The Sun. — London, England, 1861-02-07 00:00:00

OYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT- L GARDEN—wader the Management of Miss LOUISA • pirtiE and Mr. W. HARRISON, Sole Lessees. On MONDAY, Feb. 11, and during the week, at seven, to tommence with an Indian Legend, THE SONG OF lIIAWATHA, the Words by Longfellow, the Music by Arb er t Stoepel. The Poe% will be read b y Miss Matilda eron, Principal Tragedien'he of the United States. Balie's SA.TANELLA will be produced, for the first time this season, on Tuesday, the 12th. ..RO Y ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT-GARDEN. Under the Management of Miss Louisa Pyne and Mr. W. Harrison, Sole Lessees. THIS EVENING, and during the Week, Balfe's New .legendary Opera, BIANCA, THE BRAVO'S BRIDE : 'Miss Louisa Tyne, Miss Thiriwall ; Messrs. A. Lawrence, J. Wharton, H. Corri, A. St. Albyn, G. Kelly, Wallworth, T. Lyall, and W. Harrison. With the Grand Pantomime, BLUE BEARD ; or, Harle quin and Freedom in her Island Home. Clowns, Messrs. IL Boleno, R. Payne, Hildyard, and Lilliputians. Harlequins, Messrs. Milano and F. Payne. Pantaloons, Messrs. Barnes and Tanner. Columbines, Mdme. Boleno and Clara Morgan. Sprites, the Zelinski Family. Mr. W. H. Payne, Mlle. LaMoureux, &c. C;Onductor—Mr. Alfred Mellon. Commence at Seven. THEATRE -ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Lame, Mr. J. B. Bllikatol2e. THIS EVENING the performances Will OOMMAII O e with THE RIVALS. Sir Lulus O'Trigger, Mr. J o hn Brougham; Lydia Languish, Miss Fanny Stirling. U Alter which, a new RE PatomimTh EEN LADYBIRD AND TIER CHILDN.ne P a nomimists by the un rivalled Leclercqs, Herr Cole, and Fanny Wright. Commence at 7. OPAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.- i• Lessee and Manager, Mr. A. Harris. THIS EVENING. the performances will commence with Ivry . imik s. meggrs. Fechter, Basil Potter, Garden, Ray mond, Graham, Cathcart, and A. Harris. Atter which, a new Christmas comical pantomime, entitled and the King' ROBINSON CRUSOE ; :er, Harlequin Friday, of the Caribbe Islands in which Monsieur Espinosa and Mdlle. Marie Duroilatre, of the prpal cantinental theatres, will appear. Clown, Mr. A. F. Forrest. THEATRE -ROYAL LYCEUM. soie Lessee and Directress, Madame CELESTE. Re-apnearance of Madame Celeste and Mrs. Keeley. TITIS EVENING, the new drama, ADRIENNE ; or, THE SECRET OF A LIFE. Principal characters by Mr. Henry Neville, Mr. John Rouse, Mr. H. Butler, Mr. Villiers, Mr. G. Vining, Mr. Forrester, Mr. Campbell, Mr. Clifford, Mr. J. Johnstone ; Mrs. Keeley, and Madame Celeste. After which the Lceum Christmas Comic Extravaganza , CRYSTABELLE , ; o r The Rose without a Thorn, showing rHE VISION OF A ROSE, ITS FADING AT EVE, AND THE by THE OF THE WILD BRIAR. Followed by THE YOUNG WIDOW. Miss M. Tertian and Mr. H. Neville. A DELPHI, NEW THEATRE-ROYAL. 17‘ Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Beni. Webster. THIS EVENING, AN UGLY CUSTOMER. Messrs. J. L. Toole, C. Selby, and Warde ; Miss K. Kelly, and Miss E. Thorne. After which, THE COLLEEN BAWN. D. Boucicault, D. Fisher. Billington, Falconer, Stephenson, C. J. Smith, Romer. mi s s Agnes Roberteon, Miss Woolgar, Mrs. Billington, and Mrs. Chatterley. T o conclude with F a new Burlesque Extravazanza, entitled BL UE BEARD ROM A NEW POINT OF HUE. Messrs. J. L. Toole, P. Bedford. C. J. Smith; Miss Woolgar, X.. LaidlaW, and R. Thorne. Doors open at half past 6—Commence at 7. Box-office open from 10 till 5. No charge for booking. Private boxes, £2 2s. ; Family Boxes, £l. Orchestra ;galls, ss. ; Balcony, 4s. ; Front Circle Stalls, • Fit Stalls, 'S.; Pit, Is. 6 d. ; Amph i th eatre, is ; a Ageing Manager—Mr. Wm. Smith. A STLEY'S ROYAL A MPHITHEATRE.— Proprietor and Manager, Mr. WM. BATTY. THIS F.VENTNG. will be reproduced TU BESS, RPIN'S RID in E TO YORK, AI M THE DEATH OF BLACK which the Brothers Edwin will appear with their celebrated Steed Black Bess. To be succeeded by Sc enes in the Arena, supported by talented Parisian and British Artistes. Concluding with Batty's Prize Ell Meg-tall Comic Panto mime, for Good Little Boys and Girls, by T. I, Greenwood, entitled HARLEQUIN AND THE WONDERFUL HORSE •, or. Percinet and Grociosa, the UglDuchess and the Greedy King, produced with Gorgeous S ccenery. by Mr. Cuthbert, new Costumes and Appointments, and introducing in the comic scenes -14atty's Prize Equestrian Harlequinade, and the celebrated Old Bob Ridley, and Brandon Ledger. A Grand Morning Performance will take place on Friday, Feb. 8, commencing at two o'clock with the Pantomime. Box-office open daily from 11 till W 4 WEST. Manager—Mr. . Director of the Arena—Mr. Pearson. Commence at 7. CANTERBURY:.HAL L CONCERTS!! A Grand Selection from Verdi's Opera, IL CORSARO, Consisting of the following Morceaux : Freludio. Coro Scena ed Aria. "Tutto parca Sorridere" Coro di Odalische " Oh qual perenne" Cavat ed Coro Scena ed Aria. " Cento leggiadre Vergini" Terzetto Fina le "Voi tacete io non" rill shortly be produced, in the orignal key and Italian lhuguage—the first time of performance in this country—in addition to the usual attractions. Mr. F. JONGHMANS, Musical Director. Also, In preparation, Selections from Verdi's New Operas, "Un Ballo in Maschera," "Simon Boccanegra ;" and Flo tow's celebrated Opera of " Stradella." - -- HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. THIS DAT.—Morning, 12h. 10m.—Afternoon, 12h. 36m. To-mmutow.-Morning, lh. 9m.—Afternoon, lh. 30m. THE WEATHER.—Surr OFFICE, FRB. 7, 1861. THE/MO=UE, IN TIES SHADN. 51—highest since noon yesterday. 39—lowest this m ornin g and during the night. 50—this d‘y at noon. - - _ B AR OMETER-29.58 ; rising. WIN-a —South-Westerly—light ; with fine mild, sun. shiny weather. There is life in Prussia yet., We were about to say more life in Prussia than in England; for yesterday an amendment to the Address was actually carried, and carried against the most earnest entreaties of the Foreign Secretary, Baron VON SCIILEINITZ. We congratulate Prussia, how ever, on the amendment itself, as well as on the fact that the deputies have proved themselves to be not the mere tools of a Minister. We might say that we congratulate her on the mover too, he being no other than M. VON VINCKE, the distin guished and clear headed liberal of 1848. Nor was it carried by any surprise ; the debate lasted with vigour for six hours, and the members who divided were, for the Prussian Chamber, large -159 against 146. By this majority was the im portant amendment carried —" That we do not consider it to be either in the interest of Prussia or in the interest of Germany to place obstacles in the way of the consolidation of the unity of Italy." Perhaps all parties in England will hail this resolution as an omen favourable to peace as well as to Italian unity and freedom. With such a manifestation of public feeling in Prussia, Austria cannot count on her aid in Venetia, hardly perhaps in Trieste; and it was the ill-temper of Prussia, it will be remembered, and of other German Govern ments, when LOUIS NAPOLEON neared the Quad rilateral, which, as he intimated, had much to do with his concluding a hasty peace. It is pleasing to us here to see a German people thus publishing at last their convictions of the rights of Italy. In 1848 the foolish Germans were actually in favour of Austrian domination in Italy; they thought it conduced to the grandeur of the German name. Ever since then they have been slow to learn what was due to Italy, because it would lessen the great ness of Austria, a German Power, and perhaps eventually withdraw what they hoped would be a German port from them. At length it seems that in the part of Germany where free discussion is possible, they have learned what was just to their neighbours south of the Alps, and sympathise with the wish of a great, divided, and oppressed people to become one nation. We trust this feeling will now show itself wherever liberal feeling survives in Germs .y We ll, i f 11, it be strong enough to exert a reflex action, tc. lead the German people them selves to become one v v .. nation, and then with a strong Italy, a strong Hun gary, aria.