The Sun. — London, England, 1862-01-02 00:00:00

~' ~,;,.. :. r,. < ?-ee _ ) z ,/ L/ tom i ( / ef NEWSPAPER' )_, . . ... ~.,..;44-r"" '1,4 vadedand perhaps occupied b people would fight with all thei iv -- valour to protect their country, but at iat (ass 01 loyal life and property compared with that required were we organised and prepared. In view of the im mense interests at:stake,our immediatefuture depend ing on such threatening contingencies, it is the im perative duty of the provisional Government at once to commence disciplining the Militia by at least taking the course so effectual before the breaking out of the war of 1812—that of organising for permanent duty flank companies in every Militia regiment in this province. This step was the salvation of Upper Canada in the late war, and its necessity is so obvious that every day our Govern ment delays taking this preliminary precaution it is incurring the most terrible responsibility of ex posing Western Canada to a disastrous invasion. One month of American occupation would involve the loss of more life and more destructiou of pro perty than would pay for our whole Militia to be kept on a war footing for five years, to ssy nothing of other considerations. Evcry day's delay in creases future danger; therefore let it be impressed on the Government of this province that its plain immediate duty is to organise the Militia and put such portions of it on permanent service as the exigency requires. No doubt ever enters the mind of any Canadian about the final result of any invasion of thi4 province. The mighty power of England, seconded by the zealous co-operation of all classes here, secures ultimate victory. But it is at the commencement, before - our forces aro organised, and at a season of the year, perhaps, when help cannot reach us, that we have much to fear. The adoption of prompt measures to put the province in a state of defence, is at once the duty of the Government, and it is called for by the unanimous voice of the people of Upper Canada. It is in no spirit of defiance to the United States that they demand the arming of Canada, but as: a simple precaution for the defence of their homes and country. We mean nothing aggressive by such a step, but we must and will feel secure." [ • .... . .. ? rell-Idr ' C l• -,..1 °Iji.:-'- r - l ' ! I f i e• ' e l:: °II . . 44, _ --- 1 M :7 1 .. .. -. ..War ' .... - , ii. ... k' .... -\ \ --- 4 , 4;" "-\..--- - 4- , r f ' iiV A '.. .i.A • - ' ' Ni, . .), a 4.1' 0134 hi-77 11'.' , 40 ,,, , ' t.‘...s-Y0 I '.--. "" e ' ;. • ...I ~.......--' . . 7. " N0 .voZo."'l l i k S.:',ll, • :\V" 4 . 4 - - ,-- ...._,...4 4 ' l / 4 1111111/P . ' N, • `.-:., • , ,- - --,-..-I.' //2_ ~, &_- B ANK OF BRITISH NORTH AMERICA.- Incorporated by Royal Charter. The COURT of DIRECTORS ITEfIEBY GIVE NOTICE That a lI.A LE-YEARLY DIVIDEND, at the rate of Six per Cent, per annum (free of Income-tax) on the Capital of the Bank, will be payable to the Proprietors of Shares regis tered in this country, on and after the 3d day of January next, at the Office of the Corporation, No. 7, St. Helen's place, Bishopsgate-street, between the hours of Ten and Four. No Transfer can be made between the 14th instant and the Zd proximo, as the Books must be closed during that period. THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, JANUARY 2, 1862. By order of the Court. C. M`NAB, Secretary. No. 7, St. ITelen's-place, London, Dec. 3, 1861. N° 21,688. PRICE..... -...4d. STAMPED ....sd. PURIAICATIONh. AMERICA. James M. Mason and John Slidell, disloyal citizens, leading conspirators, rebel enemies, and dangerous men, who, with their suite, were on their way to Europe to promote the cause of the insurrection, claiming to be the Ambassadors from the Seceded Confederate States; and know if he should engage a special train, and re ceived answer that it was not necessary. He ar rived with his charge this morning, only a few hours behind Captain Seymour. The despatches were calmly received by the Secretary. They filled a large mail bag and weighed 100 lb. " At New Haven there was great excitement at the depot when the train arrived. There was an immense crowd, curious to see the Queen's messen ger, who was then fast asleep. "An absurd rumour was circulated to-day that the Government decided last evening to surrender Mason and Slidell. It is without any foundatiol whatever. tial modification of the present attitude of England. The Unionists believe that our Government will do nothing but what is strictly right, .nd repudiate submission to anything wrong, whatever may be the consequences. INVESTMENT of SAVINGS and CAPITAL.- -11 - The CONSERVATIVE LAND SOCIETY SHARE DEPARTMENT FIVE per cENr. per ANNUAL —Deposit Department Four per Cent. ditto.— The Interest Warrants issued half-yearly, an withdrawals at fixed perieds,:,ccord ing to the amounts, large or small. No partnership liability, and the taking of Land is entirely optional. Prospectuses Bent free of charge. The Society paid five-and-a-half per cent. for the past year. Now ready, in 2 vols., with Portrait , 21 s , M EMOIRS OF QUEEN HORTENSE, MOTHER OF NAPOLEON lIL QUEENSTOWN, JAN• 1• The Royal Mail steamship Africa, from New York on the 20th ult., arrived here at 2 a.m. She brings 49 passengers and 191,384 dols. in specie. She landed 96 sacks of mails and six passengers, and proceeded for Liverpool at 2 45 a.m., all well ; she experienced strong easterly winds on the pas sage. " This book furnishes a compendious biography of the beautiful and unhappy Quem more satisfactory than any we have yet met wit h. Besides the main object of the volumes, and the interesting notices they contain of Louis Napoleon's childhood and youth, they afford us glimpses of many of the celebrities of tile Empire and the Restoration." —Daily News. - • • " Whereas, the Secretary of the Navy has further reported to this house that the prom pt and decisive action of Capt. Wilkes on this occasion merited and received the emphatic approval of the Department, and, :moreover, in a public letter has thanked Capt. Wilkes for the act ; and 46 CINCINNATI, DEC. 16. " The English news produced a profound sensa tion in commercial and financial circles, and the impression seems general that there is danger of a war with Great Britain. But while all admit that if Captain Wilkes did wrong in the Trent affair, due apology should be made; if right, no humiliat ing concessions ought to be entertained for a mo ment to England or any other Power. The news greatly unsettled the market, and produced a tem porary cessation of business, SO that there «as but little done in any department. " CLEVELAND, OHIO, DEC. 16. CHARLES LEWIS GRITNEISEN, Secretary. Offices, 3:3, Norfolk-street, Strand, London, W.C. Hurst and Blackett, 13, Great Marlborough-street. NEW YORK, DEC. 19, EVENTNG. i s R AND MR .,A S. i, CHARLES MATHEWS At Her Maj ?sty's Concert Room, Haymarket. During the Christmas Holidays there will be a perform ance Every Evening in the Week—Monday. Tuesday, Wed nesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, at Eight, Wednes day and Saturday Mornings at Three. Private boxes, stalls, and places may be secured at the Box office, which i s (pen daily from Ten till Five, and at Mr. Mitchell's Royal Library, 33, Old Bond-street. No extra charge f , r booking. Carriages to be ordered at a quarter-past Ten. New Work by the Author of " Recreations of a Country Parson." Post Octavo. Price 9s. lEISURE HOURS IN TOWN. A Selection from the Contributions of A. R. H. B. to "Fraser's Magazine." Loudon : Parker, Son, and Bourn, West Strand. The steamship Europa arrived at Halifax on the morning of Sunday, Dec. 15, bringing European advices to Dec. 2. A very full summary of the opinions of the English press on the Mason and Slidell case, and