The Sun. — London, England, 1865-01-10 00:00:00

L ONDON AND NORTH - WESTERN RAILWAY. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the BOOKS in 'which the of STOCKS SHRES of COQ ANY TRANSFERS are REGISTERED wi a ll nd A be CLOSED this on THURSD AY, the 28th January, and that all Transfer Deeds for Registration must be deposited in this duce on or before that day, to entitle Proprietors to the forthcoming Dividend. (By order.) CHAS. E. STEWART, Secretary. office, Euston Station, loth January, 1865. ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT GARDEN. (Opera Company, Limited.) THIS EVENING, THE BRIDE OF SONG. Renee, 3liss Thirlwall ; Beatrix, Madame Fanny Huddarr ; Adel bert, Mr. Henry H a i g h ; an d H ann ib ,l, Mr. A. Laurence. Conductor, Mr Alfred Mellon. To conclude with the Grand Comic Christmas Pattomime, entitled CJNDERELLA ' or. Harleq uin and the : Magic Pumpkin and the Great Fairy of the Little Glass Slipper, in "kJ'. the celebrated Donato will appear. Commew:e at Seven. A MORNING FEIt 0 11.NIANC 141 of CINDERELLA next 1 1 10NDAY, Jan. 16, at Two o'clock, and every Monday,;llll Further notice. HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE. THIS EVENING, the new Operetta, in one act, en titled PTJNCHINR LLO. Followed by the new Grand Christmas ran'omime,;THE LION AND THE UNICORN FIGHTING FOR, THE CROWN. TE A T E-R OYA L, DRURY - LANE, an agr j r s , Messrs. E. Falconer and F. B. Chatterton. THIS F:gENING, and during the week, A. YOUNG LAD VTA,O3I THE COUNTRY. Alta which, the Grand Christmas Pantomime, HOP O'MY 'TIT.AJMB AND HIS ELEVEN BROTHERS; or, Harlequin and the Ogre of the Seven-League Boots : Messrs. G. Bel- Vlore, Tom Matthews, G. Weston, Master Percy Roselle, &c. Missies Lydia Thompson, R. Lcclercq, &a ; Messrs. Bolen°, C. Lauri, W. A. Barne', T. Morris, Cormack, Saville ; Mdme. Aaleno, the Misses Gunniss, and Signor Tescano. THEATR E-R OYA L, HAYMARKET. Lessee. Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, Jan. 10, DAVID GARRICK. Messrs. Cbirpendale, Sothern, Buckstone, Rogers, Clark, Coe, Wes.- the;sby, &a. ; Mesdames Moore, Snowdon, Fitzwilliam, to. After which, LORD DUNDREARY MARRIED AND DONE FOR Messrs. Sothern, Bnckstone, Braid, Gordon, Clark, White, Coe, Weathersby, &c. ; Mesdames Snowdon, Hill, &c With PRINCESS SPRINGTIME. Mr. Compton, Miss L. Keeley. ,And MRS. WRITE. To commence at 7. OYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. air. FECHTEE will perform his universally allowed great impersonation of ELY BLAS EVERY EVENING juatil further notice. THIS EVENING, to commence with MY WIFE'S OUT. 'Messrs. Widdicorub, Charles; Miss B. Percy and Miss E. Lavenu. Atter which, at 8 o'clock, RUY BLAS. Buy Bia s, Mr. Fechter. Messrs. Ryder, 1 itzpatrick, F. Ch rtes, M'lntyre, Garden, Raymond, Collett, C ifford, Moreland; Misses Car lotta Leclercq, B. Percy, and Mrs. Winstanley. To conclude with a Farcical Oriental Extravaganza, en titled BEARFACED IMPOS _MRS. 6chahabaham (a pasha of three tails, Mr. Raymond; Mustapha, Lis vizier, Mr. Garden; Bill Stumps and Jack 'locus, quon dam p ro p rietors of the ori g in a l uni ed happy family, Messrs. Moreland and "Viddicomb ; Ali, chief guardian of the ladles of the Harem, Mr. Collett ; Osman Khan, chief executioner, Mr. Bunch ; Achmet Aga, an officer of the Sultan , Mr. Kell y ; Mirza liajji Baba, cniet keeper of the m onkeys, Mr. Regan; y Aesh formerly Jemima stumps , but no first favourite ot thea, pasha, Miss Lavenu; Fatima, second favourite of the pasht, Miss B. Percy ; tshekerleb, third favourite of the pasha, Miss Travers ; Beda, fourth favourite of the pasha, Miss Watson ; Zenobia, formerly banou of the harem, chief wife of the pasha, but now discarded for Ayesh stoves liate.a. Various choice specimens of zoology,guardsla, and attendants, by ;he numerous and talented Smith family. Divertissement des Odalisques. Doors open at Hall-past Six. The Box-office open daily from Elev, n till Five. NEW THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELPHI.— 0010 rrypru.tir ancl Manager. air. B. v etaiter. THIS EVENING, ICI ON FABLE FRANCAIS. Mr. J. L. Toole. At er which, at 8, LEAH. Miss Bateman, supported by Messrs. George J,rdan, Swinbourne, R. Phillips, Stuart, Stephenson, Eburne; Miss H. Simms and Mrs. Bilking - ton. To conclude with DARK DOINGS IN THE CUP BOARD BY THE KNOT rINU'E BROriIERS. Messrs. J. L. Toole, Paul Bedford, It. thill'ps, Billington; Mrs. A. Mellon. Miss A. Seaman. Commence at 7. R('YAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manager, 31r. Geo. Vining. THIS EVENING, a new Extravaganz ‘, entitled THE MAGIC HORSE AND THE ICE MAIDEN I RINCESS. Atter which, THE ET REET3 OF LONDON. Messrs. Vining, J. W. Ray, D. Fisher, D. Murray, J. Nelson, H. Forrester. H. Mellon ; Mrs. Henry Marston, Miss Emma Barnett, and Miss Fanny Gwynne. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress. Mrs. Swanborough, THIS EVENING, at 7, LAWRENCE'S LOVE SUIT. Messrs. Parselle and Thorne; Mesdames Palmer, Canon, and Hughes. After which, the Grand Christmas Burlesque, THE " GRIN" BUsH ES ; or, the Mrs. Brown of the Missis-sippi. Messrs. Stoyle, Thorne, James, Fenton, ac.; Mesdames Ada wanborough, Raynham, Simpson, Johnstone, &C. To eDnelude with THE WILFU Li WARD. Miss Palmer. GRATIS AND POST FREE. E. MOSES and SONS' New Pamphlet, THE PHILOSOPHY OF DRESS. 10 MOSES AND' SON • respectfully call attention to their large and well assorted stock of JUVENILE CLOTHING, The newest tames are combined with the latest and most fashionable tiesigus, and the best workmanship. E. MOSES and SON give particular attention to this important branch of their business, and they can with confidence affirm that the prices Are such as must satisfy the most economical. This depart went is in a aistinot part of the premises, which will be found a gre .t convenience for ladies and children, MOSES AND SON • respectfully invite public attention to their large and well-assorted WINTEtt STOCK. MOSES AND SON'S • "SANDRINGIIAII" and " DAN ISII " WRAPPER introduced by them) is the newest and most tashionsb.e style of Overcoats for the season. MOSES AND SON'S E• ItEADY-MADE and BESPOKE cLoTinNti for all classes and all ages. E MOSES AND SON'S • CELEBRATED "INDISPENSABLE" SUIT, trom 30s. MOSES AND • HOSIERY and DRAPERY, tor all classes and all ages. S 0 N'S TIOSES AND SON'S 12.4 • BATS AND CAPS, for all c asses and all ages. E. MOSES AND SON'S BOOTS and SHOSS, for all classes and all ages. MOSES AND SON'S • OUTFI ES. for all classes, all ages, and all climates. Til, MOSES AND SON'S mai• LONDON ROUSES, 154, 155, 151. 157, Minories; 83, 84, 85, 86.87, 88, 89, Aldgate 506, 507, 508, New Oxford--street; 1,2, 3, Hart-street; 137, 138, Tottenham-court-road ; 288, Easton-road Also, Bradford, Yorkshire. SON'S MOSES AND E. F.Btabtishments are closed eve-v F r iday evening at sunset until Saturd a y even i ng at sunset , when business is re sumed until ii o'clock. A l articles are marked the lowest prices in plain figures. Any article not appr.ored of will be exchanged, or the money returned. List of Prices with Rules for Self-measurement, Fashion Card, and our new pamphlet, The Philosophy of Dress," gratis and post free. COALS. The LILLIESTIALL c COAL ONIPXNY'S Direct front their own Collieries. Marquis' ...... .26i. per ton. I Double 21s. per ton. Top ............ 