The Sun. — London, England, 1854-10-28 00:00:00

Just published, THE BALLAD of the BATTLE of the ALMA. Witk Notes, extracted from the correspondence of the Daily papers, &c., Scc &c. Part I. The Fight. Part 11. The Field. In it are celebrated the most striking occurrences of the Battle of Alma. Those who are desirous of preserving a commemoration of the late glorious exploits of our Army and its Allies will do well to possess themselves of this Ballad. Price 6d., and may be sent free, in return for the remittance of 10 postage-stamps, to all parts of the United Kingdom. London : Effingham Wilson, Royal Exchange. TILEATBE ROYAL 71AYMARKET. Under the management of Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, OCT. 28, Will be performed the comedy of P.11.7L PRY. Principal cha racters by Mr. Wright, Mr. Chippendale, Mr. W. Farrell, Mrs. Poynter, and Miss E. Chaplin. • After which, the First Part of the Ballet o f THE STAR OF ANDALUSIA. To be followed by THE IRISH LIOY. Prineipal character by Mr. Hudson. To conclude with the FLOWRR OF THE PORT. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under the Management of Mr. CHARLES KERN. THIS EVENING. Ocr. 28, WM be performed the highly Popular' comedietta, entitled LIVING TOO FAST. After which, A HEART OF GOLD. Principal charaeters by Messrs. Meadows. Addison, Ryder, D. Flsher, Cathcart, and Baker ; Misses Heath and Murray, and Mrs. Daly. To conclude with THE HALT OF THE BILLET. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI. Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster.—Direetress, Madame Celeste. THIS EVENING, OcT. 23, Will be performed an original Drama in Four Acts, called THE SUMMER STORM, with new scenery, dresses, appointments, &z. After which., A MOVING TALE. To oonclade with the screaming Burlesque of NORMA. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEt TRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. A. Wigan. THIS EVENING, Ocr, 28, Will be Performed THE TRUSTEE. Charactors by Messrs. A. Wigan , F. Vining, Emery, and Leslie; Miss Maskell, and Miss Stephens. To be followed by a Farce, galled A BLIGHTED BEING, in Which Mr. Robson will appear. To conclude with TO OBLIGE BENSGX. STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee Mr. F. W. Aileron.. THIS EVENING, OoT. 28, Will be performed SUNSET AT SEA. After which, THE NEW WAGS OF WDIDSOE. Te concluder with DON GIOVANNI. Stalls, 45.; Boxes, 2s. 6d.; Pit, Is.; Gallery, 6d.; Private Boxes 41 Is., to be had of Mr. Allcroft. 15, New Bond-street. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. William Cooke. Tremendousaticcess of the new WAR SPECTACLE! which has been received with the mist enthusiastic expression of admiration, and accompanied by tumultuous applause. THIS EVENING, 6th Time, a GRAND MILITARY SPECTACLE, called THE BATTLE OF TAE ALMA, in which both the Stage and the Ring will be simultaneously employed. After which, the SCENES in the CIRCLE. To conclude with a SUPERB NATIONAL ENTREE and a variety of Grand Tableaux. Box-office en from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. ActineManager, Mr. W. H. Cooke. Equestrian Director, Mr. Wm. Cooke, jun. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tato DAY —Morning 62 min.after 5 I Evening 23 min.aft. 6 To MORROW -- Morning 56 min.after 6 Evening 37 rain.aft. THE WEATHER.—Sun 01 ACT. 28. TREILUOMETZB, IN Tall SHAM!. 52 —highest since noon yesterday. 50 —lowest this morning and during the night. 57 —this day at noon. BABO3fZTICIt, 30.39. WIND, S.W.—Light, with beautiful clear weather. THE "COMING" CAPTURE SEBASTOPOL WILL BE PUBLISHED IN AN EXTRAORDINARY EDITION "TAE SUN" THE MOMENT THE EXTRAORDINARY GAZETTE IS ISSUED, TOGETHER WITH A LIST OF THE KILLED AND WOUNDED. Orders received by all News Agents, and at " THE SUN" OFFICE, 112, Strand, London. . ~. ab _ t 5 ,,,,,,...,,:...4 l ti, p jpiAt;:'-'.--L-,e-' "I'' -°•. i gi ozz,...i, -_i.j...it, 111,n, _ ._, ~ LONDON, SATURDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1854. We are again indebted to Prince MENSCHIKOFF for the latest intelligence flora Sebastopol ! The information, which the negligence and carelessness of our own Commanders and Government with hold from the anxious people of England, is , supplied by the zeal and energy of our opponents. In that respect, at least, we might take a leaf out of the Russian books. Our authorities might de rive a salutary lesson from the proceedings of their adversaries. The present account, however, is one on which the same reliance cannot be placed as on that which announced the commencement of the bombardment, and the serious loss to the Russians on the first day. The opening of the fire was a distinct and intelligible fact, which no amount of equivocation or colour ig could get rid of—and the promulgation of that solitary truth might serve as the ground work for numerous falsehoods, for flattering tales of failure on the part of the assailants, and vigorous defence by the garrison. According to the statement of the veracious Muscovite, " the Russian fire had successfully answered the fire of the Allies." This, however, is, at least, rather a vague announcement. That a vast quantity of powder had been con sumed in the various fortifications, and many balls and shells discharged in the direction of the besiegers, we can easily credit. Indeed they had not waited for the opening of the French and English fire, but from the first moment that the Allied Forces came - within range had indulged in a lavish expendi ture of ammunition. But, inasmuch as their fire had Proved singularly ineffective in every instance, whether directed towards the land or the sea, we can Scarcely feel any dread that they had mani fested any de c id e d • improvement. They have "answered might our fire " without inflicting much damage on the se against whom they aimed. In deed from the circ umstance that Fort Constantine and other neighbouring batteries kept up a continued fire for some hours on a vessel under Austrian colours, which, laden with 600 tons of hay for the English camp, drifted past them at a distance of 2,500 yards, and was subsequently towed off with comparatively little damage by the Firebrand, proves that we have not much to fear from the "direful skill" of the Russian artillery_ men. It is also declared that " the damage done to \ the fortifications was but trifling." This is clearly a matter of opinion, in which the Russian General allows himself considerable latitude. To judge from the tone of the despatch, he looks on it, or deserves to be thought of as looking upon it, in rather an amusing light than otherwise. As Punch's drover, who was " tossed many times and likes it," the valiant Russians considered it an agreeable excitement that pleasingly varied the dull monotony of garrison life, which he could sbop at any moment he thought proper, but suf fered to continue in order to render the final defeat the more decisive. We can, however, form some notion of the probable effect of the bom bardment from 200 heavy guns, concentrated on any fortifications for five consecutive days. If it admitted losses in killed and wounded on the first day, it can scarcely be supposed that the damage on the fifth was but trifling. Nor can we suppose that the fire from the fleet would, if once opened, be discontinued while anything remained to be done. Greatly as we may deplore the inactivity so long displayed by Admiral Du - NDAs, we shall not do him, or any English or French' officer, the injustice of supposing that he would thus disregard his duty to his country, and to his own character, on such very unsatisfactory evidence as that of a Russian despatch. We also hear that a part of the reserve—the Russian—had arrived, and that the rest was ex pected immediately. A moment's consideration will show that this statement had not caused the slightest uneasiness, for it is not said from whence they came, or in what numbers. It could not have