The Sun. — London, England, 1870-07-19 00:00:00

WAR BETWEEN FRANCE AND PRUSSIA. MILITARY PREPARATIONS IN FRANCE Military movements are beini made from all points towards the frontier. N o enga gement of any consequence is expected for several days. PLAN OF THE FRENCH OPERATIONS. The Liberte says that the plan of the campaign is to make a rapid advance on Hesse, in order to neutralise the South German States, occupy and fortify Frankfort, sweep the Prussian territory on the left and on the Rhine, then enter Westphalia, and being supported by Hanover and Denmark, drive the Prussians beyond the Elbe, and subsequently, as after the battle of Friedland, reconstruct the German Confederation to the exclusion of Austria and Prussia. THE LEGISLATIVE BODY. At yesterday's sitting of the Legislative Body the Government brought forward billsgranting supplementary credits of 440,000,000 f. forthe Ministry of War,70,000,000f for the Ministry of Marine, and 5,000,000 f. for the Ministry of Finance, raising from 150,000,000 f. to 500,000,000 f. the maximum of the issue of Treasury Bonds ; authorising the Deputies to take service in the Garde National Mobile as officers, and prohibiting the publication of intelligence relative to the military opera tions. These bills were declared urgent. It was an nounced that the Ministry would render a special account of the war expenses. The Emperor came to Paris yesterday. Prince Gortchakoff has arrived in Paris. The rumoured amnesty of the pri soners now awaiting trial at Blois is unfounded. There is no question of proroguing the Corps Legislatif until the budget of the City of Paris is voted. A notice issued by the Prefect of Police expresses the desire that the patriotic manifestations in the streets should cease, and that the capital should express the con fidence felt by the calmness of its demeanour. The Con stitutionnel says that the number of volunteers already enlisted in Paris exceeds 10,000. The Prefect of Bayonne has received rigorous orders !to watch the frontier and to confine suspected Carlists when ever necessary. The relations between the French and Spanish authorities are extremely cordial. NEWSPAPER CORRESPONDENTS AND THE ENGLISH PRESS. The correspondent of the Daily News telegraphs that General Lebceuf refuses to allow any newspaper corre spondent to follow the French army. Another telegram states that M. 011ivier is much hurt by the attitude which the English press has taken up in the dispute be tween France and Prussia, and that he declares the war has been caused by the insult which the latter Power has offered to the former. SPEECH OF THE KING OF PRUSSIA. The town councillors of Berlin presented yesterday at noon to the King an address thanking his Majesty for having repelled the unheard-of attempt made upon the dignity and independence of the nation, and asserting that, France having declaredwar against Prussia, every man will do his duty. The address says that, however desirous Germany might be to carry out the work of peace, no sacrifice will be considered too heavy to oppose the present rapacious attack upon the independence of the Fatherland. Prussia enters, in unison with Germany, upon a war to which she has been provoked by foreign arrogance. The address concludes by stating that it is presented as evidence of the entire devotion to duty and of the spirited feeling pervading the nation. The King, in reply, expressed his gratitude for the sentiments contained in the address, and said, " God knows I am not answerable for this war. The demand sent me I could not do otherwise than reject. My reply gained the approval of all the towns and provinces,the expression of which I have received from all parts of Germany, and even from Germans residing beyond the seas. The greeting which was given me here on Friday last animated me with pride and confidence. Heavy sacrifices will be demanded of my people. We have been rendered unaccustomed to them by the quickly-gained victories which we achieved in the last two wars. We shall not get off so cheaply this time, but I know what I may expect from my army, and from those hastening to join the ranks. The instrument is sharp and cutting ; the result is in the hands of God. I know also what I may expect from those who are called upon to alleviate the wounds, the pains ) and suffering which war entails. In conclusion, I beg you to express my sincere thanks to the citizens for the reception they have given me." At the termination of the King's address, the assembly with great enthusiasm shouted unanimously, " Long live the King !" THE SOUTH GERMAN ARMY. The New Prussian Cross Gazette announces that the King has appointed the Crown Prince of Prussia to the command-in-chief of the South German Army. The Cross Gazette adds that this appointment is a proof, not only of how highly important the King considers the post, but also of the most satisfactory fact—never doubted by Prussia—that the offensive and defensive affiance would be faithfully adhered to by all the South German States. ENTHUSIASM IN BAVARIA. An immense crowd went on Sunday afternoon to the King's Palace, at Munich, notwithstanding the rain, and expressed their gratitude for his most recent patriotic resolution, and his fidelity to his confederate duties, and gave numberless cheers to his Majesty. The multitude uncovering their heads, sang popular hymns, and Arndt's song, " Was ist des Deutschen Vaterland." NEUTRALITY OF SWEDEN. It is stated that Sweden and Norway will observe neutrality in the coming struggle. All the journals are in favour of the maintenance of this attitude. NEUTRALITY OF THE NETHERLANDS. In yesterday's sitting of the First Chamber the Govern ment made a communication confirming the news that France and Prussia had given written assurances that they would recognise and respect the neutrality of the Netherlands. The Government also contradicted the rumour that one of the belligerent Powers had offered assistance to preserve Holland's neutrality. All the levies of the Civic Guard from 1876 to 1869 of the first class have been called out. NEUTRALITY OF LUXEMBOURG. Count Bismarck, in the name of the North German Confederation, says that the neutrality of Luxembourg will be respected as long as the French respects it. THE MONEY MARKET. In Paris, yesterday, the Bourse was quiet. Rentes closed at 66f. 15c. or sc. higher than on Saturday. The Batik of Prussia has raised its rate of discount to 8 and 9 per cent. THE SITUATION IN PARIS. PARIS, SUNDAY. On this, the second day since the declaration of war, the enthusiasm of the multitude has in no way calmed down. Friday night was a tremendous scene ; Saturday, if possible, excelled it ; to-night displays the most vehement excitement of all. The whole French world rejoices at war. few exceptions consist of basely selfish persons who are inconvenienced by the withdrawal for the army of some of their servants. The omnibus company, for instance, has lost seventy - one conductors who have to hang their harps on a willow tree, and hence is unpatriotic. But, barring these vile and con temptible cases, the utmost unanimity prevails here. The army is glad at the prospect of employment after long waiting. So is the navy. The Court party rejoice in the certainty of defeating the Liberals, after the latter had gained something dangerously like a victory ; the mob rejoices, because it can create unlimited disturbance, and even sing the " Marseillaise " without let or hindrance ; and the French people generally are pleased because—there is unfortunately no doubt of the fact— they hate Prussia, and firmly believe that the day of her humiliation has come. All yesterday Paris boiled with the war fever, and to-day it has been the same. At four o'clock on Saturday morning the clarion was sounding at the forts of Vargves and Ivry, where the gst and 95th Regiments of the Line are in barracks, and they partook of their last meal in the neigh bourhood of Paris, and away they went to the eastern frontier. They marched through Paris at one in the afternoon, and at three they departed in the midst of an immense crowd from the Eastern Railway sta tion. The band of the Regiment played the " Marseillaise!" There was such a leave-taking as will