The Sun. — London, England, 1866-12-21 00:00:00

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET, Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Buckstone, THIS EVENING, A GAME OF :PECULATION. Messrs. C. Mathews, Chippendale, Kendal, Rogers, Clark, Braid Sze. ; Mesdames Fitzwiiliam, Laws, Wrigut, Sidney. Followed by ANTONY AND CLEOPATRA. Mr. Chas. Mathews, Mr. Compton, Mr. ttogers, Ur Clark, dtc. ; Mes dames C. Mathews, Hill, Wright, Colman, Sidney, &c. To conclude with FISH OUT OF WATER. Mr. Compton Commence at Seven. MR. SOTHERN.—On BOXING NIGHT, in a New Comedy, "A LESSON FOR LIFE," by Tom Taylor, Ileymarket Theatre. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPIII. eole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. T illS EVENING. at Seven precisely, TUB BARONET ABROAD. -Liss Roden. After which. at High., A SISTER'S PENA'NCE. 3liss Rate Terry, bliss Hughes, Miss Emily Pitt ; Mr. Herman V.zin ; Messrs. Billiugton, Ashley , J. A . Shaw, Stepht won, 7,burne, a .d It. Romer. To conclude with A PAS D E FASCINATION. Miss Furtado. Miss Emily Pitt. Messrs. Eburne, Ashly, Romer, C. J. Smith. • ROYAL OLYMPIC THEAT•RE. New Mauagenavut.--Box'ng Night MR. AND AIM CLIARLES MATHEWS. lap) OYAL STR AND TH EATRE. LA) bole Lessee and Mauagoruis, Mrs. Swanborough. THIS NVENING, NEIGHBOURS. Messrs. l'arsalle, Belford, and G Murray; Misses Swanborough, Johnstone, and Hughes. Atter which, will be produced the Grand lArlesque of KENILWORTH Messrs. thorne, James, and Fenton; Diesdames Swauborough, Johnstone, and Raynhain. To conclude with BOOTS AT ME SWAN. Commence at Seven. HOLBORN THEATRE ROYAL, Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. tef ton Parry. THAS EVENING, a new Farce, MY TURN NEXT. Mr. Belmore, Miss Foote, EIB3 Lennox. Liter which, Boucicault's drama of FLYING SCUD. Messrs. Neville, Belmore, Blake, Garden,Vollaire ; Mesdames F. Josephs, C. Saunders, B. Foote, It aym rid. rp lIEATRE ROYAL, ASTLEY'S, 1 Under the Sole Management of Mr. W. H. C. Nation. - , This Theatre is Cl,O I.J unti BOXING NIGHT (Dee,- 26, ib66), when will be produced the Great NATION-AL Pautom,me, HUSH-A-Bi ABY, UPON TUE I'ItEE TOP. Further particulars will be duly announced. THE "SUN" NEWSPAPER.- G. R. GLEN LE, Sporting Library, 4, Connaught terrace, 14:dgware-road, Is specially appo►nted AGr_;zir• to cl , liver the LATE .N.DITIUN of " TUE SUN " at the earliest possible moment after leaving the press. tie is able to deliver copies in Town, the Suburbs, and in many parts of the Country at a comparatively early hour the same evening, say 10 miles by 9 o'clock. Orders by Post punctually attended to. rii HE "SUN" NEWSPAPER.- ... G. R. GLENIE delivers ti'e LAZE EDITION a Luelse I, 7.40; Kilburn, 8; Starch-green, 8; Woolwich, 7.30 Uxbridge, 9.20 ; Wallord, 8.45. 111 HE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN." 1. J. kIiThALES begs to inform his friends, and the pubic neuerally, that he supplies the LAThOT EDITIoN of ; 1 1 . 11k; SUN " as soon as published —No. 16, Hampstead road ,N. IHE LAST EDITION of " THE SUN " supplied as soon as Published, containing ali the LA TEST ,NEWS and S:.'ORTING Iis4TELLIGNI.WE, by W. 11A1ilt1S, Newspaper Agent, 4, 131ackiriars-road, London, S. QPORTING.—JOHN ROBERTS supplies the L. LATEST EDITION of sUN" as soon as pub lalied.-4, Bath-street, City-road, E.C. FOR THE LATEST POLITICAL and SPORTING INTELLIGENCE see the Late Edition ut " The Sun" at 111 r. Blake's, Queen's Head, Winasor street, Uxbridge. LATEST INTELLIGENCE.- Samuel SMITH, late of Chelsea, now of the White liert, Acton, Middlesex, begs to inform his friends and neighbours that the Latest Edition of "The Sun" can be seen at his house as above. THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN" supplied, as soon as published every Evening, by ALEXANDEit (late BROOKS), Newspaper Agent, 24, Old Cavendish-street, Oxford-street. JOHN G EN ELL and CO.'S CHERRY TOO vs PASTE is greatly superior to any tooth powder; gives the teeth a pearl whiteness, protects the enamel from decay, and imparts a pleasant fragrance to the breath. Price Is. 6d.—lted Bull Wharf, VS, Upper Thames-street, London. INTOTHING IMPOSSIBLE.—The greatest and moat useful invention of the day, AGUA AMA It 1C LL Messrs. JOHN GOSNELL and CO., Red Bull Wharf, 93, Upper Thames-street, Perlin:nets to her Majesty, respect fully offer to the public this truly marvellous fink', which gradually restores the human hair to its pristine hue- no matter at what age. The Agna Amarella has none of tLe properties of dyes ; it, on the contrary, is beneficial to the system, and when the hair is once restored one application per month will keep it in perfect colour. Price one guinea per bottle, or in half bottles, Ns. Si. Testimonials from +wastes of.the highest order, and from individuals of undoubted re spectability, may be seen on application. Messrs. John ("cruel! and Co. have been appointed Perfumers to her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. fins DAY.—Merning, 12h. 58m.—Afternoon, lh. 26m. ra-MORROW.-Morning, lh. 50m.—Afternoon, 21i. 19m. 47, J1 ,, jr .... ,‘ 11311 0 g . e LONDON, FRIDAI, DEC, 21, 186 G. We learn from Berlin that the Chamber of Depu ties adopted the bill for the incorporation of Schles wig-Holstein on the 19th. Before this took place, however, Count BISMARCK made a speech, in which he entered at some length into the various circum stances of the case ; he alluded to the failure of the negotiations with the Prince of AUGUSTENBURG, an d he declared him to be an enemy of Prussia. R ea ll y it seems as if the Prussian Government cared Very little for their friendly relations with this coun try, or, perhaps, it is that they have been spoiled by the false kindness we have showed them. At any rate, we think that the Prus sian Minister might have abstained from his insulting comments on one whom the Berlin Go vernment delighted to honour. If anything could render the observation referred to more inconsis tent in its character and unbecoming in its style, it would be the fact that the war was originally undertaken to favour the claims of the Prince of AUGUSTENBURG. It is true that the Crown lawyers afterwards decided that these Duchies belonged to the King of DENMARK, that he had ceded them to the Sovereigns of AUSTRIA and PRUSSIA, but at the outset we all heard of nothing but the supreme rights of this Prince, and he went with the allied armies of Germany to prefer his claims at the point of the sword. Now all is changed, and he is converted into the enemy of Prussia. Some might presume to say that Prussia was his enemy, but then the opinions of the majority of the sensible and straightforward went for nothing in the judgment of the magnates of Berlin. Count BISMARCK laid great stress upon the right of conquest as concerning Prus sia's authority in these places, and as for the proposed vote in North Schleswig he made some rather extraordinary statements. He said that, after " mature consideration," the Prus sian Government had agreed to the proposal made on that subject by France, in order "not to disturb diplomatic relations, and to avoid placing in jeopardy the advantages which have been obtained." Several sugg e s t ions present themselves to notice respecting this assertion. In. the