The Sun. — London, England, 1850-12-19 00:00:00

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They were ac cordingly watched down Pudding-lane by the police constable who gave evidence in the previous case, and the prisoner was seen to join them with is hand-truck. The wine was placed in this truck, and the prisoner lvaliz , ,d away in the direction London-bridge, Smith and Savage, drawing the truck. following hi,u, but before they had reached the bridge, the prisoner war lost sight of, arid they were, the:e1 . ..40, taken into custody, or they Would have escaped too. The jury found the prisoner guilty of the second charge, but the Court d,f , rred passin,r sentence. MARLBIUY-STREET.-(THIS DAY.) MURDEROUS ATTACK AND STREET ROBBERY. — William Thompson, who described himself as a cabman, Was brought bef are Mr. Bingham, charged with the fol lowing daring street rebbery:— The prosecutor, Mr. Adolphus Dubois, dentist, 65, Princess-street, Leicester-sq.iare, deposed that on the Pe•eious night, about nine o'clock, he was proceeding along Upper Nortoe-street, when suddenly from a doorway three taco, one of whom was the prisoner. rushed upon him, and the prisoner came in front of him and passed some kind of an instrument round his neck and twisted it. Witness called oet, and the prisoner twistel it tighter, the other men at the time calling out, " Give it him." The prisoner suddenly let go his hold, wee he (witness) caliel out " Murder," and Police." The other two men, who are not in cus tody, then came forward and held his hands down while the prisoner forcibly tore his coat open, and snatched his Watch and chain from his waistcoat pocket. The other two men then ran away, and the prisoner gave the in strument another twist, and witness became uecon *Now,. When prosecutor came to himself, he found his coat torn and his watch and chair, gone. The watch and chain produced were his property. Witness added that he was still. suffering from the effects of the injuries that he had received, and his throat was much swollen n consequence. Mr. John Tailing, 23, Charles-street, Middlesex rioapital, stated that about a quarter p ast nine last night he was in Upper Norton-street with a friend, when he noticed, opposite to where he was walking, three or four individuals, and almost immediately after he heard a cry of " Murder," and " Police," and then 15 w two men run down the street, and the prisoner crossed over towards where",he was walking. Witness's friend then called out, " Hero is one of them," and Witness caught hold of him by the collar. Witness held the prisoner till a constable came and took him into custody. They then walked over to the prosecutor, who W2s abeut forty yards tram them, and he (prosecutor), ca seeing him (the prisoner), reccgnised him as the Man who had attemptel to strangle him. A female then came from No. 38, nearly opposite to where the occurrence took plan, and handed to the constable the Watch and chain produced, which she said she had Picked up in the area of her house, close to where the prisoner was stopped. Matilda Currell said she lived at No. 38, Upper Nor ton- s tr ee t. Last night, about nine o'clock, she and her family were at supper in the parlour, when she heard the cries of " Murder," and " Police." She ran to the door, Mid on the step of the next house she saw three men, Who were holding the prosecutor, and she heard one of them say," Give it him, do for him." She then saw the Prisoner put his hand through the railing of the area, and she heard something drop on the stones. She weal lute the area to see what it was, and on the stones she found the watch and chain produced. White, 33 E, stated that last night he was in Norton street, when he heard the cries of " Murder," and Police," and, on proceeding to the spot, he saw the prosecutor standing against the railing of No. 38, in a state of great excitement. On speaking to him he com plained that he had been robbed and almost murdered. Witness then creased over to where the second witness Was standing and took the prisoner into custody. The prisoner, who is supposed to belong to the gang Who attacked Mr. Cureton, said he was perfectly inno cent of the offence, and was remanded till Monday next. SAVINGS BA',KS. TO THE RIGHT HON. LORD JOHN RUSSEGL, M.P., &c. &c. &c. lly Lord,-1 remarked in my former letter that ,!t was not possibly fer the depositors in ;the savings ranks to receive every shilling of their money under the present system, ;Ina therefore their being unable to do so under the plan I have proposed was no valid objection to its being adopted. Of course it is unnecessary to enter into any argu _raent to show that IF all the depositors required their money it would be impossible to pay it, the amount the whole would not be paid, yet the depositors would _be abl e t o ge t a greater amount under the present aYstem than under the one that is proposed. Not one shilling more ; bemuse a sum larger than _ 4l 3' which has been drawn in any one year would be re tained, as in the present system ; and if any panic r equired a greater amount to be pai d t o the de p ositors, e Government would retain the power w hich it has ‘nun der l , the present Savings Balks Acts, of issuing Exchequer -bills, upon which the Banks of England and of Ireland are empowered to advance mo ne y . .t is curious to observe how the adoption of a alc!ous principle renders contemptible all proceedings "Which emanate from it. Thus, although every nnsa Wh o has ever written or spo ken u p on savin g s banks bas d?picted the benefits such institutions confer upon Society, yet the Legislature steps in, and with a °loran voice proposesthat these benefits should be con- Geed to the acquirement of 2/. 15s. per annum. Admirable provision for the industrious classes, Suffering from want of employment, from casual sickness, from the infirmities of old age Surely when the artisan is oppressed with these inevitable calami ties, how grateful must be his feelings " to the bene volent interest" (those were the words used by the • Chancellor of the Exchequer) of legislators in having assistedhim in a saving what produces him 21. 15s. per tinnutu, or something under twopence per diem. „ And such mons rous absurdity is tolerated because the Legislature having in the first instance adopted a . 'fieious principle, it has been continued by succeeding l overneeente, who have found it very convenient to your so large an amount under their control ; for J A t3 nr Lordship will not forget that by Mr. Goulburn's --et in 1828, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, in his 3 7 1 1 3 aeity o f Commissioner for the R e d ucL ion of the atiotd Debt, has full control over t he de p osits in the savings banks. Now it would be useful to inquire how much the peopl e of this country have lost by the plan w hich has ,ueen pursued. The last returns to Parliamen t show that the loss of the capital amounted to 2,815,573/. The Chancellor of the Exchequer stated in his speech last session that the loss sustained by the Government Paging more interest than it received was 2,441,000/., t hat is, a sum has been lost by the people of this count ry amounting to 5,256,573/. pooh! pooh ! says the Chancellor of the Exchequer, it is not absolutely lost, because the depositors in the ' l ivings banks have received 2,441,000/. of the motley, and the remainder would not be lost " until all the money deposited in savings banks was required to be paid off." Yes, but then the loss might be double or quadruple. Money invested to-day at 97, and sold in two or three years at 87, may not consti tute a loss in the eyes of ,the Chancellor of the Ex chequer —and I have quoted his very words—but others. may, without offence, entertain a different Oainion. And the money which has been paid to depositors, although more than the funds yielded, yet is far less than they would have received had the plan I now Propose been carried into operation, as it ought to have been, in 1817. Row much the depositors have lost under this head it is difficult to say, but assuredly not less than three millions. So much has been Paid for the present system, besides the expenses of management, to a fearful amou nt. The Chancellor of the Exchequer was very chary upon this last point, b u t notwithstanding his con duct Upon the Stamp Bill, I cannot conceive that he would elandeetinely seek to make a profit out Of the savings hanks without honestly stating that such was his in tention. The maximum amount to be paid to deposi tors he proposes to be 2/. 153. per cent. ; the Three Per Cents., even at the present high price, yield 3l 3s. Per cent., and therefore the difference, or 8 per cent., is the sum charged by the Chancellor of the Exche quer for management. This upon 28 millions of money is considerably Lore than 110,000/. per annum for management. Surely some economist in the Rouse of Commons Light think it worth while to ask for a detailed account of the manner this enormous sum is spent by those Who take such "benevolent interest" in savings banks. I have the honour to remain, L r( ur Lordship's most obedient and faithful servant, RIGBY WASON. London, Dec. 17. AMERICAN STOICISM.. The following singular incident is related in the S -Louis Intelligeucer of the 11th inst.:— " A few hours previous to the arrival of the steamer Amazonia, on Saturday, Michael Wy nu, of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, died on board from the effect of pistol shots received at the hands of. one Dr. R. Crane, a citizen of Grand Gulf, Mississippi. The circum stances attending this melancholy affair are thus briefly related to us by Captain M'Bride : " On the upward trip of the Amazonia from New Orleans, whi!e the boat was lying to at a wood-yard fur the night, between island 36 and 37, on the night of Monday, the 4th inst., the deceased, Michael W.Ynr, and Dr. Crane, both cabin passengers, guar. relied at a game of cards, and were on the point of • "Ming to blows, when the eAptain stepped in .and --Pc@3 l ented a difficulty. Wynn left the cabin and WEI 3 sc.on followed by Crane, who 44igned goleg on board the Duroc, which `41 1 . 