The Sun. — London, England, 1870-12-30 00:00:00

MONETARY REPORTS .- -Y EBTERDAY. Business in the Stock Exchange has been on a very moderate scale to-day. Attention has been principally directed to the settlement of the fortnightly account, but speculative transactions have been restricted by the dearth of important news from the seat of war, and by the uncertainty as to the results of future operations. The tone, however, has been rather firmer. The railway market has been steady, and South Eastern, Great Eastern, Great Northern A, Mid land, North Western, and Great Western each show an improvement. As regards foreign bonds Egyptian have been depressed, but Turkish with an improved demand have been rather firmer. The consol market has been quiet, at 91i, Kt ex div., for delivery and the January account; and 94 1 , for February ; Reduced and New Three per Cents., 915, 91i ; Bank Stock, 231, 233 ; Exche quer bills, 10s., 15s. prem. ; India Five per Cents., 1101, 1105 ex div. ; and India Bonds, 225. 275. ; prem. Very few transactions have taken place in Colonial Government securities, but prices have ruled firm. The market for English railway stocks has been steady, and quotations have had an upward tendency. Foreign bonds have commanded but little attention, and prices have been without appreciable change. Next to nothing has been doing in joint-stock bank shares. Imperial Ottoman, 11/ 12; London Joint Stock, 34; London and Westminster, 631, 635 ; Oriental, 40 ; Union of Australia, 415; and Union of London, 385. Telegraph shares have been dull. Anglo-American have fallen 2, being dealt in at 73. Falmouth, 3-16th, or to 8 7-16th, 8 9-16th ; and French Cables, 4, or to 135; 13a ; Silver's India Rubber have been lower at 42i, 445 ; and Construction 15, or to 241, 241 Miscellaneous securities have been depressed. Peninsula and Oriental shares, 46 ; Thetis Marine, 85. No change has been noted in the official rate to-day, which still remains at 25 per cent. The Board of Trade Returns for the month of November have just been published, and, compared with previous years, the result is again satisfactory, despite the conflict still raging on the Continent. The week's traffic of the Midland Railway has in creased on the preceding week of last year by £4,378 ; that of the North-Eastern by £7,961 ; the Great Northern of £5,636; the Great Eastern of £1,277 ; the Great Western of £6,751 ; the Caledonian of £2,300 ; the Lancashire and Yorkshire of £4,922 ; and the Bristol and Exeter of £1,036. The South-Eastern has decreased by £1,982. The London and Brighton has increased by £219. LONDON STOCK EXC II ANG E.- THURSDAY. The prices under the lines indicate the business done for Money. GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Three per Cent Consols 911 911 Viet 6p c Jan & July 1891 115 117 911, 9,9, 1 x d 1169 Do for Account Three per Cent Reduced 919 911 Viol 5p o .Tan& JulylB94. 10391049 911 101; New 3 per Cent 911, 1 Egyptian 1862. 7po .. .. 79 81 Exchequer Bills. March 10 15pin Do Rail Debeu 7 p o .. 101 103 14s pm 1021 Do, June lO 15pm Italian, 1865. 5p a 10s, 14s pm Peruvian. 1865, 5p a Bank Stock 232 Portuguese 1869 3po .. 32 33 India 5 per Cents 1101, 9x d Russian. 1862, 5 p 0.. .. 83 85 India Bonds — 839 22s pm DoNicolas 4p o Can 6po Jan&Julyll77-84 10691079 Spanish. 1867. 3Do 31 319 1069 31, 9 Do March & Sept. 103 105 Do. 1869, sp o Do 5p c Jan & July .. 99 100 3 1 9. 9 100 Turkish. 1854. 6p o 7B 80 Do Inscribed Stock .. 98 100 Do, 1865. 5p o Dom of Can 5p c 1903 .. 97 99 43 1, 1 Ceylon 6 p c May an Do, 1865 6 p 0 November 1878 lO6 108 619, 1 Mauritius Ipc Jan and U. 5.5-20 Bouds,6 po 1882 881 889 July 1873 lO3 105 889, 9 New S Wales 5p 01871-76 102 103 Do do 1885 881889 New Zealand 6 p 01891 lO9 111 Dolo-40Bnds, spo 1904 871 b 79 Dos pc Do 5p c Consolidated 100 1009 ErieSha.loo tiols, all paid 1001 Illinois Central Shares .. 11191129 Do 6p c Mar &Sept 1891 108 110 112 Do June & DeclB9l 107 109 Atlantic and GI Wlt Con Mortgage Bonds — RAILWAYS. Bristol and Exeter B7 89 Grand Trunk of Canada Caledonian 86 Do 3rd Prat Stock . Great Eastern Great Northern Do A 133113 4 3 /4 Greatlndian Pen g 5 ,, a 107 108 1331, Great Western 7O 701 GreatWest lo7l ern ofeanada 148 15 Lancashire & Yorkshire 133 134 148, 1341 Do Op c Bonds, 1873.. 98 100 Lon, Brig)), and S Coast 41 41 3 / 4 Do 51 do, 1877-8 94 96 Lon, Chat, and Dover .. 13 131 Do 5p c pref. Issued 80 Idis loin Lou and North-Western 1271128 Madras guar SD. 128 N. Railway of Canada, Lon and South-Western 90 91 6p c Ist Pref Bonds 90, / Oude and Rohilknnd g Man, Shef, and Lincoln 45 451 5p c Metropolitan Midland l2B 128 3 / 4 Delhi guar 5 p c North' British North-Eastern Consols 144 145 g 7 P c I£9 181 144 i, Belgian E Junction .... 21 Routh-Eastern 741 74t Buenos Ayres GI Sthrn.. 24 25 4.tlantie and St T ------ 75 77 Dunsla— d Witepsk 18 2 19 22} 22 _...,.....ic ants ,iawrnce .runaburg am 3 01 11baY. Baroda, an d Dutch-Rhenish.. Central India, g 5 p c.. 105 106 Eastern of France — 1051 Great Luxembourg Buff and Lake Huron .. 4 41 Lemberg Czernowitzgua 1)o 51 pc 80nd5.1872-3-4 79 81 7 pc Cape guar 6p c East Bengal guar 5p c 10411051 Ottom (Smyrna to Ala]) 5 51 Enst Indian, g 5 p c Grand Trunk Canada Do Equip Mort Bind 1 San Paulo IL) guar 71, a 21 211 charge 6p c Do 21).1 do Scrip .... par 2pm 141 Ito Ist Fret Bonds 57 58 Southern of lerance .... ..... 571 BANKING COMPANIES. 1 Agra Bank Oa A 7l 81 20 London and County 49 50 25 Alliance ID 10 Anglo-Austrian 20 Anglo-Egyptian IL) 201 211 20 Lou andWestmnster 63 64 50 British N American 53 55 631 20 Ch of India, A ustrlia 14 15 10 Metropolitan Bl 9 25 Char Merc of India 221 231 20 Midland ILI 10 City 25 Colonial 4 Consolidated IT, 20 Eng. Scot. and Aus C 151 16k 25 Union of Australia.. 411 421 20 Imperial %Li 10 Imperial Ottoman 111 381} 20 Lon Char of Austrlia 23 24 23} 78 39 TELEGRAPH COMPANIES. Pd Yd 100 Anglo-American 1.1 76 78 10 Great Northern .... 10 Anglo-Meditrn (L).. 115 120 6 Great N. China, and 11i 12 100 Atlantic JaJapan Extension.. 2 2 du, 100 Do Bpc 13 British Australn (L) 5 41dis 10 Margeilles. Algiers. / and Malta (L) ... 5/ 5.1 10 British Ind Exteu (L). 51 61 10 Med , terni Ex (L) . .. 4i 5 6 21 Pnma. and S. PcfclL 4 3 dis 10 British Indian Sub- dis marine, (L) 6 13-16 20 Soc Trans France (L) 131 13/ ChinaSubmarine(L) 6 51(I is 100 Submarine 237 24 10 Falmouth, Gibraltar, Do Scrip 2l 2.) and Malta (Li MISCELLANEOUS SECURITIES Pd Pd Angio-A uctrian Bnd holders' Certificate 2 4 10 Berl inWaterworkalt! _l4f_ 151 311 Loudon Fin A ssoe(L)lBll74dis 4 Lon Gen Omnibus .. 2 3 70 Bolckow-Vaughan 14 30 35pni 2 Lou Prov Marine Lll 1 pin 100 Boston City (U.S. 100 Madras Trrig. &Canal p c Sterling Loan.. 93 95 gsn c by Ind Gov. 102 103 4 Hilt & Fgn Marine( Ll 2139 pm 2 Mauritius Land (L) 1 1 dm. 25 Canada Company. .. 73 75 5 Natnl DiactOomp 1) 11 11) 10 Ceylon Company 1.1 31 31dis 2l N Zealand Loan and 55 City Offices (L) 25 24 dis Mero Agency IL) .. 1: pm 20 Colonial (L) 5 Corn Union Assunice 31 4pm trust (L) 10 Crdt Fonc of Fine (L) 9 21 61 NBritsh and Merc (L) 289 281 100 Crystal Palace 100 Do Pref 100 Do 6p a Perp Deb.. 112 117 46 271 Ebbw Vale Steel L).. 9 81dis 10 Do do New. 1867 4 2 dis 100 Viceroy of Egypt 7p a 50 Rbyinney Iron Mortgage Loan.... 79 81 15 Do New Bl 91 100 Egyp 9 p cVroy hoan. 61 Royal Mail Steam guar by Egyp Gov.. 94 96 12 Tel Con and Main L) 251 269 94 249, 1 13 Fore-st Warehouse IL) 7 Bpm 2 Themes and Mersey 100 Fgn and Colonial Gov 'Jarine Insur (L Trust 6p c Bonds.. 98 100 51 71 Oen Credt/tDisct IL) 1 1 dis St. Tobacco 6 1, o Loan. 14 Gen Still Navigation 27) 2 8 9 guar by Italian Goy 88 90 7 Trooper's Tel Works 9 is 881 17 Hudson's Bay B} dBl 5 Tru st and Loan Co of 45 Indrbbr,Gut Per. and Upper Canada .... 