The Sun. — London, England, 1849-06-21 00:00:00

HAYMARKET THEATRE. A new tragedy from the pen of Mr. Westland Mar ston, entitled Strathmore, of which Mr. and Mrs. Charles Kean sustained the principal characters, was produced here last evening, with a success so decided and so com plete, as to be quite unusual of late. But if the success Was unusual, so is the play. It is the best tragedy that has been produced for years, original in the best sense of the word, abounding in eloquent passages of the highest order of poetry, not wanting in incident, while at the same time every ine'dent introduced tends to bring about the catastrophe; and so artistically con structed as to create an interest at the very commence ment of the tragedy, which interest continues unbrdeen, "one and indivisible," to the very conclusion, becoming snore and more intense in each successsive scene, until the climax is reached in the catastrophe, which arrives not until the very conclusion of the play. The scene is laid in Scotland, in the year 1679, when the Covenanters, driven mad by the persecutions of the Episcopalians, have taken to the hill-side, and, under the guidance of Balfour of Burley, are doing battle for the rights of conscience, while the bloodthirsty Clever house is conducting against them a crusade, in which, if be showed mere of chivalry than did the persecutors of the unhappy Vaudois, he was at least their equal in cru e lty, Halbert Strathmore (Mr. ,Charles Kean), a Royalist by birth and by education, the betrothed of Katharine (Mrs. Charles Kean), the daughter of Sir Rupert Loris (Mr. IL Hughes), a rough and roystering old Cavalier, determines to sacrifice his personal posi tion, his ease, his friends, his love, to a sense of duty; he has convinced himself, not so much that the Cove nanters are right, as that their adversaries are wrong, wrong because they persecute men for demanding liberty of conscience, and therefore he determines to cast kis lot among the persecuted. In vain does Lore en deavour to divert him from his purpose; stern in the execution of his duty, although he clearly foresees that that perseverance iu the path of duty leads to an early and a violent death, preceded by the agonizing conflict between duty and affection, which crushes the heart and Maddens the brain—foreseeing all these things, Halbert Strathmore, proof alike against the threatenings of Lore and the loss of Katharine, joins the Covenanters, and breaks off all connexion with his friends and his be trothed. In heightening the trials that are to prove this hero's resolution, the author has been most inge nious, Sir Rupert Lorn having barbarously cut to Pieces a congregation with its pastor, Strathmore is selected to head a party against the casette of his old friend. The castle is taken, Sir Rupert is tried for kis life, and Strathmore, hoping to preserve him, but not at the expense of duty, feels morally compelled to sit as his judge. Sir Rupert, glorying in his guilt, which he openly avows, is led off to a dungeon, and Strathmore is overwhelmtd by the strong con flict which arises in his bosom. The visions of his deceased father and his betrothed seem to pass before his mind, and he is exhausted by the temptations offered to swerve from duty. This is not his hardest trial. Katharine (Mrs. C. Kean), Sir Rupert's daughter, seeks him, and hoping that some timely succour may arrive, urges him to postpone her father's execution. He ex pects that she has some proof of her father's, innocence to bring forward; but, when he finds that she merely tries to work on his affections, he refuses to move from his course, although the images of early love and friendship Which she brings to his mind act so powerfully upon him that he falls senseless. At the end the castle is retaken by the Royalists, and Sir Rupert is rescued, while Strathmore is mortally wounded. His moral victory Consists in his obtaining from the lips of his beloved Icatkrine an avowal that he is in the right, and her bidding him "die" rather than forfeit his honour by a late retractation of his principles. Th e acting of Mrs. Charles Kean, as Katharine, was finer then anything we have seen on the stage in Modern days. It possesses all the impassioned inten sity, all the overwhelming power of the re ing of Rachel in the Boraces, with more grace and infinitely greater truth to nature. She was very fine in the scene in Which, knowing her father in the power of the Cove nanters, knowing that Strathmore is their commander, driven almost mad by conflicting feelings, a sudden light bursts on her bewildered brain, and convinced that Strathmore has assumed the office of judge, only to save his old friend, she determines to seek her former lover. Most harrowing, too, was her acting throughout this fearful interview —heartrending the pathos with whiCh she reminded him of the old familiar scenes of their childhood—grand, again, the sudden revulsion of feeling when her father, safe in consequence of her brother's victory, her thoughts turn to Strathmore, and sublime With a sublimity with which it is the part of genius alone to invest its impersonations, was the grand climax, in Which, yielding to Strathmore's reasons, she sacrifices all her own selfish feeling of affection, and bids him " die" rather than live a recreant. The Strathmore of Mr: Charles Kean was a thoughtful, well studied, Most finished, yet, at the same time, most natural and most impassioned performance. He telt be had a stern duty to perform, a mission to fulfil, a fate to accomplish, and putting aside all dear affections, blotting from his Memory " all trivial fond records," he is, to use his own Mystical but expressive language, become dead as regards his former self, and from his ashes have risen a being, whose name is " Justice." He is what Hamlet would have been had Ham let possessed Stratmore's stern sense of duty and decision of character. The conflict between duty and affection was admirably represented by Mr. Charles Keen throughout; witness the scene in which he passes sentence on Lore, and the admirable soliloquy following it, in which his heated imagination conjures a vision of . his dead father reproaching him with the death cif his friend ; witness the scene with Katharine, in which she pleads for her father's life, when he in an agony of almost hopeless hope asks for proof, be it ever so light, of his innocence; witness the last grand scene of his death in which the sacrifice is conseimmated and the martyr to duty has borne the testimony of his blood to his faith. There is an under plot in which a certain scapegrace, named Bryce field (excellently acted by Mr. Howe), is concerned. The said Brycefield has joined the C ov enanters and is in garrison at Lo rn Ca s t le, where be devotes his time to the vain endeavour of winning the affections of Isabella Lorn (Miss Reynolds), the sprightly wife of the absent son of Sir Rupert. Brycefield believes the lady to be single, and makes her hand the price of his conniving at the escape of Sir Rupert, and she fears to undective him, lest he should hasten the old knight's execution. There are also some comic love Passages between Brycefield's serving man Roland (Buckstone), a " chosen vessel," and Fanchette (Mrs. Fit zwilliam), Isabella's French serving woman, the entire omission of which we should not regret; they interrupt the progress of the tragedy, and Mrs. Fitz Ailliam's attempts at French are really Painful to witness. If she cannot manage broken English better than last night, let her not attempt it, but turn Fanchette into Dorothy, and make her an English country wench. The applause was throughout most enthusiastic ; first of all Mr. and Isirs. Charles Kean were called on, then all engaged in the representation of the play were called on suc cessively ; then the name of the author was demanded, and announced by Mr. Charles Kean, and the author himself was called for, and bowed repeatedly to the audienee from a private box. We congratulate Mr. Westland Marston on having produced a really good acting play, which will keep possession of the stage, and venture to prophecy that he has not done his best yet. The house was crowded to suffocation in every part. such renown she seems to remain in full posses sion, although tiate has naturally impaired the power and beauty of her voice. In hrr first na.rceaux, " Seene de In Debutante," composed by M. Cinti, he son, Madame Damoreau exhibited this quality to sin gular perfection; the air was gracefully tendered, and the variations executed with consummate ease, especiall3 one introducing shakes on almost every note of the scale, which were given with a clearness, precisicn, and cqualit) impossible to surpass. Madame Damoreau, who was accompanied on the pianoforte by Mr. Benedict, writ enthusiastically applauded, and was equally successful in some pretty French romances which she sang, accom panying herself with characteristic naivete. The plea sant vaudeville Les Extremes se Touchtt, in which M. Lafont and Madame Doche sustained the principal cha raeters, concluded the evening's amusements. Madame Doche will, we are happy to learn, give a few more re - pret.entations during her stay in England; but we regret to say that last night is to be the only appearance of Lafont during the present season. SCOTTISH SOCIETY OF LONDON. This society, which is as yet in its earliest infancy, has begun by doing great things. It has had the merit of ending out and supplying a blank hitherto existing in the amusements of London. Yesterday a grand fete commenced under its auspices at Holland-park, Ken sington, and is to be continued to-day, for the purpose 11 presenting to the English Public a specimen of the national pastimes of Scotland. The society has pro pitiated public opinion by establishing itself on a cha ritable basis, for its profits are to be distributed among the benevolent. institutions of the metropolis founded fur the relief of Scotchmen in distress. To some it may appear a bold stroke that the inhabitants of the north should dare to bring their characteristic games and costumes south of the Tweed, and that the Act of Union should be so far disregarded in England its'elf; that a spirit of nationality should be successfully as ‘erted so near London us Holland-park. But, fortu nately for all parties, the nationality of Scotland is not