The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1854-01-03 00:00:00

PHILHARMONIC-HALL. EVERY EVENING THIS WEEK, at SEVEN o'clock, THOMAS'S UNRIVALLED BAND SIXTY PERFORMERS, With the greatest TRUMPETER and CLARIONETIST in the world, MEssßs. HARPER AND LAZARUS. Admission, One Shilling. (See Advertisement in another page.) tibrrpool #itanbarb, FROM OUR LONDON CORRESPONDENT. MONDAY 310.11NING. WARS and rumours of war is still the subject ef conver sation everywhere; negotiations for peace, however, we are told up to the last, are still carried on. We have a tangible bit in the reply of the French and English am bassadors to REscnlD Penis's application for the fleets. My own opinion on this document—and it is backed by politicians of elder growth—is -this, that as far as the Ottoman is concerned, the reply is a very tepid affair. The ambassadors state " the presence of the Anglo-French fleet in the Bosphorus is an incontestible proof of the interest and sentiments which animate the EMPEROR of THE FRENCH and her Majesty th e ~lIEEN OP GREAT BRITAIN. Their presence has a political signification. It is a moral support as long as there remains a hope of effecting a reconciliation between the adverse powers." The closing paragraph is much more satisfactory—or would have been so, had it been dated a month back. It sets forth, that " should Russia attempt to land a force on the Bosphorus, or at any other point of the Turkish coasts, the combined fleets will then be required to act to protect the territory, as well as the integrity of the Otto man empire." But let me be more discursive. Although the past week has not brought any startling intelligence from the seat of war on the Danube, the coasts of the Black Sea, and the Caucasian frontier, it cannot be doubted that events are hurrying on with a rapidity that betokens the approach of a universal crisis. By a want of foresight, which almost gives the lie to his reputed sagacity, but which is by no means uncommon among the over-cunning, the CZAR has made himself the great agent by whom the existing settlement of Europe will be destroyed. Judg ing from the present lowering aspect of the political horizon, it is impossible not to feel the liveliest apprehen sions that, at the approach of spring, not only we ourselves, whose insular position has had some share, at least, a in keeping us out of trouble, but every country in Europe will be involved in one general struggle. In that struggle two antagonistic principles will contend for dominion — that of absolute, despotic power, and that of con stitutional government. On the one side will be found all the little tyrants of continental states, who in general openly, but, perhaps in many instances, co vertly, will countenance and aid the pretensions of Russia, in whatever manceuvre it may please that arrogant power to put them forward. On the other side will be united in the firm bond of mutual interests, and by that natural patriotism which the love of liberty inspires, all the nations of the world whose civilization or mutual re lations are sufficiently ripened to draw them within the vortex of contention. However Governments may take it upon themselves to assist the aggressor, and outrage the claims of right, of this we may be sure, that the voice of public opinion will be unanimous in the sup port of Conservative liberal principles. This will be as much the result of existing relations, as it flows imme diately from the natural impulses which operate in the breasts of every people, to uphold the freedom of mankind all over the world. To whatever corner of Europe we may turn our eyes, we shall discover already planted and ripened into fruit the seeds of that discord of which we expect soon to see the explosion. Great Britain and France pledged, and already in the field against Russia, cannot possibly avert the crash of arms ; and by protracting the period of their active co-operation, may allow the precious moment to pass by at which that co-operation would be of the utmost importance in solving the difficulties of the conjuncture, so far as they admit of a solution, by a re course to arms. For the sentiments of the people of these islands in reference to the impending warfare, there are abundant public evidences to vouch ; and every day that passes by tells of their hatred to the Russian power, of their chivalrous determination to supplant the CZAR in the field of battle as well as in the cabinet, and of the impatience with which they regard the inaction of the Government. In France, the most deadlly hostility to Russia rancours in the breasts of her population, and a campaign against the Cossacks would only be too inviting to induce them to enter. Austria, the puppet of Russia, to whom she owes the continuance of her ignoble existence—Austria, as she has done before, leaves England and France, and espouses the Russian. In this decision we must not imagine that the Austrian people have any participation. The most deadly hatred which they entertain for the CZAR would impel them to take up arms against him, but they are wholly without the means of asserting their sympathy for the liberal cause, either by the negotiations of their minis ters or by their arms. Let the Austrian Government be ware, however, how it wholly disregards the feelings of the people, and acts in defiance of them. They must expect that Austria will become the scene of war ; and the moment the Austrian army is occu pied in sustaining the fortunes of Russia, that mo ment will the populations of Italy, Hungary, and Poland, being trodden under the hoof of an iron and grinding tyranny, rise in arms and defeat the success of the Austrian alliance, if they do not drive their common oppressors from power. Prussia cannot afford to delibe rate between the alternatives presented to her—Russia or the Western Powers. So also, as regards the Northern States. Sweden and Denmark are already Russian—that is, their governments are Russian. Russian diplomacy, always watchful, subtle, and ready, has done its work among the rulers ; but the people regard the CZAR with the aversion that he cannot but inspire. Should Russia call upon them to shut the Baltic against our trade, that will be a case of war for us to take up. Should they reject the importunities of the CZAR, that would be a case of war for him to take up. In either event, therefore, the Northern Powers must be involved, and even if no family alliances were in existence to complicate motives, it is im possible to suppose that a struggle so vast in its magni tude should not draw every European state within the sphere of its attraction. Preparation, then, is absolutely necessary, and our care in the meanwhile must be to in sist upon prompt, discreet, and vigorous action. Lord PALMERSTON, you will have seen. has not atended a Privy Council since his return to office. His Lordship was enjoying himself in the country,—rather a poor reason, I think, for his absence, had ABERDEEN suc ceeded in " making things pleasant." A brief period will suffice to enlighten us, as Parliament meets for the des patch of business in less than a month. The Government clerks are busy with their quarterly returns of receipts and expenditure; they say, that not withstanding the repeal of the soap duties and other draw backs, the return for the quarter just terminating will be most satisfactory. It is a curious fact, however, that for many a quarter past we have been told the same happy tale. _ _ "The general holiday" passed over as these things usually do, in cold weather especially. I have not ob served in the metropolis, for some years, on the occasion of a holiday, so many tipsy people, tolerably well-behaved, however, making due allowance for such a state. Then, in the evening, in all the theatres west of Temple-bar, there was not standing room ; and I am informed that those in the east, and transpontine, had to turn hundreds of people from their doors, though there was a double performance at one of them. Boozey in the day time, and the theatres in the evening, would seem to indicate an improvement in the times ; that coals and provisions of every kind were not nearly double the usual price, and that the weather was temperate instead of inclement. Yet the facts I have stated are so, and pauperism has in creased woefully since last Christmastide. I can state, on the best authority, that in one parish, the richest, poorest, and most populous of the metropolitan, there were close upon one hundred paupers more in the workhouse on last Christmas-day than was the case on Christmas day '52 ; and so on with all our other parishes, more or less. Many persons shunning the " house" have been driven into it by the present severity of the times. The feelings of the benevolent have, however, prompted to more ex tended acts of charity than usual even at this most Chris tian period of the year. Lord DUDLEY STUART,one of the members for Maryle bone, and who, for a long series of years, has deeply inte rested himself in favour of Poland, has, it is stated, gone to Constantinople, on board the Liverpool screw steamer, for the purpose of endeavouring to persuade the S ULTAN to accept the services of the Polish refugees, it being be lieved that a general desertion of Poles serving in Russian regiments would follow, if they were certain of being re ceived in a corps of their own countrymen on entering the Turkish territory. This is certainly making heart-work of the business. His lordship was always first in pro moting the " Polish Balls" given in the Guildhall of the city of London, and is looked on with great affection by both the Polish and Hungarian peoples located here. He is a warm-hearted man, tall, and of bland aspect, which in some measure negatives the supposition of firmness of purpose by which he is undoubtedly marked. He is the s on of the first Marquis of BUTE ; about fifty years of a ge ; nearly twenty years ago he married the daughter of DICIEN BONAP,piTE, Prince of Canino. Lord DUDLEY STUART is, I believe, a cousin of that beneficent lady Miss BURDETT COUTTS, with whom he is on terms of great friendship. To a mind at all imbued with . a love of the fine a