1'"1"9 1 4. lying alongside On the lower deck the 4 1 ;,;:" akt.ies,again quarrelled. Wynn using some abusive 'N'4lknguage, whereupon ,Crane drew a revolver and fired, 4 e, ,''four Ishota, all of which are supposed-to h a ve taken s The officers, crew, and passengers, alarrned the 'fit lug; rep to the spot,• and found Cran e and IWynn i t tandirig . within five feet of each other, the latter quietly smoking a cigar. The captain again interfred, and told the parties they must cease fight 111g and go to their rooms, or both go ashore. Crane firstleft the deck and soon retired for the night. Wynn remained up till a very late hour conversing VILLAGE COURTSHIP DESCRIBED BY CHAR 1...14.;S SWAIN. Tapping at the window, Peeping o'er the blind;— 'Tis really most surprising, He never Icarn3 to mind! 'Twas only yester evening, As in the dark we sat, My mother ask'd me sharply " Pray, Mary, who is that?" Who's that indeed—you're certain How much she made me start; Men seem to loss their wisdom Whene'r they lose their heart. . Yes—there he i 3-1 see him; The lamp his shadow throws Across the curtain'd window; He's stepping on his toes! He'll never think of tapping, Or making any din; — A knock, though e'en the slightest, Is worse than looking in! Tap! tap!—would any think it? He never learns to mind; 'Tis surely must surprising— He thinks my mother blind ! 'Tis plain I mint go to him; It's no use now to cough;— I'll ope the door just softly, If but to send him off ! 'Tis well if from the dour-step He be not shortly hurled— Oh. man, there no'er was trouble Till he came in the world! Tapping at the window, And peeping o'er the blind; Oh, man, but you're a trouble, And that we maidens find! •Devonport independent. SUN, and smoking in the Social-hall, and to the repeated inquiries of Captain !'Bride and others as to hi; injuries, stoutly denied that he was hurt, although two bullet-holes were plainly visible in his clothes. " On the following, morning (Tuesday) Wynn did not get up as usual, and, in the course of the fore noun, Captain M'Bride and several others called in his state-room, and insisted upon his wounds being dressed, but he obstinately refused, and would Lot even suffer his clothes to be token off. He remained in this condition, regularly receiving his meals from the cabin table, until Saturday morning, when he arose, was shaved by the barber of the boat, put on some clean clothes, and again retired. Soon after he sent for the captain, and made some inquiries re garding hospital arrangements in this city, and ex pressed a desire to be sent to the best regulated, as soon as the boat reached pert. An hour or so later, and but a few moments before the boat touched at the landing, some gentlemen in the cabin called at his room and found him in the last agonies of death. Yesterday morning the coroner of our city was called upon by Captain M'Bride and held an inquest, at which the above facts in substance were elicited, and a verdict was returned that Michael Wynn, the de ceased, came to his death from the effect of pistol shots, fired by the hands of one Dr. R. Crane. " Upon stripping Wynn's body it was discovered that not less than four pistol bills had taken effect, all in the region of: the hips and groin, and producing frightful wounds. His coolness at the time of the rencontre and subsequent conduct can alone be ac• counted for from the fact that he was partially in toxicated, and remained in that condition nearly up to the time of his death. He was destitute of means, the captain having but a short time previous to the difficulty lent him a small sum of money. . " Dr. Crane, we are informed, was on his way to Louisville, Kentucky, to attend the medical lectures this winter, and when the Amazonia reached Cairo he got off and proceeded up the Ohio, and is, up to the present time, no doubt, unconscious of the fate of his victim." FRENCH RAILWAY TRAFFIC. The following are the last returns of the gross re ceipts of the principal French Railways : NORTHER/i.—From Dec. 5 to Dec. 9: Passengers, 175,175 t.; goods, 263,202 f.; total, 433,377 f. _ . „ ROUEN.—Frum Dec. 3 to Dec. : Passengers, 60,156 t.; goods, 90,393 E; total, 150,549 f. HAVRE.—From Dec. 1 to Dec. 7 : Pass.engers, 18,915 t.; goods, 36,846 f. ; total 55,779 f. ORLEANS.—From the. 2 to Dec. 8: Passengers, 72,253 r. ; goods, 128,6021.; total, 200,8551. BORDEAUX.—From Dee. 2 to Dee. 8 : Passengers, 33,722 , 6 goods, 49,282 F.; total, 83,004 f. VIERZON —From Dec. 2 to Dec. 8: Passengers, 34,667 f.; goods, 42,833 t.; total, 77,5001. BoULoGNE.—From Dec. 2 to Dee. 8: Passengers, 10,647 f.; goods, 20,179 f.; total, 30,826 r. DIEPPE.—From Dec. 1 to Dec, 7: Passengers, 3,2221.; goods, 11,8261.; total, 15,0481. NANTES.--From Dec. 1 to Dec. 7 : Passengers, 17,7281.; goods, 10,7851.; WWI, 28,513 f. STLIASBURG —From Des. 2 to Dec. 8: Passengers, 63,148 f.; goods, 62,6381.; total, 125,886 f. BALE.—From Nov. 25 to Dec. 1 : Passengers, 18,396. ; goods, 24,2571.; t0ta1,42,643f. MONTEREAU. —Prom Nov. 26 to Dec. 2: Passengers, 8,931 E ; goods, 16,236+:; total , 25,237 f. LYONS. —From Nov. 24 to Nov. 30 : Passengers, 127,511 f.; goods, 34,382 f.; total, 165,893 r, • „ CHARTRES.—From Nov. 25 to Dec. 1: Passengers, 38,7701.; guods, 11 . 985 r. ; total, 43,7551. THE LONDON UNION ON CHURCH MATTERS, AND I.DE REV. Mn. BENNETT.—The Guardian of last night says that at a meeting of the committee of the London Union on Church matters, held on Tuesday, the following resolution was adopted :—" That inasmuch as misapprehension has arisen respecting the resolution expressive of sympathy with the Rev. W. J. E. Bennett, which was adopted by the ge neral meeting of the London Union on Church matters on the 10th instant, and it being a principle of this union to pay dutiful and affectionate deference to episcopal authority,' and not to intrude itself into the office of judge in spiritual matters, but that such matters be left to the authorities of the Church'—this committee think it their duty to the union to make known that the resolution was adopted by the Lon don Union in reference solely to the disgraceful interruptions at St. Barnabas Church, and to the instigators and perpe:ra tors of those wicked acts, before the comspondenee between the Bishop of London and Mr. Bennett was in the hands of the members of the union, and did not, and was not intended to, express any opinion upon that correspondence, or upon the questions which were, or had been, under discussion be tween the Bishop and Mr. Bennett, upon which question's it would be contrary to the before-mentioned principles of the union to express any opinion either way." SMITHFIELD MARKET.—Last night a meeting of butchers and others connected with the trade of smithfield Market took place at Farringdon Hall, Snow-hill, at which Blacket presided. The meeting had been convened to take into consideration the proposed toll which the Corpora tion have intimated their intention to inflict upon cattle on their egress from the market of Smithfield when enlarged according to the corporate plan. Mr. Charles Pearson, with Deputies Bedford, Hicks, and several common councilmen, were present. After a few preliminary remarks from the Chairman, he introduced Mr. Charles Pearson, who said he felt the greatest interest in the proposed extension of the market by the Corporation, who were desirous to do all they could to meet the wants and wishes of the public, and with respect to which he felt that those who objected to the existing market had not fairly considered such propositions. As to the sanitary part of the question, he thought that would be improved in the proposed alterations. Better arrange ments were proposed for the management of the market, for increased space, and getting rid of the alleged cruelties. In conclusion, be expressed his opinion that nothing could be better than the proposed enlarged market for the sale of live and dead cattle. Other gentlemen addressed the meeting, and thanks having been give.' to Mr. Pearson, and also to the chairman, the meeting broke up. EXTRACTS FROM THE IRISH HITE AND CRY. —Tony Gowan is advertised as having lost " a pig with a very long itail, and a black spot on the tip of his snout that curls up behind."—A cow is described as " very difficult to milk, and of no use to any one but the owner, with one horn much longer than the othea"—John Hawkins is alluded to as having " a pair of quick grey eyes, with little or no whiskers, and a Roman nose, that has a great difficulty in looking any one in the face."—Betsy Waterton is accused of having absconded with a chest of drawers and a cock and hen, and has red hair and a broken tooth, none of which are her own." The manager of the savings bank at Dunferry, near Goofowran, is spoken of in these terms: " He had on, when last seen, a pair of corduroy trowsers, with a tremen dous squint rather the worse for wear, besides an affected lisp, which he endeavours to conceal with a pair of gold spectacles."—A burglar has his portrait taken in the follow ing manner: "He has little or no hair, but black eyes on a turned-up nose, which is dyed black to conceal its grey ness."