be familiar to those who remember the departures in England for the Crimea — the tear-bedewed mothers, the fathers full of emotion, the inconsolable sisters, and the spectators rushing frantically into the wine shop and bringing out sympathetic " bocks" for the regalement of anybody who happened to be in uniform. It was a regular fête —except for the rela tives. This sort of thing went on all day. Paris became a great camp and parade ground. The flow of regiments to the east seemed endless. At four o'clock the 18th battalion of the chasseurs d pied, belonging to the first divi sion, under the orders of General Douai, departed. At five o'clock more chasseurs, then another regiment of the line, &c. When the evening came the public left the railway stations and held their own select receptions on the boulevards. Numerous groups formed themselves at the angle of the Rue du Faubourg du Temple, and Fourtille, singing the chant des Girondins ; thence the warlike band turned towards the Boulevard de Puebla, and finally entered the caf4 concert, the Folios-Desnoyes, where it sang the " Marseillaise " amid great enthusiasm. The Faubourg Saint-Antoine presented a spectacle of the greatest animation. The soldiers in barracks in that quarter fraternised with the people whom they had been sent to look after—for since the late disturb ances troops have been kept in the immediate neighbourhood of the disorderly districts. Yesterday however, a truce was declared, soldiers and people camped out in the street together, and oceans of wine were con sumed in the good work of drinking confusion to Bismarck and success to the righteous cause of the French. Between nine and eleven the Northern Railway Station was occu pied with Prussians leaving for Germany, an operation which they performed, Booth to say, with no good grace. The enthusiasm of war is difficult to excite amongst a number of wretches who are leaving, in many cases, their daily bread behind them, and who take their departure in the midst of a hostile population. There were between three and four thousand of these Germans. Between ten and midnight the capital was in the full tide of her war holiday. The crowd was so vast, the joy so intense, the thirst for blood so fierce, that the natural question which rose to the lips of every calm observer was, If this be the intoxication of war, what will be the delirium of vic tory, and what—the depression of defeat ? " Assuredly," said one Englishman, "it will be an evil day for the French Government if the anticipations of that multi tude are disappointed." The Italiens, the Capucines, and the rest of the well-known inner circle, presented the sight of a confused mass of civilian and military humanity. Standing-room was scarce ; a seat was not to be had. Every newspaper's printing re sources were taxed to the utmost, and the less the journals contained—none of them contained much — the more eagerly were they snapped up. On all sides were heard the Republican and warlike tunes. Bands of men and boys carrying tricolour flags perambulated the streets. Soldiers riding about in carriages passed to and fro amid the utmost applause. Sometimes a few mis guided persons raised a shout for peace, but these voluntary seekers after unpopularity were few, nor were their efforts so successful as to secure them many recruits. It was a splendid night of uproar. The excitement was so considerable that it lasted until past midnight, and did not even die out at two in the morning. Where, in deed, could the populace be better employed than in the centre of the capital animating the enthusiasm of the troops, and drinking unlimited liquor to keep up its own ? The arrangement was so obviously good that it was renewed to-day. The Parisians have been at it again all this Sunday with undiminished spirit. It is but just to say that pretty good order was kept. There was no violence, though there was abundance of noise. The police did not intei fere—indeed, any little eccentricities in the shape of revolutionary singing were readily tolerated in considera tion of the general, clear, and palpable patriotism to be observed on all sides. This unanimity extends itself to the press. There is n hesitation—no backwardness—no arriere penste. The Republicans forget their animosity, and the philosophers --for we have philosophers of the Paris press—cast their philosophy to the winds. The articles of the English journals, it is noticeable, are all thrown aside; they condemn the conduct of France, and are not, therefore, fit for patriotic columns. Judging by present appearances, very little English public opinion will circulate in France—at all events not until the origin of the war fades out of sight, and we are all lost in the ex citement of the actual struggle. The Siecle, which on Friday afternoon cut out a number of pacific exhortations, "in face of a situation which exists no longer," now ap pears beaming with warlike fervour. " War," it says, " imposes upon all French journalists duties which we, for our part, know how to fulfil. Republicans, we shall not forget that our party has been called since 1792, the patriotic party. Now that the sword is drawn, there is for Frenchmen but one obligation—imperative and sacred—to defend the fatherland."—The Debats : " All political dissension ought to be effaced in France at this moment before the grave events which are preparing in Europe, and the decided partisans of peace ought to become the most firm allies of their former opponents. Whilst the question remained open, and there was any hope of influencing people's minds, it was the duty of every good citizen to express, without reserve, and without hesitation, his preferences, and the reasons on which he founded them. We have fulfilled that duty. To-day that the deci sion is against peace and in favour of war, all that remains is to offer to our soldiers and to the enemy the spectacle of union." The Temps speaks in these terms :—" The Government has requested the newspapers to abstain from all indiscretion relative to the movements of troops. That warning was scarcely necessary. It is a strict and patriotic duty, which everybody recognises, and from which no one dreams of departing." It is needless to quote any of the effervescence which finds abundant vent in the columns of the Patric, the Liberte, and the Constitutionnel. In the eyes of these Government organs the war is. of course, the most righteous of undertakings. It has the special protection of Providence, and, what is scarcely less remarkable, the unanimous sanction of men. It is worthy of note that the Constitutionnel of to-day publishes a letter from London, speaking of the profound excitement with which the fatal news was received in the British capital. It sneers at the general current of opii.ion in England, and quotes only an extract from the Standard, in which the Conservative paper expresses the opinion that France is decidedly the stronger of the two parties. Similarly the journals are quoting :anti-Bismarckian articles in some of the South German papers, though it is now pretty evident that the States south of the Mein will take part with Prussia, and that any manifestation of opinion against Bismarck has no bearing on the more im mediate issue. But nothing but praise and flattery of France finds acceptance here. It is evident that the war disease will have its course. THE FRENCH ARMY. STRASBOURG, SATURDAY. It is easy to understand that under existing circum stances we are obliged to preserve silence respecting the military measures which may be taken in the two depart ments of the Rhine. Alsace may become one of Prussia's objects of attack, and it is therefore our duty not to direct attention to the measures which may be taken, whether for attack or defence. We may, how ever, state some important facts, and correct some erroneous statements, without doing any mischief. The gates of the town were closed last night at ten o'clock—the officials gave notice of the fact to those persons who passed in and out, but nevertheless several who did not understand or did not believe it, were shut out or shut in. Access to the ramparts at several places is forbidden, and persons who infringed this order have been arrested. Passage by steam boat andby rail between Strasbourg and Kehl, is still free, but it was interrupted by the withdrawal of the three vessels nearest the Bavarian frontier. They have been replaced. The commandant at Strasbourg has issued the folloing• notice :—" Strasbourg being in a state of war, the gates of the city will be closed at nine o'clock in the.evening and opened at four in the morning. In the public interests, and according to an old local custom, the municipal bell will be rung every evening before closing the gates. Passage on the platform of the ramparts is henceforward interdicted by night and day.