The Sun. — London, England, 1863-12-31 00:00:00

AGENTS REQUIRED. T" RO YAL INSURANCE COMPANY is prepared to. entertain app lications for Agency Appoint ments from gen tlem,u. h av i ng command of Fire and Life Business. The Royal has always been conspicuous for its liberality and promptitude the settlement of claims. Its annual Income. is now over .......... ....... X,003 500 .. And its funds in ha nd exceed ...........anies received with ........... X1,00,),000 T ran sfers of Policies from other Comp Out charge for Policy, whatever the O amount. ,Secretary. Address, JOHN B. JOHNSTN Royal Insurance Company, 20, Lombard-street. BONNET'S ..;ILKS a LYON.—Every Article of commerce to kes its title either from the inventor or 'manucturer, and the more perfect the production the grater- is the credit which attaches to the originator. BONNET'S SII..KS are said to be incapable of identifica tion in England ; 10 it the fallacy of such an assertion is ex= pos,dby the very t rt ide mark of the firm, as exhibited by 3lessni. JAY, of Itegent-street. The following im`,E rwoven mark may be seen at the end of each piece :—" I'd a./ ufacture de C. J. Bonnet et Cie., it, Lyon aIA urieux." Wi:t.r guaranteed. CRYSTAL PALACE.-CHRISTMAS HOLI• DAYS.---Ijnusu al round of Amusements from morning tall superintended by Mr. Nelson Lee. The Chantrill Family in their classical Gymnastic E x ercises and Acrobatic aa Feats ; Juvenile Ballet nn t er t a inment, "M ,rriage i Mode," by Mr. Frampton; the Juggler, Langlois Velo cimane ; Bu:lesque Extravaganza, Messrs. D'Auban ; the Brothers Nelson, the Necromantic Elves ; concluding with a new Coyne Christmas Pantomime (in Shad ,w), en titled " Harlequin Jack the Giant Killer, or dottier Goose," introducing . numerous comic juvenile holiday tableaux of "Tom, Tom, the Piper's ton," " Old Mother 1-lubhird," " Little Jack H, )111er, " Polly, put the r ettle on," &c., and startling effects. Monster Christmas Tree. Great Fancy Fair and Bazaar, for the sale of all kinds of Christmas Presents and New Year's Gifts. Gm at choice of c arriages, china, and Fsrian ware, British and Bohemian glal s, French goods, stanery, j eruveaile cutlery, and gift books, ivory work, plated tio goods jewelly, juvenile toys and g ames. Nadar's Geant Balloon, inflated to its full diminterestensions in g, w ith Compensator. and Colossal Go New and Aquaria. The Call. re Bread 'free, nearing, its extraorriately, inary fruit, in the Tropica 1 Departmen6. The Palace approp decorated with wren the and g.rlands of evergreens, flags, mottoes, and emblen iatic designs, brilliantly lighted up each evening. g an, Orchestral Band of the Company Great Festival Or. Cornet Solos by Mr. 1 .evy &c. Open from Ten til 1 for admission. One Shil l.n g . Saturday, Half-a-cr.° qn• Lhildren under Twelve, halt price. Trains from Victoria, London-bridge, Kensington , E uston. North-London, and in tcrmediate Stations, See Time Bills, HRISTYAS and JUVENILE PRESENTS.. GRFAT CHOICE at the CRYSTAL PALACES: CRys-TAL PALA. CE.—NADAR'S GEAN i' BALLOON. —In the desire to offer a specially interesting. feature during . the Christi-oats Holidays. NADA it's GEAN B&LLOON will be exhibited, fully inflated. On account of the great stage erected in tie Centre Transept for the Christ vas Revels, the Compensator Ba loon and Mammoth Car, with i a various rooms and.apptiances, is exhibited at the North End of the Nave, This vast aerial machine should be Been by every one. It is the. wonder of the day. ROYAL EN G LI SH OPEKA, COVENT 5? -GARDE), Under the Manage r m . NV. ent , of Miss Louisa Pyne and M Harrison. THIS EVENING, to commence with the Second Act of Balfe's popular opera, THE BOHMIIAN GIRL. After which, a Grand Christmas Pantomime, on a scale o unprecedented ma2,nilicence, entitled unHAALEQUIN ST. GEOI'aGE AND THE DRAGON. Doors open at half-past Six—Commence at Seven. T„„,, , ,TRE ROYAL DRUR Y-L AN E. Managers, Messrs. Edmond Falconer and F. B. Chatterton. TUTS EVENING, the Farce of A ROLAND FOR AN OLIVER. 3les.rs. Walter Lacy, Addison, G. Belmore, the Misses Ifea.th, R. Leclercq, Murray. To conclude with the lICAr Grand Christmas Comic Panto mime of SINBAD TILE SAILOR ; or, The Seven Wonders of th World. Clowns, Messrs. 11. Boleno and C. Lauri ; harlequins, Messrs. J. Cormack and S. Saville ; Pantaloons, Messrs. W. A. Barnes and J. siorris ; Columbines, Madame Bolen() and Misses Gunniss. Prices as usual. Box Office open from 10 till 5 daily. ROYAI, LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Sole Management of Mr. Fechter. BEL DE NIONIO (a Triumphant Success) will be repeated Every Evening during the Week. THIS EVENING, the performance will commence with a New and Original Farce, entitled THE LOST CHILD: Ness , s. IL Widdicombe, Shore, Garden, F. Charles Collett, Moreland; Misses Percy, Pauline Lezilercq, Wood, Mrs. Lee, and Miss E. Lavenu. After which, at Eight o'clock, BEL DEMONIO, a Love *dory, in Twelve Tableaux, taken from Stendhal's "Italian Chronicle ," by Mr. John Brougham. Principal charac ter by Mr. Fechter, supported by Messrs. Jordan, Charles, Brough,,m, Emery, Raymond, Moreland, Smith, Clifford, Collett, Sims ; Miss Kate Terry, E. Lavenu, dJ rs. Lee, and Miss 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 hat+ and cloaks, and that the attendants in all parts o f the house are forbidden to receive any gratuities whatever. Box-office open daily from 11 to 5. Commence at 7. THEATRE ROYAL HAYNIARKET.- Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr, Buckstone. THIS EVENING, OUR AMERICAN COUSIN: Messrs. Sothern, Buckstone, Chippendale, Braid, Gordon, Rogers, Clark, Cullentord, &c. ; Mesdames Angel, Snowden, Terry, -Lindley, Mil, &o After which, KING ARTHUR ; or The Days and Knights of the Round 'Table. Messrs. Cilipriendaie, Compton, Braid, Clark, Rogers, Tilbury, &c. ; Mesdames L. Keeley, Brough, Wright, Terry, Lindley, Rogers, Sr,c. Commence at 7. POY AL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.- Sole Lesee and Manager, Mr. Geo. Vining. Open for the Season. THIS EVENING, THE HONEY3IOON. After which, HARLEQUI. , LITTLE TOM TUCKER; or The Fiue 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. IitOYAL 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. Atter which, a Comical Conglome:ative Christmas Absur dity, by Henry J Byron, Esq., and entitled 1861; or. THE R SEN,ATIONs OF THE PAST SEASON, witti a Shameful Revelation of Lad/ Somebody's Secret. New Scenery by Danson and Sons. Appointments by Mr. Ireland. Music by M. Wallerstein. Principal characters by Mr. J. L. Toole, Mr. Paul Bedford, Miss Cottrell, Miss Fanny Josephs, &c. And the BIRTHPLACE OF PODGERS : Mr. J. L. Toole n his original character. Commence at 7. L " 11-EVERY NIGHT The Weather—Sun Office, Dec. 31, 1863 ----~-- - THERMO)! ETEA. This day at Two o'clock 42 Barometer-29.80. Wind—East ; moderate, and rather hazy. LONDON, THURSDAY, DEC. 31, 1863 Ntl:lV THE ATRE-ROYAL, ADELPHL- Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. Webster. 7„ THIS EVENING, THE SPITALFIELDS WEAVER : ar. J. L. Toole. to Eight, the New Drama of LEAH : Miss Bate- Tall, supported by Messrs. Arthur Stirling, It. Phillips, Bil )All)n, Stuart, Stephenson, Lburne ; Miss H. Simms, and • To, and hi , oelude with LADY BELLE BELLE; or, Fortunio Bteph e even agi•.; Men. Messrs. J. Clarke, It. Phillips, Jo se .; Miss Woolgar, Miss K. Kelly, Miss Patti • hiss L. Laidlaw, Miss Seaman. ityisS ..BATNAN. —LEAH.