The Sun. — London, England, 1856-01-04 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 4, 1856 , Statistics of 1855. • T HE FIRST MettPittY SUPPLEMEN .T of the SPECTATOR, To be published on SATURDAY, JANUARY 5, will contain, in Tables accompanied by Explanatory Comments, A Collection of the principal Statistics of 1855, from authentic sources; including the Weekly Rise and Fall !of Gold in the Bank of England, and Rates of Discount. The Progress of Shipping, of Taxation, of War Expenditure and War Obligations. Table of Ministerial and Parliamentary Changes. Fall Statistics showing the Progress of Banking, with Lists of Private and Joint-Stock Banks. possible that Russia may accept them and honestly fulfil them. She would be a great gainer by so doing. However, absolute rejection, or what is tantamount to it, is the probability. Russia's arrogance will yet give us an opportunity of doing something more for Europe, and our aristocracy the chance of wiping out the disgrace—to them-- of Kars. late Commander of the Baltic Fleet (Rear-Admi ral DIINDAS) has been ordered to haul down his tag, with as scant ceremony as was accorded to his predecessor, Sir CHARLES NAPIER. Whether this is intended as a cover under which the late First Lord may escape from the threatened on slaught of that gallant but deeply-injured officer, which thanks to the electors of Southwark he will have ample opportunity for making, or is for the purpose of procuring a more energetic sub stitute, it is difficult to say. For the credit of the Ministry we should hope that the latter may prove the true reason, and that there may at all events be an endeavour to procure " the right man in the right place," the appoint ment being conferred, not for Parliamentary or aristocratic influence, but for the qualities befit ting a true British Admiral, accompanied by an unflinching determination not to let slip a single opportunity of injuring or annoying the enemy, for whom nothing will be too strong, and nothing too small—one whose valour is not too strongly tempered by what is now termed " discretion" (but which might in the good old times receive a less flattering designation), and whose vigilance will let nothing escape it. This is the kind of malt the nation requires, and if Lord PALMERSTON be duly alive to his own interest he will sea that the demand be fully complied with. ample reasons therein for expressing decisive opinions as to the conduct of the Commissioners and of the gentleman who so nobly resisted their illegal and despotic authority. The former should receive the unequivocal censure they deserve—the other the legitimate reward which he also has so well merited. THE PEACE PROPOSALS. just ordered the construction of a war steamer 'and five gun-boats. According to accounts from Con stantinople of the 24th, a number of persons had already abandoned Erzeroum from a fear of an attack from the Russians, and had sought refuge at Trebizond. THE LAST RUSSIAN CIRCULAR. The Nord, of Brussels, publishes a Berlin corre spondence, which gives the following analysis of the Russian circular of the 22d December. It says;-- LATEST NEWS. " I commence by giving you textually the announce ment (notice) annexed to the despatch, and which runs as follows : WAR OF EXTERMINATION AGAINST THE ENEMIES OF RUSSIA. KONIGSBERG, JAN. 3. Au Imperial decree, on the proposition of the MiniSter of the Interior, makes one promotion to the rank of commander in the Legion of Honour, seven to that of officer, and 53 nominations as knights, among prefects, sub-prefects, mayors, and national guards ; and another decree, on the pro position of the Minister of Public. Instruction, gives -three promotions to the rank of officer and 28 nominations as knights among members of the clergy, professors in colleges, arc. BOURSE, Jan. 3.—The following aro the last quotations : Taking for granted the rejection of the so called ultimatum, will the Peace Party have the patriotism to giv6 up their factious encou ragement of Russia, and obstruction of war measures ? Is it of any use to appeal to them as men of business and good sense ? We ask them, then, whether they can improve on the plan of Government by national majorities ? If not, how is any important measure to be executed, if a small minority will persevere in placing obstruc tions on the rails whenever they can. In their own partnerships or commercial Boards they do not act thus. All may not agree with the majority as to what is the best course, the minority, how ever, generally aids in carrying out the views of the majority ; at least, it never con• spires to frustrate theta. When that is the case ruin pretty generally and pretty quickly follows. Granting, then, that we who think a far better peace may be, and ought to be, conquered, are in the wrong, yet, if the vast ma jority of the nation decide on that policy, can obstruction be justified ? If it were a mere poli tical party battle we should only regret the Par liamentary time wasted. The result, otherwise, we should care as little about as who was winner at the Derby. How profoundly different is the present case. The country solemnly deter mines that a thoroughly earnest campaign is the duty and the necessity of the year. It may be wrong, but it has settled that point. Peace, it has resolved, shall be conquered, not bought, and a peace worth having too. It will, therefore, come in no other way. In such a position of the matter every man of business, unless he holds Quaker views of War, is bound to throw his energies into the universal effort. The more complete our pre parations for next spring, the more cordial all onr various parties in stimulating, supervising, and backing a War Executive, the greater the national unanimity and energy in action, the nearer shall we be to peace. Magisterial Punctuality—" An Alderman " ' The Emperor consents that the third point shall be solved (resolu) by the following combinations : " 1. The closing of the Straits. " 2. No military flag whatever shall float in the Black Sea, with the exception of that of the forces which Russia and the Porte by a common consent may deem it necessary to maintain there.' " 3. The amount of these forces shall be fixed by a direct agreement between the two coasting Powers, without any ostensible participation of the other Powers.' "The following is an exact analysis, I might almost say the reproduction, of the despatch itself, which must actually be in the hands of all the Governments to which it is addressed : The Invalide Russe publishes a proclamation by General Mouravieff, calling the entire popula tion of Imeritia, Guriel, ani Mingrelia to wage a war of extermination against the enemies of the A Table, showing the State of Railway Property in 1855, with elucidations. Wanted." Statement of the Effect of the War on the Russian Exports to England ; and An Elaborate Analysis of the Trade and Navigation Returns for 1854. Orders and Advertisements received by cross. JOSEPFI CLAYTON, 9, WELLINGTON•STEEET, STRAND. It is this measure which is supposed to hays induced Omer Pacha's retreat. _ Cash. fr, a. 4i per Cents 9l 50 End of Month. —f. —O. 63 90 THE SU N, TO ARRIVE THE SAME EVENING, supplied to any STATION on the EASTEIOS COUNTIES RAILWAY, Carriage Free, by CLAYTON and SO2s, General Newspaper and Advertising Agents, 265, Strand, London. 