The Sun. — London, England, 1870-07-22 00:00:00

induced to act as he did act, except such as is derived from the papers which will be laid upon the table. Those papers will be laid upon the table I trust to - morrow. I think it would be more satisfactory to my right honourable friend first of all exercising his own judgment upon them, he should, if he sees cause, call for further explanation on the part of the Government. When he has, himself, the Papers in his hands no one will be able to judge better than him whether the answer, given on the part of the Government was just and resonable,. (Applause). With regard to the second questions of my right hon. friend. Ido not think we are precisely and officially informed at this moment of every step that may have been taken up to the latest hour by the govern ments of Russia and Austria. 'All' can say is, that.with out entering into minute details, we have sufficient infor_ mation to be justified in believing that both these powers have used their best efforts, not merely with one, but both of the parties to the unhappy war, which has broken out on the Continent in the interests of peace. So far I can answer the question of my right hon. friend. Mr. SEYMOUR laVing intimated that his question should be answered at the same time, Mr. GLADSTONE said, with regard to the other question that also is a double question. The first is whether Government have any information other than that fur nished by the newspapers of the existence of a secret treaty between France and Denmark. We have no infor mation whatever upon the subject, and not the slightest reason to believe in the existence of any such secret treaty. All the information we have would rather go to disprove its existence so far as it justifies us to form any judgment on the question at all. Secondly, my hon. friend asks whether, at any time within the last six months, Govern ment are aware that any formal proposal of a mutual disarmament has been made by France and Prussia, and refused by the latter Power as stated by French and English journals. I may answer my hon. friend in the very briefest terms, because so far as I know no formal proposal of mutual disarma ment has besn made by France and Prussia at all, but that would not be the truth of the case. It is true that there have been communications carried on by Lord Clarendon between France and Prussia on the subject, of what could not be properly called disarmament, yet of something which would have been at least a beginning, perhaps a pledge, of disarmament ; but they did not arrive at any result. They were conducted by Lord Clarendon confidentially, and in behalf of both parties, and they having been so conducted by him, I am disposed to think with my noble friend Lord Clarendon, whom I had consulted was of the same opinion, that we are not entitled in courtesy to divulge the particulors of these communications. That is the answer which we give to the question. (Applause). NEUTRAL VESSELS. Mr. GOURLAX asked the First Lord of the Treasury if neutral vessels would be interrupted in their trade with France and the North German Confederation; and if so, What time would be granted for sailing to and from belli gerent ports. Mr. GLADSTONE said a telegram had been received from France,. which stated that the time allowed vessels would be thirty days, but he might say that the information in possession of the Govern ment was of a final description. With respect to Prussia a telegram stated that French vessels in Ger man ports at the commencement of the war would be allowed six weeks, dating from the commencement, and he had every reason to believe that the matter would be carried out in a liberal spirit by both France and Prussia. The limit he presumed would be three miles, but the de cision in all cases would rest with the prize court of the capturing power. With respect to a definition of articles contraband of war he must decline to make any statement. THE FRENCH AND PRUSSIAN ARMIES. Major ANSON asked the Secretary of State for War Whether he intended to request permission for a British military surgeon of experience to be attached to the head quarters of the French and Prussian armies for the pur pose of studying and reporting upon the effects of the more recent inventions of modern warfare, and the most approved methods of transporting sick and wounded men during rapid movements of troops. Mr. CARDWELL said he should be glad to carry such an arrangement out if it was possible. With respect to the notice in the Times relative to war correspondents, the War Office, in making the announcement they had Were only following out the rule observed on former occasions. INDIAN BUDGET. Sir D. WEDDERBRIIN asked the Under Secretary of state for India wbether he was able to name the day upon which he will make his Indian financial statement. Mr. GRANT DUFF said on Saturday, the 23rd, at a Morning sitting. If not then, on some day next week. PRINCE LEOPOLD. Ur. RYLANDS asked the Under Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, whether there was any foundation for a statement which appeared in the Daily News of Tuesday last, to the effect that Mr. Layard was aware of the candidature of Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern, and spoke to M. Mercier on the subject before the action of the French Government in the matter, but did not communi cate this important information to the Foreign Office until it had learnt it from other quarters. Mr. OTWAY said the matter had been spoken of com monly since the 11th of May. EXPORTATION OF HORSES. Mr. GLADSTONE, in reply to an hon. member, said he had heard that there was a considerable exportation of horses from England, but he believed that the exporta tion of horses was usually very brisk at this season of the year. It might be that the exportation was larger llow than ordinarily, but whether that were so or not, the Government did not think it necessary to interfere. STRANGERS IN THE GALLERY. Mr. HENLEY, the member for Oxfordshire, after the q uest ions had bean disposed of, to the sur p r i se o f ever y one sta! e n dthe a tt en ti on o f th e Sp ea k er t o th e presence o f Hers in the gallery behind him, meaning the reporters. The result was the "strangers" had to leave. It is said that Mr. Henley merely adopted this course to show the a baurdity of the standing orders, giving one man the Power of excluding the representatives of the press and others. —Mr. Candlish, the member for Sunderland moved the adjournment of the House, in order that the whole question might be considered.—Mr. Gladstone appealed to Mr. Henley not to proceed with the matter, and it is understood that he promised that a committee should consider the standing orders relating to the subject next session. The member for Oxfordshire having attained his object, withdrew his motion, and the strangers were re-admitted ; the reporters receiving a hearty cheer. THE EDUCATION BILL. The amendment was resumed on the amendment in volving the adoption of the ballot in the election of the school boards.