The Sun. — London, England, 1863-01-22 00:00:00

rirIifEATRE ROYAL DRURY-LANE. 1 Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. EDMUND FALCONER. The public is respectfully informed that this Tbeatie, saving been Re-modelled, Decorated, and Embellished in a truly magnificent and costly style, is now open. Notwithstanding the immense expenses incurred in the arrangements, thePi ices of Admission will be as usual, and vimilar to those of the principal London Theatres, viz. : Private Boxes, 10s, Gd., 215., £1 lls. Gd., £3 25., £3 35., and .£4 4s. Stalls, 6.t. Dress circle, 4s. First Circle, Ss. Boxes, 2s. Pit, 2s. Lower gallery, Is. U pp er Gallery, 6d No Half-price. A MORNING PERFORMANCE of the PANTO MIME EVERY WE EINESDAY, at Two o'clock. T HIS EVENING will be presented Mr. E. Falconer's Comic Drama, entitled NEXT OF KIN. Principal Characters by Mcs , rs. S. Calhaern, H. Sinclair, Neville, Warde, Rourke, Fredericks; Mrs. Edmund Fal. coner, and Miss Portman. After which will be produced the Great Drury-lane Annual in the form of an entirely Novel, Original, Bur le'que, Grotesque, Poetical, Pictorial, Pastoral, Grand Comic Christmas Pantomime entitled LITTLE GOODY TWO SHOES ' • or , HARLEQUIN and COCK R O B I N! "Little Bird with bosom red, Welcome to my Humble Shed, Daily near my table steal, While I pick my scanty meal, Well rewarded if I spy, Pleasure in thy glancing eye."—Old Poem. The novel Effects and Extensive Scenery by Messrs. GRIEVE and TELBIN, assisted by Messrs. DAYES, JONES, C. FENTON, E. LLOYDS, GRIEVE, Jun., TELBIN, Jun., and D ANSON and SONS. The Ma chinery by Mr. TUCKER. The Costumes by Mr. MAY and Mrs. CLARKE, The Masks, Designs, and Personal Appointments by the celebrated DYK-WYN-KYN ; com pleted under his direct eupervisionby Messrs. GLINDON, CHALTON, and numerous Assistants. The Tricks, Pro perties, Changes, and Transformations of the Harlequinade by Mr. BLAMIRE and Assistants. The Gas Appointments by Mr. HINCKLEY. The Scenes of the Harlequinade by H. BOLENO, J. CORMACK, and D. JOHNSON. The Groupes, Tableaux, Action, and Grand Ballet, designed and arranged by Mr. OSCAR BYRNE. The Overture anti Music composed and arranged by Mr. J. BARNARD. The Opening invented and written by E. L. 13_,ANCH ARD, Author of "The House that Jack Built," "Peter Wilkins," " Robin Hood," &c. THE VILLAGE SCHOOL OF GOODY TWO SHOES. EARLY MORNING. Little Goody 'Two Shoes—Miss LYDIA THOMPSON. " This dear little Girl, whose real name was Margery Meanwell, once lived," &c.—Old Story. "His kind Wife gave little Margery a nice pair of new Shoes ; and she was so pleased with them, and so fond of showing them to every one she met, saying, 'Two Shoes — Two Shoes,' that she gained the name of ' Little Goody Two Shoes.' "—Old b'tory. The Raven, the Pigeon, the Cat, and the White liobbit (her pets), Masters Quark, Coo, Mew, and Bunny. Pet Robin—Master Redbreast. Little Boy Blue (her Shepherd Swain) Miss HELEN HOWARD. Johnny Stout (the Good Boy) Mr. J. ROBINS. Thommy Green (the Bad Boy) Mr. G. WESTON. Day Scholars—Masters Wag, Lag, Fag Brag, Da g , Nag, Gag, Meg. Tag, &c., and Misses Nimble, Simple, Sample, R um ple, Whimper, Simper, Niminy, Pim.ny, &c., &c. Sir Timothy Gripe (Lord of the Manor), Mr. TOM MATTHEWS. Graspall (his Steward), Mr. SHAW. Villagers—Messrs.Bumkin,Whackstraw,Oatcake,Chaw bacon; Thatcher, &c., &c. "The room in which she taught her scholars was very large, so that she could have her children stand in front of her while she instructed them.—Old Story. Of the proposal made by Sir Timothy to Goody Two Shoes, and what became of it. HUNTING LODGE ON THE BORDERS OF THE FOREST. The Fairy Good Nature (assuming the form of Goody Peabody), Miss KATE SAXON. Gamekeepers, Messrs. Popp and Bang. Footman, Mr. Powderr.ob. Page, Master Buttons. Housekeeper, Mrs. Chickabiddy. How Little Boy Blue meets with a particular friend, and how the Squire dooms the small Birds found on his Estate to general destruction, and what ensues thereupon. THE BRAMBLE BRAKE IN THE DEPTHS OF THE FORE ST.—SUN SET. " When good Little Goody Two Shoes had finished her ten sets of letters, she invited a great number of her poor little Companions to meet together under an old oak tree, and there she taught them."—Old Story. The Demon Envy, Mr. GLIN C ON. Hatred and Malice (his attendants), Messrs. Scowl and Growl. The Bad Boy's Compact with the Evil Genius, and what followed therefrom. HAUNT OF THE WOOD NYMPHS IN THE ENCHANTED DELL. May, Miss WENT WORTH. Bluebell, Cowslip, Violet, Wild Thyme, Golden Broom, Speedwell, Daisy, Buttercup, Wood Anemone, Primrose, Colvolvulus,Wild Rose, Traveller's Joy,Celandine, Hearts ease, Fox Glove, &c, (her attendant Wild Flowers), by a host of Coryphees. Pas de Forget-me-not, Miss LYDIA THOMPSON. Pas de Double Heartsease, The Misses GUNNISS. Ballet des Bouquets, invented and arranged by Mr. OSCAR BYRNE. WOODY AVENUE, M LEADING TO BUTTERCUP " All hail to thee, thou first of May, Sacred to merry sport and play, To wine and jest and dance and song, And mirth that lasts the whole day long." CELEBRATION OF MAY-DAY AND FESTIVAL OF THE MAY QUEEN. OUTSIDE OF LITTLE GOODY'S COTTAGE, MILL BROOK, AND ANCIENT BELFRY. " Who killed Cock Robin ? I, said the Sparrow, with my Bow and Arrow."—Old Nursery Legend. The Sparrow, Mr. Take-an-Aim. The Fly, Master Buzzy, The Fish, Mr. Gillbut. The Beetle, Mrs. Gamp. The Linnet, Master Downey. The Owl, Mr. Whit-to-Whoe. The Lark, Mr. Highflyer. The Rook, Mr. Blackcoat. The Bull, Mr. Roarer, with a Horn accompaniment. The deed done. Impressive fate of Little Cock Robin, and his marvellous restoration by Good Nature, who pro ceeds on her radiated Path of Prisms over the World. Harlequins, Mr. CORMACK and Mr. ST. MAINE. Columbines, Madame BOLENO (her first appearance here these two years) and the Misses GUNNISS. Pantaloons, Mr. G. TANNER and Mr. DEULIN JOHNSON. Clowns, Mr. HARRY BOLENO (his first appearance here these two years) and Mr. C. LAURI. Scene I.—GRAND HINT 0' NATIONAL (THEATRE) EXHIBITION OF FUN The Meeting of all Nations—Gold Washing and Gold Finding—Armstrong's Breech-loader—the Exhibition Bells and Belles of the Exhibition—Clown rings glue of the Belles --a Belle Savage—the Majolica Fountain—Clown's new Vapourizer—Cent. per Scent—Striking Two—the Exhibi • tion Club—a Medicated Vapour Bath—a Piping Bullfinch —(Raree Airs)—the Australian Obelisk makes a decided Move—a Toad in the Hole—a Long Nap (2,000 years)—a, Bed in the Coal Hole—Froggy would a-Wooing go—a sud• den influx of Strange Visitors and close of thn Exhibition. Invented and Produced by Boleno (Registered). Pantomimists—HAßßY BOLENO, Madame BOLENO. CORMACK, and TANNER. Trip Storm It alse—Madame CORMACK. BOLENO and Mr. Landlady, Mrs. Graball ; Page, Master Bellbutton , Housemaid, not yet engaged ; Visitors, Cabmen, Sweeps, Shoe-Black Brigade, &c., by Artists too numerous to mention. Scene 2.—EXTERIOR AND INTERIOR OF INTER NATIONAL LODGING-HOUSE. Lodgings I Lodgings 1 Lodgings !—Hon. 4e Full—A Fair Sample of a Cabby's Fair—A Foreigner all Abroad—Harry Boleno's return to his Old Quarters—Somebody's Luggage —Nobody's Luggage (Oh, Dickens) —My Lodgings are on the cold ground—ADamp Bed with Sheets of Water (which are always damp)—Bottling Spirits—A Policeman on Duty —Coming down with the Duet—Clown and Pantaloon re solve to change their quarters—The new Bedroom Door— the Exhibition Early-rising Bedstead—Clown makes an Impression—Oh, rest thee, my Babe—A Novel %lin• guisher—Put out the Light I Put out the Light—A Squally Night—Clown gets rid of a Lodger—Both Child and Nurse are fast asleep—Clown gives them a drop too much—a new method of getting off to sleep—forty winks—Harlequin Box and Cox (up)—'Tis when to sleep the World retires—the Vision—an unwelcome Visitor—The Shades of Night and the Night Shade—Look on this Picture and on this—List, oh, list—l'm always with you—l'll warm yer—Oh, slum ber my darling, and sleep while you may—Visions light'as air—the Nurse—the Child—the Great Sensation Scene and Denoument. Scene 3,—SHELL-FISH SHOP, COBBLER'S STALL, AND MUSIC WAREHOUSE! A Neat Trip—a Trip less Flat—Flat Fish, Flying Fish, and Ground Bait—taking in the Natives Childish Games, Boyhood's happy days—Arrival of Fun—Sudden appear ance of an old friend—Clown goes a fishing—Gets a bite which prove to be a nibble for him, Garotting with a Ven geance—the strong Arm of the Law—Clown in a Fix— Lucky Escape—Clown gets a Ticket of Leave—the indus trious Cobbler that Lived in a Stall—Clown finds a pair of Boots and gets Awl for his pains—a Rally and a Jump— Clown has a taste for Music and Gives a Concert, in