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

NORTHERN BENGAL RAILWAY COM PANY (Limited). —Offices, 2, K;iig's Arms yard, E. C.—Capital, 2,000,0001., in 100,000 shares of 201.; deposit 31. per share. -------- DIRFCTORS. Sir Geo. Bonham, Bart., K.C.B. (late H. 111. Plenipotentiary in China, and Governor of Ilong, Kong), Chairman. Sir Macdonald Stephenson (Director of the East Indian and Onde Railway Companies), Deputy Chairman. Wiliam Borradaile, Esq., of 20, King's Arms-yard. Archibald Boyd, Esq., of 115, Wcstbourne-terrace, Hyde- park. Archibald Campbell, Esq., of Darjeeling. Samuel Rawson, Esq., (Messrs. Rawson, Sons, and Co., Lon don ; and Leach, Rawson, and Co., of Calcutta.) Major-General Tremenheere, late Bengal Engineers. Secretary—Hyde Clarke, Esq. ' Solicitors—Messrs. J. C. and H. Freshfield. Engineer—T. R. Crampton, Esq., C E., K.L.H. The East Indian railway is open to Ranegunge, on the route to Delhi, and will soon be completed to Rajmahal. The object of the present undertaking is to construct a northerly extension to Dinajpore and Darjeeling, accommodating the districts of Rungpore, Malda, and Purneah. The total length of railway to be constructed will be between 200 and 300 miles, to be undertaken in sections, as the Court of Directors Of the East IndiatCompany may direct. -" • The proposed lines will accommodate a country of great traffic and vast resources. The lower country sends largely to Calcutta, for consumption and shipment, sugar, tobacco, cotton, hemp, jute, rice, oil seeds, &c., and in the upper country the production of copper and tea are being extended, for all which these lines will be the chief route. The hill re gions also produce coal and other mineral productions, and the railways proposed command the traffic to Assam and Central Asia. Besides this, Darjeeling, which enjoys a cli mate equal to that of England, is a sanitarium of great im portance to the community of Calcutta, and will command a first-class traffic, which will be greatly increased when the distance is reduced from a week of laborious travelling to a single day of convenient spirit. The Directors are in communication with the Hon. East ' India Company with a view to place this Company upon the same basis as the other Indian Railway Companies, under a guarantee of a minimum rate of interest. Should this arrange ment, which is regarded by the Directors as an essential and indispensable condition, not be effected, the deposit of three shillings per share will be returned, less the expenses which shall have been incurred. The allottees will not be required to eccecuto any deed, but will receive Scrip Certificates in ex change for the Bankers' Receipts, without incurring liability. Applications for Shares may be sent to the Brokers, Messrs. Scott, Corthorn, and Scotts, 16, Throgmorton-street, or to the Company's offices, No. 2, King's Arms-yard (E.C.), in the annexed form ; but no application will be considered, unless a deposit of three shillings on each Share applied for is pre viously made to Messrs. Glyn, Mllls, and Co., Bankers of the Company. The deposit will he returned if the applica tion isinot acceded to. T HEATRE ROYA f,, DRURY LA NE.— Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith. A:ting Mlnav,er, Mr. C. Mathews. Stage Manager, Mr. It Roxby. Scenic Artist, Mr. W.-Beverley. The eminent Comedian, Mr. Charles Mathews, every evening, Re-engagement of Mr. and Mrs. Keeley. Great Success of the Grand Christmas Pantomime, the most magnificent ever produced on the English stage. THIS EVENING, her Majesty's Servants will perform the popular Comedy, A CURE FOR THE HEARTACHE. Characters by Messrs. C. Mathews, Keeley, Vincent, Til bury, Templeton, Carter, Walton ; Mrs. Frank Matthews, Miss Cleveland, and Miss M. Oliver. After which will be produced SEE, SAW, MARGEE,Y PAW ; - - - - - - Or, Harlequin Holiday, and the Island of Ups and Downs. The reduced prices as follows, varying throughout the house to suit every one:—Galleries, C.d. and ls. ; Second Circle of foxes, ls. 6d. ; Pit, 2s. ; First Circle of Boxes, 2s. 6d. • Dress Boxes, 35.; Stalls, Fs. ; Private Boxes, 10s. 6d., 1'„ ls., 1/. lls. 6c1., and 2/. 2s.' 101 OVAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE -Lt) THIS EVENING, will he performed A MIDSUMMER NIGHT'S DREAM, After which will he produced a new petite comedy, in two acts, called OUR WIFE ; or, The Rose of Amiens. Princi. pal characters by Messrs. Ryder, Harley, Fisher ; Misses Murrzy a'id 0. Lederer'. rrHEATRE ROYAL, HAYMAIIKET. THIS EVENING, to commence at Seven, with the successful new Comedy, in three acts, entitled, DOUBLE-FACED PEOPLE. Characters by Mr. Buckstone, Mr. Chippendale, Mr. Compton, Mr. W. Farren, Mr. Rogers, Mr. Clark, Miss Reynolds, Mrs. Poynter, and Mrs. E. Fitz wil ;am. Followed by (12th time) a new drama, called A WICKED WIFE. After which (61st time) the new comic pantomime, entitled THE BABES IN THE WOOD, or Harlequin and the Cruel Uncle. The scenery of the opening story painted by Mr W. Callcott. The pantomime produced under the direction of M. Milano. Harlequin, M. Milano ; Columbine, Fanny Wright ; Pantaloon, Mr. Mackay ; and Clown, Mr. Driver OYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. LePseo, Mr. C. Dillon. THIS EVENING, will be performed the romantic drama of DON CAESAR DE BAZAN, with new scenery, costumes, dm. Don Caesar, Mr. Dillon. Followed by a new drama, by Stirling Coyne, 'Esq., entitled ANGEL OR DEVIL. Mr. and Mrs. C. Dillon, Mr. J. L Toole, Mr. Barrett, ke. After which, a new farce entitled MY FPIEND FROM TYATHERFIF.4I). Mr. Toole, Miss Wilton, and Mrs. B. White. To he followed hr CONRAD AND 7,IEDOPA; er, iTarleqnin Corsair anti the Little Fairy at the Bottom of the Sea. The bmies9ne opeain.T by W. Brongh, Frq., ,:non ',he of Lc Corsft'r, no prednee , l at Tier Theatre. The hlrleqni•la,le upon things in gene ra% no new and riaapiliccat sconcry. painted by Mr. F. Fenton, Co d (the Corsair) . r;illiarto (his lienten:Plt) Meflora, ..„. IkTiss Wo(igar 'dr. J L. Tools Mrs. Chnrlf , nillo . n- Me. Torn T,T;ltthewF , anl 7Tr. IT: 7.farihr.ll The ho.7c-ofTleo open da'ly, from 11 to 6, tinder the snpor ntencicnca of Mr. ehatterten, jun. "!c Carriages conveying parties to the Private Boxes to set down at tha State entrance in rurleigh-street. Cowns THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHL Lesee—Mr. Ben. Web3ter. THIS EVENING, will he performed the popular drama of IP.ELAND AS IT IS. Mr. and Mrs. Barney Williams. After which. A NIGHT AT NOTTING-HILL, in which Mr. Wright and Paxl Tedford will appear. Followed by a new Piece de Cametere, entitled IN AND OUT OF PLACE. Mrs 'Barney Williams. To conclude with the new original comic drama, called BARNEY THE BARON. gtrney Mr. Barney Williams. OYAL SI3RTZ".Y THEATRE, it Lesseest, Messrs. Shepherd anti CregTick. THIS EVENING, a new drama, entitled FRAUD AND ITS VICTIV, - ,;, Mes=rs Creswiek, Shepherd, &c. After which, HARLEQUIN AND THE SUMMER QUEEN, Harlequin, Mr, F. Clover ; Clown, Mr. Dick ; Pantaloon, Mr. Bradbury; the 'our Sprites, the Fillis ; Columbines, Mesd.tmes Mlria and Agnes. TENTRE ROYAL, SADLER'S-WELLS Ur(ler tip - ) Matilgement of Mr. Phelps. THIS EVENING, will be performed HAMLET. The characters by Messrs. Plieps, H. Marston, .T, C. Harris, L. Ball, A. Rayner, J. Ray, Hay well ; Mesdames Atkinson and Ebnrne. To conclude with THE SENTINEL. A STLEY'S ROYAL AMP MTH EATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. W. Cooke. This Evening, with the original vocal music, and novel and startling Equestrian Illustrations, invented by Mr. Wm. Cooke, the equestrian operatic cirrima of ROB ROY. Rob Roy, Mr. James Holloway. . After which, the brilliant SCENES in the C!RCLE. To conclude with the equestrian harlequinade called PAUL PRY ON HORSEBACK. . Commetco at seven o'clock. Dress Boxes, 4s. ; Upper Roses, 3s. ; Private Boxes, from IZ., no charge for booking Pit, 2s. ; Gallery, is. ; Upper Gallery, ed. 