The Sun. — London, England, 1865-05-26 00:00:00

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. THIS EVENING, a new Farce, by Hr. David Fisher, entitled HEART-STRINGS AND FIDDLE-STRINGS. After which, AR RAH NA t OGUE : Messrs. Dion Bouci cault, J. Brougham, H. Vandenhoff, D. Fisher, D. Hurray; Mrs. Boucicault and Hiss M. Oliver. To conclude with AN AMPLE APOLOGY. Commence at 7. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress. Mrs. Swanborough. Atter which, ALADDIN. Messrs. Thorne, and James ; Mesdames Hughes, Weston, Thorne, and Eliza Holt. THIS EVENING, Ur STAIRS AND DOWN STAIRS. Mr. Stoyle ; Miss Simpson. A Song by Mr. Paul Bedford. After which, OUR CLERKS. Mr. J. L. Toole. To be followed by ONE TREE HILL Messrs. Craven, Stoyle, James, Bellord ; Miss A. Swanborough and Miss M. ralmer. To conclude with THE MAID AND THE MAGPIE. THE LAST EDITION OF " THE SUN,' Containing the Latest SI'ORTIi)i(I INTELLIGECe., MU be had .Every Evening of G. R. GL kNIE, NEWS AGENT, No. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN" supplied, as soon as published every Evening by W. ALEXANDER (late BROOKS), Newspaper Agent, a, Old Cavendish-street, Oxford-street. 113ROVIDENT CLERKS' BENEVOLENT Jl_ FUND.—At the ELECTION of ANNUITANTS, held at the Offices of the Fund, 15, Moorgate-street, on TTrea hurs- day, May_ 23, 1865 , John Ab el Smith, Esq., surer, in the chair, the result of the poll was declared to be as follows : CLERKS. R. Evans E. Sansom 4495 J. B. . —.. ................. 67 T. Thompson E. Gray H. B. Kemp 5085 R. Sanson WIDOWS. J. Calvert .................. 1135 J. Hewin 2lB M. A. Collings .......... 3292 E. Jolly 1312 J. Bradbear ............... 2173 M. Thompson 2897 H. Clarke .................. 4197 E. Tomkins 1330 E. Fisher ...............••• 4815 A. Battle 3575 A. Foster .................. 924 J. G. Bally 2206 A. King .................. 5777 A. Branscombe M. A. Taiior ............ 2933 , J. doughty 1035 M. Briggs .................. 50051 E. Daniel 1237 A. M. Galt= ............ 4282 I. Gilbert 1042 S. Glover ................. 3421 E. Hughes E. S. Haggett. 4302 M. M. Malcott The following were therefore declared to be Elected. 316 CLERKS. . E. Sansom, of London, to an Annuity of £3O H. B. Kemp, of London 79 R. Sanson, of London 17 WIDOWS. M. A. Collings, of Exeter, to an Annuity of £l5 H. Clarke, of London /7 E. Fisher, of London 77 A. King, of Bristol 17 M. Briggs, of London I, A. M. Dalton, of London ~ S. Glover. of Derby 11 E. S. Haggett, of London 1, A. Battle, of London .. WM. THOMAS LINDFORD, Secretary. THE NEW DERBY RACE GLASS, price 5, s., with Sling Case complete. Will show distinctly the entire race from " the start " to the "coming in." Guaranteed the cheapest and best glass (a new model) ever offered to the public. Sent carriage tree to any part of the Kingdom. Post-office orders payable to W ILLIAM ALLAGHAN, Optician, 23A, New Bond-street, W. (corner of Conduit-street). TH E DE R B Y.-CALLAGHAN'S NEW DERBY RACE GLASS, price 505., with Sling Case complete. This new model, combining high power and portability, is at once the cheapest and best glass ever offered to the public. Post-office orclers have immeoiate attention. Wm. Callazb an, optician, 2.1 A, New Bond-street, W . (corner of Conduit-street,, sole agent to Voigtlander, Vienna. ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.-OPERA GLASSE ;, in every variety of form and mounting, matchless for their ureat ma,gni ying power and sharpness of definition, at CALLAGHAN'S, No. 23A, yew Bond-street, W. (corner of Conduit-s reet), sole agent for the celebrated Opera and Field Glasses , by Volgtlander, Vienna. THEATR E-R OYA L, HAY MARKET. Lessee. Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING- the performance commence with OUR MARY ANNE. After which (third time), BROTHER SAM. Messrs. Sothern, Buckatone, Compton, ac. ; Mesdames Snowdon, Moore, &c. To be followed by THE MILLBR'S DAUGHTER. Messrs. Cooper, Whiffen, Braid, Clark, &c. ; Mesdames L. Keeley, F. Wright, &c. And A KISS IN THE DARK. To commence at 7. NEW THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELPHI.— "ole erovri.tor Ana NIA/laver, Air. B. 1(N , at,ster. THIS EVENING, THE IRISH TIGER. Messrs. C. H. Stephenson and Eburne ; Miss K. Kelly. After which, at 8, FAZIO ; OR, THE ITALIAN WIFE. Bianca, Miss Bateman; supported by Messrs. Jordan, Stuart' C. J. Smith, Eburne, Ashley, and Mrs. Billington. To conclude with THE STEEPLECHASE; or, In the Pigskin. Mesas. J. L. Tool', Paul Bedford ; Miss K. Kelly Commence at 7. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Sole Management of Mr. Pechter. THIS EVENING, A DAY AF I'ER. THE WEDDING. Messrs. C. Horsman, Collett, M'lntyre, ; Mesdames C. Borman and G. Leigh. After which, at Eight, DON WESAR DE BAZ A.N. Don Cxsar, Mr. Fechter ; Messrs. Ryder, Fitzpatrick, Garden, Clifford, Collutt ; Miss Lavunu, Mrs. Lee, and Miss Carlotta Lec►ercq To conclude with THE LOST CHILD. Mr. Widdicomb. Doors open at Hall-past Six. The Box-office open daily from Elev,n till Five. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tins DAY.—Morning, 2h. 47m.—Afternoon, 3h. 12m. To-Molutow.-Morning, 3h. 30m.—Afternoon, 3h. 55m. glor.dVigi rritz Wp j‘ 01140.0791:-: ; tr ot 11 LONDON, FRIDAY, MAY 26, 1865. It must be a satisfaction to every one concerned in the matter that the Union Chargeability Bill has been read a third time and passed, for during its discussion there has been nothing but angry feelings aroused, and useless discussions have taken place, that have tended still further to embitter and irritate the disputants. A great deal of prejudice has been entertained respecting this measure by those who see its inconveniences, but cannot be persuaded to recognise its advantages. On the other hand, it would have been much better if those on the Ministerial benches had shown more mode ration in bringing in the measure—a little concilia tion often goes a great way in expediting an arduous undertaking, and in smoothing the rugg ed road over which an unpopular measure must pass. Mr. VILLIERS has scorned the aid of these allies, and preferred to force on his bill nolens volens. This course of proceeding has ren dered the task more difficult, and will, no doubt, increase the obstacles that are sure to oppose them selves to the work of an unperfected measure. There was no need for the hesitation and mystery that have been mixed up in this affair, and one very unwise instance of this was mentioned last night by Mr. BRIGHT, when he alluded to the delay which had taken place in printing the return, so that it might be seen what amount the boroughs would save by the working of the bill. Doubtless, as Mr. HENLEY said, there has been great exaggeration in the de scriptions given of the demolition of cottages, and such like proceedings ; but the right hon. gentleman did not improve his case by being so strong in his opposition to the measure, because in the eyes of many his strictures will be taken as a part of his diatribes against the measure, and not as mere argume n t, in