political. It is founded on no existing grievances, end is imbued with no unamiable or offensive senti ments. The recollections of the past, whether his uric or traditionary, aro all that it aspires to per petuate, and in doing justice to the romantic charac teristics of times long gone by, it has not neglected to sonciliate the good opinion and support of all who value kindred feelings and tastes in the great southern division of this island. Thus the ancient practice of archery oc cupies a conspicuous place in the programme of the fete which the society yesterday inaugurated, and Lincoln ;men was among the least prominent of the costumes exhibited on an occasion peculiarly dedicated to the ce lebration of Scottish games. England has had her long bows and Strongbows, and as a nation she is more deeply interested in the remembrance of that art .vhich won tor her the great victories of Edward the Third and Henry the Fifth. But the course if events has here relegated archery to the fostering care of local clubs,"ntid little is ever heard in these ci vilized days of that skill on which the fame of Robin Hood and his " merry, merry men " depend. "To Craw a long bow " now has a very different signification from what it had in the times of Chevy Chase, and the arrow of a clothe and long " is only remembered as a quotation from one of cur most ancient ballads. In Scotland the practice of archery by private individuals nas also been neglected; but there, at least, it still receives e national recognition. The Queen's body guard in the north are " the Scottish Archers," and though there may be some ground for fearing hat the Royal per son would not be very efficiently protected by the most zealous services of that ancient and honourable corps, still there is something in the existence of a body which recognizes the use of that weapon fatal in English history to no less than three of her monarchs—to Harold, to William Rufus, and ,to Richard Coeur de Lion. If there could remain any doubt as to the liberal and ex cellent spirit in which the Scottish Society of London `lave commenced their proceedings, it would be com pletely removed by the aspect of the large and distinguished assemblage which met yesterday to .fo honour to the first day of the fete. There was rather a thin muster of Scotch nobles and lairds, and the gathering would probably have been a failure bad those of them who were present not been assisted Ly the countenance and support of the English aristocracy. The Right Hon. Fox Maule, the Chisholm, and Cluny Macpherson took an active and important part in the proceedings. The other gentlemen connected with the society were most obliging, and conducted all the arrangements in an admirable manner. The Mar quis of Breadalbane, as president, is entitled to a , arge share of the praise which the fete de aerves; but the society is principally indebted to those distinguished English visitors who in such large numbers honoured the occasion with their presence. Among the company were the Duchess of Montrose, the Countess of Jersey, Lady Clementina Villiers, Lady Dalmeny, Lady Agnes Buller, Lady Emily Foley, Lady Anne M'Kenzie, the Marquis of Abercorn, the Marquis of Huntly, Earl Verulam, Lord Exmouth, Lord Castlereagh, Lord Chelsea, Sir James Micerzie Seatwell, Sir Evan M'Kenzie, Kilcoie, Macalister of Macalister, Mr. Mackay of Atisaig, the Hon. F. Vil liers, and Sir Henry Meaux. Many of the noblemen and gentlemen who in the autumn months go to the Highlands for grouse-shooting or deerstalking were present. The most active members of the society were dressed in the Celtic garb. The competitors for the strictly national games were also arrayed in tartan. The archers wore a variety of costumes, in which, however, the Lincoln green predominated The prices of admission secured a thoroughly well dressed assemblage of persons, and, altogether, it is very rarely that a more agreeable spectacle is presented han that of the five or six thousand persons who were yesterday collected in the grounds of Holland Park. the elite of the company occupied the Grand Stand, which could not have accommodated less than 1,200 ladies and gentlemen. It was situated at the lower end of a gentle slope in Holland Park, possessing much na airal beauty, and rendered doubly striking on the occa sion by the presence of so large an assemblage, and by the other arrangements connected with the fete. In front of the Grand Stand a space of considerable ex tent has been partitioned off for the celebration of the different games, and within it none but the competitors, the judges, and the representatives of the press were al lowed to enter. Beyond thin enclosure the spectators were collected, and it was not uninteresting to see the eagerness with which they watched all that took place, and the loud buz of approbation and excitement which rose iron' them during the progress of each competition. Tbr grounds, besides the other facilities afforded, were well supplied with places of refreshment, numerous tents and pavilions having been erected for that purpose. Altogether, the scene presented was quite new in effect, and striking as well as novel. We are so accustomed to uniformity of costume, that anything which varies the monotony to which our tailors and milliners have reduced us insensibly pleases, more particularly so in this vast city, where so few opportunities arise for showing that the United Kingdom is a collection of races differing in blood, in manners, and in dress, and yet not differing to disagree, but to bring to the support of their common country a large variety of qualities upon which its permanence and supremacy may be securely based. Having given these preliminary details, in order to convey a just idea of the spirit and character of the fete, it is now necessary to state what the operations of yesterday principally were, and how they were conducted. Of course the first day of an exhibition of the kind is necessarily much occupied in winnowing the corn from the chaff by competition, and in selecting the best men to be pitted against each other on the suc ceeding day, before the prizes are awarded,Bo. This was the case to a great extent yesterday, and therefore to day will be in reality the principal day of the fete. The proceedings commenced shortly after twelve o'clock with archery at 100 yards distance, an immense number of competitors entering the lists, and a great struggle being evidently made for the 300 guineas' worth of plate to be distributed to the most successful. The whole arrange ments connected with this department of the exhibition were admirable, and the contest was carried on with almost military precision. Upon the whole the practice was very fair, no accidents from stray arrows having been reported. The silence and force with which these formidable weapons glance through the air make it absolutely necessary that great precautions should be adopted; for the best archer may send ais abaft considerably astray occasionally, and it would have been very awkward if any of the fair ladies pre sent had met with poor Blanch of Devon's fate. While this competition was proceeding it was found that- the twanging of the bowstrings and the dull sound of each target as it was struck did not suffice to keep up the at tention of the company, and the music of the bagpipes was therefore called into aid. A band of twelve pipers marched round the enclosed space, playing as they went, and those who know the power of the instrument may fancy the effect produced. The juvenile band of the Caledonian Asylum also did good service here, perform ing in a very surprising manner some selections of music suitable to the occasion. After the first bout at archery had concluded, throw ing the hammer was introduced; and for this game seven competitors appeared. These had all been winners of prizes at the different local gatherings in the High lands, and were, therefore, to a certain extent, picked men. They all wore the kilt, and their appearance as they turned out into the centre of the enclosed space and stripped for the trial excited a lively interest. They were divided into two parties, the ono consisting of four, the other of three; and, from the result of the competi tion, four were chosen between whom the prizes to be awarded to-day will be contended for. The men thus selected, and the distance they threw the hammer, which weighed 201 b., are as follows: Ft. in. Colin Macdonald Cranachan ... 86 1 Alt xander M'llarcly 81 0 Archibald Macdonald Cranachan • . 80 9. 11 5 Thomas Menzies 7 3 5 Throwing the hammer is a beautiful game, requiring that due combination of strength and expertness which constitutes the perfection of a manly exorcise. Swing ing round him the projectile, and taking himself one or more whirls as he approaches the limits pre scribed to him, the p l ay er lets it suddenly fly from his hand, and it is hurled through the air to an amazing distance. The throwing yesterday was very clean and good, and excited general admiration. While this part of the programme was going on, strathspeys, reels, and the sword dance followed each other in rapid succession close to the Grand Stand. The performers acquitted themselves with great agility and spirit, and bound, shuffled, shouted, and cracked their fingers, ac companied by the music of the bagpipes, to the great delight of the onlookers. Of the dances of Scotland the sword dance is the moat peculiar and characteristic. Tao swords are placed across, and the performer dances in every possible manner . between the divis ions until he touches the blade s o e fe ra n l he o r f weapon.them coptitJet wasors ye dan s .tceerday. dvery gracefully by several The next point in the proeeedings was a foot race of 1,600 yards, for which eight men started, the greater number of them bareheaded and barefooted, and wear ing nothing but their shirts and kilts. The race-course extended along the temporary enclosure twice round, and was very well adapted to try the speed of those who entered for the prizes; but a Highlander's power as a runner depend much more upon his great wind and en nurance, particularly in running up hill, than upon his swiftne:s of foot. The grounds of Holland Park, how ever, afford no facilities for testing this sort of excellence, and so the race may be said to have differed very little except