The Sun. — London, England, 1857-02-03 00:00:00

it "4 to; ri s g • 0 ,1 1- 01 tr EADAV * NINO r ttt 13 it A _ _ T .EA-fitE DR R i k lAA and the prospects of Sanitary Improvement, and the • Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. . schemes of comprehensive amendment entertained Act n M tnager, Mr. C. Mathews. Stage Manager, Mr. R I Bnxby, Scenic A r t ist, Mr. W. Beverle y . • in regard to the great problem of Criminal Legis- The eminent Comedian, Mr. Charles Mathews, every evening. ..1 lation. It cannot, of course, be surprising to note Great Snc , :ess of the Grand Christmas Pantomime, the m ost magnifi cen t ever produced on the English stage. i • some degree of satisfaction expressed at the signal TV IS. EVENING, her Majesty's Servants will perform an 1 evidence of our internal prosperity, in the magni entirely new three-act Drama entitled THE BLACK ' BOOK. ficent advance in the value of our exports, within After which will be produced an entirely new and original the brief period of the last twelve months, by no symbolical, hyperbolical, parabolical, and extra-physiog- ! n omical grotesque, statuesque, and picturesque Grand Comic less an amount ( f increase than some 30,000,000/. Christmas Pantomime, which for some time past has employed Any more than it can be deemed matter of asto the unrivalled resources of this extensive establishment, and which will be called or entitled, as, it is entitled to be called, nishment that Ministers should, indirectly, by the SEE, SAW, MARGERY DAW ; lips of the SOVEREIGN, through the medium Or, Harlequin Holiday, and the Island of Ups and Downs. of Her MAJESTY'S Commissioners bid the Lords and Commons of the Realm to their annual task of legislation, with words of good omen, and of happy encouragement. Monarchi cal snavities of this kind are, after ally no more than the merest Ministerial commonplaces. The SOVEREIGN being constrained, for the most part, to talk simply in the old official language of compliment. For—a solecism, and something more than a solecism, it would be most assuredly where the Legislature commended to the annual banquet of the Session, with the cynical grace of ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. THIS EVENING will be performed A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DP,EAII. After which, a new grand Christmas Pantomime, called ALADDIN AND THE WONDERFUL LAMP; or, Harlequin and the Genii of the Ring. Harlequin, Mr. Cormack ; Clown, Mr. Huline ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo ; Co. lumbine, Miss C. Adams. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Lessee, Mr. C. Dillon. THIS EVENING will I , e produced an entirely new and original combination of burlesque and pantomime, entitled CONRAD AND MEDORA; or, Harlequin Corsair and the Lit t l e F airy at the Bottom o f the Sea. The burlesque opening by W. Brough, Fsq., fonnded upon the ballet of Le Corsair, as produced at Her Majesty's Theatre. The harlequinade upon things in gene ral. The new and magnificent scenery painted by Mr. F. Fenton. an APESIANTHUS. The feverish excitement displayed by "Merca tor" and his disciples sufficiently indicates their serious apprehensions that the present Session will be signalised by the complete revision, or total abolition of the Bank Charter Act of 1844. To be preceded by THE KING'S MUSKETEERS. D'Ar• tagnan, Mr. C. Dillon. The box-office open daily, from 11 to 5, under the super. ntendence of Mr. Cbatterton, jun. Carriages conveying parties to the Private Boxes to se dswn at the State entrance in Burleigb-street. Week after week the putative parent of that most. impolitic and calamitous measure rushes into print in defence of his pet theory. In his eager defence of theimpugned principle, he not only ignores the evidence given by men far more competent than himself to form a correct opinion, but also facts within the experience of every unprejudiced per son of ordinary capacity. He even contradicts his own testimony, given before the Lords' Committee on the causes of the mercantile distress in 1847, and the able and well-considered Report, which still remains on record, and which, we hope and believe, is still destined to produce very import ant results, notwithstanding the protracted period during which it was shelved, through the arts and influence of the moneyocracy. He harps inces santly on one'string. The dearth of capital—i.e., of gold—is still the cuckoo cry. On that he rings the changes, endeavouring to perplex and mystify those who will not take the trouble of thinking for themselves, and who fancy that, because a man has accumulated an immense fortune by the use of paper money, or "worthless rags," according to the cant of the bullioniats—which he now seeks to double, by imposing difficulties in the way of others in the pursuit of competence—he must necessarily be an unexceptionable authority in all matters relating to currency and the circulating Medium. "My son, you have ruined the country, but you have doubled your own fortune," said the first Sir ROBERT PEEL, when the fatal Act of 1819 received the legislative sanction. "Mercator" experienced a similar benefit at the like cost, and he still aims at a further enhancement of inordi nate wealth that might content the most grasping cupidity, heedless of the consequences to millions of his countrymen. Like DIONYSOS, the silver smith, he feels that his craft is endangered, and is ready to raise the shout, " Great is DIANA of the Ephesians," in order to arrest the progress of truth and justice. "Gold," then, is the only capital. It is money, and not money's worth, that is required. No mat ter that we possess untold millions, and thousands of millions of real property, that we have count less flocks and herds, live stock of every descrip tion, agricultural implements, the most elaborate and costly machinery, statelji buildings, conve nient residences, widespread and fertile acres, immense stores of cereal products, objects of art and utility, and, above and beyond all, the thews and sinews of millions of free men, the real crea tors and producers of national wealth. With all these, according to ";Mercator," we want " capi tal," because " gold" is scarce and dear. We must see our brethren enduring the greatest privations, must abstain from feeding the hungry and cloth ing the nake,l, because " Mercator" and his flunkeys choose to maintain interest at an exor bitant rate, and to check what they are pleased to consider "over production," as if there could be such a thing while any were wanting not merely the ordinary comforts, but the common necessaries of life. Away with the impious cant and the puerile theories on which it is founded ! Gold is at best but one and a very insignificant species of capital. Even if there were not a single ounce of it in the kingdom we should be rich in all that constitutes true wealth. It has to a cer tain extent been used as a measure and reprwen tative thereof, but it by no means follows that it should be the only measure resorted to. Any thing that carries with it a commani over the necessaries and comforts of life, that possesses what is termed a " purchasing power," will answer the purpose equally well, and some far better than bullion. The Lysian Monarch, starved in the midst of