The Sun. — London, England, 1856-12-31 00:00:00

rpHEA'rRE ROYAL, DRUM LINE. — Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. 1 . Acting Manager, Mr. C. Mathews. Stage Manager, Mr. R. Roxby. Scenic Artist, Mr. W. Beverley. GREAT ATTE:ACTION for the CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS. Fifth Night of the Grand Christmas Pantomime, the most magnificent ever pro(11;:c1 on the English stage. THIS EVENING, her Majesty's Servants will perform A DAY AFTER THE WEDDING. After which will be produced an entirely new and original symbolical, hyperbolical, parabolical, and extra-physiog nomical grotesque, statuesque, and picturesque Grand Comic Christmas Pantomime, which for some time past has employed the unrivalled resources of this extensive establishment, and which will be called or entitled, as it is entitled to be called, SEE, SAW, MARGERY DAW ; Or Harlequin Holiday, and the Island of Ups and Downs. The scenery entirely new, painted by and under the direc tion of Mr. William Beverley and numerous assistants. The machinery by J. Tucker and assistants. The properties, de corations, tricks, changes, an d transformations by Messrs. Needham, Glindon, &c. The masks, mo dels, and physiog nomical devices designed and executed by the celebrated Dykwynkyn. The overture and music composed and arranged by Herr Anschn& The choregraphic arrangements under the personal supervision of M. Petit. The comic scenes con structed by and under the direction of Harry Boleno. The peculiar grotesque opening invented and written by E. L. Blanchard, author of Harlequin and the Seven Ages of Man," " Jack and Jill," " " Humming Top," " Hudibras," &c., and the who , e arranged and produced under the direction of Mr. Robert Roxby. Ye anciente and truthful legend on ye which ye pantomime ta story is founded , "See, saw, Margery Daw, " Sold her bed, and laid upon straw." MSS. of Nursery Rhymes in British Museum. Illgion of Reverses, in the Island of Ups and Downs. " Yea, the Great Globe itself." " Here we go up, up, up, " Here we go down, down, down ; " Here-we go backwards and forwards, " And here we go round and round." Juvenile Chores of the earliest period, supposed to belong to the One. Up, Mr. Topham ; Down, Mr. Low; Opera box, Kid Glove, Tiger and Brougham, and Porte-monnaie (attendants upon Up), Signor Lorgnette. Herr Tightfitt, Master Saneebox, and Monsieur Chinque ; Hard Up, Dupli cate, Distraint, and Rags (attendants upon Down), Mr. Friz hard, Mr. Popall, Mr. Qaodham, and Mr. Patchwell. An nual appearance of Holyday in her Emblematic Car. Holyday (the Genius of the Season), Miss Marian Stanley ; Sport and Pastime (her attendants), Misses Lovelangh and Lightheart ; Dame Necessity (who is on this occasion made a virtue of by particular desire), Mrs. Selby. How Invention, the Daughter of Necessity, is called upon to assist the development of the story, while Holyday invites both Up and Down to enjoy themselves. Holyday's Home in the Green Bower of Mistletoe and Winter Garden of the Fairies.—Mistletoe (the Fairy Queen), Miss E. Wadham ; Fairy Spirits of the Kisses that have been given under the Mistletoe, by upwards of 100 Ladies of the Corps de Ballet. Grand Ballet —Miss Regina Wright, Mdlles. J. and E. Osmont, and the Co rypletes. The Golden Gates leading to the Palace of Huggamugga.—Herald (with a Proclamation), Mr. Hornogold ; Guards, Messrs. Stiffneck, Headsup, Eyesright, Shoulderarms. Stand-at-ease, and March well ; Tailor, Mr. Broadcloth ; Cobbler, Mr. Waxend; Black smith, Mr. Anvil ; the Princess Margery Daw (afterwards Columbine), Madame Boleno ; Shilly and Shelly (her Maids of Honour), Misses Dithery and Dothery. How Margery Daw has no notion of work herself, and the contempt she shows towards those who do work. Interior of the Palace of King Huggamugga. King Huggamugga (Sovereign of the Land of Sixes and Sevens), Mr. Dawkins; Hurly-Burly (Lord Chancellor), Mr. Bigwig ; Niminy-Piminy (the Lord Cham berlain), Mr. Noodledom ; Higgledy-Piggledy (Goldstick in Waiting), Mr. Muddle; other Members of the Court, Messrs. Bow, Scrape, Cringe, Crouch, Taguag, Merrywag, Perriwig, and Hatband ; Court Milliner, Madame Crinoline ; Drawing Master, Professor Crayon ; Governess, Miss Frump ; Music Master, Signor Hurdigurdi ; Maid in Waiting, Miss Sweet temper ; Chef de Cuisine, Mr. Cook ; Prince Popinjay (of the Land of Prettistory), Mr. Finefeather ; his Retinue, Messrs. Glare, Dazzle, Gleam, Glitter, and Cutashine. How the Princess is taught a wholesome lesson by Necessity, and of the change that takes place in consequence. Cottage of Necessity, with a Prospect of Hard Work in the Distance. The Enchanted Workbox—The Sampler ery Daw and the Exemplar, and the pretty piece of work that Marg makes of it. Inhabitants of the Workbox :—Row of Pins, Messrs. Sharp, Bent, Crooked, Pinaday, Groatayear, &c. ; Regiment of Needles (ready drilled), Messrs. Largeeye, Smalleye, Longsjx, Splitnp, Snapoff, dze. ; Thimble, Master Tom Thumb ; p Worsted, Mr. Bawlaway ; B odkin, Mr. Pierce ; Tae Men sure, Mr. Inchbald ; Hook wed Eye, Messrs. How and Some bodyelse ; Shirt Buttons, Mr. Earlypetrly ; Scissors, Mr. Shearsteel. How Margery Daw makes an important discovery and the audience also , a nd how, led by Necessity, she is com pelled to alter her opinions and change her position. The Mine of Labour, leading to the Mine of Wealth.---Labour (the Parent of Health, Wealth, and Happiness), Mr, Strong'i'th'arm. What Margery Dew goes to see, what she saw, and the re ward that Holyday bestows. Grand Scenic and Mechanical Effects, exhibiting (in processof construction) the Fairy Fac tory of Fancy, completed with the assistance of Labour and Imagination. Brilliant Tableau. The Transformation :—Two Harlequins, Herr Dentin and Signor Veroni ; two rtes,Spris, the Brothers Elliott ; two Pantaloor s, Mr. Barnes and M Tanner; two Clowns, Messrs. Columbinesßolen° and Flexmere ; the Gent, M n Halford ; two , Madame Boleno and Miss Honey. The Ups and Downs of the Harlequinade, showing the Ins and Outs and Turns About of the Pantomime Rally ; Toy Warehouse, Butcher's and Baker's Shop (Bolenos, Devlin, Tanner, and Halford).— A pink of polite ness—Clown very toyish—Getting a nutcracker, which turns out a nobby toy—First and last toys for gambling—Marbles versus dice—Despatches, loaded, and off they go—Harlequin takes a private box—. Clown takes Chatterton's situation as boxkeeper Kite-flying—A game of Cricket, by which some of the players get bowled out, and afterwards stumped, which turns out a long stop—The uses and abuses of the crin oline—A Jack in the box—A box of regular British toys and a basket of French bread (bricks)—Aldershott a size smaller —Grand review of infa ntr y —A military ball —Going in for a ouster —Coming out with a roll—Clown make a peel to baker's feelings—List, oh, List—Squaring a round of beef— ' Clown takes a steak and gets a chop in return—Pantaloon tries his hand at a game smod loses by it —Cut:and come again —Clown takes a butcher's ;hop, which Harlequin makes too hot to hold him. Tailor's Shop and Perfumery Warehouse (Ve. roni, Barnes, and Honey). A gentleman in search of a tailor — A suit that is quite the ticket—The Oude wrapper—Railway wrappers--Transfer depot—Washing machine —extraordinary— Something that won't wash—Cleaned out—Scent in and sent out- Foreign versus English toothpowder—Hungary water—A Frangipani bouquet—Wonderful effects of the Pistachio nut powder—A case of real distress—Pantaloon in a fix—Fur nished Apartments for Single Men (Bolenos, Denlin, and Tanner),—Clow. and Pantaloon in high life—A domestic re volution—Turning the tables—To bed, to bed—A drop too much e Clown now begins to reflect—The looking-glass follows his example—Two heads better than one—Clown takes a turn on the sofa, which also takes a turn on its own account — Multiplication altercation, which ends with a regular row in the house. Judicia's Gas-regulating Machine and General Patent Office and Stationer's Shop (Veroni, Barnes, and Honey.)