in the appearance of those who tried it, from similar exhibitions in Eng land. There were during the day no less than three heats, in the first two of which all the competitors joined, and in the last the men who were first and second. The prize eventually rested with Cohn Macdonald Cranachan, who won the second heat, and would have won the'first had his course at the critical moment Shen he was reaching the goal not been accidentally impeded. This young man ran beautifully, laying himself along THE SUN, LON 00N, THUR EXETER HALL. _ A performance of Mendelssohn's oratorio, Elijah, took place last night, undsr the direction of Mr. Hullah. The principal vocali.ts were Misses Lucombe and Dea kin, Mrs. Noble, Messrs. Lockey, Benson, Seguin, Herr Pischek, and Mrs. Alfred Shaw, her first appearance for three years. Mr. Willy led the orchestra, which was complete and efficient. The chorus consisted of the members of Mr. Hullab's upper singing school. The general performance of Mendelssohn's celebrated work was very correct and effective. Mr. Hullah had evi dently well studied the score, and allowed no point o! importance to escape. The chorus " Thanks be to God," was admirably suu, and received an encore, a compli ment which was also bestowed on the quartet, " Cast thy burden upon the Lord,". and the unaccompanied trio, " Lift thine eyes to the Mountain." The reap pearance of Mrs. Alfred Shaw, who was warmly welcomed, was an event of considerable interest. In the important quality of musical declamation, which so tew singers possess in perfection, this esteemed artist has lost none of her excellence, but the uncertainty of her intonation frequently mars her best efforts, and this was observable in several of the recita tives and airs, which, as far as expression went, were ad mirable, but failed of effect for the reason assigned. Herr Pisehek sang the music of Elijah for the first time os. this occasion, and the impression he created was highly favourable, more especially in the pathetic air, " It is enough, 0 Lord," which Mt sang with the truest ox i press:on. The other noticeable features of the solo vocal performances were the air, " Hear ye, Israel," given with great spirit and energy by Miss Lucombe; the two tenor songs of Mr. Lockey, in which he has so often been de servedly praised; the air, " For the mountains," admi rably sung by Herr Pischelt, the oboe obligate part being cleverly played by Mr. Nicholson, whose tone blended happily with the voice of the singer, and the two choruses, " Baal, we cry to thee," and " lie, watching over Israel," in the last of which the gradations of light and shade were ably and effectively managed. Miss Deakin, an improving singer, was very serviceable in some of the quartets and concerted pieces. The performance on the whole gave the utmost satisfaction. ROYAL BOTANIC SOCIETY. The second general floe er show took place yesterday, in the inner circle of the Regent's Park, the Queen and Prince honouring the gardens with their presence, cc companied by the Princess Royal and the Princess Alice, and their Royal Highnesses the Grand Duke and Duchess of Mecklenburg Streliz. Among the visitors present were the Duchesses of Norfolk, Beaufort, and Somerset; the Duchess of St. Albans, the Marquises of Ailesbury, Ely, and Lisboa; the Marchioness of Ales bury, the Bishops of Durham and Winchester, the Earls of Beauchamp, Egmont, and Wilton; Lords Tern pletown and Courtney, Ladies Pellew, Fellows, Evans, Antrobus, Hume Campbell, Molyneaux, Goldsmid, Isa bella Baring, Trollope, Bolt, Rolle, Buxton, Carroll, and Lygon; Sirs E. Johnson, J. Milbanks, R. Joddrell, M. W. Ridley, F. Booth, W. J. Newton ; F. L. Lush ington, J. Cockburn; Baron Goldsmid, Count Kielman segge, M. Van de Weye r, Mr. H . T. Ho p e, M.P., Dr. Buckland, Colonels H anmer, Smith, E. Wilmot, Dixon, Fitzgibbon, Buckley, Newberry, .Dixon, &c. The following were the first prizes fur the chief col lections :—For 30 stove and greenhouse plants, to Mr. May, gardener to Mrs. Lawrence; 20 ditto, Mr. Green, gardener to Sir E. Antrobus; 10 ditto, Mr. Williams, gardener to Miss Trail; specimen plant, Mr. T. Wil liams and Mr. Cole, gardener to H. Collyer, Esq.; 6 tall cacti, Mr. Green; rare orchids, Mr; May, gardener to S. Rice Ker, Esq.; rare plants, in bloom, Messrs. Veiteh, Exeter; plants of economical interest, Messrs. Veitch; 12 Alpine plants, Mr. Smith, gardener to J. Anderson, Esq,; Cape pelargoniums, Mr. Parker; 15 heaths, Mr. Mylam; 12 ditto, Mr. Epps, Maidstone; 6 ditto, Mr. T. Williams; 4 azaleas, Mr. Greet; 25 orchids, Mr. Mylam; 15 ditto, Mr. Plant, gardener to J. H. Sched• der, Esq.; 6 ditto, Mr. Dobson, gardener to Mr. Beck; exotic ferns and 30 British ferns, Mr. Williams, gar dener to C. P. Warner, Esq.; 12 pelargoniums, in 8 in. pots, Mr. Cock, Chiswick; 12 ditto ditto, Mr. Dobson; 6 ditto, in 12 in. pots, Mr. Parker; 6 fancy ditto, R. Mos ley, Esq., Pine-apple place; 6 ditto, Mr. Ambrose, Bat tersea; for seedling ditto, Mr. Holder, 12 pinks, Mr. Turner, Slough; 24 pansies, Mr. Turner, Slough; 6 cal ceolarias, Mr. Henderson, Pine-apple-place; 6 fuschias, Mr. Robinson, gardener to J. Simpson, Mg.; 12 roses, in pots, Messrs. Lane and Son; 8 ditto ditto, Mr. Terry, gardener to Lady Pullen; 6 yellow roses, in pots, Messrs. Lane and Son; 100 roses, Messrs. Paul and Sons; 50 ditto, A. Rowland, Eiq., Lewisham, and Mr. Terry; 12 I new roses, Messrs. Lane and Sons. LAUNCH OF THE BRITANNIA. B3IDGE. MENAI STRAITS, WEDNESDAT:ThO greatest doubt and anxiety now bangs over the accomplishment of this great operation. The excitement here, and, indeed, throughout the county, is greater than ever, owing to the unavoidable procrastination that has taken place. Mr. Stephenson, who has not left the works since Monday, holds hourly conferences with Captain Claxton, Captain Moorsom, and his engineering staff. The great experiment would, unquestionably, have been completed last evening, had it not , been for the untoward event of the great capstan breaking. This, it is said, arose from no insufficiency of strength in the capstan itself, but from the fact of the shore lashings behind the tube not having been cut away or detached flora the tube, and, as a natural consequence, while the capstan was employed in drawing the tube out into the stream, the shore lash ings detained it, and the capstan, failing to overcome the resistance, started, strained, and broke. On the an nouncement of this result, which was immediately com municated from point to point along the Straits, the vast multitude dispersed in a state of great disappointment, some of the more facetious amongst them denouncing the whole affair as a " sell." it was announced, far and e ide, that the floating would take place at seven o'clock this morning, and even at an earlier hour vast numbers had assembled; but they were again doomed to disap pointment, the capstan, on the renewed attempt, again failing, and Captain Claxton having received some fall or injury. Renewed attempts are again fixed for eight o'clock this evening, when the tide will be 18 feet 11 inches. Two boats employed in conveying the tackle have been sunk to-day. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) At half-past nine o'clock last night the final operations for placing this magnificent work were completed, and the tube fixed firmly upon its bed, amidst the loudest demonstrations of approbation from all the spectators assembled upon the interesting occasion. , .----=---- --- - ST. JAMES'S THEATRE. Yesterday was a proud day for Mr. Mitchell. In the afternoon he had presented to him, by the patrons of the St. James's Theatre, a magnificent candelabrum and a superb silver salver, " as a testimony of the zeal, libe rality, and good faith which have characterised the ma THE UNITED LAW CLERKS' SOCIETY.— The negement of the French plays;" and in the evening the seventeenth anniversary meeting of the friends of this house was crowded to excess by those anxious to do society was held on Tuesday evening at the Free him honour on the occasion of his benefit, while the per- mason s Tavern. The duties of the chair were most ably fortnances were indeed par extraordinaire, seeing that discharged by the Right Hon. Sir Frederick Pollock, Lafont had come expressly from Paris to take part in Lord Chief Baron of the Court of Exchequer. The them, and that Madame Cinti Damoreau appeared once more on the stage. The reason of all th is is obvious, and Chairman, in deviating from the routine of toasts pro ased by the committee, said that, at the risk of being the moral plain; and it is to be wished that other ma- posed with heading an Inzeute -- ( L a u g hter ) —he must Lagers would study the reason and profit by the moral, charged and follow the example of Mr. Mitche ll, who, to use the take the liberty to propose t he " Health of His Ro y al Highness Prince Albert" separate l y. The Prince was a words of the Duke of Beaufort , when p resentin g to him the testimonial, ‘• is as, popular behind the curtain as he bencher of Lincoln's Inn, and his acquire ments entitled is before it, because in him the artistes have always found him in every respect to the highest esteem.