The Sun. — London, England, 1866-12-12 00:00:00

MMI sures. The Hungarian Diet still pursues its labours, but very little progress seems to be making so far as we can judge as yet of the proceedings taking place there. Yesterday the Committee brought for ward their draught of 'an address, in reply to the Royal Rescript, and it seems to be couched in most expressive language, and to con tain some home-truths which it would be well for those in high places to consider. It calls attention to the great dangers which are now arising from disunion at home and complications abroad, and urges upon the E3IPEROR the " immediate, complete, and unconditional re-establishment of the constitu tional state of things." The reason alleged for this is that any further delay in tke adoption of this course might probably tend to render an agree ment between Austria and Hungary impossible. Such a conjunction is not impossible, though it may as yet be improbable ; but, at any rate, it is not difficult to see the justice of these arguments. It is a sign of the good intentions of those who have prepared this address that they are calm and col lected in their demeanour, and use no vehement language in giving utterance to their views and sentiments. They state all they desire in plain terms, and do not offend the prejudices of any one by their word.s, as too often happens in the case of those who are excited or interested in the cause they ad vocate. This address promises to consider the ques tion of common affairs so soon as the Diet shall have been empowered to adopt resolutions that have the force of law. So far this seems fair enough, as is the intimation that they only wait until the Com mittee of Sixty-seven shall have brought forward their report. All persons who are now so unfortu nate as to be under sentences for political offences are entreated for in this address that an amnesty may be accorded to them, and we think that such would be a wise and a generous thing for the EMPEROR to do. We do not yet despair of Hun gary emerging from the cloud she now lies under, and eventually proving as great a source of strength to Austria as she has lately been the reverse ; nor do we think that the EmrEnort will be so mistaken as to forget that conciliation often gains far more than force, and that the wisest policy is to insure the goodwill of all whom he rules over. We have of late years very often discussed and considered the principles of our British Constitution, and various plans for strengthening and amending the ancient and time-worn structure have been de bated in Parliament, in the press, and on the plat- form. A very original proposition to this effect has just been brought under our notice, which com mends itself to the attention of the reader, not only by the new and vigorous policy which it indicates, but by bearing the name of a well-known colonial politician on its title-page.* The Hon. JOSEPH HowE,of Newßrunswick,has ofteudii3tinguished him self by the ability, good sense,ancl practical experience which he has brought to bear upon some of the difficult and complex questions arising between the mother country and the colonies. He has always been remarkable for his strong attachment to Eng land and the English institutions, and so far from sharing in the theories of Professor GOLD WIN SMITH and others, he would draw the bonds of union still closer, so th a t a ll th e va st d om i n i ons o f th e British Crown should form one great community, s eparated indeed by diff erences o f so il an d c li ma t e, by leagues of l an d and water, but united by speak ing th e same language, cherishing th e same liberotbye.y. iiinegdtoheze notsam seeleawwhs,yatnhde most distantEngli g h_ speakinglo are admitted to local self-gov er nment, o , pr an vid d y allowed the the fullregulationul their intern a l an d d omes ti c affairs, proud t o cont i nue linked to should odnot e b f e the great free monarchy, from which Mr. HowE does not for a mom en t d eny the they originally sprru fullhle right of colonies to break away and set up for themselves, and would not w ithh old it from ot lg. them if they demanded it. But he does not believe that, if fairly and kindl y treated, t hey would wish to do so. The conviction, he says, is founded on our daily experience that it is our interest to keep together. The parental relation, so often referred to as illustrating the policy that should be pursuA towards our dependencies, guarding them when young, but leaving them when of full age to start for themselves, does not, in his opinion, illustrate the case. " The idea to be cultivated should be rather that of a partnership which may last for centuries, and need not terminate at all, so long as it is mutually advantageous." Having started from the premises that it is the interest of both England and her colonies to keep together, gaining strength and riches from the union, Mr. HowE proceeds to consider in what man ner the whole empire can be best defended from attack, or, in his own words, " can be so organised and strengthencd as to command peace or be impregnable in war." Since the year 1855 the question of national defence has constantly occupied the attention of thoughtful men. " France, Russia, and the United States grow with our growth, and loom up before the mind of every thoughtful British subject as standing menaces, warning them to prepare for auy eventuality." To this list he thinks we may add Prussia, formidable not so much from her actual strength as from her influence in the United States, where the immigra tion of Germans ha:. , been as extensive as that o Irishmen, and where the German element is there. fore strongly prominent. At the time of the Crimean war, Mr. HowE re minds us, a very distinguished person said that our free institutions were upon their trial, and he very * " The Organisation of the Empire," by the Hon. Joseph Howe. Stanford, Charing-cross. THE SUN, LONLON, WEDNESOAY EVENING, DECEMBER 12, 1866. rr II EAT RE It 0Y AL DRURY-LANE.- 1 Sole Lesseo and Manager, Mr.CHATTERTON. THIS EVENING, Dec. 12, Lord Lytton's Play of THE LADY OF LYONS. Pauline Deschappelles, Miss Helen Faucit ; Claude Melnotte, Mr. Walter Montgomery. To conclude with the Comedy of KATHARINE AND PETRUCHIO. Petruchio, Mr. T. Swinbourne ; Katha rine, Miss Isabel Adams. Doors open at half-past six; performances commence at swen o'clock. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET, Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Buckstone, THIS E V r.NIN , ;, A(I OF t•LrEcuLxvo N. messrA. C. Ma hews, Chiopeudale, Kendal, Rogers, Clark, B r aid ttc. ; Mesdames Fitzwillilm , Laws, Wrik.t, Sidrey. Followed by ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. Mr. Chas. Mathewe, 3:r. Cona,ton, Mr. hogers, E r Clark, &C. ; Mes dames C Mathews, Hal, Wrig - ht, Colman, Sidney, &c. To conclude with 6 fitY KIN3-' EVENTS. 