The Sun. — London, England, 1854-03-08 00:00:00

INSPECTION of the FLEET at SPITHEA_D. LONDON, BRIGHTON, and SOUTH COAST RIILWAY. ALTERATION OF ARRANGEMENTS. Those previously announced have been modified, and the follow ing will be adopted. FREDERICK SLIGHT, Secretary. London Terminus, March 8, 1854. THE BALTIC FLEET at SPITHEA D . LONDON, BRIGHTON, and SOUTH COAST RAILWAY. It being announced that on Friday, the 10th instant, her Majesty will pass through the Fleet, and that on Saturday, the 11th instant, her Majesty will inspect the Fleet, prior to its departure on Sunday for the Baltic, SPECIAL TRAINS, with Ist and 2d Class Carriages, will leave the London-Bridge Station, direct for Portsmouth, on FRIDAY on SATURDAY, and on SUNDAY, at 7.30 a.m., returning from Portsmouth at 6.0 p.m. FAZES THERE AND BACK. First Class .. •.....31s. 6d. i Second Class... ...235. Bd. FREDERICK SLIGHT, Secretary. London Terminus, March 8, 1854. THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE. Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. The Last Week but Three of Mr. G. V. BROOKE'S Engagement previous to his sailing for California and Australia. THIS EVENING, MARCH 9, Will be performed THE HUNCHBACK. Principal characters by Messrs. G. Bennett and Mead ; Misses F. Cathcart and Feather stone. To conclude with MIDAS. The principal character by Miss Featherstone. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Under the management of Mr. Packstone. THIS EVENING, Mason 8, Will be performed GUY MANNERING. Supported by Messrs. W. Farren, Elliott Galer, Compton, Rogers, Howe, Clark, Cord, and Cnlienford; Miss Cushman (as Meg Merrilies), Miss Julia Harland, and Mrs. L. 8. Buckingham. After which, the Grand CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME, called HARLEQUIN AND THE THREE REARS ; or, Little Silverhair and the Fairies. Columbine, Barnes; Mi Brown ; Harlequin, Marshall; Pantaloon, Mr. W. A. Clown, Mr. H. Marshall. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under the Management of Mr. CHAILLI K.U.N. THIS EVENING, MARCH 8, Will be performed RICHARD THE THIRD. Principal eharac .ter by Mr. C. Kean. After which will be presented the new Grand CHRISTMAS PAN TOMIME, entitled HARLEQUIN AND THE MILLER AND MEN; or , King Salamander and the Fairy of the Azure Clown, Mr. Huline ; Pantaloon, Lake. Harlequ in, Mr. Cormack ; 'Mr. Paulo; and Columbine, Miss Desborough. LYCEUM THEATRE. "Under the Management of Madame Vestris. THIS EVENING, Masco 8, ling be performed A NICE FIRM. Principal characters by M es srs. C. Mathews, F. Matthews, and Roxby ; Mrs. F. Matthews. To be followed by A CHARMING WIDOW. After which, the original Fairy Extravaganza, called ONCE 'UPON A TIME THERE WERE TWO KINGi. Characters by Messrs. Roxby, F. Matthews, and Bland; Madame Vestris, Misses St. George, Egianton, Mason, Martindale, Ellis, Wadham, and Foote. To conclude with PATTER VERSUS CLATTER. Principal character by Mr. Charles Mathews. THEATEE ROYAL ADELPIII. Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste. THIS EVENING, Meson 8, ' WM be presented the highly Popular New Nautical Melo-drama in dye tableaux, with new scenery, the Sea of Ice, &c., new dresses and appointments, called THE THIRST OF GOLD; or, THE LOST SHIP AND THE WILD FLOWER OF MEXICO. Principal characters by Messrs. B. Webster, Keeley, Paul Bedford, Madame Celeste, &c. To conclude with THE SERIOUS FAMILY. Characters by Messrs. B. Webster, Leigh Murray. Parselle, and Keeley; Mrs. L. Murray, Misses Woolgar, Fanny Maskell, and Laidlaw, and Mrs. Keeley. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. A. Wigan. THIS EVENING, MARCH 8, Will be performed TO OBLIGE BENSON. Supported by Messrs. Emery, Robson, and Leslie; Mrs. Stirling and Miss Wyndham. After which, THE BENGAL TIGER. Principal characters by Messrs. Alfred Wigan, and F. Robson ; and Mrs. Wigan and Miss Marston. To be followed by THE FIRST NIGHT. Characters by Messrs. Alfred Wigan, Leslie, Franks, Harwood Cooper, and Vincent ; Miss P. Horton, and Miss Wyndham. STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee, Mr. F. W. Allcroft.—Directress, Miss Rebecca Isaacs THIS EVENING, Maeda 8, Will be performed THE HEART OF AN IRISHMAN. Princi pal characters by Messrs. G. Hodson, Herbert, and Miss Noel. Followed by the ANONYMOUS LETTER. After which, THE WATERMAN. The principal character by Miss G. Hodson. To conclude with THE CORKONIAN BROTHERS. Paddy and Tim Mulligan (the Brothers), Mr. G. Hodson. Stalls, 55.; Boxes, 35.; Pit, Is. Gd ; Gallery, Gd. ; Private [loxes, 11. Its. 6d., to be had of Mr. Allcroft, 15, New Bond-street. ASTLEY'S EUROPE'S NATIONAL AMPHITHEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. William Cooke. THIS EVENING, Mann 8, And during the week, will be presented the new, grand, and romantic spectacle entitled THE WOOD AIA N'S HORSE; or, The False Knight—the Woodman's Horse by the pet steed, Beauty, expressly trained by Mr. William Cooke. After which, Scenes of the ARE NA. To conclude with the Domestic Drama of THE WHITE FARM. Box-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tau DAT —Morning 58 min.after 7 1 Evening 37 min.aft. 8 To-Moaaow—Morning 22 min.after 9 1 Evening 6 min.aft. 10 THE WEATHER.--SOIS OPVICR, MARCH S. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 53 highest since noon yesterday. 47—lowest this morning and during the night. 56—this day at noon. BAROMETER, 30'40. WIND, S.W.—Strong breeze, and cloudy. ~' r T.TityF, LONDON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 8, 1854. Admiral Sir CHARLES NAPIER was last evening feasted by the members of the Reform Club, on the occasion of what must henceforth, we believe, long continue to be regarded as a very memorable entertainment. It originated, as the public are well aware, in the selection of that distinguished sea-captain as the Commander-in-Chief of the ma ritime armament about to enter the Baltic imme diately spring renders its still frozen waters navigable, and there by appearing off Cronstadt to threaten, and in all probability to accomplish, the capture of St. Petersburgh. Whatever be the destiny of that noble fleet, entrusted by the QUEMI, and awarded by the Ministers of the Crown, to his guidance, it was obviously but rea sonable that the admirers of that gallant officer should be desirous to indicate, in some public manner, before his departure, their admiration for his past history—their sympathy in his heroic fortunes—their entire confidence in his genius, his energy, and his determination. Therefor 6, yesterday's banquet was given to him at the Reform Club—a banquet attended by the Right Hon. the First Lord of the Admiralty—given in an apartment significantly and appropriately adorned with the blended banners of England, France, and Turkey—presided over by a chair man no less eminent in official rank and in personal reputation than the Noble Viscount, her MAJESTY'S Principal Secretary of State for the Home Department. Considering the grandeur of the occasion, when Europe is on the verge of a general war—remembering the imminence of the crisis, bearing in mind that the guest was Sir CHARLES NAPIER, and that the chairman was Lord PALMERSTON—it would not he extravagant to assert that the festivity of last evening was al together invested with the dignity of an historical incident. It was surely an historical incident— that first public dinner where a Minister of the British Crown was enabled to propose as a toast the united navies of France and England. It Was surely an historical incident—that first public dinner where a British statesman could introduce without indelicacy, could introduce most appo sitely and eulogistically, immediately after the Customary toasts expressive of the loyalty of those assembled, the names of his Majesty the SULTAN CALIPH, and of the Imperial Chieftain selected by our French neighbours as their SOVE REIGN. It was quite evident from every word that fell last evening from the lips of Viscount PALMERSTON, in his capacity as chairman, that he was' to the full conscious of the singularity. and • of the importance of the o pportunity. It was evident from the mingled grace and fervour with which he introduced to the notice of his hearers the names of NAPOLEON and o f