The Sun. — London, England, 1870-02-12 00:00:00

TNEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI. Sole. Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. WEBSTER Tins EVENING, at 7 o'clock. OPEN TO CONVICTION. Messr3. G. Be!more, J. D. Beveridge, C. H. St ep h enson, Miss L. tlrev. and Mrs. Leigh Murray. A t 8 . TI! NIGHTINGAL . Mr Benjamin Webster, Mers Arthur Stirling, .1. D. Beveridge , Skinner, Miss Furtado, er rs Alfred Mellon, vies Eliza Johnstone, .Mrs Caulfield, &c. io conclude with DOMESTIC ECONOMY. Mr Al more and .;:ni Leigh Murray. Box-office open daily, from 10 till No fees for booking. Places can be secured a fortnight in advance. 11) OYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE Jilt) Lessee and Manager—Kr. Benjamin Wel'ster. T ; I IS EVENING, at 7, WHITEBAIT AT GREENWICH. At 8, FORMOSA: Messrs. J. Rouse, Rignold, Ashley, Taylor, Lin Rayne, Phllllns, Leeson, Eb urn e. Romer, &C.: Mesdames ßillington, K. Itod'gers, M. Brennan, E. Barnett, L Grey, &C. THF,ATRE (under the manngetnent _li of Messrs Mansell (elegantly redecorated i y M+teintosh). Tll IS EVENING, at 7, COB UP I' PRA t.TUI C .ES ; Messrs CogYan, Vincent; Mesdames L. Thorne, S. Rignold, and Fitz- I omen. Aft r which, CIELPERIC, by Trerve: Messrs M. Marius, G Vincent, Odell, Laplerre, Coghlan, and M. Herve Me,darnes Dolan), Fitzluman, Romanelll, Nellie Nesbit, and Miss Emily Muir. 0 YAL STRAND THEATRE. It. Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs Swanb oroug h. TEES EVENING, at 7, THE IIEIIt AT LAW : Messrs J S. Clarke, D. James, crouch; 111 esdames Button and Claire. Followed by THE TOOD LES : Mr Clarke. Atter which, INO; Messrs Thorne, James, Fenton, Turner ; Mesdames Sheridan, Newton, Maitland, &c. THE LATE EDITION of "THE SUN " at J. SMITH'S, 33, Bow-street, Covent-garden. "THE APPAREL OFT PROCLAIMS THE MAN." BEST MATERIALS, BEST STYLES BEST WORKMANSHIP, and LOWEST PRICES, at E. MOSES and SON'S. Every description of Clothing ready-made or made to measure, far all ages, all occa sions, and all classes, at E. MOSES and SON'S. An immense assortment of WINTER CLOTHING, in all the newest designs and materials, at E. MOSES and SON'S. OVERCOATS from 198. to £s.' BOY'S OVERCOATS from 10s. 6d. to 455, For the convenience of Ladies accom panying their Sons there is a separate de partment for Boys' Clothing, and it is fur nished with a splendid assortment of Suits, Ovprcoats, and Clothing for all occasions, including all the favourite designs and the most fashionable materials. Orders by Post are attended to with care and punctuality, and the easy and accurate system of self-measure introduced by E. MOSES and SON enables them to guarantee a faultless fit. Any article not worn or injured will be excbanged, or, if desired, the money will be returned. Ail Goods are marked in Plain Figures, from which no abatement can be made. The Stock of Hosiery and Drapery, Hats and Caps, and Boots and Shoes, is un -3ilualled for magnitude, variety, and cheap ness. A vpry large assortment of BLANKETS, from ss. 4d. the pair. Complete Outfits for all Climates, with every requisite for the voyage. List of Prices, with limes for Self-mea sure, Patterns, and Fashion-sheet, gratis and post-free. E. MOSES and SON'S Establishments are closed every Friday evening at sunset till Saturday evening at sunset, when business is resumed until eleven o'clock. E. MOSES and SON, Ready-made and Be spoke Tailors, Habitmakers, Woollendrapers, Hatters, Hosiers, Boot and Shoe Manufac turers, and General Outfitter for all Classes. ime following are the only addresses of E. MOSES d SON:— LONDON. X)RNER OF MINORIES AND ALDGATE. NEW OXFORD-STREET, CORNER OF HART•STREET. CORNER OF TOTTENHAM-COURT-ROAD AND EUSTON ROAD. Country Branch: BRADFORD, YORKSHIRE. FRESH MEAT PRESERVATIVE.- PERRY'S PATENT.—WiII keep meat, fish, poultry. game. &c., sound in any climate, and during the greatest changes of temperature, without in the least injuting their flavour or nutritious qualities. Perry's Wine and Beer Preservative will prevent acetone fermentation taking place. The Preservatives are sold in casks and jars at 3s. 6d. per gallon.—Depot, 66, St. John-street, West Smithfield, London, E.C.—Agents wanted. PAYMENT OF DIVIDEND AND BONUS. —she UNITED LAND COMPANY (Limited).—Notice is Hereby Given, that the Dividend and Bonus for the financial year ending November 31, 180, at the rate of 10 per cent, per annum, declared at the Annual General Meeting of the Share holders on the 2d inst., will be Payable at the Offices, 33, Norfolk street, Strand, on and after MONDAY, the 14th inst. SECOND ISSUE OF 10,000 SEI ARE: 4 .- -A large pro portion of the Second Issue having been already taken by the shareholders, the remainder is now offered to the general public. Shares, £3 each; Deposit, XS per Share payable on ap plication. No further call to exceed £1 per Share: an inters al of three months to elapse between each call. Interest at 5 per cent. per annum allowed on calls paid in advance. Applications to be made either to Messrs. Herries, Farquhar, and Co., St. James'-street, 9.NV.; to the London and Westminster Bank, Lothbury, and Temple-bar; or at the Offices, 33, Norfolk-street, strand, London, W.C. By order. CE.A.P.LES LEWIS GIVIINEISET, Secretary. HEATH AND BRECON RAILWAY COMPANY. 3, Westminster Chambers, Victoria-street, Westminster, Feb. 11, 1870. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIN EN, That the ORDINARY GENERAL HALF-YEARLY MEETING of the above Company will ba held at their Offices, No. 3, Westminster Chambers, Victoria-street, Westminster, on FRIDAY, the 25th instant, at 3 p.m. precisely, for the Transaction of the Ordinary Business of the Company. After which, the Holders of the several Classes of Shares and Stocks will proceed to Elect Five Gentlemen duly qualified to act as Directors to represent the holders of such shares and stocks, in conformity with the terms of the Neath and Brecon Railway (Amalgamation and Arrange ments Act), 180. And Notice is also Given, That the Transfer Books of the Company will be Closed on and after Saturday, the 19th instant, and remain so closed until after such Meeting shall have been held. _ (Signed) THOMAS CASE, Chairman. D. HOWELL MORGAN, Secretary. THE PERFECT SUBSTITUTE for SILVER. rim REAL NICKEL SILVER, introduced more than 3 years ago by WILLIAM S. BURTON, when PLATED by the patent process of Messrs. Elkinirton and Co., Is, beyond all comparison, the very best article, next to sterling silver, that can be employes as such, either use fully or ornamentally, as by no possible test can it be distin guished from real silver. A small useful set, uaranteed of first qual durability, as follows : ty for finish and Fiddle or Old I Bead Silver , King's Thread I or hel'. Patterns. 12 Table Forks 12 Table Spoons 12 ],essert Forks 12 Dessert Spoons 12 Tea Spoons 6Eg Spools. gilt bowls 2 Sallee Ladles 1 Gravy Spoon 2 Salt Spoons, gilt bowls_ I 1 Mustard Spoon, gilt bowl) 1 Pair of Sugar Tongs I 1 Pair of Fish Carvers—, 1 Butter Knife 1 Soup Ladle 1 Sugar Sifter ..£ o. d. .£ s. 1 1 ... 2 1 ... 1 10 ... 2 1 ... 1 2 1 7 ... 1 2 1 ... ... 14 12 1... ... 1 ... 1 2 . .. 2 6'.. 3 ...19 6 . 1 3 ... 10 ...'... 12 ... 3 4... s. d.' s. cl. 2 2... 2 5... 2 2...'2 5... 110... 1 11 ... 1 10 ... 1 11 ... 1 1 ... 1 2... ... 12 13 6 ~. 4 4 8 1 3... 1 3 ... 4... ... 4 6 9 1 611 16 0112 8 6k3 2 6 •ly at the same prices. tie above, and a relative number To ` a1 ....... Any article to be had sin An oak chest to contain of knives, Arc., £2 15s. A. second quality of Fiddle Pattern Table Spoons and Forks Dessert Tea Spoons ... £1 2 per doz. ... 0 16 " ... 0 10 " - ••• TEA. and COFFEE SETS, Electro Silver, in great variety, from £•, its to £2l ies—Disli COVERS, Electro Silver, from £9 the Set of Four to .