The Sun. — London, England, 1866-03-01 00:00:00

LIFEBOAT SERNlOES.—During the storms of the past year the National Lifeboat Institution, by its life boats and other means, contributed to the savinf of 707 persons from different wrecks on our coasts. The Insti tution also expended £21,374 In the same period on its life boat eetabshments, in addition to granting £4,950 for re wards for saving life and exercising the lifeboats. 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 150 lifeboat stations. Contributions are received by the London and country bankers ; and by the Secretary, Richard Lewis, Esq., at the Institution, 14, John-street, Adelphi, London. TII E ATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LA_NE.- Managers. Messrs. E. Falooner and F. B. Chatterton. THIS EVENING, the Play of THE JEALOUS WIFE Mr. Phelps ; Messrs. li. Marston, Barrett, Warner, G. Belmore, E. Phelps, Harcourt; Mrs. Herman Vezin, Mrs. Vandcuhoff, his=es It. Leclercq. Seymour, Ste. Alter which, the Pantomime, LITTLE KING PIITIN ; or, Harlequin. fortunatus and the Magic rtirSe and Wishing Cap, Commence at 7. T HEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.- Sole Lessee and Maniger, Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, A ROMANTIC ATTACII3IENT. Mr. W. Farren, Mr. Compton ; Miss Ada Cavendish. To be followed by BROT HER. SAM Messrs. Sothern, Backstonc, Compton; Mesdamea elly Moore, Snowden, &c. After which, ORPHEUS IN THE HAYMARKET Blessrs. w. Farrcn, Fisher, Bartleman, Weathersby, dcc. ; Mesdames heelcy, Snowden, Moore, Lindley, Woolgar, Iloward, Wright, Coleman, Lovell, Prevot, &c. To conclude with at A. KISS IN TH ven. E DARK- Commence Se rOYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.- Under the sole Management of Mr. Pechter. THIS EVENING, THE ILLUSTRIOUS STRANGER- Mr. H. Widdicomb. Alter which, THE MASTER OF RAVENSWOOD. Mr. Ftchter ; Messrs. Jordan, Emery, Widdicomb, Vezin, J. U. Fitzpatrick, D. Evans ; iliesdames Ternan, Elsworthy, Lavenu, and C. Leclercq. Box Office open daily from El( ven till Five. NEW THEATRE-ROYAL ADELPHI. Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. THIS EVENING, at 7, a new farce called PIPKIN'S RUSTIC RETREAT. Messrs J. L. Toole and P. Bedford. After which, at 8, RIP VAN WINKLE. Rip (his 1521 appearance), Mr. Jefferson, supported by Messrs. Billington, Y. Bedford, It Phillips, Felix Rogue, Ashley, liburne, C. J. Smith; Mrs. Billingtor, &c. To conclude with BEHIND TIME. Messrs. J. L. Toole, R. Eburne. C. J. Smith ; Miss A. Seaman, &c. ROYAL Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. HIS EVENING, QUIET LODGINGS. After which, at a quarter to Eight, IT IS NEVER TOO LATE TO MEND. Characters by Misers. Vining, T. Mel ville, T. Mead, 1). Murray, S. Caihaein, F. Villiers, J. G. shore, G. Murray, 11. Mellon, C. Seyton, R. Cathcart; Miss L. Moore and Miss Katherine Rodgers. ROYAL ST RAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress, Dfrs. Swanborough. THIS EVEN[NG, at Seven (21st time), a new and origi• nal Comedy, THE FLY AND THE WEB. Mes rs. For telle and Price; Misses Swanborough and Raynham. After which will be produced a new Opera Burlesque, L'AFRICAINE • or, The Queen of the Cannibal Islan is. Messrs. Stoyle, James, Thorne; Mesdames Swanborough, klaynham, Johnstone, Ac. To conclude with LENDING A. HAND. Messrs. Belford Turner ; Misses Simpson and Hughes. CIRATIS AND POST FREE. kjl E. MOSES and SONS' FASHIONABLE ALMANAC for 180, List of Prices, with Fashion-card for the present season. MOSES AND S 0 N • respectfully call attention to their large and. well assorted stock of JUVENILE CLOTHING. The newest fabrics are combined with the latest and most fashionable designs, and the best workmanship. E. MOSES and SON give particular attention to this important branch of their business, and they can with confidence affirm that the prices Are such as must satisfy the most economical. This depart ment is in a distinct part of the premises, which will be found a grea convenience for ladies and children. MOSES AND SON • respectfully invite public attention to their large and well-assorted WINTER STOCK. 1M MOSE S AND SON'S •.. SANDRINGHAM" and "DANISH " WRAPPER Introduced cy them) is the newest and most fashionsb:e style of Overcoats for the season. MOSES AND SON'S ,A• READY-MADE and BESPOKE CLOTHING for all classes and all ages. MOSES AND SON'S E. CELEBRATED •"INDISPENSABLE" SUIT, from 303. EMOSES AND SON'S , HOSIERY ancl ATERY, for all elasses'and all ages. E. MOSES AND SON'S EATS AND CAPS,__ fvr all classes and all ages. iy MOSES AND SON'S • BOOTS and byOES, for all classes and all ages. MOSES AND SON'S LA • OUTFITS, for all classes, all ages, and all climates. MOSES AND SON'S LONDON HOUSES, 154, 15.5, 156, 157, Minories; 83, 81, 85, 86, 87, 89, Aldgate ; 506, 507, 508, New Oxford--street ; 1,2, 3, H art-street; , ; 137, 138, Tottenham-ootirt-road ; 288, Eubton-road. Also, Bradford, Yorkshire: MOSES AND SON'S E • Establishments are closed every Friday evening at sunset until Saturday evening at sunset, when business is re sumed until 11 o'clock. All articles are marked the lowest prices in plain figures. Any article nut appr.vedot will be mmhau2-,ed, or the money returned. i,ist of Prices with Rules for Self-measurement, Fashion Card, and our new pamphlet, •' The Philosophy of Dress," gratis and post free. 41IIE LAST EDITION OF " THE SUN," _IL Containing the Latest. broA;,II:I,U lii I'ELLVIENC Dan be had Every Evening of G. B. GLBNIE, NEWS AGENT, No. 4. Connaught-term e, Ilyde-park. y.IIE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN" supplied, as soon as published every Evening , by ALEXANDER (late BROOKS), Newspaper Agent, 22, Old Cavenciisu- etreet, Oxford-street. THE LAST EDITION of " THE SUN " supplied as soon as Published, containing all the LA TEST NEWS and SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, by H. W. HARRIS, Nenspaper Agent, 4, Blacktriars-road, London, S. THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN." J. HOLMES begs to inform his friends, and the public) g.nerally, that he supplies the LATEST EDITION of • TIM SUN" as soon as published —No. 16, Hampstead road, NAV. PORTING.—JOIIN ROBERTS supplies the 17, LATEST EDITION of "Taw SUN" as soon as pub lishtd.-4, Bath-street, City-road, E.C. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tcns DAY.—Morning, 2n. 10 m. —Afternoon, 2h. 30m. TJ-Monnow.-Morning, 2h. 50m.