—Punch. REGISTER OF THE WEATHER AND STATE OF THE CROPS NEAR WORKSOP FOR NOVEMBER.—November has been in general a tine month, the first portion of it being per ticularly mild and autunm-like. From the perturbed state and lowness of the barometer, from the 18th to the morning of the 20th, great tempests must have been raging in distant localities. Here a heavy fall of rain took place, with a mo derate gale of wind. The month ended with a very keen frost for the season, the ice being an inch and a half thick in still ponds, and fit to till ice-houses. Rain fell on sixteen days, the total amount registered by the rain gauge being 1 inch and 83 parts, or rather below the average fall. The thermometer was highest on the 2d, 62 degrees, and lowest on the morning of the 30th, 32 degrees or 8 degrees frost. The barometer was highest on the 29th, 30 degrees 0 minutes, and lowest on the 20th, 28 degrees 3 mi nutes. The prevailing winds were from the S.W. and N.V. The mean temperature of the month, from 120 ob servations, was 5 degrees below the average. Owing to the fine open weather in the early part of November, all out of door operations in farms and gardens are well advanced. The sharp frost at the end of the month has checked the growth of the early sown wheat, which on early soils was getting rather too far advanced for the season. There are few complaints this year of Inc potatoes keeping badly where properly pitted and stored; we may therefore conclude from this circumstance, and front the reasonable price they are selling at in the market, that this admired esculent is plenti t ul, and freer from disease than usual.— Sluff/cid Times. FINDING OF ONE OF THE BODIES OF THE SEAMEN DROWNED OFF WORTlllNG.—Yesterday afternoon as some of our Brighton fishermen were pacing the cliff in the brief intervals of fair weather, they observed a dark object float ing in the surge. Always on the look out, not "for squalls," but for the prizes that squally weather may bring them, they lost no time in inspecting the object. The inspection proved that it was the body, of a fisherman, and , no doubt was entertained : risen being the remaiti of one of the un fortunate en 'drowned :a forili l ii)it since Off Worthing. Whleh of them it was it wasditlichit ti) AY, as the face and hands were entirely eaten away, and there remained only a mutilated trunk. It had on a guernsey, a pair (')f 'drawers, and socks. The body was. taken to the Town-hall, where it awaits an inquest. Two more bodies are reported to have washed ashore between Lancing and Worthiug. The find ing of the bodies is not unexpected, for the weather being rough, and the wind W.S.\V., that is, blowing . directly in the direction where the accident happened, it was con sidered probable that the bodies would liOat Guardian. LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, AMERICAN NEWS. TWO _DAYS LATER. _ SOUTHAMPTON, DEc. 18. The American steam-ship Franklin, from New York, en route 'for ITavrp; arrived off Cowes this morning s' , on xfter eight; o'clock, bringing letters and papers to the 6th instot, being two days later than those brouht by the Niagara. The Franklin brought & full general cargo, and a large number of paasen gErs, and has made the voyage in less than twelve days. 'Both Houses of Congress had adjourned, after the delivery of the President's Message, until Monday, the Bth instant. N,) business of importance was transacted in either douse. The New York Morning Express says-- "The President's mtssuge has had the most soc , th• ing et&ct upon Congress. riis declaration that he and his Administration stand upon the Compromise Bills, and all the Compromise Bills, just as they are, take from the southern I)isunionists all their influence for mischief, and upon the northern Disunionists and Nullifiers throws a dash of cold water, which is cooling them off. Nevertheless, the Ohio Free Soilers are full of fire and brimstone. Root and Campbell threaten terrible things, and Thad. Stevens promises to work with them. The New Yorkers are comparatively cool. Among all the New England Whigs, there seems now to be a vein of pure good sense, "The message thus takes from Southerners their means of mischief. and northern Nullifiers their power to do mischief, and promises a more soothing session of Congress than many had expectt d. None of the Com promise Bills can be or will be tonched, and it is only exciting a vain agitation to try to touch them. None but an enemy in disguise of the Administration will at tempt it. So, then, this turning out so, the coming three months may be expected to be devoted to the white man, in return for the last ton months devoted to the negro. " The statement of the Postmaster-General, N. K. Hall, delights all sides here; they make sure of a re duced postage this Congress. Mr. Hall, by the way, is working himself to death. Washington bas never yet seen such a workie in a public office. He knows Ye whole trade here from top to bottom, and all about it." Jenny Lind, we are glad to learn, has entirely lost her hoarseness, and made her debut in Baltimore on the Bth instant. A great fracas ocourred on the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad, near Summit Level, on the 4th inst., between the Irish and German labourers, in which three Germans were killed and several badly wounded. The military were called out, and arrested twenty-five of the Irish and lodged them in Camber land Gaol. THE TORNADO AT CAPE GIRARDEAN. CINCINNATI, DEC. 6.—The St. Louis papers con tain full particulars of the recent tornado on the Mississippi river, by which the beatiful village of Cape Girardean, in Missouri, was almost entirely de stroyed. The convent, Catholic church, and other buildings in the immediate vicinity, are heaps of ruins. The St. Vincent College is also prostrated, and the Methodist church, and all the other houses between that and the bridge are injured. The professors and students were at the college at the time of the awful visitation, and many of them were severely injured. One has since died. Upwards of one half of the residents of the place were left without a roof to protect them from the weather. It is said that for a distance of fifteen miles hack and around Cape Girardean, every thing bears the aspect of utter destruction. The ac counts do not give the number of injured and killed. Prompt measures have been taken at St. Louis for the purpose of extending aid to the distressed and suffer ing families who have been rendered houseless by this awful visitation. DECEMBER 19, 1850. MR. COBDEN AND SIR T. HASTINGS. TO THE EDITOR OF TUE TIMES. Sir,—May I beg the favour of your inserting the enclosed letter, being my reply to Sir Thomas Has tings's challenge ? I received his combustible missive on Sunday morning —not exactly the day for answering an in vitation to a duel. On Monday I was the whole day engaged in running from libraries to newspaper offices, and thence to the houses of Members of Par liament, inquiring for the Blue-book containing the evidence in question. On Tuesday I procured a copy from my friend Mr. Henry, and had prepared the enclosed letter of explanation, when Wt driesday morning's post brings me another detonating epistle from Sir Lucius —no, Sir Thomas Hastings, conclud ing—" Yours, with supreme contempt," informing rue that he had anticipated me, by sending his letters for publication. The public has now an opportunity of forming an opinion of the cool judgment, the prudence, temper, and ability of a man who has been placed at the head of a commission for giving us an improved gua rantee against a war with France, and upon whose re commendation, in a great degree, many millions of public mon e y h as b een expen d e d upon our national defences. I remain, Sir, your obedient servant, RICHARD COBDEN. Manchester, Wednesday Morning, Dec. lg. " Crumpsall•house, near Manchester, Dec. IS. " Sir,—lf in my earlier days my admiration for the genius of Sheridan had not tempted me to witness the mimic exploits of Sir Lucius O'Trigger, I might have been at a loss to comprehend the meaning of your letter. Aided, however, by my recollections of that model duelist, I understand you to propose that we should lay down our pens and have a personal in terview, not to talk over the matter in dispute, nor even to approach within speaking distsmew., but to take our stand at twelve paces apart, with pistols in hand, and endeavour to blow out each other's brains. Now, I am satisfied, without any such experiment upon my head, at least that half an ounce of lead pro pelled by less than a quarter of an ounce of powder is quite sufficient to shatter the human skull to atoms, and extinguish in a moment all powers of reason, all sense of justice, and every re li g i ous sen ti men t. But how such a process would satisfy me that I had acted unjustly towards you, or convince you of the con trary, is, I confess, quite beyond my comprehension. "So soon as I had recovered from the fit of laughter into which I must confess your challenge threw me, and after I had mastered the temptation I felt to name for my second my much esteemed friend Mr. Pv.sch, I endeavoured to procure a copy of the report of the Committee, which with considerable difficulty, and after the lapse of a couple of days, I succeeded in obtaining, and, having refreshed my memory by a perusal of your evidence, I will endea vour to state the facts of the case, as between you and myself, in such a way as shall admit of no further misapprehension. _ _ " After the committee had heard your evidence at considerable length, as to the preparations which had been