The Sun. — London, England, 1864-01-02 00:00:00

AG , ENTS REQUIRED. riIHE ROYAL INSURANCE COMPANY is prepared to enter taM applications tor Agency Appoint ments from gentleme:a having command of lire and Lite Business. The Royal has always been conspicuous for its liberality and promptitude in th e settlement of claims. Its annual Income is t tow ov er 5_500,00) And its funds in hand exceed £1,C09,000 Transfers of Policiet s from other Companies received with out charge for Policy, whatever the amount. Address , JOHN B. JOHNSTON, Secretary. Royal Insurance Cemtpany, 29, Lombard-street. BONNET'S SILKS 5. LYON.—Every Article of commerce takes its title either from the inventor or nan ufacturer. and the more perfect the production the grater is the credit which attaches to the originator. BONNET'S SILKS are said to be incapable of identifica tion in England ; but the fallacy of such an assertion is ex posed by the very trade mark of the firm, as exhibited by Messrs. JAY, of Regent-street. The followfmg interwoven mark may be seen at the end Of each piece : —" Manufacture de C. J. Bonnet et Cie., a Lyon a Injurieux.." Wear guaranteed.. ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT-GARDEN. Under the Managemenof Miss Louisa Pyae and Mr. W. Harrison. THIS EVENING, to commence with the Second Act of Balfe's popular opera, THE BOHEMIAN GIRL. After which, a Grand Christmas Pantomime, on a sale of unpreccdente d magnificence, entitled RARLEQUIN ST. GEORGE AND THE DRAGON. Doors open at half-past Six—Commence at Seven. TIiEAT RE ROYAL DRUR Y-L AN E. Managers, Messrs. Edmond Falconer and F. B. Chatterton. THIS EVENING, the Farce of A ROLAND FOR AN O LIVER. Messrs. Walter Lacy, Addison, G. Belmore, the Misses 11 eath, R. Leclercq, Murray. To conclude with the new Grand Christmas Comic Panto mime of SLNI BAD THE SAILOR ; or, The Seven Wonders of th- Worktl. Clowns, Messrs. H. Boleno and C. Lauri ; Harlequins, Messrs. J. Cormack and S. Saville ; Pantaloons. Messrs. W. A. Barnts and J. morns ; Columbines, Madame E.oleno and asses Gunniss. Prices as u.suaL Box Office open from 10 till 5 daily. itOYA.I, LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Sole Management of Mr. Fechter. BEL Triumphant Success) will be repeated Every Evening during the Week. TIIIS EVENING, the performance will commence with'a New and Original Farce, entitled THE LOST CHILD: •Itessrs. IL Widdicombe, Shore, Garden, F. Charles Collett, ',foreland; Misses Percy, Pauline Ledercl, Wood, Mrs. Lee, and Miss E. Lavenu. After which, at Eight o'clock, BEL DEMONIO, a Love otory, in Twelve Tableaux, taken from Stendhal's "Italian Chronicle," by Mr. John Brougham. Principal charac ter by Mr. Fechter, supported by Messrs. Jordan, Charles, Brougiusm, Emery, Raymond, Moreland, Smith, Clifford, Collett, Sims ; Miss Kate Terry, E. Layenu, Mrs. Lee, and Hiss Elsworthy. The Public are entreated to take notice that No Charge is made to the occupants of Boxes, Box-places, or Stalls, either for play bills or for the safe keeping of hats and cloaks, and teat the attendants in all parts of the house are forbidden to receive any gratuities whatever. Box-office open daily from 11 to 5. Commence at 7. THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET.- Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr, Buckstone. THIS EVENING, OUR AMERICAN COUSIN: Messrs. Sothern, Buckstone, Chippendale, Braid, Gordon, Rogers, Clark, Cullenford, Acc. ; Mesdames Angel, Snowden, Terry, Lindley, Hill, &c After which, KING ARTHUR ; or The Days and Knights of the Round Table. Messrs. Crdpoendaie, Compton, Braid, Clark, Rogers, Tilbury, c.; Mesdames L. Keeley, Brough, Wright, Terry, Lindley, Rogers, &e. Commence at 7. R OYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.- Sole Lesee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. Open for the Season. THIS EVENING, DONNA DIANA. After which, HARLEQUIN LITTLE TOM TUCKER; or The Fine Lady of Banbury Cross, and the Old Woman who Lived in a Shoe and Had so Many Children she didn't know what to do. R OYAL ST, JAMES'S THEATRE, under the management of Mr. B. WEBSTER. THIS EVENING, the new Comic DrAma of the HEN AND CHICKENS : Mrs. Stirling in her original character. After which, a Comical Congiomerative Christmas Absur dit by Henry J Byron, Esq., and entitled 186 ; or, THE BEN.ATIONS OF IHE PAST SEASON, with a Shameful Revelation of Lad/ Somebody's Secret. New Scenery by Danson and Sons. Appointments by Mr. Ireland. Music by Wallerstein. Principal characters by Mr. J. L. Toole, Arr. Paul Bedford, Miss Cottrell, Miss Fanny Josephs, .:tc. And the BIRTHPLACE OF PODGERS : Mr. J. L. Toole n his original character. N - F THEATRE-ROYAL, ADELPHL- Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. THIS EVENING, THE SPITALFIELDS WEAVER Nr. J. L. Toole. to Eight, the New Drama of LEAH : Mies Bate men, supported by Messrs. Arthur Stirling, R. Phillips, Bil inscton, Stuart, Stephenson, Eburne; Miss H. Simms, and Mrs. Billingtcn. To conclude with LADY BELLE BELLE; or, Fortunio and his Seven Magi 3 Men. Messrs. J. Clarke, R. Phillips, Stephenson ; Miss Woolgar, Miss K. Kelly, Miss _Patti Joseihs, Miss L. Laidlaw, Miss Seaman. Commence at 7. LEA H.-EVERY NIGHT, Actress,E V N I MiesN G , At ri t S h S e 8 13 0 th A L E pe l‘ a i r A an N ce of L th E e A etr il ea . t T T ra li alT 2BA E MAN, in the character of LEAH. In consequence of the unbounded success with which Miss Bateman's imperso nation of the priucipal character in the new Five Act Drama of LEAH has been attended. Mr Webster begs to announce that it will be performed EVERY EVENING until further notice. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Manager, Mr. W. 11. Swanborough. THIS EVENING, OBSERVATION AND FLIRTA TION-. Atter whi.3h, the Grand Christmas Burlesque, ORPHEUS AND EUR VOICE : Messrs. Honey, Wood, James Fenton, Mesdames S wanboroufth, Marie Wilton, Hughes, &c. To conclu le with TURN HIM 0111'. Commence at 7. 11HE THIRD EDITION OF " THE SUN," Containing the Latest SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, on be had Every Evening, of G. ft. GLENIE,'NEws AGENT, Wo. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde-park. HIC HI WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. THIS DA r.—Morning, sa. 58m.—Afternoon, 7h. 21m, To-monno'sr.-Morning, 7h. 45m.