The Sun. — London, England, 1856-12-19 00:00:00

CHRISTMAS IS COMlNG.—Remember that a Present of one of LETTS'S DIARIES, POCKET-BOOKS, or HOUSEKEEPERS, in their many forms and varieties, in plain and elegant bindings, from 6,1. to 14s. (or even three to five guineas) each, may he had of any bookseller in the kingdom (Catalogues gratis), and will confer on the recipient not merely a pleasure but a benefit ; a lasting service as well as a passing kindness.—LETTS, SON, and Royal Exchange, Ordnance Map Agents, Stc. ITER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.—m. JULLIEN'S ANNUAL BAL MASQUE, Monday, December 22. M. JULLIEN has the honour to announce that his GRAND ANNUAL BAL MASQUE will, this year, take place at her Majesty's Theatre, on Monday, December 22. Under ordinary circumstances, M. .Jullien would have felt that the patronage hitherto bestowed on his Annual Enter tainment, and the general satisfaction evinced on every occa sion, rendered it unnecessary for him to add one word to the mere announcement of the Ball. A recent event, however, makes it imperative on him to draw the attention of his kind patrons to the fact, that after 17 years of constant labour and care, he has succeeded in transforming the trivial entertain ment, formerly known as the " Masquerade," into the mag nificent Fete of the Bal Masque, and in placing it on a level with those given in the largest establishments of Europe—at the Academie Imperiale of Paris, the Imperial Theatres of St. Petersburg and Vienna, and the Theatre Royal of Berlin— Fetes which the Sovereigns of those capitals do not disdain to honour with their presence. Having thus raised the cha racter of those Entertainments, M. Jullien is satisfied that the public will not hold him responsible for the ill-directed efforts of plagiarists and imitators. M. Jullien's Bal Masque will be given this year with the same splendour as before, and will take place at her Majesty's Theatre—an establishment already famous for the magnificent Balls which have, under the most distinguished patronage, been given within its walls. M. Jullien feels confident that this, his Seventeenth Bal Masque in England, will, for bril liancy and splendour, have never been equalled. The Orchestra will comprise one hundred and ten musi cians. Principal Cornet-a-pistons 7 .Herr Koenig and M. Duhem. - . Conductor—M. JULLIEN. The newest and most fashionable music will be played, in cluding several new polkas, waltzes, and quadrilles, composed expressly by M. Jullien for his concerts, and for this occasion. The dances will be regulated by fourteen :Mitres des Ceremonies, whose arrangements will be strictly carried out. No one will be admitted except in evening dress or fancy costume. The whole theatre will be ornamented by a new and superb decoration. Mr. Nathan, of Castle-street, Leicester-square, has been appointed Costumier to the Bal. Harlequins, Clowns, and Pantaloons not admitted. TICKETS FOR THE BALL, 10s. 6d. The prices of admission for spectators (for whom the audi ence portion of the theatre will be set apart) will be— Dress Circle Gallery Stalls 2s. 61. Gallery Private boxes from 3/. 3s. and upwards. Persons taking Private Boxes will have the privilege of passing to and from the ball room without extra charge. Tickets for the ball, places, and private boxes may be secured at the box.office of Her Majesty's Theatre; of the principal librarians and musiesellers ; and at Messrs. Jullien and Co.'s, 214, Regent-street. The doors will be opened at Half-past Nine, and the Danc ing commence at Half-past Ten. Refreshments will be supplied during the evening, and at One o'clock the supper will be served. HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.— M. JIILLTEN'S CONCERTS. Last Night but One.—For the Benefit of Herr Kcenig to-night. -.Eleventh appearance of Miss A. Goddard, the celebrated Pianist.—Second appearance of Miss Louisa Vinning. Programme for THIS EVENING (Friday, Dec. l 9): — Part I.—Overture, Der Freischutz—Weber ; Quadrille, from Verdi's "Il Trovatore "—Jullien ; Symphony, Adagio Cantabile, from the Jupiter Symphony Mozart ; Solo, Cornet, the River and the Star, written expressly for and performed by Herr Kcenig Angelina ; Polka, My Mary Ann—Tullien ; Cavatina, Tacea la notte (II Trovatore)— Miss Louisa Vinning—Verdi • Cornet Obligate, Herr Koenig ; Fantasia, " Recollections of Ireland," Miss A. Goddard— Moschelles ; Quadrille, the French Quadrille, with varia tions for flute, flageolet, oboe, clarinet, ophicleide, and cornet, performed by MM. Do Folley, DeYong, Collinet, Pratten, Lavigne, Hughes, and Kcenig ; Finale ; Partant pour la Syrie, Vive l'Empereur—Jullien. Part 2.-- Opera, Grand Operatic Selection from Verdi's opera of " La Traviata," with solos by Herr Kcenig, MM. Lavigne, De Folly, Sonnenberg, Duhem, Le Hon, and Hughes ; Serenade, Pianoforte, from Donizetti's opera, Don Pas quale, Miss A. Goddard—Thalberg ; Polka, City of the Sultan (first time)- Kcenig ; Rondo, Why should I be sad ? Miss L. Vinning—A. Mellon ; Valse, La Gaiete (first time) — Koenig; Solo. Violoncello, M. Demunck, jeans; Galop, Pelissier—D'Albert. Conductor—M. Jullien. To commence at 8 o'clock. Prices of admission :—Promenade, ls. ; Dress circle, 2s. 6d. ; private boxes, 10s. 6d., £1 ls., and upwards. Private boxes to be secured of Mr. Nugent, at the box-office of the theatre ; at all the principal libraries and musicsellers'; and at Jullien and 214, Regent-street. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. THIS EVENING, will be performed THE SCHOOL FOR SCANDAL, with Mr. Murdoch as Charles Surface; Sir Peter Teazle, Mr. Chippendale ; Sir Benjamin Backbite, Mr. Buckstone ; Crabtree, Mr. Compton; Joseipla Surface, Mr. Howe ; Sir Oliver Surface, Mr. Rogers ; Moses, Mr. Clark ; Sir Harry (with a song), Mr. W. Farren ; Lady Teazle, Miss Reynolds ; Mrs. Candour, Miss Talbot ; Lady Sucerwell, Mrs. Poynter ; Maria, Miss E. Sabine. After which, the successful new farce, A FAMILY FAILING, in which Mr. Buckstone, Mr. Howe, Mr. Chip pendale, and Miss Blanche Fane will appear. With Perea Nena and her unrivalled_ Company of Spanish Dancers, in THE ALHAMBRA, being the last week of their final engageknent. To conclude with A KISS IN THE DARK. THEATRE ROYAL, ADEL PHI. Genuine Success.—Unprecedented Attrac tiou.—Second Week of Mr, Benjamin Webster, and re vival of the Great Adelphi drama of Janet Pride.—The grand New Fairy Ballet Extravaganza, THE ELVES, in which Madame Celeste will appear as the Statue Bride every night. THIS. EVENING will be performed the celebrated drama of JANET PRIDE. Messrs. B. Webster, Wright, Paul Bedford, C. Selby, Parselle, Garden, Bland; Mesdames Celeste and M. Keeley, After which, with new scenery and appointments, the new fairy ballet extravaganza, called THE ELVES, or the Statue Bride, founded on the grand ballet spectacle, now perform ing with unexampled success at the Theatre Imperiale de l'Opera at Paris, under the title of Les Elfes. Principal cha racters by Madame Celeste, 'Misses Wyndham, Mary Keeley, Date Kelly, Chatterly, Arden, Messrs. Weght, Paul Bedford, C. Selby, Le Barr, drc. Till OPAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. THIS EV.V;NING and during the week will he presented S l- o.l(speare's play of A MIDSITHAER NIGHT'S DRE,l',vl. After which wP:k be produced a new petite comedy, in two acts, called 01r,i, WIFE ; or, The Rose of Amiens. Princi• pal character? by Messrs. Ryder, Harley, Fisher ; Misses MMTV.V . a - id 'C. Leclercq. Mendela° An's celebrated overture to A Midsummer Night's P ream will commence at 5 minutes before 7. OYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee, Mr. Alfred Wizan. .„ CMS EVENING, WIVES AS THEY WERE AND . 3 ' 'AIDS AS THEY ARE. Messrs. Addison, G. Vining grs. Stirling, Misses Swanborongh and Herbert. After which, CRINOLINE. And the new farce, JONES THE AVENGER. V. Robson, J. Rogers, and Miss Marston. Commence at half-last Seven. Messrs °YAL SURREY THEATRE •-' LeRSOP.St. Mesqrs. Shepherd and Creswick.4 THIS EVENING BIRDS OF PREY. Charles Ronne pont. Mr. C remv i ck: After which, THE WAITER. AT CRENEORNE. To ttouclude with THE OLT7CAST BROTHER. A STLEY'S ROYtiJ, AMPIIITFIEATRE. Lessee and. Manager, Mr. W. Cooke. THIS EVENING s b . akspeare's Tragedy of MACBETH, with Equestrian Illust. , :a ti ons by Mr. W. Cooke's highly trained Horses, ke ) • - . .laebeth, Mr. :Tames Holloway. After which, the 1 , — cinestrian ACTS in the ARENA, in troducing Miss Ka 4 ..e Cook e and mis, Emily To conclude AN AMUSING FINALE. Cooke. Doors open P.t half -Writ six commence at seven o'clock. r oz . o ffi ce ope'a from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West, T.lignestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun. CA EITtNw estminster-road.