The Sun. — London, England, 1854-01-31 00:00:00

COLONEL FRED. MARKHAM. Now Ready, in Bvo., with Numerous Illustrations, 215., SHOOTING SCENES in the HIMALAYAS, CHINESE TARTARY, LADAC, THIBET, &c. _ _ _ By Colonel Paw. Manicnam, 31d Regt. Richard Bentley, New Burlington-street, (Publisher in Ordinary to her Majesty.) Now Beady, in Bvo. , price 165., MEMOIRS and CORRESPONDENCE of HENRY ST. GEORGE TUCKER, Late Acconntant-General of Bengal, and Chairman of the East India. Company. By JOHN WILLIAM KAYE, Author of " The War in Afghanistan." •*• Also. Now Ready, uniform with the above. " MEMORIALS of INDIAN GOVERNMENT," being a selection from Mr. Tucker's papers, edited by J. W. Kaye. Richard Bentley, New Burlington-street, (Publisher in Ordinary to her Majesty.) THE CZAR NICHOLAS• Now Ready, in a neatly bound volume, price 3s. 6d., I , IIE CZAR, HIS COURT AND PEOPLE. By JOHN S. MAXWELL. "Mr. Maxwell gives us here a graphic description of Russia."— Duelin Evening Mail. Richard Bentley, New Burlingto n - street. Now Ready, at all the Libraries, in Three Vols. post Bvo., T H CAR D By the IN A L. Author of " The Duchess." " Reminds us of the novels of Scott." —Morning Post. " An exqui4te ldve story."—John Bull. " An exceedingly interesting and stirri,g story."—Observer. "Full of adventures of the m ost startling an d absorbing churac. ter." —Morning Herald. "A very graphic and bustling novel." —Globe. " Renews the pleasant memory of the • Waverley Novels. ' " Morning Post. Ri c hard Bentley, New Burlington-street. Now Ready, THE CHARITIES OF LONDON; Re port Of their Operations, Resources, and present in g a lntroductory Analysis Pt by -AMNION General Condition. with ax 1641 Low, jun. Pp. 240, price 2s. • The CHURCH. of ENGLAND QUARTERLY REVIEW. New Series, No. I • 6S pu.T.N.Aws mO NTHLY MAGAZINE of AMERICAN LITERA TURE, with nume rous Illustrations. 2s. -YORK ILLUSTRATED RECORD of the EXHIBI- The NEVi r USTRY. 4to. Parts Ito 22, each 9d. Edited by TIO N of IND Professor SnxissaNand C. R R. GOODRICH, EN. Sampson Low and Son, 47, Ludgate-hill. WAR between RUSSIA and TURKEY.— BKITERKELLER'S Embossed MAPS of the OTTOMAN EMPIRE and RUSSIA in Europe, price 215. each, are imported and sold by EDWARD STANFORD, Wholesale and Retail Map seller, 6, Charing-cross. These Maps possess the advantage of repre senting the natural features of the country, the heights of the moun tains, &c ,in relief. A list of the other maps in this series, and the best English and Foreign Maps of the Seat of War, may be had gratis on application. 9[lo LADIES .-WARWICK HOUSE. JL The greatest ELEGANCE and NOVELTY may be seen in SILKS and all OTHER MATERIALS for DRESSES; also in SHAWLS, MANTLES, &c. ; besides the BEST FAMILY LINEN EVER MANUFACTURED ; the whole being marked in plain figures, and for READY MONEY, the prices, it is generally ad mitted, are as low as they can be. THE FOURTH VOLUME Is Now READY OF THE CHEAP RE-ISSUE OF EVELYN'S DIARY AND CORRESPONDENCE Price 65. bosnd, completing the work. N.B. The subscribers to the former Edition of Evelyn's Diary who have not completed their sets have now the opportunity of being supplied with tha concluding volumes (3 and 4), at the same price as the present edition, namely, 6s. per volume. Published for HenryColburn, by his successors, Hurst and Blackett, 13, Great Marlborough-street. 142 and 144, REGENT STREET. NEWELL and CO. has just received a large ►K.77 importation of REAL PERSIAN and KOLILA RUGS, of brilliant colours, and exceedingly cheap.-44, 45, 46, Old Compton street; 46, 47, Frith-Ateet, Soho. STEAM TO HAMBURG EVERY WEDNES DAT and SATURDAY. The General Steam Navigation Company's First-Class and powerful Steam-ship TIGER, John Russell, Commander, Is appointed to leave St. Katharine's Wharf for Hamburg, To-morrow (Wednesday) at 11 morning. The CALE DONIA. Slturday. at 8 morning. Chief Cabin, 21. Fore, 11. ss. To secure Berths, &c.. apply at 71, Lombard-street, or 37, Regent circus. JAPANESE EXHIBITION. The FIRST DIRECT IMPORTATION from JAPAN is NOW OPEN for EXHIBITION, at the Gallery of the society of Painters in Water Colours, SA, Pall-Mall East, for a limited period, as the Society re quires the Gallery for their own paintings. Admittance, 25, THE SECOND VOLUME is Now READY, Embellished with Nine Portraits, price 7s. 6d. bound, of the CHEAP EDITION of LIVES of the QUEENS OF ENGLAND. _ By AGNES STRICKLAND. To be completed in Eight Monthly Volumes, price 7s. 6d. each, bound, illustrated with PURTRAITS of every QUEEN, and includ ing all other late improvements. A Copious Index. Published for Henry Colburn, by his successors, Ilarst and Blackett, 13, Great Marlborough-street. Just ready. SIR. CHARLES NAPIER and the DUKE of WELLINGTON— a Supplement to " Indian Misgovernment." By Lleut.-General Sir WILLIAM NAPIER, S.C.B. Charles Westerton, Hyde-park corner. THE PERFECT SUBSTITUTE for SILVER. The REAL NICKEL SILVER, introduced 20 years ago by WILLIAM S. BURTON, when plated by the patent process of Messrs. Elkington and Co., is beyond all . comparison the very best article next to sterling silver that can be employed as such, either usefully or ornamentally, as by no possible test can it be distin• gnished from real silver. Fiddle Threaded or Bruns- King's Pattern. wick Pattern. Pattern. Tea Spoons, per dozen.. • • ........ 183 .... 265. .• • • 325. Dessert Forks 303. .... 405. • • - 465. Dessert Spoons Table Forks 40s. .... 565. •• .. 645. Table Spoons. • ...... • • .......... 40s. 588. • ... 665. Tea and Cot The Sets, Waiters, Candlesticks, &c., at proportionate prices. All kinds of replating done by the patent process. CHEMICALLY PURE NICKEL, NOT PLATED Fiddle. Thread. Kings, Table Spoons and Forks, fall size, per dozen.. ....... •..• • .. 12s. 28s. •• .. 30s. Dessert ditto and ditto.... •••. • • • • 10s. •• • • 21s. .... 255. Tea ditto .. ••..••.. • • • • .. ss. •• • • lls. • • 12s. CUTLERY, WARRANTED.—The most varied assortment of TABLE CUTLERY in the world, al , warranted is on SALE at WILLIAM S. BURTON'S, at prices that are re munerative only because of the largeness of the sales. 3 1 4 inch ivory-handled table knives, with high shoulders, l Is. per dozen ; desserts to match, 10s.; if to isalance. Is. per dozen extra ; carvers, 4s. per pair; larger sizes,. from 14s. Gd. to 265. per dozen; extra fine, ivory, 325.; if with silver terrnles, 375. to 505.; white bone table knives, 78. Gd. per dozen ; desserts, ss. Gd. ; carvers, 2s. 3d. per pair ; black horn table knives, 7s. 4d. per dozen ; desserts, 6s. ; carvers, Ps. 6d. ; black wood handled table knives and forks, 6s. per dozen: table steel! , , from Is. each. The largest stocK in exist ence of plated dessert knees and forks, in cases and otherwise, and of the new plated fi-dt carvers. Also, a large assortment of Razors. Penknives, Scissors. &c , of the hest quality. WILLIAM S. BURTON has Tr:3l LARGE SIIO3V-ROOMS communicitingi, exclusive of the shop, devoted solely to the show of GENERAL FURNISHING IRONMONGERY (including cutlery nickel silver, plated, and japanned, wares, iron and brass bedsteftds), so arran 4 ed and classified that purchasers may easily and at once make their selections. Catalogues, with engravings, sent (per post) free. The money re turae4 for every article not approved of. 39, OXFORD-S MEET (corner of Newman-street); Nos. 1 and 2, NEWMAN-STREET ; and 4 and 5, PERKY'S-PLACE. THEATRE ROYAL DRURY-LANE, Lessee, Mr. E. T. Braith. THIS EVENING, JAN. 31. Will be presented THE HUNCHBACK. Characters by G. V. Brooke, T. Mead, Belton, and Morgan; Miss Fanny Cathcart, and Miss Featherstone. To conclude with KING HUMMINGTOP ; - or, Harlequin and the Land of Toys. THEATRE ROYAL, lIAYMARKET. Under the management of Mr. Backstone. TIIIS EVENING, JAN. 31, i A Juvenile Night. On which occasion will be performed THE ROUGH DIAMOND. Characters by Messrs. Howe and lluckstone ; Mrs. Fitzwillt am and Miss Ellen Grey. After which, the Grand CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME, called HARLEQUIN AND THE THREE BEAR 4 ; or, Little Silverhair and the Fairies. Columbine, Mts.; M. Brown ; ll.rlequln, Mr. .J. Marshall: Pantaloon, Mr. W. A. Barnes; Clown, Mr. 11. Marshall. To be followed by A PRETTY PIECE OF BUSINESS. