The Sun. — London, England, 1867-01-17 00:00:00

IFEBO AT SER,VIOES.—Durin g the storms of the past year (1868) the National Lifeb4at In stitution, by its lifeboats and other means, contributed to the saving of 913 p ersons from different wrecks on our coasts. The Institution also expended £31,430 In the same per o 1 on its lifeboat ettablishmeuts, in addition to granting £2,173 as reward'. The Committee of the Institution earnestly APPEAL to the t ublic for ASSISTANCE to enable them to meet the continued heavy demands on the 172 lifeboat Stations of the Institution. Contributions are received by the London and country Institution. and by the Secretary, Richard Lewis, Esq., at the 14, John-street, Adelphi, London. THEATRE ROYAL DRURY-L NNE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. F. B. lautterton. Tins EVENING, A DAY AFTER TUE WEDDING. To conclude w th the l'antomime NUMBER N It' ; or lElarlequin and the Gnome- Ring of the Giant M tintain. Mead arms Lydia Thompson. 11 uespeth, B o d e nham. Seymour, Gard/Writ, ,nd 11. Vandenhoff; 31cssrs. Tom Maituews, Barsby. Clifton, Robins, Se) ton, and 31w-ter Percy 3i ts4rs, N °len°, iavii le, Lauri. Cormack, Barnes, and Morris ; )1 dame Bole t.O and Mane. Marion. Commence at Seven. --------- THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET, Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Buckstone, TO-NIG U.T. A. LESSON FUR LIFE'. Messrs. Fothern, Chid.eale, Compton, Howe, Kendal, Gord ,, m, "lagers, Brai Clarte,Vincent, Sr,c ; Mesdames Chippendale, Moore, "Wright, Sc.:. Alter which, TIIE SERIOUS FAMILY. Messrs. Buck stone, Howe, am e n, Vincent, &c. ; Mesdames Chippendale, MO re, Burke ISid. &c. Commence at Seven. OYAL LYCEUM THEATR E. _ Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. lechter. MIS EVENING. ROUGE EP NOIR. Maurice D'Arbel ( a , rambler), Mr. Pechter ; Messrs. Emery, Evans, Moreland, Fitapatricit. Dalton. Reynolds, Lom s, Newbound, Andrews, Ande.-son, M urray Bennett. and Edward Price ; Miss El en rade, airs. Leigh Murray, Miss Grattan, and Miss Carlotta I..ec 1 e r eq. Xrec,ded by THE TWO POLTS. Mr. H. Widdicomb. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. T EVENING, DELICATE GROUND. Mr. Thing, Mr. J. Shore, and Miss Katherine Rodgers. Follovicd by. at 8 o'clock, THE STREETS OF LONDON. Mrs. K. M.L.rston, Miss Montagu , Miss Katherine Rodgers ; 3 / e „„. 8 . F. "%Inters. J. G. Shore, Calhaem, H. Forrester, and Mr. Vining a.: Badger. ._.---. - OYAL STR AND T H EATRE. ii Sole Lessee at.'d Manageress, Slrs. ,:. ' - mrough. THIS _EVENING. NEIGHBOURS. Illenrb. eztrsefie, Belford, and G Murray'. Misses bwanborough, Johnstone, and Hughes. A-fter which, will be produced a Grand Burlesque, entitled GUY FAWKES : Messrs. Thorne, amee, Robson, and Fenton ; Mesdames Swanborougb, lisynham, Johnstone, _Hughes, Newton, &o. To conclude with A SUIT OF TWEEDS. Commence at Seven. lIOLBORN THEATRE ROYAL. Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Sefton Parry. THIS EVENING, a new Farce, MY TURN NEXT. Mr. Delmore, Miss Foote, bliss Lennox. After which, Boucicault's drama of FLYING SCUD. Messrs. Neville, Belmore, Blake, Garden,Vollaire ; Mesdames F. Josephs, U. Saunders, B. Foote, Itayin nd. THEATRE ROY AL ADELPHI. Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. THIS EVENING, Jan. 17, at Seven. A SISTER'S PENANCE. Miss Kate Terry, Miss Hughes, Miss Emily Pitt; Messrs. H. Vezin, Billington, Ashley, Eburne, Romer, aad atephenson. To conclude with the New Grand Burlesque of TOE MOUNTAIN DLIU ; or, THE KNIGHT, THE LADY, AND THE LAKE. Messrs. J. L. T. ole. Paul Bedford, Ashley, R. Romer, and C. J. Smith ; Mrs. Allred Mellon, Miss Furtado. Miss Hughes, Miss Emily Pitt, Szc. ROYAL OLYMPIC. THEATRE. New Management Sole Lessee, Mr. B. Webster ; Manager, Mr. H. R igan. TiilS EVENING, LONDON ASSURANCE. Messrs. Horace Wit;an, H. Seville, G. l'ineent, Addison, D. Murray, and Mr. Charles Mathews; 3ilss Milly Palmer, Miss E. Farren, and Mrs. Cbarle& Nlathe. s. After whi 'h, the successful Burlescrie of FAUST AND MARGUERITE. Mesdames E. Farren , heridan, and Stephens ; Messrs. G. Vincent, W. H. Eburne, 1). Murray, &c. Doors open at half-past Six ; commence at Seven. THEATRE ROYAL, ASTLEY'S. Under the Management of Mr. W. H. C. Nation. "The Pantomime at the Theatre Royal, Astley's, was completely successful in every respect."—TelegraPh. " Is a decided success."—Sun. "Must be pronounced a decided success."—Standard. " The success of the performance was complete."—lllus trated London News. " Au unqualified success." —Sunday Times. "A great success, as deserved as it is fully justified."— Era. EVERY EVENING, the elegant Comedy, DELICATE GROUND. Messrs. Fernandez, Richardson; Miss Laidlaw. After which, the Great Nation-al Pantomime of HUSH - A-BYE, BABY. The Frogs and their Revels.—" The Frogs' Dance was ludicrous in the extreme, and gave rise to roars of laugh ter."— Star. " The Ballet of Ladybirds.—One hundred dancers, in elegant attire, elicited rapturous applause as they figured through the mazes of the ballet. '—Morniug Advertiser. The Nation of Toys.—" The evolutions of the Toy Army is a capital bit of grotesque action."— Observer. The Three Favourite Children Danseuses.—" For chil dren, this Pantomime will prove a great treat."—Weekly Times. The Grove of Golden Palms. —"In seeming prodigal abundance of gold, jewels, and fairies richly and fantasti cally attired, it realises the description of those scenes of enchantmen t given in the Arabian Nights.' "—Dispatch. The Ilarlequinade, with the Original Little Rowena as Clown.—" The Harlequinade is decidedly superior to many that have been witnessed of late years."—Morning Post. All the Bast Songs, Dances, and Pantomime Tricks.— " The best Pantomime seen on the other side of the water for many a long day."—Court Circular. MORNING PERFORMANCES every Monday, Wed nesday, and Saturday, at Two o'clock. T "E "SUN" NEWSPAPER.- G. 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LOSES and SO N, .11..:/ • Ready-made and Bespoke Tailors, Habit Makers, Woollen Drapers, Hatters, Vosiers, Boot and Shoe Manu facturers, and General Outfitters for all Classes. E. MOSES and SON respectfully invite an inspection of their STOCK, which will be found to comprise all the most fashionable styles and an extensive assortment of the newest fabrics. A very large and well-assorted stock of OVERCOATS, and Winter Clothing generally, at their usually moderate prices. The following are the London addresses of E. Moses and Son:- 154, MINORIES. 155, MINORIES. 156, MINORIES. 157, MINORIES. 83, ALDGATE. 84, ALDGATE. 85, ALDGATE. 86, ALDGATE. 87, ALDGATE. 88, ALDGATE. 89, ALDGATE. 506, NEW OXFORD-STREET. 507, NEW OXFORD-STREET. 508, NEW OXFORD-STREET. 1, II ART-S TREET. 2, HART-STREET. 3, lIART-STREET. 137, TOTTENHAM-COURT -ROAD. 138, TOTTENHAM-COURT -ROAD. 283, EUSTON-ROAD. Also, 19, BRIDGE-STREET, BRADFORD, YORKS. 