The Sun. — London, England, 1864-02-12 00:00:00

THE SCHLES WIG-HOLSTEIN WAR. We (limes) make the following extracts from the letters of an esteemed correspondent, whom we despatched to Denmark immediately upon the out break of the war, but whose communications have been delayed by the stoppage of the post from Den mark through Germany, and have now only come to hand by a circuitous route. " COPENHAGEN, Jan. 30. " Oa one point I find the most perfect unanimity among the people I converse with. They will not give up their position in Schleswig till they have exhausted all their means to hold it. To what ex tent it may be expedient from strategical conside rations to fall back from the line of the Eider canal, and perhaps from Rendsbarg and Eckernforde, is a matter to be left to the judgment of military authorities . ; but the Danes would as soon dream of giving up Zealand and Copenhagen itself as of yielding Schleswig on the mere hope of recovering it by negotiation. Their very existence as a Stag and a nation is, they contend, bound up with their gigantic stronghold on the Eider. "While they turn all their efforts towards the vindication of their rights by m ight of arms, the Danes are also extremely anxious to make those very rights the theme of endless argument. I have heard all that is and all that may be said on the'eubject of this irksome Schleswig-Holstein question—all that is acid both by German and Dane—and I become daily more and more strongly convinced, not only that there is a certain amount of right and reason on both sides, but also that each of the parties can in a quiet moment be brought to do justice to its adversary, and to acknowledge the soundness and correctness of the very facts which are brought to leer against its own interests. Only there is, as may be expected, an immense deal of exasperation between the disputants. The mutual charge of deliberate falsehood and duplicity is lavishly dealt oat hither and thither, and while a Dane reddens with passion on a stranger merely happening to -mention the names of Schleswig and Holstein in the same breath, a German thinks he has set the question at rest if he calls the territory in dispute not Schles wig Holstein—not even Scieswig-Hol stein, bat plainly Schleswigholstein, flattering him self that by the fusion of the two names in one word and the removal of the obnoxious capital letter he has demonstrated the indivisibility of the Two-and- One Duchies to the world's satisfaction ! " All this is merely childish, bat if you come to more serious inquiries you find, for instance, that the Danes—those who are fair and rational among them, at least—by no means insist upon the illegi timacy of Prince Frederick of Augustenburg, or upon the morganatic nature of his father's mar riage, which would deter him from all right to the paternal inheritance. That marriage was most assuredly a mesalliance, and as such it would be considered only semi-legitimate in a German feudal Court, but it was acknowledged as valid by the then King of Denmark, and the Prince would not there fore have his rights of suecebsion challenged in this country, and merely on that ground. Likewise the Danes are not quite sure that the father's renuncia tion would altogether be binding upon his offspring. But they contend that no protest was entered by Prince Frederick against his father's deed until about two years ago, although the Prince has been of age for the last 14 years at least, and although, by living with his father, he has received and enjoyed his own share of that consideration, of that mess of potage of which the Duke of Augusten burg sold his birthright. They add that both father and son were in 1848-9 in arms against their lawful Sovereign and country, and that, as guilty of high treason, they would have forfeited their right to their property, so that the 3,000,000 rigsdalers which they then accepted were in consideration for their abdicated rights, not for their ceded estates ; that, after all, even supposing that Prince Frederick was not legally bound by his father's act, the moral obligation arising from long acquiescence and from the solidarity of domestic interests ought to deter him from preferring his claims at the present moment. " Aa this as to mere rights. For what concerns the exigencies of a mixed nationality in Schleswig, the Danes allow that, taking the test of mere language, there are, or there were before 1858, 150,000 persons in the duchy who spoke German, and 45,000 whose idiom was mixed, besides about 30,000 Frisians, leaving 170,000 who were indisputably Danes by their tongue. Admitting these facts, and enumera ting with great minuteness the towns and districts in which the different nationalities prevailed, the Danes contend that all their institutions, adminis trative, judicial, ecclesiastical, and educational, had been framed with such nicety and punctilous ness that the purely German or purely Danish dis tricts were allowed the fullest possible enjoyment of their respective tongues, while in the mixed districts the Government invariably in all its acts made use of both languages, and allowed each individual the choice of his own language—to such an extent, in deed, that,' in the event of a jadgment being referred to the decision of the Crown, the case was argued before the King's Council in the same language in which it was given.' "At the same time that I willingly believe all this to be perfectly true, I also incline to admit that there may have been some ground in the complaint of the Germans that their nationality was unfairly dealt with in the mixed districts, especially for what concerns the schools and churches, for you really I come to localities in which the two races, or, if you prefer, the two idioms, are so thoroughly blended that it becomes next to impossible to establish a strict and correct lino of demarcation; and there are Persons thoroughly at home in both languages, who do not hesitate to declare now for the one, now for the other, according as interest, subserNiency, spirit of contradiction, or even mere whim prompts them. "That the Danes should at all times have been ;anxious to number as many of their people in Schleswig as by any strain of ingenuity they could contrive was but too natural. That duchy and the frontier of the Eider were and are held by them as essential to the existence of their monarchy and their nation. They had for a long time been in different to the silent and peaceful, but incessant, encroachment of the expansive German nationality; and the time was, in the palmy days of German learning and culture, when not only Schleswig, but the whole of Denmark Proper, was being rapidly G ermanized; but now, when intellectual and moral ascendancy become the pretext for political absorp tions-now that Denmark has put forth a glorious literature and civilisation of her own—a reaction a g ainst Germanism was inevitable, and all political en g ines we re set to work to regain the ground that bad been unwi tt i ngly lost. "The Danes c onclude all their arguments with a s t ron g assertion th at they must either be masters of Schleswigor , ---ernae, , ves cease to be. ' What is the element of 150,000 or even 200,000 people of to a nat i on of 40,000,000, mixed or doubtful race like Germany,' they say, ;f put in the scale against the very e xistence of a nation and coun t r y like Denmark, already dwindled down to the na rrowe st proportions ? Schles wig ; a nothing t o Prussia, 1% to Austria , o r the, German Diet ; it i s all in all to Denmark. here is there in the world a nation, be it France, Italy, or Spain, some of whose people have not been and are not sacrificed t o th e e xigeneies of political arrange ments and of frontier security ? Are not th e people Italians, and the Genevese French, and the inhabitants of liJrne and Zurich Germans? Ought Switzerland to be blotted out of the list . of nations to give h er ne i g hb ours a l l they could claim on the score of mere language? Or is it because Denmark is weak that a different weight and mea sure should be applied in her case, and a treatment put upon her with which no other country would put up ? Ir so, the whole matter is reduced to a mere question of force, and the Danes will yet show that they are not so helplessly at the mercy of their enemies as i.hese latter were too hastily led to sup- pose. "The Germans acknowledge the justice of all th ese pleadings, a nd they conclude that D e nmark has no longer a right of existence; that it has in reality already ceased to exist ; and she should con sent to a partition which, while giving Schleswig as well as Holstein to Germany, should join the other provinces of the kingdom to Svveden. But this question of a fusion of