The Sun. — London, England, 1865-01-17 00:00:00

A L A _ HER 3.I.AJESTY'S THEATRE. Sole Manat ;er and L ireetor, Mr. W. Harrison. THIS EVENT , 10, FAUST. Mesdames Anna ' Hilts, Iflurrington, Cotlvrell ; Messrs. Swift, Forbes, H. Cori% and Conductor, Signor ARDITI. Followed by the Grand Christmas ran'omime, THE 110 N AND T at. UNICORN. MORNING PERFORMANCE on SATURDAY, at Two. - ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT GARDEN. (Opera Company, Limited.) CONTINUED S WONDERFUL I ONATO. THIS EVENING, THE BRIDE Of' SONG. Aster which, at a quarter-past 8, the Gra nd and highly successful Pantomime, CINDERELLA ; with magnificent Se'nery and gorgeous accessories. In the Harlequinath. senor Donato will ptrlorm his celebrated and astonishing Daese avec al auteau. Commen:e at Soren. THEATRE -ROYAL, DRURY-LANE, Managers. Messi s. E. Falconer and I'. B. Chatterton. T/IIS EVENING, and during the week. A YOUNG LAD FROM THE COUNTRY. Atter which, the Grand Christmas Pantomime, HOP O'MY THUMB AND HIS ELEVEN BROTtiEktS; or, Harlequin and the Ogre of the Seveu-League Boots : Messrs. G. Jsel more, Tom Matthews, G. Weston, Master Percy Moselle, kc. -31181103 Lydia Thompson R. Lcclercq, dtc. ; Messrs. Boleno, C. Lauri, W. A. Barne', T. Morris, Cormack, Saville ; Bolen°, the Misses Gunnies, and Signor Tescano. T EATR E-R OYA L, HAYMARKET. Lessee, Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, Jan. 17, DAVID GARRICK. Messrs. Chippendale, Sothern, Buckstone, Rogers, Clark, am',Athersny, &c. ; Mesdames Moore, Snowdon, Fitzwilli &c. After which, LORD DUNDREA.RY MARRIED AND DONE FOR. Messrs. Sothern, Buckstone, Braid, Gordon, Clark, White, Coe, Weathersby, &c. ; Mesdames Snowdoa, Bill, &c With PRINCESS SPRINGTIII.E. Mr. Compton, Miss L. Seeley. And A DAY AFIER THE WEDDING. - _ To commence at 7. jr{ 0 YAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Last Four sights of Ruy Blas. THIS EVENING, to commence with MY WIFE'S OUT. Messrs. Widdicomb, Charles; Miss B..n.rcy and Miss E. Levenu. Atter which, at 8 o'clock, RUY BLAS. Buy Blas, Mr. Fechter. Messrs. Rver, itzpatrick,Car lGarden, Raymond, Uollett, C ifford, Moreland ; Misses otta Leclercq, B. Percy, and Mrs. Winstanley. To conclude with a Farcical Oriental Extravaganza, en titled BEARFACED IMPOSTORS. Echanabaham (a pasha of three tails, Mr. Raymond; Mustapha, Lis viz:er, Mr. harden ; Bill Stumps and Jack Hocus, quondam prop. ietors of the ori.iaal uni, ed happy family, &essrs. Moreland and 7 Tiddicomb ; Ali, chief guardian of the ladies of the Harem, Dir. Collett; Osman Khan. chief executioner, Mr. Bunch; .Achmet Aga, an officer of the Sultan, Mr. Kelly; Mirzs liajji Baba, chief keeper of the monkeys, Mr. Regan; Ayesha, - formerly Jemima stumps, but no first favourite ot the pasha, Miss Lavenu ; Fatima, second favourite ot the pash Miss B. Percy; shekerleb, third favourite of the pasha, Miss Travers; Beda, fourth favourite of the pasha, Mis, Watson ; Zenobia, formerly banou of the harem, chief wife of the pasha, but now disc.trded for Ayesha, Miss Hatea. Various choice specimens of zoology, guards, slaves, and attendants, by ihe numerous and talenteiScuith family. Divertissement tics Odalisques. Doors open at Half -past Six. The Box-office open daily from Elev.n till Five. NEW THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELPH.I. dole rr.pri..tir Anti Alauagatr, /at. B. IN sacker. THIS EVENING, ICI ON PARLE FRANCAIS. Mr. J. L. Toole. At er which, at 8, LEAH. Miss Bateman, supported by Messrr. George .L.rdan, swinbourne, R. Phillips, Stuart, ;Stephenson, Lburne ; Miss H. Simms and Mrs. BiLington. To conclude with DARK DOINGS IN THE CUP BOARD BY Tilt; KNoTTINU'ENI BROTHERS. Messrs. .1. B. Toole, Paul Bedford, R. I - hill.ps, Billington; Mrs. A. Mellon. Alias A. teaman. Commence at 7. aCYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. THIS EVENING, a new Extravaganza, entitled THE MAGIC HORSE AND THE ICE MAIDE NI I RINCES:4. Alter which, THE STREETS OF LONDON. Messrs. Vining, J. W. Ray, D. Fisher, D. Murray, J. Nelson, H. Forrei,ter. B. Mellon ; Mrs. Henry Maiston, Miss Emma Barnett, and Miss FAnny G wynne. p OYAL STRAND THEATRE. Jar Sole Lessee and Manageress. Mrs. Swanborough. THI EVENING, at 7, LAWRENCE'S LOVE SUIT. Mr. Parselle ; Mesdames Palmer, Carson, and Hughes. After which, the Grand Christmas Burls.sque, THE " GRIN" BUsIIES ; or, the Mrs. Brown of the Jitssis-sippi. Messrs. Stoyle, Thorne, James, Fenton, Sze..; Mesdames .ada Swanborough, Raynham, Simpson, Johnstone, &C. To c)nclude with AIRS. GttEEN'S SNUG LITTLE BUSINESS. Mr. Belford. GRATIS AND POST FREE. E. MOSES and SONS' New Pamphlet, THE PHILOSOPHY OF DRESS. ------- MOSES AND S 0 N FA • respectfully call attention to their large and well assorted stock of JUVENILE CLOTHING. The newest taorics are combined with the latest and most fashionable resigns, 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 •re much as must satisfy the most economical. This depart ment is in a uistinct part of the premises, which will be ivund a great convenience for ladies and children, MOSES AN D S 0 N • respectfully invi:e public attention to their large and weii-assurted WINTELL aTOCK. - El MOSES AND SON'S 124•" SA NDRINGliAlli" and " DANISH " WRAPPER atroduced by them) is the newest and most fashion tb e style ot Overcoats for the season. MOSES AND SON'S E• READY-MADE and BESI - OKE CLOI'IIIN Li tor • all classes and all ages. EMOSES AND SON'S • CELEBRATED "INDISPENSABLE" SUIT, from 30s. • L I MOSES AND UI • HOSIERY and DRAUELIY, for all classes and all ages. S 0 N'S - 10 MOSES AND SON'S ju• HATS AND CAPS, fur all c asses and all ages. EMOSES AND SON'S • BOOTS and SHOES, for all classes and all ages. MOSES AND SON'S • o UTFI I'S, for all classes, all ages, and all climates. MOSES AND SON'S ~• LONDON HOUSES, 154, 155, 15e, 157, Minories; 83, 84, 85, SO, 87, 88, 89, Aldgate 506, 507, 508, New Oxford—street ; 3, liart-stre,t ; 137, 138, Tottenham-court-road ; 288, Euston-road t' Also, Bradford, Yorkshire. MO SES AND SON'S • Ebtabiishnient• are closed Lve - y Friday evening at auuset until Saturday evening at sunset, when business is re sumed nwil Ii o'clock. A 1 articles arc marked the lowest prices in plain figures. Any article not appr,,ved of will be eschaugta, or the money returned. .List of Prices with Rules for Self-measurement, Fashion Card, and our new pamphlet, "The rhilosoptiy of Dress," gratis and post tree. COALS. —The LILLIESHALL COMPANY'S COAL .S. Direct from their own collieries. - Marquis' 26J. per ton. Double.. ....... 21s. per ton. Top 2.555• 11 I De. p Welt screened and delivered within live miles of their De pits, Westbourne Vark-road, W., and 17, 6outh Whari, .eaddingten, W.. and Maiden-lan N. *lest Coke Terms cash. JOHN bCO TT, sole Lent. THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN " supplied, as soon as published every Evening by ALEXANDER (late Illt00116), Newspaper Agent, 21, Old c a venuisti- treet, Oxford• street. /11HE THIRD EDITION OF " THE SUN," eoutaining th,:l,ntetit rlatT t-^4: bo had Every Evening of G. It. (i'L ENIE, News AGENT, NO. 4. Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. THE LAST EDITION of " TIIE SUN supplied as :oon as Published containing all the IA rEST 1V I , ;WS an SPORTING INTELLIGCII7, by H. W. HARRIS, Ne ; epaper Agent, 4, Blacktriars-road, London, S. _ HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. 7HI: DAT.—Morning, sh. 20 m. —Afternoon, sh. 40m, I , s _743l'itow.-Morning, sh. 55m.