—THIS EVENING,. , T il_ the , Bth - ,app, t , itirEMAN, in th e Rance of the great Tragic Actress, Miss unbounded q uer . e - s ;%racter of LEAIL In consequence of th ee io f the priuci o n t a t rE n A ° l!" has been aat-ItMen t n ii which Miss Bateman's imperso- P tl utracter in the new Five Act Drama that it NV III be perform e all. Mr Webstel begs to announce — . VERY EVENING until further notice. ROYAL STRANDManaf.rer , Mr. w: R THEATRE. •%•,, ~, THIS EVENING, OBsEt tv k anorough. TION. ' II ON AND ELIRTA- Alter which, the Grand Christmas AND EUP;,Y LfiCE : Messrs. lion es ,'„Vesque, ORPHEUS Mesdames Swaborough, Altaic Wili on 7a o d, James Fenton, To conclude with TURN HIM OUT. "ughes, &o. Commence at 7. MHE THIRD EDITION OF Tw E SUN,' _IL Containing the Latest SPOR TING " IGENCE zan be had Every Evening of GEXT, G. R. GLENIE. NEWS A de-Park. No. 4, Connaught-terrace, fly HIGH. WATER AT LONDON BRID G !, • THIS Dew.—Morning, sh. 46m.—Afte r noon, 05 rn, To-moßßow.-Morning, 6h. 18n2.—Afternoon, 6h. 400 a. f-A SIM The twelvemonth which will terminate this day at the chiming of . _ . the eiastiiucp midnight—in the usual pause of joy-bells ringing out the Old Year and ringi ng '" ) . in the New—now that we can turn to look blot upon . tt r from i the 'vantage ground of the 31st of 13,:,:tnbe ill be found to have been, in E implest truth, is man is remarkable in _ .,u tl a y ways very remarkable. It dynastic history, this year of grace 1863,1;laatin tt : s e one within which the h e ir apparent to the crown ,H.R.H. the Prince of WALES, espous 3d the fair vo li lln g vanish Princess soi gtoom ALEXAND RA. After the national caused by th o se clouds of sorrow which haa ong hung darkly qu of the ove r the Royal household i, ecn en ce death of the ever-lamented P_ AIN ca e:othing SORT—it ca me, as must well be remembered, less than an e x q uisite relief to z country, but particularly to the capital of th y : l°le pire, es the scene of th e opening papaatry, 1 : a afterwards to the royal borough of Windsor, pe, the acme of the actual cermonial of the marriage —it eaw.e as nothing less than an exquisite relief to the subjects of the QUEEN when at last there al speared among those clouds of grief the two radiant bi eaks, first on Saturday, the ,7th of March, w hen the Princess ALEXANDRA arrived in England, pi issing through London in a triumphal reception, at id, finally, on Tuesday the 10th of March, -Alen in St. George's Chapel, Windsor, Her Royal Highness was taken to wife by the Royal Bridegroom. Those two dates marked the auspicious commencement of the year. Parliament had already reassembled at Westminster before the close of the preceding month of February. But Parliament was in no very notable way whatever t c illustrate the twelvemonth politically, that is, by any very striking legislative proceedings. Politi ca ily, in truth, the year has been very much like t t.e ruck on the Derby—nowhere. The Parliament diid little else than simply approve or reject what had been done, or attempted to be done, by the Ministers, apart from it. In the way of innovation or improvement, it effected scarcely anything, it may be said, in that way, to 'have attempted scarcely anything. A reduction of the Income Tax and a considerable modification of the Tea Duty, were happily brought about, it is true, by Mr. GLADSTONE, as constituting, together, Da rt and parcel of his hi ghly elaborated, but not altogether successful, Budget, The declension of Mr.GLADsTONE'S influence over the House, in truth, was , upon more than one occasion, signalised very strikingly indeed during the course of this last ses sion, the session of 1863. And not only the decrease of Mr. GLADSTONE'S influence, but the decrease even of Lord PALMERSTON'S. The Chancellor of the Exchequer's proj?ct for imposing licenses upon clubs, for the purpose of adding a few wretched little driblets to the Treasury, had to be ignomi niously abandoned by him—had to be eliminated by him from his Budget. The like had to be done by him, fearfully against the grain, with regard to his still more vexatious, his almost scandalous scheme for extorting some petty additions to the revenue by means of a cruel screw put upon Public Charities, namely, by the actual taxation of endowments ! Finally, among these very noticeable sessional re jection of certain pet ministerial projects, there was the stormy, the absolutely tumultuous occasion upon which Lord PALMERSTON'S influence and Mr. GLADSTONE'S influence, combined, failed to save the Government from a very signal defeat—i. e., by the peremptory rejection in the House of Commons of the proposal made successively by the Premier and the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the pur chase for the nation of that hideous architectural monstrosity the International Exhibition down at. South Kensington. To this end, Lord PALMER STON, it is true, contrived to obtain a preliminary vote to the extent of £67,000 for the pur chase of the land there. But, when a subsequent vote of £105,000 came to be asked for by the Chancellor of the Exchequer for the pur chase and alteration of the buildings there erected upon that land, a vote involving an eventual expenditure of some £300,000 altogether, and this for a purpose wholly distasteful both to the country and to the House—who does not remember the result ? Mr. DISRAELI himself being, then and there, refused a hearing ! The champions of an intermediate arrangement —an arrant; ement designed to satisfy all par ties by one of those compromises safe, whenever adventured upon, to satisfy no cree—were groaned down in the midst of indescribable confusion ! The livision showing the rejection of the plan to have been decided by a majority of 287, as opposed to a minority of 181. If we except merely the triumph of a Bill against the Garotters, the bill authorising the infliction of corporal punishment for robberies with violence—we may say that but one Legislative enactment of any value, or of any importance, was inscribed by our Legislature on the Statute Book in 1863. Namely, that generous measure whereby the Crown, the Lords, and the Commons of these realms, authorised in 1863 the appointment of Roman Catholic Chaplains in goals whenever prisoners of that communion are found to be numerous. To the honour of the Conservative leaders, be it said, they, in both Houses, supported this measure although strenu ously opposed in so doing by their own party. Among the other incidents of the session worthy of note in any way, were the rejection of Mr. SOMES' bill for the suppression of the sale of fermented liquors on Sundays—the startling speech delivered by Lord HENRY LENNOX revealing certain flagrant indications of misgovernment in Southern Italy, under the rule of the Liberating King—Mr. COBDEN'S vehement attack, no ee on the Admi ralty system, now upon the popular Prime Minister (preliminary tokens of ascerbity destined to even tuate in the same hon. member's flagrant personal onslaught upon the Editor of the Times newspaper) —Mr. POPE HENNESSY'S noble advocacy in the House of Commons, and Lord ELLENBOROUGE'S in the House of Lords, their noble and often re newed advocacy in both houses of the outraged rights and imperilled liberties of Poland—Mr. BERNAL OSBORNE'S brilliant, and i❑ many ways admirable speech on the Irish Church Question — and, to crown all, as perhaps the incident of the session, the extracrdinary exhibition of himself made by Mr. ROEBUCK in his novel aspect as Tearem fawning about the ancles and licking the boots of the Emperor NAPOLEON ! Tearem, who but very recently, indeed, before that, had, when apparently in a half rabid state, been so very noisily and spitefully yelping at the heels of his Imperial MAJESTY ! Although England has alone among the nations of Europe, not only refused, but discourteously refused to accede to the French EMPEROR'S propo "nn of a Congress of Peace—a Congress that may ha,.,,, some been Utopian, but might have proved in ~'iiY, even