r t s — Painting especially , th e volume just published by Parlia ment is certainly the most interesting, as it is unquestion ably the largest, ever issued by the House of Commons. What it will cost the nation it is not for me here to de clare. Its parliamentary price is too high to allow of its being pr .chased by the mass of art-lovers and writers on art; hence, beyond a few favoured litterateurs and the members of the legislature, the butterman and trunk maker will have the bulk in the end. I refer to the re port of the Select Committee of the House of Commons as to the management of the National Gallery, and as to what mode the collective monuments of antiquity and fine arts possessed by the nation may be most securely pre served, judiciously augmented, advantageously exhibited, &c.ln a paragraph in a London Correspondent's letter it would be ridiculous to attempt an analysis of the huge volumf alluded to ; a little chit-chat thereanent may not be amiss, as I may perhaps try to criticise the critics, I mean the members of the parliamentary committee. They with the utmost frankness admit that, in the course of their enquiry, many imperfections and some irregularities in the working of the system have been brought under their notice. This admission forms a good basis for sound reforin, as we are told open confession of faults is a good step towards true improvement. The faults enumerated chiefly arise from the want of a clear definition of the powers or responsibilities of the managing body of the in stitution. Another source of complaint is to be found in the fact, that no anthentic records of the res gest& were kept. The most ignorant cannot but wonder at this apparent negligence as regards the proceedings of an institution appointed to watch over the interests of art in England to a great extent. It appears that good recommendations were unheeded, especially as to the purchase of the works of the divine-minded RAFFAELLE. On the all-engrossing subject of "cleaning," much is said .about chemical and mechanical processes, varnishes, incrustations, white pow ! ders, sharp steel instruments, friction, solvents, soap and water, spirits of wine, Professor FARADAY, and so forth; I beg pardon —of Potatoes also ! This latter humble escu lent, and excellent detergent—sorry am Ito say it has been so deteriorated of late,—in many instances where absolute destruction to a picture has not supervened, and where "cleaning" only is required, the potato is found far more useful and infinitely less dangerous,'because not dangerous at all, in the art and mystery of picture cleaning than all the " spirits from the vasty deep" which were ever called into requisition. It would have been well, perhaps, had the gallery people stuck to potatoes. The old and respected housekeeper of the Society of Arts, now no more (I refer to the housekeeper—for the society Is flourishing) heard frequent complaints of the dirty state of BARRY'S famous pictures on the walls of the society's meeting rooom in the Adelphi; "BETTY," said the housekeeper to the servant, let us try potatoes —just in a corner of " The Olympic Games"— one of the huge pictures. "La, ma'am !" (our housekeeper was an elderly but most intelligent lady) BETTY and her mistress got two or three "Yorkshire reds," made a pulp of them raw,—the victory was com plete. Many of the academicians were members of the Society of Arts, and the potato, it appears, was partially used for cleaning, nut for skinning. Much is said in the report about the bad and dirty state of the backs of many of the pictures—not a word that I have perceived of the use of paste in keeping the canvass together when it is cracked or torn. After a time this same paste is instinct with vermin —smallworms in its moist condition, andsome thing of the weevill breed in its dry. However, the tome is a most valuable one to art and artist, to the scholar and amateur. There is some bad spelling in the report which must surprise one ;—Connscno —for example. The late Lady BLESSINGTON'S mansion and grounds known as Gore House, the scene of many a brilliant reunion—after wards SOYER'S Symposium, the scene, though short lived, of some festive meetings, is recommended for the future National Gallery. There is much entertainment, aye, and instruction, gained at old book—rare book—odd book sales, and sales of MSS. of odd people. Such was the sale just concluded by the auctioneers in Wellington-street. The collection was that of a Mr. PIGGOTT ; never mind who he was. Among the lots was a curious one—BLAKE's Marriage of Heaven and Hell; not impious in its tendency. Who was BLAKE ? The Admiral who twisted his whiskers when beating an enemy, which he always achieved ? No. PADDY BLAKE—he of the echo? No. But BLAKE the painter of not many years Spa. His widow, poor thing, old and tattered, I met at Sir RICHARD WESTMACOTT'S some years since. BLAKE—in his boyhood all poetry and paint ing —fancied the little girl, then a hosier's daughter. She had fitted him with mittens; he married her—lived long —never was an academician—and, what was of perhaps more consequence to him, never had a quarrel with his wife ; he died with her hands in his, reciting a bit of love doggrel to her. Such was BLAKE, the painter, a great but misdirected genius. To the book sale. There was the MS. of Lord BYRON'S Curse of Minerva, ragged and jagged, crammed with corrections in the cranky hand of his lordship. This sold for £22. 10s. There were many jest books, old and curious—all brought high prices, as things of this kind always do. Jona BLACK, now a country-gentleman—he was long nicknamed Dr. BLACK when editor of the Morn ing Chronicle, by COBBETT—Was a tremendous collector of works of this description. Jona used to go up to a book-stall, peer over its contents, buy a lot, give a bit of paper—" pay the bearer ;" in this manner this odd, but great though heavy scholar, has swallowed up his salary —not a small one—from week to week. The most ele gant collectors are SAMUEL ROGERS, GROTE, the banker, —Lord MAHON, Earl STANHOPE'S son, has a taste that way ; so MICAULA.Y. The finest collection of wood engravings is to be found in Lord SPENCER'S library; the Duke of DEVONSHIRE has some of the finest SHAKE SPEARE'S and dramatic works generally ; the Earl of ELLESMERE the best of German literature. He translated " Faust"—not very well done—some years since ; the CHANCELLOR OF THE EXCHEQUER has a most extensive collection of all sorts—the preponderance of a theological character. PALMERSTON'S seems more remarkable for their goodly bindings than that which " passeth show." RUSSELL'S is good; the late Sir ROBERT PEEL'S books, — still as they were,—not anything like the value of his pictures. Dramatic literature, save by the Duke of DEVONSHIRE, as I have intimated, Mr. Justice TALPOURD, and two or three others, seems little cared for, and, I am afraid, little known. Collecting old books and good pictures is a safe investment, as the auctioneer's hammer testifies. The dexterity and daring of London thieves are stale themes : no conjuror's sleight-of-hand equals the former : the impudence of the latter stands unparalleled. Let us see. One of the finest acts, some say, of GEORGE THE FOURTH, was the laying out of St. James's Park, intro ducing variety to the shape of the dull and stagnant parallelogram of water, which occupied the centre of a park of little better than dank grass three parts of the year. The ornamental water was designed and carried out by the—par excellence—fine-art monarch. Many rare and curious aquatic birds were placed in the water ; a well-imagined island was constructed, where the birds found refuge at night, and during their season of incuba tion. To make the scene still more picturesque, the Ornithological Society, with WILLIAM YARRELL—of whom more anon—at their head,—pretty well,—made ap plication to the Woods and Forests, at that time probably the best-conducted branch of the government, and space for two neat cottages was allotted : like magic they arose, the society brought some rare specimens of water-fowl, which attracted much attention and interest among the public. The birds, however, wild—shy, and retiring in their nature and habits, became familiar, and ate from the hands of visitors on the margin of the lake. During the present frosty season, about ten thousand skaters and others have assembled daily on and about the banks of the frozen waters, of the various parks, at the west end of the metropolis ; that in St. James's averaging between 2,000 and 3,000 at a time per day ; every entrance to the park is guarded, no going in or out, without being seen; the sentries have strict orders to observe every one carrying a parcel—l believe large bundles are not allowed at all. MOLESWORTH'S " Men in Lincoln green,"—the park keepers, are numerous, and stroll, or are supposed to stroll, all over the enclosure. Notwithstanding this, the dexterous and daring lads referred to contrived to " bag" three large white swans, each nearly double the size of the English bird of the same name, together with a rara avis, or large black swan, the property of the Ornitholog,icals ? How did the thieves catch the birds ? How carry them off? Nobody can• guess ; but the birds have " fled. My opinion is, that their pinions have not been looked after sharp enough, and that they have literally taken wing— the present weather prompting them, in their own way, a reminiscence of their own cold norse homes ! The autho rities at the park, and they ought to know better, hold the swans, black and white, were stolen by some of the expert London thieves. What can they do with them—the swans ? They are too tough to be eaten, and no fancier can buy them with impunity ! And who is WILLIAM YARRELL ? One of the most wonderful and distinguished men of this or of any other country ! YARRELL is fellow of mostly all our own scientific societies, especially those referring to Natural History. Like ROBERT BROWNE, of the British Museum, YARRELL might paper his library with diplomas, bearing gracious testimony to his scientific attainments. Who has not heard of " Yarrell's British Fishes ?" Who has not eaten white bait