The Sun. — London, England, 1854-04-07 00:00:00

fold. We are now engaged in constructing railroads. 'Within a few weeks one great line—the Great Western of Canada—has been opened, and already its traffic re turns have exceeded the most sanguine expectations of the promoters. In a few weeks about 390 miles of the Grand Trunk of Canada will be in complete operation, and we shall then have direct communication with the Atlantic from the great commercial cities of Quebec and Montreal. It is idle to talk of the present returns from these roads, for, highly remunerative as they may be, such is the increase of population and of the products of the soil, that what is remunerative to day will in five years be immensely profitable. I trust, my 'lords and gentlemen, you will excuse me for seizing this opportunity of referring to our great internal improvements, and of endeavouring to show how important it is to our provincial credit that full con fidence should be placed in the stability of our institu tions. If such confidence has been established I believe that to your distinguished guest we are indebted for it ; and I have no hesitation in affirming that the success of his lordship's government has been caused by his strict impartiality. (Hear.) His lordship had only been a few days in the province when, in answer to the first congra tulatory address presented to him, he announced the principles on which he would administer the government, and from those principles he has never swerved in a sin gle instance. During his lordship's government our pro vince has had to pass through many trials. Wo bad se vere commercial distress ; we suffered fearfully from the disastrous emigration of 1847; we have not been without our political excitement; but throughout all these trying times, as well as during our period of prosperity, the Earl of Elgin and his amiable countess have been to her Majesty's Canadian subjects all that her Majesty has been to the people of the United Kingdom. -(Cheers.) I would say here that, though I shall not occupy your time by, repeating what has been already so much better said, I entirely concur in all the s entiments expressed regard ing the United States by your noble guest, and by the noble earl (Ellesmere), and the Duke of Newcastle. The Canadians entertain towards their brethren in the neigh bouring republic the most friendly feelings, and I know that those feelings are reciprocated. My lords and gen tlemen, a high honour has been c onferred on me in g ivin g me permission to propose the health of our distinguished chairman, the noble lord who is one of the representatives in Parliament of this great metropolis. It would be wholly out of place on such an occasion as this to re fer to the public services rendered to his country by the noble lord, and, even were it otherwise, it would be most presumptuous in me to attempt to enlarge on them, But, as a Canadian,. I may in connection with the cause of our meeting, remind you that it was during the period when the noble lord held the seals of the Colonial de partment, that the great measure of the union of the Canadas was determined on and carried, and that it was in his lordship's despatch of 1840 that thefirst indication was given of the new sistern of colonial government that ' was to be carried. (Cheers.) If his lordship entertained any doubts as to the success of the great experiment which he had determined on trying—and as a - wise states man he must have had some doubts—how gratifying to him must be the proceedings of this evening, and the complete success of the policy which he was instrumental in carrying out. lam sure that his lordship would think me guilty of ingratitude if I did not on this 'occasion refer to the services of a deceased statesman who co-ope rated with him, and whose loss we must ever deplore. The honourable gentleman concluded by proposing "The Health of the Noble Chairman." (Drank amidst cheers.) The CHAIRMAN rose to respond to the toast. He begged to return his grateful thanks for the honour which had been done him. On the question of colonial policy he did not feel himself called upon again to speak, as the subject bad been already commented on. He now begged to propose - the health of Lady Elgin, whose kind influence and 4iniabte character were fully appreciated by all who knew her ; and he begged to couple with her ladyship's ; name the ladies of Canada. (Drank with three times three.) The noble lord then left the chair, and the company separated at half-past twelve o'clock. THE WAR PREPARATIONS. The 95th Regiment, Lieutenant-Colonel Smyth, left their quarters in Portsmouth garrison yesterday morning at half Past 10, played out by the band of the 42d High landers, and marched through the streets to the dockyard amidst the most enthusiastic demonstrations of the spec tators, to embark for the East. The Medway, Royal West India mail packet, was moored alongside the dock yard jetty, from which the troops marched on board. In the afternoon she left the harbour, amidst the cheers of the crews of the ships fitting out, and the hearty fare wells of the shore population congregated on the steam boat piers and the walls of the garrison. She proceeded direct for the East. The weather was beautifully fine, and the sea innooth as a lake. The Cumberland, 70, Captain Seymour, is receiving sea stores, provisions, &c., at Spithead ; her crew will be paid three months' wages on Saturday, and she will sail on Sunday to reinforce the fleet under Sir Charles Napier. The Alegmra,, 6, screw troop-frigate, Commander Johnson, is refitting in the machinery department. Her crew were paid wages to-day, and were granted ten days' leave. Her Majesty's frigate Meander, 44, Commodore Talbot, is hourly expected from the Cape of Good Hope. Ou arrival her officers and crew will be turned over to the screw steam-ship Algiers, 91, fitting at that port. She is now in dock at Keyharn, and the artisans have been ordered to work extra, hours to expedite the fittings, so that she may be taken out of dock on Monday. The screw steam-ship Nile, 90, Commodore Martin, got up steam in Harnoize on Wednesday, and made a , satisfactory trial of her engines. The steam-tug Jasper is being fitted for service as a gun-boat in the Baltic. Mr. Watemap. of Anderton, who has lately supplied the Government with two flat-bottomed boats for land ing troops, is now constructing two more for the same purpose.. A. Dutch war frigate, from Batavia for Rotterdam, was off Fowey at 4 p.m. on Wednesday, under her three royals. Wiud, westerly ; light. An American paddle wheel barque-rigged steamer, with checkered sides and a man figurehead, was close into the Bolt at 4 o'clock yesterday morning, under fell steam and canvas. The Rhadamanthus steam store-ship, Master-Com mander Jahn Belam, arrived at Woolwich on Wednes day °veiling, from Portsmouth, and reports that-there was not a single ship-of-war or war-steamer at Si:Ahead when she left for the eastward. She passed the St. George, 121, and th e P r i nce Regent, 90, in the Downs, where the St. George was daily joined by a number of seamen for service iu her with the Baltic fleet, and she will soon fill up her required number. The Volcano paddle-wheel steam-sloop, recently re turned from service on the West Coast of Africa station, and at present in the basin at Woolwich, has been surveyed to ascertain her fitness to be employed as a floating factory for the engineers to wo r k on b oar d o f her, and accompany the Baltic fleet, to effect any repairs that may be required for the steam-vessels of the Royal Navy in that sea. The City of London steam-vessel was taken out of the basin at Woolwich yesterday, and left for the Mediter ranean with a number of officers and horses of the Staff of Lord Raglan and a company of Royal Sappers and Miners on board. A number of workmen are employed in erecting ad ditional compartments for horses to be embarked in the Emperor steam-vessel, and she will leave on Saturday for her destination. A number of the workmen in the carriage department at the Royal Arsenal have been engaged at 7s. per day, to join the Artillery branch of the expeditionary force to the East, and will