ABD - ULrmEDJID, of the SULTAN and of the EMPEROR, of those two eminent Princes, who at various times but under kindred influences for example, the on e by the liberation of ABD-EL KADER, and the other by the bestowal of an estate upon LAMA RTlNE — evinced their chivalrous sense of some of the nobler dictate s of m.aguani mity. As Lord PALMERSTON himself facetiously intimated, after the turtle of such toasts came __ what was a social banquet in itself —the chief toast of the evening, that of the guest of the occa sion, the Gallant Admiral who had already won many a perennial wreath of glory both on the coasts of the land of CAMOENS and on the borders of Palestine. The allusions made by the noble Chairman to the former achievements of Sir CHARLES NAPIER—to his deeds of prowess, firstly in Portugal and afterwards in Syria, were wel comed with the utmost enthusiasm, as might of course have been anticipated. It is particularly worthy of observation, however, that scarcely less mtlawdatua Wad displayed later on in the THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, MARCH 8, 1854. evening, when Lord DUDLEY STUART men-1 tioned the names of OMER. PACHA and of Captain SLADE, coupling with each an earnest and eloquent tribute of admiration. Let it be especially remembered, however, that the in terest awakened by the remarks of the noble Lord the Member for Marylebone, was considerably en hanced by the recollection, that he himself had so recently traversed those lands and those waters which are being illustrated in the annals of Europe by the valour and the warlike capacity of the Turkish Admiral and the Turkish military Com mander-in -Chief. Close we now our reference to this interesting banquet of last evening, with an echo of that gallant hope, gallantly, expressed by Sir CHARLES NAPIER, that before long he may once more meet his entertainers—this time not to congratulate him on his nomination to the command of the Baltic Fleet, but to celebrate some decisive battle won not far from the walls of the capital of St. Petersburgh. General Sir CHARLES NAPlER—reviled during his glorious life-time by the basest of his foes, and pursued even within the sacred precincts of the tomb by their unrelenting and inhuman ani mosity—is, it would appear, at least to have the posthumous tribute of a spontaneous and national Testimonial. It is scarcely necessary for us to say that the project of this noble, and affecting, and beautiful evidence of homage for the hero's memory commands at once—on the instant—our support and sympathy to the very uttermost. We believe it will in like manner command the sympathy and support, the earnest sym pathy and active support, of every true and generous heart among the masses of our population. Remember ! this tribute is not only a tribute to the memory of the heroic Conqueror and the wise Administrator—the Con queror and Administrator of the vast province of Scinde—but it is, besides that, a visible protest, on the part of the people of England, against the infamy of those who are scattering derision upon his tomb, the derision of their ungrateful and systematic misrepresentations. This Testimonial to the victor of Meannee and Hyderabad, is, in other words, not only a tribute of popular admiration, for the genius and the valour of Sir CHARLES NAPIER, but a national protest against those who are implicated in any way with his calumniators during life and after death, and especially against the more implacable of his personal antagonists who are members of the ungrateful East Indian Government. It is at once, therefore, we repeat, a protest and a tribute, this " NAPIER Testi monial" a protest against treachery and ingratitude, and a tribute of respect and admiration. Englishmen !—all of you who are lovers of justice, and admirers of heroism, or who have a rational affection for the good old English regard for fairplay, all of you who have a wholesome detestation of anonymous calumniators —those assassins of reputation !—contribute some coin, if it be only a penny, to be melted down as it were into a portion of that bronze, which will attest to after times in some public place in our capital, that the many noble qualities of Sir CHARLES NAPIER, the Hero of Scinde and Cepha lonia, were not altogether unappreciated by those masses of his :fellow -countrymen who were his contemporaries. Have any of our readers ever strolled into the House of Commons in the early part of the Ses sion during the hours devoted to private busi ness ? We do not mean that they have visited the " Gallery" for the purpose of hearing matters of general importance discussed. We do not re quire their presence beyond the lobby, through which the several members are hurrying for the purpose of making or keeping " a House." Nor will we detain them for any considerable period from the dinners which are already in course of preparation at the neighbouring hotels and taverns. From the moment that they enter into the vicinity of the Temple of Legislation, between the hours of half-past 3 and 5 o'clock, they will perceive manifestations of extraordinary excitement and bustle that, if strangers, might induce them to suppose that the fate of the Ministry, or at least of some question of vital importance to the community, was about to be decided. Nay, more, they might easily fancy themselves persons of considerable con sequence, on whose conduct the affairs of the nation and the best interests of society were dependent. For, no matter from what quarter they approached, whether coming from the aristocratic districts westward of the Park, via George-street, from the busy thoroughfares around Charing-cross, by way of Parliament street, from the transpontiue regions over the crazy, tumbling bridge of Westminster, or even from the quarters abutting on the penitential Millbank and the classic Horseferry-road, they will find themselves strictly scrutinised by seedy looking strangers, who dog their footsteps, and, when assured that they are actually wending their way towards the House, rush forward to announce the arrival of unknown strangers, who must, of course, be in some degree concerned in the busi ness exclusively occupying the thoughts of the outlying scouts. The results of the intelligence speedily become perceptible. Scarcely have they taken up their positions before they are accosted by a polite and communicative stranger, clad in professional attire, who, with considerable tact, contrives to enter into conversation, and discover whether they are in any way interested in the Grand Economical -- Producing Association— (we leave the subject unknown, lest our observations might be construed)—and whether they come to support or oppose its bill, which stands for a second reading that evening, and on which a divi sion is expected in a very few minutes. H the party be numerous, they are attacked on the right and left wings, by agents pro and con., while another respectable-looking individual has probably assailed the centre. It will be found a task of no ordinary difficulty for the visitors to convince their recent acquaintances that they could have been attracted by any object uncon nected with the all-engrossing subject on which they themselves were engaged. But if successful in doing so, they are importuned by men of whose existence they were utterly ignorant a quar ter of an hour previously to use their influence with any member by whom they may be recog nised, for or against the measure, which is either the most beneficial to the nation brought forward at any time, or the greatest job ever attempted to be perpetrated—according to the side on which the " touter" may chance to be engaged. Men will naturally feel astonished at being asked to take any part respecting a matter of the actual merits whereof they are totally unacquainted. They will naturally inquire what can be the nature of the system that admits of such pro ceedings, and their astonishment will be in creased when they find Honourable, aye, and Ri g ht Honourable Gentlemen, actively canvassed by parties just as ignorant as themselves, and those distinguished representatives pledging their votes without further information or inquiry ! This, gentle reader, is the mode in which the private