The Sun. — London, England, 1853-03-29 00:00:00

REGENT GALLERY, 69, Quadrant. The GRAND HISTORIC A L DIORAMA, illustrative of the Life and Exploits of the EMPEROR NAPOLEON BONAP_ &RTE, painted by Mr. Charles Marshall, of Her Majesty's Theatre, "lEL NOW OPEN. Perfarmances.—at 12 o'clock, Afternoon, 3 ; Evening, 8 o'c Admission, Is. ; Stalls, Is. 6d. ; Reserved Seats, 35. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Under the Management of Mr. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, Meacs 29, Sheridan's Comedy of THE RIVALS. Supported by News. Chippendale, Compton, William Farren, Henry Corri, and lingers; Mesdames Reynolds, Buckingham, Poynter, and Ellen Chapl In, With Mr. BUCKSTONE'S ASCENT OF MOUNT PARNASstre Mr. Buckstone, by Mr. Buckstone ; Fortune, Mrs. Fitzwllli ani Fpirit of Mount Parnassus, Miss Louisa Howard. THE TWO QUEENS. Supported by Messrs. Compton and Howe. and Mrs. Buckingham and Miss Louisa Howard. ROYAL PRINCESS'S TIIEATRE, OXFORD-STRZET, _ Under the Management of Mr. Charles Kean. THIS EVENING, Melon 29, win be performed the new and original Comedy, in three acts, by Douglas Jerrold, entitled ST. CUPID; or, Dorothy's Fortune. Principal characters by Messrs. Wright, W. Lacy, Harley, J. Vin ing, Terry, F. Cooke, Everett, and Chester; Mrs. W. Lacy and Miss Murray. After which will be produced a new Drama, adapted from the the French of Mons. Scribe, by Mr. Pa:grave Simpson, called MARCO SPADA. Principal characters by Messrs. W. Lacy, J. Vining, Ryder, Graham, and Everett; Miss Heath and Miss C. Leclercq. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Under the Management of Madame Vestria. THIS EVENING, Masai 29, Will be presented A STRANGE HISTORY. Characters by by Madame Vestris, Mrs. F. Matthews, Miss Julia St. George. Miss Robertson, Miss Rosina Wright, Miss Mason, Mrs. Horn, and Miss Wadham ; Mr. C. Mathews, Mr. F. Matthews, Mr. R. Roxby, Mr. Cooper, Mr. J. Bland, Mr. Belten, Mr. B. Baker, Mr. Rosiere, and Mr. 11. Butler. THEATRE ROYAL A DEL PIII I"rorieter, )tr. B. Webster. —Directress, Madame Celesta. THIS EVENING, Nisica 29, Wilt be presented WEBS rER AT HOME IN ADELPTIt FARE OF THREE REM , VEY AND A DE.4SERT. Characters by Messrs. B. Webster, L. Murray, 'Keeley, &c. ; Miss F. 31askell and Mrs. L. Murray, &e. After Wilk. h. A NOVEL EXPEDIENT. With TO PARENT , AND GUAitDIANS. OF S t ILBERO. PEPIN° TIIE DUMB BOY, .1: - ND PUG, 1113 'MONKEY. ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE. Tee and Manager, Mr. Farrm. Second ;Sight of an entirely new Drama, THL: EvEN I NG, Meacn 29, Will be preserted SALITATORI; cr, the Bandit's Pauehtor. • supported by Itessrs. H. Manton, F'. Robson, and W. Vorgan (their 2d appearance here), G Cooke, Kinlocb, and Clifton ; Misscs Andetton anal II Gordon. To t,e followed by the Farce of - CATCHING AN HEIRESS. To cone ode with the Ballet of THE DUMB RECRUIT. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. Lessee an :1 Manager, Mr. W. Cooke. Second Night of the New Management.—Ntw Dramatic and Eques trian Company.—New Spectacle and New Stu 1 of Horses. THIS EVENING, Msacu 29, Will be produced an entir..ly new grand spectacle. in three act?, by Fitz' all (foniVed on principal recent lostile events in Kaffra:•l2o, entlll,4 AMAIOSA ; or, scenes of Kafir Vivrfarc ; with new scenery, co.turnef, and appbintments. To be for owed by , ;(2.EN ES of ih , ARENA. ; o conclude wlllt a POPULAR FARCE.. B ; open daily from r!,ven to Four. Stage Manager, Mr. West. EMU WATER AT LONDON 'BRIDGE. TUN DAT --Morning 55 min. after 3 I Evening 17 min.aft. 4 To-lonaow—Morning 37 win. after 4 I Evening 57 min.aft. 4 THE WEATHER.—SUN OFFICT, MAncu 29. THERMO:AI:TER, IN .Tali.' SHADE. 41—highest since noon yesterday. 26 —lowest this morning and during the night. 39- this day at noon. BAROMETER, 30 . 23. WIND, S.E.—Light breeze, and beautiful clear sunshinny weather. DAILY WEATIIER TABLE. TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1853. State of the wind and weather at each of the following places at nine o'clock on Saturday morning. The stations are arranged in order of latitude. HASTINGS—N., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. SOUTHAMPTON-W., strong breeze—cloudless. FOLKESTONE—N,E., gentle breeze—rain. BASINGSTOKE—N.E., gentle breeze—partially cloudy. G E., gentle breeze— partially cloudy. STROOD—E a gentle breeze—overcast. SwirmoN—E.,_gentle breeze—cloudle s s. YARMOUTH—N.E., calm—cloudless. THE PUBLICATION OF " THE SUN" COMMENCES EVERY AFTERNOON AT THREE O'CLOCK, AND THE LATE OR • THIRD EDITION, CONTAINING THE DE TES IN PARLIAMENT THE SAME EVENING, Wit, 7 / all other il - cws arriving up to the hour of Post, Al SEVEN O'CLOCK. EXPRESS EDITIONS will be forwarded after the Post is closed by the Latest Trains. tal. 4w , UM TA) t , 44 • LONDON, TUESDAY, MARCH 29, 1853. The first Report of her MAJESTY' S Commissioners appointed in December, 1850, to inquire into the law of divorce, particularly into the mode of obtaining divorces a vinculo matrimonii, will be found in another part of this day's impression. Last week we published the suggestions agreed on by six out of the seven Commissioners, but the, document is one of such interest and importance, that we now give it in extenso, together with Lord ThrarsnArx's reasons for not entirely con curring therein. The great and universally acknow ledged ability and learning of the noblemen and gentlemen engaged in the inquiry, would entitle any recommendations which they might offer to Parliament to respectful and attentive considera tion. But this Report requires no adventitious aid. It depends not on the high reputations of the parties from whom it emanates. It possesses intrinsic excellence that will at once arrest atten tion, and commands the assent of every unpreju diced person. It contains, in the first place, a very clear and able exposition of the existing law on the subject, pointing out the changes that have generally been introduced, and then suggest& the alterations by which, in the opinion of the Corn mission ers, it might be materially improved, together with the reasons by which they have been induced to arrive at such conclusions. The various points are discussed with great moderation--the con flicting views entertained thereon fairly and im partially put forward, and the balance struck with nice and careful discrimination. The first suggestions relating to the divorces d mens 4 et thoro—from table and couch, heretofore granted by the Ecclesiastical Courts, are, save as to the new tribunals in contemplation, to which the jurisdiction in all such cases is proposed to be transferred, as follows :—That the distinction be tween divorce a M€ 71.34 et tn' orc and divorce a yin ciao matrimoliii shall still be maintained : That the grounds for divorce a mensal et thoro shall be con j u gal infidelity and gross cruelty : That wilful desertion shall also be a ground for divorce a mend et thoro, or else shall entitle the abandoned wife to obtain from her husband a proper main tenance by way of ali mony : That divorces a mend et thoro may be obtain e d b y the wife for the above-mentioned causes, as well 43 by the hus band. These divorces, it will be seen, are of a very partial description, being, In fact, neithe r more nor less than decrees authorising the parties to live apart from each other, and giving th e w i fe, if innocent, a separate maintenance, Propor tioned to her husband's situation and re sources. They may be granted at the suit of either party, and will be dissolved by the recon ciliation of the parties. They have hitherto been granted either in cases of adultery or cruelty, to which the Commissioners very properly p rop ose to add a new cause—" wilful desertion"—which will entitle the abandoned parties to relief—re cognising the injured state of feelings that must ' result from such conduct, and enabling the per son so deeply wronged to refuse to return to duties that had been so grossly violated by their capri cious partners. It is right and proper that relief I should be sparingly an d c h ar ily a d m i n i s t ere d. It I is not every trivial quarrel, or even serious provo cation, that should justify " men in putting asun der those whom GOD had joined together." No, the offences must be of such a character as to render it almost impossible that they could ; subsequently live together on their previous foot-. I j ug . There mu s t b e very gross misconduct ' on one side to justify such an extreme proceeding, and the