20, BRIDGE-STREET, BRADFORD, YORKS• MOSES and SON'S ESTAB LISHMENTS E• are CLOSED EVERY FRIDAY EVENING at sunset till SATURDAY EVENING at sunset, when business is resumed till Eleven o'clock. All articles me marked the lowest price in plain figures, from which no abatement can be made. Any article not appioved of will be exchanged, or the money will be returned. Lists of Prices with rules for Self-measurement and Fashion Sheet, with Patterns and "History of London," gratis and post free. APOPULAR HISTORY of LONDON from the Invasion of Julius Ca3sar to the Present Tim©. Part the First, from B.C. 55 to A.D. 106 G. E. Moses and Son, corner of Minories and Aldgate; New Oxford-street, and Tottenhain-court , road, Loudon And Bradford, Yorkshire. Gtiktio and Foot int) 911 application. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. rffis DAY. —Morning, 11h. Om.—Aftemoon, 11h. 34m. To-Monßow.-Morning, h• m.—Afternoon, 12h. 6m._ 41 ; Attnu LONDON, THURSDAY, JAN. 17, 1867. The Conservatives seem to have made a strong point of the meeting at Durham, and the speeches delivered on the occasion were far above the average in point of excellence. The Duke of MARLBOROUGH, in acknowledging the toast of her MAJESTY'S Ministers, showed up in its true colours the course pursued by the Liberal party during the last few years, and, indeed, for some time past. The noble duke commenced•by considering the state of things which had led to the assumption of power by the Conservative party, and declared that they had on no occasion sought office, or become possessed of it through party manoeuvres or tactics. As to the great Liberal party its course has been a downward one since it rejoiced in the fulness of power, and boasted of its success when Sir R. PEEL seceded from his party, and the Corn Laws were repealed. As the Duke emphatically observed, we have seen the popular sympathy ranged on its side, and seen it enjoy great advantages from its position, the benefits, power, and patronage of office, and yet what has been its condition despite all these felicitous combinations ? " Why we have seen it so split up into fragments, so divided in opinion, so inherently weak in itself, its conduct has been founded upon such a total absence of principles, that when the time of trial came, it has been utterly subverted—not by the action of a strong body acting against that party in an endeavour to get into power, but because of the inherent weakness of that party. This is, upon the whole, a very correct account of the matter, for the disunion that reigned among the members of the Liberal party was no secret, and the effects of it have been only too plainly visible and too bitterly felt by themselves. After refer ring to the unworthy course pursued by the op position when Lord DERBY was in power in 1859, the Duke quoted these expressive lines to illus trate the sad change that took place -when certain politicians came into office : To place and power all public virtues tend; In place and power all public virtues end. He then passed on to reflect upon the position of her MAJESTY'S present Ministers, and said that their task was indeed most difficult and respon sible. Every one is talking of the blessings of peace, but the nations of the world are preparing mighty armaments, instead of turning their swords into ploughshares. As for home matters there are many to cause disquietude, and the state of Ireland is critical. As the noble Duke truly said, an idea has gone forth that no Conservative Government can possibly undertake any Libe ral measures ; but 44 I believe," said he, that 44 it will be the purpose of the noble Earl and his Administration to show that a Con servative Government can propound measures which are not only liberal in their tendency, and so satisfy all the just demands of the country, but at the same time will retain all the salient points of the Constitution which has descended to us." The question of Reform, of course, occupied some portion of this discourse, and after vindicating his party from the charges brought against it, his Grace observed that the question of Reform had never been honestly dealt with by the Liberal party, but had been used as a " stalking horse when their popularity was waning, or whenever they wanted to give a stimulus to public feeling ; it has been raised as the means of enlisting public sympathies and rekindling public fervour in their favour, but it has never been really dealt with." We quite agree with the Duke that the matter of Reform cannot be settled in a hurry, but must be calmly and carefully considered; and all the more so, because, in consequence of undue interference, the question has as • sumed a graver aspect, and goes far beyond the mere extension of the suffrage, until its advocates demand manhood suffrage, or seem about to mix up Reform and revolution in their minds. The noble Duke concluded his interesting speech by expressing a hope that we might shortly see the spread of education over the land, and thus remove the stigma that rested upon us of having so many in this country who cannot read or write their own names. Sir M. RIDLEY, in proposing the " House of Lords," took occasion to descant upon its merits, and declared that, notwithstanding the " malig nant declamation" that abounds in these times, it would be an evil thing for the nation if this great safeguard and check of our Constitution were extinguished. " Those amongst us who shall live to see the dawn of that day may live to see the sun set of England's greatness." No doubt there are many and great advantages accruing to us from our finely-balanced system of power, and the very steadiness and sometimes impracticability of the House of Lords is often a great gain, because it prevents us from rushing into extremes, which are often fatal, and at the best should never be suddenly entered upon. Lord RAVENSWORTH also made some observations on this topic, and declared that if the House of Lords had suffered disparaging remarks it had been in good company, for all our institutions have been abused and vilified in certain quarters. Proceeding to other matters, the noble lord said if they did not know what the Government would do they knew pretty well what they would not do. "They would not be prepared to surrender the Bri tish Constitution to the demands of Messrs. BRIGHT, BEALES, and Co., and would not be disposed to allow the Legislature to be overawed by the demonstration of numbers and of physical force." Respecting the extension of the franchise the noble lord spoke very fairly when he said that he should rather seek to elevate the character of the working classes up to a level with the franchise than to lower the franchise to a level which may admit mere numbers without reference to the worthiness or unworthiness of those admitted. Mr. MOWBRAY, in the conclusion of his speech, to which we referred yesterday, made some striking observations upon the necessity of unity among those who really desired the same thing, and sought Reform but not revolution. He did not, he said, address himself to those who " hankered after other forms of Government; who were enamoured of the simplicity of an American Republic, and desired to see a President whom they might impeach every other year, and who preferred an Imperial des potism based on universal suffrage, such as they saw on the other side of the Channel, and who had faith in some bran new constitution to he impro vised by a BISMARCK ;" but he asked for the as sistance of the great mass of sober