3lr. Coml.ton, Commence at Seven. lIEATRE ROYAL .A.DELPIII. Tsole Proprietor and Manaer, Mr. B. Webster. T LEIS EVENING , at Sevea precisely, TILE 13AitoNET Ab WAD. miss Roden. Alter which. at Eight, A SISTI4Ht'S PENANCE. Miss Kate Terry, Miss Hughes, Miss Emily Pitt ; Mr. Herman Vezin ; Messrs. Billington, Ashley, J. A. Shaw, Stephenson, I,burne, aid it. Roin r. To co-d e l u de with A PAS DE FA SCINATIOY. M is s Furtado. Miss Emily Pitt. Messrs. Eburne, Ashly, homer, C. J. Smith. OYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. — Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. lechter. THIS EVENING, BRUTUS AND C.ESAIe Miss At a Quarter before 8, the new Drama, in Four Acts, TIIE LONG- STRIKE, written by Dion Boucicault. The New Scenery by Mr. 'I% Greive and assistants. Messrs. S. Emery, ‘Vidlicomb, Fitzpatrick, Dalon, ll: Evans, Anderson, ewbound Stanley, Lomas, Moreland, Andrews, Reynolds, and J. C. Cowper. To conclude with TWEEDLETON'S TAIL COAT. Acting Manager, Mr. 11. Barnett. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. Box-office open daily from Ten till Five. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs. Swanborough. THIS EVENING, NEIGHBOURS. Messrs. Parselle, Belford, and G Murray ; Misses Swanborough, Johnstone, and Hughes. . After which, will be produced the Grand Burlesque of KENILWORTH : Messrs. Thorne, James, and Fenton ; liesdame:4 Swanborough, Johnstonp, and Raynham. To conclude with T THESeven.S BOOTS ce AWAN. Commen at: OYAL YRIYCESS'S THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. T 111 S EVENING, at 8. a Drama, in 4 Acts, founded on the popular tale by Charles Dickens, Esq., entitled BARN ABY It U DCrE, adapted to the stage, and expressly for this Theatre, by Messrs. Watts Phillips and Vining. Characters by Mrs. John Wood, Miss Augusta Thomson, Mrs. Henry Vining, Dirs. Chas. Horsman, and Miss Katherine Rodgers ; Messrs. S. Calhaem, F. Villiers, J. G. Shore, 11. Forrester, Charles 11 orsman, E. Shepherd, H. Mellon, C. H. Fenton, W. R. Robins Chapman, &a. Acc Ist, The Mystery; 2d, The Re cognit'on ; 3d, The Riots ; 4th, Caught at Last. Entirely new Scenery by Mr. F. L'oyds, and Music by Mr. Charles Hall. The Drama produced under the stage direction of Mr. Vining. Preceded by THE MISTRESS OF THE MILL. Commence at Seven. IIOLBORN THEATRE ROYAL. Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Sefton Parry. TIIIS EVENING, FAMILY JARS. Mr. Sefton Parry; Miss C. Saunders. After which, Boucicault's drama of FLYING SCUD. Messrs. Neville, Belmore, Blake. Garden,Vollaire ; Mesdames F. Josephs, C. Saunders, B. Foote, Kayra:nd. THEATRE ROYAL, ASTLEY'S. Under the Sole Management ot Mr. W. H. C. Nation. LAST FIVE NIGHTS BEFORE CHRISTMAS. LAST FOUR NIGHTS ot THE GOLDEN DUSTMAN and ATALANT.A. NOTICE.—Mr. W. 11. C. NATION respectfully announces that this Theatre must be Closed after the 17th inst. till Boxing Night. Dec. 26, in consequence of the extensive pre parations necessary for the production of one of the Grand Christmas rantomimes for which tuis Theatre has such an enviable reputation. TII IS EVENING, the ORIGINAL Dramatic Adaptation cf Charles Dickens's latest Work, "Our Mutual Friend," as pro.tue(ql by Mr. W. it. C. Nation at the Sadler's Wells Theatre, .t une 16, 1866, entitled THE GOLDEN LUr3IAN, with Ne A Scenery and Striking Situations. Concluding with Frank Talfourd's sparkling Burlesque of ATALANTA, with additional Rhyme to suit the Times by W. IL C. Nation ; and the celebrated Children Danseuses, Hiss FANNY BIGGS and Misses FLORENCE and ANNIE tZIGIIT, in their fascinating dance " THE POWER OF LOVE." Box-office open daily from eleven till four. To prevent disappointment seats should be secured in ad vance. No charge for bills or booking. f 11HE "SUN" NEWSPAPER. G. 11. GLENIE, Sporting Library, 4, Counaught• terrace, Edgware-road, is specially appointed &GEN to deliver the LATE EDITION of "THE SUN" at the earliest possible moment atter leaving the cress. fle 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 4U miles by 9 o'clock. Orders by rest punctually attended to. f~IIIE "SUN" NEWSPAPER.- JL It. GLEN [N: delivers t,,e LAID: EDITION a' Clielse.t, 7.10 ; 8; Starch-green, 8; NYoulwieli, 7.30 Uxbridge, 9.20 ; Waltord, 8.45. LATEST EDITION of "THE SUN." X .1. HOLMES begs to inform his friends, and the public 7Nuerally, that he eupplies thu LATEST EDITIoN of 'Ol'llEl LLN " as soon as published —N0.16, Illunpstead ?lr lIE LAST- EDITION of " TIIE SUN " supplied as soon as Published. containing all the LA VEST _NEWS and SI'ORTING INTELLIGENCE, by li. W. 11AILILIS, Newspaper Agent, 4, Illacklriars-road, Loudon, S. QPORTING.—JOIIN ROBERTS supplies the LA.TEST EDITION of " MN; SUN" ished.-4, Bath-street, City-road, E.C. as soon as pub- 'VILE LATEST EDITION of " TIIE SUN " AL supplied, as soon as published every Evening, by w ALEXAN Dim (late BROOKS), Newspaper Agent. 21 , (Ad Cavendish-street, Oxford-street. F" THE LATEST POLITICAL and SPORTING INTELLIGENCE see the Late Edition of " The Sun" at Mr. Blake's, Queen's Head, Windsor street, Uxbridge. LATEST INTELLIGENCE.- sarnuel S3IITII, late of Chelse.i, now of the White ji,rr, Acton, Aliddleicx, begs to inform his friends and nei4hbours that the Latest Edition of "The Sun" can be been at hi 3 house as above. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRI DGE. Diis DAL 4h. 56m.—.A.fternoon, 5h14 m. )n —3lO llO , . T3--lionßow.-31:4rning, 55. 3Grn.—Afternoon, 56. 58m. .-/!; tff, - -p; f ~ ~ s, ~~~ ~ ~-~ *Mt LONDON, WEDSESDAY, DEC. 12, 1866. The measures which the Prussians have thought fit to adopt in Hanover are indeed well calculated to excite indignation among all lookers-on, and even among those who hear of their doings from a dis tance. Count BISMARCK seems to have a special grudge against this kingdom, and to be exercising his ingenuity to devise most desperate remedies for the evils he thinks are existing. A more irritating course of policy it would be difficult to pursue than that which is now current there, and yet who can say that matters may not soon become worse in that quarter. Great haste has been made to get the new officials sworn in, and all possible measures adopted to frustrate the efforts of those who were inimical to Prussian rule. A decree was issued signed by the King of PRUSSIA and BISMARCK, which seems very complete in its way, and so far as it goes to be really perfect in the way of oppression and injustice. The Governor is empowered to.suspend from_ office any official of the provinces in his administration whenever he shall deem such a measure for the interest of the KING'S service. He is also desired to avail himself of this privilege in the case of all such " functionaries" in whose unreserved co-operation he cannot depend. This is very rigorous, because it is easy to perceive how a very little stretch of power can make almost all come under the category here put down. In fact if that decree continues to be the law it will not be surprising if nearly all of the old regime are re moved, and others substituted for them who are favourable to the cause of Prussia. We have no doubt that this is the real object of the affair, and we may, therefore, form a pretty correct estimate of' the good sense and right feeling of those who framed it. Substitutes are to be provided for those who are thus