The Sun. — London, England, 1870-12-27 00:00:00

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SEIZURE OF ENGLISH SHIPS. HAVRE, Dec. 20 (5 p.m.) The Prussians have seized six-English vessels at ll t i Clair, on the Seine, and have scuttled and sunk them in order to impede the navigation. _ The Prthsions fired upon the crews, turned them adrift to sleep on the ground, and robbed them of money and other property. The vessels bad disehargel coals under Prussian permits, and were taking in ballast to return. EVACUATION OF NUITS BY GERMANS, The latest intelligence from Lyons states that the Germans had evacuated Nuits, leaving many dead in the neighbouring vineyards. General Cremer's loss is under 1,200 altogether. It is stated that the German loss is four times greater. The German effective strength in France is esti mated at 000,000 men, of whom 250,000 are before Paris. The German troops have at present ',100,000 sick, and have lost, since she beginning of the campaign, whether in battles or in the hospitals. 800,000 men. Great confidence is felt at Lyons as to the power of the French resistance to turn the scale against the invaders. THE - BATTLE NEAR AMIENS. The King has sent a telegram from Versailles, dated December 25, to Queen Augusta. It states that General Manteuffel defeated the enemy on the 23rd inst., near Amiens, but details are wanting. Nothing serious had occurred, but masses of the enemy still bivouac before his eastern front. In order to cover his retreat, the enemy yesterday attempted several offensive movements against Gene ral Manteuffel, but was repulsed. FRENCH ACCOUNT. GENERAL FAIDHERBE'S REPORT. The following despatch from General Faidherbe has been received by the Government at Bordeaux : The enemy engaged us in battle on the 22d inst. from eleven in the morning until six in the evening. We held favourable positions on a tributary of the Scmme between Daoura and Conty. During the day villages were taken and retaken. At five o'clock ovr success .was complete, our infan try having repulsed the enemy at the point of the bayonet. Between five and six o'c!ock the Prus sians, taking advantage of the darkness, re-occupied some villages in the valley. Our troops behaved splendidly, and bivouacked on their positions. BALLOON NEWS FROM PARIS. News has been received at Niort from Paris by a balloon which left the capital on the evening of the 22nd instant. No fighting had occurred on that day. A. few shots had been fired in the direction of the heights of Avron. Fresh operations appeared imminent. Paris was calm, and confident in the future. The French loss during the fighting of the previous day is estimated at about 800 killed and wounded. THE BOMBARDMENT. BERLIN, December 26 (5 p.m.) The attack on Paris, so long delayed by the diffi culties of transport and by various other considera tions, is at last about to begin, this time in reality. It is probable that the guns of the besiegers will be directed against three, or more probably two, of the outer forts; the Ist of January is now fixed as the day. THE FIGHTING BEFORE PARIS. INIARGENCY, December 24. A furious French artillery fire from midnight until this morning was concentrated on Le Bour get. Last night was the third that the French troops have bivouacked where they stood in line, the thermometer being twelve degrees below freezing point. A great attack was expected this morning, but it has not taken place. FRENCH DEFEAT AT HAVRE: An official despatch from Havre, dated the 26th inst., announces that 7,000 Prussians, coming from Yvetot, had attacked 5,000 French troops, but after tw.o hours' fighting, had fallen back with the loss of 200 men and one gun dismounted. The French los ses are 100 men. St• Quentin has been occupied by 6,000 Prussians with artillery, THE EASTERN QUESTION. Notwithstanding recent telegrams from Constanti nople denying the fact of separate negotiations be tween Russia and Turkey, the belief in them has not been altogether abandoned. A correspondent of the Belgrade Vidovdan writes from Constantinople that the Black Sea question is as good as settled. Russia being neither willing to retract nor prepared to fight, sent General Tinateff to Constantinople, offering her co-operation towards the. following objects :—First, Modification of the capitulation treaties by which foreigners are not subject to the jurisliction of Turkish courts ; secondly, the restoration of the suzerainty of the Porte over Tunis. The Turquie of the 22nd also declares that the Porte will manage her affairs without the intervention of foreign diffi culties. These statements should be received with caution.—Manchester Guardian 7 &grant. TERRIBLE RAILWAY ACCIDENT ------- A. terrible accident occurred on the Great Northern Railway, near or close by the Hatfield Station, last night. The cause of this moat distressing occurrence was, we understand, the breaking of a coupling bolt in one of the Carriages, by which several of them were thrown off the Permanent way just as another train was passing on the Other line of rails. The consequence was, as at. present ascertained, a loss of eight or more lives, and severe in juries to other passengers. The traffic was delayed for upwards of four hours. RELEASE OF THE FENIAN PRISONERS, DUBLIN, Saturday. A telegram received here this evening announces that the Fenian prisoners in England were released at four o'clock yesterday afternoon. — Tines. A DRUNKEN SCHOOLMASTER.—Edwin Hines, a scho o master, aged 40 years, of No. 123, Cannon-street, St George-in-the -East, was brOught up at the Thames Police court, charged with being drunk and incapable of taking care of himself, at the early hour of 30 minutes past one in the morning Mr. Paget lectured the prisoner, who he said ought to have set a better example. What did he expect would become of his scholars when they heard their master had been picked up in the public street in a state of bestial drunkenness. His precepts would be useless to his pupils. The prisoner said one glass of ale had done it. Mr. Paget fined the prisoner 55,.. TURNING THE MANGLE AND MANGLING A CART.—Daniel ennymore, aged 25 years, of 6, Glanen's-street, Deven's -11)ad, Bromley, was charged with wilfully damaging a cart belonging to Mr. John Sawkins, of Grange-road, Ber .,4llond-sey. The prisoner was intoxicated and driving a norse and cart, and by his reckless driving came in co ntact With the horse and cart the complainant was driving. The cart was overturned, and made a comalete , wreck: The umnage was estimated at £3 10s. or £4. Mr. Paget asked the defendant his occupation. The prisoner : My wife is a laundress. Mr. Paget : And you turn the Mangle. The prisoner : No sir. Mr. P a g et would allow the p ar ti es t o come to some arrangement, and adjourned the case for a week. CAN I AFFORD IT ?