made (partly under your directions) to repel an imaginary invasion from France, I requested you to state upon what authority you assumed that the French nation were eager to go to war with this country. Your answers were somewhat vague, which induced me to press you more closely, when at last you quoted, as a proof of the belligerent disposition of the French, certain warlike sentiments which some body had heard on board a steam-boat fall from the lips of the French Bishop of Japan. The uplifted eyes and hands of more than one member of the Committee led to the interposition of the chairman. The room was, if I recollect correctly, immediately ordered to be cleared of strangers, and you were requested to withdraw. I was then appealed to by some of the members of the Committee to allow the above part of y(7ur evidence to be expunged; others, on the con trary, wished it to he retained, as exposing the trivial grounds on which professional men are disposed to advocate an augmentation of our armaments. At last it was agreed that your evidence, when written out by the shorthand writer, should be submitted for cor rection to Lord Seymour (the chairman) and myself. Two or three days elapsed before the report was placed in my hands by his Lordship, when I agreed that the passage respecting the Bishop of Japan should be expunged; in the meantime I had mentioned the incident to Mr. Bright and several other Members of the House. " The above statement of facts you will not call in question. You do not deny having quoted the au thority of the Bishop of Japan ; you merely correct Mr. Bright's error in ,calling him the Bishop of Ma dagascar. You do not presume to call in question my right to mention to a Member of the House of Commons, in his seat in the evening, anything or everything which transpires in the morning in a pub lic Committee-room of that House. You do not even complain of the evidence which was expunged having been afterwards made public, for which I could have expressed my regret. What, then, is your complaint ? Why, that Mr. Bright alleged that the authority of the bishop was the only proof brought forward by you of the warlike disposition of the French nation. In the perturbed state ofi your feelings you seem to be unable to perceive that this is a question to be de cided by reference to your published evidence, which has been in the hands of every Member for two years. I am not Mr. Bright's authority for the contents of the Blue-book, I am responsible only for having com municated to him that part of your evidence which was suppressed, the truth of which you do not deny. Nor am I accountable for any criticisms or argu ments he may deduce from it. " Your grievance is then confined to one word, the word only.' Now, since the receipt of your last letter I have felt it my duty to see I\h. Bright, who says that in reply to your second letter to him he has informed you that the report of his speech is not free from verbal inaccuracies. Why did you not send me a copy of that letter ? It appears to me that the whole question at issue is involved in its contents ; and had a further opportunity been afforded to Mr. Bright he might possibly have removed the whole ground of complaint. For myself, I have not another syllable to say upon the subject. Yes, I must add a word or two before I come to what I trust will be the close of our correspondence. " You are a public servant, filling a very responsi ble office, and in receipt of a liberal public stipend. As chairman of the commission for increasing our coast defences, you were largely instrumental in promoting the expenditure of many millions of public money for purposes and in a manner which, whether right or wrong, are open to discussion. Your volu minous evidence before the Committee on the army, navy, and ordnance, invites criticism ; and much of it, in my humble opinion, is open to animadversion. Such being your position you must, like all public men, expect that your conduct will be freely can vassed ; and your fate will be a luckier one than that of most of us if you do not find yourself often misap prehended, and sometimes misrepresented. If, unable to restrain the ebullitions of an irascible temper, you must needs challenge a member of the Legislature to mortal combat, merely because another member is reported to have made a mistake in a single word in a speech of an hour's length, or because.a re porter's pen may have slipped at a critical moment, then you have mistaken your vocation, and you would be consulting your own reputation and the interest of the country by retiring from the public service, and seeking security for your susceptible nerves within the inviolable precincts of your own domestic circle. "I remain, Sir, yours, &c., "RICHARD COBDEN. " Sir Thomas Hastings, R.N." THE , BURFORD'S PANORAMA. (THIS DAY.) THE LAKE OF LUCERNE. Every one acquainted with the pictorial exhibitions of London must bear in recollection the magnificent panorama, painted by Mr. Robert Burford, from drawings taken by him on the summit of Mount .Righi, and embracing, in one comprehensive view, most of the celebrated localities of Switzerland. From the very magnitude of that undertaking it was impossible fsr the artist to indulge himself in those detailed delineations which, generally speaking, ren der his productions remarkable for their vraisent idunce, and invest them with all the sparkle and in terest of reality. In the present work, a work of smaller dimensions, but in its way of equal excel lence, Mr. Burford has, with the assistance of Mr. H. U. S-lons, contrived to compensate his admirers for whatever disappointments were inseparable from the very grandeur of his former enterprise. He has portrayed again, it is true, though under a different aspect, the glorious scenery of the alpine countries, bat this time he has adroitly blended with the geo graphical attractions of Switzerland the domestic in terest, as it were, of its population. Instead of viewing the subject of his artistic labours this time from the crown of Mount Righi, he has done so at its foot, taking his place on the bosom of Lake Lucerne, and there, with an ever faithful pencil, sketching in the almost numberless beauties of the panorama. Brought into immediate proximity with the vegetation and the habitations of S witzerlend, Mr. Burford has transferred to canvass in glowing colours those adjuncts of moun tain scenery which lend to it such a peculiar and re sistless fascination. The spectator is supposed to be in a vessel floating on the water close to the town of Lucerne, among the principal edifices of which are conspicuously visible the cathedral and the Hotel des Suisse, besides which the eye wanders over the town walls, the quay, the pier, the Swan Hotel, the church of the Jesuits, the Lapel Briicke, the Stradthuie, an old watch tower, and another venerable fortification. Prominent, of course, among all the surrounding ac clivities, as you look down the lake with your back to the town of Lucerne, are, on the right the heights of Mount Pilate, and on the left the pinnacle of Mount Righi, that wonderful elevation called by the ancie n t s the dons Rigidus, and by enthusiasts the RegiZum Montem. As the descriptive guide to the Panorama very truthfully expresses it—" The most powerful and striking contrasts are here presented in every variety of scenery, from softness and fertility, to abruptness and barrenness, of all that is most imposing and ma jectic, with all that is most beautiful and pleasing. On all sides the rugged sublimity of towering rocks, and the harmonous beauties of smiling valleys, alter nately claim attention, and together with the ancient and picturesque town at the western extremity of the lake, form the finest coup d'.eil that can well be imagined." This coup d'ceil has, moreover, been here wonderfully represented by the brush of Mr. Robert Burford. " Here, as the guide a g ain remarks, "the spectator at one glance embraces the whole expanse of the noble lake, the Berk blue crystal waters of which are enlivened by man y of the clumsy but picturesque boats of the country. The immediate margins of the water, if not so profusely ornamented with towns, villages and orchards, as many others are, yet exhibit a vast va riety of irresistible attractions and pleasing beauties ; 'rich spots of fertile cultivation, with flocks of sheep and goats grazing on the abundant pasturage, emerald green ravines, and valleys, sunny warm and rich. In the eecond distance are charming eminences, and gracefully undulating hills, whose sloping sides are clothed with luxuriant foliage, and dotted with villas and chalets, nobly backed by a magnificent amphi theatre of majestic and finely grouped mountains, ridge above ridge, as romantic in form as fancy could portray, each with its own particular colour, present ing rich varieties of light and shade ; others more lofty arid rise behind, clothed in the deep purple shade that dietince gives, and the snowy alps of Uri and Schwyz crown the whole." Considered merely as a landscape, the panoramic view revealed to us in this very admirable production, is sufficiently attractive, but, regarded in addition to this with an eye to its historical and political associations, it ap pears before us with an air of matchless and arresting attraction. It must be remembered, for example, that the town of Lucerne, besides being the capital of the canton, is one of the Vorort, or otherwise every third year the metropolis of the Diet of Switzrland. Founded originally in 695 by the building of a Bene dictine convent, it gradually rose into a place of no inconsiderable importance. Its local abbot, some where about the middle of the fourteenth century, resigned his authority over it, and the canton, in 1332, abandoned the sway of Austria, sending forth a contingent of its citizens to aid the troops of the forest cantons in the memorable battle of S.