The Sun. — London, England, 1854-01-06 00:00:00

THEATRE ROYAL DRITRY-LANE, Lessee, Mr. E. l . THIS EVENING, JAN. 6, Will be performed the entirely new Drama of intereet, entitled THE BEGGING LETTER. To conclude with KING HIIMMENGTOP ; or, Harlequin and the Land of Toys. ______ • a- The New Drama having been received with universal approbation will be repeated every Evening until further notice. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Under the management of Mr. Bnakotone. THIS EVENING, JArt. 6, Will be performed THE HOPE OF THE FAMILY. Characters by Messrs. Chippendale, Compton, Snekstone, and W. Farren ; Mrs. Fitswilliam, Miss E. Grey, &c. After which, the Grand CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME, called HARLEQUIN AND THE THREE BEAlli ; or, Little Silverhair and the Fairies. Columbine, Miss M. Brown ; Harlequin, Mr. J. Marshall : Pantaloon, Mr. W. A. Barnes; Clown, Mr. H. Marshall. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under the Management of Air. CHARLES KEAN. THIS EVENING, JAN. 6, Will be performed THE CORSICAN BROTHERS. Principal character by Mr. C. Kean. Ater which will be presented the new Grand CHRISTMAS PAN TOMIME, entitled HARLEQUIN AND THE MILLER AND HIS MEN; or King Salamandar and the Fairy of the Azure Lake. Harlequin, Mr. Cormack ; Clown, Mr. Huline; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo; and Columbine, Miss Desborough. LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Management of Madame WSW& THIS EVENING, JAN. 6, Will be performed A BACHELOR OF ARTS. Characters by Messrs. C. Mathews, F. Matthews, and Baker,; Miss F. Hughes. After which, an 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 ADELPHL Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste. Rare Christmas Amusements—The Great Attraction of London— " One of the Sights of London"—The Sea of Ice and Marvellous A de i ph i Eff e cts in the exciting new Nautical Drama of "THE THIRST OF GOLD," every Evening—A new Grand Fairy Spec tacle, NUMBER NIP. THIS EVENING, JAN. 6, Will be presented the highly Popular New Nautical Melodrama, in five 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, 0. Selby, Parselle, Marsden, &c. ; Madame Celeste, Mrs. Leigh Murray, Miss F. Haskell, &c. ; with an entirely new grand specta cular legendary Christmas piece, in two act 4, with new scenery, dresses, machinery, and appointments, called NUMBER NIP, or THE SPIRIT BRIDE. Principal characters by Madame Celeste, Mrs. Keeley, Miss Woolgar, Miss M. Keeley, Miss Cathbert, Miss C. Harding ; Messrs. Paul Bedford, J. Rogers, Romer, G. Lee, &c. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. A. Wigan. THIS EVENING, JAN. Will be performed THE CAMP AT THE OLYMPIC. Charac ters by Messrs. A. Wigan, F. Roh.on, Morton, and Galli ; Mes dames A. Wigan, Stirling, P. Horton. Chatterley, &c. Followed by THE WANDERING MINSTREL. After which, a new historico-geographical CHRISTMAS PAN TOME HE, called HARLEQUIN C )LUMBITS; or, The Old World and the New. Harlequin, Mr. P. Moreland; Pantaloon, Mr. W. Rochez ; and Columbine, Miss Wyndham. STRAND THEATRE, Sole Lessee, Mr. F. W. Allcraft.—Directress, Miss Rebecca Isaacs THIS EVENING, JAN. 6, Will be performed LA. SONNAMBULA. To be followed by THE IRISII TUTOR. Atte' which, a new grand Comic Chestrnas Pantomime entitled HARLEQUIN AND KING N UrCRACKER ; or, The World of Toys. Clown, by .he intuitable Flexmore ; Harlequin, Mr. Bologna; Pantaloon, Mr. Griffiths; Columbine, Miss Goward. Stalls, 55.; Boxes, 48.; Pitt, 2g.; gallery, Is.; Private Boxes, 11. Is., to be ttad 01 Mr. Alleroft, 15, New Bond-street. ASTLET'S EUROPE'S NATIONAL AMP HIT fig tTit Lessee and 'Manager, Mr. W. Cooke. Crowded houses nightly to witness the unequalled Attractions. The most gorgoous and successful Pantomime ever produzed.in this Theatre. THIS EVENING, JAN. 6, The New Grand Equestrian Chinese Sp , cta^le, entitled " THE WISE ELEPHANTS OF THE EAST; or, THE MAGIC GONG In which the wonder of wcnders, Mr. W. Cooke's performing Ele phants will appear. Followed by a series of novel and brilliant scenes of Equestrian ism in THE ARENA by talented artistes. After which, a New Grand Equestrian CHRISTMAS COMIC PANTOIIIME, written expressly for this Theatre, by Mr. NELSON LEE, entitled BILLY BUT fON'B JOURNEY TO BRENTFORD ; or, Harlequin and the Ladles' Favourite. New scenery, dreHses, decorations, and appointments, magnificent Car of Industry, &c. Harlequin, Mr. H. Hemmings ; Columbine, Wile. Christine; Pantaloon, Mr. Lehman; and Two Clowns, Mr. C. Adams and Mr. Croueste ;. Sprites, Masters Gee and Bralbury. Box-office open Prom Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. DAILY WEATHER TABLE. FRIDAY, JAN. 6, 1854. State of the wind and weather' at each of the following places at nine o'clock yesterday morning. The stations are arranged in order of latitude. FOLKESTONE—W., gentle breeze -overcast. TIINBRIDGE—S.W., calm—overcast. j GREEZTWIOII—S.W., gentle breeze—overcast— snow. STROOD—N., ealm—snow. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tnis DAY —Morning 7 min.after 7 1 Evening 33 rnin.aft. 7 To-Moasow----Morning 1 min.after 8 1 Evening 31 min.aft. 8 THE WEATHER.—Sint OFFICE, JAN. 6. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 41—highest since noon yesterday. 35—lowest this moaning and during the night. 39—this day at noon. BA.BOMICTEB, 29.13—rising. WIND, S.W. to W —Light breeze, and dull weather, with thaw. ~~ e ~~e LONDON, FRIDAY, JANUARY 6, 1854. The Revenue Returns for the financial year and quarter ending the sth January instant have been published in due course, and will be found in another part of this day's impression. They are not, however, by any means of so satisfactory a character as former documents, to which it has been our pleasing duty to direct public attention. The comparison of the year with its immediate predecessor affords abundant evidence of former prosperity. The proofs supplied by the imposing , array of figures for the first three quarters can not possibly be controverted. They exhibit a state of affairs calculated to occasion the greatest possible gratification to every well-wisher of his country. The ample receipts from Customs Duties showed the activity and energy with which our foreign trade was conducted. The Excise Re turns indicated the amount of substantial comforts enjoyed by the labouring population of the coun try, while the " Property Tax" supplied irresis tible evidence that the middle classes fully parti cipated in the general welfare. All, in fact, was couleur de rose, and journalists of all parties, after strict examination into the details, corroborated the favourable impression arising on the first in spection of the remarkable document which appeared on the last quarter day. But, unfortunately, it is equally manifest that the tide of prosperity then turned, and that it has been for some time ebbing as rapidly as it for some time previously had been flowing into the kingdom. There appears to have been a serious falling off on the last quarter in almost every de partment. It is true that plausible excuses may be offered for some of these too palpable defi ciencies—that the fiscal reductions which came into operation during the past year may be re- ' furred to, as explaining the deplorable diminu tion of the receipts at the National Exchequer. But we believe that these are by no means the true causes. Experience has shown that a reduc tion of indirect taxes has been almost invariably followed by a large increase of consumption ; so that the Revenue has suffered but little, if at all, from the changes. Even the total abolition of a particular impost frequently produced an ample equivalent from other sources —as, for example, when the abolition of the duty on tea would lead to a vast additional consumption of sugar, and a correspondi ng increase under that head. We fear that the causes of the decline are of a more serious nature than the temporary reduction of taxation —that they may be distinctly traced to " Germa n i sm ' , at the Court, and the truckling and disgraceful policy of its tools in the Joint-stock Administration. It was not to the reform of our tariff that the falling off of our Customs revenue during