The Sun. — London, England, 1870-11-02 00:00:00

THE ALEXANDRA PALACE AND PARK. The position of advanced maturity now attained by the enterprise set on foot by Mr. Fuller and his friends in order to develope, for the public benefit, the resources of the Alexandra Park and Palace, has naturally excited considerable interest as to the prospect of its being carried out thoroughly. Even now, after that a complete organ isation of local committees for the purpose of collecting the names of subscribers, has been formed in the northern districts, doubts are expressed in some quarters as to the ultimate issue of Mr. Fuller's labours. It may, therefore, be useful to call to mind a few cir cumstances connected with former efforts made and diffi culties overcome by this gentleman. In 1849, when a series of exhibitions of British art and manufacture was in contemplation, Mr. Fuller visited the French Exposition, and on his return induced the late Mr. Thomas Cubitt and Mr. Scott-Russell to place before the Prince Consort his conviction that an exhibition on a much greater and more 'important scale than that of Paris could be got up in London. The consequence of this representation was that the views of his Royal High ness became much more comprehensive than they had they had previously been ; and, after consultations with Mr. Fuller, Mr. Cole, and Mr. Scott-Russell, it was determined that the forthcoming exhibition of 18M should be not merely national, but " International " and " Universal," these terms being suggested by the Prince himself. Up to the period of Mr. Fuller's visit to Paris, and sub sequent energetic representation to royalty, no idea had occurred to, or at all events had been expressed by, any one, that anything so grand, so cosmopolitan, so condu cive to moral and physical, artistic and industrial progress, not -only in England, but throughout the world, was practicable. There had been several exhibitions of the products of art and industry at the Society of Arts, attended with partial success, periodical exhibitions of Irish works had been held in Dublin, and the French expositions had been held for many years on a gradually increasing scale, but such a spectacle as that whichlhe world witnessed in 1851 had not been contemplated. In strict and logical truth, therefore, that magnificent "and unparalleled display of the results of human ingenuity and industry, repre sented by all nations, is due to Mr. Fuller's conception. But though the value of that conception and the prac ticability of realising it were so readily discerned and ap preciated by Prince Albert, dfficulties which, to his Royal Highness and others, appeared insurmountable, presented themselves at the outset. Many persons from whom cor dial co-operation might have been expected thought the scheme " too large"—" too ambitious." It was thought that the manufacturers of the country would not support it—that the public would stand aloof—that by affording to foreign manufacturers a knowledge of the processes used by our own, we might raise up competitors abroad, sad thus injure our industrial interests. The policy agreed to between the Prince and Mr. Fuller and his friends had been the issuing of a Rofal Commission ; but funds were wanted for initiative objects. Government refused alike to grant, advance, or become answerable for a shilling. The willingness of the public to subscribe was gravely doubted. Then, to add to the complication, Lord Taunton (then Mr. Labonchere) upon the part of the Ministry of the day, objected that it would be altogether inexpedient, and out of rule, to issue a Royal Commission without a sub stantial guarantee that money would be forthcoming suf ficient to cover all the estimated expenses of the under taking. Amongst other details, Mr. Labouchere, after wards Lord Taunton, stipulated (we believe) that an essential feature in the plan should be the offer of prizes toa large amount for the most meritorious objects exhi bited, and that the total tmount of these prizes should not be less than £20,000; and further, that it was indispensable to have that sum deposited before hand and the expenses of the exhibition building guaranteed before his Royal Highness's name could be compromised by appearing at the head of any commission which might be issued with the sanction of Government. 4 It was supposed to be impossible for these conditions to be fulfilled. The total sum required, between prizes and cost of building as then estimated would be little less than £lOO,OOO, and as the only source of repayment was to be the receipts for admission, sale of catalogues, refresh ments, &c., no expectation was entertained that any person would be found adventurous enough to incur the possibility of losing so large a sum for the sake of any possible profit which might accrue from so risky a speculation. In this state of affairs general despondency prevailed amongst the friends of the enterprise, and it was seriously supposed that it would have to be abandoned, or at least postponed until some time when public sentiment should become more advanced and enlightened with respect to the objects and results contemplated by it. This was the juncture at which Mr. Fuller stood for ward, and declared his conviction that as contractors could be found in this country to do anything, some firm would prove to bo possessed of sufficient enterprise and public spirit to provide the means on condition of sharing in the profits which might be reasonably contemplated. The general impression, however, was entirely opposed to this view, and Mr. Fuller's arguments were virtually ridiculed, when that gentleman intimated his readiness to prove, the accuracy of his conviction by personally finding a contractor willing and able to do all that was required. At the instance of the Prince he set about doing so, one or two other gentlemen consenting to make a similar endeavour. In this, however, they failed, and it was not, in fact, until after several efforts in various directions, including such firms as those of Brassey, Buller, Peto, Jackson, Truman, &c., that he at length succeeded in prevailing upon Messrs. Munday to find the money, erect the building, and carry out all the behests of the Royal Commissioners upon terms emphatically recog nised by Prince Albert as most liberal and advantageous to the nation, and which the Prince himself described as having enabled him to announce the Great Exhibition of 1851. From this it is evident that but for Mr. Fuller's prompt perception and vigorous action upon it, the comprehen sive plan of the Great Exhibition would not have been brought forward. It is equally evident that the financial and other difficulties which became manifest at the threshold of operations, when all shrank from responsi bility, would have smothered the undertaking, but for Mr. Fuller's wisdom, energy, and courage in coming to the rescue, procuring the funds, and virtually securing success. At the crisis just mentioned probably not six men in England believed in the success of the Exhibition of 1851, and their belief was derived from Mr. Fuller's unswerving and constantly repeated expressions of absolute confidence. It was these that kept the plan alive and led on to its splendid success. The recollection of the circumstances and opinions existing in 1850 may suggest some useful contemplation as to the probable issue of Mr. Fuller's movement for the opening and development of the Alexandra Park and Palace. Since 1851 a marked advance 'has taken place in the intelligence and good taste of the public —a result to which the Great