complainant must come into court with clean hands in order to obtain its interposition. This part of the case is very clearly and concisely stated in the Report. It says—" The common law of England, which follows in this case the canon law of the Church, deems so highly, and with such mysterious reverence, of the nuptial tie,' that the causes of divorce are purposely limited to a few extreme and specific provoca tions ; and the preservation of that union, so long as it can be secured, is so manifestly essential to the best interests of society, that before it can be dis solved it must be clearly established by the strictest proof that the offence has been committed ; that there is no contrivance by which the parties are endeavouring to escape from their solemn obliga tions to themselves and to their children ; that they cannot discharge their mutual duties by con tinuing any longer to cohabit with each other, and that the party complaining is free from guilt." It is on these grounds that the salutary regu lations have been adopted under which it is de cided " that divorce will only be granted for the extreme provocations adverted to above; secondly, that the law will not suffer it to be obtained on the sole confession of the parties themselves ; and, thirdly, that it will be refused, even although an offence has been committed which would other wise justify it, if collusion, connivance, condona tion, or recrimination can be pleaded and proved. These rules are all of them founded on the sound est wisdom ; and though they may require some little modification, which will be adverted to here after when we come to consider the suggested im prOvements, we conceive • that in substance they ought to be maintained." Under this decree, the parties cannot enter into new nuptial contracts ; nor are their relative rights as to property in any degree altered. It will not bar a wife of her dower, nor disentitle the husband to property devolving upon her. The- Court will assign a certain proportion cf the hus- . band's income to a bl ame l ess w if e , th a t p ro p or ti on being dependent on numerous contingencies—such as the condition and station of the erring hus band, the number and probable expenses for the maintenance and education of the children ; and, also, from which source the bulk of the fortune was originally derived. In the olden time, a divorce a menset et thoro :was of a more complete character than it has been for many years past. Before the Reformation, marriage was regarded as a sacrament, and could only be dissolved by a Papal Bull, or dispensation from the supreme authority--the Court of Rome. The , subjeet, however, was subsequently atten tively considered, and Archbishop CRANMER is known to have entertained the opinion, that greater facilities should be allowed for getting rid of an adulterous wife, that, in the words of the report, " more extensive liberty of divorce should be allowed." This was unquestionably the early view of the Church of England. In the Mar quis of NORTHAMPTON'S case it was decided, that "the band of wedlock being broken by tb e mere fact of infidelity, the second marriage was lawful." This latitude was, however, subsequently materi ally restricted. At first, bonds were taken from the parties, the condition whereof was, that they should not enter into a second marriage, the mere fact of such obligation being deemed essential—. showing that without it parties might have again contracted matrimony if they thought proper. This restriction was materially extended, when (in FOLJAMBIE'S case) it was decided by the then Archbishop of CANTERBURY, that " adultery was only a ground for divorce et mensd et thoro." Not withstanding that rigorous determination, Parlia ment rendered such a divorce a sufficient defence to an indictment for bigamy. The legislative remedy now allowed, crept in very gradually. The first case was that of Mr. LURENOR, where it was very limited, extending only to the issue, but not authorising .a second marriage. Lord Roos, however, got more ample relief—a Bill being brought in to enable him to marry again, and "it enabled him to do so, and gave to the children born in such wedlock the cha racter of legitimacy and the capacity of inherit ing." The reason assigned for this important prece dent thus established, is rather strange. It was— that " there was no probable expectation of pos terity to support the family in the male line, but by the said JOHN MANNERS Lord Roos." The aristocratic leaning was there exhibited rather more openly, but not more plainly or decisively, than it has ever since been ; the grievous and— to all but the wealthy classes—ruinous expenses that must necessarily be incurred in applying for a Legislative remedy, operating as a practical prohi bition to any divorce a vinculo matrimonii, how ever grievous the conduct of the offender, and exempting that of the injured partner. It was only in the year 1700 that the right to obtain a divorce a vinculo matrimonii was defini tively established, which has continued .unaltered, save by Lord LOUGHBOROUGH'S regulations, until the present time. The various stages in the pro ceeding—the verdict in a Common Law Court be fore a Judge and Jury, the decree of the Eccle siastical Court for a divorce d mensd et thoro, should be obtained, unless very special grounds could be shown to justify the omission before the petition for the bill could be presented. This led to the enormous and useless expenses, which, even in an unopposed case, amount to 7001. or 8001. at least, and in a contested case to several thousands. We have thus gone through the law as it now stands : on a future occasion we shall consider the proposed alterations and ameliorations proposed by this very able and important document. General PimacE has now formally entered upon office. The day of his installation was unpro pitious—snow-storms did not spare the procession itself ; yet such was the enthusiasm, that thousands even walked the streets all night, to be ready for the great show of the Republic on the following morning. We, who on every occasion throng to greet and cheer the beloved SOVEREIGN whom from her infancy we have educated to govern us, can well comprehend the fervour with which our re publican descendants give their quadrennial wel come to the man of their choice. President PIERCE is the very man for a Repub lican President—with none of that commanding talent or genius which would prejudice his election through the envy of jealous inferiors, or which could make him dangerous in the highest station, he has still competent ability for the duties of his office, and is an American both in his excellences and in his defects. His early life gave little pro mise of anything remarkable ; it was spent under the care of a father who had fought in the revo lutionary war, and who trained him from boyhood in democratic views and principles. Born in 1804, called to the bar in 1827, he was elected a member of the State Legislature in 1829, a position he retained till 1833, the two latter years filling the office of Speaker with considerable approbation. In 1833 he was elected a member of Congress, where he also remained four years, gaining the reputa tion of a working member rather than that of an orator. In 1837 he obtained a seat in the Senate, during which time, as the Whigs were in the as cendant, he learned the duties of a minority, but resigned after five years, intending to retire into pivai e life. Hence, in 1846, he declined the office of At torney-General, proffered him by Mr. POLK. The M ex i can war, however, drew him into active life again as a Brigadier - General . He took an active part i n the campaign under General SCOTT, and, although he escaped all harm from bull e t s and cannon b a ll s, he for some time was seriously injured by the hunter-like m ac o ci s d t en e t nd o a f n a ge f ri al n l g w t i h th e his horse and under it, l oss of one p ne leg, Gen era l P IERCE has, therefore, had ample experience o f the various phases of American public life, has a cqu i tted himself through out with credit, and will doubtless make an ex cellent average President. More w e can h ar dl y expect. His man, his inaugural speech is q u it e characteristic of theparty, and his cou n t ry. With much less in it than in most of our ~ Q uizzes Speeches," it is, o f course, many ti mes their length, and adequately o ratorical, In it s some what staid pomposity, it strongly reminds us of i the grandiloquent