which he will play a Solo on the smallest Banjo in the world and 12 Common Garden Pots—Pataloon has Five Bars rest— Clown gets Drummed in and quickly gets Drummed Out Again—A Supply of Natives—a fair Division—the head of the force and everybody taken in and done for. Scene 4—THE ISLINGTON AGRICULTRAL HALL, A ND GREAT DOG-SHOW, CAT- SHOW, A ND FLOWER-SHOW. Flowers of Loveliness and Flowers of the Forest—going to see the Green B ushes—Heartsease and Tuli ps _ coming in Pears (pairs)—a clearing Pair—Fruits of Industry -Music, the Food of Love—l calculate not—Mu s i c h ath Charms—not so always—Where's the Police I—Opening o f the Great National Dog Show —Port Whine and Bark —an Impudent Puppy—Carrots and a Turn-up—Clown gets Pugnatious—a Dog,-MA —Dog ch ea p and dear Hound— Clown keeps the Dog Watch , which he enters—the Way to Barking—Clown and Pantaloon gone to the Dogs— Sweet Sounds—Calculation, Multiplication, and Vexation —Clown's Cat Show—Cats - up an d Cats down, and a C ats' at for the Garotters—Descend ye nine —Do g s' Meat—C Meat—a Jolly Dog—a Pair of Tabbies—the gill-Kenny_ Cats—the Seat of War—How it will all end—a Prize Fight for a prize Cup—Catalessis—Catacresis—a Catastrophe which leads to a Cataract of the Feline Race, and thus ends the Catalogue. Scene S—(Comic) —EXTERIOR of MARINE STORES, PUBLIC-HOUSE, AND SAILOR'S HOME Invented by Mr. J. Cormack. C. LAURI, D. JOHNSON, ST. MAINE, and the Misses GUNNISS. Nautical Hornpipe, by M. ST. MAINE and the Misses GUNNISS. Set a thief to catch a thief—and he will go the " whole Hog or None"—A Sailor, half Seas over, mistakes all he Sees-0 1,1 Aunt Sally proves herself, rayther— Shell Hands wanted—and secured by Hook or by Crook—An cient and Modern Warriors —Hearts of Oak—Our Ironsides (not Cromwell's) Al good metal—the great Drainage Question —Pretty Poll of Wapping —she was such a nice young Gal I with Old Ballad, " the Lass that loved a Sailor' Home, home, Sweet Home"— The Sailors' Home—time to go home, but before_doing so we introduce you to Last Scene.—(Danson and Sons.) ENGLAND'S GLORY AND RICHES BROUGHT BY HER OCEAN WAVES Box-office open from Ten till Six daily. Doors open at Half-past Six, commence at Seven. ActiugAtwager, Mr, I', 33, CRATTERTON, THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, JANUARY 22, 1863 No_ 22,017 DR. CUM ‘tING'S NEW WORK - . Now rendy, in 2 %els., printed on toned pnper, TITUFT W 00D, SEAWEED, and FALLEN LEAVES. By the Bev. JOHN CUMMING, D.D., rtITIE BANK of WALES (Limit ed).— Incorpo ratedA- under the Joint-stock Comp inies Acts and the Joint-stock Banking Comp inies Acts of 1856-7-8, whereby the liability of every SharchAder is limited to the amount of h's Shares. Capital £1,'00,000, in 10,0 - 0 shares of £lOO each. First Issue, £s' 0,000, in 5,( 00 Shares. Deposit on App icatlon £1 per Share, ana on Allotment £1 per Share. No call to exceed £5. and an interval of not less thin Three Months between each call. It Is not intended to call up more than £25 per Share. Dinnerrons. F.l;. ~. L "In these volumcs the social, literary, moral, and religious questions of the thy are treated by Dr. Cumming with much clearness of perception, and with great liberality of senti ment."—Observer. " There are many papers in this work thit are at once genial and earnest."—Morning Yost. A. Alison, Esq , late Messrs. Alison, Merry, and Coningliam, Hurst and Blackett, 13, Great Marlborough-street. G:asg - ow. John Britten, Esq., 2 1 , Basinghall-street. Jam: s B. Cumming, Esq., Messrs. Cumming, Beaver and Co , •Sin spore and London. Jahn Ha'.kblock, Esq., Director of the City Bank. Charles Ileneage, Esq., Cadogan-place, Belgr.ye-square. Deane J. Hoare, Esq., Director of the Bank of Hindustan. Jasper Wilson Johns, Esq., Deputy Chairman of the Oswes try, Ellesmere, and Whitchureh Railways. F. Law, Esq., Director of the Midland Banking Company. J. Reid Mackenzie, Esq. late Manager of Bank of Ceylon. William M'Naughten, Esq., Director of the City Bank. George Henry M ney, Esq., s, Berkeley-street, BerKeley- Now ready, at all the L brarit s. in 3 vols., D A VI I) Er.Gl N B lt On. By GEORGE MAC DONA ED, M.A. " There are many beautiful passages and descriptions in this book. The characters are extremely well drawn' Athenaeum. " A clever novel. The inc idents are exciting, al d the in terest is maintained to the close. It may be doubted if Sir Walter Scott himselt ever painted a Scotch fireside with more truth than Mr. MacDonald." —Post. Hurst and Blackett, publishers, 13, Great Marlborough street. square. Thomas Ouchterlony, Esq., VI, Fenchurch-street. C. F. Picard, Esq., Messrs. C. F. Picard and Co., Crutched friars. L IVES of EMINENT STATESMEN in FUN, every week. One Penny BANKERS.-1 he City Bank. AUDITORS. Messrs. Cooper Brothers and Co., Public Auditors, 13, George street, Mansion House. James Goodson, Esq., Director of the Guardian Insurance Company. Samuel Burgess Gunnell, Esq. SOLICITORS. Messrs. Crosley and Burn, :14, Lombard-street, London, E.C. Mr. Charles Parke, 37, Moorgate-street, London, E.C. BROKERS. - Messrs. Woolley and Coates, 26, Tokenhouse yard. SECRETARY (pro tem.)—Edward Walker, Esq. Temporary Offices-69, Cornhill. The continuous and increasing development, for more than half a century, of native wealth in the mines, the trade, and the agriculture of the Principality of Wales has by no means been accompanied by a corresponding expansion of banking accommodation in the district. In the large towns, as well as the centres of population and enterprise in the mining counties, there has universally been felt and expressed the want of a Joint-stock Bank for Wales. The present Banks which carry on business in the towns of North and South Wales, more or less remote, being restricted In capital and limited in connection, fail to give that general support, or to afford that well-grounded and extensively ramified basis for trading transactions which the special ope rations of a well-regulatedJuint-stock Bank can alone secure to its customers. Now Ready, handsomely bound in Magenta cloth, gilt, price 4s. 6d. ; post free, is., the SECOND half-yearly VOLUME of FUN, with numerous Engravings by talented artists, and humor ous Articles by the following distinguished writers : W. Bailey, Esq. W. S. Gilbert, Esq. W. Barber, Esq. T. Hood, Esq. E. L. Blanch ird, Esq. T. S. Jerrold, Esq. G. W. Bridge Irian, Esq. W. J. Prowse, Esq. F. C. Burnand, Esq. Godfrey Turner, Esq. R. J. Byron, Esq. &c., &a., &o. Office, 80, Fleet-street, London. SAWYER'S FAMOUS LONDON DINNER FOR THIS DAY, At 2s. ed. each Person. 1301JPS—Malligatarinp.-Spring. - - . FISH—Cod and Oyster Sauce Fried Whitings. ENTREES—Sweetbreads a•le Fines Herbes—Curry of Mutton a l'lndienne. JOlNTS—Stewed Beef a la Portugaise -Boast Saddles of Mutton. SWEETS—Cabinet Puddings—Lemon Jelly. Cheese and Sa;ad. THE LONDON, 19', FLEET-STREET. „ The extension of railway communication throughout the Principality has been followed by a largely incre sed amount of trade, both internal and external. For this no additional facilities have as yet been supplied by any enlarged system of banking ; nor is this requirement likeiy to diminish, judging from the fact that at the present moment there are about 400 miles of railway in course of construction in Wales, all lead ing up to several new openings for trade, and pointing to the need of still further banking accommodation. It cannot be doubted that the advantages of local Joint stock Banking, so highly remunerative in England and Ire land, may be confidently anticipated to be extensively de veloped also in Wales. Negociations are pending, and nearly completed, for the purchase of important private banking concerns in the Prin cipality, and promises have boen received of accounts to be opened with the Bank of Wales, of themselves sufficient to establish an extensive and valuable business. The Bank of Wales will have branches at Cardiff. Newport, Swansea, Abergavenny, Monmouth, Merthyr Tydvil, Aberyst with, Bangor, and other important towns. Every description of banking business will be undertaken at these establish m nts, such as current accounts, receipt of moneys at inte rest, issuing letters of credit, discounting trade bills for cus tomers, conducting agencies, sale and purchase of stocks and securities, receiving dividends, and all other legitimate banking transactions. The management in chief of the Bank will be in London, the district business being carried on under the supervision of local Managers, who in all important transactions will be r. quired to refer to the Board of Directors in London, under the same system of central control and inspection which has been so advantageously acted upon in Ireland by the Provin cial Bank, and in England by the National Provincial Bank. It is hardly necessary to point out that these Banks are re ferred to because t le Shares of the former are returning a dividend of 20 per cent. per annum, while those of the latter are at premium in the ma ket of from 250 'o 300 pe, 'cut. The Directors have made arrangements by which all pre liminary expenses. legal charges, printing, advertisements, and all other costs whatever up to the allotment of the Shares, sh Al not excerd the sum of £6,000. Appli ations f r shares to be made in the annexed form, and Die deposit of £1 ter share paid to the bankers. Should no allotment be made the deposit will be returned in full, and in cases where a less number o' sha.es than has been applie i for be allotted the surplus wil I be applied towards the addi tonal payment to be made on allotment. Pro pectuses and forms of app ications for shares may be obtained at the Ten porary Offi es and at the Broke-s. CANTERBURY HALL.