The Sun. — London, England, 1858-12-15 00:00:00

- - NATIONAL PROVINCIAL BANK OF ENGLAND, 112, Dishopsgate-street, London. 14th December, 1858. The DIRECTORS of the NATIONAL PROVINCIAL BANK of ENGLAND Hereby Give Notice, that a HALF YEARLY DIVIDEND, at the rate of 8 per cent. per annum. will be payable - on the Company's Stock on and after the 14th January next, when the Dividend Warrants will be obtained at the Company's Office, 112, Bishopsgate-street, or at the different Branches. The Transfer Books will be closed on and after Saturday, the 18th inst., until the Dividend becomes payable. By order of the Court of Directors. DAN. ROEERTSON, Agent and Manager. ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT GARDEN, under the sole Management of Miss Louisa Pyne and Mr. W. Harrison.—The public are respectfully in formed that this new and elegant Theatre will be OPENED for the first ENGLISH OPERA SEASON on MONDAY, Dec. 20, when will be presented an entirely new and original Opera, by Mr. W. Balfe, entitled SATANELLA ; or, THE POWER OF LOVE. Playhouse prices. R OYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Under the Management of Mr. Charles Kean. T HIS EVENLNG will be presented Shakspere's Tragedy of MACBETH. Macbeth, Mr. C. Kean ; Lady Macbeth, Mrs. C. Kean. Preceded by a new Farce, in one act, entitled THIRTY-THREE NEXT BIRTHDAY. THEATRE -ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Lessee, Mr. J. B. Buckstone. THIS ETENING will be performed a new Comedy, THE TIDE OF TIME. Messrs. Buckstone, Chippendale, &c. ; Mesdames Reynolds and Poynter. A new Spanish Ballet, THE INFLUENCE OF GRACE, in which PereaNena will appear. With WHITEBAIT AT GREENWICH. John Small, by Sir Wm. Don, Bart. And A DAUGHTER TO MARRY. Commence at 7. ROYAL TTRAND THEATRE. Lessee and Directress, Miss Swanborough. THIS EVENING, THE LITTLE SAVAGE. After which THE MAID AND THE MAGPIE. WOOING IN JEST AND , LOVING IN EARNEST : Miss Swanborough. And THE BONNIE FISH WIFE. Commence at 7 o'clock. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE, Westminster-road. Sole Lessee Mr. William Cooke. THIS EVENING the performances will commence with the successful gorgeous Spectacle of THE REVOLT IN THE EAST ; sr, The Fugitives and their Faithful Steed : concluding with a Grand National and Allegorical Tableaux. After which SCENES IN THE ARENA, introducing Mr. W. Cooke, and his beautiful horses, Mr. Runnels, Madame Blanche, Miss Emily Cooke, Madame Fleurette, and the first male and female equestrians in the world. Dress Circle, 3s. ; Boxes, 2s. ; Pit, ls, ; Galleries, 6d. Stage Manager, Mr. R. Phillips. CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road. — Proprietor —C. MORTON. The public is most respectfully informed that the FINE ARTS GALLERY, in connection with 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.-Sux OFFICE, DEC. 15. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 43—highest since noon yesterday. 38—lowest this morning and during the night. 41—tbis day at noon. BAROMETER-30.26. WIND, Easterly ; rather fresh, with muggy rainy weather. THE SUN. WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 15, 1858. We have both telegrams and a mail from India ; the former dating from Bombay, the 25th of No vember, the latter from Calcutta to the 9th Novem ber, and from Hong Kong to the 29th of October. The intelligence is in every respect satisfactory, completely confirming the anticipations we had previously formed as to the speedy tranquillisation of Oude, when Lord CLYDE was enabled to take the field in sufficient force not only to overawe the rebels, but to afford ample protection to all ready and willing to bear true allegiance to the Queen of INDIA and Empress of HINDOSTAN for the future. The proclamation of the Ist of November, which proclaimed her assumption of Imperial power, was received with universal satisfaction. The principle of universal toleration therein enunciated, and also the amnesty so liberally proclaimed, proved, beyond the possibility of doubt, the gener ous and merciful character of the New Govern ment. Besides, the native chiefs and princes understand better the rule of a single Sovereign than that of a Company. It shocked all their notions of propriety, and, we may say, excited fierce wrath to have it supposed that they could be called to task by any body of private individuals, however respectable or influential. They could easily bring themselves to bow down before a powerful Monarch, and to submit to her decrees, but not to those of a couple of dozen of elderly gentlemen assembled at the East end of London. The moral effects of the altera tion, so far as the natives, or rather our Hindoo fellow-subjects, are concerned, will be of no ordinary importance in leading to the early pacification of India. In fact, it would have been impossible for the VICTORIA dynasty to have been inaugurated under any more auspicious auguries— taking into consideration the terrible ordeal through which India has recently passed. Scarcely had the fireworks which testified the new reign burnt out, before Lord CLYDE and his staff dashed off to the scene of action. From Allahabad he published a simple but vigorous pro clamation, addressed not merely to chiefs and talookdars, but also to the poorest ryots. He came to enforce the law, and would enforce the most exact discipline, both in the camps and on the march. Houses and crops would be spared - where there:was no resistance, and no plundering tolerated. But even a single shot fired against our troops would lead to very serious consequences, against which the people were emphatically warned. The well-disposed were, however, invited to remain in their towns and villages, where they would receive ample protection ag ainst all violence. This judicious document appears to have pro duced the desired results. We learn by the telegrams that the talookdars in Oude were tender ing their submissions and surrendering their forts and arms. It will be remembered that they were allowed a month from the Ist of November for this purpose, and it is more than probable that before the time has expired there will be few remain ing in arms, save those who have irretrievably committed themselves, and whose sanguinary deeds have placed them beyond the hope of mercy. Amongst the others who gave in an unconditional submission was LOLL MALEDOO SINGII, the Rajah of Amethie, who surrendered himself and his for tress on the 10th of November. Sixteen guns were found, and it was supposed that more would yet be discovered. He had previously declared that he would struggle to the last, and had, in answer to the summons to surrender, forwarded an elaborate statement of his wrongs and grievances, but shirk ing the question of surrender. Lord CLYDE was not, however, to be thus bamboOzled, and he accordingly declared that unless the