the Scamlinavian races is a complex one, and it would be worth while to inquire what the Danes, the S wedes, and all the rest of Europe have to say to it. I shall touch on that subject in a subsequent letter. " JAN. 31, "The conviction that diplomatic interference can do nothing for them, that the atm:oe is both in evitable and imminent, and that they will have to bear the brunt of it alone, gains strength among the Danes. There is a strong party here, indeed, who have faith in the Swedes, and expect to see these Northern allies coming to the rescue at the aleventh hour, These sanguine people belong to what is called the Scandinavian Party,' a set of men who cherish the notion of a union of the t' a ree Northern kingdoms under one sceptre„ and think the present straits of Denma,: it most likely to call forth such sympathies on the part of their Swedish and Norwegian brethren as may hasten this, to thez, moat auspicious combination. This party has its main strength among the well-educated RAid strictly national party, and rallies, I am told, round the Swedish hlinistry, Count Hamilton, a gentleman of ancient Scottish descent, a personage of the highest distinction in his own country, and enjoying the highest reputation in this. These par tioans of what one might call young Scandinavia,' evince the most profound respect for the memory of the departed King, because he was a Dane,' a reflection upon the present Monarch, who is almost a stranger in the country, and whose strong German accent when he speaks Danish grates most un pleasantly upon the nerves of the more fastidious part of his subjects. " AScandinavian kingdom in the North of Europe, a German Empire in the centre, with Switzerland and Italy in the South, would, these people con ceive, constitute such a strong line of natural allies as would best check the restless ambition of Franee on one side, and the towering might of encroaching Russia on the other. With a view to some such future arrangement, these Scandinavians would be fain to meet the Germans half-way, so far at least as to give up Holstein altogether, retaining the Eider as the natural frontier of the Northern kingdom. On the other hand, however, there is a set of more thorough and uncompromising Danish patriots who cannot dissociate the love they bear to their country from the duty they owe to their King, and to these the project of a united Scandinavian kingdom ap pears not only a disloyal and treasonable scheme, but a mad, impracticable dream, against which, they say, all the bloody traditions of the past, all the present antipathies of the lower classes of Swedes and Danes, and all the interests of the great Powers, chiefly of England and Russia, would be arrayed. These are of opinion, not only that Denmark should continue to exist, but that it should remain as it is, or was, and are loth to listen to any proposal not only as to the cession of any part of Schleswig, but even as to the surrender of Holstein. The bounda ries of the Danish Peninsula, to their mind, were traced by nature at the Elbe; Denmark should fight for the whole of it to the last drop of her blood. Time enough to surrender to hard necessity what may be lost after a decisive defeat ; but so long as the strength of the monarchy is unbroken to talk of concessions, of new combinations, of the extinc• tion of a nation which boasts so many centuries of glorious history, is a wickedness hardly to be ex cused on the ground of insanity. " Such, I believe, are the different feelings with which the various parties of th;s brave D finish people are about to meet their German foes in the field. This divergence of opinion, I need hardly add, is purely theoretical and speculative. Practi cally, the Danes will no less be of one mind as to their duty to their country and Sovereign. Even those who would wish to come to terms with Ger many by the sacrifice of Holstein are most unshaken in their determination not to give up one inch of Schleswig territory. Schleswig is an integra part of Denmark, and were it even desirable and possible to join Denmark in one great Northern State, it would surely be bad policy, the Scandi navians' think, to give up the Danish bride's dowry, or part of her dowry, at the very moment of her contemplated wedding with her Swedish bridegroom. Naval and Military Intelligence. THE NAVY. Upwards of 300 tens of the new description of armour-plates have been landed at Chatham dock yard, the whole of which have been sent in by Messrs. John Brown and Co., Atlas Works, She' field, and by the Iron Company. The plate 3 are all intended for the iron frigate Belle rophon, and the ironclad frigate Lora Warden, both of which are now in hand. The armour-plates already received for the Bellerophon are 6 inches in thickness, and 16 feet 1 inch in length, by 4 feet 11 inch in breadth, and their weight is between 6 and 7 tons each. The Lord Warden plates are 51 inches in thickness. The quantity of armour plating required for the two new iron frigates at Chatham will exceed 2,000 tons, and in anticipation of an increased demand on the factory establishment a quantity of new machinery, larger and more power ful than any hitherto in use at either of the Royal dockyards, is being erected to be used in preparing the enormous slabs of iron which will be used in en- casing the Bellerophon and the Lord Warden Several weeks have been lost in laying the keel of the Bellerophon in the dock in which Ehe is to be constructed, in consequence of the works at the dock entrance not being sufficiently advanced for fixing the new iron caisson. The Lords of the Admiralty have decided on not selling the paddlewheel steamer Hermes, 200 horse power, as was originally intended, and an order has been received at Chatham for her removal to sheerness dockyard, where she is to be broken up. The Hermes is a fine paddlewheel steamer of 830 tons, and carries six guns, She is of the Gorgon class of side wheel steamers. The Caledonia, 35 guns, screw ironcased vessel, 4,125 tons, now fitting at Sheerness for commission, is fast approaching completion, and will be ready for the pennant in April next. The vessel has been supplied by Messrs. Maudslay, Son, and Field with a pair of horizontal double piston-rod engines, of 1,000 nominal horse power. The diameter of the cylinder is 92 inches, its length of stroke font. feet. The steam is obtained from eight boilers, four for ward and four aft, with 32 furnaces and two stoke holes. The stoke holes are well ventilated by Baker's new ventilating apparatus. The engines are fitted with a four-bladed screw, the diameter of which is 21ft. The present pitch is 22ft Sin, but it can be varied from 20ft to 25ft. In consequence of there being no means of hoisting the screw, pro vision has been made for disconnecting it from the engines when the vessel is under sail, by means of a disconnecting coupling, whereby the screw is allowed to revolve. The contractors having com pleted the fitting of the engines, steam Ras got up on Wednesday for a preliminary trial at moorings in the large basin in Sheerness dockyard, which gave the greatest satisfaction, The trial lasted five hours, during which the maximum number of re volutions of engines was 40, the pressure of steam being 18lb, and the vacuum 271 in. Higher results could have been easily obtained at full power, had not this been prohibited by the authorities during trials in the basin. The Caledonia will be out of the hands of the dockyard officials in a few weeks, when she will be taken for trial at the measured mile previous to the engines being handed over to the, Admiralty by the co n tractors. fe he screw st eams hi p S t. G eorge , 84, C a pt. Gren lll' at Devonport, preparing for service as a coast gu:" ship, has been removed from the dockyard jetty to moorings in the Hamoaze. The screw st eams hi p Russell, 60, just paid off the fr sheer from he coastguard iiasraerevaizcee,thoatshbeeDenevreomnpoovretddforcokm. hulk in yard to facilitate the return of her stores. The screw steamship Princess Royal, 73, fitting at Devonport, for the Rig of Admiral George St. V. King, has been put out of the long dock in the dock yard, and placed at her sailing moorings in the stream. She will be ready for commission in the course of a few days. The screw steam troopship Megocra, at Daven port, having had her bottom cleaned and repaired, was removed yesterday from No. 1 dock at Keyham, and placed under the shears in the south basin for the removal and repair of her maAinery. Ti:e following appoititment9 were made yesterday THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 12, 1864. at the Admiralty :—Commander Alex. Buller, to the Princess Royal ; E. C. Roberts, second master, to the Defence ; John