£ 26-- CORNERDisnEs, Electro Silver, from £7los to £lB 18s the Set of Four; Warmers. £7 2s 6d to £l5 15s— CRUET and LIQUOR FRAMES, Electro Silver, &c., at proportion ate prices—DESSERT KNIVES and FORKS, Fish-eating ditto, and Fish Carvers, in cases, at proportionate prices—A.l,L RINDS of RE-PLATING done by the Patent Process. /iorr ILLIAM S. BURTON, GENERAL FUR y NISIIING IRON3IONGER, by appointment to 11. t. 11. the l'rince of WAL ES, sends a CATA LOGU 1. gratis and post paid. It oont%ins upwaris of 700 Illustrations of his unrivalled Stocks, with List of Prices and Plans of the Twenty large Show Rooms, at 39, Oxford -street, W.; 1, I A, 2,3, and 4, Newman street; 4,5, and 6, Perry's-place ; and 1, Newman-yard, London. Withfthe present railway facilities the cost of delivering goods to the most distant parts of the United Kingdom is trifling. WILLIAM S. BURTON will always, when desired, undertake delivery at a small fixed rate. li-LEBIG COMPANY'S EXTRACT o f MEAT. —AMSTERDAM EXHIBITION, 1869, FIRST PRIZE, ng ABOVE the Gold Medal. Supplied to the Bri.ish, French, Prussian, Russian, Italian, Dutch, and other Governments. One pint of fine flavoured Beef-tea at 2,1 d. Most convenient and conomic "stock. ,, CAUTION.—OnIy sort warranted genuine by the Inventor, Baron Liebig, whose signature is on every genuine Jr. Ask for LIEBIG COMPANY'S EXTRACT, and not for LIEBIG'S EXTRACT of MEAT. FIEATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LANE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. F. E. Chatterton. THIS EVENING, at 7, I'M NOT MYSELF AT ALL. At 7.45, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; or, OLD MOTHER BUNC H : Misses Jessie Yokes, Victoria Yokes, Rosina, Yokes, Kate Santley, Hudspeth, and Harriet Coveney; Messrs. Fred. Vokes, Brittain Wright, `Y. F. Yokes, F. Moreland, Rowella, and Harry Boleno. THEATRE ROYAL, HA YMARKET. Sole Lessee, Mr. Bnckßtone. - THIS EVEISEcG, at 7, HOW TO DIE FOR LOVE: Mr Ken dal, Mr Compton, and Miss Kathleen Ryan. Followed by, at 7.40, the New Comedy, NEW MEN AND OLD ACRES: Mr Buckstono, Mr Chippendale, Mr Howe, Mr Rogers, M r . Braid, MrDuckstone, Jun.; Miss liolwrtson, Mrs Chippendale, Mrs. E. Fitzwillioni. Miss C. MI, _ . After which. THE FAIR ON! WITH THE 6OLDEN . 0 !KS: King Lachrymoso, 11 - r A. Wool; Graceful, Milo Wright; Queen Lucidora, Miss F. Ovryune; with Miss Murray and Miss i rands. Box-oft-leo open daily from Ten till Five. "SUN" NEWSPAPER. -G. R. G,EN IE, Sporting Library, 4, Connanght-terrace, Edgeware -road, ielivers the LATE EDITION of "THE SIIN " as soon as published. - - ►r HE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN " to be seen Every Evening by 810 at Mr. ROLIZIIT Ar—EACOCICS, B.itan.nia, Kensal New-town. QPORTING.—J OHN ROBERTS supplies the 0 LATEST EDITION of "THE SUN" as soon as pub ished.--4, Bath-stroot, City-road. E C. THE SUN.—LATEST EDITION to he seen R. in the Coffee Room, at the " Southampton Arms," nigh street, Camden-town, where all Sporting and Political events are freely discussed. THE SUN.—LATEST EDITION to be seen every Evening, at Eight o'clock, at Mr GILLMAN'S, " The Wheatsheaf," High-street, Camden-town. rVIIE LA LEST EDITION of " THE SUN" J. IDLMES begs to inform his friends and the public zenerally that he supplies the LATEST EDITION of "THE 3tTlci " as soon as published.—No. 10, Ha nipsteail-road N.W. THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN" may be seen at Eight o'clock every Evening at Mr. R. NEWPORTS', the Oxford Arms, High-street, Camden-town `HE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN " I supplied, RS con as published, Every Evening, by W ALEXANDER (late Brooks), Newspaper Agent, No. 4, Old XvorAigh street, Oxford-street 1 E LATEST or SPECIAL EDITION of "THE SUN" every Evening, at Eight o Clock, at Mr ROBERTS', "The Black Cap," High-street, Camden-town. rHE LATEST EDITION of "THE SUN" supplied as soon as published, containing all the LATEST NEWS and SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, by H W HARRIS, Newspaper Agent, 4, Blackfriars-road London, S. .VIIE LATE EDITION of "THE SUN" at ffi W. SMITICS Camden Stores," 78, Park-street, Camden- town. 9'HE LATE EDITION of " THE SUN " at JAMES SPEEDY'S, "The Wehington,"Wellington-street rand. THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN " k supplied as soon as published, every Evening, by S. WILSON, newsagent, and special agent for the North-western District, 24, Delancey-street, Camden town, N W AGENTS WANTED EVERYWHERE to introduce commodities valuable to every householder nigh t, ad low. This offers a highly remunerativeCommt-sion to Tradesmen, Travellers, Gentlemen's Servants, &c. Apply with two stamps to it. MARRISON, Great Orford-street,Norwich. JOIIIN GOSNELL and CO.'S CHERRY TOOTH PASTE is greatly superior to any tooth powder; gives the teeth a pearl whiteness, protects the enamel from decay, and imparts a pleatiant fragrance to the breath. Price ls. 6d.—Red Bull Wharf, 93, Upper Thames-street, London. NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE. GUA AMARELLA restores the Human Hair 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 wonc ,rful liquid. It is now offered to the public IL a more concentrated form, and at a lower price. Sold in bottles, 3s. each ; also 55., M. 6d., and 15s. each. including brush. Red Bull Wharf, Angel passsage, 93, Upper Thames street London. E.C. THEATP.E -ROYAL DRURY- L ANE. ole Lessee and Manager, Mr. F. B. Chatterton. Tins EVENING. at 7, I'M NOT MYSELF AT ALL. At 7.45, BEAUTY AND THE BE AST'. Messrs. Fred. Vokes, Brittain Wright, Harry Boleno, &c.; Misses Vokes, Harriet Coveney, Kate Santley, &e. THEATRE-ROYAL, HAYMARKET. 'fins EVENING, at 7 o'clock, HOW TO DIE FOR LOVE• After which, at 7.40, NEW MEN AND OLD ACRES; Mr Buckstone, Mr Chippendale. Miss Robertson, &c. Concluding with THE FAIR ONE WITH THE GOLDEN LOCKS: Mr. A. Wood, Miss F. Wright, &c. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. THIS EVENTNG7;ti 7, WHITEBAIT AT GREENWICH. Followed by FORMOSA: Messrs J. Rouse, Rignold, Ashley, Taylor, Philips, Lseson, Eburne, ; Mesdames Billington, K Rodgers, Brennan, Barnett, Grey, &c. THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELPHI. THIS EVENING, at 7, OPEN TO CONVICTION. Messrs George Belmore, J. D. Beveridge, C. H. Stephenson, Miss L. Grey, and Mrs L Murray. At 8, THE NIGHTINGALE: Mr Benjamin Webster, Messrs Arthur Stirling, J. D. Beveridge, Skinner, Miss Furtado, Mrs Alfred Mellon, Miss Eliza John stone, Mrs Caulfield, &c. To conclude with DOMESTIC ECONOMY: Mr G. Belmore and Mrs Leigh Murray. LYCEUM THEATRE. - - THIS EVENING. at 7, CORRUPT PRACTICES. After which, CHILPERIC: Messrs M. Mar ;us, G Vincent, Odell, Lapierre, Coghlan, and M. Herve; Mesdames Dolan), Fitz Inman, Ro manelli, Nellie Nesbit, and Miss Emily Muir. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee a,n4l 'Manageress, Mrs. Swanboreutrh. THIS EVENING. at 7, TILE HEIR Al' LAW: Mr Clarke. Mr James, Miss Button, &c. With THE TOODLES. Concluding with IN O. WOODIN . S CARPET - BAG AND SKETCH BOOK, Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, every Evening (except Satinday, at 8; Saturday Mornings at 3. Admission, ls, 2s, 3s. (11TRISTY MINSTRELS, St..Tames's Hall, Every Night, at 8 Wednesdays and ,aturdays, at 3 and 8 all the year round. - - - A es r.J 4 C).' •-. 4 4) 7 (77C... 1 ) 4 k• ,k,4*/ ()A DON , S.-17 U RDA Y, F EB. 12, 1870. WE have to record at once no fewer than three schemes of construction and destruction on the part of that most indefatigable public servant, the CHAN CELLOR of the EXCHEQUER. Verily, whatever may be said as to the results of Mr. LowE's schemes, or as to his style of carrying them out, there can be no second opinion respecting the magnitude of his . labours. He is the HERCULES of the Cabinet. The complex changes consequent upon last year's Budget have prOvecl a trifle to him ; the wail of the taxpayers has caused him no concern whatever. Simultaneously with the revolution in the system of collecting the revenue, ho has effected a change in the method of paying Consols' dividends, another change as to the time of paying them, has debated various other important matters affecting the National Debt, drawn up a Mint Bill, a Friendly Societies' Bill, and carried on a lengthy controversy touching the imposition of a seigniorage. If there is one consideration qualifying the amazement with which these achievements are to be regarded, it is that the result of Mr. LOWE'S mental labours is somewhat often a (not to say ridiculus) mus. He seldom does all that he designs, and not unfre quently the realisation is widely