The Sun. — London, England, 1854-02-24 00:00:00

BLACKWOOD'S MAGAZINE, for MARCH. No. cccaar. Price 2e. 6d. • CONTENTS. Disraeli : a Biography. The Quiet Heart. Part IV. The Russian Church and the Protedorate , irt TRAM'. The two Arnolds. • Count Sigismtind's Will. •• News from the Farm. 41exander Smith's Poe,rias. `The Epidemics of tha Middle Ages. The Song of Metrodorus. The New Reform Bill. William Blackwood and Son*, Edinburgh and London. THEATRE ROYAL DRURY LANE. Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. THIS EVENING, FEB. 24, Will be performed THE BEGGAR'S OPERA. Characters by Messrs. A. Younge, Erser, and Sidney; Miss Featherstone, Miss M. Stanley. Alter which, MY MAN TOIL To conclude with KING HUMAIINGTOP ; or, Harlequin and the I. and of Toys. THEATRE ROYAL. EfAYMAI;KET. Under the management of Mr. Ruckstone. THIS EVENING, FEB. 21, WM be performed GUY MANNERING. Characters by Messrs. Mott Gsler, W. Farren, Compton, Rogers, Howe, Clark, Corn, and Cullenford; Miss Cushman, Miss Jana Harland, and Mrs. L. S. Buckingham. After which, the Grand CHRTATM PANTO:NUME, e,allcd HARLEQUIN AND THE THREE RE.‘R ; or, Little. Silverhair and the Fairies. Columbine, Miss M. Brown ; Harlequin, Mr. J. Marshall; Pantaloon, Mr. W. A. Barnes; clown, Mr. U. Marshall. RJYA.L PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD -STREET. tinier the Management of Mr. Cnantas KEAN. THIS EVENING, FEB. Will be performed RICHARD THE THIRD. Principal chirac• ter by Mr. C. Kean. After which will be presented the new Grand CHRISTMAS PAN. TOMIME, entitled HARLEQUIN AND THE MILLER AND HIS MEN; or, King Salamand er and the Fairy of the Azur e Lake. Harlequin, Mr. Cormac ; Clown, Mr. Hallne ; Pantal oon, Mr. Paulo; and Columbine, Mis k s Desborough. LYCEUM THEATRE. Under th. Management of Madame Vestris. Tim EVENING, FEB. 24, Will be performed A BACHELOR OF ARTS. Characters by Messrs. C. ,Mathews, F. Matthews, and Baker; Miss F. Hughes. After which. the Fairy, Extravaganza, called ONCE OO UPON AT: THERP.. WEI*, TWO KINGS. Principal cha racters by Mr. Roxby and Madame Vestris. To conclude with PATTER VERSUS CLATTER. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI. proprietor. Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste. THIS EVENING, FEE. 24, win be presented the highly Popular New Nautical Melo-drama in are taoleaux, with new scenery, the Sea of Ice, &c., new dresses and appointments, called TUE THIRST OF GOLD; or, VIE LOST SHIP AND THE WILD FLOWER OF MEXICO. principal characters by 3fessrs. B. Webster, Keeley, Paul Bedford, Madame Celeste, &c. Atter which, THE CAMP AT CHOBBAM. To condo le with, DID YOU EVER SEND YOUR WIFE TO CAMBERWELL ? BOYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Lessee and Manager. Mr. A. Wigan. THIS EVENING. FEB. 24, Will be Performed THE FIRS r NIGHT. Characters by Messrs. Alfred Wigan, Leslie, Franks, Harwood Cooper, and Vincent ; Miss Y. Horton, an 4 Miss Wyndham. To conclude with THE LOTTERY TICKET. Characters by 3 fessrls• Emery, Vincent, and F. Robion; and Mrs. Chatterley. Followed by THE W tNDERING MINSTREL. STRAND THEATRE. Sole Lessee, Mr. F. W. Allcroft.—Directress, Miss Rebecca Isaacs THIS EVENING, FEB. 24, Will be presented (4th time) "NO IRISH NEED APPLY." After which, SKETCHES IN INDIA; or, Stage Struck. To be followed by STATE SECRE IS; or, The Irish Ambassador. Stalls, 55.; Boxes, 35.; Pit, Is. 6d; Gallery, 6d. ; Private Boxes, 11. 1 ls. 6d., to be had of Mr. Allcroft, 15, New Bond-street. ASTLEY'S EUROPE'S NATIONAL AMPHITHEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. William Ccoke. Positively THE LAST FOUR NIGHTS of the Performing Ele phants previous to their departure for Paris. Increased novelty and combination of Attractions. In addition to the Wonders of the present age—the Performing Elephants—first time, a new grand Equestrian Spectacle, entire change is. the Scenes of the Arena, =3 the successful Pantomime. THIS EVENING, FEB. 24, (And during the week) Wi'l be presented, with new scenery, and costumes an I appoint ments, an entirely new grand and romantic Hippo-drama, written expressly to introduce Mr. W. Cooke's pet steed, Beauty, (pur posely trained by him) and entitled THE WOODMAN'S HORSE; er, The False Knight. To be slicceeded by THE WISE ELEPHANTS OF THE EAST, er THE MAGIC GONG. Followed by Mr. W. Cooke's Matchless Scenes of the CIRCLE. To conclude with the Grand Comic Pantomime of BILLY RUT TON'S OURNF.Y TO BRENTFORD ; or, Harlequin and the Ladles' Favourite. Box-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. HIGH WATER AT', LONDON BRIDGE. Tin DAY --Horning 30 min.after 11 Evening 0 min.aft. 0 I To-Moaaow—Morning 9 min.after 12 Evening 41 min.aft. 12 THE WEATHER.—Stn Omen, FEB. 24. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 50—highest since noon yesterday. 38—lowest this morning and during the night. 50—this day at noon. BAROMETER, rose to the extraordinary height of 30'64 last evening—it is now down to 30'43. WIND, variable from N.W. to W. and S.W.—Dull weather. c4sp Zit 0- r LONDON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24, 1854. On Wednesday morning an extraordinary de• o'ree of excitement was manifested in the neigh . bourhood of Charing Cross and the Waterloo-road. At two o'clock a.m. a numerous body of persons had assembled to behold the 3d battalion of Grenadier Guards march from their barracks, with all " The pomp and circumstance of glorious war." Such scenes have happened from time to time, and whenever it was known that the route had arrived, many persons who had no peculiar ties connecting themwith the troops about to march wereyet ready to brave all the annoyance and vexation attendant on the earliness of the appointed hour, in order to behold one of the most brilliant spectacles that can be imagined—a well-disciplined and well appointed body of men, ready to brave any danger in defence of their country and its free institu tions. Other and more interested spectators were also in attendance. The red coat has invariably acted as a dangerous lure for the " gentle sex." Few female hearts can resist its attractions, and therefore many " sweethearts" were in attendance, so deeply interested in "The British Grenadiers," that the i nspiring strains of "Tire girl I left behind me" totally failed to cheer their afflicted spirits. These tender sorrows could, however, be appeased, " Time, the consoler," might repair the temporary grief, more especially if the departed heroes were replaced by equally stalwart and equally suscepti-, ble successors. The tears so freely shed for the gallant "Grenadier" might be speedily dried up by a brawny " Coldstrearner ;" and a (lashing " Fusi lier" might repair the breaches inflicted on the too tender heart by his daring predecessors. If the wound had penetrated too deeply to be so easily assuaged—if the maiden relied on the plighted troth of her martial lover, she might derive consola tion from the thought that their separation would be but of brief duration, and that she would speedily be reunited to the object of her affec tions ; while the wives who had not merely " netted" but " caged" their partners moved tranquilly along, contented with the knowledge that they were either accompanying the battalion, or that they would speedily be enabled to" rejoin their " lords and masters," for the " old girls," as Mr. BAGNET would declare, were not easily daunted, and were fully prepared to brave any ordinary difficulties, with a courage and determination that might shame even the sterner sex. The pleasure of the scene was, therefore, without any serious alloy, and the soldiers marched forth triumphantly, the envy as well as the admiration of the gaping multitude. But on Wednesday it was very different. There was a stern reality about the scene that showed that the parties were no longer merely " playing at soldiers," Bitter grief was corroding the hearts of many wives, who feared that they were taking a last farewell of those who, although now in the full vigour of health and strength, might, ere many weeks had elapsed, be stretched on the en sanguined field without any one to staunch the ebbing life-ble e d, or bring a draught of water to assuage the feverish thirst of the dying men. The husbands, too, tho ughindifferent to