The Sun. — London, England, 1871-02-10 00:00:00

MADAME TUSSAUD'S EXHIBITION, Baker street.—On view, Portrait Models of the King and Crown Prince of Prussia, Prince Leopold of Hohenzollern. Also Count von Bismarck and Count von Moltke.—Admission, ls. ; Children wider Ten Years of age, 6d. Extra Rooms, 6d. extra.— Open from 10 a,m. till 1Q p.m. TORN GOSNELL AND CO.'S CHERRY tTOOTH PASTE is greatly superior to any tooth powder ; gives the teeth a pearl whiteness, protects the enamel from decay, and imparts a pleasant fragrance to the breath. Price Is. 6d. —Red Bull Wharf, 93, Upper Thames-street, London. ri MOSES and SON'S .12J • OVERCOATS, 19s. to £5. B OY'S OVERCOATS, 7s. 6d. to 455. - V MOSES and SON beg to remind the p u bli c ji2.4. that the cheapcesi of an article depends enti. ely on its quality ; and they venture to say that their nrices will compare favourably with those of any other house in England. MOSES and SON'S -Jl-4• OXFORD COATS, 17s. to 50s. CAMBRIDGE COATS, 19s. to 50s. KERTCH JACKETS, 153. to 425. SUTHERLAND JACKETS, 19s. 6d. to 50s. BUSINESS SUITS, 28s. to 608. - E1 MOSES and SON'S easy and accurate system juj• of self-measure enables them to execute orders by post, with the guarantee of a faultless fit. -1 V MOSES and SON'S -Us FROCK COATS, 245. to 635. D RESS COATS, 255. to 60s. ORNING TROUSER:3, lls. Gd. to 21s. .1.11 DRESS TROUSERS, 12s. 6d. to 265. MOURNING SUITS, 28s. to £5. MOSES and SON'S B OYS' CLOTHING : KNICKERBOCKER SUITS, 9s. 6s. to 40s. ETON SUITS, 15s. to 40s. B RIGHTON SUITS, 183. to 48s. D RESS SLITS, 255. to 635. TEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET_ H The 72nd Night of a NEW FAIRY COMEDY. —THIS EVENING (Friday), at Seven, .o'Keefe's Musical Piec e, THE POOR SOLDIER, with selections from the original music. Patrick, Miss Fanny Wright ; Norah, Miss Fanny G w y nne After which, at a quarter to Eight o'clock, a new Fairy C ome dy: in Three Acts, entitled THE PALACE OF TRUTH. Characters by Mr. Buckstone, Messrs. Kendal, Everil, Clark, Braid, Rogers, Biesdames Robertson, Chippendale, C. Hill, Fanny Wright, and Fanny Gwynne. Act I. Garden of King Phanor's Country House. Act IL Interior of the Palace of Truth. Act 111. The Avenue of Palms. Followed by UNCLE'S WILL. Mr. Kendal and Miss Robertson. Concluding with the Farce of FAMILY JARS. Mr. SOTHERN will re-appear on the Ist of May. Box Office open daily from 10 till 5. ADELPHI THEATRE ROYAL. Sole Pro prietor, Mr. Benjamin Webster; Managers, Mr. B. Webster and Mr. F. B. Chatterton.—THlS EVENING, at 7, THAT RASCAL JACK : Mr., John Rouse. At 7.30 ( 6 th time) , DEADMAN'S POINT ; or, THE LIGHTHOUSE ON THE CARN RUTH : Miss Furtado, Mrs. A. Mellon, Mrs. Leigh Murray, Miss M. Cooper, and Mrs. Billington ; J. Rouse, C. H. Stephen son, and (oth appearance here) Messrs. E. F. Edgar, iVollaire, A. C. Lilly, and A. Raynor. At 9.30, the MISTLETOE BOUGH. Mr. Brittain Wright, Mrs. A. Mellon, Mademoiselle Debreaux, Miss Dubois, Miss Bella Moore, Miss Bellew, &c. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.---Sole Lessee, Benjamin Webster. Managers, B. Webster and F. B. Chatterton.— THIS EVENING, at 7, HE'S A LUNATIC. Mr. j, Clayton. At 7.30, KING 0' SCOTS. Founded on Sir Walter Scott's Novel of "The Fortunes of Nigel," written and adapted by Andrew Halliday. King James and Old Trapbois the Miser, Mr. Phelps. Messrs. W. Rignold, Herbert Crellin, Barrett, J.John stone, Marshall, J. Murray, H. Russell, Wallace, Clifford, West land, J. Clayton, etc. ; Mesdames R. Leclercq, A. Merton, R. Power, F. Addison, &c. New and magnificent scenery, by F. Lloyd and assistants. To couclude with THE HAPPY MAN. Mr. Shiel Barry.—Box-office open from Ten. till Five. ported by Messrs. H. J. Montague, David James, and T. Thorne, &c.; Mesdames Amy Fawsitt, A . Ne wton , and Nelly Power, &c. VAUDEVILLE THEATRE, STRAND. Lessees—Messrs. H. J. Montague, D. James, and Th orn e.--THIS EVENING, at 7, CHISELLING (14r3d Night) T. Mr. David James. After n wlneh, TWO ROSES (216th night), by J es Albery. Conclude with (74th night) ELIzABETH. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE s o le Lessee and Manageress, Mrs. Swanborough. THIS EVENING, at 7, WHO SPEAKS FIRST? Mr. Joyce ;* Misses ' Hughes, Lee. After which, UP IN THE WORLD; Messrs. Terry, 'Wilton, Crouch, Turner ; Mesdames Ada Swanborough Sheridan, Anstiss, Goodall. To conclude with C(EUR-DE-LION, Messrs. Terry, Paulton, Fenton, and Turner ; Mesdames Amy Sheridan, E. Bufton, Santley, Lee, Goodall, 8;c. ROYAL COURT THEATRE, Sloane-square, S.W. Lessee and Manager, M. LITTON. THIS EVENING, at Eight o'clock. Fifteenth Night of W. S. Gilbert's original comedy entitled RANDALL'S THUMB. Sup. ported by Messrs. Hermann Vezin, W. Belford, Edward Righ ton, H. Mellon, R. Astley, and Frank Matthews ; Mesdames M. Brennan, Kate Bishcp, Stephens, and Eleanor Bufton. Pre ceded by, at 7.30, TURN HIM OUT ; and to conclude with an original comedietta, by F. A. Marshall, entitled Q. E. D. Supported by Messrs. W Belford, E. Righton, Misses M. Bren nan, Kate Bishop, and Kate Manor. Box office open from 11 to 5. No fees for booking, programmes, or cloak rooms. Trains by Metropolitan Railway to the very doors of the Theatre.—Acting Manager, Mr. John Huy. Tj OYALTY THEATRE.-TO-NIGHT, Al, February 10.—The 27th time of an original Comedietta, by R. Reece, in Two Acts, entitled DORA'S DEVICE. At 7.30, DIAMOND CUT DIAMOND; at 8.15, DORA'S DEVICE; concluding With WHITTINGTON JUNIOR and his SENSATION CAT. ROYAL POLYTECHNIC. - EXTRAORDI NARY and COMBINED ENTERTAINMENT. PRO FESSOR PEPPER on THE WAR. Special Edition. Musical and Pictorial Illustrations.—Mr. GEORGE GROSSMITH, Jun., In the Fairy Tale, THE YELLOW DWARF, every Evening GRECIAN STATUARY, by MADAME BOUSFIELD ; and a thousand and one other Entertainments all for ONE SHILLING, daily, 12 to 5 and 7 to 10. MADAME TUSSAIM'S EXHIBITION, Baker street.—On view, Portrait Models of the ex-Emperor and Empress of the French, and Prince Imperial. Also, Marshal Bazaine, Marshal Canrobert, General Trochu, &c., &c., &c.