The Sun. — London, England, 1847-04-26 00:00:00

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Tat etort l of (0.7 OP n et) P r 411 06. elY, t d err ha' P o4lll' r core eal, ertieP vpic tow t o r . ►W I 94 the SIR R. PEEL'S PICT U RES. hall On Saturday Sir R. Peel op ene d hi s mans i o n in White his gardens for the recept i on of v i s i tors invite d to nisi), e: beautiful collection of works of art. The principal stair roo the pi c t ure-gallery, and, we believe, one or two other n " , have recently b een re d ecora t e d, w hil s t the pictures the _ m raselvea h ave undergone a fresh arrangement, and th , co pletion of these details was the immediate cause of the gal o a f t rifunion e S d y a b turday. Th e i nv i tat i ons i n t h is instance were f loce the exclusive spirit which almost uniformly prevails on similar occasions. That there should be present many of the most d i stinguished members of t h e P eera ge fwd of the Rouse of Commons might naturally be expected ial? the eminent s oc i a l an d political p os ition which the light Hon. B aronet occupies; but it was gratifying to ob _er_n ve, as sociated with them, a very large number oFgentle ne.. co nnected with art, lit e rature, and science. One may easily imagine that the owner of this fine collection may sometimes have sought a temporary relief from the cares and vexations which are the inevitable lot of public men id this country—and he, certainly, has had his r°l of them—in the tranquil ' enjoyment of the plea ,urea which are to be f oun d i n th e co ntemplation of the won derful emanations of genius by which he is here surrounded; I ,i_nd, perhaps, jud g i ng w i se l y t h a t a d ue a ppreciation of art not confined to the aristocracy exclusively, he was in to extend t o a w id er c i rc l e th e gratification which these pictorial treasures are capable of imparting. Be this s it may, this is the first occasion on which so liberal a spirit has been displayed, and it deserves honourable men tion, as illustrative of Sir R. Peel's judgment and kind dis pOeitien. Although Sir R. Peel has long been known as a munificent Patron of modern art, there are not, with, we believe, five r tce ptions—Wilkie's " John Knox preaching before the Lords of the Congregation," Sir 'Minas Lawrence's por trait of one o f the Right Hon. Baronet's daughters, Edwin Landseeea portrait of another daughter, and Winterhalter's portraits of her Majesty and Prince Albert—any pictures of li ving or recently deceased artists in Whitehall-gardens. The Whole of this portion of the collection — including the °rtraits of political characters, Lawrence's portrait of Sir o bort, and his three-quarter and half-length portraits of Lady Peel —the latter well known by the engraving—have been removed to Drayton Manor. One of the rooms on the ground floor is appropriated to some drawings by Rubens and Vandyke, part of Sir Thomas Lawrence's collection of drawings, purchased from his ex ecutors by Sir R. Peel. The high merit of these sketches is so Universally recognised, that it is unnecessary to do more than aver that they are characterised by all the master's cor rectness of' drawing and boldness of execution. The library ing hang with proof engravings, chiefly from modern paint s. The dining-room used to be adorned by the portraits of public men of our own time—chiefly the wonderful " living offigieS" of Lawrence, whose truthful pencil " snatched from Fate Whate'er was beauteous or whate'er was great." Here were the portraits of the late and present head of the Peel family, the Duke of Wellington. the Earl of Eldon, Lord Stowell, the Earl of Liverpool, Mr. Canning, the Earl of Aberdeen, Mr. Huskisson, besides those of Southey and Fu se% all by Lawrence. But, though we can no longer behold these portraits without a pilgrimage to Drayton—of which they are well worthy—their place is supplied by pictures of great interest. These are five portraits, and the picture known as the " Robinette," by Sir Joshua Reynolds. The portraits are those of the artist, Dr. Johnson, George IV. when Prince of Wales, airs. Thrale, and Boswell, the agree able biographer of the " Literary Leviathan." The portrait Of Johnson was painted for Mrs. Thrale, and it is that from which the engraving which appears in several editions of the "Dictionary " is taken. On end of the drawing-room is occupied by two pictures, Which have lately been presented by Sir R. Peel to the Queen. They are full-length portraits of her Majesty and Prince Albert, the work of the German artist we have already named. The impression left by a necessarily hurried view of these pictures is not favourable. The colouring of the flesh is not good, and the general effect is harsh, if not Coarse. The expression given to the Queen is unlike that of any other portrait we are acquainted with; but it would be Unfair, on that account, to infer that it does not belong to her Majesty. The fact is, that the Queen's countenance is susceptible of an extraordinary variety of expression, and it may be remarked that, although no two of the almost end less number of portraits which have been made of the Sovereign correspond in expression, they all bear a strong resemblance to the original. The gallery, which opens out of the drawing-room, is filled with paintings of the highest merit. Turn in what direction one may, the eye is sure to light upon some beautiful object. As far as we could observe, the works here are all cabinet pictures of the Dutch School, with the exception of two by Rubens. The latter are the "Triumph of Silenus," and the celebrated "Chapeau de Paille." The Bacchanalian piece is a large composition, including eight figures, the principal object being Silenus, Who occupies the centre, and whose condition requires the support which he receives from two satyrs. Of course, there are some of those children whom Rubens loved to paint, and could paint so well, and the whole picture is remarkable for the brilliancy of colour, masterly drawing, and spirited coin position, which are the characteristics of this master. After Rubens' death this picture was purchased by Cardinal Riche lieu, in 1642. and remained in possession of his family until the French revolution. It subsequently became the property of Lucien Bonaparte ; was brought to England in 1816, and sold for 950 guineas ; it was sold again in 1827 for 8401., and was finally bought by its present possessor for 1,1001. Rubens's other work in this gallery, the well-known " Chapeau de Paille," has long been the theme of universal eulogy, and, as might be expected, it is an object of great attraction in the gallery. Some of the particulars connected with the history of this Picture are interesting. Of all his works this was Rubens's favourite. It is said to be the portrait of a Mademoiselle Landens, though, to us, it appears to bear a strong resem blance to the features of the artist's wife, whose portrait he has introduced into so many of his works. A story is told of Rubens having become enamoured of the lady whilst he Was painting her portrait, and it is certain that he would never part with this picture, which he called in his catalogue Le Portrait d'une Demoiselle, les bras croises," (the lady has her arms crossed in front of her in this picture). It is not known how the picture acquired the name of the " Cha peau de Paille," and why it should have done so is equally a matter of mystery, for the hat which the lady wears is not straw, but beaver or felt, or, perhaps a coarse kind of velvet. After the death of the artist's widow the picture became the property of the Landens family, whose representative, M. Van Haveren, in 1817, sold it for 50,000 f. to M. Stiers d'Aertse laer. In 1822 it was sold by auction, and bought by M. Nieuwenhuys for 36,000 f. He brought it to England and, after being exhibited publicly, and attracting thousands of admirers, it was purchased by Sir R. Peel for 3,500 gui neas. The specimens of the Dutch school are, as may be an ticipated from what has already been stated, very numerous, and of the highest excellence. To give a detailed notice of even a few of these works would extend this article beyond reasonable limits, and we shall, therefore, confine ourselves to the mere mention of some of the pictures which chiefly attract attention :—" View off the Thames," Backhuysen ; this picture Is valued at upwards of 1,500/. "An Old Castle," Cuyp ; this is one of the most charming pictures in the collection; its beauty, indeed, is perfectly enchanting. "The Avenue," by Hobbema; a remarkably beautiful pic ture, and differing in some respects from the artist's usual style, cost 800/. " The Poulterer's Shop," by Gerard Douw ; sold in the Choiseul collection, 1772, for 692/. ; from that of the Prince di Conti, 1777, for 8001.; from that of the Duc de Chabot, in 1787, for 832/. ; from that of Coupre, in 1801, for 1,024/. ; and from that of Mr. Beckford, of Fonthill, in 1823, for 1,270/. " A Landscape," by Dujardin ; cost 930 guineas. "The Duett," by Met zu ; cost 450 guineas. "Le Corset Rouge," F. by' Mieris • bought from Mr. Beckford for 305 guineas. "Le Chat," by W. Mieris ; bought for 370 gui neas. " The Alchymist," by Adrian Van Ostade. "The Music Master," by Jan Steen. " The Mu sic Lesson," br Terburg ; cost 920 guineas. " A View in the City of Cologne," by Vander Heyden ; cost 415 guineas. "Landscape," by Vander Velde ; cost 760 guineas. Also, by the same artist, " A Calm," bought for 5001.; " the Coast of Schevening," cost 900/. ; and " A Gale," cost 300/., "The Interior of a Stable" and "A View on the Sea Shore," by Wouvermanns, cost respectively 530 and 450 guineas. In a room leading out of the gal lery at the end opposite to that which communi cates with the drawing-room, are the portraits before re ferred to of two of Sir Robert Peel's daughters by Lawrence and Edwin Landseer. In the former, which has been en graved, the yeung lady is represented seated on the ground caressing a spaniel. As a work of art it is beautiful ; and, Lawrence being the artist, it is unnecessary to add that the likeness was exact. It is necessary to speak in the past tense; for the little girl of the picture has grown up into a woman. In the same room is Sir Joshua's justly celebrated "Snake in the Grass ;" and, by the same artist, a spirited portrait of Admiral Keppel. In conclusion, it may be ob served, that this assemblage of pictures affords indisputable evidence of the correct taste of the collector; for, whilst there is not a single bad work in the whole, and hardly one which does not rise above mediocrity, the vast majority are of the very highest character. Sir Robert Peel was in excellent health and spirits, and was assisted by Lady Peel, accompanied by one of her daughters, in the reception of the guests. The Duke of Wel lington arrived and departed early ; the Duke of Cambridge came in about the middle of the day; but Lord John Russell did not appear until most of the company had left. When Sir R. Peel observed his Lordship in the gallery, he advanced, and