—Afternoon, Bh. 16m, The Weather—Sun Office, Jan, 2, 1864. THERMOMETER. This dal at Two o'clock Barometer-30.00. Wind. —North East ; moderate, and fine. gtg t%l .0 0147 4 0 01 " 41 4 , 012L.464,11, LOND ON, SATURDAY, JAN. 2, 1864. Whatever could be done by mortal man towards the guar ding against the possibilities of war, towards the maintenance intact of peace throughout Europe--whatever could possibly be done to this end in the way of frank assurances and pacific proposit'.ons has certainly now been done by the Emperor NAPOLEON 111. Had he, instead of him self, with his own lips and with his own right hand,'speaking and writing, again and yet again, besides opening up negotiations with every Go vernment in Christendom, according to the usual fashion, through his Foreign Minister and his various ambassadors —had the French EMPEROR, instead of voluntarily and spontaneously adventur ing upon all these proceedings of late, maintained a stubborn and inflexible silence—what would not have been said of him ? What construction would not have been put upon that silence ? It would for one thing have been regarded as most sinister! It would have borne the appearance of justifying all kinds of sombre misapprehensions. Alarming ap., prehensions are even now rife in all directions. After the extraordinary and really unparalleled ven tilation of the dread alternative df War and Peace in Europe—fears are still entertained by a very considerable majority, fears as to whether it is in any way practicable to ward off the general danger, to maintain unshaken the general tranquillity. How much darker would have been those fears had nothing whatever been said or done, one way or the other, by the Emperor of the FRENCH ! The latter hls hitherto beep regarded as the most taciturn man in Europe. Yet, looking to recent events, it must be said of him, on the contrary, that no man in all Europe has spoken out so plainly, so boldly, su fienkly, with so much of " abandon," with so little of " reticence" (to use one of the horrid cant p h ra ses of the day), as hej has done—this man of so much sinister taciturnity ! Again and again, we say, he has spontaneously, at no one's instance but ;:is own—T.:in and again, of his own free will, h e has within these last few weeks dragged into public discussion, before all Christendom, that momentous, that vitally important matter of anxiety for us all, the ,dread alternative of Peace or %V r. And he has done this in the most emphatic manner possible —in the so doing, following no precedent whatever, bat, on the contrary, baldly making for himself s prf :cedent. He has seized every available opportunity Varough which he might thrust the matter forcibly a ud impressively under the consideration of his own Legislature, and under the consideration also of the Kings and the Governments of Christendom, The EMPEROR spoke thus himself on the opening of the Iniperial Chambers. He reiterated the assurance of his pacific intentions, in his reply to the loyal ad dress of the Senators and Deputies. He has now done identically the like upon the occasion of the grand and ceremonious gathering together in the Throne-room of the Tuileries, upon the Jour de Pan of all the dignitaries of the Empire, the Cardinals, the Marshals, the Ministers of State, the legislators and administrators of the Imperial GovernmE,nt. And (there is their presence, before all Christendom, in answer to the congratulatory address of the Diplo matic Body, as articulated by the chief among them all, his Excellency the Papal Nuncio, the EMPEROR has, in the last, the most public and the most posi tive manner, avowed that not only he himself still cherishes pacific hopes, but that he has a confidence in the possibility of the nations of Europe yet pre serving peace, yet guarding against the lamentable horrors of a general war. In the interim between His MAJESTY'S Address to the Imperial Legisla ture, on the date of its inauguration, and his Ad dress yesterday, through the Papal Nuncio, to the Ambassadors of all the European Sovereigns on the jour de Pan, he himself, as we all know, has per sonally addressed a letter to each of the rulers of Europe, asking them, if they would endeavour in concert with himself, :to arrange, if possible, the pacific adjustment of a variety of very urgent and very serious differences, any one of which differences, he saw might, we cannot but all see, still, may, lead to a general and sanguinary war among the nations of Christendom. In acting thus, in speaking and writing thus, contrary, we repeat, to all precedent, he has gone to the very extreme—he has laid him self open to actual derision as the most fantastic of Day-dreamers and Ideologists. N'importe• He has done it, nevertheless. At the risk of being derided as an Untopian, he has hazarded what a Frenchman, among all Europeans, regards with the very liveliest horror—the sneering curl of the common-sense man's lip, the scornful shrug of the matter-of-fact man's shoulders ! And he has done this by a proceeding no less bold, and even, be it said, extravagant of its kind than that of bidding to Paris as his guests all the contem porary sovereigns, in an endeavour to realise, if it might only prove in any way to be possible, pre cisely that very Arcadian vision, sung of in, his youth by our own Poet Laureate, in his " Locksley Hall, as— " The Parliament of Nations, The Federation of the World 1" Granted that the proposition of the French EM PEROR is to the very last degree a thing quite impracticable. Yet, after all, the proposing of it— the suggestion of this Utopian notion—amounts simply to this, means literally this, and nothing more than this : namely, that the French EMPEROR, that soi- disant moat ailent man in Europe who now turns out to be, on the contrary, the very man in all Europe the most outspoken, NA POLEON 111. says to all the contemporary govern ments, keeps on saying to them, in spite of all re buffs—Let us see if, in any way, war (a general war otherwise inevitable) may not be avoided by means of peaceful discussion, by means of calm, bloodless, rational negotiations. Call me Utopian, if you so please, but take what I have proposed frankly into consideration. Reject my own plan if you like—but let us see, at least, if by any plan at all, by yours if you will, in preference to any I myself might suggest, War may be avoided. That is really and truly what we plain-speaking islanders call the English of it. That is beyond any doubt the actual purport, the inner significance of the French EMPEROR'S proposition. And it is a noble one. The English public will hear with great satis faction a rumour that their Ministers have at length adopted a bolder and more vigorous course with reference to the dispute between Germany and Denmark than the one they have hitherto fol lowed. The note which Sir ALEXANDER MALET, the British Ambassador at Frankfort, has addressed to the Federal Diet, and which was referred to the Holstein Committee at the sitting of Wednesday, is of no great weight, since the suggestion of a Congress is one very unlikely to be carried out. It is very well when people are disputing about a matter to let them argue it out, but when they they have once come to blows it is not very likely that they will be persuaded to return to the milder form of proceeding. Denmark and Germany, if they are not actually combatants, have passed beyond the stage of diplomatic mimic battle, and approached too nearly to the actual tug of war to render it likely that such a proposition will solve the difficulties of the case. The fact of Sir A. IVIALET being instructed to present to the President of the Diet a copy of the London Treaty is, how ever, more impressive, seeing that the terms of that treaty distinctly reprove the part now being played by the German States. In the words of the third article of that treaty,* "It is expressly understood that the rights and the reciprocal