25e. „ De«_p Well screened and delivered within five miles of their De pOte, Wrestbourne Park-road, W., and t 7, 6outh Whari, .eaddington, Wr., and Maiden-lane, N. Best Coke., • irm per chaldron. Terms cash. JOHN SCOTT, Sole agent. (11HE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN 7, a. supplied, as s oon as pul2llshed every Evening by EXA NDEK (late BROOKS), Newspaper Agent, 21 , #7". AL Old Cavendish-street, Oxford -street. THE THIRD EDITIO N OF THE SUN," ‘_containing t h e Latest SYOUTINU INTls:LLltikaNtis, oaa mu' kiwi Every Evening of G. K. GLIGNIE, NEWS MEM T, 4`• Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park, Tins WATER AT LONDON BRI DGE. ;:"ling, 12h. 45m.—Afternoon, 111. 1- 4 n l lh. 38m.—Afternoon, 2h. On. ) ry i t Stilt LONDON, TUESDAY, ;lAN. to, - . The condition of Hungary is undoubtedly one of the most interesting as well as one of the most portant of European questions. It does not, it is true, just at this moment assume the same propo r _ tions as it did in 1848, nor does it occupy the same prominence in the discussion of public affairs as the prospects of Italy or the Prussian intentions towards the Duchies. Bnt the position of a great and once free people now in subjugation to another power can never be a matter of indifference to the thought ful observer ; and in this country, at least, the Hungarians, like the Poles, will never lack sym pathy in their aspirations after constitutional free dom. It is not ten years since the struggles of Hungarian patriots for the liberation of• their coun- ....., - try were watched with the keenest interest by Eng lishmen of all ranks, and if their sorrow was less bitter than that of the principals when the mourn ful conclusion of the struggle came, it was at least sincere, and sympathetic. In those days there was nothing to hope for Hungary but absolute and Un scrupulous despotism, and when the curtain fell on the drama in which KOSSUTH and his friends were the chief actors, it was felt that the followers of those brave men had bid a long farewell to all their hopes. Time, however—which modifies all things, has brought some consolation. The advancing pro gress of nations and the force of public opinion have brought Austria to some sense of her obligations as a dominant power. Perhaps, too, she has learned something from the experience of other nations, and has seen how insecure is the throne of a despot even when apparently most firmly founded. When a dynasty rests on the points of spears it is hardly so secure as when supported by the stout and willing arms of the people. FRANCIS JOSEPH will be wise if he takes this lesson to heart in time. Gradually constitutionalism has been making its way in Austria herself, and the free and firm ex pression of opinion which we heard the other day from the lower branch of the Reichsrath would have -- - made men marvel in Vienna fifteen or twenty years since. The advantages of such progress are always wide-spreading, and Hungary feels the reflected light from Austria Proper. Something, of course, is due to the tranquillity of the time ; the pacific attitude of the people, and the consequent security of the Government ; but while there are men in the Austrian Legislature who have the statesmanship to see the requirements of the empire, and the courage to declare them openly, there is hope for Austria and for her dependencies. The Hungarian question is , just now occupying a prominent position in Vienna, where the members of the different political parties contend eagerly about the merits of the pro posed reforms. A few days since one of the journals announced that the Government draught of judi ciary and administrative reforms for Hungary had received the sanction of the EMPEROR, and had been forwarded to the authorities in Buda, to be put in I practice throught the Hungarian kingdom. A Pesth journal denied this, and added that the scheme of reform was as yet in its infancy. Some Austrian politicians contend, with a show of reason, that it is useless, or at least superfluous, to introduce reforms at, all before the meeting of the Hungarian Diet. If the Austrian Government fulfils its promise and speedily convokes the assembly, such matters as affect the internal administration of the kingdom would be more properly left to their consideration. But Austria is by no means inclined to let her in dulgence be carried too far, and the opposite party argue that it is absolutely necessary to carry out these reforms to enable the Diet to meet at all. Recent experience, they say, proves that after so long repression, it is dangerous and imprudent to grant a full measure of political liberty suddenly, and if there is to be any stability in Hungarian freedom it must be granted gradually and with cau tion. There is force in both these arguments, and probably the truth lies between them; but how can either Austrians or Hungarians put faith in Go vernment professions, or trust the future liberties of a country unreservedly in their hands, when the first great safeguard of 'constitutional liberty is so persistently kept from the people ? Until the Na tional Assembly of popular representatives be fairly convoked, no great progress can be made in ad ministrative reform, no satisfaction will be felt by the people, and no security will exist that a fresh whim of the Austrian Government or sudden panic at Vienna may not reimpose all their former bur dens. The experience of all ages has proved that the repressive system is the most mistaken and the most fatal. Nature herself tells us by a thousand r examples that a strong force, when repressed, only gathers in strength, and at' the first facility, the slightest weakness in the power that keeps it back, it will burst its trammels, and assert itself with ten fold vigour. The free discussion, which lets out into the open air the passing irritations of the moment, and speaks its complaints in the light of day, is the great safety-valve of the popular feeling. Those grievances forcibly silenced, that irritation forbidden, the relief of expression will grow and deepen into wide-spread and heart-felt disaffection. We all know that in ordinary life a man who from temperament or policy restrains the expression of his angry feelings, is far more dangerous an enemy than he whose hasty temper finds immediate vent. It is not likely that Austria will immediately attain the degree of freedom which we have happily gained, and there may be disturbing elements in Hungary to hinder its attainment. Tyranny, like other evils, leaves it trace behind it, and its fruits are shown among a people even when the iron hand that curbed them is lightened. But in waiting for that better time the Hungarians and their well wishers may reasonably hope that the Austrian EMPEROR will fulfil the recommendations of his own Reichsrath, and grant to the long-oppressed nation the first great step toward' constitutional freedom, by ordering an immediate convocation of the National Diet, a duty which Austria has too long neglected, but which if now accorded will be a practical earnest of her good intentions, and will give us ground for hopeful augury of the Hungarian 'uture. It is a sad thing when the same grievance comes up again and again, and yet nothing is done to miti gate its intensity or allay its extent. The case of distressed needlewomen and dressmakers has so often engaged attention that it seems strange that by this time something tangible has not been done, and some