the perils they themselves were called on to encounter— though responding so nobly and faithfully to the call of duty, that not a s i ngle absentee was to be found at the appointed hour —still went forth w ith sinking spirits at the thou g ht of the fearful destitution t o which those even dearer to them than life itself must speedily be exposed. Men who would not quail before the Cossack lance, whO would stand unmoved in an " iron sh ower, , , shuddered at the thoughts of what might become of their wives, or how bread might be found for their starving children (luring their absence. Th e feelings of ardent patriotism, and enthusiastic zea l to teach the AUTOCRAT the danger of arousing the British Lion—the very RIF-V.A.N-WINKLE of the feline race—from his protracted thirty-nine year& slumber, were mingled with others of reproach against the ungrateful country that treated the families of its valiant defenders in so :.curvy a mnrner. Tor What, W e ass., z, t b a do fate of the women not included among the fortu nate few—four to each company—permitted to accompany the regiment during the campaign. They find themselves suddenly cast on the wide, wide world, without the slightest means of sup port. The scanty pay allowed to soldiers is barely sufficient for the support of the husbands themselves. It is true that in peace time they can manage to keep life and soul together, for the " old girls" are handy, and can turn to anything to earn a shilling. Washing and mending, and many useful offices for the officers disllaandetreeng bachelor soldiers, afford the means of e ki n g out their slender circumstances, so that, albeit with economy and difficulty, they manage to rub along and make both ends meet while permitted to remain with their partners. Regimental schools, too, are provided for the children, who receive instructions which qualify them at an early age to contribute something to the general fund, for the " Woolwiches," " Gib raltars," and " Maltas" are never permitted to remain idle. They learn the necessity of early exertion, and find a friendly sympathy, a kind assistance from their fathers' comrades, who en deavour to enable the "young-uns" to do some thing for themselves. But when the terrible fiat has gone forth—when the distracted wife with her helpless children is left behind destitute and penniless, there is no one she can look to for shelter and protection. Not a single shilling has she to assist her towards obtaining a livelihood, for the married soldier cannot, even with the most stringent economy, hope to accumulate pro vision for a rainy day. Nor can he allocate any portion of his pay to his wife and children. The regimental schools are broken up ! The children are thrown entirely on her hands, and the care and attention which she must be stow upon them materially impairs her efforts to obtain an independent livelihood. She cannot take service, cannot go out " charing," or even accept any employment that would take her from home. What, then, is to become of her and her innocent charge ? If young and well-looking she is exposed to the most fearful temptations. The best fate that awaits the wretched family is that which may be afforded by the tender mercies of the union workhouses ! Is this just or equit able ? Is it humane or politic? The schools of Greenwich Hospital are—we are told in a little pamphlet recently published and circulated under the authority of the Admiralty always open for the children of sailors in the Royal Navy, and there they receive, with out a farthing's expense to their parents, " a training that qualifies them for any employment." Each man may allot a portion of his wages for the support of his family, with the most perfect certainty of its being punctually and regularly paid during his absence. Jack then goes forth with a tranquil heart. He has no fear for "Poll or "the kids." Ho knows that during his ab sence they will be taken care of, and his mind is at ease on the subject of the deepest and most absorbing interest to every husband and father ! Why do we not act in a similar man ner to the wives and children of our sol diers ! Why does not the nation perform an act of justice and humanity towards those whose desertion by their legitimate protectors is rendered necessary by the stern exigencies of the service? They should not be left trusting either to private or public charity. England is not so poor as to be unable to discharge her sacred obligations to those whom she herself has involved in the diffi culty. A Parliamentary grant for an allowance to the wives of soldiers who are engaged on foreign service, and who are unable to accompany their husbands, would not add very largely to the ex penses of the war. A few, say five, shillings a-week to each woman, would place herself and children beyond the reach of destitution, and enable her with prudent management to secure a liveli hood. The soldier husband cannot afford it out of his pay. Then, let the country recognise the right of the deserted wife. And what will be the expense during war? Even if twenty thousand men should be engaged, the probability is that but a tenth of the number, or two thousand, will be married men. Of these four in each company will, by the regulations, be accompanied by their wives. Eight hundred will thus be taken off the list, and twelve hundred only remain, who, at ss. per week each, would cost the coun try 3001. per week, or 15,600/. o per annum. Surely we should not hesitate for such a sum. How it would nerve the arm of the grateful soldier in the hour of danger. How it would cheer him during his long and weary marches and countermarches, and induce him to bear without a murmur all the trials to which he might be exposed. The effect on the men would be well worth the expense. Never was there a more politic expenditure, if expenditure it could be called, which would save a larger outlay in the less graceful form of parochial relief, or vo luntary contributions from the charitably disposed. We trust, then, that no time will be lost in making provision for this interesting object, in ascertaining from Ministers that the claims of the soldiers' wives will be taken into consideration and faithfully discharged, and that the families of those who are braving death in the service of their country will not be left to depend on the precarious gifts of charity—to re ceive as mendicants' dole that which should be dis charged as an honourable debt. A great man has recently crowned the glory of his life by the triumph of a posthumous vindica tion. Elsewhere in our impression of this even ing, will be found a somewhat detailed, and (may we add ?) a somewhat elaborate analysis of that vindication in a criticism on the masterly treatise penned shortly before his lamented demise, by Sir CHARLES JAMES NAPIER, on the subject of the " Defects, Civil and Military, of the Indian Go vernment." Since the foundation of our Oriental Empire, there perhaps has not existed any individual more eminently qualified to pronounce an opinion upon those defects than the heroic Captain, the wise Statesman, the sagacious Administrator, who was at once prominent among the benefactors, and conspicuous among the victims of the supreme councils at Leadenhall. Assuredly, no one among the great Sepoy Generals ever invested with more brilliant success the banners of that Company of Merchant Sovereigns. Certainly, not one among them was ever treated with more despic able contumely, or more odious ingratitude. Thcse pages in the annals of our dominion over Hindostan, in which the future historian of Bri tish India, the OR ME" or MILL of another age, will have to inscribe the achievements of Sir CHARLES NAPIER—the daring and adroitness of his glorious conquest of Scinde, and the consummate ability revealed on his part throughout the development of its yet more glorious administration—while they must for ever be illumined by the recollec tions of his valour and of his genius, they cannot but be likewise branded indelibly with the re membrance of the turpitude with which his incom parable services were repaid, through the blunder ing, the jealousy, and the misprisions of the Civil Government. Notwithstanding the resplendent deeds of prowess which had illustrated the career of so many of