9 fpm Tel Works 1.) .... 44 45 5 U Marine, Lvpool IL 41 Spin 431, 41 20 Union Steamship IL) 23 25 5 Intend Finan Roca.) 1919 dis 6 United Dim Corprn IL 1) 1 , 119 20 it Trrie Can Cavour 79 4 5 UnivMarinelnsur (L 1 6771 pm 100 Po 6p c Bonds. re- 12 Warrant Finance.... 9 7 ilia deemable 1870 . 64 66 MARKETS. LEEDS CATTLE MARKET, WEDNESDAY.—This market was thinly supplied with stock to-day, which is generally the caso the first week after Chri.tmas. They were soon sold at first rates. Cattle, from 74d. to 80. per lb. ; sheep, from Bd. to Old. per lb.; ewes, Bd. per lb. WAKEFIELD CATTLE MARKET, WEDNESDAY. —There was a very small show of stock this morning, and many butchers, having large quantities of their Christmas supplies left unsold, made but slight purchases. The little business which was done was at late quotations. EDINBURGH CATTTE MARKET, .WEDNESDAY. -There was a small supply of cattle, sheep, and pigs at this market to-day, in comparison to last week. For fat cattle, good quality, there was a fair trade, and full prices were got. Top, 10s. to 10s. 3d. per stone ; current, Os. 9d. per stone ; inferior, Bs. 6d. per stone. There was no store cattle on show. Mulch cows, dull trade. Good quality sheep down ls. per head ; trade very dull, Best mutton, Bid. per lb.: current, Bd. per lb. ; inferior, 7d. per lb. Ewes were of rather an inferior class. Pigs sold at last week's prices. Young pigs at 10s. and 14s. LONDON COLONL:L AND FOREIGN PRODUCE MARKET. WEDNESDAY.-Privately there has been very little doing to-day, the attendance at Mincing-lane having been very limited. Sugar is nominally unaltered. Yesterday a cargo of Cuba muscotavos sold for a near continental port at 275. 6d. Coffeo has changed hands. Bahia, afloat, has sold at 475. 6d. In teas there is nothing to report. The rice market is without feature, while no sales have been reported in rum, Cocoa is unchanged. LIVERPOOL COTTON MARKET, WEDNESDAY.-This mar ket closed quietly, but steady s a l es amounted to 12,000 bah s. No arrivals. LONDON TRADE REPORT, WEDNESDAY. --Tallow has con tinued quiet, but firm, at 455. 6d. to 455. 94. Y.C., spot, January to March, 455. 9d. to 465. ; March, 465. to 465. 3d. ; June, 465. Oils generally remain unaltered, ,n the absence of important business. Linseed, 295. 9d. to 305.: English town made. 475. 6 , 1.; reffied, 495. 6d. to 50s. ; foreign, 50s. 6d. to 51s. per cwt. Ame rican refined petroleum is quoted at ls. 61d. to ls. 6 d. ; Ameri can turpentine, 345. MANCHESTER TRADE REPORT, WEDNESDAY.- To-day our Market is quiet, but very firm in tone generally ; whilst the amount of business going on is still comparatively small. Both buyers and Oilers seem indifferent about entering into fresh operations. The preparations for the close of the year inter fere considerably with business. The heavy imports have irn- Par ted.a quieter tone to that market, but have made no change in values there or here. GLASGOW} PIG-IRON MARKET, WEDNESDAY.—The market is a turn easier ; business is done at 518. Id. to 51s. cash. Closing, sellers former and buyers latter quotation. CLYDE CRUSHED SUGAR, WEDNESDAY.-There was a good demand for all qualities at this market to-day. Prices shew about 6d. advance since Saturday. CORK BUTTER MARKET, WEDNESDAY.-Ordinary first 1425., secondS 1345., thirds 1205., fourths 1075., fifths 985„ sixti s 675. 540 firkins in the marlet. Mild cured firsts 1525., seconds 1445.) thirds 1275. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET, THURSDAY.-Not withstanding that there were only limited supplies of stock on sale, the cattle trade throughout was depressed, and Monday's quotations were scarcely maintained. Beasts came to hand in tolerably good condition, but purchases in all descrip tions were effected cautiously, and very choice animals only coul d thoroughly rdaliSe previous values. The best Scots and crosses sold at ss. 10d. to 6s. per 81b, Sheep experienced a slow de mand, at prices tending towards lower rates. The best Downs and half-breds were disposed of at 6s. to 6s. 4d. per 81b. Calves and pigs were taken sparingly, at about the rate current last Monday. Per 81bs. to sink the offal.-Coarse and inferior beasts, 3s. 6d. to 4s. 4d. • second quality do„ 4s. 6d. to 4s. 10d. - prime large oxen, ss. 4d. to ss. Bd. ; prime Scots, &c., ss. 10d. .to 6s. ; coarse andinferior sheep, 3s. 6d. to 3s. 10d. ; second quality do., 4s. to 4s. Bd. : prime coarse woolled sheep, ss. 2d. to ss. 10d.: prime South Down do., 6s. to 6s. 4d. ; large coarse calves, 3s. Bd. to 4s. 4d. ; prime small ditto, ss. to 6s. 2d. ; large hogs, 4s. 4d. to ss. 2d. ; neat small porkers, ss. 6d. to 6s. 4d. Quarter old store pigs, 225. to 265. each. METROPOLITAN HAY AND STRAW MARKET, THURSDAY. -In consequence of the frost, the supply on sale was limited. The trade was inactive, at the following quotations :- Prime meadow hay, 130 s. to 140 s. ; inferior ditto, 110 s. to 120 s. ; prime first-cut clover, 130 s. to 140 s. ; inferior ditto, 115 s. to 1255. ; prime second-cut clover, 1265. to 1355. ; inferior ditto, 105 s, to 1158.; and straw, 335. to 38s. per load. MANCHESTER TRADE REPORT, THURSDAY.—This market continues quiet to-day, and no change has taken place either in yarns or goods. Prices continue steady, but the upward ten dency has been checked by the free imports of cotton into Liver pool, and the quiet business usual at the close of the year. We anticipate very little business for the remainder of this year, and prices will likely remain nominally unchanged until busi ness is actively resumed next week. LIVERPOOL COTTON MARKET, THIIRSDAY.—Opening Re port.—This market opened steady to-day. Probable sales, 12,000 bales. Imports—American, 11,083 bales.—Closing Report. This market closed freely supplied, and prices rather easier. Sales, 12,000 bales. Arrivals unaltered. CLYDE CRUSHED SUGAR MARKET, THURsDAY.—A further reduction of supplies at this market to-day, and the demand was good. Sugars from 345. to 385., being about 6d. advance. Other sorts 3d. dearer. GLASGOW PIG IRON MARKET, THURSDAY. This market to-day opened a turn better, but little doing ; 51s. Id. cash, 51s. sd. paid in a month. Closing buyers at latter, sellers at former prices. CORK BUTTER MARKET, THURSDAY.—Ordinary no change ; 250 firkins in the market. Mild cured no change ; 10 firkins in the market. ANNUAL INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITIONS. Prince Oscar Of Sweden has been appointed President of the Sweden Commission, which consists of twenty-two members, and of which Baron A. H. Fock is the Acting Commissioner. The Commission has applied for more space. Belgium also finds that the space she originally applied for will not be suffieient for her purpose. Her ex hibits will include a complete representation of the educa tional works and appliances used in the primary and middle schools, and also in the schools of design and the Acaddmie des Beaux Arts. A number of architects and their friends visited the Albert Hall on Wednesday, at the invitation of the Commissioners, when the testing of the acoustic properties of the hall, as before her Majesty the Queen on her recent visit, again took place by the performance of pianoforte, flute, piccolo, and vocal solos. The tests were perfectly successful, and the large number of visitors, about 600, testified their pleasure by frequent applause. Intending exhibitors should bear in mind that the Commissioners have given formal notice that the 31st of December is the last time at which persons proposing to submit objects for exhibition can signify their intention to do so. All specimens of school work must be de livered at the House of tho Society of Arts, 18, John street, Adelphi, London, on Wednesday, the Bth, or Tuesday, the 9th of February, 1871, conveniently arranged, so as to be ready for immediate inspection by the Committee of Selection. The Commissioners consider it desirable that the rule should be strictly observed by which the number of specimens to be sent from any one school is limited to ten, in each subject of instruction, for every hundred pupils in regular attendance at the school. For any number of pupils less than one hundred, a pro portionate number of specimens will be admissible, viz., one specimen, in each subject of instruction, for every ten pupils in attendance. ,7)11 0, LONDOIN, FRIvAI, DECEMBER 30, 167 u METROPOLITAN GOSSIP.