The Sun. — London, England, 1856-12-26 00:00:00

THEATRE ROYAL, DRUM LANE.--. Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. Acting Manager, Mr. C. Mathews. Stage Manager, Mr. R. Roxby. Scenic Artist, Mr. W. Beverley. GREAT ATTRACTION for the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. First Night of the Grand Christmas Pantomime, the most magnificent ever produced on the English stage. The First Morning Performance of the Pantomime will take place on WEDNESDAY, Dec. 31, at 2 o'clock. The great Comedian of the age, Mr. Charles Mathews, and s powerful Dramatic Company. THIS EVENING, Dec. 26, and following Evening, her Majesty's Servants will perform SIMPSON AND CO. In which Mr. Charles Mathews and the talented Dramatic Company will appear. After which will be produced an entirely new and original Symbolical, hyperbolical, parabolical, and. extra-physiog nomical grotesque, statuesque, and picturesque Grand Comic Christmas Pantomime, which for some time past has employed the unrivalled. resources of this extensive establishment. and which will be called or entitled, as it is entitled to be called, SEE, SAW, MARGERY DAW ; Or Harlequin Holiday, and the Island of Ups and Downs. The scenery entirely new, painted by and under the direc tion of Mr. William Beverley and numerous assistants. The machinery by J. Tucker and assistants. The properties, de corations, tricks, changes, and transformations by Messrs. Needham, Glindon, &c. The masks, models, and physiog nomical devices designed and executed by the celebrated Dykwynkyn. The overture and music composed and arranged by Herr Anschuez. The choregraphic arrangements under the personal supervision of M. Petit. The comic scenes con structed by and under the direction of Harry Boleno. The peculiar grotesque opening invented and written by E. L. Blanchard, author of " Harlequin and the Seven Ages of Man," " Jack and Jill," Humming Top," " Hudibras," &c., and the whole arranged and produced under the direction of Mr. Robert Roxby. Ye anciente and truthful legend on ye which ye pantomime its story is founded "See, saw, Margaret Daw, " Sold her bed, and laid upon straw." MSS. of Nursery Rhymes in British Mus eum. Region of Reverses, in the Island of Ups and Downs. Yea, the Great Globe itself." " Here we go up, up, up, " Here we go down, down, down ; " Here we go backwards and forwards, " And here we go round and round." Juvenile Chorus of the earliest period , supposed to belong to the One. Up, Mr. Topham ; Down, Mr. Low ; Opera. box, Kid Glove, Tiger and Brougham, and po ri rte T -monnaie (attendants upon Up), Signor Lorgnette. Hard • ightfitt . , Master Saurebox, and Monsieur Chiuque ; d Lp, Dupli cate, Distraint, and Rags (attendants upon Down), Mr. F hard;Mr. Popdl, Mr. Quodbam, and Mr Patchwell. An nual appearance of Holyday iu her Emblematic Car. Holyday (the Genius of the Season), Miss Marian Stanley ; Sport and Pastime (her attendants), Misses Lovelaugh and Lightheart ; Dame Necessity (who is on this occasion made a virrue of by particular desire), Mrs. Selby. How Invention, the Daughter of Necessity, is called upon to assist the development of the story, while Holyday invites both Up and Down to enjoy themselves. Holyday's Home in the Green Bower of Mistletoe and Winter Garden of the Fairies.—Mistletoe (the Fairy Queen), Miss E. Wadham ; Fairy Spirits of the Kisses that have been given under the Mistletoe, by upwards of 100 Ladies of the Corps de Ballet. Grand Ballet —Miss Rosina Wright, Mdlles. J. and E. Osmont, and the Co ryphees. The Golden Gates leaning to the Palace of Huggamugga.—Herald (with a Proclamation), Mr. Hornogold ; Guards, Messrs. Stiffneck, Headsup, Eyesright, Shoulderarms. Stand-at-ease, and March well ; Tailor, Mr. Broadcloth ; Cobbler, Mr. Waxend ; Black smith, Mr. Anvil ; the Princess Margery Daw (afterwards Columbine), Madame Boleno ; Shilly and Shelly (her Maids of Honour), Misses Dithery and Dothery. How Margery Daw has no notion of work herself, and the contempt she shows towards those who do work. Interior of the Palace of King Huggamugga. King Huggamugga (Sovereign of the Land of Sixes and Sevens), Mr Dawking ; Hurly- Burly (Lord Chancellor), Mr. Bigwig ; Niminy-Piminy (the Lord. Cham berlain), Mr. Noodledom ; Higgledy-Piggledy (Goldstick in Waiting), Mr. Muddle; other Members of the Court, Messrs. Bow, Scrape, Cringe, Crouch, Tagsag, Merrywag, Perriwig, and Hatband; Court Milliner Madame Crinoline ; Drawing Master, Professor Crayon ; Governess, Miss Frump ; Music Master, Signor Hurdigurdi ; Maid in Waiting, Miss Sweet temper ; Chef de Cuisine, Mr. Cook ; Prince Popinjay (of the Land of Prettistory), Mr. Finefeather ; his Retinue, Messrs. Glare, Dazzle, Gleam, Glitter, and Cutashine. How the Princess is taught a wholesome lesson by Necessity, and of the change that takes place in consequence. Cottage of Necessity, with a Prospect of Hard Work in the Distance. The Enchanted Wor kbox—The Sampler and the Exemplar, and. the pretty piece of work that Margery Daw makes of it. Inhabitants of the Workbox :—Row of Pins, Messrs. Sharp, Bent, Crooked, Pinaday, Groatayear, &c. ; Regiment of Needles (ready drilled), Messrs. Largeeye, Smalleye, Longsix, Splitup, Snapoff, &c. ; Thimble, Master Tom Thumb ; Worsted, Mr. Bawlaway ; Bodkin, Mr. Pierce ; Tape Mea sure, Mr. Inchbald; Hook and Eye, Messrs. How and Some bodyelse ; Shirt Buttons, Mr. Earlypurly ; Scissors, Mr. Shearsteel. How Margery Daw makes an important discovery and the audience also, and how, led by Necessity, she is com pelled to alter her opinions and change her position. The Mine of Labour, leading to the Mine of Wealth.—Labour (the Parent of Health, Wealth, and Happiness), Mr. Strong'i'th'arm. What Margery Daw goes to see, what she saw, and the re ward that Holyday bestows. Grand Scenic and Mechanical Effects, exhibiting (in process of construction) the Fairy Fac tory of Fancy, completed with the assistance of Labour and Imagination. Brilliant Tableau. The Transformation :—Two Harlequins, Herr Deulin and Signor Veroni ; two Sprites, the Brothers Elliott ; two Pantaloons, Mr. Barnes and Mr. G. Tanner; two Clowns, Messrs. Harry Boleno and Flexmore ; the Gent, Mr. Halford ; two Columbines, Madame Boleno and Miss Honey. The Ups and Downs of the Harlequinade, showing the Ins and Outs and Turns About of the Pantomime Rally ; Toy Warehouse, Butcher's and Baker's Shop (Bolenos, Denlin, Tanner, and Raiford).— A pink of polite ness—Clown very toyish—Getting a nutcracker, which turns out a nobby toy—First and last toys for gambling—Marbles versus dice—Despatches, loaded, and off they go—Harlequin takes a private box—Clown takes Chatterton's situation as boxkeeper—Kite-flying—A game of Cricket, by which sospe of the players get bowled out, and afterwards stumped, which turns out a long stop—The uses and abuses of the crin oline—A Jack in the box—A box of regular British toys and a basket of French bread (bricks)—Aldershott a size smaller —Grand review of infantry—A military ball—Going in for a buster—Coming out with a roll—Clown make a peel to baker's feelings—List, oh, List—Squaring a round of beef— Clown takes a steak and gets a chop in return—Pantaloon tries his hand at a game and loses by it —Cut and come again —Clown takes a butcher's shop, which Harlequin makes too hot to hold him. Tailor's Shop and Perfumery Warehouse (Ve roni, Barnes, and Honey). A gentleman in search of a tailor— A suit that is quite the ticket—Tire Oude wrapper—Railway wrappers--Transferdepot--Washing machine—extraordinary— Something that won't wash—Cleaned out--Scent in and sent out- Foreign versus English toothpowder —Hungary water—A Frangipani bouquet—Wonderful effects of the Pistachio nut powder—A case of real distress—Pantaloon in a fix—Fur nished Apartments for Single Men (Bolenos, Deulin, and Tanner).—Clown and Pantaloon in high life—A domestic re volution—Turning the tables—To bed, to bed—A drop too much Clown now begins to reflect —The looking-glass follows his example—Two heads better than one—Clown takes a turn on the sofa, which also takes a turn on its own account— Multiplication altercation, which ends with a regular row in the house. Judkia's Gas-regulating Machine and General Patent Office and Stationer's Shop (Veroni, Barnes, and Honey.)—Clown, being in Fleet-street, goes the pace rather fast—The language of the eyes (1-talian of .curse) which everybody understands—Bath post versus London post—Re gulators Wanted railway regulators, army regulators, gas regulators, smoke regulators—Sewing, cutting, washing, pressing, and ironing done by a turn—Clown makes a shift which makes Pantaloon a little• shirty—A box of common scents—A fresh supply of blacks from America—A Dred-ful scene ensues. Mechi's Model Farm (Bolenos, Deulin, and Tanner.)