—The Colonel Commandant, DUCASSE." ALGIERS, FRIDAY. Orders have been received and executed for the concen tration of the special troops of the African army, with the exception of the regiments of Spakis, at the ports of embarkationof Algeria, Aran, Mostanagem, Philippeville, Bove and Stora. We are going to send the following troops to France before the Ist of August :—Six thousand Zouaves of the Ist, 2nd, and 3rd regiments of the line, 7,000 Algerian riflemen, and 4,000 men of the foreign regiment as well as 16 squadrons, 2,000 cavalry of the Ist, 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Chasseurs d'Afrique, nearly 3,000 mules, and as many soldiers of the military train. These troops will constitute a magnificent corps Warm& of 17,000 to 18,000 foot soldiers, and 2,000 cavalry, Notwithstanding this groat diminution of the African army, and thanks to the French regiments, which are now acclimatised and remain in the three provinces, the generals commandants of the divisions answer for the tranquillity of the colony. Marshal Macmahon is in Paris and will put himself at the head of the Ist Corps. There is no talk of the return of Generals Durrien, Poiircet de Wimffen, and Perigot to France. The expedition to the south of the province of Aran has amply demonstrated that there is no need to anticipate a recurrence of the Morocco disturbances con stantly fomented during several years past by the fanati cal Ouled-Sidi-Scheiks. MEDIATION OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT. The London correspondent of the Manchester Guardian says that a last attempt was made by our Government to stay the effusion of blood. After the strong expression of opinion on Friday in the House of Commons by Mr. Disraeli, as head of the Conservative party, adverse to the precipitate conduct of France, Ministers felt justified in once more urg ing, through our Ambassador at Paris, the danger and de triment to all Europe of a deadly conflict on the Rhine. Lord Lyons and Lord Augustus Loftus were simuh taneously instructed to offer the mediation of England. The co-operation of the Czar has, I believe, been invited ; but the case seemed so urgent that it was judged expe dient not to wait for exchange of communications with St. Petersburg. It is still matter of doubt whether a military convention does not secretly exist between the two Northern Powers ; and it is still more open to doubt whether Russia, though evading all re sponsibility for the present embroglio, may not regard as propitious to her particular aims the committal of France to a life-and-death struggle on the Rhine. Engaged in war with Prussia, France will no longer have a man or a ship to spare for the protection of the Porte ; and Prince Gortchakoff may not unreasonably entertain a hope that now Lord Palmerston is dead the English Government would hesitate even longer than it did in 1854 to go to war for the integrity of the Ottoman empire. The effect on Italy of a proclamation of war on the Rhine is certain to be electrical. Both the belligerents will bid high for support, and it is clear that the evacuation of Rome is all that France will really have to offer. Before a week you will see a general movement throughout the Peninsular to put a pressure on the Government of Victor Emmanuel to this end ; the local provocation being the promulgation of the dogma of infallibility and the public imposition of the syllabus. The Birmingham Post publishes the following special telegram : "At the Cabinet Council on Saturday, one last gleam of hope remained. No official declaration of war had been received from the French Government ; and no declaration of neutrality could be issued by her Majesty's Government; the telegraph was therefore set to work in the hope that by joint representations to Paris and Berlin the last dread arbitrament of war might be averted. The question put by our Foreign Office to Lord Lyons was, " Will the French Government suspend hostilities for a few hours until the English Cabipet can communicate with Berlin." Presuming that the an§wer would be in the affirmative,the English ambassador was instructed to intimate that a satisfactory explanation of the supposed insult to M. Benedetti might formally be received from Berlin. The telegraph was simultaneously put in motion with Ber lin. The question here asked was whether the King would object to give assurance that he had no desire to wound the susceptibility of the French nation or to offer an insult to the Emperor in his interview with M. Benedetti. Our relations with the Prussian Royal Family are so intimate, that representations, both official and non-official, but not the less in fluential, could be employed. In order that no effort might be left untried, it was also decided that Mr. Disraeli's suggestion should be acted upon. Our ambassadors at Paris and Berlin have therefore been instructed to point out to the courts to which ti ey are accredited that, as they ought and were satisfied with Lord Stanley's arbitration in the matter of Luxemburg, her Majesty's Government have a right to expect that their friendly mediation will be accepted in the present difficulty. The argument may not be worth much, but it at least enables Lord Granville to remind the French Government that English Conservatives and Liberals are absolutely at one in condemning the precipitation of France." THE SMALLER AND NEUTRAL STATES. While negotiations were pending between France and Prussia, Belgium, naturally uneasy at her position, be gan preparations for defence. Since the day when all hope of peace was lost these preparations were hurried on. The Belgian army, which. reckons on paper 60;000 men, has been put on a war footing. The troops have been massed at Antwerp, whose fortress and camp are no less famous for their strategic strength than for the ex citement which their construction created in the country. It is reported that detachmentshave been posted along the French frontier at Quievrain, at Drivant, and at Mon scrou. The Patric, in making these statements, says : "We are convinced B We has only one object—to ensure heir neutrality. We congratulate her, but King Leopold and the Cabinet recently inaugurated, must not forget that this neutrality ought to be energetically and equitably protected against all the world, and that the means of defence are absolutely identical on both sides. We do not believe the rumours that the Belgian Crown and Government has expressed opinions which a neutral power has no right to acknowledge. The Court intrigues which surround the King will not influence his mind. He is bound to remember his people, whose interests the least movement on his part may seriously compromise. The sovereign of a nation whose foreign sympathies are more diverse than its internal politics, his duty and his interest alike compel him to observe a neutrality so strict and absolute that neither his subjects nor his neighbours can so much as guess the feelings of the King and his family." The government of the Netherlands has been assured by the belligerents that the neutrality of their country will be respected. Nevertheless the Minister of War has ordered all the levies from 1866 to 1869 to join before the 20th, and the troops will take up their position on the frontier. Denmark, it is announced, intends to remain neutral. This course, indeed, is likely to be fol lowed by the smaller powers, not directly implicated in the war, and the prevailing idea seems so be the pre servation of their neutrality. From Berne we hear that five divisions of the Federal army have been placed on a war footing, and