The Sun. — London, England, 1865-12-11 00:00:00

THE LATEST EDITION of THE SUN." J. HOLMES begs to inform his friends, and the pubiio generally, that he supplies the LATEST EOITIoN of " THE SUN" as soon as published —No. 16, Hampstead road, N.W. 0 USES.—Messrs. TOPLIS and ROBERTS have numerous furnished and unfurnished TOWN, Suburban, and Country RESIDENCES to LET or SELL. Particulars forwarded for three stamps, upon stating exact requirements and rental. Offices, 2, Londuit-street,Regent street, and South Kensington, lacing the Museum. SOUTH KENSEN GT ON, HYDE-PARK, 10 Queen's, and Rutland Gates. Queen's -gate and Peters ham Terraces, Queen'e-gate, Cornwall, and Princes Gardens, Elvaston-place, Cromwell-road, On slow and Thurloe Squares, Bolton& <to. Messrs TOPLI4 and ROBERTS have RESI DENCES to SELL and LET in these and surrounding localities. Offices, 2, Conduit-street, Regent-street, and South Kensington, facing the Museum. LIFEBOAT SERVICES.—During the storms of the past twenty-two months the National Lifeb.ott Institution, by its Lifeboats and other means, contributed to the saviu of 1,1% persons from different wrecks on our coasts. The Institution also expended £37,;'81 In the same period on its lifeboat establishments, in addition to granting £2,711 as rewards. The Committee of the Institution earnestly A PPEAL to the public for ASSISTANCE to enable them to meet the continued heavy demands on the Institution's 152 lifeboat establishments. Contributions are received by the London and country bankers ; and by the Secretary, Richard Lewis, keg., at the Institution, 14, John-street, .Adelphi, London. ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT GARDEN. (Opera Company, Limited.) Last Night but Three of L'Airicaine. THIS EVENING will be performed Meyerbeer's Grand Opera, L'AFRICALNE. Mdlle. Ida G.lBess, Madame Lem mens-Sherrington, and Mrs. A. Cook ; Messrs. Alberto Lawrence, Ellis, A. Cook, E. Dussek, J. q. ratey, C. Lyall, and Charles Adams. Conductor, Mr. Alfred Mellon. Commence at a quarter to 8. HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE. Signor ARDITI'S CONCERTS, Every Evening. POSITIVELY THE LAST WEEK. Imm'nse Success of the New Grand Selection from Wagner's Romantio Opera, "Tannhauser," with Full Or chestra and Chorus. TO-NIGHT Monday), December 11. VOCALISTS. Mdlle. Laura Harris, Mdde. Edi, Mdlle. Sinico and Sig. Fat. PIA.I4OFORTE. Mr. Charles Halle (his first appearance at these Concerts). Conductor, Signor ARDIII. Commence at Eight. Promenade, One Shilling. The 'GRAND BAL D'OPERA will take place on TUESDAY, the 19th December. THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LANE.- JIL Managers, Messrs. E. Falconer and F. B. Chatterton. THIS EVENING the performances will commence with Shaks per e' s Tragedy of KIN G JOHN : Messrs. Phelps, James Anderson. T. Swinboume, Raynor G. Belmore, K. Phelps, C. Harcourt ; Miss A t k i nson , Mrs. H. Vandenhoff, Mrs. Ilodson, &c. After which, GALWAY-GO-DRAGFI ; or, Love, Fun, and Fighting : Messrs. Edmund Falconer, F. Barsby, C. Harcourt; Misses Hazlewood, E. Falconer, nose Leclercq. Commence at 7. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.- Sole Lessee and Mantger, Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, THE OVERLAND ROUTE : Messrs Chas. Mathews, Buckstone, Chippendale, Compton. Rog, rs, Clark, Gordon, Braid, Coe, &c ; Mesadames Maihews, Snow den, Hill. Wright, Coleman, Lovell, kn. To be followed by WHO KILLED COCK ROBIN? Mr. Chippendale, Mr. C. Mathews; Mrs. Charles Mathews, Mrs. Fitzwilliam. die To conclude with MY HUSBAND'S GHOST. Commence at Seven. ROYAL LYCEUM T REATRE.- Under the sole Management of Mr. Fechter. THIS EVENING, at Seven o'clock, THE DAY AFTER THE WEDDING. Mr. and Mrs. Horsman. After which, BUY BLAS. Mr Fechter ; :Messrs. Emery, Fitzpatrick, Evans, Westland, Clifford, H. Butler, Raymond ; Mesdames Lavenu and Horsman. To conclude with THE ILLUSTRIOUS STRANGER. Messrs. H. Widdicomb, Raymond, Westland, Evans, More land; 4esdames Boyce and Lavenu. Box Office open daily from Eleven till Five. Acting Manager, H. Barnett. NEAV THEATRE-ROYAL ADELPHI Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. THIS EVENING, at 7, MOTHER AND CHILD ARE DOH\ G WELL. Messrs. Felix Rogers, P. Bedford, &a _ After which, at 8, RIP VAN WINKLE. Rip (his F 4th appearance), Mr. Jefferson, supported by Messrs. billing - ton, P. Bedford, R Phillips, Felix Rogtrs, Ashley, Eburue, C. J. Smith; Mrs. Biliingtor, &o. To cmclude, at halt-past 10, with THE WIDOW'S VICTIM. Messrs. BiLington, Felix Rogers, Ashley; Miss Godsell, Miss Seaman, and Miss Jenny Willmore. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. THIS EVENING, QUIET LODGINGS. After which, at a quarter to Eight, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO MEND. characters by Messrs. Vining, T. Mel ville, T. Mead, D. Murray, S. Calhaem, F. Vilders, J. G. Shore, G. Murray, B. Mellon, C. Seyton, R. Cathcart; Miss L. Moore and Miss Katherine Rodgers. ROYAL Sri RAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs twanborough. - - THIS EVENING, at Seven. NOTHING VENTURE NOTHING Alter wh!cti will * be produced a new flpera rurletque, L'AFRIcA INE ; or, The Queen of the Cannitnl Islan : Messes. Stoyle, James, Thorne; Mesdames Swanborough, Haynbam. Johnstone. .sr.c. To cotclude with MRS. GREEN'S SNUG BUSINESS. triTtE LAST EDITION OF THE SUN," .:;ontalulag the Latest SPOUTING INT.ELLIGIOC..., elan ht bad Every hvening of G. a. WAN LE, NEWS AGENT, NO. 4, Connaught-terrace, yde-park. 11HE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN " 1 -supplied, as soon as published every Evening, by W. ALEXANDER (late BROOKS), Newspaper Agent, 21, Old Cavendish-street, Oxford-street. THE LAST EDITION of " THE SUN " supplied as soon as Published, containing all the LATIN NEWS and SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, by H. W. HARRIS, Newspaper Agent, 4, Blackiriars-road, London, S. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. THIS DAY.—Morning, Bh. 20m.—Afternoon, Bh. 52m. To-Moßßow.-Morning, 9h. 25m.—Afternoon, 10h. Om. ez J, - .1. ,wt It 13(4310;2:0 ail 1 It LONDON, MONDAY, DEC. 11, 1865. The news wraich was yesterday received from Belgium will be received with general regret though scarcely - with astonishment. The death of King LEoroLD, lull of years and honours, has long been apprehended ; for although his age was not extremely advanced, yet for several years his health has , been in a precarious condition. Since the last attack there has been little hope that he could sur vive much longer, but nevertheless the sorrow felt for his loss will be as sincere as it is general. We in this. country will naturally regard the melancholy event with especial concern, as affecting our gracious SOVEREIGN, who has thus lost a near relative, and one who from his age, experience, and position, was invaluable as an adviser, and a guide in any time of uncertainty or perplexity. The uncle both of Her MAJESTY: and of the late PRINCE CONSORT, connected with this country by many endearing memories, King LEOPOLD has always taken a warm interest in the personal fortunes of our Royal Family, and has been able to understand and ap preciate in a great measure the character of the English people. The days of his brightest hopes, the prime of his career, and the promise of his most brilliant fortunes were associated with this country, and though the generation whose acclamations hailed the wedding of 1816, and who mourned over the catas trophe of the following year, has welinigh passed away, still the name of Prince LEOPOLD belongs to our national history, and his memory is cherished among us like that of one of the most popular mem bers of our Royal Family. The silent chamber at Brussels witnesses the close of a career in which the strange vicissitudes of life were especially remark able. Born in 1790 in the midst of wars and tumults, Prince LEOPOLD was not devoid of those military talents which in such days were almost in dispensable to success. 