been Count ORLOFF'S corps, for, indepen dently of the satisfactory reasons we have for be lieving that they could not arrive for some time subsequent to the date of the despatch, we may feel certain that if it were so the pleasing fact would be put forward so as to admit of not the slightest doubt or question. We cannot, then, derive much direct informa tion from the despatch. It, however, contains valuable negative testimony, as it proves that the defenders had not during the first five days ac complished any great success, either by means of a sortie or sorties, or silencing any one or more of the besieging batteries. We may feel well assured that any tangible fact on which he could frame a plausible tale would not be neglected by Prince M2YscuncorF ; and his silence on the subject is conclusive proof that there has been nothing of the kind, and with that we must per force remain contented during the protracted silence of our own Generals, relying on the valour of our men, and the irresistible nature of the armaments which we have brought to bear against the doomed town. Some more of the crew and passengers of the ill-fated Arctic have, it appears, been rescued from destruction. The last advices from New York announce the preservation of Captain LUCE, the commander, and some forty of the passengers of the lost vessel. They had, it appears, arrived at Montreal shortly before, and there are some slight grounds for hope that a few others may have been picked up. But even under the most favour-- able circumstances there has been a fearful sacrifice of human life. Nearly 300 persons, in the prime of life and vigorous health, have been suddenly cut off with but brief time for preparation for the awful change. Truly might they have exclaimed, "In the midst of life we are in death," when the hearts, but a few moments previously beating high with gladsome expectation, were depressed by the total overthrow of all their joyous antici pations, and the thoughts of anxious friends, of faithful partners, and helpless children, whom they were no more to behold. The catastrophe was indeed a fearful one ; and we cannot wonder at the intense excitement occasioned in New York when the dreadful tidings were first announced. Those who had near and dear relatives on board hastened to glean the slightest information that might tend to mitigate the heartrending anxieties, or at once convince them that their most gloomy doubts and fears had been realised. Anything was better than the awful suspense. It would even be a relief to know the worst, and to be able to resign them selves to sorrow—possibly despair. The intelli gence of safety was, as it has been graphically stated, regarded as "a resurrection from the dead " —all minor concerns forgotten in the intense in terest created for those who were supposed to be buried in the depths of the ocean, and for their mourning families. Business was suspended, the law courts adjourned, and the population looked like the inhabitants of a plague-stricken city, who had lost their nearest and dearest, and were look ing forward hopelessly to the rapidly-approaching hour of their own dissolution. Dire consterna tion was exhibited on every side. What added to the intensity of the feeling was the knowledge that a little judicious care might, in the first instance, have alto gether prevented the accident, or greatly mitigated its deplorable results. The collision was occasioned by carrying on with unabated speed, during a dense fog, in a course constantly resorted to by vessels of all classes. It is true that the size, power, and strength of the Arctic rendered it almost certain that she could escape from any serious consequences, and that whatever vessel might come in contact would be the chief sufferer. It was as if an immense coal waggon should be recklessly driven through a crowded thoroughfare, on the principle that every one was to take care of himselef. The reckless and selfish calcula tion was, however, defeated, and the mighty Arctic went to the bottom, while the mer chant steamer Vesta escaped through the skill and energy of her gallant captain. Had the fog signals been resorted to, as a due care for the lives of others would have demanded, the Arctic would have arrived safely at her destination—the three hundred persons lost would have been hap pily restored to their afflicted families. But as it was, the evil appears to have been fearfully aggravated by the sudden panic that seized on the crew, and indueed a large proportion to take possession of the boats and abandon the ship, while they might have stopped the leak, or at least saved the lives of a large proportion of those who were sacrifieed through the unseaman-like desertion of their charge. As this part of the case will, doubtless, receive the most stringent and searching investigation, we shall not antici• pate the result of the inquiry. "Audi alteram partem" is a golden rule, and GOD forbid that we should condemn any man or body of men without affording them the opportunity of being fully heard in their own defence. If, however, the fact of a panic and of such unwarrantable desertion should be ascertained, it will also be necessary to ascertain whether it was not created or aggravated by the wilful neg ligence of the owners in not providing ade quate means of escape by boats in the event of such an accident. If there is only boat-room for 150 out of 400 per sons, we can easily credit how desperate would be the struggle to obtain a place, and that those who, under more auspicious circumstances, would struggle to the last, might leave their companions in jeopardy to secure their own safety. It is one of the imperfections of human nature, and those who, for a paltry saving, would run the chance of setting such machinery in motion have much to answer for when so fearful a calamity has occurred. Without prejudging anything, then, there are three points that must be strictly investigat e d three questions, to which distinct answers must be returned :- Ist. What was the reason why we the precautions on usually taken in a dense fog were the unfortunate occasion ? - - - 2dly. What was the conduct of the crew after the transaction ? _ _ 3dly.—Was there a sufficient supply of boats, and other appliances for saving life, in case of shipwreck ? The safety of Captain LUCE, and his power of d efending himself, will enable these interrogatories to be answered in a more decided and satisfactory manner. The people on either side of the Atlantic expect that there will be no flinching on these important issues. FUNERAL OP THE LATE LORD DU - SALLE - Ir.—On Wed nesday the funeral of the above justly-lamented noble man took place, and was oxe of the largest ever wit nessed in that part of Ireland, COURT CIRCULAR, WINDSOR, OCT. 27. There was no addition to the Royal dinner party to day. Her Majesty, his Royal Highness Prince Albert, and the Royal children, attended by the Ladies and Gen tlemen of the Household, inspected Mr. Wousbwell's menagerie of wild animals this afternoon, which was brought into the Quadrangle at the Castle for that pur pose. Her Majesty having been graciously pleased to signify her wish to the Head Master of Eton that the Eton boys should be allowed to avail themselves of the opportu nity, the whole school, accompanied by some of the masters, appeared in the Quadrangle about four o'clock, and remained for some time inspecting the animals. His Serene Highness Prince Nicholas of Nassau visited the Qeeen to-day. The French Ambassador, the Turkish Minister, and the American Minister, transacted business yesterday at the Foreign-office. Despatches for the Governors of the North American Provinces were sent yesterday from the Colonial-office. INSP3ICTION BY BER MAJESTY, HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS PRINCE ALBERT, AND T_13.11 ROYAL FAMILY, OF WOMB WELL'S MENAGERIE. WINDSOR, FRIDAY. This afternoon Mr. Edmunds, the proprietor of the late