madagascar, and theatoach! to it—the letter before us describes the same general features of country. One of the chief is a vast belt of nearly impracticable forest, quite roadless, with nothing indeed worthy the name of a path, lying between the capital and the sea, and pre served on principle in this state, as the best defence of the capital Antananarivo . Assuredly Sir W. ARMSTRONG'S Artillery would never find a way through it; nor would any modern army with those equipments which give us such an irresistible superiority to mere savages. As to Cavalry, they would be useless near the capital, where the roads are but narrow paths, through rice swamps. What indeed could soldiers effect in a country of which one of the principal lines of travel is thus described such a tunnel no STEPIIENSON assuredly ever dreamed of. " While travelling in canoes we passed through a narrow than nel connecting two lakes. This deserves a few words of description, as I have been unable to find any previous account of it. It is termed I (Rano-mainte,' literally ' black water,' and well it deserves the name. It is about three miles in length, and not more than seven feet wide, there being hardly room to force the canoes along. The dense, rank, tropical vegetation on both sides arches over, and for the entire distance light is nearly ex eluded. There is a dead silence, and when we passed through there was not a breath of wind sufficient to stir a leaf. Right and left we saw an endless com plication of interarching roots, while the maze of stems and plants in all stages of decay effectually shut out the free air of Heaven. The Arum is very abundant, and grows to the height of at least 12ft.' We know from Mr. ELLis that the botany of the country offers a rich treat to the naturalist, and some animals are peculiar to it. Its fauna and flora will prove attractive to our scientific men ; and its commerce, if the country can but obtain and preserve an intelligent Government, will be very valuable. Its chief present trade is in bullocks to the Mauritius and the Lie of Bourbon, but the timber is known, some of it, to be very valuable, and minerals are abundant. The Hevahs deem themselves to be, and really are, a superior race, but factions divide them. The writer of the letter. who w as a member of the embassy sent from the ' Mauritius to congratulate RADAMA 11. on his ascent to the throne, thus concludes his interesting details :—" I know from personal observation, that it is a country wonderfully rich in metals of various kinds. It is confidently asserted that coal exists to the westward. It now requires a judicious, firm hand to amalgamate the conflicting elements that exist among the Hovali people, and to raise the OYAL LYC E UM THEATRE. 1 Id Manager--Mr. Edmund Falconer. THIS EVE4INI4, Jan. 9, the new and original. Drama, entitled PEEP O'DAY or, Savourneen Deelish. Diessrs. Walter Lacy, Hermann Vezin, Charles Selby, Edmund Fal coner ; Mrs. D. P. Bowers, MISS Clara Weston. Atter which, a r, ew and original Burlesque Extravaganza, entitled LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD ; or, The Fairies of the Rose, the Thistle, and the Shamrock . Principal charac ters by mr. Chas. Thompson. p Se so lb n y . , Air. Warlo or „ Miss Cicely Nott, and Miss Lydia , A ctingManager—Mr. F. B. Chatterton. Prices as usual. O Doors open at hall-past 6, to com mon o e at B 2E-010e ope n c u ll iron% 11 tlll5. Ott* -'? .. =". 7 1," A ,;,., , /,,,4 7 $ • ._ , ''' '-,- r, : : - T-' ,. '., ` ,.7 V : 1 , 4,, - cr , ,tiziii ,'':J.),,. ~---4,:y.,.j,,, - vii.--:; .;:: i' — '''"'"t:' , l,,, !.:'!(‘, , i 4 14. - u- r:' N:....,:!-:..-r.,:1; ..,-ht, _.,,:•-irt:f.c.::,. .. , • 7 7 ...„ g: - . , ...4.-n ..... --.71,,if!--: THE SUN. LONDON, THURSDAY, JAN. 9, 1862. On the TWENTY SEVENTH of December—three days before Lord LYONS was otherwise to have left Washington—the Federal Government pieced the prisoners in the Lands of our Ambassador. We have long hardly doubted any other result of the firm yet conciliatory demands of our Government, the preparations made to back them, and the moral support accorded to them, first in such an emphatic way by France, then by the other Powers of Europe. Nevertheless, we all feel as if suddenly relieved from the pressure of a load. There was no absolute certainty that the American mob would not be mad enough to force its madness on the Government ; we knew that in Mr. SEWARD, if his own words belie not his opinions, they had a willing tool in any "insult" to England; and, therefore, till