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under tie Management of Mr. CHARLES KLAN. THIS LYENINLI, JAN'. 31, Will be performed TITS LANCERS; or, The Gentleman's Son. Principal characters by Messrs. Meadows, Ryder, Everett, H. Mellon, and Ir. Fisher; Mrs. Winstanley, Miss Daly, and Miss C. Leclercq. Atter which will be presented the new Grand CIIIIISTHAS PAN TOAINIE, entitled El k KLEQUIN AN:" Tas MILLER AND Ills 1111 , N; or, King Salamandar and the Fairy of the Azure Lake. Harlequin, Mr. Cormaek ; Clown, Mr. Huline ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo; and Columbine. Miss Desborough. LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Management of Madame Vestria. TfitS EVENLNG. JAN. 31, Will be performed A BACHELOR OF ARTS. Characters by Messrs. O. Mathews, F. Matthews, and Baker; Miss F. Hughes. After which, the original Fairy Extravaganza, called ONCE UPON A TIME THERE WERE TWO KINGS. Principal cha racters by Mr. Wright and Madame Vestris. To conclude with PATTER VERSUS CLATTER. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI. Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste. THIS EVENING, JAN. 31, Will be presented the highly Popular New Nautical Melodrama, in five taoleaux, with new scenery, the Sea of Ice, &c., new dresses and appointments, called TUE THIRST OF GOLD; or. VIE LOST SHIP AND THE WILD FLOWER OF MEXICO. Principal characters by Messrs. B. Webster, Keeley. Paul Bedford, O. Selby, Yarselle, Marsden, &c.; Madame Celeste, Mrs. Leigh Murray, Miss 1. Maskell, Sc. To be followed by the popular and entirely New Grand Specta cular legendary Christmas piece, in two acts, with new scenery, dresses. machinery, and appointments, called NUMBER NIP, or TItF SPLRIT BRIDE. Principal characters by Madame Celeste, Mrs. Keeley, Miss Woolqar, Miss M. Keeley, Miss Cuthbert, Min C. Harding ; Messrs. Paul Bedford, J. ItogerS, Romer, G. Lee, ite• ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. A. Wigan. THT_S EVENING, JAN. 31, Will be performed. THE FIRST NIGHT. Characters by Messrs Ha rwood Cooper, an d Vi ncent ; Miss Alred an, Leslie, Lindon, m P. f Hort W on, ig and Miss Wyndha. After which, THE BENGAL TIGER.. Principal charauter3 by Messrs. Alfred Wigan, Leslie, and F. Robson ; mid Mrs A. Wigan. Followed by THE WANDERING MINSTREL. STRAND THEATRE. Role Lessee, Mr. F. W. Allcroft.—Directress, Miss Rebecca Isaacs. THIS EVENING, Jaw. 31, Will be performed THE BOHEMIAN GIRL. Brine!pal charac ter by 311si Rebecca Isaacs. To ; e followed by THE OMNIBUS. _ . . After which, a new grand Comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled nAitLEQUIN. AND KING NUTCRACKFA ; or, The World of Toys. Clown , b y ho inimitable Flexrnore ; Harlequin, Mr. Bologna ; P an taloon, Mr. Gr iffiths; Columbine, Miss Goward. stalls, 55.; Boxes, 35.; Pit, ls. Gd ; Gallery, Gd. ; P r i va t e B oxes , I Is. 6d., t o be bad of Mr. illcroft, 15, New Bond-street. 13, Great Marlborough-street. NOTICE.—PEPY'S DIARY and CORRES PONDENCE. The New and Improved LIBRARY EDITION of this Popular Work, in 4 vole. demy Avo., illustrated with Portraits and other Phtes, and with numerous additional Notes, Edited by LORD BRAYRROOKE, will be ready for publication in a few days. Orders received by all booksellers. Pubbsli;d for Henry Colburn, by his successors, Hurst and Blackett, 13, Great Marlborougk-street. ASTLEY'S EUROPE 'S NATIONAL AMPHITHEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. William Cooke. Eighth Appearance of Miss KATE COOKE since her return frtm the Continent. The Theatre nightly crowded to overflowing att es t . , Its matchless attractions'. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. fiats DAs —Morning 4:1 min.stfter 3 1 Evening fi min.aft. 4 t?..MOßßOW — Morning 27 mil:hatter 4 1 Evening 48 iniu.aft. 4 THIS EVENING, JAN. 31, To commence with the Grand Chinese Spectacle, THE WISE ELEPHANTS OF THE EAST, or THE MAGIC GONG, in w hi ch Mr. William Cooke's extraordinary Trtencd Elephants appear. Followed by a Recherche Routine of Scenes of Equestrian:am in THE ARENA, supported by the Elite of Europe's Equestrian ArtisteB. Concluding with Mr. W. Cooke's immensely successful COMIC VANTOmmE, written expressly for this Theatre, by Mr. NELSON Lac, entitled BILLY BUT CON'S JOURNEY TO BRENTFORD ; or. Harlequin and the Ladles' Favourite. IQew scenery , dresses, decorations, and app ointments, magnificent Oar ind . ustry, &c. Harlequin, Mr. H. Hemmings ; Columbine, w4Airl.stine ; Pantaloon, Mr. Lehman; a nd Two Clowns, Mr. 41111 -A nd ANCroneste ; Sprites, Masters Gee and Bradbury. 1919 , 410 2 k EleTeu till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. -- 24; 40. f kf l t/ c 4 !.1 skt 13, Great Marlborough-street. MESSRS. HURST and BLACKETT, SUCCESSORS TO MR. COLIRELN, Have just published the following NEW WORRS. 1. TRAVELS IN BOLIVIA, with a TOUR ACROSS THE PAMPAS TO BUENOS AYRES. By L. HUGH DE BONELLI, of her Britannic Maje.ty's Legation. 2 vols., 21s. 2. A SKETCEIER'S TOUR ROUND THE WORLD. By RO BERT ELWES, Esq. Royal Bvo , with 21 coloured illustrations from original Drawings, 215., elegantly bound, gilt edges. 3. MEMOIRS AND CORRESPONDENCE OF MAJOR-GENE • RAL SIR W. NOTT, Envoy at the Court of Lucknow. 2 vols. Bvo., with Portrait (just ready.) 4. FOREST LIFE IN CEYLON. By W. KNIGHTON, M.A. formerly Secretary io the Ceylon Branch Royal Asiatic Society. 2 vols., 21s. 5. MEMOIRS OF JOHN ABERNETHY, F R.S. By GEORGE MACILWAIN, F.R.C.S. Second Edition, 2 vols., with Portrait, 21s. 6. THE JOURNALS AND CORRESPONDENCE OF GENERAL SIR HARRY CALVERT, 0.C.8., &c. Edited by his Son, Sir HARRY VERNEY, Bart. /Ivo., Maps, 14s. 7. THE DUKE OF BUCKINGHAM'S MEMOIRS OF THE COURT AND CABINETS OF GEORGE 111., from Original Family Documents. Second Edition. 2 vols., with Portraits, 305. 8. THE MARVELS OF SCIENCE, and their Testimony to Holy Writ. A Popular System of the Sciences. By S. W. FULLOM, Esq. Seventh Edition, with inns:rations, 7s. 6d. Oast ready.) 9. A LADY'S VISIT TO THE GOLD DIGGINGS OF AUS TRALIA in 1852.3. By Mrs. CHARLES CLACY. 105. 6d. 10. SAM SLICK'S WISE SAWS AND MODERN INSTANCES; or what he Said, Did, or Invented. Second Edition. 2 vols., 21s. 11. FAMILY ROMANCE ; or, DUmestic Annals of the Aristo cracy. By J. B.BURKE, Esq. 2 volt. 21s. 12. REVELATIONS OF SIBERIA By a BANISHED LADY. Third and Cheaper Edition. 2 vols., 16s. 13, Great Ilarlborough-street. THE NEW NOVELS. L Published by HUI= and BLACKETT, successors to 31r. Col. 1. REGINALD LYLE. By Miss PARDOE. 2. FLORENCE THE BEAUTIFUL. By A. BAILLIE COCH RANE, Esq. 3. HIGH AND LOW. By the Hon. HENRY COKE. 4. ALI3E WENTWORTH. 5. THE ROSES. By the Author of " The Flirt." 6. ALIEFORD. By the Author of "John Drayton." 7. CHARLES AUCHESTER : A Musical Novel. 8. THE DAUGHTER OF THE BOUM. By Mrs. CLARA WALBEY (just ready.) Messrs. Hurst and Blackett are also preparing for publication New works of Fiction by the following Distinguished Writers : Miss MITFORD. THE AUTHOR OF " Estrus Wisp- Mrs. Goaz. HAH." Mrs TROLLOPS. THE AUTHOR OF "MARGARET MAITLAND." burn. Tenth Edition, now ready, with Fifteen Illustrations, 10s. 6d., T HE CRESCENT AND THE CROSS. By ELIOT WARBURTON. " A book calculated to prove more practically useful was never penned than The Crescent and the Cross,' —a work which sur passes all others in its homage for the sublime and its love for the beautiful in those famous regions consecrated to everlasting immor tality."—Sun. - Published for Henry Colburn, by his successors, Hurst and Blackett, 13, Great Marlborough-street. EYESIGHT PRESERVED by WEST and CO.'s "Treatise on the Human Eye," price 3d, containing practical rules that enable all to judge when to begin, and what SPECTACLES are best calculated to preserve the eyes to extreme old age. May be procured of any bookseller, or of the Author, 92 and 93, Fleet•street, and 41, Strand, near Charing cross. DEAFNESS. —The only medal awarded at the Great Exhibition of 1851, tor Acoustic Instruments, was to F. C. REIN, for his new ACOUSTIC INSTRUMENTS for the deaf. They are made of different power, to suit extreme and every degree of deafness. To be procured only of the sole inventor and maker, F. C. Rein, 108, Strand, nearly opposite Exeter•hall, where they can be tried and numerous testimonials seen ; among many, one from the Right lion. Sir John Matteson, one of her Majesty's Privy Coun cillors. "FRENCH LLOYD'S."