— Admission, ls. ; Children under Ten Years of age, 6d. Extra Rooms, 6d. extra. Open from 10 a.m. till 10 p.m. EMOSES and SON supply every description of . Clothing, ready-made or made to measure, for all ages, all occasions, and all @lasses ; also Hosiery anr Drapery, Hats and Caps, Boots and Shoes, and complete outfits for all climates. All Goods marked in Plain Figures. Any Article exchanged if not worn or injured. List of Prices. with Boles for Self-measure, Patterns, and Fashion-sheet, gratis and post-free. E. MOSES and SON'S Establishments are closed every Friday evening at sunset till Saturduy evening at sunset, when business s resumed until Eleven o'clock. The following are the only addresses of E. MOSES and SON : LONDON. CORNER of MINORU:6 and ALDGATE. NEW OXFORD-STREET, COR NER of HAR T-STREET. CORNER of TOTTENHAM-COURT-ROAD and EUSTON-ROAD. COUNTRY Biwwa BRADFORD, YORKSHIRE. T HEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LANE. Lessee and Manager, F. B. Chatterton. THIS EVENING,. Her Majesty's Servants will perform a New and Original Farce, entitled RULE BRITANNIA ; after which will be performed the Drury Lane Grand Comic Christmas Annual, entitled THE DRAGON OF WANTLEY ; or, HAR LEQUIN AND OLD MOTHER SHIPTON, with Characteristic Scenery by William Beverly. Doors open at half-past Six, com mence at Seven, and terminate at Eleven o'clock every Evening. Box-office open from Ten till Five daily. MORNING PERFORMANCE of the Grand Pantomime, entitled the DRAGON OF WANTLEY, every Wednesday and Saturday. Children and Schools at re duced prices to the following parts of the Theatre :—First Circle, Dress Circle, and Stalls. Box-office open from Ten till Five daily.— THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LANE. ANDREW HALLIDAY'S Great Drama, AMY ROBSART will be revived on MONDAY, February 27. Box-office open from Ten till Five daiIy.—THEATRE-ROYAL, DRURY-LANE. MISS VICTORIA VOKES will resume her successful impersonation of AMY ROBSART on MON DAY, February 27.—80 x-office open from 10 till 5 daily.— THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY LANE. pIRTRIDGE AND COOPER. MANUFACTURING STATIONERS, 192, FLEET-STREET (CORNER OF CHANCERY-LANE), LONDON, E.C. THE PUBLIC SUPPLIED AT WHOLESALE PRICES, AND CARRIAGE PAID to the COUNTRY ON ORDERS OVER 20s. Per ream. S. d. Fine Cream Laid Note ; a cheap paper . Superfine Cream Laid Note ; much approved Superfine Thick Cream Laid Note ; especially recommended 5 6 Extra Superfine Double Thick Cream Laid Note 7 0 Straw Paper, "Patent ;" adapted for rapid writing Large Commercial Note Paper 5.......... 35., 45., 55., and 6 0 Foolscap Papers, blue or cream .... 10s. 6d., 12s. 6d., and 14 6 Outside; Foolscap ............. ...... 6 6 Letter Paper for scribbling Tinted Lined Note .... . ..... five quires for is. 6d., or 5 0 New Vellum Wove "Club House" Note, five quires for 2s. 6d. Superfine Cream or Blue Envelopes, 4s 6d, Cs 6d, & Os 6d Large Blue Wove Commercial Envelopes, 4s 6d ...... per 1000 Cheap Buff Colour, for circulars, &c., 35.... „ COLOUR STAMPING (Relief) . reddced to Is. pet:100. Polished steel dies sunk by the beet artists to the trade at about half the prices charged by the retail houses. An ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE, containing full descrip tions, with prices of Account Books, Copying Presses, Inkstands, Stationery, Cabinets, Postage Scales, Despatch Boxes, Travelling Writing Cases, Desks, post free. Established 1841. NOTHING IMPOSSIBLE. AGUA. AMARELLA restores the Human Hair to its pristine hue, no matter at what age. JOHN GOSNELL and CO. have at length, with the aid of one of the most eminent Chemists, succeeded in perfecting this wonderful liquid. It is now offered to the public in a more con centrated form, and at a lower price. - Sold in bottles, 3s. each ; also 5s , 7s. 6d., and 15s. each, including brush. • Bed Bull Wharf, Angel-passage, 93, Upper Thames-street, London, E.C. THEATRES AND AMUSEMENTS. DRURY LANE—RuIe Britannia. Dragon of Wantley. COVENT GARDEN—Lottery Ticket. Sleeping Beauty. ADELPHI—That Rascal Jack. Deadman's Point. The Mistletoe Bough. PRINCESS'S—He's a Lunatic. King o' Scots. The Happy Man. lairmAßKET—The Poor Soldier. The Palace of Truth. Uncle's Will. Family Jars. VAUDEVILLE -Chiselling. Two Roses. Elizabeth, or the Invisible Armada. OPERA ComiQuE 7 Found Drowned. The Lottery Ticket. The Carnial Ball. ST. JAMES'S—To Oblige Benson. Naval Engagements. Vesta. An Unhappy Pair. OLYMPlC—Poppleton's Predicament. Nell and (Bur lesque) Paul and Virginia. ROYALTY—Dora's Device. Whittington Junior and his Sensation Cat. Diamond Cut Diamond. GAIETY—A Christmas Story. Alladin IL QUEEN'S--A Day After the Wedding. 'Twixt Axe and Crown. ROYAL COVET THEATRE—Turn Him Out. Randall's Thumb. Q.E.D. HOLBORN—Jezabel. Ticket-of-Leave Man. STRAND—Who Speaks First ? Up in the World. Cceur-de-Lion. PRINCE OFPITALES'S—Ours. Locked In. ASTLEY'S —Englishmen in Paris. Little Torn Tittlemouse. Sonny—Farce. My Son Jack. NATIONAL STANDARD--FarCO. Ride a Cock Horse to Banbury Cross. SADLER'S WELLS—Sinbad the Sailor. AMPHITHEARE AND CIRCUS (Holborn)—Lulu. Scenes in the Arena. ST. JAMES'S HALL— Christy Ministrels. Every evening. ALHAMBRA—Grand Concerts. PoLrrEcHmc—Professor Pepper's War Lecture. After noon and evening. MADAME TUSSAUD'S (Baker•street)—From 10 a.m. till 10 p.m. Is. ; extra rooms, 6d. efr -' , ;e4-n *nu • LONDON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1871. THE QUEEN'S Speech of 1871 is, in some respects, a surprise. A lingering fear seems to have lately possessed itself of the public mind that the Govern ment was, from some unexplained reason, not likely to come quite up to the proper Liberal mark this year. The Foreign Office, it was thought by some, had not displayed sufficient activity ; there was no promise of such a measure of army reform as would satisfy the country; there were few symptoms that Mr. BRUCE'S various measures would emerge from that stage of " consideration " in which they have vege tated so long. There is nothing in the Speech from the Throne to confirm these premature . apprehen sions, and not a little to the contrary. It is the longest message read to Parliament within the - last few years, and its fulness does not arise from long winded ambiguity, but from the multiplicity of the subjects dealt with. Indeed the Speech is unusually full of information. In the large propor tion necessarily devoted to foreign affairs, con sideration is shewn to the now prevalent sympathy of the country by the