The Sun. — London, England, 1859-01-06 00:00:00

ROYAL 'ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT GARDEN, under the sole Management of Miss Louisa Pyne and Mr. W. Harrison THIS EVENING will be presented an entirely new and romantic Opera, by Mr. W. Rafe, entitled SATANELLA ; or, THE POWER OF LOVE. Conductor -31r. Alfred Mellon. To conclude with Vie new Pantomime of LITTLE RED BIDING HOOD ; or, Harlequin and the Wolf in Granny's lothing. - Commence at Seven, ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.I - Under the Management of Mr. Charles Kean. THIS EVENING will be presented Shakspere's Tragedy of MACBETH. Macbeth, Mr. C. Kean ; Lady Macbeth, Mrs. C. Kean. After which, a new grand Christmas Pantomime, entitled THE KING OF THE CASTLE; or, Harlequin Prince Diamond and Princess Brighteyes._ THEATRE -ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Lessee, Mr. J. B. Bnckstone. SPEED THE PLOUGH. Messrs. Compton, Farren, &c., Mrs. E. Fitzwilliam and Miss E. Ternan. After which, a new grand Comic Pantomime, entitled UNDINE ; or, Harlequin and the Spirit of the Waters. Commence at 7. • ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Manager, Mr. Edmund Falconer, THIS EVENING —Increased Attraction—Production of & new and original Drama, entitled MARION DE LORME ; or, The Cradle of Stem: in which Madame Celeste will ap pear. After which, will be produced the new Burlesque, written expressly for the Lyceum Company by Robert B. Brough, and entitled THE SIEGE OF -TROY. The principal cha racters by Mrs. Keeley, Miss Julia St. George, s. Weston, Bliss Portman, Miss Talbot, Miss Kate Saxon, Miss E. Romer J. ; Mr. Emery, Mr. Charles Young, .Mr. Elierton, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Barrett, Arc. ; Miss Roma Wright, Miss M. Charles, Miss Harriet Dalton, &O. To conclude with the new Comic Pantomime, replete with new tricks and mechanical devices, entitled HARLEQUIN TOY HORSE ; or, The Cremorne Fete. Clown, Mr Charles Lauri ; Harlequin, Mr. John Lauri ; Pantaloon, Mr. Henry Lauri ; Columbine, Miss Jenny Lauri. Reduced PriCes—Dreas Boxes, 4s . ; Upper Boxes, 35.; Pit., 25.; Stalls, 55. ; Gallery, ls. Box-office open from 11 to 5 daily. Doors open at half-past 8, to commence at 7 every evening. A Morning Performance on Saturday next, at Two. NEW THEATRE - ROYAL, ADELPHI. Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Benj. Webster. THIS EVENING, MR. WEBSTER'S COMPANY IS REQUESTED AT A PHOTOGRAPHIC SOIREE. Manager, Mr. B. Webster; Photo(rrapher, Mr. J. L. Toole; Memory, Miss Woolgar ; Everybody, by Everybody else. After which, MEPHISTOPHELES. Mr. Paul 'Bedford, Mrs. A. Mellon, Miss Keeley. Followed by THE BIRTHPLACE OF DODGERS. Mr. J. L. Toole, Mr. C. Selby, Mr. Billington ; Miss Kelly, Mrs. Chatterley. To conclude with the grand Christmas Pantomime, entitled MOTHER RED CAP ; or, Harlequin Johnny Gilpin's Ride to Edmonton.' Clown, Mr. Croueste ; Harlequin, Mr. Hilde brand ; Columbine, Miss Hayman ; Pantaloon, Mr. Lupin ; Sprite, Mr. Le Barr. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Lessee and Directress, Miss Swanborongh. THIS EVENING, THE RULE OF THREE. After which, the new Extravaganza, KENILWORTH ; or Ye Queene. ye Earle, and ye Maydenne. And THE LITTLE SAVAGE Commence at 7 o'clock. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE, Westminster-road. Sole Lessee, ........ Mr. William Cooke. Dress Circle, 4s. ; Boxes, 3s. ; Pit, 2s, ; Gallery, le. ; Upper Gallery, ed. During the week, the great Eastern Sp ectacle of THE REVOLT IN INDIA; (or, The Fugitives and their Faith ful Steed. After which SCENES IN THE CIRCLE by the Star Riders of Europe. Te conclude with the great Operatic and Burlesque Eques trian Pantomime, entitled HARLEQUIN BARON BUN CHAUSEN, AND HIS COMICAL CREAM COB CRUISER. Baron Munchausen, Mr. W. Anson ; Harlequin, Mr. H. Hemmings ; Pantaloon, Herr Cole; Clown, Mr. A. F. Forrest; Columbine, Miss Julia Weston. The grand Transformation Seene, introducing Mr. W. Cooke'a beautiful and highly-trained palfries, pronounced unpreeedentedly magnificent. The new scenery, including the matchless re presentation of the "New Palace of the People, at Muswell Hill," perfect gems of art. St a ge Manager, Mr. R. Phillip s. A Morning Performance of the Pantomime on the Bth, 15th, and 22d of January, at Two o'clock. Carriages for day performances at half-past for, and for night representation at half-past eleven, CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road. — Proprietor —C. MORTON. The üblic is most respectfully informed that the FINE ARTSGALLERY, in connection wit the above Hall, IS NOW OPEN DAY AND NIGHT, from 11 o'clock a.m. until 12 o'clock p.m. The New Gallery contains an extensive Collec tion of - Pictures, by , Ancient and Modern Masters -and is also devoted to Art productions generally. The Proprietor feels he may confidently assert that, viewed altogether, the exist ing Music Hall, the New Fine Arts Gallery, and the recently added Ante-Hall, will present an attraction which, whether as regards the architectural beauty of the structures them selves, or the varied and hitherto unattempted combinations within, will be found to be wholly without parallel in the Kingdom. The MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT commences as usual at Seven o'clock. In addition to the usual entertainment, the SAUVLET FAMILY, of Amsterdam, Eight in number, whose varied instrumental performances have created so marked a sensa tion in the principal cities and towns of the Continent, will perform every Evening at Nine and Eleven o'clock. THE WEATHER.-SUN OFFICE, JAN. 6. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 45—highest since noon yesterday. 38—lowest this morning and during the night. 40—this day at noon. BAROMETER-30.46. WIND, Northerly; light, with dull weather. THE SUN. THURSDAY. JANUARY 6, 1859. There is a dark cloud hanging in the political horizon, which may betoken a coming tempest. It has been for some time notorious that the rela tions between France and Austria have not been of a very satisfactory character. There have been sundry negotiations respecting the state of Italy, more especially of the Pontifical dominions. It is supposed that France desired that the armed occu pation which has continued for the last ten years should terminate by the withdrawal of the troops of both Powers, and that certain reforms should be effected through their intervention, not only in Rome, but throughout Italy. To these representa tions Austria has not yielded the immediate assent that was anticipated, and Louis NAPOLEON, who, notwithstanding his exalted rank, is also subject to the ordinary weaknesses of humanity, has felt con siderable irritation on the subject. This irritation he gave rather strong, and unfortunately, public expression to, on Saturday, at the levee which inaugurated the New Year. The representative of the Emperor FRANCIS JOSEPH was rather sharply addressed by LOUIS NAPOLEON, who expressed his regret that the relations between the Empires should be so bad, but that his personal feeling towards his Imperial brother was the same as ever. This might have meant a great deal or very' little. The occasion was very infelicitous. It has occasioned great excitement and_ general alarm. We are told that a "hint in tender cases is enough,' and the slightest circumstance in diplomatic matters receives almost as many and as contradic tory commentaries as those bestowed on the works of HOMER or VIRGIL. It would certainly have been far more judicious had the remonstrance been privately addressed to the Austrian Ambassador, and that any manifestation of anger had been spared while he was in the position of the guest, or at least of one paying respect to the EMPEROR. It is scarcely probable that the matter should have originated at the moment, for LOUIS NAPOLEON is too cool, too calculating to commit any impulsive mistake. We know, too, that he looks to every precedent established by his uncle, and it is well known that NAPOLEON the FIRST, on two occasions, made even stronger observations to the representa tive of GEORGE the THIRD. In the evening he was particularly courteous to M. HUBNER, who is by n . . 