oration with which the KING of PRUSSIA opened his firstConstitutonal Chambers in person. Its sentiments are, however, the only real concern of other countries ; but these are not always easy to ascertain, through the lengthened phrases in which they are involved. A tribute to the energy and patience of their forefathers, in securing their own liberties, appears to be the basis of a declaration, that while America will always, both by words and acts, encourage the downtrodden in struggling for freedom, yet Ame rican example will always be the great power of its advocacy of human rights. With marvellous inconsistency in so bitter a slavery-man, he re marks, however, " that no example can be power ful for lasting good, whatever apparent advantages may be gained, which is not based upon the eternal principles of right and justice." As the General strenuously maintains that the American Union is based upon the right of Slave States to buy and sell men and women, like cattle, for labour or for prostitution, as the case may be, and upon the duty of Free States to aid them in so doing, we should like to know whether he regards selling men, and kidnapping the fugitives for bitter bondage, as " eternal principles of right and jus tice." He thinks their forefathers erred, however, in supposing that the Union could ever become too large. Their stars have multiplied threefold, and they still cohere, and co-operate harmoni ously. In connection with this fact, a limit is given, as we understand it, that Cuba may be safely added to the Union, and may be a great advantage . to it ; but it is indicated that it will be obtained by dollars and not by piracy, and that any violation of the law of nations would be treated by him as it deserves to be. European nations are also warned that they may not extend their jurisdiction on that side of the Atlantic. The Great Republic may purchase Cuba, and take huge slices of Mexico, but it must have no competitors in the auction, and no imitator of its military acquisitiveness. It would seem, according to MONROE and PIERCE, that the most peaceful colonisation or acquisition of the vast unoccupied portions of South America by European Powers, would be considered a casus WU by the huge Northern Republic 1 All the world is duly warned not to touch an American. Poor and untitled though the Repub lican may be, the stars and stripes protect him whithersoever he may wander ;—he may stand un abashed even in the presence of Princes, " with a proud consciousness that he is himself one of a nation of sovereigns." The General should ex plain a little here for the sake of foreigners who read his Manifesto. Does he mean that all the whites are sovereigns of slaves ? be cause we are accustomed here to think that such sovereigns ought to blush before every Eng lishman out of Newgate. Or does he mean that the 20, 000, 000 whites are sovereigns over their own limbs and actions, because we are much the same. Perhaps he means that they are a nation of sovereigns, because they elect their own Sove reign. We can assure him that we, too, have the Sovereign of our heart's choice, and that two events, at least, in our history have shown the world that we will have no other. To us, too, it seems somewhat like boasting, that every man has a one twenty-millionth of the national sove reignty. We really need a microscope to discern the infinitesimal dignity. After touching on the army, and objecting to a large standing army, but commending the Military School at West Point, to which he was once opposed ; after praising the skill and self-devotion of the navy ; after pro mising the most rigid economy, apprising them that he cannot find offices for all his partisans, and that he will eject no more Whigs from minor offices than State necessity demands, he comes to what is apparently one main object of the speech —the defence of Slavery and the Fugitive Slave Laws. He permits no mistake here. On this subject he is a perfect STRAFFORD. His plan and advice is THOROUGH. The slave-catching laws are to be " unhesitatingly carried into effect in the Free States. " The Union" is, as it has long been with him, the object of an admiration quite. as " enthusiastic and fanatical" as the zeal for the ri g hts of the sla,ve which he denounces. And all this, on the part of the present and past generations, he denominates a self-sacrificing prin ciple! Self sacrifice for 20,000,000 of White Americans to sacrifice 3,000,000 of Black Ame r-icans to Federalism and dollars. Yet even General PIERCE dare not look this iniquity in the face. The word "slave" does not occur in the American Deed of Independence, nor does it in the General's speech ; for in his inaugural Address he . discards the odious monosyllable, and 'baptises it with the long pretty name of "involuntary servitude." In voluntary servitude ! Bless us—what next ? Is " domestic institution" worn out ? Surely we shall hear of involuntary Generals and Presidents next. We know- not whether it will be regarded as " European interference on that side the ocean," but we cannot tolerate 'such corruption of our language anywhere. We, who made the language, mean by "involuntary" what is done unintentionally or without choice, not what is done against our will. If the blacks are all in servi tude only involuntarily, as soon as their wills come into action again, they will be off from servitude, and fugitive slave laws are an absurdity. An American President can do much, but he cannot, even on behalf of the "Union," remake our language. If he will be the President of a Slave Republic, and " thank PROVIDENCE" for it, he must learn to call bought men not " involuntary servants," but slaves ; and labour performed under the lash and the cart-whip, not involuntary but " compulsory servitude." THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, MARCH 29, 1853 COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, MARCH 28. The Queen with the Princess Royal and Princess Alice drove out in an open carriage this morning. Prince Albert accompanied her Majesty on horse back. Colonel Bouverie and Captain the Hon. Dudley de Ros were in attendance on her Majesty and his Royal Highness. The Earl of Aberdeen left the Castle this forenoon for London. The Duke of Newcastle has been invited, and is ex- pected to-day. Mr. John Wood, Chairman of the Board of Inland Revenue, and Mr. Pressly, had an interview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer yesterday at his official re sidence in Downing-street. The Earl of Aberdeen arrived in town yesterday morning from Windsor Castle. The Duke of Newcastle left town yesterday afternoon on a visit to the Queen at Windsor Castle. Sir Alexander Spearman had an interview yesterday with the Chancellor of the Exchequer. DEATH OF COLONEL LOUIS, R.A.—This gallant officer, on the retired list of the Royal Artillery, died at Jersey on the 19th instant. He served in the Peninsula and in France, from January, 1813, to July, 1814, including the battle of Vittoria, siege of San Sebastian, passage of the Nivelle and Nive, and investment of Bayonne ; he also served in the campaign of 1815, including the battle of Waterloo, and for his services he received the silver war medal with four clasps. ' THE FIRE AT WINDSOR CASTLE. —We are assured that, although the damage is roughly estimated not to exceed 10,0001., it will not amount to anything like that sum ; and it is scarcely too much to aver that the ex perience, by which future and more serious accidents may now be guarded against, has not been dearly pur chased at that price.— Windsor Express. BRITISH MUSEUM.—Yesterday this interesting na tional exhibition was visited by no fewer than 26,537 persons, being an increase of 7,000 upon that of last year. Notwithstanding the great influx of visitors, the greatest order and regularity were observed. EMIGRATION TO AUSTRALIA.— -The departures from the port of London for the Australian colonies during the past week have again been numerous, but among them were several small vessels. They consisted of nine to Port Philip, with an aggregate burden of 2,899 tons ; two to Adelaide, with an aggregate burden of 904 tons; one to King George's Sound, Western Australia, of 700 tons ; one to Sydney, of 472 tons ; and one to Hobart Town, of 221 tons. Their total capacity was conse quently 5,196 tons. Large shipments are still made of manufactured goods and general merchandise, but rates of freight show a further tendency to decline. SALE OF POSTAGE STAMPS. —The following notice has been issued by the General Post Office :—" In order to facilitate the sale of postage stamps and to promote the public convenience, licences for the sale of postage stamps are now granted, free of expense, by the Com missioners of Inland Revenue, Somerset-house, London, to all respectable persons who apply for them." THE PUBLIC DEBT.