The Sun. — London, England, 1871-01-20 00:00:00

METROPOLITAN GOSSIP.-THURSDAY, I met an old Conservative this morning who was wild with delight at the rapid " disruption " of the Gladstono Ministry. "It will fall to pieces without our taking thl trouble to turn it out." Of course the reported resigna tion of Mr. Childers was the cause of this emotion. From all we can learn, however, the First Lord of the Admiralty has not resigned, and now the question comes : how did the Time; which lately blundered so greatly about the fall of Paris, again fall into error touching a matter of such vital importance ? Perhaps the mistake has arisen from the premature and unfortunate combination of two circumstances—the illness of Mr. Childers and his disagreement with some of his colleagues, There can he little question, I am told, respecting the lat ter point. The army is now a Cabinet question, and Mr. Childers considers the state of the land forces die- graceful. He is at one with a strong party in favour of immediate and drastic reform ; but the peer element is strong in the Ministry, and is exceedingly desi rous of doing nothing to offend either the Commander- In-Chief or more exalted members of the Royal Family. But for this division the country would never have been amazed by some of the incomprehensible " explanations" of the relations between the War Office and the Horse Guards for which Mr. Cardwell made himself famous. lam of course unable to say on which sides individual Ministers range themselves, but I should be much astonished indeed if the Premier were found amongst the anti-reformers. But not even his power can readily dispose of this most troublesome question. The difficulties are enormous. The control of the army has long been considered the most cherished prerogative of royalty. In surrendering it the throne will lose the last remnant of substantial poli tical power. And yet it happens that the retirement of the Royal Commander-in-Chief, and the complete vesting of army government in the War Department, is an indis pensable step to reform. There is no alternative. There are now hopes that some French representative, and in all probability Fevre, will attend the Conference, and thus at last the business of the Eastern question will be got through. The difficult ies attending the meeting, however, have been such as to fully justify the appre hensions I expressed in former letters. Even now the range of the deliberations is far from settled. It is an nounced that Austria will not propose terms of peace ; it could not be expected that she would. Nor is it likely that such an all-important question would be left for the diplomatists who are now in London to settle. But if any reliance is to be placed on positive statements which reach us from Paris, the Conference will not be allowed to terminate without the war coming upon the tapis. M. Favre will, according to unanimous accounts, broach the question. The last European Conference—that held in Paris on the Greek question—was marked by the dramatic withdrawal of the Greek representative, Rangabe. This coming meeting may be still more ex citing. I fear the difficulties of Earl Granville are not yet at an end. Gathering six diplomatists together for the purpose of putting a foregone conclusion on record, he will find himself confronted by the representatives of two raging belligerents. He may see the Black Sea re garded with utter indifference, and the great question of Peace or War the one which absorbs the attention of all. With regard to the intervention of England in the cause of peace, the recognition of the French Republic, or any question of that kind, it must always be borne in mind that a most powerful influence is steadily and continuously exerted against the adoption of any measure prejudicial to German interests. Ido not say that any chance of making peace would not be taken by British statesmen. The balance of argument, too, is against the immediate recognition of the French Republic. But Ido maintain that in all questions of this kind a careful consideration of German interests is rigidly maintained in the highest quarter. 'Tie feeling was displayed with almost passionate eagerness during the Danish War. It is less vehement, but still powerful, now. Nor is it difficult to discover the cause of such influence. Long before Prussian projects of German unity became known to the world, they were familiar to Prince Albert, and received his warm approba tion. The lessons he taught have been efficiently supple mented by the numerous matrimonial alliances between England and North Germany. Speaking of this subject, I may notice the report which was current a week or two ago that a certain foreign court had protested against the alliance of the Princess Louise with an English subject—a subject, too,. horrible thaught I connected through his relations with trade. I do not believe that anything so foolish as a protest was attempted ; but there can be little question that the match which is so popular in Eng land is very unfavourably regarded in Germany. It pro duces a connection with trade, and the idea of royal per sonages having dealings with any pursuit save war is of course outrageous. It cuts off a little perquisite from the Fatherland. Lastly, it will have no little tendency to diminish the influence of which I have spoken in the pre ceding paragraph. This is precisely the reason why Englishmen should rejoice at the love affair with the canny Scot. We can have no desire to resume in respect of Germany the honourable position we occupied in the reign of Charles 11. in respect of France. From Vienna there cornea a pretty positive statement that the ex-King George of Hanover will take up his residence in London early in the spring, and that one of his daughters will be married to an English Prince. There is nothing improbable in this announcement. King George now lives in the neighbourhood of Vienna ; but really so many dethroned Sovereigns are taking up tLeir quarters in Austria that they must get quite melancholy from dwelling in such close proximity. An alliance with a relative of the reigning family in England, for such is King George, would be quite unobjectionable, and the fact that he has now no subjects, is, to my thinking, a point in his favour. The Vienna statement does not give the name of the English Prince, but it must be the Duke of Edinburgh if anybody. The ex-King has two daughters, Frederika, twenty-three years of age, and Marie, nearly twenty-two. Telegraphic communication has suffered a good deal during the last few days in consequence of the wires being blown down. Surely this kind of nuisance might be pre vented. It cannot be a very difficult matter to calculate the force which the strongest hurricane can exert, and to provide material sufficiently powerful to be proof against the maximum danger of this kind. No reasonable pre caution ought to be neglected in a matter of such im portance ; and, therefore, with a proper degree of liberality on the part of Mr. Lowe, we ought after a few months to hear no more of these interrup tions. The defect supplies another illustration of the bad state in which the telegraphic plant was allowed to get by the old companies--a neglect which was the con sequence of the transfer remaining so long in negotiation. In this respect the public made a bad bargain in the pur chase of the lines. Nevertheless we may fairly hope that the general result will not be unsatisfactory. The great convenience