Exhibition and the subsequent establish ment of the Crystal Palace at Sydenham have, it is ad mitted, materially contributed. The necessity of pre serving and even'creating open spaces in the neighbourhood of the metropolis, the size and population of which will by and bye be doubled, is better understood, and has been practically recognised by the opening of new parks in various directions. One of the latest and best results of this improved feeling has been to rescue, if not the whole, at least a very considerable portion of Hampstead Heath from being swarmed over with bricks and mortar. The Alexandra Park, including the ground connected with it, comprises about 400 acres (nearly twice the extent of the portion of Hampstead Heath which is to be preserved), and larger than Hyde Park. The site is one of the finest in the environs of London, commanding noble views in various directions. It is splendidly timbered, endowed with some of the most charming rural characteristics; and in addition to its crowning glory, the magnificent palace, it possesses spacious archery grounds, a noble cricket ground, and other features calculated to increase its attractiveness as a grand arena of exercise, recreation, amusement, and sport, in the least objectionable accepta tion of the latter term. Of the Palace itself it may suffice to remark that whilst in every attribute of general com modiousness it would compare, not unfavourably, with the Crystal Palace, it is far superior to it in solidity, durability, and therefore in economy of repair and maintenance; whilst, as a conductor of sound—a quality in which, from the peculiarity of its construction, the edifice at Sydenham is very deficient, the Alexandra Palace is unsurpassed, probably not equalled, amongst buildings of large dimen sions. This characteristic is obviously of the first import ance, in view of the fact that concerts, vocal and instru mental, varied from time to time by musical gatherings on the grandest scale, are prominent in the programme of the contemplated entertainments. Mr. Fuller's plan, as described in an interesting pamphlet recently i ssued, is to preserve this beautiful place, which in a few years will probably be surrounded by dense populations, from being misused for the house building speculations with which it is threatened, and to open it for the public good by means of an organisation called "The Alexandra Park Tontine and Art Unions, conferring valuable privileges and benefits ou the mem bers, encouraging fine art and art manufactures, and ::`~►_ Ili providing relaxation and refined amusement for the public." Some of the objects here indicated are evidently of great public utility, and, upon this ground, worthy of support. We quote a few passages, illustrating the general plan of operations :—" The Park and Palace will be emphatically the right places, not only for the best class of general entertainments, but for natural history museums on the most comprehensive scale, for out-door and in-door study of nature, for educational galleries, for the acclimatisation of plants and animals, for exhibitions of animals, fruits and flowers, artistic productions and manufactures, for public gatherings and sports of all kinds, and for many purposes combining utility with attractiveness. Music will be a prominent feature, and it will be heard in some of its grandest developements. The fine arts will be cultivated. The character of the sports and pastimes will be not only innocent, but instructive. The general tenor of the enter tainments will be conducive to the extension of intelligence and pure taste. The whole establishment will be a school, or rather a great academy for the acquisition of useful knowledge, of many kinds, whilst the effect upon the moral and religious sentiments of those who visit it will constitute a salutary supplement to the sermon in the church, or the lesson in the Bible or the Prayer Book. " I am greatly mistaken," Mr. Fuller writes, "if when the institution has been open a couple of years, the complaints respecting resorts of questionable amusement will be as frequent as they have been. People will have amuse ments of some kind. The Alexandra Park and Palace will educate them to enjoy only what is good." Nothing can be more excellent in principle than this design. We come now to the nodes operandi by which it is to be worked out, and this brings us to the " personal benefits" of which mention has been made. The funds (X 650,000) required for the purchase of the palace and grounds and other purposes of the undertaking are to be raised in twenty shilling shares, carrying no divi dend, but conferring privileges in the shape of free admis sion and tickets in a grand series of Art Unions, some of the prizes in which will be of very high value. The nature of these privileges, rising in degree according to the num ber of shares held, is such as to make them very desirable to all classes ; literally " from the peasant to the prince." In a public point of view, the Art-union arrangement claims much interest. "It will exercise a powerful influence for good upon the taste and intelligence of the whole community, and assist materially in extending amongt the members of industrial callings, that know ledge of artistic work and design which has become indis pensable to success in competing with foreign rivals." There can be no question that a series of distributions of useful and beautiful objects on the scale proposed, each preceded by exhibitions of the prizes, consisting of many thousands of such objects, would, by promoting artistic taste and knowledge, have a practical tendency towards the results mentioned by Mr. Fuller. In fine we arrive at the Tontine, the fulcrum of the whole interprise. The capital, as has already been ex plained, is to be divided into twenty shilling non-dividend bearing shares. Now, it has been estimated, (and, judging from the opinions expressed by competent authorities, estimated very moderately) that by the year 1881 the park and palace will possess a marketable value of at least one million and a half sterling. The tontine is to be completed in that year, when the whole of this vast property will belong to the then registered holders of the first four-fifths of capital subscribed for. As the number of original holders will have greatly diminished, partly through exchanges of shares for privileges, partly, as explained in the pamphlet, through shares gaining prizes, and partly, of course, through deaths occurring during the ten years duration of the tontine, the benefits then reverting to the participators will be of unusual magnitude, amount ing to many hundreds per cent, increase, and constituting the tontine a peculiarly lucrative per sonal or family endowment, constantly increasing in value, and realisable in ten years. The early and definite period at which the benefit will accrue is a characteristic favourably distinguishing the "Alexandra Park Tontine " from all former ones, and eliminating all savour of the objectional element of gambling. In fact, an investment in this Tontine, say for the benefit of a child, in whose l i name the shares could be registered, is similar to the arrangement so frequently made with insurance offices, by which a deferred endowment policy is purchased, condi tional on the nominee surviving a specified term. The principle is the same, the benefit equally secure ; the only material difference being that the Tontine endowment will be in proportion to the amount invested, something like treble or quadruple what an insurance office could give. We have entered