—Harvest-home —A. rakish dance by rustic lads and lasses—The milky way—Harlequin makes a pump of himself —A. strong smell of game—A farm-yard visitor—Clown finds the pig a very great bore—Pantaloon finds the dog gets greatly attached to him —Prize Poultry—Cochin China and couch in England —Novel hatching—The old mail—Full in side—Clown off by the Express and Pantaloon by the Rocket—Mappin's Cutlery and Shilling Razor Warehouse, King William-street, City (the whole of the double company will appear in this scene.)—Pantaloon proposes to take a bus—Present and future—Weight of public opinion —A change for the better—The people's own bus—When fool meets fool then comes the tug of fun—Collision, crash, smash, and dash—Garotte preventive—Moustache move ment—A pair of sharp blades—Clowns 'prove themselves a case for cutlery—Holloway stopped by Holloway's oint ment—The duel —A cut direct—Forewarned, forearmed— Public nuisances of 1856-oh, my Crinoline—A high wind, a regular blow up, and glorious termination to Ups and Downs in Holiday's Fairy Home. The reduced prices as follows, varying throughout the house to suit every one :—Galleries, 6d. and ls. ; Second Circle of Boxes, is. 6d. ; Pit, 2s. ; First Circle of Boxes, 2s. 6d. ; Dress Boxes, 3s. ; Stalls, ss. ; Private Boxes, 10s. 6d., V. ls., 1/. lls. 6d., and 21. 2s. R OYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Lessee, Mr. C. Dillon. THIS v.VENINfi, December 26, will be produced an entirely new and original combination of burlesque and pan tomime, entitled CONRAD AND MEDORA; or, Harlequin Corsair and the Little Fairy at the Bottom of the Sea. The burlesque opening by W. Brough, Esq., founded upon the ballet of Le Corsair, as produced at Her Majesty's Theatre. The harlequinade upon thin g s in gene ral. The new a n d mag nificent scenery pai n t e d by Mr. F. Fenton. Characters in the opening : Conrad (the Corsair) Miss Woolgar Birharto (his lieutenant) Mr. J. L. Toole Seyde Pasha .. Mr. Barrett Sing Smanl Ynssiff Medora . . Mrs. Charles Dillon Gnlnar Mrs. B. White Znliem Submarina...(her first appearne.e) Miss Jessie Ryder Serena Miss Marie Wilton Clowns Mr. Tom Matthews and Mr. H. Marshall Mr. Stilt Mr, J. Marshall , Miss Clara Morgan On Boxing Night, and on Saturday, Dec. 27, the historical play of WILLIAM TELL will commence the performances. William Tell, Mr. C. Dillon. A `Morning Performance of the Pantomime every Saturday, at 2 o'clock, commencing on Sa turday, Dec. 27. The box-Ogee open daily, from - 11 to 5, under the snperntenElence of Mr. Chatterton, jun Carriages conveying parties to the Private Boxes to set down at the State entrance in Burleigh-street. Pantaloon . Harlequin Columbine. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. THIS EVENING, Dec. 2E, will be per formed TUE CORSICAN BROT ETERS. After which, a new grand Christmas Pantomime, called ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP; or, Harlequin and the Genii of the Eing. Harlequin, Mr. Cormack ; Clown, 3fr. Huline ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo ; Co lumbine. Miss C. Adams, Saturday, the Corsican Brothers and the Pantomime. On Monday, Dec. 20, will be presented A Midsummer Night's Dream and the Pantomime. -TOY 1, OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee, Mr. Alf re d Wi gan . THIS EVENING, DELICATE GROUND. G. Vining and Leslie ; Mrs. Stirling, A new F a i r y E x travaganzl, by J. R. Pl ane he , E sq. , c a ll e d YOUNIT AND HANDSOME. Messrs. F. Robson, Rogers, Leslie, G. Cooke, Danvers. Misses SWanborough, Thirlwall, Castleton, B rom l ey, M as k e ll , St. Caese (her first appearance), and Mrs. •Melfort. After which, CRINOLINE. Commence at, 10.11 Past Seven. Messrs. THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDIAY EVENING, DECEMIVER 26, 1856. PHEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET 1. THIS EVENING, Dec. 26, and SA TUR: DAY, to commence at Seven with the comedy of THE HONEYMOON. In consequence of Mr. Murdoeh's success he is leingaged for a few nights and will appear as the Duke Aranza. After which, a new comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled THE BABES IN THE WOOD, or Harlequin and the Cruel Uncle. The scenery of the opening story painted by Mr W. Callcott. The music composed and arrangedby Edward Fitz william. The pantomime produced under the direction of M. Milano. Harlequin, M. Milano ; Columbine, Fanny Wright (her first appearance in that character) ; Pantaloon, Mr. Mackay ; and Clown, Mr. Driver (his first appearance in that character at this theatre). The first Morning perform. ante of the Pantomime will be given on Thursday, Jan. 1, and continue every Thursday throughout the holidays : com mencing at 2, concluding at 4. toward collision between Persia and England be " remembered throughout the discussions of the Paris Conferences. And while all this is borne in mind, diplomatically and politically, let its not, in Heaven's name, forget the dread lessons taught us during that terrible struggle for life and death in the Crimea—during those deplorable do-nothing campaigns in the Baltic—during that prolonged contest before Kars—during that protracted struggle before Sebastopol ! Let the late War give us at least the good Fruits of a bitter but wholesome Experience. Providence, promp titude, decision, every noble quality affecting the awful Science of War, may thus actually grow up for us, in full and mature vigour, out of the hesi tations, the remissness, the improvidence, and all the other evil qualities affecting that momentous Art during the last three years—more particularly in such localities as Scutari and Balaklava Then, but not otherwise, we may in a manner " pluck the flower Safty from the nettle Danger." Then we may in some measure repair the errors blun dered into during the avowed War with Russia, by means of this new but tacit war with Russia through, Persia ! Our Floating Batteries coming into use (may be) just a little later on, and a little further to the East than was originally intended. Our gun-boats, ready at last, in the event of their being anywhere required. Our gigantic Fleets —no longer manned (according to the sneers of Admiral Sir BOMBASTES BOBADIL) by " bald men with spectacles"—in full and magnificent efficiency. Our troops led to battle—not by any mere amiable Military Secretary far gone in years and never far to go in genius or discretion, nor yet by old women, who ought by rights to be playing whist at Bath, or talking scandal at Leamington, or quaffing the chalybeate at Chel tenham—but, in lieu of these, in place of a HAR.- DINGE or of a Srmrso:s - , one of England's young, bold, daring, energetic, Sepoy Generals ! Yes— , to the Sepoy Generals, the armies of England in THEATRE ROYAL, AD EL PHI. Great Attraction for the Holidays. TO-NIGHT (Friday, De c. 26), and Saturday, Dec. 27, for two nights only, PAUL PRY : By Mr. Wright. After which will be p r oduced . a new and original union of m odern burlesque and old English pantomime (as originated at this theatre), by Professor Wordspinner, Member of Every thing, with entirely new scenery, dresses, transformations, &c., called MOTHER SHIPTON ; or, Harlequin Knight of Love, and the Enchanted Inistle. Harlequin and Columbine (a la Watteau), Madame Celeste and Miss Wyndham ; Clown, Mr. Garden ; Pantaloon, Mr. , Mr. Le Barr. Characters in the bur lesque 11 4 ; Nl S r e .Ta m urß e e h dford, Mr. J. Bland, Mr. R. Romer, Madame Celeste, Miss Wyndham, Miss Mary Keeley, Miss Kate Kelly, Miss Arden, dm 4,7_4 TRAND THEATRE.—Manager, Mr. T. Payne.—This Evening will be performed ROBERT MACAIRE. To conclude with the immensely successful novel Burlesque Pantomime of THE MAGIC MISTLETOE ; or, Harlequin Humbug and the Shams of London. The Fairy Christmas, liss E. Wilton; Good Humour, Miss Norbury ; Mercury, Miss Cameron ; Humbug, Mr. Herbert; Cant, Mr. Bolton ; Baron, Mr. J. B. Johnstone • Sir Roland, Mr. Clarke ; Lord ' Lovell, Miss Craven • Addeiplte, Miss Cuthbert ; Crambo, Master W. Edouin ; Lady Agnes, Miss E. Jacobs ; Baroness, Mr. G. Lee; Furbilosa, Mr. J. Howard. Novel Harle quinade :—Clown, Miss Cuthbert ; Little Clown, Master W. Edouin ; Pantaloon, Mr. J. Clarke ; Harlequin, Miss Craven ; Columbines, Miss E. Jacobs and Mdle. Collison ; Premier Dansense, Mdle. Marie Charles. New and magnificent Scenery, die. New Curtain. New Act Drop. C om mence at Seven. Stalls, 3s. ; Boxes, 2s. •; Pit, ls. ; Gallery, 6d. A morning performance of the Pantomime every Monday at two o'clock. OYAL SURREY THEA.TRE. Lessees, Messrs. S;_lepherd. and Cresvriek. • THIS EVENING, DOUGLAS. After which, HARLEQUIN AND THE SUMMER QUEEN. Harlequin, Mr. F. 1;1ovor ; Clown, Mr. Buck ; Pantaloon, Mr. Bradbury; the Four Sprites , the Fillis Fa. redly ; Columbines, Mesdames Marie and Agnes. time of war ought in re ason t o b e committed. Precisely, as the armies of France are committed to the Generals who have first reaped laurels for ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke. THIS EVENING (Dec. 26,) Shakspea.re's Tragedy of MACBETH, with Mr. W. Cooke's Equestrian Illustrations. Macbeth, Mr. James Holloway. After which, the skilful SCENES in the CIRC E. To conclude with a new grand equestrian comic pantomime, called PAUL PRY ON HORSEBACK; or, Harlequin and the Magic Horseshoe. Doors open at half-past six ; commenee at seven o'clock. Pox-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr , W. West. Equestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun. themselves in Algeria. Hindostan being the school of arms for ourselves, as Algeria is the schuol of arms for our neighbours. The title of Sepoy-General being, in truth, a title of glory and of distinction. Fur, let it not be forgotten that the two greatest Captains of modern times for England, were Sepoy-Generals---Sir CHARLES NAPIER, the Hero of Scinde, and ARTHUR, Duke of WELLINGTON. CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road.— OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow ing company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of Selections from all the popular Operas, Madrigals, Choruses, Glees, Duets, drc., : —Miss E. Pearee, Mrs. J. Caulfield, Miss Brunell, and Miss Summers ; Mr. J. Caulfield, Herr F. Jonghmans, R. Grover, T. R,ino, T. Farrant, S. Jones, J. Barker, W. Melling, and P. Corrie ; Masters Austin, Ben nett, and Corti ; Mr. Sam Cowell and E. Ma.ckney. Piano forte, J. Harroway, R.A. ; harmonium, J. Caulfield, jun. ; director, Mr. J. Caulfield. Commence at Seven o'clock pre wisely. Suppers, dec., until twelve o'clock. In addition to the usual Vocal Entertainment, the celebrated SPANISH MINSTRELS will appear in costume at Nine and Eleven o'clock Every Evening, and sing some of their favourit selec tions. The Times having in vain endeavoured to per suade the people to submit patiently to the fraudu lent attempt to enforce the iniquitous Income Tax at its present enormous rate, and without modifi cation or revision, for a year beyond the time for which Parliament intended to grant it, now, according to its usual custom, endeavours to deter by sneers and sarcasm all those who venture boldly to propose decided ameliorations in the mode of levying the impost. In this futile effort it has mode a fierce onslaught on Mr. ROBERTSON GLADSTONE and the Council of the Liverpool Reform Association, who, refusing to listen to the gentle amenities of the Thunderer, have ventured to think for themselves, and to act in the manner which they believe calculated to promote the best interests of the nation. The address of the Association, to the middle, commercial, ma nufacturing, and industrial population, together with the promise of a second address, has excited the wrath of the Leviathan to such an extent as to induce it to cast aside the flimsy veil by which i it concealed its real feelings on the subject of fiscal reform—by pretending to desire a revision of the Income Tax. We venture, however, to tell the It scarcely appears to be yet realised by Eng- Times that "sneers are not arguments, insolence it, nor arrogance honesty." The si m ple land that we have actually embarked again in a w fact that new Eastern War. The threatened rupture with the Corporation of Liverpool, taking advantage of America has blown over with the close of the an Act of Parliament, by which it i s f u ll y au th o - Presidential Election—has blown over, indeed, so rised, levies some "150,0001. per ann um on th e happily, for the time being, that the period of the trade of the Mersey and the neigbourhood f or th e i r own local uses," has nothing whatsoev er t o say t o passing of the Republican fasces from the lictors t of PIERCE to those of BUCHANAN, is celebrated as the assessment of the so-called Property T ax . W e amicably in regard to the old Mother Country as shall not be induced into the trap so artf u lly l a id by the presentation to Queen VICTORIA. of the old by the Times by riding off on the collateral is sue . Arctic discovery-ship, the Resolute. The threat - Nor can it indulge in a to Toque argument i n ened collision between the allied forces of France favour of its protegee the Chancellor. Even if and Great Britain, and the maritime and military the Corporation of Liverpool have improperly strength (or weakness—whichever it may be called) levied 150,0001. per annum, it affords no earthly of the Two Sicilies—has likewise, in its turn, passed reason why Sir G. C. LEWIS should fraudulently away like another nine-days' wonder. The sullen extract nine or ten millions from the pockets of withdrawal of the British and Gallic Legations the English people. Neither RossoN nor RED from Naples being somewhat inconsistently fol- PATH could justify their embezzlements by the lowed up—by nothing whatever of a bellicose assertion that there had been minor delinquents character ! The rather stringent ultimatum (as it who appropriated the property of their em p lo y ers might almost have been termed) addressed to to their own use, even if the fact could be esta• King BOMIA some months ago, being succeeded blished beyond the possibility of doubt or difficulty. oddly enough by the most affectionate personal Men might have been plundered by "bold barons, felicitations addressed to his MAJESTY, only the or even Ministers of State, in "the good old times." The Income Tax, such as it is, may not completely other day, on the part of NAPOLEON 111., upon the fortunate casualty of his (King B.' s ) 1 strip the hard-working professional small trades escape from assassination ! The threatened man or clerk as the licensed robber who seized ou conflict between Prussia and Switzerland, all his effects, and ill-used himself and family in a moreover, has, is its turn, been brought to an un ddition. But surely we are not to submit to pick expected and even (as one might say with Milesian- pockets and area sneaks because we have got rid of laxity of phrase) before it had well had any be- the daring highwaymen and burglars who plun- ginning—How ? Europe has recently learnt with no inconsiderable amazement ! By the very un gracious —and History will hardly fail to add the singularly ungrateful—rebuff addressed to the Diet of the Helvetic Confederation by the Govern ment of his Imperial Majesty the third NAPOLEON dered on a grander scale in former days ! As to the personal attacks on Mr. ROBERTSON GLAD STONE and his coadjutors, they merely remind us of the instructions of a despairing defendant to his advocate, "We have no defence—abuse the attorney for the plaintiff I" —once upon a time the honoured and chivalrously defended guest of the Swiss Republic in his equally romantic but less august character as the exiled Prince Louis NAPOLEON BONAPARTE. The threa- The Times has, however, exhibited the nature and extent of the sincerity with which it pro fesses to support the cause of the oppressed and defrauded middle classes, who earn their daily tened renewal of hostilities between the Western Powers and Russia in the matter of that wretched little affair of the Isle of Serpents—has in its turn, too, been glossed over as rather a bit of a bore—being referred, with various other dip lowatic annoyances and territorial entanglements, co the dexterous or sinistrous skill (just as events may prove it) of that new hocus pocus Council of Ten—the Paris Conferences ! Ruptures with America, with Naples, with Russia again —be tween Prussia and Switzerland in re Neuchatel— ruptures north, south, east, and west—have all " blown over," as we have said, one after ano ther. Yet, at the very time we might, for this reason, hope to be congratulating ourselves upo❑ the hippy restoration of Peace—lo ! and behold ! we are now once more actually embarked in a New War, a new Eastern War, a war with the empire of Persia. bread by their daily labour. We cannot forget how completely it deserted the cause it had pre viously advocated, when ➢lr. GLADSTONE brought for ward his insidious financial scheme, which secured a renewal of the tax for a longer period than it had ever previously been granted, under the specious pretext that it should after five years be gradually reduced, and eventually extinguished in 1860. It then afforded ample grounds to the tax-paying community to exclaim, "Save us from our friends ; we can protect ourselves against our avowed enemies." As we recently stated, and we now repeat the question, " having followed sed long° intorvailo the popular opinion, and proved the palpable unfairness of the 30-called equal apportionment ! it grasped at the de ceitful and hypocritical pretensions of Mr. GLADSTONE, and, expatiated on the blessings of the gradual reduction and extinction of the It will be well not to overlook in the midst of this "confusion worse confounded," the veritable, undeniable, actual, positive origin of