of universal telegraphic communication at a moderate charge, attended as it is without loss to the revenue, fully indemnifies us for these temporary diffi- culties. The Government has the question of tramways now under consideration. I understand that these useful aids to town travelling will not improbably be dealt with— either by the direct intervention of the central Govern ment, or by authorising the local authorities to "assume" them. Very profitable results have followed from this kind of enterprise in America, and, to a more limits extent, in England ; and there seems to be no reason why the ratepayers should not have have the benefit. Of course the old objection of too many irons in the fire — attention being diverted by tramways from more impor tant matters—has been raised ; but it may be answered that affairs which the authorities take under their imme diate control are not always those which give them most trouble. The objection is not found to hold good in the case of the Post Office, which requires less attention than any other department. The permanent officials arrange everything, save questions of fundamental importance. The Post Office is actually a source of less trouble to the Government than the railways, which are but indirectly dependent upon central control. I make no hesitation in saying that the subject of safety on railways has been the cause of more anxious thought to all the mem bers of the Cabinet than the Post Office gives to any one of them. It should not be overlooked that a heavy com pensation must be paid if the tramways are first con structed and then bought up. At present they can be be had for the mere cost of construction. I have just heard upon the best authority that the pro ceedings in connection with the ship International are at an end. The vessel, it will be remembered, was seized by order of the Government, who alleged that a breach of the Foreign Enlistment Act had been committed, or was intended, the cargo consisting of a submarine cable for the French Govern ment, which the owners of the International had agreed IRE SUN, LO N DON FRIDAY, JAN UA RY 20, 1871. to make, and to lay between Dunkirk and Bordeaux. The point was argued at length last week, and the judgment was given a day or two since, Sir R J. Phillimore ordering the unconditional release of the vessel, but refusing to condemn the Government in damages and costs. Both parties obtained leave to appeal—the Crown against the release, and the owners on the question of damages and costs. An arrangement has since been made by which th e Crown consents to forego the right of appeal in considera tion of the owners abandoning their claim for damages. The matter is, therefore, dropped, and the order for the releaSe of the vessel will at once take effect. Mrs. Giacometti, or, as she prefers to be called, " Mrs. Giacometti Prodgers," whose disputes with various metro politan cabdrivers have formed the subject of more than one magisterial investigation, has figured in what is known among the habituis as the " Scandal Court." She mar ried an Austrian, refused to live with him, and was ordered to return and treat him with conjugal affection. She has not done so, and an attachment against her lies in the registry of the Divorce Court, which will be exe cuted if the lady fails to comply with the order. " Mrs. Prodgers," to judge from appearances, is about forty years of age, and is blessed with a profusion of light hair. She is generally accompanied by her two sons, and with them was in Court on Tuesday, when in the case of Milne v. Milne and Fowler, she had the pleasure of hearing her own case cited as one where a woman possess ing property, and being in the wrong, was ordered to pay the costs,. This particular court enjoys the notoriety of bringing certain individuals into unenviable publicity, and Mrs. Giacometti, nee Prodgers, seems bidding fair to be come one of them. There is a whisper, and I only give it for what it is worth, that a certain probate suit which was tried some five or six years ago, and where the property in dispute was over £500,000, is likely to be revived. When last before the court it excited great interest, and took many days before it was disposed of. " Britons never shall be slaves" sounds well in theory ; but I am afraid that a good many of the witnesses examined before the Truck Commissioners think differently. Fancy men with families earning eight or nine shillings a week in the nail trade, and having to deal at " tommy shops," and pay, as one witness said, sixpence halfpenny, or perhaps sevenpence, for fivepence halfpenny sugar, or twopence more a pound for butter than the other shops in the town vend the same article at ! It is sincerely to be hoped that the Commissioners—whose pertinacity in-obtaining answers from reluctant witnesses is to be highly commended—will find some practical sug gestions to make on this monstrous robbery of some of the poorest and most ignorant of our fellow-countrymen. It would not be surpsising if some Black Friday, some prodigious ruin, were to overwhelm the dramatic world. The state of affairs is far from reassuring. Several new theatres have lately been opened here, and it is becoming pretty evident that there are neither audiences to fill them nor plays to act in them. Speculation in this line has gone beyond reasonable limits. The new theatres have diminished the profits of the old, whilst the new them• selves are not as a rule very prosperous. For the most part the best plays prove the greatest attraction (which was not the case of yore) ; but then so few plays can be called even moderately good. The pantomimes grow more and more childish ; the burlesques, good and bad, are as much alike as the Mysteries of the Middle Ages ; and of the more legitimate classes we have versions of Charles Dickens's works, mostly with all the Dickensonian flavour left out, such impossible conglomerations of crime and immo rality as "Jezebel," and rechauffs like " Fernande." What is required is a pretty strong addition to the existing body of dramatic authors. The talented members of this corps are indeed very few in number, much overworked, and through good fortune liable to neglect their reputation. What can we expect in the way of good work from men who find themselves able to realise a handsome competence by knocking off plays at the rate of one in a fortnight Mr. Robertson is a specimen of an overworked dramatic author, who has come to grief in consequence of hasty production. His new piece, " War " has met with a wretched receptirn at the St. James's Theatre. It is eertainly below Mr. Robert son's mark ; but the audience, especially on the second night, carried their disapprobation far beyond the limits which the demerits of the piece could justify. An Irresistible tendeacy to laugh seized them in the middle of the second act. Once fairly started, there was- no checking the movement. The most serious passages of such a serious subject as " War," were regarded as comic, and scene after scene of gravity was greeted with explosions of merriment from all parts of the house. And so the play was " damned." There must be a good deal of luck In these things, for I never knew a dramatic performance so treated before. Some curious facts have come to my knowledge which may serve to shew the feeling of the Londoners touching the war. Mr. Strachan's excellent burlesque, " Cceur de Lion," performing at the Strand Theatre, is founded on Sir Walter Scott's story, " The