The Press.
London, England, 1855-08-25 00:00:00

THE WEEK.

THE reception which the Parisians have unanimously .accorded
to her Majesty is extremely gratifying. The utmost enthusiasm
has been displayed by the people upon every occasion of the
Queen's appearing in public, and a despatch, dated St. Cloud,
from Lord CLARENDON tO Sir GEORGE GREY, bears high testimony to
the jcordial welcome on French soil which has been given to the
Queen. " Her Majesty," the despatch adds, "is profoundly sensible
" of the spontaneous and universal kindness which has been dis-
" played towards her by the people of France." The week has been
passed in a round of pleasures and gaieties, in which the visit to
Versailles and to the Opera on Tuesday, and the ball at the Hotel de
Ville on Thursday, and other state visits, have been agreeably. diver-
sified by some drives and walks incog. through the streets of the good
city of Paris. Her Majesty's return remains, we believe, fixed for
Monday, the 27th, as originally arranged.

Lord PANDIIIRE seems to have made an extraordinary blunder in
communicating to the press the telegraphic news he received at the
close of last week. On Friday evening, the 17th inst., his Lordship
" presented his compliments," and informed the world that the allied
batteries were to open fire that morning. Every one believed that
the bombardment preliminary to another assault had commenced ; and
speculation was busy as to how long it would last, and what would be
the result. Monday and Tuesday came and passed, and no further
news appeared till, on Wednesday, the Moniteur asserted that an
error had occurred in the telegraphic reading of the despatch, which
merely referred to the covering fire of the batteries being reopened,
in order to protect the completion of the advanced works.
The details which we have received by telegraph of the battle of
the Tschernaya leave us no room to doubt that the action was one of
considerable magnitude in point of the numbers engaged, and that
the Russians received as complete a defeat as they have yet met with
during the war. It is difficult to find any strategical rule which
should justify the plan of attack designed by the Russian Generals.
From all we have yet heard, they appear to have advanced down a
narrow defile—crossed the river at several points—and, attempting to
storm the Jediouskin hills, upon which the French and Sardinians
were camped, were thrown into confusion by the storm of shot and
shell which met them from the allied batteries and intrenchments—
were driven across the river in haste—forced to abandon the sapping
tools, planks, fascines, and ladders, which they had brought in order
to be ready to throw up intrenchments the moment they had got hold
of the position—and, retreating up the deep ravine, were jammed
together in inextricable confusion for some time, and pounded by the
French and Sardinian guns with terrible severity

The latest reports from the camp speak of the tremendous batteries
which are thrown up by the Allies in front of the Redan and Malakoff.
Upwards of two months have been required to repair the error of
the 18th of June, and we are not yet, it seems, in a position to make
the assault. The allied Generals seem to be heaping Pelion on Ossa
in the vast works which they are still throwing up, and the enormous
preparations they are making for thii fifth bombardment. The
health of the camp is good; cases of cholera and fever are rare,
but the losses in the trenches are very severe from their contiguity to
the Russian lines. The French works are stated to be ready for open-
ing fire at any moment. Letters from the camp speak of a peculiarly
destructive rocket which the French have lately tried. It has
enormous range, and on trial several were seen to alight far away
across the harbour on the northern shore, a distance of nearly three
miles. The tremendous battery of sixty guns which they have formed
at Careening Bay it is anticipated will totally destroy the Russian
shipping. Expectation is at the highest pitch in the camp ; the
wounded have been sent away in great numbers to Scutari, the hospi-
tals cleared out, new huts put up, and beds, bandages, and everything
prepared for the reception of the wounded. Captain MONTAGUE,
R.E., who has been a prisoner in the Russian camp since March
last, has lately returned to the army, and given much important
information to our Generals as to the means of defence possessed by
the Russians, and of the exact locale of the Redan and Malakoff. The
reports of the sufferings of the Russian army from want of provisions
still continue prevalent, and, if authentic, may certainly be an induce.
'flout to the allied Generals to delay the assault till the last moment.