—Mr. Forster, the vice-president, proposed that the election should be in accordance with the princi ples upon which a poll was taken under the Metropolis Management Act, 1855. The right hon. gentleman re minded the House of the length of time which they had occupied in discussing the measure, and he strongly ap pealed to hon. members not to further oppose the proposi tion, but to allow the bill to go to the other House. He asked Conservative members to remain content with the protest which they had raised against the Ballot--The discussion which took place was .not very animated, and no strong attempt was made in opposition to the proposal in the way of debate. A division was called, and the proposition was carried by 185 to 115 votes. Shortly after the bill passed its stage in committee, and the Libera benches were very jubilant, although there was no extra vagant manifestation of feeling. The third reading was fixed for Friday afternoon, and no sooner had this been done than the Vice-President of the Council took up his hat, and, box in hand, left the House, hon. gentlemen on both sides joining in a well;merited cheer, which the right hon. gentleman smilingly acknowledged. THE IRISH LAND BILL. The House proceeded to consider the Lords' amend meats to the Irish Land Bill, and their " reasons." The Government did not insist in some cases upon their pro positions. The amendments of the Lords, which related to the definition of disturbance of tenancy, occasioned a very significant speech from Mr. Gladstone. The Government agreed to accept it with the addition of words which modi fied it.--Dr. Ball contended that the clause was passed when there were very few members of the Opposition present, and that it was one of the most objectionable clauses of the bill.—The Premier thought this was but a poor excuse, and he remarked that hitherto they had avoided general discussion respecting what had been done in another place, and he was quite sure that if they were driven into it the results would be painful and injurious. It was for that reason that they desired to avoid it, and had made every effort, and had even now given up a large Portion of the clause which passed that House without a division in committee, and it was never contested upon any other stage of the bill. It was painful to contemplate the breakdown of a great legislative labour such as that had 1 been, and it was much more painful to contemplate other consequence* of a breakdown to which it WM 110 t 110 W necessary to refer. A cheer signalised the disposal of the Lords' amendments and their lordships' reasons. CIVIL SERVICE ESTIMATES. The Hcuse went into Committee of Supply on the Civil Service Estimates. The discussion on the several votes occupied more than three hours. Progress was reported at twelve o'clock. • ARMY ENLISTMENT BILL. The Army Enlistment Bill, as reported, was considered. —Colonel Barttelot moved an amendment, to the effect that in the cavalry, artillery, and engineers the term of enlistment should be seven years, instead of the shorter period proposed by the bill.—On a division, the amend ment was lost by 124 to 79 votes. THE GUN LICENCE BILL. This bill, as amended, was considered. PEDLARS' CERTIFICATES BILL. The House then went into committee on this bill, and the question was discussed whether the chief officer of police or the magistrates should grant the certificates. The Home Secretary said that he had carefully consi dered the subject, and he had come to the conclusion that inasmuch as the magistrates would rely upon the police for information, it was better to leave the bill as it was. —Mr. M`Laren, the member for Edinburgh, moved an amendments that the licensing power should be vested in the magistrates in petty sessions. There was a great di• versity of opinion on the subject, and a division was called. The amendment was rejected by 72 to 46 votes.-- At two o'clock progress was reported. DUBLIN CITY VOTERS' DISFRANCHISEMENT THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY MORNING, JULY 22, 1870. THE WAR. THE CAIVIPAIGN ON '1 HE RHINE. PARIS, JULY 20. The Francais mentions three plans of campaign between which the Emperor will probably choose—first, to advance by the Valley of the Moselle, entering Prussialinder .Nover of Sierck, Thionville, and Metz, to meet the Prussians on the lines of the Sarre ; second to advance into the Pala tinate, via Wissembourg and Landau ; third, to cross the Rhine simultaneously at several points. Questioned as to his departure for the war at a private banquet on Tuesday, the Emperor gave no decided reply, but the Prince Imperial, less circumspect, said that it would be perhaps in about five or six days. This news was somewhat disappointing. " Why, it will be all over," exclaimed one officer. "Do not be uneasy," said his Majesty, " you will still find plenty to do." According to official reports the Prussian troops, who at first appeared to be massing between Luxemburg and the Palatinate, have now withdrawn towards the for tresses of Coblentz and Mayence. The Baden Government, in reply to an inquiry made by the French Government, has stated that it never in tended to employ explosive bullets. ITALIAN SYMPATHY WITH FRANCE. The Francais of the 20th says that Italy has given France the best assurances, and has declared that grati tude would determine her in certain circumstances to give active support to France. • The Journal des Debats also says that Italy has resolved to maintain a friendly attitude towards France, who has not demanded any material assistance. The Debats considers that this disposition of Italy should determine the French Government to withdraw its troops from Roman territory and render them useful in the war with Prussia. ment of importance took place between the French and the Austrians at Montebello. Nor was the campaign of 1866 partichlarly striking for swift action in taking the field, though the progress of hostilities when once they had begun was astounding. It is notorious that the dispute which led to the war was preceded by months of negotiation during which both parties made ready. On the 24th of April five army corps were put on a war foot ing with all the artillery and cavalry ; on the 4th of May they were mobilised ; and in a very few days four other corps were similarly got ready. On the 19th of May the concentration of troops commenced, and yet it required twenty-one days to accumulate on the frontier the formidable army which fairly took the field on the 19th of June. Sadowa was fought on the 3rd of July. The Journal des Debats compares :the two campaigns of 1866 and 1859, and thinks the French showed. the greatest rapidity. It took the Prus sians six weeks to arrive on their great battle-field after