removed from their places, and all Rich offenders are to be duly reported to the KING, in crier that he may decide upon what steps to take, and give his opinion as to their dismissal from the Step by step we are led on from public service. contemplating the first small offence until we se , the catastrophe in the ruin of these unhappy officials who presume to remember a different state of things. If this be called a happy or prosperous condition the meaning of the words has changed, and we must also consider that a fresh interpretation has been put upon the term unity, for the aspect of affairs is far more like strife and discord. At any time and under any circumstances it would have been extremely difficult to have effected a change like that which they now purpose making in those States recently annexed to Prussia, but care and conside ration might have worked wonders. In place of these, however, we meet with nothing but hard and harsh decrees, and perfect contempt for the feelings of others, which it is perfectly revolting to witness. That the Government thus forced upon the people against their consent, and in spite of their protests, can be a strong and a permanent one we do not for a moment imagine ; but it may, notwithstand ing, be successful for the time being, and has long enough to do a great deal of irreparable injury to the cause of freedom. Stern as are the rules laid down about the offending civil functionaries in Hanover, they are nothing com pared to those relating to the military ones. The Governor is told to send these immediately to the fortress of Minden, so that they may be tried by martial law. Also those are to be sent to the for tress who are guilty of insulting military persons, and they are to be confined there until the state of the country be definitely settled. The Governor is moreover to be held personally responsible for the " prompt and immediate execution of these com mands." Such a course of procedure cannot but be extremely obnoxious to all concerned, and it certainly realises the truth of the prophecies which some made concerning the hardships that must inevitably ensue from Prussian rule. It is a wretched foundation upon which to form the new Government thus to excite the of the in habitants by the exercise of these stringent mea magi. 4y adds the commentary that what was really on it s trial was the mode in which we organised the physical force of the empire, which 'proved, as all know, to ht , sadly defective. Mr. HOWE says that, combined -- with France, we found it hard to bring Russia tO terms. What, then, would be our position were Fr 3 .nee and Russia united against us ? This proposition must be considered with some reserve, as, withoiut the slightest disparagement of French military skill and courage, we may remember that an alliance of armies, with the natural drawbe,el:s of divided authority and national jealousi es for precedence and distinction, is always a questionable goof. We may consider also that the En glish Government of that day carried on the war into which they drifted, rather than boldly entered, in a half-hearted, uncertain fashion, very different, we may reasonably presume, from the manner in which any Administration would direct affairs were the safety and integrity of the empire really at stake. Nevertheless, it is not unreasonable to examine, as Mr. HOWE does, into the strength and character of the forces wbich might be brought against us. Russia, with her wide extent of territory, and her 74 millions of people, would be a formidable foe. France, " with a powerful navy and a naval reserve, fostered with politic liberality on the banks and coasts of Newfoundland," is still more so, since one single will controls her vast resources with secrecy and directness which arc impossible with ourselves. Our alliance with France is at this time cordial; but Mr. HowE is looking for ward beyond this generation to the time when the sovereignty of France must be in other, and perhaps less sagacious, hands. The United States he holds to be our chief com mercial rival and our least reliable friend ; and they would also, in his opinion, prove our most dangerous antagonist. The advantage in numbers is already on their side, while 20 years hence, ho adds, they wouldbe more disproportionate. There is another side to the question which Mr. HOME over that it is more than doubtful looks, and which is, whether the States of America will be " United" 20 years hence. It is highly probable that we may then have two or more separate republics, kingdoms, presidencies, or whatever title may be selected. There is, in fact,already one nation of the Northern States, one of the Southern, one of the Western, and we do not find in them the elements of unity and cohesion. The Union, the Constitution, which we were told during the war it was the great object of the Northern people to preserve, has since proved to be a very visionary sentiment. The very men who were most vehement in urging on the war, in fighting for "an idea," have since proved that they cared in fact very little about it. If it was the aim and end, as we heard of old of every loyal Northerner, to preserve the national Union un broken, how is it that we see them unwilling to profit by their own success ? They fought for four years to keep the South in the Union, and when they had won they turn round and say the South is out of the Union and cannot come in. Supposing it possible, though it is scarcely so to be reckoned, that the Radicals of the North should keep the Southern States in political subjection during this generation, no increase of population, no extent of territory will atone for the element of weakness introduced into the American forces. So far from co-operating heartily with the North in case of a foreign war, the South will absorb a share of the strength and vigilance of the Government, to prevent their combining with the foe. It is, how ever, possible that a happier state of .things may pre vail in America, and that, even anticipating the division of the country into separate nations, the division may leave the rivals good friends and allies, in which case they might combine against us. At any rate it is not unlikely that in the event of a general war Russia and America might effect an alliance against Great Britain, which their fleets would render formidable. Mr. HowE, having thus examined into the danger, proceeds to suggest a very practical and effectual remedy, by means of which the British empire would be, humanly speaking, secure from all attacks. What this scheme is, and how it is to be carried into effect, we propose to consider at an early opportunity. CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) PARIS, Tue.iday Evening. The Marquis de Banneville, the newly-appointed Ambassador for France to the Helvetic Confedera tion, presented his letters and credentials to M. Knusel, the President of the Confederation, on Friday last. In doing so, the Marquis made a speech, in the course of which he expressed " the constant and unalterable friendship of the Emperor to Switzerland." He proceeded