The Sun. — London, England, 1867-12-23 00:00:00

. -- I,PORTING.—JOHN ROBERTS supplies t 71 LATEST EDITION of "THE SUN" as soon as published —4, &WI-great, Oity-road. E.O. it:Sr _EDITION of “1"IIE SUN" as soon :►s published, every evening, by W. i1?1C Cat c ;..ewspaper Agent, 4, old Cavendish. • . ••. ''QUN." --LATEST EDITION.- Mr. IkIARSITALL of the "Neeld Arms," Harrow-road, )pposito the Lock Hospital. takes the Edition of " TTIE SUN :ontaining the result of the day's Racing, Latest Betting, Motley ‘L.lxlcct, fie. Omnibuses every half-hour to and from the City. II 'S VV .. T A 0,1 ,1\1 ,0 T E s R i L . E LICENSED .. Susit. CT S A LLECIRSI: I:T(:),II , TING EDITION of "TilE SUN' can be seen at E6tabnihmcat, as above, every evening by Eight ar,lock. TIIE LATE EDITION of " THE SUN " at JAMES SPEEDY'S, "The Wellington," Wellington-Btreet, Strand. 11E SUN" NEWSPAPER.—" The Mitre" _ll. Tavern, New Church-street, near the Alpha-road, Pad dington. "THE SUN" (Third Edition), containing the latost sporting News, Results of It3.ces, Latest Parliamentary Debates. can bo seen as above "All the Tear roan ,l." *** A well-selected and extensive Stock of WINES, SPIRITS. ;e. 1111 E LATE EDITION of "THE SUN " at J. smmrs, Bow,itreet, Covent-garden. lIE LAIEST EDITION cf" !,' f THIRD EDITION of "THE SUN. .N E \T.; of t'ao day, ru.ty Le sc.:, Toe :3".7.:..11 alai or,o 6t4 i0." . ..! ...~.:~i. rVIIE LA FE EDITION of " THE SUN " at 1 W. SMITH'S, "Camden Stores," 78, Park-street, Camden town. 01 0 1 IN GOSNELL and CO.'S CHERRY TOOTH PASTE is greatly superior to any tooth powder; gives the teeth a pearl whiteness, protects the enamel from de cay, and imparts a pleasant fragrance to the breath. Price is. 6d.—Bed Bull Wharf, 93, Upper Thames-street, London. EXPOSITION UNIVERSELLE, PARIS, 1867. W BEELER AND WILSON, 139, REGE NT-STREET, AND 43, ST. PAUL'S CHURCHYARD, AWARDED, OVER EIGHTY-TWO COMPETITORS, THE HIGHEST PREMIUM, A GOLD MEDAL, For the Perfection of SEWING MACHINES and BUTTON-HOLE MACHINES, THE ONLY GOLD MEDAL FOR THIS BEANCII OF MANUFACTURE. LIFEBOAT SERVICES. —During the Storms of the present year the National Lifeboat Institution has contributed to the saving of 1,027 lives from various ship wrecks and 32 vessels from destruction. The Institution also ,:xpended .£29,655 in the same period on its Lifeboat Establishments, in addition to granting £2,414 for rewards. The Committee of the Institution earnestly appeal to the public for z,sista nee to enable them to meet the continued heavy (I..maiols On their 1t 4 6 Lifeboat Establishments. Contributions will be thankf t by received by the London and country bankers, and by the Secretary, Richard Lewis, Esq., at the Institution, 14, John-street, Adelphi, London. THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LANE Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. F. B. Chatterton. First Morning Performance of the Pantomime on Saturday, Dec. 28, and every Wednesday and Satur day until Feb. 15. Children and schools admitted at reduced prices to the following parts of the Theatre : Stalls, dress circle, and first circle, for Morning Per formance only. —On BOXING NIGHT (Thursday), Dec. 26, and every evening until further notice, will be per formed a new and original Farce, by R. R3OCO, Esq., en titled HONEYDOVE'S TROUBLES. Characters by Messrs. Jos- ph living C. Warner, J. Molds ; Mes dames Kate Harfleur and ' E. Melville. After which will be performed the Drury Lane annual grand Christmas Pantomime, written by E. L. Blanchard, Esq., entitled PAW FEE FO FUM ; or, Harlequin Jack the Giant Killer. The gorgeously beautiful scenery by Mr. William Beverley. The characters in the opening: Miss Poole, Mesdames Edilh Stuart, Kate Harfleur, E. Mel ville, Carew, Blair, Cord, Amy Herbert, Hall, and Mdlle. Anais Tourneur, premiere danseuse ; Mr. Joseph Irving (his first appearance this season), Messre.Moreland, J. B. Johnstone, Naylor, Pennington, Mitcheson ; Master Edward Lewis, Master Frederick Charles, and Master Russell, the living - Miniatures; Master Percy Roselle. The Harlequinade includes the services of those popu lar pantomimists (forming a treble company), Messrs. Boleno, C. Lauri, and Tom Dot , clowns ; Messrs. Barnes, Morris, and Master Russel, pantaloons; Messrs. Cormack, S. Saville, and Algar, harlequins; Messrs. Sidney and Jelina, sprites; Mdlles. Fanny Laud, Adele Marion, and Eugenio Valckenacre, colu mbines. The Juvenile Christy's Minstrels Majilton the Gro tesque ; and the celebrated Skaters, Madame Fredreka, and, Mr. Elliott. Stage Manager, Mr. Edward Stirling. The mask, , , designs, and dresses, from designs lay the humorously-renowned Dyk-Wyn-Kyn. The music selected and arranged by Mr. J. H. Tully. The dances and action of the Ballet, and the general business of the children's scenes, arranged by Mr. John Cormack. Costumes by Mr. S. May and Mrs. Lawler. Private boxes, one, two, three, four, and five guineas ; stalls, 7 s. ; dress circle, ss. ; first circle, 45. ; balcony seats, 3s. ; pit 2s. ; lower gallery, ls. ; uppe r g aller y , 6d. Box-office open from ten to live daily. Doors open at half-past six, the performance to commence at seven o'clock. rIEATRE ROYAL, HA YMARKET. Sole Lessee, Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, THE RIVALS. Mews. Buckstone, Chippendale, Howe, Braid. Rogers, Clark, Cox, &c.; Mesdames Chippendale, Burke, Dalton, Fitzwilliam, &c. After which, BOX and COX. Mr. Buckstone and Mr. Compton, To conclude w i ith THE WINNING CARD. Mr. Compton. Commence at Seven. lIEATRE ROYAL, ADELPIII. Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. WEBSTER. Directress, Mrs. Alfred Mellon. THIS EVENING, at 7, MAN IS NOT PERFECT, NOR WOMAN NEITHER. Messrs. G. Belmore, J. G. Taylor, C. 11. Stephenson, Miss E. Pitt, and Mrs. Alfred Mellon. After which, 53d time, MAUD'S PERIL. Messrs. Billington, G. Belmore, Ashley, Eburne, C. J. Smith; Miss Herbert, Mrs. 13illington, Miss Emily Pitt. To conclude with UP FOR THE CATTTLE SHOW. Messrs G. Belmore, Ashley, Miss E. Pitt, and Miss Harris. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. New Management. Sole Lessee, Mr. B. Webster; Manager, Mr. H. Wigan. THIS EVENING, FROM GRAVE TO GAY. Messrs. H. Neville, H. Wigan, Addison, and C. Mathews ; Mesdames L. Moore and Stirling. • Followed by IF I HAD A THOUSAND A YEAR. Messrs. H. Wigan, Cooper, C. Mathews, and Farrell; Mesdames L. Moore and St. Henry. To conclude with MY WIFE'S BONNET S Messrs. R. Souter, H. Cooper, and J. G. Tayl,r; Mesdames L. Moore and E. Farren. Commence at Seven. QUEEN'S THEATRE, Long-acre. Lessee and Manager, Mr. Alfred Wigan. First appearance of Mr. J. L. TOOLE. BOXING-NIGHT, Dec. 26, 1867, and Every Evening, Shah sper3's Comedy of KATHERINE AND PETRITCHIO. Mr. IL Irving, Mr. W. 11. Stephens; Miss Kate Terry. After which, DOING FOR THE BEST; Mr. J. L. Toole. To conclude with THE BIRTHPLACE OF PODGERS; Mr. J. L. Tools. Box-office open daily from Ten till Four. HOLBORN THEATRE ROYAL. Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Sefton Parry. E CHRISTMAS-EVE, Dec. 24, BOXING NIGHT, Dec. 26, and Every Evening, at Seven. THE TWO POLTS. Mr. Widdicombe. After which, the Great Pantomime of 1867, by C. L. Kennedy, Esq., of VALENTINE AND ORSON; or, Harliquin the Big Bear and the Little Fairy. The Scenery by Mr. W. Telbin, Ur. H. P. Hall, and assistants. Principal Da,nseuse, Mdlle Montro; Clown, the Great Little Rowella. A Morning Performance of " Valentine and Orson" will take place on Monday, Dec. 30. Commence at Two. