The Sun. — London, England, 1870-07-15 00:00:00

Majesty, and when she was sold application was made to purchase her armament as well, which was refused. When it was known that an armed vessel was proceeding down the river it became necessary to ascertain whither she was proceeding. Accordingly, when she arrived at Plymouth a search took place, but all things being found cor rect, she proceeded on her destination. The inconvenience, if any, had been occasioned by through not giving proper notice of the sailing of the vessel. It was absolutely necessary to exercise great caution in order that the neutrality laws might be strictly carried out. Mr. MELLY asked who had bought the ship and whither she was going. Mr. OnvAv : The vessel was purchased for the Govern ment of Japan; she had now passed through Suez Canal and was proceeding to her destination. Alderman LUSK asked what was her cargo. Mr. OTwAY—Armstrong guns—(laughter)---and that formed an additional necessity for inquiry. (Hear, hear). THE RED RIVER. Mr. WARTHUR asked the Under Secretary of State for the Colonies whether or not it was true that the Government of the Dominion of Canada had set apart one million four hundred thousand •acres of the richest land in the Red River settlement for the half-breeds of that territory, and under what conditions and for what reasons such appropriations had been made. Mr. MONSELL said he believed that a portion of terri tory had been appropriated as mentioned, but there had been no official communication on the subject with this country as it was a matter entirely for the Government of Canada. THE COMMAND IN IRELAND. Mr. VANCE asked the Secretary of State for War whether it was true that the general who was to succeed Lord Straithnairn as Commander-in-thief in Ireland was to be sent there with reduced pay and allowances to those uaibally given to officers commanding-in-chief in that country, Mr. OARDITELL replied that the allowance to Sir William Mansfield would be precisely the same as to Lord Straithnairn. GOVERNMENT APPOINTMENTS. Mr. FAWCETT asked the Secretary of State for the Home Department if he would state the reasons why he had adopted a course different to the majority of his colleagues, and had recommended that first appointments to clerkships in the office over which he presides should not be obtained by open competition. MR. BRUCE replied that the number of clerks to which the hen. member referred was about twenty, and upon the average one vacancy occurred in the year. The reason why he had departed from the course adopted by the majority of his colleagues, was that which had influenced the late Lord Clarendon No inconsiderable portion of the duties required from the clerks being of a confidential character, personal honour and trustworthiness, as well as intellectual attain / taents, secured by competitive examination, were neces sary. THE CONTINENTAL DISPUTE. Mr. DISRAEII : I am at all times unwilling to press her Majesty's Government unnecessarily, but, in the present -critical state of affairs, I feel bound to ask the right hon. ....gentleman opposite whether it is in his power to make any k'amunication respecting the misunderstanding which I ; spears, unhappily, to exist between two of her Majesty's A.).,,,rincipal allies. (Hear, hear). Mr. GLADSTONE : I regret to have to say I must ask the right hon. gentleman and the H". - e to be contented with a very brief statement on the present occasion. I have, Si, no. specifiq intelligence to convey to Parliament of a nature to satisfy the natural and universal desire of the country to hear that all differences in connection with the candidature of Prince Leo pold for the throne pf Spain are completely at an end. However, I can state that all communications between France and Prussia upon that subject have not been brolight entirely to a close. I need scarcely add that we shall continue to use every effort for the removal of the difficulties which stand in the way of peace. (Applause.) -Mr. HORSMAN : It has been stated by the Minister of Foreign Affairs in the Chamber of France, and repeated yesterday in the Constitutionnel, that the Government of France, in the course they were pursuing, had the sym pathy and the moral support of every Cabinet in Europe. (;I am sure my right hon. friend will be glad of the oppor tunity given him of stating whether the statement with regard to the Cabinet of Great Britain is correct. (Applause.) Mr. GLADSTONE : I can only say in reply to the . very natural question of my right honourable . f riend_that I do not think it would be for the public inte rest that I should ei.ter into detail on the particular subject to which he has referred. But this I may say, . that Lord Granville has addressed a communication to , Paris on the subject of the declaration to which my right hon, friend refers. THE EDUCATION BILL. The House resolved itself into committee on the Ele mentary Education Bill, and in a very few minutes two new clauses, introduced by the Vice-President of the Council, relating to the payment of ch'airmen of school boards and to the dissolution of boards in the event of their not performing their duties, were disposed of, the committee agreeing to their adoption.—Mr. Hinde- Palmer moved an amendment, the rejection of which, he contended, would leave legislation on this subject incomplete. The object of the amendment was to enable a parent who felt aggrieved by the teaching of religious doctrine to complain to the School Board, which body, on receiving the complaint in writing, should inquire into the cir\ unstance.—Mr. Forster opposed the amendment simily on the ground that the bill as it stood amply pro tected a parent under such a state of circumstances. Not w ishing to unnecessarily impede the progress of the measure, the hon. gentleman withdrew his motion.—A somewhat protracted discussion took place on the subject of the election of the school boards.—Mr. Forster stated that the Government had decided in favour ,of direct election by the ratepayers, their determination having been the logical consequence of the changes which had been made in the bill.—Several members complained of the resolution of the Government, but in the main it seemed to meet with satisfaction.—Mr. Graves proposed to extend the provisions of the Act to schools on board training ships, but the Vice-President said there was nothing to prevent the establishment of schools and call ing them training ships, provided they came within the conditions of the public elementary school. This would depend upon the regulations in the revised code, and he had already promised that the subject should be most carefully considered. The Government had left them selves free on this point by striking out the definition which would exclude a child boarded out.—Mr. Norwood, the member for Hull, had a motion on the paper extend ing the operations of the Act to ragged schools and orphan asylums, but it was withdrawn after the announcement of the Vice-President.