The Sun. — London, England, 1857-12-24 00:00:00

1858 —Fail not to begin the NEW YEAR • with a DIARY. LETTS'S are kept by every bookseller in the kingdom. Catalogues gratis. Those generally adopted by LADIES are Nos, 10, 12, 18, 20, ARMY and NAVY, 8,9, 10, 11, 22, plain or elegantly bound, in perpetual sprg. lock cases, GENTLEMEN, 8,9, 12, 11, etc MERC H ANTS, BANK ERS, in perpetual sprg- lock cases. ENGINE ERB, etc. 51, 52, 53, CLERGYMEN, 9, 10, 12, 12 enl. 1,2, 3,6, 8,9, 11, with Dr. and Tablet, sermon boas, etc. Cr. forms, 38, 48, 118, etc. MEDICAL MEN, 1,2, 8,9, 10, TRADESMN, 4,5, 11, 13, 15, Medical, Frofessional, etc. Dr. and Cr. fours, 3e, 118, etc. LAWYERS, 51, 52, 1,2, 8,9, the FARMERS, 4, 5,6, 7, 11, 13, etc. Scribbling, plain or interlyd. MEC EUNICS, Is. eal., is Od , 6d. LETTS, SON, and Co., Stationers & Mapsellers,B, Royal Exchange. CONTRACT FOR SUET. Department of the Comptroller for Victualling, Somerset House, 234 December, 1857. THE Couunissioners for executing the Office of Lord High Admiral of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland do Hereby Give Notice, that on MONDAY the 4th January neat, at half-past One o'clock, they will be ready to treat with such persons as may be willing to contract for supplying and delivering into her Majesty's Victualling Stores at Deptford the undermentioned article, viz.:— SUET..... . • ....... ........ 150,000 lbs. In Fifteen equal weekly deliveries, the first of such deliveries to be made by the 16th January, 1858. Tenders may be made for the whole or any portion of the Suet. Their Lordships reserve to themselves the power, when the Ten ders are epened, of contracting either for the whole, or for such part thereof only as they may deem fit, or for a greater quantity, or of of contracting for any. No tender will be received unless made on the printed form pro vided for the purpose, and which may be obtained on application at the said Office, or to Commander Bevis, conducting, the Packet Service at Liverpool, or to the Collector of Customs at Bristol. The conditions of the revised contracts, to which particular atten tion is called, may be seen at the said office, and at Liverpool and Bristol. No tender will be received after half-put one o'clock on the day of treaty, and it will not be required that the party tendering, or an agent on his behalf, should attend at the office on the day 01 contract, as the result of the offer received from each person will be communicated to him and his proposed sureties in writing. Every tender must be addressed to the Secretary of the Admiralty, and bear in the left-hand corner the words " Tender for Suet," and I must also be delivered at Somerset-house. ITER MAJESTY'S THEATRE. THREE EXTRA. NIGHTS. Piecolomini, Spozia, Ging,lini, Bolletti, Rossi, Vialetti, and Aldighieri, Tuesday, Dee. 29—Thursday, Dec. 31—Saturday Jan. 2, The following favourite operas will be given : Tuesday—lL TROVATOREI. Thursday—LA TRAVIATA. Saturday —LUCIA DI L lERMOOF w Prices :—Pit Stalls, 12s 6d; boxes (to hold four persons), pit and one pair, 2/. 2s ; grand tier, 3/. 3s ; two pair, 1/. 55.; three pair, 15s; gallery boxes, 10s; gallery stalls, 3s 6d; pit, 3s 6d; gallery, 2s, THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Lessee—Mr. J. B. Buckstone. SATURDAY EVENING, to commence at Seven, with SPEED THE PLOUGH. Characters by Messrs. W. Farren, Compton, Chippendale, Mrs. Poynter, Mrs. E. Fitzwilliam, and Miss E. Ternan. After which, a new comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled THE SLEEPING BEAUTY IN THE WOOD ; or, Harle quin and the Spiteful Fairy. Harlequin, Mr. A. Leclercq ; Columbine, Miss Fanny Wright ; Pantaloon, Mr. Mackay ; Clown, Mr. Charles Leclercq. Orchestra Stalls (which may be retained the whole of the evening), 6s, each. (No charge for booking.) First Price. s. d. Second price. s. d Dress Boxes 5 0 Dress Boxes 3 0 Upper Boxes 3 0 Upper Boxes 2 0 P t I, ewer Gallery 1 0 Lower Gallery 0 6 Upper Gallery 0 1' No half-price to Upper Gallery. It OYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, Proprietor, Mr. Charles Kean. On SATURDAY EVENING, will be presented THE CORSICAN BROTHERS, After which, a new grand comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled HARLEQUIN WHITE CAT ; or, The Princess Blanehe Flower and her Fairy Godmothers. The Princess Blanche (White Cat), Miss Kate Terry ; Harlequin, Mr. Cor mack. ; Clown, Mr. Huline ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo ; and Columbine, Miss (.7. Adams, THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPHI. Lessee—Mr. Ben. Webster. On SATURDAY EVENING, Dec. 26, TFIE WEPT OF THE WISH-TON-WISH. Mr. Wright and Madame Celeste. After which, a Mythological Extravaganza, entitled HARLEQUIN, OR THE LOVES OF CUPID AND PSYCHE. Jupiter, Mr. Paul Bedfo r d ; M ars, Mr. Frank Hall ; Venus, Mrs. Billington ; Miss Marie Wilton ; Psyche, Miss Mary Keeley. R OYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.—SoIe Lessee and Manager, Mr. C. Dillon.— THIS EVENING, the Gorgeous Burlesque and rant°. mime, LALLAII ROOKII. Morning Performance on Boxing Day. First aprarance of Mr. CHARLES DILLON on Monday next. CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road.— OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow i tg company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of S !actions from all the popular OPERAS, MADRIGALS, C:IORUSES, GLEES, DUETS, tire., viz. :—Miss Russell, Mrs. Badzey, Madlle. Marietta, Mrs. Palmyra, Siiss Bru nell, and Madame Marietta ; Herr F. Jonghmans, Mr. Heushaw, R. Grover, T. Farrant, S. Jonec, J. Barker, W. Melling, Senor Antonio. E. L. Rime, and Mr. St. Albyn; Messrs. S. Genii's, W. T. Critchlield, and E. Mack nay. Pianoforte, Mr. Cecil Hicks; harmonium, Master Williams; Director, Herr F. Jonghmans. Commence at &Ten o'clock precisely. Suppers, ctc., until twelve &clock. AM COWELL'S RETURN to leis Old 1,71. Quarters, the CANTERBURY-HALL, for One Night only, THIS EVENING (CHRISTMAS EVE), Dee. 24, 1857. CYTERBURY-HALL, Westminster-road.— GRAND MORNING CONCERT, BOXING DAY, December 26, 1857, commencing. at half past One o'clock. Programme, consisting of Solos, Comic and Sentimental, and selections from the following Opera 3 Ernaui, II Trovatore, and La Traviata. Comic talent—Messrs. S. Collins, W. J. CriteHeld, and E. W. Mackney. HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. This DAT—Morn. 53 min. aft. 6—Even., 19 min. aft. 7 T -Ifonitow —Morn., 46 min. aft. 7—Even., 17 min aft. THE WEATHER —SUN OFFICE, DECEMBER 24. IHERMOMETER, IN THE SNIDE. F. 6 —highest since noon yesterday. 50—lowest this morning and daring the night. 57 —this day at noon. BAROMETER, 36.40. WIND, S. W.; rather fresh, with fine weather. 1 ‘ ..1 k_tr4 C k < Z `SITU, ca--1.'"4-ft•-I.k , c.7*-.). ' LONDON, THURSDAY, DEC. 24, 1857. The glad tidings of the complete relief of Luck now, and the rescue of its brave garrison and helpless fugitives, has occasioned intense joy to all classes of the community. The danger in which they were placed, and the sinister auguries hazarded by Sepoy sympathisers, Iwas the sole drawback to the gratification universally ex pressed at the fall of Delhi. But while Lucknow was endangered, and a repetition of atrocities similar to those at Cawnpore was still possible, the public mind could not be at rest. This dan ger is happily averted ; and there is nothing now to embitter the festivities of the season, so far as India is concerned. The rebellion is completely suppressed ; and although it may be a work of time and labour to put down and punish the scattered banditti, who, hopeless of pardon, will still strive to produce the greatest possible amount of mischief, no pos sible doubt can exist as to the ultimate result, or that the British prestige will be considerably elevated, and the British power consolidated, at d placed on a sounder and more enduring foundation than ever. The great, almost the sole element of danger has been eliminated, and unless our rulers are guilty of gross folly we shall be permanently exempted from similar perils. Ou the receipt of the telegram, yesterday, we were enabled to offer some brief observations, pointing out the full effect of the pleasing intelli gence just arrived. The communication was, if Feasible, more slovenly than any of those pre viously received. There was sad confusion re specting dates. We wore told that Sir COLIN CAMPB ELL had joine d t h e force at Alumbagh on th e 21st o f N ovember, and that active operati ons were commenced on the 231, and that f or the next six days there were a constant series of severe and bloody struggles with the enemy, and that on the 21st, their principal strongholds having been c ap t ued, the beleaguered garrison were relieved, „„a that on the 20th, the sick and wounded, women and children, were sent back under an escort to Cawl.