—Afternoon, 6h. 15m. _rt kaiak% LONDON; TUESDAY, JAN. 17, 1865. ---- -6- During the Recess, which is now so nearly over the Conservatives have certainly had the advantage of their political opponents in the number of their gatherings and the enthusias m and unanimity which they have displayed at them. Except i n a few isolated cases, where Mr. GLADSTONE or Mr. o,,o nnEN indulged in lengthened tirades, and laid down the law in an arbitrary manner, there has been little o r nothing done on an extensive scale on the Ministerial ide of the House. Perhaps there were m any weighty reasons for thus thinking discretion the better part of valour, but be that as it may, the re sult has been that the lovers of progress and the friends of reform have not had much occasion to congratulate themselves upon the extent of their friends' exertions, or the credit that they have done themselve3. Perhaps this may not matter much in the end, for experience has shown that very little of an ultimate nature ever comes of so much parade and boasting, and it would be extremely difficult for the so-called Liberals to declare at the present moment in what consists their superiority to their adversaries in the contest for public favour and political distinction. The Conservatives have at least one good card to play on their side, and one argument to use which has always found favour in the sight of Englishmen ; they have nothing to hide, and their party is not divided into sections, and parcelled into different lots, all separated when im portant general interests are discussed, and only finding one rallying point in the universal scramble Ifor place and power. It is more dignified to be out of office than in, considering how affairs are con- ducted just now, and there can be little or no honest pride in their doings among the members of the Ministerial side when they cast a retrospective glance at their history for the last five or six years. The affair at Devonshire was a very brilliant one, and it seemed that general satisfaction prevailed among the numerous assemblage. The Earl of DEVON, in his address, made some al lusion to the House he represented. At one time this was rather an invidious task to perform, but the growing intelligence of the coun- try has discerned that there is sometimes an advan tage in the particular characteristics of the heredi tary assembly which the popular branch of the Le gislature does not always possess. On one or two occasions in past years the Peers have come forward in a creditable manner, and more conspicuously so last Session on the debate on Denmark, they set an example which was well worthy of being fol lowed. Lord DEVON remarked that from many circumstances the House of Lords was a Chamber that occupied a different position from that of any other Chamber in the world, and that it repre sented different classes of the community. This is very true, and some of those who scoff and sneer at the hereditary assembly as being composed of non entities and class-mongers will do well to consider the eloquent and earnest exposition of Lord DEVON concerning its component parts. As, he said, it received into its body from time to time those who distinguished themselves, and served their country by eminence in the law, or in the arduous profes sions of soldiers and sailors, and in commercial en terprises ; " and thus while it represented the wis dom, experience, energy, and courage that belonged to the present, it also contained all that influence and prestige which belonged to the past." The immortal expression of Nelson, " A peerage or Westminster Abbey," is a sufficient answer to the criticism of Messrs. COBDEN and BRIGHT, that it is not all hereditary power that is met with there, but that men who have carved out their own fortunes take their places occasionally among those whose ancestors have figured in the history of the land. Lord DEVON spoke wisely to those members of his party present on the occasion concerning the wisest course to adopt in the contest of opinions concern ing the changes necessary for our social condi tion. He said that it would not do to present an unthinking opposition to all change, but to consider carefully what was necessary. This is a very salutary warning, and doubtless one that will sound very discordant in the ears of some enthusiastic leveller of distinctions and rectifier of abuses. His Lordship made an amusing allusion to the position which his friend in the other House had held for so long. He described it as acting " ably, if not vtry pleasantly, as her MAJESTY'S Opposi tion, and he trusted that before long they would be called upon to fulfil the more agreeable duties which attached to the supporters of her MAJESTY'S Government." It is to be questioned if, after all, the country might not devise more material benefits and more solid advantages if such were really the case. The largest party in the State, the strongest and most united, could do more, if allowed fair play, than any mixture of discordant spirits and heterogeneous elements which go to make up the strong Governments of these days. Mr. DISRAELI once said that England does not love Coalitions, and certainly, since then, there has been no reason why she should change her mind or alter the cur rent of her sentiments. The successive Coalitions that have occupied the Treasury benches have nearly extinguished the chance of Reform for this genera tion, have stopped many salutary improvements that promised to succeed, have plunged the country into a disgraceful war, and now maintained a dis creditable peace. Under their auspices we have lost our influence in the councils of European Powers, and forfeited our ancient boast of being the cham pions of the oppressed. While all this dark cata logue is unfolded before us it ill becomes the pre judicial partisan and the sectarian politician to de clare that the Conservatives have failed in their efforts at Government. They could not have done worse, and it is merely supposition to say that they could not have done better had they had the same chances afforded to them as Lord PALMERSTON and his friends have enjoyed for a considerable time past. Sir L. PALK animadverted upon the conduct of Ministers, and gave it as his opinion that they would not be very ready to attempt any great changes, the motto of their course being " Rest and be thankful." Also, he affirmed what it is certainly difficult to contravene—that they found it very convenient to hold the " places, preferments, and patronage of Government for a long time, without the responsi bility attached to it." Mr. KEKEWICH'S amusing speech showed up the devices and dodges which some infatuated politicians had recourse to in their 1 efforts to make things seem what they were not, and their endeavours to fit incongruous circum stances into apparent order. Lord CHURSTON, in conclusion, made some pertinent observations on public affairs, and complained that the Government had endeavoured to give them the credit of possess ing a policy which was distasteful to the country, and thus sought to further their own interests. This meeting may be termed a " party" one in many respects, but a spirit of good humour prevailed, and nothing of an extreme style of bitter feeling per vaded the tone of its remarks. On the whole, it may be taken as a fair average of the opinions of its party, and really, nowa d ays, it is something gained for a politician to h ave any fixed principl es a t all. Very few of the sciences have made more pro gress in the last few years than meteorology—i n fact, it may almost be said to have taken its rise during that time. Among all the wonderful varieties of knowledge which the skill and study of man has enabled him to acquire, none is more marvellous than that foresight which gives him the power of foretelling those convulsions of the elements which, to a common observer, appear so erratic and so wayward. It is one