The Northern Daily Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-12-24 00:00:00

FOREIGN INTELLIGENCE FRANCE. ARIS, EVENING. „ I n telligenCo h as been received MONDAY that the Russian at has not yet stirred from its position on the shores of the Caspian. It amounts to 40,000 men e,,emplete and is still in cantonments. The Russian General had, however, sent three superior officers - "viz , one of the staff, one of the engineers, and P ersia, of the inf an t ry —i nto t h e neares t p ro vince of to examine the situation of the towns and forts, and to take plans of the routes by which a Pas sage might be ma d e f or an a r m y. am inform e d th at th e prec i se d a y for the open w '_ °y l of th e C onferences is not yet fixed, but that it il k -e made k nown b e f ore th e en d o f th e p r ese n t mont h. tl The Constitutionnel of to-day has an article on N ellfehatel quest i on. I t is a para ph r ase of the not e of the Moniteur ; and the acid of the official "Ihn nunication is tried to be diluted in the luke warm L t stream of M. de Cesena's prose. We owe d I ' all Probability, to the impression produce d' t Publie by the rather acrimonious and st l i e t -at °rinl tone of the Moniteur. The Con ution n 1 e t 1 14 says that the question at issue is "'ltch less between the Cabinet of Berlin and , ir k th,''''.vetio Confederation, considered as an th , - Vuottnt and neutral nation, than between tin; Kin of Prussia and the Federal Council, co n h 6 at Berne.' 'This distinction between the i e l f ,thtlY and the Federal Coencil, which is, acts the Executive Government, is untenable. Thi s th e p "ec litive Government is chosen from among_ f or ,, ; ' f loral Assembly, which, in all matters of Policy, has the supreme control, and with and not with eac h can t on se p ara t e ly, foreign wit rhern r cients treat, as f or eig n Governments treated ti the Gov ernment of Lou i s Philli p° , th e cr ea- Li e f' s .„u . . of the 221 members of the Chamber of Depu ee : the Republic, which was the result of a ap i . es sful coup d e ma i n, an d t h e E m pi re , w hich con from a st ill more successful coup d'etat. The not stt tutionn e l says that "the quest i on i n d e b ate i s that 'f " - day. It is the resnit of the contradiction at \i "ists between the fact violently accomplished r ight by by the revolution of 1848, and th? , ",egally consecrated by the Treaty of Vienna. ri ot language la nguage would suit the elder Bourbons, but whose strongest, if not its only claim is s t l t e r t r Peolluvetiron On the first opening of the Senate .. o!, N I " Legislative Corps at theTuileries on the 29.1.1 P ret ; t leh, 1852, the Emperor Louis Nap deon, then 4e ,, Wen t , of the Republic under its new form, ri,4tivatorelt(lttiionn his address that, " The day following the first guarantee for a people is the rp t ° choose the Goverment which best suits Perh ' L e French nation has given to the world, of a for the first time, the imposing spectacle fer t n gree t People voting, in full liberty, for the th e of its government." The address is found in n o „L e w editi on of the Emperor's works, corrected tb e - "hbt by his own hand, and published during )• that ip t r ' s e„et year. It would be absurd to suppose h ' for a -e Emperor meant that the right he claims Ih eligreat people should be denied to a small one. of, o her points exce pt that of number and form t) , kp e Yet% re ent, the case of the people of Neufchatel Orime---%. id entical with that of France. The change tam,verhEnent in the small state was effected by the atm! 1 4 1 .eans---revolution or " an act of violence ex er ‘ : 1 • 01 e day following" the people of Neufc Thea citi, ete ed the same right as the French i l' a h tt e e e t t e o l r o tt n i e of the canton took part in the vote, e age was lowered from 22 to 20—the army „ be ing that at which the recruiting for the i "i n '' ° hamences and admission to the Federal Zion are allowed. Unlike the Fren .h revo u• thti n si, ° ' 18 48, and the coup d'etat of 1851, not a . ti teri - ;et Shot was fired at. Neufchatel. The Consti bite-($ Assembly of the Canton, elected on a large . th e and in perfect order, met on the st,k of April 41109 e w Constitution was completed on the 25th, N eu ; t ,s first article prescribes that " The Canton th e 'ehatel is a democratic republic, and is one of ali t st ates of the Swiss Confederation." The Con- De ap t i l°ll was submitted to the approval of the es Of Neufchatel ; the inhabitants of no other voter ~, Were ne _ allowed to vote. The number of f eur t i s w ere 10,208, or somet hi n g more than one 6 4 3 1 ,,0f the w h o l e population. The result was for th euirn lative voices ; 4395 negatives-1118iority tiledip p e n ew form of G overnm ent 1418. Where is Phaeiceience betw een t hi s operation anti that which k stabirl the form of the French Government an The the empire? elltr7 onstitutionnel says, " The King of Prussia, ' l ,rhi e " ,, i tl , e g with confidence to the Emperor the care ,m,haa n -- a `g, t lita , and his honour as a Sovereign, only the 1 ,,,,;"eu an act of humanity in order to prepare 61 f °r a voluntary renunciation of his rights If I a:s rei gntY in the Principality of Neufchatel " 4 et rightly informed, the Confederation have Rha ra Ztised the liberation of the prisoners if a grid in see Were g i ven them of snc h renunc i a tion ; rhwserious an affair, and with a power like ea t , ' l a, not d eer celebrated for scrupulous exactness . in t i" - ` ll ra le gs, they were justified in demanding sNbt n—e s. The Emperor of the French is no e r P re flattered at having the honour of the King ",,,titl e s a 6i : t Confided to him," but the Swiss are also 4 4 -1 (1 b e ii e ' v ° e stirne consideration •} 1 ed h e that the unpleasant impression pro 41 n re Is not so much because the Emperor 'll4* °t talc decided part with Switzerland, ' O l • fg o f Wi e th ti P a russia, as from the manner in which ;:e've re ° l 4l organ has spoken of the Neufchatel 'vel •'"ent. and the slighting reference to t at r thio n ef . esa which it is the consequence. The th,,, il „ . th o ll e n ,h l is laid on the Treaties of 1815 would, 4 bequite natural from a member of Iv he ° ' • from na ,„ 4 hd eYst ' ance but is rather strange , one in tisPrn, er tl is a contradiction of those Treaties, - the tog from the revolution which is denounced ohs anoniteur. From him more than from any 1' ,, 6r11 1 13 8 :he Swiss had a right to expect, not f,•"ta that he should side with them, but at all 'eta 'LlOre at eru indulgence, less haughtiness, than th e t i hia e s o st a t • The public appear as much surprised emigrants of Holy Alliance metamorphosis as their hi i r , s'elgrants