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs. Swanborough. On BOXING NIGHT, at 7, KIND TO A FAULT. After which will be produced a Grand Christmas Operatic Oriental Extravaganza " THE CALIPH OF BAGDAD " Messrs. Thorne, James, Turner, Murray; Mesdames A. Swanborough, Johnstone, Harland, Holt, N ewton, &c. To conclude with NOTHING TO NURSE. LICENSED VICTUALLERS' GUARDIAN Cst R. GLENIE, of the Sporting Library, 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park, London, W., bogs to inform his customers, and the Licensed Victuallers in general, that he has been appointed Agent for the above-named paper in addition to his ageney for the Sporting Edition of " THE Stili," and can supply the came on Friday evening, if raquired, in town or country. G. R. G. begs to inform the Trade that he is Agent for the LATEST EDITION of "THE SUN," and can supply it earlier than say other man in London or Country the evening of publi cation. No connection with any other persons. Baily's, Burs, %Wright's, and M'Call's Guides. All the Daily Papers, Maga zines, and Periodicals as soon as published. Agent for the Joint- Stock Coal Company. Orders by post attended to. • 111111 ~S UN" NEWSPAPER.- 2_ G. R. GLENTE, Sporting Library, 4, Connaught -terrace. ral.-wr-re-road, delivers the LATE EDITION of the "THE SUN" it the earliest possible moment after leaving the press. He is iblo to deliver Copies in Town, the Suburbs, and in many parts )f the country at a comparatively early hour the same evening, lay 40 miles by nine o'clock. Orders by Post punctually attemied tt i .:',IIE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN." J. HOI2.IES begs to inform his friends and the public rmily, that he supplies the LATEST EDITION of "THE "as soon as published.—No. 16, Hampstead-road, N.W. VILE '•SUN" NEWSPAPER ') G. It. GLEN IE delivers the LATE EDITION at Chelsea,. MO: Kilburn. 8; Starch-green ; 3 ; Woolwich, 7.30; Uxbridge, 1.2 Wv.lford, 3.45. NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE. AGUA AINIARELLA. restores the Human llait to its pristine hue, no"matter at what age. JNO. GOSNELL and CO. have at length, with the aid of one of the most eminent Chemists, succeeded in perfect ing this wonderful liquid. It is now offered to the public in a more concentrated form, and at a lower price. Sold in bottles, 3s. each ; also 55., 7s. 6d., and 15s. each. including brush. Red Bull Wharf, Angel-passage, 93, Upper Thames- Btreet, London, E.C. THE suN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, DECEMBER, 23, 1867 R OYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Vining. TIIIS EVENING, at 7, for the Benefit of Mr. Thos. Roberts, Acting Manager, GUY MANN ERING, a CONCERT and ENTERTAINMENT, and UP IN THE WORLD. —On Boxing Night, Grand Combination of the Two Great Dramas. THE COLLEEN SAWN, and THE STREETS OF LONDON. Mr. and Mrs. Dion Boucicault as Myles na Coppaleen and Eily O'Connor, and Mr. Vining as Badger. Doors open at half-past 6, commence at 7. C_ ANTERBURY liALL.-NEW MANAG EMENT. —W. HOLLAND, Sole Lessee, late Proprietor of Weston's Music Hall, High Holborn, will RE-OPEN on BOXI \ G NIGHT, December 26, this favourite old established Music Hall Great Alterations and Improvements are being made, and an entire !few Company. comprising most of the popular artistes of the day, will have the honour of appearing. W. Holland's known liberality as caterer for the entertainment of the public is a sufficient guarantee that the amusements will be both novel and unequalled. A new grand Ballet will be produced, under the direction of Mr. Fred. Evans, of the Alhambra and Crystal Palace. Full particulars duly announced. The Bars will he under entire new management, and every article will be of the choicest quality, prices of which are greatly reduced. Admission —Balcony and Atca, 61; Stalls, superbly carpeted, ls. REMEMBER-BOXING NIGHT. 31 All AXLE 13 1 A U K S E S_ R A S U T D RE ' S ET EXHIBITION, A Life-size PORTRAIT MODEL it THEODORE, King of Abyssinia, is now added ; also all the Kings and Queens of England, American Celebrities, Sze. Room of Horrors. Open from 11 a.m. till dusk, and front 7 till 10 p.m. Ad mittance, is. ; children, under ten, ed. ; extra rooms, Bd. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tins DAY. —Morning, 121 i. ltn. Afternoon, 121 i. 28m. To-Moßnow.-Morning, 1211. 501 n. Afternoon, lb. 10m. < _ 410 V LT O.:VDON, MONDAY, DEC. 23, 1867. We think the public have every reason to be sa tisfied with the course taken by the Government in respect to the Fenian conspiracy, which is now causing so much anxiety in all directions. The most careful precautionary measures have been taken, and, so far as we can judge, the resources of skill and judgment have been called into action to coun teract the designs and circumvent the policy of these mischievous and reckless schemers. Yesterday the authorities prohibited two meetings which were to have taken place at Clerkenwell. One was to " expose the treachery of the Fenians," and the other to consist of a meeting of the men of Ire land resident in London. The very names of these affairs show that they meant mischief, and it is very fortunate that they were not allowed to take place. Prevention is better than cure is an old adage that may well be applied to these Fenian arrangements whenever and wherever they are met with, and the sooner they are put down at the outset and crushed the better for all parties. Those who had called the meeting together showed their sense by at once complying with the request of the police, and de sisted from their proposed arrangements. It was supposed, upon good authority, that if they had been carried out there would have been a disturb ance, the inhabitants of Clerkenwell, feeling justly indignant at the other meeting that had been held there about the funeral procession, which led, they thought, to the direful outrage of the other day. It will be the best thing to do to prevent the occurrence of disasters to put down by timely means all attempts at these meetings. They must do harm in one way or another, and the time for consideration has passed in respect to these schemers, and the sooner they understand that they must keep within the limits that the law permits the better. So great was the indignation naturally felt in the neighbourhood of Clerkenwell that the presence of the police was quite as necessary to protect the promoters of those meetings from in jury as to carry into effect the provisions of the law. If the Fenian conspirators ever imagined that they would enlist the sympathies of the poorer classes in their favour we should think that by this time the illusion has been dispelled, for they are execrated everywhere in consequence of their cruelty and total recklessness of consequences. It is believed that the Home Secretary is about to introduce a very desirable change into the present practice of storing gunpowder in large quantities in the various magazines of the lines of fortification. It is proposed instead that the greater part should be stored in the adjacent depot magazines. The great advantage of this will be that, in the event of an intentional or accidental explosion, the depot maga zine is situated at some distance from other build ings, while the main magazine of a garrison or a seaport would involve in its destruction the town in which it is situated, and in all likelihood the lives of many inhabitants. If this idea be carried out it will be a very excellent one, and an improve ment that will last when this immediate danger is over. In many of these departmental arrangements the introduction of common-sense regulations will often effect a considerable gain. In this instance the safety of many seems to indicate the necessity of a change in the right direction, and we are glad that attention has been directed to it in time. The necessity for care being taken in all directions is shown by the wide-spread nature of the disaffection that exists. In