-. , United Ger many, the restless Emperor of the FRENCLI NrUl have to keep at home and mind his own affairs. The Prussian Foreign Minister to the last cast ti longing look on Venetia for Austria, a n d sa i d 1 hat Venetia was militarily and strategically too i mportsnt for Austria, and indirectly for Germany, 'to allow of its cession being advised by Prussia. Which, is simple Austrianism ; for, Germany does not pretend that she is in danger now from Italy; land if I taly were one strong nation it would never allow itself to be made a high road for France to that part of Germany. He seemed to think the struggle between Austria and Sardinia could be only temporarily averted, but avowed that Prussia would not actively interfere while the Italian move ment was simply a national one. We hope the German papers will soon bring us the whole debate, the first ene in Germany worthy of the name for a lon time. Another French ship-of-war, the Junon, was launched on the 29th ult., at Brest, with all the customary solemnities. The spectacle of this launch, we learn, was the signal:for the display of considerable enthusiasm on the part of an enormous gathering of spectators. As the vessel glided down from the slips and floated out upon the water, the immense concourse of lookers-on raised ringing shouts of " Five rEmpereur!" This, recollect, was on the 29th ult. at Brest—but on the 4th instant, at Paris, l'Empereur was blandly assuring Messieurs the Senators and Deputies, and through them all Europe, then listening attentively for the words that might fall from his MAJESTY'S lips in reference to the immediate future, the master of that gigantic fleet which is thus being continually increased in magnitude and efficiency, the master of an army of 600,000 soldiers perpetually kept in a state of preparedness, the despotic and irresponsible master of France was complacently assuring his hearers, the dignitaries of his own Government and the diplomatic representatives of the different Sovereigns of Christendom, that his intentions are strictly pacific ! At Cherbourg and at Toulon, no less than at Brest, there are audible, no less distinctly, the ringing notes of preparation. There was hurried very recently to Cherbourg, for example, "in hot haste," without any apparent reason for that precipitation, the Commander of the French line-of-battle ship, the Tage, with orders at once to transfer his crew, with all speed, from the Tage to the Napoleon. At Toulon again, it is well known that by the 21st of the present month of February there will be launched in the dockyard of Mourillon another steel-plated frigate, the Invin cible. All which, of course, comes forth opportunely in corroboration of the pacific intentions of the Third NAPOLEON. France, it is so well known, requires this stupendous fleet so imperatively ! She has so many and such distant colonies ! She has so much more need of the floating defences of a Navy than a mere island-power like Great Britain, whose possessions are scattered no further than the remotest extremities of both hemispheres—here Canada, there Hindostan, yonder the Cape Colony, s yonder that vast empire at the antipodes, that antarctic dominion composed of such territories, for example, as New Zealand, Tasmania, and Southern and Western Australias. England, with an empire thus wide-spread, may require as a security for the preservation of her existence and independence a certain amount of maritime strength—but France ! what in this way, apparently argues the Govern ment of sa MAJESTE, what in this way are not her requirements ? True it is, she is in herself, as an European power, a compact and solid square—a natural fortress guarded by nature upon its four sides, to the east, for example, by the ridge of the Alps, and to the south by the giant range of the Pyrenees. True it is, we say, that France, this compact and solid square, this, so to speak, almost impregnable geographical fortress — [we say " almost" because have we not recorded in modern history the fact of its having twice been successfully entered in 1814, and again in 1815 by the banded armies of Europe)—this almost im pregnable geographical fortress garrisoned by 600,000 soldiers ! There is all this undoubtedly ; but then, as we have remarked, let there be borne in recollection the immense, and numerous, and remote colonial possessions that France has to care for ! Where are they ? it may be asked. Well, yes, that may just possibly be asked, it is true, and the answer may also just possibly be one invested with a certain degree of diffi culty. For when Algeria has been particularised —Algeria being only just over the way, on the southern shores of what Bonapartism would wil lingly have made long since, if it could, the French Lake of the Mediterranean—when Algeria has been mentioned, and with it a few miserable little arid colonial treasures like Cayenne of evil repute, Cayenne where the foes of NAPOLEON are in the habit of getting so very highly peppered—when Algeria and a few places (not by any means to boast of) like Cayenne have been enumerated—c'est tout ! We have come to the end of the list ! The dispro portion between the colonies to be defended and the means already accumulated, and still being rapidly and industriously accumulated for—shall we really say the defence of them ?