the quarter is to be attributed. It is to the v ac ill a ti ng an d tem porising system adopted by our Cabinet, which encouraged the piratical aggressions of the Northern Despot--it is to the unconstitutional and un-English influences which were supposed to prevail in the precincts of the Court ; which made State secrets familiarly known and com mented on in petty Continental Pricipalities, be fore they were even hinted at in Great Britain, which it was erroneously imagined might lead to disunion and dissension betvveaan the great Maritime Powers, and even lead the be loved SOVEREIGN of. these realms to forget the. duties she owed to her faithful and devoted sub jects. These erroneous fancies confirmed the stubborn pertinacity of the AUTOCRAT, who was ignorant of the power of public opinion when pronounced by the almost unanimous voice of a free People. And it is to these evil influences mainly, assisted by the stringent application of the screw by the Bank Directors, and the in sane conduct of the operatives in the manufactur ing districts, that the deficiency on the quarter may be attributed. Before we enter on the examination of the dif ferent items, we must protest against the slovenly manner in which those accounts have been made up. Several glaring mistakes are perceptible— mistakes, the detection of which has imposed much additional labour on those whose duty it is to examine minutely the details of the National Balance-sheet, and see that it is correct in all its parts. Whether these errors were intentional it is impossible to say. It certainly seems strange that the making up of a document of such con sequence, and which is so anxiously looked for by the community in general, should be entrusted to a person or persons who could make mistakes for which a schoolboy in his first quarter should receive severe reproof, if not personal chastise ment. One effect of this mistake is to render it impossible to place any confidence in the returns, Another that it prevented the comments of some of our contemporaries, who had not so much time for i the detection of these mistakes aswe who published at a later hour were enabled to bestow—who per ceived the inconsistencies, but were not enabled to trace them through the maze of figures from want of time. Thus, for instance, we find it stated, under the head of Post-office, that there was a decrease of 18,0001. on the year ; whereas it appears that the receipts of the present year were I,lo4,oool.—whereas that for the year end ing the sth January, 1853, was but 1,022,0001., which would show an increase of 82,0001., in place of a decrease of 18,000/. Again, we find (in all but the ABERDEEN organ) but a solitary case of increase on the quarter of 63,000/. ; and yet, when the increase is deducted, credit is taken for 199,5391. We then find that the copies supplied to other journals contain no reference to any increase or decrease on the quarter, under the head of " Impost and other Moneys," whereas the Times correctly gives an increase of 136,5391. We shall now briefly refer to the different items, premising that, owing to such extraordi nary blunders as those above referred to, no re liance can be placed on any of the calculations of the Government officials. In the Customs there purports to be an increase of 282,8411. on the year, but a falling off of 96,8061. on the quarter. In the Excise an increase of 272,1221. in the year, a decrease of 113,9701. in the quarter. In Stamps an increase of 213,727/. in the year, a deficiency of 75,1011. in the quarter. In Taxes, an increase both in the year and quarter, of 223,9751. du the former, and of 17,1831. in the latter. In the Property Tax, an increase on the year of 50,5591., but a decrease on the quarter of 53,3501. In the Post-office a decrease of 18,0001. (which we have, however, shown should have been an increase of 82,000/.) on the year, and an increase of 63,0001. on the quarter. This, we fear, may be ascribed to the adoption of a penny wise and pound foolish policy, and the withdrawal of facilities previously afforded to the community. We have, indeed, heard of some paltry and unworthy savings that merit serious reprehension in place of praise, such as we have always hitherto been en abled to bestow. In Crown Lands there is an increase of 142,8881. in the year ; no change in the quarter. And in Miscellaneous there is an increase on the year and quarter of 17,3541. and 5, 88 71. respectively. In the extraordinary items, the increase under the head of "Imprest and other Moneys," is 245,026/., and on the quarter 136,539/. ; while under Repayment of Advances, there is an in crease on the year of 368,0911., but a deficiency of 130,231. on the quarter. Such are the re sults, so far as we are enabled to ascertain, of the most blundering and unsatisfactory accounts, in many respects, which we have seen for several years. A circular Note having announced to the chief Powers of Europe the purposed neutrality of Sweden and Denmark, now that the probabilities of war have become imminent for the rest of Christendom—it becomes important to discover what will be the course pursued by Austria and Prussia in the event of the anticipated hostilities being at length actually commenced. Will the Court of Berlin show, for once, sagacity ? Will the Imperial Councils of Vienna, for once, be guided by the salutary dictates of moderation ? A glimmering hope for Prussia may be perceived, perhaps, in the recent mission of Count POURTALES to the British Government. A faint probability that Austria may by a mere chance or a sort of political accident escape from the difficulties of her position by following the example set by the Cabinets of Stockholm and Copenhagen—in other words, by promptly and decisively refusing to participate in the struggle—may be detected, we opine, in the indications already visible on the part of the Viennese Ministry of the perils to which war would expose the authority of the KAISER in two directions at least, if not in many others also, namely, among the Magyars and the Lombards, in Italy and in Hungary. Let Aus tria once side with the CZAR in the contention which is now hastening to its consummation, and then—adieu ! for FRANCIS-JOSEPH to the rifled diadem of ST. STEPHEN and to the iron crown of CHARLEMAGNE—fareweII! on his part to the extorted allegiance of the Lombards and of Hungarians. The long-awaited signal would at length in real earnest have arrived ; and the em pire founded by the genius of RODOLPH of Haps burg, and increased by a century or two of law less spoliation, would crumble away in the veriest twinkling—like the corpse of the long-buried on a sudden exposure to the atmosphere. Under these circumstances, under the pressure of such considerations, will Austria and Prussia, we may ask, emulate the wise course pursued by Sweden and Denmark ?—or will they place before them selves the alternative (alike most perilous) of siding with the AUTOCRAT, or with the two Western allies of Turkey, the two mightiest (whether by sea or by land) among the great powers of Christendom ? " It is a white world to-day." Everything around us exhibits the marks and tokens of a sharp biting winter ; a winter, too, of more than ordinary severity, which would, from natural a es il , y o b f rea all, d causes alone, press with exceeding urgency on the scanty resources of the less wealthy class in fact, who are compelled to earn their ci by their daily labour. Out-door operations are in a great degree, if not altogether, suspended. The traffic through the streets is interrupted, Cabbies are indulging in the rather unusual luxury of a holiday. The few that can be tempted to bring their machines out by the promises of extravagant fares harness additional horses, and hasten home wards the moment their engagements terminate. Woe betide the unfortunate pater familias who ventures forth with his olive branches in the wild hope of obtaining a conveyance homewards on the conclusion of his excursion. In fact, the fares, framed for a very different state of things, won't pay under present circumstances, and inas much as there is no power of modifying or changing the rates, and as the gentle race would be compelled to render their