fort was given up in the course. .of the day; he would proceed to immediate extremities. We have already heard the result oF this decisive and energetic proceeding. The forts of Rampore, and Simree or Samree, had been captured, the former, we regret to say, with the loss of 70 or 80 men, the latter of only two killed and three or four wounded. TANTIA TOPEE is still eluding his pursuers by rapid flight. He is certainly not allowed much rest by those eager in the chase. It is said that he is in possession of ample funds ; a matter that may easily be credited when we consider the enormous plunder which he obtained on several occasions. He, however, lacks that which is even of greater importance to a person in his position, viz., guns and ammunition ; so much so, indeed, that orders have been given to avoid everything in the shape of fighting that might lead to any expendi ture of that which they so urgently require. The NAWAB of Banda has separated himself from the rebels, and gone to General MICHEL'S camp, claiming the amnesty tendered by the Proclama tion. And it is stated from Samun Twarree, under the date of the 23d of November, that " the remain ing rebel leaders have given themselves up to the Government. This of course only refers to the in surgents in that district, but it proves that the work of peace is going on briskly; and when those who are anxious to gain our favour commence harrassing the enemy, the termination of the contest may be speedily anticipated. The British power in India will be strengthened and consolidated, and placed on a firmer foundation than it has been since our first arrival in the country. The natives will soon understand the difference between the mild rule of Great Britain, and the tyranny and extor tion to which they have hitherto been exposed, under grasping and covetous chiefs, who, provided they got money, were little solicitous as to the means by which it might be obtained. It can hardly be objected that Ministers are in any way premature in designing to bring the affairs of the lonian Islands to some satisfactory settlement. The difficulties there remaining to be vanquished have forced themselves more or less vexatiously upon the recognition of each successive Government in this country ever since the Congress at Vienna, in 1815, confided that troublesome archipmlago to the British Protectorate. During all these three-and•forty years last past the sounds coming to us from those regions have been the same old discordant song—with variations. Intrigues and heart-burnings among the . lonians--impatience of our authority—a yearning for the revived licence that would accrue from the junction with the Morea and Hellas, with the Greek kingdom, in fact of Corfu, and St. Maura, Zante, Cerigo, and Cephalonia. The political situation in those islands was actually, to all intents and purposes, the same when the son of that wealthy merchant of Liverpool, Sir JOHN GLADSTONE, was a little boy of six—never dreaming, among toys and fairy tales, of his ever becoming such a fabulous personage as a Lord High Commissioner Extraordinary. The political situation out in those eastern waters of the Medi terranean was certainly, in all essential particulars, identical in 1822 with what it is nowadays—in 1822, when Sir THOMAS MAITLAND was supreme at Corfu, as Lord High Commissioner, and when the late Sir CHARLES JAMES NAPIER was settled as military resident at Cephalonia. It is preposterous therefore, to argue that in undertaking now, if pos sible, to unravel the tangled web of lonian politics, her MAJESTY'S Ministers are acting in any respect whatever prematurely or precipitately. The pear is not only ripe, it is rotten. It wants shaking down from the branch on which it is at once an eyesore and an incumbrance. And if it were advisable, before the untoward publication of Sir JOHN YOUNG'S secret despatch, that a states man of such rare sagacity and intelligence as Mr. GLADSTONE should be sent out to the lonian Islands, for the purpose of making direct personal inquiries into the wishes and requirements of their inhabitants, and into the actual organisation of their existing institutions—since that despatch has been accidently disclosed, the advisability of that extraordinary commission has certainly become doubly manifest and undeniable. The truth is, thatthe re-arrangement of the lonian Government has at length become absolutely in evitable. Matters cannot continue any longer in that normal state of confusion which has latterly and notoriously become worse confounded. Some thing must at last be done with a view to the re conciliation of conflicting opinions, to the settlement at once, and, if possible, permanently, of the old long standing differences—to the reconstruction, upon a broader basis than hitherto, and upon a surer foundation, of this particularly problematic exem plar of what is so often little better than a vexa tious anomaly—a British Protectorate. There can be very little doubt, we should think, that, in the generality of cases, a Protectorate cannot seriously be regarded as anything more than a transition state. It is the political chrysalis from which the winged, and radiant, and perfected colony bursts forth eventually. It may be even that the matured colony itself ought, strictly speaking, to be regarded in its turn as naturally, in all human probability, a more advanced stage of transition—destined to develope ultimately into the glory and dignity of an independent nationality. Ex. gr., of course, those trans-Atlantic colonies of Great Britain which became, not a hundred years ago, transformed into the United States' Republic at the moment of the declaration of American Independence. That, however, is another and a grander question alto gether. What we have to consider, in reference to the lonian problem, is the more ordinary question of the state of progress and developement marked by the promise of the future colony, dormant or latent, in what is designated a British Protectorate. The cat was unexpectedly and prematurely let out of the bag—there cannot reasonably be any doubt of that—in the instance of the lonian Islands, by the purloining of Sir JOHN YOUNG'S despatch, and its exremely inopportune publication. The circumstance has tended, no doubt, still further to complicate what was already suf ficiently entangled. There can be no help for the casualty now, however. It must be accepted as a dire necessity and made the most of. Nevertheless, viewing the problem that still remains upon our hands for solution—viewing it by the new and most unexpected light thrown upon it by the sudden and fortuitous glare of this surreptitious disclosure--we cannot in reason but acknowledge that the course actually pursued by Ministers at the outset of their efforts to restore tranquillity and to secure future contentment in the lonian islands