The Sun. — London, England, 1863-07-25 00:00:00

TEE JUDGE and the JOURNALS—John Orren Lever, Esq., M.P.—England on Chinese Plates, in FUN this week, One Penny. THE DUKE'S MOTTO. THE FILNDREiN AND SIXTY-SECOND NIGHT, and Last Week but Two of the present Season. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.- Under the Sole Management of Mr. FECHTE& Last Week but Two of the present Season. THIS EVENING, to commence with an Original Sketch, entitled A SUDDEN ATTACK. Messrs. Shore, Garden, Widdicomb, Miss Henrade, and Mrs. Lee. After which, at a Quarter-past Eight, the Romantic Drama, in Three Acts, and Pr3logue, entitled THE DUKE'S MOTTO, by Paul Feval and John Brougham. The principal character will be sustained by Mr. Fechter, supported by Messrs. J. G. Shore, G. Jordan, J. Brougham, Widdimmbe, F. Charles, Garden, Raymond, Dawson ; Misses Carlotta Leclercq, Kate Terry, E. Lavenne, and .Elsworthy. Doors open at 7, commence at half-past. Acting-Manager, Mr. H. Barnett. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. Sole Cassee and Manager, Mr. G. Vining. THIS EVENING, at Eight o'clock, Shakespere's Play of ROMEO AND JULIET. Romeo, Mr. Walter Montgomery; Mercutio, Mr. G. Vining ; Friar Lawrence, Mr. H. Marston ; Apothecary. Mr. Belmore ; The Nurse, Mrs. H. Marston ; Juliet, Mdlle. Stella Colas. To be preceded by the new Comedietta, entitled COUSIN TOM. NEW THE ATRE-RO YAL, ADELPHI, Solo Proprietor and Manager. Mr. B. Webster. THIS EVENING, HOW TO PAY THE RENT. After which, at Eight o'clock, a new drama, entitled THE ITAITNTED MAN; OR, T ~ E GHOST'S BARGAIN, in which will be exhibited Professor Pepper's adaptation of the Great Spectral Illusion. Messrs. J. Ti Toole, R. Phillips, Sefton. C. J. Smith; Mrs. Alfred Mellon and Miss H. Simms. Followed by a new Burlesque, entlfled ILL-TREATED IL TROVATORE. Messrs. Toole, P. Bedford, R. Phillips, Ebnrne, C. J. Smitb, Romer ; the Sisters Nelson, Carry and Sara, and Miss K. Kelly. Commence at 7. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Manager, Mr. W. H. Swanborough. TO-NIGHT WHILE THERE'S LIFE THERE'S HOPE. Messrs. W. H. Swanborough, Parselle, Vollaire, G. Honey ; Misses Ada Swanborough, L. Thorne, F. Hughes, Manders, and E. Bufton. Followed by (Bth time) THE MOTTO, " I'M ALL THERE." Messrs. Honey, Turner, E. Danvers, Cier, Clifton ; Mesdames Ada Swanborough, F. Josephs, Maria Simpson, Wallace, and Jenny White. To conclude with LOVE IN LIVERY. Commence at 7. THE THIRD EDITION OF " THE SUN," Containing the Latest SPORTING INTELLIGENCE, can be had Every Evening of G. ft. GLENIE, Nrws AGENT, No. 4, Connaught-terrace, Hyde -park. The Weather—Sun Office, July 25, 1863. THERMOMETER. ____ This morning — ••••. 6B This day at Two o'clock 7O Barometer-29.80. Wind—S.-W ; moderate, with cloudy weather. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. ruts Dex.—Morning, Bh. Bm.—Afternoon, Bh. 40m To-stogßow.-Morning, 9h. 17m.—Afternoon, 9h. 52m •g'g. or44*.deuktiN tit 4 4, ? . a , •V 44,3 LONDON, SATURDAY, JULY 25, 1863. The Bloodiest Battle of all in this dreadful Ame rican War would, almost for certain now, appear to have been fought upon the very morrow of the great national anniversary of independence. So far as we can in any way judge at present from the particu lars which have at length reached us in a very frag mentary shape, indeed—on Sunday, the sth instant, the Federals suffered the most terrible discomfiture they have yet had to endure at the hands of the Confederates. Supposing this announcement to be even partially confirmed—as from the na ture cf the intelligence already received, is but probable—the occurrence would serve at once to account for some of the most curious pieces of information brought to us among the last budget of news from New York, announcements otherwise in themselves utterly inexplicable. Grant that a serious defeat had really been suffered by the main body of General MEADE'S armyon the sth inst.,and that of itself would explain (what must else remain incomprehensible) —the sudden reversal of all Mr. SEWARD'S opinions in regard to the future policy incumbent upon the PRESIDENT ! the enforcement so seriously of the conscription, that the New Yorkers, when the previous mail left, had risen in formidable revolt against the au , hori ties !—the clap -trap proceedings reported in regard to the chiefs of the Government, in one amounting to the extreme of ridiculousness, in an other to the most heinous height of profanity ! According to the glimmering indications now afforded us, of what would really seem to have ac tually then occurred, although hushed up,for awhile, by the heads of the Federal Government, through fear of yet more terrible consequences, from the mere fact of the revelation of the results of the prevous battle of the sth. MEADE'S army would appear to have been drawn from their works by the strategic (really and truly in this instance the strategic !) retreat of the Confede rate division under HILL ! When—LONGSTREET and EWELL suddenly advancing upon either flank of the outwitted Federals (the New York Herald of the 11th, remember, is the organ giving this narrative of the belligerent movements !)-40,000 prisoners had been taken by the victorious Confe derates, the loss of the Federals amounting upon the whole, in killed, wounded, and captured, to a grand total of 60,000 men ! If these extraordinary statements should, later on, prove to admit of cor roboration even , to a moderate extent, the possibility of tt close being put to this hideous civil war would certainly appear, in that case, to have been brought nearer than it has ever been brought before. Examining more carefully into the sources, so far as they can yet be ascertained, of the state ments as to the astonishing success t h us sa id to have b een obtained by -1 army on Sunday, the General LEE'S sth, we find that the conclusion arrived at accordin g t o t h e doleful record contained in the N ew York Herald of the 11th, is borne o ut Confederate by th e unanimous testi s mony of the papers ! The _Rich mond Dispatch of t he 6th, 7th and the _Richm on d Enquirer of the last of those three dates, that is of Wednesday immediately followin • the g this c on fident) announced victory o f S unday the sth y , contain not merely the anno uncement that there had been won this great victory by the Confederate Com mander-in-Chief, but they enter, both the one and the other of them, into various minute • particulars. One despatch dated from Martinsburg, on t h e Mon day (6th) says "Reports to-day all concur that there was a heavy fight yesterday, in which we de feated the enemy and drove him three miles e , Almost breathlessly, in short sentences, come there upon the following statements by way of addenda.