we received last night's telegrams, we could have no absolute assurance that even the clearest expediency would weigh with the Washington Government, and dispose them to do right, War is so horrible as well as costly an alternative, that we can but feel thankful to escape it for the present. But we have evidently only narrowly escaped it—escaped it with a feeling left behind in the North which will require us henceforth to be on our guard against the irresponsible folly and spite of the American mob for long years to come. In deferring till the last hour the surrender of the captives, the Federal Government has marked more emphatically than any words can do, and in a manner no words can explain away, if that were wished, which is not likely—that it winces to the last under the consciousness of wrong, under the strongest wish to enjoy the fruits of its wrong, and under the necessity of doing what is right, while its heart is yet wrong. We have little doubt that in a grandis et verbosa epistola Mr. SEWARD will attempt to show that England and all Europe are wrong in their moral judgment. He will attempt to prove, in case remarkably simple as one of interna tional morality, that the moral sentiments of im pattial bystanders are not so correct as those of one of the parties, of one obviously blinded by in terest and passion. 'We can, however, say thus much for ourselves, that we believe that England, had all Europe been of the opinion opposite to her own, would have attributed the greatest weight to the sentiments of every Power in a position to be impartial. We should have suspected that our interests, or temper, had blinded our judg• ment. We might even have withdrawn our demands. We should certainly have shown no signs of angry fretting, nor have retained ill will against the Northerns for a case in which they had so many impartial judgments in their favour. We are not to expect the same from the North. We arc told that the affair is to become the ground of a lasting enmity against England, to be appeased only by plunging into the earliest possible war with her. America seems to have no sense of the dignity and honour of preferring the judgment of a cool and disinterested neighbour to her own, in a case in which her own feelings are too liable to bias. The telegrams tell us that the seaboard of the North will be much more likely to approve the action of the Government than the eastern and inland parts, which seems as much as to say, that politics, in America, are not only extremely selfish as regards foreign countries, 134 t as regards their own States. We are disposed, however, to think this is a mistake. If the Atlantic towns feared direct attacks, or loss of trade, the inland and agri cultural parts of the country must fear to lose the grand market for their produce, They send nothing now to the South, If they could send no corn to France and England, their crops must rot on the ground this year, and it would not be worth while to sow for the next. We should rather think that the shrewd agriculturists of the north and west will be but too thankful to know that they will have an open mar ket for next autumn's produce. England and France could have got abundance of corn elsewhere; America could not have found another purchaser. It is rather singular that just at this moment another commander should have imitated the con duct of Capt. WILKES, in taking two passengers sus pected of being Southern agents out of the Eugenia Smith, a vessel supposed to be a New York one, sailing under English colours. The case is reported to us in too obscure a shape to form any opinion of its merits. It shows, however, that the example of Captain Wilms was a very infectious one, and that it was not rebuked one moment too soon. It will now make Federalist commanders very chary of taking contraband and persons out of British vessels unless they can first have confidence in bringing the vessels before a prize court, and obtaining their condemnation. We can but regard the conduct of the business by our own Government with the highest satisfac tion. Its firmness, yet carefulness, to leave nothing possible in the way of conciliation undone, have placed us in the best possible position. After a short time, even the Americans themselves must surely see that we have avoided everything in man ner that could look like arrogance, or needlessly wound their susceptibility. We provided indeed immediately for our naval and military de fence, but it was for our defence only. It was their own