obligations of his Majesty the King of DENMARK and the Germanic Confederation concerning the Duchies of Holstein and Lauenburg, rights and obligations established by the Federal Act of 1815, and by the existing Federal right, shall not be altered by the present treaty." There is no mention of the name of Schleswig throughout the treaty, saving where Prince CHRISTIAN, the pre sent King, is styled Prince CHRISTIAN of Schleswig-Holstein Sonderburg Glucksburg, nor is there the smallest allusion to this suddenly-dis covered claim of the German Diet to interfere with the Government of Kiel. In a very able little brochuret which has just appeared, an attempt is very successfully made to un rave l th e entangle ments of this perplexing question. The ostensible cause of dispute is thus clearly and briefly summed up. The informal engagements contracted by Denmark, and on the interpretation of which the dispute with Germany turns, are the following : " 1. Denmark engaged not to incorporate Schles wig with the Kingdom of Denmark-Proper, or to take any steps tending thereto; and "2. Denmark engaged to establish an organic and homogeneous constitutional connexion of all the parts of the country, so as to form a united mon archy in which no part was subordinate to another. " Germany maintains that Denmark also en.- gaged— "3. To extend equal protection to both the Germany and Danish nationalities in Sleawig. " Denmark denies having made such an engage ment, for it is not found among the stipulations contained in the Austrian despatch of December 26, 1851, to which she assented." Nevertheless, as is shown in the pamphlet alluded to, Denmark has made consideraLle efforts towards securing to the Dachies a large amount of political independence, and that "autonomy" which we hear so much of. Most of her endeavours have been Le Traits de Londres. Copenhagne. t "Memorandum on the Danish-German Queation Bolton, Hyde-park-corner, THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, JANUARY 2, 1864. frustrated by the perversity of the German element in Holstein, and recent events have proved very clearly that it would be completely hopeless to establish a constitution which had to obtain the approval of four distinct and separate representative bodies, each of whom looked with a jealous eye on the others' proceedings. The simple plan of basing the representation upon numbers is scouted, for the simple reason that the half million of Holsteiners wish their influence to preponderate over the million and a half of Danes. As Denmark is not prepared to grant their secret wishes, and abandon any claim to rule over them, nothing she can offer will satisfy their demands. But as the " Memo randum" already referred to very pointedly says the report of the ordinance of the 30th March leaves the Confederation without the shadow of a legal pretext for occupation, the object of the exe cution "is necessarily not Holstein but Sleswig, a Danish crown land over which the Confederation has no rights whatever." It is worth noticing that before the signature of the treaty the Emperor of PRUSSIA had thought it advisable to renounce for himself and his descendants all claim to the Duchy of Schleswig ani Holstein in favour of the reigning house of Denmark, with the express stipulation that such renunciation was only in their favour. With the view of " maintaining the Danish monarchy in its integrity," the names of Prince CHRISTIAN of Glucksburg and his descen dants were distinctly introduced. A copy of these documents may, therefore, suitably be laid before the President of the Diet es a re minder of some very important facts which appear to have slipped from the German memory. It is said, on good authority, that England has gone yet further, and protested against the occupation of Schleswig; warning the signitaries of the Treaty of 1852 that in the event of any attempt to infringe the territorial rights of Denmark, it would be her duty to afford moral and material support to that Power. Language like this, if it has been really held, is befitting the crisis, and it is only to be regretted that a mistaken idea of conciliation has so long delayed it. We suspect its logic will be more convincing than any mere diplomatic arguments, and we may, perhaps, see its effect in the reply of the. King of PRUSSIA. The Empe ror of the FRENCH, in its ready answer to the appeal of the Prince of ATJGUSTENBURG, quietly intimates that the sympathies of France are rather on the side of King CHRISTIAN, and plainly re minds the new claimant of the obligations of that Treaty, which he should know as well as any one, seeing that his father was personally concerned in it. How far German subtlety may attempt to evade the clearly stated arrangement as to the succession to the Danish throne remains to be seen, but Austria, with Hungary like a volcano at her feet, and Venetia waiting to rise, and Prussia with the vision of the Rhine as'the old French boundary, will do wisely to pause and consider before by a wanton disruption of the faith of treaties they lend them selves to a course which will open the gates of war, before whose closing they may see themselves stripped of half their fairest; provinces. Mr. STANSFELD'S diligent investigations into the Civil Departments of the Navy seem to be pro secuted without intermission. It was only the other day that we heard of him down at Devon port; and now, almost before the year closes, he revisits Chatham. This indefatigable inspection of our Dockyards seems to indicate that there has been a screw loose somewhere, and the Junior Lord of the Admiralty is resolved to find it out. That he has a very intricate affair to deal with is beyond doubt; but we fear all his labour will not avail much while " the system " remains in full force. It was an Herculean task to clear the Augean stable ; but it will be found still harder to resolve the mystery of mysteries--the Dockyard doings which have hitherto proved as fathomless as the bottomless pit. it is a labour of hopelessness. Still the pressure of public opinion has become so urgent that something must be done, and to do Mr. STANSFELD common justice, he is doing his best. The meeting of Parliament, like coming events, is casting its shadows before; and, as much is expected, something must be accomplished. The Naval Estimates for the last two or three years have been so heavy, that the public look for corre. sponding results to compensate for such extraordi nary outlay. True it is that our iron ships make a large show for the money, but the question is yet to be proved how the problem will work. It is not enough to make experiments, like playing at soldiers, on targets at Shoeburyness, nor yet on board the Excellent, at Portsmouth, however skil fully the operations may be conducted. The true test is on the open sea, with a bold antagonist, and there we may learn, perhaps to our cost, that too much money has been thrown away. It may suit the fancy of builders to specu late with other people's money in a way which they would not do with their own. But the question arises, why go on so fast before you i see your way