The Northern Daily Times. — Liverpool, Merseyside, England, 1856-01-17 00:00:00

Commercial Sale. THIS DA at Twelve o'clock, at t Dale-street, ilia IVORY, 3ROWNE, HUNTER & CO., Brokers stant, at Twe Co.'s office, 2 o.clock,at Browne, Dale-street, es Blood and Green STONES Do. Do. DITTO, ases Blue STONES, d STONES IBOGE, s Yellow 11IUSTARDSE . 31YRABOLA1118, r o-M o 1 now landing ex T THIS DAY, t o Messrs Apply to VINEGAR Always on Sale, NORTH WILT ANNUAL S DAILY T PE CAKE 5 Bales Cott, en Oak CO.. Brokers ACRAE,B ock, at Brown CO., Brokers . TO EXPORTERS. PICKLES, SATJCES, JAMS, 81c., South John street, I expressly for Exportation. EVERY 84 CO EXPORT. SHIRE, TRUCKLE, and Other CHEESE always in Stock, and carefully packed A PP I : - / to CLIBBORN 51 THOMAS, 35, North John street, HAY, STRAW, BEACH S, MANGOLD WORZELL, OAK, RE, and LARCH POLES. YCAMO MR. SCOT e, near Belfast, is open for se above-named articles. Orders. to any extent, - ast,.l4th Jan., 1856, LUMP AND POWDF.RF.D ARSENIC, IRISH MOSS, VEGETABLE. NAPTHA, RECTIFIED' MINERAL NAPTHA 4REEN COPPERAS, SULPHATE OF AMMONIA.. JOHN MATTHEWS & CO., Argyle street. App•y to s TWO GUINEA.S EVENING EDITION, tir An Evening Edition o TIMES is now P 1 containing the NORTHERN DAILY zt Three o'clock, all the News of the ry Afternoon, Market. a, together wit. Day, up to the hour of going to Press Rorthern fiun THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1856 Oun policy throughout the Russo-Turkish war has been, if anything, ultra-conservative, according to the common acceptation of the phrase. We have given time, in all conscience, to men and measures to work out their effects. We saw the danger of a general conflagration such as Europe never before witnessed; and, while we ,looked to the chastise_ ment of Russia as a sufficient guarantee for the steady advancement of religious toleration, civil freedom, and all else that belongs to rational progress, we shrank—with little short of horror— t the humblest of parties to a universal irruption, which must have brought unheard of miseries in its wake. We looked upon Russia as a CoLossus, relying, whether right or )wer for the accomplishment always believed she would -handed, nr with such other from being am wrong, on her own po of her meet the A lawful aid as su other countr revolution ar Ise might be able to obtain from Duld not resort to au tna the furtherance of her find we are deceived ; still, course we have pursued. nent of the kingdom of e refused to join it, he P )les to 'take up pretext for a murderou onslaught by the Cossack on an unarmed people , before the Western Powers were convinced of the propriety of the course suggested, or before they were ready to give that assistance the Poles required to eff purpose. As time became changed. ear Russia's strength ran on the aspect of affairs Towards th and there were not more than 80,000 troops in all Poland. We was material , shausted therefore hailed the meetings which took place throughout the country in favor of Polish inde pendence as a movement not likely to do much harm; if it did no real good. With regard to the other continental states we have always contended that if the war assumed a popular, or what is generally called a " revolution "ary character," the days of despotic rule throughout Europe would be numbered from that moment; still we dreaded the thoughts of that terrible visitation, a general war. And we do so still. Yet when Russia raises the cry of revolution, and calls upon the people she goes forth to conquer and enslave, t rise and take up arms against their rulers, we cannot see how the infection can be kept from spreading, or why the Allies should longer feel any delicacy in calling upon the Poles to raise the standard of independence and drive the Muscovite from their soil. The Russian General, Prince BBBUTOFF has, in the name of his Imperial master, called on the people of the Ottoman dominions, and throughout the trans-Caucasian provinces to take & and his Allies. He designs. But we cannot r means f When the re-e + +l-10 Poland was agitate n 1851 fearing it would induce ^rd a arms, and a HE NORTHERN PER ANNUM up arms against tells them that three Powers, calling themselves Christian, have consulted with the enemy of Christianity ; that the 'soil desecrated by the tie of the enemy, mustbe purified—the ashes of their ancestors lying in their temples must be defended from sacrilege—their personal dignity maintained intact—their wives, children, and ur of the precious chewing their property defended, t traditions of their fathers, and " fidelity to God andtHis annointed—our monarch.' And then this most abominable and profane revolt' tionist continues Arm, every one of you! Arm the peasants and yoar yourselves to the victorious troops of shed their blood for you. Show the nemy:that you are the children of those noble Imeritians, Gouriens, and Mingrelians, who were never vanquished e times of old. It now depends on you that this war with the enemy becomes the cause of the entire and be waged throughout the length and breadth In every shrub, in every hollow, behind death, in order that the inde th may learn at last that he servants ; unite Russia, who ha people, of the cou every ston fatigable a dyers n Christian and consecrate is unworthy to ground ; let h will bury him whet the sound of church —in the spots which Salvation to you, serve on►y for the lair of s the Lord 5 princes an s sign of His cross, the vic gentlemen ; raise abov, and, marching under its protection, drive the enemy from your territory - This precious appeal General MOURAVIEFF endorses in a strain no less blasphemous. He tells the SULTAN'S subjects he is convinced they will respond to Prince BEBUTOFP' S ca ll ; an d that the glorious nobility will be classes of the inhabitants and Mingrelia,—by the bourgeois, as well as by the freemen and tha examp e other of Imeritia, Gou-r And he concludes his rebellious' production in these words " Your cause is ' glorious and agreeable to God, and the whole ' world is watching you. Arm, brothers, and ' crush, in the name of God, the perfidious wiles of your implacable enemy. ' The cross on your ' breast and sword in hand,' as said the Emperor Nicholas, of imperishable memory. ' God is ho shall make us afraid ?' ith us, IN Russia has a perfect right to call on her own people to take up arms en masse ; but when she NORTHERN TIMES.