'ox office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W. West. Equestrian Director, Mr. W. Cooke, jun. CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road.— OPEN EVERY EVENING.—Th© follow ing company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of Selections from all the Operas, Madrigals, Choruses, .Glees, Duets, &c., viz. Miss E. Pearce, Mrs. J. Caulfield, Miss Brunell, Miss Summers, and Madame Marietta; Mr. J. Caulfiekl, Heir F. Jonglimans, R. Prover, T. Farrant, S. ' T c'nes, J. Barker, W. Melling. P. Cort, Senor Antonio M. t l 3 Solla, and E. L. Rime ; Masters Austin, Bennett, and ; Messrs. Sam Collins, E. Mackney, and C. J. Wilkins. dire n° . r °rte, Mr. Cecil Hi c k s ; h armon i um, J . C au lfi e ld , j un.; e _.43,2.7.0r,5Mr. J. C au lfi el d . C ommence at Seven o'clock pre- I I ppers, &c., until twelve o'clock. WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tfflg DAT—Mora. 48 min. aft. s—Evening 9 mia. aft. 6 ria-MORnow—Morn. 31 min, aft. 6—Evening 57 cair.aft. 6 THE WEATHER-S UN THERMOMETER, IN T IE °BI MARCH 1. BaaD E . 51 —hig!/est since noon yesterday. 41 --lowest this morning and during the nigh;. 53 —this day at noon. FA ROM rrrE, 30.61—the highest thi s year. WIND S.E.—Light, wits very fine, mi ld weather. MARCH 2. , 51—highest since noon yesterday.. 47—!owest r morning and dung the night. 50 —this day at noon. BAROMETER, 30 . 55. • WIND, S.E.—Fresb, with cloudy weather. - I . o ' I ‘;‘.7".. ) 1 111 '?.1 4 rk 'S. ,44/44-v,:t LONDON, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 18.7. - Should the division on Mr. COBDEN'S motion take place in good time this evening the House mill have to take another question relating to China into consideration, It will have to decide haween the proposition of Sir G. C. LEWIS, Lord JOHN RUSSELL, and Mr. GLADSTONE—to deter mine whether the teriff settled in 1855, in accord ance with the previous arrangement of 1853, shall be adhered to, or whether it shall be altered to any and what extent ? The Right Hon. Gen tleman the member for the University of Oxford Nishes, if possible, to prevent the unwise and impo litic .inerferenee with the trade in an article of such vast importance as tea. He is well aware that fluctuating duties are in the highest degree detrimental to commerce, rendering wha' ought to be legitimate business transac tions neither more nor less than gambling speculations, in which large margin is required— as an assurance against possible losses arising from the capricious proceedings of the Financial Mi nister. " Certainty" is the indispensable requi site to successfill trade—" small but sure profits and quick returns," the course alike beneficial to the revenue, the dealer, and the consumer. Sii G. C. LEWIS, however, repudiates all these consi derations. He looks to nothing beyond the pri mary rules of arithmetic. His only calculation is that, by giving up 2d. out of Is. 9d., he relin quishes 2-21 parts of the revenue. Being quite prepared to give up 369,0001 , which he estimates that 2d. per lb. to produce, be thinks of nothing more. The interests of dealers and consumers are alike disregarded. If his object had been to render the total amount of reduction as little beneficial as possible he could not have adopted any course better calculated to attain that end. Should he succeed he will. have disgusted the importers, who can place no further reliance either in Parliamentary arrange ments or Ministerial promises. He wiil have shaken confidence, and occasioned the withdrawal of capital at a very inopportune period. The sup ply may thus become inadequate to the demand, and the increased consumption that would other wise have followed the diminished duties be com pletely prevented. As wo have already explained the consumers will not receive the slightest advantage from a reduction of 23. per lb. Prices are adjusted by the retailers in multiples of 4d., and the reason is obvious. By far the largest proportion of pur chases are in quarter pbunds, and any change that will not allow the addition or substraetion of a penny n that quantity is appropriated or sus tained by the dealer. The paterfamilias will be informed that ho obtains a better quality for the same price that he formerly paid, but the asser tion is wholly without corroboration, for he can not detect any improvement in the " good strong Congou, specisily recommended for the use of families," which he has been in the habit of pur chasing. The revenue loses without the con sumer profiting to any extent whatsoever by the change. Lord JOHN RUSSELL proposes the "compro mise." Should the House sustain the retrograde policy proposed, and sanction the breach of faith with the importers—points on which the Noble Lord is willing to concur with his right hon. friend the Financial Minister—he desires b diEtribute the reduction in the most beneficial manner ; and there can be no question that a steady duty of Is, 4d. for three years would be far better than the decreasing scale indicated by Sir G. C. LEWIS. It would, however, be very bad strategy to Lring forward Lord JOHN RUSSELL'S proposition before that of Mr. GLADSTONE'S. Every person who con siders that puLlie faith should be maintained would oppose the compromise in the first instance ; although after the rejection of Mr. GLADSTONE'S motion he would give it his most,strenuous sup port. If the ex-premier be really desirous of car rying his point, he should give priority to Mr. GLADSTONE. That may no' - , however, meet his views, his object apparently being 5 guard the Government from any blow except one a(intinis toted by his own hands. Ho dues not forget that Lord PALMZE.STO.N caused his expulsion from office in 1852, and he de:Arrs to Mimi the compliment - , if possible, v ith irtmest. Place and Power would ho doubly sweet, if acquired by so choice an illustrat'on cf the lex talionis. It is intimatA that the immediate Dissolution of Parliament is dependent, in a great measure, upon the result of this evening's division in the House of Commons. N'importe. At any rate we can so declare fur ourselves : we can assert most deliberately and conscientiously that it sig nifies very little to our mind, how soon the coun try shall be called upon to reconsider its choice of representatives. As at present constituted, how often has the present House been weighed in the balance and found wanting ! We have none of us, we believe—east, weA, north, or south—the swallett attachment to it whatever. Whenever, in the course of nature, it shall in due season "die the deatlk"—nobody, we believe, will be inconsol able. ity of the 1 orcha was first spoken of by the English Consul, and not by any Chinese authority, civil a; military, superior or subordinate ! Further, " Twelve of the crew were carried off —some as criminals, some as witnesses ; but net a rope of the vessel or a straw of its contents was removed or injured." So—when a flagrant outrage is committed, we are called upon to admire the lenity of its perpetrators, for inasmuch as they have not accompanied the open outrage with an act of petty larceny ! Yet more, however—" Two men were left to take care of the ves sel." How amazingly considerate ! When twelve were taken away as prisoners. Un doubtedly, it is added, twelve men were taken, but then observe ! " the whole twelve seamen arrested—the criminals included—were ultimately set at liberty." No doubt of it. But—When ? Why only after every remonstrance had proved utterly useless, and threats had to be followed up by avenging acts of violence. Assuredly