The Sun. — London, England, 1870-02-24 00:00:00

(SHE LATESI EDITION of " THE SUN" 1 supplied as soon as published, containing all the LATEST NEWS and SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, by H W HARRIS, Newspaper Agent, 4, Blackfriars-road ,London, S. THE LATE EDITION of " THE SUN" at JAMES SPEEDY'S, "The Wehington,"Wellington - straet S rand. TIVIIE SUN.—LATEST EDITION to he seen in the Coffee Room at the " Southampton Arms," Fl igh street, Camden-town, where all Sporting and Political events are freely discussed. THE SUN.—LATEST EDITION to be seen every Evening, at Eight o'clock, at Mr EltustAN's, "The Wheataheaf," High-street, amden-town. (OHN GOSNELL and CO.'S CHERRY J TOOTH PASTE is greatly superior to any tooth powder; gives the teeth a pearl whiteness, protects the enamel from decay, and imparts a pleasant fragrance to the breath. Price ls. 6d.—Red Bull Wharf, 93, Upper Thames-street, London. THEATRE-ROYAL DRURY-LANE. .4ole Lessee and Manager, Mr. F. B. Chatterton. EvENINo. at 7, THE WIFE: Messr3 T. C. King. Bar lett, Howard. Mdntyre, C. Mooro, Moreland; Misses E. Stuart and Hulspeth. At 9, BEAUTY AND THE BEA ST t Messrs. Fred. Yokes, Brntaln Wright, Harry Boleno; Aliases Yokes, &c. "THE APPAREL OFT PROCLAIMS THE MAN.' BEST MATERIALS, BEST STYLES BEST OR E WKMANSHIP, and LOWEST PRICES, MOSES and SON'S. Every description of Clothing ready-made Or made to measure, Iv all ages, all occa eionii.and all classes , at E. - MOSES and paw7Ar Of‘r-2 An iriITIIPI6B assortment of WINTER CLOTHING, in all the newest designs and Materials, at E. MOSES and SON'S. OVERCOATS from 19g. to BOY'S OVERCOATS from 10s. 6d. to 455. For the convenience of Ladies accom panying their Sons there is a and i separate dfur e- p a rtment for Boys' Clothing, t nished with a splendid assortment of Suits, Overcoats, and Clothing for all occasions, including all the favourite designs ar.d the most fashionable materials. Orders by Post are attended to with care and punctuality, and the easy and accurate system of self-measure introduced by E. WISES and SON enables them to guarantee a faultless fit. Any article not worn or injured will be exchanged, or, if desired, the :money will be returned. AVOWER 41t-,.....v,.... All Goods are marked in Plain Figures, from which no abatement can be made. The Stock of Hosiery and Drapery, Hats and Caps, and Boots and Shoes, is un aqualled for magnitude, variety, and cheap ness. A very large assortment of BLANKETS, from ss. 4d. the pair. Complete Outfits for all Climates, with every requisite for the voyage. List of Prices, with Rules for Self-mea ure, Patterns, and Fashion-sheet, gratis and post-free. E. MOSES and SON'S Establishments are closed every Friday evening at sunset till Saturday evening at sunset, when business is resumed until eleven o'clock. E. MOSES and SON, Ready-made and Be spoke Tailors, Habitmakers, Woollendrapers, Hatters, Hosiers, Boot and Shoe Manufac turers, and General Outfitter for all Classes. Trio following are the only addresses of E. MOSES and SON:— • LONDON. CORNER OF MINORIES AND ALDGATE. NEW OXFORD-STREET, CORNER OF HART-STREET. CORNER OF TOTTENHAM-COURT-ROAD AND EUSTON LOAD. _ Country Branch BRADFORD, YORKSHIRE. lEATRE ROYAL, DRIJRY-LANE. Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. F.E._ Chatt.rton. - _ _ THIS EVENING. at 7, THE WIPET: Julian St. Pierre, M T. C. Xing; Messrs Barrett, Howard, M•lntyre, Moreland, and C. Moore; Misses Edith Stuart and Hudspeth. After which. at 9, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST; or, OLD MOTHER. BUNC : Misses Jessie Vokes. Victoria Yokes, and Rosin Vokes, Messrs. Fred. Vokes, W. F. Vokes, Brittain Wright, and Harry Boleno. THEATRE ROYAL, HA YMARKET. Sole Lessee. Mr. Bnckstons. THIS F.VESING, at 7, POPPING THE QUESTION. Atter which, at 20 minutes to 8, OUR AMERICAN COUSIN; Cliaraeters by Mr Sothern, Mr Buckstnna. Mr Chippendale, Mr Braid, Mr Rogers; Mrs Chippendale, Miss F. Wright, Miss F. Uwynne, Miss C. Hill, &c. Concluding with DE kF AS A POST: Mr Compton and Mrs E. Fitzwilliam. Box-office open daily from Ton till Five. fIIEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI. Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. WEBSTER THIS EVENING, at 7 o'clock. OPEN TO CONICTION. Messrs. G. Belrnore, J. D. Beveridge, C. H. Stephenson, Miss L. Grey, and Mrs. Leigh Murray. At 15 to 8, NOT SUCH A FOOL AS HE LOOKS: Mr. H. J. Byron; Mersrs J. D. Beveridge, C. H. Stephenson, Georag Edmore, Miss Lavis, Mrs Leigh Mnrray, and Miss M. Hauls. And TH NIGHTINGAL Mr Benjamin Webster; Messrs Arthur Stirling, J. D. Beveridge, Skinner. Miss Furtado, Mrs Alfred Mellon, Miss Eliza Johnstone, Mrs Caulfield, &c. Box-office open daily, from 10 till 5. No fees for booking. Places can be secured a fortnight in advance. 110YAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE Lessee and Manager—Mr. Benjamin Webster. Ttl IS EVENING, at 7, FORMOSA: Messrs. J. Rouse, Rig nold, Ashley, Taylor, Lin Rayne, Phillips, Leeson, Eburne, Romer, &e.•, Vesdames Billington, K. Rodgers, M. Brennan, E. Barnett, L Grey, &c. With AFTER DARK; Messrs Rignold, Ashley, Rouse, Lee son, Phillips, Rayne; Misses it. Leclercct and Barnett. LYCEUM THEATRE (under the management of Messrs Mansell (elegantly redecorated by Macintosh). T HIS EVENING, at 7.30, TWENTY MIND TES WITH A. TIGER: Messrs Coghlan, Odell, and Wilmott; 11C6daMeS Rig 'mold and Morgan. Aft r which, CHILP ERIC, by 'Terve: Messrs M. Marius, G. Vincent, Odell, Lapierre, Coghlan. and H. 'levee MeAdames Dolaro, Fitzlnman, Romanelli, Nellie Nesbit, and Miss Emily Muir. I) OYAL STRAND THEATRE. 11 Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs Swanborough. THIS EVENING, at 7. THE II If NT LAW: Ifesrs. J. S. Clarke, D. Jame.), Crouch; Mesdames Burton and Claire. Followed by THE TODDLES: Mr Clarke. After which, PD; Nlessrs Thorne. James, Fenton, Turner ; Mesdames Sheridan, Newton, Maitland, &c. THE [ATE EDITION of "Tl-114: SUN " at J. SMITH 3. 39, Bow-atrect, Covent-garden. T nEt , SUN" NE WSPAPER.-G. R. 14 -EN TE. Sporting Library, 4, Connaught-terrace, Edgeware Toad deliver,' the LATE EDITION of "THE SUN" as soon es published. rr ILE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN " to be seen Every Evening by 810 at Mr. ROBERT 31EACOCICs. 11.1tantia, Kensal New-town. SPORTING. —.1 OHN ROBERTS supplies the LATEST EDITION of "THE SUN" as soon as pub- Bath-strest, City-road. 1' C. THE LATEST EDITION of « THE SUN " supplied as soon as published, e very Evening, by S. WILSON, newsagent, and special agent for the North-western District, 24, Delancey-street, Camden town, N W THE LA LEST EDITION of " THE SUN " J. 11,)L3IES be to inform his friends and the public zenerally that he snpplies the LATEST EDITION of "THE SON " as soon as published.—No. 10, Ha mpstes.d-road N.W. THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN " may be seen at Eight o'clock every Evening at Mr. B. NEWPORTS', the Oxford Arms, High-street. Camden-town THE LATEST EDITION of " THE SUN " I supplied, as soon as published, Every Evening, by W ALEXANDER (late Brooks), Newspaper Agent, ISo. 4, Old Nvonaii.l2 street, Oxford-streets THE LATEST or SPECIAL EDITION of "THE SUN" every Evening, at Eight o Clock, at litr ROBERTS', "The Black Cap," High-street, Camden-town. rrniE LATE EDITION of "THE SUN" at It W. SMITH'S " Camden Stores," 78, Pirk-street, Camden- town. NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE. GUA AMARELLA restores the Human Hair to its pristine hue, no matter at what age. JNO. GOSNELL and CO. have at length, with the aid of one of the most eminent Chemists, succeeded in perfect inp this wane. Jrful liquid. It is now offered to tho public IL a more concentrated form, and at a lower price. Sold in bottles, 3s. each; also bs., 7s. 6d., and 15s. each. including brush. Rod 1 . 