his golden treasure, and we should deserve a similar fate if guilty of similar folly. Gold may be a very useful servant if judiciously used, but it would be a most tyran nical and despotic master under the conditions insisted on by " Mercator." In ono of Ms latest effusions he says—" More currency is the demand of short-sighted cla mour. Not more absurd would it be in a pe riod of dearth to clamour for more mills to grind, and more carts to distribute the corn which does not exist, or in a period of drought to seek relief by multiplying pumps lichen the springs are dry. But supposing that there were abundance of corn, but that by some absurd regulations none could be converted into flour save at the old worn out manorial mill, or distributed but through old fashioned carts, while the people were starving in the sight of abundance ; would it not be the duty of every man to demand earnestly and emphati cally the abolition of the iniquitpus monopoly that occasioned tho misery of himself and his family ? the of ect of the new law," occasioned all the mischief. These " apprehensions," in fact, pro duced the panic. The moment that they were alleviated by its suspension, the evil at once ter minated. "All harm appeared to have ceased on the issue of the letter" (of 25th October, 1847), said the Governor of thn Bank. "We did not so much want the money, but we wanted a certainty that if we did want it we should get it." On "Mercator's" own showing, therefore, the panic was, as declared by the Lords' Committee, " mate rially aggravated by the statute ;" and provided the result was produced in consequence of its operation, it signifies little what might be the particular mode in which it was effected. Besides, if "Mercator" is now correct, what becomes of the assertion that the Act prevented the possibi lity of any mismanagement on the part of the Bank from endangering the convertibility of the Bank note ? In following up his argument "Mercator" makes other very damaging admissions. Ho de clares that " danger from undue exhaustion of the bullion is the evil against which the Act under takes to protect the community, against an im proper exhaustion of the Banking Reserve, and the consequent inconvenience it is the duty of the Bank of England to take timely and effectual mea sures of precaution I" But if the Reserve be ex hausted through any mismanagement, how can the convertibility of the note be maintained. The Bank has not merely to pay its notes on demand, but also to answer all cheques drawn against bone fide depositors. The payment of the latter is as sacred a duty as of the former. Let us, then, see what this , bullion must answer in cases of emergency. Let us suppose, for argument sake, that there is ten millions of specie in both departments,which is more than we have recently had, and very nearly the present amount, accord ing to the latest returns—against this the Bank issues notes to the amount of 24,475,0001., and its deposits, public and private, average some 15,000,0001. or 16,000,0001. more. Here there are forty millions in round terms to be paid with ten, or little better than 51. in the pound for its creditors, or supposing that the bullion was exhausted to eight millions before the exhaustion of the Reserve, there would be thirty-eight to be paid with eight, or little more than 21 per cent., or some 4s. 2-1;(1. in the pound. We need scarcely remind our readers that, in rise of stop page, all the creditors, whether note holders or depositors should be paid pro rata. What, then, would become of the boasted convertibility of the Bank note, when a beggarly dividend of 4s. 2Ad. —less than that already paid to the creditors of the Royal British Bank—could alone be obtained? It is obvious, then, that the Act is totally ina dequate to accomplish that which professes to be its sole object ; for " Mercator " declares that its " framers and supporters never undertook to regu late the rate of interest." Why, then, when it confessedly fails in toto, should the nation submit to the most . painful calamities for the purpose of depriving the industrial population of their legiti mate profits for the benefit of the usurers and extortioners, who are not contented to obtain less than 8 or 10 per cent. interest for the pecuniary accommodation required for carrying on the trade and commerce of the country ? " That is not according to Cocir.za." Such is the expression by which a straightforward Eng lishman indicates his perception of some palpable trick—sour unfair advantage attempted to be taken. " The facts and figures" of the hard headed arithmetician foil the most ingenious de vices of those who attempt to live by their wits rather than by honest industry. In business places—" Where merchants most do congregate" —such an appeal is invariably successful. The "dodge" is at once disposed of, and the parties deal on more equitable terms, or not at all. It would be fortunate, indeed, for the country if the legislative "Jeremy Diddlers'' could be dealt with in a similar manner. The gross inequalities of the iniquitous Income Tax would, in such case, speedily be rectified—we should not long witness the anomaly of changing the same amount on the precarious and transitory profits of industry—and the certain and permanent incomes arising from the possession of a sum in the public funds, a well circumstanced real estate, an eligible mort gage, or the stocks and shares in public com- panien—all of which have an immediate tangible value, and may be converted into money without trouble or difficulty. Should any financial minister attempt to justify the manifest absurdity —the " pettifogging quibble''--for there are "pettifogging quibbles" in relation to the assess ment as well as to the duration of the tax, would be summarily condemned by energetic shouts from the Opposition and independent benches of " That's not according to COCKER," and the cry would reverberate loudly from every district throughout the length and breadth of the land. The 'appeal to " COCKER" must ultimately pre vail, but unfortunately the matter has to be decided, in the first instance, by the privileged classes, whose prejudices and interests are alike opposed to anything approxi mating to an equitable adjustment of the impost Quod volumits facile crediirnus. Men of large fortune are easily induced to believe that they are acting fairly in charging their strug- gling neighbours at a rate tenfold that which they are themselves required to pay. The specious fallacies of the Minister are listened to with ear nest attention. "The still small voice" is silenced for the time being—although it will even tually speak trumpet-tongued—and a vote is triumphantly carried continuing the impost accord ing to the existing system, because some Minis terial special pleader can show that there is some trifling inequality between earnings of a similar class, and that the thousands of the loaders of the learned profession, or the • merchant princes of England, afford as great a contrast with the petty receipts of struggling practitioners or small trades men, as that between income derived from pro perty and from the earnings of industry. —should he abstain from seeking the pure ele- - 1 , - (2, do not deny the distinction between the 1 ment that lies close