thus fully into the particulars of this enterprise, because its prospects involve considerations of unusual interest. Great difficulties attended the initiation and progress of the plan which was carried out with such splendid success in 1851. In the present case it is scarcely possible that there can be any serious difficulty, when the public mind is imbued, not only with the national impor tance and utility of the scheme, but with the personal advantages derivable from co-operation with it. The process of " diffusing" this really " useful know ledge" has been vigorously commenced, for we find that influential meetings have been held in the northern districts, and resolutions promising cordial support unanimously passed. Local committees have been formed to forward the object by collecting the names of subscribers. Considerable progress has, in fact, been made in this practical work of "promotion," aug-aring well for an undertaking which claims favourable notice, both on public and private grounds, and one of the mark ing traits of which is that the revenue arising from various sources will be comparatively unburthened by fixed obli gations. With promptitude and energy in the quarters most directly interested, everything looks encouraging for the opening of the institution in 1871, to the benefit of the public, the members of the association, and em phatically those whose capital bas been unfruitfully tied up through the unprecedented financial difficulties of the last four years. The Count de Chambord and the Count de Paris have had an interview at Coppes. A private correspondent writes that the French pri soners in Germany .re starving wholesale :—" The French have not the most commonplace necessaries of life, no clothing, and in many places very little, if any, food. . . . The officers are far worse, more especially in the neighbourhood of Erfurt. They are only allowed 40f. a month for subsistence and everything. Poor wretches, they are dying fast." A correspondent of a German paper says that the people all around Rheims, Chalons, Epernay, and other places in that region, are calling for peace. The harvest is bad, the rinderpest is extending; and the requisitions of the Ger mans increase daily with the approach of winter. The small town of Chateau Thierry has been put,since the 10th of September, to an expense of £120,000, in requsitions, contributions, and food and lodging. A Pomeranian Uhlan, writing from Thionville, says : "For three weeks we have been lying before this well armed and provisioned fortress, which we have entirely invested. There have constantly been smaller and larger outpost skirmishes, but usually at great distances. The commandant of the place, Tournier, is brave, but is dis - liked by the inhabitants. The garrison numbers 9,000 men, 4,000 being regulars. The others are practised every afternoon in target shooting, which we can watch very well. The cold is getting more and more sensible, and the moist weather, especially at night, int'llerable, yet we have no sickness, and are in good spirits." A French lady, who is separated from her husband, wrote to a journal to suggest that as the levee en masse summoned widowers without children, it should also in clude married men without children who were separated from their wives. The journal in question agreed that the proposal was a logical one, and also intimated that the lady wished to be a widow. Two enormous trains lately passed before Stutgardt, bearing 984 sick men from Paris. The most part of these soldiers were suffering from dysentery and fever ; the number of wounded was small. This sad spectacle made a mournful impression. The journey from Paris to Stul gardt lasted six days, and was performed in uncomfortable carriages. An officer of the German army, encamped to the south of Paris, writes to the Silesia Gazette that of late the for ti cations on that side of the town have gained in impor tance and solidity. The Army of the Defence has evidently become stronger and better disciplined. Montrouge and some other weak fortresses have been strengthened. During an excursion, he made, the officer saw the Parisians engaged at the works of the fortifications which are most admirably designed and executed. The Ind6pendance Beige says that the capitulation of Metz is known throughout France, and that the explana tions which have been given fully confirm M. Gambetta's assertion that Bazaine and his lieutenants were guilty of treason. It is now known that Bazaine never attempted to save France ; he only tried to take part in a Bonapartist restoration, and wasted in intrigues that were to further this end the time that he might have turned to account in saving the army entrusted to his 'care. When he saw that his unworthy purpose was likely to fail, he preferred to give up 180,000 men to the enemy rather than to make an effort to preserve them for the service of his country. IMPORTANT BETTING PROSECUTION. Frederick James Harding, gentleman, and twenty three others, were charged on remand at Bow-street, be fore Mr. Vaughan, with unlawfully keeping and using a betting house known as the Knightsbridge and Com mercial Exchange, 4, Chapel-street, Knightsbridge. Mr. Poland prosecuted on behalf of the Treasury, and Serjeant Ballantine defended. Mr. Poland said since they were there on the last occa sion, it would be remembered that the persons taken into custody did not include the realproprietor of this estab lishment. Although it would be found necessary to pro ceed against all the other persons, it was felt that it would be convenient to go into the case of Harding first, against whom the evidence already taken, and the evidence about to be taken, would be found most material. It would be for his worship to say whether this was a place kept contrary to the Act of Parliament. The premises in question were situated at Montpelier-street, and there was a passage leading to a place called Montpelier Cottage. Mont pelier Cottage was a piece of ground enclosed and used for betting purposes. There was also a passage in Chapel place which also led to the betting ground, and in Chapel place there was a small office in which the books of the establishment were kept. He (Mr. Poland) should be able to prove beyond all question that Mr. Harding was the sole occupier of the cottage and the betting ground. He appeared on the Ist of November, 1869, to have entered into a deed of covenant with certain persons, amongst whom were several now in custody, for the purpose of conducting what was termed the Knights bridge General and Commercial Exchange, and on the premises this deed was found. By the document in.ques tion, in consideration of the sum of ss. Mr. Harding had granted, bargained, and sold the right of entry into all that piece or parcel of ground attached to the cottage in question. In the deed the defendant was described as proprietor of the place and a member of Tattersalls. Now there was a similar prosecution heard against two book makers at the Marylebone Police-court, and Mr. Mans field inflicted a penalty of £lOO on one defendant, and £5O on the other. This prosecution had been commenced, and the two defendants in question gave notice of appeal against Mr. Mansfield's decision. In consequence of this it was thought advisable to delay the present prosecution until that appeal was heard. In the beginning of May last, however, the defendants abandoned the appeal, and a detective went to Mr. Harding's premises, when Mr. Harding said he knew what he was come for; shewed him the deed in question; and said if he was doing anything