—On Saturday a Parliamentary paper was issued containing an account of all additions l annual iu e t n o a se hthac wasrreeg p aemt : e b aad l ie debt includingeb yinlB4 i 6nB Con s oli d a t ed,B 6 th l, .h e no a s s a. t 7tedn. Annuities,fo years. The last capitala r o m f 2 an 2 aa B gn B ed , r 43 i 4 c1 : 43 . t at 300/. per milli on, i s stated at 69,3391. lls. 6d. 4 MONEY AND COMMERCIAL NEWS. CITY, TWO O'CLOCK. The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were estimated at 9,000 bales—of which 3,000 American were taken for export and on speculation. The market closed firmly, at previous rates. The sales comprised 7,000 American, 390 Pernam and Ma ranham at bid. to Bd., 200 Bahia at 6d. to 6id., 600 Egyptian at Sid. to Bd., and 500 Surat at 3d. to 4id. per lb. Railway Shares were dull and heavy, at lower prices. The steamer from the Cape of Good Hope has ar rived, but we have no letters yet. The Great Bri tain, steamer, had reached the Cape, and left three days before the Calcutta, which has the Cape mail. The Great Britain may probably bring later news from Melbourne, but not from Adelaide. The Cape war has terminated, peace having been de clared. The Chairman of the Committee for promoting the formation of Tribunals of Commerce has ad dressed a letter to the members of the Committee stating that he was in possession of a most influen tially signed requisition to the High Bailiff of the Borough of Southwark, asking him to preside at a public meeting, to be held at the Town Hall, to consider the importance of Tribunals of Com merce. On the 6th of next month, Mr. Francis Lyne and a deputation meets other deputations at the Liverpool Chamber of Commerce to consider the same question. These manifestations of energy afford fair ground for the hope that the cause is gainin g ground. The holders of Peruvian Scrip have had an offi cial intimation from the financial agent of the Re public here, that unless they convert before the Ist of Oct. next, they will be paid off at par. Con sidering that the Scrip commands a higher value in the market, it is the interest of all parties to ac quiesce, and the largest and most influential credi tors have already given in their adhesion. Al though opposed to conversions which are made with the view of covering the deficit of insolvent States on States that can pay, and will not pay, we cannot gainsay the fact that the Peruvian Go vernment in this instance is legally empowered to effect the conversion, and seeing the large resources annually placed at its command by the increasing sales of guano, it is very probable, in addition to the conversion of the existing debt, there will be a large redemption by purchases in the market • and, further, that the De ferred Bonds will ere long be dealt with, so as to make them active. Peru appears recently to have recognised several home claims, which in strictness, it is cons id ere d s h e was no t bound to admit, and if her credit on that account should be raised, there will, perhaps, be no great cause for regret. As matters at present stand, there can be no question that Peruvian Bonds are a safe and eligible investment. Another instalment on the Scrip falls due in a few days. The difficulty of obtaining quotations for the shares of many new companies already very cur rently dealt in, prior to the settling day being named, has long been felt, but it certainly cannot be considered that the Committee of the Stock Ex change is to allow every new scheme to have its shares marked before investigation or satisfactory proof that the conditions of the prospectus have been carried out. In the matter of the Cosheen mine, with the consent of all parties, the committee have named a settling day, but there will be no buying in with out the sanction of the Committee. A most searching inquiry has taken place into the charges indirectly made against the Directors, and it has been satis factorily shown that the allotments were made. Speculators, of course, become shy when they find scrip firmly held, and that they are unable to delivor what they have sold for time ; but as these transactions come within the category of debts of honour, it is a dangerous practice to dispute them, and we give the jobbers in the House full credit for an anxious desire to respect their obligations. This, we are told, in the present case, they will do, and generally - without demur. The English funds have been very firmly sup ported, and there are money purchases rather freely made. The period is now at hand when the divi dends will be payable, and the large amount thus thrown into circulation must, if politics are not ad verse, impart strength to the quotations. The im portant declaration, signed by all the leading firms in the metropolis, of an anxious desire for the preservation of peace between France and England, has an excellent effect here, and is well calculated to inspire confidence. Consols have been 991 to par for Transfer, and 991 c to par for Account. Exchequer Bills of March are about the same as yesterday. East India Bonds are 40s. premium. In the Foreign Market, prices are general ly steady. Peruvian Scrip is 3 1 to 4 premium. The .Deferred are at 64. Grenada Deferred Stock is worth 11k, and Equador maintains the high price of 6. Brazilian Four-and-a-Half per Cents. have been at 98i to French Four-and-a-Half per Cents. are worth 102 75, with the exchange at 25 15. The Spanish Committee's Certificate is firm, at 8 to Sardinian Stock is marked 97/. The Swedish Loan is at 1 dis. Belgian Four-and-a- Half per Cents. are 99. The Railway Share Market is very heavy, and a decline has occurred in North-Western, South- Western, Midland, and most others, of about 2 per cent, York and Berwick being 10s. to 1/. cheaper. The arrangements for carrying over are now in progress. French Shares are rather depressed. Gold Mine Shares have been dull at about the previous rates. The Land Company's Shares are rather flatter. The Australian Bank Shares droop as well as the Oriental. BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY. (From the Official List.) _ 3 per Cent. Consols Annuities 99i 1.60 99i i India Bonds, £lOOO — Ditto, under £lOOO 40 Bank Stock for Account 2281 Consols for Account Exchequer Bills, lad. June. liflarch. £lOOO £5OO Small 6 10 PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS THIS DAY. Brazilian New Bonds, 4i per Cent. lo3} Chilian Bonds, 6 per Cent lO7 Equador Bonds 5 Grenada Bonds, Deferred, Greek ex over-due Coupons Peruvian Bonds, 1849, 4i per Cent. Ditto Scrip ..._ Ditto Deferred, 3 per Cent 64 _ _.. Sardinian Bonds, 5 per Cent. Spsnish Bonds, 3 per Cent Ditto New Deferred, 3 per Cent. Ditto Account April 15, 2si i Ditto Passive (Converted) Ditto Committee Cert. of Coup. not fun Bl i p e Swedish Loan 4 Turkish Loan, 6 per Cent., 1852 li 21 Venezuela Bonds 3i per Cent 3Bi French Rentes, 4A per Cent lo2f 75cEx.25f 15c Belgian Bonds, 4i per Cent. Ex. 25fr 99 THREE O'CLOCK. 99i 100 99j 100 Consols Ditto April Account DIABOLICAL NEGLECT OF INFANTS.