-THURSDAY For once people seem not displeased to get rid of Christmas. It is not without reason that so much has been written about the peculiar melancholy of the last days of 1870. Englishmen, so far as selfish interest goes, have nothing to complain of ; but selfish interest is not the sole thing considered even in this life. It is true that a gloom seems to have settled upon the whole world. In England the very weather seemed in mourning. I do not remember that London ever presented so miserable an appearance as on last Sunday. The weather was dreadfully cold, and there was none of the cheerfulness which often attends Christmas cold. The thermometer was much below zero. Even those streets which are usually full of life were deserted. Sunday night is a sort of carnival in the Strand, and Christmas usually makes no difference to it. This time scarce a soul was to be seen in the great thoroughfare. We do not believe, as people would of old, that the weather and the war had any supernatural connection ; but none whose thoughts turned towards central France would be raised in spirits by one of the most steadily melancholy nights I ever remember. The combatants shew no sign of a disposition to make peace. The more equal the contest is, the more likely is it to be prolonged, and from this time to the fall of Paris it will probably be more equal than at any previous stage. Yet I think signs are not wanting that the end is approaching. One symptom is the weariness of the Germans, and another is the great at tention the French (who, of course, are wearier still,) begin to pay to political affairs. The politics which will follow the war will be even more interesting than the war. itself, and some indications of the melee are becoming manifest. Will Trochu make a throw for the Orleanists ? Will the Imperialists have any remaining strength to chal lenge the decision in favour of the Emperor? Will the Repub licans lose the game through internal discord? The Cologne Gazette says that General Trochu will retire to his now famous entrenchments at Val6rien, and there make peace in the Orleanist interests. Ido not credit this. I rather believe the statement which reaches me that the Governor of Paris will stand by the Republic, as he has cast in his lot with it, and that he will be a candidate for the Presidency, as undoubtedly would Gambetta. It would be a tremendous contest be tween these two men. Both have great abilities, both great services to their country in their favour. Trochu is the safe man, holds moderate opinions, and would get the support of the bourgeoisie. Gambetta is the favourite of the Republicans, is an orator of the first rank, and would have the towns on his side. There is, however, another ques tion. Could Trochu, without any well defined party on his side, hold his ground in a national Assembly against the greatparliamentary men who are now his colleagues if he and they were to disagree, as they almost certainly would? It would be premature to pursue this interesting question any further. I mention these matters merely as shewing the disposition of Frenchmen to look to what will come after the war—as some sort a symptom that they are thinking of peace. There is another sign. The advocacy of revolutionary measures has become very strong of late, just as if the Republicans were anxious not to let their hold of the country slip away from them. I heard at one of the Clubs last night that Government had taken prompt measures to obtain satisfaction for the outrage upon the British flag by sinking vessels in the Seine. Such measures are unavoidable. There is, how ever, some doubt as to how far international law will sanction the Prussian proceedure—speaking of the act in itself without reference to the manner in which it was done. That the manner was, however, most offensive, cannot be doubted; and this is only one amongst many small but galling slights to England on the part of the conquering invaders. It can not be expected that an English Government will allow itself to be ridden roughshod over in this way. I do not think that the German race will ever rival the Marvels of the Roman or Anglo-Saxon peoples. It has such a faculty, all its own, of making itself odious. I find everybody's ideas very _vague touching the changes in the Ministry. Mr. Goschen, Mr. Stansfeld, and Mr. Fortescue are almost the only names now men tioned as likely successors of Mr. Bright. It is thought tiat the President of the Poor Law Board may transfer, because the Board of Trade is a more suitable sphere for his gieat commercial knowledge; but then Mr. Goschen does fairly well in his present office, which would require filling up if he left, without any specially qualified man being ready to hand, and Mr. Goschen's merits as a politician are scarcely of the kind to fit him for succeeding Mr. Bright. Mr. Chichester Fortescue is represented as tired of Hibernian business, and desirous of casting anchor in the quiet harbour from which Mr. Bright has just set sail. The Chief Secretary for Ireland would no doubt figure respectably at the Board of Trade, and Mr. Monsell, who is generally regarded as the future Chief Secretary, would be a very promising successor, especially as he is a Roman Ca tholic. But neither Mr. Goschen nor Mr, For tescue meets the case. The problem is to satisfy the advanced party, who at present enjoy a share of the sweets of office far from commensurate with their grow ing importance. Somebody is wanted to keep quiet the troublesome knot below the gangway, to console them for the inertia of Mr. Bruce, the frigidity of 2 Mr. Lowe, and the influence of the higher spheres, so painfully evi dent in Mr. Cardwell, not to speak of one or two other dismal shades, contact with whom is anything but in spiriting to the warm Radical heart. To this end Mr. Stansfeld is a proper choice. He is not a Mr. Bright ; but he is an able man, a fair representative of the ad vanced minority, and deserves some recompense for the scarcely fair treatment he met with a few years ago. Had Mr. Gladstone only his own inclinations to consult, Mr. Stansfeld, so I am told, would be the man selected. There is no knowing, however, what will be done if the reconstruction of the Ministry takes a wider range. It may do so. It is the common belief that Mr. Cardwell is doomed, and that the only thing left to arrange about the War Office is to provide some means of decently getting rid of its present occupant. I believe the Government are thoroughly aroused to the necessity of providing against the danger of an attack upon their military ad ministration. But the difficulty lies not in the person of Mr. Cardwell alone. He has filled all kinds of offices, and has cut a better figure in any than in the one he now holds, so there can be no difficulty in making a little arrangement with respect to him. But there is another important post, intimately connected with the War Office, which also requires a change. To what good is it to talk of army reform, or to procure a reforming war secretary, whilst the chief officer of the army consistently