—for nothing else ? the disproportion between the colonies to be de fended and the means for defending them is no less ludicrous than FALSTAFF'S ocean of sack and his ha'porth of bread ! But then—the distant wars in which France is liable to be involved together with her close ally, with the other great maritime Power of Europe, with England ! Ah, yes, it is true—vous avais raison, Monsieur—there is the war with China undoubtedly. But it unluckily happens, most untowardly, that that argument in like manner goes to the winds instanter, whew ! The war in China is over. The allied ships of war are hastening homewards, bringing with them, in convoy, the bulk of the two expeditions. Nay, then—there is Italy, there is the Italian Question still unsettled. Yes, without doubt there is the Italian Question, and that question still remains even now not quite " answered" as an European Difficulty. Yet the plea there, likewise, goes for nothing : for has not France also pledged herself [certainly we know how she can break her most solemn pledges when it is her Imperial master's pleasure, but whether in this instance she break it or not], has she not pledged herself no less explicitly than England to the policy (there in Italy) of non-intervention ? Granting even this, however, it may be argued by our imaginary vindicator of the French Government, granted even this—there yet remains the neces sity thrust upon France, the chivalrous, and, of course, wholly disinterested necessity, for the Syrian Occupation ! Well, yes—it may be allowed for the sake of argument, now that our Gallic inter locutor is thus driven up into the last corner of the discussion, it may be allowed for the sake of argu ment—there is still left for France the Syrian Occupation. But—seriously—For the maintenance of this little episodical occupation of Syria—all this enormous maritime armament ? To break this little butterfly—does that gigantic and ponderous wheel of fate revolve ?It is inconceivable —it is ludicrous: though not more ludicrous or inconsistent hardly, than the previous notion already disposed of, that the French fleet as it is, and as it is v owing to be, should be required in any way for the defence of the French colonial posses sions! Besides, the stipulated period of six months set apart by the combined Powers of Europe for the occupation of Syria by French troops jest now, as it so happens (a ga i n most inopportunely), upon the very eye of expiring. So that the Syrian plea goes to the wall, as each in turn went to the wall—its pro. „,,,. . ,E 4„.„..„ . ,:,,, f-; b 4 A , i v •_,,,,,.„:0 • ' f' , ~, A ,..., . • . . 4 4k N . ; :- -' , ~.a rr - ...,,' ; ' ,•4:afr-s.- . •:, ..- ,F i t , - ~ i _, . 2 .. 7 ,,„,;(0 tT • m •,, • -.)- , THE SUN. LONDON, THURSDAY, FEB. 7, 1881. TIM SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING; FEBRUARY 7, 1861 de s, the Italian plea, the Chinese plea, the Colonial plea. The whole position of France in this matter stands rev ealed, consequently, as a mon strous sham and delusion. France is left without a single reason, good, bad, or indifferent, for the continuance of those sinister and most ominous efforts of hers to increase her maritime force—to 1 increase it altogether, wholly, and absolutely Ibeyond the margin of her requirements. There is one subject which we hope will find an adequate expounder in Parliament—the Rights of Hungary—one part of our foreign policy which, less than any other, should be allowed to be con ducted by secret diplomacy—our policy in regard to Hungary. As we are to have no political reforms at home, and the continent is said to demand so much of our attention, we think we can show that Hungary has not only moral claims on our moral support, but that expe diency, so far as mortals can discern it, is on the same side. A thoroughly free Hungary, a Hungary with a HAPSBURG dynasty on the throne or not, as pleases it, is the political and commercial interest of this country. And unless our House of Commons understands the subject, and the country and the House speak out upon it, our firm belief is that incalculable good may be left undone, and lasting mischief per petrated. It is also, we are persuaded, a crisis ; and Lord PALMERSTON and Lord JOHN RUSSELL, judging from the past, are not more to be trusted alone than Lords DERBY and MALMESBURT. When we have commended the foreign policy of Ministers in Italy it has been, of coirse, with one important reservation—that we still think the same as ever of the disgraceful despatch in which Lord JOHN lectured Sardinia and Count CAVOUR so rudely and threateningly, and espoused the cause of Aus trian brutality in Venetia as a thing of right. It should, too, be remembered that it is only sinee suc cess began to declare itself for GARIBALDI, VICTOR EMMANUEL, and Italian Unity, that we have had from our two Lords those unequivocal manifesta tions of favour to the cause dear to all in this country to which we refer. We need not beat about the bush ; we believe that Lord JOHN RUSSELL especially, and Lord PALMERSTON almost, if not quite as much —are confirmed Austrians. Like the Tory Lords they believe in this broken reed as a power, a con- servative power ; they were ready to sacrifice Italy to her, till 1859 rendered that hopeless, and enabled the Italians, when Louis NAPOLEON had cut one great knot, to loose nearly all the others for them- selves. Since then, as it was hopeless to preserve anything beyond what she now clutches, to Austria they have gained themselves the credit of being first rate liberals in Italy—let the reader remember why —they could do it without doing more harm than was already done to Austria, and doubtless Austria was duly told of this. But, as soon as it seemed likely that dear Austria might lose Venetia—although the Quadrilateral had been spoken of as a " menace to Italy"—when Prussia, too, seemed likely to play the fool—in an instant the Austro-English Minister bristles up and writes to CAVOUB, " touch it at your peril !" Aristocratic love for Austria doubtless had much to do with this ; but it were affectation to conceal that there is more behind. We are married, our Court at least is, to Germany, two or three deep. All our German cousins, we believe to a man, and to a woman, too, are Austrians. They may not wish her to domineer over them, but to see her an Empire—although it be but an empire of mutually repellant States—or, as now, an Empire of States all hating the Archduke of the Hereditary States, and sympathising through common wrongs with each other—to see her an Empire of any sort, is the desire of the little German States; and, we are sorry to believe of our, in its origin, German Court. Premiers and Foreign Secretaries well know that the smiles of Royalty, Royalty by affinity at least, must be the prize, the valuable prize it may be, of those who can best serve Austria. Thus our Court and our leading Ministers are in direct antagonism to the whole people of Eng land. For, if there be a sentiment respecting foreign Powers stronger than any other amongst Englishmen, it is detestation of Austria. Ever since the brutalities of Spielberg and her cruelties to Italian patriots were artlessly described by SILVIO PELLICO himself, and branded with eternal infamy by the damning eloquence of MACAITLA.Y, the eyes of England have watched this odious Go vernment—and, as they have watched them, detesta tion has grown. Disgusting atrocities and relent less cruelties in Italy, and then her foul treachery, butcheries, and oppressions in Hungary, make the blood of Englishmen curdle when Austria is spoken of, unless those Englishmen are high in aristocratic circles, or bask in Court favour, or hope to do so. All other Englishmen would exult to hear that from Transylvania to the Tyrol, each oppressed nationality had taken its own course ; above all, that Hungary, with ber annexed territories, had regained her constitution and her liberties of a thousand years old. That our