—(Cheers.) a benefactor and friend." This is high praise, but not In proposing the toast of the evening, "Prosperity to higher than the deserts of Mr. Mitchell, who during the Law Clerk's Society," the chairman passed a high the eight years of his manegerial career at this theatre eulogium upon the profession of which he was an humble has expended, among dramatic artists alone, upwards of member. Ile might tearlessly say that no profession 120,0001. But it is nut alone t he p ublic in g eneral, and was more distinguished for its support of freedom and the principles of the constitut ion. Mr. Llamfreys, Q.C., the artists who are u nder obli g ations to Mr. Mitchell; roposed the health of the chairman , and r eferred to him more indebted to him even t han the y are the unfortunate P as an illustration alike of how a sound lawyer, and an mortgagees of the St. James's Theatre, whose property English gentleman, could discharge the duties of a high Was quite valueless until Mr. Mitchell stepped forward situation. Mr. Bethell, QC., proposed the next toast, and became the tenant of the theatre, and who, as a tcs- an timony of the respect whic h the y entertained fur him, d congratulated the meeting up on havin g for a chair presented him yesterday , throu g h the medium of Dr. men a gentleman who was so highly distinguished and Daniel, with a costly cup and cover. We were not, esteemed in the discharge of every public duty. The ther e fore, surprised to find, last evening, that the theatre chairman next proposed the health of Mr. Charles was crowded to excess, and was honoured with the pre- Dickens. Mr. Dickens returned thanks in a felicitous sence of Royalty. Never was manager more highly speech, alluding to " Dick Swiveller," and other legal honoured than was Mr. Mitchell yesterday, and never characters that had come under his notice, in a manner h as manager more highly dese rved such honours. which was received with great applause. In the course The performances commenced with the quaint drol- of the evening various other toasts were proposed and lerics of Teterd, in La Vendetta, and then fed- responded to in a manner which reflected the highest lowed Rossini's comic opera, Le Conde Ory, credit upon the society. Suffice it to say, that, in the an opera which, according to some dilettante, is almost absence of the requisite space for a proper and more de equal to the Barbiere. The opera, under th e, title of // tailed report, the whole proceedings were characterized Conic Ory, was produced some years ago at her Majesty's by the most enlightened and truly Christian and liberal Theatre, a u t has not been performed of l a t e years; why, 1 feeling, and that the result of the festival was the hand some sum of 420/. it would be difficult to say, for the music is gay spark ling, thoroughly Rossini-ish, and, in a word, the opera GRAND SWIMMING FETE.—This evening one of can be cast without difficulty. The plot lies in a nut- the best ssvimming fetes which has taken place tor many shell; it c onsists of the attempts of Count Ory, a young yea ;s past, a ill come off under the direction of the scapegrace, and his companions, as graceless as himself, ' Swlmming Club, at the National Baths, High Holborn. to intrude themselves into the chateau of the Countess There are three medals to be contested for; the first a massive Leander gold medal, valued at eleven guineas, of Formontiers during the absence o f her husband at the t h e g ; the second a mas ift of Harold Kenworthy, Esq. Crusades. The scapegraces are, of course , discovered, sive :liver medal; and the third a second-class Leander and have to plead for mercy to the Countess not to de silver medal, both of which are given by Mr. Hedgeman, liver them up to the vengeance of her husband, who has the worthy proprietor of these popular baths. The sue unexpectedly returned. The character of Comte Ory ceseful competitor for the first prize is to be looked upon was well sustained by M. Octave, and Mademoiselle as t h e c h a mpion for la'49, the match being open to all Charton sung tho lively sparkling music alloted the world. The greatest excitement prevails in the to the Countess with great brilliancy and effect. M. Zelger, as the tutor of the Co unt, alwa y s fuming, swimming and bathing c lubs as to the result, as there are worried, and anxious, in consequence of the escapade s' three men whose backers state there will not be half-a ot' his eharge,seas admirable; and Mademois elle Giuehard, yard distance between them when they have reached the as ie l 2 . lier, the page, who turns the tables comp letel y on g oal. c I Count, was the It . very perfection of pert pagehood. II PRINCE ALBERT'S VI SIT TO CHATHAM.—The ller singing was admirable throughout, and her manner 4 Elfin, dispatch tender, is ordered from Portsmouth to of giving the second soprano part in her trio with M. the Thames, under Commander Master Balleston, on Octave and Mademoiselle Charton Saturday Mademoiselle is deserving of espe- next, to attend on Prince Albert and convey cial mention.Charton was called him to Gravesend, to attend the grand field day that is for at the conclusion of ihe After the opera to take place shortly at Chatham. Captain Crispin will Madame Cinti Damoreau, w i l e". name is fami- go to London vee to attend Prince Albert in the Elfin early jar to every musical amateur as one h of the next week. most celebrated singers of the French as' ilia vcii ARTILLERY COMPANY.—His Royal several moreeaux. As a graceful and finishedEe school, sang s ;ri ll. ecutant Ilighne_s Artillery Company, Captain General and Colonel of music of the florid style, Madame Cinti D ' i ' l perhaps never had a superior, and of that t oreau of the Hon. thetillery has signified his inten _ re- lion to review , __ regiment on Monday next, the 25th paarkahle facility of Focalization which gained her inst., at ten o clock. the ground like a hunted deer, and coming in at the close almost as fresh as when he started. Thomas Black, who won the first heat, also ran very well. 'To -the foot-race succeeded archery at eighty yards, and alter that came" putting the stone," w hich was con ducted in precisely the same manner as throwing the hammer—the competitors being divided into two par ties, and the two best of each party being appointed to contend for the prizes to-day. The names of the suc cessful men, and the distances to which they put the stone, which weighed 201 b., are as follows: — feet. inches. Alexander M'Hardy 32 5 Thomas Menzies ~. 32 2 Peter Haggitt „. 31 4 John Fraser ... . 30 6 The two first named are admirable putters of the stone, and the struggle between them to day will be a close and interesting one. The game is exceedingly popular in Scotland, each village having its putting-stone, to prac tise at which the young men turn out in the long sum mer evenings, while to fail in acquiring a certain amount of efficiency in its use is a serious disgrace. This part of the proceedings was also varied by the playing of pibrochs, and the dancing of the reel of Tul loch—performances which in their turn drew down loud applause. The practice of archery at 60 yards' distance succeeded, followed up by broad sword play and stick practice. These last were very interesting exhibitions, and created the greatest interest. They took place on the platform which the dancers had quitted a short time p reviousl y , and a variety of circumstances contributed to impart to them a peculiar character. Of these the principal was, that the prizes had drawn together an unusual number of competitors, remarkable for their great skill in the use of their weapons. The Household troops contributed, as might have been expected, a largo proportion of those who came forward. The Royal Artillery also furnished some excellent fencers. There was a good deal of amnsenaent created by the playful way in which several of the men handled their weapons, and by the mock gravity with which one of them in particular shook his antagonist by the hand Lefore commencing, as if he intended to kill him the next moment. Corporal Tuchy, of the Royal Artillery, Corporal Sutton, of the Ist Life Guards, and others, greatly distinguished themselves in this division of the games exhibited. At the close, Corporal-Major Lambert, of the Ist Life Guards, showed an amount of dexterity and skill in broadsword play which astonished and delighted all who witnessed it, At six o'cleck the proceedings terminated. The pro gramme will be proceeded with to-day at the point where the amusements were suspended, and it is confi dently expected that her Majesty will honour the games with her presence. CO URT CIRCULAR% The marriage of the Lady Caroline Somers Cocks, one of the Maids of Honour to the Queen, and the Hon. and Rev. Charles Leslie Courtenay, her Majesty's domestic chaplain, was solernni.sed yesterday at one o'clock, in the private chapel of Buckingham Palace, by the Lord Bishop of London, in the presence of her Majesty the Queen, his Royal Highness the Prince Albert, the ladies and gentlemen of the Court, and a select circle, compris ing Earl Somers, Viscount Eastnor, the Dowager Coun tess Somers, the Dowager Countess of Caledon, the Earl and Countess of Caledon, the Earl and Countess St. Germans, the Earl and Countess of Wicklow, Viscount and Viscountess, Canning, Lady Stuart de Rothesay, the Hon. Col. and Lady Sarah Lindsay, the Hon. and Rev. James Somers Cocks, the Hon. and Rev. Philip Sa vile, and Mrs. Philip Savile, the Countess of Crawford and Belcarres, the Marquis and Marchioness of Aber corn, the Earl and Countess of Devon, Lord and Lady Courtenay, and the Hon. Reginald and Baldwin Courts). nay, the Hen. and Rev. H. H. and Lady Anna Maria Courtenay and Mr. H. Courtenay, M. Thomas Courte nay, Mr. Joseline Courtenay, Henry W. Acland, Esq., M.D., Lady Cottenham, the Bishop of Worcester, and Mrs. Pepys, the Earl and Countess Fortescue, Mr. James Cocks, and the Bishop of Oxford. The bride was given away by her father, the Earl Somers. The bridesmaids were the Lady Harriet Somers Cocks, Lady Emily Somers Cocks, Lady Louisa Eliot, Hon. Agnes Courte nay, Hon. Matilda Paget, Miss Bouverie, and Miss Henrietta Cocks. The Queen and Prince Albert visited the Botanic Gardens in the Regent's-park yesterday. Her Majesty and his Royal Highness were accompanied by Prince Alfred, the Princess Royal, and the Princess Alice, and were attended by Lieutenant Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipps and the Hon. Colonel Bouverie. The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Hereditary Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg Strelitz also visited the Botanic Gardens yesterday. His Royal Highness Prince Albert, attended by Col. Bouverie, inspected the first battalion of the Scots Fusi lier Guards, on Tuesday. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge visited her Majesty yesterday, at Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty and Prince Albert honoured the per formance of the French plays with their presence yes terday evening. The Royal suite consisted of the Countess of Desert, Hon. Caroline Cavendish, Lord Camoys, Lieutenant-Colonel the Hon. C. B. Phipps, and Colonel Bouverie. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, attended by Lady Augusta Bruce, Sir George Couper, and General the Hon. Arthur Upton, also honoured the performance of the French plays with her presence last evening. Messrs. Hunt andßoskell had the honour of submit ting to the inspection of her Majesty, and his Royal Highness the Prince Albert, on Tuesday, the testimonial plate, executed by them for Mr. Mitchell, the lessee of the French theatre. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, attended by Lady Augusta Bruce, went to Frogmore House yes• terday morning, and returned to Clarence House, St. James's, in the afternoon. His Serene Highness Prince Ernest of Hesse Phillip• stahl visited her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cam bridge yesterday, at Cambridge House. Lord and Lady John Russell left town at half•past eleven o'clock yesterday morning for their residence Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park. The answer given yesterday at Lord John's residence in Chesham-place, to the very numerous inquiries after the state of the Noble Lord's health, was "His Lordship is quite well." Her Majesty's Honourable Corps of Gentlemen at, Arras were inspected yesterday by their Captain, Lord Foley, in St. James's Palace. The mess of the Honour able Corps dined together at the Trafalgar, Greenwich, in honour of her Majesty's accession to the Throne. General Sir Alexander Duff had an interview with Earl Grey yesterday, at the Colonial-office. Sir Alan M'Nab had also an interview yesterday, with the Noble Earl. Mr. John Wood, Chairman of the Board of Inland sgshm Secretary Comptroller Ge siaoners for the Reduction of the , n intervie w w ith the Chancellor of n ß se e ar v tai e lo n n u ta e ol , p a t h n e e d b t I,C had a . md H ina the Exchequer yesterday, at his official residence in Downing-street. Mr. Lightly Simpson and Mr. Edward Bennett of Manchester, and Mr. William Henry Brown, of Ashley, Edinburgh, transacted business yesterday at the Office of the Commissioners of Railways, in the Board of Trade, on the subject of the Railways Abandonment Bill. Mr. Robertson had an interview with Sir George Grey yesterday, at the Home-office. The Chancellor of the Exchequer and Lady Mary Wood had a dinner party yesterday, at their residence, in Downing-street. Mr. E. Denison had an interview with the Right Hon. H. Labouchere yesterday. The Marchioness of Lansdowne arrived in town, on Tuesday evening from Bowood Park, Wilts. FRENCH PLAT S ! -M R. MITCHELL'S BENEFIT. Her Majesty and Prince Albert, accompanied by the Countess of Desert, the Hon. Miss Cavendish, Lord Camoys, Colonel Phipps, and Colonel Bouverie, honoured the performance with their presence last even ing. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, attended by Lady Augusta Bruce, Lady Fanny Bruce, Sir George Couper, and the Hon. General Upton, also honoured the theatre with her presence. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, and attended by Mr. Edmond St. John Mildmay, his Royal Highness the Duke of Brunswick, his Royal Highness the Count of Syracuse, the Turkish Ambassador and suite, the Duke and Duchess of Beaufort, the Earl and Countess of Kildare, the Earl of Chesterfield, the Marquis of Ailesbury, the Marquis of Lichfield, Lady Charlotte Anson, Earl Bruce, Earl Kilmorey. Lord and Lady Aylmer, Baron Koller, Sir Henry Webb, Lady Quentin, Sir Hugh and Lady Campbell, Sir John Lyster Kaye, Sir J. Drummond, Sir Jahn Barrington, Mr. and Mrs. John Stanley, Miss Bur dett Coutts, Mr. Standish Standish, Mr. and Mrs. John Sanford, Mr. Brunel, Col. Meyrick, Mr. W. Wilahere, Mrs. Prinseps, Mr. and Mrs. Packe Reading, Mr. B. Lindo, Mr. B. W. William., Mr. Frederick Drummond, Mr. Spencer Drummond, Mrs. Blackburn, Capt. Beau champ Seymour, Mr. and Mrs. Newton Scott, Miss Byrne, Mr. John Leslie, Mr. and Mrs. Abel Smith, Mr. do Caturs, Mr. W. Rose, Mr. Henry Greville, Mr. Sar tuirs, Mr. Wentworth Beriville. EXPLOSION OF A ROCKET FACTORY.—An alarming explosion took place at eight o'clock yesterday morning, at a rocket manufactory, situated in the Plumstead marshes, immediately opposite the practice range of the Royal Arsenal. The factory in question belongs to Mr. William Hall, chief engineer, who is the patentee of a war rocket, tired without a stick, which has been seve ral times tried by the select committee of Royal Artil lery, at Woolwich, Colchester, and Shoebury Ness. Mr. Hail is now manufacturing an extensive supply of rockets for several foreign Governments, and has two factories, one in the Charlton -marshes and the other in the Plumstead-marshes. A t the time of the explosion, John Rumsey, the foreman, and four other men, named John Smith, Edward Paul, Charles Thorpe, and Thomas Harris, were employed in the building in driving home the charge of a very large rocket, by means of an hy draulic machine which had been erected on the premises, when, from some inexplicable cause, the rocket ex psiptol auomudi Ramsey e d es w , egt a rvehoe n oes ftyc d fs acaeoanpods t nefa h edeit denreutujvihuscoaaeineoucobrmifeysnnwlulnyjs: t. uninjured, building injured runte w y, dla Thorpes completely and ia rr destroyed, received , e tsh t h e o H i t h or s e i op t r oi was.men,abl;o whither o hn S u i tmnohffdietrh tTahehdyeibedler'rhi neces sary destroyed,to remove an d -shop buildingp across were t w ahle a l was td eannoolManor-way completely demolished, werewindows andpe a° adjacent rn and buried on the side of the ditch. Such was the force of the explosion, that a mass of iron, weighing about 3 cwt., was ' hurled to a considerable distance. Tills is the second accident which has occurred at the same spot within a few weeks. On the first occasion, the poor fellow Smith, who now lies in Guy's Hospital, was seriously injured, and his son, who was at work with him, died aiterwards in consequence of the injuries he received. We want as much moderation not to be corrupted with our good fortune, as patience not to be dejected with our bpd.—,Eliza Cook's Journal. NORTH KENT RAILWAY. The North Kent line, which will bring London into immediate railway communication with the pcipulona districts of Lewisham, Woolwich, Dartford, Gravesend, Strocd, Reche3ter, and Chatham, is now within a few d.lys of completion. The day fixed for the opening of this—the most profitable portion of the South Eastern Company's system of railways, was the Ist of July, by which day the line will, we understand, be in a condition to a:lrnit of an engine being driven over it; but we learn that it is not likely to be opened for the conveyance of passengers till about the middle of July. The new portion of the North Kent line—viz., that between the London-bridge station and the populous town of Gravesend—is 231 miles in extent; and, ex• elusive of rails and stations, the cost of construction —the original contract estimates for which ware fixed at 635.0001.—wi1l amount, it is stated, to 400,000/. As far as we can learn, this saving of upwards of 200,0001. has been effected without in any degree increasing the incli nations of the gradients, or jeopardising the security of any of the traffic originally sought to be obtained by the forwation of the railway. The new line branches cut a point of the Greenwich viaduct 21 miles from the London-bridge station, and takes its course, by a cutting, through the upper or higher part of Deptford, where considerable saving has been accomplished by tunnel, arching and retaining walls, in the place of cast•iron supporters. This sectio❑ of the line has, however, been constructed at a consider able (comparative) expense, in consequence of its close proximity to h•;use property. From Deptford to Lewisham the line is more open, and traverses the market gardens between the two places. As the line approaches the Lfiwisham station, 4 miles 30 chains from Londcm-bridge, it passes over, by a bridge of 40 feet span, the Eavensbourne "river," of which the reader of "Hone's Every Day Book" will no . . doubt recollect some very pleasing reminiscences are therein given. The Lewisham station stan,ls on a via duct of eight brick and three iron arches. The station will afford great convenience to the large population of this delightful district, a considerable portion of which, in consequence of the inconvenient distance of the Greenwich station, now travel by the road. Proceeding through the very picturesque grounds of Mr. Brandram, we arrive at the Blackheath station, 5 miles 18 chains from London. bridge. It is in a very pretty spot, called "TrauquiliVale," and will give accom modation to a considerable amount of first-class passenger traffic, in which the neighbourhood abounds, and also to the population of Eltham, Chislehurst, Footscray, &c. Immediately beyond the Blackheath station the lino runs through a deep cutting. Considerable diffimltit s have h;en experienced in the execution of this part of the works. We next reach the Blackheath tunnel (1,681 yards in length) at Morden College. Here, again, con siderable saving of expense has, we understand, been effected by a judicious alteration of the works. Nor has the saving been confined to a " matter of money," for it is stated that were the line to be carried out at this spot as originally designed, the opening could scarcely take place for the next twelve months. Emerging from the tunnel we pass through a cutting, and then have a fine view of the River Thames—the upper part of Woolwich Reach. The views from this part of the line are varied and extremely pleasing. We next reach Charlton station (7 miles 13 chains). In the neighbourhood of this station building operations are being carried out upon an extensive sc ale. Before arriving at Woolwich station (3 miles 21 chains) the line passes through two tunnels, one 150, the other 100, yards in extent. These tunnels have been made fur the purpose of saving a large amount of exca vation, preventing delay in the opening of the railway, and avoiding the use of a considerable amount of valu able property. They run through a hill composed of artifical ground, and have, in the execution of them, pre sented unusual engineering difficulties. The station lies between the marine barracks and the dock-yard gate, and is readily accessible from all parts of that end of the town. The line passes Woolwich in a deep excava tion, supported partly by retaining walls and partly by 470 yards of arching. To and from Woolwich a very large amount of pas senger traffic will pass over the North Kent line- The published returns show that the receipts of the Green wich line proper produce upwards of 16,000/. per mile per annum, and it is reasonable to