accompany the batteries to the held, to effect promptly such repairs as may be found neces sary, in the event of the gun-carriages or ammunition waggons being injured. Active preparations are being made at Dublin for the embarkation of the draught of cavalry regiments ordered on service now in Dublin garrison, or quartered in pro vincial barracks. The remaining sections of artillery in Ballincollig (Cork), and other localities, have received orders to hold themselves in readiness for immediate service abroad. Arrangements have been entered into for the accommodation of the horses belonging to the several artillery troops as they arrive, and for their conveyance by troop-ships direct for Malta. Bodies of recruits continue to arrive at Aldborough barracks, from Beggar's-bush and other depots, and a system of active drill is carried on every day. The merchant steamers trading to Dublin have been fitted with requisites in every necessary case, and arein readiness when required for the transport of troops. Between 1 and 2 o'cl oc k p.m., Wednesday, a body of ,50 men, rank and file, together with four non-commis slimed officers (volunteers from the 90th Regiment) em barked on board the City of W a t erford Com PuY n es screw stea mer Sylph, bound direct f or D over, in order to join the Rifle Brigade about to proceed on service to the East. Among these volunteers are -a number of ser geants and corporals, who have resigned their rank as non-commissioned officers, and have joined the Rifle Brigade as private soldiers. This Corps, after having been inspected at barracks, marched through the city and alone . the North-wall to- the place of embarkation, headed by a fall band, and accompanied by crowds of citizens, who cheered them loudly as they passed. Captain Jernin gharu wase expected to arrive in Galway oil Wednesday evening, for the purpose of enrollin g volunteers for the coast defences. NAVAL APPOINTMENTS, reonHA (1850) to the Lieutenant. —Hon. • A. Vhcenix screw steam-sloop at Woolwich, fitting to pro ceed to the Arctic regions. Surgeons.—John H. CFruthers (1841) to the Algiers, 61, screw steam-ship at Devonport ; John Thomson. M.D. (c.), .(1.8161 to the Eurydice, 26, at Portsmouth ; David Thomson (u.), M.D. (1845), to the Gladiator, steam-frigate at Portsmouth. Midshipman.-- W. Evans to the St. George, 121, in the Downs on her way t o the Baltic. Naval Cadet the Manners Yorke, to the Han- Bibal, 91, screw step.ra-ship,'at Woolwich. Mr. John Trickett, assistant to the chief engineer at the factory at Woolwich dockyard, is appointed chief engineer of the new factory works at Keyham, near D e yonport dockyard. Mr. David Patridge, first-class chief engineer since J anua ry, 1850, and at present serving in the Penelope steam-frigate, just returned from service as flag-ship on the west coast of Africa station to Portsmouth, is ap pointed as sistant to the olli4 engineer at Woolviia 61 C'ck:a: 1 ) vic TriCliett, . A A G REAT INDIAN PENINSULA RAILWAY COMPANY. NINTH HALF-YEARLY GENERAL MEETING. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the NINTH HALF YEARLY GENERAL MEETING of the Proprietors in this Com pany will be held at the Offices of the Company, 3, New Broad street, Loudon, on FRIDAY, the 28th April, at 12 o'dock at noon precisely, for the general business of the Company. And Notice is also hereby given, that an EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING of the said Company u ill be held on the same day, and at the same place, for the purpose of obtaining the sanction of, the shareholders to the Bill now before Parliament to Amend the Act of Incorporation, and for other purposes connected therewith. (Signed) WTI ARNCLIFFE, Chairman. CORNELIUS NICH Dir U ectoLSON, Superintending r. 3, New Broad-street, London, April 7, 1854. *** The books for t he re g istration of shares will be closed from Saturday, the 15th, to Friday, the 28th April, inclusive. THEA rRE ROYAL DItErRY LANE. Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. THIS EVENING, AMU. 7, Will be performed LEONIE. Principal characters by Mr. Elliot Gale; and Mr. Henri Drayton; Hisses Lowe and Featherstone. After which, THE FEASC OF THE DRAGON, and Magical Performances of the Chinese Troupe. To cone ude with THE BARBER OF CADIZ. FOR THE BENEFIT OF MISS CUSHMAN. THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET. Under management of Mr. Ruckstone. THIS EVENING, APEM 7, Will be performed GUY MANNERING. Supported by Messrs. St. Albyn, W Farren, Compton, Roger.;, Howe, Clark, Corti, and Cullenlord; Miss Cushman (as Me; Merrilies), Mist Julia Harlan 1, and Mrs. L. .4. Buckingham. To conclude with the Comedy — of THE HONEYMOON. Duke Aranza, Mr. G Vundenhoff ; Juliana, Miss Cashman. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under the Management of Mr. CasaLas fix• THIS EVENING, APRIL 7. Will be performed RICHARD THE THIRD. Principal charac ter by Mr. C. Kean. After which, AWAY WITH MELANCHOLY. Characters ty 'Messrs. Meadows, D. Fisher, and SaXer ; and Misses Murray and Daly. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHI. Proprietor. Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste. THIS EVENING, APRIL 7, Will be peribrmed TWO LOVE.; AND A LIFE. Supported by Ifesqr4. C. Se:by, Leii,h Murray, Benjamin Webster, Keeley, and 0. Smith ; Mss Woolgar an 4 Madame Celeste. F o ll o wed by THE AOINTICHE MOVEMENT. Principal cha racters Messrs 0. Smith, Keeley, and Panne; Mrs. Keeley, and T o conclude with the Farce of HIS FIRST CHAMPAGNE. Miss by y Mary Keeley. ASTLEY'S EUROPE'S NATIONAL AMPIIITHEA.TRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. William Cooke. THIS EVENING, APRIL 7, The entertainments will commence with the chivalric spectacle, THE WOODMAN'S HORSE; or, The False Knight. Followed by an elegant routine of Scenes in the CIRCLE, introducing Mix: KATE COOKE; the Wonder of the World, Miss EMrLT COOKE; the Premier Horseman, Mr. ALFRED COOKE; Mr. WILLIAM COOKE on his matchless steed RAVEN, and a new Burlesque Equestrian Pari sian Paltoral B LLET—the appointments expressly made in Paris. Concludlng with (4th time) an entirely new Farce, DALRYM PLE VERSUS TITERS. Boa-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tom Der —Morning 37 min.after 8 1 Evening 23 min.aft. 9 To-Mcaaow—Morning min.alter 10 Evening 51 min.aft. 10 THE WEATHER.—SUN OFFICIB, APRIL 1 7. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 64 —highest since noon yesterday. 44 —lowest this morning and during the night. 63 —this day at noon. BAROMETER, 30'45. WIND, W.N.W.—Light breeze, and cloudy weather. , • „,„ 1 4 7 40 4 , ---- LONDON, FRIDAY, APRIL 7, 1854. SIR CHARLES NAPIER'S ADDRESS TO THE FLEET. The Morning Chronicle, in a second edition of to-day, publishes the following telegraphic despatch from its Copenhagen correspondent : COPENHAGMT, Thursday, Noon.—The fleet has returned to its anchorage in Kioge Bay. The Admiral has issued the following order of the day : " SIR CHARLES NAPIEB,'S ADDRESS, MADE BY SIGNAL, TO THE FLEET IN KIOGE BAY. " Lads—War is declared. We are to meet a bold and numerous enemy. Should they offer us battle, you know how to dispose of them. Should they remain in port, w must try to get at them. Success depends upon the quickness and precision of your fire. Lads, sharpen your cutlasses, and the day is your own." Germany appears to be seriously meditating a defection from the cause of Christendom. The specious proposal recently transmitted from St. Petersburg seems to have been already wonder fully successful at the Court of Charlottenburg. Perhaps before long it may prove to have been no less successful at Schoenbrunn. The proposi tion, we mean, emanating from the Emperor NICHOLAS, and recently conveyed to Berlin by Prince GEORGE of Mecklenburg. What was the precise nature of that proposition ? Recollect— it amounted simply to the suggestion, that when ever the Western Powers should secure from the Sublime Porte by Treaty the emancipation of the whole Christian population of Turkey, then the Russian forces would at once evacuate the Danubian Principalities. Observe—this is the conciliatory, the seemingly conciliatory offer made by the AUTOCRAT at the eleventh hour for a