first place, why has France had occasion to interfere in the matter? and how is it that it required such " mature" considera tion to enable the Prussian Government to do that which they were bound to do by the terms of the late treaty? Hono ur - and honesty generally influence civilised States to keep faith in the fulfilment of their engagements ; b ut, as we all along suspected, it was not intended by the Prlis_ sian Government to let the North SehleSwigers have the advantage of the proposed scheme. This was pretty plainly shown when Count BISMARCK refused to let the deputation on the subject be presented to him, and when he vaguely intimated that the matter must be let alone for a time. It ap• pears now, however, that a change has come over the spirit of his dream, and that he has had to reconsider his position. It seems very significant that the Prussian Prime Minister should make tbii same declaration in so public a manner about the necessity of conforming to the wishes of France. It is the more striking, because, ever since the suc- cessful termination of the war, we have all heard of nothing but the supremacy of Prussia. _ . How comes it, then, that she allows foreign states to interfere with her rights of con quest, and, if she chooses to be fickle to her plans, and false to her promises, why does she permit their disapproval to change her course ? The answer to these queries must be found in the fact that the French are getting tired of all this manoeuvring on the part of Prussia, and have de termined to put their veto on some of her devices. It is, indeed, an insult to all the nations of Europe that the terms of the Treaty should have been vio lated as they have hitherto been respecting these North Schleswigers," and it is time that some one spoke out on the matter. We are glad that it shou'd be so for the sake of Denmark, for it is but meet that some amends should be made to that ill-used and injured kingdom. Nothing is more likely than that a quarrel should shortly take place between France and Prussia, and we shall then see what the vaunted millions of Germans will do against the spirited soldiers of France. The financial statement of M. FOULD has been looked for with considerable interest. France is not a nation whose power or influence can be doubted under any temporary disadvantage, but nevertheless the policy of any country must always be affected by the position of the national Ex chequer. In America moderate men are relying upon the condition of the finances to control the extravagance of the Radicals and avert the risk of another civil war; and as in the present unset tled state of Europe it is a matter of no slight im portance that the grievances of the first great military power should be in a satisfactory condition, that knowledge may temper the arrogance of Prus.ia, and sensibly or insensibly alter the course of several other States. The favourable position of the revenue will do more than any arguments to popularise the new scheme for the reorganisation of the army, since no extra demand is to be made on the people for the outlay, as it is antici pated that the increasing resources of the country will be sufficient. M. FOULD shows that there has been an increase, arising from indirect taxa- tion, of 45,000,000 francs, by which the Budget for 1866 will be definitively balanced. Looking to the future, M. FOULD is equally hopeful. lle estimates the surplus revenue yielded by indirect taxes for 1867 at 90 millions, and he points out other re sources. The ordinary Budget for 1868 will, ac cording to the Finance Minister's estimate, show a surplus of 121,000,000 f. Before 1868 comes round what changes may have taken place 1 M. FOULD, however, is not bound to take them into considera tion, especially as he demands no credit even in the Budget for 1868 for the new military organisation, the EMPEROR having determined that the neces sary expenditure should be provided for by specia bills in the rectified Budget for 1868. M. FOULD be lieves that the State will then be in possession of more than sufficient resources to meet the new re quirethents. He thinks it necessary, like most con tinental Ministers, to assure the world at large, and the French people in particular, that the increase of the army is only "a fresh guarantee of peace and security for the future." France is now concentrat ing her forces, bringing them home from Mexico and from Italy; so that, independently of the reor ganisation scheme, she will have additional military strength. Whatever the ultimate direction of these forces, it will be an immense advantage to the Em- PEROR as well as to the nation to have a well-filled Exchequer, since never, perhaps, since France became a nation had she a more momentous part to play than she has in this question. Affairs seem to be a little more promising in Hungary just now, for the Upper House of the Hungarian Diet has voted by a large majority the Address passed by the Lower House. This is very satisfactory in every respect, because it would be very prejudicial to the interests of many for a col lision to take place between the Imperial Govern ment and the representatives of the kingdom. It could not possibly answer any end, and might be productive of great harm to all parties concerned. Some speeches were made on the occasion, which were for the most part in favour of the Government, and a wish was expressed that a compromise might be effected, in order to tranquillise the " non-Hungarian provinces." Count SENYCY declared that if Hungary were to accept the principle of common affairs she would become the " centre of gravity of the empire." No doubt there is a great deal of truth in this, however extravagant it may appear to some per verse or prejudiced parties. If the Hungarians were to be more moderate in their ways, and more guarded in their expressions, we do not doubt that they would find it more for their interest in the long run. It is said that his MAJESTY is determined to re-establish the Con stizi t on su o c f h ll m u il n l ga p r r y o , ve an t d o we most sincer e l y be the case, although at present the prospect seems be for understanding pre or Austria as we ll as v d a o i u ls b , tf t u b l e . b et The ter morewill it a for the gain of Hungary ; and it would be in truth a most suicidal policy to adopt to renew the discussions and dis3ensions that have prevailed too long and too fiercely in times past. Surely, if no other consideration is forcible enough to induce both sides to come to a settlement of these differ ences, the thought of Prussia should convince them at once and for ever. That crafty Power would like nothing better than to see strife and discord prevail in any part of the Austrian dominions, and especially Hungary, which might, under prosperous circum stances, become such a source of strength to the Imperial Government. We are glad to find that the non-union move ment is gaining ground among the working men of the northern and midland counties. 