— " A vast number of prisoners are reported by Gene ral LEE. The prisoners are on their way to Rich mond by way of this place. This has been the bloodiest battle of the war. Our loss is very great." The next day's number of the Richmond paper containing that first hurried announcement of the Confederate success, was expressive of so profound a confidence of the reality of that success that the avowal of it was couched in no less positive lan llowing: " We feel as well as guage than the fo sured that General LEE, if he has met the le has inflicted a ter enemy in a pitched batt rible defeat upon them, as we do t hat we are living, breathing, sentient beings." Immediately follows a telegraphic despatch announcing not only a g reat battle as having been fought and won on the pre ceding Sunday, the sth July, by the Confederates, bat distinctly setting down the Federal loss at 60,000 killed, wounded and prisoners. Another telegram soon after brings yet more explicit information—summarising all above re lated, though doing so in different words—words, hom ever, that read, " plain as pikestaff," thus— under date 6th, that is the Monday, at Martinsburg —" On Saturday night our centre fell back, drawing the enemy from their works. Generals EWELL and LONGSTREET flanked the enemy and gained the heights. A general fight ensued yesterday, in which the enemy were routed, and LEE captured forty thousand prisoners." Farther accounts, dropping in later, and as usual piecemeal, set down the Confederate loss at 10,000—the Southern wounded numbering from 3,000 to 4,000 —four of their Generals being named as killed and seven of them as wounded more or less seriously. This, it should be stated of course, is obviously the estimate put forth as the result not of the one day's fighting, but of the four days' fighting, off and on, fiercely and desperately, down to that Sunday, the sth instant, now -regarded—eagerly at Richmond, doubtingly at New York—as the date of the last great triumph of the Confederates. In any case, the Great Battle, that was recently said so very imminent, would appear to have bee n t o ac tuallybe fought upon that Sunday. How fought, and with what precise results, w more accurately through onrteemstuastdvwicaeist to learn . The most sanguine so e e economist since t would that scar cely have conjectured m the Indian Budget wo uld in so shor t a time have c ompletely changed its character. At that period India was still suffering from the terrible crisis of 1857, added to the effects of long years of misgo vernment; and her financial prospects were so bad that many sensible and cautious me n expressed a doubt whether our great Eastern empire would ever be productive of much advantage to us in a pecuniary point of view. All is now changed, and Sir CHARLES W OOD was able to inform the House that there would be from the last year a surplus of more than a million and a quarter, and to con gratulate himself complacently on the good results of the labours of Mr. WILSON and Mr. LAING, It is very easy and agreeable work to step in at the end of the race and wear the laurels, but we appre hend that if the sole control of Indian finance had been left in the hands of Sir CH A RLES WOOD the aspect would not have been equally satisfactory. But our Indian Secretary does not inquire too closely into the causes of this rapid development of the fortunes of India. He has only the gratifying task of laying a very prosperous state of things before the House, and of informing them that h surplus of £816,000 is anticipated for the ensuing year. This, it is true, will be reduced by the re mission of taxes to the amount of £335,000, but a considerable amount must still remain even at a moderate computation. The elasticity of the revenue has exceeded all expectations, and the stimulus given to Indian trade, by the cultivation of tea and the demand for cotton, has greatly assisted the progress of the country. It is evident that the true policy to pursue in India is the policy to be followed in every great country—large expenditure and large returns. So long as we hamper capital by absurd restrictions, and trust to such resources as the land tax for our revenue, we shall feel the conse quences. An adjudication of unequal or im politic laws and regulations, a prudent yet liberal expenditure on public works, and the offer of every encouragement 10 European settlers and capitalists to invest means and labour in Indian soil, will render the despised and proverbially empty Indian ex - chequer the envy of many European States. It is satisfactory to know that India has in Sir CHARLES TREVELYAN a worthy successor to the two able financiers, who have so greatly assisted her fortunes. Having been for several years Governor of the Madras Presidency, Sir C. TREVELYAN must have been struck with the very small item contributed to the surplus by that province. While - the surplus of the Bombay Presidency was over considerably £2,000,000 sterling, and that of the larger district of Bengal amounted to more than £7,000,000, the available surplus from the revenues of the Madras Presidency was only 119,331. This singular contrast affords a striking proof of the advantages to be derived from a liberal and enlightened policy in India. In no part of the country are the old doctrines more rigidly adhered to, the land tax more scrupulously cherished, and the old principles of legislation in opposition to modern reforms and innovations more generally observed. The result, as we see, is that where the other Presidencies bring their millions to the general account, Madras contributes but thousands, and those in limited numbers. It is well that the general finances of India are in the hands of a man of far-seeing and comprehensive policy, and we must hope that the prejudices of the Madras clique will succumb to the force of public opinion, and the evidence of indisputable facts. It has been thought advisable on general grounds to do away altogether with the Indian navy, but this brings no corresponding diminution of expenditure, owing to the substitution of an European force for the protec tion of British interests. The sanitary condition of the army, which has lately given rise to much un easiness from the startling revelatiunsof the reports, is shown by Sir CHARLES WOOD to be better than it was thought to be, as the heavy mortality of the years of war, mutiny, and sickness contri buted to swell the average of the years of peace and ordinary health. Still that the real average is very h;gh is not to be questioned, and we are glad to find that the Go- vernment are not relaxing their efforts to bring about a better state of things. The climate alone is sufficiently trying to a European constitution, and every possible safeguard in the Way of private tem- perance and public accommodation should be care fully attended to, The selection of healthy sites for barracks is of prominent importance, and has not hitherto been sufficiently regarded. With our im proved sanitary and scientific knowledge, and with he means of communication now opening up through- out India, it is time the existing evils should be re medied, and the health of our soldiers raised to the highest possible standard. CH ARLES TREITELYA N so rea dily p The expen di ture on public