pursuance of au order that has been sent from the Horse Guards a general court-martial will be held to-day at Chat ham for the purpose of trying two privates of the Ist Royals, who are charged with uttering Fenian cries and using seditious language in the streets of Chatham during last week. An extraordinary guard has been sent to Osborne, to remain there during her MAJESTY'S stay, and various other pre cautionary measures adopted. The swearing in of special constables has also been proceeded with. On Saturday the Lord Mayor, Alderman CARDEN, and Alderman ROSE, attended at the Guildhall for the purpose, and by three o'clock 750 were sworn in. At the Mansion House nearly a thou sand were enrolled. In the most dangerous parts of Westminster the special constables were on duty all night. A very strong force has been sworn in at Westminster. Indeed the greatest activity has been displayed in all quarters to carry out this ne cessary arrangement, and it is most fortunate that it should be so, for we cannot tell when or where their service may be required. By the adoption of due care and caution there is every reason to hope that the recurrence of a calamity like that at Clerkenwell may be avoided ; but, at the same time, no one can feel quite secure at the prospects before us. Fore warned is forearmed, as we all know, but yet some continue to forget it now and then notwithstanding. With the recollection of Friday week, yet so pro minently in our minds, there can be no excuse if anything is left undone that should be done to prevent disturbances, and show the conspirators that they are sedulously watched. The defeat of a ' fair-intended scheme will do a great deal to stop the spread of the mischief, and in a few weeks it may be put down altogether. To do this effectually, however, it is imperatively required that the autho rities should be duly supported by the aid of the public, and also by that indirect influence, which sometimes goes a long way to show the force of public opinion, and convince the conspirators of heir error. The Persia, bringing us news from New York to ;he 11th of the mouth, reports some exciting dis cussions. In both Houses of Congress there have been matters of interest introduced, and the mem bers seemed determined to make the most of their short session before Christmas. The resolution for the impeachment was, as we knew long since by the cable, defeated by 108 against 57, and it is not a little significant that of the majority no less than 66 were Republicans. The common sense of the more moderate members of the party was naturally opposed to such a rash and reckless movement, while they felt moreover that the feeling of the country would be dead against them. The lesson of the elections has not been alto gether lost even on the unimpressible Radicals. in the Senate Mr. CHANDLER has been dJing his bait to set both hemispheres in a blaze. He made a ilorg speech in favour of the resolution granting benigennt rights to Abyssinia during the war with England, strongly denouncing the course pursued by the British Government during the rebellion. He declared his belief that if the resolution was passed ten to 15 privateers would be afloat within a hundred days. This is likely enough, but ho forgot to add a few other consequences of the resolution. The independence of the Southern States would be one of the most immediate, as far as America was concerned, for one of the first objects in case of a declaration of war between England and America would be the raising of the Confederate standard. The people of the South, wearied and disgusted with the fruits of Radical legislation, would be only too eager to hail such an opportunity. General GRANT himself referred to the manifest change which had taken place in Southern sentiment since the close of the war. The train is laid ready to be lighted, and the first appearances of a foreign army prepared to assist the Southerners in main taining their rights against the North would rekindle all the old fire and impetuosity which carried the Southern armies through so many desperate and often successful struggles. The United States between Canada and the South would be in a less enviable position than they seem to imagine, and although our Australian gold ships may appear a tempting prize, and offer a ready and convenient method of settling their currency per plexities, they would find a war with Great Britain a good deal more costly and difficult than Mr. CHANDLER anticipates. It is nol surprising that Mr. REVERDY JOHNSON, a Senator of no slight weight and of high legal ability, should have strongly opposed so preposterous a resolution. It was calcu lated, he said, to provoke a needless quarrel with Great Britain—a result it could hardly fail to attain. The spirit which the late Fenian outrages have pro duced among the English people may teach the Americans a salutary lesson, and show them that it will not "do to provoke too far the characteristic love of peace and placidity of the nation of shop keepers." Englishmen have borne a good deal from American tongues and peas, and have reason to be considerably dissatisfied with the favour and facili ties afforded to Fenianism, but such an offence as the granting of letters of marque to Abyssinian privateers could hardly be forgotten or forgiven. The relations with Canada also came under dis cussion in the Senate, and the terms of the new Treaty were considered. It was proposed that the fisheries should be free to British and American subjects alike—a suggestion which can hardly be censured. Another proposition is likely to meet with less favour. Canada, according to the reso lution, should cede British Columbia to the United States—the latter to pay six million dollars for the Hudson's Bay Company. There was once a philo sopher who said he could move the world if he had only got a lever long enough, and in the same way the Americans appear to think that if they had only a purse long enough they could buy up the habit able globe ! Their recent purchases in the West Indies have not, one would think, been calculated to encourage them in making further experiments. Possibly they think that the Hudson's Bay teritory is out of reach of the malign influences which have wellnigh destroyed St. Thomas's. The proposal to Canada to cede the magnificent territory of British Columbia is an amusing instance of American assumption. This modest and moderate " Resolution" was intro duced, but laid over, but the Senate adopted a resolution of Mr. SUMNER'S for the production of all correspondence relative to the Alabama claims. These claims are kept in reserve, and brought up periodically to keep them fresh in the public mind. Mr. SEWARD at least will take good care that they are not forgotten until he sees an opportunity for indulging his long cherished hatred of England and the English. We must hope that wiser counsellers will keep him in check until the gradual enlightenment of the people in reference to foreign politics removes that chronic prejudice against Great Britain which too many American statesmen have done their best to foster. In matters of domestic legislation, the House of Representatives has passed the bill suspending the authority of the Secretary of the Treasury to withdraw the United States notes, a piece of in terference which Mr. M'CuLLocit will, we pre sume, not thank them for. The Radicals can not control their tendency to meddle with the national exchequer. No experience can convince them that their collective wisdom is not greater in regard to finances as well as in politics than that of the most tried and talented official. The bills to enable negroes to hold office and sit on juries in the district of Columbia have passed both Houses ; but General GRANT evidently perceives the neces sity of putting some check on the movements of the negro party, and has given the military district commanders a suspension order over the Freedmen's Bureaux. The general officers are at least guided by some sort of law, and General GRANT himself keeps a strict supervision over them ; but the officials of the Freedmen's Bureaux have too often defied all law and reason. THE Conference is abandoned, and NAPOLEON is nishing on his army reorganisation scheme. The aint hope which we lately entertained that the cations would agree upon a general disarmament a extinguished, and on all sides the preparations 'or war go on with renewed vigour. There is ,carcely a nation in Europe which is not strengthen ng its armies. Whether this results from the anticipation of war or merely from the feeling that f one nation arms all the rest must, we need not low inquire. The fact that all are arming is suffi dent to compel the consideration of our position as military people. It must bo borne in mind that ,hisis not a question merely of a few thousands of .coops, more or less. It is far more fundamental and important than that. France and Prussia-may :ach have a million of men under arms, without !ausing us much: anxiety. In fact, they are to a :ertain extent the police of Europe, whose services Pre get withqut payment. It is they who in no imall measure keep back the encroachments of Etussia, the one thing which would, according to )ur traditional policy, force us to enter upon a 'oreign war. The real importance of the present nilitary crisis is that it is a revolution. The Ger nan war of 1866 has proved that victory is no .onger for large standing armies, but for an armed nation. Austria depended upon a military class to ight her battles for her ; the Prussian nation fought `,or itself. NAPOLEON clearly discerns this, and whatever demerits there may be in his reorganisa ;ion scheme, it has this one great advantage—it will give France more men trained for warfare, without materially increasing the nunier of pro !essional soldiery For U 3 this matter is of intmense importance, ;ince we have come by necessity to the position which Prussia so long ago occupied voluntarily. We can no longer recruit our army, as wo used to 10, by voluntary enlistment. There are two rea sons why we cannot. The less important one is she more important politically. Ireland, our great ceeniiting-ground, is to a large extent closed against as by the disaffection of the inhabitants. Pre viously to this we had experienced great difficulty in consequence of the large demand for labour. freland? s superfluous population, instead of taking to the army as the only resource, camp over to Eng land to earn wages, or emigrated to America, where the•people became landlords. While the soldier's pay has remained nearly stationary, the pay of the artisan and the labourer has largely increased. rho manufacturer and the farmer have become the MCCOSSIUI competitors of the recruiting sergeant. Renee it is the ne'er-do-wells who for the most part 3onstitute our army; the men who are too idle and too vicious to settle down to hard work whom we entrust with the sacred duty of maintaining the honour of the ,country—with what success we may lather from the fact that in seven years we lost nearly 50,000 men through desertion. This is not surprising when we remember that these men are commonly enlisted in a st ate of drunkennes ; in other words, that they have made a contract of the most serious kind when incapacitated from making even the smallest engagement. No one can blame them if, when they recover their reason, they repudiate a bargain struck under such circumstances. Even if we could reckon upon having the use of all the men who enlist, the number would be infinitely below our wants. In time of war we should not have enough to defend our own islands, much less our Indian Empire and all our colonies. And yet this inefficient army surely costs us enough. We pay far more for about 120,000 men than the Prussians pay for three times that number. Even if we could get men enough to raise our army to the Continental standard we could not afford to pay for them at the present rate of cost. The extra two pence a-day which was the ridiculous birth that fol lowed the long labour of the Army Commission may bring us a thousand or two more men than we should have had otherwise, but what we want is tens, nay, hundreds of thousands whom we can count upon in case of need. These are not to be obtained under the present system. It is announced that Sir HENRY STORKS is to attempt some reforms of our military system, from which increased efficiency and economy are antici pated. Mere variations of routine and detail, however, will not be enough. The- question is, are we prepared to adopt the Prussian system Under that, every man is educated for, and liable to, military service. As we have already said, the nation is armed. The citizen is, by virtue of his citizenship, compelled to be a soldier. For three years he is withdrawn from the avocation which he intends to follow, and he can scarcely reckon upon entering a trade or profession before he is 25. In time of war the military obligation is far more serious. The writer of an able article in the North British Review mentions that last year a small shopkeeper in Pomerania had his two assistants taken from him, then a substitute whom he had procured, and at length he himself was compelled to serve ; and when he returned home after the campaign he found that his rival had taken all his business from him. The proprietor of a factory, employing 3,000 hands, was required to join the army; he had neither partner nor manager, and he must have shut up his works and discharged his men had he complied with the demand. Under special circumstances such as these the Govern ment gave an exemption ; but the exceptions were very rare. Bankers, sculptors, physicians, law yers had to turn soldiers ; no profession or rank was spared. The inconvenience and loss and suffering were very great, and to us would seem intolerable. Yet there is an advantage which to a great degree counterbalances the hardship. When every man is liable to serve, war becomes very unpopular, and wars are made with great hesitation. Although the Prussians earned such brilliant laurels in the campaign of 1865, they were not the least enamoured of military life. In fact, gunpowder was in such ill odour that the shooting matches of the present year have throughout Rhenish Prussia been very badly attended. The late campaign was a struggle between Prussia and Austria for the mastery in Germany, and as such the Prussian people fought it with a minimum of grumbling. But an ordinary war of aggrandisement upon a foreign Power would certainly be resisted by the nation to the uttermost. Such motives as glory and the preservation of the balance of power lose their force in a wonderful degree when we ourselves have to fight for them instead of paying other men to do so. An armed nation is, therefore, as valu able a pledge of peace as a large standing army is a :ong incentive to war. In the first case the interests of all are involved in maintaining peace ; in the second, only those of soldiers are directly in favour of making war. The banker, the trades man, the professional man, have a profitable calling in their bank, shop, and practice ; but the soldier wants prize - money and the spoils of victory. We did to a certain extent adopt the Prussian system when we set on foot the volunteer movement. Our volunteers are a citizen army, and it is just of these materials that our regular army would be composed if we were to establish the Prussian system in its entirety. The question