services to the first comers at the regular tariff prices, we cannot feel greatly sur prised that they should prefer remaining by their chimney' corners in the enjoyment of their ease, or even that they should occasionally indulge in a grim smile at the inconvenience , a n d annoyance to which an ungrateful public is sub jected. The omnibuses, too, have generally with drawn from our thoroughfares. The busy and vigilant cads have no longer to keep a sharp look out after casual passengers. Energetic means will be taken to arrest their attention. Each vacant seat gives occasion for an arduous struggle be tween anxious wayfarer; all of whom are willing to pay the increased charges claimed by those who THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 6, 1854 have the hardihood to brave the icy passage. I Even habitual snarlers can scarcely grumble at the addition to the ordinary scale. Business, in fact, is at a standstill, except in the shops where fuel or provisions are for sale, and these exhibit extraordinary activity. Every customer who has the means of obtaining it re quires an extra supply, in place of being contented to reduce his' demands. He who remains within doors wishes to be surrounded with all the " crea ture comforts," to have abundance to eat and drink, with a well-swept hearth and a blazing fire. The enjoyment of these various matters enables him to bear with fortitude the severity of the wea- I ther, to look out even cheerfully on the unvarying aspect of out-door matters, to see the unsullied purity of the snow, by which everything is co vered, and even to smile with satisfaction at the ample provision which he has made to expel cold and hunger from his domicile. But what has he done for his suffering fellow creatures ? What aid has he afforded the unfor tunate wretches who find that while their means are greatly reduced, or altogether cut off, they have to pay extravagant charges for the com monest necessaries of life—for the commodities essential to the support of existence. Has he exa mined his butcher's, his baker's ---:above all, his coal merchant's—bill ? If he has had to supply himself with any of the articles supplied by these useful tradesmen, he must feel for those whose scanty means prohibit the comforts that he is en abled to obtain—perhaps with difficulty—not withstanding his superior resources. If so, he must, if a man of ordinary feeling, determine - to do something to assist the many who are endur ing severe privations at such a season. It is not our habit or desire at any time to preach to our readers, or unduly to press upon their attention the social duties incidental to their position in society ; but surely at the present time we are more than justified in directing attention to a sub ject which ought not to be forgotten by men of any creed or class, and which ought to be felt and acted on by all, from the highest to the lowest. The high prices of provisions and fuel are in deed peculiarly worthy of notice, and it may be come a serious question whether means should not be adopted to prevent such exorbitant charges as are at present, and, we fear, in some instances, unduly levied on the chief necessaries of life, the articles of every day consumption. Let us, for instance, take the case of " coal." What can justify a retail price amounting to 21. 10s. or 2/. 15s. per ton, or 2s. 6d. or 2s. 9d. per cwt., charged to the poor man, who can only purchase a half, or possibly a quarter, of a cwt. of coal at a time ? The quotations on the Coal Exchange have unquestionably ruled high, but not so high as to justify such charges, and it may be impor tant to ascertain how these quotations are. It was notorious during the palmy days of the Corn laws and the sliding scale, how the averages were doctored, and foreign breadstuffs excluded from the market, except at extravagant and almost . prohibitory duties. We fear that there is a little ,doctoring going on at present at the Coal Ex change to keep the quotations high for the benefit —not of the coal' owners, but of the coal mer chants. For instance, we know that within less than a month more than six hundred vessels laden with coal arrived in the Thames. This, indepen dent of the railway-borne coal, would have pre vented anything approaching to a scarcity. ' There could certainly be no justification for famine prices, and yet we have them, for even the most moderate dealers are 'now charging 2/. ss. for large quanti ties ; and this, although, as we last week men tioned, more than one thousand vessels started in the beginning of last week, the great majority of which have arrived in the river. It is obvious, then, that there is an evil, a public grievance, of no ordinary magnitude, for which a remedy may be practicable. It is the duty of the Legislature to ascertain the causes that have led to such un toward results, and, if possible, to prevent a re petition of matters which so deeply affect the welfare and happiness of the working population of the country. WARLIKE PREPARATIONS IN FRANCE. We learn, from good authority, that the Emperor of France is making, though quietly and unobtrusively, preparations for war on a scale of magnitude far sur- i passing anything of which either we or his own subjects had any idea. In a few weeks ho will have the extra ordinary number of 700,000 efficient men available for warlike purposes at a moment's notice.—Morning Ad vertiser. COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, JAN. 5. The following had the honour of dining with her Majesty yesterday :—Colonel the Hon. Charles and Mrs. Grey and the Right Hon. W. E. Gladstone. The band of the Ist Life Guards attended in the Castle during dinner, and performed the following pieces : March, " Feiza Baari." Overture " Fest" Airs de Ballet, " Le Prophete* Meyerbeer. Selection, " Rigoletto" Verdi. Polka. Quadrille, " Frederich Wilhelm" Bilge. Galop Her Majesty's private band afterwards was in atten dance, and played the following selections : Overture ' " Zerline" Aub er . Aria and Quartetto in Canon (Ist Act), " Fidelio"' Coro, I" Il Crociato" Meyerbeer. Selection, " Iphigenie" Gluck. Couplets and Air de Danse, " Gustave" Auber. His Royal Highness Prince Albert drove her Majesty out in a sledge yesterday afternoon towards Staines. The Princess followed in a second sledge. The Hon. Mary Bulteel, Colonel Bouverie, and Colo nel the. Hon. Charles Grey was in attendance. The Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl and Countess of Hardwicke, the Earl and Countess of Shelburne, and Sir Charles Eastlake have been invited, and are ex pected to-day. CABINET Courwm—A Cabinet Council was held at the Foreign-office, Downing-street, yesterday afternoon. The Ministers present were the Earl of Aberdeen, Lord John Russell, the Lord Chancellor, Earl Granville, the Duke of Argyll, Viscount Palmerston, the Earl of Clarendon, the Duke of Newcastle, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir James Graham, Sir Charles Wood, the Right Hon. Sidney Herbert, and Sir William Moles worth. The Council sat four hours. The Marquis of Lansdowne and the Earl and Countess of Shelburne left Lansdowne-house, yesterday, on a visit to her Majesty, at Windsor Castle. The Earl and Countess of Hardwicke left town, yes. terday afternoon, on a visit to the Queen, at Windsor Castle. Mr. Tidd Pratt had an interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer on Wednesday, at his official residence in Downing-street. Viscount Palmerston arrived in town yesterday morn. ing to attend the Cabinet Council from his seat, Broad lands, Hants. The Chancellor of the Exchequer arrived in town yesterday forenoon from Windsor Castle. The Bight Hon. Sidney Herbert arrived in town yes. terday morning from Wilton-house, Salisbury, to attend the Cabinet Council. Despatches were received at the Colonial-office yester day from the governors of the West India lelands. THE NEW GOVERNOR OP VICTORIA. Sir Charles Hotham, Bart., who intended leaving England by the General Screw-Steam Shipping Company's steamer Crcesus, which sails from Southampton on Tuesday next, has been compelled to postpone his departure. It is probable he will leave England by the Bosphorus, which will sail for Australia in the following month, and which will carry the mail. HER MAJEirrY'S PREACH/MS.