thing, however, to foretell a storm, and another to control it ; and we have justaive fisherman an h c ad painful evidence of man's helples sness to subdue or influence the fury of the elements. Our cdknowledge is indeed frequently the means of sa v i ng l i fe by forewarn i ng t h e sa ilor and teaching them ohfowtheto signs shape o f th d ei a r n c g o e urs r, e a , n a d nd th , us possible, to avoid • ; but further skill and science will not go, and thus the which might seem very department of know ledgemost flattering to our self conceit serves also to warn us against presumption. The gale of Friday and Saturday last was excep tional in its violence, and has le t f its trace behind it in many unexpected quarters. Even • the sheltered THE - SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 17, 1865. metropolis the hurricane was busy, and while the first thought of those who listened to its raging on Friday night was of the ships tossing out at sea, it was doing its work in London itself, and marking many another city with traces of its violence. All round the coast the gale has raged, and has natu- rally been productive of very serious disasters. One of the most serious was the loss of the Lelia, a new blockade runner, which left the Mersey on Saturday on a voyage to Nassau. She had only reached the North-west Lightship when a heavy sea struck her, and she went down with 18 men on board. Twelve more of her men were saved by gaining the lightship ; but even this relief has its tragic side, for a lifeboat proceeding in tow to the ship for the purpose of bringing off the men was capsized, and seven of the brave fellows who manned it were lost, thus making twenty-five lives sacrificed in all. The lifeboat men had failed to comply with the regulation of wearing their belts, so that their own imprudence had something to do with their loss - , while it seems to be strange that a vessel of so slight a build as the Lelia should have started on her voyage in what was confessedly a heavy and dangerous gale. The rashness has cost all parties dear, and unhappily the misfortune has not fallen on the owners of property alone, but it has deprived many families of their bread-winners. If discretion be the better part of valour even for a soldier, it ig tenfold more so for a sailor, since the enemy with whom he has to cope can never be out matched in strength, and can only be guarded against by sagacity and prudence. While it is often regretted that more use is not made of the official warnings of tempestuous weather, we need not wonder at such indifference when the actual sight of a gale does not deter the adventurous. So far, then, this double disaster was owing to want of prudence, since if the Lelia had waited for fairer weather, the eighteen men who went down with her would have been spared, and had the life boat men had their belts they would probably have been able to keep afloat until they had caught the ropes flung to them. It is a very different thing to imperil one's life for a purpose or for fool hardiness. The one extorts admiration and respect from the most callous, the other commands neither sympathy nor approval. The wreck of the schooner Ocean, off Plymouth, gave occasion to one of those heroic exploits by no means uncommon on our shores. Five men were seen clinging to the masts of the vessel, which had gone ashore on the shingle banks at the entrance to Langston harbour. A steam-tug, with a lifeboat in tow, went out from Portsmouth to her aid, but could not get near her, as she lay among the breakers, with the dangerous shallows of the banks intervening. The steam-tug reluctantly returned, leaving the men, now lessened by two, still clinging to the rigging. But help was fortunately at hand in the shape of a volunteer crew from Langston harbour, under the direction of Major FESTIN, of the Royal Marine Artillery. Fort Cumberland, the Artillery headquarters, stands at the entrance of Langston harbour, and a cutter is kept there, adapted to the shoal waters, for purposes of the service. Accordingly an attempt was made to reach the wreck, which happily was successful, although the eager watchers on the shore were for some moments uncertain whether the gallant little band had not perished together with those they sought to rescue. It is to be hoped this dangerous adventure will direct the attention of the naval anthorities to the necessity of making some pro vision for such accidents in the shoal waters. From the north comes the same tale of storm and wreck. The nautical men of Northumberland say that the barometer has not been so low since the Royal Charter gale, while landsmen may imagine the terrific force of the gale at sea from its violence on the land. At Reading it succeeded for some hours in impeding the locomotives by a singular accident. Before daylight on Saturday morning two trucks were blown by the violence of the wind for a mile along the line from the siding where they were stationed. A col lision naturally took place, which might have been very serious in its effects, only that happily the advancing train consisted merely of coal trucks. The driver and stoker fortunately escaped with a severe shaking, and the chief part of the danger was the scattering of the coal over the line, thereby completely stopping all traffic. The wind had been further busy in mischief, for among the numerous signal-posts which it had sent down one had fallen across the telegraph wires, cutting off the means of communication. More than twenty posts have, it is said, been blown down on this railway alone. At Plymouth a heavy gate of wood and iron, 17ft. high by sift. wide, which stood at the entrance to Key ham steam-yard, was thrown down and smashed. We have in London itself had a startling accident from the gale, which has unfortunately been at tended, if not with loss of life, with very serious injury. It may be questioned whether due precautions were in this case used to prevent accident, as a chimney-shaft 140 feet in height is not a very safe neighbour for a densely populated lane. It is to be hoped that the injured persons will escape with their lives from the effects of their alarming accident ; but the disaster should at least prove a warning to the owners of similar pro perty, who should be careful how they expose the dwellers in their vicinity to unnecessary risk. The list of catastrophes by land and sea is certainly extensive enough to teach all classes caution, and we fear we have not yet heard half of it. On the continent also the weather has also been of a very exceptional character, heavy snow storms having been experienced in Adige and its vicinity. We hear that Mr. Ignace Gibsone, the composer, has completed a two-act opera (the libretto by Mr. Enoch), founded on a French story, and report speaks highly of the music, as being original and characteristic. THE EMPEROR OF THE FRENCH AND JULIUS C2ESAR.—We are informed, on good authority, that the Emperor of the French has ordered his " Life of Julius Ctesar" to be translated into English, and has undertaken to revise the proofs himself. CAPTAIN SHERAIID OSBORN, C. 8., has undertaken to give a lecture at the Geographical Society on Monday the 23d inst., on subjects connected with the North Pole. As an old Arctic voyager, Captain Osborn will doubtless succeed in instructing and interesting his hearers.—Army and Nary Gazette. STATISTICS OF PARISIAN LUXURY.