3 - per Cents 63 50 New Loan 64 25 Bank Shares 3170 Roman Credit Mobilier 1305 Austrian Belgian Fives. — Spanish Threes Piedmontese — Home Debt " 'The Imperial Cabinet first states that the momen tary interruption of hostilities in consequence of the bad weather has necessarily aroused the general hope that advantage would be taken of it for the establishment of peace, and declares that it was not the last to share the sentiment and to devote a just solicitude to it. It owns frankly that the desire expressed by the Emperor of the French, at a public solemnity, in favour of a prompt and durable peace, was at the same tim e , an d s t i ll i s , th e dearest wish of the Emperor Alexander. " The elevated policy which has been bequeathed to this Sovereign by his predecessors makes it his duty to make use of the power which God has placed in his hands only for the good of mankind, and consequently to desire peace, not only in th e i n t eres t s o f hi s own sub jects but in those also of the whole of Europe. The Emperor Alexander has not waited for the present mo ment to endeavour to attain that object. On his accession to the throne he igave his full and entire consent to the bases admitted by his august father. " These bases, however, admit of different interpreta tions. The Emperor, without hesitation, gave them the most liberal interpretation (leur donna les plus largos developponents). As a proof thereof he can quote the frank and loyal concurrence which he lent to the modifi cations to be introduced into the political system of the East and to the collective guarantee which was to assure its independence. He even went so far as to sacrifice his secular and glorious traditions. He finally proved the sincerity of his resolutions by the manner with which he adopted the changes proposed for the Principalities of the Danube and for the navigation of that river. MADRID, JAN. 2. The capitalists of Madrid have proposed to the Government the creation of a National Bank of THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LANE. Lessee. Mr. E. T. Smith. TIIIS EVEN Q, TIIF. GREAT GUN TRICK. After which, BET DIDDLE DIDDLE; er, Harlequin Zing Nonsense and the Seven Ages of Man. giILWAYS-?OR CASH. Credit. fr. c. Q. Orleans ll2O Western 750 Northern Lyons 1127 50 New Ditto 747 50 Mediterranean ..... , 1245 Grand Central 575 Lyons Geneva ...... 680 Teste Cette 693 Austrian Com. 725 The Weser Gazette states that an additional article touching the Third Point has been added to the treaty of December 2, between Austria, France, and England. It does not, however, impose on Austria the obligation of taking part in the war upon the eventual refusal of Russia to accept the Third Point as interpreted by Austria and the Allies. SPAIN. THEATRE ROYAL. HAYMARKET. Under the Management of Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, THE BUSY BODY. We have received the Madrid journals of the 28th ult. It appears from them that the announcement that a committee of the Cortes had actually accepted the propositions of the Grand Cen tral Company of France, for the construction of a railway from Madrid to Saragossa, was premature, but the Gazette intimates that it is not doubtful that it will do so. Marshal O'Donnell had had a relapse, but had got a little better ' • and though his illness had lasted longer than had been expected, it inspired no disquietude. M. Gutierrez, editor of the Leon Espanol, had been set at liberty after three and a half months' imprisonment. The cap tain-general of the Phillipine Isles had announced to the government that a large crop of tobacco will this year be obtained from the province of Cagayan. A letter says :—" The death of the Duke de Soto mayor has produced a great sensation. It has been said that it was caused by apoplexy, but it is now generally stated that, not being able to support the pain occasioned by gout rising to the stomach, he discharged a pistol at his head, but only suc ceeded in making a severe fracture, and it was not until after some hours' dreadful suffering that he expired." t Waders ley Messrs. Howe, Chippenda'e, Rogers, W. Farrell. and Bockstone ; Mines Reynolds and E. Chaplin. After which the New Comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled TIIE BUTTF.RFLY'S BALL AND THE GRASSHOPPER'S FEAST ; or, Harlequin and the Genius of the Spring. LOYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under the Management of Mr. CiuzLiss Kam THIS EVENING, KING HENRY THE EIGHTH. Queen Katharine. Mrs. C. Kean; Cardinal Wolsey, Mrs. C. Kean. After which, HARLEQUIN AND THE MAID AND THE MAGPIE ; or, the Fairy Farad's& and Hanky Panky, the Enchanter. Harlequin, Mr. Cormack ; Clown, Mr. Halloo ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo; and Colum'gne, Miss Caroline Adams. BRUSSELS, JAN. 2. The interpretation of the Third Point given in Count Nesselrode's note of the 22d Dec. is re garded here as the answer, by anticipation, to the message of which Count Esterhazy is the bearer. 18 an We learn that the Austrian message was not for• orally communicated to the Russian Government until the 28th ult., but its drift was of course no secret at St. Petersburg weeks before that date. Some such pretended solution of the Third Point as that put forward by Count Nesselrode had been bruited for several days before the existence of the note was known ; but what seems more im portant to note is, that this latest declaration of Russian principles is officially made within six days of the delivery of the Austrian propositions, and with every appearance of being designed to preclude them. Mere war 1 ROYAL OLYVPIC THEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. Alfred Wigan. THIS EVENING. THE JEALOUS WIFE. Characters by Messrs. A. Wigsn, G. Vining, Emery, Leslie, Dan ♦etw, Mrs. Stirling, and Miss Manton. After which will be produced a New and doubly-moral, though excessively old, Melodramatic Fairy Extravaganza, entitled The editor of the Italia e Popolo of Genoa, the organ of the Mazzinian party, has been cited to appear before the Court of Appeal to answer the charge of having, in a recent article, endeavoured to excuse the crime of Giovanni Pianori, who some months ago attempted to assassinate the Emperor of the French. THE DISCREET PRMCESS ; or, the Three Glass Distaff/. In which Messrs. Emery, F. Robson, H. Cooper, Miss Marstot, and Miss Maskell will appear. TELRA.TRE ROYAL ADELPIIT, Proprietor, ?Sr. R. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste. THIS EVENING, DOMESTIC ECONOMY. After which, MOTHER AND CHILD ARE DOING WELL. To conclnde with a Crawl Coalition of Burlesque and Pantomime, to be called JACK AND THE BEAN STALK; or, Harlequin and Mother Goose at Home Again. in which Messrs. J. Bland, P. Bedford, Madame Celeste, Miss Wyndham, and Min E. Arden will appear. ROYAL SURREY THEATRE. Lessees, Messrs. Shepherd and Creswiek. THIS EVENING TIIE FLOWER GIRL. To conclude with A PFUNCE OF PEARLi ; or, fiarlevin and lane Shore. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Under the direction of Mr; Paync THIS EVENING, NOEMIE ; or, Ihe Foster Sister. After which, IT RUNS IN TEIE FAMILY. To conclude with ARLEQUIN BLACK-EYED SUE ; or, All In the Downs and Davy Jones's Locker. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPFIITIIEATRIS. Lessee and Manager, Sir. Wm. Cooks. THIS EVENING. ROOKWOOD; or. TURPIN'S RIDE to YORK. After which the SCENES in the ARENA. To conclude with one of the most extraordinary productions ever witnessed, an Equestrian Comic Panto nlme, introducing f,O horses, ponies, and other quadrupeds, trained by Mr. William Cooke, called HARLEQUIN AND ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON, or the Seven Champions , of Christendom. Morning Performances at 2 o'clock, Saturday, Jan. sth, 12th, and 19th. - - itoit.offfes open from Eleven till Font. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. 7:quo:trig...l Director, %f W. Cooke. Ina. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. TAM DAY—Morn. 43 min. aft. 13—Evening 16 min. aft. 11 TO-Hongotv—iforn. 47 min. aft.ll—Evening 0 min. aft. 0 THE WEATHER-SUN OFFICE, JAN. 4. THERHOMETER, IN TEM SHAM 50 -highest since noon yesterday. 45 -Lowest this morning and during the night. 47 -this day at noon. BAROMETKII, 29-72. S.S.E.—Light, with dull, mild weather. pt:,, • • 14.1:011t,. §..111%, LONDON, FRIDAY, JANUARY 4, 1856. -- —,c...____ We look wistfully for the Russian answer to the ESTERHAZY proposals, but we are not in the feverish anxiety which tortured the whole nation while the infamous Four Points were discussed at Vienna. We are not now in dread of being utterly sold to Russia and Austria. Meagre as the pre sent demands are, they contain something of the fruits of victory ; we are afraid to say that they include the elements of a permanent and liberal European peace. It would be a peace of dynasties and Courts, not of peoples. A Vienna, not a Paris, Loidon, or Warsaw peace. A peace with which BRIGHT aid GLA.DSTONE might point their sarcasms. Still, IF the Black Sea forts were utterly dismantled, if not a single gun was permitted afloat on its waters, if the Circassian coast were liberated, there would be something in this. Little enough, every Eng lishman knows, for his share of taxation or his family bereavements, but still much for the safety of Turkey, and much to proclaim Russia defeated. We do not believe such a peace would be accept able to the t coun ry. We all feel that our aristo cracy has betrayer us. It has done not half what it conk/ have done. It has crammed the Ministry and the superior com mands with high-born mediocrity and incompe tence. Generals and Laval commanders and their official masters have been sorely wanting, yet there lurks a-hope that this would not go on. Easy and' credulous in regard to the great, w o fancy that this year at least they will come out. We know what they can do if they will, and we god-naturedly imagine that, after playing with the Baltic and many other plaoes besides, they will now give the aggressor the coup de grace. Hence, ashamed of the past, and too trustful for the future, and glancing at our great preparations in men and materiel, all England is, at the bot. torni earnest for another campaign. The joys of an EBTIERHAZY peace would be lost in mortifica tion. The chief reason, therefore, why we are not very anxious just now is that no one believes Rue sia will treat. Th e impudent anticipation of the pending demand s of the Allies by a proposal n o better than the scouted Four Points of last year seems to proclaim that the CZAR does not mean to strike as yet. We confess, however, to the greatest fear that the Cult will not absolutely re fuse negotiation. It is easy to see in the terms offered, as we have r ecen tl y showed, scope for materially wide discrepancies of interpretation. AIBX ANDER may accept them in th e Russian sense, and then consume winter and spring n showing his old Bailey cleverness in finding technical evasions. Can, however, an English Ministry survive the contempt of bei ng caught thus a second time. It is, of course, jus Can we not, on such a solemn occasion, have a truce to party and selfish maiceuvrings ? Cannot those who are unable to snatch a peace in their own way do their utmost to render the next best way effective ? If they wish for peace, and the nation says, " so do we, and as much as you, but we must have peace enough to hold together, and we are determined to get it by a struggle," ought they not then to throw their strength into the struggle ? Can they under the conditions do anything which will more facilitate the attain ment of their own object. Some soldiers in the rear of the deep Macedonian phalanx might have thought the place or time of the charge ill-chosen by their General ; yet, when all the success attainable depended on their adding their full weight to that of those preceding them, would they not have deserved military execution if they had witkheld it ? Errors may be debated afterwards—but the hour of action demands the co-operation of all. In this sense, and at this grave moment, England expects every man to do his duty. A universal and generous rivalry this session in warlike counsel ; an abnegation of every personal and party feud is arousing and helping our Cabinet, would be to Russia as ter rible as a second large army. It would be the precursor of a speedy peace. Union and energy will, therefore, be the tests of our Parliamentary patriotism. Great satisfaction has been expressed by the so-called neutral (!) shipowners of Prussia at the formal raising of the blockade of the Russian Ports. Hitherto they have re garded with envy the enormous profits rea lised by their fortunate confreres who were engaged in an organised system of land carriage to help their Muscovite friends. They also de sired to be enabled to display their devotion to the CZAR, particularly when the demonstration would bring goodly supplies of "thalers' into their own pockets. Under such circumstances their devotion is boundless. They are even willing to become millionnetires in such a cause. Can we feel surprised at their admiration of the judicious conduct of the English Government, which, by the timely removal of every obstacle, has enabled them to gratify their intense longing, and to sup ply Ryes contraband of war, or anytking that may be required by Russia to prolong the contest, and impose new difficulties in the way of the Allies. Of course it will be universally believed that this extraordinary concession has been made as an indication of British anxiety to terminate the War on any terms or at any price. Its natural effect will, of course, be to harden the heart of the AUTOCRAT, and to convince the Scandinavian Powers that we are not even yet in earnest. It will largely increase the prestige which Russia formerly enjoyed, but of which she had nearly been deprived by the capture of Sebastopol, the suicidal destruction of the Black Sea Fleet, and the various victories in the Crimea, together with the cowardly skulking of her Baltic Squadron be neath the guns of Cronstadt, and the semi-bom bardments of Sweaborg and Riga. That prestige was hitherto only preserved by the singular " pru dence and discretion" which prevented our Naval Commanders from running their vessels into any kind of danger, or attempting the solution of the great problem of Wood v. Granite. It will now be confirmed by this new act of forbearance, which, whatever may be thought of it by the First Lord and his coadjutors at Whitehall, will most cer tainly be ascribed in Germany to weakness, and a determination to accept any conditions which the CZAR in his clemency and moderation may be pleased to offer. There is, however, a column in our impression of yesterday, which may in some degree serve to counteract this impression, natural as it may be in other respects. It is the list of the additional strength that has been added to the British navy within the year that has just terminated, or which is in c ourse of construction, and will b e ava il a bl e for next season . It comprises two ships of the line, the D onega l and Victor Emmanuel, of 101 and 90 guns, fi ve s t eam . frigat es of from 30 to 51 guns, and immense steam powers, and no less than 128 steam gun-boats, the want of w hi c h has been so clearly perceptibl e during the op era ti ons of last year. There are also a motley gr o of screw steam-tugs, flour-mills, smithies, surveying