more clearly. If it prove that we are in the wrong course, and have yet to take another, look at the enormous expense incurred. Even now the new Constructor of the Navy says that the system of his predeCessors is wrong, that the Warrior, the model ship, is too long by a hun dred feet. That may be a matter of opinion. The improvements still going on in gunnery are such that be the thickness of a ship's side ever so strong, with safety to her floatation, it can be pierced through ;and through. We really waste much money in the hope of attaining invulnerability. Taking the experience of the Americans as a test, for their Monitors are comparatively as small as our ships are large, still these Monitors, iron-cased and tur retted though they be, have recently found the forte of Charleston too much for their mettle, however heavy the projectiles. A few more shots from the forts, and the Monitors would have "gone to the bottom. There may be excess in all things, for too much of a good thing often defeats its purpose, and we may be casing our iron ships beyond their power or their necessity. Whatever is over added to strength detracts from speed, and may imperil safety. The requisites for our ships of war are power, strength, and speed—but speed, above all ; for though our ships are not intended to run away, yet they should be able to overhaul an enemy in any weather. We suspect that our present ideas will become very much altered before we are three months:at war. 'the days of line-of-battle-ships are gone for ever, such as NELSON gloried in, and a new system will be resorted to as circumstances may require. Our sailors will not bear to keep pouring broadsides against walls of iron, without any hope of making an impression. JACK will in sist on coming to closer quarters, and carry his prize by boarding. The ironsides, then, are so mush surplusage. Not that iron is - dot a great protection, but, carried to excess, it will militate against speed, and damp the ardour of our seamen. JACK would rather cap ture than sink his enemy, for he dearly loves prize money. Iron ships will be of immense advantage for coast defence, and a vast number of our present navy might be very well fitted for that purpose. But we do not, see why many of our best ships should not be lined with belts of iron all raund the water-line, some feet above and below, This would protect them in action, and be a vast saving. We require ships all over the world; and lighter vessels might be built for speed, with guns of long range. These would be found very effectual upon emergency. But our present navy is capable of being turned to account, and no doubt the Admiralty is looking to the subject, for we see they are getting rid of many vessels deemed unfit for service. This course had been recommended years ago, but to little purpose. The "system" would keep them lying in ordinary to rot, till time settled the question. Mr. STANS FELD must have seen much of our dockyards during his recent inquiries, bat we fear that his labours will not produce any beneficial result for some time to come. The Dockyard management requires a complete change, and now, as the system is to be altered from wood to iron, there will be a double advantage gained without doing any injustice to the workmen, who will become gradually reconciled to the change. We have no doubt that great im provements will be introduced, founded on the scrutiny instituted in consequence of the dissatis faction manifested during the last session, and the promises made by Government to carry out every possible economy compatible with the exigencies of the service. But the question arises, how was the matter suffered to be overlooked, or unheeded, so long ? That is a question for one party to answer as well as another ; but, as it concerned neither while in office, it was more convenient to leave it to their successors, while the country was none the wiser. Thackeray's Noble Christmas Carol, Gloria in excelsis Deo, et _in terra pax hominibus bones voluntatis. [The verses emphasised below in italics, but espedially the line here printed in small capitals, will be found to hare a most pathetic application to the lamented Author of this exquisite little carol, a song so tenderly and so reverently echoing the Angel's Chorus heard by the shepherds on the night of the first Christmas.] Amen I whatever fate be sent, Pray God the heart may kindly glow, Although the head with cares be bent, And whitened with the winter snow. Come wealth or want—come good or ill, Let young and old accept their part ; And bow before the awful will, And bear it with an honest heart. Who misses or vho wins the prize. Go I lose o r con quer as you can ; But if you fail or if you rise, B 3 each, pray God, a gentleman. A gentleman, or old or young I (Bear kindly Kith my humble lays) ; The sacred chow first was sung Upon the first of Christmas days. The shepherds hoard it overhead— The joyful angels raised it then ; Glory to Heaven on high it said, And peace on earth to gentle men. My song save this is little worth ; I LAY TEE WEARY PEN ASIDE, And wish you health, and love and mirth, As fits the solemn Christmas tide. As fits the holy Christmas birth, Be this, good friends, our carol still Be peace on aura, be peace on earth To men of gentle will. A YANKEE jEAMES, An unmistakeable Jeames gives an account of the Massa chusetts part of the Royal journey, in a little book pub lished some time since in Boston. The writer, it will be observed, discusses the Prince and the member of his suite, as if they belonged to some curious and little known class in natural history, and, whilst affecting to despise it all, dwells upon their titles, and brings in the high-sounding names as often as possible with true republican relish. "The Prince's titles are—Prince of Wales, of, &c., &c. He is not yet 19 years of age, and has done nothing which would distinguish anybody, though this is not at all to his discredit, of course He is a good-natured, pleasant, affable, and rather interesting young man, with nothing about him by which he would be marked were he not to be King of England at some future period It is said that he employs the major part of his leisure time in reading and smoking, and that mild Habano.s' are his particular weakness." Jeames, however, ascertains that " the story that he is allowed only five cigars a day is a fabrication," and:that on the whole he is " an excellent enample to American gentlemen." Of the Duke of Newcastle we learn the fol lowing facts, which we hope are satisfactory to his Grace : —" His personal appearance is unusual—a large, strong, and rather obese body, and a full bold face, covered with a red beard—this face does not indicate intrigue, it does in dicate that he is able, designing, sagacious, and calculat ing." The Earl of St. Germans is more to Jeames's mind. " He is a prodigiously well-preserved gentleman of a fine tall figure. He wears unexceptionable linen and irre proachable coats and troweers, which were the envy of New York swells." Coming to Major Teesdale and the Hon.,Mr Eliot we have types of the " haughty aristocrat." The