—The following gentle ment have been appointed to preach before her Majesty for the present month :—The Rev. Sir John Hobart Seymour, Bart., canon of Gloucester and rector of Northchurch ; the Hon. and Rev. J. T. Pelham, M.A., incumbent of Christ Church, Hampstead ; the Rev. Matthew Irving, D.D., canon of Rochester, vicar of Chatham, and vicar o f St urm i ns t er M ars h a ll ; and th e Rev. Charles Baring, M.A., rector of All Souls, St. Marylebone. THE HORSE GUARDS.—We are enabled to stat 4 that the resignation and changes in the Horse Guards, re ported by a morning contemporary, are quite unfounded. —Morning paper. JUVENILE ENTERTAINMENT AT THE MANSION-HOIISE. —Last evening a splendid juvenile party was given by the Lady Mayoress at the Mansion-house, to nearly 400 of the younger branches of the families of several of the nobility (now in town), and of the judges, merchants, bankers, and the principal citizens. The amusements were varied, dancing forming the mos t a tt rac ti ve f eature of the evening's entertainment. Mons. Rosenberg (the conjuror) attended and amused the company with his extraordinary performances; and an efficient band, under the direction of Mr. Blagrove, was engaged for the oc casion. Supper was served in the Egyptian Hall, which probably never looked more interesting than when filled by the brilliant assemblage of juveniles, between the ages of seven and sixteen. The occasion on which this festivity was given was in celebration of the birthday of the Lord Mayor. MONEY MARKET COMME.RCIA.L A /N D TELLIGENCE. CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 6,000 bales, 1,500 of which were taken for export, and on speculation. The market was quiet at previous prices. Railway shares were flat. On Tuesday the markets opened, and fuller prices were realised for most colonial staples than were obtainable before the holidays. Holders generally evince considerable firmness, under the supposition that the occurrence of 'war would retard supplies. There was an advance in sugar, coffee, and rice. Tea has been dull, but seems now to be experi encing a revival of demand. The state of the dried fruit trade at Liverpool is thus described by Messrs. Houghton and Levy : " For the season of the year the current market dur ing the past month has been unusually quiet, but the improved clearances show an increased amount of busi ness on several months past, and reach 230 tons against 110 tons during the previous month ; in comparison, however, with the corresponding period of last year they show a decrease of one-third the quantity. Our arrivals have been large —say 500 tons (principally 1853 fruit), against 150 tons in December, 1852 ; our stocks also show a larger accumulation than we then had, though chiefly of inferior qualities. Holders of all descriptions have evinced more disposition to sell, and for 1851 fruit have submitted to lower terms, it has, however, had the effect of bringing it into increased consumption ; 1852 fruit is pressed upon the market, and fur inferior quali ties there are sellers as low as 30s. per cwt., D.P.,— the present heavy stocks of this description will tend io prevent any improvement in price, as the bulk being of a perishable character will not do to hold. The arrivals of 1853 crop are generally of a good quality, and a few parcels equal to any of 1852 growth are held for ex treme rates. The dulness which has pervaded our fruit market up to the present time is only similar to whit prevailed the same period last year, though not to so great an extent then, and leads us therefore to hope a like improved demand which occurred after Christmas last season will manifest itself from this time forward, though, from a variety of causes, there is no question we shall this year have a limited demand. "We have had three arrivals of Valencia raisins during the month, bringing the total importation at this port, this season, up to 18 cargoes, against 21 at the corre sponding date of last season. Our clearances have, nevertheless, been much larger, and our present stooks are comparatively small ; prices, however, have not been maintained, but have bee n i n fl uence d by the London market, which has also receded in consequence of the pressure of tender fruit. We have therefore to note a decline of ls. to 2s. per cwt. ; and as the bulk of the imports on thih market are of good average quality, we do not for the present look for any alteration. Black Smyrnas. —The arrivals still continue extensive and without any corresponding demand, and the stocks have now considerably accumulated ; some holders having forced their fruit upon the market have submitted to a great reduction in rates,—fine fruit has been bought at 28s. to 30s. It has, however, had the effect of bringing the article into greater consumption. Sultanas.—Our supplies continue small, but the high rates demanded by importers prevent any large amount of business ; but where moderate prices have been submitted to, the ti'de have bought readily. Muscateles.—The arrivals are quite equal to the demand ; prices are without alteration." The Committee of Mexican Bondholders have been informed that the remittances received by this packet from Mexico on account of the advance made by Jecker, Torre, and Co., amount to $93,635 50c. from Vera Cruz, and $36,857 59c. from Tampico, making together $130,493 9c., which, with the remittances and bills of lading already received, will nearly cover Messrs. Jecker, Torre, and Co.'s advance. The Committee of Spanish American Bondhold ers have received this morning a letter from Mr. Mocatta, dated Quito, the 23d November, apprising them that the' Ecuadorian Senate had thought proper, in reference to the provisional agreement submitted to the bondholders at their meeting"of 28th June last, and agreed to by them, to make such alterations and modifications as would, in his judgment, completely destroy the basis of the said agreement. Mr. Mocatta received the official com munication of this most unsatisfactory result only the day prior to the above date of his letter. He had, however, immediately protested against it ; and, as the ordinary sessions of Congress would last only two days longer, he had requested that the matter might be again taken into considera tion by the Extraordinary Congress, which was about to be convened for the principal object of submitting to them proposals for reforms in the constitution. Whether Mr. Mocatta's application would be acceded to or not he expected to learn in a few days. The few letters to the 2d October from Sydney, via Panama, refer in favourable terms to the state of the import markets. A reduction had been made in the charge for gold mining licenses, but it is improbable, after their total abolition in Vic toria, that this will give satisfaction. The mails from the provinces, though still in arrear, are coming forward more regularly this morning, as the lines of railway get cleared' of the snow. The English Funds have been heavy, and after opening at 93i Consols have receded to 921. Special transfers have been made for the first time since the shutting, and there seems to be a supply of stock, although yesterday the speculators were rather short of it, and glad to take considerable amounts. The dissentients to the conversion of South Sea and other Aniuities are being paid off at the Bank of England, and but for the uncertain state of political affairs, this would doubtless have given an impetus to prices, especially in conjunction with the very satisfactory revenue returns. As to the capital of the South Sea Company being all re ceived from the Chancellor in Exchequer Bills, at 3s. premium, and not obtainable by the p ro p r i e tors unless they submit to a discount 4 per cent., while, moreover, there is no certainty that the Company will accommodate them, even in this way after next month, it ceases to be an element in any cal culation involving an increased supply of money, since few will take their money upon these terms. The dividends upon Consols, &C. will be paid on Monday the 9th inst. to the public. The bankers, as a matter of convenience, sign the books