infer that the re ceipts between Woolwich and Greenwich, will yield half that amount, or 8,0001. per mile per annum. From Woolwich the line proceeds directly across the Plurnstead and Erith marshes, to the village of Erith, the favourite resort of tens of thousands of pleasure set le,rs. A view of the river is obtained over the whole of this section of the line. Erith station (13 miles 64 chains) is a very commodious one, and will serve the wealthy population of Bexley, Bexley-heath, Crayford, &c. A very fair amount of residential and good paying traffic will be obtained to and from this station, exclusive of the pleasure traffic. The hop-grounds add much to the attractive character of the scenery in the vicinity of this station. From Erith the line strikes inland through very undu lating ground, till we reach Dartford. About two miles beyond Erith, we pass over, upon two viaducts which leave the navigation entirely free, the River Cray, and several other small streams. From Dartford (sixteen miles seventy-four chains) a very considerable traffic a ill be se cured, as a large district of the county to the south is entirely without the means of efficient and cheap con veyance. Just beyond the station the line crosses the River Dart by a viaduct. After leaving Dartford the line passes through a heavy chalk cutting, with a very elegant three-arch bridge thrown across it. And here we again run through an undulating country presenting now pretty inland, and anon fine river scenery. Greenhithe (19 miles 48 chains) is the next station. Passing thence under the turnpike road, by a short tun eel, we proceed over the level ground to the most nu merously visited town in Great Britain—Gravesend. Here the company have constructed a most substan tial and commodious station, on a piece of ground that has been excavated for the purpose. The station has the advantage of being easily accessible as well from Rosherville as from Gravesend. No reasonable ex pense seems to have been spared in the endeavour to make the station at once convenient and commodious. About a mile and a quarter from the Gravesend station the use runs into the old Gravesend and Rochester Rail way. This, which was originally the Gravesend and Rochester Canal, and effected a communication between the Thames and the Medway, was, it will be remem bered, formed by the canal company into a single line of railway, and falling into the hands of the South-Eastern Company, next made into a double line by the latter. The line to Gravesend, will, therefore, not only have its own local and pleasure traffic, but, by its junction with the Gravesend and Rochester Railway, will come into competition with the steamers for that large passenger traffic which, traversing the rail between Gravesend, Strood, Rochester, and Chatham, has hitherto reached the metropolis by the river and the Blackwell Railway. We believe the Parliamentary estimates of the receipts upon the lines between the London-bridge terminus and Gravesend was 5,000/. per mile per annum. With judi cious arrangements this amount of receipts will no doubt be realised. Such a receipt would, alter deducting 401. per cent. for working expenses, pay 5 per cent. upon an outlay of 1,500,000/. The line appears to be very well constructed, and the brickwork is very substantially executed. REMOVAL OF THE COURT TO OSBORNE.—It is supposed the Court will remove to Osborne House about the 2d of next month, and remain during the remain- ieg part of the month, and that the Queen, Prince Albert, and the Royal children will proceed in the Victoria and Albert, Royal yacht, about the second week in August, for Scotland. TRADE WITH ALGERIA.—The Lords of the COM• mittee of Privy Council for Trade having forwarded to the Lords of the Treasury an arplication requesting to be informed whether articles the produce of Algeria may be imported for use in this kingdom in French vessels, to gether with a copy of a letter from t he Foreign Office on the subject, and the report of the Commissioners of the Customs thereon, a communication has been sent to the Customs Board by Mr. Hayter, one of the Secre taries to the Treasury, statieg that he has been com manded by their Lordships to transmit for their infor mation a copy of Mr. Porter's letter, and also a copy of a letter from the Foreign Office adverted to, and that he (Mr. Ilayter) was to acquaint them that their Lord ships concur in opinion with Viscount Palmerston and the Board of Trade, that Algeria must be treated as a French possession, and that he was therefore to desire that the Commissioners of the Customs would govern themselves accordingly. ROYAL GENERAL ANNUITY SOCIETY.—A fancy sate in aid of the funds of this society, commenced on Tuesday at Baker-street, Portland-square, was con tinued y esterday, and will be again open to-day and to morrow. The room in which the sale takes place has been fitted up and decorated in a very handsome and tasteful manner, under the superintendence of Mr. Brewster, who deserves great credit, for haying aeltievtel 6t.) much out of no teeter materials than a portion of the coach department of the proprietor of the Esher-;street Bersar. Tho walls are all covered with chintz in white and pink stripes, the floors are covered with matting, the stands are all very commodiously arranged (those superintended by the most active of the lady patronesses being in the centre), and for the accommodation of the visitors communications are established with the glass show rooms of Messrs. Apsley Follett and Co., the Panklibanon, and last, but not least, the far-famed exhi bition of Madame Tassaud. The show of articles in the fancy sale has attracted a considerable number of people, and among the company have been the Marchioness of Londonderry, Viscountess Seahani, the Countess 3 Ellen borough, Lady M'Naghten, Lady F aun Lane Fox, Lady Georgina Cholmle and the ° w'en Countess ' Miss Y ' Morley. Among the lady patronesses whopresidedat stalls, and with most praiseworthy perseverance invited the charitable to purchase, were the Viscountess Com bermere and Lady Blake, Mrs. Milner Gibson, the Ducht ss of Leeds, and the Countess Talbot also had stalls assigned them, but discharged their duties by proxy. As the sale is still open for two days to the public, we recommend a visit to it, not only for the interest which attaches to it, per se, but for the interest of the excellent charity, the funds of which it is held for the purpose of increasing. A notice of the affair wou ld be incomplete without mentioning that the walls of the room me where the fancy sale takes place are hupg with specifns the Hay market Theatre, and othe r contributors, and that there are two excellent bands of music in attendance, under the direction of Mr. G. S. Tsylor. MARYLEIIONE TLIEATRE.—With reference to the startling incident in th e last act of the Witch Wife, our attention has been called to the historical fact that Sir Matthew Hale, after listening in disguise to an unfair trial, sudden l y threw off the millers frock with which he was covered, and took his scat on the bench. Hence the action of Mr. Davenport's character, strange as it ma y a ppear, is not without historical precedent. During the year 1848, 500,000 sheep are stated to have been boiled down for their tallow in the colony of Port Philip. ASYLUM FOR AGED FREE MASONS. The fourteenth anniversary of this institution was commemorated yes :T relay evening by a festival in aid of the funds of the charity, in Freemasons' Hall, when about 160 brethr.?n and visitors sat down to dinner. Lord Dudley Stuart, M.P., presided, and was supported by Brothers Shaw, Biggs, Crucefix, Costa, Fandell, Brewster, Shelf, Dawkes, Wilson, Dobson, and others. The, usual loyal and constitutional toasts having been given ex cathedra, The NOBLE CnAinmAx gave, in succession, the health of the Earl of Zetland, the Most Worshipful Grand Master of the Order; of the Duke of Athol, Grand. Master of Scotland; and of the Duke of Leinster, Grand Master of Ireland, which were severally responded to with marked enthusiasm. _ _ Lord DUDLEY STUART, M.P., the chairman, said he came now to that toast which must be emphatically called the toast of the evening. He trusted they were all—he was sure they were all—disposed to do honour to it, and to aid that which the toast implied by all the means in their power. He supposed he need not tell them that the object of that meeting was to provide the means of soothing the distresses and ministering to the wants of those who, in age and decay, required the aid of benevolence and assistance.—(Applause.) The obj , cL was to provide funds, in order to raise and-estab lish an asylum for decayed and aged freemasons.— (Applause.) lie thought there could not be a better or nobler object, or ono more fitted to engage the sym pathies and rouse the enthusiasm of every freemason, and of every person desirous of befriending suffering humanity.—(App'ausr.) There was scarcely any class in this country who did not possess some establishment of thi3 sort, and was it right that they, freemasons, should be without similar means of relieving distress ? Would it not ba a reproach to them if they Avere content to be longer without it?—(Applause.) They assured him by their cheers that they agreed with him in that sentiment ; but they all knew that of things of that kind it was easy to approve and to concur in, but it was not easy to carry them into effect without exertion or without sacrifice.—(Cheers.) There were those smug them to whom all honour was due, who led the way and who showed them their example ; and with their care, and under their auspices, the way had been prepared for this great, and he might say holy, work.—(Ap plause.) The site had been chosen, the plans had been drawn, and everything was in preparation for the erection of the asylum so much desired, and so much wanted, and so well calculated to effect that object. It was proposed to erect the asylum at Croydon, and he hoped it would not be long before the interesting ceremony of laying the first stone was witnessed.—(Cheers.) They all concurred in the de sirableness of having such an institution, but in this country there was always a diversity of opinion—to every government there was au oppositioa.