The Sun. — London, England, 1866-03-20 00:00:00

I . IONEY XARKET AND COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE, TWELVE O'CLOCK. The condition of the Money Market is easier, al though no important alteration has been made in the rates charged by bankers and brokers. First class bills have, however, in exceptional instances, been ne gotiated at 54 per cent., and as gold continues to be sent into the Bank, and the demand for accommo dation is only moderate, lower quotations are gene rally anticipated. The sum of £25,000 in gold was taken to the sank yesterday. _ _ A new loan - for Egypt is to be introduced into this and the Paris Money Market. The amount Will be for more than 53,500,000, to be issued in a 7 per cent. stock, at the price of about 91. The bonds will be redeemable in 15 years, and the se curity to be hypothecated consists of agricultural lands, with produce, &c. During the last few days there has been very little animation in the Foreign and Colonial Produce Markets, and little change of importance has taken Place in prices. Sugars have been in moderate re quest, while" only limited dealings have been re- Ported in tea and coffee. Rice has been in better demand, while tallow has been in fair demand, both for present and forward delivery. The City Offices Company (Limited) have re moved their offices from 70, Cheapside, to their new building, St. Clement's House, Clement-lane, Lom bard -street. The Stock Exchange Committee have this day appointed Friday, 23d March, a special settling day in the new shares of the National Discount Company (Limited), which are to be quoted in the official list. Two o'CLocK. According to Reuter's telegram the French T hree per Cent. Rentes were quoted at 68f. 47c. A little better. The course;of values in the English Stock Market has been rather disturbed by the warlike feeling on the continent. Sales of Stock have been made to day, and Consols have receded 1 per cent., viz. to 86 4 a for money, and to 87* for the account. The New Threes and Reduced Annuities are 841 85 ; ' - 'icchequer Bills, 6s. dis. to par ; India 5 per Cents. 1 0214 ; and ditto Enfaced 5 per Cents., 1011. Foreign Stocks have also been largely pressed for aale, and prices generally show a decline! Turkish 5 per Cents. are 3711; Mexican, 22* I ; ditto New, 20 1 4 ; Greek, 14 1; Spanish Passive, 27* 28 ; the C ertificates, 161 I ; Italian, 601 1 ; ditto New, 77 4 4 ; Confederate Loan, 6* 7'; Chilian Scrip, 1* 2 prem. ; Brazilian Scrip, 211 prem. ; and Egyp tian Railway Loan, 1 1 prem. United States 5-20 Bonds, 701 711; Erie, 56 i; and Illinois, 791 1. Business in the Railway Share Market has been moderately active, but prices, in several instances, have slightly given way. Great Northern A. Stock, Lancashire and Yorkshire, and Metropolitan have e ach receded ss. ; North 'Western, 10s. ; Manches ter, Sheffield, and Lincoln, 15s. ; and South Eastern, £1 ss. The Foreign and Colonial lines were in fair re eniest ; Sambre and Meuse brought 94 IN. Grand Trunk of Canada have declined to 32k, and Great Western of Canada to 161 I. Bank and Miscellaneous Shares remain without material change. Merchant Bank have improved to 26 i ; London and County are at 76; ; Alliance at 27 i ; Credit Fonder and Mobilier of England, at 7 4 8 ; Hudson's Bay Company at 161 ; National Discount Company at 13k; and Overend, Gurney, a nd Co., at 171 4. BRITISH FUNDS—ONE O'CLOCK, . GOVERNMENT FUNDS. 8 Der Cent. Consols a De. Account, April 5 Per Cent. Reduced B5 4f Neal 3 per Cent B5 41 2 i per Cent. Jan. 1894 „ Do. per Cent. Jan. 1873 — a nnuities, 30 yrs, expire sth Jan., 1880 O. f or 30 yrs, exp i re b t h ApriBBs — ~l )? (Red Sea Telegraph), Aug., 1908 — "enegller Bills, £1,000,8 per Cent. par 6 die *Do. 4500 par 6 dis D _ Do £lOO and .£2OO "'AWE of England Stock, 5 per Cent 11113 1.0 GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. ladian . r , Stock, 10} per Cent., April 187 4 — r.,°. 5 per Cent. July, 1870 L'o. 4 per Cent., Oct. 1888 . — Do. Certificates — O. Enlaced Paper 4 per Cent — O. 5 per Cent., Jan. 1872 °. 51. per Cent., May 1879 — Do. Deb, 4 per Cent, Aug. 1866 O. Bonds, £l,OOO — Pm 1) 0- under .£l,000 FOREIG FUN DS—ONE OCL 4r gentine RepublicN , 6 per Cont., £l5 pd ' — OCK. pm t r ustrian Bonds, 5 per Cent, 1859 a , zilia n 5 per Cent Do. 41 per Cent., 1852-58-60 Do. 1863 D 0 Do. 110 Account 744 31 xd It 1)0 . Scrip, £35 paid • ueuos Ayres 6 per Cent Do. Account 321 0 £1(0 Bonds — r , ve 1 per C en t. (D e f erre d 3 per C en t ) ~h ilian 3 per Cent — CBo. 44 p er C en t o lombian 6 per C en t. — Luba, 6 per Cent. , ) ,anish 3 per Cent., 1825 _ "anubian Principalities Do Account - %uador New Consolidated, 1 per Cent — 0., Provisional Land Warrant 44 k7ptian 7 per Cent B9l j 'co. Second Issue "0 ' .£loo Bonds 931 Do. 1864 93 24 D 0 £lOO Bonds 931 4 i n o o . Government Railway Debentures — I ti ll 3 . £25 paidfl — pm reek 5 per Cents., 1824-5 ) ex Coupons ~o . A.ccount uo. C oupons Guat emala 5 per Cent. — Italian 5 per Cent, 1865 •`-'0 Account 2 4 "-'o•3lar emmana Railway e p x o. A ican c 3 co pe an r t Cent 224 ~ Do 1864 2O ' 1 1 - 0 6 per Cent. Anglo-French 441 evidean 6 per Cent., £3O paid Neorish Imp er i a l 5 per Cent ~W Gran a d a 1 ; 0 2 per Cent -uo Deferred D 1)0 Land Warrants (Hectares) c ',.; 6 per Ce n t, 1864 . p 'Jo Guaranteed, 4 per Cent — b ruvian 5 per Cont., 1865 DO. A ccoun t • 66 IN ° 3 per Cent. (Uribarren) — - "0 41 per Cent, 1862 11 D °. Account °r tlignese 3 per Cent., 1853 " 3 Der Cent., 1856, '7, '9, '6 O , ' 62 , '3, .-- b bo . Account ..buisian 5 per Cent., 1822, £ St — D o 44 per Cent. 1850 4 3 41 per Cent., 1860 D O 3 pet Cent. 1859 -r, - 11 -4 5 per Cent. 1862 9O i S —° 5 per Cent. 1864 — ardinian 5 per Cent Panish 3 per Cent D9 O Account 0 New Deferred — o Account 364 D 0 Passi ve ii i '-'0 Acco un t 2B 74 l'4llish Cert. of Coup not funded 13 "0 Account ! h e dish 4 per Cent. — T ' - ' O . 44 per Cent. 1864 411 rish 6 per Cent. 1854 D ° Account 934 1) 4 6 per Cent. 1858 D 0 Account 67 D£loo Bonds jj 6 per Cent. 1862 „0 Acc oun t 6B 4 '' - ' 0 .00 Bonds it 10 1) ° - Per Cent., 1863 7O 694 D°o Itr on C t ent., 1865, paid up Scrip — 374 4 Vel- ,1 . zuela 3 4 per - Cent. Guaranteed — ,9 per Cent. — 140 account D °6 per C en t., 1862 — G. Account DO. 1)0 . 1864 — 4 . 1 1 per Cent — I.l llt ~ uividenas on the above payable in London. - b e o 4 : 2 i Per c ent., Ex. 12 Gull — Pr e , ,*.L'er Cent. Certificaws talii' e it Ite rates 3 per Cent. ... — 445 per Cent., 1861, Ex. 25f. .... -1-10 Acteutult 1865 . uqsols for money Do Account TWO O'CLOCK. 86 i 87 Xiiverpool Cotton Market. —This Day. arket steady. Sales probably 100,000 bales. t ow J 3 a ‘fe was i n P ar i s , h av i ng put t h e f i n i sh i ng ehes to his opera of the " Talisman," suggested by Sir alter Scott's world-famous historical romance. --....... 1 Lnd Jul d with d from n State ;reatest with ,entiott. eatureS v a full !onver - I a gain person Learned sented ntirely gan to Lad at- ressed, such 3 7iOLIGUY Of his )ut put xigular feeling reer as ; but 8 tt now egre a grelV n, and t ion of LS pre y host, eiviog me ng doing ion_of to me, maple. l Lord Sharej BRITISH MINES. Cam. ConsoL Gold, lira. 1 Chiverton Clifford Amalgamated 3O 15 17 Devon G. Cons. (Tavlst 1 560 58) Drake walls 2.1.0 1 East Bassett (Illogan) 291 18 20 14:ast Caradon 2.14.6 8 9 East Carn Brea 34 34 41 Nast Grenville 2.14.0 31 4 East Gunnislake 8.3.6 East Loved 3.9.0 7 9 E. W'l Russell (Tavistk 10.8.0 3 31 Gam& StAubyn(G wen. 66 5 7 4 Great L ixey, limited all 20 21 Great South Tolgus 0.14.6 14 2 Great Wheal Billy. 14.9.6 35 G. Wheal Vor (Heist ie 40 26 23 Grenville 3.18.0 31 34 Herod's Foot .... 8.10.0 33 40 Hingston Downs 3.10.6 4i 5 Margaret (Uny Lelant 13.17.6 5 7 Marke Valley 4.10.6 4 41 4 llwyndy Iron Ore, lim 2I 21 14d - ew Se ton - North Roskear N.Wh'l Bassett(lllogan 4.4.0 1 North Wheal Crotty 2.13.' 