- pore. It is manifest that these ware erroneously given. Ka- the 21st, in which it was st3ted that the Commander-in-Chief had arrived, we shoul read the 11th, an d act i ve operations must have been commenced on the 13th, not the 2 0 d. Again, the six days' severe fighting would show that the garrison was relieved on the 19th, not the 21st, which would be consistent with the de parture of the sick and wounded, women and children, on the 20th. Something should cer- '1 E S N 7 LONDON, T 1117 71? p) It has since been stated, through• other sources, that our losses during these severe and sanguinary conflicts have been only four officers killed and forty wounded. We trust that this may be cor rect ; we fear, however, that we shall find that many distinguished men have sacrificed their lives in the service of their country—such important results could not have been achieved without very serious losses. We have heard nothing of HAVELOCK or OIITRA3I, of GRANT or GREATHED. But in this case "no news may be considered good news." If anything serious had happened to any one of these heroes, it would unquestionably have been alluded to in the despatch—England would, in deed, mourn were she deprived of the opportunity of rewarding their invaluable services. The rebels will find themselves in a very diffi cult position, not only will they be pur sued by the combined forces, but they will have to encounter our allies of Nepaul, or other friendly powers, in any quarter to which they may direct their footsteps, and they cannot now look for assistance or sympathy from those who, having hitherto avoided committing themselves, will now be doubly anxious to dem3nstrate their fidelity and loyalty. Brigadier STUART bad, as we yesterday stated, made all right at Nusaeerabad ; while SHOWERS, COTTON, and TIDDRL rendered equally effi- thent set-vices at Robileund. We are also, it is said, relieved from all apprehensions for our garrisons and outposts, lately in much imminent peril. Our continental friends (1) need no longer feel alarm for the predicted decadence of Great Britain, or speculate on the prices which we are to pay for the assistance which we may be compelled to seek at their hands. Great Bri- tain can still hold its own, without aid from breigners. Here, then, we are, once more on the eve of Christmas—of merry Christmas—and within a week of another eve—the eve of " the Happy New Year." The universal holiday is at hand— hundreds and thousands have indeed already began it ; have darted off by afternoon trains to parents, brothers, cousins, in the country, and happy they who in this respect, like the patriarchs of Palestine, can begin their holiday in the even ing. Ab, holiday, did we say, would that we could share it I The Sun must, however, appear every day but Sun-day. Well, since it must be so, we mean to share in the holiday temper, if we cannot share its leisure. Holly and mistletoe, and turkey and roast beef, and plum-pudding too— and all the many et ceteras of the day are forbid den to none. Even editors and printers must have dinners and suppers, whether the masters whom we serve will not dispense with our pens and types or not. We would rather play, wo confess, as well, as the rest ; but we have learned that no good comes of grumbling, so we " Take the goods the gods provide us "—congratulate those who get the grapes that are out of our reach, and don't " call them sour." It's enough to make any one merry to see all the woad around him merry, although he must toil on. And, verily, to leek to-night, and for the last few nights, at our shop., which cater for the amusement of the young, and for the good cheer of the young and old—it is quite enough to drive our quill cheerily on Christmas eve. And then the corning family parties—they are the characteristic of Old England's Christmas, and may they over be. Morning we leave to people's tastes. Some like church, some a walk out with their children if dry, and especially if a nice clean bright frost, not too severe for comfort. Some, not more perhaps than can help it, stay within doors. A large proportion of the ladies of creation must of necessity be there, for the dinner must be arranged, and cooked, and on table, when the de vout or the recreationists return from their respec tive pursuits. A popular but quaint old preacher in this our city we have heard our fathers talk of, who began his Christmas sermon with the thrice repeated exclamation, " Oh, the Roast Turkeys !" which, being interpreted, meant that he looked down on a congregation of men's heads only—the bonnet-wearers were engaged as good wives should be on Christmas Day. Engaged how ? Engaged in taking good care that the family party, when it assembled, should see a family table that would make all smile, all feel themselves welcome, all have some nut-to-be-despised gratification, and all remember the good cheer of Papa's or Grandpapa's family party. Yes t a lloly-day is Christmas still 111 England—h oly to that best of instincts, that m ost ::acrecl of sentiments, and that firmest bas's of a "latY, the Family. feeling. What untold good has not fi „y ea from the affection which in so many thous an d s of English homes has led to the gathering of all p o ssible around th e f am il y hearth ! Emile thoughts of sadness We do not wish to Th i s y e ar, it is true, be untruthful to will arise, ourselves, and we cannot, if we would) forget that tainly be done to ensure greater efficiency in a department of such importance under existing cir cumstances. There is also considerable doubt as to the strength of the force under Sir CoLIN CAMPBELL. The telegram states that it amounts to 22,000 men, but there are abundant grounds for believing that there are but 12,000. These will, however, be amply sufficient to ensure the complete subjugation of the rebellious territory. But despite these disgraceful discrepancies, the salient points of the statement are unquestionable. The women and children are in safety, together with the sick and wounded, and the rebellion has been totally crushed in the last place where it reared its unhallowed front. INGLIS and his noble associates have been rewarded for their patient endurance during the five terrible months of suspense and agony which they had endured. Their apprehensions not being for themselves, but for the helpless parties relying on them for safety and protection. Whatever may be the political importance of the victories achieved by the ardu ous contests, protracted during six days, and which may be regarded in the same point of view as those that took place at Delhi, after the blow ing up of the Cashmere Gate, by the forlorn hope, under HOME and SALKELD, the extrication of these parties from their fearful ordeal will be welcomed even with more joyous feeling, and that not merely► by anxious friends and relatives, but by the whole population of the united king dom. The 12,000 good men and true, under such com