—The LANCASHIRE CHAMPION PRIZE HAND-BELL RINGERS — conducted by Mr. E. BENsoN—in Classical, Operatic, and Dance Music, at half-past Nine o'clock. A portion of the proceeds will be given to the LANCASHIRE DISTRESS FUND. THE THIRD EDITION of the renowned Pantomimic Entertainment, THE ENCHANTED HASH, thirteen cha racters, sorely sustained by Mr. E. Marshall. lINSWORTH, in his Stump Speech upon all the recent topics, and a host of other Comic talent. GRAND OPERATIC SELECTIONS, conducted by Mr. Jonghmans, as usuaL ( 1 H E 0 X F 0 R 1), 6, OXFORD STREET. TUE LANCASHIRE CHAMPION PRIZE HAND BELL RINGERS, Twelve Performers on Sixty-six Bells. Conductor, Mr. E. BENSON. Drew Dean's Flute Silos. • lees, four-part Songs, Choruses, &c., and other musical attracts ns, including a Grand Selec tion from GLucx's opera " ALCESTE," now produced for the first time in this country, and supported by the entire company, full band and chorus. Conductor, Mr. F. Jongh mans. Miss Caroline Parkes' Pantomimic Sketch, "Little Red Riding Hood." George Hodson's Irish, Miscellaneous, and Ventriloquial Entertainment. Unsworth's great Stump Speech, "Or any other man." Eugene's burlesque Scenas and Dances. W. Randall's New Comicalities, &c., every evening. The provincial Engagements of the Bell-Ringers compell ing them to leave London, their Last Appearance, on SATURDAY, Slat instant, is reluctantly announced. A RGYLL ROOMS, Windmill-street, Piccadilly. CX- Open nightly for Promenade. There Is added to the above elegant Establishment a Grand Conversation Saloon Reading Room, and Smoking Lounge. French, Gorman, and English papers taken in. The musical arrangements under the direction of Mons. Boulcourt. The Band is composed of the best Musicians in the metro polis. Admission ls.—Manager, M. Grenet. FORII OF APPLICATION FOR SHARES. To the Directors of the Bank of Wales (Limited). _ _ Gentlemen, —Having paid to your bankers the sum of being a deposit of £ 1 per share on shares in the a'bove Company, I hereby request that you will allot me that number, and I accet t such shares, or any less num ber you may allot me, and agree to execute the Articles of Association, when required; and I request that my name may be placed on the Register of Shareholders for the shares so allotted. Name in full Residence Profession or Business Date A RGYLL ROOMS.-JULLIEN'S PROME NADE CONCERTS will take place at the above Rooms on TUESDAY, Jan. 27th. On this occasion the Pro gramme will include Selections and Arrangements from the Works of the following Mastk rs : Mozart—Ross"ni—M eyerbeer—Donizetti. The Dance Mus:c from the repertoire of the late M. Jullien Admission, is, Manager, 31. GRENET. - . --- .. ,''''' 1 t. 1,..:, ` .'l. --, 1,---- l '•%•>. '' -1' ( ' P' , P . •.. -- --._ - 11) 7 -4 Y ,„,,,, . . . • - • . ... , . • '''' ' i, ,, - • \ 0110111111* -,....• 48 , , I) i. •It ~-: ---- . . .. . . . , (. 2, -_,, ,l'Lil .' l ' ..'" -...r.-I,' 1 ,- .. - •';' . .-' ".' '- = . ' - 4, t l L : '' , 17.: T `..: . ~,,,.. ~t,..., - , , u ` d .._ -----,` / .-_,;- - ,,,, J .. .,-I+. ,‘,,,,-....% „.,•.. ' -- 1 , ..... , `.....': - !___ :,,,, H ' - ' 4--1 .1) ‘ ,( - 4_ . -F—f--"-Pt.)-' . c e, ' - ii l " -------- --id 7 .7:\ / J ,,i: -: ;i7 - - 1 . . H t' ~..4 & , _:- - 64 , - ' i ' L l 'if ‘ ' ''''"- ' 4 ' :,,, - 01 - ---- , , ,0ru.' ''' -i \ --: - -4-- f___.. -'1 ----k°- ,- ti' . , ,_—_- ,i;;„..,_,.,„ ~\`, _. ~..!- :,:- / , - ~., ---i, ') , I , ' 11..., . 1 .tj flour and other provisions into this country must to some extent have tended to mitigate .the distress, and have enabled many to provide for the wants of o'hers out of their own surplus means. But sup- posing that the Government of this country had been induced, as they were urged frequently, to involve themselves in interference in the nff4irs of the United States—supposing, by some rash and precipitate recognition of those who ire conducting hostilities against the United States—called the Confederate States of America—we had brought ourselves into collision with the United States, where would have been this flour, and ham, and bacon, and eggs ? (Hear, hear.) I suppose if we had been compelled to take up arms against the United States by any unfortunate policy blockading would have been resorted to, and we should have been obliged to establish a blockade of the coast of America for the very purpose of keeping out of this country all this wheat, flour, and eggs which have gone to mitigate the distress of the cotton industry in the present alarming state of affairs. (Applause.) We have from the commencement carried out the doctrine of non-intervention. (Hear, hear.) We have endeavoured to preserve a strict neutrality between the two contending parties. It was impos sible to avoid recognising the belligerent rights of the South at the outset of the contest, because it was a contest of such magnitude, and the insur- gents, as they were called, were so numerous and so powerful, that it would have been impossible to recognise them in any other capacity but as per sons entitled to bear arms; and if we had not done so, and if their armed vessels found on the seas were treated as pirates, it must be obvious to every one that this would have been an unparalleled coutse of action. We were compelled to recognise the bellige rent rights of the South, but there has been no desire on the part of the Government to favour either the one side or the other. My earnest desire is to pre serve strict neutrality, and, whatever may be my individual feelings—for we must have our sympa- ,hies on the one side or the other—whatever may be my feelings as a member of Parliament and the Executive Administration, I believe it to be for the nterest of England that this neutrality should be observed; and therefore making the interest of my country paramount to all other considerationF, I should suppress any feelings of sympathy for one side or the other, and endeavour to pursue a course of strict neutrality. (Applause.) I have a return here of various articles imported and exported, which is rather pregnant. During the 11 months of the last year up to Nov. 30, there were imported 18,084 tons of rags against 15,308 tons in 1861, and ,he quantity of paper exported in the same years ncreased from £327,000 to £411,000, which proves :hat the paper industry of England must be on the ncrease. I find also that the aggregate value of British exports in 1862, as far as the returns are completed, amount to some £123,000,000 against £125,000,000 in 1861, and £136,000,000 in 1860. The quantities of the principal articles exported in 1862 are, with scarcely an exception (besides cot ton) in excess of the quantities exported in 1861. The exports of cotton yarns were 91,500,0001 b. in 1862 against 178,000,0001 b. in 1861, and 197,000,000 pounds in 1860. The declared value will be about £6,000,000 in 1862 against nearly £10,000,000 in 1861, and £9,500,000 in 1860. These figures show a decrease of exports of cotton of 94 per cent. upon 1861, and of 115 per cent. upon 1860; and, as re gards value, of 64 per cent. upon 1861, and of 58 per cent. upon 1860. I mention this to show that the policy of commercial freedom pursued by the Government has tended to increase our exports, and would have continued to do so if there had been no civil war in America, and that the French treaty has gone far to counterbalance the loss which has arisen from the failure of the cotton supply. The exports to France, had the cotton exports been in proportion to other articles, as it would have been but for