his predecessors, before none of these can the victories won by Sir CHARLES NA PIERR, be said to pale by comparison, if we search the whole catalogue of our triumphs, treasured up in the wondrous record of the extension of our Asiatic possessions. Not if we survey that marvellous catalogue from the clays of &RA JAH DOWLAII to those of DOST MAHOMMED. Not from the defence of Arcot downwards to a time almost immediately contemporary. Not from the earliest conquest made by an European in Hindostan, from the day when Madras was taken by the Governor of Mauritius, when the French flag was planted on Fort St. George by the hand of LABOURDONNATS. Posterity will not be able to detect in praises even as earnest as these, when applied to the victor of Meannee and Hy derabad, the faintest vestige of exaggeration. Let it be remembered—while these words are being perused—that we are speaking of one who is dead, of one who has for ever passed from amongst us, of o ne whose glorious remains aro mouldering in the lowly but h onoure d oTavo o f a soldi er . N ot under the m ar bl e floor t Of a Minster, but under Abe green ;41-, G+ the burial-groUnd of a barrack near Portsmouth. To " the dull, cold ear of death," the words of eulogium are inaudible, how ever plaintive or however impassioned. And so, scattering these words on the wings• of the wind, we woulei here, without fear of the charge of any thing lik _eadulatory enthusiasm, pronounce over the memory • of Sir CHARLES JAMES NAPIER some few syriables expressive of the homage of our ear nest and unaffected admiration. Happ.ily for that memory—the memory of the Conqueror and Administrator of Scinde—it has already been so embalmed by fraternal affection as to be well assured of being long cherished in the popular remembrance, if it cannot be said to have become thus eternized in the hearts of his fellow-countrymen. For the history of his most illustrious actions, his history both military and administrative, has been inscribed already upon no perishable tablets by that pen of which Sir Bur- WER LYTTON remarked so admirably the other day in his iniu ritable oration at Edinburgh, that the classic charm of its style is derived in some mea sure from the spirit of THUCYDIDES. And what says that history ? Why, it breathes in every page of indomitable resolution, of unremitting ac tivity, of matchless daring, of promptitude, of generosity, of magnanimity. Turning to the record it gives of oneyear alone, of one notable year-1843 —it shows us all these qualities united in an epoch rendered marvellous and memorable by their combination. It tells us how in January Sir CHARLES NAPIER marched into the desert and there destroyed—what was deemed by the Be loochees to be impregnable—the formidable for tress of Euiaumghur. It tells us that in Pelnuary (on the 17th) he defeated an army of 35,000 warriors, " killing nearly six thousand in a battle of nearly four hours' duration," with—how many ? —why, with less than two thousand fighting men, all of them raw recruits, and only four hundred out of these Europeans—the enemy they were opposed to not only 35,000 strong, but the strength of those '35,000 enhanced by the.circumstance of their being united together under the authority of a regular despotic Government. That was the great victory of Hyderabad ! The victory which gave the conqueror six sovereign Ameers as prisoners, enabled him to capture the power ful fortress hard by the battle-field, and placed at his feet the whole of that magni ficent province • which had been previously ruled by the tyrannous sceptre of SHERE MOHAMED, the Lion of Meerpoor, and the hardiest of the Tal poores. Why, the vaunted glories of Plassy, that redoubtable triumph, the name of which is embla zoned together with the lofty motto, Primus in Indus, on the oolours of the 39th Regiment--a could scarcely, all things considered, be brought into direct comparison with those achieved by NAPIER at Hyderabad. For if the terrible Nabob was enabled to bring against his adversary forty thousand infantry and fifty thousand cavalry, to gether with fifty pieces of ordnance, drawn by white oxen and impelled by elephants--.7arvz was enabled to oppose to this host three thousand (and not, as with NAPIED, scarcely 2,000) men in the aggregate, and out of these no lees than a full thousand (and not, as with NAPIER, only 400) disciplined Englishmen. Reverting, how ever, to the annals of that famous twelve months, 1843—we find it there recounted how in March he defeated the foe, 26,000 strong, at Dubba, afterwards reducing, with " matchless activity," the fortified towns of Meerpoor and Omercote. It relates to us, moreover—this wonderful history —how in Apra the victor of Meannee and Hydera bad made good his time by repairing, during the temporary lull caused by the inundation of the Indus, the important but dilapidated fortress of Aliar-ka-Tanda. How in May, besides awing the robbers of the Delta into submission, he elaborated the means for withstanding effectually the reviv ing power of the Lion of Meerpoor, a power whose revival was simultaneously indicated, by the ga thering together of another enormous armament, and the ominous tokens of a wide-spread insur rection. It acquaints us—this history—with yet more marvels worthy of our particular remem brance. It tells us how in June " though the mercury stood at 132 deg. of Fahrenheit in an artificially cooled tent, he (Sir CHARLES NAPIER) marched from Hyderabad, and having by a dex terous stroke of policy prevented the breaking out of the general insurrection, ou the Bth entirely crushed the Lion" — , aadding " while there employed, a sun-stroke reduced him to the last degree of bodily weakness, yet in this state he en tiiely suppressed the disturbances of the Delta, completed the organisation of his government, and brought the country to a state of general tranquillity." No wonder that with a resolution thus inflexible, coupled with a valour thus irre sistibly impulsive, NAPIER should have been dreaded amongst the Asiatics, or that he should have gained amongst them the sobriquet of the " Brother of the Devil," just as NAPOLEON was christened " the Sultan of Fire" by the terrified Egyptians. A better title than any born out of dismay, however, was that soon afterwards won by Sir CHARIES NAPIER from the gratitude of the conquered population. It was not long before the GREAT PADISHAW was beloved by the brave war riors—the might of his strong arm and of his keen sword had vanquished—beloved for the justice of his ordinances and the benignity of his administra tion. What says the gallant and eloquent brother of the Dead Hero in regard to this very par ticular. What says Sir WILLIAM NAPIER upon this identical)themein those sentences of mingled eulogium and lamentation pronounced by him over the tomb, as it were, of the departed Conqueror, pronounced too in language articulated with the emphasis of an historian. He says—" When Sir CHARLES NAriEß—at variance with the governing powers in India—was retiring to private life, pur sued by the revilings of successful knaves, who vainly imagined they had crushed him, the Sirdars of Scinde, those fierce Beloochees whose might in war and feudal power he had overthrown in battle and by legislation, came forward in crowds, pour ing forth their riches, without stint, to offer the apparently fallen man a testimonial of their attachment—avowing that to him their conqueror, who had slaughtered in fight their best men by thousands, they owed freedom, and happiness, and security." Yet more—listen ! " Every feeling of wrath had fled from their hearts to make way for love and veneration; and they chose the moment when his power was gone, hisfortunes low, to display their sentiments." With reason may the annalist inquire—" What man of history can boast the like ?"