decided step taken in behalf of those so much in need of assistance. People seem to fancy that they have done enough when they have pitied the sorrows and felt indignant at the labours in flicted on the oppressed race of females who have to toil like galley-slaves ; but a little reflection might serve to to rectifytoconvinc ethemt s h e a n t um so er m a et te hizg mAograeinisarned ciuirthe evils again the sad details are ever revealed, but no one seems to have leisure and thought to reduce their theories into practice, and decide once and for ever what is necessary to be done, or left undone, in order that this pallid race may not sink into un timelya burden to their friend s , an d a misery gr to a t v h es eLselves. Perhaps it would be wiser to reflect upon the causes that lead to the immense over pressure of work rather than merely to think People e are are astounded un apt ded to at any sudden catastrophe, u pon the disastrouseffects. but they f o rget all about the affair when a short time has elapsed. youn g d r essmaker suddenly died When a in the heart of a London s eason there was a general outcry, but how much b e tter off are her compeers and companions? Her death of ang uish so re moved any part of the burden which presses has not re uPon their lives, and no warning has been heavil y take n from her trials to alleviate the lot of others. The gay world goes r s ," its giddy round of pleasure, and the poor victims who ply the needle to supply the ceaseless demands are just as badly off as ever. This need not be, if more care and consideration prevailed amon g th f fashion, and th e no b le, wealth y, an d exc l us i ve will not be exempte frvoomtaribehmsoe leaders of society if they do not exert themselves, and do their utmost to present the constant recnrreuce of g'llcillieeee a THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING,' JANUARY 10, 1865. wretchedness as the establishments of fashionable milliners and dressmakers may present, if they are daily inspected. It is all very well to enter the elaborately got up show room, but every one knows that behind that gaudy array there lurks a dark shadow, and that human beings are sacrificed in order that trade may flourish, and the wealthy go forth in robes of light and beauty. It is too much the-fhion to lay the blame of all this upon the emplolyers of these apprentices, but this is not fair, nor just. They are often greatly to be reprehended for their want of consideration, but we must look further to comprehend the full extent of the evil. ... The ladies of fashion, who go on from day to day, intent upon nothing but frivolous schemes of variety and extravagant notions of dress, are the ones who should look at home, and endeavour to rectify some of the glaring evils that now unhappily exist. In the first place, too little time is given for the completion of orders, and this is a very great over sight on the part of ladies, because they must know something of the time that must be taken in the manufacture of the costly garments that they wear. is not at all the same thing to say that they pay well, because no extra hours charged can benefit the real sufferers. Their strength is expended, their health injured, and their comfort destroyed by these extra hours of toil, and still they are no richer. It is always impossible to make up by money for the hurry, confusion, and annoyance that such short orders entail ; and those who impatiently declare that they cannot help it are dooming their fellow- creatures to misery, and entailing a fearful respon sibility upon themselves. The question of payment also suggests another great mistake that is made in these affairs—namely, the long delay in the settling of accounts. This entails almost more harm in one way than the shortness of the orders that are given, because if the tradesman or milliner is pressed for money, they are not able to engage extra hands, and the whole burden falls upon those who are en. gaged as apprentices, or employed upon the esta blishment. It is true that when the long standing accounts are settled enormous profits are made ; but this throws the whole traffic into the hands of a few, who are rich enough to bide-their time and stand the pressure of long credit. Thus a mono poly is created, which is the worst thing possible for the young apprentices, and entirely shuts out all chance from beginners with small means. Much might be done if the fashionable world would become a little more alive to its duties. It is not money that is asked for at their hands, but justice ; and when it has been shown that such fearful results follow upon careless and indifferent habits, surely some attention must be paid to the subject. Of course, there are many that will not heed, and even if they imme diately beheld the consequences of their vain endea vours, they would not desist ; but, happily, there are exceptions to the rule, and now, at the spring dawn of a new season, is it too much to hope that some change may come, some day spring may shine on the afflicted needlewomen ? At the best theirs is a hard lot, and under the most favourable cir cumstances it is impossible but that they should be occasionally overstated. But it is not too much to expect that in a Christian land their case should not be systematically slighted, and their miseries should not be passed over with indifference and contempt. It is a scandal upon the community that every year should see the slaughter of these victims to fashion's mart and pleasure's train. As surely as the season commences, so surely is the mar tyrdom renewed, and as often as gay assemblies are the rage, and expenditure is lavished on all around, so surely is the wretched sempstress denied rest, and condemned to toil from which the strongest might well shrink appalled. It is always a dangerous thing to trust the welfare of any class to the sorry chance of consideration, especially when it is versus interest that may be felt by the world at large, and hence it will be the wisest and most efficient remedy that can be devised when the fate of these needlewomen is not left entirely in the hands of their employers. It has been said that it will not do to interfere with private establishments, but why should these places be held in that light any more than the manufacto ries and other spots where labour is exchanged for money, and the master derives profit from the en gagements of his subordinates. If it is certain that human life is sacrificed to such traffic, and that hundreds are yearly incapacitated for their future support, compelled to become a burden to their friends, or forced to be cast upon the parish for sus tenance, it cannot be unsuitable for the State to suggest a remedy, and for the Government to in troduce such measures as shall prevent the system of overwork from being carried to such a pernicious extent. Relief has been afforded in many quarters to the oppressed artisan, the uncared-for labourer, and the females or children who were overta,sked in their arduous vocations. Why, then, should it be laid down as a rule that no respite can be attained for those whose work is the most depressing of the whole, whose hours are the longest, and the demands the most incessant for a continuous period. It is contrary to the principles of justice, and distinct from the practice of that fair play which is supposed to be inherent in this country, cherished by all classes, and approved of by all trades. It is diametrically opposite to right and reason to decide that one part of the community should not have equal advantages as the others, equal respite from exacting labour, and equal pro tection against harsh employers. Unless some de cided and definitive change be made this year it will be incumbent upon• those who declare againit these efforts to propose some remedy for themselves ; but it is most likely that habit or custom will prove too strong for the ntroduction of any beneficial alterations unless hey are carried out in a determined manner. Curious Classification of Odours. As GrvEN BY M. EUGENE RI3/ PERFUME, IN HIS Boox OF Classes. Types. )(lours belonging to the same Class. 