'The recent outrageous acts which have been committed in the rime, though not with the sanction of the leaders of the unions, have done, perhaps, les.3 to damage their cause than the depressed state of trade, and the growing conviction of the men that the association which was designed for their protection and advan tage, has become an instrument of damage and oppres sion. The principle of combination naturally ap peared to be the great protection of the working men against the meanness or injustice of their em ployers, and it must at once be admitted that on many occasions, more especially in former times, the masters were not scrupulous as to the use of their superior power. But since the organisation of trades unions has grown more complete the men have had far more occasion to dread the tyranny of their fellows than of their employers. The general public are aware •of the broad features of the ease, but they are not at all familiar with the harassing extent to which the control of these societies over masters were carried. In the interesting and sensible address delivered by Mr. Mmuoum to a large non-unionist meeting at Chesterfield, he gave some striking examples cf this sort of unwarrantable interference with the rights of both parties. Thus, in many trade societies they did not, lie said, allow the employer of labour to have more than one apprentice for every seven workers the master selected the apprentices, and THE SUN, LO.l SL ON, FRIDAY EV.ENING, DECEMBER 21, 1366. • it might so happen that not one man in twenty had the privilege of obtaining for his children employment in his own trade. "If a master was willing to give employment to the sous of one of his workmen, it was his opinion that it was the bounden duty of the father to assist his children, and not to conspire for his own personal benefit to defraud them of their rights and liberties." It is evident what a remtriction such a regulation must place on labour; and, as Mr. MARKHAM observed, it must greatly tend, if largely applied, to increase the number of our paupers. Then as to com petition, the pre-eminence of England in many manufactures is no longer what it was. Foreign countries are pressing us closely, and owing to the stagnation of the iron trade; through the repeated strikes, Belgian manufacturers have sup plied some of our railways with large quantities of rails, which were delivered at the port of Glocester at a less price than they could be obtained from an English manufacturer. Such a fact speaks volumes to the men themselves, and must convince them of the folly of their proceedings when no arguments would avail. They will, we hope, soon make up their minds to throw off the shackles which have been placed upon them, and ue look upon the non-union move ment now daily gaining ground as a very important effort in the interests of labour. LATEST INTELLIGENCW. (REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.) THE WAR IN THE BRAZILS. RIO DE JANEIRO, Nov. 23. Advices have been received from the seat of war to the 9th hid. On the 30th ult. the Paraguayans attempted a surprise on the lines of Tuyuty, and with 10 battalions of infantry, protected by artil lery and cavalry, attacked, under rain and a heavy fog, the position which they lost on the 18th July. They were, however, received with a tremendous fire of artillery and musketry, and had to retire with a heavy loss, leaving about 500 killed on the ground. The Brazilians lost about 20 men only, their posi tion being well defended by parapets and breast works. Marshal the Marquis of Caxias remained but two days at Montevideo and Buenos Ayres, and at the last dates was at Parana, where the Arinos was coaling, and would immediately start for Corrientes. The Brazilian ironclads Ilerval, Mariz e Barros, and Colombo had arrived, and joined the fleet at the mouth of the Paraguay. The United States gunboat Shamokin had ob tained leave (under protest) from the Brazilian Admiral to pass the line of blockade, and has landed Mr. 'Washburn, the America Minister for Paraguay, at Curupaity, returning immediately and anchoring below the line of blockade. An armistice for a few hours was concluded for the purpose. The flow of Brazilian gold into Buenos Ayres is such that the Argentine paper dollar is at a premium, and the provilicial Government intend to profit by the opportunity to convert their paper currency into metal. By a decree, dated Gth inst., and published on the 19th, all the slaves of the nation, capable of carry ing aims and wishing to enlist, are made free. Emancipation is also extended to their wives and children. SPAIN AND HONDURAS. MADRID, Dec. 31. Two Spanish frigates have left Cuba to comb el Honduras to observe neutrality in the Chilian ques tion, and also for the purpose of protecting Spanish commerce in the central American waters. AMERICA. ARRIVAL OF THE SCOTIA. The Royal Mail steamship Scotia, from New York on the 12th inst., arrived at Queenstown at 5.25 a.m. to-day (Dec. 21), with 117 passengers and $272,188 in specie. She landed all the mails except those for Liver pool and Scotland and 14 passengers, proceeding at 5.40 a.m. for Liverpool, all well. NEW Yonii - , Dec. 12 (Horning). The House of Representatives has passed the Bill excluding from the next Congress the repre sentations from all States not recognised by the present Congress. The frigate Susquehannab, with General Sherman and Minister Campbell on board, arrived at Vera Cruz on the 27th ult. An offer made by French officials of an escort to the City of Nlexico was declined by General Sherman. The Susque hannah left Vera Cruz on the 3d instant for Brazos, Texas, from which place, Sherman, after an interview with Sheridan, set out for Monterey via Matamoras. Sherman has released Ortega and ordered the arrest of General Sedgwick. A proclamation has been issued at Vera Cruz, declaring that the Emperor Maximilian has not left Mexico. The Emperor is reported to have formed a strong alliance with the Church party, securing important monetary advantages. It is stated that he has offered to turn the Government over •to Miramon, Marquez, and Marin, and appeal to the popular vote to decide upon a new Government. The Republicans are concentrating their forces for an attack upon San Luis Potosi. A Fejian privateer is reported to have escaped ronsi Newbury Port. A British vessel has started !rorn Halifax in pursuit. By ATLANTIC TELEGRAPH. NEW YORK, Dee. 20 (Evening). Gold, 1311. Sterling exchange on London, 1091 5-20. United States Bonds, 107 ; Illinois, 1161 ; Erie, 72. Cotton, middling upland, 35. FRANCE. BOURSE, Dec. 20, Two o'clock.—ln spite of the reduction of the rate of discount in London to 3} per cent., and a rise in Consols of 4 f announced by the first telegram, followed by another of k, brought by the second, the funds here are generally weaker, and quotations exhibit a decline. French Threes lose sc.—at 691. 15c. Italian Fives, after touching 57fr. 45c., are now only worth 57., declining 25c. Credit Mobilier shares have fallen 7f. 50c., being quoted below par—at 497 f 50c. Spanish Mobilier have declined M.—at 300 f. Little variation is no ticeable in railway shares, which are mostly firm. The market has closed with the following quota tions:— 9 Italianßank Sharesijoan 1 per Cents36oo Do. end months 7 3 per Cents. 69 20 Do. end month 57 021 Do. end month 69 15 Mexican Loan — Credit Mobilier ... 495 Do. Bonds — Do. end month ... 