were on discovering on rl t ,cl — a rk re of the West India islands that the thtate relations who had gone out only two i n Y t e o s T . before were changed by the sun and e r a Lie t Biggers." mioe e hi s _ ror may be certain that however auto. Al l anguage or style, no member of the as e rs n entr " a : l e?, however he may cotale his 'e oft h ' n his keeping, will ever look upon him 1 ) ha -e brotherhood. t v e tb i? • st heard that a letter has been received • e 411), ha - hea t veror from General Dufour, mentioning th e that has been produced in Switzerland 'eta ilote • ebi i thi s r , In the Moniteur. The inference drawn . eclzeßeelscia_iiiiodrunication is, that the Swiss will be this double pressure, to grant the lay&'tatie uhs demanded of them. tiPrederick William of Prussia left . Paris 6 Sightt ut 20 • rasb minutes to 11 by a special train on IvO t hpa e . l-tr g Bei His Royal , way. Highness wa ral re th e t6cl by Prince Napoleon to the terminu th e gi ßlt a /er efects of the Seine and of police, seve ef 144 i-ides, and some of the directors of N i the p e P anY were nesembled. After taking leave 'Ph *ay o mens assembled, the Prince entered the ,4t e e „eflia„ - „, rri ags and the train took its departure • sa l , - 4- eine - ,: e of the Imperial household attached to Fr Person accompanying him to Stras ait"S t o 13 " 311 1 that city his Royal Highness prom erg Wh e a t cle h to visit the Princess Louise , his I.a fe• h as lately been married to the Grand ay Ile th t',,,'tieß-l'ehants and manufacturers of Paris are c h ' sti ce eilvilth increased anxiety that the Bank of 11t estati:e reitiou its rate of interest and receive 11 '4 1 ' 4 1 tjj;: at 90 days for discount. T ley r ea ti when this relaxation takes place trade qt a nle its accustomed activity. Many m er- I en 4r e co mpelled to restrict their operations,. l w in n e nee of their having a large capita th t. in bills of from sixty to ninety days, %.? k'h°lee the find it difficult to neeociate. The No t ale tr I(tti at, ode of Paris was excessively dull last 811. tip ,the retail trade not much more tt4le a fo -v erf the shops which are laid out with tkina "never new vest's gifts h ave f oun d b u t few la tra tl te The s h op k eepers still expect that this ; It ls leoct week may indemnify them for the said that many wealthy families have remained in the country purposely to avoid the extraordinary expenses of the Christmas season in Paris ; and strangers remark that the cafes are not as well attended as formerly. The dullness of the home trade, however, has been in some degree relieved by orders from England, Germany, and South America. The accounts from the manufacturing depart ments are more favourable. The manufacturers of Lyons have sufficient orders on hand, but they find a difficulty in executing them in consequence of a scarcity of the raw material. Raw silk, however, is beginning to fall, in cons; quence of the large sup plies arriving at Marseilles from the Levant. The manufacturers at Rouen and Mulhouse have like wise received many orders lately. All the accounts received of the growing crop of wheat are excellent, and as yet appearances in every direction are in favour of an abundant harvest. The price of corn is gradually declining in the provincial markets. Still the farmers with difficulty abandon the expec tation they entertained of obtaining an exorbitant price for their crops. But the abundance of wheat and flour renders buyers indifferent, and sales are with difficulty effected. All speculation has ceased on the Paris corn market, and the purchasers of flour at high rates are forced to hold it over, let by offerin g it for sale they might produce a panic The bak Ts find no difficulty in supplying themselves with flour at from 77f to 78f the 159 kilogrammes. The stock of flour in the Paris stores has increased, and is now estimated at 10,000 metrical quintals, and it is known that the millers are well supplied. There was a large quantity both ofhome grown and, foreign wheat offered for sale at the last Paris market. The best quality fell 50 centimes the 150 litres, good quality a franc, and inferior quality could find no buyers. The markets in the departments have fallen one franc and two francs tho hectolitre fur wheat. The average price is from 24f. to 25f. the hectolitre. New wines con tinue to arrive at the market of Bercy. Prices are firm, but they have not risen. Fabulous prices are said to be given for old wines of the first quality. Wines of the last vintage are to be had in the southern departments at from 45f. to 70f. the hectolitre. Pure spirits of wine from the south finds buyers at from 215 f. to 225 f. the hectolitre. Spirit distilled from beetroot is quoted at 140 f The German spirit is refused on account of its bad quality, and the stores at Bercy are encumbered with it. Brandies maintain their price in Paris notwithstanding their decline in the south. The Three per Cents closed to day at 66f `bye for the end of the month, and the Four and a Half at 92f 10c. Orleans Railway shares, 1,3051; Great Northern, 930 f; Strasburg, 805 f; New Shares, 7421 50c ; Paris and Lyons, 1,360 f; Lyons to the Medi terranean, 1,715 f ; Western of France, 845 f ; Bor deaux and Cette, 737 f 50c; New Shares, 757 f 50c; Great Central of France, 602 f 50c; Lyons and Geneva, 720 f; Bank of Credit Mobilier, 1,387 f 50c ; Austrian Railways, 772 f 50c. MARSEILLES, DEC 2L The Thabor has arrived, bringing the Constanti nople mails of the 11th inst A son of Redschil Pasha is among the passengers. He brings the instructions for the Turkish Plenipotentiary to the Paris Conference. The corn market has been firm this week, in consequence of the continued demand from Spain. The following sales have been made for immediate delivery :-12,000 hectolitres of wheat from Tagan rog, at from 32196 e to 33143; the hectolitre ; 9,000 hectolitres Danube, 26f 253 to 27f 34e; 4,000 : hectolitres Roumelia, 25f 95c; 9,000 Alexandria , 201 31c to 241 25c ; 9 000 aiimerican, 31f 56c to 32f 18c. TURKEY. CONSTANTINOPLE, DEc 12. Yesterday Salih Bey, son of the Grand Vizier, and member of the Council of State, embarked on board the French mail steamer Danube for France. He is the bearer of the instructions sent by the Turkish Government to its Ambassador in France respecting the new Conferences which are to take place in Paris. As the two Western Powers have agreed to refer the disputed questions to the decisien of a new Conference, Turkey, although most immediately concerned in the matter, will not have more weight in the decision than any other member of the Confe rence. All she can do is to place her own rights in the clearest light and point nut the dangers which