Parliamentary business of the country is conducted. This is the system of which Lord STANLEY so justly complains, and which renders the fate of any measure, no matter how deeply in teresting to the parties, and founded on, or opposed to natural justice or public good, dependent on a species of lottery, or, what is worse, of thimble rigging or sleight of hand. It must be obvious that the House should assume the functions of a Grand Jury on such occasions, and that their duty is to see if there are sufficient grounds for further inquiry to justify them in subjecting its opponents to the expense and inconvenience of carrying their opposition before the Select Com mittee, to which if, read a second time, it must be referred. It must be obvious that some information would • be necessary to en able the judges to decide impartially and correctly. But none such is obtainable, save from interested parties, whose opinions cannot receive implicit credence. As Lord STANLEY re marks, the proceeding is rather judicial than legis lative, but it is nevertheless conducted with the most total absence of judicial forms, and the Noble Lord by n o means exaggerates when he states, a of ilia owri knowled , e ui.,-tances of mem bers voting " in ignorance, not only of the merits of the case, but of the very name and purport of the bill which they were helping to carry or throw out," and that "it follows that there is no real security either for a good bill being al lowed to go to committee, or for a bad one being stopped !" This grievance, for it is a grievance, and of no ordinary magnitude, requires immediate attention. Lord STANLEY, who has so ably called attention to the nuisance, does not attempt to point out the precise remedy. He has, however, offered suggestions calculated to mitigate the evil. We therefore trust that he will finish the good work he has commenced, and inflict a fatal blow on the abominable system of jobbery which he has so clearly and unsparingly exposed. MONEY MARKET AND COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 4,000 bales, all to the trade. The market was tame, with but little alteration in prices. The sales comprised 3,000 American, 90 Pernam and Maranham at 6d. to 6d., 140 Bahia at bid. to 7d., 250 Egyptian at 6d. to Bkd., and 500 Surat at 3d. to 4/d. per lb. Railway Shares were very dull. Accounts from New York state that the sudden activity which had taken place in Stocks was sub siding at the latest date. Shipments of breadstuffs continued active, and formed the greater part of the total exports. The value of merchandise ex ported during the week to the 18th ult., including specie, was 1,380,490 dols. Freights were firm. The Canadian advices notice a gradual rise in flour. The total amount of revenue collected in New Brunswick last year was 184,7271., of which 141,3711. were collected at St. John's. There was a general increase of business at all the ports in the province. Our attention has been directed to the recent report of the East Indian Railway Company, by which it appears— " That the deposit of 21. per share has been paid upon only 72,635 shares, out of 400,000 shares of the New Extension capital—thus leaving nearly s.6ths of the extension capital repudiated. "A project, with a subscribed capital of 8,000,0001. or 10,000,0001., may be at once safe and profitable, but very much the reverse with the capital diminished to 2,000,0001. or 3,000,0001. It may be asked whether it is in the power of the directors to proceed to construct a mutilated portion of the line, should five-sixths of the shareholders decline to pay the call or sign the deed. "Should the directors proceed with a portion of the scheme, what will be the position of those shareholders who may pay up in full ? " The terms of the contract not having been complied with, the payment of the interest will of necessity be at the option of the authorities. The danger lies in attempt ing to construct a work requiring 8,000,0001. with 1,500,0001. The whole arrangement appears to require revision. Without the requisite capital being either paid or subscribed for, there will be no safety to the shareholders or assurance given to the authorities that the contract can be carried out. Calling upon the limited number of bona fide investors to pay up in full is nothing more or less than disheartening, and inconveniencing the willing." The official particulars of the new Australian loan are now given, and correspond generally with what we stated yesterday. The amount is 5 ,000,0001., upon the basis of a lottery scheme, and the subscriptions will be open at Vienna from the 7th to the 17th inst. The funds will bear 4 per cent. interest, redeemable by annuities at 11 per cent. The entire calls will be made within a year, in ten or twelve instalments. The Foreign Exchanges were quoted yesterday afternoon at a slight decline on the principal cities. Paris, 90 days, brought 25 25 to 27i ; Amster dam, 11 14i to 15i ; Hamburgh, 13 3f to 3.1 ; and Trieste, 13 20 to 25. The amount of bills drawn on the various pre sidencies by the Honourable East India Company during the fortnight ending yesterday was 47,5561. The English Funds opened rather heavily, Consols being 91k to L, and they have since gone worse, being 90i to 91. This is occasioned by a rumour of the defeat of the Turks at Kalafat, but there is doubt attached to it, otherwise the decline would have been greater. The New 31 per Cents. have realised 92 to I. Bank Stock has been firm at 220 to 221. Exchequer Bills realised 15s to 17s premium. There is very little speculation, and much anxiety prevails for the receipt of later news. Foreign Securities have been comparatively quiet. Mexican Bonds have receded to 24g. The Com mittee have received advices that the import duties In Vera Cruz for December were estimated at 163,000 dollars, one-fourth being assi g ned to the interest on the Foreign Debt. Grenada Deferred Bonds have been quoted 61, and Equador Aus trian 5 per Cents. are worth 76. Portuguese 3 per Cents. have been done at 31. Spanish 3per Cents. have declined to 361 k. Sardinian Bonds are as low as 78 to 791. Dutch 4 per Cents. have realised 851 to 1. The current prices for the Jamaica mines not officially quoted are as follow :—Metcalfe, dis count to premium ; Sue River, 4 discount to par ; Port Royal, A- to premium. The English Railway market has been about 1 per Cent. lower all through, since the decline in Consols, and with a very limited business doing. French shares are much the same. The Gold Mine shares have been inactive. Joint Stock Banks are nominally firm, and the Land Companies' also. BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK. ( Ptom the Official List.) Business done. Bank Stock .. ......... . ........ 220 1 I per Cent. Reduced — Annuities shut 91i 3 per Cent Consols Annuities 9lB 90,1 New 34 per Cont. Annuities 92 I New 5 per Cent. Annuities ll4 Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 18E0 -16 3-16 Ditto 30 Years, Expire 10th Oct., 1859 5 Ditto 30 Years, Expire sth Jan., 1860 4 1546 Consols for Account 16th March Exchequer Bills, ld. £IOOO £500 Small l7 PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK. A.nstrian Bonds, 5 per Cent....... ..... Equador Bonds Grenada Bonds, Deferred Mexican 3 per Cent. Portuguese Bonds, 3 per Cent 3l Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £ St Ditto 41 per Cent B3 Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent... Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 364 Dividends on the above payable in London. Dutch Exchange, 24 per Cent. 12 Guil Ditto 4 per Cent. Certifieates Consols Ditto :March Account HALF•PAST TWO. 90,1 1 90i 1. ARRIVAL OF THE ORINOCO AT MALTA.—intelligence was received yesterday from Marseilles of the arrival of the Royal mail steamer Orinoco at Malta, on the 4th inst., with the Ist battalion of the Coldstream Guards. She quitted Southampton on the 23d of February, and therefore had a fine run of nine days. VIENNA.