this war with Persia. What is it ? What is the real cause of this rupture between England and Persia? Who is the secret instigator of it? The cause is not Persian tlx." By these 'means the chains were rivetted on the natiol., which is still groaning under the intolerable bur th en . W e certa i n ly are not dis posed to place our case in the hands of ouch a champion, or again to act under a general that deserted his standard at the first summons. ambition but Russian ambition ! The instigator If any doubt could ezist on the gross and palp- is not the Shah NASR-OOD DEEM, but the Czar ALEXANDER 11. ! Let this net be forgotten. Let it not be overlooked. Let it bo ever kept sedu lously in mind during the progress of whatever maritime campaigns may take place in the Gulf of Persia, or of whatever military campaigns may have to be recorded as having taken place on the magni ficent tract of country extending from the waters of that gulf to those of the Caspian Sea! Let the Russian AUTOCRAT'S share iu originating this un able swindle of professing to assess all kinds of "income," no matter from what source derived, at the same rate, it must be removed by the admirable " Dialogue on the Income Tax," which appeared in our impression of y es . terday. That i n i m it a ble brochure goes to the root have used if Li v i ng , " facts and tigures," such as COCKER. himself would of th© entir e q uestion. B y and which his 1/ido/on ii sup- posed t,t) cite to the puzzled Minister of Finance, it clearly exposes the deception ; - proving that, so far from being equal, it is the most unequal im post in its operation ever inflicted on a nation. We have really no Property Tax, inasmuch as a large and valuable proportion of the national wealth totally evades the legitimate claims of the tax-collector, while that which really contributes to the exigencies of the Exchequer "is a gra duated tax, the gradation of taxation being so contrived as to fall with crushing weight on the shoulders of industry—to the relief of accumu lated wealth." The proof of this will be found in the accurately and laboriously compiled tables, to which, as well as to the entire document, we refer our readers. It will well repay perusal, going far to establish the point for which we have long con tended, that the best possible tax is an equitably assessed Property Tax, without any exemption, however trivial—the worst, a charge on profits. Let wealth contribute the quota to which it is fairly liable, in return for the protection it enjoys. Let industry go free, or, if at all charged, let it only pay according to a just and equitable scale. LATEST NE WS. The latest intelligence from Switzerland says the Charges d'Affairs of America and England at Berne had endeavoured to bring about a good understanding between Switzerland and Prussia, but not being supported by the representatives of other Powers, they bad failed. No change has takes place in the war preparations of the Prussian Government or the Federal Council. General Dufour is engaged with a war committee in organising the various military depots, and pre paring the points of defence. The veteran general declared the other day that he would not hesi tate fur an instant to enter on a campaign with his fellow-citizens ; and he added, " we shall soon meet on the battle field." Indeed there seems to be but one feeling in Switzerland, and that is to resist. The permanent Swiss Council of War is composed of Generals Dufour, Ziegler, Egloff, Kurz, Bourgeois, Voilloy, Salis, Fisher, Stheliy, Dolaragoaz, and Linden. Swiss from all parts of Europe were arriving at their homes daily ; in addition, a number of foreigners had written to the Federal Government offering their services. The committee appointed some time ago in the affair of the fortifications of Stockholm have, it is said, sent in their estimate of cost of the plan, which, if carried out, will amount to between 3,000,000 and 4,000,000 ; besides this, the arming of the works of defence will require a further sum of between 1,500,000 and 2,000,000 more. A despatch last night from Naples mentions that the explosion of the powder magazine near the King's palace was the result of a plot. A letter from Rome of the 16th inst. announces that the state of siege has been removed in the Legations and the Marches, with the exception of the two provinces of Bologna and Ancona. It adds that a serious difference is said to have arisen between Cardinals Alfieri and Antonelli on the present high price of provisions. The former charged the latter with permitting corn to be illegally exported from Terraciva for the benefit of his family who reside there. division of the districts is such as, in proportion to the population, to furnish at the same time the men for the regiments of the line and those des tined to the regiments of the Landwehr who bear the same numbers. The Prussian army, consisting in time of peace of about 80,000 men, comprises the Guard and the troops of the line. The Guard is composed of two divisions. The troops of the line are divided into four sections, each subdivided into two corps d'arme Each corps d'arance comprises two divisions, and , acla division three brigades. The regiments do not consist of more than two or three battalions. The effective strength of the divisions is conse quently inferior to that of the French. Iu war time the ordinary active army consists of 162,000 men ; the first ban gives a total of 150,000 men. The grand total of the military force of which Prussia can dlspose, including all the re sources of the active army, special corps, garrison troops, the first arid second ban of the Landwehr, exclusive of the Landsturm, amounts to 585,510 men and 93,850 horses. Prussia owes to the mechanism which regulates the organisation of her army the rank she has taken among the great military Powers of Europe. Soffi cienu has been said of her special aptitude, but this organisation, which bears no resemblance to that of other armies was, perhaps, deserving of special notice. FRANCE. PARIS, THURSDAY EVENING. This being Christmas day, the Bourse and all the public offices are closed. A Council of Ministers, at which the Emperor presided, was held yesterday at the Tuileries. Preparations are being made at the Hotel of the Presidency of the Legislative Body for the recep tion of Count de Morny, who is expected in Paris at the commencement of the new year. A decree in the Ilioniteur contains some further nominations and promotions in the upper ranks of the magistracy. The Archbishop of Paris has just named as ho norary canons of Notre Dame the following mem bers of the clergy of Paris :—The Abbe Veron, of St. Roch ; the Abbe Hery, ex-chaplain of St. Louis-les•Francais at Rome ; the Abbe Descourtils do Maubertoin, his grace's private secretary ; and the Abbe Buquet, secretary archivist of the arch bishopric. SWITZERLAND. It has been stated that the Grand Council of Berne has unanimously voted an unlimited credit for completing the military preparations of the can ton. The following is a report of the debate which preceded the adoption of the resolution : M. Migy, Vice-President of the Executive Council— I do not believe it necessary to narrate on this occasion the events of September at Neuchatel. At present things have arrived at such a point that diplomatic rela tions between Switzerland and Prussia have been broken off, and that the Federal Council has already taken measures of the highest importance. It is not for this assembly—it is not for the Canton of Berne to decide the question of peace or war ; the right to do so belongs to the Federal Assembly, which will meet within a few days. Whatever it may decide, we will adhere to ; Berne will stand by the whole Confederation. It is on account of war being possible that I come in the name of the Executive Council to apply for an unlimited credit in order to complete the effective force and stores of our army. In granting this credit, the Grand Coun cil of the canton of Berne will give the Confederation the best proof of the active participation which it is determined to take in this question, which is of general interest for all Switzerland ; it will show that it is firmly decided to maintain the rights of the Confederation against any external encroachment. The Federal Assembly has unanimously approved of the measures taken and to be taken by the Federal Council in the affair of Neuchatel ; lot us also be unanimous, and let no false ideas of economy influence us. M. Steiner, military director—The question which we discuss is of urgent importance. Prussia has in terrupted her diplomatic relations with us , and the news of each day informs us that she is actively carrying on her warlike preparations against Swit zerland. The Federal Council has directed all the cantons to keep the three contingents ready to march. I believe