-LIVERPOOL, THURSDAY, JANUARY 17, 1856. MONETARY AND COMMERCIAL. -•- LIVERPOOL, WEDNESDAY EVENING There has been a better feeling in the Cotton market to-day, and rather more business has been done, the sales reaching 7000 bales, of which 1500 have been taken for speculation and export. The Liverpool Share Market opened with con siderable briskness upon the advance in Consols and the Peace rumours, and the improvement continued until late in the afternoon, when a slight reaction took place upon the im pression that the Bank would raise the rate to-morrow :—Aberdeen, 101 1L Chester and Birkenhead, 121-, 13&. Caledonian, 27 5-16 271 Chester and Holyhead, 1111;. Eastern Coun ties, 8 5-16 East Lancashire, 17 1 18. Great Northern. 22 224. Ditto A, 91, 91. Great Western, Lancashire and Yorkshire Stock, 77 77,1. iverpool, Crosby, and Southport, 14 141. Lon_ q . orth Western Stoek, 94 95. Manches don and fold and Lincoln, 2371 231 Ditto Prefer ence, 131 13k. Ditto New 6 per cent Pref., 7-16 ip Midland Stock, 64 64k. North British, 7 3-16 71 North Staffordshir( 17 3-16 17 5-1( ter, S South Eastern York, Newcastle, and Berwick, 161- 17. York and North Midland, 221 22k. Dutch Rhenish, x all 7,d. Ditto New Shares, s Ip. Western of Canada, 25 251. Ditto New 2 3r:p. Great Luxembourg, 101 lOd. rho following are the Traffic returns, by Pas senger and Goods trains of the Great Western Railway of Canada, for the week ending 28th December, 1855 :-10,3141 , being 361. Os. per mile, per week, on 283 miles. Corresponding week in 1854, 6,0831., being 251. 55., per mile, per week, on 241 miles. Aggregate gross receipt from commencement of current half year 229,8461. The like for corresponding period of preceding half year, 131,8001. All sterling money. An accumu lation of snow on the line has impeded the regular working of traffic for the week ending 28th Dec. last. Greftt The half yearly meeting of the London and Bank was held to-day. The report profits of the concern for the stated that the net last s .x months was 7 :94/. Bs. 5d., wliicl 1, added _ ated profits of the pre _ ceding half year, made a total of 86,2201. ss. 2d. From this amount the directors now recommended a dividend at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum, and also a bonus of 5 per cent upon the paid-up capital. After a short discussion the report was adopted. The English stock market to-day exhibited great buoyancy. The four o'clock quotations were about one per cent.eabove those current at the same hour yesterday. After the official close this afternoon, a further rise of one quarter per cent. was quoted, and prices stood at 87 7.16, 87 9-16. In explanation of this sudden upward movement, no tangible fact has transpired. The telegraph failed to bring the usual quotations from to-day's Paris Bourse. The wind having just changed to the westward, the arrival of the " Champion of the Seas," and other vessels from Australia, is looked for. The amount of specie brought in by the La Platal from the West Indies, is about 171,8001, of which 269,537 dollars is described as sil ver and 589,000 dollars gold. The rise in Consols, and the influence by which that rise was occasioned, have. exercised an important effect upon the Railway Share market. The firmness of this market is greatly strengthened by the appearance of the last half-yearly dividend period. The closing quotations were thus quoted :—Cale donian, 54 541. Eastern Counties, 8 5.16 8 7-16. East Lancashire, 701 71i. Great Northern, 89 89g. Ditto A, 749 751. Great Western, 53 539. Lan cashire and Yorkshire, 761- 77. London and North Western, 941 95. Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincolnshire, 231 231. Midland Stock, 633,- 64. North British, 289 29*. South Eastern and Dover 571 571. York, Newcastle, and Berwick, 66! 67k. York and North Midland, 44; 45. the unapp SOUTHERN AND TOXTETH HOSPITAL.—WEEXLY REPORT, JAN. 16TH, 1856.—1 n patients :—Discharged : cured, 11 ; relieved, 1; at own request, 1 ; irregular, 1. Dead, 0 ; entered, 26 ; under treatment, 74. Out patients : cured, 25 ; entered, 30 ; under treatment, 35. Treasurer, James Houghton, Esq. Visitors, Mr. J. Ingram, and Mr. T. Rogers. Honorary chaplain, Rev. D. T. Barry, B.A. Physicians and surgeons for the wee;;, Dr. Cameron, and Mr. Minshull. House surgeons, Mr. Charles Royston and Mr. E. C. Garland. CORONER'S INQUESTS.—On Tuesday morning, the atten tion of constable 518 was called by some boys to the body of a child, wrapped in a piece of old cloth, in the brickfields off Mersey-street. It was a full-grown female child, and from the evidence of Mr. Kemp, surgeon, it appeared that the infant died of exposure to cold ; and the jury returned a verdict of wilful murder against some person or persons at present unknown.—On the body of a child named Han nah liollingbergh, aged five years. It appeared that the child lived with its parents in Limekiln-lane, and on Tues day evening a large gate, at the entrance of a yard near to the house, fell on, and killed, the child. It seemed the gate had been badly secured, and that when the child touched it, it fell on her. The jury, in returning a verdict, presented that " there is great blame attributable to the owner of the property, for allowing the gate to remain in so dangerous a state as it appears to have been in during the last fort night." WALLASEY LADIES' CHARITY BALL.-011 Tuesday evening, the ball annually given in aid of the funds of this most excellent charity took place, under most successful auspices, at the new Assembly-rooms, New Brighton. The attendance of the votaries of the " mazy dance," was very numerous, and comprised not only the belles of the immediate neighbourhood, but a gav sprinkling of the fashionables of Liverpool. The Lady Patroness of the evening was Mrs. W. Chambres, and among the company present were—Mr. Ewart, M.P.; Mr: Commissioner and Mrs. Perry, Mr. and the Misses Barton, Mr. and Mrs. Banning, Mr. and Mrs. Hughes, and Misses Maddock, Mr. and Misses Murray, and Miss Bevan, Major and Mrs. Semple, Mr. Daunt and party, Mr. and Mrs. Kerford and party, the Misses Pritt and Miss Barber, Mr. and Mrs. Byerley, Mr. and the Misses Boultbee, Mr. and Miss Rogerson, Mr. and Mrs. Harrison, Mr. and the Misses Rimmer, Mr. and the Misses Laird, Mr. and Miss Whitehead, Mr. and Mrs. Verelst, Mr. and Miss Crump and Mrs. Dutton, Mr: Jacob and party, Mr. and Mrs. North, the Misses North and Miss Haworth, Mr. and the Misses Cazenove, Mr. and Mrs. Littledale, Mr., Mrs. and the Misses Hassell, Mr. and Mrs. T. G. Bateson, Miss Francis and the Misses Mozley, Mr. and the Misses Addison, Mr. and the Misses Wright, Mr. and 11 rs. Coulborn and party, Mrs. and the Misses Bouch, Mr. and Miss Tobin, Mr. Charles and Mi sses M o zley, Mr. and Mrs. Statter anl party, Dr. Paw, Mr. Fox (34th Regt.), Mr. Barber (97th Regt.), Mr. Boyd (33rd Regt.), Mr. Bishopp (18 , h Regt.), Dr. Gibb (medical staff), Mr. Oulton, Mr. C!arke, Mr. Raisoii, Mr. Hall, Mr. Hirtzall, Mr. Bold, Mr. Claxton, Mr. Maude an d M r . Briggs, Mr. Ryrie, &c., &c. The ball-room was decorated and illuminated with gnat taste and brilliancy ; the music ii department was well supplied by Gribbins' excellent band, _ _ and the refreshments (supplied by Mr. S. Garrett, of the Victoria Motel,) were at once liberal and recherche. With all these appliances t is scarcely necessary to add that the evening passed off with immense spirit until an early hour, nest morning, when the company separated in a perfect furore of delight in the pleasures they had enjoyed. M. Tamberlik, says a Paris letter, is engaged for Rio at £l,OOO a month. Steiger, a favorite tenor at Vienna has accepted an engagement at New York. LONDON CONFIRMATIONS.