Mr. George Wombwell's collection of zoology, who has been exhibiting at Windsor during the fair, had the honour of receiving a command from her Majesty to attend at the Castle with the whole of his collection. Accordingly by two o'clock all the carriages, 15 in num ber, were drawn into the Quadrangle, and afterwards arranged under a temporary pavilion, over which floated the Royal standard. At three o'clock the Queen, his Royal Highness Prince Albert, with the Royal children, and attended by their suite, entered the pavilion, and were received by Mr. Edmunds, his fine brass band playing the National Anthem. After inspecting this unique collection, about 500 in number, the juvenile branches of the Royal family in particular were much amused and astonished by the per formance of the colossal elephant Jamoona and his little companion Abdallah—the latter balancing himself on a pedestal about two feet square, standing on his head, and performing many other extraordinary feats, at the keeper's command, with elephantine agility. This is the second time the exhibition has been honoured by a visit from her Majesty and the Court at Windsor Castle, Mr. Wombwell having had a similar summons in 1847. After the Royal visit, all the Eton boys were admitted, by command of her Majesty. During the Royal inspec- tion in the Pavilion, Jamoena and his friend Abdallah were allowed to walk about the Quadrangle, and ap peared perfectly at horse. The King of the Belgians returied to Laeken on Wednesday. A royal ordinance, published in the Moniteur Beige, convokes the Chambers for the 7th of November next. The Diario of Madrid says that the King of Naples has offered Queen Christinia, his sister, a refuge in his states, but site had refused on account of the position of Count de Montemolino in the Court of Naples. The Earl of Duaraven has purchased Mr. Bland's Island, near Sneem, county Kerry, on which he intends to erect a marine castle. The Duke of Buceleuch has arrived at Montague House, Whitehall-gardens, from Dalkeith Palace, Mid- Lothian. The duchess, we regret to state, continues in a very delicate state of health. - Colonel Smyth, C. 8., 16th Lancers, is on a visit with Lieut.• Colonel Dickson, at Croora Castle. Her Majesty's stag-hounds hunted on Friday, the 20th, and again on Tuesday, the 24th ; and on each day had capital sport in the forest. The curacy of Barking, in the diocese of London, has become vacant. It is worth 1001. R.-year, and is in the gift of the Rev. Henry Seymour, M.A. A chaplaincy on the Staines and Wokingham Railway is vacant. It is worth 150/. per annum. Applications for the appointment are to be made to the Rev. T. V. Fosbery, M.A., rector of Sunningdale, near Chertsey. Richard Graves Macdonnell, Esq., C. 8., at present Lieut. Governor of St. Vincent, is to succeed Sir Henry E. F. Young in the government of South Australia ; and Edward John Eyre s Esq., late Lieutenant Governor of New Munster, in New Zealand, is to be the Lieut. Governor of St. Vincent. THE VACANCY IN THE REPRESENTATION' OF ABING DON.—No less than three candidates, all professing Liberal views, are in the field, soliciting the honour of supplying the vacancy in this borough, occasioned by the death of the Earl of Abingdon. COLLISION ON THE MIDLAND RAILWAY IN IRELAND. —The Galway papers bring accounts of an accident, at tended with serious, though happily not fatal results, which occurred on Monday on the Midland Great West ern line of railway. ARRIVAL OP THE FIRST CARGO OF NEW TEAS.— Livzr.roor., Friday.—The clipper ship Vision, Captain A. Douglas, arrived in the Mersey this morning from Hong Kong, after a capital run, including detentions, of 103 days. She sailed from Hong Kong on the 15th of July, Canton, July 16, and Anjer, Aug. 14. She brings to this country the first cargo of the new teas. THE AllCTl.—Letters hive been received from New York, under date the 12th inst., announcing that the Lebanon, arrived there from Newport, reported having spoken the Huron, from Bristol to Quebec, 29th Sep tember, in lat. 413 N, long. 52 W, and took from her lq persons belonging to the Arctic steamer, lost of! Cape Race. MAILS TO CHINA.—The following notice was published by the Postmaster-General yesterday ;—" The mails for China will be made up and despatched on the 20th of each month via Southampton, and on the 25th of each month via Marseilles, as heretofore ; but, instead of being sent direct from Pont de Galle (Ceylon), they will be forwarded to Calcutta, at which place a steamer will be provided to carry them on to China." NEW FRENCH POSTAL TREATY.—Lord Canning's mission progresses favourably, and is much facilitated by the empresseraent shown by the French Post-office to meet his lordship's views on the subject. His lordship has been ordered to St. Cloud, by command of the Em pero^r, on a visit.—Civil Service Gazette. THE WAR DEPARTMENT.—We understand that Lieut. Lord Burghersh, who received promotion, according to custom, on the occasion of his lordship bringing to England the despatches announcing the important victory on the heights of Alma, left Lord Westmore land's town residence, in Harley-street, yesterday, charged with despatches for General Lord Raglan, the General commanding our expeditionary force in the Crimea, via Paris and Marseilles. SAVINGS BANKS FOR SEAMEN.—By a proviso in the Merchant Shipping Act of the last session it is enacted that the Commissioners of the National Debt, or the Comptroller. General acting under them, may, en the application and recommendation of the Board of Trade, establish savings banks at ports within the United King dom for seamen or their wives and families, such depo sits not to exceed the amount of 1501. THE FRENCH GOVERNMENT AND THE WAR.—The French Government has bought the steamer Sicilia—n fine vessel built for the Mediterranean trade by Me , srs. J. and G. Thompson, of Glasgow—and is everywhere seeking the finest and swiftest vessels, to convey troops to the East. NOTTINGHAM HOSPITAL.—The 72d anniversary of the General Hospital, Nottingham, was held on Thursday, under the presidency of Mr: Walter, M.P. The cor poration, governors, and subscribers assembled at half past 10 in the grand jury room of the Shire Hall, and attended Divin• service at St. Mary's Church, being accompanied thither by the town bailiff bearing the maces. BEDFORD, OCT. 26.—Mr. Henry Stuart, M.P. for this borough, died suddenly this morning. There is, therefore, a vacancy in the representation. Mr. Stuart represented the borough of Bedford for many years. He was first returned in 1337, but unseated on petition. In 1841 he was elected, and has continued in the repre sentation ever since. He was born in 1804, and was a descendant of William Penn, the founder of Pennsyl vania. THE EARL OF CARLIBLE.—Tho Earl of Carlisle was to deliver his lecture On the " Poetry of Gray," on be half sof the Early Closing Association of Bradford, when he heard of the death of his nephew. The noble earl consequently addressed the following letter to the Mayor of Bradford : " Castle Howard, Thursday Morning, " Dear Sir—l was almost in the act of starting, when I have been stopped by an account which has just reached me of the death of my nephew Lord Frederick Leveson Gower, in the Crimea. In addition to the sorrow of the event, I deeply regret any inconvenience which this ne cessary breach of my engagements may occasion. I shall, of course, feel myself bound to fulfil them whenever it may be wished under happier circumstances.—Believe me, very faithfully yours, " CARLISLE. " Samuel Smith, Esq., Mayor of Bradford." ARRIVAL OF THE BAND OF THE GUIDES.—The band of the Imperial Regiment of Guides arrived from Paris by the South-Eastern Railway on Thursday evening, for the purpose of taking part in the grand musical per formance at the Crystal Palace this day, in aid of the Patriotic Fund. This band, which consists of fifty-six members, is under the charge of the Baron de Verdiere, captain on the imperial staff, and Baron Vidil, an officer of the Guides. It is quartered, by pre-arrangement, at St. George's-barracks, Trafalgar square. Its reputation as a musical corps is pre-emi nent, and will, no doubt, have the effect of considerably swelling the receipts. Tam BAmeeroei MARRIAGE CASE.