manders as CAMPBELL and HAVELOCK, OUTRAM, GRANT, and GREATHED, and INGLIS, and others who have particularly distinguished themselves will render a good account of the mutineer; who are now caught in the trap which they had them selves laid for others. It is needless to say that the great advantages already obtained will be energetically followed up. Neither Sir COLIN nor any of his truly efficient lieutenants are men to permit "grass to grow under their feet," or for feit the slightest result attainable by the most in defatigable perseverence, combined with indo mitable resolution and pliowess. The rebels must be reduced to despair, for fatalists, as they are, they must still see that an avenging NMIESIS has pursued them, carrying with it terrible, but well merited retribution. the cup of ChY:istmas joy is dashed with bitter in many a fa mily, and that a few will almost refuse to be comEarted. Fiendish and vengeful Asiatics have inflic tec on many a circle wounds which are not yet h,ealed . ,, or wounds even which nothing but death CPell heal. We shall have to drink, amongst other toasts, Success to the avengers of innocent blood and of insulted purity and honour ! Suc cess tr, our HAVEL=iS and CAMPBELLS, and their brave followers ! Many a care we can, with an easy conscience, bid begone at festive times like these ; but sacred sorrow for the noble, the brave, the, pure, may not be rudely driven away. It must have the sacrifice of a becoming recognition, or it will self-accuse us amidst the joys of the feast. Not even during the Crimean war had our Christmas greater claims on the memory of na tional victims. Then we felt the cause in which they died to be, in part, an alleviation of the mourning. Now, our sorrow for thousands is that they have died to gratify malignant treachery, fiendish cruelty, and the most savage lust. Let our family meetings pledge themselves that our Government shall atone for all by sweeping the mutineers from the soil of India to death or slavery ; and then may we resume the cheeiful ness of the family party. And, again, we cannot forget that hundreds in the better walks of life, and thousands dependent on them for employment, will find it no easy matter to enjoy a " Merry Christmas." We can not forget them also. The commercial cloud which has destroyed the prospects of so many, has shaded deeply, too, those of yet more. Heavy, but not ruined losers, at such a time, may indeed feel thankful that they have not lost their all ; but what numbers have to begin life again : what num bers to toil for a living who obtained it pleasantly before; and, worst of all, what still greater nurn- bers have lost the daily work on which their daily bread itself depended, and must resort to the parish, or, what is still worse, to the pawnbroker. For all these we must indulge our sympathy for a moment, even on the eve of Christmas merriment, and it may be that, for some of us can do some thing more than sympathise. It is JOHN BULL'S humour, neither to yield to sadness, nor to succumb to it. Determination to avenge the murdered, and to help, as far as we can, the unfortunate, is the feeling which natu rally draws away useless grief by useful resolve. And then the clouds are breaking. Ten per cent. is to give way in Threadneedle-street, as it has already done inFrance and Hamburg, and even in Lombard-street itself ; and in India, too, the blue sky is reappearing, and growing larger and larger. The storm is rolling away ; very black, indeed, are the clouds yet, but they have passed over us, and continue to recede. We see their lightning and hear their thunder, but we hardly have a fear that they can return and strike us again. Wednesday's telegram will cheer the nation, though many an anxious heart will painfully long to see the returns of killed and wounded in "the six days' severe and bloody struggles." But, oh ! after all our anxieties, how cheering that line—" The sick and wounded ladies and children wore sent back under an escort to Cawnpore !" Thank GOD for that. The Christ• mas of us all will be merrier for that. Sad, r 4 7 , , ? 1 11AYMARKET THEATRE. Last night Miss Amy Sedgwick, whoseclaut has been the great event of Mr. Backstone's season, took her first benefit. The house was thronged at first price, a just tribute to the talent of the lady, who in a very short space of time, and by the mere force of her artistic talents, has taken rank among the first favourites of the metropolitan audiences. Her success may be ascribed to her pleasant appearance, great vivacity, excelle n t elocu tion, and conscientious rendering of eery characer she undertakes. For her benefit she played the prin cipal character in the "Reigning Favourite," which is Mr. Oxenford's adaptation of Adrienne Lecouvreur, and played it with much force and energy. It is a trying thing for a young English actress to attempt an Anglicised version of one of Rachel's greatest parts, but Miss Sedgwick's performance must have been agreeable even to those who had seen the great French tragedienne —while those persons who had not yet hal this opportunity were enraptured, and testified their admiration by thunders of applause an d showers of bouquets. The fair beneficiarte again appeared in the little comedy of the " Dowager," and was greatly suc cessful. Miss Sedgwick's engagement has now terminated, and she is on the point of quitting London. We hope, how ever, in a very short time to have her again among us, and then for a permanency. In her line she is unques tionably the most promising actress that we have seen for the last few years. POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTION. This institution, which has for 20 years amused and ir.structed the public, produces for the entertainment of the holiday folk a list of novelties of much attraction. A private view of the Christmas entertainments was given last evening, and elicited the most unqualified approba tion. In addition to the dissolving views of scenes in India during the mutiny, a new musical entertainment, one of considerable merit, by Mr. Cooper, entitled " Home for the Holidays," was given, which was fol lowed by some very remarkable phantasmagorical illusions. Mr. Malcolm's experiments in natural magic and 1-Terdemain were much admired, and bad this advantage, that while wonder was excited in the first stance, a clear explanation followed w hi c h a l most quali fied the audience to become future conjuror on their own account. In addition to these attractions, an interest ing, lecture was given by Mr. Pepper on several reoent inventions amongst which perhaps the most generally generally interesting and useful were M. Soyer's Scutari teapot, and Mr. Stephen's machine for making bread. Our young friends will be delighted to hear that a grand Christmas tree has been prepared for their especial enjoyment, of the varied contents of which they will be allowed to partake, on the morning and evening of the 31st inst. Upon the whole, we can with confidence say that the entertainments at the Poly• technic are of a description to uphold the popular character of the institution, and to challenge for it its fall share of public patronage. WILLIS'S ROOMS.