3'1111 Wharf, Angel paassage, 93, Upper Thames etreet London. E.C. THEATRE-ROYAL, HAYMARKET. 'Tars hinniNG, at 7 o'clock, POPPING THE QUESTIO". After which. at 20 to 8, OUR AMERICIN COUSIN; Messrs S Ahem. Backstone, Chippendale &c. ; Mrs Chippendale, Miss F. Wright, &c. Concluding with DEM.' Ai A POST ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. TITTA TVENING, at 7, FORMOSA: Messr.4 J. Rouse, Rignold. Taylor, I Lilips, Leeson, Eburne, &c. : Mysd .mes Killington. K. Rodgers, Brennan, Barnett, Grey, &c. Followed by AFTER DARE: :Ite,6rB itigno d, Ashley, Rouse, &c.; Miss Rose Le clerc(' and Miss Barnet.. THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELPIII. THIS EV..s:StNti, at 7, OPEN •TO CONVICTION. Messrs 71ellnore, D. Beveridge, C. 11. Stephenson, Miss L. Or( 3 , , and Mrs 1. Murray. At 15 to NOT SUCH A FOOL AS 'I L'IOKS: Mr H. J. Byron. An ITrI E NIGHTINGALE Mr Benjamin Webster, Mcssrs Arthur Stirling, J. D. Beveridge, Skinner, Miss Furtado, Mrs Alfred Mellon, Miaa Eliza John s:one, 31i s Caulfield. &e. LYCEUM THEATRE. Tim EVENING. at 7, TWENTY MINUTES WITH A TIGER nd CHILPEIt IC: M. Marius, G Vincent, Odell, Lapierre, and M. Ilerq: Mesdames Dolan), Fitzlnman, Ro 'Anal' Nellie Nesbit, and Miiss Emily Muir. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs. S wanborough. THIS EVENING, at 7, THE HEIR AT La W: Mr Clarke. Mr James, Miss Bufton, &c. With THE TOODLES. Concluding with INO. WOODIN'S CARPET - BAG AND SKETCH BOOK, Egyptian Hall. Piccadilly, every Evening (except Saturday) at 9; Saturday Mornings at 3. Admission, Is, 2s, 3s. CHRISTY MINSTRELS, St. James's Hall, Every Night, at 8 Wednesdays and Saturdays, at 3 and 8 all the year round. ZOOLOGICAL GARDENS, Regent's-Falk, OPEN daily (ex cept Sundays). Admission, Is.; on Mondays' 6d. Children nnder twelve, 6d. ROYAL ALHAMBRA PALACE. THREE BALLET 3 Promenade Concert. Band of 60. Begin at 8. is. Box-office open fromll to 4. 4) C , d r, , e 1 - _A,- . . - .•77 , -_, . 4i"--....*_,.(:_-_vf - --;!. i•• .19 ,it...: LONDON, THURSDAY, FEB. 24, 1870. TIIAT the repetition of Lord Derby's refusal to accept the leadership of the Conservative Peers has placed the party in a serious difficulty is amply proven by the quality of the candidates who are now thought of. First the Duke of Marlborough, and then the Duke of Richmond gains "the call" in public estimation of chances. But whoever may be chosen, there is only one opinion as to the fittest statesman in the list of eligible peers. Neither the Duke of Richmond nor the Duke of Marlborough could adequately fill a post for which the Earl of Malmesbury was found incompetent. It is quite possible that the abilities of the two former may surpass those of the latter, and still fall below the standard requisite to guide the party in the House where its strength is greatest and its opportunities, at present, most numerous. Neither peer has attained the recognised position and influence, and either as leader of the Conserva tive Lords, must be the most limited of monarchs controlled by the most independent of Cabinets. Now that Lord Derby is out of the reckoning, there is no rival to the Marquis of Salisbury. The voice of the public is unanimous in his favour, and the nation at large can surely claim at least an interest in the selection of a peer whose position gives him the power to veto the most im portant measures. The rank of the Marquis, his in fluence, his abilities, are alike on his side. It is true that there are reasons why he should not accept the post, and also reasons why the party should desire another guide. But important as these considerations are, they are not of the first moment. Under the present system of Government, the prime necessity for a party is to present an unbroken front to the enemy. Personal differences must give way before the common good. If it be inconsistent for Lord Salisbury to serve under Mr. Disraeli, it would be far more inconsistent to allow the opposite camp an unbroken course of victory through dissension. The party system of warfare exists, cannot be changed, and the first consideration for every politician is to promote the general welfare of his cause. Whether this will be better secured in the present instance by selecting the Marquie or one of the Dukes is a question which cannot be difficult to decide. A DISCUSSION by the Middlesex magistrates on that familiar question, the propriety of erecting a new gaol, has led Mr. Croll, one of the most expe rienced of the body, to consider the larger subject of prison discipline. Some very noticeable suggestions are contained in a pamphlet letter addressed by him to the chairman cf the Middlesex Bench. It is not a little strange that this subject should have any claim to rank as one of the "questions of the day ;" for whilst other things are new and open to experiment, the gaol is a glorious institution of great antiquity, and it would seem that we ought by this time to have exhausted every possible resource in the way of prison management. The truth is that, notwithstanding so much experience, our system of dealing with criminals, in gaol and out of gaol, has yat to be developed. Both in the matter of appropriate sentences, and the most beneficial m)de of executing them, there is still much to be learned. After trying indiscriminate hanging as the staple punishment, excessive lenity had its day, and the criminal tribunals are now groping for the happy mean with the aid of an Habitual Criminals Act. So with treatment after sentence : the horrible dons wherein guilt became more guilty still have been reformed ; but the proper system of combining reformation with punishment has yet to find its way into general practice. The existing prison discipline properly answers none of the ends of justice. To the " habitual " the gaol is only a sort of haven in bad weather. As a casual ward it is better than the regular workhouse; and if prison life has its disadvantages, it is at least preferable to honest industry. To the inexperienced iu crime, on the other hand, imprisonment means final depravity and ruin. The least guilty meet with the hardest fate, whilst society is inadequately pro tected. Cases of reformation are rare. Mr. Croll sacks for the root of the evil, and finds it in the fact that the system is altogether unnatural, unlike the prisoner's life out of doors, out of gear with the rest of his existence. The training, in short, is in no way adapted to fit the offender for the circumstances which await him when he regains his liberty. If he is hardened, the treatment in gaol does nothing to prevent him remaining hardened still ; and if his crime be his first, no special endeavour is made to en sure its being his last. Mr. Croll's plan of reform, though he lays no claim to originality, is well developed. He would have, in the first place, a far more complete adoption of the principle of employing persons at their own trades. In the case of skilled artisans there could be little difficulty ; in fact, the system has been tried already, found to work well, and now needs only more extensive organisation. The small percentage of educated prisoners might be engaged as taskmasters, time-keepers, and superinten dents. But the vast majority of our gaol population are neither skilled arti sans nor educated men. For lie