—An amendment proposed by Sir Charles Dunce, the member for Chelsea, raised the ques tion of the ballot ; and Mr. Beresford-Hope, the loqua cious member for the University of Cambridge, who evidently entertained the belief that the House had been entrapped and deceived, indulged in a strong denuncia tion of the conduct of the Government for mixing up the ballOt with the education question. The Chelsea repre sentative proposed the election of the school boards by a secret ballot, but Mr. Forster pointed out that the word secret was liable to two constructions ; and having induced the hon. baronet to expunge the word, adopted the amendment.—Colonel Barttelot was, if anything, fiercer than Mr.' Hope in his condemnation of the introduction of the ballot at that advanced stage of the bill's progress, and declared in excited tones that had he known the question would have arisen on the amended schedule, as it had, he should have opposed the measure.—Mr. Cawley, the member for Sal ford, notwithstanding his earnest desire to see the bill become law, protested in very energetic terms against the association of such distasteful subjects as the ballot with the question of national education.—Lord John Manners was not slow to and his protestation against the Principle of the ballot, and he warned the committee not to endanger the passing of the bill by the adoption of the proposition.—The Vice. President of the Council con tended that the ballot was involved in one of the amend ments which he introduced after Whitsuntide ; but Mr. Cawley disputed the correctness of the right hon. gentle man in this particular, and said it was only when at dinner that he heard with astonishment of the departure from the original bill. Up to within a few hours it was pro posed that the town councils should elect the boards. It Was manifest that the tone of the debate had alarmed the Treasury bench and the Government side of the House, which had been for some time empty, or nearly so, but began gradually to present a formidable appearance. Mr, Glyn, the Liberal whip, had been at work, and it was apparent that great importance was attached to the expected division, whilst the altered aspect of affairs oc easioned the Government great concern. On no part of the bill had the Conservatives evinced such a determined attitude of hostility, and Mr. G. Hardy, who, in the ab sence of Mr. Disraeli, is the acknowledged leader of the Opposition, attacked the Government with a spiritedness and vehemence which met with the loud acclaim of his party. He regarded the introduction of the ballot as an intolerable innovation, to use the phrase of the Premier, and accused the Government of attempting to " sneak" the ballot into the moasure, a sure and certain means in his opinion of ensuring its rejection.—Mr. Gladstone re plied to what he characterised as the " heated" speech of the right hon. gentleman, and eons tended that the ballot had been in operation in various local elections and worked with good results.— After some further discussion, which was by no means favourable to the Government, Mr. B. Hope moved to amend the amendment by the omission of the obnoxious words. A pretty general opinion prevailed on the Con servative side that the ballot had been introduced with the view of conciliating the Liberal members below the gangway. At half-past eleven, Colonel Barttelot, in order, as he said, to give the Government time for reflec tion, reported progress.—Mr. Gladstone could hardly believe that the gallant gentleman was in earnest, and ventured to express a slight opinion that he would not receive much support from his own party.—Mr. Disraeli, who during the discussion made his appearance, remarked that they had been on the eve of passing a bill which had, on the whole, enlisted the sympathies of both sides of the House, and it was remarkable that the Government should have excited their passions at the last moment. The committee divided on the question that the Chairman report progress, and the result was—ayes, 136 ; noes, 244. Several divisions took place, with the view of arriving at an issue on the main question. A proposal .by Lord Claud HaMilton that " voting-papers " be inserted was lost, and a division was taken on the question whether the word " secret " should stand part of the bill. The Vice-President had already expressed his wish that the word should be withdrawn, and the Marquis of Harting ton explained that it was quite possible to have a system of ballot without its being secret ; but this assertion was received with a derisive shout of laughter on the Con servative side of the House--On a division the word " secret " was left out by a majority of 28S against 47. Mr. Disraeli appealed to the Prime Minister to recon sider the subject of the ballot, which he spoke of as an unhappy innovation.—The Prime Minister said he could not accede to the appeal of the righf hon. gentleman, remarking that it had always been the aim of the Government to reduce the points in dis pute to a minimum. At a quarter past one the committee divided on the question that progress be reported. The result was—Ayes, 114 ; noes, 210. —Lord John Manners then moved that the word ballot be omitted, and that the system of election should be 'similar to that in force for the election of the guardians of the poor. On the division the proposition was rejected by 196 to 127 votes. Sir SELWIN IBBETSON proposed that the votes should be open to the inspection of any ratepayer. Laughter and cheers greeted this proposition, and on a division it was lost by 187 to 98 votes. Mr. A GUEST then moved that the chairman report progress, and on a division the motion was lost by 178 to 90 votes. Mr. VANCE, the member for Armagh, at a quarter past two moved that Mr. Dodson leave the chair. The motion was lost on a division. Mr. CAwLEY moved an amendment, which proposed to render the adoption .of the ballot permissive. This pro posal, however, was not viewed with any degree of favour, and yet neither side of the House indicated any intention of yielding. The attitude assumed by each party was that of uncompromising hostility, and Mr. GLADSTONE emphatically declared that Government were not prepared to abandon their proposal. At ten minutes past three the House once more divided on the question of adjournment, and the Government were again in a majority. Never theless, Captain SEYMOUR moved that Mr. Dodson should leave the chair, remarking that he had supported the bill hitherto. Mr. GLADSTONE informed the hon. gentleman that such a motion showed the most determined hostility to the measure. The Oppositionists were again defeated on a division, but continuing their tactics with a wearisome persisteney another division was forced at half-past three on the question of progress, and again the Government were in a triumphant majo rity. At twenty minutes to four another attempt was made to stay the proceedings, and Sir H. HowE hoped to subdue the Opposition by telling them that, being three to ' one, the Liberals would triumph, even by the process of exhaustion.