Talisman." An Austrian Archduke is one of the characters, and it is part of the action that King Richard should trample on the Austrian flag. Unfortunately it happens that the individual who represents the Archduke bears a wonderful re semblance to Bismarck, and the audience, quite regardless of the Austrian colours, at once identify him with the obnoxious Prussian statesman, and go wild with enthusiasm when the flag is trampled upon. The Prussians resident in London, who ought to know the difference between the Austrian colours and their own, if Englishmen do not, are much aggrieved, and I hear that numerous complaints have been forwarded to the Lord Chamberlain, asking him to put a stop to this "insult" to the Prussian flag. Of course the Lord Chamberlain can do nothing, even if that not very active personage thought proper. When the Prussians discovei their mistake they will probably demand that the Austrian Archduke should, at least, be represented by somebody who does not resemble Bismarck. Mr. Foley, R.A., whose group for the South Kensing ton Memorial of the Prince Consort is just at present calling forth sincere expressions of praise from all art critics, has been perhaps more energetic in working for his own country, Ireland, than for us in England. I was struck in the early part of this week, when I had occasion to visit Dublin, with three statues by this artist in that city. They all stand within one hundred yards of each other, two, those of Oliver Goldsmith and Edmund Burke, being in bronze, and the third, that of Smith O'Brien, in white marble. The last work is some thing marvellous in execution, the chiselling upon the face and hands of the patriot appearing exqui sitely and accurately finished. The statue is perhaps the finest in the Irish capital, as that of King William the Third, " the Orange King," is the worst. By-the-bye, some of your readers may be preparing for a trip to Ireland, via the London and North-Western Railway. Let me assure them that they need not fear being squeezed in crowded carriages, if they are not afraid of going at either extremity of the " Limited Mail." I was very much amused at finding the central carriages of the train positively crammed at Euston, the other evening, and on asking the reason, I learnt that the recent acci dents tempted the passengers to security against danger from collision at either end, and so they took possession of the centre. On this line of railway foot-warmers are pro vided at London and Chester. There was much excitement among the tradesmen in Dublin this week, in consequence of the anticipated arrival of the Marquis of Hartington, who will, they expect, be as liberal to " a chosen few " as Mr. Fortescue has been. .ed A YOUNG IIoPF,PuL.—On Tuesday, at Liverpool a lad, only 10 years of age, named James Clare, was brought up on the charge of breaking into the warehouse of Mr. P. D. Garton, a tradesman of the town, and stealing a considerable quantity of goods. The prisoner blew the lock from the door with gunpowder. He was re manded. THE ►SPRING} ClRClllTS.—Yesterday the judges closed the Spring Circuits, as follows :—Home.—The Lord Chief Justice of England (Sir A. J. E. Cockburn, Bart., and Mr. Justice Hannen. Oxford.—Lord Chief Justice Bovill and Mr. Justice Montague Smith. Norfolk.—The Lord Chief Baron and Mr. Justice Black burn. Northern. —Mr. Baron Martin and Mr. Justice Wiles. Western. —Mr. Justice Byles and Mr. Baron Pigott. Midland.—Mr. Justice Brett and Mr. Baron Cleasby. North Wales.—Mr. Baron Bramwell. South Wales.— Mr. Justice Mellor. Mr. Justice Lush remains in town. [ADVERTISEMENT.] —Holloway's Ointment and Pills.— Rheumatism and Neuralgia.—lt is sometimes difficult to determine which of these diseases is afflicting the sufferer, but this ignorance will not matter if Holloway's remedies he used. They alleviate and cure all muscular and nervous pains. In hereditary rheumatism, after bathing the affected parts with warm salt water, Holloway's Ointment should be well rubbed upon the spot, that it may penetrate and exert its soothing and regulating pro perties on the deeper vessels and nerves, which are unduly excited, and cause both the pain and swelling. Hollo way's treatment has the merit of removing the disease without debilitating the constitution, which was the in evitable result of the bleeding, mercury, and colchicum practice, formerly adopted in these complaints. IA Fore-stWareLouse (Li B,', 9:Jun 12 Tel Con and Main L) 24} '24; 100 Fgn and Colonial Gov 211. i Trust 6p c Bonds.. 98 180 2 Thames and Mersey 99 ikrarine Incur IL .. 3,1 31 mik 7} Gen Credt&Disiit IL) idia par Tobacco 6 v a Loan. 79 guar by Dalian Gov 37 80 14 Gen Stin Navigation 271 28i 68 7 Hooper's Tel Works 1} Nis 5 Trust and Loan Co of 6, } Upper Canada .... I 1 pin 17 Hudson's Bay Eli Si 5 U Marine, Lvpool IL 5 51pin 81, t 20 Union Bteamship IL) 23 25 45 Indrbbr,GutPer.and 6 United Dis Corprn IL idis tpin Tel Works L) .... 48 49 5 UniviWarine InsuriLl 81 7pm 481. +, i 12 WarraLt Finance.... 9 7 ills 5 InternlFinan Soc(L) 2 lfdis MINING SHARE LIST.—JANUARY 19. Mows. WATSON BROTHERS. thiicet, 1, St. Michael's Alley, Cornliill, London, Active demand for Prince of Wales, East Grenville, Grenville, south Coudurrow, Rosewall 11111, West Maria, Uny, Mar Drakewalls, and Great Vor. Taquarll, Cook's Kitchen, and East Lovell weaker. Carn Brea. Chiverton Moor, Chiverton Choir tales (Gold), Cook's Kitchen, 19, 20 x d Devon Great Consols, Dral:owalls, 245, 26s Don Pedro North Del Rey, 21, 21 East Caradon, Ease Lovell, 31, 32 East Pool, East Wheal Grenville, 3 Frontino and Bolivia (Gold), —ll., —s. General Brazilian, Great Laxey, 161, 171 Great Betallack, Great 'Wheal Vol*. t 4) 11 ingslon Down, Marko Valley, 7, 71 New Belden, 15s, 208 New Lovell, 11 2 North Crofty. 2,2/ Pary's Mountain, 3. 31 Penhalls, Ferran Wheal Virgin, 13, 13 Prima) of IVales, 13. 2 Providence Mines, 37, 33 Rosewall Hill and Ransoms :United, IL 11 South Coudurrow. 43, 11 South Frances. 29, :0 Sweetland Creek, 41, 43 Tankerville, 1:1. 133 Taquaril (Gold). 23, 23 Thicroft, 50, 51 Trumpet Consols. Van Coutols, West Caradon, West Chiverton, 50, 51 West Marla and Forteseue, 275, 29s West Tankerville. Wheal A gar. 2, 21 Wheal Crebor, 12s Cd, 15s Wheal Grenville. 4, 41 Wheal Kitty. St A sues. 91, 91 Wheal Margaret, 63. 9 Wheal Mary Ann. 12, 13 Wheal Cry. 33. 4 MARKETS. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET, THURSDAY. - The cattle market to-day presented a very languid appearance. Influenced by the milder weather, the demand for all descrip tions of stock was inactive, and prices throughout were very ua Bd.l : ; y ie prime rl yi , ditto, ea s weak. There was a fair show of English beasts on sale, but the arrivals from abroad were very limited. The few sales effected were chiefly restricted to middling and inferior qualities, which were offered on rather easier terms, The best Scot and crosses sold at ss. 10d. to 6s. osx.er4es;s. p su4eccie. ohntaodsse qsd qi but p m rl ce t per Bb. There was a rather short supply of sheep in the pens, which changed hands slowly, at prices decidedly in pur chasers' favour. Calves, although scarce, were in limited u n u c h e a n t g i e e n d s . g e r s w ed. p w r e e v r i e o u s q 81b. to sink the offal :-Coarse and inferior beef, 3s. Od. to 4 Scotch,4s. 6d. to ss. 0d 45 1 .1 . tod.o 6 ; prime ; large n, request,r coarse and inferior sheep, 3s. 4d. to 3s. Bd. : second quality ditto, 4s. 2d, to 4s. 6d. ; prime coarse-wolled sheep, ss. to 55. Bd. ; prime Southdown ditto, ss. 10d. to 6s. 2d. ; large coarse calves„ 3e. Bd. to 4s. 4d. : prime small ditto, ss. to 6s. 4d. ; large hogs, 4s. 4d. to ss. 2d. • and neat small porkers, ss. 6d. to 6s. 45. Quarter-old store pigs, 225. to 265. each. Arrivals.