The Sun. — London, England, 1869-02-15 00:00:00

IFEBOAT .SERVICES.—During the Storms II of the year 1868, the National Lifeboat Institution contributed to the saving of 862 lives from various ship wrecks and 25 vessels from destructiQn. The Institution also expended .£20,433 in the same period on its Lifeboat Establishments, in addition to granting £2.431 for re wards. The Committee of the institution earnestly appeal to the public for assistanceto enable them to meet the continued heavy demands on their 198 Lifeboat Establishments. Contributions will be thankfully received by tho London and country bankers, and by the Secretary, Richard Lewis, Esq., at the Institution, 14, John-street, Adelphi, London. T ORN GOSNELL and CO.'S CHERRY TOOTH PASTE is greatly superior to any tooth powder; gives the teeth a pearl whiteness, protects the enamel from decay, and imparts a pleasant fragrance to the breath. Price Is. 6d.—Red Bull Wharf, 93, Upper Thames-street, London. NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE. A GUA. AMARELLP- restores the Human Hair to its pristine hue, no matter at what age. JNO. GOSNELL and CO. have at length, with the aid of one of the most eminent Chemists, succeeded in perfect ing this wonderful liquid. It is now offered to the public in a more concentrated form, and at a lower price. Sold in bottles, 35. each ; also ss:, 7s. 6d., and 15s. each. including brush. Red Bull Wharf, Angel-passage, 93, Upper Thames. street London. E.C. EATR E ROYAL, DR UR Y - LANI and Manager. Mr. F. B. Chatfrrton. 5‘.4.3 THIS EVENING will perrormed IJY WIFE'S OUT. To he followed by the Great Christmas Pantomime, entitled GRIMALKIN 'I HE GREAT; on, HARLEQUIN Puss is BOOTS, &No TIIE MILLER's SONS, with new and magnificent Scenery oy Mr. Wm. Beverley. Characters in the Opening by the entire strength of the company. In the Harlequinade a Double Troupe of Pantomimists; and combining the grandest stage effects of any Pantomime ever produced at this theatre. Doors open at half-past 8, commence at 7. Box-office open from 10 till 5 daily. "THEATRE ROYAL, HA YMARKET Sole Lessee. Mr. BueZtone. THIS EVENING. RAISING TILE WIND: Messrs. Ken dal, Clark, Rogers, Bnckstone, jun., and Mesdames Laws, Dal ton, After which, II031E: Messrs. Sothern, Chlppendale, Comp• ion, A srey, kc, ; Mesilamcs Cavendish, Burke, Hill. tc. _ Concluding with THE FRIGHTFUL HAIR. essrs. Comp ton, Kendal, Wcathersby, Duel:stone, jun., &c. ; Mesdames Caroline Hill, Scott, Gwynn, &c. Boa-office open daily. Monopolies of all kinds are, we may hope, going permanently out of fashion, and although it is usually a very slow and tedious process to get rid of one altogether, there is little fear that once disposed of it will ever regain its position. It is probably for this reason that individuals and companies are alike very unwilling to make any concession, or to surren der any part of the influence or authority which they possess. They are not likely to recover the lost ground, and accordingly they spare no effort to resist the attacks of the besiegers while they are yet en trenched in their stronghold. Our gas companies, however, which enjoy the privilege of charging us what they please for an almost indispensable convenience, are being seriously threatened, and they will have to prepare themselves for a long promised and much needed change. The expense, and inefficiency, and discomfort, of our metropolitan management has actually passed the bounds of an Englishman's patience. Londoners have exhausted their tradi tional privilege of grumbling, and they begin to think that the time for definite action has come. The scheme for dividing Loudon into municipalities has found so much favour with the public that it is very likely we shall soon see it definitely carried into effect. Mr. BRIGHT observed the other day that memorials in its favour had been signed by one third of the inhabitants of the metropolis. Our gas reformers, however, are unwilling to wait for the fulfilment of this scheme, and a day or two ago a deputation from the metropolitan vestries and dis trict boards waited on Mr. BRIGHT at the Board of Trade-office to call his attention to the subject. The principal object of the delegates was to impress upon the right hon. gentleman the desirability of pro ceeding with a measure of which his predecessor had given notice, which provided that the Board of Trade or any local authorities might, under certain circum stances, purchase the existing works. The bill em powered the authorities to make such purchase by agreement or compulsion, its framers having appa rently in view the probable reluctance of the gas com panies to consent to arty invasion of their powers. It enabled them, too, to erect additional gas works if the consumers were not supplied with gas at reason able rates. The deputation reminded Mr. Butoter that it was desirable the Board of Trade should pro ceed with the bill without delay, as the Imperial and other companies had asked Parliament for largily in creased powers, and for an increase of capital. The plan proposed is not a new one. Last year the City of London obtained similar powers, and have since made arrangements by which they obtain gas at 3s. 9d. per 1,000 cubic feet, a reduction which it is cal culated _will save the City no less than £44,000 in this year, and twice that amount next. Mr. BRIGHT, referring to the suggestion about the municipal sub division of London, asked whether it would not be better to defer the matter until that question was settled ; but one of the delegates answered that the question of municipalities had been under discussion since 1835, and might remain open some time longer. We hope that matters are moving a little faster in the way of metropolitan reform than this remark would imply, but it is undoubtedly true that the task may be a tedious one, as it will inevitably be one of much difficulty, owing to the strong and interested opposition the proposal will meet with. But though the exciting questions which are pressing on the no tice of Parliament may possibly leave some time for less imminent matters even in the session now at hand, the vestries and district boards are no doubt perfectly right in refusing to defer any action until a scheme as yet visionary has assutned a definite shape. If the gas companies are seeking an extension of powers which are already excessive, it is quite time that their authority was curbed by a superiorauthority. Atpre sent they enjoy a complete monopoly. London is divided into districts, each of which is supplied by its own local company. Supposing any dis pute to arise between a co nsumer an d hi s district company, he has no redress. company mak e t h eir own bye-laws, reasona and n The charge what th ey like within They are perf ec tl y we ' l reasonable limits aware that it is idle for any individual to fight against a company, and that gas, almost indispensable to the pursuit of pleasure, business, or study, is n ot manufacture. A quarrel with the district company means a loss of gas, and very few are inclined to bring so unpleasant an alterna • tive upon themselves. Where power is thus in concentrated ' a few hands, the results are certain to be mischievous . T he system is financially mistaken as well as morally iu error. No doubt the diminution in the price of gas will in a short time enlarge the number of consumers, and thus actually augmentithe receipts of the gas companies. At present it is not surprising that the shareholders are very re luctant to give up their comfortable dividends or to hear even a rumour that such a sacrifice may be de demanded from them. We do not want centralisa tion, and have no desire to be " Ilausamanized," even though our vestries and corporations conduct their affairs in a somewhat primitive fashion. Still we may reasonably ask whether so important a requisite as gas should be wholly dependent on the the caprice of a self-constituted bo ly, and we may hope that Mr. BRIGHCS words in dismissing the dopntation were something more than mere words of course ; and that when he proudied the in fitter of ga reform shod 1 have hii full con9iderati.m, he really int , mded to call the notice of the Cabinet to the need which exists for a thorough nvision of the whole system of metropolitan gas supply. As we were enabled to announce on Saturday, the bishops have determined that they will not issue a joint manifesto on the Ritual question, but each in his own diocese will give the best advice in his power. Thus the bishops at Lambeth have come to the same Commence at Seven. THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPIII. Solo Pioprietor and Manager, Mr. B. WEBSTER. Directress, Mrs. Alfred Mellon. EVENING, DID YOU EVER SEND YOUR WIFE TO CAMBERWELL. Mr. G. delmore, Mrs. L. Murray. fit 15 to 8, THE DEAD HEART: Mr. Benjamin Webster, Mr Arthur Stirling, Mr. G Belmore, Mr. R. Phillips, Mr. Ash ley, Mr. Stuart, Mrs. Alfred Mellon, Miss Lennox Grey, &c. Commence at Seven. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Vining. THIS EVENING, at a quarter to 8, a new Drama, in four acts, entitled DIARIE ANTOINETTE : Louis XVI., Mr. Vining; Count Fersen, Mr. William Rignold (his first appearance in Lon don) ; The Dauphin (five years old), Miss Lydia Howard; Marie Antoinette, Mdlle. Beatrice; Messrs. Dominick Murray. J. G. Shore, D. Leeson. New Scenery by Mr. F. Lloyds, Mr. Dayes, and Mr. Matt. Mogan. New Dresses, new Properties. Preceded by THE SECRET. ro conclude with a new Comedietta. entitled A CUP OF TEA. Mdlle. Eeatrice. Doors open at half-past 6, commence at 7. Box-office open daily from 10 till 5. lOYAL STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs Swanborough. THIS EVENING, at 7.30, THE WIDOW HUNT. Messrs rke. Belford, Joyce; Mesdames Buivin and Maitland. After which, THE FIELD OF TF...L CLOTH OF GOLD. Messrs. Thorne, James, and Robson Mesdames M. Long more, F. Hughes. L. Maitland, &c. To conclude Ruth HUE AND DYE. R OYAL AMPHITHEArRE AND CIRCUS, HOLBORN. Oscar Carre and his Fifty wonderful performing Horses, and the incomparable Scenes in theAr ins, including A.Bradbury. Eng land's Champion Equestrian, A, Salamonsky, A. Carre, Mdlles. Montero, Schwartz, Kremser, and Salamonsky, in a series of unparalleled acts of horsemanship. Castelotti and the Brothers Girardes in their Thrilling Ladder and Trapeze evolutions. The Clowns Burgess and Loyal, the greatest grotesque of the day. "Many persons form their estimate of a circus from some of thosa exhibitions which travel through the provinces; the Hol born Amphitheatre is as far above them as Patti's singing is above that of a street ballad-singer."—Court Journal, Jan. 2. Doors open at Seven, commence at half past. Morning Per formances Wednesday and Saturday, commencing at Half-past Two. GLOBE THEATRE-ROYAL. Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Sefton Parry. At 7, A HAPPY FAMILY. 7.30, CYRIL'S SUCCESS. 9.'0, BROWN AND THE BRAHMINS: Messrs. Marshall, Warner, David fisher, Andrews, Hurlston, and J. Clarke; Mesdames C. Thorne, L. Morgan, Brennan, Fountain. Arnold, Henrade, Be rend, Hughes, and Stephens. ST. GE OR GE 'S II ALL, Regent-street. FIRST APPEARANCE SINCE 1862. Great and triumphant success. Never in the a nnals of Ethiopian minstrelsy h as a company made such a decided hit. Every song was encored on the first night of performance. ROYAL ORIGINAL CHRISTY MINSTRELS (Proprietors, Messrs WILSOM and MONTAGUE) The Only Company of Christy's who have had the honour to appear, by special command. before THE QUEEN AND COURT. NEARLY ONE HUNDRED PERFORMERS. EVERY EVENING at EIGHT. WEDNESDAYS and SATURDAYS at THREE and EIGHT. Special Grand Performance for the People every Satur day night at eight. Admission, One Shilling. Private boxes and places may be secured at Mr. Mit cell's Royal Library, at the musicsellers, and at the hall. Acting-manager, Mr. ANDREW NIM3IO. LICENSED VICTUALLERS' GUARDIAN. GK. GLE.NIE, of the SPORTING LIBRARY, • 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. London, W., begs to inform his customers, and the Licensed Victuallers in general, that he has been appointed Agent to the above-named paper in addition to his agency for the Sporting Edition of "THE SuN," and can supply the same on Friday evening, if required, in town or country. G. R. G. begs to inform the Trade that he is Agent for the LATEST EDITION of "THE SUN," and can supply it earlier than any other man in London or Country the evening of publi cation. No connection with any other penons. Baily's, Ruff's, Wright's, and M‘Call's Guides. All the Daily Papers, Magazines, and Periodicals as soon as published. Agent for the Joint-Stock Coal Company. Orders by post attended to. THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN " supplied, as soon as published, Every Evening, by W. ALEXA • DER (late Brooks), Newspaper Agent, No. 4, Old Cavendish street, Oxford-street. HE "SUN" NEWSPAPER.-G. R. GLENIE, Sporting Library, 4, Connaught-terrace, Edgeware-road, delivers the LATE EDITION of "THE SUN " at the earliest possible moment after leaving the press. He Is able to deliver Copies in Town, the Suburbs, and in many parts of the country at a comparatively early hour the same evening, say 40 miles by 9.45 o'clock Orders by post punctually attended tol T HE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN" to be seen Every Evening by 8 10 at Mr. ROBERT MEACOCK'S, Britannia, Kensal New-town. THE THIRD EDITION OF - THE SUN," giving all the SPORTING NEWS of the day, may be seen at JEM M Y MANTON'S house, "The Swan and Horse Shoe," Littlelßritain, City, E.C. WH O'S GR AIN GE R ? LICENSED VICTUALLE3S' TOBACCONIST, SHEPHERD'S-BUSH. SPOP.TIN G EDI 110 N of "TIT E SUN " can he seen tilt ANGER'S Establishment, as above, every evening by high . 4'clack. TIIE LATEST EDITION of "THE SUN." J. HiLMES begs to inform his friends and the public ia(ra,lly that he surplies the LATEST EDITION of "THE BJ`l " as soon as published.—No. 10, Hampstead-road N.W. THE LATEST EDITION of "THE SUN " supplied as soon as published, containing all the LATEST NEWS and SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, by H W HARRIS, newspaper Agent, 4, Blackfriars-road, London,- S. TIE "SUN" NEWSPAPER.-G. R. GLENIE delMrs the LATE EDITION at Chelsea, 7.40; Kilburn, 8; Starch-green, 8; Woolwich, 7.30; U x b r id ge, 9.20; W atford, 9.45. SPORTING.—JOHN ROBERTS supplies the LATES r EDITION of "THE SUN" as soon as pub lished.-4, Bath-street, City-road, E.C. rrIIE LATE EDITION of " TILE SUN' at IL JAMES SPEEDY'S, "The Wellington," Wellington-street, Strand. 11HE LATE EDITION of "TIE SUN " a I_ J. SMITH'S, 39, Bow-street, Covent-garden. THE LATE EDITION of "THE SUN" at W. SMITH'S Camden Stores," 78, Park-street, Camden town, THEATRE-ROYAL DRURY-LANE. Oole Lessee and Manager, Mr. F. B. Chatterton. THIS EVENING, at 7. MY WIFE'S OUT. Followed by the Grand Pantomime, PUSS IN BOOTS. Commence at 7. THEATRE-ROYAL. HAYMARKET. rATHrs EVENING, RAI-ING THE WIND: Messrs. Kendal Buckstone. jun., bliss Laws &c. After which, HOME: Sothern , Chippendale. &e. ; Mesdames Cavendish, Burke, (tc. Concluding with TiE FRIGIITFUL HAIR: Meisrs. Compton, Kendal, Buckstone, jun , Weathorsby , itc • Mesdames C. Hill, Scott, Gwynn, it , Corm/nem-1i at 7. PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Vining% Tuts EVEN MI, at 7, to commence with THE SECRET. At quarter to 8, MARIE Al\ TOINETTE: Mr Vining, Mr. W. Rignold, Mr. Do m i n i ck Murray; Mdlle. Beatrice. Concluding with A. CUP OF TFA • Mdre.B..atrice. THEATRE-ROYAL, A DE LPIT L Tun; EVENTNO, at 7, DID ID 43 EVER SEND YOUR WIFE TO CAM B ERW 'ILL. Mr. G. Delmore, Mrs. L. Murray. At 15 to 8, THE DEAD HEART. Messrs. Ben. Webster, A. Stirling, G. Hllmore, R. Phillips, Ashley, St uar t ; M rs. Alfred Mellon, Miss Lennox Grey, &e, GL(IBE THEATRE- nOTAL. l'inA EVENING, at 7. A HAPPY FAMILY. 7.30, CYRIL'S SUCCESS. 