adoption of a tone of the utmost respect to France. It is " with con cern" that no representative could be ac credited by England to the Government of Defence, but the September Ministry has been recognisel for all practical purposes, and there will be no hesitation in completely acknowledging any Government whatsoever that may be established by the votes of the people. Naturally, Englishmen look most eagerly fox some explanation touching the efforts made by the English Government to pro cure peace. Such overtures were put forth on more than one occasion previously to the fall of Paris, but came to nothing. We believe it is correct to say that these friendly offices have been much more actively exerted during the last few days, in deference to the clearly expressed wish of the public. HER MAJESTY'S Ministers, in common with most people, have great hopes that a peace will now be obtainel, ' and they add the wish that it_may be honourable for both parties, and of long duration. It obviously depends entirely upon one party whether these wishes are to be fulfilled. Not merely a peace of long duration, but any peace whatsoes er can be secured only by reasonable terms, and if the British Government have pointed out to the German leaders the inestimable benefits they will confer upon them selves and Europe by a generous policy in the hour of victory, the full approval of Englishmen will be given to so difficult and delicate a procedure. Other foreign matters of importance are touched upon. Of the first moment is the announcement that a commission has been appointed to settle the Fisheries Question, and that this commis sion will deal with the klabama Question at the same time. This advanced state of negotia tions will be a universal surprise. It was under stood that the difficulties with America had been seriously taken up again; it is a decided triumph of the Government to have advanced them eo far already. We can only express a hope that in the matter or the fisheries the dignity of England and the interests of Canada will be carefully maintained. The claim as made by President GRANT was a most unjust one; it was preferred in a very offensive manner; and it hardly indicates a disposition to cultivate friendly re lations that the American House of Repre sentatives should be hailing Fenian prisoners with joy whilst we are doing our best to ensure peace and harmony. The advances of great nations ought to be met halfway. The announcement touching the Greek brigands is not a surprise. Nobody who knew anything of the state of affairs in Greece, could expect any satisfaction from the inquiry set on foot by the English Foreign Office. The case, we fear, is quite a hopeless one. The paragraph which has been most anxiously awaited by the country, is that referring to the reform of the army. We are simply told that such a measure is coming. It will involve, "at least for a time," increased charges; but whether it will remove those abuses which are at present insupe rable obstacles to the bettor organization of the land forces, remains to be seen. 'The exercise of public patience will not, however, be severe: The budget of social measures promised is fine and satisfactory, and the statement that something will not be done is likewise acceptable. For one session Ireland will give way to the Empire, and it is not too mtich to say that the latter this time deserves the preference. The measures promised mostly deal with the arrears of former sessions, but they are numerous and of prime importauee. Scotch Education, the Ballot, University Tests, Law Re:Orin, and Amend ment of the Licensing Laws are the chief ones. On the wbele the Speech begins the Session well. It is impossible to regard the prospect as satisfactory whilst Europe is suffering from one of the greatest evils that ever befel it, and whilst our own chief pre-occupatioA will be to provide for the national defence ; but the Government is not behindhanci in facing flicks questions which most intimately affect the national interests and honour. It promises all that we could expect of it. It remains to be seen whether it will fail in the performance. The Speech from the Throne is necessarily a formality more or less, but the Speech .if 1871 is so to a smaller extent than any other of late years. TOPICS OF THE DAY. THE SUN. LONDON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 10, 1871. well as men in several pursuits whereof they coul I undertake the work as efficiently. The Times wishes that the intelligent-, heads of the Postal Telegraph Department, who have conferred many c-Ilateral kindnesses on the lady assistants by allowing them to have dinner cooked in the office, by absolving them from night labour, &C., would designate them by some more appropriate title than " female clerks." The expression is only worthy of Mr. Gradgrin , l, while the admirable industry, quickness, and intelligence of the la lies, it is contended, form a claim to some distinctive pro fessional title. STEAM ILOLLEUS. A question of considerable interest has been raised by the Society f or the Pr even ti o n of C rue lty t o Animals, and it is to be hoped it will not be allowed to pass out of notice. The needless cruelty of com pelling the draught horses of our large towns to tread down sharp pointed pieces of granite into .the macadamised roads has often been spoken of. The work is quickly, cheaply,. and effectually done by a steam roller. The society have long wished to test the law on the subject, and have no* taken out two summonses against the parish authorities of M:iry lebone, for injuring a horse which ha 1 its foot cut by a piece of sharp granite. The case was argued on both sides, and the magistrate, who strongly advocated the ~s e of the roller, said it could hardly be doubted that it was cruelty to cut horses' feet. At the same time the defendants could have no guilty intention, and he believed the object of the prosecution would be answered if the vestry undertook to u-e the steam roller. The case was therefore adjourned for lour teen days to give an opportunity for some arrange ment. It appeared that the vestry had a steam roller, but that it was not use,]. THE SUEZ CANAL. • There has been some idea of forming a board of ' English directors in London in connection with