—A Paris jour nal publishes the following curious statistics respect ing the balls at the Grand Opera:—" Each of these fetes occasions an expenditure of about 140,000 f. The adminis tration of the balls employs no less than 980 persons. Every ball night 1,850 wax tapers, 210 oil lamps, and 2,600 gas burners are required to light the theatre. The average number of persons attending the balls is 5,000, of whom 2,400 are women and 2,600 men. Each ball leads to an out lay of 8,200 f. in masks, 3,500 f. in the hire of costumes, 3,500 f. in hair dressing, and about 6,000 f. in bouquets and fans. The fees paid in the cloak-room are about 2,500 f. At the first opera ball this season 1,490 hired carriages and 300 private ones passed under the peristyle, which must have caused an expenditure of about B,ooof. The sale of refresh ments in the theatre produced 13,750 f. At the rate of 140,000 f. for each ball, the whole 14 of the season would give 1,960,000 f. Of course, the above sum does not include the money spent in cafes and restaurants after leaving the , theatre." SANITARY FAIR INCIDENT IN CALIFORNIA.—A poor little boy brought a white chicken to the fair, which was all he had to offer, saying it might make some broth for a poor sick soldier. He had decked his little offering with ribbons of " red, white, and blue ;" but as he had no money to pay the admittance fee, when he came to the door he was rejected. As he went down the street, some gentleman seeing his distress listened to his story, gave him a ticket and sent him in. The simplicity of the donor and the beauty of the offering attracted attention, and the chicken was put up at action and sold to the highest bidder for 460 dcils. in gold, for the benefit of the sanitary commission.—Vetter from Marysville. Cal. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. (REUTER'S TELEGRAM.) RUSSIA. ST. PETERSBURG, JAN. 16. The Grand Duke Constantine has been appointed President, and Count Milintine and General Luit kow members of the Council of -the Empire. The military estimates .in the budget for 1865 are reduced by 241 millions of roubles, and the navy estimates by 41 millions, as compared with those for 1864. ALGERIA. PARIS, JAN. 17th. Official despatches received here from Algiers to the 12th inst., state that the last remnants of the insurgents had manifested their intention of sub- mitting. The struggle was serious on the Tunisian frontier betNfeen the troops of the Bey and the insurgents who were beaten with considerable loss. Many had taken refuge on lUgerianterritory. FRANCE, BOURSE, Jan. 16.—The market has been firm, but without any material change, Threes, for the Account, being now at 67f. sc. Mobilier has im proved to 965 f. Railway Market quiet, but firm. The market became weaker towards the close, and left off as follows : 41 per Cents 95 Do. end month — 3 per Cents. — Do. end month 66 90 Credit Mobilier Do. end month 952 50 Bank Shares 3480 Credit Foncier 1280 Roman 73 50 Italian Loan 65 40 Do. end ntonth 65 45 Ditto Threes — New Mexican Russian — Austrian Spanish Threes Home Debt Deferred RAIL' WAYS. Cash. Acct. Orleans Northern 997 50 ... 997 50 Lyons and Mediterranean__ 922 50 ... 926 25 Southern 578 75 ... 578 75 Western 542 50 ... 545 Eastern Sardinian 3lO ... 310 Austrian Lombard 542 50 ... 542 50 North of Spain 355 ... 355 Saragossa 420 ... 420 Ditto to Barcelona — ... LITERATURE, -_-40,-- -___- The Temple Anecdotes. Invention and Discovery. By Ralph and Chandos Temple. One vol., pp. 438. Groombridge and Sons. In the modest form of a prettily gilded gift-book, a really noble enterprise —as it appears to us—has here been commenced. Merely as the work stands now before us, in the guise of this single volume, it may take rank among the Curiosities of Literature. But, excellent - though the book under notice is in itself, it is chiefly noticeable as a precursor of other and kindred volumes that are to follow it. It is especi ally acceptable as the first in a long procession. And as such we cordially welcome it. We at once accord to it a place—and an accessible place too — upon our bookshelves. Before placing it thus, how ever, we have more than merely dipped into it here and . there. We have thumbed it industriously— taking it up again and again, and hardly ever putting it aside for a while without reluctance. For, in point of fact, what is this First volume of " The Temple Anecdotes ?" It is—simply to ex press it as a mere matter of fact—an anecdotal record of the Fairy Tales of Art and Science ! It is, in other words, an epitome of the foremost among the marvels won from the arcana of Nature by Modern Discovery and Invention. Without even looking at the Letter press, anyone may recognize the fact that the Book is precisely as we have just now said that it is, upon a cursory glance at the twelve or fourteen woodcut embellishments scattered through it. Arkwright's termagant wife, in one of those illustrations, has just destroyed the models of the machinery by which that humble barber was enabled to leave off shaving his customer, for a penny—winning up wards of eight millions sterling, and becoming eventually famous as Sir Richard Arkwright the millionaire ! James Watt, in another, is represented as a little urchin chalking a geometrical figure upon the hearth=stone. Professor Schonbein, of Baden, in another, is shown igniting his gun-cotton upon the palm of the late Prince Consort. M. Villeme, in another, is depicted in his studio practising his almost miraculous art of photo-sculpture. Turn ing, however, from the mere illustrations of the volume to the enthralling letterpress, it is surprising to note how much profoundly interesting and valu able information has not only been here compacted together by the Brothers Temple, but rendered delightfully readable into the bargain by the manner in which the facts collected together have been recounted. From the contents of this one volume the reader learns, among other wonders of a like extraordinary character, how it was that James Hargreaves came, in 1767, to invent the " Spinning Jenny !" How Sir Richard Arkwright contrived his " Spinning Frame !" How Samuel Crompton hit upon his ingenious notion of the " Mules !" Now we read of Thomas Turnbull's happy thought of first having paper " hot-pressed !" Now of Humphery Potter's marvellous finishing touch, as one may say, to the invention of the Steam Engine of Newcomen—by means of which last touch, in fact, the Steam Engine first of all became Self-Acting! Valentine Haiiy, now, charms us into attention by his beautiful invention of raised print ing for the Blind ! Now we learn, from the history of William Lee's ineffectual courtship, how that in genious wight came to think of his wonderful con trivance of the ." Stocking Frame !" Another while, as we turn the pages of this curious book, we follow in fancy, into the streets of London, in 1786, the adventurous Jonas Hanway, who then first had the courage to unfurl an umbrella over his head in this our metropolis ! Thirty-four years later, namely, in 1820, we are in imagination by the side of Daniel Krafft when he first snapped a phosphorus match successfully. Here, again, we learn, turn by turn, how Robert Burford, in 1787, first came to paint Panoramas — how Colonel Colt, in 1835, first invented Revolvers—how Elias Howe, in 1841, first invented his exquisitely ingenious Sewing Machine—how, in 1842, gutta percha, as a new material for manu factures, was first discovered by Dr. Montgomery. The Brothers Temple, moreover, relate to us, here briefly but with sufficient detail for the perfect com prehension of the story, how, in 1807, Pall-mall was first lit by coal gas, thanks to the perseverance of Mr. Winsor. They tell us how the first con triver of a pianoforte was Sebastien Erard (who died at Paris as recently as 1831), the son of a cabinet-maker of Strasbourg. Alois Senefelden's accidental discovery, in 1817, of the art of Litho graphy—M. Daguerre's first disclosure to the world