—This inquiry was to have been resumed yesterday morning, before the bench of county magistrates, at Witney, and they met at the Town-hall accordingly, when, after some delay, Mr. Wester., the attorney for the Rev. Dr. Giles, an nounced to the bench that his client, acting under the advice of friends, would not appear to answer the charge, and that his bail would submit to their recognizances being forfeited. The usual proclamation was then made for Dr. Giles to appear, and, as he (lid not, the magic tratos directed the recoenizances of 5001. to be estreated. TIIE EMPEROR NAPOLEON.—The commission formed to collect and publish the correspondence of the Emperor Napoleon 1., which had already applied to the different Administrations, in order to obtain any documents or letters which may be in the archives and other public depots, either in France or foreign countries, has now made an appeal to private individuals or families who may possess documents emanating from Napoleon 1., and expresses its confidence that, from the general inte rest and importance attached to the intended publica tion, every one will be happy to contribute to it. The commission will gratefully receive all documents of the kind, either by certified copies or the original documents, which will be faithfully returned to the owners.—egglig• nccni'3 Messolger. THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY' EVENING, OCTOBER 28, 18 54. T TF ; ST NFIITS BOMBARDMENT OF SEBASTOPOL. VIENNA, FRIDAY, OCT. 27. Lord Burgbersh arrived here yesterday. Ad vices have been received from Varna of the 21st October. The land batteries opened fire on Sebastopol on the lith. The Allied Fleets did the same at the entrance of the harbour, with success, but with the severe loss of 90 killed and 300 wounded, The Agamemnon suffered most. The Quaran duo Fort was silenced. The fall of the city was expected to take place about the 24th. I have received this from a good source, but send it with all reserve. The Russian authorities here must have re ceived unfavourable intelligence, for Prince Gort schakoff yesterday admitted no one under plea of sickness, although he was perfectly well. On the 15th the reinforcements under Liprand were still at Perekop. The following despatch has been also received from Vienna : The 3d and Gth corps of the Austrian army, stationed respectively at Treviso and Gratz, have been placed upon the war footing, preparatory to their marching into Galicia. Advices have been received here from Constan tinople of the 16th October. The Himalaya had arrived_ there on the 15th with wounded. Report says that the Allies will take up their winter quarters at Scutari, aft:er the fall of Sebas- topol. Lord Raglan has prohibited Russians and Greeks from residing at Balaklay . a. A Council for carrying th& Tanzimat into exe cution sits daily at Constantinople. Report says that General Luders has brought 13,500 men to Sebastopol. thers, 12,000 Rus sians hold the heights of Belle ck. 30,000 French, under the orders of General Bosquet, have been ordered to cut off the commu nication between the north rand south sides of Sebastopol. 6,000 Turks have just been: sent to Balaklava. BERLIN, OCT. 27. The following despatch has been received here, dated St. Petersburg, 26th i : "SEBASTOPOL, OCT. 21. " The operations of the besiegers continue, Their fire is effectively answe re x]. " The fortifications are little damaged." Admiral Korniloff's death, caused by the frag ment of a shell, is confirmed. TREBIZ' ►NDE, OCT. 9. The Abasian chiefs have r afused to receive Schamyrs envoy. Hafiz Paeb has, consequently, cut off all communication with ti 10 coast of Abasia. THE BALTIC - FLEET. ZIEL, Ocr. 27. Her Majesty's screw steam—a hips Duke of Wel lington, 131, carrying the la; g of Vice-Admiral Sir Charles Napier ; the lEtc >yal George, 120 ; Princess Royal, 90 ; with the Vulture and Locust, have arrived here. The Princess Royal has been aground, but without sustaining damage. THE CRIMEA. THE RUSSIAN CAMP. cc opEss.A., Oar. 24.—,.41th0uq li, says the Vienna Presse, the Russians are print ected by the hilly nature of the country where th e y are staying, they have made an entrenched camp to the south-east of Bakshi-Serai, and so soon ; is more reinforce ments arrive intend forming a second entrenched camp on the upper part of la to Belbeck river. The road between Perekop, iimpheropol, and Bakshi-Serai is quite free, and the small garri son of the Allies in Eupatoria is prevented from attackinr , the Russian reinf ore ements on their march by''' means of a Russian corps of observa tion stationed at Orta Ablan. Other auxiliary troops are on the way by the S€ of Azoff through Arabad. and Kertch. The conirrxx tnication between the Russian main body and th e fortifications of Sebastopol is quite uninterrupted on the northern side of the harbour, and the sa me is the case be tween the northern forts and th e southern across the water. The Russian report expresses the hope that Sebastopol will not be etss ily taken by the Allies. Should detached works, or even the town itself, fall into the hands of the e nemy, this would in no wise imply the capture of ; Lll the forts. Such is Menschikoff's vie vv, who adds that the destruc tion of the Allied Army stands in prospective the moment the storms of the Black Sea put an end to all communication with the Turk ish. territory." The Journal de Constantinopli of Oct. 14, con tains the following details of tl se dashing recon naissance of Admiral Bruat, at S ebastopol : " We learn that on the 7th Mimi ral Bruat executed a very important reconnaissance to th e west of Sebastopol, within a short distance of the forts NW hich defend the town on the sea-side. Several boats fil l e d w ith men f ro m the following ships of the line, the Montebello, the Na poleon, the Charlemagne, and the dean-Bart, proceeded on that day very early in the rn ()ruing to the Bay of Scbletska, remaining cloFe to the shore in order not to be observed. They were f9llowf!d' into the bay by the Roland, which entered, in risking t h e fire of the batteries. Admiral Brunt, accompanied by _A. dmiral Charnier, the captains of the above-named ves se Is, several aides-de camp, and a colonel of the staff, .soot by the General in -Chief, landed with 600 seamen on the east of the bay, and, protected by the inequalities of the ground and parts of the wall, advanced to the heights com manding the Quarantine Fort, to within about 600 metres of the forts of the place. The ground was then examined with care to ascertain whether a marine battery could not be erected there. There exists, in fact, a fort in ruins in a very advantageous position, which it is possible to utilise. The Russians having taken the alarm, directed a very sla:Arp fire on the de tachment. But a plan of the ground had been already taken, and the object of the Admiral attained. The boats again received on board every one, amidst a dis charge of hundreds of balls and shells, but without any injury whatever being done. The boat of the captain of the Charlemagne alone received a ball, which passed between two rows of sailors, fortunsaJly without touch ing any one." We extract the following remarks from a letter received from Berlin this morning : " Notwithstanding the flow of Russian bulletins, which contradict each other with reckless disre gard to facts and probabilities, in all but the chorus of All's well' and. ' Nnothing important has occurred,' the op;nions of military men of the highest position, even those devoted heart and soul to Russia, are unanimous in the severity of their criticisms upon the negligence, want of skill, and preposterous