The Sun. — London, England, 1867-04-18 00:00:00

LoNnoy, THURSDAY, APRIL 18, 1867. The close of the North German Parliament took place yesterday, and the KING in person performed the ceremony. There seems nothing but changes in these matters, and we are continually reading of one Chamber being opened and another closed, but this last affair has been settled rather in a hurry. Count BISMARCK has little cause to congratulate himself upon the result of the work in question, and certainly its brightest moments were not its last by any means, for lie met with a series of re buffs and defeats, which, being unexpected, were more overw helming. Perhaps he is wise to let the cur tain drop suddenly on the scene, so that people might be induced to dwell upon the matter collectively, The news just received from Madrid will be heard with general satisfaction. The Prize Court at Cadiz, we learn, has declared the capture of the Queen Victoria by the Spanish cruiser to have been illegal. There can, consequently, be no shadow of an excuse for the Spanish Government to persist in opposing the just claims of the English Minister. It is true that the case of the Tornado still remains to be adjusted, but the satisfactory settlement of the one difficulty, though not necessarily affect ing the other, encourages us to hope that an amicable understanding may be arrived at. The Cabinet of Madrid may probably become convinced that Lord STANLEY was in earnest, and that he was fully prepared to enforce his just claims if they did not meet with proper attention. Rash and haughty as they are, they can scarcely be pre pared for actual hostilities with any great Power ; indeed the internal condition of Spain is such, be tween an exhausted Exchequer and a discontented population, that it would be scarcely possible to carry on a war with a much less formidable ad versary than England. The nature of the dispute respecting the Queen Victoria was not indeed one which demanded any such extremities ; but Spaniards are not always to be measured by the standard of other men. England, at least, has had too good reason to mistrust their good faith, and, in spite of the boasted Castilian honour, they have not always been willing either to pay their debts or to fulfil their engagements. Despite their stateliness and courtesy, it often requires a very firm hand to re duce their elaborate diplomacy to anything like straightforward common sense and simple justice. It was the more necessary that the English repre sentatives should insist upon full justice being done iu the case of the Queen Victoria, because the case is one so very liable to recur. The revenue laws of Spain afford every temptation to unscrupulous agents to seize merchant vessels on flimsy pretexts. The Queen Victoria had, as we know, a cargo of tobacco, and it was easy to get up a charge of illicit traffic after the first seizure. The captors were unwilling to let the prize slip out of their hands, and, being fully aware of the nature of the Spanish naval courts, they had good reason for believing that they could, so far as their own countrymen were concerned, bring their cause to a successful issue. The first examination into the case resulted in a decision in favour of the seizure, not withstanding the inconsistency of first claiming a vessel as a derelict, and afterwards as a smuggler. The first claim, it was, indeed, hardly possible to substantiate, even in a Spanish naval court, seeing that the crew were on board when the vessel was brought into Cadiz; the second one would think could be easily disproved by the owners and commander. Yet it is impossible to doubt that without the active and resolute interference of the Foreign• office this injustice would have been per petrated, no restitution made, and no compensa tion allowed by the Spanish officials. In spite of the evasions of General CALONGE we have every reason to believe that the matter will be speedily arranged. NARY-An can hardly be prepared to affront England for the sake of a cargo of tobacco, and if he were so reckless and so rash we may easily believe that Queen ISABELLA would interfere. Spanish affairs are complicated enough without the folly and greed of minor officials adding to the national perplexities, and it is well that even the Castilian Cabinet should be brought to realise the fact that a graceful and well-timed concession is sometimes more honourable than an inflexible dignity. The abandonment of San Domingo was one of the wisest and most politic acts of any Spanish Minister for a long time past, and we are very sure that the Spaniards generally will hear with satisfaction that the dispute with England is likely to come to a speedy termination. Lord STANLEY, notwithstanding his non-intervention principles, has shown that he is quite prepared to defend the national honour and interests, and that he knows when to exhibit a wise determination, as well as now to avoid becoming entangled in continental disturbances. Any exhibition of vacil lation or of hesitation would have been fatal to the results of his interference, and we should probably have " drifted" on into a serious quarrel with Spain without attaining the end desired. The members of the Trades' Unions do not hesi tate to put their leading theories fully and fairly before the public ; and accordingly those who are interested in the matter may understand pretty clearly the principles on which these associations are conducted. The principle of combination against g a t n, sup h e a r s i o be f e o n r c a e , d t e t e d d o c ft trom v h e a r t y uenaearly ion ly times to be a sound and wise one. The old fable of sing th ly e , faggots broken w tn i g th eth e e as r, e r b e e sist b e r d ok a en ll efforts,gave th ita atworking men's associations practical isillustratio a n ss ; n an a d ti i o t ns upon this principle were originally founded. The men were placed at a great disadvantage as compared with their employers, who not only possessed capital and intelligence, but could also confer together and regulate the rate of wages. It seemed, therefore, a natural and pru dent thing for the men, by combining together, to have some means of resisting injustice, so as to guard themselves against an unfair depreciation of their labour by the only means in their power. So far all was well, and no doubt such combi nations have done good, and ameliorated the posi tion of the working man. But the power thus exercised is liable to 9 abuse, and there is every rea son to believe that it has been abused to a great and serious extent. Setting aside the case of