—Clown, being in Fleet-street, goes the pace rather fast—The language of the eyes (I-talian of course) which everybody understands—Bath post versus London post—Re gulators Wanted ; railway regulators, army regulators, gas regulators, smoke regulators —Sewing, cutting, washing, pressing, and ironing done by a turn—Clown makes a shift which makes Pantaloon a little shirty—A box of common scents—A fresh supply of blacks from America—A Dred-ful scene ensues. Mechi's Model Farm (Bolenos, Deulin, and Tanner )—Harvest-heme —A rakish dance by rustic lads and lasses—The milky way—Harlequin makes a pump of himself —A strong smell of game—A farm-yard visitor—Clown finds the pig a very great bore—Pantaloon finds the dog gets greatly attached to him —Prize Poultry—Cochin China and couch in England —Novel hatching—The old mail—Full in side—Clown off by the Express anal Pantaloon by the Rocket—Mappin's Cutlery and Shilling Razor Warehouse, King William-street, City (the whole of the double company will appear in this scene )—Pantaloon proposes to take a bus—Present and future—Weight of public opinion —A change for the better—The people's own bus—When fool meets fool then comes the tug of fun—Collision, crash, smash, and dash—Garotte preventive—Moustache move ment—A pair of sharp blades—Clowns 'prove themselves a case for cutlery—Holloway stopped by Holloway's oint ment—The duel —A cut direct Forewarned, forearmed. — Public nuisances of 1856—0 h, my Crinoline—A high wind, a regular blow up, and glorious termination to Ups and Downs in Holiday's Fairy Home. _ — The, reduced prices as follows, varying throughou t :, the hoe se to suit every one :—Galleries, fid. and ls. ; Second Circle of Boxes, is. 6d. ; Pit, 2s. ; First Cirle of Boxes, 2s. 64. Dress Boxes, 3s. ; Stalls, ss. ; Private Boxes, 10s• ls., 1/. lls. 6d., and 2/. 2s. R OYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Lessee, Mr. C. Dillon. THIS EVIMING, December 31, will be produced an entirely new and original combination of burlesque and pan tomime, entitled CONRAD AND MEDORA; or, H a rlequin Corsair an d th e Littl e Fairy at the Bottom. Of the Sea. The bn ?toque opening by W. Brough, !sq., founded upon the ballet of Le Corsair, as produced at 'Her Majesty's Theatre- ' II * harlequinade upon things in gene ral. The new and magnificent scenery painted by Mr. F. Fenton. Characters in the owning Conrad (the Corsair) ............. Miss ',7.7 - oolgar Birbarto (his lieutenant). ........... mr. J. L. Thole Seyde Pasha ............................... Barrett Sing Smaul ................... ..Mr. Holston Tussiff ............. .................. Mr. S. Calhaem Med ora .................................Mrs. Charles Dillon Gulnar ................................ .ar B. White Zuliem Submarina...(her first appearnce) MiRB Jessie R y d er Serena .......... .Mi55 Marie Wilton Clowns Mr Matthews and H. Marshall Mr. Stilt , Mr. J• Marshall The Brothers Nelson. _Miss Cla.ram organ and Miss Ladd. To be preceded by WILLIAM TELL. Mr. C. nino n . The box-office open daily, from 11 to 5, under limper. ntendenee of Mr. Chatterton, jun. Carriages conveying parties to the Private Boxes to set down at the State entrance in Burleigh-street. A Morning Performance every Saturday, at 2 o'clOck. Pantaloon Harlequin ........ Sprites Columbines STRAND THEATRE.—Manager, Mr. T. Payne.—This Evening will be performed ROBERT MACAIRE. Te conclude with the immensely successful novel Burlesque Pantomime of THE MAGIC MISTLETOE ; or, Harlequin Humbug and the Shams of London. The Fairy Christmas, Miss E. Wilton ; Good Humour, Miss Norbui7 ; Mercury, Miss Cameron ; Humbug, Mr. Herbert ; Cant, Mr. Bolton ; Baron, Mr. J. B. Johnstone ; Sir Roland, Mr. Clarke ; Lord LoveL, Miss Craven ; Addelpate, Miss Cuthbert ; Crambo, Master W. Edouin ; Lady Agnes, Miss E. Jacobs.; Baroness, 3l r: G. Lee ; Furbilosa, Mr. J. Howard. Novel Harle. quinade Clown, Miss Cuthbert ; Little Clown, Master W Eclouin Pantaloon, Mr. J. Clarke ; Harlequin, Miss Craven ; Columbines, Miss E. Jacobs and Mdle. Collison ; Premier Danseuse, Mdle. Marie Charles. New and luagnificent Scenery, &c. New Curtain. New Act DroP. Commence at se.m. Stalls, 3s. ; Boxes, 2s. ; Pit, is. ; Gallery, 6d. A morning performance of the Pantomime every Mond ay at two o'clock. ROYAL SURREY THEATRE. Lessees, Messrs. Sh ep h er d and Cresw i ck. THIS EVENING, DOUGLAS. After which, HARLEQUIN AND THE SUMMER QUEEN. Harlequin , Mr. F. Glover ; Cl own, Mr. Buck ; Pantaloon, Mr. Bradbury; the Four Sprites, the Finis Fa. Lily; Columbines, Mesdames Marie and Agnes. THE SUN. 141)NDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 31, 1856 TIMATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. THIS EVENING, WEDNESDAY, Dec. 31, to commence at Seven with the comedy of THE HONEYMOON. In consequence of Mr. Murdoch's success be is re-engaged for a few nights and will appear as the Duke Aranza. After which, a new comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled THE BABES IN THE WOOD, or Harlequin and the Cruel Uncle. The scenery of the opening story painted by Mr W. Callcott. The music composed and arranged by Edward F itz william. The pantomime produced under the direction of M. Milano. Harlequin, M. Milano ; Columbine, Fanny Wright (her sth appearance in that character) ; Pantaloon, Mr. Mackay ; and Clown, Mr. Driver (nis sth appearance in that character at this theatre). The first Morning perform. ance of the Pantomime will be even on Thursday, Jan. 1, and continue every Thursday throughout the holidays ; com mencing at 2, concluding at 4. R OYA L PRINCESS'S THEATRE. THIS EVENING, Dec. 31, will be per- !ormed A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM. After which, a new grand Christmas Pantomime, called ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP; or, Harlequin and the Genii of the Ring. Harlequin, Mr, Cormack ; Cl o wn t Mr H nline f. Mr. Huline ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo ; Co lumbine, Miss C. PAdams, ROY AL OLYMPIC THEATRE Lessee, Mr. Alfred Wigan. THIS EVENING, DELICATE GROUND. G. Vining and Leslie ; Mrs. Stirling. A new Fairy Extravaganza, by J. R. Planc h e , Esq., called YOUNG AND HANDSOME. Messrs. F. Robson, Rogers, Leslie, G. Cooke, Danvers. Misses Swanborough, Thirlwall, St. Caere, Castleton, Bromley, Maskell, an' l Mrs. Melfort. After which, CRINOLINE. Commence at half-past Seven. Messrs, THEATRE ROYAL, A DELPHI. Great Attraction for the Holidays. THIS EVENING, (Wednesday, Dec. 31), will be performed PAUL PRY : By Mr. Wright. After which will be produced a new and original union of modern burlesque and old English pantomime (as originated at this theatre), by Professor Wordspinner, Member of Every thing, with entirely new scenery, dresses, transformations, dtc., called • MOTHER SHIPTON ; or, Harlequin Knight. of Love, and the Enchanted Whistle. Harlequin and Columbine la Watteau), Madame Celeste and Miss Wyndham; Clown, Mr. Garden ; Pantaloon, Mr. Moreland; Scaramouch, Mr. Le Barr. Characters in the bur lesque by Mr. Paul Bedford, Mr. J. Bland, Mr. R. Romer, Madame Celeste, Miss Wyndham, Miss Mary Keeley, Miss Kate Kelly, Miss Arden, &c. STLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. A Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke. THIS EVENING, Shakspeare's Tragedy of MACBETH, with its Splendid Equestrian Illustrations by Mr. W. Cooke's Trained Horses. Macbeth, Mr. James Holloway. After which, the skilful SCENES in the CIRCLE. To conclude with a new grand equestrian comic pantomime, replete with fun, frolic, risibility, and extravagann c and e, cal l ed PAUL PRY ON HORSEB ACK ; or, Harlequihe Magic Horseshoe. Doors open at half-past six ; commence at seven o'clock. M Fox•office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr, W. West. Equestria n Director, r. W. Cooke, jun. CANTERBU RY HALL, Westminster-road . — OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow ing company of Vocalists are engaged. for the performance of Selections from all the popular Operas, Madrigals, Choruses, Glees, Duets, Arc., viz. : —Miss E. Pearce, Mrs. J. Caulfield, Miss Brunell, and Miss Summers ; Mr. J. Caulfield, Herr F. Jonghmanß, R. Grover, T. Raino, T. Farrant, S. Jones, J. Barker, W. Melling, and P. Corrie ; Masters Austin, Ben nett, and Corri; Mr. Sam Cowell and E. Mackney. Piano forte, J. Harroway, R.A. ; harmonium, J. Caulfield, jun. ; director, Mr. J. Caulfield. Commence at Seven o'clock pre c;sely. Suppers, arc., until twelve o'clock. In addition to the usual Vocal Entertainment, the celebrated SPANISH MINSTRELS will appear in costume at Nine and Eleven o'clock Every Evening, and sing some of their favourite selec tions. RIGEL WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. THIS DAT—Morn. 25 min. aft. 4—Evening 46 min. aft. 4 THE WEATHER—SUN OrricE, DECEMBER 31 THERMOMETER, IN THR SHADE. 