—REGISTER OF CONTINENTAL AND AMERICAN VESSELS. TIE REGISTER VERITAS (French Lloyd's), containing the Classification of 33,000 Vessels of all Nations, surveyed i the Continental and American Ports, for the year 1854, is now ready for nine, Committee of Management at Paris-8, Place de la Bourse. Agents in London—Messrs. Charles Devaux and Ce., 62, King li am-street. London, 14th November, 1853. THE WEATHER.—SUN OFFICE, JAIL 31. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 55—highest since noon yesterday. 49—Lowest this morning and during the night. 55 —this day at noon. BAROMETER, 30.23. Wind—S.W., light airs and very mild weather. r _3, LONDON, TUESDAY, JANUARY 31, 1854. Parliament this afternooon reassembled under circumstances for many years past unparalleled. Elsewhere in to-day's impression of our journal will be found enunciated through her MAJESTY'S gracious Speech from the Throne a manifesto worthy of emanating from the authority of the British SOVEREIGN. It breathes that calm con sciousness of power most befitting the dignity of the Crown at all periods, but peculiarly at this juncture of supreme and anxious emergency. Anything like an appeal to the passions of the multitude on the part of our ' QUEEN would have been unbecoming the majesty of England. Nothing beyond a simple announcement of the failure of our pacific negotiations, beyond a mention of the inadequacy of our diplomatic correspondence, beyond an allusion to the dissipation of cur hopes of continued tranquillity, could in any way have been introduced into the Royal Speech, by Mini sters, without a sensible diminution of the equa nimity alone compatible with the dignity of the Sovereign. Nevertheless, enough has been in timated to assure the people of England that, in the event of a decisive rupture with the Northern AUTOCRAT, the glory of the empire will be sustained by the energy of our maritime, and, if need be, also of our military, defenders. Added to which the community will bear in vivid remem brance at this critical moment that our forces are allied withthose of our imperial and puissant neigh bour. Throughout the whole of this protracted in terval of solicitude, we have been conscious of the assiduous efforts made by the CZAR to estrange the Cabinets of France and England from each other, so as to interfere with their active and cor dial co-operation. Everything, however, has for some time past indicated, in a manner the most marked, and, therefore, the most gratifying, the utter failure of these sinister endeavours—. every successive incident in the development of the Eastern Question only bringing nearer and nearer together in their alliance the now firmly united Councils and intimately blended policy of the French and British Go vernments. Insomuch, so, that the Lords and Commons of England on the occasion of their re assembling this forenoon in the Palace of the British Legislature at Westminster, do so only under circumstances the most propitious to the destinies of European civilisation. They re assemble, that is to say, only when the combined fleets of Prance and England have entered the Black Sea for the purpose of energetically protecting the Turkish territories. They reassemble only when intelligence has arrived that those powerful armaments under Admirals DIINDAS and HAMr.i have established a strong position at 'Sinope while recon no it r i ng the vicinity of Batoum, and obtaining important information from the maritime stronghold of Sebastopol. They reassemble only on the . very morrow, as it were, of the ap pearance in the Moniteur of that reatlyinia-sterly. financial statement made by M. BlNEAu—showing the monetary strength and stability of the French Imperial Government. Absolutely nothing in deed is required at the present crisis for the en couragement of the hereditary legislators and the popular representatives of England in the event of occurrences becoming so far complicated as to render inevitable a direct collision between the forces of the great European Governments. Scarcely any regard beyond a mere cursory at tention can be had, at a juncture of such immi nence as that now arrived at among the chief powers of Christendom, to the different measures suggested' according to custom at the opening of the Parliamentary Session by the Speech from the Throne of our gracious SOVEREIGN. Whatever can be discerned in this Ministerial programme of intended improvements can only, however, be viewed just now by the majority with sen timents of unalloyed satisfaction. The pro spect of the comprehensive revision at last of the system upon which our Ecclesiastical Courts have been hitherto organised—the probability of a speedy and radical change iu the framework of the institutions of our two Great Universities— the likelihood of a still further development of the principles of Free Trade as applied recently to the laws relating to Navigation— the possibility of a larger and wiser revision of that portion of our complicated Code relating to the settlement of our pauper popula tion—these, together with other half-promised boons, cannot be looked forward to even in the first intermittent reverberation of a general war, with indifference. Neither is it possible to de preciate the value of a circumstance so important as that of a Speech from the Throne con veying no painful allusion to Irish or Colonial grievances any more than t would be to acknowledge that our interest in the prospect of a struggle with Russia had in any material way diminished our interest in the pro spects of Reform or of National Education. Sus tained by an implicit confidence, under Divine aid, in regard to the Future, however much we may be solicitous in regard to the Present, or regretful in regard to the Past, the people of England witness this day, not without emotion, the beginning of the unrolling, for the Session of 1854, of the records of the Imperial Parliament. Fiscal and Financial Reformers are looking for ward anxiously to the results of the Session, the opening whereof will be inaugurated to-day by the Speech from the Throne. Great amelio rations have been introduced of late years into the entire system of taxation. Some of the bur dens that exhausted the powers and paralysed the energies of the industrious classes have been completely removed, others have been greatly mitigated and rendered more tolerable, and every alleviation has been attended with the most feli citous results. The tax-payers have been relieved with a scarcely perceptible loss to the revenue ; indeed, if we look to thenational balance-sheet, we may say without any diminution, but a direct and positive increase to the general receipts. But while so much has been achieved still more is demanded from the Legislature. The masses are no longer ignorant of the very rudiments of fiscal science. Perhaps there is no branch of knowledge in which greater progress has been achieved of late years. The popular vision has been purified in this re- I spect. The mists raised by prejudice and igno rance have already partially cleared up, and are I rapidly dispersing. The great argument in favour of indirect taxation is removed, for the people are now thoroughly alive to the additional pay ments which they have to make in consequence of imposts, no matter how carefully they may be concealed from the light. They have felt, too, the salutary consequence flowing from the modifica tions that have already taken place, and they consequently look forward earnestly and decidedly to further and more rapid ameliorations, from* which they anticipate an increase of blessings. When once convinced of the injustice, or the impolicy of a tax, they calmly resolve on its abo lition. And the stereotyped answer of former Financial Ministers, that " it produces so many thousands per annum, which he is not prepared to relinquish (!)" has no possible effect except the exposure of his own folly and incapacity. Let a good strenuous agitation once be originated—let the evils which have formerly only attracted the notice of the political economist in his closet be fairly brought to light