The Sun. — London, England, 1854-03-22 00:00:00

ROYAL ITALIAN OPZRA..—Covent Garden. —.Season 1854.—The Directors beg leave most r,.spectiolly to inform the Nobility, Gentry, Subscribers, and the Public, that the Season Commeace on TIMRSD Y, March 2.01 h, 1814, being a Subscription night, in lieu, of Tuesday, March 2.8. The Directors have the honour to present the Prospectus of the Zlifilth Season of the Royal Italian Opera, and trust it will be consi dered by their Subscribers to be an evidence of their continued effort to carry out the originil design cf this great Lyrical Estanlishment. The prospects of the forthcoming Season are of unusual interest, and the Directors feel assured that the Subscribers and the Public will share with themselves the feelings of eratification at the arrange znents which they have succeeded in making. It will be seen that that great artiste, Madame Viardot, after an absence of three years, Will return once more to shed lustre on the representations of the Theatre. Mademoiselle Sophie Cruvel i, whose eminent talents are dreads so highly esteemed in this country, will appear tor the first time at the Royal Italian Opera. Signor Lablache will also, tor the Bret time, lend his powerful aid in supporting the efforts of the Directors, and will enable them to produce many of the most popular Works with a most attractive c iste of characters. In addition, Made moiselle Maral, a young Artiste of r . seat promise, who has already made very successful debuts both sit Saint Petersburg and Vienna, will appear for the first time in England ; also Signor Swirl', for the first time at the Royal Italian opera. Madlle. Bosio, who, during the past winter has acquired fresh laurels in the French capital ; continues her engagement. Those un rivalled Artistes, Signor Mario, 1 4 ignor Roncon,, and Signor Tam berlik, together with Signori Tagliatico, Polonini, Lnehesi, Stigelii, &c., who have so long assisted to maintain the reputation of Covent Garden, have been re-engaged, while the Directors still have the advantage of the invaluable services of Signor Costa. The above assemblage of the most eminent Artistes in Europe will render the Caste or Characters in the Operas Le Nozze di Figaro, Don Giovanni, I Puritani, Fidelio, Il alatrimenio Segeete, quite un preced _nted. The forthcoming season, however, brings with it one subject of re gret, viz., the retirement trod' the lyric stage of a lady who for many years has been one of its brightest o - ..naments. Towards the end of July Madame Giulia. Grisl will make her last appearance before an English audience. It has probably never before fallen to the lot of any candidate for public favour to sustain, fir 21 successive seasons, the highest and most ardour characters of the Lyric Drama, and 'nest certainly never with such unanimous commendations as have been unceasingly be- Stowed on Madame Grisi. The Directors are convinced that not only will the Subscribers of the Royal Italian Opera, as well as the musical amateurs of the me tropolis, participate in their sentiments on this occasion ; but they feel sure that the retirement of Madame Grist will cause one general feeling of deep regret in the minds of all those who take any interest in the musical affairs or this country. It is the wish of Madame Grist, during this her last engagement, to repeat those Impersonations in which it has heal her good fortute to obtain her greatest successes, and it will accordingly be the care of the directors to contribute every possibre eclat to these performances, relying w i t h the greatest confidence that the subscribers, the patrons of the opera, and the public, will on these occasions still extend to their long-favoured Artiste the cheering influence of tneir countenance and suppert. The Repertoire of the Royal Italian Opera now comprises FORTY TWO OPERAS, the whole being complete with Costumes, Scenery, and Decorations. During the Season, of the following Operas, Three will positively be PrChIUCCd . _ LA VE5LALE........... Spontini. (As lately Performed at the Academie Royale, at Paris), the principal part by 3 laclemoiselle SOPHIE CRUVELLI. LE DOMINO NOIR . ................ Auber. DON ...... . ... Donizettl. MATILDA DI SIIABRAN •• •• •• " " Rmini * DON PASQUALE ...................... Donizetti. OBERON . Weber. The Engagements for the present Season are SOP RANI. Madame GRIST, (Being most positively her last Engagement in England.) Madame VIARDOT, (Her First Appearance these Three Years.) Mademoiselle ALARM, (From the Imperial Theatres of St. Petersburg and Vienna, her First Appearance in England.) Mademoiselle ALBI N I. Mademoiselle ANGELINA BOSIO, and Mademoiselle SOPHIE CRUVELLI, (Her First Appearance at the Royal Italian Opera.) CONTR kLTO. Mademoiselle NAN ma DIDIER. sECONDE DONNE. Mademoiselle COTTI, and Mademoiselle BELLINI. TENORI. Signor MARIO. Signor STIGELLI, Signor SOLDI, Signor LUGI MEI, Signor LUCHESI, and Signor TAMBERLIK. BASSI BARITONI. Signor RONCONI, and Signor FORTONI, (His First Appearance at the Royal Italian Opera ) BASSO PROFONDI. Signor LABLACIIE, (Ills First Appearance at the Royal Italian Opera.) Signor TAGLIAFICO, Signor GREGORIO, Signor POLONINI. Monsieur ZELGER, and Signor SCSINI. (His First Appearance at the Royal Italian Opera.) The Orchestra and Chorus will be on the same scale of efficiency as heretofore. DIRECTOR OF THE MUSIC, COMPOSER AND CONDUCTOR, Mr. COSTA. The Military Band will be under the superintence of Mr. GODFREY. Maestro al Piano ...• • • . •••• • • • • .... Signor PANIZZ A. Chorus Master •••••• • • •• . ..... • • Mr. SMITHSON. Prompter •• . ••••..••• • • .. - • • .. Signor AIONTERASI. Poet ••..•• • • • . ENGAGEMENTS FOR THE BALLET. Mademoiselle BATTALINI, Mademoiselle A STORI,7 Mademoiselle ELIZA. NEHR, (Their First Appearances in England,) Mademoiselle S ANTI, Mademoiselle ESPER, and Mademoiselle PLUN.I. CETT. Maitre de Ballet ................Mons. Desolaces. Leader of the Ballet . • Director of the Mise.en-Scene Mr. A. Harris. Scenic Artist • • .. • Mr. William Beverley. Costumiere Madame Marzio. Decorator Mr. Prescott. Machinist ....... •••• • . • .. Mr. Allen. The Box Office is open from 11 to 5 o'clock. Royal Italian Opera, Covent Garden, March, 1854. THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE.- Air. E. T. SMITH, Lessee, has the honour to announce that he has p l aced the above-named Nati , nal Establishment at the ser vice of the FUND in AID of the FAMILIES of the EXPEDITION ARY ARMY. In pursuance of this desirable object, a FANCY FAIR will be held on the 13th and lath of April, ut.der the follow ing Royal and distinguished patronage:— Her i?oyal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge Her Royal Hi‘liness the Duchess of Kent Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Glocester Her Royal Highness the Princess Mary of Cambridge The Right Hon. the Lady Mayoress Her Grace the Duchess of Hamiton Her Grace the Ductless of Beaufort Her Grace the Duchess of Montrose Her Gra a toe Duci.ess of Inverness Her Grace the Duchess or s‘imerset Her Grace the Duchess of Richmond The Most Noble the :Marchioness of Londonderry The Most Noble the Marchioness of Rl indf .rd Tne Most Noble the Marchioness of A.yles.itiry The Right MI. the Countess of i;hetirerfield The Right Hon. the Countess of Kinnoul The RI ht Hon. tie Countess of Glengall The Right Hon. the Countess of ittesborough The Right Hon. the Counte.s of Der - ,y Th Right Hon. the Countess of Shelburne The Right Hon. V.e Outlines- , of Wilto The , Ight Hon. the Cennitess of r ) esart The Ri.fht Hon. the .'onntess of De.tourtnw.ire The Right Him. the Viscountess l'iilme...ston The Right Hon. the Vhcount.,ss Maidstone The Right Hon. the Viscountess Newport Lady So: hla Des-Vcews Lady Colville Lady Raglan The Hon. Miss Anson Mrs. Disraeli airs. J. Stanley. Every appointment and appearance of the Theatre will be called Into requisition on this important an i interesting oc,casiou ; decora tions are preparing. The pit will be covered for promenade, and an efficient band provided f)r the execution of choice and new ori4inal music. Ladles desirous of aiding by their presence this benevolent demonstration are respectfully reminded that they should make early application for stalls. A book is now open in the lobby of the grand entrance to receive contributions in the shape of articles intended for sale on the occasion. THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE. Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. Last Week of Mr.' G. V. BROOKE'S Engagement previous to his ;sailing for California and Australia. THIS EVENING, 3fsiten 22, Will be performed LEONIE. Principal characters by Mr. Elliot Older and Mr. Henri Draytin ; Misses Lowe and Featherstone. After which, a Grand BALLET DIVERTISSEMENT. To be followed by the new Farce, called MY CO:a AND HOUSE KEEPER. Principal characters by Messrs. Younge and Belton ; and Miss Featherstone. THEATRE ROYAL HAY MARKET. Under tho management of Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, Macs 22, Will be performed GUY MANNERING. Supported by Messrs. fith, Albyn, W. Farren, Compton, Rogers, Howe, Clark, Corri, and f inllenford; Miss Cushman (as Meg Merrilies), Miss Jolla Harland, *nd Mrs. L. IL Buckingham. After which, WLLLIKIND AND HYS DINAH. Supported by Ifessrs. Buckstone and Corri ; Miss Louisa Howard, Mrs. Fitzwil- Ram, and Mrs. Caulfield. ...4 1 ter which, the ope n i ng S cenes of the PANTOMIMF., called nARLEQUIN AND THE THREE BEARS; or, Little Silverhair and the Fairies. LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Management of Madame Vestris. THIS EVENING, Maaca 22, m.„ Wi1 ,,,! be,, D rformed A NICE FIRM. Principal cPAracters by --"' ~e Nleathews, F. Matthews, and Roxby ; Mrs. F. Matthews. To be followed by A CHARMING WIDOW. After which, th UPON A. TIME ~,..._perl:ar Fairy T Extravaganza, entitled ONCE WO KINGS. characters by Messrs. RoXV, r . "E t ~ li,ttttl:,WWs L an ß dßland ; Madame Vestris, Misses St. George, ,41autori. It aso,n, Martindale, Foote. Ellis, Wadham, and conclnding with NUMBER ONE ROUND THE CORNER. --------____...,—....--.—..—....... .1-biz—AUK It°TAL ADELPHI. Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster,—Directress, 2 / a dame Celeste. THIS EVENTI.T G, m um, , TWO LOVES ANT ' A LIFE. Supported by Will be performed Leigh Murray, me n j - D Webster, Keetey, and 0. Messrs. C. Selby ' i 7. and Madanae Carl' swat; m: ss wc,o„ga. e est e. . THE SERIOTJ3 FANELLy. To conclude wi.... h Murray, r Characters by Messrs. B. Webster, Leg Murray, Misses WoOlgar, Fanny ''''' . and Laidlaw, and Mrs. Keeley. - --- ROYAL OLYMPIC TIIRA.TItz. Lessen and Manager, fir. A. Trion. THIS EVENING, Mutat 22, Will he performed THE WRONG BOX. SRPPorted by Messrs, Alfrel Wigan and Robinson ; Miss P. Horton, Miss wy ncihazi, Miss E. Turner. To be followed by TO OBLIGE BENSON. Supported by m",,, Emery, Robson, and Leslie ; -- Mrs: Stirling and Misk: Wyndham. To be followed by THE FIRS r NIGHT. Charainters by Messrs. Alfred Wigan, Leslie, Franks, Harwood Cooper, an,d Vincent; :hiss P. Horton, and Miss Wyndham. STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee, Mr. F. W. Allcroft.—Directres3, :Kiss Rebecca Isaacs THIS EVENING, Meacit :12, Win be presented RUSSIAN TYRANNY; os'. storm. The Fatal SIIOW. roilawed by PADDY SHOOTING THE MOM. After whicb, THE BLUE JACKETS. To conclude with THE CORKOSIAIsi BROTB:ERS. Paddy and tin Mulliga n (the Brothers), Mr. G. Hodson. Stalls, 55.; Boxes, 35.; Pit, is. 6d; Gallery, 6d.. ; Private BC Itol/, U.llx, 64, s 19 be hag of Mr. 4.llcroft, 0, .Yew Doi td-streot. e, 4 t x .P O 4 0-1 (Zifrb g, ,?-71k:i71 the sneers of the Emperor NICHOLAS. Thus circumstanced in regard to Germany, Eng land and France, looking only to themselves and their alliance, relying upon the justice of their cause and confiding in the aid of GOD, are entering with their whole energy, and with an enthusiasm impossible to witness without emotion, upon the perils of the great battle in which they are recognised as the arch-champions of the civi lisation of Christendom. Well, the resolution with respect to the Income Tax has, after all, been carried, sub silentio. The anticipated discussion has ended in smoke ; not a single member was forthcoming to demand even an expression of opinion in favour of a more equitable apportionment of the charge, or to pro test against any increase of the burden until some attempt had been made to render it more tolerable to the community. It is perfectly clear, there fore, that public opinion is not represented in the House of Commons. Were it so, many indignant pro tests would be offered against the iniquitous impost. The golden opportunity for obtaining some kind of modification would not be treated with such contemptuous indifference and careless apathy. One notice of amendment only was given. One gentleman only appeared honesty desirous of bringing his views before the House and the coun try, and he was absent through inadvertence at the time first appointed: Sir HENRY WILLOUGHBY'S amendment did not, however, strike at the root of the evil. It did not even in any degree assail the obnoxious principle of the equal taxation of all descriptions of income, or the oppressive and inquisitorial mode of collection. All it aimed at was, that the additional threepence-halfpenny in the pound should be collected by two half-yearly payments, in place of the whole being levied for the half-year commencing on the sth of April next. This proposition was moved on bringing-up - the report. We con fess that we did not feel greatly interested in the result, which, as might have been anticipated, ended in the rejection of the proposition. It clearly would not suit Mr. GLADSTONE'S purposes, who may want to continue the additional pay ments, in case the Emperor of RUSSIA should not be brought to reason quite so speedily as may be anticipated ; and in the strange subservience that appears to be exhibited by men of all parties to the fiscal Autocrat, it seems tolerably certain that his commands will receive ready obedience. We confess that we cannot fathom the motives of those who were once reputed to be independent members, but who now appear to be the most servile followers of the Minister. It has, we know, been asserted, that any suggestion or pro position for providing the sinews of war should, under present circumstances, be accepted, not only without resistance, but without remon strance—that the representatives of the people should be willing not only to vote all the supplies requisite for the vigorous and ener getic waging of war, but that they should do so in the very mode suggested by the head of the financial department. We must, however, pro test against this slavish doctrine, which would ' reduce the body, once so potent, to little better than the condition of a parcel of ilfarionettes, whose only duty was to receive and submissively register the decrees of the Minister of the day. The most strenuous Ministerialist- cannot be more ready than ourselves to encounter any burden, or any danger in the cause_ of honour, justice, and hu manity, that we may be enabled to protect the comparatively feeble when unjustly and wantonly attacked, and to resist the unwarranted aggres sions of the powerful oppressor. But that does not compel our assent to a grievous act of injustice to thousands and tens of thousands of our country men, or induce us to close our eyes to their wrongs and their sufferings. If the war could not otherwise be carried on, we might be induced to surrender our decided convictions for a time, and even endeavour to persuade our fellow-sufferers to bear the inevitable evil, if not patiently, at- least silently. But there is no such necessity. The money could be just as easily collected under an equitable as an inequitable system. Indeed, the less obnoxious to the charge of injustice, the more freely and willingly would the demand be responded to. It is before the crotchet of Mr. GLADSTONE that the popular representatives are bowing down—a crotchet not shared in by even two of his cofleagues, or a tithe of their supporters in the Commons House of Parliament—a crotchet which is pro ductive of the most demoralising influences on the public mind. Convince the people of the injus tice of any charge, and a very considerable proportion will endeavour to evade it by any means wh•itsoever. It is true, that many will respect the law, however objection able, but such submission will not be general, and great numbers will resist an- unfair demand by unfair means. Now, if there were no other reason to be urged in favour of a modification