49 —highest gime :loon yesterday. 48 —lowest this morning and during the night. 50 —this day at noon. BAROMETER, 30 23. WIND, S.W.—Light, with dull, mild weather. (LII4I ' ; (-44:r LONDON, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31, nu The remarkable year which closes to-day cannot, we conceive, be regarded either politically, so cially, or commercially, with any great degree of satisfaction. It cannot, on the contrary, but be remembered in England as a year of great crime, of many disasters, and of extraordinary abase went. In whatever we may be impelled to utter during the course of this melancholy retrospect of 1856, we are solicitous to speak of public events solely in obedience to the dictates of a conscien tious truthfulness. We are anxious to slur over nothing by means of a paltry reticence. We are particularly desirous, in cur epitome of the prin cipal occurrences which have transpired during the past twelve-months, to " set down nought it malice ;" while at the same time, in th© course of our resume, nothing whatever will be wilfully extenuated. It cannot, we do really believe, but arrest the attention of the most superficial observer, at the very first glance down the vista of events extend ing back from the end of this pre-zent month of December to the beginning of last January, that while 1856 has been for England nominally a Year of Peace, it has actually been pro- ductive in all its evil influence of the calamitous effects usually resulting from a Time of War. It has evolved from, the Peace, literally from, the Peace, as from another PA).ZDOR.I.'S Box, the cus tomary concomitants of War—diplomatic compli cations, internal disorder, and financial extrava gance ! It has effected this simply, obviously, notoriously, because that peace was absolutely, to all intents and purposes, nothing more nor less than a most Disgra.geful Oompromise. The ter mination of the contest with Russia, in truth, was altogethTc so disgraceful, so discreditable, so fraught with infamy and degradation to England as erne among the very foremost of the reputed - arbitrers of the Destinies of Christendom—that it is no ma,rvei whatever to us that its fruits have been solely the loss of blood, of treasures, and of reputation. Turning our attention, however, from generalities to particialaes, let us, as briefly as possible, recapitulate the prominent ills already complained or collectively---counting them out painfully one by one, aZ painfully almost as though in doing so we " dropped our blood for drachmas" —these evil fruits of 1856 classified politically, socially, and commercially. First of all, then, Comrrereially— 1856 has added, in round nurnint:, - , another 13,000,000/. to the Conscli.s.t . ed Debt through the simple de vice of the financial operations of the present Government. Accomplishing this by the funding of Exchequer Bills tc the extent of 3,000,0001., and by the tegotiation of fresh loans to the tune of INOOO,OOO/. Consols fluctuating meanwhile from 851- to 91k—giving a rise cf just 6 per cent.: while the oscillations in the rates of dis count during the year have been still more remark able in their way, extending from 1 7 as the maxi mum to 4JI as the minimum, 6 per cent. being at last, for 1856, the closing minimum of the Bank of England. Simultaneously the Railway Shares exhibiting an extraordinary vibration—down to 21. up to 101.—the interest involved in these shares actually representing all the while an a mount of capital equivalent to the sum total of the ;National D e b t, name l y 800,000,0001. At the same time that the great monetary b arome ter of the funds, and the hardly less im portant monetary thermometer of the Share Markets, have evidenced these astonishing vibra tions, oscillations, fluctuations, or whatever we may like to call them_(significant tokens, we cannot but regard them, of the unhealthy action of public events upon Public Credit and Public Enterprise, alternating between the flush of Ple thora and the pallor of Atrophy)—what disastrous proofs have we not had of the morbid condition of the mercantile system, resulting from all this, as revealed to us in the exposure of divers now most notorious, bro .t, until very recently, wholly unsuspected crimis als ! JOEN SADLEIR'S gigantic forgeries and why' esalo embezzlements, consum mated by his crave a suicide upon Hampstead-heath on the 6th of Febi -nary, being followed not long afterwards by the a iscovery of the enormous pecula tions of Wm. Roast ►x, and a little later on by the still more startling rave lation of the complicated frauds of his accomplice, :LEOPOLD REDPATH—frauds ex ceeding, it is act-nary calculated, the gross aggre gate of 200,0001. sterling I Again, the crash of the Tipperary Bank, in the spring, finds an un happy balance of :ill in the autumnal crash of the Royal British Bank, announced in the Palette as bankrupt on the. 24th of October. Associated with all which fc mging and swindling, with all which systematic peculation and wholesale em bezzlement—there comes to us in this dreary financial and commercial retrospect of 1856, the Idismal remembrance of the more than doubled Income Tax still iniquitously weighing down the resources of the nation ! And with this Monster Evil yet glowering like a hideous and paralysing incubus upon the prostrate strength of the Em pire—the thought of some 80,000,0001. or 100,000,0001. sterling, of some 20,000 or 30,000 brave soldiers, of much blood and of many tears, squandered to no end upon the late calami tous war with Russia—or if to any end at all that can be exactly estimated, to the end of a grand Diplomatic "Sell," to the end of a great political " Do," to the end of a notorious national Degra dation. Secondly, in a Social point of view-1856 has surely been productive of little that can be regarded as matter for self-gratulation. Apart from the bursting open of so many " whitened sepulchres," as evidenced. in the revelation of the monstrous crimes of a mercantile character, already particularised—there has been, as it ap pears to us, a most deplorable stagnation even in the " efforts" towards any comprehensive im provement. Reform, as a watchword, has all this while been held in abeyance. In spite of the boasted Peace ! Precisely as though we were still engaged in a momentous and all-absorbing contest with the Russian Autocrat ! Everything almost still sustained at war prices—every body hampered more or less onerously by the drag of a doubled Income-Tax—everywhere the signs amongst us of the ill effects resulting from a sanguinary and utterly futile Struggle against Russian domination : we have had no compensa tion at all, not the smallest, not the shadow of the shade of a compensation, in the way of an ap preciable boon in any one of our great reform movements. A circumstance accounted for, perhaps —apart from the deadening influence of a War without