—Afternoon, 3Lt. 9m. ~~~ t 4, '4: 'll 0:1 - THE SUN,' LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, MARCH 1, 1866. LONDON, THURSDAY, MARCH 1, 1866. Few naval disasters of late years have excited a greater amount of sympathy and sorrow than the loss of the steamship London. The destruc tion of life was so great, the circumstances of the wreck so harrowing, and the disruption of family ti es so painful, that the public feeling was deeply moved, and the natural questions imme diately asked were to what cause the disaster was due, and whether by any means it might have been prevented. The careful and laborious inves tigation by the Board of Trade has just been brought to a conclusion, after an examination of 24 witnesses, who had either a pers onal knowledge of the ship or were experienced in shipbuird ity,. The conclusion to which the examiners have arrived arc on the whole favourable to the London, and exonerate its owners and its officers from suspicion of negligence or mismanagement. Captain MARTIN'S high reputation, long experience, and proved courage under the most trying circum stances, have throughout encouraged the belief that he did all that he believed it expedient to attempt, or possible to accomplish. This opinion was current from the first, and although there might be points in the management of the ship which seafaring men criticised or disputed, it was incontestable that tliey were not acquainted with the exact circumstances under which Captain MARTIN gave his orders, or with the reasons which dictated them. The construction of the ship her self is, however, more open to criticism. There seems little reason to doubt that her original design was unfavourable to the success of her struggle with the elements. Her length was7i times her breadth, a proportion b y means mes no d weight added to in modern ship building, b e u a t d , de d to the weight of her material andthe of her cargo, putting her at a great disadvan tage. Again, the opinion of the report is that with regard to the weight of the cargo and the manner of the stowage the ship was in a satis factory condition ; but there are considerable doubts on the subject. The London was very heavily loaded, and the evidence of Mr. WILSON, a retired shipbuilder of Liverpool, supports the theory that the build of the ship and the weight of her cargo contributed materially to the disaster. No blame can be attached to the owners, since they only followed the usual custom, and conformed to the standard adopted by LLOYD'S surveyors. No censure whatever can be passed upon the London or its stowage individually ; but the extent of the catastrophe may well make it worth while to ask how far it is desirable to sacrifice safety to speed in the construction of a passenger vessel, and whether another and modified standard as to cargo might not with propriety be adopted. The Court, indeed, recommend, as they have already recom mended, in the case of the Amalia, that the deep load line should be permanently marked on all vessels carrying passengers and merchandise ; and we hope that this suggestion -.vill not be overlooked, as it will afford a simple and ready means of testing the weight of a cargo. It is sufficient that several . persons who had gone to see their friends on board, and to say, unknowingly, a last goodbye, were struck with the apparent depth of the ship in the water. Non-professional eyes, how ever, might naturally have believed them selves mistaken, and the general opinion as to the speed, safety, and favourable prospects of the London was all that could be desired. The imme diate cause of the disaster in the minds of the examiners was the loss of the engine-room skylight. When this was washed away the water rushed down into the engine-room, put out the fires, and completely destroyed every chance of escape. It is uncertain what was the reason of the total loss of this unfortunate skylight. The report says that, if properly secured, it was a sufficient protection from the sea unless from any extraor dinary accident. But the result seems to prove that the protection was not sufficient, since no ship intended for the passage between England and Australia could avoid encountering heavy gales ; and as "no machine is stronger than its weakest part," so no vessel can be said ,lo be ; and the report, when observing that " all the hatch ways of a ship ought to be made as strong as her deck, and when occasion requires it secure from the intrusion of the sea," endorses the opinion that the skylight might have been more efficiently constructed. The fact of the sides of the ship being nearly level with the deck was another drawback to the struggling company, while of course the gale which they had to encoun ter was of exceptional severity. Curiously enough, just following the publication of the Report, comes a message from the sea—a voice from the dead, making itself heard above the echo of winds and waves from the fatal Bay. On the 12th of last month three bottles were found on the coast of Quiberon, where already spars and splinters of the unfortunate ves sel have been picked up. These bottles contained six papers written by passengers on board the London, in the near prospect of inevitable death. Most of them consist of a few brief words of fare well to their relatives. One, however, contains the significant passage—" Ship too heavily laden for its size, and too crank ; windows stove in, water coming in everywhere ' Storm not too violent for a ship in good condition." These words carry weight, as coming from one actually present at the scene of the catastrophe, and having only too good reason to examine into its origin. We can only hope that this painful lesson will not be lost upon ship-builders or ship-owners, but that a greater regard to the security of their vessels and their passengers may henceforward be the paramount consideration. The second part of the very interesting paper which Captain PI3I read at St. James's Hall re lated exclusively to the recent insurrection in Ja maica, and accordingly the sense of the meeting was taken as to whether or not it should be con tinued. " On a show of hands it was found that, with the exception of one person, the meeting was unanimous that the rest of the paper should be read." In touching upon this vexed question the writer seems to confine his remarks to those portions of the subject which relate to the misunderstandings that have arisen in certain quarters among those who, " when urging upon the Government the sus pension of Governor EYRE, added their pious hope that it would be by the neck." Foremost among the causes that have created this confusion is rightly mentioned the fact that Governor EYRE in his despatch attributed the blame to Dr. UNDERHILL and the Baptists. Nothing but this, indeed, has given rise to the excitement that has arisen on the subject ; for those who ought to be the most correct judges, the colonists themselves, are unanimous in their approval of the measures adopted by Governor EYRE. It is worthy of notice that Dr. UNDERHILL's remarks were calculated to have most injurious effects upon those who heard them ; and as it is truly stated here, those expressions which would be harmless in this country are most prejudicial when uttered before " excitable negroes," who are in a preponderance of forty to one over the whites. As for the publication of this document it is here said that had it not been done in an orthodox form the Baptist missionaries would have done it for themselves, and