of the tax, the argument on behalf of public morality would be irresistible. We should remove the temptation to fraud and deception. We have it, on the very highest autho rity, that a fair assessment may be made under every other schedule save D only. An unexcep tionable witness, Mr. PRESSLY, in his evidence before the Select Committee, said--" At present everything being charged at its first source, we are quite sure of the tax upon every penny ; we got every penny upon the dividend, and every penny upon a man's salary ; all that we do not know is the profits of a man's trade, but in all the other schedules it is collected to a penny without any disclosure whatever." The profits of trade cannot, however, be ascertained with any pretence to accuracy. When the Commissioners surcharge a trader, it is a mere guess, and it not unfrequently happens that when they make the attempt, they inflict gross injury on the party, who may, while acting in the most bona fide and straightforward manner, be charged double or quadruple his fair proportion. Those who make up their minds to defraud the revenue succeed but too often in doing so. Mr. TILL declares that " the decision must be taken, generally speaking, according to the conscience or the will of the party who comes to appeal, or makes the return." While Mr. TIADI adds his testimOny that it "is almost lul -1 possible to get evidence to prOsecute a man for a false return under Schedule the amount of his profits being only known to himself." Need we wonder then, that, to use the words of Mr. PRESSLY, " there is great evasion on the subject," or can we impugn the opinion of that experienced officer, that " the longer the tax exists, the eva sions will go on increasing under Schedule D?" Surely, then, a regard for public morality should induce our rulers to do something to remedy this serious If the people show themselves reso , lute, the attempt will be made ; but while they remain apath e ti c an d i n diff eren t, nothing will be done. There can be no doubt as to the state of public opinion, but it should be proclaimed in distinct and unequivocal terms, so as to leave no possibility of mistake. It is for the people them selves to do so, and for fiscal reformers to take the lead in exciting the necessary agitation on the subject. There i s y e t ti me t o achieve a triumph. The resolution of Monday, and the bringing up cf the report last night only authorised the introduction of a bill. There will be sundry stages at which the unfair principle may be as sailed, and, if the chances be thrown away, the people will fully m er it the perpetuation of the grievance. VISIT OF THE QUEEN TO THE OLYMPIC THEATRE.— Her Majesty and Prince Albert and suite last night visited the Olympia Theatre. The house was crowded in every part. The Court will return to Windsor for the Easter holi days, on Saturday, the 15th proximo. Lord and Lady Lyndhurst and the Hon. Miss Copley have left George-street, Hanover-square, for Turvill park, Henley-on-Thames, until the week after next, when they return to town for the season. Mr. Peto and Mr. B. Waddington paired on the Ministers Money (Ireland) ; Mr. Peto for, Mr. Wad dington against, the amendment. PALL IA THE PRICE OF BREAD.—Y esterday a general fall in the price of bread took place throughout the me tropolis, of one halfpenny in the 41b. loaf. The best bread at the West-end is now 100., and 1 ld. the 41b. leaf; second quality, 91. ; and third quality, 81d. and Bd. In the eastern and southern metropolitan districts the same quality of bread is sold at all times one halfpenny lead for the 41k. lea than in the central and western districts. 1 THE SUN, LONDON, W'PDNESDAY EVENING, MARC 22, 1854. ROYAL PRFNCE‘S'S TEIEA.TRE, OXFORD-STREET. trader the 312111140111 at of Mr. CHARLES KERN. THIS LVENISG, M.Laca 22, WU be performed RILIaIRD THE TEIIRD. Principal charac ter by Mr. C. Kean. To be followed by A STORM IN A TEA-CUP. Principal cha racters by Mr. and Mrs. W. Lacy. ASTLEY'S EUROPE'S NATIONAL AMPHITHEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. William Cooke. THIS EVENING, MARca 21, And during the week, will be presented the new, grand, and romant i c spectacle entitled THE WOODMAN'S HORSE; or, The False Knight—the Woodman's Horse by the pet steed, Beauty, expressly trained by Mr. William Cooke. After which, the incomparable Scenes of the ARENA. To conclude with BESS OF THE BELL. Box-office open froth Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tii DAY —Afornin ,, ` 0 min.after 7 I Evening 33 min.aft. 7 To•Monsow—Morning 13 min.after 8 1 Evening 0 min.aft. 9 THE WEATHER.—STN OFFICE, MARCH 22. THEHMOVETER, IN THE SHADS. 51—highest since noon yesterday. 37—lowest this morning and during the night. 48—this day at noon. BAROMETER, 30 . 57. WIND, N.N.W.—Fresh breeze, with fine, cold, sun• shiny weather. LONDON, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 22, 1854. Whether it be or be not, in its origin a Coalition War—as Mr. DISRAELI pronounced it to be in his animated speech during the course of last even ing's dicussion—this momentous struggle of Eng land. and France against the Russian AUTOCRAT is at any rate a War directed for the maintenance of the holiest principles, for the maintenance of the principles of truth and justice, and for the consolidating upon firmer bases than ever of the glorious and complicated system of modern civili zation. There is more in this than the rhetorical turn of a sentence, or than the pomp of sonorous phraseology. It is simply the utterance of a great fact, a fact the importance of which deserves a more general and a more thorough appreciation. Do the generality of observers, we would ask, estimate it at its right value, this warlike movement on the part of the European Governments ? Let it be considered for a few moments with dispassionate calmness and deliberation by each one individually. Here are we now, in this year of our LORD 1854, enter ing upon a conflict against the pride and ambition of one of the most gigantic empires on the face of the earth—after the lapse, since the close of the last great war in 1815, of nearly forty years, of just nine-and-thirty years of general tranquillity ? Revolutionary contests have, no doubt, during , that almost unprecedented interval of general tran quillity, agitated now one nation and now another. But during those forty years, it may be observed with truth, that there has been no war worthy of being designated as European, there has been no widely extended struggle against each other, in which the larger Powers have , at any time participated. There has been the French conquest of Algeria. There has been the emancipation of Greece by the arbitres of the destinies of Christendom. There has been the war of Schleswig Holstein, and the war of the Sonderbund. There have been, at intervals, the wars of Polish Independence, of Italian Independence, and of Hungarian Inde pendence. There have been intermittent risings of the Carlists in Spain, and of the Miguelites in Portugal. The tornado of Democracy has raged for awhile, and then suddenly died out among the greater and the lesser States of the Germanic Confedera tion. During the last forty years we have wit nessed all these and similar explosions of the Bellicose spirit of the European population. But between 1815 and 1854 there has not arisen until now any cause of battle among the chief of the mightier Powers of Christendom. At last, therefore, after—in this respect—a lull of the principal portion of half a century, Europe is roused once more to a general conflict—by what summons? B 1 the summons predicted by the Captive of St. Helena—by one more sagacious than CimAR, more imperial than SE';OSTRIS, more daring than ALEXANDER, and more puissant than CHARLEMAGNE. ;*l3y the war trumpet of the great northern Autocracy. By the apparition of the Cossack hordes along the frontiers of our European civilisation. It is to oppose the advance of the Russians westwards that France and England have united at last their fleets and their battalions. An in cident—this--such as Europe has not witnessed for centuries, not, indeed, since the remote epoch of the Crusades. Hitherto opposed to each other by a deadly animosity, they are at length com bining their energies for a glorious emulation. At length they are drawing