Cockin, surgeon, to the Britannia; Dr. Thomas D'Arcy Brownlow, acting assist. surgeon, to the Asia ; James E. Phillips, paymaster, to the Princess Royal ; P. P. Lynn and J. S. Scriven, assist. paymasters, to the Princess Royal ; W. H. Fitzpatrick, assist, paymasters, to the Cambridge ; Thomas Segon, engineer, to the Princess Royal; Robert Brown, engineer, to the Hector; Augustus Mills, acting engineer, to the Adventure; Thomas H. Kitts, Ist class assist. engi- Tr,er, to the Defence ; A. B. Gutteridge, acting 2d class assist. engineer, to the Hector; Charles F. Graham and Edward T. Dixon, clerks, to the Princess Royal ; J. W. Valence, assist. clerk, to the Canopus ; and R. C. Bates, essist, clerk, to the Princess Royal. SCHLESWIG AND HOLSTEIN. As very admirably described by Captain W. IV. Knollys, in the British Army Revicto, now publishing monthly by the Messrs. Saunders, Wen and Morgan, the army agents, of Pall-mall : A reference to the map will show that Holstein is the southern portion of the Peninsula which constitutes the Danish mainland possessions, and extends from the Baltic on the east to the North Sea on the west. It is bounded by Hanover—from which it is separated by the Elbe and by the territory of Hamburg cn the south and south-west, and by Mecklenburg and Lauenburg—the latter an appanage'of the Danish crown—on the east, Its length is 100, and average breadth 50 miles. Its chief sea ports are Altona and Gluckstadt on the Elbe, and Kiel on the Baltic. The entrance to this last is, however, completely commanded from the Schleswig territory by the fort of Frederickshort. Besides the Eider, a sluggish river which separates Holstein from Schleswig, and the Elbe, which touches the Holstein territory, there are only one or two unimportant streams. Rendsburg, Kiel, and Altona are the three chief cities, and each of them military stations; Rendsburg being strongly fortified on the bastion principle, and strengthened in ad dition by advanced works. The population of these towns is —Kiel, about 18,000; Altona, 46,000 ; and Rendsburg, 11,t 00. At Rendsburg a canal joins the Baltic to the Eyder, and thereby enables vessels of 120 tons to pass to and from the North Sea. This canal is 22 miles long, 100 feet wide at top, 54 feet at bottom, and 10 feet deep. A railroad runs from Altona, on the Elbe, to Kiel, with branches to Gluck stadt and Rendsburg. For an army defending Holstein against the Danes, the most important strategic points would be Neuminster, where the railroad branches off to Kiel and Rendsburg ; It zhoe, which covers the railway to the west, and commands the passage of the river Star ; and the ports of Gluckstadt and Altana, by vhich communication with the NorthKiel ,s scarcely a good strategical position troops stationed there would be exposed to be ; f or S ea t r i s secured o put off on the advance of an army from Rendsburg, while the entrance to its harbour is =mended, as we have said, by batteries on the Schleswig territory. Rendsburg might be occupied by a strong advanced guard--but any body be yond a garrison wou ld be liable to have their position turned from the south-west, which direction the Eyder takes. The centre of the duchy is a barren, treeless waste of peat and heath—but near the Baltic and the Elbe the country is fer tile. There it is divided into small fields, with hedges, and sprinkled over with small lakes, and slight elevations some times crowned with fine timber. There are no mountains, and scarcely any heights deserving the name of hills. The farming is partly arable, partly pasture, and produces both grain and cattle—the latter especially—far beyond the wants of the inhabitants. It is therefore evident that, what with the resources of the district and the means of transport furnished by the railroad, a large force could be with facility subsisted. The west coast is protected against the sea by dikes. The high roads are good, the cross road somewhat inferior. The soil is dry and sandy. The climate of the Danish possessions resembles that of Scotland; the average temperature being about as follows : Winter, 32 degrees ; spring, 44i ; summer, 62; a utumn, 49. The atmosphere is damp, and storms of wind and rain are frequent, especially during the months of July and August. The horses are numerous and good, but more adapted to draught than the saddle. The waggons are drawn by two horses. The houses are substantial, and generally built of brick, with thatched roofs. The population of the duchy is about 550,000, all of whom are Germans. The duchy of Lauenburg is another German appanage of the Danish Crown, and is situated at the south-eastern extremity of Holstein. The inhabitants number about 51,000, and the area of the province is about 402 English square miles. With reference to the nature of the country, resources, &sc., what has been said of Holstein will apply to Lauenburg also, save that there arc no town containing 10,000 inhabitants. Schleswig, or South Jutland as it is sometimes called, lies due north of Holstein, and is bounded on the north by Non h Jutland, on the east by the Baltic, and on the west by the North ,Sea. It measures about 72 miles in length from north to south, and about 53 miles in breadth. The population numbers about 410,000 inhabitants, about a third of whom are Germans, and the rest Danish and Frisian. On the shores of the Baltic, and for a short distance inland, the country is very similar to England being divided into small fields bounded by hedges, The ground is slightly undulating, but never rises into hills. The tops of these elevations are crowned with woo ls. The soil is light, being composed more of sand than clay. The main roads are 'nettled and good , the cross-roads bad ; and both are bordered by hedges and trees. Almost all over the country may be found morass, ponds, and lakes. The centre of the province resembles that of Holstein ; and the west coast of both provinces consists of very fertile land, redeemed from the sea and intersected by numerous dykes. The principal rivers of Schleswig are the Eyder, already spoken of, and its tributaries, the Sorge, and the Treene. None of these have high banks, or are of any breadth, and all of them are destitute of any apparent current. The east coast is intersected by fiords or deep creeks, and bordered by islands, some of which are within cannon-shot of the main land. On rho west coast there are also several islands. The railway extends north west to Eckenfiord, and then trends off to the west to Ohrstedt, where it divides into two branches, one running to the sea-port of Flensburg, and the others to the sea-ports of Hussum and Tonning; the latter of which is situated at the mouth of the Eyder. The principal towns are Schleswig, Flensburg, Ecken fiord, Frederickstadt, Hussum, and Terming. Ot these, only Flensburg and Schleswig contain more than 10,000 inhabitants--the population of Flensburg being about 20,000, and that of Schleswig about 12,500. Frederickstadt is a small garrison town and fortress, The products of the province are cattle, corn, and horses—chiefly draught all of which are abundant. The means of transport are two-horse waggons. The population is almost entirely agricultural, there being but few manufactures, and the houses are well and substantially built. The climate re. sembles that of Holstein; and, and, indeed, the two duchies are very similar in all respects, save the nation ality of the inhabitants. The ports are Flensburg, Hus sum, and Tonning. The first is, after Copenhagen, the most important commercial town in the Danish dominions. It carries a considerable trade with Greenland and the West Indier, and there is a depth of water for large ships alone side the quays. The other two are scarcely worthy of mention, only very small ships being able to enter them. The principal defensive strategical points are-Ist. The Dannewirke, a celebrated line of detached works of great strength, extending from a spot four miles south of Sleswig to llollingstead, a distance of about ten miles. The line of defence has been well adapted to the contour of the ground and the obstacles in its front. The town of Schleswig and its castle of Gottorp act as advanced works. The front of the Dannewirke is partly covered by a branch of the Schlei —a long fiord or inlet, running in from the Baltic—and some canals, which fall into it, and by means of sluices can easily produce inundations. Ot course, during the winter, this water defence would be frozen over, and therefore its utility injured. The left flank of the Dannewirke is also protected by the Schlei. This celebrated work consisted originally of an earthen rampart, and was constructed about 808, by God fried, King of Jutland,as a defence against incursions from the south. About 98S, the Emperor of Germany, in concert with a Sclavonic chief, made an unsuccessful attack on it. About 1060 it was repaired and the masonry and towers strengthened; and in 1440 Queen Margaret re paired it extensively. It has ever been reckoned as the key to the north of Schleswig, and was frequently occupied by the Danes in the last war, An officer who has visited the Dannewirke within the last few weeks describes the works as admirably constructed and of great strength. 