they had begun to concentrate their troops, already put on a war footing, whereas in France it required only the same time to put the forces on a war footing, concentrate them, and strike a great blow. This comparison may be taken for what it is worth. It is at any rate clear that there is as yet no occasion for inventing operations on the Rhine before they have actually commenced. The attitude of Italy has been a matter of grave considera tion here ever since the declaration in the Corps Ldgislatif. People, however, now seem to take it for granted that the southern power will maintain an attitude of friendly 'neutrality towards France. Two other courses were open to her: she might have assisted Prussia in the certainty of thereby securing Rome by turning the scale agiinst France ; or she might have helped France and received as her reward the same prize. But by remaining quiet it would seem probable that the same end will be gained. The French troops may yet be withdrawn from the Eternal City, and then, if Italy chooses to take possession, there will be nobody to molest her. The Emperor might find in the decla ration of Infallibility an excuse for withdrawing his pro tection from the Pope. It may be interesting to subjoin what the Debats says on this subject : "As to material assistance, she (Italy) has neither to give nor to refuse it, for that kind of help has not been asked of her. We believe that our Government desires to make the struggle one solely between France and Prussia. For if France sought an alliance with Italy, Russia might be tempted to contract a similar alliance, and the war would become European. To ask of Italy anything more than her moral support would be to provoke grave compli cations. Such moral support is assured to us. Italy does not wish to give us any embarrassment. In presence of such a disposition we can with draw our troops from Rome." This is very plain and it comes from a good source. Why should Italy fight for Rome if she can get it for nothing ? Another war, indeed, would absolutely ruin Italy. In the present state of her finances it would be positive destruction. Whilst speak ing of alliances it may be well to give a rumour which is published in the Liberte. "It is said that in case of an alliance between France and Denmark—which is very probable—the Orl6an.s Princes will serve in the forces of our ally." Scarcely likely after the rejection of the peti tion to be allowed to enter France. "We receive sad and deplorable news from Munich," says the Patrie. This dismal intelligence is that Bavaria has decided to join Prussia, and, moreover, it is pretty clear that all South Germany will do the same. No wonder the Patrie is angry. It, in common with the other official journals, hoped, even against hope,that theSouthGerman states would remain quiet. No such thing is going to happen, and the Patric blusters in consequence. It declares that the King of Bavaria is risking his crown by his rash assistance to Prussia. He would risk it still more decidedly if he assisted France. Yesterday the Senate voted the pressing law for new war credits demanded by the Government, and also the luw which fixes at 140,000 men the contingent to be called out for 1870. The war has already had its effect in retarding legislation. The bill for the regulation of press prosecutions has been relegated to the next session, as also has been the measure repealing those hateful laws of general surety which give the Government arbitrary power over the liberties of citizens whenever ari ebullition of discontent is to he apprehended, or whenever the Government pretends to be in such fear. The war fever remains where it was—in the quiescent stage. There are no more street demonstrations, nor any signs of last Friday and Saturday's furore. One effect of the war has been to revive the enthusiasm for the " Marseillaise" which is now sung even at caf4s-chantants, and more classical places of amusement. In some cases the " Marseillaise " forms half the evening's entertain ment, for the audience strike out part of the programme and substitute this favourite, this immortal popular idol. The police ban has, after so many years rigorous enforce ment, been removed from this great air, and it was even performed, on one occasion, at the Emperor's dinner table. 01 the preparations for war it would be wearisome to say much, and, moreover, there is very little to say. The journals to-day are singularly destitute of information on this point. A stranger, not knowing that a war had arisen, might imagine from the aspect of the papers that a few military reviews and manoeuvres are going on in different parts of the country ; but would never dream that everything is being pushed on with the utmost haste for the compaign on the Rhine. However, some facts seem pretty well removed beyond the limit of doubt. There are now five army corps on the frontier, without counting the Imperial Guard, which is partly there. The first, commanded by MacMahon, has its headquarters at Strasbourg. The second, under Frossard, is centred round about Saint Avold ; it is formed of the troops from the camp of Chalons. The third corps holds the centre of the position at Metz. Marshal Bazaine commands it. His' troops are partly drawn from Africa, and partly from the army os Paris. The fourth corps is at Thouville ; the fifth is at the other end of the line by Bitche. These corps are each composed of one division of cavalry, and of either three or four divisions of infantry. The reserve is at present at Chalons with Marshal Canrobert. Altogther, according to the account given in the Figaro, there are already on or near the frontier twenty-three divisions of infantry and seven of cavalry ready to take the field, whilst behind there is a formidable reserve— not to say anything of the National Guard. This is certainly a far superior force to the army of Italy, which consisted of only fifteen divisions of infantry and ten brigades of cavalry. With regard to the Prussians of course nothing certain is known ; but the prevalent expectation is that the German forces, as before, will be divided into two armies, the one of the North commanded by Prince Frederick Charles, and the other—of the South —by the Crown Prince. There will also be an army of reserve commanded by the King in person, and held in readiness for any maritime expedition that may be at tempted. The navy preparations in France are going on with the same rapidity and success as those of the army. The naval authorities have well occupied their time since the Crimean war, when the department was sadly in arrear with its equipments. ON THE FRONTIER. METZ, TUESDAY. Everywhere between Paris and Metz are to be seen trains full of troops en route for the frontier. The soldiers display the greatest enthusiasm. Cries of " Vive I'Em pereur !" resound on every side, and as the trains come into Metz the inhabitants