thus made matters worse by exaggerations and additions of their own. The insurrection at Morant Bay was in course of preparation for months, and abundant proofs are not wanting to this effect. All the steps taken by PAUL BOGLE show that he proceeded in a re gular course, according to fixed rules ; and his marshalling his forces and making them take a " fearful oath" are substantial witnesses as to his pre-determined acts. Then, in contradiction to the stories afloat at_Exeter Hall and elsewhere as to the imprudent act of the Volunteers in firing on the harmless negroes, and thus causing the riot, we find that prior to their proceeding to the Court-house the rebels had visited the police-sta tion and possessed themselves of the arms. Very properly does Captain Pim declare that only great ignorance can have caused the outcry that has arisen concerning the proclamation of " martial law," for such a step was rendered indispensable. An admirable definition is here given of the mat ter, and the mistake alluded to very commonly met with of confounding martial law with cotnricaeisrns ofthenaavpa plication of l aw to the l courts-martial. Th e latter and military men who know, to what they are subject when joining the services. Martial law, on the contrary, is the absence of law, and as a better exponent of the' thing could not be found than the. Duke of WELLINGTON, it is worth while to notice what he says :—," Martial law is neither more nor less than the will of the General who commands the army ; in fact, martial law means no law at all ; therefore the Genera who declares martial law, and commands that it should be car ried into execution, is bound to lay down the rules, regulations, and limits, according to which his will is to be carried out." This definition reads strangely after the tirades to which we have been treated, and the murderous charges made by Mr. BRIGHT both in the House and at public meetings, when he presumed to drag in all the Judges of the United Kingdom as his suppositious allies, thus giving these learned men the credit for being as ignorant and prejudiced as himself. As for another cause of offence in England, 'the length of time during which martial law was in force, it is to be considered that great danger accrued from the preponderance of the blacks and whites, and besides, while any " organisation" survived the rebels could always make head again, because they could hide in forests and mountains, and impassable rivers afforded them slielter. After the Governor had thought the insurrection ended so far as it was apparent, a proclamation of PAUL BOGLE appeared, which proves that he did not think that the agitators had received their death blow. " It is time for us to help ourselves ; skin for skin," observes this dauntless and desperate leader. " Every <me of you must have your house —take your guns ; who don't have guns, take cut lasses down at once, blow your shells, roll your drums, house to house, take out every man, march them down to Stony Gut. Any that you find take them in the way; take them down with their arms. War is at my black skin ; war is at hand from to-day till to-morrow. Every black man must turn out at once, for the oppression is too great." Does all this sound like the ontspeaking of one among a horde of victims hnnted about by cruel and unscrupulous soldiers, or does it not rather read like the settled purpose of a man who has resolved to do or die in desperate venture, and who, in the pro secution of his fell intention, will set law and reason at defiance, and will care as little for the laws of man as he regards the commandments of GOD. The trial and execution of GORDON, of course, engage attention in this paper, and it is truly stated that the Governor gave another proof of his " cou rage and determination by ordering the arrest of this man, because, although all were convinced of his guilt, many were unwilling to proceed to ex tremities, because of the danger of an outbreak at Kingston. " Things like these are especially the evils which call for decision and daring, and the maligned and calumniated Governor showed himself conspicuous for the possession of these valuable qualities. As for the step which has been so much called in question, of removing GORDON from Kings ton to St. Thomas's-in-the-East, we find a very plausible explanation here given of it. In the first place, it was quite in accordance with the laws of the land; and also peace could not, under any com bination of circumstances, have been preserved at Kingston had the authorities settled for the trial to take place. With respect to the court-martial, we find that two courts were sitting to try prisoners, and of these the one, composed of two naval officers and an ensign in the army, was selected because it was composed of officers of higher rank, and also because it was considered that it was strictly impar tial ; the other court, officers of the island militia, were strongly influenced against GORDON, as they knew him well. GORDON'S defence lasted ilcr two hours, and this fact is here commented on, its being certainly a decisive contradiction to the statement that the prisoner was tried in great haste, and hur ried into eternity without time for thought and pre paration. As for the course pursued by GORDON himself there are not wanting many proofs to show that he was constantly at work in organising rebel lion, and fomenting discord and strife. The letter he wrote to Mr. CHAMEROVZOW, which was read at Exeter Hall, is a notable instance of this. His speeches in the Assembly were remarkable for their intemperance and intolerance; and it seems, indeed, strange that any one can read the extracts from hem without feeling assured of the dangerous ten dencies and unscrupulous character of the speaker. When a man goes so far as to say that, per se, the people would be quite right to break into open rebellion, and that if the Gover nor is allowed an illegality, an illegality on the part of the people may be permitted, it certainly speaks strongly against him. Further on he states that "he had never seen an animal more voracious for cruelty and power than the present Governor of Jamaica. if we are to be governed by such a Go vernor much longer the people will have to fly to arms and become self-governing." The inconsis tency of the man equals his vehemence, and we may well be amazed when we find him declaring at his trial that PAUL BOGLE was certainly his political friend, and then in his letter to his wife, an hour before his execution, stating that he knew "nothing of the man BOGLE." In alluding to the unfair treatment which Governor EYRE has received, it is very correctly stated here that " little did he think when the news of Lord PALMERSTON'S death reached Jamaica that he of all men would ever have bitter cause to regret the loss of a statesman who never turned his back on a loyal and dutiful public servant." When we con sider that there has been as many as four