1 -- Prosper United 7.1.6 Pr, vldenee UnyLklant 10.6.7 32 34 S. Caradon (St. Cleer) ll 390 410 South Condurrow 3.2.0 2 II S.Wheal Fran. (Mogan 18.18.9 18 22 -- stray Park . 35.15.6 9 11 Tin Croft 9 19 20 5 Vigra and ClGgan, lim all 4 6 West Bassett (Mogan W. Caradon (Ltskeard 9 8 10 West Chiverton ll 75 80 West Seton. 47/ 165 175 Wheal Bassett !Mogan 54 821 8 7 4 Wheal Buller (Redruth 16 25 271 Wheal Mary Ann (Men. 8 3 5 Wheal Setoa 531 205 215 -• Wheal Trelawney (Lis 7 15 17 rtiEFERENtIic Great Xorthern, 5 per cent., 110 North Eastern, Cons. pref., 4 per cent, Ditto 44 per cent., rd., 98) North Eastern, West Hartlepool Harbour and Rail., 80 PREFERENCE SHARES AND STOUR S. Midland A and B pf, If 5 FOREIGN RAILWAYS. Bahia and San Francisco, li.n. gua. 7 percent., 151 Ottoman (Smyrna to Aidtn), 62 7 Sambre and Meuse, si 10} FOREIGN MINES. Don Pedro, North Del Itey, Washoe Gold, lim., Ditto (Z 4), 5 BANKS. Agra and Misterman's, lim., 521 3 Alliance, 11w.. 273 Australasia, 72 Bank of British Columbia, 21k British and Californian, lim., 5 City, 20 Consolidated Bank. lira., Bug ish Joint Stock, lim., 8k European Bank, Sm., lit Hindustan, China, and J apan, 11M., 18 Ditto, new, 17 1 Imperial Ottoman, 13 Lard Mortgage Bank of India, Um., 41 1 London Bank of Mexico and S. America, lim., 19f London and River Plate, Ditto, issued at 1) pm., 131 London and County, 76f London Joint Stoclr, 471 Merchant Bank, Um., 26) National Provincial of England. Ditto, .d and 3d issue, 45 Provincial Banking Corporation. lira., 61 Punjaub, and Delhi. lim., I•it o, issued at 2 pai.,2l Standard of British South Africa, 13 MISC F.LL AN .N.:0118. Atlantic Telegraph, 8 per cont. gua., 3 2; ; Australian Mort. ;,and and Finance, lira., ; Berlin Water Works, Dm., 10; I °lonia], Um., 4 Company of African Merchants.llrn., 3; Credit roncler and Hobilier of England, 811 71 Ditto, new, 7i Discount Corporation, East India Irrigation and Canal. 91 Ebbw Vale, i 7 Fore-street Warehouse, lim., 101 Gen. Credit and Finance of London, lim., 41 Gt ne,al Steam; Navigation, Hudson's Bay, 17 Imperial Mercantile Credit Asso., lim., International Financial :-ociety, tim., 5 4i Italian Irrigation (Canal Cairour), 91 Ditto, is per cent. Bonds, redem. WO, issued 81i Joint Stock Discount, Rm., 10 Land Securities, bra., London Financial:Association, lira ,Ai tO _ London General Omnibus Company, lim, 3i Alidras Irrigation and Canal, Mauritius Land, Credit, and Agency, lim., Natal Lana and Colonizati,,n Co., lirn., :it 3 National Discount Company. 13t:.2a- Ocean fit arine . Insuranct), 21& Otago and Southland Investment; 11 Overend, Gurney, and Co., hm., Royal Mail Steam, li7 South Australian Land. 3) By advice's from Hamburg the price of gold is 424 per mark and the .short exchange on London is 1141 per £1 sterlin Standard gold at the English Mint price is, thereore, at about the same price in London and Hamburg. SHARE MARKETS, —This Day. RDINAR Y SHARES AND STOCKS. Railways. Pat(l, Closing 1 Business Price. done. 4.istol and Exeter Caledonian Cambrian Cork and 8and0n...... rnwall . üblin & Belfast Juno. Dun„Perth, & A b.June. &London, scrip Certi. Do. - Glasgow & S. Western Great Eastern, Ord. stk. Do. E. Angl. st. No. 't Great North of Scotland Great Northern D I. A stock Do. B stock Do. New, is. at 25 pry GtS, and W. of Ireland Gt. Weste, n -Origina D. , . S. Va.l. Rail gua. Do. South Wales Do. W. Mid.— Oxiorii Do. Newport Do. Hereford Lane 'shire & Yorkshire London and Blackwall !Lon., Brigh., & S Coast Lou., Chat., and Dover Do. Metrop. Ex. A Lon. & North Wester Lon. & South Weston, Man., Shet., & Lincol Do. New 90 92 131 !32 65 70 13 15 4 6 67 70 70 72 Do. Extension.... sletropolitan District. Do do. do. Do. and St. John'lslV'd Mid'and Do. £9 Share Do, Birmia.. & Derb% %lid Kent North British Do. Ed., Pth , & Dun Nth. Eastern— Berwicts Do. U.N•E purchabs Do. Leeds ..... Do. York Do. Carlisle Do. Stock. & Do. 10. 1860-61 North London Do. do. 1864 Do. do. 1865 North Staffordshire N. & S. W. Junction Scottish CLntral Scot. N. E , Aber. stock uo. Scot, Mid. stock Shropshire Union South Devon , outh 141 .stern itaines, Wok., & Wok Taff Vale Do. C Vale or . Neath Waterford & Kilkenny, Waterloo & Whiteha West Cornwall 118 120 391 40,1 6 4 7i 121 121 14 , 142 81 91 b'J GO 51 60 40 42 3i SS 102 'Ol 1201 121 86 88 e 5 66 37 39 43 r 5 121 122 92 i 3 63 61 IS? 134 2i 2if, 1 141 96 98 12n 121 ti Ji . 93 05 Co 61 8 30 109 110 P OSS 71 73 IC9 110 3O i it 23/ 1394 81 581 9 35 37 ! 10 11 p, 122 125 1,2, le 2p 74 7ti 10 12 148 149 65 70 112 114 51 63 71 75 8 9 141 114 1201 E 7 3 t 100 102 51 53 121 20f GI 113.1 1221 21 1091 10 711 1' CI MI 74 3j 52i 2 BRITISH Atlantio ,t3t.Lawrence Born.,Baroda, Cen.ln. gu. 5 percent.. Do. shares Buffalo 3i Lake Huron, Do. Preference Buil* Brant, do Goderich 6 p.c. • 872-3- •• • ••• ••1 Calcutta & S. E., lim .:ape Town it Dock, gu Demerara, 7 p.o. per. p• East. Benial, gu., 5 do East Indian, gu. 5 p.c. Do. J Extension Grand Trunk of Canada Do. Equip. Mort, Bonds 1 charge 6 p.o Do. Ist t'ref. Bonds Do. do. deferred •• • • Do. 2d Pr, f. Bends Do. do. deferred ... • Do. Ed Pref. stook Do. do. deferred ... • Do. 4th Pret. stook Do. do. deterred . • • • G t. India Pen. gua. sp.c. I'o. Gus. 5 per cent Do. New gua. 5 p. c Gt. South of India gua. 5 per cent D. 41 per cent Do Great Wis. of Canada.. Do. New Do. 6 p. 0. Bds. pay. 1873 Do. 51 do. pay. 1877-8.. fndian Branch, limited Madras, qua. 5 p.o Do. 41 do Do. 4; do • Do. Fifth Extensiou l Cor. 8 p. c. Buds. Mel. & Hudson's Bay.. N. Itl.C'da, 6pc Ist 'Abs. Scinde .... Do. Delhi Do. do 'a' 4. Do. Punjaub n Do.lndus St. Flo ,ESSIONS. 53 80 103 104 id In 61 7 10 11 76 80 96 08 63 70 100 102 101 102 1(4 105 34 36 89 90 65 87 80 63 50 61 50 55 45 49 1 42 45 34 38 33 35 109 10 1 4 2 P 16 2 p 99 100 91 93 113, 17 9* 96 86 e 8 1 40 100 10 9 93 67 89 62 64 8 82 981 991 98 99 4 1 98 99 COLONIAL GOVERNMENT S EOUR British Columbia, 6 per cent., Dec. 31,1872 Can.Gov.6 p.c.Ja.& July 1877-84 Do. 6 p. c. Feb. & Aug Do. 5 p. c. Mar. & Sept 00. 5 p. c. Jan. & July Do. 5 p. c. Inscribed Cape G.llope, 6 p.c. 187:i Uo.Apl.& Oct 1890-1900 Do. do: 1880-9. Do. Jan.&July, 1690-91 Do. 5 per cent. 15 April and 15 Oct., 1900 Ceylon, Nov. 1868,6 p.c. Do. 1878, do Jan. and July Do. l! , 78 00. t 882, May 15, Nov. 4 Do. 1805, Feb. & Aur.. Natal , 3ov. 6 per cent.. p.c.Ja.&July N. S.W. Gov. 5 roe., 186 t Do. 5 p.e. 18;1 to 187 t Do. 5 p.c. 1888 to 189 e New Zealand, 6 p. cent Do. 5 percent.... ... Nova Scotia Gov. 6 p. c sterling, 1875 Queensland Gov. 6 p. c S. Aus.Gov. 6 p,c 1868-9 Do. 1878 & upwards Vic,Gov. 6 p.o. Ja & July Do. do, April & Oct 190 100 100 IA 0 100 100 04 96 93 95 95 97 r.O 82 79 S 1 102 IC4 105 107 105 107 102 104 00 92 lt2 104 1 , 0 1 8 102 104 103 105 103 105 112 104 10) 102 93 95 02 94 87i 88 HO 102 82 84 £8 103 98 100 104 106 1064 1O 104} 31 4 33k 23 19 i 84 ,ITIES. THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 20, 1866. tart HER MAJESTY. WINDSOR CASTLE, March 19. The Queen, with Prince Leopold and Princess Beatrice, drove out yesterday afternoon, and went out in the grounds this morning, accompanied by Prince Leopold. Prince Alfred, accompanied by Prince Hermann of Hohenlohe, and attended by Lieutenant Ilaig, went to London this morning. THE ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA, COVENT- GARDEN. Programme of Mr. Gye's New Season. The coming season of the Royal Italian Opera for 1866 gives rare and brilliant promise, judging from Mr. Gye's recently issued programme. And Mr. Gye has hitherto, as a rule, kept such good faith with his subscribers and the public generally, that we have come to look upon his annual prospectus as a document carrying to us no mere pie-crust promise, or promise merely made to be broken. Referring to the announcement put forth towards the close of the last prosperous season, the