themselves. Mr. HENLEY stated very truly that if Mr. VILLIERS had agreed to his amend ment being passed there would have been very beneficial results to the poor, but as it was they would have to bear the evils of the " removability" system that pressed so heavily upon them. It would have been much better if the President of the Poor Law Board had been more frank in his explanations and taken more pains to show that there would be a change in the boundaries of parishes. It is not enough to ma k e a change in some respects if the will and po wer be wanting to carry it out to a successful end, and thus afford ad vantages to those who so much require protection. A great responsibility will rest upon those who have introduced this measure ; and it is sincerely to be trusted that the results of its working will conduce to the benefit of those concerned, and realise the expectations and fulfil the prophecies of the sup porters of the Bill. It will not satisfy the public if a mere temporary advantage be taken of the pro visions of the measure to gain points and obtain votes at elections, and no real efforts made to far th:. interests and proraoto the welfare of tbo 1111i4 ilz4estli took° aid and usistsice. It remains for those who have been successful in carrying it through the House to render the Union Chargeability Bill as deserving of the support it has met with, and thus inaugurate those improvements for the poor and labouring classes which society has ever pronounced to be necessary. The annual report of our principal Metropolitan Coroner is a matter of some importance, and of considerable interest to those social reformers whose business it is to examine into the moral welfare of the population. The origin of sudden and violent deaths is a very necessary subject of inquiry ; since whether they arise from malice, from accident, or from physical privation, there is an evil that calls for remedy. But the good that is done, or rather the evil that is prevented, by the institution of an official inquiry into every case of sudden death is not visible, and we can only perceive it by inference. One of the most dangerous and easy forms of mur der is, undoubtedly, held in check by it. With all the facilities which the necessities of trade offer to the poisoner, there is no doubt but that one of the most cruel and treacherous of crimes would find many more victims whose destroyers would escape with impunity. Suicides are most likely not affected by it, since there is generally a craving for notoriety in the morbid view of the self-murderer, which prompts him or her to give some indication of the act, or to leave some sign of how it has been accomplished. But if the frantic suicide may rather court than shun the excitement of an official inquiry, it is very certain that the secret murderer holds the coroner and his jury in wholesome horror, and that, without that protecting investigation, the number of our poisoners would be increased ten fold. In the numerous eases of cruelty to children, apprentices, or weak-minded persons, the inquest is a great protection ; while in those instances of death from accident or carelessness which are growing, unhappily, so common, it is very desirable to have some investigation into the origin of the catas trophe. The recommendations which the jury fre quently find occasion to append to their verdicts have great moral weight, if no legal force, and one often very valuable. Dr. LANKESTER, who is well qualified for his arduous duties, has analysed the list of inquests from August, 1863, to July, 1864, and has given us an interesting ac count of the various divisions. In the first place, it is noticeable that the number of inquests has increased considerably. The number held in the year 1863-64 was 1,271, showing an increase of nearly 200 on the previous year. The additions are due to two causes—first, the natural increase of population ; and, secondly, the increased vigilance of the summoning officers. The latter rea son has been the most powerful, seeing that the rise in the number of the population would only account for about forty additional cases, so that we may infer that the activity and vigilance of the local authorities have very considerably increased. St. Pancras, Islington, and St. Giles show the greatest increase, and in these large and populous parishes new officers have been appointed, and there are no longer any complaints of neglect. It is not altogether a matter of surprise, though certainly it is very much to be regretted that the list of accidental deaths should be so very large. Their number in this report is no less than 70, and since, as Dr. LANKESTER remarks, we cannot suppose that any were previously overlooked, we must con clude that they are growing more frequent. There are two reasons for this increase given by the coroner. He attriVutes it partly to the increased traffic in the metropolitan thoroughfares, and partly to the immense extent to which buildings and alterations are now being carried on. The frequency of accidents in our streets is a serious evil, and one which is growing more and more con spicuous. As Dr. LANKESTER remarks, " Just as the metropolis increases on all sides does the traffic of its central streets become developed, and either the carelessness or foolhardiness of drivers of vehicles and foot passengers become the source of accidents destructive of life." This is a problem very difficult to deal with. We can neither expect nor desire to interfere with the traffic of our thoroughfares, and we have al ready the legal power to punish any reckless driver. A great deal might be done by the foot passengers themselves being more cautious, and not risking their necks for the sake of saving half a minute. An extra policeman or two might be employed with advantage at some specially dangerous corners, with directions to assist the foot passengers when asked, and to obtain occasionally a momentary pause in the ever-rolling stream of vehicles. As for the building disasters, thousands of men are now employed in pulling down old buildings or in constructing new ones ; and, as many of the first are ricketty and unsafe, and many of the latter are of enormous size, there is, of course, an increased liability to accident. Still there is no doubt that there is very often great carelessness both on the part of the men and their employers, and the recommendations of the coroner's jury are beneficial in this respect. Dr. LAN KESTER, who ought to be a judge, says that in the majority of instances their recommendations are attended to. The accidents on railways happily show a decrease in number, and a great proportion of them occur to the workmen employed on the 1 lines, who frequently suffer from their own disre gard of rules. Frequent accidents on railways arise from the bursting of boilers, and Dr. LANKESTER strongly recommends the adoption of a regular system of testing the strength of boilers. The increase of verdicts of suicide and homicide is not disproportionate to the corresponding increase of the population. An