to say :—" Placed by the public right of Europe beyond the vicissi tudes which have modified the international con dition of several neighbouring States, Switzerland increases daily in her internal prosperity, without having any fear for her independence, and thus she has the right to be jealous of the advantages secured to her by her respected neutrality, because she knows and practises the duties attached to it." In conclusion, the Marquis said it was the desire of the Emperor to develope more and more the rela tions of good neighbourhood. M. Kunsel, in the name of the Federal Council, expressed sincere thanks for the sentiments of con stant and unalterable friendship professed by the Emperor, and proceeded to say :—" The Swiss Confederation proclaims spontaneously and under the shield of ,the public right of Europe, the prin ciple of strict neutrality. Consequently, it avoids any interference with the questions agitated in Europe which modify the territorial limits of countries. But it expects in return that no State will think of making any attack against its auto nomy, its independence, and its interests." After bearing testimony to the efforts of the last ambassa dor, M. Targot, to increase the cordial relations between the two countries, the President, in con clusion said—" As there exists on bOth sides the best intentions to consolidate still more the good t understanding now existin g b e t ween th e t wo St a t es , the thoseiFederal nai n e ftee o wn u t n ide c a i ny l ss d lit o .hile s i wb n eh o o t l d e o o u f h b t t for an instant that realised." b French troops who were at Rome will be again on French terri tory. The frigate Gomer, armed as a transport, is on the way to Toulon with the 85th Regiment of the Line. The 69th Regiment had left Rome, and the frigates Mogador and Labrador, the Seine and the Intrepide, are at sea with orders to bring back the rest of the troops. Thus the long -agitated point of the occupation of Rome by French soldiers may be considered as solved. Th e artists of Paris have lent their aid to the project of founding a Conservatoire at Rouen, t o b e ca ll e d the Institute Boieldieu. Rossini recent l y w rote a letter to M. Maihot, of Rouen, one of th e chief promoters his d desire s r o e f t t o h institution, e e ontrih ute" to the su ccess of in whi c h h e ex pressed a musical Conservatory in the country of my friend Boieldieu." _ . . In spite of the political agitation which has reigned in Italy she seems determined to maintain her repu tation as the " land of song." In the capital at the present time there are no less than six theatres where operas are played—the Theatre National, the Theatre Neuf, the Theatre Rossini, the Pergola, the Theatre Rossini, and the Pagliano. At Milan, a new theatre is in course of construction, for opera and comedy. A private individual, Signor F. Pagnoni, intends to defray the whole cost of the building, which is in the Rue Solferiuo. 'There has been another murder in Paris. A ser vant girl of 22, in the service of Madame David Quartier, in the Rue St. Placide, was alone in the apartment when a man knocked at the door, and rushed in when it was opened. There was it is supposed a struggle, for she ran into the kitchen. The assassin took up a knife, with which he stabbed her in the back of the neck, and the knife entered the breast. Death must have been almost instan taneous. The assassin locked the door on leaving and took away the key. Jealousy, not robbery, is supposed to have been the motive for the crime, for no property was taken away. The occurrence is still shrouded in mystery. The concierge of the house noticed that a man in a white hat went up stairs in the evening at the time Madame Quartier was out, but did not pay any attention to the cir cumstance, as several lodgers in the house wear white hats. The numb.r of em'grant,3 who embarked at Havre for the United States during the month of November was 1,513, viz., 1,466 for New York, 7 for New Orleans, and 40 for La Plata. The cotton factory of Roubaix, the largest fac tory of the kind in France, has been nearly destroyed by fire. The flames reached another factory oppo site, which was also destroyed. An immense num ber of workmen have been thrown out of employ. The Emperor, who " has a hand open as day for melting charity," immediately on becoming ac quainted with the disastrous occurrence, sent 5,000 f. to assist the sufferers. He did the same for the artists of the little theatre which took fire the other day. The damage to the factory at Roubaix is estimated at no less than 3,000,000 f. The journals continue to give particulars more or less accurate as to the nature of the plan proposed by the commission on the re-organisation of the army. According to one of them the annual con tingent of the army will comprise all the young men who have no legal exemptions and no in firmities ; the number will amount to 160,000. This contingent will be thus divided :-1. The active army on the peace footing ; 2. The reserve. These two categories united will form as active army in time of war. They will each include an nually 80,000 men. The duration of service will be six years as well in the active army as in the reserve. M. Barbey, the commissioner from New York to the Great Exhibition, has arrived in Paris. A letter from New York received here says that great ac tivity prevails in arranging the-products which will be sent from the United States. INfoliere's " Tartuffe," translated into Flemish, is now being played at Ghent and Brussels with great success. A tremendous south-easter prevailed off Boulogne yesterday evening, when the South-Eastern Com pany's steamer Prince Ernest from Folkestone at tempted to enter the port. The steamer struck upon the western jetty, but the passengers were safely landed. An account has been received from Berlin of the death in that city of General Pfuel in his 85th year. In 1815 he was commander of the city of Paris, and in 1848 First Minister and Minister of War. The Marquis Scipione Bargali, who was for a long time Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Pleni potentiary of the Grand Duke of Tuscany to the Pope, has just died at Rome. The prison of Gex, in the department of the Ain, has thrown open its doors, from the rare circum stance that it has no prisoners. Such an event has not occurred there for more than forty years. I have visited the romantic little town of Gex, and a word or two respecting it may not be out of place. It is situated on the Jornant, at the foot of the Jura mountains. It was formerly a free town like Frank fort-on-the-Maine, but it was subjected to three invasions, and was ceded to France in 1601. Under the first Empire it was in the department of the Leman, but now it is a chief town of the Ain. The population is nearly 3,000. Get is but a short dis tance from Ferney, where Voltaire lived from 1758 to 1778. Voltaire's bedroom at Ferney is often visited by travellers. 