495 Spanish Threes Credit Foucier — Home Debt — Do. end month 1385 Deferred PONTIFICAL LETTER OF CONVOCA TION TO THE CATHOLIC BISHOPS. -♦- ROME, Dec. 13. The Pope has addressed an invitation to the Bishops of the Catholic world to assemble at Rome in the month of June, 1867, to celebrate the 18th centenary of the martyrdom of the Apostles Peter and Paul, .and the canonisation of several martyrs, confessors, and virgins. The Pontifical letter of invitation, bearing date the Bth inst., is signed by the Cardinal Prefect of the Sacred Congregation of the Council, and is to the following effect : " Illustrious and Very Reverend Sir,•—Among the principal and gravest cares of the Apostolic Ministry of the Sovereign Pontiff the most grateful 1 is to confer, according to established rites, the honour of canonisation and public worship in the Church upon the heroes of the Christian religion. There fore the Holy Congregation of Rites having accom plished all the acts according to the discipline pre scribed by the Apostolic Constitution, our Holy Father Pope Pius IX., after having maturely considered the circumstances, has resolved (in as far, however, as the power of the Almighty, as we are permitted to hope, shall avert the imminent tempest which threaten us) to hold, in the month of June, 1867, two semi-public Consistories. After these Consistories the Holy Father, by the aid of God and the Virgin Mother of God, will inscribe a solemn decree in the Catalogue of Saints, the blessed martyrs, confessors, and virgins whose names here after follow. On the 29th of the same month the Festival of the blessed Apostles Peter and Paul, which on this occasion will be celebrated with all the greater joy, by reason of the secular anniversary of their glorious martyrdom. "'The names of the blessed martyrs, confessors, and virgins are as follows : "1. The blessed Josaphat, Archbishop of Polocsk, of the Ruthenians in White Russia, martyr. " 2. The blessed Pedro d'Arbues, of the order of regular canons of St. Augustine, Inquisitor of Spain, and canon of the Metropolitan Church of Saragossa, martyr. " 3. The nine blessed martyrs of Gorkhum be longing to divers regular orders, or to the secular clergy. "4. The blessed Paul de la Croix, confessor, founder of the congregation of Clercs-Dechaussds of the Holy Cross and of the Passion of our Lord Jesus Christ. "5. The blessed Leonard of St. Maurice, con fez,sor, Apostolic Missionary of the Minor Order of St. Francis of the Strict Observance. "6. The blessed Maria-Francesca of Five Wounds, virgin, of the Third Order of St. Peter of Alcantara in Naples. " 7. The blessed Germaine-cousin secular virgin of the diocess of Toulouse. " According to ancient custom his Holiness has therefore, ordered me, Prefect of the Congregation charged to interpret the Holy Council of Trent, to write to the Prelates of the Catholic world, to an nounce to them this glad news, and acquaint them that the Bishops who not being detained by the fear of causing grave prejudice to the flocks con fided to their care should repair at the proper time to this noble city in order to be present at the Consistories above mentioned. It will be a source of great joy for the Holy Father to see his brethren assemble in one place and offer up with one accord prayers to those saints already received into celes- tial glory; in order that, moved by such suppli cations in the extreme peril which threatens civil, and above all sacred things, they may ask of God and obtain from IJis Goodness, victory over the malignant enemy, and perpetual peace for the Church Militant. " Further, it is needful to reflect that it is the will of the Sovereign Pontiff that all those who may respond to this invitation shall be considered as having fulfilled the prescription of Sixtus V. of Holy memory, contained in the Bull Ronzanus Pontifex, relative to the obligation of making the journey to Rome in order to visit the Sacra Apostolorum Lintina. And if ever there was a time in which it was fitting to cNne and venerate the sepulchres of the Peter and Paul, fathers and mas ters of truth, enlightening the souls of the faithful (as was said by Theodoret), it is, above all, at the period in which that festival will be celebrated, which, in the words of St. Leo the Great, in addi tion to that veneration which it should receive throughout the world, should be hailed with special reverence and joy at Rome, in order that in the place where the death of the principal Apostles has been glorified greater joy should be manifested on the day of their martyrdom.' " Given at Rome, by the Sacred Congregation of the Council, this ath day of December, 1866, sacred to the Immaculate Conception of the Mother of God." BANK OF FIiANCE. PAMS, Dec. 20. The following is the return of the Bank of France for the week ending to-day, together with the cor responding figur3s of the previous account : RAILW AYS. For Account. Orleans Northern 1195 Lyons and Mediterranean ......... . Southern 582 50 Western — Eastern 533 75 Sardinian . Austrian Lombard.. North of Spain ll5 S aragos; a 135 Ditto to Barcelona Roman. 403 75 380 - Fire and Loss of Life.----(lhis Day.) This morning, about five o'clock, a fire, attended with the loss of two lives, broke out :in a private house, No. 21, Francis-terrace, St. Leonard's-road, Bromley. The premises were occupied by Robert Osment, a carpenter and joiner, his wife, and family, and by some other persons, in all nine in number. The lower part of the house was in flames when the inmates were aroused, and the screams and cries of the poor creatures suddenly aroused from their sleep were quite appalling. A few things were saved by Osment, who was severely burnt about the face and hands. The Poplar engine of the Metropolitan Board of Works, followed by the fire escape and the land steam engine, were soon opposite the scene of conflagration. At that time the house was in flames from top to bottom, two children were then missing, and piteous cries for help were heard within the house. Various attempts were made to save the children, but without success. The children, both girls, one aged 7, the other 9 years, perished. One was the daughter, the other the grand-daughter, of Osment. They were in a back-room when the fire was first discovered, and in the confusion were forgotten by the other inmates until it was too late to save them. Their charred remains were afterwards dug out of the ruins. The house was gutted. The exer tions of the firemen prevented the fire spread ing to the adjoining buildings. A large force. of police, under the control of Inspector Blare of the K division, rendered valuable assistance. The loss of the poor children is much deplored, and it is reported that they would have been saved if the grown-up inmates had been more intent on saving life than preserving furniture. The fire broke out in the back kitchen, and had gained so much ascen dancy when it was dis Covered that it is a miracle they were not all destroyed. Liverpool Cotton Market—This Day. Market steady. Sales probably 10,000 or 12,000 bales. DEBTOR. Dec. 13. Dec. 20. c. fr. c. 182,500,000 Capital of the Bank 182,500,000 Profits in addition to capital (Art. 8, Law, June 9, 1857) 7,044,776 62 7,044,776 02 Reserve of the Bank and its branches Reserve in landed pro perty 4,000,000 Notes in circulation Banknotes to order and receipts payablo at 22,105,750 