the important decision of the Bri tish Government, as well as the opinions of the Law Officers of the Crown, was telegraphed to New York and Washington, where the news was received on Sunday afternoon. No journal was published, how ever, on Sunday ; hut the nature of the news gained currency through private circles, and caused intense excitement, the mora so as the previous advices per the Hansa had led the public to believe that there would be no difficulty with England on this ques tion. " Whereas, this house on the Brat day of the session did propose to tender the thanks of Congress to Capt. Wilkes for his brave, adroit, and patriotic conduct in the arrest of the traitors Messrs. Mason and Slidell; and " Up to 11 o'clock to-night Lord Lyons hed made no communication from his Government to the Pre sident or Secretary of State relative to the seizure of the traitors Mason and Slidell. Mr. Adams, in his communication to Mr. Seward, gives a clear and detailed idea of the feeling of the British people and the sentiments of British statesmen, but does not indicate that he knows the purport of the in structions of the English Government to Lord Lyons. This Day, Two Volumes, Bost Bvo., 16 5. , GOOD FOR NOTHING ; OR, ALL DOWN HILL. By G. J. WIIYTE MELVILLE. Reprinted from "Fraser's Magazine." London: Parker, Son, and Bourn, West Strand. " 'Whereas, on the same day this house did request the President to confine the said James M. Mason and John Slidell in the cells of convicted felons until certain military officers of the United States, cap tured and held by the so-called Confederate States, should be treated as prisoners of war; " Therefore be it resolved, as the sense of this House, that it is the duty of the President to now firmly maintain the stand thus taken, approving and adopting the act of Captain Wilkes, in spite of any menace or demand of the British Government; and that this House pledges its full support to him in upholding now the honour and vindicating the courage of the Government and people of the United States against a foreign Power." Mr. Vallandiglam moved the previous question. They had heard the first growl of the British Lion. It remained to be seen who would be cowed. "The news from England has produced a decided sensation in this section. The general sentiment is that our Government must maintain its rights and dignity, regardless of English bluster. "DETROIT, MICHIGAN, DEC. 16. ORIN'S G eat Attractions at the EGYPTIAN lIALL, ERY EVENING, at 8 (Saturday excepted) and Wednesday ar.d Saturday at halt-past 2.—The intense ex2iternent produced by his last sensation wonder, entit!ed "The Enchanted Christmas Tree," with its myriads of pre sents, will be continued at each Performance until further notice. Admission, is. and 2s. Stalls, 3s. This Day, Post Octavo, 6.4. 6d., THE HISTORY OF MODERN MUSIC. A Course of Lectures delivered at the Royal Institution of Great Britain. By JOHN HULLAIL Professor of Vocal Music in King's College, and in Queen's College, London; and Organist of Charterhouse. London: Parker, Son, and Bourn, West Strand. "Nothing contained in Mr.Adams' despatches in dicates that that Government will make any exor bitant demand upon the United States relative to the seizure of the traitors. This is not only true, but I am permitted to announce, by high • official authority, that private letters received to-day from distinguished British statesmen, assert that the Go vernment of Great Britain will not demand the release of Mason and Slidell, but will require an apology and such reparation as the United States can honourably grant. This is also confirmed by othettprivato 'correspondence from Americans in London who have facilities for learning something of the intentions of the British Government. " The European news creates a deep feeling, and the probabilities of a war with England are freely discussed. There is a general desire for our Go vernment to place itself right as regards the law, when it will be sustained at every hazard. ARGYLL ROOMS.-GREAT SUCCESS!!- The Band and Musical arrangements under the direc tion of M. BOULCORT, Conductor and principal Cornet. In Addition to the Laurent Valse, Strauss Zundrille, and novel ties of last week, A NEW POLKA, by M. Boulcourt, the Solos performed by him and M. Grecbe. Admission ls.— Manager, M. P. Grenet. VDINBURGH REVIEW, No. CCXXXIII.— -LU ADVERTISEMENTS and Bills intended for insertion cannot be received later than Wednesday. London : Longman and Co., 14, Ludgate-hill. " CHICAGO, DEC. 16. " The news from England by the Europa creates a profound sensation in political circles, It is not credited that her Majesty's Government has deter mined to demand the release of the rebel emissaries, Mason and Slidell. If, however, such be the case, the feeling seems to be that the Government shall be sustained in its effurts t sustain the national honour and national dignity. The Tribune and Times will suggest the propriety of submitting the questions of arbitration to some impartial neutral Power. GRANGER'S PATENT COLLARS, 6d., 9d., and Is. per dozen, post free. EVERLASTING COLLARS (require no washing) 6d. each, post free. NEW QUARTERLY REVIEW, No. XL. JANUARY, 1862. Price Half-a-Crown. CONTAINS Lord Castlereagh's Memoirs. The Cotton Trade. The Cloister and the Hearth. The Session of 1862. America—Peace or War. With Summary Notices of all the leading Works in Eng lish, French, and German Literature. In:Ration Best Lace Collar., Id. and 2d each. 308, High Holborn, W.C. Agents wanted. • A terrific fire has taken place in Charleston, the particulars of which may be gleaned from the fol lowing Southern newspaper accounts : (From the .Richmond Inquirer.) BRANCHVILLE, S. C., DEC. 12. About 9 o'clock last night the alarm rang out cal ling upon the citizens of Charleston to quell the be ginning of a fire, which, in the subsequent extent and rapidity of its ruinous sweep, will compare with the most terrible conflagration which ever visited the American continent. Before 10 o'clock the fire was raging at different points in the lower part of the city. The buildings in the neighbourhood were mostly of wood, old and closely built, and surrounded by small outbuildings, exceedingly inflammable in ROYAL FREE HOSPITAL, for the Destitute Sick, Gray's-inn-road.—Earnest Appeal.—Owing to an. unexpected delay in the payment ot a considerable legacy, on which the Committee relied, this hospital is left without iminedtate funds. As the period is rapidly approaching, when its resources are always severely tested, the Committee make an earnest APPEAL to the publx benevolence for means to enable them to carry on the charity. Contributions are received by the Treasurer, Edward Mu terman, Esq., Nicholas-lane; also by Messrs. Coutts and Co. ; Drummond and Co. ; Ilerries and Co. ; Ransom and Co. ; Prescott, Grote, and Co. ; Smith, Payne, and C o . ; Gly n an d Co. ; Jones Loyd and Co. ; Barclay and Co. ; Denison and Co. ; Williams, Deacon, and Co. ; Overend, Gurney, and Co.; NisUet and CO., l 3 erners-street ; J. Barned and Co, Liver pool; and at the Hospital. London : Robert Hardwicke, 102, Piccadilly. " The French Minister gave a dinner this evening. The British, Spanish, Russian, and other Ministers wore present. In conversation the tables were rather turned upon the French Minister that he had received no instructions from his Government on the Mason and Slidell affair, since France was viewed as the chosen ally of England. This was pleasantly done, but the French. Minister did not relish the joke. SATURDAY, the 4th, will he published the FIRST NUMBER for 1862 of THE ATHENIEUM. Each Volume complete in itself, with Title-page and Index. " BUFFALO, DEC. 16. " The English news received here last night caused considerable excitement on the street. The prevailing opinion is that we have nothing to fear from a war with England. The Express says : ' But we must speak from and for a point terribly exposed to the horrors of war. We entreat our Government to sacrifice not one jot of its dignity at this period of trial. Whatever sacrifice may be thrown upon us, all will be borne more patiently than the mortification of national disgrace.' " THE ROYAL FARMS.