'Very early in life he began to play his part in - war, in government, in diplo macy. He shared the perils of the great war which at the beginning of this century desolated Germany, lie conducted the Government of his native duchy during his brother's absence, and after the marriage of his sister to the Russian Grand Duk e v ri ONSTAN TINE he accompanied the Emperor ALEXANDER to Erfurt, where he was present at the famous meet ing of 'the two Emperors. He held the rank of general in the Russian army, which, however, he was forced to resign at a hint from NAPOLEON, who it maybe observed, had formed no mean opinion of his military talents. He consequently resumed his posi tion. However, when after successfully accomplishing a P°l * almi ssion of great importance to the Emperor ALEXANDER, he distinguished himself 'in the cam paigns of 1818.1 t and finally entered Paris with the Allies. The next prominent event in the life of King LEOPOLD was his visit to this country. He early entered the lists as a candidate for the hand of the Princess CHARLOTTE, but at that time her marriage with the Prince of ORANGE was in contemplation. Nevertheless, the obstacles to his suit were not of very long duration, and the wishes of the young Princess herself were believed to be on his side. Early in 1816 Parliament received a message an nouncing the intended marriage, which was univer sally popular. The votes for the dowry of the Princess and the income of the royal pair were unanimous, and joy and gladness prevailed through out all classes, though loyalty was not then so strong a sentiment as now. Every one knows the mournful conclusion to so bright and hopeful a beginning. The curtain of death fell on the gay and smiling scene, and filled the homes of Eng land with tears instead of laughter. Great as was the loss to the nation, the calamity was a hundredfold greater to Prince LEO POLD. The shock for the time completely overwhelmed him, and when he had in some degree recovered it he devoted his time principally to study. The next 12 years of his life passed in retirement and comparative obscurity, and very probably be thought himself, and others thought of him, that the story of his public life was told, and that he had missed his chance of the gifts of Fortune. But a change came over the scene, and after the decision of the Five Powers to erect Greece into an indepen dent kingdom, the crown was offered to Prince LEOPOLD. The Greek question in our own day has excited comparatively little interest. We have be come accustomed to the chronic condition of Minis terial crises and general political disturbance. But in those earlier days the dream of Greek indepen dence was the vision of statesmen and reformers, of philanthropists and poets. The pages of BYRON and CAMPBELL reflect the feelings with which Great Britain watched the struggle, and when, in 1829, the crown of the new kingdom was offered toPrince LEOPOLD, the selection seemed in every way suitable and appropriate. However, though the Prince at first accepted it, he soon found reason to retire from a position which offered so many difficulties, with regard to the Greeks themselves, as well as with regard to the very uncertain attitude assumed by the protecting Powers. Fortune had yet another chance in store for her favourite. He had missed the hope of sharing the greatest throne in Europe, he had refused the crown of Greece, but yet he was to be a King closely con nected with the crowned heads of Europe. The impossibility of reconciling the antagonistic ele ments of Holland and Belgium led, in 1830, to the erection of a separate monarchy for the latter state, and after much difficulty, owing to the entanglement of political relations and the conflicting interests and prejudices of the time, Prince LEOPOLD was selected to fill the vacant throne, and by his marriage with the daughter of Louis PHILIPPE to reconcile the French interest. Thus his singular fortune attended him in his domestic relationships, for both his marriages were with princesses of the very highest rank. His career since that time is familiar enough to most politicians. He has steered his course safely and wisely amid the various difficulties and perplexities of his position, and though sometimes temporarily unpopular, he succeeded in winning and• pre serving the affections of his people, by whom his death is regarded as a national calamity. He has occupied in European politics a position whose im portance was due to his own individual character, certainly not to the size or strength of his kingdom. As an arbiter and referee, as a mediator and con ciliatory interpreter he was without an equal ; and while his talents could, perhaps, have been easily matched, and his character never rose into great ness, he was frequently instrumental in affecting the destinies of Europe, and his influence extended to both hemispheres. But the long story is at last told, and the inevitable " Finis" inscribed on the leaf ; the play is played out, and the actor has left the stage. His successor's position is not altogether an enviable one, and already the political horizon is dark and stormy. The unsettled condition of European poli tics at this juncture renders the death of King LEOPOLD a subject of great anxiety and uneasiness, as well as of personal regret ; and while we may well grieve that another of the prominent names that linked the past and the present is silenced, we must also feel that the removal of King LEOPOLD opens a chapter of possibilities and perplexities which may darken and disturb the future. Mr. CARDWELL was put upon his mettle on Saturday when he received a most numerous deputation of the Anti-Slavery and other kindred Societies, who came to present a memorial, praying for an inquiry into the conduct of Lieut.