conduct which compelled this. We are sorry for them that they should lose the vast advantage they enjlyed of repudiating the illegal act at once, and gaining the applause of both England and all Europe. We are sorry they should have been so wanting in political acuteness as not to see the advantage of thus securing our good-will, instead of throwing us almost perforce on the side of the slave holding South. They were, however, so foolish as to delay and even resist surrender, and we could but arm for a very probable war, seeing that they were armed already. The cost to us has been great ; but it has been good economy. It is much to be doubted whether three European States could have induced the Americans to do us justice, if they had not seen that we should certainly do ourselves justice. Even now we feel that it is farbetter to be perfectly secure on the frontier of our American colonies. We may do our work more leisurely and cheaply, but still it will be wise to do it. Another most impressive speech has been very recently delivered, this time at Bristol, by the Hon. JOSEPH HOWE, the Prime Minister of Nova Scotia. Like its predecessor, upon which we commented in these columns at the time, it consisted chiefly of an argument, a most persuasive and, as it appears to us, a wholly unanswerable argument, in favour of emigration from these shores to the British North American possessions. Mr. HOWE, it should be remembered, is not only a Nova Scotian—the first of Nova Scotians, being at this moment the Prime Minister of the Nova Scotian Government —but he is also heart and soul—may we not say it in the literal meaning of the words ? an Englishman. He is an Englishman not merely by his origin —his fore fathers having been Englishmen—but he is himself thoroughly an Englishman by his loyal and patrio tic sympathies. So completely does he identify himself with us in all his thoughts and feel ings that—(it is a significant little incident, this, to note at the very commencement of his speech on Tuesday evening down at Bristol) —if he has occasion to quote a couplet from OLIVER GOLDSMITH, he does so as a distich from " one of our British Poets." No man—naturally and cre dibly enough, be it said, knows better than Mr. HOWE knows them, the capabilities of our North American territories. And it is in consideration of those immense capabilities that he earnestly reasons in favour of the diversion of at any rate a considerable part of the flood of emi gration .from these islands henceforth towards our own transatlantic dominions, instead of towards the great transatlantic Republic, until lately the United States, now split into North and South, peopled respectively by Federals and Con federates. " What," asked the Hon. JOSEPH HOWE, " What had taken place within the last ten years ?" Why, said he, " A million and a half of people had gone out of these three islands." And later in the same speech the Nova Scotia Premier asked, " Where were these million and a half men gone ? Where were they now whose labour had been abstracted from England P They were behind the MORRILL tariff, which was directed against the manufactures of England. They were howling republicans in animosity and hatred of England. And where ought they to have been ? One-half of them, at least, in the British provinces —building up our own country— developing our own resources—calling out the latent wealth of that land over which the flag of England floated." The argument, it will be ob- I served, is very plainly and very directly put. Any one can, upon the instant, comprehend it. The validity and the solidity of the premises are beyond the possibility of contradiction. And the force of the logical inference deduced from the facts thus brought under our consideration is perfectly obvious, and we must take leave to add, also, wholly irresistible. Mr. HowE,it should be observed, had, previously to this, given a rapid but comprehensive general de scription of the provinces of British North America. And he had said, in plain and homely words, after doing so—and, remember, it is the Prime Minister and Provincial Secretary of one of those provinces who utters these words, and who gives us this assurance the honour able gentleman had, therefore, remarked, in reference to our North American possessions, in reference to New Brunswick and to Nova Scotia, and more particularly, of course, to the two Canadas, that "if we had any poor in Eng land, there was a home for them let them come to that country." 