'That and the ante-room still possess some old-fashioned furniture which he used. There is also the mausoleum which was des tined to receive the heart of Voltaire. On it are the inscriptions made by M. de Villette :—" His spirit is everywhere, but his heart is here." "My manes find consolation as my heart is in the midst of you." The room also contains portraits of Vol taire's chimney sweeper and his washerwoman, and also portraits of actors and celebrated historical characters. Voltaire's bed is still in good preser vation. Railway and Other Companies. GROSVENOR AND WEST-END RAILWAY TER MINUS HOTEL. An extraordinery general meeting of this com pany was held yesterday at the Hotel, Pimlico— _ Major Murray in the chair. The CHAIRMAN said the shareholders had only been called together to confirm and adopt a resolu tion affecting the regulations of the company, which he then moved, and which was to the effect that the company might from time to time increase the capi tal by the issue of new shares to such amount as might be thought expedient, and issue such new s hares as one or several classes, and attach to the whole or any of them such guaranteed or preferen tial dividend as the company might determine, and that these resolutions be adopted to the exclusion of regulation No. 25 of the articles of the association. This having been put to the meeting was carried unanimously. Diet. A second extraordinary general meeting of the company was then held, for the purpose of submit ting to the shareholders resolutions enabling the directors to increase the capital of the company. The CHAIRMAN said they would require £lO,OOO to pay off debentures. The sum of £5,000 which was due by the company they were not pressed for, as an arrangement had been agreed to which would enable them to meet it. 'They were paying 5 per cent. interest on the debentures, which would become due in three years, by which time he hoped to sec the company in a very satisfac tory position. lie wished to raise the £lO,OOO on preference shares. He thought that when all their accessories came into play the company would be in a first-rate position. They had £40,050 in deben tures at 7 per cent., and a mortgage of £30,000, making a total of £70,050. The company were now paying 5 per cent. upon the mortgage debt. They commenced the half-year by paying 10 per cent., but in a few weeks the rate went down to 5 per cent. The debentures falling due at intervals of three, five, and seven years would be duly met. lie then moved a series of resolutions to the effect that the capital of the company be increased by 1.00,000, in 20,000 shares of £5 each, as perpetual 8 per cent. preference shares, in priority to the 12,000 shares of £lO each, into which the nominal share capital of £120,000 was divided, and that if in any year the profits applicable for dividend should be insufficient to pay the full dividend of £8 per cent. then the deficiency should be paid out of the profits of any subsequent year. The CHAIRMAN stated that the share capital was increased by £30,000 at the request of the general meeting, £90,000 being the original capital. All, they received on the 8 per cent. preferential shares would go to cancel an equal amount of the 7 per cent. debentures. The directors would like to have a working capital of some £4,000 or £5,000. In a short time all the northern railways would be run ning close to the hotel, and first-class shops would be built around them, while the metropolitan rail ways would bring the hotel in connexion with nearly all parts of the city as well as the Houses of Par liament. The resolutions were carried unanimously. A vote of thanks to the chairman and directors terminated the procee3ings. Yesterday the mechanics employed on the iron frigate Hercules, 12, 1,200 horse power, building at Chatham, commenced fitting the fourth tier of 6-inch plates along the broadsides of that vessel, to be followed by a tier of plates eight inches in thickness, The inner plating of the armour- plated f ore and aft bulkheads, protecting the ship's central battery . , has been commenced, prepa ratory to fixing the timber backing for the armour plates. The Hercules is to be constructed with in dented sides, similar to the Pallas and Research, to enable her battery guns to be fired ahead and astern in a line with the vessel's keel, in addition to which she will be provided with one or more guns at her bow. LA TEST INTELLIGENCE. (REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.) ADDRESS OF THE HUNGARIAN DIE P. PESTI', Dec. 12. The following is a more complete summary of the draft of the address which will be discussed on Sa turday next in the Lower House of the Hungarian The address states that the last Royal Rescript has not been able to allay the apprehensions enter tained by Hungary, notwithstanding the promises and the acknowledgments of the national rights contained therein, since the request of the Diet for an humcdiAte r‘..‘-establishment of the constitution has not been complied with. The address requests the Emperor not to render a satisfactory reconciliation impossible by postpon ing the re-establishment of the legal basis of public affairs, and continues as follows : " There are situations in the life of nations which can never be maintained without danger. Such is the case when the internal affairs of a nation have been un settled for a long period. Always dangerous such a position of things is in thepresent day particularly perilous, when we are threatened by great European questions calculated to produce serious complications. Our own affairs, and those of the empire generally, are not so completely set in order that we could calmly meet all the emergencies that might arise, foreign complications might reach us by some un foreseen incident." The address requests his Majesty to grant means and opportunities to the Diet for effecting a satis factory compromise. " Before all," it continues, "it is necessary to that end that the Constitution of Hungary should be re-established." We ask this in the interest of our own country, of your Majesty, of the dynasty, and of the whole empire. Our demands are justified by the funda mental laws which form the basis of the mutual legal relations between us and the Imperial dynasty. That portion of the Royal Rescript which refers to the common affairs of Austria and Hungary, and to the draft of the committee of fifteen, can only be discussed when the Diet is in a position to consider the whole constitutional scheme, and to pass resolu tions in reference thereto. The Address again re quests that those persons upon whom sentences have been passed, or who are exiled, for political offences, shall be amnestied. The fulfilment of these requests can alone satisfy the Hungarian nation, and give hope for the arrangment of a suc cessful compromise." In conclusion, the address requests his Majesty not to delay the fulfilment of these demands, and states that the Diet has learned with great satisfac tion from the Royal Rescript that the Emperor intends to introduce in his other provinces also the principle of Ministerial responsibility. ARRIVAL OF THE CITY OF WASHINGTON. (Via Queenstown.) NEW YORK, Dec. 1 (Morning.) The financial repbrt of Secretary