9.40, BROWN AND THE BRAHMINS: 3lessrs. Marshall,Warner, David Fisher, Andrews, Iluestone. J. ( larke slesdames Henrade, C. Thorne, Brennen, Berenl, Hughes, Ar nold, and Stephens ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress. Mrs. Swanhorough. THIS EVENING. at 7.30, THE WIDOW HUNT. Messrs. 13e1- ford, Clarke; Miss Bufton. THE FIELD Ole THE CLOTII OF GOLD: Messrs. Thorne, James, Fenton; XI esdames Maria Longmore, B. Goodall, Lydia Maitland, Claire, and Hughes. To conclude with HUE AND DYE QUEEN'S THEATRE, LONG-ACRE. Manager, Mr. W. H. Liston. THIS EVENING, A RACE FOR A DINNER. After which, NOT GUILTY: Messrs. J. L. Toole. L. I3rough , H. Irving, S. Fmery, Miss Hodson, &c. With THE BIRTHPLACE OF POWERS: Mr Toole. THEATRE-ROYAL, HOLBORN. Tins EVENING, MIRIAM'S CRIME: Messrs. E. Price, George Honey, F. Drew, Parselle, and W. Howard. Mesdames Lydia Foote and Larkin. After which, TURBO THE TERRIBLE : Messrs. F Eingbes, W. Arthur, Brunton, and George Honey; Mesdames Larkin, Weathersby, Turner, Lovell, Ashton. nes Fanny Josephs, &c. To conclude with AUNT CHARLOTTE'S MAID. THEATRE-ROYAL, OLYMPIC. Tnis EVENING, at 7, SLASHER &CRASHER: Messrs Atkins, raughan, G. Vincent, &c.; Miss Lennox Grey and Mrs Caulfield. After which. at 7.45, PAPER WINGS : Messrs. H. Wigan , ILNe-ille, E. Atkins, H. Vaughan, H. Cooper, and Smithson; Mesdames Furtado, Schavey, N. Harris, and at. Henry. ROYALTY THEATRE. Under the Management of Miss M. Oliver. THIS EVEPTINFI, at 7.30, A LOVING CUP. Mr. Dewar, Miss M. Oliver. To be followed by CLAUDE DUVAL; Mr. Dewar, ie. To conclude with FAMILY JARS. PRINCE OF WALES'S ROYAL THEATRE. Under the Management of Miss Marie Wilton THIS EvENING, SCHOOL: Messrs. Hare, H. J. Montague, Addison, Glover. and Bancroft; Mrs. Buckingham White. Miss C. Addison, and Miss Marie 'Wilton. After which, A WINNING HAZARD. And INTRIGUE. ROYAL AMPHITHEATRF. AND CIRCUS, HOLBORN. Tins EVENINQ, the Great Carne Troupe and magnificent Stud of 50 Horses; also Alfred Bradbury, A. Carne, &c. ST. GEORGE'S THEATRE, REGENT STREET. TWIG EVENING, at 8, THE ROYAL ORIGINAL CHRISTY'S MINSTRELS' Ethiopian Entertainment: and the Burlesque Extravaganza, THE VERY GRAND DUTCH—S. CHRISTY MINSTRELS. St. James's Hall, Every Night, at 8 Wednesdays and eaturdays, at 3 and 8 all the year round. ROYAL ALHAMBRA PALACE. THREE BALLETS, Promenade Concert. Band of 60. Begin at 8. le. Box-office open from 11 to 4. ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, Regent's-Falk, OPEN daily (ex cept Sundays). Admission, ls.; on Mondays, 6d.; Children under twelve, 6d. • ,T 4r '4.,) 2 L:4 7 Zt Ar * `- L c rte ' LI4 4.,"441-4 LONDON, MONDAY, FEB. 15, 1869, THE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 15, 1869. 1 conclusion w s that arrived at by the Ritualists at the Freemasons' Tavern. We scarcely see how this decision is likely to promote the object of the Privy Council— uniformity in Ritual. It may be said that uniformity is not desirable, and we ourselves have repeatedly urged that considerable latitude should be allowed, in order to satisfy different religious temperaments. Yet it must be remembered that the recent attempt to enforce uniformity is due to the extreme diversity which has prevailed, and that unless the latter be modified and kept within bounds, there will be a growing reaction towards a too rigid enforcement of the rubrics. For h is, therefore, if for no other reason, it was desirable that the bishops should agree upon some common principles of action in dealing with their clergy. Moreover, the clergy had a right to look to their bishops for guidance at this critical period. A judg ment has been delivered which implies, if it does not actually lay down, important changes in conducting the services of the Church. The Ritualist clergy are told that they may not do certain specific acts, and their course is therefore comparatively clear. But the judgment also implied that certain other acts not specified, and systematically omitted by the Low Church clergy, ought to be done. Some of these, absurdly enough, have come to be considered badges of a party, and Low Church clergymen who honestly desire to obey the law are afraid of doing so lest they should excite the preju dices of their people. In such a position they natu rally looked to their chief pastors for guidance. These chief pastors, after consulting together, have decided to do nothing. It was not to be expected that they would draw up a code of rites and cere monies, but they might at least have decided upon certain definite matters which are now in doubt. The result of their collective deliberations would have been received with a deference wherewith the opinion of any one of them singly cannot be. They might have issued a joint pastoral, which would have been above the suspicion of party bias. As it is, the decision in every case of doubt or dispute will be l e ft to the individual bishop, who may be, and often is, a party man. The result may be a diversity of " use" as great as that which prevailed before the Act of Uni formity, and indeed worse than that, since it may not only differ with the diocese but with the bishop, so that the same diocese may have a different use in the course of the same year. Akin to this partial abnegation of their functions by the bishops, is another matter affecting them and the Church. There are now no fewer than five dioceses which are virtually without heads. In four of these—Exeter, Bath and Wells, Winchester, and Chichester—the bishops are old men, whose inca pacity is not, therefore, likely to diminish with . . years. In the fifth, Salisbury, the diocesan is com- paratively a young man, and has been so recently laid aside by severe illness, that we would not be thought to say a word reflecting upon him. But what ought to be said—what can be said, when the impediment to the fulfilment of episcopal func tions is chronic infirmity, increasing every year ? Is there any other profession in which such a condition of things would be allowed to continue as now pre vails in the English Church ? Let us imagine what our army, what our navy would be if there were no half-pay or retired lists. Let us imagine what our courts of law would be worth if they were presided over by men who were hope- [essly invalided ; or what sort of government we should have if every octogenarian statesman had a claim to be in the Cabinet. There are men who will be found to say that if the Church can get on with bishops of the kind we have mentioned, it could get on equally well without any bishops at all. We hold a different opinion. We believe that the influence of an energetic head is felt throughout the whole diocese, and that if there be vigour at the palace there will be vigour also in the - rectory and in the schoolroom. We, therefore, would amend rather than destroy ; we would have bishops who are overseers in fact, as well as in name. When they are past work they should give room to younger men. By all means let them have a provi sion in their old age. That this arrangement is not impracticable is proved by the fact that it has been made before. Less than twenty years ago the then Bishops of London, Durham, and Norwich resigned on account of their health, and a suitable provision was made for them. There can be no valid reason why the arrangement which was made with Bishops BLO3IFIELD 7 MALTBY', and HINDS should not be made with Bishops PHILLPOTTS ItC K LAND, St3INER, and GILBERT. It is time that the scandal ceased of having broken-down colonial bishops returned to England doing the work of still more disabled English bishops ; that the men who have spent all their energies in some distant and scantily-populated diocese should in their failing years be called upon to administer large and densely-peopled English dio ceses. It is time our prelates were taught that bishops were made for the Church, not the Church for bishops. WiIESPONDENCE FROM PARIB. lIROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) PARIS, SUNDAY, February 14. The Be lgian Chamber of Deputies has come to the rescue: It ins succeeded in rescuing the political world of trance tom utter