The Express.
London, England, 1864-07-19 00:00:00

TUESDAY EVENING, JULY 19, 18$4.

AMERICA.

PARIS. JULY 19.

coming from Spain passed through the Pyrenees
into Franoe along the new series of tunnels 26
kilometres in length. This was merely a trial trip,
and it was perfectly successful. The official in-
auguration
of the line is fixed or August 15.
The Kearsarge and the Sacramento left Boulogne
this morning for an unknown destination. Some
suppose that they have gone to fight in pursuance of
the cartel lately said to have been exchanged with
Confederate naval officers.

Prince Napoleon, of whom it was pleasantly said
in the Gaffs last night, that he was en riser, while his
wife was becoming a Mere, heard of the Princess
Clothilde'e accouchement, and arrived at the Palais
Royal at 5 o'clock this morning. The Princess and
the infant prince are doing well.
A violent thunderstorm visited Paris yesterday,
and many people affirm that hailatones fell as big
as hazel nuts. A heavy detonation resembling •
discharge of artillery startled the Sunday promeneura
who had taken refuge from the rain in the Passage
des Panoramas and the numerous cafes on the
neighbouring boulevard. The lightning fell near
the Theatre des Vannes, and broke several panes
of slaw Many people in the streets fell down,
either from fear or the shock of the electric fluid.
There are rumours of loss of life, but I do not find
these well authenticated. At Enghein the railway
was so flooded that ladies in gossamer dresses, who
bad come from Paris to drink the water and pro-
menade round the lake, were obliged to be carried
to the station on the backs of porters.
The Bourse was heavy. Route fell 10c. for cash,
and sc. for account, closing at 66fr. 15c. and
66fr. 35c. Mobilier fell 16fr. 25c. The pretext
for the fall is said by the Prose to have been the
movement attributed to Garibaldi ; but this is now
quite explained away.

(urinal's MICMAC)
(Per the Hibernian, vil Greencastle.)
NEW YORK, JULY 8, Enema.

The Confederates have left Harper's Ferry and
Hagerstown, and have retreated from before
Frederick. General Wallace is pursuing them.

THE ROYAL A.GRIOITLIVRAL SHOW.