—Mr. MUNDELLA solemnly asked if such a proceeding was worthy of the first deliberate assembly in the world.—Mr. GLADSTONE was very severe o the oppo nents of the bill, and reminded the House that the cognised leaders of the Conservative party had refused by their absence to be responsible for a continuance of such maneuvering.—Mr. J. LOWTHER, the member for York, pluckily defended the conduct of himself and colleagues. —Colonel BARTTELOT remarked that since the First Com missioner of Works had come to that side of the House it was time for him to leave, and amid great laughter the gallant member, accompanied by a troop of his friends, left the House.—The House then divided on the question of progress. The proposition was rejected by 198 to 30 votes. By this time the gaslights were extinguished, and there was perfect daylight. Sir PERCY BURRELL moved that the Chairman report progress, ivhereup - onlYrr. 'Locke con vulsed the House with laughter by pointing to the hon. baronet as a convincing proof of the necessity for going to bed, and remarking that the member for Shoreham was quite exhausted. The motion on a division was lost, and shortly after the amendment of Mr. Cawley was negatived. At five o'clock the bill passed through committee, and the report was fixed for Tuesday. Several orders having been disposed of, the House adjourned at ten minutes past five. OUR COTEMPORARIES.—This Morning. T EIE s Cl', LONDON, FRIDAY MORNING, JULY 15, 167 u. Government will be satisfied with the simple withdrawal of the Hohenzollern Prince At Madrid the prospects peace were thought to be improved, and the funds rose three or four per cent. in consequence. Paris, however, remains a prey to much agitation, owing mostly -to the uncertain tone of the Duke of Gramont's last speech in the two Chambers. M. 011ivier, too, has given much offence by announcing to some members of the Corps L4gislatif that the withdrawal of the candidature of Prince Leopold bad settled the question. This statement was universally condemned, and gave great offence to the Duke of Gramont, who immediately insisted on an explanation in presence of the Emperor. M. 011ivier excused himself on the ground that the telegram from which he had gathered the information was a Havas, and not an official one. In fact it was a private dtspatch sent from a private individual from Ems to Marshal Prim, and which had been intercepted by the French Minister of the Interior, sent by him to M. Olozaga, and thence communicated to M. 011ivier. PRANCE AND PRUSSIA. The Times holds that no dispassionate person will now doubt that France has carried her fancied advantage tco far, and she will find it extremely difficult to screen her self from the suspicion that the aim of her policy has all along been to force a quarrel upon Prussia, with a settled purpose either to fight or to humble her, if she perseveres in making demands upon her after the resignation of the Hohenzollern Prince has removed the last shadow of a pretext for hostility. The part assigned to M. Benedetti at Ems is only too much in keeping with the violent language in which the Duc de Gramont first introduced the subject to the Legislative Body. By going so far out of her way to seek one quarrel, France can scarcely anticipate how many more she may bring upon herself ; for in our days the manifold rela tions which bind States in a community of interests can not be partially deranged without giving rise to un foreseen complications. It is evident the Ministers shrink from the responsibility of uttering the ugly word " war," and hesitate to announce that they have only obtained by their menaces a concession which would have been willingly made to a friendly remonstrance. It is not, indeed, easy to see what course is open to them. Prussia has evidently arrived at the end of her concessions, and France finds it difficult to recede from her exactions. In the meanwhile the only points established beyond doubt are the popular excite ment, which has been raging at fever heat among the too susceptible French, but which begins at last to seize the more sedate Germans, and the preparations that are being made in hot haste as if for immediate hostilities. Unless the neutral Powers can contrive to step between the con tending parties, and persuade or compel them to hear reason, the prospects of peace were never less favourable than at the preseut moment. The Telegraph says the darkest prospects have all at once taken the place of the brighter hopei encouraged by Continental events during the past two days. The signi ficance of yesterday's tidings is broadly marked by the fact that on the Exchanges of London, of Paris, gnd Ber lin a contagious panic prevailed—less exciting than that of Monday, only because there were but few fluc tuations, and a steady downward movement took place, to the extent'of two, three, and even four per cent. in Foreign Stocks. The cause of the untoward change is twofold. The temper displayed by both of the French Chambers on Wednesday has been understood to show that the strong pro tests and haughty threats of the Duke de Gramont a week before really manifested the purpose of the Government to force on a war ; and the demands presented by France to the King of Prussia are understood to be inadmissible. It is, the Telegragh, fears, almost hoping against hope to expect that war will not now spring out of this Spanish succession quarrel. Yet it is somewhat too soon to portion out the allies, and to reckon in cold blood the chances of the conflict. Until the sword shall have been actually drawn belief in political justice, and in the influences of modern civilisation, must forbid us to hold the contest inevitable. The Strndard is sorry to say all the intelligence received tends to strengthen the impression that the French Go vernment will not be satisfied with the withdrawal of the Prince of Hohenzollern unless it is effected in a fashion which Prussia would consider dishonourable, and that hold ing Prussia to have been privy to that candidature, and to have supported it as part of a policy hostile to France, it is determined to measure swords and settle the question of their respective pretensions —a conclusion from which it has only seemed to swerve in consequence of some Cabinet intrigue. We shall have to wait but a few hours at the most for the decision of the question whether the Rhine shall this autumn be abandoned to contending armies, and the hosts who live, not to say prey, upon the travellers, be starved out. Let us hope, although it is difficult to do so, that the Emperor's message to the Chambers will be one of peace. It will give us breathing time. It will re inforce the great cause of peace by the powerful aid of the chapter. of accidents. Trust in the continuance of the peace so preserved will, how ever , b e b u t f ee bl e. A sp i r i t has been aroused in France and Prussia which must, un less we assume a good judgment on the part of the rulers of both countries and a good luck hardly to be hoped for, result erelong in war. LATEST