opposes all reform : declares against it in public, employs his influence against it, and, when a change is made, speedily reduces its operation to nil? What is wanted is a Commandeg•in-Chief who will appre ciate the palpable fact that the times are changed, and that we and our affairs must change with them. Whether we increase cur military cxpcndituro, diminish it, or leave it unaltered, the necessity remains the same. All desire to see full value for whatever is laid out, and under the present wasteful system we do not get nearly full value. Until this alteration is brought about Mr. Cardwell may remain where he is. He is an excel lent proficient in the art of explaining to Parliament why this or that thing has not been done. There are some rumours abroad that the Government mean to make a stand on this army question. Mr. Bruce will have to postpone his campaign another session ; whilst no matter what may be said or done at the Horse Guards, a root and branch reform will be submitted. The news is too good to be true. When some great disaster befalls us, it is not unlikely that " something will be done." The army will cease to be a disgrace to the nation and a laughing stock to Europe. Probably, too, it will be found that a great deal will be accomplished for the same sum that now yields so little. One thing, how ever, we shall achieve without a disaster. There will be plenty of talk in Parliament. What with the attack the Conservatives will undoubtedly make, and the bill the Government will bring in—for it is no secret that a mea sure of some kind is preparing—the army question will at least fill the coldinns of the Times. The selection of Lord Enfield as Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs is generally approved. It is surmising that more has not been made of this sound and indus trious, if not brilliant, Liberal. Lord Enfield is well-con nected and influential, but quite untrammelled by pa trician prejudices. With regard to the Judge Advocate- Generalship, the wonder is not that a most unexpected choice has been made, but that the post has been filled up at all. Have the Government, disheartened at the recep tion accorded to some of their economical movements, given up frugality as part of their programme? Else, why not abolish this sinecure ? Mr. Davison, who has got the £2,000 a year, and next to nothing to do, is known as member for Durham, as a leading barrister on the Northern. Circuit, and as nothing more. He is a cypher ea Parliament. But then these rewards are not always given for services in debating. It is said, that the Government are about to make in quiries into the causes of the railway accidents so horribly numerous of late. This is the proper mode of pro cedure. Full information, gained by dispas sionate inquiry, is the only means by which precautions likely to have any beneficial result can be brought to light. Nothing is to to be gained by the usual expedient of bullying directors at a period of exceptional calamity. The inducements to railway managers to do all in their power to avoid disaster cannot well be greater than _they are. It is their interest to prevent a panic amongst railway passengers. It is their interest to avert the heavy c )mpensation awards which are the invariable result of injury to life or limb. To speak of them as if collisions were an amusement in which they revelled is worse than useless. Some Irish friends of mine are indignant at the Times insinuating that Smith O'Brien, whose statue has just been erected in Ireland, had no claim to national comme moration as a patriot, and that he will only be remom• bered in connection with a battle in a Limerick cabbage garden, with a trial and sentence and a return to Ireland, after which the man who nearly brought calamity on his country remained peaceable. Smith O'Brien was not satisfied, after his pardon, with remaining loyal and peaceable. Finding that he had miscal culated the direction in which his efforts for the welfare of Ireland ought to be made, he encouraged the labourers on his large properties in the South by paying them higher wages and giving them better cottages ; and he not only caused an improvement in the position of the small farming classes in all the neighbouring counties, but he gave away from his own purse a large number of silver challenge plates and cups to the agri culturists of Ireland who produced annually the best cattle at the Royal Dublin Society's shows. So far as the Fine Arts are concerned, the Interna tional Exhibition next year, at South Kensington, will present a large and successful show. The visitors to the building will not be struck so much with the collection of old and well-known paintings, as with ' the immense number of small modern pictures, chiefly supplied to the " hanging committee," by amateur as well as pro fessional artists, residing in and near London. The lady students at the South Kensington and other metro politan schools of art intend to be represented in a very worthy fashion, and the earnestness of the male students, I understand, to have creditable works finished in time is also remarkable. There is no doubt that the picture gal leries will afford proof that painting in water colours and oils has been very widely taken up as an accomplishment by English young ladies and gentlemen within the past five years. It will be for the public to say whether as much care is now taken in finishing off a work of art as in those times when the easel was only used by a few dainty damsels, and profes sional painters to the Royal Courts. It may be added that Mr. Frith is at work on a great picture for next year's Academy, which is to rival— if not excel—the famous " Derby Day." Mr. Marcus Stone will supply two paintings—one of a general subject, the other a portrait. The regularity with which the morning papers make their appearance is not one of the least remarkable features of English industry and skill; but this week an exception occurred. The " forms" 'of the Daily Te'egraph, like those of most London newspapers, are stereotyped ; and, whilst this operation was being performed on Monday morning, one of the pages was accidentally cast twice over, and at the last moment it was four d necessary to commence again. The paper did not appear until seven o'clock. The consternation amongst the agents of the journal which has the "largest circulation in the world," may be imagined. Speaking of newspaper matters, I fear that the project for a new first-class London daily hangs fire, through the old cause—want of capital. People naturally hesitate before embarking in this kind of business. Starting a newspaper is, and pro bably ever shall be, like starting an Atlantic cable a few years ago. The new daily paper to be commenced in Bir mingham at the opening of the year—the Birmingham Morning News—will be edited jointly by Dr. Langford and Mr. George Dawson, M.A. Amongst the many old Christmas customs dropping out of vogue is the fashion of pantomimic representation. A few years ago pantomimes were the rule ; they are now— in London at least—the exception. Several of the leading theatres make no change in their programme ; many more rely upon the modern substitute of burlesque; not half a dozen have the regulation fare. Covent Garden and Drury Lane maintain their time honoured policy ; it would be a disgrace if the vast Standard had not a pantomime ; and the lately unfor tunate transpontine Surrey has a good entertainment of the - fine old stamp. But the greatness of the rest is fallen. It is a fine time, however, for burlesque—plenty of scope for witty and satirical points. The war personages, the railway companies, the Pope, and (in a small way) the Ministry, all come in for their share. It is