the sword, not face to face, but side by side. The union-jack and the tri-colour flutter at last in friendly proximity—here over the military, and there over the maritime armaments sent out together by the two great allied Governments. And for what purpose are all their mighty energies called forth ? Not for the gratification of any idle am bition, not for the advancement of any selfish motives, not with a view, as hitherto so very fre quently, of a territorial, or a political, or a com mercial angrandisement. But for the defence of the weak—for the punishment of a powerful ag gressor—for the vindication of Turkish Indepen dence—for the maintenance of Right over Might —for the blended cause of Truth and Justice--s• for the consolidation upon firmer grounds of the general peace of Christendom. As if to complete by a crowning marvel all the wonders of this extraordinary juncture—. during these last forty years of European tran quillity, during this interval which has elapsed be tween 1815 and 1854, all that had been built up by the last momentous struggle, at such enormous cost of blood and money, has been since then rased to its foundations and utterly dissipated. The last European war, remember, the last " war of the giants," was carried on for the revival of Bourbonism and for the destruction of Bonapart ism. At what enormous expenditure to England, we know by the increase of the National Debt, by the increase of that debt which exceeds all the debts of all the other nations of the earth put together, according to the acknowledgment made a few nights back in the House of Commons by her MAJESTY'S Chancellor of the Exchequer. Well, after all this—How are matters at present situ ated ? Why, twice since 1815 have the Bour bons been rejected by the French multitude— in 1830 the elder, and in 1848 the younger branch of that dynasty which. had been dragged back at the chariot wheels of the Kings of Eu rope over the corpses of so many millions of their fellow-countrymen. And now, in 1854, England is adventuring again upon a general war—with her most trusted ally the Imperial ruler of France, the head and champion, and rppresentative of the once obnoxious cause of Bonapartism. It is well. For, never again, we believe, can England be the Quixote of " Legitimacy." Under this astonishing combination of circum stances, is it that the two principal Powers of Western Europe, the two foremost Empires in Christendom one the greatest military and the other the greatest maritime nation on the globe, are now entering together upon a struggle in which the barbarism of Russia is confronted by the fleets and the armies of civilisation. As indicative of the nature of the two causes, Russia has prepared for the struggle by a forced loan, while France has obtained the sinews of war by a voluntary loan, which voluntary loan has been eagerly advanced by her own people, within an interval of a few days, nearly to the full amount of the requested 350,000,000 francs. The former being regarded, naturally enough, as a direct robbery, and the latter as a safe investment. It might almost have been reasonably expected that the German Powers would have been alienated at length from the councils of the AUTOCRAT, now that a daring taunt on the part of his official jour nal has led to the disclosure of the secret correspondence between the British and Rue sian Governments. It so happens, however, that Austria is . too much a a vassal, and Prussia too much of a cypher, in regard to the northern Autocracy, to admit of their withdrawal from a position of neutrality at ~~~ MONEY MARKET AND CO 31311:;IZ Ci A L INTELLIGENCE. CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 4,000 bales, including 500 American taken for export. The market still continued heavy, at about former prices. The sales comprised 3,500 American, 40 Pernam and Marauham at 6d. to 6d., 100 Bahia at eid., 200 Egyptian at 6d. to 9d., and 200 Surat at 3d. to 3id. per lb. Rail way Shares were very heavy. The efforts making by the English holders of Peruvian foreign debt to obtain fuller security for their claims, and an enlarged sinking fund, with a view to the extinction of the bonds, are shown by the occurrences of every hour to be necessary, and, in fact, indispensable. The subject of an increased supply of guano is occupying great attention in the United States ; and were the views of some parties to be followed, namely, that the Peruvian Government should permit the sale of the article at the islands, instead of making Ithe consignments direct to its own agents, the cre -1 ditors would have less security for the payment of their dividends, and the agriculturists a smaller I guarantee for the genuineness of the commodity. The Peruvian Government has before it another course that would probably satisfy all. It can send much larger to England and America, and out of the proceeds of the shipments to the first-named coun try, at least, could rapidly extinguish its liability. We trust that our Government will give all possi ble support to the bondholders to secure this end, because now is the opportune moment for compel ling a satisfactory arrangement. Bills of exchange upon the principal continental cities were taken yesterday afternoon at fuller rates. Paris, 90 days, 25 25 to 30 ; Hatnburgh, 13 4i to 5 ; Amsterdam, 14/ to 15 ; and Trieste, 13 20 to 30. Bar silver is still in demand. The price of Mexi can and South American dollars is given by Messrs. Haggard and Pixley at ss. ss. 0/d. per oz. There is a further decline in English Stocks amounting to to percent., and while the specu lative transactions continue exceedingly limited, the supply of money stock rather increases. Con sols opened at 892 to f, and have since been done at 891 to The treaty, offensive and defensive, which, it is stated, will be concluded between Aus tria and Prussia, does not seem calculated to in spire much confidence in their line ofaction. Ex chequer Bills have been heavy at 4s. to 6s. prem. East India Stock has been firm at 234. Foreign Securities have been very little dealt in, and are in favour of buyers. Russian again pre sent the most notable instance of this, the Five per Cents. having fallen to 85 and 831, and the Four per Cents. to 75 and 74. Dutch Four per Cents. have been done at 83n. Brazilian Old Bonds have been quoted 951 to 96, Grenada De ferred 51, and Mexican 23. Spanish Deferred have reached 171 The market for Railway Shares has been on the decline again, with a preponderance of sales, and very little disposition to give support to prices. London and North-Western, Aberdeen, Brighton, South-Western, and York and Berwick have all been at a reduction. French shares have been k to cheaper. Great Western and Great Northern shares have been steady. The Foreign and. Colonial Mining Shares have been rather flatter, and St. John del Rey have dei. elined. Australasia Bank Shares have fallen again 11 to '2l. The current prices for the Jamaica Mines not officially quoted, were as follows :—Metcalfe, g to a discount ; Port Royal, n to g premium. The Australian Agricultural Shares have receded about 1/. British -American Land are firm, Crystal Palace rather heavy. BRITISH FUNDS TRISiDAY.—CLOSING PRICES. (Prom the 01licir4 List.) Busines. done. 3 per Cent. Consols Annuities B9l i i 1 India Stock 234 Consols for Account 18tli April 8 93 . i a . ' ' Exchequer Bills, 2d. £1000 £5OO 3 7 p Small : 3 7 . P PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY. 73raz:liart Bonds, 5 per Cent. Danish Bonds, 1823, 3 per Cent - 7Ol Greek Bonds, Red 'faxican 3 per Cent. Peruvian Bonds, 4:1 per Cent. R - assian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. ..e St B5 33 5 x d Ditt., 44 per Cent 74 5 Spanish Bends, 3 per Cent Xi Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent. l7l 3 Divideutt on the above payaße in London. Dutch Exchange, 21 per Cent. 12 Guil Ditto 4 per Cent. Certificates ..... ' THREE O'CLOCK. Consols B9i j Ditto April Account ~ 894 j MARKET NE WS , -(.THIS DA Y.) CORN EXCHANGE. The supply of English wheat here to-day was limited; nevertheless, the demand for all descriptions, owing to the immense imports from abroad, ruled heavy, at almost nominal currencies. .To effect sales, lower rates must have been submitted to. A very large quantity of foreign wheat was brought for ward, and the week's arrival is upwards of 50,000 qrs. Most kinds were offering on lower terms. Barley sold heavily, and the quotations had a downward dency. The oat trade was dull and drooping. Beans and peas commanded very little attention. The top price of town-made flour was 703 per 2801b3. ARRIVALS THIS WEER. Harley. Malt. 2,050 3,910 Wheat. 