0 means a court favourite, and it might have been intended, in some degree, to allay the irritation which had been excited by the morning occurrence. The storm may blow over, but we are bound to look to the possible consequences, and how far this country may become involved therein. Austria certainly possesses no peculiar claims on our good offices. She might have done much during what may be termed " the Crimean War ; " but she held aloof, regardless of anything but . her ' own interests. She contrived to displease all parties concerned, and has now not the slightest claim .on any. She is known, too, as the op- • , all . . "- , pressor of Hungary, of Gallicia, and of Italy, and no sympathy could, by any possibility, be excited in her behalf. It would be diffidult to con vince the British Parliament or people that we shotild engage in a sanguinary and expensive war, for the purpose of maintaining the r yeasty of the House of Hapsburg, or keeping Hungary, Gallicia, and Italy under Austrian sway. But, certainly, we could not consent to a parti tion of the Austrian dominions between France, Russia, and possibly Prussia. That would be even worse than the proposed division of "the sick man's" assets. England may thus eventually be brought, on one side or the other, into the scrape. Indeed it would be almost impossible for her to hold aloof in anything like an European war. There is a chivalrous feeling amongst our people, that induces them always to take the side of " right against might," a feeling which no Minister could withstand. If there should unfortunately be a war, we shall unquestionably have a share therein, and it is essential, therefore, that every possible means should be adopted to obviate a calamity of such fearful magnitude. If the clause respecting the intervention of a friendly power, inserted in the treaty of Paris, be good for anything, it should now be made available. We know that it was ignored in the case of Portugal, on the specious pretext that the honour of the French flag was concerned! That cannot, however, be asserted in the present in stance. It is a mere question, or questions of policy, and possibly Austria might have greater objections to British interference than even France itself. If the judgment of Great Britain were resorted to there would be some degree of freedom conceded to the peoples, but between France and Austria it would be but a choice of evils, and there would be but little to gain between Austrian or French despotism. We do not believe that the Emperor NAPOLEON will go to the extent that has been dreaded. He understands his own interests too thoroughly. He may take a leaf out of the American book, but he knows where to stop. We have seen several in stances of this, and we believe that we shall witne s s another. We trust that the threatening aspects will be dispersed, and that the pe ce of Europe may be permanently maintained. The Americans are certainly very thin-skinned. If our national emblem be the rose—theirs certainly should be the mimosa. The sensitive plant, in deed, would but very faintly typify their extra ordinary and morbid sensitiveness. They wince, not merely at too-near-an-approach, but at the mere fancy of it. They are perpetually gnawing, with suppressed anger, at some imaginary offence, or hypothetical indignity, or supposititious wrong. Their whole political surface, indeed, scarcely appears so much to be, as we have termed it, thin skinned as actually raw—proud-flesh prickling all over with diseased sensibility. There is no possi bility of the most cautious approach to them, even with the delicate feelers of diplomacy, without a risk of wounding this sensibility. Certainly a rather anomalous, not to say ludicrous, state of things, when it is remembered to be the normal condition of that extremely free-and-easy commu nity, where society may be described, generally speaking, as on the loose—the independent and enlightened democracy to whom we are indebted for the bowie-knife and the revolver, for the twin dodges of annexation and repudiation, for a religion like Mormonism, and for the new politico-military science of Filibustering. It has somehow latterly become a mere matter of course that there should be some source of mis understanding, large or small, imminent or remote, with the Government of Washington. There is always some peevish protest or other coming across the Atlantic from the direction of the United States, When we are bent even - upon conciliating them, if possible—we are in some unexpected way or another offending them unintentionally. It was said a little time back that our neighbours across the channel affected to regard as an insult the seaside undress indulged in, alike by Snobbling and Paterfa milias, when strolling in wide-a-wake or glengary along the trottoirs of Abbeville, or along the shady pavements of the Parisian Boulevards. But a plaint even more ridiculous than this came to us very re cently from New York and Philadelphia. This was nothing less than an intimation of profound annoy ance at a yet grosser insult, directed by England against the United States. Because, forsooth, on the first laying down of the Atlantic cable, we could observe with a grave countenance the preposterous demonstrations of joy indulged in on the opposite shore of the Atlantic—demonstrations, in the midst of which an old salt-water Tack of a sea captain was serenaded tenderly by torch-light, as though he were some delicate maiden in book-muslin on a balcony ! Demonstrations, moreover, in thg midst of which the New Yorkers set the town-hall of their fair city in flames, by indulging with an over-bang of squibs and crackers ! Because JOUN BULL could not, for the life of him, help grinning while he looked on in amused wonder at doings such as these —JONATHAN conceived himself to be flagrantly in sulted and aggrieved. A sullen manifestation of ill humour, which really, under the circumstances, added but another and a crowning touch of the ridiculous to the absurdities already particularized. Scarcely has 1859 dawned upon us, when we be come aware of a new bunch of grievances from the land where the mimosa may be said to be guarded by the revolver. As a sufficient illustration of the nature of these remarkable grievances, we will par ticularize one of them—the indignant complaint articulated by America against England through the United States' moiety of what we may term the San Juan del. Norte Correspondence. Be it known, then, to all who may care to examine into these extremely wonderful occur rences, that the American Republic is aggrieved, is insulted, is outraged, by reason of the monstrous facts—that Captain WAINWRIGHT, of her Majesty's ship Leopard, went on board the American steamer when in the Colorado river, asked if they had seen any Filibusters, and being answered in the negative withdrew immediately—that Captain Sir WILLIAM ALDHAM, of her Majesty's steamer Valorous, boarded that same American vessel, when she had cast anchor in the harbour of San Juan, asked a series of similar questions, and left in the same way immediately those queries had been answered. Recollecting that these occurrences took place within the range of a British Protectorate, that no armed force was displayed nor any species of inti midation, that the American steamer in the last mentioned instance was not even for one instant of time detained, being actually already anchored; that pacific inquiries alone were put to the Ameri c an, which he was free to answer or not precisely as he himself felt inclined at the moment, and so forth—it really does appear to be the height of absurdity to put an evil construction upon all this, to make a grievance out of it, and to articulate complaints thereupon through the deliberate me dium of a snarling and fretful correspondence. The dignity of a nation is but poorly consulted by such contrivances on the part of a spiteful and mor bid diplomacy. The conduct of the American Government in these circumstances becomes, more , over, all the more indecorous when it is precisely _, URS yjh Y EVENING, JANUARY 6, 1859. THE SUN, LONDON, at this very time that the United States is flutter ing the filibustering standard in the face of the world through the recent message of a Cuba coveting and slavery-upholding President. COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, JAN. 5. Her Majesty's dinner party yesterday comprised the Prince of Wales and Princess Alice, the Duke and Duchess of Wellington, the Earl of Sandwich, Viscount and Vis countess Palmerston, Viscount and Viscountess Hardinge, the Dean of Windsor and the Hon. Mrs. Wellesley, Col. the Hon. R. Bruce, and Capt. Grey. The Queen and Prince Consort walked in the Home Park this morning. The Prince of Wales, attended by Col. the Hon. R. Bruce and Capt. Grey, went to Claremont, to visit the Countess de Neuilly. The following visitors left the Castle to-day :—The Duke and Duchess of Wellington, the Earl of Sandwich, Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston, and Viscount and Viscountess Mucilage. The Prince of Wales will leave Windsor Castle upon Monday next, and proceed to the Continent, where it is pro bable that