if THIS is the strongest case that can be made out against the Government—if THIS is the most power ful tone that can be assumed, to enforce (upon the very eve of the division) the arguments of the Opposition—Ministers have little enough to fear from the logic of their antagonists. It has Le come, however—this Chinese Difficulty—not so much a Question of logic or of conscience, as one of Party and of Numbers. Hence the import ance of to-night's Division to Ministers, and through Ministers to Parliament, and through the Parliament itself, in some measure, to the Country and to the Constitution. A free and unrestricted Press appears to be utterly beyond the comprehension of despotic Governments. It is the lapis offensionis, which nothing can render tenable. Accustomed to sup press anything approximating to free discussion, to consider that but one class of opinions can be safely ventilated, and knowing that nothing can he admitted into the maimed and emasculated journals under their control without the express sanction of the authorities, they think that the Fourth Estate may be easily muzzled in free countries, and that they may hold the Ministers thereof responsible for the opinions of the press. Aus tria has just rendered herself ridiculous by promul gating such views, in reference to the Sardinian Press ; but Count OAVOUR has returned an an swer which can scarcely prove palatable to Count BuoL or his Imperials. , In the Austrian Note three points are referred to, which have occasioned considerable annoyance to the Emperor—viz., the observations of the Sardinian journalists, the manifestations of ap proval by Italians generally of the pulicy of the Cabinet of Turin, and the acceptance of a monu ment, alleged to be offered by the Milanese to the Piedmontese army, which covered itself with glory in the Crimea. All these matters are felt deeply by the Austrian Government from the strong contrast in which its own conduct must be viewed. The liberty of the Press is, however, the main point that excites its ire, and to that the chief argu ments of the Sardinian Minister are directed. We have seldom if ever witnessed a more crush ing reply than that of Count °AYOUB, which, although couched in perfectly respectful terms, compktoly prostrates the Austrian Minister. He shows that the criticism of the Sardinian Press cannot cause any serious embarrassment to the Austrian Government, inasmuch as its admission into the Austrian dominions is rigorously pro hibited. Whatever may be their influence in Piedmont, it must be nil beyond the Tessin, where alone the Emperor would have any right to complAin. While, however, the tolerance of free discussion is an essential attril►u`o of the constitution of Piedmont, there are stringent regulatiens for punishing any cxcess or undue licence on the psrt of the Press. If FRANCIS JOSEPII feels bims?lf at ail aggrieved, he has ample opportunities for avenging himself. The Courts of Turia are open to his coa3plaints. Stringent punishment will await any misconduct on the part of Sardinian journalists ; hut it is for those who feel them selves to be aggrieved to set the machinery of bb law in motion. The Government of Turin can not, therefore, be held iii the slightest degree re sponsible, so long as it permits the law to take its course, and does not shelter the offenders from the penal consequences of their acts. Count CAVOUR also shows with how bad a grace the accusation has been put forward. The Court and Cabinet of Turin have been libeled with impunity by Austrian journals, who, if they do not directly derive their inspiration from ono at least wholly under the control of the Govern ment of Vienna, when the official Milan, Gazette compares the Sardinian Ministers to ROBESPIERRE and CROMWELL—that unwarrantable attack not merely sanctioned, but manifestly directed by the Imperial Government—it is perfectly ridiculous that the dwellers in such very fragile habitations should commence flinging 'stones against their better-defended neighbours. However this may be in regard t) the Past, in regard to the:Future, there is little uncertainty, if any—we mean in reference to what may be termed the contingently proximate Dissolution. So closely are matters driven, so nearly are parties balanced, so oppos;ta are the opinions, and so jumbled the combination., in the House of Commons, in the particular matter of this Chinese controversy— that every one looks, that no ono can help look ing, to the numerical result of to-night's division with genuine curiosity and unaffected solicitude. The Opposition, undismayed by the open de fection of the Member for West Norfolk, exults in the prospect of the Manchester men and the Peelites (sc-called and absurdly so-celled) walking for once into the same lobby with the loyal sup porters of DERBY-DISRAELI Conservatism. The Government, unappalled by the avowed antagonism of the Noble Lord the member for the Cit.; of London, counts no less confidently on the numerical superiority of the upholders of their energetic and (as we conceive) perfectly justifiable policy in regard to the Celestial Empire. How far these sanguine anticipations, on either side, are reasonable or the reverse, a very few hour!, now, will clearly enough demonstrate. As to the immediate Cause, meanwhile, of the important Division, upon which so much, at the present moment, is understood to be dependent, we do conscientiously believe that there is very little difference of opinion at all outside the walls of the Legislature. In testimony of which we conceive it is only necessary to direct attention to the untenable side of the argument as put for ward, in its very strongest light, only as late as this morning by the most authoritative organs of the as tonishing views entertained in regard to the Canton Question by the serried and motley ranks of the opponents of Lord PALMERSTON'S Government I The Daily News of to-day in a laboured article A Cabinet Counc;l was held at the official residence endeav our i ng of the First Lord of the T reasury i n D owning -street, on to prov e th e " cas e " of the Opposi- Saturday afternoon. The Ministers present were— tion talks of the flag of the Arrow being pulled Viscount . Palmerston,. the Lord Chancellor, Earl Gran ville, the Marquis of Lansdowne, the Earl of Harrowby, down "without either bravado or insult." How Sir Geo. Grey, the Earl of Clarendon, Mr. Secretary can any flag, under any upon earth, we ask, Labouchere, Lord Panmure, the Chancellor of the Ex inaa- pulled down by a foreign power without either ginable - circumstances, even b chequer, Sir Chas. Wood, the Right Hon. R. Vernon y possibility, be Smith, Lord Stanley of Alderley, the Duke of Argyll, , without i nsu l t or and the Right Hon. M. T. Baines. other, th e one or the The Princess Baryatinski, the wife o f th e R uss i an without bravado ? Again, " the Chinese officer i Commander o i n l i e the th a Caucasus, tß o me h as recently emb r aced the said that the lorcha was not an English The subject of the Scott is h f ranc hi se w ill b e b roug ht before the House m p of Commons at an early period of the vessel, and removed the flag as something she session. Mr. Laing, . for the Wick Burghs, has " had no right to carry. The Chinese officer premised to introdine the bill, which will be supported y M Roebuck, Mr. Cobden, and other leading Re said nothing whatever of the kind The national- former's. The other points are briefly but satisfactorily disposed of, so long as the Sardinian Government does not invite demonstrations in its favour' in any part of the Italian Peninsula. There can be no ground of complaint, although its straightforward and consistent conduct has merited the respect and admiration of those who can