The case of Mr. BAKEWELL, an assistant-surgeon to the army in the
Crimea, whose services have very lately been dispensed with by the
authorities, on account of his having written a letter to the Times—
certain charges in which preferred against the superior medical
officers of the camp, were not considered by the authorities on
the spot to be justified by the facts of the case—has excited
considerable comment. Mr. BAKEWELL appears to have acted hastily
in writing to the Times, and to have been dismissed as summa-
rily, without even being heard in his own defence. The Duke of
WICLILINGTON used to say that the power of stringing words together

SATURDAY,

was a very dangerous quality in a young officer, even if be applied it
only to his commanding officer. Mr. BAKEWELL'S sentence appears
to have been severe. Keeping him at Scutari, and holding the Court
of Inquiry upon his charges at the Camp, looks like a determination
to get rid of him at all hazards.

The details of the Sweaborg affair have come to hand, and those
who were most forward last week in heralding the attack as a
" triumph " over the " impregnable fortress " are compelled to own
that it was simply a very well-planned and admirably-executed attack
by the gun and mortar boats of the squadron against a Russian dock-
yard which was defended by a powerful fortress. The skill with which
the whole operation was conducted reflects the highest credit upon the
officers engaged, but the insufficient means afforded by the Govern-
ment prevented any substantial success like that of Bomarsund. It is
doubtful whether the fleet will attempt much more this year; and, al-
though fresh supplies of sea-service mortars have been embarked for im-
mediate transport to the Baltic, the season will be almosttoo advanced,
and the weather too uncertain, for any further great operations in that
intricate sea. Partial bombardments here and there will probably take
place more for the sake of harassing the enemy than with any ulterior
purpose in view; and Cronstadt and the Russian fleet will, we fear,
rest securely for another winter.

Mr. GAVAN DUFFY has within the last few days bade his farewell
to the stage of public life as the " Last of the Young Irelanders:
The secession of the priests from the cause of " Tenant Right" is the
principal reason given by Mr. DUFFY for his becoming "an exile of
Erin." For several years Mr. DUFFY exercised great influence over
the popular party in Ireland. He was proprietor and editor of the
Nation, and displayed considerable literary abilities. He composed
also some spirited ballads ; in which he showed himself more loyal to
the laws of metre than those of the land. Lady DEMME'S " Lament
of the Irish Emigrant owes much of its celebrity to Mr. DUFFY'S
edition of Irish Ballads ; and Lord JEFFREY, in his " Letters," gave
great praise to the volume. Mr. GAVAN DUFFY presented in some
respects a favorable contrast to the tribe of Irish agitators. Ho
risked his health and his fortune for his party; he suffered severely
in its service; and it was only when there was no one to follow the
flag that he consented to haul it down. What fact can more
strikingly testify to the social revolution in Ireland?

On Monday M. MUSURUS ascertained the price which the Sultan
would have to give for his guaranteed loan of five millions. There
was never any doubt about the cash itself, the applications made
through Messrs. ROTHSCHILD alone being five times greater than
the whole amount required. The offer made by that firm proving
the highest was accepted, and the loan will accordingly be issued at
1021. 12s. 6d. per 1001. This will give the Porte a surplus of 131,2601.
on the sum borrowed, which is to be paid up with the last instalment.
The new scrip has since been dealt in at 2 and 3 premium. As the
old Turkish Bonds, which bear the same interest (6 per cent.), are now
selling at 93, the advantage of the " guarantee " would seem to be at
least 12 per cent. Turkey, for the time, obtains all the benefit of the
difference ; but it remains to be seen whether England or France may
not in the eud have to pay somewhat dearly for their good-nature in
the transaction.

The war in Asia is rapidly gaining in interest. General Mou.
RAVIEFF having received large supplies of provisions and materiel
from Alexandropol, at the head of some 40,000 men and eighty guns,
has commenced approaches against Kars, and pushed forward a strong
division of troops who are advancing rapidly on Erzeroum. Kars,
which is amply provisioned and garrisoned with 15,000 troops, pro-
mises to hold out well ; but Erzeroum, although garrisoned also by
15,000 men, has but poor defences, not much more than a few weeks'
provision, and no stores of powder or shot in the town, where the
greatest alarm prevailed. The hitherto mysterious manceuvres of
General MOURAVIEFF are now fully explained : it was not fear of the
Circassians at Tiflis, but simply want of guns, which checked his
first advance on Kars, which he now closely besieges ; yet, pro-
vided the Turks do not suffer themselves to be enticed from their
walls, there is every probability of the town standing a good siege, and
of time being given for the arrival of the Turkish reinforcements
which are supposed to be hastening to the spot. The appointment
of Omxn PAOHA to the command of the army in Asia is a wise step on
the part of the Turkish Government. Freed,from the trammels of allied
interference, the Turkish General will here have a fair field for his
capacity, and we doubt not but that ho will prove himself a better
general even than Russia's best man, MOURAVIEFF.