any good results, without even the secondary advantage of an Indemnity wrested from the foe—by the simultaneous downfall of almost all our great political reputations. Statesmen, by twos and by threes, like the masts of the State Vessel—have we not seen them suddenly, as it were, go by the board ? So rapidly, entirely, and disastrously for their in- Iluence upon the country at large—that we might as well look to the Ticket-of-leave System, the System productive onlyof murders, burglaries, and garottings, for the diminution of our criminal population—as look to my Lord JOHN RUSSELL, or to Sir JAMES GRAHAM, or to Mr. WILLIAM GLADSTONE, for any great boon to the people ! Or for the building up in place of the present Ministry upon Sufferance, in lieu of this Cabinet of an Emergency, instead of this faineant dictatorship, as it may be called, of iriSCAtUlt PALMERSTON—of some strong, popu lar, energetic Administration. Othdrwico to ex press the existing very remarkable "situation " —We might as reasonably look for the evidences of social probity amongst us in the Adulterations of our Food, and even (horrible to tell !) of the very drugs sold for the alleviation of human suf ferings by our Apothecaries (Adulterations, " proved." through the Lancet, by Dr. HASSELL)— we might, we say, as reasonably look for the evi dences of social probity amongst U 3 in these notorious and undeniable Adulterations—as look for the auguries of legislative benefactions in the " burst-up " fame, and influence, and popularity, of so many of our grand "Conscript Fathers," the Dii Majores of the Imperial Legislature ! tc Thirdly and lastly, Politically considered -1856 must perforce, we take it, be admitted to have proved rather a Failure. Not simply by its dearth of good in the way of Reforms. Not merely by the Parliamentary decease of so many distinguished Athletes in the arena of Statesman ship. But viewing the year 1856 politically, we mean, in a wider sense —regarding it, that is to say, in reference to our Foreign Relations ! True, without doubt—and we thank HEAVEN for it gratefully and with all imaginable reverence — the glorious Alliance, knitting France and Eng land together by the bonds of a most intimate friendship, has still been uninterruptedly sus tained, as we hope it will yet, please Gon, be indefinitely perpetuated I But—beyond this — where in our relations with the rest of the world, where during the past twelve months can there be found any substantial or even specious advan tages ? With Russia we have made Peace--. 3 0. called. But—scarcely have we done so when we find ourselves plunged into a contest with Persia, by the instigation—notoriously and incontrovertibly--of the councils of the AUTOOHAT ! Our interposition between the King and the people of the Neapoli tan Sovereignty is despised and of no avail. Our Ambassador is suddenly and almost ignominiously expelled by the United States Government from Washington. And fast upon the gulping down of this insult from flrother JONATHAN with the wryest of faces—JOHN BULL has to stand, hat in hand, bowing and smirking his thanks for the courtly gift of his old arctic venture of the Resolute. Receiving, as best he may, and precisely as Van keeclooaledora wills it—first his " kicks" and then his "halfpence," If, moreover, we are, at one end of the year, nominally making peace with Rus sia, and at the other end of it virtually going to war with it again through Persia—we are, in this same muddling 1856, getting once more at loggerheads with JOHN CHINAMA.N at Canton, bombariing his forts, and placing his jeopardised dynasty between two fires, that of British war vessels and that of the army of the Re volutionists ! Open war to the east and to the west of Asia—war with Persia and war with China—a hollow truce in Europe—un certainty, if not ill-blood, in America ; these are among the foreign boons of 1856 for England ! Have we much cause, therefore, let us ask—now that we have east a retrospective glance over the past twelve months—have we much cause, com mercially, socially, or politically, for self-gratula tion ? Alas ! about the only solace left to us is to obey the great Drill-Master Time--" Right about-Face !" And to look onwards to 1857 — hopefully ! In another part of this day's impression will be found a considerable portion of the report of the Federal Council of Switzerland on the affair of Neuchatel. This very important and interesting document, which was laid before the Federal Assembly - at Berne on Saturday last, enters fully and clearly into the history of the negotiations I and the strength of your Government.—l am, with profound respect, Sire, your Majesty's very LATEST NEWS.l obedient and very humble servant, " BILLAULT." BOURSE, Dm. 30.—The following were the last quotations THE PARIS CONFERENCES. End of Month. —fr. —O. 66 60 Cash. fr. c. 4 per Cents 3 per Cents 66 55 New Loan Bank Shares 3,950 Roman (x d) Credit Mobilier 1,391 Austrian Belgian Fives ...... .. Spanish Threes Piedmontese (5) 92 Home Debt PARIS, WEDNESDAY. The Moniteur states that the representatives of he several Governments who were parties to ;he Treaty of Paris meet to-day (Wednesday), at the hotel of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, to RAILWAYS—FOR CASH. fr. c. fr. c. Orleans 1,315 Western Northern 9lO Strasburg Lyons 1,365 New Ditto Mediterranean — Grand Central Lyons Geneva Cette arrange as to the means of putting an end to the difficulties which have arisen in connection with he carrying out of the 20th Article. GREECE. SPEECH OF KING- OTHO. The legislative session of the Greek Chambers was opened by King Otho on the 19th of December with the usual formalities. His Majesty made the A letter from Besancon (Doubs) mentions that two companies of infantry of the garrison of that town had left for the canton of Morteau ; and that it was very probable that a French army would be established on the eastern frontier "to be ready for all emergencies." It was said that the army would consist of not less than 60,000 men,—that Marshal Canrobert would be named to command it,—and that the head-quarters would be Besancon. This intelligence is generally corroborated by the local papers. Notwithstanding these warlike rumours a pacific solution is far from being despaired of even now. following speech : " Gentlemen Deputies and Senators —Having returned, after an absence of some months, to our well beloved Greece, it is with real pleasure that I see you assembled around me, and that I can ex." press to my devoted people, through the medial of their representatives, all the affection I enter tain for them, and my gratitude for th© attachmen t and fidelity they have always shown towards we, and which is the indissoluble link between the Throne and the nation. It was by manifes ting them anew during my absence that the cares of the regency intrusted to the Queen, my beloved 0 011 " sort, were alleviated. I also express my satisfau: tion to the legislative bodies, whose active au°. patriotic zeal has facilitated the work of the Go vernment during the same period. " Since I last addressed the Chambers peao.e9 which is the most solid foundation of the prosperitY of nations, has been restored to Europe, and I ha" powerful reasons for believing that the forel WCu' troops which the war introduced into Greece The Paris correspondent of the Times (second edition), in a letter dated yesterday, says : " A telegraphic despatch from Berne of yester day's date announces the arrival of an 'Envoy Extraordinary' from the Emperor Napoleon. It is probable that an attache has been sent with despatches to the French Resident Minister, but I doubt much whether any person to whom the designation, under present circumstances, of En voy Extraordinary' can be applied, has left Paris." A. letter dated Berlin, Dec. 29, just received, says :---" Sir Colin Campbell, who is to bring over the insignia of the Order