2d. Flens burg, which is important as a port of communication with Copenhagen and other portions of the Danish dominions. 3d. Ohrstedt, where the railway from Flensburg branches off to Hussum and Tonning on the one side, and Eckenfierd and Rendsburg on the other, 4th. The seaports of Hussum and Tonning, by which succours could be intro duced in vessels of little draught trom England and France. sth. F r ederickstadt, which not only commands the passage of the Eyder in that part of the country, but also covers Tonning against the attack of an enemy from the eastward. A FOLDING-BOAT, intended for the use of troop, with o f em igrant, or passeng er s hips, was tried re centl y at Ports mouth.2oth part i s flat the While able t o carry 50 persons , it does not, when tfolded,hatc ap occupy.aeity T theheboat beostptoaraceeodfan or d , pointed di nary ary ends. The experiment excit e d c onsiderable interest. The dividend on London and North-Western Railway stock is officially announced at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum, against 5± for the corresponding period of 1862. The surplus is £21,000. THE DEATH OF A MISER. —Yesterday Mr. John Humphreys, the Middlesex coroner, held an inquiry at the Bird Cage Ta ve rn, Birdcage - walk , Beth nal- g reen, respecting the death of William Cox , aged 52 years, who was found lying dead in his room under very singular cir cumstances. Mrs. A, Bacon, 58, Gower's-walk, Bethnal green, said that the deceased was her brother. He was a gentleman. Witness last saw him alive 10 years ago. — Mrs. C. England, 5, Columbia -square, Bethnal-green, said that the deceased lived ins room at No. 8. He was a very eccentric man in his habits. Although he had plenty of food he would not let any one see him take any of it. Wit ness last saw him alive on Thursday last. He then COM• plained of being very ill. He did not allow a doctor to be called in to see him,—Charles Martin said that he got in at the window of deceased's room on Saturday last. He found OA deceased with his head in the grate, as if he had fallen off the chair on which he was sitting. Ho had been dead for some length of time.—Dr. Coxhead said that the clothes of the deceased had not been changed for three months. The stockings had to be cut off his feet. The body was very emaciated. The cause of death was an effusion of serum on the brain.—Mr. Burrows, the coroner's officer said that he found in theroom of the deceased a great quan tity of clothes, money, and j ewellery. —The Coroner said the deceased was a miser, who had deprived himself of all the comforts of life.—The jury returned a verdict of death from effusion of serum on the brain. Chester Cup, Liverpool Chase, Guineas, Derby, Coaks, Waterloo Cup, training reports, drc ,13 stamps. Lincoln Handicap, Northamptonshire Stakes, City and Surburban, and Metropolitan included , 36 stamps. R em ember, for the above-naed events last year 1 sent the followig winners, viz., Asteroid for the Chester Cup, Emblem for Li v,rpool Chase, Maccaroni for 2,000 an d Derby, Manlleo for Lincoln Handicap, Adventurer tor City and Suburban, and Hackling ton tor Metra pwitan. Information like th speaks for itself. Terms -One week, 13 stamps ; one m, nth, 35 ;. to the Derby, 15s. ; season, 305.-11,. Wg1,14, /3ox 46, MaCCiest.eld. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. TATTERSALLS'.-LAST EVENING. The attendance for an "off' day was much about the average, but although the acceptances for the Liverpool Steeplechase were published since the last day of opening at the great West-end niart, speculation thereon was tame in the extreme. Lord Coventry's mare still retains her posi tion as first favourite, 11 to 1 having been taken and offered. Wee Nell was supported for a little money at 13 to 1, and Bantum was very firm at 100 to 7 taken, while 15 to 1 was offered against Portland. The only features of the Chester Cup betting were the retrogression of Accident to 20 to 1 taken, and the remarkably healthy tone of Change, about whom 1,000 to 40 was taken kindly; the same being also accepted each about Anfield, Golden Pledge, and Black down ; but before the close of tusiness 20 to 1 was the highest price obtainable about the Good wood Stakes winner. The Two Thousand was scarcely ever mentioned. Scottish Chief seems once more to be gradually rallying his friends around him, one of whom accepted the currents odds of 10 to 1. Coastguard retired from the forward position he has occupied for several days, and after a commission to take 1,500 to 100 about him had been duly executed not another backer came forward, while any amount of money could have been laid at the price already quoted. Eighteen "fifties" were laid against Forager, and for the considera tion of a "tenser" any admirer of Lord St. Vincent's colt could have been accommodated at 20 to Ito £lOO. Closing prices : COURT OF COMMON COUNCIL, A Court of Common Council was held yesterday at Guildhall. The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor presided. THE CONDEMNED PIRATES. Mr. ELIAS DAVIS said that in reference to the approach ing execution of seven men for the crime of murder, it was needletrs for him to dilate upon the painful eharacter of such an exhibition taking place in the heart of the city of London ; he wished to be informed by the Lord Mayor or the Sheriffs whether there was any chance of such a dread. ful fpottude being averted. (Hear, hear.) Mr. Sheriff NISSEN said that he had no further informa tion to give than that which had already been made public, which was that a communication had been made to the Home Secretary upon the subject, but no answer had yet been received to that communication. Deputy ELLIOTT said he should like to ask another ques tion, which was, whether it was more disgraceful and in human to execute seven murderers at once than a single murderer? (Cries of " Oh, oh," and " Hear.") The subject then dropped, THE CITY ARCHITECT. Deputy LONG asked the Lord Mayor whether he pro posed to fix a day for the election of the City architect. He suggested that it should be as earls as possible, as the busi ness of the Corporation was likely to suffer from delay. The LORD MAYOR said that he would appoint as .early a day as possible for the election. BROKERS' RENTS. Deputy JONES brought up a report from the Law and Parliamentary Committee, with the draft of a petition to the House of Commons, against a bill now before it, called The Brokers' Bonds and Rents Bill. He said that the object of this bill was to take out of the power of the Corporation the appointment of persons to act as brokers in the city of London, and also enable them to act without giving bonds or securities of any description ; and the Corporation of London would not only be deprived by it of revenue to the amount of £4,000 or £5,000 a year, but they would at the same time be also deprived of all control over the persons who acted as brokers within the city of London. The report and petition were unanimously agreed to. CITY OFFICERS. The Court next prcceeded to reelect the officers of the Corporation for the et:suing year. The whole were re elected with the exception of the High Bailiff of Southwark; but in his case, upon the motion of Mr. ANDERTON, the election was pos.poned for a month, and it was referred to a committee to consider and report upon his fitness for the office. THE CITY OP LONDON SCHOOL. Dr. Mortimer was re-elected to the office of head master of the City of London School, and at the same time Alder man Hale brought up a most satisfactory report of the committee of management of that school upon the system of education adopted there. Instances were adduced in the report in which several of the pupils had taken high honours at the London University, and also at Cam bridge ; and particular allusion was made to the case of Henry John Purkis, who had been entirely educated in the school, and who had not only taken high honours there and at the London University, but who had since also taken those of senior wrangler and Smith's prizeman, at Cambridge. The report was agreed to, and ordered to be printed and circulated among the members of the Court. THE COMMISSION OF SEWERS. The next business before the Court was the