-11 is expected that, on account of the Bishop of London's indisposition, the Bishop of Oxford will take his lordship's annual course of confir mations. PRINCELY BEQUESTS.—The late John Ferguson, Esq., of Cairnbrock, who died at Irvine on the Bth of January, was born in that burgh on the 28th of March, 1787. At his death he had amassed a fortune estimated at about a million and a quarter, vested in British, Continental, and American securities, with small landed estates in Ayr shire and Wigtonshire. Besides recently distributing among certain of his relations sums and properties vary ing from 10001 to 30,0001, and contributing largely to charitable and educational institutions, he has left lega cies amounting to 681,0001 to and amongst his known relations by the father's and mother's side—the degree of relationship varying from cousins-german to cousins in the third degree once removed; the legacies being from 5001 to 50,0001, and the legatees upwards of 100 in number. There are also bequests to the amount of 20,0001 among twenty-four personal friends. DISSOLUTIONS OF PARTNERSHIP.—T. Heap and J. Noble, Halifax. Yorkshire, silk dressers. R. Garfitt and J. Barber, Halifax, Yorkshire, screw bolt manufacturers. J. F. Martin and W. W. Taylor, Bradford, Yorkshire, stuff merchants. S. Simon, L. Simon, E. Jacoby, M. S. Meyer, and E. Preller, Bradford, Yorkshire, merchants. J. Nor- minton and J. T. Shaw, Eadfield and Glossop, Derbyshire, coal dealers. W. Dunkerley, T. Friend, and J. Jacques, 'Mossley, Yorkshire, mechanics. E. Whipp and It. Procter, Over Darwen, Lancashire, curriers. 11. Nixon, W. K. Deane, and T. Garratt, Manchester, commission agents: H. Stead, J. M'Kay, and J. Lumsden, Manchester, Kingston upon-rfull, and Liverpool, wharfingers, so far as regards H. Stead. R. Stott, J. Nield, jun., I. Booth, and W. Stott, Butterworth, Lancashire, colliery proprietors, so far as regards J. Nield, jun., and I. Booth. H. Sharp, C. Higgins, and J. Cattle, Liverpool, wholesale druggists, so far as regards H. Sharp. F. B. Whittaker , W. Whittaker, and R. Whitt a k er , R ey t on , Lancashire, cotton spinners, so far as regards F. B. Whittaker. LATEST INTELLIGENCE. SECOND EDITION. attempts to revolutionise the dominions of another State she lays down a precedent which all other Governments may follow with impunity. She sug ts, in fact, to the Western Powers, the policy they h regard to Poland, Finland, ight to pursue eople who are anxious to shake the Russian Generals to the bjects of the SULTAN, is an unmistakeable . n of weakness on the part of the invader. t, when such acts are committed by one Power t sanctions of peo are as he adoption of a similiar And since the prospects obscure and as distant as ever, we see why the Allies should not adopt a like expedient in every direction where Russia's power can be curtailed. The Russian Generals offer the Czar's protection to all who declare in his favour and take up arms in his cause ; and why should the Western Powers not follow their example ? The British public need not, how ever, feel any further delicacy in agitating the reestablishment of the independence of those countries whose sovereignty Russia has usurped. The " annointed Monarch" goes forth under the sk of de fiendish ending the wives, children and property of those whom he seeks to enslave. And if we were to leave the beaten track of diplo. and call the millions who know what Russia's protection really means around our standard, the dream of security her despots enjoy would speedily be dispelled, and the peace of the world restored by a display of moral force which the arms of the_ Czar even dare not face THE COURT WINDSOR, JAN. 15.—Colonel M'Murdo, lately com manding the Land Transport Corps in the Crimea, arrived yesterday afternoon, on a visit to her Majesty. The dinner party included the Duchess of Kent, the Princess Royal, the Count of Flanders, the Belgian Minister, M. Van de Weyer, Lady Fanny Howard, Baroness de Speth, Sir George Couper, Colonel M`Murdo, and Captain Burnelle. Prince Albert, with the Prince of Wales and Prince Alfred, attended by the gentlemen in waiting, skated on the ice in the Home Park this morning A Cabinet Council, which was fully attended by Minis ters, was held yesterday at the Foreign Office. THE UNIVERSITY OF CAmßEinoE.—The name of the Right Hon. Spencer Walpole is that most frequently mentioned in connection with the vacancy caused by Mr. Goulhurn's death. The Marquis of Granby and Lord John Manners are also spoken of. OMAR PAcuA.—A letter received by the Oesterreichische Zeitung from Ccnstantinople, contains some information of interest. At the demand of the Kassam, the official trustee of widows and orphans, Omar Pacha's house at Constantinople has been " sealed up." The measure was taken in favour of the Sirdar's children by his late wife, who at her death left a large property. The demand to put the official seal on the doors of Omar Pasha's house was made a month ago and ed ; but the Sirdar (Omar Pacha) is under a cloud, quently, justice is allowed to take its course. Omar Pacha has tendered his resignation to the Sultan, but it was refused. The Egyptian contingent has already embarked for Trebizond. ,nd, conse THE CtiItRENCY.