this day and to-mor row for themselves and country correspondents. The New 3± per Cents. have been 93i to 94i, and the 3 per Cents. from 931 I have receded to 921. The news that France has advised her ambassadors of the intended entry of the fleets into the Black Sea is considered to bring the Eastern dispute nearer to a crisis, and as in all such cases the anxiety increases, although the relief subsequently will be greater, if the step be followed by a deter mined line of policy. Exchequer Bills have been quoted Is to 10s., and India Bonds 3s. premium. Foreign Stocks are dull, but at lower rates. There is more doing in Dutch 4 per Cents., which from 961 have sunk to 951. Mexican Stock has been quiet at 23i to 4. Russian 41 per Cents, are 94 toe ex dividend. Railway Shares have been flat again, and th e few transactions entered into h a ve been at low er prices. The French lines are also worse: The Gold Mines are m ere ly n ominal, and th e Banks dull, and the Land Companies again lower. BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY. (Prone the Official List.) Business done. Bulk Stock 3 per Cent. Reduced Annuities 93 i 21 3 3 per Cent, Consols Annuities 9 3h 24 x d New 31 per Cent. Annuities 94 31 4i 4 India Bonds, £lOOO . ...... Ditto, under £lOOO .. . Bank Stock fbr Account ... . Consols for Opening 18th Jan. Exchequer Bills, ld. £1000 £5OO 7 10 p Small 7 10 p PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY. Xustrian Bonds, 5 per Cent. •• ••• 91 New Bmzilianßonds, 1829 & 39, 5 per Cent. 98 Danish Bonds, 1825, 3 per Cent Ditto 5 per Cent ....... .... ....... ..• ••• 1.011 Grenada Bonds, Deferred . 7i Mexican 3 por Cont. .. . Ditto for the Account 231 Portuguese Bonds, 5 per Cent. .. .. . Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £St ll2 Ditto 44 per Cent Ditto Small .. . ..... ... . Sardinian Bond's, 5 per Cent. Dividends on the above payablOn London. Dutch Exchange, 2i per Cont. 12 Guil 63 x d Ditto 4 per Cent. Certificates THREE O'CLOCK. Consols for Opening 18th January 93 DELAY Or MAILS THIS DAY. —Very great inconveni ence was this morning experienced by mercantile firms in the city, owing to the detention of most of the Nor thern, North Western, and Eastern Counties mails, conse quent on the immense accumulation of snow not only on the branch lines, but on the main trunks. With very few exceptions, none of the mails due at the General Post-office at 4 and .5 o'clock had reached that establish- Anent at 11 o'clock. Several arrivals, however, took place that have been over-due since yesterday and the day preceding. The hamsgate and Margate branches are not yet open to Canterbury, and the transit is by the circuitous route of Deal and Dover, and from thence to London. No communication has as yet taken place with the Isle of 411eppey, as the Medway and Swale are described as being full of large masses of floating ice, and the guards on the Northern Railways state that the thaw has not as yet sensibly diminished the obstruction. LAW INTELLIGENCE--(THIS DAY). BANKRUPTCY COURT. (Before Mr. Commissioner Evans.) A COMMISSION OF 1812.-LIN RE KENSINGTON AND CO., BANKERS. This was an audit meeting under the estate. of Ken sington and Co. ,"who, up to theyear 1812, have carried on business as bankers in the City. From the lapse of time no parties appeared, and the business was, pro forma, to appoint a dividend meeting and to hand over, under the Bankruptcy Consolidation Act, any unclaimed dividends for the purpose specified. IN RE ROLPH. This bankrupt was deScribed as of Lee's-mews, Gros venor-square, builder, and to-day was appointed for his last examination ; but Mr. Watson, the accountant to the estate, not having had sufficient time to prepare the accounts, an adjournment was granted. IN RE M. CROW. This bankrupt was described as of James-square, City-road, &c., milliner, &c., and to day was appointed for her last examination. Mr. Jones, Size-lane, appeared for the assignees, and Mr. Ford, Pinner's-hall, for the bankrupt. An application was made for an adjournment, in con sequence of the accounts not being complete, one of the books belonging to the bankrupt being detained by a solicitor, against whom a summons had been issued, but had not been served. An adjournment was granted by consent. ASTLEYS AMPHITHEATRE. The present combined attractions at Astley's, excel ling, as they do, almost any of former years, at this old but favourite establishment, brought together last even ing, which was set aside as "a grand juvenile night," one of the most numerous, and, we may add, enthusias tic audiences of the season. Interesting family groups graced every part of the house, and it was pleasant to see how they were alternately delighted and surprised at the different performances. Nothing could be better adapted for the entertainment of the youth of both sexes than the first spectacle, The Wise Elephants of the East, which introduces the tumbling elephants of Mr. Wm. Cooke. 'Then the "scenes in the circle" here, which are well known to be superior to any in the country, have recently received some most important additions, which are both excellent and novel ; and as to the pan tomime of Billy Button's Journey to Brentford, the best praise that can be awarded ,to it is that it is the production of thelprince of pantomime authors, Mr. Nelson Lee, and is put upon the stage with all the equestrian and scenic resources of the indefatigable lessee," which we need scarcely say are almost inex haustible. TO THE MEMORY OF THE DUKE OP WELLINGTON:* The blush of shame is on thy country's brow. Stern Champion of the right, we miss thee now ; Whilst Statesmen change, to nought but Interest true ; Pensive we turn away and sigh for you. Mourn—not for him who sleeps by Nelson's side, But mourn our honour lost when Wellesley died. Ay, thou hast pass'd in glory to the grave, Dear to the wise and idol of the bravo : But we, alas ! forgot that thou must For Fear might never come when thou wart nigh ; And prescient of her fate, with fond regret The land he saved invokes her hero yet. Had he—the Duke—been here, these timid men Had shar'd his strength, and Valour triumph'd then ; Spurn'd false Duplicity and mean Delay, And met the haughty spoiler on his way. Back to his hold had shrunk the baffl'd Czar, Or Briton's rush'd indignant to the war. Ay, Peace or War, not this vile, middle state— These strange Allies, that bid the Victim wait ; Fools, who would win redress without a blow, And teach refinement to a barbarous foe, Beseeching, if ho will not yield the prey, At least to look as gentle as ho may ; Not tear the morsels thus in savage mood, But pause and say a grace before his food. Diplomacy, men smile when thou art near, But, ah, thy blunders cost the world too dear ; Go back to school and learn thy task by rote,-- Four mighty powers that cannot pen a note I A grave professor puzzling o'er the strings, To mend the broken harmony of Kings.— Fie on such scenes !—a few plain words from him Whose voice is silent now, whose eyes are dim, Had done what those poor drivellers cannot do, Who've lost old friends and will disgust the new. Peace is not bought•by flattery or gold, False to the coward, constant to the bold. Woo to that realm, foredoom'd the invader's prey, Where wealth increases but where men decay. Trust me, a generous policy is best. Ah, choose tho one straight path and leave the rest. Let the vain Tribune, in an evil hour, Win fools' applause and risk a nation's power. His fluent words, do all the Sophist can, Will never make an angel from a man. One poor mad worm, who plays the God below, Can anger Heaven, and fill the world with woe. The hour perchance may come, when they that sneer At danger, distant now, may learn to fear, Confess that strength may be a useful thing, And haste to shelter under Valour's wing. When Goth or Gaul aro thundering at the gate, Will Bright stand forth the Champion of the State ? When Stamboul holds the Tartar for her guest, Will Cobden save the Empress of the West ?