ves sels, &c., which must add materially to the efficiency of any naval squadron in the Baltic, more par ticularly under the improved arrangements, which render all gun-boats independent commands from and after the lstJanuary instant, in place of being, as heretofore, merely tenders to other ships. The strongest incentive is thus held out to officers and men to exert themselves zealously and effi ciently. They will now reap the legitimate rewards of their own daring exploits, in place of dividing them with others who were not even spectators thereof, and we may anticipate very beneficial results from this improved regulation, Another matter worthy of notice is, that the The great hold which England has on the affec tion and the allegiance of her colonies is by, so far as practicable, affording the constitutional pro tection of British law to every British subject. Nothing could so greatly weaken the feelings which it should be the object of the Home as well as the Colonial Governments to promote and foster, by every possible means, as any attempt at arbi trary or unconstitutional power which would assimilate the local tribunals to the divans of Turkish Cadis rather than to English Courts of Justice. Any such effort, no matter on what plea it may be supported, should be promptly and decidedly suppressed ; and it is the duty of every faithful subject to resist to the utmost extent of his abilities the tyrannical and unconstitutional onslaught on the liberties of his fellow-subjects. We regret to perceive, from the file of the Mel bourne journals which has just come to hand, that such an attempt has recently been made at the new local court at Alma, held in the long room of the Lord Raglan Hotel. On the first case, which was one of partnership, being called on, the Chair man of the Commissioners—a Mr. TEMPLETON stopped a learned gentleman who appeared for the defence by the extraordinary aunouneement that they (the Commissioners) had " decided not to hear lawyers." Iu vain the learned gentleman argued on the common-law right of the public to be heard by counsel, showing that he was a bar rister both at home and in the colony, and that they were not justified in refusing to hear what he had to allege on behalf of his client. His arguments were cut short in a very rude and dis• graceful manner. Having previously resolved on exercising despotic power, the Commissioners would not listen to reason lest they might be "con vinced against their will." One of the body had even the unparalleled insolence and audacity to pro test against the learned gentleman advising his client, and recommending him not to pay the damages (1007.) so unfairly and improperly given against him—but even if he had the money to go to jail, if they dared to send him there, and to give notice of appeal and to tender his sureties. Mr. TEMPLETON, however, declared there was no appeal, and having committed the defendant to prison, dared to threaten his energetic and able counsel with similar treatment. Fortunately for himself, he paused in his mad career. Had he persevered he would unquestionably Rave had a serious inroad made on his first year's salary, if it were even sufficient to satisfy the weighty da mages that ought to be given in such a case. It is right to state the sequel. Mr. PRENDER GAST, we rejoice in giving the name of a gentle man who has entitled himself to the highest praise for the manly and efficient part which ho enacted in the transaction, brought the matter before the Supreme Court on the earliest p sssible opportunity. Every impediment was thrown in his way. The Chief Justice was absent in con sequence of indisposition, and his brethren were at first unwilling to hear so important a case in his absence. But Mr. PRENDERGAST persevered and succeeded. The Solicitor- General then appeared to oppose on be half of the Crown, bat Mr. PRENDERGAST showed that the privileges of the Crown not being involved, he had no locus standi in Court, which being ruled in his favour, the " law officer" was compelled to remain neutral. Finally, Mr. PREN DERGAST brought forward no less than forty dif ferent reasons why the commitment was bad, and should be quashed—and the first being conclu sive, he was stopped, and his client dis charged from custody, no judgment being pronounced on the thirty-nine points re maining. The ignorance and incapacity of the Commissioners were thus clearly established in the earliest case on which they had been re quired to adjudicate, and the absolute necessity for the attendance of a properly-constituted bar at their sittings clear ]y demonstrated. It was fortunate that the privileges of the legal profession, or rather of their clients—for the rights of Barristers are, properly speaking, the rights of the community at large—found so effi cient and able a champion. Mr. PRENDERGAST displayed the temperate and quiet firmness that in a good cause is certain of success. He left nothing undone that could conduce to his client's advantage, and exhibited the qualities befitting the distinguished profession of which he had proved himself so worthy a member. All honour to him we say for his conduct, and he will reap the legitimate rewards that must ever attend the possession of qualifications such as he has mani fested. The right of being heard by counsel is one of the clearest belonging to a British subject. The humblest citizen cannot be condemned unheard, particularly when the proceeding is of a quasi penal character, as manifested by the committal of the defendant on his refusal to pay the fine imposed. We only recollect one similar attempt in the United Kingdom, where a magistrate com mitted an Irish barrister for insisting on his clear and unquestionable right of audience, and for which he, the magistrate,had to pay 5001., and full costs of suit, for a detention of some two or three hours. Mr. TEMPLETON had, then, a narrow escape in not pursuing the reckless course which he threatened, but had not the hardihood to adopt. We perceive that the Melbourne Herald, in a leading article on the subject, speaks of Mr. PRENDERGAST as " the son of au estimable parent, long known to the British public." Can it be MI°ThkEL PP.ENDERGAST, the eminent Queen's gc ald fromed to whence ? If so l: Counsel, and l ea d er o f th e N o rfolk Cir cu it, n ow the fav our i te candidate for the Common Ser an e w d e er ca iv n ed easily conceiveet y, the that source is alluded the tact and firm ness so well displayed in the emer gency. We commend the case to the attentive conside ration of the Colonial Secretary. Re may find The equanimity of Mr. Alderman Copeland's tem per appears to have been somewhat ruffled, accord ing to the police reports in the morning papers of to-day, in consequence of the insertion of a para graph in Wednesday's Sun, stating that the busi ness of the Guildhall Poli ce - cour t was d e l a y e d f or an hour and a quarter on that day from the want of an alderman. Mr. Alderman Copeland, in his over-desire to bolster up the rottenness of a system condemned long since by the public voice as one of the great obstructives to a better state of things, and more in consonance with the spirit of the age, has condemned the system he so highly values, and admits to a great extent, if net entirely, the truth of our assertion. What we complained of was that for an hour and a quarter there was no alderman to proceed with the business of the police-court, and that a great many suitors were inconvenienced thereby. What does Alderman Copeland say ? Why, that Sir P. Laurie commenced the business at 12 