latter gentleman we find is very tall, and his face is not unlike his father's (the Earl of St. Germans). Mr. Eliot's manners are very proud and reserved, and repel rather than attract the public. He is a member of " crack London corps of the British army," and is distinguished, when, in uniform, by an immense bearskin cap,!which makes his stature appear super human." Major Teesdale, again, "is handsome, having a face of the Teutonic type, and light curly hair and moustache which he wears very pecu liarly. Ho is,haughty in his manners, but nevertheless a favourite among the ladies. The member of the suite who dances with the handsomest ladies is sure to be Major Teesdale, and his peculiarly aristocratic appearance, aided by his rich uniform, always attracts attention and remark." Dr. Acland, "the Prince's Professor at Oxford," is tall and stoutly built, and has h eavy li g h t-coloured side whiskers and high forehead; a nd L or d L yons is "a middle-aged man, of attractive p ersona l appearance and manners, " But Jeames's favourites as approachable aristocrats are Lord Hinchinbrooke and Captain Grey. The formar he even condescends to speak of as "my Lord," He tells us "Lord Hinchinbrooke is short, by no means handsome, very good natured, affable, and anythi ng b ut aristocratic in his ap pearance. He has often b een m i staken for the Prince, whom he resembles in nothi ng b ut his small size, and is greatly sought after by those who are anxious to see a real specimen of a live young Lord." To fipish the list of por traits, which we have sadly cut down as to details from the original descriptions, "Captain Gray is tall, stoops slightly forward, and is distinguished by his closely cropped hair, his long heavy side whiskers, his brilliant dark eyes, fine complexion, and high colour, The Captain is very affable in his manner, has no aristocratic hauteur, and greets the officers of the United States army as brothers."—Bury Poet and Su f folk Herald. WALKER!—The physicians of antiquity founded often the choice of their remedies on resemblances of forms, or sympathise, which they thought they observed between the diseased organs of the body and plants, ani mals and vegetable. These pretended sympathies, which had With them the force of law, have given birth to the most incredible follies. We offer some examples. Theophrastue and Dioscorides assure us that the great and little snake root are very efficacious against the bites of serpents, be cause they are covered With spots—red, grey, yellow, and blue— like the skin of serpents ; that the same is the case with garlic, orchanet, and viperine, the seeds of which resemble the head of a viper. Various species of marbles, whose veins present the aspect of a serpent's skin, can serve the like purpose. Many admirable remedies are proposed by Pliny. To cure headache, it suffices to place on the head a small linen bag containing grass that has been gathered on the head of a statue. Red ranunculus is a sovereign -emedy for a feeble or failing voice, inasmuch as a small chirping insect is found on the stalk of that plant. Many minerals of a milky appearance increase the milk in the females of different animals. The veins of agates offer to the eye the most varied landscapes. We discover therein, by the aid of the imagi nation, rich harvests, trees laden with fruit, and so on. To realise all these productions of the Golden Age it suffices to reduce agate to powder, and to throw the p ow d er round the h6rns of oxen which are at work. An actor who wants to make his voice powerful must furnish himself with a stone which is as sonorous as brass—the phonolit e probably. Hematite stone, pounded into small powder, is as red as blood ; thus it is exceedingly efficacious against hismorrages. If a very pacific man wishes to render himself bold, and even quarrelsome and impudent, helmust wear a lion's:skin, If wedcsire to make a silent per son an interminable babbler we must make him eat a ragout of the tongues of frogs, of ducks, or of wild geese. But if we cannot get him to fall into this snare, we must put under his pillow a little bag filled with these tongues ; he will then speak even in his sleep, and reveal all his secrets AIRS. ESTHER Flu's, wife of Mr. Thomas Fillis• (Clown) died last Wednesday at Cardiff. She was only iu her 30th year, and leaves four children to mourn her loss. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] AMERICA. (Per the Damascus.) NEW YORK, DEC. 19, 1 r.m. The Federals are going into winter quarters at Chattanooga. It is reported that while chasing a blockade runner off Charleston the Federal gunboat Daylight hits been blown up by the Confederate batteries on shore. The Federal Commander Clary has reported from Halifax that the Chesapeake has been delivered up to the British authorities. Money easy. Gold 51/ per cent. premium. THE NEW YEAR'S RECEPTION AT THE TUILERIES. PARIS, lAN. 2. The Mointeur of this morning contains an ac count of yesterday's reception of the Diplomatic body by the Emperor at the Tuileries. It publishes his Majesty's reply to the address of the Papal Nuncio, which entirely agrees with the telegram already published. SCHLESWIG-HOLSTEIN. PROCLAMATON OF THE DUKE OF AUGUSTEN BURG TO THE PEOPLE OF THE DUCHIES. KIEL, JAN. 1 (Evening). The Duke of Augustenburg has, under the title of Duke of Schleswig-Holstein, issued a proclama tion to-day, dated Dec. 31, addressed to the people of the Dachies. The Duke says :—" I would not hold back before your call. I fulfil a duty in bearing the care of this momentous epoch. The Federal execution, which from the beginning was not directed against my Government, has now ceased to have any obj3ct. I am convinced that the Federal Diet will now ac knowleige that th© reasons which determined it to order the administration of the Duchy by Federal Commissioners no longer exist. I expect that my faithful subjects will, however, respect the Federal Administration, and that they will avoid any con flict." THE BRAZIL & RIVER PLATE MAILS, SOUTHAMPTON, lAN. 2. The Royal Mail steamship Parana with the above mails arrived off the Needles at 11.35 a.m. to-day. FRANCE. PARIS, JAN. 1. At the reception of the Diplomatic Body at the Tuileries to-day the Papal Nuncio presented the good wishes of that body to the Emperor. His Majesty, in reply, thanked the Diplomatic Body for their good wishes, and said that they were a happy omen for the year which we were about to enter. The Emperor concluded by saying : "Notwithstanding the difficulties which have been brought about by certain events in different parts of Europe, I am convineed that they will be removed by the conciliatory spirit by which the Sovereigns are animated, and that we shall be able to maintain peace." • The Temps of this evening, referring to the speech, adds that the Emperor addressed himself to the American Ambassador, Mr. Dayton, and ex pressed a hope that the year 1864 would be one of peace and reconciliation for the United States. BOURSE, Dec. 31.