— N'rERBURY HAIL , ,-----:;-----:..___.___. 'OPEN EVERY popular 4 3e g ra l for the performance of ea . ,, Nt e adrig,als, big ccropanr of Vocalists are en - ae . l _NG.—The follow ing from all the .T. Caulfield Herr F. Glees, Duets, &c., viz. : —Miss E. P Choruses, Austin, B en . Y'.iss Brunell, and Miss Summers ; M : r , • 1.11,:,:;:t• J. Caulfield, joiaes,j Jongbrnans, R. Grover, T. Rain() Barker, W. Melling, and P. Corrie nett, and Coyn e ; Mr. Sam Cowell and E. x," s elc A n forte, .1. Harroway, R.A. ; harmonium, J. e ali e j., Piano. director, Mr. J. Caulfield. Commence at S even o ",eul. jun. ; 2i'selY. Suppers, dm. until twelve o'clock. In clock pre the usual Vocal Entertainment, the celebrat e d sp ' , t2n tn MINSTRELS will appear in costume at Nine and - ISH El even ieen. o'clock Every Evening, and sing so me of their favouri te se tions. iIIGII WATER iT LONDON BRIDGE. Tam DA--Morn. 1 min. aft. 7 —Evening 26 min. aft. 7 Tr\-WmißOW—Morn. 53 min. aft. 7 —Evening 24 min. aft. 8 THE WEATHER—SUN OFFICE, DECEMBER 19. TFIRRMOMRTZR, IN TFER SHAM riO -blithest slnee noon yesterday. 41—lowest this morning and during the night. 43 —this day t noon. BAROMETER, 30 . 48—another rise of three-quarters of an in c h ! -- • WIND, Northerly.—Light, with fine weather, inclining to frost. „ c§lll, LINDOIsT, FRIDA', DECEMBER 19, 1356. The probable encroachtne n t s of Russia are still the source of chief anxiety to the Western Powers of Christendom. It were folly, absolute folly, to fix our attention overmuch just now upon such comparative trifles as th e i nsurrectionary move meat of the Sicilians against the Neapolitan Government, or as the territorial pretensions by which Prussia is endeavouring to wrest Neuchatel from Switzerland. The evils we have to guard against at the present moment are of considerably larger importance than any that could p oss ibl y result from the strengthening of BomnA's petty despotism, or from the spread of CLICQUOT'S domi. ir it B SUN, 14010014, fitiDAY :e v. - .18 N 1 N G, DEC -EMBER AD, 0054.1. nation. What we have to look to at the period of the preposterous renewal of the Paris Confe rences, arc—not the miserable little mo narchical intrigues brewing at Naples and Berlin—but the daring designs, the hereditary policy, the implacable ambition, the insatiable lust of political, commercial, and territorial ag grandisement which, together, constitute the secret motive power of the Dread Russian Autocracy ! That gigantic and terrible Autocracy which, during two hundreed years, has proved to the surrounding nations what to the idolaters of Asia, Moloch and Juggernaut, ware wont to be of old, the pitiless Devourers, the wholesale and inexorable Destroyers. Sweden, Persia, Turkey, each in turn has been Poland, Tartary ploughed up by the grinding wheels of the Rus sian Car of Destruction. Finland has been absorbed (from tileaborg to Helsingfors) into the immensity of the Muscovite dominions. Circassia (from the northernmost extremity of the Caucasus to the southernmost limits of Chirvar, from the western frontier-line of Georgia to the eastern shores of Daghestan) has been added to the vast aggregate of Russia. Bess arabia, Nicholaev, and Taurida, have (in one mag nificent sweep of the sword) secured to the rule of the CzAR the whole of the northern coast of the Caspian. From Warsaw to Cracow, from Thorn to Tomaszow, the bulk of the spoil of Poland has fallen to the share of the robber-house of Ro mA.NoFr. Astrachan, too, has entirely been se cured, as it were, under the heel of the Rus sian Despotism, from the region of the Calmucks to the mouths of the great river flowing down from the remote acclivities of the Ural Mountains. Thus has Russia ravaged the con tiguous frontier provinces of Sweden, of Persia, of Turkey, of Poland, of Tartary, in turn. Until we find her now, in 1856, at the Close of the Crimean War, unscathed, uncurbed, undiminished, bent openly upon the realisation of her one great design of beating smooth, and straight, and clear before her the broad pathway from her own territories to those of the British Empire in Hin dostan. Such is literally and undeniably the secret source, the hidden meaning, the latent object of the recent seizure of Herat, and, with the capture of that important fortress, the inauguration of the conflict now actually begun between Persia and England. The Russian Autocracy is at the bottom of it all. The CzAR is really and truly the originator of this new war, and that too at the very time when he is affecting such purely pacific intentions. The fact is notorious. It is alto gether undeniable. As for the emergency through which it has come to light, that was foreseen long sinc3; it was distinctly and explicitly foretold years ago by Sir JOHN M`NEILL, when he described the principal aim kept in view by Russia, through all the mazes of her southern conquests, as being the gradual diminution of the difficulties standing in the way of the invasion of British India ! He recognised, moreover, in this very stronghold of Herat, the readiest means through which the Muscovite-despotism might arrive at the goal of lits ambition in this direction. For, observed this distinguished and far-seeing diplomatist, in a very notable passage, which we gladly transfer to our columns from those of an tself. eminent morning contemporary : the moment she occupies this position it will become necessary to augment our army in India, especially the European part of it, as to be prepared for the contingencies that may arise out of her proximity. This would be a large addi tion to our national expenditure, which would become permanent ; because, if Russia were at Herat, we could no longer send troops out by iea as quickly as she could march them by land. . . Were Russia established at Herat, the influence she would exert in India, even in time of peace, would be such as to render the Government of that country much more delicate and difficult than it now is. Those who know India, not merely the presidencies, but the provinces, will comprehend the change that would be effected in our position there by the preserve se, within such a distance as to make a collision p ro bable, of any Power equal to our own. Rebellit ms would become more frequent and more form id able. The revenue would, in many places, Ile collected with difficulty, and in some the full amount would not be paid. The minds of all naen would be unsettled, and every disturbance in the north-western provinces, every movement on the Indus, and beyond it, would assume a new :•.1.)2.- racter front the connection it would or m ight have 'with the new and powerful neighbour to whorr l all the disaffected would have recours e." Years ago these deductions were drawn by •the s?.gacious judgment of Sir JOHNAPNEILL from, the purely hypothetical possibility of the seizure of Herat. And—lo ! Herat is now actually in the possession of our enemies—the notion of its cap , ture being no longer a merely idle hypothesis.. It is in the possession of our enemies through, the sudden and treacherous violation of the Treaty of 1853—and our reply to the outrage has bee n the formal declaration of war against Persia ou the Ist of November at Calcutta. Already the Porsian Gulph is in the possession of the British fleet, our forces being directed against the foe (in re taliation for the surprise of Herat) through. their chief Persian seaport—the seaport which is to the dominions of the Shah NASR-0010-DEEM much more than Trieste is to th ose of the Emperor FRANCIS-JOSEPH the C Pity of Bushile, the great mart of the Caspian, where Indian and European commodities are ex( ;hanged principally for silk and for bullion. ' rhat, it appears, is the course taken by our milit au and maritime, our political and diplomatic stri ctegisis. Wore it not-advisable, let us ask, that a simulta neous effort were made against Persia by • way of Caubul and Candahar? Might