appintmenl of the Commissioners of Sewers. It will be recollected that at the last Court a long discus. sion took place on the same subject, an amendment being proposed by Mr• Medwin that every member of the Court of Common Council except those who were ineligible, should be entitled to act upon the Commission of Sewers. The re sult, or rather no result, arrived at on that occasion, was that an equal number voted for and against the proposition, so that nothing was done, and Mr. Rudkin had now upon the paper of businsss an amendment to the motion, that the old commission should be reappointed, of precisely the same effect as that of Mr. Medwin. Deputy De JERSEY suggested that, after what had taken place at the last Court, when, upon the first division that took place there was a majority of three against the amend. ment of Mr. Medwin, no further proceedings should take place in the matter at present, especially as there was such a heavypaper of business to be disposed of, Mr. RUDKIN, however, said he considered the questisn of very great importance to the ratepayers of London, and that after the very small majority in favour of the present mode of appointing the Commissioners of Sewers at the last Court, he should consider himself justified in pressing his amendment. This led to a long discussion, in which most of the prin cipal members of the Court took Fart. Mr H. L. TAYLOR, in opposing the amendment, urg3d the Court strongly to pause before they adopted the course of allowing 240 gentlemen to be elected as Commissioners of Sewers, and said that, in his opinion, if they did so, the business cou'd never be got through, and that the Commis sion would become an altogether impracticable body. (Hear, hoar.) He also said that at present the Commis sioners of Sewers, as a portion of the Corporation, were en abled to obtain very considerable grants from the Metropo- an Board of Works in aid of public improvements, but that if the whole Court of Common Council were empowered to form a portion of that body, it would in point of fact be the Corporation of London itself that would be asking for these grants, and he should be glad to know what gentleman would like to go up to the Metropolitan Board of Works and ask for a grant of money upon that footing ? (Hear.) They were at present very often twitted with observations about the great Corporation of London coming to the brletro• politan Board to ask fur assistance to carry out improve ments—(hear, hear)—and he (Mr. Taylor) should certainly not be inclined to make such an application, if the present amendment were agreed to—and in his opinion it would be a suicidal act on the part of the Corporation to take such a step. (Hear, hear.) Deputy FRY supported the amendment, and said that his . _ opinion had not in any way been affected by the arguments that had been adduced by Mr. Taylor. He also said that he had ascertained, upon examination of the list of the divi sion on the former occasion, that out of 72 members who voted in support of the present system, 38 were Commis- sioners of Sewers. (Hear, hear.) He therefore considered that Mr. Rudkin was perfectly justified in taking the opinion of the Court again upon the subject. (Hear, hear.) Mr. NORRIS, M.P., opposed the amendment, and ex pressed his opinion that the important business of the Com mission would never be got through if it were composed of so large a number of members as were sought to be intro duced into it. Alderman Lyn:, in supporting the amendment, said it appeared to him that the question was whether it was ad visable to have two opposition bodies in the Corporation. (Hear, hear.) The Commissioners of Sewers claimed the right to appoint their own officers, and, in fact, professed to be quite independent of this Court—and he thought that this ought not to be, and that, if such a system were con tinued, the Corporation would be giving up one of the most important principles of self .government. Mr. LAwLEY supported the amendment, and argued that the alteration proposed would be one that was likely to operate most beneficially for the ratepayers of the city of London. Alderman PHILLIPS opposed the amendment, and ex pressed his opinion that it could not be agreed to without casting a vote of censure upon the Commissioners of Sewers, who, it was admitted by every one, had performed their duties in the most able and satisfactory manner. (Hear.) He contrasted the condition of the city of London with that of the Continental cities, and said it appeared to him that the Commissioners of Sewers did everything that was possible to improve the sanatory state of the City, and to accommo date and protect the myriads of people who flocked into the City every day. (Hear.) After some further discussion the Court divided, when there appeared — For the amendment 63 Against it Majority against the amendment —S The old commissioners were then reappointed, one or two gentlemen's names being wide' to it by special motion, and the Court shortly afterwards broke up. [ADVERTISEMENT.] —Consumption, all nervous, bilious, liver, and stemach complaints, is every stage, are only ag gravate" and accelerated by drugs of every description, but perfectly curable by Du Barry's health restoring Revalenta Arabica Food, as proved by thousands of cases which had been considered hopeless. We quote a few.—Cure No. 62,914. Miss Lange, 18 years of age, cured after the medical men had abandoned all hopes of her recovery from the last stage of pulmonary consumption, with fearful cough, expectoration, exhaustion, spitting of blood, perspirations, hollow cheeks, emaciated to a skeleton. She is now, thank God, a perfectly healthy, blooming, fleshy gift—N. Lange, Commissaire de Police. Cure, No. 46,270. Mr. James Roberts, of Fernley Surrey, of thirty years' diseased lungs, syitting of blood, liver derangement. and partial deafness.—Cure, No. 47,121. Miss Elizabeth Jacobs, of extreme nervousness, indigestion, 540tgatherings,,8iln6aI.g and nervous fancies.—Cure, No. T. Campbell, Fakenham, Norfolk, e i s he i o l n ßo‘e a vv n . d sjpa t im o ri rPtity of the liver, which had resisted all medical reatment. In tins, llb, 2s 9d ; 21b, 4s tid ; 61b, us; 121 b, 229; 24113, 409. Barry du Barry and C.)., No. 77, Regent-street, London ; also Fortnum and Mason; and all grocers and chemists in every town of the 'United Kingdom. LIVERPOOL STEEPLECHASE. 11 to 1 agst Lord Coventry's Emblem, aged, 12st 81b (taken and offered) 13 to 1 agst Mr T. Hunt's Wee Nell, aged, list Glb (taken) LOO to 7 agst Mr Holman's Bantam, aged, list Glb (off) 25 to 1 agst Mr Land's Amy, 6 yrs, list (taken) 25 to 1 agst Lord Coventry's Emblematic, 6 yrs, lOst 61b (taken) `25 to 1 agst Mr T. Wade's Martha, aged, lOst (taken) 50 to 1 agst Mr J. Astley's Arbury, aged, list 121 b (taken) 50 to 1 agst Mr J. Lanigan's National rotition, aged, lOst 81b (taken) CHESTER CUP. 20 to 1 apt Mr R. Drewitt's Accident, 4 yrs, fist 91b (taken) 20 to 1 agst Mr R. Drewitt's Blackdown, 4 yrs, 7st 91b (offered) 25 to 1 taken freely 25 to 1 agst Mr Whittaker's Change, 4 yrs, 7st 41b (taken freely) 25 to 1 agst Mr Greville's Anfield, 4 yrs, 7st filb (taken) 25 to 1 agst Mr Aspinall's Golden Pledge, 4 yrs, 7st 81b (taken) 40 to 1 agst Lord Westmoreland's Tattoo, 4 yrs, fist 111 b (taken) 40 to 1 agst Lord Uxbridge's Durham, 3 yrs, fist (taken) 100 to SO agst R.Drewitt's and J.andW.Day'slots (taken) THE DERBY. 10 to 1 agat Mr Merry's Scottish Chief (taken) 15 to 1 agat Mr Naylor's Coast Guard (taken and offered) 18 to 1 agst Lord St, Vincent's Forager (taken and offered) 22 to 1 agst Sir F. Johnstone's Historian (taken) 25 to 1 agat Mr F. Higgins's Coup d'Etat (taken) 25 to 1 agat Mr Ten Broeck's Idler (taken and offered) 28 to 1 agst Mr Bowes's Claremont (taken) 30 to 1 agst Mr AV. S. Cartwright's Ely (taken) 33 to 1 agst Lord Glasgow's General Peel (taken) 50 to 1 apt Mr. Bowes's Baragah (taken) 2000 to 20 agst Mr H. Hill's Copenhagen (taken) BETTING AT MANCHESTER —THURSDAY. There was a very thin attendance at the Subscription Rooms this day, and the betting . , beyond the advance of Portland to 12 to 1 fur the Liverpool Steeplechase, pre sented no feature worthy of notice. Closing prices : LIVERPOOL STEEPLECHASE. 9to 1 agst Wec Nell (offered and taken) 12 to 1 agst Portland (taken and offered) 100 to 7 agst Real Jam (offered, take 16 to 1) CHESTER CUP. 100 to 6 agst Accident (taken and offered) 20 to 1 bar one (offered) THE WATERLOO (COURSING) CUP. 14 to 1 agst Mr H. Haywood's nomination (taken) 16 to 1 agst Mr Lloyd's nomination (taken) 33 to 1 agst Mr Knowles's nomination (taken) 50 to 1 agst Mr Williams's nomination (taken) BIRMINGHAM ANNUAL STEEPLECHASES. MONDAY, FEB, 16. The Sutton Handicap Steeplechase of 5 sovs each, with 30 added. About two miles and a half. age et lbl Light of Other Days a 11 0 The Screw.. .. alO 4 Wizard .. 