INTELLIGENCE FRANCE, PRUSSIA, AND SPAIN REFUSAL OF THE KING Or' PRUSSIA T(. RECEIVE THE FRENCH AMBASSADOR. A. telegram, dated Ems, July 14, says : --Subsequent to the reception by the French Government of the official communication that Prince Leopold of Hohenzoll era had withdrawn his candidature, the French Ambassador addressed a demand to the King of Prussia to authorise him to telegraph to Paris that he ( e King) engages, at all future times to refuse his consent could the Prince of Hohenzollern resume his candida ire. The King refused to receive the Ambassador agai and sent word to him by his aide-de-camp that his Majesty had no further communication to make to him. The Times Berlin correspondent says King William was walking with Count Lehndorff, his adjutant, in the Kur garten at Ems, when M. Benedetti accosted him and pro ferred his last, extravagant demand. The King turned round and ordered Count Lehndorff to tell M. Benedetti that trthere was no reply, and that he would not re ceive him again. Berlin is excited by this intelligence, and crowds are in front of the palace crying " To the Rhine !" EXCITEMENT IN PARIS. The Paris correspondent of the Post says that war is con sidered as inevitable, and is expected to be declared to-mor row (this day.) The railways are conveying troops to the frontiers. The Emperor is in permanent council with Ministers and military. The correspondent of the Telegraph, in a telegram of yesterday, says :—" Nothing can look worse than the prospect of political affairs. I believe that a strong re monstrance, on tne part of the English Government, has this morning been forwarded to Ems. A Paris telegram despatched last evening says :—Paris is to day in a state of extreme suspense. Reports of a curt and unsatisfactory reply from the King of Prussia to M. Benedetti, and the arrival of the Emperor at the Tui leries, have largely increased the apprehensions of war, which have been further augmented by minor incidents, among which have been a conference of Marshal Lebmuf with the Emperor, and the departure of a regiment of cavalry from Paris in full marching order. The proba bility of war is the soie engrossing topic among earnest groups at all public places. The approaches to the Corps Legislatif are thronged by an anxious crowd, agitated by various successive rumours, and the expectation of a com- munication from Government has caused a full attendance both in the Senate and the Legislative Body. The Ministers remained in Council with the Emperor until very late this afternoon, and were then on the point of starting for the Senate at four p,m. in order to make declarations of the gravest possible character, when a cipher despatch of 1.000 words arrived from M. Bene detti. This is still being translated, and the communi cation of the Government to the Legislature is therefore deferred till to-morrow (to-day). WARLIKE PREPARATIONS IN FRANCE. In the Senate yesterday, at the commencement of the sitting, M. Rouher stated that the Government would make a communication, but towards the close of the sit ting it was announced that the declaration of the Govern ment would only be made to-day. The warlike preparations are being pushed forward with unflagging activity. A telegram from the Madrid correspondence of the Daily News states that the reply of the French Government to the circular of the Spanish Government announcing the candidature of Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern has been received. It is respectful and friendly in tone, recognises the right of Spain to constitute herself, but considers that the presence of a German Prince on the throne of Spain would disturb the European equilibrium. For these reasons. the de spatch adds, France would refuse to recognise him, "lire RUMOURED MINISTERIAL DISSEN- STUNS. It is stated on good authority that the rumours respect ing. differences between M. 011ivier and the Duc de Gramont are without foundation. It is also incorrect that several Ministers contemplate leaving the Cabinet. OPINIONS OF THE PARIS PRESS. An article in the Journal des Debats doubts the alleged discourteous treatment of M. Benedetti at Ems. The Debats urges moderation, and earnestly advocates peace. The Siècle says, if France seeks a pretext for conflict after the renunciation of Prince Leopols, she must be considered the disturber of public peace. The Seide points out the change in the tone of the English press, which at the outset 5o frankly sympathised with France, and adds that, if France is not content with the real satisfaction now offered to her, she must expect to find public opinion entirely against her. The Constitutionnel says :—" The Ministry is united with the Chamber and the country in the preservation of the peace of Europe without sacrificing the honour and interests of France." PRUSSIAN PREPARATIONS. The North German Gazette of last evening states that intelligence has been received from Stuttgart giving evidence of the loyal national attitude taken up by Herr von Varnbuhler, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. The same journal announces that, on representations being made to the Emperor Na poleon with reference to the offensive proceedings taken against Prussia by the French Government, in violation of all diplomatic usages, the reply given was that the actually pending question was not, as regards Prussia, the only matter at issue ; that since 1866 the Imperial Government had been blamed for compromising the national prestige abroad, and that this state of things could not be allowed to continue. The North German Gazette reports from Ems that the French Ambassador, M. Benedetti, has so'far violated the etiquette of diplomatic intercourse as to address the King of Prussia while walking on the promenade on the subject of the present dispute, and endeavour to force a decla ration from his Majesty. The North 'German Gazette also contains the following :—" Fourteen powerful frigates are being equipped in French ports. No one, therefore, will feel surprised at the Prussian Government taking steps for the defence of North German ports against . the menace thereby implied." General von Moltke has arrived here. Prince Gortschakoff has left for Wildbad. A latter telegram states that M. Benedetti has not again been received by the King at Ems, and it is asserted that the French Government ,has demanded a special letter of apology from the King of Prussia to the Em peror Napoleon. The position of affairs is considered extremely grave, and a convocation of the North Ger man Parliament is expected. Count Bismark is still in Berlin. COUNT BISMARCK SUMMONED TO EMS. The semi-official Provincial Correspondence of the 13th says :—" In consequence of the highly important political aspect of affairs, Count Bismarck has been summoned to Ems, in order to confer with the King on the desirability of convoking the North German Parliament. Count Bismarck arrived at Berlin on the 12th, and communi cated immediately with the Minister of War and the Minister of the Interior, intending