pacification. When ? At the eleventh hour do we say ? Nay, at a somewhat more ad vanced division on the dial than the eleventh ! At the period when war has been openly declared against Russia in the London Gazette, and in the Paris Moniteur. When the combined fleets in the Baltic and in the Eaxine are preparing for the blockade—here of Revel, and there of Odessa —for the simultaneous bombardment of fortified places so remote from each other as Cronstadt and Sebastopol. At this juncture, at this most immi nent crisis—when the imperial family of the CZ AR is retreating for safety to the central part of his vast empire, at Moscow—then, but not before, the Emperor Mc ROL A 3 sends his specious proposals for an " arrangement" to his royal brother at Berlin—shaping the offer of this pacification in the form of the singular Mes sage entrusted to Prince GgonoE of Mecklenburg. It would be altogether idle to suppose for an instant that the CZA Ri3 really prepared in accord ance with the terms of this .proposition to yield at last before the authoritative attitude assumed towards him by France and England after pro longed deliberation. His real and only object in throwing these final suggestions for a bloodless arrangement of difficulties, is to cajole, if possible, the Austrian and Prussian Governments. By making these pretended advances towards a reconciliation, the wily AUTOCRAT affords both Austria and Prussia, what the latter, at any rate, has so long looked for—the opportunity for a defection from the cause of Christendom: At Berlin the project of the Emperor Mamas is already proving itself to a considerable extent successful. There the King is manifestly pre paring himself for measures by which he, no doubt, hopes effectually to deceive the Prussian repre sentatives. There, too, his Majesty finds in the duplicity of hii Minister, MANTEUFFEL, th medium for the carry i ng out of his elaborate fitting schemes of misgovernment, At Vienna it would be difficult, or rather pre mature, to assert that the last diplomatic endea vours of the CZAR are proving themselves as suc cessful as they are manifestly becoming with the Prussian Government. Yet at Viennarumourshav e become audible as recently as within the few days which have already elapsed of this present month of April---rumours which, if in any way based upon reality, would go far to render us more than ever doubtful a 4 .the linearity of Austria, while. they might justify no inconsiderable amount of suspicion nearer home than in the councils of the Viennese Administration. The rumours we al lude to as being rife in the earliers days of April are rumours of a Convention of the Great Powers, a convention having for its objects —the guaran tee of the integrity of Turkey and of the rights of the Christian, population ; the opening of the Black ,Sea to the flags of all the nations of the earth ; the opening also of the mouths of the Danube to the mercantile enter prise of both hemispheres ; the revision of the treaties already existing between Russia and Tur key ; and, among other things, the placing of the principalities under an European Protectorate. Actually there has been, since the beginning of this new month of April, a talk at Vienna of some such Convention ! What is the meaning of all this ?—coming as it does soon after the arrival at Berlin of that specious and suspicious Message from the CZAR, the proposals brought thither by Prince GEORGE of Mecklenburg. Can it be possible that the warlike preparations, of which we have heard and seen so much of late, are, after all, to prove only so much " fire and fury, signifying nothing? " Are Eng land and France to be cajoled, deluded, and bam boozled ? Sooner or later the great struggle must come—the struggle between the rival powers of Barbarism and Civilisation. Any pacific arrange ment that might be consented to by the Russian AUTOCRAT, with a view on his part to ward off the deadly blow struck at his empire by France and England simultaneously, would effect in re gard to that long-anticipated collision, not its permanent prevention, but simply, and for a brief interval only, its postponement. It might thus possibly come at a period when the champions of the cause of freedom and civilisation might not nearly be so well prepared for the dread encounter. It might then so happen that an alliance, as cordial as that which now so happily subsists between them, might not knit together so intimately the policies of the French and English Governments. Better—all things considered— fight the great fight now, for once and for all, than leave it to the accident of some less propitious conjuncture of circum stances. We speak thus not from any love of War—Gon knows, and Gon forbid ! But consci entiously, and deliberately, and most earnestly from our preference for peace, and from the deep desire of our heart that that peace, the next great peace among the chief powers of the earth, should be built up upon more secure and more solid foundations. Besides—it would be little short of insanity to place • any reliance henceforth upon the volun tary advances of the Russian AUTOCRAT. It were preposterous to do so, after all his monstrous duplicity, after all his heinous guilt, after all his cruelty, rapacity, and blasphemy. Accept nothing from him in the way of a partial conces sion. Extort everything that needs to be extorted in the way, if possible, of adequate reparation. Otherwise than by such means the tranquillity of Europe can never again be securely re established. Can we seriously anticipate any such decisive proceedings—let us ask this plainly —while the Earl of ABERDEEN remains at the head of her Britannic MAJESTY'S Government ? Can we ? Is this, within reason, really to be ex pected ? The Noble Lord has never shown fore sight, has never shown decision, has never shown anything but weakness, at any period of great emergency. In the February_ of 1848 he had implicit confidence in the stability of the throne of Louis PHILIPPE ! Ever since Bonapartism has risen triumphantly, and as the last expression of the national will of France out of the debris of the Revolution, he continued up to a comparatively recent period to depreciate the powers, and the capacity of that extraordinary man who is at once its imperial embodiment and its democratic representative ! So much for my Lord. ABERDEEN'S foresight ! Then as to his decision or as to his weakness under emergency—has he not been called by potentates beyond the seas, at various times, and by different personages, the " dear," the "good," the "excellent," the "estimable gentleman"— each of these epithets the tribute to his supple complacency? Nay—glance but for an instant at the revelations of this Secret and Confidential Correspondence. Have we not there the acknow ledgment from the lips of the CZAR himself that bring him into personal communion with the Earl of ABERDEEN, and all would be arranged in ten minutes to his Imperial MAJESTY'S satisfaction ? Ts this the Prime Minister of England at a crisis so awful and momentous as that which now brings into collision the opposing forces of Barbarism and Civilisation ? Is it ? We ask, pointing to these Viennese rumours of a Convention, and to these sinister concessions of the Court at Berlin to the conciliatory proposals recently emanating from the Autocratic Councils at St. Petersburg. If Lord ABERDEEN really wishes well to his country—if he be truly loyal to our beloved SOVEREIGN—if he hesitates and doubts about the ultimate success of the war, let him, then, in GOD'S name, resign at once, and let Lord JOHN RUSSELL, the " plucky" member for the city of London, fill his place, but not follow in his ways. He, " Glorious JOHN !" could not, he would not, he DARE NOT ! Therefore, let Lord JOHN " come on"—and let ABERDEEN, awa !" Last night the petition of the " National Asso ciation for the Vindication of Scottish Rights" was presented in the House of Lords, and a mo tion made, that an address, founded thereon, should be presented to her most gracious MA JESTY. The Earl of EGLINTON, by whom the subject was ventilated, reduced the grievances complained of to three,• which he deemed worthy of consideration, and for which, on behalf of his countrymen, he demanded redress. These were— Ist. That there was not a separate Secretary of State for Scotland, but that the whole business of Scotland, not only legal, but connected with its commerce and manufactures, was placed in the hands of the Lord Advocate. 