• France leagu'd with England, why these fond alarms ? Hotspur and Douglas match the world in arms. Nor have we_yet to learn, through good or ill, Our word once pledged we must maintain it still. That war's an evil, none but fools deny ; But, sure, the greater evil is—a lie ! Wrapt in his native mists, and lost to sight, Our gentle Premier woos the silent Night ; (Thus Numa, sheltering in the Egerian grove, Fled from the World to Wisdom and to Love,) Lot despots speak the truth and scorn disguise, Freedom is coy, and loves not jealous eyes. Tile rude Assembly and the loud debate, Distract the Council and embroil the State ; Whilst honied words, and meek, submissive mien, Will soothe the tyrant and divert his spleen. The New World stands erect, sublime, and bold, But we must be more supple in the old. Some future day, both Peace and Honour lost, The mute will find his tongue and count the cost ; Explain, sweet innocent, as best he can, The nice distinction 'twist the gull and man ; Show how he trusted to the word of kings, Nor thought the Czar could do such naughty things : He knew the people were perverse and bad, But never dreamt a monarch could be be mad ! How far'd it erst, lot gallant Gordon say, With injur'd Canning and with haughty Grey ? To each in turn the hour of danger came, Each lov'd his country and upheld her fame ; But now, despis'd by all and brav'd by one, Her glory ended when her fears begun. Unnerv'd by Luxury, indolent and old, As some poor dotard counts his hoarded gold, Once known on floods and tented fields afar, Now trembling at the very name of war ; So we, spoilt sons of Fortune, court repose, And shun the toils by whioh our fathers rose. A generous passion warms our breast no more, Self is the only Idol we adore ; In fancied safety from our narrow isle We see the nations perlsh with a smile ; The funds are England's pulse, and Peace her cry, The price may be Dishonour,—but we buy. See great Atrides, in Imperial pride, Laugh at the trembling hero he defied ; Whilst Austria half forgets her own disgrace To dupe her friend, then slap him on the face : And yon poor dreamer, who embrac'd the dead, Looks doubtful on and pats his godsons head. And yet, Britannia, yet thy thunders sleep, Nor rouse the angry echoes of the deep : A few big words to show the coward's rage,— The actor strutting on his own small stage. A note—a threat—and now the farce is done.— It was not thus that Wellesley's field's wore won, Not thus from Chatham's hand the bolt was hurl'd, Or Cromwell bade defiance to the world ; Nor is it thus, across the Atlantic tide, Columbia speaks with Freedom at her side. London, Sept. 1853. * The Lays of Modern Rome. Chapman and Hall, Piccadilly. RISE IN THE PRICE OF BREAD.—Yesterday the greater portion of bakers in the metropolis raised the price of bread one penny, and, in a few instances, even as much as three-halfpence in the quartern loaf. During the week good wheaten bread has been sold at Bd. to 84d. the 41b. loaf for good seconds, and from 94d to 104 d. has been charged for best bread at the West-end. Very little or no bread can now be obtained for less than 94d., and a great number of the second-rate bakers charge as high as 10d. to 104 d. The West-end bakers are now charging from 104 d. to 12d. per quartern. This rise will be greatly felt by the poorer classes—more especially by the families of bricklayers, stonemasons, plasterers, carpenters, slaters, &c., as the hard frost which has pre vailed has caused operations to be stopped at such places where those classes are engaged. MAILS FOR INDIA, AUSTRALIA, &C., BY THE OVER LAND ROUTE.—The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam-ship Ripon, which started from Southampton on the 4th inst., took out an unusually bulky mail, the total number of boxes on this occasion having amounted to 390, measuring in the aggregate 33 tons. Of these, 287 were for ports in Australia (there being 132 for Melbourne alone) ; the total number for the Mediterranean, India, and China was therefore not more than 103. Doubtless this large mail would have been considerablyaugmented but for the non-delivery in London on Wednesday morning of the letters from Liverpool, Manchester, and the north, owing to the extraordinary state f the weather. The Marseilles portion of the mail to be des patched from London on the 9th inst., which will over take the Ripon at Malta, will probably consist of about 150 additional packages, so that the total bulk of the mails to be conveyed by the Ripon will fall little short of 50 tons. LATEST FOREIGN NEWS. RUSSIA AND TURKEY. ORDER TO THE COMBINED FLEETS TO ENTER THE BLACK SEA. The Moniteur, of this day, contains a circular, dated Dec. 30, addressed by the Minister of Foreign Affairs to the legations of the Emperor in foreign countries on the Eastern question. This document, which is very moderate, but very firm, after nar rating the different phases of the question, declares that France, England, Austria, and Prussia, have recently by their agreement concerted at Vienna, Etolemnly recognised that the territorial integrity of the Ottoman Empire was one of the conditions of their political equilibrium. The affair of Sinope took place against all pre visions, Russia having declared that she only desired a material guarantee for the fulfilment of what she demanded. To prevent the Ottoman territory or the Ottoman flag from being the object of a new attack on the part of the naval forces of Russia, the French and English fleets have received the order to enter the Black Sea. The circular terminates by expressing the hope that Russia will not expose Europe to new con vulsions. A more detailed and correct account of the last negotiations at Constantinople is given by the Paris correspondent of the Morning Chronicle, under date of yesterday. There appears, lie says, to be a very general misconception as to the precise facts of the recent negotiations at Constantinople, which it may be well to correct, though the matter may not, prac tically, be of any considerable importance. It is an error to suppose that those negotiations have had any reference to the Note agreed to by the re presentatives of the Four Powers at Vienna on the sth of December. All the recent discussions at Constantinople have had reference to a Note origi nally framed, a considerable time ago, by Lord Stratford de Re,dcliffe, avid which, after being mo dified and approved by the Western Governments, was presented to the consideration of the Sultan's Ministers. When the collective Note of the sth December reached Constantinople, the ne gotiations on this scheme of Lord de Redcliffe were so far advanced, and were proceeding so favourably, that it was wisely resolved by the am bassadors of the Four Powers not to break off, in favour of a new project, an arrangement which had already nearly reached maturity. Accordingly, by the concurrent determination of the four ambas sadors, the Vienna Note was withheld, and tIAS negotiations on that of Lord de Redcliffe were con tinued. It is, therefore, this Note of Lord de Redeliffe's which Turkey is said to have accepted, and which, if finally agreed upon, will be presented , to Russia with the sanction of the Four P owers . It is understood, however, that Austria considers that the chances of the project being accepted at St. Petersburg would be greatly improved, were it pre sented to the Emperor by Austria and Prussia alone ; and, as the Western Governments have, it is stated, after some discussion, acquiesced in this view—being , a mere point of form—it will be pre sented by the two German Powers only. It is considered, however, highly improbable that this or any other proposal to which Turkey and the Four Powers can accede, will meet with the accept ance of the Czar ' • and before the Note can re ac h St. Petersburg, the question of peace or war will, in all probability, have been already decided. It may he right to state, lest unfounded infer ences should be drawn from the decisive orders re cently sent out do the English and French ambas sadors, that the physical obstacles to the effective action of the fleets in the Euxine at this season of the year are far more serious than is commonly supposed; and in executing the instructions of the French and English Governments, much must of course be left to the discretion and judgment of the ambassadors and admirals. There is, how ever, every reason to believe that the