all other divisions de piquet. The Chambers have expressed their unanimous approval of these precautionary measures, and have granted the Council full powers to take any further steps which may be necessary, opening an unlimited credit. The special correspondent of the Telegraph speaks of a coalition of France, Holland, and Denmark against Prussia. The French Government has sent a threatening message to the South German Governments, requiring them to forward within twenty-four hours a declaration whether they intend to remain neutral. It is reported from Madrid that an extension of the Regent's powers for three years is in contemplation, and that Marshal Prim intends going to Vichy. The Presi dent of the Cortes has notified to the deputies that the Cortes will not be required to assemble on the 20th as fixed, as the candidature of the Prince of Hohenzollern is no longer the order of the day. The Prussian Minister has, it is said, been sent by the Prussian Government to the Azores to give the squadron notice of the war. The London Figaro learns that Government has ordered • 10,000 British troops to hold themselves in readiness to proceed to Belgium, in view of any even tualities that may arise, should the neutrality of Belgium be disregarded. T LIE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, J LILY 19, . 1870. MARKETS. LONDON CORN EXCHANGE, MONDAY. —Fresh up to Mark Lane, this doming, the' receipts of "wheat from Essex and Kent have been limited, and the arrivals from abroad have been only moderate: , The prospect of a general European war has produced much excitement in the trade. Wheat has been very firm. English-has risen 65., and foreign, ss. to. Bs. per quarter. For barley' there has • been a strong "demand, and prices have risen is. to 2s. per quarter. Malt has been steady, at full prices. For oats the inquiry has • been - active, and an improve ment of 2s. 6d. per quarter has ensued. Beans and peas have Item firm, and fully 2s. per quarter higher. Flour has been ,steady. Town rates have risen is., and otter qualities 4s, per 2801 b. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET, MONDAY -Supplies of stock on sale here to-day were short, and the show of really good animals was small. A large number of Spanish beasts came to hand, but both these and the arrivals from Tonning were below the average quality. There was considerable animation in the demand, and choice beef advanced 2d. per 81bs. ; really prime Scotch and Herefords selling at ss. Gd. per 81bs. The number of sheep in the . pens was short, and the quality of the animals was generally inferior. Prime South Downs and half-bred wethers were in request, at an improvement of 2d. per Blbs. on the week, the top price being ss. 6d. per 81bs. Calves and pigs were unaltered in value ; while lambs met a steady sale,-at late rates. Beasts have sold at from 3s. 2d. to ss. 6d. ; sheep, 3s. 4d. to ss. 6d. ; lambs, Os. 4d. to Os. Bd. ; calves, 3s. 10d. to ss. Gd. ; and pigs, 4s. 6d. to ss. Bd. per 8 lbs. to sink the offal. Total supplies :-Beasts, 3,540 ; sheep and lambs, 21,300 ; calves, 290 ; and pigs, 170. Foreign Beasts, 1,660 ; sheep and lambs, 5,100 ; calves, 260 ; and pigs, 60. METROPOLITAN MEAT MARKET, MONDAY.-The sup ply of meat has been short. The trade has been firmer, as follows :-Beef, from 3s. 4d. to ss. ; mutton, 3s. 10d. to ss. ; lamb, ss. Bd. to 6s. ; veal, 4s. 4d. to ss. ; and pork, 3s. Bd. to ss. 4d. per 81bs. by the carcase. LIVERPOOL CATTLE MARKET, MONDAY.—The supply of stock at this market to-day was•much less than on last ➢Monday. The demand was fair for best cattle. Sheep and lambs were higher in price. Middling deseription was without alteration. Beef, 6d., 'lid. and Bd. per lb. Mutton, 7d. to 81d. per lb. Lambs, lid. to 9d. per lb. There were at market 1,810 cattle, and 11,890 sheep. LONDON TRADE REPORT, MONDAY.—The tallow market is firm, at 455. 6d. for Y. C. on the spot, and 475. last three months. Saltpetre was less excited, and the extreme price of 275. could not be obtained. Linseed oil firm, at 31s. 3d. spot, and 31s. 6d. Hull, spot. English brown rape unaltered. Metals are steady. English pig lead is quoted at £lB 10. COLONIAL PRODUCE MARKETS, MONDAY.—Sugar : The market has opened - quietly, but rates are firm for all descriptions. Very little produce has changed hands. Rice—Owing to the probability that several cargoes now on the way to Germany will be directed to England, the market has ruled very flat, notwithstanding an advance of OS. to Bs. per quarter in wheat. Corn is still drooping in value. Coffee—There is nothing doing in any description, and prices shew weakness. Provisions were excited to-day. LIVERPOOL COTTON MARKET, MONDAY.—This market opened quiet to-day, at about Saturday's rates. The sales will probably reach 7,000 bales.—(Close.)—The market closed quietly to-day. Sales, 6,000 bales, of which 500 on speculation and for export. 4,090 American sold at 54d. to 101 d. ; 160 Pernambuco, 10d. ; 150 ,Maranham, 10d. to 111 d. ; 250 Egyptian, 11d. to 13d. ; 10 Smyrna, 9d. : 40 Peruvian, 101 d. to 111 d. ; 1,300 Surat, Gad. to 9d. Imports, 602 bales. MANCHESTER COTTON MARKET, MoNDAY.—Business re mains in a great measure suspended, owing to the war between France and Prussia, that being the principal topic of discussion on 'Change, almost to the exclusion of ordinary business. The grave aspect of affairs on the Continent causes buyers to delay any purchases they had contemplated making until the course of events is more plainly discernible. Meanwhile, there is no pressure to sell, and prices are tolerably steady, though sellers refuse no reasonable offers. AGRICULTURE AND THE CORN TRADE. At the commencement of the week, says the Magnet, the corn trade was in a state of suspension owing to the uncertainty attending the political situa tion. Small retail purchases were made from time to time by millers, who shewed no dis position to operate in the face of the early increase in stocks, which will take place on the reaping of the harvest, which may be expected to become general in about a week or ten days. The Continental crisis which has now arisen, however, afforded a good pretext to factors for demanding more money, as in the event of an European war our foreign trade would be greatly inter fered with. As soon as war was actually declared the market became much excited, and valued tended rapidly upwards. Parcele of grain afloat were held at a rise of ss. on the week, and transactions were actually reported at that advance. Stocks, however, are still large, and there is a large quantity of surplus produce available for export from America, so that there is little fear of any great scarcity prevailing for the present. The wheat plant is lcokin , well, and is rapidly approaching maturity. The dry forcing weather of the past few weeks has had the effect• of hurrying vegetation for ward, and the quality of the wheat of 1870 will probably be very good. If we can only secure dry weather for carrying the crop, we shall have had a remarkably propitious wheat season this year. On all well-farmed lands the plant presents a most satisfactory appearance, but en some light soils the plant has suffered from bhe long-continued lack of moisture—especially where sown late—being light and thin on the ground. It may be hoped, however, that the return on heavy soils will make up for the deficiency on light ones. Barley on light and gravelly soils will certainly give a return under the average, but the recent rains have benefited the crop generally. There can be little doubt, however, that the yield of the plant will be much deteriorated this year, as this is a cereal which requires no inconsiderable quantity of moisture. Oats are in a similar position, being short in the straw and thin in the ear; nevertheless, this crop has vastly improved of late. Both Scotland and Ireland have this year had a sufficient rainfall to benefit the crops, thereby standing in marked distinction to England. Here all crops are short in the straw, but this does not appear to be the case in North Britain. Roots have greatly improved since the late rain, and the prospects of forage generally have changed for the better. Wheat yesterday at Mark Lane