might arise from sacrificing them to any other objeet. This position is far from satisfactory, but it has become an inevitable consequence of the mistakes of the former A Iministration, which, instead of taking the initiative in the beginning of the dispute, and adopting a decided line of conduct, which would probably have rallied roun I it most of the contracting Powers, followed a time serving policy, which contributed not a little to complicate the affair, and which ended in depriving Turkey of the influence which she ought to have exercised in the decision of those questions. As things stand now, unless some previous understanding favourable to the claims of Turkey has taken place between England and France, as one cannot help hoping, it is at least doubtful whether the majority of the Congress will he for the Turkish view of the case. If all the great Powers persist in their original decision the two secondary Powers— Prussia and Sardinia—who have not yet pronounced themselves definitively, seem to hold the balance. But as there can be very little doubt what part Prussia will take the votes will be even—England, Turkey, and Austria on one side, and France, Russia, and Prussia on the other, and Sardinia alone will have the casting vote. However honourable such a position as arbiter may seem at first sight, it is at the same time a very embarrassing one, for it forces Sardinia to side with one of the Wes tarn Powers against the other. Were it not for the accidental coincidence of opinion between England and Austria, there can be little doubt that the merits of the question, if nothing else, would acquire for Turkey the vote of a power which seemed to be so well aware of the tendencies of Russia as to go to war with the latter without any personal cause of grievance ; but one could not be surprised if Sardinia, who claims the lead in Italy, should feel relucrant to go hand in hand in any question with Austria, whose very name is detested all over the peninsula. Yet Sardinia ought not to forget how dangerous it is at the beginning of her new career to sacrifice the justice of a cause to feelings of sympathy or antipathy ; and that this momentary coincidence of opinion between her best friend and her worst enemy is more likely to cease after a victory than after a defeat, Now, as the Turkish Government has been re lieved from the cares of the Bolgrad and Serpents Island question, which weighed so heavily on its onward progress, it will be at liberty to approach the second, not less intricate, question which it has inherited from its predecessors, namely, the settlement of the Danubian Principalities. It is now nearly two months since the first Conference on the firman for the convocation of the Divans ad hoc was held, and the members separated without appointing a day for a second meeting. The change in the ministry intervened since, and the reopening of the Paris Conference, and the matter remains in abeyance. As I understand it is not the intention of the Grand Vizor to adopt the firman of his predeces sors, especially that part of it which prohibits indirectly the question of the union being dis cussed by Divans ad hoc ; he seems to be of opinion that, as the treaty did not limit the expres sion of the wishes of the country, the Turkish Government cannot do it either. Moreover, the blind opposition which lies been carried on hitherto against every movement connected with the union was the very worst means to prevent the expression of opinion. It bad acquired more partisans for the union than its most ardent supporters could have got if they had been left alone. The treaty gives the Principalities the right of expressing their wishes, but it leaves to the Conference the right of deciding on their definitive osganisation, and in this decision the rights of Turkey can claim, at least, as much consideration as the wishes of the principalities. Had this idea been the leading one from the beginning, and had the Turkish Government as fairly acknowledged the right of the Principalities 6(1 A (1--r)rj IVA k_l A. 4 ~L V st.iW I, THE NORTHERN TIMES.---LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY. to express their opinion as it wishes its own rights of Suzerainto to be recognised and maintained, the question of union and the whole organisation of the provinces would have been settled without animosity. As it is, we must apprehend that the bad impression produced by the false policy of the late Government will not be easily effaced, and that there is not much chance of an understanding between the Turkish Government and the provinces on this subject. Nothing remains, therefore, but to try and convert the European Powers to the Turkish view with respect to the union. 1 hear from an excellent source that France and Austria, the two Powers which, as yon know, have taken most decidedly opposite views on the question of union, have come to an understanding. If this is true, as I have no doubt it is, considering the source from which I have received the information, then the great stumbling block is removed, and the sooner the matter is taken in hand the . better. As long as there was a division into two camps on the question of the union, everything else was made subservient to this consideration, and all kinds of impediments thrown in the way of a speedy solution, and yet nothing is more to the detriment of Western, and to the advantage of Russian, influence in the Principalities, than delays in their reorganization. The pending diplomatic questions, however crave and urgent, have not prevented the Grand Vizier from turning his attention to internal affairs. for he must be aware that the greatest diplomatic ability will not raise Turkey from the humiliating position to which she has sunk down. This can only be effected by internal improvements; if once the internal affairs are in order the foreign nffairs will take care of themselves. As natural, the Grand Vizier's attention, once turned to domestic matters, could not but be arrested by the state of the fin ►aces. To speak of the wretched state of Turkish finances when its Government for months past has been living on the small loans contracted at the Exchange of Constantinople, paying as much .25 per cent, would be, I think, superfluous The question is only where to begin, with the reforms. Redschid Pasha very wisely thought first of the means of putting some kid of order into the expenditure. As it is, at this moment each department is nearly independent in its own finan cial arrangements. There has been, indeed, nomi nally a kind of budget made out for each of them, but even this is by no means stiietly adhered to; and each department makes out its yearly wants