though it were but partially praciiem, le—has swept aside the mere chance of an avoidance _ .qt the general war everyday becoming more imm inent --nevertheless as Perhaps I--nevertheless England, in 1863, has signal indications of her solicitude to given two of moderation and of magna maintain a charet tv magna nimity First of all, , y b declining the Crown of when proffe t , q to his Royal Highness ALFRED. Ana Greece Prince s econdly, by ceding to the Greece the , f , nolo of those lonian Kingdom of Islands over arch of these realms : t h ee t o h f e l l / 8 11 7, e x . . evcised the rights has, since theviPhei and form of a under the title of Protectorate. Sovereignty will to its Altogether the year now , .63, will • close, this year of grace 10 drawing rapidly be chiefly remembered in the hereafter most remarkably signalised as a most memorable twelvemonth by certain startlingly peculiarities noticeable in its Obituary. For, within the compass of this one year, England has had to mourn over the death of many of her chiefs, of her chiefs in many ways, of her chiefs in many diffe rent departments and professions. The head of the War Department, Sir GEORGE LEWIS! The Arch bishop of Canterbury,Dr. SUMNER ! The Archbishop Dublin, Dr. WHATELY ! The Governor-General of India, the Earl of ELGIN ! The Judge of the new Divorce Court, Sir CRESSWELL CRESSWELL ! The most venerable of all the occupants of the Bench, Hr. Justice WIGHTMAN ! One of the most illustrious of her ex-Chancellors,Lord LYNDHURST ! Two of the THE SUN. LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMTER 31, 1863 most conspicuous of her warriors, Field-Marshal Lord CLYDE and General Sir JAMES OUTRAM ! One of the very greatest of her national painters, WIL LIAM MULLEADY, R.A,, not forgetting that great artist's younger and accomplished brother academician, AUGUSTUS EGG! Fina ly—passing over a throng of eminent men and women, also gone from the midst of us in 1863, a novelist like Mrs. TRoLLOPE, a religious poet like Dr. FABER, an engraver like Mr. WILLMORE, an architect like Professor COCKERELL—has not England had bitter reason to mourn the loss this year of an inimitable writer like WILLIAM MAKEPEACE THACKERAY, with whose great name, as one of the latest, as it is also one of the very noblest on the list, we close the melancholy catalogue. The winter mrnths are usually regarded as a me of trial for the poor. The long nights en- ailing the use of artificial light, the bitter weather necessitating warmer clothing and frequent fires, and the increased price of provisions are all matters of regret and causes of uneasiness to the anxious head of the little household who finds it quite enough to do to keep the mouths fed and the feet shod in the glowing summer days. Cold and hunger are formidable foes when the cupboard is empty and the hearth cheerless; but winter too often adds to all these troubles by bringing in its train a scarcity of work. Many trades can only be advantageously carried on by daylight, and what. is called in London the dull season is generally dull in commercial as well as in fashionable circles. At the present time a good many complaints are being made of the badness of the Beason, and the crowds who beset our workhouse doors to obtain a night's lodging painfully confirm the truth of such amentations. It is therefore with great regret that we see an honest and profitable means of obtaining a livelihood about to be taken from the poor at a season so unfriendly to them. We allude to the printed notices now placarded throughout the district of arylebone, which inform the public that all street obstructions are to be forthwith removed from the neighbourhood, and that after this week all goods exposed for sale outside shops, and all barrows' trucks, and stalls, found infringing the notice, will be seized, and legal penalties enforced. This notice, which, it seems, has taken the locality in question by surprise, has excited a good deal of angry feel ing, and several of the placards have been defaced and torn down as victims to popular indignation. It is not astonishing that the inhabitants of the sur rounding parts are somewhat excited on the subject , since it will not only occasion considerable incon venience to humble householders, but throw a large number of destitute persons entirely out of employ ment, probably bringing them to the parish as bur dens on the ratepayers. It will be remembered that some time ago a similar attempt was made in Westminster, and the street stalls in Broadway, Strutton-ground, and other places, were removed, and their owners dispersed. Some influential per sons of the vicinity, sympathising in the distress occasioned by this proceeding, endeavoured to pro cure a reversion of the sentence. They succeeded so far as to obtain from the Local Board the cancel ling of the original motion which had occa sioned the interference of Sir RICHARD MAYNE, but that functionary persistently refused to withdraw his orders. Several public meetings on the subject were held in the locality, and the cause of the stallkeepers and bar row-holders was supported by most of the respect able tradesmen belonging to those parts. It seemed to be unanimously admitted that the stallkeepers were there by right of ancient custom, some of the stalls having been held by the same family for fifty years, and that no fault was to be found with their conduct, which was orderly and respectable, while the wives of artisans and other poor people found these irregular shops afford them great convenience. Notwithstanding the unanimous feeling of the neighbourhood, however, Sir RICHARD MAYNE de clined to suffer the stalls and barrows to return to their old quarters, although the anxiety and excite ment among the lower classes was said to be very great, and many of the aged stallkeepers, who were fit for no other occupation, declared they must go to the workhouse if their unly means of support were taken from them. The matter, we believe, still remains in abeyance, and most probably many of these poor people have been compelled to throw themselves on the parish since winter set in. Whether the younger and more ablebodied of their fellows have followed their example, or whether they have taken to darker and more dangerous courses, we may not tell, but we know the terrible temptations that await friendless poverty, soured by disappointment, and irri tated by a sense of harsh treatment and injustice. Whatever hardships they may have been reduced to, it seems that such considerations hare little or no weight with the authorities of "Marylebone, who have chosen the heart of the winter for suddenly discovering that the stalls and barrows, which have been in their streets for years, are obstructions and incumbrances. It is a serious thing to deprive men and women of the means of honestly earning their daily bread; it should not be lightly done without thinking of the evil and misery which it may entail. The class who suffer from these arbitrary proceedings are not in a position to make themselves heard. Unless some more fortunately-situated persons take up their cause there is not much chance of its being known. They cannot make speeches, write letters, or bring their grievances in any way prominently forward, but they can feel nevertheless. They slip quietly out of sight, sinking lower and lower in the scale, reaching the depths of poverty, perhaps of crime, and without the effect being traced back to the cause by the indifferent and careless lookers on. If the inhabitants of a district do not complain of inconvenience or obstruction, there seems to be little reason for official interference ; but if such a change must be made this is surely not the season to