14 22,105,750 14 sight Treasury account cur- 4,000,000 - 948,524,425 - 15,719,926 92 15,812,492 37 rent Creditor Current accounts, Paris 241,558,589 55 251,083,023 67 Do. branch banks 32,939,452 34,196,315 Dividends payable 757,991 75 715,331 75 Discounts and sundry interests Rediscounted the last six months Surplus of receipts not distributed Sundries 12,712,107 30 13,134,104 93 2,372,304 91 2,372,304 91 11,024,962 35 11,279,035 95 Total CREDITOR. Dec. 13. fr. Cash in hand and in Dec. 20. fr. Branch banks Commercial bills over due Commercial bills dis- 190,653 41 : 171,029 18 counted, not yet due 291,467,053 15 301,184,653 03 Do. branch banks 335,576,768 330,774,456 Advances on deposit of bullion Do. branch banks Do. on French Public 32,485,400 - 33,081,500 - Securitias Do. by branch banks Do. on railway shares and debentures D. branch banks Do. on Credit Foncier 7;880;000 - 9;351;900 - 14,030,400 - 14,055,500 - 7,880,000 - 7;862,800 - 36,972,800 - 37,438,300 - 25,522,600 - 25,536,200 - 707,200 - 706,300 - 622,200 - 631,650 - Bonds Do. branches Do. to the State (Con vention, June 10, 1857) 60,000,000 Government Stock re- 12,980,750 14 12,980,750 14 36,065,237 91 36,063,237 91 60,000,000 - serve Do. disposable Routes Immobalia6es (Law, June 2, 1857) 100,000,000 otel and furniture of the Bt.nk and landed propel ty branches Expenses of manage ment 6 uadries 100,000,000 - 8,307,205 - 8,316,994 - 2,492,314 89 2,860,870 62 13,123,514 74 14,097,314 86 Total 1,680,388,068 71 1,708,505,411 97 Certified by the Senator Governor of the Bank of France. Signed)' ROULAND. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS.—The great difficulty ex perienced in selecting suitable articles for presents will be entirely obviated by visiting Parkins and Gotto's extensive show-rooms, where may be seen by far the largest stock in Europe of articles of excellent taste and workmanship, at very moderate prices, comprising portrait Albums, writing cases, dressing cases, dressing bags, de spatch boxes, en veloi e cases and blotting books, card trays, work boxes, glove and trinket boxes, inkstands, desks, stationery cabinets, purses, pocket books, pencil cases, cigar cases, reticules, opera glasses, scent cases, smelling bottles, electro-gilt and elegantly mounted articles. Bibles, Prayer-books, and Church Services, in every variety of type and binding. A new department for indoor games of all kinds—bagatelle and billiard tables, all sizes ; musi cal boxes, ecc.; in fact, an endless variety of articles to suit every taste and purpose. Parkins . and Gotto, 21 and 25, Oxford-street, W. CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) PARIS, Thursday Evening. The plan for the reorganisation of the French army having encountered some opposition, the following remarks from the Constitutionnel, which seems dispose of the objections, are worthy of attention :—" Although we never had in the Crimea and in Italy more than 120,000 men at a time, if grave circumstances had arisen, and they very nearly presented themselves, it would have been very difficult for us to have placed in battle array new troops so numerous and so well exercised. How, when we were upon the Mincio, could we have arrayed an army upod the Rhine ? It was, perhaps, necessary, but it was almost impossible. These are truths which must be confessed, though they may wound our pride, because it is not with soft words that you can supply resources of which you are deficient, or that you can satLfy the most imperious wants of the nation. It was after hav ing acknowledged, with all practical men of war, the necessity of augmenting our military forces, that the Emperor decided to appoint the high Com mission, under his presidency, to consider this im portant question. If he had not been conscious of his duty as Sovereign, it would certainly have been I very easy for him to have done nothing, for it is not the possibility of having an eventual reserve in addition, a reserve of 200,000 men, that can augment his influence and his power. He knows, on the contrary, that every increase of burthen may injure his popularity. But with the idea of ren dering to his country a durable service, he did not hesitate, and does not hesitate, to sacrifice every thing for the benefit of his country. If we were not exposed to the hatred of party, which unceasingly endeavours to turn to the prejudice of the Govern ment its most praiseworthy intentions, everything that is patriotic, all who feel in their heart the love of France would support the Government in the task upon which it has entered with so much reso lution and devotion, instead of harassing it with unjust opposition." The Moniteur contains' a long report from M. Achille Fould, the Minister of Finance, i❑ reference to the financial resources of France. The inference [le Minister draws from the various details is, tha the receipts and expenses for 1866 will be balanced. The Minister expresses his confidence that under all the circumstances he shall be able to prepare the reltificatory Budget of 1868 under favourable cir cumstances. " The excess of receipts over expen diture will, I hope, be considerable enough in 1868 to permit your Majesty to realise the programme in view for a long time, and which your Majesty wishes to carry into execution without delay. These are the points of that programme. Deduction of the burthens which press upon tax-payers. Augmentation of the resources devoted to public instruction. A still more energetic impulse to the works of general utility which are to be carried on upon the territory of the Empire." In conclu sion, a belief is expressed by the Minister that " the Exhibition of next year will improve all the elements of the public fortune." The steam corvette Le Catinat has arrived at Marseilles, having on board Gen. Montebello and his staff from Rome. Accounts from Berlin state that the Budget for - _ 1867, proposed by the Government, has been de finitively agreed to, with a few modifications, to which the Prussian Cabinet agreed. A letter from Berlin gives afew additional par ticulars respecting the constitution of the new Con federation of the North. A definitive Parliament is to be chosen by universal suffrage and by direct election. The functionaries will not be eligible for election, although the Deputies are not to receive any pay. The Constitution agreed upon by the Deputies will be embodied in the form of a treaty. The Imperial Commission of the Great Exhibi- tion has just published another general notice, which, among other things, states that " products, as well French as foreign, will be admitted into the interior of the Exhibition from the 15th of January, 1867, until, and including, the 10th of March fol lowing." The Moniteur contradicts a report, to which I alluded, that M. Merimee, Senator, possesses a head supposed to be that of Cardinal Richelieu. So inexact is the statement that M. i\lerimee went to the Minister of Public Instruction to see the head which has just been joined to the remains, and it was upon M. Merimee's suggestion that M. Duruy caused a cast of the authentic head to be taken. • One of the papers talc dates that the Message of President Johnson contains more than 40,000 words, and if it had been sent by the Atlantic telegraph