beneath the surface, because receipts of Sir FREDERICK TRESIGER and Mr. the worn-out parish pump cannot produce an , Durcur—of Messrs. BARCLAY and PERIM, and adequate supply ? Let MERCATOR answer these the retailer of beer. But there is one invariable simple interrogations, and say whether the case ,test—What can be obtained at the nearest Auc -,ve have supposed does not furnish a closer analogy t ion Mart for the good-will and stock in trade ? to the existing state of affairs than that which he 'l he library of the Eminent Advocate commands a - has put forward ? x aoney value, although few could wield the wand Let us examine some of the other statements of the Enchanter. But a trifling accident, a dis of MnacATo ß , a ll spr i ng i ng from his false est i mate ease occas i one d b y unrem i tting study, may, at any of real " cap i tal. " He says—" The true character - moment, prostrate that gigantic intellect, and of that crisis (that of 1847) has not been ana- j i render him perfectly helpless—altogether depen lysed with sufficient .are, and therefore has not I i lent on what he had laid aside as a provision for been correctly understood by the public. It was the evening of his life, or for his family when not monetary derangement, or a failure of the deprived of his protecting care. But these accu- Act of 1844 to accomplish its legitimate purpose. mutations would, in every instance, be reached by It was a case of banking mismanagement on the .the tax-collector. The fortunatepractitioner should part of the Bank of England, acting upon the I pay on his savings, and that is all that could fairly community, at that moment peculiarly susceptible lys required. The case of the great Brewers would of alarm, under vague and ignorant apprehensions lie even more simple. Immense capital is in of the erect of the new law !" Supposing for the vested. The goodwill of the business has a tan sake of argument that this statement were cor- Bible value that could easily be ascertained, and rest—still, according to his own ,admission; I , we have no hesitation in expressing our conviction the combination of banking mismanagement, I that the eminent firm could make a just return with " vague and ignorant apprehensions 4)f if the tax were levied on the capitalised value of their leviathan establishment as easily as they can now do on their average profits. The chief argument against this capitalisation of income for fi:cal purposes is, that it would drive capital out of the country—and thus ope rate injuriously for the common weal. But this is only "capital" in the Mercator sense. Gold—if it could be caught under auy circumstances— might be affected. But in either case, whether it remained at home, or ware sent abroad, the conscience of the possessor would be the sole wit , ness—his own return the only mode of arriving at the truth. But the broad and fertile acres— .he dwelling-houses and offices—the mines and minerals—the agricultural or trading stock—the railways or machinery—could not be transferred. They would still be available objects of taxation, and the dreaded danger that now " frights the isle from its propriety," would prove the veriest bugbear that ever scared a timid child—and cer tainly calculated to terrify a reasoning man. In another part of this day's impression we have reprinted the admirable brochure which has already appeared in our columns. We earnestly commend the "Dialogue on the Income Tax" to the atten tive consideration of every independent Member of Parliament. It must convince him of the utterly unjustifiable character of the present sys tem, and how easy it would be, if not to render it perfectly equal in every instance, at least to approximate closely thereto. "The Spirit of COCKER" takes the property values of 1501. per annum for different terms of years, and for a per- petuity, the interest of money being estimated at four per cent., and it appears that the actual worth of one description, say Long Annuities, terminating in 1860, is but 4161., while that of the other is 3,7501., the one being charged at the rate of 21. 81. per cent., the other at ss. 4d., or one-ninth of the rate—nine parts in ten of the former being capital, while the whole of the latter is interest 1 . The disparity in this case is sufficiently glaring. but how much more so in the case of a man who lives on transitory profits, who has not a single pound laid by as a provision for a rainy day. Let us, for example sake, contrast the position of a city clerk or a small tradesman, whose income on profits amount to 1501. per annum, and the owner of 5,0001. 3 per Cent. Consols. The one lives "from hand to month." His only possible in vestment is in. the shape of education for his children ; and he may consider himself fortunate if he can qualify them to earn their own liveli hood at some future time. The other has a "stake in the country." Nothing can disturb the even tenour of his way. If disabled by sickness or acci dent, he still receives his dividend, while his neigh bour Mr. LEDGER, has to appeal to the tender mercies of the union workhouse. The clerk has, perhaps, a year's income in hand, which we be lieve to be beyond the average. His assets are, therefore, 1501. The fundholder has 1501. + 4,6501. dz. , 4,8001. (estimating Consols at 93), or, in other words, the one pays the 1-15th part of his entire substance, the other the 1-480th part —or in the proportion of Ito 32. This is taxing men according to their means with a vengeance. The most striking difference which the ingenuity of Mr. GLADSTONE could imagine would not amount to anything so monstrous as this. Let the name of " CocKzu" then become a household word—the answer to every application for the voter's suffrage. The votes of the present members, the opinions of candidates, may be subjected to that test, and if the people only contimue as they have begun until the opening of the Budget, we may venture to promise them that Sir G. C. LEWIS will not venture to resort to his pettifogging quibbles, with respect either to the duration or the assessment of the impost. OPEN,ING POLITICAL ENTERTAINMENTS. TIE PRENIEIt. Viscount Palmerston, as First Lord of the Treasury, gave a Parliamentary dinner I set evening, at Cambridge house, to a large party of members of the House of Com. mons—supporters of the Government. The guests in cluded the mover and seconder of the Address, Sir J. Ramsden and Sir A.. Agnew ; the Earl of Mulgrave, Viscount Duncan, the Right Hon. the Speaker, the Right Hon. M. T. Baines, Mr. J. Ball, the Right Hon. Sir F. Berkeley, Sir R. Bethell, the Right Hon. E. P. Bourerie, the Hon. H. Brand, the Hon. Lord Charles Bruce, the Right Hon. H. Fitzroy, General Buckley, Viscount Castlerosse, the Right Hon. W. Cowper, Mr. J. D. Fitzgerald, Right Hon. Sir George Grey, Mr. R. W. Grey, Right Hon. Sir B. Hall, Right Hon. W. G. Hayter, Right Hon. C. Horsinan, Right Hon. H. Labouchere, Right Hon. Sir George C. Lewis, Mr. W. N. Massey, Right Hon. R. Lowe, Viscount Monck, the Lord Advocate, Right Hon. W. Monsell, Mr Ralph Osborne, Lord Alfred Paget, Mr. F. Peel, Sir Robert Peel, Mr. H. Danby Seymour, Right Hon. R. Vernon Smith, Right Hon. C. Vill.er, , , Right Hon. Sir Charles Wood, Right Hon. J. Stuart Wortley, and the Private Secretaries of the Premier. The Queen's Speech was read by the noble Viscount to his assembled guests after the banquet. OF it LATEST NE 7 S. vl PER!'IA. CONSTANTINOPLE, JAN. 23. Efaidar Khan, at the head of a cavalry brigade, has taken Farrah, and it advancing to attack the Persian army under Murad Khan. An English division, ender Sir John Lawrence, is marching towards Candahar. New taxes for defraying the war expenses are imposed on Persia. FRANCE. PARIS, MONDAY EYMING. The Emperor and Empress yesterday received a number of foreigners of distinction, who had the honour of being presented by the English, Spanish, and Russian Ambassadors, and by tho American, Prussian, Brazilian, and Swiss Ministers. The following wero presented by the English Ambas sador : Major-General Chesney, Lady Lee and Mine Any, Mr. Redmont, Captain J. Smyth, Major Yonge, Lieut. Yongo, Mr. Pensam, Captain Lynch, C 8., Lieut.