—Pay your Stationer Gd. for a reply. Map of the World gratis in all Letts's Office Diaries. Letts's ed. and ls. Diaries give most value for your money. Letts's housekeepers' and Ladies' Diaries are much imp roved. Letts's Invisible ink for Postal Cards, Gd. per bottle. IHE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 27, IS7L. CHRISTMAS ENTERTAINMENTS. DRURY LANE. Old Drury, the palace of English pantomime, presented an extraordinary sight last night. Outside, long before the opening of the doors of the theatre, every entry was surrounded by an enormous crowd of holiday-makers, and at half-past six even the roadway was blocked up. The crush for admission was terrific, and in a very short time every nook and corner of the house was crowded to excess. The pantomime, " The Dragon of Wantley," of course has been pro vided by Mr. E. L. Blanchard. and on no occasion has he produced a better or more brilliant entertainment. The preceding farce. " Rule Brittania," was gone through in the ordinary manner, there was scarcely'a word heard from first to last, owing to the impatience manifested for the pantomime, which was the entertainment all had come to see. The first few notes of the overture to the Christmas entertainment was received with loud cheers, and shortly after the usual fun in the front commenced. The moment the familiar strains of the popular air "All amongst the Hay, Boys," was heard, the gods chimed in chorus, and with such a hearty goodwill, that the cheering which followed gave signs that a thorough holiday audience had assembled. Immense applause followed, which was renewed with perhaps greater vigour when the band struck up "Rule Brittania." This also was vociferously cheered, and such was the enthusiasm that prevailed it had to be repeated before silence could be restored. The curtain then rose on the grand Christmas annual which was entitled " The Dragon of Wantley ; or Harle quin and Old Mother Shipton." The theme is suggested by that curious ballad legend which records how the valiant Yorkshire knight, Moore of Moore Hall, encoun tered and slew the dragon which had spread terror through the country. v The induction presents us with a private view of the workshop of Time, where we find Time (Mr. Moreland) poring over the daybook of the past year, and being astonished at the unexpected result of his calculations. Love (Miss Lewis) takes up the glass of Time and turns it in hio glowing hands, as described by Tennyson, till the sands become silver, and we see a better time likely to be at hand. A struggle for supremacy takes place among the English counties, and Yorkshire's case is first heard in the Allegorical County Court, where Britannia judges and Time decides. The various English rivers are, of course, sum moned as witnesses, and the ballet is illus trative of the Marriage of the Thames and the Medway, as recorded by Edmund Spenser in the " Fairy Queen." Then we have a view of "Mother Shipton's Abode by the Dripping Well at Knaresborough," where the famous prophetess (represented by Miss Harriet Coveney, foretells some remarkable events, which come to pass in a very curious manner. The next scene, illustrating the " Farm and Village of Wantley," is perfectly novel in design, and is entirely performed by children, the whole picture pouitraying rustic life in all its phases on a summer day, from dawn till sunset, and the action being admirably arranged by that most inventive ballet master Mr. John Cormack. The Dragon makes in this scene his awful appearance, and the end of the story is of course in accordance with the legendary ballad. Then follows the transformatiOn scene, " The World of Waters," the magnificence of which it is im possible to describe. The audience were fully enraptured with the splendour of the scene,- and often as Mr. Beverly has charmed the sight of the holiday makers, on no occasion has he produced a more magnificent tableau than that submitted to the delighted audience of last night. The characters in the pantomime were supported as follows :—Mr. Frederick Yokes is the valiant Knight, Mr. Fawden Vokes his Squire, Jings ; Miss Victoria Yokes the fair Lady Joan, cruelly persecu ted by Sir Guy de Grim, Baron of Wantley (acted by Mr. Charles Steyne), and her attendant, Madge (played by Miss Rosina Vokes). Mr. H. Naylor is Deccon, the wicked steward of Wantley Manor ; and Miss Marie Courtenay and Miss A. Basquerville the water-nymph, Crystilla, and the fascinating witch, Sybilia. The comic business followed, Messrs Stonette and Fawdon Yokes were the harlequins, Miss Yokes and Miss Grosvenor, columbines ; Messrs. F. Evans and Harvey, clowns ; and Paul Herring and J. Morris, pantaloons. Everything went with extraordinary briskness, and the pantomime of 1870-71, must be pronounced a great and decided success—doubtless the success of the season. Nancy Bell, and is staying in the village inn at the time, disguised as a' Cambridge reading man. Preparations are forthwith made for bringing about an elopement between the two lovers. Joe Miller, Lord Lovell's jester, aids their project by a false letter announcing a raid by Lochinvar, whomLovel most unwillingly departs to fight. He, however, does not proceed very far in the enterprise, but returns most unexpectedly to his castle with a tale of victory which was never won. Lady Nancy proposes a game at Hide and Seek, and whilst search is being made for her elopes with Lord Lovel—this design being aided by a little by-play, in which Joe Miller professes devoted love to Dame Margery, an elderly maiden who imagines that the plan of elopement is meant for her, and consider ably assists it. Meanwhile Lovell and his followers are unable to find Lady Nancy, and at length the " old black chest" is suggested, brought out, and certain relies found therein—we will not say what —conclusively establish in the minds of all present the sad fate of the lady. Dance of affliction follows. Lord Lovel gives himself up to grief, makes love to Dame Margery. An amusing scene is brought about by the simultaneous devotion of Lord Lovel and the simulated affection of some young sprigs about the castle, who resolve to play a trick upon Dame Margery. Disappointed again his lordship turns to politics, and be comes a candidate for a seat in Parliament. His own household who have been dismissed oppose him, and in the midst of the electoral struggle up comes young Loch invar and his wife. Lovers false story of victory is re futed, and he is glad to make peace with his successful rival. Further confusion awaits the unhappy peer through the appearance of Dame Margery with two interesting twins. At this appropriate point tho usual amicable settlement takes place. It is a good average burlesque, very fairly put on the stage, and well acted. All the principal artistes show to advantage. Mr. B. Wright as Lord Lovel is excellent, so is Miss Elise Holt as Joe Miller. Miss Bella Moore makes a first-rate minstrel, and Madlle. Delreux plays with great vivacity. Mr. Odell is specially