to continue his journey to Ems to-day." ATTITUDE OF AUSTRIA AND BAVARIA. A telegram from Vienna says it is generally believed that Austria can only remain nentral as long as the war is confined to Prussia and France. Should, however, a third Power take part in the struggle, the attitude to be main tained by Austria would then be a matter for fresh con sideration. The Augsburger Aberazeitung announces that Prussia has not addressed herself to the Bavarian Government in reference to a cams fcederis. On the other hand, the question was mooted here by the French Government on the 10th instant by a third party. The answer in its general terror is said to have been that the final resolution of the Bavarian Government would depend upon the future course of events, and that for the present it would maintain an attitude of reserve ; still the Government would so far declare that the Bavarian people and its King would not separate themselves from the rest of Germany, THE GERMAN PRESS. The Provincial Correspondence explains how utterly unjustifiable was the demand of France that the King of Prussia should forbid Prince Leopold to accept the Spanish Crown, adding that it was impossible for the King to comply with the behests of France. Whether the excitement of the French against Prussia will be allayed by the renunciation of the Prince must be learned from further results. Germany is happily in a position •to await those results with calmness, and to look forward without much anxiety to the decisions taken by each of her neighbours. The paper concludes by saying :—Even if in Paris the excitement hitherto prevailing should give way to more quiet views, for a long time to come, the im pression which the threatening and insulting attitude of our neighbour will have left behind is not to be effaced in Germany. The Provincial Correspondence is a semi-official paper. The Cologne Gazette alone gives any consoling news. Its Paris correspondent says that the French DIPLOMATIC COURTESIES. The Paris correspondent of the Pall Mall Gazette says that much indignation has been shewn in Prussia at the hectoring tone of the French Government. When Baron von Werther, the Prussian Minis ter at Paris, returned from Ems to the French capital he waited to be sent for instead of going to see M. de Gramont. At about 11 a.m. the Foreign Minister re quested his attendance, and asked him what news be brought from Ems. The Prussian Ambassador said he had nothing to communicate beyond the despatches which had already been shewn to his Excellency, and at the same time he complained of the declara tion made in the Cosps L4gislatif, which exhibited none of the calm of the statesman nor the reserve of the diplomatist. M. de Gramont was sorely puzzled how to answer this unexpected reproach made in the presence of M. 011ivier, but managed to stammer out some thing about being obliged to conform his language to the sentiments of the Chamber. A Parisian who corresponds with the same paper says :—One cannot look back on the part that our press and our Government have played during this last week without a mixed feeling of shame and disgust. It is painful to think of the impression it must have created in the minds of Englishmen, for instance. We are sick, in a word, of the politicians of the Thiers' school who, voluntarily or involuntarily, are playing into the hands of personal government. We are vexed and alarmed at this new complication which at best must bring us evil. Look at it on whatever side you like, France has nothing to gain, and liberty has much to lose. SIGNS OF WAR. The French papers of Wednesday are full of details re specting warlike preparations lately made :—The Salut Pub lic of Lyons states that on Saturday morning many young men ofiGerman nationality, employed in commercial houses of that city, and enrolled in the cadres of the militia reserve of North Germany, received orders to repair to Mayence within five days at the latest. The Memorial de la Loire remarks the same thing. The Eclaireur of St. Etienne states that the gunmakers of that town have received orders to sup ply a large quantity of interchangeable portions of muskets to the various arsenals. TheFranche Compte says :—" We are assured that this morning (Monday) an order was received by telegraph at the arsenal at Besancon to put eight batteries of artillery on a war footing. From Brest we learn that the ironclad squadron of the North, unde Rear-Admiral Dieudonne, left the roads on Friday night st eight o'clock. In the Message,. du Midi of Toulon we read that the large two-decked trans port L'Entreprenante has received orders to fit out instantly to bring over cavalry from Africa. Fodder is being embarked with all speed for 350 horses. They have not exactly received their final orders, but this is the first step towards their future execution. The Journal de Bordeaux says that a Ministerial circular, dated July 9, addressed by Marshal Le Bceuf to all the commanders of corps, direct them to send into the War Department as soon as possible a list of the officers under their orders who, through age or weakness, would desire to be admitted into the Garde Mobile, whether with their own rank or with promotion. A correspondent of the Gaulois, writing from Emss, states that the fortifi cations of Prussian towns have been carefully attended to, and are now in the same condition as they would be if they were actually besieged. The troops can be put in motion within two hours. In a week the reserves, and the furlough men could be collected under arms, and the frontiers are already covered with strong bodies of troops. AGITATION IN PARIS. The Paris correspondent of the Telegraph, writ ing on Thursday, gives a lively account of the ex citement which reigned in Paris during the worst time of the war fever. " The morning papers were full of warlike prophecies and fierce threats, after the manner of the preliminary compliments that those bragging and long-winded Greek heroes used to address to their Trojan antagonists, ere they slew them with spear and falchion. The bray of trumpets sounded down every column—the smell of powder was exhaled from every paragraph. As for the roughs of Paris, who make patriot ism an excuse for outbreaks of very irksome blackguardism, they gave us a taste of their lively dispositions and ver satile accomplishments last night on the Boulevards. Bands thirty and forty strong marched up and down between the kiosks and cafes, yelling anathemas in prose and ribald insults in verse, alike addressed to the obnoxious Prussians. Any respectable-looking person suspected by these ardent citizens to be of ultra-Rhenan birth or extraction was inso lently asked whether he was an accursed mangeur de chmtcraute—an epithet of obloquy kindly sup plied to the population of Paris by M. Paul de Cassagnac—and, if he did not instantly reply in the nega tive, he was hooted at ferociously. As for the Bourse, it went mad. Securities were being hawked about passion ately, at sheerly ruinous prices, brokers were selling