—The GARDENERS' CHRONICLE and AGRICULTURAL GAZETTE of January 4, will contain a descriptiun of the BARTON FARM at OSBORNE ; to be followed in succeeding Numbers by similar articles on the other Royal Farms. The Number for Jan. 4 commences a new Volume. Order of any News vender. Office, 41, Wellington-street, Covent-garden, W.C. STANFORD S. SMITH, Sec. SALE OF HER MAJESTY'S SHIPS. Department of the Storekeeper-General of the Navy, Somerset-place, 16th Dec., 1861. THE COMMISSIONERS for EXECUTING THE OFFICE of LORD HIGH ADMIRAL of the UNITED KINGDOM of GREAT BRITAIN and IRE LAND, DO HEREBY GIVE NOTICE, That on FRIDAY, the 34 January next, at TV 0 o'clock, they will be ready to receive Sealed Tenders for the purchase of her Majesty's un dermentioned Ships : Where Portland. T 1 477` Lying. Lively. 1(80 Pallas. Spartan 9lB Pilot Rxpress 362 Peterel Pandora 319 Crane 359 Arrow._ Lynx 77 I Vipe r 477J Where Tons. Lying. Frolic Arab.. Daring Elk 484 Tyne......... 600 Electra Kangaroo Dispatch Daphne Mariner 4Bl Fantome Vestal 913 , Cleopatra 2lB, No Tender will be received after Two o'clock on the day of treaty Every Tender must be addressed to the Secretary of the Admiralty, and bear in the left-hard corner Aire words " Tender for the purchase of lI.M. Ship," and must also be delivered at Somerset-place. Persons wishing to view the Ships must apply to the Su perintendents of H.M. Dockyards at Devonport and Chatham for Notes of Admission for that purpose. Catalogues and conditions of s a l e may b e had h ere or a t the said yards. Chatham. CONTRACT FOR BRITISH 0 K TIMBER, THICK . STUFF, PLANK, AND TREENAILS. Department of the Storekeeper General of the Navy, Somerset Place, 18th Dec., 1861. THE COMMISSIONERS for EXECUTING the OFFICE of LORD HIGH ADMIRAL of the UNITED KINGDOM of GREAT BRITAIN and IRELAND, DO EREBY GIVE NOTICE, That on TUESDAY, the 14th Jan. next, at Two o'Clock, they will be ready to treat with such Persons as may be willing to Contract for supplying 12,0(0 Loads of BRITISH OAK TIMBER (rough contents, but to be delivered in a rough or sided state as the sai dect). 1 ,250 Loads d of BRITISH Commissioners OAK shall THI ir CKSTUFF, 400 Loads of Ditto PLANK, No. 400,000 Ditto TREENAILS, to be delivered at her Majesty's several Dockyards by the list in each of the years 186!, 1863, and 1864, at prices, including, all carriage and other expenses. A Tender may be made for the whole Contract, or for the Quantities required at any one or more of the yards, but not for less than the full quantities of Timber, Thickstuff, Plank, and Treenails required for any one yard. A. Form of the Tender, showing the distribution, sidings, and dimensions of the Timber, Thickstuff, Plank, and Tree nails, and all other necessary particulars. may be had on ap plication to this Office by letter or otherwise. No Tender will be received after Two o'clock on the day of treaty, nor will any be noticed unless the party attends, or an agent for him duly authorised in writing. Every Tender must be addressed to the Secretary of the .Ad mi raitY, and tear in the left-hand corner the words "Tender for British Oak;" and must also be delivered at So merset-place, accompanied by a letter signed by two re sponsible persons, engaging to 'become bound with the Per son tendering, in the sum of £20,000.f0r the dueperformance of the whole Contract, or in a dueproportion for apart only. RUPTURES:—BY ROYAL LETTERS PATENT. WHITE'S MOO-MAIN LEVER TRUSS ( AND IN THE EXHIBITI P ON ERFECTED OF 1851), Is aIIowed EXIIIRETED by upwards of GREAT Two hundred Medical Gentlemen to he the most effective invention in the curative treatment of li ERN I A. The use of a steel spring, so often hurtful in its , ffects, is here avoided—a soft bandage being worn round the body, while the requisite resisting power is supplied by the 11- 0e-Main Pad and Patent Lever, fitting with so much, ease and closeness that it cannot be detected, and may be worn during sleep. A descriptive circular may he had,' and the truss which cannot fail to fit, forwarded by post, on the dr- C umference of the body, two inches below the hips, being sent to the manufacturer, Mr. WTI ITE, 228, Piccadilly. A Single Truss, 165., 215., 265. ed., and 31s. 6d. Postage, ls. A Doublo Truss, 31s. 6d., 425., and 525. M. Postage, is Bd. An Umbilical Truss, 425. and 52e. ed. Postage, ls. 10d. Post -office Orders to be made payable to John White, Post 'Ake, Piccadilly. NEW PATENT ELASTIC STOCKINGS, KNEE-CAPS, &e., for Varicose Veins and all cases of Weakness and Swelling of the Legs, Sprains, &o. They are orous, light in texture, and inexpensive, and are drawn on Like an ordinary stocking. Price 45. 6d., 7s. 6d., 10s., to 16s. oavl. Postage 6d. JOHN WHITE, Manufacturer, 228,7Piceadilly. AN EFFECTUAL REMEDY.-LAMBERT'S ASTHMATIC BALSAM, without confining the bowels or affecting the head, truly efficacious and pleasant, Is admitted to be the best medicine for immediately relieving Coughs, colds, confirmed cases of asthma, and consumption. It frequently cures persons whom the faculty pronounce in curable, admirably allays the tickling, which provokes frequent Coughing. In approaching consumption its effects are truly beneficial. Persons deprived of sleep, or even lying down for fear of suffocation, may depend on relief in a few minutes after taking it. Prepared only and sold by W. Lambert, Chemist, 2°, Jermyn-street, Haymarket, London, and by all * w arug,gists, in bottles, Ind., and three times the quantity in one, 2s. 9d. each. Be particular, and ask for Lambert's kstlimatic Balsam. DR. BUCHAN'S DOMESTIC MEDICINES. PATENT SUGAR-COATED PILLS, for purifying the blood, ••egulating the bowels, and removing vitiated hu mors, bilious and liver complaints, rheumatism. gout, scor butic affections, co •tiveness, tc. These pills work their way to the very roots of each disease, cleansing in their passage, and removing every unhealthy accumulation, till the bl is purified, the whole system renovated, and all the functions act according to nature, whilst the duties of life become a pleasure, where before they ha I been sad and weary burdens. -Do not hesitate—do not delay! a clean stomach must make a clean body. A clean body will contain pure blood, when the stomach, body, and blood are pure, from regulating and cleansing; the bowels, health is cert a i n . 8e2.1n at the be ginning, waste no time; strike at the root of your ailment. Again, I say, look to your stomach. One trial of these pills 'Sill force convicti Sold in bottles, at ls. lad., 9s. 9d., 4s. Od., and lls. Sold by Buchan and Co., 22, Newman-street, Oxford street. London, W., and to be had of all chemists in town and Country, or forwarded on re cipt of stamps. Wholesale Agents :—Barclay and Son, 75, Farringdon-st. DR. CULVERWELL'S LAST NEW WORK, OURSELVES. Price ls., by post 15. ;of Mann, 29, Cornhill. On Spermatorrheca, Gleets, .Cc. S Stricture, lamorrhoids, Marriage : Impediments removed, and Healthy Offspring Secured. Dr. C. may be consulted daily till 12, at The Post-office Turkish Paths, 19, St. Martin's-le-Grand and from 1 till 9 p.m. at 3, Great Marlborough-street, W. 1)R. CULVERWELL'S NEW POST-OFFICE TURKISH BATHS, 19, St. Martin's-le-Grand. 2s. till 5, and is. fid. from 5 till a ; Simdays, is till 1. An ESSAY on TURKISH BATHING, gratis. OPINIONS OF TIIE PRESS. " The Use and the Abuse of the Turkish Path.