—The market shows rather more firmness, but without much change as regards the amount of business. The reponse de primes (option) was made at 66f. 40c,, at which price Three per Cents. now stand. Railway Market quiet, but with prices in general maintained. The market improved towards the close, and left off as follows : 41 per Cents .. 91 40 Do. end month.... Italian Loan 7l 90 Do. end month 7l 65 New ditto .. 70 50 Do. end month.... Russian Austrian Spanish Threes — Home Debt — Deferred 3 per Cents Do. end month 66 50 Credit M0bi1ier....1045 Do. end m0nth....1016 25 Bank Shares 3280 Credit F wider ..... Roman RAIL 'AYS. Cast.. Account. 976 25 975 975 975 Orleans Northern New ditto Lyons and Mediterranean 931 25 .. 930 New ditto B9O .. Southern 677 50 .. 682 50 Western . 5lO .. Eastern .. .. 475 .. 476 25 SarJinian Austrian Lombard .. 520 .. 520 North of Spain Saragossa.. Ditto to Barcelona PRUSSIA. REPLY OF THE KING TO THE ADDRESS. BERLIN, Dec. 31. The following is the text of the King's reply to the Address of the Chamber of Deputies:— " I have weighed the contents of the Address forwarded to me by the Chamber of Deputies, re specting the Danish question , . with that care which I readily accord to the wishes and opinions of the house. " Although the Address commences with the statement that the Chamber of Deputies has already pointed out the direction enjoined by the honour and interests of Germany, I desire to assume that it was not intended thereby to anticipate the decision upon the foreign relations of the monarchy ac corded to me by the constitution and by the laws of the country. The Royal duty to represent and guard the honour and interests of Prussia with regard to foreign powers is inseparably connected with this my right, and I am aware that I can rely upon the tried loyalty of my people in the exercise of this duty. But I also know that I must weigh with paternal care the• question at what period to summon this people to combat, and to ask property and life from its readiness for sacrifice. 1 should not find it compatible with conscientious ness in the fulfilment of my Royal station, if I did not devote my entire guiding energy to the highest tasks which right and the constitution demand of the King. "The Chamber of Deputies may therefore feel assured that the coarse in foreign policy taken by my Government is the result of resolutions which I have maturely weighed. I have adopted these resolutions while mindful of the treaties con cluded by Prussia, as well es of the general situa tion of Europe and our position therein; but at the same time with the resolve to guard German rights in the Duchies, and, in case of necessity, to uphold by force of arms the just objects which Prussia is bound to gain. The decision appertain ing to me by the Constitution as to the farm and to what extent every single means leading to this end is to be brought into application can only be arrived at by myself. " I shall be guided therein by the undeviating resolution to conduct the matter of the Duchies in a manner worthy of the honour of Prussia and Ger many, while at the same time preserving that respect for treaties required by the right of nations. The Chamber of Deputies cannot expect from me that I shall arbitrarily, and mahout regard for the in ternational relations of Prussia, withdraw from the European treaties concluded in 1852. The succession question will be examined by the German Confederation with my co-operation, and I cannot anticipate the results of this exa mination. Before this is established steps should be taken to furnish the means for the execution of measures determined upon by the German Confede ration, and for the possible necessary arrangements for defence which may follow in its train. " The execution of the resolution of the Diet is a duty rightfully incumbent upon the states in accordance with treaties, and the countries must not be found unprepared to meet the dangers which may easily and speedily be evolved from the measure. Under these circumstances, the house cannot be willing to take upon itself the grave responsibility of refusing these entirely indispensable means, 9r of attaching its consent to conditions which inter fere with the undoubted rights of my crown. I should not be able to understand how that house which so vehemently urges my Government to action should refuse the means thereto at the moment and upon the spot where such action can and must occur. I should still be able to under stand such a proceeding as my sentiments and my word guarantee, that the means which I demand for the protection of the rights and honour of the country shall also be correspondingly applied to that purpose. All doubt upon this point contra dicts tip confidence which the Prussian people is accustomed to place in the word of its King. "While directing warning attention to the gravity of the time, and to the importance of the decision for the future of the Fatherland, I must request of the house to discuss with confidence the bill laid before it upon the Bth of the month, and, considering the unceasing development of events, must advise it to speedy grant of the loan indispen sably requisite for the fulfilment of Federal duties, and for placing the defences of the country in a secure position, (Signed) "WILHELM. " Countersigned by all the Ministers except Herr Von Itzenplitz. " Berlin, Dec. 27, 1863." The Registration of Deaths as a Measure of Police. (From the Lancet.) The registration of deaths as a measure of police has perhaps been too little heeded, yet it is probable that the importance of registration might best be brought home to the majority of the public in this aspect. It is not given to every one to comprehend the mysteriee and utilities of vital statistics; and questions of succession, in which a registration of death may play an important part, have but a limited interest. Every one, however, has an inte rest in shielding himself as best he may from mur der or from being needlessly killed ; and there can be little doubt that a careful registration of deaths is one of the best safeguards of a community from foul or careless dealing with life. On the other hand, a careless registration is one of the greatest encouragements to secret murder, or to indifference in occupations dangerous to life. Dr. Buchanan, in his report on the health of St. Giles's, furnishes an important illustration of the scandalous facility with which certificates of death may be obtained in this country, and of certain gravo imperfections existing in the system of regis tration of deaths. No less than 45 deaths, it.ap pears, were registered in St. Giles's in 1862, and the corpse in each case interred, about which there ought to have been an inquiry. In 36 of these instances there was no medical certificate of the cause of death. In 11 of the 36 cases this omission is stated to have occurred through the absence of any medical attendant in the fatal illness. In the other 25 cases it is sim ply recorded that the alleged cause of death was not certified. In two of the cases, at least, there was prima facie ground for suspecting poison. Again, the deaths of no fewer than 20 infants under a week old were registered as occurring from ".premature