it would have cost more than a million of francs. The weather to-day has been very foggy, cheer- Less, and cold. The Siccie, remarking upon the affairs of Hun gary and Germany generally, says—" Rarely has a political situation presented more serious difficul ties." One of the letters from Berlin states that a law will be submitted to the Confederate Parlia ment of the North of Germany, fixing the active army of the Confederation upon the peace footing of 1 per cent. of the population. Thus the perma nent army of the Confederate States will not amount to 300,000 . men. Prussia will have the advantage of a considerable reduction of expense, as her pre sent active army exceeds the proportion proposed in the budget. In Austria the political reorganisation of the empire continues to encounter grave obstacles in consequence of the claims of the various nationa lities. CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AND NEW YEAR'S GIFTS. —The best and most varied assortment is to be found at Rimmel's, 96, Strand, 128, Regent-street, 24, Cornhill, aua Crystal Palace. Scout Cases, Fans, Toilet Sets, Smelling Bottles, Perfume Boxes and Baskets, &d. Ornaments for Christmas Trees, from Gd.; Christmas Sachets, 6d., ls., and 2s. 6d.; Christmas Cards, 2s. per dozen. Rimmel's Perfumed Almanack, Gd., by post for 7 stamps. The Now Lithinated and Perfumed Diuuer Cards, 35., by post for 37 stamps. ALMANAC LITERATURE. — The close of the year brings before us a new issue of the interesting Annual of the Royal Insurance Company in the usual form of a very useful and elegantly appointed almanac. The information so carefully compiled on the subject of Insurance generally will prove of much value to all interested in this impor tant topic ; but what is most remarkable in the contents of the little book in question is the record it contains of the unexampled prosperity of the concern it represents. When a company can pay in a single year, as the "Royal" has done, fire claims to the amount of about £310,000, and yet show a balance in its favour, it becomes a self-evident fact that the transactions of the association aro on such a scale of magnitude as to indicate the entire confidence of the public in the manner in which its affairs aro conducted The new Life buiiiiess for 1865 reached the onamous sum of £886,000, and the net fire premiums for the year were £414,700. COVENT-GARDE T THEATRE. The pantomime which is to be produced at this theatre on the 26th, under the sole management of Mr. Alfr * ed Mellon, and which has for several months past been in active preparation, will be of a character so original and costly as .quite to mark a new epoch in the annals of this sort of entertain ment. The ever-fruitful Arabian .Nights supply the plot, which is nothing less than " Ali Baba and the Forty Thieves," a subject by the way, which though often previously handled is still ever fresh, affording, as it does, such ample scope for new treat ment, and possessing those excellent dramatic capa bilities so essential to a piece of this class. The burlesque opening is from the pen of Mr. Gilbert it Beckett, the scenery from the pencil of Messrs. T. Grieve, Matt. Morgan, Watford Grieve, Dayes, Perkins, Caney, and Thompson, the dances ar ranged by Mons. Desplaccs, and the music by Mr. Montgomery, while the whole is produced under the immediate direction of Mr. Harris, a fact that in itself, no less than the engagement of the Messrs. Paynes, speaks volumes of promise for the, ap proaching season at this theatre. Subjoined is a brief outline of the plot : Orchobrand, Mr. Lingham, a disreputable money lender, who supports joint stock companies and does a large business at 80 per cent., is discovered in his cabalistic office whereheis visited byAbdallah, Miss Kate Carson, the object of whose call is the renewal of a bill. Being a member of the "Forty Thieves Club," and consequently extremely fast, Orchobran d refuses, but on the solicitation of Abdallah - and a prospect of making something out of it, he consents to give three days' grace. About to deposit the do cument with others in his strong box he is surprised by the sudden appearance of the Genius of the Ara bian Nights, Miss Bennett, who censures him severely for the course he is pursuing, threatens him with the consequences, and warns him of his inevitable doom at the hands of the Genii, who are watching his evil career. Abdallah returns delighted with his three days' grace, which, with a proper disregard of his financial condition, he celebrates by a magnificent fete in the cavern. A neighbouring pacha is robbed, his wealth supplying the table and his Bayaderes and Circassian Ahnees the guests. While the Forty Thieves, however, plunder the forest on the one hand, Ali Baba the wood cutter, Mr. Payne, de stroys it gradually on the other, picking up his bread, but very little of it, by felling the trees. 'While be wailing his fate withGanem, his son, Mr. P. Payne, and his donkey, he is seized by the Bagdad Inspec tor, Mr. Thompson, who with his police has been long on the look out for the Forty Thieves, and for the captain of whom he takes Ali Baba to be. A scuffle frees Ali Baba, who with his son and donkey finds himself at the entrance of the Thieves' cavern. In his flight he has been wiled hither byDryadella,Miss Graham, and her sister wood nymphs, who; despair ing of their lot, harassed by the thieves on the one hand, and cut down, a sister falling with every tree, by Ali Baba on the other, determine to play off one evil against the other, help the wood cutter to dis- cover wealth to free him from the . obligations of toil, and by his discovery hasten on the final de struction of the robber horde. He goes home, and to measure his newly found wealth, sends Morgiana, Miss Harland, to borrow a sieve of his elder brother Cassim, Mr. Sanger, who, suspecting something, is kind enough to come round himself. Cassim soon discovers the treasure and worms the secret of its acquisition out of Ali Baba, who, however, refuses to tell where the cavern is situated. This difficulty 18 spec lily cleared up by Ganem, who produces a carrot with which Cassim bribes the donkey. The latter, spite the efforts of the whole family, tears off for the cave with Cassim after him. Here the two arrive just after Abdallah has been seized, at the expiration of his three days' grace, in the very midst of his revels. Cassitn is of course rapidly disposed off, but the donkey,• evading the Thieves, makes good his escape, pursued, however, by Hassarac, Miss Sanger, who has succeeded to the command of the Forty. The plot now thickens, Hassarac hav ing followed the donkey to Ali Baba's door, where be is met by Orchobrand, who, under the guise of au old-clothesrnan, supplies him with a merchant's dress, and fortflars labelled " Cod liver oil," with which he is to introduce himself and thieves into Ali Baba's confidence and premises. Morgiana, who makes use of the Inspector's weakness for her, to set justice on his tract, suspects Hassarac and his professions. Ali Baba, however, admits the stranger and his supposed oil, and after,a skirmish between the Inspector and Ganem, who resents the former's attention to Morgiana, all is going well till night time, when a series of catastrophes and