crowd to meet them, though, truth to tell, the appearance of the martial heroes is not at first very birilliant, since they are not all fully equipped, and are covered with dust. The town itself is completely boulererse. The streets are crowded with vehicles bearing provisions and the luggage of the officers, and it is difficult to obtain even a servant's room at the hotels for 20fr. a day. Everyone at Metz is hard at work, though there is less singing and shouting than at Paris. Here again the memories of 1815 are bitterly cherished, and the soldiers of the reserve have all rejoined their respective corps, while the Garde Mobile has assembled in crowds and de manded leave to march. MetE with its ramparts, its bastions, its bridges, and the . Moselle inundating its fosses, presents a formidable front. There are it is said 50,000 men here, and the variety of the uniforms, which include those of the Zouaves and the Foot Chasseurs are sufficiently picturesque. Private telegrams are subject to great delays, so the public is informed by a notice on the doors of the telegraph office. The Parisian press is already represented at Metz, although it was positively stated that no newspaper correspondents were to be allowed. The Siecle, the Opinion Nationale, and the.Gaulois have their representatives here. Some of these adventurous gentlemen, intend following the army among the Chasseurs k Pied. The confidence of the troops in the success of their arms is very great, but they do not despise their enemy. The soldiers say, "It will he hard work, there will be plenty of firing," but they never dream of anything but ultimate success. STRASBOURG, TUESDAY Strasbourg occupies a position of considerable import ance with regard to the war. It is one of the strong points which protect the capital from the advance of an invading army from the east, and forms, with Met; a defence against a movement from the north. The valleys of the Oise and the Saone, whore the condition of Soissons proved so disastrous to the French in 1814, have since then been put in a state of complete defence. Strasbourg itself is very strongly fortified, and would need a very large force to subdue it. Troops are being poured into it so very fast that provi sions are actually running short. The bridge of boats has been removed, and a rumour that some boats were trying to land called out all the garrison for a short interval. However, it proved to be nothing. The military equip ments, especially of the officers, are not yet complete. Tents are not forthcoming, even Paris being unable to furnish them, so that in case of a speedy departure they must sleep under the open sky—no great hardship in this weather. Epaulettes have been suppressed, and rows of gold lace arraAged, according to military grades, replace them. It is something of a hardship to Frenchmen that the officers at Strasbourg are as yet insufficienty supplied with this lace. PREP tRATIONS IN BELGIUM. BRUSSELS, TUESDAY. Small neighbouring States are always jeopardised more or less by wars between powerful neighbours. In the present case the danger to Belgium of the violation of her neutrality is moeb imminent, and fully justifies the pre parations which are now progressing on all sidbs. Bel gium has no desire to be embroiled in the war, but as it is pretty certain that neither party would refrain from entering her territory if they found it served their purpose, it is not unnatural that the King and his Ministers should decide to be prepared for the worst. The work is going on rapidly. A number of regiments have been armed and formed into two corps under the command of the king himself. All round the frontier bodies .of troops are placed for observation purposes ; and it has been •resolved to pull up the Belgian railways and break down the bridges whenever either belligerent advances to take possession of them. Mines have been laid under the whole of the railway from Arlon to Luxembourg. The citadel of Gand and other fortresses are being put in a state of defence. The Civic Guard in case of war will do garrison duty, and to this end they have been supplied with new and improved arms. At Beverloo the more complicated manoeuvres are given up; the troops are now exercised with their arms and baggage at promenade work, in order to fit them for the labours of the march. All visitors are excluded from the camp, and the strictest surveillance is kept up. Further detail apart, a line of battle of from 70,000 to 80,000 men will be ready to meet whatever force may present itself as an enemy. This army is well armed with a good breechloader, and the artillery is of excellent quality. Alone the Belgian army would count for little ; but both Prussia and France will be careful of adding such a support to the ranks of its antagonists. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. ARREST OF THE TIMES CORRE SPONDENT IN FRANCE. A. correspondent of the Daily News, telegraphing from Metz yesterday, says the correspondent of, the Times has been arrested there as a Prussian spy. He was locked up all night, and not liberated until morning. Two English officers have been sent away by railway in the custody of the gendarmes. BILL. This bill was read a third time. Several other orders having been disposed of the House adjourned at twenty-five minutes past two o'clock. OUR COTEMPORARIES---This Morning. FRENCH SOLDIERS. The Times considers that the favour shown by the French military authorities to their corps d'elite has a tendency to drain the line of its best men. Engaged in their Algerian campaigns, in which war is principally a series of rapid marches and fierce skirmishes, the French have invented the Zouave, and there is no prodigy of valour that may not be expected from him and from the Imperial Guard. But the contest that awaits them on the Rhine is not a mere affair of surprise and incursion. It will be the shock of vast masses in the open field. Skir mishers can do little more than show the way to such an engagement ; the temper of the whole army will be on its trial, and its combined effort will be all the more irresistible the less its component parts have been strengthened at the expense of the whole. The Algerian element in the French army has also had an unfavourable effect on the training of the officers, especially in the higher ranks. No one can dispute the usefulness of Algeria to France as a military school; but the war that can be learnt there is only war on a small scale ; and yet there are some even of the marshals of France who have gone through no other apprenticeship. The Times is very far from supposing that France does not possess military leaders to match Count Moltke and his subordinates, but we have not forgotten how in the Crimea and in Lombardy French victories were usually described as " soldiers' battles,'' and, until some new leader with a real genius for war on a great scale appears, it