A son of the Prince of Canino, LUCIEN BONAPARTE, is to receive
a Cardinal's hat at the next Consistory. It will be more singular than
improbable if the present generatim one day behold a Bonaparte—
Pope of Rome.

AUG. 25, 1855.

OUR NUT-BROWN MAID.

Those most intimate with this gifted lady—those who have watched her in her quiet and un-
obtrusive toil by day, and her nightly wanderings through those long wards, the most terrible of
human abodes—are convinced not only of the sincerity and devotion of her character, but also of
her rare gifts of intellect and moral strength, which place her among the few who have conferred
a lustre on her sex.—Times, Thursday, Aug. 29.

In many a long and eke grave song I have rede of woman's love,
How in lands afar, 'midst din of war, she has borne peace as the dove ;
Aud let a wight do what he might their service to unrate,
It is no man, say what ye can, to woman when ingrate.
I say not this day, but for every day, it is both writ and said,
That by woman's aid, when man's hands stayed, no soldier's faith
decayed.

Ah ! sayest thou so, then let us go straightway this fact to ken,
And list to a maid who sadly said, yet bravely, to her men,
" I ken you not, ye cast at lot, but brave hearts ken right well,
And follow you, and die with you, and share your sickness fell.
I am a maid, yet not afraid, to dare the war's affright,
I am but weak, but who shall seek, when God defends the right."

Then one did speak with wordes weak, as though he feared and
wondered,
" Why, dearest girl, thou England's pearl, should'st with the lost be
numbered?
Think of sweet home "—" My Church's home," quoth she, " I find in
Heaven."
" Think of thy pride, thy wealth so wide "—" I seek wealth without
leaven."
" But think thou right how many a wight for thy fair hand cloth

sigh."
" My country's might, the sick man's right, what better wooers I ?"

" Thy form so slight, in beauty dight, it sure were ill to spoil,
With foul disease, nor calm nor ease, thy fair frame to assoil.
Think thou, best maid, and be it said by troth that never failed,
Better were we to die for thee, than thou wert e'er assailed.
Go thou to where thy face so fair may happier hearts preserve,
Go, go, then to the better few such hearts as thine deserve."

" It wends not so, a deed is do, whereof much good may be ;
Be face so fair, be bright mine hair, how little recks it me!
And sith that ye have shewed to me the honour of your mind,
I will be plain to you again, and ye shall ever find
That maids like me, how fair they be, will not be left behind,
It shall never be said than an English maid to soldier was unkind."

" But curses may fly, as sinners die, and thou to hear such cries !
And pain may sap the little hap the Christian's death relies;
Think, 0 dear maid, nor be afraid, from this sad scene depart,
Seek not to pain that cloudless brain, to madden that pure heart.
Seek purer love, nor deem to prove thy nature soft so strong,
Thy woman's right, thy little might, amongst those who wreak wrong "

" Full well know we that women be but feeble for the fight,
But war is the will of Heaven still, and women have their might.
Thy bed I'll tend, thy sores I'll mend, and gladly to the task,
Thy arm in fight, thy faith in right, is guerdon all I ask ;
And if in death thy quivering breath impatient words doth sigh,
I'll hush to rest thy vagrant breast with prayers that mount on high."

So sang the bird, and many heard, and many a scoffer trusted
In deeds of heart how brave a part to woman is entrusted.
Here may ye see that women be in honour strong and stable,
And weeping pray to God such may prove never variable.
Let them not fail 'neath saintly vail, nor 'neath derision quail,
But heart and soul to the heavenly goal!—like Florence Nightingale.

KEPATAOOfLN.

SUNDAY SPORTS.
(From the Marylebone Court Circular.)

THE band in Kensington-gardens last Sunday again attracted a nume-
rous and miscellaneous assemblage to the spot, among whom we
noticed several distinguished members of the swell-mob. Light-
fingered Bob, Horse-couper Jack, and Smashing Sam, were in the
inner circle, with Mademoiselle Pave and several other ladies of the
bas ton. No disturbance of any importance occurred, owing to the
proper precaution observed by all decent persons of keeping out of the
way. A strong body of police were stationed in the magazine opposite
the gardens, lest an attempt should be made to hustle the baud and
rob them of their instruments. By special order of the Right
Honourable Sir Benjamin Hall, Baronet, Mr. Peto, &c. &c., the band
performed on this occasion the following popular airs :

" The Rogues' March."
" Tintarra, tintarra, Thieves all."
" Ca Ira."
" Nix my Dolly, Pals, fake away."