self-confidence of the Russian commander in the Crimea. Gortschakoff might and could shelter himself for his defeats, unskilful dis positions, and absence of practical ability, beneath superior orders, as little doubt exists that his general plan was dictated from St. Petersburg ; hut Menschikoff had in a certain degree a free hand, and whatever bad use he might have made of a large force, he is blamed, with just severity, for not having demanded reinforcements, which might have enabled. him to hold Balaklava with a strong garrison, whilst lie might have taken up a position, with at least .65,000 men, not on the Alma, but diagonally, and with his left resting on Sebastopol. Had he done this he might have ren dered advance on the north side doubly difficult, and at all events completely prevented the change of basis effected with such wonderful skill and good fortune I y Marshal St. Arnaud wnd Lord Raglan.." The following extract is from a letter from Con stantinople, dated the 15th : "It is much to be wished that the Tnrkish army, under Omer Pasha, could create some diversion by attacking the Bessarabia❑ frontier. There can be little doubt that the length of time which the affair in the Crimea has lasted, and is likely to last, will allow the Russians to send reinforcements, at im mense loss certainly, but yet no doubt in sufficient numbers to make the operations of the Allies far more difficult. It is now six weeks since the expe dition against Sebastopol made its rendezvous in Baltchik Bay, and during that time a Russian force could march, even at its accustomed slow rate, more than 300 miles. The report that considerable succours have arrived already in the Crimea may be incorrect, but is not to be despised. It is certain that the Generals are inclined to put faith in the story, for they drove out the Greeks from Balaklava for fear of their treacherous co-operation with the force at Simpheropol. That an extensive campaign can be attempted in the muddy soil of Bessarabia at this season is out of the question, but a demonstra tion on the Pruth might lead to a part of the Rus sian force being compulsory detained, and so lighten the pressure on the Allied armies. However, it is to be hoped that the bombardment and assault, which it is said are to begin to-morrow, will anticipate any succours which can possibly arrive. Experience has shown that in operations of this kind it is the preparatory measures which cause the delay, and that the affair, once commenced, is soon concluded one way or another. Which way the victory will lie in the present case the past deeds of Bomarsund and the Alma allow us to conjecture with sufficient certainty. That Sebastopol will be taken does not admit of doubt, but it is the retention of the conquests which will necessitate the presence of a large force to repel any attacks which may be made by a desperate Government, unsparing of men and unscrupulous in means." TURKEY. CONSTANTINOPLE, Oct. 15.—The London papers of the 3d of October, which I have before me, give a striking instance of the credulity and over-anxiety of the people in England. Because a battle had been gained in the Crimea, Sebastopcl itself must needs have been taken on the following day. The last accounts from the Crimea reach to the 13th, and are, I am sorry to say, scarcely favourable enough to meet the expectations of a sanguine British public. The telegraph will already have announced to you that Eupatoria .has again fallen into the possession of Russia. The French Government has spent 40,0001. in appropriating the hospitals here. They have three— one at Pera, and two over at Constantinople. Every place in France has been drained of mili tary surgeons, where they at all times have a large staff. For instance, at the HOpital de Lille there are usually four surgeons and ten assistant sur geons. At present they have only left one military surgeon there, giving over the care of the wards to the civil practitioners of the town. • The Val do Grace great military school and hospital, at Paris, has been entirely drained, the whole of its personnel having been sent to Constantinople, to attend upon the army of the East. This hospital was established for preparing men already possessed of the usual diploma for the particular service of military surgery and medicine. Four of its pro fessors and all the pupils have been sent out here. Altogether there are upwards of 100 French physi cians and surgeons in attendance in their hospitals, whilst our medical staff over at Scutari scarcely numbers 20. The French hospitals are in excellent order, and nothing is wanting. The cause of all this does not lie with the personnel or the chiefs of our medical department, but must be traced to our antiquated and unpractical system. . . - .),Ve read in theMoniteui: :—" The Minister of Foreign Affairs has received through the French Charge d'Affaires at Constantinople, under date of the 14th October, a report from M. M. Levy, director of the hospital service of the East, con taining the most satisfactory information as to the state of the sick and wounded." The Indus steamer left Constantinople on the 11th for the Crimea with 500 French and English soldiers on board, who had been cured of the wounds they had received in the battle of the Alma. THE WAR ON THE DANUBE. The Lloyd of Vienna says :—" A letter from Jassy of the 20th states that the two Grand-Dukes Nicholas and Michael arrived on the previous day at the 'head-quarters of Prince Gortschakoff, com mander-in-chief of the troops concentrated on the Austrian frontier at Kichenew, in Bessarabia, and that they are to assume the command of divisions. From a Berlin letter of the 25th we find the following :—" The reports of the Russians having again assumed the offensive, by throwing a body of troops across the Danube, can surprise no one save those who, like the framers of the last Prussian note, deem it impossible that Russia will depart from her strictly defensive decla rations. The report has, it is said, caused great embarrassment here, not only because it casts ridicule upon the tranquillising confidence of the Prussian Cabinet, but because the change from dofanco to offence tends directly to revive the eventualities of the April treaty, which the Prussian note looks upon as beyond the range of recurrence. But it is rumoured that, supposing the report to be verified, the Cabinet intends to set this offensive movement down to the score of defensive strategical measures ; to make a distinction between offensive action in the Dobrudscha and demonstrations againstVarna, and offensive action in the principalities, or across the Danube higher up. It was natural (said the note of the 13th) that Russian territory being invaded (at the distance of several hundred miles in the Crimea), and the frontier menaced elsewhere, the Imperial Guards and all disposable troops should be thrown forward to the Austro- Polish and Austro-Russian frontier. Even the belligerents (added the note) could see no cause for apprehension of aggression from these innocent movements. So, no doubt, similar arguments will be employed in case the Russians should advance towards Varna ; and at all events the eventualities laid down in the April treaty will be turned by falling back upon the two absolute casus belli— that is, the passage of the Balkan and the incorpo ration of the prinoipalities." RUSSIA. The Official Venice Gazette has the following re mark :—" If Russia, under present circumstances, does not find means to save Sebastopol, that eye with which she overlooks the East; if, at least, she does not make a great effort for that purpose, then the moment has arrived for her to withdraw into her steppes to do penance for her pride, which must in that case appear madness." The following rescript of the Emperor of Russia was published at St. Petersburg, on the 18th : " Prince Alexander Sergiowitch (Menschikoff), con formably to a ukase addressed to the Directing Senate and to the order of the day addressed to the army and to the fleet, we have appointed you, in addition to the dignities and functions with which you are already in vested, commander-in-chief of the land and sea forces of the Crimea, and have conferred on you all the rights, powers, and privileges of a commander-in-chief of an army in time of war, and have rendered subordinate to you the commandant of the peninsula of the Crimea. We are fully convinced that, after this extension of your rights and powers, you will completely justify the con fidence which we testify towards you. " NICHOLAS." The Corriere Italiano of Vienna, of the 22d, sa y s The signs of the approaching tempest are increasing. We learn from Russia that the for tress of Maczki, on the frontier, is being fortified with the greatest haste against Austria. The for tifications near Zamose are completed, and will be occupied by a strong garrison. A bridge of boats has been thrown across the Vistula, near the citadel at Warsaw, but the one which leads to the faubourg of Prague has not been destroyed, as was reported." PRUSSIA. BERLIN, Oct. 25.