his Royal Highness will make a tour of several months' duration. His Royal Highness will, in the first place, proceed by Munich and the Brenner Pass to Italy, and go direct to Rome, where it is understood he will reside for some time, to enable him to study the antiquities and objects of classical and artistic interest. In order to avoid calls on his time, calculated to interfere with the object of his Royal Highness's journey, he will travel incognito. The Prince will probably afterwards pay a visit to the principal towns of the north of Italy, returning to England by Switzerland and Germany. The young Prince will be accompanied by his Royal Highness's governor, Col. the Hon. Robert Bruce, Captain Grey, Equerry in Waiting, the Rev. C. Tarver (who will act as chaplain and as superintendent of the Prince's studies), and Dr. T. Chambers, the medical attendant upon his Royal Highness during the tour. Her Majesty will hold a Privy Council at Windsor Castle on Tuesday next. Despatches were sent from the Colonial-office yesterday to the governors of the Cape of Good Hope, Natal, St. Helena, Ceylon, Hong Kong, the Mauritius, Gibraltar, and Malta. The Earl and Countess of Clarendon have been entertaining the following company at the Grove, near Watford, during the past week : —His Excellency the Prussian Minister and the Countess de Bernstorff, the Count and Countess de Persigny, the Earl Cowper, Mr. Au- gustus Lumley, Mr. Graham Vivian, Mr. Bathurst, &c. The Earl and Countess of Camperdown have arrived at their residence in Wilton-terrace from Scotland. The Countess Hessenbourg and Mdlle. Hessen bourg have arrived at the Brunswick Hotel, Jermyn-street. Viscount and Viscountess Newport arrived at their residence in Wilton-crescent yesterday from Weston Hall, Staffordshire. Lord and Lady Wodehouse have arrived in Bryanston-square from visiting the Earl and Countess of Clarendon at the Grove, near Watford. Lady Arthur Hay has left town on a visit to the Earl and Countess Howe at Gopsall Hall, Leicestershire. The Right Hon. W. and Mrs. Cowper arrived in town yesterday from visiting the Earl and Countess of Shaftesbury, at St. Giles' House, Dorset. Mr. Henry Brand, M.P., and Mrs. Brand are expected in town in a few days from Glynde-place, near Lewes. -- --- A Paris letter in the Nord of Brussels, says that the body of the Emperor Napoleon I. is to be in a short time removed to the church of St. Denis, but that the heart is to remain at the Invalides. We read in the Phare de la Loire :—" Several seditious bills have been found posted up in different quar ters of this town (Nantes). They were immediately re moved by the police. They were all in the same hand writing, but couched in different terms. An investigation as to the author has been set on foot." (IF A cjirUltall-RATE" AT - LATEsT E c, wnolwich -ing of the poll at ' 1 its close at five o'clock, the - ..esented an excited ap gssembled, and the proceedings. `. officiated - of the your to maintain intact, pure, and immaculate, Spanish honour, and after the satisfactory issue of any difference we will not seek any sort of advantage. Such is the policy we have followed with regard to Mexico ; such is the policy we shall follow in all the questions that may arise, and we are fully assured, gentle men, that the day on Which it may be necessary to make an appeal to the public sentiment, and on which the national honour may be compromised, there will not be any differences of opinion. All minds will unite and all hearts will join in one effort to protect the national honour and the integrity of the Spanish monarchy. (Applause.) These Feelings of justice, moderation, and dignity are calculated to give new strength tp the Queen's Government in directing the destinies of the country, and will increase tk.e confidence inspired by its devotion to the welfare and tionour of our country, which country is worthy of all our sacrifices and of the happiest future. (Applause.) M. OLOZAGA, in his own, name and in that of several other eminent members representing the different political parties, then proposed this resolution :—" The Congress detlares that it has received with satisfaction the delaration of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and that it is disposed to give to the Government its constant support in order to maintain the integrity of the Spanish dominions." The resolution was unanimously adopted, and ordered to be inscribed in the archives. The Espana, though a violent adversary of the Cabinet, expresses warm approbation of the patriotic decla ration of the Minister, and states that in a question which, like that of Cuba affects the national honour, Spaniards, whatever their differences on other points, will always be united. The other journals employ similar language. AUSTRALIA. (From the Times' Correspondent.) MELBOURNE, Nov. 15, 1858. The September mail has not yet arrived, and the Emeu will probably leave to-morrow morning, without any intelligence of its whereabouts. Electric communication was opened with Syd ney on the 2d inst., and the lines between Mel bourne, Sydney, and Adelaide reciprocally are in full operation. The three Governors exchanged complimentary messages. The lines are used freely by the Governments and trades, and the newspapers contain every morning the distant news of the pre vious evening. Though the first expectations of a great goldfield at Port Curtis have been completely disappointed, it is by no means improbable that enough may be disclosed to cause the country to be settled, especially as it is a fine country, well suited for stock and the culture of tropical productions. If so, the New South Wales telegraphic lines will soon be extended to Roehampton—another step towards India, and thence to Europe. How different is the actual condition of this great insular continent from the conception entertained of it 30 years since ! Every new exploration dis closes new and hitherto unanticipated features, which show a large portion of the country to be fit for settlement. From a recent report of Mr. Gre gory, in command of an expedition from South Australia, it seems probable that a low-lying belt of sandy desert extends from the great Australian bight, west of Spencer's Gulf, towards the Gulf of Carpentaria, uniting into one great insular continent what was- once two islands, the more fertile portion lying to the eastward of this sandy belt. A patriotic inhabitant of this colony, who conceals his name, offers £l,OOO towards further explorations, and a subscription is now in course of collection for the purpose. It will, no doubt, be supplemented by the Assembly, and it is now thought quite practicable to traverse the continent from our boundary, the Murray, to the northern coasts. For this and other purposes this Government is about to introduce camels as an ex periment. Those who are acquainted with the habits of the camel affirm that they will thrive and breed freely in this climate. The gold has certainly peopled these colonies in a very extraordinary manner, but it has reached its maximum effect, or nearly so; and we must hence forward look to other productions, such as the vine, the olive, the mulberry, cotton, tobacco, and rice, to promote the further progress of these colonies. Exploration is a necessary step to development, and it is the conviction of this truth which has stimu lated so much enterprise in this way. We also want facts to account for some of the phenomena connected with our climate. The north wind in the winter is the coldest wind we have ; in summer the wind from the same quarter is like the hot blast from a furnace, sometimes marking 117 deg. in the shade. What is the condition of the interior which causes this anomaly? That the north wind should be less hot in winter than in summer might be inferred a priori, but why, coming from the tropic, should it be colder than the south wind, coming from the frozen ocean ? This is the problem to be roared, and it cannot be solved with. out greatly adding to our stock of knowledge. We have been just threatened with a Ministerial crisis on a question scarcely worthy of so momen tous a political convulsion. A Captain M'Mahon, formerly an officer in a cavalry regiment in Canada, and for about five years Chief Commissioner of Police here, was charged in the Assembly in the early part of this year with irregular practices, which, as the report exonerated him, I shall not further allude to. This was before the present Government came into office, and when the motion for a committee was made two members of the present Government spoke rather in his favour. By the change of Ministry in March the mover and chairman of this select committee