in 1839 of the marvels of Photography—Dr. Simpson's benign discovery, in 1847, of the pain-destroying influence of Chloroform—these, again, are among the enthralling themes here descanted upon by the coin pilers of this charming first volume of " The Temple Anecdotes." As a repertory of anecdotal history, the collection thus inagurated will take its place, we may already rest satisfied, with The • Percy Anecdotes. After " Invention and Discovery" will come in due course, " Enterprise and Adventure," " Humanity • and Benevolence," " Integrity and Patriotism," "Trial and Perseverance," &c., &c., according to the announcement made through the prospectus issued either by the compilers themselves or by the publishers. One improvement alone, we here feel called upon to suggest as worthy of attention in the subsequent volumes of the series, namely, that of a more accurate arrangement, par ticularly in regard to the numbering of the pages, of the Index to the miscellaneous contents of " The Temple Anecdotes." A letter from Drontheim, in Norway, states that up to the commencement of the present year the tempera ture there had been unusually mild, no cold being felt nor any snow fallen, and the thermometer stood at from 4 to 6 degrees above freezing point. THE SEIZURE OF THE FLORIDA. The following is the text of Mr. Seward's reply to the Brazilian Charge d'Affaires at Washington, relative to the seizure of the Florida : Department of State, Washington, Dec. 26, 1864. Sir, —I have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your note, which sets forth the sentiments of the Imperial Government of Brazil, concerning the capture of the Florida by the United States war steamer Wachusett in the port of Bahia. You will, of course, explain to your Government, that owing to an understanding between you and myself, your note, although it bears the date of the 12th December, was not submitted to me until the 21st inst. Jealousy of foreign intervention in every form, and absolute non-intervention in the domestic affairs of foreign nations, are cardinal principles in the policy of the United States. You have, therefore, justly expected that the President would disavow and regret the proceedings at Bahia. He will sus pend Captain Collins, and direct him to appear before a court-martial. The Consul at Bahia admits that he advised and incited the captain, and was active in the proceedings. He will therefore be dismissed. The flag of Brazil will receive from the United States navy the honour customary in the intercourse of friendly maritime Powers. It is, however, not to be understood that this Government admits or gives credit to the charges of falsehood, treachery, and deception which you have brought against the captain and the consul. These charges are denied on the authority of the officers accused. You will also be pleased to understand that the answer now given to your representation rests ex clusively upon the ground that the capture of the Florida was an unauthorised, unlawful, and inde fensible exercise of the naval force of the United States within a foreign country, in defiance of its established and duly recognised Government. This Government disallows your assumption that the insurgents of this country are a lawful naval belligerent, and, on the contrary, it maintains that the ascription of that character by the Government of Brazil to insurgent citizens of the United States, who have hitherto been, and who still are, destitute of naval forces, ports, and courts, is an act of in tervention in derogation of the law of nations, and unfriendly and wrongful, as it is manifestly in jurious to the United States. So, also, this Government disallows your assump tion that the Florida belonged to the aforementioned insurgents, and maintain, on the contrary, that that vessel, like the Alabama, was a pirate, belong , ing to no nation or lawful belligerent, and, therefore that the harbouring and supplying of these piratical ships and their crews in Brazilian ports, were wrongs and injuries for which Brazil justly owes reparation to the United States, as ample as the reparation which she now receives from them. They hope and confidently expect this reciprocity in good time, to restore the harmony and friendship which are so essential to the welfare and safety of the two countries. In the position which I have thus assumed the Imperial Government will recognise an adherence to rights which have been constantly asserted, and an enduring sense of injuries which have been the sub ject of earnest remonstrance by the United States during the last three years. The Government of Brazil is again informed that these positions of this Government are no longer deemed open to argu ment. It does not, however, belong to'captains of ships of war of the United States, or to the commanders of their armies, or to their consuls residing in foreign ports, acting without the authority of the Congress, and without even executive direction, and choosing their own time, manner, and occasion, to assert the rights and redress the wrongs of the country. This power can be lawfully exercised only by the Government of the United States. As a member of the family of nations, the United States practice order, not anarchy, as they always prefer lawful proceeding to aggressive violence or retalia tion. The United States are happy in being able to believe that Brazil entertains the same sen - timents. The authorities at Bahia are understoo d to have unsuccessfully employed force to overcome the Wachusett and rescue the Florida, and to hav e continued the chase of the offender beyond the waters of Brazil out upon the high seas. Thus, in the affair at Bahia, subordinate agents, without the knowledge of their respective Governments mutually inaugurated an unauthorised, irregular and unlawful war. In desisting from that war on her part, and in appealing to this country for re-' dress, Brazil rightly appreciated the character o the United States, and set an example worthy of emulation. The disposition of the captured crew of the Florida is determined upon the principles which I have laid down. Although the crew are enemies of the United States, and, as they contend, ene mies of the human race, yet the offenders were neverthelsss unlawfully brought into the custody of this Government, and therefore they could not law fully be subjected here to the punishment which they have deserved. Nor could they, being ene mies, be allowed to enjoy the protection of the United States. They will therefore be at liberty to seek a refuge wherever they may find it, with the hazard of recapture when beyond the jurisdiction of this Government. The Florida was brought into American waters, and was anchored under naval surveillance and pro tection at the Hampton Roads. While awaiting the representation of the Brazilian Government, on the 28th November, she sunk, owing to a leak which could not be seasonably stopped. The leak was at first represented to have been caused, or at least increased by a collision with a war transport. Orders were immediately given to ascertain the manner and circumstances of the occurrence. It seemed to affect the army and the navy. A naval court of inquiry, and also a military court of in quiry, were charged with the investigation. The naval court has submitted its report, and a copy thereof is herewith communicated. The military court is yet engaged. So s6on as its laboirrs shall have ended the result will be made known to your Government. In the meantime it is assumed that the loss of the Florida was a consequence of some unforeseen accident, which casts no responsibility upon the United States. I avail myself of this opportunity to renew to you, Sir, the assurance of my high consideration. WILLIAM H. SEWARD. Senhor Ignacio de Avellar Barboza da Silva, &c. MARKETS—This Day HAY MARKETS. SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay, £4 5s to £5 10s; clover, £5 5s to £6 lOs ; and straw, £ 1 8 s to £ 1 12 s per load , Trade firm. CITIABERLAND.