the capitalists, who are very well able to take care of themselves, who can import workmen from abroad or carry their capital across the seas, or give their contracts to foreign houses, we muit admit that a very unfair pressure is put upon the workmen them salves by the agency of these societies. It is as if the armour which a man put on to protect him against the enemy crushed him by its own weight. Very few employers would dream of exercising such coercion as the Trades' Unionists put upon their fellows. The radical fault of all such associations is that they strike at the great principle of individual liberty. A man, be he ever so good a workman, must not do more than a certain amount of work in a given time. If he does in some societies he is compelled to pay a fine ! This is a good method for improving the quality of English work truly ; and it is no wonder that foreign competitors are beginning to outstrip us in the race. Then if an employer takes on a non union man all the rest will strike till he is turned off, whatever his abilities or character. Again, in certain trades a man may not bring up his own son to his trade, neither may a master take on more than a certain number of apprentices. We say no thing of the acts of violence which all respectable societies condemn ; but these are the recognised principles they are not ashamed to acknowledge. All experience tells us that they are founded on a mistake, since mankind can never be brought to a dead level of uniformity, and superior talent and energy must make its way ; but that thousands of intelligent men should submit to such a doctrine proves that English workmen have still something to learn in the science of political economy. THEATRE ROYAL DRURY-LANE, Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. P. B. Chatterton. Attraction and Novelty for the Holidays. On EASTER MONDAY, April 22nd, will be produced an original Comedy I , rama, in Four Acts. entitled T EIE G. EAT CITY. by Andrew Halliday, with new and charac teristic Scenery. 20 conclude with the Farce of THAT RASCAL JACK. Commence at Seven. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.- Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Pechter. On EASTE a MONDAY, and during the week, BAM BOOZLING. Mr. E. nice and Miss Kate Bishop. Alter which, at 8, T EIE DUKE'S MOTTO. Mr. Fechter ; e.srs. Jordan, Emery, Price, Widdicombe, Fitzpatrick. Evans, Dalton, Neubound, Anderson. Reynolds. Vivian, Bennett; Misses Ilenrade, Elsworthy, Grattan, and Carlotta Leclercq. To conclude with n Divertissement, composed by L. Espi nosa. entitled TI I E RtJUS ED SATY It, with L. Espinosa, Nolte. r.n , l t:.e Ladies of the Corps de Edict. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. New Management. Sole Lessee, Mr. B. Webster; Manager, Mr. 11. R igan. Tills EVENING, LAVATER. Messrs. Clsynn, Stuart. .Murray, and Charles Mathews; Mesdames darns and AS Palmer. Followed by THE LIAR. Messrs. C. Mathews, Addison. S. J. Montague and Borax Wigan ; Mrs. Charles Mathews and Miss Stephens. After whi,:b, A ROMANTIC IDEA. Messrs. G. Vincent, Addison, 1). Murray, and Charles Mathews. Doors open at half-past Six; commence at Seven. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI. Bole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. THIS EVENING. at 7, ICI ON PARLE FRANCAIS. Xr. J. L. Toole and Mr. Billington. After which, at 8, LOST IN LONDON. Messrs. H. Neville, J. L. Toole, P. Bedfird, Ashley, Eburne ; Miss Neil son, Mrs. Billington, and Miss Seaman. To conclude. with THE STEEPLECHASE; or, in the Pigskin. Messrs. J. L. 'Toole, Bil►ington, Stephenson, &c. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs. Swanborough. On SATURDAY, SWEETHEARTS AND WIVES. After which (first time), PYGMALION ; or, The Statue Fair. Messrs. home and J ames; Mesdames A. Swan borough, Raynham, Harland, Johnstone, Newton, and Holt. To conclude with THE FRENCH EXHIBITION. Commence at Seven. lIOLBORN THEATRE ROYAL. Sole rroprietor 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, Delmore, Blake, Grarden,Vollaire; Mesdames y. Josephs, C. Saunders, B. Foote, Raymond. THEATRE. ROYAL, ASTLEY'S. Under the sole Management of Mr. W. H. C. NATION. Great Attraction for the Easter Holidays. -Production of an entirely New and Original Drama, founded on Charles Dickens's no ed work " Hard Timer," entitled UNDER TUE ; ur, The Sons of Toil." On EASTER MONDAY, and Every Eveningg, an entirely new and original Dramatic Adaptation of Dickens's work, " Hard Times, ' entitlt d UNDER. THE EARTH ; or, The Sone of Toil, with the strikin4 and effective Mine, Scenes. Messrs. Fernandez, Atkins, Stephens, Richardson; Misses JEdith Stuart, MArion, Mrs. Caulfield. To conclude with H. J. Byron's piquant Burlesque, THE ITYMPH OF THE LURLNYBURG, with new and brilliant Scenery illustrative 01 the beautiful Rhine. Misses Edith Stuart, Ellen Thirlwall, Nellie Clifton, Annie Richardson; Messrs. Atkins, Stephens, and Arthur. LA TEST INTELLIGENCE. - .. OL ti SAM SMITH," late of " The Mail Coach," bhepherd's Bush, now of the White Hart, Acton, id iddleees. begs to inform his friends sold neighbours that the LATEST NDITIUN of "THE 6U/4" can be seen at his house as above. T" "SUN" NEWSPAPER.— G. IL GLENIE, Sporting Library, 4, Connaught - terrace, Edgware-road, is specially appointed A_GEN r to altliver the LATE EDITION of "THE SUS " at the earnest possible moment after leaving the press. /le is able to deliver copies in Town, the Suburbs, and in many parts of the Country at a comparatively early hour the same evening, say 40 miles by 9 o'clock. Orders by Post punctually attended to. THE "SUN" NEWSPAPER.- G. R. GLENIE delivers the LATE EDITION M Chelsea, 7.40 ; Kilburn, 8; Starch-green, 8; Woolwich, 7.30 ; Uxbridge, 9.20 ; Walford. 8.48. THE THIRD EDITION of " THE SUN," giving all the SPORTING NEWS of the day, may be seen at JIMMY MANTON'S house, "The Swan and Horse Shoe," 32, Little Britain, City, E.C. 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" 1 1 1 11 E SUN" NEWSPAPER.