-Col. Arney, Mr. Forster, M.P., Major Wilkinson Hon. Lieut.-Col. Maxwell, M.P., Colonel, M rs ., an d Miss Pringle, Major-General Bristowe, Captain and Mrs. Todd, and Mr. and Mrs. Lefann. BOURSB, Feb. 2.—The following were the last quotations : Cash. c. 44 per Cents 3 per Cents ' 68 15 New Loan — Bank Shares — Roman (x d) Credit Mobilier 1,400 Austrian Belgian Fives — Spanish Threes.. Pied montese (5) 9O 50 Home Debt End of Bronth. —fr. --c. 68 10 RAILWAYS-FOR CASS. IF. c. Orleans 1,300 Western 5 Northern 945 Strasburg Lyons 1,382 50 New Ditto Mediterranean 1,770 Grand Central Lyons Geneva !t_ Teste Cette TURKEY A letter from Vienna, in the Debats, says : " Achmed Bay, one of the Tcherkess chiefs, who commands a large corps of irregular troops in the mountains of the Caucasus, has arrived at Con stantinople, to obtain from the groat European powers the recognition of the independence of the Circassian countries not yet conquered by Russia, subject to their being placed under the suzerainty of the Ottoman Porte. It may be remembered that a similar project existed at the time of the last war, but that it was put an end to by the peace of Paris. It appears that the idea of creating an independent State in Asia Minor, to which Lord Stratford de Radcliffe is favourable, has not only not been abandoned, bnt that it is now on the tapis. The Ottoman Government is of course highly favourable to it. The success of Achmed's mission would be of the highest importance to all the countries of Asia Minor. It is ru moured that Achmed Bey is shortly expected in the Austrian capital, on a mission from the Cir cassian chiefs, to obtain from our Cabinet its con sent to the establishment of an independent State in the Caucasus. The Circassian diplomatist con siders himself certain of the co-operation and sup port of Eiagland. From Vienna Achmed Bey is to go direct to London, without passing through Paris." A Morning Performance every Saturday, at 2 o'clock. T HEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI. Lessee—Mr. Ben. Webster. Great Hit of A Night at Notting-Hill. THIS EVENING, will be performed BORN TO GOOD LUCK. Mr Barney Williams. After which, A NIGHT AT NOTTING-HILL, in which Mr. Wright. and Pall Bedford will appear. Followed by OUR GAL. Mrs Barney Williams To conclude with the new and original union of modern burlesque and old English pantomime (as originated at this theatre), by Professor Wordspinner, Member of Every thing, with entirely new scenery, dresses, transformations, dm, called MOTHER SHIPTON ; or, Tfarlequin Knight of Love, and the Enchanted Whistle. Harlequin and Columbine (b. la Watteau), Madame Celeste and Miss Wyn(lham ; Clown, Mr. Carden ; Pantaloon, Mr. Moreland ; Searamoueh, Mr. T.e Barr. Characters in the bur lesque by Mr. Paul Bedford, Mr. J. Bland, Mr. R. Romer, Madame Celeste, Miss Wyndham, Miss Mary Keeley, Miss Kate Kelly, Miss Arden, dm A STLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE, Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke. THIS EVENING the equestrian comic pantomime. P." UL PRY ON HORSEBACK, which (this Week being devoted to the Juveniles and Country Visitors) will each night be played first. The comic vagaries of the Grimaldi Horse are indescribable. . _ After which, the SCENES in the CIRCLE. To conclude with KATHERINE AND PETRUCHIO Petruchio, Mr. James Holloway. Commence at seven o'clock. Dress Boxes, 4s. ; Upper Roses, 39. ; Private Boxes, from 11., no charge for booking ; Pit, 2s ; Gallery, Is. ; Upper Gallery, ed. ox• office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. Equestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun. CANTERBURY HALL. Westminster-ros,il, OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow ing. company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of Selections from all the popular Operas, Madrigals, Choruses, Glees, Duets, (tc., viz. —Miss E. Pearce, Mrs. J. Caulfield, Miss Brunel], Miss Summers, and Madame Marietta ; Mr. J. Caulfield, Herr F. Jonghmans, R. Grover, T. Farrant, S. Jones. J. Barker, W, Melling. P. Corri. Senor Antonio M. de Solla, and E. L. Hirne ; Masters Austin, Bennett, and Corri ; Messrs. Sam Collins, E. Mackney, and C. J. Wilkins. Piano;orte,J. Harroway, R. A.; harmonium, J. Caulfieldjun. ; director, Mr. J. Caulfield. Commence at Seven o'clock pre cisely. Suppers, dm., until twelve o'clock. Mr. C. Morton's Annual Full Press Ball will take place on Wednesday, Feb. 18. Gentleman's t;cket, 7s ; lady's ditto, 5s ; double ti cket (lady and gentlen,an or two ladies), 10s. GRAND BAL MASQUE. -CASINO DE VENT SF, High HoIborn.—THURSDAY EVENING, Feb. 5. The most magnificent fete ever presented, on which occasion every source that art and refinement can sucest will be brought into re quisition to welcome the brilliant and fashionable comnany who ho nour this world-renowned and el'-gant establishment with their pa tronage. The nem est and most beautiful dance music will be per formed by the in;rnitahle hand, under the diteet.lon of Mr. W, Pack. r ; a^al she chel3est Voines and Refreshments. with every stiention to the comfort of the visit as. will render this entertain ment universally celebrated. No free admisst ,ns are given. Gen tleman's Ticket, ss. ; lady's do.. 3s. Doors open at half-past nine ; commence at ten. Popper at one o'clock, 3s. 6d. each. Mr. Nathan, Cagle-street, Leicester-square, is appointed Costumier. LIGE! WATER. AT LONDON MUDGE. Tills DAT—Mora. 54 min. aft. 7—Evenirg mi.a. aft. 8 Tn.licnnow—Morn. 6 min. aft. 9—Ev6uing 47 mitt. aft. 9 THE WEATHER—SUN OFFICE, FEBRUARY 3. THERMOMETER, IN THE SH 40 -hizhest ense noon yestorday. 32 -Lowest this morning and during the night. 35 -this day at noon. PARnwirrira, 2977. WIND, N.