not the pr owess of the Affghuans be directly enlisted to the end that some more straightforward, right-onw, trd blow might be aimed at the Persian capital of Teheran? ' B Y Way of Astrabad rather than by that of :Ispahan. At any rate, in wh a tever direction we a et against r eraia, and, through Persia, against I tussia, let us act (in the name of common sense and right Not t ow reaB(m) P r oniptly and decisively. Not : hesitating. e e • p rising. Not hair-splitting , as to the choice of som e more obvious scheme of a cam paign than th e sb n ca d agbe s b p a a or c fd ious one alone , calculated grand to lead our forces to victory. B 1 it--having flung down the ~,. , ba a t u ti ci e, 1 e a a n:. „a drawn i nt o the sword from th e iarena —let us " strike h om - $, ag gressive antagonist 1 u to the l w art of our ." From Russia is alike astonished and . Judi gnant at the refusal of the French and Engli s h capitalists to invest their superfluous cash in the construction of an extensive system of military ra ilways. This as it w as is the more provoking , cualy very re cently that the old Muscov ite, o , t war party, gave in their adhesion to the p ro jt: tt, a n d it was then fondly imagined that every di ff i culty was removed. Indeed, as we have already explained, a double object was contemplated . It was not merely to obtain the much-requ ired means of transporting safely, cheaply, an( I expeditiously the troops and stores—the persons tel and materiel, of war—to any locality where they might be required, but also to drain France and England of their specie, and replenish the treasury of Russia at the expense of their late opponents. And all those agreeable plans are frustrated by the obstinacy of the Western unbelievers. The CZIR cannot get his pretty plaything at other people's expense. He must either do without it, or supply the cost out of his own pocket. And even if he accepted the latter branch of the alternative, he could not, for a considerable time at least, carry into execution his cherished plan of Cossackising Europe ; and all this from the perversity of the fancied gudgeons, who will not even nibble at the hook, although skilfully baited by the experienced hands of PEREIRA, HOPE, BARING, and Co., and even by the Credit Mobilier This is, indeed, too bad. France and England are not, it appears, sufficiently grateful for the leniency of the Czar, who so greatly condescended to overlook their opposi tion to the Imperial will in preventing him from helping himself to a handsome slice of Turkey. But, seriously speaking, if the CZAR hoped to merit the confidence indispensable where an advance of more than forty-two millions of pounds sterling was required, he should have exhibited less trickery in the performance of the stipulations contained in the Treaty of Paris. He should have shown himself incapable of taking any unfair and petty advantage of those who trusted his plighted word. But, when it was gravely put for ward by his Government that the Russian Plenipotentiaries were not responsible for in accurate maps that they might justly be nefit by the letter of an agreement, however strongly opposed to its spirit and the belief of all the parties by whom it was executed, he must have known that the terms of the late contract would be strictly inves tigated, so that there should be no loophole for evasion. It is one thing to deal with a high minded person, whose word is as good as his bond, but it is a very different transaction where the customer is one who will, if possible, wriggle out of his obligations, and who takes care that the judges, by whom any differences shall be de cided, are wholly under his own influence and control. Five per cent. is a very pleasing return for capital. Notwithstanding the enormous rate of discount still charged, capitalists would be glad to insure it fcr a permanency, or even a protracted period. But it can be obtained in English securities of an unexceptionable character, with out the provision that they shall be annihilated at the end of 85 years. It is not, therefore, so extraordinary a catch that the parties must jump at it without closely scrutinising the soundness of the security. Prom what we have already stated, it is obvious that the railways themselves cannot by any possibility pay a reasonable divi dend. Even the Grand Trunk Line from Petersburg to Moscow did not return from profits more than 1 per cent, to the share holders, notwithstanding the stimulating incident of a coronation, and the mass of wealthy foreigners thereby attracted. There is nothing, then, to depend on, save the Imperial guarantee of 5 per cent., out of which all expenses for ma nagement, maintenance of way, replacement of material, accidents, &c., tis , e., must first be de frayed. These numerous items will make a serious inroad on the gross amount ! And then, supposing that the traffic is insufficient to pay the working expenses—no very extravagant notion when the scanty population and impediments to locomotion in the shape of the passport system, the difficulties of obtaining wood and water, and other acknowledged obstacles are taken into con sideration. What will be the result The CZAR cannot, under any circumstances, be required to pay more than 5 per cent., and that may in a great degree, if not altogether, be absorbed in matters not thought of by the promoters. Besides, we may reasonably inquire on what is the 5 per cent. to be paid—simply on the ac count of the original estimate, and should that be exceeded, as has been invariably the case in every French and English railway, what return will be made for the e3dra capital ? The CZAR will be entitled to have that for which he bargains provided in good working order. H• will not relinquish a single point of his bargain. In fact, if he keeps faith even in what he has stipulated, the parties may be well contented. An excess of ten, fifteen, or twenty millions in the expenditure will grievously reduce the divi dends, so that in place of five, three, or two, possibly one per cent. may be all that can be ob tained ! This will be a just retribution on those who send their money to benefit an implacable opponent. None will sympathise with their losses. " Sarved. them right" will be all but the unani mous verdict. If their money is indeed " burn ing their pockets" so that a way of escape must be discovered, they may easily find snore promis ing schemes to reduce the superfluity. The chariness of the Russians themselves to take shares in the undertaking should teach a salutary lesson of caution even to the most reckless speculators. There are private and personal reasons, in addi tion to those of public policy, that should induce the French EMPEROR to hesitate, before entering on a crusade against the Liberties of Switzer land, in favour of the obsolete and ima ginary claims of Clicquot. He should not altogether forget the chivalrous hospitality displayed in favour of a certain Louis NAPOLEON, once designated as a mere political adventurer, an unauthorised " Pretender to the throne of France," which called forth some eighteen years since the cordial expression of grateful thanks, " exalted esteem, and distinguished sentiments" from the party concerned. He then hoped to prove to the Swiss people that he was "worthy of the marks of esteem and affection they lavished on him," and declared that he should " never forget the noble con duct of the Cantons, who declared so couragesly in his favour, and particularly the recollection of the generous hospitality accorded to him by the Can ton of Thurgooen," which would, he assured them, " remain profoundly engraved on his heart !" Had the Confederation yielded to French menaces in 1838, Louis NAPOLEON might not have had the opportunity of writing that " Switzer Land should not be astonished, if, in the course of events, she should no longer find that good-wi,ll which she might so easily have obtained at trifling sacrifice 1" The career of the adventurer would have been brought to a summary conclusion. The celebrated carpet-bag experiment would never have been tried—the quondam prisoner of Ham would never have occupied the French throne, or founded an Imperial dynasty on the ruins of the Republic. W e are told, on high authority, to " place not our faith in Princes," and most assuredly the Swiss. Cantons have