alteration in other respects is due to the fact that juries have recently returned verdicts of " Wilful murder," instead of "Deaths from unknown causes," in the case of infants found dead. The alarming extent to which infanticide is practised-150 dead children being found annually in the streets of London—is certainly sufficient to justify Dr. LANKESTER'S assertion that it demands special inquiry. Another important suggestion made by the coroner is, that deaths in i workhouses should require an inquest the same as deaths in prisons and asylums. It is manifest that such a regulation is a great protection to the helpless inmates of prisons and lunatic asylums, and the bedridden inhabitants of the sick wards are surely in equal need of such protection. An accident revealed the terrible case of RICHARD GIBSON, but if there were the certainty of an in quest after every death the subordinates in work houses would be more careful in their treatment of the infirm. There has been a remarkable increase in the number of deaths in the prisons, and espe cially ;in the House of Correction, which is not easily accounted for, and deserves inquiry on the part of the prison authorities. The report touches on many important points, giving facts from which every one may draw their own conclusions, and adding considerably to our knowledge of the prac tical working of the social machine. The question of which Sir JOHN WALSH has given notice for to-night is one which excites general attention and interest, and the reply of Lord PAL MERSTON will be eagerly looked for throughout the length and breadth of the land. It is very essential that this subject zhould receive due attention in the Holm beton the don of the seselcD ) Imam we THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, MAY 26, 1865. have had a great deal of unfortunate experience to sib )w us 'the danger of leaving such difficult matters entlrely in the hands of Ministers. During last week: most mistaken conduct distinguished our Government, and already the deleterious effects of the un certain course pursued have been too plainly percei , red. Too much already has been conceded to the Yankees, and if we go on at the rate we have there will be an end to all principles of justice and respect for the law of nations. Had more firmness and decision been displayed at the outset of the American war we should now be in a very different position with the bombastic and unscrupulous Gov eminent of Washington. The loss of President LINCOLN will be doubly felt in consequence of our having so manifestly failed to establish our rightful position. The claims for compensation, of which rumour has told us so much, and of which in all probability we shall yet hear more now that the Americans can turn their thoughts to us after the cessation of the war, are most ridiculous and im pertinent. The extraordinary character of such a demand is such that it would be incredible to suppose that the threat is to be put into execution did we not remember alike the arrogance of those who are to make it, and the very imprudent way in which they have been treated by our authorities over here. Sir J. WALSH is to ask, " Whether the Government of the United States have sent in any formal or official demand for the losses sustained by American subjects from the Alabama and other cruisers fitted out in British ports ?" The sooner a decided answer is given to this question the better, and Lord PALMERSTON will disappoint expectation if he do not at the same time he replies to the query in the letter of the demand also answer the spirit and purpose of its meaning. Whether the Govern ment have actually received the communication or are only expecting it, he can at any rate avow the intention of himself and his colleagues to refuse the claim on every ground, and to put aside, as unworthy of notice, the fallacious argu ments which are sure to be employed by those who make it. Other questions maybear delay, and it may not much matter if minor affairs are mismanaged in our dealings with foreign nations, but the honour of England admits of but one answer to this de mand, and that answer must be speedily given in the negative. The Government had better take heed to their ways in this matter, and they will find that they have committed an error which will cost them dear, and which the country will neither for give nor forget. If Lord PALMERSTON be wise he will follow the dictates of his own convictions, and not attend to the anti-national party, whose false doctrines have wrought so much evil to this country and materially altered the spirit of our foreign policy. If anything could add to the unreasonableness of this demand, it would be to think of the great ad vantages which the Federals gained from this country, and the very illegal measures which their agents resorted to in order to obtain recruits. By an ingenious interpretation of the laws it was dis covered, also, that they might procure arms and ammunition to any extent, although it was unlawful for the Confederates to take un armed ships out of our harbours. There is a limit beyond which endurance will not go, and that limit has now been reached. It is time for a protest to be entered against unwarrantable as sumption, and for the demand for compensation of injuries, with which we have nothing to do, to be met with a stern denial, for thus only can we maintain our dignity before the nations of the world. Opening of the Saxo-Thuringian Industrial Exhibition. (REUTER'S EXPRESS.) MERSEBURG May 21. . . His Royal Highness the Crown Prince of Prussia arrived here yesterday evening from Berlin to open the Saxo-Thuringian Industrial Exhibition. After attending Divine service this morning in the Cathe dral, the Crown Prince received the various distin guished personages invited to be present at the ceremony, the representatives of the districts which had sent articles for exhibition, and the authorities of the town, and then repaired to the building erected in front of the Seitus Gate. His Royal Highness was received at the entrance by the guests and committee, and conducted to a throne placed in the centre of the transept. The chairman of the committee then delivered a long address of welcome. The speaker next sketched the former importance of many of the towns included in the exhibition district, alluding particularly to Erfurt and Merseburg, and dwelt upon the new era in the manufacturing and commercial life of these regions, which, he said, justified the most brilliant hopes for the future. The present exhibition, in which so many various districts were represented, displayed an attractive picture of Germany's united toil. Great difficutlies had had to be overcome by the promoter, and these had all been fortunately removed, princes and governments, communities and private individual vieing with each other in making sacrifices for the common good. The speaker continued :—" Upon this festive day I may venture to call to mind that 50 years will have elapsed to-morrow since, by the decree of fate, this