—Light, with hard froAy weather. ) r :se• C 74,, L )NT)ON, TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 3, W 7 Shorn of its customary splendour by the absence of Tier Mest Gracious MAJESTY—the Opening of Parliament has been du'y and dully accomplished to-day, by Commission. It has latterly, and it must be allowed rather ingeniously, been discovered by Ministers to be (somewhat conveniently) unpolite to anticipate in any way the Royal Speech, usually known as the Speech from the Throne, prior to its actual delivery iu the hearing of the Legisla ture. A tolerably tantalising appeal this, to the suariter in modo of our morning contemporaries —to their loyal sense of those scarcely definable amenities and courtesies, which are, tinder any circumstances, of course, peculiarly befitting the subject—whatever his post, his party, or his principles—in relation to his Sovereign. Our selves, the matter can hardly be regarded as affecting in any manner whatever—even inci dentally. Our allusions to the Royal Speech appearing simultaneously with the Royal Speech itself ! So that in our reference to the Quay's Oration we can point to the actual text of that Oration as published "in full" elsewhere in the very same impression of this newspaper. It will be there observed, in regard to cur Foreign Rela tions, that appropriate mentien is made of the settlement by the late Paris Conferences of the very last differences which remained pertinaciously, until, as it were, but yesterday, between the Russian AUTOCRAT and the Allied Governments. Allusion will be found, moreover, in the same comprehensive document, to the arrangements recently made, or speedily to be completed, with the Siamese authorities, and with those of the Republican Administration at Washingtcn. Re• ference, as a matter of course, being in no way forgotten, to the new Asiatic Wars into which the British Empire has been dragged by the prile, the petulance, or the ambition of the Courts of Pekin and Teheran. The Persian War arising out of the lawless occupation of Herat--having been already happily signalised on our side by the seizure of Karrak and the capture of Bu shire. The Chinese War—originating in the arro gance of the Canton Governor—having been no no less promptly avenged, thanks to the vigour of the British Admiral in those waters, by the bora• barament of the city and the dismantling of its fortifications. The attention Of the country will be found also to have been very judiciously directed to such minor themes of international interest as the pause in our diplomatic relations with the Government of the Two Sicilies, and the probable close, before very much longer, of the miserable Nt.uchatel Difficulty, its probable settle ment, that is to say, by the reconciliation of the conflicting views entertained in regard to that Berwick-upon-Tweed of Continental Piincipalities by the monarchical ambition of Prussia and the federal ambition of Switzerland. As to the sub-" jects affecting ourselves more particularly—it will be seen how much stress is naturally laid by the Crown upon the projects of Law Reform' ; ENT. The Session of 1857 was this day opened by Royal Commission. In consequence of her Ma jesty not "going down to the house," there was nothing beyond the attendance of a few Peeresses to indicate the special nature of the occasion. At the usual hour the Lord Chancellor and the other peers named in the Royal Commission entered the house, and took their seats immedi ately before the throne, and the Usher of the Black Rod was directed to summon the House of Commons to their lordships' bar. On the appearance of the Speaker, who was attended by Lord Palmerston and several other members, the Royal Commission was read, and then the Lord Chancellor read the QUEEN'S SPEECH. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, We are commanded to assure you, that her Majesty has great satisfaction in recurring again to the advice and assistance of her Parliament. We are commanded by her Majesty to inform you that difficulties, which arose in regard to some of the provisions of the Treaty of Paris, delayed the complete execution of the stipulations of that treaty. Those difficulties have been overcome in a satisfactory manner, and the intentions of tjae treaty have been fully maintained. An insurrectionary movement which took place in September last in the Swiss Canton of Neuchatel, for the purpose of re-establishing in that Canton the authority of the King of Prussia as Princ© of Neuchatel, led to serious differences between his Prussian Majesty and the Swiss Confederation, threatening at one time to disturb the general peace of Europe. But her Majesty commands us to inform you that in concert with her august ally the Emperor of the French, she is endeavouring to bring about an amicable settlement of the matters in dispute, and her Majesty entertains a confident expectation that an honourable and satisfactory arrangement will be concluded. In consequence of certain discussions which took place during the Conferences at Paris, and which are recorded in the Protocols that were laid before you, her Majesty and the Emperor of the French caused communications to be made to the Govern meat of the King of the Two Sicilies, for the pur pose of inducing him to adopt a course of policy calculated to avert dangers which might disturb that peace which had been so recently restored to Europe. Her Majesty commands us to inform you, that the manner in which those friendly communications were received by his Sicilian Majesty was such as to lead her Majesty and the Emperor of the French to discontinue their diplomatic relations with his Sicilian Majesty, and they have, accordingly, withdrawn their -missions from the Court of Naples. Her Majesty has directed that papers relating to this subject shall be laid before you. Her Majesty commands us to inform you that she has been engaged in negotiations with the Go vernment of the United States, and also with the Government of Honduras, which she trusts will be successful in removing all cause of misunderstand ing with respect to Central America. Her Majesty has concluded a Treaty of Friend ship and Commerce with Siam, which will be laid before you. Her Majesty commands us to express to you her regret that the conduct of the Persian Govern ment has led to hostilities between her Majesty and the Shah of Persia. The Persian Government, in defiance of repeated warnings, and in violation of its engagements, has besieged and captured the important city of Herat. We are commanded by her Majesty to inform you, that a British naval and military force de spatched from Bombay has taken possession of the Island of Karrack, and of the town of Bushire, with a view to induce the Shah to accede to the just demands of her Majesty's Government. Her Majesty has seen with satisfaction that the naval and military forces employed on this occasion have displayed their accustomed gallantry and spirit. Her Majesty commands us to inform you that acts of violence, insults to the British flag, and in fraction of Treaty rights, committed by the local Chinese authorities at Canton, and a pertinacious refusal of redress, have rendered it necessary for her Majesty's officers in China to have recourse to measures of force to obtain satisfaction. Those measures had, up to the date of the last accounts, been taken with great forbearance, but with signal success as regards the conflicts to which they had led. We are commanded to inform you that her Ma jesty trusts that the Governmeo of Pekin will see the propriety of affording the satisfaction de manded, and of faithfully fulfilling its treaty en gagements. GENTLEMEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, Her Majesty has directed the Estimates for the ensuing year to be laid before you. They have been prepared with every attention to economy, and with a due regard to the efficient performance of the public service at home and abroad. MYORDEI