shaking him cordially by the hand, led him to Lady Peel. It was interesting to see these two political leaders meeting in such a manner and under such circumstances, and the incident seemed almost to justify the observation of a gentleman present, that " it was as pleasing a picture as any which adorned the walls." Among the visitors were— , His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge, attended by Major Stephens, the Duke of Hamilton, his Excellency Count Schilmmelpenninck, his Excellency the ?russian Mi nister and Madame Bunsen and Miss Bunsen, his Excellency the American Minister and Mrs. Bancroft, the Duke of Wel lington, the Marquis of Northampton, the Earl of Ripon and Miss Hobart, the Earl of Lincoln, the Countess of Jersey and Lady Clementine Villiers, the Countess De Grey and Mr. Vyner, Viscount and Viscountess Mahon, Viscountess Hardinge and the Hon. Miss Hardinge, Lord John Rus sell, Lord Colborne, Lord C. Townshend, Lord Monteagle, his Excellency the Belgian Minister and Madame Van de Weyer, the Right Hon. Sir Charles Wood, the Right Hon. Sir James and Lady Graham, the Right Hon. Sidn e y and Mrs. Herbert, Viscount Goderich, the Right Hon. Sir George and Lady Clerk and Misses Clerk, Baron Lionel Rothschild, the Hon. Francis Charteris, the Right Hon. George and Mrs. Dawson and Captain George Dawson, Sir Walter James, Bart., M.P., and Lady James, Sir H. Hume Campbell, Bart., M.P., and Lady Campbell, Sir Henry de la Beche, Lady Chantrey, the Right Hon. Sir Robert H. Inglis, Bart., M.P., Sir John Rennie, Sir Willoughby Gordon, Sir Alexander Downie, the Very Rev. the Dean of Westminster and Mrs. and Miss Buckland, the Rev. Dr. Liddell, the Rev. Dr. Wellesley. Sir George Hayter, Sir Henry Ellis, Sir W. Newton, Sir W. C. Ross, Sir Frederick Madden, Professor Owen, Dr. Lyon Playfair, Colonel Rowan, Mr. W. G. Hayter, M.P., M r . H. T. Hope, M.P. Mr. J. Hume, M.P. ' Mr. Charles Baring Wall, M.P., Mr.i Cardwell, M.P. and Mrs. Cardwell, Mr. Benjamin Hawes, M.P., Mr. C. Buller, M.P., Mr. T. Baring, M.P., Mr. H. Mildmay, M.P., Blr. T. S. Dun eombe, M.P., Mr. T. Wise, M.P., Mr. B. Botfield, M.P., Mr. R. Bernal, M.P., Mr. W. Ewart, M.P., the Rey. W. Cureton, the Rev. J. Forshall, Messrs. Samuel Rogers, Landseer, G. E. Anson, Hamilton, C. Barry, Eastlake, T. S. Cooper, S. Cousins, J. Holland, S. Lawrence, H. W. Pickergill, C. Dickens, H. Ferrer, C. Stansfield, C. Landseer, S. Prout, J. as L ueas, J. Landsaer, J. Severn, W. Mulready , Stephanoff, R. Isedgrave, R. Westmacott, J. H. Glover, F. R. Saye, W. Dyce, F. R. Lee, H. Hallam, E. 11. Baily, Hogarth, F. Howard, W. C. Marshall, Cotterell, A. Elmore, li. Lev A. Pellatt, T. U w i ns, W. Wvon, J. Sheepshanks, Heath , Y. J. Chalon, Faraday, T. Amvet, W. Brockendon, C. Fielding, Fulford, W. Barnard, E. Corbould, S. Sly, W. Beheus, E. Hawkins, J. M. W. Turner, E. Eddie, &c.—Tines. ROYAL ORTIJOPCEDIC HOSPITAL.—The Right Hon. the Lord Mayor, the Lady Mayoress, and Miss Carroll, ho noured this ch ar it y w i t h a visit on Friday. They were re ceived by the surgeons and a deputation from the committee, and expressed th emse l ves hi g hl y gratified as well as much astonished at the surprising cures presented to them. Some of. the oppo nen t s o f th e M a ynooth Grant, it said, intend to put Mr. Spencer de Horsey in nomina tion for Newport, isle of Wight, at the next election. 'clock THE rtYN, LON'DON, MONDAY ETENTNer, APRIL g 6, JUL LITERATURE. THE WESTMINSTER AND FOREIGN QUARTERLY REVIEW. Nos. XCII. and LxxVIL In a cursory criticism upon Sir Bulwer Lytton's " Word to the Pubic," the Westminster pronounces many opinions which we cannot characterise as other wise than untenable and fallacious. Crime it acknow ledges to be the legitimate teeme of tragic composition, whether that composition be either dramatic or narra tive: and yet it cavils at the .employment of et ime as a means of inculcating morality either by the novel-writer or the dramatist! It illustrates this position by enveigh ing against the custom of " copying the dark back ground of Rembrandt's portraits." What we should like to know are the masterpieces of ancient and modern dramatists, and of ancient and modern novelists ( for we look upon Tacitus and Herodotus as among the antique romance writers—the predecessors of the feuilletonistes Dumas and Sue), what we ask are the masterpieces of these dramatists and novelists ancient and modern but dark backgrounds such as may be compared to the Blooms of Rembrandt? If we look to the giant tragedies of /Eschylus and Sophocles, we shall find there parricedes, and adulterers, and murderers, and inces tuous monsters, the habitual dramatis personas; we shall find there rapine and midnight deeds of bloodshed and violation. In more recent works of what must be termed classic excellence, we see the regicide in Mac • beth, the adulterous assassin in Hamlet, the cruelties of unfilial fiends in Lear, the infamy of bawds anti liber tines in Measure for Measure, the sins that man has no words to express, and that would have shamed the habi tants of Gomorrahl in the Cenci. From first to last, from the tales related by the romancing historians of Greece and Rome, in relation to the concubines of Alexander and Darius, to those recounted in the torturing suspence of "Caleb Williams," and the diabolical anguish of " Frank enstein," the arch-actors are criminals, the arch-act is crime—the hue of the compositions is darker than the darkest background of Rembrandt. And yet a prurient morality—a morality bred in mawkishness and effemi nacy would depreciate these majestic originals, because in holding up crime and criminals to abhorrence—be cause in delineating the woes and tribulations conse quent upon sin—because pourtraying the deformities of iniquity and the agonies of remorse, they are suffused with colours of an appropriate darkness—they should be expunged or repudiated! Nay, the Westminster goes so far as to say " how much:wonld have been softened by Shakspere, even in the best of his tragedies, had they been addressed to an educated audience of the nine teenth century!" We can only ejaculate with Dominic Sampson, " Pro-digiousl—Pro-digiousl—Pro-digious!" Of a verity this is, indeed, the self-sufficiency of the nineteenth century! How much would Shakspere have softened, say you? Had he softened one sentiment, abated one iota of passion, refrained from the utterance of one syllable, rejected the portraiture of one character —be that character Parolles or Pompey Bum—it were in truth an ineffable blessing that he lived in the barba rous days of Elizabeth, instead of the enlightened times of Victoria. We like not this arrogance of generations. But the Westminster can appreciate" Dombey and Son" to the uttermost, if it fails in the admiration of " Lucretia." The Reviewer arrives at the same conclusion which we have repeatedly expressed during the last three or four months, that " if we may judge of the work as a whole, from the early numbers, Dombey and Son' is the best of the productions of Dickens." In testimony of the felicitous expression of sentiment by which this inirni table genius is characterised, the writer transcribes the entire scene of the death of Little Paul Dombey. Cu. riously enough, however, he objects to the two last pas sages in that memorable chapter; in which two passages, to our thinking, are contained the very quintessence of its pathos. A dissertation upon metaphysicians follows this introductory article, with especial reference to the works of Hobbes, Locke, Law, Tucker, Butler, Hartley, Paley, Priestley, Bentham, Mill, Hutcheson, Adam smith, Reid, Beattie, Ferguson, Stewart, Brown, Leib nitz, Wolf, Kant, Fichte, Schelling, and Jacobi. Many acute and sensible remarks are uttered in the paper. After a sort of preliminary lamentation upon the mourn ful multiplicity of guide-book, the Westminster rambles pleasantly through " North Wales and the Lakes." Al luding to the poets generally associated with the latter regions of Cumberland, the Reviewer makes the following truthful observations:— '" OS. •••, W ••.... . • " e firmly b(lieve that no set of men were ever " written up " like the late poets. A very popular magazine—Black wood's—for a series of years, seemed to devote all its ener gies to this cause; its politics, decided as they were in sup porting that faction whose every tenet has proved an error, were held comparatively in abeyance before the engrossing object of laker-laudation; in those, the palmy days of Black wood—the days of the Noctes Ambrosiatice"—every one read, and every writer imitated and echoed, the Black woodian dicta, on matters of taste, so that laker-inudation became a fashion. Wilson, himself a laker, and one of the great prose-poets of the age, set the example, which crowds were too glad to follow; so that, prolific were the pens of the lakers, especially poor Southey's, their laudators were fifty fold more voluminous; and, if praise will ensure fame, Southey may smile serene from the throne of state in the temple of that goddess, surrounded by Wordsworth, Wilson, and Coleridge, while Miltons, Shakperes, Byrons, and Cow pers are lingering about the portals, or losing their way in some over-crowded corridor. But after all that has been or shall be hereafter written in their praise or dispraise, there is a test from which none can escape, and that is, fitness for quotation. "As saith the poet," or words to that effect, are perpetually recurring; and this, "saith the poet" is accom panied by a clear description from Cowper, a burning line from Byron, a majestic thought from Milton, a nervous couplet from Pope, a sweet allegory from Spenser, or a soul searching thought from Shakspere : it does not mean a passage from Wilson or from Southey. We never can comprehend how any true lover of poetry can—br breath te u h utter the itphu tthiaenn namesa w m i t e h o ot f hi. W e m i l l t i oan Titans—themsCnoawk sphpe homely rme i e, n layn t h dw e ißt h s y a rt m oh ne e sublime. For we more than suspect Byron to have been c p o o r e r t e r c y t i saying nn his life—al h a Cowper w t ay ssaving nnge andver wrote exceptingtw twohislines ex quisite verses on his mother's portrait. The next con tribution is an elaborate inquiry into the authorship of the " Two Noble Kinsmen "—an inquiry as to how much of that beautiful drama was Shakspere's, or how much Fletcher's, or whether Shakspere in fact had (to use a vulgar phrase) any finger in the pie. We have always considered this question as tolerably well settled by that significant sentence of Augustus William Schlegel (see his " Lectures on Dramatic Literature," lee: xiii.)