different from the original plan. It is very pleasant to find the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER ready to hear reason, and to modify his schemes when the force of argument is against him ; for certain little affairs, of which the Law Courts site was one, had induced a different opinion. But the readiness with which he devises great plans, whereof only a fragment comes to maturity, is undoubtedly trying to the national nerves. For example the change in the payment of Consols' dividends was only one item in a revolutionary programme. Besides paying the fundholders every quarter, instead of twice a year as at present, Mr. LOWE proposed to divide the national creditors into three classes, to abolish very small holdings, and to create a " century stock." All these additional alterations have been abandoned. The Coinage and. Mint Bill, too, is a surprise. Last year we were given to understand that great things would be done in the way of coinage reform. Mr. LOWE was pained by the injurious effects to the currency of the practice of melting sovereigns, and he contemplated putting a stop to it by charging a mintage of about twopence in the pound to cover the cost of coining—the State now exercising that privilege gratuitously. A. stern controversy forthwith sprang up. Mr. LowE's twopence gained him almost: as much fame . as his five quarters in tilt year. The disturbance in business matters which the change-would effect; its necessity to prevent the melting swindle ; how it would be a blessing to civi lisation by preparing. the way for an international coinage ; how it would not do anything of the kind— were set forth in fearful detail by the various com batants. We all confidently looked forward to the reopening of the question at an early date, and the announcement of a measure to " consolidate and amend the laws relating to the Coinage of Her Majesty's Mint " made us sure that the hour of the twopence was come. It turns out that the great bill is for the purpose of eifecting•a reduction of I:3,500 a-year ! Mr. Low: finds the time inopportune for his larger scheme, and he therefore proposes what is indeed a lesser one. He cannot bring about an international coinage just e spends hi s surp l us energy i n yet ; and.he therefor abolishing the Mastership of the Mint. That post is vacant, and it is not thought needful to fill it up. It has beenicustomary to give the appointment to some eminent.'scientific man ; but the Government are of opinion hat the duties can be quite adequately per- fEtE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 12, 1870. formed by the "Deputy-Master, and they therefore propose to place the establishment under the direct control of the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUE; who will in future act as the Master. Indeed, strictly speaking, the Mastership is not abolished at all, but only "merged "in Mr. LowE. This pro ceeding, together with other little manipulations, will give the country £3,500. The change, such as it is, is quite unexceptionable, for the principle of maintaining useless offices cannot be defended, even when the money goes to a deserving recipient, as the Master's salary did. Mr. LowE's Friendly Societies Bill is of a similar character, though of much more general interest and serious import. When a measure for the regulation of friendly societies was mentioned in the Queen's Speech, the mind instinctively turned to ponder over some five project by which the scandalous robberies in connection with those bodies might be checked. A conference on State interference in this direction was delusively postponed, " until the nature of the Government measure is known." The consulting parties may resume their labours. Mr. TIDD PRATT, the Registrar of Friendly Societies, is dead, and all the Government propose is that this post also should not be filled up. Here is another saving: the Registrar was paid £l,OOO a year, and his chief clerk £5OO, all of which will go to swell the surplus. No doubt the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER is disinterested, for by abolishing this office he gives up the only piece of patronage he possesses. His arguments, too, were unimpeachable in themselves. The Registrar's business was to register the rules of these societies, and certify that they were in accordance with the law, but he had no real power of control, and un limited swindling was carried on under the wing, as it were, of the State. He could not insist upon due revelations as to the finances of friendly SO. sidles ; he had no power to keep down the expen diture by which their funds are so frequently absorbed. The certificate which he gave proved only that the rules were in accordance with the law ; and. it was possible to comply with certain formal requirements, and yet triumphantly persevere in a career of fraud. The certificate was no evidence of good organisation, proper management, economy in working expenses, nor in brief, did it ensure any of the precautions which are so much needed. If the Registrar could be of any service in these respects, the late Mr. TIDD PRATT—an able man and hard-working servant—would have ensured all that was possible. But his powers did not permit him to go further than complaints. The chief use of the office was to detail once a year the scandalous frauds upon the work ing classes by men who professed to serve them; and this work Mr. TIDD PRATT most effec tually did. Albeit the swindling still went on. The yearly report of the Registrar never met the eyes of those persons to whom it would be useful, whilst the certificate, as Mr. LowE pointed out, only deluded poor people with the notion that it conferred some security. They would enter a "Government office " without further inquiry. Thus the Regis trarship, even in the hands of Mr. TIDD PRATT ; was productive of more evil than good. Its aboli sion is desirable—not as a mere saving, for that is a miserable plea in such a case—but to relieve the Government from the impu tation of indirectly participating in fraud. The only question is whether these arguments do not point to the need of more complete control, instead of none at all. The societies robbed their members under the Registrar, and they will no doubt continue to rob them. Those who are practically acquainted with the extent and heartlessness of these frauds may well be excused for doubling if the work of the Government with - respect tg,these - societies is finjsshed yet., THE telegraph wires have soon been made to feel. . the weight of official responsibility. So long as the system was in private hands the elements and the chapter of accidents worked their sweet will undis turbed ; they hampered the transmission of messages and produced delays without complaint ; but they have now a tangible representative in the person of the POSTMASTER-GENERAL, and that nobleman has already realised the gravity of his duties. The electric catastrophes in the earler part of the week have given rise to an angry chorus of complaints and demands for explana tion. Yet a little consideration will shew that the interruption and delay were by no means extraor dinary under the circumstances. On assuming their new duties the Post-office authorities had to contend against an increase of work with a diminution of the effective staff. The uniform shilling rate sent up the number of messages 30 per cent., whilst there was an insufficiency of really competent operators. The great extension of telegraphic enterprise, and the establishment of so many new companies, have caused a demand for experienced men. Many such have joined the staffs of these new organisations, and thus the Post Office, on beginning business, was deprived of many excellent hands who worked for the disestablished companies. Moreover, the general rearrangement in the supply of news, the increased competition in this respect, the anxiety of the several proprietors to secure the most varied and extended intelligence, led to such a severe employment of the wires as brought about a complete block in the line. To augment these difficulties, the weather was of the most unfavourable description. One of those mag netic storms, which