-Governor EYRE concerning the late disturbances in Jamaica. The deputation was introduced by Mr. SAMUEL MORLEY. Upon the plea of demanding justice, the members of the deputation made known their wishes, and conducted themselves in the most intolerant manner through out the whole proceedings. Such vehemence of manner, and such exhibition of prejudice is rarely witnessed on the occasion of a deputation appearing before a Minister of State. Mr. CARDWELL ac quitted himself admirably of his difficult task, but he had hard work with the turbulent assembly. In the memorial presented the most extraordinary views are expressed concerning the events that have re cently taken place in Jamaica. In short, the Com mittee appear to have condemned all the chief acts of the authorities, from first to last. The Volunteers should not have fired upon the mob, martial law ought not to have been proclaimed, and deserved the " strongest reprobation." A drum-head court martial ought never to have been constituted to try Mr. GORDON for " a civil offence," and, indeed, these sapient judges seem to question the propriety of arresting Mr. GORDON at all. Such a step might or might not have been necessary they say, and the circumstances of the case might have justified the Governor in - violating Mr. GORDON'S privileges as a member of the Ass embly, as if at such a juncture, and under such auspicous circumstances, there was any reason to consider if the offender were a mem ber of Assembly or not. Justice does not recognise distinction of rank or possession of privilege when treason and insurrection are the crimes laid to the charge of the culprit, and the argument is not strengthened by the introduction of such obser vations. _ _ . _ Were it not for the gravity of the affair, it would be almost ludicrous to notice the terms employed by the Committee in expressing their views. They believe it to be highly desirable in the interests of justice and humanity, law and public order, " that there should be a full, searching, and thoroughly impartial inquiry into these deplorable events." Meanwhile, not a vestige of impartiality was dis played by the members of this numerous deputa tion, nor does any fair play animate the language of the memorial. On the contrary, we find a bitter, virulent, and indignant tone pervade all that is said or written, to a d egree th a t t o t a lly ignores the ordinary rules of courtesy complied with on such occasions, and that violates the principles of strict order, and calm judgment $0 ney. ssary to be practised in an argumentative Assembly. The conclusion of the memorial is couched in terms highly appropriate to follow the preceding para graphs. The Committee admit that " great dissatis faction" existed in Jamaica. And why? Because of the mal-administration of justice, the numerous "vexations" to which the people were subjected, and their privations owing to two years' drought, but they deny that the emancipated classes are " disloyal," and " still less" do they admit that there are any grounds for believing that there is any evidence of a wide-spread conspiracy. The Committee further think that the island would be very different if it were properly governed ; " its resources might be developed to an almost unlimited extent, and its population rendered " prosperous and happy." Certainly these last conditions are great desidera tums, but it is strange that so pious an assemblage as the members of this Committee should overlook the fact that no race, black or white, can be really " prosperous" or truly " happy" unless they con form to the principles of right; but all these solemn truths, recognised in divine and human statutes, are trivial and secondary considerations to those who have wound themselves up to fight the battle of in tolerance and carry out their schemes to the utter most, reckless of reason and indifferent to proofs that tell against them. It is perfectly useless to expect to make any im - pression upon such one-sided arguers as those referred to ; but the worst of it is that they will not allow others to have their own opinions, and are very indignant when any obstacle is put in the way of the prosecution of their plans. Mr. CARDWELL was assailed by a torrent of inquiries as to matters which should not then have come under discussion, and when the deputation had entered upon discus sion the spirit of intolerance ran high. Indeed some went so far as to suggest that Governor EYRE should be at least temporarily removed during the progress of investigation I—bald when another mem ber of the deputation dwelt upon the advisability of recAlling or "suspending" the Governor, a voice exclaimed, " Yes, by the neck !" Such conduct would be beneath contempt, were it not for the evil influence which such misguided and mischievous politicians sometimes gain over weak-minded per sons, who are led away under the specious pretence of humanity, and think they are aiding the cause of justice, when they are in reality impeding its progress. As for the proposal to recall the Gover nor it would be prejudging the case in a most unparalleled or unpardonable manner, and alto gether a course quite inconsistent with the character of the English nation. After the remarks of the indignant members it is quite a relief to peruse Mr. CARDWELL'S straight forward and temperate statement, which, however, found no favour in the sight of those to whom it was made. The right hon. gentleman said that he regretted the absence of Earl RUSSELL through in disposition, but had he been present he would have told the deputation that he and every member of his Government felt pain and anxiety respecting the matters that all referred to. Mr. CARDWELL then declared that those before him requested an inquiry to be made of an impartial and searching nature, but that this request was anticipated by her MAJESTY'S Government, and they had already made some of the necessary arrangements, and as soon as possible they would be completed. A proper reproof was conveyed to the intolerant men who sat in judgment and passed sen tence without hearing the witnesses of both sides, when Mr. CARDWELL declared that when the in quiry was over, and they had full and perfect know ledge, the Government would not be found ready to palliate or excuse whatever merited reprobation. "Meanwhile," said the right hon. gentleman, "if the inquiry is really to be of that character, a sense of duty imposes on every man, especially on one in terested as I am, the necessity of saying nothing, and even of thinking nothing, incompatible with the fairness and freedom of inquiry." Nothing can be better felt than this, and well might those who heard the statement have laid it to heart, but nothing was further from their intention or their desire. Referring to the remarks made upon Governor EYRE, Mr. CARDWELL said that he was not known to him personally, but by reputation, and it " had been all along the reputation of a man of courage and determination." When he went on to expatiate upon the distressing circumstances in which the Governor had been placed, Mr. CARD WELL tested the temper of his audience, and they did not come out creditably from the trial. The right hon. gentleman went on to say that if he felt deeply the occurrences alluded to, what must a per son have done who was placed in the midst of such events. " You must all feel deeply, whatever may be your opinion of the occurrences which have taken place, the deepest sympathy for a man in that po sition. You must all feel that if the disturbances had-not been brought to a speedy close that disas trous consequences of the worst kind must have fol lowed. At this portion of his speech Mr. CARDWELL was interrupted by cries of " No, no," and " Ques tion ?" Upon this unseemly manifestation of inter ference and prejudice, the right hon. gentleman re marked, " Gentlemen, you