amusing as Dame Margery. The sing ing and dancing are agreeable, Miss Holt in particular distinguishing herself in the latter capacity. The bur lesque is preceded by Mr. Webster's new serio-comic drama in one act, " Smoke." It proved rather too lengthy for the material it contained, "Jut some allowance of this kind is to be made for first performances. UNVEILING OF A STATUE TO SMITH O'BRIEN. (CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAM.) The unveiling of a statue to Mr. Smith O'Brien took place yesterday at Dublin, the Lord Mayor presiding. The statue is in marble, and is a most excel lent likeness, from the studio of Messrs. Farrell. The statue looks over. Carlisle Bridge and Sackville-street, and is considered a good work of art. At one o'clock the pedestal was surrounded by bands of several trades-unions, the members of whom were dressed in green and gold. They played national airs. The crowd present numbered 10,000. Mr. John Martin, of Kelburn, unveiled the statue, and made allusion to the fact that '2O years ago Smith O'Brien was ordered to be hanged, drawn, and quartered. Now the Irish people, by the erection of this monument, had raised a noble protest' against English misrule. Smith O'Brien was one of his country's most distinguished sons. After the ceremony was concluded, Mr. Fay, barrister, moved a vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor, which vote was seconded by Mr. Isaac Butt in an eloquent speech. A dense fog prevailed. THE CONTEMPLATED BOMBARDMENT OF PARIS. In a communication from the headquarters of the Crown I Prince of Prussia, Versailles, December 21, the special correspondent of the Daily News says :—The shortest day of the year finds us, where the bright afternoon in Sep tember found us, waiting before Paris. Three months ago yesterday the great army of the Germans circled round the city, and all communication was cut off, and all supplies were stopped. I shall be slow to forget the exciting impression of that first arrival on the heights of Meudon, and that first glance over the white houses, and domes, and towers of Paris. It then seemed certain that the Parisians would yield so soon as they realised their peril, They might be shelled. Was not that enough for them ? Their daily newspapers would be deprived of news, their coffee would lose its flavour in the dulness of the time, and Paris would yield with tears of joy at being spared to fight some other day. Such were the prospects of Sep tember 20—when the Crown Prince rode up to the Pre fecture on the Avenue de Paris. What are the prospects on December 21—when German uniforms have become as familar to Versailles as the tall figures of the Life Guardsmen are to Knightsbridge? The answer is simple. Paris is more likely to hold out six weeks now than she seemed likely to hold out six days on September 20. Parisians have risen to some extent to the measure of their destiny. We are in presence of a population which begins to feel proud of what it has achieved, and there will only be a surrender when such is absolutely neces sary. But we know so little of what happens in the beleaguered place, that I will speak rather of the pro gress of those who shut it in. Whilst only a faint echo of the resolution of the garrison reaches Versailles, there is here a full-toned shout of the stern desire of the Ger mans for glory and for revenge. They may be long de layed, but they are not going to let their prize slip through their fingers. If six weeks must be given to the task, six weeks shall be spent before Paris. If two months, or three months for that matter, the time can be spared. General Trochu must make up his mind to cut an opening in the German line, or must defend himself to the last in hopes of being helped from the Loire. By mere persistence in holding out, he will never drive away these finn obstinate besiegers. They did not attack him at first because they thought the works of Paris too strong to be easily silenced, and therefore chose the more cautious line of a well-armed blockade, of cir cumvallation, one might ahnost say, in old world fashion. But they always could have tried their guns against Paris, and perhaps they will do so yet. I think the cry in Germany to bombard somewhat unreason able. Surely the generals whose fame depends on success are doing their best to win. We should remember, however, that some confu sion exists as to what " bombardment " means. The Germans who call for vigour, and the English public which deprecates severe measures, have in mind a burning up of dwellings to make non-combatants scream for surrender. But the bombarding which I understand to be probable in regard to the Parisian outworks is an artillery attack upon French artillerists, with a view to be in a position to threaten harsher measures. THE FEELING IN PARIS. The special correspondent of the Telegraph, in a letter dated Pa ris, December 20, says :—After fifteen days of the most complete inaction, the gates of Paris are again closed to all non-fighters, and we are in hopes that some thing is to be June, and that at least an attempt will be made to drive away these patient, obstinate, trouble some Germans. General Trochu has done wisely in showing symptoms of preparations for action — that is to say, presuming him to be desirous of preserving his popularity and of maintaining public order in the city. The Parisians were beginning to manifest unmistakable signs of discontent and impatience ; and invidious comparisons were made between the provincial and the Parisian armies—the former, according to the accounts received, having fought more or less for sixteen consecutive days, whereas, after two days' action. we fell back into a state of absolute tranquillity. A sort of honourable emulation is felt not to be behindhand in military activity, or in the sacrifices of lives for the country. A whisper that Trochu was not quite sanguine of success, and therefore shrank from use less sacrifice of life, was by no means well received. "Let every Parisian be killed, butchered, or mutilated, but save Paris, if possible," is the cry of the masses ; " and let the awful responsibility fall on the royal head of William, the devoted monarch by right divine of Prussia." This is all very noble and patriotic, doubtless, but sadly wanting in common sense ; for the fact of every Parisian being hors de combat, and the army annihilated, would not render France less a conquered nation, nor take away a single iota from the glory of victorious Prussia. Far wiser and more politic is it to act prudently and warily, as Trochu is doing, and to look before leaping. At the same time it is possible to err on the side of caution, and to wait too long before taking the leap. Every day reduces our stores, and lessens the enthusiasm of the army ; and it is better to risk a little than to wait till our last loaf is eaten, and the men, hungry and feeble, have become