the Suez Canal. Sir Daniel A. Lange has been requested by influential persons to take the management, and it was urged that the commerce of the country was greatly concerned in the efficient maintenance of the canal. Sir D. Lange did not express his concurrence with the views set forth by the proposers of the scheme, but be signified his willingness to support any undertaking which would promote the interests of the Suez Canal and tend to the advantage of England. At the same time, he said, it would be useless to go further into the matter in the unavoidable absence of his friend, M. de Lesseps, who is now in Paris. He could not make any promise, or commit himself to a definite arrange ment, without M. de Lesseps's full knowledge and con sent. These sentiments were received with general satisfaction by those interested in the plan. THE FRENCH ELECTIONS. Either the French National Assembly must meet with many of its seats unfilled, or time will be lost in repeating some of the elections. It is customary for the leading French politicians to stand for two or three places at the same time, and not unfre quently are they twice chosen. On this occasion the multiplicity of candidatures is greater than over. General Trochu is nominated, with or without his consent, in five places, M. Thiers in four, M. Gambetta, M. Jules Simon, Garibaldi, M. Laurier, and M. Steenackers in three, besides many others in two or more. It is far from impro bable that many of these may be • chosen in two or more places, and that when the elections are com - pleted, a score of members will possess two or three seats. THE SIEGE OF BELFORT. The determined resistance which Belfort ha made against all the attacks of the Prussians is a tribute to the genius of Vauban. Belfort is the chief town of the Haut-Rhin, and is built at the base of a rock which Vauban surrounded with fortifica tions. In 1852 this heroic little city numbered 5,689 inhabitants, its business was in a flourishing condition previous to the war, and its trade was goo .l in wines, clockmaking, and metallurgy. Belfort has belonged to France since 1648, at which time it was given up by the Austrians. Under the Restoration oue of the numerous conspiracies of the time was organised there by Colonel Caron. It is mentioned in history as the Conspiracy of Belfort. As it has been fiercely bombarded, Belfort is now probably little more than a heap of ruins. It is separated from the rest of France by a circle of iron and of fire, but as a last example of the heroic re sistance of ancient times it defends itself vigorously. Although Paris has fallen, Belfort still detains a complete army of the enemy at the foot of its inaccessible rock. TIIR ADMIRALTY. Some of the papers have stated that Captain Robert Hall, C. 8., is to succeed Vice-Admiral Sir Spencer Robinson, as Controller of the Navy, and much surprise has been expressed at the sudden an nouncement. The Controllership has usually been held for live years, but in recent changes of the Ad miralty department that office has been attached to that of a junior Lord, and a new patent having been made out for the existing Board, it would appear that the Controllership is a place only terminable by the revocation of the patent. Hence the astonishment at the strange rumour of the gallant Admiral's with drawal from office. There has been, it seems, some little quarrel between Mr. Childers and • Sir Spencer Robinson which has apparently ripened into a demand by Mr. Gladstone that the Controller of the Navy should resign his post. As Sir Spencer Robinson refuses to comply with the order unless an explanation is given of the fault he is supposed to have commited, the revoking of the patent will no doubt be undertaken. It is probable however, that the matter will be placed in the hands of a committee of inquiry before any more decisive step is made. A correspondent of the Manchester Guardian says Mr. Childers is so indisposed that his advisers on the whole are in doubt whether he should proceed with his contemplated visit to the Mediter ranean. ROYAL ENGINEERS' REPORT. The committee on the employment of officers of Royal Engineers have given in their report. They recommend the ailoption of regulations under which the Public Works Department of India and all other Government Departments in any part of the Empire can obtain as many officers of Royal Engineers as they may require. The regulations have been approved, and are about to be put in farce. One of the most important questions in connection with this subject is the proposed establishment of a Civil Engineer College in India to supply the wants of . the Public Works Department. It has been urged that no such expense or trouble is necessary if there is an improved organisation of the Royal Engineers.' This is a matter which will probably be discussed in Parliament, but the report of the committee favours the opinion that a more elastic system with regard to the Royal Engineers would .supply all existing deficiencies. THE CONTAGIOUS DISHASNS ACT. Mr. Stansfeld has replied to the resolutions passed at a meeting held at the Mechanic.; Hall, Lomb'', in January, in which it was contended that the moral aspect of the question of the repeal of the Contagious Act was not sufficiently impressed upon the Commissioners who are now discussing the expediency or inexpe diency of continuing the Acts. Mr. Stansfeld declares that he and the premier both agree that there can be no misrepresentation on the point, inasmuch as the Commissioners, in a circular addrmscd to them, were especially intormed that it was by the ascertained moral tendency of the measures that they ought ulti mately to be j udged. It was urged •upon the Com missioners that if the acts were shown to be immoral in their principles and tendency, no supposed physical advantages consequent upon their operation could justify their continuance. WO➢IEN AT THE TELEGRAPH OFFICES. The claimants for the supremacy of women have found a warm friend in Mr. Scudamore of the Post office. At the central telegraph-office in Tele graph-street, London, there are employed at the present moment 485 young women, and only 250 males ; and we are told that the former have in many cases already proved themselves worthy of a payment of £2 a week. This is