serimr; and ten minor insurrections in Jamaica, during the last hundred years, and the unsettled state of the island at present, we may well agree with the expressions here used in condemnation of the uncertain and unbecoming conduct of our Ministers. First they send out thanks to the Governor, and then, intimidated by deputations and scenes of rowdyism, thc,y send out orders to suspend him. Such course must prove most injurious to the prospects of our colonies, and subversive of the authorities in those parts, whether naval, military, or civil. In concluding his admirable paper on this subject, Captain Pus observes emphatically that " it is astounding to hear those who have never been out of their own country vehemently laying down the law in opposition to men who have spent great part of their time in obtaining a know ledge and experience in official, profes sional, and commercial life in the colonies." After the thanks of the meeting had been unani mously accorded to Captain Pigs, some other gen tlemen made speeches connected with this interesting subject. Mr. HUGH SEMPER, who has long been con nected with the colonies, declared that it was impos sible to prove that there was any class legislation as had been asserted. In Jamaica the white men im pose heavy taxes upon their landed property in order to carry out plans which are for the " exclu sive benefit of the blacks." The same gentleman also quoted the remark made concerning ROBE SPIERRE by a French author, that he took care to enjoy his own liberty, and also sought to possess that of other people as well, thus showing his regard for the principle of it. The same will apply to the reckless accusers of the colonists, who not only de mand a full share of freedom for the blacks, but seek per fas et nefas to deprive the whites of every vestige of it. Th e constitution of Jamaica permits martial law t o b e proclaimed without any previous l egislation takm . illegal act i s, g place; and it i s h ere m entioned by Mr. SEmPEP. that G overnor Mosrvii, when tried for could neither plead that he had property exercised, the prerogative of the Crown, or was protec by any local law, or by any post ex facto legislation ; but Governor EYRE can claim all these. In a few remarks, which he made at the conclusion of the proceedings, Captain Pm stated that whether Governor EYRE was right or wrong the Government of the country was greatly to blame, becatise it was quite clear that a rowdy invasion of Downing-street ought not to have been tolerated for one moment by Ministers having the slightest regard not only for their own but for the nation's dignity. In conclusion, he earnestly hoped that if ever he should be in a similar position to that of Governor EYRE he might have the courage, deter mination, and self-reliance to act precisely as his Excellency had done. LA TEST INTELLIGENCE. (REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.) PRUSSIA. BERLIN, MAncu 1. It is stated that in the Ministerial Council held yesterday, the definitive settlement of the question of the Duchies formed the subject of the discussion, and that a resolution was arrived at. RUSSIA. ST. PETERSBURG, MAncu 1. The rumours of a forthcoming new lottery loan of 100 millions of roubles are still current, and it is stated that it will be issued on the same conditions as the Loan of 1864. CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS. (FRO3I OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) PARIS, Wednesday Evening. According to what is called the news of the day there is to be another conference of the Powers forming part of the Treaty of Paris, in order to make a fresh arrangement relative, to the govern ment of the Principalities. France and Austria have taken the initiative in demanding this new proposition for the settlement of difficulties. The discussion on the address proceeds in the Corps Legislatif with no lack of " sound and fury" on the part of the Opposition, but without any specific purpose. Yesterday the hero of the sitting was M. Latour du Moulin, who, with many rheto rical flourishes and some acrimony, wound up his demands simply by saying, that he did not want a radical change in the Constitution or anything Uto pian, but simply " practicable progress." The sit ting in the Corps Legislatif was very strong. M. Glais Bizoin having made some puerile observa tions, M. Rouher, Minister of State, properly termed them pasquinades, and not political argu ments. M. Jules Simon said it was an offence against the country to treat a Deputy in that way. It was not discussion. The Minister, however, was well supported in his determination not to allow impertinent hallucinations. M. Didier went to the Ministerial Lench and said, " You have done per fectly right." A Deputy said he wished to call the Minister to order, but the majority of members were of opinion that it was the interrupting mem ber who should have been called to order. M. Lefebvre Durufle, in presenting a petition to to the Senate from M. Louis Martin, shorthand writer to the Corps Legislatif, praying that instruc tion in shorthand should form part of university education, entered into some interesting historical particulars upon the subject. He found, he said, from his researches, that Cicero adopted an abbre viated mode of writing, and Seneca composed a dictionary of signs representing words most fre quently used. King Titus studied the art. Zeno phon and the disciples of Socrates used the short hand of Tiron, which was the first brought into general practice. Cicero, in his 32d Epistle to Adieus, says, " You could not decipher a passage in my last letter. lam not astonished, for I used abridged notes." Charles the First of England wrote an account of his misfortunes in shorthand, not wishing every one to know the political errors of his people. M. Darufle presented to the Senate specimens of shorthand of various epochs. An in ventor of one of these systems said, "To shorten labour is to prolong life." M. Hippolyte Prevost, principal shorthand writer to the Chambers, has invented a system of universal shorthand. The speaker, after contending that it was very easy to become perfect in the useful art of shorthand, men tioned that, at a school for young ladies at Troyes, in 1846, prizes were distributed to several of the pupils, who had obtained great proficiency in the art. M. Babinet, of the Academy of Sciences, describes a curious eclipse of the moon, as it will be seen at Paris on the 31st March. From 54 minutes past 3 in the morning till 32 minutes past 5 the moon will be entirely obscured by the shadow of the earth. She will only emerge after the time of setting. The moon will be at the full on that day. The time for the setting of the moon will be 44 minutes after five in the morning. As the sun will rise at 42 minutes after five, the two planets will be seen at the same time on the horizon, one in the east and the other in the west, with a disc partially obscured by the