—"It never rains but it pours,' says the old proverb • and the adage seems to be as true of magicas of meteorology, Scarcely has the public had time to recover from its amazement at the marvellous achievements of Professor Frikell, when a new magician arises in the person of the Cavaliers Antonio Poletti, who, " having performed with the greatest success at the principal courts of Europe," gave last night a private representation of wonderful effects, with and without apparatus. His feats of legerdemain, of which we shall probably speak at greater length on a future occasion, are done with rapidity and expertness, and claim adwf. ration not only by neatness of execution, but also by novelty and ingenuity of conception. His Excellency Ferukh Khan, Persian Envoy Extre ordinary, paid farewell visits yesterday to their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Mary, the French Ambassador, and the Turkish Ambas sador. Later in the afternoon his excellency went to see the exhibition of the Globe in Leicester-square, returning afterwards to Claridge's Hotel to dinner. The Duke and Duchess of Wellington have returned to Apiley House from Strathfieldsaye, where they have been entertaining company for some time past. They will pass the Christmas holidays at Hatfield House. The Duchess Dowager of Norfolk comes to town to-day from a tour of visits. The Earl and Countess of Mulgrave leave town to-day for Newton House, Bedale, Yorkshire, on a visit to the Dowager Duchess of Cleveland. The noble earl will leave England on the 29th of next month for the seat of his new Government. The Earl of Gifford and Lord John Hay have left Strathfieldsaye, and are now staying on a visit with Lady Dufferin i at Dufferin Lodge, Hi g hgate. The Earl Beauchamp and Lord and Lady Raglan are passing the season at Madresfield Corot, Worcestershire. Lord and Lady Harry Vane have left town on a visit to the Earl and Countess Stanhope, at Chevening Park, Kent. Lori and Lady Arthur Hay have returned to town from visiting the Duke and Duchess of Wellington at Strathfieldsaye. The Right Hon. Sidney Herbert, M.P., and Mrs. Herbert are entertaining a succession of company at Wilton House. The following have been among the guests :—The Marquis and Marchioness of Ailesbury, Maria Marchioness of Ailesbnry, the Earl and Connteas'of Granville, Viscount and Viscountess Somerton, the Right Hon. Henry Fitzroy, 11,p., the Right Hon. H. T. L.. Corry, M.P. ' Sir Geo. Bowles, C o u n t St rze l ec ki, Mr. Gerard Start , M.P., Mr. Sneyd, ace. lbe directors of the Lyons railway have pieced in the .tation of Perrache in ttat c:ty a clock which indicates the time both at Paris and Lyons, that in the latter city being 6 minutes and a fraction in advance. It is sug gested that the same might be adopted with advantage at the extremity of all the great railways, the time at Marseilles, Turin, Cologne, &c., being of course diffe rent from that of Paris. In all the great railway stations t the United States there are clocks which indicate the time in all the great cities of the United States. COLLIERS' WAGES IN SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE;.--A meeting of miners took place in a club-room, in Hall street, Willenhall, on Tuesday afternoon, to enable the deputation wbo had waited upon the ironmasters at Wolverhampton on the previous day to report to the men the result of their interview, William Caswe 1 was in the chair. William Dodd, one of the deputation, read a report of what took place between the deputation and Messrs. Williams and Hartley and the Earl of Dart mouth, on Monday. The chairman then recommended the miners, under the circumstances, to return to work. Iron, he said, had been reduced in price, and the miners must submit to occurrences. The masters had met the deputation fairly, and had promised that if their men laboured under any grievance, they would try to redress it. A miner, named Platt, moved the appointment of a committee who should sit permanently and receive all cemplaints from their fellow-workmen ; that a room should be taken where the newspapers could be read, and the price of iron and the value of labour ascertained and that if the masters attempted to reduce them until a reduction took place in the price of iron they should strike. The meeting seemed disposed to meet the masters fairly ; but wished tohavewta4beadooppptoerdt,unanitdy of t nowing at all times when wa ges m i ght be (K -pected to be reduced and when th ey might fairly demand higher prices. The motion thirteen colliers were nominated members of the com mittee. A second resolution was passed that the miners should quietly return to. work. A vote of thanks having been passed to the deputation and also to the piasters, the meeting then separated i n a qu i et manner. Yesterday morning numerous groups of the turn-outs lounged about the streets at Bilston and at Willenhar, and some fears were entertained that ere the close of the day some disturbance might be attempted. But such does not appear to have been the purpose of the men. About midday they began to congregate at Willenhall. As many as could obtain admission to the rewe in which the meeting was held attended it; the others patiently waited outside, and on hearing the result (that the meet ing decided to adopt the recommendation of the deputa tion, and return to work at the reduced rate of wages), quietly dispersed. It ruay, therefore, be presumed that the threatened "strike" is at an end • and for the sake of the men, as well as the welfare of the district, we rejoice that it is so, feeling satisfied that if in the present state of affairs they had determined on "standing out," as it is called, they would have had to endure much suffering, without in any way improving their position. Woleerhampton Citronivle, of yesterday. WAGES OF COLLIERS.—Oa Monday, in pursuance of a nescletion passed at a colliers' meeting at Willenhall, last week, a deputation of four colliers mot the chair man and secretary, Mr. Philip Williams and Mr. John Hartley, of the iron trade, respecting the ques tion of wages, at the Swan Hotel, Wolverhampton. The Earl of Dartmouth, Colonel Hogg, chief constable of Staffordshire, and Mr. Southern, ground bailiff to Mr. Williams, wore also present. The chairman said he believed the masters were as willing as himself to meet a deputation of the men, and hear their statements as to any grievance or supposed griev ance. The note had been addressed to him alone, but he had invited the Earl of Dartmouth and the other gentle ne-n to be present. The deputation said they wished to invite three other employers, Messrs. Blackwell, 13 ig nen, and Therneycroft, but they did not know their ad aeltees. Wilton Creeswell, one of the deputation, after some exelametione, and offering to postpone tbo interview, so as to have more masters present, handed c a f l aloud. tiou of wages an unjust one, looking at the prices of a r ttohttit,hea colliers Chairru Chairman, the present reduc o but t i cs " in adding to their (tents, and working them from 6 a m. to 2 p.m. for half a clay, and other things. provisions. Tney Al fortnight ego, they received notice of a reduction complained of which h e o cr o a p s res r s e i a oil l of 6,1. a day ; and they wished this reduction not to b made, They also cm:II3;3,IMM of the butties compelling them to spend part of their wages in drink. Mr. Williams and Mr. Hartley said it Wai imooeeible, if the masters were to pay their way and anpete will other districts, for them to give 'Hasa us rates oaf wages. Mr. Williaani read a !utter he had received that morning from London, as follows : " As regards a reduction, I wish with all my heart that you exals remain as you are, but with %Voisin bars at 61. and no buyers, I do not see how it is possible for Staf fordehire to remain stationary. I can assure you that a reduction of 21. per ton is mere widely advoetted end x•o-oted than I coald have believed if I had not heard it. For. !nye lf, lam utterly opposed to it, as it would l ea d to the wildest speculatioa, which would punish us herealt2r. I repeat my regret that even a 20s. reduction appea l rs to be inevitable. 'There is nothing doing ; people will not buy at any price, even though we offer (as we have done for weeks pact) subject to quarter day." Lord Dartmouth and these two gentlemen, however, strongly reprobated the butties interfering with the colliers in spending their money, arid promised that all should be done to put an end to this. The deputation then received Is. each, and withdrew.