under British domination (or, in diplomatic phraseology, under British protection) is, all things considered, the very wisest that could have been hit upon. In Mr. GLADSTONE at Corfu, as Lord High Commissioner Extraordinary —we have "the right man in the right place." His excellency is there in the name and as the representative of the SOVEREIGN, to examine dispassionately into the actual state of things in the various islands, to learn directly from themselves the hopes and wishes of their population, to see what it would be really most advisable to do there, and how and when that most advisable thing (whatever 'it may be) ought to be done. Advantages of no ordinary kind, we are most assuredly sanguine, will—must, we had almost said —result frzm this wise mission most wisely en trusted to a gifted and conscientions and patriotic statesman like Mr. GLADSTONE—advantages mu tually beneficial, let us hope, to the British them selves and to the population there, in those classic seas, confided to their powerful and humane pro tectorate. AMERICA. (By ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY MORNING-. The City of Baltimore has arrived with the United States mail of the 4th inst., and 110,426 dols. in specie. The stock market had been fluctuating, but closed at prices not differing materially from those by last advices. Sterling exchange 1081 to 109, for 60 days. The advices from the south had caused a decline in cotton. Middling uplands, 121. Flour had improved. d 44" • AOi't. Crer, - XVI .44100). , r t.! 104,011. * ;4' s itW 4' . Nr. THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVEN(Na, DECEMBER 15, 15584 LATEST NEWS. SOUTHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY MONRING. The Solent steamer, which has been employed in the West India inter-colonial mail service, has arrived, having come home for repairs. LETTS'S DIARIES FOR 1859. These Diaries make their appearance in all due time, and those for the coming year fully sustain the character of their predecessors. Their variety is as unbounded as the excellence of their " getting up ;" and each particular number is suited to every degree. MR. - .RANSFO.RD' S CONCERT. This popular favourite and accomplished artiste gave a grand concert at St. James's Hall last night, which was largely attended. He was assisted by Miss Ransford, Miss Poole, Miss Messent, Mr. Sims Reeves, Mr. Genge, Mr. Brinley Richards, Mr. Viotti Collins, and many others. His own performances were very successful. He sang one . of Dibdin's popular songs, and took part in a lively and taking duet, by Glover, with his daughter. Miss Ransford achieved a great success in the very difficult piece by Bishop, "Peace Inviting," in which she was ably assisted by the venerable Mr. Distin. They received a well merited encore. She also sang a duet from " Lucrezia Borgia," with Mr. Sims Reeves, which was warmly applauded. Miss Rebecca Isaacs gave Moore's beautiful air, " The Meeting of the Waters," with taste and expression. Mr. Sims Reeves sang the favourite air, " Fra Poca," and Hatton's new song, "Phoebe, dearest," which was enthusiastically encored. Mr. Genge gave " Sally in our Alley " with spirit, and was unanimously encored. Mr. Weiss sang Longfellow's fine poem of "The Slave's Dream" carefully. Mr. Weiss has set it to music with a dramatic taste that does him credit. Mr. Brinley Richards played his variations on Weber's last Waltz with his usual artistic ability, and Mr.Viotti Collins was warmly applauded in a selection from the Carnival de Venise. The Four-part songs were-certainly unequal in merit to the zeal of the performers. Care should be taken in selecting singers for the arduous task of singing together without accompani ment. The band of the Coldstream Guards attended, and played Herold's fine overture to " Zampa" with spirit, and subsequently a selection from the " Trovatore." The popular air of "Ah the la Morte" was encored. The arrangements of the concert were excellent. The per formers succeeded each other without intermission—even the interval between the parts was filled up by a solo onthe large organ, very ably played by Mr. E. Chipp. It was announced on the books of the concert that the order of the programme might be varied, consequently no disappoint ment was excited by an occasional alteration. Altogether the concert was both brilliant and successful, and reflects great credit on Mr. Ransford and his assistants. ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH CO3IPANY. A meeting of the shareholders of the Atlantic Telegraph Company has been held to-day—J. S. Wortley, Esq., M.P., in the chair—when a report was read, from which it recounted the various difficulties met with since the first successful laying of the cable. The whole of the capital raised had been almost expended, the balance in hand being £7,996. It appeared from the accounts that the total capital received was £379,029. Seeing the im possibility of bringing this great undertaking to a satis factory issue, the directors had made an application to her Majesty's Government, with a view to a guarantee being afforded to the company on The balance of the capital—namely, £537,140, the same advantages having already been conceded to the Red Sea Telegraph Company. As no direct promise had yet been given, the directors ad vised the adjournment of the meeting, in order that the defi nite intentions of the Government might become known prior to any further proceedings being taken. The CHAIRMAN alluded with much regret to the financial position of the company, but said that, in addition to the profit to be gained, they ought also to look upon this under taking as a great effort made for the advancement of science and the spread of civilisation. He was convinced that the company would be ultimately successful if supported by the shareholders, as he had received the highest scientific opinions on the subject of the cable being made practically useful, and commercially profitable to the shareholders. The feeling of the meeting seemed to be quite in accordance with the views of the directors. The adjournment was agreed to. The Earl and Countess of Cork will leave town in a few days, for Marston House, Somersetshire. The Earl and Countess of Lanesborough have arrived at Swithland Hall, Leicestershire, from Ireland. The "Countess Dowager of Meath has arrived at Claridge's Hotel, from Sennicotts, near Chichester. Lady Margaret Beaumont arrived in town on Monday, from Bretton Hall, near Wakefield, where her ladyship has been receiving a succession of visitors forsome weeks past. Lord Ossuistone has arrived at Claridge's Hotel, from ChiHingham Castle, Northumberland. Mr. and Lady Mary Craven are staying at Will pole Hall, on a visit to the Earl and Countess of Hardwicke. They will leave on Saturday for Ashdown-park, to join the family circle about to meet at that place for Christmas. Sir Benjamin and Lady Hall will leave town in a few days for their seat, Llanover . , in South Wales. The Post•office authorities announce that the next mail for Australia via Marseilles will not be despatched from London until the evening of the 17th instant, thus allowing merchants an opportunity of replying to the Aus tralian letters which will come to hand to-morrow: THE EXPLOSION AT TYLDESLEY COLLIERY.