will be hard to drive from men's minds the idea that the advantage, as far as generalship is concerned, is on Prussia's side. ALLIES OR NEUTRALS. The Daily News thinks that if Russia has any interest in the strife it is, of course, on the side of Prussia- She has nothing to gain from French success, and nothing to lose by Prussian aggrandisement. Indeed, the humilia tion of France may probably seem to be a necessary step in the advance of Russia to her coveted prize in the East of Europe. A German Empire would be no bar on the road to Constantinople—French predominance on the Continent stands right across the way. Indeed if considerations of interestl alone guided the policy of nations no other European Power would really go into the fight. Italy has no real interest in the war. Her sympathies may be with France, but her obligations are to Prussia, and the dynastic alliance with France is balanced, and may perhaps be checked by popular grati tude to Prussia, and popular dislike to the Government which kept Garibaldi out of Rome. Denmark, of course, burns to bo avenged on Prussia, but Denmark counts for little in such a war, and her neutrality may be as helpful to France as her actual interference. Austria, too, pro bably hates her rival, and wishes her humiliation ; but for Austria to take part would be to bring Russia into the field, and to ensure the ultimate loss of the German popu lation. At present, therefore, the Daily News inclines to the belief that the war will be between France and Ger many alone. ITALIAN SYMPATHY WITH FRANCE. The Telegraph considers that it is possible that, the wish being father to the thought, the degree of sympathy which Italy has expressed for France may be exagge rated by the official organs of the French Government — naturally anxious to prove that the Imperial policy commands the support of foreign nations. It may also be said that, even admitting the currency of the report, the engagements into which Italy is raid to have "entered are of too determinaae a character to possess any substantial value. A promise that, under certain hypothetical circumstances, you will advance an unspecified amount, can hardly be reckoned among the assets of the estate to which your assistance is proffered; and Germany is not likely to be deterred from war by the contingent possibility, that, given certain unknown eventualities, Italy may make some demonstra tion or other on behalf of France. Nevertheless, though the alliance of Italy is of no immediate weight in the crisis, the Telegraph suspects that the report in question is not entirely devoid of foundation. The attitude of Italy is one of neutrality ; but if that attitude should have to be abandoned, the abandonment, the Telegraph imagines, will be in favour of France, not of Germany. NEUTRALITY. The Staudard says we may take it that, for the present at least, the armies of France and Germany will essay the determination of the question noon German soil. Every piece of intelligence points to a French invasion of Ger many. It is barely possible, of course, that the Prussians, who invaded Austria in 1866, after everybody had insisted that they would act on the defen sive, may now invade France, but it is ex tremely improbable, and the admitted possibility may be dismissed from all our calculations as too remote to have the slightest importahce. Of course the French invasion may be repelled. Of course the success of one campaign may be balanced by the disasters of another. The French may lead their horses to drink on the Lower Rhine, and may be compelled to hasten back to the Saar. France or Prussia may be tempted to snatch at an immediate strategic ad vantage. But when this happens, if it ever should happen, the contest will practically have been decided, and the time will have come for the neutral P )were to intervene and prevent a further and wanton shedding of blood. For the present we may be content with the Government's confirmation of the assurances already so freely given, and congratulate ourselves that although war has lost perhaps nothing of its destructive ness, the Governments which wage it show an anxiety to stand well with public opinion, as well as to consult the wishes and interests of other countries, which promises to circumscribe the area of war, and to concentrate all its worst evils upon the peoples whom the quarrel concerns. MARQUISE DE LESSEPS.—The corporation of the city of London has entrusted the designing and making of the gold casket to contain the freedom of the city to Mr. J. W. Benson, of Old Bond-street. THE RETURN OF THE PRINCESS OF WALES. — Her Majesty's paddle yacht Victoria and Albert, Cap tain his Serene Highness the Prince of Leiningen, sailed from Portsmouth on Wednesday for Copenhagen, calling in at Leith to embark there the Prince of Wales, to con vey back to England the Princess of Wales and children, now on a visit at the Court of Denmark. AN EXTRAORDINARY QUICK PASSAGE.—The quickest passage ever made between Quebec and Liver pool has just been accomplished by the Scandinavian, a splendid new steamer, belonging to the well-known Allan mail line. The Scandinavian left Quebec at noon on the 9th instant, arrived at Moville at 1.20 p.m. on the 17th, and at Liverpool at 6.40 a.m. on the 18th. Thus the time occupied in the run to Moville (allowing for differ ence of time) occupied 7 days, 20 hours, and 35 minutes : and to Liverpool 8 days, 13 hours, and 55 minutes The English Mechanic tells us there will be a " Workshop Competition " at the exhibition now open at the Agricultural Hall, London. Workmen are invited to enter their names as competitors. When a sufficient number of names have been entered, arrangements will be made for a series of competitions. The council are also willing to arrange for trials of skill in other branches of handicraft, for which intending competitors should at once give in their names. Here is a novelty deserving of all support. On Wednesday night a meeting was held at the Freemasons' Tavern (Mr. William Shaen in the chair), at which it was resolved to constitute the proposed Theistic Society. The Baboo Keshub Chund€r Sen addressed the meeting. He said that, while differing in doctrine, they could have religious fellowship in common. They owed a thankful recognition to Scripture writers, to Confucius, and to all the prophets. They did not wish to increase religious animosity, but to promote love and peace. Dr. Elizabeth Blackwell was one of the speakers. M. PREVOST-PARADOL. Mr. Washburne, the United States Minister in Paris, has written a feeling letter to the Duke de Gramont, an normoing to his excellency the death of M. Prevost- Paradol. Mr. Washburne states that President Grant has ordered a guard of honour to be stationed at the resi dence of this eminent man, whose death excites unani mous regret in France and in America. The correspondent of the Times, in a telegram from