—Manehestcs „ a,.desos. indeed, that our soldiers should die to deliver them from traitorous villains, but where is the British soldier who would not exclaim, "It is ours to fight and die when we are wanted—better that hundreds, aye, thousands of us die, than a company of English women and babes should furnish another Cawnpore. We should be ashamed to survive their dishonour and murde;." Yes, we can rejoice that our soldiers could die with such sentiments, and rejoice that by their death they have not only honoured 'the name of the British soldier, but saved the nation's honour too. We are proud before all civilisation and before a posterity, that the only question at Lucknow was, not how many soldiers' lives will it cost—but, can the deliverance be effected at any cost ? Altogether, though sadder thoughts might easily enter, and we would not altogether exclude them, we yet can surely with lowered prices and return- og employment fur the poor, with better hopes for commercial men, and with a triumphant tele, gram from Lucknow—we can wish all our readers a merry Christmas and a happy New Year. CHRISTMAS. 'Twas the eye-tide of Christmas, and Christmas put on The most old-fashioned garments that Christmas could don 1", 1 there was snow in the valley, and snow on the hill, There was snow on the roof-top, and anew on the sill ; The voice of the swift-running brooklet was still, The frost-keys had looked up the wheels of the mill, And the birds were 33 tame, that the wildest ones cans To peep in at the casement with crumb-seeking bill, All was white en the earth--all was blue in the sky,l The north wind was muffled too closely to sigh, The ice pearls glanced back to the sun's ruddy eye, And the rook thought it better to roost than to fly. King Christmas strode on in his slippers of glass, With a grasp and a word for each one that might pass ; His blessing was kind, though his greeting was bold, And this plain carol ditty he lustily trolled : " Room for me, room for me, High or low born thouy,h you be, I'm very cold and very old, But very strong, as ye may see, Yonder stand the turrets tall, With holly iu the banquet-hall, Dainty fare is smoking there, While the minstrel echoes fall. Town and hamlet, foul or fair, Christmas looks in everywhere- " Hark ! the flushed and shouting lip Laughs to see the rod wine drip, Warm hands fill up the wassail cup, And buy fingers toss the flip. Here, the hovel roof is low, And the casement lots in snow, But the green and red are seen Hanging in the wood-fire glow. 'Hid poor and many —great and rare, Christmas looks in everywhere. " See yon circle —gaily proud— Wait more friends to join the crowd ; More friends still come—and list the hum-- In my name's welcome—blythe and loud. Further on, a woman's sigh Breathes through salt of weeping eye, Since I came last a cloud has past, And she has seen the dearest die. 'Mid Mirth and Mourning, Pomp and Prayer, Christmas looks iu everywhere. " Sacra ceilings, dark and gray, Bear the mistletoe and bay, And anthem hymn, through cloisters dim, Peals along the close highway. Farmer's boys fetch in Yule logs, To pile upon the chimney dogs; And laugh to find I'm just behind, To trip them up with icy clogs. Church and homestead—here and then) Christmas looks in everywhere. " I mix the cake, and broach the beer, I tell long tales of fun and fear, I bring choice flasks, and tap huge casks, And load the board with revel cheer, I call back wandenrs to the hearth, Where Home's undying love had birth. I fling a gleam of memory's beam, On those far oft'--'mid Death and Dearth— By night.watch flame, and ;ire-side glare, Christmas looks iu everywhere. " Roast the beef, anti drain the but; Lut im human heart be shut ; Let Goodwill 'be reigning still, And the Castle help the Hut. 11,`oorn for me ! room for me ! liigh or low born though ye be, I'm very cold, and very old, Lut ever welcome as ye sec." Highness the Maharajah Dhuleep Singh, accom panied by Sir John Login, left ClariJge'e Hotel, yester day afternoon, for Castle Metzios, N.B. LATEST NEWS RELIEF OF LUCKNOW. The following telegraphic despatch has been received from Malta, dated Dec. 23, 4 a.m. : s ALEXANDRIA, DEC. 19. The telegraph announces the arrival at Suez of the Pekin, with dates from Bombay to the 4th inst. Sir Colin Campbell joined the force at the Alumbagh on the 11th. On the 13th active operations commenced, and for the next six days there was a constant series of severe and bloody struggles with the enemy. On the 19th ult., after a series of severe struggles, the garrison of Luoknow was relieved. On the following day the sick, wounded, women, and children were sent under escort to Cawnpore. The Malwa field forco, under Brigadier Steuart, has relieved Nusseerabad and dispersed the Me hidpore rebels, and is clearing Malwa of the insurgents,. The flying columns, under Brigadier Showers and Colonel Cotton, are scouring Rohileund, com plete success attending their operations every where. Reinforcements are pouring into India, and all alarm for the garrisons and outposts has ceased. Business in the import-market has been to a moderate extent. The money-market is extremely tight. Very little had been done in Governmen securities, quotations for which are unaltered. Freights had declined. Exchange on London, 2s. 2gd. for credits. From another murce we hear that the relief of Lucknow was achieved with a loss of only four officers killed and 40 woundetl, and that Sir Colin Campbell's force amounts to 12,000. The Abeona, with the 94th Regiment, arrived at Malta from Plymouth on the 20th, and left for Alexandria on the same day. The mails for Australia arrived on the 21st, and left for Alexandria on the 22d. The Desperate is under orders to relieve the Centaur at Naples. HAMBURG, DEC. 23. The Danish Chambers closed yesterday. The Supreme Council of the monarchy is to meet on the 10th January. Several resignations have taken place. Many failures continue to take place in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. TRIAL OF THE POLITICAL PRI• SONERS OF SAPRI. We read in the Independance that the process of Sapri is concluded, but the judgment will not be promulgated for a month to come. There were 128 accused ; a number of them have been condemned to death, but only one will be exe cuted. The King will either pardon or commute the sentences upon the others. FRANCE. PARIS, WEDNESDAY. Their Majesties received yesterday Prince Fre derick William of Elec . ;oral Hesse, and the Princess, his consort. BOURSE, Dec. 23.—The market has been in a better situation than yesterday, and prices have rather improved, not withstanding large realisations of profits by the speculators for a rise. It was reported that the discount would be reduced to morrow to 8 per cent, by the Bank of England, and to 5 per cent. by the Bank of France. The nrtrket became heavy a short time before the close, when it was suddenly reported that the discount had been reduced to 8 per cent, by the Batik of England, and there was a sudden rally. The fol lowing were the closing quotations : Cash, tr. End of Month. 4i per Cents 3 por Cents 67 60 67 95 Bank Shares 3250 Credit Foncier — Credit Mobilier 787 50 Roman Do. Account 8 7 50 Austrian Belgian 44 ... 97k— Spanish Threes 4O, Piedmontese (5) 9O Home Debt RAILWAYS-FOR CASH. fr. c. fr c, Orleans - Northern - New Ditto 765 Strasburg - Lyons and Med 855 Grand Central - Now Ditto... - Geneva 6671— Austrian Cum. ...... 