2d. The paucity of the number of representa tives allotted to ScotlAnd in the Imperial Parlia ment. 3rd. That the Royal Palace of Holyrood and its precincts have been neglected, and not main tained iu the condition which the historical asso ciations connected therewith, and the feelings of the Scottish people for the habitation of their ancient kings, justly demanded. The above were but a selection from many other complaints which have been put forward on be half of the sister kingdom. They were calmly and temperately discussed, as they ought to be, for there is nothing more strongly to be depre cated—nothing more calculated to excite the displeasure of an intelligent and high-minded and sensitive people than to find subjects to which they attach considerable importance, and in which they fancy, whether justly or other wise it is unnecessary to inquire, that the national honour is in some degree treated with levity and ridicule. The Scottish people are entitled to respectful consideration in any matters which a large proportion of their re presentatives may deem it expedient to put for ward on behalf of their country, and, unless some very decided obstacles intervene, to graceful concessions. If the objections should appear in superable, let it be so stated and if sustained by arguments, we think that they will be satisfied. At all events, there will be no prejudiced or stupid cry of distinct nationalities or conflicting religious opinions excited to disturb the concord and amity existing between the inhabitants of the different portions of that which is termed, and we hope will ever remain—" The United Kingdom" o f Great Britain. Scotland is not a conquelbd kingdom. Her hardy children ever maintained their independence, and all the strength and power of England could never make any impression on a gallant nation determined to be free. She, was for a long sue= cession of ages the sorest thorn in the side of England, that required the greatest vigilance and energy to guard aga i ns t h er determined hostility. The words which Finland's greatest dramatist puts into the mouth of her most valiant King, when entering on a French epeditidn, prove it : " We do not mean the coursing snatchers only, But fear the main intendment of the Scot, Who hath been still a giddy neighbour to us ; For you shall read that my great grandfather Never went with his forces into France But that the Scot, on his unfurnished kingdom, Came pouring like the tide unto a breach, With ample and brimfulness of his force Galling the gleaned land with hot essays ; Girding with grievous siege castles and towns; That England, being empty of defence, Hath shooic and trembled at the ill neighbourhood." It requires no such evidence, however, to prove the inestimable advantages arising from the junction of Crowns on the accession of the King of Scotland to the throne of England, or the beneficial results of the Legislative Union between the sister kingdoms. Any thing that could prove galling to the feelings of our brethren " ayont the Tweed" should be religiously avoided. We should avoid anything irritating to those who were such formidable and persevering opporfents, and such efficient and valuable coadjutors in the hours of danger and difficulty. Having thus deprecated the unsuitable and in judicious tone adopted by some of our contempo raries, we proceed to the consideration of the several points put forward by the Earl of EOLINTON. First, then as to " the appointment of a separate Secretary of State for Scotland." We believe that a greater evil could not be in flicted on the country than granting the request. In place of widening the distinctions, we should endeavour to cement more closely the bonds of union, to lead to the com plete amalgamation in every respect, so that there should be no greater distinction between Scotland and England than between Kent and Yorkshire. They are our brethren, entitled to equal privileges, to full and perfect equality in every particular. Ireland has been deeply injured by the continuance of the "Brummagem" Court-- the " pinchbeck" imitation of the sterling Royal metal. Its only use has been to ftster dissension, to lead to " back-stairs intrigues," and the process which on the other side of St. George's Channel, is appropriately designated as " earwigging the Viceroy." Had the Lord-Lieutenantcy of Ire land been long since abolished, and that country, like Scotland, brought under the administration of the Home-Office, it would be far better off in many important particulars at this moment. In place, then, of increasing the badges of distinction, we should rather aim at diminish ing, if we could not altogether get rid of, those at present subsisting. Again, as to the paucity of the representatives allotted to Scotland in the Imperial Parliament. There certainly are no grounds of complaint in the branch of the Legislature in which the complaint was brought forward. We do not say that the representative Peers are proportioned to the claims of the country. But it was, to say the least of it, remarkable thatevery Nobleman who took part in the discussion was a Scotchman, not merely by birth and lineage, but in heart and feeling, and that at the same time he spoke and voted as an English Peer. It did not change the nationality of the gallant " EGLINTON and WINTON" that he delivered his sentiments as the Baron ARDROSSAN. Lord ABERDEEN was not the less a Scotchman though occupying the position of Prime Minister of England, and taking his seat as the English Viscount GORDON. The Earl GRAHAM, by whom he was succeeded, kept up his name as the repre sentative of the chivalrous MONTIIOSE. Nor were the glories of the MACCALLUM MORE altogether veiled under the more humb:e title of Baron SUNDRIDGE. Nor can there be any greater doubt of the representative of the ancient Earls of PAN MURE, or of the son of the faithful pastor who for more than half a century ministered to the reli gious wants of the good people of Cupar. That son is pure Scotch, although by his own deserts he has acquired an English Peerage and the proud position of Lord Chief Justice of England: The proportion of seats in the representative branch is worthy of calm inquiry, and Lord JOHN RUSSELL has proved that he is not disposed to blink the question, but to consider it in a fair and unprejudiced spirit. As to Holyrood House it ought to be repaired. The recollections attached to the venerable fabric ought to prevent the " Vandalism" of suffering it to become dilapidated. The money required for the purpose would be cheaply expended, if it con ferred the most trifling gratification on our northern brethren. Nay, more, we would desire to see it made a residence worthy of the SOVE REIGN, and occasionally occupied by one so well qualified to win the hearts and preserve the al legiance of her people as her most gracious MA JESTY. The sumptuous banquet given last evening to the Governor-General of Canada, the E trl of ELGIN and KINCARDINE, was something more than a mere banquet : it partook in some measure of the character of a national and noteworthy de monstration. It was a magnificent, and, let us add, a deserved tribute to the popularity of the Viceroy of our North American provinces. It was an augury of happier and more prosperous times for the inhabitants of that vast and fruitful territory. It was thus, moreover, in both instances, because the occasion was inaugurative of•a noble and im perial enterprise, upon the development of which the destinies of Canada may be said, without ex aggeration, to be visibly dependent. Allusion is hero made, of course, to the grand project of the system of railways now being carried out in that colony—those enormous trunk lines with their branches, which will enable the steam-engine to dif fuse over the uncultivated regions of Central Ameri ca the boons of commerce, and the blessings of civi lisation. An appreciation of the magnitude of this great enterprise, as well as a complete and encou raging appreciation of the Vice-regal merits of the Governor-Geneial of Canada were evinced yester day hi the meditative allusions to both, which fell from the lips of LordJ. RussErm--the Chairman of the festivities. A due sense of the value of the project commenced by the Leader of the House of Commons, and a fitting recognition of the amiable commendations awarded to himself as an administrator—marked the speech delivered in reply by the Earl of ELGIN and KINCARDINE. Altogether, the proceedings of the evening proved themselves to be worthy of the important and interesting objects of the demonstration. DEATH OF THE VISCOUNTESS GORT.