works r w off h e ic r h s, Sir not likely to find many objectors. The railway system is being rapidly developed; 747 miles being opened in 1862, and 759 in the year preceding the whole amount of railway lines now open being 2,500 miles, The East Indian Railway is, we are told, nearly completed ; and the Great Indian Peninsula Railway —the chief line—is making rapid progress. So far, then, all is satis factory. Sir CHARLES Wows Budget was not the place in which to look for refo r It is en oug h that ms or imp rovements. he is willin g to sanction the proceedings of his able finan c i er, and to put no further check on the undertakings of I n di a , great national The rapid returns made for the changes already effected ou ght surely t o stimulate still furthe r th e energies of our govern ing powers by showing them all that can be hoped for, if we follow the path of progress, in stead of adopting have a restricti ve and retrogade pol i cy. We cause for congratulation and thankfulness when, so few years after the great .e th S e ec l r e e n t g ar t y h for India affirming national convulsion thato of s ' 7 ' Thwreoufignhdo•ta and breadth of the land we hear of a progress and prosperity which must be deeply gratifying to all who have the interests of that country at heart, and from all quarters are received assurances of the contentment and loyalty of the people." This is truly satisfactory testimony, and proves, as we have always maintained, that the development of the national resources will be the greatest boon to the people of India, by securing to them the means of obtaining a regular and honest livelihood, and thereby removing one of the greatest temptations to their national crime—infanticide. It will for ward also the interests of Christianity and civilisa tion, which go hand in hand, and will afford the best protection against a recurrence of the tragedy o f 18b7. We congratulate the Indian Govern oey.pre- cursor the comprehensive Govern ment on being able to furnish so satisfactory a c statement, ursor of raawhich,ny Budgets w e trust, even more and more profitable. The Statute Law Revision Bill was read a third time and passed yesterday at the morning sitting of the House of Commons. This is in every way to be rejoiced at, as there can be but one opinion, among those who are acquainted with the subject, concerning its utility. The Solicitor-General and Sir HUGH CAIRNS agreed in its favour, and both were at some pains to maintain into the importance of the measure, and to explain the necessity that existed for its enactment. The Solicitor-General observed that this was an object on which the House had spent a great deal of money. There have been two commissions on the subject. The first cost no less a sum than £39,000, the second amounted to £21,000. The result of these endeavours have been to form the foundation of useful measures. The two learned gentlemen who have now conducted the revision have only re ceived sums under £4,000. The hon, and learned gentlemen truly observed that it would be altogether idle to refer the measure to a select committee. "No select committee," he said, "unless composed of lawyers of great know ledge and ahility, could undertake the task, and it would take them years, even if they sat continu ously, to get through the Statute Book." Certainly this could not be a very encouraging pro spect, and even the most industrious might well shrink back appalled at such a proposal. Sir F. KELLY also spoke in favour of the measure, and said that he considered the House might place confidence in the labours of the gentlemen who had prepared the bill. Ho is of opinion that by " judicious consoNdation" the statute law may be reduced to some four or five volumes, whereas now it fills forty-three closely printed folio volumes. Sir HUGH CAIRNS acknlwledges that he considers the measure as one of great utility, and one which has already been too long delayed. It is now proposed to pro duce that, the want of which has been for years a crying disgrace, an expurgated edition of the sta tutes, containing nothing but those acts which are in force at the present time ! This is a very lucid account of the affair, and conveys a just notion of its meaning to those who are not sufficiently learned in the law to understand its object for themselves. Nothing can be more unnecessary than to retain this innumerable list of statutes. Nine feet of space are occupied by their vast extent. While some are entirely use'ess for present exi gencies, others are crowded together, which,if sepa rated, might be considered at leisure. There will still remain much to be done, as the bill just passed only comes down to the reign of JAMES 11. The revisers of the statutes have struck out all that have become obsolete. But, in the revision, if a doubt remained as to whether any particular enact ment was still required it was invariably retained. Sir FITZROY KELLY d welt much an the necessity that exists for consolidation as well as expurgation. He said that much confusion arose in consequence of " the way in which clauses were inserted in acts with which they had no rational connection. There was one statute, for example, which, imposing a tax on windows, contained the important general enactment that from the date of its passing all acts relating to England should extend to Wales and Berwick-on-Tweed." Of course this is worthy of notice, and at some future time it will be highly desirable if regard is paid to this point. But still as this measure is in the right direction it would have been a great pity not to have allowed it to pass. The system of expunging, that has taken place, is a most salutary one, and there will be ample oppor tunity on another occasion for emendation. As the arrangements were, prior to this improvement, a person eager to seek out some statute must have waded through forty-three volumes, and now he will only have to search through eight ! Again, when any particular statute was found it was almost hope less to arrive at a satisfactory solution of the diffi culty, because there were so many other orders and regulations all bearing upon the desired point of information ! Hence often the unhappy student would be tempted to give up the case in despair. Now at least this annoyance is obviated, and clearer space is afforded for insight, while more comprehensive infor mation is given to the inquirer. Mr. HEN. NESSY, who was much against the bill, pro posed yesterday that it be read a third time that day week, but he had the good sense to with draw the moticn when he found that the general opinion of the House was against it. The hon. gentleman considered that the bill would prove unavailing for the purposes for which it was de signed, and objected strongly to its being passed hurriedly at the fag end of the session. It is all very well to use this argument so Constantly, but there is an old adage "better late than never," and it is certainly a pity to postpone to an indefinite period what it is obviously