o'clock, and was sub sequen tly relieved by Alderman Finnis, who remained in the private room, as it was alleged, attending to business of the greatest public importance, in consultation with the City ,tolicitor—(Query, was not this con sultation relative to Corporation reform). Now we fearlessly assert that Sir Peter Laurie did not remain on the bench till relieved by Alder man Finnis, but that he no sooner went on the bench than he left it, and the business of the Court was impeded till twenty minutes past one o'clock, that being the time Mr. Alderman Finnis arrived. But what business can there be of greater import ance than investigating the night charges and re storing innocent persons to liberty as speedily as possible ? What right have the City Magistrates to incarcerate a fellow-being for an hour-and-a-half longer than is actually necessary, and inconvenience the public to confer with the City Solicitor, whose services are paid for probably by those whose time is thereby squandered ? And what is the use of an institution that cannot adapt itself to the wants of the day ? Does it not unmistakeably show that the office of alderman is incompatible with that of a magistrate, and that to discharge the duties of one efficiently the other must be neglected ? This i s ano th er i n stance of th e necessity of a stipendiary magistracy for the City of London. With regard to the personal remark gratuitously introduced into the report by the " Guildhall reporter," that the representative of this journal relies on third persons for his infor mation, we take no other notice of it than giving a simple denial, and to add that that gentleman was twice at the hall between 12 and a quarter past 1 o'clock, and had to leave empty handed in con sequence. The gist of the offence is, that the re presentative of this journal holds too independent a position to please the sensitive feelings of the "great guns " of the City, and declines to play the " toady" to them, as may be the case with others, who, from interested motives, wink at the short comings of the officials, and decline noticing grievances notorious to every person who has business requiring his attendance at the above Court. COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, JAL 3. The Queen and Prince, accompanied by the Duke of Cambridge, &A attended by the Marchioness of Ely and the Hon. Beatrice Byng, drove out in an open carriage yesterday afternoon, and honoured Mr. Ward, R.A,, by visiting his studio at Upton -park. The Equerries in Waiting were in attendance on horse back. Prince Ernest of Leiningen left the Castle for the Continent. Prince Angnstis of Saxe Weimar arrived on a visit to her Majesty. The dinner party included the Duchess of Kent, the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Edward of Saxe Weimar, Prince Augustus of Saxe Weimar, the Duke of New castle, Lady Fanny Howard, Baroness de Speth. the Hen. Mary Seymour, Col. Tyrwhitt, and Sir James Clark. The band of the Grenadier Guards played during din ner.7uThe Queen's private band afterwards performed in the castle. This morning Prince Albert, with the Duke of Cam. bridge fr accompanied by Prince Edward and Prince Gus, tavus of Saxe Weimar, went out shooting. The Duke of Cambridge (attended by Col. Tyrwhitt) and Prince Augustus of Saxe Weimar took their depar• ture in the afternoon. The Duke of Newcastle has also left the Castle. The Hon. Mary Seymour and the Hon. Emily Cath cart have succeeded the Hon. Eleanor Stanley and the Hon. Beatrice Byng as Maids of Honour in Waiting. A Cabinet Council was held yesterday afternoon at the Foreign office. The Ministers present were count Palmerston, the Lord Chancellor, Earl Granville, Earl of Harrowby, Sir George Grey, the Earl of Claren• don, Lord Panmure, Mr. Secretary Labouchere, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Charles Wood, the Right Hon. R. Vernon Smith, Lord Stanley of Alder ley, the Right Hon. M. T. Baineq, and the Duke of Argyll. The Council sat two hours and a half. General La Marmora has arrived at Turin. Yesterday his Excellency Lord Cowley presented Ad miral Lyons to the Emperor Napoleon. Prince Ernest of Leiningen left London on Wednes day night for Germany. The Sardinian Minister arrived in London yesterday, from the seat of Viscount Palmerston, Broadlands, Hants. The Lord Chancellor will receive the Judges, Queen's Counsel, &c., on Friday, the first day of Hilary Term, at his lordship's residence, in Upper Brook street, at 12 o'clock. The Chancellor of the Exchequer and Lady Theresa Lewis returned to town yesterday from a visit to the Earl and Countess Clarendon at the Grove. _ _ Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston arrived in town yesterday morning from Broadlands, and in the after noon left London for Windsor Castle, on a visit to her Majesty. Lord Stanley of Alderley has returned to town from Alderley Park, Cheshire. Despatches for the Governor of Malta, Ceylon, and Hong Kong were sent last evening from the Colonial office. Admiral Lyons arrived in London late last night by the South-Eastern Railway. We (Scotsman) have good authority to believe that it is the intention of Government to abolish the Board of Fishery, which sits at Edinburgh, with officers through out Scotland. THE LAND TRANSPORT,—.A correspondent of the Times advocates the employment of one-horse carts similar to those used by the farmers of Carmarthenshire. LECTURES IN THE CRIMEA,—Dr. W. H. Brown, late of the Polytechnic Institution, is about to proceed to the Crimea to deliver lectures to our troops on literary and scientific subjects. Yesterday morning information was issued from the chief police office of no less than four robberies of plate in the neighbourhood of Kingsland and Oakley-square. DEATH OF De. BABBINGTON.—This eminent surgeon died at his residence, Queen's-gardens, Hyde-park, on New Year's Day. THE WI ER DAY OPENING OF THE BRITISH MUSEUM. —Last night a meeting was held for the pt.rpose of taking measures to open the British Museum every day during the week. Resolutions in favour of the propo sition were unanimously agreed to. THE ZOOLOGICAL SOCIETY OF LONDON . . —At the monthly general meeting, held yesterday at the society's house, in Hanover-square, Robt. H u dson, Esq., F.R.S., in the chair, Messrs. AWilliams, F. Smedley, W. B. Gill, M.D., M. Henry, J. B a l m j aR ., E. Warwick, and Albert Smith, w ere elected Fellows of the society ; Messrs. W. J. Lawson, J. P. Alp e , A. S. Petrie, Dr. Bird, and R. Stephenson, M.P. ' w er e proposed as can didates for the F e ll ows hip. The committee of auditors of the accounts for 1855 were then elected, and the sleeting adjourned to Feb. 7. THE MURDER IN THE MINORIES.—The prisoner Cor rigan was yesterday again brought up on remand before Mr. Yardley, at the Thames police-court, charged with the wilful murder of his wife. The evidence given was almost a repetition of that which has 'already appeared in our columns. The prisoner, on having the usual ques tion put to him said—" I have no recollection how it happened, or how it was done." The depositions having been completed, the prisoner was fully committed for trial on the charge of wilful murder. THE ALLEGED STARVATION OF 'Two CHILDREN AT HACKNEY.