--It is with the deepest sorrow that we have to record the death of Maria, Viscountess Gort, who departed this life yester day, after a long and painful illness, which she bore with true Christian patience. The Viscountess Gort was the eldest daughter of the Right Hon. Standish O'Grady, first Viscount Guillamore, and was married to the pre sent Viscount Gort in the year 1814. Her ladyship leaves a large family to mourn her irreparable loss.— Dublin Evening Mail. _ • LYCEUM THEATRE.*—Mr. Allcroft has announced a very attractive series of promenade concerts for next week, for which occasion he has engaged the London Orchestra, which includes all the first-rate artistes, comprising Bar ratt, Baumann Richardson, Lazarus, Prospere, Hardy, Thirlwall, Rowland, and the celebrated Herr Ernst, who will perform two solos on the violin every night ; Richardson on the flute, and Miss Nixon on the piano forte. In order to render these concerts as amusing as possible, Mr. Augustus Braham, Miss Rebecca Isaacs, Miss Miller, and Miss Tudor will sing a variety of popular songs and duets each evening, There can be little doubt but that these concerts will be well attended, as the talent engaged is of the first rate, and the prices of admission are on the most moderate scales. THE LATE MR. JUSTICE TALFOURD.—The New Quarterly Review for April, in a note to one of its arti cles, thus alludes to the death of the author of "Ion" : —While correcting the proof of this sheet, the news arrives of the sudden death of the author of "Ion." It is long 'since any event has occasioned so general a sense of sorrow. Every member of the bench, the bar, and the profession of letters, from the Chief Justice of England to the smart inditer of a joke for Punch, has lost in Talfourd a private friend. His death rids no man of an 'enemy. He was the gentlest creature whom God ever endowed with rare intellectual powers, and common sense to govern them. Even his weaknesses were but the overflowings of his social virtues. His good nature might sometimes be abused, bat it was never exhausted. In Russell square the meanest votary of the muse, the humblest sutler in the camp of literature, might seek admission without wounding his independence, and be sure that his claims would be allowed. Talfourd is gone; and the memory of his happy qualities as a host and a companion will die away with those who enjoyed them—for poste rity ss only grateful for acts that survive. Henceforth Talfourd is but the author of "lon " and of the Copy-. right Law—two achievements which may carry his name fax into the future, although not autaciaut to promise an =Dub* . - - MONEY MAUKE AND COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 5,000 'bales, all to the trade. The market was quiet but steady, without change in prices. The sales comprised 4,000 American, 270 Pernam and Maranham at 6/d. to 61d., 20 Bahia at 6)d., 100 Egyptian at 6/d., and 600 Surat at 21d. to sid. per lb. Railway Shares were firm at rather higher prices. Colonial produce has been firmer this week, but sales have not been - so much pressed, and business has been restricted. Sugar has been steady, and coffee dearer. Tea, owing to the further reduction, in the duty, is eitpected to get active. Not much has been done in cotton ; and saltpetre, which has been lower, is firmer again. Spices generally have declined. Tallow is cheaper. Jute has advanced considerably. Rum has been without much change. In the Daily Commerciab G azette are the follow ing remarks upon a subject of interest to the gro cery trade :-- "At a meeting of the sugar brokers this afternoon, a committee was formed to take into consideration the al terations proposed by the wholesale grocers, with respect to the new mode of selling foreign sugar, &a. It is to be hoped that the brokers will not allow six or seven weeks to elapse (as was stated the other day the grocer,, had done) withoqt coming to some resolution on the subject, as it is impossible to .carry on the increasing trade of this port under the old system of keeping open account sales for three or four months." The following remarks upon the dried fruit trade are by Messrs. Witherby and Hanson :-- "The shipment of low fruit to the Continent con tinues ; cargo after cargo is gradually disappearing from the dock, andas no arrivals of any consequence can pos sibly occur, it is likely that from this date there will be a gradual diminution of our stock. It is difficult to as certain the actual stock at this port, owing, as we stated in January, to the great diversity and lightness of pack ages ; the clearances since Christmas, however, when it was rou.;hly estimated at less than 9,900 tons, have ex ceeded the receipts by several hundred tons. Since our last there has been more disposition on the part of holders to clear off their low stock by sales and shipments. There has also been more inquiry from the trade fur fair 1853 fruit, but at prices which importers are reluctant to accept, such being of more keeping quality. In 1851 fruit little has been done, but the full price of 935. was lately paid by the trade for some fine Zante, and holders are unwilling to part with such.- Had we to announce, in conjunction with the reduc tion in the consumption of currants, a compensatieg increase of that of raisins, it might reasonably be inferred that the former Article bad been driven out of use ; but the simultaneous falling off in the consumption of both can arise solely from one primary cause—the high price of flour, &c. But for this there would have been a good trade in currants, the stock of 1851 and 1853 fruit being of sound wholesome quality, and at a wide and conve nient range of prices, such as will, sooner or later, be fully appreciated. The accounts of the appearance of the next crop are worse than before: in fact, what with the ruin consequent upon the result of the last two seasons, the distress and the existence of actual famine in the Morea, and the unsettled political state of the country, the prospect for next season is very dishearten ing." The Australian Pacific Steam Packet Company have had an extraordinary meeting this morning, John Hibbert, Esq. in the chair, to receive the report of the directors. The chairman stated that the price expected for the vessels was 56,0001., and that the Emeu and Kangaroo have been hired to the Government for 100/. a day each, for 6 months certain, the Government finding coals. The report was adopted, and the following are the chief points which it contains : " The Directors would have been prepared, as the re maining three vessels advanced towards completion, to offer them also for employment to H.M. Government on similar terms. '6 In the interval, however, an offer was unexpectedly made by the long-established company in France, called "LaCoinpagnie des Messageries Maritimes Imperidles ' "to purchase these three vessels, namely, the Menina, Di nornis, and Black Swan. "The Directors, before returning an answer to this proposal, thought it right to cominunioate with the Lords of the Admiralty on the subject, in case H. M. Government might wish to be the purchaser, and re ceived the thanks of their lordships fur su doing, though it was stated at the same tune that such a purchase could not at that time be entertained. " The Directors, therefore, after due deliberation, and taking all the circumstances attending the present de mands, for steamers into their consideration, as well as the position of the Company itself, a s regarded