shadow of the earth. Mademoiselle Patti, it is said, has just signed an engagement with the director of the Opera at St. Petersburg, according to which she is to receive 10,000 f. a night, and is to sing eight times a month. For her professional services she will thus receive the moderate sum of 20,000 f. The Opposition papers, being very much at a loss for criminatory charges against the Ministry, for a fortnight have accused the municipal autho rities with interfering at the elections. These accusations, however, have been triumphantly refuted. Winter has come back to-day. We have had snow, sleet, rain, wind, and excessive cold. Provident Clerks' Benevolent Fund. We have great pleasure in directing the atten tion of our readers to the report of the 25th meet ing of this fund, which appears in our columns of to day. The respected Treasurer, John Abel Smith, Esq., M.P., who has held that office from the foun dation of the fund, presided, and we cordially en dorse his remarks on the importance of the institu tion, and'on the remarkable progress of the class of which it is the sole representative among the bene volent institutions of the country. His obser vations on the intellectual progress made by the class is perfectly correct, and the striking cases he quoted of a Government clerk who, while punc tually discharging his duties, found time so com pletely to master the cuneiform character as to publish a lexicon of it, is by no means a single instance of intellect ua l activity. Indeed, if ano th er instance were wanting, we might point to the un tiring literary labours of one of our first modern novelists, Mr. Anthony Trollope, whose official duties are by no means those of a sinecure. In the Bank of England, too, and in many large mercantile establishments, are numerous instances of gentlemen holding official appointments and fulfilling their duties with energy and exactitude, but finding ample time in their hours of relaxation for deep and careful study and for successful practice of the arts and science. Among a class containing such members it is by no means surprising to find that a fund bearing their name and identified with their interests has flourished and progressed. The only wonder is that its improvement has not been even more rapid and extensive. There is no want of recognition of its merits among those best qualified to judge, as the names which stand at its head amply testify. While such trustees as Messrs. Bari ng , Crawford, Hankey, and Rothschild are found connected w i t h an institu tion, whether of a charitabl e or commerc i a l na t ure , the public may feel satisfied that the management is not only honest, but efficient ; and the compliment paid by Mr. Smith last evening to the directors and the Secretary for their gratuitous services was well merited. We are glad to learn that the directors, after an interregnum of five years, have decided on organising a festival dinner in aid of the fund tin der the presidency of Mr. 11. w. Crawford, M.P. Of the success of the effort we have no doubt, as 25 years of unbroken prosperity is a tolerable guarantee against• anything in the shape of failure. Under the title of Scientific Opinion a new weekly journal is about to appear, to do for scientific readers what is done by Public Opinion for general readers. Its plan will include reports of the scientific societies, home and foreign ; short notices of scientific works ; and a department of " Note; Queries, and Memoranda" on scientific subjects. THE BALLOT SOCIETY.--The annual general meeting of the members of this society was held at the society's offices, 61, Cheapside, on Tuesday last ; Mr. M. E. Marsden, one of the treasurers, in the chair. The an nual report and balance-sheet were read, and the adoption of them was moved by the chairman, seconded by Mr. Sydenham Nodes, and carried unanimously. The re-ap pointment of the treasurers, hon. secretary, and committee was moved by Lieutenant-General T. Porronet Thompson, and seconded by Mr. Man. This resolution was also carried unanimously. SPAIN. MADRID, FEB. 28 (Evening.) Senor Cirilo Alvarez, a member of the Progres sist party, took his seat in the Senate to-day. A special mission has arrived from Brussels to present the order of Leopold to the Prince of the Asturias. THE INDIA AND CHINA MAILS. ALEXANDRIA, FEB. 27. The Messageries Enperiales steamer Said, with the above mails, left here this morning, and may be expected to arrive at Marseilles on the morning of the sth March. FRANCE. The Moniteur du Soir says :—" The events at Bucharest have again called attention to the Danu bian Principalities. This is not the first occasion since the Paris Conferences that difficulties have arisen upon this ground, but they have always been smoothed away by agreement with the Powers and the Porte. There is reason to believe that the Courts which signed the Convention of Aug. 19, 1858, will know how, as heretofore, to prevent all ulterior complications. Even before consulting each other they were unanimous in considering the ques tions raised by Prince Couza's abdication as neces sary to be submitted to European deliberation. The Count of Flanders has refused the Crown offered him in the name of the Principalities. Let us hope that the Provisional Government will strive to avoid everything that might render the task of the Cabinets more difficult, and will neglect nothing to secure the maintenance of order." I IThe Moniteur duSoir observes—" The Cabinet of Florence has laid before Parliament the treaty of commerce concluded with the Zollverein. The re serves said to have been made by some of the Ger man States in adhering to the stipulations of that act induced the Italian Minister in Prussia to ask instructions from his Government. Thence the delay that has occurred in exchanging the ratifica tions. But the explanations given by the Cabinet of Berlia upon the bearing of reserves which further, do not appear to have been invested with an official form, have been thought satis factory, and the Italian Ministry has no longer hesitated to lay the treaty before the Chambers. In the preamble to the bill intended to give King Victor Emanuel's Govern ment the power of executing that act, it is said that the Italian Plenipotentiary shall have solemnly en tered upon the protocol of the exchange of ratifica tions the fact that no reserve is laid downr. He will, at the same time, announce that it is the in tention of Italy to accredit agents to all the States of the Zollverein when required." The resolution adopted by the Austrian Ministry for the extension of commercial relations :with Italy has been immediately communicated to the Custom house authorities upon the common frontier. The Cabinet of Florence does not appear to have come to a determination upon the question . of reciprocity.' The Moniteur du Soir contains the following : " Diplomatic documents, published at the com mencement of the legislative session, have already made known