demoralised and indif ferent. The correspondent of the Standard hears that Geieral Chanzy has 60,000 men with him, and that he will be reinforced by at least 100,000 from Le Mans. It is said in Versailles that the passage of M. Tarbe, of the Gaulois, through the Prussian lines, by means of a safe conduct, has been confirmed. He had bought it of a Swiss for 10,000 f. Since this has been discovered they have refused to allow any one to leave. The rough blocks of granite destined for the 16 mono lithic pillars of the Hall of Victory, which is to be erected in the King'ssquare in commemoration of the present war, have arrived at Berlin from Sweden. They are about 16 feet long and four feet in diameter, each block weighing 300 centners. The Germans in Shanghai, Kingpo, and Hankow have lately forwarded a new donation of £762 is. 2d. to the Hamburg Commi4ee for the Aid of the Sick and Wounded in the present war. This is only one proof among many of the interest taken by all Germans resident abroad in the military successes of their country. - - Many more French officers protest in Friday's Inde pendence Belge against the project of a Bonapartist resto ration. They give their best wishes to the Government of National Defence, and their allegiance to the regime that independent France may choose. Fourteen lists of thesa protests have been published. The total number of signa tures must be over 2,000. A letter from Amiens, in L'Ordre, says :—" We have been invaded by the whole army of Manteuffel , whc is returning from Rouen. There was fighting all day on the northern road, a league from Amiens. All day we heard the sound of cannon. To-morrow a great battle will be fought, for to-day we had only outpost en gagements. I saw the whole Prussian staff arrive, con sisting of five generals and 150 officers, with an escort of 500 horse." The Prussian Government cont nues to exercise severity towards the Press. A number of the Vossische Gazette of Berlin was confiscated a few days ago for an unpatriotic article on the war, and General Falkenstein has now pro"- hibited, under pain of a year's imprisonment, the intro duction into the maritime provinces during the war of two Copenhagen papers, his object probably being to prevent their circulation in North Schleswig. • Extract from a letter received December 21, from Carentan, about two hours' journey, by railway from Cherbourg, dated December 17 :—" There is an army of nearly 100,000 already formed near Carentan, and more are arriving every day. This day the passenger trains are suppressed, to allow of the passage of the soldiers. Carentan may be destroyed, but the Prussians will not be able to get to Cherbourg. All the meadows are flooded to the depth of three feet. The Prussians have not yet reached Honfleur nor Bernay. They think to take Havre, but it will be well defended." THE OPERA COMIQUE. At the Opera Comique to-day the chief attraction was a version (the first performed in. England) of " Our Mutual Friend," in which the adapter, Mr. G. F. Rowe, appeared in two characters, those of Rogue Riderhood and John Rokesmith respectively. The play is a fair one on the whole, most of Mr. Dickens's better remem bered dialogues being carefully introduced. The acting being chiefly undertaken by such well known men as Mr. S. Emery, Mr. C. Warner, and Mr. Mclntyre, was deservedly approved of. In the opening scene poor Silas 'Pegg (Mr . . Mclntyre) had to apologise to the audience for his wooden leg coming off. It appeared that just before the rising of the curtain this leg had been broken, and the fixing on, subsequently, was neces- , sarily accomplished in a precarious and unsatisfactory manner. It must, however, he said that Mr. Mclntyre made the best of a bad case, and his cheerfulness under the accident quite carried away the unpleasant reminis cences of it. It is a great pity that such a magnificent theatre as the Opera Comique should be supplied with poor scenery. This was the great 'drawback last evening. But there was another, the house was exeeedingly cold, and some ladies in the balcony stalls were heard to say their feet were frozen long before the end of the performance. The otherwise pretty scene of " Plashwa ter Mill Lock " was disfused by a patch in the background which it would be highly advisable to have removed, as it alone detracts from the beauty of the toute ensemsle. In the drawing room scene, " The Boffins at Home," the apartment has no carpet, and there is a perceptible want of furniture. If these defects are remedied, there is scarcely a doubt that Mr. Rowe's play will continue some time upon the boards of the Opera Comique. The impersonation of the character of Rogue Riderhood alone will, we ought to say, reflect considerable credit on Mr. Rowe, and, sup ported as he is by a; skilled company, his drama is almost sure to please. The gallery was filled well last evening, but the other parts of the house were but poorly attended. In the front of the proscenium everything that could be desired was forthcoming, including tha ,- , great treat—good music. COVENT GARDEN THEATRE. The Christmas production at this house, entitled "The Sleeping Beauty ; or, Harlequin and the Spiteful Fair," which is the joint authorship of C. H. Ross and Gilbert a'Becket," names as yet little known in conection with dramatic litorature of this class, but, considering the success which was achieved last night, it is to be hopod that a pantomime from their pens will be looked upon as a regular occurrence from year to year. The fairy legend of the " Sleeping Beauty " has in the present in stance been treated somewhat in a new form, but has nevertheless been handled in an exceptionally clever manner. The story is too familiar to most of our readers to need much description, but perhaps an outline, of its present aspect may not be out of place. The opening scene represents the Great Hall, where preparations are being made for the christening of the infant daughter of Ming Dunderhead the Hundredth and his Queen. An omission has been made in the list of notables to be pre sent at the ceremony by the non-invitation of the Spiteful fairy Maligna, but who notwithstanding appears upon the scene, and vows vengeance for the neglect shown her, but whose direful schemes the good fairy Hygenia vows to counteract, to accomplish which she seeks the aid of Sir I. 0. U. de Basinghall whom she requests to marry the Sleeping Beauty in consideration of her setting him free from all pecuniary embarrassments. To this propasal he consents, whereupon taking a leaf out of Rip Van Winkle's book. Sir I. 0. U. is sent to sleep for a con siderable number of years, at the end of which time the machinations of the spiteful Maligna have ceased to be of any effect. Hygenia triumphs over her rival and all ends to the satisfaction of everybody. Perhaps no other subject for a pantomime could havebeen so well chosen with regard to