ample reason to acknowledge the efficiency of the salutary caution. What in 1835 was a noble independence is now designated as " a lamentable obstinacy, an exaggerated suscep tibility, and a complete indifference to French counsels !" But Switzerland will maintain the even tenour of her way despite the praises or the threats of Louis DTAPOLISON. She acts on a just and unalterable principle. Under any circumstances the I cherished independence, so long asserted, will be i steadfastly maintained. Prussia may growl, France may threaten, but she will not yield a single point. The rebels who rose against the established laws of the community must be brought to justice. That justice will be tempered with mercy, for she is too magnanimous to treat their abortive efforts with severity. England could afford to display clemency to political offenders. So can Switzerland. If a similar demonstration had taken place against the Austrian, Russian, or Prussian Government, the gallows and the fusil lade would be placed in requisition—or, even if in France, Cayenne might have received an addi tion to its population. But, as we stated, the authorities of the Confederation may be lenient. They must assert their own dignity by bringing the offenders to trial, and then they may show their clemency by discharging them from the penal consequences of their ill-advised and reck less attempt. LATEST NEWS. TIIE "OBSTINACY" OF SWITZERLAND. PARIS, Wednesday, 6 p.m.—The Emperor, lrongh the channel of the Monitegr, reads a lee :uro today to the Swiss, and a rather severe lee :ure it is. It was first intended for that ordinary reservoir of eemi-official outpourings, the Constitzt tionnel. It was then withdrawn and prepared to suit the regular Government organ. It was again withdrawn, and this second withdrawal led some to suppose that an arrangement between the Fede ration and Prussia was not improbable. Its pub lication this morning shows that that chance is for the present postponed. Some curious thoughts are suggested by a perusal of this document, which is certainly less subdued than if it had to be addressed to a Power like Russia, and it is the more remarkable from the old and friendly associations between Switzerland and the Emperor of the French. Considerable stress is laid on the fact, that the Imperial Govern ment of France cannot, in spite of the interest which it feels towards Switzerland, disregard the faith of treaties. One would suppose that the Moniteur is not the best authority to lecture people on the immorality of violating solemn engage ments, whatever form they may take, whether treaties or otherwise. The crown the Emperor Napoleon wears is in defiance of treaties as solemn as any on record, so far as relates to foreign policy ; and the obligations incurred on the 10th December, 1848, are historically too recent, and the coup d'etat still more so, for the display of exces sive puritanism on the violation of solemn obliga tions. The sans facon manner in which the Revo lution of 1848 is alluded to savours a little of ingratitude. But for the catastrophe of 1848 where would the Emperor of the French now be, or what would he be ? If Prussia, as the lloniteur implies, is justified in employing intimidation to prevent men from tieing legally tried who had unfurled the Royal standard against the de facto Government, on the ground of their having fought for " right and for legality," a Legitimist or Orleanist insurrection should not be condemned. True, the King of Prussia, as the I%lanitevr states, has protested against the Revolu tion of 1848, but Louis XVIII. protested with no less solemnity against the first Empire, and his protest did not save the Vendeans or Bretons from the doom of rebels when taken in arms. Charles X. , protested against the "usurpation" of 1830, but that protest did not prevent Louis Philippe from detaining in captivity his own niece, nor from ex posing that Princess to the scoffs and derision of the world. The Orleans Princes would,.no doubt, protest against the Revolution of 1818, did that protest afford a chance of success to their cause, and a collective protest did not prevent the confiscation of the Orleans property. The Legitimists regard Henry V., and none other, as their King, and in him alone are centred " right and legality." Supposing the Marquis de Pastoret and the Marquis de Larochejacquelin, under some sudden inspiration from former con victions, rising to-morrow in their places as mem bers of the Imperial Senate, unfurling the white flag, and shouting, instead of as now " Vive _Napo leon 111. !"—" Vive Henri V. !" I wonder whe ther the consciousness of their having proclaimed " right and legality" would save them from im prisonment and trial ? And, if it did not, would the Emperor Napoleon admit the right of Henry V. to interfere ? The liberation of the prisoners on demand is, in point of fact, the whole question. The eagerness to sate them cannot arise from any apprehension on the part of Prussia that they will be treated with in humanity ; if they had a " right," as the Moniteur all but declares, to revolt for the overthrow of the de facto Government, the de facto Government has surely a right to put them on their trial. The concluding passages are still more harsh than the opening. All is compliment and flattery to the King of Prussia, the heir presumptive to whose crown is now feasted at the Tuileries, and whose own long desired visit to Paris is not yet despaired of ; but all is cold and harsh to Switzerland. " On one side," says the Paris Moniteur, "France has met with a sincere desire to terminate a delicate question;on the other, on the contrary, an obstinacy which is to be regretted, an exaggerated suscepti bility, and a complete indifference to counsels." From this crime of obstinacy (writes the corres pondent of the Times) I fear there is no way of defending poor Switzerland. The reproach of the Monitcur, is, alas, too true. Switzerland has before now displayed her obstinacy on other mat ters. That characteristic fault of hers has brought her into trouble more than once. It is proved by the following letter addressed by the Duke of Montebello to the Federal Directory in January, 1838 : After the events of Strasburg and the act of generous clemency of which Louis Napoleon Bonaparte had been the object, the King of the French could not expect that a friendly country like Switzerland, and with which the ancient relations of friendly neighbours had lately been so fortunately re-established, would suffer that Louis Bonaparte should return to its territory, and, with a con tempt of all the obligations imposed on him by gratitude, should dare to resume their criminal intrigues and avow loudly insensate pretensions, of which their very folly cannot absolve him since the attempt at Strasburg. It is notorious that Arnenberg is the centre of intrigues which it is the right and duty of the King's Government not to tole rate. Vainly would Louis Bonaparte deny the pamphlet he has published both in Germany and France—that which the Court of Peers had recently condemned—to which it is proved ho had given his assent, and had distri buted it. Facts exist, which prove that the object of his return from America was not only to pay the last duty to a dying mother, but likewise to recommence plans and announce pretensions which, it is now demonstrated, he never renounced. Switzerland is too honourable and faithful an ally to permit that Louis Bonaparte shall call himself one of her citizens, and the pretender to the throne of France—that he shall call himself a Frenchman whenever he may conceive a hope of convuls ing his country for the furtherance of his plans, and a citi zen of Thurgovia, when the Government of his country wishes to prevent a repetition of his criminal attempts, How Prince Louis Bonaparte felt on that occasion may be seen by the following : Arenenberg, Sept. 22, 1838. Monsieur le Landamann,—When the noteldonf o t t h s e u D h u m lle t of o f Montebello was addressed to the Diet, I won . that I had re the exigencies of the French Government,. for it was neces sary for me to prove, by my refusal to retire, turned to Switzerland without violating any e ngagement ; that I had a right to reside there, and that I should find there aid and protection. h ea er t h Switzerland has denionstratettedudreicnigsioaums