portion of the country passed into the possession of Prussia. At that time, notwithstanding its just sor row at the severance of long familiar bonds, the population bowed with resignation to the wisdom of the decrees of Providence. Now it is animated by the joyful consciousness of being a not unimpor tant part of that great Power which looks bac upon a mighty past, and looks forward to a gloriotts future. At that time the population looked with hopeful confidence to the pre-eminent qualifications which the record of history shows to have dis tinguished the House of Hohenzollern ; now it knows that the members of that high house have a heart for the interests, wants, and wishes of the people. It is among the most elevating and pre cious results of our entire undertaking to have arrived at this knowledge by personal experience." His Royal Highness replied :—" Gentlemen, I congratulate you upon the completion of the under taking which unites us here to-day. It affords me joy, in accordance with the wish of my royal mother, to testify, by my presence among you, my interest in this exhibition, and to be able to con vince myself how liberally the task you have under taken, though coupled with so many difficulties, has been assisted. " I have also much pleasure in welcoming among us councillors and representatives of those illustrious Princes who are so near to us by kindred and blood, and whose countries have sent hither artistic produc tions. They are all heartily welcome. " Allow me also, at the same time, to pay a special tribute to the memory of an illustrious Prince from these countries, whose premature loss we deplore, and who, in the true sense of the word, was the creator of the idea of this noble emulation in industrial products. I repeat here what I said recently upon a similar occasion, in another part of the monarchy, viz., the wish that his spirit may inspire and guide us. " And while we now proceed;to the opening of the Exhibition, let us above all be mindful of his Ma jesty the King, under whose beneficent hand may the industry of the country grow and flourish." The Crown Prince then called for three cheers for the King, and declared the Exhibition open, after which he made the round of the building, ac companied by the Presidents of the committee. His Royal Highness returned in the afternoon by railway to Berlin. COMMERCIAL RELATIONS WITH AUSTRIA.—The Board of Trade has intimated to the Chamber of Commerce that the International Commission has decided to invite delegates, representing the industries and the arts of both countries, to meet them in Vienna, and to give evidence as to, the conditions of productions in England and Austria, and the means of increasing tb. trade betreen those cottatriet LATEST INTELLIGENCE. (REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.) AMERICA. CAPTURE OF PLESIDENT DAVIS• ARRIVAL OF THE SCOTIA (Via Crookhaven). The following are the heads of the news brought by the Scotia : NEW YORK, MAY 17 (Morning). Jefferson Davis, with his family and staff, have been captured near Macon and forwarded to Washington under a strong guard. The conspiracy trial is progressing. Reporters are admitted and the proceedings are published daily. No positive evidence has yet been given implicating Davis. M. de Montholon, the French Ambassador, has presented his credentials to President Johnson, on which occasion reciprocal expressions of friendship took place. The emigration excitement has somewhat subsided. The subscriptions to the Seven Thirties on Satur day amounted to pomo,coo. Mr. M'Culloch has commenced the issue of the balance of the loan, amounting to $230,000p0. Gold 1294. Wilson's cavalry surprised and captured Jefferson Davis, his wife, sister, and brother, and Post master Kegan, at Irwinsville, Georgia, 75 miles south east east of Macon, on the 10th inst. The Federals also captured Colonels Harrison, John son, Morris, and Lybbeck, and Lieut. Halkaway, forming the staff of Mr. Davis. The cavalry, pursuing Davis from opposite directions, mistook each other for the enemy. An engagement ensued, and two men were killed and five wounded, before the mistake was disco vered. Wilson's despatch says that his men assert that Davis, when surprised, put on one of his wife's dresses and fled to the woods and was captured. He threatened his captors with the bowie knife, but surrendered on the presentation of a revolver. All the prisoners captured have been sent north under a strong guard. Wilson has made dispo sitions for capturing the other Confederate leaders, none of whom have yet got through. Breckenridge's son has been captured. The New York Times states that Davis will be confined in Fort Lafayette, and says that his de liverance to the gallows will only help to con sign the rebellion to infamy. The Herald regards him as an accessory to Mr. Lincoln's murder, and says there is no human pos sibility that he can escape the full penalty of the law. The Tribune trusts that Davis will be treated as a prisoner under the protection of the dignity and honour of a self-respecting people. Press reporters are admitted to the conspiracy trial, and since Saturday the proceedings of the the court have been published daily. The evidence given on Friday, the opening day of the trial, previously suppressed, has now been published. Witnesses testified to having seen Booth in Canada, conversing with George Sanders. Booth was also present at secret conferences of rebel officers at Stanton, Virginia. All the prisoners present in court were heavily ironed. The specification charges them with con spiring with John Suratt, Wilkes Booth, Jefferson Davis, George Sanders, Beverley Tucker, Jacob Thompson, William Cleary, C. C. Clay, George Young, and others unknown, to murder President Lincoln, Johnson, Seward, and Grant, in aid of the rebellion. Harrold is charged with aiding Booth to commit murder and assisting his escape ; Payne with at tempting the assassination of Mr. Seward, and At zeroth with lying in wait to murder President John son and General Grant. Mudd, Arnold, and Mrs. Surratt are charged as accessory to the crime. Mr. Reverdy Johnson has been admitted as coun sel for Mrs. Surratt. The evidence produced since Friday implicates all the prisoners. One witness testified that Surratt visited Richmond last March, accompanied by a lady, and on his return to Washington had about $2OO in gold. He stated that he had seen Jefferson Davis and Benjamin, and that Richmond would not be evacuated. On his return from Richmond Sur ratt left for Montreal, and returned to Washington the day before Lincoln's assassination. A special despatch to the Express asserts that Johnson was misled by the Judge Advocate regard ing the evidence upon which he issued the procla mation attributing c omplicity in Li nco l n ' s assassina tion to Mr. Davis and others. Johnson, it is said, now finds that the Judge Advocate has no foundation for the evidence he alleged to exist. M. de Montholon, on his reception by President Johnson on Saturday, was introduced by Acting- Secretary