'Geranium, Sweetbriar, Rhodium, Rosewood Lily of the Valley Acacia, Syringa, Orange leaves 'Lilly, Jonquil, Narcis sus, Hyacinth - Cassie, Orris-root, Mign onette _ _ _ Rose Jasmine Jasmine Orange Flower Orange Flower Tuberose Violet Violet Balsam of Peru and Tolu, Benzoin, Styrax, Ton quin Beans, Heliotrope Spice Cassia, Nutmeg, Mace, Clove Camphor Sandal Citrine 1 drat, Limette Spike, Thyme, Serpolet, - 1 . Marjoram 1 Spearmint, Balm, R ue , Badiane, Carraway, Dill, Coriander, Fennel i p Laurel, Peach Kernels, Mirbane Civet, Musk seed, Musk plant Oak moss "Apple, Pine - apple, Quince. Balsamic Vanilla Lavender Mint , Peppermint Aniseed ~ Aniseed Almond Bitter Almonds Musk Musk Amber Fruit So THAT HE REALLY HAD ONE !—By command of the French Emperor, the heart of Voltaire, in closed in a gilt metal case, has been deposited in the Imperial Library in Paris• The case bears the inscription " The Heart of Voltaire, who died in Paris, the 30th of May, 1778." Those who may be curious to see the shrine of this relic of the Philosopher of Forney, will find it in tb.o Department of Afe4gle ia the above institution. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. (REUTER'S TaEGRAM.) AMERICA. ARRIVAL OF THE PERUVIAN.' NEW YORK, DEC. 30, Evening. (Via Greencastle.) General Butler has abandoned the grand attack upon Fort Fisher, Wilmington. The bombardment by the fleet continues. Mr. Fessenden has announced his intention to withdraw the $lO 40 loan after January 10. Admiral Porter reports that his whole fleet bom barded Fort Fisher, Wilmington, on Saturday, hav- ing previously exploded a large powder ship under the walls of the fort, the shock doing no damage. In one hour the fire of Fort Fisher was silenced, two magazines exploded, and the fort fired in seve ral places. The bombardment continued until dark. On the afternoon of Sunday about 3,000 troops under Weitzel landed under fire of the fleet, some entering the outworks and capturing a flag. Weitzel captured two batteries, and advanced within 50 yards of the Fort. Finding an assault impracticable, however, he re-embarked his troops the same evening. About 1,000 remained ashore on Monday, being unable to re-embark on account of the surf. On Sunday night Gen. Butler informed Admira' Porter that the assault of Fort Fisher was imprac• ticable, the Fort being substantially uninjured as a defensive work by the navy fire, and that no- thing but a regular siege would reduce the fort. Butler has re-embarked his troops, and resolved to return to Fort Monroe as soon as the transports are ready. Admiral Porter informed General Butler that the fleet could keep the Confederates inside the fort from showing their heads until the assaulting column was within twenty yards of the works. He thought the capture of the fort by assault, if attempted, would have been easier than was sup posed. The Admiral considers the 100 lb. Parrot guns unfit for the service. Six of them exploded, killing and wounding 45 men. The Monitors be haved very well during the heavy gale which was prevalent. Admiral Porter will continue the bom bardment of Fort Fisher. Savannah advices to the 26th report that an effort was being made to intercept Hardee's retreat before he could reach the Broad river. Hood's infantry is reported to have crossed the Tennessee on pontoons plaCed above . reach of the Federal gunboats. Prisoners state that Hood had 110 cannon. General Lee reports that Lomax had repulsed Tarbert two miles from Gordonsville. General Mosby is dangerously wounded. Burbridge reports that during the raid in Western Virginia he defeated Vaughan, Duke, and Brecken ridge in several encounters, capturing numerous guns. He destroyed all the lead works and salt works at Saltville. Breckenridge reports that the damage done to the salt works can be easily repaired. The Confederates have driven back the Federals raiding in the neighbourhood of Moville. The Southern press strongly urge the appoint- ment of General Lee as commander-in-chief. Pre sident Davis has announced that the Confederate Government assumes the responsibility, and will answer for the acts of the persons engaged in the attempt to capture the steamer Michigan, on Lake Erie. The steamer North America, from New Orleans for New York, has been wrecked. 200 soldiers on board were drowned. The Australasian and. Saxonia have arrived out. NEW YORK, DEC. 31 (Morning.) Lee is said to be preparing an offensive move ment. Nashville despatches assert that Hood has no . crossed the Tennessee. A doubtful report is cur. rent that the remnant o his army has been cap• tured. General Butler has returned to Fort Monroe. His troops are also returning. A large expedition under General Granger landed at Pascagoula, Louisiana, on the 15th, and is push irg rapidly towards Mobile. In reply to the demand of the Brazilian Minister for explanations and reparation for the seizing of the Florida, Mr. Seward sta tes that the President would disavow and express his regret on account of the proeeeding at Bahia . Ca ptain Collins would be suspended and tried by court-martial. NEW YOBIC, DEC. 30 (Evening.) Money easy. Gold, 227. Exchange on London —2491 ; Paris, 2.84 to 2.134. Stocks depressed. New York Centrals, 1121 ; Illinois, 1251 ; Erie, 84+ ; 5.20 Bonds, 109 ; Cotton, 115. THE WEST AFRICAN MAILS. LIVERPOOL, Jan. 10. The West African mail steamer Armenian has arrived. FRANCE. M. FOULD'S FINANCIAL REPORT. PARIS, JAN. 10, Her dates are—Benin, Dec. 7 ; Fernando Po, Nov. 27 ; Old Calabar, Dec. 2 ; Brass River, 4th ; New Calabar, 6th ; Bonny, 7th ; Lago, 10th ; Accra, 11th ; Cape Coast Castle, 14th ; Cape Palmas, 16th ; Sierra Leone, 21st ; Bathurst, 25th ; Teneriffe, 31 ; and Madeira, Jan. 2. She brings 1,300 oz. of gold dust, $9,029, 1,900 francs, 2,472 sovereigns, and upwards of 1,000 bales. Trade on the coast generally was brisk. One thousand five hundred slaves in irons at Whydah, and ready for shipment, were being watched by a British cruiser. The steamer St. Patrick, with convicts, put into Fernando Po with her machinery damaged. Dr. Baikie died at Sierra Leone on the 10th of November. The following is a summary of M. Fould's report to the Emperor on the financial state of the country : " The year 1863 will leave a deficit less by 15 millions of francs than had been anticipated. The revenue and expenditure of the year 1864 will pro bably be balanced. In 1865 the military expenses will be reduced by 21 millions, and the naval ex penses by 23 millions. " The sum of 18 millions, derived from the sur plus of the resources of -1865, will be carried for ward to the budget of 1866. This sum," M. Fould says, " may be sensibly increased if; as may be hoped, the extraordinary. expenses for the military and naval services which still figure in the anticipatory budget of 1865 to the extent of 65 millions, gradually diminish and at last disappear. " These happy results are due to the confidence inspired by the Government and to the peaCeful sentiments with which Europe knows your Majesty is animated." The report of MM. Behic and Fould on the in quiry in reference to the Bank of France has been published, accompanied by a decree ordering a com mission of audit for the expenses of management and the purchase of bullion during 1863. Another decree has been issued in reference to the alienation of the land in Algeria now belonging to the. State, but which it is intended to allot for the purposes of colonisation. BOURSE, Jan. 9.