contrary to law he should be happy to give up the premises. A letter was then written to him, stating that his pro ceedings were decidedly illegal and advising him to cease a further breach of the law. Prom that time to September last the defendant carried on the business as before, and the present prosecution was proceeded with. He (Mr. Poland) should shew that the manner of carrying on this business was the same as at the Prince of Wales and other clubs that had been suppressed, and that there were bet ting lists and books, and that money was received on bet tine- transactions. Detective Clarke was then called, and proved g oing to defendant's premises, where he found about a hundred persons consulting the betting lists hung up around. Witness made two or three bets, one on Romping Girl and Cocoanut for the Shrewsbury Cup. He had two bets on Romping Girl, and one on Cocoa Nut. He paid the money, a sovereign, in advance. The person he bet with entered the three bets in a note book. Romping Girl was 255. to ss. The second backed Romping Girl even for a place. The third bet was a pound to 10s. on Cocoa Nut. Witness looked round the different lists to see which gave the best odds; After a time Mr. Harding came and asked him to produce his card. Witness said he had already produced it. He said " I beg pardon, we are obliged to be cautious, as no doubt there are many on the look out." Witness said he doubted there were, and left the ground. After Detective Clarke had given evidence, Mr. Hard ing, the proprietor of 4, Chapel-place, B rom pt on , pl ea d e d guilty, and was fined in the full penalty of £lOO. Most of the other defendants also pleaded guilty, and Parker was fined £lO, Robert Kelly £lO, Travers £lO, and T. Kelly and S. Skinner £2O each. The fines in all the in stances were paid. SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 2, 1870. THE WAR. CAPITULATION OF METZ. TERMS OF THE SURRENDER. The following is the protocol agreed upon between the commanders of the respective armies. It was published in a Metz journal, which appeared with a large black border "Between the undersigned, the head of the staff of the French army under Metz, and the head of the staff of the Prussian army before Metz, both furnished with full powers by his Excellency Marshal Bazaine, Com mander-in-Chief, and by General-in-Chief his Royal High ness Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia, " The following convention has been concluded : Art. I.—The French army placed under the orders of Marshal Bazaine, are prisoners of war. Art. 2.—The fortress and the town of Metz, with all the forts, the material of war, the provisionments of all kinds, and everything that is the property of the State, will be surrendered to the Prussian army in the state in which it is at the time of the signature of this convention. On Saturday October 29 at midday, the forts of St. Quentin, Plappeville, St. Julien, Queuleu and St. Privat, as well as the gate Mazelle, on the road to Strasbourg,will be made over to the Prussian troops. At ten o'clock on the morning of the same day, the artillery and engineer officers, with some non-commissioned officers will be admitted into the said forts, to occupy the powder magazines, and to discover the mines. Art. 3.—The arms, as well as all the material of the army, consisting of flags, eagles, cannon, mitrailleuses, horses, war chests, equipages of the army, munitions, &c. will be left at Metz, and in the forts, at military offices established by the Marshal Bazaine, to'be remitted imme diately to Prussian commissioners. The troops without arms will be conducted, arranged according to th eir regi ments and c irps, in military order, to the place appointed for each corps. The officers will then re-enter freely into the interior of the entrenched camp, or at Metz, on condi tion of giving their word of honour not to quit the place without the orders of the Prussian commandant. The troops will keep their knapsacks, tents, coverings, &c. Art. 4.—A1l the generals and officers, as well as the military employs having the rank of officers, who give their parole in writing, not to bear arms against Germany, or to act in any way contrary to her interests until the end of the present war, will not be made prisoners of war. They will preserve their arms and personal effects. In recognition of the courage of which the army and the garrison gave proof during the campaign, it is also per mitted to those officers who choose captivity to take with them their swords and personal effects. Art. s.—The military surgeons will, without exception, remain behind in charge of the wounded. They will be treated according to the Convention of Geneva, as will be the personnel of the hospitals. Art. 6.—Questions of detail concerning the interests of the town are treated in the appendix to this protocol Art. 7.—Any article which is doubtful shall be inter preted in favour of the French army. Done at the Château of Freseaty, Oct. 27th, 1870. (Signed), L. JARRAB, STIEHLE. BAZAINE'S PROCLAMATION. The following was issued by Marshal Bazaine as general order No : 12 to the Army of the Rhine : Vanquished by famine:we are constrained to submit to the laws of war, and yield ourselves prisoners. At divers epochs in our military career, brave troops, commanded by Massena, Bieber, Gouvion Saint Cyr, have endured the same fate, which in no way impugns military honour, when, like you, men have gloriously accomplished their duty up to the extreme limit. All that it was loyally possible to do to avert this end has been attempted with out success. As for the renewal of a supreme effort to break the fortified lines of the enemy, in spite of your valour and the sacrifice of thousands of lives which may yet be useful to the country, it would have been fruitless, on account of the armament and the overwhelming forces that guarded and supported those lines. A disaster must - have been the consequence. Let us be dignified in adversity, let us respect the honourable conventions which have been made, if we would be respected as we deserve. Let us avoid above all things, for the reputation of this army, such un disciplined acts as the destruction of arms and of material since according to military custom the places and the armaments shciuld be restored to France when peace is signed. In quitting the command I beg to express to the generals, officers, and soldiers all my gratitude for their loyal assistance, their brilliant valour in the fights, their resignation under privations, and it is with a broken heart that I separate myself from you, Marshal of France, Commander-in-Chief, BAZAINE. EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE OF FRAUD. Mary Hall was again placed at the bar of the Lambeth ' Police Court, before Mr. Chance, on a charge of conspir ing with Annie Augusta to foist the child of another woman upon George James Loe as his own. She was also charged with exposing the infant in such a manner as to endanger its life. Mr. J. T. Moss prosecuted, and Mr. Ricketts defended the prisoner. Mr. Gernon, superintendent of the P divi sion, watched the case for the Commissioner of Police, and Mr. Moore on part of the Associate Institute. Prisoner seemed to have suffered from her imprison ment. The court was crowded during the hearing. Mr. Moss said the evidence he proposed now to call was that to prove who was the mother of the child, and also to chew the peculiar way in which the prisoner after detection tried to conceal the articles used at the house of Mr. Loe, to keep up the deception as t o th e bi r th. Th e