The Liverpool Standard and General Commercial Advertiser. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1853-01-04 00:00:00

IC,ibmpaol taitVarbi TUESDAY MORNING, JAN. 4, 1853. THE WEEK THE sayings and doings of a week in which occurs the transition from one year to another, may almost be anticipated, because of their necessarily routine character. Merchants are balancing their books— brokers are issuing their circulars, descriptive of the past and suggestive of the future—tradesmen are taking stock and estimating their profits—the circles of fashion, youth, and beauty are enjoying the round of balls and evening parties, which, at this season, are of every d ay occurrence—while the general pleasure-seekers, particularly the young, view with much interest the announcements of the several Christmas pantomimes, which, in huge placards of divers colours, invite attention to their rival attractions. There is hardly a wall or point of vantage on which the eye of the passenger through the streets may rest, but the distinctive claims of the " Koh-i-Noor," the "Three Legs of Man," or " The Seige of Leverpole," outshine the bills of emigrant ships, which heretofore held the pre eminence in this particular department of modern literature. Under such circumstances, when every class has almost a preconceived subject for thought and attention, even a ministerial crisis, on which may depend the fate of the British empire, has scarcely done more than formed a topic for conver sation during the time when the immediate results were somewhat doubtful. The recent storm has been far more extended, and the destruction greater, than was at first antici pated. The losses suffered by individuals have been very numerous, while the many wrecks of -va luable shipping property must have seriously affected the profits of marine insurance last year. Much sympathy is felt for Capt. KING, who commanded the Denison, wrecked on Christmas-day. He was much respected amongst his numerous friends, and has been a severe sufferer, both in purse and person. The weather during the week was almost unintelli gible, being a regular alternation between mild sunny days - and threatening and stormy ones; a medley of hopes and fears which have not yet re ceived a solution. In many of the churches, on Sunday, the prayer in the Litany for fair weather was read, and responded to with a hearty " Amen." It is gratifying to learn that the recent high winds have tended considerably to counteract the effects of the previous floods, and should the present favour able appearances continue, we may anticipate that much of the postponed wheat sowing may be per formed under better circumstances than were be lieved a short time since to be barely possible Th Mersey has, during the week, been more than ordinarily full of shipping, and the activity in this department is no way abated. The arrival of the Marco Polo from Australia, after a passage hich may challenge rivalry with our best sea-going steamers, has necessarily formed a topic of interest, and great credit is due to Captain FORBES for his energy and promptitude as a commander, and his skill as a navigator, while the builders of the vessel are also entitled to a share of praise. At the fortnightly meeting of the Liverpool Select Vestry, on Tuesday last, a letter was read from Mr. REES, the district auditor, on the state of the law with reference to the payment of poor-rates, by tenants removing from one house to another. He states that the liability commences on the rate being made for the whole amount on the then oc cupier, but that on a removal there is an equitable division between the outgoing and incoming tenant. In cases, however, where the house is not occupied in succession, the outgoingjenant is name rot the whole amount of the rate on the house which he leaves, and for a share also of the rate on the house to which he removes. This is an anomaly in the law, and a manifest injustice, which demands an immediate and an efficient remedy. If every occu pier is liable for the rate as soon as made, he ought to he absolved from all liability on the house to which he may remove, until another rate is made ; or, on the other hand, if with the new house he takes the liability of the rate which may have been levied upon it for the portion of time during which he may occupy it, he ought in common justice to be absolved from his liability with respect to the house which he has quitted. This is a question of considerable importance to the inhabitants of a town like Liverpool, where removals are of frequent occurrence, and demands such an alteration of the law as would meet the difficulty to which the District Auditor has directed the attention of the Select Vestry. Some excitement was created on Saturday, by the departure of the steam-ship Arabia, the new vessel belonging to the Cunard line, trading between this port and the United States. Her unprecedentedly rapid passage from the Clyde had given her more than ordinary interest; and as the American build ers are striving hard for the superiority in the competition in sea-going steamers, a confident hope is entertained that she will put the Yankees to their mettle to overtake her. She left with a good cargo and full complement of passengers, and several bets are depending upon her Atlantic performances justifying her Channel reputation. The Liverpool Liberals having had a slight reco very from their previous despondency, owing to Mr. CARDWELL'S appointment to a place in the Har lequin Administration, have made up their minds to invite him to a public dinner. They have at length discovered the propriety of cheering their candidate unrier his defeat, now that he has no longer any need of their sympathy ; but it is not difficult to trace the prospect of the quid pro quo which seems to have suggested this movement. Truly the Ra dicals are wise in their generation. TO OUR READERS. THE commencement of another year affords us an opportunity, which ought not to be neglected, of addressing our Readers, on the position which we mutually occupy, the progress we have made, and the prospect which opens to our view. It is well for mankind that there should be resting-places in our journey through life, that we may occasionally pause in our onward career, and, reflecting on the experiences of the past, be better prepared for the journey that is still before us. We should other wise derive but little advantage from the history even of our own times, but proceed in a ceaseless round of never-ending toil, the progress of which would be as unprofitable as it would be impercepti ble; but, availing ourselves of the transition from 1852 to 1853, we may learn to amend what has been amiss, and, bracing ourselves with good reso lutions, apply to the task before us with renewed energy and undiminished hope. It has been so much the custom to speak of the year just closed as most eventful, that the observa tion is become more trite than ordinarily true. Still it will not be denied that 1852 witnessed some most important changes in public affairs, both at home and abroad, the results of which have still to be realised. The change from a Liberal to a Con servative Government, the successful career of the latter, and its final defeat before the close of the year, was an occurrence of no trifling import ; nor can the immense emigration to the Antipodes, excited by the thirst for gold, be without important