and exposed to the broad glare of day, and if they cannot bear the test of reason and argument, but are found to be alike opposed to justice and sound policy, we may feel well assured that speedy and suitable remedies will be devised, and the grievances complained of partially or completely redressed. Such a movement is now taking place with respect to the tax on Fire Insurance. The injustice, impolicy, and oppressive character of the obnoxious impost have been clearly and distinctly exposed, so that "he who runs may read," and men of humble capacity may understand the full extent of the grievance to which they have been subjected for nine-and-thirty years,, but which is now for the first time laid bare in all its hideous proportions. It is true that fiscal writers have directed attention to the subject—that M'CULL LOCH, that PORTER, that JOHN MACGREGOR (M.P. for Glasgow), have in their admirable and elabo rate works explained the mischievous effects of the system. We ourselves have also, for many years past, repeatedly adverted to the extraordinary anomaly of a tax of more than 200 per cent. on the sums required to cover common risks. But isolated exertions, however meritorious, could be of but little practical utility. It required a powerful body or association, with numerous ramifications, to take up and work the topic with zeal, and energy, and efficiency. The much-required step has, however, been taken ; and we candidly and freely admit that the " - Unity Fire Insurance Associa tion" is entitled to the honour of originating the movement, of the decisive results whereof we can not permit ourselves to doubt. It has brought its admirable organisation to bear on the subject, in which it is interested in common with the great body of the people. It has prepared an admirable petition to both Houses of Parliament, copies whereof not only lie for signature at the various branches of the Association, in all the chief cities and towns of England, but each of its FIVE THOUSAND SHAREHOLDERS and. its TEN THOUSAND POLICY -HOLDERS, carry with them copies, to which they obtain the signatures of friends and others with whom they may be brought in contact. When we consider how rapidly the numbers of those evincing such zeal and diligence are augmented—when, too, we look to the justice and propriety of the course for which they demand our co-ope ration, we cannot conceive that the successful ter mination of the agitation thus auspiciously com menced can be far distant. We have heard persons ready to defend almost any tax, however defective in principle and per nicious in practice. Even the bread tax found advocates, and there are.--strange as it may ap pear—persons who to this day insist on the pro priety of the equal taxation of all descriptions of income, no matter from what sources they may be . derived ! But we never, at any time, met with any man of ordinary intelligence who could or would say a single word in favour of a tax on fire assurance. Its injustice, its impolicy, nay, more, its cruelty, were invariably admitted without op position or difficulty. The propositions command im mediate assent. How could a change or misfortune, a tax on prudence be vindicated for a single mo ment ? If the prosperity of a nation depends on the welfare of its individual members, why should we throw any impediment in the way of these members maintaining and improving their posi tion? Now, of all calamities that may occur, none are so likely to reduce a man from competence, and even comparative wealth, to the extremes of poverty and destitution as losses by fire. No prudence or foresight could guard against those fearful contingencies. A single hour would change the entire prospects of a man, and convert him from a useful subject, a oreator and producer of national wealth to an unprofitable consumer, and consign his helpless family, who once lived in in dependence, enjoying some of the comforts of exist ence, to the tender mercies of the union workhouse. As we have stated, no prudence or foresight could guard against these contingencies, but the evil might be mitigated, and reduced from the most terrific magnitude to comparatively trivial dimen sions. By diffusion over a broad surface the evil would lose its most formidable features. The loss that would be ruinous to an individual, that would make an independent man a pauper, would be nothing when divided amongst a thousand, or fif teen hundred persons. The average of uncertainties can be very closely approximated to. There is some as yet undiscovered hand that regulates what we in our ignorance are accustomed to consider merely matters of chance. It was thus ascertained that all common risks could be covered by a payment of Is. 6d. per 1001., or 15s. for a thousand. Under such circumstances, the person refusing or neglecting to insure, would necessarily be regarded either as a fool or a madman—a reckless gambler, who staked his very existenceagainst a few shillings. Some think that the Legislature ought to enforce this act of ordinary prudence—which was merely justice to a man's self, his family, and his fellow subjects—at all events, that it should encourage the practice. But in place of that it casts ob stacles in the way. It more than trebles the outlay. Where a company of unexceptionable solvency is willing to undertake the risk on payment of Is. 6d. per 1001., it increases the demand to ss. 6d., that is to say, ls. stamp on the policy, and 3s. annual charge. It may, indeed, be said that the determining influence operates as 11 to 3. In practice, no man drops a fire insurance. The moment he has effected a policy, he may be re garded as a 'Constant customer. It is the first step that is required, and that is prevent ed by the st am p as well as by the an 7 nual premium. The artisan who would cur tail his public-house expenditure by ls. 6d. to insure 1001. on his furniture and tools, would not devote ss. 6d. to the same purpose. These men are shrewd calculators. They will not pay ss. 6d. for what the premium shows to be worth is. 6d. G o vernment, like the covetous dog—described in the old fable, as grasping at the shadow—loses all by its cupidity. These men run the risk, and many are ruined, and become objects of charity—suppliants for the relief which they would not require but for their own folly and that of Parliament. Experience shows that not one-third of the losses by fire are covered by insurance. We may safely infer that more than two-thirds is uninsured—thanks to the duty, for we firmly believe that, if the duty were abolished, the whole property of the country would be gua ranteed. What has Parliament to answer for, that prevents a consummation so desirable in every respect ? Let, then, the blot be removed from the national statute-book—the reproach from our eountry by the repeal of the law, or if that be not practicable at the moment, let there be a re duction to 6d., as recommended in the petition of the Unity Office. Let other associations follow the noble example, and the great desideratum will be attained—the property of the country will be fully insured, and their own business trebled, and their profits augumented in a Still larger ratio. THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, JANUARY 31, 1854. MONEY MARKET AND (dOMME:tiCIAL INTELLIGENCE. CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at about 6,000 bales, of which 800 American and 200 Egyptian were taken on speculation. The market closed heavily, with prices of all kinds much the same as on Friday last. The sales comprised 4,500 American, 700 Egyptian, at 6td. to 9d.; 600 Surat, at 3d. to 4i-d.; and 20 Sea Island, at ls. sd. to Is. 7d. per lb. Railway Shares were steady. In a report upon the tallow market, by Messrs. Smith and Charles, it is stated : " The advices from St. Petersburg are to the 9th (21st) inst. Exchange, 38 13.16ths to 15-16ths. No business whatever doing in tallow for next season, and quotations quite nominal. Since our last report the market has been very quiet. On Saturday scarcely any business was done speculatively, and the tendency was to decline. To-day the market has been a little firmer, buyers where there were sellers on Saturday ; still there is an absence of