select for it. We shall hope to hear that the re formers have reconsidered their proceedings, and the fulfilment of their threat, if not altogether abandoned, has at least been considerably delayed. Sir JOHN PAKINGTON'S remarks on Education are always well worthy of perusal, and we are sure to glean therefrom a correct idea of the state of affairs in that department, and some good general opinions on the progress and influence of these Societies and Institutions that have of late years sprung up in various forms in so many places, and been productive of a new era in the intellectual development of the age. In nothing, indeed, has the social history of our community been more dis tinguished than in the formation of these societies. In this instance Sir JOHN PAKINGTON delivered an address at the Kidderminster Mutual Improvement Society. The right hon. baronet entered at some length into the chief points that were suggested by the subjects before him, and very truly declared that all these i nst i tut ions were most important in fosterin g the moral and intellectual improvement of the people. . Thle 15 quite correct, and it is im possible-ge et greatest ca t te national w importance s e of in t fl h u i to ove r • a p s op a ulation, it s g u r a n t a u 'u r a e ll t y i n n su fu r s v e i d ve , i m e a y n e y t e e rn u n o r cve ni m n t h e p t rted, and of a y more startling changes and more strong demons trations. Sir JOHN PAKINotox also referred to the excellent address of the Marquis of HARTING ToN to a meeting i❑ Lancashire, in which he made some very noticeable remarks on what he had seen in America. His speech has since aroused the wrath of Mr. BRIGHT, who is virtuously indignant that his chosen race should be thus satirised, and spoke in no measured terms of the mistakes made by Lord HARTINGTON. It would not appear, however, to an attentive observer that there is any exagge ration at all in the forcible language of his lord ship, but Mr. BRIGHT may subscribe to the adage that the greater the truth the greater the libel. The chief faults of the American character may be traced to their origin in the accounts given by Lord HARTINGTON of the process of education to which the young are subjected. They are taught to admire what is large more than what is good, and especially to think most of all that is American. These feelings developed more fully have been exhibited to the world since the outbreak of the great war now raging, and the sad spectacle of want of faith, and lamentable omission of all chivalrous feelings that have been conspicuous on one side of the belligerents, at all events may bear strong evi dence of the faulty nature of the instruction im parted in early years, and the lack of high principle as the foundation of all conduct in peace or war. Sir JOIIN PAKINGTON likewise discoursed on the vast advantages possessed by our press over that of Ame rica. The newspapers of that country exercise a most deleterious influence on the public mind, and it is to be deeply regretted that so clever and ener getic a people are so led astray, and carried away by the food so unwisely afforded to their intellects. Our own press, however mistaken in some points, is conducted in a very different spirit, and is influ enced by a much higher tone, as constrasted with the mode established in America. Sir JOIIN PAKINGTON alluded in very favourable terms to these institutions for the benefit of the working classes after they have left school. It stands to reason that with the claims upon them the poor children cannot he kept long from taking their share in the burdens of the family, and thus they are removed from a place where they would acquire the genial influences of instruction, and be subjected to the elevating and exciting effects of knowledge. It is after this deprivation that all these societies are so useful; they come in as land marks for the igno rant, as beacons for the cultivated, and as a good meeting-ground for all to unite the various ideas and several schemes that may float vaguely through the mind, but will come to nought if left totally neglected and passed by. It is a very gratifying thing to reflect upon, that many by these intellectual enjoyments and intelligent pursuits are prevented from falling into temptation, and also are enabled to acquire a keener relish for the best and wisest subjects of contemplation, instead of gradually sinking down into the standard of mere sensual amusements and grovelling pursuits. The mind that does not go forward must deteriorate, and in a few years the few acquirements that were gained at school will be almost forgotten, and the possessor be deprived of the valued store, inasmuch as they can serve to guard and guide him in the labyrinth of life. There seems some force in Sir JOHN PAKINGTON'S observations regarding the superiority of classes over lectures, the former ; be said, would be found the best means of repairing the deficiencies that those who had been neglected in earlier years might have to complain of, and should therefore be well attended to and sedulously cared;for. The right hon. baronet's closing remark has been fully verified of late years, that_it was in times of trouble that they all learned to appreciate the benefits of these Institutions. They then exhibited the vast amount of good that in more equable states of society had lain dormant. The events in Lancashire have been striking proofs to attest the veracity of this statement, and such an example stimulate other places to go and do like wise, to prepare themselves in the quiet days for the dark time that may one day overtake them, and whose fierce ordeal can only be successfully passed through by those who have strengthened their mind to endure disappointment by the lessons of wisdom and the teachings of reflection, which in the evil days will not fail them, but remain their firm and constant supporters and their allies. NATIONAL CHORAL SOCIETY, Last evening Haydn's oratorio of "The Creation" was performed by this society, under the superintendence of Mr. Martin, whose exertions have been well repaid by the high degree of efficiency at which its members have arrived. " The Creation," although inferior in sublimity and inte rest to "The Messiah" and "Elijah," shares their popu larity, and it is, therefore, not surprising that the hall was full and the audience attentive, The choruses, which are, some of them, long and difficult, were on the whole very satisfactorily rendered. The solo parts were allotted to Mlle. Parepa, Mr. Sims Reeves, and Mr. Santley, Mr• Cummings ialso assisted in the tenor part, Mlle. Parepa's beautiful voice and expressive singing were heard to full advantage in the arduous part that fell to her share. In the famous air, " With verdure clad," and in the long and trying duet, " For Adam and Eve," at the conclusion, she especially distinguished herself. Mr. Sims Reeves gave the tenor music with great effect, and created a perfect enthusiasm by the singing of its principal solo, " In na • tive worth," although, as usual, he declined to comply with the encore. Mr. Santley, who bids fair to become one of our leading bass singers, possesses a very fine voice, and sings with much ability, though but little ex pression. The fine bass solos were loudly applauded, and a unanimous re-demand for " On mighty wings" was complied with by the repetition of its second part. Alto gether, the performances were very satisfactozy, and we are glad to see that Mr. Martin promises considerable Ivariety in his announcements for the season, NARROW ESCAPE OF FOUR BOYS FROM DROWN • ING.