residuum, the hewers of wood and drawers of water, the proper and natural resource seems to be the cultivation of land. A. farm should be taken, the size being regu lated by requirements. It should be tilled by spade husbandry, and fertilised by prison sewage. Crops of grain and vegetables might be raised, and cattle fed, in sufficient quantity to supply the prisons, asylums, and other county establishments. In some cases even a surplus would be left for sale. Such a scheme as this is simple and unartificial, as, indeed, it must be in order to prove successful. Its prime advantage is that it gives offenders the employ ment for which they are fitted, in which their labour will be productive, and to which they must return after leaving prison, if they desire to lead an honest life. Thus even incarceration in gaol need not necessarily prove a final interruption and break up of a man's career. The habit of work being de veloped in him by the rational practice of a suitable business, he might naturally, and without special effort, continue his labour out of doors. Mr. Croll, however, would attempt something more than this. Prison labour should be strictly conducted on the principle that if a man will not work neither shall he eat. The ordinary prison fare should be fixed on the lowest possible scale, and all aiditions must be earned by the prisoner himself. No criminal, however lazy, could be starved ; but Mr. Croll would keep him only just above starvation point at the public expense. Work might be set, and paid for on a fixed scale. Let each man's wages be divided into three parts, one portion being applied to the support of his family, a second towards his mainten ance, and the third in providing him with good food. Or, instead of the family fund, the instalments might be saved up, so that the culprit would find himself iu possession of a sum of money on starting life afresh. There is little to be said in the way of amplifying or improving this plan. Any elaborate details would destroy its value, for it is impossible in prison to carry 'cut malicated acUsiggs fox_ tlict manufactige. of fHE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 24, 1870. aonest men. Mr. ()roll does not even fix the propor tions in which the earnings of the criminal should be divided between himself and the ratepayers, nor is it necessary to do so. If the general principle be adopted, the details are of minor consequence, for it is clear that the more money a prisoner earns for himself, the lighter will be the burden on the country, and the greater thertlief to the rates the less he can do on his own account. The plan is calculated to be efficient both as a punish ment, and as an instrument of reform. To the indolent and dissolute, prison, though disagreeable, is preferable to many phases of free life; but if the criminal has to earn everything beyond bread and water by his own exertions, his fate will appear in a very different light. He would have to work, or suffer a penalty so severe as to make gaol a place to be really dreaded. Whilst in confinement he would be trained and disci plined to use the liberty to which ho returns at the expiration of his sentence. The more hopeful class of offenders would continue in their old industrial habits and pursuits. Such inane practices as oakum picking must give place to occupations which would retain the convict whatever industrial skill he may have gained. Moreover by improving his comforts according to his industry he would be acted upon by the most powerful incentive to reform. In deed, it might be well, instead of rewarding good conduct by remissions of sentence, as heretofore, to exact the full time, and grant extra indulgences in cases of merit, reserving remissions for cases of very long penalties. A method so simple of application, and sure in its advantages, is its own commendation. Unfortunately, our great difficulty is not to discover improvements, but to adopt them. We are such a slow-changing people that the truth remains disregarded even when it is sure and undisputed. 1,77 2 . (r ) Vis.A "4,-* • r-" V „ in 11ER MAJESTY. WINDSOR CASTLE, Feb. 23. Her Majesty drove in the grounds this morning. accompanied by Princess Louise. Their Royal Highnesses Prince Leopold and Princess Beatrice also went out. The Prince and Princess of Wales drove out yesterday. LATEST INTELL MENU (REU'ER'S TELEGRAMS.) FRANCE. PARIS, Feb. 23. The Gaulois of to-day announces that Don Carlos has been arrested at Lyons, as he was on his way to meet General Cabrera, and direct a Carlist insurrection in Spain. The authorities have re minded him that the French territory, with the exception of the Department du Nord, is closed to him, and have consequently summoned him immediately to retire to that department, where be will be placed under the surveillance of the police. This Don Carlos has declined, prefer ring rather to go to Switzerland. It is not yet announced that General Cabrera has arrived in France. The same paper denies the iumour that the Spanish Government has determined on effecting a coup d'etat, and proclaiming the Duke de Mont- pensier. LYONS, Feb. 23. Don Carlos, travelling with an Austrian pass port, arrived here yesterday. He was met by the Duke of Modena who had just come from Rome, from whom he re ceived a considerable amount of money 1 o further a revolution in Spain. The authorities here informed him that it was the wish of the French Government that he should reside in some town in the north of France should he not prefer going to some foreign country. Don Carlos preferred the latter, and was conducted to the Swiss frontier. Ile arrived at Geneva last night. Many of the Carlist notabilities accompanied him, and others returned in different directions. ST. NAZAIRE, Feb. 24. The Transatlantic Company's steamer Martinique has arrived here with 52 passengers. Her dates are—Colon, Feb. 1; St. Martha, 4th ; and ➢lar- tinique, 9th. BOURSE, Feb. 23.—Three o'clock—The market closed as follows : 4} per Cent. 3 per Cent End of month 73 871 Credit Mobilier Transatlantic 215 Bank Shares 2895 Ital'an Wives 56 15 Austrian Fives Ottoman Loan Do. Debt 45 25 Spanish Threes Home Debt — Deferred ... 26 25 Credit Foucier ...1790 _ _ Paris Gas 1745 Suez Canal 340 RAILWAY Cash , ... 996} _,.. Orleans Western .. Northern • . 1155 Strasburg . s9Bf Lyons and Alediterrunean Southern..... 620 ... Sardiniau Austrian 4981 Lombard N orth of Spain Saragossa Roman 68 46f SPAIN. MADRID, Feb. 21. A demonstration of an orderly character was held yesterday, which was attended by a large number of workmen, who demanded employment of the Minister of Public of Works. To-morrow another meeting will be held in furtherance of the same demand. In yesterday's sitting of the Cortes Senor Canovus presented a petition from 9,000 Cubans and Spaniards, in which they requested the ad journment of the discussion of the Constitution of Puerto Rico. After a lively debate between Senors Canovus, Romero, and the Deputies from Puerto - Rico, the discussion was adjourned for three days. MADRID, Feb. 23. The Regent received to-day a delegation of workmen out of employ, who asked for a formal promise that their distress should receive immediate consideration. out the voyage. On the 23d she passed the steamer Veser. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. CLOSING PRICES. Gold closed at 117; ; the highest quotation dur ing the day was 1181; the lowest, 1171. Sterling Exchange on London lOBl. 5-20 U. S. Bonds, 1882 llsk. 44 " 1885 ll4l. i; " 1867 ll3l. 10-40 Illinois 143. Erie Cotton—Mid. upland 94c. Petroleum—Standard White 29c. Flour, extra state, ss.oc. to $5.60c. Corn, old mixed, sl.4c. THE CHURCH ASSOCIATION. The annual meeting of the Church Association was hen on Wednesday, in St. James's Hall. Captain Maude took the chair. There was a large attendance. The report shewed that the Association had increased in strength during the year. Thirty-six new branches had been formed in England and in the East and West Indies. The number of members and associates had in creased to 8,080 ; the branch and affiliated societies had risen to 137. The Council had given assistance towards the publication of a very important work, entitled, " The Voices of the Church of England against Sacerdotalism." The circulation of the Monthly Intelligencer had increased, and the Association had done much work in the way of distributing tracts, papers, &c. The receipts on account of the general fund for the year amounted to £3,281 12s. 4d., and the expenditure to £3,793155. Bd., exclusive of the expenditure incurred by the local branches. On the guarantee fund, which is ap plied solely to legal expenses and parliamentary action, £5,117 14s. Gd. was received, and £4,590 13s. Gd. was ex pwided. The contributions to the special Anti-Ritualistic Find were £7OB 13s. Gd., and the sum expended was £522 9s. 7d. Resolutions were put and carried in favour of printing and circulating the report, hoping that the Church would insist upon the relinquishment of those practices which had been condemned by the tribunals, and acknowledging Lord Shaftesbury's efforts in connection with the bill for the Reform of the Ecclesiastical Courts. A hope was expressed that he would persevere with the measure this session. Several speeches were made in support of the Association's objects. ELECTION INTELLIGENCE. WATERFORD. The polling at Waterford opened this morning. Several voters who have given their support to Mr. Bernal Osborne have had their windows smashed. Mr. Smyth's band has been parading the streets all night ; nevertheless, the first hours of polling show Mr. Osborne with a considerable majority. The The numbers at ten stood as follows : Mr. Bernal Osborne (Liberal) Mr. Smyth (Nationalist) NOTTINGHAM. The following is the result of the poll : Herbert 4,994 Seymour Majority for Herbert DEATH OF THE CHINESE AMBASSADOR. PARIS, Feb. 23. Mr. Anson Burlingame, Chinese Ambassador, died at St. Petersburg th:s morning, after four days' illness. DEATH OF A SCOTCH JUDGE. Lord Barcaple, one of the Judges in the Outer House of the Court of Session, Edinburgh, died yesterday, after an illue.s of about two months' duration. his Lordship, as Mr. Maitland, was ap pointed Solicitor-General for Scotland in 1859, and he was raised to the Bench in 1862. THE SAN DON ATO COLLECTION. The sale of this valuable collection, which has been lately removed for sale from the villa of Prince Deniidoff, near Florence, to a large building speci ally erected for the purpose on the Boulevard des Italiens, Paris, was commenced on Monday. The auctioneer, as is customary in France on such occa sions, was in full dress, and there were upwards of 1,000 persons present. The pictures of the greatest rarity and value were those by Delacroix, Demarne, Granet, and our own countryman Bonington. The only example of the latter was in size 16in. by 21in., and repre sented the welt-known scene in the life of Henry IV., in which his Majesty was surprised by the Spanish ambassador whilst at play with his children. It was put up at 10,000 f., followed by a bidding of 20,0001., and thence it advanced rapidly to 45,0001. From that time the bidding was be tween the Marquis of Hertford, Mr. Mannheim, and the Messrs. Agnew, whose last bid of 82,000 f. gave way to that of the noble Marquis at 83,000 f. making, with the five per cent. usually paid to the auctioneer in Paris on purchases at sales of this kind, an amount equivalent to £3,486, an enormous sum, considering the diminutive size of the picture. The report circulated in Paris that the whole collection had been purchased by M. Scilliers was contradicted by the auctioneer. The following are the prices fetched by the principal lots :—Pettenkofen, Le Gue, paysage hongrois ; 1,950 f. Pettenkofen, Chavaux aux bords du Danube; 1,700 f. Petten kofen, Soldats russes se baignant ; 1,350 f. Eugene Lami, Le depart pour la chasse ; 4,000 f. Eugene Lami, Au Steeplechase ; 3,5001. Eugene Lami, Le Galop au bal de l'Opera ; 2,000 f. Eugene Lami, Voiture de masques, car naval de 1835 ; 4.000 f. Eugene Lami, Portrait du cheval Charnpain ; 1,500 f. Eugene Lami, Portrait du cheval Cromwell; 1,320 f. Schlesinger, Le Petite Seeur ; 5,000 f. Schlesinger, Le portrait parlant ; 5,000 f. Eugene Delacroix, Charles Quint au con vent de Saint Just, about Gin, by 4in. ; 5,200 f. Eugene Delacroix, Christophe Colomb au con vent de Sainte Marie de Rabida, 38,0001. (Andre). Eugene Delacroix, Christophe Colomb rapport ant aux rois catholiques les richesses conquises dans sa premiere expedition, au nouveau monde ; 30,000 f. (Hollender). Eugene Delacroix, Passage d'un gue au Maroc; 14,8001. (Petit). Eugene Dela croix, Une fantasia au Maroc; 13,900 f. Granet, La Mort du Poussin ; 33,000 f. (Reutter). Boning ton, Henri IV., et l'Ambassadeur d'Espagn , 3; 83,000 f. (Lord Hertford). Marilhat, Mosque dans la basse Egypte ; 23,000 f. Cabat, Le lac de Garde ; 9,800 f. Demarne, La sortie des bestiaux ; 16,5001. (Rutter). Demarne, Le retour des bestiaux ; 20,000 f. (Rutter.) Demarne, La foire de Mr.ka rieff ; 5,0001. Demme, Une foire aux bestiaux en Normandie ; 4,600 f. Demarne, Paysage avec animaux ; 3,200 f. Demlrne, Un canal; 10,000 f. (Sabbatier.) Granet, La Communion dans lea catacombes de Rome ; 2,500 f. Granet Une prison de l'lnquisition ; 1,7001. Lepaulle, l'or trait duo chien Macfvor ; 36)f. Lepaulle, Portrait du chien Rome ; 490 f. Inconnu Itelai de poste ; 4-10 f. Ferrari, La Place du Marclus aux Ilerbes, it Verone, I,loof. Ferrari, La Place Stint Marc, it Venisc ; 1,168 f. Ferrari, La Place du Grand Due, it Florence ; I,loof. Fkrrari, La Place du Forum, it Rome; 1,060. Madame O'Connell, Le Tz ,r Pierre la Grand ; 450 f. Madame O'Connell, L'lna peratrice Catherine Ir. ; 1,450 f. Madame O'Con nell, Frederic le Grand, Roi de Prusse ; 410 f. Madame O'Connell, L'lmperatrice Marie Therese d'Autriche ; 410 f. Moolenyzer (d'apres Aart de Gelder), Portrait en buste de Pierre le Grand, 115 f. CANADA. OTTAWA, Feb. 23. After four n!ghts' debate, the House of Com mons for the Dominion of Canada agreed without division upon the address, in answer to the open ing speech of Sir J. Young, the Governor-General. The debate chiefly turned on a criticism of the Governmental policy in relation to the Red River troubles, theEappointment of Sir F. Hincks, as Minister of Finance, and the breach of faith towards the Reform party, which involved the recent Minis terial changes. His Royal Highness Prince Arthur was fre quently present during the debate. TILE ALLEGED FRAUDS ON TUE ADMIRALTY. The example enforced last spring by the convic tion of Rumble and Gambier for tampering with Admiralty contracts appears to have proved insuffi cient to stop the system of giving and accepting bribes, as evidenced by the necessity for the recent discharge of a man at Deptford and the discovery of a similar case at Portsmouth. Under these cir cumstances public attention is recalled to the circu lar issued by the Admiralty on the 16th of April last, notifying to contractors that, if they have any com plaints to make of an improper rejection of their articles, facilities