—A very Useful pamphlet has been published by Dr. Culverwell, the proprietor of the Turkish Baths in the neighbourhood of the Post-office, which presents to the uninitiated a mearssonfriangteed res tin_ inf orma ti on, w hil e th os e who have already co this new system will derive additional advantag e if they observe some of the mactical regulations which the writer endeavours to cut orce."—Herald and Standard : N_ ov. 12, 1881. " The Post-office Turkish Baths, 19, St. Martin's - le-Grand. —Dr. Culverwell has already established the reputation of an able physician ; he has now proved himself to be a worthy philanthropist, in as far as he has established, in the heart of the City , an i nstitution that more near l y th a n any disco very of mod ern d ays, goes nearer the abol i t i on o f the practice of physic, than any proposition or invention yet established, the Turkish Bath. . . Our object being merely to direct the attention of our City readers to the fact that they possess one of th e b est set of baths, at 19, St. Martin's-le-Gran d, which the country can produce; perfect in all its appliances, and most admirable i n e ff ec t . D r. C u l verwe ll h as fitted 11P baths With a degree of elegance, luxury, and refinement, considering the space at his disposal, is truly sur prising, while everything, that taste or delicacy could desire 1?5 been obtained to add to the cemfort and luxury of the visitor. . . We may justly say that if a man ever feels himself regenerated and new made, it is on corning out of .. a Wurki§lllAttl."—Era, Oct 130861' THE PRESENT DISTRESS IN TRADE fully explained in J. GROSSMITH'S " GOVERNMENT UPON FIRST PRINCIPLES." The cause is there predicated of the monetary difficulties ex perienced in 1860. The Crisis is at hand. Anxiety in busi ness has now become the grim torture. Purity of motive. Intelligently exercised, must animate all Governments, or all is lost, All denominations of Constitutions are carefully examined in J. Grossmith's "Government upon First Prin ciples." Kent and Co., Paternoster-row. Just published, price 25., free by post, 2s. 4d., ON SPERMATORRHEA. By F. B. COURTENAY, M.R.C.S.E., And formerly Surgeon to the Metropolitan Infirmary for the Cure of Strictures of the Urethra, " The aim of the author is to present a common-sense view of the Causes, Nature, Consequences, and Treatment of this Disease, as also to free these questions from the Professional Fallacies, the Popular Delusions, and the exaggerations of Quackery by which they have hitherto been surrounded, to the destruction of the health and happiness of thousands. These objects are discussed in a common-sense and highly practical manner."—Medical Circular. London : 11. Bailliere, 219, Regent-street." TOOTHACHE. —HOWARD'S ENAMEL, for stopping decayed teeth, however large the cavity. It is used in a soft state, without pressure or pain, and hardens into a white enamel. It remains in the tooth many years, rendering extraction unnecessary and arresting the decay. Directions for use enclosed. Sold by all chemists and medi tine vendors, Price is, A MOST DESIRABLE BREAKFAST BEVERAGE. EPPS'S C 0 C 0 A. (Commonly called Epps's Homeopathic Cocoa). The delicious aroma, grateful smoothness, and invigo rating power of this preparation have procured its general ,doption as a most desirable breakfast beverage. ilb., ilb., and llb packets, at is. 6d. per lb., by Grocers. QAUCIE.-LEA AND PERRINS L) beg to caution the Public against Spurious Imitations of their world-renowcd WORCESTERSHIRE SAUCE. Purchasers should ASK FOR LEA AND PERKINS' SAUCE, Pronounced by Connoisseurs to be "THE ONLY GOOD SAUCE." ** Sold Wholesale and for Export, by the Proprietors, * Worcester; Meisrs. CROSSE and BLACKWELL, London, &c. /rt., and by Grocers and Oilmen universally. T".—STRACffAN and CO.'S Strong Rough " Domestic" Black at 3s. Id. per lb.-26, Cornhill, London, E.C. TEA.—STRACHAN and CO.'S Fine " Inter mediate " Black at 3s. Bd. per lb.-26, Cornhill, Lon don, E.C. TEA. STRACHAN and CO.'S Delicious " Drawing Room " Black at 4s. 2d. per lb.-26, Corn hill, London, E.C. Dr. Haasall's Certificate of Purity, and a Priv Current free on application, 26, Cornhill, London, E.C. ORNAMENTS for the Drawing-room, Library, ind Dining-room, consisting of a new and elegant assort ment of VASES, Figures, Groups, Candlesticks, Obelisks, Ink stands, heautiful inlaid Tables, Paper weights, &a., in Italian, Alabas er, Parian, Marble, Bronze, Derbyshire Spar, &c. Imported and manufactured by JAMES TENNANT, Mine ralogist to her %lajesty, 149. Stand, W.C., London. Mr. Tennant arranges elementary collections of SHELLS, MINERALS, ROCKS, and FOSSILS, which will greatly facilitate he interesting study of MINERALOGY, CON CHOLOGY, and GEOLOGY, at 2,5, 10, 20, 50, to 100 guineas each. PRA :ITICAL INSTRUCTION in GEOLOGY and MINE RALOG Y is given by Mr. TENNAN T. at 149, Strand, W.C. GIVEN AWAY TO NERVOUS SUFFERERS. HENRY SMITH, M.D., of the University of Jena, has just published, for the be fit of Nervous ufferers, a FREE EDITION of his valuable - work, THE WARNING VOICE TO YOUNG MEN (120 pages). A meddcal work on the cure of Nervous Debility, Loss of Memory, Dimness of Sight, Lassitude, Indigestion, Dislike 'o Society, Spermatorrhcea, Local Weakness, Muscular Re axation, Languor, Listlessness, Depression, &c., which, if neglected, result in consumption, insanity, and premature death ; with plain directions for perfect restoration to health and vigour. The book will be sent, post free, secure from ob ervation, to any address, on receipt of a directed envelope and two stamps. Address, HENRY SMITH, M.D., b, Burton crescent, Tavistock-square, London, W.C. THE VIGOUR OF YOUTH RESTORED IN FOUR WEEKS by Dr. RICORD'S ESSENCE OF LIFE. - - . This wonderful agent will restore manhood to the most shattered constitution, whether arising from self-pollution, excesses, nocturnal emissions, the effects of climate, or natu ral causes. The time required to cure the most inveterate case is four weeks ; and, if used according to the printed in structions (which are very simple), failure is impossible. This life-restoring remedy should be taken by all about to marry, as its effects are permanent. It is acknowledged by the medical press to be the greatest discovery ever made. Success in every case is as certain as that water quenches thirst Dr. Eicord's Essence of Life is sold in cases, with full in rtructions for use, at lls., or four quantities in one for 335., and will be sent to any part of the world, carefully packed, on receipt of remittance or post-office order payable to Prout and Co., Patent Medi ineWarebouse, 229, Strand, London. (Entered at Stationers' Hall.) THE SILENT FRIEND, a Medical Work, a Guide to the Married and those contemplating Marriage, who entertain secret doubt of physical strength, having im perilled the power of manhood by youthful indiscretions ; also treating on Syphilis, Secondary Symptoms, and Gonor rhoea, and containhp: a Prescription known as the Preventive Lotion, Nature's Disinfectant, precluding the passibility of contamination ; containing 190 pages, with 100 engravings, free by post 12 stamps. Address R. and L. Perry and Co , 19, Berners-street, Oxford-street, W. Attendance daily, from 10 till 8, by a Consulting Surgeon, Member of the Royal College of Surgeons of England (registered under the new Medical Act). DR. CURTIS' MEDICAL WORK, MANHOOD : %. MEDICAL ESSAY ON SPERMATORRIITE A, NERVOUS AND GENERATIVE DEBILITY, &o. lust Published, the 150th thousand, with numerous plates, in a sealed envelope, price la., Sold by all Booksellers, and sent post paid, by the Author, for 12 stamps, V A NROOD : the CAUSE and CURE of PRE MATURE DECLINE IN MAN, with Plain Directions for Perfect Restoration to Health and Vigour. By Dr. J. L. 4 3URTIS, 15, Albemarle-street, Piccadilly, London. CONTENTS: INTRODUCTORY CHAPTER on the Physiological structure and Functions of the Reproductive Organs. CHAPTER Tl.