The Express.
London, England, 1863-10-13 00:00:00

gfte erpreoo.

TO 001t1t1WTONDIENT9.
advertisements Intendsd foe The Uprise Loudon tredve
Paper, must be at the aloe, 10, hooey:le-West, by Two
o'clock on the day of publication.

COVIIMGILIIDEN.
Tots EVl2l7ltO, TUE DISIRT FLOWER. Itessrs. W. H.
At too H. Cord, A. Cook, and W. Harrloon : Lou aa and
Outran Pyne.-.Cooductor Mr. A. Mellon.—Commonoe at a.

HAYMARKET.
'Fats Marcia, FINESSE! or, SPY AND COUNTIR.SPY.
Ileum &Wigan and Backstoae: Yn Dowinn, Mn. A. Wigan,
and Was AnaeI.—CGAZUS NIL Moms. Wigan and Buck-
atone. —And THE GALICIAN Fit% Was Fanny Wright.

BUITANNIA.
Tins Memo, BELINDA BEAGRAVE. —THE ORE VC
(MOST EFFECT.—Singing by Sam Collins, Mr. Randall. and
Mina. Pleon.—And LADY kw:ours SECRET. Mews.
Reynolds. Cranford, and Parry; Mina Mlles and Downing.

HIGH WATNAL AT LONDON BEIDGZ
TIM Day —lfaftlrt, 111 AllinsAis. ?h. °Am.
ToAIOAROW —.NAMBIAA I `2ll.

LONDON, TUESDAY, OCTOBER 13.

" THE great Liberia cause" of which the Hon.
HENRY COWPER was the champion at Tamworth,
has gone the way of the " great Liberal cause" as
represented by Mr. ARTHUR PEEL at Coventry last
week. It has been on both occasions soundly and
handsomely beaten. We hasten to assure our
morning and evening ministerial contemporaries
that we are as little distressed as surprised at these
defeats. Nor, we may be allowed to add, should
we have felt the least elated at the triumph instead
of the discomfiture of the great Liberal cause, as
it was personified by the defeated of Coventry
and Tamworth. Believing, as we most Quixoti-
cally do, that politics should be public morality
in action, we discern a righteous logic in these
repulses, and we smile at the spectacle of personal
government perishing of inanition. For those who
have only a life interest in the "great Liberal
" cause," such losses must be bitter ; but for
those who represent a principle and not • person,
*d who look to what the great Liberal cause is
to be ten years hence, the recent elections at Coven-
try and Tamworth point an obvious and instructive
moral. The Liberal party have been recommended
by the highest authority to seek in contented repose
the reward of past struggles, and to be thankful that
the Whigs are in office. This is no doubt excel-
lent advice for the satisfied ; but why should the
Opposition be satisfied ? Granted that the true
test of modern Liberalism is fidelity to an aged
Minister whom nine-tenths of the Conservatives
cheerfully accept, and that modern Conservatives
are only Liberals out of office, still there must
always be • considerable majority of Liberals and
Conservatives out of mike, and consequently unable
to rest and be thankful.

" Lore the gift is love the dobt."