6 10 4 Corkscrew a 10 0 Redwing .. a 10 0 Princess .. 6 9 13 Kill may (h b) a 9 11 The Edrington Plate Hand; added. Two n Ago at lb Sir William .. a 11 7 Ironsides .. a 11 7 Light of other days a 11 2 Nereus a 10 12 Stanton .. .. 610 10 Deception .. a 10 8 Soothsayer .. a 10 71 Old Squire .. a 10 7' Pilot .. 5 10 7 Miss Emma .. a 10 4 The Licensed Victuallers' PI added. Two m Age at lb Sir William .. a 11 10 Ironside a 11 10 Light of Other Days a 11 3 D Ruyter 11 0 Nereas a 10 13 Stanton .. 610 12 Pot-Pourri .. 5 10 10 Deception .. a 10 10 Wizard (11.1)4 .. 610 9 Old Squire.. .. a 10 7 The Screw.. .. a 10 7 Pilot .. 5 10 7 West End:.. .. 6 10 6 Redwing .. a 10 6 Premier .. a 10 6 Weights publisl age st lb Hereford a 9 10 Dubious a 9 10 Arimaspian .. a 9 8 Lady Clifdert .. a 9 7 Lady Lovell .. a 9 7 Arleseott b) a 9 7 Corsair .. a 9 7 icap of 3 soya each, with 20 Hiles and a half. Age Et lb Corkscrew 10 3 Princess 6 10 2 Telegram .. .. a 9 12 The Gift .. a 9 12 Over the Sea .. 5 912 Arlescott (h.b.) .. 5 9 12 Prince Royal (hb) a 9 12 Staffordshire Lass.. a 9 12 Lady Lovell .. a 9 12 ,tto of 5 soya each, with 30 iles and a half. Age et lb Soothsayer.. a 10 6 Bryn Gwyn .. 510 6 Miss Emma a 10 5 Princess .. 6 10 5 Corkscrew .. .. a 10 5 Forester .. 5 10 3 Staffordshire Lass,. a 10 2 Grey Peter .. a 10 0 Gift.. a 10 0 Volunteer .. a 10 0 Telegram .. a 10 0 Prince Royal (h b) a 10 0 Lady Loyal .. a 10 0 Over the Sea .. 5 10 0 Arlescott .. 5 10 0 led February 10. DONCASTER SPRING MEETING. TUESDAY, MARCH 14. The Doncaster Spring Handicap of 10 soya each, with 100 added. St. Leger Course. Age at lb Count Cavour .. 4 7 0 }terry Maid .. 5 6 10 Truant .. .. 4 6 8 Ghillie Callum 3 6 7 Starbeam .. 3 6 7 Mahometan .. 3 6 6 Rose • • .. 3 6 6 Gordian Knot .. 3 6 4 Mantrap .. 3 6 3 Siva .. 3 6 3 Cherry Hill .. 3 6 3 Anglo Saxon .. 3 6 3 New York .. .. 3 6 2 Tynemouth 3 6 2 Bellasias 3 6 2 Alpheus .. 3 6 2 Veterinarian .. 3 6 2 Whitethorn .. 3 6 2 Yamuna 3 6 2 Dovedale • . 3 5 13 Wisdom .. 3 5 13 Guerilla .. .. 3 513 Steeplechase of 10 soya each, three miles and a half. Age at lb Rubicon .. 6 10 12 The Old Squire .. a 10 10 West End .. 6 10 9 Rockley 6 10 8 Once More .. a 10 8 Hooke the Gardener 6 10, 7 Emblematic .. 6 10 6 Premier .. a 10 6 Merryman .. a 10 5 Brine . • .. 610 6 Southport .. 6 10 5 Fly Fisher .. 5 10 5 Ace of Trumps .. 5 10 4 Baron of Avon .. 4 10 4 Chester .. .. alO 4 Chamade 6 10 4 Magician .. .. alO 3 Over the Sea .. 510 2 Church Militant .. 5 10 2 Miss Emma ~ a 10 2 Jack in the Green.. a 10 0 Woodford .. 5 10 0 C a rlisle .. 410 0 Age st lb Grimaton 5 8 12 Joey Jones .. 6 8 11 Aurelian .. .. 6 8 9 Carisbrook .. 5 8 6 The Monk .. a 8 4 Dunkeld 4 8 0 Tourist 4 8 0 National Guard .. 4 7 12 Turn of Luck .. 5 7 12 Donne Canno .. 5 7 12 Welcome .. 5 7 11 Flying Fish .. 4 7 9 Early Purl .. 4 7 8 Fontenoy 4 7 8 Benjamin .. 5 7 6 Troj anus 4 7 6 St. Lawrence .. 5 7 6 Newchurch 4 7 b Alice 4 7 2 Miss Emma 6 7 2 Unfashionable Beauty .. 4 7 0 The Great North of England with 100 added. About Age st lb Penarth .. a 12 12 Emblem .. .. a 12 12 Thomastown .. a 12 0 Sinking Fund .. all 12 Joe Maley .. a 11 11 Jerusalem .. a 11 11 Bantam .. a 11 11 O'Connell .. a 11 9 Medora .. a 11 9 Lincoln .. a 11 8 Avalanche .. a 11 8 Catapaw a 11 7 Maritana a 11 7 Red Robin .. a 11 6 Portland .. .. all 6 Serious Case .. all 4 Rarey . • all 2 Satellite .. all 2 Shropshire 6 11 2 Mauehline .. a 11 2 Merrimac .. a 11 2 Worcester a 11 2 The Czar .. .. all 0 Pot-pourri .. 5 11 0 Weights published February 9, at 10 a.m. Forfeits to be declared on the 16th inst. YORK SPRING MEETING. TUESDAY, MAY 10. Weights for the Great Northern Handicap of 100 sovs, added to a sweepstakes of 20 sous each. Two miles. Age st lb Age at lb Adventurer .. 59 0 The Clown.. .. 36 5 Wingrave .. 58 12 Merry Maid .. 56 4 Caller Ou .. 68 11 Surat .. .. 36 2 Limosina .. 58 5 Sluggard .. 36 2 Old minster .. 68 5 Claxton .• .. 36 0 Joey Jones.. .. 68 4 *Flatterer .. 35 13 Ace of Clubs .. 58 4 Double First .. 35 12 The Ranger .. 48 2 Tool Tooi .. 35 11 Blackdow .. 47 12 Goldylocks .. 35 11 *Onesander .. 47 9 Mantrap 3 5 10 Gardener 6 7 8 Lord Zetland .. 35 10 Beverley .. 57 7 Alabama .. 35 10 Fa tail .. 47 6 Greenland .. 35 10 Fantail ..• .. 47 6 Greville .. 35 10 Welcome 5 7 4 Yamuna .. 3 5 10 'Watchman 5 7 3 Or. Rook() .. 3 5 10 Doub t Gann© .. 5 7 3 Alpheus 3 510 Double X.. .4 7 2 Tynemouth 35 10 Barchettina •.. 47 2 Whitethorn. 35 10 *Flying Fish .. 4 7 2 13,11asias 3 5 9 Accident .. 4 7 2 Cby Van Galen, out Early Purl .. 47 0 of Vacuna .. 35 9 Trust • • .. 47 0 Veterinarian .. 35 9 Manfred .. 4 7 0 Fby Stockwell, out Fontenot' .. 4 612 of Lady Evelyn 3 5 8 Alice • • 46 9 Tailor • . .. 35 7 E tst Lancashire .. 4 6 9 Lord Cochrane .. 3 5 7 Ki n g Charming .. 46 9 Maj or .. .. 3 5 7 Count Cavour .. 46 9 Deerstalker .. 35 7 Jester •• .. 46 9 Naxos • • .. 35 7 wK ern ptown 4 6 8 Guerilla .. 3 5 7 Farce • . .. 46 6 Those horses marked thus the knowledge of their own( the time prescribed, wile , s s- * have been entered without )rs, and will be struck . out at ecially ordered to remain in. SPIRIT OF THE PUBLIC JOURNLLL, POST.—If the Danes have been compelled by superior numbers to abandon the greater portion of the Duchy of Schleswig to the allied armies of Austria and Prussia, they have at all events gained that breathing time of which they were so much in need. The agony of suspense has at length been terminated. Much was supposed to dep,md, not merely strategically, but politically, on their eon tinned occupation of the Danewirke, and so long as it was held hopes were entertained that England, or some other neutral State, would intervene to pre vent the consummation of what, out of Germany, was universally stigmatised as an atrocious crime. If, indeed, the Danes had succeeded in holding the entrance of the peninsula against their opponents for a month or six weeks, it is possible that the desired assistance might have been received from abroad, and the occupation of Schleswig by the German Powers have been prevented. It is one thing, however, to interpose to prevent a State being despoiled, and another and entirely different one to aid it to reconcn r lost territory. In so far, there fore, as the abandonment a of the Duchy renders foreign aid less immediately probable than before, the forced retreat from the Danewirke must be re garded by the Danes as a serious reverie; but in every other respect we cannot help thinking that they have become positive gainers by what has taken place. That they could, under any circum stances, have held the Danewirke and the Schlei until foreign aid reached them, we do not believe; and, such being the case, the Danish army, as the weaker of the two, must have suffered most by the prolongation of hostilities on the frontier. Now, however, that the Danes have retreated to the wall, they can retire no farther, and their efforts will be exclusively devoted to securing their own personal safety. Whether the allied armies will seriously attempt to seize the fortifications of Duppel, and pursue the Danish army into the Island of Alsen, is extremely doubtful; but con sidering the advantages possessed by the Dams through their command of the sea, it is most unlikely that such an attempt would be crowned with success. From the telegrams we learn that a considerable portion of the Danish army has proceeded northwards, leaving Duppel on its right. These troops are doubtless proceeding to Fredericia, which, as we took occasion a few days since to explain, stands to the Island of Funen in the same relation as Duppel to Alsen. The division thus made of the Danish forces might seem injudi cious in the presence of the vast numbers composing the invading armies, but on the other hand it mani fests a confidence in what may be termed their coast defences, which furnishes the strongest evidence that the Danes still hope to be able for a considerable time to protract a defensive war against the German Powers. In Schleswig we find that precisely the same course has been adopted by the agents of the Duke of Auguatenburg as that taken by them in the Duchy of Holstein. The Pretender has been proclaimed at Eckernforde and in the town of Schleswig, and it would be idle to deny that a por tion of the population of both Duchies anxiously desire their severance from the Danish monarchy. It is not more than fifteen years since both the Duchies were in open revolt against the Danish Crown, and no small proportion of those who took part in that revolt must be at the present moment capable of giving effect to sentiments which are still unchanged. We are accustomed to