—A female, named Margaret Bryap, was safely delivered of a male child, in Bermondsey workhouse, seven days before last Friday. She left the workhouse on Saturday last, taking with her the infant, when she proceeded into the neighbour hood of the Victoria Theatre, and threw the poor child into the passage of one of the houses near the Coburg Tavern. One of the inmates, on returning home, found the child lying in the passage, almost frozen to death. He at once gave information to the police, and the little innocent was f or th w ith removed to Lambeth poor house. .Inquiries were then instituted as to who was the inhuman mother, the result of which left little doubt but th e offender was the person above' named. She was a single woman, and, in order to hide the disgrace she had brought upon herself, had resorted to this unnatural expedient of relieving herself of her offspring. The police having gone in search of her, they apprehended her in the neighbour hood of Bermondsey-street, and conveyed her to Tower street Police -station. The charge having been entered, she became so weak from her recent accouchement that it was found absolutely necessary to remove her to Lam beth workhouse ; she was, therefore, unable to appear at the Southwark Police-court yesterday ; but in the event of her recovery she will be placed before the magistrate to answer the serious charge of attempting to destroy the life of the infant by gross neglect. A male child, since named Thomas Kennington, was found in a garden in Kennington some two or three months back, whose death was announced to Mr. Carter yesterday. The child was found by the police, and as no one knew where it came from the parish authorities had it christened, and gave it the above nitine. After lingering for two months it eipired . The mother of the child as yet has not been discovered. SHREWSBURY AND BIRMINGHAM R AILWAY. —The half-yearly mee ti ng of the proprietors was held at Wolverhampton on Saturday ; the lion. 11. Clive, M.P., presided. The report was read by the secretary, which stated that the trafilc receipts on revenue account for the half' year ending the 31st of December last show an increase of 2,7851., or 16 per cent. over the corre sponding period of the previous year ; and the net re ceipts for 1852, including those from the Stour Valley, show a dividend of Bs. per share, or 5 per cent. on the preference' shares. The sum of 4s. 6d. per share has been paid on account, and dividend warrants are being made out for the balance of 3s 6d. per share. There are now three years' dividend owing to the holders of Lon don and North-Western guaranteed stock in respect of the receipts from the Stour Valley Company. The di rectors recommend that a dividend of 2 per cent., free from income tax (which has been paid by the Stour Valley Company), be now paid upon this stock, and that the same rate of dividend be paid next half-year." , The report was agreed to. OVERLAND MAIL (BY SUBMARINE TELEGRAPH.) The following telegraphic message has been re ceived from Trieste : The steamer Bombay arrived on the 28th inst., at seven p.m., in 123 hours from Alexandria. An embassy had arrived at Ara, accompanied by two missionaries. The King was besieged in a small fortress by his younger brother, who had the whole army with him. He was sure of success, and desired peace at any price. _ _ The Burmese troops had abandoned Pegu, by orders received from Ava ; and Brigadier Steele occupied all the strong points of the province. The province of Bassein had been cleared of the enemy by Captains Fytch and Rennie. An expedition sent against a robber-chieftain near Donabew had been repulsed, with the loss of two guns and eighty-eight killed and wounded. Among the officers killed were Captain Locke, Lieutenant Kennedy, R.N., Captain Pryce, 67th 8.N.1. Wounded—Lieutenant Buschnell, R.N., severely ; Messrs. Hinde and Wilson, mates of H.M.S. Winchester, severely. Trade was brisk at Calcutta and Bombay. The rebellion in China was gaining ground rapidly. THE KAFIR WAR. TERMINATION OF THE CAPE WAR PEACE PROCLAIMED. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) PLYMOUTH, MARCH 29. The Calcutta steamer arrived this morning from the East Indies and the Cape. The dates are, Calcutta January 20, Madras 25, Ceylon 29, Mauritius Feb. 9, Cape 24, St. Helena March 4, Ascension 7, and St. Vincent 17. The news from the Cape is important. Peace was proclaimed by the Governor on the 14th of February. Since General Cathcart's return from the Basuto country, after the battle of Berea, there have been no further hostilities. To all appear ance the Kafir war is at an end. Sandilli and Ma como have moved over the Kei, to treat with the Governor, who will retain military possession of the Amatolas. The Governor had proclaimed peace with Kreli. At St. Helena, March 4, her Majesty's steam frigate Polyphemus ; all well. The Australian royal mail steam-ship Adelaide had been detained seven days, and was filling up with wood. At Ascension, March 7, the general screw steam ship Queen of the South, steaming out. March 2, in lat. 20 30 N., long. 1 40 W., saw a ship supposed to be the Owen Glendower, home ward bound. The Great Britain left the Cape on her homeward 'voyage four days before the Calcutta. Col.'Eyre and Col. Napier are among the passengers from the Cape. March 5, in lat. 30 23 S., long. 8 26 W., ex changed signals with the French ship Adolphe, from Bourbon for Nantes, 30 days. March 6, passed Mr. Green's ship, in lat. 10 33 N., long. 11 21. W., the Seringapatam, Wellesley, and Barham, in company, homeward bound. March 25, in lat. 41 36 N., long. 14 3 W., ex changed signals with the ship Evangeline and barque Holyrood. The Calcutta brings hemie indigo, silk, lac dye, and a small quantity of Ivory. The mails are in charge of Commander Warren, and were landed about half-past seven. The Calcutta has been worked home entirely by Lascars. She brings home ten invalid sailors from Calcutta and about 40 pas sengers, amongst whom are Lady Gilbert, Capt. and Mrs. Colt, from Calcutta, Colonel and Mrs. Hollis, Colonel and Mrs. Inglis, Colonel and Mrs. Eyre (who have landed and gone on a visit to Sir Harry Smith), Colonel Napier, and Colonel Sparks. AMERICA. • ARRIVAL OF THE CAMBRIA. LIVERPOOL, TUESDAY MORNING. The British and American Mail steam-ship Cambria, Captain Miller, has arrived here from Boston and Halifax. She left the former port on the 16th, and the latter on the 18th, bringing the mails and passengers from the United States and Canada, and four days' later intelligence than that previously received. The Cambria brings 40 passengers, but no specie ; she entered the river soon after midnight. On the 22d inst. she passed the United States steamer Frankfort bound for New York, and on the 27th the Royal Mail steamer Europa. The Africa arrived out at New York on the 13th instant. Business was brisk at New York when the Cam bria sailed. A slight change for the better was re ported in monetary affairs during the previous week ; money had become easier, and a gradual improvement in business generally was confidently anticipated. Later dates had been received from California, by the arrival at New York, to the 16th February last. Three millions of gold were at the Isthmus on their way to New York. The mining operations were reported good, provisions plenty, and cheaper. In the United States Senate the debate on the Clayton and Bulwer treaty still continued. Intelligence from Havannah to the 7th inst. had come to hand, but there was nothing of pressing importance. Vice-President King continued so seriously ill that he was expected not to survive. - There was great excitement at Washington, owing to the steamer Devastation demanding the sur render of Truxillo from Honduras. A contest was feared between the steamer and the troops. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. In the market for bread-stuffs prices have given way, owing to the advices by the previous steamer from Eng land. There was little disposition to purchase at the following prices :—Western Canal flour, $4 624 c. to $4 75e. per barrel ; Gennessee wheat, $1 22c. to $1 24c. ; Indian corn, northern round yellow, 64c. to 66c., steady ; Indian meal, Jersey yellow, $3 25c. to $3 374 c. The cotton market at New York had been very inac tive, and prices had slightly receeded for most descrip tions ; the sales had been very limited. The following are the quotations :—New Orleans and Mobile, mid. fair to fair, llic. to 12c. ; Uplands, ditto, 100. to 11 c. By telegraph from New Orleans to the 14th, we learn that the market was brisk and the excess of receipts 529,000 bales. The provision market was dull, and closing very heavy. Freights were very little altered from the rates pre vailing at the previous departure. Cotton to Liverpool was quoted 3-16 d. to id. per lb. ; flour to ditto, 2s. 3d. to 2s. 6d. per barrel ; grain to ditto, 7d. to Bd. per bushel. Stocks were in better demand, and firm. Exchange on London, 1091 t 0,1094, not well sus tained ; on Paris, 5 15 ; Hamburgb, 36 to 361 ; Bremen, 791 to 79k. REPORTED DESTRUCTION BT FIRE OP THE SHIP AMERICA AT NEW ORLEANS.—The following was posted yesterday in the underwriters' room, Liverpool :---"A telegraph from New Orleans mentions that the America, as well as the Belmont, was burnt on the 7th instant. The cargoes of both were 6,000 bales." There may be some mistake in this, as the owners of the America here have received no information of it. It may refer to the American ship Maine, which lay beside the Belmont at the time of the burning, as the America lay at Point. CUSTOMS DUTIES.