..•••••••••
(fox oas ows worm.)
NEWCASTLE., JULY 18.
_ _ _

- - - - -
The hour at which I must despatch this commu-
nication to render it available for to-morrow's issue
leaves me time for little more than to announce that
the show opened this morning at 8 o'clock under
circumstances of the most auspicious kind as re-
garde that essential element in the success of au
agriculturists' exhibition—the weather. In the
morning a slight sprinkling of rain laid the dust, so
that the roads leading to the moor on which the
show is held were in a moot satisfactory condition.
To the alight rain succeeded one of those chiaro-scum
days—clear, without excess of light or heat—
which is the very best and moet comfortable condi-
tion of atmosphere for seeing the show. It has
had the effect of making every face look pleasant.
Even the disappointed of prizes wore a cheerful
look, whilst the fortunate holders of red tickets
(first prizes) are radiant under the double influence
of good weather and breeding fame. The show
ground on this, the ten shilling day, was of course
comparatively vacant, although many of thou who
take an interest in agriculture were present from
the most distant parts of the country. In deference
to orders issued by the Mayor of Newcastle, the
town was decorated to-day. Gay tbigs were suspended
from the windows, and in several instances
were festooned across the streets. Yesterday
evening several of the Manchester omnibuses with
horses and provender arrived in town to assist in
the conveyance of passengers from the town to the
show. The Manchester vehicles have become as
much a portion of the Royal Agricultural Shows
as short horns or South Downs, although they are
not to be found in any of the society's catalogues,
and the three-horsed " Greenwood" would perhaps
be missed by the public more than any portion of
I the machinery in motion, or the curious implements
with which the show abounds. The streets wear a
very animated appearance, and if the weather con-
tinues fine I have no doubt the present meeting of
the Royal Agricultural Society will be very suc-
cessful in point of numbers. At eight o'clock the
judges were at their posts, and commenced tbeir
onerous and responsible duties of inspection
and award of prizes. You cannot expect at present
more than a general apercu of the stock. The
entries are not se numerous as those at the Wor-
cester show last year. The total entries of imple-
ments are 4,024 as against 5,839 at Worcester, and
the entries of live stock are 1,099, exclusive of the
cntiies for the prizes offered by the Newcastle local
committee, which is under the live stock entries at
Worcester. The short horns at the present show
are 175 as against 152 at Worcester, and they are
generally pronounced to be very excellent. Claes 1,
bulls between three and six years of age, com-
prised 28 specimens, and the first prize
was awarded to " Forth, " a splendid
roan exhibited by Amos Cruickshank, of Aberdeen-
shire, and bred by Mr. Stirling, M.P. Scotland
carried off the second prize also in this class,
which was awarded to " Falco," a very fine white
bull exhibited and bred by Viscount Strathallan.
" Ebor," belonging to Mr. Davies, of Kentaford,
Cheshire, got the third prize. The entries for
Herefords are 42 in number ; at Worcester they
amounted to 96. The Devons are 34 as against 90
at Worcester. The Sussex are 13 ; at Worcester
there were 14 specimens of this breed. The other
established breeds are 29 at Newcastle as against
73 at Worcester. On the other hand the
present show is much stronger in the Scotch breeds,
as might be expected, than theWorceater one. There
are some very excellent specimens of the Ayrshire,
Galloway, and Scotch polled breeds. The entries
for horses are more numerous than they were at
Worcester, the respective numbers being 164 and
140. As usual, the horse ring was the principal
centre of attraction, the recent controversy respect-
ing the alleged degradation in the breed of horses
giving increased interest to this department of the
show. The first prize of 1001. in the thorough-bred
stud horses was awarded to "Laughing Stock,"
belonging to Charles and James Mottit, of Carlisle,
and bred by Sir C. Mouck, of Newcastle-on-Tyne.
The second was given to "Cavendish," belonging
to Mr. Simpson, of Yorkshire, and bred by
Mr. Robinson, of Richmond. Mr. Casson,
of Edinburgh, got the first prize in the
class of hunters. These three horses are all
descendauts from "Touchstone." Mr. Samuel
Strickland first prize in class 58, agricultural stal-
lions. The sheep entries are inferior to those at
Worcester, but the show of sheep and [pigs is very
fair. On the whole, the present show, though it
cannot in any respect claim superiority to its pre-
decessors, may be regarded as a good average one.
In class 77, Cotswold shearing rams, the first
and third prizes were won by Edward
Handy, of Cheltenham; the second by John
Wills, of Gloucestershire. In class 78, rams of
any other age, Mr. Browne, of Salperton-park,.
Gloucestershire, got the lit and 3rd prizes,suid Mr.
Lane, of Northleaeh, in the same county, got
the 3rd prize. In class 78, pens of five shearling
ewes, Mr. Wells, of Northleach, got the Ist, and
Mr. Lane, of the same place, got the 2nd prize.
Mr. Wallis, of Fsrriugdon, Oxon, got all the three
prizes for shearling rams in Oxfordshire Downs,
class 83.

The show was visited in the forenoon by Lord
Loraine, M.P., the Duke of Montrose, Lord
Ravensworth, Mr. Fenwiek, M.P., Mr. Headlain,
DL P., Sir M. Ridley,Mr. Ridley, M. P., Mr. Liddell,
M.P., Colonel Challoner,General Hood, and Sir J.
Maxwell.

Mn. AND Mts. WIGAN'S READINGS.—MS. abtl
Mrs. Alfred Wipe pre their mooed miscellsoeoes roadie(
yesterday *Hamm in the great ea of Stafford-hones (by
the kind penniesion of the Duke of Sutherland), and at-
tracted a larger sod even morn fashionable audience then
they attracted last week at Apia*, -bows. The programmes
on this occasion included two souse between Sir Peter sad
Lady Teazle, from the &not:J.lor Scandal, read by Mr. nod
Mrs. Wipe ; the Holly Tree, by that almost forgotten sad
somewhat stiff poet, Southey, net by Mr. Wipe ; Long-
fellow's delightful poem called Cnildrts, given by Mn.
Wigan with much feeling; the "To be or not to be"
soliloquy, sod "Advice to the player," read by Mr. Wigan;
the Bridge of Signs, read by Mrs. Wigan ; Hood's serio-
comic Ode to sty Son, and Campbell's melo-dransatie
Lanier' Warning, both read by Mr. Wipe ; and a large
and judicious selection from As You Like It, reedited by
Mr. and Mrs. Wigan. AU the pieces were listened to with
the most marked interest, but the selections from Shakespeare
were those which excited the most critical attention. Mr.
Wigan evidently created a deep impression by the varied
elocution, pathos, and suppressed power with which be read
she immortal " Seven Ages " speech is ds Tow Like ft.