—Meadow hay, £4 5s to £5 lOs Od ; clover, £5 5s to £6 lOs ; and straw, £ 1 8 s to £1 12s per load. A steady demand. WHITECHAPEL.—Meadow hay, £4 5s to £5 lOs ; clove; £5 5s to £6 lOs ; and straw, £1 8s to £1 12s per load. Trade steady. COLONIAL. TEA.—There has been a fair inquiry in the private market, but dealings have been postponed until to-day, when a large quantity will be offered at public sale. SUGAR.—The market has remained dull ; prices have not varied to any important extent, but the general ten dency is towards a further decline. In the refined mar ket previous rates are maintained. COFFEE.—There has been a fair demand for colonial descriptions, and both plantation and native Ceylon have supported previous quotations. EICE.—A large amount of business has been trans acted, and fully previous rates are obtained for superior qualities of East Indian. TALLOW.—The market has presented very little anima tion, and quotations for both present and forward deli very are steadily Maintained. P.Y.C. on the spot is 41s to 41s. 3d. ; March, 42s 3d. to 428. 6d. In the Court of Exchequer yesterday, in the case of Drew v. the Strand Musick Hall Company (Limited) the plaintiff obtained a verdict for 3001. is. 11d. for work done in decorating the hall with plate-glass and erecting the refreshment counters. A project is in contemplation in the department of the Oise for the formation of a new railway from Paris to Calais by way of Beauvais and Abbeville. The Council- General (,f the Oisa during its last session expressed a wish in favour of that line. Sir John Bowring and Remunerative Prison Labour. Sir John Bowring is preparing a pamphlet on this im portant subject. On Friday a local paper gave an outline of Sir John's address to the county magistrates at the Exeter Sessions, and we now publish a few other facts mentioned by him in support of his arguments. Prison labour, said Sir Joim, could never be so remune ative as that resulting from the energies and appliances of freedom, but he would call attention to statistics of the good done and profit attained by prison labour, all of the statistics being of an official character, supplied to him by favour of foreign Governments, or individuals who were amongst the best informed upon the topics. In France the plan of the absolute isolation of prisoners by day was aban- doned in 1848, and a classified system of employment was introduced. In all the central and departmental prisons areas were turned into workshops, and with some modifica- tions the arrangements which had been successfully carried out in the United States prisons—and in which the recom mittals were not 6 per cent.—were adopted and the system gradually extended to the sale of the productions of the prisoners to contractors, under the prison regulations. Upon the introduction of the contract system the yearly receipts from that source derived from the 19 central prisons was 12,0001. per annum ; in 1862 it was 47,0004 and the profit from the whole of that year amounted to no less a sum than 121,0001. (Applause.) Of this sum pro- portions varying from one-tenth to six-tenths were allowed to d'fferent classes of prisoners, a por- tion of the sum having been distributed amongst them during their confinement; and the rest having been allowed to accumulate, was handed to them at the time of their liberation. As far as practicable the convicts were em- ployed at the trades to which they had been brought up. Saddlers returned the greatest profit ; the next most pro fitable were the shoemaker,s, then the tailors, basketmakers, mat-makers, and the stone-cutters and weavers. In a re. port lately made to the French Legislature by M. Jules Simon, it was stated that under the beneficent influences of the new system the number of prisoners had diminished one-half, and that in one of the departments the prison had twice been without a single occupant. (Hear, hear.) He had received from the Belgian authorities official statistics directly bearing on the question of productive prison la bour, and which furnished models worthy of imitation. The tariff of wages allowed to prisoners on work done in the central prisons showed that of the allowance the State received five-tenths of the profits from prisoners subjected to correctional or minor punishments; six-tenths from soldiers condemned to solitary confinement; and seven tenths from convicts condemned to hard labour for long periods. A portion not exceeding two-tenths of the value of their daily labour might be paid to them weekly, and the balance went to a fund to be handed to them on re lease, so that if they knew a trade they were put to it ; if not, they were taught a trade, and no person, therefore, need leave a prison without means of support. (Applause.) As regarded the importance of remunerative prison labour, a body of commissioners who reported upon it to the Bel gian House of Representatives expressed a most decided opinion that it was a powerful and needful agent in reform ing criminals, that it checked recommittals, and provided against misery, and they quoted approvingly the words of M. Berenger to the French Chamber of Peers, that what ever be the character of the imprisonment to which a cri minal is condemned, labour must be the basis of all moral improvement, and its employment a necessity from which it is impossible to escape. The report stated that the pro duce of the labour on an average of three years was 16, 3501. of which more than three-fourths was work for the army, or for the use of the prisons. The six central prisons of nalgium left a profit from labour of 20,0001., of which 1,6001. was distributed in rewards. (Hear.) The maximum term required for learning the trade of shoemaking was twelve months, weaving six months, tailoring three months. (Hear.) In a return to the Minister of Justice, giving the receipts and expenditure of the Antwerp prison, in which all the convicts were employed in manufacturing stuffs for expor tation, it was shown that in twelve years the quantity pro duced was to the value of 400,0001.—the greater part of the productions were made of raw materials, the growth of Belgium, and of which the native agricultural industry had the benefit ; and the report prided itself on the fact that the capital of remote nations had thus contributed to the reform of Belgium criminals and to the finances of the Belgian State. The return for the period named exhibited a net profit of 29,4001., being an annual average of 2,4501. For the last year it had been 3,2401. The number of pr soners was 1,295. This remarkable document stated tha the improvements introduced into the Antwerp prison had been of the greatest service to the linen manufacture of the whole country, leading to new arrangements which had been most beneficial to the labouring people, and that the reputation which the prison manufacturers had obtained in foreign countries had been reflected over other Belgian producers of the same articles, added to which every con vict before leaving the prison had acquired the means of maintaining himself respectably and honourably when his term of imprisonment expired. The learned knight then spoke of the prisons of Switzerland and Spain, which gave a profit par head, and furnished an instance of 2,355 prisoners having been taught in a Spanish gaol to earn an honest livelihood 40 workshops had been erected there without cost to the Government by the labour of the prisoners. An English traveller, Mr. Hoskins, called the result "a miracle," and inquired why similar experiments were not carried out in this country. The want was co operation on the part of the Government. Then as to Scotland, the general report of the managers of Scotch prisons in 1864 showed that there were 2,176 prisoners maintained at a cost of 241. 