whole of the evidence given at the former hearing having been read over, Prosecutor, cross-examined by Mr. Ricketts, said he had never promised the prisoner money. Dr. Farr, re-examined by Mr. Ricketts, said the child did not cry when he saw it washed. It might often occur. The child was very cold, although it was in front of the fire. He had also found, in examination of the eye, that the pupils were very much contracted. It was unusually contracted. This, coupled with its life less condition and the coldness of its extremities, made him give it as his opinion that a narcotic had been ad ministered to the child. The evidence of two servants in the house of Mr. Loe, Caroline Saville and Emily Payne, was next taken. They deposed to the alleged birth of the child. Mrs. Ann Collins said she was the wife of George Collins, who was an engine fitter. About a month since Mrs. Loe told her she was about to be confined. and engaged witness to be the nurse. On Saturday, 22nd October, was sent for to go to Mrs. Loe's house, where she saw the prisoner and the cook. Went to the bedroom and found Mrs. Loe sitting by the side of the bed- Was requested to leave by the prisoner, and the door was locked. In half-an hour afterwards was called by the prisoner, and on entering the bedroom was handed a child. The infant's appearance did not indicate that it had been just born. She washed the child and took it to Mrs. Loe, who was then in bed. Had her suspicions about the transaction, and when Dr. Farr came told him that the child had not been born then. The child appeared to have been drugged, and was insensible until the following Mon day morning. Had formed an opinion as to this indepen dent of Dr. Farr or what he might have said. Witness had had no children of her own, but she had at• tended many confinements. Had never seen a child appear to be so sleepy as the one in question after its supposed time of birth. Cross-examined : Warmed the child, but it persistently refused to take any food. Had never known a child to refuse food twelve hours after birth, and had attended at least 100 cases. The child did not get warm until the Monday, and the hands remained clenched. Told Dr. Farr on Saturday evening that she thought the child was drugged. Eliza Reeves said she was the wife of Thomas Reeves, who kept the Anchor and Hope beershop. The prisoner was her father-in-law's sister, and she attended her sister (the mother of the child) during her confinement. No medical man was then present, but the prisoner was there. About an hour after the baby was born Dr. Shillingford came, and he had been requested to do so by the dispensary. Knew nothing of the prisoner having advertised that ladies from the country could be confined at her house. Shortly after the baby was born the prisoner wrapped it up in flannels and took it away in a cab, and said it was to be adopted by Mrs. Loe, who would take care of it. On the Monday afterwards went to the pro secutor's house, and there saw the same baby. Dr. Isaac Shortland Shillingford deposed that he at tended the actual mother of the child on Saturday, the 22nd October. Some further evidence having been adduced, the pri soner was again remanded, bail being refused. MR. MACRONOCHIR'S OAST.—The case of Martin v. Mackonochie, vicar of St. Alban's, Holborn, is fixed to come on before the Judicial Committee of Privy Council on Monday, the 14th instant. Mr. Mackonochie will appear by affidavit only, not personally or by counsel. CONTAGIOUS DISEASES IN ANIMALS.—The return prepared by the Chief Constable of the West Riding shews that on Saturday last the total number of animals diseased within the limits of the West Riding constabu lary was :—Foot and Mouth disease, 275 cattle and 15 swine ; scab, thirty sheep ; pleuro-pneumonia, 4 cattle. THE INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, 1871.—Several gentlemen of eminence in the musical world have resolved to recommend to her Majesty's Commissioners that persons having systems of teaching music should be allowed, subject to the approval of the committee, to illustrate such systems by lectures, or performances, or otherwise, at the Exhibition of 1871. DEATH or MR. G. P. TUNFORD.—The death of Mr. G. P. Tuxford, well known in the agricultural world as one of the chief proprietors of the Mark-lane Express and the Farmer's Magazine, is recorded. Mr. Tuxford was also one of the originators of the Farmers' Insurance Office, of which he had been f or man y y ears a director ; one of the early members of the Farmers' Club, and a life governor of the Royal Agricultural Society of England. ACCIDENT TO THE EARL OF DUNMORE.—Last Wednesday the Earl of Dunmore met with a serious accident at Blair Athole. On that day a party of several guns was engaged in shooting in the woods along the Tilt, within the castle policies, when a pellet, which seems to have glanced against a stone, struck him on the eye. Dr. Irvine was speedily on the spot, but the case was considered so serious that Dr. Bell, of Edinburgh, was sent for. — Dundee Advertiser. NOTICE. —KIN&HAN's LL. Whisky Depot. Kinahan and Co. have removed to their new and spacious premises, No. 6a, Great Titchfield-street, Oxford-street, leading from Margaret-street, Regent-street, and Market-street, Oxford-street. Kinahan's LL. Whisky.—This famous and most delicious old mellow spirit is the very cream of Irish whiskies, in quality unrivalled, perfectly pure, and more wholesome than the finest cognac brandy. Can be obtained all over the kingdom, in the well-known sealed and labelled bottles, or in bond for exportation at the London Docks. Wholesale Agents to Messrs. Bass, Guinness, and Younger, and Dealers in Foreign Wines and Spirits. AN IMPORTANT COMMUNICATION. An official communication, it seems, was made to the officers at Metz by their generals on the 19th. This was made verbally, but several officers assembled together immediately after, and compared their recollections of it. They therefore attest the exactitude of the following report : " Gentlemen,--I am directed by the General of Divi sion and on behalf of the Marshal Commanding in Chief to make known to you the important events which have occurred within the last few days. The appro visionments of the place of Metz are diminish ing more and more, and Marshal Bazaine has thought it right to enter into negotiations with the enemy. He selected General Boyer, his first aide-de-camp, who went to Versailles to the headquarters of King William. The eagerness with whieh the Marshal's envoy was received indicated that the Prussians are very anxious to conclude the war. General Boyer having travelled by rail from Metz to Château Thierry, the service of the trains was interrupted, in order to render his journey more rapid. At Château Thierry an armed carriage Jf the King's waited to convey him to Versailles. Scarcely arrived, the General was received by Bismarck, who transmitted to the King his request for an audience. He was at once introduced, and found himself in presence of a council of war, at which the principal leaders of the Prussian army were present, under the presidency of the King of Prussia. General Boyer having , explained the object of his mission, General Moltke de clared that in a question exclusively military, negotiations could not be long. The army of Metz must submit to the fate of the army of Sedan and surrender themselves pri soners of war. Bismarck replied that the political ques tion ought to precede the military question. "I should be disposed to admit," he continued, " a convention which should allow the army of Metz to retreat to a specified position in French territory, so as to protect the deliberations necessary for securing peace." This idea was suggested to Count Bismarck by the difficulties which the absence of all government in France creates for the Prussian Government. In fact, the information ob tained by the general along the road, from the station.