scenic illustrations. The scenery throughout is simply splendid. The great transformation scene, " The Valley of a Thousand Streams," and " The House of the En chanted Bells," being beyond all praise ; whilst " The Impenetrable Forest," and "The Chamber of the Sleep• ing Beauty," must be regarded as triumphs of scenic alt. The ballet was excellently supported by an efficient corps de ballet of upwards of sixty of the lady artistes. First in order must be noticed Miss Julia Matthews, whose im personations of Maligna was finished to a degree. Next comes Miss Marie Lesley, who, as Hygenia, was all that could be desired. The character of the Sleeping Beauty was most ably rendered by Miss Nellie Smith, a juvenile actress of great versatility. The part of Sir J. 0. W. de Basinghall fell to Mr. W. H. Payne, and could not have been entrusted to abler hands. King Dunderhead was impersonated by Mr. C. J. Smith, whose acting evinced a great amount of study. The minor characters were all most excellently provided for, and it is only fair to say that every artiste was perfectly at home in his or her part. The harlequinade Was full of rollicking, roistering fun, and some very excellent hits were made, notably one concerning the new law courts, which the clown stated he had been looking foi for three years, which was wonderfully well received—possibly on account of the presence of a prominent member of the Cabinet among the audience. The pantomime of " The Sleeping Beauty " must be recorded as a grand success, even for Covent Garden, the home of so many past triumphs. THE HAYMARKET." Amid the multifarious changes which are at this season occurring in theatrical circles, the play at the Haymarket shows a notable exception. Mr. Buckstone has secured such a hold upon the public interest that he finds it un necessary to produce any novelty for the season. Mr. Gilbert's attractive fairy comedy, "The Palace of Truth," is yet young, and its successful performance for over thirty nights encourages its continued repetition ; nor is this remarkable when it is remembered that the efforts of Mr. Buckstone are seconded by those of Mesdames Chip pendale, H ill, Wright, Robertson, and Gwynne, as well as by those of Mr. Kendal, Mr. Everill, Mr. Clark, Mr. Rogers, and Mr. Braid. The piece was represented again last evening, and was followed by " My Uncle's Will," in which Mr. Kendal and Miss Robertson appeared, the entertainment being concluded by " Family Jars." ADELPHI. The Christmas burlesque at the Adelphi is . founded on that very sound old Christmas theme, the " Misletoe Bough." The meaning of things, and especially thea trical things lies, however, in the application of them ; and though Mr. Farnie, the author. has chosen an old 'subject, he has introduced plenty of novel situations. The misletoe h bough, the old oak chest, and divers other matters of ancient legend are all brought in, but mixed up in new forms. The first scene brings Lord Lovel upon the stage, paying a visit to his intended bride, Lady Nancy Bell. It is fondly expected that this alliance will• end in the discomfiture of the sworn foe of both the- Lovels and the Bells, Young Lochinvar. The fact is that this last personage has gained the heart of Lady PALMS ROYAL, At this vast building, as yet but little known to the public, several exhibitions of a most instructive kind are now taking place. First, we have Professor Faber's Talking Machine, which has been exhibiting here for some months past, and still -continues to attract large audiences. Then the Gorilla Chief holds lev4es during the continuance of which he goes through some wonderful performances. The Blue Hairless Horse has also a special room allotted to her. This animal, it will be remembered, was to be seen a short time since at the 'Crystal Palace, where she remained for a considerable period. There are also one or two other exhibitions held here, and, considering its various resources, the Palais Royal should have a large share of patronage during the present festive season. THE POLYTECHNIC, The special programme put forth by Professor Pepper for the Christmas holidays, in addition to the lecture that has been ,delivered here for some time past, on "The War and the Destructive Implements Used Thereat," proves highly satisfactory. Foremost among the novelties is a piece entitled "The Yellow Dwarf," which is rendered by Mr. George Grossmith, jun., with vocal accompani-. meats, and illustrated by some excellent optical and dioramic scenery, executed by the Messrs. Hills. Then there is also an entertainment by Mi. J. Beaumont, which is called the " World of Majic," and here is introduced a wonderful specimen of mechanical ingenuity, a slack rope automaton. Next in order comes Mr. E. D. Davies,a ven triloquist of some celebrity, who creates a fund of amuse ment by his clever performance. The celebrated Praeger Family have been re-engaged for the holiday season, and by their refined singing add considerably to the even ing's enjoymentl'Altogether, the programme provided at the Polytechnic is. exceptionally strong, and cannot fail to be appreciated at the present festive season. INSIDE PARIS. In a letter from Paris, dated December 19, the specie correspondent of the Standard writes :—A bloody Christ- , mas and a black New Year we have in store by all fore bodement. God forgive those who brought things to such a pass ! The position is now so critical that it cannot last ; it must change for worse or better ; and this attempt to deliver Paris will be, as I have said, the decisive one. If it fail, the 'French may as well fling up the sponge at once. Any subsequent trials will have slighter chance 3, and will only lead to useless shedding of blood. And if it do fail, the admis sion had better be made that the Prussians are better soldiers than the French, as well as being 'better led, organised, and disciplined. Provisions are getting visibly scarcer ; for that one has only to look at the wan, thin faces of begging children at every street corner and outside every restaurant. The news which we have received is, un doubtedly, most terrible ; all the little reverses sustained round Paris seem to fall into insignificance when compared to it. Rouen occupied by the Prussians ; the defeat of the Army of the Loire, and the re occupation of Orleans, confirmed in most positive terms ; and the Go vernment fled from Tours. But if the news is crushing, the demeanour of the population is remarkable. In no quarter of the town has the public tranquillity been dis turbed even for a single. moment. At the commence ment of the siege the slightest reverse was the pretext for au effervescence; the Boulevards were crowded with an impetuous, noisy crowd if a single company seat on a ' reconnaissance sustained the loss of a few men.. ' Now we see that the army which they had expected so long, upon which they had relied for deliverance —which was, in