6s. par head, whose earnings were 2/. 19s. 9d., reducing the net cost to 211. Cs. 3d. The evidence given before the Parliamentary Committee of 1850 was then referred to as having shown that useful and productive labour had been pronounced to bo "the main element of any soun d reformatory system," an o p inion "in which every writer of consequence concurred.' Millbank Penitentiary and Pentonville were also cited as illustrations of the advisability of extending the pro ductive labour system throughout the gaols of the kingdom. At Millbank, with 770 prisoners, there was a net annual profit of 3,760/. Some of those who worked at trades gained an average of ls. 7d. a day, while those who picked oakum only averaged a halfpenny per day in their gains. Before the Parliamentary Committee a project was brought up by Mr. C. Pearson, solicitor to the Corporation of London, a man of great ability and of long practical experience in the field of prison discipline, recommending agricultural labour as one of the most efficient means of reform for the crimi nal. He showed that 1,000 acres might be made to support 1,000 convicts, and to leave a considerable margin of profit. Capt. Chesterton, who was for 25 years governor of the great prison at Coldbath-fields, said "Mr. Pearson proves step by step the practicability of furnishing all that the entire establishment would require to consume, to defray the totality of the expense and yield a good profit to the State. There was not a proposition in the scheme which was not sustained by the testimony of competent witnesses." (Hear.) Mr. Recorder Hill had also said in one of his charges " We cannot but think that whoever will read the evidence ad duced before the committee must, even if not perfectly con vinced, come to the conclusion that sufficient proof had been given to justify, if not to demand, such an experiment as would place the controversy at rest. (Hear.) The general results of European experience was that convict agricul tural labour in the field was on the whole more profitable than manufacturing. The farm of the Dartmoor prison (although the year was an unfavourable one) paid 1,8821. 2s. Bd. to the general fund. The Bavarian Government had established five agricultural and industrial prisons, whose working was spoken of as most satisfactory and as having produced a considerable diminution of recommittals. (Hear.) The prison of Katchvain, in Thurgovia, received the vagabonds of most of the adjacent Swiss cantons and paid all its expens2s by the produce of labour, without any State assistance ; and in the canton of Friburg the profits of labour amounted to 1,2001. from 110 prisoners, that is 101. per head, more than nine-tenths of which were pro duced by labour in the open air. He would now contrast the expenditure in various prisons. In the Devon county gaol an average of 216 prisoners produced earnings amount ing to 47/. 13s. 3d. In Belgium the same number of pri soners would have produced 805/. ; in France (Metray), 1,728/. ; general returns, 2,072/. ; in Switzerland, 2,700/. ; Scotland (Perth), 673/. ; (Dundee) 808/. ; at Millbank 216 prisoners would have produced 1,053/. ; at Pentonville, 1,086/. ; in Ireland (Smithfield), 3,673/. ; in the United States of America, where labour is more valuable (Penn sylvania), 3,780/. ; in New Hampshire no less than 5,8321. would have been produced by the 216 persons who in the Devon county gaol produced but 471. 13s. 3d. He did not introduce this contrast with the view of pointing specially to the local prison, but to show the pecuniary, moral, and social advantage that would arise from the adoption of a productive prison labour system. THE REPRESENTATION OF PRESTON.—The next Parliamentary election at Preston promises to be a rather severe one. The Conservatives appear to be more active than the Liberals, but both are on the alert, and seem determined to spare no exertions in the furtherance of party plans. The present members are Mr. C. P. Gren fell and Sir T. G. Hesketh. When the dissolution of Par liament takes place Mr. Grenfell intends to retire. The Liberals intend bringing forward, in his -stead, Mr. G. Melly, of Liverpool, who has expressed his willingness to go to the poll. The Conservatives will again bring for ward Sir T. G. Hesketh, and at a meeting they have just held it was decided to ask the Hon. F. A. Stanley, second son of the Earl of Derby, to " stand " as a second candi date. Yesterday a requisition to the hon. gentleman was in course of signature in the town, and it will shortly be presented. Should the hon. gentleman consent to be put up for the representation of the borough, it is affirmed in quarters likely to know that he will be elected. The in fluence and association of the Derby family are very strong in Preston. The main contest at the election will be between Mr. Melly and Sir T. G. Hesketh. The Liberals are pretty united in their support of Mr. Melly, and it will require a good deal of electioneering stratagem and more voting force to keep him from getting ahead of his Con servative compeer. • Ti f rt I C.l‘ DIEN •40%a'.- HER MAJESTY. OSBORNE, Jan. 16. The Queen and Princess Helena walked out t hi morning, and Princess Louise also walked in the grounds. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge , attended by Lady Geraldine Somerset and Colonel Ho►ua Purvis, will arrive at her royal highness's residence, An bassadors' Court, to-day, from visiting their Royal High nesses the Prince and Princess of Wales at Sand riingham.The Marchioness (Maria) of Ailesbury is still oil a visit to the Marquis and Marchioness of Ailesbury a t Savernake Park, Wilts. The Earl and Countess of Clarendon have been entertaining a succession of visitors at The Grove, nea r Watford. On Friday night the countess gave a county ball , at which nearly 300 of the principal residents for many miles round were present. Dancing took place in the gal" lery, and was prolonged till a late hour. The condition of the Countess (Dowager) of Tankerville still causesmuch anxiety to the members of her family. The Dowager Countess Cowper will give a county ball this evening at Panshanger, Herts. Viscount Palmerston is expected to arrive in town on Thursday morning from Broadlands, to attend the Cabinet Council. His lordship will stay in town fora few tys. Lord Henley, M.P., has arrived at Cataldrs :otel, Dover-street, from Watford Court, Northampton' shire, -- The Right lion. the Chancellor of the Excheque r is expected to arrive in town this evening from Hawardea Castle, Flintshire, in order to attend the Cabinet C ouncil on Thursday next. A Berlin letter mentions the death of M. Jaertal Swedish Envoy at the Court of Prussia. " M. Thouvenel and his family," says the Courrier d'Areachoit, " continue to reside here at the Villa Eug6nie. The ex-Minister of Foreign Affairs finds tho climate agree with him, and enjoys excellent health." DEATH OF SIR JOSEPH SAWLE.