will at all times be afforded for an independent re-inspection, by which plan they are relieved of all danger of being unfairly treated through intrigues on the part of unscrupulous .or discontented officials. That circular, of which a copy is annexed, would it was hoped, remove all temptation on the part of contractors to resort to the offence of corrupting by bribes or fees the parties charged with the exami nation of stores, but some of these people seem to be incorrigible, and it is now, there fore, positively intimated that any attempt to bribe or to seek a bribe will be visited with the most severe steps on the part of the Government, who are determined to eradicate this scandal from all the public establishments, and who, in the perform ance of the task, may rely on the cordial sym pathy and co-operation not only of every honest member of the commercial community, but of all who desire to uphold the national character : " Admiralty, April 16, 1869. " Complaints having been preferred by contrac tors and others of their articles being rejected on insufficient grounds, it is to be understood that in any case in future where parties may consider them selves injured by rejections, their Lordships will be prepared to consider the question, with a view to an independent re-inspection of the articles on application being made in writing to the Finan cial Secretary of the Admiralty.—By command of their Lordships. " W. E. BAXTER." The Bank Returns. Tho Bankers' Magazine furnishes the returns of the cu' culation of the public and joint-stock banks in England and Wales for the four weeks ending Ist of Jan., 1870. These returns, combined wish the circulation of the Scotch and Irish banks for the same period, and the average cir culation of the Bank of England for the four weeks ended the 29th of Dec. (the nearest date furnisb ad by their returns), will give the following results of the circulation of notes in the United Kingdom when compared with the previous month : Dec 4, 18G9. Jan 1, 1870. Increase. Decrease. Bank of England 23,181,190( 22,706,752 .174,438 Private Banks 2,751,71:11 2,66 .1 '. - , ,599 .rotnt-stock Banks 2,3 8,739 i 2,281,128 87,541 -----1-- - -- -- Total in England. :8,301,413; 2 - ,650,070 ' 6 1,57 i Scotland... 5,287,153:.4,'75, 47; 312, 1 Ir e land 7,354,16 31 7,1'50,251 k 97,9J7 --- ---- . United Kingdom.. 40,9'3,269 39,681,373; —,- . 1 .61, 89d --- And as compared with the month ending the 2nd of Dec., 1869, the above returns show a decrease of £412,119 in the circulation of notes in England, and a decrease of .£50,413 in the circulation of the United Kingdom. On comparing the above with the fixed issues of the several banks the following is the state of the circulation: — The English private banks are below their fixed issue • .£1 380 506 The English joint-stock banks are below their 457,442 fixed issue ••• • •• •• • ••• • •• Total below fixed issue in England £1,837,948 The Scotch banks are above their fixed issue... 2,225,776 The Irish banks are above their fixed issue ... 701,762 The average stock of bullion held by the Bank of Eng land in both departments during the month ending 29th of Dec was £19,091,239, being an increase of £648,033, as compared with the previous month, and an increase o £906,873 when compared with the same period last year. The following are the amounts of specie held by the Scotch and Irish banks during the month ending the Ist of Jan. : Gold and silver held by the Scotch banks ... £3,087,604 Gold and silver held by the Irish banks 2,757,858 £5,844,962 being a decrease of £79,689 as compared with the pre vious return, and an increase of £314,579 when compared with the corresponding ',erica last year The depots of the 48th and 84th Regiments, con sisting of four officers and about eighty of all ranks, arrived at Chatham garrison, from Col chester, yesterday. These depots will form part of the new depot battalion which is to be stationed at Chatham when the present depot battalions are abolished. There are some severe remarks in the financial journals of New York on the manipulation of the finances of the Southern States by " carpet-baggers and scalawags." No soundness on the main question ca n, in our eyes, gloss fraudulent acts and gross and shameful breaches of trust. It appears, if these papers do not exaggerate, that the Legislature of North Carolina issued sixteen millions of "Special Tax" Bonds, of which ten millions were placed in New York, at from 50 to 65 cents on the dollar, aided by some prominent firms. The " ring," who used the ignorant negroes and unprincipled whites to enable them thus to act, secured from the sale at least $5,000, 000 , of which they put about ten per cent. into the roads and public works, and the rest into their own pockets. When the people got an insight into what was going on, in alarm they called upon the presidents of the roads to state what bad ben done with the money. Instead of answering, some of them fled, and those who remained will, we presume, be ready to pile up all the theft on the shoulders of the fugitives. North Carolina is now testing the legality of the issue before the Supreme Court of the State, and the Legislature which issued the bonds have hastily passed another Bill to restrain the Treasurer from paying interest either upon new or old bonds. The belief is general that the special tax bonds are illegal, and the people are described as saying to the Northern mon to whom they have been sold —" You insisted on governing us through the dishonest and unprincipled persons whoa ave perpe trated this great wrong , and w e will never qestion your right to keep the bogus bonds you have bought from your friends." This is one view of the question, but it doubt less has another less favourable to the honesty of the "Old North State." Tennessee has a somewhat similar tale to tell. Her "ring" has secured the issue of about $23,000,000, three-quaiters or the proceeds going into the rapacious pockets of its menffers, and the State getting little or nothing. Now she refuses to rec ognize the debt, making no provision for either interest or prin cipal. Such conduct, whoever is to blame, will assur edly reflect very injuriously on the State, stigmatizing it wit7s the opprobrious word "repudiation." In West Vagitlia a question has to be decided, as to its por tion of the debt of the Old Dominion. Both this State and the old one, of which it was a part, are not likely to swerve from any liability they have incurred, and iu saying so we must recognize the difficulty of the position iu which the two other States were placed. Governor Stevenson, in his late Message, said, West Virginia was undoubtedly liable for its proportion of the debt of Virginia contracted prior to January Ist, 1861, and advised that steps be taken to adjust the debt on fair and equitable terms, at the same time saying ho thought the amount was small. ITALY. ROME, Feb. 23. The Official Giornale di Ronza of to-day contra dicts the rumours respecting the quality of the Roman silver coinage, and declares that the coins in weight, value, quantity, and quality are perfectly equivalent to the coins issued and eireu!ating in France, Italy, Belgium, and Switzerland. The paper stigmatises the rumours to the con trary as absolutely unworthy of credence by right minded persons. FLORENCE, Feb. 23. It is said that the King will leave Naples on Saturday next. BELGIUM. BRUSSELS, Feb. 24. The Etoile Beige announces that the French refugees in Belgium do not intend to celebrate the anniversary of the 24th of February, 