-English :- Beasts, 785 ; sheep, 2,900 ; calves, 40 ; pigs, 20. Foreign :- Beasts, 135 ; sheep, 60 : calves, 30 ; pigs, 0. Total :-Beasts, 920 ; sheep, 2,960 ; calves, 70 ; pigs, 20. METROPOLITAN HAY AND STRAW MARKET, THURS DAY.-The market to-day was fairly supplied with hay and clover. The inquiry was dull, but prices were without material change. Prime meadow hay. 130 s. to 140 s. ; inferior ditto, 110 s. to 120 s. ; prime fresh-cut clover, 1355. to 1455. ; inferior ditto, 115 s. to 1255. ; prime second-cut clover, 1265. to 1355. ; inferior ditto. 105 s. to 115 s. ; and straw, 30s. to 40s. per load. LONDON COLONIAL AND FOREIGN PRODUCE MARKETS, THuRsDAY.-Sugar : The market to-day has been less active, the actual business concluded being limited. Prices, however, have been without change. Coffee has been in limited request, but prices have been steady. Plantation, Ceylon. and middling to good, sold at 04s. to 78s. per cwt. Tea has sold quietly, at about previous rates. Rice : The market has been steady. Oils: Linseed has been fiat, at 305. : rape has been more active, and prices have been firmer. Petroleum has been firm. S.W. Is. 60. Tallow has been quiet, 455. 6d. spot, 465. sellers, March, 465. Gd. , last three months. Metals : No business to report. BRADFORD TRADE REPORT, THURSDAY. -Trade has been good in Bradford during the past week. A fair quantity of wool has changed hands. Prices generally are still hardening, but staplers find it very difficult to realise the advance they seek, as they cannot buy profitably. In the country, how ever, they are extremely firm an d indifferent about selling, and thus the quantity turned over t o-da y is smaller. Wethers are still most in favour, and are getting very scarce. export yarns are bought less freely, for the same reason. Spin ners are well employed, and ask for more to enable them to cover the advance in wool. Rather more business is doing in carded yarns, and p r ices are advancing. In the piece trade there are some fair repeat orders for spring goods coming from the home merchants. Prices are extremely firm, and machinery generally is well under contract. SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE IRON TRADE, THURSDAY.- , There was a middling attendance at this market to-day. The ' new quarter opens most favourably, the demand for most kinds being decidedly improved. Pigs especially are in goad request, and sales good. Orders more plentiful than for last four or five weeks. Sheets are still dull. An Important alteration in the tube list is being negotiated. BRISTOL CATTLE MARKET, THURSDAY.-There was a fair supply of beef at this market to-day, which was all sold. There was a fair demand for prime, at 755. ; secondary, 708. ; inferior, 60s. to 665. There was a large supply of mutton, which was all sold at top price, 9d. per lb. ; ewes and inferior, Bd. to 80. Trade was dull in store cattle. GLASGOW CATTLE MARKET, THURSDAY. - There were 1,260 oxen at this market to-day, being fully larger supply, Trade was slower, and difficult to maintain at last week's prices. Top Scotch, 80s. per cwt. ; secondary, 755. to 785. ; 603. to 655. There were 4,711' sheep, the supply being smaller, and sold freely at top quotations. Top white faced, Btd. to Pd. per lb. ; black, 80. to 81d. per lb. ; secondary, 70. to Bd. per lb. ; middling, fid. to Yd. per lb. MANCHESTER CORN MARKET, THURSDAY.-Since the laid report of this market the trade has continued to rule quiet, with, however, a greater amount of firmness on the part of sellers. The imports into Liverpool have been on a less exten sive scale during the week, particularly of flour. Better sup plies of oats hare some from Ireland, with a fair quantity of oatmeal. This morning English wheat was held for rather more money, but met a slow sale, owing to its condition, while foreign wheat was Sd. per qr. dearer than on this day sen'night, but without a moderate demand. For flour fully late rates were asked, but there was not much disposition to buy. Oats and beans were in limited request, without change in value. Indian corn was fully ls. per qr. dearer. BIRMINGHAM CORN MARKET, THURSDAY.--There was a good supply of English wheat at this market to-day, which was 6d. per quarter dearer. Foreign wheat ls. dearer. There was a plentiful supply of barley, but it was no cheaper. Oats 6d. dearer. Beans the same. Peas were dull. Indian corn was nearly ls. dearer. LIVERPOOL COTTON MARKET, THURSDAY.-Opening Report.-This market opens with a sluggish tone, without any improvement from yesterday, The sales will probably be 10,000 or j 2,000 bales. Closing Report.-This market, on the spot, to-day has been dull and depressed, and holders being anxious, sellers and buyers have obtained a slight advantage. Arrivals are steady. Sales 12,000 bales, including 1,000 for speculation and export. CLYDE CRUSHED SUGAR MARKET, THURSDAY.-Offtelal Report.-The demand at this market to-day continues good, at prices rather higher for medium and yellow sorts. GLASGOW PIG IRON MARKET, THURSDAY.-This market closed steady to-day at 51s. Bd. in a month paid. Closing Sellers at 61s. 6di. cash on 'Monday. Buyers, 515. 6d. in a month, CORK BUTTER MARKET, THURSDAY. - Ordinary firsts, 1465., secnds 1445., thirds 1265., fourths 1125., fifths 975., sixths 635. 320 0 firkins in the market. Mild cured, no change. 6 firkins in the market. THE COMMITTEE ON DESIGNS FOR SHiPS OF WAR. The Special Committee which was appointed in conse quence of the loss of the Captain, to consider and report upon designs for ships of war, held their first meeting on Wednesday, at which all the committee were present, and, having considered their method of procedure, adjourned till Saturday week. The instructions from the Lords of the Admiralty, under which the committee is acting, de clare that all they seek from the committee is "a profes sional and scientific opinion from persons competent to give it, upon such designs as are or may be referred to them for that purpose." The Controller of the Navy has been instructed to pi epare a statement shewing what, in the opinion of the Constructor's Department, were the faulty principles of the design of the Captain, and to what extent they contributed to her loss. Reports have also been called for, explanatory of the constructive design of the Monarch, with respect to its greater or less security as compared with the Captain. On these reports the committee is asked to express its opinion, and further to consider and report its opinion as to the efficiency of the Monarch as a first-class sea-going ship of war. Similar reports relative to the Invincible class ; the Devastation class ; the Cyclops class ; the Glatton, and the Inconstant classes, will also be put before the com mittee, with the improvements which the Constructive Department suggests in the designs of the ships, and the opinion of the committee will be asked on the designs and suggestions. In considering these reports the committee is asked to advise the Lords of the Admiralty whether, with reference to the present state of naval archi tecture and the requirements of naval warfare, the prin ciples which should regulate the form and the shape of war ships are satisfied by these designs and suggestions, and whether any further modifications are desirable. For the purpose of the inquiry the Construction Department will furnish all needful documents, drawings, or calculations, and the Controller of the Navy will arrange for the at ' tendance of such officers of the department as it may be be desirable to examine. But in order to shorten the inquiry the committee is requested not to take into con sideration "any question, whether of new designs or improved appliances which are not obviously or necesa rily connected with the precise point so referred to it." Daily News. The marriage of her Royal Highness Princess Louise with the Marquis of Lorne will, it is expected, be celebrated at St. George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, on or about the 10th of March. Mr. George Howell, the late Secretary of the Reform League, has issued an address to the electors of Norwich, soliciting their votes as a working man's candidate, It has been determined to bring forward Miss Smith, sister of the distinguished mathematician, Professor Henry Smith, as a candidate for the School Board about to be formed for Oxford. BREAKFAST.