crossed the House as a supporter of the new Go vernment, but the inquiry went on without any aid from' the Government. There were rumours afloat that Capt. M‘Mahon was somewhat damaged by the evidence, but the report of the com mittee was, to the effect that " they had not disco vered the slightest evidence to substantiate the charges." This was brought up on the Ist day of the session, June 4th, but the evidence was not delivered to members until July 21st. It is a pity that the matter was not allowed to rest there. It is not alleged that the Government showed any want of confi dence in M`Mahon, and he should have been con tent with this acquittal, for such it really was. On June Bth, however, Capt. - M`Mahon wrote a semi private letter to the Chief Secretary, alluding to the investigation before the select committee, and, "in order to give the Government an opportunity of expressing their opinion of his qualifications, placed his office at their disposal. The answer of the Chief Secretary was, that the Government had not had an opportunity of forming an opinion, as the evidence was not printed. All this time there had been going on a dispute between Capt. M'Mahon and one of his officers, on a question of removal to the metropolitan district on account of ill-health, impaired by 14 years' service. This man's claim to indulgence had been recognised by three succeeding Ministries, if not four. He thought Capt. M`Mahon thwarted his claim. Capt. M`Mahon thought him insubordinate, and at length moved him to a new goldfield, with a hut, 12 by 8, without door, win dow, or floor. At length the papers connected with this man's application were submitted to the Chief Secretary for his decision, the police being under that Minis ter. The decision was that Mr. Dana should have his leave. A few days afterwards Capt. IVPlVialion resigned, making the decision 6, ground for assum ing " that he had lost the confidence and sympathy of the Government." The resignation was accepted; to have done otherwise would have rendered the Chief Commissioner the master of his master. All this occurred before the Legislature met. At length Capt. Anderson gave notice of a mo tion of censure on the Chief Secretary, on the ground that his conduct was unjust to Captain M`Mahon, and detrimental to the discipline of the police. I do not think he had, at first, any politiealompth object in view. He said he was actuated only by sympathy for a brother officer, and as he is really a -high minded gentleman, no one doubted what he said. But his motion was eagerly seized on by tho Opp osition, every effort was made to secure votes, it was rumoured that the late Chief Commissioner would be restored in a fortnight, and the successors of the Ministry were even named The motion was made on Wednesday last, the 10th inst., was debated for nine hours, and was met by an amendment. The result was a majority for Ministers of 24 to 19. All the 24 were the habitual supporters of the Ministry, but among the 19 were three who had before sup ported Ministers ; two " ultra democrats" voting with those whom they prohihly designate old foggy Tories. In other cases of late the Ministerial majo rities have been five or six, in houses of 33 or 44. On Friday the bill to increase the number of members was read a third time and passed. The number of members has been reduced in committee t 0.78, the present house having 60. The goldfields will return 27 members, the metropolitan districts 17, the agricultural districts and towns 23, and the squatting districts and towns 11, be voted by the end s w u e p e p k li , e a s n i t ll he p r r e o b setn lY s no reason for pro torfaTtchhtiiens g the session beyond the 20th Dec. The vote of Wednesd a y, w hi c h was not merely negativing h motion of no confidence, but was con verted into a vote of confidence, will probably stop further obstruction of the business of the session. There is rather 4 singular feature in the mode in which the Opposition has been conducted. The late Ministers, who sit on the front bench, have scarcely originated any motion directed against the Govern- REF VY From the ro:opek yesterday mortling unti. vicinity of the Town-hall p. pearance from the large crown. greatest interest was taken in The Rev. Henry Brown, A.M. (rector ) , as chairman ; and although the supporterb rate gained an advantage by the plurality sys, of voting, it soon became evident that the artisan classes from the 'Dockyard and Arsenal would decide the contest. During the first two hours a small majority was obtained against the rate, and this majority steadily increased until the close of the poll. Mr. J. R. Jolly, one of the churchwardens, and a member of the established church, was loudly cheered by the assembled multitude on presenting himself at the table and recording his votes against the rate. At five o'clock, when the poll finally closed, the Town-hall was densely crowded, and the rev. chairman, amidst the most tumultuou s applause, announced the following as the result of the contest : For the rate of 2d. in' the pound, 691 ; against the rate, 702 ; majority against the rate, 111. The Chairman immediately left the hall, and it was then unanimously resolved that the chair be occupied by the Rev. J. Carlile, LL.D. (congrega tional minister), who, in a brief address, congratu lated the ratepayers upon the victory achieved, and expressed his opinion that, after an agitation in that town of many years duration, the question of church-rates had been, he hoped, finally settled. Mr. Topley proposed a vote of thanks to Mr. Churchwi.rden Jolly for his consistent opposition to church-rates, notwithstanding the difficulties of his position. It was their duty to rally round Mr. Jolly, and take care that he was elected church warden for the ensuing year. (Cheers, and cries of " We must keep him in office.") Mr. Fordham, in seconding the motion, observed that at least two to one of the ratepayers had polled against the rate, and, in canvassin the parish, the churchmen themselves were foun g d in numerous cases to be strongly opposed to church-rates. The motion was passed amidst cheers ; and after a vote of thanks to the rector, as chairman during the contest, the meeting separated. THE NEW EAST INDIA HOUSE.—On the last day of the old year a contract was signed, in Leadenhall street, for the building of a new East India House in Down ing-street, to occupy the open space, which has long been standing empty, next to the Foreign-office. The position is admirably selected for the purpose, being in the midst of the principal Government offices, and close to both Houses of Parliament, while the extent of the surface occupied will afford ample accommodation for the vast establishment it is intended to receive. By the terms of the contract thebuild ing must be completed within two years.—Home News. SUICIDE FROM LONDON-BRIDGE. Yesterday morning information was forwarded to Mr. Payne of the death of a respectably-dressed female, whose name is at present unknown. Early thi s morning the unfortunate woman was seen to precipitate herself from the steps of London-bridge into the river. An alarm was raised, when boats were put off, but the body was not found till seven o'clock. She appears to be about 24 years of age, fair com p p lexion, dressed in black, with a black shawl. A shell was rocured, awl the body removed to St. Saviour's dead- house. GROSS OUTRAGE ON THE CHAPLAIN OF THE CHANNEL MISSION.--A correspondent of the Shipping Gazette, writing from Pill, near Bristol, says :—"Mr. Strong boarded several ships in Penarth on Sunday last, and, as usual, was well received; but on going on boardthe Walton, of Walton (Nova Scotia), the crew refused to listen to his ministrations, and used abusive epithets. The worthy chaplain, finding their contention with him on the increase, prepared to leave the ship, and on passing the cook-house one of the sailors on the top threw something heavy on his head, which quite stunned him, and would have proved serious had not his hat broke the fall, and on getting to the gangway the ladder was found by . one of the chaplain's men to have been put ' atrip,' to precipitate him overboard. I am happy to say that this conduct of the crew of the Walton is without precedent here, and certainly deserves exposure." SINGULAR RECOVERY OF A MARRIAGE-RING. — About the end of July or the beginning of August last, a woman, named Catherine Ferguson, the wife of a miner, named M‘Lean, at Clifton, near the head of Loch Lomond, lost her marriage-ring whilst engaged in putting in or building peats, and, notwithstanding that every search was made for it at the time, it could not be found. About a fortnight ago the cat brought a rat into the house, and around the neck of the rat was the missing marriage-ring. It is supposed, as rats are known to carry off coins or pieces of silver or gold, that the ring had been taken to the rat's nest, where it had gone over the neck of one of the young ones, and remained there until the animal had advanced in growth, and, curiously enough, been captured by the cat. Mrs. M‘Lean, who had been about a year married, was no less rejoiced in getting possession again of her lost ring than surprised at the very singular way in which it was recoveSHred SHOCKING OCCURRENCE IN INDIA.