7164- PRUSSIA. A Berlin letter in the Cologne Gazette says : " The Commission of the States of the banks of the Danube has completed the draft of its conven tion and Austria is end eavour i ng to o b tain a rati fication of it from the other States, in order that it may be presented to the Congress of Paris as an affair definitely settled. But the convention con tains clauses too much to the advantage of the States on its banks, and as soon as France learned that it was intended to get it ratified, she raised the objection that it must first be approved of by the Congress of Paris. Count de Buol replied by a note, dated the 7th, in which it is stated that the States were only bound to communicate the convention to the Congress, but did not stand in need of its approbation. France, however, main tains the contrary affirmation, and has sent a cir cular despatch on the subject, drawn up with par ticular care, to the French diplomatic agents at the courts of all the powers who signed the treaty of March 30." AUSTRIA. The Hereditary Grand Duke Nicholas and the Grand Duke Alexander, sons of the Emperor of Russia, arrived at Vienna three days back, from St. Petersburg, on their way to Ita!y. They were received at the railway station by the Baron de Budberg, the Russian minister. The young priaces were only to remain two days at Vienna. The morning after their arrival they received a visit from the Archduke Louis Victor, youngest brother of the Emperor, and in theevening dined at Court. BELGIUM. The King of the Belgians came to the Palace at Brussels the day before yesterday from the Chateau of Lacken, and received the Chamber of Represen tatives, wlio came to present the Address voted iu reply to the official announcement of the pregnancy of the Duchess de Brab wt. M. Vergaagen, the president, having read the Address, his Majesty replied as follows 1 ' Gentlemen—The Address which I have just heard road deeply affects me. The event which is promised to ua, will contribute to strengthen still more our political existence, and to tighten the bonds which time and ex perience have formed between up. My devotedness to the happiness of Belgium is justly appreciated ; the attachment which I feel to this country will always re.pond to its patriotism and to its affection for me and my family. I thank you, gentlemen, for the realty kind manner in which you have expressed your sentiments." In the sitting of the Belgian Chamber of Repre sentatives the day before yes erday, the Minister of the Interior presented, as already briefly stated, a bill opening a supplementary credit of 390,189 fr. to meet the surplus of expenses on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of tl.e accession of the King, over aed above the grant of 300,000 f. placed at the dis posal of the Government by the law of May 23, 1856. In the first instance, a supplementary credit of 770,638 f. had been asked for by the Go vernment, but the Chamber, before deciding on the whole amount of the expenses, granted a pro vi,ional credit of 385,000 f., being nearly one-half the credit applied fur, and all the accounts of the works and articles supplied were laid before the conimitt c charged to examine the bill. On the 27th May last, the committee infirmed the Minister ti the Interior that it had terminated its examina ti )n, but, in consequence of the serious discussion wit:eh occupied the Chamber at that time, the re port was not presented. The subsequent adjourn .nt of the Chambers rendered it necessary that a new bill should be now presented, the amount bAng in accordance with some modifications made during the exlmieation by the committee. ITALY. A le'ter from Rome of the 12th, in the Inde pendance of Brussels, says : " The affair of the Marquis of Campana con tinues to Produce an immense sensation in this 4, 1 h.: SPAIN. The Madrid journals of the 19th contain no poli tical news of interest. The dismissal of General Rivero from the general direction of infantry, which, it will be remembered, nearly created a military crisis a short time ago, was considered certain, and General Aleson or General Roe de Olano was spoken of as his successor. M. Gonzalez Bravo, minister at London, had received permis sion to return to Madrid to take part in the debates of the Cortes, but the ministers had no intention of proposing him as a candidate for the presidency of the Chamber of Deputies. According to the Alambra, a Granada journ a l, some o f t h e M oor i s h chiefs at Melilla have entered into friendly relations with the Spaniards, and have even expressed a wish to pass under their rule. It adds that a French agent had been in communication with one of the marabouts, 'and bad tried to convince him that it would be to the advantage of the Moors to place themselves under the protection of the French. What the mat about preciselyanswered is not known, but it is said to amount to this, that " be did no t fear French soldi e rs, f or the oors would defend their sacred territory to the last man, but what they feared was lighting by gas," meaning thereby civilisation. AMERICA. RESUMPTION OF SPECIE PAYMENTS. SOUTHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY NIGHT. The steam-ship Fulton has just arrived here with 're American mails, and advices from New York to he 12th inst. Amongst her cargo is specie to the value of 427,000 doll. for England, and 124,000 dole, for France. Amongst the passengers is Lola Monte; cn her way to Paris. The news from Mexico state that the position of the government had improved. The reactionary force had been defeated by the government troops. Comonfort and the Supreme Court were formally installed. The port of Navidad had been declared open to commerce. The tendency of prices in the New York stock market was downward. A number of bank officers at New York had met, and resolved to resume specie payments in full on all their liabilities. This resolution was prompted by the announcement that the Bank of America, the 13auk of Commerce, the Manhattan and Na tional Banks had resolved to resume payment on the 13th instant. The total specie reserve amounts to 26,000 doll. The deposits have not increased much during the last two or three week. The suspension of specie payments is now rather nominal than actual. " The banks pay spetie over their own counter for bills and small cheques, and the community gets along very, well with that. When business revives it will be a more difficult matter to carry on the operations of tr a d e without a general resumption. The Secretary for the Treasury has proposed to supply an issue of treasury notes not to exceed 20,000,000 dollars. He also proposes the passage of a compulsory Bankrupt Act, by which insolvent banks and railway companies may be wound up, whether they like it or not. There has been a skirmish between - Colonel Alexander's force and the Mormons. , A large force is sent against the latter, and a protracted war is considered inevitable. The amount in the Treasury is 6,000,000 dollars. The receipts for the weak ending the 7th inst. wore about half a million of dollars. Fitzpatrick had been elected President of the Senate. All the democratic candatee for officers of the house were elected with great unanimity. Jas. L. Orr, of South C aro li na, was e l ec t e d spea k er. The Presidedt has dismissed Stanton from the secretaryship of Kansas, for calling together a spe cial session of the Lecompton Legislation. General Derider has been appointed in the room of Stanton. The Senate has confirmed the appointment. The debate was looked upon as a trial of the strength of parties with reference to the Kansas-Lecompton constitution, and the position of the President thereupon. Walker, it is fully expected, will be dismissed. Owing to the mild weather the canals were not to be closed before the 15th inst. The amount and value of American produce re tained in the interior at the close of this year will be the largest ever known in the history of the country. In the New York markets, cotton sales were limited ; the dealers wore waiting the arrival of foreign news. In freights, rates were firmer for grain to Liver poo' In the New Orleans cotton market the sales were 3,000 bales at slightly lower prices. Sugar was firm and corn active. Freights wore drooping. Exchange on London, 103 to 105. THE CAPE. SOUTHAMPTON, WEDNESDAY EVENING. The Dane, the first steamer despatched from England under the new contract, arrived at the Cape of Good Hope and landed her mails at noon on the 29th of October, Lavine" been 43 clays 22 hours on the voyage out from Southampton. The last eight days she had to contend wi , h a south-east gale. The Dane would leave on her return with the homeward mails on the Ist of December, and is duo in England on the 12th of January. The steamer Queen of the South arrived at the Cape of Good Hope, from Portsmouth, on the 21st of October, with 760 troops, and left eight days afterwards for India ; also, he steamer Scotia, on the 26th of October, from Portsmouth for Bombay, with 326 troops ; the steamer Iwperatriz arrived at Hong Kong on the Ist Nov., with 539 troops. TBE OTTOMAN BARK. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. SlR,—The only investment which has not taken a rise in consequence of the improved general and monetary aeptct of affair 3, is the Ottoman Bank, with limited Lahiffty. This arises from the directors studiously keeping secret the enormously large and productive business which the.bank is doing. It is their duty, as they di I before, at the Suggestion of the Times news paper, when their stock was similarly depressed, to pudsh to their shareholders the trua and, I believe, flourishing condition of their affairs. Your obedient servant, A. W. London, 21st December, 1857. FATAL OMNIBUS ACClDENT.—Yesterday morning. between nine and ten o'clock, a lad named James Mitchell, whose parents reside in Colleg , -strk et, Chelsea, was brought into St. George's Hospital, Hyde Park-corner, having b een run over b y an omnibus i n iC n ightshridgf the effects of which he was so severely injured tha,enoont: withstandi ng th e utm O st en d eavours o f tLe_he poorhense s boy, u rg he expired s h or tl y a ft er hi s a d m i ss ion. it appears, was cross i ng near the park_ ga tes, when, in T avoiding a carriage which was coming°re3fle f r om the d:rection quickestofthe omnibus, of Piccadilly, he ran against the h possible the driver of which pulled up le h manner, but too late. city. In addition to the 200 then who have been thrown out of employment by the closing of his marble works, the charity-school for 300 young girls, which he maintained, has been also shut up, a fact which has given rite to a strong feeling of discontent among the people. The law advisers of the marquis have succeeded in getting rid of the criminal question, and the affair will now come under civil jurisdiction only. The Government has seized, as has already been stated, on the pro perty of M. Campana for the 570,000 crowns, ti e amount of his deficit, but it remains to be set it whether the marquis, in his quality of director of the Mont do Piete, could not make a loan to him self, as he did to several commercial houses, this establishment at Rome doing the office of a com mercial bank. An interesting episode connected with this atfa;r, is the following :—Madame Cam pana, the daughter of Madame Powells, whose in terference aided in the liberation of the prisoner of Ham, is to leave for Paris immediately, to request the interference of the Emperor in favour of her husband. Doctor Palacci, the physician of the family, during one of his visits to the marquis, took charge of a letter from him to his wife relative to his intended journey. Unfortunately the doctor was searched and the letter found, and he was put under arrest for conveying it." SWEDEN. A letter from Stockholm, of the 16th, iu the Constitutionnel, says :—." It has been stated at the Exchange that the Minister of Finance has received offers from a banking house in Paris to furnish the Swedish government with three millions of thalers banco (6,000, 000 fr.) as a loan, to be paid within six weeks from the day the agreement is signed. The conditions on which this sum is to be lent have not yet transpired, but it is said in financial circles that the terms are such as may be accepted, particularly in the situation in which Sweden is now placed. The number of failures which have taken place up to this time amounts to twenty-two. Among them the most to be deplored are some large saw-mill establishments founded by shares, and having a very large capital. Timber was exported by them to England in enormous quantities, and the bills drawn for these supplies having been returned un paid, the directors found it necessary to declare themselves insolvent, and consequently to discharge more than, 2,000 men who are now out of employ ment." ) . -ECEMfIER THE INDIA MAILS VIA MARSEILLES. It is not expected that the mails with the details of the intelligence respecting the six days' hard fighting for the final capture of Lucknoiv will reach London befOre Tuesday or Wednesday next. The Pekin, with the Bombay mail, arrived at Suez on the 19th inst., and fast despatch boat Coquette brought from Alexandria to Malta the telegram only which appeared in our later edition yesterday. The Porn bay m a il may th ere f ore wait at Alexandria the arrival of the Calcutta and China mails, and will then, with them, be conveyed to Marseilles per Peninsular and Oriental steam-sill') Vectis. IRREGULARITY OF AUSTRALIAN MAILS. The European, Australian, and Royal Wait In dian Mail Company offered their new steam-8 111 P Australasia for th e conveyance o f t roops t o India, and the offer was accepted ; but whether the vessel has been chartered by the Admiralty or the East India Company does not appear. The mail service between Australia and Suez is interrupted thiough the want of reserve steamers, yet the Admiralty allow the Australasia to be taken up for troop ser vice to India, which w ill preven t h er f rom r eaching Sydney before April nex t, an d as th e Si m l a is with drawn from the line, and the other three vessels, Emeu, European, and Columbian, are in a very defective state, the public may expect for the next six months a continuance of the irregularities at tending the arrivals of Australian mails. The necessity of having a fortnightly mail to our gold colonies is daily becoming more apparent, and for that object we entertain no doubt that the Govern ment will adopt the Panama route, which has un disputed advant ages over th e C ey l on rou te. For the large sum of money gran t e d f or th e present contract the results obt a i ne d are ex t reme ly unsatis factory, and a n i nqu i ry oug h t to b e i ns tit u t e d by the House of Comm ons i n t o th e en ti re ma il packet service, with a view to economy and improvement. THE PENINSULAR MAILS. The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steamship Alhambra, Captain J. K. Joy, arrived at Southampton yesterday evening, with mails in charge of Lieutenant Bridges, R.N., Admiralty agent, to the following dates : —Gibraltar, Dec. 15; Cadiz,l6 ; Lisbon, 19; and Vigo, 20. She did not communicate with Oporto. This steamer brings 27 passengers, 21 packages of specie, value 18,073/,, and a cargo consisting of 353 half chests of oranges, 1 box of lemons, 14 barrels of raisins, 7 quarter casks of wine, 1 box of cigars, 94 boxes of tangerines, 15 packages of elephants' teeth, 5 bales of wax, 1 box of melons, 116 oases of eggs, and 15 packages of general merchandise. She has had fine weather throughout the voyage. Dec. 19. Off the Burling; the Alhambra passed the English steamer Douro, bound to the south-west. Gibraltar advices are of the same date as those re ceived by the Sultan. The Alhambra left Lisbon on the 19th, when there were no foreign ships of war in port. The Lisbon exchanges by this mail for bills at three months are quoted generally at 543 for London, although some transactions were done at 541 and and shorter bills were in demand. Paris in demand at 515. Other places nominal, at 43R for Amsterdam ; Hamburg 481 ; and Genoa, 514. Stock-market dull, and few buyers for Three per Cents, at 456 to 46, registered ; Coupons, 45 to 45,i ; and Deferred, 27 to 28. Bank of Portugal shares, 8 to 9 per