— All the bodies of the men killed by the explosion in this colliery have been discovered, and the number of lives lost is now ascertained to be 24. It was at first supposed that another, making 25, had been killed, but this is not the case; and the error arose from the shattered state in which some of the bodies were found. One of the men's thighs, discovered underneath some of the debris, was mistaken for the trunk of a boy ; but the boy's body was afterwards re covered and identified. Mr. Dickinson, , the government inspector, yesterday went down the mine in order to inspect the workings. A subscription is being made to provide funds for the widows and families of the deceased. The Rev. G. Richards, the incumbent of Tyldesley, is taking an active part in this benevolent object. PRICE OF GOLD.—The quotation of gold at Paris is about at par, and the short exchange on London is 25.121 per £1 sterling. On comparing these rates with the English Mint price of £3 17s. 101 d. per ounce for standard gold, it appears that gold is nearly 2-10ths per cent. dearer in Paris than in London.—By advices from Hamburg the price of gold is 4241 per mark, and the short exchange on London is 13.5 k . per £1 sterling. Standard gold at the English Mint price is therefore nearly 5-10ths per cent. dearer in London than in Hamburg.—The course of ex change at New York on London for bills at 60 days' sight is 109} to 1091 per cent., which, when compared with the Mint par between the two countries, shows that the ex change is slightly against England. After making allow ance for charges of transport and difference of interest, the present rate leaves no profit on the importation of gold from the United States. . . -- THE FOG AT ~ SOUTHAMPTON.—The fog which overspread Southampton Wafer on Monday still continues. It cleared away a little yesterday forenoon. The Channel Island mail, which was due at Southampton at 6 p.m. on Monday, did not arrive until yesterday forenoon. The Havre packet arrived also considerably after time. The outward Channel Island and Havre packets, which ought to have started at midnight on Monday, did not attempt to leave until yesterday forenoon. The Isle of Wight mail was obliged to be taken to Southampton in - a rowing boat, as the mail steam-packet could not find its way. The Isle of Wight steam-packet Ruby, on its way from Hyde to Portsmouth on Monday, went ashore near Hasler Hospital in the fog. The delay in the departure of the Channel Island mail packet was telegraphed to Jersey and Guernsey to prevent any anxiety from being felt in those islands. MR. SPURGEON'S NEW TABERNACLE TEA MEET-, ING.—On Monday evening last about 1,000 of Mr. Spur geon's friends held a monster tea-meeting at Park-street Chapel. After tea there was a public meeting to aid the funds for the erection of a new tabernacle. The meeting was addressed by the Rev. C. H. Spurgeon, the Rev. H. Allen, the Rev. Mr. Davies, and other gentlemen—Mr. Low in the chair. The liberality of those present to the pleading of the different speakers will be seen by the fact that upwards of XBOO was collected and promised. The chapel was crowded, and hundreds were unable to gain ad mittance. AUSTRALIA. By the Overland Mail we have received letters and papers from Melbourne and Sydney. Their dates are Melbourne, Oct. 16; and Sydney, Oct . 12. We extract the following summary of news from the Melbourne Herald of Oct. 16 : The departure of the Victoria with the October mail furnishes the occasion for our usual summary. Since our last resume of political news by the European, the Parliament of Victoria has been again assembled in session. The Legislature was opened on Thursday week, the 7th inst., by Sir Henry Barkly in persou, with the formal vice regal speech usual on these occasions. His Excel lency set forth the measures to which the Govern ment specially desired to direct attention, as the main business for the despatch of which he had summoned Parliament together. These are the measures which embody the project of Parlia mentary reform that had failed to become law in the last session, namely, a bill to alter the electoral districts of the colony and increase the number of members in the Assembly ; a bill to shorten the duration of Parliament from five to three years ; and a bill to limit the number of persons holding office under the Crown, who may hold seats in either house of Parliament. In addition to these, the passing of the estimates for 180 constitutes the chief work to be required at the hands of hon. members in the present session. Some other mea sures of minor importance, such as bills for the amendment of the audit act, of the assessment act, referring to squatters' stock), of the acts relating to the Chinese, to the construction and main tenanee of public roads, and also to weights and measures. The programme thus submitted by Ministers to Parliament is limited to this extent for the purpose of having a short session, and then a dissolution of Parliament, to be followed by the general elections, for a new and reformed House of Assembly, in which it is expec ted the long-pending vexed question of a liberal land policy for permanently locating population upon a large scale on the unoccupied soil of the country, will be settled. Whether Ministers will be able to get through the.work of the session with the rapidity contemplated, it is impossible at this early period to state with certainty. There is no doubt that there are a few individuals in both houses who are disposed to offer opposition to their proceedings, if they can by any means devise an ostensible opportunity for so doing ; and they are, as yet, deterred from such a factious course, not by any conscientious scruples about impeding the work of parliamentary reform, but solely by the apprehension of the storm of public indignation which such an obstructive policy on their part would rouse throughout the country. The desire of the people generally, more especially the gold. fields population, for the enactment of the proposed measure of reform, is earnest and intense. By this means alone they see the way to electing a Legis lative Assembly, which will, 'not like the present unpopular body, fully and truly represent the great body of the people at large. Indeed,, the undeni• able and urgent character of this want has so forced itself on public attention, that the Governor in his vice-regal speech on