—observing in conclusion, with affecting solemnity, " The sword of peace thus bestowed by the Sirdars, the tribute to his glory which he most prized, was laid beside his corpse when he died, and rested on his coffin when ho was carried to the grave." Touching and beautiful words of commemoration I Memorable and manly memorial of gratitude 1 And to this man it was that the high and mighty members of the Indian Civil Government acted from first to last with the most shameless per versity, the most odious spleen, and the most despicable malignity. It is his heroic memory they have tracked even beyond the grave with base and unblushing misrepresentations —striving with a scarcely accountable per tinacity of hatred to cast a shadow on the fair fame to which they themselves have been so largely indebted—indebted for the addi tional lustre thereby cast upon their annals, and for an enormous accession to the already gigantic results of their system of territorial aggrandise ment. Scarcely, however, has the tomb closed over Sir CHARLES JAME 3 NAPIER, when the mag nates of Leadenhall are startled by the apparition of his posthumous and triumphant self-vindication. A vindication so complete that of it may we say— never before was case proved so clearly. Never before has the breath of slander passed away with such rapidity—like a momentary dimness on a steel breastplate—from the splendour of an un sullied and heroic reputation. Mr. IlumrE's BENEFIT.- This first of lightweight pantomimists and universal favourite has announced his benefit at the Princess's Theatre for Tuesday next, the 28th inst. The entertainments will consist of the gor geous Sardanapalus, and the pantomime of Llarlequin and the Miller and his Men, the extraordinary success of which is in no small degree owing to the equally won derful and pleasing performance of Mr. Hulino as the THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, FEBRITAItY 24, 1854. MONEY MARKET AND COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 5,000 to 6,000 bales, of which 500 American were taken on speculation. The market was fiat, and closed heavily, with American at 54d. to 6d., 1-16 d. to id. per lb. lower. The sales in clude 300 Egyptian, at 61d. to Bid., 600 Surat, at 3d. to 4Jd., 50 Sea Islands at ls. Old. to 25., and the remainder American. Railway Shares were better again. Colonial produce has been offered to rather a limited extent at auction this week, and holders have been firm. Rum has been taken to a large amount by the Government again, and 30,000 lbs. of tea have been tendered for. Sugar has been firm, and at 6cl. advance for some descriptions. Coffee is held for steady rates, but the demand has been quiet. Rice has slightly declined, but spices have been active at firmer prices. Saltpetre has risen, cochineal is cheaper, and iron inactive. Upon the state of the silk trade during the pre sent month, Mr. Henry W. Eaton reports as fol lows : "I beg to report to you the result of the public sales, which have gone off even more heavily than usual, the attendance of the trade being moderate. In Chinas the best qualities were taken in at about previous rates, and the bulk of the other sorts at a reduction. Some few parcels, however, of Tsatlees, of middling to good fair quality, were sold from 14s. 6d. to 16s. ld., being about ls. to is. 6d. under rent prices. Bengals were much neglected, the quality being so inferior. The operations during the week by private contract have been unprece dentedly small." The official returns relating to the trade and navigation of the United Kingdom include, like wise, statements relative to the Customs income. From these it appears that, in the years ended the sth January, the figures stood as follows : 1853. 1854. Gross receipt of duties £22,187,149 £22,612,729 Payments therefrom Net receipt £22,036,297 £22,419,308 From butter and cheese about 190,0001. were last year received as duty, from coffee 463,6651., wheat 247,569/.,* flour 87,123/.; pepper 90,8621., rum ' 1,253,3051., brandy 1,402,9321., wine 2,036,0831., raw sugar 3,913,7271., tea 5,686,1941., tallow 89,7431., tobacco 4,749,7801. The quantity of hops retained last year for home consumption was 30,949,590 lbs. only, against 50,146,639 lbs. in 1852. Malt rather increased, paper rose 17,000 lbs., and of spirits the quantity was 25,021,317 gallons, a slight decrease com pared with 1852. .Another notice is out from the Victualling De partment for the hire of transport ships, three or four of which are required, of 630 to 800 tons, and to be armed, according to indent. Owners are particularly requested not to tender for ships known to be ineligible accordin g to Admiralty re gulations, as it causes much delay and incon venience at the office. The steamer Cleopatra has arrived at Liverpool, from South Australia, which she left on the 16th inst. She came home by way of Rio de Janeiro. Her freight includes 18,829 ounces of gold, and 346 tons of coffee. • The dates brought are not so late as those per Great Britain. The amount of bills drawn by the Hon. East India Company, from the Bth to the 23d inst. in clusive, on the Presidencies in India, was in the aggregate 78,6501. 18s. sd. On Bombay no bills, however, were drawn. The English Funds have been very steady, but with less business doing. Consols have realised 91a I, and are since 911 The New 3i per Cents. bring 93k to 4. Bank Stock is supported at 217 to 218, and India Stock at 240. Exchequer Bills are 18s. to 21s. premium. Foreign Securities have been quite neglected. Russian 44- per Cents. bring 85i, being a fall of 1 to 2 per cent. Dutch 24 per Cents. have remained at 591. The Spanish. Committee's Certificate is at 31 In - Railway Shares there is only a limited busi ness doing, but prices are mostly fully up to yes terday's range. Great Northern, North-Western, South Wales, and the York and Berwick are higher. French Shares are a shade lower. The Joint-Stock Bank Shares have been much the same, and also the Land Companies. The current prices for the Jamaica Mines, not officially quoted, are as follows :—Metcalfe, par to I premium ; Sue River, 4 discount to par; Port Royal, 2to premium. BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY.—CLOSING PRICES, (From the Official Liat.) nusinAss done. tiank Stock .. . I per Cent. Reduced Annuities 92A R I A 3 per Cent. Consols Annuities 9 113 1 4 New 3.; per Cent. Annuities 9V A a i Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan:, 180 Ditty 30 Years, Expire 10th Oct., 1859 sb Ditto 30 Years, Expire sth Jan., 1860 5 (Tna Stock India Bonds, £lOOO ............ ....... Ditto, under £lOOO Consols for Account 16th March Exchequer Bills, Id. £IOOO £5OO lB 21 p Small lB'2l p 8 p pli PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY. Mexican 3 per Cent. Ditto for the Account 2ll Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. St — Ditt 4A per Cent 8513 6i Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent Bl Spanish Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun 3i Dividends on the above payable in London. Datch Exchange, 2i per Cent. 12 Gu11..... 59} 9 THREE O'CLOCK. Consols Ditto March Account 913 . n CARDIGAN COUNTY ELECTION.—CARDIGAN, F e b . . 43. The Earl of Lisburne was returned yesterday, without opposition. for the county of Cardigan. LOUTH ELECTION. —On Thursday night, at the close of the poll, the number of votes polled by the candidates were attiollotiv A-Fottescuei 720 ; „Cantivelki , 525.; ma. jority for Fortescue, 195. There was scarcely any ex citement. THE HORSE GIIXRDS.—Major-General Charles Yorke has been appointed to succeed Colonel Airey as Military Secretary to the Commander-in-Chief. Major-General Yorke served in the Peninsula with the 52nd Regiment at Roleia, Fuentes d'Onor, Salamanca, Vittoria, Pyrenees, Nivelle, Nive, and Orthes, and also in the Waterloo campaign. He has received the war medal with ten clasps for his services in the Peninsula, and has only very lately returned from active service in the Kafir war. The grand civic banquet to the gallant officers (naval and military) ordered upon foreign service is fixed for Saturday, the 11th of March next ; and it is expected that her Majesty's Ministers will dine with the Lord Mayor and Lady Mayoress during the same month. The Duke and Duchess of Roxburgh, and the youth ful Lady Susan Innes Ker, have arrived in London, from Fleurs Castle, near Kelso, N.B. The Marchioness of Breadalbane has arrived on a visit to her relative, George Baillie, Esq., of Mellerstan, at his seat, in Midlothian, en route from Taymouth Castle to Breadalbane House, Park-lane, for the season. _ _ The Earl and Countess of Lichfield have arrived in town, from Brighton. The Earl and Countess of Kinnoull and family, who have been passing the winter at Brighton, have returned to Hampden House for the season. A marriage will shortly take place between Colonel Long, of Bromley Hill, Kent, late of the Grenadier Guards, and Miss Herbert, sister to Mr. Herbert, of Muchruss, Killarney, M.P. for the county of Kerry. MARRIAGE IN HIGH LlFE.