—A rumour is afloat, that the govern ment have been much engaged of late, in the discussion of the propriety of an issue of one pound notes, with the object of the withdrawal of an equal amount of gold coin. This rumour has been current in ♦arious circles during the last fortnight! ißy the plan suggested, the metallic resource of the Bank of England might be increased, and after making due provision for the convertibility of the new one pound notes, a portion of the gold thus obtained might be rendered available for the war emergencies. Though this is bruited, no authoritative information of any description has been put forward to justify the report. TAE PEACE PROPOSALS —The Frankfort Journal says the Russian government has applied that the time fixod for an answer to the Austrian proposals shall be extended to the Ist February next. The Debats of yesterday gives a version of the Russian propositions which we are in clined to regard as incorrect. It states, among other things, that Russia consents to withdraw all her military establishments to a fixed distance from the Danube, and to restore to Turkey the fortress of Ismail. This differs from the version given by the Post, which may, we believe, be regarded as generally accurate. The Universal German Gazette announces that the Swedish Government, in view to the expedition which the Allies are, it is said, to attempt in the spring, in the Russian provinces of the Baltic and in Finland, is taking measures to have its troops disposable. At the end of the present month, a council of war will be held at Stockholm, in order to secure this result. TAE FINANCES or FRANCE. —The Moniteur of yesterday morning publishes the report of the Minister of Finance to the Emperor upon the financial condition of the coun try. The report concludes as follows :—" To resume, Sire, this simple sketch of the principal financial events of the past year, shows us a commercial activity without a parallel; unheard-of progress in consumption; two enor mous loans, paid up with the greatest regularity, and in a great measure before the payments were due ; besides the loans, more than 135,000,000 f., a sum which had never before been known to have been employed in the purchase of rentes, for the departments ; the direct contributions paid -by anticipation, and almost without expense ; a well balanced budget ; the float ing debt reduced ; and all this despite the war, despite the crisis in the high price of food, despite the very considerable outlay which accidental circumstances imposed upon us. What greater proof could be given of the vitality and richness of the country, and of all that France is capable of under a popular government, with such resources wisely employed ? Extravagance alone might be feared. Your Majesty will know how to obvi ate that danger by your high prudence, by firmly oppos ing the inconsiderate temptations of speculation, and by adjourning, in the interest of the enterprises already com menced, all those which do not bear the evident mark of urgency. --.........- LIABILITY OF INNKEEPERS—In the Court of Q ieen's Bench, on Tuesday, Mr. Hugh Hill moved to set aside the verdict, and for a new trial of the cause of Cashel v Wright, which was tried in the Court of Record, at Man chester, and in which a verdict was found for the plaintiff for £25. It was an action by a guest against an innkeeper for loss of goods in an inn, and the point raised was whether the defendant could exonerate himself, by showing neglect on the Dart of the guest. The plaintiff was a mercantile staying at the inn. He arrived rather late in ,ing, and having gone first into the commercial Aired to his bedroom, and took off his watch and and laid them on the dressing-table, and on came o leaving the door ajar. The boots, whose duty it was to let persons in during the night, let in a guest at one o'clock, and another at three on the night in question, and when the plaintiff got up in the morning he missed his property. He made the fact known to the landlord, and, on inquiry, it was found that the person who was let in at three o'clock was not in his room, and had never been to bed ; but he was afterwards taken into custody and convicted of the robbery. The neglect of the guest was in not locking the door, and leaving it so far open that any one passing by could see the watch and ring on the dressing-table ; and as the neglect conduced to the loss of the goods, the innkeeper ought to be relieved from all liability. The defendant contended that if the door had been closed the loss would not have taken place, gentlem Rule gran I to Show cut THE CRIMEA A despatch dated Berlin, Wednesday, mentions that the Invalide Busse publishes a telegraphic notification received from Prince Gortschakoff , stating that a party of French, wearing white cloaks, probably that they might not be so easily perceived in the snow, had advanced by night and surprised Baidar. They bayoneted the outpost, and retreated when the Russian reserves came up. The Russian loss was three killed and three wounded FRANCE. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) PARIS, TUESDAY EVENING. Of the complete and absolute failure of the re cent attempt to induce Russia to consent to peace on reasonable terms, there is no longer any doubt. The Constitutionnel publishes an article in large type, with the signature of the Secretaire de la redaction (indicating that it comes from a semi- official source), which says that Russia, instead of frankly accepting the Austrian propositions, pre scribed a string of counter-propositions, and that England and France, on receiving communication of them, declared that they were unacceptable. In consequence, Count Buol, the Austrian Minister of Foreign Affairs, declared to Prince Gortschakoff, the Russian Minister, that if, before the 18th of this month, his government should not accept the propositions without any modification, the Austrian legation will be recalled from St. Petersburg. The Journal des Debats, which receives information from high diplomatic quarters, also declares that Austria has gone even farther, inasmuch as she has already sent orders to her ambassador to return. Thus then is confirmed the ,intelligence which I have at different times been enabled to transmit to you. Despatches received from Vienna, to-day, say that Prince Gortschakoff is already making pre parations to leave Vienna ; and that it was thought in that capital that his stay could not be prolonged beyond the 18th. On the other hand, I am assured that the Russian party in Vienna, consisting of the principal aristocracy, the great dignitaries of the state, all the old generals, the Prussi an and other German embassies, and even nearly all the members of the Emperor's family, were making, at the last hour, most desperate efforts to present the Austrian Cabinet from coming to a rupture with Russia. But the cabinet showed no dispo sition to yield. It is asserted, in the ConstitutionneZ that when the anticipated rupture shall take place, Austria will call on the German Confederation to support her in making war. That, however, the confedera tion will comply is doubted ; it is not even certain that Austria is prepared to go to war at present. In my yesterday's letter I mentioned that it was reported that Russia had charged Baron de Seebach, the Saxon Minister, who had just arrived from St. Petersburg, to present