excitement, operators generaly waiting for more decided news relating to the Russo-Turkish question." The reported arrival at Rio of the Australian vessel, Madagascar, still requires confirmation, as her Majesty's ship of that name is supposed to have been meant. The captain of the Jessica who sent up the news, per telegraph, is hourly expected in towns And great anxiety prevails to learn fur ther particulars. , The Shareholders in the Waterford and Kilkenny Railway have taken at Dublin those decided steps which ought to stimulate the large number of hold ers in London to co-operate in bringing about a vigorous administration of their affairs. The railway from imperfect arrangements and mismanagement has been brought into such a state of lassitude that coaches and cars are preferred, and the extraordinary spectacle is presented of a traffic receiving scarcely any development, notwithstanding the new facilities which a railway should present. Various excuses were made at a former meeting on behalf of the board, but the best policy appears to be that adopted in the case of the Newmarket line, once so depressed, and now so flourishing, viz., the election of new directors who have time and talent to devote to the service of the proprietors. An out line of the proceedings at Dublin appears in our advertising columns. The current prices for the Jamaica Mines not officially quoted, are as follows : Jamaica, par to premium; Metcalfe, g- to -g- premium; Sue River, discount to par ; Port Royal, 1 to 1 premium. Public Securities are exceedingly quiet this morn ing, pending the receipt of the Queen's Speech. Consols have been flat at 901'-, and since, at 901 The New 31 per Cents. are 911 to 92 , and the Three per Cents. 901 to 91. Exchequer Bills, Os. to 12s. premium. Foreign Stocks are quoted about as follows : Spanish 3 per Cents ., 39 to 40i ; Portuguese 4 per Cents., 37 to 39 ; Vlexican, 231 to 24 ; Russian 105 to 107, and Dutch 21 per Cents 60 to 61. These rates are mostly nominal. The Railway Share prices, in the absence of other business than the settlement of the account, may be quoted us under : Caledonian, 25i ; Eastern Counties, 121 13 ; Great Northern, 20g 4 ; Great Western, 801 ; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 61± ; London and Blackwall, 7 ; London Brighton, and South Coast, 471 8, ex div. ; London and North-Western, 1001 ; London and South-Western, 381 9 ; Mid land, 60i ; North British, 7g North Stafford, 6 51 ; Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton, 171 18 ; South-Eastern, 17 ; York and North Midland, 221 A ; Northern of France, 281 91 ; Paris and Lyons, 121 ; Ditto and Strasburg, 281. The amount of railway " calls" for February is as follows _ _ _ ____ .• _. _ Date due. Call. Shares. *Antwerp and Rotterdam l6 £1 0 50,000 Belfast and County Down 4 110 6,750 *Grand Trunk of Canada Shares 6 210 unkn. *Do., both classes of bonds 6lO 0 unkn. *Great Central of France lO 2 0 360,000 Killarney Junction Lancaster and Carlisle, 161. 13s. 4d 1 1 0 24,000 *Paris, Caen, and Strasbourg 2O 6 0 360,000 *Sambre and Meuse, 51 per cent. pref 1 2 0 13,850 South Wales, 201., 4 per cent ll 4 0 Do., 201., 41 per cent ll 4 0 105 , 304 Taff Vale, 101 1 1 0 21,600 *Western of Switzerland l5 1 0 65,000 £1,021,504 Total called in 1854 £2,604,194 * The proportion" called by foreign companies is 848,8501., but the holdings of English proprietors are not known. BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY.—CLOSING PRICES. (From the Official List.) ./.• puniness clone. Bank Stoqk i per Cent. Reduced Annuities BOt 4 0 1 90i 3 per Cent. Consols Annuities 904 A i i A 4 New 31 por Cent. Annuities 914 '2 la 2 1t Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860 Ditto 30 Years, Expire sth Jan., 1860 4 15-16 India Stock 230 India Bonds, 21000 South Sea Old Annuities . Consols for Account 15th! Feb. 9oa 4 I iii I Exchequer Bills, id. £lOOO — 9 12 13 10 p 2500 9 12 p, Small 9 12 P PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY. Grenada Bonds, Deferred Niesican 3 per Cent. Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 4O Spanish Now Deferred, 3 por Cent. I9A Ditto for the Account l9 Dividends on the above payable in London. Austrian Bonds 5 per Cent. 10 Gu. 69 Dutch Exchange, 2i per Cent. 12 Gull 6oa THREE O'CLOCK. Consols 9O/ Ditto February Account LLOYD'S SHIPPING.-(THIS DAY.) LONDON, Jan. 31.—Wind this day at Noon S.W. ; light airs and very mild weather. OFF DOVER, Jan. 30.—Carlisle, from Calcutta. PLYMOUTH, Jan. 30.—Wind, S.W. Arrived—Pro pentis (s), from Calcutta, Cape, &c. ; Velore, Callao, for Leith, with sails split. OFF PORTSMOUTH, Jan. 30.—Mary Montague, from Batavia, and sailed for Rotterdam. BARMOUTH, Jan. 30.—Arrived—Zephyr (s), Aberyst with, for Liverpool, making much water. MARYPORT, Jan. 30.—Arrived—Nelson, from St. John's, Now Brunswick. BURNTIBLAND, Jan. 30.—The Lee (schooner), of Dun dee, drove foul of the Express, and both received some damage to their masts, &c. Tho Vauma, Shields to Con stantinople, drove on shore during a gale yesterday ; if the weather moderates she may be got off. NEWPORT.—Arrived—Eleonore Bristol for Havana, Sailed—Siam, New York. The Parthian (Danish barque), which fell over in the canal, is much strained and damaged, and will not float. YARMOUTH, Jan. 30.—The Star, (schooner), of Whitby, was in collision to-day with the Effort (brig), of Sunder land, and had her bows stove, &c. The Louth, of Louth, from Sunderland to London, been brought in with loss of sails, &c.; the Elizabeth Taylerson, from Shields to London, is on shore on the Barber Sand, but is expected off on the flood. SHIELDS, Jan. 30.—Sailed—Eustace, for Rio Janeiro. HuLL, Jan. 30.—Sailed—Venerable, for Bermuda. THE ALLIED FLEETS. It may be of some importance to remark, that when the allied Fleets left their anchorage in the Bosphorus, on the 4th of January, the admirals sailed, in pursuance of orders they bad received, to prevent any fresh aggres sion by the Russian fleet on the Turkish coasts. But at that time the orders subsequently despatched, which direct the allied forces to require all Russian cruisers found in the Black Sea to return to Sebastopol, had not reached Constantinople. They did not arrive there until the 12th of January, and they were immediately des patched to the fleets by the French steamer Caton, which would probably find the admirals on the 15th in the roads of Sinope. The result of these ulterior in structions would be, that the fleets are authorised to act with greater vigour against such Russian cruisers as they may fall in with, and in all cases to send them back to Sebastopol. If it be true that a considerable squadron of Russian vessels is still at sea, it is not im probable that a collision of some importance may have taken place.—Times. IMPORTANT DESPATCHES TO CONSTANTINOPLE.—The Government, last night, sent off to our ambassador at Constantinople, and to the commander in chief of the fleet, the official answer to the formal question of the Emperor of Russia, as to the reason why the British naval forces have entered the Black Sea. Mr. Tucker, the bearer of the despatches, proceeds at once to Mar seilles, and thence by the Caradoc, despatch steam-vessel, to the Bosphorus. On Wednesday last a Court of Directors was held at the East India House, when John Peter Grant, Esq., was appointed a provisional member of the Council of India. FIRE AND Loss OF LIFE IN SOUTHWARK, THIS DAY. —This morning, between ten and eleven o'clock, Amelia Coppier, aged two years, expired in the accident ward of St. Thomas's Hospital from burns. Deceased lived in Leman-street, Gravel-lane, Southwark, and was left alone in the room, where screams were heard by the neighbours, who found on going to the spot that several articles of furniture in the room were burnt, and the de ceased was enveloped in flames. The child was taken to the Hospital, when it was found that she was most frightfully burnt, and died soon after her admission. ARRIVAL OF 209 COLLIERS IN THE RlVER.