its future prospects, were of opinion, that if a satisfactory price could be secured, an absolute sale would be preferable to taking the chance of occasional employment for the vessels, with all the expenses attending an establish ment, which must have been kept up for that purpose. " After much negociation, the Directors have effected a sale to the French Company upon advantageous terms. It is due however to the Proprietors to state, that the return of an immediate and definitive answer to this offer was the prominent condition insisted on by the parties." At the meeting of the company of Copper Miners in England, held this day, a dividend of 7A per cent. for the past year on the preference shares, and 5 per cent. on the consolidated stock, was de clared, and a further sum 0f1.00,0001. was agreed to raised in preference shares. The Prussian Gazette, received this morning, giires more in detail the contents of the autograph letter from the Czar to the King of Prussia, with his terms for peace. It appears by this that the Emperor would evacuate the provinces (or promises so to do), provided we leave the Black Sea and the Baltic, and obtain treaties from the Sultan guaran teeing those privileges for the Christians which we profess to desire. The Prussian Gazette observes, that it is impossible to over-ostimate the importance of this, but that England and France will not be likely to accept it, as they nowintend to have the old treaties abolished, and the Black Sea declared open to the vessels of all nations. The English StOelci have been very firm, and part of the money received by the holders of Old South Sea Annuities is being reinvested in Consols. These have been as high as 874 and 1 , 872. for account. Bank Stock is supported at 2121 ex div. The New 31 per Cents. have been at 861. to 861, and the 3 per Cents. at 86g to 8. Exchequer Bills have been at par to 4s. premium, and East India Bonds at 4s. dis. South Sea Stock is worth 115. Foreign. Securities have been quiet generally, but there is a rise in Mexican again to 24g -a. Peru vian have also been higher, viz., 581. Austrian Old Bonds have been quoted 76, and in Russian 5 per Cents. there is au improvement to 92 and 94, and in the 41 per Cents. to 82k. This is entirely due to the new proposals made through Prussia. Spanish New Deferred Stock is at 171 to 1. There has been a bargain in Belgian 4& per Cents. at 84. The Railway Share market is about as good as it was yesterday, but prices are scarcely uniform. Caledonian have been rather higher, and also Great Western, South-Western, Midland and South- Eastern, while York and Berwick and North- Western, are barely supported. The French lines are firm. In the Gold Mines, Banks, and Land Companies, very little is doing at present, but they keep up their price. Australian Consols Shares are 4 dis count to par. BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY. —CLOSING PRICES ( From the O f ficial List.) nußine.• 'lnn. dank Stock per Cent. Reduced Annuities B6 a / z d 3 per Cent. Consols Annuities B7l . New 3/ per Cent. Annuities 864 7/ a India Bonds, £lOOO . ...... ............... Ditto, under £lOOO 4 1 d South Sea Stock Consols for Account 18tliAlwi1 KWH Exchequer Bills, 2d. £IOOO £5OO par 4 p Small par 4 p PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY. Austrian Bonds,• 5 per Cent........: 76 Chiliau Bonds, 6 per Cent 99 Ditto 3 per Cent Grenada Bonds, Deferred viexica.n 3 per Cent. Ditto for the Account 24 a a 4 Peruvian Bonds, 4i per Cent. 5B 9 Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cont. £ St 93 4 2 Ditto 41 per Cent B2. Spanish Bonds, 3 per Cent 35 Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent. l7i Dividends on the above payable in London. Belgian Bonds 4# per Cent. ex. 25 fr THREE O'CLOCK. Consols B7B Ditto April. Account B7B THE NEW SOUTD WALES COAL AND INTEEOOLONIAL STEAM NAVIGATION _COO &NT. - This Company have issued a first report. They state that a charter has been obtained from the local government ; that in April last they purchased and despatched the William Miskin, screw steamer, of 424 tons, with passengers and cargo, to Melbourne, whergan offer was made for her of 8,000/,; and that proposals have been received for an amalgama tion with a local steam company already established at Sydney and Melbourne, but which it is now feared can not be carried out, owing to the London company not having a sufficient number of their shares subscribed. Under these circumstances, the directors are disposed to recommend that the undertaking should be wound up, and they belijVe that with care their property, consist ing of the screw steamer and certain lands and collieries, may ultimately realise 19,0001., to Meet 11,0001, the total amount of tl2 Elbarea in circulation. LAIES'f ‘iV THE WAR IN THE EAST. THE BALTIC FLEET. A telegraphic despatch, dated Berlin, Wednes day night, says The fleet has left Kioge Bay, and sailed south wards. On Saturday the Bulldog, Caesar, and Austerlitz arrived at Gottenburg. The Isle of Aland is being disarmed by the Russians. The above is confirmed by the following : COPENHAGEN, Wednesday. —The navigation from Revel to St Petersburg is reported to be quite free, and the ice broken up. The fleet will soon leave Kioge, and some steamers have already gone. Other despatches state that the Russians have dismantled the fortress of Bormarsund, in Aland, and were abandoning that island altogether. GREECE. MALTA, MARCH 31.—Five Turkish frigates, with troops on board, were ,seen off Navarino on the 30th, inaking,direct for Janina. A st( am frigate and sloop from AleAandria ar rived at Prevesa on the 27th with Egyptian troops, and several others since. A 74-gun ship and a steam frigate are reported on the Albanian coast. The French screw-frigate Pomone, from Toulon, at Corfu. We learn from Vienna that the Greek Govern ment has bought three Russian ships of war now lying in that port, with all the material of war, which is still on board. REPORTED VICTORIFS OF THE TURKS. Despatches were received yesterday at the Turk ish Embassy in Paris from Vienna, confirming what was said on the preceding day in the Parisian capital, about the defeat of the Russian General Uschakoff, and the retreat of his corps in Bessarabia. It is also stated that the forts said to have been captured are still in the hands of the Turks ; that the Turks have crossed the Danube at a point be tween Nicopolis and Rustchuk ; that 20,000 Turks are on their way to Trajan's-wail or Rassova, and 25,000_ for the same direction froai Shumla. Re ports were also rife about advantages near Kalafat. But all these have to be confirmed officially. The Patrie states that the account of an advan tage having been gained by the Turks on the Lower Danube appeared to be confirmed,, " It is positive," says that journal, " that the General-in- Chief of the Russian army, after the passage of his troops into the Dobrudscha, considered his posi tion so critical that he immediately demanded re inforcements from Bessarabia, Odessa, and even Sebastopol." PROPOSALS OF THE GERMAN POWERS. The followin g is from the Times' Correspondent, in that capital, in his letter dated yesterday, 6 p.m. :—lt is stated in Paris that a communica tion, forwarded from the King of Prussia, and em bodying the terms of the propositions brought by Prince George of Mecklenburg-Strelitz, from St. Petersburg, has been made to the British Govern ment and rejected. It is not gate certain whether a similar communication has been made here, but if it should be made no doubt is entertained that it will meet with the same fate. Even sup posing these propositions to be founded on a sin cere desire for peace, which there is every reason to doubt, it is felt that the time at which they could have bemi accepted has long since passed by. The points touched on in the communication of the Prince, are believed to be more developed in the conversation which followed the presenting of the Imperial missive than in the document itself. But whether in the letter or in conversation with the Austrian Ambassador, the following are said to be the leading points :—the approbation by Austria of the policy and measures adopted by the