—The accounts from Vienna yesterday show little alteration, but the tendency, after the slight rally re ported on Monday, is again towards increased distrust. The following statement regarding the conditions of the new lottery loan of 5,000,0001., the subscription-books of which were opened yesterday, has just been re ceived : "Subscriptions for a new Austrian loan will be opened in Vienna from the 7th to the 17th of March next. " 1. The amount of the loan will be limited to 50,000,000 of guilders, Bank value. " 2. The bonds will be given out in amounts of 250 f., bearing 4 per cent. interest, payable yearly. " 3.The loan will be redeemed by annuities at 1i per cent. —via., 750,000 f. in 50 years, and there will be every year two drawings with the following payments : During the first 5 years from 300 f. to 200,000 f. second 5 ... 300 f. ... 170,(00: • third 5 ... 300 f. ... 140,090 f. • fourth 5 300 f. ... 110,000 f. fifth 5 ... 300 f. ... 100,000 f. and so on with proportional winning prizes. "4. The subscription will be opened only at - Vienna. The price at which the loan will be effected is not yet fixed, but it is expected not to be higher than 90 per cent. " 5. The entire calls will be made within a year, in 10 or 12 instalments, and at the time of subscription 10 per cent. cash must be paid down. " No commission will be allowed. " Vienna, March 1, 1854." THE NEW FRENCH LOAN.—It appears that the new French loan is to be for 10,000,0001. sterling, and that the resort to it has at length been pronounced by the Government to be indispensable. Whether the con tract will take place by public tender or by private nego tiation remains, however, undetermined. Sortie remark has been excited by the singular fact, that while the French Finance Minister was announcing this loan as a consequence of the impending war, " the burden of which properly belongs to the future," the English Chan cellor of the Exchequer was proposing an increased in come tax, on the ground that it was not right to throw these liabilities on to a distant period. It is felt, however, that the true course may lie between the two extremes, and that every requirement would be satisfied in such cases if by raising money in the shape of annuities for 20 or 30 years the extinction of the encumbrance were rendered certain within the present generation. The disturbance of war, it is urged, is sufficiently exceptional to be treated financially, like any other convulsion, to which a liabi lity at all times exists, but which bad best be provided for by spreading its cost as an average over a definite period. By this means, while a great relief is secured for the moment, a far higher advantage is gained for the succeeding years than that of saving them from the pressure of an additional 20 or 30 millions of debt, since it enables continued advances to be made in the task of setting commerce free, so as to give it a buoyancy that shall make such an item of no importance. PENNY RECEIPT STAMPS.—Among the statements of the Chancellor of the Exchequer last evening, none has given greater satisfaction than that with regard to the results of the introduction of penny receipt stamps. In stead of a gross loss, as estimated, at the rate of 74,000/. per annum, there is an actual increase at the rate of 72,0001., and a salutary example is thus afforded of the worthlessness of the routine answer given by previous Chancellors of the Exchequer to the representations made year after year in favour of the change—viz., that it was not a time for the country to sacrifice any portion of its revenue. It may be hoped that the success of the measure in its partial shape will ultimately lead to its being rendered coherent by its extension to bankers' cheques. The num ber of banks and their branches in the united kingdom is about 1,750, and, assuming their average of cheques to be 100,000 (in some cases it is a million), an additional total would be obtained (after making full allowance for those cases iu which receipts are already given for pay tante by cheque) of at least 650,000/. ~ ,,,J btr*, ambition, DONCASTER RACES. (THIS DAY.) (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) DONCASTER HANDICAP. Aionso Sixteen ran, BETTING-ROOM STAKES. Ptolemy Gamekeeper Eight ran. SCURRY STAKES. King David Julius Casar Four ran. LATEST BETTING—THIS DAY, 12 O'CLOCK. DONCASTER HANDICAP. 7to 2 agst Lerrywheut (taken). 6to 1 agst Hungerford (taken). 6to 1 agst Alonzo (taken). 7to 1 agst Feversham (taken). 7to 1 agst Pearl (taken). 7to 1 agst Catherine Parr. 10 to 1 agst any other. COURT CIRCULAR. The Queen held a Court yesterday afternoon at Buck ingham Palace. Sir Hamilton Seymour, G.C.8., had an audience of her Majesty on his return from St. Petersburg. Sir Hamilton was introduced by the Earl of Clarendon K.G., Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs. The Hon. John Duncan Bligh, C. 8., Envoy Extraor dinary and Minister Plenipotentiary to the King of Hanover, had an audience of the Queen on his return from the Court of Hanover. Mr. Bligh was presented by the Earl of Clarendon. Her Majesty was attended by Lord Waterpark, Lord in-Waiting, and the Hon. Mortimer Sackville West, Groom-in- Waiting. The Right Hon. C. P. Villiers, Judge-Advocate. General, had an audience of the Queen, and submitted to her Majesty the proceedings of some courts-rn trtial. The Queen and Prince Albert took a drive yesterday afternoon in an open carriage and four. The Equerries in Waiting, Col. the Hon. C. Grey and Captain the Hon. D. de Ros, attended on horseback. Prince Albert rode on horseback in the forenoon, at tended by his Equerry in Waiting. The Princesses Helena and Louisa took a drive in an open carriage and four. Her Majesty and Prince Albert, accompanied by Prince Leopold of Saxe Cobourg, honoured the Hayr market Theatre with their presence last evening. The royal suite consisted of Viscountess Jocelyn, Lord Wa terpark, Colonel the Hon. Charles Grey, and Captain the Hon. Dudley de Ros. Mr. W. Watson has had the honour of attending at Buckingham Palace for the purpose of painting a minia ture of Prince Leopold. Her Majesty's private band attended in Buckingham Palace on Monday evening, and performed the following selection : Overture, " Trophy" Selection, "Le Cheval do Bronze" Romance, " Joseph" The Prince of Wales' March The Duchess •f Gloucester passed an indifferent night on Monday, and remains very unwell. The Duchess of Kent visited the duchess yesterday at Gloucester house. A deputation from the Vestryat Richmond, consisting of the Rev. H. Dupuis (vicar), Messrs. H. C. Lacy, R. Smith, W. Chapman, and R. Brewer, and Mr. H. Smith (vestry clerk), had an interview with Sir William Molesworth, yesterday.—Mr. Pym had also an inter view with the right hon. baronet, at the office of Worki and Public Buildings, to submit a plan of a metropolitan super-way, on the principle of the Britannia bridge. The following militia officers had an interview with Viscount Palmerston, yesterday, at the Home-office : Colonel Lord Dynevor, Colonel Gilpin, Major Hon. H. Russell, and Colonel Smyth. Mr. Fortescue, M.P., had an interview with the Earl of Aberdeen, yesterday, at his official residence in Downing-street. Despatches were received at the Colonial-office from the Governors of the West India Islands, yesterday. OLYMPIC THEATRE. The production of the new comedietta " To Oblige Benson,' at this theatre on Monday evening, with more than the ordinary degree of success attending pieces of this description, adds another testimony to the manage rial taste and discrimination of Mr. Wigan. Founded, on one of those delightful farces which are so familiar to to the frequenters of the Paris Gymnase, it has beeri adapted for t stage by the practised hand of Mr. Tom Taylor, who, while giving it a peculiarly English dress, has skilfully preserved the ingeniously constructed plot of the French original. The piece turns upon the device adopted by a wife to extricate another young married lady from an embarrassment caused by her imprudence in writing a letter to a young gentleman, who has pre-i sumed to endeavour to destroy her constancy. The first: lady, desiring to read the inconsiderate flirt an en during lesson, induces her •wn husband, a simple, affec tionate, trustful creature to feign jealousy, she herself' affecting to have committed the same imprudence as her ' young friend. In the first part of the piece, therefore, this model husband, Mr. Robson, acting under the' tuition of his