Englishmen, of independent and reflecting citizens, of skilled ar tisans, whose untiring and intelligent industry con tributed so largely to the national wealth, to men who had read history, and understood the blessings which they had enjoyed, to them he would say " join us in maintaining that ancient monarchy which for centuries has given us order and stability —that hereditary senate or assembly remarkable for sagacity, moderation, and wisdom—and that CoLtIMOW3 Ltotso of Pluliatilont, refurmed, Weed, THE SUN, LoNL ON, THURSDAY EV ENING, JANUARY 17, 1867. from time to time, and capable of being further re- Reined ; venerable from the traditions of six hun , Area years, and endeared to the English nation for many generations from the way in which it had f ought their battles, asserted their privileges, up ield their freedom, and secured to them greater and more enduring blessings than any other representa -. five assembly that ever existed." We are very glad to find a report current that among the first measures which the ‘ ,Government intend to introduce this Session is one for, securing the health and comfort of the seamen of our mer- teantile marine. It is, indeed, more than time that the whole question was fully inquired into, and some energetic steps taken to preserve this large and t.seful body of men from the effects of the greed, the ignorance, or indifference of shipowners and Lptains. It is only surprising that their grievances should have been left so long unredressed ; but ,hey belong to a class which is very unlikely to seek he usual channels of public communication, while ;heir occupation naturally engrosses a great portion of their time and thoughts, and removes them from the sphere of action. Besides, sailors of all grades are proverbially heedless and reckless about the future, and so long as they keep in tolerable health and activity they do not trouble themselves much about possible risks. When sick and dis abled, indeed, or turned adrift in a foreign port, they have time and opportunity for moralising on the hardships of their treatment. Whether they are generally sensible of the injustice which they often meet with or no, it is very certain that the attractions of the service are rapidly declining, and that if we want to get a regular supply of efficient seamen for our mercantile marine we must take care that the health of our men is subjected to no unne- cessary risks, and that they are treated in money matters with fairness and consideration. It is more than a question between masters and men, for the commerce of the country is of vast importance to all ; and while there are so many wanting em ployment, and many trades overstocked with labourers, it is a thousand pities that a fine and honourable profession like seamanship should fall into such disrepute, that our merchant_ ships should have to be manned by foreigners. There is much need for legislative interference in the matter, because the evils spring from a variety of causes. The shipowner may be well disposed, but the master may have the management of the provisions, and make his profit at the expense of the men. Or, again, both owner and master may endeavour to act fairly and kindly, but the construction of the ship may be so bad that health and comfort are almost impossible. Very strong evidence in favour of immediate reform was given the other day by Dr. STONE, after personal inspection of the docks. Captain HENRY TOYNBEE'S lecture, to which• he fre quently referred, was delivered last evening before the members of the Society of Arts. Captain TOYNBEE headed his paper " Mercantile Marine Legislation, as Affecting the Number and Efficiency of British Seamen," and said that, having spent more than thirty years among seamen, he had be come impressed with the importance of some of their wants. " The scarcity of British seamen," adds Captain TOYNBEE, " and the tendency to dis content which is showing itself in the east end of London and in several of our seaports, make it more important that those who understand them thoroughly should come forward and explain what is actually w anted." The principal changes which Captain TOYNBEE advises are as follows :-1. That Government shall establish a pension fund and life insurance adapted to seamen, and join to them a benefit fund, the principal of which shall be the sums received as un claimed wages and effects of deceased seamen. 2. That Government shall enter in the heading of the " articles" a new scale of provisions. 3. That the space allotted to seamen shall be properly lighted, drained, and ventilated. 4. That dock clerks be attached to shipping offices, whose duty it shall be to visit ships on their arrival, see that the men get their pay, or, if they wish, undertake to send it to their homes. 5. That shipping masters be empowered to order the inspection of all ships , forecastles and provisions, and that shipping mas ters abroad shall have power to make a commander ship another man in place of one discharged ; also that vessels engaging crews to be discharged abroad shall be bound to provide for their pas sage home. 6. That provision shall be made for the admission of English boys into the mercantile marine, and for the establishment of married sailors' homes, clubs, and institutes in our sea ports. The explanation which Captain TOYNBEE gave of the proposed pension fund exhibits very forcibly the injustice with which sea men have been treated. The unclaimed wages and effects of deceased merchant seamen amount to about £7OO a-year, which sum is paid into the Con solidated Fund, where there is a largo accumulation. This would be well applied towards the formation of a benefit fund for distressedsailo rfamilies. to the The 2d article of reform refers principally prevention of scurvy, which has increased threefold in our merchant service during the last few years. Soldiers and emigrants, observed Capt. TOYNBEE, when speaking on this subject, are supplied with good salt provisions, as well as limejuice, pickles, pre served potatoes, &c.; and such must be the dietary of seamen. The quality of meat supplied to merchant ships may be guessed from the report of a large provision dealer. Beef that would pass inspection for troops is about £8 75., per tierce of 3041b5. Beef supplied to crews of ships is from £5 10s. to £6 108. for the same quantity. Pork, in London, ranges from £4 10s. to £5 15s. the barrel of 2001 b., but there are English ports where it ranges from £3 ss. to £3 15s. Of this the dealer remarked, " It is stuff that you could squeeze through your fingers like lard." After this information we need not wonder at the increase of scurvy in the mer chant service. It is very evident that Governme interference is needed to keep shipowners, masters and provision dealers in check. The non-unionists of Staveley appear determined to keep up their bold and resolute resistance to the tyranny of trade combinations, which would govern not only their own members, but those who do not belong to them. A very large meeting was held on Tuesday evening, at Barrow-bill, when nearly 1,000 persons were present. The chairman, Mr. MAREHAm, the managing director of the company, announced that there were 