M'Culloch will show the deficiency in the Treasury for the year ending December, 1865, was $619,000,000. Six months after that time there was an excess of receipts over expenditure of $38,000,000, and the public debt has been reduced $200,000,000 during the last 12 months. Advices received here from Mexico to the 25th ult. state that the Emperor Maximilian's luggage had arrived at Vera Cruz. Maximilian remaine d at Orizaba, but exercised no official functions. The Imperial garrison at Zulapa had surrendered to the Liberals. Letters received at • Washington assert that Bazaine anticipated no trouble from Sheridan's visit. Reports had reached New York to the 28th ult. of Sedgwick's occupation of Matamoros, and that Maximilian left Vera Cruz for Havannah. Both re ports have since been denied. Sedgwick advised the Government on the 27th of his reported occupation of Matamoros, whereupon General Grant telegraphed to General-Sheridan to depose Sedgwick if the report was verified, disavow ing endorsement by the United States. Washington despatches state that the Federal Government are . perfectly satisfied of Napoleon's intention to remove his troops from Mexico. M. de Montholon has furnished the United States Cabinet with the names of 20 transports about to sail from France to bring home the French troops by the end of December. Gen. Sherman was to leave Havannah on the 25th ult. for Mexico. It is believed in Canada that the recent news of a projected Fenian rising in Ireland will have a bad effect upon the condemned Fenians. No decision has as yet been delivered regarding a new trial of the condemned. SOUTHAMPTON, Deo. 12. The Hamburg American Company's steamer Allemannia, Captain Trautman, sails at noon for New York with a full complement of cabin and steerage passengers, and a large cargo, including French jewellery from Havre, value 92,305 francs. FRANCE. PARIS, Dec. 12. The Moniteur of this morning publishes the plan for the re-organisation of the French army, the principal features of which do not differ from the details on the subject already given by the Paris journals. The Moniteur also publishes advices from the city of Mexico to the 9th ult., which state that the Emperor Maximilian was still at Orizaba, and that nothing had transpired to show what his ulterior in tentions might be. " The concentration of our troops," adds the Moniteur, ' 4 is being effected with out the occurrence of any important incident." The Constitutionnel of to-day contradicts the statement that the Custom-house officials at Vera Cruz had refused to submit to the control of the agents of the French Government. BOURSE, Dec. 11.—Thou g h the market is not very buoyant, quotations have improved. French Threes are doing at 69f. 55c., or 71e. higher. Ita lian Fives are at 56f. 20c. Credit Mobilier Shares are 2f. 50c. higher—at 581 f. 25c. The same ad• vance is obtained on Spanish Mobilier and Credit Foncier Shares. Comptoir d'Escompte have ira proved lf. 25c.—at 876 f. 25c. The General Otto• man Debt have again . advanced I per cent.; transac tions now taking place at 33f. 75e. The last quo tations are as follows :- 4 per Cents 97 60 end month 3 per Cents. 69 65 Do. end month 69 67i Credit Mobilier ... 581 75 Do. end month ... 586 25 Credit Fonder Do, end month 1380 Bank Shares 8625 Italian Loan 56 Do. end month 56 Mexican Loan — Do. Bonds — Spanish Threes Home Debt — Deferred - RAILWAYS. For Account. Orleans B7B 75 Northern ll9O --- Lyons and Mediterranean ... 900 Southern 583 75 Western — Eastern 533 75 Sardinian — Austrian Lombard North of Spain BaragosEa lB5 Ditto to Barcelona — Aoman., 7O —. LITERATURE. THE EDINBURGH (No. 254).—" Kaye's history of the Sepoy War" introduces us to a subject that has always in it something worthy of notice. We fully concur in the opinion here expressed that the mutiny of 1857-8 was not owing to the faults of civil government, and that its causes might be traced to the ferocity and insubordination of the pampered soldiery, who were trusted too much, and not the insurrection of an oppressed people. Here is the point at issue between the author and the critic, and considerable ability is displayed in the compilation of the mistaken theories met with in this volume, which, distinguished as it is for great clearness, is likely to mislead the judgment of the uninitiated. The conclusion come to is that it is " far less hazardous to trust the population than to lean on the broken reed of a native soldiery." Sir John Lawrence has directly expressed similar opinions, and we commend this excellent article to the notice of all who are interested in the mainte nance of our Indian Empire, and who would become better acquainted with its requirements. The case is well put in this passage :—" What we deprecate is a course of conduct which at once feeds the mili- tary spirit in a proportion of the population needlessly large, and compels us to drain the labour market of England, of the young men whom its industries can very ill spare, in order to keep in check a large native force which India would be better without." " Varieties of History and Art" affords us a pleasing insight into a French work, with the untranslatable title of " Causeries d'un Curieux." A most unfavourable opinion is ex pressed of Photography by this " Curieux." He says that it is the " antipodes of art, it is the slave of an instrument, and has all the defects of one ; if photography was dear no one would submit to it, for it makes uglier than nature ; it has been popu larised by cheapness." For light and amusing inci dent, as well as for on dits and reminiscences of History and Art, this paper will be found most acceptable, and, while it will entertain the general reader, it also presents a feast for the studious and well-read. "International Coinage" is an admir able article, which eminently merits the attention of the commercial circles, and we wish there was a better chance of its suggestions being favourably received by the influential in the monetary world. After stating that a comprehensive change must b e a lasting one to justify the inconvenience it would inevitably occasion at first, it is said that whenever the British Government is sufficiently enlightened, and also sufficiently supported, to attempt these changes referred to, "we trust that a modification of our coinage would not only bring us into closer relations with the monetary systems of the Continent, but would also establish our own coinage and enumera tion on. the basis of the decimal system." There is great force in these arguments, as also in those that follow further on respecting the advantages that must follow upon the means of exchange being rendered more simple and universal, and thus changing in conformity with the progressive signs of the age. It will be fortunate for the people of this country, and a great advantage to those of other nations, when the truths here set forth are univer sally recognised. As it is unanswerably put here, " Whatever the difficulties may be, it is not impos sible for the common interest of mankind to sur mount them, and no common interest