instructions recently sent out were of so positive a nature as to leave little room to doubt that the fleets must, by this time, have entered the Black Sea —unless, indeed, the weather has been so tem pestuous as absolutely to prevent them from leaving the Bosphorus, which, it will be well to bear in mind, is, besides Sebastopol, the only port in the Euxine in which ships of war can find refuge. In the meanwhile, the Governments of France and England were never more cordially united than at this moment, nor were they ever more firmly de termined to offer efficient and active resistance to Russian aggression on Turkey. The persevering attempts of the partisans of Russia, in the press and in society, both here and in London, to create dis trust between the two powers are perfectly under stood ; and all these miserable fictions and innuen does which are intended either to disunite the French and English Cabinets, or to stir up jealousy between their respective Ambassadors or admirals, only prove how much and how justly the Emperor Nicholas dreads the powerful alliance of France and England, and the formidable combined arma ment in the Bosphorus, which, with the most per fect good understanding between officers and men, is eager to be summoned into decisive action. The following is from Constantinople, of Dec. 25 :—On the 22d the resolution adopted on the 18th by the General Council convoked to deliberate on the Note of Conference, and composed of all the members of all the Ministries, Viziers, - Enemas, Pashas, Ministers of the Army and Navy, and other dignitaries of the empire, was notified. This re solution, unanimously adopted, shows that the Sublime Porte, having chosen war to save order, her rights, and integrity, will not reject peace if these conditions are guaranteed for the future. This notification adds that communication of this decision has been made to the representatives of the Four Powers, that the state of war still con tinues, and that not even au armistice has been concluded, and that despatches, announcing what had passed, had been sent to the commanders of the armies in Europe and Asia, that no stop should be put to the military operations. This proclama tien has calmed the public mind. The insurrection of the previous day had decided Government to fetch from Beycos three Turkish steam-frigates, and a division of the united fleet. During the night of the 21st a Russian war schooner, the Aloupka, driven by a gale into the Bosphorus, had been captured by Mustapha Bey, commander of the fort of Anadoli Karak. M. Kenikoff, director of the Political Chancellory at Teflis, has departed for Persia and Affghanistan, as Ambassador Extraordinary of the Czar • he is accompanied by a General and Russian staff officers. He was expected at Teheran on the 30th of Nov. Mr. Thompson, the British Charge d'Affaires in Persia, has succeeded in terminating the difference which had existed between that country and England. Ahmet Effendi, Turkish Charge d'Af faires, satisfied with the explanations of the Persian Government, did not think it right to interrupt his relations with the Shah. The Consul-General of England had left Bu charest, and gone to the head-quarters of Omar Pasha at Rustchuk. A letter from Odessa announces that the camp formed towards the end of the summer at Vasno censk, at about five leagues from that town , has been broken up, on account of the extreme severity of the season. The troops which compose it and the reinforcements newly arrived have been divided between the garrisons of Ismail, Sebastopol, and. Odessa, where the corn warehouses have been con verted into barracks. The Journal de St. Petersburg of the 24th ult. gives the following intelligence from the Turkish frontier of the district of the Caucasus "The supplementary news received to-day from Prince WoronzofL respecting the combats which have taken place on the Turkish frontier, show how profound an impression the victories gained by the Russian troops at Akhalzick on November 26, and at Basck-Ladyk- Lara, on December 1, have made on the inhabitants of the Turkish provinces. The defeat of the corps of the Seraskier of Erzeroum had for immediate result that the strong Turkish detachment which was proceeding from Bajazet to the province of Erivan, did not even wait that the troops sent on the line of its communications by General Prince Beboutoff should commence their movement from Alexandropol, but withdrew in all haste. As to the main Turkish body, defeated on December 1, it fled at once towards Kars with such haste that it threw away everything that could retard its re treat. Our detachments of cavalry sent after it succeeded on December 2,3, and 4, in seizing on a considerable quantity of various kinds of stores belonging to the enemy. On another hand, the con sequence of the victory at Akhalzick, was that the in habitants of the Sandjack of Poskhoff-Tchai applied to General Prince Andronnikoff, and supplicated him earnestly to take them under his protection. The Invalide Russe publishes the following re script of the 10th of December, addressed by the Emperor of Russia to Vice-Admiral Nachimoff :-- "By the destruction of tee Turkish squadron at Sinope, you have illustrated the annals of the Russian fleet by a new victory, which will be for ever memorable in the navy. The statutes of the military order of St. George point out the recompense which is due to you for this exploit. In executing with rear joy the pro visions of the said statutes, we appoint you Chevalier Grand Cross 2d class of the order of St. George, re maining, with our Imperial friendship, yours affec tionately, " NICHOLAS." The Patric of Wednesday, in its latest intelli gence, quotes a letter from Malta of the 30th, according to which the military commandant had received orders from England to make all neces sary arrangements at the arsenal fur the establish ment of a reserve of artillery and ammunition which was about to be forwarded from English ports. . _ Against this statement is to be set another made from Paris by a correspondent of the Brussels Incle_pendance—namely, that the British Cabinet has formally decided not to send troops to the Levant, and has notified to the French Govern ment that it will leave the question to the decision of Parliament. A letter from Orsova states that the Danube was so full of floating ice as to completely interrupt its navigation, even by transport barges. Sickness and want are making fearful ravages in the camp at Kalafat. It is said that not . mere than one-third of the troops are in health. The number of the troops returned to Widdin, since the com mencement of winter, is between 10,000 and 12,000. By the completion of the telegraph to Orsova. Vienna is brought much nearer the Danubian Principalities : only 5 or 6 hours are now required to transmit despatches from Kalafat to Vienna. The communication with Shumla has lately been greatly interrupted by fearful storms and heavy falls of snows. 24,000 men are still stationed in. Lesser Wallachia. The numerous English volun teers who have arrived during the last seven weeks are stationed at Wiyin, Rutschuk, and Matschin. Their uniforms are often very droll, but they enter into all the pleasures of the war, from hunt ing to the digging of entrenchments, with . the greatest zest. From Odessa, Dec. 14, we learn that 800 Turkish prisoners of war are collected there, and that a cartel for an exchange was spoken of. FRANCE. Among the rumours that circulated yesterday afternoon in Paris was one, taken from a German paper, that th e R uss i ans had obtained possession of Batoum. Another report was to the effect that the French Government is about to order a levy of 150,000 men, and that the decree will soon appear in the MOniteur. It war be declared, an addition will, no doubt, be made to the army ; and, in the meantime, there is no discontinuance of prepara tion for such an emergency. The Momiteur publishes a decree on the proposi tion of the Minister of the Interior, appointing an official costume for the members of the Councils- General of the departments. The ball on Wednesday night at the Tuileries was very brilliant. The men were either in uni form or Court dress. About 5,000 persons received invitations. The arrival of the mail from England continues to be irregular. The evening papers and letters due on Wednesday were not delivered till yester day morning, and yesterday at a late hour the evening papers, but not the morning. A further fall took place in the price of public securities at the Bourse to-day. Several defaulters was declared, and various rumours were circulated unfavourable to the Turkish arms in Asia, and, amongst others that the Russians had captured Batoum. The Three per Cents. opened at 711. 