these unfortunate events, would have amounted to some £10,000,000 sterling. The ex ports to the United States in 1862 will probably amount to £13,500,000 against £9,000,000 in 1861, and £21,600,000 in 1860. It is remarkable that, notwithstanding the Morril Tariff, the general re. quirements of the United States have necessitated an increase of exports from this country in 1862. I think we have therefore a right to congratulate our selves upon the success of a commercial policy which the Liberals supported Government in carry ing through Parliament the Session before last, and if it had not been for this sound commercial policy the distress under which the country now labours would have been materially increased. We have almost made this American question an English one, and people discuss it with all the eagerness of those who are parties in the conflict. I think that to in terfere by the expression of opinion to this extent would not be wise; and for one, I should not go far in that direction; but I don't feel myself precluded from reverting to the past. Without undertaking to predict what will be the termination of the war, I will state what I believe to have been the cause and origin, and what is necessary to be settled in order to secure a permanent and lasting peace. (Hear.) I have often been astonished to hear it asserted that slavery had nothing to do with this war, for somehow slavery must have to do with it, because it constitutes such a great distinction in itself between the two communities. 1 have examined documents of undoubted autho rity to ascertain what were the causes which the Secessionist States themselves alleged as the ground for taking up arms, in order to separate themselves from the rest of the Union. The first State that separated was South Carolina. When they first seceded they published to the world a formal declaration of the ground of their secession and the other States which followed seceded exactly upon the same grounds. Now, what were these grounds ? The first part of the South Carolina de claration consists of an argument showing the legality of secession, that if they choose they have a right to secede ; and the latter part goes on to state the grounds on which they think proper to coerce that secession. These were that a geographical line has been drawn across the Union, and all the States north of that line have united in the election of a man to the office of President of the United States whose opinions and purpose are hostile to slavery. (Applause.) It was not that President Lincoln had been elected contrary to form of law, that there had been any violation of the Constitution, but it was that he held opinions hostile to slavery. In another part of this declaration they complain that the Northern States have assumed a right to decide upon the propriety of their domestic institution, and have denied the right of property established in 15 States and recognised by the Constitution ; they have de• nounced as sinful the institution of slavery, and have further aggravated the curse 'by investing a great political question with the sanction of an erroneous religious belief; therefore there is an end to the:ques tion that the Southern States did not secede on the question of slavery. They have stated that it was on account of slavery and nothing else. In fact, out of the four gentlemen who were nominated to the office of President, three held opinions favourable to slavery extension, and to the policy of the Fugitive Slave Law ; bat Mr. Lincoln was d i st i ngu ished from to the rest by holding that Congress had a ri g ht w State's, prohibit the extension of slavery into new Fugitive and was opposed to the policy of Slave Law. These were theop was elected, and I must confess ..ons. o: ir. b L el i i n ev co in ln g ,s ethxaet iizston appearw h i t c o h ra h e e (Cheers.) The to be very reasonable opinions. , p t e h r e ni re it w te o d u . ld lcM r . slavery South seceded w oul d notitl be safe consequenceu. nder cutive, and that the carrying out of the Fugitive y ele t c o t elected, Slave Law washandothleieknel have secession, as he was the candidate of the been no South, in favour of the Fugitive Slave Law, and of o pinion that Congress had no right to prohibit the extension of slavery. Secession had taken place, and the consequent war for the purpose of perpetuating, cherishing, and extending slavery, I don't believe ~, = ~ L%tom ~t ~~~ GG L' - ~ -= ~G i~~~ ~ - ~~~- _- PRICE .1(1. STAMPED that au empire having slavery as its basis can be a prosperous, happy, and enduring empire, and there fore cannot desire to see one established in any part of the world. The bishops of the Episcopal Church of the Confederate States have said that the aboli- ---~~, \ ~~ ~t ~/) the came 'works thete ta also 'Doug eizotea rotii machinery that will turn out plates 12 inches in thickness, and still thicker if required. The Mil wall Company are also erecting rolling machinery for 12-inch plates. The Mars, 74, screw line-of-battle ship, Capt. James N. Strange, which arrived in St. Helen's Roads off Portsmouth on Tuesday, as notictd in I he Sun of yesterday, steamed up and anchored at Spit head yesterday morning, exchanging salutes with the flagship Victory. The Mars left (iibraltar ou the 3d inst., sailing nearly the whole voyage from Beyrout, and has experienced very fine weather, with the exception of strong easterly winds when off Cape Finisterre. The Mars has brought home one military and 52 naval invalids, who v,ere dia embarked in the Sprightly steam tender, l‘kster- Commander Allen, yesterday afternoon. She has also brought home a large quantity of Government stores ; but. it is probable they will not be landed at Portsmouth, as the ship has orders to proceed im mediately to Sheerness; she was, however, at the time of our despatch leaving, still at Spithead, and was not likely to start before the morning. The following appointments were made yeaer day at the Admiralty :—Commander 11. F. W. In gram to the Buzzard; Charles W. Ross, master, to the Alecto ; W. L. Southey, master, to the Buzzard ; W. Edney, surgeon, to the Alecto; George M. Blyth, paymaster, to the Alecto ; Richard C. Webb, clerk, to the Alecto;- and James G. Bain, in the Wcser,has been promoted to acting first-class assist.- engineer. With reference to a statement made in our impres sion of the 19th inst., under the head of Naval and Military Intelligence, it should have been added that " Brigadier-General Staveley's resignation was caused from ill health." tion of slavery is hateful, infidel, nu , l pestilent. (A Voice—" That's like 'mist - Ins.") (Laughter.) I, on the contrary, believe that slavery is hateful, infidel, and pestilent. I will not, predict the course w hi c h the events of this war ny,y take, but looking at the map, which I did to-day, it appears to me that the geographical position of the North, so far as terri tory is concerned, is stronger than it was 12 months ago, They have suffered great defeats, and they have had some successes, but I find that the North are now possessed of larger territory than they were 12 months ago. Missouri, which was then de bateable ground, they now possess; also Kentucky and West Virginia, and a portion of Louisiana. It therefore appears that the territory which the North possessed at the beginning of last year has not been lessened but increased in extent; these are facts which all may ascertain for themselves. The right hon. gentleman then stated that our policy must be strictly neutral, that the proposal from France for mediation had been respectfully declined, that he should rejoice to see the war terminated, but that he thought we should abstain from interfering un til the time came when we might be asked to give our good offices. If we were invited by the proper parties to take part in any negotia tions for peace then we might do so, but if we undertook that office without being asked, and be- fore the proper time, it would not tend4o the pro motion of our amicable relations with America. After a few other concluding observations, the right hon. gentleman resumed his seat amid loud cheers. Extraordinary Affair at Wednesbury. ------.. At the Wednesbury Police-court, on Tuesday be fore W. Partridge, Esq. ' stipendiary, Samuel Hack wood, parish constable, Selina Rowley, and Robert Rowley, her son, were charged with having on Saturday last induced a great number of people to riot, and to eject from possession of the Hone and Jockey public-house, High Bullen, certain county court bailiffs who were then in possession under an order from the Judge of