of the Bath, and present them to the Prince next Thursday in the name of Queen Victoria, has not arrived to-day at the apartments taken for him at the Hotel Royal, and where he is hourly expected. His non-arrival excites the more interest and anxiety, as his departure from England for this place has been known here these two days." BERNE, TUESDAY ETENING, Councillor Furrer's journey to Frankfort was occasioned by a telegraphic message from the re presentatives of the German Governments, con vened for the purpose of devising means to pre vent a conflict. The Federal Council replied telegraphically, announcing the despatch of Coun cillor Furrer, who will also visit the Courts of Southern Germany. The new French proposal was not made by an Envoy, but through M. Bar mann, who was authorised for the purpose by the Emperor. The American Minister has left for Berlin. The steamers on the Lake of the Four Cantons are armed with artillery. All the Swiss fortresses and castles are put in a state of defence. BERNE, TUESDAY NIGHT, The National Council has adopted unanimously the proposition passed by the Federal Council on Saturday, fur the grant of an unlimited credit. BERLIN, TUESDAY, Colonel Manteuffel has set out for Vienna. STUDGARDT, DEC. 30, The Moibiteur Officiel publishes the Report of ho Commission relative to the passage of Prussian troops. The Commission, relying on the positive right of Allies, refuses the demand of Prussia as a po litical intrusion. be , s , O I o n h a w v i e t h t d h r e a w s a n t . isfaction of announcing to yott that I am on a friendly footing with all foreign Powers. " Before every other consideration, my Govern' ment, remembering the obligations of Greece to wards the great Powers, her benefactors, has spo f w taneously offered to respond to theta to the' best e i its power. The condescending dispositions 001-50 goodwill of the Powers towards Greece give of , the best hopes of a happy and final settlement 0 that transaction. " Brigandage, which is abhorred by the BY natie„rjd was not long since a great evil at home a n aroused the indignation of foreign States. arse and energetic measures, by the valour of ....,., soldiers, and the willing support of the people, ''''' Government has succeeded in extirpating thot scourge, and in restoring complete security _lre Greece. There is only the frontier line ivl2 e , brigandage cannot be suppressed without that:al; co-operation of the adjoining State. To u tion , that result I have concluded a special conveu_.oo. with Turkey, which 'my Government has Pu tually carried out. and seriOns " The object of my most constant . a solicitude is the internal development, mater well as intellectual, of Greece. It is for the _ ~ z, a people the surest foundation of all progres s lou t prosperity. To attain this end the has taken various measures, and laws of B rea is portance have been decreed. My Governiu . actively employed in their execution. ultiP i r t " Foreign capital has been sought for to ro i t bou' and perfect the means of communication, w resfe r ' ° which no material progress is possible, to a _ t i c el• our rich plains which became swaniPs, to l oo p . f ture, and to construct necessary ports. lancecl to Govern at joy to inform you that capitalists have cora respond with confidence to the appeal. __ due to "Great praise and national gratitude are the enthusiastic patriotism which the 4 0 prtr wherever they are, display in advancing countyi gress of Christian civilisation in thelF... ctst i g abl e in offering the first fruits of their ilitiv' se hool , labours for the erection of sacred edifices, eL raor alto, which provide knowledge and improve th e ta bhsle and of pious, scientific, and philanthropiu e s i ments. re nders °I t ~ T ; "The regular course of governmeu .houlo. i necessary that the budget of each year it col e j discussed by the Chambers before the . 31 f4 11 ,. be , ! . l tains are expended. Two budgets i l o l li e•: 0 ;1 O' voted together in the preceding order may be re-established. and immediatesa t ae, Government will bring before you . budget of 1858. d t tri a Vac' ta r il t , " various bills will be submitted A l of tt v the annual session. e disposal • 1 ,09 " A reform of the taxes and th e its COUditl°l tO national property, which is ena 44 you will ha ve of will be one of the tariffjects d befor e 9 - th e consider. A new will be laid dopted by based upon those healthy principles a nctiod, Tilt, 'most enlightened nations. Ar ors a fg many __ r . tiveg , to be found in the communat ay congderat.lloo My Government will submit "Experience has proved tiliat conititutional libe.t.;,. guarantee to communal an . ht of üblic 0ffi01..1,1 " Laws to protect the rig s . p 0 i . hich will regulat _4 improvements in both, so a d s tog c . every Posel,ty, the national domains, w our '"-00 of the nation, will call for your serio oonosotb:d "I recommend all these laws, w hich to our prud e° duties of the lower clergy and the scientific attenautit; dearest interests of the nation, y doll an d p a triotism. ~Mil reststha and bless ! your rat i on s for the we l f are of the countr y d I always on Doairveiences,Pgrooidveidence, whose shetite " The first sessio n of the fifth Parliament period is open." 86i 41i 39 FRANCE. PARIS, TUESDAY. The Moniteur of yesterday publishes a report from M. Billault, the French Minister of the In terior, asking a credit of 3,000,000 f. (120,0001.) for public works in the provinces. The rerort re port reis pfool lowed by an Imperial dec ree approving the and granting the money. Th e re p ort is as follows " Sire, —This year's harvest was atter iderablone, and the importation of foreign grain considerable, gradual fall, and on different points of the e mpire the price per hectolitre was 25f. " .Nevertheless, and despite the measures taken by your orders to facilitate and cheapen the price of grain, despite the great reduction obtaine that view on the railwa y charges, sotne of hit dpartments almost entirely without, others with very poor harvests, still suffer severely from the high prices, and ask hel p from your Majesty. ' Doubtless, this paternal intervention of your Government, which for three years has devoted to the relief of the dist ressed sufferin g from c ; a m i in cannot sp,loaocoe placed O m f 0 ncr • w i a n t n h l t e - 85 0 i 6 r n .. ses of each 1 1 0 85 ‘, 4 t , h 1 e 0 r , m 00 i 0 11 , i 0 0 0 n O s f: ak :d cease with the scourge which main t lxpen year, dinary as it must remain ex ceptional,it tries to put down; it may now follow the decreasing pro gression, and 3,006;, 000 f. willsuffice , I hope, for 1857. i' The object in view is nt.:t so much to giveprovide c h a rity to the indigent out of wo:k, as to labour where it may be wante:l this winter, and to lessen by charity, carefully distributed, that heavy difference between the price of food a2c l the amount of daily wages. *I Thanks to the perfect tranquillity enjoyed i;v the country, industry and commerce are in .full activity. The fruitful impulse given to the great public works multiplies throughout the country the workshops in which the workman can find em ployment ; and the Emperor, with his wonted soli citude for the wants of the working classes, has himself designated among the enterprises projected by the State those which might at once provide work where it is most wanted. For the districts that will not benefit by these blessings I shall, if necessary, promote works of municipal interest. But what appears to me most especially to deserve the favour of the Government, and what I shall encourage as much as possible, are those charitable institutions the ingenious activity of which, avoiding costly measures, provides directly, and at reduced prices, food and clothing for the poor. Numerous establishments of this descrip tion are already in activity in different parts of the empire, and, in endeavouring to re-establish