consequences. The year was also marked by the loss of England's mightiest defender, and by pre. parations against a possible war after the land had had rest for nearly forty years. There was also the restoration of a BUONAPARTE Emperor in France, after a similar interval; and the election of a Pre sident in America, showing an unexampled ascen dancy of the democratic principle. All these events, with an evident apprehension of a coming struggle for the maintenance of the Reformed Faith against foes within and without, mark the year just closed as one suggestive of great changes in embryo, which cannot fail to excite the reflection of intelli gent minds. In order, however, that the memory may be refreshed with the various circumstances which were familiar at the time of their occurrence, we subjoin, in a form as succinct as possible, a the future, in order to lure back, if possible, the Radi cals, who had become disgusted with hope deferred, they were no longer to be amused with promises, and seemed resolved to leave their former idol to his inevi table doom of extinction. The statement of the Na tional Revenue, which was published on the 6th, was by no means indicative of the promised prosperity, as it showed a decrease on the year of £527,047, and a de crease on the quarter alone of no less than £713,547. Our French neighbours were amused by the pageantry and ceremonial of the installation of Louis NAPOLEON as President of the French Republic, the result of the coup d'etat of the 2d of December, and the last step but one to the gratification of his ambition. The 4th of this month witnessed the destruction of the steam ship Amazon by fire, shortly after her departure from Southampton, and very few lives were saved of the num bers that were on board of her. On the 20th, a mon- ster meeting was held to protest against the endowment of the Romish College at Maynooth, and the example was pretty generally followed thronghout the kingdom. Towards the close of the month a depot was established at Birkeuhead, for the reception and embarkation of those emigrants who were sent out under the auspices of the Government. ology of weather almanacks is said to come in like a lion, commenced with active preparations in Liverpool for the election, which it was thought would not be far distant. Those who had any thing to lose were tired of the theoretical politics of Mr. CARDWELL, and it was detet mined that the first com mercial town should set a good example, by returning two Conservative representatives. The re-elections of the new Ministers, who had v acated their seats, were carried almost without opposition. On the 27th, a requisition was presented to Messrs. C. TURNER and F. MACKEN ZIE, to which the signatures of about 3,500 of the elec tors of Liverpool were attached, and was readily responded to.—lntelligence was received by the Overland Mail from India, of the breaking out of the Burmese war, and from the Cape of the probable termination of the war with the Keftlrs.—On the 6th, a mutiny broke out on board the New York packet-ship Queen of the AX"..t, while lying in the Mersey, which at one time threatened seri ous consequences, but was eventually subdued.—The legislative career of the DERBY Administration com menced most favourably for the country. Several bills were brought in for the reform of the Court of Chan cery, and procedure at common law.—On the 29th, the Militia Bill was brought in for the augmentation of the national defences, and, notwithstanding the determined opposition of the Chesham•place conspirators, it was ultimately passed into a law with very trifling alterations. Another important measure was the disfranchisement of the borough of St. Alban's, for systematic corruption. APRIL.—On the Ist of this month a great Con servative meeting was held at the Amphitheatre, in this town, and the numbers and enthusiasm displayed left no doubt as to the issue of the struggle at the election. Liverpool was determined to emancipate herself from political thraldom, and justify her claim to being the most intelligent, as well as the most important constituency in the kingdom.—The melancholy news was received of the disastrous wreck of H.M. steam-ship Birkenhead, which took place on the 26th of February, off the coast of Africa, when con veying troops for the Kaffir war ; and out of 638 human beings on board, only 184 were saved.—The statement of the national revenue, published on the 6th, showed a decrease on the year of £707,558, while an increase of £102,540 on the quarter testified to the increasing con fidence in a Conservative Ministry.—Further accounts were received of more gold discoveries in Australia, and a fresh impetus thereby given to emigration.—Captain GREIG was elected superintendent of the Liverpool police on the retirement of Mr. DOWLING.—On the 19th the Court of Exchequer gave judgment in the case of Mr. SALOMONS for sitting and voting in the House of Commons without having taken the requisite oaths, and fined him £5OO. A select committee was appointed to consider the terms upon which the renewal of the East India Company's charter should be granted.—On the 22d, a soiree of the learned societies in Liverpool was held at the house of the Royal Institution.—On the 26th, the second reading of the Militia Bill was carried in the House of Commons by 317 to 167, being a majority of 150 in favour of ministers. MAY.—On the Ist of this month the great Duke of WEL LINGTON completed his 83rd year, and on the same day the mammoth steam-ship Great Britain took her de parture from this port for New York, being her first long voyage after her restoration from the disaster in Dundrum Bay. On the 3d the Royal Assent was given to the Liverpool Library and Museum Bill. On the 9th and 10th a grand military review was held, in Paris, by Louts NAPOLEON, who seemed ambitiousof parading the chief reliance of his Government before the public eye. On the 10th the Chancellor of the Exchequer proposed to supply the seats vacated by the disfranchisement of Sudbury and St. Albans, by dividing South Lancashire and the West Riding of Yorkshire, and giving two ad ditional representatives to each county ; it was, how ever, opposed by Mr. GLADSTONE, and defeated by a small majority. The public were much shocked at this time by the reports of several dreadful colliery accidents, at one of which, in SouthWales,above a hundred persons lost their lives. Some excitement was created by doubts as to the sovereignty of the Lobos Islands, near Peru, from which an additional supply of guano was much needed. They were subsequently shown to belong to Peru, and this has since been acted upon. On the 20th a duel was fought between the Hon. G. SMYTHE and Col. ROMILLY, the members for Canterbury, arising out of a stupid dispute, and their folly was subsequently rebuked by excluding them from Parliament at the General Election. Towards the close of the month the Overland Mail brought the intelligence of the capture of Rangoon, which was effected on the 24th of April with very trifling loss. JUNE.