propositions to the Western Powers. The report turns out to be un founded ; but I learn that it originated in the fact that in St. Petersburg such intense indignation is felt against Austria, that it was seriously proposed to return no reply whatever to her propositions, but to send one direct to the Western Powers. Count de Nesselrode, however, strenuously opposed the idea of showing any act of hostility to Austria so long as she shall not actually be at war with Russia, and he, with great difficulty, caused his views to prevail. I have already informed you that the general belief is, that the recent article in the Moniteur, about the Senate, is destined to prepare public opinion for the proposition by that body of certain measures which, in former days, would have been vehemently denounced as of a Socialist character. To-day, I hear that one of the measures will probably be the pet Socialist one, of progressive taxation—that is to make a man with a fortune of £2,000 or £3,000 pay 10 or 20 per cent., when a man with a fortune of £2OO or £3OO, shall only pay 2 or 3 per cent. _ _ _ _ The distribution of the Crimean 'medals to the French troops from the Crimea took place to-day pursuant to notice. The weather was unfortunately very unfavourable,—rain, or rather melted snow, having fallen with little intermission, and the ground being ankle-deep in mud. But a large crowd assembled to witness the ceremony. Before one o'clock the troops were drawn up in lines in the court yard of the Tuileries, and in the Place du Carousel. At one o'clock precisely the Emperor and H.R H. the Duke of Cam bridge got on horseback, and passed the troops in review. The men shouted " Vive Empereur !" " Vive la Reine d'Angleterre !" and " Vive le Due de Cambridge !" as his Majesty and the Prince passed before them, and the bands played " God save the Queen!" The distribution of medals by the Prince then took place. It was s long and tedious operation, and as each man received his, he pinned it to his breast. It must, however, be stated that it was confined to the generals and superior officers, and for each regiment to a captain, a lieutenant, a sergeant, a corporal, and a soldier; the rest of the regimental officers and the men having received theirs either on the previous evening or this morning. When the dis tribution was concluded the different regi ments filed off before the Emperor, and the Prince, and as they did so they repeated the same cu ies. The Empress, for the greater part of the evening, occupied a seat in the balcony of the Tuilleries ; her Majesty was attended by her ladies of honour, and accompanied by the English ambassadress. The troops which received the medal were these :—A company of engineers, the Chasseurs de Vincennes, two regiments of Voltigeurs; one of Zouaves, two of grenadiers, one of gendarmerie, and one of artillery—all of the guards ; also, the 20th, 39th, 50th, and 07th regiments7of the line. Generals Caurobert, Bosquet, and Niel, all of Crimean renown, were present and received the medal. It was to be feared that such a wholesale distri bution of military honours, being so contrary to what the French are accustomed to, would have excited general derision, and would have been regarded with contempt by the recipients of them themselves. But to my delight, and, I confess, to my surprise, this appears not to have been the So far as I could judge, both officers and men, from the general down to the little drummer, seemed well pleased to get the medal ; and though the sight of a whole regiment, every man of which was decorated, was a very extraordinary, and a scarcely credible thing in French eyes, I did not hear from the spectators anything like the sneering remarks, or the expressions of ridicule that were to have been expected. An occasional exclamation of " What ! have all got it? " followed by a shrug of the shoulders and an elevation of the eyebrows, on receiving the answer " All !" was the only thing that met my ear or vision, and I pur posely went about from place to place to hear what people said. Of all the regiments, I should say that the Zouaves were most pleased with the medal—at least they seemed to me to swagger more jauntily than they generally do, and seemed more full of rollicking fun. Amongst the recipients I specially noticed, was a general carrying the stump of his left arm in a sling, and a dashing little v ivandiere. It was really charming to see with what swelling vanity the smart damsel, in her half-masculine, half-feminine uniform, strutted along with her medal displayed on her breast. The medal has been described in the English papers. It is worn by a light blue ribbon. As the regiments were marching off, numerous soldiers fell out of the ranks to show them to the by-stand ers, and the latter examined them with extraordi nary interest. The Emperor and Empress are to attend a grande soiree at the English Embassy this evening, in honour of the distribution, CHESTER MECHANICS' INSTITUTE. SOIREE LAST NIGHT (FROM OUR OWN REPORTER.) A social, literary, and musical festival was held last night, in Chester, in aid of the funds of the Chester Mechanics' Institute. The soiree took place in the recently-opened Music-hall, Northgate-street, a fine and capacious hall, admirably adapted for the purposes for which it is especially The Music-hall is in a parallelogram form, sur rounded with light and ornamental galleries, and having a fine intended. roof of polished oak. The structure can scarcely yet be described as in a finished state, the walls being, as yet, almost bare ; yet, from the elegant proportions and roof of the hall, it has already a very handsome effect. It is well lighted, having a large chandelier in the centre of the roof, a smaller circle of lights at either end, and branch lights along the walls. We regret to say that last night the attendance was not at all so numerous, as the really very attractive nature of the pro- gramme, not to speak of the object for which the entertain- men', was projected, might have warranted its originators in Inticipatir The hall was but thinly filled, and many tables were nearly vacant, The entertainment, as has been already stated, was musical as well as literary in its character. On the platform, where the organ stands, the band of the Ist Cheshire Royal Militia were stationed, and, under the leadership of Mr. Hull, enlivened the first hour with many spirited airs, among which were selections from " Lucrezia Borgia," " Sonnambula," " Lucia di Lammermoor," " Partant pour la Syrie," &c. At seven o'clock, tea, coffee, and confectionary of various kinds, were served around to the guests. Among the company at the head table were, the