the attitude taken up by the Emperor's Government in face of the troubles in the Lebanon: The French agents have been from the first requested to lend their moral support to the Governor-Gene ral, inducted by virtue of the settlement of 1861. That act further remains the basis of all agreements between the Cabinets upon the affairs of the Mou ntain, and the facts which have occurred have been unable to weaken its authority. It is, however, none the less to be regretted that an unreflecting attempt should have supervened, interrupting the work of pacification, so important to the people of the Lebanon after the lamentable trials of 1860." BOURSE, Feb. 28, Two o'clock—Sales predo minate, and quotations are lower. Threes, for the Account, are doing at 69f. 221 c. Italian Fives have a similar decline---to 61f. 271 c. Credit Mobi lier Shares have receded 3f. 75c., the present quo tation being 675 f. In the Railway Department Lyons Shares have fallen 5f., viz., to 885 f. Northern have also fallen—to 1,115 f. 50c. The reponse des primes .have just taken place at the following prices:—Three per Cents., 69f. 221 c. ; Italian Loan, 61f. 30c. ; Credit Mobilier, 675 f. ; Spanish Mobilier, 403 f. 75c.; Lyons Shares, 885 f. ; R oman , 115 f. ; Lombard, 400 f. ; Paris Gas, 1,715 f. 50c. ; and Immobiliere Shares, 523 f. 75c. The reports are about the same as yesterday. A further fall of 1 per cent. is telegraphed on English Consols. 'Three o'clock.—Towards the end a much better feeling was displayed, and the market closed on the following higher quotations : 41 per Cents 99 30 Do. end month 3 per Cents. 69 30 Do. end month 69 35 Credit Mobilier Do. end month Bank Shares 3685 Credit Voncier 1335 Italian Loan 6l 35 Do. end month 6l 30 RAIL' Roman Ottoman Fives 3B 50 Mexican Loan 4B Do. Bonds 3OB 75 Russian — Austrian Spanish Threes Home Debt Deferred IVAYS. Cash. Amt. ••• ••• 865 - -- ••• 1115 -- ••• 800 552 50 Orleans Northern Lyons and Mediterranean Southern Western Eastern — Sardinian Austrian — ... 142 50 401 25 Lombard North of Spain — 401 25 ... 172 '5O Saragossa ..• 225 Ditto to Barcelona Roman..• 115 Trade and Navigation. The Board of Trade returns for last year wore issued late on Monday afternoon. The amount of exports of British and Irish produce and manufactures for the year was £165,862,402, as compaied with a total of £160,449,000 for the previous year, and £146,602,312 for 1863. The ex cess of 1865 over 1864 is thus £5,413,349, and over 1863 £19,260,000. The exports for the month of December wero £15,030,088, about three millions above the figure for the corresponding month of 1864 ; but they were half a million less than the previous month of November. In regard to the particular goods exported the month of December shows pretty nearly the same results as those of the two or three months previous. The following totals of the year aro compared with those of 1864:- 1865. 1864. Woollen & worsted manufactures £20,102,259 £18,533,427 Linen manufactures 9,155,358 8,172,813 Cotton manufactures The account of the import values is not brought down to the and of the yoar in these returns. It appears, how ever, that the total of tho principal articles imported for the 11 mouths ending with November was £180,820,357, as compared with £197,448,426 for the corresponding period of 1864. The quantity of raw cotton imported shows a great excess in 1865 over 1864. In 1865 it was 8,731,919 cwt., and in 1864 7,975,935 cwt. The increase had arisen towards the end of the year ; and the month of !December shows half ia million cwt. over the cor responding month of 1864. The quantity of wheat im ported was 21,089,140 cwt. in 1865, and 23,318,716 in 1864. Tho following are the returns of the number of animals imported for the last throe years :- 1863. 1864. 1865. Oxen, &c. Calves 41,245 52,226 ... 55,743 Sheep and lambs Swine and hogs 27,137 85,362 132,943 It is noticeable, however, that there is a diminution of the number of oxen imported in December, as compared with the same month in 1861, tho falling off being from 37,729 to 31,498. Provident Clerks' Benevolent Fund. The twenty-fifth annual meeting of the members of the Provident Clerks' Benevolent Fund was held last night at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate street ; John Abel Smith, Esq., M.P., presided. The annual report of the directors was read by Mr. LINFORD, the secretary, as follows : The Directors of the Provident Clerks' Benevolent Fund have much pleasure in presenting to the members and friends of the Fund their loth annual report. The income of the past year has been as follows : s (1. From Subscriptions... ... 1,534 3. 0 ~ Donations 81 10 „ Interest on Investments 1,263 17 9 £2,870 11 3 Pursuant to the resolution of t' o annual general meeting held on the 225 February last, an election of twelve annuitants took place on the 25th May, when the following were elected, viz.: 3 Clerks to annuities of £3O each, 7 Widows to „ of .£2O „ 2 „ of £l5 „ being 12 annuitants for a tot a l sum o f £260 per annum. Two annuitants have died during the year, and one has re-married, and the Board now recommend that eight ad ditional annuitants be elected, viz., two clerks and six widows of clerks. A resolution to the effect will be sub mitted to the meeting. The sum cf £176 3s. has been distributed in gratuities during the past year. In their last report the board informed the members of their intention to celebrate the 25th anniversary of the Fund by a public dinner. From unavoide blo causes they wore compelled to defer their purpose until the present year, when Robert Wigram Crawford, Esq., who has been appointed ono of the trustees in the place of Mr. Prescott, deceased, has kindly consented to preside. The day fixed on is the 2d of [day. As on the last occasion, the aid of every member will be solicited, when the board do not doubt that, as on that occasion, the most gratifying results will be obtained. The claims of this fund on the mercantile community are so strong that it is with the fullest confidence the board appeal for the assistance which the constantly increasing claims on the fund have rendered necessary. The balance-sheet showed a balance of receipts over expenditure of .