—A Bombay letter says :—A horrible tragedy took place at Kurrachee on the 27th ult., in which a member of the press has been a prominent actor. It appears that about two o'clock on the morning of the 27th, Mr. Bease, the joint proprietor of the Seindian Press, was arrested by the police on a charge of murder. A few minutes before the above time Mr. Bease was awakened by the cries of his infant, and was surprised to find that his wife was not in bed. He rose immediately to seek her, and discovered that she was walking with a Mr. Foster, the vakeel. Mr. Bease returned to his house, and procuring a double-barrelled gun, delibe rately shot both his wife and Mr. Foster. Mrs. Bease died from the effect of the wound, and Foster is in a very preca rious state. How Bease will get on remains to be seen. A DEAD BOBY FOUND IN A Box.—An inquest was held at whichk few days ago upon the body of a man, name unknow was foundfloating enclosed in a box in Long Island 'Channel, on last Thursday. The body was most securely made up, all the external forms of sepulture having been carefully attended to, proving it to have been a person of some position, probably the captain of a vessel, from his having an anchor tatooed on one of his hands. It had evidently been floating some months, as deposed to by Dr. Sweetman, who made a post mortem examination (it being in an advanced state of decompo sition), but not the slightest marks of violence were visible, the man, in Dr. Sweetman's opinion, having died a natural death. He was about 60 or 70 years of age but no name or document that could lead to identify was found with him. After the inquest the body was re moved in a coffin, and interred in Skull churchyard. t The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the above facts. —Cork Constitution." CHINESE EMIGRATION. —Arrangements are in progress for the introduction of 11,000 Chinese coolies on the sugar estates at the French island of Martinique, West Indies. The British possessions of Demerara and Trinidad have subscribed about £60,000 for a similar purpose, half of which has already been forwarded to China. The first instal ment of coolies is expected in March, and authority has been given to their special agent to incur an extra expense as a bonus or otherwise in procuring women to accompany them to the ex tent of about 20 per cent.; this forms a leading distinction in this order as compared with those from Cuba :—there is also another, viz., that the rate of wages is to be that current in the respective islands, a guarantee being given in China, that, in any case, they are not to have less than 5 dols. (225. 6d.) per month, and their food ; a free passage back to China is also to be giyen at the expiration of six years, or a bonus equal to the cost of passage should the coolies de cide on remaining. On their arrival they will be appointed to the various estates, but will have the privilege of chang ing edch year according to their fancies.—China Telegraph. SOMNAMBULISM.—There has recently occurred a curious and very singular .instance of somnambulism at Brigham, in Devonshire. A few nights ago Mr Bagstaff, ornithologist, was startled by seeing his servant, Grace Banks, a young girl of 18 years of age, entering his bed room, and putting down a bird by the side of his bed which she had taken from the shop. She went out of the room and again returned with a pheasant, which she deposited in like manner as the first, smoothing it down, and saying " There's a beauty." Leaving the room again, her master hastily dressed himself and followed her. She walked up the street a short distance in her night clothes, and return ing, went the same distance below, and then went into the house. Her master tried to awaken her ; he shook her by the arm and called her by name, but she was so securely wrapped in her sleep that she took no notice, and at once retired to her bed.— Wiltshire County Mirror. NARROW ESCAPE FROM DROWNING.—On Tues day night police-constable Kendall, 318 R, was crossing Blackheath, and when near the Hare and Billet public house heard the sound of what he considered to be a dog swimming in a pond opposite the above house. He had not proceeded many steps when he became convinced that the sounds were occasioned by some one struggling in the water, but the weather being very thick no object was dis cernible. On stooping, however, at the edge of the pond, the first thing that attracted his attention was the bonnet of a female floating on the surface of the water, and without stopping to divest himself of his heavy clothing imme diately succeeded in getting to the spot where the bonnet was, and laid hold of a female as she was about sinking. With some difficulty he conveyed her into the Hare and Billet publichouse, and on recovering her consciousness it was ascertained that she was the wife of a journeyman baker, named Reay, living in the neighbourhood, and that owing to the darkness of the night and the unprotected state of the pond, she had mistaken her way, and which would have cost her her life but for the timely assistance rendered her by the constable. THE SUPPOSED SUICIDE OF A ST. PANCRAS TAX COLLECTOR AT GREENHITHE. — Yesterday the coroner's investigation (opened a few days ago at Greenhithe, touch ing the death of a respectably-dressed man whose remains were found in the River Thames, and which was adjourned for the purpose of identification) was resumed and concluded before the coroner for Kent. It will be remembered that through the description of the deceased issued by Mr. Super intendent Brandon, of the Kent constabulary, and the name " Arnell" being observed on the deceased's linen, a presump tion arose that the unfortunate man was a late rate collector in St. Pancras of that name, who had absconded some weeks back, owing to the unsatisfactory state of his accounts. This presumption turned out to be well founded, for upon thd re assembling of the coroner and jury yesterday both the de ceased's son and daughter attended and identified the re mains as those of their father, Mr. John Arnell, the missing collector. It appeared that he left his home seven weeks since in a very sudden and unaccountable manner, and that he was not heard of again by his family until they were in formed of his lifeless corpse being found in the river. At the period of his disappearance an investigation was proceeding in St. Pancras at the hands of the parochial authorities, the result of which was the implication of several of the parish officials to a very serious extent, and owing to the state of deceased's collection his books were seized, he hav ing previously absconded. It did not seem that the de ceased had ever premeditated or threatened self-destruction, but still there was no doubt but that, having run through the little means he had about him, and impelled by a feel ing of dread at the criminal prosecutions now being search ingly instituted in St. Pancras, he committed the rash act in a moment of desperation. A Gravesend railway ticket was found on the deceased's person 2 and it was urged that, being a strong-minded man, and wishing to keep his fate a mystery, he proceeded thus far down the river to carry out his suicidal intention, in the hope that his body would be carried out to sea, and all knowledge as to what had become of him be thus entirely swept away. A verdict of " Found drowned" was recorded, and the painful inquiry terminated. A letter from Belgrade, of the 31st ult., states that a deputation that morning descended the Danube in boats, bedecked with flags, to offer Prince Milosch the dig nity of prince, and to request him to return. A telegraphic despatch from Hamburg says that at the opening of the States of Holstein at Itzehoe, on the 3d, M. de Levetzau, Commissioner of the King Grand Duke, delivered a very conciliatory address. `" DEATH OF THE EARL OF ROTHES.