—During yesterday and this morning the extraordinary large num ber of 209 coal laden vessels, from the northern ports, were entered inwards at the Custom-house. This im mense fleet has brought, in the aggregate, 42,900 tons of coals, which is exclusive of a large quantity of Welch coal that has also arrived in the Thames. The entrance of such a large fleet of coal•laden ships within 24 hours is quite unprecedented in the trade, and information has been received that 134 colliers are at present on their passage from South Shields, Sunderland, and Hartle pool. It is anticipated that the arrival of this fleet will have the effect of reducing the price of coals from 425. per ton to 355. per ton for the best, and inferior qualities to 28s per ton. ROYAL HOSPITALS OF BRIDEWELL AND BETHLEHEM. —A special general court of governors was held yester day for the purpose of electing a receiver of the hos pitals' rents in the room of Edward Richard Adams, Esq., resigned. Sir Peter Laurie, the president, was in the chair, and a very great number of the governors attended. The candidates were Captain Adams, the present governor of Bridewell Gaol, and Mr. Alfred Jeffreson. After a poll, which lasted an hour and a half, the numbers announced were—Jeffreson, 91; Adams, 89 . Whereupon Mr. Jeffreson was called in, and congratulated upon his election. EXTENSIVE FORGERY ON A LONDON HOUSE.—LIVER POOL, Monday----At the police-office this morning John Timson was charged with forging a check for 1,5001., purporting to be signed by Glyn, Mills, & Co., London. The prisoner presented the check at the Liherpool Bank on Saturday, but information having been received from ':the London hbuse, stating that a clerk answering the prisoners description had absconded from their service, he was detained 'and given into custody. He then acknowledged that the check was a forged one. He was committed for trial at the assizes. CHARGE OF ARSON AGAINST A TRADESMAN.—A long inquiry took place at Gravesend on Monday last, before Mr. E. A. Hilder, the coroner, respecting a fire which occurred on the 18th inst., on the premises of Mr. Ed win Litchfield, a draper, in the New-road, Gravesend. His premises, stock, and furniture had been insured in the Phoenix Fire-office in December last. The evidence given at the inquiry was of such a nature that the ver dict of the jury implicated Mr. Litchfield as the origi nator of the fire. On Wednesday and Thursday an in quiry took place upon the subject before the mayor and magistrates of the borough, the result of which was that Mr. Litchfield was committed for trial at the next assizes at Maidstone. Bail was subsequently taken, the prisoner himself in 2001., and two sureties in 1001. each. DISPENSARY FOR CONSUMPTION AND DISEASES OF THE CHEST.—Yesterday the half-yearly meeting of the governors of this charity was to have been held in the board-room of the institution, Margaret-street, Regent street, but the number of governors present not being sufficient to make a quorum it was postponed. The re port stated that during the past year there had been an increased number of patients, all of whom were com monly subjects of' Chronic disease, requiring the aid of the charity fur a very long, period. The following is an abstract of the patients entered on the books from Jan uary 24 to December 31 :—Number of patients regis tered, 311 ; visits nade to the dispensary, 2,184 ; out patients, 19 ; visits made to them, 157 ; cured 81 ; death, 11 ; relieved, 285 ; remaining in dispensary, 329. The total number of visits made to the dispensary since its foundation was 32,530, and the number cured during the same period was 1,169. The total receipts (including a balance in hand of 71/. Os. 5d.) for the past year was 3001, Bs. 11d. ; and, after all the necessary ex penses had been defrayed, there was left a balance in hand of 191. 4s. 4d. RUMOURED ESCAPE OF SMITH O'BRIEN.—SOnIe doubt has been thrown on the statement which appeared some weeks ago in our columns on the above subject. It is *alleged that a letter written on the 18th Sept. has been received from Smith O'Brien ; and that at that date he had not escaped. The letter we have seen announcing his escape, and which was written by a gentleman of un impeachable integrity and truth, was dated the 28th of September —ten days later than the letter received from Smith O'Brien —Mmerick .Reporeor. NOTICE TO MARINERS. Beacon on the Island of Sorae.—The Norwegian Govern ment has given notice that a beacon has been erected on the N.B. point of the Island of Sortie, called Reodseigfeild, at the entrance of the passage ; position, long. 23 214 E. of Greenwich, lat. 70 52 N. The base of the beacon is 977 feet, English; above water level, and is visible 16 miles. THE MADAGASCAR. A report has been circulated that the Madagascar for whose safety so much interest is felt, has been heard of by the Jessica, from Callao, arrived at Queenstown. The re port came from Margate, and is as follows : " Green's missing ship the Madagascar, is at Rio de Janeiro, leaky. Capt. Harrington's time of leaving Callao is not known. The time when the Madagascar put into Riois not known. Captain Harrington to boatmen, that when the Madagascar put into Rio, she was in a very leaky state, near upon foundering, and he judged that the whole cargo must come out. The passengers would leave the ship and come on the nest Rio mail." In reply to this communication it has to be observed that no reliance can be placed in the statement. The Jes sica, from Callao, arrived at Queenstown on the 10th Jan., and did not bring so late dates from Rio as the last advices by the steamer, which were to the 16th December. It may be inquired why did not Captain Harrington report this in telligence earlier, by communicatingiso important a fact, if true, to the owners of the Madagascar and to the public through the press. Captain Harriugton arrived in from Margate yesterday, and made no communication on the subject to her owners, nor that of the Madagascar. At present the relatives of the passengers and crew of the missing vessel must give no credence to the above report of her safety, notwithstanding its plausibility. The only chance that appears of the report being true, is that Capt. Harrington received it from some vessel from Rio, which have arrived in the Channel. may MARKET NEWS-(THIS DAY.) HAY MARKETS. SMITHFIELD. —Meadow hay, 31 Os to 5/ 55.; clover ditto, 4/ Os to 6/ 68; and straw, 1/ 12s to 2/ 2s per load. A moderate supply, and a steady demand. CIIMBERLAND. — Meadow hay, 3/ 3s to 5/ 103 ; clover ditto, 4/ Os to 61 6s; and straw, 1/ 16s to 2/ 4s per load. Supply good, and trade dull. WHITECHAPEL.—Meadow hay, 3/ Os to 51 58 ; clover ditto, 4/ Os to 61 108 ; and straw, 11 16s to 212 s per load Trade dull. OPENING OF P lIIIA MENT. Parliament was this day opened by her Majesty in person. The morning was dull and heavy, with every indication of rain, but the threatening aspect of the atmosphere was not sufficient to deter the thousand sight-seers of the Metropolis from turning out to view the Royal procession. Some hours be fore there was any probability of the Queen leaving Buckingham Palace, the streets and Park were lined with crowds of people, embracing almost every class from the highest to the lowest, and it having been whispered abroad that the appearance of the Prince Albert in the procession would most likely lead to some unusual demonstration of feel ing, the orderly disposed portion of the multitude were on the tiptoe of expectation until the pageant had reached its destination in Westminster. The police authorities appear to have been troubled with a similar apprehension, for their precautions to prevent any unseemly demonstra tion on the part of the public were of a more ex tended character than we remember to have observed on any former occasion, while the military beside being made to form a very conspicuous por tion of the display, which perhaps was not unusual, were collected along the route in far greater num bers than has hitherto been thought necessary or advisable. The state carriage was kept com pletely hemmed in by the Guards during its pro gress to and fro, and it was with difficulty , that the suctators could catch a glimpse of her Majesty and her illustrious Consort. It will be seen, however, from the sequel, that these extra ordinary measures were wholly uncalled for, at least so far as putting any restraint upon the