—(Laughter.) Ele was very glad of it, because sure he was that every where where there was freedom that must be, and that it was only where opinion was repressed tied despotism existed that that opinion could not exist.—(Cheers.) On all occasions he was ready to give to every man who differed from him credit for conscientiousness in his opinion ; and, therefore, when he heard that all were net entirely in unison on the subject to which he had re ferrea, of the site, he doubted not that those who dif fered were evally conscientious in the views they adopted. He did not prcfess to be very conversant with that matter, but one objection to the site which had been chosen was an impression that the locality was not a very healthy one. On the other hand he was assured that that unhealtiness, if it did exist, was mainly owing to the want of proper drainage in the town of Croydon, and that., under the present sanitary system which pre vailed, that evil was about to be immediately remedied, and that, therefore, there would be no longer any ground of objection to the site which had been chosen.—(Cheers.) He trusted that this subject, which he was sure would be properly looked into and sifted as it deserved, would be disposed of in a manner that would give satisfaction to the general body, and that the asylum would be estab lished, which would be as healthy, from its situation, as any that could be found. But they must recollect that this asylum could not rise, and could not be brought to perfection, and could not receive its inmates, and could not diffuse the benefits which were intended, if a sufficient amount of funds were not collected. — (Cheers.) They, there ore, must look to those who were kindly and generously inclined to give them those means which they required; and he came to them, hav ing been requested to fill the chair that day—(Cheers) —to make an appeal to their best feelings to aid in no niggardly manner, but largely, and liberally, and gene rously, that sacred cause.—(Cheers.) lie must press upon them the necessity of being up and doing, and he must press upon them, even it' he was unfortunate, the duty of aiding their suffering bre:been. He rejoiced to see such a meeting as that so crowded and so respect able, and ho was sure they would not refuse to answer to his appeal. He • wished it were more eloquent, but he was sure it could not be more earnest. Hebei been a great beggar in his time—(Laughter)—he was not a little used to it; be knew the trade pretty well, and he knew it was not al ways either an easy or a grateful one. He knew well what it was to go about and ask for charitable assistance, and he knew all the irksomeness and all the disagreeableness that a man so employed had to meet in his pathway. He knew well the averted eye, the cold look, the super cilious smile, the good-natured air, which seemed to say, " Your intentions arc very good, but you are not very wise."—(Laughter.) lle knew very well all the feelings of despondency which come over a man under such circumstances, and what it was, instead of meeting with kindliness and sympathy, to meet with a repulse. lle had gone through all that, but he had not been de terred by it; and be had been glad if, out of a hundred applications, he could at least obtain a certain per-cent age. Ile must say, in some of those attempts he had been supported by the recollection of a story which he had heard of a mendicant friar, who, in his woils of mercy in seeking to solace distress, went about from door to door, until at last he came to an assembly composed of gamblers; he stepped into the room where they were and asked them to give him something for the poor. Those reckless men, intent upon throwing the dice, paid no attention to him for some time, but he importuned them so much that at last one of the gam blers got up and gave him a kick, to which the holy man replied, " That is for me; now what have you for the poor?"—(Laughter and cheers.) He (Lord 1). Stuart) did not say that that had ever happened to himself — (Laughter)—something rot altogether dissimilar, some thing of a kindred nature he had had to undergo. But if it was a hard task for any man to go about soliciting charity for his fellows in distress, if it was difficult, and onerous, and disagreeable, and irksome, to ask for others, let them think what it must be for one to have to ask for himself, perhaps, when he was bowed down by years and infirmity.—(Bear, hear.) Think what it must be for one of their brethren, who perhaps had moved in a sphere of social comfort and of com petence, and even of affluence—think what it must be to him, reduced in his old age to penury, and to- have to go about, and not like him (Lord D. Stunt) to ask for others, but to go and ask aid for himself. He hoped they would determine by their libe ral contributions that they would not suffer that any brother should be reduced to that extremity, but that they would erect a noble asylum which should receive with open arms all those reduced by misfortune to repair there.—(Applause.) He was sure they were ready to do that; he was sure every man in that large and most respectable company was ready to do his very utmost for that great purpose. If ho was not assured of that, confidence would be given to him when be looked up to the gallery and saw it filled by ladies, who were ever foremost in the work of kindness and benevolence.— (Cheers.) He was sure they sympathised with them, and with the object which ho was endeavouring to re commend, and that they were disposed to encourage the assembly to do what he bid them to do; and if there was a man who was not disposed to do so, he (Lord Dudley Stuart) wished that from that galaxy of beauty there might be no smile for him.— (Cheers.) The Noble Lord concluded by giving " The Asylum," which was drank with en thusiasm. Mr. BIGGS, in proposing the health of Lord Southamp ton, the President of the institution, of Dr. Crucefix, the treasurer, and the other officers, in an eloquent speech adverted to the benefits likely to accrue from the proposed asylum, and the unhappy dissensions which had delayed its erection so long, from the time when it was recommended by the Grand Lodge in 1837. Dr. CRUCEFIX responded to the toast in a speech re markable for its fine feeling. Mr. SHAW proposed the health of the Noble Chair man, and, in doing so, took occasion to advert to the humane exertions of the Noble Lord on behalf of the people of Poland. Tne CHAIRMAN briefly replied. Air. G. llnEwsTret, in a complimentary speech, gave " The frees," 111111)11ily. the toast, the name of Mr, Mr. 60131f,1117 hriity eel; riolihsiiseil the coutpliment. The CHAIRMAN then gave " The Ladies," and the as. sen i l , b h l e y su se b p se ar ri a p t t e i d olisin the course of the evening amounted to G2O/. The dinner and wines, which were of the most recherche kind, were provided by the Messrs. Bacon, the proprie tors of the Freemasons"ravern. The vocal arrangements, under the management of Mr. lta.usford, were of a very superior description, and included Mr. Sedgwick, on the concertina; Mr. F. Chat terton, on the harp ; Mr. Whitworth, who sang ".Farhe well to the Mountain ;" the Misses Pyne, duett, The ties i n e o d m f friendship iss it a insr; 'd'wS,hcioethchoblealllava: Lodge. Mr. Missß e 1 1 1 ; a h g o g r i n ori n a dis Mr. Thomas was the toastmaster, and efficiently encored; Mr. Binge, and Miss Kett) charged the duties. MYSTERIOUS ROBBERY OF LORD CARDIGAN'S REGIMENTALS.--DUTiBV, the last two days much conver sation has been occasioned in military circles by its b ecom i n g known that the regimentals of Lord Cardigan, as Colonel of the Roya l Hussars, has disappeared from his Lordship's dressing-room at Hounslow Barracks. It appears that the prcperty in question was last seen sate on Thursday, the 14th instant, and vas not missed until about nine o'clock on the morning of Monday last, the 18th instant, when his Lordship required them. The articles consist of one uniform coat, a superfine blue cloth jacket with gold facings, also at the backs and sleeves up to the elbows. Also a sling jacket Kith gold lace fac• ings, a gold lace link cord to attach it, bordered with sab!e fur down the front and round the collar and b )t tom; both jackets lined with rich red silk. Their sup posed value is 1201., but it is stated they cost Lord Car digan 1501. Information was given to the police, when from inquiries it was ascertained that one of the con stables of the I division had seen a few mornings before two privates leave the barracks by climbing the wall, and subsequently return the same way before the morn ing roll was called over; but such occurrences were so frequent that the constable did not take much notice of 1 the men ._ a _The matter therefore still continues in doubt. IN TERNATIONAL ARBITRATION LETTER FROII MR. COBDEN. Since the debate on this question, Richard Cobden has addressed the following le:ter to Joseph Sturges— " London, June 15, 1849. " My Dear Sturge—The friends of peace ought to be very well satisfied with the result of Tuesday's debate. A close scrutiny of the division lists shows a very great preponderance of public opinion on the vote of the minority of SI (tellers included), whi c h com prises the representatives of nearly all the largest constituencies. For instance, not one of the county Members for Middle sex, West Riding of Yorkshire, and North and South Lancashire, voted in the majority; they were all with us or absent. Those constituencies are' generally ad mitted to be fair tests of public opinion. Not one of the metropolitan Members voted against us, excepting Lord John Russell. I never knew a ques tion which made such rapid progress in the Rouse. You will recolect my telling you in February and March of the jeers and laughter with which the first petitions for arbitration treaties were received. All that was change.. into serious and respectful attention to the subject, by the efforts of your peace party out of doors, anti the fl iod of petitions which was poured in from all parts of the country. If you feel sufficient encourage mr-nt to persc-vere, I have no doubt that success will crown veur efforts at no distant period, and that the Government will be authorised by a vote o the House to hold cut the alive branch to other nations, inviting theta to a mutual pledge that under no circumstances will they go to war. hen such a pledge shall have been entered into by