season of 1865, to the effect that the Royal Italian Opera would in all human probability be forthwith transferred to a Public Company-- remaining no longer as hitherto in the hands and under the sole direction of a single individual the Director of the Royal Italian now announces, almost, as it seems to us, apologetically--and, if so (we must add), quite unnecessarily that because of certain unfavourable circumstances having inter vened, that promised arrangement has not been carried out, Mr. Gye remaining Proprietor, Lessee, Manager, what you will, of that magnificent Lyrical Establishment. That things have so fallen out, let us say at once, we for one are heartily rejoiced. A vast and complicated establishment such as that of the Royal Italian Opera requires, as it seems to us, peremptorily requires, for its judicious manage ment, the firm and resolute direction of a despotic government. And the aptitude evidenced during so many years past by Mr. Gye for the exercise with consummate tact of that supreme authority, affords a guaranteeto. the musical world that the interests of art are safer in his keeping, so far as his noble establish ment is concernedin the furtherance of those inte rests here in England, so long as his own unfettered judgment and discretion are allowed fair play in the regulation of the whole of the complex organi zation, but more especially of the administra tive organization of Covent Garden as an Opera House. That he is in the fullest sense of the word qualified for the proper discharge of the duties and responsibilities devolving upon him in his continued capacity as that great social magnate—potentate we might even call him—an Operatic Manager, it is only necessary to glance at his newly-published programme for the season now immediately approach ing to recognize and that moreover upon the in stant. Conspicuous among the announcements con tained in it is one to the effect, that during the season of 1866 no less than EIGHT ARTISTES hitherto unheard in England, will at intervals, as opportunity arises, make their first appearance. Two from Berlin and two from Paris, the other four coming respectively from Naples, Hanover, Madrid, and Copenhagen. As for the old-established favourites, those Kings and Queens of Song, without whose co-operation the fame of the Royal Italian would not be what it is—namely unsurpassed in Europe—as a temple for the Lyrical Drama—their services have been as a matter of course secured. The mere mention of their names amounts of itself to a magnificent prospectus including among these the peerless names of Madam oiselle Adelina Patti, of Signor Mario, of M. Faure, and of Signor Rouconi, together with the names also of Madlle. Pauline Lucca, of Madlle. Carlotta Patti, (hitherto only known in this country as a concert singer) of Madlle. Artot, of Signor Graziani, of Signor Naudin, of Signor Attri, and of llerr Schmid, who as a basso-profundo takes rank as the legitimate successor of Staudigl and Lablache. Then as to the operas, we have here catalogued for us as the magnificent reper toire of the Royal Italian—five-and-thirty of the great lyrical masterpieces of which one is by Beet hoven (Fidelio), one by Gluck (Orfeo), one by Gounod (Faust), one by Mercadante (I 1 Giura mento) one by Herold (Zampa), one by Mozart (Don Giovanni), two by Auber (Fra Diavolo and Massaniello), two by Flotow (Martha and Stradella), three by Bellini (Norma, Puritani, and Sonnambula), three by Verdi (La Traviata, Rigoletto, and Il Tro vatore), four by Rossini (the Barbiere, Guglielmo Tell, 0 tello, and La Gazza Ladra), six by Meyer beer (L'Af ricaine, L'Etoile du Nord, Les Hugue nots, Dinorah, Roberto Il Diavolo, and the Pro phete), and as many as eight by Donizetti, those eight being Lucrezia, Don Pasquale, Maria di Rohan, L 9: Favorita, L'Elisir d'Amore, Linda di Chamouni, Lucia di Lammermoor, and La Figlia Regimento. Added to this glorious list, we have promise now of hearing the new comic opera, Cris - piuo e la Comare, and of having another added to the repertoire of the Royal Italian, as the ninth opera of Donizetti's, to wit, Don Sebastiano. The castes of some of the pick of the operas above enumerated are foreshadowed by Mr. Gye before the close of his programme, and several among the number will be found calculated to excite and stimu late a large amount of delightful expectation. Among the more choice of these anticipations must be included of course the premised first appearance of Maddle. Adelina Patti as Caterina in " L'Etoile du Nord," and as Susanna in "Le Nozze di Figaro." That prince of `musical conductors, Mr. Costa will still, from his elevated post in the orchestra, wield his magical baton as Operatic Director or Conductor at once of the Chorus on the Stage and of the Instru mentalists around him—a Chorus and an Orchestra well entitled to the epithet here applied to them in the official programme as unrivalled. The stage management being still left to the direction of Mr. Augustus Harris, and the scenery to the brushes of Mr. William Beverley and his assistants, the sub scribers to the Royal Italian may now, from every point of view, look forward with confident anticipa tion to the commencement of another brilliant sea son in the annals of Cogent-Garden upon the ris ing of the curtain on this day, fortnight—,Tuesday the 3d of April, the evening upon which the season of 1866 will be inaugurated. THEATRICAL LICENSES AND REGULATIONS.—The Parliamentary committee recenty appointed to in quire into the present theatrical licensing systenyprepara tory, to improve legislation on the subject, sat yesterday afternoon in room No. 17 of the House of Commons. The committee was composed of the following gentlemen : Mr. Goschen (chairman), Lord Ernest Bruce, Sir A. Buller, Lord Eustace Cecil, Mr. Clay, Mr. Clive, Mr. Locke, Mr. Du Cane, Mr. T. J. Miller, Mr. Lusk, Mr. O'Beirne, Mr. Powell, Mr. Selwyn, Colonel Sturt, and Mr. Walpole. The Hon. S. C B. Ponsonby, Comptroller of the Lord Chamberlain's Department, was examined at some length, and in his evidence stated that at the present time there were 25 theatres in London, but he was not aware of the number of music halls, nor had the Lord Chamberlain any knowledge of the number. Mr. Locke asked the witness whether he was aware of the fact that spirits and beer were kel•t in nearly all the theatres, and taken round to persons in the pit by women. Mr. Ponsonby replied in the affirmative. Ho did not think any of Shakspere's plays or any ballets or dances, if performed iu music halls, would elevate the ideas of those present. He thought the drama should be kept apart from music halls. Ile had been to the Alhambra, and certainly the audience was not, over respectable, but ho saw nothing improper there. The Lord Chamberlain had the power of withdrawing licenses for dancing, music, &c., if he found anything improper. In reply to Mr. Goschen, Mr. Ponsonby said ho thought the power of granting or refusing licenses to theatres and music halls should be vested in ono person. In replying to Mr. Powell, the witness said the police always reported any thing wrong, and the newspapers were closely watched for anything requiring investigation. The presence of aban doned women at music-halls depended very much upon the locality. This class of persons frequented the Alhambra and Strand in numbers, while the Cambridge Music Hall at the East-end contained but very few of them. The in quiry was then adjourned. GEORGE SAND read recently at the Vaudeville her new comedy, in three acts, entitled "Lo Don Juan de Vil lage." Tin HEAD-CENTItE.