—" Amidst so many grounds for doubting, if I might be allowed to hazard an opinion, I should say, that I think I can perceive the mind of Shakspere in a ceartain ideal purity, which distinguishes this piece above all the other pieces of Fletcher." Coupling this peculiarity with a variety of collateral circumstances, the great German critic declares that he sees no reason for 'Calling this copartnership in the production of the " Two Noble Kinsmen "in question. About the " Sites of Public Monuments " the review has a few pet va garies of its own. There has latterly been so much parade about the erection of the colossal statue of " the Duke," and there are so many effigies of the same personage erected in the most incongruous and preposterous localities, that his admirers really seem to dread the realisation (in his regard) of the old adage, " Out of sight out of mind." Shakspere has no na tional statue—but he wants none; Byron has not even a bust in Westminster Abbey— but he wants none. They may be so far "out of site," but happily they can never be " out of mind." An essay on " Population," a summary of the " Report on Lighthouses," and a very dangerous and almost blasphemous review of the theological writ ings of "Straus and Parker," conclude the IVestminster. In the department of the Foreign Quarterly we must ob serve that there is a comprehensive survey of foreign literature during the last three months. The reviewers congratulate the public of France on the evident decline in the "quotidian fever of the Roman feuilleton." A swarm of minor and miscellaneous criticisms are ap pended. SELECTIONS IN PROSE AND POETRY. Edited by John Bleaden. Those who have ever, like ourselves, delighted in the exquisite fragments from popular literature collected by Mr. M'Diarmid, will welcome every successive pro duction of a similar character. The volume just pub lished by Mr. Bleaden is precisely of the description which rendered the work of his predecessor so agreeable —though we conceive the former might more correctly have entitled his book " Selections in Poetry and Prose," seeing that the metrical quotations immeasurably exceed the prose both in number and excellence. The editor disclaims in his introductory preface any intention to render the volume merely a vehicle for his own com positions ; yet those compositions are numerous, and occasionally meritorious. Sometimes we observe that the pieces are unaccompanied by the names of the authors, possibly from a forgetfulness as to their pater nity : for example, at page 50, there is a charming little sketch called " The Bride's-maid," which Mr. Bleaden might as well have subscribed with the initials if not with the full signature of Thomas Haines Bailey—the verses having come from the pen of that clever lyrist. Instead, again, of giving stanzas so hackneyed as the famous " Burial of Sir John Moore," by Woolfe, or Shakspere's apostrophe to " Mercy," or Moore's " She is far from the land," or Scott's " Lines on a Tear," or Mrs. Elemans's " Voice of Spring"—gems that are already enshrined in the memory of almost everybody, and that, consequently are superfluously repeated—we think it would have been preferable and judicious to have intro duced others less familiar to the generality, taken for example from partially forgotten poets, such as Cowley, or Christopher Marlow, or George Herbert. Indeed, we question whether it might not have been advisable to have transcribed more largely from the productions of living writers than from classics like Shakspere and Moore, and Coleridge and Akenside, who are already ranged upon the bookshelves. Of these latter poetical authors there is assuredly no dearth. Alaric Watts, the Brownings, husband and wife, Tennyson, Mother well, and Ebenezer Elliot. It is ungracious, however, to make even these exceptions to the delightful volume presented to the public by Air. Bleaden, affording us, as it does, such a delectable banquet of dainties. As a re past of literary sweetmeats and poetical confections, the book is both palateable and nutritious. MURRAY'S HOME AND COLONIAL LI BRARY. Nos. XLIII. and XLIV. OMOO Parts I. and 11, By Herman Melville. So much were we charmed by the previous work of this admirable American author, that we fear the liveli ness of our ex p ectat i ons of the present c h apters h as mi litated consid era bl y against the impression w h ic h might otherwise have been conveyed to our minds by " Ompo ; or, Adventures in the South Seas." " Typee" certainly took us by surprise ; it was a brilliant and fascinating book from a p rev i ous l y unknown hand. It came upon us with the freshness of a treasure discovered where one was least expected. It has rendered the name of the American sailor—" a sailor before the mast," be it ob served—Herman Melville, henceforth and for ever plea sant to our ears—a nacre associated with recollec tions such as tho genius of Defoe and the enter prise of Anson could have evoked. But " Omoo," like many another sequal that could be mentioned, is nothing in comparison with " Typee." " Typee" is as pure gold to the lacquer of " Omoo." Yet " Omoo" is lively, sparkling, humourous, conversational, diversified with little episodes of ocean life and vivid descriptions of southern scenery. As an example of the latter charac teristic, we tender the following pen-and-ink delineation of the aspect of Otaheite : ‘, Otaheite is by far the most famous island in the South t i a n r d a e i e f d e a , t a u r v e a s r a i e l e t ya alone d f i c e a t a s g e s a i h e h a s itm fromade i t t h a e l m e a o r s r t e a c l a a d s i s n i c g . s. Two round and lofty promontories , whose moun tgiSatrefunspa;rise nine thousand feet above the level of the ocean, are connected by a low, narrow isthmus; the whole being some one hundred miles in circuit From the great central peaks of the larger peninsula—Orohena, Aorai, and Pirohitee—the land radiates on all sides to the sea in sloping green ridges. Between these are broad and shadowy valleys—in aspect, each a Tempe—watered with fine streams, and thickly wooded. Unlike many of the other islands, there extends nearly all round Otaheite a belt of low, alluvial soil. teem ing with the richest vegetation. Here, chiefly, the natives dwell. " Seen from the sea, the prospect is magnificent. It is one mass of shaded tints of green, from beach to mountain top; endlessly diversified with valleys, ridges, glens, mild cascades. Over the ridges, here and there, the loftier peaks fling their shadows, and far down the valleys. At the head of these, the water-falls flash out into the sunlight as if pouring through vertical bowers of verdure. Such enchantment, too, breathes over the whole, that it seems a fairy world, all fresh and blooming from the hand of the Creator. " Upon a near approach, the picture loses not its attrac tion. It is no exaggeration to say, that to a European of any sensibility, who for the first time wanders back into these valleys—away from the haunts of the natives—the ineffable repose and beauty of the landscape is such, that every object strikes him like something seen in a dream ; and for a time he almost refuses to believe that scenes like these should have a commonplace existence. No wonder that the French be stowed upon the island the appellation of the New Cytherea. Often,' says De Bourgainville, I thought I was walking in the Garden of Eden.' " Nor, when first discovered, did the inhabitants of this charming country at all diminish the wonder and admiration of the voyager. Their physical beauty and amiable disposi tions harmonized completely with the softness of their clime. In truth, every thing about them was calculated to awaken the liveliest interest. Glance at their civil and religious in stitutions. To their king, divine rites were paid; while, for poetry, their mythology rivalled that of ancient Greece. " Of Otaheite, earlier and more full accounts were given, than of any other island in Polynesia; and this is the reason why it still retains so strong a hold on the sympathies of all readers of South Sea voyages. The journals of its first visi tors, containing, as they did, such romantic descriptions of a country and people before unheard of, produced a marked sensation throughout Europe ; and when the first Otaheitans were carried thither, Omai in London, and Aotooroo in Paris, were carressed by nobles, scholars, and ladies." From the peculiar interest which has been latterly ex cited in regard to this magnificent island, it may be sbot p htyu l a e arn a dt ct s ighe a ffsu n ien,a t rkhre en o rtrge. many of our readers to peruse, the account given by an eye-witness, of the French interference in narrators, very much t alluded r tso, Melville that a l t e speaks have out nepnsuocrr plainly, peogoaereeeh.g egregiously s hnleyo egbiaurret incon siderable do extent upon the narrative of our American voyager : "It seems, that for some time ;back the French had been making repeated ineffectual attempts to plant a Roman Ca tholic mission here. But, invariably treated with contumely, they sometimes met with open violence ; and, in every case, those directly concerned in the enterprise were ultimately forced to depart. In one instance, two priests, Laval and Caset, after enduring a series of persecutions, were set upon by the natives, maltreated, and finally carried aboard a small trading schooner, which eventually put them ashore at Wal lis Island—a savage place—some two thousand miles to the westward. " Now, that the resident English missionaries authorised the banishment of these priests, is a fact undenied by them selves. I was also repeatedly informed, that by their inflam matory harangues they instigated the riots which preceded the sailing of the schooner. At all events, it is certain that their unbounded influence with the natives would easily have enabled them to prevent everything that took place on this occasion, had they felt so inclined. " Melancholy as such an example of intolerance on the part of Protestant missionaries must appear, it is not the only one, and by no means the most flagrant, which might be pre sented. But I forbear to mention any others; since they have been more than hinted - at by recent voyagers, and their repetition here would, perhaps, be attended with no good effect. Besides, the conduct of the Sandwich Island mis sionaries, in particular, has latterly much amended in this respect. " The treatment of the two priests formed the principal ground (and the only justifiable one) upon which Du Petit Thouars demanded satisfaction; and which subsequently led to his seizure of the island. In addition to other things, he also charged, that the flag of Merenhout, the consul, had been repeatedly insulted, and the property of a certain French resident violently appropriated by the Government. In the latter instance, the natives were perfectly in the right. At that time, the law against the traffic in ardent spirits (every force ; am andthn finding u s p a e largende d quantity t revived) e happened premises ef t o be Victor,in a low, knavish adventurer from Marseilles , t he Otaheitians pronounced it forfeit. es " For these, and similar alleged outrages, a large pecuniary restitution was demanded (10,000 dolls.), which there being no exchequer to supply, the island was forthwith seized, under cover of a mock treaty, dictated to the chiefs on the gun-deck of Du Petit Thouar's frigate. But notwithstanding