at Blackwall or Greenwich with greater gusto, having previously read YARRELL'S exquisite treatise on that dainty yet tiny fish ? This WILLIAM YARRELL connected with science so inti mately,—the companion of earth's great ones,—is a — London Newsman ! All h ail ! thou great levellers— Science,—Learning,—Genius,—never mind how lowly found. Dr. LARDNER, that eccentric genius, is once more before the world of London readers this week. Remarkable, indeed, it is to study the diagnosis as it were of the human mind. How pertinaciously, in most instances, it holds on its own way—vagary—or otherwise to the last ! I re member having my attention directed to some essays, written in youth, by those two great lawyers, Lord Chan cellor ELDON, and Lord Chief Justice TENTERDEN ; the production of the Chancellor was marked by all the doubtings," which distinguished his learned judgments . to the last, half a century afterwards. The work of young ABBOTT—Lord TENTERDEN—WaS AS strongly charac terised by that remarkable adherence to facts—details of facts,—lucidness in summing up, which distinguished his dying moments. So with LARDNER in another shape and degree. Crotchetty at the outset of his English career, so he remains in his Parisian domicile, after a lapse of a quarter of a century. He contradicts a statement, patent to all the world at the time, that the Atlantic could never be navigated by steam ! Why should you do this, Doctor ? Savans, as learned as yourself, have been equally astray— happily for mankind. Did not the great BUCKLAND say in a given number of years —now, I believe, expired—that all the coal in the bowels of the earth would be burnt up ? The high price of the fuel would, however, almost indicate the near approach of an end, were we not assured that it—the price —arose from other causes. Dr. LARDNER is or was recently the Paris correspondent of a London morning journal ; active, though going on for seventy years of age ! wayward man. It is a work of supererogation to tell your readers that pantomime at all the metropolitan theatres—save two— is the order of the night. Certainly, the Italian enter tainment is the basis of our pantomime, but it forms, though, the most noisy, funny also it may be, and amusing part of the performance ; such are the transformations in things theatrical—real pantomime now forins but a subordinate portion of the annual return of this species of hilarity—riant. What has posture-making, however startling or dangerous, to do with the leaps and hazardless tumbles of Clown and Pantaloon ? But little. Beautiful scenery likewise, and other attractions, are caviare to the " rollicking" genius of pantomime, such as " Mother Goose," the genuine model ! The fact is, managers are compelled to lay out many pounds sterling on the produc tion of a single scene for the sake of the picturesque : one scene in the Drury-lane pantomime cost the lessee £l2O. I do not find fault with this extensive departure from real pantomime, such as GmfmALDr, the elder, shone in; the people like it—they crowd to see display sausage swallowing, and trick cleverly devised and executed are as nothing without it. Time was when a moving picture—diorama or panorama called—of many thou sand feet of painted canvass embodying the trip up the Rhine, with the well known and beautiful mountain scenery; Windsor Castle with its " bosky acres," or sweet Killarney and her lakes, were presented in our metropolitan pantomimes ; neither of these was germane to pantomime. Yet they were justly applauded. Managers have lately dropped these expensive shows, however. Cri tics and cavillers, they are pretty much the same, used to find fault with MACREADY and CHARLES KEMBLE for the noble manner in which they "mounted" WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE'S immortal plays, twitted the lessee-actors, in WILLIAM'S own language, with painting the lily, gilding refined gold, and so forth. MA.I EADI7 deemed it not unworthy of his management to call in the priceless efforts of his friend CLARKSON STANFIELD, Royal Acade mician, to paint a sea view, in 'order to enhance the repre sentation of a play of the great dramatist. So with the pantomimes,though the visitor has less of the real article— pantomime—there is enough left to vindicate All that said annually about it ; and much is superadded that JOE GRIMALDI never dreamt of in his philosophy of pantomime. Take the goods the "gods" like, and managers provide, say I. To enter into detail touching the merits —as far as I have seen demerits are out of the question—of these Christmas performances, is beside the question; they are better than usual in their scope and working, more extensively got up, and have all the week drawn well. COMMERCIAL de MONETARY NEWS. MONDAY NIGHT. THE money market during the weekhas presented few changes worthy of note, excepting that towards the close the public funds were depressed to the full extent of per cent., arising partly from sales for the settlement of the foreign stock and share account, and partly from the belief that the Emperor of Russia would not accept the terms agreed to by the Conference at Vienna. The weekly account of the Bank of England showed an increase in the stock of bullion to the extent of £375,785. Money has been somewhat more in demand, but without any difficulty, and no change has taken place in the rate of discount. The increase in " other securi ties" amounts in the week to £406,546. From a statement which has just been published, it appears that the shipments of specie from Eng land to India and China from the 20th of January last amounted to £986,574 in gold, and no less than £5,695,603 in silver, of which £1,614,892 was sent direct to China. This will account in a great measure for the diminution in the stock of bullion and the present scarcity of silver. The payment of the uncommuted South Sea stocks which was to be effected by the 6th of this month cannot be accomplished until the passing of an Act of Parliament ; but, in the meantime, the Bank of England have announced their willingness to advance the full amount to the holders at four per cent. discount. The returns which have lately been made up of the quantity of foreign breadstuffs imported into this country for the twelve months ended on the sth of December, show a considerable increase on last year, as compared with the preceding one, as will be seen from the'following comparison : Wheat, qrs. Flour, cwts. 1852 3,001,261 .. 4,017,825 1853 4,858,699 .. 4,635,823 Increase .. 1,854,438 . . 617,998 In other descriptions of grain the difference is not so striking, there being an increase in barley, rye, peas, and maize, and a decrease inoats and beans. The return from the Bank of England for the week ending the 24th of Dec., gives the following results, when compared with the previous week : Public deposits ... £11,157,724; Increase £665,038 Other deposits ... 10,607,922; Decrease 91,762 Rest 2 .. 3,198,455; Increase 6,365 On the other side of the account — Government securities £15,048,730; the same as before. Other securities ... 16,643,651; Increase 406,636 Notes unemployed ... 8,318,280; Increase 194,175 The amount of notes in circulation is £20,810,155, being a increase of £204,530; and the stock of bullion in both departments is £15,819,041, showing an increase of £375,785, when compared with the preceding return. ISSUE DEPARTMENT. Notes issued ... £29,l2B,43sGovernint. Debt £11,015,100 'Other Securities 2,984,900 'Gold coin & bu11'n.15,128,435 Silver bullion ... £29,128,435 BANKING DEPARTMENT. £29,128,435 Prop. Capital ... £14,553,000 1 G0v . Securities £ 15,043,730 Rest ... 3,198,455 Other Securities 16,643,651 Public Deposits 11,157,724 Notes ... 8,318,280 Other Deposits 10,607,922 Gold & Silver Coin 690,606 7-day & other bills 1,179,1661 £40,696,2671 £40,696,267 Our SHARE MARKET has been more affected during the past week by political events than at any time since the opening of the Eastern question. The almost absolute certainty of war has induced some few real sales and many speculative ones, which, together in this holiday season, have had a more severe effect than they would have had at another time, having lowered prices some two or three per cent. all round. At this decline the market may be called steady, with a disposition to improve. Local stocks very steady. We annex prices :—Caledonians, 26k 2 ; Eastern Counties, 13 ; Lancashire and Yorkshire, 651 s ; London Stock, 103 ; Midland Stock, 611 2; North British, 7; • Oswestry and Chester, 114 ; Dover Stock, 18. iVooL.—There is no alteration to note in the Wool market this week. This being the season of the year when the generality of the trade are stock-taking, there is not much business doing, consequently the transactions are limited to the actual and pressing requirements of the trade ; prices, however, continue very firm. The next public sales are fixed for the 17th instant, when about 6,000 bales East India, and 3,000 to 4,000 bales Turkey, Russia, Egyptian, and other descrip tions, will be brought forward. Imports for the week, 1,464 bales ; namely, 504 Peruvian, &c., 796 East India, 1 Mediterranean ports, 139 Scotch, 12 Irish, and 12 coastwise. In the country dis tricts a good business has been doing in English and Irish Wools during the past week, and for many kinds id. to -Id. per lb. higher rates are ob tained. Stocks are very light, and holders are ex pecting higher prices. COTTON.—Upon taking the actual stock in Li verpool on Friday, there appeared an increase on the computed stock of 52,490 bales of American, 13,240 bales of Brazil and Egyptian, and a decrease of 4,200 Surats, which gives an increase of 61,560 bales on the total stock, or 19,690 bales more than last year. The stock of American is now 286,170 bales, against 338,820 the previous year. By a decree of the French Government, raw Cotton may be imported from Great Britain into France free of duty, but the proposal to admit Cotton Yarn at a moderate duty has been for the present post poned. The business done during the week has been to a full average extent, the sales up to Fri day amounting to no less than 45,660 bales, of which 7,980 were on speculation, and 2,290 for exportation. The demand has been chiefly for the lower qualities, and the advices per Europa, show ing small prices and shipments and higher prices, had a favourable effect on this market, and prices of qualities below middling fair may be quoted 1-16 d. to *d. dearer. On turday the sales were between 6,000 and 7,000 bales, and the market closed firmly. To-DAY being the first of the year, no business was done. The following is a com parison of prices with those of the corresponding period of last year : 1853. 