tact, to save France—may be put to the rout with out causing any disorder. The habitual phlegm attri buted by all Frenchmen to their neighbours, the inhabi tants of that foggy fsla,nd, where, accirding to their tra dition, the sun is never seen during the winter, and but sheds a lurid light in summer, is far outdone by the bearing of the hot-headed, excitable Parisians. Truly they have had a severe . lesson in the school of adversity ; but is it not to their credit that they have proved such apt pupils? If each town and village has eq _tally profited by their misfortunes, the Prussians may find it more difficult than they even now suppose to extort from theni the cession of the two coveted provinces. Fighting for the integrity of their country, for their honour, for their hearths and homes, no sacri fice which their rulers may be compelled to call upon them to make will be too great. "If we are successful,", says a will-educated and thinking Frenchman, " we retain our rank amongst the five great _European Powers ; if, on the contrary we fail, and these provimes fall into the hands of the invader, we are not only reduced to the lev el of a second-rate Power, but that which Prussia pretends to seek as a guarantee for the future peace of the Continent cannot but prove the direct cause of a war as terribly obstinate as the present. Can we breathe freely with such au incubus on our chest as the Prussians on the line of the Moselle ? • They might as well be where they are to-day, at the gates of our capital." You have, no doubt, been astonished that nearly three weeks have been allowed to pass without any offensive movement; but your amaze ment cannot equal ours. One would almost think that the Governor of Paris had been persuaded, by the mis carriage of his first enterprise, that all hope of extricating any part of his army from the town before capitulating • was at an end; and that he shrinks from sending men to death in a hopeless cause. It is nevertheless, certain that neither the army nor the population will be contented to wait patiently the end without making a supreme effort. The inevitable calamity—capitulation—should their efforts prove futile, is also discussed in the ulol and collected manner so necessary in difficult circumstances. Deter mined not to give in till the very last, they do not dis guise the fact that a time must come. and that shortly, when the governor of the city will be obliged to deli ver over the keys of the gates into the hands of the King of Prussi's. GERMAN SAILORS AT VERSAILLES. Writing from Versailles, December 22, the special cor respondent of the Daily News remarks :--The King and his son, with Prince Adalbert, Admiral of the Fleet, have this morning inspected the Prussian sailors detached to Versailles. I happened to be passing at the moment, and saw at once that something must be going on by the gathering of people at the corner of the Avenue de Paris and the Rue St. Pierre. There was a small crowd of French and German loungers, brav ing the bleakest of. December winds, and the dust of the great avenue blew fiercely against a line of sturdy seamen drawn up before the Prefecture. A "naval brigade" is the hobby of successful campaigns in modern times. Prince Adalbert has been for a long while at headquarters, and now the sailors have appeared in force. It is all for the soldiers now, it may be all for the sailors in another war, or rather Germany may take her true place as a nation equally strong by sea as by land. She has. so large a merchant shipping that her present naval inferio rity to 'France is a mistake. The German Emiiire of twenty years hence will not only have an irresistible army, but a navy which can carry the troops to any given point, and this will be, we may hope, a sure guarantee of European peace. These sailors have been the cause of much speculation, and of many a wild rumour at Versailles. Some people in.ist on their being destined for service in the batteries others —French, of course—suppose that the Prussian army is so reduced that sailors must, per force, be employed to strengthen the diminished battalions. There is yet a probable report which assigns these lads in wide-brimmed hats to the captured gunboats of the Loire. This last is, I believe, the real solution of their Presence at headquarters. It would delight the Germans beyond everything to achieve a victory, however small, on the element which they hope to make their own. The sphere of the Loire is somewhat restricted, but there is a chance that,even with a few tiny gunboats, a dashing officer might do some good service below Tours as the ally of the dreaded " Uhlans." I was struck by the hearty and cheerful look of King William when he inspected the German sailors. He had seemed a little more anxious and thoughtful when the news of the bloody work early in the month was arriving at Versailles, and now his air was de cidedly free from care. Though no crushing victory has been gained, the Army of the Loire has been well answered for, and the question of Paris seems now again to be a mere question of time. Whatever grave doubts, or grave questions, to settle may remain, there is not the pressing difficulty of an attempt to raise the siege. I have said that the King looked cheerful this morning, and the same may be stated of his Highness the Crown Prince. As to the Prince Admiral, he beamed with satis faction. Here were his sailors. at last getting a chance of useful work. A. ROYAL GIFT.—Her Majesty has fnrwarded, through the Marquis of Hertford, the deputy ranger of Windsor Great Park, 20 pheasants to the Windsor Royal Infirmary, for the dinners of the patients during the Christmas week. VAUDEVILLE. The continued success of the ever-blooming " Two Roses " renders it unnecessary for the management to make any alteration in the entertainment set forth at this theatre for the benefit of the holiday folk. Mr. Albery's charming comedy continues to command a full share of public approbation. The burlesque of " Elizabeth" con tinues to be played after the comedy, and the excellent fooling of Mr. David James, Mr. Thorne, and Mr. George Honey remains as amusing as over. Miss. Nelly Power and Miss Hetty Tracy exercise their particular fascinations with undiminished effect, and the burlesque furnishes an excellent entertainment. ROYALTY THEATRE. The management of this pretty little house have not put forth any specialitd for the Christmas holidays, but have relied for their share of patronage an the unchanged programme of the last few weeks, the principal feature of which is Mr. Reecu's successful burlesque of " Whitting ton Junior and his Sensation Cat," which has been draw ing crowded houses since the first night of its production, and bids fair to continue to do so for some time to come. Several novelties are mentioned as being in preparation, and will be produced early in the new year. But, in the meantime, we