is, whether we ought not to convert this voluntary into compulsory service. Every year we shall find a regular army more costly and more inefficient. It has degenerated terribly both in physique and morale since the Crimean campaign, and yet it costs us now far more money in propor tion than it did then. By adopting the Prussian system we should relieve ourselves from the respon sibility of defending our possessions. The colonies would have to follow the example of the mother country. India alone, perhaps, would have to be held by an army, for in India the English are but a handful among a vast subject population. Sooner or later we shall have to consider this grave matter seriously and fully, and not stave it off by such miserable expedients as finding our soldiers with their washing. The highest form of civilisation, save one, is in this respect the same as the lowest form of barbarism —every man fights for himself instead of by deputy. There is but one highe stage. and that is when men cease to fight at all. TESTIMONIAL 70 DR. BEKE. G TO TIIE EDITOR. OF TILE SUN. No. 11 and 12, Charing-cross, Westminster, S.W., December, 1867. SIR,—It having been proposed to acknowledge the services of Dr. Beke in the exploration of Abys sinia and Eastern Africa, to which be has devoted his life, his talents, and his fortune, a committee has been formed, and the following donations received : Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P., £lO ; J. Peter Gas siot, Esq., F.R.S., £lO ; John Heugh, Esq., F.R.G.S., £25 ; David Salmons, Esq., Alderman, M.P. ; William Silver, Esq., F.R.G.S., £lO 10s. ; Right Hon. Lord Stanley, M.P., £5 ; William Tite, M.P., V.P.S.A., .£lO ; Sir C. Wentworth Dilke, Bt., M.P., £lO ; B. B. Greene, Esq., £lO ; J. Blyth, Esq., £10; Chas. White, Esq., £lO ; Right Hon. the Earl of Malmesbury, £lO ; Richard Davis, Esq., F.S.A., £lO ; C. Newdegate, Esq., M.P., £lO ; J. Tinn, Esq. (late Consul at Jerusalem), £1 is. ; James Heywood, Esq., M.A., F.R.S., &c., £lO ; Profes sor E. W. Brayley, F.R.S., F.S.A , £3 3s. ; A friend, by Professor C. W. Brayley, £5 ,ss. ; John Ball, Esq. (Quilter, Ball, and Co.), £lO 10s. ; J. Gertenberg, Esq., £1 Is. ; T. Clegg, Esq. (Man chester), £5 ss. Further donations will be accepted by the Treasurer of the Testimonial Fund, the Hon. Arthur T. Kinnaird, M.P. •, the bankers, Messrs. Ran som, Bouverie, and Co., 1, Pall-mall East (S. W.) ; Messrs. Robarts, Lubbock, and Co., 15, Lubbock street (E.C.) ; and also by W. 11. Black, F.S.A., Hyde Clarke, LL.D., Honorary Secretaries ; and John Lincoln, Assistant Secretary. A HEtto's WoRK. By Mrs. Duffus Hardy. 3 vols. —" Apart, from the ability with which Mrs. Duffus Hardy discusses what is emphatically a woman's ques tion, 'A Hero's Work' is a powerful, interesting . , and well-wrought novel. Lawrence Carlton, who closes honourably an ignoble life, is skilfully put into contrast against the faulty hero who ultimately marries Lena, Mrs. Carlton, the rector's second wife, who, unlike the conventional step-mother of romance, is the complete mother of her adopted children, and Dr. Sterndale, are excellent pieces of portraiture. The book also abounds in dramatic positions, which are powerful and thoroughly artistic. "—il thenaum. RIMMEL'S CHRISTMAS PRESENTS AND NEW YEAR'S GlFTS.—ltimmel, perfumer to her Roy,tl Highness the Princess of Wales, &c., bogs to call the special atten tion of the public to his varied and elegant style of novel ties for presents—comprising the guinea musical scent case, the guinea musical photographic album, twenty guinea magic rose tree, double smelling bottles, from 7s. ; Parisian and Viennese fans, of the latest patterns ; Christ mas cards and sachets, ornaments for Christmas trees, &c. E. Rimmel; 36, Strand; 128, Regent-street; and 24, Corn hill, London ; and 17, Boulevard des Italiens, Paris. LATEST INTELIAGENCE. CORRESPO (REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.) TIIE DANISH WEST INDIES. COPENHAGEN, Dec. 23. The plebiscitum in the Danish West Indian islands, upon their sale to the United States, is to take place in the course of January next. PLYMOUTH, DEC. 23. Advices from St. Helena, per the Norseman, an nounce the death at that place of Chief-Justice W. R. Phelps, eldest son of Mr. Phelps, the tragedian, on the 23d November, of enteritis. THE POPE'S RECENT ALLOCUTION. ROME, Dcc. 21. The text of the short Allocution pronounced at the Consistory by the Pope yesterday has just ap peared. his Holiness depicted the Divine assistance as tempering his sorrows, since he saw all the bishops closely united in his defence by word of mouth and pen, and the laity advocating the cause of the tem poral power in public assemblies. It had been splen didly and magnificently defended in the Senate and Corps Legislatiff at Paris amid the applause of all honest people. The Pope dwelt upon the demon strations and offerings of the faithful, and upon the ardour of Catholic writers and speakers, upon the devotion of the Papal volunteers, the fidelity of his subjects—especially of the Romans—upon the army, and the most powerful Emperor of that noble and generous France, who, taking the danger of Rome into consideration, had sent brave soldiers who had fought at Mentana and Monte Rotondo under illus trious chiefs to shed their blood for the cause of the Holy See. His Holiness concluded by recom mending his hearers to pray that God would pro tect him against his enemies, and would convert them from their errors. He then bestowed his bless ing upon all present. DM PARIS. (nom OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) PARIS, SUNDAY. Dec. 2.1 Yesterday was a great field day in the Corps Ldgis ttif. The Army Reorganisation Bill has practically got Es mittimus, and the discinision of details commences on Monday. As the Government have a decided majority, verything will go as the Emperor wishes, despite the emonstrances of Jules Simon and M. Magnin. The ormer seemed to prove evoclusively tliat the enforced :elibacy of the French soldiery during Aifterm of their ervice—nine, or r.ther nine-and-a-half years—had a bad :ffect upon the population, in so far 113 that while the trong and vigorous youth of France were not permitted to marry until their best years were iearly over, the feeble and weakly, who were anfit for military service, and who in the absence of their nore gallant brethren had the field all to themselve3, night marry when they pleaSed. But of these unhealthy 'tabus the children were unhealthy, and thes the national type of French strength and manliness wasbeing lowered. this plan of enforced celibacy seems very unjust. I lon't care to look at it at all from a 'noral point of view. Let the French bury their dead. But, on the face of it, love should accompany military glory, and everybody knows that " none but the brave deserve the fair." The Archduke Louis-Victor, brother of the Emperor Francis Joseph, will arrive immediately at Trieste, in Drder to be present to assist at the funeral ceremonies of Maximilian. The discussion on the abolition of capital punishment seems to me a foolish and a fruitless one. Very seldom, indeed is the last penalty of the lc.w exacted here, even In cases of unprovoked murder. Until the number of these cases has greatly diminished, the law on this ques tion might well be allowed to remain as it is. A dreadful crime, which forms an instance in point, was committer: at Marseilles the other day. An architect named Vachier had recently dismissed his coachman, an Italian named Vignole, but had suffered him to remain as labourer at his country seat at a place called Quatre Chemins, in the neighbourhood of the city, until the servant should find some other employment. Vignole was consequently in