wife, Mrs. Stirling, perpetrates the', most outrageous acts without the least anger, and fiercely abuses his wife, whispering to her at intervals to give him the cue. All this is very amusing, but the' interest assumes a deeper character when Mr. Robson, unknown to his wife, is erroneously informed that the letter in question was really written by her, and that it is she who has acted indiscreetly. Then Robson's mock jealousy changes to the sternest reality, he lavishes every epithet of hatred upon his wife, who is delighted with what she supposes to be his good acting. He addresses a furious explanatory letter to her father, beginning, un politely as he admits, " Wretched old man," and gene rally exasperates himself to the utmost, until matters are put right without injury to anybody's character or happiness. Depicting the frenzy of jealous rage to which he is worked when he has reason to believe that his wife is unfaithful, Mr. Robson displayed great force ; some of the details of his agony were as original as they were highly coloured. The acting was through out extremely good. Mrs. Stirling displayed all that elegance and ease for which she is remarkable, and Mr. Emery as Benson, the gentleman to oblige whom Mr. Robson had so unluckily agreed to feign jealousy, made a very favourable impression. The applause which fol lowed the fall of the curtain was loud and long. The Earl of Stamford and Warrington arrived in Hill-street yesterday, from Enville Hall, Staffordshire. The Earl of Cardigan will entertain a succession of visitants, until the close of the hunting season, at Deane park, Northamptonshire. The noble earl, we believe, intends to accompany his regiment, the 11th Hussars, in the event of its being ordered for service. Sir Richard Sutton, Bart., arrived at Cambridge House yesterday, from Quorndon Hall, Leicestershire, where the hon. baronet has been entertaining a large and distinguished party with the sports of the field. The Lord and Lady Edwin Hill have left the hon. baronet's mansion for Villa St. Lawrence, Isle of Wight, Lord Yarborough's marine villa, for the benefit of her lady ship's health. Lord and Lady Poltimore have arrived in Grosvenor square, from Paris. His lordship, we regret to state, is suffering from indisposition. ILLNESS OF THE DUCHESS OP GLOUCESTER.—The Duchess of Gloucester, in answer to inquiries last even ing, continues very much indisposed. Dr. Hawkins and other physicians continue in attendance. The Queen and the other illustrious visitors of the royal family daily call to pay personal visits to the royal Duchess. DEATH OF THE HON. LADY WILLIAMS WYNN.—We are sorry to announce the unexpected demise of the Hon. Lady Williams Wynn, wife of his Excellency Sir Henry Williams Wynn, and sister of the present Lord Caring ton, which mournful event took place very unexpect edly, on Sunday last, at Wynnstay. Sir Henry Wynn, her ladyship's husband, was 30 years English Minister at Copenhagen. THE FUNERAL OF THE SWEDISH AMBASSADOR. —Thi s morning the mortal remains of his late Excellency Baron Rehausen, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipo tentiary from the Court of Sweden and Norway, were removed from his late residence, No. 14, Halkin-street, Belgrave-square, and finally deposited in a vault at West Wickham Church. The funeral proceedings were conducted in a comparatively private manner, according to the wish of the deceased. THAMES TUNNEL COMPANY. —The annual assembly of proprietors in this company was held yesterday at Radley's Hotel, New Bridge street, Blackfriars, Mr. Ben jamin Hawes in the chair. The statement of accounts was read by Mr. Mason, the clerk, from which it ap peared that the receipts for the past year had been 5,657/. 14s. 6d., and the expenditure 3,486/. Bs. 6d., leaving a balance of—paid to Government, 1,4901.35. 3d., and cash in hand, 6311. 2s. 9d. The Chairman, in mov. ing the adoption of the accounts, stated that the amount of tolls had been 4,1171. 16s. id., being an increase over the previous year of 3831. 12s. 9d., or 92,074 passengers. Notwithstanding the great increase in the price of coal and other materials, and also that the company had purchased a new steam boiler, 2111. 19s. 9d. had been paid to the Government over the amount paid during 1852. The tunnel was perfectly dry and clean and becoming much more in use as a thoroughfare, the number of passengers per week, since the Ist of January, averaging 21,000, showing an increase of 3,000 each week over last year. Of the 4,000 shares issued 3,441 had been paid in full, 433 for feited,' and 126 unappropriated. The amount of tolls for the past three years had been-1851, 5,928/. Os. Bd.; 1852, 3,7341. 3s. 3d. ; 1853, 4,1171. 16s. Id. The total amount paid to the Government off the debt had been 23,4491. 13s. 6d. In conclusion, he moved the adoption of the accounts. The motion having been seconded, was carried nem dis. Me3srs. B. Hawes, F. L. Wollas ton, and T. Hawes, the retiring directors, were re-elected ; and Mr. R. S. Warrington was elected auditor in room of Mr. G. Guillonneau. After some routine business, thanks were voted to the directors, and the meeting separated. SPECIMENS or GOLD ORE.—Some extraordinary specimens of gold ore were exhibited to day in the city, said to have been obtained from a place in Merioneth shire about five miles from Dolgelly, and to exist in great abundance. From the statements made with regard to it, there seems reason to entertain the belief of its being obtainable in large quantities, but under no circumstances can the report lead the public into folly or loss, since any proposal to raise money for work ing the discovery would at once show it to be a delusion. A few hundred pounds, as the cost of a machine, is all the outlay that can be required, and if the owners of the property have not credit enough to obtain that amount privately there can be little need for the public to pay attention to their allegations. BETTING LAST NIGHT. NORTHAMPTONSHIRE STAKES. 12 to 1 agst Marc Antony (taken). 100 to 7 agst Knowles's two (taken). 20 to 1 aget Defiance (taken). 20 to 1 agst Lamprocles (taken). GREAT METROPOLITAN STAKES. 20 to 1 agst Annie Sutherland (taken). CHESTER CUP. 18 to 1 agst Newminster (taken). 50 to 1 agst Canute (taken). 50 to 1 agst Brown Brandy (taken). DERBY. 10 to 1 agst Dervish (taken). 20 to 1 agst Ruby (taken). 20 to 1 agst Wild Huntsman (taken). 30 to 1 agst Marsyas (taken). 40 to 1 agst Corin (taken). OAKS. 8 to 1 agst Omoo (taken). 10 to 1 agst Sortie (taken). IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF COMMONS—(THIS DAY.) The SPEAKER took the chair at twelve o'clock. PRIVATE BILLS. The following bills were read a second time, and or dered to be committed :—Brighton, Hove, and Preston Waterworks ; Hastings and St. Leonard's Gas ; London Life Association ; Middleton Gas ; Radcliffe and Pilk ington pas, _ On the motion for the second reading of the Dublin and Mullingar Road bill, Mr. M'CARTNEY moved as an amendment, that the bill be read a second time this day six months. Mr. GROGAN supported the second reading. After a brief discussion the house divided, when there appeared-- For the second reading 25 Against it 126 Majority —lol The bill was accordingly thrown out. On the motion for the second reading of the Dublin, Clontarf, &c., Road Bill, Mr. M'CARTNEY moved that it be read a second time this day six months. After another discussion the house again divided, when there appeared— For the second reading 136 Against it l5 Majority --121 The bill was accordingly read a second time, and or dered to be committed. PETITIONS. Sir F. THESIGER presented two petitions against the Oaths Bill. Several petitions were presented against the opening of public houses on Sunday. IRISH PRISONS. Mr. FRENCH asked the Secretary for Ireland, whe ther a commission was appointed to examine and report on the state of the Government Prisons and Convict Depots in Ireland ; whether it has made any report; and by what authority it was appointed ; further, whether such commission was superseded, and another commis sion appointed by the Home Secretary ; and whether there is any intention on the part of Government of transferring the superintendence of these Government prisons and convict depots from the Irish authorities to those in England. Sir J. YOUNG said a commission had been appointed to examine and report on the state of the convict prisons in Ireland, but the commission had not yet made any report, with regard to the last question the right hon. baronet's answer was in the negative. SUCCESSION TO REAL ESTATES BILL. On the motion for the second reading of this bill, Sir J. PAKINGTON said it behoved the house to pause before they adopted the democratic principle of the bill, it was a most unwise principle, and utterly at variance with the spirit of the constitution. But the operation of the bill would be highly unjust if it were carried, for, according to the provisions of the measure, if the owner of a real estate died suddenly and intestate, the law would step in and divide his property, in a manner which might be wholly at variance with his wishes, and was [LEFT SPEAKINGI COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.