stagnation, but only by means of raising a m►st disagreeable question. This is the little affair which has brought about a really angry discussion in the official and semi-official papers of Paris. The Belgian Ministry his submitted to the Chamber of Deputies a law relating to the Belgian railways. The drift of this. measure is that no railway company shall for the future dispose of any of the lines of which they are the conces- sionaires, zor transfer, partially or totally, the working of those lin►s to any other company, except by the consent of the Government. Now at the present time a treaty is being negotiated !or the cession of the line running from Arlon to Brussels to the company of the East of France, which already wo±s the Guillamne-Luxembourg Railway. This treaty will fall under the ban of the new measure. A law so unexpected has produced a profound impression in Belgium, tie inhabitants deducing all sorts of inferences. But the bewilderment of the Belgians is nothing to the indignation of the French. The palpable objf ct of the law is to prevent any foreign company gaining possession of a Belgim line, and the French companies, who have already galled one or two concessions of this kind, arc most directly affected by it. Judging by the indignation of the official papers, the measure has a political signifi cance, and though Prussia is not mentioned, the Temps and the Liberti have no hesitation in detecting a piece of Count Bismarck's work in this railway bill. The conclusion is by no means unlikely. Prus s ia has every reason to preserve the independence of Belgium, and the surrender of the Belgian railway lines to French companies would be by no means a step in the desized direction. Without accepting the Libertes belief that tse Belgian army will in future be as much at the service cf Prussia as that of Baden, it is evident that this measure—which, by the way, has been voted by the Chamber—is directly favourable to Prussian interests. But it is not less natural that the French should be deeply mortified and intensely angry at such a proceeding. The law rust hamper to some extent the freedom of com merce between the countries; but this is not its most objec tionable feature, according to public opinion here. It is the everlasting rivalry of Prussia, that systematic opposi tion in every quarter, and, sooth to say, that complete success in many, which produce the deep feeling o: irritation. There is on the whole much reason to apprehend that the ill feeling between France and Prussia is again actively reviving. In fact it does not appear that public confidence has made any progress during the last twelve months. It has palpably revived at certain periods, but always to fall away again. At the present moment the difficulty with Greece is over, but then there is trouble in the East in three different quarters at once ; and, lastly, there is the ever-present Prussia v. France struggle for supremacy. The appointment of Senor Rivero as President of the Cortes is deemed of much importance here. lam informed, in a very good quarter, that the chances of the Duke de Montpensier are considerably weakened—though, of course, not destroyed —by this event. Rivero is of decidedly Republican sympathies. There was a grand field-day at Manly on Friday. The Empress and her ladies of honour joined in the shooting, and bagged a good average of game. Something like a revolt among the semi-official papers is probable. They complain greatly of the insufficiency of their intelligence —a very well-grounded complaint, for it is both small in quantity and bad in quality. A youth of 19 has just been condemned at Nancy to twenty years' hard labour for an extraordinary crime. This youth, or rather this monster in the guise of a youth, was pupil at a school for young men intended for the priesthood, but he appears to have thoroughly dis liked his intended profession, and to have re preached his parents for having chosen it for him. His conversation with the other pupils was often blasphemous and sceptical, and his offences against disci pline were so numerous that he was led, on very good grounds, to apprehend expulsion. He therefore deter mined upon a signal act of vengeance for an offence which had not yet been offered him. He got up in the night, collected a heap of books in the schoolroom, and set fire to them ; and whilst the pile was burning he broke open the desks of the other pupils to take whatever money or valuables they contained. He then scrawled various foolish inscriptions on the walls. Finally, being much attached to another youth of the name of Jouatte, and fearing that the expulsion he expected would now be instantly decreed, the miscreant, Jeanson by name, resolved to murder his friend rather than separate from him. Going up to the dormitory he cut the poor lad's throat, inflicting a fatal wound. A plea of insanity broke down altogether. THE WEATHER TABLE.—Tzrzs DAY. 30'09r. 30 15r. 3017 r. 30'23r. 30'28r. 30'33r. 30'17r. 30'13f. 3013 r. 30'3 3 30'27f. 3011 f. 30'43f. 3,y48f. 30'44r. 30'45r. 30 40r. 8.8.11". S.S.w. IW. N..W. W. N. W. s.w. S.W. S.S.W. s.w. S.S.W. N.N.W. N. NV. S. S. W. S. W. S. W. W.S.W. W.B.W. Z. W. S. W. W. N. W. W. W.N.W. ' c.o. b.o. b.f. C.lll c.o. 10. M THE GOVERN4ENT AND THE IRISH CIIURCH. The London correspondent of the Leeds Mercury writes as follows :—" Though no revelation of the intentions of the Government was made at the Fishmongers' Hall, I have reason to believe that the crisis which existed a few days ago has passed away, and that the danger of some such half measure as that proposed by Lord Russell being adopted by the Ministry no longer exists. The ' backbone ' of the Government has been firm, and more than one eminent member of the Ministry has assured Mr. Gladstone that the break-up of the Administration would inevitably follow the adoption of any of the levelling-up schemes which are in favour in certain influential quarters. The Radicals in the Ministry have saved us from the spectacle—which there was at one time reason to believe we might witness in the opening session—of the abandon ment of solemn pledges in favour of a compromise that could have satisfied nobody. ' Thorough' is still to be the policy of Mr. Gladstone's Administration, and the Liberal party throughout the kingdom need feel no misgivings as to the nature of the announcement which it will be the Premier's duty to make on the Ist of March." The Echo, referring to the fact that Mr. Bright has already she wn a weariness of office, says : "He would like to be thundering against those contemptible hin drances which prompt compromise, and it is scarcely a secret that the Government has resolved upon the necessity of temporising with the question of the Irish Church. We shall not be surprised to find that Mr. Gladstone's scheme involves the appointment of some Commission of Inquiry to deal with the question of re-appropriation of the Church revenues. We shall not have to wait for disestablishment, but we scarcely venture to hope that we shall see the whole matter settled this year. The interest of the people is to be rid of a question which overshadows others of great practical utility, and Mr. Gladstone would arouse a feeling, already becoming dormant, if he were to risk defeat by dealing as largely as possible with the question. If he fails he can then dissolve Parliament, and ask the people whether or no they will have his measure. The response would not be doubtful, for every one knows the work must be done." RLIIIIIEL'S FALEN7INES. Under the auspices of good St. Valentine, Eugene Rimtnel has this year endeavoured to eclipse all his former achievements in the world of grace andofancy. As specimens of art in its daintiest and most pelicate form, as curiosities of literature in its most curious and fantastic guise, these valen t. nes for 1869 may take their rank with the best of their predecessors. Baskets of tiny flowers that might have been culled by the hands of Titania herself—Cupid's Barometer, in which the varying emotions of the human heart may be estimated with mathematical precision —portraits of Shake_ spere's heroines, Unrivalled as types of love and loveliness, are among the chief attractions of the group of Valentines before us. In addition to these the names of fair ladies and fair qualities, loving aspirations and humorous comicalities, flowers of speech, and flowers of the field, brimming over w ith most delicate perfumes, vie with each other i n graceful rivalry, and hard to please must the fair lady be who does not acknowledge the charm of spells so potent and irresistible. EXETER HALL.