according to its own imagination, which is only con trolled up to a certain point by the equally powerful imagination, and corresponding claims of the other departments. But when once the sum which the de partment has to receive is fixed alleontrol ceases,!and the Minister at the head of the department is at li berty to employ the money according to his own convenience, without having to fear impertinent enquiries. For the control, then, of expensive Ministerial fancies, Redschid Pasha proposes to introduce an audit board. The necessity of such a branch in the administration need scarcely be pointed out. Everything, however, depends on the choice of the persons, especially of the President, to whom the direction of this arduous department is to be given. The post will require more energy and moral courage than any other, for the possessor of it will have the whole official class almost without an exception against him. Besides this project of regulating the expendi ture, another, having for its object the increase of revenue, is likewise under consideration. The state possesses very large forests in all parts of Turkey, which are turned to no account. Everybody is allowed to cut down as much as he pleases, and wherever he pleases. The result is not only that the Government receives not a pare from all these extensive tracts of land, but that the forests are being rapidly destroyed. It is now contemplated to establish forest laws, and a special administration of the state forests according to European mode. I send you enclosed the official project for a rail way from Varna to Rustchuk, by way of Shumla, which I suppose may be considered in its present form as so much waste paper, for it is not very probable that anybody will embark in such an undertaking under the conditions laid down by the Turkish Government. I must leave all remarks on this line for another letter. I want only to draw attention on this occasion to the idea of the Turkish Government, of getting people to undertake a rail way at five per cent. guarantee, when in the actual state of the market they may get as much or more at home. The prjeot does not belong to the present Ad ministration; it was made out by the railway corn mission appointed by the late ministry. PROPOSAL OF THE TURKISH GOVERNMENT FOR THE CON STRUCTION OF A RAILWAY FROM RUSTCHUK TO VARNA. BY SHUMLA. The Imperial Government informs capitalists that it is proposed to construct a railroad, which, passing through an im,rortant place like Shumla, connecting thus Varna with the Danube, and ending at itustchuk, would likewise unite the Danubian Principalities with Varna. This route would diminish the distance between Constantinople and Vienna by 100 hours ; it would obviate the difficulties which navi gation encounters at the mouths of the Danube, and would consequently be of great advantage tor the future. The advantages and conditions granted to the company which would undertake this line are as follow :- 1. The railroad will bear the name of Imperial Ottoman Railroad, and will be subject to the regulations of the empire 2. When the surveys on the spot will be finished, the company will rec ive 5 per cent guarantee on the snm which will have been fixed for the expenses of constructing the line. 3. The company will have the right of cutting gratuia tously the wood required for the construction in the forests of the state, situate in the environs of Varna and Shumla. 4 All the uncaltivated land belonging to the State, an d necessary for the construction of this lice, will be likewise given gratuitou,ly to the company. For the private pro perty through which the line will have to run, a price will be fixed according to the regulations, which price will be repaid to the company. 5. The materials and machinery which the company will bring from abroad for the construction and the working of the railway will be exempted from Customs dues. 6. The Imperial Government has the intention of trans• forming into a maritime port the Lake of Varna, which offers all the advantages of a large and sure harbour. 7. The moment the company receives the grant it will have to deposit a slim equivalent to 2 per cent. on the capital, on which the Sublime Porte will have guaranteed an interest of 5 per cent. 3. If on the capital on which the Sublime Porte will have guaranteed an interest of 5 per cent. for the construction of the railway and the port, the profits, after the deduction of expenses, should surpass 5 per cent , the surplus will not belong to the company, but will be, in the first instanc., employed to repay the sum pail as guarantee by the Imperial Government, and after this shall have been done, the profits exceeding 5 per cent. will be divided equally between the Sublime Porte and the company. 9. The concession will be granted at most for ninety-nine years. The company will most diminish this term, as well as the interest to be guaranteed, and which will besides give the most favourable conditions in other respects to the Imperial Government, will have the preference. At the end of the term fixed in the concession the railroad, with all its dependencies, will become gratis the property of the Sublime Porte. As for the engines and other accessories the Imperial Government will buy them at a fair valuation,and the stipulations in this respect will he discussed and in serted in the firmans at the time of the concession. STATE OF NAPLES. NAPLES, Die. 18. Tne King is still at Naples, and will remain much longer than usual ; this is a wise step. Ho has been much pleased with the expression of popular sym pathy, such as it has been. On the day before yesterday his Majesty went to the cathedral church of St. Gennarro, to offer up his thanksgiving for his deliverance. Many of the balconies en route were closed, and' few people were present. That which has made a strong impression on me is, that at no time during the last week has a cry been raised in the street whin the King appeared, or any other indication of public sympathy offered than the simple raising of the hat. As to the fact that thousands had gone to the palace, little importance is to bo attached to it in a country where every one is noted and known. Again have arrests commenced, arid a new era of suspicion has opened with the attempt which has just failed, and so Neapolitan affairs go round in an everlasting circle—oppression, crime, and then oppression and crime again. Let all good men unite in the con detonation of crime, but let them make themselves r masters of the circumstances which lead to it, and condemn them too. You will have already received a notice of the alteration in the price of silver. I send you a report of the results to which it will give rise. No silver will be introduced into the country through its influence ; • and so fully persuaded are all com mercial men of this, that the decree is looked upon as only the beginning of a gradual return to the ancient state of things. Government has been extracting the golden egg for the last year or two ; it will have to pay for its folly. Silver per lb. of 100 oz.