'lt is for the enjoyment of no merely holiday tour that the Premier of Nova Scotia is paying this visit to his old mother country —we may rest assured of that. His masterly arguments in different parts of the country since he has been here arguments impressively demonstrating the twofold advantages certain to acrue, here to the British Islands, there to the British colonies, from the more general adoption of the Canada route by our English, Irish, and Scotch emigrants—we cannot but regard as the sowing of seeds scattered broadcast over the land, seeds of good thoughts that will inevitably in due time yield fruition a hundred fold. Several months since we took occa sion to illustrate through a series of articles pub lished in these columns of T he Sun the wonderful inducements there are to Canadian immigration. The Nova Scotian Premier's arguments to the same effect, arguments enforced by him viva voce 'Mien of a natural gift of do. with all the verouasi social standard of the subordinate 'Tribes, who are despised as inferior. This done, 11 fadagascar will soon take a stand among the civijzed nations of the world." "WHAT's TN A NAME ?" asks S hnkspere. Well, let us answer, sometimes, as it happens, a good deal. Here is the news of the bump tious Federal Government rat Washington " knuckling down" at the last gasp—brought to us yesterday by the City of Washington! And out of what vessel aro the two Released Commis sioners, Messrs. Slidell and Mason, with their secretaries, about to emerge and to land, free men, upon the shores of Old Englari.d ?—Why, oddly enough, out of the America! Our prophetic as well as facetious contimporary, Punch, published yesterday, in anticipation of the " glad tidings" of peace brought to us by the City of Washington, a wonderfully funny cartoon, telling us in the most: whimsical way possible—what has happened. Every line touched by the artist's pencil is a stroke of prophecy as well as of wit. "Up a Tree "is the incident depicted. Yonder, perched on as bough, is " The Yankee 'Coon "—the Gone 'Coon, of the immortal anecdote. And yonder, below--taking dreadful aim—with a blunderbuss large enough to blow the poor wretch up aloft into the :middle of next week, is Colonel Bull. 'CooN (loquitur)— " Air you in arnest Colonel ? " Colonel BULL, "I am." 'COON—" Don't Fire—l'll COME DOWN." Yes, " Come down," indeed : and in common par lance—" rather a peg or two." The original offence out of which has grown all this recent hubbub on both sides of the Atlantic„ it will be remembered, was a sort of caricature illustration—a hundred years after date—o! " WILKES and Liberty." The Liberty part of it being esteemed in this country a very Great Liberty indeed. The result has been rather disastrous, we take it, to the prospects of the future popularity of President Lincoln, who, in going to Seward for his Foreign Policy, has also decidedly gone to leeward with his Govern ment. One phrase we cannot but suggest as par ticularly applicable to the last missive penned by that " Complete Letter Writer"—meaning, of course, Earl Russell. It is that his now historic despatch to Lord Lyons should be known hence forth—like Mr. Millais' masterpiece—as " THE ORDER OF RELEASE." MR. HENRY LESLIE'S CHOIR. The seventh season of the series of performances by Mr. Henry Leslie's Choir was inaugurated last evening at the Queen's Concert Rooms, Hanover square, a far more appropriate site for these elegant, recherche, and popular entertainments than St. Martin's Hall or St. James's Hall, where they had hitherto been held. The concert began with " God save the Queen," ably arranged for the choir by Mr. Leslie, and with additional verses by Mr. W. H. Bellamy, written with elegance, and well suited to the cir cumstances of the time. The Earl of Mornington's celebrated glee, " Here in cool grot and mossy cell" was sung with greater effect than we ever heard given to it before. Though intended for single voices, yet, from the sense of the words as well as the clear and broad character of the harmony, it is ad mirably suited for choral performance. Pearsall's madrigal, " Why, with toil thy life consuming"— a beautiful thing, was sung beautifully. Men delssohn's part-song, "The first day of Spring," is one of the happiest even of that great master's efforts in this style. It is a perfect gem of beauty and expression; truly " redolent of spring ;" and the tone of devout feeling, to which it rises at the close, adds grandeur to its beauty. The first part terminated with two short anthems for an eight part choir