—The market has been buoyant, PA the business 4 :10110 1484 been at an improvement on the closing rates of Saturday. Threes, for the Account, are now at 67f. 15c. Numerous trafisac tions have taken place in Mobilier, which are last quoted at 962 f. 50c. Railway Shares have been in demand, and several of the lines are quoted rather higher. The market continued improving to the close, and left off as follows 4 per Cents 95 Do. end month 3 per Cents. 67 05 Do. end month 67 25 Credit Mobilier Do. end month Bank Shares 3440 Credit Fonder 1280 - Roman Italian Loan 65 30 Do. end month 65 80 Ditto Threes — New Mexican Russian — Austrian Spanish Threes Home Debt Deferred RAIL' PAYS; Cash. Acct. Orleans Northern 985 ... 995 Lyons and Mediterranean 917 50 ... 920 Southern 5Bl 25 ... 585 Western 530 ... 535 Eastern Sardinian 306 25 ... 306 25 Austrian Lombard 530 ... 535 North of Spain 362 50 ~. 366 25 Saragossa 462 50 ... 430 Ditto to Barcelona — ••• -- SPAIN. MADRID, JAN. 10. The discussion on the address will commence in the Senate to-morrow. The report current that a new Ministerial modi fication was about to take place has been denied. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, TAT TERS ALL'S-MONDAY. For a limited attendance, the amount of speculation on the Two Thousand and Derby in a very short space of time this afternoon was a most agreeable surprise, considering the dead level to which wagering on the July had come since the close of the racing season. The spurt had a most cheering effect upon backers as well as layers, but the bookmakers, it must be admitted, sported especially happy faces, and their declaration that there was " some good betting to-day" was uttered with remarkable gusto and satisfaction. Thus the first day at the old " corner" (soon to be evacuated) after the publication of the entries for the spring handicaps, Liverpool Steeplechase, and other important stakes which always close in the first week in January, augurs well for the interest which will attach to speculation on the great events of the year 1865. The main features of the betting this afternoon were in connection with Mr. I'Anson's pair and Chattanooga for the Two Thousand and Derby. For the former event Broomielaw was in great force, the first bet booked being 1,600 to 200 about Breadalbane's half brother. Mr. Naylor's horse, as already stated, also came in for a large share o patronage, 1,200 to 100 being the first bet laid, and in a few minutes afterwards two separate " fifties" were entrusted to him at the same price. Judging from ap pearances, stable influences were at work in favour of the winner of the Criterion for both events, Zambesi, about whom 1,000 to 100 was accepted at the Victoria Club earlier in the day, was again in request at the same figure, and the like investment was repeated at Hyde-park corner. For the Derby 5 to 1 was incessantly offered on ' the field without a response, until one bold speculator, famous for his utter disregard for hair-splitting, made an advance of half a point more, which was instantly snatched up to 2001. All the available 9's to 1 about Breadalbane were secured in detail as members entered the room, and such was the anxiety to got on the reputed Malton flyer that layers speedily reduced their price a point, 8 to 1 being the highest offer to the close of business. 11 to 1 was taken about The Duke to 1501., and Chattanooga, after some 2501. had beenquietly got on at 15 to 1, left off at 14 to 1 (offered). Broomielaw was in brisk demand at 25 to 1, at which price he was backed to win upwards of 7,0001., but long before the room was cleared 20 to 1 was the highest offer. Lord Glasgow's newly-named Rifle (we sincerely wish his lord ship would take kindly to nomenclature) did not shoot so well by five points as when last on public trial, as he re tired to 30 to 1, taken to a small amount only. Of the outside division Congress was most heavily backed, one ' gentleman having taken 5,0001. to 751. in one bet. Closing prices : TWO THOUSAND. 5 to 1 agst Mr. Merry's Liddington (off) 8 to 1 agst Mr. W. I'Anson's Broomielaw (t) 10 to 1 agst Mr. Merry's Zambesi (t) 12 to 1 agst Mr. Naylor's Chattanooga (t) THE DERBY. 11 to 2 agst Mr. Merry's Lidding-ton (t) 8 to 1 agst Mr. W. I'Anson's Breadalbane (off, t 9 to 1) 11 to 1 agst Marquis of Hastings's Duke (t) 15 to 1 agst Mr. Naylor's Chattanooga (t freely) 20 to 1 agst Mr. W. I'Anson's Broomielaw (off, t 25 to 1) 25 to 1 agst Sir Joseph Hawley's Bedminster (t) 30 to 1 agst Lord Glasgow's Rifle (lateßrother to Minie)(t, 40 to 1 agst Lord Westmoreland's Brahma (t) • 40 to 1 agst Lord Durham's Ariel (t) 40 to 1 agst Mr. R Kelso's Buck (t and off) 40 to 1 agst Mr. Williamson's Longdown (off, t 45 to 1) 50 to 1 agst Captain J. White's Joker (t) 66 to 1 agst Mr. Naylor's Congress (t freely) BETTING AT MANCHESTER—MONDAY. WATERLOO COURSECG CUP. 100 to 7 agst Lord Uffington's nomination (offered) 18 to 1 agst Mr. Jardine's nomination (t) 20 to 1 agst Mr. Haywood's nomination (t) 33 to 1 agst Mr. J. Bland's nomination (off) 40 to 1 agst Mr. Lister's nomination (t) 40 to ,1 agst Mr. Bake's nomination (t) 40 to 1 agst Mr. Stocker's nomination (t) TWO THOUSAND. 1000 to 30 agst Tilt and Benanoar (coupled (t) DERBY. 9to 1 agst Breadalbane ( I t) 25 to 1 agst Bromielaw (t) [5 to 1 agst Chattanooga(t) Now ready,' G. SHELTON'S Derby Guide,. ls. G. it. Glenie, Sporting Library, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park ; Sunday Times Office, Fleet-street ; and all agents. FOSSILS AND METEORITES IN MEXICO. —In a letter addressed to the French Academy of Sciences, Dr. Cavaroz of Durango states that at a place called Los Zapotas; four leagues from Cuquio, Mexico, there is a considerable deposit of the remains of large mammalia ; and that at a certain " hacienda," or farm, near Zacitecas the doctor himself found two enormous teeth of a herbivorous animal, a bone full of holes (most probably the vomer), a fragment of a tusk a metre in length and a quarter of a metre in diameter, at a depth of four metres in a sandy soil. At this same place there is also a block of iron found at Zacatecas many years ago. By dint of immense labour a piece had been cut from it and taken to England to be examined. The re maining block is about 70 centimetres long, and 30 in breadth by 25 in thickness, and is of an irregular shape. Its upper surface is broken by small hemispherical cavities, like those which are observable on meteorites, and as the region in which it was found is not ferriferous, and the iron of which the block consists is perfectly mal leable, which common iron in its natural state