—Yesterday the nuptials of the Hon. Harriet Louisa Hanbury, eldest daughter of the late Lord Bateman, with Mr. Astley Dashwood, son of Sir Charles Dashwood, were celebrated at the church of St. George, HanoVel , square, in the presence of a dis tinguished circle of the nobility, &c. His Grace the Archbishop of York officiated on the occasion. After the ceremony, Lady Bateman, mother of the bride, gave a dejeuner at her mansion in Cumberland-street, Hyde park. The happy pair subsequently left town for Mares field-park, Sussex, the seat of Sir John Shelley, M.P. for Westminster. CRYSTAL PALACE.—His Royal Highness Prince Al bert visited the palace yesterday, and devoted two hours to a careful inspection of the works, expressing much satisfaction with the progress which has been made, espe cially in the Fine Arts and in the gardens. His Royal Highness was accompanied to the different portions of the palace and grounds by Sir Joseph Paxton, Mr. Dighy Wyatt, Mr. Belshaw, and other officers of the company. A MAN MURDERED BY HIS EA THEE. —Williatil Barker, a cattle-dealer, of Donnington, Lincolnshire, 37 years of age, was a few days ago stabbed by his father, Christo pher Barker, a man of 66. The evidence given before the coroner, Mr. Pricker, at the inquest held yesterday at Donnington, went to prove that the prisoner was ad dieted to drink, and had frequent quarrels with his son, during which he had often been heard to threaten his life. Yesterday week the deceased had been drinking at theßed Cow at Donnington. and his wife and he went home toge ther. Soon after they left the public-house the prisoner came up, and a quarrel took place. The deceased pushed his father, who fell down, being tipsy at the time. They af terwards crossed over the road together, and the quarrel appeared to be over, but the old man suddenly pulled out a large clasp knife and stabbed his son three times. The wounds were of such a nature that he died a few days afterwards. The prisoner called out, "Oh Lord, I have stabbed my son !" Afterwards he exhibited the knife, admitted that lie had stabbed his son, and said he did not care who knew it. He added that he had once bought a pistol to shoot him for his ill-treatment. The jury returned a verdict of "Wilful murder" against the prisoner, who was committed for trial. The deceased has left a wife and six children. He was an industrious man, and did a good business as a cattle-dealer with many of the farmers in the county. THE COMMAND OF THE BALTIC FLEET. Admiral Sir Charles Napier has been appointed to the command of the Baltic fleet. It is a safe prophecy that the public at large will accept this fact as a new proof that the Government are earnest in their opposition to Russian aggression. Sir Charles Napier has excited the enmity of certain cliques in the Navy—but his bitterest opponents cannot deny that he is a man of action. But if he has Tory foes there are reasons for it. He is a Political Reformer—he has represented Radical constitu• encies—he is not a dandy—he has won the reproach of being " indiscreet." But Reformers have little difficulty in understanding that in official jargon all men are " indiscreet" who expose official abuses, and all men are unpopular with the obstructives who solicit the votes of Liberal constituencies. Up to the present time we have had in com mand of one naval force brought to bear on this Russian question a Whig Admiral, and the result, at present, has been far from brilliant. We shall now see what a practical reformer can do afloat. - Sir Charles Napier's services as a sea captain have been varied. He ranks in the Navy as Vice-Admi ral, and is third in the list of that rank enjoying the good service pension. He fought a 3 long ago as 1806, as Lieutenant of the Courageux, and from that year till 1813 was engaged in various naval actions—in all cases showing himself an active and fearless officer. His experience has been won on many seas, and against various foes—Don Miguel included—his last and chief exploits in the Royal Navy being those at the storming of Sidon and the bombardment of St. Jean d'Acre, in 1840. It is more than probable that, before the present year is out, we may find him again putting for ward claims on public approbation and applause for duties done in the Baltic more important and more memorable than any that have hitherto distinguished his meritorious and remarkable naval career. The fleet he is called upon to lead to the North is to be one of the most powerful that ever left the shores of any nation. It will include a class of ships new in their warlike powers, and unparal lelled in their destructive capabilities. The list is not yet complete, but, according to a recent state ment, we may count upon a muster of vessels amply sufficient to do what the necessities of Russian ag gression may render needful to be done in the Baltic, The catalogue is a noble one in its way. At the naval review at Spithead, there were nine line-of-battle ships. What these vessels might be able to perform was tolerably well indicated on that occasion, but the Baltic fleet will far exceed in force the naval armaments then mus tered. At Spithead, besides the nine line• of-battle ships, there were about seventeen frigates and .sloops but, as our Portsmouth correspondent has already reported, we are " now equipping double that number of ships of the line, and nearly double that number of frigates and sloops," for this expedition to the North. At anchor in the Baltic there are now a number of Russian men-of-war, outside the ice and approach able ; and we may fairly anticipate--unless the Czar, bully-like, draws back at the eleventh hour, when he finds himself met manfully face to face— we may see, before the end of the year 1854, those same Russian men-of-war safely brought into Ports mouth harbour. Besides this sign of earnestness shown by the ap pointment of Sir Charles Napier to the Baltic fleet, it is confidently rumoured that a communication similar in character to the letter of the Emperor of the French has been sent to the Czar from En;. land. Rumour says that a definite number of days has been named from the date of the receipt of such letter, ivithin which the Autocrat is to give orders to his invading forces to fall back beyond the Pruth— the penalty of non-compliance being open and immediate hostilities on the part of the allied forces of England and France.—Daily News. REVOLVERS FOR Trie NAVY. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. SlB,—The Admiralty, being in earnest, have done wonders ; but why don't they supply a limited number of revolving pistols to each ship for the use of the boarders ? The old-fashioned ship's cutlass, pistol, or pike has not a chance in attack or defence against hese deadly modern weapons at close quarters. The Yankees have proved it in, Mexico and the prairies. Heaven grant we may not, when too late, find out that the Russians are before us, as reported, in this matter ! Yours obediently, H. J. London, Feb. 23. SLIERTFFS COURT.-(THIS DAY). (Before R. Gurney, Esq.) AN OBSTINATE TENANT.-ALLPRESS V. BRIDELEAN. This was an action to recover the sum of 8/. 15s. for one quarter's rent of a house occupied by the defendant. The defendant admitted his liability, but pleaded his inability to pay. He had been out of a situation for some time, and was now an attorney's clerk at 1/. per week. His Honour sail that h clerk with only 11. a week ought not to take a house at such a rent. The. plaintiff said it was a small house furnished, and he would not pay the rent or give up the key. The defendant said he would pay the rent up to Christ mas by instalrnenti, and give up the key if plaintiff would forgive the subsequent rent. This the plaintiff declined, and defendant said he would hold possession. His Honour then made an order for immediate pay ment. BANKRUPTCY COURT-(THIS DAY.) (Before Mr. Commissioner Holroyd.) IN RE GILLIE AND ACKERMANN.