—" The Mitre" 'ravtrn, New Church-street, near the Alpha-road, Paddington. —Mr PIZZEY (many yeats of Church street , : having' taken the above Business of Er. Fred. Squires, re spectfully informs his friends and the public that "TILE SUN" (Third Edition), containing the Latest Sporting News, Results of Races, Latest Parliamentary Debits., Ac , can be seen at his house as above " All the year round." *** A well-selected and extensive Stock of WISES, SPIRITS, Sze. METROPOLITAN RAILWAY. MOORGATE-STREET STATION is the nearest to E. MOSES and SON'S Establishment, corner of Minories and Aldgate, City. METROPOLITAN RAILWAY. GOWER STREET STATION is the nearest to E. MOSES and SON'S Establishment corner of Totten barn-court-road and Easton-road. METROPOLITAN RAILWAY. GOWER-STREET STATION is the nearest to E. MOSES and SON'S Establishment, Nev Oxford street, corner of Hart-street. EMOSES and SON'S ESTABLISHMENTS " are CLOSED EVERY FRIDAY EVENING at sunset till SATURDAY EVENING at sunset, when business is resumed till Eleven o'clock. All articles ate marked the lowest prices in plain figures, from which no abatement can be made. Any article not approved 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," (second part), gratis and post free. MOSES and SON • are Ready-made and Bespoke Tailors, Habit Makers, Woollen Drapers, Hatters, Hosiers, Boot and Shoe Manufacturers, and General Outfitters for all Classes. LONDON HOUSES, 154, 155, 156, 157, Minories ; 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, Aldgate ; 506, 507, 508, New Oxford-street; 1,2, 3, Hart-street ; 137, 138, Tottenham-court road ; 283, Euston-road. COUNTRY BRANCH—Bradford, Yorksbire. APOPULAR HISTORY of LONDON from the Invasion of Julius Camar to the Present time. Part the Second—From 1066 to 1867. E. Moses and Son, corner of Minories and Aldgate ; New Oxford-street, and Tottenham-court-road, London; And Bradford, Yorkshire. Gratis and post free on application. Eke Sun WILL BE PUBLISHED AS USUAL TO-MORROW (FRIDAY). HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. THIS DAY. —Morning, Ih. 40m.—Afternoon, lh. 57m ro-Nloitßow.-MorninE,r, 2h. 12m.—Afternoon, 2h. 32w. ~~ t~ ~ ~~~ or.!~~Y ~,1 N w~ ~1 ~'ti 2um rather than to think upon the latter incidents of the sittings. It is inconsistent with his declaration that he would resign his post if the Government were defeated to come forward and state that the vote of the Parliament should be agreed to, but it is not likely that any one placed much faith in the asser tion. The usual paraphernalia that attends these public ceremonies in Prussia were met with. The speech of King WILLIAM was long, and entered into the consideration of a good many subjects, but nothing new was observable. We wish that we could notice the absence of those appeals to Heaven which have so often hitherto been censured in the official statements and royal mani festoes in Berlin, but it really looks as if the worse the policy pursued was the better claim they had on Divine protection ; and it is almost profane to find one in so exalted a position assuring his hearers that those acts have been wrought by the special grace of GOD, which have called forth the indignation of honest men, and given rise to so much scorn and contumely among all who value independence and respect justice. If the Prussians approve of this sort of thing, all we can say is, that they are to be pitied for their ignorance, and condemned for their want of reverence. According to this doctrine, all successful adventurers and fortunate speculators, whether with their own property or that of others, may thus excuse and palliate their conduct, and throw the responsibility of their actions on a higher power, while they take very good care to keep a ll the profit to themselves. Nothing can succeed, however, in making the Prussians exhibit moderation in their acts or modesty in their language, and there fore all that is to be done is to observe how far they wander from the paths of propriety, and proceed to justify themselves with unblushing effrontery and amazing coolness. The KING commences by congratulating the members of the North German Confedera tion at the satisfactory termination of their "important labours." It would almost seem as if the passage which refers to the manner in which the work was carried on was composed be fore the momentous division on the army question, and it was deemed inadvisable to alter it, for the " common objects" of the Government and the Deputies, to complete the work speedily and satis factorily, were not much kept in view during the recent struggles and divisions. It may be all for the best, however, that the KING and his' satellite" should have found out that they were not quite in fallible before all the preliminary arrangements were carried out ; it may teach them wisdom and' induce them to pay a little more deference for the wishes of others for the future. Were not the consequences so serious it would be amusing to notice the expressions of the KING relating to the " Individual States." They have, we learn, " retained their freedom of action in all de partments wherein variety and development are admissible and salutary." We know now at any rate within what narrow limits are confined the said variety and development, and it contrasts ill with the prophecies concerning the progress of Ger many which have been so rife, from Count Bis- MARCK downviards. The sacrifices which have been made have been effected for the sake of Germany ; but who can say what Prussia has done that is worthy of being dignified by the name of sacrifice. She has made about as much sacrifice as Germany has re quired, of course, but it would not do for her not to affect a virtue whether she has it or not. Really, a stranger might be justified in thinking that the Royal speech celebrated the victory of the people and nations that had assailed their rights, instead of being the triumphant declaration on the part of a country that had monopolised power to itself, and appropriated the possessions of its smaller neighbours without scruple or compunc tion. " The time has arrived when all German Fatherland is able to uphold its place, its rights, and its dignity by its own collective strength. The national self-consciousness, which has found elevated expression in the Parliament, has met with a powerful echo from all quarters of Germany." This sounds very grand, but it is quite another thing to define its meaning. There were none for to interfere with Germany but Prussia, and how the triumph of that Power over the rights of others can constitute a cause for national thanksgivings might well puzzle the most astute of German philosophers to define. About the same meaning attaches itself to the phrase " regained power," which appears further on. As usual, the King expresses his trust that Providence will perfect the work thus begun through succeeding generations, and so ends the discourse delivered on the momentous occasion. If there are any patriotic Germans who believe that the Fatherland will be benefited by those changes, they are very much to be pitied, because disap pointment complete and overwhelming