the Walsall Count Court. Mr. W. H. Duignan represented the assignees, who claimed possession ; Mr. Bartlett, of Wolver hampton, appeared on behalf of Mr. Megevan, high bailiff of the court; and Mr. Bayley defended the Rowleys. The defendant Hackwood applied for an adjourn ment. He said he was only served with the sum mons on Monday night, and had not had sufficient time to summon his witnesses. He had 20 wit nesses to summon, whose testimony would fully exonerate him. Mr. Duignan said thatcan adjurnment would be very inconvenient, and would result 'very seriously to his clients. He stated the facts of the case briefly remarking that a person named Elizabeth Gwilt, of West Bromwich, petitioned the Birmingham Bank ruptcy Court in November last; that Messrs. Titley and Smith were the appointed assignees, and by an agreement among the creditors the proceedings were transferred to the Wal sall County Court. The house, known well as the Horse and Jockey, in the High Bullen, Wednesbury, had been for a long time in the bankrupt's name, her name being over the door and on the licences, but the de fendant, Mr. Rowley, had lived there, and managed the business. Under the bankruptcy the bailiffs entered the house, and had possession for two or three weeks, until the assignees could get a cus tomer for the stock and goodwill, and Mrs. Rowley was allowed to remain there until her conduct was so bad that she was ordered to leave the premises. This she refused to do, and was backed up by some of ,her friends. Mr. Megevan, the high bailiff, at length obtained sufficient force, and she and her friends were ejected. On Saturday last, however, the defendant Hackwood got together between 300 and 400 people, and between three and four o'clock on that afternoon they broke into the house and for cibly ejected the bailiffs, injuring one of them so seriously that he had kept his bed ever since. The defendants and their friends at the present time remained in triumphant possession of the place, and were very much appreciating the value of the stock. The assignees had succeeded in getting a customer for the goodwill and effects for £220, and that sum would enable the creditors to obtain a dividend of about 10s. in the pound, but if the defendants were allowed to run riot in the house for a week the value of the stock would probably be much decreased. Mr. Bayley said that on behalf of his clients he disputed the right of the assignees to take posses sion or to issue any order. Mr.Duignan produced the bankruptcy proceedings, and referred to the judge's order. He afterwards made some remarks respecting the fact that the police had not interfered on Saturday to stop the illegal proceedings of defendants. Mr. Partridge said he was glad Major M'Knight, deputy chief constable of the county, was present to hear Mr. Duignan's remarks. For his own part, he did not see that he could give any instructions to the police, and he was sure Major APKuight knew his duty and would perform it. Mr, Partlett suggested that if the case were ad journed the defendants should be called upon to give a guarantee that possession of the house should be immediately given up to the assignees. Mr. Bayley intimated that his clients would not consent to any such course. After some discussion it was agreed to adjourn the hearing until Tuesday next. Mr. Megevan then said he must charge Hack wood with assaulting one of his bailiffs whilst in the execution of his duty. The man was seriously hurt, and he thought Hackwood ought to be called upon to put in bail for his appearance. Hackwood denied having committed any assault, and said he could produce five or six witnesses. He would take care to be present to answer the charge. As for the possession of the house, he held a war rant on behalf of the landlord for rent. Mr. Duignan said he quite understood that the landlord's claim had been compromised. Major M'Knight having explained that the police had no authority to interfere in such matters, this terminated the proceedings in court. A. consu ltation betwe' n Major M`Knight, Mr. Mege van, Mr. Inspector Holland, and Mr. Bartlett, subsequently took place, the result of which was that in the course of the afternoon the high bailiff, and four or five bailiffs of the county court, went up together to the Horse and Jockey to re-obtain pos session. Major M'Knight, Mr. Inspector Holland, and the majority of the division of the police were at hand to prevent a breach of the peace. A crowd of people, numbering 150 or 200, assembled in front of the house. After the bailiffs had knocked at the doors and requested admittance, and were refused, one of the bailiffs attempted to force n door with a crowbar. This door being too firmly barricaded to yield to such force the window was attempted, and after some difficulty the shutters were forced, and the sashes were shattered. Mrs. Rowley and the besieged then appeared armed with formidable wea pons, which they threatened to use upon the head of the first bailiff who should dare to enter, and thus the keepers were held at bay for some time. At length Major M'Knight held a parley with Mrs. in bailiffs e the_ entering through the window. Rowley, which resulted They remained . .d in the hou se for a considerable t ime, and in the meanwhile the mob outside shouted encouragement to Mrs. Rowley and her friends who had so gallantly defended the fortress. A row at the door called general atten tion to it, and when it 'was opened Robert Rowley, t he son, was forcibly ejected. H e resisted boldly, an d assaulted two of th e b a ili ffs in the street, which was the signal fo r th e i nterference of thepolice, who, amidst the yelling of the mob, took him into custody. Benjamin Rowley, uncle to the young man, was afterwards ejected, and as he was violent he was also taken to the station. After the siege had lasted nearly an hour, Mrs. Rowley, consider ing perhaps that discretion was in such a case the better part of valour, and especially as she had given unmistakable proof of valour during the con flict, escaped by a side window, and so the bailiffs were left in possession. They immediately com menced removing the goods, an operation which would occupy a long time, and iou vel.ich they were engaged when our reporter left. It was anticipated that in the course of the night some disturbance might take place, but the police were on the spot to suppress anything of the kind should it be attempted. The effeir has excited much interest in the town. —Birmingham Post. On the motion of Mr. HUGH MASON, a vote of confidence in Mr. Gibson was passed unanimously, and the meeting terminated. E XTRAORDINARY SILVER MINE. — In the Geo logical Museum there is a l um p of silver, about as much as would make forty shillings, which is stated to have been taken from the stomach of a mule in Mexico. It appears to be a common occurrence to find quantities of silver in the stomach and int es ti nes of the mules w orking i n the Mexican silver mi nes, an d i ts presence is accounted for by the mules eating mud (which con tains much silver), for t h e purpose of obtaining the sa lt which is mixed up With it also. The silver is said to accumulate to a cons i derable extent 'without proving injurious, and this furnishes us with another fact to indicate how living tissues tolerate the presence of metallic substances, A correspondent of the Veterinary Review facetiously suggests that the Mexican veterinary surgeons Will find their fees for post-mortem examinations in the stomachs of their patiente,—.l,Vieet. THE LONDON ANATOMICAL MUSEUM ; containing the Wonders of Nature and Art, shown by innumerable superbly executed Models, illustrating every part of the Human Frame, together with a variety of highly interesting Natural Preparations, 111alformations, and Mon strosities. Open daily, from ll to 10 (for Gentlem , n only). Admission One Shilling. Entrances 29, George-street, Han over-square, and 41A, Maddox-street, Regent-street, Lon don, W. Explanatory Lecture every Evening at Seven. Illus trated and DCS.II iptive Catalogues sent, post free, for twelve stamps. Address the Secretary, as above. T OYAL FREE HOSPITAL, Gray's-inn-road u in the immediate vicinity of the Great Northern Rail way Terminus, at King's-cross. Patron—The QUEEN. President—The Duke of BUCCLEUCH, K.G. Treasurer—Edward Masterman, Esq. This was the first hospital to introduce the principle of free and instant admission to the destitute sick, without the for mality of governors' letters. It is entirely devoted to desti tution in its most pitiable form—viz., that which is accom panied by sickness and