wonderful how unanimous popular theatrical feeling has become about the war. Vivid sympathy displays itself for the French, and such sallies as "Bismarck, butcher, German street," are greeted with evident relish. The propriety of putting directors into their own cattle trucks, and divers other savage suggestions about men who would be only too glad to keep their trucks intact, are alike rapturously received. Sometimes the joke comes in awkwardly. The author of the Covent Garden pantomime could not persuade himself to let the old dockyard topic alone, albeit so many fine new ones lay in his , way, and accor dingly introduced a shot about the mean, Lowe, way of doing things. The Chancellor of the Exchequer happened to be sitting in the stalls on Boxing Night, and very red he looked when this sally came forth. But why do Ministers go to pantomimes, when they know they are fair game ? All the pantomimes seem good this year ; burlesques however, vary very much. Good are those at the Adelphi, the Princess's, and the Strand, the latter especially so. The author in this latter case, Mr. Strachan, originally of Newcastle, has had a remarkably successful " run " in this department of theatrical art. His burlesque at the Strand, his pantomimes at Glasgow, Liverpool, and else where, have all met with an excellent reception. Last Christmas this author had a provincial pantomime which ran longer than any of the year. I have left scant space for literary news, but there is nothing to notice, besides Christmas books. Mr. Dutton Cook is engaged on a new novel, and so is Mr. Shirley Brooks. Those who are in want of some thing to read may advantageously laugh at Friswell's criticisms on English writers. THE CHANNEL ISLANDS TELEGRAPH.-COMMU nication with Guernsey and Jersey was stopped throughout the whole of Wednesday, owing to an interruption of the land wire between Exeter and Dartmouth, occasioned, no doubt, by snow or bad weather. MAGisTErtiAL DISCORD IN LivEßpooL.—There was a meeting of the borough magistrates of Liverpool on Wednesday, at which Messrs. Samuelson and Whitty made a warm complaint of the inattention and want of courtesy shewn to them by the watch committee and the head constable, in not dismissing a policeman whose dis charge they had recommended f or p revar i ca ti on . M r . Clint, as chairman of the watch committee, said that it was not the practice to interfere with cases adjudicated upon by magistrates. Messrs. Samuelson and Whitty explained that they left it in courtesy to the head comta ble to discharge the policeman, but would not again act with the same urbanity towards him or the committee. DEATH AT A WORKHOUSE GATE ON CHRIST-- MAS DAY.—On Thursday Mr. Richards held an inquest at the Approach Tavern, Btehnal-green, touching the death of George Cecil, aged 80 years. The deceased was a weaver, but old age and want of employment compelled him to enter the Bethnal-green Workhouse. On Christ mas Day he obtained leave from the workhouse authorities to go and dine with his daughter in Cambridge-road, but one of the conditions of leave was that he should return by five o'clock. While enjoying his daughter's Christmas fare he became very excited, and he said, " I shall be too late," and his anxiety became alarming when it reached twenty minutes to five, and he then rose from the table and ran down the road to the workhouse. Joseph Blinks, gate porter at the workhouse, said that the deceased knocked at the workhouse gate at ten minutes past five. He was hi a great hurry, and he said, "I'm late." Witness said, "never mind," and the deceased fell dead. The medical evidence proved that the poor man was suffering from disease of the heart, and that runninr , . and ex citement would have a tendency to accelerate death. The jury returned a verdict in accordance with the medical evidence. NOTTCE. LL. Whisky Depot. Kinahan and Co. have removed to their new and spacious premises, No. (la, Great Titchficld-street, Oxford-street, leading from 'A targaret-street, Regent-street, and Market-street, Oxford-street. Kinahan's LL. Whisky.—Tkis famous and most delicious old mellow spirit is the very cream of Irish whiskies, in quality unrivalled, perfectly pure, and more wholesome than the finest cognac brandy. Can be obtained all over the kingdom, in the well-known sealed and labelled bottles, or in bond for exportation at the London Docks. Wholesale Agents to Messrs. Bass, Guinness, and Younger, and Dealers in Foreign Wines and Spirits. THE WA R. THE SIEGE OF PARIS. THE SORTIES.-FRENCH OFFICIAL REPORT. The following is the report of Admiral de la Ronciere to General Trochu, on the attack on Le Bourget :—" In obedience to your orders, we have attacked Le Bourget this morning. The Marine Pattalion and the 188th Regiment, under the energetic command of Naval Captain La,motte Trouet, stormed the northern part of the village at the same time that an attack, vigorously executed by General Lambique in the south part of the village, found its advance arrested, notwithstanding its gallant efforts, by strong barricades and loopholed walls, which made it impossible to push further than the first houses we had taken. During nearly three hours our troops held their position in the north of Le Bourget, even beyond the church, fighting hard for each house under a hail of shot from windows and cellars. They were forced to retire; this was done calmly. At the same time an important demonstration was made by the 10th, 12th, 13th, and 14th Regiments of Gardes Mo biles of the Seine and a detachment of the 82nd Battalion of the Mobilised Guards of St. Denis, under the command of Colonel Lausamont. Lastly, the 68th battalion of the Mobilised National Guards of St. Denis made its appear ance in front of Epinay, while the two floating batteries, No. 1 and No. 4, fired upon the village as well as upon Orgemont and the Swan Enghien, whence the enemy replied vigorously. Our losses are considerable, especially in the 134th and 138th Regiments. Although our object has not been attained, I cannot sufficiently praise the valiant energy displayed by our troops. One hundred Prussian prisoners were brought in from Le Bourget." PART CLUBS. On Sunday, the eighteenth, an interesting incident took place at the Folies Berger-es. Citizen Peyronton, a delegate of the Fovian Club, proposed to the meeting a motion signed by M. Ledru-Rollin, asking that the Government of the Defene . shoulcl make a sortie en masse to force the Prussian lines and deliver Paris in a very short space of time. This proposal was followed by the greatest tumult and the utterance of con tradictory opinions. M. Ratishonne spoke with great earnestness, and said that it was sought to convey a censure on the Government, under cover of this pro position. The Government had never wished to capitulate, at any rate they did not want to learn anything from the riflemen of Belleville. This speech was followed by Leine applause. A stormy meeting took place at the Blanche Club, which was numerously attended. A great many accusations were made, the first against one of the mayors for having made -an enormous profit out of the sale of meat and other articles of food. Three young men were charged with taking no part in the army or the Mobile or the marching battalions, and it was added that there was no good in sending such a complaint to the mairie. At this point serious disputes arose in the assembly, and one speaker said that the Brothers who interred the dead would be of much more use in the ranks of the army. Among the complaints made an excited orator spoke strongly against the observance of discipline ? It was a disciplined army, he said, who capitulated at Sedan, while France .was saved in 1792 by the aid of un disciplined armies; and how could a free Republic agree to be bound down by the slavery of discipline. These remarks were received wish applause. The Assembly united in blaming the Government for many things. Among others for nominating the intendant who had provisioned the place of Sedan. It was also declared wrong on the part of the authorities to talk of an honourable peace ; they should think of nothing but victory or death. Unless Paris was saved in forty eight hours, it was resolved that they should proceed en masse to the Hotel de Ville and proclaim the commune. THE HOUSE OF COMMONS.