for Christmas and New Year's-day. The second part began with a motet for a double choir by Sebastian Bach—a work of remarkable power and grandeur, and admirably executed. The chorale with which it concluded was of exquisite beauty. " The Northmen's Song of Freedom," a part-song for male voices, was sung with great vigour and effect. There was another beautiful part-song of Mendelssohn's, and a very fine Christ mas Carol, composed by Henry Leslie, concluded the concert. The Prince of Wales remains at Osborne with the Queen until after the arrival of his brother, Prince Alfred, who is expected in England in the course of the present month. Shortly after his arrival the Prince of Wales will carry out the plan laid down for him in com pletion of his education by the Queen and his deeply lamented father, of making a tour in the holy Land and the other historical localities of the East. It had been in tended that his Royal Highness should set out upon this expedition towards the end of last year, and, as the jour neys in the East can only be performed during the cooler months of the year, the Queen has decided that the rishes and arrangements of the Prince Consort, which are consi dered sacred by the Queen and the Prince of Wales, should shortly be carried into execution. The Prince will neces sarily travel in the most private manner. We understand that the Address in the House of Commons w 11 be moved by Mr. Portman, member for Dorsetshire, and seconded by Mr. Western Wood, member for the City of London. We have reason to believe that it is her Majesty's intention to confer the title of baronet upon Mr. Charles Wentworth Dilke. The Earl of Coventry has arrived in town from Crowe Court, 'Worcestershire. Viscountess Stormont was safely delivered of a daughter yesterday at her residence in Upper Grosvenor street. Her ladyship and infant aro progressing favourably. Viscount and Lady Mary Sandon will shortly leave town to a continental tour. Her ladyship, we learn, has recovered from her recent indisposition. Lady Ford has arrived at the Queen's Hotel, Upper Norwood, from Tunbridge. The marriage of Captain Maxse with Miss Steel is fixed to take place on the 18th inst. The Rev. Dr. Anderton and Mrs. and the Misses Anierton have arrived at the Brunswick Hotel, Jermyn• street, from the United States. The journals announce the death of the Duchess Dowager of Saulx Tavanu , s, at the ago of 90. She was the daughter of the Duke de Choiseul-Gouffier, Minister to Louis XV. RELEASE OF MESSRS. SLIDELL AND MASON. — Last night, before the commencement of the pantomime at Drury-lane Theatre, Mr. E. T. Smith came forward and read, from the third edition of The Sun of last evening, to a crowded audience, the official announcement that the American Government had "thought better of it," and had restored Messrs. Mason and Slidell to the British flag. The announcement, which was followed by a performance of the National Anthem, was received with enthusiastic cheers. At the Adelphi, Olympic, and other theatres, a similar announcement was made from the stage. THE BURGLARY AT PADDINGTON.—The jury returned a verdict of guilty. It was stated in the court that both of the men had been before convicted, Puzey of a burglary at Lord Foley's. The judge, in a suitable and impressive address, sentenced the prisoners Puzey and Reeves to penal servitude for life, and Collett for a term of four years. The case lasted until 10 o'clock. THE GREAT EASTERN.—Differwat arrangements have been made respecting placing this vessel on the grid iron at Neyland. That important sen ice will not now take place until the first spring tides in February—somewhere about the 14th of that month—until which period she will lie at anchor off Milford, as she has so safely done during the severe weather of the past autumn and winter. Her internal affairs are progressing satisfactorily. TIIF EARL OF ELGIN.—The Earl of Elgin left Broomhall yesterday for London, where he will remain some weeks previous to his departure for India. On Thursday his lordship was entertained at Pitfirrane by Sir P. Arthur Ilalket, Bart., at a farewell banquet, to which a large pro portion of the deputy lieutenants of the county of Fife were invited. Among the compary present were—the Earl and Countess of Elgin, Lady Emma Bruce, the Hon. Thomas Bruce; 11. H. Erskine Weni - yss, Esq., M.P. ; W. Adam, Esq., of Blair-Adam, M.P. ; John Balfour, Esq., of Bal birnie ; J. A. Thomson, Esq., of Charleston; J. 