—On Monday afternoon, between one and two o'clock, four young lads, three of whom are sons of Mr Paton, merchant, and one is the son of Mr. Morrison, Broughty Ferry, had a narrow escape from drowning. It appears that the lads, having got possession of a gun, went down the sands for the purpose of shooting sea-gulls. Having got on the Lady Bank, they travelled to the east end of it. Never thinking that the tide was flowing, they stopped longer on it than they should have done, and it was only by the bank becoming less visible that they discovered the danger they were in. They hurried to get off; but, by the time they got back, the bank was completely sur rounded. On the alarm being given, a great number of people collected on the beach, but could render no assist ance, there being no boats within a mile of the spot. A. man with a horse and cart tried to go for them ; but the water being too deep, he had to return. The tide by this time had covered the bank, and the cries of the boys were most heartrending. Two or three people ran to the ferry to get a beat; but before they arrived, two hardy fisher women, Mrs. T. Norrie and Jessie Norrie, who heard the cries of the boys, were observed rowing with all their might across the river. They arrived/ just in time to save the boys' lives, and having taken them on board the boat, landed them at the ferry.—Scotsman. "POINDING" A BED WITH A CORPSE FOR THE CITY CLERGY.—It seems that the messengers of the clerico-police collector are again abroad, and with fresh insults to morality and religion. The goods of a respected citiz-n in Nelson-street were poinded yesterday under cir cumstances absolutely horrifying. There was lying coffined in one of the rooms the body of an aged gentleman, a lodger, and in attendance were his wife and a number of bereaved friends. The minions of the law were informed of the fact, and urged to pay their visit at another time ; they peremptorily refused, however, to defer their sacrilegious work, and no; satisfied with poinding in one room to the amount of £2O for £6 25., they actually pro ceeded into the chamber of death and poinded " the bed, &c." upon which the coffined body was lying. It is said that the subordinates were appalled at their inhuman work, and would have refused to perform it had not their superior officer insisted upun it. Such is Edinburgh at Christmas, 1863111 A respectable broker in Howe-street was also poinded yesterday. In his case, however, the public will have due notice of the time of rouping, the amount claimed, with expenses, in the name of the city and the clergy, being above £2o.—Caledonian Mercury. The Earl and Countess of Cardigan have arrived at Thomas's Rotel, Berkeley-square, from Deane Park. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. [REUTER'S TELEGRAM.] DUKE FREDERICK PROCLAIMED AT KIEL. HAMBURG, DEC. 31. On Wednesday night the Duke of Augustenburg travelled by way of Harburg by steamer to Gluck stadt, and thenco by special train to Kiel, wherq he arrived at three o'clock. He entered the town in an open carriage, and was received with great enthusiasm. The Prince was proclaimed Duke ot Schleswig- Holstein, and showed himself to the people. By request of the inhabitants, the Duke will remain three days at Kiel in a private capacity, In order not to aggravate the difficulties of the Fede ral Commissioners, the Duke intends subsequently to return to Altona. The Federal Commissioners have applied to Frankfort for fresh instructions. MEXICO. PARIS, DEC. 21. News from Vera Cruz to the 2d ult. have been received here. The report of General Miramon's death is con firmed. General Bazaine is on his march towards the Pacific. Another corps is marching upon San Luiz. Solas and Ormachtz have resigned their posts as members of the regency. General Negre commands at the city of Mexico. The French troops will shortly evacuate Vera Cruz, and the Mexican forces will occupy all the districts of the Terra Caliente actually conquered. M. De Saligny is about to return to France. HAMBURG, DEC. 31. The Crown Prince Frederick of Denmark will shortly proceed to the army. His Royal Highness is now residing in Schleswig. The King will visit the army at the beginning of January. The royal effects have already arrived at Gottorf. The Danes distrnst the Schleswig regiments, and occupy them in the construction of earthworks, ALTONA, DEC. 31. In consequence of the resolution passed yesterday by the Municipality a deputation from the Muni cipal authorities will proceed to Kiel to pay homage to the Duke of Augustenburg, in the name of the city of Altona. FRANCE. BOURSE, Dec. 30.—Heaviness continues to be the eadlng feature of the market, and the little business transacted has been done at lower prices. Tbrees, for the Account, are now at 66f. 30c. Mobilier have also slightly receded. Railway Market inani mate, but up to the present time without any mate rial variation in quotations. The market closed as follows : 41 per Cents .. 91 Do. end month.... 3 per Cents Do. end month 66 35 Credit Mobilier..., 1035 Do. end month 1033 75 Bank Shares — Credit Fonder 1220 Roman Italian Loan 7l 70 Do. end month 7l 55 New ditto — Do. end month — Russian Austrian Spanish Threes 52 50 Home Debt .. — Deferred BAIL' - AYB. Cash. Account. 975 .. 972 50 972 50 .. 971 25 Orleans Northern New ditto • • Lyons and Mediterranean 932 50 .. 930 New ditto 857 50 .. S mthern . . 681 25 .. 680 Western Eastern Sardinian .. Austrian Loirbard North of Spain Saragossa.. Ditto to Barcelona COTTON SUPPLY ASSOCIATION. At the usual weekly meeting of the Executive Committee held on T uesd ay ,a letter was read from Durban,Port Natal, stating that the growth of cotton is rapidly extending in the colony, that nearly every planter has some land, varying from five to 30 acres, under cultivation, and that the me- chanics in the town are giving up their business to grow cotton. A sample has been forwarded, which was valued at from 34d. to 36d. per lb., and the yield is said to be at the rate of 3001 b. per acre. A letter was received from Sidon, Syria, describing the results of experiments made in that district with American seed, which, owing to the want of irrigation, had not.been fairly successful. During the coming season renewed attempts to grow cotton are in con templation, under such auspices as to warrant the highest expectations, and supplies of seed were requested, which were granted. A letter was read from the British Vice- Consulate, Latakia, North Syria, confirming the report pre viously sent that the quantity of cotton produced in the dis• _ . . . let will not be less than 5,000 bales of about two cw each. The produce finds its way chiefly to France, owing to the want of means of transit to England. The boats of the French and Russian companies are unable to take the quantity of cotton offered, and the last French steamer sent back nineteen loaded lighters, whilst not a single English steamer has yet found it worth while to make its appearance. Attempts are now making to remedy this state of things. A letter was received from Calcutta, stating that the crop from Bengal will not, in the writer's opinion, greatly exceed that of last year, but that it will eX ceed it, and not fall short of it, as some have supposed. Samples of cotton were enclosed grown from Egyptian and New Orleans seed in the Punjab, where the crop is said to have been much damaged by severe rain. The soil of the Punjab appears to be not unlike that of Egypt, especially about the large rivers, and an experiment on an extended scale—say 300 acres—with Egyptian seed, and by means of a steam plough, would, it is confidently expected, be emi nently successful, unless some unforeseen accident of climate should intervene. A letter was read from Aska, in the Ma dras Presidency, reporting the result of an experiment made