—This pleasant month, which is usually associated with the delights of summer, was commenced with ac tive preparations for the anticipated Election. Ward meetings were held almost daily, and the most lively enthusiasm was evinced for the success of the Conserva tive candidates, Messrs. TURNER and MAcitusziE. On the Ist a singular accident occurred at the new Corn Exchange, which was in course of erection, by the sudden sinking of the floor when crowded with persons, who were, however, but slightly injured, but two work men underneath were killed. On the same day the sub marine telegraph was laidbetween Greatßritain and Ire land, and the Union so far rendered more a reality; but a subsequent accident prevented its being worked. On the 7th the Government Militia Bill passed the House of Commons, after enduring a persevering and factious opposition. On the Bth a court of justice in Tuscany sentenced an Italian and his wife named Medial to the galleys for a considerable period, their sole offence be ing the reading of the Holy Scriptures. A country under the baleful domination of Rome could not brook that their miscalled Christianity should be tested by Revelation. FEARGUS O'CONNOR, then M.P. for Nottingham, and an excellent specimen of the people's choice under a system of universal suffrage, showed symptoms of insanity, and behaved so strangely in the House of Commons, that he was committed to the cus tody of the Serjeant-at-Arms. On the 22d the cele brated trial commenced before the Court of Queen's Bench, in which the converted Romanist,Dr. ACHILLI, sued Mr. NEWMAN, a Romish pervert, for defamation, and after three days' hearing, in which a terrible expo . fure was made of the profligacy of Romish slots, thy REVIEW OF THE PAST YEAR. JANUARY.—The year 1852 commenced with general dis satisfaction throughout the country at the position of Lord JOHN RUSSELL'S Administration, and a convic tion that a speedy change was inevitable. It was clear to every one that the effete policy of Whiggery had been used up, the country was thoroughly tired of the family party, the recent dismissal of Lord PALMERSTON had deprived them of the only valuable member they pos. Owed, and, though it tiff Reform Bill was looming in, FEBRUARY. — The Session of Parliament was opened on the 3d of this month, with a Speech from the Throne, in which the unmeaning verbiage characteristic of Whig concoctions was more than ordinarily conspicuous. On the 9th, Lord J. RUSSELL introduced his new Reform Bill, proposing some curious groupings of small bo roughs, and the reduction of the qualification limit to £5 householders ; he was not, however, up to the tac tics of Mr. BARNUM in getting up an excitement before hand, and the measure dropped almost stillborn. On the 20th, the proposition of the Ministry for the esta blishment of a Local Militia was opposed by Lord PALMERSTON, who moved that the word general should be substituted, and the Government were defeated by a majority of 138 to 127. Upon this Lord JOHN RUSSELL resigned, and on the 26th the Earl of DERBY announced in Parliament that be had taken office. This was im mediately followed by a factious opposition, got up by the ex-Premier, who called a meeting of malcontents at his house in Chesham-place. Much indignatiou was excited at the hasty recal of Sir H. SMITH from the Governorship of the Cape of Good Hope, and the sub stitution of General CATHCART, by Earl GREY, the Colonial Secretary ; and the threatened inquiry into the subject precipitated, it is believed, the RUSSELL resig nation. News from Australia of further discoveries in the gold diggings increased the desire for emigration. On the 10th, the Court of Queen's Bench pronounced the decision confirming the dismissal of Mr. RAMSHAY from the Judgeship of the Liverpool County Court. On the 2d, an attempt was made to assassinate the Queen of Spain, which led to the usual reaction of enthusiasm in her favour. MARCH, which in the phras THE LIVERPOOL STANDARD, TUESDAY, JANUARY 4, 1853. jury gave a verdict for the plaintiff. On the 29th a riot took place at Stockport, owing to the fury of a number of Irish Romanists, who displayed some of the fruits of their priestly instruction. On the same day died HENRY CLAY, one of the most eminent statesmen to whom America has given birth. JULY.—On the Ist of this month the long-expected pro rogation of Parliament took place. It was followed immediately by a proclamation for its dissolution, and the writs were issued for the election of a new Parlia ment. On the sth a terrific thunder. storm did consi derable damage almost all over England. On the 7th the election for Liverpool took place, and resulted in a complete triumph for the Conservative candidates and the cause of the British Constitution, the numbers at the close of the poll being— Turner (C)...... 6493 Cardwell (R).... 5247 Mackenzie (C) 6377 Ewart (R) ...... 4910 It was the first decisive blow in favour of the DERBY Administration, and had a beneficial effect on other elections.—The statement of the National Revenue, which was published on the 6th, showed a decrease on the year of £467,523, but an increase on the quarter of. £l44,6Bl,—another gratifying proof of the revival of trade under Conservative auspices.—On the 17th the French President commenced his celebrated tour through the provinces, in order to lay in a stock of popularity for his meditated promotion to the more permanent title of Emperor. It was a succession of triumphal fetes, the object of which was afterwards realised in the appeal to Universal Suffrage.—The close of the month brought many ominous reports from America, owing to the determination of the English to prevent any encroachment on the British fisheries. The alarm was, however, a mere electioneering dodge on the part of Mr. WEBSTER, and ended as it began— in smoke. AUGUST.—This month is usually devoted to Races, Re gattas, and other modes of relaxation, during the warm weather, from the fatigues of business, the only persons actively employed being the agriculturists, who are en gaged in getting in the harvest. It is, therefore, ordi narily barren of incident for the historian.—On the 3rd died the celebrated Comte D'ORSAY, who, without possessing any very great qualities except as a clever artist, secured to himself an extended reputation of a certain kind.—On the 9th HER MAJESTY, with her Royal Consort, took her departure from England on a visit to her uncle, the King of the Belgians, and re turned in about a week.—The verdict of an Irish jury of " wilful murder " against a magistrate and some soldiers, for defending themselves from a riotous attack instigated by Romish priests, at Sixmile Bridge, testi fied how little such men were fit to be intrusted with the privilege of trial by jury.—On the 20th the trial took place, at the Liverpool Assize, of Ann and Sarah Rimmer, on the charge of having attempted to poison the daughter of one of the prisoners, and they were capitally convicted ; but the accuser having since been proved to have committed perjury, has thrown conside rable doubt on the justice of the sentence, though it has not been reversed.—The 21st witnessed the departure from Liverpool of the giant steam-ship Great Britain for Australia, with a full complement of emigrants. The intelligence from Australia at the close of the month, with further discoveries of gold, increased the mania for emigration to that region. SEPTEMBER.