the opening of the session, felt himself justified in departing from the usual com mon-place enunciation and recommendation to the notice of honourable members of the measures men tioned in his speech ; and in emphatically pronounc ing his Excellency's opinion with respect to the proposed Electoral Reform Bill, that it was " abso lutely indispensable, in order to give effect to the extended franchise which has already become law, to distribute more equally the representation of the people, and to.provide a sufficient number of members to conduct the public business." Such an expression of opinion coming from the Governor of the colony, and uttered in the face of rumoured factious opposition„ in Parliament to that measure, and to the policy generally of the present Govern ment, is a significant and important fact. But emanating from Sir Henry Barkly, it has peculiar weight, and much suggestive meaning. Sir Henry Barkly has but just returned from a tour in the western district of the colony, which embraces the largest area of the richest agricultural land in Vic toria, as well as one of the most extensive, most productive, and latest discovered of our gold fields —namely, Ararat. And the impressions produced upon his mind by that tour found expression in a speech, which he made at the time on the occasion of some complimentary public demonstration in his honour ; and, in which, after pourtraying the splendid character of the country, its magnificent resources for supporting and enriching a large popu lation, and pointing to its waste, unpeopled condi tion at the present moment, he added emphatically the words—" Here, indeed, there is room enough for all." His Excellency thus conveyed in mild phraseology a strong rebuke to the dog-in-the manger spirit, which would exclude population from the soil, for the purpose of covering it sparsely, and a and noantltylei,nitsdeistaacthpedressepnot the case. A n d i n tbets, with grazing sheep vice-regal speech which we have quoted, he shows his desire that such an impracticable and suicidal policy as that of opposing reform, and attempting to maintain our present land sys tem, shall be seen to receive no countenance from him ; and shall be at once and for ever replaced by a sound and comprehensive system of Parlia mentary representation, preparatory to the exten sive settlement of population on the soil. Coming from Sir H. Barkly, this expression has, we repeat, peculiar significance. When he was first selected —now nearly a dozen years ago—from amongst the members of the House of Commons by the Im perial Government of that day to fill the trouble some office of a colonial governor, it was because his conciliatory manners and Sound discretion pecu liarly fitted him for the task of healing the local asperities and:hitherto irreconcileable disputeswhich distracted the colony otßritish Guiana. The party of progress there was thwarted in the most obstruc tive way by the old ruling and so-called conserva tive faction ; the battle-field of these local quarrels, so mischievous to the interests of the colony, was the legislature; and the contending parties there were " tearing to pieces" amongst themselves the rights and interests of the community, wholly regardless of consequences. Sir H. Barkly was sent out to save the colony from its conservative patriots ; and the ample powers vested in him, and his own ability, tact, moderation, and good sense, enabled him " to save " the colony " from its friends." His next colonial mission was one of a similar character, namely to interpose in Jamaica, between the obstructionists and the party of progress; and there too he suc ceeded admirably. He now finds himself at the head of the government of a colony of vastly greater importance in every respect than those men tioned, in which he perceives the same mischievous spirit of obstruction at . work on the part of a few factious and insensate politicians, but in which the evils of such a course are a thousand fold of a worse character, and more pregnant with dagger to the commonweal, than would possibly be the case in the comparatively paltry West Indian colonies where he has hitherto performed the part of general pacifica tor. He sees the character of the population which is congregated together in Victoria—its peculiarly masculine and independent tone of mind—its high intelligence (being in both these respects European rather than colonial in its standard of superiority) its firm resolve to open for the general settlement of population the soil of this country, in which, as he himself says, and as the people here know and feel, " there is room enough for all." Seeing and understanding all this, and bearing in mind his " colonial experience" in the other quarters we have named, Sir Henry Barkly has not hesitated to pronounce, at the earliest opportunity, in favour of those measures of reform which, if agreed to in good time now and with good grace, may savehim from interposing in a more authoritative way under the direction of the Imperial Government, as in the case of Guiana and Jamaica, to rescue the public interests of the people of Victoria from the evil con sequences of the obstructiveness of a few unthinking I and impractical local politicians. This it is which gives peculiar force to Sir Henry Barkly's speech on the opening of the present ses sion of Parliament; he desires to save Victoria from its false friends ; and he in effect says so. The present Ministry have derived considerable strength from a short tour made by the Chief Secretary (Mr. O'Shanassy) through the gold-fields recently, in the course of which, during repeated interviews with the miners and mercantile public at the gold-fields, he laid before them in general terms the liberal policy which he declares he means to carry into operation (if allowed). His success as a politician, however, will all depend on the character of the Land Bill which he will submit to the country. Nothing definite on that score is yet known by the public ; but it is generally under stood that at the close of the present session the Ministry will make known the principle and lead ing details of their land bill. The elections for the seats vacated by rotation in the Legislative Council have hitherto, with but one exception, resulted in favour of the proposed Reform Bills. Of the gentlemen elected, Messrs. A'Beckett, Fraser, and Coppin (the latter recently a popular actor and successful lessee of some of our Melbourne theatres) are reformers. Mr. Bennett, the other of the candidates as yet elected, being alone an anti-reformer. The remaining elections are likely to result in the sant:. way. As the first batch of our railway debentures amounting to the sum of £750,000, is to be sent to Europe by the present mail, for sale in the London market, it is desirable to exhibit briefly the precise financial