1854. New Orleans, middling... 6 1-16 d 6d. fair Uplands, middling sld fair SALES. IM PORTS. DESCRIPTION. PRICES. Week Previ- Week f This STOCK ending onsly ending ' y.—• • Dec.3o. this yr. Dec.3o. Dec.3o -- Sea Island .. 11@34 240 21360 1 •• • • Stained —. . I .... 5499 522531 .... Bowels 9330 491370 286170 Mobile 3l 61 5920 286820 2491 937097 '• • • New Orleans. 3i Si 19800 1001290 Pernams, &c. 6i 8 740 67030 3080 64159 22340 Bahia, &c. 6-4 690 52920 .... 32039 , 9320 Ma ran hain Demerara,&c .1 . Egyptian 54 10 2 7 420 131710 319 101356 82100 ——••••• • • • • • • • Surat Madras Bengal 45560 2386080 16746 2020246 593640 The last week having been the closing one of the year, but little business has been transacted, the time having been chiefly devoted to the closing of accounts, and preparations for the new year, which will commence to-morrow (Tuesday). We, there fore, subjoin extracts from such annual circulars as we have been favoured with, many having not yet been published. Messrs. HOLLINSHEAD, TETLEY, and Co. make the following remarks on Prices and Prospects of the Cotton market : " The fluctuation in prices this year has been about ld. per lb. upon the inferior and better qualities of American, and only : id. per lb. upon middling quality, The lowest point was at the commencement of the year, when mid dling New Orleans was at 51d. per lb., and fair 6d. per lb., and the highest at the end of July, middling being then at Gid., and fair 7d. per lb. The stoppage of mills, the stringency in the money market, and the high price of food, would seem to have exercised but little influence upon the Cotton market. For a large consumption of Cotton the prospects appear to be less favourable than they were twelve months ago, and this, owing to the unsatis factory state and position of Turkish affairs, and the high price of Grain, and, indeed, of provisions generally. Be sides which, the labour question is not yet settled, and, if it was so in the present disturbed districts, the same thing might occur hereafter in other localities. On the other hand, money is likely soon to be at an easy rate, as large supplies of the precious metals are expected, and all busi ness engagements are reduced within moderate limits ; and another favourable feature is, that the stocks of ma nufactures, both here and abroad, are by no means in excess ; indeed, they are generally considered to be light almost everywhere. The supply of the raw material may not vary materially in the aggregate from what it has been in the present year. From India, as the China mar ket will have to be supplied, we cannot expect much more than an average supply, which will be greatly below this year's import. From Brazil, Egypt, &c., the usual supply may be expected, The crop in the United States is esti mated at somewhat about 3,000,000 of bales, or 250,000 bake lea than last year; but :aa namely any of thin has yet arrived, we may out of this reduced crop receive a larger quantity than we have had in the present year." Messrs.WILLIAM BOWER and SON publish statis tical tables of the Cotton trade, from which " It will be seen from the total import into this port during the year amounts to 2,028,709 bales, against 2,205,904 last year, and 1,749,765 in 1851; and into the kingdom, 2;264,596 bales, against 2,357,751 last year, and 1,934,341 in 1851. That the export is 259,600 bales, against .227,000 in 1852, and 214,000 in 1851; from the kingdom, 349,600 bales, against 282,800 in 1852, and 268,500 in 1851. The stock in Liverpool, as declared to day, is 597,500 bales, against 577,810 in 1852, and 423,730 in 1851, The stock in the kingdom is 717,580, against 657,520 in 1852, and 494,600 in 1851. The total deliveries for home consumption from this port are 1,749,419 bales, being an average of 33,643 bales per week, against 35,094 bales per week last year, of which 357 per week are Sea Islands, against 450 in 1852. From the kingdom, 1,854,936 bales, or 35,672 per week, against 36,766 in last year, and 31,969 in 1851. The average price of middling Orleans for the first quarter was sid. per lb.; for the second, 6 1-16 d. ; the third, 6 3-16 d. • and for the fourth, 6d per lb. The arrivals of new cotton are 30,000 bales, against 240,000 last year. Messrs. HAYWOOD and M`Viclut make the fol lowing remarks on the Cotton trade during the • past year : " The receipts of new cotton into the American ports at the close of 1852 were so large and so greatly in excess of previous years, that many persons, reasoning by induction, augured that the coming crop must be necessarily large. And so it has proved; for though it is less than was anti cipated, at one particular period of the year, yet the result, made up from official returns, amounts to 3,263,800 bales. It was this belief, that is to say, the great extent of growth in the United States, which tended to check that slight upward tendency characterising the market throughout the month of January ; and though the Bank of England then raised its rate of interest, the state of trade was too good, and the consumption too large, to allow of prices being affected. In February a slight decline ensued. The large receipts and the larger estimates again somewhat stag gered the faith of those who, previously, only saw in the early arrivals into the ports nothing peculiar, beyond favourable contingencies, such as the height of the rivers, increase of boat and railway accommodation, and other accidental causes, for explaining the extra supply, instead of attri buting it to the real cause, or that arising from a greatly augmented crop. In March the apprehensions of many, based simply upon the extent of receipts, became so strong, that 3,500,000 bales was regarded as a ninimum estimate ; and it was only the receipt of telegraphic in formation towards the close of that month, whereby it was evident that a great falling off was then taking place, that such exaggerated fears were dissipated. This im parted a somewhat improved tone to the market, but not extending to an advance in prices, for the stock of cotton on hand was so large—being nearly double that at the same period last year—that it was with difficulty our quotations were even maintained. Throughout May, although there was found to be a weekly diminishing I excess of the arrivals into the American ports, and the demand for consumption at home was upon the increase, yet all was insufficient to sustain the market, excepting for the better qualities, the scarcity of which was daily developing itself more and more decidedly. June, on the whole, was a satisfactory month to holders. The rate of interest, it is true, was again raised by the Bank of Eng land ; and the Russo-Turkish dispute, which had for some time been menacing, assumed a still more serious cha racter ; yet, in spite of all this, the position of different branches of trade was so favourable that prices of cotton also rather improved than otherwise. In July there was very little general change. August was less propitious. Political matters remained unsettled. The masters and their workmen became more estranged in feeling, and apprehensions as to the harvest tended to arrest business, and to limit the buying of all parties. Our quotations were not, however, reduced more than ,k per lb. The worst fears as to our own harvest were confirmed, and the Bank of England once more raised the rate of interest considerably. War between Russia and Turkey became imminent, and a general want of confidence began to prevail. The only counterpoise, as far as cotton was con cerned, was the continued bad accounts from America as to the appearance of the coming crop. Hardly any varia tion occurred throughout the month of October. In November, again, there were only very partial changes. The present month of December has been a repetition of many others which have preceded it, except that the advices as to crop have improved." Messrs. Wm. GREAME and Co., wool-brokers, in their annual circular, say " In our last annual circular of the Ist January, 1853, we were enabled, from the very active demand existing at that time, and the lightness of stocks, to give a very satis factory report of the trade, and to indulge in the anticipa tion that as the year advanced we should have a further improvement in prices. The transactions of the first six months of the past year fully bore out these favourable opinions. The demand continued brisk up to that time and prices on many descriptions advanced ld. to 2d. per lb.; in the month of June, however, the unfavourable aspect of the Pastern question began to cause an uneasy feeling in the market. A check was given to the upward tendency in prices, and at the public sales (colonial wools) in July, there was an average reduction of about ld. per lb., the market, however, recovered this depression in August, and on the assurance by Ministers, at the dissolution of Par liament, that the Turkish question was settled, a fresh im petus was given to the trade, and some considerable sales were effected at full prices. This favourable state of things was however of short duration. The Eastern ques tion, instead of being settled, assumed a more complicated appearance. There was now a certainty of a considerable deficiency in the harvest, and, consequently, a great and sudden rise in corn. Money was becoming tighter every day, and the Bank of England again advanced the rate of discount to 5 per cent., and fears were entertained that a further advance would be necessary. It is not, therefore, to be wondered at, considering so many adverse circum stances coming as it were at one time, that a complete check was given to