—During the year which is drawing to a close the House of Commons has lost eleven members through death, all of whom were Libe rals. Last year the number was the same, in the propor tion of seven Liberals to four Conservatives. The repre sentatives of the people who have been thus removed in 1870 are—Mr. Briscoe, 78 years of age ; Hon. F. H. F. Berkeley, 75 : Mr. Kirk, 75; Mr. Corbally, 73 ; Mr. Gurdon Rebow, 71; Mr. C. Wykeham Martin, 69; Mr. Clement, 65 ; Serjeant Kinglake, 65 ; Mr. G. H. Moore, 59 ; Sir J. Simeon, 55 ; and Mr. E. Denison, 30. THE EASTERN CHURCHES.—The Porte is con siderably embarrassed by the communications between the orthodox Patriarch of Constantinople, and the free Bulgarian Church. The Porte wishes on the one hand to to gratify the Bulgarians by yielding to their wishes re specting the independence of the Byzantine patriarchate, but on the other it hesitates to interfere with the interests of the Orthodox Church which rest upon rights guaranteed by treaties and supported by powerful foreign protectors. A proposal has been made for an 'Ecumenical Council, which should regulate the rela tions of the, orthodox church, and especially of the Bulgarian cpmmunity, the detached branch of that church. The Grand Vizier has authorised the assembly of this council, but in a letter to the patriarch he advises him to prepare a programme of the questions to be dis cussed, that extraneous matters may not be introduced. The council, according to news from Constantinople, will probably meet in April. AN IRISH LANDLORD AND HIS TENANTS.—Sir H. Winston Barron, of Waterford, has issued the follow ing address to his tenants :—" My dear Friends,—l con gratulate you on the passing of an Act of Parliament that will give you security of tenure and security for any improvements you make on your farms. Recollect that whatever money you expend in draining, in buildings, in reclaiming land, or other improvements must be by law re-paid to you before you can be dispossessed of your holdings. It is therefore clearly your interest to improve your farms. All the profits of the improvements will be for your benefit and that of your children. No one can deprive you of this profit. I, therefore, believe this new law is a good law both for landlord and tenant. It will secure the landlord his rent—it will secure the tenant his capital and induce him to improve his farm ; and there fore enable him to pay his rent with greater ease and raise his condition in life. But it will do more—it will by degrees improve the wealth of the nation, and develop the resources of Ireland. Thank God, agrarian crime is unknown amongst you, but where it has been resorted to, I have no doubt that it will soon disappear, when the new law is known, and its practical effects are properly understood. There are very few of you that have not g ot leases. I am willing to give th ose w h o h ave no t go t them leases for thirty-one years, which is much longer than is usually granted in other countries. It would greatly improve your position and wealth if you would follow the example of other countries in your farming. There the farmers sow more green crops, more vetches, more clover, more turnips, marigolds, carrots, and cab bages. Our climate and soil are badly suited to wheat— both the climate and soil are well adapted to stock of all kinds. I have taken some pains to improve your stock. I beg to impress upon you the great advantage of well-bred stock. In these few plain words my sole object is to raise your condition—to improve your position, and to induce you to place full confidence in my anxiety to benefit you in any way you may point out —Faithfully yours, H. WINSTON BARRON. To my tenants. have reason to believe that few of you make sufficient manure in your yards ; therefore, your crops are bad, and your land ex hausted. I beg of you to increase your manure and to buy guano, or some of the phosphate, for your green crop s . A vo id t a ki ng t oo many cro p s o ff the land—this is ruinous to yourselves and your children ; it starves the land and injures it for years." GERMAN ACCOUNT. The description furnished to the Cologne Gazette says there were six or seven different sorties, only one of which, however, was of a serious nature. The letter, dated the 23rd, says :—The real attack was made against the Guards and the 12th Saxon Corps, whose chief cantonments, as is known, are to the north-east of Paris, near Sevran and Aulnay. • The enemy broke out against this position with three divisions from Bobigny and Bondy, supported by 20 batteries. These masses, however, suddenly changed front towards the north, with the object of commencing operations against the Guards near Drancy and Le Bour get, on the battle-field of the 30th October. Notwith. standing, however, that important masses of infantry— three divisions of the French—were brought under fire, 15 companies of the Guards alone were able'to measure themselves against them, and to drive them back far bz yond Bourget under the fire of the forts; further to take 1,000 of them prisoners, and cause them by means of their battery—which reached to within 1,400 paces of the French outer works—considerable losses in killed and wounded. The engagement, in fact, had for the most part been principally carried on by artillery, and we only Inst one officer and sixteen men in killed and wounded. Thus ended the latest great sortie in the same way as all the previous ones had done. Yesterday another small sortie took place, with the same result, against the Saxon position on the plateau d'Avron, which lies at the south of the battle-field of the clay before yesterday, and which is principally commanded by the Forts Rosny and Noigy. The attack was directed against a newly-erected battery, which, however, the Parisians did not, succeed in de stroying. THE WEATHER AND THE SIEGE. The Times correspondent on the north of Paris writes : —Some short time ago we complained of the monotony of having nothing to do here. The French would not come out; there were no sorties, except of potatoe diggers, and we thought it cruel of the Parisians to compel us to listen to the firing of the forts when, as everybody knew, they must capitulate in a few days. The Parisians may now fairly say—Nous avons change tout cola. Since the affair of the 30th ult. they have been keeping us on the move day and night. Up to the present their sorties have not done much for them, but it must be owned that they have been extremely embarrassing to us. In this dreadfully cold weather it is not pleasant for the whole northern line of investment to be constantly under arms, and to spend most hours out of the twenty-four in the open field. The German troops are well fed and well clothed ; but they are only men after all, and they must feel the effects of constant exposure to several degrees of frost and an im placable north wind. The first thing one sees at sunrise, and the last thing one sees at sunset, all along our line, is a vast array of horse, foot, and artillery, attended by ammunition trains and the waggons of sanitary detach ments. Again, though the Germans hold their own— that is to