have come here to ask for a free inquiry, and I therefore hope that the spirit of fairness will characterise all your proceedings." As for Governor EYRE, he said, he would be the first to welcome the inquiry about to be instituted in an impartial manner. Again, the virulent spirit which animated the majority of the deputation was ex hibited by several members calling out that they had had no answer on the question of recall. Mr. CARDWELL said that the arrangements were in progress for an inquiry, and he thought those who came in the spirit of fairness should be content with one announcement and not " persist in pressing for the recall of Go vernor EYRE." Even this plain speaking on the part of the Colonial Secretary did not succeed in putting down the hydra-headed monster of perse cution before him, and Mr. THOSIAS complained that his question was not answered. He had asked if the Government at home had received any intel ligence during the last six montbs which might make them think that the " Government of Jamaica was sitting on a volcano ?" Mr. CARDWELL answered this interrogatory by stating he had been in correspondence with Governor EYRE on the condition of affairs in Jamaica for the last year, and that that correspondence, now in the hands of the printer, would be laid before Parliament when it met. Thus closed the interview of the deputation, which stands out apart from others as a specimen of prejudice and prejudging rarely met with in a civilised country. Seldom has an English Minister been brought face to face with so large a body of men influential soi albued with the spirit of intolerance, and so bent on wor ki ng out injustice under the plea o f impartiality. These men, however, represent an class of the people, and the Parliament of England must treat them in the manner which they deserve. ton, and valuables into the sea-coast towns. What grounds exist for this apprehension are not stated, but they are probably connected with the plot dis covered in Jamaica, which was intended to culminate at Christmas time. At any rate, it is well for all parties to be on their guard, since, if the rumours should be unfounded, the precautions taken will do no harm while they will certainly serve to avert or mitigate the danger should it really exist. There have been tragedies enough enacted on the American soil during the last few years, and it is fervently to be hoped that no such terrible addition to the sorrows and sufferings of both races, as a negro insurrection would occasion, may be in store for the country. Meanwhile it is gratifying to learn that 1,200 negroes have left Charleston to return to the employment of their former masters on Lea Island, which is good news for the cotton trade. The Fenians are making themselves busy in mischief as usual. In Canada the official returns number them at 70,000, and the Canadian authorities are proportionately busy in preparing for any possible outbreak. The Fenian flag has been hoisted over the headquarters in Union-square, but we do not hear that the illus trious brotherhood have been attempting anything more formidable. It is reported that the PRESIDENT'S speech will be pacific as regards Mexico, even while disclaiming any indifference on the subject. There is, indeed, quite enough to do within his own States, where there still remain several troubled questions to deal with. We shall soon have an account of the tone adopted by the Congress, which have several matters of vast importance submitted to its deliberations. -~- The Persia, from New York on the 20th brings us news that great apprehensions are felt respecting a negro insurrection in several parts of the South about Christmas. So strong are these fears that the military authorities in:Mississippi have thought it advisable to take precautionary measures, while the planters in Texas have sent their families, cot- rHE SUN; LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, DECEMBER are "things that come home to every man," they are not usually the most welcome of Christmas visitors. This pleasant volume of lively tales by a group of favourite authors must, however, we presume, be regarded as the exception to the rule.—We have taken up our books at random, or we should already have mentioned one of the most charming Christ mas books of this season—a new edition of Hans Christian Andersen's exquisite " Picture Book with out Pictures." In this instance we have the picture book gracefully sketched and gorgeously coloured by the pictorial fancy of the artist-poet ; but we have the picture book and the pictures also ! The graceful pencil of A. W. Bayes, and the skilful graver of the Brothers Dalziel, have--not in vain—endeavoured to illustrate and emulate the beautiful imaginings of the Danish dreamer. What the Moon Said (Rout ledge) is the title of this new series of the tales of Andersen, a companion volume to the " Stories and Tales" of the same author, published last year. Together they form a complete collection of the tales of Hans Christian Andersen—the Fairy Tale- Teller of Modern Days, the Poet of the Play -room! —Another gift-book which now makes its seasonable appearance, a gift-book which, for that matter, should be always in season is the Standard Poetry Book (Routledge), a concise collection of those standard poems ',which are household words with us all. Grey's Elegy, Campbell's Mariners of England, Goldsmith's Deserted Village, Milton's Sonnet on his Blindness, and others of equally world wide celebrity.—Among writers for the young, espe cially for boys, Anne Bowman is a deserved favourite. Her tales of peril and adventure are always de lightfully sensational and romantic. She has been fortunate in the selection of a theme for her Christmas book. The Boy Pilgrinzs (Routledge), beautifully embellished with golden camels traversing the desert on the exterior, and very effectively illustrated by some spirited sketches of " the Fight with the Ibex," " the Landing at Beyrout," " the Leopard at the Watch-fire," and many others. We have here a very interesting account of the extensive travels of two schoolboy friends who make a tour of the Holy Land, and meet with most marvellous adventures. It may readily be supposed how, in skilful hands, as are those of this popular authoress—this theme may be pro ductive of much instruction as well as of no small entertainment to the youthful reader.—Another charming volume, The Butterfly's Gospel (Jackson, Walford, and Hodder), contains three beautiful tales of Frederika Bremer, very happily translated by Mary Howitt. These stories, one of which tells about " a little girl who is worth her weight in gold" are also contained in Old Merry's Annual (Jackson, Walford, and Hodder), together with a pleasant variety of articles, some gay and some grave and serious—the object of the compiler bein gto illustrate the motto " Merry and Wise." Another plea sant children's miscellany is Beeton's Annual (Warne and Co.) Among the illustrations of this volume is a coloured picture of the Indian Suttee, which is rather an alarming subject of contemplation for a youthful reader !—Sundays at Encombe (Warne and Co.), by the Rev. H. C. Adams, is intended as a book for Sunday reading, and contains stories illus trative of the narratives of the Old Testament.