- •
TILE Disritnee LN LANCASHIR6.—A meeting of
the Ceotral Executive Committee was held at Manchester,
yesterday. thr J. Kay-fibuttleworth, the High Sheriff,
presided. Mr. Machin., the how secretary, reported that
4,8811. 6e. 2d, had been received daring the past four weeks,
and that the balance in the bank was 134,7641. 13a. Id. The
4,8811. tie. 21. included 4,183/. 10s. Id. bank interest from
January let to June 30th. Mr. Menhirs stated that is ac-
cordance with a resolution passed at the last meeting for
obtaining an extenaioe of the loans granted for public works
to the extent of 500,0001., a deptitasioe had waited upon the
President of the Poor-law Board, who had brought into
parliament a bill for that purpose, which passed a second
time on Friday night, and was expected to be read • tided
time last evening. A resolution, thanking the Pawkiest of
the Poor-law Board for his courteous atteetios, was
adopted. Mr. Manure mid the report laid before parliameat
by Mr. Villiers and prepared by Mr. Farnall, stated that
32,000 persons were receiving aid from relief committees,
whereas the number was only 22,000—being more favour-
able even than had been supposed. In presenting the fourth
balanoe-aheet of the distress fund, which had been verified
by Mann. Broome, Child, Murray, and Co., the honorary
secretary called attention to the expellees which had bees
iscurred in the management of the fund from is oomemace-
meet, the total amount of which (upon a receipt of
892,1571. and • distnbution of 739,4981. is mosey, and
111.9681. in kind) was 9,1011. Bs. 4d., or little more than
conhalf per oast. Letters were reed anemanoing the
closing for the summer months of the relief committees at
&maned, Crompton, and Blackley, and that votes of thanks
bad been passed by each to the Central Executive Committee
for their liberal grant.. Mr. Fernalre report dated that
there had been a decrease of 5,739 relieved in twenty-seven
union., no the 9th Met. as compared with the 11th altimw
Total receiving relief on the 9th, 83.737 permits.

REPRESENTATION OF GRIMSBY.—It is reported
tbst Ur. Oliapmm, the pelmet IL P. fee Grimsby, will not
meek re-electioe on thedissolution of Palliasses, sad that it
is cootemplated to request the Hoe. William George Edgy,
of Cantley-ball, Dear Doeauter, to beam* e candidate for
the borough oa the liberal intenat.—Enacrn Morning Netts.

JarrROPOLITAY AND PROVINCIAL BANK
(LIMITED).-(THIS DAY.)

The half-yearly meeting of the shareholders was
bald at noon, at the landau Tartan ; Mr. 0. Otters, M.P.,
presiding.
The Brennan' (Mr. Pope Con) read the following re.
port :
" The directors beg to present to the shareholders a state-
ment of the temente of the bank for the half-year ending
the 30th June, showing after the payment of interest on
deposit and current moans an available profit of 58,0161.
10a. 9d. Of this sum 31,0001. hare been received as pre-
=tam on the new issue of shares, the whole of which,
together with 3,0001. from the ordinary profits of
the half-year, your directors have added to the
maimed fund, which now amounts to 40,0131.
Consequent on the satisfactory progress of the bank, the
' directors have the pleasure to recommend a dividend at the
rate of 64 per cent. per annum, and a bonus of 3.. per share
Niog equal to 7i per cent. per mum), and the payment of
interest oo the new shares also, at the rate of 7t, per cent.
per annum—all free of income-tax. After the payment of
such dividend, boons, nod interest—the addition to the
reserved fund—the current expenses of the half-year—and
writing off to the fullest extent every bad and doubtful
debt, and the proportion of preliminary expenses,
a balance of 4,7811. oa. 6d. remains to be carried
forward to the credit of the profit and loss new account for
the current half year. In February last, on the invitation
of the directors, the following gentlemen accepted seats at
the board, subject to the approval of the shareholders at
this meeting, viz.. Xenophon Belli, Esq., merchant, Win.
cheater.bieldiegs ; John George Hama% Esq. merchant,
Oreshant-tionse; sad Michael Zari6, FAq, (of the firm of
Zara& Brothers, and Co., merchant.), Winchester-build-
lags ; and the confirmation of these appointments is now