o o n f th the great en ergetic protests, and now yp neatest sacr Councils which have r esembled uto the presentes fort h the at s h e was prepared t o I nak has done e the g r ma i n t enanc e of her dignity and her right. She her duty as an independent nation. I shall perform mine, an d remain faithfu l to the h voice of honour• may be per secuted, but I shall never e dishonoured. The French Gov ernment having declared that the refusal of the Diet to comply with its demand would be the signal of a c onflagration of which Switzerland might become the victim, it only remains for me to quit a country wheremy presence is the subject of such unjust pretensions—where it would be the pretence for such great calamities. I request you, therefore, M. de Land amann, to announce to the Federal Directory that I shall l eave as soon as i shall have obtained from the Ambas sa d ors o f the different f.wers passports necessary for me to proceed to a place whore I may find a secure asylum. In voluntarily quitting to-day the only country in Europe in which I found support a n d pro t ect i on—in withdrawing from places which had become dear to ma in so m any e !Teets, I hope to prove t o th e S w i ss people that I. waswo r r: thy of the marks of esteem and affection they lavished on me. I shall never forget the noble conduct of the cantons who declared so courageously in my favour, and particu larly the recollection of th e generous hospitality accorded me by the Canton of Th urgov i a w ill rema i n profoundly e: graved in my heart. I trust that this separation may not be eternal, and that a day may come when I shall, without compromising the interests of two nations which ought to remain friends, re cover the asylum where a residence of twenty years and acquired rights had created for me a second country. Be, Monsieur lo Landamann, the interpreter of my grateful feelings to the Councils, and believe that the idea of sparing Switzerland from trouble can alone assuage the regret I experience in quitting it. Accept the expression of my exalted esteem and of my distinguished sentiments. NAPOLEON LOUIS BONAPARTE. To his Excellency the Landamann Anderwert, President of the Lower Council of the Canton of Thurgovia. THE GUANO EXPEDITION TO THE KURIA MURIA ISLANDS. ADEN, Nov. 25. It is with extreme regret that we have to report the temporary failure of Captain Ord's expedition to the Kuria Muria Islands, whither he proceeded from this place with the vessels Bleng and Philip Dean about two months ago, for the purpose of working the guano which is to be found in large quantities on three of those islands. After making those islands in safety and landing most of his implements, &c., and commencing operations, it appears that his tent was surrounded, at 6 a.m. of the 22d of October, by a body of 150 armed Arabs, who, having first demanded what his object was, and learning from him, through the interpreter, that it was to collect guano from such of the islands as had been ceded to her Majesty by the Imaum of Muscat, and that he possessed an exclusive right to that privilege, immediately, and in the most pereniptory and insulting manner, ordered him quit the islands within one hour. The islands, they averred, were never a dependency of the Iruaum, but belonged to their chief. who resided at Marbat, on the mainland adjacent, without whose authority no person had any right to set foot on his territory. Captain Ord at the time had only one Earopean (his second assistant) and 10 men with him, but was subse quently joined by his first assistant (Mr. Smith) and 20 more of his own men, chiefly natives of India. Even with this force it would have Leen the height of rashness to attempt any opposition, and Captain Ord seems t have acted with equal.determination and prudence in the difficult position in which he was placed. Ho warned the Arabs of the certain retribution which would follow an y attempt at further violence, and succeeded in obtaining a respite for 48 hours to abandon the islands. This he effected, and was prepared to sail with the Bleng and Philip Dean to Bombay, on the 29th of Octot or. Mr. Smith, accompanied by the hired coolies taken from this, started on the same day, in two boats, and reached Aden in safety on the 18th of November., VIENNA, THURSDAY EVENING, DEC. 18. The oe,sterreiehisclie Correspondents has advice from Constantinople of the 12th inst., which an nounce the departure on that day of Hali Bay, Redschid Pasha's son, for Paris, via Marseilles, with instructions respecting the Conference. The Suisse of Berne says :—" The Chambre d'Accusation, in its sitting of the 12th, ordered the release on bail of M. Pourtales-Sandos and M. Wolfrath. The bail required for the former is 80,000 f. with other reserves, and for the latter 2,000 f. It is said that the same favour will be conferred on four or five others of the prisoners. The confederation will indemnify the State of Neuchatel for the expense caused by the support of the prisoners, as well as that incurred for fit ting up the place for the trial." The Paris Correspondent of the Times (second edition) says : " The article in the Moniteur of yesterday is variously commented on in the Paris papers. The Assonblec Nationale is full of admiration for the conduct of the Emperor. In those praises there are things which his Majesty can hardly ac cept as complimentary to him. The Assemblee insinuates that he has set at nought his ancient ties with Switzerland, and is free from the amiable weakness of gratitude for the danger to which the Confederation exposed itself from Louis Philippe in order to protect him. The A ssemblee would rouse him to the task of put ting down revolution everywhere, and of going forth crushing the heads of the hydra—the Em- peror like Hercules, and, I presume, the King o Prussia like bolas. Whether the former protegj of the Swiss Confederation intends to respond to the expectation of the fusionist organ I cannot say ; I can only affirm that the note he has permitted to appear in the prominent page of the Moniteur has produced on the public generally a bad effect — an effect which may yet be more keenly felt at the forthcoming elections for the Legislative Corps. The Moniteur is not only offensive to the Swiss Confederation, but to the Imperial Government itself. Who could have suggested the allu sion to the Treaties of 1815 ? Every one knows how the French people feel whenever these Treaties are mentioned ; they have ever regarded them as a stigma on their country, as a stand ing record of its defeat and of the triumph of its enemies. The feeling may be exaggerated ; the people may be too sensitive ; but so it is. Such an appeal to the Treaties of Vienna would be a great mistake in any government ; but greater still on the part of a Bonaparte ; and it is a mistake which will hardly be compensated even by a visit from the King of Prussia. Beyond those who receive their inspiration from official sources, I have conversed with few who do not feel ashamed of the allusion to the treaties. The Siecle speaks of it in these terms : It is with grief that we have perused the note con. tained in the Noniteur of this morning. For several days past the existence of this note had been spoken of, but we had refused to believe it. That the Government of France should be listened to when it speaks is our desire ; nevertheless, its susceptibility towards faithful allies, as proved by the Moniteur, appears to us to be great. Far from feeling offended at the resistance of a people which, so to say, lives under the immediate protec tion of France, we should have admired that proud inde pendence of Switzerland which has never allowed her best friends to interfere in an internal question. The French Government now menaces Switzerland with a with drawal of its good will because she has refused to ac• cede to a desire which it had expressed, and which was only a trifling concession offered not to Pru ssia, but to France. I❑ the first instance we are not of the opinion of the Moniteur on the importance of the concession. We believe that to interrupt the course of justice is a grave circumstance. We do not admit that the concession would have solely been made to France, after the firmly expressed de mands of Prussia, and when France had repeated the same propositions. We comprehend that in ex change for this concession France should promise her support to Switzerland ; but this very promise solves the question of the rights of Prussia in favour of our opinion ; for had this right been undeniable the French Cabinet would not have supported Switzerland, and the King of Prussia would not have been satisfied with the concession h demanded. 