—We deeply regret to announce the death of this amiable young noble man, who expired on Sunday at the early age of 23. He had come to Edinburgh to obtain the benefit of medical ad vice about three weeks ago, and seemed rapidly recovering, when he suddenly relapsed and expired. He succeeded his father in 1841, and as he died unmarried the title and estates devolve on his only sister, Lady Henrietta, born in 1832, also unmarried, who is now Countess of Rothes in her own right. The deceased nobleman was not a member of the House of Lords.—Scottish Press of Tuesday. ADMISSION OF ATTORNEYS.—Upwards of 100 persons have given notice of their intention to apply to be admitted as attorneys in the ensuing term. AUSTRALIAN AND AFRICAN MAILS.— Messrs. James Baines's celebrated clipper Lightning sails for Mel bourne to-day (Thursday), with 190 passengers and a ship's mail, and the African Company's screw steamer Athenian may be daily expected with the mails from the West Coast of Africa, she being the first steamer to bring the mails direct to Liverpool. THE CHANNEL SQUADRON.—The vessels of the Channel squadron now lying in Cork harbour, consisting of the Royal Albert, 131, Orion, 91; Renown, 91; Bruns wick, 80 ; and Racoon, 22, will, it is expected, take their departure on or immediately after the 15th inst. Lisbon, it is supposed, will be their destination. TRAINING SHIP FOR THE MERSEY.—Her Ma jesty's frigate Conway, 26 guns, which is about to be pre sented by the Admiralty to the Liverpool Mercantile Ma rine Service Association, for the purpose of being moored permanently in the Mersey as a training ship, is being fitted at Government expense at Devonport, and will in all probability be taken to its destination at Liverpool at the latter end of the month. It will be moored in the Sloyne at the expense of the Admiralty authorities. THE SHIPPING QUESTION. The Shipowners' Society of London have received a communication from the Home-office, announcing that her Majesty has graciously received the " loyal and dutiful" address adopted at the general meeting of shipowners on the 15th ult., and has been pleased to refer the same to the consideration of the Board of Trade. ACTION FOR LIBEL.—We understand that Mr. Ernest Jones has brought an action for libel against Mr. G. W. M. Reynolds. Mr. Edwin James, Q.C., has bee n retained on behalf of Mr. Jones ; and the case, which is ex pected to come off in Hilary term, is likely to be one of much interest. The Finance Committee of the Council of India have slag-aged the following vessels to carry stores, namely —The Alliance, for Bombay ; and the Warrior and Victor Emmanuel, for Calcutta. The Admiralty have also taken up the ships Hormione and Lady Wharncliffe for the con veyance of stores, respectively to Corfu and Simons Town. REPRESENTATION OF KINCARDINESHIRE.—A movement is on the tapis by which the present county member—General Arbuthnott—retires, and either Sir Thos. Gladstone of Pasqua, or Sir John Forbes of Fettercairn, will succeed him. Two or three gentlemen of liberal prin ciples are spoken of as ready to stand should an opening occur.—Arbroath Guide. DEATH OF THE DEPUTY TOWN CLERK OF LIVER rooL.—At the meeting of the Liverpool Town Council yesterday it was announced that Mr. Linton Hughes, the deputy town clerk, died on Tuesday, from paralysis. Mr. Hughes had been for some time in delicate health. The council, after members had testified their regret and paid tributes of respect to Mr. Hughes's zeal and assiduity agreed to a vote of condolence with the wife and family. DEATH. OF SHERIFF STEELE OF GLASGOW We regret to announce that ?Ir. Sheriff Steele died at his residence, Blytheswood-square, Glasgow, yesterday (Mon day) morning. He was sensible to the last, and entirely resigned to his approaching end. Few men were more popular in their sphere. His legal acquirements wero considered of a superior order, and he enjoyed great pro fessional employment. He leaves two daughters.—Edin burgh Courant. THE GRAVE OF STOTHARD.—A meeting of the friends and admirers of Stothard has been held, at which it was determined that steps should be taken for placing some simple and appropriate monument above his so long undis tinguished grave in Bunhill-fields. The character of the memorial will be regulated by the amount of subscriptions. FUNERAL OF DR. LEVER, OF GUY'S HOSPITAL. —Yesterday the mortal remains of the late Dr. Lever, of Guy's Hospital, were removed trom his late residence, Wellington-street, London Bridge, and finally deposited in the family vault at Plumstead Church, Kent. The fune ral cortege consisted of mutes on horses, lid of feathers, hearse drawn by six horses, and two coaches and four con taining his relatives and friends. The medical staff of the hospital and students assembled, and went by special train, where they joined the mournful cavalcade. The service was performed by the Rev. T, Bullock, M.A., chaplain of Guy's Hospital, in a very impressive manner. Many of the shops in the immediate neighbourhood closed for a short time as a mark of respect to the memory of the de ceased gentleman, who hn-s thus died in the zenith of his fame. HILARY TERM.—On Tuesday Hilary Term com mences, when the several Courts of Law and Equity will resume their sittings. In the Common Law Courts the ar rears number 153 rules, special cases, and demurrers. In the Queen's Bench there are 47 rules, of which three are in the new trial paper for judgment and 21 for argument. In the special paper there are two rules for judgment and 15 for argument, besides which there are - six enlarged rules. In the Common Pleas there are nine enlarged rules, 28 rules for new trials, three cases for judgment, and 15 de murrers entered. In the lists of the Court of Exchequer —the errors and appeals from the Exchequer Chamber — there are one for judgment and six for argument ; there are three rules in the peremptory paper, and in the special paper one for judgment and 16 for argument; while in the new trial paper there are two for judgment and 22 for argument. - "ROBING IN COUNTY COURTS.—We are delighted to learn that the attorneys practising in the County Courts are recognising the propriety of our suggestion that they should make it a rule to wear the professional robes in those courts, so as to distinguish them from the sham lawyers who haunt their precincts, and who so often impose them-. selves upon the ignorant suitors as real lawyers. We are informed that at the Hexham. County Court, on the 22d of December, all the practitioners appeared for the first time in their robes, with the marked approbation of the judge. We hope to receive a like report from the other courts. Al though a small matter in seeming, in its effects it will be a very great one: The robe not only claims respect from others, it sometimes makes men respect themselves.—Law TOMS. r1;li BRAZIL MAILS. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAM.) SOUTHAMPTON, THURSDAY MORNING. A telegram from Hurst announces that the Royal steam-ship Tyne, from the Brazils and Lis nassed that station at 8.4 . 0 a.m. bon, k The following telegrams hare been received at Mr. Reuter's office : ST. PETERSBURG, WEDNESDAY, Jan. 5. By order of the Emperor, British subjects, resi dent or trading in the Russian empire, are entitled to enjoy (sont apelles a jouir) all the immunities which are granted to French, Greek, Belgian, and Dutch subjects. VIENNA, WEDNESDAY, Jan. 5. The semi-official Oesterreichische Correspondenz of this evening announces the reinforcement of the Austrian garrisons in Italy. " This has been done," adds the Correspondenz, " as a measure of precau tion against a foolish and incorrigible party, and for the protection of peaceful subjects, but was by no means dictated by international reasons." BERLIN, JAN. 5. The semi-official Preussische Zeitung declares in its leading article of this day that the projects of law submitted by the Danish Government at the opening of the Chamber of Deputies in Holstein, are but little conciliatory, and says that the Danish Government has not gone one step further than it had been absolutely obliged by its own concessions, granted lately to the Federal Diet, but keeps on with its former policy of extreme reserve, and avoids taking the initiative in making positive proposals for the amelioration of the present insti tutions. The article expresses its opinion on those pro jects of law, and thinks it natural they should provoke an unfavourable disposition in Holstein. The article, in conclusion, blames in strong terms the last act (the article does not state in clear terms what act of the Danish Government is meant, but probably the act referred to is the defence by Den mark of the co-operation of the representatives of Holstein and Schleswig in cases where the common interest is concerned) of the Danish Government, the form and publication of which at the present time it regards of such importance, that some par ticular aim must be intended thereby. Germany can entertain no doubt as to what object this aim is directed, nor to what the whole act in its unheard of rigour tends. FRANCE. PARIS, WEDNESDAY. The Moniteur announces that the ratifications of the telegraphic treaty concluded between France, Belgium, and the Austro•Germanic Union, were exchanged on the 3d inst., at Brussels, between Baron de Vriere, the Belgian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Count d'Astorg, Charge d'Affaires of France, and M. ae Magnus, Charge d'Affaires of Prussia. BOURSE, Jan. s.