—Yesterday the inquiry, which was com menced en Friday last, respecting the deaths of William Harvey, aged 7 years, and Harriet Harvey, aged 5 years, who were alleged to have been starved by their father, Edward Harvey, a bricklayer, and a female named Harriet Ray, with whom he was living at N 0.13, Bruns wick-street, Honaerton, was resumed and concluded at the two Black Boys, Well-street, Hackney, before Mr. Baker. As on the previous occasion the inquest-room was crowded. It will be recollected that the inquest was adjourned in order that the contents of the stomach, with the intestin es , &c., of each c hild m ight be handed over to Dr. Letheby for analysation. Dr. Letheby, being examined, deposed that he had not found anything which would lead him to suspect that poison had been administered to either of the deceased. He had come to the conclusion, looking at the total absence of fatty mat ter in all the tissues, a circumstance he had never known before, that death in each case was the result of starva tion, which had been going on for a considerable time. After other evidence to the same effect the coroner summed up, and the jury having deliberated, returned a verdict of " Wilful murder against Edward Harvey and .Rarriet Ray." The inquiry then terminated, " If the conferences were broken off on the subject of the third point, the responsibility thereof does not fall upon the Imperial Cabinet, for when (the Austrian Ca binet brought forward the solution which appeared to it most acceptable, it was the Russian Plenipotentiary who declared it susceptible of becoming the starting point (point de depart) for an arrangement, and it was the Ministers of the adverse party who rejected it in conse quence of internal dissensions which had arisen. " In the course of the grave events which ensued, while torrents of blood flowed and the two belligerent parties were imposing immense sacrifices on themselves, however much the heart of his Imperial Majesty was affected thereby, he was obliged to remain silent as long as his enemies appeared resolved to substitute the right of might to the spirit of justice and of conciliation, which, for nearly half a century, had presided over the destinies of Europe. " But as soon as information reached the Govern. ment of his Majesty, which assured him that his ene• mies were disposed to take up again (reprcndre en sous ffuvre) the negotiations of peace on the basis of the four points, such as they had been defined in the Conferences, the Imperial Cabinet did not hesitate to come for ward frankly to meet those peaceful dispositions, and to seek frankly a possible solution for the third point in the order of ideas which had ap peared, turn about, satisfactory to all parties." [Here follows, says the Berlin correspondent of the Nord, the notice given above, and which " gives a complete solution to what is called the third guarantee."] " The Imperial Cabinet declares in conclusion, that this resolution of the Emperor will give a new pledge of the sentiments of conciliation by which he is animated and of the sacrifices he is ready to make for the peace of the world. He puts his trust in the impartial judg. ment of the Powers which have remained strangers to the struggle, and calmly and confidently awaits the de cision of his enemies.' " VIENNA, Duo. 31.—The following article, which is from the Augsburg Gazette, will be read with pleasure, as it not only fully confirms information long since contained in our columns, but gives a detailed account of what has recently passed be tween England, France, and Austria. The article, which is nominally from Frankfort, is evidently from an excellent, if not an official, source : " The mission of Count Valentine Esterbazy is the re sult of a complete understanding between the Western Powers and Austria. Since the commencement of the Eastern crisis, the understanding between the three Cabinets has never been so clear, cordial, and perfect as it now is, end this as well in regard to the new conditions of peace as to the measures to be taken if they should be rejected. The terms of peace will be recapitulated, and such remarks made on them as may appear necessary. L The Rassians to relinquish all claim to the right of protection over the Danubian Principali ties, and to agree to certain conditions for securing their future political position. This point, though difficult of execution, is expressed in such clear and positive lan guage that--if it should be accepted—it will be impcs,i ble for Russia to exercise any prejudicial influence on the negotiations for the regulation of the affairs of thecoun tries in question. In short, it is demanded that Russia shall simply accept the arrangements which may be made without sharing in the negotiations or in the resolutions which may be taken. 2. Cession of a part of the Bessara bian territory, of such extent that Russia shall not only be removed from the Delta of the Danube, but shall entirely relinquish her position on the Danube. (The geographical line for the new frontiers of Russia, which is given in the propositions, is drawn at a considerable distance from the Danube.*) 3. Neutralisation of the Black Sea, without any Russian fortifications or arsenals on its coasts. At the mouths of the Danube, however, there is to be a station fer the smaller vessels of war which are to do police duty in the Black Sea. 4. All the Powers to protect the Christian subjects of the Porte. The fore going proposals emanated from Austria, but the Western Powers added—the admission of consuls to all the ports of the Black S ea , an d th e p ro mise of Russia never in future to fortify the Aland Islands. " In as far as Austria is concerned, the propositions, without being an ultimatum, have the importance of one. The new agreement was made between the Western Powers and Austria in the most straight forward and loyal way, and a speedy decision is required from Russia,t as the Powers are fully re solved that there shall be no diplomatic trickery. It was only on this condition that the Western Powers con sented to the terms. The tremendous armaments which England and France are making for the spring can neither be interrupted nor can the enormous outlay be made in vain. The British Cabinet is resolved to give positive information to Parliament, and this is whysuch a short time has seen granted to Russia. In case of the rejection of the propositions the diplomatic relations between Russia and Austria will at once be broken off. It will depend on the result of Count Esterhazy's mis sion whether we shall learn anything more relative to the recent negotiations between the Western Powers and Sweden." * The territory to be conceded lies between the Pruth and a line drawn from the fortress , of Chotym down to the Salt or Saeik Lake, on the coast of the Black Sea. ± Within three weeks. THE WEATHER IN THE BALTIC.—FLENSBURG, Dec. 30.—A thaw set in here on the 24th December and still continues, which, though not sufficient of itself to open the navigation, has enabled a channel to be cut for the entrance and departure of vessels. Bolderaa, Dec. 26.—The waters here are now navigable as far as the winter harbour, the south wind having completely freed the mouth of the river from ice. Lubeck, Dec. 29.—The communication between this place and Trave munde has been re-established by the breaking up of the ice, and several vessels have left for that port to-day in tow of the Courier (s). REDUCTION IN THE PRICE OF COALS.—Yesterday the retail coal dealers throughout the metropolis reduced the prices of every description of fuel. Seaborne coals, of good quality, sell at ls. 3d. to is. 4d. per cwt. ; Yorkshire, at ls. 2d. ; and Derbyshire and Staffordshire, at ls. to is. ld. per cwt. ; and small coals sell at 11d. per cwt. The best gas coke can be obtained at sd. per imperial bushel. Chumps, logs, and kindling wood have decreased in value ; and charcoal may be had at very much reduced prices. REPRESENTATION OF HEREFORD.