In consequence of the complete success which has attended this
first attempt to secularise the Sabbath and adapt it to the spirit of the
age, the Right Honourable President of the Board of Works has ex-
torted her Majesty's gracious permission to throw open Buckingham
Palace to the people between the hours of seven and twelve every
Sunday evening. Arrangements are in progress for giving a hop in
the Green Drawing-room. Refreshments, consisting of gin-sling and
dog's-nose, with mutton pies, baked potatoes, sheep& heads, oysters,
and periwinkles, will be allowed to be vended in the beautiful
gardens of the palace, while the pavilion will be fitted up as a tobacco
temple, and supplied with spittoons. There will be no restrictions
as to dress, but placards will be conspicuously exhibited reminding
Ladies and Gentlemen that they are in the palace of their Sovereign,
and that it is hoped they will observe as much order and decorum as
are consistent with their doing exactly as they please.
We have further been informed, but do not vouch for the fact,
that a fair will be permitted in the Enclosure of St. James's-park every
Sunday afternoon, to commence at three o'clock. If our information
prove correct, no sales of goods will be permitted except of such bon-
bons as brandy-balls and peppermint-drops. Space will be accorded
gratis to caravan shows, and room will be reserved for cock-fighting,
rat-killing, and other popular sports.
The zeal displayed by the Right Honourable Baronet to promote
the amusements of the million calls for some signal mark of the
Sovereign's (favour, and we suggest that addresses should be got up
calling on the Queen to raise Sir Benjamin to the Upper House, and
to confer on him the first vacant Garter. Should, however, the ser-
vices of this distinguished Minister be still required to support the
Government in the Lower House, Milady might appropriately be
created a peeress in her own right, though we are not aware whether
there is any precedent which would entitle her to take her seat in the
House and hear part in the discussions of that august assembly.

THE BEGGAR'S PETITION.

BY A WHIG.

Pity the sorrows of a poor old clan,
Whose trembling limbs have borne one session more,
Whose days are dwindling to their shortest span—
Oh vote supplies, and don't think us a bore.

These tatter'd jests our poverty bespeak.
Our hoary locks proclaim our misspent years,
And many a furrow in the grief-worn cheek
Depicts a lamentable want of " cheers."

That House in Westminster's salubrious ground
With tempting aspect drew us from the road;
There sapient Wood a residence has found,
And Wilson a magnificent abode.

(Hard is the fate of the absurd and poor !)
Here, as we craved a morsel of their bread,
A sad division drove us near the door
To seek a shelter in a humbler shed.

Oh take us to your hospitable dome,
Where Smith's unknown, Wood's jests cannot bo told ;
We gladly seek a passage to the tomb,
Their puns so poor, and miserably old.

Oh, you'd soon know the sources of our grief
If lively Lewis tried to touch your breast,
Or Panmure largely draw on your belief,
Were Argyll's sermons in your cars exprest.

Oh yes, indeed, we are a precious lot,
Since first uncoalesced we hailed the morn ;
Though Whigs were victims of a stupid plot
From one to Whiggery in manner born.

Our daughter Russell—comfort of our age—
Lured by a statesman from her native home,
Was cast by fourteen on the world's wide stage,
Henceforth in duped obscurity to roam.

And Bouverie, who announced the stern award,
Struck with sad anguish and dismay therewith,
Till lingering fell into the Poor-Law Board,
And turned a statesman of the rank of Smith.

Pity the sorrows of this wretched clan,
Whose trembling limbs have borne one session more,
Whose days are dwindling to their shortest span—
Oh vote supplies, and don't think us a bore.

THE PRESENTATION OF COLOURS TO THE
GERMAN LEGION.

The Duke of Cambridge was accompanied in his Inspection by Lord Palmerston, the Eari of
Cardigan, Mr. Frederick Peel, rte.—Morning Post, August 23.
Our Premier, we know, is a man who loves joking,
In season or out of it, never mind where;
In the solemnest seasons his fun he'll be poking,
And cheer with his laughter a people's despair.