—The market has been again heavy, and further sales effected for speculators who have not been able to pay their differences at the present settlement. Threes, after having been done at 74f. 95c., declined to 74f. 60c. Mobilier varied from 935 f. to 942 f. ; Austrian, 627 f. 50c. to 620 f.; Orleans, 1,367 f. 50c. to 1,360 f. ; Lyons, 870 f. to 865 f. ; and Southern, 570 f. to 567 f. 50c. The fol lowing were the last quotations : ft per Cents. .... 96 50 I Credit Fonder 665 T . Do. end month .. 96 85 Belgian 41 3 per Cents 7l 10 Piedmontese (5) .. 93 60 Do. end month Bank Shares. 2975 —lAustri.an oredit Mobilier 895 —lSpanish Threes Do. Account ..... 900 Home Debt 42 25 RAILWAYS. Cash. Account. Orleans Northern 972 50 .. 975 New ditto B3O .. 815 Lyons and Mediterranean 857 50 855 New ditto Geneva 610 - ... .607 50 Midi Southern ... _ _ ... 567 50 .. 565 Western 6OO 597 10 Eastern Grand Central Sardinian Austrian 415 - 415 620 - .. 620 Exchange on London, at sight, paper, 25f. 15c. ; money, 25f. 121 c. ; three months, paper, 24±. 971 c. ; money, 24f. 950. ITALY. The Nice Gazette of the 29th ult. publishes what it calls a " communicated note," on the subject of the cession of Monaco to Russia. It states that on the same day that the Grand Duke Constantine re turned from France, the Prince of Monaco also arrived from his principality, and the Prince de Carignan from Genoa, and that a conference took place between those three persenages on the above subject. The Gazette considers it as perfectly logical that the Grand Duke, during his stay in Paris, should have treated for the cession of Monaco ; and then jumps to the :conclusion that the arrival of the Prince de Carignan was to give the consent of Sardinia to the arrangement, which will be sub mitted to the approba.,tion of the great Powers. As to the Prince of Monaco, the Gazette states that the advice of the Emperor Napoleon has at length over come his opposition to the measure. In addition to large indemnity in money he is to have an appanage in land in Russia, and a rank in the Imperial family. Unfortunately for the importance of this note, the'Monaeo Journal of the Ist inst. declares the whole account to be pure imagination. SPAIN. The Madrid journals of the Ist contain a brief report of what took place in the Chamber of Depu ties on the preceding day, relative to the Message of the President of the United States about Cuba— of which proceedings some mention has been made by telegraph. The report is as follows : M. ULLOA said—l ask the Government if it intends to reply to the Message of Mr. Buchanan, inasmuch as in that Message is a paragraph on the project of annexing Cuba to the United States, which contains a new and really grave insult to the Spanish nation. Marshal O'bONNELL declared that the Government was disposed to demand due satisfaction for such an insult ; and then said—l can assure the Chamber that during the six months we have been in office our relations with the Government of the United States have not ceased to be marked with the greatest cordiality. Accordingly, I was surprised to read in the message of the President of the United States that those relations were in an unsatisfactory state. In the few conferenees I have had with the worthy representative, in this city, of the Anglo-American Re public, such a cordial spirit was manifested that I felt con vinced the relations between the two Governments were perfectly amicable, and that they could run no risk of being troubled. This confidence of the Queen's Government still subsists. In its relations with the United States, as in those with all other countries, it has always endea voured to be circumspect, moderate, reserved, but always dignified and firm, as the Government of a great people ought to be. The period of discouragement caused by war and disunion has ceased in Spain. Our country is now positively in an era of development and veritable restoration. If the power of Spain be not great enough to menace, it is strong enough to defend the integrity of the territory of the monarchy, and to preserve the dignity of the Spanish name without stain. In what ever circumstances the Spanish nation may find itself, it will in the future, as in the past, never be insensible to its honour, never will it abandon the smallest portion of its territory—and a proposition having that tendency will always be considered by the Government as an insult to the Spanish people. (Approbation.) The sentiment of na tionality, which was supposed to be weakened, and which unhappily was slightly weakened, by our in testine discords—this sentiment, the source of high deeds, and of generous and heroic inspirations, displays now new vigour, and is increasing in such a way that, whilst we will never be aggressive, and never aspiro to dominate, we will never allow any encroachment to be made on the inheritance left us by our fathers. (Approbation.) In the name of the Queen's Government I must and do declare that in any dissension which may arise. between the two Governments, the Spanish Government, if it be forced to take a resolute attitude, will think only of one thing—to maintain the rights of the nation, We will always endea- ment, but have left the leading business of opposi tion to their hangers-on, ready, no doubt, to take advantage of any success. No one can say that the late Government has originated any factious oppo sition to the present, for they have originated nothing at all. Two bills affecting the Constitution of the colony are before the house—one to shorten the dura- tion of Parliament from five to three years, and another to limit the number of office-holders who may sit in either house. The former is not opposed and is ripe for the third reading, which, by clause in the Constitution Act, requires to be cairied by a full majority of both houses. It was for want of that that it lapsed in the last session. In the other, Ministers propose to limit the number of office holders who may hold seats in either house to ten. At present there are seven Cabinet Ministers, and one—the Vice-President of the Board of Land and Works—is not in the Cabinet. They propose two more—the President of the Sewerage and Water Commission, who has always, by the mere accident of election, enjoyed a seat, and a new Commissioner of Mines, the great interest of the country. This will lead to considerable discussion, as the house is very jealous of official members. There is another bill of a similar character, brought in by a private member, to "secure the independence of Parliament," somewhat similar to the Govern.. ment Bill, but which embodies the vulgar jealousy against the legal profession, by making the accepting of a fee from the Crown a ground of exclusion. It seeks to place the barrister on the footing of a contractor, and proposes to enforce observance by a penalty of £2OO. I do not think it will create a P arlianzentum indoctum, even if car ried, as the bar will for the most part forego the fees for the sake of a seat. There is also a bill, in troduced by the same member, to repeal the pen sion clause of the Constitution Act giving pensions Ito retiring Ministers, not exceeding £4,000 to all at any one time, on the same terms as the English statutes. The other bills introduced and to be in troduced are not of a political complexion. There is, however, a resolution in favour of paying mem bers, which was rejected last session. It is not unlikely to pass the Lower House. On the whole, I think the legislation of the session will improve the working of the Constitution. A house of 78 members more equally representing the country is a great improvement on the present house. Two years have served very much to disorganise the house, and had it lasted five years it would. have been impossible for any Ministry to carry on the Government. The coming dissolu tion will Rot be a day too soon. The exclusion of place-holders, except certain specified Ministers, will put an end to an anomaly which now exists of one member holding an office under the Crown who has managed to keep both his place and his seat through four successive Ministries, in spite of a minute of the Haines Ministry requiring the un conditional support of every office holder on pain of dismissal. Some moderate indemnity to member is necessary to enable distant constituencies to elect men whom they know, and who are connected with. their constituents. At present 41 out of the 60 aree Melbourne men. LORD DERBY AND MR. T. DUNCOMBE. We are requested to publish the following cor respondence : "Knowsley, Dec. 31, 1858. "Dear Sir,--In a correspondence which has been pub lished in almost all the papers of yesterday by Lieut.