—EPPS'S COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND COM FORTING.—The very agreeable character of this preparation has rendered it a general favourite. The Civil Service Gazette re marks :—" By a thorough knowledge of the natural laws which govern the operations of digestion and nutrition, and by a careful application of the fine properties of well-selected cocoa, Mr. Epps has provided our breakfast tables with a delicately flavoured beverage which may save us many heavy doctors' bills." Each packet is labelled—JAMES Em'PS & Co., Homceo pathic Chemists, London. Also, makers of Epps's Cacaoine, a very thin evening beverage.—Advt. MONETARY REPORTS.-YESTERDAY. Only a moderate business has been transacted in the . Stock Exchange to-day, and the quotations, in some in stances, have shewn signs of weakness, nevertheless the bulk of the alterations have been favourable. In the rail way market, Great Eastern and Midland have been rather easier, but an advance has taken place in Brighton, North - Western, and Great Western. As regards foreign bonds next to nothing has been doing ; but prices have ruled firm, and Turkish have • risen in value, Consols have been firm, and * better, at , 92k, 92f far delivery, and 92i, 92f, for the February ac count. Reduced and New Three per Cents., 987 x, 92g. Bank Stock has been done at 235, 237, and Exchequer bills at 10s. to 15s. prem. India Five per Cents have marked 110, 410 k, and India Bonds, 225. to 275. pm. In the market for English railway stocks no movement of importance has been noticed. Brighton and North- Western have risen and respective/y, but Great-East ern has fallen I, and Midland, t. Caledonian is quoted at 1 87, 87i; Metropolitan, 61, 61k ; Brighton, 43, 43k ; South-Eastern, 76, 76k ; Great-Northern A, 1351, 136* ; Great-Eastern, 404, 41k ; North-Eastern, 1461, 1471, Midland, 1291, 130 k ; North-Western, 1301, 130 k ; and Great-Western, 721, 72i. In Indian Railway Stocks the transactions have been limited. East Indian 1101, ; Great Indian Peninsula 1061. Canadian Shares have been quiet. Foreign Shares have sold slowly. Dutch Rhemish 221; Recife and San Francisco 15*, *. Foreign bonds have been quietly dealt in, but the tone has been steady on the whole. Turkish Five per Cents. have been I better, at 42f, 42i ; Peruvian (1865), 90, 90} ; Egyptian (1868), 75. t, 751; Italian (1861), 534, 544; Spanish, 294, 30; Turkish (1869), 57, 571; French Scrip, 31, ; and German, 14, 1 prem. For Bank shares the demand has been inactive. Alliance has marked 12k, ; Anglo-Egyptian, 22*; Imperial Ottoman, 11k, f ; London and County, 50} ; London Joint Stock, 35k. Telegraph shares have been in moderate request. Falmouths have been better, at 94, f ; British-Indian Extension have marked 6i, 6* ; British Indian Submarine, 7} ; and French Cables, 131 Silver's Indiarubber, 481 ; and Construction, 24k, 24g. Miscellaneous securities have been dealt in quietly. General Credit and Discount, 7i ; Hudson's Bay, 84. The bullion operations at the Bank to-day com prised the sale of £28,000 in bar gold, and 420,000 in sovereigns. The discount market has been rather firmer. Fair sup plies of capital have been on offer, and three months' paper has been 2i per cent. The Clearing House return for the week ending January 18, shews a total of £83,528,000, against £71,478,000 for the corresponding week last year. The Patagonia, from South America, has brought £48,000 in specie. The liquidators of the English and. Swedish Bank (Limited) have issued a report stating that the affairs of Company have been fully wound up, and that they have a balance in hand of £13,973, which will be immediately returned to the shareholders. The directors of the National Bank have declared a dividend at the rate of 7 per cent. per annum, or 21s. per share for the half year. This is an excess of 1 per cent. over the dividend announced at the corresponding period last year. At a meeting of the Alliance Bank a dividend of Is. 64. per share was declared, being at the rate of 3 per oent. per annum. The traffic return of the Great Eastern Railway Rhews a decrease on the corresponding week of last year of £2,650 ; the South-Eastern a decrease of £466 ; the North Eastern £1,295 ; the London and Brighton, £503; Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, £1,328. Lines chewing an increase of traffic are the Caledonian, £2,830 ; the Midland, £136; the Bristol and Exeter, DM; the Lancashire and Yorkshire, £3,115 ; the Great Northern, 1,036; and the Great Western, £1,032. LONDON' STOOK EXCHANGE.-TIIIJRSDAT. LATEgT PRICES.—AyrE It 0 F FICI AL Ilolf I LI The prices under the lines indisalye the business done. GOVERNMEN, BBC U RITI Sti.: nave pel Oen I Consols 921 924 Vlo4 bp o Jim k July 1840 i. 10144014 921, t, 4, $, $ lON, 4 Do for A cuount Three per Con tßedueed 924 93g If.gyptiau /882. Ipo .. .. 80 88 971. t. 8 82 New 3 per Cent 924, 4, 994 Exchequer Bills, March 10 15pm Dalian, 160. 5P 0 — Pm Peruvian. 1885. fi p o Do, June lO 15pm 90 / , 4, 4. 90 15s pin Portuguese 1809 3po .. 814 3 24 Bank Stock 237 Russian. 1862. 5 p 0.. .. 84 85 India 5 per Cents 1101, 4 Do Nicolas 4p o India Bonds — Elmuish 674, 4 pm Can 6po Jan&Julyll77-84 1031104.1 304, 294 Do March & Sept. 104 106 Turkish. 1854, 0p o Do 5p o Jan & July .. 974 98/ 784 Do Inscribed Stock .. 97 99 Do. 18:5, 5p o Dom of Can 5p o 1903 .. 98 100 42, 4x d Ceylon 6 p c May and Do, 1865 hp 0 November 1878 lO6 108 60. 594 Mauritius Cpc Jan and U. 8.5-20 Bouds,6 po 1881 904 904 July 1873 lO2 104 904, 4 New S Wales 5p 01871-76 lOO 101 Do do 1885 594 894 New Zealand 6 pa 1891 lO6 108 894 Dospo Do 5p o Consolidated 9941001 884 Do 6 pcliar&SeptlB9l 109 111 KrieSlia,lo,lols,allpald Do June & Inn 1891 108 110 Illinois Central Shares .. 10941104 Viet 6pc Jan &July 1891 113 114 Atlantic and G W RCou DoApril&Oct 1883-85 ll2 113 Mortgage Bonds — 1121, 4 RAILWAYS. Bristol and Exeter 9l 93 Do 3rd Pref Stock .... 30 33 Caledonian Great Eastern 411, 1, 401, 13 18 Great Northern 1)0 A 1 3 5 113 61 106, 1, 51 136 Great Western ofClanada 151 151 Great Western 723 721 151 723, 3 Do Up o Bonds, 1873.. 99 100 Lancashire & Yorkshire 13411351 Do 51 do, 1877-8 95 97 1351 951 Lou. Brigh, and S Coast Do 5 p o pref. issued 82 par lnm 44 3, 21, 3, 23 421 431 Madras guar 5 p e Lon, Chat, and Dover .. 