awaits them, and the far-sighted may well exclaim when they hear the German people's expressions, made by the King and ratified by his Ministers, Timea danaos et dona ferentes, for what State, large or small, was ever yet connected in intimate relations with Prussia that did not bitterly regret the day that led to such engagements. TIM SUN, LOIN t ONX THURSDAY EVENING, APRIL 18, 1867 CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) PARIS, Wednesday Evening. A private despatch states that the delegates of Northern Germany have given to the Reichstag their views respecting the change introduced by the Parliament into the Federal Constitution. On comparing the changes of the text of the 30 articles it appears manifest that about half of them have been subjected to modifications. Nevertheless it is believed, although these changes are all more or less radical, that there will be agreement upon the sub ject. M. de Bismarck announced that the Federal Government would consent to most of these amend ments in the Constitution. The Legislative Body, after agreeing to the law respecting municipal councils, and that conferring a national recompense upon M. de Lamartine, have adjourned for the Easter holidays till the 25th inst. The sum voted is 500,000 f., which he can bequeath by will, and he will receive the interest of it during his life at 5 per cent. The Italian Senate, constituted into a High Court of Justice, has given its decision upon the charges against Admiral Persano. They have declared him guilty of disobedience, incapacity, and negligence, and have sentenced him to the loss of his rank, and to pay the expenses of the trial. The Moniteur says it has received from Port-au- Prince some further particulars of the events which preceded and followed the fall of President Geffr*.rd. Seeing the imminence of the crisis, the President had made modifications in his Ministry, and con voked the Senate within a brief delay in order to surrender his post into their hands. An insurrec tion having, however, broken out in the meantime, the President profited by the unexpected arrival of the French aviso, the d'Estaing, and with the assist ance of the French Consul embarked with his family. The Council of Secretaries of State imme mediately assembled, and declared itself in perma nence until the constitutional appointment of a new President. Among the candidates for the office are General Paul, who is supported by the Senate ; General Petion Taubert, and General Niszaze Sa gette, who diverts the resistance at St. Marc, and who was the chief cause of the departure of M. Geffrard. At the date of the 16th of March order reigned in the Haytian Republic, where, however, French interests are not in the least compromised. The Aviso d'Estaing had returned to Port-au-Prince on the 22d. The Memorial Diplomatigue has some informa- tion respecting the supposed policy of England, which, in spite of its claim to official authority, must be received with what the French papers call " reserve." It says that England will not Le con tent with merely giving an opinion in regard to the treaty of 1839, quite opposed to that of the Cabinet of Berlin, but that she is disposed to insist that the Luxembourg question shall be solved in conformity with the wishes of the population and the interest of the French Government. It adds that England, Austria, and Russia are unanimously of opinion, contrary to the claim of Prussia, that the guarantee stipulated by the Treaties of 1839 does not give au thority to Prussia to occupy the fortress of Luxem bourg. In consequence Prussia is becoming more conciliatory. The transport Porsone bas sailed from Oran with orders to proceed to Madeira to take on board a number of negroes coming to Paris from all points of Senegambia, to visit the Exhibition. Th ese negroes belong to the aristocratic portion of the people under the sovereignty of France, and were brought to Madeira by one of the French ships on the naval station at Senegal. As the Exhibition was opened precisely on the day which was fixed there will be the same punc tuality in closing it upon the day anno unce d, th e 31st of October. A Russian Company, it is said, have purchased all the materials used in its con struction. In class No. 66 bis, there have just been placed the two small boats exhibited by the Empress, a caique, and a Venetian gondola. The Imperial Commissioners of the class sent to her Majesty the usual exhibitors card, with her portrait in the corner . It has the following inscription Class 66 bis. Her Majesty the Empress exhibitor." The Mexican temple, which is n ow i ns t a ll e d i n the Park, is an exact imitation of the temple of Bochicabo, after studies made upon the spot by a scientific mission sent by the French Government to Mexico. One of the Paris papers seems to have later in formation than that of the Moniteur upon the sub ject of the Revolution in Hayti. At all events, it says that General Hissage Sagot, commandant of St. Marc, has been appointed President by the Provisional Council, with Saluave and Delorme as members of the Consulting Council. A proclama tion had been drawn up to the people and the army by the Council of State, inviting the people to re construct the edifice destroyed by fatal passions and deprecating political agitation. It calls upon them to remain calm and to avoid political agitation. It concludes by expressing its desire to provide for the safety of the country, and professes to uphold the principle of liberty, equality, the Republic, and the Constitution. The son of Baron de Budberg, the Russian Am bassador, who was so seriously hurt by being thrown from his horse, is pronounced to be now out of danger, and his recovery is proceeding in a satisfactory manner. The Spring Regatta of the Paris Sailing Club took place on Sunday at Argenteuil, although a perfect tempest prevailed, and the attendance was good. Only th ree b oats conteste d f or t h e pr i ze — Temps (belon g i ng to M. Carpentier), Ariel (to M. Bateman), and Marie Gabrielle (to M. Benort Champy). The prize was won by Marie Gabrielle, who, for the twenty-fifth time, arrived first. The Academy of Medicine of Belgium has offered a prize of 1,200 f. for the memoir which shall best describe the causes, symptoms, and nature of the contagious fever among animals. The memoir is to mention the various species of animals which are the most susceptible of contract ing the disease, and to point out the various characteristics by which it is distinguished. The competition is to be open until the Ist of January next. A curious manuscript was