between the wants of a family and the daily wages that balance which bad harvests have for the mo ment disturbed, they have obtained results the benefits of which are duly appreciated by the work ing classes. "To realise in this double point of view the charitable intentions of your Majesty I only ask for a credit of 3,000,000 f., for I shall find in the country that immense auxiliary called charity. Three successive years of sacrifices have neither tired nor exhausted it, and the Government has never appealed to it in vain. The prefects are well aware that the zeal which best pleases the Emperor is that which places itself at the head of all good works, which promotes or seconds acts of devotion. They will neglect nothing to fulfil, according to your Majesty's desire, that duty of humanity and of good government. The chief officials of the de partments will, I am sure, give them their cordial support ; for simply to fulfil one's duty is not taking an active and willing part in the generous V109E3 of the Emperor ; it is only half serving him. These efforts, these good examples, will bear fruit ; the difficulty will be once more overcome, and it will not be a sight without significance in the eyes of the world—that courageous and patriotic resig nation with which our populations will have sup ported four consecutive years of bad harvj,vest. Under other Governments a izit,,,le y-ar, ef 141? 1 engendered disturbances ; for three yeats uothere the . slightest emotion has been ma nifested ; for are two things, Sire, of which the people are well aware—your paternal solicitude for its sufferings, THE OVERLAND MAIL MARSEILLES, TtrEsDAD The Valetta, with the Indian an d China 133,031 arrived at 1 p.m. The mails wi ll be despa‘ for Lfindon at 10 this evening. LLOYD'S SHIPPING.—aiIis LONDON Dec. -------- I.—Wind this day at nne e t light breeL ana.dull cloudy weather. PORTSMOUTH, Dec. 30.—Wind W,S. W.-- • Arrifeti' Henrietta, from Bremen, for La Gusyra. "ve l J FALMOUT Dec 30.—Wind W. moderate.--. .k.riore —Edina, from a' Malta, for St. John's, N.B. Off the F John Lawson, from Guatemala. ~a ft o° CowEs, Dec. 30.—Wind W.—Arriv d—WYna—' Foochowfoo, and sailed for Rotterdam'_ e SCILLY, Dec. 29.—Wind NWf —Sailed--gerlill for Madeira ; Dorcas Ja a: N. " re° . of ° ill LIVERPOOL, Dec. '31.--D2Tiheea.barque Mary Ann , port, sank last night in Rhos Bay. QUEENSTOWN, Dec. 29.—Wind S.W.----Affiled--Av from Cowes; Coringo, Demerara. • CARDIFF, Dec. 30. —The American ship Garricks, 1,1 Antwerp to this port, and the Charles 31'009 hence to Martinique, are both on shore on th e 13 10 0 Point The Tribune, of London, from Bristol toe ), parted her anchors yesterday and drove over th where she struck heavily. She will be surveyed. ----. (PER ELECTRIC TICLEORAPEJ SOUTHAMPTON, ViredneSday, 9.0 01 0 0 The Royal Mail Companys steam ship ornrillaP.,. i Buenos Ayres, with mails COlning home for per telegraphed, having passed 'Thirst Station at 8.40 a.ni LIVERPOOL, WeclueSday MorailiP Wind S.W. Sailed —Princeton, for New Orleans; Magnolia, 13°Prjf' John Dalton, Calcutta. The barque Mary Ann, from Liverpool, for Gibt_Al'irol the 29th night in Rhos Bay. Sailed. from Beaunta.- the 29th inst. ,29, QUEENSTOWN, Dec' Wind S.W. , ~ i Artived—Coringa, from Demerara ; Ada;Cal,!°' Sailed—MoLarn, for Alexandria. ......... (BY SUBMA RINE AND BRITISII TELEGRAPII,•t.) ..0, GRAVESEND, WednesdaY, g.,P d Wind W„; last hour's ebb; cloudy. ' . o r vie" Arrived, Dec. 31. —Penelope, from Ir arbn_FMoo4l, Copenhagen ; Friendship, Bordeaux; Scotia, Una _., Juleps, Ilelsenborg. 9 1ir Sailed, Dec. 31.—Panther, for Boulogne; Madeira. DEAD, Wednesday, OD' ° JP . Wind S. by W.; moderate. ISO ° Anchored —Mary Bonfield, from London, for ea il 1 Sydney, from London, for Sierra Leone. „ _..., Tw o John Bunyan, ship, from Sydney, for Lo from r tow early this morning.- Ca t° aster, from ,01 The Grace, of Whitehaven, Durban, ra ._ justot I,ii for Liverpool, was abandoned on the 12tn,der • oar? sinking state, having previously lost her raa,_,, ' o boA and crew taken off, and saved by the rTe1,',,,,,i il l and bound.to Bremen; put on board t.n.° A ii ; t i 0 4 1 1 1 Rose, off Dungeness ; landed here last meth forwarded to London by the B,oy wrecked Mariners' Society. . al Benevolont P' pgo, 30. -;1 CUSTOMpHOUSE, TUESDAY, Haiti, go ENTERED INWARDS. —The Eugene, from V ar n George, Moulmein ; Emma liddewal.l Michael's ; Voskelena, Leer ;'Black Seleynlfor Acieli/ r.Parbos. p . jo ENTERED OUTWARDS. —The Bulges "wig ; i v Spitfire, Hong song and Canton ; J",,,,Tv.:r'e , giosterAiii Rose, Trieste and Venice ; Amazon, -.-.. Bosse, Santander; SylPhidio, Unity,e, Rouen. sactander ; gib'', 001°74, CLEARED ()CT WITLI CARGO.--Tbe Cathsril°' f°l. o" Dunkirk ; Myrtle, Premier, Lisbon ; J ._.......... ..' ie ' .....,..........„........' Faith, Dernerara.:_______________________------ )1 0 1 Cs,rizal ,r HANDSOME PRESENTATION TO A . , 1).4 ,, ..lio t i.. 17 , ,Clll., ti,t, 7-''i• 1 l''' fr'''l` r " tt.,,,;;tl f b '' ' lj iJi JohsCilUrCll, Liverpool, was pre silver _Aver, °10..1$ tea and coffee service, with umasive . __:pm co Louis Quatorze pattern, together v!it i3 h a y jug 60 soureigno, by his uongregatio . that have taken place in reference to the Prussian difficulty. It completely vindicates the conduct of the Swiss authorities, which has been temperate and conciliatory, while it was also firm and dignified. They were prepared to make any con cession consistent with their cherished indepen- dence, for which they would struggle to the last. Although simple Republicans, their honour was as precious as that of FREDERICK WILLIAM, and they could not consent to the immediate liberation of the insurgents, until satisfactory assurances had been given of a final arrangement. As truly stated, " the mere assurance of good offices given in a vague manner could not satisfy them. It was necessary, at the least, that France and England should engage to bring about such a transaction as should not impose on Switzerland conditions inconsistent with her honour and dignity. They had an unques tionable right to such a pledge, and without it they could not take a step which would be tanta mount to the admission of the Prussian claims. It is due to the English Government to say that, notwithstanding the contemplated matri monial alliance, they took a more straightforward and equitable view of the subject than any of the Imperial Cabinets. They never " recommended or wished to recommend the preliminary and unconditional liberation of the prisoners." That would, indeed, be begging the question. It would leave everything in the hands of Prus- sia, permitting dormant claims to continue, that must inevitably occasion future complications. All that FILEDERICS WILLIAM would grant was, that, the preliminary demand being satisfied, he would be prepared "to enter into negotiations/ The Federal Council were equally to enter into negotiations ; but they could not, in the first in stance, grant what was equivalent to a recognition of the disputed title of the claimant. The insur gents had endeavoured by force to over throw an existing and recognised Govern ment. In that attempt blood was shed, and although considerable allowance might be made for the feelings by which the Prussian tools were misled, it would be neither more nor less than an abdication of supreme power if an amnesty - granted save on conditions exj The terms propounded by Ei it may be assumed, were kn , to Prussia, would readily be essential that they should be The Confederation were quite willing that FRE DERICK WILLIAM should retain the empty title of Prince of NEUCHATEL, provided no substantial authority were associated therewith. They would respect his private property as they would that of any and every private individual in the canton, but they could not recognise the domains, dues, and revenues claimed in the capacity of Sovereign as falling under that