-Col. Dickson (with what propriety at the present moment I do not stop to inquire), I find the following paragraph in a let ter from you to him :—' No officer's commission is safe when, to screen the neglect on the part of others, that com mission is unscrupulously assailed by the favoured influences of Grosvenor and St. James's squares.' May I ask if by this last expression it is intended to convey an impression that I had any part in the transactions to which it refers t' I hope that I may receive from you an unequivocal nega tive. Indeed, my only reason for asking the question is, that considering my near relationship to Lord Wilton, I can put no other construction on yeur allusion to the influences of Grosvenor and St. James's squares.' Other wise I should have been most unwilling to believe that your ideas and mine of what is due from one gentleman to another should be so widely at variance as that you should: feel yourself justified in attributing to me gratuitously, and without the slightest shadow of evidence, participation in proceedings which, whether rightly or wrongly, you cha racterise as ' unscrupulous.' Ofthose proceedings the out , : information I possess is derived from a 10 minutes' eonver sation with General Peel, a few days before the date ci your letter, when he felt it to be his duty to communicate to me, as the head of the Government, the decision he had formed and the course he had pursued in reference to a case with regard to which I was in such entire ignorance that I either had never heard or had utterly fcagetten that there was any question pending between Lord Wilton and Colo nel Dickson. " I can readily imagine that you did not intend your let ter to Colonel Dickson to be made public, but if it conveys the impression to which I have referred I am quite sure that your sense of gentlemanlike feeling will lead you to make the contradiction as public as has been, by no act of yours, the imputation itself. " I have the honour to be, dear Sir, yours faithfully, "T. S. Duncombe, Esq., M.P." " DERRY. " Cambridge-terrace, Jan. 1, 1859. "Dear Lord Derby,—l have the honour tof acknowledge the receipt of your letter of yesterday's date, and in re ply to your question—whether in the sentence of a letter addressed by me to Colonel Dickson on the 11th of last month I in' tended to convey an impression that you had any participa' tion in the proceedings to which it refers—l can unequivo' cally assureyou that I did not, and I think, if you will reed the paragraph complained of in connection with my previous remarks upon the Court of Inquiry, you will at once acquit me of any such intention or desire to give you pain. "When I alluded to' Grosvenor and St. James's squares that I had the Prime Minister' in my mind Ido not dealt and, therefore, somewhat in my opinion resemble the Court of Inquiry, which, from what I hear from those who wit' nessed its extraordinary proceedings, led them to auppos° that its object was more to gain the influence and favour of those distinguished localities than to do justice to one whose commission, I still maintain, has been unscrupulously as' sailed and unjustly withdrawn. If, however, I have, in nil published letter to Colonel Dickson, expressed myself env biguously and given you pain, I much regret it, and yel l are at perfect libery to make public this correspondence. "As to the propriety of the unhappy moment when the letters in question have appeared in the papers, I must not be held responsible for their publication, as I can truly assure you that no one more sincerely deplores the loss of your lamented relative than I do, from whom I had through lif° universally received regard and kindness. " I have the honour to be, dear Lord Derby, faithfully yours, "T. S. DUNCOMBE., " The Right Hon. tho Earl of Derby, &c., Knowsley." " Knowsley, Jan. 2, 1859. , "Dear sir,—While I thank you for th e f r i en dl y t on e of your explanatory letter of yesterday, and for your unequr vocal assurance that you did not intend to impute to Jo e any participation in proceedings which you so strongly con' demn, I am compelled to say that I cannot look upon 0 as entirely satisfactory, foryou admit that in the expression used you had ' the Prime Minister' in your mind, 9 04 that you meant to convey that 6 the obj ec t o f th e C our t °', Inquiry was more to gain the &your and influence of thos e distinguished localities, Grosvenor and St. James's squares' than to do justice.' Surely you cannot fail to perceive fists t this conveys an impression that I had some personal interest in the decision of the ease of which I knew nothing, and tha t my favour and influence, as a Minister, were to be pr° . pitiated by taking a particular course, irrespective o f the demands of justice. I feel confident that the Court e i Inquiry (I do not even know how it was composed) neve r allowed such an idea to enter the minds of its members, and I cannot but think that on reflection you will yoursel f feel that any allusion to my name and position in referenc e to this matter was gratuitous and uncalled-for. AS' however, I am not fond of referring personal questions the newspapers, I shall, while thanking you for the per mission to make our correspondence public, decline to aye' myself of it, and shall leave the matter in your hands, is take any step or ;none at all, as your own sense of honou r may dictate to you. I am gratified by the terms i n which you refer to Lady Wilton, and you are aware that I whollY acquitted you of any share of responsibility for the tiles selected for the publication of these papers. " I have the honour to be, dear sir, yours faithfully, " T. S. Duncombo, Esq., M.P." 66 DERBY. " Cambridge-terrace, Jan. 3, 1859. "My dear Lord Derby,—As I consider (after the publ . cation of my letter to Colonel Dickson, and the inferencl that may possibly be drawn from it) your disclaimer of 9.P knowledge of the composition or proceedings of the COO of Inquiry so hononrable to yourself that it would be just to you in your position to leave the matter in any 5 014 of doubt, I will, with your leave, by return of post, take upon myself the publication of our entire correspondence!, as, in consideration of Colonel Dickson's inter es t s , I con' not with propriety make public my own individual expliv nation of your personal complaint. it I have the honour to be, dear Lord Derby, yOlO faithfully, " T. S. DuNcomsE. " To the Right Hon. the Earl of Derby, &c." " Knowsley, lan. 4, 1859. "My dear Sir,—l cannot, of course, object to your Pu b ; lication of our correspondence, if you think that the DO mode of removing the erroneous impression which yo f letter of the 11th appeared to me to convey. It must, hoa r ever, be distinctly understood that in disclaiming any po: ticipation in the course taken either by Lo r d Wilt on or ill' Committee of Inquiry I do not adopt yo ur v i ews respect. ing it, nor impute any impropriety to either one or el other. " I am dear sir, yours faithfully, "T. S. Duucombe, Esq., M.P," " DE.11331-• A" 14) Alth on/ busily en ; during th Progress there can Ment Wi months. ral rem although unfavoura petted in The gen has dimini occasioned temporary rates of dis a moderate of commc scarcely ai and the Ti million, NV moment, effect will augmenteC the divide] In the moderate r; prices wer 8,000 bales quietly; an A heavy Market. cline wouli Chases for Governmei ties for the ton s in Co securities, learn the meantime, have been the rebrua and the N, c hequer B. marked 10 -Lean Deb( A limitei acted in th are heavy. the Scrip flat at 1051 Cents. at 45 1, and t Cents. hav steady, at Loan has 1 The trail the United compared N thus affordi of commerc receipts, a figures as 1 Great Weste North-West 13 ,r,ightou South-Easie Great North Lancashire a Bristol and ] North-Easte Lancaster at Manchester, North Britil North Staffo Oxford, Woi West Hartle Bdiliburgh Glasgow am Grand Trun Great West( There hl ness trans Purther d( Counties, Western, I and South. Exeter, No los, Chest about ss. active. N 10; $ ., an d B In the Co Great lire: Trunk of I Joint -St in limited Bank hay(