this formality, there now seems little doubt that the downfall of the Poivarees was decided upon at the Tuilleries. " After establishing the Protectorate, so called, the rear admiral sailed; leaving M. Bruat, governor, assisted by Reine and Carpegne, civilians, named Members of the Council of Government, and Merenhout, the consul, now Commissioner Royal. No soldiers, however, were landed until several months afterwards. As men, Reine and Carpegne ware not disliked by the natives; but Bruat and Merenhout they bitterly detested. In several interviews with the poor Queen, the unfeeling governor sought to terrify her into compliance with his demands; clapping his hand upon his sword, shaking his fist in her face, and swearing violently. Oh, King of a great nation,' said Pomare, in her letter to Louis Philippe, fetch away this man ; I and my people cannot endure his evil doings. He is a shameless man.' " Although the excitement among the natives did not wholly subside upon the rear-admiral's departure, no overt act of immediately followed. The Queen had fled to Imeeo ; and the dissensions among the chiefs, together with oufetohnepe some people, as common as well p a l the ill-advised cond uc t o f t h e m i ss i onar i es, prevente d a un i on great s an th o e f ir r Q es u i e st e a n r:c u e o . nfi ß do u n t t t ly heroliedupon body the speedy interposition of England—a nation bound to them by many ties, and whidi, more than once, had solemnly guaranteed their independence. "As for the missionaries, they openly defied the French governor, childishly predicting fleets and armies from Britain. But what is the welfare of a spot like Otaheite, to the mighty interests of France and England? There was a remonstrance on one side, and a reply on the other; and there the matter rested. For once in their brawling lives, St. George and St. Denis were hand and glove; and they were not going to cross sabres about Otaheite. During my stay upon the island, so far as I could see, there was little to denote that any change had taken place in the Government. Such laws as they had were administered the same as ever; the missionaries went about unmolested, and comparative tranquillity everywhere prevailed. Neverthe less, I sometimes heard the natives inveighing against the French (no favourites, by-the-by, throughout Polynesia), and bitterly regretting that the Queen had not, at the outset, made a stand. " In the house of the chief Adea, frequent discussions took place, concerning the ability of the island to cope with the French : the number of fighting men and muskets among the natives were talked of, as well as the propriety of fortifying several heights overlooking Papeetee. Imputing these symptoms to the mere resentment of a recent outrage, and not to any determined spirit of resistance, I little anticipated the gallant, though useless warfare, so soon to follow my de parture. "At a period subsequent to my first visit, the island, which before was divided into nineteen districts, with a native chief over each, in capacity of governor and judge, was, by Bruat, divided into four. dyer these he set as many recreant chiefs, Kitoti, Tati, Utamai, and Paraita ; to whom he paid 1,000 dolls. each, to secure their assistance in carrying out his evil designs. " The first blood shed, in any regular conflict, was at Mahanar, upon the peninsula of Taraiboo. The fight originated in the seizure of a number of women from the shore, by men belonging to one of the French vessels of war. In this affair, the islanders fought desperately, killing about fifty of the enemy, and losing ninety of their own number. The French sailors and marines, who, at the time, were reported to be infuriated with liquor, gave no quarter; and the survivors only saved themselves by fleeing to the moun tains. Subsequently, the battles of Hararparpi and Fararar were fought, in which the invaders met with indifferent success. " Shortly after the engagement at Hararparpi, three Frenchmen were waylaid in a pass of the valleys, and mur dered by the incensed natives. One was Lefevre, a notorious scoundrel, and a spy, whom Bruat had sent to conduct a certain Major Fergus (said to be a Pole) to the hiding-place of four chiefs, whom the governor wished to seize and execute. This circumstance violently inflamed the hostility of both parties. "About this time, Kitoti, a depraved chief, and the pliant tool of Bruat, was induced by him to give a great feast in the Vale of Paree, to which all his countrymen were invited. The governor's object was to gain over all he could to his interests; he supplied an abundance of wine and brandy, and a scene of bestial intoxication was the natural conse quence. Before it came to this, however, several speeches were made by the islanders. One of these, delivered by an aged warrior, who had formerly been at the head of the celebrated Aeorai Society, was characteristic. This is a very good feast,' said the reeling old man, and the wine is also very good; but you evil-minded Wee-`'Nees (French) and you false-hearted men of Otaheite, are all very bad.' "By the latest accounts, most of the islanders still refuse to submit to the French ; and what tarn events may here after take it is hard to predict. At any rate, these disorders must accelerate the final extinction of their race. " Along with the few officers left by Du Petit Thouars, were several French priests, for whose unobstructed exertions in the dissemination of their faith, the strongest guarantees were provided by an article of the treaty. But no one was bound to offer them facilities, much less a luncheon, the firs; day they went ashore. True, they had plenty of gold; but to the natives it was anathema—taboo—and, for several hours and some odd minutes, they would not touch it. Emissaries of the Pope and the devil, as the strangers were considered — the smell of sulphur hardly yet shaken out of their canonicals —what islander would venture to jeopardise his soul, and call down a blight upon his bread-fruit, by holding any in tercourse with them ? That morning the priests actually picknicked in a grove of cocoa-nut trees; but, before night, Christian hospitality—in exchange for a commercial equi valent of hard dollars—was given them in an adjoining house. " Wanting in civility, as the conduct of the English mis sionaries may be thought, in withholding a decent reception to these persons, the latter were certainly to blame in needlessly placing themselves in so unpleasant a predicament. Under far better auspices, they might have settled upon some one of the thousand unconverted isles of the Pacific, rather than have forced themselves thus upon a people already pro fessedly Christians." Although this sequel to the " Adventures in the Mar quesas" is comparatively defficient in romance and inci dent, it is agreably penned, and evidently written with the utmost truthfulness. Altogether it is a great im provement upon the recent contributions to the " Home and Colonial Library," and sustains, if it does not en hance, the literary reputation of Herman Melville. KNIGHT'S MONTHLY VOLUME. Nos. IX. anci X. The Philosophy of Health, Vol. 11. First and Second Half. By Southwood Smith, M.D. For the continuation of this masterly treatise upon the physiological wonders of man, and for its publication in so cheap and popular a form, we are indebted to the originator of this admirable serial. The wood-engrav ings are sufficiently clear to illustrate the written deacrip- tions. and sufficiently neat not to mar the appearance of I the letterpress. COURT CIRCULAR. The Queen held a Priv , . Council at three o' clock on Saturday afternoon, at Buckingham Palace. It was attended by his Royal Highness Prince Albert, the Marquis of Lansdowne, Lord President ; Lord Cotten ham, Lord Chancellor ; Lord John Russell, Fir , t Lord of the Treasury ; Sir George Grey, Secretary of State for the Home Department ; Viscount Palmerston, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs ; Earl Grey, Secretary of State fo the Colonial Department ; Sir Charles Wood, Chan Ilor of the Exchequer ; the Earl of Auckland, First Lord of the Admiralty ; the Earl of Clarendon, President of the Board of Trade ; the Mar quis of Clanricarde, Postmaster-General , Lord Camp , bell, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster ; Earl Spencer, Lord Ch amberlain ; and the Duke of Norfolk, Master of the Horse. The Hon. William Bathurst was the Clerk of the Council in Waiting. The Queen gave audiences to Earl Spencer, the Mar quis of Lansdowne, and Lord John Russell. The Court was attended by the Marquis of Angl ese y , Gold Stick in W a i t i ng; t h e Earl of Morton, Lord in Waiting; Lord Marcus Hill, Comptroller of the House hold, and Major the Hon. Robert Boyle, Groom in Waiting. Her Majesty and Prince Albert rode out on horse back on Saturday, attended by the Equeries in Waiting, Major• General Wemyss and Captain the Hon. A. H. Gordon. Their Royal Ilighnesses Prince Alfred and the Princess Alice, accompanied by th e Dowager Lady Lyt telton took en a i r i ng on Saturday, in an open carriage and four. Th e i r Royal Highnesses the Prince of Wales and the Princess Royal took their accustomed exercise in the Royal Gardens on Saturday. The Royal children took their usual airings yesterday. Her Majesty and Prince Albert, attended by the Countess of Charlemont, Hon. Miss Kerr, Hon. Miss Cavendish, Earl of Morton, and Major-General Wemyss, honoured the performance of the Royal Italian Opera with their presence ou Saturday evening. Yesterday was the birthday of her Royal Highness the Princess Alice. Her Royal Hi g h ness the Duchess of Kent arrived early at Buckingh am P a l ac e, to pay a visit of congratu lation the Queen and Prince Albert. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge also paid a congratulatory visit to her Majesty and her Royal Consort. The Queen and Prince Albert, the Ladies and Gen tlemen of the Court, and the domestic household, at tended Divine service yesterday in the private chapel at Buckingham Palace. The Hon. and Rev. C. Leslie Courtenay officiated. Yesterday was the Birthday of Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester. Her Majesty and Prince Albert, accompanied by the Princess Alice, paid a visit of congratulation to her Royal Highness at. Gloucester House. The Royal Duchess also received visits of con gratulation from Her Majesty the Queen Dowager, her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and his Serene Highness Prince Edward of Saxe-Weimar. During the day, many of the nobility and gentry called at Gloucester House, and left their names for her been fora i few vne daeysvi service i Royal Highness. attendedaf Ds The arrival of his Royal Highness th e re i gn i ng D u ke of Saxe-Meiningen, who was ex p ecte d yester d ay at HighnessMarlboroughthe House, Duchess has of Ken tde Her Majesty the Queen D owager and her Royal yesterday, in the Chapel R o y a l S t. James ' s The Prayers were read by the Rev. Dr. Wesley, and the Lessons by the Rev. W. Hall. The Sermon was preached by the Rev. Dr. W es l ey . T he anthem was e " The Lord is King " (Arnold). Frances Lady Clinton and the Earl Howe were in waiting on the Queen Dowager, and Lady Augusta Bruce on the Duchess of Kent. The Duchesses of Beau fort and Sutherland, Ladies St. Germans and Palmer ston, the Duke of Beaufort, the Marquises of Anglesey, Headfort, and Northampton, Lords Ca w d or , St. Ger mans, Evelyn, Norreys, Palmerston, and Castlereagh, were among the nobility present. _ _ The Duke of Wellington attended the early service in the Chapel Royal, St. James's, yesterday. The Rev. Dr. Wesley officiated, and preached the sermon. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent visited the Queen Dowager yesterday, at Marlborough House. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Mary, attended by Baroness Hammerstein, Baron Knesebeck, and Mr. Edmond Mild may, honoured her Maj esty ' s Theatr e w ith th e i r pre sence on Saturday evening. A Cabinet Council was held on Saturday afternoon at the Foreign Office. It was attended by Lord John Russell, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl of Minto, Sir George Grey, Viscount Palmerston, Earl Grey, the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Earl of Auckland, Lord Campbell, Sir John Hobhouse, Viscount Morpeth, the Earl of Clarendon, the Right Hon. T. B. Macaulay, and the Right Hon. H. Labouchere. The Council sat two hours. PRINTERS' PENSION SOCIETY. The Second Amateur Dramatic Perforinance, for the benefit of this deserving Society, took place at the Olympic Theatre on Saturday evening. The following address, wr itten for the occasion by Mr. Angus B. Reach—a gentleman already favourably known in the lighter walks of literature—was delivered by Mr. Foster previous to the comedy:— ' Last v ear we tried our fortune on the stage, We played for woe-worn want and tottering age; Our cause, and not our merits, made us bold, We won your plaudits, and we gained your gold! So now, once more, your favourite smile we claim, Our drama different, but our end the same. We're bolder, though, than when we tried our hand In that dramatic band-box 'yclept ' The Strand.'* Yet, in a cause like this, is it not well, To pay an inch by asking for an ell ; A growing webb demands a widened loon Your spreading charity needs elbow room, And changes so your natures, that e'en devils — Printers', I mean—demand Olympic' revels. Now_ to commence, then. (Looks at the play bill.) Here's our bill of fare— May all enjoy some savoury morsel there, First comes the comedy ;—be its five acts, To those who reap the produce, five great facts! Bid our Poor Gentleman a loud " God speed," For, wanting your applause, he's poor indeed! What's next? Our actors here will please I wot, These failing—we can try those who are not. You doubt ?—But in our play the mimic's art Can even make the absent take a part. Some moments more let joyous song and dance Ring in the ear, and twinkle to the glance : With Luke the Labourer to close the day, A stirring, hearty, good old English play— A play that cold indifference cannot brook, One must be heated—not luke-warmed by "Luke 1" I've done ! All ready ? (Looks off. Prompter nods.) Of our venturous host, Is every warrior fairly at his post? (Prompter nods again.) 'Tis well. (To wings.) Be bold, and think tho' but beginners, Who on a night like this would be the sinners— The hissed, or hissers? Why, of course, the latter: What! Hiss the food from off a poor man's platter ? Perish the thought Ring up at once! Begin 1 The course is clear ! My life upon't we win I" After the address the evening's entertainment commenced with Colman's Comedy of the Poor Gentleman, in which the principal characters were well sustained by Messrs. Philp, Hammond, German, Tompson, and Miss E. Lloyd and Mrs. J. Furzman. It was followed by some excellent dancing by pupils of Miss Gilbert, Messrs. Frampton and Flexmore ; after which, Mr. Batter's delineations of Stage Passions and imitation of London actors, met with deserving applause. The evening concluded with Luke the Labourer. Great praise is due to Mr. C. Hammond's Luke and to Mr. W. Chitty's Philip. The part of Clara Wakefield, by Miss E. Lloyd, was a clever piece of acting, and Jenny was admirably personated by Miss Jane Coleman, a young lady of promis ing talent, who was deservedly encored in the duet with Bobby Trott (Mr. T. Green). The house was crowded, and therefore it is to be hoped that the Society's funds will be largely benefited by the amateurs' generous exertions. His Royal Highness Prince Albert (Patron of the Society) took a private box on the occasion. , • A performance, in aid of the funds of the same society, took place last year at the Strand Theatre. PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS. (From the Votes and Proceedings of the House of Commons.) FRIDAY, APRIL 23. NOTICES GIVEN AT THE PRIVATE BILL-OFFICE. RAIL. The Committee of Selection have nominated the following Select Committees on Railway Groups : A Committee consisting of—Lord C. Wellesley (Chair man), Sir John Duckworth, Mr. Mainwari n g , Colonel More, and Lord E. Russell, to whom they have referred the Bills comprised in Group No. 39, viz.:— Hartlepool and Stockton Junction, Wear Valley, Bishop Auckland and Weardale, Weardale Extension, and Wear and Derwent Railways and Skildon Tunnel A malgamation, Clarence Railway, and Leeds and Thirsk Amalgamation, Leeds and Thirsk (Leeds, Durham, and Newcastle Exten sion, &c.) Leeds and Thirsk (Eaglescliffe and Stillington Extension, &c.) York and Newcastle (Pelaw Tyne Dock, &c., Branches), York and Newcastle (Wearmouth Doak Enlargement), York and Newcastle (Hartlepool Dock and Railway, &c., Purchase), York and Newcastle (Main Line Improvement, &c.) The Select Committee to meet on Tuesday, May 4, at half past twelve. A Committee consisting of—Mr. Cripps (Chairman), Sir John Trollope, Mr. Christie, Mr. Broadwood, and Mr. Muntz, to whom they have referred the Bills comprised in Group No. 49, viz.:— Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle, and Glasgow, Paisley, Kil marnock, and Ayr (No. 4), Glasgow, Barrhead, and Neilston, and Glasgow Southern Terminal Railways Amalgamation, Caledonian and Glasgow, Paisley, and Greenock Railways Amalgamation, Caledonian (Lease or Purchase of the Glasgow, Barrhead, and Neilston Direct and Glasgow Southern Terminal Railways), Caledonian (Purchase or Lease of Wishaw and Coltness), Edinburgh and Glasgow, Edinburgh and Glasgow (Monkland and Kirkintillock, Bal lockney and Slamannan Railways Amalgamation Sale or Lease). The Select Committee to meet on Tuesday, May 4, at one. Select Committee on Group No. 48. Mr. Stansield discharged ; Mr. Bond Cabbell selected, and added to the Committee. Select Committee on Group No. 22. Mr. Bernal discharged; Mr. Drummond selected, and ap pointed Chairman of the Committee. The Select Committees on Groups Nos. 15, 17, 19, 24, 26, 35, 44, and 52, will be selected from Panel No. 5, which will be required to be in attendance during the week commencing Monday, May 10. PANEL No. V. Mr. Alexander Mr. H. J. Baillie Mr. Balfour Lord John Hallyburton Mr. G. V. Harcourt Captain H. Howard Mr. Bernal Mr. B. Hughes Mr. W. Beckett Mr. Hurst Lord Henry Bentinck Mr. Hutt Mr. I. Blackburne Hon. C. Lawless Mr. S. Blackstone Major Layard Captain Boldero Hon. J. P. Maxwell Lord Ernest Bruce Mr. P. Miles Mr. Buck Mr. Mitchell Mr. Co!vile Sir C. Napier Mr. Corbally Mr. Neville Mr. S. Crawford Captain Pechell Mr. B. Denison Sir R. Peel Mr. Dennistoun Mr. Pinney Mr. Dickinson Viscount Pollington Sir H. Douglas Mr. Prime Mr. Drax Lord Rendlesham Mr. Du Pre Mr. H. Seymour Sir J. B. East Mr. H. Stuart Sir T. Esmonde Mr. M. Talbot Mr. Finch Mr. Taylor Hon. H. Fitzroy Hon. G. R. Trevor Mr. Forbes Sir W. Verner Mr. Forman Sir R. Vvvyan Mr. M. Gore Mr. Waddington Earl Grosvenor Marquis of Worcester. Mr. Hale SIR ROBERT PEEL AND THE GERMAN PROTECTIONISTS. It appears from the German papers, that when Dr, List, the most prominent advocate of protection in favour of the products of Germany, was in this coun try, during the last autumn, he addressed communica tions to Lord Palmerston and Sir Robert Peel, for the purpose of procuring their concurrence in the views of Dr. List in favour of protection. The answers by them are stated to have been published in the German papers. The following is that sent by Sir Robert Peel:— " Drayton Manor, Aug. 22, 1846. " Sir,—l beg leave to acknowledge the receipt of the letter which you have addressed to me, and of the memorandum which accompanied it. " I thank you for this communication, and have given it an attentive perusal. " The sentiments which it expresses in favour of the policy and reciprocal advantage of an intimate union between this country and Germany have my cordial concurrence; a con currence as complete and unqualified as is my dissent from your views as to the mode by which that intimate union can be most effectually promoted. " You are of opinion that England ought cheerfully to acquiesce in the maintenance of high duties on the import into Germany of the products of English industry, for t he purpose of benefiting the people of Germany, of conciliating their good-will towards England, and of thus encouraging amicable relations between the two countries. I, on the contrary, ant of opinion that the people of Germany will be benefited by freer access to the produce of English industry in exchange for their own, that the good will to be purchased by denying that access will be the good will not of the people of Germany, but of comparatively a very small portion of that people, either interested in the manufactures with which English industry would compete, or, labouring under erroneous impressions as to the prin ciples which ought to govern the commercial relations of two great countries ; and that we shall be laying the best foundation for reciprocal amity and for an intimate union be tween Great Britain,andtGermany by relaxing the restraints on our commercial intercourse, and by the diminution, and not the increase or the maintenance, of the present protec tive duties. " You observe that views in favour of protection are at present uppermost in the mind of the German public—that it does not matter, with regard to the object of your memoir, whether, such views are true or not; it matters only whether they do exist or not. " I must be permitted, with all due respect for your autho rity, to doubt the allegation that such views are uppermost in the mind of the people of Germany; but if they are, I totally dissent from your position, that it matters not whether such views are or are not correct. " If they prevail, and if they are not correct, they ought to be combated by those who, as statesmen, conduct the public councils in Germany, and, let me add, by those also who, as writers on political economy and the commercial policy of n ations, undertake to enlighten the public mind, and to form and direct the public opinion of their fellow-countrymen. " I for one believe those views to be completely erroneous, to be injurious to Germany, injurious to England, and im pediments to that intimate union which I wish to see estab lished and confirmed between two powerful nations whose political interests are so nearly identical. lam bound, there fore, frankly to inform you that I cannot advise that acqui escerce in them on the part of the ruling authorities in this country which it is the object of your memorandum to in culcate. —I have the honour to be, Sir, your obedient servant, " M. List, &C. " ROBERT PEEL." SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETY.—Eiiiah is to be per formed at Exeter Hall, on Friday next, under Mendelssohn's direction, being the last time it can be performed before he leaves England. Staudigl will, on the occasion, support his original character of Elijah. MR. MACREADY'S RE-APPEARANCE AT THE PRINCESS'S. —It is said that Mr. Maddox, the lessee of the Princess's Theatre, has offered Mr. Macready an engagement for twenty weeks of the next season, at 100 guineas per week. His performance to be three times a week at stipu lated intervals.—Obserrer. EXTRAORDINARY CASE.—A long investigation took place before W. Carter, Esq., the coroner for Surrey, at the Guildford Barge, Belvidere-road, Westminster-bridge, as to the death of John Peterbridge, aged 58, who was alleged by his Wil3 to have been seriously injured by mesmeric influence un d er most extraordinary and novel circumstances. It tuurrnreeyd, out, p however, Dispensary, thatf ro t m h e the deceasedevidence d ie died from D r . theAldei s o n of in the Surrey I effects of dropsy and consumption. Verdict, " Natural death." • THE “EDINBURGH REVIEW" AND SIR FRANCIS HEAD. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. Sru,—As the conduct or misconduct of a public servant has always been considered by the British press as a subject worthy of fair investigation, I request that you will do me the justice to insert the following brief exposure of some ac cusations which have lately appeared against me in a public journal. In the number of the Edinburgh Review which has just been published, it is stated, that on Sir F. Head's retiring from the administration of the Government of Upper Canada, he " determined on traversing the United States in disguise ;" and " that having reached the town of Waterton, in the cha racter of servant to Judge Jones, he chose to overact his humble part so grossly as to excite suspicion, and conse quently provoke recognition." In reply to the above, I deliberately declare that, on my arrival at Waterton, as well as thioughout the whole of the journey alluded to, my face was uncovered, that I Was dressed in the blue cloak I had always worn at Toronto, un derneath which I wore my usual travelling dress. During this journey Judge Jones openly and undisguisedly treated me with the attention he had invariably shown me at Toronto; and I pledge myself that, if appealed to, Judge Jones, who is now at Toronto, will certify that the asserting in the Edinburgh Review, that I travelled in disguise, and as his servant, are, in every particular, untrue. Having refuted an allegation which I.trust every man of honour will feel it was due to my character to contradict, I will now briefly expose a few other misstatements of minor importance, which I certainly should not otherwise have noticed. I. It is stated in the Edi n b urg h R ev i ew , page 373 . t h a t " Sir F . F. Head now took a step which su bj ec t e d hi m , an d we think justly, to the loudest censure from the citizens of Toronto. He sent his own family on board a steamer in the Lake. Now, though no one will be very hard on him for showing such affection for his family, it must be recollected that the other families in Toronto had no such means of refuge." The truth of the story is as follows :—On leaving Govern ment House, on the night of the rebelli on , t o ta k e up my position in the market-place, I conducted my family to the house of her Majesty's Solicitor-General, where they re mained the whole night. On the afternoon of the next day, the present Bishop of Toronto recommended several families to go on board two steamers, which were not in the Lake, but lying moored in the harbour. They did so; and Lady Head and my daughter sharing equally with them the accommodation, remained on board one of these two crowded vessels until the Mayor of Toronto, accompanied by several of the principal citizens, far from entertaining the feelings described, came alongside to congratulate them " loudly" on the defeat of the rebels. The Bishop of Toronto, and the principal families residing in that city, if appealed to, will, I am sure, certify that the above statement is correct ; and that the assertion in the Edinburgh Review, that " the other families in Toronto had no such means of refuge" as I procured for my own, is perfectly untrue. Besides which, independent of my own personal feelings, I surely need hardly observe what political importance would have been attached by the rebels to the capture by them of any member of my family. 2. It is stated in the Edinburgh Review, page 363, and sub sequently reiterated, that Sir Robert Peel " repelled all Sir Francis Head's attempts at intimacy," " nor would he take any step in the way of giving Sir Francis that reward for his services which the latter most urgently pressed on him." The facts of this case are as follow :—On ray return from Canada I was living in Warwickshire, in my usual retire ment, when Sir Robert Peel did me the honour to call upon me ; and, at his invitation, I twice spent a few days at Dray ton. This slight acquaintance, however, sickened and died in consequence, I suppose, of my having opposed the Parlia mentary course which Sir Robert Peel telt it his duty to take with respect to the Canada Union Bill. After he had been Prime Minister upwards of a year, I, one day, briefly mentioned to him that as, at the request of the Government, I had given up a permanent appointment to go to Canada, as I had received, during the present reign, no acknowledgment whatever, pecuniary or honorary, for the part I had taken in suppressing the rebellion in Canada, as well as in repelling the invasion of the Americans, and as a long list of officers who had served under me had been re warded, I conceived I had some claim upon the country. In reply to which, Sir Robert Peel very courteously recom mended me to put my ease into writing and to address it to her Majesty's Secretary of State for the Colonies. I never did so—never again troubled Sir Robert Peel with any request for myself, and never, either before or after wards, asked anything from Lord Stanley. If these gentle men be appealed to, they will, I feel confident, declare that the assertions of the Edinburgh Review, as above quoted, are incorrect. 3. It is stated in the Edinburgh Review, page 369 : " For the information of readers at home, it may be as well that we should give a succinct narrative of the circumstances that attended M'Kenzie's attack on Toronto. Our know ledge of such facts as are net taken from the official accounts has been derived from written statements given to us by Colonel F." For about eight pages these " statements" are quoted at tedious length, in order to blame me in every possible way for not having attacked Mr. M'Kenzie, &c„ &c., &c., accord ing to the advice of this officer. It is, therefore, necessary that I should disabuse the public by reluctantly stating, what is perfectly well known throughout Upper Canada, namely, that the gallant militia Colonel in question, from excessive zeal and loyalty, gradually became so excited that on the day after the defeat of the rebels it was necessary to place him under medical treatment ; that during his illness I in vain endeavoured, by every possible act of personal kindness, to remove from his mind a strange idea that I was his enemy ; and that although he eventually recovered, this idea conti nued to haunt him so incessantly that when, a year after wards, on his visiting England, I was from feelings of regard about to call upon him, I was earnestly warned by a Cana dian now at Toronto not to do so. Now is it creditable that under such circumstances the "written statements" and opinions of this brave and worthy individual should have been selected as the foundation of an elaborate attack upon me ? 4. It is stated in the Edinburgh Review, page 382, " That having quarrelled with Colonel F. and every independent person who had once acted under him—have disgusted the old officers of the army and navy by ordering them to serve as privates under the lawyers and merchants' clerks of Toronto, Sir F. Head was entirely in the hands of the family compact.' Commissions in the militia were given to every relation and hanger-on of the principal members of the Go vernment. One regiment is said to have been entirely offi cered by persons of the same family name. Profitable con tracts enriched others of the favoured connexion." Now, I never for a moment quarrelled with Colonel F. On the contrary, on my arrival in Downing-street from Canada I respectfully, but most earnestly, urged Lord Glenelg to reward him ; and, as regards the rest of the charge, I feel confident that if appealed to, the old officers of the army and navy, as well as the Adjutant-General of the militia of Upper Canada, who was officially cognisant of every appoint ment, will certify that the above assertions in the Edinburgh Review, especially that relating to a regiment having been entirely officered by persons of the same family name, are a series of untruths. Now, it will naturally be asked, " From what source has the Edinburgh Review ventured to assail the character of a retired public servant by a series of such unfounded asser tions?" The writer of these calumnies solves this mystery himself. After, in page 361, describing the ringleaders of the rebels as " the popular leaders," and the gallant men who defeated them as "the illiberal party," he says (see page 380), "the American Sutherland, who was one of the leaders of the ex pedition to Navy Island, when subsequently a prisoner at Quebec, gave the writer of this article the following account of the affair of Navy Island, of which, as misrepresentation could not in any way serve him, there is no reason to doubt the correctness. In all its main points it was exactly corro borated by a statement which an informant of ours received from Van Ransalaer, Sutherland, and about twenty-three others." New, Sutherland I committed to gaol at Toronto before "the writer of this article" visited him when under sentence of transportation ; " he was a prisoner at Quebec," and Van Ransalaer for nearly a year had been lying in the gaol of Albany, in the United States 1 How many of the " twenty-three other persons" whom "the writer of this article" cites in evidence against me were convicted traitors whose projects I had defeated and whose prospects I had ruined, he has not deemed it advisable to state. He only informs us that as they " exactly corrobo rated" the statements of Van Ransalaer and Sutherland, "there is no reason to doubt the correctness." In the strange admixture of impersonal testimony, of ano nymous witnesses, of evidence collected from gaols, of special pleading, and of total disregard of truth and decency which characterise the article before us, the British public will, no doubt, at once recognise the ol d materials of that unfortu nate mass, or rather mess, of mis-statements, commonly called " Lord Durham's Report."