constant company with the new coachman, his successor, named Dol, the two men hliving in the same house, and appearing to be on good terms with each other. Three days back, however. M. Vachier informed Vignole that he could not allow him to remain any,longer. The Italian, thinking that Dol had been instrumental in his dismissal, determined to be revenged, and, getting up in the night, he murdered Dol by stabbing him several times with a knife, and then set fire to the premises. Although the flames were subse quently got under, a portion of the house was destroyed, and the body of the victim was completely carbonised. Vignole was afterwards arrested. Prince Lichtenstein, whose mind for some time has been in a state of aberration, and who has been staying at the Maison de Sante of Professor Leidesdorf, is about to that establishment, his sanity having been re-esta blished. M. Laboulaye has published a second volume of his delightful " Old Wives' Tales." The collection is illus trated by Yan d'Argaut. Together with • one or two others—Jean Macd, Desnoyers, and T. de Saint-Ger main—M. Laboulaye is classed in the very first rank of writers for young people. Many other spindidly illus trated and ornamented New Year's books are at present being published here. The house of Firmin Didot has an edition of the Nouveau Testament, illustrated in the purest style of Italian and Renaissance art. Other magnificent gift-hooks, beautifully illustrated and sumptuously bound, are "La Vio et la Legende de Madame Sainte-Notbury," by M. de Beauchesne ; " Imi tation de Jesus-Christ," by Monseigneur Darboy, Arch bishop of Paris ; " Correspondance de Madame Elizabeth de France," published from the original manuscripts " Thorwaldsen ; his Life and Works,",by EugZme Plon. A rather amusing case appears in the Paris journals of to-day. Charles IV., Prince of Monaco, appeared in court two days ago as defendant to a small money action, before the Civil Tribunal of the Seine. His Royal High ness had employed a certain M. Blaise, a French archi tect, to repair or alter his stables. M. Blaise did the work and sent in his bill, which amounted to over £80; but the high, serene, and dread sovereign, being just then scant of cash, could not pay, and has not paid since- The case was an excellent one for the counsel, who seem to have enjoyed it extremely. M. Peronne, counsel for the Prince, pleaded that no sovereign could be sued before a French court. . He knew of no writer who was opposed to this doctrine except one, a German, whose name was never heard because nobody could pronounce it. M. Duverdy, on the other side, contended that sovereigrs could be sued for private debts before a French court, and this was distinctly a private debt. Charles IV. had asked the builder to repair certain stables. The request did not come from a Parliament or Council of State, and there• fore the princicality of Monaco, which an author de scribes as a " pretty place on a rocky promontory," was in no wise responsible—the responsibility not being trans ferable from the Prince to his 2,000 subjects. We shall hear more of this case, as it has been postponed. FRANCE. BOURSE, Dec, 21, Three o'clock.—The market closed as follows : 41 per Cent. End of month — 3 per Cent End of month_ 69 03 Credit Mobilier End of month l7O Credit Foncier 1375 End of month-1370 - RAILWA: Bank Shares 3260 It&Fan Loan End of month 45 721 Mexican Loan .„ 14 Do. Bonds - Spanish Threes Horn• Debt 35 Deferred s. Account ... BG2 Orleans Northern Lyons and Mediterranean Southern...., 556f Western 5533- INDIA. The Times of India of 29th November supplies the following items of intelligence : Major H. A. Leveson, who represents himself to be Military Commissioner in Abyssinia to the War Office, and whose chief object is to obtain the release of the cap tives by diplomacy, has arrived at Massowah. Intelligence has been received of the loss of H.M.S. Perseus in the China Seas. The reported assassination of Assistant-Surgeon H. Cayley, the British representative at Ladak, was without foundation, and some very interesting notes by him re specting that remote region have just been published. There have been some disturbances on the Sind frontier between the Khelat forces and the Brahoees. Jodhpore is disturbed by rebellion. The Rohillas have been giving some trouble of late, and some British troops have been sent after them from -'erabad (Deccan). The national debt of India amounts to about £100,000,000, or less than two years' income. The treaty between the British and the Burmese has been duly signed. The Government of India have promptly set aside a rule which had been attempted to be made, by which the families of Indian officers were debarred from the privi leges accorded to the families of officers of line regiments, in regard to passages by the new Indian transport ships. A coroner's jury in Calcutta have sent in a statement to the Government of Bengal, charging the Calcutta police with incompetency and inertness. _ _ Sir Seymour Fitzgerald, after having spent a few days in the hills, has returned to Bombay. It is proposed to wind up the Bombay and Bengal Steamship Company. In October 1867 nearly 9,900,0001 b. of cotton were shipped from Bombay. Dr. Norman Macleod has arrived in Bombay, having been appointed by the General Assembly of Scotland to visit all their missions in India. Private Cassidy, of the 45th Regiment,has been convicted at the Bombay Sessions of attempting to murder Drum. major Griffiths of the same regiment. A steam boiler at the Patent Ice Factory, Bombay, hurst some days ago, causing the death of three persons and injury to others ; and on the 26th instant, some tur pentine caught light at the Government Dockyard, and some shedding became on fire. The fire was at once got under, but one man was killed and several were dreadfUlly injured through the accident, of whom four died at the hospital. Goculdass Tezpall, an enlightened Bhattia merchant, who died in Bombay recently, left more than £lOO,OOO for educational and charitable purposes. Her Majesty's steam transport Malabar arrived at Bom bay from Suez on the 24th November, having on board 56 officers, 1,272 soldiers, 13 ladies, and about 150 wives and children of soldiers. The steamship Krishna, on her last voyage from Suez to Bombay, burnt coals (600 tons) which had been brought from Europe by way of Port Said and the Suez Canal. The certificate of Captain Morison, who was in com mand of the Bombay and Bengal Steamship Company's steamer Yamuna, wrecked in the Red Sea, has been sus pended for three months. Obituary.—Brigadier-General C. Ireland, Madras Staff Corps ; Colonel W. F. Eden, Madras Staff Corps ; Capt. George Gibson, 2-24th Regiment ; Captain H. E. Stanley, 23rd Fusiliers. SHOCKING MURDERS IN IRELAND.—A correspon dent of the Daily Express gives an account of a shocking murder perpetrated on the road from Castledermot to Athy. The victim was a man named William Dunne, who had been attending the fair at Castledermot, and was murdered on his way home. His body was so dreadfully disfigured that it was difficult to identify him. Robbery was the motive. He was stripped of his clothes, and the clothes of the murderer were found near, saturated with blood. An inquest was held, and a verdict of " Wilful murder" was returned against a man named Coffey, who was seen with the deceased.—A farmer named Poynton, residing between Ballymalion and Keenagh, county Long ford, was shot on Friday while ploughing, by a man dis guised. The outrage is believed to be agraTian. Hopes are entertained of his recovery. - „ y rati}.l4. t/1 HER MAJESTY. • OSBORNE, Dec. 22. The Queen drove out yesterday afternoon, ac: cornpanied by Princess Louise, and attended by ti• L ' Hon. Emily Cathcart. THE PRINCE AND PRINCESS OF IVALES.