-(THIS DAY.) IN RE MORRIS. This bankrupt was described as of Sohan, Cambridge shire, ironmonger, gas manufacturer, &c., and to-day was appointed for his last examination. The accounts made out by Messrs. Robinson and Knowles were of a very complicated nature, as he bad carried on trade at several places, solely and in partner ship—he was proprietor and Manager of the Sohan Gas works, and was agent and manager at Ely, Sohan, March, Chatteris, and Newmarket, for Messrs. Harvey and Hudson, bankers, Norwich. The balance-sheet extends from the Ist. Jan., 1851, to October, 1853, and shows debtor to creditors un secured,', 1,4081. 2s. 7d. ; to Hugh Evans (holding se curity on the Gas Works), 2001. ; to Henry Beatley, 3491. 3s. 10d. ; liabilities as a partner with Henry Beatley, 3,1801. 6s. 3d. ; profits, 1,676/. 16s. 2d. ; creditor by good debts, 212/. ; property, 6771. 13s. 3d ; losses, 1,1551. 14s. 11d. ; bank agency expenses, 5671. 19s. 3d. ; trade expenses, 3741. 12s. ; personal, 8031. The bank agency was terminated i❑ September, 1853, the bankrupt receiving 3001. by way of compen sation, on undertaking not to join any other bank within thirty miles of Ely. An application was made for a short adjournment for the convenience of counsel, which was granted. SHERIFFS' COURT-(TIIIS DAY.) AN ARBITRATION CASE.-STAIGER V. RYAN. This was an action to recover the sum of 101., for work done by the plaintiff as a civil engineer and me chanical draughtsman. The plaintiff proved the work done, and contended that the charges were fair and reasonable. The defendant said that the matter had been referred to an accountant to settle up the accounts, and there was only 71. 10s., and produced an acknowledgment to that effect signed by the plaintiff, and that balance was settled. The plaintiff, who is a foreigner, said he did not know that he was signing for 171.—he did not know how it was settled, as he left it to a person named Campion, whom he had caused to be summoned here, but was not in attendance. His Honour directed him to ba called in the usual manner, but he did not appear. A witness was called and proved that both plaintiff and defendant were present when the arrangement was come to. His Honour said that if people would sign whatever was put before them they must take the consequences —the defendant was entitled to a verdict. Camphion, however, should be summoned to show cause why he did not appear on the present occasion, and if his evi dence was material for the plaintiff he (his Honour) would grant a new trial. MARLBOROUGH-STERBT. - (THIS DAY.) FURIOUS DRIVING.— Milian Wright was brought before Mr. Bingham, charged with furiously driving a horse and gig, and running over William Berry, a cross ing-sweeper in Regent -street. The complainant—who had previously been treated with sundry drains of gin by the defendant, in order that he should make the charge as "mild " as possible —gave his evidence with great reluctance :—He stated that yesterday afternoon, about six o'clock, he was crossing Regent-street, when the defendant, who was driving a horse and gig at a furious rate, drove up against him and knocked him down. Witness was not much hurt, with the exception of a bruise on his left leg. In reply to Mr. Bingham, complainant said he had no idea how the accident hap pened. Police sergeant Glass 3C, on being called, gave evi dence which put quite a different face on the matter ; he was on duty in Regent-street about half-past six yesterday afternoon, when he saw the defendant driving a horse and gig, at the rate of between nine and ten miles an hour. On arriving at the corner of Jermyn street and Regent-street, he drove with great violence against complainant, who was crossing at the tim e , knocked him down, and the wheels passed over him. Witness stopped the defendant, and seeing he was the worse for liquor, took him to the station-house. The complainant expressed himself muchihurt at the time. In answer to the charge defendant said he was not drunk, neither was he driving at a furious rate. The complainant ran up against his gig as he was crossing the road, and that was the cause of his falling to the ground. Inspector Parke, C division, said the defendant was decidedly the worse for liquor. Mr. Bingham said he considered the charge proved, and fined defendant 40s. for the f ur i ous driving,- and 40s. for the injury done to the man ; but if he paid the com plainant 40s. he would excuse him the remainder. The money was at once paid. LATEST FOREIGN NEWS. THE WAR IN THE EAST. REPORTED DEFEAT OF THE TURKS AT KALAFAT.—ANTICIPATED MARCH OF THE RUSSIANS FOR CONSTANTINOPLE. The Morning Herald, in a second edition to-day, makes the following important statement : We are enabled to state that a special messenger, who travelled with the utmost expedition direct from the seat of war, arrived last evening at the Foreign-office with despatches of the very last im portance. These were immediately forwarded to her Majesty at Buckingham Palace. The Queen was just leaving for the theatre, but, in conse quence, detained the Royal carriages for upwards of three-quarters of an hour. From what we can gather, we fear that a dreadful reverse has over taken the Turkish arms, being no less than the capture by the Russian army of Kalafat, the key and the chief position of the Sultan's forces on the Danube, and we understand that almost a total massacre of its defenders took place, and unless checked by the extraordinary interposition of Pro vidence, the hordes of the Autocrat may be at this moment on the high road to, if not in actual pos session of, Constantinople. There is and can now be no mistake. This news has even brought Lord Aberdeen to his senses, and henceforth he must admit that nothing but war to the knife against the Czar can atone for the atrocities he has committed. [We shall use our utmost endeavour to obtain either a contradiction or a confirmation of the above appalling intelligence, and trust, for the sake of humanity, as well as for the honour of France and England, that it has at least been exaggerated.