- masters and other persons, and the journals which he was able to bring back, leave, unhappily, no doubt in this re spect. The most complete anarchy reigns at present in France. Paris, invested, famished, and without external communications, must open to the Prussians in a very few days. Civil discord paralyses the defence ; the members of the National Defence Committee have been dispersed. Gambetta and Klratry have left in balloons, one has fallen at Amiens, the other at Bar-le-Duc. Disorder is at its climax in the South of France. The red flag floats at Lyons, Marseilles, and Bordeaux. An army of ' Breton volunteers has been destroyed near - Orleans. Normandy, overrun by bands of brigands, has appealed to the Prussians to restore order. Havre, Elboeuf, and Rouen have at present Prussian garrisons,who assist the National Guard in preserving public safety. A movement of a religious character has been made in the Vend& ; the north e vidently desires peace. Prussia claims Lorraine and Alsace ; Italy claims Savoy, Nice, and Corsica. This anarchy—the Provisional Government being dispersed, the different towns not agreeing as to the form of the new Government, the Orleans princes not having presented themselves—this anarchy puts unexpected obstacles in the way of the Prussian Government, which is dis posed to treat of peace. The Prussians cannot dream of opening negotiations excepting with the Go vernment which existed prior to the Ist September, that is to say with the Regency. It is not known whe ther, under present circumstances, the Regent would be willing to listen to pacific propositions. But in case of refusal they could only be addressed to the Chamber of Deputies, the result of universal suffrage, which still legally represents the nation. In any case, in order that the Corps Legislatif, which was sitting until the Ist of September, can re-assemble and can deliberate, it is ne cessary that it should be protected by a French army. Such is the position that no doubt the army of Metz will have to fill. In awaiting the return of General Boyer, who has again started for Versailles with fresh powers, it is imperative to let the troops know that the painful situation in which we are placed is but temporary. The army separates its fortune from that of the town of Metz. In waiting to be enabled to leave, in order to fulfil a new patriotic mission, it will know how to support with courage a few more days of privation. If you have, gentlemen, any more expla nations to ask, I will hasten to give them to you, but I must tell you that no discussion will be allowed. This communication was listened to in the most pro found silence, and the assembly dispersed. The Independent de /a Moselle rays of it that it is beyond criticism. The solution which it suggests to the situation was foreseen, and prepared by a series of errors, for which we know who are responsible. The French army is to become again the . Imperial army, and is once more to distinguish itself by exploits in the war of the streets. It is to go, in conjunction with the Prussian army, to re-establish order and shoot those odious republicans who have the insanepretension of wishing to die for their coun try. Will the army lend itself to so shameful a design? Will it again, as in 1862, become the toy of the Empire, and lend its hand to withdraw the chestnuts from the fire ? We cannot believe it. It knows well that the truth has been disguised, and will not believe in the picture of France in anarchy and the towns demanding Prussian garrisons. A FRENCH OFFICER'S ACCUSATION. The Independant de la Moselle, which was brought to Brussels by a fugitive French officer,contains some remark able reflections on the conduct of the commander-in-chief. The writer is supposed to address himself to the Marshal. His speculations were committed to paper on October 12th, a fortnight before the capitulation. "If I were in a position to interrogate you," says the officer, " I should put some such questions as these. Why did you not give battle on the 26th of August, after having by a single route massed all your army in front of St. Julien? You gave the bad weather as a pretext for not fighting ; but the rain was the same for the Prussians as for us. You were evidently aware—you could not be ignorant, indeed— that MacMahon's army was advancing by the north,, and I believe that you must have succeeded in reaching him, for the enemy had not then those terrible fixed batteries with which he began to surround us some days after wards. Why, on August 31; did you not pursue during the night the advantages which the army obtained dur ing the day? Why did you not keep the positions con quered at such a sacrifice of blood? Why, since then, did you not unite all your forces, all your artillery, upon a given point ? If you had acted like the bull, charging with lowered horns, you must have passed through. Why after having taken the Maxes did you not occupy them until the immense stores of provisions which were there had been taken into Metz ? Instead of doing this, you retired after having carried off for the staff only some sacks of corn and trusses of straw. The Prussians then came back during the night, and kindled an immense fire, which we all saw. Not a house was spared. Now, every day, we are told that nothing remains, nothing whatever, for the support of the horses. Is that carelessness ? Is it lack of foresight ? Is it something else ? After the horses will come the men, and yet you still wait. What has become of General Bourbaki? Where has he gone? I have not finished. There are some other ques tions. Why did you engage in a great combat, on the 7th of October, in the plain of Thionville ? What could you do in that direction--revictual, as it is said? Well, you did, as on all previous occasions, embark in the contest with a great numerical inferiority of troops, and you opposed only very few guns to the innumerable batteries of the enemy. If, on the contrary, you had massed your artillery on the attacked point, like the Prussians, who ought to have taught you by this time, you would infallibly have silenced the guns of the enemy ; and instead of leading to battle some regiments, an army corps, or two if necessary, ought to have been sent out. In spite of these faults our brave men suc ceeded in seizing the Grandes Tapes (a small village in the plain of Thionville), where there were some well-stocked granaries. But you did not wish for success. One would at least be tempted to believe it, for after having gained the object in view, at the cost of about a thousand men, you ordered a retreat. I saw the affair, and I pronounce it infamous. What is the meaning of those councils of war which you hold with the generals and the chiefs of the army corps? It is said that in one of them a capitulation was discussed. Is that true ? One is tempted to believe it, for an officer of the Gar de Mobile said, at i the Cafts Parisien, that it had been voted unanimously, and one who is very intimate with you an swered, " You are mistaken, sir, only one-third voted for it." Finally —most serious question of all—Why have you not fatigued and harassed each day, each hour, the blockading army of the enemy by sorties in force upon given