is more obvious than that of establishing a similarity or identity between these different representations of value, which may be described as the very language of trade ; for, to use the words of Landgrave Philip of Hesse at the beginning of the 16th century— "Had all men but a simple creed, Faithful to God and just in deed, Ono weight, one measure, coin, and gold, 'T were bettor for all an hundredfold." Napoleon's "Julius Caesar" engages attention in an elaborate paper. It is said that a great merit of this work is the "gracefulness and simple dignity with which our author, so highly placed, has descended into the arena of ordinary literature." However, the greatest pleasure has been to go over again the " enchanted classical ground" which the work occu pies, and in the best company, that of the original authorities to whom the references allude. Hence is a relief, after gazing on " the last con vulsions of Republican France through the viole• medium of Napoleon the Third, or the demo• cratic rose-colour of Arnold, to return to our ancient guides," who, whatever their own pre judices, represent the scenes to us free from what could not have " the tendency to work up pictures for the eyes of another generation, brought up in theories derived from the extended experience of a world twenty centuries older." " Felix Holt, the Radical," will attract the atten tion of the class of novel readers which now-a-days .ndeed is legion, and perhaps the first sentence me with may be considered almost a sufficient criticism in itself, so expressive and appropriate is its word ing. " Felix Ilolt" has some of the defects of ordi nary novels, but ordinary novels have none of the merits of Felix llolt. Another good definition of the superiority of this author's description is found in this passage—" Less original thinkers identify their ruined characters by some trite saying, but George Eliot always denotes the intellectual or moral differences of the dullest or most common place of mankind by some little idiosyncracy of language or of thought." ," Strauss, Renan, and Ecce Homo," brings before our notice a carefully written article on a subject that most especially calls for care and caution in its treatment. Great praise is accorded to the work " Ecce Homo," by which the author has, it is said, produced great effect, kindling faith afresh in many a wavering soul, and addressing himself to as great a subject as one can employ—" man's noblest energies, the preservation or renewal of the faith of God." It is no matter of surprise that strictures are passed upon these - authors whose names first appear in this title, and it is truly said that they dogmatise. " Strongly as both of them would repudiate the charge, we are sorry to be obliged to fix upon M. Renan as well as upon Herr Strauss this odious imputation of degeneration ; for while the very point is, whether Jesus was a superhuman personage or not, both of these writers lay it down as the first postulate in their argument that no superhuman hypothesis is admis sible, their argument therefore becomes neither more nor less than a vicious circle ; the Gospels, are un trustworthy, because they record miracles, and no miracles are credible because the books that record them are untrustworthy." " Froude's Reign of Elizabeth" is a very interesting notice of Mr. Froude's - brilliant work. It seems that a too lenient judgment is passed by the historian upon some of the questionable acts of this great Queen, and we certainly do not require such " weak and unreason ing tenderness" nor " generosity" either in her conduct, but prefer to accept the thfluitioLs here met with of " hypocrisy and hardness of heart." Apart from these matters of difference, there is always abundance to admire in Mr. Froude's writ ings, and these volumes, it is emphatically observed, " will afford an intellectual treat to every class of readers ; the curtain has dropped upon a stirring act, and we await with deep interest its rising upon another." "Antique Gems" is an attractive name at any rate, and conjures up dazzling visions before the mind of the reader, who may be wearied with wandering through the mazes of politics, or bewil dered bythe conflicting claims of literary disputants. There is much to interest in the description here met with, and many may derive profit and pleasure from the study of this sketch of olden marvels. Few subjects are more interesting in their way than those connected with the arts of ancient days, more especially in Greece and Rome. " The Military Growth of Prussia" is an admirable article, to which we shall refer at a future period. he Dublin Review. Nos. XIII. and XIV. Burns, Lambert, and Co., 17, Portman-street. A considerable portion of these two numbers of the Dublin is occupied in the discussion of theologi cal and controversial topics. These, though very suitable to the pages of a review of standard cha racter, do not come within the range of newspaper criticism. If we turn to the literary articles we find, in the thirteenth number, an able review of the Imperial history of Julius Caesar. The critic does not agree with the illustrious narrator in his estimate of the great Roman, although he admits him to have been far superior to his contemporaries in many points, such as in his clemency, a virtue almost unknown among the ancients. Another in teresting question very fully treated is that of the preponderance of heathen studies in classical educa tion. The Editor of the Review does not com mit himself to either side of the discussion, but allows a free inquiry into the merits and demerits of the question. The vexed question of the Jamaica re bellion and its suppression is resuscitated in 3 lengthy article, which we can hardly think fair to Mr. Eyre. We need hardly recapitulate the argu ments, which are those we have all heard so often; neither need we add that the danger and violence of the actual outbreak at Morant Bay, and the peri luus position of the handful of white residents iu the colony, are altogether ignored, since this is invari ably the case with the assailants. " Origen at Co :ar.