-- Lost and Found: a Pastoral, by J. Crawford Wil son (Freeman), is a sweetly pathetic little poem, which may rank with the Christmas books, as its theme, though tender and tearful, is full of charity and love.—Among the boys' books we have omitted to class Ernie Elton, the Lazy Boy, by Elizabeth Eiloart (Routledge). This work is dedicated to her own boys by the authoress, who says that it is the amusement which they have derived from it that has induced her to publish the volume. Happily for other little boys she has done so, for Ernie Elton is a capital book, full of amusement and adventure. The appear ance of Ernie in Martha'S dress, after he has been stripped by the gipsies, is ludicrous in the ex treme, and the whole account of that adventure will be read with breathless interest.—To add new mer riment to the Christmas gathering, the delightful author of " A Trap to Catch a Sunbeam " has arranged some New Charades for the Drawing-room (Routledge). These charades are very cleverly contrived, a separate scene being devoted to each syllable of the word selected, and all these scenes, taken together, forming a little romance in them selves.—Another amusing little volutnette, entitled Double Acrostics (Routledge) gives a series of ori ginal and ingenious acrostics, each question having a double illustration.—Reminiscences of a Raven, by James Greenwood (Warne and Co.), gives the won derful adventures of a raven who has mingled in rather dubious company. London Society and Chambers's Journal have each as usual their Christ mas number, each containing several interesting tales. The cover of London Society gives a beau tiful representation of Old Christmas, with his fir tree in his hand, out in a snow scene, which is most felicitously depicted.—Sam Spangles; or, The History of a Harlequin, by Stirling Coyne (Rout ledge), illustrated with some ridiculous engravings, will afford much merriment to boys and girls.— The Boy's Wonder Book, No. 1, edited by Dr. Prim rose (Kent and Co.), is one of the best boy's serials we have seen, and it commences auspiciously at Christmas time.—From what we have said it will be seen that there is no lack of amusement provided for this Christmas season. West Coast of Africa. The West African mail steamer Macgregor Laird, Capt. R. J. Loury, arrived in the Mersey on Satur day morning, with dates from Benin to the 25th of October ; Fernando Po, Nov. 1; Cameroons, Oct. 30 ; Brass River and Lagos, Nov. 8 ; Accra, 10th; Cape Coast Castle, 12th ; Cape Palmas, 14th; Sierra Leone, 19th ; Bathurst, 23d ; Teneriffe, 29th ; and Madeira, Dec. 2. The following are her ad vices : At Fernando Po, Cameroons, Old Calabar, Brass, and Benin trade was moderate and the climate healthy. At Bonny trade was almost at a standstill in consequence of a dispute between the Bonny trad ing natives and those in the interior. It is, how ever, expected to resume its usual briskness in the course of a fortnight. No sickness in the river. At Lagos trade was brisk, and the health good. The steamer Thomas Bazley, which left about four months ago on an expedition up the Niger, under direction of Mr. M'Coskry, of Lagos, arrived here on the Bth inst. She had been very unsuccessful, so far as trade was concerned, and brought down Lieut. Bourchier, R.N., and Mr. Robins, who suc ceeded the late Dr. Bakie, of Lukoja, about four teen months ago, and who had remained at that place ever since, having had no communication with white people during that time. Mr. John Whit ford, of Liverpool, accompanied the expeditiOn, who, with Mr. M'Coskry, enjoyed first-rate health. Several of the crew of the Thomas Bazley died of African fever. Cape Coast was very healthy, no case of sickness having occurred among the Europeans for some time. A transport is expected daily to convey the troops at present stationed here to Sierra Leone, and those at Sierra Leone to the West Indies. MADEIRA.—On the 13th ult. her Majesty's ship Racoon arrived, having his Royal Highness Prince Alfred on board. She remained eight days, and then proceeded to Gibraltar. Twenty invalids, sent out by the Brompton Hospital, arrived at Madeira on the 20th ult. by the Maria Pia. Not nearly so many visitors have arrived this as on previous years, in consequence of the stringent quarantine regula tions. On the 4th inst. the Macgregor Laird passed her Majesty's ship Constantine, in lat. 37 37 N., and long. 13 30 W. The Macgregor Laird brings 19 passengers, 13 distressed British subjects, and 2,1084 oz. of gold dust. The following is a list of passengers :—J. Matton ; Lieut. E. B. P. White, 4th West India Regiment ; Lieut. Bourchier, R.N. ; Robins ; Dr. G. St. A. Campbell, R.N. ; W. D. Toull, R.N. ; K. H. Varlet ; A. B. M'lntyre ; Hon. G. W. Nicol ; H. Ireland; Deputy-Assistant-Commissary- General Squarey ; Captain Marshall, 3d West India Regiment; Staff-Surgeon Bradshaw; Mrs. Poitiers ; and Sutherland. AMONG THE ECHOES OF THE WEEK is a very cruel rumour— (without, we believe, any footing or foun dation)—to the effect that Mrs. Beecher Stowe—(Mrs. Beecher's toe)—has got the gout. LA TEST INTELLIGENCE. ditary possessions. Prince Leopold then paid a short visit to his native place, and in 1808, during the ab sence of his elder brother in Russia, undertook the government of the principality, though he was but a boy of 18. Returning again to Russia, he appeared by the side of the Emperor Alexander during that monarch's interview with Napoleon at Erfurt. He was not, however, permitted to remain long at rest. Napoleon having quarrelled with the Czar required, as Protector of the Confederation of the Rhine, that Duke Ernest should resign his Austrian, and that Prince Leopold should resign his Russian command. Bowing to necessity, Leopold went to Paris, and, if Napoleon's statement to O'Meara be correct, applied to become one of his aides-de-camp. "He was very near being one of my aides-de-camp," said the Em peror, in 1817, " to obtain which he had made inte rest, and even applied ; but by some means, very fortunately for himself, he did not succeed, as pro bably if he had he would not have been chosen to be a future King of England." " Most of the young Princes of Germany," continued he, " solicited to be my aides-de-camp, and Leopold was then about 18 or 19 years of age." The fact, however, seems doubtful. Napoleon's accuracy in his late years was open to question ; and from what we know of the foresight and astuteness of Prince Leopold, not to say his patriotism, it does not seem likely that he would have been willing to change sides thus sud denly, and, above all, to side with the bitter foe of his family, of his country, and of his most powerful friend. Certain it is, however, that he spent some time in Paris and in Imperial society, where, accord ing to Napoleon, he was accounted " one of the handsomest and finest young men of his time." He formed intimate friendships with many of the most illustrious personages of the empire, among whom Queen Hortense is especially mentioned. . The next two years of his life were uneventful. In 1811 we find him at Munich concluding a treaty with the King of Bavaria as to the boundaries of that