—ROWNId'S Macassar, but the Lord Bishop of London bad appointed to morrow to be observed in his diocese as a day of humiliation, but he did not see how that would inter fere with the meeting of election committees ; and as he looked upon the proposal of the Government as a prece dent, he should feel it to be his duty to divide the house on the question. A desultory discussion followed upon the question whe ther the election committees should meet at one o'clock or eleven to-morrow. The house divided on the question that the committees meet at one o'clock. Ayes Noes t 7 Majority The committees were thou ordered to meet at one o'clock.) PARLIAMENTARY OATHS BILL. On the motion for the third-r=ding of the Parliamentary Oaths Amendment Bill, Mr. NEWDEGATE deprecated further progress being made with the bill, seeing that really full discussion had taken place upon it, nor could he bring himself to think that the house was at all aware of the magnitude and im port•tince of the question. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL reiterated the arguments which he had used on the previous stages of the measure, maintaining that obedience to the Throne and recognition of its supremacy depended not on any oath, but on its practical exemplification in the laws of the land. After a few words from Mr. KERR, the bill was read a third time and passed. On the motion for going into Committee of Supply, Mr. O'REILLY drew attention to the present mode of conducting the relief of troops stationed in India. The Marquis of lIARTINGTON promised that the matter should receive the attention of the War-office. THE LOSS OF THE LONDON. Sir J. PAKINGTON alluded to the recent lamentable loss of the steamship London, and especially to the manner in which the inquiry into the cause of the calamity was conducted. He expressed his opinion that the tribunal at Greenwich was a mockery and a delusion. It was really, as regarded the great question which interested tho public —the cause of the unfortunate event- utterly futile, and seemed only to have been conducted with a view to in demnify the owners of the vessel from blame. It should have been an investigation for the public good, instead of one which, he must say, was turned to a very different ac count. The evidence was nearly wholly confined to persons connected with the builders, the owners, and the Board of Trade officials who had passed the vessel, and who it was not likely would come forward to stultify themselves. In addition to this, the question put by a barrister, who was retained by the friends of some of the deceased, were dis allowed, or only allowed to be put through the assessors and the magistrate, thus reaching the witness in their own words instead of those of the counsel, who felt himself at last compelled to relinquish any further participation in the matter. What, then, he asked, was the value of the in vestigation, in whatever way it was considered ? He desired to know if it was the intention of the Government to amend the Merchant Shipping Act ? Mr. M. GIBSON could not agree with Sir J. Pakington in his idea that all such inquiries as the ono alluded to were a mere affair of routine. He pointed out that all ships like the London passed the surveyors of the Board of Trade, the functionaries of Lloyd's in the interest of the underwriters, and lastly the emigration surveyors. For his own part, he did not think that these officials had in the present case failed in their duty, nor could he think it was possible by any system of Government inspection to make absolute provision for the security of any vessel. Such investigations had in their composition none of the elements of a prosecution ; they were only meant, as ori ginated by the late Mr. Hume, to discover the cause'of the loss of the vessel. It was not the intention of the Govern ment to make any hasty change in the law on this and the kindred subject. The whole matter was under careful con sideration, and a measure would shortly be laid on the table. Ho would not, however, admit that there had been any substantial failure of justice on the present occasion. Mr. HENLEY expressed his satisfaction with the an nouncement of Mr. Gibson in relation to the existing law. He was convinced that it was impossible to have a court of inquiry and trial in one, conducted upon principles that would be either satisfactory to those who wore interested, or calculated to do justice to those perhaps criminally con cerned. He confessed that his own impression from read ing the evidence as given in the newspapers was simply a whitewashing affair. He also expressed an opinion that these preliminary surveys—imperfectly as they were at present carried out—were calculated to increase rather than diminish the number of calamities, by lowering the personal responsibilities of owners. Mr. SAMUDA, looking at the steamer London from a shipbuilding point of view, stated that her proportions were not in any way liable to censure, from the fact that her length was seven times her breadth. The vessel in question was built on nearly the same lines as those which all the ocean-going steam companies had found most suc cessful for their use during a long course of years. Ile was not of opinion that excessive Government interference iu reference to the mercantile marine must necessarily be productive of good resultland expressed an opinion in favour of counsel being allowed to cross-examine witnesses at Board of Trade inquiries. Mr. MAGUIRE also stated his view that the general feeling was that the recent inquiry was a sham and a delu sion—a sort of buffer to prevent auy collision which might prove unpleasant to the owners of the ship. If there were some constituted authority to try such cases as others were tried, a slight security would be given to the public that their lives would not be quite lightly treated. After some remarks from Mr. Weguelin, Mr. O'Beirne, Mr. Ayrton, and Mr. A. Grant, the topic was allowed to drop. The house then went into Committee of Supply on the Navy Estimates. On the vote of £12,656 for the half-pay and reserve half pay of flag officers, to be placed on the retired list, a long discussion ensued on the proposal to extend the system of compulsory retirement to officers of this rank. On a division, the vote was carried by 88 to 70 votes. Progress was then reported, and the house resumed. On the order of the day for the second reading of the Court of Chancery (Ireland) Bill, Sir FITZROY KELLY objected to proceeding with the measure, containing more than 100 clauses, at so late an hour (ten minutes to 12 o'clock). He moved the adjourn ment of the debate. • On a division, the motion was negatived by 99 to 55 votes. Lord C. HAMILTON denounced the bill as a job, and solely intended to create places. He moved the adjourn ment of the debate. Mr. LAWSON (the Attorney-General for Ireland) vin dicated the bill from any such imputations, stating that its introduction was the result of the report of a Royal Com mission composed of eminent men whose names he read. Its principle was very simple, and ho protested against these attempts to delay its progress. Mr. WHITESIDE also depredllted proceeding with a measure involving such enormous interests at so late an hour. Mr. SULLIVAN (the Solicitor-General for Ireland) de fended the principle of the bill, and denied that there was any semblance of jobbery in the matter. After some discussion the second reading was postponed till Wednesday, and the motion for the adjournment of the house was withdrawn, A number of bills were advanced a stage, and the house adjourned. HEALTH OF THE SPEAKER.—The health of the Speaker, we regret to say, does not improve. From inquiries made yesterday it appears that the right hon. gentleman had a quiet day on Sunday, and passed a good night, but that it cannot bo said that he was better than on Saturday. He is very weak, and has been recommended a visit to the sea-side. He will go either to Brighton or Hastings. He is attended daily by Sir William Ferguson, hiimedical attendant. MEETING OF THE CONSERIATIVE PARTY.