necessary and highly desirable should be done at once. Next session is sure to bring its own cares and new interests of all kinds. Those who are now well disposed to a mea sure may then change their minds, and under the influence of new impressions suggest still further delays, until new experiments have been tried, and new ventures undertaken. It is always a great thing gained to seize the golden opportunity, and to profit by the passing moment. Besides, where would have been the use of waiting untill next session, before allowing this measure to become law ? Dur ing double that time, the non-professional objectors would not have understood all the technicalities of the affair sufficiently to form e competent judgment upon it. As it is, all those most qualified to give an opinion, have pronounced in favour of this mea sure; they have recommended its adoption upon trust. That this trust may not be deceived will be the earnest wish of many who have long lamented the complicated confusion of our statutes, and who would eagerly welcome the first sign of improv- ment. It is the promise of a better day to many who are now hopelessly bewildered, and who have gained a chance at last of meeting with something ... ike perspicacity. THE HEALTH OF LORD CLYDE.—The report re ceived from Chatham yesterday was of a more favourable character, the noble lord having passed a good night. He was well enough to converse freely with General Eyre, at whose residence he is staying, on the subject of the volunteer review on Thursday, on Chatham lines. Her Majesty has sent several telegraphic messages inquiring about the health of the noble lord. The new church of St. Cloud is to be inaugurated on the 15th ugust. The Archbi s h o p o f P ar i s i s to pre aideir ) a nd the g en eral opinion i n th e ne i g hb ourhood is, that the Majesties will be preseztt, THE SUN, LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, JULY 25, 1863. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. REUTER'S TELEGRAMS. SPAIN, MADRID, JULY 24. It is asserted that the Prefect of Havana has been called to assume other functions. Two thousand five hundred men have been de spatched to Havana. CIRCASSIA. PARIS, JULY 25, The Paris papers of to-day publish a Constan tinople telegram of the 24th, which says:—" The Circassians have captured by boarding a Russian man-of-war, bound for Soukoumkaleb, and have carried her into Schonbschik. THE WEST INDIA MAILS. SOUTHAMPTON, JULY 25. The Royal Mail Company's Intercolonial steamer Solent, Capt. Hammiess, from the West Indies, has arrived here. She left St. Thomas on the 4th inst., with neither mails nor passengers, having oome home for repairs. The Solent called at Fayal on the 16th, and le: on the 18th inst. The English steamer Juno, of Bristol, arrived at Fayal on the 17th and sailed eabtward on the same day; the American war steamer Kearsagel lying off Fayal, weighed anchor and started in pursuit. Her Majesty's frigate Phaeton was at St. Thomas's on the 4th at noon ; she hoisted the American flag at her main; and fired a salute of 21 guns in honour of the independence of the United States. The flag of the American Con sulate at St. Thomas dipped three times in acknow ledgment. FRANCE. THE BOURSE, July 23.—The market opened to day with a further depression. For the Account, Threes were offered at 67f. 10c., but this low figure tempted purchasers, and the price soon rose to 67r. 40c. Mobilier are firmer, and are now at 1,065. The market closed as follows : it per Cents. .. 96 50 Italian Loan 7l 25 Do. end month..., Do. end month 7l 3 per Cents Do. end month..., 67 30 Do, end month 7l 60 Credit Mobilier..., 1065 Russian Do. end month.... 1058 75 Austrian Bank Shares 3410 ..-- Spanish Threes.,,.. 53 25 Credit loncier 1265 Home Debt .. — RA IL 'AYS. C,Lsh. Account. Orleans 965 .. 900 Northern New ditto . • • -- Lyons and Mediterranean 10 0 7 50 .. 1005 Geneva 491 75 .. 490 Southern 6421 .. 640 ** ** * a • • Western Eastern Sardinian Austrian Lon.hard . 552 50 .. 553 50 North of Spain Saragossa 655 .. 667 60 Ditto to Barcelona A comftnunication from Lithuania, in the Inva lids Russe says :—" Thera iu a general cry in the country in favour of dividing the estates of the grand landowners into lots and then selling them to true Itussians, and there can be no doubt: that such a measure would meet with unanimous appro bation." M. de Thcerner, a Russian Councillor of State, has arrived at Berlin to negotiate relative to the customs. The advisability of concluding a treaty of commerce between Russia and Prussia was under consideration last winter, and negotiations are now about to commence with a view to reducing duties and affording greater facilities to commerce. The councillors of the Ministers of Commerce and Finances will negotiate with M. de Thcerner. STATE OF TRADE. MANCHESTER, July 24.—There has been some improvement in business, and rather more confi dence. In yarns we have bad a more active demand since Tuesday for various markets, at full and ad. vancing prices. Sellers report an advance in soma descriptions of yarns of *d. to ld. per lb. as com pared with the rates obtainable last Friday, and an impression prevails among spinners that prices will still further advance. Since Tuesday there has been very little change in the character of the cloth markst. Prices have remained firm, and where buyers have had to execute orders they have, in most instances, been obliged to give very full terms. This has been the case in the lighter makes for India, in which a fair business has been dose. In the heavier and better fabrics for India there has been only a very limited demand. There is a more cheerful feeling throughout the market, and symptoms of returning animation, but the advancing ten dency of prices has the effect of keeping buyers from operating. Some inquiries are reported for the home trade and some of the smaller foreign markets, bat buyers do not display sufficient con fidence to undertake any operations worth naming, and except for India the transactions have been exceedingly limited. CARDIFF, July 23.—There is an average business doing in the steam coal trade, and many of the coal masters are full of orders. A considerable number of ships have arrived within the last few days, but freights are still above the usual rates. The house coal trade is dull, and quotations have a downward tendency. The ironworks of the district are kept going regularly, and the hands are, upon the whole, well employed. The advanced prices are main tained with difficulty since the arrival of the late American news. NOTTINGHAM, July 24.—At this Exchange hall to-day there was a thin attendance of buyers and sellers. The business done in either lace or hosiery yarns was small, buyers holding off until the arrival of further news from America. Silks nominally unaltered. Brown nets very dull, and about the same in price. OUR LADLEFUL OF PUNCH. Peering into Zadkiel's Crystal Globe, perhaps, Mr. Punch announces the following astronomical observation—as A TRIFLE FROM MARGATE.