'l'. Oswald' Esq., of Dunnikier ; R. Cathcart, Esq., of Pitcairlie ; Colo nel and Mrs. Babington, of Luscar, Ice. The earl is accom panied by the countess, Lord Bruce, and Lady Emma Bruce.—Edinburgh Courant. IT,T,NF3S OF Loan) SEATON.--We ( Western Morning _News) regret to elate that Lord Seaton is at pre sent much indisposed. This gallant and venerable noble man is now at his residence at Beechwood,near Plymouth, and his illness causes considerable anxiety to his friends and relatives. This is naturally increased by his lordship's ad. vanced age, he being now in his 86th year. His lordship is a field marshal in the army, a G.C.8., colonel of thQ 2d Life Guards, and Lieutenant • Governor of Chelsea Hospital. He has been Governor-General of Canada, and Lord High Commi,sioner of the lonian Islands. For some years be commanded the troops in Ireland. He was raised to the peerage in 1839 as a lewari for his distinguished military oeryicea. LATEST NEWS. PEACE WITH AAIEIIIC/A, RELEASE OF MESSRS. SLIDELL AND MASON. A telegram, dated the 27th of December, was received at the Foreign-office from Lord Lyons, soon after four o'clock this afternoon, announcing that the United States Government had consented to deliver to him the prisoners when and where he pleased. Foreign-office, Jan. 8, 1862. CORK, JAN. 8. Shortly before the Washington left New York a telegram was received at Inman's office from Wash ington saying that the Commissioners would be surrendered, and leave for England by the next mail. The prisoners were to be set free on the 29th. DIPLOMATIC CORRESPONDENCE ON THE TRENT AFFAIR. LONDONDERRY, JAN. 9. The Canadian steamer Jura, which arrived here this morning, was detained at Portland six hours for Lord Lyons' despatches, which she takes to Liverpool direct. NEW YORK, DEC. 28. (Per Jura, via Portland and Londonderry.) The diplomatic correspondence in reference to the case of Messrs. Mason and Slidell has been published. It commences with a despatch from Mr. Seward to Mr. Adams in London, declaring that Captain Wilkes acted without instructions, and hoping that the British Government would consider the subject in a friendly temper. Mr. Seward says also that the British Government may expect the best dis position on the part of the Federal Government. The next despatch is from Earl Russell to Lord Lyons, stating the outrage on the British flag, and hoping that the act was committed without instruc tions from the Federal Government, as that Govern ment must be aware that Great Britain cannot allow such an affront to pass without reparation. Earl Russell expresses a hope that the Federal Govern ment will offer suitable redress by giving up the four prisoners to Lord Lyons. Mr. Seward, who was furnished with a copy of Earl Russell's despatch, replied that the English Government rightly conjectured that the act was without the authority or knowledge of the Federal Government. He trusts that England will see that the Federal Government neither practised nor ap proved any deliberate wrong in the transaction, and declares that Great Britain has a right to de mand the same reparation as the United States would expect from any friendly nation in a similar case. Mr. Seward says he is aware that he argues on the British side of the case, but in doing so he is only defending American principles. He quotes the instructions from Mr.. Madison, Secretary of State in 1804, to Mr. Monroe, Minister to England, and says :—" If I decide this case in favour af my own Government I must disallow its most cherished principles, and for ever abandon its most cherished policy ; but the country cannot afford such a sacri fice ; the Government cannot deny the justice of England's claim." Mr. Seward, in conclusion, states that the four prisoners are at the disposal of Lord Lyons, and asks his lordship to indicate a time and place for receiving them. Lord Lyons, in his reply, says he will forward Mr. Seward's communication to the British Go vernment, and will confer personally with him in regard to the reception of the four gentlemen. The note from M. Thouvenel to the French Minister on the Trent affair is included in the cor respondence. LATER BY TELEGRAPH TO PORTLAND. NEW YORK, DEC. 28. A suspension of specie payments by the banks is considered probable. Exchange—Bankers' bills, 1102. LATEST BF TELEGRAPH TO PORTLAND. NEW YORK, DEC. 28, 2 P.M. The Trent affair has been amicably settled. Messrs. Mason and Slidell are to be surrendered. A long correspondence between Earl Russell and Mr. Seward is now being published. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. Exchange—Bankers' bills, 110/. Stocks buoyant; New York Central, 781 ; Illinois, 6071 ; Erie, 301. Cotton quiet ; middling Upland, 36c. Breadstuffs steady, but quiet. Provisions steady. NEW YORK, DEC. 27, EVENING. (PER CITY OF WASHINGTON via QUEENSTOWN.) An Associated Press Washington despatch says it is reported and generally credited that the Trent affair has been adjusted. The terms of the adjustment are not, however, stated in this despatch. The New Fork Tames announces that it has authority to state that the matter has been adjusted. The New York Ilera?cl argues that the Federal Government gains no advantage in retaining Messrs. Mason and Slidell, and that their surrender may take away the pretext for English and French inter ference. The New York _Herald continues, " The storm may blow over, but it will leave a debt of abuse from England to be repaid hereafter by America." The New York limes thinks " that while Eng land regards the rebels as boll;gerents and America regards them as rebels a pretext for war will event ually arise." A false rumour of the release of !Messrs. Mason and Slidell, which was set afloat yesterday, caused rather a feeling of relief than indignation in the popular mind at a settlement of the question. The New York World is of opinion that people will submit to the surrender of Messrs. Mason and Slidell as a necessity of the present position, but with the hope of avenging their surrender here after. General Scott is still in New York. It is sup posed that he brought no official offer from France. The New York Herald urges the passing of a tariff in favour of French goods, to the exclusion of English manufactures. The Government has announced that the new tea, coffee, and sugar tariff came into force from the 25th of December, and applies to all goods in ware house and to current importations. The Journal of Commerce says this announcemen t has cause a feeling of wrong and injustice among commercial classes, and trusts the Government will reconsider its action. _ . _ The m:lin chann?l of Charleston harbour has ten totally destroyed by sinking vessels. The war excitement in Canada is unabated. The steamers Amigo and Edinburgh have arrive.] out. NEW YORK, DEC. 28, MORNING. M e ssrs. Mason and Slidell have been set at liberty by the Federal Government. The Icew ork ABsociated Press publish the fol lowing telegram : " The surrender of Messrs. Mason and Slidell will be better accepted as a political necessity on the seaboard than in the interior and in the West. " It is unquestionable that in the agricultural por tion of the Union the popular sentiment at this act of the President will be profound and lasting. " On the eastern rim of the Atlantic slope, his de claration that he could not have two wars at once on his hands will be accepted as the justification of his policy." The harbour of Charleston has been destroyed, 16 whaling hulks filled with granite having been sunk in three parallel lines of interval distances across the channel. The flow permitted to the water will prevent the cutting of a new outlet, and the obstruction will soon accumulate a triple line of sand banks across the entrance. A large and very carefully prepared naval expe dition, under General Burnside, will sail from Anna polis next week. The land force will comprise 12,000 troops. Complete success is anticipated from this enter prise, and results are expected to flow from it of the greatest consequence, none less than in the cutting off the enemy's most important line of rail. road communication and in dividing the forces, in front of General M'Clellan, The great question of emancipation as a military measure is discussed by the people and debated in Congress. It is believed that before Congress adjourns it will pass an act declaring that the slaves of rebels who join the Federal side shall be free. Money easier. Exchange steady. Bankers bills, 1101 1101. Stocks firm and advancing; New York Central, 78 ; Erie, 28 ; 581. Cotton dull ; middling Upland, 36c. to 37c. Flour heavy. Wheat unchanged. Corn inactive. Provizions dull. Coffee steady. Sugar very firm. Molasses quiet. TWO MORE PASSENGERS TAKEN FROM UNDER THE BRITISH FLAG. NEW YORK, DEC. 27, EVENING. The Federal steamer Santiago de Cuba has over hauled, on the coast of Texas, the schooner Eugenia Smith. She found nothing contraband on board the Eugenia Smith, but took from on board two passengers, who, from the papers found upon them, were supposed to be agents of the Confederate States. These