French and English Governments, up to the latest period; a detailed explanation of the reasons, founded on the diversity of German interests, which have hitherto prevented Austria from entering on a more• decided action; hopes held out, if not a piomise given, that within a period, not fit distant, Austria will assume a more decided attitude. The " period, not far distant," must have reference to some contingency, and that contingency is pre sumed to be the further advance of the Russian army into the Turkish territory. Indeed, it is added, that, either in the letter or in the conversa tion, it was stated that so long as the Russians re mained on the left bank of the Danube Austria would have continued to maintain her neutrality ; but that the Russians having passed the Danube Austria would send an army of observation on the frontier of Servia and Bosnia ; and that if they passed the Balkans, then, indeed, Austria would re • main no longer in bservation I,ut would co-operate with England and France. Nor are all hopes of Prus ia given up, for there are indications that that Power will before long assume an attitude befitting a great and independent nation. I have heard it stated this day on the authority of a letter from Berlin, proceeding from a distinguished personage, that when matters come to the point, to which, by the way, they have very nearly reached, Prussia will not go against France and England. For some days past matters wore a gloomy aspect,—to day all appears couleur de rose, and confidence in the union of the great Powers against the common offender is high indeed. We have intelligence that the fleets have again entered the Black Sea. If they fall in with the Russian squadron there can be no doubt entertained of a collision, and a colli sion with the defeat of the enemy will seriously in terfere with the semi-pacific intentions attributed very recently to the Czar. On the same subject, the Paris correspondent of the' Morning Chronicle writes :—" The autograph letter written by the Emperor of Austria to the Emperor of the French, together with the mission of the Dake de Mecklenburg to Berlin, has once more raised a faint hope that, after all, peace may not be disturbed ; and that it will be seen that the effect has been a considerable improvement in con fidence at the Bourse. But it is to be feared that these expectations are once more doomed to disap pointment. As far as regards the letter from the Eiriperor of Austria to Napoleon, believe I can assure you that it contains nothing decisive as to the part to be taken by the Austrian Cabinet in the event of hostilities actually commencing. The tone of the letter is very amicable as regards Napoleon himself, and reiterates the approba tion of his Majesty as to the course followed throughout the transaction, both by England and France. But the Emperor does not give the most remote hint as to what he will do • himself.. He merely holds out the hope that a still more complete understanding may exist between himself and thr. Western Powers, and hints at tile possibility of a common action as soon as circumstances will permit. In short, the policy adopted by Austria, Lot only as shown by this letter, but as it is to be gathered from recent events, is this, that she dis approves of the conduct of Russia, but will not for the present join the allies against the Czar ; but that if the efforts of the Western Powers should be successful, Austria will then join them in forcing Russia to make peace." A letter from Berlin of the 3d, in the Cologne Gazette, Dias the fell , wing on the statement that Russia has made, through the Duke of Mecklen burg Strelitz, new propositions of arrangement " The opinion of intelligent people is that the real object of the Czar is to embarrass the diplomatic negoti ations between Prussia and Austria. Nevertheless, at St. Petersburg as at Berlin, it is perfectly known that the Western Powers, on their part, will not allow them selves to be tricked, and that they will only make peace on condition of obtaining solid guarantees for the future." The Universal German Gazette declares, on the authority of a letter from Vienna of the Ist, that the rumour that the Austrians have marched on Belgrade, is totally unfounded. It adds that the march of the troops was continuing. The Deutsche Volkshalle announces that, on the convocation of the Chamber of Commerce of Cre feldt, an assembly of delegates of all the Rhenish chambers of commerce was to be held at Dussel dorff, in order to draw up an address to the King, pointing out the injury which would result to the Rhenish provinces from a rupture with the Western Powers. The Courrier de Marseille gives the following news brought by the Caradoc, which left Constantinople on the 26th. The day before the departure of the combined fleets for Varna, the Mogador and Inflexi ble, French and English steam frigates, left for same place, with 1,000 Ottoman troops armed with Minie rifles to reinforce the garrison. The object of the combined fleets was, it is stated, to support the operations of the Turks, and to attack, if necessary, the Russian fleet, which had been seen by several ships near Varna, for the purpose of supporting the movements of Prince Gortschakoff. The Sampson and Cacique steamers, during their last cruise, saw the Russians burn and blow up a certain number of fortresses on the coast of Asia ; they also saw the Circassians enter and pillage Soubachi after it bad been set fire to and abandoned by the Rus sians. Sotclia met with a similar fate. They visited in succession Bombary, PsizouaPi, Galindzik, and Loujak-Bey. The fort of Pshad was on fire, and had been also pillaged. The Circassians, with whom the frig a t es com municated, stated that Schamyl w a s i n the South with 40,000 men, and , only waited for instructiors to act. The Russians were making great preparations at Anapa, and repairing all the fortifications. The Russians on.all the coas t Were in a state of extraordi nary panic. . A _to sight of the steamers, they fire I guns to warn the neighbouring forts to put themselves on the defen sive. Soukoum Kale appears to be the place which the Russitins intend to make the centre of their operations. The accounts from Malta by the Ca radoc are to the 30th ult. Vessels were every day arrivkg there from Toulon and Algiers with troops. When the vessels having them on' board passed the English transports, there was an exchange of bur- . raps, and the "Marseillaise" and the " Chant du Depart" responded to by "God Save the Queen" and " Rule Britannia." Up to the 30th ult. the English forces which' had arrived there amounted to 422 officers, and 11,577 non-commissioned officers and privates. The order for all the troops to pro ceed to the Dardanelles had been received, and the movement was commencing. A Constantinople letter states that considerable surprise has been excited in that city at the news of the abandonment by the Russians of several im portant points on the coast of Circa.sia, as they were well fortified, and had lar g e garrisons. A hasty despatch received at Malta states that a steamer making for Constantinople had been nearly wrecked oil the Island of Mitelene. The pilot was a Greek, and it was suspected that, knowing there - was on board the vessel a large sum of money for the use of the Tursish Government, he purposely brought the ship and her treasure into danger. It is asserted from Odessa that there are 30,000 soldiers at Sebastopol; the fortifications on the land side are pushed forward with vigour. The Coiogne Gazette, under date of St. Peters burg, 29th ult., says :—" Ain Imperial rescript addressed to the Governor-General of Finland, is thus conceived : " ' When I visited Finland at the beginning of the month. I felt myself deeply affected at the j..yful wel come given to me by all classes in my Grand Duchy, which is very dear to me. I found in the general de votedness which was - manifested a testimony which was the echo of my cordial sympathy. It was equally agree able to me to see that all the authorities and the people rivalled each other in promoting the development of the welfare of the country. I had long' before been aware that this