say, their circle of investment—the French have made the task of preserving it much more difficult than it was a few weeks ago. GERMAN GOVERNMENT IN FRANCE. The government of the Departments occupied by the Germans, but which they have no intention of retaining, will form a curious chapter in the history of the war. The interests of the invader are of course paramount, but these interests being indirectly promoted by the security of property, the repair of roads, the re pression of crime, and other measures conducive to the welfare of the inhabitants, the German officials turn their attention to a variety of subjects. Thus the Prefect of the Meuse, Herr Bethman Hollweg, an account of whose administration is given by the Cologne Gazette, inaugurated his regime by regulations designed to suppress the rinderpest, which appear to have proved successful. He next found it neeessary to impose a fine of at least £BO on the destruction of a railway, and of £l6 on damage to telegraph wires, to be paid by the locality where the offence was committed. Cases of this kind have, consequently, been rare. To provide against a scarcity of provisions in the districts traversed by the troops, he ordered the mayor to collect considerable stores, by contract or otherwise, and to sell these, if neces sary, to the inhabitants at reasonable prices. He also directed the re-opening of elementary schools, and invited the managers of lyceums and colleges to state whether those institutions likewise could not resume their opera tions. A few weeks later he guaranteed the salaries of elementary teachers, and instructed the mayor to pay them out of the incoming taxes. To furnish the German soldiers with what they usually regard as a necessary of life, he issued an order that they should each be supplied, either by those on whom they were billited or by the com munity, with five cigars or 50 grammes of tobacco, daily. This order, however, has been almost a dead letter, the soldiers being too good-natured to insist on its fulfilment. One of his earliest measures was the re-establishment of the post-office, which had entirely ceased its functions on account of the flight of the officials or the requisition of horses and vehicles. Every place accordingly has a de livery and collection of letters and papers at least twice a week. In connection with this the mayors were directed to arrange for frequent inspection of the roads and reports on the necessary repairs, which were carried out at the expense of the German authorities. The communi ties were invited at the end of October to furnish a statement of the requisitions of provisions, forage, horses, and carriages imposed on them, and this was responded to with admirable promptitude and com pleteness, it being evidently thought that these lists would be placed, as it were, to their credit, and would mitigate their future burdens. Such returns were afterwards to be made fortnightly. With regard to taxation, the arrangements are so complete that as soon as Verdun had capitulated the inhabitants were served with taxing papers, which had been prepared beforehand at the prefecture at Bar-le-Duc. The columns of the Inclependance Belge are still full of the protests of captive French officers, against an Imperialist restoration. The Journal de Liege says that on Sunday night several \ isains of German wounded passed through Lidge on the way to Germany. They were from the army of General Makteuffel. TWO Italian journalists who are serving under Gari baldio in their accounts of the fighting near Dijon, state that the French Mobiles were seized with a panic at the first shots of the enemy, and Garibaldi vainly attempted to arrest their flight by dismounting from his carriage and singing the " Marseillaise." Correspondence from Lyons informs us that the body of Commandant Arnaud was interred with great military and civil pomp, but with a total absence of religious ob servance. M. Gambetta, accompanied by his secretary (M. Spuller) walked at the head of the procession. The prefect, the maire, the members of the municipal council, and large numbers of the National Guard, as well as crowds of citizens, attended to testify their respect for the murdered man, and their horrror at the crime which had been committed. It is asserted that his widow has become insane. The Echo du Luxemburg says :—" Nothing is talked of in the town but the arrest of twenty-six Frenchmen, which was made at the railway station by the gendarmerie of Arlon. These travellers, mostly working men, or at least, dressed as such, were bearers of passports and livrets, testifying that they had come from the forges of Arssur Moselle. Notwithstanding these papers and the strongest protestations, despite even the threat of actions for arbitrary detention, the gendarmes thought it neces sary to convey these Frenchmen to the cellular prison, where they are now interned as belligerents who had violated our territory." The Constitutionnel is indignant at the attitude assumed by the Government of National Defence towards the French press. The journals generally resent the stric tures of the Government on the publication of false news, and argue that if the Ministers did not leave the public so long without authentic intelligence, false news would not circulate so readily. The Constitutionne/ remarks that the Minister of the Interior and of War have not always been scrupulously accurate in their accounts, but have sometimes exaggerated them 'and sometimes softened them down. The Constitutionnel does not question the sincerity of the Ministers, who were actuated by a laud able patriotism, and desire to encourage the people, but it claims the same indulgence for the mistaken journals. The Independance Beige states, on the authority of a Government official, who has just arrived in the south of France by a balloon, that Paris has provisions enough to last until the Ist of 'February, and that the city can hold out easily until the 20th of January, not, it is true, with out privation, but by continuing the present system of rations—that is to say, she can eke out the ordinary means of subsistence with the help of rats, cats, &c. From that date until the Ist of February she will have nothing but bread and wine, but this will be enough for her to live on. The Independance also states that General Trochu is determined to hold out in any case, and that he intends to intrench himself in one of the forts, with the full approbation of the population of the city. The German papers mention several incidents shewing the hostile attitude of the population of the occupied French provinces. At Colmar, on the 20th, nine Francs- Tireurs were arrested, whereupon a crowd, chiefly com posed of women, collected before the Prefecture and gave vent to their sympathy for the prisoners, several stones being thrown at the military, who, however, shewed great forbearance. At night there was another crowd, which rendered it necessary for patrols to traverse the town and disperse the people. At Kehl, on the same day, several inhabitans were arrested and sent to Strasburg, on suspicion of intending to join the Francs-Tireurs in the south. The conduct of the Prussians with regard to Beaugency on the Bth appears to have been atrocious. That town contained nothing but wounded, not a shot had been fired from it, and the red cross flag was hoisted in conspicuous places, yet the Prussians deliberately bombarded it from the south side of the Loire. The losses on both sides were enormous, and the French wounded suffered fearfully. We are told by a correspondent of the Times that the Prussians simply to not attempt to deal with the French wounded, but leave them to the chance of casual assistance. A young lieutenant of eighteen, commanding a com pany of 100 Franc-tireurs, on the equipping and feeding of whom he has spent a large sum of money out of his own pocket, shewed an English newspaper correspondent the register of his men's deeds. This register is in a pocket-book, which is posted up with the utmost regu larity, and contains the number of Germans killed by the company every day. It shews that from the 15th September to the Ist December 600 Germans bad been killed by these 100 Franc-tireurs, with a loss to themselves of only five men, killed and ten wounded. N.. MODEL SHELL.