sold at the last public sale in the Rue Druot, which was written by the celebrated Vidocq, once the head of the Police de Suret6, or Detective Police. It forms a large dictionary of the slang used by French thieves, with d a lA g B l t3 o st s s h. a e r e y vn or ed d ofoec x ath diedplanatione S some s o a f cg t ohb eight oorf terms. It is nine ne petition years d ag a o te . e d a t to h i t a h e second hulks a o o r o t e r s a s inosn p sent ort a b t y i 0n r t i o m n o a u l s i c o x n d v er n n to the Throne of France in 1815. In this petition the thieves recall to the recollection of their beloved Sovereign the fact that upon his return to the Throne in 1814 they sent him a petition praying for pardon, and that since that time (during the 100 days) " they had done nothing but weep at his absence." " But, oh King !" says the petition in con clusion, " your return has revived our hopes." The petitioners promise the King, if he will pardon thatthem, th t e h y w att in they w ill not repeat th e i r s i ns, an d sing a mass to hi s h onour. I am not aware whether this document terminates with the formula once suggested for a petition from an d your petitioners will e ver p re y." An astronomer of M arseill es has discovered a in right ascens i on 225 attorneys—'& Austral les declinati on o f 2 d eg. new small comet near the star Ga mma , o f th e The comet has the aspect of a diffus e nebulous body, of from 4 to 5 min. d2 c g n constellation e4i11151.a t a h n e d S i e n a 7 in diameter, rather more luminous in the centre, and without a tail. The movement of the comet at present is, in 21 hours, of only a few minutes in right ascen sion, and upon the same parallel of declination. The weather has been fine and agreeable to day, and there has been a larger attendance and more animation than I have yet observed. At one of the Paris papers a piece is now being played, which is full of the most. outrageous co nundrums. Here is a specimen :—The question is asked, Of what use are cannon ? The answer is, They have served to increase les dettes aux nations (detonations). The result of the further discussion on the law for the abolition of imprisonment for debt was that the Chamber agreed to the article sent back to the committee. It is a very exciting topic with the commercial world. The point now to settle is whether the punishment of imprisonment for debt is to be retained in case of non-payment of damages in civil suits. The advocates of imprison ment fordebt a maintain manyfavourable thei r argument modifications have chiefly on the ground that been made in behalf of the debtor. A legal writer calls attention to the severity of the law in regard to debtors in the time of the Romans. One of the provisions was that if after a delay of 30 days the debtor refused to pay his debt, and no one would become security for him, the creditor might take him home, tie him by the neck, and put chains on his feet, but not of a heavier wei • ght than 151bs. At another period the creditor , • • after giving three days' notice to the debtor , might, in case of non payment then, take his debtor to the public mar ket and there expose him during three days, and cause a crier to proclaim from time to time the amount of the sum of which he had been defrauded. If a man became indebted to several creditors they might, after a notice of three days, cut his body into as many pieces as they liked, or the creditors might sell the debtor to the foreigners who lived beyond the Tiber. It was Louis XV. who instituted the Gardes du Commerce, or the per sons who take debtors into custody. They now form a regular corporation, at the head of which is M. Perrin ; the secretary is Di. Lespart. It is stated that a member of the corporation once asked a poet whom they shoull select as their patron saint. "You must not seek for him in the almanack," replied the p3et, " but in the Bible. Let it be Joshua, for he tried even to arrest the sun." Under the existing system the creditor is bound to provide food for his debtors in the Rue de Clichy. In case of default in finding reasonable and proper food for the debtor the om"ssion en titles the debtor to his discharge. When the news that the article was agreed to by the Cham ber reached the prison it was read aloud by one of the prisoners, and there was immense enthu siasm. The prisoners asked for permission to illuminate the prison at night. There still exists in the garden of the Tuileries a café at which a debtor was arrested, but he pleaded before the tribunals that a person in a Royal residence was privileged, and the court set him at liberty. THE NEW LIBERAL 44 WHIP."—The division of last Saturday morning on Mr. Gladstone's amendment was the last in which Mr. Brand will appear as "whip'' to the Opposition. After the Easter recess his place will be taken by lir. George Grrenfell Glyn, the member for Shaftesbury. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. (REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.) AMERICA. NEW YORK, April 17th, 6 p.m. The Supreme Court has subpoenaed Generals Grant and Pope and Mr. Stanton to answer the complaint of Georgia next September. The Great Eastern has sailed for Europe. The City of Boston has arrived out. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. Closing Prices.—Gold, 1351 sterling ; Exchange on London, 1094 ; 5-2') United States Bonds, 1094 ; Illinois, 4131 ; Erie, 561. Cotton, middling up land, 27g. Petroleum, refined, 26. HUNGARY. PEsTIL, April 18. The Royal Rescript for the Assembly of the Croatian Diet will be countersigned by the Presi dent of the Hungarian Ministerial Council. The elections of the Municipalities are taking place without disturbance throughout Hungary. ENGLAND AND SPAIN. MADRID, April 18. The Council of State has confirmed the decision of the Prize Court of Cadiz, declaring the illegality of the seizure of the Queen Victoria. The King and Queen of Portugal are expected to arrive here on the 26th inst., on their way to Paris. BOMBAY MAIL. MALTA, April 17. The Massilia leaves at 7 p.m., and the Nyanza at 4 p.m. to-day. The former may be expected at Marseilles on the 20th, and the latter at Southampton about the 26th inst. OUTWARD BOMBAY MAIL. GIBRALTAR, April 17. The Ceylon from Southampton, on the 12th inst., arrived to-day at 1 a.m., and leaves at 9 a.m. for Alexandria. SUEZ, April 16. The Madras (extra steamer) from Bombay, on the 33 inst., arrived at 8 a.m. to-day. CALCUTTA AND CHINA MAILS. SUEZ, April 17. The Bengal arrived at 6 a.m. to-day. CIiINA. * SHANGHAI, March 7. The death of the Mikado of Japan is confirmed. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. Grey Shirtings, 6i catty, 2.50 taels. Tea firm Silk unchanged. Export to date, 38,500 bales, Exchange on London, ss. 10d. Freights—Tea, 40s, HONG KONG, March 15. Grey shirtings, 6f catty, 3.50 taels. Tea un changed ; total export 112,000,000 lbs. Exchange on London, 4s 3d. * The above messages have occupied 20 days in transmission from Galle. INDIA AND CHINA MAILS. GALLE, April 11. The Messageries Imperiales steamer Tigre left here to-day with homeward India, China, and Japan mails. She has 200 first-class passengers on board, 1,300 bales of silk, and 300 packages of tea. The Donnai, with the outward mails, left here on the 12th. TURKEY. PARIS, April 18. Telegraphic advices received here from Constan tinople to the 16th inst. state that the publication of several rtfornis is expected after the Bairan fes tival. One of these measures would have reference to the laws affecting the property of foreigners in Turkey. RUSSIA. ST. PETERSBURG, April 18. The official Northern Post, referring to the state ment that Russia would support Prussia in the event of war, states that the sole object of the Rus sian Government is the maintenance of peace. The Emperor and Empress will make a public entry into Moscow on the 3d May. CLOSE OF THE NORTH GERMAN PAR- LIAMENT. SPEECH OF KING WILLIAM. BERLIN, Wednesday Afternoon. The close of the North German Parliament by the King of Prussia in person, as previously announced by Count Von Bismarck during the morning's sit ting, took place at noon to-day in the White Saloon of the Royal Castle. A large number of Deputies were present,iinclud ing Prince Frederick Charles. The Left, how ever, was only represented by Herren Becker and Schraps. In the box of the diplomatic body were the Ambassadors of England, Russia, Denmark, and Holland. The Queen and the Crown Princess, with her eldest son, were in the Royal box. On the entry of the King Ilerr Simson, President of the Parliament, exclaimed, " Long live the King, the Protector of the North German Bund." His Majesty then delivered the following speech from the Throne : ,' Illustrious, Noble, and Honourable Members of the Parliament of the North German Confederation, " I see you again assembled around me at the termination of your important labours with a feeling of sincere satisfaction. The hopes I recently ex pressed from this place in the name of the allied Governments have since then, through your aid, been brought to fulfilment. With patriotic earnest ness you have understood the greatness of your task, and havekept in view our common objects with voluntary self-restraint. For that reason we have succeeded in establishing upon a secure basis a con stitution whose development we may confidently leave to the future. The Federal authority is fur nished with the attributes indispensable to, but also sufficient for, the prosperity and the power of the Confederation. The individual States, while their future is guaranteed by the totality of the Bund, have retained their freedom of action in all depart ments wherein variety and development is admis sible and salutary. The popular representation is secured, that co-operation in carrying out the great national objects which corresponds to the spirit of the existing constitutions of the countries, and to the necessities of the Governments to see their action supported by the agreement of the German people. " All of us who have co-operated in carrying out the national task—the allied Governments as well as the representatives of the people—have readily made the sacrifice of our views and our wishes, and we were able to do so in the conviction that these sacrifices were made for Germany and that they were worth our union. By this universal readiness, coupled with the conciliation of and victory over opposing views, the guarantee is at the same time gained for that future fruit ful development of the Confederation, with the conclusion of which also the hopes com mon to us with our brethren in South Germany have advanced nearer to their fulfilment. The time has arrived when our German Fatherland is able to uphold its peace, its rights, and its dignity by its own collective strength. The national self-con sciousness, which has found elevated expression in the Parliament, has met with a powerful echo from all quarters of Germany. None the less, however, are all the Governments and peoples of Germany unanimous that the regained power of the nation has, above all, to uphold its significance by render ing-secure the blessings of peace. " lionourab.le Gentlemen, —The great work in which we have been thought worthy by Providence to co-operate is approaching its completion. The popular representations of the individual states will not refuse their constitutional recognition to what you have created in community with their Govern ments. The same spirit that has enabled the task to succeed here will also preside over their delibera tions. Thus, then, the first Parliament of the North German Confederation may close its labours with the elevating consciousness that it is accompanied by the thanks of the Fatherland, and that the work it has accomplished will, with the help of Providence, be fruitfully developed both in our time and in future generations. " May God bestow his blessing upon us and our dear Fatherland." The paragraphs of the Speech relating to South Germany, and to the duty of securing the blessings of peace, called forth loud cheers. After the delivery of the Speech Count Bismarck, on behalf of the Federal Governments, declared the session closed. The Saxon Plenipotentiary then called upon the assembly to give three cheers for the King of Prussia. FRANCE. BOURSE, April 17, Two o'clock.—There is again no abatement to notice in the general uneasiness of the market ; and quotations, in consequence, continue their downward course. Three per Cents. have declined 10c., to 66f. 47fc., and Italian Fives 40c., to 48f. 20c. In miscellaneous securities Cre dit Mobilier have receded 6f. 25c., to 363 f. 75c. ; Foncier 10f., to 1,310 f. ; and Transatlantic 5f., to 300 f. The little business which is being transacted in the railway department is [also at prices lower than those current at yesterday's close. A fall of is likewise telegraphed on English Consols.— Three o'clock—The market has improved, the close taking place as follows : 4i per Cents 95 50 Do. end month — 3 per Cents. 