Hunter. On presenting his credentials, M. de Montholon expressed the wishes of the Em peror Napoleon for the complete restoration of peace on the American continent. " France," he said, " will always view with satisfaction the consolida- I tion of the prosperity and greatness of the United States. Animated by sentiments of deep sympathy for the American Union, their Majesties and France share with other nations the grief into which a most atrocious crime has plunged the Government and people of the United States." th e President headof Johnson yonr replied o w n Government o:v— " Your intimacy with ernment cannot fail to impart perhaps universal confidence to your re presentations respecting his proposed policy in refer ence to the United States. The people of the United States have a traditional regard for France, univer sally and warmly cherished. This regard must continue to flourish and expand unless checked by events most uncommon, and not to be anticipated by ordinary foresight." In conclusion, Johnson expressed the hope that M. de Montholon's mission would strengthen and perpetuate the good understanding that exists be tween the two Governments. The determination of Kirby Smith to continue the contest is confirmed. War meetings have been held at Shrieveport, Louisiana, and Marshall Texas. An expedition for Texas is being organised at New Orleans. It is said that the misunderstanding between Sherman and Stanton may prevent the contemplated review at Washington. A sharp correspondence has passed between HaMeek and Sherman, concerning HaHeck's order in reference to Sherman. Governors Brown of Georgia and Vance of North Carolina have been arrested. It is reported that President Johnson will shortly issue a new amnesty proclamation. The Mexican emigration excitement has some what subsided. The enlistments, however, con tinue. The Herald is informed that none of the professed emigration agents would receive any authority from Ortega. The subscriptions to the Seven -Thirty-Loan on Saturday exceeded $30,000,000. The second series of $300,000,000 has been all subscribed for. Mr. Di'Culloch hate commenced Leming the balance of the loan authorised by Congress, amount ing to $230,000,000 in Seven-Thirties, the Govern ment reserving the option to pay interest at the rate of 6 per cent. in gold, instead of 7 3-10ths in cur rency. The subscriptions on Monday and Tuesday amounted to $5,000,000. The Stonewall left Savannah on the 11th inst., ostensibly for Galveston. The steamers City of Boston, Saxonia, Etna, Virginia, Cuba, and Europe have arrived out. COMMERCIAL MTTELLIGENCE. NEW YORK, May 17 (Morning). Gold, 1294. Exchange on London, 143 f ;on Paris, 3.90. Stocks dull. New York Central, 91 ; Erie, 76i ; Illinois, 116 ; 5-20 Bonds, 104. Cotton dull. Middling Upland, 50c. Flour and wheat declining. Corn quiet. Provisions good inquiry. Coffee and molasses steady. Sugar firmer. Petro leum quiet ; crude, 36 ; refined, 52. MEXICO. NEW YORK, May 17. It is reported from Mexico, via Cairo, that the Liberals demanded the surrender of Matamoras on the 29th ult., and that the Imperialist troops re fused to march out and meet them. Subsequent reports state that on the 4th inst. the Liberals were in full retreat. FRANCE AND AMERICA. PARIS, MAY 26. The Constitutionnel of this morning says —" We learn that the Government of the United States have taken measures to repress any attempts to effect illegal enlistments, and to put a stop to any proceedings undertaken with the object of prepar ing emigrant expeditions against Mexico, in viola tion of the Feleral laws. Instructions to this effect have been forwarded to the United States Attorney at New York, who at once took the neces sary measures for the prompt execution of the same." The Royal Mail steamship Scotia, from New York on the 17th inst., arrived at Queenstown at 6 a.m. to-day (26th inst.), with 265 passengers, and $936,250 in specie. She landed 116 sacks of mails and 46 passengers, and proceeded for Liver pool at 6.30 a.m. All well. The Scotia made the passage in eight and a half days. Negroes and Negro Labour. The following circular has been issued Py General Gordon relative to the disposition of negroes and negro labour " Head -quarters, District of Eastern Virginia, Norfolk, May 10, 1865. _ " To the people, white and coloured, within this district : " You are now called upon to meet a question of vast importance —one the discussion of which has often agitated the country, and been presented as an insurmountable barrier to the freedom of the coloured race. Now, through the grace of God, the coloured man is free, and he is here demanding a social status in your midst. He is here upon your farms and your plantations, in your towns and your cities ; and to-day you must meet the fact, and this hour begin the solution of the problem. Bad men for political ends, weak-minded men and women, and therefore pitiable, not blameable, have been deceived, or have deceived themselves, in regard to the difficulties of its solution. There are no real obstacles in the path ; nothing that for one moment should make coloni sation or expatriation questionable or debateable. Whatever rule may be for the present en forced by the nation, or whatever policy adopted by the State, it may be safely asserted that it must be in accordance with laws adopted at the North, governing free labour for those who can work, an entire or partial support of those who cannot, and compulsory labour for those who can, but will not. Entire or partial support, in States heretofore free, of the infirm and aged poor, or the homeless too young to labour, is secured in every town or county in the most humane manner, on farms conducted and supported by the town or county for whose poor provision is thus made. From these farms minor children are bound out to proper persons upon pro per and humane conditions. At the poor farms all who are able labour under the supervision of a com petent overseer, and thus aid the town or county in their support. For the idle and lazy vagabond the penitentiary is provided, where compulsory labour lessens expense. Thus in each community there is provided the home, the poor-house, and the penitentiary. As the whites of the South appreciated the incomparable value of the free labour of the coloured man, as they find—as they surely will—that their capital increases, and new channels for industry arise in proportion to a just, moral, and intelligent aid given to raise and educate his labour, they will loudly call for still another Northern institution that lessens expense and diminishes inmates of poorhouses and penitentiaries and increases the number of homes—the schoolhouse. Then they will appreciate that the coloured labour in their communities is of priceless value, and will regard any effort to rid themselves of it as springing from lamentable igno rance or hopeless insanity. The coloured race wish to live and labour where they were born, and they are anxious to support their families in the community where they were raised. That they may