birth," " convulsions," and so forth, without a particle of medical evidence of the cause. Dr. Buchanan also mentions the case of a domestic servant dying and being buried with out either the medical or registrar's certificate being forthcoming. Again, nine persons were cer tified in 1862 by medical men to have died from an " unknown cause." In each of these cases a judi cial investigation ought to have been instituted. Every one of these deaths was, however, registered, a certificate for burial given, and the body in terred, So great a degree of negligence in the registra tion of deaths, opening out as it does facilities to — nay, even encouraging—foul or careless dealing with life, demands the attention of the Legislature. Now, of every one of the cases which he records Dr. Buchanan says, " The law should have provided for information being sent to the coroner, and none of the bodies should have been buried without his warrant. Whenever a registrar receives informa tion of a death concerning the cause of vvhicl. there is no medical certificate, or receives a medicai certificate in which the cause of death is not satis factorily specified, and generally in all cases of doubt it ought to be his function to communicate with the coroner. Inquiry is needed in such cases, not necessarily for the purpose of criminating any body, but with the object of getting at the real cause of such deaths. By the coroner's inquiry, not only is the moral influence exercised to restrain crime, and in many cases are groundless suspicions allayed, but important information is obtained and diffused, that leads to the prevention in other instances of disease, of violence, and death." W e fully concur in these observations. A Danish View of Federal Execution. We extract the following from the last number of the Dagbladet : " Will any honest men say that the intervention in Holstein comes under the head of Federal execu tion ? In the instructions given to the commis sioners it is expressly - laid down that they have to administer the affairs of the Duchy, reserving to the Sovereign all his rights and without doing pre judice to them. Is it, we say, in conformity with the tenour of that order completely to ignore the existence of . the King of Denmark, by allowing the inhabitants publicly to proclaim a new sove reign ? The execution is nothing less than a mask to foster revolt. " In the interest of peace Europe rejoiced.when, on the 7th December last, the Confederation voted by a small majority execution instead of the occu pation of Holstein. What has now become of the distinction between those two ideas ? Had occupa tion been voted, it would have been a direct infringe ment of international law A heavy pressure has been exercised upon Denmark to compel her not to consider the execution a cams belli, and to resist it by force of arms. The Powers who have made their will prevail at Copenhagen, and who, dis daining to listen to the wishes of the nation, have extorted that concession from the Government, have acted under the supposition that it was simply Federal execution, and that any attempt to make a demonstration in favour of the Duke of A ugusten burg would be rigorously prohibited. What will they say now, after it has been proved that the Plenipotentiary Commissioners of the Confederation patronise and facilitate everything which tends to deprive the Crown of Denmark of the Duchy of Holstein ? This pressure of the neutral Powers at the present moment is our greatest evil. We do not hesitate to say that the whole Danish people chafes with indignation at the inconceivable atti tude assumed by the neutral Powers, who style themselves the friends of Denmark." THE WINGS OF BEES (whose nature it is to creep into small flowers).—The contrivance they are supplied with is very curious. They have four wings, two on each side, and the upper wings fold once, length wise, when the insect walls; but, when it purposes to fly, it straightens this ,wing, by the act of raising it, and the same action hooks the lower wing to it firmly, giving it all the force of a single broad wing. The microscopic shows that, at the base of each of the little wing-cases, which measure, at their broadest part, only one sixty-second of an inch, there is a (haute little comb, formed with beautiful regularity, and having ono hundred and twenty teeth. The use of this comb may be to remove all particles of dust from the long, feathery wings before the wing -cases elose over them. PERFECTION or MECIIANISM.—" As engineers we can say that it really approaches much nearer the perfection of mechanism than any other examp e of clock work we have yet seen on anything like the same large scale."—Engineer, Aug. 15, 1862. Clocks by the first artists of the day for the drawing room, dining room,bed room, library,hall, staircase, bracket, carriage, church, turret, railways, warehouse, count ing house, musical, and astronomical. Church and turret clocks specially estimated fbr. Benson's illustrated pamphlet on clocks (free by po3t for two stamps) with de,eriptions and prices, enables those who live in any part of the world to select a clock. Also a short pamphlet on cathedral and public clocks, free for one stamp. I'rize medal and honour able mention in classes 33 and lip. J. W. Benson, 33 and 34, Ludgate-hill, Loudon, Established 1249. Watch and cloak maker by special warrant of appointment to 11,11.11. the Prince of Wales. tiurt Oritmk HER MAJESTY. OSBORNE, Jan..l. The Queen walked and drove in the grounds yesterday morning, accompanied by the Princess Helena. His Serene Highness Prince Leiningen arrived at Osborne on a visit to her Majesty. The Countess of Macclesfield has also arrived in waiting on the Princess of Wales. The Prince and Princess of Wales. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Princess of Wales are expected to return to Frogmore House on the expiration of their visit to her Majesty at Osborne, either to-day (Saturday) or at the be ginning of the week. The Prince and Princess will remain at Frogmore during this month, and afterwards will reside at Mir!borough House for some time. Her Majesty's New-Year's Gifts. The New-year's gifts of her Majesty to the poor of the parishes of Windsor, Clewer, and the Holy Trinity were distributed yesterday morning at the Town Hall, Windsor, under the management of the Hon. and Very Rev. the Dean of Windsor; the Rev. H. J. Ellison, vicar ; the Revs. Thomas Rooke, R. J. Simpson, and S. J. Stone, curates of St. John's Church; the Mayor of Windsor, &c. Since the death of the Prince Consort this annual distribu tion of her Majesty's bounty has been divested of much of the interest attached to it, as it no longer takes place in the Riding•school, in the presence of her Majesty and the members of the Royal family. The recipients of the Royal gifts were divided into five classes, according to the number of their families. in the first class there were lfifamilies, who received each 71b of beef and 3 cwt. of coals, value 88. 