—" Elijah" will be performed by the National Choral Society on Wednesday next. Miss Arabolla Smyth (the new soprano), and Mr. Joseph Lander (the new bass) will each make their second ap pearance on this occasion. Miss Lucy Franklin, Mr. George Perren, and other eminent artistes will take part in the programme. Conductor, Mr G. W. Martin. TILE FLOODS.—An immense quantity of rain has fallon during the past week, more particularly yesterday, and the floods are again very high in the Thames Valley. The Rennet and Avon Canal between Devizes and Rea,l ing is flooded, and there is now more laud under water than has been known for years. A FORTUNATE RECOVERY.—About six months ago Mr. C. Newcome, a young artist of Liverpool, while cross ing the mountains at Capel Carig, having lost his purse containing 20 sovereigns, made fruitless efforts to trace it. A few daysago, however, he received a letter from Bettws y-coed, requesting his attendance there, and on his pre senting himself he was agreeably surprised to find that his long lost purse and its contents had been picked up by an honest farmer in the vicinity of the mountain, from whom he received it intact. With a generosity which does bim credit Mr Newcome immediately presented the lucky finder with five pounds of the amount. FALL OF A CHIMNEY STALK.—EarIy on Sunday morning a chimney stalk, 100 feet high, connected with the paper mills a.tWest end, Glasgow, fell during the gale. Near the Lase of the stalk were a row of cottages, the roofs of two of which were crushed in, and tho sleeping inmates buried in the ruins. Seven persons were killed on the spot, and another died in the course of the after noon. Captain Brown, of the Uni'ed States Navy, who took to Jap In the iron-dal ram Stonewall purchased by the Japam.se Governmetit, has telegraphed from San Fraticisuo that In will d.:liver t!.e ram to the Dlikado Government at once. Captain Brown, on his arrival in Japan, found a civil war raging, and both parties claimed the vessel, but he refused to deliver her to either. The Mikado having been successful, and as he promises to pay all expenses, is to receive the Stonewall. DUNVILLE and Co., Belfast, are the largefit holders of Whisky in the world. Their Old Irish Whisky is re commended by the medical profession in preference to French Brandy. Supplied in casks and cases for home use or exporta tion. Quotations on application to Messrs. Dunville and Co., Belfast; or 4, Beaufort-bulltnga, strand, London W.C.--[Ad Tort4avrnent.] Mnoday, Feb. 15, 8 a.u►, Nairn Aberdeen Leith Fihields .. • Searboronih Yarmouth Helder Cup I. ave • n • .. Stud Ca 112135 Ardr °soon .. Green castle Holyhead .. Liver pool .. Palen tia .. .. Cape Clear.. Roch e's I' t. Penzance .. Plymouth .. Weymouth Portsmouth London „ .. Cp~C7risNeal L'Orieot Roch e fora .. Biarritz Corunna.... Br Paris Strasbourg Lyons Toulon Heart's Con tent (9 a.m. local tiros) METEOROLOGICAL RETORTS. S. E. S. W. Extreme D. N. W. N.W. ZIPLANATION Barometer corrected and reduced to 32 deg. at sea level. The letter r, r i s i ng ; f. falling ; s, steady—indicates direction of mot i o n of the mercury within last 14 hours. T hermometer exposed in shade. Extreme Force with its Di rect i on during last 24 hours, Z.—calm. Weather : b.—bluo sky ; c.—clouds, detached ; f. - fog h.—hail ; I.—lightning ; m.—misty, h azy o —overcast, dull r.— rain ; s. — snow ; t.—thurder. Rain-fall, snow or hail melted ; daring last 24 hours. Bea disturbance. REBTARKs. The decrease of pressure at Nairn o n S aturday afternoon became considerable on Sunday. At the same three a considerable rise took place at Southern stations, and consequently great differences of pressure were produced. Since yesterday morning however, a rapid recovery has taken place in the north-east, whilst in the south-west a slight decrease is noted. The lowest reading is still at Nairn, but is only 0.39 in. lower than that at Plymouth. Continental messages of to-day not arrived —11.151t.n1. Temperature, after increasing con• siderably yesterday, has again decreased at our northern and eastern stations —9 deg. in places. Elsewhere there is no particular change. A stiff westerly gale blew on Saturday night on our N. and E, coasts, accompanied by strong S.W. to N.W. breezes at our other stations) and fresh winds from the same quarter prevailed through Sunday This morning light south-westerly breezes are general in these islands, and in the Channel it is nearly cairn. Rain has fallen in the N. ant W. The sky is overcast with mist and fog in the east. TRADE REPORTS. Our exports to Belgium shew7an increase under some heads. Common earthenware has nearly doubled. Flax has rised from 240,416 kilos. in 1867 to 380,881 in 1868, and hops have increased in the same period from 79,08 E to 128,649 kilos. The iron trade shews some remarkable variations, as there is a great increase in our export of rail and sheet-iron, while there is a marked decrease in pig-iron and wire. In wrought-steel and cast-iron the same thing is noticeable. Raw cotton shews no great change, while rags have risen from 169,026 kilos in 1867 to 465,666 in 1868. Oilseeds have decreased 2,000,000 kilos. Manufactured cotton shews a diminished export ; while linen has increased. In connection with the difference in our iron exports, we may notice that the imports of wire iron from Belgium to the United Kingdom has more than doubled in the year ; while in the wrought-iron the import has greatly diminished. The rags imported are much the same as in the two years ; while the cotton tissues and cotton yarns have greatly diminished. The woollen yarn? have risen from 795,113 kilos. in '67 to 1,615,678 in '6B, The chief items of increase in our exports to Holland have been grease, steel in bars, and mineral oil ; in our imports, dressed flax, potato flour, steel in bars, unwrought lead, and bleached cotton. The coals exported to France shew a decrease in value of more than £120,090 while coffee has increased £200,000. The amount of cottor of all kinds exported is less, while machinery has on the whole decreased. Steel in bars has increased, while cast. iron is little snore than half the amount of last year. Copper ore has increased in value more than a millior francs, while our exports of silk into France also shew s marked increase. Looking at our imports from France, we find a marked diminution in the number of oxen, cows, sheep, and pigs; under wheat we find a decrease of nearly £120,000, and under maize of more than £200,000. Coming to paper we find little difference in the returns, while rags have increased somewhat. Spirits remain almost stationary, while silks manifest an increase amounting on plain silks to £520,000. Ribbons shew a similar increase. Our imports of wine from France shew an increase of the value of more than £480,000 in casks, and in bottles of £120,P00. A noticeable increase is also visible in the imports of French flax and hemp yarn, which bave risen ftgAgAgin 1887. t 9 !cam in 1808. LAW AND POLICE. The Stockport Town Council have resolvba to petition for the abolition of the hustings. Birmingham was visited by a heavy snow-storm on Friday afternoon. Snow is also reported to have fallen in other parts of the country. The Irish Times states that the Government have decided on not calling out the militia of Ireland for train ing this year; the recruiting also continuos suspended. Sir Richard Buckley is named as the probable suc cessor of the late Marquis of Anglesey in the Lord Lieute nancy of the little island of Mona. Partly on account of the increased scour of the river caused by the Thames Embankment, fish have recently been seen on the south side of the Thames in great abundance.