New York, says : There is much speculation as to to the cause of M. Prevost Paradol's suicide. The evidence yesterday before the Coroner failed to elicit any explicit infor mation on the condition of his mind, and the jury found a verdict that he killed himself while labouring under temporary aberration of mind. He bought pistols on Tuesday, and gave a letter to M. Jardin, Chancellor of Legation, saying he should open it if accident happened. M. Jardin gave evidence that he opened it after the suicide He asked M. Jardin to see to sending his family home if any accident happened. M. Jardin also testified that M. Paradol's mind appeared affected by the hot weather. Public belief is that the sudden change in European affairs tended to cause the suicide, M. Paradol's friends, MM. Thiers, Favres, and others, being in opposition to the Emperor. In conversation on Tuesday with a friend in Washington M. Paradol spoke of this, saying his friends would believe he knew Napoleon's warlike intentions before leaving France, and would accuse him of bad faith. Since M. Paradol's arrival the change in Europe has profoundly impressed him. AN EXPECTED CARLIST MOVEMENT. M. Mercier, the French Ambassador at Madrid, has read to Senor Sagasta a statement of the motives which led to the Declaration of War by France against Prussia. Senhor Costa, the Minister of Portugal, has arrived. The Opinion National believes there will be a Carlist move ment between the 24th and the 30th inst. SPAIN. It is asserted that the Spanish Government formally refuse to convoke the Cortes before the date already fixed. It is believed that the Radical members will demand the exclusion of the Duke de Montpensier from the Cortes. ENGLISH NEWS IN PARIS! All sorts of absurd telegrams are now in oourse of pub lication in the Parisian newspapers. The following is a good specimen of these from the Gaulois, dated London, July 1.5 :—" After the first shot is fired England intends to send troops to Egypt, and seize hold of the Isthmus of Sues." TRIAL OF THE FRENCH CONSPIRATORS. Buns, July 20.—The trial of the prisoners accused of being implicated in the plot against the Emperor's life proceeded to-day. Dupont admitted being present at meetings of political friends, but denied the existence of any conspiracy tic) assassinate the Emperor. Petiteau also denied the conspiracy. Sapia said that Verdier had proposed the assassination of the Emperor, but that no body would listen. The resignation of the Greek Ministry has been accepted, and Delegeorgis has been appointed to form a Cabinet. At Bombay business is paralysed and the utmost want of confidence is shewn. (CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAMS.) THE WAR. The German residents in Liverpool have already raised about £2,500 for the local patriotic fund, A large and enthusiastic meeting of Germans was held in Manchester, yesterday, to devise means for aiding the wounded and distressed during the war. A resolution was passed ap pointing a committee to raise funds. The speakers said that Germany had not sought war, but had been forced into it, and a confident opinion was expressed that the French would be repulsed. It was stated that the funds raised would be devoted to the distressed and wounded of both nationalities. GERMAN SHIPPING. The Western Morning News, in a third edition last even ing, says :—" Pilots have reported to the Prussian Consul that this morning they passed a French frigate fully armed a few miles west of the Eddystone. This information possesses special interest, as the Hamburg and American Mail Packet Company's steamer Holsatia, which left New York last week with mails, passengers, and specie on board, is due at Plymouth. Notice has been given that pilots, fishermen, or others giving the first warning to any Prussian ship of the outbreak of war shall receive a re ward of £3, and in some special cases of £lO, if timely notification is given to Hamburg and American mail steamers. Application has been sent to the Admiralty to send a gunboat into the Channel to watch the movements of French ships of war, which may approach the near limits of British waters to see that those limits are not violated. But the reply is, that the Admiralty have given no instructions to do more than protect German vessels within the port of Plymouth. At present, however, no attempt to board Prussian ships has been reported. It is thought probable that the French may in practice, if not avowedly, follow the example of the Prussians by refraining from interfering with the mercantile marine until an effective blockade of Prussian ports h established. The Hamburg and -A.merican line intend to continue running their steamers as usual." DAYS OF GRACE. The Constitutionnel announces that Bremen, Hamburg, Lubeck, Dantzic, Stettin, and Konigsberg, are to be im mediately subjected to an effective blockade. The Officiel publishes a notification to the effect—first, that Prussian subjects will be allowed to remain in France during good behaviour ; second, no Prussian subject shall be al lowed to enter France, saving by virtue of a special authorisation ; third, that Prussian vessels entering French harbours in ignorance of the war are to have 30 days' grace, and will be provided with safe conducts to go home ; and that foreign vessels loaded in Prussian ports will be free from capture, and provided with safe conducts to return home to deliver their cargoes. Her Majesty's ambassador at Berlin has transmitted to the Foreign Office copies of an official declaration of the North German Government, of which the following is a translation : " The Minister of Commerce to the Presidents in Chief at Konigsburg, Stettin, Hanover, Kiel.—The Federal Council has:resolved that in case of the outbreak of war with France, French merchant vessels which may be in German ports at the beginning of the war, or which may enter such ports subsequently before being informed of the outbreak of the war, shall be allowed to remain in the ports where they may be till the expiration of six weeks, reckoned from the outbreak of the war, and to take in their cargoes or to unload them. The competent autho rities of the province are to have immediate instructions to this effect." SKIRMISH NEAR SAARBRUCK. On Tuesday last a detachment of Prussian infantry and Ulans of the garrison of Saarbruck encountered a body of French Chasseurs. After exchanging some shots the latter declined to accept battle, and retired into French territory, followed by the Ulans. No casualty occurred on either side. THE KINGS OF PRUSSIA AND BAVARIA. The King of Prussia has sent the following telegram to the King of Bavaria :—" On receipt of the telegram from your Ministry I immediately assumed the command of the Bavarian army, and I incorporated it with the Third Army Corps, placed under the command of the -Crown Prince. By an unheard-of presumption we have been driven from the most