—On Friday afternoon there was a numerous meeting of the Conservative members of the House of Commons at the Marquis of Salisbury's residence in Arlington-street, Piccadilly. Tho members began to assemble at 2 o'clock, shortly after which hour Mr. Disraeli joined his political friends. The Earl of Derby, owing to an attack of gout from which he has been suffering during the past week, was unable to attend. In consequence of his lordship's absence Mr. Disraeli addressed the meeting. His remarks were enthusiastically received, and it was agreed that the Re form Bill should be opposed. Upwards of 200 members were present.—The Morning Herald says the Times pub lished yesterday a list of the members who attended the Conservative meeting at the Marquis of Salisbury's on Friday last. It includes a member of the Government and a score of Liberals, and is absurdly inaccurate. The Pall Mall Gazette contradicts our statement as to what took place; but, as it tells us that the meeting was pledged to secrecy, and that therefore it could not know what did happen, we do not exactly see the value of its contradic tion. - The Daily News says a list was published yesterday in the Times, purporting to give the names of the Conser vative party who were present at the meeting lately held at Lord Salisbury's. Without inquiring into the origin of the list, we may point out that it is manifestly inaccurate, containing as it does tho names of more than a score of sound Liberals. Gentlemen who have written to us to deny their presence at the meeting—although the list was excluded ,from our columns—will please to accept this general statement in lieu of the insertion of their notes. CONVICTION FOR MURDER.—There was a convic tion for murder at the Manchester assizes on Satur day. The prisoner was James M‘llfanus, twenty-ono years of age, who had stabbed a youth of eighteen, named , Thomas Dowd, in Rochdale-rosd, on Christmas Eve. The prisoner is said to have been intoxicated at the time when ho struck Dowd with a knife, but from the evidence it would appear that he had had very slight provocation from his opponent, avid that he was not known to him. Poor Dowd died a few minutes after he was struck. M‘Manus was sentenced to death, and wept bitterly on receiving sentence. The jury recommended him to mercy on ac count of his youth, and the judge said that he would un dertake to send their request to the proper quarter. LAW INTELLIGENCE.—This Day. COURT OF PROBATE AND DIVORCE. (Before Sir J. P. Wilde.) HYDE V. HYDE AND IVOODI§IANSEE. - JI. 7 DGMENT IN TIII: MORMON CASE. This was a petition by the husband for a dissolution of marriage with the respondent, and was an undefended suit. The case was tried before this court about a month ago, and it was then proved that the petitioner had been origi nally a member of the sect of Mormons, and that his mar riage, which took place in Utah, in the United States of America, was solemnised according to the rites of the Mor monites, but that, having become a convert to Pro testantism, ho was divorced, and his wife had since been cohabiting with another man, a practice permitted under the rules of this extraordinary sect. The court deferred judgment, considering the novelty of the case, and the important question involved as to.whether, under such cir cumstances, it could interfere. Sir J. P. Wilde delivered a very able and learned judg menethis corning. Having referred to the principal facts of the case as developed at the trial, he said that the only question upon which he took time to consider his decision was whether in the present instance, accord ing to principle or precedent, the court had and jurisdiction. Before redress could be afforded to a petitioner seeking to dissolve marriage, it -must be established to the satisfac tion of the court ; it must be proved that there was a mar riage, such as the court could recognise. • According to the laws and practices of Christendom, by which the court could allow the regulated marriage was to be regarded as au in stitution, and conferred a certain status on the parties. Now that was not the case in polygaminous marriages, where the wife was placed in an entirely different position to what she occupied under the usage of Christian coun tries. Here, under the matrimonial law, the wife could obtain redress for the grievances of which she complained, and could be divorced. She could also claim alimony to the extent of one-third of her husband's income, and she had other privileges which it was evident she could not ' enjoy in a polygamous state. Having cited the authority of Lord Brougham in the celebrated case of Warrendon v. Warrenden, and other eminent jurists, he said that he had carefully considered the case, and arrived at tho eon elusion that he had no jurisdiction. In dismiss ing the petition, he said he was not to be under stood as dealing with any other question than than Of divorce, for right of property and other matters of that description might arise, and the Court would have to deal with them on different principles to those applied to the question of divorce. COURT OP BANKRUPTCY. (Before Mr. Commissioner Winslow.) IN RE SIR JOHN BENSON, %NT. This bankrupt was described as of 8, Cecil-street, Strand, civil engineer, and to- day was appointed for the last exa mination and order of discharge. The debts are £27,055, of which £26,015 aro liabilities in connection with the Cork and Kinsale Junction Rail way. The assets are only £459, and the deficiency £26,595. The principal creditors are W. Bainbridge, of the Tees Paper Mills, £13,000, and he holds the joint promissory notes of the bankrupt, Lord Kinsale, and others; A. Dixon, Birmingham, £6,095: Financial Corporation, £-1,350; Joint Stock Discount Company, £2,000; Warrant Finance Company, £2,000, and others ; the creditors being pro tected generally by joint promissory notes, signed by Lord Kinsale, Sir P. C. Roney, and other gentlemen. It was understood that the case would be adjourned, but an arrangement is anticipated as regards the liabilities in con nection with the railway company. POLICE INTELLIGENCE.—This Day. MARLBOROUGH-STREET. A RUFFIAN.—PhiIip Crowley, a rough fellow, residing in Church-street, St. Giles's, was charged before Mr. Tyrwhitt with assaulting the police. Dickinson, 123 C, said that he was requested by a gen tleman to remove the prisoner, who was asleep, from his door, when the prisoner became very violent, and kicked him and struck him. 341 S proved assisting le last witness and being struck by the prisoner. Sergeant Ingerson, G E, said that on going to the assist ance of the constable the prisoner went quietly a short distance, and then threw him, and it required five con stables to get him to the station. The prisoner said he had been drinking, and whenever he took any drink it flew to his head. Mr. Tyrwhitt committed the prisoner for 14 days with hard labour. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT HOUSE OF LORDS-LAST EvErriNG.l The LORD CHANCELLOR took his seat on the woolsack at five o'clock. PERSONS CONDEMNED 1N COSTS FOR BREACH OF PROMISE OF MARRIAGE, cue. Earl STRADBROKE present3d a petition complaining of the hardships inflicted by persons being subjected to perpetual imprisonment for inability to comply with , the order of courts of law in cases where persons had been con demned in costs for breach of promises of marriage. The LORD CHANCELLOR said that his late prede cessor had fully explained that in the case referred to per sons could not be exempted from the liabilities of the In solvent Debtors' Act. PRIVATE BUSINESS. The following bills were read a third time and passed : —Redheugh Bridge and Approaches, Dagenham Thames Dock, Downpatrick, Dundrum, and Newcastle Railway, Midland Great Western Railway of Ireland, Great Southern and Western Railway, and Cork and Youghal Railway. SALMON FISHERIES .