690 English .. Irish .•• • I - Foreign 50,580 I 14,010 Oats. Flow*. 940 840 1,400 54,120 2,470 brl WHITECHAPEL. The general trade ruled steady to-day, as follows Beef from 3s Od to 4s 2s; mutton, 3s 6d to 4s 4d ; veal, 3s 6d to 4s 10d; pork, 3s 4d to 4s 8d per Bibs by the carcase. BOROUGH HOP. We have to report a moderate demand for most kinds of hops, the prices of which are well supported. THE NEW JUDOE.—RECORDERSHIT OP BRISTOL.... There is not, we are informed, any longer a doubt that Mr. Crowder will be the nor Judge. It is added that the Attorney-General will himself take the Recordership of Bristol, which Mr. Crowder vacates. The office, it will be remembered, was held by Sir Charles Wetherell, Sir Vicary Gibbs, ezc. It is understood to be worth about 7001. a-year. - - BANK OP ENGLAND.—Yesterday the general court of proprietors adjourned from Thursday last for the purpose of taking the determination of the proprietors by ballot on the resolution proposed by the Governor, Mr. John G. Hubbard, "that a dividend be made of 41. 10s. per cent., interest and profits, for the half-year ending the 28th February last, without any deduction on account of the incom e tax," was held in the large room at the Bank. Precisely at 4 o'clock the balloting jars were closed, and shortly after Mr. Vine, the scrutineer, an nounced that the resolution was carried, and the meet ing separated. The dividend warrants will be payable OA the 6th of April next. LETTERS FOR THE FLEET IN THE BALTIC.-..-Mails Will be made up from time to time, as opportunities occur, for transmission to her Majesty's fleet in the Baltic. Letters for soldiers and seamen in the fleet, with respect to which the regulations required by law have been duly observed, will be forwarded on payment of ld. L e tt ers addressed to commissioned or warrant officers will be chargeable, under the Treasury warrant of the 21st inst., with a rate of 6d. when not exceeding oz. • ls., when exceeding oz. and not exceeding 1 oz. ; is., when exceeding 1 oz, and not exceeding 2 oz.; and so on, which postage must be paid in advance. No charge will be made upon British newspapers addressed to the fleet, provided they are duly stamped and posted in conformity with the established regulations. THE MURDER IN ST. Luxes.—An inquest was held on Monday evening, by Mr. Baker, on the body of Jane Henneb, the circumstances of whose death were recorded on Monday in this paper. The jury returned a verdict of " Wilful murder" against William Vernon Hennen, her husband, who is in custody. GREAT WESTERN RAILWAY OF CANADA.—The ac counts from British North America embrace a vez y favourable statement- of the Great Western Railway of Canada,--a line of 228 miles, recently opened, and the stock of which is largely held in' England. The receipts showed a rapid increase, and for the week ending the 3d of March they had reached 4,980/. Much of this activity may doubtless be attributed to the demand for I wheat and flour. THE FAILURE OF MESSRS. ELKIN AND Co. - With regard to the failure of Messrs. Elkin and Co., having been caused by advances to correspondents in the West Indies, it is understood that the amount due to them from Jamaica is comparatively small, and likely to be realised in full within six or twelve months. Demerara appears to be the quarter in which the largest amount of their funds has been locked up. RUSSIAN PRODUCE.--The markets for Russian pro duce, notwithstanding the extent of the recent rise, con tinue to exhibit great firmness, and prices yesterday pro• stilted a further alight advance. LATEST FOREIGN NEWS THE WAR IN THE EAST. ARRIVAL OF SIR C. NAPIER IN THE BALTIC. A telegraphic despatch fromr Copenhagen, dated March 20, says, Sir Charles Napier arrived that day in -he Valorous steam frigate. The rest of the British Beet were then in Wingo Bay. The Danish ministry remained in office. The infant Prince Oscar of Sweden was dead. A letter from the Danish capital of the 16th, states that scarcely had the Hecla, with the sailing masters which the British Government had sent out to the Sound, left before the British screw-frigate Miranda, Captain Lyons, anchored in the waters on the 14th, after ten days' passage out, having met with very severe weather and contrary winds. Captain Lyons was un well, but the second in command had an interview with the British minister, Mr. Buchanan. The whole fleet was to assemble preliminarily off Wingo Sound, near Gothenburg, and from thence proceed partly to the Sound and partly to Kiel ; the larger vessels would, of course, have to pass the Great Belt for want of the necessary depth of water off Copen hagen. Although the wind had been in the latter days strong east it was expected that the whole fleet would hourly be reported in sight from Elsinore, where its ar rival was anxiously looked for as tending to cause un precedented bustle and excitement in that bustling place. It is ominous for this country that this powerful British feet should be jugt:arriving at a moment when Danish internal affairs are - in a sadly disorganised state, and when the country may be said to be at the present mo ment without any effective Government whatever. The Ministers who have directed the affairs of thS country since the promulgation of the Royal ordinance of Jan. 28, 1852, in which a constitution for th e whole monarchy was announced as about to take place, have not been able to induce the Danish Diet to allow them to frame such a constitution, without first bringing the entire nature of it to the knowledge of the Diet. Their propositions to this effect have caused a general opposition in both Danish Chambers against them ; so much so, that scarcely a single voice in either has raised itself in their favour. A vote of want of confidence in them has been adopted by an immense majority, and an address to the King was to be handed to him on the 16th, by the chairman of both houses, at his palace at Frederickeborg. What the event will be is entirely uncertain, but anomalous as such a thing may appear to Englishmen, it is not impossible that the King may be obliged to retain his present advisers, on account of the difficulty of getting other and capable men, willing to carry out the constitution for the whole monarchy, as intimated in the ordinance of the 28th January, 1852. Such is the state of this little king dom at present. THE GERMAN POWERS. The following telegraphic despatch has been re ceived, dated Vienna, Tae3day, March. 21 : " The Austrian Correspondenz confirms the perfect agreement between the Vienna and Berlin Cabinets. The interests (it says) which Austria must protect are identi• al with the interests of Germany. If all Germany is firmly united, no power on earth dare dispute its per fect liberty of future action, which will be decisive for the welfare of Europe. " Colonel Manteuffel has already had several inter views with Count Buol. " An offensive and defensive alliance between Austria and Prussia is spoken of. " Azi Paella, on a special mission from Turkey here, has received the most satisfactory explanations touching the concentration of Austrian forces on the Turkish frontier. "Russia has prohibited the exportation of gold. "The Czar's formal answer to the ultimatum of the Western Powers has not yet arrived, but his rejection of it is known, as advised by telegraph on Friday. " The Greek insurrection has extended to Berat. The communication between Janina and Arta is interrupted. " The last recruitment in Albania has caused resist ance. " Grivas, beaten by the Turks, retreated with forty followers to a Greek convent. "The Turks have burnt ten villages, the inhabitants of which aided the insurrection." The-New Prussian Gazette of the 21st, vindicates in firm language the independent attitude of Prussia, and alludes to the support of Austria and Germany, which are ready to step forward with energy to protect the nterests of Germany, if ever attacked. It adds, that Russia requires that Prussian neutrality