£852 9s. Bd. The capital account showed a balance to credit of £30,179 15s. 7d. The CHAIRMAN said he rose to discharge a pleasing duty—namely, to move that the report be adopted ; and he heartily congratulated the institution that at present it stood so favour ably, and was in a position so gratify ing and so encouraging. He did not see so many persons attending the meeting as he could wish, as it showed that they did not take so great an interest in the success of the institution as he did ; however, he hoped that some daylight would break upon them, because it was " Never too late to mend." (Applause.) Nevertheless, he hoped that the members and friends this year would give a long, strong, and hearty pull at the oar, and en deavour to give effect to the celebration of the proposed anniversary of the institution by a public dinner. (Hear, hear.) It was known by ex perience that such dinners tended to increase the means of public institutions ; for those who were invited to and partook of a good dinner upon a public occasion would net, probably, forget the want of means of those who wanted a dinner. (Applause.) He thanked God that the comfort and wellbeing of one class of the community not favoured by favourable circumstances was constantly being more and more studied and considered through the good feeling of another class ; and he was sure that on the forthcoming occasion the public would take an interest in the welfare of the Provident Clerks' Benevolent Society, and would not be wanting either in its duties or obligations. He could only in conclusion say that it was a great satisfaction to him to see the fund in such a flourishing condition, and he hoped it would go on increasing in prosperity, and become as large a means of benefiting the class for which it was intended as he himself could desire. (Cheers.) The motion of the chairman was then put to the meeting and carried unanimously. Mr. R. H. JONES said he wished particularly to say a word or two on that their 25th anniversary, because he did not think it was right to allow such an event to pass without telling the members what had been done during that period. (Hear, hear.) Since the establishment of the fund they had paid to annuitants no less a sum than £l3,92o—(hear, hear)—and the progressive increase would be observable from the following figures, dividing the periods into five years. The first five years, it was £56 ss. ; the second, £773 15s. ; the third, £2,596 ss. ; the fourth, £4,471 4s. ; and the fifth, £6,025 Bs., making a total of £13,922. (Cheers.) By this it would be seen there had been a gradual and satisfactory increase throughout the entire period. They 112. d elected 117 annuitants, 79 of whom were now on their list, and with the eight they purposed electing very shortly they would bring their list up to 87. They had given away in gratuities a sum of £3,000, and no one but those who have an opportunity of seeing the reci pients can entertain any idea of the amount of good which had been effected. They were precluded by their rules from giving more than £lO in one sum, and none had received the help of the fund but those properly qualified. They had granted £40,120 in loans to members, and the loss from such a proceed ing had only been £6OO, or about 1} per cent. on the sum advanced. Those members who had loans were carefully impressed with the necessity of being punctual in their repayments, because it was ' most unpleasant to have to enforce their rules against those who had partaken of the benefits of the fund. The guinea subscribing mem bers were not so numerous as they ought to be, but the numbers of the assuring members amounted to 3,975 ; however, it was consolatory to know that they were quite independent of the guinea donations, and all he could say was that those who could afford to give a guinea to the fund, and did not do so, were not animated by a proper feeling. (Hear, hear.) Altogether they had given away the sum of £16,800 in doing good, and ifthat:was not enough to animate them he did not know what could. He hoped that every member would join heartily in pro moting the success of their forthcoming anniversary dinner, and that noble as the sum derived from the last one was, amounting to no less a sum than £2,600, of which £1,500 was due to the mem bers themselves, it would be exceeded by the exer tions of the members in the present year. (Hear, hear.) There was, however, one subject of deep re gret to him, as well as he was sure it would be to the whole of the members generally, and that was the absence of their esteemed and valued deputy chairman, Mr. Welch. For nearly 25 years he had never failed to attend their meeting, and per forming that which was a source of inexpressible pleasure to him, namely, moving the resolution for the election of annuitants. (Hear, hear.) His absence, as was well known, was caused by a pain ful illness, and the duty, therefore, bad devolved upon him (Mr. Jones). With a fervent hope that their kind, good friend would soon be restored to health, he would conclude by moving, as a resolu tion, that on the 31st of May next eight additional annuitants, namely, two clerks and six widows of clerks, be elected on the fund. (Cheers.) Mr. PRICE seconded the motion, and, at the same time, expressed his deep regret at the absence of Mr. Welch, to whom he knew it was both a pride and pleasure to propose the resolution increasing the number of their annuitants. He (Mr. Price) and the chairman were two of the original promoters of the fund, and it was not generally known that the Benevolent Fund, at the commencement of their labours, was looked upon as the basis of their Life Assurance Society ; yet the Life branch had taken the lead, and it showei to him that, however persons were disposed to take care of themselves, they did not think much about taking care of others. The fund was not supported as it deserved to be by those clerks who received large salaries. (Hear, hear.) There were many clerks in good situations who did not grudge to spend £5 at a dinner at Richmond, or over whitebait at Greenwich, but would not give a guinea as a subscription to such a commendable in stitution as the Provident Clerks' Fund. He ear nestly urged the members to persuade their friends to aid a cause that would prevent the board from sending away widows with weeping eyes, or poor blind and disabled men without annuities. (Cheers.) The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. JEPPS moved a vote of thanks to their Trea surer, Mr. J. A. Smith, M.P., and to the trustees, Baron L. de Rothschild, M.P., and Messrs. Thomas Baring, M.P., R. W. Crawford, M.P., and Thom son llankey, M.P. He feelingly remarked upon the loss the society had sustained by the death of Mr. Prescott, a late trustee. lie also spoke of the advantage of baying such a man as Mr. Crawford to fill the vacancy. The CHAIRMAN said before putting this resolution he should like to add a few words. He well re membered their congratulating themselves last year on having had their trustees spared to them for so long a period as 25 years. Since then they bad to deplore the loss of one whom he had long numbered among his most intimate and esteemed personal friends, the late Mr. Prescott. While, however, de ploring this loss, he could but express his gratifi cation at the fact of Mr. Crawford having been selected to fill the vacancy. He knew of no fitter man, and he felt sure that all would rejoice in having that gentleman's name associated with them. In character and position Mr. Crawford stood so high that he feat what an advantage his name mus t be to the fund, and he hoped to have the pleasure of attending the dinner on the 2d of May, at which Mr. Crawford