-Impsch. It can scarcely be forgotten that Lu. cerne was conspicuous among the seven cantons who fought for the interests of the Jesuits, being, in fact, the chief of the armed league of the Sonderbund. As recently as the November of 1847, the town was stormed and captured by the antagonists of the Son derbund. So that the artist has selected in Lucerne a spot for representation,not only invested with the charm of antiquity, but also with the fascination of political and historical recollections. Added to all which the aspect of the town itself; the lake and the surround ing scenery are of a beauty altogether commensurate with its reputation. Besides the mountains already particularized as observable in this very interesting panorama, should be mentioned also Rossberg, re nowned as the scene of the, terrific landslip in 1806, whim " a mess of the mountain, three miles in length, and 1,000 feet in width, came down with an awful crash, completely burying three villages, two churches, and 111 houses, together with 450 human beings, and 325 head of cattle. There are likewise Achsenberge rising above the rock where Tell leaped on shor from Gessler's boat and escaped ; Hapsburg, for merly the hunting seat of the famous Count Rudolph, the founder of the Austrian dynasty; Meggenborn, where once stood a monument to Tell, ultimately destroyed by lightning ; Seclisberg, near the field of Grutli, where the first confederates held their secret meetings ; Rosstock, Oberbauen, Burgen stock, Urner-Bothstock, Bouchserhorn, Titles, Esel, Obernaupt, and Widderfeld. A little group in a boat to the left of Lhe foreground (or rather we should say of the forewater), will be observed with interest by all the frequenters of Burford's Exhibition, repre senting, as it does, the veteran artist sketching one of the eight drawings which, assisted by Mr. Selous, he afterwards elaborates into a panorama. TI - Ib CAPE MAIL. PLYMOUTH, DEC. 16.—T0-day being fixed upon for the first departure of the Bosphorus, Captain Hull, one of the screw steamers belonging to the Cape Mail Com pany, from this port, it was determined by the authori ties and inhabitants here to join in a public procession with the mails, from the Guildhall, down to the pier at Millbay. Accordingly, at twelve o'clock, the Mayor of Plymouth (Mr. D. Derry) and the Mayor of Duvonport (Mr. U. W. Jeffery), together with the town clerks of the two hoeouehs, tutered a carriage and four, driven by postilions, and having the mace bearers in frcnt. Thie carriage was followed by a great many other car lieges, in which were members of the town council and taller gentlemen. They were preceded by the bands of the 4th King's Own. Regiment, that of the 28th Regiment, and the Royal Manua band, and headed by a great number . , of sailors and others, carrying ban ners and flags. Toe procession then wended their wry to Milibay, passing along the Union-road. On arriving at the pier, the weather, which had been very bad throughout the day, became worse, and a very heavy shower of rain fell, so as to deluge all who had not the ge ed fortune to be in carriages. The authorities, after weiting till the heavy rain had somewhat abated, then lett their carriages and went on board the steamer, where they were received by two of the directors of the corn pall, Mr. Balfour and Mr. Laming, by Captain Hall, and - thou other officers of the ship. Mr. Markes, the pm aaaaeter, then handed over the mail bags to Captain Woolrych, RN., and expressed his congratulations on the mail being dispatched from Plymouth. Mr. David Derry next, addressed the direetois, and congratulated both them and the town on their having chosen this port ne the port of arrival and departure for the Cape mails. He felt that the capacity of the port for such a species of traffic would be found in every respect equal to it. Mr. Gill also delivered a short address, expressing the plea sure he felt on being present on this occasion. Th e Mayor of Devonport also expressed his cordial concur rence in the congratulations that had been expressed by his brother mayor; after which the company ret urne d to the Guildhall. There wi ll be a dinner at the Royal flotel this afternoon, to which the officers of the ship, the directors of the company, and the passengers going to the Cape have been 'timed. THE FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE GREAT NORTHERN RAILWAY TERMlNUS.—Yestorday morning Mr. Wak ley, jun., held an official inquiry at the City of York, Maiden-lane, into the precise cause of the death of Abel Wynne, who was killed on Monday last whilst engaged in tunnelling between the present goods station and the permanent passenger sta tioa to be erected for the Great Northern Railway at King's cross. The jury proceeded to view the body of the unfortu nate deceased, which presented an awfully mutilated appear ance, the head being completely smashed, and the brains spattered over the back of the body. It is olmost difficult to conceive that the fall of so small an amount of earth should have so completely destroyed all outline of the human coun tenance, awl have occasioned such a shattered wreck as the body presented. There can be no doubt, however, that the witnesses did not much underrate the quantity of earth that fell, and that the height of the fall did not exceed four or five feet at most. The evidence given was simply confirma tory of the account given at the time of the accident. The jury pronounced a "verdict of " Accidental Death." WitspiG,ur: ; OF .RAILWAY AND JOINT' STOCK COMPANIIES.—severaI new companies have been referred by the Court to the Masters in Chancery to be wound up, but they cannot be proceeded with this term as the Masters' Courts are full,'intlependently of the fact of not one of the 180 companies tinder the operation of the Winding-up Act having yet been finally wound up. His Honour blaster Brougham ; has declined to make a call specially for payment of the costs - of winding-up, being of opinion that a first call to be made under any estate should be to pay the claims of the creditors. The new Master in Chancery (Humphry) will, as junior master, sit for dispatch of burtiness during I vacation. - NEW YORK MARKETS, DEC. Z. Cotton—The private letters per Arctic do not read so favourable as the printed accounts. On the day the steamer sailed the market was quoted dull at prices cur rent at the vailing of the previous steamer. One account says:—" The advance of id., which was paid on Satur day and Monday, has been lost, and there ate plenty of sellers v:t the rates cur rent at the sailing of the Europa. Yesterday betwe?n 3,000 and 4.000 bales changed hands, including, middling at 7id. to 7.P. for Upknds, Mobile, and New Orleans. The sales are confined to the trade, there being no speculative or export inquiry." The market, however, has been compartitively active to-day, the sales reaching 1,300 to 1,400 bales, at previous prices, including middling Orleans at 14c., and fair ditto at 14 Flour, &c.—The inclement state of the weather has a depressing effect on the market fir State and Western, and prices are scarcely so firm, though there is no special change in quotations. The transactions are limited to 8,500 bbls., 4 dolls. 253. to 4 dolls 443. for No. 2 super fil,e,4 dolls. 68e. for common and straight State, 4 dolls. 75e. to 4 dol6. 94e. for mixed to choice Michigan, &c.; and 5 dolls. to 5 dolls. 6c. for pure Genessee. Canadian flour is in active request for export, and the sales reach 4,600 bbls, at 4 dolls. 68c. to 4 dolls. 75c. Southern is in good demand, and prices have advanced 6ic. to 121 c.; the sales are 2,100 bbls., including Howard-street, at 5 dolls. 12ic. Rye flour is quoted at 3 dolls. 37c. to 3 dolls. 50c., with 400 bbls. sold. Corn meal is quiet at yester day's quotations. Grain—There is a fai r i nqu i ry f or w h e at, and the sup ply of common descrip t i ons i s large. dull. The sales include 10,000 bush. Canadian for ex port, at 1 dell. 061 e .; an d 6,000 d i tto G enessee , at 1 doll. Prime is firm, but 15c. to 1 doll. 18c., as in q 7,000 bush. were sold a t 7 3c. to 75c., c l os i ng at the for suer figure. There i s st ill an upwar d ten d enc y in corn, swim, partly to the favou'rjaabliltey. Rye is lower, and advices from abroad. The sales aggregate 18,000 bush, at 63c. for new mixed; 67ie. to 68ic. for old Westeria mixed and Southern yel low; and 68ie. to 70 2 . f or old J ersey. B ar l e y i s w ith o ut movement or chan ge i n prices. Oats are selling mode rately, at previou s quotations. Lime—Common R oc kl an d i s i n f a i r su pply, and we note sales of two cargoes at 83c. Naval Stores—The sales of common Wilmington rosin 'reach 1,000 bbls., at 1 doll. 40c. to 1 doll. 42ic., deli. vered. Other descripti ons are w i thout muc h movemen t, and prices are uniform. Provisions—The demand for pork for the local tra'le is limited, but for speculation the demand continues fair. 500 bbls. were sold zit 11 d o l ls. 62c. to 11 d o ll s . 75 c . f or mess, and 8 dolls. 75 2. for prime. Bumps were sold to a moderate extent at 8 dolls. 25c. Of b ee f h ams there were sales of 100 bbl s., at 14 dolls.; a l so 106 t i erces city smoked hams, at 81c. Beef is quiet and steady, ‘vith a fair demand from the trade, at 8 dolls. 50c. to 10 dolls, for mess, and 4 dolls. 