A Government that exie•s by conciliating its
opponents is apt to alienate its friends, and a
Government without a policy or a principle is at
the mercy of local and personal discontents.
Coventry havile.! tor years elected an expert and
venerable cynic who had been a zealous Reformer
when to be a Reformer was to do the dirty work
for the Whigs, has naturally chosen for its new
member an old gentleman who has the courage to
preach and profess what his predecessor only
counselled in secret. Mr. ELLICE, it is true, was
a free-trader by conviction and in action ; but what
other principle did he represent in Parliament if
not the principle of "leave well alone"? Now,
this is a principle which Coventry is not in the beat
of humours to appreciate just now; so when •
young man comes down to lecture them with
the premature gravity of an exhausted Whig,
they prefer the old Tory, dry and crusted,
who does not taste of "the wood." Having
no principle before them to fight for, they
take to the man who is most original in his talk,
and they admire independence, though it be inde-
pendence of common sense ; and Tory talk of forty
years ago has a savour of independence in these
sterile and neutral days. The rationale of these
Opposition victories is not far to seek. Look at
Tamwortb, where the Hon. HENRY COWPER was
annonuced by his great local patron as " the po-
" pular candidate" and the champion of " the
" Liberal cause." As though his name and con-
nexion were not enough to guarantee this aspiring
young gentleman's political independence, Sir
ROBERT PEEL, whose exalted patriotism
sinks the family in the party and the
party in the Government he serves, assured the
electors that he bad known nothing of this name-
sake of the Cain Commissiosim of WORKS until
Mr. COWPER came to Tamworth as a candidate ;
but that Mr. Cowes; and not Mr. JOHN
PEEL, was the truly Liberal and popular can-
didate, because he was a thick-and-thin supporter
of Lord Psumasrow. A very few years ago
Sir ROBERT would have said as much of a thick-
and-thin supporter of Lord DERBY. Mr. Cow-
PEE'S opponent, the Mr. Jome Pus whom Sir
ROBERT stigmatises as a " namesake," but who is
also a near relation of Sir ROBERT'S, is clearly,
to judge from his speeches, as good a Liberal
as Mr. Cowes& The only difference we can
detect between them is the difference between
Tweedledum and Tweedledee. Mr. COWPER, who
has probably taken some lessons from his friend,
the Tamworth Awnitants, speaks perhaps with
more dash and de:sinvoltuse than his rival ; but his I
principles are as hopelessly mature as those of a
Patronage Secretary. On financial and economical
questions Mr. JOHN PEEL is at least as sound a
free-trader as Mr. Covresa, for he declares himself
a faithful follower and disciple of the late Sir
ROBERT PILL. Al to church rates, Mr. PEEL has
a great respect for those who differ from him, and
would do violence to no man's conscience, but he
is a member and sincere lover of the Church. Mr.
COWPER won't vote for total abolition, but he
wishes the rate to be abolished for dissenters.
As to political reform, Mr. COWPER does not
believe the question is likely to be agitated
at present ; but be will be ready to
vote for a moderate extension of the suffrage ; but,
at the same time, he wishes it to be extended
rather to individuals than to classes, and any bill
for admitting " • certain number of people who
" ought to he recognised by the constitution!" shall
" receive his earnest consideration." Mr. Put.
is an ardent lover of the British Cmstitution, but
desires the House of Commons " to be in practice
" what it is in theory, a faithful representative of
" all classes of the c immunity." As to the Ame-
rican war and foreign policy in general, both Mr.
Pcsi. and Mr. Coweca are fur neutrality and non-

MUSIC.