1,508 non-unionists exclusively employed in connection with the mineral department of the company. They have had, how ever, great difficulties to contend against, although the Staveley company, unlike some other employers, have expressed their firm determination that, be the consequences what they might, they would not employ union men. The delegates of the unionists finding this have endeavoured to enlist the sympathies of the trades' unions in Sheffield, Manchester, and London against the Staveley Company. Such gigantic combinations, as Mr. MARKHAM pointed out, could do no good to the working man, as they were usually followed by combinations of masters. The true interest of the working man was to have as many employers of labour as possible ; whereas the policy of trades' unions for many years past had been to destroy the small capitalists, who were often ruined and crushed by strikes. The report of the South Yorkshire Miners' Association affords ample illustration of the mischief done by these combinations to the men themselves. They had received, it was stated, £lO,OOO, out of which £1,858 was set aside for accidents, sick, and provident pur poses, while the sum of £4,977 was appropriated for strikes. Other items remained, but the dispro portion of these two is very glaring. Mr. MARK HAM made some very just and sensible observa tions on the relations and duties of labour and capital, suggesting many plrticulars in which both sides might be improved. He touched, too, upon the intolerable oppression of those trades' unions which would not allow a man to bring up his children to his own trade. The meeting, which was a very successful one, was an important testimony against the oppression of trades' unions, which, if they are to retain any permanent influence or authority, must be composed of willing, and not forced, members. L A TEST INTELLIGENCE. (REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.) AMERICA. (By Atlantic Telegraph.) NEW YORK, Jan. 16, Evening. The Radical members of the House continue their efforts for the impeachment of President Johnson. The Ville de Paris, from Brest, arrived here this morning. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. Gold, 136. Sterling Exchange on London, 109/. Five-twenty United States Bonds, 1074- ; 121 ; Erie, 64/. Cotton—Middling Upland, 35c. The Inman steamship Edinburgh has arrived out. ITALY. FLORENCE, Jan. 16 (Evening). The Opinione of to-day says : " The negotiations in reference to the question of the Bishops having been terminated, Signor Tonello will shortly have an audience of the Pope and Cardinal Antonelli, in order to take leave." The Nuovo Diretto states that the Italian Govern ment, having sent the collar of the Order of the Annuncida to Count Bismarck, the Prussian Go vernment has, in return, sent to Baron Ricasoli and Signor Visconti Venosta the Grand Cordon of the Order of the Black Eagle. AUSTRIA. VIENNA, Thursday, Jan. 17. The Presse of to-day says :—" We learn that on the 12th inst. an insurance of 200,000 marks banco was effected on the Hamburg Exchange upon the personal property of the Emperor of Mexico, shipped by the Maria for Ragusa." EGYPT. ALEXANDRIA, Jan. 11. The Viceroy has resolved upon the construction of a railway from Suakim to Berber. THE WEST INDIA AND PACIFIC MAILS. SOUTHAMPTON, Jan. 16. The Rcyal. Mail Company's steamer La Plata, with the above mails, has arrived here. She brings 34 passengers, $1,203,463 in specie, and 2,315 packages of cargo, coneisting chiefly of indigo and tobacco. She left St. Thomas on the 31st ult. Since the 11th inst. she experienced north and north-easterly gales, with heavy head seas, and snow and hail up Channel. Health at St. Thoma 3 was very bad. Yellow fever, small-pox, and cholera prevailed. The La Plata had 61 cases of yellow fever, of which 23 terminated fatally. The last death took place on the 15th inst. Four persons on board are still suffering from the disease. Dr. Wiblin, the medical superintendent of qua rantine, proceeds to the Motherbank to make the necessary arrangements for the transfer of the passengers, and also of the crew and sick. INDIA. BOMBAY (via Trieste), Dec. 28. Sir Bartle Frere has gone to Seinde to pay a fare well visit. Mr. Hobhouse, of the Civil Service, and Mr. Skinner, merchant, have been appointed members of the Viceroy's Legislative Council. A new treaty is said to have been negotiated by Colonel Phayre with the King of Burmah. The Jubbulpore Exhibition was opened by Mr. Temple on the 26th inst. The ship Ulysses has foundered in the Indian Ocean. Some of the crew and passengers have been brought to Bombay by the ship Braunstone, but one boat is still missing. Colonel Temple, of Madras ; Captain. Hope, aide camp to Lord Napier ; and two ladies, daughters of Mr. Myer, of the Bank of Madras, were drowned on the Adyar River while on a boating excursion. Salar Jung, the Nizam's Minister, is sending an expedition from Bombay to recover some patrimo nial territory at Kadramont, the annexation of which is threatened by a Bedouin chief. Her Majesty's ship Dalhousie has struck on the wreck of the Die Vernon, at Alibaugh. She is much damaged, and was full of water when taken into dock. _ _ The Bishop of Bombay has reached Calcutta. He narrowly escaped drowning while going on board the Simla at Madras. Government has sanctioned the formation of a Bombay volunteer corps. Money is plentiful, but gr ea t di strust is still shown. Piece goods and cotton markets quiet. The weather is cool and public health good. The Members for Brighton. -410- Mr. White, M.P., and Professor Fawcett, M.P., met their constituents at Brighton on Monday evening, and delivered long addresses on public topics. The senior member, Mr. WHITE, said —Of the present peculiar position of political parties in the House of Commons, may we not truly say that it is extremely puzzling and perplexing? for_ Now Whigs and Tories nearly are allied, And thin partitions do the bounds divide. Reformers are often most unjustly reproached with trying to set class against class ; but has anyt hi ng been done, of late years, 1 ask, so justly liable to that grave charge, as the unholy alliance of the Adullamites and Tories last session ? Speaking of Reform, he said—l confess that I can see nothing so intrinsically dreadful in the popular demand for manhood suffrage. The people want no exemption from just taxation, but they do protest against their exemption from citizenship. Agreeably with the temper and genius of the British people —so strongly adverse, as we know, to sudden change or precipitate action—with my friend Mr. Bright, and with the late Attorney-General, Sir Roundell Palmer, I hold that our next step onwards should be the early enactment of a household suffrage, but supplemented with a generous and large provision for the enfranchisement of lodgers and equitable re distribution of seats. Professor FAwarr, alluding to his blindness, which might probably have been a bar to his use fulness as their member, said fortunately it had not been 40 ; " for men who were entire strangers to me, political opponents, were ever ready to lend me a friendly arm ; and when I know that I have re ceived, from the Speaker