instincts are as right politically as morally, we must show on another occasion, if need be. All we say for the present is, let no Englishman's heart, while listening to Court •inspired plausibilities, mistrust him, that a free Hungary will be worth more to Eng land, and to the peaceful settlement of Europe, than twenty of those geographical figments called the Austrian Empire. We shall not fail soon to prove this. Meantime we invoke aid in the House of Com mons. What member will undertake to study in all points the claims of Hungary, and to demand that England do her justice? We owe it to her. Our present Chief Ministers deeply wronged her negatively, in deed, and still more positively in word. They tolerated the subjugation of Hungary by NICHOLAS—in Hungary of accursed memory. They made it possible that the most savage of con querors should hand her over to oppression in 1849, as Loufs NAPOLEON handed over Lombardy to liberty in 1859. They might have stopped this infernal intervention for the overthrow of the oldest constitutional monarchy in Europe, and, as the consequence, have saved themselves and their country and Europe the cost and bloodshed of the Crimean War. We owe an atonement to Hungary. We must make it. The education, and high taste, and civilisation of Italians must not make us forget a nation probably their superiors in martial qualities—a nation loving, like our own, liberty above all blessings—a nation with whose political othfotsyera feeling Englishmen have direct fellow feeling,n andliberties nnwhichmany againsta ab i k lrn e anede o y u o rffisteehll field. .e has most s lv etrheaavc defendedtreacherous oonu es good service for Italy, Hungary has equal claims on us. What becomes of Austria is of next to no cons equence to England. But Manch es t er , L ee d s, Rochdale, Sheffield, Birmingham have a large stake in Hungarian f reedom and inde p endence, an d Mark lane a corresponding one. What becomes of Hun gary is the concern alike of our hearts and our national interests. Whoever takes up her cause will doubtless have sneers, sarcasms, and contempt enough from leaders of both parties ; but he need not fear. Facts will come in abundance to his knowledge when once it is made as much of in St. Stephen's as Italy, Nice, and Savoy have been . Perseverance will succeed, and such exposures can be made of Austria, and of the meanness and subserviency of English Austrians, that resistance must soon cease, and Hungary reap in the British Senate the reward of long years of the noblest struggles and the most patient and undying love of liberty. TEE PROVIDENT CLERKS' ASSOCIA- TION. Exactly twenty years Ego it occurred to a few gentlemen connected with some of the leading mer cantile and banking houses of the metropolis that while almost every trade and profession have their several institutions, either of providence or benevo lence, the clerks had nothing of the kind with which they were especially identified. By way of wiping off this stain upon their character for prudence, they resolved to have both, and, what is better, they carrifd this resolution into effect with all the vigour and energy that usually characterise the proceedings of the " City men." Their first object was the establishment of a life assurance office, which, while it opened its doors to all the world, should by means of a kindred in stitution in connection with it, afford to the clerks of this country advantages they could not elsewhere obtain. The system on which it was based may be described in a few words; perfect rectitude and openness in its management, economy in its administration, and liberality in its dealings with its members. From the very first a clear and intelligible balance sheet has every year been presented to the public, this being, we believe, the first office to set so much needed an example. No concealment, no gilding over or suppressing facts has been, or indeed under the system adopted could be, resorted to. Be the results of the successive years good or bad, the members have before them the exact and simple truth. A regime so honest, so worthy at once of the body from whom it sprung, and the great cause with which it was identified, had not long to look for influential supporters, and soon the names of Baring, Hankey, Prescott, and Rothschild tes tified to the respect which the " Provident Clerks" had won for their association among those best qualified to judge of its soundness and stability. As time wore on the general public began, as was justly observed by a speaker at the recent annual meeting, to recognise in the infant institution one of the safest and best secured life offices of this country, and, as is ever the case, preferred to entrust their savings to the care of an office con ducted by plain, upright, business men rather than to those combinations of plate-glass and noble names which have flourished so proudly and, alas! faded so soon in the life assurance world. Thus, going on from step to step, adopting every improvement that experience showed to be see, and mixing liberality with strict justice, the directors of the Provident Clerks' Office were last night enabled to meet their constituents with a Mance sheet showing a revenue of more than £lO,OOO per annum, and an aecumulated fund invested in Government stock and real securities of £146,000. We have for 20 years chronicled the upward march of this admirably managed institution, and it is with sincere pleasure that we congratulate the large body of members, numbering now over 6,000, upon the proud and solid position they have attained. MR. TVYLD'S STATISTICAL MAP OF THE UNITED STATES. We have been looking for some time to our generally very prompt " Geographez to the Queen" to furnish us what we have now bebre us—a map which by its colouring, and by the ireful informa tion which Mr. Wyld so well knows how to select to fill the blank parts, should tell us at a glance* all the most important facts relating to any coun try where the public movements had become of interest to us all. Mr. Wyld has of coarse distinguished the Slave States by their colour, and their positions will at once show which are the " Border States," whose policy is now so important; the "Gulf States,' and the Inland Slave States, though, indeed, all these border on great rivers—the Ohio or the Mis sissippi. The tables give in detail the population white, free coloured, and slave, with the militia, according to the census of 1850, and the totals, which are all that have yet appeared of the last in 1860, with many other particulars relating to the ♦alue of property in tie two sections, their area, number of slaves, &c. It will be a valuable com panion to the newsparer for, we have no doubt, a long time yet to come. LAI EbT NEWS. (REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.) PARIS, FEE. 7. The Illoniteur says :—" The treaty for the ces sion of Mentone and Roquebrune to France was signed on the 2d of February with the Prince of Monaco." ` TURIN, FEB. 6 (Evening.) The firing at Gaeta is moderate on both sides. The day before yesterday the Sardinian batteries blew up two of the enemy's powder-magazines