are known to exercise such malignant influence on telegraphic operations, favoured the Post Office with a visit on the first days of its operations. Quite independent of this adverse element was the ordinary effect of the wind, rain, and fog in impairing the insulation of the wires, and that, too, at a time when the most perfect insula tion was needed in order to favour the work of connecting the separate circuits of the old com panies with the central office. _ _ Amid this confusion an entirely gratuitous accident made matters still worse. A. work man cut the whole of the wires communi cating with the West. This historic per sonage was employed by the Board of Works upon a house which, previously to the transfer, had been a telegraph station. Ms duty was to remove from the premises certain articles, includ ing a box ; but the only box he could find was one in which the connection of the wires was made. It was necessary either to leave the box or cut the wires, and having no knowledge. of ,telegraph matters, and less concern about them, the man quietly chose the latter alternative, carrying off his prize. Com munication with the West was entirely suspended by this proceeding, and it was not until after the lapse of some hours that the position of the fault was ascertained. Thus, it will be seen, all things have worked together for evil at the outset of this great national enterprise. Some of the unfortu nate circumstances were, however, entirely accidental, whilst all were temporary, and may easily be overcome. The weather, it may be counted on, will not always be bad ; and should another such torm occur, it cannot have the disastrous conse quences which ensued just at the time when the communications were 'being completed. It may bo presumed also that the wandering about of work men, cutting wires on behalf of the Board of Works, will not grow into a system. There remains only the pressure of business, which is entirely owing to a public benefit in the shape of the uniform rate. Had the old rates been retained, the difficulties of the week would have been much less serious; but surely the public would have lost a permanent advantage for the sake of avoiding a temporary inconvenience. The result justifies the authorities in declining to adopt the uniform sixpenny - rate until the system is under more perfect control. This will soon be the case. It may be mentioned en passant that the in crease of business, and the prospect of further increase, have caused a demand for more operators, and it is to be hoped that suitable persons, men and women, who are in want of employment will qualify themselves. There is a good field for labour open in,this direction, MISCELLANEOUS NEWS. Working Men's Club tnd 'lnstitute - Unron; Strand, Lord Lichfield presided, and referred to the fact that the Chancellor of the Exchequer would bring in a bill to deal with friendly societies. He proposed to adjoiirn the discussion until the points of Mr. Lowe's measure could be considered. Several working men gave their experience with regard to the operations of various societies, and on the part of a very extensive one it was stated. that great tempta tions were held out by companies and burial clubs to the agents of societies in order to purchase the mem berships in the hands of agents, and all kinds of impositions were practised on poor people. It was urged that the secret benefit societies such as the Foresters, Druids, and Odd Fellows, should all join together, and being societies without agents they could aflbrd to work on cheaper prin ciples. One society paid its agents 25 per cent. to collect the money from the lower classes, and much unsoundness arose from ignorance of the principles on which societies should be governed. It was also pointed out that the principle of making one payment in any society for all ages between twenty and thirty six was wrong, for if the average payment should be a shilling, the youngest should only pay Bd., and the oldest is. 4d. The Hearts of Oak Benefit Society was alluded to as having 20,000 members of the artisan class, and a reserve of £60,000. The further consideration of the subject was postponed until the appearance of Mr. Lowe's measure, which was intro duced to the House of Commons on Thursday night. THE NATIONAL DEBT. An Important change has been agreed upon between the Chancellor of the Exchequer and the directors of the Bank of England respecting the National Debt. The dividends to the fundholders are to be paid quar terly, and for this purpose the New Three per Cents and the Reduced will be converted into Consols, a certain premium being offered to induce the holders of those stocks to consent. What this premium will ultimately be is a matter of detail, re maining, to some extent, to be settled. The directors conferred with some of the leading members and mag nates of the Stock Exchange, amil their conclusion was that though nobody in particular seemed to want a quarterly dividend, yet it might be conve nient to some, and. could not be incon venient to any. The Chancellor of the Exchequer also suggested another great change—that the Consols should be separated into three classes, having as many sets of quarter days—the one in January, April, July, and October ; the second in February, May, and so on ; and the third in March, June, and the rest; so that the dividends might be paid at twelve dates distributed throughout the year. This, however, the directors opposed, on the ground that it would cause a great increase of work to the Bank, and—what is much more impor tant—would produce three quotations for Consols, and thus destroy the simple character of the great national stock. Mr. Lowe likewise suggested other changes, to wit, that no one should be allowed to hold less than £3O in the funds, and that sums below that figure be transferred to the Post Office Savings Bank. This proposition was opposed on the ground that such holdings were an advantage and a privilege which ought not to be withheld. The scheme fell to the ground, as also did a proposal for a "century stock"— running only for a hundred years, and being con verted from Consols at the rate of 110 for every 100. SOUTHWARK ELECTION. The Odger difficulty has been settled ; the work ing men's candidate has deposited the whole sum asked for in advance—R2oo—and he will have full accommodation at the polling-booths. It is to be understood, however, that the second deposit of £lOO has been made under protest, and that Mr. Odger reserves to himself the power to take legal proceedings for the entire or partial restoration of the money. The writ has been received ; the nomina tion takes place on Tuesday, and the battle will finish next day. Thus this interesting, but very protracted and troublesome contest, will soon be over. Touching the question of election expenses which this dispute has raised, it is instructive to learn that in November 1808, the hustings at the Border Burghs were put up and taken down for £5 12s. Gd., and. when Mr. G. 0. Trevelyan was re-elected in January, the job was finished for ten shillings less. This shows what can be done in a constituency where the rate payers treat their members as they would treat them wives, NOTTINGHAM. The Liberals have not yet found the right man to contest the seat which Colonel Wright's resignation will leave vacant. They regret that Mr. Bernal Osborne will not come forward—to which expressions of sorrow it may be answered that if they value the services of that amusing representative, they should have given him more votes last time. Ho was then last on the poll, with 2,031 votes against 6,285 polled by the first candidate. The eldest son of Mr. Samuel Morley, M.P. for Bristol, Mr. Sertius Paget, and Mr. S. W. Evans, are under considera tion. The Conservatives do not seem to have fixed upon any representative. THE GOVERNMENT EDUCATION BILL The Manchester Guardian claims to have informa tion as to the provisions of the Government Educa tion Bill. If our contemporary is right, we shall have a compromise. Neither the League no: the Union schemes will be adopted in their entirety; the measure will be drawn up somewhat on the plan of the "➢Manchester Education