be encouraged in this work, that they may sus tain themselves and save the community from ex pense, that they may build up their homes and edu cate their children, is it not both economy and wisdom for the farmers and planters to hire them as labourers upon their lands, and thus relieve the com munity from the support of many that would other wise 'fall upon the public charity? It is not only economical, but does not such a course insure greater puplic security ? To this consideration your atten tion is invited. Aid the willing labourer, punish and confine the idle and lazy, support the pauper, and educate the race. Let each city, county, and town charge itself with the management of these in stitutions, and there will be no insurmountable diffi culties arising from freedom to the slave. In this district, under the disadvantages of a state of war, the negro population have been treated, as far as pos sible, in conformity with the principles enunciated. From the scarcity of demand for farm hands, and from the impracticability of adopting new, and as yet untried, fields of labour in this community, from the over-crowding of people drawn by the barbari ties of war from near and remote plantations and homes, the Government agents in adopting, as nearly as possible in the case of the homeless and landless race, the Northern institutions of the home, the school-house, the poor-house, and the penitentiary, have been compelled to make departures from their practice, and bestow charity upon those who would work if work could have been found, although this class has mostly been confined to females ; they have also been compelled to find labour for the coloured man where he should have found work for himself ; and thus the Government has not been able to prac tically teach that inexorable lesson that from to-day must be taught the coloured man—that support will alone come from the labourer's own earnings; that with impartial laws and all aids to progress, mental, moral, and physical, the negro starts henceforth to hew his own way through all obstacles to equality before man as he now stands equal before the law. For the steps that have been taken in this district too much praise cannot be awarded Capt. 0. Brown, Superintendent of Negro Affairs, under whose intelligent effort the coloured r man has been partially instructed that he must earn his own bread by the sweat of his own brow.—By order of " Brigadier- General GEO. H. GORDON. " T. H. Harris, Assistant Adjutant-General." SPEEDY JUSTICE.—A daily paper published in our little namesake, Canadian London, states that recently at the railway station of that westernmost city of Canada, a fight took place between a passenger and a townsman. The men were at once taken by a constable before an alderman, tried, convicted, fined a dollar each with costs, and sent about their business. It was all done in a quarter of an hour, and the passenger combatant sue ceeded in rejoining his train before it left the station, and went on his way to Sarnia. MR. SEWARD. The following letter, which has appeared in the New York Times, is said to be from the pen of Mr. Raymond, whose relations with Mr. Seward have long been intimate:— " Washington, Wednesday, May 10. " You will be glad to know that the sanguine reports of Surgeon-General Barnes concerning Secretary Seward are fully justified by the facts. He is recovering steadily and rapidly. indeed, his general system is as sound and his general health as good as ever. His wounds do n;:,' t pain him now, and the gashes upon his face an' throat have healed. Owing to the long delay ti setting the b ones o f hi s b ro k en jaw, which v; as caused by the subsequent assault, the heali:agthere has been slow, and is still imperfect. He worn the ingenious and serviceable steel frame by which his jaw is kept in place, now for about a week, and is getting used to it somewhat. At first it prevented his sleeping, so that he gained little strength, and grew nervous ; but he can now sleep soundly with it, and only feels it as an inconvenience and annoyance. As it includes two or three large articles, kept in a fixed position in his mouth, it of course interferes somewhat with his articulation ; and as it prevents him taking any food except in a liquid form, fed to him in a teaspoon, it is scarcely to be expected that he should regain strength rapidly. Nevertheless, he talks a great deal, walks about the house, goes up and down stairs without assistance, and takes long rides without much fatigue. I rode with him over two hours on Monday, under the hot sun of mid-day, across the Anacosta-bridge, and over the rough roads of the Maryland side of the Poto mac, and I think I was more fatigued when we re turned than he was. " Mr. Seward talks freely of - the assassination and of all its circumstances and antecedents. Ido not think he was in the least surprted at it. Indeed, he has more than once within the lasttwo years told me in conversation that we should never emerge from this great war without political assassinations. They might be fl_tiempted in the hope of aiding the rebel lion; ;,r for the purpose of revenging its defeat ; but they were morally certain to come. For his own part, I know that he had made his personal arrangements with a view to the possibility of such a close of his own career. He was never insensible of the extent to which the great body of the slaveholding oligarchy held him responsible for the political and moral changes which prompted the rebellion. And I may as well add, that they knew much better than some of our own people the fact that from the very be ginning of this war to its end, his counsel and advice have al7;ays been for the boldest and most vigorous measures for its prosecution. " Mr. Seward talks very freely of public affairs. He has now, as he always has had since he knew him in the Senate, the profoundest confidence in Andrew Johnson. It was very easy, he said, to tell in the Senate, by their tone and bearing, what men were fitted for public service in a time of revolution, and what men were not ; and he never had a moment's doubt concerning Johnson. " Mr. Seward as yet has taken no part, since the assault upon him, in public affairs, though he has supervised to a certain extent the action of the State department ; but I think that, unless something should retard the knitting together of the bones of his jaw, he will at the end of two or three weeks be fully competent for its highest duties. And I am also confident that President Johnson has never for a moment thought of placing those duties in any other hands. " Of Mr. Frederick Seward's prospective recovery I cannot speak with so much confidence. He is not yet considered by his surgeon . out of danger, though there is a perceptible improvement in his condition. It seems that one of the blows from the pistol in the assassin's hand ruptured a blood vessel lying along the upper surface of the brain, where it was impos sible to use the ordinary appliances of surgery. The bleeding was stopped, therefore, with the