—We have t° announce the death of Sir Joseph Sawle Graves' Sawle, Bart., in the 72d year of his age. The deceased was twice married—first, to the daughter of the Ee l ' Charles Prideaux Brune, M.A., of Padstow, Cornwall ; sad, second, to a daughter of Mr. James Kempthorne, of Boa" min, in the same county. He is succeeded by his 0 1 ' Charles Brune Graves, who was born in 1816. The Ile ° baronet was educated at Eton, from which school he pro ceeded to Clare College, Cambridge, where he graduated B.A. in 1841. From 1852 until 1857 he represeuted. tli o borough of Bodmin in the House of Commons. Society for Promoting the Amendment of the Law. Last evening the fifth meeting of the department of jury? prudence and amendment of the law connected with tlo National Association for the Promotion of Social Scienc e, was held at No. 1, Adam-street, Adelphi, to consider tile report presented from the standing committee of the depart ment on Dr. Waddilove's paper "On the Amendment 0` the Law of Evidence." Sir Fitzroy-Kelly, Q.C., M•F'' occupied the chair. Mr. G. W. HASTINGS, the secretary of the associatio lli called attention to a pamphlet by Mr. A. J. Williams, °/71 the subject of the concentration of the courts of law in London. They had resolved to make another effort t ° obtain an act for the concentration of the offices and Of cers of the courts of law in London, and Mr. Williams 113 1 stated the distribution of the present courts, and shove' the necessity for concentration, and the measures it 3 1 necessary to take. Copies of the pamphlet had been sell" to every member of Parliament, to every chamber of cel tzr merce and town council, with a view of inducing them t ° influence the members of Parliament to support sue' measure, when introduced by their hon. and learned chair man or other member of the house. (Hear, hear.) The CHAIRMAN said there were few persons who doubteti the expediency of the removal and concentration of tb courts of justice in the metropolis. With regard to had fallen from Mr. Hastings, he should strongly reeoor mend that the association should itself present a petition to both houses of parliament, and in this petition all the reasons, which were urged with very great force in til pamphlet, might be concisely stated, and urged on 11 ' 6 r , legislature. Any clear and unanimous expression by. the association had great weight with the house to which ite had the honour to belong. It might be that another pa s° . might be chosen to deal with the petition, but if no olici" else could be found he would take charge of it, and he We' ll draw the attention of the House of Commons to the pr s Y e " ,. of the petition. Mr. HASTINGS said he would bring the suggestion of t ile Chairman before the council at an early day. Mr. A. J. WILLIAMS then read the report of the standil committee on Dr. Waddilove's paper " On the Amendu teli c t of the Law of Evidence." The report was a long one , L ji l stated. that the committee approved of the principle down, that persons in all criminal charges be allowe', tender themselves on oath, to clear themselves of the ebilf:eci. subject to cross-examination. The committee also apP r° ;ifty of the second and third propositions, that husband anc i mi eft should be compellable to give evidence for or agaii3 , - other in civil and criminal cases. The committee ?" -S .; no opinion on the fourth proposition, that the judges sh y li t be allowed to summon any persons before them they thou g.'l, fit in all criminal and civil cases, and adjourn the cause f° the purpose of securing the attendance of all neces s '" witnesses. tlo The CHAIRMAN then stated the position in which question stood, and referred to the necessity for some c ha f u ti , in the law of evidence in criminal and civil cases, Part'clict larly in divorce and other cases, contending th at husl)3 s, and wife should be allowed to give evidence in those c3se as He could never understand why the law should exil lt , t the evidence of the parties who of all others knew ) 3° ,1 about the subject in dispute. It was his intention to t; the opinion of the House of Commons on a ll the quest) 4 referred to in the paper, particularly the admissibility ;6 the more important witnesses in cases of adultery. should appeal to the legislature himself on those point s, 8 ; 0 he should he glad to have the ass istance of those views views coincided with his own. He moved the adoption the report. Mr.WILTAAms dissented from the recommendations of t b : committee approving of Dr. Waddilove's proposition , mitting in criminal cases the evidence of the party ace 11 5, ,, A long discussion followed, in which Mr. Da niel, a • v i , Mr. R. Wilson, Mr. Edgar, Mr. F. Hill, Mr. Rosher, Wilmot, Dr. Waddilove, and other gentlemen took I This discussion resulted in m° tiofl Mr. F. HILL proposing as an amendment to the for the adoption of the report, " That in the opinion of meeting the evidence in criminal cases of husband or "P ee t for or against each other, ought to be allowed, but e%'"eof where the husband demands the evidence of the Nrff e 'o the wife demands that of the husband, such evide nce On,, not to be compellable." tio o The amendment was put and negatived, and the nie for the adoption of the report of the standing committee the department carried. The reading of the Rev. Nash Stephenson's paper ie ft the Probate and Succession Duty levied on Property th e under the General PoWer of Appointment," owing to lateness of the hour at which the previous discuss closed, Nam postponed to the next meeting. pre Thanks were then voted to the chairman, and the ceedings concluded. THE ANNIVERSARY OF THE POLISH INSURRtA ,, , f - 4 —A meeting of the united committees of thg A',,i ' tional Polish League, the Polish National Coraruit tce d Great Britain, and the Working Men's Internl di° o l , Association, was held yesterday at the League 11°° ,00 Greek-street, Soho—Mr. E. Beales in the chair. " li eo chairman having addressed the meeting with refo re a ot to the present position of the Polish question , e e expressed his indignation at the way in which that ci c l / 9 tion has been treated by the English Government, sa l •jet l , was informed the Polish National Committee had d eci 09 to call a public meeting at a early day to celebrate ji anniversary of the late insurrection ; and it therefore ', came the duty of all the English friends of Pola nd to e fi ,' I themselves to make that meeting a successful one. , ti , Marquis Townshend had consented to preside et .a 6 ii , 1 1- I''') meeting. Mr. G. Odgers, president of the Working ''',l3lo A s sociation, then moved, and Mr. John Robert .tl,, honorary secretary of the Polish League, seconded' • following resolution :—" That this meeting thanko 1) 0 ° , 3 1c 4 Townshend for the cordial manner in which he bAstic sented to take the chair at the meeting to be b e ':. c . the third Wednesday in February next, to expres s ~i ' s o i., pathy with the cause of Poland, and celebrate the ,%! versary of its late insurrection, as well as to obtain plate support for the suffering patriots who took so glorielo, part in that righteous struggle." Agreed to unaubll° a Mr. W. Dell then moved, and Mr. R. Shaw secondeeo " That Mr. John Robert Taylor and Mr. Cremer D ° ct iot` powered to make the necessary arrangements in cono e Go tt with the above meeting." Agreed to. A vote oftl, iO;,, to the chairman terminated the proceedings of a 1i e1 : , ,, , 7 teresting meeting. 9 er OUT SHOPPING.—One Mr. Wilson, a shoes tilt, ' e j at Mahurangi, New Zealand, (the north land), sensendober 1 Southern Cross a letter stating that on the sth of ICe ll i , ot°' two naives came into his shop, and asked to see sore -,„ia One of them fitted himself with a pair, and said b e ' sr o r take them. lie added that he did not intend to them, and, says the shoemaker, "as one had a ci° d t - barrelled gun and the other a tomahawk, and I I T, 0 1 : i boys were unarmed, I could only threaten him with t'-:;J:'iie`'' He laughed, and said he did not care for that, 111 they are two of the prisoners of war that lately es ° I