appreciate its merit, As well might a swell mobsman complain because a respectable and industrious neighbour maintained an unblemished reputation, and was held i❑ good esteem by his fellowmen. " Envy, hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness" might be excited, but still he would have no tangible ground for demanding reparation. The monumental ,question is summarily dis missed. The Sardiuian Government refused the tribute of admiration which, however, it could not reject when offered to the Municipal Govern ment. What has Austria to say to the Cri mean expedition to render its commemoration so distasteful ? Count CATOUR travels out of his way to decl are that he will not allow any feature of the movement to hurt the susceptibility of Aus tria or her army, nor an inscription to imply that it was erected by Austrian subjects. With this exception, however, his admirable answer to the petulant and unwarrantable complaint is worthy of the highest praise. We should think that Count Ryon deeply regrets the reckless animosity that tempted him to meddle with one who has so completely foiled him at his own weapons. " Had he known he was so cunning of fence, he'd have seen him hanged ere ho meddled with him." THE SUN. LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, MA CH 2, 1857. MINISTERIAL CRISIS. MEETING AT LORD PALMERSTON'S.- (THIS DAY.) This afternoon a meeting of the supporters of Lord Palmerston was held at the official residence of the noble lord, in Downing -street. Amongst the members of the House of Commons present were the following :—Mr. Powlett Scrope, Sir G. Strickland, the Hon. Edward Horsman, Secretary for Leland, Mr. Mowatt, Mr. Glyn, Mr. Schole field, Admiral Berkeley, Mr. 11. Berkeley, Mr. Keating, Mr. Thornely, Mr. Apsley Pellatt, Mr, E. Baines, Mr. Mangles, Gen. Sir F. W. Williams,Mr. Ingham, Mr. Gregson, Mr. Fagan, Mr. T. Han key, Captain Scobell, Mr. J. G. Phillimore, Mr. Wilson, Mr. Dunlop, Mr. Cowan, Mr. W. Ewart, Mr. Kirk, Mr. Crossley, Mr. L. Heywortb, Mr. Rice, Mr. Cheethain, Mr. Ewart, Sir John M‘Tag,- gart, Mr. Ellice, jun., Mr. M‘Kinnon, Mr. H. Herbert, Mr. Wrightson, Mr. Tingles, Mr. Mit chell, Mr.Thaniel O'Connell, Mr. Alcock, Mr. Ricardo, Mr. Denison, Mr. B. Carter, Mr. Milli gan, Mr. Duncan, Mr. Craufurd, the Hon. Mr. Cowper, Mr. Kinnaire, Mr. Lowe, Sir J. Fitz •gerald (Attorney - General for Ireland) Mr. Muntz, Mr. Ousley Higgins, the Right Hon. Vernon Smith, the Right Hon. Mr. Bouverie, Mr. W. Cobbett, Sir William Clay, Mr. Rich, Sir W. Somerville, Lord RobOrt Grosvenor, Lord Leveson Gower, Major Reed, Sir W. Cod rington, Lord W. Paget, the Solicitor-General, the Hen, Stewart Wortley, Mr. Russell, Sir C. Wood, Mr. H. Ingram, Sir John Ramsdell, Mr. Pollard Urquhart, the Lord Advocate, Mr. D. Seymour, Mr. H. Brown, Mr. Foster, Mr. Hendley, the Right Hon. Sir G. Grey, Mr. Labouchere, Mr. B. Osborne, Mr. F. Peel, tka Attorney-General (Sir R. • Bothell), Mr. Hay ter, Sir J. V. Shelley, Sir B. Hall, Lord Goderich, Sir R. Peel, Sir D. Norreys, Mr. A. Black, Mr. A. Hastie, Mr. J. Ricordo. The meeting lasted upwards of two hours, in the course of which Lord Palmerston addressed them fur about three quarters of an hour. His lordship again went over the position f affairs in China; and stated that the Government felt bound to support Sir J. Bowring. His lordship added that Admi ral Seymour had powers to act independently of Sir J. Bowring, and that he was not a man likely to do anything he might consider wrong by any representations that Sir John Bowring might have made to him: His lordship, in the course of his address, stated that he believed that the Go vernment enjoyed the confidence of the people, and he intimated that should the Government be defeate'd that in all probability they would appeal to the country. His lordship was attentively listened to through out, and there was a strong feeling manifested Of supporting him on the question now before the house. There were about 200 members pre3ent. MUSICAL MEMORANDA. Her Majesty's Theatre will reopen about the middle of April, for the season. Mr. Lumby has re-engaged Mdlle. Piccolomini, and is said to have provided for the re-appearance of Mdlle. Johanna Wagner. A new soprano, Marietta Spezia, who has gained great distinc tion at La Scala and other Italian houses, is to make her dcbut in England at her Majesty's Theatre ; and a tenor, also with a high Italian reputation, Signor Guig lini. The Lal:et department will be again very strong. Marie Taglioni, Katrine, and Rosati are, we understand, re-engaged. LATEST NEWS. We understand that Auber'd sparkling and elegant little opera, " Fra Diavolo," for which the author has just written recitatives, will be performed at the Royal Italian Opera during the approaching season, with the following powerful cast :—Fra Diavolo, Signor Mario; Lord Allcash, Signor Ronconi ; Lady Allcash, Madlle. Marai ; and Z3rlina, Madame Basic,. It appears also that Auber has composed a new air for Mario, and re written the last finale. Herold's " Zampa" will like wise be produced at Mr. (dye's establishment, with Mario and Lablache the great in the principal cha racters. BERNE, FEB. 28. The authorities of Neuchatel are apprehensive of a new attempt• 61. I the part of the Royalists. The Republican , officers have assembled in coun cil on the subject._ The militia, hf t 3 received instructions to hold itself in readiness :for events. The engagement of Madame Ri2tori for dramatic re presentations, in connection with opera subscription, at last year at the Lyceum, will add to' the attraction of Mr. Gye's arrangements for Drury-!ane. Our fair young countrywoman, Madlle. Jenny Baur, has recently been vvinning "golden opinions " as pima donna of the Grand OdLra of 13.3r1in. Victorine Baife, daughter of the composer, is to make her debut as a singer, tinder the auspices of Mr. Beale. The posts have been doubled, and the Gendar merie reinforced 'ly,y the Guides. The Carmel, I)r inging news of the 19th from Constantinople, t it rived at MArseilles on Saturday. An Imperial de or ee directs the formation of a corps of Gendarl norie similar to the Gendarmes of France. Kabouli Efrenwli and Kiamil Bey were to set out on the 210,, for Jassy and Bucharest, with the Firman for the Convocation of the Divans ad hoc. The Queen of Spaiu has conferred the order of the Go,doll FlE,!ee on the eldest son of the Emperor of RuFsia, anl the Cor(ha of Maria Louisa ou the Empress of Ru-sia,. The Presse d' Orient announces, on the autho rity of a comniu trication from Teheran, dated the sth of February►, that the march of troops con tinued actively ;in Persia. It adds that many Affghan chiefs have solicited authority from the Shah to serve in the army bound for Shiraz, and that the chieftains of Cabool have made the same request. There is also a rumour that a Persian corps d'armee has taken, possession of Candahar. Two enjoys from the Governments of Indepen dent Daghestan 'and of Bokhara have been accre dited to the Statan, on a confidential mission. The first of these has already arrvcd at Constan tinople. The deliberations of the Tanzimaf, relative to the admission of non-Mussulrnan soldiers in the army, are full of indecision, and yet in suspense. The Ministers of the Porte, the elite of the diplomats, and. of European society at Constan tinople, have attended a sumptuous fete given the Russian Minis' - er, M. Boutenieff. Grain is steady in the Marseilles market. 