—Count Esterhazy returned this morning from Vienna. He did not bring the Austrian reply, nor is it expected that this reply will be despatched until the issue of M. von der Pfordten's and Baron Beust's missions are commu nicated to Count Buol. Lieutenant-Colonel Lord Burghersh has just arrived (ten p.m.), and will proceed without delay to Vienna, on his way to rejoin, it is hoped, the valliant conquerors of Sebastopol. A Berlin letter of the 231, in the Cologne Ga zette, says : "M. de Pfordten, the Bavarian Minister, yesterday had a conference with the President of the omicil, and also had an audience of the King. The object of his mission was, if possible, to determine Prussia to accept the Austrian programme as far as regards the four points, and to avoid, by guaranteeing the Principalities against any further irruptions by crossing the Froth, any schism in the Die. so that there would be no reason for Austria .concluding a treaty of alliance , mith the Western Powers. The Governments which were represented at Bamberg only wish to maintain their 'pro gramme of neutrality by giving to it a completely different basis. This is why all the German Cabinets, with the exception of Wurtemberg, Mecklenburg, and Samonn have suddenly ranged themselves on the side of A u stria. The declaration of Oldenburg is still waited for ; a decla ration which is pu re ly temporary, like that of the c:olther German Cabinets, and induced by the Austrian circular of the 30th ult. If the Bavarian Minister does not suc ceed in his object at' Berlin, he will endeavour to minima his attempt at mediation at Vienna. But, under Any eircumntnees, Bavaria cane o t separate from .1010CiA, Looking at the secondary States in the point of view most favourable to them, the most frtlziate all would be a declaration of neutrality of the Germanic Diet, a declaration based on a new programme, in which there would be a strong declaration against Russia. AUSTRIA. VIENNA, 24.—Since the arrival of General Baron von Hess; a sort of council of war—that is, delibe rations on military matters—have been held, at which the English General Du Platt (now happily recovered from his recent indisposition), and the French General Letang, were present. The results of these deliberations I am unable to report to you. The Austrian Correspondence informs us that Count Esterhazy, the Austrian envoy extraordi nary at the Prussian Court, left Vienna this morn ing for Berlin. The semi-official journal takes this opportunity of adverting to the fact that seve ral Vienna papers have stated that Count Ester hazy's return to his post at Berlin would proba bly be deferred for some time, or oven altogether abandoned, owing to the diplomatic relations be tween the Vienna and Berlin Cabinets having as sumed an unfriendly character, and, by way of giving this false intelligence an impressive con tradiction, it is added that the Count has departed hence "to continue his mission at the closely befriended Prussian Court." M. von der Pfordten, the Bavarian Prime Minister, is shortly expected here from Berlin, where he is now staying. He will be received here with lively satisfaction, because (thus speaks my informant) "the necessity of a satisfactory arrange ment with Prussia is felt here now more than ever." Upon the same authority, I may add, " there are reasons to believe that the present mission of M. von der Pfordten will greatly facili tate a unanimous and harmonious resolution on the part of all the German Federal States in respect of the Oriental question." FRANCE. PARIS, FRIDAY EVZ\TING. The following private telegraphic despatches have been received to-day " MARSEILLES, 26th.—Accounts from Shanghai of the 26th August state that the Jeanne cl'Arc frigate, which had gone on shore on a sand bank, has been got off after five days bard labour, and has been brought into that port to repair. Admiral La Guerre directed the different operations." " VIENNA, 25th.—It is expected that the States of the Confederation will take part with Austria." " BERLIN, 26th (Evening).—The New Prussian Gazette has received an official order from the Prus sian Government to discontinue its attacks upon the French Government. It has been at the same time informned that if these attacks should be re • newed, it will be instantly suppressed." " MADRID, 24th.—The Gazette gives favourable news from Cuba, under date of the 9th ult. A civic fête was celebrated here with great pomp on the 22d." . Most of the Paris journals of this day appear without leading articles, and what little there is in the original columns of the other journals is desti tute of interest. The Emperor has received a letter in which the Duke of Saxe Altenbourg notifies to his Majesty the birth of the Princess Maria Frederica Leopol dina Georgina Augusta Alexandra Elizabeth The resa Josephine Helena Sophia, his daughter. By an Imperial decree the electoral colleges of the second circumscription of the department of the Cantal are convoked for the 19th November next, for the election of a deputy to replace M. de la Guerouniere, who has been named Councillor of State. The Moniteur says :—" The Minister of Justice has just transmitted to the Minister of War the following report from the President of the Imperial Court of Pau, which furnishes a fresh proof of the devotedness of our soldiers : " 'ln the midst of the frigbful ravages of the cholera, in the arrondissement of Saint-Girona (Aridge), the sol diers of the garrison of Foix detached in the country rendered the greatest services. The whole garrison wished to be engaged in the mission offered to a few, and it was necessary to have recourse to a ballot to se lect those who regarded it as a favour to go without any increase of pay into a country ravaged by the cholera. The 40 soldiers distributed throughout the country were only charged to maintain order, but they took on themselves the duties of nurses, they took care of the cattle, got in the crops, tilled the ground, and one of them died of the cholera. The country people are deeply grateful for this noble and courageous conduct.' The Minister of War has testified his satisfaction at the conduct of those men, who, while their brethren in arms combat at a distance, resolutely face a danger less glorious, but not less formidable." The Three per Cents. closed yesterday at 76f. 60c. for the end of the month ; the Four-and-a- Half per Cents. at 98f. 10c. ; and the New Loan at 75f. 65c. ; Orleans Railway Shares, 1,210 f. ; Rouen,'9Bsf. ; Havre, 562 f. 50c. ; Great Northern, 880 f. ; Strasburg, 849 f. ; New Shares, 657 f. 50c. ; Paris and Lyons, 1,052 f. 50c.; Lyons to the Mediterranean, 8621. 