conditton of the colony of Victoria at this moment, in order that English capitalists, who may be willing to invest money in our securities, may know the values of the guarantees we can offer . them. On Thursday evening the Estimates for 1859 were laid on the table of the Legislative Assembly, and last night the Treasurer, Mr. Harker, delivered his explanatory statement to the - house. His ad dress, which is reported in another column, was a very carefully prepared, succinct, and lucid ex hibition of our present financial position, and it won expressions of satisfaction from all sides of the house. The ordinary revenue for the year 1859 is esti mated at £3,384,000—a sum which, when it is considered that it is raised with ease from a population of only about 460,000 souls, exhibits at once the prodigious fertility of our resources. This amount is an advance of only £186,000 on the estimated revenue for the current year. But the latter estimate has not been quite fully sustained by the actual receipts at the Treasury for the first three quarters of the year. The last quarter exhibits a falling off amounting to about £356,000 ; of which deficiency, however, the larger proportion is due to diminished sales of public lands, and this will be counterbalanced by increased sales during the present quarter ; so that the actual revenue for the year will probably not fall short, to any material extent, of the original estimate. There was also a temporary falling off in the Customs duties during the past quarter; but this deficiency will probably be also made up during the current quarter. In any case, however, there is no reason to doubt that the estimate of probable revenue for 1859 is based on the most solid grounds. But in addition, the Government calculate on a balance from the present year's account of £307,879 16s. 6d. ; so that the Ways and Means for 1859 stand at the enormous sum of £3,691,876 16s. 6d. To conclude, our financial condition and pros pects are most flourishing, and there seems no pro bability of any sudden and unexpected reverse falling upon the country. NEW SOUTH WALES. THE FITZROY DIGGINGS A COMPLETE FAILURE. (From the Sydney Morning Herald of Oct. 12.) The Wonga Wonga (s.) arrived from Rockhamp ton this morning, at 6 o'clock, with 245 passengers, among whom our special correspondent. The diggings had proved a complete failure, and vessels were filling up rapidly with those passen gers who had the means of coming back. Much distress is anticipated, owing to the shortness of provisions. Capt. O'Connell had sent out prospecting parties, fully equipped with provisions, &c. A public meeting of the diggers had been held, at' which it was proposed to rush the stores. The Isca had sailed full of passengers. The Pirate, Jane, Swan, Callendar, and Cyclone were in the river, about to start for Sydney, and would be all crowded. It is rumoured that the Government was prepsr• ing to provide rations for those who were destitute The Staghound also arrived this =ruing, with about a hundred passengers. Mr. M. F. Cahill, one Of the passengers by the London, has kindly placed in our hands the follow ing digest of the latest intelligence from the Fitz roy gold-fields : The Wonga Wonga, screw steamer, arrived at Sydney on Tuesday last, from Port Curtis, with two hundred and forty-five passengers, consisting wholly of persons who had returned from the new gold-fields, or who, on arrival at Rockhampton, were so disheartened by the reports current at that place, that thay did not think it advisable to leave the town. The intelligeneb brought by the Wonga Wonga has left little doubt on the minds of the people of Sydney that the new gold-fields are, for the present, an utter failure. Gold was nowhere to be found since the small patch of auriferous soil in the bend of the Canoona river had been worked out. Vessels were daily arriving at Keppel Bay from all the ports of the Australian group ; and it was estimated that not fewer than 10,000 souls would have arrived up to the 'present time. The general want of success of the great majority of those who had actually prospected the diggings had produced a panic, and the human current, which only a few weeks ago set in towards the Canoona gold - fields, had, as if suddenly checked in its onward course, resurged back upon itself. The town of Rockhampton (if we may dignify a number of tents wit] that appellation) was crowded with thousands of men—hungry, dis contented, desperate—and altogether the aspect of affairs was such as to afford strong grounds for an ticipating that law and order would soon'be at an end, and the settlement become a scene of anarchy and violence. So great was the apparent magni tude of the calamity that the special reporter of the Sydney Morning Herald (Mr.l)ubois) had sud denly returned, for the purpose of advising the Government of the critical posture of affairs. We are informed that on the strength' of that gentle. man's representations it had been determined to send H.M.S. ship Iris to Port Curtis, for the pur pose of bringing back to Sydney those who were destitute of means. On the same authority it is stated that the Government intended chartering the City of Sydney for a similar purpose. On the same morning (Tuesday) the Staghound arrived from Port Curtis, with 100 passengers. Neither vessel brought any gold. Capt. o'.Connell, Commissioner of Crown Lands for the district of Port Curtis, had equipped several prospecting parties, and sent them out in different directions to ascertain whether any new gold fields existed. With the result of this exploration we are unacquainted : but we are aware that numerous prospects by private parties had been made with out any satisfactory results. A general abandon ment of the supposed gold regioia had followed, as a natural consequence, these unsuccessful opera tions, and there was nothing heard on all hands but expressions of anguish and despair. A meeting of diggers had been held at Rock. hampton, at which it is stated a formal resolu tion was carried, by which the wretched men pledged themselves to violate the law of private property and rush the stores. Bearing in mind the deep-rooted love of law and order which in variably govern the actions of large bodies of Eng lishmen, we feel bound to state, that this assertion ought, until the receipt of further intelligence, to be taken aunt grano fceis. If such a desperate re solve have been arrived at, intense must be the sufferings of a community of Englishmen whose despair Gould have impelled them to so lawless an issue. Many persons, in the excess of their fear, had rushed on board the vessels lying in the port, and had absolutely refused to go ashore. Merchant and others who had sent provisions and supplies of various kinds thither with a view to legitimate trading, had in view of the alarming posture of