—D. 13.24 i. Intrinsic value of $l2 issued at 120 grains. —D. 1.13 1.16. Profit per cent. on the coinage -563.100 per cent. Value of 51. piece—D. 1.1(1 73-100. Par of exchange in London, 25f. to the ..e sterling -553 60-100. Par of exchange on Paris-22.15. In a formerletter I spoke of an offer which had , been made by the Argentina Republic to this Go , vernment to take off a number of political pri. soners. It was to be left to their own free will, not to be a forced jtransportatiou I now understand. The pr ipositions have since been reduced to the form of a treaty, the principal provisions of which are, that this Government is to pay t'ae expenses of their voyage to South America, that the Ar gentine Republic is to guarantee 250 piastres to every emigrant for the first year, with land and stock, and that, the treaty is to remain in force for three years. The Neapolitan Government wishes to substitute " transported " for the term " emi grant," and to keep open the .treaty for four years —modifications which M. Buschenthal refuses to comply with. These are, however, difficulties that will no doubt be overcome, as M. Buschen thal speaks of leaving Naples on Saturday. I have only to to add that the 250 piastres advanced to each emigrant are to be repaid in five years. Yesterday, about mid-day, the entire city was alarmed by a most awful concussion and report. It resembled the united noise of 50 cannon. The alarm created was universal, and people fled on foot and i❑ carriages in all directions,for it was believed to be the signal of another revolution. On in quiring into the cause, it was aseettained that it arose from the explosion of the powder magazine at the end of the new Mole, at the extremity of the Arsenal. It was said that 80 cantari (a cantaro is equal to 100 rotolo, the rotolo being 33 oz.) were deposited there. It appears that the Sinnita, a government vessel, brought up more powder yester day from Messina,which was to have been consigned there immediately. However, on the officer putting the key into the lock of the door of the magazine the explosion took Mace. A great part of the new brae ttions in that direction have been com• pletely destroyed ; two Government steamers have been damaged ; one or two Custom house vessels have disappeared ; people walking in the neigh bourhood were thrown down by the shock, or by the debris, which fell like a shower at a great dis tance. In this way some were killed or had their limbs broken. The loss of life it is difficult to estimate at present, some putting it down at from 15 to 20, ' The damage which has been done to the Government works is estitnated at 500,000 ducats, while an architect, well acquainted w,th the city, calculates the number of windows broken at 60,000. Every house has suffered; in many places, as in the Royal Palace, entire windows being blown in, and the ground was literally powdered with glass SPAIN. The following, according to a letter from Madrid, is a detailed account of the bidding for the loan of 300,000,000 of reals The adjudication took place at the ministry of finance. The proceedings commenced by the minister reading the of f icial documents, and stating the proposition of M. Mires, and the different tenders were opened. They were three in number. M. Mires offered to take the loan at 41 per cent.; the Spanish bankers, represented by M. Mcllinedo, at 41 IS ; and the Sociedad Espagnola y Mercantil (Credit Mobilier Rothschild) at 41 75. The biddings were then called for, and continued for Wi en hour. The following shows the order of the biddings : The Spanish bankers, 41 30 ; Sociedad Espagnola, 41 90 ; the Spanish bankers, 41 95; Sociedad Espa ,, nola, 41 97 ; the Spanish bankers, 42 10; M. Mires, 42' 15; Spanish bankers, 42 20 ; M. Mires, 42 25 ; Sociedad Espagnola, 42 30 ; Spanish bankers, 42 35 ; Sociedad Espagnola, 42 36 ; Spanish bankers, 42 40 ; M. Mires, 42 50 ; Sociedad Es pagnola, 42 51 ;M. Mires, 42 ; Sociedad Espagnola, 42 55; M. Mires, 42 66. The last offer of 42 56 not being exceeded, and the time Sxed for each bidding having expired, the Minister adjudged the loan to M. Mires, PORTUGAL. The Braganza brings Lisbon dates of the 15th inst.,when the following English and foreign vessels of war were anchored in the Tagus :—Her Majesty's steam ships Caesar, Capt. Robb ; Centurion, Capt. Fansbawe ; Colossus, Capt. Thomson ; Exmouth, Capt Eyres; and Sanspareil, Capt. Key. French steam ship Austerlitz, steamer Phoenix, and Dutch frigate Prins Alexander. 'When the Braganza left Lisbon neither the Peninsular mail packet, which left Southampton on the 6th, nor the Avon, which left w ith the Brazil ►sails on the 9th, had reached Lisbon ; no doubt in consequence of the contrary gales, which kept the French steamer Franc Cumptois out 10 days from Havre, and obliged the steamer Arno, which left Liverpool for Gibraltar and Genoa on the 3rd, to put into the Tagus for coals on the 13th. The Arno had not suffered damage, and left on the 15th for Gibraltar, but the Franc Comptois was making water, and was not expected to be able to go on for the Brazils in less than a week. NAVAL AND MILITARY INTELLIGENCE. WOO MICH, DEC. 22 Four of the gunboats now at Woolwich dockyard are ordered to be forwarded to Portsmouth. A detachment of Royal Artillery is under orders to leave this garrison for Ireland. A large number of men belonging to the late Turkish contingent service, whose claims have been examined and certified, were last week paid off at the Tower. Several officers of the Royal Engineers have recently returned from a tour of inspection to various eminent engineering establishments in this country, the object of which was to gain information with regard to any inventions or improvements. A school for the education of the numerous boys employed at the Royal Arsenal has been opened in that establishment, and is under the supervision of the heads of the departments. At the police court this day a gunner, named William Wise, was committed for three months.for stealing property from the kit of a comrade, named George Lovell. The iron steam vessel Hosper, Master-Comman der Hodges, which left Woolwich with provisions and stores for Madeira and Lisbon, returned this day, and is now in harbour. The Buffalo, steam vessel, left the harbour• this day for Keyham yard, with sand