is not, there is every reason to suppose that this block is a meteorite. There are several masses of iron mentioned in geological works, and supposed to be meteoric ; the foremost are— that of Jenissa, in Siberia, observed by Pallas, who esti mates its weight at 700 kilogrammes ; another of 14,000 kilogrammes at Olumpa, near Santiago, in the Tucuman district ; and lastly, that of Durango, said to weigh 19,000 kilogrammes, which however Dr. Cavaroz, who is of the place, calls a mis take. The author who first committed this mistake, he re marks, did not visit Durango in person, but took for granted what he was told about it. The supposed block of Durango is nothing but a hill called Cerro Marcado, exclusively com posed of iron ore. It is situated at the distance of one fourth of a league from Durango ; its base is 1,900 varas long by 900 in breadth (the vara is a little more than a metre) and it rises 686 feet above the level of the surrounding country. It chiefly consists of specular iron ore, magnetic oxide of iron, and the carbonate of the same metal. Upon the whole, the average yield of its ore is from 50 to 68 per cent. It contains neither cobalt nor nickel, and its total weight, instead of being only 19,000 kil., turns out by cal culation to be at least 460 millions of tons. ESPIONAGE AT WASHINGTON.—The National Intelligence—a Washington journal—says: " The public were informed a few days since by one of the city organs of the Republican. party, that at a recent meeting of the Executive National Council of the Union Leagues of the country, there had been appointed a committee resident here (in Washington) to hunt out disloyal office-holders, and that the same council had requested that a similar committee should be appointed by the Union clubs of Washington. The names of this' committee (says the same organ, are not to be made public, and so forth. Under these circumstances, will it not be advisable on the part of our citizens, of every political denomination, but especially of those belonging to the party now in power, to exercise more than ordinary caution and discretion in admitting to their dwellings, their society, or their confi dence, any persons for whose fidelity and truth they can not vouch as unimpeachable ? When an elaborate system of espionage has been organised for operation, under the powerful guidance of National Executive Committees and Union Leagues, and the names of the spies are to be kept secret, all the cautions 'wherewith God and nature have supplied us for protection ought to be kept in play, for who can say to what lengths of falsehood, misrepre isentation, and selfishness, the system is not calculated to cad? The machinations of Pardon Worsely are an illus tration of the secret enginery employed to beguile the unwary. The question need not be asked what sort of times are:, those through which we are passing when the community is to be haunted day and night by emissaries. The Poor-law inquiry at the Holborn Union into the treatment of Timothy Daly was continued yesterday, Several witnesses were examined, and the inquiry was again adjourned. Royal Geographical Society. Yesterday evening an ordinary meeting of this society was held in Burlington House—Sir Roderick Murchison (president) in the chair. The first paper was read by Mr. Taylor, describing a visit to the sources of the Tigris and Euphrates. The numerous sources of these rivers were explored by Mr. Taylor, who described very clearly the main features of the physical geography of a region that has been seldom visited by Europeans. As a geographical commu nication the chief value of the paper consisted in the maps of the sources of the rivers, which were accu rately depicted. The principal source of the Tigris issues from a cavern about two miles long, at the entrance of which he 'perceived an ancient inscription carved on the rock, with the figure of an Assyrian King. He stated that the mountains whence the sources of the rivers flow abound in caverns, and one stalactite cave was of vast dimensions, reaching much farther than he was enabled to penetrate. Sir HENRY RAWLINSON threw much light on the value of Mr. Taylor's labours as a geographer and discoverer of antiquities. He said that some of the most ancient monuments now in the British Museum had been contributed by Mr. Taylor, who had ex plored several ruined cities of the Chaldees, and had discovered many monuments of that people that were of several hundred years earlier date than Nineveh marbles. He mentioned a curious and interesting coincidence connected with the inscription and figure carved on the rock of the cavern. In deciphering the inscriptions on the Nineveh monuments that had been made by order of the great King - of the Assyrians, Sir Henry Rawlinson said he found it was there stated that that monarch had extended his conquests to the sources of the Tigris, and that on the rock out of which the river issued he had com manded an inscription and figure to be carved to commemorate the event. Mr. Taylor was not aware of what he had deciphered, nor did he at the time know of Mr. Taylor's discovery; therefore the com bined testimony was entirely independent. Sir Henry Rawlinson alluded to the great difficulty which all travellers experienced when deviating from main routes, in consequence of the very defective state of all maps, and the contribution of Mr. Tay lor's map of the region he had visited was a valu able acquisition. The paper which that gentleman had read he hoped would be followed by another giving a more extended account of his travels. One matter that had been mentioned to him by Mr. Taylor which poqessed great interest was the suc cessful result of the labours of American missionaries in Aleppo, and he thought the meeting would like to hear a statement on the subject. At the request of Sir Roderick Murchison, Mr. TAYLOR mentioned that when the American mis sionaries first went to Aleppo they were insulted by the boys and men in the streets, so much that they could scarcely stir out with safety; but by steady perseverance they succeeded, with very inadequate means, to completely change the state of feeling towards them, and 500 families become converted, The converts were not hastily received, but were made to undergo probation, and the moral conduct of the people had been greatly improved. The mis sionaries have now got two churches, and though they had done so much, he believed the money ex pended by them did not exceed 2,0001. or 3,0001. A communication by M. ABRAMOF, a Russian gentleman, " On Lake Nor Tzai-san," was next read. The lake described is one of the largest among the chain of mountains along the frontiers of Russia and China, and is about 120 versts long and 30 wide. It was announced that at the next meeting an in teresting communication by Captain Sherard Os born would be read. Changes in the Legislature. Both Houses of Parliament will witness several changes on the 7th of February, on which day, as stated in The Sun of yesterday, the Legislature will assemble for the despatch of business.. Among the prominent losses which the House of Lords has sustained is that of the Duke of Newcastle, whose place will be filled by his eldest son, the Earl of Lincoln, who for some years represented Newark in the House of Commons. The Earl of Carlisle, whose death has recently taken place, is succeeded by his brother, the Hon. and