—As we were looking, In there was belched out a mighty volume of smoke high from the rampart of Val6rien itself. It attracted atten tion only for the moment, and I was explaining the details of the position to my companion, when suddenly there grew up high above us a sound which is like nothing else in the world—the iron pinion of the Death Angel which is sent from the mouth of the cannon. Down it swooped, and from the opposite bank of the river, which flows at our feet, there came an eruption of earth and fat smoke as the shell blew out a tremendous crater. It was a decided success—a messenger from one of the new guns, which had thus made a sweep to strike a point 8,000 metres away. Do not smile at the Death Angel, for surely that shell, well landed in the midst of them, would have sufficed to shake a battalion. There was a dog in the field where it fell, and the wild circles it made, barking with fright, round the spot, were very amusing. In a few seconds a Frenchman in a blouse came out from among the houses on the river bank, and went to the gaping hole ; and then another, and next a Prussian soldier. Again a woman appeared, and more soldiers ; and a Frenchman got into the crater, in which he was buried up to the shoulders, and the dog finally joined him. The group was complete.—Dr. Russell in the Times. LUXEMBURG'S REPLY TO PRUSSIA. The reply of M. Servais, the Luxemburg Minister, to the circular of Count Bismarck has been issued. M. Servais contends that the information acted on by the Prussian Government is incorrect. Luxem burg had a difficult, part to play, being too feeble for self defence and yet liable to attack without fault of its own, and a great part of the war was waged on its very frontiers. False reports addressed to the belligerent powers constituted another great danger, and complaints of alleged breaches of neutrality were received from both sides. Those from the French side, were however, the most frequent, and M. Servals reminds Count Bis marck that the Luxemburg Government has received from Berlin tokens of approbation. Luxemburg allowed the passage of the German wounded, which Belgium re fused, and on November 28th a Lidg-e firm offered the Luxemburg Government a good price for old guns, to be converted into weapons of the new systems. After referring to the Prussian authorities, the Luxemburg Government refused to sell the guns, and received the thanks of Herman Thile. As for the charges made by Count Bismarck, Al. Servais says that he has beard of no out rages on German subjects, but Luxemburg has been most charitable to Germans expelled from France. The only offences the government had to repress in recent times were committed along the frontier by German subjects. As to the transport of provisions to Thionville it only took place on one night, and the train bringing the goods did not receive them in Luxemburg. However the best answer to this charge, M. Servais thinks; is found in the fact that hundreds of trains had been forwarded by the Luxemburg railways with victualling for the German armies, much of which was obtained from Luxemburg contractors in the duchy itself. As for the Thionville train the Government cannot be accused cf want of vigilance in let ting it pass, since the servants of the German Zollverein also failed to detect it. With regard to the passage of the French troops through the Duchy after the surrender of Metz, M. Servais observes that the number of soldiers was greatly overrated. Many of the French men so passing were doctors, students, &c., left free by the Prussians, and these were mistaken by ignorant people for soldier* The French troops, moreover, did not go into France, but into Belgium, a neutral State, which the Luxemburg authorities had no right to hinder them from doing. The small number of the Luxemburg forces renders it impossible that it should undertake to intern the thousands of primness who might escape. After touching on several other topics, M. Servais says that the resolve of the Prussian Government has not been notified accord ing to the London Treaty, whose stipulations it treats as nullities. A great insurrection has broken out in Mongolia. 20,000 armed men have risen against the Chinese authorities. In the third week of December there were 145,000 persons in receipt of parochial relief in the metropolis, of whom 36,002 were in the workhouses, and 108, 998 were out-door paupers. The total shewed,,a decrease of 7,537 as compared with the corresponding period of last year. [ADVERTISEMENT.] —Holloway's Pills and Ointment. — Each quarter of the year tests the human constitution, and discovers its weakest link. By the variable tempera ture of winter the human system is severely tried ; chest complaints, disordered digestion, and biliousness are generally more or less frequent. The wise will save both pain and hazard by the early use of these infallible reme dies. Holloway's Ointment well rubbed upon the skin nearest the seat of disease, exerts most wonderful purify ing powers, never fails in expelling all noxious matters, and removing all temporary obstructions, thus restoring healthy action to the organ, while the Pills gently re arrange disordered action. Holloway's Pills should be taken to expel all contaminations from the blood. BIRTHS. On the 28thinst., at 30, Chester-square, the wife of Henry Davies, Esq., of a daughter. On the 27th inst., at 4, Elgin-road, St. Peter's-park, the wife of John Hugh Middleton, Esq., of a son. MARRIAGES.; On the 27th inst., at Houghton-le-Spring, Henry Sherman, second son of Edward Henry Sanderson, Esq., of Manor House, Clapham, to Bertha, second daughter of the late G. H. Taylor, B.A. On the 27th inst., at St. Paul's Church, Sheffield, William Robert Booth, of Woodford, Essex, to Lottie, second daughter of James Steer, Esq., Sheffield. DEATH!. On the 27th inst., at Thrapston House, Thrapston, George Eland, Esq., aged 73. On the 27th inst., at Brasted, near Sevenoaks, Matthew Norwood, Esq., late of 27, Leadedhall-street, city, aged 66. London : Printed by GIDEON ACLAND BOYCE, of No. 112, Strand, Printer, and Published by hill, at THE SUN Office, No. 112, Strand, in the Precinct of the Savoy, in the County of Middlesex. Friday, December 30, 1870, CRY Mn I :iiterpris€ by E. T. S: C. Parkes Williams,. Adolphe and Corps otter Seer tifnl Deco: agreeably Besides tl tion of 3.f: Senores G the Cottle iig Goat Laughable Fiiae Ar Views of Curling, Admissi One Shilli Present S entrances Reserved AltG The eat: If the Sh the eleetr pate in it Music Sel have had most eat( 3elebrated chef, Sign positions V3Fli tried t \k . Grave lioinas CI, it t-__/ mu". . L. Alal t. and man Majesty, Dir. tE MINERA Lyell's E resting st at 2,5, 10 NULL"! LOGY is I— o ~o Wing a MILCH C proving t with it RABBIT: all expec in Lontlo the Coun TEA, 1 and lead, coi free, to a tea mere; Any,quar on applic P• S street, ar trade wit in sherry in bond THE and othe at the IA India Pa Mild A u H. RQADTI B IN needs n 1 ywh nid the otlM DIN 1) and 6d. Bo 1 In a so' venting B l ' other k E Nr EN EN' Retail (Y T ' N' K../ eucev. as. 6 48, 1 parat the v ilolb Il the 3ss. ( Had P 7s. 6, Roll G nieci ffec 4, a