and seventeen boats—the latter having been manufactured for the use of that establishment. CHATHAM, DEC 22. This morning some surprise was created among the troops at Chatham barracks, in consequence of an order [being issued for the immediate depar ture of the depots of the 12th Foot and the 45th Regiment to the camp at Colchester. At two o'clock this afternoon the whole of the troops be longing to those regiments were assembled on the general parade ground for the purpose of being in spected by Colonel H. Jervis, Commandant of the Provisional Battalion, previously to their depar. ture. The 12th depot were under the command of Major F. G. Hamley, and the 45th under that of Major J. B. Wheatstone, the strength of the former being 5 sergeants, 4 corporals, and 50 rank and file. The appearance of the non-corn. missioned officers and men on parade was extremely satisfactory to the inspecting field officer. Both depots will leave Chatham Barracks at an early hour to-morrow morning; the whole of the baggage and arms belonging to the depot com panies having been forwarded to Colchester this day. The depot of the St. Helena Regiment is attached to the 12th Foot. The first battalion of the 12th Regiment is in Australia, and the reserve battalion at the Cape of Good Hope ; the head• quarters of the 45th is also stationed at the Cape of Good Hope. An order has been given for the battalion of Royal Marine Light Infantry, at this garrison, to be marched out into the open country in the morning instead of the afternoon, as heretofore. This new arrangement will commence to-morrow morning. The 18th Royal Irish Regiment has given 110 volunteers to the following depots attached to the Provisional Battalion, the service companies of which are below their prescribed establishment, viz. :-70th Regiment, 70 men ; 52;1 Light Infantry, 28 men ; 35th Royal Sussex, 16 men ; 81st Regi ment, 5 men ; 32d Regiment,, 1 man ; and 45th Regiment, 1 man. The whole of the above volun teers have been ordered to join their.denots, at this garrison, immediately. A detachment of the Royal Marine Light Infantry consisting of 1 sergeant, 1 corporal, 1 drummer, and 14 privates, left this morning, and proceeded to Sheerness, where they embarked on board H M. ship Melampus. 42, Capt. J. Borlase (1835). The ropery establishment in the dockyard is in full work, an order having been forwarded, for the manufacture of several hundred tons of rope for the supply of the navy. MALTA, DECEMBER 10. Her Majesty's screw steam line of Duke of Wallington, bearing the flag of Rear Ad miral Sir R. S Dundas, left for Lisbon on the 3rd, and at the same time her M a j es ty' s steam f r i gate, Dauntless, for Constantinople, for which destina tion her Majesty's screw steam sloop, Ariel, pre ceded her on the 2nd. Her Majesty's screw steam sloop, Osprey, left on the 4th for Naples, whence she returned on the 9th. Her Majesty's steam corvette, Stromboli, having on board 48 invalids from the fleet, with the Weser steam gunboat in tow, arrived on the sth from Bujukdere. Her Majesty's steam sloop, Shearwater, returded on the 7th from Cerigo, where she landed materials for the erection of the new lighthouse. Her Majesty's screw steam transport Urgent arrived from Gibraltar and England on the Bth. The schooner yacht Fancy, having on bo trd the Marquis of Dregheda, left for Syracuse on the Bth. The Thabor, French postal steamer, only arrived from Constantinople, Smyrna, and Syra, on the 30th of November, four days after she was due, having been compelled by stress of weather to put into Zante ; she brought Commissary General Smith and family. The Hellespont, French postal steamer, arrived from Marseilles, bringing the Bishop of Gibraltar and wife. The Vectis, Peninsular and Oriental Company's steampacket, arrived from Marseilles on the Ist of December, bringing from Malta Majors Pearson and \Vest ; Captains Harvey and Loftus ; and for Alexandria, for which port she took her departure on the same morning in company with the steam packet Colombo, Lieutenant Colonel Huyshe ; Captains 111`Viccar, Walker, Ranker and wife, Arthur and wife, Campbell, and Green, Sir A. Larpent, and Captain Read. The Caire, French postal steamer, arrived from Marseilles on the 7th, and left for Syra, Smyrna, and Constantinople on the B'll The Arcadia, screw steamer, arrived from Liver pool on the 6th, having in tow the French brig Ibis, Julien Bachilier master, out 110 days from Matacong, on the coast of Africa. The British Queen, screw steamer, arrived from Alexandria on the Bth, and left on the same day for Gibraltar and Liverpool. The barque Sir Alexander, of South S'Aields, arrived from Cardiff on the 7th, bringing in Capt. Howell and the crew (nine in number) of the brig Mary, of Exeter,whicl4 foundered at sea in latitude 27.28 N. and latitude 4.55 E , on the 2nd, likewise from Cardiff and bound also to Alexandria. The ordnance field fronting the residence of Colonel Walpole, commanding the Royal Engi neers at Woolwich, and known as Millhill-field, has been conceded to the engineer department. Chia field, consisting of 14 acres of ground, will increase considerably the facilities required for carrying out the instructions which have recently been commenced in the arts of sapping and mining. The steam troopship Dee arrived at Woolwich on Sunday evening, and was yesterday morning admitted into the basin, to be reladen with machinery for the western yards. The screw storeship Hesper, Master Commander Hodges, arrived at Woolwich yesterday morning, having conveyed a cargo of medical comforts to the island of Madeira. The screw steam vessel Buffalo, in temporary command of Second Master Jones, sailed yesterday from Woolwich with dockyard stores for the western yards. The following appointments have been made at the Admiralty :—James 0. Jones, Master, to the Megmra ; D'Arcy A. Denny, Mate, to the Antelope; Henry L . Templar, Mate, to the Scourge (for disposal) ; Frederick 11. Rose, Asssistant Surgeon, confirmed, to the Fisgard ; W. Taylor, Master's Assistant, to the Pembroke. ALLSOP'S NEMCRYSTAL PALACE. Mr. .11lsop promises to become as great a favourite with us as Madame Tussand is in Lon , lon. The recent changes and additions made at the hall in Lime street, have produced their effect—an immense concourse of visitors Last evening we paid a visit to the exhibition, and we may remark, that the number of visitors was not only large, but respectable, and there could b. no mistake about what the company thought about it--for they spoke aloud in admiration of the whole affair, and the wonder would be, if the assemblage felt otherwise In reference to the exhibition itself, we may say that its extent and variety cannot