that we may await the decisions of the Federal Assembly with full confidence. We shall soon learn all the steps that the Federal Council has taken to maintain peace. We shall even see that it has gone so far as to offer to abandon the trial of the prisoners, if the King on his part will consent to the sacrifices which Switzer land must necessarily demand. But the King requires that Switzerland shall release the prisoners without any sort of conditions, sod thereby admit herself to be in the wrong ; but Switzerland cannot consent to that course. In reading the history of our country we see that the situation is not new ; it has more than once arisen in the course of our history, and our ancestors have traced out to us the path we have to follow. As long as it was possible, they preferred peace to war, but when war was necessary, they never flinched from it. That is why I also support the application for an unlimited credit. M. Feuter, Director of Finances : I must admit here that in the deliberations of the Executive Council I wished the amount of the credit to be fixed, but on seeing the una n i m ity o f th e counc il I, w ithout hesita tion, withdrew my motion. It is true that the greatest part of the S w i ss p opu l a ti on wou ld s ee with pleasure the affair peaceably arranged, as soon a' peace ca n be obtained hono ura bly, b u t on ly o n that condition. During eight years th e new F e d era l Constitution has existed in peace and calm ; partial reforms, and even complete changes in the governments of different cantons, have been peaceably effected. All at once, a man who long resided in the canton of Neuchatel, and who by his character is most estimable and most noble—a man who was the providence of the whole country in which he resided —came, like a thunderbolt in a serene sky, and precipitated us and himself into incalculable woe. But we are not now called on to discuss political opinions ; we have to obey the appeal of the Confederation. I declare, therefore, that I am in favour of the unanimous adoption of the proposition of the government. THE PRUSSIAN ARMY. The Neuchatel question imparts some interest to the following details, taken from a Paris military journal, on the organisation of the Prussian military force :—The elements of that force, it says, consists of,-Ist the permanent or standing army, properly so called, and in which enter, independently of volunteers, the young men raised by conscription, according to a proportion fixed by the necessities of the service ; 2d, the Landwehr of the first ban, i n which enter all young men from the age of 20 to 25 years who do not form part of the active army, the soldiers, who have served the three years prescribed by the law, and able-bodied men from 26 to 30 years ; 3d, the Landwehr of the second ban, which is considered as a reserve ; this comprises the elite of all able bodied men to 40 years of age, who have served in the active army or in the first ban ; its staff is not permanent, and it is this body which in war time furnishes the garrisons in fortified places. Independently of those elements there is the Landsturm, or the levy en masse of all men from the age of 17 to 60, but which exists only in name. The Landwehr of the first ban is, like the active army, destined to serve in war time at home and abroad. In time of peace the staff and a small skeleton from each battalion are only permanent ; all the others forming part of the first ban remain at their occupations, and only receive pay and sub sistence during the period of manceuvres, which is never very long. Voluntary engagements form a considerable element of) the standing army. The time of ser vice is for three years, and they can only be con tracted frem the age of 17 to 20, so that the Prussian Soldiers are generally regarded as too young. : At the expiration of their service the volunteers form during two years part of the re serve, and consequently depend ou the active' army. They are then drafted for seven years into the Landwehr of the first ban, and again for seven years more in that of the second ban. The recruiting for the active army is effected by means of a Commission established in each district, and con posed of civil and military members. The THE EAST. A letter from Constantinople of the 15th, in the Semaphore, of Marseilles, says :—" Kuprisli Me horned Pacha, Turkish ambassador at St. Peters burg, arrived here yesterday, and resumed his functions as President of the C iuncil of the Tau zimal. Mohammed Ibn Aoun, cherif of Mecca, has received the decoration of the Medjidie, Ist class, enriched with diamonds, and a magnificent sabre, the hilt of which is studded with diamonds. The sons of the cherif have had their part in the favours of the Government, the eldest, Abdullah Pacha, member of the Grand Council, having received the Ist class decoration; Ilus , eim Bey, the second, be ing raised to the rank of ca9nel ; and Mansour Effendi, the last, receiving the decoration of the Medjidie 2d class." A letter from Alexandria, of the 13th, says " The Viceroy, as I have already stated, lately left for Senaar, on receipt of the news of the approach of King Theodore of Abyssinia at the head of a body of troops, but from the last accounts from Abyssinia it is supposed that Said Pacha will not proceed to Senaar, but will shortly return to Cairo, King Theodore having been forced to retrace his steps on account of an insurrection in his own States. 0 übie King of the Tigre, one of the important parts of Abyssinia, who was vanquished by Theodore, was kept a prisoner for some time. After his release he collected some partisans, and since then he has obtained several advantages over the troops of Theodore ; he has even now gone to be siege Gondar, capital of the kingdom of the latter. All this was sufficient reason for causing Theodore to hasten his return to his States." A letter from Munich announces that the King of Bavaria intendg making an excursion to Naples and Madrid in the spring. A letter from Milan of the 20th, in the Opinione of Turin, states that none of those that have re ceived a full pardon from the Emperor of Austria had up to that date been set at liberty, and that it was believed they would not be until after the departure of the Emperor. The Parma Gazette of the 20th announces that the Duchess Regent, who had been for some days slightly indisposed, was then perfectly recovered. The Univers publishes a decree from the Court of Rome, rendering obligatory throughout the whole of the Roman Catholic Church the observ ance of the fete of the Sacre Coeur de Jesus, which has hitherto been only kept by special privilege in some particular countries. A letter from Palermo, of the 18th, states that a royal rescript had just been received from Naples relative to the system to be adopted for the more complete lighting of the coasts of Sicily. Fourteen new lighthouses are to be erected without delay, which will increase the total number to 28. A it DUBLIN, DEC. 24. A special meeting of the corpora•ion was held this day, for the purpose of taking the subject of the income tax into consideration , and of petition ing parliament for its repeal. The Lord Mayor took the chair, and the meeting was an unusually large one. Alderman John Reynolds moved the following resolution : Resolved—That the income and property tax, when im posed in 1853, fell with peculiar and unequal pressur‘ upon the people of this country, and tbat its increase from 7d. to Is. 4d., however justifiable by the necessities of war, becomes impolitic and unjustifiable upon the restoration of peace ; that to charge mercantile, pro fessional, and other casual incomes, the same amount psr cent. as is charged upon income derived from landed, funded, and other settled property, is manifestly unju4t towards those who live upon the fruits of their labour and industry. That the conditions upon which the in crease was granted by parliament in 1854 pre-supposed its discontinuance after the termination of the war, the act of 1854 declaring that the increase was to continue in force during the war, and until thd sth of April next after the ratification of a definitive treaty of peace ; and that., according to the provisions of that act, the increase would cease on the sth of April, 1857. That its further extension in the act of 1855, by the intro duction of the words " until the sth day of April after the expiration of one year from the ratification of a definitive treaty of peace," thereby in the present case extending it virtually to more than two years from the conclusion of the treaty of peace, which took plane on the 30th of March, 1856, is impolitic, and comprehends more than a year beyond the period usually limited in the case of war taxes, and that a petition to the House of Commons from this council be adopted, praying that from and after the sth day of April, 1857, the income and property tax may totally cease and determine. Alderman Reynolds, in his observations in sup port of the resolution, attacked the principle upon which the tax was levied, and denounced it as un just, impolitic, and unsustainable. Mr. Maunsell suggested that it would be better to ask only the abolition of the war portion of the tax—namely, 11d. Seeking to abolish the entir e tax, without providing a substitute for it, was cal culated to injure the question. No amendment was proposed, and a ft er some discussion the resolution of Alderman Reynolds was carried stem. dis. Five noblemen—the Marquis of Breadalbane, the Dukes of Argyll, Athol], Sutherland, and Buccleuch— are sail to own one-fourth of the land in all Scotland. SECRET SERVICE MONEY.