finger un til a coagulation of the blood served the same pur pose ; and the aim of the surgeon now is to keep it in this condition until the ruptured artery heals. It has given way once or twice already, but success is hoped for still. He is perfectly conscious and can talk; but he is not allowed to speak at all nor to move, and all visitors are rigidly excluded. It is hoped that with this perfect quiet, and with nothing whatever to accelerate the circulation, the requisite healing may take place. " It has already been stated that the person known as Paine has confessed the attempt upon Mr. Se ward's life. He says that he had never seen him, that he had nothing against him, and that he attempted to kill him only because he had sworn to do it. The whole affair, he said, was a gigantic failure, only two (Booth and himself) of the whole number concerned having kept their oaths. If it had succeeded, he says, the actors in it would never have been known. This seems at first sight inconsis tent with the open exposure made of himself by Booth after the assassination of Mr. Lincoln. But I have been told that it was part of the plan to turn off the gas in the theatre the instant the pistol shot was heard, and that the man was found at the controlling stop cock to whom that duty had been assigned, but that he failed to hear the signal. Paine is not at all com municative. He refuses to disclose the names of his associates, or to say anything of his own antecedents. It is not believed that he has given his real name, nor is it known to what part of the country he belongs. He looksyoung,not,over 21 or 22 ; has a square, hard face, a clear firm eye, which returns even now unflinch ingly the sternest and steadiest gaze ; is very athletic in his frame; has white, soft hands, evidently un used to work, and although utterly unmoved by threats or by harshness, gives indications of sensi bility to acts and words of kindness. He is a man of more than ordinary mark. He says that when he fled from Mr. Seward's room he knew that he had failed, and expected to find the hall below full of men, summoned by the cries of " Murder ! " raised by the coloured boy, who had rushed into the street, which cries he himself had distinctly heard. But he was prepared and determined to cut his way through them all, and he was surprised to find himself un opposed." ihe Accident at the Liverpool-street Rail- way Station-. -- DEATH OF ONE OF THE SUFFERERS. Upon instituting more minut3 inquiries yesterday morn ing, the reporter has been able to gather the following par ticulars, the accuracy of which may be relied upon : In order to fully understand the particular locality within the spacious arena where the intended station is being erected by Messrs. William Cubitt, it may be explained, in the first instance, that the building itself forms a parallelo gram, the area of which occupies about 3i acres of ground. The western elevation faces Liverpool-street, reaching from Broad-street-buildings on the south to Bloomfield-street on the north, abutting itself upon the Ophthalmic Infir mary at the corner of Eldon-street. The eastern elevation is near to Sun-street, Bishopsgate, the lineal measurement from which point to the back wall of the western offices being several hundred feet. Between this large extent of intermediate ground upon arches is the level of the new line of railway, and here the roof is being spanned, of a semi circular construction, sustained upon intermediate pillars, thus forming a vast expanse of double roofing overhead, the fall of which has caused the fatal accident and disastrous consequences already recorded. The exact manner in which the occurrence was caused is ascertained to have been the yielding of one of the lightly-tested wrought-iron suspen ders, technically called the rods, which, by giving way, brought with it several of the girders and the major part of the springing iron arches which were fixed in their places, but which were simultaneously hurled upon the bodies of the poor fellows at work below, and some of those upon the roof, who were engaged at the time in uniting the massive ironwork together. The solid substance of the brick-walls gave not the slightest appearance of yielding either by the wrench of the strain upon them or by any deflexion arising from a subsidence of the foundation. Yesterday morning a large body of men were engaged in removing the fallen ironwork, and clearing away the broken scaffold poles smashed into splinters by the downfall of the superincum bent mass. It may be here observed that none of the general scaffolding has given way, and some little idea of the magnitude of the whole of the works may bo afforded when we state the fact, as presented to us by a gentleman connected with them, that the timber used in scaffold sup ports alone throughout the extensive pile of building is of the value of at least £12,000 sterling. Upon inquiry yesterday morning, at eleven o'clock, at Bartholomew's Hospital, the reporter was informed by one of the medical officers that one of the smiths, named John Day, said to have been a fine muscular man, died immedi ately upon reaching the establishment ; and that the three others taken there were, upon examination, considered not to be so injured as to require medical assistance and atten tion within the wards, so that when they had had their injuries attended to they were permitted to go to their several homes. It is said that there are other cases in Guy's and the Lon don Hospitals, but no authentic particulars as to whether that be so or not have otherwise been gathered. HER MAJESTY. BALMORAL, May 23. The Queen drove out with Princess Helena in the morning, and went out in the afternoon with the princess, attended by . the Duchess Dowager of Athole. Prince Arthur, attended by Major Elphinstone, arrived from a tour in the East. The Prince and Princess of Wales. The Prince and Princess of Wales, with Prince Albert Victor, left Marlborough House yesterday afternoon for the White Lodge, Richmond-park. The Countess of Morton and Lieutenant-Colonel Keppel were in attendance. ist A int l it - I A 144, Ball at Orleans Fouse. Yesterday evening the Duke and Duchess d'Aumale were honoured by the presence of the Prince and Princess of Wales at a dinner party at Orleans House, Twickenham. Their Royal High nesses arrived at seven o'clock, from the White Lodge, Richmond, attended by the Countess of Morton and Lieutenant-Colonel Keppel. The party invited to meet the Prince and Princess of Wales consisted of the Prince and Princess Edward of Saxe-Weimar, the Prince of Conde, the Duke and Duchess of Sutherland, Earl Granville, the Earl and Countess of Clarendon and Lady Emily Villiers, the Earl of Sefton, Viscount and Viscountess Ingestre, Lord Frederick Paulet, Lord and Lady Foley, the Marquis of Bouille, Hon. F. Byng, Sir Robert and Lady Emily Peel, the Coun tess of Coiffier, and M. Langel. A small and select party were afterwards invited to meet their royal highnesses. The Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Mary