and destroyed a portion of the curtain between the citadel and the St. Antonio bastion. BERNE, FEB. 6. The Federal Council has received official infor mation from Rome to the effect that the Swiss troops have again embarked at Civita Vecchia to return to their country. IMPORTANT DECISION IN THE PRUSSIAN CHAMBER. BERLIN, FEB. 6. In to-day's sitting of the Chaniber of Deputies the discussion of the address took place. The following amendment was proposed by M. von Vincke :—" That we do not consider it to be either in the interest of Prussia or in the interest of Ger many to place obstacles in the way of the consoli dation. of the unity of Italy." After a discussion of six hours' duration, this amendment was agreed to by 159 against 146 votes, notwithstanding the urgent request of Baron von Schleinitz that it should be rejected by the Chamber. Baron von Schleinitz, in his speech against the amendment of M. von Vincke, declared that the Prussian Government had not the least reason to be opposed to the development of Italy. But, without underrating the national idea of that movement, the Government could not attribute to it such a high significance. Although the Govern ment did not always consider the principle of non intervention as binding, it had not actively inter fered in Italy. He repudiated the reproach of yielding to certain influences in his policy, and said that Venetia was militarily and strategically too important for Austria, and indirectly for Germany, to allow of its cession being advised by Prussia. Austria and Sardinia, however, would remain on the defensive, and, through the influence of all the great Powers, a conflict would at least be postponed, and perhaps entirely averted. The Prussian Government would for the future, also not actively interfere with the Italian movement so long as it remained a national movement, and did not acquire such an extension as might render any active interference necessary, by reason more especially of its reaching, or expressly claiming, any portion of German Federal territory. PARIS, FEB: 6. The Paris papers publish a telegram from Mar seilles announcing that letters had been received from Beyrout stating that the agitation was in creasing. One thousand two hundred Druses were assembled at Moktava, and intended to prevent the execution of those who had been condemned to death for taking part in the massacres. Fuad Pacha had returned from Moktava. FRANCE. The Union, a Legitimist journal, launches out rather fiercely against the Queen of England's Speech, which it affirms to be " one of the most insiguificant and colourless that any Sovereign was ever made to pronounce." The Oloniteur, in its political summary, speaks in the following terms of Queen Victoria's lan guage at the opening of the session in England : " This speech passes in review the different ques tions in which the English Government has been concerned ; it expresses full confidence in the mode ration of the Powers and in the maintenance of peace, and declares that the relations of England with foreign Governments continue friendly and satisfactory. The passage will be remarked in which the Queen proclaims the cordial understand ing which never ceased to prevail, during the mili tary operations and negociations in China, between the generals and ambassadors of the two nations. The Speech announces that papers showing this friendly accord will be presented to Parliament." BOURSE, Feb. 6.—The market has been more buoyant, and prices have obtained an improvement on the closing rates of the previous day. The Speech of the Queen of England appears to have produced a favourable impression on the minds of speculators. For the Account, Threes are now at 68f 10c; Mobilier, 675; Orleans, 1,395 f; Northern, 958 f 75c ; Southern, 925 f ; Austrian, 480 f; Lombard, 475 f. The following were the last quotations : ft per per Cents ... 97 65 1 Credit Fancier Do. eRd month.... Belgian 4f 9B/ 3 per Cents Do. end month 6B 25 Roman — - - - - Bank Shares 2890 _ _ Credit Mobilier 680 Do. Account 6BO Austrian Spanish Threes Home Debt ItAILWAYB. Cash. Account. Orleans 1405 .. 1408 75 Northern New ditto Lyons and Mediterranean 026 25 .. 926 25 Geneva 375 .. 380 Southern 527 50 .. 532 50 Western Eastern Sardinian 378 75 .. 380 Austrian Lowbard .. 472 50 .. 473 75 NATIONAL C2ORAL SOCIETY. Last evening, at Exeter Hall, a concert was given by this society for the bendit of the distressed weavers of Coventry. It is most safsfactory to announce that the immediate object was atained, and that the hall was crowded. All persons at all kindly disposed must sym pathise with the cause whbh prompted the performance, and rejoice in the success o! its noble purpose. The enter tainment was very creditaile to all concerned in it. Mr. G. Martin is entitled to great praise for the manner in which he conducted the oratorio, and for the high efficiency to which the chorus has attained under his management. The " Messiah" possesses the most splendid choruses of any oratorio. There is tle matchless and magnificent " Hallelujah, for the Lmd God omnipotent reigneth," which, in grandness of abet, has not its equal in the range of sacred subjects. " Unto us a child is born," is another very beautiful chorus, and both these were very ably rendered last night. The solo singers acquitted themselves admirably in their several departments. Mr. Lewis Thomas has made Considerable progress lately, and may now be considered one of our best sacred singers. He was very successful in the splendid solo, " Why do the Heathen so furiously rage tcgether ;" this was the greatest success of the evening in the way of solo performance. Mrs. Lockey executed the beautiful airs allotted to the con tralto with taste and expression. "He was Despised," in particular, was one of her best executions. The emphatic manner in which she renders this beautiful air is well known, and on the present occasion she did not fail in her accustomed excellence. Madame Lem mens Sherrington's fine voice was displayed to great advantage in the soprano airs. Mr. Perren took the tenor part, and acquitted himself in a satisfactory manner, but he has not sufficient decision. This society may be congra • tulated on the success that it achieved, and the favourable reception accorded to its performances last night is a proof that the public in general appreciate its efforts. The result was in every way satisfactory to all engaged in it, and "The Messiah" has seldom been better performed in its entirety than by the "National Choral Society." His Excellency the Belgian Minister and Madame Van de Weyer and family arrived in Portland-place, on Tuesday evening, from New Lodge, Windsor Forest, for the season. The Marchioness de Chateaurenard was safely delivered of twins (daughters) on Tuesday evening, at her residence in Wilton crescent. Her ladyship and infants are progressing favourably. The Earl and Countess of Chesterfield and Lady Evelyn Stanhope arrived at their residence in Grosvenor square on Tuesday, from Bretby Hall, Derbyshire. The Earl and Countess of Cork have arrived at their residence in Grafton-street, from Marston House, Somersetahire, for the season. The Earl and Countess Stanhope have arrived at their residence in Grosvenor - place, from Chevening, Kent. Sir Benjamin Brodie and Lady Brodie have arrived at the Queen's Hotel, Upper Norwood. Colonel Myddelton Biddulph has arrived at the St. George's Hotel. Major Weyland has arrived at the St. George's Hotel. Yesterday the marriage of Mr. E. H. Finch, son of Mr. George and Lady Louisa Finch, with Miss Balfour, eldest daughter of Mr. and Lady Georgiana Balfour, was solemnised at St. Peter's Church, Eaton-square. BRADFORD.