--Tu el- , Royal High nesses th e P r i nce and Princess f Wales w"` visit the Lord and Lady Leicester, at 110 folk, early in January. It is not improbable that Diu ° and Princess Christian will also join the party. T 1 Prince of W a l es s h o t over the estate of Mr. ° Marham, in the course of last week. The following g en , tlerneu were invited to meet his Royal highness: —Lora Dudley, the Hon. A. T. Fitzamurice, the Hon. C. Vivi 3° ' Captain Bagge, Captain Bathurst, Captain Sumner, 31c. Dyke, and Mr. Thellusson. Tao West Norfolk houeds, will meet at Sand r i ng h am t o -d ay, and the hospitalities of Sandringham House will be extended to the field. T il° usual Christmas gifts of the Prince and Princess of Wale s to the poor of Sandringham and one or two of the a d j - ccut villages will be distributed this week. Eastern Sardinian 421 5081 3511 61 Austrian Lombard North of Spain Saragossa Roman 51} FRANCE AND ITALY. We are enabled to publish the original English text of Lord Palmerston's letter quoted by Com missioner Minghetti in his speech of the 14th of December : " Broadlands, Sept. 25, 1864. " My dear Azeglio,—l was much obliged to you for your letter, and I rejoice at the arrangement which it announced. The difficulties of the case were great, and the agreement which has been made is a good oue, and I must own far better than I had believed to be possible. " It is an object of first-rate importance to Italy to get the French troops out of the country, and if that is fairly and faithfully accomplished in two years, you need not grudge the delay. I certainly did nut expect so early an evacuation of the Roman territory. " The traditions of history no doubt point to Rome as the proper capital of Italy; but, setting those traditions aside, Florence is in many respects better suited than Rome to be the head-quarters of the Italian Government. " The engagements taken by your King as to not attacking Rome, and not allowing volunteer bands from other parts of Italy to do so were of course unavoidable, and will no doubt be kept. And if the Pope gets a good army of Frenchmen, Spa niards, and Belgians, and gets money to pay them, he may for a considerable time keep down the dis content of the inhabitants of the country governed in his name. " But, unless his system of administration is essentially improved, village after village, and town after town, will fall away from his rule, and the priests will have a bad time of it even in Rome " On the whole, I congratulate you very sincerely upon what may truly be deemed a great event. " Your Prince * seems to have inherited his father's.activity, and has iu a short time seen more of London and its neighbourhood than many Eng lishmen see in the whole of their lives. " We should have hoped to have had the honour of receiving him here if he had embarked at Ports mouth or Southampton. But Dover is certainly a better place from which to cross the Channel. " Yours sincerely, " PALMERSTON. " The Marquis d'Azeglio, &c., London." * Prince Humbert, then in England. LAW INTELLIGENCE.—This Day, COURT OF PROBATE. (Before the Right Hon. Sir J. P. Wilde and a (Special Jury.) END OF THE GREAT WILL CASE.-YOUNG V. DENDY. This extraordinary will case, which has lasted longer than any suit ever tried in this Court, came to an end this morning. So important did the learned Judge Ordinary think it that it should be concluded this sittings, that the Court sat this morn ing, a circumstance wholly unprecedented since the Court was instituted. The learned Judge, in summing up, first alluded to the question of insanity. He said if an allusion to any circumstance produced hallucina tion, it must be taken that the person was insane, for if not they would never know who was insane or not. They had to consider the hallucination as to Mr. Young being a god, &c., and to consider whether that was consistent with the testatrix cor responding with and transacting business with him iu his true capacity. He must direct their attention to two points of law. It was in " Ready v. Ready," which was the true law in the case, that the plain tiffs must prove the will. They had his evidence before them and that of the defendants; if they had any doubt about the plaintiff's case they must fini for defendant. If they considered testatrix's mind diseased they must find against the will. The learned Judge then reviewed the evidence, and the jury re tired to consider their verdict. CHARLES DICKENS IN AMERlCA.—Private letters fram Mr. Dickens, says the London Correspondent of the Liverpool Albion, speak of his reception in Boston as being extremely cordial and complimentary. You are aware that, by publishing every unflattering re mark on the Americans to be found in his works, one of the leading New York papers endeavoured to get up a demonstration against him in Boston, where his readings were to commence. This effort has been a complete failure. I know that the friends of Mr. Dickens awaited with much anxiety the account of his reception at Boston, and of what took place at the first night's reading. Many of them were not for his going, because they apprehended that a row would be got up the first night, and that his failure wouli thereby be secured by his enemies. All, however, concurred in thinking that everything would depend upon the manner in which the first reading went off. I believe Mr. Dickens expects to realise over £20,000 by the tour—a very good thing for a pleasure-trip of six months. To him, after so many years of practice, reading his own works is no labour. According to the London Review, Agassiz, Whit tier, Longfellow, Lowell, Holmes, Norton, Whipple, and Fields were present at. Charles Dickens's first reading in Boston. It seems that the first words of the reading —" Marley was dead to begin with ! That was certain !' settled the question of success. Vociferous cheers, and unmistakably genuine shouts of " Welcome !" greeted " Our Mutual Friend" on his first appearance, NE W 211 USIC. Mr. Cocks, of New Burlington-street, has j ust made another impo r t an t a ddi t i on to t h e num ber 0 - , brilliant works he has published during the present year. We have amongst his latest new publication s pieces both vocal and instrumental, most appropriate to the approaching festive season, during winc h music holds so important a place. Amongst the dance music we must sp ec i a ll y ment i on th e Pickle Quadrilles" as being particularly well-ticnen. The whole of the familiar airs are most artistical l y interwoven, and form one of the most pleasing " sets" out. Amongst the vocal music we room" mend a very graceful ballad, " Thos.; Bright Ble ° Eyes." It is a charming composition, and 0 ° which cannot fail to become exceedingly In the new instrume n t a l mus i c some b r illi an t pien es , will be found—such, for i ns t ance , as " Th e Vision, by Brindley Richards, w hil s t th e c l ass i ca l m usician will find amongst Mr. 