Earl of Grosvenor, M.P., Honourable W. 0. Stanley, R. C. Temple, Caldicott, Wardell, J. F. Braddock, William Brown, John Rogers, W. W. Brittain, W. Morris, Monsieur Kriens, &c A very considerable number of ladies was also present The greatest attention and aptitude was displayed by the gentlemen who acted as stewards on the occasion. The chair was taken shortly before eight o'clock by the Earl of Grosvenor, amidst loud applause. His Lordship said : Ladies and gentlemen, fellow-members of this mechanics' institute : We have just now rather reversed the usual order of things, and have had pleasure before business. It is now my duty to begin a little business, and the first thing I have to do is to read a letter from Mr. Hicklin, in these words. His lordship read a letter from Mr. Hicklin, expressing his regret that indisposition prevented him from being present that night, and then proceeded—l am sure, ladies and gentlemen, you will sgree with me in the fitness of the old saying, "that three is no rose without a thorn"—no pleasure without accompanying pain. In this case I fulfil the part of the thorn, but I can at least promise you that the thorn with which I shall take the liberty of pricking you will leave a pain of no very long duration, and therefore I hope you will be patient under the operation. (Hear and laughter ) Before I do my duty as Chairman of the n:ght, and call upon the gentlemen who will address you in the course of the evening, and who can speak with authority as well as eloquence upon the subjects which we have met to consider, I wish to say two or three words upon the subject of ourinstitute. (Hear, hear.) Our institute was founded, as you are aware, some 20 years ago, and it was founded upon the rules and principles generally adopted at the time, and rather earlier, by other institutions throughout the country. The object was the intellectual and moral improvement of the inhabitants of the town, who, having left schools generally at a very early age, had otherwise no means for obtaining mental improvement. This is stated in the heading of your own rules—" The object of the institution is to communicate useful knowledge, and thereby increase the respectability and happiness of individuals and promote the welfare of society. The means for attaining this desirable end are, the establishment of a library and reading. room, the delivery of lectures on popular and useful subjects, the opening classes for the study of English grammar, arith metic, mathematics, drawing, and such other branches of knowledge, as in time may appear requisite." These were the guiding principles and rules which, at the first foundation of these institutes, were adopted. Dr. Biikbeck iu the beginning of the century, who was one of the chief, if not the chief founder, adopted these as his rules and guiding principles, establishing them mainly on this educational principle. These institutes, throughout their career, have been beset with difficulties and dangers. The difficulties which they had to contend with at first, were thellow character of the elementary instruction in the day schools throughout the country. The danger into which they have fallen, has been rather a disregard of that educational principle which led them to give their chief attention to libraries and news-rooms,—which are excellent things in their way, and have done very great good, but in that way they deviated rather from the right track, and followed one rather more agreeable and seductive, but eventually detrimental to their own interests. Had they followed the right track, and kept the great principle of education by class instruction more steadily in view, results would have followed, which have not yet occurred. Had they ke?t that principle in their minds, and followed that right track, keeping to the original intentions of their founders, and to the existing rules of the institutions themselves—had they carried these out to their full and complete integrity—the results would have been different, and these institutes would be now in a better position than they are, and have been. Our institution with which wo are all connected, forms no exception to this rather general rule. It was fairly started in life, and its tender years gave pro mise of a vigorous majority. But at the age which in human life is most critical, it has rather declined—l hope soon, however, to recover from that partial depression. It has rather declined—and we are meeting now to celebrate its majority, for it has very nearly arrived at the age of 21 years. It has come to years of discretion, and I hope also it has sown all its wild oats. (Laughter.) But I am sorry to say it has come in for no very large inheritance. (Laughter.) Therefore, my duty this evening is to appeal to the rich of this city, and of this district, and of this county, to come forward and lend a helping hand. I know it has been objected to such appeals that these institutions ought to be self-supporting, and that as they are called, and rightly called, the peoples' institutes, they should be sup ported mainly, if not entirely, by those for whose interest they were intended. But my answer to that is that there is no institute throughout the coun try which is quite independent of such means of support, and that until they can be made self-support ing—and I believe they will be in course of time, and I shall be happy if I see the day when it arrives, for I do believe that education even in the very poorest districts, and the poorest localities, may be made, if properly managed, self-supporting —but until they can be made so, as at present they are not self-supporting, I think I may appeal to the rich to come forward and lend a helping hand, and I do not believe that appeal will be resisted. (Hear, hear, and cheers.) Secondly, I appeal, and with confidence, to my brother freemen of this city, and the mechanics of Chester, for unless they come forward and help, the help and the assistance of the rich is of no avail whatever. (Hear, hear.) They should come forward—they for whom this institution was intended as a people's institution —they should come forward and put their shoulders to the wheel, and by a long pull, a strong pull, and a pull altogether, establish the institute on the basis which it should have, and place it in a position which might do credit to the old city in which we live. (Hear, hear.) I may say here that Chester has already earned a fair name for works of education. Great things have been already done here. I need only mention the training college, under the able auspices of Mr. Rigg ; and I may also mention s ;the schools of design, under Mr. Davidson, which have done great