Bill Committee." Pure and simple compulsion is not pro vided—the Factory Acts will in effect be extended to the whole community; but parents as well as employers will be held responsible for the possession of certificates of attendance at school. As to religious instruction—that is to form no part of the ordinary teaching; "means, however, will be devised for satisfying the wishes of those who desire that their children shall have more than mere secular education." Into the religious system, however, the Government will not pry. Its inspectors will hold aloof entirely from the subject of theological teaching, and will restrict themselves to examining children in secular subjects. Mr. Forster hopes this scheme will satisfy all parties. It will hardly please those members of the Lower House of Canterbury Convocation who on Thursday demanded that religion should be " inculcated at every pore." THE EDUCATION UNION. The education problem has been brought within still narrower limits by an important modification of the Union programme. At a very strong meeting of the executive committee, attended by the Earl of Ilarrowby and about a dozen M.P.'s, it was decided to largely extend the original scheme. With respect to the establishment of schools, it has been resolved that, after due notice of accommodation being needed in any district, the Government should have authority to direct the erection and maintenance of suitable schools, partly by Government grant and partly at the expense of local rates, and to determine the subjects to be taught. The managers are to be appointed partly by the Government and partly by local election. Contributors to existing. schools may be relieved from rates to the extent of their contribu tions, but no further. The stipulations as to the management of these establishments are highly impor tant. All elementary schools are to be under Government inspection. Any parent or guardian may, on giving personal or written notice, withdraw his child from religious teaching. The provisions of the Factory and Workshops Acts are to be extended, as far as practicable, to all other branches of juvenile labour. A certificate of satisfactory school attend ance is to be a condition of work for all children under 13 years of age. In order to meet the case of children of the pauperised and vagabond classes, Mr. Evelyn Denison's Act (for the education of the chil dren of those receiving out - door relief), and the Industrial' Schools Act, now permissive, must be made compulsory. Payment of school fees will be insisted upon. , Ism AYBTON. Mr. Ayrton, the new First Commissioner of Works, and Mr. Barry, the architect of the4louses of Parlia ment, are said to have quarrelled. Some unpleasant ness about expenditure and necessary improvements are stated to have arisen , with the result that Mr. Barry has resigned his position. The Echo says Mr. Ayrton has informed Mr. Barry that in consequence of the new arrangements made for the conduct of the business of the Board of Works, the Houses of Par liament will be placed under the care of the officers of the department, and the estimates for works be prepared by them. GENERAL 3IEDICAL COUNCIL• A. special meeting of members of the General Medical Council is summoned for the 24th inst., to consider a communication received from the Lord President of the Privy Council. This communicap tion is understood to express the Lord President's wish and readiness to co-operate with the General Medical Council in legislating for the medical profes sion. It asks also whether the Council is prepared to institute a single examining board iE each division of the United. Kingdom by a voluntary union of the examining bodies, or by giving the Council compulsory legislative powers. for th pur pose. The Medical Times and Gazette says that the Lord President's letter can have but a single meaning. It is simply this—that if the medical corporations and Universities will not sink their jealousies and differences, and, renouncing selfish ends, terminate " tho battle of the shops," and join in giving the public and profession a uniform and high standard of medical examination, the State will take the business of examining and licensing medical practi tioners into its own hands. THE TELEGRAPH MISHAP. The bungling of a workman was not the only agent in bringing about the telegraphic suspension, which proved so troublesome during the first few days of the week. At the end of a tunnel on the Great Western Railway all the wires were found severed, and some of them banging ei,3Wll to the ground. The position was so difficult of access as to scarcely warrant the imputation of foul play. The break-down may have arisen from the expansion of the wires by the steam issuing from the tunnel after the passing trains, or from contraction through the severe frost, or first the contraction and then the expansion may have produced the effect. Such an accident, however, never occurred before, and it i 3 auspicious, to say the least. PIM 'IODISE/IT Br, The injured Church dignitaries are all hastening to bestow their forgiveness upon Dr. Temple. Arch &acon Denison ratifies the treaty of peace,' by an nouncing that " I gladly withdraw the opposition to the election of the Bishop of Exeter as Vice-President of the Society for the Propagation , of the Gospel, which I had proposed to make on Friday, the 18th inst." Dr. Pusey also expresses his " deep satisfac tion." Things look so promising that Dr. Temple might receive a benediction from the Greek Arch bishop without much danger. FRIENDLY SOCIETIES AND THE STATE. The subject of the State's interference with friendly societies bas been _nob diaonaEsed at ..tlie THE LATE SIR WILLIAM GORDON. " Gordon of Gordon's Battery" is a familiar name m the story of the Crimean war, and many of the events of the life of Sir William Gordon, before his brain succumbed to the malady which was the cause of his sad end, are well worthy of notice. Forty years have passed since he was first gazetted to a com mission in the Royal Engineers. His earlier military days were chiefly remarkable for the care and atten tion he gave to study, and to the minutest details of his profession. He possessed strong religious sen timents, which took the somewhat gloomy form of Calvinism. When a captain he took his company to Bermuda, to commence the vast works which are at this day still going forward. He considered it a strict part of a soldier's duty to practice athletic exercises ; and rowing, swimming, and running were his daily habits. At the outbreak of the Russian war, his powers and character being now known to his superiors, he was named for one of the first de tachments of Engineers sent to the East. Deadly sickness and the chances of war caused Gordon to find himself in a short time in sole command of the Engineers of our army, and when the bitter winter fell on the Allies, and the Engineers' duty became heavier as their numbers grew less, he then shewed what a gift in war is physical endur ance combined with energy. He breathed his spirit into all around him, mid from his callousness to the shot and shell constantly falling in the trenches, he received the soubriquet of " Old Fireworks." A more devoted soldier than Sir William Gordon, England has seldom, if ever, had, and it is sad indeed that Nature should thus have avenged herself on a hero by prompting him to commit an act that ho himself, when in his right miud, would above all others have condemned. XXTRAORDINARY TERMINATION." It is, indeed. Some little time ago the St. Pan cras guardians declared that Dr. Ellis, the medical officer of the parish, was responsible for the disgrace ful state of the workhouse infirmary, that he had, in fact, so arranged matters as to bring about that result. An inquiry into this charge was set on foot by the Poor Law Board. One accusation was not, however, thought sufficient to uphold the credit of the guardians, and accordingly another was made — to wit, that Dr. Ellis had been guilty of improper con duct with one of the infirmary nurses. It is the inquiry into this charge that has come to this " extraordinary termination." The guardians refused to employ legal advice, affirming that