'West's arrangements of th e gems of Beethoven pieces w or thy th e cons ideratio n and attention of the most accomp li s h e d mentalist. popular. Messrs. Cramer have issued some new instrunien" tal pieces, by Carl Veley, of great merit. The coin' poser seems to have had in view the furnishing e t pieces for every var i e t y o f p l ayer, as we find am ongs t them some remarkable for melody, others, wb e i te execution has been more considered, and some 013 ' 1 suitable for finished and advanced performers. T he Mermaid's Song, from " Oberon," forms an attrac tion to those who have ac qu i re d pro fi c i enc y, an d the Quadroon Dance, although not quite so difficu lt ' will be sure elicit applause in the hands of a ni° de : rate performer. The " Old Clock on the Stairs" to a very tasteful, descriptive composition, and at the same time holds the happy me di um o f b e i ng neithe r too difficult nor too easy. Coote's "Album of New Dance Music," for 1 86S ' has just made its annual appearance, and a 111°r° elegant musical presentation book has never bee published by Messrs. Hop wood and Crew, Bond-street. The exterior decoration of the album, which is dedicated by permission to b et Royal Highness the Piincess of Wales, is extremely beautiful, whileits interior is enriched with a numb er of exquisite illustrations so superbly printed in colo ur as to give them all th e a p pearance o f hi g hly-finisilehe original drawings. The pi eces con t a i ne d ill t brilliant volume cannot fail to enhance the fame Mr. Coote, whom we now look upon as our C OII3 O poser-in-chief of dance music. The " Prima Don n ' quadrille is a very artistic arrangement of the ge le ,, of all our most celebrated operas, and the Pllce bc valsc is such a delightf u lly or i g i na l compos ition tha t , sitting still during its perfo rmance i s a l mo st all le l, possibility. The " Champag ne " ga ll o p is 35 bril liant liant and sparkling as it s e ff ervesc i ng n aniestl° and the " lletty" valse will secure for itself l' ll/1 0 er dreds of admirers in the b a ll- room . Th e " Jup galop is a telling piece o f d ance mus i c , an d it ° t h il , " Royal Lancers" quad r ill e i s characteristic the highest degree. The difficulty of selecting as appropriate present for the present festive sea' son is entirely remo ve d b y th e p u blicatl ° r of Coote's Album—it s p resen t at i on w ill se cure f ° ci the donor the thanks of every lady pianiste of O e , taste and appreciation, as it w ill p rove a v ery v ali d able addition to the repertoire o f d ance music, 3.11,,, a beautiful ornament the pianofo r t e or the draW" room table. Mr. E. S. DALLAS, from New Year's Day, 41 assume the Editor of Once a Week. ST. BARTHOLOMEW'S HOSPITAL.—The patients iu this hospital injured by the explosion at the g° ll . ,„ s e of Detention continue to improve in condition, but an ; who were severely wounded mill be deprived at least P i ' a tially of sight. On Monday last Dr. Jenner, by comet 111 of the Queen, visited the hospital, and, having car 6fil Lif inquired into the state of each patient, satisfied that they were receiving all due attention and every C O- it , fort. Her Majesty afterwards caused a supply of fr uit, toys, and books to be forwarded for their use. On Vr l- 0 evening Prince Arthur visited the hospital, an d the conducted by the treasurer (Mr. Foster White) t .,. / . ° .0 1 - bedside of each patient, to each of whom his Royals 1 `;15 , ness offered words of sympathy, and said the Queen'e— commiserated their sufferings. THE RECENT LIFEBOAT ACCIDENT.-011 5:1 ,11); day, Friday, and Saturday Capt. Harris, R. 0.5., assiste. r, Mr. O'Dowd, held an inquiry at the Town-hall, Great Gory mouth, into the causes of the late lifeboat disaster at leston, near that town. A great mass of evidence wl4 O l , duced. One witness stated that the Gorleston beach 5% to neither liked nor disliked lifebelts—they did not c3r ittis wear them. The witness was of opinion that if ao9 of the men on the last occasion had worn lifebelts their toss, might have been saved, but not their lives. JoseP ll ,boo t another witness and coxswain of the Rescuer, the ll'7eol- lost—which did not belong to the National Lifeboot Intd tion, and was not built on the self-righting principl e-- ; p e a that the boachmen did not like to wear lifebelts; th O Y ra aa as much objection to them as to long-tailed coats, av da w irrs• wearing a belt was quizzed and laughed by his his felon Mr. Gimme, master of the steamtug Andrew W OOd ,:i i es t ' which rendered valuable aid at the time of the ac— A the said if a good look-out had been maintained on 1 09 - tll O lifeboat and the lugger with which it came in collisioopot accident would not have occurred. The inquiry 11° concluded when our report left. A; 0 01 EXTRAORDINARY ACCIDENT.—An extraoru' t - o s e and frightful accident happened a day or two ag° r 5, Sandiacre Starch Works, near Nottingham. It D ' o r.e‘g 01 that two men were playing on the premises, whe n - 1 13 ;0 them, named Thomas Attenborough, said he 11°1;dejo0° his companion in a tub of boiler liquid which stool' by. A short time after he took held of him, 01310° intending to do so, and they stood close by the tu b ' w orlr in their fun the deceased accidentally let his fella,n' . 0 0 1 man slip in, and, seeing his lawful plight, b e 11 , 1 at o jumped in also to get him out. They both lua l3 % e i' eg' crawl up to the top, and ran to the canal, which 11113;iiolif for relief. Both, however, were in a dreadful Cun"Libt, and had to be conveyed home, whore, on Fridsi t'lo-00 Attenborough died. The other man remains in t ' precarious state, being past recovery. 10# 4 THE SIDNEY TRIAL.—The Sidney trisl been resumed with the cross-examination °I, Bernard Bag t. He denied that ho wrote ,oseot brother Charles expressing surprise at his st9'L'e that Mr. Sidney would not come back, but a ler:hoat to that effect was put into his hand. He deniec t .d e i t eer a had said himself that Sidney would not return- ...Ato Ad t that he bad committed forgery, and yet he o°l,ct would come back. He believed that Charles we, ti o s igl' e ut lunatic asylum on the 20th of November. Piro several cheques on that day. Next day Dr.S t l7; him that Charles was on the verge of insanitY• oelrje wick afterwards said he was a raving madmall . , heard that Charles's evidence was in writing• e l o e c ocloci that his present position was caused by S idneY's He got the letter from Sidney for proof in order t ° o , o' 1 ", his brother. Mr. Purcell, Q.C., was n ext called 3eojoe'ci ness, and explained to the court that when he wt ;o e in the case he bad no idea that he shou ld be exa' t o he had given up his brief. He was asked D A 5 e - passed in consultation with Charles Bagot, and " ir 10 t o answer.—He deposed to the Bogota and. alienl3l°-ecl called upon him in reference to forgeries 0 , 0 Ol e o have been committed by Sidney. —Henry examined, and contradicted the statem ent of Si 0 he had authority to sign bills in witne,ss's nale' 00 1 10 he was not aware that Sidney was in diffieult i c rect it te i. cross-examined as to his attending a meeting of o s (l e " and dining with Sidney, although he stated h e as ter 8 a to mined to prosecute him for forgery. The post cirese at Ballymore proved the receipt of t he letter o t her to 1 : 0 0 J. L. Bagot on the 20th of August , and anet bitai self directing that Bagot's should b e left for tritd WAS again adjourned.' NO There i teetion demand the year, gagrement mated, aL equal to t: ju a few taken Oa, The N prem. Athnti tures hay dated Mc The Per atnountin There 1 Corn mar Lally una Very li progress during th decline cloths a inovemee trad es field h aN case at taki ng of and lace operation into to a of Binnir ness unp in almost The su closed o: and Ain in Lisbo nearly which in sent in and faiti the stabi change t The c At'Candl inst. II Mr. Em Brunleth9 will take domains, gany to nagemen the cow: agents it to m a k e the bon Tha p eipal dui (Vyksou announc the comj factory Notic Works No. 2, it Per annl be duly Payne, 1 To-da the char ing Co £15,000 The E L of 2.6 Messrs. this, wig last, wil under tl With it is s some E require( two lot carriag4 of L a while I Shefliell other t( rates. obtaine ten ton B r °the] £648. Creasot tautiveF. £2,512 Note CI guarau gregatc the sat del% to cash. petted 'rifles co n ced of the for th( deal d Works have b Parry f be een In 1 0 i llaci gard marl are Stea Bab( inSt4 kar ad v tion Gole 6... 8 liFix ti.