—No less than 49,417/. was expended last year for secret service-10,000/, for home and 39,417/. for foreign secret service. PUBLIC EDUCATION IN GREAT BRITAIN. —The Sum of 376,5001. was expended last year on account of public, education in Great Britain. At a recent wedding in Newport the bride and bride groom bore the same names before marriage, and at the breakfast out of the thirty who sat down only two "did not" bear the name of Morgan or Junes. The Wheeling Timcs records the discovery, at East Wheeling, of the bones of a man, which, when put to gether, were ten feet nine inches in length ! The jaws and teeth were almost as large as those of a horse. It is remarkable that no female has ever been a good composer of music. They have excelled in astronomy, chemistry, and other sciences, but no one can point out a good original musical composer amongst them. At least 20 torts of mistletoe, gathered in this county and Herefordshire, were forwarded to ten other districts from the Gloucester railway station during the past week.—Chdtenhata Examiner. THE ADMINISTRATION OF THE POOR LAWS.—The ex pense of the establishment for the administration of the poor laws in the year ended the 31st March last was 162,451/. DAMAGE TO A. SHIP BY LIGHTNING. LIVERPOOL, Thursday.—Last night the ship !Alias, laden with coals, bound for Savannah, was struck by lightning during a severe thunderstorm, and was considerably damaged. VALUE OF WOUNDED FEELINGS.—A man named Wm. Dick, a farm servant in the county of Fife, brought an action for breach of promise of marriage a few days ago, against Harriet West, a servant on an adjoining farm, and obtained 10s. damages. It is reported (says the Bury Post), that St. John's College, Cambridge, has already met and determined upon the abolition of all restrictions : the college to be open to every one who is a British subject. Thi s i s a great step at once in a oollege hitherto considered as the academic stuAghold of antiquated prejudice. GOLD ROBBERY ON A FRENCH RAILWAY. —The Moniteur de la Cote d'Or of Dij in states, that at the beginning of last week a parcel of 16,0001. in specie, which was being transported from the office of Mesa genie Generates to the railway station, disappeared before arriving at the latter. Tbree individuals sus pected of the theft have been since arrested. CHRISTMAS GEESE FROM CAITHNESS.--on Tuesday (says the Northern Ensign), the Duke of Richmond carried away boxes, hampers, and baskets, containing Christmas geese to the number, as was supposed, of ab ut 1,000, a nd in the week previous near ly as many. ii Of late years the demand for geese for export purposes has greatly increased, and prices have in consequence risen from 60 to 76 per cent. A MAN DROWNED IN Six INCHES OF WATER.-011 Tuesday night last a man named Ridley, a hawker of pencils, paper, and other swag wares, was di owned in a mill stream called the "dog beck , " which runs through the northern portion of Penrith. It appears he had been drunk and had lost his way. His intention was to go to the To Rn Head, instead of which he got on to 'Wether icks-lane, :and had fallen into the " beck," near the bridge, and was too far gone in liquor to recover him self. He was drowned in about six inches of water.—• Pairiod. • • RIGEL WATER AT LONDON BRIDGR. THIS DAY—Morn. 2 min. aft. I—Evening 24 mix,. aft. 1 M-MomEtuw—Morn. 44 min. aft. I—Evening 3 min aft. 2 THE WEATHER—SUN OFFICE, DECEMBER 26. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 37 .• highest since noon yesterday. 37--:cwest this morning and during the night, 38 ---tbta day at noon. BAROMETER, 28.91. WIND, N.E.—Rather fresh, with dull, cold, hazy weather. .___Amormue G.l) • k I ) s _ • FRIDAY, DECEMBER 26, 1856 FOREIGN BILLS OF EXCHANGE. We beg to direct attention to the following corres pondence which has taken place between a mercantile firm in this city and the stamp authorities, on the ques tion of stamp duties chargeable on bills payable at sight and on presentation. The former, it would appear, are liable to the ad valorem duties, while the latter are only subject to the penny stamp, although, so far as their terms of payment are concerned, they are usually re yarded as identical with bills payable on demand. The question then arises whether or not bills payable at sight are entitled to " the days of grace." ' (Copy.) " Glasgow, Dec. 13, 1856. "To the Hon. the Commissioners of Stamps and Taxes, London. "Hon. Sirs,—Being uncertain as to the proper inter pretation of the existing Stamp Act with reference to foreign bills of exchange payable at sight' or on pre sentation,' I beg respectfully to inquire whether such bills merely require the adhibition of a penny stamp, as in the case of bills payable on demand,' or if they are to be regarded within the meaning of the act as payable otherwise than on demand,' and chargeable with the higher duties of the latter class of bills. According to merzantile u4ago here, bills payable at sight,' or on presentation,' like bills payable on de mand, are presented directly for payment without the intervention of days of grace.' This being the case, they only differ from bills payable on demand in the form of expression, the term of payment being the same in both." (Reply.) " Somerset House, Deo. 22, 1856. "Sir,—ln answer to the question submitted in your letter of the 13th inst., I am directed to state that the board hold that there is a distinction between bills at sight and those payable on presentation, the former being, in their opinion, liable to the ad valorem duty, but the latter only to the penny stamp, applicable to an inland draft, payable to the bearer or order on demand. —I am, &c., "THOMAS KEOGH." —North British Mail. COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, DEC. 25. Lieutenant-General Sir Colin Campbell arrived yes terday afternoon and had the honour of dining with her Majesty in the evening. The Queen and Prince, the Prince of Wales, the Princess Royal, the Princesses Alice and Helena, the Ladies and Gentlemen of the Court and the Domestic Household, attended divine service this morning in the private chapel of the Castle. The Prince of Leiningen was also at the service. The Hon. and Very Rev. the Dean of Windsor per. formed the service and administered the Holy Sacrament, Sir Colin Campbell left the Castle for Landon, CHRISTMAS GIFTS.—Mr. Smith, the lessee of Drury lane Theatre, according to his annual custom for several years past, distributed yesterday his gift to the poor and aeoessitoua of the neighbourhood. Tickets were given out to 300 poor recipients, for which they received a piece of beef and a four pound loaf. SUDDEN DEATH OF MR. HUGH MILLER.—On Wed. nesday forenoon the people of Edinburgh were startled by a rumour of the sudden death of Mr. Hugh Miller, the well-known writer on geology and the editor of the Witness newspaper. Mr. Miller had been found lying dead on the floor of his bedroom, shot through the head with a pistol bullet. That he died by his own hand there seems to be no doubt, but the circumstances under which the melancholy event happened do not lead to the sup position that his death was an act of intentional suicide. For some time past Mr. Miller had been in a somewhat indifferent state of health, brought on, we believe, by over-study in the preparation of a new work on geology. He suffered considerably from nervous excitement, and, though at all times a man of eccentric manners, an un usual strangeness was remarked by his acquaintances. The evening before his death he was to have delivered a lecture en the " Mosaic Creation" to an audience at Portobello, a bathing place i n th e ne i ghbourhood of Edinburgh, where he resided. He had prepared the lecture, but the state of his health prevented his deliver. ing it, and it was read in his absence by a friend. In the course of the day Mr. Miller saw his medical ad viser, to whom he complained of headache, brought on by the want of refreshing sleep. Following the direc tions he had received, he took a warm bath and retired to rest at an early hour. He bad for some time been in the habit of keeping a loaded revolver in his bedroom, having, it is said, a strong apprehension of danger from housebreakers, for which, in reality, there was some reason, as an attempt was made not very long ago t. , break into his valuable museum. No explosion was heard by the servants during the night, and it was not till the morning that the body was found lying near the bath-room. These circumstances seem to prove that the melancholy event was purely accidental, while the state of Mr. Miller's mind as wed as his general character and position preclude the idea of premeditated or intentional self-destruction. AN AUSTRALIAN CELEBRITY.