'We sincerely regret to be of a contrary opinion to the government of our country on a foreign question, and we will hope that, if the government has felt hurt at the refusal of Switzerland, it will confine itself to having officially published its discontent, and will nevertheless not abandon her. Beyond the dissatisfaction which may have been experienced by our diplomacy in conse quence of the resistance of the Diet, there- exists a ques tion of high protection which France cannot abdicate. In order to be equitable, we must state that we do not comprehend the delay that has taken place in the trial of the vanquished of the 3d September. Had the power of the law once been vindicated, we should have been the first to have advocated a complete am nesty ; Switzerland, in offering a good example to the other Powers, would have avoided many complica tions, and would have placed governments, already bound by political acts, in a more_ favourable position to defend her rights. FRANCE. PARIS, THURSDAY. A Council of Ministers, at which the Emperor presided, was held yesterday at the TuileriEes. The Afoniteur publishes decrees, conferring the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honour on En- Islandof the wrecked e En seignes de Vaisseau Magdelaine and Augey- Defresse, and on J. C. Le Roy, 2d master of the late steamer Duro c, for their gallant conduct on sent en t in o boats 0 t a h t the occasion of th e wreck of that vessel. It may b e remembered. that the first - named officer had the m detachment m e s to crew the of Timor. Another decree confers militar y medals on four of the seamen of t he s ame vessel who par ticularly distinguished themselves on the occasion. Bouu.sE, Dec. 18.—The market was heavy at the opening, although the first telegraphic despatch from London announced a rise of on Consols ; but when it was known that the English funds had obtained a further improvement of 1, it was be lieved that the Bank of England had lowered its rato of discount to 6 per cent., and Threes, which had declined to 66f. 50c., rallied again to 661.70 e. Mobilier varied from 1,450 f. to 1,470 f. Lyons shares in good demand at from 1,3701. to 1,375 f., but a slight decline on the other lines. The market remained steady to the close, when the following were the last quotations Cash. ft. c. End of 3fonth. 4i per Conts 3 per Cents 66 50 06 75 New Loan Bank Shares 4,109 Roman (a d) . Credit Mobilier 1 , 462 50 Austrian . '''''''' Belgian Fives .. 97i Spanish Threes."" .** * l'iedmontese (5) ...... 91 50 Home Debt ***** RAILWAYS—FOR CASH. fr. c. fr. c Orleans 1,320 W estern Northern ............... 940 Strasburg Lyons .................. 1,370 New Ditto Mediterranean 1,745 Grand Central Lyons GenevaL 740 Testo (Otte THE NOTES 01, DR. LIVINGS ToN.— Aft er s i x t een years of wandering, Dr. Livingston has returned to England from exploring Central Africa, which he has traversed and retr averse d Lbrough regions where no civilised being ever before has been, and through an extent of territory of upwards of eleven thousand miles. The doctor, in addition to his qualifications as missionary, obtained a medical degree before leaving England. Warm and genial was the welcome he received from a crowded meeting at the Geographical Society on Monday last, when the great gold medal of the society was pre sented to him. Aft er th e geogra phical discoveries which he is reputed to have brought to light have been de scribed, we h ope t h at the o b serva ti ons h e h as made in his medical oapacity will be given to the profession. In a lecture delivered by him before leaving Mauritius, he mentioned the singular immunity of the native African tribes from such diseases as consumption, cancer, hydro phobia, and cholera. Doubtless his note-books and memory are stored with many facts that will be of the deepest professional intereet,--7Lancet, ASTLEY'S AMPHITHEATRE. Mr. Cooke, the lessee of this popular establishment, has already put forward his bill of fare for the Christmas holidays. The performances are to commence with the equestrian edition of " Macbeth," as lately produced at this theatre ; a more than usually attractive amount of scenes in the circle ; and an equestrian comic pantomime entitled "Paul Pry on Horseback ; or, Harlequin and the Magic Horse-shoo." Should it only prove half as entertaining as we are led to believe it will from the "bill of the play" which has been forwarded to us, we can safely promise the patrons of the establishment a rich treat, especially for the little responsibilities at pre sent at home for the holidays, and to Mr. Cooke an over lowing exchequer. There are a double set of the especial pantomime characters, the Harlequins being Messrs. H. Hemmings and Firth ; Clowns, Thorne and Lindon ; Pantaloons, A. Bradbury and J. Smith ; Sprites, J. Gee and Master W. Gee ; and Columbines, Misses Julia Weston and T. Avery. THE COURT. OSBORNE, Daa. 18. The Queen and Prince, with the Princess Royal, at tended by the Duchess of Athol!, the Hon. Emily Cath cart, and Captain the Hon. Dudley de Ros, drove in an open carriage yesterday afternoon. Lord Stanley of Alderley, arrived in town on Wed - nesday evening from a visit to Earl Spencer at Althorp Park. Despatches were received yesterday at the Colonial office from the Governor of the West India Colon ies. THE EXPECTED VISIT OF HER MAJESTY TO MAN CHESTER.—It is said that a letter has been received from his Royal Highness Prince Albert by the executive of the Art Treasures Exhibition at Manchester, in which his Royal Highness promises to honour the opening cere monial of the exhibition in May next with his presence, and states that there is reason to hope that the Queen will honour the exhibition with a visit at a more ad• vanced period of the year. It is probable, we are in formed, that in the event of her Majesty's visit, she will stay at Abuey Hall, Manchester, the seat of Mr. James Watts, the Mayor of Manchester, situated about nine miles from the Art Treasures Exhibition. WINDSOR OAS= THEATRICALS.—The performances at the Castle, which were postponed in consequence of the death of his Serene Highness the Prince Von Leinin gen, will commence on the 15th of January next. Ow ing to the continued and very severe indisposition of Mr. Alfred Wigan, the oast of the comedy (Sheridan's "School for Scandal), will be slightly altered. Mr. Leigh Murray will play Joseph Surface, a character in which it will be remembered he appeared with so much acceptance during the farewell performances of that gifted actress Mrs. Glover, in conjunction with the elder Farren, Mrs. Stirling, Compton, Sce., &c. Mr. F. Vining has been selected as the representative of Trip In other respects the cast remains as previously announced. Mr. Leigh Murray is not at present en gaged at any metropolitan threatre, a source of regret to his very many admirers—i.e., a legion of playgoers. The Duke and Duchess of Bedford are entertaining a distinguished circle at Woburn Abbey. The usual Christmas festivities will be kept up this year with the noble duke's accustomed princely hospitality. We are glad to learn that the Earl of Ellesmere is recovering from his recent severe illness. The noble earl remains at Bridgwater House. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, yester day, honoured the establishment of Mr. C. F. Hancock, of Bruton-street, with a visit. Tae Marquis and Marchioness of Winchester have been staying on a visit to Sir William and Lady Middle ton, at Shrublands Park, Suffolk. Sir Robert and Lady Emily Peel are entertaining a large party at Drayton Manor. The company includes —The Countess of Tankerville, the Earl and Countess of Chesterfield and Lady Evelyn Stanhope, the Earl of Lincoln, Lord Cavendish, Lord Ashley, General Peel, Admiral Rous, Admiral Eden, Mr. Monckton Milnes, Captain W. Peel, Lieutenant Ward, Mr. Calcraft, Mr. Arthur Peel, Mr. Bagge, Mr. Phinn, and Mr. Clifton. The gentlemen have had capital sport in the hon. baro net's well-stocked preserves. A requisition is in course of signature, calling on Major-General Sir William Codrington, K.C.8., to allow himself to be put in nomination for Greenwich. We (Worcestershire Chronicle) hear that the Hon. Frederick Lygon, youngest son of the Earl of Beauchamp, intends to offer himself as a candidate for the borough of Tewkesbury, in the Conservative interest, whenever a vacancy may occur. It is stated—and we believe not without foundation —that Major-Generals Sir George Anson and Nicholas Hamilton will have the coloaelcies of the 55th and 82d Regiments. The Admiralty have accepted the undermentioned ships for the conveyance of stores, viz., the Irene, for Cape Town ; Rival, for East London ; Swanley, for Jamaica ; and the Dorothy, for the Mauritius. ADUISSION or ATTORNEYS.—The number of applicants to be admitted as attorneys in the forthcoming Hilary Term is 123. The number of attorneys on the rolls exceeds 10,000. SICRILEGE.—About ten o'clock yesterday morning the churchwardens of St. Nicholas, Deptford, were in formed of the discovery that the churah had been broken into during the night, and the cest containing the sacramental plate, consisting of silver plates, chalices, tankards, spoons, &c., stolen. It is believed that more than one person must have been engaged in the affair, as the chest was very large and heavy. A letter from St. Petersburg mentions the death of General cheremetieff, Minister of the Domains, from a second attack of apoplexy, as also that of Count Strogo i noff, a veteran Russian diplomatist, who died at a very advanced age. The same letter states that the health of the Marquis de Courtavel, who, it may be remembered, was seized with a severe illness in consequence of ex posure to cold, has much improved. NEW RULES FOR THE COUNTY COURTS.—The new rules will be forthwith issued. They are nearly all new. A .bulky appendix contains the forms to be used. The pra,tice will be greatly altered. TAts Eastern Counties Herald reports the loss of the stem uer Eglintun on Willow Island, Rugen, making the third Hull steamer which has been wrecked in the Baltic during the present winter. A litter from Munich, in the Emancipation of Brus eels, says :—" The direction of the Post-otlice has pub lished a, notice that the admission of Prussian and Saxon paper money at the public offices is provisionally sus pended." It is cx.fficially announced that the cholera, which made a slight inroad at Konigsberg and Pillau, has totally disappeared. THE ENSUING ELECTION OF COMMON COUNCILMEN. — In consequence of St. Thomas's Day this year falling on a Sunday, it has been determined by the Court of Alder men that the election of Common Councilmen of the Corporation should take place at the different wards on the following day (Monday) Dec. 22. A let';er from Vienna, in the Post Ampt Gazette of Berlin says :—" According to accounts from Milan, it appears certain that a portion of the Lombard nobility still refuses to quit its reserve, and attach itself sincerely to the Imperial House." According to a St. Petersburg letter of the 9th, in the N ero Prussian Gazette of Berlin, the hopes that had been entertained of a certain degree of liberty being allowed to the press of Russia had been disap pointed, the journals having been again subjected to restrictions, and even the Nord of Brussels, the Russian organ, has frequently articles blotted out. ‘Ve hear that the Hon. Frederick Lygon, youngest son of the Earl of Beauchamp, intends to offer himself as a candidate for the borough of Tewkesbury, in the Conservative interest, whenever a vacancy may occur. — Worcestershire Chronicle. A letter from Coblentz of the 13th, in the Carlsruhe Gazette, says :—" Although there have been yet no war like preparations, properly so called, on the part of Prussia against Switzerland, there are symptoms which show that it is intended to have recourse to military measures. In the arsenals of the Rhine supplies of ammunition are being actively prepared." RECOGNITION OF THE PUBLIC SERVICEE OF SOUTHWOOD SMITH.—(From a Correspondent.)—VVe are informed that at a private meeting of noblemen and , gentlemen, recently held at Lord Sha,ftesbury's residence, • to consider the best mode of testifying their personal ' esteem towards Dr. Southwood Smith, it was resolved, "that a bust of Dr. Southwood Smith be presented to some suitable institution as an enduring memorial of his eminent services in the promotion of the public health." The bust will be executed at Florence by the American sculptor Mr. Hart. A large number of the most dis tinguished statesmen and legislators (of all political opinions), and sanitary reformers, have joined in this recognition of Dr. Smith's exertions in promoting the welfare of mankind. THE WAR WITH PERSIA A Constantinople letter of the sth says that Ferukh Khan was to take possession on the 15th of this month only of the palace assigned for his resi dence. According to the news it is unlikely that the Persian ambassador, supposing him not to haye given up the project of coming to Paris, will arrive at Marseilles so soon as has been supposed. How ever, it was very confidently stated in the official circles of Paris that he would really be at Marseilles by the 22d. A correspondence of the Bth, in the Constitutionnel, expresses an opinion that Lord de Redcliffe's negotiations with Ferukh Khan did no meet with all success that the English minister hoped for. "This is but a conjecture," says the correspondent, " but one that is not devoid of probability." It is said that Ferukh Khan was greatly dissatisfied with the explanations offered on the subject of the attitude of the English in the Persian Gulf, and their recent declaration of war, and that he had suddenly broken off the conferences which were commenced. If the rumours current are to be believed, M. Thouvenel has offered his mediation between the two diplomatists. • M. Bourree, the French minister to the court of Persia, whose arrival at Marseilles is announced by telegraph, left Constantinople on the Bth rather un expectedly. It may be remembered that some time ago it was thought that he would accompany Ferukh Khan to Paris. The reason assigned for his abrupt departure is the sufficiently probable one that he desires to report to his government the present state of the negotiations btween the English and Persian Ministers on the Anglo-Persian question. The Verite attaches no credit to the denial by the Boersenhalle of Hamburg of the existence of a defensive treaty between Russia and Persia. The Presse d'Orient, iu speaking of the affairs of Persia, says : English subjects and interests at Teheran have, in consequence of the absence of all the personnel of their na tional legation, been placed under the protection of the Ottoman ambassador. The capture of Herat took place on the 26th Oct., but no letters have been received from that town later than the sth. A letter from Teheran of Nov. 8, forwarded by the Constantinople correspondent of La Presse, gives some details of the circumstances connected with the taking of Herat. It says : The greatest joy was caused here by the news of Herat having at last fallen into the hands of the Persians. When at first the siege operations advanced but slowly, the Shah sent there a French officer named Bubler, whom he had had for some time in his service, for the purpo of instructing the engineers of the Persian troops. That officer had belonged to the Polytechnic School, and, according to custom, went to the school at Metz, to spend two years, at the end of which period he was named lieutenant in the French army. Just at that time Persia required a good officer of engineers, and M. Buhler, thinking it a good opportunity to push his for tune, gave in his resignation, and, withdrawing from the French army, proceeded to Persia, where, after a short time, he had given such indubitable marks of ability, that he was named colonel in the Persian army. When the siege advanced so slowly, the Shah sent Col. Buhler to the force before Herat, and transmitted special orders to Sultan Muraci-Mirze, the commander in -chief, to follow the French officer's advice in ever ythi ng re l a ting to the works before the town. The day after his arrival, in the beginning of August, Colonel Buhler was en trusted by the prince with the command of the