AND GENTLEMEN, Her Majesty commands us to inform you that Fills will be submitted to your consideration for th consolidation and the amendment of important por tions of the law ; and her Majesty doubts not that you will give your earnest attention to matters so deeply affecting the interests of all classes of her subjects. Her Majesty commands us to recommend to your consideration the expediency of renewing for a further period the privileges of the Bank of Eng land, the conditions imposed on the issue of bank notes in the United Kingdom, and the state of the law relating to Joist-stock Banks. Her Majesty commands us to express the grati fication which it affords her to witness the general well-being and contentment of her people, and to find that notwithstanding the sacrifices unavoid ably attendant upon such a war as that which has lately terminated, the resources of the country re main unimpaired, and its productive industry con tinues unchecked in its course of progressive de- velopment. Her Majesty commits with confidence the great interests of the country to your wisdom and care, and she fervently prays that the blessing of Al mighty God may attend your deliberations, and prosper your councils for the advancement of the welfare and happiness of her loyal and faithful people. At the conclusion of the reading of the Royal Speech the Speaker withdrew, and their lordships adjourned till five o'clock. THE LORD PRESIDENT. The Earl Granville, as Lord President of the Coun cil, last evening entertained the fallowing members of the House of Peers, supporters of the Government, at his mansion in Brutou.street :—The Earl of Cork, mover of the Address ; the Duke of Cam bridge, the Lord Chancellor, the Marquis Towns hood, the Earl Harrowby, the Earl of Yarborough, the Marquis of Clanricarde, the Earl Spencer, the Earl Airlie, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Duke of Argyll, the Marquis of Ailesbury, the Earl of Shelburne, the Earl of Abingdon, the Earl of Clarendon, Lord Lilford, Lord Ward, Lord Byron, Viscount Falk land, Lord Brougham, Lord Gleuelg, Lord Stanley of Alderley, Lord Panmure, Viscount Enfiel I, Lord Mont eagle, Viscount Sydney, the Earl of Beseborough, Lord Overstone, Lord de Tebley, Viscount Torrington, and Lord Camuys. The Countess Granville received a large party of the aristocracy in the eveuing. The Earl of Derby, as Leader of the Opposition, gave a banquet last evening at his mansion in St. James's square to a party of peers, supporters of the noble earl's policy. The guests included the Duke of Beaufort, the Duke of Montrose, the Marquis of Salisbury, ths Mar• quis of Bath, the Earl of Carnarvon, the Earl of Sand wich, the Earl of Eglinton, the Earl of Lucan, the Earl of Malmesbury, the Earl of Lonsdale, the Earl of Win obliges, the Earl of Hardwicke, the Earl of Stradbroke, the Earl Delawarr, the Earl Nelson, the Earl of Wilton, Lord Colchester, and Lord Redesdale. The Right Hon. B. Disraeli received to dinner, at his residence, Grosvenor-gate, a party of members of the House of Commons. There were present—The Earl of March, the Marquis of Chandos, Lord Burghley, 1 7 i3. count Barrington, 'recount Galway, Lord Stanley, Lord Ossulston, Lord Lovaine, Lord Elmley, Lord R. Cecil, Lord A. Tempest, Colonel the Hon. J. Lindsay, the Hon. H. Cole, the Hon. H. Lowther, the Hon. H. Lid dell, the Right Hon. C. Forester, the Right Hon. Sir J. Trollope, the Right Hon. Sir J. Pakington, the Right Thn. S. Walpole, the Right Hon. C. N. Hamilton, the Hon. 0. Duncombt., the Hon. C. Hanbury, Sir W. B. Snaijth, Sir W. W. Wynn, Sir J. Ferguson, Sir J. Y. Buller, Sir A. I. Campbell, Sir W. H. Jolliffe, Sir H. Meux, Sir E. Bulwer Lytton, Mr. Palmer, of Berk shire, Mr. Miles, Mr. Neeld, /Ur. Bentinck, Mr. E. Egerton, Culonel Somerset, Colonel Buck, Mr. LeFlie, Mr. Gore Langton, Mr. Palk, Mr. George Alexander Hamilton, Mr. Muady, Mr. Bailie Cochrane, Mr. Pea cocks.. and Mr. Hardy. The Marquis of Granby, and the Right Hon. Lord John Manners were prevented waiting on Mr. Disraeli by the lamented death of his Grace the Duke 3f Rutland, K.G. The Hon. Eliot Yorke, Sir John Walah, Mr. her Seymer, and Colonel North were prevented by indisposition. We have much pleasure in announcing tbst Rear- Admiral Peter Richards, who has long been one of the most efficient Loris of the Admiralty, has been appointed Commissionerof Greenwich Hospital. Admiral Richards was First Lieutenant of the Queen Charlotte at Algiers, and has won his vay to his present high station solely by his unweariedassiduity and his steadfast honesty of purpose. The Bishop of London has appointed the Rev. Hamp den Gurney, Rector of St. Mary's, Marylebone, to the Honorary Canonry in St. Paul's Cathedral, vacated by the death of the late Rev. Thomas Bowdler. In and after the third week in February the Bishop of London will hold his recaptions at L,ndon-house on Tuesdays, instead of Frida:a, as heretofore. CUSTOMS ST/TISTICS OF LIVERPOOL. LIVERPOOL, Monday.—The All of entry of this morning publishes an account showing tha approximate value of free goods imported into Liverpool during the past year as follows ; —Quarter endiig March 31, 9,335,1521. ; do. June 30, 14,358,320/. ; cb. Sept. 30, 7,969,3931. ; do. Dec. 31 6,022,5191. ; total , 37,685,4141. POLAND. A letter from Warsaw, of the 27th ult., says : —" A report was lately current here 'that Ge neral Gortschakoff was about to retire from his functions of lieutenant of Poland, but nothing has since transpired on the subject. It has been, however, remarked that a complete accord does not exist between the governor-general and M. Tyncowski the new Secretary of State for the affairs of Poland, on several questions connected with important ameliorations to be introduced into the government of the kingdom. M. Tyncowski, whose administrative capacity is generally highly appreciated, resides, as his predecessor did, at St. Petersburg. His proposed ameliorations have been several times submitted to the Emperor, but they now appear to have met with the approbation of General Gortschakoff, and hence have risen some differences between the Governor-General and the Minister of State for Polish affairs. It is not, however, solely on those points that a difference of opinion has taken place between these two digni taries. They are also at variance as to the civil and military direction to be given to the Jewish population, who, in Poland, amount to more than 600,000. Tiv condition of the Jews has not been improved under .the present Czir, and the late ukases relative to recruitment and military service have, on the contrary, produced a painful impres sion." EGYPT. A letter from Cairo of 11Tellth ult., in the Augs burg Gazette, says :—" Said Paella has dismissed a great portion of his army, and it is affirmed that the Viceroy has only maintained on foot three bat talions with three batteries, and the negro regi ments. The remainder of the army has been sent home with a promise of seven months' pay. The officers have likewise been dismissed. This mea sure is attributed by some to the penury o f t h e finances, and by others to the discontent created in the mind of the Viceroy by the ord ers rece i ved from Constantinople relative to the uniform of the army." SWEDEN. A letter 'from