regard with peculiar jealousy so-called popular demonstrations, knowing with what ease ten thousand people can be found, who will noisily endorse the most untenable opinions. If one considers, for example, the feel ings of the British nation in respect to the Ameri can war, none can doubt that our sympathies are for the most part given to the South ; but still neither Mr. Bright nor Mr. Ward Beecher over found any difficulty in collecting an assemblage of some thou sands who listened with approval to assurances that the North had drawn the sword in vindication of civil and political liberty. There are however, no grounds for supposing that the demonstrations in favour of the Duke of Augustenburg in Holstein and Southern Schleswig do not correctlyindicate the feelings of a great sectio n of the p op ui a n tion. It is not in any way discreditable to the Danish Govern ment that a revolution should have burst forth the moment that their troops were withdrawn ; nor does it furnish any presumption that the popnia • tion of the Duchies had good reason to be dissatis fied with the system of government to which they were subjeeted. The revolution has been accom. plished purely and simply because the people were of a different race to those under whose authority they had been placed, and were of the same race with those who came amongst them in the character of deliverers, The renunciation of allegiance to Christian IX. no more indicated antipathy to that Monarch than did the proclamation of the Duke of Augustenburg evince affection or loyalty for that Prince. The majority of the inhabitants of both Duchies are Germans, and, as such, they desire to be placed under a German Sovereign. This is the simple explanation of the joyful manifestations with which both Schleswigers and Helsteiners have hailed the departure of the Danes and the arrival of those whom they look upon as their compattiole. In forming conjectures of the ultimate destiny of the Duchies, persons for the most part base their conclusions on the particular opinions which they entertain of the probable policy of the Austrian and Prussian Cabinets, or the influence of the National party in Germany. The evasive reply (for it was a joint one) given by Austria and Prussia to the English Cabinet, when called upon to declare whether they inten ded to res p ect the Treaty of 1852, has prepared us for excuses for setting it at nought. It is nut improbable, however, that the " accomplished fact" of a revolution in the Duchies may furnish even a stronger pretence for an attempt to perpetuate their severance from Denmark than any which can be advanced either by the Cabinets of Berlin and Vienna or by the popular party in Germany. It may be easy to tell the latter that they can, if they please, realise their dream of unity without absorbing the Duchies, whilst the former may be assured that the conditions on which the "material guarantee" was seized have been fulfilled. There will still, however, remain difficult questions for solution, and this Dano-German dispute has give rise to so many complications, that, numerous as they now are, we do not yet believe that the list is complete. science is undoubtedly in a state of transition, but ;hough that condition ne cessarily places us under greet difficulties in deter mining the character of our arneements, it is im portant to observe that events are furnishing us with invaluable information in aid of our decisions. At this critical conjuncture, when the whole sys tem of warfare may possibly be revolutionised, it happens that both in Europe and America great military Powers are actually at war. The invasions of Schleswig has its professional as well as its poli tical aspect, and it concerns us deeply to observe that two large armies have undertaken a winter campaign against an enemy strongly iutrenched in a difficult country and a most inclement region. We should also remember that the Austrians are now Taking the field in the fifth year after a war in which they learnt by experience the novelties of modern tactics, and that the Prussians, though they have had no such practice, were among the first nations of the Continent in recognising the deve lopments of gunnery. Now, what are the cannon and what the muskets which these armies are em ploying ? What is the organisation of their artil lery, and how far has it been found effective ? The Prussians have certainly breech-loading rifles—the Austrians are, perhaps, givin g gun-cotton another trial, and we may conjecture, at any rate, that some of the inventions and devices which the new study bothwere un equallyue t of projectiles has suggested have been put to the test in the campaign. It is a campaign, too, in whic h , ma though tehe d the t h e contending organisation s armies ieef m s e na artillery incredibly been di h ly severely even f tried. er t ee l e ' e h e e e n e e t d h et the been which could be brought up to the Dannewerk in good order over ouch roads as our correspondent has described must have been well-equipped conducted. We make these remar i wt a h nd well hope that lessons so valuable have not been thrown upon us, gad that the authorities away immediately con cerned in the question have availed themselves of the opportunities of instruction so unexpectedly provided. Knowledge should wherever it can be found. be appropriated German war with regret and misgiving, but if We look upon this Germany will fightcan from her , we may learn what we campaigning,The contest has not yet extended to th e sea, so that we have less chance of improving our information on the subject of naval ordnance, b u t th e short debate in the House of Lords on Tuesdayin last showed not only how much this matter, but how much we have to learn. Itwas admitted that no gun had been act ua ll y i ssued ; relied upon as effective for sea service which could be at long range against such armour as is carried by our own iron-cased frigates —4l-inch plates of solid metal. We are not sure that such guns exist in any other service. The Americans have no such armour, and therefore we cannot measure the power of their artillery. We only know that they rely upon very heavy shot propelled with small velocity, and are, consequently, compelled to use guna so ponderous that it is doubt ful whether they could be carried in sea-going ships. France has adopted a different, and, as we surmise, a sounder principle. The French frigates carry guns of very moderate weight and calibre, but these guns are so rifled as to have a long range, and are supplied with shot of peculiar material for special use against iron plates. Our own 68 pounders have considerable power at close quarters, but no range ; our 110 pounders have long range and great accu racy, but were not found effective against solid plates, except with a particular s The actual state of things as rega ....--------- .41....615:-... e ec of projectile. ies , Nape large Hance may be very briefly d 1; 1. We • urmour y escri a guns which willsend - ah Foil d-- 8 their shot throu, , .le gull • plates, but these are toado ~ , . 0 _ . too large for b s__e . fashi 0 ds ow. and can only b , carried, therefore, in ''''' e the 68 not yet naturalised-' also moanufactured, but not yet issued, a t in cure avy. We ilal ;colt and 110 pounders above spified, and i c e l'e‘ti Nre .01. naval ord. 2,600 toot 25b, 110 or 3( 1 ; b lind 1. of powder, d • • 5 1 , n tlh t a t n h 0 o t, f c cputrearecyi riga sa ;to ie. aol.t i t ee v s e : of sustaining a char ge iite. But this new • produced gbilyll , Pieee, though !raking fair I tat` ~,,o; and a at we want, theretore, but hav ° 11 to ci got, is tinue the manufacture, g rwifih.ichg shwailtlhcotruht:inpeowtheer r qur. acc ..,4 against solid armoulLr. Air. Wi.,%-itworth has ' )11ce P .. he has dated such,chV ti is g li ', been more extol sivelY P'eved are anufacture, rod th reason ,•,-., • ig beous have not tries. s. . guns could att to be t ho not yet supplied t.hem for that ? a re It i s , bkyuf:rae:l:l,l raifesot: un, but h tease not been able to c01,,s Whenai h n a e v d e in` d t.shtreoe y e edth e matters wever, much practically in the dark as he relative 61.03 I coo , Tgretted t hat 0 ,0 01 SUCCesS Nve e asked whether a"' be 5 eo 1 0 destroyed by the Confederate guns in 01'; i g tbe harbour,w we could answer at once that 'all'f wiill range and ds ;Ong our guns would have dou9 S' t the ease ; what r aesr, capablehas n it must be remetnbered, too, tbils bore Southerners on that cceasion were firing fcell/ el batteries, and not from ships' decks. But whcer,,,,;o ask, in could return, whether the guns of eq. "°$ it e navyfiodno pierce the arm our of our ironside, I t D E: satisfactory reply, Our impression is tr oi y such srahtfautnds are in use, but th,9 fact has not bees° brit no very e h . Very heavy nrd, lance might d°die'oeiv eavy ordnance has y et been carrieber efo going six tgon ships. Lord Hardwicke doubts wile,' i, co: greet the too for practical use. Gut, •8 like is ,ri'vg, bot worth's such would certainly pierce 'elid P'a„litotOrecl'' It gunsseems have not yet been genera'll.v into. $ pew not improbable, however, thete WO aspect may be given °sic:it litts points by been foundthe introduction of steel shot, .operi' that as much depends 10 tiltS:60000 ments cn weight 0 the material of the projectile 90,t, aosc oruriflin K of the p:ene. gat we 0030, be repeat hope that no opportuniq }m ats sol o neglected r which corneaof gaining that invaluable ec i 01 0 ' time o, from experience. It was St iity 05 that an officer of competent eb: ' l , ifi lO t f actualt engaged on the p, the of our o°°e.:Dto ° in observing y and appraising the &vel:0 nor artillery science exemplifiern the Ameribeopesl'o We trust the report was ect, and Os 00 that the chance offered by the war?