opera. tions, and at once gave an immense impulse to the works. The approaches to the town were entirely pro tected, and bodies of troops were sent out to keep in check the tribes in the neighbourhood, whom Dost Mahomed was exciting to rise against the Persians. These diversions had an excellent effect. The great tribe of the Azareh, and the population of the Ghour, were reduced to neutrality, and Timour Konli Khan, the most important chief in the country, repaired to Teheran to make profession of his friendly disposition towards Persia. On the south side an advance was made towards the chain of moun tains which extend in the direction of Candahar ; whilst, at the same time, operations were carried on towards Furrab, so as to counteract the movements of poet Mahomed, who, at the instance of the English, had gone in person to Candahar. All the efforts made to stir up the natives of the country failed before the men' sures of the Persian commander ; one of the most noted military chieftains, the Sultan Ali Khan, was induced even to quit Candahar with his f a mily, an d to come and claim at Herat the protection of the General Sultan Murad-Mirza, who allotted to him an asylum a dequate to his rank in the province of Khorassan, whilst he sent one of his vassals, the chief of the tribe of the Aktche' zais, to present his homage to the Shah, at Teheran. As soon as the result of these operations had been ascer tained, the besiegers established three strong posts to the eastward, at Bibrond Khan, at the sources of the river Heriroud, which flows past Herat, and at other places. This service was performed by the cavalry ; an d towards the end of the month of August the siege batteries were in a condition to open fire, and the attack was commenced against Fort Nouchki. The artillery' wag well served, and the trenches were advancedregularly until they approached in some places wawa ten metres of the ditch which surrounds the to.bwane. The defensive works of Herat consisted of a _ss tioned wall, which was raised during the siege of _u . es and which had forced the father of the reigning Sin after many useless efforts, to raise the siege. Afterwards some English officers of the East India Company's th d ser vicee had added exterior works, the key of whichwas fort just mentioned, Nouchki, and certain fortifications whilst of no very great strength in front of Pilehkane,t.heGfaeteese. the whole surrounded by a rather deep a g their advances the the Persians were steadily ceeded in partially destroying command was frequently heard Affghans by their frequent s? m rti k e t s i h n e mo w re or t k h e a . n olnncethseusee skirmishes the word of uage indeed there was not given in the English l the the s p l l i a g c h e t . es t o d n o e u o b f t ttbhea most n o English g st.cu ri officers incidents cers were of present th e s siege who, n without the k li m st a e d n e ed by to a e re praenpyeaotfePersian aitors within th rl e °w c i i e tv dge att e d r was an attempted attack made traitors a e e t n a s n e n a t d e v a t one dark night s urprised d overwhelmed by superior numbers, were station,lenders,by s o a tower, from which, however, t : l o o n given pe rsia n et t b s . he : e e di o m r y e r tobliged to r etreat with the loss of two-thirds of their number. If this movement had been better arranged and supported Herat would probably hav e f a ll en i n to the power of the Shah that very night. At the beginning of October the trenches were so far advanced that Colonel Buhler pledged him self, in a despatch to the Shah, that the P lace would be taken within a given time, and so convinc ed was the ruler of P ers i a that the French officer would make good his promise that he raised him to the rank of general. The exterior works were destroyed bl mining, and several breaches were effected in the wal l ' Everything was ready for the assault, and the Pers hing had mad e a ll their preparations for the final attae.ke when the besie ge d, re d uce d to t h e greatest ex t re mities V_ famine, and w i s hi ng to prevent the terr ibl e conse quence! of the forced capture of the town by an army irritate d by a long r es i s t ance , d espa t c h e d Mi r -Abd o l-Asim to Persians, to declare the town was willing t o s urrende r. _e This overture being well received, Yssa Kh an , who co mended the garrison, issued from the town, accoFcr, vied by a ll th e c hi e f p erson ages belonging to it, civi l military, and proceeded to the Persian camp to le ad his submission to Murad-Mirza. The prince rec_ him with great kindness, and with an assurance of goo ia were thrown open and the Persian tro o p s mad treatment. Immediately after the gates o f thee t" entrance, in such perfect order as to do gre at honour o the discipline acquired in the Shah's arm y .r s core theti. It 18 was thy of remark that not a single act of violence tbe committed. Murad-Mirza established hiresen gafteectit order citadel with four of his regiments. The guarded by Persian sentries, and the most per ed I:;t he "" fore,t a a b li distancehed in e t f h 4 e o l town. eag leagues, 'occupiedbesare hear Persians, and the chiefs of the Affghan.tri _ lligthmencitoaurniltyry arou ing in from all sides to the commander -in-chief. REDUCTION IN TILE RATE OF DISCOUNT. (From the Times' City Article.) The Bank of England yesterday hove lowered their rate of discount from 61 per cent., at which it has stood during the last fortnight, to 6 per cent. e d s te b e r d a a n y: Although it was known that the measure was certain to a b be t a r d . adopted ieidn withinssi o na it week e o r r al t w q u o a , r a t e n and s flie=s was wt would iil y nonnced forthwit, it seemed to create some surprise, and caused an immediate movement in the funds of nearly' a half per cont. According to the last Ga.zette return the stock of bullion and the reserve of notes were beyond the amounts at which they stood when the reduction to 6 per cen t. was r esolved upon in May last, and there is reason to suppose the next statement will exhibit a fresh improve ment. Meanwhile the Red Jacket, which is now 84 de r v , out from Melbourne, may be expected at any moment wite a further quant it y of g old, and an unusually heavy receiPt of silver is to be hoped for a fortnight hence by the nao Mexican steamer. The American remittances are else likely to be considerable by the Persia, which will be due on Saturday. Hence, although the drain to India coo' tinues upon an unexpected scale, and prevents any parol e " neat revival of the continental exchanges, the supplyyro• miser fully to keep pace with the demand, and there is D° ground for maintaining a rate higher than that of our neighbours. With regard to any further relaxation, how' ever, the prospect must now depend almost entirely uP en the course of financial affairs in France and GernisoP Probably, in consequence of the reduction here yesterclei the Bank of France may speedily remove their prohibiti/ against bills having more than 60 days to run, but g el iora tion being found practicable in that country. In Clerrasui and Holland, after some temporary signs of ease, the teli,i dency lately has been towards an increase of pressure. I is therefore necessary to recognise the possibility that t ea rate now fixed may have to be maintained for some tituet and this consideration apparently led to a reaction in tl!o Stock Exchange during yestyeerdstaeyrdaafyternoon from the oe" vanced quotations which were realised when the alteratioa waTsh ri e rs r t e r u a c d t i on p n a b n l n ic o . unced counts and to loans upon securities The discount establishments have re d aP u P ce li d ea th sl e iikr°rattoesdi:: 51 per cent. for money at call, and to 5i per cent. for dt posits with seven days' notice. The rate of the Joint-stooo. Banks for deposits is reduced scent. o 1 per ..............-......-....-,...--.--+...... - ------- rice MADAME TUSSAITD'S EXIIIIIITION.—In conseque— of the approaching holidays, numerous additions can improvements are, we understand, in progress. A-reelic, the latest additions is a portrait model of Robson, e, notorious for frauds committed while in the service 0' the Crystal Palace Company. wile in that , although the attendance at this popular establishrnen! was more considerably increased than on auy previoo occasion, not one accident occurred,