with seeds supplied bp the honorary agents of the as sociation, and stating that some New Orleans seed had yielded at the rate of 1351 b of clean cotton per acre. The Egyptian seed, though promising well for a time,had failed to realise the results expected. A letter was received from Rio Janeiro respecting the cotton-growing capabilities of Espirito Santo, Brazil, which was formerly quite a cotton district, and where the planters are anxious to resume cultivation. The indigenous cotton of the country is of an inferior description, but New Orleans and other varieties succeed well. A sup ply of seed was requested. and granted. A letter was read complaining of the injurious operation of the old tithe law in Turkey, which has the effect of discouraging the use of American seed, so abundantly proved to be admirably suited to the climate and soil of the country. Thls is greatly to be deplored, as the general introduction of American seed is indispensable to the permanent establishment of the cot ton trade on a large scale in Turkey. A few years would effect the change, the crop being much more profitable than the native ; and it is to be hoped the Government will, by a speedy abolition of the tithe on cotton, secure to the country the full benefit of the golden opportunity now offered. Consular despatches, forwarded by the Foreign office, were received from Mr. Consular Blunt Smyrna, dated 21st Nov., stating that the corps within the more immediate districts of Smyrna will not exceed 45,000 bales of 300 each, to which may be added about 20,000 bales from parts of the coast of Caramania, which will give a total of 65,000 bales, . Of this quantity from 7,600 to 10,000 bales will have been cleaned and fit for shipment by ' the end of December. From Mr. Consul Green, Bucharest, dated Dec. 2, with a report on experiments in cotton culti• vation in the Principalities, and incloring samples of the crop. From Mr. Consul Wilkinson, Salonica, Nov. 17, de scribing the excitement amongst the agricultural population in that province, and that anxiety to obtain seed for the coming season. A wealthy proprietor has ordered from Eng land a steam plough for his farms, and others are preparing to follow his example. Tho Government has ordered the construction of roads into the chief cotton districts. A vast plain, watered by the River Vardar, with a soil of great fertility, bordering on the sea for a distance of 30 or 40 miles, and with an average breadth of three miles, might be made most productive. The soil, being slightly impregnated with salt, seems well adapted for the cultivation of Sea Island cotton. Owing to the want of direct steam communication with England, most of this year's crop is sent to Marseilles; from 3,000 to 4,000 bales are shipped weekly. A report was received from her Majesty's charge d'affaires in Hayti, on the cultivation of cotton in that country, and detailing the measures adopted by the llaytian Government to provide labourers by immigration, and to stimulate the growth of cotton by bounties. The present year's crop is expected to exceed 3,000,0001 b„ and that of 1864 is estimated at 4,500,0001 b. Only a portion reaches England, the rest being taken by France and the United States. The be much already made, though highly satisfactory , would greater if a well-devised scheme of immigration I C ) : Ica uld be carried out. The republic has a territory amplysufficient to furnish very large supplies of cotton, if adequate labourers could be prccured, and this it it; hoped will eventually be obtained. THE SCHLES lIN QUESTION• The Cologne Gazette of yesterday contains the Mowing letter, sent by the Duke of Augustenburg ,o the Emperor. Napoleon, and his Majesty's reply: Sire,—Having taken possession, after the decease of his late Majesty Frederic VIE., of the Government of the Duchies of Schleswig-Holstein—the obligation to do so be ing imposed on me in my quality of legitimate heir—l venture to submit to the high justice of your Majesty some observations relative to the rights which it is my duty to claim in the name of my house, and still more so in the name of my country. Assuredly the essential points of this grave question have not escaped the penetrating regard of your Majesty, but the spirit of party and the passions excited by interests foreign to the question of right have so tended to obscure this cause, so simple in itself, that your Majesty, I hope, will excuse the eagerness which induces me to succinctly recall in this letter the bases cn which, as it appears to me, the cause should be judged. Just in the sight of God, the clue which I am called on to defend certainly has not to dread the judgment of any impartial tribunal. It suffices that it should be investigated without prejudice. All the sympathy which the unfortunate situation of my country might inspire may be dispensed with—a rigorously impartial examination of our rights and our troubles is all that we demand in the face of Heaven. And it is this rigor ous but impartial examination—but free from all prejudice —that before all I venture to hope, with entire confidence, from your Majesty, from that spirit of high justice which you have so many times manifested in so magnanimous a manner. But, sire, in confining myself to demand justice for my country, I should not forget the circumstances which espe cially impose on me a duty, and which without doubt will be of great weight in the sight of a generous equity. In the cause of the duchies, positive and historical right is found in union with the wishes of their numerous and loyal population, with their dearest and racist holy inte rests—with the interests of their nationality. Your Ma jesty has never been indifferent to the voice of oppressed pecples—the whole of Europe bears witness to this. IC( ur Majesty will still deign to sympathise with the sufferings, with the unjust oppression, which the inhabitants of Schleswig-Holstein have suffered because they have re mained faithful to the traditions of their country and to the language and customs of their fathers. It is through me, from the success of my claims, that they expect the termina tion of their sufferings, and I venture to say it is on this account, on account,ot these hopes, 1 cannot renounce the duty of seeking the reestablishment of the hereditary rights which have developed upon me. Besides, we cannot refuse to perceive that the ques tion so much debated in the duchies is now of great im• portance in more than one respect, and extends far beyond the material interests immediately involved. It excites a lively and impassioned interest, such as, in short, may lead to grave consequences If its effects ari not appreciated at their just value. The whole of Germany is agitated. A glance at the whole of the German countries, from the boners of the Rhine to the shores of the Baltic, suffices to produce the conviction that men's minds there are net satisfied, that peace and public tranquillity will never be restored there on a solid basis; that, in short, the torch of revolution will not be extinguished till the question of the duchies is settled in conformity with the laws of equity and with the interest of nationality—until, in fact, this country is wrested from the domination of the foreigner, and re stored to its legitimate sovereign. It should be well un derstood that any decision in an opposite sense can only be regarded as Idrovisional in the eyes of 40,000,000 of Ger mans. Even should it be sought to clothe such a decision in the most solemn forms, it would never be regarded by the nation otherwise than as a struggle to be recom menced. Without doubt it is supei fluous to descant further on the dangers of such a situation. They are but too