category. Therefore, in order to pre vent the possibility of misconception, or future disputes, they very reasonably required that the property claimed should be distinctly specified ; and, in like manner, that " the religious and charitable institutions, in which the KING took a lively interest," should be stated and set forth. These are reasonable precautions, which no " moderate" man could refuse. If, after such a proposition, hostilities should break out, we can only say they cannot be ascribable to the Federal Council, who will possess the sympathies of every right-minded and unprejudiced man in the arduous struggle that must ensue. were The Income Tax excitement is still progressing ; and will soon arrive at the boiling point. Many interesting and important meetings have been held in various parts of the country. None more so, however, than that of the citizens of Gloucester, who for the second time assembled to express their detestation of a tax " unequal and unjust in its application, oppressive in its execution, vexatious in its assessment, demoralising in its tendency, and, from its inquisitorial character, derogatory to the freedom of Englishmen—more particularly when applied to trade, professions, and uncertain incomes, which should therefore be immediately and totally repealed so far as relates to schedule D." The leading feature of this interesting discus sion was the presence and co-operation of a gal lant Admiral holding an influential position in the Ministry. The First Naval Lord of the Admi ralty is one who could scarcely be expected to oppose the Government. And yet Sir M. F. BERKELEY spoke in a manly, straightforward; and intelligible language. He actually confessed that the attempt to take advantage of the quibble was worthy only of a pettifogging attorney who had been struck off the rolls for chicanery and dishonest practices—would be " a sneaking po licy, unbecoming gentlemen and men of honour." There is a sailor-like frankness in the speech of the gallant Admiral that wins respect. He repu diates with disdain " the dirty trick," and seems disposed to break A lance with those who ascribe such vile intentions to the Government. We like him all the better for this honest indignation, and only regret that he was not enabled to give an authorised contradiction to the rumour. But he himself declared that he spoke only as a subordinate, without direct communication with the head of the Cabinet, and he must be conscious that the Chancellor of the Exchequer last session more than hinted that the "petti fogging quibble" would be resorted to, and that tie Ministerial organs have assumed it as an estab lished fact. There is, therefore, ample foundation for the supposition that the unworthy dodge - may be attempted. If it should not be so, nothing that has been put forward, either in the press or the shafts will fall innocuous l y from the shieldj , at public meetings, will apply The cap not fitting, strengthened by candour and honesty. We rejoice to find that the Gallant Admiral agrees with the language origi nally put forward in The Sun, and since adopted by "The Li ver p ool Financial Reform Association:" It may be " rather harsh," but in such Cases it is necessary to speak plainly and intelligibly, so as to leave no doubt Of the estima tion in which such proceeding would be held: We ftllly concur in the financial -fiews put for ward by the Honourable and Gallant Admiral. We do not, the country does not, desire to do away with direct taxation. It only requires that it should be equitably and fairly assessed and levied without harshness. We do not seek to re-establish indirect taxation, nor would we impair the efficiency of the national establishments--more' especially of our wooden walls, of which, as Englishmen, we are justly proud. We cannot, however, accept Mr. COBDER as a mouthpiece—" RICHARD is now no officer of ours." Despite his assertions, we feel and know that the Income Tax does interfere with " the progress of industry," A wide distinction, how ever, exists as to a tax on accumulated and rea lised property. That is the least impost, as we have repeatedly stated, that can be enforced. If the Financial Minister be contented there with the nation will cordially acquiesce in the necessity. If not, he must prepare himself for all the opposition which an indignant and thoroughly excited people can offer to that which they feel to be alike inequitable and impolitic. BEER AND ALE EXPORTED.—The declared valne of beer and ale exported in 11 months ended November was 128,114/. RE-ESTABLISHMENT OF STEAM OOMMUNI- CATION TVITH AUSTRALIA. A. contract has been concluded by her Majesty's Go• vernment with the European and Australian Royal Mail Company, for the conveyance of mails once a month, by the route of Suez, between this country and the Australian colonies. The packets under this contract will depart from the port of Southampton, and, as in the case of the Indian mail, in addition to, and in connexion with, the direct packet, a special service will be maintained via France, for the conveyance of supplementary mails from this country. The first mail to be despatched, via Southampton, under the new arrangements, will be made up in Lon don on the morning of the 24th February next, and the first mail to be despatched, via Mar seilles, will be made up in London on the evening of the 28th February. Subsequently to those dates, the mails will be despatched uniformly, via South ampton, on the morning of the 12th of the month (com mencing with the month of March), and via Marseilles on the evening of the 16th of each month. On those occasions, however, when the 12th of the month falls on a Sunday, the mails for Australia, via Southampton, will be made up and despatched on the previous evening, and when the 16th of the month falls on a Sunday, the mails will be made up and despatched on the following evening.—By command of the Post master-General, ROWLAND HILL, Secretary. General Post Office, Dec. 30, 1856. The Earl of Clarendon arrived in town, yesterday, from visiting her Majesty at Windsor Castle. The Countess of Erroll arrived in town, last week, from Slaines Castle, A.berdeenshire. The Earl and Countess of Desart have arrived in town. The Right Hon. Edward Cardwell, M.P., is at pre sent on a visit to his uncle, the Rev. Dr. Cardwell, Principal of St. Alban Hall, Oxford. A letter from Nice states that the Baroness Vigier (Sophie Cruvelli) is at present residing in that town for her health. She is seen almost every day in a pony carriage, which she drives herself. The Rev. Father Ventura had a few days ago an attack of apoplexy, which placed his life in danger ; but he is now recovering. THE GUANO TRADL—There is no duty on guano. In the 11 months ended November the quantity imported was 175,688 tons. A powerful man named Jones, alias Giles,vvas yesterday fully committed for trial from the Southwark Police court for highway robbery. He was the holder of a ticket of leave. The ship, John Bunyan, has arrived off the Start, from Sydney, with dates about six days later than those received from the same port by the Red Jacket. The amount of gold brought by the John Bunyan (if any) remains to be ascertained. THE FOREIGN TRADE OF THE COUNTRY. The number of vessels employed in the foreign trade of the United Kingdom, in the 11 months ended the 30th ultimo, was 28,147 that entered inwards, and 38,867 that cleared outwards. It is at present believed that the shipments of specie ~ which will leave South- Ld China mails, on the 4th :eed 600,000/., but this , is THE SURREY THEATRE. — le, the deputy coroner, held ,e of St. Gorge the artyr, ,:er, who came to her death Suddenly in the lobby of the boxes of the Surrey Theatre, on Saturday night last. The surgeon who was sent for said she had died of a disease of the heart. The jury returned a verdict of " Natural death." TRADE REPORT—MANCHESTER, TUESDAY.