against time, and the countenances of private speculators exhibited every conceivable kind of expression, heightened by excitement to caricature. From four to five, however, this evening the Petite Bourse was the scene of a reaction scarcely less remarkable everything went .up with a jerk, and when I last heard from the `Passages' had been `left rising.' Indeed, we have had a narrow squeak of it about the nearest thing to a great catastrophe that has ever occurred. The Luxembourg imbroglio was nothing to it. This Government did wonders in the way of pre paration, and proved triumphantly that the system of organisation established within the last four years will stand any strain, however sudden or severe, put upon it by the whirligig of politics. One hundred and forty thousand men were massed upon the Eastern frontier, ready to attack simul taneously at three different points ; a powerful and splendidly-appointed fleet was gathered together, steam up, prepared to swoop down upon the long line of Northern coast with an expeditionary force sufficiently powerful to hold in check a large Prussian army. France was resolved to strike the first blow, should fighting be deemed the order of the day ; and gigantic measures had been taken to render that blow terrible and para lysing for her enemies. Thank Heaven, the danger is averted !" THE FUNDING BILLS. A telegram dated Philadelphia, July 13, says the Con ference reports on the Tax Tariff and Funding Bills have passed the Congress, and the bills now await the Presi dent's approval (OENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAMS.) THE TAILORS' STRIKE IN CORK. Eight of the tailors who have been on strike in Cork returned to work yesterday on th• masters' terms as re gards the log and the use of the machinery. Some thirty men seem still deterpined to hold out. ROYAL YORKSHIRE YACHT CLUB REGATTA. - This regatta, whith took place on the Humber yester day, was attended by a large number of spectators from Hull and the neighbourhood. For the piece of plate, value sixty guineas, presented by the Club, ten yachts started, the time allowance being half a minute per ton. The vessels were the Surf, 54 tons ; Avoset, 87 tons ; Rambler, 16 tons ; Vampire, 20 tons ; Sapphire, 28 tons ; Anita, 43 tons ; Coralie, 37 tons ; Joy, 18 tons ; Nettie, 12 tons ; and the Banshee, 29 tons. The Avoset kept the lead from the start nearly to the finish, when she was overtaken by the Surf, which was first in by a minute and fifteen seconds, the Vampire ban second. Allowing for tonnage the Nettie takes the first prize ; the Vampire, the second prize, value twenty guineas ; the Joy the third prize. A protest was entered against the Nettie. THE SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE IRON TRADE. At the quarterly meeting of the South Staffordshire Iron Trade, held yesterday, the attendance was not so numerous an usual. Northern buyers, especially those seeking machine iron for the Yorkshiredfotrict, mustered in good force, but very few buyers were present. Trade is fairly good, most of the works in the district are making four days a week, but prices are no better than they were six months ago, indeed any quantity of merchant iron may be had below the list prices ; native pigs are firm The usual quarterly contracts were given out, but in con sequence of the attitude of the men on the wages ques tion forward [Orders were not accepted to any great extent. THE REPRESENTATION OF ROCHESTER. Mr. Goldsmid, the Liberal candidate for 'Rochester, has issued his address. He supports the ballot as the means of obtaining 'absolute freedom from electoral intimidation; he desires education to spread amongst all classes of the people ; and thinks more technical knowledgo should be given to -work men. He is in favour of equality in universities, and economy in the Administrative Department of the State, though still with a care for all interests concerned. He will be ever watchful for local and public interests, and hopes frequently to discuss the questions of the day with the electors. • THE ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The fourth day's inspection by the judges commenced yesterday at nine o'clock, when the following articles were tried :—Churns (by hand and power), bone mills, oil-cake breakers (by,hand and steam power), finish of the trial of mills with metal grinders, corn crushers, and fixed steam engines. The awards of the judges will, it is hoped, be made to-morrow or Saturday afternoon. The weather is again most lovely; and there is a gradual increase of visitors. The great preparations for next week betoken an immense attendance from all parts of the kingdom. The number of persons admitted yesterday by season tickets were 477 ; by payment, 140. Miss Rye sailed from Liverpool for Quebec yesterday in the steamer Prussian, taking with her fifty children from the Liverpool industrial schools.. The fever hospital of the Liverpool Workhouse is full, and the committee have decided to increase the accom modation, The men who were committed for the surplice riots at Ashton, in Muckerfield, were brought before the Liver pool Recorder at the sessions yesterday, and bound over in their own recognisances to appear for judgment when called upon. At Leicestershire assizes yesterday, Peter Lawley, aged sixteen, was charged with the manslaughter of a boy aged sixteen. He was convicted and sentencsd to six months hard labour. At the same assizes a letter carrier was sentenced to five years penal servitude for stealing a letter. THE WELSH FASTING GIRL CASE. (CENTRAL PRESS TELEGRAM.) At the Carmarthen Assizes, yesterday, before Mr. Justice Hannen, Evan Jacob and Hannah, his wife, were indicted for the manslaughter of their daughter, Sarah. Mr. Hardinge Giffard, Q.C., and Mr. Coleridge (instructed by Messrs. Wontner and Sons, the Treasury solicitors) appeared for the prosecution. The prisoners were defended by Mr. J. Bowen and Mr. W. H. Micheal (instructed by Mr. Lewis Bishop). The court was crowded, and great anxiety was evinced by the people to get a sight of the prisoners, who were very respectably dressed. The Rev. Evan Jones, vicar of Llanfihangel, Arrath, was examined, and his evidence was very similar to that given before the magistrates. He said that the prisoners resided in his parish, and he had known them for nine or ten years. They had now six children, the eldest being about eighteen years of age. About October, 1867, he was sent for by the female prisoner, and on arriving at the farm she said, " Sarah wanted to see him, as she was anxious about the salvation of her soul." She also said that the girl had fasted for about a month, having only taken a little water a few times. She then appeared very ill, and he saw her from time to time. Her health gradually improved, though the parents said she still fasted ; and last year, as she was quite plump and healthy-looking, he began to believe that the story about the girl fasting was un true ; he said so to the parents, but they assured him the girl did fast. And