discoveries take place in Ali Baba's garden. Ganem serenades Morgiaua on the trombone, a method of declaring his heart in the right place, which naturally awakes the whole neighbourhood. •Ali Baba is aroused, and armed with a blunderbuss wreaks his vengeance on the cats. However, still unquiet in his mind, he comes out with a ladder to see if any one is on the other side of the wall. Ganem has also brought his ladder with a view to a short cut to Morgiana's chamber. Both father and son grope about in the dark, finally setting their respective ladders against each othe. They meet at the top with the natural denouement and consequences. The In spector rushes in at the noise. . Cogia rushes out with the watering pot, and justice is dealt out pretty freely in the dark in every direction but the right ; the Inspector being finally drenched and overcome. When all is again still Morgiana quits the house, hoping to meet Ganem, - whose rob() has managed to arouse her, but her lamp going out, she at once be takes herself to the cod liver oil hard by, to make the discovery that every jar contains a thief. At this crisis the Inspector revives, and in triumph an nounces, that his plan is now to be crowned with success. He motions to his who have been concealed, to approach ; gets Morgiana to give Has sarac's signal, when the whole Forty Thieves rise up to be captured in a body by the Bagdad Police. Hassarac alone remains, but he has made the most of his time inside the house, having emptied the plate basket and robbed everybody he has come across. Ali Baba, who has been indulging freely in the bottle, calls for a dance, and Hassarac endeavours to turn it to account by stabbing his host, who joins, as well as he can under • the circumstances, in the exhilarating amusement. At last Hassarac makes his grand coltp, but is foiled by Morgiana, who has parried every thrust. He shouts for his thieves, but his call is answered by the Inspector, by whom he is seized. Justice is vindicated, as Orchobraud rises to meet his doom and receive his sentence in " the Enchanted Home of the Genii, on the golden heights of Sunshine." When it is added that the comic business is sus tained by Mr. Fred Payne as Harlequin, Mdlle. Esta as Columbine, Mr. Paul Herring as Pantaloon, and Mr. Harry Payne as Clown, and that one of the features of the after part will be a representation of Oxford and Cambridge boat race, it may be gathered that the manager of this great theatre has spared no pains or expense to maintain its reputation as the home of colossal spectacle. THE WITHDRAWAL OF THE FRENCH TROOPS FROM MEXICO. —PARIS, Dec. 19.—The Moniteur de Sow, in its weekly political bulletin, says The expeditionary corps in Mexico continues its movement of concentration with out encountering any serious difficulties. At the same time the necessary preparations for the return of our troops • are actively prosecuted upon a largo scale. The transport Var :,as already left fur Vera Cruz. Other vessels will start for the same port without delay. The squadron destined to bring back our troops will be promptly assembled, and all measures are taken that the evacuation en masse may be accomplished within a brief period. THE SEWING-MACHINE AND TIIE BLIND.--Blind ness is a calamity which ever excites our deepest sym pathies, one reason being the comparative helplessness of those so afflicted. Any plan, therefore, which places before them the means of self•support deserves approval, while commendation is duo to those who suggest or invent it. This praise is cheerfully accorded to the Grover and Baker Sewing -machine Company, whose machines we lately saw in use at the Industrial Classes for the Blind, at 500, New Oxford-street, and of which the secretary said he could not speak too highly of its adaptation to the blind, owing to the simplicity of its construction, the regularity of the tension, and the saving of time occupiod with other machines in filling of spools and fastening of ends, the latter advantage being of special benefit to the blind ; so much so that nine other machines have been replaced by the above. All who have means shoul t visit these classes, and assist the Chris tian efforts to relieve their physical deprivation. "rk "14 Pl/4 etralk HER MAJESTY, &c. OSBORNE, Dec. 20. The Queen, accompanied by Princess Chris tian, drove out yesterday afternoon, attended by the Dowager Duchess of Athole, and her Majesty walked in the grounds this morning with Princess Christian. Princess Louise and Prince Christian rota out yesterday afternoon. Prince Leopold and Princess Beatrice walked in the grounds this morning. A committee of the Lords of her Majesty's Most lion. Privy Council sat yesterday at the Privy Council-office, 11'hitehall, on the subject of qua rantine. The Lords present were—the Lord Presi dent, Viscount Cranborne, the Right Hon. Spencer Walpole, the Right Hon. H. Corry, the Right Hon: E. Hatnmond; and the Right Hon. Sir Stafford Northcote. The Attorney-General and Solicitor- General were also present. A committee of the Lords of her Majesty's Most Hon. Privy Council sat yesterday at 'Whitehall on matters relating to the cattle plague. Mr. Harrison and Dr. Alexander Williams attended the coal- Luit tce. THE DUKE OF EDINBURGH.—GUNTON, THURS DAY.—His Royal Highness the Duke of Edinburgh who has been passing this week with Lord and Lady Suffield at Gunton-hall, has been enjoying excellent sport in the noble lord's preserves. A large party of the aristo cracy aro staying at the hall, and last evening Lord and Lady Suffield gave a ball, which was attended by about 60 ladies and gentlemen. Dancing was kept up till two this morning, to the music of Mr. Walter Howlett's band from Norwich, an elegant supper being served about mid night. Among the party staying at the hall are Viscount Newry, Lord and Lady Alfred Paget, Lord and Lady Rendlesham, Colonel and Lady Emily Kingscote, the Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Coke, &c. The ball last evening was opened by the Duke of Edinburgh with Lady Suffield, Lord Suffield dancing with Lady Alfred Paget. The duke is expected to leave Gunton on Saturday . His Serene Highness Prince Teck and her Royal Highness Princess Mary Adelaide of Teck have returned to Cambridge Cottage, Kew, from Visiting their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess d'Aumale at Wood norton, Worcestershire. The Duke of Hamilton's shooting party at Easton Park, Suffolk, separated yesterday. The Duke and his friends have had excellent sport. Several thousand head of game were killed in the three days' shooting. The Earl and Countess of Dunmore intend to leave town to-day for liolkham, Norfolk, to pass the Christmas with the Earl and Countess of Leicester. The Earl and Countess of Durham arrived in town a few days ago from Lambton Castle. The countess and family go to-day or to-morrow to Lambton. The noble earl will go to Lambton Castle next week. . The Earl of Warwick had a narrow escape whilst shooting with a party of friends the other day. His lord ship's gun exploded as he was in the act of firing it; but, although the stock was rent to pieces, the noble earl escaped uninjured. Viscount-Hamilton, M.P., has left town to join his ExceHaney the Lord Lieutenant and the Marchioness of Abercorn and family at Dublin. HEALTH OF LORD LYTTON.