things for Chester in that branch of instruction, and are creating a great interest in that department, and which he is bringing to a state of yet higher efficiency. (Hear, hear.) I appeal, therefore, to the mechanics of Chester, and I do not believe the appeal will be resisted by them. (Hear, hear.) And, last, but not least, I may appeal to the ladies of Chester ; because I know that most of the good things which are done for this country, are done very much by the assistance, and with the co-operation of the ladies of England. I hope the d is not far distant— and nobody would be more glad of it than myself—when all classes in this country, and this city, may combine to the support of the greatest and most important objects of our time. I am afraid that it is not so at present, but I know much has been done with advantage already, and I look with hope for the time when you shall have firmly established your institu tions, and kept strictly to their rules, in all their integrity, and when you will have zealous paid teachers. Here, I may say, that I know the voluntary teachers' exertions have been of incalculable benefit, and that we must all feel indebted, in this institute, to those who have voluntarily come forward, and given their valuable assistance. (Hear, hear ) But I think the past experience of other institutes, generally, has proved, that without paid teachers, your system will not work well ; and I need hardly add, that without adequate funds, this very vital point cannot be carried out. Therefore, there should be in this institute, zealous teachers, and numerous and willing pupils, and not confined—certainly not—to one sex only, for, I am sure that the mothers of generations yet unborn and to come, expect to have equal facilities with the lords of creation in obtaining teachers f o or itnh their minde, a s turns. (Hear, they r h t e h a e r m . ) s e .w v e s e I k ) a n v o e w t become w o h at their teaching sometimes is, and what it ought to be. Therefore, I should like to see evening classes of instruction for the daughters of the citizens of this town. They have such classes in other towns of the north of England, partipularly Leeds, Rotherham, Sheffield, and Huddersfield. They have evening classes in those towns, and many others whose names I cannot mention now, and where, among other things, they have sewing classes, in which one of the number reads aloud to the rest, which I think is a practice worthy of your notice. With other classes of instruction, they have reading, writing, arithmetic, singing, and drawing, which I principally mention as being absolutely necessary for well cultivated and regulated institutions, But, " all work, and no play, makes Jack a dull boy. and, therefore, it is also equally necessary that there should be amusements of a rational character. Among the amuse ments in other institutes they have occasional exhibitions— such as exhibitions of models of machinery, and objects of natural history, which latter, by the bye, you ' , have in the Museum in the Water Tower. Such exhibitions are very desirable, and have been found to be popular with the• members of institutes in other places. There are some other subjects connected with this important subject, upon which I am not able to dwell now. I have not the time, and lam sure you have not the patience. There is work for the com mittee to do in visiting pupils, collecting arrears, and can vassing members. This is all necessary work to be done, en l there will also arise a question, whether it would be advisable or not for the committee to meet once a week, at least, if not oftener; and whether they should raise the amount of the subscription, which is generally considered too low, whether they should not raise it to 34d a week at least, with an entrance fee of 6d ; and whether it would be advisable or not that members should pay fort nightly, always in advance. One of the principal objects of our meeting here to-night, is to obtain funds for a new building.- I hope soon that such a building as will suit our institute, and adapted for it in every way, may be found. It will cost a considerable sum of money. It is a question whether it will be advisable or not to establish day schools in that building. By so doing, you will be entitled to receive a government grant—and I do not think, under the present circumstances, that would be a bad thing either.. (Hear.) It may be said that this is not the time for pressing: this question. But we see the case admits of very little choice. Wo must either sink or swim, and as we should tar prefer the latter alternative, I appeal to you with confidence for the result. It certainly is not a time for passing any great, comprehensive, measure of political reform, social reform, or educational reform. Therefore, there seems to be the more reason why we should do what others are not able to do for us. (Hear, hear.) 'There is one very painful topic which I cannot help alluding to, for it refers to a great friend of mine, and of many of you present. Since the last meeting of this institute, and within a very few days, we have lost a valued friend, and Chester has lost a valued minister. A great soldier has fallen. on the hattle-field of life. The friend we have lost—the late rector of St. Mary's—was ono of the great and good bf the world, whose deeds are alluded to in the Psalm of Life,. in. the noble lines— " Lives of great men all remind ue, We can m ke our live, s, blime; And (lepa ting leave behind ua, Footpr nts on the sand of iime ; Fontprin s that perhaps anther, Sailing o'er life's solemn main. A forlorn and shipwrecked brother. Seeing, may take heart again.' "—(Cheers.) I cannot refrain, also, from quoting the succeeding verse— " Let UR then be up and doinv, With a heat for any fate; Still achieving, still Dursuing, Learn to labour and to wair."—(Reneved cheers.) Well, ladies and gentlemen, I feel I have no right to occupy your time any longer. With these few and very incornpleter remarks, I shall leave the matter in your hands. The . grand object of these institutes is to develope the faculties of man, to refine his manners, elevate his intellect, produce , his moral and social improvement and his worldly pros. parity. All that, however, is subservient to a greater end,. and we should all prepare for a nobler institution, the one built without hands, eternal in the Heavens, (Cheers.) The Hon. W. 0. Stanley, M.P., addressed the meeting in an eloquent speech, which surveyed comprehensively the vast scientific and industrial advancement of the half cen tury. Mr. R. G. Temple, in a few powerful sentences, advocated the cause of popular education, concluding by proposing a vote of thanks to the noble chairman, to Mr. Stanley, and the other gentlemen who had come from a distance to take part in the proceedings. The vote was carried by enthusiastic acclamation. During the night several solos, duets, glees, &c., taste fully selected, and most skilfully sung, were given by Miss Shaw, Mrs. Brooke, Mr. and Mrs. David, Mr. R. Brown, Mr. 0 wen, and several amateurs. Mrs. David presided at the pianoforte. The whole concluded with the Nati .nal Anthem, finely played on the organ, and accompanied by chorus. We must not omit to add that, at an earlier part of the evening, the overture to " Tancredi " was finely played by Mr. Owen on the organ. WEST INDIA MAIL. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) SOUTHAMPTON, JAN. 16. The royal mail company's steam-ship La Plata, Capt..' C. G. Weller, arrived this morning at 5.30, with the usual West India mails, in charge of Lieut. J. G. Robins, R.N•' Admiralty 'Agent. Her dates of sailing are—Santa Martha, December 22nd ; Greytown, 18th ; Nassau, 14th ; Colon, 24th ; Demerara, 28th ; Trinidad, 25th ; Cat thy gena, 25th ; Jamaica, 26th ; Grenada, 26th ; Barbadoes , 27th ; Antigua, 29th ; St. Kitts, 28th ; Nevis, 29th ; Mon., surat, 27th; Porto Rico, 31st; and St. Thomas, January Ist, at six o'clock, p.m. During her homeward voyage, the La Plata experience d strong easterly gales, and fine weather. _ The La Plata brought thirty-six passengers, among whom were Dr. Jopp, 36th regiment, and Lieutenall o Annesley, Royal Navy. The freight of the Plata consisted of 230,714 doll. 11) silver and bars, 25,558 dols. in specie, 589,300 dols. in gol d dust and bars, 800 dols. platina, 13,265 dols. gold an d silver coin, 13,210 dols. in value of pearls and jewelled' The general cargo comprises 285 serons cochineal, 328 serons indigl, 278 serous bark, 5 packages plants, 10 case o succades, 527 bags cocoa, 2 boxes mace, 1 case tortoise° shell, 8 boxes nutmegs, 9 bales India rubber, 3 package, merchandise, 69 bales sarsaparilla, and 41 p ac k age s 0.1 sundries. Stations of the company's ships. The Teriot, Captail l Moir, at St, Thomas's, for Spanish main; D ee , C a ptain Woolcott, at St. Thomas for Jamaica ; Clyde c a pon Heenan, on the Gulf route; Conway. Captain Lewis, St. Thomas, for Windward Islands ; Eagle, Captain Hole, at Barbadoes ; Solent, Captain Jellicoe, on Spanish Main; Atrato, Captain Woolley, arrived at St. Thomas on te a 31st Dec., at 4 p m. ; Wye, Captain Leeds, at St. Thonin i 2; repairing. The Plata spoke the City of Mobile, NW 14th, bound easterly. By this mail we have dates and advices from Jamai e) to . the 26th of December. There is but little news of interest. The legislata g e adjourned on Thursday, the 20th of December, for ° t i Christmas holidays, and was to re-assemble on the 15 p instant. A notification from the Postmaster-general, requirinif the pre-payment of one penny on each colonial newspaP e _ transmitted by the mail to England, has been felt to beL most oppressive regulation, and will operate practical_y, as a prohibition to the circulation of colonial newspaper on this side the Atlantic. Mining enterprise holds out the highest promise, P - 0 very encouraging reports have been received by t b different companies. From Georgetown, British Guiana, we have dates t ! the 25th ultimo. The Court of Policy met on WednesdsrA the 12th December, when among other bills introdLlS was one to authorise the issue of new bonds for the 1 7 i payment of the loan of 70,0001. advanced by her Majestl, government for immigration purposes. This bill 114- been read, but is not yet passed Some apprehension is felt in the colony that the suPP of immigrants will fall very short of the demand. Frequent and copious showers have relieved the inha i . p tants of the colony from the apprehen s i on o f drour The young canes are looking fresh and vigorous. .011 TO exports from the colony for a fortnight prev), to the above date are—Sugar, 2744 hhds., 246 tif - r%,, 1035 barrels, and 1235 bags ; rum, 1539 puns., 288 hilu,; tobacco, 100 boxes ; coffee, 1 barrel ; old iron, 10 to a st 233 barrels; old copper and brass, 3 tons; sal ted hides, 20; cocoa nuts, 1900. Business continues dull among the merchants, ' freights are still high. REVIEW OF THE MARKETS. KINGSTON, DEc. 16. o ALswrvits.—Only 12 barrel s hav e ar rived since our last, W o , was sold at 28a. rl BUTTEa.-Irish has been ve ry d u ll o f s a le at _lsd, b u t ofre.,oo 14id have been promptly refused by receivers. Stock of Anie th fair. A sale has been made at Hid to lad. BEEF.—A sale of Smith's at 535. Only 525 is now offered. BRANDY.—Stock ample.. da li nt li . W EAD.—No inquiry f o r any description, and stock still CORNMEAL.—Last sales at 218 6d to 225. 5 11 114 CANDLES.—A parcel of 400 boxes sold at 10 d, WAS rejected' re-sold at gil. COFFEE.—Very little at market. - 1•- i n t c y ( e i in tierces declined from 17s to 158 a is s, v d e d ry at 19s round, for tierces and refuse to operate, 14s only being offer', , til which cargocC o o a D CORN ,—Good fh . , —sesi CODFISH.—The buyerse!frdo hqe.undap7l Newfoundland Halifax in boxes. sold at 205. c u „ s ,,,— G. G. is worth is 3d. American 10d. 04 at which figure small 10 ''' te' 246 gi g salea were at 28e for Shore, a nd - tp yinlot of St. John's, N.F., direct a pt* oo buyers n 5( ); refuse to pay over '24s for fi j and 20s for Newfoundland, place, moving.x F eH s F L OUR.—holders in2 . Nd - 2.1: 1 - I s. n. b— o du l d :rt e tha r hn s e ede a a s ar k l o s llAms.—Superior scarce and wanted. A lot inferior 501 d to 81d. 10 LARD.—Sales at 9d for best quality. LumBER,—W. P. abundant and dull. W. C. scarce, and sa le' , " at 225. MALT.—Sales of 50 hhds. Sacell at an advance over Pr eci rates. A nee MACKBRRI..—SaIes were made at 30s, then a t 28s, ant. - un,aleable at the last price. Ott.—A small quantity of cod in'eargo, sold at 4s 3d. PORK —A sale of 100 barrels mess at 112 s. RlCE.—Sales at 17s 9d, 184 3d. and 20s, according to quaff" A d BUN.—Sales at 3s gd to 3s 10d, proof 18. of sALmow.—Of Halifax No. I sales a t 110 s, N o . 2 a t 106 s; foundland No. 1 sa'es at 1005. ,l SALT.—The market has been very quiet for Liverpoo l t s ofty since the large operations whi c h occurre d t h e early Par m nth. , SOAP.—No sales to report. SUGAR —Sales a 23s to 30s. according to quality. t i TOBACCO.— ales of la's to 20's at lOid, and 10's at 19d. 1,64/ EXCHANGES.—O., London—Jamaica and Colonisl $lO ( 0 ' 2 lidayesr, c l e p n e t r . I c r e e n na t hipmr7ium; 60 days, la per cent. premium; 0 141 SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE. Arrived at Kingston, Dec. 19, William H. Bogen, frool Willoo, 38 Jaye, calm.