1848, by a banquet, as in former years. Since the recent disturbances in Paris 36 per. sons have taken refuge in Brussels, two of whom . are non-commissioned officers. M. Flourens is not of their number, and it is said that he is still in Paris. EGYPT. ALEXANDRIA, Feb. 22. A meeting, numerously attended by the chief English residents, was held at the British Consu late to-day. Sir Phillip Francis presided as repre sentative of his Government in the International Commission on the Consular Jurisdiction question. He explained the advantages connected with the judiciary reform as proposed by the Government of the Khedive. On the motion of M. Jules Oppen heim the meeting unanimously advised a vote of confidence in the British Commissioners in refe rence to their further course of action. Sir Phillip Francis has left for Constantinople. AMERICA. (Per French Atlantic Cable.) WASHINGTON, Feb. 23. Pre,ident Grant signed the Bill to-day which ad►nits the delegation of the State of Mississippi to seats in the House of Representatives. Advices received from Pembina on the frontiers of the British territory, of the 10th instant, have been published in the Chicago Journals. NEW YORK, Feb. 24. The Cunard Royal Mail steamer Calabria arrived here yesterday at 6 p.m. NEW Yolnc, Feb. 23. The National steamship Erin arrived out yester- day. SOUTHAMPTON, Feb. 24. The North German Lloyd's steamer Baltimore, from Baltimore, arrived here this morning. She brings 50 passengers and a full cargo for Bremen. The Baltimore experienced rough weather through- SPIRIT OF THE PRESS. THE PRINCE OF WALES. The Times, in referring to the Mordaunt case, observes : The case of his Royal Highness stands by itself. It is evident that the Prince's error is simply this—that he had been too careless of his reputation. He had acted as a young man who did not understand the passion too many have for scandal, and had given occasion to misconstruction through simple heedlessness. It is, indeed, not easy for the young, even though they may be next the Crown, to remember and guard against "the fierce light that beats upon the Throne. The Prince of Wales has learnt by a painful experience how watchfully he must walk whose life is the property and the study of the world. If Royalty has many privileges, it must suffer not a few privations, and the charm of personal intimacy is one that must be almost denied to the inheritors of Crowns. Thu Prince has had, indeed, before him the pattern of a life, not surely devoid of innocent pleasures, yet so carefully regulated that it was in the es-es of all men, dedicated to domestic purity. The life of the Prince Consort was marked by the nicest regard to the conditions under which it was passed. Every one will remember the rules of social conduct the Prince pre scribed for himseif, and how faithfully they were observed. We do not doubt that the future years of the Heir Appa rcnt will shew, by their fidelity to this example ' the i.:fl u ence of the lesson he has had to learn, and that Eng lishmen will see exemplified in their King that is to be a life purified from the semblance even of levity. ME HOME SECRETARY AND THE LICENSING LEAGUE. The Standard says that the Home Secretary has declared to a deputation, that his Licensing Bill will be of a nature to call upon the courage and determination of Parliament. Certainly, if he meets the views of the Amendment League —which is little more than the Compulsory Association in another form—it would test the spirit of the Legis lature in a very different sense from .that which he intends 2 • but we have his assurance that he does not purpose to advance the whole way with them. The League pretends to speak in the name of the chief towns throughout the country. We by no means deny that it embodies a considerable amount of influential opinion ; but there was much force in the Home Secre tary's remark, that resolutions voted at public meetings are not to be taken as illustrating the general feeling. And upon one point it is time to speak very plainly. These Leaguers, whose philanthropy is not to be denied, though it takes somewhat of a despotic and castigatory shape, boast that they have the whole country with them—the chief cities and towns, the educated classes, the poor, and even the publicans, whose fortunes they want to ruin. Emphatically, it is not the truth. They have a numerous and respectable following, but the country is against them decidedly, and while anxious to cure the mischief of drunkenness, denies that it is a characteristic vice of England, and revolts from the very thought of the restrictions they would impose. The Telegraph says that the Licence Amendment League has deputed certain members of its body to hold a conference with the Home Secretary. These gentlemen are most earnest in pursuit of their object ; and their ob ject is very good. Drunkenness in this country is a gross and palpable fact—not to be explained away, not to be denied. They told the Home Secretary on Tues day the conclusion at which they had arrived, and their conclusion is our own, with a single important difference. "It was proposed, said Mr. Pease, " that Town Councils ' Boards of Health, and similar public bodies;' , should have a general veto, and that a majority of the earners and occupiers of property in the neighbourhood should have a local veto upon any appli cation for a new license." If that be the fact, how much remains for the " local magistrate " to do? We should presume the meaning of the deputation to be, that, if none of the bodies above named interposed their veto, the " local magistrate " would grant the licence t o A, B, or C, accor ding to the justice of the case. Upon a simple and ordi dary construction of language we presume Mr. Pease to mean that the " local magistrate " is some person different from the Boards enumerated by him, and that he is not using this word in a generic sense ' as intending th a t those Boards collectively, assisted by the ratepayers, are the " local magistrate." Everything, of course, turns upon the definition, and we must await further explanation. THE SUNDAY TRADING BILL. The Pall Mall Gazette thinks it is difficult to say whether any practicable legislation with regard to Sunday trading is likely to be efficient. We are told to hold up our hands in horror at every sort of Sunday amusement, and to insist in theory that nobody shall indulge in any pleasure except that of walking abroad or sitting at home. So long as this is our avowed system, it may be feared that Sunday legislation will be generally futile. The real safeguard for the observance of a day of rest is-to teach the population at large to value it as not merely a useful but a delightful time of repose from their ordinary labours. So long as they have not other and superior motives, it is not wonderful that gradual en croachments are made upon the day of rest by the cupidity of a minority of small tradesmen and the carelessness of many labouring men. All legislation intended to keep up the existing regulations is weakened by the sense that it only offers the dreary alternative of simple nega tion of work with no positive enjoyment to make the rest valuable. Although we do not doubt that a moderate law may do something to arrest a conspicuous evil, we feel that any permanent improvement must rest upon a dis tinct elevation of the national idea of Sunday, THE BISHOP OF EXETER. The Daily News remarks that when the Bleb-p of Exeter had justified in the Upper House of Convocation his own limited part in the publication of " Essays and