the accusation was not made by them, but by the nurse herself. They, therefore, did not intend to incur legal expenses. It also turns out that the nurse has disappeared, no one knows whither, and thus the case falls through. It is another remarkable example of the St. Pancras style of doing business. The guardians refused to take legal assistancce, because they did not prefer the charge. But they sanctioned it, and save for them it would never have come before the public. MIL HU3IE AND HIS CATS. The late Mr. Hume was a pattern of economy to modern statesmen. lie was always strivine , for reductions in the House of Commons, and though he never succeeded, his example ought to be worth something in these retrenchment days. He practised the economy he preached himself as vigorously as he recommended it to the nation. One day he chanced to see no fewer than four cats as he passed along the hall of his heuse in Bryanston-square. fie immediately asked one of the servants whether they had so many as four cats. He received an atlirmntive answer, on which he objected to so many cf that class of animals being kept, remarking that three could surely do all the work in the way of catuhing the mice, and that one of them must be a "drone," and therefore he turned out of the house. An inquiry was instituted as to, which of the four shouli be ejected, and the verdict was that a sleek and fat animal called " Tommy, " belonging to the housekeeper, did nothing but eat and sleep all day. This was the doomed victim. The housekeeper protested that she would rather quit her situation than part with " Tommy," but he was mysteriously spirited away that very TOWN TALK. (From the Western Mail of this Morning.) FRIDAY EVENING. As I intimated to you in my last, according to very general belief here, in political circles, the champ de bataille this session will be the colonies. The impression to that effect is becoming confirmed and strengthened, and is fast widening. In the Commons Mr. Monsell will have to bear the brunt, in his capacity as Under-Secretary. But the chief onslaught will be made in the Lords, where the real strength of the Opposition lies, not only numeri cally, but intellectually. One after another, Mr. Disraeli's leading associates have been removed from him, until he is left, in a manner, isolated in the midst of a phalanx, for the most part (certainly as compared with himself), of mediocrities. While it has so fallen out in the popular branch of the legis lature, in the hereditary chamber there has come to be an accumulation of the most eminent and rarely gifted among the Conservative statesmen ; inso much so that the array is now something formid able indeed to her Majesty's Government. Lord Cairns is there, still in authority as the recognised leader of the Opposition. Raised to the House of Peers, on his elevation to theWoolsack, immediately upon the formation of a Ministry under the Pre miership of the right hon. gentleman the member for Bucks, the noble and learned lord has since added to the debating power of his party in the Lords the dash and go of the new blood, always, if but well se lected, so very desirable to any every political asso ciation. Confronting the Government benches, though in no way owning allegiance to the autho rity of Lord Cairns, are two among the most conspicuous chiefs in the whole of the serried ranks of the Conservatives—the Earl of Carnarvon and the Marquis of Salisbury. Within these last few months, again, there has been transferred from the Commons to the Lords, the leader emphatically of Liberal Conservatism, late M.P. for King's Lynn, now fifteenth Earl of Derby. As yet Lord Derby has to assert his new position in the heredi tary branch of the legislature. So, too, for that matter, has one of the greatest men on the side of the Opposition in that august assembly—in one sense incomparably the greatest, namely, in the scope of his genius, in the diversity at once of his capacity aad of his reputation—meaning obviously, in this, Lord Lytton—orator, poet, administrator, novelist, statesman, dramatist, and (in the estima tion of Germany) last, not least, philosopher. Upon a colonial question Lord Lytton would be a very formidable assailant to the Administration ; as for that matter, also would be his former sub and, later on, his successor at the Colonial-office, Lord Car narvon. It was when the vast colonial empire of Great Britain was under the rule of Lord Lytton (then Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton) as Secretary of State, with the young Earl of Carnarvon as Under- Secretary, that both Queensland and British Colum bia were called into existence. And it is, now, precisely in regard to those two colonies in parti cular, as well as in respect to the general mainte nance of our whole colonial system iu both hemi spheres, that the policy of Lord Granvifle and his colleagues Rill, so to speak, be arraigned at the bar of the legislature during this present session of Parliament. The disintegration of the British empire is the object aimed at. Mr. Goldwin Smith, if not the actual originator, has long been the arch-champion of the whole movement. lie and his associates, we grieve now to know, have sympathisers in this un natural and suicidal project within the inner circle of her Majesty's present Government. The colo nial policy thus cherished at heart by Lord Gran ville is one at once arrogant and pusillanimous. Against it every patriotic effort ought to be directed persistently and unceasingly. Among the most momentous and desirable projects of the hour in this direction, there is one for bringing more inti mately into association the vast North American possessions of England. It is an enterprise 1 re member to hare been energetically advocated more than twenty years ago, in a series of able pam phlets, by Major Robert Carmichael Smyth. Since then British Columbia has been called into exist ence, the Hudson's Bay Territory has, in a manner, lapsed to the Crown, and Canada, New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, in fact, the whole of our North Ame rican territories ranged along the seaboard of the Atlantic, have been brought into solid confe deration. ltuu ei bac.u.l ta ULIK railway, Lit/ laufy from ocean to ocean through the Red River Settle went, and the immense resources, hitherto lying dOrmant and utterly neglected, will be opened up to us, and the work of civilisation stupendously advanced. Dr. Livingstone is evidently regarded as immortal by his most trusty friend, Sir Roderick Murchison, who is instantly incredulous whenever the death of the great traveller is announced. Happily there seems more reason than ever, this time, for Sir Roderick's doubt as to the African explorer's assas sination. You may be interested to know, in regard to that atrocious controversy about Lord and Lady Byron, that Mr. Paget is the author of the articles in Blackwood, and Mr. Hayward the author of those in the Quarterly. The former admirably commenced what the latter still more admirably terminated— meaning the scattering to the winds of heaven (or rather of the other place) of the infamous slaudurs invented by Lady Byron's morbidly diseased imagi nation. Another new London Theatre is now rapidly ap proaching its completion. It is situated within half a dozen doors of the Adelphi, having its entrance et 404, Strand, the premises formerly occupied by the now dead and gone penny sporting paper and organ of the music halls, the Glowworm. Mr. H. J. Montague, the popular light comedian, is the sole lessee and manager. The new house will open in April, and will be devoted to comedy and bur lesque. Two wonderful inventions have recently been perfected—perhaps the most wonderful of all the developments or adaptations of the magical art of photography. Their names will be their best expla nation photo-relief-printing and photo-litho graphy. One hardly despairs now of the time when the photograph may be naturally coloured, so asto nishing have been the advance steps taken in this all but miraculous art, of drawing permanently and instantaneously with the pencil of the sunbeam since the two earliest steps made in that direction by means, first of