affairs declined landing their goods, and were about returning to Sydney. A general feeling of inse curity and uneasiness prevailed among the store keepers and proximate squatters lest their property should be indiscriminately plundered. Captain Eldred, of the Staghound, had placed the cargo of that vessel, consisting of flour, at the disposal of Capt. O'Connell, relying for indemnity upon the good faith of the government. This distressing intelligence spread rapidly throughout Sydney, and forthwith large numbers of persons assembled at the Australasian Steam Navigation Company's Wharf, where they made eager inquiries from the passengers by the Wonga Wonga respecting their friends and relatives. When the news became generally known, the whole city was pervaded with gloom, there being scarcely any family in it which has not one or more relatives at Port Curtis. A strong impression prevailed that, the disaster being abnormal, the government ought to take immediate action to alleviate the sufferings of the hungry and penniless adventurers scattered over this tropical desert. In deed, it became questionable whether, even if the diggings had proved .successful, the supplies at Rockhampton would be at all adequate to the sustenance of some 9,000 or 10,000 souls. If, then, such be the case, what must be the position of a settlement, the great bulk of whose population are utterly destitute of pecuniary resources ? Only a week since yesterday one of the members of the Cowper administration—the minister for Lands and Works, stated in the presence of a gen tleman lately connected with the Sydney daily press, that the Port Curtis gold fields would be the means of restoring New South Wales to her former position as the leading colony of the Australian group, only four days elapsed and the magnificent dreams of the Cowper government have been fol lowed by intelligence the most gloomy and dis heartening. So sure were the government of realising a golden harvest from the new gold fields that they had dispatched an official surveying staff to lay the town of Rockhampton out in small allot ments upon which fortunate gold diggers were to lay the foundations of an intertropical colony, which was to supply New South Wales with all the luxurious products for which warm latitudes are famous ; but the unsympathising soil refused to yield up its treasures, and ministerial dreams of greatness might now be summed up in the words of the Hebrew monarch—" All is vanity and vexa tion of spirit." When the expenses incidental to police and revenue supervision are added to those required to restore a famishing and discontented population to Sydney, we are rather inclined to think the Cowper government will not haVe to boast of any surplus revenue, the result of the sale of allotments in the town of Rockhampton. Rashness and want of deliberation are now fol lowed by unavailing complaints. Sober-minded persons in the streets, and at the firesides, ask themselves that question which it would have been well their friends, who are famishing on the shores of this inhospitable desert, had asked, What was there to justify all this rashness and precipitancy, and the response is—Nothing ! Notwithstanding, there are still a few incredu lous. They admit that so far the new gold fields are a failure, but they attribute it to want of organisation and precipitancy. In plain words they say tho Port Curtis gold fields have not yet had a fair trial ; that there is gold in paying quantities to be had, but that it can be obtained only by expe rienced diggers, who, being possessed of capital, will not grow incontinently disheartened on sink ing a couple of holes, and, finding nothing in them, rush headlong away. The Yarra )(arra steamer left Sydney for Port Curtis on Tuesday evening, with about 40 passen gers, who, no doubt, will proceed to Rockhampton, where, having witnessed with their eyes the result of thoughtlessness and precipitancy, they will do as others have done—return without even visiting the gold fields. The steamship London, which arrived last night, brought back some 30 or 40 diggers who had left. Melbourne by her, on her last trip for the purpose of visiting the Port Curtis gold fields, but who, on arriving at Sydney, and hearing the bad intelli gence per Wonga Wonga, deemed it better to return to the old and tried gold fields of Victoria. The exodus from Sydney had received a sudden and severe check. To speak about going to Port Curtis was to talk about doing an act indicative of insanity in the mind of the doer. With these facts before the eyes of the people of Victoria, we have sufficient faith in their judgment and discretion to believe that they will not leave our gold fields on a desperate venture to find an untimely grave in a tropical desert. When we think of the hundreds who have broken up their homes, and went forth flushed with hope, but, alas, doomed to misery, disappointment, and perhaps starvation, we view with feelings of sorrow and commiseration the thoughtless folly which threatens to darken the pages of colonial history with the record of a great calamity. GOLD. To exhibit the condition of the colony with re spect to its gold produce, we subjoin the following tabulated statements. Statement showing the amount of gold exported during the first three quarters of the years 1856-7-8:-- 1856. 1857. 1858. Oz. Oz. Oz. January February March _ __ April 282,566 .. 250,030 .. 171,891 May June July August 329,020' .. 197,452 .. 153,858 September 242,929 249,926 .. 271,811 2,282,995 2,078,741 1,909,442 By these returns it will be seen that our gold production has fallen off during the nine months, and that our shipments for the current year show a deficiency of 169,299 ounces as compared with the gold exports of the same period in 1857. This is a great decrease, but we fully believe that the disadvantage at which we are at present will be materially lessened by the end of the year. The escort returns for the fortnight ending yes terday are now compared with the quantity sent down to Melbourne under Government protection, during the corresponding weeks of 1856 and 1857 : 1858. 18.57. 1856. Oz. Oz. Oz. Week ending Oct. 9 42,860 56,692 65,273 Do. do. do. 16 58,449 50,010 34,712 101,309 106,702 89,985 FRANCE. PARIS, TUESDAY. BOURSE, Dec. 14.—The market was dull at the commencement of business, but prices afterwards rallied. Threes have been done at 73f. 15c., an d are now at 73f. 30c. ; Mobilier varied fr om 98 5 f. to 992 f. 500. ; Austrian, 642 f. 50c. t o 6 43 f. 75c. Orleans, 1,392 f. 50c. to 1,397 f. 50c. ; Lyons, 880 f. to 883 f. 75c. ; Southern, 585 f. to 587 f. 50e. • and Northern, 1,003 f. 75c. to 1,005 f. The following are the last quotations per Cents. 