disease, and is now of sufficient magnitude that, with adequate support, it may be rendered capable of admitting into its wards a very large proportion of the casual sick of this great metropolis. It requires but the funds in order to have 500 beds available for the reception of these the most wretched of our fellow-creatures. Moreover, it gratuitously affords medical advice and medicine to more, on the average, than 3,000 out-patients a week. The Weekly hoard feel it their imperative duty to make an EARNEST APPEAL to the public for continued support, to enable them to A dmit and relieve the distressing cases that daily present themselves. Contributions are received by the Treasurer, Edward Mae •erman, Esq. Nicholas-lane; also by Messrs. Coutts and Co. ; Drummond' and Co. ; Herries and Co. ; Ransom and Co. ; Prescott, Grote, and Co.; Smith, Payne, and Co. ; Glyn and Co. ; Jones Loyd and Co. ; Barclay and Co. ; Denison and Co. ; W Mama, Deacon, and Co. ; Overend, Gurney, and Co. ; Nisbet and Co. ; Messrs. J. Barned and Co Liverpool; and at the HospitaL STANFORD S. SMITH, Secretary. NO NEW YEAR'S GIFT is more valuable than OLDRIDr4E'S BALM OF COLUM BIA, established upwards of thirty years. Is the beet and only certain remedy ever discovered for preserving, strengthening, beautifying, or restoring the hair, whiskers, or moustaches, and preventing them turning grey. Sold i n bottles, 3s. 6d., 65., and ils., by C. and A. OLDRIDGE, 22, Wellington-street. Strand, London, W.C., arid all chemists and perfumers. For childrens' and ladies' hair it is most efficacious and unrivalled. ORNAMENTS for the Drawing-room, Library, -,nd Dining-room, consisting of a new and els;rant assort ment of VASES, Figures, Groups, Candlestick e,O )elisks, Ink stands, beautiful inlaid Tables, Paper weight s, & in Italian, Alabas er, Parian, Marble, Bronze, Derbyshire Spar, &c. Imported and manufactured by JAMES TENNANT, Mine ralogist to her Slaiesty, 149, Stand, W.C., Lonaon. Mr. Tennant arranges elementary collections of SHELLS, MINERALS, ROCKS, and FOSSILS, which will greatly facilitate 'he interesting study of MINERALOGY , CON CHOLOGY, nd GEOLOGY, at 2,5, 10, 20, 50, to 100 guineas each. PRACTICAL INSTRUCTION in GEOLOGY and MINE RALOGY is given by Mr. TENNANT. at 149, Strand, W.C. STEOE I D 0 N VI What is it? See Patent, March 1, 1812, No. 580. GABRIEL'S Self-adhesive Patent Indestructible MINE RAL TEEf II and FLEXIBLE GUMS, without palates, ,prings, or wires, and without oper ation. One set lasts a lifetime, and WARRANTED FOR MASTICATION and ARTICULATION. Purest materials only, at half the usual ost. Messrs. GABRIEL, the old-established Dentists, 27, HARLEY-STREET, CAVENDISH - SQUAR E ; 34, LUDGATE-HILL, LONDON ; 65, NEW-STREET, BIRMINGHAM; and 134, DUKE-STREET, LIVERPOOL. INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITION, CLASS 17. One visit only required from country patients. Gabriel's Practical Treatise gratis. Consultation!' free. RUPTURES.—BY ROYAL LETTERS PATENT. WHITE'S MOC-MAIN LEVER TRUSS (PERFECTED AND EXTIIRITED IN TILE GREAT ExmBITION S OF 1851 AND 1962), is allowed by upwards of Two Hundred Medical Gentlemen to be the most effective Invention in the curative treatment of II ERN I A. The use of a steel spring, so often hurtful in its effects, 8 here avoided—a soft bandage being worn round the I , n od d y c , l :l ,,B i el i ne ie eeps t s. he requisite resisting power is supplied by the Sloe-Main Pad and Patent Lever, fitting with so much ease t A hat ae i s t en e t aii v o e t b detected, and may , be w c o7 luring circular may be had , and the truss, which cannot fail umference of the bod y , Mr. WlTlTF.7 22 rw B, arded by post, on the Jr 3', two inches below the hips, being Piccadilly. .aent to the manufacturer, A Single Truss, lfSe., 215., 265. rd., and 31s. 6d. Postage, le. 4 Double Truss, 31 s. 6 d_ , 42 e.. and 528. 6d. Postage , l e Bd. An Umbilical Trues , 42 5. and 525. 6d. Postage, le. 10d. , post-office Orders to be made payable to John White, Pos u e, Piccadilly. NEW PATENT ELASTIC STOCKINGs KNEE-CAPS, ac.. for Varicose Veins and all ease . - 0 1 Weakness and Swelling of ihe Legs, Sprains, Ste. They are porous, light In texture, and inexpensive, and are drawn on liY ean ordinary stocking. Price 4s. 61, 7s. 6d., 10s., to 16s. eadh. Postage 6d. JOHN WHITE, Manufacturer, 228, Piccadilly. AN EFFECTUAL REMEDY.-LAMBERT'S ASTHMATIC BALSAM, without confining the bowels or affecting the head, truly efficacious and pleasant, is admitted to be the best medicine for immediately relieving, coughs, colds, confirmed cases of asthma, and pient con sumption. It frequently cures persons whom the faculty pronounce incurab,e, admirably allays the tickling which pro vokes frequent coughing. In approaching consumption its effects are truly beneficial. Persons deprived of sleep, or even lying down for fear of suffocation, may depend on relief in a few minutes after taking it. Prepared only and sold b 3, W. LAMBERT, Chemist, 8, Kinz William-street, Charing cross, London, and by all druggists, in bottles, 13id., and three quantities in one, 2s. 9d. each. Be particular, and ask for Lambert's Asthmatic Balsam. The name and ad dress is engraved en the stamp. ( -- i_EOLOGY.—KING'S COLLEGE, London.— v..A Professor TENNANT, F.G.S., will commence a COURSE OE LECTURES, on GEOLOGY, on FRIDAY MORNING NEXT, January 23d, at Nine o'clo:k. They will be continued on each su ceeding, Wednesday and Friday at the same hour. Fee, £2 12s. 6d. R. W. JELF, D.D., Principal. RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. MANCHESTER, SHEFFIELD, AND LINCOLN- SHIRE. The report of the directors of this company states that the accounts for the half-year ending Dec. 31 show a total revenue from all sources of £339,599, a total expenditure of £184,925, and a balance of net profit of £154,674, which with the balance of £990 brought from the previous half year, gives a total of £155,661 available for interest and di vidend. The debenture and other interest chargeable against revenue for the half-year amounts to £59,734, the canal annuities to £11,143, the dividends on the various classes of preference stock and shares to £76,391, making a total charge against the above net balance of £150,268, leaving a balance of £5,396 for the next half-year. This result, unfavourable as it is, as regards its effect upon divi dend, is not so much so as night have been anticipated from the continuance of the depressing causes, which have been more severely felt during the past half-year than in the corresponding period of 1861. The loans falling due on the Ist inst. have been renewed upon favourable terms. The traffic receipts forthe past half•year amount to £288,943, and for the corresponding period of 1861 to £300,389. The de crease on the receipts for merchandise and mineral traffic is £14,788, while the increase in the receipts for passengers and live stock amounts to £3,342, leaving the net decrease £11,446. Of the £288,913 received for traffic, the sum of £148,157 was for local traffic, and £140,786 for foreign traffic. The tonnage in and out of the Grimsby Docks during the half-year amounts to £4,123, and for the corresponding period to £4,384, showing a decrease of £261. The continued falling off in the trade of the Humber has deprived the company temporarily of a large and. valuable traffic. During the half-year the old dock gates and entrances have been thorcughly renewed, and additions and alterations have been made to the Fish Craft Dock, which has involved an outlay of about £9,000. This expenditure being of an extraordi nary and exceptional character, the directors have decided to spread the payment over a period of four years. This company's share of the net profits from the South Junction Railway has been £8,157, against £7,894, showing an in crease of £253. The revenue of the canals shows a decrease of net profit as compared with the corresponding period of 1861 of £3,111. The working expenses of the railway for the half-year amount to £163,626, and for the correspond ing period to £1,8,863, showing a decrease 'if £4,763. The permanent way and works have been efficiently maintained, but £7,118 of the money expended upon it during the past half-year has been charged to the permanent way suspense account, which it is intended now to close, and very shertly to commence reducing. The canal expenses for the half-year amount to £26,062, against £26,430, showing a decrease of £368. Tha directors have no bill in Parliament this session. The capital account shows that £9,802,159 had been ex pended to Dec. 31, leaving a balance