—This month is looked forward to as the commencement of Partridge-shooting, and many are the hopes indulged in on taking the field. On the 14th, England lost the foremost man of all the world, by the death of the illustrious Duke of WELLINGTON, at a ripe old age. He died at Walmer Castle, and was buried in St. Paul's Cathedral, with all the pomp and magnifi cence which could be lavished by national gratitude for his matchless services. On the 14th also, the Bishop of Jerusalem paid a visit to Liverpool. The American papers were filled with reports of the exciting contest which was going on for the election of President of the United States. The emigrant ship Bhurtpore was wreched off Wexford, on the coast of Ireland, and about four hundred of the crew and passengers were saved. The accounts which were published of the Liverpool Dock Trustees showed an income of £246,686 ss. Bd. The increase in the number of ships was from 4,746, in 1800, to 21,473, in 1852, and of tonnage from 450,060 tons, in 1800, to 3,912,506, in 1652. On the 27th. the Royal Park Theatre, in Parliament-street, was opened, and has since enjoyed a very successful career. OCTOBER.—On the 7th of this month the Earl of DERBY visited Liverpool, and was hospitably entertained by the Mayor, Twos. LITTLEDALE, Esq., at the Town Hall. The statement of the National Revenue, which was published on the 11th, showed a decrease on the year of £437,397, and an increase on the quarter of £28,929. On the 13th, HER MAJESTY QUEEN VICTORIA, on her return from Scotland, paid a visit to the city of Chester, and passed on to Bangor to view the Britannia Bridge, over the Menai Straits. On the same day, at a meeting of the trustees,' a contract was signed for the long desired completion of the Birkenhead Docks. The comprehensive plan fOr the improvement of the town of Liverpool, by the present Mayor, S. HOLME, Esq., was brought before the Town Council, and met with general approval, but its execution was ultimately postponed for want of funds. The registration, by the Revising Bar risters, in South Lancashire and Cheshire, resulted in a considerable gain to the Conservative cause, by the wholesale disfranchisement of Radical faggot voters. On the 16th, LOUIS NAPOLEON returned from his tour, and was received in Paris with triumphal demonstra tions by his partisans. He had, very prudently, ba nished or imprisoned all the opposition. In America, the agitation was going on for the election of President of the United States, and here there was an agitation little less exciting for the election of Liverpool Town Councillors. On the 18th, the Liverpool Free Library and Museum was opened, in Duke-street, by the Wor shipful the Mayor, and has since been so well attended as to create a desire for a more spacious building. On the 23d, a public meeting took place in the Town Hall, when it was unanimously resolved to raise a fund for the erection of a monument to the late Duke of WEL LINGTON, and the subscription has since reached nearly £6OOO. On the 24th, died DANIEL WEBSTER, the greatest of America's surviving statesmen. At the close of the month there was considerable excitement in mo netary and political circles, owing to the determination of the Turkish Government to decline the Loan which had been contracted for, and return the first instalment which had been paid. NOVEMBER.—On the Ist, according to municipal law, the election for Town Councillors took place, with varied results in the several wards.—AßD-EL-KADER, the Arab chief, having been released from prison, through the clemency of Louis NAPOLEON, visited Paris, and was for a time the lion of that gay capital.—The steam ship Melbourne, which left with emigrants for Austra lia, put into Lisbon in distress, and afforded another proof of the inferiority of government-built vessels, when compared with those constructed by private en terprise.—On the 2d, a Free-trade gathering took place at Manchester, and proved as vapid as the policy of its promoters.—On the 4th, the new Parliament aaaembled, and proceeded to the re-election of Mr. SRAW LEFEVRE as Speaker; the first week was occupied in in swearing in the members ; and on the 11th, the ses sion was formally opened with a speech from the throne, which was one of the most intelligible that had been delivered for a long time.—On the Bth, the formal step for gratifying the ambition of LOUIS NAPOLEON was commenced by a senatus consulturn, which recommended an appeal to the people on the question of his being declared Emperor. This was done, and the number of votes were announced to be—ayes, 7,864,189; noes, 253,145.—0 n the 9th, the Town Council of Liverpool unanimously elected SAMUEL HOLME, Esq., Mayor for the ensuing year; and the same morning witnessed the extraordinary occurrence of the shock of an earth quake, which was distinctly felt in Liverpool, and for many miles round.—On the 18th, the funeral of the late Duke of WELLINGTON was celebrated with unex ampled magnificence, and attraited the largest crowd of spectators ever seen in the metropolis. Further ac counts were received of still increasing gold discoveries in Australia, and several vessels brought large quanti ties of that metal. Most disastrous floods occurred in many parts of England, and most of the low lands were under water.—On the 23d, an enormous meeting was held in the Amphitheatre, in this town, to protest against the introduction of the Romish practice of Auricular Confession into the Church of England. On the same day, the House of Commons divided on Mr. VILLIERS' motion—affirmative of the wisdom and jus tice of Free-trade policy,—and rejected it by 338 to 258, being a majority of 80 in favour of ministers. The elec tion for American President resulted in the return of General PIERCE, the democratic candidate, by a large majority over General Scorr. DECEMBER.—On the 3d of this month the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER made his financial statement, the chief features of which were an increase and extension of the House-tax, and a reduction of half the Malt duty. The discussion upon the first item commenced on the 10th ) and on the 17th the House of Common; divided, and declared by 307 to 288, or a majority of only 19, their want of confidence in the DERBY ad- ministration. This result was immediately followed by the resignation of the Earl of DERBY, and the appoint ment of the Earl of ABERDEEN to succeed him. On the 27th the new Premier announced that he had suc ceeded in amalgamating the leaders of the various sections of Opposition, and the mosaic production has still to be tested.—On the 7th the Winter Assize for South Lancashire was opened in St. George's Hall, before the Learned Judges CRESSWELL and CRomp- TON.