—Lord Lytton has just now moved on from Paris to Nice. His friends will learn with pleasure that his lordship's hearing has been very considerably improved under the care of Dr. Turnbull. Crystal Palace.—Christmas. Unusually extensive preparations are being made for the duo c3lcbration of Christmas at the Crystal Palace. Varied and brilliant as former displays have been, the in terior of the Palace will present this year a blaze of deco rative art without parallel. Flags and streamers, garlands of holly and laurel, shields taid bannerets, mottoes and quotations, extend from end to end of the Palace—hanging dependent from every rib and girder of the building, they are artistically arranged amid the statuary and shrubs and hanging baskets. No display of such magnificence has ever hitherto been attempted in this the truly called " Palace of the People's Pleasures." It must be seen to lie believed. Once seen, all London will flock to see it thus beautified. Capacious wings have been added to the great stage, which has now been rendered available for the most coca iilete theatrical or operatic representations. During the holidays ample amusements of the most varied character will extend over the entire day. In addition to these, at half-past 4 each afternoon, a complete pantomime will be given. It has for title— " Little Miss Muffit, She sat on a tuffit ;" or, Harlequin King Spider. Besides the usual introduc tory scenery, a truly gorgeous Transformation Scene with living figures, expressly adapted to this great stage, has been preparing during the past few months by Messrs. Danson and Sons. This will test the capabilities of these eminent scenic artistes to the utmost. The vast stags offers scope for the most brilliant effects, which have been duly taken advantage of ; the Centre Transept, with the Festival Orchestra, affords convenient opportunity for tens of thousands of visitors witnessing these effects with ease and comfort, there is little doubt that the numbers will be very large. The great Christmas Tree, nearly 100 feet high, has been set up in the North Nave ;. the bazaar and fancy fair —replete with juvenile and other Christmas presents—is in full vigour, the entire Palace exhibiting a show of activity unusual at this season of the year. The final rehearsal for the Pantomime took place last evening with great success ; Messrs.Danson's Transforma tion scenery surpassing all anticipations. It has been de cided to exhibit this scene on Saturday next, after the usual concert, that the season ticket holders and other visitors then present may have a special opportunity for witnessing the effects produced. As Monday is likely to be regarded very generally as a holiday, the amusements will begin on that day. The Palace will also be open until dusk on Christmas day, it being thought many persons will like to stroll quietly through it in its highly decorated state. On Boxing Day extra trains will ruu from all stations, and as the various railways leading to the Palace now communicate with almost every portion of the metropolis, a large concourse of visitors may be anticipated. The High Level line being now (by the opening of the new bridge) freed from the delays formerly occurring, will, it is expected, convey large numbers. From the same cause the trains of the Brighton Company will also be enabled to run with in creased facility and despatch, returning visitors to their homes with . greater rapidity. A TREAT FOR THE HOLIDAYS.---" THE W E E GRAFT."—This extraordinary little ship,with its crew, A il ' remains on exhibition at Sydenham, and continues to be one of the principal attractions at the Crystal Palace. ANOTHER RAILWAY SEIZED FOR DEBT.—TO the list of railways already reported as having been _seized by the sheriff's officer must now be added the Bishop's Castle, a line running from Craven Arms, on the Shrewsbury and Hereford Railway, to Bishop's castle' This line, though the section already completed lies wholly in Shropshire, forms part of the Welsh system, 8114 by a projected continuation to Montgomery is intended to form a junction with the Cambrian. The first portion of the line was opened for traffic about six months ag °7 the event being celebrated by a banquet and public re joicings. The seizure does not at present interfere with the working of the line, it being arranged that one bailiff shall be stationed at each terminus, and a third accompany the trains throughout the day. With respect to the position of the Cambrian, the largest and most valuable of tho Welsh lines, there is - unfortunately no longer any doubt of the sheriff having entered upon possession. on Tuesday afternoon bailiffs arrived at the principal eta' Lions, and on producing their authority were quiet'," permitted to take charge of the building andtheir couteata' The suit under which the writ has been issued is understood to be ono for professional services rendered, and th ° amount of the claim does not quite reach £l,OOO. It bas been decided that the adjourned general meeting of the shareholders in this company arranged to be held in L°ll - this week shall be merely held pro forma, and imme diately adjourned to anearly date in the new year. Notices to this effect have been forwarded to the shareholde rs. FLOGGING GAIZOTTERS IN STAFFORD ritisoS.--: The five mon who were sentenced by Mr. Justice Byles i n the late Stafford Assizes to undergo corporal punis k rn ent in addition to different periods of penal servitude or iraP ri al : sonment, for having committedcommittedvarious robberies a cc,o panied by violence were brought out iu one of the yards of the county prison in Stafford yesterday M or ning _ flogged. The miserable wretches appeared to suffer tie_ utmost agony, yelling and howling piteously. The ii3g n e or lation was conducted in the presence of the gowr- t (Major Fulford) and the surgeon of the prison, and abc'lit 1,500 of the prisoners. The " cat" employed was adi formidable weapon, being much larger than those iu nary use, and was sent down by the Home-office sp2co' l l for the occasion. SERIOUS CIIARGE. , ---A serious matter was und e u r investigation at Shernbourne, near Docking, Norfolk, .°°g Wednesday and yesterday, a girl named Grief beie..g.. charged with causing the deaths of two illeg itimate chil dren. dren. The bodies of the children have been exhumed, Oa, a chemical investigation has detected the presence et arsenic in them, so that there is little or no doubt thathey. died from that poison. The evidence as to the administra Lion of the poison is not so conclusive. The W e d nes ill th e s kept s 11 lark e d . In CO] extraorc trazilia e %firtn, th e Bra; been ch de dnei Th e d kark et „ el tent. W hile fo de and 1 : 44 al all ow h ete ady c There to rs of Oldh am ' £52 ,000 Y ood Included The s Pal l NV ; 14 4 , " shar es a Astl au are firm gag e Bo At xt th e ered \vhi ch by shol by 4 r. Shi i aid Mr rf -4,4 n a • 13g r oost 1 , 441 C011a " a4 k, at !, a ll for Th e f sharehol c part er , 4 11 cr ease le Posits 4etine C 13 4 lion Publie D Ot her D( Se ven Qoy a , vran e ther sc N otes Th e stn finer bo th do crease c re turn. Th e eliding i In th e Q 20,001 Bu ry b; co unt *c200,0( nay, th Ilest \ J LN, ti