in November last it was decided the girl should be watched by nurses from Guy's Hospital. The watching commenced on the 9th of December, and on the following Tuesday, noticing that the girl was worse, he asked the parents to send the nurses away, be lieving that the child would then be fed. They, however, refused, saying that they had nothing to do for the girl but to make the girl more comfortable than the nurses could ; they added that they could not give her food, as as she could not take it. Two days after the child died. In cross-examination, the witness said the prisoners wer e always kind to their cildren. The Rev. William Thomas was next called, and he de posed to visiting the fasting girl in 1869, in company with Mr. T. Jones, of Llandyssil. He thought the child healthy. She was very intelligent. She was attired in a l fantastic manner, And when he offer e d m one y t o th e I mother he was told to place it on Sarah's breast. Mr. T. Jones corroborated the last witness. Dr. Pearson Hughes, Llandovery, was then called and examined with refezence to an examination he made of the girl early in 1869. He was told by the mother that the girl had fasted for about 18 months, that she was para lysed in the left thigh, and that she had not opened her mouth for ten months. During his visit, however, lie ascertained that she was not paralysed, that she could open her mouth, and he felt certain that she did not fast. In fact, he heard a gurgling sound in the stomach, which was caused by the mixture of air and fluid. In cross examination, he said the child might have been suffering from hysteria, and that hysterical patients were very sub ject to dissimulation. Dr. Robert Fowler, of Bishopsgate-street, London, was examined, and he detailed the circumstances under which he visited the deceased, Sarah Jacobs, known as the Welsh Fasting Girl. In August last he was allowed to make a partial examination of the girl, and he detected a gurgling sound in the stomach, which was caused by the mixture of air and fluid. The child was in bed when ike went, and was plump and in good condition ; but he con sidered that she suffered from hysteria, and persons suf fering from that complaint often simulated various com plaints. The evidence of the four nurses sent down from Guy's Hospital to watch the girl was then taken. Their exami nation occupied a considerable time. They gave a minute account of the progress of the watching from day to day, and Sarah Palmer said that Mr. Davies, of Llandyssil, told her that on the day before the fatal termination of the watching he asked the prisoner to give food to the girl, and he replied, " Not for the world." Mr. John Hughes, surgeon, of Carmarthen, who was on the medical committee, said he heard all the evidence given at the magisterial investigation, and his opinion was that the girl died of mental shock or nervous ex- haustion. Mr. Phillips and Mr. Thomas, both of Newcastle Emlyn, who made the post-mortem examination of the body of the deceased, agreed that all the organs were per fectly healthy, but the gall bladder was distended with bile, and this was said by Dr. Taylor, in his " Medical Jurisprudence," to be one of the appearances found to ac company death by starvation. They both attributed death to exhaustion caused by want of food. It was true, they said, that there was a layer of fat on the body, but the muscles were flabby, and the omentum appeared to have decreased. They thought the fat on the body was not inconsistent with death from starvation. A small portion of fceces was found in the bowels, and when it was examined by the microscope was found to con sist of starch globules and pieces of bone, probably those of a fish. Mr. George Thomas, the county coroner, produced the prisoners' statement made on oath at the inquest, and it was read by the clerk of arraigns. This concluded the case for the prosecution, and Mr. Michael submitted that the indictment against the female prisoner could not be sustained. He based his argument on the fact that a married woman could not be held liable for acts of omission. If there had been any overt act it would have been different ; but, as the case stood, he did not think it could be said she was guilty of manslaughter. Mr. Giffard, in reply, held that if persons engaged in a dangerous trick of experiment and one of them lost his or her life, the others were guilty of manslaughter. Mr. Justice Hannen decided against Mr. Michael, and the court then rose. The jury were given in charge of the under sheriff for the night. WORILMEN'S INTERNATIONAL EXHIBI TION. The Workmen's International Exhibitionwill be opened to-morrow, at three o'clock, by his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales, for and on behalf of her Majesty ; and his Royal Highness will be accompanied by such of the other members of the Royal Family as'may be in town. The musical arrangements will be under the direction of Mr. R. G. Wesley, and be on a scale of considerable mag nificence, nearly 1,000 performers being engaged. The band has been selected from the Itoyal Italian Opera and Philharmonic Society. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. SOUTHAMPTON RACES—THURSDAY. The Trial Stakes. One mile. Mr C. Jones's Sister to Polly Perkins, byVoltigeur Calcutta, 3 yrs, Est 111 b (2100) (Rowell) 1 Mr A. Yates's Ring, 3 yrs, 7st (£100) (Gatehouse) 2 Mr W. Burrell's Little Marchioness, 3 yrs, Est 111 b (£100) (Wadlow) 3 Pergassas also ran. Won easily by a neck. The Southampton Nursery Plate. T.Y.C. Lord Anglesey's Steppe, bySaunterer—Seclusion, Bst 121 b (Cannon) 1 Lord Vivian's Alma Mater, 7st 91b ........ .......(Rowell) 2 Mr Nelson's c by North Lincoln—Peahen, 7st 101 b (Killick) 3 Rosina f, Noisy, Prince Teck, Cranbourne Chase, and Niagara f also ran. Won by half a length. The South Hampshire Stakes. Once round. Mr E. Brayley's Chivalry, by Rinaldo—Pillion, 4 yrs, 9st 51b (in. 71b ex) ..... (Cannon w. o. And divides the forfeits with Purcell. The Cranbury Park Stakes. T.Y.C. Lord Royston ns Knightley, by Knight of St. Patrick— Clelia 9st (in 41b ex.) (Cannon) 1 Mr P. M. Hoare ns c by Man at Arms—Miss Lavinia, Bst 101 b . (Crutcher) 2 Mr H. Goatees lgillbrook, Bst 71b Northwood also ran. Won in a canter by two lengths. The South-Western Stakes. T.Y.C. Mr. Alwyn's Sour Grapes, by Claret—Alcyone, 5 yrs, 7st 91b Mr. W. Day's Desert, 3 yrs, Est 121 b (Newhouse) 2 Mr R. Drewitt's Pucelle (h-b), 3 yrs, 7st 91b (inc. 711) extra) Carry, Conrad, and Magdala also ran. Won by a length. A Maiden Two Years Old Plate. T.Y.C. Mr W, Day's gby St. Albans—Venus, Bst 51b (100) (Crutcher) 1 Mr Harrold's f by Grimston—Thais, Bst 21b (.