Reviews," only one Bishop rose to reply to him, and he 1 was instantly persuaded to hold his peace and sit down. The Bishop of Gloucester and Bristol in a letter to the Dean of Gloucester describes this avoidance of discussion as " re blAeful silence." The Bishops opposed to Dr. Temple's appointment were in great force in the Bounty Chamber, and no eircctual opposition could have been made to their criticism had they been disposed to offer it. To keep silence under such circumstances, and afterwards to pub lish letters describing the speechwhich theydid not answer as" melancholy and disastrous," "distressing and shockiug beyond words," is a proceeding which we do not think will raise its authors in public esteem. But however that may be, we should like to know when warfare so inimical to the best interests of the Church of England is to end ? If the controversy is to be prolonged until all the parties are agreed in opinion on the theological, social, and literary points which have been raised in the course of this controversy, we can only mourn over the waste of power and personal influence which will attend it. Peace is only possible on the basis of a mutual a cknowledgment of the rights of those concerned. FIRST DEAD THEN ALIVE A strange story is told by the Louisville Commercial of the 26th ult. of the resuscitation of an executed criminal. A man named Kriel, in that city, was lately sentenced to death for murdering his wife, and was accordingly hanged in the middle of last month. Mr. Kriel, we are told, " went to his doom grim, implacable, and unnaturally firm." As is not unnatural with gentlemen in his position, " his desire to live was paramount to every earthly desire. When the drop fell it was obierved that the closed hands and position of the legs and feet of the culprit remained entirely un• changed, " shewing a tremendous exercise of will and con trol of nerve." The neck was not-broken, and General Whittaker, who was present at the execution, declared that pulsation in the carotid arteries of the neck was discernible after the gaol surgeon and his assistants declared life to be extinct. After hanging some minutes Mr. Kriel was cut down, and his body placed in a coffin ; " the eyes that stared half open when the cap was withdrawn, remained closed after a slight touch upon them, and the face assumed an appearance of rest. The red flushing of the cheeks came back to a certain extent, and the dark colouring on the neck under the knotted rope partially disappeared." No one seemed to have any charge of the body, and it was driven away in a hearse to the vault in the cemetery. " Now," says the CoM mercial, " comes the closing scene in this strange story. Near midnight a light waggon was driven rapidly out of Walnut-street, in which were seated three muffled silent figures ; one of them a surgeon of great experimental knowledge, a firm believer in the theory of resuscitation of animal life through the galvanic process. In the waggon were a mattress and several blankets. The waggon halted near the cemetery fence ; the horse was held by the driver, and two men went to the vault, carrying between them a large sack well filled. In a short time they returned bearing with them a m o ti on l ess figure shrouded in a blanket. The figure was placed on the mattress, and in silence the waggon was driven back to the city. The body was conveyed to the surgery of a most skilful and learned surgeon, where some ten or twelve excited and expectant students stood anxiously awaiting the arrival of the strange party. The body was placed in a recumbent position on the tabh3, the clothing unloosed, the chest extended, and an incision made in one of the veins of the arm. At first but a small drop of dark-coloured blood came forth, but repeated incisions and manipula tions of the body caused it at last to trickle forth more freely. The galvanic battery was then applied, and in less than fifteen minutes the warm blood commenced to course through the chilled body, and at last the eyes were opened. The students stood appalled, and could hardly realise the extent of the demon stration before them. One of them spoke to Kriel, asking him, `Are you sensible ?' The eyes answered expressively, and the lips opened ineffectually, for no speech came forth. Stimulants were poured down the throat of the revived criminal, and in less than one hour after he had been placed in the surgery, Kriel sat up and asked them, ' What have you done ? Am I alive ?' The consternation, and yet the profes sional delight of the spectators were loudly ex pressed. Steps were immediately taken to save the life thus marvellously restored. Strangers disguised Mr. Kriel, furnished him with means, and by daylight a man, weak and tottering, but firm and immovable in his de meanour, crossed the river, and was last seen by a watch ful, silent friend, who kept near him, on the train leaving Seymour, Indiana, on his way to an unknown, but it is to be hoped a better future." The Cork Constitution s tys :—" We have heard that about a fortnight since two cases (one of them sup posed to contain thirty stand of rifles and the other fifty) wore landed hero from Liverpool, and were taken possession of by the revenue and handed to the police. They wore ad dressed To order,' and contained in addition about 1,000 rounds of cartridges and caps." Lord tiairns, the Dublin ii'xpress understands, presented a document to Mr. Gladstone on Saturday, signed by the Provost, Senior Fellows, Junior Fellows, and Pro fessors of Trinity College, Dublin, stating that, in their opinion, the Fellowships of Trinity College should, without dolay, be opened to all, without regard to religious creed. • The last explosion at the Morfa Colliery turns out to have been less serious in the consequences than was at first apprehended. Ono man's hand has been shattered, and several other colliers have been slightly injured, but not sufficiently to prevent their resuming work within a short time after the occurrence (f the explosion. To-day's Wes tern Nail says:—A naked light appears to have been the cause of igniting some gas, though why a naked light should have Leon permitted in such a dangerous spot is not explained. THE CONSERVATIVE LAND SOCIETY. —The post of architect and surveyor to the 1. nited Land Comrany and the Conservative B•,nefit Building Society, which was open to public competition, owing to the decease of the late Mr. James Wylson, has been conferred by the two Boards of Directors on Mr. John Ashdown, formerly surveyor of the Orphan Working School and the Hammersmith Bridge Company, and connected with many other public works. There were 61 candidates for the position. PROVIDENT CLERKS' BENEVOLENT, FUND. The twenty-ninth annual meeting of the mem bers of this fund was held last night at the London Tavern. Thomson Hawkey, Esq., one of the trus tee=, presided. The CHAIRMAN said, before the business com menced, he felt it necessary to explain to them the circumstance that had led to his occupying the chair that evening, which had on former occasions been so ably filled by his most excellent friend and their very warm supporter, Mr. John Abel Smith. The cause of the absence of their respected treasurer was, he regretted to say, illness. He had, however, that day seen Mr. Smith's son, and he had assured him that although his father was prevented the pleasure of presiding over them that evening, yet his illness was not of a serious character, and there was every hope of his speedy recovery. (Cheers.) The ill ness of his friend was the only ',cause of his