people was concerned, for the populace were peaceable and orderly throughout, and though here and there a hiss or a groan might have been heard, the great mass of those collected upon the scene looked averse to even this exhibition of feeling, let alone being favourable to any act of disloyalty or violence. Her Majesty's progress to-day from the Palace to the House was remarkable for nothing but the significant silence of the people. Generally speak ing, she was neither cheered nor hissed, and there was an utter absence of that enthusiasm which has invariably attended her previous appearance in public. Occasionally she was cheered, but the cheering wag always faint and short-lived. Along the route taken by the cortege this morn ing, the people throughout cheered to the very echo his Excellency the Turkish Ambassador. At one point, three good English cheers were called for, and given heartily to the Representative of the Sultan Abd-ul-Medjid. HOUSE OF LORDS. The ceremony which takes place in the House of Lords when her Majesty opens Parliament in person has been so often described that to give again a detailed account of it will almost be con sidered needless repetition. Yet the occurrences during the recess, and the fact that it constitutes the initiative to those deliberations which may re sult in important legislative measures, always lend to the event an interest which requires same de tailed reference. On the present occasion, how ever, Parliament assembled under circumstances of more than usual gravity—the country being almost on the eve of war with one of the greatest and most powerful of European monarchs, and the Government being pledged to a measure which is to effect an extensive reform in our representative system. A few descriptive words, therefore, upon what transpired in this magnificent chamber to day, notwithstanding the want of novelty, may not be altogether out of place. The doors were opened for the admission of com pany at 12 o'clock, and the arrivals were continuous until .very shortly before the entrance of the Queen. As usual, the majority present consisted of ladies—peeresses and their daughters, and other female members of the aristocracy and haut ton— whose many-coloured and gay dresses, sparkling with jewels, thrown out in bold relief by the rich and sombre robes of the peers, added greatly to the brilliancy of the scene. Towards one o'clock, some 20 peers had arrived, the most prominent being the Archbishop of Canterbury, the Bishop of London, Lord Redesdale, and the Earl of Delaware. There was also a sprinkling of ambassadors among a group of peers near the throne. The muster of judges was rather large. The Marquis of Lansdowne and the Duke of Argyll were the Ministers first in attendance. At a quarter to two the whole of the benches set aside for the peers' were filled, so were also those appropriated to the corps diplomatique. The Ambassadors of France, Austria, Turkey, and Prussia, were objects of particular attention. We did not observe the Russian Ambassador (Baron Brunow), but there was a report that he was present. The Duke of Cambridge, the Earl of Aberdeen, and the Duke of Newcastle, were the next important personages in the order of arrival. It was just a quarter after two when her Majesty entered the house, leaning on the arm of Prince Albert, and preceded and followed by the different officers of state. The Earl of Aberdeen held the Sword of State, the Crown was borne by the Marquis of Lansdowne, and the Cap of Mainten ance was carried by the Earl of Zetland. Her Majesty read the Royal Speech, with much clearness and emphasis ; and although the noise occasioned by the entrance of the Commons below the bar continued some time, - not a word was lost even by persons at the greatest distance from the Throne. HER MAJESTY'S SPEECH "MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, "I am always happy to meet you in Parliament; and on the present occasion it is with peculiar -sa tisfaction that I recur to your assistance and advice. - " The hopes which I expressed at the close of the last session that a speedy settlement would be ef fected of the differences existing between Russia and the Ottoman Porte, have not been realised, and'l regret to say that a state of warfare has ensued. " I have continued to act in cordial co•oper ation with the Emperor of the French, and my endea vours, in conjunction with my Allies, to preserve and to restore peace between the contending parties, although hitherto unsuccessful, have been unremit ting. I will not fail to persevere in these endeavours, but as the continuance of the war may deeply affect the interests of this country and of LEurope, I think it requisite to make a further augmentation of my naval and military forces, with the view of supporting my re presentations, and of more effectually contributing to the restoration of peace. " I have directed that the papers explanatory of the negotiations which have taken place upon this subject shall be communicated to you without delay. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, " The estimates for the year will be laid before you, and I trust you will find that, consistently with the exigencies of the public service at this juncture, they have been framed with a due regard to economy. " My LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, " In the year which has just terminated, the blessing of an abundant harvest has not been vouchsafed to us. By this dispensation of Provi dence the price of provisions has been enhanced, and the privations of the poor have been increased; but their patience has been exemplary ; and the care of the Legislature evinced by the reduction of taxes affecting the necessaries of life, has greatly tended to preserve a spirit of contentment. " I have the satisfaction of announcing to you that the commerce of the country is still pros perous ; that trade, both of export and import, has been largely on the increase ; and that the re venue of the past year has been more than adequate to the demands of the public service. " I recommend to your consideration a Bill which I have ordered to be framed for opening the coasting-trade of the United Kingdom to the ships of all friendly nations and I look forward iiith satisfaction to the removal of the last legislative restriction upon the use of foreign shipping for the benefit of my people. " Communications have been addressed by my command to the Universities of Oxfdrd. and Cam- bridge, with reference to the improvements which it may be desirable to effect in their institutions. These communications will be laid before you, and measures will be proposed for your consideration, with the view of giving effect to such improve ments. " The establishments requisite for the conduct of the Civil Service, and the arrangements bearing upon its condition, have recently been under re view ; and I shall direct a plan to be laid before you which will have for its object to improve the system of admission, and thereby to increase the efficiency of the service. " The recent measures of legal reform have proved highly beneficial, and the success which has attended them may well encourage you to proceed with further amendments. Bills will be submitted to you for transferring from the Eccle siastical to the Civil Courts the cognisance of testamentary and of matrimonial causes, and for giving increased efficiency to the superior courts of common law. " The laws relating to the relief of the poor have of late undergone much salutary amendment ; but there is one branch to which I earnestly direct your attention. The law of settlement impedes the freedom of labour ; and if this restraint can with safety be relaxed, the workman may be ena bltd to increase the fruits of his industry, and the interests of capital and of labour will be more firmly united. "Measures will be submitted to you for the amend ment of the laws relating to the representation of the Commons in Parliament. ' " Recent experience has shown that it is neces sary to take more effectual precautions against the evils of bribery, and of corrupt practices at elec tions. It will also be your duty to consider whether more complete effect may not be given to the