sold- at a rise of from five to eight shillings a quarter. We have had (says the Mark-Lane Express) an entire week of real Midsummer weather, and the smart rains which have fallen occasionally have served to fill out the ears of corn, as well as hasten its maturity. Not only has the cutting of oats commenced, hut also of peas, and we have heard that some Talavera wheat has been cut as well. Rain will yet favour the late corn, especially the beans, which are very short; but the wheat generally would be better without it. The meadows still look too brown, though improving ; but along the southern roast as well as in the north and west, they have throughout the season fared better than the Midland and Eastern Counties. As a whole, wheat continues to look well, though some pieces have been blighted ; and on all the light lands, which were almost burnt in June, there must be hot only a bad yield of hay and spring corn, but also of wheat. The influence of the war has already had a hardening effect on prices, just as they were receding, and a sort of paralysis has come over parts of Germany and France during the uncertainty of politics. Paris is rather dearer for wheat, as well as several other places in France; . but the grain first to be affected will be oats, for which, in -a time of peace, the French have been pay ing great prices, and the requirements of cavahy will be enormously costly, and perhaps produce an order in Council against the export of oats ; while our supplies from the Baltic and Russia will be considerably les sened. A serious stabbing case occurred in Liverpool on Saturday night. Two seamen, named Frances and Allen, quarrelled, and during the altercation, Frances, it is said, stabbed the other man three times in the arm. The wounds are considered dangerous. ESCAPE OF A FEMALE PRISONER.—Mary O'Neill who was convicted at the last Newcastle Sessions of rob bery from the person, and sentenced to seven yearepenal servitude, escaped on Sunday mornin from Newcastle Gaol. She had broken away a bar from her cell win dow, then got on the roof of a washhouse adjoining the boundary wall, and by means of a short rope descended on the other side of the wall, which is 25 feet high. Up to Sunday evening she had not been captured. DIPLOMATIC AND CONSULAR SERVICES.—The select committee appointed to inquire into the nature of the diplomatic service resumed their sittings on Monday, afternoon, Mr. Bouverie in the chair, when it was ex pected that Mr. Otway, the Under-Secretary of Foreign Affairs, would have been examined ; but as soon as the committee met it was notified that in the present state of things, war having just been declared between France and Prussia, it would be very impolitic on the part of a British Minister to express any opinion with respect to continental missions, and accordingly the committee, after a few questions necessary to complete the evidence of the. Hon. Mr. Lytton, adjourned. COLOUR IN THE SENATE.—John Chinaman has as yet no possible place in the temple of the constitution ; for the definition of citizen of the United States requires either an American birth or a naturalization, and all our naturalization laws still require that the would-be citizen shall be a free " white " man. As a new naturalization law is before the Senate it was to be supposed that this point would come up, and it did. Mr. Sumner moved to strike out the word white " wherever it occurred. This immediately excited several senators who represent con stituencies that do not admire the Celestial, and they opposed the motion with clamour. It is noteworthy that they are irreproachable republicans and gentlemen who always kept their seats with commendable patience when Mr. Sumner was in the habit of making exactly the same motion in favour of Sambo. Hereupon, therefore, arises the inquiry, wherein lies the inferiority of yellow to black—what is there in a black man that we should yield to him we refuse to the man of intermediate colour? It will be one of the funniest things in- political history to hear our Senators making arguments against the China man that shall not condemn their own several courses with regard to the negro.—Herald. TIIE "GLORIOUS FOURTH."—The New York Herald declares that the Fourth of 1870, with the Union restored, and equal civil and political rights established in the supreme law of the land, was the grandest ever known. The Tribune of the sth indulges in the following reflections :—" The unusually cool and beautiful weather yesterday was provocative of more than usual enthusiasm, and the celebration of Indepen dence Day was more general than it has been for many years before. - The incidents, however, were of the stereotyped kind. In this city there were the morn ing parade, the afternoon meetings and speeches, and the evening sulphurous swindle in all the public parks. The celebration in the city was comparatively quiet in con sequence of the absence of many thousands of citizens on excursions to parks and villages, and the sea-shores in the vicinity. At Woodstock Conecticut, President Grant added by his presence to the interest of the occasion. Everywhere we observe that the celebration of the day has been marked by less of parade and more of quiet en joyment. fewer Chinese crackers and more American sen timent, than in days past. In Paris and other continen tal cities, wherever a few Americans were gathered together, there was speech-making and gladness of heart ; and indeed, well-nigh the world around the Star-Spangled banner was toasted, and the bird of Freedom rhetorically exalted in honour of " the Fourth." OFFICIAL PRUSSIAN STATEMENT. The official Staats Anzeiger publishes under reservation of further communication two official documents in order to explain certain statements put forward by the French Ministers in the sitting of the Legislative Body, held on the 15th inst. The first document, which has been drawn up under the immediate superintendence of the King himself, states that M. Benedetti demanded on the 9th inst. that the King should order the hereditary Prince of Hohenzollern to withdraw his accep tance of the Spanish Crown. The King, however, declared that not having ordered the Prince to accept the Crown, he could not order him to renounce it. In a second audience on the 11th instant, M. Benedetti endeavoured to put some pressure upon the King, and demanded that he - should impress upon the Prince the necessity of renunciation, but his Majesty replied that the Prince was free to act, and also was abroad. On the public promenade at Ems, on the 13th instant, the King handed to M. Benedetti an extra sheet of the Cologne Gazette, containing a private telegram in reference to a renunciation of the Prince of Hohen zollern, his Majesty adding at the same time that he himself had not yet received any letter from Sigmaringen on the matter in question. Thereupon, M. Benedetti declared that what he meant was a renun ciation, and asked on the part of Prussia that the King should distinctly promisenever ftgainto consent to the can didature in question. His Majesty firmly declined to com ply with this demand, but M. Benedetti nevertheless insisted upon a third audience, in order to resume the topic. The King refused to grant this audience, on the ground that no further reply was necessary, and that all negotiations should pass through the hands of his Cabinet. The wish expressed by M. Benedetti to leave was granted by the King, and on his journey to Coblentz, in going to the station, his Majesty courteously saluted M. Benedetti. The second document contains a report by Prince Radziwill, aide-de-camp to the King, in reference to the manner in which he intimated to M. Benedetti the King's message declining another audience. The document declares that the whole of the audiences in question were merely of the character of private conversations, since M Benedetti never stated that he acted by authorisation or as negotiator. The Staats Anzeiger says, in conclusion, that the French Government was well aware that Baron Werther was not recalled from Paris, but had merely received leave of ab sence, and had delegated his functions to Count Solms- Sonnenwalde, as on former occasions, and that he in formed the Government of the matter. A woman named Downes was convicted before the Common Serjeant, on Saturday, of having stolen Russian bonds valued at £9OO, and was sentenced to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for eighteen months. THE FACTORY BILL.