saying a great deal for the ladies, whose honourable inde pendence must be a source of continual thankful ness, not only to their friends, but to 'all who bewail the want of justice in not making it a general practice that women of the middle classes should be enabled to earn livings as .11Eli MAJESTY. WINDSOR CASTLE, FEBRUARY 9. The Queen, accompanied by Princess Beatrice, and attended by Lady Churchill, drove out yesterday after- noon. Prince and Princess Christian dined with the Queen in the evening. FRENCH PRISONERS OF WAR IN GERMANY. A morning performance for the benefit of the French prisoners in Germany, WAS given at Drury Lane Theatre, on Thuriday, in the presence of a very large and distin guished company. Mr. Chatterton generously offered the use of his theatre gratuitously for this charitable purpose The programme was an unusually attractive one ; and consisted of Colonel Addison's fairy story of the "Abbe Vaudreuil," in which Madame Celeste sustained the role of the Abbe, and Mdlle Gosselin danced "La Tarentella." This was followed by a spirited comedietta, in which Mdlles. Hortanse and Elise Damain, late of the Paris TheAtre du Palais Royal, and M. George, of the ])ejazet French Company, performed the principal parts. Mr. J. L. Toole gave with inimitable humour his well known burlesque lectures and imitations of popular actors, and Mdlles. Noerni and Clemence Noldtenfel executed Rossini's grand duo from " Guillaume Tell" on the harp . and pianoforte. A comedy, written for the occasion, and entitled " Joy is Dangerous," met with an enthusiastic reception. The scene is laid at a chateau near Bordeaux, and the drama refers to the present war. The various characters were admirably sus tained by Mrs. Leigh Murray, Misses Brough and Buf ton, and Messrs. Warner, Mervin, and Belmore, who played their parts with thrilling effect. The whole con cluded with the " Marseillaise," sung by Madame Guynier, and accompanied by the orchestra of the Al hambra. The performance was under the sole direction of Mr. Edward Stirling, and was successfully carried' ut in every respect. Mr. Simeon Barnes, cloth menulacturer, of Stan ningly. was bitten in the thumb about six weeks ago by a small terrier dog. The wound subsequently healed, and all was considered well until a few days ago, when sym toms of hydrophobia suddenly appeared, and on Wednes• day Mr. Barnes died. SUPPLY OF BREECHLOADERS TJ THE VOLUN TEERS.— The d'stribution of Snider rifles to the various corps throughout the country is now being proceeded with so rapidly that there is no donbt but that the whole force will be supplied with the new weapon by the end of the present month. ARRIVAL OF A BALLOON FROM PARIS.-011 Tues day morning one of the keepers in the employ of Mr. E. Thompson, of Dromengh, Iver Heath, near Uxbridge, discouered a balloon entangled in the branches of a large elm tree. It was secured, and it was then discovered that ' it had been despatched from Paris with letters for London and had actually, without any other guidance than the currents of the air, succeeded in reaching withing 15 miles of its destination. The letters were immediately for warded by Mr. Thompson to their destination in London. The balloon is hardly large enough to carry a passenger. It is made of oiled silk. THE LOWEST DEPTHS OF USURY.—Since the repeal of the Bank Act against making more than 5 per cent. for interest the public has become accustomed to very extravagant rates of interest, and we know that pro fessional money lenders are pressing their favours conti nually upon young men of expectations, and upon officers of the army and navy wno can't rim away, and whose commissions—or the fear of losing them—are always some thing to fall back upon. We must confess, however, to a great astonishment at finding recently the enormous in terest which is paid by the industrious costerinonger class for small loans to enable them to supply stock for their business operations. Some cases have lately come before one of the district committees for organising charity, in which the poor costertnonger for a loan of 10s., has to pay is, per week, or at the rate of 520 per cent. ! and when he goes on a Sunday morning to pay his shilling he is obliged by the lender to produce in his hand the ten shillings to shew that he has got it. It appears that there is a class of capitalists who have sprung up to supply this demand for ready money, and who make a living by look ing after their business. No doubt they do their part with great shrewdness, but such persons are poor educators of the industrious class by whom they reap these enormous profits.—Parochial Critic. A DISTEESSING CASE.--A sad case of utter desti tution overtaking a poor woman who once filled a com fortable position in life has been made known to us by a correspondent, whose letter led to such personal investi gations on our own part as to justify us in mentioning the circumstances to the benevolently disposed. Our appeal is made on behalf of the widow of the late Mr. James Watson Strickland, an artist and musician (harpist), and, in his day, a householder and an industrious, respectable man. Unfortunately, he invested the whole of his savings in mining speculations which proved disastrous ; and upon his death, rather more than three years ago, the widow found herself totally unprovidcd for. Want of proper and sufficient clothing, illness, and lack of employ ment were soon followed by almost entire deprivation of the commonest comforts and necessaries of life. The case being lately made known to the proprietor of the Era, a few tickets for coals and bread were kindly procured for her; otherwise the poor woman is absolutely destitute, having only bare boards for a bed, and her poor apartments (at No. 11, Howley-street, York-road, Lambeth) being literally devoid of furniture, or indeed tiny comforts even of the most ordinary kind. We have taken some pains to verify the facts made known to us by our correspon dent ; have also afforded some temporary relief ; and acquainted the vicar of the neighbouring church with the poor widow's extreme distress. Meanwhile, any charit able donations, however small, that may be addressed during the week ensuing to our publisher, Mr. R. Hali day, shall be promptly acknowledged in the Musical Standard, and applied without delay to the relief of the distressed widow, with the especial view of providing her with the means of seeking some employment suitable to her years.