Rev. W. G. Howard, M.A., rector of Londesborough, Yorkshire. The Duke of Cleveland, who enjoyed his honours but a few months, is succeeded by his brother,. Lord Harry Vane, for many years a distinguished mem ber of the House of Commons. The Earl of Cado gan died on Sept. 15, and is succeeded by his son, Viscount Chelsea, who for some time represented the borough of Dover in the Lower House. The Marquis of Bristol died on Oct. 30, and his place in the House of Lords will be taken by Earl Jermyn, late member for West Suffolk. Viscount Boring don, of Balliol College, Oxford, who is just con cluding a distinguished career in that University, will take his seat as the Earl of Morley, in succession to his father, who died on the 28th of August. The new earl has just attained his majority, having been born on June 11, 1843. His Royal Highness the late Prince Consort stood sponsor for him at his baptism. The death of the Earl of Stair, which has recently taken place, creates another vacancy in the House of Lords, which will be supplied by Viscount Dalrymple, who will suc ceed as Baron Oxenfoord, of Cousland, in the peerage of the United Kingdom, the earldom of Stair being a Scotch peerage. Lord Manners died Nov. 14, causing a blank in the House of Lords. It will remain a blank for the present, inasmuch as the successor to the title was born May 15, 1852, and will not, therefore, reach his majority until 1873. The death of Lord Rodney, who died Aug. 19, will also create a blank in the House of Lords, which cannot be filled up until 1878, when his successor, the Hon. George Bridges Dennett, his eldest son, will be of age. In the House of Commons the fol lowing new members will be entitled to take their seats on the re-assembling of Parliament—The Hon. George Waldegrave Leslie, M.P. for Hastings, in the room of Lord Harry Vane, now Duke of Cleve land ; Lord Augustus Hervey, M.P. for West Suf folk, in the room of Earl Jermyn, now Marquis of Bristol ; Lord Courtenay, M.P. for Exeter, in the room of Mr. Edward Divett, deceased ; Mr. W. Davenport Bromley, M.P. for North Warwickshire, in the room of Mr. Richard Spooner, deceased. A vacancy in the representation of Herefordshire will be officially declared at the commencement of the Session, in consequence of the retirement from pub lic life of Lord William Graham, M.P. A new writ will be moved on the first night of the Session for Tralee, in the room of Mr. O'Hagan, who is to be raised to the Irish Bench ; and pro bably a writ for Buteshire, in the room of Mr.Mure, who is spoken of as Lord Mackenzie's successor on the Scottish Bench. THE MOST MARVELLOUS STORY IN THE WORLD. Some gentlemen were dining together, and relating travelling adventures. One of them dealt so much•in the marvellous that it induced another to give him a lesson. " I was once," said he, " engaged in a skirmishing party in America. I advanced too far, was separated from my friends, and saw three Indians in pursuit of me ; the hor rors of the tomahawk in the hands of angry savages took possession of my mind. Most of us love life, and mine was both precious and useful to my family. I was swift of foot, and fear added to my speed. After looking back—for the country was an open one—l at length perceived that one of my enemies had outrun the other, and the well known saying ' divide and conquer' occurring to me, I slackened my speed and allowed him to come up. We en gaged in mutual fury. I hope none here (bowing to his auditors) will doubt the result. In a few minutes he lay a corpse at my feet. In this short space of time the two Indians had advanced upon me, so I took again to my heels—not from cowardice, I can in truth declare, but with the hope of reaching a neighbouring wood, where I knew dwelt a tribe friendly to the English. This hope, however, I was forced to give up, for on looking back I saw one of my pursuers far before the other. I waited for him, recovering my almost exhausted breath, and soon this Indian shared the fate of the first. I had now only one enemy to deal with, but I felt fatigued, and being near the wood I was more desirous to save my own life than to de stroy another of my fellow-creatures. I plainly perceived smoke curling up among the trees—l redoubled my speed, I prayed to heaven, I felt assured my prayers would be granted—but at this moment the yell of the Indian's voice sounded in my ears. I even thought I felt his warm breath ; there was no choice—l turned round —." Here the gentleman who had related the wonderful stories at first grew impatient past all endurance, and called out, " Well, sir, and:you killed him also ?" "No, sir, he killed we !"—American paper. ir ref COUrt t HER MAJESTY. OSBORNE, Jan. 9. The Queen walked and drove this morning. Her Royal Highness Princess Helena rode on horseback, attended by the Hon. Emma Lascelles. Princess Louise drove out. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke of Nemours and the Princesses Margaret and Blanche of Or leans, are expected at Osborne to-day on a visit to her Majesty. ARRIVAL OF PRINCE ART HlR.—His Royal High ness Prince Arthur, attended by Major Elphinstone, landed in Southampton docks on Saturday afternoon, at three o'clock, from her Majesty's yacht Elfin, Commander Balliston, en route from Osborne to London. The band of the Turkish frigate Paiki Nusrot played the National Anthem, and the frigate's colours were dipped, in compli ment to his Royal Highness, as he landed. Lady Caroline Barrington also came up in the yacht, and proceeded to London. 4Sir James Clark returned in the Elfin to Osborne, on a visit to her Majesty. The Duke and Duchess of Wellington have been entertaining a select party at Strathfieldsaye during the last few days. The Marquis of Downshire has left Be'grave square for his seat in Ireland. The Earl and Countess of Clarendon are about to receive a succession of visitors at The Grove, near Watford. Her ladyship will give a grand ball at The 'rove, on Friday next. The Countess of Fife will leave town to-day on a tour of visits. His lordship will leave to-morrow on a visit to Viscount and Viscountess Powerscourt, at Powerr court Castle, Ireland. Viscount. Duff will leave town the latter end of the week to resume his studies at Eton. The Countess of Craven and the Ladies Craven will leave Ashdowne Park, Berks, to-day, to join the com pany about to assemble at The Grove, Watford. The noble earl will return to town this afternoon. Lord Dufferin has taken No. 8, Grosvenor square, for a term of years; late the residence of Lord Rendlesham. Baron de Pierres, Equerry to the Empress, has returned to Paris from his visit to Holland. He had been charged, as is already known, in conjunction with 31. Davillier, orderly officer to the Emperor, to accompany the Prince of Orange on his return home from Compiegne. On cut that the Prince of Wales is likely to be come the purchaser of the Rushton estate, about three miles from Kettering. The estate possesses an excellent mansion, and presents advantageous shooting and hunt ing facilities. OTTO OF ROSE—is thus prepared at Ghazeepore— The petals of any sweet flower are placed in clay stills with twice their weight of Water, and the produce is exposed to the fresh air for a night in open vessels. The next morning the otto is found cor gealed on the surface, and is carefully skimmed off. These essences would be very beautiful if they were pure, but the native distillers being but little skilled in their art, and sandal-wood shavings to the flowers to facilitate the extraction of the otto, which thus becomes tainted with a heavy sandal-wood flavour. Besides these essences, perfumed oils are also made with some of these flowers in the following way :—Gingelly oil seeds are placed in alternate layers with fresh flowers in a covered vessel. The latter are renewed several times, after which the seeds are pressed, and the oil produced is found to have acquired the smell of the flowers. Musk, civet, ambergrioi spikenard (valerian jatarnans), patchouly, and kus-kus are also favourite perfumes with the Indians.