principles of the Act of the last reign, whereby reforms were made in the repre sentation of the people in Parliament. In recommending this subject to your considera tion, my desire is to remove every cause of just complaint, to increase general confidence in the Legislature, and to give additional stability to the settled institutions of the State. " I submit to your wisdom the consideration of these important subjects ; and I pray God to pros per your counsels, and to guide your decisions." The delivery of the Speech did not occupy many minutes, and on its conclusion her Majesty retired in the same order in which she had entered. She was attired in a splendid dress of silver tissue, over which was a robe of crimson velvet, ornamented with gold lace and ermine, and she wore a brilliant tiara of pearls and diamonds. The company then separated. Their lordships adjourned to 5 o'clock, the usual hour for the assembling of the house for business. HOUSE OF COMMONS. The House of Commons began to assemble shortly after one o'clock, and the members con tinued to drop in until two, when the house became tolerably well filled. The Ministerial side mustered in great force, but the front benches of the oppo sition were entirely empty. Mr. James Wilson . and Mr. Hayter, with the Solicitor-General, were the only members of the Government that occu pied the Treasury bench. Both Lord Cardross the ,mover, and Mr. Thomson Hankey, the se conder of the Address, were present. Mr. Roe buck, to all appearances quite hearty again, was early in his place, while the veteran senator, Mr. Hume, who, next to the Speaker, was the most welcomed on his return after the recess, came in a few minutes before two o'clock, looking the very picture of good health. Sir John Pakington, Lord Stanley, and Mr. Walpole, all prominent members of the Derby Administration, were in the house, but the two latter seemed toprefer standing below the bar to sitting on the bench usually appropriated to the leaders of the Opposi tion ; and the Worcestershire baronet was left in possession of it almost alone. The Speaker, who, together with the Sergeant at-Arms, wore his State robes, took his seat at the table at half-past one, where he remained until a quarter past two, when Mr. Pullman, the Yeoman Usher of the Black Rod, appearing at the bar, he ascended the chair. The Yeoman Usher then advanced to the table, and said, " Mr. Speaker, the Queen commands this honourable house to attend her Majesty immediately in the House of Peers." • The Speaker at once obeyed the Royal summons, and left the house, followed by a crowd of lion. members who had previously balloted for rotation. The Speaker returned to the home at five-and twenty minutes past two o'clock. The house then adjourned until a quarter to four o'clock. DRU.RY-LANE THEATRE. The re-engagement of Mr. G. V. Brooke at this theatre, which commenced last evening, will afford to the lovers of the legitimate drama another opportunity of witnessing this eminent tragedian in some of his fa vourite characters, ore he takes his departure for Ame rica. That this opportunity will be taken advantage of to a considerable extent, we have not the slightest doubt, for notwithstanding the exceptions taken to his acting, the success which has invariably attended his performances, now extending over a considerable period, is a pretty good proof that he possesses rare histronic abilities, and is far removed above the ordinary run of his professional brethren. We are far from saying that the vox populi is always to be depended upon for the justice or correctness of the ver dict it passes on the merits of a man, but no one will deny that it forms a most important ingredient for con sideration when estimating the qualifications of actors and orators, whose success is greater or less in propor tion to the impression they make on large assemblies of people. If we judge Mr. Brooke by this standard he is the first tragedian of the day ; but we are content to say that he is the most popular, and that with few imper fections he inh er it s a large share ' of those qualities which combine to make a fine, noble, effective, and intelligent delineator of character upon the stage. Last night Mr. Brooke's reception was most enthu siastic, and as the house was thronged throughout, it is evident that he has not fallen in the estimation of metro politan audiences. The piece selected for his re-appear ance was Howard Payne's tragedy of Brutus, or the fall of Tarquin, said not to have been produced here for twenty years, and certainly seldom revived elsewhere, though both in point of writing and construction, it is equal to many of the best and favourite tragedies, founded on historical incidents of anci en t R ome, and constantly brought out at the London as well as provincial theatres. It was first produced at Drury -lane on Thursday, the 3d of December, 1818, with Kean as the hero, and Mrs. Glover as Tullia. The part of Brutus gave ample scope to Mr. Brooke for those manifestations which characterise his style. His great effects occurred in the scenes in which he denounces Sextus Tarquin, and appeals to the excited passions of the mob over the body of the injured and lovely Lucretuis. To the formei explosion of loathing indignation he gave immense force. The madness which he feigns in the first and second acts was discriminated with much success ; and his delineation of the paternal struggle which constitutes the element of the latter sec tion of the tragedy was by to means wanting in feeling. Taken as a whole, the personation was vigorous, manly, and careful. Mr. Brooke was vociferously applauded when the curtain fell, and was recalled to receive a fresh shower of acclamations, together with some two or three com plimentary bouquets. The tragedy was otherwise supported by Mr. George Bennett, Mr. Belton, Mrs. Vickery, and a Miss Fanny Cathcart, a debutante from Liverpool, who played Tar quinia in an artless and agreeable manner. Great labour has been bestowed on the getting up ; and there were sonic effects that were very telling. The breaking into the Palace of Tulia was highly so, and the tumbling down of th e mass i ve walls, with the raging multitude without, was admirably managed. The scenes with the women were classical and pretty, and the closing scene was extremely picturesquely and cleverly groped. The Roman scenery of the theatre came in well, and altogether the revival deserves, and doubtless will have, a considerable run. It is a spirited effort of a spirited manager, and should be responded to by all who still admire the high heroic drama of our country. CHATHAII.--The electors of Chatham, supporters of Sir James Stirling at the last two elections for that borough, gave a farewell dinner to the gallant admiral on Friday evening last. Upwards of six hundred sat down to dinner, in a tent erected for the occasion. Dr. Ely presided. Sir James Stirling, Mr. Romaine, Mr. Berkeley, M.P., Captain Caine, Captain Baker, Mr. Coppock, Mr. gullies, and several of the county and district magistrates sat at the centre table. After din ner the usual loyal toasts were given, that of Prince Albert being received with marked and unusual ap plause by the whole assemblage. Sir Janibs Stirling, Mr. Romaine, Mr. Coppock, Capt. Baker, Mr. Berke ley, and others, addressed the meeting, and the proceed -IABa lasted comation until put ton o'clock. LATESI RUSSI It is affirme mission to Vie] under certain ( Warsaw, by seat of war. answer of the Austrian Ern] propositions of His first int took place at 1 Re leaves Thursday. Prince Gort retire to his e General Sc Pesth on Stitt Up to the 2 from the Prin General Sc denly left Wa Emperor, fox superior officE Scbilder is bridges across sage of that r The garris , Turks. All c Which covers At Constar, and the arses the people Iv( Since the themselves o] at Islas, Tun however, Mt( Point. Sinc has received Oltenitza, ai twelve miles down to the The heav; from Krajov hers consider tack on Kala koff has eve] Waste of life Postponemer shall be avai A bulletin battle of Oit By a privl General Sal raising a fr gether 600 garians, but no uniform it. The an Creasing. 1 Morrow. 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