down to the humblest official, an almost unvarying kindness, I feel I should be mean and ungenerous if I came forward and did not, in the first instance, tell you candidly that it is not by my own unaided efforts I have been enabled to serve you." After reviewing the events of the past session, and pointing out many reforms which are needed, the hon. gentleman went on to say :—', I already observe signs, and hear sinister rumours, which tell me that there is going to be a great effort made—and you will hear of it before long—to prevent Mr. Gladstone being made Prime Minister of England. But if I know my country men, they will show gratitude to whom gratitude is due ; and if I interpret your wishes it will be when I say that you, who are a fair example of the people of England, are determined that he who has been the champion of Reform, that he who first gave life to the question, that he who has been so cruelly maligned because he uttered noble truths about those who live by daily toil, that he who gave us a cheap Press, and who bound together in friendship two countries, ancient enemies, by commercial in tercourse, that he, sooner or later, shall be the great Prime Minister of England." After hearing the address of the two members, a vote of thanks and of confidence in them was una nimously passed. In returning thanks Mr. WHITE said they would probably have to appear at Brighton for re-election in the course of the spring, because he held it to be utterly impossible that a Reform Bill which would satisfy the country could bo obtained without an aatal - to the country, Manifesto of the Count de Chambord. The Count de Chambord, under the form of a letter addressed to General de Saint-Priest, but dis- tributed amongst his partisans throughout France, has given expression to his views on the new situa tion of Europe, the temporal power of the Pope, and the condition of France. The letter is dated Frohsdorf, December 9. The following is a trans- lation : Th 3 year which is about to close, my friend, has not been a happy one for Europe, and for France especially. The gravity of the circumstances strikes all minds ; the situation is full of uncertainty and peril ; public opinion is agitated. The interests that are threatened aro disturbed for the present and alarmed for the future. Scarcely escaped from one violent shock they fear fresh ones. Questions that seemed settled are revived. They are arming on all sides; on all Sides they are preparing for- midable means of - destruction and war. The events a which Germany and Italy have been the theatre have defeated all calculations, deceived all anticipations, have rudely broken the equilibrium of Europe, and no coun try has felt more strongly than ours the force of the re bound. Still, thanks be to God, looking at things calmly and coolly, I see nothing irreparable in what has occurred. Our preponderating influence has been profoundly dis turbed, but wise and firm conduct, without temerity and without weakness, may restore it. ' Yes, France, with her energy, her fidelity, her disinterestedness, prompt in em. bracing every grand idea, in devoting herself to every just cause, with her army as admirable for its discipline as for its valour, with her powerful unity, the work of ages, will always advance at the head of nations. Her grandeur is necessary to the order, the stability, the repose of Europe. But this is an additional reason for not neglecting the counsels of a discriminating policy, for not accepting in silence what our fathers endeavoured at all times to prevent, for not allowing two vast States, one of which especially disposes of an incontestable military force, to be formed at our doors. Justly jealous of the honour and dignity of our country, let us fear even the appearance of a diminu tion of the influence belonging to it. Here my thoughts naturally turn sadly towards Rome, where at this moment we allow one of the great things to fall which God has made for France. I mean the temporal power of the head of the church, an indispensable guarantee of his independence and of the free exercise of his spiritual authority through out the universe. When 18 years ago we sustained this institution of a thousand years, overthrown for an instant by the Revolution, we openly claimed as a sacred right the duty of defending it aga i ns t f res h a ttacks, and while our soldiers guarded the holy city the revolution trembled before them ; but after their departure what will happen? Had other ideas animated the government of our country, faithful to its national traditions and to its glorious title of Eldest Son of the Church, France would have had something more to offer to the Holy Father than a pro visional and temporary support. Sustained by it, Pius IX. would have had nothing to fear from his enemies. He would have accomplished in peace his double mission as Pontiff and King, and his people would long since have been indebted to him for the ameliorations of which he himself had taken the generous and paternal initiative, Just now we are perhaps approaching a catastrophe the consequences of which are incalculable. It is not the future of his pontifical sovereignty which is alone in peril. Hitherto the only object, it was said, of stripping the head of the church *of his temporal power was to re store him to the holy and honourable poverty of the apostolic ago, in order that, released from all cares of the world, he might more rreely exercise his spiritual authority. But there is no longer any disguise that it is his spiritual authority which is to be assailed through his temporal power; it is the very principle of all religion and all authority that is attdeked. - It will soon be logically re quired that the idea of God shall disappear from our laws and our tribunals ; then there will no longer bo any other bond between men but interest; justice will merely be a convention; no other means to obtain it than force will be required, and the social edifice, undermined in its foundations, will fall on every side. The interference of the church in politics is repelled, and not without reason ; people wish the clergy to confine themselves to their holy functions, without meddling with outside matters. But how will they be able to avoid occupying themselves with these things when trouble hasbeen thrown into the govern ment of the church, when its venerated head shall no longer be free, when ho will be forced to leave Rom• and wander without shelter ? No, the cause of the temporal sovereignty of the Pope is not isolated; it is that of all religion, all society and liberty. At any cost therefore we should prevent his fall. Let it be said in praise of our country, at no period and under no circumstances has she been deceived with regard to the character and signifi cance of what she saw accomplished. Her correct judg ment has not ceased to indicate what was to be done, and what avoided. Thus her first impressions upon Italy, upon the Mexican expedition, upon the struggle in Ger many, pointed out at once, 'within the narrow limits left to their manifestations, the dangerous consequences of apolicy pursued in spite of the reiterated warnings which facts have not failed to justify. You