—The other day, he says gravely, a housemaid, having finished her dusting in the house, was observed, from the sea-shire, to be sweeping the horizon with a glass. The poet Tupper (Punch observes wickedly), bent upon quitting home for a few mouths, has celebrated the occasion by writing an address to his portmanteau ; and, Mr. Punch adds—it was read by the porter at the railway station I _ _ One arch-wag announces, thus as a NOVEL DISEASE The gentleman who caught a train is recovering. BADLY MT DURING THE RECENT ENGAGEMENT WITH THE GUARDS : is the title of one of John Leech's charming domestic scenes : _ _ . Mamma." Yes, doctor, she will sit for hours without speaking a word. She persists in wearing the same dress, and won't part with the bouquet I" Doctor—" Hem—Well, let's see—we must first get the ball out of her head, and then, perhaps, the nervous system may right itself." The Statue in Leicester-square, Punch reports to have been very impertinent t a policeman, and (adds the re • porter in regard to this delinquent) he ought to be taken down. As a last sip of Punch this week, we will quote something Per-fect-ly Wi-diculous I—Conductor (setting down two of his passengers a you ng swe ll and a young laundress with a basket), "Change, sir? Oh, I beg yer par do.L, sir, I took for two I I thought this young wom an was along o' you, sir I" - WRECK OE THE NORWEGIAN.—An inquiry into the circumstances of the wreck of the Norweigan in the St. Lawrence is to take place at Liverpool, by direction of the Board of Trade. THE CHANNEL FLEET.—On Thursday morning the Channel Fleet was seen off Sunderland, and large crowds assembled on the piers at that place to witness the arrival of the vessels. The fleet, with the flagship lead ing, stood in under canvass and anchored about mid-day three miles off the harbour m outh. The low, ominous looking hulls of the armour-plated frigates contrasted strangely with the noble -looking three-dcckers. While the fleet was approaching the harbour a deluge of snow, hail, and rain came on, completely drenching the thousands who were gazing at them. THE SURRENDER OF VICKSBURG, (From the Correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial.) Steamer John H. Dickey, Vicinity of Vicksburg, July 4. Vicksburg has surrendered. The name of Gen. Grant is now inseparably connected with our national birthday. We entered the city at 10 a.m. of that day, and at high noon the flag gracefully waved over 20,000 prisoners and small arms innu merable, and the finest rifle batteries in the Confe derate service. At about 7 a.m., July 3, a flag of true was seen upon the rebel breastworks. Al officer was sent to receive it. All firing ceased, and thousands of men thronged the parapets to see the foe with whom they had contended 42 days, each concealed from the other. The men of both sides gazed in wonderment. No arms were visible --only men, and the earthworks were alive. In some salients, where we thought there might be 20, there seemed 100. All looked like men who labour in mills or lime-quarries, Slouched hats, shirts, and pants were the uniform. But little was said, though in some places the men were not more than 10 or 15 feet apart. The bearers of despatches to our general were fine-looking men, of martial bearing and brave mien, clad in gray close-fitting uniforms and French caps, mounted on fine but thin horses. They were conducted blindfolded to the tent of General A. K. Smith, whose front they had entered. They were escorted to the tent of Gen. Steven Bur bridge, to remain until his return from the quarters of General Grant, five miles away. They conversed of old times more than of the present. Their names were General. Bowen, of Port Gibson memory, and Colonel Montgomery, of Virginia. After taking a glass of wine, General Bowen remarked that his bandage was uncomfortable, and it was very warm. General Burbridge had them unloosed. After more than an hour's conversation, their an swer came, and they were again blindfolded, and returned to their own works. Still the men sat in silence. Nat a gun was fired in that part of the wall. All wondered what it meant. The purport of it was this : Gen. Grant—To prevent the further effusion of bloon and loss of life, I propose that hostilities ceasa for hours, and that you appoint three commissioners, and I three, to confer upon condi tions of surrender, though I can hold out indefinitely. (Signed) PEMBERTON. To which Gen. Grant replied : As to your first proposition, it is for you to avail at any time ; as to th e seco nd, I see no necessity for that, as there can be no conditions of surrender. We can all bear witness to your endurance and bravery, and will treat you with all the respect due prisoners of war. (signed) U. S. GRANT. Gen. Pemberton then solicited a personal inter view, which was granted by Grant at three p.m. The latter, with his Staff, appeared on the hills where our advanced works were. Here the party halted, until Gen. Pemberton appeared, accompanied by Gen. Bowen and Col. Montgomery. On the crest of the opposite hills were rifle-pits and forts, cro wded with men. In the space of a grove of fruit trees of figs and peaches, met the contending heroes. Thou sands of soldiers looked upon this strange scene. Two men who had been lieutenants in the same regiment in Mexico, now met as foes. When they had approached within a few feet there was a halt and silence. Col. Montgomery spoke—" Gen. Grant, ,, W Ger a i s . Pemberton." They shook hands politely. evident Pemberton was mortified. H e said, it "I was at Monterey and Buena Vista. We had terms and conditions there." Gen. Grant then took him aside. They sat down on the grass and talked more than an hour. Grant smoked all the time. Pemberton played wirteedh the to grass and pulled leaves. Grant finally g parole them, allowing the officers each his a horse. It was a polite thing. The d read of going north, and the fear of harsh treatment, n have d deterred them from capitulating sooner. He prod his of m nimity and saved thousan ds upon thousands . dol lars in the way of transportations and rations. me n wou:d call They feared the 4 th of J ul y . out at night, that the 4th would Our finish them, and it, was so arranged. By this we have sa ved thou sands of lives. Both armies are gra tified with the result. Our men treat them with kindness, hn d o n t es t s a , s g te i d vi f n o g r them coffee, which som e of them have a year. The city is much dilapidated. Many houses are injured. The Vicksburg paper of July 2, of which I send you extracts by mail, admits the eating of mule meat and the pilfering of soldiers in private houses. Mrs. Cisco, wife of en officer in the artil lery service, was killed last Monday in the ci last ty. General Green, for merl y of Missouri, was killed week. Colonel Griffin, of the Thirty-first Louisiana Regiment, was also killed. There seems to be much suffering there from sick- ness and our missiles. Johnston. is still in our rear. The steamer