THE IXPRESS, TUESDAY EVENING, OCTOBER 13, 1863•

ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT GARDEN.
The Royal English Opera, under the management
of Miss Louisa Pyne and Mr. W. Harrison, opened last
night, as the advertisement states, "for the eighth and
last season." We regret to observe this announcement,
for the management of Miss l'yne and Mr. Harrison has
been meritorious. They have done much to raise oar
national opera from the state of depression, almost extinc-
tion, into which it had ':span; and if much still remains
undone, it has been because their means have not been
equal to their good intentions- We have long hoped that
as their enterprise was gradually consolidated and strength-
ened by the help of public encouragement, they would be
more and more enabled to place our English lyrical
drama on a firm and permanent footing. This hope we
have not abandoned, and we interpret their announcement
sa meaning only that this is the last season of their present
lease of the theatre where they are now established.
Wallace's new opera, The Desert Flower, is, dramatically
speaking, of French origin. It is said in the title-page to
be " taken from the French of Messrs. De St. Georges
and De Leuven, by A. Harris and Thomas J. Williams."
The original piece, which is entitled Jag-cards, was pro-
duced several years ago at the Optra Comique, with more
by HaVvy, and obtained moderate success, owing in a
great measure to the appearance of M►rie Cabal in the
character of the heroine.
We do not think that the success of this new opera
of Mr. Wallace's will be equal to that of some of his
previous works, especially Martiona. But yet there is
, considerable vitality in the music of The Desert Flower.
Its reception last night by a densely crowded house
was highly favourable, and on the whole well
deserved. It poseesies the qualities which have earned
for Mc. Wallace his eminent position as a dramatic com-
poses. Its style is pure and natural, not deformed by the
crudities and affectations of the young German school,
which are going far to vitiate musical taste throughout
Europe. Wallace does not pretend to be in advance of his
age, and to write "music of the future." Believing that
the established laws of tonality, modulation, and harmony
are still binding, he conforms to them, and is content to
write" music of the present." Hein a master of every branch
of his art. He is largely gifted with the inventive faculty,
and his music is not only graceful, flowing, and melodious,
but possesses in no small degree the great charm of fresh-
ness; and it is this last quality, more than anything else,
which will contribute to its vitality. The choruses ate
bold, striking, picturesque, and rich in harmony ; the con-
certed piece, in which the action of the drama is carried
on, are skilful in construction, and of unflagging spirit ; and
the airs and ballads, always pleasing, are some of them
charming. Among these, the most remarkable were, " The
Wood-bird's Snag," sung by Milli LOWS II Pram
with a flute accompaniment played by Mr. Patten,
in which the voice and the flute vied with
each other in brilliancy ; the ballad, " Though
born in woods," an exquisite effusion of tender-
um, sung by Mr. Harrison with remarkable sweeteees and
feeling ; and Miss Louisa Pyee's ballad, " Why throbs this
heart," the gem of the opera, sung in the second act, and
introduced again with increased effect in the final scene.
These songs were anew:A with enthusiasm, and there
were several others, almost equally beautiful.
The opera was splendidly got up and admirably per-
formed. Notwithstanding oar exception to the character
of the heroine we most readily admit that Miss
Louisa Pyne midi it very charming. Her quaint sad pic-
turesque Indian attire became her well, and her acting
was piquant and spirited, and her singing was ► display of
vocal power which even she herself has seldom made. She
was almost incessantly on the stags—always exerting herself
to the utmost—and yet her voice was as clear and fresh,
sad her execution as brilliant and animated, at the sod as
at the beginning. Mr. Harrison made as much as could be
made of Captain Maurice. He looked every inch a soldier,
and hie bearing was free and manly. He was in excellent
voice, and we have seldom heard him sing better. Mr.
Weiss did all justice to the part of Camp, the disguised
Indian chief : his stalwart form was perfectly in cha-
racter, and his deep and powerful voice gave full effect
to the fine music of the pert. The buffo part of Major
Hector was rendered lively and amusing by Mr. Corri, who
moreover sang exceedingly well. The orchestra sod chorus
were magnificent, as they always are at this theatre. They
are just as admirable under the direction of Mr. Mellon as
under the direction of Mr. Costa.
After the opera " Cacel Save the Queen" was sung, the
solo verses being taken by Miss Louisa Pyne and Mr. Har-
rison. The royal box was occupied by a party of illustrious
visitors—the Prince and Princess of Wales, the King of
Gram, the Prince and Princess Christian of Denmark,
Prima Frederick of Denmark, Prises Dagmar, the Hon.
Mrs. Wm. Grey, the Countess Reveotlow, and Count
Sponaeck.

LORD BROUGHAM IN EDINBURGH.--On Saturday
afternoon. the British League Cadets marched from their
headquarters in Rose-street to the official residence of the
Lord Provost, in Georgeaquare, for the purpose of making
demonstration in tumour of his lordship's venerable guest,
Lord Brougham. On their arrival, the aides were drawn
up in line, the band playing a variety of appropriate airs.
In a few minutes Lord Brougham made hies appointees at
the door of the mansion, and yam received with
a general salute. The noble lord then addressed
the *sickle, thanking them for the unexpected
honour they had doue him. He approved highly
of the uniform they had adopted. His lordship
said he was proud to see so fine a body of
youths preparing themselves for the detest* of
their ootuttry. After a few further complimentary re-
marks the noble lord expressed a wish to see them go
through their chill. The cadets then performed a variety
of battalion movements with marked regularity, and which
frequently tailed forth the admiration of a brilliant com-
pany of ladies and gentlemen visiting at the Lord Provost's,
and particularly that of the veteran statesman. At the
000clusion of the movements, the Lord Provost, having ob-
tained Captain Hope's pet mission, went through the ranks
and inspected the clothing, accoutrements, sod arms of the
cadets, with which he expressed hunted highly satisfied.
The corps having given three cheese for Lord Brougham,
the Lord Provost, and Captain Hops, marched back to town,
followed by the large saiemblage which had been attracted
by the novelty of the spectacle.
THE BOHM? OF OXFORD ON CHRISTIAN MISSIONS.
—Yesterday the Bishop of Oxford delivered an aldress of
considerable length to the supporters of the Society for the
Propagation of the Gospel, to the Manchester Corn Ex-
change. The hall war well filled with an audience wbo
were unfortunate in their place of meeting, in which no
speaker is distinctly heard. The Deem of Manchester pre-
' sided.