30,000 hectolitres entered this port yesterday. There are nom 800,000 hectolitres in the maga zines. An Imperial ordonnanco, dated Milan, Febru ary 28, annouxices that the resignation of Marshal Radet7ki has been accepted. The Archduke Maximilian is officially appointed Governor-Goneral of the Lombardo-Venetian States. General Count Giulay i 3 invested with the military command in Lombardy, Venico, Carin thia, and on the coast. The Norwegian Government has demanded of the Storthing authority to contract a foreign loan of 12 millions of franc 4, with a guaranteed inte rest of 4 per cent., and a mortgage of thirty years for the construction of railways. Denmark has de3patched her reply tithe notes of Prussia and Austria on the subject of the Duclies. In this reply, which forms a voluminous document, the Danish Government enters into de tails already known. The important point is, that it rejects the demands of the two German Powers, declines the intervention of the Germanic Diet, and declares in a certain measure that the King is de cided on maintaining the rights confidel to him by God and the nation. This reply has produced a most unfavourable impression in Berlin. M. de Bulow, Envoy of the King of Denmark, has arrived in Berlin, he proceeds to Vienna and Frankfort. According to rumours in circulation, ha is clmr -, ed with a special mission relative to the affairs of Holstein. Three decrees, says a despatch from Milan, of the Emperor Franc's Joseph are on the point of publication. The first (an autograph letter patent of the Emperor) nominates the Archduke Ferdinand Maximilian Governor of Veneto-Lombardy. The second bestows upon Marshal Radetzky his rewards on his retirement.. The third names General Giulay Commander of the second corps d'armee. The Le drama, to be produced at the Surrey Theatre, under the title of the " Victims of Fraud," is an adap tation, by Mr. S. Coyne, of " Le Pauvres de Paris." Mr. and Mrs. Keeley re-appear at Drury-lane this evening, when the Queen of Oude and the Princes will be present. This will be the first visit of these Orientals to any European theatre. The reception and attendance of her Majesty by females only was made a special con dition of the royal visit. Mi s Citherine Haye3 has been giving concerts in Manchester with much success. Nothing, it would ap pear, since the time of Jenny Lind has equalled her popularity. THE CHINESE WAR.—It was confidently stated-late last night, in well-informed quarters, that Lord Elgin has been appointed to go out forthwith to Pekin, sup ported by ships of war, marines, &c , with full powers to make a good peace. It is added that his lordship will proceed via Shanghai.-4forning Advertiser. SHAKSPERE'S HOUSE.—The trustees of the new fund created by Mr. John Shakspere, who d evo t e d 2 , 500/ . andto the i s p p u a t t i pose, seth have proceeded with t o muc h dil igence at the habitation in w hi c h th ere i s every oar greatest dramatist was b orn i s now e from other build ings w hi c h f ormerly r r o to entire y s n adjoinediestru.—aprialAottiese tienwum. RAILWAYS IN ALGERIA.—Sir Morton Peto has re ceived an invitation from the Emperor of the French to proceed to Algeria with the view to the construction of a railway in that colony. Sir Morton lett Suffolk on Saturday afternoon, and will arrive in Paris this day (Monday). The line to which attention is t) be de voted io the first instance will commence at Constan tine, one of the principal towns in the colony, and con nect that place with another important point. The length of line at present projected is about 100 inile4. MIDDLE TEMPLE FOUNTAIN..—. The fountain of the Middle Temple, it is said, is doomed to be replaced by a pile of brick and mortar, devoted to the purposes of a library and lecture hall. Every one who knows the pleasant effect produced by this unassuming jet, and the agreeable opening which its ei!e made in the crowded •itirts of the Temple, will regret the alteration, and consider the site ill chosen. FRANCE. PARIS, SUNDAY EVENING. The treaty of peace is not yet signed with Persia. "The last intelligence from the Persian Gulf," says the Patric of yesterday, " affirm s th at an armistice of three months has been concluded between the English commander and the Persian Government." This news is at least doubtful. The Morning Herald, Standard, Morning ' Ad vertiser, Atlas, Sunday Times, and Lloyd's Week y Newspaper were seized yesterday. BOURSE, Feb. 28.—The following were the last quotations : - Cash. fr. o. 4i per Cents ' 95 25 3 per Cents 7O 15 New Loan - Bankl Shares 4,200 Roman Credit Mobilier 1,412 50 Austrian ' Belgian Fives .. Spanish Threes Piedmontese (5) 9l Home Debt End of Month. —fr. —c. THE CHURCH-RATE QUZS;atf .—Sir W. Clay's bill, with the exception of a provrirfor payment of moneys lent under acts of Parliameat, now stands aq follows : "From and after the passing of this act, no church-tate shall be made or levied in any parish in England or Wales." The second reading is fixed for Wednesday, March 25, in order to give full time for the expression of public feeling in its behalf. The Frankfort Jourual has learnt that a priest would not permit the body of an Austrian Staff Officer—an Englishman, of the Protestant faith—to be buried in a family vault which he had had constructed in a church. yard that is near some property which he possessed in Moravia. As Ciunt Schaffgotscb, the diocesan of Brunn, fully approved the conduct of the priest, the re mains of tho efEczr were interred outside the church yard. 70 20 -• - - RAILWAYS—FOR CASH. 4 fr. c. fr c Orleans 1,42T 50 Western .., 827 50 Norther 3 9BO Strasburg Lyons 1,447 50 New Ditto ` `i7o Mediterranean 1,810 Grand Central Lyons Geneva Cette 792 50 Austrian Corn. THE REPORT OF THE ENCLOSURE COMMISSIONERS.— It appeals from an abstract of Enclosure proceedings that the aggregate acreage of the enclosures confirmed is 197,699 acres, and the aggregate acreage of those now in ' course of progress 299,344; 896 exchanges are confirmed, and 165 in progress. A list of the enclosures proposed to be carried out by a bill which has just passed the House of Commons has already appeared in an abstract of that enactment. THE STEAK -FRIGATE SHANNON.--In consequence of the special application of Captain Peel to the Lords of the Admiralty, this frigate has bad two of her boats fitted at Devonport with Mr. Clifford's new apparatus, and previous to her departure they were both tested. The larboard quarter cutter, with 15 bands, and the second cutter, with 20 hands, were lowered in a few seconds when the ship was under full steam. THE PERSIAN WAR.—On Saturday appeared in print a copy of the correspondence showing the proportion of the expenses incurred. in sending an expedition against Persia which is. to be defrayed out of the re . . enues of the United Kingdom. It appears that the Bombay expedition was prepared (at least, so under „th e or d ers o f h er M a j es ty's Gitovisernprareosnutme c d o ) mmunicated through the Secret Corn noitte, and the directors of the East India Com pany accordingly addressed the Board of Control on the 22d Oct. last, "suggesting how far it might be just and proper to subject India to the whole of the charges con sequent on the orders" referred to. Allusion is made to the case of Aff4anistan, and the burden entailed on India by the Affghan war. Thi s l e tt er was referred to the Foreign-office, an d thence to the Treasury . Th e ir lordships decided to p ropose to Parl i amen t t o provide for one moiety of the ex t raord i nary expenses of tLe ex pedition—viz., that portion of the expense over and above the ordinary pay of tho troops, and the ordinary charge of the Company's ships employed. The Court of Directors expressed their satisfaction at this arragement, and promised to transmit au estimate of the expense prior to the meeting of Parliament. That estimate does not appear on the face of the papers before us. many important changes or reforms irl connection with the:government of the districts that have just