—Causes of Spervnatorrham and Impotence; Early Vicious Indulgences; Dangers of Neglect. CIIAPTEIt lII.—A Review of the various Disqualifications d Marriage; whether resulting from Youthful Abuse, the Follies of Maturity, the Effects of Climate, or Infection. CHAPTERS IV. and V. on the modern Treatment of 3onorrhcea and Syphilis. The Rook concludes with numerous varied and interesting aces, to which is added the Author's recipe of a preventive Lotion. REVIEWS OF THE WORK. "Curtis on Manhood.--This is a truly valuable work, and hould be in the hands of young and old."—" Sunday Times," ad March 1856. "The author has conferred a great boon by publishing this little work, in which is described the source of those diseases which produce decline in youth or more frequently premature old age."—" Daily Telegraph," March 27, 1856. " This work, which for twenty years has stood the test of "rofessional criticism and empirical hostility, treats in a plain nd sympathising manner on the various disqualifications ,rul impediments arising from hervous excitement and de bility ; and to invalid s suffering from youthful errors and excesses it will be found valuable and useful."—Record. London : Published by J. Allen, 20, Warwick Lane, Pater noster-row; Mann, $, Cornhill. Sundays, 10 till 2, Uollre 01 colleuitAtion-10 to 3 Rod 0 to 8; A full telegraphic summary was published in the American journals of Monday, the 16th of De cember, and the Mason and Slidell case became the absorbing topic of the day. The press and the public generally seemed to deprecate war with England, and to cling to a vague idea that the matter would be settled by some diplomatic arrange. meat. Unanimity at first, however, appeared to prevail among the press and public upon the most important part of the question—namely, the sur render of Messrs. Mason and Slidell ; and the uni versal opinion was that the "national honour" of the country could never permit the surrender of the prisoners under any circumstances whatever. The following day, December 17, the feeling universally was much ealmer and quieter through out all circles, and the general opinion was that war would certainly not ensue; the idea of giving up Messrs. Mason and Slidell was even discussed, and its probability entertained, the argument being, if the Federal Government was in the wrong in tak ing these men, there is no disgrace in surrendering them ; and if they were right, the question can be discussed or settled by arbitration. The startling rumour that the Federal Government had forbidden tho export of specie gained credence in New York for some time on the afternoon of December 17, but it was soon ascertained that such a thought had never even entered the head of the Washington Cabinet.S The Europa reached Boston late on the afternoon of December 17, having been 40 hours from Hali fax to Boston against strong head winds. It was then announced that within 30 minutes after the Europa touched at Halifax the British steam sloop of war Rinaldo got up steam and left, in pursuance of some orders, it was supposed, brought by the Queen's messenger, to communicate with the Ad miral of the British North American squadron. The Europa's mails were delivered in New York December 18, and their contents largely scrutinised. Captain Seymour, Queen's messenger, and Mr. Cooke, messenger from Mr. Adams, arrived in New York on the morning of Dec. 18, and at once left for Washington by special train, where they arrived at midnight. The tone of the New York morning journals of Dec. 18 was materially changed on the Mason and Slidell question, and a degree of moderation was ob servable in discussing this subject, very different from the articles of the few previous weeks. Whe ther through chance or any other cause, none of them contained any despatches from Washington on this question. On the afternoon of the 18th news from England to 6th Dec. was telegraphed from Portland, and the announcement of the formidable warlike progress being made in Great Britain again created great excitement and affected the money market injuriously. The following despatch from Washington was published in the New Fork .7imes of December 19 ; "A Cabinet was held to-day, at which the Eng?' lish question was discussed—of course informally, as the nature of the despatches brought by the royal messenger had not been divulged. There was but one sentiment prevalent, and that was that no quarrel with England must bo permitted to inter fere at this moment to stay the reduction of the Southern rebels. The Government is probably satis fied that the clamour for a war with England origi nates with and is progagated by sympathisers with the Southern rebellion. It knows that nothing would so gratify the rebels, would so restore their vanish ing confidence, and reinvigorate them to redoubled efforts at defence, as the news that England is per mitted to come to their rescue. It believes it has no right to give new life to the rebellion by entering upon another and vaster quarrel, which would at the same time increase tenfold the burdens upon the people of the North, and it naturally hesitates to adopt a policy which would carry joy to every traitor in the country, and weigh down to poverty the loyal and law-observing citizen. But, whether these or other considerations govern in the matter, I have the best authority for saying the demands of England will be met in a spirit of con ciliation, which will at once refute the calumny that Mr. Seward or any other member of the Cabinet has been eager to provoke a foreign war. The in telligence received by the Jura, that the despatches with which Slidell and Mason were intrusted reached England notwithstanding their arrest,ren ders the question as to the disposition of the persons of the rebel envoys one of secondary moment, and a most inadequate one on which to base a great in ternational struggle. It will be borne in mind that the Administration is still uncommitted on the Trent business. The subject was not mentioned in the President's Message ; and the language of Sec retary Welles, in his report, and his letter to Capt. Wilkes, are rather professional and personal than diplomatic, and in no degree bind the State Depart ment. Of one thing the public may rest assured, the subject will not bo settled without an important curtailment of the English pretensions to enforce a right of search, which she finds it so unpalatable to concede to other Powers." The Tribune of the same date published the fol•• lowing : " Captain Seymour and Mr. Adams's messenger arrived about midnight in consequence of a delay caused by a railway accident. Lord Lyons has de tained the Africa on Friday. • Nothing can, of course, be known of the despatches till to-morrow, when the President will send a message to the Senate on the subject of our relations with Great Britain, which will be considered in Executive Session, "A rumour is afloat that the Government has de cided to return Messrs. Mason and Slidell ; but we are satisfied, after inquiry, that it is untrue. "The question would not be decided in advance of the receipt of Mr. Adams's despatches, and there has been no Cabinet meeting since yesterday. The Africa will carry to England a despatch from Lord Lyons, containing little more than the intelligence that he has received and delivered to the American Government his instructions from the Foreign office." These despatches, it will be seen, entertain the idea of the surrender of Messrs. Mason and Slidell —the first time that the New York press has argued the possibility of their surrender since their seizure. The detention of the Africa for despatches was settled immediately