profound peace into war. Your real German attitude has• electrified your people, and all ',Germany is now united as it never was at any former time. May God bless our arms in the fortunes of war ! I tender you my most heartfelt thanks for your faithful adherence to our treaty, upon which Germany rests." The King of Bavaria replied : " Your telegram has awakened in me a joyful echo. The Bavarian troops, side by side with their glorious brethren in arms will enter enthusiastically into the struggle for German right and German honour. May the war tend to the welfare of Germany and the safety of Bavaria." Bavaria has demanded that during the hostilities her interests should be placed under the protection of the Swiss re presentative at Paris. NEUTRALITY OF DENMARK. Advices from Copenhagen tend to show that Denmark will remain neutral in the struggle between France and Prussia. BELGIAN PREPARATIONS. The army of reserve occupies the Quadrilateral in front of Antwerp, composed of Termonde, Mechlin, Lierre, and Drest. The left bank of the Scheldt has been placed in a state of defence. RUSSIA AND PRUSSIA. A telegram from St. Petersburg says there is no truth whatever in the rumour of an alliance between Russia and Prussia. Prince Gortschakoff and Lord Gran ville are uniting their efforts to persuade Denmark to remain neutral. These efforts will most likely prove suc cessful. THE HA.NOVERIAN LEGION. Endeavours are being made in France to reorganise a corps from the members of the Hanoverian Legion who have remained on French territory. Negotiations for that purpose are being carried on with a Hanoverian named Voss, at Chartres. Two French men-of-war were off Borcum, an island off the coast of Hanover, on Thursday. GERMAN ENTHUSIASM. In Wednesday's sitting of the Reichstag Dr. Simeon announced that the Germans in St. Louis and Baltimore have subscribed 1,000,000 doli. for the wounded soldiers and the widows of those who shall fall in battle. The Government bill demanding a credit of 120,000,000 of thalers for military purposes was read a third time. PARIS EXPECTANT. PARIS, WEDNESDAY. Positive fact being wanting here, we are overwhelmed with fables. The public has sunk from boiling ex citement into a condition of rapidly-living expectation—. a state of feeling remarkably propitious for the hatching and believing of strange stories. Sometimes the canards take one direction, sometimes another, but at a crisis like this we are never without a supply of some kind. They begin with more or less probable inventions, then inventions stretched beyond the limits of probability, and finally the gullible public is prepared to swallow anything, and the most audacious lies meet with a certain degree of credence, and produce a certain effect. Yesterday it was battles and skirmishes that satiated the appetite of Paris ; to-day, alliance and combination proj ects have taken their turn. Denmark would not remain out of the fight. The neutrality of Belgium could never outlast the campaign. After all, the South German States were not quite so thoroughly " Deutsch" as had been represented ; if . they fought for Prussia at all, we might be sure that they would do so only in a very half-hearted manner. Austria might remain out a little while, but the remembrances of 1866 would infallibly bring her over to France in the end. Such were some of the more rational productions emanating from the heated mind of this imaginative city. But these tame sources of excitement did not long suffice. Soon we were favoured with extra vagances about Russia, Spain, and Italy, and finally left off with the intelligence that the Turk was fitting out his navy for the express benefit of France, and that perfidious Albion was getting ready to annex Egypt whilst the French were engaged on the Rhine. Yes, even these stories were not disdained. It will be a relief, in a sense, to get news of actual hostilities ; it will, at any rate, save a good many persons here from the sin of excessive lying. Meantime there is really no justification for this insen sate haste for action. The preparations for an irruption into Germany are progressing so rapidly that in all probability this campaign will be remarkable for the promptitude with which it was begun. Great armies are not brought face to face with each other without an infinity of labour. In general so slow a work is this that if serious news comes from the Rhine by the beginning or the middle of next week things will have been brought to a head with singular quickness. Compare recent wars. In 1859 the first note of conflict was sounded on New Year's Day by the famous speech of the Emperor, and preparations were made thenceforth with extreme rapidity. On the 20th of April Austria addressed to Piedmont the ulti matum, the rejection of which determined the war; and yet it was not until the 20th of May that the first engage- NORTHERN COLLIERS AND THE WAR. A Tyne steamer, running for the Elbe, coal laden, had three shots fired across her bows by a large French frigate on Tuesday. All other coal laden steamers frOm Sunderland to Hamburg are now stopped. HARVEY'S BANK, NORWICH, The preliminary meeting of the creditors of Harvey's Bank at Norwich was held yesterday morning. The total liabilities are £1,800,000, reduced by balances to £1,641,000 Harvey's unsettled estates £200,000. The creditors con test the brokers' debts of £lOO,OOO. Kerrison's persona, estate is £lOO,OOO. The Mexican mines are not valued. The profits of the bank are £20,000, but have divided 30- Gurney's give £21,000 for the goodwill and £20,000 for the premises. The debts indemnified by Harvey are £600,000. Entire assets, £1,040,000. THE WESLEYAN CONFERENCE. The Home Mission Contingent Fund Committee review was held yesterday morning. The former part of the meeting was occupied in passing the accounts relating to the travelling expenses of the ministers and relief in cases of affliction. The report shewed 715 members of the Home Mission circuits and 528 lay helpers, an agency which no money could purchase. Other churches were now using it. There are sixteen mission chapel buildings, which will accommodate 6,110 persons, costing £25,910. Through the liberality of Sir Francis Lycett, a new chapel is being built at New Cross, to hold 1,000 persons. A site has been ob tained at North Woolwich for a school chapel, also at Stratford. There is in a circumference of 3t miles round St. Paul's, more destitution than in any similar space in England. At Aldershott the military attend in larger numbers than ever. There are 4,449 soldiers reported as Wesleyans at Malta. The soldiers had offered one day's pay a month towards the support of a minister at Malta. Sir Fran cis Lycett, in moving the first resolution, spoke of Methodism as not doing its full work in London. He proposed the erection of 10 new chapels immediately, and said he would ask the Conference to appoint a minister