—Rimmers Book of Perfumes. THE MYSTERY OF THE NEBULX resolved by Spec- trum Analysis—through the Spestroscope.—Perhap 3 the most important discovery, and the one that will most prominently mark the past year in the history of astrono mical progress, was recently announced to the Royal Society by Messrs. Huggins and Miller. This discovery upsets all the doctrines to which astronomers have pinned their faith during the present century. Everyone is fami liar with the term Nebula,, an expression employed to de signate certain misty masses of matter from which ligh t is emitted, and which can only be examined with the aid of the most powerful microscopes. These bodies, which op' pear as shapeless clouds of light at immense distances from the earth, have been of late years studied and observed by all classes of astronomers ; and, more recently, they have been regarded as being simply huge clusters of fixed stars, which, on account of their enormous distance from us, tir pear blended together into a confused mass. Watchfu l observers concluded as we have said ; and it has been for years the delight of astronomers to "resolve," as they termed it, these nebulae. Since, however, thanks to the researches of Bunsen and Kirchoff, a new system of therm' cal analysis exists, by means of which we can tell from the light which a body emits what is the nature of its compo sition, and since this method has been put in practice in the case of the sun and fixed stars, showing in them a consti tution closely resembling that of our earth, Messrs. Hug gins and Miller determined to put the light of the nebula' to a similar test. They have done so. The spectru o analysis of the nebular light has been accomplished, and , wonder to tell, it has revealed the presence of only one a two elements, and these are gases. In the spectrum pro' duced by the light of these quasi -suns the bands corm sponding to the various substances which compose tba solid mass of our earth were absent, and the only indica-, tion of any element whatever were two lines, which, pro— bably, point to the presence of nitrogen and hydrogen' Hence, the conclusion is inevitable that the nebuhe ar e most probably enormous masses of luminous gases or vapour. This important conclusion, which is one of tho most remarkable that has been for a long while arrived 01 brings astronomers back, in some degree, to the peculiar views of Laplace, as expressed in his " Nebular Hype thesis.—Lcmclon Review. A SHIELD FOR ACHILLES !—Who are responsibl a for the due conservation of the public statues of, London ? 1 would especially draw their attention to the disgraceful state of Achilles, in Hyde-park. The railingC, which formerly inclosed and protected our public monti ments have been, in many cases, removed, and this statue of Achilles affords a lamentable instance of the result of such removal. During the present year, a fellow -was caught by the police in the act of stealing from the pales tal some of the raised metal letters. Soon afterwards I saw some urchins scrambling up to the statue, by using 1 ,3 steps the letters which still remained. To-day I see that,' of the inscription, commemorating the erection of th' statue in the reign of George the Fourth, not a single late " remains ; and the pedestal is become a playground for idle', boys. Now, as a matter of taste, I think this Achilles do' testable. It is a slightly altered copy of one of the figure' holding the horses of Marly. The originals are, I belieV in Italy. Besides the want of originality, it seems to 1 11 ' as absurd to commemorate the Duke of Wellington il l ; erecting a statue of Achilles, as it would be for us to coin memorate Achilles by a statue of the Duke of Wellington' But this is a point of taste, about which others may cliff of from me; certain it is, that the monument was a nation" one to the memory of our greatest general, and it behove ; the anthorities to protect it from spoliation and indignitie : It is, at all events, more creditable to the country than th' hideous jumble of cloak, hat, and mule-like horse, whie weighs down the arch on Constitution-hill. THE MILITARY • OBITUARY OF FRANCE for the' year 1864, published by the Moniteur de l'Armee . —The French army lost by death during that period one Marshal of France—the Duke of Malakoff—and the gene : rals of division the Marquis and Count Grouchy, sons c", the Marshal, both cavalry officers and both distinguishe d in the wars of the first Empire. The elder, Victor d ° Grouchy, was grand officer of the Legion of Honour, and the other, Alphonse, commanded the 12th Regiment al Chasseurs at the battle of Waterloo,where he was wounded' After them are named the generals of division Marquis 01 ° Castelbajac, senator, and former Ambassador at St. Peters' burg ; Baron Letang, senator ; Count de Lagrange, se nior general of division, who was promoted to that rank i° 1814, and who made all the campaigns since the ye° r , 1809 ; I'ellion, one of the most distinguished and lea rned of Staff officers, which corps he entered in 1818 ; De Co' tigis, a long time president of the Commission of Stal l ' Officers; and Thiery, an officer of the first Empire, why distinguished himself in his profession from 1807 to 185 4 ' France has further - to regret 12 generals of brigade NvO died last year—all distinguished by their brilliant service s- Their names are Tardiere de St. Aubanet, Moreau, I[3l - sroY do Closmadeuv, D'Arlincourt, Tuscan de Terrail, Cl'r tophe and Eugene Lemaire, Imbert de St. Arnaud, y e ; launay, Le Barbier de Tinan, Marion de Beaulieu, tin" Paillot. To these are to be added Inspector-Commissar''' . General Fourrier, Commissaries-General Count de BoiOl i d'Anglas, Robert and Roch Gaston ; Colonel Augayal, ° Engineers, and former Professor of Fortification a t the Military School of Metz, conservator of the galley' plans at the Invalides ; Grandvallet, colonel of Chasseur s ' Chapiron, Dumas, Champmontant, colonels of infantrit and Martin, colonal of Zouaves, killed in one of the it l " , actions in Mexico. GOLDSMITHS' HALL.—A deputation from a pub li o a meeting of watchmakers and jewellers, comprising tba officers of the British Horological Institute and others, h", an interview on Friday, the 6 th inst.; at the Golds mitlO f Hall, with the wardens of the company, on the subject ° an improved system being adopted of assaying, mark: ll3 f, and charging for gold and silver cases and jewelle r y' , meet the competition of the foreign producers and requirements of the public. The Prime Warden prouli 6 ‘l the careful consideration of the company to the quest'o_vt and that an early answer as to their decision should .0 ; sent to Valentine Knight, Esq„ the president of the Dri tl Horological Ingtitute, who headed the deputation,