—South London Press. It is rumoured that Captain Ducane, of the Royal Engineer=, will succeed Colonel Henderson, who has re cently been appointed Chief Commissioner of Police, in his previous post of Chairman of Directors of Convict Prisons. On Saturday the Home Secretary has issued an order granting a reward of £lOO for the discovery of five men who, on the night of Saturday three weeks, murdered Samuel Grokett, aged 45 years, by throwing him into the Regent's Canal, Hackney. The Railway News reports that the traffic receints of the railways in the United Kingdom for the week ending February 12, 1869, upon a mileage of 12,936, amount to £701,132, being equal to £54 48. per mile. For the cor responding week of last year the receipts were £655,671, the number of miles open 12,542 or £52 55. per mile. A disputed will has been before the Dublin Court or Probate. A person named Duddy, of Londonderry, be queathed the bulk of his property, about £3,000, to his wife on the condition that she should not marry, but enter a con vent. The next of kin challenged the instrument, on the ground of "undue influence on the part of the wife." Th Court decided that the will was good. According to the London correspondent of the .Manchester Guardian, the Conservatives mean to take up the cause of the clerks and workmen who are about to be reduced in the various departments. They threaten, more over, to have a field night upon the creation of a Third Lord of the Treasury, and the raising of Mr. Stansfeld's salary from £l,OOO to £2,000 a year. There seems to be some probability of one very beneficial result following the recent election inquiry at Brad ford, viz., the discontinuance at future Contests of the use of public-houses as cominittee-rooms. On Friday a meeting was held at that town, presided over by the Mayor, to ad- Tonto this alteration, and it was stated that several of the more influential politicians of the borough were resolved not to take part in election matters if public-houses wero en gaged. It was also stated that the licensed victuallers them selves bad taken the initiative by aodpting a resolution re commending their brethren in th 3 trade not to entertain elec tion agents in the future. THE DOUBLE MURDER AT BLACKWILL. —A person, supposed to be Cooper, is in custody at Lough borough, in Leicestershire. He applied on Friday night to Superintendent Haynes for an order of admission to the casual ward. He said he was a boiler maker, and had been working in London ; that his name was James Git tins, and he had walked from London. His description exactly tallies with that of the wanted man, Cooper, this person Gittins, as he calls himself, being without a thumb on his left hand. The London police have been communicated with. NEWSPAPER PRESS FOND. —At a special general meeting of the members of this institution, held on Saturday at its offices (Lord 11oughton in the chair), the chair), the supplementary report and balance-sheet for the six months ending Desember 31, 1868, sheaved that the capital now stands at the sum of £4,422 I.ls. 7d., consisting of £3,122 11s. 7d. New 'Three per Cents., £7OO Great Indian Peninsula Railway Debentures, and £6OO Eastern Bengal Railway Stock guaranteed by the Imperial Government. The grants made by way of relief during the past half-year amount to £165. AN UNRECOGNISED VISIT.—The other day, while the curs of the Madeleine Church was discussing business in the vestry with a friend, a small insignificant-looking person entered and desired to speak with him. The curd, with his well-known air of a tambour nzajeur, curtly told him to sit down and wait. The small man, however, re. mained standing. This displeased the curs, who exclaimed, "Monsieur, I desire you to seat yourself." Instead of complying„ the gentleman paced rapidly up and down the room, until the cure, fairly irritated, insisted in so peremptory a manner as to compel obedience. In about a quarter of an hour, business being finished, ho turned to the stranger, " Monsieur, what is it you desire?" The latter replied, in a thin shrill voice, "M, lc Curd, I wish to inquire at what hour to-morrow you will be able to baptise an infant, for whom I am to be sponsor ?" An hour was named, and he was told to write his name, and that of the godmother, at full length in the register book, which was presented to him for that pur• pose. To the surprise of the curd, he wrote down, "Francois d'Assise, Roi d'Espagne, and Isabella, Reine d'Eapagne." To complete the scene, there entered imme. diately afterwards the ex-Queen herself, attended by another personage, whose face is now sufficiently known to the Parisians. They had waited until they were tired for the reappearance of the ex-King, and had at last 991131 THE CHARGE OF MURDER AT MILE -END.—At the Worship -street Police-court, Amelia Prosser was charged on Saturday with the murder of Mrs. Jane Glover. It will be remembered that an altercation took place in the street between the deceased and a neighbour. The prisoner, who was the servant of the latter, took part in the quarrel, and gave Mrs. Glover a violent push. She fell on her side, and, being in delicate health, died the next day from the effects. The prisoner, on being examined on the charge, said she was innocent, for she did not know the deceased, and had no ill-feeling against her. Mr. Ellison committed her to Newgate for trial, refusing bail. A CLERICAL SCANDAL.—A painful affair has just been brought to light at Worcester. The Rev. G. Merest, of that town, has been charged with sending threatening letters to the Rev. 'W. C. Workman, manager of the Church and School Gazette, Southampton-street, Strand. The letter especially complained of stated that some startling disclosures of the plaintiff's antecedents had lately reached the writer, and that unless the sum of £465, which had passed between them, was returned, the matter should be brought before the public. On exami- nation, the complainant admitted that he had formerly been convicted of forgery under the name of Rawlings, and that he had served two years in Coldbath•fields Prison. The Rev. G. Merest was committed for trial at the Worcester Assizes, which are to be held next month. A MYSTERIOUS CASE. — On Saturday afternoon, John Little, of Wigton, Cumberland, was charged with shooting John Ward, farmer, on the 30th of January. The affair was a very mysterious one, as Ward was coming home from Carlisle market when he was shot, and no robbery was attempted. No motive could be suggested for the crime, but from the evidence collected suspicion rests upon the prisoner. He declared his innocence, but was committed for trial at the Ussizes, when it is to be hoped some light may be thrown on the subject. THE BISHOP OF LONDON ON THE CHURCH. The clergy of the diocese of London on Saturday pre icnted an address to Dr. Jackson, the new Bishop of London, congratulating him on his appointment. The first part of the proceedings were merely formal ; but after the written addresses had been read the bishop gave an extent- pore speech. He said he could hardly expect to work as his predecessor had clone, seeing that he was :owing into the diocese at an age when Dr. T'ait was leaving it. Describing his opinions, he aid he had been for many years an old-fashioned Eng lish Churchman, and he believed that it was the glory if not one of the distinctive principles of the Church that she was at the same time Protestant and Catholic—Pro testant in the attitude of opposition to the innovations of the Church of Rome, and Catholic as a sound and living member of that one Church which was the body of Christ. Speakingof the comprehensive character of the Church, he said it seemed to him that