‘3" is ail css,ty wiLic!l will at once attract the reader of classical' tastes and studies. In conclud ing a highly interesting paper the writer observes " lie died at "Tyre in 253 or 254. The cities where he taught are now mere names. Al ex andria is a modern Turkish town, Caa3area is a heap of broken columns and ruined piers, Athens is the capital of a pitiful nation of mongrel llellenes, Bostic and Petra are tombs in the deserts of Arabia." But the record of his works still liv e s, and the writer draws a lesson from it. "In another region of the world," he says, "and in cities with names that are different, yet with histories as grand as be longed to the cities of the East, unbelief seems to be bringing back a condition of mind to encounter which the Catholic writer will have to put himself into the circumstances of those ancient giants who met and overthrew scientific Paganism in the second and third centuries. Faith, and what is faith, and why men must believe, occupied Clement and Origen. The same questions are oc cupying the thoughts of our own day; and many 3 hint may be gathered, and many a suggestive argu ment started, to those who will take the Alexan drian stand-point, and look at faith as it is looked at in the polemical works of the great Alexandrian school." Tke Westminster Review. No. LX. Triibner and Co. The current number of the TVestminster contains many interesting articles. " The English and their Origin" is a paper for the ethnological, since It examines closely into all the records of our race. The writer inclines to the Teutonic side of the COn" troversy respecting our English affinities, being influenced, perhaps, somewhat by the well-known intellectual tendencies of the Westminster in h is desire to prove his countrymen akin to the grea t German freethinkers. His essay is well worth reading by all who are interested in the study a race, which is, certainly, a department of philosophy in which there is more than we as yet know, e r perhaps dream of. " The Abbe Lamennais ° ll Dante" is a criticism which pays a cordial tribute t° the labours of the accomplished commentator. " The last lines of his pen were devoted to the illustration of the great trilogy of Dante, and W i e read his magnificent int ro d uc ti on w ith m ixed f e i _ cv ings of regret and satisfactio n — o f sa ti s f a ction til' al., ; he lived to do so much, of regr e t th a t he was n e , permitted to finish the work whi c h ht,s h a d so ne ari,j carried to perfection." But although his cowmen" tary remains unfinished, it everywhere bears t he marks of a master's hand, and undoubtedly forms one of the most eloquent, just, and profound cisms ever written upon the " Divina Cornmed la ii . Our North American colonies, curiously enough' form the subject of two distinct articles! not referring, however, to the same 1 3 ! 0- vinces. The first is on " The Canadi an Confederation and the Reciprocity Treaty," and gives a full and interesting account of the r a p id development of the colonial trade and commer . ee ; The writer, however, is scarcely fair in representle° the feeling and language current in this count ll towards the Canadians. Individuals may havo misrepresented the public sentiment, but whe never the interests of Canada or her sister colonies are ; really at stake the ready sympathy and goodwill 01: the mother country is invariably manifested w.lt promptitude and unanimity. On a recent occasion if the declaration of a Minister of the Crown th at Canada were imperilled she would be support ed ' 1 s necessary, by the whole power of the Empire, vi a received with general satisfaction and appr oval The other article is on " Our North Pacific £(;)`°• at%nies," and refers, we need hardly say, to couver's Island and British Columbia. Thanks , 0 the gold discoveries, these provinces have of la'ai years attracted a good share of attention even dou bt their flourishing neighbours, and we have no t, they have a great career before them. " Th e ~P °o ; —his Intelligence" is a readable paper, founded as Mr. Jesse's work on the animal. Of late It 1-1 1 ; been the fashion to decry man's most faithful e e o , panion, and to exaggerate the terrors a hyd r o f phobia to an extraordinary extent. This essay T o r perhaps serve to recall some readers to a he in appreciation of what the dog really is, and t° , o o duce them to put a little less ready faith in t'areo marvellous " penny-a-lining" reports which st on old ladies in dull seasons. A well-written paPerthe the Forest of Fontainebleau is the last In number. TEMPLE BAR MAGAZINE.—During the c0w .„.4 of e h , 4 the New Year (1867), now fast approaching, t " e , popular monthly, which has already in wa i l r oe spects greatly improved since it passed in to in hands of Mr. Bentley, the Queen's Publisher b , Ordinary, will be rendered still more attractive means of two or three very noticeable new features 11°W ; e Si active and immediate preparation. Two fresh serial stor"of among other contributions, will be introduced to the res.derros Temple Bar, one of them by Mrs. Edwards, th e autii°o- efo of "Archie Lovell," the other byMr. Le Fanu, the„ au grs• among other popular works, of " Uncle Silas , s 15 Edwards' story to be begun in January, Mr. L s Fanii;,l re' February. By a vexatious oversight the other day' 5 0 , 1 t gard to the notice which appeared in these colueilis tlid the current number of Temple Bar for December-loco balance account, should have been "How the bqfto came out ;' Old Cecilia, "Ad Ceciliam ;" and T he Allies, "The Two Alices." ZEII . NEW MUSIC. er s As Christmas comes round the music pluw% ''l 1 .1 , 0 c are perhaps as busy as any in producing attra ° pieces to suit the festive season. Messrs. CecA lle l' of 'ills New Burlington-street, have just issu e ," "Rosabella Valse," " The Tullochaorum Qua L. ;i sb % 4‘ a telling song by Wrighton, entitled " The "Nirys ing Cap," and one clever instrumental piece; nr,0,0 le Reine," by Brindley Richards. Messrs. G have published no less than 14 new songs and 13-beir showing their determination to furnish-Tlie Christmas quota—the principal pieces being Express Quadrilles," by Coote ; " The Ca n (k- ,, ° ,0 1 ' Note Valse," by. Blamphin ; " The Bille t rbeS I and " Kissingen Romances," by George "The Marie Vase ;" a spirited eiart s tri o manza, by Madame Oury ; " The be Hymn," by the brilliant composer V i i• " Birds of the Forest Valse," by T. Bonual ii ; w ing triotic hymn " Italy," by Brizzi ; and the fc"01,01‘ songs—" Secrets," " Second Love," " 0111 / " 13) : of Hair," and " Riding through the nrc)t)i",:jaill, Claribel ; and " Sweet, Sweet," one of ~ gOe Liebhart's songs, by Allen. They are a" 1 1 ' com p os itions, and can be safely recomm ended : 1° '9 • Bennett's (of Bishopsgate - street ) latest issil'-‘prs pretty ballads, entitled " Shadows , " sad 4d„aar) Song," and Mr. Charles Jeffreys (of Solle'd i ° has published Miss Poole's ballad' Gaeg il3g the Fair," written and composed by per Atkinson. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.—The great dicullee:t; --------------- ~, will l ieneed in selecting suitable articles fer P r t io obviated by visiting Parkins and ;: r till e v xten i)e si entirely extensive show-rooms, where may be seen by -Or largest stock in Eutope of articles of excellent tsstertrto alb workmanship, at very moderate prices, comprising 0,, ao• ums, writing cases, dressing cases, dressisi baas:4s' spatch boxes, enveleie eases and blotting books, c,ll-4;15101 work boxes, glove and trinket boxes,ginkstands, '-fros, cigarstationery cabinets, purses, pocket books, pencil :00/ reticules, opera glasses, scent ci.scs, 6113/010i bcttle ca6eB' s, electro-gilt and elegantly mounted article' • ti °. Prayer-books; and Church Services, in every I°leits3e4 type and binding. A new department for in vv." of all kinds—bagatelle a nd billiard tables, all sio s ; ; ie • A cal boxes, &c.; in fact , an endless variety Of srt'e24°ol3.- suit every taste and p ur p ose. Parkins and Gott°, 25, Oxford-street, W. ali at a.ll Co, doi gu: P r sot ve e a ,,. Wi TI, 1 k e k e N®,