cent. premium, and Oporto Bank shares, 22 to 23 per cent. premium. Our Lisbon correspondent writes on the 19th :-- "The weather has, fortunately, continued cool, and no check has been given to the gradual decrease of the fever. The new cases reported during the last 10 days up to 10 p.m. on the 17th are 370, and the deaths 199, instead of 892 cases and 885 deaths during the pre vious ten days. On the 16th there were only 17 new cases, and on the following day only 11 deaths — the lowest numbers during the last three months ; but I am sorry to add that some of the few cases which now appear and end fatally are classed by the best medical authorities as the very worst type, and very unusual when an epidemic is about to cease. From what I hear in this matter, and my general know ledge of the people, I am convinced that even the young King's energetic exertions will not suffice to get the town freed from its pestilential sewerage system before it is visited by another more serious epidemic than the one which now appears likely to be temporarily sup pressed by the cold temperature." The Deputies meet daily merely for the formality of recording the presence of some 40 to 44 members, while nothing under 54 will constitute the House, and wilco 70 or 80 be present the Government cant of carry on publio business, since 40 concordant votes are required upon all questions, and the Opposition so far has bad daily as many members present as the Government. It is consequently unlikely that anything will be done in the way of legislation this year, which under the cir cumstances, and after the King's good example, no small discredit to the Cortes and Government. Tug CASE or - Twoaras POOLEY.—ielr. Con o iugli tm am aini: ThomasM.P. , p has o o received ieyh w from was Sirn s ete George nce da Grey t wd h the Bodmin MajestycsS :e l; i n t ne e e e r at tffoor assizes ert eh theap t pardon, effect. ffdo allegedoo O ci t il year and nine months' impri s offencea Coninghamr Grey y f hav n blasphemy, has re hga d advised presented to the Home-office a memorial from Brighton on this matter. STEAM COMMUNICATION WITH THE SPANISH P RM.— & UTHAMPTON, Wednesday.—The screw steamers Ham burg°, Captain Lagier, and Barcelona, Captain Argento, sailed hence, the former on Monday morning for Ham burg, and the latter this morning for the Spanish ports, with passengers and merchandise. THE BISHOP OF LONDON AND KENSINGTON SCHOOL. — On Tuesday the Bishop of London presided over a numerous meeting at Kensington School, for the purpose of distributing the annual prizes. After the reports of the various examiners had been received and some pieces had been recited by the boys of the school, the Bishop proceeded to distribute the prizes to the success ful candidates. His lordship then, in a very impressive speech, spoke of the varied studies of the school, and the close connection of one branch of them with our Indian empire, for the service of which a large number of the boys are destined. He spoke of the career which was opening before those who were looking forward to service in India, and bestowed high praise on the generosity of Sir Henry Willock, who, for 19 successive years, had presented for Public competition in the school an appointment to the East India College at Addiscorabe. His lordship closed his speech by some 'remarks evincing an affectionate interest in the welfare of the boys of the school. Sir H. Willock and several other gentlemen addressed the meeting, and spoke of the large number of the scholars who had distinguished themselves in India, and expressed the mingled pride and sorrow they felt for those who bad fallen in that country. F. G. Willock and Quintyn Bettye, who both fell before Delhi, were at the head of this distinguished list. Allusion was also made to the successes of the scholars at the universities, and at Woolwich and Ad diecombe. A vote of thanks, proposed to the bishop by Archdeacon Sinclair, concluded the proceedings of the day. PORTUGAL—The Thalia steamer, with a cargo of oranges, has arrived at Falmouth with Lisbon dates of December IG. There were no foreign ships of war in the Tagus. The Peninsular packet Alhambra landed her English mails at Lisbon on the 12th, and left the same day for Cadiz and Gibraltar. • The Royal Mail a p t a packet Lisbon, Av and on left , with t th e a t o on t out outward morning r ind ail for of b Brazil, teh 14 t Madeira. Our Lisbon col-respondent reports the con tinued gradual decease of the fever, the new cases for 24 hours up to 10 p.m. on the 84th being 30 ; deaths, 16 ; and cures, 58 ; a great diminution in the average of 89 cases and 38 deaths per diem for the ten days up to the Bth, the date of the last Peninsular mail report. The House of Peers had assembled in numbers sufficient to constitute itself for business; but the Deputies came for ward very slowly; the largest number which bad met, being 45, was too small to open the session. THE TERMINUS OF THE WEST END OF LONDON RAIL WAY. —This commodious terminus is to be at the end of the Chelsea Suspension Bridge, affording a most conve nient station. for Chelsea and Belgravia. The works of the station are now being rapidly proceeded with, and Messrs. Bidder and Fulton, the engineers, state that the railway will be opened for public traffic about the middle of March. The terminus is within a mile of Eaton and Bagravelquares, and a pier will be attached to the station, at which the Citizen steamboats will call. The public will be enabled from this station to reach the fol lowing places, viz. :—Brighton, Dover, Portsmouth, Southampton, Richmond, Windsor, Reading, the Cryse td. Palace, &c. It is also intended to apply to Parlia ment during the next session for an act to allow the extension of the West End Railway across the river, along the Grosvenor Canal, to near the'west end of Victoria-street, Westminster. It is therefore intended to apply to Parliament for powers to make a loop line bet. een BalbAm-hill station and West Croydon station, o avoid the Crystal Palace station, by which soave• distance will be saved, the heavy gradients, sharp eery:: and long tunnels of the West End line will be _n__ld be workeu with safety and punc:uility. articulars and thereby enable the Dover and Brighton tr a a v idio to SUPPOSED MURDIR.—A few days ago some r p of some were given in The Sun respecting the d • eared from that ~,d i s i a o it is now fin:ipo-,ed i w sc e o re ve tLught to remains at bf 3 1‘ .1 i i r d . d jle,taionn,BN,loir,folhk, wibieph_p took place p w l a a s ce in a u b r c d u el t e e d i . ght T y n e e ars wan pro uce , wi ich a W cbtu i e ik tr, i t n ipi , ne d il ie ri t o ri t c h t i o u o offer. : adjournedago,w6-noci inquest ... . yes terday evidence was Many witnesses were formerly belonged to Mr„ Bells deposed that while at work principal y M o i f d a d ;Middleton, n o j n e , o b tt e uxA f ra T ipicru i , V l hel as r ier . , . i dg r 0. s I. 1849, he heard a great deal of scuffling and groaning near the place where Vie re ma ns have been found, and afterwards, when Mr. Bell WAS missed, the witness mentioned the circumstahce to a A wt t i av m :i i i v id i d n e d a e n : i e t s ai , fi o s c n e n de a i r n n ta i as e named ascertained. havingi I i November,a o n , iw . persona , but nothi ng more specific arose out of tli, witness s testimony. The Coroner, in suggesting an adjournment, referred to the statement made by Colli son, which he said will exceedingly important, and he believed they were on the threshold of a startling in quiry. He wished it to be publicly known that at the tsine Mr. Bell disappeared—and there could be no doubt that he had been foully murdered--bills had been issued offering a reward of 2201, for the conviction of the guilty persons or persons. He should cause those bills to be re-issued, and adjourn the inquiry for a fortnight. 311 P. BA Cl fe le 111 A In