75c. for prime. Lard has advanced, wiz h a got.d inquiry, and the sales are 500 bbls. and 100 tierces at lc. to Bc., the latter figure for choice lots. Rice is held firmer, with small sales, at 3 dolls. 37c. to 3 dolls. 50c. Prime lots are scarce, and would com mand 3 dolls. 621 c. Whisky—Ttre market is a shade firmer-200 bbls. g a gements of 8 , 090 to 10,000 Ohio and Prison w ere so l d at 250. t o 242., and 50 casks Drudge) at 25 c ., t i me an d i nteres t. Freights—We n o ti ce en bushels wheat to Livero - 1 - at 43. to 44d.; 509 bbls. p filar at Is. Id.; and 100 tcs. beef at IL 3,1. To other European ports th ere i s no c h ange to notice, and the market is quiet. THE GAS QUESTION. agitation that ha s ' lien got up in the parish of Sr. We perceive that one of oar e vening contemporaries, .he Globe, h as very properly directed Lttention to the James's, relative to the notice which three of the metro politan gas co m p an i es h ave g i ve n to Parliament for an amalgamation of their int er ests, the objet of such union, as the Gloit e cor rect ly states , being to secure a position which shall enable those comparnes so to concentrate their means as to supply gas at the cheapest possible remunerative price, and to prevent the ever-recurring in convenience resulting from the breaking up of .the public thoroughfares in various parts of the metropolis, in order to lay down immense lengths of gas pipes. There can ha no doubt, as cogently urged by our con temporary, that gas companies who have expended enor mous sums of money in constructing works and laying down their mains aro sernably interested in supplying "To them," as the Globe pithily puts it, " half a loaf is better than no bread at all," and g p aoss,s possibly , furnish a t as it. low rate es anynew cotnpany can existing companies, rather than be driven out of the field, and have their entire property destroyed, must feel it to ha the wisest policy, in fighting agniust the intro ductiou of new competitors, .to sacrifice much that they may secure something to their shareholder s . O ar con temporary refers to the quotations of gas shares in the market as the best evidence that the flourishing state• meats sent forth by new companies, of certain large profits upon small outlays of capital, can more reasonably be ascribed to the imagination than really defaced from any actual profits derived from the working of gas companies; but we think our contempory might have gone further It would not, we believe, be very difficult to discover gas shareholders, who with their shares quoted at, say some 30 or 40 per cent. discount, would, t 6 avoid future re sponsibilities, in the shape of calls, be heartily glad to pay handsomely to have such shares transferred to other parties. As far as we can gather the stated opinion of the opposition in St. James's parish, from the reports of the proceedings as published in the daily papers, it appears that they allege the amalgamation of the three gas companies is simply a combination for monopoly objects. Looking at what ha; been done i n th e City ia the way of reduction in the price of gas, and taking into consideration also the fact that the amalgamation which the St. James's opposition complain of will put the three companies, as ithe latter state, in a condition at once to reduce their prices at least 20 per cent.; we are inclined to think that the cry of monopoly in this instance has teen unreasonably and unjustly raised. Human nature is very fallible its monetary matters. Most of us like to make the larg'sst possible'oofits—on the other hand, none of us like to be deprived of every vestige of remunera tion; and there are none but the very insane who, with a large capital invested in business, would suffer destruc tion rather than sell, even at the lowest profit, as cheaply as their neighbours.—Railway Record. DINNER TO LORD JAMES STUART, M.P..on Thursday evening a dinner was given in the Bate Arms Hotel, Roaiesay, to Lord James Stuart, M.P. for the burghs of Ayr, Irvine, Inverary, Campbelton, and Oban, and Lord- Lieutenant of the county of Bute, by a numerous party of his friends and admirers, in token of the great respect and esteem in which he is held. Archibald Sharp, Esq., Provost of Rothesay, occupied the chair. The company numbered upwards of 170, including a few from London, Edinburgh, and Glasgow.—Scolsman. SURREY THEATRE. We have great promise here of a panto nime worthy the reputation of the theatre. The openiot is Shakaperi,n, of the burlesque order, its title The Merry Wives of Windsor ; or, Harlequin and Sir John Fuistoj; and the Demon finnter of the En chanted Dell, end interspersed with airy selected from Shakspere's melodies. The scenery is most gorgeous, taken from views in Windsor-park and its neighbourhood, which will form an ensemble of great interest in the present day. In the first scene of the opening is a splendid view of a fairy dell, by moon light, in Windsor-park, with enchanted lake a fairy ballet—wbile Titania (Miss 11. Coveney) an nounces to them the loves of Fenton, afterwards Harlequin (Mans. Lupino), and Sweet Anne Pegs, afterwards Columbine (Mdlle. Beaufort), her Hench• man Puck (Miss Jane Coveney) arrives with news of them and of Falstaffand his friends, at the same time, assisted by Petsbloorn (Miss Laporte), Titania's at tendant, he gives his opinion of the doings of the day. All things are arranged for the protection of the lovers. We have a magnificent change to Windsor forest, and grand chase with huntsmen and Fenton— the meeting of Fenton and Anne—pursuit of them by old Page and Ford—the lovers escape—the fathers meet in concussion—they resolve to invoke the power of the Demon Hunter Herne (Mr. J. Parry), whose appearance with his attendant Sprite (Herr Deani) so terrifies them that they fly. Now, as demons always love pretty girls, so of course Herne loves sweet Anne, and with the assistance of his fa miliar departs in search of her. We then have the merry wight, Sir John Falstaff (Mr. J. W. Collier). and Mrs. Ford (Mr. Anderson, afterwards Clown). But Ford and his friends arrive, the buck-basket is called for, and the unfortunate knight is sent off, while the husbands, Ford and Page, carry off their wives. Poor Jack Falstaff is then borne to Datchet-mead, and has a dip in the Thames water, which of course is made a ve hicle for a hint of what a man swallows in imbibing that temperance beverage. We leave Jack Falstaff, and meet Ann Page in Herne's power, who, left in the care of his sprite, is rescued by Fenton, and he in turn by Puck and the fairies. Falstaff .is then found at Herne's Oak, ready horned for the Windsor wives, but wofully annoyed at the lack of gas in that neigh bore-hood ; by the means of Puck he is hunted by supposed fairies, when the wives arrive—Ford and Page, the Demons—having pursued and seized upon Anne, Titania appears, and the transformation takes place from Herne's Oak to the gorgeous Pavilion of Butterflies, illuminated by the prismatic radiance of variegated fires, and emblazoned with the coloured crests of fairy heraldry. The comic scenes then com mence, with humorous hits at the varied matters of past and present, a mongs t w hi c h th e b u ildi ng o f the coming Exposition forms a great feature. ST. MARTIN'S HALL. HULLAII'S MONTHLY CONCERTS. The second of the current series of these concerts was given last evening, in the great room of St. Mar tin's Hall, before a crowded and fashionable audience. The work produced was Handel's oratorio, the Messiah, and it would be sufficient to say that, in every particular, the performance was worthy of the master, did not each of the vocalists upon whom de volved the task of giving expression to the rich and passionate melodies of this noble composition deserve some marked and especial notice for the rare com pleteness and truth of their execution. For, even amidst the excellence which we recognise and admire in most of the orchestral and choral presentations at our public halls and concert-rooms of the present day, we rarely find any whole work delivered with such exact perfection in every part as Mr. Hullah has suc ceeded in sustaining throughout all the details of the great works brought forth on the first two evenings, now expired, of his series. His management and training of his choir are beyond all praise, and the results displayed by his pupils furnish a sufficient answer to all the cavils and professional denunciations which have been poured upon his system, himself, and the noble members of the Privy Council who have had tl - e courage and the taste to patronise and up hold him. On these present occasions his selection of subjects evinces a confidence in his materiel, most proudly justified by the faultless excellence with which this oratorio was delivered—complete, unabated, en tire, in force, spirit, sentiment, dramatic energy, and musical truth. It would be no damage or disparage ment to pass over the recitatives of Henry Phillips with no more than the mere mention of them. Who ever may be his superior in the range of high opera, it would indeed be difficult to find his equal for that peculiar tone of dignity and feeling in an especial manner belonging to, and demanded by, the dis tinctive character of sacred compositions.. Par ticular eulogy of his airs would be superfluous, almost impertinent—it is enough to say that he never sang better. Mr. Lockey, also, was in excellent voice, and in his recitative displayed very great judgment, power, and a thorough feeling of the text. The airs allotted to him were given with un common sweetness, and with the elaborate fidelity characteristic of the true musician and the master