„„:ctlovill has been judiciously embraced. The I r"-i,,beel) described batteries in one despatch. as bringing , Or bear upon ' g hat Wh!i',oroS calibre of to e facility ,:Attle these pieces, and what th euity of Austriansmanceuvring them ? What ertilr 4°5'7110 take into the field? ilow fa .," ii:n f'sfri improvement on their ordnance in the Pi. -_, J 0 andonoaordioof America what were the results in novelt we know that so welt/ilattillerf has Ze has been introduced. ' be ntri, bit en organised like the iofil oropeci instead of batteries, but vie„' 0° that battalionsthese tactics have arisen from the lireffecticei the piecesexcept in great in use, which rendered tbeei,leci pee °, great numbers, arainst extencieooe7e troops o such large masses of m;n. But theer „olio'', 5 of no from the nature experiments in Se.lwig, it irjfira iiraile nature of the case tha tithe er° artilledi have neglected . no known resourc es qf,beircbj,c science ln forecasting their operatiecle; :04's'irtiee. was tocarry by force a line of delensicv co t c o , e i puled toretreat be very formidable, and tPe° °agog I { r providedof the defenders. For the latierYolrf ' : 4 1 a large and powerful body '''' ',,- ole 61 " ~- the former we may presume that WY ".0,03 h",-,0 provisi on shoneed in artillery, and though c o 300 tPatiLe, by the retirement of the .''' tigti't 're batteries must at any rate have been bt°'iorefOoff cessf 11 to know y to the front. We should liVf i,otioadi this army wthe strength, character, and oresrvices'll"o what, if in the Austrian and Fruan se,, t ia t . ,ii was any difference betiveevitiA twie, systems, there from such lessons the relative merits of eseliioofildigv lessons that we Canaai re el - fi l u be Formal u t conclusionsrials yield but limiteinstructiejo.oloo left for practicalthey suggest a large olorfog buto, teaching applications, an cot , tithe ;,,,, Many aot actual campaign ing w ell 14130rebeciilicl, device that would act well at ' f the ~a r a would break down in the rough OrlC. °Oa!! ``, t 3 and thesefrom failures, if we are wise ic e - eriel`rite the essays of others. Betsv'een ,esPSire Iv andexperience there is a long Well); ap o , e o or spent former; time ' and money freely eneefeare&co. the it is hard if we cannot 00" coDee latter when it comes readytaade t° COUNTRY DIAROT 0. tie° -- __ --*-------- 4,0. 1 0, r MANCHESTER-4'll°li w olil, ic o pee l/ 'n k Influenced by the less warlike toile o f alo el/ day week ; for the present, the trade since our last w as a„oci ofetfl► ceedingly inactive'• This morn ther,ebe tir t ' o t tatoefti ante, and English wheat was held t0r,,;,,, w ill' ° , o o o co at any attention. Flour neglected. 005,,a Dego not materially changed. Indian coal aP foreign_ declined 3d per 10nod 0, o fs of buyers. ee' ___-- 00 , ato e 0 BIRMINGHA2q---TIITSII d or, . 01) d to ° l t d. There was a fair show of viheat to-abotte aoo/pi sales a decline of is per qr had to be a 0,00,, iili aiv to descriptions. Oats, beans, and pose n ot o'lln o"90 —English wheat was sold at 40s to 4°ls,evi lasi°?,ol°l4o to 43s per' 36 stone for red. BarleY•crats, 0904' 40spi‘ui a s & to g r_ iti . fr i a li si d rh i , n a g lt , ts :u4tdso3l2lt oc4es !oBfol3ooo, Peas, 36s to'42s per 36 s tone. .4,5 f. lit° Old white wheat 45 to ---- --- 41, „ v „,s,- ~,,„.), BURTON- oN.•TRET—A-,de, bto i is do tr 416 tO 4 O change in prizes. t . to hoatt''.396 04 g barley....3ss to:3Bs I • vs - I s a.... New do. wheat.. 45s s 4, New 0.. , ~ : 'i v , 0 .. 445 to 47s j-„ ,t5„....' . Grinding d 0..... 28s to 328 I Bea' ( elf OP t -------- 0, 00 , Ili 0 BRISTOL --T if iilts9;bicblslloot diljcia A moderate supply of English Wheat, i ' iitt iv, t oile the prices of this day se'nnight. For {at 5. foi' is less money. Barley- li as do r ' in oats. Beane,. fu y . , li ii. peas, and maize 0 ' Old recta'd • ..00,p4.0 0 et° ..------- vo, 1 ~cil ell, EDINBURGH G10.114::b a t, s/10114/i t?, To. day there was a fair s upP l ,9 ° , f#4 . - a e P i , /i te .g ''' o r ' slow sale, at last week's prices. Pa--", goons'r 'l° and fine qualities advanced 6d to Is per o advance, with a brisk s.fle for all deacrticee• 0 fit p : Lefore. Beans a ready sale, at forraoryPerage, 011 Griot' BWart;oo:7 the e e t t u o p p 2 l s s o O d d u p... .. . .... f a :B, e ogr g e e ai l , : O a i x. 4 OBaeatsnsononthtehetlop6d4s Od 1 :: .......... .• ..:: Ai '' ' per 30 13tp0i Thereenrs t stone ael 8. u.. • .. ...... .. • ~cerage 00,4 ~ Average Prices. ...„..,,,,.'" Wheat............ .37s 3d I Oats.... . . 0 . Barley .............. .0,.1 6d I Beans., i 3 ft 4 Total Suppr,v and Salon 9;3 / 0 9 ; : , ,i l l ° t s Wheat ..... ...1544 rs...••••• Sol" ?It' 're I Barley•a. ..... 1706 firs...• °' ' sold '4166 0 Oats ........ 2129jqrs ..... • °sold 8ean5........ 210 qrs ...... eP- Flour sells as follows :---Whitee, 410i° superfine, ::,7s Od ; fine, 350 Od. 01?ill'ePiti ----- ------- -ni trO,,el/ot:deritliil 4 ` Je; [ADVERTISEMENT.]-11olloway's - - , /j ilt r - ao t' e „ f o Thousands of persons who have 016101 p ro ,- I f o',l by means of these remedies have OW cora traeol.,tpo served, but have not given them 01Lative Pilcat,7or itto than they richly merited. Au t"L`o ele",/DetP e'frf "directions" accompanying flollowaYaable, citiioo,,,,r, enable any invalid to overcorae /59 vtrarcily. aorpill`lo, visible outwardly or concealed 5 1 cheSt etoarocil'il°lo. diseases, inflammations, erysipelast,......rt, e _eato', b t 3 well as many disorders of the hed, '''realvo,4oo,l adicallY "g 0 0v toe kidneys, and bowels may be r ~,c , a 4i t ll a d way's preparations. They have Pru e they cfk,„9, tag to suffering hutnanity, becaus ,0 in o cti. , everywhere, are moderate in CIISto, 31 to strengthen, not to weakeDr t til t? -------------------- OP Births. Anl 13rig oil 1T.40,0 , ~totr DRUCE,—On the 10th inst., at / 1 1 3 00' iti wire of G. F. Druce, Esq., of s a a° (;•3 101/e„, ,o to . GERMAN. —On the 10th inst., t , ' o f A 5117 Ati ve Kensington-gardens, Dirs. Gertoo"_, s, 110,704 , liumrfranvs.—On the 1 1th ins Chas' X xs . U. P Otte, Meekleuburgh-equare, the wife 1 lg, si'ystettl. hao i t" Esq., of a daughter. • • at CIO" 000. LA.IIItENCE.—On the 11th info., a i a e Of 04 tl, for 0 i the wife of Sydney Laurence, ecio ritarriftgeB. t St• 1:011o,a00? na inst.. ter,"- BILOOKE—VIANT.--011 it 11 westvitq. f,Dat ~ Westminster, R. J. Brooke, 016 .48(1,, Of i‘fl' i i f pi' 0 . eldest daughter of John Via E # r .-.le 4 , W.' P4,110 ampton. • et., a " $4 ., ilt• '' es '°lleg.liter of Church, Robert, son of Jitl„at daub bridge Kent, to Margare ,;. YouNG—BAnnErr --On the llth 10 P l3° Barrett,' of Beaurinster, Dor E g toP , Deaths. loviios 0 1 , of P" Ferraby, late of the 13 n ~ sevaloalg 1 01) c FERRABY.--On the 10i lisin!t.,, -,,.,50.1t0trif _deedplro., f rtiP o l , r eet , ; ,uttll' (4' Aeo i aged 88. FRANKS. --011 the Stu' Inst., a' Tiaer so „hills '',Creo` Gale, Esq., Aged 84. ~t Dlottin, ,sc tor or GALE, —Con the 10th inst., at 7 1), . 10061344 '' ost., . t Ivor LAwsoN.—On the 11t1 V, p,p e pa Y fA . ' tel l ' brose Lawson, ECi., i ' L lir% . gall ~ ,jO/ Army Ilospitale, age" ' jags, John .0007 I\I.4UISTERS,--Ott the Sal lotirrid' ort°fl' King's Lynn, age° 63' st a t r od V, Apt) , o te On the Bth 1 5 't • ta 0g of P . OP ROWLANDS.-- 0,10010 / _.,•d, ve 10 11, E D Y. Carnn t., at Drif e, 000, 16 . C , ' I3rooking SoildYr Bag'aieraet-b°llBe' nof;' 0, of the Audit Otlice, So frASYriO. 1 , t SODY. —On the 10th 1 : t . oot pou 0g>,,,,,. -----------0/A 011ie 04/ ------- day 0 as coo ------ a rrrool'e , I or , , (De London:.rrirtied an rrill ter. 3' 3 ,10 Y. of No 112, Straritir. Civet ,f Ole 064, Strand. in try I' re I ' l ' Idiidicses —redo', A NUR