recommended.
"Statement of Accounts. Jane 30, 1884.—Liabilities—
Dr.: To capital account-13,000 shares 201. paid, 260,0001. ;
7,00 shares 51. paid (May 2). 35,0031. ; together, 295,C001.
to reserved fund amount, 6,001. ; to amount doe by the
beak on current, deposit, and other moms* 1,060,688!.
12s. 4d. ; to surplus profit last half.year, 1,8741. 61. 114. ;
to balance of profit and loss present half-year (after paymg
interest on current and deposit accounts), 56,1424 3s. 10d._;
together, 58,016/. 100. 9d. ; total, 1,419.7051. 3e. Id.
Assets.—Cr.: By invertmenta, Consols, Feat India De-
bentures, (My Bonds, 14e., 58,191/. se. ; by bills discounted,
loans, kw., 1,192,9341. 16e. ld. ; by freehold and leasehold
c= furniture, bank fittiop (head office and
wad preliminary expenses, 22,5560/. gs. 24. -
by cash in hand and at tall (head of and branches).
146,0191. 15a. 10d. ; total. 1,419,7051. Is. ld.
"Profit and Lois Aocount —June 30, 1864. —Dr. : To current
exposes, including salaries, rent, stationery (head office and
branches), directors' remuneration, bad debts, aa, 8,1151.
la. 3d. ; to anseaat written off preliminary expense amount,
9251. ; to payment of dividend at the rate of 6 per cent.
per annum on 13.000 shares, 7,800/. ; to bowls on ditto at
3e per share, 1,950/. ; to interest at the rote of 7i per cent,
per annum on 7,030 new shares, 4371. ; together, 10,1871. ;
to reserved fond—premium on new shares, 31.C;01. ;
from helf.year's profits, 3,0001. ; together, 34,000/. ;
to balance transferred to profit and lore (new amount) in-
cluding rebate of interest on bills discounted not yet due,
4,7894 9s. fid. —total. 58.0101. 10a. 9d. Cr.: By balance of
profit and loss 58,0161. 10s. 9d.
'Reserved Fund Account.—Amount from last half-year,
6,0001. ; amount now added, 34,0C31.-40.001. Examined
and found found correct, iiMo Clurrsase sad Azimut'
Coors, auditors."

The CIIAIRMAN in moving the adoption of the report and
amounta, said the directors felt great plasmas in presenting
such a satisfactory report. Let the shareholders compare
the present position of the bank with its position six months
ago. The reserve food had now been Maimed to 40,0004,
the dividend had been rained from 5 to 711 per cent. pee
annum ; and the money value of the shares had been en-
harmed by not Inv than 100,0004 (Hear, beer.)
He believed that the work of improvement would continue,
and the report of the next half year be still more satis-
factory. The based bad presented the amounts in the worst
possible light, having deducted, under the head of limes,
some amounts in respect of which they were almost sure to
receive some dividend. (Cheers )
Mr. )10111181 (a director) seconded the motion.
Mr. Gomm wished to know whether the to pro-
!MUM of 31,0004 arose from the whole of the 10, new
shares.

The CESAMY•II replied is the affirmative ; addinr, in
4:placation, that at the time when posse of the new shame
were issued the prevnio:n which the shares bore in the man
kat was only 4 to 1 4 premium.
After some further diviussioe, the report ems adopted,
and a dividend at the rate of 74 per cent. per 'boom
(payable oil and after Monday next) declared, and the pro•
osedlaga terminated in the usual manner.