kingdom and the Duchy of Coburg. In 1812 when Napoleon's Russian designs became apparent, he offered his services to the Emperor Alexander, but they were declined. This refusal may be ex plained in two different ways. Either the Czar gene rously wished to prevent the young Prince from placing himself in a position of difficulty with Napo leon ; or, what is more likely, he was offended with him for having too easily abandoned the Russian service and for having formed French connections. Whatever the cause may have been, Prince Leopold remained in comparative retirement, travelling in Austria, Switzerland, and Italy till the eventful year 1813, when Germany rose as one man against Napo leon. Leopold was then selected as the fit person to communicate the state of German feeling to the Emperor Alexander. He accordingly joined the Czar in Poland, and whatever temporary estrangement existed seems to have entirely disappeared. He re turned to active service, and commanded a Russian corps at the battles of Lutzen, Bautzen, and Leipsic. He entered Paris with the Allied Sovereigns, and he accompanied them to London. There he met the Princess Charlotte for the first time, and was so fortunate as to attract her regards. Returning once more to the Continent he was present at the Congress of Vienna, where he managed to obtain an increase of territory for his brother. The unexpected return of Napoleon recalled him to the Army of the Rhine, and with it subsequently he re-entered Paris. It was during his stay there that he received an invitation to revisit England, and to revisit it as the accepted suitor of the heiress to the throne. Sudden as the lightning the most splendid destiny flashed upon the obscure Prin3e of a petty German province. Leopold won without an effort the bride who seemed destined to the Prince of Orange, as some years later he ob tained without seeking half the Kingdom of the Netherlands. It was a strange fortune which thus fell to him that he should supplant the Prince of Orange in the affections of the most coveted Princess in Europe, and that, again, he should supplant both him and his father in the possession of half their (REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.) BELGIUM. MINISTERIAL PROCLAMATION TO THE PEOPLE. BRUSSELS, DEC. 11. The Council of Ministers have issued a procla mation which, after announcing the death of his Majesty King Leopold, says :—" The Belgian people will await with confidence the approaching day upon which the representatives of the nation will receive the,constitutional oath from the heir to the Throne. Until this oath shall have been taken the constitutional powers of the King will be exercised in accordance with Art. 79 of the Constitution, in the name of the Belgian people, by the Ministers assembled in Council, and under their responsi bility. BRUSSELS, Dec. 10, Evening. The following proclamation, announcing the death of King Lepold, was posted during the day in the streets of this capital : " Inhabitants of Brussels ! The King is dead ! His Majesty succumbed at 11.45 this morning, at his residence of Laeken, to tee attacks of the malady from which he has so long suffered. " All Belgians will deplore the loss of the Sove reign who has been associated for 34 years with the destinies of Belgium. " The high sagacity and striking personality of him who carries our eternal regrets with him to the tomb have favoured the development of a happy, prosperous, and free nationality, whose existence has become a pledge of security and peace to Europe. " History will tell that the founder of our national dynasty has bequeathed to posterity the pattern of the most loyal development of our free institutions, and has secured the indissoluble alliance of the Throne with liberty. " The country places its destinies with confidence in the hands of the worthy son of a model King— of the Prince who, born upon Belgian soil, partakes our sentiments and our wishes, as we share his pro found grief. " T. ANSPACH, Burgomaster. " Done at tha Hotel de Ville, Dec. 10, 1865." (From the Tinzes) Not only for the last few days, but also at inter vals for years past, the telegrams have been busy about the health of the King of the Belgians; so that the calamity of his death, which we announce to-day, can scarcely be unexpected. He had been long afflicted with a distressing malady, 9f which, however, to the honour of British surgery, he was completely cured about two years ago. It had defied the leading surgeons of the Continent, but yielded to the skill of Mr. Henry Thompson, who successfully performed the operation of lithotrity. After this remarkable cure it seemed as if the King, notwith standing his great age, might still count on the en joyment of not a few years of life. He had a strong constitution, and easily underwent fatigues which many young men may shrink from. He delighted in walking, and to the dismay of his attendants used to think little of 20 or 30 miles a day. Only in January last, while shooting at his chateaus in his Forest of Ardennes, he might be seen for six hours a day on 10 successive days tramping through the snow and defying fatigue, although he had then entered his 75th year. He was, indeed, too confident of his strength and took liberties with it. Just before coming to England last spring he had a slight paralytic seizure; although he was subject to a bronchial weakness, he came to visit the Queen, careless of the weather, and he left our shores, against all advice, equally careless. Since then we have had more than once the painful task of report• ing on the doubtful state of his health, and now there comes the saddest task of all—to record that he is dead. Leopold of Belgium, if not a great monarch, was the wisest of his time. His intellect was more dip lomatic than legislative, and he wanted the ambition of imperial minds ; but few men that care so little for power have enjoyed more. He had one of the smallest of kingdoms, yet he was one of the most powerful Princes 'in Europe, and certainly he was the most trusted. His life was wonderfully calm, yet it is one of the most extraordinary romances in history. He was the youngest and least of his family, yet ho was its real head, and he lived to see it dominate in the councils of the great powers. Before his time, although the name of Coburg was well known in Europe, his family was of small account. The name first of all became prominent towards the end of last century, when the grand-uncle of Leopold held high command in the service of the Emperor of the West, and had his name conjoined with that of Pitt as leader of the contest against the French Re volution. Pitt and Coburg were then regarded as the saviours of Europe, but unfortunately the Prince of Saxe-Coburg proved to be a dull general, who obstinately adhered to the old system of dividing his forces, and-covering an immense tract of country with his communications. He utterly failed ; the name of Coburg lapsed into obscurity, and no one anticipated that it would again become more power ful than ever, and would be associated in jest or in earnest with the salvation of Europe. Yet in our day we have read such a verse as this— Si par Dieu, le grande juge, Ce globe est