133 14 N. Railway of Canada, 13) 6p a Ist Pret Bonds Lou and North-Western 130 130 k Oude and Rohilkund g 1353, 1, 1. - o p o Lon and South-Westeru 92 93 1001, 11 93 Sclnde Punjaub, and Man, Sher, and Lincoln 45 1 43 1 Delhi guar 5p a 45 1011 Metropolitan 661,4, 6 g 7 pc Midland Belgian 10 Junction .... 12931303 191 1 1301, 30 .. . 22 1 North British 251 261 North-Eastern Console 1163147 26, 3 147. 63 Dunaburg and Witepak 183 183 South-Eastern 76 761 Dutch-Rbeuish 22 23 4.tlantlc and St Lawrnee 76 77 223 3ombay, Baroda, and Eastern of France — Central India. g 5 p 0.. 103 104 Great Luxembourg Buff and Lake Huron .. 43 43 Lemberg Czernowitzgua Do 53 pc 80nd5,1872-3 - 4 79 81 7 1)0 Cape guar 0p 0 East Bengal guar 5p c lO3 104 Northern of France ... East Indian, gsp a 1101,1, 2, 4 5, 1 Orand Trunk Canada Do Equip Al ortlhid I (Limited) guar 7p o .. 151 15) charge opo . 9 2 94 153, 1, 3 93 San Paulo (14 guar 7p o 213 22 •Do 2nd do Scrip .... 84 e 6 211 8.5 i, 4) South Austn & Lom-Ven 13 151 Do Ist Pref Honda— . 58 59 Southern of France .... Grand Trunk of Canada 2nd Pre( Stock BANKING COMPANIES. Pd Pd 1 Agra Bank (1.) A 8 81 10 Imperial Ottoman .. 11 11pm 25 Alliance (L) - 12/, 1 20 Lon Char or ittistrlia 23 24 10 Anglo-Austrian 161 501, 1 20 Anglo- E g yptian (L) 211 221 15 London, J oint-Stock ?51 61 221 351, 50 British N American 50 51 20 Lou and Westmuster 631 641 20 Ch of India, Anstrlia 13 14 61, 1 13 10 Metropolitan Bl 9 •25 Char Mere of India 21 23 20 Midland (LI 10 City 25 Colonial 4 Consolidated (1, 51. 5-16, 5 25 Union of Australia.. 40 41 20 Eng. Scot. and Aus 0 16 17 401, i 2J lmperhil 11) 171. 5 TELEOPAPII COMPANIES. Pd Pd 100 Angle-Amerman LI 74 76 10 Groat Northern .... Ili ii 10 Auglo-Meditru (L) llB 120 6 Great N. China, and 120 Japan Extension.. 13t gi 100 Atlantic — 81 100 Do Bpc — 5 Indo-European IL).. 10 12 13 British Australia (L) 4 3idis 10 Marseilles, Algiers. 41 and Malta ILI .... 51 6 10 British Ind Exten (L). 61 7 10 Mediterrn Ex (L) .. 4 41 6 13-16, 1, i 21 Puma and S. PcfclL 4 3 die 10 British Indian Sub- dis marine. (L) 7}, 5-16 7/ 10 China Sulmrarine IL) 51 41dis 20 Soc Trans France (L) 13i 131 3 - 100 Submarine 237 242 1U Fahnonth. Gibraltar, Do Scrip 2} 2i and Malta (L) 9 5-16, 1 5} MISCELLANEOUS SECURITIES Pd Pd Anglo-Austrian Blid- 20 It Irrig Can Cavour 31 4 holders' Certificate 3 5 100 lin6 p c Bonds, re -10 BerlinWa.,erworks(L) IN 16 deemable 1870 61 63 30 Iloickow-Vaughan 14 28 33pm 50 Loudon Fin A ssoc(L1181 lTAdls 100 Boston City (U.S. 4 Lon Gen Omnibus .. 21 3 P °Sterling Loan 93 95 2 15-16 4 Brit k Fgn Marine L) 44i pm 2 Lou & Prov Marine L) i 1 inn 25 Canada Company. 7O 72 21 10 Ceylon Oompany Ll n 3ldis 100 Madraslrrig. &Canal 55 City Offices (L) 25)241 die g 5 u c by Ind Gov. 100 102 20 Colonial (L) 5 2 N Z Coin Union Aesurnee 4 41pin 5 Nat ealand Loan and nlDisctComp L) Ilf 121 9; 10 Crdt Font, of Eng (L) 9} 21 Mere Agency IL) .._ II pm 2 3-16 5 N Zealand Loan and MO Crystal Palace 100 Do Pre( 100 Do 6p c Peep Deb lO9 114 5 OceanMar in e lnsur ..14114f pu, 270 Ebbw Vale Steel Li.. 92 *Us 50 P and 0 Steam 46 48 100 Viceroy of Egypt 7p a 471, 6i Mortgage Loan.... 78 86 1 0 Do do N ew. 186 7 3 2 lis 79 50 Rhyiuney Iron 100 Egyp 9 p crroy Loan, 15 Do New 8) 9( guar by Egyp Gov.. 56 971 60 Royal Mail Steam 97. 7 561, 6 THE WAR. THE SIEGE OF PARIS. PARIS, January 15. The bombardment goes on steadily, though it varies a good deal in degree. Some petroleum bombs have fallen, but the result is only to produce great irritation among the people. Such fires as break out are speedily quenched, and the number of casualties has been slight. As the extreme limit which the Prussian missives have reached is at St. Sulpice and the Odeon, it is easy enough to remove the people out of harm's way. The chief drawback to this hasty removal has been the confusion it has pro duced in the matter of rations, When the in habitants of the left bank of the Seine hurried over to the right bank it naturally followed that the daily supplies, which had been sufficient prior to such a sudden influx of population, no longer went round. In the deserted districts there was more than enough bread, in others it ran short. This produced somc slight dis turbance. There was a pressure round the baker's shops, and a general commotion, but it was not in any way serious, and as the equilibrium of supply and demand was soon restored, it is not likely to continue. The fact is, whatever may have been stated, there is no prospect of immediate dearth. It is confidently asserted, by those most qualified to know, that the resources of Paris must be reckoned by months not weeks. The recent requisitions have brought to light an immense quantity of grain whose existence was never suspected. Numbers of the peasants who had taken shelter in Paris had concealed grain in their mattrasses. A leading manufacturer of the city, wno ought to be an authority, gives a most satisfactory account of the state of affairs. He says :—" Public confidence is greater than ever, and the general harmony has never been less disturbed. The demagogue clubs are nearly deserted. and many of them are shutting up. Only one feeling is pre valent here, and that is the anxiety not to capitulate, but to afford an opportunity for the armies of the province to come near Paris. We hope by the prolonga tion of our resistance to give them time to come to our succour. Bourbaki's march to the East has caused great excitement, and revived hopes of ultimate success. Until to-day, the 13th, the effects of the bombardment in the town are not very considerable. Fires cannot spread in a town whose buildings are mostly in wood and iron, and where a population of two millions are ready to extinguish them. The Parisians are even more anxious than their leaders to hold out, and it is impossible to overrate the resources of a city when the popular desire aids the efforts of the authorities. All manufacturing establishments are placed at the disposal of the Government. The great workshops of B-, instead of their locomotives, are now furnishing six thousand kilogrammes of powder a day and forty thousand kilogrammes of flour at our place rice is passed through our improvised mills. At S. " bomb shells are made with heaps of cast iron, of which we have still great quantities in Paris." One of our first duties has been to look after the people who have suffered severely from the intense cold. To save the wood we have burnt asphalte in the mills, and the rice and chocolate manufactories. This is abundantly supplied by the pavements of Paris." " With respect to food, do not believe what is said on that subject, for few persons in Paris itself know how much there is. With the bread which we are making, and in which we have put proportions of barley, rye, and rice, we shall have a sufficient supply until the 15th of March. Wine need never be rationed. You can never guess the ingenious devices to which we have have resorted. We eat not indifferent butter, made out of pomatum, and collections from the shops of the great perfumers. Tallow, of which there is always plenty in Paris, is tr. ade into lard, which doesnot betray its origin. Bones, subjected to chemical process, form a kind of gelatineous meat which is very good." "We have great difficulty in getting workmen, as the military service takes six hours a day. The municipalities provide the people with food very successfully, and if there are no more robbers, there are no more beggars either. As a proof of the confidence that is felt I may state that some buildings begun before the siege are