be surpassed, and as for the likenesses, we have only to say, that the figures of those whom we can recognise, are faithful to the life. The groups are beautifully arranged and dressed also, and whilst one passes through the gorgeous hall, we think we are not amongst exquisitely modelled wax figures, but groups of living beings, and it is hard to come to a contrary conclusion. To enumerate all the well known public characters, that will be recognised at a glance, would occupy more space than we have at disposal, but a visit will amply repay, and we promise our reaeers a treat of no small gratification. The gallery of art (sculpture) that has been added is worthy of the atten tion not only of the scientific, but will gratify all who behold it. We intend to give a more extended notice of this beautiful exhibition in a day or two. QUEEN'S HULL, BOLD STREET. HOFFMAN'S ENTERTAINMENT. The anxiously expected Monodrama, was produced sn Monday night; and although fame had spoken much of it, we were rather sceptical on the point, and, as in all cases, we wore unwilling to to risk any opinion until we had a better notion of its merits than good report. In this instance, report was a true herald : for we never saw an entertainment that so completely realised the fullest hopes. nor one that met with a more overwhelming reception of applause, from a truly brilliant and crowded house. The acting of that gifted person, Mr. Thurten, was, to say the least of it, admirable ; and drew forth repeated bursts of enthusiasm from the audience. We have already given a history of the plot of the piece, so that it will be fresh in our readers recollection. The chief characters are Mr. Jolly, who may be called an old curiosity-shop, on his own hook ; his housekeeper, Jenny Morgan. a Welsh lass, " fat, fair, and forty ;" and one Denis O'Driscoll, a lump of a good natured, honest, intel'igent Irish servant, ; native of the " beautiful City of Cork." Thero are several minor characters, and when we state that the management and censummate skill shown by Mr. Thurton, in one and all of these difficult characters, is superior to anything of the sort we have ever seen, we only repeat the expression of public approval which has been bestowed upon him. His delinea tions of Jolly, and Denis O'Driscoll, are fine originals,— touched by a master hand. His won d er f u ll y versatile powers of ventrilegnisrn, the rapid ch anges o f dress, his admirable faces—all combine to render him one of the most astonishing persons in his line, certainly in Europe. Th e mechanical department of the ent er tainmen:, was m anaged with a degree of artistic skill, that proved to what perfection such may he brought. We said bef ore, and we now repeat it, that there was nothing so classically beautiful ever intro. duced into Liverpool ; tor, there is a combination of every talent that can amuse and instruct. The value in which the entertainment is alrear'3, bald, may be known by the tact, that on Monday evening, we observed several clergymen, both of the E , tablished and Roman Catholic Churches pre sent, and who were truly delighted at the performance. It is needless to add, that such gentlemen patronise nothing, save classical and innocent amusements. Last night again, the house was crowded, and no doubt, during the holidays, Mr. Hoffmann will fully exoerience the expression of public opinion in his favour, by the descried patronage which will necessarily flow into the Queen's Hall, ROMANCE IN REAL LIFF. The St. Louis Thread states that Henry Schall was required to euter inio bonds in the sum of 600 dols., to keep the peace towards Frederick Buppler and wife, before Justice Herkenrath, C C. Kribben and Joseph Jecko for the plaintiff, and W. J. Roaayn, Esq., for the defendant. From the facts elicited in the case we arrive at the following result : Frederick Buppler and his wife reside on Men9nl street, near Marion, and own the property on which they reside. They have a daughter--a beautiful girl, wi:h ruby lips, rosy cheeks and jet black eyes, about the age of nine teen years. The old folks, with an eye to their daughter's pecuniary advancement, ssithout re bard to her haepines:, agreed with John Henry Barth that their daughter shonl , l marry him. Barth keeps a cabinetmaker's shop near the Soulard Market. and owns considerable property. He is a rough ugly customer, about thirty five years of age, with rough shaggy red whiskers, and a few g.-ay hairs. Mjss Catherine, than is the daughter's name, did not love John Henry Barth, and therefore refusedto enter into a matrimonial alliance with him. The parents coaxed and persuaded her, all to no purpose. The old man promised her 290 dollars as a marriage dower, and 204) dollars additional every six months during his life, in case she consented to marry John Henry Barth, but it was "no go." She would not consent. The old man finally gave Catharine 90 dollars to purchase her wedding clothing and instructed her to accompany John Henry Barth, the cabinet maker, to a store to purchase them. She said stie had no objections to accompany John Henry to purchase the goods, but that she would not wear them as his bride. The clothing was made up, but still the fair Catharine- was inexorable, and would not con- sent to marry John Henry. 'the parents resolved, after consultation with John Henry. to disgrace her, and by that means succeed in forcing her to marry the man of their choice. In the meantime, John Henry Barth took Catharine to a ball, and there she met with a gallant young sand hauler, named Henry Schell, aged 17 years, and upon relating her grievances to him, he sympathised with her to such an extent, that soon they fell desperately in love with each other. Shortly after this, the parents resolved to consummate their purpose, and locked John Henry Birth up in the bed room of Catharine, along with her. John Henry pleaded his love, imploring the fair Catharine to consent to a union, but she was still obstinate, and would not consent. Finally, John Henry retired to bed, and Catharine walked the floor all night. In the morning her mother scolded her severely, and threatened to whip her unless she cons nted to marry John Henry, and at the same time assured her that, married or not married, she must pass each and every future night of her existence in the same room with the aforesaid John Henry Barth. This was a burden. The girl sent word to the other Henry, and he came to the rescue. The young man took the girl to a house in Second street, near the gas works, and instructed the people to keep the girl until be would be of age, as he intenied to marry her. The old lover and the parents soon discovered her whereabouts, and sought to force