draw an afflicting picture, my dear friend, of the internal state of France. I admit with you the depths of the evil which arrests at home the grandeur of our destinies. You know long since the wishes for my country which my reason and my heart dictate. Is it necessary to repeat thorn here ? A power founded on hereditary monarchy, respected in its principle and its action, without weakness as without caprice ; a re presentative government in its vigorous vitality; public expenditure seriously controlled ; the reign of the laws ; free access for all to employments and honours; religious and civil liberty preservedand unassailable; internal admi nistration freed from the fetters of an excessive centralisa tion; landed property restored to freedom and indepen dence by the diminution of the burdens which weigh upon it ; agriculture, commerce, and industry constantly encou raged ; and beyond all this that great point—rectitude— which is not less an obligatibn in public than in priva to life—rectitude which constitutes the moral value of states as of private persons. It is necessary to add that one of the first wants of France, after so many internal commo tions, is union ? The only policy which is suitable for Franco is a policy of conciliation, ono which would bury in oblivion all old divisions, which would make an appeal to all the noble and enlightened hearts which, loving their country as a mother, desire to make it great, free, happy, and honoured. As for me, my grief is that I see the woes of my country from a distaneo without being permitted to participate in them. But if, in the trials which may yet be in store for it, Providence should call me one day to servo it, be assured you will see me appearing resolutely in your midst to save us or to perish together. You know, my dear friend, that those have always been my ideas ; they ' were the ideas of my y ou th , t h ey ar e my ideas of to-day confirmed by mat ure exper i ence . Accept, dear general, the renewal of the a ssurance o f m y sincere and constant affection. HENRY V. nt " THE ST. GEORGE'S CHALLENGE VASE " AND " DRAGON Cur."—The following letter is addressed to the various commanding officers of volunteer battalions and corps in Great Britain:—" My Lords and Sirs,—The time having again arrived when, as chairman of the St. George Challenge Vase Committee, it is necessary that I should communicate with you in reference to the next competition for that popular prize, I beg to inform you that owing to the courteous co-operation on the part of Capt. Costin we are in a position to effect a still greater extension in the representation of the contest this year at Wimbledon, and consequently a considerable addition to the number and value of the prizes, which will, I trust, render it still more interesting to the general body of vo lunteer riflemen throughout the country. We have to in form you that the first stage, or vase contest, and the second stage, or Dragon Cup, will be shot for as usual, and upon the same principles, with a few exceptions, which will be included in the amended rules shortly to be published; that instead of one representative from each company of a bat talion and corps, two representatives from each will be eli gible to enter the contest upon the same terms as before ; also that instead of 30 money prizes being awarded, as was the case last year, no less than 50 will be awarded this year, some of which will be awarded in the second stage, or Dragon Cup contest, to which allusion will be made in the rules. We trust, therefore, that the full quota of represen tatives will be sent from each company and corps in the kingdom, according to the regulations laid down, bearing in mind that unless the entries are made in that proportion we shall scarcely be able to carry out our principle of con tinuous progress, by which the two contests in question should maintain that popularity which is so necessary to their present and future success with the volunteer rifle men of Great Britain.—l remain, faithfully your, C. H. LINDSAY, Lieutenant-Colonel, commanding St. George's Rifles, and chairman of the challeuge Yaeo thnllalittee. yorAon-park, Jan. 15." Our Mercantile Navy. Last evening Capt. H. Toynbee read before the members of the Society of Arts a very interesting and most valuable paper on '• Mercantile Marine Legislation, as Affecting the Number and Efficiency of British Seamen." He said, " Having spent the last 33 years of my life among seamen, I have been struck with the importance of some of their wants, and have been trying for some years to get those in terested in their welfare to take up the question of their social position, and deal with it iu a broad and comprehensive manner. The scarcity of British seamen, and the tendency to discontent which is showing itself in the east end of London and in se veral of our seaports, make it more , important that those who understand them thoroughly should come forward and explain what really is wanted." The following is a brief summary of the impor tant changes proposed by Capt. Toynbee :- 1. That Government shall establish a pension fund and life insurance adapted to the circumstances of seamen and their families in connexion with shipping offices, and join on to them a benefit fund, the prin cipal of which shall be the sums which Government has received and is still receiving as unclaimed effects of deceased seamen ; also that the act be so modified that the wages and effects of deserters shall go to this fund, and that they will consider in what way they can discourage giving a month's advance be fore starting, except as a payment into the pension fund or life insurance. 2. That Government shall put a stop to scurvy in the mercantile marine by calling for and entering in the beading of the " articles" a new scale of provi- SiODS. 3. That they shall increase the space given to sea men to 15 superficial feet of deck, and not less than 90 cubic feet of air; also that they shall require it to be properly lighted, drained, ventilated, and pro tected from the sea as well as from the gas which rises from cargo. Safe glazed lamps and oil to be provided for their use ; and these rights of seamen to be entered in the heading of the articles of agree ment, and a copy hung in the forecastle. 