still carried on. Financial affairs are not abandoned, though little is done at the Bourse. The cannonade still con tinues, and an officer in Fort Rosny has told me that the result of six days bombardment has been a loss of five hundred francs." . The determination of the people to resist to the last is more resolute than ever. The German papers found on the prisoners maintain that Paris is under a Dictatorship, and is forced to continue the resistance unwillingly. So far from this being the truth the popular feeling is deepening in intensity, and the public irritation is considerable against Troche, for not pushing forward his plans more vigoronsly, and for refraining from employing cruel and effectual means of reprisal There is some excuse for the inhumanity of the latter complaint in the severe provoca tion received by the Parisians. The Prussian firing, though not half so destructive as might have been expected, seems chiefly to destroy inoffensive victims, young girls, children, and old men. The papers are actively discussing the question of whether or no M. Favre shonld be represented at the London Conference. Public opinion is very much divided on the point, and oddly enough the France and the Constitutionnel are for once ranged on the side of the Radicals, and declare that France should not at this time be represented at the Conference. The 'Mats and the Patrie hold that M. Favre ought not to neglect the opportunity of opening negotiations if they could lead to an honourable peace. The Government itself, if rumour is to be believed, divided on this point, but Jules Favre himself is is inclined to the representation, and will probably carry it out. The Soir asserts that a lady of rank, coming from Tours with a safe conduct and a flag of truce, pre sented herself at the Bridge of Sevres, and asked permis sion to re-enter Paris. The Parisian authorities, amazed at such a request in the midst of bombardment, refused it. A new battery is being erected with the object of bombarding Mont Valdrien. It is in the direction of Nanterre, but sheltered at present from the fort it threatens. The scarcity of news is still a com plaint; but, thanks to new inventions, the amount of news brought by each carrier pigeon can henceforth be much increased. By using extremely thin sheets of paper four or five sheets, each containing as much news as two numbers of the Debats, can be sent by one of those invaluable little messengers, who are to be honoured by being inserted in the Parrs coat of arms. It will be a fitting tribute to pay, and an interesting memorial of this eventful siege, of which Louis Blanc is preparing a complete account. The Bank of France has made a new loan of 400,000,000 f. to the State. It is believed that the armies of the provinces have advanced, for the Prussians have certainly fallen back on Paris. The Pettple Francais boldly declares that Chanzy is only ten leagues off. The Francais, in its turn, asserts, on good authority, that Prince Frederick C+tarles has been seen at Versailles, and that he is wounded, though not dangerously. Reports of all kinds are, in fact, current, but the spirit of the people remains undaunted, whatever turn they take. THE LATE SORTIES. The correspondent of the Times with the Crown Prince of Saxony's Army furnishes pretty full details of the last sorties from Paris. In a letter dated the 14th, he says : The Guards are at Blanc Mesnil, Le Bourget, and Pont Iblon—all dangerous posts—and they had to bear the brunt of the attack last night and this morning. On laoking to the map, the reader will find that Blanc M esnil lies about a mile to the north-west of Aulnay, and Pont Iblon about half a mile to the north-west of Blanc Mesnil, and close to the Imperial road from Lille to Paris. Last night, at half-past ten, the Forts of St. Denis, the Fort of Aubervilliers, Fort Romainville, and Fort Noisy all opened a very strong fire on the three posts I have just named, and immediately afterwards the Guards at Le Bourget observed an advance of French from the direction •of Drancy. In the darkness they could not judge of the number of the coming foe, but as field artillery formed a portion of the attacking force they judged it to be con siderable. While the main body advanced on Le Bourget, wings were stretched out in the direction of Aulnay and Pont Iblon. The field batteries of the Guards at once began firing, and the three siege batteries on the line between Aulnay and Dugny also poured forth projectiles on the enemy. A body of French infantry made directly for Le Bourget, and the infantry of the Guards, of which I believe there were eight com panies, prepared to encounter them at the entrance of the village. ,At this time the wings of the attacking party each of which had field artillery, directed shells and a chassepot fusilade on Aulnay, Pont Ihlon, and Blanc Mesnil, evidently with the object of pre venting the troops at these posts from going to the assist ance of the Guards at Le Bourget. Several shells fell at Aulnay, but the powerful 24-pounder battery between that village and Blanc Mesnil kept the enemy hack, and a large body of Saxon troops only awaited the order to pro ceed to Le Bourget. The siege battery between Pcnt Iblon and Dugny rendered the advance of the French on the latter post impossible ; indeed, it is believed that there • was no serious intention on the part of the latter to break the line at either Aulnay or Pont Iblon. Their operations in this respect were only a demonstration with the object of keeping the Guards at Le Bourget from being reinforced. On the near approach of the enemy to Le Bourget they were met with such a determined rifle fire from the Guards that, after wavering once or twice, they were obliged to retreat to a considerable distance. It being now past 11 o'clook, the Guards thought that the attempt to burst through the line of investment had been relinquished, though the fire of the Forts and of the French field batteries was still kept up. But no. Shortly before 12 the French infantry again advanced, and again endeavoured to force their way into the village, and again the Guards received them with a deadly fusillade. Num bers of them fell dead and wounded, and after a struggle of some 20 minutes' duration the attacking party retired for the second time. For the next half-hour there was another artillery combat, during which the wing which had been spread out in the direction of Pont Iblon closed in towards the French centre. After mid night a third attempt was made to take Le Bourget. The French infantry approached in greater numbers than on the two former occasions, and Prussian reserves were summoned from Pont Iblon. They approached Le Bourget with a band playing at their head ; and when their music and tramp were heard there the French made a precipitate retreat ; and thus the first of the night sorties was brought to a close. The artillery on both sides kept firing for some time longer. January 15, 2 a.m. A terrific fire has just broken out from the French Forts and the intrenchment s between the forts and the batteries at Drancy. There is a sharp fusillade in the direction of Bondy, and round to our right and left. It is clear that the line of the Prussian Guards and that of the Saxons have been attacked simultaneously. All our batteries are firing, and the houses in the village are shaking to their foundations. The m9rning is frosty, but not very dark for this time of year. We hear the shells in all directions, and sheets of flame are illuminating the whole line of the Soissons Railway. 