(SCOTLAND) BILL. The following select committee on this bill were nomi nated :—The Duke of Argyle, the Duke of Richmond, the Duke of Sutherland, the Duke of Buccleuch, Earl of Airlie, Earl Strange, Earl Ducie, Earl Innes,•Lord Colville, Lord Panmure, -Iford Abingdon, Lord Lovat, Lord Stanley of Alderley, and Lord Llanover. TRANSMISSION OF CATTLE BY RAILWAY. The Duke of MONTROSE gave notice that to-morrow he would ask a question on this subject. THE MUTINY BILL. On the motion of Lord DUFFERIN this bill passed through committee. ECCLESIASTICAL COMMISSION. Earl RUSSELL brought in a bill, the object of which was to effect a change in the constitution of the Ecclesias tical Commission, and which was read a first time. Their lordships then adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS-LAST EVENING. Mr. DODSON (deputy-Speaker) took the chair at four o'clock. PRIVATE BUSINESS. The following bills were read a third time and passed: —Birmingham Water, Devon and Somerset Railway (Capital), Dublin Corporation Water,Morayshire Railway, Newark Gas, and Sheffield United Gas. JAMAICA _GOVERNMENT BILL. A message from the Lords reported that their lordships had agreed to the Jamaica Government Bill without amend ment. THE NEW REFORM BILL. Mr. BEAUMONT said he should, on an early occasion, ask whether the new reform bill would contain clauses making it illegal to convey voters to the poll ? Mr. B. STANHOPE said he should take an earlyoppor tunity of pointing out tho defects in the electoral statistics furnished to the house with respect to the figures set down those therein enumerated under the estimated rental of £5O. : FENIANISM. Mr. INTHITESIDE'siid ho should on an early day call the attention of the house to the escape, or perhaps he should more properly say the retirement--(loud laughter) —of Stephens from Richmond Penitentiary. ' LEGITIMACY DECLARATION ACT. Mr. T. CHAMBERS postponed proceeding with this bill until Tuesday, April 10. TROOPS IN CHINA. Col. NORTH said, after Easter, he should move for the appointment of a select committee to inquire into the con dition of the troops in China. LANDLORD AND TENANT.'; Mr. MAGUIRE asked whether it was the intention of the Government to introduce a bill for the improvement of the law of landlord And tenant in Ireland? The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for Ireland said a mea sure on the subject was in course of preparation, and would bo laid on the table after Easter. THE NEW REFORM BILL. Sir H. HOARE asked whether, in the event of tho bill for the representation of the people passing into law, it was the intention to bring forward a measure for the redistri bution of seats and the settlement of borough boundaries early in the ensuing session ? Mr. H. SEYMOUR also asked whether, in the event o the franchise bills passing that house, it was the intention of Government immediately to issue a royal commission, composed fairly of men of all political opinions, to report upon the boundaries of boroughs, and a fair redistribution of seats, so that Parliament may be able to legislate upon the subject early in the ensuing session ? The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said it was very convenient that he should answer these questions together. The Government thought they would not thoroughly acquit themselves of the obligations they had taken upon themselves until they had brought under their consideration the subject of the revision and redistribution of seats. The Government, however, must reserve to them selvae thoir own freedom as to the proper time for bringing forward the motion. „With respect to the other question, he must say that they would do nothing until they could see their way with respect to the important measure they had already brought forward. After the settlement of that matter it might be thought proper to issue a commission to inquire into the state of the boundaries of towns, with a view to ascertaining whether any rectification of the boun daries was required. MEDICAL PAY. Colonel NORTH asked whether it was the intention of the Government ;to carry out the recommendations as re garded increased pay, Sze., of the committee which was appointed to inquire into and report upon the grievances of medical officers of the army and navy ? The Marquis of HARTINGTON said the report had only been received but a 'very short time, and it was at that moment quite impossible for them to say how far the recommendation of the committee went with respect to the army and the navy. ILLEGAL DRILLING. Mr. O'REILLY called the Attorney-General for Ire land's attention to a statement reported to have been made by a Mr. W. S. Gwynn, at a meeting of members of the Established Church held at Antrim on the 12th, " that one of the principal landlords in that part of the country had embodied a large number of his own tenantry, whOrn he had supplied with arms, and employed drill sergeants to instruct those tenants." The ATTORNEY-GENERAL for IRELAND said the attention of the Government had been called to the matter in respect to the person referred to and th) statements contained therein. Those with respect to the lord lieute nant were quite devoid of foundation. As to his own opi nion with respect to the legality or illegality of such a matter, he was decidedly of opinion that it. was illegal. (Hear, hear.) Until something had been done Government could not interfere. Application had been made to the Government for its consent to the arming of tenantry, but they had invariably been told that the Government were quite prepared and capable of defending all loyal subjects, and they warned the parties making the applications that if such a step were -taken they would incur gravo penalties. GUNNERY TRIALS. Mr. O'BEIRNE asked the Secretary of State for War whether, considering the very unsatisfactory trials of the heavy guns rifled oh the Woolwich and Whitworth sys tem; he thought it desirable to proceed further with the manufacture of guns upon either of those systems, 8:c. ? The Marquis of HARTINGTON said he was aware that the Woolwich system of bore had proved a failure. With respect to the Whitworth, they had no information to prove such an impression, or to prove the accuracy of the oval bore. There would be no objection to lay on the table papers connected with the trials of the Armstrong and Whitworth guns. RETIRED CAPTAINS. Admiral ERSKINE asked if it was intended that the captains placed on the - reserved list (F.G.) by the orders in council of 1851, 1856, and 1860, who did not now acquire an increase of half-pay by seniority, should benefit by the additional pay or pensions which the Admiralty would now have to bestow ? Lord C. PAGET said there was no intention to alter the pay of the officers alluded to. THE BELLEROPHON. Sir J. PAKINGTON asked whether it was true that a temporary addition had been made to the length of the funnel of the Bellerophon or any other of hor Majesty's ships, with the object of forcing her to greater speed during her trial at the measured mile than she could attain under ordinary circumstances ? Lord C. PAGET said the alteration or addition was made by the Messrs. Penn, the engineers, merely to ascer tain whether a better draught could be introduced into the engine room. It had not been done to force her speed. The same thing had been done to the right hon. baronet's own ship, the Warrior. FIRE INSURANCE, Mr. H. SHERIDAN postponed proceeding with this bill until after Easter. TILE CATTLE PLAGUE. Mr. HUNT moved the adjournment of the house for the purpose of making some remarks on the impolicy of the order issued by the Government with respect to cleansing the cattle trucks on railways. They would soon be again called into requisition, and ho thought Government had done wrong in leaving the matter to the railway com panies themselves. Government inspectors ought to be appointed. Sir G. GREY said he thought the steps taken by the Government would be found quite equal to the necessity, and that the trucks would not be used until they were de on was withdrawn and e the laAr e s f td u t r ; ea c b ts e hd t or h iot o p i d • r o ie u sd g c .u h s l s y i odni the h n e f ec n e o d t THE DAY 0 F HUMILIATION. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER moved that the committee do not meet to-morrow, on the occasion of its being the day of humiliation, until one o'clock. Mr. BOUVERIE:said he should object to such an arrange ment. The witnesses and other persons were all in town, and groat expense would be incurred if such a course was adopted. The Government had not thought proper to re commend to her Majesty to appoint a day of humiliation, WESTMINSTER. THE CHARGE OF FORGING THE COtNTESS BELLEW'S WILL.—Mrs. Anne Casse appeared, in discharge of her £l,OOO bail, to answer the charge of forging two signatures to the will of the late Countess Caroline Bellew, and with feloniously uttering the same with intent to defraud. Joseph Verlander also appealed to answer a charge of perjury re specting the signatures to the same document. Mr. Piffard prosecuted; Mr. James Lewis defended Mrs. Casso ; and Mr. W. D. Smyth appeared for Vorlander. Mr. Arnold drew Mr. Piffard's attention to a letter ho had received purporting to come from a magistrate. It was a most disgraceful proceeding on the part of some one to attempt to poison his mind against some of the parties. He offered no opinion on it, and handed it to Mr. Piffard to take what steps he thought fit in the matter. Mr. Lewis said he had had many such letters. Mr. Piffard contended that he had a right to call Inspec tor Tanner to prove, not that the signatures were forged, but that the will itself was forged. _ Mr. Arnold differed, and Mr. Tanner's evidence was dispensed with. Mr. Lewis asked whether the magistrate thought that the prosocution could be sustained on the evidence adduced. He did not wish to address the court, but only wished to enumerate the negative testimony, which hav ing been done, he begged that he might be allowed to ad dress the court after he had called evidence, and called Mrs. Harriett Anabella Ring—l live in Foxley-road, Kensington, and I am the wife of David Bebbington Ring, barrister-at-law. I knew the Countess Bellew, and had several letters from her, I think about 30. I never saw her write. Mr. Piffard objected that she could speak as to the sig nature of the will, never having seen her write. Mr. Lewis said she had boon examined in the Probate Court under the same objection, but it was overruled. Mr. Arnold, after referring to the law on the point, said it was undoubtedly admissible ; but he would make a note of it. Mr. Lewis—l will get Ile of the objection. Mr. William Grosvenor Jennings—l carry on the busi ness of a professional proctor with my father in Doctor's Commons. Messrs. Couto and Johnson opposed. That is the handwriting of Mr. Coute. (The letter stated that this Witness was acquainted in the countess's handwriting. Mrs. Ring re-examined—l received letters from the countess. (Looking at the will.) I believe that signature to be that of the Countess Bellew. Some of the countess's letters to me are now in the court. The letters were handed to the magistrate. Cross-examined—l had the first letter from the countess in February, 1863. The signatures resembles the writing. Mr. Arnold having called Mr. Piffard's attention to some strong resemblances in the countess's signature to letters to the signature of the will. Miss Emily Shee—l live at Stockloy House, Regent's. park. lam Mr. Henry Bellew's amanuensis I went into the countess's service on the 18th November, 18G3, and continued till June, 1861, and then loft, an d returned in September, same year. During the period I was there 1 remained till the time of her death, and she wished me to remain. She treated her with very great affection. I was her amanuensis. When I went back Miss Bellew had left. They wore on bad terms, I consider, the countess and Miss Frances Bellew. I firmly believe it is the countess's signa ture to the will (looking at it). After the death of the countess, Miss Bellew directed me to write to Mr. Lewis, a solicitor, at Hackney. That letter (produced) is the one I wrote. (Letter read and put in as evidence.) I ought to have known whether it was true or false. Miss Bellew wanted mo to swear to something she said the countess had said on her dying bed, and I refused ; she was angry. I told the countess I had heard nothing about the division of the household effects. I remember once going to the countess to the door to see if Miss Belle was listening. The countess spoke to me about her jewellery early in 1864. Mr. Piffard objected it was not evidence. Mr. Arnold said that evidence of that k d n behalf of the prisoner must not be excluded. He decided aaeiest Mr. Piffard, and evidence as to show this WAS probably a will was admissible. The countess said that M iss F. B e llow she had seen oweeariyn-a her veils in pro ceedingsßrigh- against her in regard jewellery. oerthenew had taken e m other's will, and got her mother's dross and j Miss Bellew's waiting woman w uegkrymaobobuyt i t t h . e h T an h d e c a o n t d m sa tes id s ton, send i illan detwia;isigehntooreg.etic ly She she had made her will. a s s a k i e d d I herw would keep s k h e o e u p l d i t a secret, a physician or solicitor. and she gave mo a prayer-book, and wanted me to vow on that book that I would keep it a secret. I swore I would. I knew it was a prayer-book. I read it morning and night. Miss Bellew was sent for on the 21st February, 1865 The countess then had the keys. William Bryant brought Miss Bellow into the house unknown to anybody. The day of the death, two hours after, Miss Bellew asked me for the keys. She was urgent to get them. They were in the bag at the head of the bed, in a purse, with a £5 note and other money. I gave Miss Bellew the keys. The private letters were is a cabinet in the bed room. I gave her two keys, and the other keys were in the wardrobe, locked up. I was present. The countess didn't say, " Here, dear Frances are the keys." (Letter from Miss Bellew read.) It is not true. Mr. Lewis—Miss Bellew swore she did, in this witness's presence. Witness_ continued—l was with her the whole ti T m h e e . She was incapable of saying a word to her sister. Countess said, ccFrancis, you have never lov ed me—yo u never appreciated me, but preferred that wretch to me. I wrote it on a piece of paper and gave it to Miss Bellew by order of the Countess three or four hours before she died. The Countess then ordered her to leave the house and the room. In order to hear what she said I put my ear close to her mouth, and then had a difficulty to hear. Miss Bellew left the room when, ordered by the Countess. I was promised a dress at Loy marriage by the Countess twelve months before her death, but didn't have it. lam not married. I have a breach of promise of marriage case on now. The Countess told me she had lost something, and I found it. Something appa rently valuable was in the portfolio when I found it. 1 remember Dr. Cooper buying a consultation with the Countess a day or two before her death. The case was not concluded when we went to press. TEWKESBURY ELECTION—This Day. - STATE 01? TILE POLT,.—OsE O'CLOCK. 142 136 Leclimere Martin SPORTING INTELLIGENCE—This :day. NORTHAMPTON RACES—(fms. Ws). DELAPRE 111 ND AP. Dolphin Teszme Harloquina 1 Six ran. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES. sto 1 agst Mail Train (taken) 9to 1 agst Raglan (taken); 9to 1 agst Ethelred (taken) 9 to 1 agst Seamander (taken) 11 to 1 apt Pearl Diver (taken) 100 to 6 agst Valiant (taken) TAT TERSALL 3' —L as t Evening. NORTHA3fPTONSIIIIIE STARES. 