the Church of England allowed a con siderable amount of latitude to those who were loyal members of her communion ; but he thought those limits were considerably overpassed when one among them was allowed to hold that the Resurrection was an open doctrine, while another claimed the right to interpret the Articles of the Church of England as being in harmony and identical with the decrees of the Council of Trent. It was at one time the dream of his life that the differences which existed in the Church were rapidly pass ing away, and that they would live to see the time when all minor differences, at least, would disappear. That dream was now dissipated. It might be so in the future, but he should not live to see it. The course of events had tended lately to widen differences rather than to draw members of the Church together. The spirit of the age had penetrated into the Church. The aggressive activity of intellect which called all first principles into question, which took nothing for granted, which delighted in perplexities, and which allowed no prescription to be any evidence of truth or ground of persuasion —the spirit of anomaly which was abroad, which they found in literature, which they found in politics, which they found in the Church—were portentous signs. All these things had been acting among themselves, and the reaction which ensued always tended to widen the differences and to set parties more in opposition than before. This appeared to him to he not an improper description of the state in which the Church was at present placed. Dr. Jackson did not think errors of doctrine would ever be cured by . law courts, or by what was called the " Church speak ing." But he thought that some alteration might take place in the tone of the Church newspapers. They were at present most uncharitable, and gave matter for the unbelieving, to scoff about. He also thought the devotional feeling of real Churchmen might be improved. UNDER THE CITY OF LONDON. The Daily News has a very interesting article entitled " Under the City." The writer describes a visit to the sewers of London. "Before visiting these places (he says) you must dress for the part. Long thick woollen stockings, drawn up over the trousers to the hips, are covered by equally long greased boots, with heavy turn over flaps, like those worn by the bold smugglers of the stage. To a stout guernsey shirt is added a smock or pinafore of blue flannel, fastened at the waist by a leathern belt. A fan-tail hat, like that favoured by the dustman of the period, together with a pair of thick woollen gloves, completed the costume of the two strangers, who, with a select party of professionals, came out of the Guildhall, and drew themselves up by the trap-door in Gresham street, to the intense delight of the loungers at the public-house opposite. A descent of twelve or fourteen feet, hand over hand, by and on the iron rings already mentioned, and we are at what looks like the entrance to a wine-cellar. Candles stuck into the ends of long sticks, and flaring and spluttering untidily while carried in the hand, much as they are in tasting vaults, strengthened the vinous analogy; and we pro ceeded down some steps and through a narrow passage with a vague impression that we should shortly come upon bins and vats, and be called upon to express an opinion critically upon vintages. A few steps further, and the use of the stout strong boots is apparent ; for we are ankle deep in a black stream, and are, in fact, in the middle of the Gresham-street main sewer. A bricked tunnel, with ample side-space for one person to walk in, and in which you can stand nearly erect ; a tunnel which is well-ventilated, and where the bottom current is sufficiently strong to carry all before it. Such is the sewer. We walk up it in Indian file as far as the General Post Office, first exploring a black hole at the side which necessitated stooping almost double. Similar holes to the right and left, each contributing their subsidiary streams, represent the various side thorough. fares. "That's Aldermanhury ;" There's Wood-street,' remarks our guide, as we pass the entrances to the various tunnels representing those places ; while at intervals, and when we are near openings, light and sounds come down to us from above, fragments of conversation, the hoarse rumble of wheels, and the busy tramp of footsteps, all telling of the active city life beneath which we were burrowing. It is dark and damp, but not more unpleasant than might fairly be expected. Walls and roofs and sides are moist and slimy, and your footing is often soft and slippery—that is all. Our chief guide has a strong faith in the wholesomeness of sewers, That there is nothing unhealthy in their smell, and nothing disagreeable in their interior, that the people employed in them enjoy good health, and that any objection strangers may raise must be put down to fastidiousness or inexperience, is with him a strong article of faith." The writer assures us that they saw no rats. They went under Farringdon-street West. " Here the Fleet Ditch was running in two swift black streams, almost below the footway on each side, some three feet six inches deep, and with so strong a current that we were assured it would be impossible to save the life of anyone who stepped or slipped into them. These foul streams recalled the ancient Styx, and made one hold back with something like a shudder. So far as an unprofessional eye could judge, this great sewer—it was converted into a canal after the great fire, but the speculation was unprofitable, and it sank into a common sewer again —was performing its work very completely, and this remark applies t o all the elaborate subways we visited." THE EARTHQUAKE IN BENGAL. The Indian papers just received contain details of the earthquake that had visited Silchar, Cachar, Assam and the surrounding districts on the 10th January. The Englishman says:—" The earthquake was felt most severely throughout Assam. At Kurseong, tear Darj eeling, it was felt very severely. So alarming were the shocks that many of the inhabitants darted out of their houses, fearing ever y moment they would be overthrown. A gentleman returning home saw the trees around him rolling from side to side in the most extraordinary manner. The natives gave vent to the terror which filled them, in shrieks of Huree-bol! and Ram ! Ram ! But the effect of the undulatory motion on terrestrial objects was still more wonderful at Chittagong. A gentleman then at Kussilong, in the hills some ninety miles from Chittagong, states that the earthquake burst upon them with tremendous force. It was travelling appa rently eastward and slightly north. The undulations were very severe, andlasted nearly two minutes. It seemed as if some mighty wave were sweeping on under the earth, and as it passed the solid earth rose and fell with a motion distinctly visible along the banks of the river and on the hills beyond. From the spot where this gentleman was standing he could see the ground rolling wave-like, the hills reeling, and the trees waving to and fro. The spectacle was wonderful and fearful, and one which once seen could never be for gotten. In Cachar, where the earthquake was severest, the shocks had not ceased on the 14th, and the earth still continued to crack and heave." THE BRITISH MUSEUM LIBRARY. —We hear that 29,000 volumes were added last year to the Printed Book Department of the British Museum. The Museum Library is now far the finest in the world, and is every year becoming worthier of its pride of place. English. men generally do not know either its extent or its merits. Has any reader of ours ever heard one of his countrymen, when bewailing the inferiority of our Art collections to those of Venice, Dresden, Munich, or Paris, console him. self with the reflection that in the more valuable treasure of books our Museum is superior to the national library of any other city —any two or three of them put together we may say ?—Athencettm. INCAUTIOUS RIFLE PRACTICE.