-111r. William Nichol. son, a native of Cumberland, emigrated some fifteen years ago to Victoria, and became a resident of Mel bourne. "Old colonists (says the Melbourne Argus) will recollect Mr. Nicholson, the owner of a small shop in Little Collins-street, carrying on a limited business, with a stock probably worth a couple of hundred pounds. Little by little things improved around him, and people seemed to think him a thriving and rising young man. In a year or two he shifted to more extensive premises in our principal thorough. fare, extended his business, gradually attaining land and houses, ships and shares, large stone stores and bonded warehouses, till now, when he is able to retire from ac tive superintendence of business a very wealthy man in deed. Between Mr. Nicholson and those by whom he was surrounded there was this great difference, that, whilst most of them contented themselves with an increase of their wealth, and left public affairs to take care of themselves, Mr. Nicholson never held his hand when there t w r e s us work pai e t o s t bd a k e in o g n e t , and r adee l successfully anwith blended ended the id patriot and neu:a,-- lightened citizen." Mr. Nicholson was chairman of the A his n adoptedt i- T r ans po rta countryti o nLag in e the u t e,and capacity. rendered n t g h o e o dservi ce mercantileto w nas the i n chairman elhee r e e f e. one On of the leaodrugld behthe aonation of the municipal institutions in that city, Mr. Nicholas," 'became a city councillor and afterwards alder man, wello and tilled the ardnous post of mayor in 1851, when the gold fields were first discovered, having been elected man, establishments kno ny the South Bourke county a member of the Legislative Council. He was one of the committee of that body who prepared the Constitution for the colony of Victoria, sub equently adopted and confirmed by the Cro wn an d Par liament of England. Pursuant to that Constitution, the Legislative Council, prior to its dissolution, had to frame an electoral law for the colony. Mr. Nicholson, fore. seeing the necessary rise of bad influences at electio ns under open voting, proposed that vote by ballot should form part of this law, and against the strenuous opposi tion •f the Ministry secured the adoption of secret voting. In fact, the anti-ballot Ministry resigned office, and Mr. Nicholaan was sent for and charged with the formation of a ministry. Commercial engagements, made prior to this date, rendered it necessary for hi m to visit this country, and prevented the formation of a [ Nicholson Cabinet. THE BANK Novc—Comparing a note of the present time with a note two or three years old, it will be seen that the general tone of the design is the same ; the Britannia is a little more artistic, but the letters, figures, and flourishes present the same family likeness. In this matter the bank directors have re mained immovable. Yet there are not wanting many experienced men who insist strongly on the ad vantages of a more ornate de-ign. Mr. Henry Bradbury, in a paper recently read before the Royal Institution, contends that the vignette ought to be more sedu lously attended to.. --Mr. Bradbury advocates the rubination of high artistic excellence in the vignette, with elaborate guilloche or rose-argive work in other parts of the design ; he also considers roller-printing to present many advantages over surface-printing for bank notes ; and an art manufacturer who has produced such beautiful results as the nature printed plates of ferns and weeds deserves to be heard on these points. It must, however, be observed that forgers have hitherto imitated the most elaborate engraving sufficiently well to deceive the public. The parti-coloured notes invented by Sir William Congreve, and the intricate beauties of Messrs. Perkins' and HeaA's notes, have been successfully simulated ; because, 99 recipients of bank-notes out of 100 not being judges of artistic effect, and having no discrimination whatever for the different styles of different artists, are thoroughly deceived by the same general appearance in a forged note that they have been familiar with in a real note, and take even imperfect imitations of it quite as readily. Long fami liarity with one form of inscription and one style of or nament is the best preventive against forgery. We, therefore, incline to the view of the Bank director, that it is change of style and manner which is more to be dreaded than mediocrity of execution.—Dickens's hold Words.. LO YD P-4NMURE ON INDUSTRIAL SCHOOLS. The inaugural festival of the new Industrial Schools was held on Monday night in the Exchange-room, Dun dee. The Industrial Schools were erected by the libe rality of George Duncan, E , q., M.P., who devoted to that objected the gift of 1,100/. presented to him by his constituents, as a mark of their respect for his character and of their appreciation of his Parliamentary services ; and in celebrati ng the opening of the n e w building, ap propriately named "The Duncan Testim - onial - ," - the directors of the Industrial School Society resolved to embrace the opportunity of giving a public expression of their gratitude to Mr. Duncan for his valuable gift. The hall was tastefully decorated for the occasion, and ava. crowded in every part by a brilliant and fashionable audience. Lord Kinnaird, president of the society, occupied the chair ; and among those present were Lord • Paninure, George Duncan, Esq., M.P., Sir John Ogilvy, Bart., of Inverquharity, the Hon. Arthur Kinnaird, the Hoc. the Master of Kinnaird, A. M. Dunlop, :.) M.P., W. E. Baxter, E, q., M.P., the Rev. Th( ms - .t Guthrie, D.P., the Very Rev. Principal Tulloeh, the Rev. Professor Mitchell, D.D., Lord KINNAIRD, in opening the business of the even ing, related a personal anecdote. Re said that on arriving one morning in London, at 4 o'clock, be met with a poor destitute boy lying in the street, while be was endeavouring to obtain admittance into his brother's house. The boy said he had no friends, and his lordship sent him to a Ragged School, and he had just learned a few days ago that during the six months the boy was at the school he had behaved remarkably well, and on leaving had expressed to the secretary his deep gratitude o Lord Kinnaird. The boy was now on board her Majesty's ship the Victory,.and he (Lord Kinnaird) had been assured by Admiral Seymour that be was one of the an , st promising boys on beard. (Cheers.) He only mentioned this to show that they should lose no oppor tunity in their power of sending such aa retched children to a RaTed School, for they knew not the good which they mnght thereby be doing. (Cheers.) Mr. JAMES RAMSAY, jun., secretary of the Industrial School Society, then read an address to Mr. Duncan by . . _ the directors of the Dundee Industrial School Society, o❑ occasion of the inauguration of the new buildipg founded by him, and named the Duncan Te-timenial. Lora Kinnaird addressed a few words to the presentee, after which Alr. DUNCAN returned thanks, referring at the same time to the handsome manner in which he had been • rreated by the constituency of Dundee. He said in 1841 a general election took place, Sir Henry Parnell had been called to the Upper House, and a difference of opinion are se betwixt the independent electors of Dundee as to whether a representative should be chosen from among their own ranks, or, as had hithe'rto been the practice, from a distance. Unfortunately, the matter could not be adjusted, and it was referred to a poll. The decision was in my favour, and I very shortly after wards took my seat in the House of Commons as the representative of Dundee, though I regret to say not a unanimous constituency.:But I am glad to say that that was of very short duration indeed ; fcr in 1846, as - stated in this document, the constituency invited me to a public °inner, and those individuals who had consci entiously voted against me at my election were the very first to hold out the hand of friendship to me at that banquet. (Cheers.) A general election again took place in 1847, when I had to thank the community for re turning me unanimously. And much to their honour, 1 they showed an example to the