on receipt of the Europa's ad vices. In Congress on Dec. 16 Mr. Vallandigham (Oppo sition, Ohio) introduced a preamble and resolution : " Whereas, the Secretary of the Navy has reported to this house that Capt. Charles Wilkes, in command of the San Jacinto, an armed public vessel of the United States, did, on the Bth November, 1861, on the high seas, intercept the Trent, a British mail steamer, and forcibly remove therefrom 11Tessrs, Mr- Fenton ,(1 - 4130 1 4)7=1, Ncw Yprk) hoped the resolution would be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Mr. Vallandigham remarked that a former re approbatory of Captain Wilkes was passed without being so referred. He (Vallandigham) had offered this resolution in good faith and would stand by it. The House then refused to second the demand for the previous question. Mr. Fenton again moved that tb.o preamble and resolution be referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Tho motion was agreed to by yeas 109, nays 16. At 1 p.m. to-day (Dec. 19) a general impression prevailed among well-informed circles that the Washington Cabinet will surrender . Messrs. Mason and Slidell if the demand of England is couched in such terms that it can be complied with without hurting the susceptibilities and wounding the national honour of one great nation in its inter course with another. The immediate effect of the Europa's news upon the stock and money market on the 16th December was startling. There was a general fall of about 3 per cent. in the stock market, and a depreciation in several instances of from 5 to 6 per cent. Western shares fell from 3to 5 per cent. Sterling exchange rose to 1101 to ill. The New York _Herald, in its edition of Dec. 17, in a characteristic article on England, argued that there was probably 600,000,000 dols.. worth of pro perty of various kinds—stocks, bonds, real estate, merchandise, &c., belonging to British and French subjects; and, in case of war with England and France, the .Herald urged the Government to appro priate the whole of the property of private indi viduals, and also recommended the Government to prohibit immediately the further export of bread stuffs to Europe. The Bank statement of December 16 showed an unexpected large decrease in specie, the decrease amounting to nearly three millions, without any specie shipments to Europe. A suspension of specie payments by the Boston, New York, and Phila delphia banks was considered certain, but, contrary to expectation, at a meeting of the banks in New York on December 16th it was resolved not to sus pend specie payment. The following resolutions were passed unanimously : " - Whereas the public mind has become unduly agitated in regard to the financial course to be pur sued by the banks and the United States Govern ment, which has led to a premature discussion of a suspension of specie payments ; and 'Whereas an examination into the condition of the specie of the country has resulted in the belief that we now hold 80,000,000 dole. of bullion more than we held a year ago, of which a fair proportion is in the banks ; and " Whereas the exports of cereals and provisions have so far exceeded those of former years that, notwithstanding the loss of the cotton crop, our exports far exceed our importations, and there is no demand for foreign exchange to warrant consider able shipments of coin ; and " Whereas, the pending difference with Great Britain will probably prove to be capable of a diplomatic solution through the ordinary channels, or by arbitration, and fears on this score are pre mature and groundless; and " Whereas, there is nothing in the position of the loans to the Government to cause uneasiness, and the entire arrears due upon them from the Banks of this city (a considerable part of which is to be reimbursed) do not exceed 21,500,000 dols., pro vided the Secretary in his draughts therefore will consult their wishes, which may be expected from him from motives of interest and policy, as well as from his promises ; and " Whereas, independently of all these considera tions, it is not only unbecoming, but bad faith, for fiduciary agents to refuse the just demands of de positors, unless for clear cause and manifest neces sity, and nothing but an entire want of public con fidence, or great national considerations, rendering it impossible to comply with all engagements, can ever justify such refusual ; therefore be it " Resolved, that the New York Banks, with assurances from the representatives of banks in Boston and Philadelphia of their co-operation, see no reasonable justification or necessity for the sus pension of specie payments, under the existing state of their relations v. ith the banks of this country, the United States Government, and Europei " Relying therefore confidently on the harmoni ous action of the Government, on the continued confidence of their depositors, and on the patriotism of the people, they will maintain specie payments." The America, from Liverpool on the 7th instant, passed Cape Race on the 18th instant, but was not intercepted. NEW YORK, DEC. 20, MORNING. The latest advices received from Washington this morning report that Lord Lyons had not yet de livered any official despatches to the Federal Go vernment. It is remarked that at the President's last levee neither the English, french, nor Prussian Minister was present. Mr. Secretary Chase, at a Bank meeting, expressed an opinion that by January the Federal naval and military operations would give decisive results, and that the British question was capable of and would have a pacific solution. The 62d and 63d Regiments are under orders at Halifax for Canada. QUEENSTOWN, JAN. 1. The Africa, Cunard mail steamer, arrived off the harbuur this morning. She brings news to the 20th ult., but not of the decisive character expected. The following is the latest Washington despatch in the New York _Herald : "The mail bag containing the despatches from Minister Adams was placed in charge of Captain George Cook, of the 22d Massachussetts Volunteers, at Boston, with a view of expediting its transmis sion to Washington. Captain Cook travelled with the Queen's messenger, Captain Seymour, by the Shore Line route from Boston to New York, where they arrived more than two hours behind time and missed the connexion. The English bearer of des patches proceeded by special train. " Captain Cook telegraphed Secretary Seward to ".The President has important private letters that will have great weight in the summing up of this traitorous imbroglio." The following are the comments of the Herald : "-Beyond the safe arrival yesterday in Washington id the Queen's messenger with his despatches for Lord Lyons, and our Government messenger with a heavy mail bag from Mr. Adams, our Minister at London, we have this morning little additional facts of any moment to communicate to our readers upon the Mason-Slidell affair. We presume that the Cabinet has made a preliminary examination of the despatches from Mr. Adams, and that Lord Lyons has been diligently employed upon the facts, the law, and the merits of the case as submitted to him, with the instructions from his Government, whatever those instructions may be, and that within a few days Mr. Seward may expect to hear from him. Meantime we are gratified with our assurances from Washington that no appre hensions are there entertained of a rupture with England upon this little affair of the Trent ; that the President and his Cabinet are perfectly calm and unruffled ; and that in Congress the only voice which is still for war' is that of Mr. Vallan digham, of Ohio, whose zeal is considered as out running his discretion. Meantime private letters from British statesmen give assurance that no de mand will be made on our Government for a peremptory surrender of Mason