passengers, Messrs. Zacchiri and Rogers, have arrived at New York, and been confined in Fort Lafayette. The Key West correspondent of the New York Herald says the Eugenia Smith was sailing under British colours, between Matanzas and Havannah. The .New York Herald thinks that the com mander of the Federal steamer must have known what colours the Eugenia Smith sailed under, or he would have taken her as a prize. The New York Evening Post says—" The Eugenia Smith sailed under British colours, but was be lieved to be an American ship, partly owned by Messrs. Zacchiri and Rogers," PARIS, lAN 9. The Moniteur of to-day contains a decree con vening the Senate and the Corps Legislatif for the 27th inst., and stating that the report on the state of the Empire will, as in 1861, be submitted to the Chambers on the day after the opening of the Session. MOSTAR, lAN. 7. Omar Pasha yesterday sent a new proclamation to the insurgents, promising a complete amnesty to some and clemency to the others if they spontane ously surrendered. Military operations will be suspended by the Turks until the receipt of the reply of the insurgents. THE CALCUTTA, CHINA, AND AUSTRALIAN MAILS. The Massilia. and Indus, with the above mails, left Alexandria on the 4th inst., at sunset, for Mar seilles and Southampton respectively. The Candia brought the mails to Suez, arriving there on the 3d. THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA MAILS. LIVERPOOL, JAN. 9. The African mail steamer Athenian, with the above mails, has arrived here. \ Her dates are—Benin, Dec. 8 ; Fernando Po, Nov. 30; Cameroons, 29th; Old Calabar, Dec. 3; Brass River and Nun, 7th ; Bonny, 7th ; Lagos, 10th ; Accra, 12th ; Cape Coast Castle, 14th ; Cape Palmas, 16th ; Sierra Leone, 21st ; Bathurst, 25th; Teneriffe, 30; Madeira, Jan. 1. • She brings 2,200 oz. of golddust and 25 pas- sen gers. Trade was rather brisk. Dr. Baikie was left at the confluence of the Niger in November last, quite well. Considerable excitement prevailed at Lagos, arising out of the recent cession of that place to England. The native chiefs were discontented. Serious disturbances had taken place in Quioh territory, near Sierra Leone. All the troops and native militia had gone to that place. Desperate fighting was going on. A native stockade at Madenka had been destroyed by the British. Major Hill was mortally wounded. Captains Jones and Williams, Sergeant Evans, and 23 privates, were also dangerously wounded. Mr, Rees, Colonial Engineer, arrived at Bathurst on the 24th of December. FRAN CE. BOURSE, January B.—The rise of yesterday has speedily disappeared, and prices have again re turned to what they were on the previous day. The amount of business was limited. Threes, for the Account, are now at 67f 60e. Railways dull, and in some cases lower. The following are the last quotations :- 4t per per Cents ... 96 50 Credit Fonder llB2 50 Do end month.... 96 b 0 Belgian 41 lOO -- 3 per Cents Do. end month 67 60 Roman Bank Shares 2950 Austrian Credit Mobilier.... 705 Spanish Threes — Do. Account 707 59jHome Debt RAILWAYS. Cash. Account. Orleans 1317 50 .. 1320 Northern New ditto — --- • • Lyons and Mediterranean .. 1023 75 1025 Geneva.. 362 50 .. 365 Southern 665 .. 667 50 Western Eastern Sardinian .......... 323 75 .. 325 Austrian Lombard , ......... 0 512 75 • • 515 TIIE FORTIFICATIONS ON MILFORD HAVEN.- Major Simpson's battery of the sth Brigade Royal Artil lery, in the fortified barracks Pembroka Dock, are the only troops in any of the fortresses on this important haven— leaving the dockyard in a truly unprotected state. Its naval defences are also very inadequate. The Tribunal of Commerce of the Seine gave judoment last week in a cause in which the Count da Cham bord and the Duchesa of Parma were plaintiffs, and the syndic of the bankruptcy of MM. Lombard Brothers, timber merchants, of La Villette, defendant. in 1869 and ISG i M. Bourcier, agent for the plaintiffs, sold to MM. Lombard three years' cuttings of timber in the forests of Val and Vasty, for the Ellin of 378,000 f , of which 62,500 f., the price of the third cutting, remained unpaid at the time of MM. Lombard's failure in April last, the timber of wh:ch, though felled, still remained on the estate, and M. Bourcier maintained that his principal had a lien upon it for the pay ment in full of the price agreed. That pretension was opposed by the syndic, but the Court, after hearing counse on both sides, decided that the lien was valid, and con. demned the sy ndic to pay all the costs of the suits /