4. That dock clerks be attached to shipping offices whose duty it shall be to visit ships on their arrival, see that the crews get part of their pay, and, if they wish, send them to their homes, promising to send the rest of their pay and papers after them. 5. That shipping-masters shall be empowered to order the inspection of all ships' forecastles and pro visions, or at least those of any against which there is a reasonable complaint. Again, that shipping masters abroad be empowered to make a commander ship another man immediately in the place of one discharged ; also that vessels engaging crews to be discharged abroad shall be bound to provide them with another ship or pay their passage home. 6. That Government be moved to provide for the admission of English boys into the mercantile ma rine, as a means of national defence in case of war, as well as an honest employment of subjects, instead of allowing them to be supplanted by foreigners. Lastly. That Government beasked to grant pub lic lands in our seaports for married sailors' homes, sailors' clubs and institutes, and to encourage in every way the social improvement of seamen, who suffer great temptations from the peculiar circum stances of their profession. With regard to the first suggestion, for making our seamen provident, Capt. Toynbee said—For 104 years Government required each merchant seaman to pay ls. a month, and each master 25., towards the Merchant Seamen's Fund " for the relief and sup port of maimed and disabled seamen, and the widows and children of such as shall be killed, slain, or drowned in the merchant service'." For 87 years half the money went towards the support of Green wichlWo Ho sp it a l , t h e res t b e i ng l e ft i n t h e h an d s of l committees to manage, whose rules were b ase d on defecti ve ca l cu l at i ons, an d got i nto difficulties, which ch led Government iu 1834 tc give up taking a part for Greenwich Hospital ; but even this was not a sufficient remedy, and in 1851 the last resource was to give up compelling seamen to subscribe, and only continue a modified benefit of the fund tothose who were wise or hardy enou g h to subscribe volun tarily for the future, after being told that the fund was bankrupt, giving no compensation to men who did not continue to_ subscrib e even tough they might have p a id t o w ards it nearly all their ' lives. The instrument by which this change in the law was carried out is called " An Act to amend the Act re lating to the Merchant Seamen's Fund, and to p ro vide for windi ng - up t h e said fund. " It, tells us that it " can no longer be carried on with benefit to Bri tish merchant seamen," and that the Queen acts by the advice and consent of the. Lords spiritual and temporal and Commons. How these gentlemen soothed their consciences before giving such cruel advice is more than I can understand. Au explana tory paper was circulated, but many seamen never think of examining even their accounts, so that no doubt thousands never knew that any change was made, and it would require a long expla nation to prove that Government did not virtu ally promise to give to each seaman the bene fits set forth in the rules of the fund when it compelled him to subscribe to it. Some millions were paid by the country to buy off slaves, and it would have been but equal justice to have kept faith with her seamen. This is only mentioned as an argument to prove that our seamen have a strong claim for a well-devised pension fund and life assur ance to support themselves and their families, and there are good reasons for believing that Government is preparing to establish them in connexion with shipping offices, so that now is the time for practical suggestions. They should be adapted to the circum stances of seamen by allowing long-voyage men to pay "lump sums," each payment being a closed transaction ; a provision should also be made for the payment of advance notes into the fund or life insur ance, instead of to the seaman. Unclaimed wages and effects of deceased merchant seamen (which it is not necessary to retain for the purpose of satisfac tory claims) amount to about £7,000 a-year. This is paid into the Consolidated Fund of the United Kingdotn,where it must have accumulated to a very large amount since Government first received it. Surely the United Kingdom might allow this to form a benefit fund to meet the distressing cases which abound in sailors' families ? The author of the paper next alluded to scurvy, which has increased threefold in the last few years in our merchant ships, and suggested a new scale of provisions, which would have the effect of eradicating this disease. In speak ing of the quality of provisions far seamen, he said soldiers and emigrants have good salt provisions, as well as limejuice, pickles, preserved potatoes, &c., and these improvements must be introduced into the dietary scale of seamen. There are men of high principle among shipowners, who, whether they own only half a ship or a whole fleet, are determined to act justly towards those they employ ; to them it is only requisite to suggest required improvements ; but there are others whose one object is money, and the question is, how are these last to be prevented from endangering the existence of British seamen by their treatment of them. In the author's search after facts he went to one of the best provisioners and asked the price of beef that would pass inspec tion for troops ; the dealer answered £9 ss. per tierce of 3361 b., which for the ordinary tierce of 3041 b. would be about £8 7s. He then asked the price of beef supplied to crews of ships, and was answered £5 10s. to £6 10s. per tierce of 3041 b. With regard to pork the dealer said that in London it ranged from £4103. to £5 15s. per barrel of 2001 b., but he showed him (Capt. Toynbee) a list of prices from another English port, where it ranged from £3 ss. to £3 155., but the dealer remarked, " It is stuff that you could squeeze through your fingers like lard." Capt. Toynbee next strongly advocated the better ventilation and comfort of the forecastles, which he thinks should be under the control of Go vernment. lie has himself seen forecastles and sea men's chests in first-class ships black from the gas which rises from cargo, and which smells like sewage, which is especially the case in sugar ships. He has seen a place containing two packs of foxhounds and three horses, which received half its ventilation by a hatch which opened into the sailors' forecastle. We are informed that the Address in the House of Commons in answer to the Queen's Speech will 1,0 moved by Lord Holmesdale, tho member for West -Kent and seconded by Mr. S. li. Graves, the member for Liver. pool, ~..•1 4. • I . wilt HER MAJESTY, &c. OSBORNE, Jan. 16. The Queen, accompanied by the Dowager Duchess of Athole, drove out yesterday afternoon, and her Majesty walked and drove this morning with Prin cess Christian. Princess Louise and Prince Arthur skated in the grounds yesterday afternoon and this morning. Her royal highness was attended by the Hon. Lady Bidduiph and the Hon. Emily Cathcart. The other members of the royal family walked out. Lady Waterpark has succeeded the Dowager Duchess of Athole (who remains on a visit) as Lady in Waiting. His Royal Highness Prince Arthur has been exa mined before the Council of Military Education, at their offices in Great George-street, for admission into the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich ; and it having been declared that he passed the exami nation most satisfactorily, he will join the Royal Military Academy as a gentleman cadet on the 11th of February. MARRIAGE OF THE EARL OF CRAVEN AND MISS BARRINGTON-(THIS DAY.) This morning, at half-past ten, the Right Hon. George Grimston Craven, third Earl Craven and Viscount Uffington, and ninth Baron Craven, was married, in the parish church of Shrivenham, to Miss Barrington, daughter of the Hon. George Barrington, M.P. for Eye (by Isabel Elizabeth, daughter of Mr. John Morritt), and granddaughter of Viscount Barrington. The service was fully choral, and the officiating clergy were the Right Rev. the Lord