— Ed. Sun.] NEW PROPOSITIONS FROM RUSSIA. From Vienna we learn by telegraph that new propositions have arrived there from St. Peters burg, and were to be forwarded to Paris and Lon don that evening. The proposals consist in counter-propositions to the peace project of the 13th January. Russia has sent a draft of preliminaries of peace, offering to evacuate the Principalities the moment these are signed. The Conference at Vienna considers these terms unacceptable, as the concessions now made do not comprise all that the last project demanded. Captain Blackwood, Queen's messenger, conse quently left for St. Petersburg, with the ultimatis simum from the Western Powers, after two days detention at Vienna. The Emperor Nicholas and his family have left St. Petersburg to take up their temporary residence in the city of Warsaw, where the Czar hopes that he will be able to exercise his influence more effec tually against Prussia and Austria. Advices received from Constantinople of the 25th ult. state that hostilities were still suspended in consequence of the extreme cold. Sixty pieces of artillery had been landed at Trebizond and Batoum. The terms proposed by Russia are in no degree more favourable than the last overtures from St. Petersburg, which the - Conference at once rejected. The Emperor Nicholas had, no doubt, hoped, by these new propositions, to detach Austria from the Western Powers ; but, owing to the great judg ment and perfect loyalty with which Count Buol has acted, the scheme has completely failed. The Emperor Francis Joseph left on Monday night for Munich. The Austrian Government has opened a sub scription for a lottery loan of 50,000,000 florins, at 90. It has been very favourably received. Persia, which remains neutral, is fortifying her frontiers towards Turkey. If the Affghans attack Candahar, Persia offers to mediate. The Khan of Khiva has sought a refuge at Bokbara, and calls upon the neighbouring khans to join him against the Russians. Three Russian vessels have been at Trieste. Their crews return overland. The Austrian Government has published an official document, in which it makes known its views in regard to the differences between Russia and Turkey. In this document the Austrian Go vernment expresses regret that the communica tion sent by the Western Powers to Russia is of such a nature as to leave hardly any hope of a favourable reply. The document proceeds to say . that "it was never doubted by the Imperial Govern ment that the demands of those Powers were just, and in accordance with the interests of Europe. Till the very last, the Imperial Government has obeyed the calls of duty to Europe, and those of friendship to its Imperial ally., Should war take place, the sole duty of the Austrian Government is to maintain the interests of the nations under the sceptre of his Majesty,•which interests are not in conflict with those of any other nation. Austria is prepared to meet the dangers which may accrue from a great war in an adjoining country, and from the subversive tendencies which may manifest themselves on the frontiers of the empire during the continuance of that war." From Kiel, March 5, a letter states that the English Government steamer Hecla had arrived there. She had reconnoitred the Baltic ports, and reports the Belt and Sound free of ice. Kiel is fit for the reception of the fleets. KALAFAT. The Special Military Correspondent of the Morn ing Chronicle writes from Kalafat on Feb. 9th The last few days have been exciting ones at Kalafat. The attack which had been so long ex pected appeared positively to be about to take place. On the 7th of February, the Russians showed themselves in force ; three battalions of infantry, with two regiments of cavalry, debouched from - the road to Golenz ; while nine battalions, accompanied by a similar force of cavalry, showed themselves on that to Pojana. The number of guns is differently estimated at 48 and 54. The former number appears most probable. The force was spread over a semicircle completely enclos ing the fortifications, which are six thousand paces in extent. From all that has been seen of the enemy during the last ten days, it may safely be said that there is one division ob serving Kalafat—that is, four regiments or sixteen battalions, accompanied by thirty-two guns and two horse artillery batteries attached to the cavalry —total forty-eight pieces. Two regiments of cavalry and Cossacks, and one rifle battalion, of which arm there is one per corps d'armee, will make the 17th battalion. This force, of about 14,000 men, appeared before Kalafat, and drew out the fire of most of the batteries ; they continued manoeuvring during three hours, firing round shot at intervals at the few Bashi-buzouks who were venturesome enough to remain outside. All the hay and straw which the Cossacks found they dili g ently set fire to ; so that soon the whole country behind ap peared in a blaze. The object of this was, clearly enough, to make it difficult to feed the cavalry at Kalafat. But in this they have utterly failed, as forage of all descriptions is abundant. The troops remained under arms from eleven or twelve o'clock at noon till four, when the Russians having retired, they did so likewise. The same evening large fires were observed in every direction towards th Rus sians, fires that could not be mistaken for bivouac fires ; this was the forage which they continued dur ing the night and the following day to burn. Achmet Pacha on the same evening, about 10 p.m., made a reconnaissance towards Golenz. He took with him nine squadrons of cavalry, 200 Bashi-buzouks, and four guns. As a patrol it might be well enough, but as a reconnaissance his night march did him small honour. On reaching the hillock within a quarter of an hour of Golenz, the force was halted, the Bashi-buzouks alone feeling their way ahead. Two Cossacks were seen galloping away, though far out of range of firearms. One or two Bashi buzouks fired, and firing among soldiers spreads like a plague ; in au instant there ,were two hundred muskets discharged at nothing at all. No ; not, perhaps, at nothing at all ; for there were a number of haystacks there. This imaginary enemy was considered very obstinate in not retiring, so the guns were brought up. They fired seven rounds towards Golenz, awakening the echoes of the night. It is not known whether any one else was similarly inconvenienced, for there was no nply. The force then retired, having gained not a particle of information as to the whereabouts of the enemy. But the farce was not yet finished. Half way home guns were unlimbered, and three shells fired towards Pojana—distant five miles, or thereabouts—after which feat of arms the force returned home. On their entry into the lines, the whole army was found under arms in the trenches ; the three guns fired towards Pojana had been heard, and were imagined to be a signal of alarm from the reconnoitring force. This bit of child' s play has been the subject of ridicule through the whole camp ; the commander's reputation, already not too high, has suffered accordingly. Yesterday afternoon. (Bth) three battalions of in. fautry 3 Raz ficluathons of ca valry, and two gulp) were sent out to take possession of Czup erzin, a village within three-quarters of an hour's march o Kalafat. This operation was effected without en countering a Russian, though st rong d ou bts are entertained as to its ever having being occupied by more than a few Cossacks. The position is worse than useless ; and to-day or to-morrow the troops will be ordered to return. On the same afternoon, a reconnaissance was sent out to Golenz. They succeeded in discovering that that village was still occupied by half a regiment of cavalry and a couple of squadrons of Cossacks. This probably is a rear guard outpost. Such is the state of affairs at Kalafat. The Russians have found the Turks very strongly en trenched, and in sufficient numbers to defend themselves against everything but an enormous force • 40,000 or 50,000 men mi g ht eas ily, nay probably would, fail in an attack. They have made a reconnaissance with all their available forces, and, remembering the rough treatment at Olte nitza of a very superior force, and the tough way the Turks defended themselves at Citale against nearly double their number, the general considered that he was not w arran t e d i n attacking, and has therefore retired, either to manoeuvre so as to draw the Turks from their trenches, or to await reinforce ments. What the manoeuvres may be remains to be seen. Some persons predict the crossing of the Danube by a . strong force ; this certainly will ne cessitate the evacuatio n o f Kalafat ; but the former is an operation of great delicacy, requiring a con tinuance of fine weather, a lar g e fo r c e , an good luck. Omer Pacha still remains at Schumla, bid ing his time and wat c hi ng even t s , an d wou ld pro bably interrupt any such operation. Rumours have reached the camp that Franco and England have declared war against Russia ; this is news which is looked upon as too good to be true ; but its probability has been increased by . a report that General Baraguay d'Hilliers has already selected a site for the reunion of a French force be tween Constantinople and Adrianople. Ismail Pacha, the gallant commander of the at tack on the village of Citale, has been appointed commander-in-chief (mushir) of the army of Ana tolia. His loss will he severely felt at