—Tan LATE Ma, POTTS, M.P.—Thu late George
Potts. Esq., M.P. for Barnstaple, first mulled in 18 *.N.,
Louisa Dacie, the eldest daughter of Samuel Jeffery, Esq.,
formerly of Ottery St. Mary, Devon, a commander in her
Majesty's Royal Navy. and niece of the late John Dacie,
Esq., St. David's-hill, Exeter, by whom he left three
sons, two officers in the army, and Walter Jeffery Potts,
Eaq., • skilful and snocessful medical practitioner at Worth,
in Sussex.
Ezrraa HALL—The National Choral Society
announce the commencement of their new season on Wed-
nesday, Nov. 25, when Handers Oratorio, "Judo Mac-
cabsette," will be performed, with a band chorus of AO.
Mr. Sims Reeves has bee. engaged for the ten anbecriptioo
concerto to be given bj this society during the forthcomins
season. Mr. &easy will also sing, "Judas Maccabieus.
Conductor, Mr. G. W. Martin.
CayirrAL PALAcs—The French excuraione to
tim Crystal Palace from Calais and Boulogne took place
yesterday, considerable numbers availing themselves of this
opportunity of visiting that popular place. As in most
COWS this was the list visit to the Palace, and the ex-
pressions of admiration were unanimous. A variety of
amusements were provided. Blondin's low rope perform-
ance was loudly applauded, and frequent repetitions of the
Ghost illusion appeared to afford much gratification to the
excursionista. In the afternoon his Royal Highness the
Prince of Wales, accompanied by his Majesty the King of
Greece and Prince Christian of Denmark, with a numerous
suite, visited the Palms, and witnessed a portion of Bloo-
dies performance. On their Royal Highnesses and his
Majesty taking their seats upon the Handel orchestra they
were at once recognised end cheered vociferously by the
assembled thousands, the band of the compsey at the same
time playing the notional anthem. On their departure
the bend of the Coldstream Guards performed the Danish
national air. The Palace was lighted up in the evening.
THE EMPRESS OF THE FRENCH AND THE Dc ISLIN
SISTERS OF CRARITT.—Among the prime to be submitted
for competition at the annual Christmas drawing is aid of
St. Mary's Industrial Training Schools, Dublin, is a drawing-
room clock, presented by the Einprem of the Preach, urns.
wonted with portraits of their Majesties and the Prince
Imperial. A letter. of which the following is a translation,
scennpanied the gift:—"Paris, Oct. L—Sir.—l bare the
honour to inform you that her Majesty the Enterers of the
French has deigned to receive your petition favourably,
and presents for the lottery in favour of the interesting in-
stitution, St Mary's Industrial School, Dublin, directed by
the Sisters of Charity, a dmwing.ranu clock, ornamented
with the portraits of their Majesties and the Prince Impe-
rial. I trust that, on being informed of this gift, the excel-
lent Sisters of Charity will pray for the Emperor, the
Empress, the Prince Imperial, and for Pincer. 11111. happy,
sir, to have been able to assist your charitable efforts, en
well as the kind solicitude of the venerable Superior of the
Irish College, Paris.—Prue accept. aloe., Cu. OUIN.LA-
CROM Secretary General. Canon of St. Denis. Chevalier of
the Legion of limieur.—Mr. J. O'Brien, 9, Dame-street,
Dublin."