67 Do, end month 66 75 Credit Ilobilier Do. end month Credit Fonder — Do. end month 1327 50 BAIL Bank Shares 3400 Italian Loan 4B 60 Do. end month 4B 45 Mexican Loan l7 Do. Bonds ll2 50 Spanish Throes Home Debt 3O Deferred 'AY& For Account. Orleans Northern 1127 50 Lyons and Mediterranean BBO Southern 542 50 Western 530 Eastern 521 25 Sardinian — Austrian Lombard 376 25 North of Spain — Saragossa — Ditto to Barcelona Roman, The Engine-Drivers' Strike. The position of affairs between the directors of the North-Eastern Railway and the engine -drivers and firemen on strike remains much the same as it was on Monday, with the exception, perhaps, that the company appear to be rapidly surmounting their difficulties. The applications for the situa tions of the drivers, they allege, are exceedingly numerous, but, of course, selections have to be made, and the greater number of the applications have to be rejected. Not many of the trains now leave the stations on the line without two extra persons on the engines, who aro being instructed in engine driving. The men out on strike have issued an ap peal to those who are seeking employment on the North-Eastern system. They say :--" We are cer tain that you are not reflecting sufficiently in seek ing or accepting work on the North Eastern Rail way during the present crisis. There are 1,500 of us who have turned out on that line because we could not?get our grievances redressed, because the refusal to redress them wasconveyed to us with such heartlessness and insult that any longer submission became intolerable. In (Nag this we have been act ing in your interests as well as our own. We are striving to get the perilous business and heavy re sponsibilities of engine -driving fairly remunerated, and we have asked for no more, not even so much, as other companies have granted. We appeal to you, therefore, as one working man ought to appeal to another, is it right that you should seek to supply our places upon conditions which we found to be no longer bearable ? For, rest assured, whatever in ducement may be offered t o you, it is only to serve their purposes in conquering us, and your lot will become as hard as ours has been. Believe us, there fore, fellow-workmen, by accepting employment under such circumstances you are inflicting a deep and permanent injury on yourselves as well as upon us, for if the company would not yield to the mode rate claims of men who have served them faithfully for many years, is it likely they will be more consi derate to a number of strangers who have come in to take their places ? We feel very strongly upon this subject, and we feel sadly about it too. It is sad to find that when an effort is being made to get a better recognition of the rights of labour the chief obstacle to success should come from working men. We ask you, then, to consider wisely what you are doing in this matter, and instead of opposing us lend your assistance to get proper hours of labour and fairer pay for the English engine-driver." More of the men in the Newcastle district have ex pressed their readiness to return to their empioyment. But nothing will be done by the managers until they receive their instructions from the directors, who would meet at Newcastle-on-Tyne yesterday. In the meantime the company are rapidly working up to their ordinary traffic in goods and minerals. A threat is held out by the men that if terms are not speedily made with them by the directors, the North Eastern goods and mineral traffic will be blocked at York and Knottingly by the Great Northern and Midland Counties enginemen, who will refuse to take goods and minerals along their lines which have come by the North-Eastern. At Shildon, from which place most of the mineral traffic which passes along the Stockton and Darlington line is despatched, the trains are getting away pretty regularly, and a num ber of men from the railway shops have taken charge of the engines, and all who know the line have to go with them to pilot them. The month's pay of the men on the Stockton and Darlington who have struck work, and which was due last Friday, con tinues to be refused by the company. At Middles borough there are plenty of engines, and the com pany are nearly able to meet the requirements of the Tees iron district. REFORM LEAGUE DEMONSTRATION IN HYDE PARK. —A meeting of the Council and delegates of the various branches of the Reform League was held last night at the Sussex Hotel, Bouverie-street, Fleet-street. Mr. Edmond Beales, who took the chair, addressed the meeting. He strongly condemned the late proceedings in the House of Commons, and expressed a decided opiuicn that the time had arrived for another great demonstration in the metro polis. After a long discussion, a delegate moved " That a demonstration of the Reformers of London be held in Ilyde Park at 6 o'clock in the evening of Monday, the 6th of May." An amendment was moved to the effect that the proposed demonstration should be at midnight. After a protracted and personal discussion the original resolution was carried by a majority, and was referred to the Execu tive Council to carry it out. The routine business being transacted, a vote of thanks to the chairman. closed the proceedings. MADAME TUSSALM'S. Among the numerous additions to this exhibition is a model, life-size, of the late lamented Prince Consort, executed with the greatest possible artistic skill, and illustrative of his Royal High ness as being the originator and founder of international exhibitions. There have been likewise added new por trait models, life size, of her Majesty Queen Victoria ; their Royal Highnesses the Princesses Helena, Louise, and Beatrice ; also the Duke of Cambridge and Princess Mary. E -7:44x1: - Court"q' Cum HER MAJESTY, &c• WINDSOR CASTLE, April 17. The Queen drove out yesterday afternoon, accom panied by her Royal Highness Princess Louise. Her Majesty took a drive this morning. Countess Blucher had the honour of accompanying he r Majesty. Princess Louise, attended by Lady Churchill, walked in the Home-park, and Prince Leopold also walked out, attended by Mr. Legg. The Piincess Christian. Her Royal Highness Princess Christian passed a very good night. Her Royal Highness and the infant prince ate doing perfectly well. (Signed) THOMAS FAIRBANK, M.D. • Foreign Courts. PARIS, April 16. The Count and Countess de Chambord, 1010 lately arrived in Vienna from Frohsdorf, left tha t capital on the 10th inst. for Prague, to pay a visit to the Emperor Ferdinand and the Empress Mar ie Anne. They will spend Easter at Prague ; aft er the fetes they will return to Frohsdorf, where Duke Robert of Parma is at present staying. Count Cibario has returned to Florence. During his short stay in Vienna he has been