—On the Sth and following day an extraor dinary trial took place in Dublin of an artist of the name of KIRWAN, for the murder of his wife on a small island called Ireland's Eye. He was found guilty and sentenced to death ; but considerable doubt having been expressed as to the justness of the verdict, he has since been reprieved. On the 14th the new steam-ship Arabia, for the American trade, gave ample proof of her superiority, by making her voyage from the Clyde to the Mersey in little more than 12 hours. On the 20th the steam-ship America brought to Liver pool the Message to Congress of President Fillmore, who re-asserted his confidence in protective policy, as indispensable to national welfare. On Christmas Day, and again on the 27th. Liverpool was visited by a ter rific gale, which swept like a hurricane, and did an im mense amount of damage both by land and sea. It was experienced all over the kingdom, particularly on the south coast, where there were numerous shipwrecks, and the losses from chimneys blown down and buildings unroofed are almost incalculable. We have thus given a brief sketch of the principal events which marked the year just closed, and it only remains for us to allude to the prospect which opens upon us, and our own position with respect to that portion of the public press entrusted to our guidance. It is true that those great Conservative principles which are especially identified with the maintenance of the British Constitution and the welfare of the British people have experienced a temporary reverse ; but the cause is not lost, for the honour of its leaders has been preserved, and we may anticipate, with all the confidence of buoyant hope, the reinstatement of a Conservative Govern ment at no distant period, when the impossibility of cementing the crude and discordant materials of the present Cabinet has been fully proved. It can not be that the proud spirit which animates the men who accepted PEEL as their leader will stoop to fraternise with the shifting policy of Lord JOHN RUSSELL, the puerilities of Mr. VILLIERS, the infidelity of Sir NV ILLIAm MoLEsivoRTH, or the frothy declamation of Sir A. COCKBURN. Nor will the Radicalism of the more numerous Man chester party brook the extreme opinions, on reli gious matters, of Mr. GL A DSTONE, or the cold caution of the Earl of ABERDEEN. The Romish Brigade can turn the scale, and their support will not be gained without such a sacrifice as the Minis try dare not make, although the Romish proselyte, Mr. MONSELL, has a place in the Ordnance Office. The men float easily into office, but their measures must sink them ; and so long as the Conservative body retain their numerical strength in the House of Commons, and remain true to their principles, we may defy the parties which have combined to oppose them, and rest in perfect security that there is a brighter future in store for us. Of ourselves we would speak with all becoming modesty, willing rather that our part in the great matter of the struggle to maintain the Constitution should speak for itself. Without turning to the right hand or to the left—to gratify personal feel ings, or individual crotchets however well intended— we have laboured to advocate those great principles upon which the welfare of this mighty empire is based—which help to secure the greatest amount of happiness for the greatest number—which e me prerogative of the Crown and the liberties of the people—and which the expe rience of all history has proved can alone conduce to the great end which, in charity, we may presume all parties have in view. In carrying out this course, we have sedulously endeavoured to avoid all unne cessary collisions of a personal nature, confining ourselves to the principles at issue, rather than to those who take part in their advocacy ; and if occasionally we may have found it requisite to par ticularise individuals, it has been with no other feeling than a due regard for the interests at stake. For the future, no promises can be required, other than the expression of our determination to pursue the same course with undiminished energy—animated by the conviction that the cause is a just one, and rewarded with the hope that, so far as our influence extends, we have promoted that great object to: which all our exertions have been directed. With this hope, we conclude our opening address for 1853, by wishing each and every of our Readers A HAPPY NEW YEAR. FOREIGN NEWS. FRANCE. The Emperor has published a decree, appointing his uncle, Jerome Buonaparte, as his successor in the event of his dying without issue. Another decree, in the form of a senatus consultum, gives the Emperor the right to grant pardons and accord amnesties. The extraordinary session of the Senate has been closed, and the next session fixed for the 14th of February, the day for which the Corps Legislatif is convoked. Scarcely a single day has passed since Louis Napoleon's sojourn at Compiegne that rumours have not circulated of some terrible accident occurring to him, or to one of his attendants. The Emperor returned on Tuesday from Compiegne, and there was great anxiety to see whether he had expe rienced any of the accidents which had been reported. A rumour is in circulation that certain chiefs of the Republican party are about to tender their adhesion to the Count de Chambord. The journey of Prince Lucien Murat to Dusseldorf has excited some curiosity in political circles ; it is generally, and perhaps truly, attributed to fresh matrimonial nego tiations on behalf of the Emperor. It was only on Wednesday last that the Ambassadors of the three Powers, Prussia, Austria, and Russia, receive d their credentials for the recognition of the Emperor of the French. The bearer of them, as also of other despatches, is, it appears, a secretary of Prince Metternich. An extraordinary credit of 700,000 francs has been opened to the Minister of the Marine on the estimates of 1853 for the execution of civil and military works at Mar tinique, Guadaloupe, and Senegal. Accounts just received from Algeria announce the death General Bouscaren, who was wounded at the taking of Laghouat, and expired On thy 19th, about half an hour after the operation of amputation had been performed. Among the numerous commercial speculations at pre sent spoken of, a company, it is said, is being organised for the concentration of the packet service between France and North and South America. MIDNIGHT MASSES were celebrated on Christmas-eve in several churches at Paris and at Notre-Dame, by the Archbishop of Paris. This is the first time for many years that midnight masses have been celebrated publicly. ITALY. The Count and Countess of Chambord arrived at Ve nice on the 24th ult. The health of the countess was not good, but her malady is not believed to be serious. The Duchess of Berri is expected on a visit to her son, as also the Arch-duke Maximilian d'Este and the Duke of Modena. Prince Vasa has left for Moravitz, in Moravia, where the nuptials of the Princess Carols Vasa and the Prince Royal of Saxony are to be solemnised this week. A despatch, dated Messina, Dec. 24th, says :—" Abd el•Kader arrived in the Roads of Messina on the 23d. He was to visit Etna last Sunday, and set out for Syra the next day." The Augsburqh Gazette states from Rome, the 18th ult., that 87 persons, of the best families, have been arrested there by order of the French police, on suspicion of having been instrumental in spreading certain carica tures upon the new Emperor of the French, and having them posted up at the corners of the streets, and especially in the square of St. Eustace, where children's toys are sold for Christmas. AUSTRIA. The Emperor returned to Vienna at five in the morning of the 24th from his Prussian journey. The Austrian papers give long and detailed accounts of the brilliant re. ception which he met with at the hands of his royal rela tive, and, reasonably enough, conclude that the formal reconciliation of the two monarchs must be looked upon as an event of great political importance. It is given as positive that the King of Prussia proposes to pay a visit to the Emperor of Austria at Vienna in the beginning of next year, in return for the late imperial visit. The Emperor has given orders for a considerable reduc tion in the effective strength of the Austrian army. The reduction is not only to be applied to the infantry, but also to the cavalry and artillery, the horses of the dis missed soldiers to be sold. It