—On Friday and Saturday, before the Norwich magistrates, Mr. Charles Travers Fisher was charged with feloni ous l y killi ng and slayin g one J oseph Rudd. The prisoner is a lodger at the Rev. Mr. Cooke's, of Thorpe Hamlet, and on the sth inst. he amused himself by firing off a needle-gun with ball cartridge. At the same time the deceased Rudd was walking in a road hard by, and he was shot in one of his arms, the wound sustained resulting in gangrenous inflam, mation and death. The only matter of uncertainty in the case is that Mr. Fisher, who is an assistant in the Nor wich branch of the Provincial Banking Corporation (Limited), was accompanied when out shooting on the sth by a youth, who may possibly also have discharged the needle-gun. Anyhow, the case shews great reckless ness on' the part of young Fisher in practising rifle shooting so near a public thoroughfare. After a con siderable amount of evidence, all tending to shew that the sad occurrence wp,s purely aecidcutal, the prison!! was tAL **lP' Criv HER MAJESTY. [OSBORNE, Feb. 14. The Queen, accompanied by Princess Louise, and attended by the Dowager Duchess of Athol(' and Miss Mary Macgregor, drove out yesterdaY afternoon. Her Majesty, accompanied by Prince Leopoldo Princess Louise, Prince Arthur, Princess Beatrice, and the ladies and gentlemen of their suite, at' tended Divine service at Whippingham Churc h this morning. LATEST INTELL LGENOV. (REUTER'S TELEGRA3IS.) ARRIVAL OF THE WEST COAST OF AFRICA MAIL. LIVERPOOL, F e b. 15. The West Coast of Africa mail steamer 1 13c ' gregor Laird arrived here this morning. Her date are :—Cameroons and Fernando Po, 13th January' Bonny, 17th; Benin, 18th; Lagos, 19th; Ma s i 21st; Cape Palmas, 23d ; Sherboro, 26th ; Sie rra Leone, 28th; Teneriffe, Feb. 6th; and Madeira' Bth. The Macgregor Laird brings 109 ounces go ld dust, $4OO, and 150 sovereigns in specie. The nerve from the different stations on the West Coast ira g unimportant. The health of the rivers was goo d ' Trade was tolerably brisk, with the exception 01 Bonny, where the chiefs, Oko, Jambe, and Ja Js ' were fighting. War was raging at Oboe. LIVERPOOL, Feb. 15. The Liverpool, Brazil, and River Plate COw pany's steamer Galileo has arrived here. Her data are .—Santos, 12th ultimo ; Rio, 14th ; and Bahia , 20th. No fresh political news has been received t° Rio from the seat of war. Exchange at Rio, 191 Coffee sales from 7th to 14th, 57,200 bags; stock' 150,000. Exchange on Bahia, 19i. Sugar, 2; 9° reis per arroba ; cotton, 12 milreis. ITALY. FLORENCE, Feb. 14• The King and the members of the Cabinet 110 returned from Naples to-day. The Nazio n e con t ra di c t s t h e current rumou rs 31 approaching changes in the Ministry. PORTUGAL. LISBON, Feb. 1 3 ' Many seditious proclamations in favour of A° Iberian Republic Dave been secretly circulated 111 Portugal. GREECE. ATHENS, Feb. 13• The Candiote refugees have petitioned the Fe reign Ministers in this capital for ships to enable them to return to Candia. CUBA. MADRID, Feb. 14 ' Telegrams have been received from Gaol Dulce, the Captain-General of Cuba, urging the despatch of reinforcements, the insurrection ha vin a g spread to the neighb our h oo d o f H avanna h, requesting Government to introduce into the Cort e° a bill sanctioning the contraction of a loan of 4Ct° millions of reals for Cuba. TURKEY. CONSTANTINOPLE, Feb. 14 ' Ali Pasha has been nominated Minister o f Foreign Affairs in conjunction with the pos t 0 1; Grand Vizier of the E mp i re . Mohammed Rusch' Pasha has been app o i n t e d c hi e f of the - new i y _create a. office for the Interior, and Kiamil Pasha will hence forth be President of the Privy Council of State' Sodigk Effendi, now absent on a mission in Pa ra ' has been created Minister of Finance. fo Midhat Pasha has been appoi n t e d G o vernor Bagdad, and Omer Feozi Pasha Governor-Gen era of Crete. The Sultan has ordered a frigate to fetch the body of Fuad Pasha from Nice. It is intended t erect a tomb in memory of the deceased Minister' JAPAN. YOKOHAMA, Jan. 13• The Mikado has received the foreign repres c° tatives at Yeddo in public audience. CHINA. HONG KONG, Jan. 25 ' A collision has taken place near Swatow W ee r the inhabitants of some villag e s a n d th e c rew of bet Majesty's gunboat Grasshoper. The British wer e compelled to retreat, having had ele v en of t hel number wounded. A naval force of 400 men is proceeding to Swatow. FRANCE. PARIS, Feb' 15' Fuad Pasba died this morning. The Jou/II:lit Official, alluding to the event, says The de' v of the late Vizier will leave a great void in r f o rje v a and will cause a great f ee li ng o f regre t ever' where." BOURSE, Feb. 13.—Th ree o ' c l ock.— Th e Inakr et closed as follows per Cent. lO3 65 End of month 3 per Cent End of month 7l 40 Credit Mobilier End of month 287 50 Credit Foncier 1630 End of month Bank Shares ......3035 5 ItaPan Loan ...... --- .... End of month... -- .... Mexican Loan• ... -- 25 Do. Bonds ...... 155 ...... Spanish Threes ... 33 --- Home Debt...... „—", 5 Deferred' ...... ... ' .... Cash Orleans Northern Lyons and Mediterranean „„.. /192i 90 3 1 Southern..... 6lok Western Eastern • • Sardinian Austrian Lombard 4`2l North of Spain Saragossa Roman 4l R.LILWA' Mr. James M'llenry has addressed the fo llowi l to le utter, relative to the Atlantic and Great Western Pliihvi:; the Secretary of th e St oc k E xc h ange : —"Sir, --1 Atlantic tseen the circular i ssue d b y the London boa rd of tic and Great Western Railway. I hasten t o 53Y d t r aut4 there is no questian in dispute' between the Erie an die lantic and Great Western Companies ; the working of lease is entirely harmonious and mutually satisfact°":l Considering the position of discredit to which the b° ,: u :st ' "was reduced by th e l a b ours o f t h e severa l committ ee tin its operation by the cou r t s , th e di rec t or s are quite ri g"„ stating that I consider the arrangement made the t practicable under the circumstances. I Will add , tb eri they are such as will secure full justice t° class of creditor. I regret I was unable to be pr have with the board. This note to you would prob ably been unnecessary, and some allusions to others of W I ?: .4 taut negotiations would p ro b a bly have not been oral' . ' 4 from Mr. Ridsdal e 's c i rcu l ar . A serious difference, bas 'trison between me and Mr. Ridsdale's committee, w.`,..1 delays progress, b u t as I k n ow Mr. Ilidsdale to 121 : iit , qually anxious as myself to do what is right and e;(l,3fic able, I am not without hopes of arriving at some sal" tory solution on the only question of our affairs seri , / ja , in dispute The great importance of a proper underBt3,oo ins in these matters is my excuse for not troubling .1- , ,110 1t14 with this statement.-1 am, most faithfully, J• Financial Agent, Atlantic and Great Western To the Secretary of the Stock Exchange." Ogi‘ out six weeks will com Ab • plete the g reat . e i AY neering undertaking of forming a direct line of r ", -1 1 0 b b e etween the south of Scotland and the west coast of tio iie land by means of bridging tho coax of t • Solway Frith. broad oPtu Y Th, Whit 26th Raihv (Linli Titan Mud pany An Ayres is call( The Itailw The and of and D for the At Inited) the rat A p ultima contini a syste eengen Thom z Tunne Vesta: which Carryir its det system Which 1 aion of it ; b,yi ng e Ployed railway l low sti Th e Publi s h and co; kn own Senor l'inatie, mon o of to exact Un t 1 W aY SE New ha v i ng • 1 I:)ard all rail, regula r which t have co In th, some si pleasan h ad, aci a depn c3 Unter karket, crop s supply, so ns the stop ped plahterE la COnsE th ey ha A,- " " .., e „ i , 6 13 n A . 1 8( ...111triala 13 tazili a1 0 0 , 41t 1 0 0 , 0 0 , 0 0 , 0 0 , 5 Op ° ('( , -1 - 10 , Cu 0 2 p A, 6 v.tliati 6 41 4- , 0. 8 10 s 1 Igo 7 us, , .1) n u'a D' 11, a itrobian g tq ti P ( aclor 41 ZYptia n 1 - ) a s e , Do. 45 411 Ire: 4; to 6 quo+ 120, 124- Gre ex poll rise ta: a and ; ( On Ne Jar Cei diti Cer pre!