engaged in the preparation of documents and other matters cow cerning Venetia. It seems that important and on" foreseen matters have necessitated his sudden retail to Italy. The Courier of the Rhine states that the Hotel d'Orange at Kreurnach has been taken for the Prince Imperial, who is to proceed to that town e t the commencement of the bathing season. The King of Portugal is expected in Paris on th e Ist of May. The Queen of the Belgians was present on Sunday at the opening of the annual horticultural exhibition at Brussels. Her Majesty was attended by th e Countess de Moerkerke and the Marquise de TO zegnies. The president of the society, Count cle, Sauvage, received her Majesty at the entrance a nd presented her with a magnificent bouquet. Th e Queen expressed her admiration of the productions exhibited, and after a lengthened examination r 0" turned to the palace. A letter from Rome, in the Independance Beige , says :—" The health of the ex-Queen of Naples causes great anxiety. Her Majesty is suffering frail an affection of the chest. A few days since a cow sultation of physicians deliberated as to the climate best suited to the patient, and they have recall' mended Switzerland. The Queen will very likely leave this city in a few days." Prince Mustapha Pasha, attended by his suite , has arrived at Florence. The Marquis de Chateaurenard three days bacit presented to the King of Wurtemburg his credo!'" tials as Minister of France at the Court of Rua' gard. The official journal announces that the title of baron has been conferred on M. Mercier de LoS• tende, French Ambassador at Madrid. Amongst the notices of marriage just posted uP in Paris is that of Count de Montesquieu-Fezeo' sac, lieuenant in the sth Hussars, with the Princess Marie de Bibesco, daughter of the ex-Prince ° f Wallachia. The Prince of Wales, attended by the Hon. T. Fitzmaurice, rode out yesterday. The Duke and Duchess of Buccleuch and Ladl Margaret Scott have arrived at Dalkeith Palace, na 6r Edinburgh, from Bowhill, the Duke's hunting seat in Sa l ' kirkshire. The Duke and Duchess of Richmond have left Belgra.ve-square for Goodwood, Sussex, for the Eas ter recess. The Earl; and Countess of Derby have gone t° their villa at Roehatnpton. The noble earl is much better• He is daily regaining his lost strength, and there is 13° doubt will be able to take his place in the House of Lord° on the reassembling of Parliament. The Duke and Duchess of Buckingham a° 4 family have loft Chandos House for Stowo, Bucks, for th e holidays. The Duchess (Eleanor) of Northumberland re turned to her residence in Whitehall Gardens, on Mondeil from visiting the Earl and Count()Es of Macclesfield at their seat, Sherborne Castle, Oxon. The Earl and Countess of Darnley have left gill' street, Berkeley-square, for Cobham Hall, Kent for the Easter recess. The Earl of Malmesbury has left Stratford' place for Heron Court, New Christchurch. The countess is regaining strength daily after her late most precarious illness. The Earl and Countess Stanhope and Lady Ma l l Stanhope have gone to Uh even i ng P ar k, K en t, for a fe" weeks. EVICTIONS IN THE CITY. A numerously-attended meeting, under the aus pices of the Evicted Tenants' Aid Association, was held last evening in the mission -room, Fyefon t ; lane, Upper Thames-street, to consider the cases about a thousand working people about to be turn° out of their homes by the clearances needed for the new street from the Mansion-house to BlackfriarS' The chair was taken by Mr. George Cruikshan k ' vice-president of the association, who, with Mr. ur c i L. Banks, hon. secretary, Mr. T. Restieaux, a n other gentlemen, attended as a deputation fro ° that body. Mr. Banks said that the first question which ought to be considered in a community O ne the household of a man—a question which had re ceived hitherto too little attention. During the next two years 100,000 people w ere t o b e evicted , and as many had been dispossessed of their bong s within the last 10 years. In the present case t he association had at once sent a gentleman to make house to house visit, and from his report it appear; that about 1,000 persons were to be evicted, skY about 250 families. About one-fifth of these pe r ' sons were widows. In a few cases the occupll had been allowed to remain in their rooms free n rent from the 25th of March last to the time of actual eviction, which had been on the 11th AP ri , for some, early in May for others, and at the en 'i of June for the rest. He detailed some cases great hardship, and proposed a resolution to the effect that it was wrong in principle and cruel evict the poor tenant without allowing him an/ compensation. The resolution was seconded by t he Rev. Mr. Taylor, who mentioned the case of a po f man who, with his wife and five children, h a d bee n earning a comfortable living until two years sin ce ' when he had been forced from his home and the connection he had formed. He had since bee n struggling hard with poverty, and at his now inn t f, advanced period of life had not been able to forin fresh connection equal to that which he bad o ' 4 ' This case was but one of hundreds. The resolution was carried unanimously. The Rev. Mr. Vige on moved the second resolution—That a committee formed to collect a fund in aid of those evicted ° I/ taining other houses. He said there were man) gifts in the parish, and it was doubtful how far an d of these could be applied to those who mot, beyond its boundary. The small tradesmen, P o said, would be great sufferers. The resolution W n t seconded by Mr. T. Restieaux, and passed. 14 0 . Ilargood moved that a deputation should wait et" a Sir John Thwaites to represent the case, and th at petition be presented to the House of Commons ° the subject. Mr. Bell seconded the resolution; which was passed. Mr. Vigeon then asked th °ls . r who were about to be evicted to hold up th ei o hands, and the hands of nearly all present W er o raised. He then asked those who had been able is obtain house-room to raise their hands, and e j was responded to by seven. it further apPe n f a t that one had found room in the neighbourho o d ue nearly double the old rent, and the others at Yn t r i fbe long distances, also at increased rentals. , fr , meeting concluded with votes of thanks to. to Cruikshank, Mr. G. L. Banks, and the BY l° Tenants' Aid Association. NEW ACT ON SHIPPING LOCAL DUES.- I( et ' r day one of the last acts passed was printed, to abolish (— tio min exemptions of local dues on shipping, and on glos carried in ships. The oxeruptions are to cease on the August next.