should be strictly observed. A private despatch is said to have been received from Athens, which mentions that the 6,000 Turkish troops sent to put down the Greek insurrection in Epirus were met by the insurgents between Prevesa and Arta ; were attacked and routed. lam not aware that the Govern ment has received any official information confirming the fact, but it nevertheless appears to be credited in some quarters, The following "Order of the Dty" has been ad. dressed by Otner Pasha to the troops at Kalafat "GENERALS OF DIVISION AND BRIGADE, SUPERIOR AND SUBALTERN OFFICERS, NON-COMMISSIONED OFFICERS, CORPORALS, AND SOLDIERS OF THE IMPERIAL ARMY. "The stronghold of Kalafat, which you have con quered with so much courage, has suddenly become of the greatest importance for our cause. In your hands rests the honour of the country. " If, with your usual bravery, you remain firm in that post, if you are ready, in its defence, to shed the last drop of your blood, .it will be impossible to calculate all the advantages that will result from your heroism. " If, on the contrary, the enemy should succeed in gaining possession of your entrenched camp (may God save us from that immense calamity), it would be in the eyes of the entire world a blot on Mussulman honour. His Imperial Majesty, the Sultan, our most Gracious Sovereign, confides entirely in your well-known courage. " Soldiers ! Can I rely upon you ? With that extraor dinary courage, which I have so often seen you display, with your devotedness to his Majesty, with your love of country, you will riot say, our entrenchments are termi nated, nothing more remains for us to do. " Soldiers! You will not be deterred by fatigue from augmenting still more the strength of the entrenchments of your camp. If the Russian army attacks you, you will fight to the last extremity, and overcome that implacable enemy, with the assistance of the Almighty, and thehelp of the Prophet. Should the enemy even carry one of your redoubts, without receding one step you will attack them with the bayonet, and drive them out of it. " Soldiers ! If you fall, supreme happiness awaits you above. If you conquer, you will acquire here below the esteem and admiration of the entire world, whose eyes are fixed upon you. " Shumla, 30 Djemasijul, year 1270." FRANCE. The Moniteur of yesterday announces that the screw ship of the line Austerlitz, of 100 guns, left Brest on Monday for the Baltic, The Hercules, Duguescliu, and Trident, ships of the line, have left Toulon for the same destination. The Duperr6 will leave between the 23d and 25th. The other ships of the line will sail very soon. Vice-Admiral Parseval-DeschOnes left on Monday for Brest, where he will assume the command-in-chief of the 3d squadron, called the "Squadron of the Baltic." The Union has received an official warning for one o its articles containing attacks upon England, the friendly warnings given to it by the Government having been without effect. This journal seems to have treated the official warning with as much indifference as the friendly admonitions which preceded it, for immediately after the Ministerial notification which it publishes at the head of its number of yesterday (Tuesday), it gives a com mentary on the secret correspondence of the British and Russian Governments, in which it endeavours to convey to its readers an impression that the conduct of the former has not been what the English call "fair and above board," and above all to excite susceptibility, and even hostility, by making it appear that England is in clined to treat France as an inferior State. Lord Raglan is expected here on the let of April, or very soon after, so as to coincide as nearly as possible with the departure of Marshal St. Arnaud, which is now fixed for the sth, as that of Prince Napoleon is for the 15th. The division of the Prince, which was originally termed the reserve,.is now spoken of in the official organ of the army as the third division. We are assured on good authority that it has been decided that 3,000 Bri tish troops, consisting of cavalry and artillery, viz.—. 2,000 of the former and 1,000 of the latter, will pass through France, to embark at Toulon or Marseilles, and that the first detachment is expected in Paris in a week or 10 days from the present date. An Imperial decision of the 15th gives the title of third division of the Eastern army to the corps placed under the command of Prince Napoleon, which had been at first' denominated a corps of reserve. It is to consist of two brigades. The first, commanded by Gen. Count de Monet, is to ,be composed of the 19th batta lion of Chasseurs de Vincennes, the 2d regiment of Zouaves, and the 3d'regitnent of Marines. The second brigade, commanded by General Thomas, is to be formed of the 20th and 22d regiments of light infantry, two mounted batteries of artillery, a company of engi neers, and a detachment of gendarmes. It appears that a majority of the commission named to report on the proposition of the Attorney-General to prosecute M. de Montalembert, for the publication of his third letter, and which has been considered as insult ing to the Chamber, are opposed to that prosecution, so that the affair will most likely terminate there. All the securities experienced yesterday a considera ble fall, in consequence of the decline of English Consols. The Three per Cents, opened at 65f. 10c., 1 and closed at 64f. 55c. for the end of the month. The Four-and-a-Half per Cents, closed at 91f. 10c. ; Orlean, Railway Shares, 1,072 f. 50c. ; Rouen, 850 f. ; Havre, 4401. - Great] Nerthern, 722 f, 09c, ; Strasburg, 7Q§f, ; New Shares, 541 f. 25c. ; Paris and Lyons, 800 f ; Lyons to the Mediterranean, 655 f. ; Western of France 575 t. ; Bordeaux and Cette, 520 f. ; Great Central of France, 417 f. 50e. ; Lyons to Geneva, 440 f. ; Bank of Credit Mobilier, 542 f. 50c. ITALY. The Piedmontese Gazette of the 18th inst. states that the Municipal Council of Turin had decided, on the 15th, that one of the new streets about to he opened in the quarter of the Porta Nueva should receive the name of Silvio Pellico. SPAIN. Our accounts from Madrid are of the 16th inst. The President of the Council submitted, the day before, to the sanction of the Queen, the re-organisa tion of the police on a military footing. The journey of the Infantas Amelia and Christina, sisters of the king, to Andalusia was fixed for the end of the month. The officers and ladies of honour, who are to accompany the Princesses to Seville, were already appointed. Queen Christina is to spend the spring at the Royal residence of Aranjuez. The General Marquis de Santiago bad arrived at Madrid, coming from Saragossa. The Saragossa journals publish a notice, ad. dressed to the officers and serjeants of the revolted regiment of Cordova, who sought refuge in France after the events, of which that city has been the theatre. The fugitives are informed that if they do not appear within a ;certain day :before the competent authorities, they will be regarded as deserters, and tried as such. The officers are 39 in number, namely—one chief of battalion, two adjutants, seven captains, 18 lieutenants, 10 sub-lieutenants, and the standard-bearer. The Council of War sitting at Saragossa had as yet pro nounced no sentence. The Three per Cents. were done at 35 10 : the New Three per Cents. at 18 80 ; the Debt of the First Class at 8 15 ; and that of the Second at 4 30. WEST INDIA AND PACIFIC MAILS. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) SOUTHAMPTON, w ILDNESDAY MORNING. The Ileyal Mail steam-ship Trent, Captain Revett, has arrived here with the usual West India mails, in charge of Lieutenant Gardner, R. N., Admiralty agent. Her dates are :—Honduras, Feb. 18th ; Greytown, 20th; Chagres, 23d ; Jamaica, 27th ; Hayti, 28th Demerara, 27th ; Trinidad, 25th ; St. Vincent, 27th ; St. Lucia, 23th ; Martinique, March Ist ; St. Thomas, March 3d. This steamer also brings the Pacific mails, with dates —Valparaiso, Feb. Ist ; Callao, 12th ; Guayaquil, 15th ; Panama, 21st. The Trent has 28 passengers, and on freight specie value $510,000, pearls value $lOO,OOO, and a large cargo of cochineal, indigo, Peruvian bark, sarsaparilla, gin ger, &c. From Jamaica there is no news of importance. No thing in the way of public business had been done by the House of Assembly. Some cases of cholera had ap peared, but there was no expectation that the disease would become epidemic in the island. In the Jamaica markets business was dull, and dealers were deterred from operating by the high prices at which all articles were maintained. Breadstuffs were enor mously dear, and held principally by speculators. Pro duce, with the exception of sugar, was active, at high prices. Freights were scarce. Considerable operations in rum had taken place at 4.9 to 5 per gallon, but after the arrival of the packet prices went higher. Accounts from Demerara state that rain had fallen in considerable quantity. There was still a prospect of a very large crop. Business was dull, and goods of every description scarce and dear. Freights very high. The Court of Policy had been in session, but no matters of importance had beeri transacted. In Grenada, sugar-making was promisiiig, with very favourable weather. The yield of the cut,caces turns out to be not so good as was expected, but the crop was estimated at 7,000 hogsheads, or about 1,000 over that of last year. St. Lucia was healthy. A severe shock of an earth quake was experienced in this island on the 13th ult. In Trinidad the weather had been very fine, and the gathering of the crop was proceeding favourably. In Dominica and St. Vincent's order had been re stored amongst the peasantry. The cholera has almost entirely disappeared in the northern islands. ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA. A highly satisfactory prospectus of the forthcoming season of the Italian Opera has just been published. It appears that the opening night will be on Thursday, the 30th of this month, in lieu of Tuesday, the 28th, as pre viously announced. The directors promise their con tinued efforts to carry out the original design of this great lyrical establishment. It is stated that the great artist Madame Viardot, after an absence of three years, will return once more to shed lustre on the representa tions of the theatre. Mademoiselle Sophie Cruvelli, whose eminent talents are already so highly esteemed in this country, will appear for the first time at the Royal Italian Opera. Signor Lablache will also, for the first time, lend his powerful aid in supporting the efforts of the directors, and will enable them to produce many of the most popular works with an unprecedented caste of characters, In addition, Mademoiselle Marai, a young singer of great promise, who has already male very successful dautB, both at St. Petersburg add Vienna, will appear for the first time in Baglaud ; also Signor Susini, for the first time at the Reyal Italian Opera. Mdlle. Bosio, who during the past winter has acquired fresh laurels in the Freech capital, continues her engagement. Those unrivalled performers, Signor Mario, Signor Ronconi, and Signor Tatuberlik, together with Signori Tagliafico, Poloni, Luchesi, Stigelli, &c., have been re-engaged, while the directors still have the advantage of the invaluable services of Signor Costa. "The forthcoming season, however (says the pros ' pectus), brings with it one subject of regret—viz., the retirment from the lyric stage of a lady who for many years has been one of its brighest ornaments. Towards the end of July Madame Giulia Grisi will in tke her last appearance before an English au lience. It has probably never before fallen to the lot of any candidate for public favour to sustain for 21 successive seasons the highest and most arduous characters of the lyric drama, and most certainly never with such unanimous commenda tions as have been unceasingly bestowed on Madame The directors are convinced that not only will the subscribers of the Royal Italian Opera, as well as the musical amateurs of the metropolis, participate in their sentiments on this occasion ; but they feel sure that the retirement of Aadarue Grisi will cause one general feeling of deep regret in the minds of all those who take any interest in the musical affairs of this country. "It is the wish of Madame Grisi, during this her last engagement, to repeat those impersonations in which it has been her good fortune to obtain her greatest suc cesses, and it will accordingly be the care of the direc tors to contribute every possible eclat to these perfor mances, relying with the greatest confidence that the subscribers, the patrons of the opera, and the public, will on these occasions still extend to their long-favoured artiste the cheering influence of their countenance and support." In addition to the repertoire already formed, several pieces are announced which have never been performed at this theatre, and which will be, in effect, new to the public. Among these are La Vestale of Spontini, the Domino Noir of Auber, the M a tild a di Sh a b ran o f Ros sini, and (the most remarkable of them all) the Oberon of Weber. The subscription is to consist of 46 nights, commencing on the night already mentioned, and end ing in August. Madlle. Plunkett is engaged, and will be assisted by a very talented and efficient corps de ballet. BANQUET AT THE FRENCH EMBASSY. Yesterday evening their Excellencies the Count and Countess Walewski gave a grand banquet to the gene. rals of the Eastern expeditionary force and a select cir cle of the aristocracy, at their magnificent official resi dence, Albert-gate. The guests upon the occasion were his Royal High ness the Duke of Cambridge, Lord and Lady Raglan, Lord De Ros, the Duke of Newa,tle, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl and Countess of Clarendon, Vis• countess Palmerston, the Hon. Major James Macdonald Right Hon. Sir James Graham and Lady Graham, Right Ho❑. Mr. Sidney Herbert and Mrs. Sidney Her bert. M. Jules De Saul and M. Veillat, Secretaries of Legation, were also present at the entertainment. Later in the evening the Countess Waleswki threw open her saloons for the reception of a select circle of the aristocracy and beau monde, and was honoured with a numerous and brilliant attendance. DEPUTATION OF RUSSIAN MERCHANTS.—This depu tation, wliich waited on Lord Clarendon yesterday, con sisted of Messrs. Wegueiin, Brandt, Morgan, Mitchell, Tooke, Hill, Robinson, and Hodgson. In answer to their inquiries, his 1 ,rdship stated that the Government are disposed to respect the persons and property of all Rossian subjects residing as merchants in this country to the full extent promised by the Emperor of Russia towards British subjects, and that all necessary measures will hd adopted to enable them to remain unmolested in tue quiet prosecution of their business. %Vick regard to licenses for special shipments during the war, it was stated that each case must be considered on its merits, but that the Government will do all in their power, after concert with their naval allies, to protect the bou fide property of British subjects in Russia. Finally, on the question as to the trade of neutral ports, hislord o s ts i pt said s that the desire is to avoi d throwin g any special in its way, and that certificates of origin will not be demanded. Produce shipped from the pores of Prussia or any other friendly or neutral country will conse quently be coueiderotl ?di/la faCk as frieucily orgy. 21 ' HP r *) t WARWICK RACES. (THIS DAY.) (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPIT.) SWEEPSTAKES OF FIVE SOVS. Census Mirabeau Six ran. WARWICKSHIRE HANDICAP. Cleveland E helveolf Itch Border Chief Bessie Nine ran. TWO-YEAR-OLD STAKES. Five ran. WELTER CUP. 1 Titterstone Warwick Little Davie DEBDALE STAKES. Siuire of Malton KJunington Two first objected to. Tipperary Boy HANDICAP PLATE. K !iinoor Csjlad I Nine ran. LATEST BETTING ON TETE COURSE, NORTHAMPTONSIMBH STAMM 10 to 1 asst Mr. Sykes. 10 to 1 apt Little Jem. fro urtft SUN OFFICE, Seven o'Clock. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. HOUSE OF COMMONS—(THIS DAY.) The SPEAKER took the chair at 12 o'clock. PETITIONS. Mr. BRADY presented petitions from different parts of the country, in favour of the Medical Registratic rM Bill. Mr. STRUTT presented a petition from the mane• facturers of Nottingham, against the Payment of Wagel (Hosiery) Bill. Mr. BRIGHT presented a petition from Manchester, against the Medical Practitioners Bill. NEW WRIT. _ On the motion of an hon. member a new writ wag ordered for Westmoreland, in the room of Alderman Thompson, deceased. DUNGARVON ELECTION. The members chosen to serve en the Dungarvon election ?.ommittee were called to the table and sworn. The committee to meet to-morrow. PROPERTY TAX. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER brought in the Property Tax Bill, which was read a first time, and ordered to be read a second time to-morrow. SIMONY LAW AMENDMENT BILL. ----- Mr. PHILLINIORE moved the second reading of this bill, which he said, with some slight additions , was precisely the same measure that he laid on the table last session. The present state of the law of simony was highly objectionable, and the amendmen t which he proposed to make in it had received the assen t of the assembled judges of the land. The first statute which related to the subject of simony was passed in the reign of Elizabeth, and it inflicted a very severe punish ment upon parties convicted of the offence of simony Subsequently various acts were passed down to the reign of Anne ; and - now, according to the existing law, it %V$ competent for a layman or a clergyman to purchase ad vowsons, or the right of next presentation to a living. The consequence was that the law as it now stood gave rise to great abuses ; the living could only be sold while the present incumbent was living —so long an he had a particle of breath in his nostrils, the right of presentation could be legally sold and purchased and the object of this bill was to prevent even such s sale as that--a course which, he repeated, had been re' commended by the assembled judges of the land. Ths sale of civil offices in patronage was prohibited alike by law and morals, and the reason for that was obvious. Patronage, or the right of presenting to an office either clerical or civil, could only be treated in the former as s spiritual, and the latter as a moral trust. It certainly was not property, and therefore it was idle to tell him that a bill like this was an undue or improper interfer' ence with the vested rights of individuals or corporations. Trafficking in matters connected with the cure of souls become quite a common practice in modern times ; livings were daily hawked about and advertised in the public prints for sale, while the cure of souls was knocked down to the highest bidder at auctions, the price in such cases depending, of course, upon the annual returns of the in cumbency. For the purpose of preventing such abuses in future he had introduced this bid, and he hoped the house would allow it to go to a second reading. Mr. G. BUTT moved as an amendment that the bill be read a sec9nd time this day six months. The hon. gentleman who had just addressed them had not quite correctly stated the law on this subject. An advowson was an alienable estate in fee, but the right to make the next presentation was only a chAttle. Both, however, were saleable, and liable to be made the subject of settle' ment or mortgage ; in fact, they were properties which the law of England allowed to be bought arid sold, and all the restrictions which the law imposed upon the owners was contained in the qualification which the person pre sented to the living was bound to possess. In all times both the advowson and the right of presentation had been treated and dealt with as properties ; and this measure, therefore, was a direct violation of the rights of property. (Hear, hear) B ut th e bill, ~, passed, would prove inoperative, because it did not in' terfere with the advowson ; all that it did, in fact, was to prevent the sal e of th e nex t p resen t at i on ; b u t did not the house perceive if that were prohibited, recourse would be had to the sale of the advowson. How, then, would the bill get rid of the evil complained, if evil it wits? It would do nothing of the sort, and inasmuch as it would not only interfere with the rights of property, but would have a tendency to prevent lay patronage, he trusted the house would reject the second reading of the bill. Two-thirds of the livings of England are private patronage, and it would be most unjust to adopt the Romish principle of transferring it to the bishops or heads of the Church, which would be the ultimate effect of this bill. Mr. SPOONER, seconded the amendment. Sir W. HEATLICO rE thought it was unwise to rest the opposition to this bill upon grounds of property, be' cause such a ground could not be maintained. There was a wide difference between the advowson and the right to the next presentation ; the one might be a legi' timate object of sale and purchase, but the other cer t,iinly was not The next presentation was by f a r ton near to make it safe to legalise its sale without opening the door to corruption and abuse ; and on that account he supported this bill, believing that the right of presen• tatiou was a spiritual trust which it was quite right to entrust to laymen, but decidedly wrong to make a mat' ter of traffic. Sir G. GREY could see no sufficient ground which should induce the house to pass the second reading of this bill, though he quite agreed that it ought not to be treated as a question of pounds, shillings, and pence. At the same time he did not think any legislative enact ment necessary to arrest the abuses of the present sys• tern, as the bishops and heads of the church had suffi cient powers in their hands to prevent the open and scandalous trafficing in livings which the bill was ill' tended to, but would not, probibit, so long as it did not touch the sale of advowsous. For his part, he could see no objection to the legitimate sale of the next presen tation or the advowsons, and he thought no suffi- cient reason had bean shown why such sales should be directly prohibited by the law. Lord GODERICH remarked that the operation in the present system was highly calculated to bring scan dal and discredit upon the Church of England. It was just as safe, and just as proper, to sell the right to a judgship as to sell the right of presenting t o t h e cur e of souls. In point of morals both were equally impro per, because such a power gave rise to manifest and !patri fold abuses, which were greatly detrimental to the inte- rest and well-being of the State. Surely it was unwise to permit a state of thing s which allowed the open traf ficing in clergymen's livings, and p erm i tted parties to make presentations without any reference whatever to the wishes or wants of the parishioners. He therefore begged the hous e to pass this bill . Mr. NAPIER, was unwilling t o argue this bill as a question of property, but still it could not be denied that property was not altogether connected with this subject. He doubted, however, whether this bill would receive a better administration of the trust which lay' men held than that which now prevailed, not that be denied for a single moment that abuses did not exist u present s y stem, b ut the bishop had ample' powers his ow n h an d to prevent the presentation of nderth in e improper persons, or persons who were averse to the wishes or unacquainted with the wants of the pa' rishioners. The fact was the bill would not accomplish the object it had in view, since the proper excess of the trust could only be enforced by the moral influence of the bishop, while, if the bill passed, there was nothing in it which could in any way prevent secret bargains for the next presentation. F, :r these reasons, then, he should support time aineadaient in preference to the bill , The ATTORNEY-GENERAL fully appreciated the motives which imitlei-d time hon. anet learned m e mb er for Tavi,tock to bring forward thin bid ; but, ou the other hand, he felt bound to oppose the measure. (Hear► hear.) It was quite true that the law of simony stood in an anomalous awl doubtful condition ; S s but, before the house attempted to change the log it must be clearly shown that there was an absolute necessity for it, or that the change would correct a great and glaring evil. Now, would the bill correct the oil complained of in this case Certain:y not, for althoul2b they had heard a good deal of the abuses and scandal SO tending the sale of next presentations, the provisions 0 this bill were net such PA could get rid of tilt 1)1'4. IMAM these sale o the rii stack have I Churc woult charm Aft think MORE bill, law of I year] the trol, the this lotte ame held by a gym men —tl on. the was rem trill 111:1 1111 th 1H of VI hz al