-11fueicat Standard. BREAKFAST.—EPPB'S COCOA.—GRATEFUL AND CON 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—Jmns EPPs & Co., Homeo pathic Chemists, London. Also, makers of Eppa's Caca6ine, a very thin evening beverage.—Advt. vomotip 011161: • IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT. OPENING OF THE SESSION. The opening of a parliamentary session must at all times be an event of th 3 greatest importance, but the interest evinced in it is heightened as a matter of course when the ceremony is performed by the reigning monarch in perscn. This was the case on Thursday, and we have no hesitation in saying that the event was looked upon by all classes with even more interest than has ever before been excited. This is attributable to a variety of causes, but the most pro minent one was the fact that her Majesty for several pre vious years has been unable to personally take part in the proceedings. The gracious intimation that this year the Queen would be present at the opening of Parliament 'was received on all sides with the greatest delight, and every desire was expressed to give her Majesty a warm welcome after her lengthened seclusion. Her Majesty, with the Princesses Louise and Beatrice and Prince Leopold, attended by her suite, left Windsor at five minutes past ten, by special train on the Great Western Railway, and arrived at Paddington at twenty minutes to eleven, en route for Buckingham Palace. Beyond the Royal carriages, a few extra policemen, and a detachment of Hussars, there was nothing to indicate that the Queen was expected. There were a few people around the entrance gates, and a hearty cheer was given as the carriages drove off. Here and there along the route to Buckingham Palace there were small knots of people waiting, and as St. James's Park was approached these knots became more frequent, and her Majesty's reception was more enthusiastic. The weather was delightful, the sun throughout the morning shining brightly. After a short stay at Buck ingham Palace, her Majesty left at about half past one, for Westminster. The route was through St. James's park and Parliament-street, and the whole line was crowded with spectators, who gave vent to hearty cheering, and waved hats and pocket-handkerchiefs as the Royal carriages passed. Her Majesty arrived at the House about two o'clock, and having gone through the usual formalities, returned by the same route to Bucking ham Palace. HOUSE OF LORDS-THURSDAY. The scene presented in the Peers' Chamber on the occa sion of her Majesty opening Parliament in person is cer tainly one of the grandest displays that can be seen in this country. The general arrangement of the sumptuously gilded Chamber of the highest branch of the Legislature, on ordinary occasions is now well known to most persons, both in town and country; all are familiar with the position of the throne, the rows of crimson-covered benches on either side the woolsack, and other prominent objects, but the sight presented when that throne is occupied by the Queen, is one of which all des cription has hitherto failed to convey anyhing like a perfect idea. It is not, therefore, possible on the present occasion for us to give more than a very general description of the animated scene that took place to-day when her Majesty again met her Parliament on the opening of the session of 1871. The doors of the Palace at Westminster were opened at twelve o'clock, and immediately afterwards those peereses and their daughters having the right to be present in the body of the House, began to arrive in quick succession. As each noble lady entered the House she was formally conducted to her assigned place by the Usher of the Black Rod, and by one o'clock the whole of the benches on either side of the House were fully occupied by a company, the splendour of whose costumes, added to the brilliancy of their jewels, presented a coup &mil of extraordinary grandeur. By this time the Strangers' Gallery was also crowded with ladies in full court costume, as were also the galleries on either side of the House. The ladies on these occasions are allowed to occupy the House in full force, four out of the five benches on each side of the Chamber being appropriated to their use, and it was to their gay dresses and spark ling jewels, to say nothing of their personal appearance, that we were chiefly indebted for the bril liancy of the scene. Next to the ladies the members of the Corps Diplomatique were the striking feature on the occasion, and so large was their attendance that the space appropriated to them on the right of the Throne was inconveniently crowded, The two front rows of benches, and the body of the House were occupied by Peers, of whom about 70 were in attend ance, and the space immediately in front of the woolsack was crowded by 14 judges and 10 bishops, who sat all in an untidy heap, with their sides instead of their faces to the throne. Everybody seemed to be in their places by half-past one, but there was little conversation, as everyone wished to see and be seen rather than heard. _ The first rise and rustle was occasioned by the entrance of the Duke of Cambridge, the Princess Mary, and the Princess Helena, at five minutes to two o'clock. The Princesses took their seats on the woolsack, and bowed to some of their friends on the side benches. Three minutes -later the Prince and Princess of Wales arrived. The Princess shook hands cordially with her relatives on the woolsack, and placing herself between them remained in animated conversation. The Prince of Wales, after shaking hands with the Duke of Cambridge, the Archbishop of York, and a tall diplomatist in a blue sash, took his seat on the chair placed at the right of the throne, but at some distance from it. An almost unbroken silence then pervaded the chambers and for ten minutes all was expectancy, during which the word painters present had ample opportunity of extending their notes. At ten minutes past two the heralds marched into the chamber, bowed three times and took up their station at the foot of the throne. Then followed the usuaal procession, in the