—The Liberal party here is still far from being at one about the choice of a candidate to succeed Mr. Salt as member of Parliament. It is pretty certain now that Mr. Edward Miall will not offer himself. Mr. John Priestman has consented to be put in nomination against Mr. - W. E. Forster. THE QUEEN OF NAPLES.—A letter from Munich states that the Queen of Naples has just written to her parents to pray them not to feel any anxiety on her ac count, as her health is as good as could possibly be under the circumstances in which she is placed. The Queen adds that by the bursting of a shell in the palace in which she resides she had been struck in the face by somo pieces of glass. The Press of Vienna, of the Ist, states that the subscription to the new loan is closed, and that it is almost certain that the proposed amount of 30,000,000 of florins has been more than covered. THE SIEGE OF GAETA. We take the following from a letter in the Con stitutionnel, dated on board the frigate Garibaldi, Mola di•Gaeta, 28th January : " I take advantage of a few moments on shore at Mola to send you some details respecting the siege. On the night of the 21st, about 10 o'clock, an experiment was made with the electric light from General Cialdini's residence to throw light upon Gaeta, so as to enable the artillerymen to point their guns with precision. On the 22d, at 8 a.m., while 4,000 men were working at the parallels, the fortress opened a terrible fire with 200 guns at once. Our camp immediately replied to it, and the squadron at the same time received orders to manoeuvre. At 9 a.m. the Admiral gave the signal for departure, and ordered the commander of the Garibaldi to lead the attack. At 10 a.m. the Garibaldi was in full way on the fortress. At 11 she opened fire against the levant batteries (di ponente) with a view to silence them, and at the same time to throw shells into the fortress. In this she succeeded. The other vessels of the squadron soon joined in the attack. At 5 o'clock in the afternoon the Admiral ordered the firing to cease, to give rest to the crews. During the night all the vessels remained in front of Gaeta; the gunboats alone continued the attack. On the 23d the Admiral, after expressing his thanks to the Commander of the Garibaldi, left for Mola, only leaving the Garibaldi, a steam frigate, and two gunboats to cruise before Gaeta. In the space of six hours our frigate sent 971 projectiles. Five shells from the fortress struck us, but did little damage. The steam frigate Costituzione had two men killed and three wounded. One of the gunboats suffered a similar loss. The frigate Maria Adelaide lost one of the band and had three men wounded. " In the camp the explosion of a powder maga zine caused the death of a captain and 22 men. The steamer Etna, which Francis 11. brought with him when he left Naples, was sunk in the port with 30 men on board, who all perished. The attack caused considerable damage to the fortress. It is suspected that great discouragement prevails in the garrison, as 132 men deserted during the night of the 29d. On the 24th we continued cruising off the fortress, while the attack was continued on the laud side . During the day one of the gunboats stopped a schooner, whose master declared there were two schooners at Terracina laden with provisions for Gaeta. On the 25th a large Spanish frigate was signalled. Our frigate immediately stopped her advance. The commander asked permission to enter Gaeta, on the plea that he had despatches to hand to the Spanish and Austrian Ambassadors. General Cialdini and Admiral Persano requested him to withdraw, which he did before the law of blockade. In the night we again opened fire from the sea, but only with the gunboats. " On the 26th, at 8,30 a.m., ono of the gunboats stopped a schooner, laden with grain, on her way to Gaeta. At the same time the frigate Costituzione prevented a French vessel from entering the port. The French captain was ignorant of the blockade, and immediately withdrew, accompanied for some distance by the frigate. On the 27th we signalled a French ship, and immediately joined her. The captain was the bearer of despatches. Our com mander having courteously asked him to see the Admiral, the French captain immediately proceeded to Mola, escorted by a gunboat. The firing con tinues, but is slack. We are transformed into pirates. The blockade is very strict. We are to have a grand attack in a few days." PRUSSIA. General de la Marmora left Berlin on Tuesday evening for Paris and Turin. The King has conferred upon him the Order of the Red Eagle (first class), set in diamonds. A Prussian general officer will be sent on a special mission to Turin, to notify to the Sardinian monarch the accession of King William. DENMARK. A telegram, dated Copenhagen, 4th Feb., says:— " The Dagbladet gives a formal contradiction to the report published by some of the Hamburg papers, to the effect that the European Powers had strongly urged Denmark to make concessions, and that the Powers had declared they should not re cognise a blockade by Denmark if attacked by the Federal troops. The whole story is declared to be a' pure fabrication.' " BANK OF ENGLAND. SPECIAL MEETING THIS DAY. A special meeting of the Governor, Directors, and proprietors of the Bank of England was held this day, in the Bank Parlour, for the purpose of considering a letter from the Chancellor of the Exchequer containing proposals to the Governor of the Bank of England for the revising the allow ance to the Bank of England, under the 49th Geo. IV., for the reduction of the national debt. There was a very large attendance. Bonamy Dobree, Esq., the Governor, presided. The minutes of the last court having been read, The CHAIRMAN said the secretary would read the letter referred to, which was as follows : DOWNING-STREET, Jan. 31, 1861. Gentlemen,—Her Majesty's Government laving had under their consideration the following report of Sir Alexander Spearman, Mr. Arbuthnot, and Mr. Anderson, dated November, 1860, on the expenses incurred by the Bank of England in conducting certain duties on behalf of the public in connection with the issue of notes, the care of the public balances, and the management of the national debt, the Government considers that this report should be submitted to Parliament, and it is to be desired that on producing it, they should be prepared at once to state and to act upon the view which they take of its contents. I accordingly proceed to lay that view before you, following herein the precedent furnished by the conduct of my predecessors in office at former periods, and