--The Parliamentary Com mittee appointed to consider the provisions of this bill, which principally affects the question of the employment of women and children in the Turkey Dye Works, in Lan cashire and Yorkshire, met yesterday. A large number of persons interested in the question were present, but after considerable discussion it was decided that it was necessary to hear evidence, and the committee contented itself with examining the clauses of the bill. MR. MILL ON THE CHINESE QUESTION. A couple of letters from Mr. Mill on the Chinese ques tion are published it the American papers. In the first he says :—" The subject on which you have asked my opinion involves two of the most difficult and embarrassing questions of political morality--the extent and limits of the right of those who have first taken possession of an unoccupied portion of the earth's surface to exclude the remainder of mankind from inhabiting it, and the means which can be legitimately used by the more improved branches of the human species to protect themselves from being hurtfully encroached upon by those of a lower grade in civilisation. All obligations binding the Chinese to the service of particular persons are a form of compul sory labour, that is, of slavery ; and though I know that the legal invalidity of such contract's does not prevent them from being made, I cannot but think' that if pains were taken to make it known- to the immigrants that such engagements are not legally binding, and especially if it were made a penal offence to enter into them; that mode, at least of immigration would - receive a considerable check ; and it does not seem probable that any other mode among so poor a popitlation as the Chinese can attain such dimensions as to compete very injuriously with American labour. Short of that point, the opportunity given to numerous Chinese of becoming familiar with the better and more civilised habits of life, is one of the best chances that can beopened up for the improvement of the Chinese in their own country, and one which it does not seem to me that it would be right to withhold from them." This letter was published, and Mr. Mill wrote a second It said :—" I presume I am indebted to you for sending me the number of the Chicago Tribune which commented on my supposed opinions respecting Chinese immigra tion. Nothing could be clearer or fairer than the edito rial statement of the reasons which, in my opinion, might justify the exclusion of immigrant labourers of a lower grade of civilisation than the existing inhabitants. But I never said that in America, and in the present circum stances of the case, it ought to be done. My letter on the subject of a California citizen, who had asked my opi nion, has been so much misunderstood that I cannot but think the copy of my letter which I understand appeared in the newspapers, must have been a mutilated one. I distinctly declared that in my opinion the right course to be adopted is to endeavour by education to bring the rising generation of Chinese up to the level of Ameri cans. If there is little or no rising generation (the Chinese not being permanent settlers), I said that in that case their coming could be no such evil to the labouring classes as to justify its prohibition, while the opportunity it . gives of conveying the ideas of a more civilised country into the heart of China is an advantage to the people of China of which (I said) I do not think it would be right to deprive them. The only mode of immigration which I said that I thought should be prohibited is the bringing over Chinese as coolies under engagements to work for particular persons, which is a form of Compulsory labour, or, in other words, of slavery." THE SHAKERS. Within the boundaries of the the Empire State, divided into two families or colonies, live a radically queer people. They form a sort of distinct world in miniature, with original and peculiar notions of religion, dress, man ners, and domestic economy. We allude to the Shakers, the religious. descendants. of "good Mother Ann Lee." The reader, probably, has no further knowledge of these people than pertains to an acqttaintance with " Shaker apple sauce " or " Shaker g arden seeds," and the follow ing notes of a visit to the Watervliet branch may there fore be acceptable. Taking Albany as a base of opera tions we set out in a private conveyance—for there was no public means of transit—on a recent Sunday morning for " the society of believers." The road was excessively sandy, and the weather excessively hot, so that the drive of about eight miles was not very enjoyable. At an angle of the road we came suddenly upon the Shaker village, which comprises about a dozen large wooden buildings, all apparently new and in excellent repair. Opposite the village is a naturel sheet of water, perhaps half a mile square and the avenue, which may be said to form the main street of the minia ture village, is beautifully shaded. Everything about the grounds is scrupulously neat, and numerous placards enjoin upon visitors the necessity of keeping off the grass, cleaning their feet, eschewing chewing and smoking, &c. Under the sheds and tied to the fences under the trees were a large number of conveyances of every description, for the attndance of strangers was, as usual on pleasant Sundays, quite large. The Shakers encourage such attendance on the part of " the world's people " on pleasant days ; but on rainy days or in muddy weather their house of worship is invariably closed to visitors, as the purity of their scoured floors is of more consequence to them than the gratification of curiosity seekers. The religious ceremonies are, in plea sant weather, always open to the public, and the Shakers are very polite and attentive to visitors, although they are strict in suppressing any approach to levity or indecorous conduct. Entering the commodious hall used for worship we found nearly all the seats provided for spectators already occupied. These seats are arranged in amphi ,theatre fashion and are well calculated for easy observa tion of the ceremonies. The Shakers carry out their peculiar notions to the fullest extent, and the audience was carefully separated as regards sex. A solemn old Shaker watched the males unceasingly, ready to prey upon any sinner who should indulge in any unseemly conduct, and an equally solemn Shakeress performed the same office for the females. The main or centre portion of the hall was left clear, and the floor of it was polished as smooth as glass. In fact, the air of excessive neatness became positively uncomfortable. After waiting half an hour in profound silence a door at either side of the room opened, and from one filed out the male Shakers and from the other the females. They numbered altogether about one hundred and fifty, and were arranged with the oldest at the head and so tapering off to the youngest. The men and boys wore brown pants, dark blue waistcoats and white shirts, with their hair cropped rather short and combed straight down in front—the whole "make up" being highly suggestive of Barney Williams or Dan Bryant in Irish comedy. The women and girls were dressed in white or very light drab stuff, with cropped hair and neat white caps. There were among them a fair sprinkling of young and good looking females, and in their demure and sober dresses, they looked like the prepossessing nuns in the pictures. Gravely, and with an evident profound sense of awe, they formed in two lines facing each other, the males on one side and the females on the other, and, thus standing, sang a hymn. Their singing throughout the services was rather pleasing from its oddity, their tunes being quaint and lively. This hymn was followed by the reading of a chapter of Scripture. Then a portion of the worshippers formed a hollow square in the centre, while the others moved around them in a sort of half march, half dance, all joining in the singing of a lively hymn. Their movements and gestures