evident. _ . And he who demands justice in the name of a right vene rable and sacred on so many accounts, and in the name of important interests of which destiny has rendered him depositary—will it not be permitted to him to believe that your Majesty intends, and that fate offers you the opportu nity to second, the noble enterprises for which Europe is bound to thank you—those generous efforts, the object of which is to render justice to the interests of nationality, in avoiding the dangers which surround their claims, as elo quent words have recently proclaimed before the whole of Europe. In confidently submitting the question of right to the en lightened appreciation of your Majesty, I dare to hope, sire, that the noble cause confided to me will find its best sup port in the elevated views and the generous sentiments which animate you. In casting a retrospective glance over my past life, I find in it melancholy reminiscences. I also have had to struggle against an adverse fate; I have had to support painful re•• verses ; and, if a feeling of pride were permitted me, I would add that I also have never lost courage, I have never re nounced hope, nor forsaken my duty. May Providence also accord, in a much more modest degree, that fortunate suc cess of which one of the most illustrious Sovereigns of Europe and ono of the most powerful Crowns offers to the world so glorious an example. When I recall the happy days I have been permitted to spend in France, at the Court of your Majesty, when I pro • ceeded thither to present the homage of sentiments which are due to you on so many accounts, the remembrance of the magnanimous interest which your Majesty was good enough to display towards me, of the kind words which you did me the honour to address to me, presents itself vividly to my memory. It is a sweet satisfaction to dwell on this, and this happy memory seems to me to be a gua rantee for the future. I now await without fear the decision to which your Ma jesty will be pleased to arrive at respecting my good and just cause, Full of confidence, I dare to hope that you will not reject a claim for rights the legitimacy of which cannot be doubted ; that, on the contrary, yon will deign to receive my claims with a generous sympathy, and accord to them the powerful support of the suffrage of France.--I have the honour to be, &c., Gotha, Dec. 2, 1863. (Signed) FREDERIC. ANSWER OF THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON. My Cousin,—l have read with great interest the letter which you have sent to me, and I hasten to reply to it. I know nothing more honourable than to be the repre sentative of a cause which supports itself on the inde pendence and the nationality of a people ; and on this ac count you may rely on my sympathy, for I shall be always consistent in my conduct. If I have fought for Ita►ian 'independence, if I have raised my voice for Polish na tionality, I cannot have other sentiments in Germany, nor obey other principles. Bat the Great Powers are united by the Convention of London, and their assembling can alone resolve without difficulties the question which inte rests you. I regret, then, very sincerely on this account, as on so many others, that England has refused to assist at the Congress which I proposed. It is unfortunate that the Diet was not consulted on the rights of a duchy forming part of the German Conte deration ; also Denmark may be in the wrong as regards Germany ; but on one side I deplore that the Confedera tion believed itself obliged to intervene in Holstein before the question of succession was decided, for intervention, which can bring on very grave complications, does not de cide this question, and if Denmark were oppressed by powerful neighbours public opinion would incline towards her. I therefore sincerely wish that your rights may be examined by the Germanic Diet, that their decisions may be submitted to the signatures of the Convention of Lon don, and that thus the national sentiment which is manifested so energetically in Germany may receive by common accord a legitimate satisfaction. I embrace with pleasure this occasion to offer you the assurance of my esteem and constant favour. On this, my cousin, I pray God that Ile may have you in His sacred keeping. NAPOLEON. Compiegne, Dec. 10, 1863. LIGHT LITERATURE.—The following are the titles of some of the tales now in course of publica tion in the penny and halfpenny weekly journals :—' fled- Handel Hugh, or the Heir of Osmond Hall'—' The Man in Gray,' by the author of The Woman in Black '— Sea Drift, or the Wreckers of the Channel'—' The Basi lisk's Eye'—' Deeds of Darkness, or a Fight against Fate'-- The Smuggler Chieftain, or the Witch of Eccleston Moor' The Gipsey Buccaneer, or Secret of the Sea'—' Claude Duval, or the Dashing Highwayman'—' The Hunted Felon, or a Mother's Vengeance, by the author of ' The Murdered Wife'—' Oscar Bertrand,' by the author of The Black Band'—' Cartouche, or the Noble Highwayman' —' The Queen of Night, or the Secret of the Red Lodge'— ' Isabel's Vengeance, a Romance of London Life'—' The Mystery of Merlin's Cave,' by the author of Leonora, or Crime of the Deepest Dye "The Daughte r Midnight, by the author of Ruth the Betrayer.,.or the Female Spy '—'Mazeppa, or the Dwarf' Philip's Revenge, a Story of a Lone Isle7J-e Stringed Jack, or the Daring ilighwaYulandon'tj" Jelnenwy Mysteries of London'—' The Women Darrel,or_Lnoil Sixteene. or th e Dive', or the Lady Highwayman' -- d e C r o_n- Highwayman's Daughter'—' Thee,...:3ol3,mi:Ccohku:Bpbeaesurs'g--b: , or the . fessions of a Tieket-of-Leave Bean Knight of the Road'—' Jessi e, th , The Ghost's Secret, a Terrtor — es -.i f lue Skin, the only Romance giving the tall adveu o Jonathan Wild and Jack Sheppard.' LIFEBOAT SERVICES.—LIidA LSTdEaltwilnAN, fewd Dec. a 2 y 9 s . Sidan Sands in Carmarthen Bay, during The lifeboat of the national institution aBa—eigt squally l F 'a e l olruYa h r y rt sgh we e C t i e d a e B at heeif rnponcewas observed. proceeded to her assistance. On arriv ing at the sands they found that the ship lay in a very perilous position, with her head to the northwards, and with only four feet of water alongside at low water. By the timely assistance of the lifeboat the vessel was fortu nately got afloat, and taken to a safe anchorage in Caldy Roads. The lifeboat remained by her the whole of the day and night. The vessel proved to be the ship British India, of Liverpool, 2,000 tons burthen, bound from Bom bay to that port with a general cargo. itl,. k 'Plat HER MAJESTY. OSBORNE, Dec. 30. The Queen drove out yesterday with the Princess of Wales. Lieut.