Kalafat, for though he is not an officer of any education accord ing to European ideas, still he has had, what is certainly half as good, if not more—considerable experience in the field. His conduct at Citale has proved him to be possessed of the most thorough sang-froid, and of the utmost contempt for any thing like danger. His knowledge of tactics, it is to be feared, is a negative quality ; of strategy, it will probably be seen lie is equally ignorant. The cavalry of the Turks is doubtless their worst arm ; and their conduct in front of Kalafat will not raise them in the opinion of the Russians. Some of the scenes enacted with regard to the irregular cavalry, under the fire of the Cossacks, have been of the most laughable description. Four or five days back, during a reconnaissance at Golenz, they refused to advance, though urged forward with the most forcible arguments. Captain !a couba, a Polish officer of great merit, their com mander, had one man pulled off his horse, laid him on the ground, where he was held by two soldiers, and iith his own hands administered some twenty blows, of the most severe description, with the back of his sabre ; this occurrence took place under the fire of the Cossacks. Yesterday, again eight men were sent in, on foot, prisoners to Ka lafat, and to-day will receive, without formal trial or other order than the will of their commander, 200 blows with a stick. The argumentum bacculi num, will hardly ever make them worth the bread they eat. The regular cavalry has not yet been engaged with the enemy hand to hand. This is owing to the want of spirit in their commanders ; and as long as the command of that arm is given to men, the sons of some of the great dignitaries at Constantinople, men of no experience whatever, it can hardly be expected to be otherwise. The sol diers themselves are good and brave; but they have not yet had an encounter with their enemies, and, therefore, they do not know their own strength or weakness. FRANCE. The Legislative Assembly yesterday agreed to the bill authorising the Minister of Finance to con tract a loan of 250,000,000 francs (10,000,0001.). The bill was agreed to unanimously, without dis cussion, by the 238 members who were present. The Assembly also unanimously resolved to ac company the members of the bureau who were to present the projet de loi last evening to the Em peror at the Tuileries. On being ushered into the presence of the Emperor, the President said : " Sire—We bring to your Majesty the law pre sented yesterday, and which we have to-day unani mously voted. On this occasion the whole Legis lative Corps desired to join its bureau to render still more striking in the eyes of Europe the testi mony it offers t 2 the Emperor of its entire confi dence and most resolute concurrence." The Emperor replied—" I am profoundly pene trated by the empressement with which the legisla tive corps has voted this law. The striking adhe sion you give to the policy I have adopted proves that I have not been wrong. The sentiments of France will respond to ours, for, like me, you are the elected of universal suffrage." This reply was received with immense applause, and shouts of " Vive l'Empereur !" Some important changes are about to take place among the representatives of France at the foreign Courts. The intention to invest Marshal de St. Arnaud as ambassador extraordinary at Constan tinople at the same time with the chief command of the army and navy has been abandoned. Marshal de St. Arnaud will be simply commander-in-chief of the army. M. de Bourqueney, the present am bassador atVienna, has been appointed ambassador at Constantinople, in the place of General Baraguay d'Hilliers, and he will proceed thither forthwith. The Marquis de Turgot, the Minister at Madrid, has been recalled. M. de Lacour, the late Minister at Constantinople, has been appointed Minister at Naples, in place of M. de Maupas, recalled. Marshal de St. Arnaud, although still suffering, will, it is at present fixed, leave Paris on the 14th for Avignon, to review the troops in that garrison. He is to arrive on the 21st at Toulon, where the army intended for Turkey, to the number of 36,000 men, will by that time be assembled. The Duke of Cambridge, Lord Raglan, Sir George Brown, and the other Generals, are expected to arrive at Paris on the 12th, but there are some doubts if they will come before the 21st. The Duke of Cambridge will occupy the apartments in the Pavilion Marsan, of the palace of the Tuileries, lately occupied by the Duke of Saxe Coburg during his visit to the Emperor. The fifth drawing for the conscripts took place yesterday (Tuesday), at the Hotel de Ville. The crowd was immense, and the en thusiasm general. The young men themselves, who traverse the streets with their hats adorned with gay ribands, appear most anxious to begin at once with the Russians, and only regret the delay that must take place before they know how to handle the musket. They all believe, as a matter of course, that they are to be sent forth with to the Danube. The wine shops in the neighbourhood are doing a capital business, and the women who occupy booths on the Places, and who dispense wine, eau-de-vie, and other re freshments, seem quite as enthusiastic as the young soldiers, and appear to regret that they are not called upon to march. The Three per Cents. opened yesterday at 66f. 75e., rose to 67f. 25c., and closed at 66f. 55e. for the end of the month. The Four-and-a-Half per Cents. closed at 94f. 25c. ex div. ; Orleans Railway Shares, 1,087 f. 50c. ; Rouen, 870 f. ; Havre, 440 f. ; Great Northern, 740 f. ; Paris and Strasburg, 717 f. 50c. ; ditto, New Shares, 567 f. 50c. ; Paris and Lyons, 817 f. 5 0 c. ; Lyons to the Mediterranean, 667 f. 50c. ; Western of France, 580 f. ; Bordeaux and Cate, 537. 50c. ; Great Central, 432 f. 50c. ; Lyons and Geneva, 445 f. ; Shares of the Bank of Credit Mobilier, 582 f. 50e. DENMARK AND SWEDEN. It is said that in reply to the declaration of the Russian Government that it could not accept or re cognise the announcement of s a w p e o d l i i s y of neutrality on the part of Sweden, the Government replied that they can make no change in that policy, and are efend The it ---and have com menced defensiveprepared o d preparationsaccordingly. Russian Government has re-opened . negotiations, are re dstill result,peu pending, but without prospect of Denmark are entirely gale Governments of Swe adneny which and altered louitldis decided and united in . policy. Russians not recognise the believed that they will at theff .. neutrality, S once join . the alliance of the Western Powers. The whole spirit of the northern populations, that of Norway . included, i s and in favour strongly opposed to Russia, of England and France. SPAIN. - - - There were vague reports at Madrid, on the 2d., of a difference having arisen between England and Spain, and of the expected recall of M. Isturitz to Madrid. The persons expelled from Spain and sent to Cadiz are to be transported to the Canary Islands. The Three per Cents. were done on the 2d inst., at 3G ; Three per Cents. Deferred, 194 ; Redeem able Debt, Ist class, 8 1-16 ; ditto, 2d class, 4g. ; Coupons, 3. Exchange on London 51. 40. ITALY. A letter despatched from Turin, says France and England have come to an understanding for the repzepeion of any revolutionary 1119Yern=kill LOY. BAN( AT Vice-Ad to the corn Spithead, quet by th took place mall, but, tion could Many men to obtain : chambers : to hear the vited guest consisted which were A. consider of the club and others arrival. I did full cr€ Mr. Fidler tonstmaste Lord Pa tlemen pre 'V. Aloless M.P., Adn Minister, ral for Irel the Hon. Dudley Sti acted as vic The clot The CH observing, of a lady n —those . vir than she w for the exa. deuce to pl Sovereign tions, becai of a gratefi The toas The nob " His Rol Wales, and needless, g( his Royal I of this nal arts, the en science --(h in everythi) improveme (Cheers.) Prince of I gratifying parents, an the fuller d period, we cheers)—qr as we trust this countr: The nobl men, I hay whom this I now wish Yereign wh terest to th man in this in Europe. " The heat Medjid." qui, a popula me bo ceux q A miry d'un e longue (Loud The sador' "I gratit the hE i;,':