would merely say that those who, during the holiday season, desire to spend a really happy evening cannot do better than pay a visit to the New Royalty. STRAND THEATRE. The Christmas entertainment here is a new grand burlesque of " Coeur de Lion Revised and his Enemies Corrected," Mr. J. Strachan, a gentleman hitherto but little known to the metropolitan public, is the author of the new spectacular burlesque. Mr. Terry portrays the lion-hearted monarch with great humour. Miss Bella Goodall plays Saladin very spiritedly, and Mr. Paulton, made up in effigy of the all-powerful minister who leads Europe by the nose, sings a wonderful patter song with an inimitable German accent. Other members of this popular company appear in roles more or less suited to their capabilities, and the piece " goes " with great brisk ness. The verdict of Thursday establishes the success of " Coeur de Lion " beyond a doubt, actors and author being loudly summoned, and bowing their acknowledgments. ARGYLL ROOMS. These celebrated rooms will doubtless receive their full share of patronage during the Christmas holiday, and this is as it should 'be , considering the liberal spirit in which the proprietor of this elegant establishment has always studied the wishes of the public. The notable Shadow Valse, danced by the aid of the lime light, still forms an attractive feature in the evening's programme, and seems likely to maintain its supremacy for some time to come. New music is constantly being introduced and performed here by what d is unquestionably one of the finest bands in the metropolis. In view of the present holi day time the programme has been considerably aug mented, and some pleasant evenings will doubtless be spent here by the vast majority of country cousins now in town. OXFORD-STREET GALLERY. A new Christmas Exhibition has been opened at 369 Oxford-street, opposite the Princess's Theatre, which received a large patronage from the holiday makers. The Exhibition consists of a splendid set of moving historical tableaux; all splendidly mounted ; a number of other interesting subjects, and one of the most magnificent Christmas trees in London. Altogether the exhibition is a very interesting one, and well worthy of a visit. MADAME TUSSA.UD'S. This popular place of entertainment has put forth spe cial attractions for the Christmas holidays Several new models have been lately added to the already extensive collection. Amongst the latest additions may be men tioned some of the celebrities of the late Imperial French regime—notably the ex-Emperor and Empress, Prince Imperial, Marshals Bazaine and Canrobert, General Trochu, &c.; whilst on the German side are exhibited portrait models of the:King,Crown Prince ofPrussia, Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern, and Counts von Bismarck and Moltke. These in themselves are well worthy of a visit ; but, considering that the Baker-street establishment pos sesses life-like models of notable persons, past and present, it will doubtless command a large share of favour amongst the pleasure-seeking public at the present festive season. EGYPTIAN HALL. A most interesting panorama has for some time past been exhibiting here, and has met with a large share of success, the subject illustrated being the present Franco-Prussian War, the depicting of which has evi dently been the result of careful and studious researches. The views of Paris, Berlin, Metz, and Sedan are deci dedly the best in the whole panorama ; in the first-named city are shown the Tuileries, St. Cloud, Boulevard des Italians, and also a torchlight procession on the Rue de Rivoli, on the memorablelsth of July. • The present residence of Napoleon, Wilhelmshoe, is also shown. The various war songs of France and Germany, are ably ren dered by an efficient quartette; and doubtless during the present holiday season this exhibition will be extensively patronised, the entertainment being one that will repay a visit. OUR COTEMPORARIES—This Morning THE STRUGGLE IN PARIS. The Times, commenting on the present state of affairs in and around Paris, says : M. Gambetta, M. Louis Blanc, and, apparently, even General Trochu, seem quite confident that "French resistance will in the end turn the scale against the invader." But the question is when the end may come. Success might, perhaps, crown their efforts if they could fight on for ever—if they could reckon upon indefinite time. But, unless success comes within two weeks, or, at the utmost, two nonths, it will not save Paris from perishing. The day will come, and it is not far off, when to starve and to fight at the same time will be more than Trochu himself will be able to manage. Sorties are not likely to be more suc cessful than they have hitherto been, and relief was hardly ever less at hand than it is now. General Chanzy has been for a week at Le Mans, and his Army will not be able to leave its present quart,; - :s before the end of the month. Bourbaki makes no sign. Faidherbe is falling back away to the North before a victorious enemy. The Germans, although everywhere favoured by fortune, do not allow success to lure them into false security. They will not advance beyond their own limits, even at their enemy's suggestion and earnest request, invited to garrison Tours, they withdraw upon Blois and Orleans. They must make sure of Paris first and at any price, and they draw up around the city in a serried array which the French may not unrea sonably hope to overcome, but which they may not be able to overcome till it is too late. It must be freely admitted that, by the policy hitherto followed, by making things smooth and pleasant, the rulers of France have contrived to gain not a little precious time, and they may put off the evil du yet awhile. It is impossi ble to say what effect a statement of the real situation of the Provinces would have upon the Capital, as it is also impossible to forsee what impression the downfall of the capital might make upon the provinces. But M. Gambetta and his colleagues of the Government of National Defence are too far committed to their own system not to take care that things should not be brought to such extremities. Truth will, probably, never have a chance of getting into Paris till it follows the suite of the victorious Germans. ENGLAND AND THE BELLIGERENTS. In the opinion of the Standard, the alacrity which Mr. Gladstone's Government has shewn in congratulating the Emperor of Germany on his accession to his new dignity is in singular contrast with its hesitation in acknowledg ing the French Republic. For a Ministry which is sup posed to reflect English Liberal opinion this is, to say the least of it, in singular taste. We have been careful to announce that our sympathies are due to neither the oue side nor the other in this war. We have abstained from taking any part in the conflict, and have even kept aloOf from active mediation, on the ground that, it