is chiefly in the armies of Italy that the reduction is to take place. TURKEY. We learn from Syria that Mehemet Pasha, Com mander-in-Chief of the army in Arabia, has suspended operations against the rebels of the Haouran, and taken up winter quarters, in order to spare his troops the fatigue and disease consequent upon warfare in the winter season. On the 12th and 13th ult. a sharp action took place near Podgorizza Montenegro, in which the light cavalry of the Turks at first gained a slight advantage. The Montene grines, however, received strong reinforcements from Piperi, and the Turks were routed. A truce is said to have been concluded until the decision of the Sultan on the claims of the Montenegrines has been received. EG YPT. His Highness Abbas Pasha has left Cairo for Benha, a town on the Damietta branch of the Nile, for charge of air, and to expedite the railway works, for the completion of which he shows great solicitude. The materials for the railroad are arriving fast from Glasgow, and they are for warded to the several parts of the country without delay, so that there is every reason to hope that within two years of this time the line between Alexandria and ,Cairo will be completed. INDIA. We gave last week the telegraphic despatch in anticipa tion of the overland mail from Bombay, to the 30th Dec. The General-in-Chief was still at Rangoon, and Sir John Cheape was commanding at Prome, lying on his oars, and forbidden to move a step. There was no other sign of life in the campaign than the constant arrival at Rangoon of fresh troops from India, and the despatch of reinforce ments thence to Prome, where there was no enemy to encounter. Nearly six weeks after the occupation of Prome, and tour after the Burmese General had sur rendered himself to us, and reported that the Burmese army near that town consisted of a rabble of 4,000 or 5,000 men, who were only waiting for the excuse of a few shot from our guns to decamp, everything continued in the same state of lethargic abeyance. About 1,100 men, with two heavy guns, had been despatched on board the Bentinck, Nerbudda, Damoda, and Mahanuddy, to oc cupy Pegu. One of these steamers had been sent pre viously to reconnoitre, and had returned with four war boats without finding it necessary to fire a shot. No re sistance could therefore be anticipated, but General God win had accompanied the detachment for the purpose of chronicling its achievements in his usual style. Every thing was quiet at Proms. and Rangoon. It is not expected that the King of Ava will make any bond fide overtures for peace until our forces are at least as near to his capital as they were at the conclusion of the last war. An Eastern prince or chief, even though he should meditate no active resistance, usually considers it a point of honour not to give in until his enemy is close to his gates. Lord Falkland has returned to Bombay from the Mah ableshwur hills after his usual eight months' annual absence from the seat of Government. _ _ A letter from Manilla mentions the arrival there of the famous Garibaldi, who defended Rome during the Presi dency of the Prince de Canino. 'Garibaldi, who com mands a merchant-vessel, sailed tin the 9th of August for China. AUSTRALIA. A letter from Sydney, dated 30th August, says : Population is now pouring in on us in earnest from all quarters of the globe. The immigration from the United Kingdom is very great, but Jonathan is invading our shores in large numbers by way of San Francisco, while Germany sends her sons from Hamburgh, Lubeck, Bremen, and other ports on the North Sea. Neither is the flowery empire behind in the general race which is at present going on towards the Australian goldfields ; several ship loads of Chinese have arrived from the port of Amoy within these last few months, but these men are mostly sent down, under indenture, to serve the colonists as shepherds or general servants. The diggings on this side continue in statu quo, for want of population to develope them. The few that are on the ground are earning 30s. a-day by only digging about two feet down and nuggetting. The gold is of a nuggetty character, similar to that from Mount Alex ander, and is now being brought to market in increasing quantities. Mount Alexander still continues to yield enormous quantities of gold ; it is confidently asserted by some that the yield is not less than 100,000 ounces per week ; if so, it seems astounding that the diggings, within 10 months of their first opening, should be producing at the rate of about £20,000,000 per annum. A new constitution of the colony is being prepared by a select committee of the Legislature. Its main features are to be a double Chamber—viz., a Legislative Assembly elected by the people, of not less than 72, and an upper house or Senate of not less than 21, appointed by the Crown, two-thirds of whom must be gentlemen who have been elected at any time to a seat in the Legislature; the revenues of the country to be cnntrollod by cne tower house, and the two chambers to be styled the Parliament of New South Wales. -0. NEW ZEALAND. Advices from Auckland to the 14th of September state that the attractions of the Victoria gold fields were begin ning to be felt in an extended degree, many of the small storekeepers and tradesmen being about to sail to them. There was, however, no movement of importance among the farming population, whose profits, if they have the wisdom to remain, are likely to be much greater by sup plying the miners with food than by working with them. FOREIGN MISCELLANY THE PACHA OF EGYPT has sent a beautiful Arab mare as a present to the Emperor Louis Napoleon. THE CROWN PRINCESS OF SWEDEN AND NORWAY was, on the 14th ult., delivered of a son. who has received the names of Karl Oscar Wilhelm Frederik. M. PANNEWITCH, a Silesian inspector of forests, has presented to the King of Prussia a book printed on paper made entirely from pine wood, with a binding of the same material. DR. MAX MULLER ' a personal friend of Chevalier Bunsen, the Prussian Minister, who has resided several years in England, has been appointed to a lecturership of modern literature in the University of Oxford. FEMALE ROBBER.—At the Court of Assizes of the Ardeche, recently, a young French girl, Marie Faure, was sentenced to five years' hard labour, for robbing her sister Victorie on the public highway, of 430 f. She effected the robbery in the garb of a beggar-man. AN ENGLISH SHIP of 675 tons and a crew of 20, was struck by a heavy sea, during a violent hurricane, on the 17th ult., and cast on the rocks on the coast of Brignogan, in the Finisterre. The vessel, which was laden with salt, was knocked to pieces. Seventeen of the crew were saved. THE FRENCH COURT.—Under the new imperial regime, strict state etiquette will be observed with regard to the presentations of the English at the new French Court. It has been intimated that those who are to be presented must have been previously received at the court of their own sovereign. _ _ . THE MAntAx.—A letter from Berlin of the 21st states that the Madiai not having been set at liberty, notwith standing the promises made by the Grand Duke of Tus cany, the King of Prussia has instructed M. Usedom, his ambassador at Rome, to repair to Florence and renew his representation to the Grand Duke. - A FRENCH COLONY.