and Slidell, but only for such apology as we can honourably grant. For a day or two past Mr. Chase, our able and in defatigable Secretary of the Treasury, has been consulting in reference to the sinews of war' with our bankers and financiers, and his unshaken equa nimity and positive opinions of an amicable adjust ment with England have contributed much to re store confidence and order in Wall-street. From the full details of the news by the Jura it has also been discovered that the lapse of two short days had produced a visible abatement of the sudden war panic which had been aroused in England by the first highly coloured reports of the seizure of Mason and Slidell. The calm and sensible letter of Gen. Scott, and the seasonable and convincing peace speeches of Messrs. Cobden and Bright had been heard, and evidently set the idea afloat that there were two sides, not only to the affair of the Trent, but two sides in England to the question of a war with the United States at this crisis. We may there. fore safely conclude that a war panic which is in flated to its climax . in two days, and which then begins to collape, is but a bubble, and that the question at issue will neither be peremptorily pre sented for an immediate decision to our Cabinet nor hastily considered by our Secretary of State. If the difficulty is of that grave and commanding im portance which the London Ministerial journals have declared it to be time will be required to con sider it ; and if the whole matter lies within the nutshell of a petty technicality there is no necessity for precipitate action. Wo presume that Lord Lyons will present his case in one of those diplo matic notes of several newspaper columns in extent, and that an appropriate reply will demand an ex tension of the argument, and so on until the issue of war involved shall have melted away into an amicable arrangement." The effect of the Europa's news is thus sha dowed : " PHILADELPHIA, DEC. 16. "The money article of the Bulletin, of this city, says : " The foreign news caused a feverish and excited Stock-market to-day, with a downward tendency, particularly in ' fancies.' Reding declined one per cent. The better class of securities sympathizes with this downward movement, but, in the absence of transactions, prices are entirely nominal. The best bids for State loans are one per cent. below Saturday's prices. In monetary circles there is much distrust, and capitalists are holding off until the bluster and excitement subside. The general belief is that the English press exaggerates the policy of that Government, and that the difficulty is one that can be settled by diplomacy. The affair will, however, doubtless have the good effect of arousing our citizens to a sense of our weakness in the defences of this locality, and settling the dispute at present existing between the State Department and the State Government respecting the necessity of their immediate improvement. There was but little movement in cotton to-day, and prices are un changed. There was some little excitement at the corm-exchange. Breadstuffs are generally un changed. The resolution of Mr. Vallandigham in the House to-day is deprecated as an attempt to force results which the State Department may be able to avert.' " BALTIMORE, DEC. 16. "The effict of the Euglish news in Baltimore has been to call forth a warm Union sympathy with the position of the President, while the rebels are re joicing at the prospect of the aid of England to overthrow the Union. Nearly all the Irish in Bal timore have been rebels, but they are now rallying for the Union against England. " PITTSBURG, PENNSYLVANIA, DEC. 16. " The English news was received here with gene ral astonishment and profound indignation at the tone of the English press and the alleged policy of tlie British Government. There is one sentiment only here, that the honour of our country must be maintained, and no concession made to British bluster. ~ LOUISVILLE, KENTUCKY, DEC. 16. " The English news was received, on the whole, with indifference. It had a slightly unfavourable effect on the tobacco sales. Those with Secession proclivities aro rather elated, in the hope that Eng land will assist in opening the Southern ports, while the Unionists either discredited the news or be lie Ted that the neat steamer would show an essen- CANADA. The warlike feeling in Canada runs very high, as may be seen from the following : (From the Montreal Gazette, Dec. 9.) We said a few days ago that the Grand Trunk workmen at Point St. Charles were mooting the idea of forming a military organisation, and that it was probable that they would organise into an artillery battalion, or several batteries of artillery. We now learn that 380 of the men have agreed to serve under whatever military organisation their superiors may deem them fit to assume, and that these gentlemen are awaiting the return of his Excellency the Commander of the Forces from his Western tour of observation to take his advice upon this important point. We are further informed that 100 of the company's workmen at Queen's wharf, Toronto, have likewise volunteered their services, subject to the same conditions, and that the directors of the movement are daily awaiting information from the company's workmen at Quebec and vicinity, conveying the intelligence that they also have volunteered their services in large num bers. It was stated a few days ago that the Vic toria Rifles had organised by requesting Mr. 0. Smith, late of her Majesty's 39th Regiment, to accept the captaincy of the corps, and Mr. J. G. K. Houghton, late of her Majesty's 17th Regiment, to act as lieutenant—both, by the way, Crimean offi cers. The idea of forming this company originated among a few young men, principally of the Beaver Lacrosse Club. Each individual founder recruited among his friends, and in a few days they obtained upwards of 100. A meeting was then called and Messrs. Urquhart, Beers, Woods, Huddell, and Stimson, with the officers commanding and the secretary, Mr. Middlemiss, were appointed a com mittee to manage the company's affairs and decide on a suitable uniform. This, we believe, is to be of Canadian gray cloth, with red facings. A commu nication was then sent to the Deputy Adjutant- General, tendering the services of the corps, but no answer has yet been received, although a fortnight has elapsed since its departure. A large number of merchants have joined the company, and it promises to be one of the first, if not the crack company, of the city. The bank managers and clerks, also, it is said, propose to form a rifle company, but no definite steps have as yet been taken in the matter, Another rumour is to the effect that the members of the Mon treal Hunt Club are entertaining the idea of form ing themselves into a body guard to the commander of the forces. A contemporary stated on Saturday that the Government had leased the Point St. Charles machine shops, for the purpose of rifling the heavy ordnance on St. Helen's Island and other arsenals. We have made inquiry into the facts of this state ment, and learn that some officers merely inquired of Mr. Shanly, the manager of the Grand Trunk Railway, whether, in case of necessity, the com pany would be disposed to lease its works for that purpose, and that he replied that there were other works in the city equally well fitted for the rifling of ordnance—Mr, Cantin's marine works, for in stance. (From the Toronto Leader, Dec. 9.) The military spirit of our people is evidently be coming aroused. On every hand measures for self defence are being adopted. The active Volunteer force is receiving large accessions to its numbers ; new companies are being formed everywhere and old ones filled up ; the privates are mo s t ass id uous in mastering the details of the