was not for us to pronounce either power to be in the right, and that it was better for Europe that the war should be fought out. Were there no ;nterests concerned but those of France and Germany, and were it possible to isolate the war, and still to maintain that European equilibrium which we have held to be necessary to the general peace, there might have been something to say in justification of a policy of strict non-intervention. As the quarrel has progressed, however, it has not only gone beyond the limits prescribed to it by its authors, but it has opened other controversies of the deepest possible interest to the cause of European peace and of England. No one can pretend to say that the war, although its course has not been interfered wita, was such a vcrar as was proclaimed on the 17th of July. It has developed far wider objects, and has assumed quite another character than a struggle for military supremacy between two military empires. It is cer'ainly not too much to say that the combatants have, in fact, exchanged positions with each other—that, assuming the Germans in the beginning to have been the innocent party, and the French the aggressors, and the cause of the former to represent national independence, and that of the latter an artificial despotism of the sword, it is the French who are now fighting for their unity and their liberties, and the Ger mans who covet foreign territory, and are moved by lust of conquest. What is the reason for the differ ence which has been made between France and Germany, and how is that difference to be accounted for to the Eng lish people? What opinion will be begotten of this last act of Mr. " Gladstone's Government throughout Europe, and how much nearer will it bring us to the desired haven of moral adviser general of the nations? THE OUTRAGE AT LYONS. The Telegraph, in an article on this lamentable event, says: The murder of a gallant officer, who died in the attempt to uphold the authority of the National Govern ment, took place on the 20th ; yet up to this time we have received no report that the ringleaders of the plot have been arrested, or that the soldiers who executed the lawless sentence have been brought to punishment. On the contrary, the Red faction seems to be more powerful than ever at Lyons. We cannot but hope that this disastrous occurrence may strengthen the popular demand for a legalised Government—a demand which has only been kept in abeyance hitherto by the imminence of the national peril. Paris contains as law less elements as Lyons; and, though the population of the capital has exhibited a self-restraint and heroism for which those who know the Parisians best give them but little credit, the news of such a crime as that of Nuits might have a bad effect in the quarters where the workmen congregate. Any country would be endan gered by remaining months without an established government, without a central authority empowered to enforce law and uphold order. The danger is terrible in the case of a country with the traditions and passions of France. And if M. Arnaud's death should teach the lesson that foreign invasion is not the only or the worst danger with which France is threatened, that gallant gentleman will not have died in vain. THE FRENCH REFUGEES. London, in all times a city of refuge for the unfortunate of all races, remarks the Daily News, is now full of fugi tives from France. This makes the fourth time in our history that England has sheltered great immigrations of French yxiles. Who can help sympathising with the grief of these exiles; grief the most acute, the most agonizing grief heightened by suspense, absence, and silence ? They have- hurried over with only a few necessaries snatched up in the panic— their children and fathers and lovers and husbands are with Bourbaki, or are immured in Paris. They can not write for advice, they do not know even whether those hey love are alive ; their country is at her death grasp ; it seems selfish even to mourn over their own wounds— and in these Soho garrets, in a foreign land, in our murky, and to them doleful city, amid pitiless strangers, who raven upon their last few pounds, i nder da harsher climate, at this inclement season, hese poor exiles wait with breaking hearts for news that may never come. Now it is not only the duty, but the interest of London to watch over the wants of these forlorn strangers, and to prevent their sinking into the class of hopeless and irrecoverable paupers, from whom, in ghastly and inevitable progression come the thieves and degraded of both sexes. The French exile has a sensitive nature, and will suffer deeply in these bitter times of need ; yet he is buoyant and versatile, and the smallest help will cheer his heart and speed him on to efforts for those he loves and those he has left behind. This help our countrymen and countrywomen, whose hearts are always softened by the tidings of misfortune, will, we are sure, render. A great calamity has fallen on a sister nation ; a great sorrow clouds her eyes and weighs upon her heart. It is not the time now to think of her faults ; for them she has suffered enough. Let us hold out a thousand hands tc minister to the wants of her children, and add warmth to our own Christmas firesides by feeling that we have helped to furnish their humble boards, and have whispered some words of kind ness and consolation. At one of the most recent sittings of the French Institute a communication was made by M. Faye on the intended departure of M. Janssen to join the eclipse ex pedition. The astronomer was to leave Paris in a balloon constructed for his private use at the expense of the French Government, and which was also to carry a telescope constructed in eight weeks by the most skilful workmen in Paris, and of the capacity of 2000 cubic metres. A. general order in Bankruptcy has been made, which requires all bills to be taxed ur der liquidations. It provides that the registrar shall not issue the certificates of discharge under paragraph 10 of section 125, until he has been satisfied upon proper proof that all bills in the matter have been taxed. The paragraph in question is as follows :—" The trustee shall report to the registrar the discharge of the debtor, and a certificate of such dis charge given by the registrar shall have the same effect as an order of discharge given to a bankrupt under this act" —Law Times. NOTICE. —KINAHAN'S I.L. Whisky Depot. Kine'lati and Co. have removed to their new and s p ac i ous prenii:les, No. 6a, Great Titchfield-street, Oxford -street, leading from Margaret-street, Regent-street, and Market-street Oxford-street. Kinahan's LL. Whisky. —This fani, .us 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-kn~ .vu sealed and labelled bottles, or in bond for exportation at the London Docks. Wholesale Agents to Messrs. Bass, Guinness, and Y ounger , an d Dealers in Foreign Wines and Spirits. ~~ ffe,