been visited by the Viceroy. We have, however, already some rumours of the dismissal and punish ment of sundry officials convicted of peculation and oppressive practices, and a note-worthy innovation, inasmuch as it in some degree affects one of the ge nsral Principles according to which taxes have b:en levied in the East from time immemorial, is likewise spoken of. A consideralde impost is levied in the upper country upon the sakiehs, or machines used for raising water for puffaoses of irrigation. This tax has not only been very materially reduced, but it ap pears that the Viceroy, having hid an opportunity of seeing the evil effects arising from the rule by which the successive neighboure,of an absconding taxpayer are held responsible for his arrears, has decreed that henceforward . the responsibility will be limited to the fugitives' immediate neighbours, who will be entitled to theuse of the deserted Sakieb. The flight of one man might, under the old system, lead to the desertion of an entire di-trict, estate of things which the measure spoken of certainly remedies, but the policy of the tax itself, however much the amount may have been reduced, is looked upon as very questionable, acting as it does in the form of A check on the much. needed extension of further means of irriwltion. Over what may be the ultimate fate of the expe dition that had been organised to explore the White Nile there-still, to some extent, hangs a doubt, but it is very generally feared that all prospect of seeing the realisation of the hopes that were entertained respecting it must be abandoned; and, owing chiefly to the deplorable dissensions between several mem bers of the expedition and their leader, theaffairhas certainly for the present come to an avowed dead lock. It may perhaps, however, still be hoped that the return of the Viceroy vs ill lead to a reorganisa t. on, and meanwhile Mr. Twyford, who by last accounts had reached Dongola, and who, it will be remembered, was to be overtaken by his colleague', was still pursuing his way up the river, though, probably, in perfect uncertainty as to how soon he may have to retrace his steps. Transactions in the Alexandria grain markets during the past fortnight have been on a very limited scale, attributable, however, in great mea sure to the prevalence of wet and stormy weather, causing a suspension both in shipping operations and in the reception of grain from native boats. Said wheat, of private trade produce, is quoted 40s. to 425. per quarter free on board ; beans, 325. to 325. Gd., In cotton then p has been an active busi ness, with further ad van d e i n pr i ces, an d i t is uni versally admitted that this year's crop will prove seriously deficient in quantity. The depression in the freight ,market is greater than ever, , and ships with difficulty obtain any offer whatever. Ex change on London, at three, months, 1011 piastres per pound ; Marseilles, sf. lc. to sf. 2c. per dollar. TiLIVIKET NEWS.—(rhis Day.) CORN EXCHANGE. There was a steady demand for good and useful wheats in the leading country markets held oh Saturlay, and prices were slightly on the advance. The barley trade ruled firm at extreme rates; and most other kinds of produce were selling at full quotations. The new continental markets have been moderately sup plied with wheat, which has sold slowly, at barely station ary prices. The Mediterranean markets continue high. From America, we have ad ices to the effect that produce generally was in fair request. Up to our market, last week, the arrivals cf Buglish grain were very moderate. From abroad we received 5,595 quarters of wheat, 2,580 barley, 8,472 oats, 8,18 1 beans, 535 tares, 1,720 linseed, 145 rapeseed, 15 sundik. seeds, 50 sacks and 11,290 barrels of flour. • The quantity of English wheat received fresh up to th is morning's market, coastwise and by land carriage, /Val very limited, but there was a slight improvement in the general condition of the supply. The attendance of millers was not very numerous, yet the demand for all kinds of wheat of home produce ruled steady, a t prises fully equal to those realized on Monday last. With foreign wheat we were well supplied. Good and fine pat eels sold to a moderate extent at full quotations . Other descriptions were rather dull, at late rates. There was a fair inquiry for floating cargoes of grain , although the arrivals off the coast have been rather o' merous. The show of both English and foreign barley was trilling' and the trade ruled firm, at extreme quotations to is per quarter advance. Fine malt was in improved request, at full prict"' Secondary kinds supported former terms. Oats, the show of which was moderate, moved off freely, at last Monday il quotations. There was less activity in the demand for beans. Fortner terms were, however, well supported. In the value of peas no change took place. The deman d may be considered steady. We had. fair demand far most kinds of flour, at full pt i ces. CURRENCY PER IMPERIAL MEASURE. Wheat—Essex & Kent, Red ...• new 54, to 66a Ditt0......., old —s —6 Ditto, White new 57s 73s Ditt0........ old —8 —s lifortblk and Lin coln, Red, old —s —a Ditto new •.•• 62 5 63s Bye—Old •••••••••••• Now •• •• •• •• •• •• 383 423 garloy—Grinding .• • • • 32s 34a Malting . •• •..... 374 40$ Chevalier.... • • 425 49: !Alt—Suffolk and N0r f01k............ 67s 77r Brown 63s - 61, Kingston laid Ware 76s 78s malt—Chevalier .... 769t0 791 )ate Yorkshire and Lincolnsk., Feed 215 2 " Potato 2ss 32i Toughs' and Cork Black. 19s 9 ,1: Cork, White 215 2 0 2 Scotch, Feed. •. .. 26s Vs Beans—Tick ......... 34s 3 " Pigeons ... 40+ 4 " Peas—Grey .• 365 ns, Maple ........... 395 4.r. White... 37s v„ ; Boilers ........ 385 4 Flour—Town-made... 55s si ,,v ' Suffolk 441 Stocktn & Norfolk 42s 425 METEOPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET. The imports of foreign stock into London last week were but moderate—the total supply, being 881 head' In the corresponding week in 1856 we received 429 ; in 1855 1 333 ; in 1851, 2,331; in 1853, 2,834 ; in 1852, 1,5 19 ; and in 1851, 2,327 head. IMPORTS INTO LONDON LAST WEEK. From Beasts. Sheep. Lambs. Calves. rigs. [lambi:ugh 23 461 Harlingen 5 Ostend Antwerp Rotterdam— 48 Oporto Schiedam 37)418 13:5,702 44 31. rf 633 31 • • - ;ti- ._, - • . AUSTRALIA. (Prom the Sydney Empire of Nov. 27 ) The Sydney banks have raised their rates of ex change a half per cent. They now draw at 2i per cent. premium ; their selling rates are unaltered. The total amount of treasure shipped by the Maid of Judah, for London, is as follows : oz. dwt. gr. Union Bank of Australia Bank of New South Wales J. Last B5 0 0 6,226 4 13 C. Chapnvin (specie) £4o.) Hardy and Joy (jewellery valued at) £4OO We learn that a locomotive railway engine, lately imported by Mr. Randle, has been purchased from him by the Railway Commissioners f)r 2,5001. Messrs. Mort and Co. disposed of the following properties :—An allotment of land at the corner of Liverpool and Sussex-streets, having 34 feet frontage to the former street, and 47 feet to the latter, at 141. per foot, taking the Liverpool -street as the frontage. Another allotment with 20 feet frontage to Liverpool-street, at JO/. per foot ; two small weather-board houses in Middle-street, Chip pendale, 2001. One weather-board house, and an allotment land adjoining, in Chippendale-street, 360/. Messrs. W. Dean and Co.'s sale of wines, spirits, beer, &c., was but thinly attended,. and there was a want of animation throughout. The principal portions of the wines ex Equator and Alarm were withdrawn ; the few lots sold realised prices scarcely paying the importers. Marzetti's ale and porter were a shade lower than former quot Ations. A batch of port wine, ex Woolloomooloo, was