—There is likely to be a sharp contest for the representation of the City of Hereford, which, it is expected, will shortly be vacant, in consequence of the bankruptcy of Sir Robert Price. A requisition is now in course of signature to Thomas Evans, Esq., of Sufton Court, flerefordshire, calling upon him to allow himself to be put in nomination, and It. Biddulph, Esq., of Ledbury, who formerly sat for the city, has announced his intention of again coming forward whenever a vacancy occurs. A third candidate is also spoken of. THE DRUIDS AT OXFORD.—The return of New Year's-day brings with it the annual festival of the Druids at Oxford. On the present occasion upwards of 300 sat down to a sumptuous repast in the Town-hall. e c e o m un p t a y ny an w d er c e ty th o e f th th e e Oxford,N A. B p r r u es n i n d e e r d ,. co A ro m n o e n r a f s o t r Right Hon. E. Cardwell, M.P., the Mayor of Oxford, Aldermen Sadler, Dudley, Towle, and Spiers ; several members of the town council, the N.A. of the Grand Lodge of England, &c., &c. Mr. Langton, M.P., was unable to be present owing to illness. LAUNCH AT BELFAST.—On Tuesday afternoon a barque was launched from the slip of Messrs. Alexander M‘Laine and Sons, at Belfast. The vessel was named the Moyola. She is of excellent model, and it is expected will be a remarkably fast sailer. She is about 400 tons burden, new measurement ; 133 feet on deck ; depth of hold, 15 feet; breadthlof beam, 23 feet. We understand that she is intended for the West India trade, and is the property of Captain Porter, of Carrickfergus. At the destined moment the supports were knocked away by the simultaneous efforts of the carpenters, and amid the roar of cannon and the cheers of the multitude she swept gracefully into the water, THE CRIMEA. A letter from Constantinople of the 24th, in the Gazette du Midi, says "On the 19th the whole coast of the Crimea was visited by a heavy gale of wind, which lasted for several hours and caused some damage. An Austrian vessel, having 100 oxen and 200 sheep on board, was driven into the bay of Sebastopol, and on approaching Fort Constantine she was fired at by the Russians. The captain and crew took to their boat and abandoned her, and she soon after went on shore on the south side of the bay. The Russians kept firing on her during the whole day, and at length she was set fire to and destroyed with all her cargo. An English vessel, the Caledo nia, which had anchored on the previous day in the roadstead of Kamiesh, was driven on shore, where she soon bilged and filled with water. She was laden with coals for the squadron. The captain and crew, instead of remaining on, where they would have been all safe, unfortunately took to their boat, which was soon after swamped, and they were all drowned. An American vessel, the Cortes, laden with hay, went on shore near the same place ; crew and cargo saved. Five other vessels of different nations have also gone on shore on different parts of the coast, and their cargoes will be much damaged. The sea ran very high during the gale, and the weather was so thick that it was impossible to see a vessel's length ahead. The thermometer was at 15 deg. below zero Centi grade (5 Fahrenheit), and the cold, rendering the working of the vessel difficult, contributed mate rially to cause the accidents which occurred. On the same day the glass at head -quarters stood at 18 deg. C. (1.75 F.) It afterwards went up to zero, the mist cleared off, and on 22d the weather was delightful." THE BALTIC. THE RAISING OF THE BLOCKADE. Krim, Dec. 31.—The intelligence which reached this place yesterday by telegraph, of the raising of the blockade of the Russian ports, as announced in the Gazette, gave, as you may suppose, great cause of rejoicing to the neutral shipowners at this and the neighbouring ports in the Baltic, and the ar rangements which had previously been commenced for the shipment of goods to Russia have already been greatly extended. As the navigation con tinues to be perfectly open, one vessel sailed from hence yesterday, and tho demand for shipping at Lubeck is so great that they are now chartering vessels here to proceed from hence to that port for the purpose of loading for Port Baltic. The aston ishment of all here at the unaccountable conduct of the English Government in the matter it is im possible to describe. It would almost appear that they have even connived at the overland trade with Russia through Prussia ; and it must bo observed that as no English men-of-war now remain in these waters there is nothing whatever to prevent the most extensive trade in articles " contraband of war " being freely carried on with the ports of the enemy, which says little for the energy with which we have of late heard that the war would no A , be carried on until it was brought to a satisfactory, honourable, and permanent conclusion. At a time like the present, when it has become almost a matter of necessity that the sincerity of the Allies should admit of no doubt, if they wish truly to enlist in their cause the Governments of Sweden and Denmark, the course now following as to the blockade cannot be sufficiently reprehended. The only parties who derive any advantage from it are the Russians, from the supplies which they re ceive, and those who either from commercial rela tions or other reasons espouse their cause in other countries, and who do not fail to attribute to the weakness and consequent desire for peace on the Allies that indulgence to their adversary for which they say it is impossible otherwise to account. The weather is mild—no ice to be seen here—and the thermometer s t an d s a t 38 Fahrenheit. PRUSSIA. A letter from Berlin of the 31st ult., in thci eferman Journal of Frankfort, says :—"Nothin, has yet transpired of the contents of the autograph letter of the King to the Emperor of Austria sent by Colonel de Manteuffel, and which is a reply to the request of the Emperor Francis Joseph, that Prussia would support the last Austrian proposi tions sent to St. Petersburg. It is not expected that an y change will take plac e i n th e policy hi therto pursued by Prussia. The mission of Colonel de Manteuffel has for object to establish a good understanding between Prussia and Austria, and if peace is not restored this understanding will be the less difficult, as Austria has not entered into a ny obligatory engagements relative to the propo sitions in question. This is a fact, whatever may have been said to the contrary." The men of the Roumoon border battalions of the Banat, Slina, and Waradin have already left Bucharest to return to their homes. A letter from Vienna, of the 30th ult., states that a treaty of commerce has just been concluded between Austria and the Netherlands, and an arrangement has also been come to that Austrian interests in the East Indies shall be represented by the Dutch consular agents established there. A letter from Berlin of the 27th ult. in in the' Austrian Gazette, says :—" Much importance i is attached to the mission of Baron de Seebach, prin cipally on account of the intimate relations which exist between that diplomatist and the Court of Russia. The policy of the secondary States of Germany is not unconnected with this mission, al though M. de Seebach is Saxon minister at Paris. He has also been the friendly representative of Russianjinterests in the French capital, and in that quality in th e exchange of prisoners." . When the reductio AUSTRIA ea n to a peace footing of the third and fourth Austrian army corps standing in Gallicia, Hungary, and Transylvania, was an nounced, it was stated in some quarters that the Austrian arnlyof occupation in Moldo-Wallachia was to be reinforced. The Dresden Journal—a semi-official print---is now informed from Vienna that this latter corps is also to be reduced. FRANCE. PARIS, THURSDAY EVMTING. The following telegraphic despatch has been re ceived here to-day:— TRIETE, Jan. 2.