the course most agreeable to the inti mate relations which have ever prevailed between the Government and the Bank, and to the charac ter of the weighty duties performed by the Bank on behalf of the State. I commence by adverting to the two former of the three important subjects opened in this report —namely, the expenses and profits connected with the issue of notes, and with the custody and use of the public balances. _ _ On neither of these subjects do her Majesty's Government deem it their duty to submit any pro posal to Parliament. The profits connected with issue they do not regard as upon the vr hule a desirable subject for legislation, otherwise than in connection with issue itself. They were so treated in 1844, and they were left upon a footing with respect to any renewal of the question, which her Majesty's Government see no reason to disturb. In like manner with regard to the advantages connected with the use of the balances. This point was fully considered in the correspondence of 1844, between the Government and the Bank. Mr. Goulburn stated the views of the advisers of the Crown, and reserved the discretion of the State as to a participation in the profits of the public deposits, should they, from any circum stances undergo material increase or reach an extraordinary amount; while the Bank reserves its freedom to consider what its own rights might be in the event of their reduction. The subject was, we think, judiciously handled on both sides; the case contemplated by Mr. Goulburn has not arisen, and we propose to leave it in this point also, as it was left by the correspondence presented to Parliament in 1844. I have, however, to subjoin to what I have now stated, a qualification of limited extent. The Com mittee of the House of Commons on Public Monies, which reported in 1858, recommended the abolition of deficiency bills, and the, substitution, in cases of deficiency, of advances in a different and simpler form, together with a change in the basis on which such deficiency was to be calculated. It is the intention of her Majesty's Govern ment to propose, in the coming session, legislation in general conformity with the tenor of these re commendations ; but I have mentioned the subject in this place rather with a view to strict accuracy, than because it is of any great moment in the adjustment of the pecuniary relations between the Government and the Bank. With respect to the third and remaining sub ject, the management of the National Debt, the Government conceive that the time has come when they may justly call upon Parliament to reconsider the rates of charge fixed by the Act of 1808, and still substantially in force, although as matter of account, reduced by the payments which the Bank makes to the State to the extent of £188,078 per annum in respect of composition for Stamp Duties and of profit on the issue of notes. The Act of 1808 assigned to the Bank, as a remu neration for its charges and its responsibilities in the management of the National Debt, an annual sum of £340 per million up to the limit of 600 mil lions, and an annual sum of £3OO per million beyond that limit, with a proviso for a rate of pay ment of £450 per million, in case the debt should at any time stand at less than 400 millions. It is also provided that Terminable Annuities shall be reckoned at 25 years' purchase. Referring to the several communications which I have had the honour of holding with you, I shall waive all argument upon this subject and shall simply proceed to state the particulars of the changes which the Government think may reason ably and advantageously be introduced into the subsisting arrangements. I. We propose to ask Parliament to enact that a new plan shall take effect from the commence ment of the next financial year, and shall remain in force for twenty-five years certain. 11. The method of set-off by which the Bank gives credit on account of profits of Issue and. of Stamp Duty composition to the State, and ded uc t s the amount so credited from its charge for the Debt, was in conformity with the system under which the public revenue was managed and ac counted for at the date of the subsisting arrange ments. But in 1854, an Act was passed which provided for the payment into the Exchequer of the gross revenue of the State. Agreeably to the spirit of that Act, her Majesty's Government are of opinion that the sum of £188,078 allowed by the Bank s hou a l d g a i n n o s t longer u s b t li n c a b s u ta thated u t c h ti e o n sumfroom its charge f £60,000, being the composition for stamp duties, should be paid to the department of Inland Revenue, and the sum of £128,078 being the allowance out of profits of issue should be paid to the Exchequer as part of the miscellaneous revenues of the country. The charge for the management of the debt would then stand as a separate and distinct charge, and would be defrayed unde r an A ct for the purpose out of the Consolidated Fund. 111. It seems evident that the valuation of Terminable Annuities is, by much, too high. A public annuity, granted f or 99 years, would be worth something more than 25 at its inception ; at its years' purchase value would descend in a mishing series to zero, and the mean value of it would probably lie between 12 and 15 c) r years.tio Annuities na granted for shorter terms would represent 4uhiepts for commercial dealing of P nably ro tively 1i i rrTiver scope. And the compara tively nature of th.; market for these ennui- , ties would make it probable that they would be managed at an inferior cost in relation to their value. Under these circumstances, it is the opinion of her Majesty's Government that all terminable annuities henceforward granted by Parliament should, for the purposes of Bank management, be valued as follows : If originally granted for more than 50 years, at 15 years' purchase. If, for any lesser term, at 10 years' purchase. IV. Before I come to the rate of allowance to be made to the Bank for the management of the debt, I have to propose a somewhat different adjustment of the present graduated plan, with a view to giving greater fixity to the arrangements now contemplated during the time for which they are to last. The Bank now receives the greater part of its remuneration, namely, that on 600 millions of debt, at £340 psr million; and only 136 millions at tho lower rate of £3OO per million. Now the outlay of the Bank in connection with this branch of its business does not appear to vary greatly with the minor variations in the amount of the debt, whether upwards or downwards. For the bulk of the debt it must keep its premises and the bulk of the esta blishment. We therefore propose, and we confidently antici pate the concurrence of the Bank in proposing that the great bulk of the remuneration also should be placed at the first 600 millions of the debt ; or, more specifically, that the rate per million, not ex ceeding 600 millions, instead of as now being but slightly greater than the rate above it, should be double that rate. Thus, the effect of any changes that might be adopted by Parliament in the form of the public debt would become comparatively