constituencies of Great ' Britain by returning me free of all expense as their re presentative. Years rolled on, and in the course of time another general election took place in 1852, wh en the same kindess and confidence were twain shown t o me, and I was again returned for a third time your representative, and in the same honourable way, with out one shilling of expense. (Cheers.) These marks of • friendship, my friends, are not generally found to be the lot of public men. He concluded by expressing h ie earnest wish that the industrial schools of Dundee might be the means of saving hundreds of helpless, hopeless children, causing them to become useful and honoured members of society, and to fit them for another and a better world. (Loud cheers.) Lord PANIC:IRE, who was received with enthusiastic cheering, which continued for some time, said—Led iee and gentlemen, I consider it a great honour to be here on the present occasion—an occasion which has two, objects in view ; first, the ac t o f the community of Dundee in doing honour to one of their fellow towns: . • men ; and, second, the inauguration of one of the best and most blessed institutions which such a city e s this_ can have within its bounds. (Cheers.) Gentlemen of the town of Dundee know that, as has been told you to . night, wben Mr. Duncan was first elected by of the citizens as the man of their choice, there were di ferences of opinion whether you should elect a local ma n or a man from a distance as your representative. N°°' far myself, I am all for a local man. (Cheers.) If a cou n . munity can get one of themselves to represent them I . a- their any business whatever, depend upon it, he knows wants—knows their desires—knows their feelings i n f. a portiorii. • better than a stranger can do. (Loud cheer .) Ido not say that constituencies should be debarred from the power or the privilege of choosing public men for their representatives ; but I think that if they wan t their Ili „ terests well attended to it is more likely this will be donenl by a local man than by one from a distance. In the friend George Duncan you have experienced au, n , benefits to which I have alluded. (Great chee r e t g And now on the subject of the inauguration of noble institution, I will not address you on the s udent of Ragged Schools, because it would be an imp .. _ a of Jupiter. and mad attempt on my part in the presenc laughter) whom I see beside me—(great cheering and which by were I to attempt to steal one of the thundersh and by you will hear from him. (Renewed c eers and übject laughter.) But there is a topic on which I may say a law word s , without touching on the benefits .doufatlhseisne institutions to society at large, or to the them—it is with respect to these ragged schools All nu th o e f political economy of this country. e this a . r( s country a •goA the practice was,. y an o d u s a y re Bt p em erf o ec f t t ly ra a n w sp a o re rt t a b ti a o t n BO fr m o e ml y these ustr e a o l l i o a e , j ib e, othneceunaibtoeldisdheetderamedinaptuitonanofenoudrtec.o lontiarkn were right inrefusiogfrotreo ha th v e e longertmhoeitrhesroccieotuyotry. And poi soned by criminals having so refused, it was a matter of the de e p es t anxiety to the governme nt of this country how, a ft er th e period • of punishment was ex p ired, the criminal was to be dis posed of, not to be a burden and a poison to the society of his own country. Various means have been resorted to, and I am sorry t o sa y with but littl e of the expected success ; and at this moment it is a question whether to liberate them on what is called ticket-of-leave, or wh e ther to liberate them later. Into the wholesome Systera of our society that poison comes, unless we can finci some means for disposing of it. Now, for this I s a y " there are no means except that of p reven t ion. (Cheel'' I'say there are no means for preventing criminals associat sig with their old associates in this ceuntry but by Pr e• ' Gthoisvetrhnatan ernatggoefdthsieshocoolusn. venting the youths of this country being b r ought iIP ' l3 the paths of crime. I know no system more efficient for the tr l know nothing to which their attention . They should give every possible E!_. y can more beneficially t urn ceuragement to inetitutons such as we are met thi s e night to inaugurate, where those who fall into Carnef without almost from necessity may be brought up in paths ni n e ! virtue and religion, instead of floating down in strea.c inquiry or feeling into those paths of b'l ..°,. l which stand so widely open for all who will enter th t elb_' . _ I It . is by encouraging such institutions as this that of 's will redeem the society of this country from the risi . ..e . ° l •_ . having poured on them those who come out of gaol.e•rfe ret ns look over the world, turn in any direction, w w . ,'..., not able to lay our hand on any single spot to .a n. l . !: You can tran-fer your criminal. , without their fa les into society again in these foreign lands. Your horn th ere. repudiate them. All foreign countries with w en:leacily3L:er,e (m_esii , is any connection by treaty or otherwise wilt t r h ep e ts y T t a it t h e '. them, therefore you must keep them. Prevent . of this country falling into crime, make of them an v citizens, persons earning their own livelihood, w. , h the f.. we will easily settle the question what t d e s d , lb racing the' small minority who will eti 1 remain in k l i t, knowing .. ~ ,r c mares Having made these remar e, et ~.: ..,, , t teat my . Les- , ... - ',., c I will not detain you longer. ( Cheers.)a er. , A ... ~ d ir ttuhoeut: 1 friend behind me will enter upon this , 0 . 1 1 w . e . 5 - P 5 . Principal TULLOCH was the next spe ith k great cheering) Dr. GUTHRIE (who was receiv!el meeting, because he had pleasure but, at said he had very great pleasure in aliwtkntnednoodwiinnitggigthhboeenpoorouernrsietnie whom honour was due. (Cheersh.)n to be humble, and to wear our LI tine ra same ti fi eat i t o i time, t e o , it b e i s h ae herd, ~m, anduti a t our Christie' Duncan's) head wt' h the hon h o e has ceased to wear them, long wear, and which, .2 crown 'uyrsoinrir has rightly taken minis will never fade . far as I know, who c d h 1 : y r. r a :t ,P pleasant ter of the Crown, so f ur Thee i s the d 0 brat ct or t b eumentioned that, some _ Commons was appointed, -; committee of the House of ragged Lord d Schools. Pan w n anY gentlemen went up as a deputatio _ or eight years ago, long before : u p the questien(Coheersswi an d one or two h e were enabled to state the ca Lord Panmure that t L h o e y rd Lansdowne and Sir George from Edinburgh ; and it was through the influence of ragged schools to representative of the government. h? ' Grey, as the . of mosey to the Church ol , Privy Council give grants . of, I England f Scotland to educ be of money to the Church o to th e grants to educate the children of its own rnembersa---,_ Free Church to educate the children - children of its members—srantsotoifts he did not object to that, not very likely—( grants but when the children wh o " a 11°e:tors, sw -d • with Sheriff Watson, fb° no one to care for them , c , ona i e dren of o t f h m ei o r Wesleyans, to educate the cliiia wish I had been JuP iSer e n m ey em to be t r h s e ; reply is, "Not a penny. with his thunder, ) If I had my fc'''" laughter. 'd to the Ministers. (Cheers and and been at the ears of her Milief it 7„„, to Council,of the Established Churn)), Bishops, to ator the Moder e , „ g len e Free Church, and to the pr tieg in the inside of the I would have sat the Moderator of th i , le and let the Sheriff and 1)0 , their claims, " Stan as , is else to helps of the Wesleyan Codnferente, when they came presen s his ragged child rev, . whom theme no one ce t it." (Cheers and laugh . ter ) The doctor then men 1. for d en" served, and then if there is anything over you a l i t .: ,,,d ( l e ctor roved The rev. , ~.f eeerniffpaWrtalytsolendhat(d) p suppor . t ragged the claune . f eonc l u d e d by referring in eloquent terms to ~ Of the that rom be had d s been Industrial Schools to the sympathy an d su pport. Christ i a n public. sed by I ‘ ll3 ' Th e meeting was subsequently addres D °l'' ' . L°P. •111MNM11N1M•d•111,M..J.................Ma.*S ------------•. .• in' ..., __ t_ ---- SINGULAR TESTIMONIAL TO A CLowri.--It may ' teres t some of our readers to lea rn the foliowing :—,— Atnongst the most prominent performer s at Jiangler was Frowc 0 Circus, which has just closed at Chester, h l t the mimic. We feel much pleased tom ear that his cel l : duct in private life has attracted as uch honour and justice . as his mimicry in the ring, for having been n oticed as a constant attendant on church services, three clergymen of that ancient city have presented him with a very handsome bible. —CheltenAant Evamitter. , , •