points. Such enterprises were easy for you, since, as yo'i occupied the central circle, you could at will have caused the enemy losses which would have exhausted and demoralised it, if you did not gain any decisive success. At least you could have ensured fresh stores of provisions at the expense of the enemy." " France ! " adds the Iredependance to this accusation, "do not cry out against the army which has valiantly fought, and which demanded to continue the struggle to the last extremity. It is to thyself that thou shouldest take the fault of our disasters. It is the servile and corrupt votes of thy former representatives which have prepared these cala mities, in leaving at the head of our administration, at the head of all the powers of the State, infamous men who had no princip'e, who believed in no just and honour able sentiment, and who ridiculed the motto on their breast, "Honour and country !" They saw in it but one thing —an income of so much a year. WHAT THE TROOPS WERE TOLD. The Indipendance de la Moselle says the march out of the troops was the most mournful spectacle. The officers wept, and the men wept. France was killed by the hands of the general who ought to have saved her. At Metz the statue of Marshal Fabert was covered with an immense crape veil. In order to make the officers and men agree to the proposal of a capitulation of the place and army, they were told that in a few days there would be no more flour, bran, wine, nor brandy, that the horses would die of hunger, and that wood would fail for cooking the food. Besides that, salt had failed for some time, and it was im possible to preserve horseflesh. It would be difficult, it was declared, for the cavalry and the artillery to cut a passage through the enemy, and yet the Prussians were so strongly fortified that the operation could hardly be effected without them. However, if the resolution were taken every one would do his duty, were nine tenths of the army to be left on the ground. But, it was asked, what would be the use of the debris of the army ? French honour would be safe, but would is not be wiser to preserve their forces in order to render the country more important services hereafter ? France, it was declared, was convulsed by anarchy. Paris was the victim of unheard of disorders ; Lyons was in the bands of rioters; Marseilles the prey of the Reds; Bordeaux and Toulouse were the theatre of violence ; and finally. Havre and Rouen demanded that the Prussian garrisons should be re-established there. The army was urged to save their property and their families, and assured that their mission was to protect society. They would be per mitted to leave with the honours of war—with their arms and eagles, and would become the "army of order." After this fashion the mind of the army was poisoned, but it did not suit the views of Prussia for an army of more than a hundred thousand men to leave Metz with its arms or its eagles, in order that it might re-establish or found a Government. Bazaine was deceived. His deep calculations were not verified; the place was in want of food, and during five days the men had no more bread left, and could eat 'nothing but the flesh of the dying horses. At last on the 29th of October, at the same time that the troops were given up to the Prussian authorities, the Prussian Commissioners received the materiel of the place—that is to say, all the guns and sabres of the Garde Nationale, the artillery of the forts, and the reserve of the arsenals. PRUSSIAN MILITARY REPORT. The following article is from the Military Weekly, the official organ of the Berlin War Office : " The capitulation of Metz is an event of unprecedented magnitude in the history of European sieges. Nearly 180,000 men, the pith and the last remnant of the glorious army of France, commanded by renowned Marshals, and quartered in an impregnable camp, have been compelled to lay down their arms. The result has been attained by a German army of slightly superior numbers nailing them to the spot with an iron fist for a period of seventy days. Detached forts of formidable strength, constructed in accordance with the latest principles of the art, and com manding a wide space all round the central rampart which serves as their reduit and tete de pont, offered Marshal Bazaine a favourable field for manoeuvring and sallying forth north, south, east, and west. The ground lent itself the more readily to his pin-poses, in that he could promptly cross and recross the river, whereas the investing forces could change banks only after making long and troublesome detours. The Marshal had the further advantage th at least two of his forts covered each of his sorties, and that, choosing his own time and place, every one of his sailies was, in a certain sense, a surprise. Nor had he any reason to complain of the bearing of his troops, whose bravery, assiste by numbers and the tremendous artillery of the forts, was repeatedly displayed in brilliant relief. But wherever they turned their progress was arrested by the energetic resistance of our men. Our advanced posts might be driven in by an overwhelming strength, but our supports were always in time to hurl the enemy back and frustrate his attempts to break through the human wall encircling him. However often the French tried to liberate themselves from the prison in which we had shut them up, they were always forced to return, leaving not a few killed, wounded, and prisoners in our hands. Having been gradually made to feel his inability to get out, Marshal Bazaine was at last compelled by hunger to surrender. We knew what was going on inside the fortress, and prepared for the reception of the starving capitulants by ordering an abundant supply of provisions in advance. The army of his Royal Highness Prince Frederick Charles, stationary before Metz during full ten weeks, has in this trying period been exposed to as many and as severe hard ships and fatigues as any of the troops who continued their victorious career to the very heart of France. By hold ing steadfastly out in front of Metz, Prince Frederick Charles's army has, moreover, not a little contributed to secure the progress of our main army to its val. At first they had to guard against Bazaine's breaking out in the direction of Strasburg and effecting a junction, as he evi dently intended, with General Uhrich in Alsace. Subse quently, when Strasburg had been subdued, Bazaine turned his endeavours in another direction, and strove to reach Thionville, thereby causing /he greater part of our forces to quit the southern for the northern front of his stronghold- But all was in vain, and virgin Metz, never conquered be' fore, has fallen into our hands. With it immense milit 3ll depots have become ours. The place so long the pivot of French resistance has now been converted into a mainetal i of our position in the country—a doubly suspicious ea c ' important event at the present moment" JULES FAVRE AND TEIE ORLEA.NISTS. The Electeur Libre gives an account of a meeting o f the Club des Folies Bergeres at which certain delegates re' ported the result of an interview they had had with lg. Favre respecting the rumoured return of the Orleans Princes to France. The loom was crowded as V/ 55 known that the meeting would be unusually interesting , and when M. Maurice Joly, a member of the deputation , ascended the tribune, there was total silence. Th e reply of M. Favre to the deputation was giv en as nearly as possible in his own words. "I am altogether unaware," he said, "of the news of which you speak ' I only remember that there was a talk