midst of which the Queen entered, walking alone, and with slight bows to the assembled company she took her seat upon the chair of state. The Princess Louise and Princess Beatrice entered with the pro cession and took their stations on the right side of the throne. The Princess Louise adjusted her Majesty's robes and moved the footstool to her feet. A dead silence then pervaded the assembly. The scene had then reached its culmination, and the assembly around the throne might have been photographed to advantage. All were standing except the Queen and the Prince of Wales. Tho Marquis of Winchester bearing the Crown, and Earl Granville, were conspi cuous among the group. The Princesses stood with the most exemplary firmness, not moving A muscle. For ten minutes we waited the arrival of the Commons. Presently a rush and a scramble cause all heads to be turned to the bar. In the race from the other house Mr. Gladstone managed to keep well up with the Speaker, and by the efforts of Lord Charles Russell he was brought to the front, and stood with the Speaker, the Sergeant at Arms and Black Rod at the frpoenatkr'oefthe bar ; behind them the members who were soundest in wind and limb, and therefore most suc cessful in a scramble, stood next. When silence had been partially restored, the Lord Chancellor said " I am commanded by the Queen to read the speech for her Majesty, and therefore in her Majesty's name, and in her Majesty's words, I now read it." This he did in a voice unusually sonerous and clear. The paragraph re specting the sanctity of treaties made a manifest impres sion on the House, as did also the definite announcement of the measure for the establishment of secret voting. Immediately on the conclusion of the Speech her Majesty arose, descended from the Throne, and addressing the Princess of Wales gave her an affectionate embrace. The Princesses Mary and Helena were allowed to kiss her hand, as was also the tall diplomatist in blue pre viously mentioned ; he also, without any interference on the part of the Duke of Argyll, kissed the hand of the Princess Louise. The whole assembly suddenly dis solved, and nothing remained but the magnificent chamber in which the ceremony had taken place. HOUSE OF COMMON S.-THURSDAY. The doors of the House opened shortly after 12. The arrangements of the interior were precisely the same as last session, and Colonel French, the member for Roscom mon, was the first to enter. Mr. M'CullaghTorrens quickly followed, and then Mr. Bass, Sir John Hay, and Colonel Elphingstone appeared. For some time after the arrivals were very few, as up to about one o'clock not 60 members were present, but amongst that few Mr. White, the me mberforßrighton,was very conspicuous, as he sauntered into the House wearing a black skull cap. Sir Robert Peel entered about a quarter past one and received several hearty congratulations. Then came Mr. W. Crawford, Sir Charles Dilke, Mr. Cross, Mr. Mundella, Sir R. Palmer, Mr. C. Reed, and. Mr. Beresford Hope. Mr. Knatchbull-Huggessen was the first to take his seat on the Government bench, but finding all his colleagues absent, and the chief Opposition bench tenantless, he withdrew, and did not re-enter until Mr. Stansfield and other members of the Government appeared. At a quarter to two, the Speaker, habited in his gold robe, took the chair. Mr. Gladstone followed shortly after prayers, and on occupying his accustomed seat, he entered into a friendly conversation with Mr. W. H. Gregory and after wards with the Speaker.. Colonel Wilson Patten was the first to take his place on the Opposition bench, and then Mr. Ward limit entered, followed by Sir C. Adderley. At a quarter past two o'clock the Usher of the Black Rod ap peared at the table and announced that her Majesty re quested the attendance of the honourable House in the House of Peers. , The Speaker then proceeded to the House of Lords, followed by Mr. Gladstone, Mr. W. E. Forster ; and a host of members, in obedience to the Royal summons, and at twenty-five minutes to three he returned but quitted the House without resuming the chair; the sitting being suspended until a quarter to four. The Speaker resumed the chair at the above hour. There was a very full attendance on the Government side of the House. NEW MEMBERS. The following new members took the oath and their• seats :—Sir D. Corrigan, for Dublin; Mr. G. Bentinck,. for West Norfolk ; Vicount Newry for Newry ; Mr. D. Straight, for Shrewsbury ; Mr. Davidson, for Durham ; Mr. Monsell, for Limerick; Mr. Ciifford, for the Isle of Wight; Sir R. Banally, for Mid Surrey; Sir R. P. Collier, for Plymouth; and Mr. Lee, for Steens. NEW WRITS. New writs were ordered to issue for Galway County i place of Viscount Burke ; for the city of York, in the room of Mr. Westhead ; and for Ripon, in the room of Lord John Hay. Mr. Disraeli entered the House at a quarter past four, but passed unnoticed to his seat. Mr. GLADSTONE gave notice that to-morrow evening he would move for leave to bring in a bill for the purpose of removing the religious tests in universities. Mr. BRUCE gave notice that on Monday he would in troduce a bill to consolidate and amend the acts regulating mines, and that on Tuesday he would introduce a measure for amending the laws as regards trades unions. Mr. CARDWELL gave notice that on Thursday in Com mittee of Supply he would move the Army Estimates, and should ask leave to bring in a Bill for the better regu lation of the army and the land forces. Mr. FORSTER gave notice that on Friday week he would ask leave to bring in a Bill to amend the law relating to the procedure at Parliamentary and Municipal elections. He should also, on Monday, move for a select committee on the Vaccination Acts, who should report as to what was the best method of amending them. The ATTORNEY-GENERAL said that on T t: —day he should ask for leave to bring in a bill to repeal the Ecclesiastical Titles Act. The LORD ADVOCATE gave notice of his intention to, introduce a bill to amend the law of Scotland with regard to education. Mr. HEADLAM said on Monday he should ask the Presi dent of the Board of Trade whether it was his intention to introduce a bill to carry into effect the recommendation of the select committee on the subject of railway accidents. Notice was