of small impor tance to the Bank as a trading establishment. V. With respect to the rate of remuneration— we propose to introduce a bill into Parliament which shall fix prospectively, as the rate of remune ration, the sum of £3OO for the first 600 millions of the debt, and of £l5O for the excess beyond 600 millions. The payment of £4,000 per annum, termed house-money, and the payment of £1,579 on account of South Sea debt to cease and deter mine. The effect of this proposal will be to place the annual remuneration to the Bank on the present amount, in round numbers, at about £200,000 a year. The dormant provision of the present law under which the bank would be entitled to a pay ment of £450 per million, if the debt under their management were reduced below 400 millions, is one which her Majesty's Government see no reason, to disturb. To a proposal of this nature, her Majesty's Government are in hopes that Parliament would be induced to give the sanction of its authority ; and, on the other hand, they trust that the authorities of the Bank will deem it one affording to them the just and adequate remuneration for the important services which they have performed, we believe to the entire satisfaction of the public, under such re gulations as are now in force rega rding them. In conclusion, I have to add that it will be emi nently satisfactory to her Majesty's Government, and will also be agreeable to the spirit in which the Bank of England adjusts itself to the densanda of commerce and of monetary transactions, if you should be able to assure me of the intention of the Bank to afford increased facilities for business, such as would be supplied by a material contraction of the periods of shutting, if they cannot be dispensed with altogether ; and also with respect to the pay ment of the dividends to such holders wherever the Bank may have branch establishments. I have the honour to be, gentlemen, Your very obedient and faithful servant, (Signed) W. E. GLADSTONE. To the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England. The GOVERNOR said the secretary would now read the reply of the directors. The SECRETARY read the communication, which was as follows : Bank of England, 6th Feb., 1861. Sir,--We have the honour to acknowledge the receipt of your letter of the 31st ultimo, which we have submitted to the consideration of the Court: of Directors, and they have resolved Ito • recommend to the Court of Proprietors to accept the proposals of her Majesty's Government, con tained in the letter of 'the Chancellor of the • Exchequer, dated the 31st of January,, 1861, for regulating the remuneration to the Bank of England for the management of the national debt, for the period of 25 years. As these proposals involve a very considerable reduction in what has always been regarded as only an adequate remuneration for the services per formed and the risks incurred, the Court of Direc tors desire to express to her Majesty's Government, that they are induced to accede to this reduction, mainly because the combined management of the ationat .11ent, and of the collateral Departments of Issue and Banking, enable them to exercise a very important economy in the labour charge, and in the other expenses of Bank administration. The directors will also be prepared to make arrangements for facilitating transfers in the public funds, by limiting the closing of the books to the shortest period possible ; but for this purpose the authority of Parliament will be necessary ; and in regard to the payment of dividends to the fund holder at places where the Bank has branches, the views of her Majesty's Government shall be carried out to the utmost practicable extent.—We have the honour to be, Sir, your most obedient and humble servants, (Signed) BONAMY DOBREE, Governor; ALFRED LATHAM, Deputy-Governor. To the Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Downing -street. The CHAIRMAN said—Before proceeding further he would state that the directors had had the matter under their consideration, and the result was the letter which they had heard. It had been the object of every government to obtain a greater profit out of the administration of the affairs of the Bank. They had not hitherto considered that the Bank was overpaid for the immense services it performed. It travelled an immense deal for the purpose of col lecting the revenue, and brought them to their seve ral accounts; and again, the Issue Department cost re uch money, and for this they received nothing ; and again much of these costlypremiseswere rendered necessary for the public business. The directors had had several interviews with the treasurer, and argued the matter, but he regretted they had failed to produce the desired effect on the Cabinet. After many interviews and much anxiety we have brought the negociation to the point explained in those let ters, and the Court now asked the directors to agree to the plan proposed which was stated in the fol lowing resolution, " That the proposal of her Ma jesty's Government, as contained in the letter of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, dated the 31st Jan., 1861, addressed to the Governor and Deputy- Governor of the Bank of England, be recommended to the Court of Proprietors for adoption. In reply to a question, The CHAIRMAN said the sum to be received of Government for the management of the national debt for the years 1860-61, will be : On 600 millions at £340 per million .. £204,000 0 0 On £136,278,369 at £3OO per million .. 40,883 10 2 Total .. £244,883 10 2 The sum to be hereafter received will be-- On 600 mils., at 300 per mil. .. • . £lBO,OOO On £136,278,362 at 150 per mil. 20,441 £200,441 £44,442 Management of South Sea Stock Add house money .. .. £1,579 4,000 £5,579 Total sum to be given up .. • • £50,021 Mr. W. J. PRESCOTT complimented the directors on the efficient manner in which they had con ducted their negotiations with the Government. He explained at some length the position of the Bank as regards the Government, and pointed out that altho ug h th e B an k l os t so me m oney b y t h e new arrangement, it was a gainer in having its position in connexion with the Government settled for 25 years; and the loss was, he thought, more over compensated for by the decrease in the cost of management. He moved that the Court concurs in the recommendation of the Court of Directors to accede to the proposal of the Government con tained in the letter of the Chancellor of the Exche quer, of Jan. 31, to the Governor and Deputy Governor of the Bank of England for regulating remuneration of the Bank of England for the management of the National Debt for 25 years. Mr. SALOMONS seconded the rcsolu tion,coAnledmuerrrinagn entirely in the view of the last speaker. Mr. M. CLARK protested against the course pur• sued by the Government. Considering the amount of capital it had belonging to the Bank of Three per Cents., the Government ought not to seek to make such a hard bargain. Mr. Tin, M.P., thought the last speaker had mixed up two questions, namely, the money lent to the Government;and the cost of the management cla tic ba Cc of a i ar Pc di