-SECOND ADJOURNMENT SINE DIE. These bankrupts were described as formerly of White cross•street, drapers, and their last examination having been adjourned sine die in 1849, in consequence of the imperfect state of the accounts. The bankrupt now came up on further accounts, and was again opposed on behalf of the assignees, on the ground that the accounts were still unsatisfactory. His Honour, on referring to the proceedings, said that the accounts now rendered were no better than the last, and it appeared, from the bankrupts''own examina tion, that the o n ly b oo k s k ept were a fcger and bill hook ; that on the previous month, before the bank ruptcy, the bankrupts had doubled their purchases, and no account had been rendered as to the disposal of the property. For the bankrupt it was urged that when the bank ruptcy was formed, it was agreed that Gillie should keep the books. His Honour said that was no excuse, and if the assignees pressed it, the examination must be further adjourned. The bankrupt said he feared it would be impossible for him to file any better accounts. The Solicitor to the assignees said he must press the opposition. The examination was again adjourned sine die. The debts were about 1,600/. ; assets, 3701. SUSPECTED MURDER OF A FEMALE IN THE CITY. The most painful excitement prevails in the vicinity of Farringdon-street in consequence of the body ofMrs. Ellen Bresley, a widow, aged 29, having been discovered in a room she occupied at No. 3, Braziers'-buildings, under the following suspicious circumstances. It appears that the deceased sold fruit and vegetables in Farringdon market, at which place she was a regular attendant. The inmates of the house in which she resided saw her alive en last Sunday morning, at which time she was rather worse for liquor. Her non-appearance in the market on Monday and Tuesday created alarm amongst her acquaintances, who, on Wednesday forenoon, went to her lodgings to ascertain if she was ill, when they were horror-struck on observing a large quantity of blood on the landing close to the room door. Information was given to the police, and the door was forced, open, ,when a shocking sight was disclosed. The unfortunate crea ture was sitting on the floor in a pool of blood, her clothes in great disorder and saturated with gore, her person discoloured . , and the upper part of her body ex hibit evidence of most brutal treatment. Mr. Birt, surgeon, of Farringdon-street, was immediately sent for; but the woman being at the point of death, her limbs being quite rigid, he had her at once removed to the infirmary of the West London Union, which was close at hand, and where every effort to restore animation proved ineffectual. She expired without exhibiting the slightest consciousness. Mr. Payne, the coroner of the City, has been apprised of the melancholy occurrence. DEATH OF SIR JOHN GERARD, BART.—This hon. baronet expired, at Lower Grove House, Roehampton, on Tuesday, in his 50th year. He was the twelfth baronet. English creation, 1611. COMMITTEE ON COMPLAINT OF BREACH OF PRIVILEGES. —This committee re-assembled yesterday at noon, when all the members were present except Mr. George Moore. Mr. Henley occupied the chair. Mr. Harrison, the printer of this journal, was called, and produced to the committee copies of the Times and of the Freeman's Jour nal containing the articles and charges complained of. Mr. Kelly, solicitor, was afterwards examined for about half an-hour by various memberc of the committee, and we are enabled to state that the tenour of his evidence was very decidedly in support of the truth of the charges made by himself and Dr. Gray, and not at all the con trary, as many had anticipated. Dr. Gray being at present at Louth, the committee, after complimenting Mr. Kelly on the straightforward and manly way in which he had given his evidence, adjourned to Tuesday next, at 1 o'clock.—Times. THE GENERAL STEAM COMPANY'S PACKET MENAI, —The Menai, which was struck by a heavy sea on the night of the 9th inst., at the moment she was steering into Calais Harbour from London, and drove on th e sands at the back of the west pier, lose to Fort Rouge, is likely to become a total wreck. She lies partly buried in the sand. Most of her cabin furniture, spars, stores, &c., have been saved ; and it is expected that the efforts now being made to extricate her engines and boilers will be successful. The Menai was one of the oldest Yessell in the service of the company, LATEST FOREIGN NEWS. RUSSIA AND TURKEY. It was confidently asserted in Paris yesterday that Austria entirely adheres to the policy of France and England ; it is even said that she will take part in the treaty of alliance which is being negotiated between the two Western Powers and Turkey. The Independence of Brussels, of yesterday, which on this subject should be a .(rood authority, states positively that the French Government has received from Austria assurances of sympathy in the war which is now commencing. A telegraphic despatoh, dated Vienna, yeste r d a y, states that the Austrian troops are now ready for action on the south-eastern frontier, and will be em ployed in putting down any attempt at insurrec tion against the Porte, whether in Servia, Monte negro, or Bosnia. It also says that a feeling of gratitude may pre vent Austria part;cipating in hostile measures against Russia, but that she will positively not assist in supporting her pretensions. Austria, it is added, is in worse odour at St. Petersburg than either France or England. In its new financial measures, the Austrian Go vernment formally renounces all right to issue bank notes. The Bank takes on itself unconsoli dated debt represented .by 149,000,009 florins in Imperial Treasury bills. The Government gives the Bank as security the Customs' revenue, and repays 10,000 florins a-year. A letter from Berlin of the 20th says :—England has announced to our Government the speedy en trance of a British fleet into the Baltic. Mr. Camp bell, English Consul at Stettin, has been here for some days, and his presence is supposed to be con nected with the entrance of that fleet. It is said that M. de Benkendorff, the Russian Military Plenipotentiary, has been recalled. Prussia, in consequence, will have only to occupy herself with her interests and those of Germany. She cannot permit Russia to insist on her unjust pretensions, which suspend indefinitely the peace and safety of Europe. The Zeit of this place makes on that point the following remarks :—" Prussia has during the whole time of the Eastern difficulties, taken into account her friendship for Russia. She ought to expect from Russia not to insist on a demand disapproved of by all Europe, and in which Prussia was obliged to perceive that she must sacrifice her sympathies and her duties." -A - letter from Frankfort says :—" Our Stock Exchange is very much irritated against Russia, not only because she excites a European war, but because she causes Austria n S ecur iti es to de:line ; paper money in particular is almost as low as it was in 1848. The blow which Russia inflicts on Aus trian finances is a set-off for the service she rendered to Austria ; so that the latter is not ungrateful. Austria has made all possible efforts to prevent war between Russia and Turkey, but Russia has paid no attention to her desire." Our latest news from St. Petersburg is dated the 12th instant. The Hamburger Nachrichten says that the return of Count Orloff was anxi ously expected, although it was already known that his mission had been unsuccessful ' • and the feeling towards Austria in th e hi g h es t circles had consequently undergone a material change, her conduct being considered more ungrateful than had been expected. The Emperor Nicholas is said to be in an exceedingly excited and morbid state of mind, caused by the vacillations and doubts that are inseparable from the course of action which he must now resolve upon. Her Majesty the Queen of England's speech also, at the opening of Parliament, had made no very friendly impression upon him ; but the letter from the Emperor of the French had been received with a " strong feeling of dissatisfaction." It was known at St. Petersburg that a neg - ative answer had already been given thereto, and people who are about