from the Yazoo Rive r and Young's Point dropped down to the levee, when our correspondent bade farewell to the war Our boat was fired into at the foot of Island 82, and riddled with shell and ball. Fifteen shots passed through, most of them in the cabin. The cabin is almost a ruin. Strange to say, no one was WILLS AND BEQUESTS. The will of the Right Hon. Arthur Marcus Cecil Hill, Baron Sandys, P.C., K.T.S., of °Tubersley Court, Worcester, and Chesham-street, Be!grave square, was proved in London by his brother, Lord George Augustus Hill, and Sir Edmund Filmer, Bart. The personalty was sworn under £30,000. His lordship had held many diplomatic appoint ments. He was Attaché at Madrid in 181621; had been Secretary of Legation at Florence, Lisbon, Rio Janeiro, and to several special embassies; and also Comptroller and Treasurer of her Majesty's Household, and died at the age of 65. The will was executed in November, 1860, and a codicil in Janu ary, 1862. The dispositions are purely of a family nature. To Lady Sandys he has secured an income of £1,200 per annum, and to younger sons a legacy of £5,000, and to daughters £6,000. The residue of his property he leaves to Lady Sandys, with power of appointment as her ladyship may direct. The will of Admiral the Hon. Sir George Elliot, KCB., was proved in London by his nephews, the H on . George Francis Steward Elliot and Mr. Wil liam Brownrigg Elliot, the joint executors; the personalty being sworn under £25,000. His real estate in Scotland he has devised to his eldest son, as far as thr law of Scotland will p erm it. Hisse curities in America and his °shares in the North Eastern Railway Company he leaves in specified a mounts and proportions to his sons and t daughter, a ppointing his son George residuary legatee. The w ill of Mr. John Charles Schreiber, of s H e e e' Henhurst, Woodchurch, Kent, was proved in the London court by his relict, together with his nephew, Mr. Arthu r Th o mas Schreiber, the joint acting executors, the personalty being sworn under £350,000. The testa tor also died possessed of considerable real estates, chiefly situated in Kent. The will was exe cuted in February , 1863, and the dispositions his are confined torelict and nephews. To his hi s wif e h e leaves estates, real and per sonal, during her lif e or widowhood, and upon her decease the whole of the estates will devolve to his two nephews, Messrs. Charles Schreiber and Arthur Thomas Schreiber. the former is bequeathed the outlying farms and the the latter nephew, Arthur London property, and to Thomas Schreiber, is bequeath e d th e remainder of his property, which is very considerable. He is also the trustee of the estates.—lllustrated London News. THE MANSLAUGHTER OF A WIFE BEATER.— An inquest was held at St. George's Workhouse on Thursday night on the body of Thomas Corbett. In our report of the proceedings of the Southwark Police-court on Wednesday the particulars of the case were given. De ceased had been beating his wife in the street while in a state of intoxication, and a man named Crawley interfered to save the woman. In the struggle between the two men deceased received a fall, which caused an internal rupture, resulting in death, A verdict of accidental death was re turned, LITERATURE. The Wanderer in Western France. By George T. Lowth, Esq., Author of " The Wanderer in Arabia.' Illustrated by the Hon. Eliot Yorke, M.P. One vol., pp. 360. Hurst and Blackett. Mr. Lowth is of opinion that in order fully to appreciate the peculiar characteristics of a foreign country, you should approach it from the see, and sud denly find yourself in an unknown scene. Whereas in arriving from a land journey, you " approach your novelties by degrees," after a broken fashion. " This," he says," is a wrong to your object—and to your nature, which enjoys surprises." In pursuance of which opinion, Mr. Lowth, in visiting Brittany, proceeds from Jersey direct to St. Malo, and is delighted to find himself, almost, as it were, at a leap, in Old France. Nantes, Rennes, Chatillon, La Vendee, the BocAge, and other places of in terest in those romantic and picturesque localities, are visited and described in turn. The style of the narrative is easy and gossiping, but we are sorry to notice a disposi tion to censure or to ridicule whatever may be uncongenial to the traveller's views, or perhaps unfamiliar to his comprehension. Without doing at Rome as the Romans do, it is most courteous as well as most charitable to give to strangers aad to strange customs the benefit of the doubt, and not be ready to condemn or laugh before we inquire or understand. With these reservations the traveller's reminiscences are sufficiently amusing. Here is a lively specimen— On reaching the entrance gate again, I was invited to write my name, and any remar k , i n the visitors' book. Looking through this I found two or three amusing things, One Frenchma n h a d wr i tten these words, " J'ai admire la . nature—J'ai r econnue partout l ' artiste. " Signed— . Ad. Cremieux." M. Cremieux was one of the Ministers under the Republic of 1848. Under the above words were written these twe lines— " Plat au ciel que pour to figure L'artiste out aide la nature." Monsieur Cremieux was nut handsome, Then, again, were these two lines in another hand— " Adieu, bosquets charmans—adieu, sombre castel, Cpl I'on vit a l'abri du Constituri nnel." Signed—" Veron." The porter said M. Veron, the well-known editor of the Constitutionnel, had one day walked over La Garenne, and on going away had merely written his name in the visitors' book, without adding any remarks. On a subsequent day Alfred de Musset paid a visit to La Garenne, and in look ing over this book came to this signature, " V.-ron." There being a blank space above the name, he took the pen and wrote the two lines quoted, immediately above it. Pleasant and laughing Alfred de Musset I Two beautifully coloured lithographs, from draw ings by the Hon. Eliot Yorke, adorn the volume, and a map of Brittany, Normandy, and La Vendee, showing the author's route from St. Malo to La Rochelle, in one direction, and to L'Orient in another, adds to the interest of the narrative. Odd Fellows' Quarterly Magazine. A more than usually varied and excellent num ber (27) of this clever little quarterly has just made its appearance. Seeing how very readable it is throughout, and that its editor, Mr. Charles Hardwick, has gathered about him a most able corps of contributors—one wonders more than ever how for one shilling subscription per annum, so much entertaining and instructive literature can be put within reach of the Odd Fellows. They must be Odd Fellows, indeed, and unworthy of thename, who fail tosupport it —seeing that they can, by supporting it, obtain (quarterly) so much th at i s really worth havin looking i nto, and binding u g, and when read, into an a nnua l volume, for preservation upon their book s h e l ves, for what Montague Tigg might well refer to as the ridiculously small amount of—Fourpence! Among the