85c., and fell to 71f. 30c. ; they closed at 71f. 40c. for the end of the month. The Four-and-Half per Cents. closed at 99f. 75c. ; Orleans Railway shares, 1,130 f. ; Rouen, I,ooof, ; Havre, 475 f. ; Great Northern, 825 f. ; Paris and Strasburg, 770 f. ; Paris and Lyons, 867 f. 50c. ; Lyons to the Medi terranean, 720 f. ; Western of France, 6501. ; Bor deaux and Cette, 590 f. ; Great Central, 492 f. 50c. ; Lyons and Geneva, 4901. ; Shares of the Bank of Credit Mobilier, 68 Of. DENMARK, SWEDEN, AND NORWAY. A telegraphic despatch from Hamburg announces that, on the 27th of December, King Oscar of Sweden and Norway communicated to the Swedish Diet, in secret committee, the text of a treaty con cluded between him and Denmark, with a view to assure their respective neutrality in case of a Euro pean war. Russia has been endeavouring to draw, not only Denmark, but Sweden and Norway also, within her grasp, to serve as bulwarks in case of a European conflagration. Russia has failed in her object. The Governments of Denmark and Nor way and Sweden had addressed an identical Note to all the Courts of Europe, containing a declara tion of strict neutrality in the case of a European war consequent upon the complications of the Eastern question. This Note is drawn up in clear and precise terms. The Note commences by establishing that these complications in the Ea,tern question have imposed upon the Governments of Sweden and Norway, and Denmark the obligation of devoting their serious attention to the consequences that might result therefrom ; and that, therefore, they considered it a duty to make known to all the Governments with which they desire to continue the maintenance of friendly relations, the line of policy which they propose to follow in case of a European war. The cordial friendship which unites the Sove reigns and the people of the two States, as well as the community of interests and political principles, have induced the Danish and Swedish Governments to hold counsel together, and they have agreed on the measures to be adopted eventually, so as to establish a common action, of a nature to facili tate by its identity the application of the system agreed upon, which consists in the most strict neu trality. In conformity with the resolutions thus agreed upon in common the two Governments have no, ' tilled to the different European Governments, each respectively, the general rules which they propose to apply, which are as follows : Abstention during the struggle that may take place from all participation, direct or indirect, in favour of one belligerent party to the detriment of another. ATlmission into Swedish, Danish and Norwegian ports of the men-of-war and merchantmen of those same belli gerent parties, each of the two Governments reserving to itself, however, the right of prohibiting th e en t rance of the said vessels into certain ports, or into certain basins of those ports, an interdiction which will naturally be extended to the vessels of all the belligerent parties. Permission to said vessels to provide themselves at the ports of the two monarchies with all goods and merchandise they might stand in need of, with the ex ception of articles regarded as contraband of war. Exclusion from the entrance and from the sale, in the said ports, of war prizes, &c. Such are the principal points of the neutrality declared in this Note. The Sovereigns of Denmark and Sweden and Norway, on the other hand, claim for the vessels of their respective States the right of the continuance of enjoying safety and every facility in their commercial relations with the belligerent Powers, under the obligation of sub mitting to the rules of the law of nations in special cases of blockade, arm. ANOTHER FIRE IN THE CITY. Yesterday morning, about half-past 8 o'clock, another very serious fire broke out in Bennett's-hill, near St. Paul's, which threatened the most appalling results. The fire broke out in the premises of Mr. Hodgkinson, envelope-maker, but no trace has been discovered as to the origin of it. Immediately adjoining the premises of Mr. Hodgkinson are the large workshops of Mr. Coombs, carpenter and builder. The workshops were necessarily filled with combustible materials, which, once ignited, blazed up with great rapidity, and at first it was apprehended that before the progress of the de structive element could be arrested it would commu nicate with and destroy the buildings in the neigh. bourhood. Luckily the fire engines were on the spot. The Watling -street engines were in full play within ten minutes after the fire burst forth ; and within about a quarter of an hour there were no less th an seven engines belo ng i ng t o th e fire brigade, and an engine from the West of England, in active operation, un d er the superi n t en d ence o f Mr. Braidwood. Th e conflagra tion was terrific and illum inated the neighbourhood, notwithstanding that it was daylight. Th e h ose were carried to all parts of the neighbourhood from which they could play with effect. Some of them were brought into George-court, but the greater number were brought into the churchyard of S . t. Benn e tt' s , w h erea th e fi remen had the best opportunity of playing on the burning mass. So intense was the heat that the vestry door and windows were greatly injured, although they were at least fifty feet removed from the burning buildings. The inhabitants of the adjoining houses were so much alarmed that they removed their furniture to the court yard of the Herald's College, which is is immediately opposite where the fire originated and continued to increase ; as a matter of course, a great number of persons congregated in the neighbourhoed, and stood with stolid patience for hours to view the vivid scene. There was an abundant supply of water, and the men engaged in working the engines did their duty with great vigour. Towards eleven o'clock the fire, although not extinguished, was got under con trol, and a ll a pp re h ens i on of its extending fucther was dissipated. Th e whole of the interior of Mr. Coombs's workshops were consumed ; but the walls, which were built in the most substantial manner, remained entire, and, except the blackened effects , of the fl a m es , were little iujured. Mr. Hodgkinson s premises, where the fire broke out, were insured in the Sun-office, and Mr. Coombs's premises in the Church of England. The church and vestry were insured in the West of Eng land. The damage is estimated at from 3,000/. to 4,0001. Tho houses occupied by Mr. Shelly, boot maker, Mrs. Hannah Lawrence, tea-dealer, and the premises in the immediate vicinity of where the fire raged, were damaged, but to no very great extent. RUSSIAN PRODUCE.—The markets for Russian pro duce continue to advance, in consequence of the state of politics, and hemp and linseed oil are again higher. The existing price of tallow has also led to a large business in palm oil at Liverpool. i~~ `'tea. •,.~. ~,.vy' ' Fres a very and w] land 1 amour tors WI paZ an The sale foi quarto Per qu We mold sti Malt We money Beal English Irish Foreign .The rate as moved was in sheep I active, the an rates. place?: Ililc leiferim liscond Prime I Prime 5 Ixforiox Second Primo o /leash • Sheep „„ Calves . NO ... Abon f meal reef, in Do., r a j Do., pr DO. do Pork, li Abm at 1101 0430 at of Koz to 12d. tiTTGA British qualiti4 auction 37s Gd India : 289 6d, yellow 37a 6d Benare Cosaipc brown 31a to white than la fine, ar g ooa lull Sri Tenthly M 36a f bnco w Refirtex M rath 451.3 6d. ZLO Lox aim slowly Diu ashore Dart o: on the FON Waa t( Ho from of the AM this p is big] Rol Rotte sea wl Ar port 1 watez botto preve yet k Su liana and .J K: Joh/ BI bee n lost 1 bee] itic