business. In fact we had at one time a kind of panic in the market, and no sales were effected except on a very small scale and for immediate use, the manufacturers buyinc , as it is termed " from hand to mouth," and at the public sales which took place in Octo ber and November prices gave way generally 2d. to 4d. per lb., and in some cases even a greater sacrifice was sub mitted to. We are glad, however, to say that during the past month the market has improved a good deal. Stocks in the hands of manufacturers and dealers have been pretty well worked up. More confidence is now exhibited in their operations, and a fair amount of business has been done with an average improvement of about ld. per lb. from the lowest point. The year closes with moderate stocks, and, we think we may add, with a prospect of a healthy and profitable trade for the ensuing year." Messrs. Jos. ROBINSON and Co., wool and oil brokers, make the following remarks on the posi tion and prospects of the market : " At the present crisis, it is difficult, to many, to see any future good; this is not our position. The prospects are not so disheartening, when it is known that the manufac turers are executing numerous orders, and have recently been put into possession of others ; the stocks held by them are mostly limited, and their appearance again in the market will be looked for. Weighing this matter of importance, it must also be observed, that freights have become very high, and, from the extraordinary demand for shipping, likely to remain so, having risen to such an extent that merchants cannot import, unless at a serious loss ; under these circumstances, the receipts will be greatly curtailed. With these indications, a tendency to raise the value would be evident, but as grain and pro ! visions are dear, discounts high, and war begun in earnest, an upward inclination will be counterbalanced ; so that we don't expect to see much change in the market for some time, excepting in Scotch and long foreign wools, which are scarce, and may advance." Messrs. ABEAM GARTSIDE and Co. say:— " Compared with last December, the value of Australian, Cape, and the lower classes of East India wool, now shows an average decline of 10 per cent. ; the bad-conditioned kinds suffering twice as much as the cleaner and better parcels. Home-grown is in many cases 10 per cent. higher ; the bulk of foreign shows no material change, ex cepting inferior or dirty parcels, which have fallen consi derably. With so many elements of uncertainty afloat, our future prospects are less clear than we could desire ; but we believe that trade is at present free of speculation and on a sound basis. Production in the manufacturing districts has been chiefly to order. Stocks of goods are light, and we believe the general stock of Wool to be mo derate. It therefore is unlikely that the general course of prices will be lower at present, and clean useful kinds may be higher; but other circumstances, more particularly the high price of food, will induce caution, and repress hopes of a material improvement till some of these causes are 286170 i removed." _ _ TIMBER.—We extract the following from the Circular of Messrs. HOLME, SLATER, and Co, of this town and Birkenhead : " The imports into the docks of the Mersey, containing Timber from British North America, during the month, are thirty-eight vessels 29,142 tons against fifty-eight vessels 40,489 tons, for the corresponding period last year. Although there was a desire on the part of some of the dealers to reduce prices during the latter portion of last and the commencement of this month, which was par tially effected, we are happy in stating, that since then there has been a mnch firmer tone exhibited by the im porters of Canadian timber, and a corresponding feeling shewn by the trade in general. We have also to note the great amount of tonnage lost on their homeward voyage, and detained by the closing of the St. Lawrence, which was destined for this port. We have also good authority for stating, that the supply at all the outports of Canadian woods is very much short of the expectations formed, and although this time of year does not generally show a great consumptive demand, still it is greater than could have been expected when we take into consideration that most of the consumers have been led to expect lower rates. When they find that this has not been brought about, the demand will be revived, as the stock of timber in the manufacturing dis tricts is extremely light. We have no doubt of Square Timber advancing, and think that the present price of Spruce and Yellow Deals will he fully maintained, the consumption of these articles being almost unlimited. SHIPPING.—Messrs. TONGE, CURRY and Co., ship-brokers, in their annual circular, give some interesting particulars, from which we extract the following " The very increased value of labour, not only in this country but also in the colonies, as well as the greatly advanced prices of Timber, Iron, Copper, Cordage, &c., must combine to diminish Production and vastly increase the first cost of all ships built during the continuance of this state of things. Freights to all parts of the world are advancing ; no foreign markets are reported as over stocked, and the losses bear a large proportion to the number of ships built in the year. With these facts befbre us, we cannot doubt that prices will, at least, be maintained, if not considerably augmented. " It was reasonable to believe, in the early part of 1853, that we should have so large a number of ships returning from Australia as would, towards its close, supply us with tonnage for the Cotton trade, and afterwards for Timber ; and by thus increasing our supply cause prices to decline. This expectation has failed us, for though a large fleet has been freed from Melbourne and elsewhere, it has been absorbed by other and new trades and heavy losses, and so has failed to affect us as we anticipated A remarkable feature in the past year's business has been the number THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, AND GENERAL COMMERCIAL ADVERTISER. of purchases that have been made on speculation by parties who have had the good fortune to be more clear sighted than their neighbours, or have had the sense to be guided by those whose experience constitute them authorities in such matters. Those transactions have resulted, for the most part, in enormous profits. " Last January we informed you of an advance in the price of colonial ships over the previous year of 17 per cent. The advance in the year just closed is quite 48 per cent., making an increase of 73 per cent. in the last two years ; while the sales of the year amount to 635 ships, equal to 279,530 tons, against 285, or 147,471 tons in 1852. The pre sent stock stands at 89 against 48in 1853, 76 in 1852, and 82 in 1851, with comparatively few coming forward for sale. The most of those now in course of construction are being built to order, and are not likely to come upon the market. " The total number of vessels belonging to Liverpool at this date is 2,544 equal to 886,434 tons." _ _ Thorr.—We quote the following from the annual circular of Messrs. THOMAS BOYD and SON : " The past year has been one of unparalleled activity in the Iron trade. At the commencement of the year the large speculations entered into in 1852 in Scotch Pig Iron were continued : but the stock in Scotland having been ascertained to be very large and increasing, and un expected stringency having taken place in the Money Market, speculators became alarmed and forced sales ; warrants f.o.b. in Glasgow, that were at 765. in the first week of January, fell by the 21st to 58s. Subsequently various temporary rallies occurred in the market, but, on the whole, it declined, till in May the price touched 495. About this time the very large shipments made in April and May attracted attention, holders became firm, and with little speculation the price advanced gradually, till in July it reached 565. The demand for iron for shipment to all quarters continuing very great, some specula tion took place, and the price advanced to 655. in August ; and thereafter, when it was rumoured that the duty on Iron imported into France was to be reduced, large purchases were made, which caused prices to run up to 80s. in November. On the appearance of the French decree diminishing the duties, it proved that its effect had been anticipated : no further advance took place ; on the contrary, the market has been quiet since at a little reduc tion, and remains now at 795." FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE. FRANCE.—The Moniteur of Thursday publishes a de cree abolishing the restrictions imposed by the rescript of the Bth of February, 1826, on raw cotton imported into France from Great Britain and the British possessions in Europe. According to the said rescript the produce of Asia, Africa, and America, sent from England and her European possessions into French ports was to be admit ted for re-exportation only. The rumour is circulated in the Legitimist circles that the Count de Chambord has been invited to the English Court, and that the visit will take place in the month of March next, when the ex- Queen of the French has returned from her visit to Spain, and when the united family will be received by her Bri tannic Majesty. The Constitutionnel contradicts the late rumour of dissensions between Great Britain and France in the following paragraph :—" Some journals have com mented in their own way on the inaction hitherto dis played by the two fleets in the Bosphorus, and have attempted to show that there was a want of accord be tween France and England. What we can reply is, that the two Ambassadors at Constantinople had identical instructions, and that the line of conduct to be observed after the combat of Sinope was adopted in common between Lord Redcliffe and General Baraguay d'Hilliers. M. Visconti, the great architect, under whose direction all the public works of importance, now being carried on at Paris, were conducted, has died very suddenly. Russis.