100 to 30 agst Mail Train (taken and offered) 9to 1 agst Raglan (offered—t. 10) 9to 1 agst Scatnandor (taken) 10 to 1 agst John Davis (trken) 100 to 8 agst Pearl Diver (taken and off.) 100 to 7 agst Valiant (tiik.en) 100 to 7 agst Little Goy.(taken) 25 to 1 agst Black Prince (Godding's) (taken) 33 to 1 agst Black Prince (Day's) (taken) EARL SPENCER'S PLATE. 15 to 1 agst Arbutus (taken) CITY AND SUBURBAN. 100 to 7 agst Mephistopheles (taken) TWO THOUSAND. 2to 1 agst Lord Lyon (taken) 7to 1 agst Janitor (take Bto 1) 10 to 1 agst Student (taken) 100 to 7 agst Auguste (taken) DERBY. 6to 1 agst Rustic (offered) 6to 1 agst Lord Lyon (offered) 30 to 1 agst Student (taken) 33 to 1 agst Laneret (taken) 1000 to 7f agst Beelzebub (taken) SPORTING NOTES. There are nine races to be decided to-morrow, the cipal ones being the Spencer Plato and the St. Liz Handi cap. The horses entered for the latter are less numerous by seven than last year, forty-five being the number nominated against fifty-two in 1865 ; and of these we have already seen the following run :—Problem, Jeannie Deans, Prodigal, Venem filly by Dundee out of Blanch of Mid dlebie, Phantom Sail, Opoponax, Ariel, Princess Thyra, Bounceaway, Libertine, Seringapatam, and Lady Rosehill, But the winner I expect will be Mr. Merry's MARKSMAN, who has a high reputation at home. He was bought at the sale of the Middle Park yearlings last June by Mr. Merry for I,ooogs. For the Earl Spencer's Plate OZONE and QUI VIVE will run well. But this is one of those short spins that it is almost impossible to spot the winner. The Racing Stakes will be won by the selected of John Day. The Two Year Old Sweepstakes seems at the mercy of PROBLE:of, while the Northauiptonshire Cup Stakes would ;:pp2ar destined also to fall to Mr. Chaplin by the aid of WILLIE SerAnrE or Mess HARRIETTE, and the Sulby Stakes to LOAF SUGAR. The Selling Plate and Lambert Plato dose this evening. A FRESH MAN. MARK E T S.--This Day. HAY. SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay, £4 4s to £5 lOs ; clover, £5 5s to £6 12s Gd ; and straw, £ 1 18s to £2 4s per los4. Demand inactive. CUMBERLAND.—Meadow hay, £4 4s to £5 15s 0(1; clover. .£5 5s to £6 12s Od ; and straw, £2 Os to £2 5s per load, A slow trade. WnlTEcirArEt.—Moadow hay, £1 4s to ..£5 12s; clover, £5 5s to £6 15s Od; and straw, £1 18s to £2 4s por load. Trade heavy. COLONIAL. SUGAIt.— Only a moderato demand has been experienced, but prices are well supported. Refined goods are in fair request, at steady rates. COFFEE. There has been only a limited inquiry, with out any material change in value. The stocks on hand, however, are still in excess of those held at the correspond.. ing period last year. TEA.—Only a limited inquiry has been experienced, and quotations are unaltered. RICE.—A moderate amount of business has been done in soft grain descriptions, and prices are unaltered. ' TALLOW.—This market has been generally firm, with an upward tendency, occasioned solely by the closing in of open accounts for tho month, which being done, the specu lators for higher prices must look to the wants of the trade for the realisation of their projects; judging from the smallness of demand, the consumers are not obliged to follow the market in its upward course. The fears ota great diminution in the supply of home tallow do not ap eitraistiodnisotrfibthueteCdauttnle- e p ci e u ln a ' i t l o y b t r w o u e l h f t o h u e n c d o e u d n ; t i a 3 s , b e 3 l h t o h a e g o h p Plague Bill, there is no serious falling off in the total quan tity produced. The market is firm at 50s Gd on the spot. The Prince of Wales has accepted an invitation to be present on Easter Monday next at the Brighton Volunteer Review. ROYAL VISIT TO TIIE CIGAR STEAMER.--After the unsuccessful attempt to launch the Northumberland iron clad screw frigate the Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred, Prince Llohenlohe, the Duke of Sutherland, Capt. Shaw, and several gentlemen left hiillwall in one of the Citizen steamers, and proceeded to Blackwall to visit the Rose Wi nans, the cigar screw steamer, lying in the junction dock of the West India Docks. Their royal highnesses were re ceived on board by tho owners, who conducted them over every part of this extraordinary vessel; which is now being fitted with her screws, and will in a. few days leave the docksfor an experimental trip previous to her departure for St. Petersburg. The royal party remained on board some tiirie, and 'on leaving re -embarked on board the Citizen steamer for the Speaker's-stair; House of Commons, where carriages were in attendance to convey them to Marl "borough-house. TEWKESBURY ELECTION.—NOMINATION OF CAN DIDATES.—The nomination of candidates took place ester day ; Mr. Martin, Lib era l, an d Sir E. Lechmere, Conserva tive, were proposed. The show of hands was in favour of Mr. Martin. Tho poll will take place to-day. • TI 'IL APPEAL TO ROYALTY 111031 IVAnEIIAM.— as the mayor of thisfimmediatemeetings, borough, The following -is given.-as the literal text of the communication from Wareham:to the Prince of 'Palos, about which so much has been said :—" North-street, parish of St. Martin, Old Corporate Borough of Wareham, - it h a t l o l , i i n u ..- Dorset.—To 11.R.1f. the prince of Wales, K.S.I. and K.G. —From the Mayor of the above-named borough.—May it please your Royal Highness. — Application has several ebonere'penrationt officiallyo their e t t i rt t e • cttoilmunaceihsnianbgeteitinh: o a w d ,e e r dangerousti which condition th e bellof i the h w e eaphuu T ti cet the state in which it really is. sp repair, and I have given instructions athned members this o f the 7y estimated cost is £7 to £B. accordingly. The There 'is no corporate fund for the purpose. As an old. servant noble, royal, and most useful of your much-lamented, de ceased father, I humbly (to his fellow-creatures) crave leave to name the subject to yourself, though not a liberty, for the having the smallest right to take such purpose of affording your Royal High ness an opportunityof directing b that a donation should be given in your ' • . - name towards the object, if it should seem meet to you to do so ; and though it would scarcely add to the popularity and thorough good will which attaches to the name of the eldest son of our Sovereign Lady Queen Victoria, and those near to him and her, still it would be thoroughly appreciated and widely made known to the intense satisfaction of all w h o hear it, and appreciate the town of Wareham as it de ociborhpl requires s c o n summonses de serves, both as regards old and new associations. Tho present mayor does not deserve ill of those whom he no w addresses, and it is more for the sake of the name of his Royal Highness than of the money. There are those who sses humbly, two sc possibly might help to contribute to the funds, but could not give the name of weight. At any rate, the mayor congra ht a l ingdh s e o n: L el s :e us t p l ti [ o e g 'lla r ts o h : e vg in hope u o n , h f it w un o i ea u t I pe d ,r his b ii us i ii T; e : 3 e ny re g , ly a llifte as well as of their royal parents and relatives. The mayor feels that in thus placing Wareham before the Prince of %Vales he has done what is right, and waits for a reply (through some one of the courteous and as a really pleasant 71:14 ; me morialbne- gentlemen who will send it) with confidence that ever th O w t i e t n h ou o r t , h i e t r w s.— ill y b o e u t r rea ß su oy re a d l up Highness's obedient humble, and faithful servant, FREELAND FILLITER, Mayor of Wareham, Dorsetshire. ,ir you l u g so ci It dame, I n de-, A biz friend trams onlin" le d to, lab. awn': sting ; asant oust' d the have they )o, to tie °f vant of all i - 0 - 13 o f a ll rt of need otegi neap lever Loble lily, ;hes° nger Toot 0 be )dell CLlS hig We ions that seY, do , a t 0 5 ti'© 1W it 1 10 100 100 f 100 2 100 100 161 & 14 9)j t ~ y