Bishop of Oxford and the Rev. G. W. Murray, Vicar of Shrivenham. The bride was accompanied by her fa6her, and attended by the fol lowing young ladies dreised in w hi teC hamberry gauze trimmed with white silk, tulle bonnets trimmed with clematis ; Lady Emily Georgiano. Craven, sister of the Earl of Craven, Misses Constance, Florence, and Alice Barrington (sisters of the bride), and the Hon. Caroline Agar, daughter of Viscount and Viscountess Somerton, and granddaughter of the Earl of Normanton and of Viscount Barrington. The bride wore a rich ribbed silk dress, trimmed with Brussels lace, a Brussels lace veil, and a wreath of orange flowers. After the religious ceremony, and the formal attestation in the register, Viscount and Viscountess Barrington entertained about 40 relatives and friends at the " breakfast" in Beckett House, Shrivenham—the guests including Viscount and Viscountess Somerton, Earl and Countess Cado gan, Viscount and Viscountess Chelsea, Lord and Lady Ravensworth, Viscount and Viscountess Grey de Wilton, the Earl and Countess of Coventry, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. Alfred Sartoris, Mr. J. H. L. and the Hon. Mrs. Anstrather, the Rev. Thomas and the Hon. Mrs. Mills, the Lord Bishop of Ox ford, the Hon. Percy and Mrs. Barrington, the Hou. and Rev. Lowther John and Lady Catherine Bar rington, the Rev. G. W. Murray, &c. After the usual toasts the Earl and Countess left Beckett for London, ald thence went by special train to Wood rising, NorfOlk, the seat of Viscount Chelsea. The' bride's presents were very costly, and the number exceeded 100. THE QUEEN AND THE OPENING OF PARLIA MENT.—Her Majesty is expected to leave Windsor about the 4th of February for Windsor Castle, and on the sth will proceed thence to London, in order to open Parlia ment in person. Her Majesty, it is understood, will re turn to Windsor Castle, after the ceremony, and remain there for the night. The Queen will probably reside at Osborne till after the 10th or 12th of next month. Madame Sainton-D9lby's Ballad Concert. -.~ -- A very attractive " ballad concert " was given yesterday evening at St. James's Hall by Madame Sainton-Dolby. She was assisted by Madame Lemmens-Sherrington, Miss Banks, and Mrs. Osborne Williams, Mr. George Perrin, Mr. Lyall, and Mr, W. H. Weiss. A capital selection of well-known glees and madrigals was given under the direction of Mr. Fielding, and they oved so attractive that in almost every case they were encored. The instrumentalists were Madame Arabella Goddard (pianoforte) arid M. Sainton (violin). Madame Dolby, who was in. ex cellent voice, sang for the first time a new song by Blumenthal, " Clear and cool," " The Alpine Mother," " When all the world is young," " Bye and bye," and " Janet's choice," the last especially, a delicious bit of ballad-poetry, simply and charmingly rendered. In " Bye and bye" Madame Dolby, who accompanied herself in all her ballads, was enthusiastically recalled. Ma dame Lemmens Sherrington was encored in the fine ballad " Come back to Erin." The instrumen tal part consisted of a duet from " Les Huguenots," arranged by Thalberg and De Beriot, and performed in admirable style by Madame Arabella Goddard and M. Sainton, and a fantasia for the violin, " Rondo Mazurka," composed by M. Saintoef and performed by him in a style which deve loped all the qualities which, many years ago, gave him a front rank among the performers on ,hat instrument. Madame Goddard almost elec- trifled the company by her brilliant performance of Thalberg's arrangement of some of the leading themes in " Masaniello," especially the well-known " Tarantelle," which was given with incomparable force and finish. The concert was, in every sense, a success. Mr. Charles Dickens's Readings. The following is the Times' account of the delight ful entertainment already described as having taken place on Tuesday evening : In spite of the inclement state of the weather, the largo room in St. James's-hall was completely filled when, ou Tuesday evening, Mr. Charles Dickens commenced his neW series of readings. His reputation as a reader now nearly equals his fame as a novelist, and his immense popularity in both capacities was proved by the applause which greeted him when he-quietly mounted the platform, and with scarcel/ an introductory word plunged at once into the short did' logue between the guard and the traveller that opens the story of "Barbox Brothers." Pleased to recognise the good-humoured, familiar face, illumined as it was by t he row of concealed gaslights that always forms part of g r. Charles Dickens's apparatus, and delighted to catch th e accents of the well-known voice, the audience had 0 , sooner heard the inquiry "Guard! What place is this ?' than they seemed all to perpetrate an internal chuckl e and confidently to prepare themselves for two hours:, thorough enjoyment. The paper selected for the "reading had the double advantage of being perfectly fresh in th e memory of the whole assembly, as forming a considera ble portion of the last Christmas number of All the le er I?ound, and of being read for the first time to a Londc le public. It is scarcely necessary for us to state that ligarbo% Brothers" contains a mixture of the comic and quiet', pathetic elements, in which the latter somewhat proder°l"' nates. For startling effects it affords little room, and the characters, delicately drawn, require to be delicately tresl e by the reader. The manner in which Mr. Dickens aec ell3.. plishes his task is worthy of a minute study, as 5 1101 the perfection to which the art of readi ng h as b ee n broog h and how closely it is beginning to perform the functt il r , supposed to belong to histrionic talent only. Indee d bu t Dickens not only delivers his dialogue dramatically, !ve to a certain extent he may be said even to act his n arrat l _, passages. We had a striking instance of this sort of p eeforw a ante when he read the description of the storm, in "Dash Copperfield,"and we now have another, when he sets 0: 10 the peculiarity of " Mugby Junction." He does not deser',o,. only, but ho conveys a notion of the feelings which the scribed objects would awaken in the mind of a spectato 1, The actual personages in "Barboxßrothers" are w ar s e d, in the reading with admirable discrimination. V ie ° a slightly morose Mr. Young Jackson, the genial but ho ul t - De Lamps, are always clearly discernible. The grief of 00 , penitent woman is gracefully toned down so as to 1 ) (3 _4 phatic through its very tranquillity, and contrasts s tr° M . with the port precocity of the child Polly. Of the ridden Phcebe Mr. Dickens exhibits a conception W.'0,0 would hardly be deduced from the book itself. Ito el! is that something like a melancholy consciousness that eil o v io debarred from the pleasures granted to others of be l :ion age exists in spite of her resignation, and on one o cc the generally hidden feeling almost rises to tho surfaeceova As for the " Boy at Mugby," which forms th o e 00 is part of the entertainment, it is given by M r. Dic!rof,P his heartiest spirit of " fun," and raises a con tinnouD 006 Uu Tuesday, the 29th, the same pieces will be t t e i4l fat Qt Jame 's -hall. 29 bi 21