of £34,210 in favour of the company. The revenue account for the half-year showed that £339,599 had been received, and £184,925, or 66.63 per cent., expended in working the railway and canal, leaving a balance of £154,674. METROPOLITAN It appears that the traffic receipts on this new line for the 10th and 11th inst. amounted, for passengers only, to £843. The receipts for the week ending the 18th inst. amounted to £2,306, being at t he rate of £ 615 per mile per week. RAILWAY BILLS. Yesterday, before the Examiners, the following bills were declared to have complied with the standing orders of both Houses of Parliament :—Lancaster Canal and Londol and North-Western, for the transfer of the canal to the railway company; Workington Dock, to enable the Earl of Lens dale to make a wet dock at Workington and a railway to join the Whitehaven Junction, at an estimated cost of £58,000; Okehampton and Lidford, for an extension lo the Launceston and South Devon Railway, and to raise £160,000; London, Brighton. and South Coast, foi new lines to the Crystal Palace, and at Croydon, and a tramway at New haven, with acquisition of additional lands, and to raise a further sum of £lOO,OOO ; West Hartlepool, to regulate the capital ; Blackburn, Chorley, and Wigan, to connecrthose places at an estimated cost of £' 60,000; the Launceston and South Devon ; Waterford and Passage, for an extension to alter the line in the south-west shore of the estuary of the river Suir at Pas the Londonderry sage, with ferries, and to raise L 26,000 ; Portsdown, Dun gannon, and Omagh, for further powers, and traffic arrange a_, , , andto raise £75,000; Belfast, Holywood, and Ban- The contested cf. ' Ban gor, g r il l;. extend .. _ time for its completion, to contribute towards contributing L2 l P i c l d t Bangor , the county of Donegal, and arrange with s a Q a n d to which,raise EIL regards3s, OO O ; the L e t completenesst e rken ny, to of the plans and seetio ' Maelsf Lough Swilly Railway, the latter s, the standing orders were not com plied with included the West Drayton, Staines, and Chert places, at a cost of £30,000, sey, for a line between those Regent-circu s , to Malmesbury, at an andGre Great to Western borrow L a tlOOOO Christian Y. for a lino from the bur lars further hearing adjourned to estimated co t of £BO,OOO ; Junction, to run from Blisworth to Worc 3 e d and to raise £900,000; Lynn. and Sutton, 1861 and extend time. X e re?', in some particu ; East and West Worcester, with branches to amend act of There being no appearance in the case of the Hammer smith, Kew, and Rich m on d, it was withdrawn. MR MILNER GIBSON AT ASHTON, Last evening the Right Hon. T. M. Gibson ad dressed his constituents in the Town-hall, Ashton. The large room was crowded to excess. Mr. Alfred Rayner, in the absence of the Mayor, presided. The night lion. T. M. GIBSON, on rising, was received with great applause. He said—A remark was made to me when on my journey by a friend that he wondered what I should find to say to my constituents at the present time. My hon. friend the chairman has excited expectations in yeti r minds that lam going to say something worth Paring, and I fear if those hopes aro entertained it you will be disappointed ; but this Ido know, hether there will be much to say, or whether there ill not, that it is becoming in me, as the representative of this important constituency, to present myself be fore the electors and non .electors to give those ex- planations that they are entitled to demand of me as to the course I may have taken in Parliament, and as to the way in which I have fulfilled the im portant trust that they have been pleased to devolve upon me. Therefore, had I nothing to utter, I should feel it a duty and pleasure to appear before this great assembly of electors and non electors of Ashton. The times are undoubtedly not very fa __ _ vourable to the discussion of what may be called domestic politics. The minds of men have been oc cupied first with Vie painful contemplation of the great distress which has fallen upon the cotton in dustry of this country. They have also been na turally watching with interest the progress of the great civil war that is raging on the other side of the Atlantic. These great and painful events must have deeply occupied the thoughts of the intelli gent portion of this great country. What has more contributed to the prosperity and to the greatness of England than this cotton industry which is now prostrated ? It is impossible not to anticipate evil for all if this great branch of our manufacture does not revive. The world has also watched with ad- miration the forbearance with which the suffering has been borne by the industrious classes in the -- - cotton districts. They have acted throughout like men knowing that the cause of suffering was beyond the control of their own country, their own Legislature, and their own Government, and that these distresses had arisen from circumstances for which no one here could be blamed. They have acted as men possessing information, the power of elfs-eco of tr such an intelligent app rec i a ti on o f th e u hevd an intelligent as I am narrati ng; an d, there fore,csanso I think that, should the question of reform come under the consideration of the Legislature, the conduct of the operative classes upon this try ing occasion cannot be forgotten. (App ause.) The Government did not receive, I am here to assert most conscientiously, much encouragement from the country when they offered a measure of Parlia mentary reform; but I am quite convinced that many a hesitating man will have his fear of extend ing popular rights removed when he reflects upon the calm, dignified bearing of the working classes of Lancashire during this time of suffering and dis- tress. (Hear.) Sir, Ido not think it is necessary, after my acquaintance with Ashton some few years, and my having repeatedly explained the general principles which I hold to go through a category of political questions and to state what my political faith upon each particular matter may be. This I will say, generally, that upon no question upon which I have been formerly heard in Ashton have my opinions undergone any change. There was one question during the last session of Parliament which excited rather extraordinary interest. It was the question of abolition of church rates. (Hear.). Now, I wish merely to mention that, although the church-rate abolition party have car ried for a period of years in the House of Commons the abolition of that impost, yet they appear ta have gone back and failed last session, for they were de feated by a majority of one. Perhaps many per sons present are not aware that this going back is not altogether correct, because, although the anti-church-rate party got into a minority of one, yet they had a greater number of sup porters than they had on any former occasion ; if we look we shall find that the number had grown from 217 in 1856 to 288 votes in 1862, the largest number, I believe, that ever voted for the repeal of church-rates. It can hardly be called a going back when, in point of fact, there has been a gradual increase in the numbers of eupporters of abolition of church rates. I mention this because I have seen it stated that the church-rate abolition party have had a serious defeat, and that the question has gone back in public estimation. Now, although we see in this great district such a suspension of employ ment and. such a withdrawal of wages, and the em ployment of capital in connexion with labour, still it is remarkable that the general condition of the country is far more satisfactory than could have been anticipated. We find, notwithstanding the gloomy predictions that were uttered in Parliament, that the Government were reckless in finances, and were throwing away the public income,—we find that we have an ample revenue, that the estimates of coming revenue are likely to be more than ful filled, and that those Customs duties whi , it was said were being sacrificed in order to pa: chase at a dear rate the French Treaty are going to be as great, or very nearly as great, as they were before. A large reduction of taxation took place for the purpose of giving effect to the French Treaty, and also for the purpose of clearing from the Customs a number of unproductive and vexatious additions to the revenue. We were told, with regard to the re peal of the piper duty, that it was a reckless sacri fice of revenue with a view of pleasing somebody who had a crotchet. Well, now, lam prepared to contend that—although I never expected, nor any reasonable man