all, of the Daguerreotype, and, secondly, by means of the Talbotype. The difficulty an inventor meets with in endea vouring to carry out his project, no matter what that project may be, is proverbial. There has, for a long time past, been a striking illustration of this in the Lo we-Vansittart propeller. From the expe riences of the late Mr. James Lose, the ingenious inventor of that particular screw, and from those of his daughter and representative, Mrs. Vansittart, one might readily glean a complete and perfect jus tification of Charles Dickens's caustic description, in " Little Dorritt," of the relation in which Daniel Joyce and the Circumlocution-office stood to each other. According to the view of the Circumlocu tion-office, as Daniel Joyce objects, an inventor ap pears rather in the light of a criminal than a bene factor. He is treated as though he had been guilty of a felony rather than solicitous to confer a benefit upon the entire community. Fortunately the evil days of difficulty for the Lowe-Vansittart propeller would, at length, appear to have passed by —judg ing, at least, from the admirable account given by the 'limes, in two recent impressions, as to the bril liantly successful results of several important expe riments, demonstrative, bcyood all further denial, of its superiority over all other screw-propellers. Durieg my stay at the private view of the Sixth Annual General Exhibition of Water Colour Drawings in the Dudley Gallery at the Egyptian Hall,. Piccadilly, this day last week, I was more particularly pleased with some half-dozen pictures, the names of which I am tempted to enu merate. Foremost in point of position (being in the place of honour) 11. S. Marks' garden-scene of the Princess Pimpinella, reading the romauntof Sir Bruno, to wile away the pains of her three ill starred brothers, who have been changed into peli cans by the evil power of the magician Terroso. The weird comicality of the three pelican brothers, like so many washed-out flamingoes, with a broad grin upon their long, hooked bills, cannot bat be mentioned as a something indescribably ludicrous. Foremost, by the charm of it, S. Solomon's " Sum mer Twilight," delicious in the colouring, as well as in the graceful, dainty pencilling of the forms and features introduced in the composition. There is a briny freshness almost as welcome as one of Hook's in the " Bracken Boat " of Hamilton .Macallum. Beautiful, too, and worthy of its theme, is the ideal head of " Poetry," by E. J. Poynter, A.R.A. Two other paintings of a very different character, each of them, to any of these, and pre senting the widest contrast to each other, I would yet mention, to wit, Arthur Severn's " The Sea after Sunset," and Edwin Bale's "Rival Musicians," the latter representing a young rustic with a tin whistle, just moist from his lips, listening to the song of a blackbird in its osier-cage. This afternoon I attended the private view— really private, being restricted exclusively to the press—of the spring pictures in oil and water colour, in the Old Bond-street Gallery, just opposite Bur lington-gardens. Also the press private view (in anticipation of morro at's public private view, es one might actually call it) of the Society of Female Artists in the Conduit-street Gallery. Ou Tuesday evening I attended the last but Silt of Charles Dickens's Readings. A magnificent audience was assembled in the great hall at St. James's—an audience as nearly as possible a thou sand—who hung upon every syllable, every glance, every movement, of the most dramatic reader living, as he is also incomparably the most popular author of his generation. Pathos and humour al ternated wondrously in " Little Dombey's death," and " Bob Sawyer's party"—the first causing many a tear to trickle, the second calling forth roars of laughter. A peep through the curtain, from the platform, before the reading commenced, when the gas was suddenly turned up, was, to me, really a new sensation. The effect was something beauti ful—the brightened faces and the varied costumes of the fair occupants of the stalls making that portion of the hall a very parterre of flowers. Within five weeks from this will have been brought to a close Mr. Dickens's brilliant career as a public reader—a career which has extended now over a period of 14 years altogether, to the delight of many hundreds of thousands in both hemispheres. On Tuesday evening next will be repeated the most remarkable of all his representations, one of the most powerful pieces of tragic acting in my remem brance, the murder scene from " Oliver Twist"— in the delineation of which to his audience, vocally and visually, Mr. Dickens is himself, in rapid suc cession, the lifelike incarnation, one after another, .of the weird old Jew Fagin, of sneaking Morris Bolter, of the brutal assassie, Bill Sikes, and of poor Nancy, the burglar's victim. Those who have never yet si;en Mr. Dickens in one of his readings ought on no account to miss doing so when he gives those four astounding impersonations. A very curious and important work by Sir Wil liam Jones, the great Oriental scholar of the last century, is about to be issued from the press almost immediztely by a new and enterprising publisher, Capt. Charlton Tucker, just now starting into note at 14, Northumberland-street, Strand—the street already noteworthy in the literary world of Lon don as containing the publishing office of the Pall 111 all Gazette. The eccentric rumour to which many persons gave credence here, last week, to the effect that Archbishop Manning would for certain be the next Pope, recalled to my recollection upon the instant the conclusion jumped to some seven or eight years ago by the Times, that Cardinal Wiseman was safe to be the Sovereign Pontiff on the death of his present Holiness. The limes set the whole state ment forth one morning, authoritatively, in its first leading article, and even revealed the name by which the Cardinal was to be known on as cending the pontifical throne, to wit—that of Pope Pius X. Cardinal Wiseman's death falsified all these predictions. This time, however, it seems entirely to be overlooked that, before Archbishop Manning can have any chance of being raised to the pontificate, he will have to be made a Ca;•dinal. Two things must occur as essential preliminaries. First of all, the Archbishop moat bccvine hi° noituence before he can possibly be come his Holiness. Secondly, Pius IX. must have passed into his grave—the Pope being as hale an old man in appearance as I ever saw in my life, when he passed within arm's reach of me up the nave of St. Peter's as recently as on the Bth of December, the day of the opening of the Ecumenical Council. According to the " Alma nach de Gotha," he is 78 years of age. According to his own account he is 80. In point of fact he looks about 60. Of all the melancholy spectacles I ever wit nessed in the House of Lords, the ceremonial of the inauguration of the present session of Parlia. ment, at two o'clock on Tuesday afternoon, was the most triste and heart-depressing. The appear ance of the House of Commons, two hours after wards, came, however, as a most welcome compen sation. If ever a House, if ever a Ministry, meant business, it is now, that each has done so—ecce the Speech from the 'Throne, and the Government an nouncements immediately afterwards I THE LEGITIMATE DRAMA. An event in the histrionic world is worth mentioning. She Stoops to Conquer" has been played one hundred times at the St. James's Theatre, London. This successful revival of Goldsmith's delightful comedy is a fact that proves something about the decline of interest in the " legitimate drama." It is at any rate not altogether extinct. Probably some of the " decline " is to be attributed to the fact that the classical plays are not always well performed. PRESENT FROM THE POPE. His Holiness, Pius IX. is not like many of those hereditary princes for whom he entertains such pro found affbction. He is mindful of his friends. 