were utterly indescribable, partaking largely of the grotesque, if not of the ridiculous. After this dance had been kept up for perhaps ten minutes they seated themselves on the benches at the sides and sat bolt upright, looking neither to the right nor to the left, dur ing a somewhat lengthy discourse delivered by a visiting brother from the Lebanon family. He dwelt chiefly upon the subject of celibacy as practised by the. Shakers, and quoted an abundance of Scripture in support of his views. The Shakers rose again at the close of his remarks, and, striking up an air closely resemblin g o. " The girl I left behind me," joined in a dance that snr passed anything we had ever seen • in the terpsichorean line. It consisted in a " forward and back " movement, interspersed with a peculiar " double shuffle," and was executed with a precision that could only have been acquired by long practice. Old and young joined in the saltatory portion of the worship with great gusto, and the excessive solemnity with which they danced rendered the performance the more absurd to the specta tors, who, with great difficulty restrained their risibles. This dance continued fully twenty minutes, each moment growing wilder, while the singing grew louder andlivelier. Suddenly it ceased, and to the sound of another song the strange worshippers filed out as they came in. Then the solemn sentinel, who had not for one moment taken his eyes from the spectators or joined in the ceremony, thanked the visitors for their good behaviour and requested them to retire. The Watervliet family of Shakers is the original settlement, and was founded by Ann Lee in 1776. In 1779 there was a great revival in Shakerism, and several societies were formed elsewhere. Many became impressed by Ann Lee and the divine inspirations under which she claimed to preach, and believed that their only chance of salvation was to separate themselves from the world. They conceived it to be their duty to " crucify all worldly lusts," and, abandoning all private property for the common good, they had all things in common. Fr Dm their great fervour in preaclizig r their tremblings and quailings, they came to be spoken of as " Shakers,' which name they finally adopted. The Shakers have the reputa tion of being thrifty, charitable, and simple-minded. The management of affairs is vested with three or four " leaders." Visitors are always welcome, and they never take pay for food or lodging. That cleanliness is next to godliness they evidently believe, and that they practise their belief is evidenced everywhere about the premises. They all work— on the farms in summer, and making brooms, put ting up garden seeds, &c.,' in winter. The males and females occupy the same building at night, their sleeping apartments being at opposite parts of the house. They rise at half-past four o'clock in the morning, have break fast at six, dinner at twelve, supper at six and go to bed at nine. At meals the men occupy one .end of the table and the women the other. Before meals they all kneel and offer up silent thanks, visitors being required to do the same. Their rules are said to be rigidly enforced, and they bear a goad reputation for morality among their neighbours. From a business standpoint the Shakers have been successiul. From a small beginning, by industry, economy, and good management, they have grown enor mously wealthy: Their buildings are numerous " and costly, their acres many and under the highest degree of cultivation, and their bank accounts always in a flourish ing condition. This degree of prosperity is not much to be wondered at when we consider that their products are the result of the cheapest imaginable labour—simply the board and clothing of the producer—and always sold, on account of uniform good quality, at the highest market rates. As to numbers, however, they are not in so pros perous a condition. Their ranks have been thinning for the last ten or fifteen years, the older men and women dying, and leaving few to fill their places. Their religion prevents a natural increase, and therefore all accessions must come from outside. These accessions come mostly in the form of chil dren, who are given them to rear. The world offers decidedly brighter inducements than their life of retired self-denial, and out of fifty children they bring up, scarcely. one will stay longer than till eighteen or twenty years old. They assume to believe, however, that there is a "great awakening" at hand, the result of which will be a flocking to their villages.as in the days of Ann Lee.. Unless some thing of the kind does happen it will be difficult to predict a brilliant future for the Shakers. This state of things leaves the society made up of old men and women, and boys and girls. The latter are constantly running away, and when the former die off, the Shakers' days will be numbered.—New York Herald. DEAIII OF MAJOR-GENERAL HAMBLIN. One of the military leaders of the war, Major-General Joseph C. Hamblin, died in New York on Sunday, July 3d, at the age of forty-two. General Hamblin was, for many years prior to 1861, a prominent and popular mem ber of the Seventh Regiment, National Guard, and almost immediately on the outbreak of the rebellion he volun teered his services in the defence of the nation, and became adjutant with the rank of first lieutenant, of the Fifth Regiment of New York Volunteers (First Duryea Zouaves). In November, 1861, shortly after the formation of the Sixty-fifth regiment, New York volunteers (the Chas seurs), he was transferred to the latter command as major. Colonel (now General) John Cochrane was at that time in command of the Sixty-fifth, and Alexander Shaler (now Major-General com manding the First Division N. G., S. N. Y.); was lieutenant-colonel. The regiment was conspicuous for its services in the field, and for distinguished and meri torious conduct Major Hamblin rapidly rose by successive grades of promotion to the command, participating in Grant's grand campaign of 1864 from the Wilderness to Petersburg. At this time the Sixty-fifth formed part of the First Brigade, First Division, Sixth Army Corps. After the investment of Petersburg, the Sixth Corps was, in &illy, 1864, transferred from the Army of the Potomac to the Shenandoah Valley, to resist the demonstra tion of Breckinridge and Early against Washington and Maryland. In this new theatre of operations Colonel Hamblin participated in each of Sheridan's brilliant successes in the valley, and at Cedar Creek, the action for which Sheridan made his famous ride from Winchester, • •the Colonel was severely wounded pi by a rifle ball in the leg. Here one of the salient charac teristics of the man was developed in a peculiar and touch ing way. Owing to the reverse which the Union troops suffered early in the day the. casualties among the gene ral and field officers were heavy in their attempts to rail the retreating troops and keep them to their ground. Al though suffering considerable pain from his wound Hamb lin was seen among the wouuded officers at the hospital that day doing all in his powerto alleviate their sufferings, and actually limping to the spring with canteens and fill ing them with water for his wounded companions to drink, and visiting the houses of rebel citizens, endeavour ing to procure palatable food for the more exhausted. For conspicuous gallantry in this action he was brevetted Brigadier-General, and placed in command of the bri gade, the command being at the time temporarily held by Colonel Edwards of the "Thirty-seventh Massa- 1 chusett s volunteers. Upon the return of the corps to St. Petersburg he was in the spring of 1865 promoted to full rank, and participated in all the subsequent engagements of the army of the Potomac to the surrender at Appomatox. For distinguished bravery at . Sailors' Creek, April 6, 1865, the last engagement between the rebels and the Army of the Potomac, he was brevetted Major-General, and was mustered out with that rank at Washington in July, 1865. In this action his brigade suffered very severely, and literally " covered themselves with glory." In per son Major-General Hamblin was of attractive and decid edly soldierly appearance, about six feet in height, finely formed, with