—The country of Sonora, recently declared independent of Mexico, and annexed to the French Empire, consists of 20,000 square leagues of rich, fertile, and golden soil, with a sea coast on the gulf of California. Great excitement still prevails on the subject of the French acquisitions in this part of the world. WRECK.—A Spanish brig, the Sangines, from Ham burgh for Liverpool, with corn, was, few days ago, driven in a violent tempest on the sand banks near the roadstead of Dunkirk, and completely wrecked. The captain and five men were picked up on spars by fishing-boats. Five other men, who took to boats, have not been heard of. 1,4 YANKEE HERALDRY. — The committee in Boston who are building a carriage for .General Pierce recently wrote to ascertain his coat of arms, with a view of painting the same on the panels. The reply of the General was—" The only coat of arms I ever knew my family to possess was my father's:shirt sleeves when he fought at Bunker's Hill." AT MARSEILLES, a scene of an Oriental character occurred at the Hotel des Empereurs, while Abd-el-Kader was staying there. One of his wives, unable to repress a feeling of curiosity, came to the window to gaze at the crowd in front. This infraction of the laws of the seraglio was punished by banishment from her lord's, presence. She was at once sent to Algeria. PRICE OF A LOST TRUNK.—M. Aaron, a flannel manu facturer, of Metz, on Thursday brought an action against the Strasburg Railway Company to recover 10,000 f. for the loss of his trunk, on the ground that it contained pat terns of flannels and other things, the want of which prevented him from receiving some important orders. The tribunal awarded 600 f. damages. FALL OF A SUSPENSION BRIDGE.—A few days since, the suspension bridge on the Tech-au-Baulon, Pyrenees Orientales, gave way while a waggon drawn by five horses, and laden with 3,000 kilogrammes of iron ore, was passing over it. The three fore horses remained on the part left standing, but the two others, the driver, and the waggon, fell into the river. They were, however, soon got out without injury. ROBBER SHOT AT THE DIGGINGS.—A butcher, named Duffy, residing at Fryer's Creek, was shot on Sunday morning, while robbing a tent. Duffy entered the tent of a party of diggers, and demanded their gold ; one of the diggers jumped out of bed with the intention of securing him, but, a scuffle ensuing, and the digger being over matched, he called out to one of his mates to fire his revolver and shoot Duffy. The party applied to fired as requested, and the contents lodged in Duffy's neck under the jaw, and a slug or two in his right shoulder. He died in a few hours. It is reported that Duffy was a man of good means, being the proprietor of two or three butcher's shops in the diggings.—Melbourne Argus, September 28. A HEARTLESS SWINDLER.—Nyoung femme de chambre named Bulot, appeared on Thursday before the Tribunal of Correctional Police, Paris, to complain of a young man named Legagneux, forhaving swindled her. She advertised for a place, and, as a proof her respectability, made known that she was possessed of 1,600 f. in Four-and-a-Half per Cent. Stock, of 810 f. in :the savings bank, and 1,009 f. in cash. Legagneux went to her, and, representing himself as a physician, proposed to her to be his housekeeper, at employed emand the business, a liberal salary. She consented , and at his rcquest y e e s s advanced him I,ooof. He made love to her, and p ro mised her marriage. He thereby persuaded her to ll her stock, and on different pretexts, got the whole o f i t , from her, married g g imprison ment m A t o o l e e n y g i t o h e t s h t e e h p l o i s o h r o g r o f o y u o n o d o a rrm t he a n h d o sstiilm he o e r n e meooordtielionegd o hre , t tha t the w e ar for forgery, and to six months' imprisonment for had previously was swindling, and was now sentenced to two years' imprison ment. THE DRAMA AT BRESLAU.—The manager of the theatre at Breslau is giving frequent representations of a drama called " Luther ;" and the peasants from Protes tant villages come in large parties to demonstrate, by their applause, their resentment at the Jesuit missions. They sometimes drive up in a procession of upwards of a hun dred carts, and take the whole pit to themselves. On a late occasion they filled the whole tier of dress boxes, in their frieze coats and broad brimmed hats. INFAMOUS DECEPTION.—Mr. Featherstone, British Consul at Havre, has sent home three English girls from France, decoyed away from Leeds, without the consent of their parents, about the 24th of November last, partly under promises of high wages and excellent treatment, by two agents of the La Foudre Flax Mill, near Roueri : " They have been," he says, "altogether deceived and ill treated, and the case being a very grave one, comprehend ing thirty-seven girls in all, of which number several are now on their way to this place, I shall send copies of the affidavits to Her Majesty's government and the Mayor of Leeds, and endeavour to put a stop to so infamous a practice. The names of the agents are Smith and Garth waite, and I hope to be able to have them punished." CHARGE OF MURDER IN PARIS.—The trial of Mr. Bower, for the tragical affair that took place last October in the Rue de Seze, opened on Tuesday, in the Assize court of Paris. The examination of Mr. Bower, com menced at about ten o'clock, and lasted fully two hours. His demeanour was generally collected, but when the in te rroNtoire reached that part where the terrible scene of the declaration of Mrs. Bower during her delirium, and the fatal blow which deprived Mr. Morton of life, had to be alluded to, Mr. Bower manifested considerable emotion. Several witnesses were examined at length. At half-past three, the medical and other evidence for the prosecution was brought to a close. The counsel for the prosecution then addressed the court. The witnesses for the defence were afterwards called, and then the celebrated advocate M. Chaix d'Est-Ange addressed the jury on behalf of the prisoner. The result was a verdict of acquittal. LOUIS NAPOLEON'S MARRIAGE.—The reported nego ciations of the Emperor for the hand of the widow of the Duke de Leuchtenberg are contradicted, and a Spanish beauty—Senora M.—is now the reigning favourite and possible Empress. The English lady, whose return to Paris lately excited some surprise, has, it is said, left again for England, and there is a talk of her being on the point of marriage with one of the aides.de-camp of the Emperor. The Times states that the Grand Duchess Stephanie, of Baden, is the acting friend of the Imperial Ccelebs, and is now engaged with Prince Murat in solicit ing the hand of the young Stephanie Frederica Wilhel mine Antoinette, now in her sixteenth year, and second child of the Prince of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen, one of the mediatised Princes of Germany, and whose abdication in favour of the King of Prussia, exactly three years ago, has been rewarded with the title of highness, and the rank of a younger prince of the royal house. NARROW ESCAPE.