'We have all heard how carefully he attended to the wants of the American lady who asked first for his portrait, then for his autograph, then for the pen with which he wrote it, aild was at last gratuitously pre sented with the inkstand also. Mr. Tweed, of Glasgow, has received a more complimentary gift. He is the publisher of a curious volume, entitled "The Catholic History of Scotland," a copy of which he forwarded :; J o his Holiness Pio Nono ; and, in return, he has been presented with a solid gold medal, of very con siderable value, having a medallion portrait of the Pope upon it, exeted with great artistic beauCx ? and adorned with appropriate insignia. In this carefiil attention to his most humble supporters, the Pqpe 4.isplays one of the qualities of a great mind. MOTES AND MALARIA. The question of the composition of the air we breathe is rendered very interesting by the instructive way in which it is dealt with by Dr. George Sigerson, F.L.S. As the result of his micros copic researches he has read a paper before the Royal Irish Academy, illustrated by diagrams representing the objects to be found in the " sea-breeze, the " coun try air," and the " city air." The former naturally contains particles of salt, which, when crystalised, float in minute atoms through the air by the sea side. Salt, being a mild stimulant, though irri tating and injurious in some kinds and stages of diseases of the eye and lungs, may be very useful in others. The " country air " contains the " pollen " of tha daisy and other flowers, and "spores" of fungus and other" plants. The air, too ; is full of animal matter, such as the exuvire of minute caterpillars, and scales of moths, and such like. There is a possible connection of tome of these objects with lung disease, and it is known that knifegrinders, millstone-makers, and cotton-workers frequently suffer from lung disease occasioned by the dust to which they are exposed. The ordinary dust is caused by the wearing away of the earth and the objects on it. In the country the wind sweeps the roads and fields, and forms a dust of powdered clay and stone. In towns, particles of soot mix with other matter. The " city-air "is impregnated with all kinds of hurtful carbon, which may account for the absence of ruddy features in the inhabitants of large manufacturing towns. THREATENING LETTERS IN IRELAND. Of the numerous landowners in that pleasant abode of safety and comfort, the other side of St. George's Channel, who have lately received intimations that they will be shot at the first opportunity if they fail to comply with most outrageous demands, some have given in disheartened, and others have shown to the dastards who write these letters a noble attitude of scorn. Amongst the latter we notice the case of a lady, Mrs. Tottenham, of It ochfort, Westmeath, who is described as a kind and liberal employer ; and yet comes under the category of those whom some secret society has Oco.nod to death. In the letter threatening this lady she is brutally told that " You are the next on the list after the old agent next door, and when you hear of him being shot look sharp.' Mrs. Tottenham at once made up her mind. She summoned her tenants and informed them that if information was not at once afforded of the writer of the letter she would break up her whole estAliih ment and dismiss them all. Such revere lessons as this will have the effect of causing attempts to intimidate employers to recoil upon the heads of the perpetrators. Another gross case of ingratitude is that of the threatening of Captain Smith Barry, of Ballyedmond, County Cork. If he were not the kindest of landlords, he would spend his income in another country, and let the scores of people who depend on him for their daily bread seek for it elsewhere. THE CHAMPION BILLIARD MATCH. The billiard match, which was decided on Friday, puts an end to an eager strife in the play. For a long time the two have had their partisans—" Old Roberts " ant "Young Cook "—as they are called, to distinguish the one from his son, and the other from his father, both of whom are professionals. The new arrangement of the billiard table was adopted on this occasion.. From this source may have sprung the greatly disappointing nature of the play. Both men repeatedly missed ordinary chances ; the breaks for a long time were never over 40, and the spot strokes did not exceed four at a time. Clever shots there were, of course, almost beyond number, but neither of the men seemed in his usual luck. Cook kept sometimes 50 and sometimes 40 ahead, until the tide turned in Roberts's favour, and the score stood:—Roberts, 497; Cook, 495. This, however, was after more than two hours' play. By a series of respectable breaks. Cook soon afterwards made amends, and when at eleven o'clock, the game being half over, an adjournment took place, he had stolen 100 in advance. After the interval the play became more lively, and Cook had not long been at work before he had won loud applause by a break of 80, all scientifically made. By midnight he was 810 to Roberts's 640. The latter threw an extra dash into his cueing, while his opponent slid the balls about more insidiously than ever. What little betting was done in the hall was from the first in Cook's favour, and as the night wore on the odds upon him were unshaken. The cheering, how ever, was very fairly divided, and every passable shot was made the medium of encouragement. By two or three breaks, respectable as to quantity but full of clever strokes, Roberts soon lessened the somewhat formidable distance between him and his opponent, until he was but 117 behind. A hazard on Cook's part that was losing in more senses than one gave Roberts an advantage he availed himself of to the utter most. Cook then played for a comparatively easy hazard, and lost it, leaving Roberts to " pull up until the marker announced 800 to 897, a statement which gave Roberts' friends great delight. Roberts's play for some time now was magnificent ' • the more impossible the hazard the easier he seemed to achieve it, the farther away the cannon the more smartly he reached it ; but the unfriendly pockets rendered long breaks impossible, and just as enthusiasm was at its highest point, and expectation brightest, the ball hung trembling over the destined receptacle. Cook, however, quietly set to work upon a beautiful break of 63, upon which there was increased excitement, which suf fered no diminution when Roberts followed with his best break, so far, of 68, finished with throe spot strokes, which seemed to be the impassable limit of that particular spot. Another break of 35 brought Cook, at one o'clock, to 1,019, while Roberts had just scored 900. Once more Roberts' star rose, and by a suc cession of surprisingly difficult long hazards, he approached within 50 of his youthful competitor. His arrival at 1,000, while the other's score was 1,037, was the signal not only for renewed cheering, but some revival of betting, and this became tumultuous when in the next break he surpassed Cook by 4. "The old man'll win" was shouted, while the " old man," who is really younger looking than most men several years his junior, bowed his acknowledgments. One or two more alternations gave Cook a lead of 20, shortly after he received a windfall in the shape of an unlucky failure of Roberts's, and a neat six and capital position for himself. When his break was scored he was 1,100; Roberts 50 less. Before long Roberts's score was 1,053, and, as it speedily proved, it was his last chance. Cook entered upon a break, and made a fluke soon after he began. Commencing with 1,132, he scored by twos and threes, and only left off when he was pro claimed champion and victor. He was congratulated on all sides, while Roberts sat in his chair with two or three faithful friends ar.,uud to cheer him. The game lasted till a quarter to two o'clock. Even the backers of the young champion seemed sorry that after twenty years of unbroken prosperity Roberts's good luck had forsaken him. However, it was the fortune of war, The Prince of Wales and Lord Carington remained to the end. LIVERPOOL COTTON MARKET.-(THIS DAY.) Salos probably 10,000 bales. The market still very quiet. The were but th 133 ainti most c quenci In rail and a stocks graph Subm in the Cot ditto, &wed Exohe par ; 4 i P 4 Ind ditto Cent. 6 per . S 001 Nor Wei to 1 Ten Illir Bel da £1 lai th 013 a S