—Under the renewed influence of a further excited cotton market in Liverpool yesterday, the prices of yarns and goods were again quoted higher. The active demand which arose a few days ago from several unexpected quarters of the world has sufficed to take of any pre existing stocks, and the usual requirements of buyers are not likely to be obtained except at permanently higher rates than at present. CAPTURE OF PAUL FOR THE FRAUDS AT THE CITY OF LONDON UNION.—John Paul, late assistant clerk of the City of London Union, in St. Mary Axe, who has been oharged with several " misdemeanours and felonies," in the misappropriation of sums to a very large amount, was captured about six o'clock last night, in the vicinity of Hackney, by Daniel May, one of the most intelligent of the detective force connected with the city of London constabulary. A CCID ENT TO MR. CHARLES MATHEWS.—Varions rumours having been in circulation respecting the health of Mr. Charles Mathews, we are requested to stat e that he has been confined to his bed for the last week under a most painful affection of his arm, the result of an acci dent at the Manchester Theatre. A severe operation was yesterday performed for his relief, and although he is still seriously ill, every hope is entertained that he will soon be enabled to resume his professional engage ments. Dr. Wynn, of Finsbury-se r i:re,. was yesterday placed before Mr. Hammill, at the Worsh::)-street Police-court, charged with violently assaulting Mr. -.o.Boham, an attor ney's clerk, residing in the same house. The complainant, whose head was enveloped in bandages, state on the preceding evening the doctor rushed out of his root 2 and oommenergi assaulting him so violently that he becan;9 insensible. There had been some mlsuntlei4tawli.6- between them relative to the possession of the house. The magistrate ordered Dr. Wy nn to appear at the sessions to answer the charge. Bail was accepted. An interesting archaeological discovery has just been made at the village of Trigneres, near Montargis, de partment of the Loiret, in France, It consists of the remains of a Roman amphitheatre, 230 feet long, by 195 wide, capable of containing 10,000 spectators. The walls in some places are between three and four feet thick, in others almost double. There are two large staircases at each extremity, leading to the upper rows of seats. The complete exploration of the ruin has not yet been effected. —Literary Gazette. The process of painting the interior of the new read ing-room at the British Museum has at length been completed, and the scaffolding removed. There are twenty panels in the ceiling, each of which is painted in light blue, the decoration of the intervening girders being executed in gold, which has also been liberally employed in ornamenting the cornices and other acces, sories. The effect is considered extremely satisfactory the celours being brilliant in themselves, and from their lightness investing the vast dome with an appearance of grace and airiness which could hardly have been expected, considering its colossal proportions. —Literary Gazette. A RIVAL oF Ma. SPURGEON.—A young gentleman of the name of Guineas, a relative of the great Dublin brewer, has lately been creating a sensation among the religious public in Devonshire. His admirers say that he has ti vOiCe quite as powerful as Mr. Spurgeon's, and much more Senotous and. persuasive. He preached at Crediton on Tuese 4 ey last, when the Baptist chapel, not being found capable Of holding half the a pplicants for tickets, the Music-hall gt the Public Rooms was hired for the occasion, and although more than 500 people were there crowded together, gfeat numbers went away who could not gain admission. LVIEUSf TREATRE.—An incident occurred at . t_hi r s theatre on Monday which for the time excited conisid able apprehensiod. In t he opening scene the " Corsair," Submarine .spends, attende d by a naia.l. Last evening the light dress !if the latter was suddenly observed to be in flames. The seessations of alarm were speedily changed, however, to shouts of applause at the presence of mind of some gentleman connectedg;thh. the theatre, who dashed forward from wings and with his hat succeeded in beating down and extio ing the fiddles. It Was, nevertheless, some time b.Jore the plaudits of the people could reassure the trembling little naiad. EXPLOSIO N or GAS IN A STREET LETTER-BOX.— During the past summer the Post-office gOthoritiee fixed a number of letter-boxes for public convenience at the extremities of the borough of Wakefield. One of them was erected at the tee of Wrengate. On Christmas Day, tWci beys, who reside in that locality, wanting a light, one of them struck a lucifer match against the iron pillar, when an explosion of gas immediately took place, and one of the youths wad severely burnt and the other somewhat injured. Mr. Rowland Hurst, the postmaeter at Wakefield, at once despatched far. Howson, one of the elevks in the Post-office, to ascertain the particulars. Vrorti inquiry, it appeared that the gas bad escaped into the box from the mains in the street, the door of which was blown open, and the bag which receives the letters was tossed, with its contents, to a considerable distanCei. HEATH IN THE CASUAL WAnIM OF ST. PANCRAS WORKHOUSE.—Yesterday, at the meetYlig of the direc tors of the poor of St. Pancras, held in 6 1 0 Board room adjoining the workhouse, at Camden Town, Mr. Churchwarden Streeton in the chair, very considerable' sensation was created by a report that ayoung woman named Ann Lane, who had been admitted into the casual wards of St. Pancras Workh o u se i n a s tate of e destitctioni and who had been discovered to be ex ceedingly ill by the nurse, had been allowed to remain in the ward in an eipos i e:d f t place, nearly 4s where the window panes had been broken, hours, without medical treatment, and that she had there expired. Considerable discussion en sue d as to the pfopriety of the board entering into any investigation until after the coroner's jury h a d made theirs ; and a motion, moved by Mr. Churchwarden Wyatt, that a special board be called after the inquest was held, was nega tived ; and an amendment, moved by Mr. Lawford, and seconded by Mr. Stockton, ra ewd to investigate ascarriedbyl3to 11, that the b oar d at once ce conduct of their o ffi cers . Eventually P the inquiry the was adjourned till after the coroner's inquest. THE PLANET JIIPITER.—This planet will again be occulted by the moon on the afternoon of Friday next , January 2. It will come in contact with her limb at two min. before 5 o'clock, and will emerge at one minute after 6. The disappearance will trite place at a point 157 deg. from the moon's vertex, countinground by the right hand, in an inverting telescope ; the re-appearance at an angle of 284 deg. reckoned in the same manner. During the oc cultation Jupiter will be near the meridian of London, and consequently in a very favourable position for obser vation. All four satellites will be visible at the time, the fourth at a considerable distance from the planet on the left hated in the inverting telescope, the third about half as far from it on the same side, and the first and second near together on the right of Jupiter. On this occasion the planet will be entirely hidden by the moon for about an hour, the metropolis being far within the limiting parallels of latitude for the occultation. On the Bth of November la,t the upper limit pasted very Acts to the northern suburbs of London, and hence occurred the interesting phenomenon of a par ti a l occultation of t he planet, the predicted and actual circumstances agree ing almost exactly. xpressly arranged. and bullion by the Colombo am . I . ~itl*e_ Illidia and England, and w t •.. - - ' l-.. , , c4r„...tn, excfm Lown ,Aed ac.' " OMAN IN '''. ed, ' ' . . r. W. J. Payne i. ore clew ;' .. , , ~ . inquest at the Workhouse .. - _ on the body of Martha Bak,