50c. ; Western of France, 675 f. ; Bordeaux and Cette, 620 f. ; Great Central of France, 526 f. 25c. ; Lyons and Geneva, 535 f ; Bank of Credit Mobilier, 782 f. 50c. THE BALTIC. The weather in the Baltic is unusually bad and stormy for the season of the year. Even the Swedish packet steamer Nordstern, which reached Stettin on the 22d, was compelled to take refuge on its passage in a Swedish port. The usual period, in ordinary times, for closing packet navigation be tween Stettin and Cronstadt, is the last Saturday in October. After that time it is considered perilous to continue the intercourse. In ordinary times also the Russian fleets are dismantled and laid up for the winter about the middle of this month. None of their large ships would risk a cruise after the 15th of October. According to commercial statements from Memel the destructive fire has had no influence upon com mercial traffic. The place is crowded with Russian produce, which it may be observed does not even go through the form of changing hands before shipment. Navigation, although attended with risk, may remain open for a month, or perhaps more ; and every effort will 13:) made to get off the vast quantities of hemp, flax, linseed, and so forth, which daily arrive from Russia for shipment. EGYPT ALEXANDRIA, Oct. 20.—The Viceroy Said Pacha returned on the Bth from his excursion along the sea coast to the westward, and, on many Eu ropeans again flocking to call upon him, his Highness showed that he was not going to be always at their disposal, and refused to see them. Notwithstanding his obesity, Said Pacha evinces much activity, and is very often on the move, sleeping sometimes at Ramleh, in the desert to the eastward, and sometimes at his palace at Gabareh, or at Ras-el-teen ; and, following the example of his grandfather, Mehemet Ali, his Highness looks into everything himself, and is just new at Damietta, whither he proceeded by sea. A few days after the return of the Faid. Gehaad from England, Said Pasha inspected this fine steamer, and on the 10th took a short cruise in her outside of the harbour. Finding on inquiry that the captain of the Faid Gehaad is most inefficient, and that he can neither read nor write, his High ness is about to dismiss him from the service, as well as most of the officers. The late Viceroy Abbas Pasha never once had the curiosity to visit the Faid Gehaad, though she cost him upwards of 150,0001. sterling, and she was allowed to lie for upwards of a year and a half without being moved from h er moorings. Said Pasha has instituted some beneficial modifi cations in the mixed tribunals of the country which affect any suit between European subjects and natives. Fresh supplies of soldiers being wanted to re place those sent to Turkey, great consternation exists among the natives at the forcible seizures that are made. During the last few days the mid dle and lower classes have barely ventured to show themselves in the shops or streets of Alexandria, from fear of being taken up and forced into the army, and great imprecations are showered upon Said Pasha's head because he will not allow them to live in peace and follow their own vocations. The poor Egyptians never benefit by any change in the Pasha of Egypt, but they are ever subject to the tyranny and uncontrolled will of their ruler. The drain on the population of Egypt for soldiers is very great, and the country loses much from the want of hands to till the land, and it would be far more politic for the Viceroy to send to Constanti nople his contribution for the war in specie than iu men. Artin Boy, ex-Primo Minister of Egypt, who fled from Egypt in September, 1850, keeps dodging about Said Pacha, and will not be satisfied until he gets some Government appointment. The subject of farming out the transit through Egypt is quite dropped. The railway between Alexandria and the Nile is now in constant operation, and the remainder of the line to Cairo is progressing, though slowly, as the cons t r uction of the bridges is delayed by le great rise of water. The Nile has this year risen as much as it did last year, and has already committed some damages on the eastern side by breaking through its embankments. Prices of produce are as high here as in Eng land, and this Government has been selling wheat at prices equivalent to 425., and barley 235. per quarter, free on board without freight. There has also been a sale of cotton. Freights Gs. per quarter. Exchange on London, 98 piastres per pound sterling, LAHCA ST L'R'S GUN. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. SIR, —I share in the interest expressed by your cor. respondent, Mr. Samuel Houghton, of Trinity College, Dublin, respecting Lancaster's guns ; but, with great deference to that gentlemen, I venture to question whe ther, in his letter in your columns of the 24th inst., he has satisfactorily accounted for their bursting. In investigating the cause he seems to have wholly overlooked a very important element in the case—viz., the quality of the gunpowder employed ; and I venture to submit whether the bursting of these guns may not have arisen from the whole charge having ignited too rapidly, and whether the evil might not be prevented by an increase of the size of the granulation of the powder, or by diminishing its explosive force and making up the difnrence by an oddities to the charge. In the degree of the weight of the bullet is the inertia to be overcome, and if the charge of powder atteins its maximum force before the bullet reaches the muzzle, in additioa to the effect of the weight of the bullet, the metal has to contend against the resistance afforded by the unexpelled condensed column of air between the bullet and the muzzle. If I have stumbled on the cause of the evil adverted to, as well as the remedy, I gladly offer them as my mite towards humbling the monster of the north.--I remain, your obedient servant, J. BENTHAM, Lieut.-Col. 3d Royal Lan. Mil, Oct. 28, 1854. BOATS FOR OCEAN SKIPS. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUM SlR,—Having recently returned from America, I am desirous of drawing attention, through your columns, to the sadly deficient amount of boat accommodation in ocean steamers. My two voyages across the Atlantic were made in the America steamer, which is one of the magnificent ships forming the Cunard line, and it is due to the captain and officers of that fine vessel to state that they exercise the greatest nautical skill and care in navigating their ship, and that the comfort of the passengers is especially studied. But, while an almost lavish expendi ture obtains in the domestic arrangements, it is positiirely startling to find that the safety of the passengers, with respect to boat accomodation, is apparently of very secondary consideration ; for the alarming fact was early impressed upon us that the boats could not have eared those on beard. These consisted of 120 cabin and 50 fore cabin passengers, and 103 officers, stewards,. and crew, forming a total of 273 human beings. To accom modate this number we had two boats, which, by close packing, might be made to contain 100 persons ; two others which, similarly packed, would hold 60 ; and two smaller, which could contain, under the same pres sure, 30—giving accommodation, with, be it remq ni" bered, the closest stowage, to 210 persons, and thus leaving 63 entirely unprovided for. Nor does my complaint end here ; for, with that extra• ordinary perversity which it would appear is common. to all ocean-going ships, two of the abov e b o at s were , a nd are, I doubt not to this hour, so ingeniously wedged in within the shrouds, that I have the authority of the chief officer for stating that, under the most favourable circum stances, in broad daylight, and in the tranquil waters; of the river Mersey, it takes three quarters of an hour to launch each of these boat?, which I may mention are used as storehouses for vegetables during the voyage,. Now, when it is borne in mind that the Cunard stesi,m ers are realisinglarge profits from carryingthe mails, pas sengers, and merchandise, it is truly