eondamne, Qui d'un autre (Mingo Sera l'autre Nod ? C'est Coburg, Coburg, Coburg !" —the mock earnestness of which is a tribute to a great fact. If we remember rightly, it is M. de La gueronniere who described King Leopold as le Juge ds Paix de l'Europe. He displayed in a very marked manner the judicial character, and his grave, serious, reserved temperament, his reflective and balanced intellect—above all, his devotion to Liberal ideas and to the cause of human progress, are hereditary gifts which may be said to belong less to himself than to his family. He was not the man to make events ; he was the man to whom events offer, and to whom they are not offered in vain. Now he gets an offer of the most splendid alliance in the world, and now he gets the offer of kingdom after kingdom. Leopold. George' Christian Frederic, Prince of Saxe-Coburg-Saalfeld, was born on the 16th of De cember, 1790, the eighth of a family of nine chil dren, of whom two died in infancy, so that he was the youngest survivor. Older than he, were, among others, Prince Ernest, the father of our Prince Albert; Prince Ferdinand, grandfather of the pre sent King of Portugal ; and the Princess Victoria, afterwards Duchess of Kent, and mother of our. Queen. The kingdom which the wisdom and pru dence of Ernest the Pious had made a Power in Germany had not only become insignificant by re peated divisions, but that portion of it which re mained in the Coburg-Saalfeld branch of the family had also suffered severely from the injudicious ad ministration of Leopold's grandfather, Duke Ernest Frederic, during whose reign a considerable debt had been accumulated, to add to other misfortunes. Leopold's father, Duke Francis, did not much im prove the state of affairs, and before his death war had come to aggravate domestic miseries. We get our first glimpse of the future monarch whilst his country was suffering the most terrible of calami ties, and he himself one of the bitterest of do mestic bereavements. When, in 1806, the French army crossed the Rhine and entered the terri tory of Saxe-Coburg, Leopold was watching alone by his dying father's side, his two elder brothers being then engaged—the one in the Aus trian, the other in the Prussian army. Saalfeld was attacked, taken, and pillaged in October, and two months afterwards the unfortunate Duke Francis died, having lived only to see the fatal battle of Jena place Germany at the mercy of the conqueror. His eldest son was recognised as his heir by the Treaty of Posen, but his dominions were seized by Napoleon. Prince Leopold was thus driven from his native land, and entered the service of Russia, where he soon attained the rank of General in the army, a favour which doubtless he owed to the marriage of his third sister, Julienne, with the Grand Duke Constantine. The Peace of Tilsit in 1807 effected a favourable change in the fortunes of the Saxe-Coburg family, for by the arrangements concluded between France and Russia Duke Ernest was restored to his here- kingdom. On the 16th of March, 1816, the Prince Regent sent a message to Parliament announcing the in tended marriage of his daughter to Prince Leopold. On the 27th of the same month the fortunate Prince was naturalized ; he received the title of Duke of Kendal and the rank of General in the army, and on the 2d of May the marriage was celebrated at Carlton-house. A year and half of domestic hap piness and repose followed, which must have been peculiarly grateful to one whose whole youth had been exposed to continual vicissitudes. He took no active part in public affairs, devoting himself en tirely to study and domestic enjoyment, and fore shadowing in miniature that policy of reserve which his nephew in the more prominent position of Prince Consort most successfully adopted. We need not dwell on the sudden blighting of his hopes. His calamity was no less sudden than his good fortune. The Princess Charlotte died in De cember, 1817 ; but he had so identified himself with the nation, and had so won their confidence, that even after the bond which attached .him personally to England had been severed he con tinued to be regarded by the nation as one of them selves. He resided at Claremont in the closest re tirement, and before long it happened that a new object of interest arose for him. His sister had married the Duke of Kent, and in 1819 a daughter was born to her, who, under certain not improbable contingencies, would succeed to the British throne. He gave his sister the benefit of his advice and ex perience. The Duchess of Kent came to England comparatively ignorant of its language and manners, and her position hero, left as she soon was a widow, with the responsibility, of training up the heiress of the Crown, might have been insupportable had her brother not been at hand to assist her. For him it is difficult to imagine a history more strange or more full of vicissitude. In one day he is master of the most splendid position in the world. In one day he is removed from his pride of place and falls back into his original security. In one day, again, there gleams upon him the hope that his sister is to be the mother of an English Sovereign, and that through her his family may rise to the first place in the eyes of Europe. Prince Leopold did not remain many years in obscurity. In February, 1830, he was offered the kingdom of Greece. He accepted it on certain con ditions which we need not recapitulate, as it was impossible to comply with them. The result of non compliance was that he remained in retirement at Claremont. It has been asserted that when he thus declined the Crown of Greece he had some know ledge of the better fortune which was awaiting him. This, however, is quite impossible. The Greek Crown was declined on the 21st May, and the Revolution at Brussels did not take place till the following September. When that revolution broke forth it was not until after the claims of the Duke of Leuchtenburg and of the Duke of Nemours were interdicted—the former by France and the latter by England that the Bel gian people turned towards Prince Leopold. In June, 1831, he was elected their King, and in July he solemnly swore to observe the constitution and to preserve the independence and integrity of the country. He hid first, however, to fight for his crown, for the Dutch had not yet consented to the severance of Belgium. King Leopold had to fight the Dutch ; he was beaten at Louvain, and he was compelled to seek the assistance of the French. An army of 50,000 men came to his relitf, and the sing of the Netherlands withdrew his troops. In Sep' tember King Leopold opened for the first time th e Legislative Chambers, and then commenced the most arduous of tasks, the organisation of a new kingdom. In less than a year the nation was con stituted, an army of 80,000 men was ready for the field, credit was established, and a national loan of 80,000,000 florins was negotiated. In order Ail l further to consolidate his position the King married in August, 1832, the Princess Louise, eldest (laugh ter of King Louis Philippe. In the same year, the Netherlands being still reluctant to acknowledge the independence of Belgium, active measures vver_ taken to enforce a recognition, and