—The Greek Government has The German Frankfort Journal learns that Baron Seebach's mission to St. Petersburg is the result of an arrangement between the courts of Munich and Saxony. Au evasive Russian reply to the offer of peace now made would, it is re marked, only lightly touch the Western Powers, but it would seriously affect Austria, who is the ' prime mover in this intervention, and perhaps compel her to measures which would introduce great coldness into her relations with Russia. "It is to prevent this," says the Frankfort Journal, t " that M. de Seebach has been sent to St. Peters burg." The Fremden Blatt learns from Varna that the Russian General Susloff took possession of the de files of Hassan-Kaleh as soon as Selim Pasha re• treated to Erzeroum. The Cossacks, under Col. Korsakoff, have already been seen on the plateau of Erzeroum. The body of the Russian army will pase the winter at Kars. THE WEST INDIA MAIL. SOUTHAMPTON, FRIDAY MORNIWG. By the Royal Mail Company's steam-ship Tyne, Captain Voller with the mails from the Gulf o f Mexico, West Indies, and Pacific, we receive d a t es from Havannah, December 10 ; Jamaica, 11th ; Porto Rico, 18th ; Demerara, 10th ; Trinidad, 10th ; Barbadoes, 12th ; and St. Thomas, 18th. The Tyne brings 55 passengers, $3,156,813 in specie, and the usual cargo. Cholera had appeared at Porto Rico, and yellow fever at Martinique. From Trinidad we learn that an unusually good crop of sugar was expected. At Antigua her Majesty's ship Medea, which conveys the Admiral's letters to Bermuda from St. Thomas, was detained some days, in consequence of meeting the United States sloop -of-war Cyane, which refused to salute the British flag, alleging that an American subject (a slave) had there been taken out of an American vessel. The Medea left Bermuda for St. Thomas on the 17th ult. The La Plata arrived on the 15th ult. At Demerara business was not so brisk, and pro visions were at double their usual price. The sugar crop was nearly gathered in. There was but little shipping in the port, and freights ruled high. At Grenada the Legislative business had been interrupted in consequence of a wished-for adjourn,- went on the Money Bill not being granted by his Excellency. It was expected the dispute would lead to a dissolution. The weather was favourable to the plantations. The Pacific Steam Navigation Company's steamer New Granada had arrived at Panama with $lBO,OOO in treasure, and dates fr om Val paraiso, Nov. 15 ; Callao, 25 ; Payta, 29. A large quantity of gold had been discovered in Southern Chili. All the revolutionary movements in the republic of Bolivia had been quelled. Later news had been received from Australia. The gold market was without animation, and the price 7th. to 765. 3d. The produce of the week was large. NORTH SHIELDS AND TYNEMOUTH DOCK.—At a meeting of the Town Council of South Shields, on Wed nesday, it was unanimously resolved to refuse the sane. tion of that corporation to the projected dock at the Low Lights, until the completion of the piers at the entrance of the Tyne. THE NEW POSTAL ARRANGEMENTS WITH PRANCE.— HAVRE, Jan. I.—ln the postal convention between France and England, just concluded, an important ar rangement is sanctioned. Metal letter receiving -boxes are placed on board the steamers leaving Calais, Bou logne, and Havre for England, into which parties can post letters to the last moment of sailing ; but these letters could not until now be prepaid, because the Eng• lish post-offices were not allowed to recognise French or English postage stamps on such letters, and similarly the French post-offices were not allowed to recognise English or French postage stamps on letters posted at the English ports in the letter boxes. If persons put French or English postage stamps on the letters, such stamps were wasted, for the letters were considered as unpaid. This is now altered. The French people can by French postage stamps prepay letters pat into the letter boxes on board the steamers leaving for England, and vice versa English people can by Eaglish postage stamps prepay letters put into the letter boxes on board the steamers leaving for France. METROPOLITAN LOCAL MANAGEMENT ACT.—CAMBEEt. WELL PARISH.—The vestry met at the vestry-ball on Wednesday evening, at half-past six o'clock, and con tinued in close business until past ten o'clock in electing officers. A bye-law, in addition to those previously agreed to, was submitted to the vestry by Mr. D a y s , and carried. It was, "That the common seal of the vestry be placed in the custody of the clerk, and be not affixed to any document whatever, except at a meeting of the vestry, duly convened agreeably to Act of Parlia ment and the bye-laws, and in the presence of a legal quorum, and that the same be a byelaw of the vestry." Mr. Marsden was elected clerk to the vestry almost unanimously. A contest for the office of surveyor arose between Mr. Charles Bailey, Mr. Plum, the clerk of the board of guardians, and Mr. Reynolds, late one of the sub-surveyors of the metropolitan sewers, which termi nated by ballot thus :—for Mr. Reynolds, 54 ; for Mr. Plum, 21 ; for Mr. Bailey, 17. The office of medical officer of health was warmly contested by four or five candidates, ultimately reduced by show of hands to two, and a ballot was taken on those two, when there ap peared—for Dr. Bristoove, 61 • for Mr. W e b ster, 15. The vestry subsequently elected two inspectors of nui sances and a messenger, and also their three committees —on sewers and health, on general purposes and on &wipe ; and then adjourned to the 16th inst. METROPOLITAN BOARD OF WORKS.— A Meeting of the district board of Greenwich was held on Wednesday evening, Mr. B. Carter in the chair, at Which a letter was read front Mr. Thwaites, stating that, in conse quence of his election to the presidency o f th e Metropo litan Board of Works, ho ceased to be the representative of the district at that board. It was thereupon moved by the Rev. W. A. Soames, vicar of Greenwich, and seconded by Mr. W. Jones, that Mr. Alfred Rhodes Bristow be elected to represent the district at the Central Board of Works which was unanimously agreed to- Mr. Bristow is a solicitor residing in the town, and was nominated in opposition to Mr. Thwaites, when that gentleman was returned by a majority of two, the numbers being 28 and 26. Mr. Thwaites, who was present during the proceedings, returned thanks for the honour conferred on him in electing him to the central board, and expressed a wish that a committee of conference might be formed from the district boards to act with the central board, and expressed his intention of not taking part in the proceedings of the district board, of which be still virtually continued a member, on the ground that the central board would become a tribunal of appeal on difficult questions, and that, as president, he wished to keep his mind free from bias, and to decide such questions to the interest atoll pArtiea, made prose articl East seed stand imp ° linset gnarl qrs. 300,0 ever, reach tain t East exp o] plant Year irrest aton e the Mont havii M ket i LO the 1 Prey Unit 'Unit Calif Mari Maas liißs Mies pent Pero Virg Virg 13°0 Mon Nem Mir Illil ,