also given for a general bill upon the subject of railways. Sir C. DALRYMPLE gave notice that on Tuesday he would ask leave to bring in a bill to amend the laws re garding lunacy, and to provide for the care and manage ment of habitual drunkards. (Laughter). Sir M. LOPES said that on the 28th, he would move a resolution with respect to Local Texation. Mr. CHARLEY gave notice of his intention to ask whether the Government intended to introduce a bill on the sub ject of baby farming, with the view to the better protec tion of infant life. An HON. MEMBER gave notice of his intention to move a resolution in respect to the purchase system in the army, affirming that it should be abolished, and that the consti tution and existing arrangements of the Horse Guards is incompatible with the efficient organisation of our mili tary system. Mr. SAMUELSON gave notice of a bill for the protection of inventions. _ _ Notice was given of a bill for the control of commons and waste lands near the large cities and towns in Eng land. • Mr. T. CHAMBERS gave notice of a bill to legalise mar riage with a deceased wife's sister. Mr. C. REED said on an early day he would move that the system adopted in most large towns of relieving the officers in the Post•ofce on the Sabbath should be ex tended throughout the kingdom. Mr. MALL gave notice of a bill for the Disestablish , meat of the English Church. _ Sir WILFRID LAWSON gave notice that he should introduce the Permissive Bill. Mr. Locx gave notice of a bill to•morrow to amend the game laws. Mr. GnEavEs, gave notice of a resolution that the facilities which existed in the posting of small parcels prior to October should be revived. Lord LENNOX said on the Ist March he would call attention to the circumstances under which the Captain was received into the navy, and the circumstances which led to her being sent to sea. _ _ . Mr. T. HUGHES gave notice that on an early day he would introduce a bill relating to Sunday trading. Mr. CARNEGIE notified his intention of bringing forward at an early date a bill to abolish the landlord's right of hypothy in Ireland. Mr. LAIRD gave notice of his intention on an early day to move an humble address to the Crown praying it to use its influence with the Foreign Powers for the purpose of making the principle of the exemption of private pro perty from capture at sea a maxim of international law. On the 22nd February he would also call the attention of a th d e opt C in hf Secretary giesomenieasuo measures s f f r or Irelandthe to eimpro th veme e nt n o e f cessity of labourers' habitations in Ireland. Mr. HARDCASTLE intimated that on Monday next he would bring in a bill for amending the law relating to game. Mr. C. BUXTON said that on an early day after the con clusion of peace between Prussia and France, he would call the attention of the Government to certain alleged violations, during the recent campaign, of the restrictions imposed by the law of nations in case of war, and which all civilised nations are bound to maintain; and move that in the opinion of the House it is expedient that the Government should take into consideration the advisability of inviting the concurrence of the various Powers of Europe and the United States of America, in drawing up a definite code of international law, by which the barbarities of war may be diminished. (Applause.) Mr. ADDERLEY gave notice that on Monday next he would ask the Government what they intend doing with reference to the report of the Royal Sanitary Commission. Mr. MACFIE gave notice that on Tuesday, March 7th, he should ask leave to bring in a bill to amend the law relating to patents of inventions. He would also on a later day move the appointment of a select committee to inquire into the question of the income-tax, and also the present mode of including the gross income without al lowing depreciation. The SPEAKER then read THE QUEEN'S SPEECH. DIY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, At an epoch of such moment to the future fortunes of Europe, I am especially desirous to avail myself of your counsels. The war which broke out in the month of July, be tween France and Germany, has raged, until within the last few days, with unintermitted and likewise with un exampled force : and its ravages may be renewed, after but a few days more, unless moderation and forethought, prevailing over all impediments, shall sway the Councils of both the parties, whose well-being is so vitally con cerned. At the time when you separated, I promised a constant attention to the subject of neutral obligations; and I undertook to use my best endeavours to prevent the enlargement of the area of the war, and to contribute, if opportunity should offer, to the restoration of an early and honourable peace. In accordance with the first of these declarations, I have maintained the rights and strictly discharged the duties of neutrality. The sphere of the war has not been extended beyond the two countries originally engaged. Cherishing with care the cordiality of my relations with,. each belligerent, I have forborne from whatever miohb have been construed as gratuitous or unwarranted inter ference between parties, neither of whom had shewn readiness to propose terms of accommodation such as to bear promise of acceptance by the other. I have been enabled, on more than one occasion, to con' tribute towards placing the representatives of the to° contending countries in confidential communication ; but , until famine compelled the surrender of Paris, no further result had been obtained. The Armistice now being employed for the Convocatig n of an Assembly in France, has brought about a pause In the constant accumulation, on both sides, of human s uffer ing ; and has - rekindled the hope of a complete accointeP; dation. I pray that this suspension may result in a POI compatible for the two great and brave nations involv ed, with security and with honour, and likely therefore I ,' o command the approval of, Europe, and to give reasona bi hopes of a long duration, It has been with concern that I have found niVell THE EUROPEAN WAR. The SUN is Published Every Morning at EIGHT O'CLOCK, with SOME HOURS' LATER NEWS than any other paper. This Edition will always contain the LATES r NEWS of the WAR, and of all other events.