£100) (Newhouse) 2 Mr G Herring's c by Master Bagot—Jeannie, Bst 51h (car. Bst 71b) Sabis, Awbridge, and Black Gown also ran Won in a canter by ten lengths. The Welter Stakes. One mile. Mr Brayley's Roxana, by Caractacus—Rosabel, 3 yrs, 10st 111 b (inc 61b extra) (Cannon) 1 Captain King's Chilworth, 3 yrs, lOst 111 b (Mr A. Yates) 2 Mr T. Gun's Malaria, 3 yrs, 10st 81b (inc 61b extra) (J. Cannon) 3 Cawdor, Q.E.D. f, Malcolm, and Arquebusie also ran. Won by a neck. THE JOCKEY CLUB. A general meeting of the Jockey Club will be held at Messrs. Weatherby's office, Old Burlington-street, on Saturday, July 16, at one o'clock precisely, to take into consideration the report of the committee appointed on Wednesday, May 4th. NOTICES OF AMENDMENTS TO BE MOVED Sir Joseph Hawley—To add to No. 3 of the resolutions of the committee the words, " and no plate, prize, or public money shall be given for any race to which two-yr olds are admitted." That in Resolution No. 8 the Ist of July be fixed as the earliest day at which two-yr-olds may run. _ _ After the resolution on the subject of the publication of handicaps has been disposed of Sir Joseph Hawley will move, "That no plate, prize, or public money shall be given for a handicap." By the Duke of St. Alban's—To disagree with resolu tion No. 10. To add to resolution No. 7, line 2, after the words own name, the words or his trainer's. By Mr. Chaplin—lf Sir J. Hawley's first amendment is not carried, Mr. Chaplin will move to add after the 9th resolution (having regard to the views expressed in. clause 5 of the report of the committee) that "No en couragement shall be given to the frequent running of horses when two years old, by the addition of any plate, prize, or public money, to any race to which they are admitted, before the Ist of October." By the Duke of Richmond, seconded by Mr Chaplin— To add to the rules and orders of the Jockey Club, " That an annual general meeting of the Jackey Club shall be held in London during the months of May or June, at such time as shall appear to the stewards to be most con venient to the general body of membe:s." This meeting having been called specially to take into consideration the report of the committee appointed May 4th on certain matters submitted to them, from which the subject of betting was expressly excluded, the stewards of the Jockey Club will move that the meeting decline to allow Sir Joseph Hawley to bring forward the resolution of which he has given notice relative to p. p. betting. Newton Meeting—The objection to Saratoga for the Wilton Handicap has been overruled by the stewards. Forfeit List—Podesta's forfeits have been paid. The following assumed names have been registered : Mr G. G. Keswick, Mr Radbourn, Mr C. Rupert, Mr H. Baldwin, Mr Somerville, Mr Winchester, and Mr Ziffo. CITY BETTING-THURSDAY. GOODWOOD STAKES. 6to 1 agst Capitaliste (taken and offered) 6to 1 agst John Davis (offered) 10 to 1 agst Sweet Sound'(taken) 100 to 8 agst Indian Ocean (taken) 100 to 8 agst Rattlepate (offered) 100 to 6 agst Nightjar (taken) 1000 to 40 agst Bonny Swell (taken and offered) 1000 to 40 agst Toby (offered—take 30 to 1) 1000 to 40 agst Five per Cent (offered) GOODWOOD CUP. 6to 4 agst Sabinus (offered) 9to 2 bar one (offered) ST. LEGER. 11 to 2 aget Macgregor (offered)" 10 to 1 agst Palmerston (taken) 20 to 1 agst Astolfo (offered) BETTING AT MANCHESTER—FRIDAY. GOODWOOD STAKES. 11 to 2 agst Capitaliete (taken) 8 to 1 agst John Davis(taken and offered) 10 to 1 agst Prince Henry (taken freely) 100 to 8 agst Indian Ocean (taken) 100 to 8 agst Sweet Sound (offered) 100 to 7 agst Acaster (offered) 100 to 7 agst Miss Sheppard (taken) 25 to 1 agst Nightjar (taken) 50 to 1 agst Bonny Swell (taken and offered) THE FRACAE IN HYDE-PARK. The recent fracas in Rotten-row between two retired officers of the Indian army formed the subject of a magis terial investigation yesterday at Marlborough-street. The complainant, Major Robert Gordon, of 32, Clarges-street, summoned Major F. C. Kane, of 16, Piccadiliy, for hay ing asshulted him. The dispute had its origin in the accidental spilling of some wine over a lady's dress at a supper attended by the complainant and the defendant. Counsel for the latter suggested that the affair should be remitted to a military tribunal, but to this the magis trate declined to accede. The case was therefore sent to the sessions for trial, the defendant's bail in £lO and one surety in £5 having been accepted for his ap pearance. INFRINGEMENT OF GUINNESS'S TRADE- MARK. In the Rolls Court yesterday the case of Arthur Guinness, Son, and Co. v. Cullen and Leitch was heard. The action was for infringing the trade-mark of the cele brated brewers, Messrs. Guinness and Co. Mr. Jessel, Q.C., said the defendants had used a label not identical with but very similar to that of the plaintiffs, and they have agreed that we shall take it as a notice of motion for a decree making that injunction which we ask per petual, and that they shall pay the costs of the suit and £2O damages. It is a very strong case, or, as your lord ship wall imagine, they would not submit to those terms. We should not have asked for damages if it had not been that we had supplied them with true labels free of ex pense ; but, notwithstanding that, they chose to imitate it.—The injunction was granted. THE HEALTH OF MR. CHILDERS.—The 7 Imes announces the immediate return of the First Lord to the Admiralty, his health being much recruited by the rest in the pure country air. He will probably resume a portion of his official duties next week. At a consulta tion recently held with Mr. Paget and Mr. Robert Ellis, it was decided that a moderate share of work would not now be injurious to him, provided it can be followed by a more complete repose during the approaching Parlia mentary recess. THE SERPENTINE.—We (Tinzes) have much pleasure in announcing that • our remonstrances and those of the public have prevailed, and that a contract will be signed this day, by which, in consideration of an addi tional sum of £5,000, the contractor will bind himself to remove the whole of the mud from the bed of the Serpen tine. This will, however, leave the Serpentine much too deep for the safety of bathers, but it would cost, it is said, no less than £28,000 to fill it up to a safe depth with gravel, or any other acceptable substitute for the mud which will be removed. The Erie Railway Company has applied for an injunction to restrain the Lake Shore and Michigan Southern and the New York Central and Hudson River Railroads from co-operating to its detriment. [ADVERTISEMENT.)—HoIIoway's Pills.—Depression of Spirits, Debility.—Some defect in digestion is gene rally the cause of mental depression. On rectifying the disordered stomach the long list of gloomy thoughts retires, and is succeeded by more h o p e f u l and hap pier feelings. Holloway's Pills have been renowned far and wide for effecting this desirable change without inconveniencing the morbidly sensitive or most delicate organism. They remove all obstructions, regulate all secretions, and correct depraved humours, by purifying the blood and invigorating the stomach. Their medicinal virtues reach, relieve, and stimulate every c rgan and gland in the body, whereby the entire system is reno vated. No medicine ever before discovered 'acts so directly and beneficially upon, the blood and circulation as Hollo way's celebrated Pills.