—l am, Sir, your obedient servant, F. B. HEAD. Athenaeum, April 24, 1847. BRISTOL SUGAR MARKET, ArRIL 23.—We have no new features to notice in our sugar-market, which con tinues extremely dull, and prices are again lower.—Bristol Mercury. THE SMITHFIELD NUISANCE.—MT. Ormsby Gore gave notice on Friday that he would nominate on Tuesday the following members on the Select Committee respecting Smithfield Market. It will be seen that the city interests have been particularly consulted in the selection of Mr. W. B. Baring, Mr. Thomas Baring, Alderman Copeland, and Mr. Masterman. The following is a list of the proposed committee :—Mr. Ormsby Gore, the Right Hon. Viscount Morpeth, Viscount Mahon, Lord Seymour, the Right Hon. W. B. Baring, Right Hon. Sidney Herbert, Hon. Eliot T. Yorke, Mr. Thomas Baring, Mr. Bratuston, Mr. Burroughes, Alderman Copeland, Mr. Beckett Denison, Mr. Masterman, Mr. W. Miles, and Mr. A. Stafford O'Brien. SINGULAR AFFAIR IN HIGH LIFE. On Satur day information was received at the head station of the D or Maryleboee division, in Marylebone-lane, and was from thence circulated throughout the different divisions of both the Metropolitan and City police, of the following singular imposition and robbery having been committed upon a lady of rank residing at the West-end :—The name of the lady or her title has not been permitted publicly to transpire, but the particulars circulated by the police state, that a day or two before, between the hours of eleven and twelve o'clock in the forenoon, a Frenchman, fashionably-dressed, drove up in a cab to the door of a residence in Portman-square, during the tem porary absence from home of the owner, and by representing to the servant that he came from a friend of the noble owner's g residing in Eaton-square, he succeeded in obtain' a n in terview with the lady of the house. What was his n alleged object in doing so, or what took plac e at the interview, has not been made publicly known, beyond the fact that he by some means or other induced the lady to deliver to him two gold watches, a gold guard-chain, with a gold watch-key attached, and a shawl of the value of upwards of 501., with also 151. in money, the lady receiving from him in exchange an enamelled gold watch, warranted perfect, and a gold chain and key, very inferior articles, and of trifling value ; after which he politely bowed himself out of the house. The F re nchman is described as being about five feet sev en or e i ght inches high, from 35 to 40 years of age, of florid complexion, can speak several languages, and is of very 1 ausibl em manners. He He gave the name of Manley t o the servant who attended him when he entered the house, but to the lady he signed it F. Delan." The police are aware that an individual an swering the description recently obtained 201. from a Spanish gentleman by a similar trick. DEATH OF LADY ALICIA GORDON —We have to announce the demise of the above lady, which took place on Saturday morning, at her residence in Hertford -street, May fair. Her ladyship was born in 1788, and was on ly d aug hter of the late, an d s i ster of the present, Earl of Aberdeen. The deceased lady was for many years Lady of the Bedchamber to her late Royal Highness the Princess Sophia Matilda. Mr. Greg, and a deputation, had an interview with Sir George Grey, on Saturday. The Earl of Devon bad also an interview with the Right Hon. Baronet. A deputation from Rochdale, consisting of Mr. Shar man Crawford, Mr. Thomas Livesey (chairman of the board of guardians), and Mr. William Roberts (clerk), had an interview with Sir George Grey on Saturday at the Home Office. I SPORTING INTELL/ONC,E. CHESTER RACES. The following horst's, besides many others, were expected to reach Chester by Sunday evening : Alival, the Dart, T'Auld Squire, J ovial, Elemi, Lord George, Gwalior, Lord Saltoun, Inheritress, Annandale, the Emerald Isle, the Magnet, Blackie, Godfrey, Pinkeclkindess, Boynton, Deloraine, St. Leon, Susannah, Tribute, Philip, Abdiel, Pre mier (3 yrs old), Sir Martin, Vanish, Kismet, the Stinger, Burlesque, Claribal, the Cur, Sweetmeat, Miles's Boy, Moonlight, Princess Alice, the Lamb, Beverlace, Miss Norton, Restoration, Curb-Chain, St. Lawrence, So Nice, Farthing Candle, Miss Burns, Mendicant, Bourton, Adminis trator, Chertsey, Lady Mary, Montpensier, Camera Obscure, Winchester, Sagacity, Swallow, Nerissa, Plaudit, Dulcet, Watchdog, Queen of the Tyne, Banana, Arthur, Sylvanus, Emigrant, Maid of Lyme, Pal, Mermaid, Flahow.. lagh, Clermont, Mickey Free, Horn of Chase, Erin-go-bragh, five or six of Lord Chesterfield's, &c. The Assembly-room at the Royal Hotel will be opened es a Subscription Betting Room during the races, and for this purpose will be found one of the most convenient in the kingdom. The course, which has been much improved since last year, is represented to be in good order, and the meeting, should the weather continue favourable, promises to be a brilliant one LATEST BETTING AT THE WEST END. CHESTER Cup, 7 to 1 agst Dulcet 20 to 1 ago.. Clermont—taken 7 to 1 agst 111 endican kz t ,:d aft. off. 12 to 1 agst The Lamb—takeni_o to 1 agst St Erhi-go- B and aft. olf. 25 to 1 agst . Laurence ragh t t 8 to 1 agst Newcourt—takvn;2s to 1 agst Mickey' Free 20 to 1 agst Camera Obscura ;25 to 1 agst InheritreAs '25 to agst Annandale THE CHESTER Cur DAY.—Some misconception having arisen with regard to a proposed special train from the Euston-square station to Chester on the Cup day, it will be as well to mention that nothing has yet been determined; should the directors resolve on starting on:, it will in all probability leave at six in the morning. DURHAM RACES.—FRIDAY. The Two Years Old Stakes of 10 guineas each, wit, 20 so's. added ; colts, Bst 31b ; and fillies, Bst. Three qua:ters of a mile. (4 Subs.) Mr. B. Green's Miss Margrave ... (W. Oates) I Sir. R. Hesseltine's Doll Captain Boyd's Sybil 3 4 3 ••:... Captain Pott's Jealous _ _ _ Won by half a length. The Cup Stakes oflo guineas each, 3 yrs old, Est I.olb ; 4 yrs, Bst 31b; 5 yrs, Bst 10lb ; 6 yrs and aged, 9st; mares and geldings allowed 31bs. Two miles. (5 Subs.) Mr. Ewbank's Louisa Newall, 3 yrs. (Longataff) 0 1 Mr. W. Cranston's Comme it faut, 3 yrs 0 2 Mr. Bell's Quadruped, 4 yrs Mr. Jaques's Nell Cook, 4 yrs Mr. Johnstone's Calista, 4 yrs 6to 4 agst Louisa and 6to 4 agst Comme it Faut. A fate race ended in a dead heat between the favourite. Deciding heat.—Even betting. Won on the post by a head. The Selling Stakes of 3 soya. each, p p, with 25 added ; 3 yrs old, Bst; 4 yrs, 9st; 5 yrs, 9st 61b; &c. Heats, one mile and a quarter. Mr. Ewbank's The Helmsman, 5 yrs ...... (Bumby) 0 1 1 Mr. Jaques's Nell Cook, 4 yrs, Est 111 b.. Mr. Spearman nd bf, by Inheritor, 3 yrs, sst 111 b 3 2 3 Mr. Dawson's Pleasure Trip, 4 yrs, Est 111 b Mr. Dawson's Tribute, 3 yrs, Est Mr. Kitching's Lucy, 5 yrs, ist 101 b 0 dr Three well contested heats. (RECEIVED THIS DAY.) CHESTER, SUNDAY EVENING. Arrivals since our last :—Evenus, Jolly Beggar, Muter Downes, Pantasa, Morocco, Dipthong, Mermaid, Glen Sad dell, Naworth, Buckstone, Patriot., Tom Tough, Rowland, Bruce, Cheapside, Bannockburn, Lady Lurewell, Enchantress, Sir Tatton Sykes, Regalia, Pam, Newcourt, Lady Wildair, Woodpecker, Clumsy, Jenny Wren, Cherry, Headsman, Agnes, Fair Rosamond, Pic The, Wolfdog, Infringe, Golden Bee, Spithead, Elizabeth Sharston, Hooton, Osprey, Mar low, Foreclosure, Free Lance, Alliance, Trojan, June, Brown Fly, Yellow Rose, Smuggler Bill, Hawkstone, Congress. Arachne filly, Tommy Moore, c by Tory Boy out of Manuel Otz.—No betting. HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE. L'Elisir d'Amore was repeated here on Saturday. Lablache as Doctor Dulcamara in L'Elisir d'Amore was as glorious as ever ; Castellan, wh• was in excellent voice, sang and acted bewitchingly, and Gardoni as Nemorino, sang the music most sweetly, and looked and acted the lover to the life. His Una fertiva Lagrima is one of the most exquisite gems of the lyrical drama. In the ballet department we had the magnificent Divertissement from Lelia Rookh, with Cerito and St. Leon ; and the ballet of Coralia with Carolina Rosati and Marie Taglioni. The house was crowded. Amongst the company who honoured the theatre with their pre sence we observed their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Princess Mary, attended by ,th e B aroness Hammerstein, Major Stephens, and Mr. E. H. St. John Mildmay , his Serene Highne ss P r i nce Edward of Saxe-Weimar, Viscount and Viscountess Barrington, and the Hon. Miss Barrington, and the Hon. Miss Mitchell, occupied her Majesty the Queen Dowager's box. There were also present Mr. George Edward and the Hon. Mrs Anson, and Mr. and Lady Anne Charteris (in her Majesty's box). the Prince Louis Napoleon, the Duke and Duchess of Cleveland, his Excellency the Russian Minister, the Baroness Brunnow and Madlle. Olga de Lechner, the Marchioness of Douro, the Marquis of Done g al, the Marquis of Huntley , the Marquis of Granby , the Mar- . guts of Clanri ca rde, , the Earl of Cardigan , the Earl of Munster, the Earl of Lonsdale, the Earl of Belfast, Viscount Somerton Lord Berwick, Visco untess Dillon and the Hon. Misse's Dillon Lord Gardner, Lord Mac , donald, Lord Charles Wellesley, Lord And Lady Wil loughby D'Eresby, and the Hon. W. D'Eresb y , Lord and Lady C o l c h ester, Lord Broug h am , the Baron Rehau sen, the Count d e C ourcy , Lady Graham, Lady Meux , Lady Fitzroy S omerset an d Miss Fitzroy Somerset , Sir H. Willoughby, Ron. J u li a n Fane, Mr. and Mrs. Hu ber t de Burgh, the C ount de Koudr i a ff s ky, Mr. W. W. Wil liams, Mr. and M rs. Ph i ll i ps , Mr. and Mrs. Morton, Captain Reynold s , C aptain Smit h, Mr. Conyngham, Mr. Stuart, M.P., M r . and Miss B rere ton Trelawney, Mr. and Mrs. Hodgson, Mrs. Packs Reding , Mr. Ha y ter, M.P., &c. &c. ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA, COVENT-GARDEN. Rossini's L' Italiana in Algieri was prodaced,here on Saturday, with an entirely new cast, comprising Mdlle. Alboni as Isabella, Marini as the Bey, Rovere as Taddeo, and Salvi as Lindoro. Mdlle. Alboni has added to her fame by her persona tion of Isabella. Her ren dering of the music was exceedingly brilliant, and, better than all, exceedingly correct. Her rendering of the celebrated aria " Pensa ells Patric," was perfect, and richly merited the applause with which it was received. The Lindero of Salvi is not equal to his Edgardo. Eith er h e was labouring under indisposition on Saturday, or his voice is deficient in power. 