-Col. the Hon. D. de Ros attended on horseback. Her Royal Highness the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg• Strelitz is expected to arrive on a visit to her Royal Highness the Duchess of Cambridge, at Cambridge Cottage, Kew, about the sth proximo, from Germany, and will be most likely accompanied by the Hereditary Prince Adolphus. His Excellency the Prussian Ambassador and the Countess Bernstorff entertained his Excellency Baron de Cetto and a select party at dinner on Tuesday evening, at the 4 Prusbian Embassy, on Carlton House-terrace. The Earl Russell left his residence, Pembroke Lodge, Richmond Park, yesterday afternoon, for Osborne on a visit to her Majesty. The Earl and Countess of Chesterfield, who arrived in town on Saturday from visiting the Earl and Countess of Carnarvon at Highclere Castle, near Newbury, have since gone to Bretby Park, Derbyshire. The Earl and Countess of Carnarvon are enter taining a select company at Highclere Castle, near New bury. Among the guests partaking of the hospitality of the earl and countess are the Countess of Portsmouth , Count Strzelecki, Viscount Somerton, Lord Loughborough , Hon. Frederick Lygon, M.P., Hon. A. Herbert, Mr. R. S. Holford, M.P., and Mrs. Holford, Mr. H. Butler John stone, M.P., Mr. C. Grevdle, Mr. Elliot, Mr. Edward Herbert, Miss Ogilvy, &c. The Earl and Countess Amherst are seeing com pany at Montreal, Sevenoaks. Lady Amherst gave a grand ball last night, to which the Marquis Camden and Ladies Pratt, Viscount and Viscountess Holmesdale, Sir Edward and Lady Dering, the Earl and Countess of Winchilses , Lord and Lady Sondes, and a host of the nobility and sentry c,nnected with the county were invited. The Baron Waldenburg, Count Salino, and NI. de Chatellee have left the Brunswick, Jermyn-street, for Paris. Baron and Baroness Lionel do Rothschild enter tallied a select party at dinner last evening at Kingston House, Knightsbridge. The Right Hon. Sir Henry Lytton Bulwer, G.C.8., the British Ambassador at Constantinople, left Hall's Private Hotel, St. James's-place, on Tuesday for Paris, in which capital his excellency proposes to pass a fel days on his way back to the Turkish capital to resume his diplomatic duties. The Right Hon. Thomas Milner Gibson, M.P. , has left Hardwick House, Suffolk. and gone on a visit to the Queen at Osborne, Isle of Wight. DOMESTIC SERVICE. It is an old saying that we value in others the virtues which are convenient to ourselves, and this is curiously illustrated in the popular ideal of a g ood servant. In the masters' estimate, besides the in dispensable physical qualification of vigorous health , diligence, punctuality, and cleverness, readiness to oblige, and rigid honesty of a certain sort, are es sentials. Piety, devotion to parents, self-respect , and the like are held of small account. This is true even of the upper classes. But the great mass of servants are not to be found in the houses of the rich. " Gentlemen's families," though numerous itt London, form but a small minority of society gene' rally, and absorb a quite inconsiderable number of servants. The middle-class, taken in the most ex tended sense of the term, is the employing class, and it is here that the greatest unreasonableness prevails. Many are living beyond their means, at least in this sense, that they are trying hard to make their money go farther than it will. This leads to all sorts of petty parsimonies, which press hard upon the ser vants, wages are screwed down to the lowest level; the maximum of work is exacted, with the minimum of indulgences. Masters and servants are embarked in mutual struggle, each trying to get as much and give as little as possible, each looking upon the other as fair game, both alike disregarding the Golden Rule, Do unto others as yon would that they should do unto you. With such unrighteous feelings on both sides, It would be impossible for any system to work in an orderly and har monious manner. A radical improvement is needed. But where is it to begin? Mistresses, happily unconscious of their own share of the blame, take refuge in general complaints, and find, we may suppose, some solace to their wounded spirits, in the never ending flow of discourse on the crimes of servants, which forms the staple of women's conversation at middle-class tea-parties. A few, of a practical turn, wish " somebody" would set up " training - schools or something," which would turn out good servants ready made to their hands, instead of the raw girls who make their lives a burden. It does not occur to them that as they are obliged to be content with inferior houses, inferior furniture, inferior clothes, and inferior everything's to those of their richer neighbours, so also they' must be satisfied with inferior servants. Looking 0 the question broadly, it appears that while admit" ting abundant faults and errors on both sides, th e reform must begin at the top. It can scarcely be expected that an improvement in the character o'• servants will react upon their masters, but there is no doubt that the moral influence of masters is s $ important as it is subtle. The faults of serva nts are, in the main, also the faults of their e mploye°' Excessive love of dress is constantly br ou g ht forvvard' and no doubt servants do waste money and though t upon it, to a shocking degree. But how about Mi r tresses? Do they ever talk to their servants vritil. genuine interest on any other subject ? Does it 1 1 ° at least appear to be of the first importance in the ir eyes ? Daintiness in food is another of the crim es of servants. But while they are waiting at tables what is the theme of their master's discourse? I! not the appearance of a tough joint or an ill-eea.so neo dish considered a sufficient justification for a Per feet storm of indignation ? What sort of notio, must cooks have of what is essential to the haPP . , I " ness of men ! Servants are too fond of gossip. the conversation of " the parlour" so very mu ter' higher in quality than that of the kitchen ? ness is another of the stoc k accusations. Pe: rainy of us work at all harder than we ore! obliged ? Telling stories is, we believe, almost universal among servants. Perhaps in this respee also, we do not set the very best example pos sible ' 0 The petty deceptions, the incessant efforts appear richer than we are, which servants know att o about, and which, indeed, it is part of their businese to carry out, fill our households with an atmosphae._ of deceit, in the fast degree destructive of the 131 ! are of truthfulness. We may add that the ha re °I eel both masters and mistresses before marroiatgvery easy dow calculated to prepare them for then °t task of directing a household. Wien are comfort and ra e to be exacting, and inc onsiderate 0 t hodical, unused wom convenience of others ; destitute of the to authority, and often wenh,e un hich is essential t o the capacity for administrati ontwef even a small estab . order and good go vernm n e : ny Victoria went.—V MISS B R ADD EXQUISITE o N'EXQUISITE OF THE PAST." " From the w aving grace of his hair to the tip of hi 4 and it was le genre to show very li ttic 0 polished boo t peeping out of his well-cut trouser (there we t pe gtops 18477 o n f tne boot), he was the creature to be wondered at." l' u „ the cut of his coat, the easy nonchaleoc,i tho f n present--t-hi hia waxed ends of his curved moustache, °- ie dangling toys of gold and enamel that jingled at his Vi 3tc ,, 4 " chain, the waves of perfume that floated away from cambric handkerchief." TIIE ORATION THE GREEK RHETORICIAN 0; o . f i PARED FOR HIS CLIENT.—The client was oelighteo with the speech on a first perusal, he had doubts aboiio,o on a second reading. and when he had read it the third t :gy he did not like it at all. "My dear sir," said the o t t , rician, " I think you sai d that y ou liked it at 0-40 " Delighted.' " May I remind you that y our audie A " ? will hear it only once, an d that the y too ma y be deli g hte" : o BEERY BAVARIANS.—Listen to the conve rsat' he of Bavarians — it t urns on beer. See to what teo thoughts of the exile recur—to the beer of this countrP, down in a coffeehous e or eatin g house, and the waiter 11'4;f you beer unordered, and when you have emptied I° 4o g lass, replenishes it wit hout a summons. Tell a doctor '0 c li m ate of Munich does not a gree with y ou, and he wil l ! D o you if you drink en ou g h beer. Art ive at a p lace before to steamer or train is due, and you are told you have so loin , drink beer. Go to balls, and you find that it ree l ` (j champagne with the rich and dancing with the poor. once went to a servants' ball and stayed there some deli but when I came away dan cin g had not begun, and all society was sitting as still as ever, drinking beer.) lerforee's &cid Life in Germany. 1 ~r 1j