Stockholm of the 18th, in the Moniteur, says :—" The preceding Diet voted a first credit of five millions of rixdollars banco (about 10 millions of francs) for the establish ment, at the expense of the State, of a railway from Gothembourg, through the provinces of Skaraborg and Neriell, and for the construction of another line from Malmo towards lonkoping, running across the provinces of Scania and Smaland. Since that time the question has been examined whether it would not be useful for the economical and military interest of the country to establish, as promptly as possible, a network of railways for the purpose of uniting to the capital Malmo, Gothembourg, and the North ern provinces of Sweden. Colonel Ericson, one of the most distinguished engineers of the king dom, and who, at the same time, fills the post of director general of the ponts et-chaussees, was charged by the King to collect every information of a nature to throw light on the question, and he has drawn up a report, which has just been pre sented, to the Diet now assembled. The States- General will be very shortly called on to discuss the recommendations made by Colonel Ericson. There is reason to expect that their opinion will be favourable." The Brazilian mail-steamer Tamar, which was obliged to put into Vigo damaged, wac. expected to proceed on her voyage to the Brazils on the 30th ult. Her Lisbon mail, which she took out from England, was sent on overland from Vigo. Mr. Savage, second wrangler at Cambridge this year, is the brother of the late senior wrangler, whose sod. den death after the accession to his honours was the subject of much regret. The father of these young m en is a dissenting minister. Our Lisbon correspondent writes :—." I am informed on good authority that the ex-Regent Dom Fernando meditates a Con'inental tour, and that in the fir:t p lac e his Majesty will proceed to England i n the war s t ea mer Mindello." Mr. of Canada, general m anager of the Grand Trunk Railway o .—....___ Sir C. P. Roney, secretary, and Canada, intend sng this i o w n e eokf, emigrantsto " rnake and other pas sm • arrangements re gardingGthleastgroanwsmthi gers from this port to all parts of Canada arid Western States of America, via Portland, Quebec, and Monthal. At Paris and in the departments complaints have for sonic time past been made of the rarity of the smaller silver coin, and complaints have been made on the sub ject by the Chambers of Commerce of Rouen, Lille, and other places. In consequence , Mint ' the of Paris is now coining, in additio n to pieces of 5f a large number o pieces of 2f., lf., and 50 c. .) THE SALE of THE PROPE SSRS MARE AND IV Co., BLACKALL.--Yesterdn". OF MB e sale of the . ay th property of Messrs. Mare and Co. , Blackwall, which took place by direction of the assignees, and which has been effected. by Messrs. Fuller and Horsey, in conjunction with Messrs. Pullen and SOD, Fore-street, was completed by the auctioneer. The auction has occupied sixteen days; and during that period an immense stock of machinery, stores of ironmongery, engines ' and boilers, tools, fix tures of the slips, steam engines, Nasmyth's hammers of great power, i . a-work for the new Westminster-bridge, &c., were disposed of. One of the most beneficial days of sale was at the disposal of the fittings of the slips, with the stock of timber slabs, which came off last Wednesday, and which were disposed of by ilia Messrs. Pullen. This consisted of an extensive stock for the use of ship builders, timber merchants, cabinet makers, &c., and comprised about 3,000 stage deals, 2,000 stage standarc.:s, 2,000 keel slocks, 300 fathoms of oak, 29,000 feet of bird's-eye m aple veneer, 2,000 feet of mouldings, ship and ca'bin fittings, &c. There was in the course of the two days' auction a more than usual attendance of buyers, among whom there was more than the usual competition, the effect of which was that the various l o ts, of ,which there were 335, went at 20 per cent. higher value than what the property had previously fetched. The whole has realised about 40,0001. What remains of the stock and plant has been purchased by the Thames Iron Works and Shipbuilding Company (Limited), Orchard-yard, Blackwa ll, for 55,0001 . , which company . intend to devote the resources of the yard to the building of ircn vessels of every towage. LITEILATURE. Henry Clarendon. A Novel. By Alice Comyn• 2 vols. Hurst and Blackett. This story is of the romantic cast, although there is nothing very extraordinary in its events. The hero is one of those so often met with in the pages of fiction, and so rarely encountered in real life, who in a few years work their way in the world to fame and fortune. He does not, however, engross so large a share of attention as usually falls to the lot of the chief characters, and indeed his cousin Edward is almost as prominently brought forward. They form a striking contrast—one an outcast, coming, as it were, to a strange country ; the other, surrounded by every luxury, pining for change, and setting out on a Journey as a relief from ennui and vexations of a trifling nature compared to those sorrows which burdened his cousin. The relation ship was not found out for a considerable time; hence, strangely enough, the traveller was an in mate of his uncle's house without being aware of it. Helen Grey is well described, her faults and her merits shown in their relative bearing to each other. Her ambition and pride caused the ruin of _ . her happiness, and yet she persevered in her un reasonable determination. She could not always control her passions, which were as vehement as her will was headstrong. It is a warning and a lesson to the presumptuous and vain to behold the Duchess in her saloons trembling under the malice of those she provoked as Helen Grey. Had she only been able to turn and confront them with the fearless gaze of truth, but•she knew she had im plicated herself, and could not conceal her former predilection. Frank Fitzgerald is depicted as en vious and mean—as such, differing greatly from his elder brother, Edward, of whom he was so jealous. The reader is struck by the deserved mortification that fell upon him when the rumoured death of his brother gave him for a brief season the dearly coveted position of eldest, and his consternation when the news, dearly welcome to the others, arrived of the safety of the heir. The charac ters of Sophia and Lucille are natural ones ; the former haughty and selfish, the latter, -with all her engaging qualities, sometimes incited into aggravating her sister, whose temper was indeed provoking, from its jealousy and self-love. The cousins, whom the Elfinghams at last discovered, were reared in a very different home to theirs. it would have been well for the sisters if their brother could have taken them away with him, for no struggles with the world had been so painful as their life at home. Amy possessed spirits that, however crushed, rose again; but Clara, the eldest, was gentle and meek. Her story is melancholy, and her early death cannot be considered untimely, for she was one of those whose walk on earth seems under a continual cloud. She was of service to others, with her kind heart and pure nature, and her mission might be none the less unprofitable, thoughworked out in