21-,d, In the second class there were 37 families, who received each 61b of beef and 21 cwt. of coals, value 6s. 11d. In the third class there were 62 families, to whom were allowed 51b of beef and 2 cwt. of coals, value ss. Bd. The fourth class contained 118 families, who received 41b of beef and 11 cwt. of coals. In the fifth class there were 124 recipients of 31b of beef and 1 cwt. of coals. The meat, which was of the finest quality, was sup plied by the Royal butchers. In the parish of Windsor there were 357 families who partook of the Royal bounty. The proportions distributed to Clewer were at the rate of 9 to 4 as compared to Windsor, and those of Holy Trinity as 13 to 6, which was according to the population of the respective parishes. The Royal Clothing Club was established under the patronage of her Majesty to induce the poor of the three parishes to deposit small sums weekly during the year for the purpose of receiving at this season an amount of clothing equivalent to their deposits, in addition to which her Majesty gives 3s. to each depositor. During the past year the first class contained 88 members, the second class 244 members, and the third class 259. The amount each first-class person contributes is 205., the second class contribute 155., and the third class Bs. Eight hundred tickets will be issued for the current year to those who may wish to avail themselves of this admirable charity ; and, as a proof of the import ance of this institution, it may be stated that there were double this number of applications, but only half could be received, as the funds will not allow the managers to exceed the original number. The contributors, in case of need, are allowed to withdraw their contributions, and replace them at their convenience: According to the proposal of the Hon. and Very Rev. the Deatt of Windsor, which was adopted by the committee, the contributors are desired to select their goods from any shop in Windsor or Eton. Her Majesty's gifts' amounted to £l5O. The Duke and Duchess of Manchester are ex pected to arrive in town to-day from Kimbolton Castle Hunts, and to go to Knowsley on Monday, to join the dis tinguished circle about to assemble at the invitation of the Earl and Countess of Derby. The Duchess of Montrose left Belgrave-square, yesterday, for the Continent. The noble duke and the Marquis of Graham are staying at Powis Castle, on a visit to the Earl of Powis. The Earl and Countess of Westmoreland are passing the winter in town. The health of the earl is improved, but we hear that his medical advisers order his lordship to abstain from hunting, or any other violent exercise. The Earl and Countess of Wilton are expected to leave town on Monday far Melton Mowbray. The Countess of Craven and Ladies Craven left town yesterday for Ashdown Park, Berks. The earl re mains in town. The Earl Russell returned to Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park, on Thursday evening, from visiting her Majesty at Osborne. Viscount and Viscountess Dangan have arrived at the residence of Colonel P. -Williams, M.P., in Berke ley-square, from visiting the Earl and Countess Cowley a Paris. M. RENAN AND THE KING OF ITALY.—One of the most bitterly ludicrous circumstances we have noticed during the past month is, the conferring of the cordon of St. Maurice and St. Lazarus upon M. Ernest Renan, by the King of Italy, in recognition of the services he has rendered to religion. " Eminent services rendered to religion by M. Ronan l" We presume by publication of his " Life of Jesus," upon which we cannot but remark that Judas Iscariot might also have received some cordon. of honour or other for his eminent services rendered to religion I After all there is a propriety in the transaction. The King of Italy, who betrayed and imprisoned Garibaldi, to whom he owes his present sovereignty, decorates the man who blasphemes the Saviour I--The Ekclie Review for January. A PASSAGE OF ARMS.—T he American war has brought forward a great deal of word-painting, and a rather curious collection of battle scenes might be made. The following description of an incident at Chicamauga, from the pen of the correspondent of the Chicago Journal, might obtain a corner in such a compilation :—" It was near 4 o'clock on that blazing afternoon when a part of General Steedman's division of the reserve corps bowed their head to the hurtling storm of lead as if it had been rain, and betrayed signs of breaking. The line waved like a great flag iu a breath of wind. They were as splendid material as ever shouldered a musket, but then what ,could they do in such a blinding tempest. General Steen'man. rode up, took the flag from the colour-beater, glanced along the wavering front, and with that voice of his that co: Ild talk against a small rattle of musketry, cried out, " Go back, boys, go back; but the flag can't,go with you I" grasped the staff, wheeled his horse, and rode on. Must I tell you that th 0 column closed up and grew firm, and moved resistlessly on like a great strong river, and swept down upon the foe, and made a record that shall live when their graves are as empty' as the cave of Macpelah ?" THE GREAT EMPEROR AND THE IRON DUKE.. —The Duke of Wellington and Napoleon Bonaparte were born, as is well known, in the same year-1769—the dulc,, being rather the older of the two: the duke on the Ist of May, the Emperor on the 15th of August. The father of the great Emperor died young; the father of the duke died likewise at a comparatively early age. There were five brothers in the one family, five brothers in the other. In each case the five brothers attained more or less of eminence. Though the two fathers died young, the two mothers lived. to see the sons illustrious. The most brilliant of the Wel lesleys was the Marquis of Wellesley, a man infinitely` more gifted than the Duke of Wellington, who, neverthe less, surpassed him in strength of character. Napoleon, however, it is hardly necessary to say, had far more genius than all the rest of the Bonaparte family put together. TILE CONDEMNED CONVICTS IN HORSEMONGER° LANE GAOL.—Yesterday afternoon Mr. Charles James Abbott, the Under Sheriff for the county of Surrey, re ceived from Sir George' Grey, the Home Secretary, is reprieve during her Majesty's pleasure for the con demned convict Joseph Mahaig, now under sentence of death for the murder of Elizabeth Waterer at Guild ford, Mr. Abbott at once proceeded to Horsemonger* lane Gaol and handed the reprieve to Mr. Keone, the governor, who with the chaplain Lead an interview with the convict and explained to him that meref had -been extended to him. It may be recollected that he cut his own throat in a Rightful manner, and his life was despaired of for some time. Ile, however, has nearly re covered from the effects of those self- inflicted wounds, but is in an extremely weak state. When told that his life had been spared he fell on his knees and prayed fervently for some minutes. He expressed his thanks to the sheriff, the governor; and friends who had interested themselves in hie favour. Great exertions are being made to save the lite of Samuel Wright, whose execution is fixed for the 12th ; Oa it is expected that they will be attended with success. Mir deo rat• yes rat, on