drill, and the officers are directing their attention to the study of military tactics of a higher order. The sedentary force, too, is awaking from its slumbers—the influence of the Leader and other journals, whose patriotism has not been set aside for the purpose of squinting to Washington, is beginning to be felt throughout the c )untry, and showing itself in meetings of officers for drill and a greater desire among them to be come possessed of the qualities necessary to com mand. All these are cheering signs which prove that the country is fully alive to the danger of be ing lulled into false ideas of security, and that its spirit is fully equal to that which imbued the men who, in 1812, turned out to repel the boastful in vader. In Toronto this spirit is manifested every where, and among all classes, showing itself in the military musters which are held every day. Sa turday, for instance, was a busy day among our embryo soldiery, and at night military matters formed almost the sole theme of conversation in public places. (From the Niagara Corresponden t o f the Leade) • ) " The absorbing topic in Canada West, especially along the frontier, is a con sideration of our defenc es and our means of repelling a sudden invasion in case of war. I will not enter into details, but will state in general terms that in view of the total want of preparation, w ithout a fort or batt er y, w ith ou t a single regiment of militia that is possessed of the first rudiments of drill—without, in short, one single means of defence to rely on in a sudden emergency, a feeling of intense anxiety prevails among all classes. We see the western portion of he province, with all its accumulated wealth, its loyal population, its towns, villages, and happy t homes exposed to a possible irruption from the nu merous and vindictive foe, and liable to be overrun, plundered, and devastated before oar means of de fence are organised. With the best material in the world to defend a country, our actual capabilities, for want of organisation, aro about the worst. Should a war break out suddenly, nothing we have at present could prevent Western Canada being in their character. As tenement after tenement was enveloped in the fast spreading flames the panic became awful. Thousands of poor bewildered families were driven suddenly from their homes, destitute even of their scanty effects. Towards midnight the fire had assumed proportions of an appalling magnitude. The regiments at the race course came down at double quick to the burning wards, and co-operated most earnestly in the labours of the firemen. From the precincts of Market, east of Bay and State streets, the confla gration had now reached Meeting and Queen streets. The terror of families, in many cases without their protectors, owing to the military exigencies of the times, was very great. Contiguous to the fire, and even much further up into the city, the work of packing up valuables and getting ready to desert; their homesteads became general, and it is impos sible to give any thing like a full account of the results of what will hereafter be known as the great fire of 1861. The fire began in Russell Old's sash and blind factory, at the foot of Hazel-street, and there are reports that it occurred in three places at the same time. Crossing to the other side of Hazel-street, it has burnt Cameron and Co.'s im mense machine shops, and, under the impulse acquired at that point and the stiff breeze from the north-east, without a sufficient supply of water, it has become totally unmanageable, and rages with out the hope of being able to arrest it, except at certain points. 11 o'clock.—The outbuildings in the rear of Institute-hall have been set on fire by the sparks or flakes of fire. The attention of the firemen has been directed thither, and they are straining every nerve to save Meeting-street. The frame buildings on. Queen-street are smoking, and will presently blaze forth. 12 o'clock.—Meeting-strect, from Market to Queen streets, is one mass of flame. The Circular Church and Institute-hall are burning, The Mills-house is thought to be in imminent danger, while the fire seems stretching around the Charleston Hotel. Thero has been a general desertion of both hotels by the guests, under the impression that they can not be saved. 1 o'clock.—The track of the conflagration begins to be clearly defined. Leaving Church-street, on which no . • block excepting that next to Market street has been burnt, the fire is steadily pursuing its southward course towards the corner of Arch dale and Queen-streets. About half an hour ago a drizzling rain began falling, which may, perhaps damp the tops of wooden houses exposed to damage from the sparks. The people now understand how far the fire has extended. Furniture is being re moved from buildings as far up as Massie-street. 2 o'clock.—At this hour the fire is still raging with violence, and has scarcely been abated. A splendid effort was made by the fire companies to save the house of Mr. L. W. Spratt, on East Bay, which was successful, and with it were saved the fine line of buildings on Hazel-street, the fate of which depended on that result. Passing to the south-westward, the fire has swept the entire track to the rear of the Charleston Hotel, and to the end of the Hayne-street range. There are no buildings north of Market-street. None of the Hayne-street stores are still standing, except, perhaps, those of Henry Gerdes and the Misses Pinckney. Crossing Market -street, the fire has extended down East Bay to Cumberland-street, and thence across to the Mills-house, taking in its way the Circular Church, Institute-hall, the Charleston Hotel, and all the buildings upon King-street, from Clifford street to within a few doors of Broad-street. Cross ing King-street the flames are approaching the rear of the Cathedral. the Unitarian, and the English Lutheran churches. Whether it will cross the area covered by these churches or pass the Mills-house down Meeting-street is still uncertain. The Fire Department is making incredible exertions, and the men are apparently nearly exhausted, but are springing to each occasion with renewed vigour, and such exhibitions of courage and endurance have rarely been witnessed. 3 o'clock—The steeple of the Circular Church has just toppled and fallen with a heavy crash. Gen. Ripley, who is moving to and fro superintending the movements of the troops with characteristic energy, has ordered, several hours ago, that several buildings in the track of the conflagration be blown up. The execution of this order, delayed at first, has at length been accomplished. Ever and anon during the past hour, the explosions have rent the air in the lower part of the city. The fire has done its work in thorough style. Its path is now burnt out, and nothing now remains to mark where it has passed but smouldering piles of cinders and gaunt and smoking walls and chimneys. The Charleston Hotel is safe, and Hayne-street also. The wind has swept the danger off further to the south, although the fire rages on three bides of the Mills house. That fine structure has not caught. The Theatre, Lloyd's coach factory (opposite the Fxpress-office), the Old Executive building, and all the houses between that point and Queen-street have been burnt. The fire seems to be making advances towards the gaol. Companies of the Reserves have been ordered out to repress any possible disturbance amo ha ngt s abhepartied prisoners confined in that building. Th e wind 4 o'Clock.—A change in the course of the Wi n d 'rho seems o n the has bent somewhat the cours e of the fire towards Broad-street. The Lutheran and Uni tarian Churches are now considered safe. The Cathedralbuildingsnow to be in exceeding danger west side of Friend-street, near the corner of Qum-