97 Do. end month 3 per Cents Do. end month 73 10 Bank Shares 3OBO Crisclit Mobilior Do. Account 981 2.5 'Credit Foncier 675 Belgian 4/ Pialmonteso (5) Roman 93 50 Austrian Spanish Threes Home Debt 43 50 RAILWAYS. Cash. Acco un t. Orleans Northern New ditto. lOO2 50 1001 25 842 50 .. 843 75 Lyons and Mediterranean BB2 50 .. 880 New ditto Geneva Midi Southern ---„ 587 50 Western 6lO 607 50 Eastern Grand Central --- Sardinian Austrian Exchange on London, at sight, paper, 25f. 121 c. ; money, 25f. 10c. ; three months, paper, 24f. 97ic. ; money, 24f. 95c. 622 50 INDIA. EFFECTS OF THE QUEEN'S PROCLA- MATION. The following telegram was received at the Foreign-office, from Acting Consul-General Green, Dec. 14, 1858, at 4 p.m. : ALEXANDRIA, DEC. 10. The steamer Ganges arrived at Suez from Bom bay yesterday, with dates to the 25th Nov. The Queen's Proclamation has given general satisfaction throughout India. In Oude the talookdars are tendering their sub mission, and surrendering their forts and arms. Rajah Loll Madhoo Sing surrendered himself and his fortress of Amethee on the 10th Nov. The fort of Simree, in Oude, was taken by Bri gadier Eveleigh on thQ 9th, with the loss of only two Europeans killed and three or four wounded. Tan tia Topee is in the Satpoora hills, the outlets of which are closely guarded. The following are official telegrams : (Flom! INDORE, NOV. 23.) The Nawab of Banda has separated from the rebels, and gone to General Michel's camp, en route to Indore. He states he comes under the Queen's proclamation. (FROM SAMUN TWARREE, NOV. 23.) The remaining rebel leaders have given them selves up to the Government. This telegram arrived at Malta from Alexandria by the contract steam-packet Malta, at 9 a.m., on the 14th of December. FANSHAWE, Vice-Admiral. EAST INDIA HOUSE TELEGRAM. The following message was received at the India office, Tuesday, Dec. 14, 11.30 p.m.:— TO JAMES C. MELTILL, ESQ., ASSISTANT-UNDER.SE• CRETARY OF STATE, INDIA-OFFICE, LONDON, FRO) G. F. EDISIONSTONE, ESQ. ALLAHABAD, Nov. 16. DUDE. On the 29th of October Beni Madho, with 20,000 men, made a determined attack on our force at Poorwa. The rebels were beaten off, and lost two guns. No casualty among the Europeans. On the 30th of October the rebels, under Mehudee Hoosein, were defeated near Sufdurgunge, losing five guns and one elephant. No loss on our side. On the 3d of November Brigadier Wetherall took the fort of Rampore Kupia by assault, and found five guns in it. He lost 30 men; the loss of the rebels was severe. On the 9th of November Brigadier Eveleigh took the fort of Jamree. Two Europeans were killed. The fort of Amethee was surrendered by Loll Madhoo Singh on the 9th of November, and on the 11th of November was occupied by our troops. Sixteen guns found; more believed to be in the fort. CENTRAL INDIA. On the 31st of October and Ist of November Tantia Topee and his followers, without guns, but with a number of elephants, crossed the Nerbudda, 40 miles up stream from Hoshungabad, and are believed to be making towards the Deccan. They were last heard of as crossing the Chundwara They have plenty of money, but are short of am munition. General Michel was at Hoshungabad on the 7th, and Brigadier Parke expected there on the Bth. The Resident at Hyderabad and the Commissioner of Nagpore are watching the rebels, and are prepared. BENGAL. Nothing particular has occurred :during the last fortnight. The rebels, it is expected, will t r y to break away, and make in the direction of Mirza pore. A mutiny is said to have occnrred in the rebel camp. Umurm Singh is reported to have fled, and Durkishen Singh to have been killed. G. F. EDMONSTONE, Secretary to the Government of India, with the Governor-General. SUPPLEMENT TO MR. SECRETARY EDMONSTONE ' S MESSAGE DATED THE 16TH OF NOVEMBER. CENTRAL INDIA. The rebel force under Tantia Topee remained in the Sindwara districts of the"Nagpore province for four or five days. On the Bth of November they passed twenty-five miles south-east of Baitool, And continued their course, via Sautnair and Neil Ghaut towards Bahampoor. On the 14th they crossed the Taptee River, and proceeded in the direction of Manirod and Dhar to the Nerbudda• They reached Aebarpoor, on the south bank o f the Nerbudda, on the 21st. All the forts on the n orth bank of this river are guarded. The British force are in close pursuit. Troops have been concert' trated at Sindwa and Chupra to prevent the enemy entering Candeish. The Banda Nawab has left the rebel camp, and is on his way to Major-General Michel. Adil Mahomed and his party have separated from Tantia Topee, and are now with Maim Singh near Seronge, pursued by the columns under BrIP gadiers Lockhart and Smith. Mann Singh was surprised on the 14th at Komi' dige by Brigadier Smith, and defeated with a loos of 600 men. SAWUNT WARREE. The rebel leaders Baba and Dunmunt Dessaees have surrendered to the Goa government. Th e Bombay Presidency is quiet. Intelligence just received from the magistrate Of Candeish that Tantia Topee had left Kurgaon yes terday morning, and taken the road to Chuprs' via the Dowlabaree Pass. This place is guarded by 1,200 men of all arms. The Poonah Hor se and Horse Artillery will be at Chupra to-morrovr• Captain Abbott will be there this day with the two regiments of Beatson's Horse. The Bheel chiefs are harassing Tantia Topee's flank. The feelings of the population of Candeish are excellent. IL L. ANDERSON, Secretary to Government• Bombay Castle, Nov. 25. Malta, Dec. 14, 5.30 p.m. V. MONTANARO• MALTA, DEC. 14. The Malta, with the Bombay mail, sailed fo r Southampton at two p.m. this day. The Vectis left for Marseilles at 9 p.m. The Ceylon, with the outward Calcutta ma il ' arrived at one a.m. this day. Bombay advices to Nov. 25 report imports sue" proved and prices of most descriptions high er ' Money scarcer. Freights firmer. Exchange, 2° ' Old. to 2s. id. The following Telegrams have been received a t Mr. Reuter's Office, Dec. 14, from Marseilles. TANGIERS, Dec. 7• Prince Alfred has disembarked here and. in e with a distinguished reception. He leaves to-day for Gibraltar. The Emperor of Morocco has sent splendid Pre sents to the Consulate and td London. ROME, DEC. ii . Some uneasiness is felt here on account of the surveillance kept up by the police. Two persollo, formerly officers of General Garibaldi's army, 113 v been arrested. The official Giornale di _Roma praises Fran ce and Spain for their expedition to Cochin China' lla aiul 8,01 bus to i] Dui dep : reso is 11 A Rail stanc Lance land, Bri 6 ties, Caled quota East Cana( Pot ve ry 6 s•; I Otton In Mine have i 3 per c New 3 Lo n .. Ditto India Ditto I Ditto I -itto U Consols Dittc Dittc v ellezt Dittc ri aeh bittc It is a nd D there ti of sat: Qat da IN tantl, been Lo light, B LAM of Dell Sea Quebe c PLY Vey Lewis, UE.' ' 4 oFF (64alni mew •• GA L Aro n , L itor Wi n Th o the L 'aPplu no] Calll ' With A Xo a Wi n 13 , a-ss a aivat i /15 r) frc '-11( ". POl Of pia Qovei IlEtvi g