more remarkable contributions to the July number of the Odd- Fellows Quarterly Magazine are some noble, thoughtful stanzas by the People's Poetess, Eliza Cook —original verses, headed " The Infinite." Numerous other papers of merit lend their interest to the number, as, for example, the articles respec tively entitled " Self Help" and "Success." SHAKBPEARE CELEBRATION. (From the Athemeum.) Our readers will be glad to bear that every diffi culty which appeared to lie in the way of a common understanding and a common action, on the part of those who are interested in an appropriate celebra tion of Shakspeare's birthday, in April of next year, has been removed. The gentlemen of the Urban Club, who were so honourably busy in the field, the members of the Dramatic Authors' Society, with those who had become associated in their labours under the common title of the Ter -centenary Shakspeare Monument Committee, have shed their separate existence, and united themselves to the National Shakspeare Committee, bringing to that corporation a large increase of numbers and of strength. Of the committee which was said to have had its origin in the Garrick Club, and to be acting in behalf of the Dra matic College, we hear very little now said. The members of that committee Lave not been called to gether; many of its members are serving on the National Shakespeare Committee ; and w e may safely affirm' that it contemplates no kind of rivalry —much less opposition —to the National Committee. So far the ground seems to have been made clear. There is consequently now but one body charged before the public with the duty of carrying into visible effect the popular desire that due honour should be done to literature by a monument to Shakespeare. That body desires to associate the whole public in its work ; it appeals to the represen tative men of all classes for countenance and help. If there be any one name in our past annals under which all men may associate with honour and consistency, it is surely that of Shakspeare. The poet is a typical sovereign —the representativ e of all, and one whom all may in some degree repro. sent. And this is a fact on which the committee may fairly count—a bond and sign of brotherhood. in the name of which the most widely separated classes may be asked to work together. The Na tional Shakspeare Committee includes already within its ranks the bishop and the dramatic author, the Cabinet Minister and the newspaper editor, the viceroy and the provincial mayor, the great peer and the working barrister, the dissenting minister end the thoughtful poet. If any class or order of men is still unrepresented on the commit tee, the secretaries should be instantly informed of the fact. The committee are anxious to invite all those who are willing to give them help. So far as the organisation has been completed up to this time, the following facts may be stated. By the great liberality of a member of the committee, the use of permanent apartments has been secured at 120, Pall-mall, whi.:ll in future may be con sidered as the headquarters of the committee. All public communications thould, in future, be sent to that address. A clerk will be in attendance from ten to four, of whom the printed papers of the com mittee and all necessary information may be ob. tained by those who seek theta. Messrs. Coutts and Co. have been appointed bankers to the com mittee. An account has been opened at the bank, and a book of subscriptions laid on the counter. To that firm moneys and cheques may now be paio to account of the National Shakspeare Committee. ASCENT OF THE FIUSTERAARHORN,—A letter from Switzerland of the 20th inst. says that Pro fessor Studer and three companions, accompanied by a num ber of guides, has recently again ascended this mountain. The same letter also states that two priests from Pontresina had made the first ascent of the Piz Zupo, the second highest peak of the Burnina group in the canton of Grisonu. THE BEST BOON TO DRESSMAKERS.—Every lad) who causes a young dressmaker to be duly instructed in the use of the sewing machine at once gives her testi mony in aid of that remedy, and qualifies a workwoman to command some sort of terms, if not instantly, as soon as the use of the implement becomes indispensable. In the first-rate establishments of our largest provincial towns,young women take higher ground than in London, because they are not so many as to leave all the power in the employers' hands. They can guard against the long hours which are so fearful an evil : and, in fact, will not go to work before nine, nor stay after eight,—except on occasions of mourning,or some thing unusual; and they require from one to two hours for dinner when, as they often prefer, tbey go home for dinner, as well as to sleep. A well-qualified dressmaker by machinery,—turning out four hues as much work per hour as she could as a mere needleworuan,—migr t, doubt less, make her own bagain in much the same way in Lon don. lan sure I hope some will be enabled to try,—Once a Wok. 01, - Court Oink HER MAJESTY. OSBORNE, Xmy 24. The Queen drove out yesterday morning. Her Grand Ducal Highness Princess Leiningen gave birth to a princess at a quarter-past 3 o'clock this morning at Osborne, and, with the infant, is doing perfectly well. Her Majesty was with her niece at the time and daring the greater part of the night. , The Visit of the Prince and Princess of Wales to Halifax, The arrangements for this visit are now completed, and were agreed upon at a meeting of the Halifax Town.Couneil, held onThursday evening last. Their royal highnesses and suite will arrive at the Hali fax station about 3 o'clock on Monday, August 3. The Mayor, Mr. Crossley, attended by the alder men and councillors, will meet the royal party at the station, from which, under an escort of cavalry, their royal highnesses will proceed at once to the mayor's residence, Manor Heath, where they will pass the night. At 11 o'clock the next day (Tues day) their royal highnesses will leave Manor Heath for the purpose of opening the new Town Hall. The procession will take the route marked out, and, on reaching the gates of the People's Park (the gift to the town of Sir F. Crossley, Bart., M.P.), the ropal party will alight from their carriages and walk through the grounds. All Souls' Church, which is on the line of route, and which was built by Mr. E. Akroyd, from designs by Mr. George Gilbert Scott, will also be honoured by a ♦isit from their royal highnesses. Among those expected to take part in the procession are the borough officials, the deputy lieutenants, the Bishop of Ripon, Lieut. General Sir George Wetherell, Sir Charles Wood, M.P., Sir J. W. Ramsden, M.P,, Sir F. Crossley, M.P., Mr. Stansfield, M.P., the magistracy, &c. In the Piece Hall, through which the Prince and Princess will pass, will be gathered 16,000 scholars, a band 300 strong, and 10,000 spectators. Here the scholars and band will perform " God bless the erince of Wales," the National Anthem, and the " Hallelujah