3 A. M. The telegraph and mounted troopers from the outposts inform us that there is another sortie on Le Bourget from Drancy, that the French, coming from Groslay farm and Bondy, are advancing on Nonneville at the outskirts of the forest, and from Rosny on Villemouble, and towards Gagny by way of the base of Avron. They have brought out field batteries in all those directions. They have two guns on Avron. The siege cannon from Aulnay to Dugny are opposing their approach in that direction ; there is an infantry fight at Le Bourget ; the batteries at Rainey are firing on Bondy, while those on Montfermeil are shelling the artillery and infantry on Avron. It is believed that reinforcements will not be necessary; but everthing is in readiness for the march of a whole army to the assistance of the outposts. 3.30 a.m. The French have been repulsed at all points. Le Bourget and all the other fortresses attacked an hour ago are still in the hands of the Germans. A dozen French prisoners have been taken at Nonneville ; the German loss is believed to be very small. The reserves are dismissed to their quarters. The siege batteries are still firing, but we are used to that now. AFFAIRS IN THE SOUTH-EAST. LYONS, Jan. 10. The Army of the East fights with great spirit. The news is confirmed that Bourbaki has carried the last of the fortified positions which intercepted his advance on Montb6liard, and to-day will take place an encounter which will decide its fate. The Prussians have spared no pains to defend it, for once Montbgliard is taken the approaches to Belfort will be no longer tenable by the assailants. It is said to be part of Bourbaki's. plan that Garibaldi's corps should turn Montbeliard and take the assailants of Belfort in the rear. The Germans lost heavily in the actions which followed Villersexel. The peasants say the ground was strewed with corpses. Twelve hundred prisoners were captured and sent to Besancon and Dijon. They be longed to Zastrow's corps. The Baden troops, who were decimated in the Cote d'or, took the second line, and fell back between Montbdliard and Belfort. While Bourbaki and Cremer attack Montbelietrd in force, Bressolles will turn the position on the left as Garibaldi will have doze on the right, so that these two generals will find themselves together in the rear of the corps which besieges Belfort. Bourbaki's army is divided into four corps, those of Bourbaki, Bressolles, Garibaldi, and Cremer. The mobilised legions of the Rhone are to join Cremer. The Breton Legion, which is 1,500 strong, and has several mitraille - uses, has gone to the Vosges, Bourbaki having asked for them as scouts. Correspondence with Belfort is carried on -pretty regularly from Porrentruy. One man has carried between 200 and 300 letters, at two francs per letter—six profitable journeys. The garrison musters about 12,000 men, and the besiegers 25,000, partly Prussians, partly Bavarians and Badois. The 3rd battalion of the Garde9 Mobiles of the mouth of the Rhone, which has garrisoned Bonn, in Algeria, since the beginning of the campaign, is expected here. With it will arrive a complete battery of artillery,cannon, cases, and rifled breechloading bronze cannon. This magnificent battery is a present to the Government of National Defence from the Maritime Compagnie des Messageries. Under a Government order, the Prefect of the Rhone has just made a requisition of coaches in all the Communes. They are to be sent to Chalon and Besancon. Walewski, commandant of the Corps des Vengeurs, who fled into Switzerland with his company's funds, will be brought to justice. A correspondent of the Times with the German army says that Chanzy's forces seem inferior to those with which he resisted the German advance at Beaugency. A letter from Pesth, in the Cologne Gazette, states that General Schweinitz, the North German Ambassador, dined with the Emperor of Austria on the I2th. The Emperor made inquiries as to the health of the King of Prussia, and warmly praised the Prussian army and its generalship. A private letter, written from the neighbourhood of Paris, and dated January 13, says : " Do not expect the fall of Paris too soon. ' There's many a slip,' says the proverb, and Trochu may hammer on until February for aught that I can see. The war is likely to be a longer and more doubtful affair than our German friends expected in November. The fall of Paris will not end a struggle like this, nor is it clear what Ger many is to do after her final triumph—if it ever come —at Bordeaux." General von Goeben succeeds Manteuffel in the northern command. He has only three divisions under him, and will probably remain on the defensive, unless Faidherbe, in attacking him, meets with a decided defeat, and has to seek shelter in one of the northern fortresses. In this case Goeben will probably follow him, and throwing a line of investment round the French general's refuge, rest con tent with holding the Army of the North virtually prisoners. —Standard Correspondent. The complaint recently addressed by the French Pro visional Government to the Court of Vienna that a large number of Austrian railway waggons were being employed by the Germans for the purposes of the war has led to an inquiry by the Prussian authorities. The result at which they have arrived is, that Austrian waggons have hardly ever been used by the German authorities, but that a large number of such waggons were on French territory at the outbreak of the war, and on the advance of the invading army were sent into western and southern France, where they are still employed for military purposes. It is hoped that the Austrian Government will demand the return of this rolling stock. The correspondent of the Daily News is sorry to saY that drunkenness is on the increase in the German army besieging Paris. "In the active campaign preced ing the siege you would hardly ever see a man drunk—now hiccoughing gentlemen, making a staggering exit from the shop tenanted by a marketender, are far from uncommon• There is more than cause for this. The men in a siege get inexpressibly ennuye, and somebody has said that the climax of ennui is delirium tremens or suicide. Perhaps even a stronger cause is the want of beer, and the conse quent necessity, if a man drinks at all, to take glass after glass of rotgut rum, schnapps, or arrack." BIRTHS. On the 18th, the wife of F. R. Hales, Esq., of 9, Clayey ton street, S.W., and Harwich, of a son. Ou the 18th, at 50, Lee-terrace, Blackheath, the w ife of J. S. Morley, Esq., of a son. On the 16th inst., at. 3, Porchester-square, the wife of C. F. Clements, Esq., of a daughter. On thel6th inst., at 29, Highbury-grove, the wife of Mr. John Sugden, of a aon. MARRIAGES. On the 17th, at the parish church, Clapham, Charles Henry Bennett, son of Rear-Admiral Patey, to lens c ' only (laughter of the late Nathaniel Overbury. Esq., The Grove, Clapham-common. On the 17th, at Holy Trinity, Marylebone, William Flu r / Darnell, Lieut. H.M. 54th Regiment, to Jane gar garet, daughter of the late Alexander Smith, C.E. DE.knis. On the 17th, at Kington, Richard Banks, Esq., Clerk of the Peace for Radnorshire, in his 80th year. On the 18th, at 50, Winchester-street, Mr. Thomas 1 08 tall, aged 70. London : Printed by GIDEON ACLAND BOYCE' at No. 112, Strand, Printer, and Published by bird e THE SUN Office, No. 112, Strand, in the Precinct of tb Savoy, in the County of Middlesex. Friday, January 20, 1871,