extraordinary that proper provision is not made for the safety of the pas sengers and crew • and, as the company are apparently indifferent to this important consideration, it suicell should be the business of Parliament, when the ~next annual grant for carrying the mails is before them, to insist en all the ships being provided with not only sufficient number of boats to contain the greatest /34 issi hie number of passengers and crew, but also to compel the company to stow the.boats in such a manner that they may be launched instantaneously and so,l ely. The last intelligence of the unfortunate Arctic, lvt Lich you publish this day, informs us that, as usual, the tackle of one of the boats became entangled, and. the boat was precipitated perpendicularly into the sea, and I feel certain that, had any sudden calamity overta: ken the America during my voyages, the launch of the be ats would have been attended by many casualties. Experience has now shown that the great danget of Atlantic navigation is collision, particularly in the . re gion of the Banks of Newfoundland, where dense fogs render a look-out almost useless. On my voyage out we very narrowly escaped coming into collision wit h a schooner, under circumstances precisely similar to Chose which caused the loss of the Arctic; and it shoukt be borne in mind that the reciprocity treaty between the United States and Canada will throw many hundred additional ships upon the very waters where the I Un ger of a collision is greatest, It is all very well to t :ug' gest modes of navigating ships safely through a 4 .nse fogs, but common sense points out that no ship bea ring passengers and valuable mails should be permittee 1 to leave port without the most ample and efficient 1 coat accommodation.—l am, sir, your humble servant, Somerset-house, Oct. 27. C. R. IVEIA ,SIR JOHN FRANKLIN. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUM. SlR,—Can any practical mind read the clear *iesvg taken by Dr. King, and on calm reflection deny the guilt that lies at the Admiralty door, under the reit vs of the Admiral of the Black Sea ?—for it was undAr his regime that the cold, apathetic neglect took place, - and many that heard those lectures which " Pro Bente i .Pub• lico" has alluded to, will remember the many prodic tions that since 1849 have come true respecting the fate of Franklin ; and that by the jobbing selfishness, the fighting for honours—i. e., the " loaves and fishes " poor Sir John would be left in the lurch in the long run to his fate, to die of starvation. In the " annals of the Admiralty culpability" this is the blackest plaid:are. The lecturer pointed out the ease with which comn iuni cation could be made to those going out in search o f Sit John ; and all these were so simple in the using, so in expensive, that no barrier could have ; been made, but the dire jealousy of a self-conceited body of men, who, " dressed in a little brief authority," &c., must b .ave their own ways and ignorant theories against the e ner getic and practical views of men of expanded mind, such as Dr. King. His writi ngs now w ill b e va l ued b y e ver y good, unprejudiced mind who reads ; but, alas ! his e the " rotten food" under the same rule, it will be quill ;lied, and " dead men tell no tales," or woe betide those who were in power when Sir John left on his ill-fated trip. "The tin cases of carrion," like the knife of the slayer, lying in hundreds, and the thousands sunk since in the ocean, to thinking minds is quite enough. But, sir, allow me to point out that those men appear only, as described, to be but a portion of Franklin's crews ; for there cannot be a doubt in my mind but they had divided the body, some going one way and some anotbur, so that, if one party was successful, it would send rciliief to the others ; and that should stimulate us. Whatever he may do now, cost what it may, though millions, it will never, never wash off the cruel stain that now blackens the Admiralty of Lord John, Ido not,'; wish to speak harshly of men in office ; but I ca. nnot hide the truth now, or be afraid to speak out against those who have so recklessly disregarded a solemn duty to the public, as they have done, and allowed pia ,rties to interfere for private jobbing, which I know was 'done (and the Blue Books can show several matter*: in corroboration of Dr. King's assertions, as well as o they cases of gross and culpable negligence in not sent ling out proper men earlier than was done), and the rejec tion of means and plans offered to the Admiralty ; but Isiah cold, insulting, official buffoonery, these practical p hi len thropic men were coolly insulted and derided, How long conduct such as this the British nation will anima to remains to be seen. Our country is falling to piece sby party jobbing--filling places and appointing officers :from " incapables ' and " old worn-out men," kept on the staff when they ought to have retired even on a pens km —for, truly, the pension is but the first and last ex pense ; but, when in office, the cost of bungling we irk pulling down and building up again, would maks the public stare sorrowfully, did they see, as I have often seen, the consequence of ignorant Jacks in office, -who can eat the salary, but unable to do the work. But - more anon.—Yours truly, ONE WHO HAS SEEN BEII.Y.ND THE CURTAIN. N.B.—Some of Franklin's crews may be now lanvaish. ing in starvation. COMMUNICATION WITH THE STRAITS AND CHINA DT THE. OVERLAND ROUTE.—The Peninsular and Oriental Company having deemed it necessary to effect lime alterations in their arrangements for the conveyance of mails and passengers from England to the Straits and China, via Egypt, and vice versa, until further notice, hare, for the purpose of preventing misunderatandiaig on the part of the public, issued the following partmialars res pecting the present route :—"1. The mails and pas sengers leaving England on the 4th, and Marseille s on the 11th of the month, will be conveyed to Ceylon, and there transferred into a steamer for the Straits and Gil iina, as heretofore. The course of post to China, by this route, will be, under ordinary circumstances, fifty days via Southampton, and forty-five days via Marseilles. 2. The mails leaving England on the 20th,, and Marseilles on the 27th of the month, will proceed to Ceylon, as in the case of the foregoing ; 'out, instead of being transferred there for conveyance to China, will go on to Calcutta, and be transferred at. that port into a steamer for Penang, Singapore, and H ong Kong. The course of post to China by this route will be about 57 days via Southampton, and 52 days via Marseilles. During the continuance of these arrange ments passengers and cargo for the Straits and China will be conveyed by the steamers of the 4th only, and not by those leaving Southampton on the 20th of the month. The homeward mails will follow the same routes, narbely—those leaving Hong Kong on th.e 11th of the month will be conveyed via Ceylon, and those of about the 24th of the month will be despatched for England via Calcutta." RA TDB AND WASHHOUSES IN ISLINGTON.—A meet ing of the parishioners of Islington was held last night for the purpose of considering the propriety of adopting the act for the establishment of baths and wasbh (vases. Mr. Churchwarden Wagstaff haring been elected to the chair, Mr. Fuller moved that the act for the estrAblish merit of baths and washhouses be adopted. After a discussion, which lasted fire hours, the motion vra,s re jectedsmall majority. This i s th e thi r d time this proposal by,l, hasß TREATMENT E r N e j T e c t OF . TEX POOR IN LAILBETIL WORKFIODSE.—Yesterday, Messrs. Austin and Carre, the poor - law commissioners, attended at Lambeth Workhouse for the purpose of further proceeding with this important inquiry respecting the treatment of the poor in the house. The inquiry having lasted nearly six hours, the further proceedinge were adjourned for ad. ditionhl evidence. t