the shade of suffering. It is interesting to watch the progress of the hero in his arduous undertakings, and second only to his zeal and energy was his devotion to the claims of honour. He understood his friend had set his affections on the one who had appeared as a bright dream to his harassed life, and he accordingly sacrificed his own hopes. e did not allow his friend to know the struggle in his mind, and it was not till long after that, by the failure of the former's projects, the truth was revealed to him. Various amusing passages appear in the course of the story, as well as the more exciting and impor tant ones. With the combined advantages of design and execution, of superior characters that are well worked out, this novel has a fair promise of success, and will be a pleasing addition to the stores of the library of fiction. Elizabeth de Valois, Queen of Spain. By Miss Freer, Author of " The Life of Marguerite d'Augouleme," &e. 2 Vols. Hurst and Blackett. The success and distinction which Miss Strick land has obtained from her researches in regal biography have encouraged many others to follow her example, and to bring to light the lives and actions of some of those queens and princesses of whom the general reader only knows the name. Some of the subjects of recent memoirs, it is true, have been connected with the great events or politi cal changes of their own day, and consequently have attained a little wider reputation, and it is, then, more interesting to compare the authenticated facts with the generally received opinion. The heroine of the present volumes, Elizabeth de Valois, is one of whom much has been written, but, as it now appears, little really known. The cir cumstances of her life, her marriage with the stern and gloomy Philip the Second, after her previong betrothment to his son, the catastrophe that in terrupted the bridal festivities, the miserable career ea o t f h Donw while n, o vi d s leod , geffrr a eatb nd h offer d such dramatist, arrest, tuit cs is i strictly raai tcanrttn d e ll tempting true admiration hpafhetad rcnrhotgesmor o eaoow f dupfno h p tti o e shso: o e Miss Ft eer, a ft er cons i derable research and study, rctuaa thats p n e i i d t i y l st y h t i to the should de o e t w p ns i o uo n e tr i " lays before us a different story, for which she pro duces unquestionable authority' in the state paper s of Spain and France, and other important docu ments. Philip the Second, despite his harsh and morose disposition, she asserts to have been sln' cerely attach e d t o hi s young w if e, a l ways l av ishing on her every mark of honour, and mourning her _untimely death to the end of his life. Every year, on that day, he was accustomed to repair to E 1 Escorial, to join in the service held in her memory. Elizabeth or Isabel, as her subjects called her, Wag the eldest daughter of Henry 11. and Catherine de Medici. When only sixteen she became the third wife of the King of Spain, then one o f the mightiest European powers ; at first she is said to, have regarded her consort w ith f ear a n d misgiving, for the rumou rs curren t o f Philip ' s a character were not very encouraging, but, as he only showed her his gentler qualities, she soon returned his aff e cti ons , a nd th e i r d om estic; happiness is proved by many contemporary papers. How much it was owing to Elizabeth's constant submission to the will of her imperious lord, and her careful observance of all the absurd etiquette of the Spanish court may be imagined. Elizabeth always treated her unhappy stepson with gentle ness and consideration, and she was one of the for persons for whom he showed any regard, but the absence of all jealousy on Philip's part is ,sufficient l 9 proved by his frequently leaving them together during his absence, and his finally committing then' to the same grave. The fact of a previou s a tt a ch" meat between them being rendered impossible as they had never seen each other, and the proposed engagement was merely, as was Elizabeth's Mar" , riage, one of state policy. She was called by the Spaniards, "Isabel de la Paz," as the alliance con firmed the peace between the two crowns. She is represented as a gentle and prudent character, pOS' sessing firmness and spi r it enough to have adorne d her high position, and a m i ng l ed di gn i ty an d dis cretion that rend ere d h er equal to it, notwith standing her youth. The early death of Elizabeth , though deeply regretted by her subjects, could scarcely.be a matter of surprise from the delicacy o f her health, w hi ch was great l y i n j ured , b y t he ignorance of her physicians. She had during her residence in Spain several dangerous illnesses, and in all of them their only resource appears . to have been bleeding. Her mother fre; quently besought her to have the advice 01 some French physicians, who were more ad vanced in their art, but from a mistaken desire to conform to the customs and prejudices of her adopted country the Queen always refused. Ber death took place before the storms and struggles that darkened the close of her husband's reign. The defeat of the Armada and the revolt of the Low Countries were yet in the future when Eliza" beth closed her brief existence. Miss Freer, Who has before given us the memoirs of the brilliant sister of Francis the First and her earnest ana high-minded daughter, ,the mother of Henri Quatre, has found a worthy subject in showing n° the true character of Elizabeth de Valois, and dis proving one, at least, of the accusations agains t Philip the Second. Rumours were circulated by Antonio Perez that the King had murdered bot h his son and his wife ; but when his own undoubte 6 ill-treatment by Philip, and his own character, tr,,, considered, the most p re j u di ce d wou ld hardy accept his testimony. A mong th e cur i ous doc ll, meuts interpolated in th ese vo l umes are some Lati n themes of Mary, Queen of S cots , the aister-in - la to, and playfellow of Elizabeth, though there does It seem to have been much affection between theo;, Miss Freer evidently p ossesses one i mpor t a nt quisite for an historian in a careful and painstak al j spirit. She fav ours h er rea d ers, however, with ti o unnecessary length o f d escr ipt ion o f C ou rt fet,,,, e processions, & c . Th e b oo k w ill rewar d t he in' to indifferent r ea d er , an d w ill scarce l y f a il t o add the reputati on o f it s a bl e an d i n d us t r i ous authore ss, TEA DUTIES DECLINE SUSPENSION ACT. tit which was passed in 1855 to suspend the tea dutiess% account of the war, will reduce the tea duties to ls' „a per lb. from sth April next for twelve months , defin i ' thenceforth to is. per ib. The act speaks of a '0 tive treaty of peace," and the twelve months exP ire ,; o o April, whereas.the income•taz of the same year men it the "rati fi cation " of the treaty, which would ea rl t twelve months further. There can be no doubt tba•oa was the intention of the Legislature that the alte rat b i o . in both cases should be in twelve months from the c e ' - -This act, tion of the war. IMPRISONMEI;T FOR DEBT. Alterations are b ei f l trade iu 4nitecross,tteet prison, with the VlEWonn classific;Ation of persons confided for debt. I d tis in c " - n d teinpl9.tion to classify debtors throughout Eog ial2 Wales