to manage a fund which would be created for that purpose. Mr. Bainbridge, in seconding the resolution, referred to the necessity of caring for the poor. The ex-president spoke of the advantage of employing laymen, home missionaries, and Bible women, ministers having more work than they were able to perform. Sir Francis Lycett said his friend, Mr. Holden, would give £3,000 to the Metropolitan fund. Mr. William McArthur, M.P., spoke of his deep interest in this work. He had no sympathy with sentiment, if high intellectual culture was incompatible with devoted zeal. He complained of the small stipends paid to ministers. In his opinion £l2O per annum should be the minimum. He insisted that the Wesleyan ministers should have access to military - prisons. The committee was largely attended. SUICIDE OF A SHAREBROKER. A Manchester sharebroker, named E. T. Heslop, com mitted suicide yesterday in a railway carriage at Stret• ford, near Manchester, by shooting himself through the head. He got into the carriage at Sale, and removed at Stretford into a solitary compartment. Pecuniary diffi culties are said to have been the cause of the act of self destruction. THE COLLISION AT CARLISLE. At the inquest yesterday Colonel Hutchison, Govern ment inspector, was examined. He thought that Rowell, who drove the goods train, was immediately responsible for the accident ; that Pattison, the ,real driver, who was absent, was also to be blamed ; that the guard was to blame in not stopping Rowell, and that the guardsman Henderson was to blame for allowing the train to start without the proper driver. The inquest was again adjourned. CRICKET.-KENT v. YORKSHIRE. This match was commenced yesterday at Gravesend. Kent went first to the wickets. At the conclusion of the day's play the following was the score : KENT. Ist inn. Premnant, b Atkinson Payne, c Eddison, b Emmett ... N. Morris, st Stephenson, b A tl.h.iben Coppinger, b Emmett ... Total ... Play will be resumed to -day. RUMOURED CAPTURE 01? PRINCE NAPOLEON. A rumour was current yesterday morning that Prince Napoleon had been captured by a Prussian war vessel, but yesterday afternoon his Highness was in London. The Post says his Imperial Highness dined with the Marquis de Lavalette at the Frenah Embassy, and after wards left for Paris. COLLIER SCREW STEAMELIS FIRED AT. The screw collier steamer Tyne, belonging to the Shields Steam Shipping Company, arrived in the Tyne, reports that it and the screw steamer Southwick, of Sunderland, had been fired at by a French ironclad off Heligoland, on Sunday. The Tyne left Hamburg with sheep, and on Monday, when between Cux haven and Heligoland, sighted an ironclad with out colours. The Tyne had ensign flying at the mizen masthead. A shot was fired across the bows of the Tyne, followed by three others in rapid succession, one of which aimed amidships fell short. The Tyne immediately steamed towards the ironclad for information, but the ironclad steered off towards the steamer Southwick, which was some distance off, and fired two shots across her bows. Having done so, the ironclad steamed off in the direction of Cuxhaven, leav ing the Tyne and Southwick to continue their voyage home Wards, and to wonder at such an extraordi proceeding. Another report states that at the time the shots were fired the Tyne had no colours flying, and as soon as they were hoisted the , firing ceased. The news caused considerable exitement among the owners of screw steamers and those interested in shipping. The screw steamer Tyne, however, sailed last night :for Hamburgh again. Prince Arthur, it is said, will reside for some time at Woolwich. ➢lr. Gladstone has quite recovered from his tem porary indisposition. It appears that few., if any, of the Hanoverians resident in England have cd)eyed the summons to return to Germany. The Right Honourable John Evelyn Denison, M.P., Speaker of the House of Commons, has given a donation of 21130 to the University College Hospital. Last week there were 127,611 paupers in the metropolis, a decline of 238 upon the number in the week preceding. It is stated that the sum paid by Messrs. Gurney and Co. for the transfer to them of the premises and goodwill of the Crown Bank at Norwich is £135,000. The examination of candidates (about ninety in number) for election to the foundation of Eton Col lege commenced at Eton yesterday morning. ➢lr. N. A. Woods, who was in the Crimea for the Morning Herald, and has been special correspondent for the Times on several recent notable occasions, left London last night for the seat of war as correspondent for the Scotsman. THREATENING LETTERS.—A. farmer named Willis, acting as a gamekeeper at the Glen, Florence Court, on the estate of the Earl of Enniskillen, has received a threatening letter, stating that a demand for his life has been made, and cautioning him to desist from impounding cattle found on the Glen mountains. Another man simi larly engaged has also received a threatening letter. CRYSTAL PALACE.—Miss Glyn gives her farewell reading at the Crystal Palace this afternoon, prior to her departure for America. Shakspere's "Antony and Cleopatra" is the work to be selected from. The company's orchestra will play Shaksperian music before the reading. The last but one of the series of summer concerts takes place to-morrow, at which many of the artistes of the Drury Lane Opera will appear. The number of visitors present yesterday was 7,901. KISSINGEN. —A private letter from this watering place, under date of the 18th inst., says :—Of about 3,000 visitors, including many English families, there are no more than about 200 left, who will all have gone before the end of the week. The war is a great disappointment to families who have come many hundred miles, and after staying a few days are obliged to leave. Wiesbaden is quite empty. POST-MORTEM EXAMINATION.—A summons against Dr. Steele, one of the medical officers of Guy's Hospital, on a charge of making a post-mortem examination of a deceased patient contrary to the wish of his neatest relatives. was heard yesterday at the Southwark Police court. It being proved that Dr. Steele was unaware of the post-mortem being held the case was withdrawn, the hos pital authorities, however, stating that they had a com plete answer to the charge. JOHNSTONE'S WAR MAP OF THE RHINE FRON TIERS is exactly the thing we have all been wanting. Folded, it can be carried easily in the pocket. Opened, it displays clearly, boldly, and distinctly, on a scale of nearly 70 English statute miles to the degree, the whole of those portions of the Rhine frontiers on either side of which the gigantic forces of France and Prussia are now rapidly mustering, and where the struggle will be imme diately commenced. The names of places are so clearly indicated that they can be most readily distinguished. Clever and all sufficient as this map is, it is no more than sixpence coloured. L's ;d zo