quitted at full rates. The sale for the finer class wines was postponed till a future day. We hear of a sale of 123 casks of tallow for ship ment at 421. A Government land sale was held at the Trea sury, Macquarie-street. The town lot?,'` city of 'Sydney, near the Circular Quay (adjoining Messrs. Torning and Son's) were offered, but there was no bid, the upset price of 501. per foot being considered too high. By a private letter from Melb9urne we learn that it is contemplated to abolish the poll-tax, and to levy a duty on opium of 12s. 6d. per lb. This will effect chiefly the Chinese population. From Wellington to the Bth of November we learn that fine flour was 251., seconds, 241.; wheat, Bs. 6d. to 9s. TASTE AND GENIUS FOR ART IN AIICIEIVT TIMES. Upwards of 2,000 years ago (says Mr. Smirks, in his first lecture at the Royal Academy) amore re fined and delicate taste, and a more thorough mas tery of the power of representing beauty, existed than the world has since been able to acquire ; nor was that extraordinary mettle. ic development con fined to a few rarely-gifted artists, for there is not, wanting good ground to believe that it pervaded the general mind of the Greek people. Again, 1,700 or 1,800 years ago, the grandeur of the Roman empire was well typified by a corresponding gran deur of architecture, which has never since been . equalled. we are compelled to acknowledge that 500 or 600 years ago workmen wrought wit!) a freer spirit, a bolder genius, and a more genuine artistic ardour than d:stingui-hes the workmen of the present day. We find, 1,200 years ago, in the Gregorian chants, musical compositions conceived of a grander • character and deeper feeling than the music of the modern school can lay claim to. It seems to be in accordance with these general views, which I have ventured to express in the examination of the supposed tardy advance at tributed to our architectural art, that a great Inusi , cal composer of the present day has attempted t account for the admitted want of originality in modern musical compositiOn, by expressing his opi nion, or at least his suspicion, that all the material changes of which the notes of music are susceptible may have been already lung out. I cannot indeed adopt this theory, even in respect to music, and I 'am still less disposed to damp the aspirations young architects by countenancing any such doc trine of exhausted originality. I believe, indeed, that the fundamental principles of architecture leave but little room for important future disco very ; but the combinations which the component materials of art permit—their variation, composi tion, and decoration—are practically infinite and inexhaustible.- The Builder. NORTHERN BENGAL BAILTV.,Ay COMPANY. A new undertaking in connection with our East In dian empire has been brought out. It is introduced to public notice as the Northern Bengal Railway GM pany (limited). The capital is 2 , 00 0,000/., to be raised in 100,000 shares of 201., or 200 rupees each, with power to increase. The deposit is to be 3s. per share on application, and it is determined that all issues of new stock shall be offered rat eably among existing shareholders. 'We are aware that the East Indian Railway is open to Ranegunge, on the route to Delhi,' and will soon be completed to Rajmahal. The object of the present un dertaking is to construct a northerly extension to Dinsj pore and Darjeeling, accommodating the districts of Rungpore, Malda, and Purneah. The connection may be made by one of several routes, the comparative ad vantages of which can only be 'determined by actual survey. The total length of railway to be constructed will be between 200 and 300 miles, to be undertaken in sections, as the Court of Directors of the East India Company may direct, A report has been published by Dr. Campbell, who has nearly 20 years occupied an official position in the districts through which the propos eo railway w ill t raverse. T he l ower co untry produces and l shipment, sugar, largely to C a l cut t a , for'consumption and.i seeds,&c., sugar, tobacco, cotto n , hemp, jute, r ice, ol and in the k ipp er coun t r y th e production of copper and tea is being e x t en d e d, f or a il which these lines will be the chief route. The hill regions also produce coal and railways proposed commandother Assamo ns, an c o l tdh Centrale rail w Besides this, Darjeeling , y a climate equal to that of England, Calcutta, and wi command a first to the community of is a sanwithaireihumen-o.°t great s importanc e week of a mous travelling distance is reduced from a class traffic, which will be greatly increased whenthe It it to to T a b s e in E gl a e s d t be so great baret transit.fe have it • that theyin contemplation to be tween these places ay India of an object to increase the means of commu n i ca ti on expend 150,000/. on an improved high road to Darjeeling,. It is estimated at present that the cost of the proposed railway will not exceed.on v, 9, ith the 'E st Comp any per mil e . T he directors arwiethln communication a view to obtain a guarantee of a 'wtaiti amount " of interest; and if this most desirable object be not ob tained, the deposit of 3s. per share will be returned, less the expenses incurred. Mr. T. R. Cramptork has been nominated as engineer to the company. AUSTRIA. A letter from Vienna says :—" A new and very important reduction in the Austrian army is about to take place. It is said that it will be of 496 com panies for the whole army, or nearly 50,000 men ; and that there will also be reductions i n th e r ifl es, engineers, and cavalry." SPAIN. The Madrid journals of the 23d do not contain any political news of interest. The .E:poca says that Marshal Serrano, ambassador at Paris, was about to return to Madrid on leave of absence to take part in the deliberations of the Senate. The cold ' had become much less severe in Madrid, but a good deal of sickness was prevalent. The Queen had given a magnificent ball, and opened it by dancing with the Duke s de Valenc!a (Narvaez) ; her Ma jesty afterwards danced with the French ambasSa dor. It appears from an official return, that from May, 1849, up to July, 1856, 2,866 kilometres (4791, miles) of railway had been conceded, and that 506 of them are now being worked; and 1 , 47 4 in construction. EGYPT. ALEXANDRIA, FEB. 20. The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamer Valetta arrived heir) from Marseilles this day, and will leave on her return voyage early to-morrow morning. The Ripon, with the heavy portion of the mails, had just reached Malta when the Valetta loft that island, and she is hourly expected here ; but not being yet sighted it is still uncertain when the outward mails are likely to leave Suez. IWe are now in momentary expectation of hearing of the Viceroy's arrival at Cairo, intelligence h av i ng been received some days ago that he, might be ex pected about this time. Meanwhile, and in conse quence of orders which have preceded bis High ness, the authorities of Cairo and of Alexandria are levying a number of y oung men, out of whom it appears 600 are to be selected and formed i n to a special corps of " Guards." The number required is not large, but it has been suffi cient to cause considerable perturbation among the labouring classes, and even, to some extent, a ces sation of business in the bazaars. Notwithstanding the improvements introduced by the present Vice roy into the treatment of the Egyptian soldier, both in regard to his food and to his clothing, all classes of the population look upon Government service of every description with feelings of great aversion, and although the men generally appear soon t grow reconciled to their new mode of life, still the spectacle attending these oft-recurring impress ments is not the le , s distressing, when mere lads are seen carried off along the streets, followed by a bevy of shrieking and wailing women, they them selves wearing an air of hopeless resignation. It does not appear likely that we shall hear of 10 ..