—The Customs authorities have had under consideration a report of the Examiner, submitting an amended form of abstract of duties inwards for goods delivered from the warehouse, and they have approved of the amended form, and directed it to be transmitted to their principal officers at the several ports throughout the United Kingdom, with directions to adopt the same, from and after the sth April next, observing that the transmission of the separate abstract sheets for goods removed, as required by a former general order, will now be necessary. WOOLWICH GARRISON.—The whole of the troops in the garrison, with the exception of the Royal Sappers and Miners employed on public works, assembled in heavy marching order at half-past 9 o'clock a.m. yester day, in front of the Artillery Barracks, and were . drawn up in the following order :—The Royal Horse Artillery, under Lieut.-Colonel Strangaways ; a battalion of Foot Artillery, under Lieut. -Colonel Otway; a second battalion of Foot Artillery, under Brevet-Major Hon. R. Spencer; two heavy 9-pounder field-batteries, having six guns in each, under Lieutenant-Colonel Anderson ; a battalion of Royal Marines, under Lieutenant-Colonel Joliffe ; a third battalion of Foot Artillery, under Lieutenant- Colonel Lake ; and two light 6-pounder field-batteries brought up the rear. The troops marched off the ground at 10 o'clock, under Lieutenant-Colonel Willis ; and the Commandant, Colonel C. E. Whinyates, C. 8., K.C.H , arriving on the ground, accompanied by B r i ga d e-Maj or Bingham, and Captain Harrison, Acting Deputy-Assis tant Quartermaster -General of Artillery, he assumed the command, and, taking up a position at the west end of the barracks, witnessed each of the divisions in which the troops were formed march past, headed by their respec tive bands, or drums and flutes ; they then proceeded out at the south-west gate, and along the road separati ng the barrack-field from the Com mon , d own Nightingale vale, across Plumstead-common, and returned b y th e Lower Plumstead-road, p as t the Arsenal, and entered the garrison ground at the grand depot guard entrance, reaching the barracks at half-past 11 o'clock. NEW ELECTION COMMITTEES. —Committees will be appointed on the re - assembling of the House after Easter, to inquire into the allegations contained in the petitions against the return of members for the following places :—Dartm ou th, T aunton, Leicester, Tynemouth, Cockermouth, and Athlone. ELECTION PETITIONS WITHDRAWN.—Notices have been given that it is not intended to proceed with the petitions in the following cases :—Tipperary, Knares borough (defence of return of B. T. Wood), Southamp ton (return of Mr. Cochrane), Westmeath, and Meath, LOUIS NAPOLEON'S RECEPTION OF THE LONDON DEPUTATION. (From a Second Edition of the Morning Post.) Yesterday, at half-past one o'clock, the Emperor received at the Tuileries the deputation of the mer chant princes of London. The Ministers of State, of Foreign Affairs, and of the Interior were present. The deputation was composed of Sir James Duke, M.P., Bart., Sir Edward N. Buxton, Bart., Mr. Samuel Gurney, Mr. W. Gladstone, Mr. J. D. PoWles, Mr. Glyn, Mr. Dent, Mr. Barclay, and Mr. Masterman. Sir James Duke addressed the Emperor in the following terms : " Sire,— We have the honour and the gratification to appear before your Majesty, for the purpose of present ing to your Majesty, and to the French nation, a decla ration from the commercial community of the metro polis of the British Empire, embodying the sentiments of amity and respect by which they are animated towards their brethren of France. "The circumstances which have called forth this decla ration being fully stated in the declaration itself, bearing the signatures of upwards of 4,000 of the merchants, bankers, and traders of London, we have only to add the expression of our conviction that this document conveys at the same time a faithful representation of the feelings of the people of England at large. "In conclusion, Sir, we beg to express to your Im perial Majesty our fervent hope that, under your reign, France and England may be alway uniteds in a friendly and mutually beneficial intercourse, and that from the friendship of these two great nations, results may ensue favourable to the peace of the world, and the happiness of mankind." The hon. baronet then read the following, which he afterwards presented to his Imperial Majesty : "DECLARATION OF THE MERCHANTS, BANKERS, TRADERS, AND OTHERS, OF LONDON. " We, the undersigned, merchants, bankers, traders, and others, of London, feel ourselves called upon, at this time, publicly to express the concern with which we learn, through various channels of information, that an impression exists in the minds of the people of France that feelings of an unfriendly character are entertained towards them by the people of England, " We think it right emphatically to declare, that we believe no such feelings exist on the part of the English people towards the people of France. We believe the welfare of both nations to be closely interwoven, as well in a mutually advantageous and commercial intercourse as in a common participation in all the improvements of art and science. "Rejoicing in the reflection that nearly forty years kayo passed since the final cessation of hostilities between France and England, we record our conviction that European wars should be remembered only to be de plored, for the sacrifice of life and treasure with which they were attended—the hindrances they interposed to all useful enterprise and social advancement —the angry and unchristian feelings which the pevoked in their progress—and the heavy financial burdens which they left behind them at their close—considerations which supply the most powerful motives to every indi vidual in the European community, to avoid, and to oppose, by every means in his power, whatever may tend to cause the recurrence of such evils. " We desire to remark, that if in that expression of opinion on public questions which the press of this country is accustomed to exercise, it is found occasionally to speak with apparent harshness of the Government or the institutions of other States, the same is not to be understood in a spirit of national hostility, or as desiring to give offence. We feel that with, the internal policy or mode of Government which the French nation may think good to adopt for itself it is not for British sub jects to interfere, further than heartily to desire that* may result in peace and happiness to all interested therein. " We conclude this declaration, by proclaiming qur earnest desire for the long continuance of cordiality and goodwill between Frenchmen and Englishmen—our de termination to do all in our power to uphold the same— and our fervent hope, that the inhabitants of both na tions may, in future, only vie with each other in culti vating the arts of peace, and in extending the sources of social improvement, for their common benefit." His Majesty replied in English : "I am extremely touched by this manifestation. It confirms me in the confidence with which the good sense of the English nation has always inspired me. During the long stay I made in England, I admired the liberty she enjoys—thanks to the perfection of her institutions. Nevertheless, at one period last year, I feared that public opinion was misled with regard to the true state of France, and her sentiments towards Great Britain. But the good faith of a great people cannot be long de ceived, and the step which you now take is striking proof of this. " Ever since I have held power, my efforts constantly tend to develope the prosperity of France. I know her interests. They are not different from those of all other civilised nations. Like you, I desire peace ; and to make it sure, I wish, like you, to draw closer the bonds which unite our two countries." The deputation then retired, delighted with their reception. They were invited last night to the grand fête offered to their Majesties by the Legis lative Body. - - _ They dine to-day with M. Drouyn de I'Huys, and to-morrow with the Emperor and Empress at the Tuileries. SPORTING NOTES.—No CCOC. NORTHAMPTON MEETING.