her to return home. Her young lover, Henry Schall, then took her out in the country, to his cousin, (Justice Lohman's) about six miles. and left her there. Schell all this time remained at his father's, on Ringer, between Fifth and Sixth . streets. All the above occurred about three months ago. Shortly afterwards young Schall went out to see Catharine, and brought her to the city in a buggy, not dreaming of any difficulty, and labouring under the impression that all would be right. He little knew that "the coarse of true love never did run smooth " They passed by Buppler's house. Catharine's mother saw the pair; called her husband, and then fainted. The old man started in pursuit, and ran the entire six miles out in the country, after his daughter and her young lover. He overtook them at the house of Lohman, and informed Catharine that her mother was dying. The daughter for got all harsh treatment of her mother, remembering only one thing, and that was, that her dear mother was soon to leave this world. Catherine wanted to see her mother ere she breathed her last. Young Schall, Catherine, and her fathtr got into the buggy and started back for the town ; and a friend of Schall, Charles Shallhoff, fearful that all was not right, shouldered his gun anti started for town, on foot, to protect Schell, in case of a diffi ulty. Catherine reached the home of her child hood, and rushed into her mother's bedroom, as she thought, to receive her mother's dying blessing. But she was slightly mistaken, labouring under a wrong impression, and s 'on discovered that she had been sold. As soon as Cat herine was fairly in the room, the old woman leaped out of bed and seized hold of her, telling her that she was now a prisoner, that she couldn't escape again —that she must marry John Henry Barth. Catharine cried for help, and cried for her gay lover, Schell, to come to the rescue. Shallhoff had now arrived wi h the gun. Schall seized it and rushed into the hoes? to rescue his lady I: , ve. He drove off her assail-nts with his gun, and kept them at bay, while Shallhoff took Catharine out to the buggy and made his escap e w i t h h er. The old man ha d Schell taken up on a peace warrant, and we here give the result above. But while the case was progressing, a friend of young Schall's slipped the fair Catharine off out of the justice's office, to keep her out of the hands of her cruel parents. THE CHRISTMAS AMUSEMENTSe-AMOnSt the most in tellectual find superior class of amusements provided for the holidays, may be classed the Grand Concerts of Mona. .111!lien, wl:ich takes place on the 26th and 27th (Friday and Saturday.) In addition to the usual attractions, Mona. .TuHien has ad :ed the services of the celebrated Herr Carl Formes; who will sing the beautiful " Christmas Song." We may also men'ion the Grand Concerts, at George's hall, given by Mr, Jußien Adams, with a host of talent that can not f, it to attract much public attention. These concerts will take place on the 30:h and 31st, and as there will be much difficulty in procuring tickets for the above concerts, it would be well it those who intend being present would at once sec,ire tickets at Messrs lime & Sous, Church-street, to prevent disappointment. CORONER'S Liunvarrs.—Yesterday the coroner held the following inquests : —On the body of George Downing Stanley, late second officer of the royal mail steamer Persia. The deceased was 26 years of age. It ap peared that on Saturday the deceased was caught between a capstan har and the davits, and was so much injured in the abdomen that he died from the effects of the injuries. Ver dict," Accidental death." —On the body of John Keenan, aged 24, who resided at 11 Court, Wright street. The deceased was carrying a hamper of geese across Lime street on Sunday morning, when he was knocked down and run over by a Hansom cab, and it was said the driver was going furiously. Mr. E. Morris, of the Royal Infirmary, stated that death was the result of rupture of the liver, and great extravasation of blood in the abdomen, and great external violence. It appeared that two cabs were driven down John's lane, one or both of which went over the unfortunate deceased ; and the jury returned a verdict of " Manslaughtet against some person or persons unknown." The freightship Gilbert Munro, Charles R. Mackay, master, sailed yesterday from Woolwich, laden with a cargo of conamissariat and ordnance stores for the West Indies. The New Orleans Picayune, December 3, says :—" The Consul General of Mexico, Com. Reybaud, has received highly importaut intelligence from Northern Mexico, to the effect that the insurrectienary movement in New Leon is at end, this result having been happily accomplished by a treaty entered into between Vidaurri and General Linda, by which the former acknowledges the authority of the Supreme Government, and yields allegiance to it on behalf of him eel' and his followers. Of course the administration o f Comonfert will be materially strengthened by this new and unexpected course of events. CONSPIRACY IN COT7IITY OP DONEGAL.—We regret to find that a regular conspiracy against the letting of mountains in the county of Donegal to Scotch or English farmers has appeared iu the northern parts of this county. Lord George Hill, Mr. Olpherts, Mrs. Russell, Mr.Woodhouse, and other proprietors, have been disposing of their mountains to per sons from England and Scotland for sheep grazing, and this has given great offence to the Glenswilly Decree men. It appears by sworn informations that on the 10th Dec. inst., about forty men, armed with pistols, sticks, and other wea pons, attacked the house of Mr. Wright, at Alton, where they found James Sill'co, his shepherd, and required him to quit the place in eight days. They told him they would not allow any Englishman or Scotchman to take mountains i n that country, and would put a stop to such work. and to warn his countrymen not to come there. They also robbed Sillico of his watch, and killed one of Mr. Wright's sheep dogs. We trust the magistrates and gentry will at once take step to put down a system so well calculated to drive away improving tenants, and to prevent the reclamation of those barren wastes, which are of so little value to any one in their present state. We would also hope that the consta bulary will take some trouble about this matter. They were very active some time ago in prosecuting, under the Crime and Outrage Act, respectable farmers' sons for taking out guns and shooting sparrows eating-their own crop, but we nave not beard mnel - of their exertions in the punishment of persons committing offences such as the act was especially aimed at, and intended to punish.—Dorry Sentinel.