this country with all the Govern ments you will have taken the best possible means for securing universal and permanent peace. Ido not pre tend to say that even then no wars would ever occur, hut at least v e shall have done our best to prevent them. " I am afraid that some of our friends will think I took low ground in the arguments I used in introducing the question to the House. I did so purposely. No other appeal than that to reason, facts, and practical expe rier.ce would have secured me a debate. The dispo sition of the House was from the first to pooh, pooh' the mater as Utopian and impracticable. I felt that my first duty was to make it a practical question. That beirg now secured, we may in future elevate our tone to the height of our great topic, by appealing to the nobler sentiments of humanity and justice. It will be with this question, as it was with that of the corn-laws, the longer it is discussed, the greater it will become. "I fear, also, that some of the peace party, who ad vocate a congress of nations, to arrange a supreme court of appeal for settlement of international disputes, will be disappointed at my disagreeing with them. " Whatever may be the future state of the world, I am quite convinced that at present it would be to the last oegree inexpedient to bring the representatives of the different nations together for the purpose of inducing them to agree to anything. They would be far more likely to sow the seeds of war than to plant the olive tree throughout Europe. I know that many Members came down to the House to oppose me, upon the as sumption that I was going to advocate a congress of na tions, who went away without voting, when they found that my phut merely meant a voluntary pledge of arbi tration. Upon the whole, however, I trust our friends will be satisfied with the position the question has so rapidly gained in the House, and which I attribute en tirely to their persevering efforts out of doors. "Believe me, faithfully Sours, " To Joseph Sturfze, E-q." " RICHARD COBDEN. DEATH OF MR. WILLIAM CLIFT, F.R.S.—This gentleman expired at his residence, Stanhope•cottage, Hampstead road, on the 20th inst., aged 77. Mr. Clift was deservelly well known to the public as the Conser vator of the Hunterian Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons, a situation he had held for nearly half a cen tury, having been appointed to that office on the pur• chase of the collection by Government of the execu• tors of John Hunter, whose apprentice and assistant he was for many years, and also a fellow-labourer in the formation of teat magnificent monument of the genius of his immortal master. Mr. Clift was a Fellow of the Royal Society, and greatly esteemed by the present and former distinguished savans of that body, particularly the late Sir Joseph Backs, Dr. Wollaston, and, indeed, so highly did Sir Humphry Davy (thf2n President of the Royal Society) thick of the lamented deceased, that he used his influence to admit Mr. Clift a Fellow before the increase of the now expensive admission fees; this gen tleman being the last admitted on the old scale. The lamented deceased, whose wile preceded him but a few weeks since, has left an only daugter, married to Pro fessor Owen, and a large body of friends to deplore their great loss. SOUTHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY.—The Ocean Queen Steam Navigation Company's ship Washington, Capt. G. W. Floyd, sailed this afternoon for New York with the United States contract mails from Great Britain, France, and Germany. The Washington took out a large and valuable cargo, principally consisting of foreign goods, the total value of which is estimated at 250,0001. sterling. She has also ninety second class, and sixty first class passengers. Among the latter is Mr. Joseph IL Croskey, the American Consul for this district, who is bearer of dispatches. Advises have been received hero from New York announcing the ar rival at that port of the steam-ship Herrmann on the evening of the sth or morning of the 6th. This in telligence reached Boston by telegraph just prior to the sailing of tho Caledonia for Liverpool. Tie Peninsular and Oriental Steam Navigation Company's ship Ripon, Captain R. Mort shy, 1.N., left the river at the ap pointed hour this afternoon for Alexandria, via Gibraltar and Malta, with the outward East India, China; and Mediterranean mails, in charge of Lieutenant Brady, R.N. She had a full cargo of bale and case goods, 14,0001. specie for Alexandria, and about twenty five passengers. The Royal Mail steamer, with mails from the West Indies end Gulf of Mexico, is hourly expected. LONDON CUTANEOUS INFIRMARY. = The Annual Dinner of this Institution took place at the London Tavern on Thursday, June 14. The Bight Hon. Lord Robert Grosvenor, M.P. &c., presided ; and amongst the company assembled we observed Samuel Gurney, jun. Esq , Thomson Mulkey, Esq., R. A. Gray, Esq., J. 11. Goodhart, Esq., Donald Nicoll, Esq., Jonathan Chapman, Esq., 1). Drakeford, Esq., George Startin, Esq., James Startin, Esq., Standish G. Grady, Esq., &c., &c. Considerable interest was excited by the pre sence of Mohamed Bey, and other distinguished mem bers of the Turkish Ambassador's suite. The usual loyal toasts having been severally proposed and duly honoured, the Noble Chairman propostd " The Pros perity of the London Cutaneous Infirmary," and dwelt strongly upon the claims the society possessed on public sympathy and support. He referred to the hospital of Saint Louis in Paris, and expressed his surprise that, in a city so celebrated as London for its wealth and its benevolent institutions, 50 little attention should, until recently, have been paid to that important class of maladies, diseases of the skin. Paris, with only half the population of London, found it necessary to have its hospital of St. Louis, which an nually relieved 30,000 persons, while the metropolis of England, with its 2,000,000 of inhabitants, had as yet but this infirmary, although he hoped that the commit tee would succeed in their design of making it the nucleus of an hospital commensurate with the wants of this great city. Various other toasts were proposed, and received with much enthusiasm, amongst them " The Noble Chairman," " The President, Samuel Gurney, E: q.," " The Treasurer, J. Gurney Barclay, Esq.," " The Committee of Management," " The Distinguished Fo reigners present," &e., &c. From the report which was read it appeared that the society was making steady progress in public opinion, although its means are not as yet at all adequate to the demands on its bounty. Since its establishment in 1841, it has relieved upwards of 22,000 persons, the average of which number is daily on the increase, and even a larger number than the above have availed themselves of the excellent suite of baths attached to the infirmary. In the course of the evening donations and subscriptions obtained by the stewards were announced to the amount of about 8401. NARROW ESCAPE.—MR. PLUMFTRE, M.P.—Mr. and Mrs. Plumptre have been paying a short visit to 0, Moseley, Esq., of Chancellor House. On Sunday even• ing week Mr. and Mrs. Moseley, and Mr. and Mrs. Plumptre, attended Divine service at Southborough Church, and on their return home they saw the Mount Ephraim omnibus turning into the hotel yard. The driver of the fly in which they were seated, erroneously supposing that the buss driver saw them, kept going on, and the consequence was, that the hind wheel of the fly in which they were seated caught the omnibus and threw the fly driver off. Mr. Moseley's servant, who was on the box with the driver, immediately jumped off b to e t e o a r t e e h h e t h could h o r s e' re s g a r e i a ins, h is b f u e t e ti,nth edoinghorse, so he f a bl e i l a l , d and a nd very spirited one, turned round short, and took a leap ,tang the railings, and down a steep precipice 33 feet bel..vb. the level of the road, dragging the fly after him. 'Fite fall 1.r01,e the body of the earriag'i and the fore elo - i - ls, obeli ,i I the horse at liberty. 'The carriage l v i c a l p h ;i l ly () -( wi r th c' o il L ' e d a o l i l n d g t t ui li r e il m e d a t p r t i h z e e s a n a h m o o o In! New w e stone Gazette. a t n h y e isneirlanateasioninatryhe.i—r heads,maid. ROYAL NAVAL SCHOOL. —On Tuesday the cus- C;ross, Deptford, in the presence of a numerous assem blage interested in its welfare. Admiral p to u m pi a ls ry of b t a h l i f s - )i c n a s r ti Y tuti, l ) i n st t r o th o u k ti° p n lac o e f who was supported by several members of tßbhi:ewgcelocuson'fclill,Pp.r'esided, and opened the proceedings of the day by an address to the pupils, in which he inculcated the great importance of attention to scholastic d u ti es an d discipline, of good conduct, and gentlemanly d emeanour . The reports of the examiners appointed by the council in classics, mathematics, French, navigation, and draw. ing, were then read, and all bore testimony to the satis factory progress and diligence of the various classes. The business of the day was brought to a close by the distribution of the following prizes and testi monials : First class Harrington, gold medal, for classics, mathematics, and French; Evans, Robertson, silver medals; Festing, vellum me dallion certificate; Holt, a prize of books. The following are the names of boys belonging to the oth er classes who received prizes of books: — Holt Saunders, Burton, Woodrough, D. Robinson, Towson, Maclean, Heatheote, Archer, Baker, Woodcock, Lowry, Morris, Locke, Hall, Festing, Robertson, Forman, Cooley, Stod alr'roitnhgiltlo.n,la'nhde m th a e ri n n a e va c l a c d a e d ts e h ts ip hip w s 'a t s o assigned lieaarc Saunders and Pitman. The und e r men tioned young d to ar A t lr a . n H d gentlemen received cards conveying honourable mention of their proficiency:—Cumberland, Pitman, Whish, Festing, Hudson, Gardiner, Thomas, Cooley, Stewart, Watkins, Taylor, Acheson, Barker, Blewitt, Nixon, Rainier, Gore, Watts, Acheson, Forrest, 'Germain, Spooner, Boxer, Cornwall, Petherall, Sutton Kitchener, Royse, Critchell, Kerr, Harmer, Ansel], Shillingford, Simeon, Morris, Boys, Stirling, Trefusis, Pemberton, Hall, Currie, Gannon, and Westbirke. At the termi nation of the proceedings the pupils gave hearty cheers for the council, the chairman (Sir C. Ogle), and the masters.