constant object of my solicitude was favoured by the exalted morality of the people deeply penetrated with a sense of their duties and conscientious in the ful• filment of them. I have never doubted the sentiments of loyalty of my faithful Finlanders, and I charge you to express to them the sentiments of Any sincere grati tude and of my unchangeable kindness towards them. " St. Petersburg, March.'" " NICHOLAS.' The Emancipation, of Brussels publishes the fol lowing extract of a letter addressed by a German, to one of his political frienls iu the Belgian capital : Whatever may be the sensation produced in Ger many by the diplomatic revelations of France and Eng land, a still deeper one may, perhaps, be caused by the approaching publication in the Journal de St. Pet ersbourg of a correspondence exchanges: between personages still more elevated than MM. Russell, Seymour, and Nes selrnde. This information has reached us from Vienna, where the Russian Ambassador announced the publica tion as a threat against England. I might tell you more, but for the present content yourself ,with this, which is strictly true, although it may appear to you rather enig matical." FRANCE. Some doubts are expressed whether the English soldiers, so long and so earnestly expected, will pass through Paris. The great obstacle is the insufficiency of water in the Rhone, and particu larly at Valence. The boats have been much re tarded on their way down the river, and a telegra phic despatch, received from Valence, from a pri vate traveller, mentions the stoppage. A gentleman, who has returned from a lengthened visit in the central parts of France, mentions that on his journey to Paris ho mots crowds of 3 01111 ,1 re cruits traversing the country in all directions to join their respective corps. The first pang of part ing from their families and friends was naturally bitter enough, but they had been scarcely a day on the road when the gaiety of the Erench characl ter returned, and most of those he met were singing the couplets latley composed for street vocalists, all of course relating to the war, and predicting defeat to the Cossacks. As they encountered each other on the road, cries of " Vive mpereur," " A bas les Busses" were loud and frequent. The Greek Church in Paris is rather thinly at tended since the departure of the Russians ; yet prayers continue to be offered up for the Czar, and during the mass the prayer, which is not a short one, is repeated not less than four times. It is plated that, on a recent occasion, his Imperi a l Majesty requested the Holy Synod, of which one. of his aides-de-camp is the President, to shorten tie mass as much as possible. He was told that of .course it could be done, but that the service was length ened by the prayers for his Majesty and the Princes ; if these could be abridged or left out, the mass would be very brief indeed. This, however, the Czar would not listen to, and the service re mains uncurtailed. The Legislative Body had submitted to it yes terday a bill increasing to 140,000 men, instead of 80,000, the number of recruits of the class of 1853. Prince Napoleon sets out on the 9th for the Army of the East. He will arrive on the 10th at Lyons, on the 11th at Valence, on the 12th at Avignon, on the 13th at Marseilles, and on the morning of the 14th at Toulon. Marshal St. Arnaud leaves on Monday for Mar seilles, where he purposes staving about ten days. The Moniteur contains a long report from the Minister of the Interior to the Emperor on the em ployment cf part of the credit of 10,000,000 fr. allowed for the improvement of the lodgings Of workmen in large manufacturing towns, by the decrees of the 22,1 January and the 27th March, 1852. It states that a 'subvention of 200,000 fr. has been granted to the " Cite Napoleon," is Paris, the first workmen's lodging-house that was built ; that Messrs. Pereire have contracted ' to build workmen's lodging-houses to the • amount of 4,550,000 fr., on condition of re; ceiving a subvention from the government equal to one-third of the expense, and that they have already constructed two large buildings, one at La Chapelle, and th e o th er a t the Batignolles, in which they are bound to let single bed-rooms for unmarried men at 20c. a-night, and apartments for married coupl es at 7f. 50 c . par supertLial yard per annum ; that M. de Heckeren, senator, and M. Kenaard have also contracted to build lodging houses to the amount of 4,140,000 L, on receiving a subvention equal to one-third of the expense, and that they are raising a vast edifice in the Rue do Montreuil ; anti that Messrs. Puteaux, who have obtained a recompence for the first plans, have already built four houses on the Boulevard Mazas, and are constructing six others at the Batignolles and at Grenelle. The report further states that, in addition to this, workmen's lodging-houses have been built and grants made at Ka-seines and Mulhouse ; and that arrange ments are in progress for building other houses at Rouen, Lille, and other places. It also states that an arrangement has been made for building 1 10 houses in groups, and surrounded with gardens, in the Rues de Reuilly and de Picpus—these houses, being on a plan already adopted with success et Mulhous. On the whole the report declares that' 3,892,083 fr. have bean ("ranted in subventions, and that consequently 6,107,918 fr. remain to be granted to make up the 10,000,000 fr. ,The accommodation already provided consists, it says, of 5,300 lorlgiegs . fur unmar r i e d, an d 800 for married workmen at Paris, 150 for unmarried men at Marseilles, and 300 for married couples at Mulhouse. There was a general rise yesterday on the Bourse. The Three per Cents. closed at 63f. 25c. for the e end of the month ; and the Four-and- a -Hall per CentS. at 89f. 70c. ; Orleans Railway Shares' 1,030 f. ; Rouen, 812 f. 50c. ; H avre , -410 f. ; Great orthern ' 722 f. 50c. ; Str is b urg, 69 5 f. ; Nei Shares, 515 f. ; Lyons to Paris, 7851: ; Lyons to the Mediterranean, 645 f. ; Western of France', 540 f. ; Bordeaux to Cette, 490 f. ; Great Central 01 France, 392 f. 58c. ; Ly ons to Geneva, 415 f.; Ban k of 'Credit Mobilier, 485 f. ITALY. A letter from Parma of the 31st ult. , in the Piedmontese Gazette, gives some further partied.' lars resp ec ti ng t h e mur d er o f t h e D u k e. It sta tes that on the 26th the Duke was walking w ith e' young aide-de-camp, who had accompanied him t 0 Spain latterly, in one of the largest and most fre quente,l streets of Parma, full of people at the tinle , while the Duchess was taking an airing on th e Corso. Suddenly the Duke was jostled by a ru,,, Duke ait great haste. in rather an aug. l. J who turnedap p ea round, redto be passingandsaid in tone, ‘, What an ill-bred fellew !" But an ei stant afterwards he fell to the ground, saying, a m wounded. The assassin, t a ki ng advantag e of the confusion caused by the people hastening to the relief of the Duke, effected his escap e ' r the spot being particularly well calculated to fave ll d it, in consequence of the many little croo ked an, n arrow streets that i n t ersect each other close to OS principal one. 'Th e assass i n left two things behieu him that may h e l p t o id en ti fy h i m, viz., his el° 3 o a and the inst rument o f h i s crime, consisting o ' , , 110 very .thin tria ngu l ar bl a d e, with wooden han'a. of a red c o l our . This weapon he left in the wetl, l 11 10 Several per sons were immediately arrested. Duke evinced great fortitude, bid the phYs ici— r . tell him all about his wound, and died asking P. don of all wh o m h e m i g ht h ave vo l un t ar ily or ll' , voluntarily offended, and pardoning his assassin. s Another letter, in the OpiniOne of Turin, sl o that a man named Bocchi, " a turner, who liv,..°.en ;53 one of the by-streets already alluded to, has arrested. It is rumour e d th a t a pi ece of cloth L been found it, his possession of the same colou r ' the cloak which th e assassin of behind him. Sl.-)1110 iron-filings had also been rem a rked in his 10ti,V2 0,, a oircliMl3632o of MO i,„wgtaigool 04. tilo 117424mw THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, APRIL 7, 185 4. 3; to 1. (1 as ; d , )( clef