artist. This admirable fidelity pervades every branch of the corps, and is nowhere more conspicuous than in the charming performance of Miss Birch, whose powers and graces seem, on every successive appearance, to improve, by wide degrees, upon that excellence which was before supposed to admit of no improvement. [Nor must it be supposed that here was any eclipse, or that this lady's brilliancy caused Miss Williams to appear a star of lesser magnitude. In truth nothing could sur pass the finished style, the deep feeling, the exquisite tenderness, the melodic pathos, and fine judgment of the latter accomplished artiste in the choice passages which were, with skilful discrimination, committed to her delivery. And, again, the masterly judgment of the manager in the choosing of his instruments, and the apportioning of their respective tasks, were further and very remarkably illustrated, both in bringing forward, this second time, the re cent debutante, Miss Kearns, and assigning to her precisely those portions of the oratorio which fitted with delightful exactness her powers, her taste, and, if one may so say, her temperament. For we may observe that a less careful distributor of the vocal parts an this oratorio might have made a less happy arrangement of the oratorio amongst his vo• celists without any obvious disparagement of the whole. Her voice is a soprano of the finest quality, already educated to a high degree of perfection; of which, however, her youth and earnestness would in duce us to anticipate her rapidly increasing excel lence. Her articulation is of that character, the want of which is too generally a distinguishing vice in our English singers,•the experienced as well as the young —hers is entirely faultless, clear, distinct, and flow- ing. Her emphasis, judicious beyond her years, gives free to an expression which a fine musicAl feeling dictates, and a voice of rare flexibility realises to the fulness of the soul's intent. it may be hoped that this great work will be reproduced before the close of the season, and, in dramatic parlance, with the same caste. We doubt if the oratorio has ever before re ceived so much justice—Mr. Hußah having restored Handers score in places where it has heretofore been superseded, and having remodelled the harmonies in passages where the original bass had been lost, or the countr:rpoint of the inspired composer presumptu ously corrupted. Yesterday Mr. Pa . -, ne, the City Coroner, received information at his chambers, in the Temple, of the death of Thomas Fagan, late in the employment of Mr. Johnson, the builder, Seckforde-street, ;Clerkenwell, who was injured by an infuriated bullock, on Monday last, near the House of Detention (the particulars connected with which appeared in The Sun of Tuesday), and who died in St. Bartholomew's Hospital yesterday morning. He had been some years in the service of Mr. Johnson, and has left a widow. Mrs. Hughes, the pew-opener of St. Phillip's Church, Grariville-square, still suffers internally from the serious injuries she has re ceived. When she was conveyed home on Monday night her medical attendant had not much hopes of her; she, how ever rallied the following day. She had just recovered from an attack of illness, and in consequence, the shock and fright she has sustained have rendered her state precarious. The bullock is now in the possession of the superintendent of the N division, at Islington, and should no one come for it it will be gold, when the proceeds will be appropriated to reimburse those who have suffered by its violence • among these being the man and woman opposite the John of Jerusalem, who had some money on their stalls when they were upset by the beast. EFFECTS OE MASKING.—Two CHILDREN TER RIFIED TO DEATII.—About three weeks since two children, belonging to a man named Brown, formerly a waiter at the Globe Ilo:el, Exmouth, the one four and the other a few years older, were sent by the mother, who keeps a mangle, after a basket of clothes, and were met on the way by some boys, one of whom had on a most hideous looking mast. The boy, seeing the children frightened, ran after them, repeating some gibberish, which frightened them more, and having followed them until they turned the corner of the street, transferred the mask to another boy, who managed again to come in contact with the poor children who returned home instantly, when their parents, seeing them so pale and trem bling very much, inquired what the matter was, which they explained as well as they could. The shock, however, was so great that they never recovered it ; their health declined daily. The one died three weeks after, and the other died on Wednesday last. Each of them in his illness often exclaim. ing," Ile is coming," " I see him," " There he is," with other like expressions. The father and mother have been most unfortunate, having had one soli who was a great as sistance to them, drowned, and themselves so afflicted as lat terly to be almost dependent on the parish for support.— Exeter Gazette. PUBEYISM IN THE DIOCESE OF RlPON.—Repre sentations having been made to the Bishop of Ripon that, in many of the churches of his diocese, practices prevailed which were more in accordance with the principles of the Romish Church than with those of the Church of England, his Lordship, in connexion with the Rev. Dr. Martineau, immediately made au official inquiry into the method of performing the services at Shadwell Church, near Leeds, the incumbent of which is the Rev. F. Hathaway, who, at a recent meeting, said he had taken active measures for bang ing about a union between the Churches of England and Rome. The Bishop has proved that the statements made to him were correct, and has taken steps for putting a stop to the practices complained of. His Lordship has also insti tuted an inquiry into the manner of performing the service at St. Saviour's Church, which has alway.t been notorious for 1 its Puseyite forms.—Advertiser. TO THE EDITOR OF THE TIMES. Sir,—ln the correspondence between Sir Thomas Hastings, Mr. Bright, and Mr. Cobden, published in the Times of to-day, Mr. Bright, in his second letter to the Gallant Admiral, in allusion to my condensed report of his speech at the Birmingham Peace meet ing of the 27th of November, says— " The extract you send me is not a correct report of what I said, and I sm not able to give you the exact words. I instanced your evidence as a proof of the exceedingly vague statements on which it was sought to influence public opinion in favour of exten sive armaments." Will you, as one whose veracity is in some mea sure impugned, allow me a few lines in reply ? 1. The report of Mr. Bright's spefch in the Times did not pretend to be literal, but was stated to be an abstract. 2. The passage quoted by Sir Thomas Hastings as reported is substantially and almost verbally " correct," as proved by contemporaneous reports in others of the morning papers. 3. Th'esu . bstantial correctness of my report is fully admitted in the correspondence of Mr. Cobden, and the implied acquiescence of Mr. Bright in his first letter to Sir T. Hastings. 4. My notes are more likely to be accurate than Mr. Bright's memory, when he innocently, but some- what inconsistently, confesses his inability to recollect his own words. 5. The aim of Mr. Bright was evidently to ridi cule Sir T. Hastings; in that he succeeded, and in his own words he was reported. 6. I could ha ve no ot h er o bj ect in view t h an giving a fair epitome of Mr. Bright's opinions, and, if any portions of his speech at the point rPferredto were omitted, it wa s no t w i t h t h e v i ew o f doingin justice to the speaker, but to make a consistent, but at the same time impartial, condensation of his address. Your obedient servant, TETE REPORTER. Dec. 18. Reading Gaol is so full that the visiting justices have issued directions to the clerks of the several petty ses sional divisions throughout tle county that all prisoners for trial are to be committed to Abingdon Gaol. THE ARMY IN IBELAND.—This month the forces in Ireland consist of 9 regiments of cavalry, 24 of infantry, and 5 infantry depots, or 24,600 men. GENIUS AN]) GENEROSITY. (From the Morning Post.) Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, as the public has been informed, is again writing a play, butunder circumstances very different from these which attended any of his fur mer dramatic productions. It seems that, at the close of the very interesting en tertainment recently given at Knebworth, in which Mr. Charles Dickens and his company of amateurs performed before the guests of Sir Edward, the latter proposed that he himself should write a play, and that Mr. Dickens and his company should perform it as often as might coudure to profitable and beneficial results; and that the proceeds should go to the formation of an endowment fund for some establishment of the nature of a refuge or retreat fur destitute literary persons.. It is impossible to endow a property which does not exist. Sir Edward, therefore. added that, if the propo sal were tecepted, he would give certain land on his es tate, and adjoining his reAdence, to the objects of the intended bounty, in fee for ever. This was the property which he suggested might be amply endowed, or at least clothed with the ample beginning of an endowment, by means of the dramatic work which the giver should produce, and of the fame, popularity, and histrionic talents of Mr. Dickens and his " free company." The publio sympathy would accomplish the rest. The public admi ration would have been a truthful expression, though not graceful in the mouth of the person who made the remarkable proposal in question. We should add that the manner in which it was received by the audience entitles them to a share in the application of the remarks which the whole scene is calculated to suggest. There is no literature of modern times with which that of England may not fearlessly beset in comparison. And certainly, of all the various departments of English literature, the most teeming and the richest is our drama. We have one dramatist who, if all the others were removed, might singly be opposed to the whole body of tragedians and comedians, we do not say of any other modern country, but of all modern countries united, and of all antiquity besides. And yet, on the other hand, were he, as being too great, taken out of the account, the dramatists that remain to us might, in their turn, fur nish an array worthy of being opposed to any that .the world can elsewhere point to. This splendid branch of English literature, loaded with flower and fruit, has, for many years back, been suffered to prove its intrinsic im mortality by not withering under baneful neglect and more baneful attentions. But, more recently still, there has been a happy reac tion, amounting to a partial revival. Among many names, Sheridan Knowles, Westland Marston, and Bul wer Lytton may be mentioned as instances at once and illustrations of what we mean. Nor is Mr. Dickens's amateur company without its significance; nor is the fa vour with which its representations have been on so many occasions greeted. Even the favour with which royalty has, of late, treated dramatic productions must accelerate the return of the national taste towards one of the greatest and least equivocal glories of England. We are glad of so commendable a tendency; and we are glad that one such incident as that to which we allude should, as it happens, be calculated to advance the cause of the modern English drama. It is pleasant to see the finest and noblest of the muses of Englund (the English drama) associating itself spontaneously with a cause of enduring beneficence, and walking hand-in-hand with charity—charity in its truest form, in that form in which it ministers to the pains of the bruised and afflicted spirit, as wall as to the wants of the body. For, in the plan of which we speak, we have, as far as it goes, the necessities and miseries of the literary body assuaged and relieved—by what? by some strange hands, whose gifts are the bread of bitterness? No, but by literature itself, and in that form in which, in this country, it has achieved it principal successes and brightest triumphs. Literature in full victory comes to the rescue of defeated literary men. It is impossible, in the limits of a newspaper article, to give even a digest of the 'characteristics and the history of that great department of the great calling which is hero playing so beautiful an episode. We must turn to the merits of the offer itself which was made by Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, received so warmly by his invited coadjutors, and applauded so enthusiasti cally by his distinguished audience. It has not often, we must confess, fallen to our lot to notice a more really excellent proceeding. We see a flourishing author moved by sympathy for his be ten rivals, his distanced compe titors., who bear their load of adversity with bumbled and wounded hearts. This sympathy, however limitedly proved, would be a good thing. But we must aeknow ledge, in the second place, that the sympathy is most munificently evinced. And, in the third place, its mu reficence is far from being its only commendable charac teristic. Not only with h:s lands, but with his genius, Sir Edward is anxious to come to the relief of the unfortunate literary man who has done what in him lay to add a ray to the glory of his country, and to contribute to the useful information or intellectual entertainment of the public. Ile may have failed in his striving. He may have seen another do the good service, produce the bril liant work, and carry off the palm of fame, popularity, and opulence. Other talents may have eclipsed his. Well, those very talents shall help him. They have, perhaps, mortified him. They shall now work to afford him consolation. The public has preferred them. The preference of the public for them shall now turn to his advantage, and to the advantage of those similar to him, for generations to come. One successful and highly gifted literary man shall minister to the comfort and support of successive races of unfortunate authors. And he shall do this by the use of his literary talents, as well as by the gift of his hereditary lands. It is an idea worthy of the glory which it will confer upon its generous pro poser. Sir Lytton Bulwer has often written for fame, not without success. But we doubt whether his most brilliant production will be remembered longer than this one noble act of charity, sympathy, and beneficence. Often has he seen large sums of money gathered from the fruits of his labours. His present production may truly be said to be a labour of love ; bat we trust it will far surpass, in its realised proceeds, the most lu crative work that he ever before executed or conceived. The popular band of gentlemen who so readily under took to perform what Sir Edward should compose might have been expected to do so, for acting in this gratuitous fashion is, with them, a favourite amusement and their well-knowili delight. But they still deserve all praise for the alacrity with which their kindly sympathies induced them to pledge themselves to the support of a plan the mere sketch of which drew forth a spontaneous round of cheers from those who heard it. Surely this is one of the prettiest and most graceful passages in the modern history of literature, whether in this country or in any other. We wish success to the future play, and to the honourable objects which it is designed to subserve. COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, DEc. 18. The Queen walked this morning in the Slopes. His Royal Highness Prince Albert went out shooting this morning, accompanied by the Duke of Bedford, the Marquis of Exeter, and the Earl Spencer. Lieut.-Colonel Hon. C. B. Phipps and Colonel Bou verie were in attendance on his Royal Highness. Their Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred took an airing in a pony phaeton this morning in Windsor Park, attended by Mr. Birch. The younger members of the Royal Family took their usual walking and pony exercises. The Marquis of Granby, the Earl and Countess Granville, Lord and Lady Seymour, and the Hon. Miss Seymour, and Sir William Gibson Craig, Bart., are expe=cted to arrive at the Castle to-day, on a visit to the Queen and the Prince. The Marchioness of Douro has relieved the Vis countess Canning in her duty as Lady in Waiting to the Queen. The Royal dinner party this evening will include her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, the Duke and Duchess of Bedford, the Marquis and Marchioness of Westminster and Lady Octavia Grosvenor, the Marquis and Marchioness of Exeter and Lady M. Cecil, the Marquis of Granby, Lady Fanny Howard, Baroness do Speth, the Earl and Countess Spencer and Lady G. Spencer, the Earl and Countess Gran ville, Lord and Lady Seymour and the lion. Miss Seymour, Lord George Lennox, Sir William Gibson Craig, and Lieut.-Colonel Non. C. B. Phipps. The band of the Royal Horse Guards will attend during dinner. Her Majesty's private band will afterwards attend in the Castle. The band of the Coldstream Guards attended dur ing dinner in the Castle on Tuesday evening, and performed the following selection : Overture, "Maritana" Wallace. Valse, " The Pearl of England" Jullien. Selection, " Mountain Sylph" Barnett. Coldstream Guards' " Quick March," composed expressly for the Coldstream Guards Chant National des Croates Blumenthall. The Queen's private band afterwards attended in the Castle, and played the following pieces : Overture, "Le Domino Noir" .. /Luber. Selection, " Le Songe d'un Nuit d'Ete" Thomas. Adagio and Polonaise, " Gras au das Vaterlaud" Lieutenant F. R. Stack (St. Helena Regiment) had an interview with Earl Grey yesterday, at the Colo nial-office. Mr. Alderman Hoopr waited on Sir George Grey, at the Home-office yesterday, to deliver the address from the ward of Queenhithe, upon the Popish ag gression. Lord John Russell returned to his residence, Pem broke Lodge, Richmond-park, yesterday, from Wind• sor Castle. Mr. Shepherd, Chairman of the East India Com pany, had an interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday. Mr. Wilcox, M.P., had also an interview with the Right Hon. Baronet yesterday, at his official residence in Downing-street. The Rector of Liverpool and Mr. Cardwell, M.P., transacted business yesterday at the Board of Trade. THE METROPOLITAN SEWERS COMMISSION.—On Tuesday evening an adjourned and influential meeting of delegates and representatives of the various metropolitan parishes took place at the Marylebone Court-house, for the purpose of taking further steps for seeming from the Go vernment or Parliament a measure for the abolition of the present sewers commission, and to make it a representa tive body. J. A. Nicholay, Esq., of Marylebone, again presided, and all the principal parishes were again repre sented by deputations. The result of the meeting was the appointment of a committee to draw up a Bill for the depu tation to present to Government, embracing the views of the meeting. THE DUKE cr NEWCASTLE.—The health of his Grace has considerably improved, 50 much so that his Grace is enabled to sit up and transact business.—Derby Mercury.