Leopold, Wit', the assistance of a French army, laid siege to an recovered Antwerp. The result was that in 1 ‘ 13 Y . : 1833, a provisional treaty with the N et h er l a nds Was signed, though it was not made final and d efinite till some years afterwards. Henceforward the .ng devoted himself unceasingly to the developnlent,_% the internal resources of the country, and with AV.It success those who know the high position Beign' CHRISTMAS BOOKS. The Christmas Season brings its customary store of goodly volumes, gay and gorgeous without, and for the most part Slight and attractive within. The majority of the bright books now before us are children's books, and among these conspicuous in its beautiful appearance is the volume on Our Children's Pets, by Josephine (S. W. Partridge). On the crimson cover of this book, surrounded by a gilt frame, is the portrait of Robin Redbreast in full song, and this picture, which is glazed and shining like glass, is, in some mysterious manner, let into the cover so as to appear like a veritable picture in a frame. It is quite a curiosity in book binding, and most appropriate for a drawing-room table book at Christmas time. A series of charming illustrations, a chaffinch feeding its young, the pet lamb, teaching to fly, and other kindred subjects, with pleasant little sketches in prose and poetry, render the interior of this volume not unworthy of its very attractive outside.—Of a very different character is a book lying by its side, a book illus trated with a pencil kindred to that which some years back adorned the " New Tale of a Tub," and evoked roars of laughter from all who caught a glimpse of its marvels, the Hatchet Throwers, by James Greenwood (John Camden Hot ten), illustrated by Ernest Griset, from his original designs, and, assuredly, most original de signs they are ! Three separate stories are con tained in this amazing work. " The Astonishing Adventures of Three Ancient Mariners," " Brass, Brothers of Bristol, their Travels and Perils," and, lastly, " The Crocodile Witch." The illustrations are coloured, and are grotesque beyond the power of:description. The Three Ancient Mariners are first discovered " approaching the barbarous shore," clinging to a broken mast, with dilapidated gar ments, dishevelled hair, and distorted features. More deplorable yet is their appearance while " traversing the thirsty sands?' their tongues hanging half a yard out of their mouths ! A few pages later on we behold them swinging on the branch of a tree above the open jaws of a ravenous tiger ;in the next picture showing the end of the tiger, but not of the peril;" the tiger has been dashed over a precipice by a lion, who has taken up his watch in the tiger's stead ; then follows " Rhinoceros to the rescue," and rhinoce ros and lion are both flying in the air over the chasm, while the rescued mariners swing trium phantly on their tree. Shortly afterwards they encounter a band of cannibals, who, despising their abject appearance, feed and fatten them for the table, and when a little while afterwards the mariners make their escape, and are then seen flying for their lives, they appear so plump and fat that it is with difficulty they can avoid being over taken. From what we have said some idea, but a very inadequate idea,' may be formed of the humour of these extravagant illustra tions.--Routledge's Every Boy's Annual contains its usual amount of diversified articles on all matters likely to interest boys. Carpentry and joining, riding, rigging a boy's boat, with tales of interest and adventure, such as "Paul Gerrard, the Cabin Boy," by H. G. Kingston; " Fort Desolation," by R. M. Ballantyne ; " The Pirate Island," by Anne Bowman ; and some interesting " Anecdotes of Dogs," by the Rev. C. Williams.--The author of the " White Brunswickers" is favourably known to the schoolboy, and that favourable reputation will be increased by his new volume of romantic tales. Balderscourt, or Holiday Tales, by the Rev. H. C. Adams (Routledge), which amused the holiday homes of the juvenile inhabitants of Balderscourt, will enliven the holidays of many other juveniles this Christmas time. First and foremost of the tales is the " Smuggler's Cave," which is adorned with a very spirited illustration of the escape of Charlie Goring from the cave. He is descending a precipi tous rock by means of a rope, to which he clings with desperation. The fight with the wolves is another exciting picture, and the imploring entreaty of the Marcher's Heir will make many anxious to inquire as to his fate.—Madame de Chatelain has presented a charming Christmas gift to youthful readers, in the marvellous and mysterious history of The Sedan Chair, and Sir Wilfred's Seven Flights (Routledge). The secret of the chair itself, and the mystery that hangs over it, is admirably well contrived, and displays no inconsiderable powers of imagination. The " Sedan-chair" will be treasured in the juvenile library side by side with the fairy tales and the legends of Eastern romance.—The authoress of " The Wide, Wide World" contributes two very delightful books for youthful damsels-- The Two School Girls, and Helen Montgomery's Bookcase (Routledge), each volume illustrated with some charming coloured pictures, and each containing several tales interesting in style and beneficial in pur pose. The two school girls, the self-sufficient Annie Shaler and the gentle Annie St. John are a perfect contrast to each other. In the school room and the play room these two volumes will find many admirers.—Another very interesting story for young people is Try and Trust, by the author of " Arthur Moreland" (Routledge.) Mary and George, and Fred and Charlotte Whitmore, with their various faults and follies, struggles and successes, are the heroes and heroines of a very attractive story—a story containing a good moral lesson.—For younger children Aunt Emma, by the author of " Rose and Kate," is to be highly commended. It is just the book to please little children, being full of the ad ventures of little children like themselves.—While speaking of little readers, let us not pass over The Children's Friend (Seely), with its capital illustra tions, and instructive stories in prose and verse.— Tern Hood has, in a spirit worthy of the " Little Piggy" that appeared some few years back, indited some Jingles and Jokes for the Little Folks (Cassel, Petter, and Galpin). The illustrations, by C. H. Bennett, W. Brunton, Paul Gray, and Martin, are capital. Some are charmingly graceful, and others comically grotesque. Of the first class is the exquisite little picture of Bessie at the ball— " With her dancing eyes and her dancing curls, The daintiost dancer of all the girls." Tom Hood has also edited a Christmas book for older readers, written by the authors of " The Bunch of Keys," which was among last year's Christmas books. The name of this volume is Rates and Taxes (Groombridge and Sons). We cannot think the present title a very happy one, for although, as the editor remarks, rates and taxes th e Ili Casty .k k,e r N l'olic1( th - . a „ - tv ' 4 41 lord " 6 t f vr,) , ,, r o r s ,, 101 mei " 6.1 4 4101 and 1113 e be ti Piegn Presei ~~ Th, tiesael Serer 41 01st and v 4 elel LC te co an gc