—The meeting of the North ampton and Pytchley Hunt, as it it is called—though for what reason I know not, as there are no hunters stakes or cross-country work in the programme—commences to-morrow, at half-past one, with the Trial Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 40 added (one mile). Eleven nomi nations have been obtained to this stake, not more than four or five of whom are likely to be found at the post. Russborough does not run, and Conmore, Kingston, and Llanforda are, I believe, in the same position. The running of Truth- is also rather dubious. The field, I take it, will consist of Extacy, General Gilbert, Young Norval, Longbow, and perhaps Dear Me. The termi nation of the race, I have but little doubt, will show LONGBOW first, and Young Norval second. The Triennial Stakes of 10 sovs. each (once round, which is somewhere about forty yards short of a mile and five furlongs) will only be contested by FRANTIC and Convulsion ; and, of course, the former, with Nat up, will be the winner. Should Frantic win the last heat of this stake, he will be the first horse that has won a Triennial in each of the three years. The Great Northamptonshire Stakes of 25 sovs. each, 15 ft, &c. (two miles), will, in all probability, have the largest field at the post that has ever started for this stake. Kingston, who figures as the top weight at Bst 131 b, is to have the assistance of one of the first jockies of the day ; and I have no hesitation in saying that he will finish very forward, perchance obtain a place, although the weight he has to give away is enormous. Newminster and Joe Miller remain at home. The run ning of the King of Trumps or Lindrick is very uncertain—. neither can win. Lucio is rather overweighted, or he would have obtained a place ; as it is, notwithstanding his being much fancied by his jockey (Oates), I must pass him over as possessing but little chance. Muscovite is a runner ; more I cannot say in his favour. Attack and Trifle are non-starters. The Bishop, Tremble, King of Troy, and Lady Harriet are in the same position. Alp, they say, is to have young Osborne up, who will, no doubt, do his best for the stable : the horse is, however, too stale. Harrier is in capital condition, and at half a stone less would be about winning. The six-years -old Sweetheart, with 6st. 71b. up, with his bad temper, is not attractive in my eyes. Hambletonian has about the best chance of the four-year-old class, and I shall re serve him as a sort of forlorn hope from the out side division. May Day is a thorough bad one, but has been so leninently treated by the handi capper, that she may run forward, but cannot win. The same remarks will apply to Madeline. crack, Defiance —indubitably by many pounds the best nature of the three-year-old in the entry—has, I'm afraid, a little too tryinga few admirers: yLasdsty,l2lbto Termagant,carry much ooors e . t o Ladd carry, Blanche considering runs, the and ha s , Charit y, Happy Joe is a bad one, yo: wciotthtoo:l list. A ngelo, and Lam he would win. Charle Hobbythe last Whether dtahye or tDandywo, thing du ring p G o o d s o s , ip a , re P o o n lly t , ho L n lan oo f - o st r a d r a ting horse has not runs or not I cannot discover . T w h i e th sta c rt h i a n ff g w o a f x ß , been ejthe r altogether o t g h e e t h ol e i a • r k the et o t h r condition is ; somewhat must, however,dub i ous. b ll o T u i t n p ke o r stu an la d ut J , The stable seems so confident about lriunne,fortwognerther a th eg at ue am inclined to look Salisbury as being upon his running the other day at know a nullity • from most about him, he i , what those say who Admiral Rous's s certain to obtain a place. and found to be good n omination, Dabchick, has been tested, to win this race. enoug h ,ShouldN in the Admiral's opinion, there is not a horse , in erva run, and I believe he will, race. Molasses and m T y ob lr l inion, with better hopes in the finish in the ruck. In ski, although runners, will conclusion, I opine that the winner, without he is to be found in my forlorn hope— Hambletonian—will spri• and with a ll due ng from the thr ee y ear o ld c l ass, deference to the speed and staying powers of Defiance, I must • • the winner in Po pass him over , and look for and D b or and third f or choice. , la . a c ick, or NERVA, first The entries for her Majesty's to hand. Plate have not y e t come The Whittlebury Stakes of 10 sovs. each, with 100 added (three-quarters of a mile), has mostly " dark " nominations. It will be useless examining their chances one by one, therefore I will jump to a conclusion by stating, that, in the absence of Spinaway—who, I be lieve, will be reserved for the Althorp Park Stakes—l shall place my faith upon BRIGLIADORO and LADY AUDREY, expecting to see the filly by the Hero in the third position. The Pytchley Stakes, which will bring the first day's racing to a conclusion, does not close and name until this evening. THE SPIRIT OF THE TURF. Captain J, G. Egginton, 41st, being about to form a matrimonial alliance with a young lady in the vicinity of Boyle, and sell out, has purchased on advantageous terms an extensive tract of land in the county of Ros common, which he has commenced spiritedly to culti vate on the high Yorkshire system. The gallant office r purchased all his commissions, and previous to joining the 41st served in the 45th at the Cape during the campaign of 1846, where he was actively engag e d i n several minor but spirited affairs with the insurgents.— Zeinterick Chronicle. EASTER AM USEMENTS. DRURY-LANE. The holiday entertainments at this house commenced with the popular play of The Lady of Lyons, respecting which it is only necessary to say that—thanks to the exertions of Miss. F. Vining, Mrs. Griffiths, Mr. Daven port, and Mr. Charles Selby, in the several characters of Pauline, Madame D esc h a ppl es , Cl au d e Melnotte, and General Dumas---it was received with cordial and well merited applause by a large and good-humoured audi ence. Mr. R. Sands' " grand, antipodal experiment," of walking across a marble slab with his feet up and his head downwards, was then introduced. After which came the principal Baker novelty, which was described in the bills "as a seasonable attempt by one of the authors of The Sphinx, the last edition of Ivanhoe, Enchanted Isle, &c. (the brothers Brough, of course), to get up a few magic effects with the assistance of Sir W. Scott's Talisman, and to illustrate the story of Sing Richard Caw de Lion and the Knight of the Couchant Leopard in a series of entirely new views, calculated, it is hoped, to gratify the panoramic zest of the age. We are sorry we cannot say much for its success. Of story or plot there was next to none. A few only of the detached incidents in the history of the Crusades have been seized upon by the author, and reproduced in the form of a burlesque—laughable enough in parts, it must be ad mitted, but exceedingly flat as a whole. There is, how ever, some good music (under the direction of Mr. J. G. Reed), several pretty fairy dances, and at least ono beautiful piece of scenery, viz., " the Grand Fairy Wind up," which is radiant with " Such magic light and rainbow dyes As dazzle even the steadiest eyes." The principal characters in the burlesque were King Richard, by Mr. Charles Selby; Sir Kenneth of Scotland, the Knight of the Couchant Leopard, by Miss P.HOrt oll (who made her first app e a rance d ur i n g the present ma nagement, and who, we regret to say, was too unwel l to perform the whole of the music attached to her part) ; Queen Berengaria, by Miss Kate Saxon ; the Lady Edith Plantagenet, by Miss F. Reeves ; Saladin, by Mr. Moor house—of whom, it is only fair to say, that if the piece failed it was from no fault of theirs. The curtain fell amid several determined hisses and a few faint cheers. The performances concluded with a new ballet, entitled L'Artiste de Terracina, which few remained to witness, it being past midnight before it commenced. HAYMARKET. Mr. Buckstone last night inaugurated his accession to the management of the Haymarket by a new extrava ganza entitled Buckstone's Ascent of Mount Parnassus' the purport of which we took -to be an allegorical inti mation to the theatrical public of the new manager's desire to give a poetical elevation, worthy of the Muses, to the future amusements at this theatre. In the com mencement, Mr. Buckstone is discovered in his private room meditating on his future prospects, and the course to be pursued to hit the taste of the town. Fashion, /ft the dress of a west-end exquisite, admonishes him, and Fortune, with her wheel, counsels him. The most pro minent of the furores which have been prevalent in Lon don appear before him in succession. Mr. Albert Smith gesticulates