the person of the Emperor say that there is little or no chance of his Majesty giving way. It is said that the very opposition which Russia meets with on all sides tempts the firm and inflexible character of the Monarch to persist in his hitherto adopted line of policy. Under these circumstances, even the return of Count Orloff to St. Petersburg will hardly bring about any material change in the dispositions of Lie Emperor Nicholas; and the new mediatory project suggested by Austria, of which Count Orloff was the bearer, will most likely share the same un happy fate as all the preceding projects. At all events, we hear that Russia is preparing for war against England and France. The peace party at the Court of St. Petersburg is completely van quished. A war manifesto may soon be expected to appear, which will call the nation to arms in defence of its honour and most precious inte rests, and, above all, in defence of the orthodox faith. M. de Lapinski, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, has received orders to draw up this document in terms both decided and popular, and full of ardour (plein, de chaleur). It was also stated that Russia would declare to the Courts of Vienna and Berlin that it did not intend to endanger the existence of the Otto man Porte, nor to retain permanent posses sion of the Danubian Principalities ; adding, how ever, that affairs have now tak en suc h a t urn as t o render it a duty incumbent on Russia to bring matters to a decision. This has been construed into a probable demand for war expenses, which Russia, if victorious, will claim of the Porte, it may be, in the shape of a cession of a portion of the Turkish territory in Asia. The Russian fleet in the Euxine has received orders not to pro voke a collision with the combined fleets, but, on other hand, to accept a sea-fight if offered. The following letter from Omar Pasha appears in the Moniteur of yesterday. " Shumla, Jan. 17 (29). "A very serious engagement has taken place within about six hours' journey in advance of Kalafat, near the village of Citate on the Russian Christmas-day. Our force consisted of 11 battalions of infantry, 22 field pieces, three regiments of cavalry, and 450 irregular horse, under the orders of Ahmed Pasha. The Russians had upon the spot 15 battalions of infantry, two regi• ments of cavalry, besides two squadrons of Pas kiewitch's Hussars, and five squadrons of Cossacks, all under the command of General Aurep. In order to keep up the communications between the village of Citate and Kalafat, three other battalions had advanced as far as the village of Pojana. Citate was occupied by four battalions of Russian infantry, 12 pieces of cannon, two squadrons of Paskiewitsch's Hussars, and five squadrons of Cossacks. The Russians bad raised a redoubt behind the village. The village was attacked by six battalions of infantry, 12 pieces of cannon, and two regiments of cavalry, under the orders of Ismail Pasha. The rest of our troops, commanded by Mus tapha Pasha, and consisting of five battalions of in fantry, ten pieces of cannon, and one regiment of ca valry, were posted before the village. " After an obstinate combat of three hours the enemy was completely dislodged from the village. The streets were encumbered with dead. Half a Russian battalion surrounded and incapable of retreat, perished at the point of the sword. Hardly 600 men of this regiment could escape. Shortly before this, the Russian cavalry, charged by ours, were at the first shock completely routed. " While our troops were engaged in taking the vil lage by assault, another Russian detachment of nine bat talions of infantry, six guns, and two regiments of cavalry, attacked our reserve, posted before the village, and committed the fault of attempting to take our rear instead of charging our right. This was the cause of their defeat, because our troops in changing from front to rear, and by placing themselves nea rer t o th e b ac k o f the village, were able to profit by the advantage of the ground, particularly those battalions placed in first line, which were covered by a ditch, as well as the other two battalions of the second line, which were also placed in a very advantageous position. "The fight upon this point lasted an hour and a half. From the commencement of the cannonade our artillery had caused so much loss to the enemy that the latter, de spairing of holding his position, advanced withi n th e range of our guns. Thanks to the coolness of our troops, this movement was fatal to him; the well-directed fire of our infantry, aided by grapeshot, produced such ravage in the enemy's line, that, once forced to beat a retreat, he was soon compelled to fly in disorder, pressed by our infantry, who rushed in pursuit of him. Had it not been for the night and the fatigue of our troops, who had been on the march that and the preceding day, the enemy would have been completely routed. "The loss on our part is e.-timated at 300 dead and 700 wounded ; among the latter, Ismail Pasha and Mustapha Pasha, th ree co l onels, and three chiefs of bat talions. "The loss of the Russians, according to the most accurate accounts, amounted to 3,000 dead, including three colonels, three chiefs of battalions, and at least 60 officers. More than 20m) chariots, each carrying four or five wounded, were sent to Krajova and Station., besides the wounded soldiers, who went on loot towards Krajova. Among the wounded is General Orloff, two colonels, and seven chiefs of battalions. Another colo nel is missing. Three waggons laden with munitions and a quantity of baggage, 500 muskets, 60 officers' swords, and 500 horses, most of them wounded, form the trophies of the day. Several crosses of St. George now ornament the breasts of our soldiers. General Orloff has since died of his wounds. "As the redoubt behind the village was defended to the death, and as our troops were not prepared to scale it, they gave up the idea of taking it, and assembled it little in the rear. " The Russians, believing that they were pre parations for a fresh attack, abandoned the making the redoubt and took flight under shelter of a small wood. Our troops soon abandoned a pursuit which would have been useless. " After three hours' rest, our troops returned to Kalafat. Our dead have been buried at Widdin. " Our soldiers gave no quarter to the enemy, which was the reason why the redoubt was so desperately defended. " The Russians also attempted, under the protection of their flotilla, a strong attack upon Isaktchi and Matschin, but they were repulsed with considerable loss. "They endeavoured also to establish fortifications upon the island opposite to Matschin. With this view they succeeded in descending upon the island with two battalions of infantry and'six pieces of cannon. After an engagement which lasted an hour and a half, they were drivers from the island, with the loss of 150 killed and wounded. Our loss was only 34 wounded and 17 killed. Our troops destroyed the works commenced by the Russians, as well as a small bridge, which united the island with, the left bank, and returned to their garrison.; at Matschin, with 100 muskets belonging to the enemy. " 1 have replaced the commander of Dobrougna by Mastapha Pasha, who conducts himself very well. Re has just raised fortifications on the two points which I pointed out to him, that is to say, where the arms of the Ismailow and the Toultcha join, and also upon a point below Ibrail. These fortifications are armed with artillery, so that the communication of the Russian flotilla near the Ismailow and Ibrail is cut off, unless these works should be taken by the enemy. The Rus sians have established fortifications opposite or below Isaktchi. From this point, and their flotilla at Ismai low, composed of eight sloops and one steamer, they recently commenced a bombardment, which lasted for two balls successively. After having fired more than 2,000 days, they retired without obtaining any result. Two of their sloops were disabled by our guns. I do not exactly know their loss. Ours was four men killed, and a sub-officer lost his arm. " We continually annoy the Russians by strong sudden descents upon the advanced posts on the Danube. From time to time Giurgevo is bombarded on the side of Rust