chorus." The ceremony in the Town Hall will consist of the singing and playing of the English and Danish National Anthems. Prayers will also be offerd, and addresses will be presented to their royal highnesses. The Prince will then declare the hall opend. Their royal highnesses will afterwards partake of luncheon in the council chamber, at the close of which they will leave the town for Studley Park, the seat of Earl de Grey and Ripon, on their way north, Great prepara tions are being made at Halifax in honour of the royal Visit. THE HEALTH OF THE KING OF THE BEL GIANS—A few days since the Duke of Brabant, wh►le addressing a musical society—of which his royal highness is president—at Namur, announced that his august father was then enjoying perfectly good health. The Duchess of Buccleuch, accompanied by the Ladies Scott, have arrived at the Hotel Bristol, hom Lou don, on their way to Carlsbad. The Duke and Duchess , of Richmond and Lady Caroline Gordon Lennox have left town for Goodwood, where they will receive a large party during the race week. The Duke and Duchess of Northumberland, owiug to the improved health of the duke, intend to pro long their stay at Sion House, Isleworth, ana will shortly entertain a succession of their intimate friends at that beau. Will suburban residence, The Duchess (Dowager) of Sutherland leaves Chiswick to-day, for her residence, Cliefden, near Maiden head, and towards the end of next week will depart for the Continent. His Excellency the Marquis d'Azeglio enter tained a select party at dinner on Wednesday evening, at the residence of the Italian Legation. The Earl and Countess Amherst and Lady 43 " 1 : stance Amherst and family have left town for Montreal Park, near Sevenoaks, Kent. `l he Earl of Dudley returns to town early in the ensuing week from Scotland. The Countess Cowper is entertaining at Wrest Park this week the Marquis of Abercorn and Lady Georgians Hamilton, the Earl of Shrewsbury and the Ladies Talbot, Viscountess Jocelyn and the Hon, Misses Jocelyn, Lady Victoria Ashley, Viscount and Viscountess Sydney, the Hon, Captain Edgcumbe, &c. The Countess of Haddington and the Hon. Henry Hamilton have arrived at Wallace's Hotel, St. George's-place, Hyde -park-corner, from Carlsbad. The Count de Montecupo, attended by Mr. Gabriele Ussani and Mr. Stefano Chirico, has arrived at the Clarendon Hotel from Brussels. The Count and Countess de Gabriac have arrived at Wallace's Hotel, St. George's•place, Hyde-park-corner , from Paris. Viscount and Viscountess Stratford de Redcliffe received a select party at dinner on Thursday evening, at their residence in Grosvenor-square. Lord and Lady Camoys and the Hon. Miss Stonor will return to town for the marriage of Lord Alei ander Gordon-Lennox and Miss Townley, daughter of Colonel and Lady Caroline Townley. file Baron and Baroness Rottermond and family have taken their departure from the Brunswick, Jern39ll - for the Continent, Sir John and Lady B9wring have passed thr3uo Paris, from Luchon, on their way to London. THE EMPEROR NAPOLEON is living now in great seclusion at Vichy. At eight o'clock in the morn ing he takes a bath and douche, and then walks in the park, retur n i ng to b reakfast. A f ter t h a t, he reads his dis patches and attends to business until three in the afternoon, then takes another walk, drinks the waters at the Source de l'HOpital, or at the Source des Mesdames, and returns to dine at five. Hi s M a j esty ' s even i ngs are genera lly passed in reading or writing, but he occasionally visits the Tneatre de la Rotonde. THE EMPRESS EUGENIE AND THE DUKE Cy HAMILTON'S LATE MELANCHOLY DEATH.—If en: other proof were wanting to the many instances alreadyu! everyone's memory, of the kindness of heart and genial sympathy testified by the amiable Empress Eugenie to' wards every form of suffering, we should have it, says the Queen, in the present occasiun, when her Majesty, from the first announcement of the accident which terminated so fatally, not only evinced the deepest feeling, but herself re . • pairing near the l one l y su ff erer, directed in the most Judi" dons manner the various means employed for his recovery; and did all which the tenderest sister or mother could have suggested for his relief. When all these had proved ineffec tual, and death had closed the long -protracted agony of three days' duration, during which the duke never recovered consciousness, her Majesty a solicitude turned to the be reaved widow and her young daughter, who accompanied her back to St. Cloud, where they have remained e ver since. SKAIFE'S ENAMELLED PISTOLGRAM is a very' curious and beautiful production, the portrait having all the appearance of being embedded in a precious stone. Before the picture is enclosed in glass it is first touched with water-colour, which colour is fixed on the photograph by the crystallizing cement. Instead of the ordinary purple a piece of crystal glass, or rock crystal, is cemented on the surface, then both sides bre ground and polished equally as a bi-convex lens. The crystal is then dropped into a capsule of pure virgin gold, filled with some enamelling composition heated to a high temperature. In 5 few minutes the crystal assumes permanently the colour and brilliancy of a fine ruby. The ruby is not, however, the o. ly gem which the inventor has succeeded in imitating in these enamelled likenesses. Specimens have also been produced of sapphire, carbuncle, emerald, and the oriental sapphire, the last-named, unlike the others, being pro' duced in a capsule of silver. WASTE OF HUMAN LIFE IN WAR.—From the statistics collected by the sanitary commission, it appears that in spite of the high average health of our men as compared with that of European armies, to keep of 500,000 men up to its full strength in the field, it must receive a reinf orcement of 123,000 men every year. I n other words, with out any ordinary reverses or disasters , without choler a , or crushing defeats, half a million of t he healthiest tr oops i n the world, engaged in active operation!+ will, if not recru i ted, in two years dwindle down to ha ll that numb er , and in four years will totally disappear fro m the field. —.New York Times. a force WARLIKE PE,EPARATIONS OF DENMARK,—DeII" mark appears to be preparing energetically for the war with which Germany threatens her on the question of the duchies, Royal decrees are renewing the arrangemen ts with regard to military quarterings, " because circum stances might render the application of them necessary; and the Minister of Marine invites the captains of merchant vessels to enter the naval service of the state as lieutenants. SINGULAR ASSAULT ➢Y A RAM.—On Sunday last, while a young woman named Margaret Johnston, residing at Toxsido Hill, was proceeding to church, she was at tacked on the road by a ram, and so seriously injured that she had to be carried home. On examination it was dis covered that her right leg was broken, and her left leg se riously dielenatetli—Edinbwrgi Courant.