—The widow of an officer, killed in Africa, who had been for some time endeavouring to earn a scanty subsistence by needlework, left her lodging in the Rue de la Harpe, Paris, on Tuesday, and proceeding to the Pont St. Michel, climbed on the parapet and threw herself into the river. The Seine was much swollen at the time from the late rains, and the death of the woman appeared certain, when a soldier of the 71st regiment coming up threw off his coat and jumped himself into the river. Being a good swimmer, he soon seized the woman, but his foot caught her dress, and he was unable to ex tricate himself. It was then evident that he would not be able to bring her to land, and both would have perished had not a man belonging to the Morgue, swam out and seized them both. He succeeded in getting them to the bank, but the effort required to save the two persons together was nearly proving too much for him, and he w as glad to receive assistance as he touched the land fro m s re publican guard, who helped him to get the other two out of the water. The men soon recovered, but the woman was long insensible, and afterwards was so much exha us t e d that it was deemed advisable to have her placed in an establishment for the insane. MELANCHOLY ACCIDENT—DEATH OF MR. HEALD, LOLA MONTES' HUSBAND.--A letter dated " Lisbon, Dec. 20," says :—" Mr. Heald (Lola Montes's husband) went out in one of the vessels of the Royal Yacht Club, having in his company a beautiful young lady. The yacht foundered in sight of her Majesty's steamer Inflexible, which instantly manned a boat with fourteen hands to rescue them ; not only were they unsuccessful, but the fourteen hands were also drowned."—The Morning Herald of Saturday says :—There is too much reason to believe that Mr. Heald, with a female friend and two ladies, went down off Fort St. Julian, at the mouth of the Tagus in his yacht, the Sparrowhawk, on Friday the 17th ult. ; but we are happy to find that the Inflexible lost no hands on the occasion, she not having ever seen the yacht after it had passed the bar of Pasadarcos Bay."—ln refe rence to the above melancholy event, a contemporary has been favoured with the following particulars, by a gentle man who was staying at the same hotel with Mr. Heald, and only left Lisbon a few days before the accident : " Mr. Heald was not married to the lady who has met with such a sad fate ; he had, however, settled £3OO per year upon her, besides many handsome presents ; amongst others, he bmight her the other day, in Lisbon, a bracelet, for which he gave 280 guineas. Her name was Julia son, well known in London as one of the most beautiful women there. She was a most inveterate smoker, and a few days before I left Lisbon, was in prison nearly the whole of one night for getting up a row in a public billiard-room, where she had gone incognito, dressed as a midshipman. Their rooms at the hotel were the retort every night of some leading Portuguese and French young gentlemen, with officers from the fleet, and the scenes of gaiety were generally kept up until three or four o'clock in the morning. It was reported in Lisbon that Miss Wilson was about to have her passport sent to her, in consequence of some improper conduct at the opera. Mr.Heald was in a most dangerous state of health, in fact, used up, and could not have lived long. He was about leaving in his yacht for Madeira." IRELAND. THE EARL or ST. GERMANS is expected to arrive on the 10th of January to assume the Viceroyalty of Ireland. THE LORD LIEUTENANT.—Their excellencies the Lord Lieutenant and the Countess of Eglinton will hold an address levee this day (Tuesday), and take their departure to-morrow. GALWAY COLLEGE.—Joseph O'Leary, Esq., barrister•- at-law, has been appointed by the Lord Lieutenant to the Vice-Presidentship of the Galway College, vacated by the resignation of Dr. O'Tooje. THE CASE OF MR. KIRWAN.—It is stated that a re prieve has been received by the keeper of the goal in which Mr. Kirwan is confined, and that the capital sen tence will not be carried into effect. MR. VINCENT SCULLY, the Ultramontane member for Cork, it is reported, is to be the legal adviser at the Castle. " Hurrah for the Pope and Dr. M'Hale." Vide wild Irish cry at the last general election. RAILWAY FROM ARMAGH TO CLONES.—This project has been taken up with spirit and earnestness by the citizens of Armagh. The meeting on Tuesday was large and influential, and shares to the amount of £5,000 were subscribed for. SANGUINARY AFFRAY.—A sanguinary affray took place on Christmas-day, at Castledawson, Derry. It is customary with the young men of that district to have fir ing matches on that sacred anniversary. Accordingly, a party, consisting of Protestants and Romanists, assembled early in the afternoon, and fired at a mark for some time with perfect good humour. Whisky, unhappily, formed a material item in their refreshment, and as evening ar proached, many were obviously under its influence. A dispute arose, hard words came to blows, and from these to a regular pitched battle. The disputants were joined by their immediate friends, and volley after volley was speedily interchanged before the weaker gave way and fled. The result was that five persons received dangerous gun• shot wounds. Several of the rioters have been arrested. ECCLESIASTICAL. PREFERMENTS AND APPOINTMENTS Rev. P. S. Bagge, to the Rectory of Walpole Saint Peter, Norfolk. Rev. J. L. Balfour, 8.A., to the Head-mastership of Kepler Grammar School, Houghton-le-Spring, Durham- Rev. F. H. Barber, to the Rectory of Ledgberrovr , Worcestershire. Rev. T. W. Bennett, to be Chaplain to her Majesty's Ship St. George, Devonport. Rev. W. J. Brock, 8.A., to the Curacy of St. George 's ' Barnsley, Yorkshire. Rev. R. E. Brooke. M.A.,to the Perpetual Cur a cy of St. Luke's, Cheetham-hill, Manchester. Rev. G. Craig, to the Rectory of Aghanloo, Diocese of Derry. Rev. T. Douglas, 8.A., to the Stipendiary Curacy of St. James's, Accrington, Lancashire. Rev. T. W. Dowding, Vicar of Preshute, Wilts, to be a Surrogate for the diocese of Salisbury. Rev. R. D. Duffield, M.A., to the Rectory of Cain thorpe, Lincolnshire. Rev. T. R. Ellis, to the Incumbency of Gyffin, Carnar vonshire. Rev. F. J. Fairhead, to the Head-mastership of Guild ford Grammar-chool. Rev. J. T. R. Fussell, M.A., to the Perpetual Curacy of Chantry, Somerset. Rev. N. Germon, M.A., to the Vicarage of Gussage All Saints, Dorset, Rev. W. Greenslade, M.A., to the Perpetual Curacy of Stoke-sub-Hamdon, Somerset. Rev. W. Hayes, to the Perpetual Curacy of Stockton- Heath, Great Budworth. Rev. W. Irvine, M.A., to the Perpetual Curacy of Longfleet, Poole. Rev. W. L. Isaac, Rector of Pirton, to be a Rural Dean of the Deanery of Persbore. Rev. T. E. B. W. B. Leigh, M.A., to the Vicarage of Newbold-on-Avon , Warwickshire. Rev. H. B. Mason, to the Curacy of Bishop's Itching ton, Warwickshire. Rev. J. A. Mathias, Junior Curate of Enniskillen, to a Colonial Chaplaincy in Ceylon. Rev. R. A. Pritchard, to the Rectory of Ashley, Wilts. Rev. S. B. Plummer, M.A., to the Perpetual Curacy of Tintinhull, Somerset. Rev. C. Seymour, to the Rectory of Lower Moville, diocese of Derry. Rev. C. Snell, 8.A., to the Curacy of Wimeswold, Leicestershire. Rev. E. S. Stocker, 8.A., Fellow of the University of Durham, to the Junior Curacy of Henley-on-Thames, Oxfordshire. Rev. C. J. Vernon, 8.A., to the Curacy of Allhallows, Cumberland. Rev. E. B. Webster, 8.A., to the Perpetual Curacy of Bassenthwsite, Cumberland. Rev. W. Wright, M.A., to the Vicarage of St. Peter, Worcester, with Withington annexed. [We have to contradict the announcement, copied from a contemporary, of the Rev. H. P. Edwards' appointment to the Vicarage of Llanspythid.] THE REV. FRANCIS HODGSON, 8.D., Provost of Eton College, expired at the lodge of that place on Wednesday last, in the 72d year of his age.