—A private letter from St. Petersburgh of the 19th says that the Russian Government had considerably increased the army of the Caucasus and had appointed several generals to serve under Prince Woronzoff, the Commander-in-Chief. According to the New Prussian Gazette the Emperor of Russia has signified to the English Cabinet, through Baron Brunnow, that he will regard the entrance of the Anglo-French squadron in the, Black Sea as a declaration of war. Lord Clarendon, the same authority adds, has replied that England does not desire war, but considers herself bound to protect the Turkish ports. A private letter from St. Petersburgh, of the 19th ult., asserts positively that the exchange of ratifications of the treaty, offensive and defensive, between the Shah of Persia and Russia has taken place. The Patrie says :—" A letter from Erzeroum of the 2nd states as positive that Russia has engaged to furnish Persia with arms, ammunition, and money, in case she declared war against Turkey. Several Russian officers had already arrived at Teheran to serve in the Persian army." TURKEY.—Telegraphic despatches from Constantinople of the 19th ult. announce that the meeting of the Grand Council, originally appointed to be held on the 20th, had taken place on the 18th, for the discussion of the collective note communicated to Resohid Pacha by the ambassadors of the Four Powers, pursuant to the agreement of Dec. 6. The note, it should be remembered, expressed merely the regret of the Powers at the outbreak of war, and invited the Porte to state upon what conditions it would be willing to negotiate a treaty of peace. The result of the delibera tions on the 18th instant is embodied in Reschid Pacha's answer to the ambassadors, on the following day. The Porte has accepted all the recommendations embodied in the " Instructions to the ambassadors," but, by its re solution, it has condemned one of the bases of the Vienna protocol, and the very one which had been previously condemned by public opinion in England. The Porte will not again submit to obligations arising from the treaties which Russia has abused and broken ; but declares that, driven to defend its very existence with the sword, it will not exist for aught lower than full sove reignty within its own dominions. The Sultan is prepared to treat, by a plenipotentiary, in some neutral city (not Vienna), with a minister similarly empowered by the Czar. The original sine qua non of the evacuation of the Principalities will as a matter of course be insisted on by the former potentate, who will also firmly decline renew ing the broken treaties of Kainardji and Adrianople. The "acceptance of the project of accommodation," to use the phrase of a Ministerial contemporary, can therefore only be a correct definition of the Porte's reply to the collective note, in the restricted sense of the preceding statement. All that the Powers recommended, in their instructions to the ambassadors, Reschid Pacha adopts ; but the abject compliance which they were prepared to recommend (ac cording to the Vienna protocol) are rejected by anticipation. SPAlN.—Accounts to the 21st ult. state that the n Duke and Duchess de Montpensier had arrived, and were re ceived at the railway station by the royal family. The Queen, on the occasion of the birthday of the Princess of the Asturias, had caused abundant alms to be distributed in the Palace Square, and sent a sum of 60,000 reals to the governor of the province, to be divided among the charit able institutions of the capital. The diplomatic duels, which somehow got mixed up last week, are now before the public in a distinct form. It seems that, in the saloon of the Marquess de Turgot, an expression insulting to Mrs. Soule was overheard by Mr. Soule the younger, pro ceeding from the lips of the Duke of Alba. The lady wore a higher dress than the etiquette of the ball room requires, and the Duke of Alba's remark was " Look at Marguerite de Bourgogne." Young Mr. Soule chal lenged the Duke, and the meeting took place on the 14th. After half an hour's combat without result, the seconds interfering and declaring honour to be satisfied, it ceased, and the parties shook hands. On the same day the Ame rican minister, having heard that the offensive remark originated with the Marquess de Turgot, sent him a chal lenge, which led to another encounter, resulting in the Marquess de Turgot's painful' wound. He is now recover ing. Commenting upon this John Bull says :—Consider ing that the cause of offence was a remark on the dress of Madame Soule, which was of a somewhat eccentric cha racter, the " affair of honour" is one of the silliest ever heard of. The absurdity of the conduct of the two Yankee diplomats is the more glaring, as the United States minister at Paris has quite recently made himself notorious by a studied disregard of the etiquette of court dresses. If the Americans cannot comply with the customs of Euro pean civilization, let them at least show the moral courage of enduring " the world's dread laugh" without thirsting for bloody vengeance. ITALY. — A disturbance took place at Barge (Piedmont), on the 19th, under pretence of the high price of provisions. A band of ill-looking fellows from the mountains, rein forced by a party from Bagnolo, suddenly entered the town, it being market-day, and uttered seditious cries, demanding that the maize should be sold at 3f. per mina (about 19 litres). The dealers refusing to comply, the rioters took forcible possession of the sacks containing the maize, and distributed it among themselves. The Royal Carbineers of the locality, though reinforced by those of a neighbouring place, were unable to put a stop to these proceedings, the rioters being upwards of 300 strong. The Council of Delegates immediately assembled, declared themselves " in permanence," and, feeling the necessity of having an imposing - force at their command, accepted the services of two courageous young men, who volun teered to go to Saluzzo and apply for succour to the intendent of the province. They succeeded in making their way unobserved through the infuriated mob, which already threatened to pillage the houses. About 4 p.m. some mounted carbineers arrived with the fiscal advocate and an examining judge. The delegate of public safety arrived also with 100 lancers. Already the house of the vice-syndic was threatened with invasion, and the carbi neers of the place, fatigued with the day's hard duty, were barely able to keep the mob at bay ; but scarcely did the clatter of the cavalry, coming down full speed, become audible, when a general panic seized the multitude, who fled in all directions, but too late, for about forty of them were arrested at once, and twelve more during the night. Fortunately, no blood was spilt, thanks to the coolness of the carbineers, who, though assailed with stones and missiles of all kinds, did not make use of their fire-arms. AIISTRIA. — It is rumoured in Vienna that the unfa vourable turn of affairs in Persia has, to a great extent, paralysed the pacific intentions of the British Cabinet, inasmuch as the security of our possessions in India may become exposed to an unforeseen danger by this crafty move on the part of Russia; and that, on the other hand, France, not being jointly interested in this particular matter, if England should now resolve upon a more hostile course towards Russia in the Eastern Question, Napoleon 111. will hardly allow himself to be taken in tow by his Western ally ; and that, therefore, there is a possibility of a rupture in the hitherto existing " unity of action" be tween England and France. SWEDEN AND NORWAY.—King Oscar has invited the Diet to nominate a small number of its members, possess ing its confidence, to whom, as a secret committee, the government may make an important communication. It is believed that the government wishes, in this unostenta tious manner, to bring some momentous facts, connected with foreign affairs, to the knowledge of the Diet. The King has re-organized the higher departments of the mi litary and naval administration, with a view to securing greater unity and efficiency in the event of hostilities. Diplomatic negotiations are pending between the govern ments of Sweden and Denmark, having for their object the conclusion of a league, offensive and defensive, between the two states. Sweden is arming by sea and land, and Denmark will immediately fortify her coasts, and place Copenhagen in a state of defence. A letter from; Stock holm, of the 11th ultimo, says,—" Stockholm is in a great state of excitement to-day, caused by the arrival of a Rus sian courier, with a note, commanding Sweden to close her ports to English and French vessels and subjects. I can scarcely believe that it is true; but that a note of importance has arrived is quite true, and Russia is deter mined, either by threat or flattery, to get Sweden on her side, and the Swedes are in great excitement about it. The royal family is greatly in favour of Russia, but the nation, to a man, is against her. It is no secret here that Russia is making enormous preparations for war, although everything is kept as secret as possible. She has already one or two screw line-of-battle ships, and is now convert ing others as fast as possible. Since Russia has had Fin land, she has sailors equal to any in the world, with the sole exception of the Anglo-Saxon race ; so that next summer the general opinion here is that Russia, to say the least of it, will astonish England and France, and put those powers to a greater test than they have yet had." CHINA.