arrived about half-past ten, attended by Colonel Home Purves. The Duke of Brabant arrived shortly afterwards, attended by two orderly officers. The Count and Countess de Paris and the Duke and Duchess de Chartres were also present. The members of the diplomatic corps and the foreigners of distinction present included the Aus trian Ambassador, and the Countess Apponyi, the Turkish Ambassador and Madame Musurus, Mdlle• Musurus, M. Paul and M. Etienne Musurus, the Spanish Minister and Madame Comyn, his Excellency the Portuguese Minister, Prince Ysenberg, the Due de Granada, Count Kalnoky, Count Maffei, the Chevalier and Madame Aguiar d'Andrada, the Che valier de Brito, the Chevalier G. dos Santos, the Marquis Oldoini, and M. Cortini. The general cow' pany included the Duke and Duchess of Buccleueh and Lady Margaret Scott, the Duke and Duchess of Manchester, the Duchess of Wellington, Dow. Marchioness of Waterford, the Marquis and Marchioness of Abercorn and the Ladies Hamilton, Maria Marchioness of Ailesbury, Earl Cadogan and Lady Mary Cadogan, the Countess of Airlie, Earl and Countess of Fife and Lady Anne Duff, Frances Countess Waldegrave and the Right Hon. Chichester Fortescue, the Earl and Countess of Wilton, Iris count Pollington, Viscount Jocelyn and Hon. MO Jocelyn, Viscount and Viscountess Powerscourt , Lord and Lady Skelmersdale, Mr. and Lady Gwen doline Petre, Lady Constance Ashley and the Hon. Mr. Ashley, Lady Marian Alford, Lord Lough borough, Lord William Hay, Lord Courtenay, Lora Henry Gordon Lennox, Lord Hamilton, Lord Redesdale and Hon. Miss Mitford, Baron an d Baroness Marochetti and Baron M. Marochetti, Lord Camoys Lady Egerton of Tatton and Hon. Misses Egerton, Lady Henrietta Allen, Mr. and Lady C. Russell, Lord Dufferin, Lady Mary Wood, Mr. and Miss Wood, Lord and Lady Claud Hamilton and Miss Hamilton, Lord Lyons, Lord de Tabley and Hon. Miss Warren, Lord and Lady Digby and Hon. Miss Digby, Lady Molesworth, Hon. Evelyn Ashley, Mr. and Hon. Mrs. Wodehouse Currie, Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., and Mrs Cardwell the Right Hon. B. Disraeli, M.P., and Mrs. Disraeli. Sir Roderick Murchison, Sir John Acton, M.P., Sir Erskine and Lady Perry, Sir Reginald Barnewall, Sir Anthony and Miss de Rothschild, Sir Coutts Lindsay, Mr. M'Alpine, Mr. Reid, General Knollys and Mr. and Miss Knollys, Colonel Morris, C. 8., Major Mackenzie, Major Anson and Mrs. Anson, Captain Lane Fox, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Gurney, Mr. Saville Lumley, Mr. Pearse and Misses Pearse, Mr. C. Stephenson, Mr. Alfred Rothschild, Mr. Hussey Arbuthnot, Mr. Greville Howard, Mr. and Mrs. Hervey and Miss Money, M. and Mdme. de Bille, Mr. Augustus Lumley, Mr. Wellesley, M r ' Peel, Mr. C. Skyes, Mr. George Drummond, M r. H. Minerel, Madame Graham, Mr. W. Gladstone, M. Albert Van de Weyer, Mr. Paul Graham, M r ' and Misses Mildmay, Mr. Farquhar, Mr. Harailton. Aide, Mr. Jervoise Smith, Mr. Biddulph, Mr. an d Mrs. Holford, &c. M. Jullien's band played a varied and excellent selection of dance music during the ball. A very elegantly arranged supper was served o ° ll after twelve, and dancing was afterwards resumed' Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Car a ' bridge and the Princess Mary have left their residence in the Ambassadors' Court, St. James's, for Cambridge Cottage, Kew. This evening the Duchess and princoee dine with the Duchess of Inverness at Kensington Palace, and a numerous and distinguished party will meet the royal guests. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge Wu honour the Earl and Countess of Wilton with his cove' pany at dinner on the 9th June. A distinguished ci re ' e is invited to meet his royal highness. His Royal Highness the Duke de Brabant visit ed Viscount Palmerston yesterday afternoon at Cambridge House, and had a long interview with the noble viscotiv: ii t ' The Marquis and Marchioness of Salisbury *vi rw receive a distinguished party at Hatfield House, Herts, the Ist of June. The Marquis and Marchioness of Exeter an d Lady Victoria Cecil have arrived at the family residene° in Grosvenor-square, from Burghley House, Stamford, for the season. The Earl and Countess Percy have left town O f Alnwick Castle, Northumberland, where they remain W I : month, the noble earl having to attend with his reginl el3- of militia, which has been called out for active duty The Earl and Countess of Cardigan entertain ed at dinner on Wednesday last the Earl and Countess °', Stradbroke, Earl of Rosslyn, Mr. and Lady Evelyn 131 11 c% Colonel the Hon. J. Keane, Mrs. Stewart Paget and gis " Paget, Colonel Cathcart, Colonel Douglas, Mrs. De Horsey' Miss Clements, Colonel Knox, Colonel Hagart, blajor nesley, Captain Greville, and Mr. Courtenay. The Earl and Countess of Wilton returnedto torn r yesterday from visiting the Duke and Duchess of 130111 N at Badminton, Gloucestershire. The Countess of Derby will give her third assem bly to-night at the family mansion at St. James's-scl uare ' The Countess Amherst will have an assembly °ll Tuesday next at the family mansion in Grosvenor-scr us , r ,, e The names of Admiral the Earl of LauderclaZ K.C.8., the Astronomer Royal, and Captain Clarke, B•A'l3, were accidentally omitted from the list of guests at Duke of Somerset's state dinner on the Queen's birtuds9;o Lord and Lady Farnham have left Clari d g e Hotel to pass a few days at Tunbridge-wells. on Lady Susan Milbank gave birth to a 130 11. Wednesday night, in Eaton-place. Both are doing W e a ,i , Lady Gardiner's first dance will t a ke place a t 1 ' Lower Brook-street, on Friday, June 16. Viscountess Palmerston will have an assembll to morrow night at Cambridge House, Piccadilly. FRIGHTFUL CATASTROPHE.—Tho Meuse contail3° an account of a terrible catastrophe at Haraier' Luxembourg. A farmer's son, named Hubert \Vera, vi c returning home with a flock of 12 sheep, an d had erri 1 ,il in a le arts n , ar w ro h w en an a d hdiefffavyculttrhouauddoernsttehrme mocuaninteainonG, els-/r Saris, i t he terrified animals refused to advance. Wera then mined to wait, and himself took refuge under b ll5 ~a, His brother, finding that he did not come home, ete";ci to meet him, or ascertain the cause of the delay, ancl_,:it rrived within 20 yards of the spot where Hubert w h e r j v ing, when a fearful clap of thunder w as heard, and ho. the whole flock of sheep and bush enveloped ha one 1 00 0 - mense mass of lightning. The brot her was thrown " and received a severe shock, but on recovering his feehe t %v. beheld Hubert and 126 of the sheep lying dead before hi . , c The young man had been struck on the head by the eleetarl4 fluid, which had carried away his scalp, left a black nark down his forehead, face, and breast, and had col:01%10. stripped him of his clothes, which were torn to ehr' ost The sheep were covered witblood, and showed the r e _ o 6, extraordinary effects of het ightning ; the heads .;:d ere were pierced through and through, whilst others removed from the bodies . The young man killed aged 21. ~.~-..~