regret, as otherwise he had the greatest pleasure in being with them, as he had taken a warm interest in the affairs of the Provident Clerks' Benevolent Fund from i s ,commencement. Ile had to congratulate them on the smallness of the meeting, as it showed that the members had the greatest confidence in the manner in which its affairs were conducted, because it was invariably the case that where it was thought there was a screw loose in societies similar to theirs there were plenty of people always ready to come forward to pull it to pieces, .and cross-question the directors, who, on the present occasion, seemed to him to be almost as numerous as the members composing the meet ing. (Hear, hear.) As he had already said, the smallness of the meeting showed the greatest con fidence—a circumstance that gave him the utmost pleasure. He would not further detain them, but call upon their respected secretary to read the report of the directors. Mr. W. T. LINFORD then read the report; which was as follows : " The directors of the Provident Clerks' Bene volent Fund have the pleasure to prL sent to the members and friends of the fund their twenty-ninth annual report. The income of the fund for 1869 was from subscriptions and donations £1,684 85.5 d. legacy awarded by the executors of the late IL G. Marner, Esq., £52 103. ; interest on investments, £1,553 12s. 2d ; total, £3,290 10s. 7d. Pursuant to the resolution of the last annual general meeting, an election of seven annuitants took place on the 27th of May, 1869, when two clerks and five widows of clerks sere elected, whose annuities amounted collectively to £165 per annum. Four annuities have fallen in by death, and there are now upon the fund 102 annuitants, viz.: 19 clerks and 83 widows receiving £2,045 per an num. The board are now enabled to recommend tb seven additional annuitants be elected during the current year. A resolution to that effect will be submitted to the meeting. By the strictest eco nomy, and by advocating as much as possible the claims ofithis fund, the board have for many years been able to recommend the election of new annui tants. While they rejoice .that so much has been accomplished, they feel that were their efforts seconded, as they should be, by the great body of clerks, there would be few, if any, disappointed candidates for the benefits conferred by the fund. They are not without hope that such support will yet be accorded to an institution possessing such peculiar claims upon the class for whom it was founded." The CHAIRMAN said it now became his duty to wove the reception and adoption of the report and balance sheet they had jus; heard read. Everything had been so clearly stated that it was hardly neces sary for him to say one word. A period of thirty years was a long way to look back in the case of human life, but it was not so in a society such as theirs, and that there should be such a large accu mulation of funds, after deducting the very moderate expenses, was a matter for general congratulatioal because it showed that the society had been moat ably managed, otherwise the gratifying result could not have been accomplished. (Hear, hear,) The funds were invested in securities of the most undeniable character, and they had given very valu able help to a large number of their members by way of loan, and be was quite sure, from what be knew of the directors, they had taken tLa best security for the repayment of the sums so advanced. (near, hear.) That they were able to give such a sum as appeared in the report to 102 annuitants, and that they were about to propose the election of seven additional recipi ents, was most gratifying—(cheers)—and altogether, he must Ban the report was one of the most satis tory he had ever had placed in his hands. (Cheers.) He bad much pleasure in moving its adoption. The motion, which was seconded by Ali. PIL' CHER, was put to the meeting and carried unani mously. Mr. R. 11. JONES, the chairman of the board of directors of the Provident Clerks' Life Assurance , said it now was his pleasing duty to propose a re solution for the election of seven additional annui tants to those already on the fund. (Cheers.) It might be interesting to them to know that since the establishment of the fund they had lent to 2,420 members no less a sum than £48,400, they had given £3,700 as guarantees, and they bad pai I in annuities a sum no less than. £21,266. (Cheers.) With such results he did believe that they had fully carried out the object for which they, started. It was well now and then to look back in order to see whether they had done all that it was possible to accomplish, and, taking that view, he felt he had right to say they had done so. (Cheers.) Mr. PRICE seconded the resolution. He bad been told he must not harp upon the old string, th a t of urging their strong friends to come forward and help them ; but he felt certain, if the great body of clerks were to come forward and help them, they should be enabled to have an election of 70 in stead of 7 annuitauts. They had the support of the great leading merchants—(hear, hear)—but he felt the clerks as a body had not come forward as they ought to have done in their support to such meritorious and admirable fund. (Cheers.) The motion was carried unanimously. Mr. JEFFS then moved a vote of thanks to the treasurer andltrustees, and congratulated the meet' ing that they still retained all those who, years ago, first gave them their valuable assistance. (Cheers.) He had, however, an addition to move to the usual resolution, and that was the expression of the deep regret of the meeting at the cause of the absence of their much-respected treasurer, Mr. John Abel Smith, who had for years presided over their meetings. It was, however, suggested that the more respect ful way would be to pass the usual vote of thanks , and then put the resolution, conveying the regret of the members at the illness, and their hope for the speedy recovery, of Mr. J. A. Smith, us a sub' stantive motion. This was done, and both resole . Lions were carried unanimously. The CHAIRMAN, on behalf of his co-trustees, 11 ' W. Crawford, Esq., Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P. , and Baron L. de Rothschild, returned thanks. Major BURT moved, and Major SNELL seconded , a vote of thanks to the medical officers, Dr. Jones , Mr. John Gay, and Mr. Alfred Smee, for their gratuitous services. This resolution was Edo ° carried. Mr. COLEMAN moved, and Mr. SANCTON Wool) seconded a vote of thanks to the auditors, Mr. Cl; E. Gray, Mr. James Gray, Mr. W. S. Higley, an d Mr. F. J. Scudamore. This resolution was also carried. The CHAIRMAN said he only wished he could 0 that Mr. Scudamore had been as successful in big other undertakings—(laughter)—as he had been i ll , auditing the accounts of the Provident Clerks Benevo!out Fund. Ilowever, they could not btl t i wish him success in the work Vi as then engag`‘` in. (Cheers.) Air. REYNOLDS moved, and Mr. PILCH ER SCCOHCI'' a vote of thanks to the chairman, which was carrieL` in the mcst cordial manner,- and the c hairma ll having expressed thanks for the compliment, tbe proceedings terminated. THE FRENCH FUNDS. According to Reuter's telegram fruin Paris, t his afternoon, the. French Rentes are 73f. 97c. ; ra ttlet firm. sha s ei:] - k t (Is • Were stock Metr Iresi there Mis o doini cisely ditto, duce( Exch 2 pre 1.... ; , Per C Inc Ai Ten• Atla 28 tc Ana Sabi Fret term L Lux Ban 3 3. Lon, of L Llo, Hai Agr Port Po r fro g of t in V cre ( tleu an ( Mr eau 31 8 ma ste, Br, qui the 1312, rat sid co Li by an