expected, that the whole amount of paper duty would immediately find its way into other branches of the revenue, and not be missed—l have always contended that the repeal of that duty,as a matter of public policy, was calculated to confer more benefit on the community than any advantage which the tax has yielded to the State. (Cheers.) And what was the benefit that I expected from it ? The supplying of a cheap newspaper press for the purpose of circulating throughout the length and breadth of the land information on the facts of the day, which should enable intelligent men to form a true opinion, and render them less likely to be mis led by those w h o might have an interest in mis leading them. (Applause.) I attribute much of the calm, intelligent forbearance that has taken place during the recent distress to the information which has been circulated throughout the country through the influence of a cheap and vastly-extended press, and I know of no support to liberty, and order, and law, and morals so valuable as a cheap newspaper press, independent, and spreading through the country facts on which men :say have their opinions. (Cheers.) After refuting rhe state ment that the repeal of the Pap er d uty would injure the paper-makers, and showing it had resulted in a large increase in the manufacture of paper in the country, the hon. gentleman proceeded to say—l may perhaps be permitted to say a word or two on the general trail:3 of the country, because it is well upon this occasion to take the opportunity of stating publicly what many persons no doubt are aware of, but perhaps may not be Bo generally known as is desirable. Now it is remark a bl e th a t d ur i ng th e last year (18 62 ) we imported no less than 11,632,000 quarters of foreign wheat and wheat flour, which was consumed in England, against 8,748,000 in 1861. That importation was unprecedented, but that of 1862 has exceeded it by 33 per cent. Th e quantity received from the United States in 1862 was exceedingly large, and w as probably about one-third of the total imports. The imports in 1862 of provision, butter, bacon, ham, and eggs, the duties on which were repealed by the present Chancellor of the Exchequer in 1860, were largely in excess of the corresponding importations in 1861 and 1860. Now, thee() l a rge importation s o f f ore ign wheat and Naval and Military Intelligence. THE NAVY. The screw steamship London, 86, Capt. Henry Chads, from the Mediterranean station, which ar rived in Plymouth Sound on Tuesday afternoon, as already reported in _v./he Sun, left Malta on Decem ber the 18th, arrived at Gibraltar on January the 4th, and sailed thence on the 7th. The London brings as passengers one sergeant-major and one corporal of the Commissary Corps, six military and 15 naval invalids, including one from the Phcebe and six from the Redpole, at Gibraltar ; also one sergeant and two privates of the Ist battalion of the 25th Regiment, two privates of the 2d battalion of the 15th, and one private of the Ist battalion of the 22d, and two gunners of the Royal Artillery. The London spoke, January 3d, lat. 36 33 N., long. 3 8 W., the Belle of Devon ; 7th, in the Straits of Gibraltar, the ship Charity; 13th, lat. 38 41 N., long. 11 8 W., a ship with white boats, supposed to be the Moslem, with emigrants ; 15th, lat, 43 8 N., long. 11 46 W., the ship Waterloo ; lat. 43 12 N., long. 11 46 W., the ship Baroness. The Lon don came home under canvass, and lost her jibboom on the Bth, foretopmast on the 9th, and maintop- mast on the 10th ; the weather, however, was generally fine up to the 15th ; when she had reached lat. 43 17 N. Since then strong winds from the north-west have prevailed. The London was com missioned in May, 1859, and has been constantly employed on the Mediterranean station, chiefly at N iples. The ship is in good condition. Her crew will probably be paid off at Plymouth. Some interesting firing at 41 and sk-inch armour plates took place at Portsmouth yesterday, under the superintendence of Commander Herbert, of her Majesty's ship Excellent, acting for Capt. R. S. Hewlett, C. 8., absent from indisposition. The plates to be tested comprised—one from the Atlas Lon and Steel Works, Sheffield (Messrs. John Brown and Co.), and two from the Milwall Iron and Ship building Company's Works (late C. Mare and Co.) the first was a 4 1 -7,-- inch plate for Mr. Reed's iron eased corvette Enterprise, 9ft. 4in. in length and 3ft. Tin. in width. The Milwall plates were sample plates for the Northumberland, building in that ykird, and were 51in. thick, one inch in excess of of the Atlas plates. One plate was annealed, and Bft. 3in. in length by 3ft. 2i-in. in width. The other plate was " tempered," and, with the exception of less in width, was of the same dimensions as the one annealed. All the plates were bolted on to the side of the Powerful, target-ship, in Porchester creek, and the firing was made from the Stork's 95cwt. 68 pounder smooth bore gun at the custo mary 200 yards' distance. One shot was first fired at each plate in its turn, when the fir it)g was sus pended to allow of an examination being made of the effects produced. The annealed plate was found to have been struck by the shot 17in. from its upper edge at its left extremity, the depth of the indent being two inches, with a diameter of nine inches, a crack extending across the corner of the plate from the line of the first square to the bottom line of the same square, or central line of the plate. Another crack was visible below the circumference of the in dent about 5 inches in length. The tempered plate was struck in the bottomcorner of the second square and had buckled outward at either end to the blow, but was without cracks: The depth of the indent was lin. and 9-lOths, and the diameter 9in. There were no visible cracks. The 41- inch plate from the Atlas Works was struck on its left centre, the indent being, in this case also, 1 in. and 9-10ths, and the diameter 9in. The plate was not buckled, and only a slight app earance of separation of metal was visible, and that was in the centre of the place struck, a nd was apparently the outer surface of the metal rubbed up b y the blow. From this the firing was carried on at each plate, with intervals between to allow of the necessary examination, until the two Milwall plates had each received five shots on their left ends from the centre, the Sheffield Atlas plate eight shots in the same quarter. The Milwall plates proved, as had been expected by their makers, incapable of resisting the 68-pounder, and separa tion of metal, as well as penetration of the ship, in their case was perfect. With the Atlas plate the case was more satisfactory. The plate proved of excellent quality, and, although subjected to severe straining blows on its left edge and lower left corner, and to six blows all delivered within a very small space, and in two instances overlapping each other, there were no cracks from individual blows to bolt holes or other weak parts. The separation of metal that took place, irrespective of the edge and corn er blows, was caused by the pounding of the shot . i n eu T re h d e b p y l l\ at i e r s . one particular space, and the consequent asunder of the metal. The ship's side was clear of The beautifully fibrous anything like penetration. in the broken tearing_ nature of this plate was exhibited fully accounts for Bayley, Mr. Brown' s from Milwall were corner piece, a portion , of stated to be purely which w as s r epresentative. e experi mental, which, it is also asserted, their failure. The work is new to the company, and, as they are about to embark largely in 'it even the failure of a few plates may be turned into an ultimate source of profit. The Thames Iron Works and the Atlas Iron and Steel Works gained their position as the acknowledged best makers of ham mered and rolled armour plates respectively oily after numerous failures and heavy outlay. The Mil wall Company, profiting by the experience of others, made public since armour plate forging first began, may attain a position in the first rank without such great losses. The Mil wall plates were forged under the hammer, while Mr. Brown's plates were rolled. The pest two years' experience, and more es pecially that of the past two lvemonth, has, however, proved that tougher and more perfect armour plates can be made with the rollers than with the steam hammer. Of this fact the trade generally seem to be fully aware. The Sheffield Atlas 1-1 orks , now roll plates up to 71 inches in thickness, and can make them of any required length or breadth. At I tj