• ---. ... ..• ... - ... 29 ... 5 ... ... 93 ... 176 • T0ta1.... 154 ... G;7 ... The yearly comparison of weekly imports is as follows :-- Beasts. Sheer). Lambs. Calves. Og g ' 299 ... 130 ... 240 ... 118 ... 1.856 1855._ /854 775 ... 1,333 223 ... 6 1853 ... 475 ~. 2,126 - 227 ... 1852 344 985 190 ... 1851 395 1,571 341 ... `" The show of foreign stock in to-day's market was vie moderate, and its general quality was by no moans first' rate. The whole of the supply changed hands on high° terms. Compared with Monday last the arrivals of homs-fei beasts exhibited a deficiency', both as to number an d quality. For ail kinia the demand ruled a c tive, an d prices advanced 2d per 81bs. The best Scots sold ready at 5s per 81bs, and a good clearance was effected. The receipts of beasts from Norfolk, Suffolk, Essex, an d Caxibridgeshire amounted to 1,600 Scots and shorthorn; from other parts of England, 300 of various breeds; from Scotland, 300 Scots ; and from Ireland, 50 oxen. We had a very limited show of sheep, but their genera l weight was good, The mu tt on t ra d e ru l e d fi rm, and ;View" further advanced 2d per 81bs. The best old Downs in th e wool sold at 6s per 81bs. Shorn sheep were in req11 04 24 is per Sibs under that quot a ti on . Thi s i s th e Veal.'" difference in price almost ever known, but it arises troll! the high value of skins, and the great activity in the Wo" trade. Calves were in short supply and steady request, at yen full prices. The highest quotation fo r veal was 53 . 1 w per Blbs. There was a moderate inquiry for pigs, at last week's quotations. Per Sibs to sink the offs% A . 0. d. s. d. 1. 4. 4 • Interior Beaste....3 4to 3 6 PrimeSonthdown 510 6 0 Second quality.... 3 8 4 0 Large crse. calves 4 2 5 4 Prime large oxen 4 2 4 8 Prime small do 5 6 510 Prime Scots, dm. 410 5 G Large hogs Inferior Sheep ...4 6 410 Small porkers Second quality .. 5 0 5 2 Suckling calves 23 0 30 . 1, Prime crse.-wlled.s 4 5 6 Quarter old pigs 21 0 28 u FOREIGN RIIPFLT. TOTAL SUPPLY; Beasts 2,949 Beasts . ----.. 579 Sheep 15,020 Sheep Calves. Pigs 260 Pigs -- ht statement and comparison of the supplies and prices if rat stock exhibited and sold in the Great Metropolitan Cattle Market, on Monday, March 3, 1856, and this day, Mondaff March 2, 1857. . Per Ms, to sink the offals. March 3, 1856.1Ma rc h2,18Ji s. d. s. &lc d. Coarse and inferior beasts ... 30to 3 2,3 2t0 3 3 is Second quality ditto ... 3 4 3 813 6 ' 6 Primo large oxen ... 310 4 211 0 Prime Scots, dra „. ... 4 4 4 6'4 8 'di 1 0 Coarse and inferior sheep 3 2 3 6 4 4 4 v Second quality ditt o ... 3 8 4 04 le 5 i Prime coarse woolled ditto 4 2 4 4 5 2 5 Prime Southdown ditto 4 6 4 10(5 8 5 . "" Lambs ... 0 0 Old 0 f v a Large coarse calves ... 4 0 410 4 2 5 , Prime small ditto ... 5 0 5 6 1 5 6 5 . Large hogs 3 6 4 2 3 8 4 Meat small porkers 4 4 410 4 6 5 Beasts... 4,133 3,V 0 ‘ , 1 Sheep ••• 22,600 14, 53 v 173 Calves._ ... ... 67 270 SUPPLIES ON Sato, March 5, 1855.—Beasts, 2,928; isheeN 14,840 ; calves, 43; pigs, 310. March 6, 18 54.—Beasts, 4,501; sheep, 20,710 ; uldv ef. ' 105 ; pigs. 410. NEWLIATIt AND LEADENHALL. The supplies of London-killed meat are very moderates but the arrivals from Scotland and various parts of Eng land continue seasonably -good. The trade generally is 6rm, and prices are well supported. Per Bibs by the carcase. e. d. s. d. I e. d. e, d• Beef, Inferior 3 0 3 4 / Mutton, Inferior 3 6 310 Do., middling 3 6 310 I Do., middling 4 9 4 6 Do. prime large.. 4 0 4 2( Do., prime 4 8 4 lv Do., do. small ....4 4 4 6) Veal 3 10 5 0 Perk, large 3 8 4 4 Pork. small 4 6 5: 1 BOROUGH AND SPITALFIELDS. The arrivals of home-grown potatoeP, since Monday . lass4 have been seasonably extensive. As the supply here is• excess of the demand, lower prices have been accepted by the factors. The imports have amounted to 18 heave° from Nieu Diep, 25 tons from Rotterdam, 74 tons from Terceira, and 10 tons from Harnbro'. York Regents, 105 s to 120 s p er t on ; K en t an d E ssex do., 110 s to 120 s ; S cotch do., 1003 to 120 s; do. cups, 90s. to 100 s ' • Middlings, 65s to 755; Lincolna, 1008 to 120 s; Blues, 90s to 110 s. BOROUGH HOP. We have a fair, but by no means great demand for most kinds of hops, andprices generally are well supported. Last week's imports were 50 bales from Hambro', 45 do. from Schiedam, and 8 from Rotterdam. Mid and East Kent pockets, 3/ 15s to 51 12s ; Weald of Kent, 31 5s to 51 Os ; Sussex, 31 3s to 4/ Os ; Worcester, 414 s to 515 s ; yearlings, 1/ lOs to 3115 e. per cwt. WOOL. The public sales of colonial wool have commenced with great briskness, and prices show an advance, compared with the previous auctions of from 2d,to3d per lb. The whole of the parcels offered have changed . hands, and the total quantity advertised is 38,286 bales, including 2,021 East India. Sydney—Clean sheep's has sold at is lid to 2i s;d ; other kinds is 7d to is 10d. Launceston— sheep's is 64 to 2s 4d ; thin, &c., is 10d to 2s. Port Philip --Clean sheep's is lid to 2s 6d, other qualities 1. 7d to is lid. Cape— Clean sheep's is 6d to is Hid, other kinds is 54 to Islo4 per lb. In the private market very little is doing, yet prices are nominally 24 to 3d per lb higher. Last week's imports were 928 bales from Algoa Bay, 35 from Mogadore, 797 from the Cape, 424 fr om C allao, 76 7 from Odessa, 123 from Constantinople, 223 bales and 144 bags from Hambro', 238 from Havre, and 100 from other ---- _ quarters. hoggets, 'la 6d to 10 The following are the cur rent rates of E nglish wool :--- 7d ; Kent fleec es . is 5 d to is 64 ; Down ewes, is 5d to is 7d to is 84 ;half-bredls 6d ; Leicester fleeces , is 44 to le 5d ; combing sk i ns , is 34 to is 54 ; flannel wool, is 2d t o i s 6d ; and blank et wo ol, 10d to is 2d per lb. D o wn toga, _ SEEDS. Owing to numerous arrivals off coast from the Black Sea and Egypt, linseed is easier to buy. Bombay o ff ers at 725, and fine Calc u tt a 69s to 70s per quarter. The greater portion of the rapeseed arriving from Calcutta is still out of condition ; tho range of prices is consequently wide. Fine sound has brought 681; Calcutta peelseed 62s to 63s ; and Niger 50s per quarter. Cakes are inactive, with prices in favour of buyers. Marseilles has been sold at a reduction o f 5 3 per ton. Turnie,White,per Cash. 20s to 21, swede **** •• •• 20s 21s idaslard, Brown .; 20s 224 W hite, ... • Ids 12s rares,Wlnter,n ew. ...ss 6d 68 Od Canary, per quarter .. 64s 703 Rye grass (new) ...... 28s 42s ClOTer, RedEng.(cwt.) 52s 00s White ........ • • 68s 824 Foreign Red.... • . 68s 778 White.... fB9 80s Trefoil, new.......... 23e 344 Caraway .. 44s 466 226 2 45 Hempseed, per qaarter 45s 460 Linseed, Eng. Sowing.. 726 7 65 Crashing ........ 663 726 Baltic ••• • .. •... —s — 5 Odessa 68s 693 Linseed Cake, pr. tOn— English .. ...10110s 101150 Foreign,per ton 915 s 1 1 br Od Rape Cakes, per ton 61 56 6' 103 Rapeseed, pr qr....• 86s 901 4O W . TAL] Oar market continues steal ported. To-day P.Y.O on ly, and prices are farly sup the spot is selling 66s per very little is doing. Rough 104. 1 36.602 45e 0,It( cwt. . For forward delivery fat 3s 3d per 81ba. Stock this day 'rice of Y. C t ; 44a 61 e—s O' 50s 0,1 Delivery last week .. 1,802 1,378 1,417 Ditto from June I 80,671 80,153 64,214 Srrivals last week.. 2, 661 101 2,516 Ditto from Janel.... 77,791 02,517 64,821 Price of 45 9d 631 3d 54s 3d 1856. I 1867. 23,726 12,891 ,( Jei 01 tt• 66s 01 01 to 04 1,353 397* 86,495 89,601 763 1,938 63,679 83,612 638 6d SI 3Od