chuk. The Russians, on the other hand, have attacked our advanced posts six or seven times with some success, causing us a loss of 20 men. "A quarter of Dannenberg's corps has been destroyed in these attacks and engagements. The Russians are in consequence very rancorous, and thirst for revenge. With this object they have concentrated 30,000 men at Lrajova, and, as it would appear, 25,000 more are on the march from Bucharest, one-half of whom will go to- wards Krajova, and the other towards Rachova, where the Russians are constructing a bridge on the Schyl, destined for the passage of the Danube. We have a sufficient force of men and artillery. "The first columns of our irregular cavalry from Asia and Syria are advancing upon the points which they are directed to occupy on the Danube. "The following is the total force of the Russians on the Danube : Men. Dannenberg's Corps 30,000 This corps has suffered much sickness, and during the engagements. Luders' Corps 28,000 A division of this corps is in the Caucasus. Osten Sacken's Corps 25000 More than one division of thi s cor p s i s i n B essa- , rabia. It is by no means complete. A division of cavalry - 4,000 Total 87,000 " We may, without hesitation, deduct from this army 10,000 men detached from the ranks by sickness, for the typhus and other fevers are making great ravages among it. Russia dare not withdraw from Poland Paniutin's corps and send it hither. The reasons for not doing so are known, and we do not envy Russia the spirit which reigns in her army. The opinion expressed by her officers is, that this time the Emperor is greatly mistaken in his calculations. "We have also lost two battles in Asia. They have cost us about 2,000 men, and double the number were wounded. We also lost 14 pieces of cannon. The cause maybe traced to the defective mode of command. 1 ‘ My family are well. My nephew, Jenfik Bey, eminently distinguished himself at the battle of Citate, and was promoted to the rank of colonel, in spite of my intentions, although very, capable, he is still very young. My brother and Omar Bey beg you to accept their respects." FRANCE. The Moniteur of to-day publishes a decree, call ing out the remaining men of th e con ti ngents o f 1849 and 1850. It also contains the letter of M. Drouyn 'de Lhuys to General Castelbajac, ordering him to leave St. Petersburg with all the officials of the Em bassy except M. de Castillon, to whom, till further orders, the protection of French i n t eres t s a t St. Petersburg is confided. The Debats says that the Cabinet of Vienna appears disposed to adhere to a treaty of alliance between Franke, England, and Turkey. It was currently rumoured in Paris last evening, and apparently on good authority, that the Duke of Cambridge, Lord Raglan, and all the officers of the general staff of the English expeditionary army, are to pass through Paris on their way to Marseilles, where they will embark for Malta and Constantinople. The intelligence has been received with great favour by the French, and there is no doubt that the reception they will receive in the capital of France will con vince all men of the falsehood of - the calumny circulated by the Fusionists and Legitimists, that the alliance between England and France is not popular in the latter country. Among Frenchmen of all ranks there is but one opinion on the subject, namely, that the reception of our gallant country men would be enthusiastic, and that their visit to Paris would do good. It is to be hoped, therefore, that the proposed visit of the British generals will not be abandoned. Two divisions of the army intended to aid the Turks will leave Toulon and Algiers on the 6th of March. They will be commanded by Generals Caniobert and Bosquet. Each division will have two Generals of Brigade. Those officers will be, Generals Viney, Autemarre, d'Herville Bonet, and Espinasse. General d'Allonville is to have the command of a brigade of cavalry, and Prince Napo leon a reserve brigade of the same force. The Princess Lieven left Paris yesterday morn ing for Brussels, accompanied by her son, Prince Paul de Lieven, and her niece, the Princess Kont chabee. The retreat of the Princess is the signal for the departure of all the Russians remaining in Paris. As long as she remained the Russians felt themselves safe. Almost all the subjects of the Czar will have left Paris in the course of the pre sent week. A marriage is announced between Prince Joachim Murat, the eldest son of Prince Lucien Murat, and the young Princess of Wagram. The bridegroom is in. his 19th year, and the bride 22. The young lady is very beautiful, and possesses one of the largest fortunes in France. Marshal de St. Arnaud is seriously ill. In the event of his death General Canrobert will become Minister of War. The following degatela has been published' in most 9f the provincial journals : " THE MINISTER OF THE INTERIOR TO THE PREFECTS. "Paris, 20th Feb., 10i a.m. `• The Moniteur has no official part. A note inserted at the head of the non-official part states that the reply of the Czar to the Emperor leaves no further chance of a pacific solution, and that France must prepare to sup port by more efficient means the cause of which the persevering efforts of diplomacy could not procure the success." The arrests which have been effected within the last two clays were continued during Wednesday night, and nearly 500 persons are said to be at present in custody. M. Pietri, the Prefect of Police, caused a deputation of the foremen and heads of workshops in the most important es tablishments of Paris to appear before him, and spoke to them nearly in the following terms : —" I have been greatly surprised to hear that the men under your orders intend to make a manifestation on the 24th of February. I reaßy thought the workmen of Paris were more patriotic, but it certainly is not to show much patriotism to act in such a manner as was almost certain to generate disturbance, and particularly when the French Government is on the point of entering on a struggle with the Emperor of Russia. Be sides, do not the workmen of Paris entertain apprehensions, if they make a manifestation on the 24th, that they may be suspected of receiving money from the Legitimists - and the Orleanistsl —for I know well that these parties are Spend ing money most profusely to embarrass the Government. In conclusion, I have to say that I hope the workmen will renounce their intention, which could not lead to any good. One of the men present replied that the intention of the work men was not to excite any disturbance, but that they always looked on the 24th of February in the light of a Sunday, and that they certainly would not work on that day. So the interview terminated. It is believed that to-day will pass tranquilly over, so efficient are the measures taken by the Govern ment to that effect. The new loan spoken of is not yet signed, but the negotiation is said to be far advanced. Roths child, Baring, and Hottinguer, are mentioned ; it is to be concluded at 59, and issued at 64, and Baron Rothschild is said to have obtained a special guarantee. The Bourse opened yesterday with the appear ance of a considerable rise, and the Three per Cents., first quoted at 66f. 90c., rose to 67f. 15c. A report subsequently circulated, that the opera tives in Paris propose to celebrate the anniversary of the 24th of February, 1848, by walking in pro cession on the boulevards, produced a re-action, and the Three per Cents. fell to 66f. 65c., at which thby closed for the end of the month. The Four and-a-Half per Cents. closed at 96f. ; Orleans Railway s h ares, 1,075 f. ; Rouen, 860 f. ; Great Norther n , 735 f. ; P ar i s an d Ly ons , 810 f. ; L yons to the Mediterranean, 657 f. 50c. ; W es t ern o f France, 565 f. ; Bordeaux and Cette, 525 f. ITALY. - in its sitting of the 19th, the Piedmontese Cham ber of Deputies decided that its President should represent that body at the public rejoicings going on at Genoa to celebrate the inauguration of the railway. The law suppressing all th e d u ti es on corn an d alimentary substances throughout the Piedmontese dominions was published on the 20th. By the same law the communes are interdicted from laying any local duty upou the said articles of consumption. !"g, Def.