in a white waistcoat from a rostrum in a Swiss chalet ; and the duel in the aoriiceen Brothers, with the ghost of the murdered man, shadows another g the most remarkable popularities of the day. The diggings at the Drury-lane Theatre, the scenic splendour of the Lyceum, the Uncle Toms everywhere, and the polyglot varieties of the Royal Italian Opera are em bodied, or typified, in turn ; and Mr. Buckstone, plis zled at the diversities of the public approbation, is in clined to give up his task as hopeless ; but as the "As cent of Mount Blanc is, in his mind, decidedly in the as cendant," he determines "to get up —something, but i 4 uncertain as to what." Fortune whispers him to try Parnassus ; and this is the pretext for an elaborate pano rama by" Mr. Marshall, who guides him to the top of the mountain, stopping by the way at the Castalian Fountain, where he is introduced to the Nine Muses, and is further regaled by a ballet, in which Pan is the , principal gymnast. The vision of Apollo at the summit of the mountain revives his courage and his hopes. Ile appeals to the god, and as he promises to encourage the poetical drama and other analogous good works, he is fortified by the smiles of the deity, and the curtain do scends amid crimson fires and the plaudits of the midi-, ence. The dialogue was full of Mr. Planche's usual witticisms, all of which told remarkably well. Th° scenery and dresses were excellent, and altogether " may congratulate Mr. Buckstone on a very successful commencement of the campaign. PRINCESS'S. The adaptation of Marco Spada to the English stsge as a three act drama met with unqualified success at this theatre last night, mainly owing, it is true, to the admirable manner in which it is put upon the stage. In plot, incident, character, and dialogue, there is nothing very far removed from the common-place, but the ball room scene in the second act is one of su ch ex traordinary brilliancy and chaste magnificence the dresses, dancing, and mise en scene so completely out of the common run of stage productions, that the house was dazzled and delighted beyond the verge of enthusiasm. The picturesque effect of the concluding scene, where the brigands are beheld revelling in their mountain fast ness is also very striking, especially in the elecution of& joyous Tarantella, which was vehemently applauded and deservedly encored. Tho principal parts were admi rably sustained. The disguised bandit and his supposed child were represented by Mr. Ryder, who, it is hardly necessary to say, looked and played nobly and effectively, and by Miss Heath ; and the gallant Captain Pepinelli, and his fair tyrant, the gay Marchesa. San Pietri afforded'infinite amusement to the audience, as personated by Mr. Walter Lacy, and Miss Carlotta. Le Clercq with genuine comic numour. Miss Le Clercq, is fast attaining the position of one of our best comedians from the talent, spirit, and judgment, unvitiated by any affectation, which she has developed in a surprising degree since the commencement of the season, and which repeatedly and prominently told last evening ; and Mr. Lacy, a master spirit in light comedy, never broad or low, however humorous, did exceeding credit to his dancing master by his grace and skill in the mazes of the courtly cotillon. Mr. Graham, as the Monk, merits fa vourable mention. The pains and cost bestowed by the management on the production of Marco Spada deserve to be amply rewarded by the public patronage. The piece went off swimmingly, and the performers already mentioned wefe recalled at its termination. Tice house was crowded to excess ; and in Macbeth, which preceded the new drama, the acting of Mr. and Mrs. Kean and Ryder was, if possible, more masterly than ever. LYCEUM. The management of the Lyceum treated the town last season to a Chain of Events, in eight links. This Year it presents to the public a Strange Eistory, in not less than nine " chapters." The former piece, although marred by not a few drawbacks, afforded a picturesqu e series of scenes —several of them more or less effective- The present experiment is, however, tamer, more con ventional, and less vividly coloured than its predecessor , although redeemed, we may add, by occasional passage s in which some dramatic energy is caught by the even smoothness by which the whole is acted, and by the very beautiful scenery of Mr. W. Beverley. The reception of the piec e was co ld ; and, had not the latter "chapters warmed up a little, would have been colder still. T he audience were tired out, as might well happen in the witnessing of a theatric piece of no particular interest which lasted for nearly four hours and a half. if the "story" has any lengthened run it will be owing t° the character of the scenery, which is very charming' A Swiss valley —with villages on the mountain slopes, and the river winding through the vista—opened the ElaY with great effect, while a mountain view in the ravine, with the mist rolling down over glacier and snow slope, gave u s th e hi gher Alps under a differen t aspect . " Grounds of the Chateau," a brilliant Italian lake s cene, was remark a bl e f or it s bright warmth of aerial perspec tive tive • while a " Waterfall in the Glen" exhibite d delightful a vista of l uxur i an t green wood, rising in rocky ledges, down which a stream—real water—trickled int o i indeed' the back groun d, th a t th e ar ti s t was s pontaneously an enthusiastically called for—so enthusiastically,A ex that until h e appeared the business of the scene ennf: not be commenced—a n ovation which, with the ce e tion of Mr. Beverley, we never remember any in 3 " artist to 'have received. ADELPHI. --- --- The Easter fare at this theatre last night consisted f no less than five pieces, enough to satisfy the most ra pacious appetite for dramatic entertainment ; all, how' ever, with the exception of the first, were reproductions , the only difference being some variations in the respect' tive castes. The first piece is an agreeable trifle, under the title of Webster at Home in A delphi Fare o f Three Removes and a Desert. It introduces the audience to familiar acquaintanceship with the ladies and gentlemen of the Adelphi corps in propria persona. They assemble in the green room of the establishment, in obedience to " a 11 o'clock morning call," to hear a new pice react Madame Celeste acts as pre sident on the occasion, and is supported by Mr. Gall ott, the p rom p ter, that Mrs- Harris of the Adelphi, who, though most indefatigable in his particular vocation, seldom ever emerges beyond the scenes to let the public have a glimpse at one who takes so important a part in contributing to their amuse ment. Each "principal " arrives with some laughabl?, apology for being late, a merry joke at the "early call, and an expression of curiosity to know the name of the author who has roused them at so unseasonable an hour. Some give vent to their peculiar likings and disliking's —Paul Bedford is tired of playing Blueskins and Jona th a n Wilds, and wishes to en ac t th e part of a sentime ntal lover, Mrs. Seeley longs for something in the genteelline, and o.'Smith abandons the study of demonology for "t he love of the angels," and thinks he could "do" a cha racter in a higher walk of the drama. The v eritable au thor of the new piece turns out to be the veteran 11,1 r. Webster, who, his hardships company of authors t h m o a r n s down the house" with applause. He alludes to the on making his appearance, " brings be aagnedr'sacitifoers, p w r i o th cee w d h s o t m o inbterohdausce to come acquainted during his career, and for this purpose disappears beneath the table, whence issue in succession the principal of the new performers ' in appropriate cha racters. The piece is chiefly no ti c eable for the h eart ? , applau se with which the audience greeted Mr. Webster s acknowledgments of past favours, and his promises .of continued exertion in catering for the public taste. "V . performances which followed were also well receive o The house was crowded in every part. ASTLEY'S. of We are glad to perceive that the fame and prestige the Equestrian Astle's run no danger of deterioration y of Mr. Cooke (who has very properly succeeded Mr. Batty in the management thereof). On entering this renowned temple of the equestrian drama last night an were greatly struck with its improved appearance) 11.. from this appearance of increased elegance a nd coma. . y_r" . Wore at 0310 dispoped to Augur well of gre 09#139