—The intelligence from Hong Kong, under date Nov. 11, describes the civil commotions which, for two years, have kept China in a state of disorganization, as little changed since the last accounts. We are still with out reliable news from Pekin, though it is commonly reported and very generally believed that the capital has fallen. There is no new feature to report in the proceed ings of the Imperial and insurgent troops. Constant fighting is going on, with little result on either side. The losses of the Imperialists have been considerable, while the insurgents have suffered little, which gives them con fidence. The Imperialists have received large reinforce ments, and were estimated at about 14,000. PERSIL—A private letter from St. Petersburg states that a treaty, offensive and defensive, between Persia and Russia, was ratified on the 18th inst. Other letters an nounced that a body of Persians were to march against Bagdad during the present month. Persian troops were also concentrating at Shiraz. The Shah is said to have dismissed all the English, French, German, and Italian officers serving in his army. LIVERPOOL PRILUARMONIC SOCIETY. — This society gave its eighth subscription concert for the season on the evening of Tuesday last. The attendance was very meagre, owing no doubt in a considerable degree to the inclemency of the weather. The programme consisted of a judicious selection of miscellaneous pieces, including ballads and music of higher pretension. The performances of the orchestra were, as usual, efficient, and the vocalists acquitted themselves in good style ; both instrumentalists and singers securing loud and frequent applause. The concert was appropriately closed by a well-regulated per formance of " God save the Queen. ' THE ICE for the last few days has been rapidly increasing in the river Thames. On Saturday the navigation was se riously impeded by the masses of floating ice. In some parts it might be seen reaching entirely across the river. At present it is broken up into small pieces a few inches thick ; but here and there, from the settling of one piece upon another, it is at least two feet in thickness. If the frost should continue for two days, it is probable that the navigation will be completely stopped. On Saturday, it was expected that the Woolwich steamboats would be obliged to cease running, in consequence of the injury caused to the paddle-wheels. ACCIDENT AT THE EUSTON -SQUARE TERMINITS.—On Saturday forenoon a frightful accident occurred in the coach-building department in the vicinity of the station, by which George Lewis, a fitter, met with a shocking death, Lewis was engaged in working a belt for a shaft near a wheel, driven by an engine of sixteen-horse power, which was at the time revolving at a rapid rate. A por tion of the wheel caught his jacket, and in each revolution his head was dashed against an iron girder stone with such force that it was bent by the collision, and, before the engine could be stopped, he was tightly wedged in the shaft.. His head and legs were completely crushed, his ribs broken, and his body otherwise frightfully muti lated. He resided at No. 7, Stanmoe-street, Old St. Pan cras-road, where he leaves a widow, ill with fever, and seven young children, one of whom, a little girl, a fel ,. weeks back, fell out of a two-pair window, and was im paled on the iron railings, by which she is rendered a cripple for life. PHILHARMONIC-HALL. MISS LASCELLES, The celebrated Concert Singer, WITH TUESDAY, JANUARY 3, 1854. THE WAR IN THE EAST. According to the latest advices from Constantinople, the Divan was in perfect harmony with the representatives of France, England, Austria, and Prussia, as to the condi tions on which the Porte could with honour concur in the re-establishment of peace. From the principalities we learn that the Russian com mon soldiers have recently treated the unfortunate inha bitants with far greater rudeness than at the period of their first entrance. They appear to believe that the Moldo-Wallachians have applied to the Czar to free them from the Turkish yoke, as they use such language as the following:—" Good-for-nothing Moldovanski, give me as much as I please to eat and drink, for on your account I have been obliged to come into this country and risk my life." In a letter from Constantinople, dated the 15th, the Porte is stated to have just contracted a loan of thirty millions of piastres (about £260,000) with three important banking houses in that city. One of them is the firm of Baltazi. It is thought that this money has been raised for the purchase of ships. From the Danube nothing fresh can be received for a long period, for winter has quite set in, and put a stop to all military operations. Omer Pacha, and his army are at their winter quarters of Schumla. Ismail Pacha, how ever, still occupies Kalafat, having well entrenched him self and his army of 25,000 men. It is thought that the Russians will attack him before spring, but this must altogether depend on the weather permitting the trans port of artillery. Rumours of a change of ministry were rife at Constan tinople. Reschid Pacha, Minister of Foreign Affairs, is to be elevated to the rank of Grand Vizier ; Ali Pacha, late Governor of Smyrna, to be Minister of Foreign Affairs ; and Riza Pacha to be Minister of War. A correspondent at Syra, dated the 18th ult., says : Lord Dudley Stuart has preceded us to Constantinople, on board the Liverpool screw steamer. It is said that his lordship's intention in visiting Constantinople is to per suade the Sultan to accept the services of the Polish refugees, it being believed that a general desertion of Poles serving in Russian regiments would take place if they were sure of being received in a corps of their own countrymen on entering, the Turkish territory. It is also reported that his lordship advocates a levee of the Christian subjects of the Porte, a step which would certainly settle the question as to the Russian or Turkish leaning of the Rayahs. Desertion to the Russians from such a corps would perhaps be as frequent as Polish desertions from Russian regiments. The intelligence from Asia received at Constantinople, states that the Russians were driven back at Alexandropol. Selim Pacha gained a brilliant victory in the neighbour hood of Laffah. . . _ Letters from Trebisond announce that Daniel Bey has also been victorious atiferek. _ _ The Gazette de Cologne publishes intelligence from Bucharest to the 20th of December. The third corps d'arnure was approaching Wallachia, in order to unite with the force under General Dannenberg. A telegraphic des patch of the 23d, in the Augsburg Gazette, states that the General was advancing on Lesser Wallachia. A letter from Galatz, of the 12th, announces that Gen. Luders was in that town with a numerous staff. He had made reconnoisances, and attempted several operations, but the swampy state of the country had prevented him ; from accomplishing anything of importance. The Porte has officially declared war with Persia. The combined fleets are still at Bey-cos. It is under stood that no movement will take place before the arrival of instructions from Paris and London. This may hap pen on or about the sth of January, by which day the Caton, an express steamer of the French government, is expected to reach Constantinople, whither she is now on her way from Marseilles. The Caton, it is stated, bears the final instructions of the two governments of France and England to their ambassadors. According to Vienna advises, of the 26th, the Ambas sadors of France, England, and Prussia, had, on the 24th ult., a fresh conference with the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs on the Eastern Question. Count Buol communicated to them a second despatch from Baron Bruck, which confirmed the hope entertained of a pacific arrangement. Beyond continued skirmishes between the Cossacks and the Turkish Irregular Cavalry, military operations on the Danube are suspended. The Times correspondent at Kalafat, writing on the sth, gives an animated description oP the guerilla warfare between the Cossacks and the Turks. The Cossack he describes as a fine fellow : " but," he continues, "the Bashi-Bozouk is a fair match for him. Armed with a rifle, slung over his shoulder, he takes aim and often hits a man of the opposing horde at full gallop. He then throws the rifle behind him, draws a long cimetar, and in the melle parries with it the cossack lance, and, if successful, has al the advantage from his short weapon." CONSTANTINOPLE, DEC. 23.—The conferences of the Grand Divan on the 20th, 21st, and 22nd were remark able for the calm and dignified way in which the propo sals of the mediating powers were discussed. It was finally resolved, that the Vienna propositions should be accepted, with unimportant modifications. The modifi cations proposed by the Divan are not to bear the charac ter of an ultimatum. VIENNA., SUNDAY MonNiNG.—The following doubtful intelligence has been received from Bucharest, under date December 29th :—" After hard fighting, the Turks took Karakal, in Lesser Wallachia, by storm." SUNDAY EVENING. — From Constantinople we learn that the pacific resolutions of the Divan had caused an insurrection of the Softas, or theological students, on the 21st of December, which was, however, effectually sup pressed. . _ . AMERICA. ARRIVAL OF THE ANDES. By the screw-steamer Andes, Captain Moodie, we have intelligence from _New York to the 17th ult. _ _ The Andes sailed from New York on the 18th ult., and arrived here at noon on Sunday, after an excellent run of 14 days. She brought 300,000 dollars in specie on freight. The Royal Mail steam-ship Asia, hence, arrived at New York on the 16th ult. The Naval Committee of the House of Representatives, at a full meeting, voted unanimously to report a bill au thorising the construction of six steam-frigates, to be built under the direction of the Secretary of the Navy, in such manner as he hall see fit, and appropriating 3,000,000 dollars for the purpose. A verdict for $lO,OOO had been given against the New York Herald, for libelling the management of the New York Italian Opera. The Lady Knight, from Greenock for Boston, was abandoned on the 25th November, and the crew taken off by the Samuel M. Fo x, which had arrived at New York. The Gertrude, from New York for Liver pool, had been towed into Philadelphia leaky, and very much damaged. She had to throw a part of her cargo over board. Application had been made by the British Consul to the United States District Court for damages, arising out of the following facts ;—The ship Wataga, Captain Walford, arrived at Philadelphia from Glasgow, with merchandise and 217 passengers. Her destination was the port of New York, and by their contract the passengers were to' be landed there. Instead of going to that port the ship was brought to Philadelphia, and the passengers landed, not knowing at the time but that it was New York. They did not meet their friends, as expected, and their situation may be imagined, thus left to go about the streets, not knowing where to eat, sleep, or store away their clothing, &c. Application was made to the captain to send them on to New York, by the railroad or steam boat line, but that he did not consent to. The emigrants were collected together in squads of a dozen or twenty each, and being sworn as to the contract made by them, the British Consul took the matter in hand. Advice's from Vera Cruz to the Bth ult. state that Santa Anna has been proclaimed dictator for a period of ten years, with the consent of all the principal states and cities excepting Obispa, which wanted him declared perpetual dictator. Another account from the city of Mexico says that Santa Anna was to be declared emperor on the 19th ultimo. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. NEW YOBS, DEC. 17. MoNEY.—No change worthy of notice in the money market. The stock market exhibited a further decline in prices. There had been nothing done in foreign exchange, and quotations were nominal. COTTON.—(Prom the New York Shipping List of Dec. 17.)—The market rules steady, with an increased demand, principally for export and home use ; the market is influenced by the Asia's accounts. The sales for the week reach 18,201 bales, of which 7,317 were for export, 4,234 for home • use, 1,826 on speculation, and 4,624 in transitu. BEEADSTUFFS.—FIour was offered for prices indicative of a deeline of 121 c. to 18ic. per barrel, but these conces sions, and the increased languor in freights, induced fair purchases, in view of which the market quickly recovered, and closed firmly at some advance. No change occurred in rye flour and cornmeal. Wheat was scarce • and quiet, but very firm. Corn was less active, but steady. PROVISIONS.—Pork favoured buyers ; a limited business was transacted in shoulders and hams, prime lard brought Nc. to 101 c. per lb. Beef sold at previous quotations. Butter and cheese unchanged. InoN.—Scotch pig iron was moderately inquired for, at $37 to $37,50, six months, per ton. FRElGnTs.—Rates continued to favour shippers. To Liverpool, about 40,000 bushels corn and wheat, at about 9d. to 94d., including about 10,000 bushels corn, to pro bably fill up, at ; and 3,000 to 4,000 barrels flour were reported, at 2s. 6d, to 2s. 9d. CIIA,ELESTON, DEC. 16.—The sales of cotton to-day amounted to 1,300 bales, at 81-c. to 10-Ic. The market is without change. DEA.= FROM BITRNING.—On the afternoon of Fri day week, a girl aged six years, who lived with her parents in No. 19 Court, Carleton-street, having been left for a short time by her mother, in attempting to lift a tea-pot from the fire accidentally ignited her clothes A girl named Barr who was at the door wrapped her frock round the burning garments of the child and extinguished the flames. The little sufferer received every attention, but notwithstanding, she had been so severely burned that she died on Sunday morning. PHILHARMONIC-HALL. THE GRAND TRIUMPHAL MARCO Will be Repeated TiTts EVENI:I73 bi - THOMAS'S UNRIVALLED BAND OF SIXTY PERFORFERS. (See Advertisement in another page.) LIVERPOOL: Printed and Published every Tuesday Morning, by th e Proprietor, ROBERT PEARSON THACKER, of Nc.. 7 d IT, Percy-street, at the STANDARD GENERAL PRINTIN_. OFFICE, No. 4, Sr. GEORGE'S C RES CT, Tuesday, January 3, 1854, THOMAS'S UNRIVALLED BAND OF SIXTY PERFORMERS. EVERY EVENING, commencing at Seven o'clock. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. MONDAY EVENING, JANUARY 2. BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. LoNnox.—Consols reported, after business hours, 93?-, ; Funds slightly better. Two cargoes of sugar reported sold. Large sales of Rice ; Bengal, to arrive, at 16s. 6d• No alteration in Tallow and other articles. PLYMOUTH.—The steamer Bosphorus arrived this morning, from India, Mauritius, and Cape Good Hope. Left Point de Galle, 4th Nov.; Mauritius, 6th; the Cape r 21st ; St. Helena, 29th ; Ascension, 3rd Dec.; Cape de Verds, 12th ; Corunna, 28th. The Peninsular put into Corunna, 27th Dec. THE EASTERN WAR. The new Russian Gazette, in its Berlin letter of 28th ult., announces that the Emperor of Russia has given orders that throughout the whole of his Empire all the Russian forces shall be at once placed on a war footing. Letters received in Paris from Berlin and Vienna con cur in stating that, in consequence of the decision come to by the Western Powers to cause their fleets to enter the Black Sea without further delay, they will not undertake to send any further propositions to Russia. At the new year's reception at the Tuilleries on SundaY the Emperor made no remarks of importance. An epidemic very common in the Crimea, arising from malaria, is now prevalent at Sebastopol. Twelve to fifteen thousand men were waiting at Alex andria to be shipped to Turkey. From the Globe.—We have no news from St. Petersburg as regards the manner in which the Emperor treats the proposal of the Powers as acceded to by the Sultan and his ministers. Judging from the tone of the Continental journals, and letters from those likely to be well advised in different parts of Europe, there is a very general, we may almost say a universal anticipation that Nicholas will not, even at the twelfth hour, do anything to give effect to the last effort made by the Powers to save Europe front war. INDIA AND CAPE NEWS. No news of importance. Great inconvenience was caused by the detention of seamen. The crops at the Mauritius were very plentiful, and shipping abundant. _ By the details of news, per Bosphorus steamer, the affairs at the Cape are quiet, and everything is peaceful and progressing. Some =easiness is felt at the earl withdrawal of the troops. The Queen, Hougomont, Minden, Naverino, and Gran' vile troop ships were at Table Bay, waiting to convey the 12th Lancers, the 43d and 74th Regiments to India. Her Majesty's ship Simoon left Table Bay on the 12th No vember, with the Rifle Brigade, for England. The copper mines on the Orange River appear productive. The Lail,' Jocelyn was expected at the Cape on the 20th of Novell: ber. At St. Helena there was a great scarcity of breau and flour, and provisions dear. TATTERSALL'S BETTING.—Tins DIY. 4 ; 0 1 DERBY, 1854.-1,000 to 25 agst Corin, taken; 500 to twice on Ruby and 141arsyas agst Boiardo and Andover, takes. The above were the on!) , bets laid. FUNDS, STOCK, AND SHARE MARKET. Consols opened firmly, and the adverse influence of foreign politics was for a while checked by the favourable outlines al the quarter's revenue, and the satisfactory evidence in the various journals of the national prosperity ; but large monel sales of Three-and-a• Quarter per Cents. and Reduced being made, showing that the public have lost all hopes of the maintenance of peace, prices considerably declined and closed heavily at the lowest point. Railways, sympathising with the Funds. are materially lower. Foreign Stocks, Land? Bank, and Mining Shares generally, are depressed. CLOSING PRICES Consols, Account .. 1 921 3 Bank Stock 216 IS Do. Money.... I Excheq. Bills, L. & S 56 p 0 Three&QrperCents.. 91} i FOREIGN STOCKS. Mexicans 23 Spanish Passives .... Do. Threes Spanish Deferrod 4435xdiv Swedish .... Do. Threes RAILWAY SHARES. __ Amberg.,Nottinghain, ,London &N. Wester n 102 4 and E. Junction London &S. Western 67 8 Bristol and Exeter Manches., Sheff., and Caledonian Do. Preference .. 92 101 Midland Stock East Anglian Eastern Counties .... 12* 13* North British — 29 30 East Lancashire — I Do. Preference Eastern Union A Ditto B and C - ;North Staffordshire.. 6 5 Edinburgh & Glasgow -- !Shrewsbury and Bir- Great Northern I 83 4 minghain — Do. A..... Do. L. &N. W guar — Do. 8..... IS. Eastern and Dover 60 1 Great Western Lane.and Yorkshire. 65} j Berwick . 63 4 Do. Fifths — j Do. Extension Leeds Northern l3 i' Do. Preference ~,g London, Brighton,and York! and N. Midland 45* o South Coast.. I Do. Preference.. f SHARES. Nugget •••• B. Australian -- Freehold ...... -- Australasian - Colonial Mariposa --- SHARES. !Peel River South Australian .... 35 , N. B. Australian .... --- MINING Noveau Monde Registered Cordeliera Ave Maria Carson's Creek Port Philip LAND ! Australian Agricultural 39 41 S. Australian Invest. ii apm B. American — CORN MARKET. There was a scanty show of English Wheat, the supplie s of foreign were moderate, but trade opened firm. The factor s demanded an advance of 3s. to 4s. per quarter on Wednes' day's rates. Many factors withdrew their samples of foreign, but the advance nominally the same as on English. Barley and Beans about 6d. to Is. dearer. Peas, the turn higher. Oats, 6d. to ls. dearer. Arrivals small. Seeds steady. The trade closed without animation—the stoppage of navigatioo retarding operations. English Wheat nominally quoted '2 9 " to 3s. higher than on Wednesday last ; foreign Is. to 9! dearer. Town-made Flour, 70s. Fine Barley f ully at deatl other sorts steady. Beans and I'eas the turn hi gher. os tr firm at al. advance. Seeds steady. A RRIVA La. English. Irish. Foreign. Wheat lll3 7043 Barley 1 6 93 2152 Oats 5544 175 9057 Malt 1951 Beans Peas 2lO Flour .. ...... 2137 140 1659 eke ow 9768 brlfs, TALLOW MARKET. Stock, 42.256 casks, against 47,135 same time last yelir' Deliveries, 2,057 casks, against 1,416 same time last y e a r• CAT TKET. The Beast trade was better LE . MA Sheep and Lambs in demand' at last Monday's prices. Calves sold readily at an advance 8eef........ 2 s 8 d to 4s 88df Veal Mutton..... 3s 2d to 5s 44 f Pork .. 38 8d to 5s 01-' Beasts ARRIVALS. 3350 1 Cal Sheep and Lambs Norfolk and Suffolk Beasts Cambridge, Leicester, Lincoln, and North ampton Beasts l6OO Scotch Beasts Irish Beasts .... Holland Beasts Do. Sheep .. Do. Calves • • Do. Pigs •• • • Spanish Beasts Do. Sheep •• French Beasts .... r ...... LEEDS STOCK EXCHANGE. North-Westerns, 811-; North Midland, 22i. LATEST SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. ARRIVED AT DEAL, 2ND JAN.—Fantome, from Jamaica; Chandernagore, from Colombo ; Resolute, from Madras.