was to preside. The chairman also spoke in feeling terms of the absence of the deputy chairman Mr. Welch. The motion was carried unanimously. Mr. DmvsoN proposed a vote of thanks to the auditors, whose services, he said, were gratuitous, but who looked carefully and closely into the ae: counts submitted to them, and who well deserved the thanks of the members. Mr. MINTON seconded the resolution, w hich was carried unanimously. A cordial vote of thanks was also awarded to the medical officers for their valuable services, on the motion of Mr. FRY, who spoke of the advantage the members derived from the constant kind assist' ante of the physician and surgeon of the fund. Mr. COLEMAN seconded the motion, which was carried unanimously. A cordial vote of thanks was awarded to the auditors and medical officers. On the motion of the Chairman, a vote of thanks was accorded to the board of directors and Mr. Linford, the secretary ; and the interesting proceed ings terminated by thanks to the chairman for his kindness in presiding. Court 4.-14 , 4 mitrat HER MAJESTY• WINDSOR CASTLE, Wednesday. The Queen walked and drove this morning, ac companied by Princess Helena. From " The Owl." We understand that Earl Russell, es pecially in the event of his carryi ng th e R e f orm Bill w ith which his name will be for a second time historically iden tified, intends before long to retire from office. A change in the Cabinet will shortly be caused by the retirement of Sir George Grey from th e Home-office. A conference of the plenipotentiaries of the , Powers signataries of the Treaty of 1858 will be held in Paris, and not in Constantinople. It hap pens that only a few days ago a conference of the se Ambassadors and Ministers was being held there on subjects relating to the Principalities. The object of the conference will be to come to some common understanding as to the measures to be sanctioned, or adopted, with a view to the best interests both of the Principalities and of the Ottoman empire. Lord Clarence Paget, who has long wished to be afloat again, will leave England as soon as the navy estimates are passed, to assume the comman d 0f , the Mediterranean fleet. We believe that he 18411 be succeeded at the Admiralty by the Hon. T. G• Baring, now Under Secretary of State for the Iloilo Department. We have satisfaction in announcing that it is in tended to retain an admiral as second in coalman' of the Mediterranean squadron. We believe it is probable that Lord John having been returned for Ripon, will succeed Ad miral Drummond at the Admiralty. We understand that Lieut.-General the Hon. C . Grey will succeed Sir Charles Phipps as Keeper nf the Privy Purse. Col one l P onson by, at Pree en ' 4. extra equerry, will be appointed equerry. Our information from Berlin represents the situa tion as most ominous, offering the strong contrast of a Sovereign absurdly exhilarated at the annihila tion of the Constitution, and of a patriotic par t Y gloomy but determined. Count Bismarck continues in the highest favour with the King, and there seems a certainty that, within a few weeks, Austria will h i e , at war with Pr uss i a or h ave a b an doned to her all rights and powers over the conquered Duchies. We anticipate the latter course, as, without France, and with her eastern frontiers menaced by disturb ances, Austria will not dare to move. It is expected th a t a f avoura bl e ans wer will short l y be received from the French Government to the despatch addressed to them on the subject of the Fisheries Convention. The proposed new regula tions are based on the report of the commission. Mr. H. Lack and Mr. Harris, of the Board of Trade and Foreign-office respectively, have been appointed Secret ar ie s to the Commissioners fo r car rying out the pro v i s io n s of A r ticle 4 of the Commer. cial Treaty with Austria: received We understand that Major Thompson has orders to proceed to Jamaica to take com mand the 6th (Col. Hobbs's) Regiment, and to bring ,t home. The French Government, after a long investiga u tion, have adopted a system of communicatio n b a means of electricity between railway Passeng, ers guards which is at once economical and eff ective , ar and the Minister of Public Works has by a circa' letter ordered its adoption on all the French railways within a year from this time. The amount of the purchase-money to be P aid .. for Gloucester House, which is to be pul led down in the course of the Park-lane improvements)_ £60,000. Of this £20,000 is to be paid to the P n r : , of Cambridge for the unexpired lease of 14 Ye lath and £40,000 to the trustees of the will of the aw Sir Richard Sutton for the freehold. Atrocious Murder in Cheshire• The rural and p i c t ure sque district of Du nhanif near Tarvin, no grea t distance from the Boyal Forest of Delamere, has been the scene of a 0 atrocious murder, accompanied by robbery. Sunday evening Isaac Newport, a working men, aged 74 years, living at a place called Long about five miles from Chester, met a friend of WS named Lightfoot, who lives at Overton, near Frods ham, at a small public-house close to the Dunbe ll , l , station on the line of railway between Chester an u Manchester. They had some business transactions, in the course of which Lightfoot paid Newport a sum of money in sovereigns, amounting to £l6, for pigs which the latter had sold to the former. During the time Newport and Lightfoot were engaged 111 their business, and when the money was Paid' a man who is said to be a worthless character, After named Samuel Griffiths, was present. partaking of some refreshment, Newp ort and b. friend parted, each going towards his respective home. Nothing, however, was heard of the foriner until some time next day (Monday), when t h e poor fellow was found on the way to his own house, b . 's feet in a pit, and his head and face so shockingli battered that it was impossible to recognise bira b t 9 his features. His pockets were turned inside on.t, and of course he had been dead some time.. A s 1 _ was the day upon which the usual petty sessions for the district of Eddisbury were held at the Abb e y Arms, Delamere Forest, the police were abseot; However, in the evening the officer of the district found Griffiths lying drunk on the side of a road in the same neighbourhood. On being charged with the murder and robbery he denied all knowledge e..! it. On searching his person the constable found sovereigns in his pockets, and being asked how be accounted for the possession of so much 'none!, Griffiths said a person named Barton paid it to We l on the Saturday previous. Barto n, however, being communicated with, has denied altogether the state ment made by Griffiths.--.Manchester Courier. it ex mini rrlen subs to th Thr ( Firn I t littl e Wes. ch at V el , Can, il lac and l‘iat, atd T 4ar 3 tex 3 D( 10 .1 3 e1 ew New 411 D( 4 D( LI( B aal , Ar g , It. b 4t Qray N ei D c 13 ( Chli Co i o e,uba lui ii,' 0 D( a.tu t due Li ( t o] 1)( ~a S~ I I