of the presence of the Orleans Princes in the West at the head of an arnlY of 150,000 men, but the rumour seemed to me so littl e serious that I paid no heed to it. But since it hoe a certain consistency, I should tell you that our communications with the provinces are very incomplete . We only get the most important news through the foreign ambassadors." M. Joly asked what must be thought of the supplementary armies, the Minister replied : IN re have said in the note in the official journal all that we know. I can add that besides the two armies alrea dy announced, a third has been raised consisting of 40, 0 uu men. The movement to the rescue of the capital is 3 very powerful one." M. Joly having expressed the dig' trust with which many persons saw MM. Estancelin and Serisonet at the head of the Norman and Vendean armies, M. Favre replied that the opinions of M. Estan celin were well-known, but he was a ma n of honour, and would do his duty. •E i-5 for M. Kerisonet, he never had been an Orleanis t and no manceuvres in the interest of that dynasty need he apprehened from him. The delegates then asked whn t , course the Government would adopt if the inhabitants of certain departments were to arm themselves and come to the assistance of Paris, having an Orleans Prince at their head ? M. Favre answered, "If our provincial brethren arrived with their own leader at their head, we should receive them with open arms. If they present themselves as liberators under the banner of Orleans we should reject the standard." Speaking subsequently of the law of banish" meat which affects the members of the dynastic families, g. Favre added that as man, as Frenchman, and as Republicans he could not approve such a law, which might strike the innocent, but as a politician, with a sense of responsibilith he thought it prudent to maintain it in force. Even should the princes abdicate all their preten sions and present themselves in France as simple citizens only claiming the rights of the most humble electors, the" Ministry would keep the door pitilessly closed, because they had not forgotten the recent and terrible lesson of history—they had not for gotten 1851. The other delegates having given their account of the interview, a vote of thanks to Jules Favre was resolved upon with acclamation. It is reported that Marshal Valiant has received orders to quit French territory. A mixed commission composed of French and Prussian officers will make the inventory of the arms and munitions in the different arsenals of Metz. It was suggested that the army of Bazaine might go to Algeria until the close of the war, but King Williams would not agree to the proposaL The Saxon Minister of War has just purchased 8,000,0 00 cigars for the Saxon troops who form a portion of the army besieging Paris. The female inhabitants of Elbceuf are asking to be formed into a corps of Amazons, and a letter signed by six of them to this effect has been inserted in a local paper. A vigorous women's club exists at Marseilles. One of the fair and gentle speakers recently proposed that the scaffold should be permanent, and that the Bishop of Marseilles should be the first victim. As a proOf of the difference in prices charged by the various large shipbuilding firms in the United Kingdom for their work, we can state that the sum to be paid by the Admiralty for one of the armour-plated turret ships lately contracted for is to be in one instance £120,00 0 , and in another only £105,000. The Journal de Rouen states that the superioi Prussian officer killed at Hecourt by Francs-tireurs or Mobiles was a son of General Vogel von Falkenstein, and that the corpse has been exchanged for an officer of Francs tireurs recently made a prisoner. Some of the Garibaldians complain of the treatment they receive in Eastern France. At Dole, however, in the Jura, they are very popular. They pay for every thing, and even when it is absolutely necessary to make a requisition, the colonel calls personally insteed of send ing a written order. The Carlshrue Gazette says that at Charnay, about a mile from Verdun, two officers of dragoons and four troopers were invited by the inhabitants to partake of breakfast, and whilst they were at table they were sur prised and butchered in the most infamous manner. A former notary of the place, named Viola, had sent for a body of Freeshooters, who cheerfully undertook the work of killing the Germans. Viola was shot. Verdun, says the Carlshrue Gazette, gives no sign of surrender. A Swedish student, who has joined the French foreign legion, complains of the food served out. " I can scarcely understand that a full-grown man can subsist on lilb. of bread and 6oz. of meat a day, and yet such is our allow" ance, for the abominable lukewarm water served out twice a day under the name of soup is hardly worth reckoning." The uniform of the legion consists of a red cap, dark blue coat, bright red trousers, and blue cloak- Chassepots have been served out to the men. At Bourgee 25,000 picked troops are assembled, including 8,00 0 Zona ves and 1,700 Turcos. M. Guizot, who has recently written to the Times, has likewise addressed an epistle to the Princess Troubetzkoi. The two do not exactly correspond. In the public letter the veteran speaks of the extravagant demands of the Ger mans ; in the communication to the Princess he declares any cession of territory whatever to be out of the ques tion. M. Guizot considers an Imperialist restoration to be impossible. He terms the war "the most motiveless, unnecessary, senseless, thoughtless, in a word, to speak plainly, the most stupid war which was ever entered upon among civilised nations." The Empire, he further says, indisputably merited its fall more than any Govern ment has ever done. [ADVERTISEMENT.]--Holloway's Pills and Ointment.-- Palpitation of the Heart, Shortness of Breath.—Theo distressing affections, arising from indigestion or a relaxed state of the nervous system, may be thoroughly overcome by a course of these corrective Pills. When the throbbing of the heart and feeling of suffocation on making any slight exertion harass the patient, Holloway's Ointment should be well rubbed twice a day over the pit of the stomach and right side. It will soon bring out a rash, and on its appearance all anxiety and every unfavourable symptom will be mitigated. The use of these Medicines should not be discontinued until the patient has been for some time free from palpitation and other attendant inconveniences. BIRTBS. On the 28th ult., at Horsham Park, the wife of R. S• Hurst, Esq., of a son. On the 27th ult., at Croome Coart, Worcestershire, the Countess of Coventry, of a daughter. MARRIAGES. On the 31st ult., at Kensington, J. Stack Murphy, Esq., Ito 3 al Irish Constabulary, to Luly Elizabeth, youngest daughter of Major-General S. 0. E. Ludlow, late Royal Engineers. On the 29th ult., at St. Alphage, Church, City, George King to Harriet Caroline Coombs, widow of Charles Coombs, and eldest daughter of John Dobby, Tsq., of New Brentford. DEATHS. On the 31st ult., at Hurst House, Croydon, Frederick Felton, Esq., aged 70. On the 31st ult., at 14, Park-street, 'Westminster, Samuel Hughes, Esq., C.E. • London : Printed by GIDEON ACLAND BOYCE, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, and Published by him a t THE Sux Office, No. 112 Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the County of Middlesex. Wednesday, November 2, 1870. d ~aTeq CRN al p F e qi val Adiq 41 'e d tn ai 1 044 Marc „ Xrul TH . I 0' 'nem 'tanq , 4,,.4(1 M'elr tegth, tat 9 r. 7 P a 6, 4011 11 o f I , c=et; lad y anti