strongly marked features and characteristic military bearing. When the great review of the Sixth corps took place in Washington after the close of the war it was a subject of much pleasing gossip and comment among the troops that General Hamblin had been pronounced the "handsomest officer in the Army of the Potomac," and his men accorded to themselves the honour of being so commanded. Socially he was one of the most genial, gentlemanly , And noble-spirit e d men , an d was universally beloved by the rank and file of his brigade as well as by a large and estimable circle of friends and acquaintances in private life. Since the rebellion he had adopted civil pursuits, and at the time of his lamented demise held the position of Superintendent of Agencies for the Commonwealth Fire Insurance Company. He was also up to a recent period Adjutant-General and Chief of Staff of the First Division, National Guard. A NEW SOLUTION OF THE «SERV tNT GIRL" QUESTION. General Butler and Governor Hawley, in their remarks with respect to the different aspects of the Chinese ques tion, did not touch upon one phase of it which to the housekeepers of the country is the most important of all —that is, the solution to be hoped for from the Chinese of the most knotty . domestic problem of the present day, " the servant girl question." However. it may be true in European countries that the tyrannical capitalist or employer oppresses without mercy the poor and down trodden labourer, the reverse seems the fact in this happy land, at least so far as servants are concerned. The servant girls here have it all their own way. Our American mistresses are at the beck and call of these most fastidious " helps," If a lady seek a cook at an intelli gence office, the girl at once by her manner informs her that she is conferring a favour on her by attending to her meals, and seats h erse lf t o p u t the lady through a close and vigorous cross-examination as to all the peculiarities of her household. If she condescends to accept the place, and especially if it be in a suburban region, she soon dis covers defects enough, and is able to make herself suffi ciently disagreeable. The church is too far off ; the water is rain-water ; there are no " fixed tubs ;" the waitress will not help in the washing ; " company " will not come every evening, and the country is lonely. When the mistress hears this she knows what is coming, and in a few days another domestic revolution sets in. The gentleman in the meantime, is prepared for his work in town by all sorts of experiments in cooking, such as " saleratas bread," over-done steaks and muddy coffee. The lady now tries another plan, and hunts up advertisements. Up and down the stairs of tenement houses, and through heated lanes, she plods her weary way, until at length she finds some dignified personage who is willing to cook for a small family a; sixteen dollars a month. She scorns to shew any " reference," but rather demands a full account of her future mistress, the number of her children present and expected, the habits of the gentleman of the house, the character of " the range," the hours of rising and retiring, and full information on the great subject of "portable tubs." After a lengthy cross examination of this nature, and with a prospect of five pairs of stairs in some other tenement-house, the lady becomes somewhat demoralised, and would accept a raw peasant fresh from the bogs of Ireland, as " thorough, cook"' rather than look further. The woman is accord ingly installed, and another reign of disorder, impudence, bad cooking, and slovenliness begins in the unhappy household. At this point, however, the waitress has Become dissatisfied because she cannot spend every evening out with her " beau," and leave the lady to do her work ; and she retires from the field. Now children , and mistresses must do " upstairs work," and another expedition to the intelligence offices be inaugurated. So the agree able alternation goes on •• one comes and another goes ; one is impertinent and another lazy, and all demand high wages, though expenses of living have fallen. The volume which might be written on the sufferings of American mistresses with servant girls, would make a compilation almost equal to that famous little work, written by an English humorist, " The Miseries of Human Life." Hitherto, when treating o f thi s su bj ect, we have been unable to throw a beam of hop e u p on it. Our troubles seemed the natural result of our prosperity, and were not likely to diminish with the increasing well being of the labouring class. But now, with the dawn of the " Chinese question," a new light breaks upon us. John Chinaman is to rid -us of the old plagues of domestic life. As all who know the East well understand he is an incomparable servant. Quiet, docile, clean, imi tative, accustomed to continuous labour, and not desirous of changing situations often, he is the very per son f or a . model house-servant.. What he has learned once he can do again. His politeness helps him as waiter or attendant. He soon comprehends our strange ways, and adapts him self to them. He is exact as a clock. With him there is no question of " portable tubs " and " company," and " upstairs and downstairs " work, and the like. His great question is. " Whatee payee Melikan man ?" and he is satisfied - with moderate wages; and sel dom demands a holiday. His principal weakness is a coveting of his neighbour's chickens ; but this propen sity may be gratified without much disturbance to the family peace. When "John " is fairly in the field he will carry everything before him ; and Chinese men as waiters, chamber-maids, and cooks, will be as much a part Of a well-regulated household as blacks were once at the South. Then will begin a happy day for our long oppressed mistresses, and something of the comfort and decorum of a well-regulated household be attainable here. Society can , never move easily in America till we have thoroughly-trained servants. The " leading race," hay ifig its domestic affairs arranged by competent persons, will then have brains and vitality to devote to the most important interests, and the world move all the faster and better.—Neto . York Times. The Morning Post and the Daily News deny posi tively the statement of the professional papers on Satur day that Mr. Reed will, in consequence of the present crisis, return to his post at the Admiralty. Our Metropo litan Gossip stated, so long - ago as Thur s d a y , t h e true facts. Mr. Reed did off er his services, but the Lords of the Admiralty declined them in a letter that wasbrief even to curtness. The Earl and Countess of Derby are expected to arrive at Knowsley Hall, near Liverpool, on Wednesday afternoon next. The whole of the tenants and cottagera and their wives will be invited to welcome the happy couple. Two triumphal arches will, moreover, be erected near to the hall, and it is probable that before the car riage containing Lord and Lady Derby reaches the hall the old custom of taking the horses from the carriages, and drawing the vehicle by bipeds instead of quadru peds, will be observed. —Liverpool Courier. BIRTHS. On the 16th inst.. at 10, Eaton-place west the wife of Captain Arthur Garratt, of th e Grenadier Guards, of a son. On the 15th inst., at Pope's Villa, Twickenham, the wife, of Charles Aird, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. On the 14th inst., at the parish ohurch, Eccles, Percy, younger son of Thomas R, Keen, Esq., of Lee, Kent, to Elizabeth Jane, daughter of the late William Red ford, Esq. On the 14th inst.,_ at St. Thomas's, Kend a l, G eorge Holme, Esq., of London, and Chapel House, O r t on, Westmorland, t o Jane, daughter of the late John Wil son, Esq., of Town View, Kendal. DEATHS On the 15th inst., at Redworth House, near Darlington, Thomas D. Drewett, Esq., of Jarrow Hali, county of Durham, aged 63. On the 16th inst., at Worthing, Gecirge Henry Edgar, of Elmdean, Surbiton, aged 45. London : Printed by GIDEON ACLAND BOYCE, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, and P u bli s h e d b y him at N THE SUN Office, o. 112, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in t County of Middlesex. Tuesday, July 19, 1870.