1 - le gave snatches of the music beautifully, but occasionally there was manifested a want of power of execution to carry out his conception. He seemed to be at times exhausted. Marini is a good, steady bass singer with a powerful voice, and a perfect knowledge of music, and although in the Papatari he approached not near to the rich and unctions humour of Labia:she (who can approach the unapproachable), yet, in his ren dering was a grave stolidity that told welL Rovere was the Taddeo, 111 dering of the bye part of this celebrated quartette , there and 'torero is in all points the perfect conventional Italian Buffo. We eau imagine the roars of laughter and applause, the furore of delight which Rovere would excite among an Italian audience, but every low come dian, and the buffo is the low comedian of Italy, while he enjoys a greater popularity among his countrymen than other artistes, seldom succeeds in making himself understood by a foreign audience. The French, for in stance, were delighted with Charles Kemble, with Kean, with Macready, but they could not understand Liston, the Italian d rama , were de and were lost in aston ish ment at the roars of laughter oifnof Rovere was cav i are to a _ which he excited among Italy,th e English ue p d o e r r t e i t o e n ed of the e conventionalities audience. So wit h Rov ere last evening. Those h been th e acting g reat proportion of the audience, they could no t un derstand the fun. Now this is easily accounted for. The fun of the buffo actor is g ener ally local fun—understood and appreciated, andincompreh enjoyed with a zest en wlighotedhad,be B ible to stranger s, by_t hose who are habit ua t e d to the conversat i ona lities of the place. But remove him to another audience _ _ unaccustomed to hi s pecu li ar h umo ur, and he would have to educate them to his man ner, and himself to their ideas of fun, before he can hope for success. This is the case with Rovere. He is that a m os t accomp li she d Italian buffo, but that is not enough with a foreign audience, because they do not under stand Italian con ventionalities, and in order to att a i n t h at pos i t i on to which his talen ts entitle him, he must endeavour to become more cosmopolitan in his humour, and his audience must, at the same time, become more Italian in theirs. If Revere performs his part of this arrange ment, he will thereby teach his audience theirs, and then he will be deservedly as great a favourite here as he is in his own country. The principal artistes were all called for at the conclusion. The new ballet, La Reine des Fees, concluded the evening's entertainments. Her Majesty and Prince Albert were present. Among the donations to the Drury-lane Theatrical Fund, on Friday evening, was one of 50/. from the Duke of Bedford, and one of 10/. 10s. from B. Bond Cabbell, Esq., M.P. DRURY-LANE THEATRE. MORNING PERFORM ANCE OF " Tfl DESERT." — Considerable curiosity is excited by this announcement, more especially as it is generally un derstood that her Majesty intends bringing the Prince of \Vales, and his eldest brother and sister, to see this grand spectacle. No doubt the children of most of the nobility will be present on the occasion to witness this interesting en tertainment. Al Lord and Lady gernon St. Ma ur h ave arrived in Upper Harley-street , from Maiden Bradley, Wilts. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. SlR,—The most important race of the year, that for the Derby Stakes, will, ere another month is sped, be recorded in the annals of the past, and one of the strangest Derbies on record, with all its ups and downs, will be irrevocably settled. Consequent upon this, it is quite time I divided the " corn from the chaff," we having passed through two of the three great tests, in the shape of the Craven and First Spring Meetings at Newmarket, by which we analyse the merits of the Derby nags; the remaining test, the Dee Stakes, will be settled during the present week at Chester, after which I shall be able to gyre my final opinion on the " great card" of 1847. That division of the nominations which have either directly or indirectly received their quietus in going through the " two tests," are out of training, or known as non-starters, or, if starting, without the ghost of a chance, are the following, viz.—lngoldsby, Don Clesar, Seducer, Jesuit, Lazarillo, Jack Musters, Spem Gregis, Black Satin, Rehearsal. The Questionable, Abyssinian, Eger, Gabbler, Villi ers , C roz i er, Sloth Coulternil, Severus, His Serene Highness, Seljuck, Luxor, King of Morven, Projectile, Lord George, Jemala, Jolly Dick, Cottisford, Bedlam, Saddleworth, Tim Whiffler, Premier, Papa, Allertonian, Dromedary, Bedouin, Legatee, M'Gregor, Tartar, Silver Eel, Resolution, Themis, Va lance, Toga, Marmora and Mantle colts, Voronetz, colt by Harkaway, George Barnwell, The Precocious Youth, Crassus, Rauthos, Caps, The Queen, Miss Bacon, Mir millo, Verres, Heart of Oak, Siege of Troy, Buckskin, Tantivy, Weebit, Bellerophon, Atlantic, Timonr, Ray ner, Sir Walter Scott, Tom Fool, Sir Martin, Johnnie Armstrong, Bit Nibble, All.tatter'd-and-torn, Hard Bar gain, Whetstone, Typhon, Deloraine, Daring, Shawn Buidhee, Para Shastha, Redwing, colt by The Saddler, Mangosteen, Fickle colt, Retort colt, filly by The Sad dler, Sister to Cobweb colt, Lancer, 'Wildboy, Old Eng lish Gentleman, King of Naples, Oregon, Veneur, Wolverton, View Hollow, Mona colt, Outpost, Vampire, Rob Rynd, Meaux, Cutaway, Broadsword, Hornet, Ab diel, Bowstring, Socrates, Hemsley, Brodie, Bendigo, Dublin colt, Marpessus, Mr. Newman, Little Muley, Eldon, Sir Peter Laurie, Clarendon, Phoebus The Riever, Tallyho, Deriades, Sagamor e , colt by the Pro vost, Morak, Wild Doe, and Fannin; leaving sixty from which to pick the winner. This lot I will sift next Mon day. I cannot help remarking , en pussant, that Day's this year i s by f ar t h e most formidable lot, and that Kent's string, so pelted and polted through the winter, is all moonshine. The success whi c h h as attended all my prognostications this year still st an d s b y me; for I not only foretold the winner of the " Two Thousand,". but placed the first and second correct for the " One Thousand," and should, in all probability, have been equa lly successful in the New market Stakes, had not Epirote suddenly fell amiss. As I predicted, War Eagle was second, and received his quietus, so far as his Derby chance is concerned. Cos sack won easily, and added another sprig to the Dane bury wreath. This race, as a contemporary states, was the truest run this year; and the winner (mark my words) will be John Day's Derby horse. The annual sport on the Roodee at Chester begins at half-past one on Tuesday, with the Grosvenor Stakes, which must be won either by Pantasa or Burlesque. The Chesterfield Stakes, for three yrs old, will have ten starters; most probably the following animals:— Aliwal, St. Leon, Jovial, Sagacity, Premier, Watchdog, Abdiel, Lady Lurewell, Moonlight, and Susanna. Of these, Aliwal, Watchdog, Lady Lurewell, and Susanna, will form the front rank at the stand; Susanna or Watch dog finally winning, with nothing to spare. A Sweepstakes of 25 sovs. each, for two yrs old, will have an Enchantress among the field, also Lucy Ashton, Glen Saddel (a very fine colt), Buckstone, The Stinger, and Beverlac; and the public may look out for a stiers in Colonel Anson's colt or Enchantress; Beverlac being close up, A Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each will be won by Butter ton or Hawkestone. On Wednesday the good old town of Chester will be disturbed from its wonted propriety by an influx of the London and Manchester divisions of the sporting fra ternity, for the express purpose of witnessing the ex citing struggle for the " Coop," as the natives term the " Tradesmen's Plate." The field for this race will be composed of the following with but few deductions or additions, viz.— sit 1131 it lb Sweetmeat, 5 yrs .Sir Tatton Sykes, 4 yrs 8 11 Flahowlagb, 5 yrs 6 12 Inheritress, aged......... 8 8 *Clumsy, 5 yrs 6 12 Dulcet, 5 yrs Mendicant, 4 yrs ...... Annandale, 5 yrs St. Lawrence, aged 7lO Emigrant, aged Neweourt, aged ..... .... 710 *The Magn e t, 5 yrs 6 6 1 Queen of Tyne, aged ... 7 9 Sylvanus, 5 yrs Lady Wildair, 5 yrs ... 7 8 F ar thi ng C an dl e, 4 yrs 6 6 t Arthur, 5 yrs .. 7 7 'Camera Obscura, 4 yrs 6 o Fitzallen, 5 yrs Princess Alice, 4 yrs *Lord Saltoun, 6 yrs 7 5 The Lamb, 4 yrs 6 0 Mickey Free, 6 yrs 7 3 Chatterbox, 4 yrs 5 8 *Ratcliffe, 6 yrs 7 3 *Regalia, 4 yrs 5 8. Pal, 4 yrs . Plaudit, 5 yrs 7 0 Sir Martin, 3 yr 5......... 4lt Woodpecker, 4 yrs 7 0 Clermont (101bax)3yre 4 9 *Marian Ramsay, 5 yrs 6 13 Emerald Isle, 3 yrs 4 4 Tkose marked with an asterisk are doubtful starters. From the heavy weights, I select Sweetmeat, Annandale, and Lady Wildair; from the middle weights, Magnet and Camera Obscure; and from the feather weights, Sir Martin and Clermont. With these, I think I can pull through, and shall not be at all surprised should the race come off thus—Sweetmeat first, Sir Martin second, and Clermont Majesty's Plate will find it s way into the pocket of rell with Cwonlgi be ress. seirr c.c th o i e rd. On Thursday Wolfdog 1 ek H r for the D es Stand Cup, with Ali w al and Bannockburn near the mark. to The the post, Dee includingStakeswilll i b o r o in t bring a few Derby and Oaks pets and perhaps th e H orn of Chase Penßier Nerissa, Miles's Boy. and Wanota. Th e best of this lot, i n my opinion, is Montpensier; with him and Mr. Pedley's I'll stand to w in.—I am, Sir, &c. April 26. THE SPIRIT OF THE TURF. K __ING'S COLLEGE.—Saturday afternoon the annual distribution of prizes took place in the medical department of this institution. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cam bridge, the Earl of Eldon, the Bishop of London, the Bishop of Winchester, the Rev. Dr. Sheppard, and the Rev. Dr. Jelf, Principal of the College, were present. The Bishop of London presided. A report Was read. which gave a most encouraging view of the prosperous state of the school. A number of prizes were then men t o those students who had made the greatest proficiency in their various departments of medical study, and a vote of thank. being given to the Right Hon. Chairman, on the motion of the Duke of Cambridge, the meeting separated. APPROACHING MARRIAGE IN HIGH LIFE.—We understand that a marriage is immediately to take place be tween the Lady Alexandrina Vane, the highly accomplished daughter of the Marquis and Marshiness of Londonderry. and the Earl of Portarlington, whose recent acccession to the extensive family property in England and the sister king dom will be fresh in the recollection of our readers. THE TELESCOPIC FUNNEL.—We understand that the telescopic funnel adopted in the Sidon, Blenheim. and other ships, is the invention of our talented townsman, Mr William Halls, professor of dancing, son of Captain Halls, R.M. We hear that the same gentleman has invented a percussion fuze, which will secure the bursting of a shell the moment it stri kes the objects—Ramp:Aire Telegraph.