The Express.
London, England, 1863-07-04 00:00:00

I regret the absence of their acoustioined leader.
The occasion of Mr. Hormones inquiry the
suspense in which his motion for the receitiaa
of the Confederate States hangs, it having been pro-
posed to postpone the adjourned discussion until
Monday week. We cannot believe, however, that
the PREMIER will regard the question as one that
may be treated thus lightly. To say nothing of what
is due to the two parties in America who are expect-
ing our decision with impatience, there are in-
terests in this country which will be affected by
the determination arrived at by the House of Com-
mons. The policy of the country in a matter of
so much magnitude ought not to be subject to
doubt and uncertainty ; and it would be unworthy
of the House as well as of the Government to
delay the declaration of its intentions.

Int Court.

WINDSOR CASTLE, JULT 3.

Her Majesty, accompanied by the Queen of
Prussia, and the Princes' Louise and Primes Bestrioe,
drove out yesterday afternoon in • carriage-m(l4om, at.
tended by Colonel Hon. A. Harding. on horseback.
Princess Helena, attended by Lady Caroline Barrington,
returned from London.

The Queen of Prussia, attended by the Countma Sohn-
lenbourg, Counter Schwerin, Count do Bow, Weadock, and
Dr. Brand* left the Cantle at 20 minutes peat 3 o'clock for
London. Lord Camoya and Colonel Hon. A. Harding. also
attended her Majesty.
Prince Leopold took a short walk today.

The Prince of Wales, attended by Captain Grey, went to
the Crystal Palace yesterday morning, and witnessed the
trial of the steam lire-engines.
The Princess of Wales, attended by the Marchioome of
Carmarthen, took a carriage drive.
Her Majesty the Queen of Prawns and the Prince and
Princess of Wales took a drive in an open carriage in the
afternoon.

Her Majesty the Queen of Prussia and the Prince of
Wales honoured the performance at the Royal Italian Opera,
Covent-garden, Last evening, with their premium. In
attendant* were the Coal:tem Schulenbourg, Comte.
Schwerin. Count de Boos, Waldeck, Dr. Brand* Colonel
the Hon. A. Harding., and Captain Grey.

Despatches were received yesterday at the Colanial-odloe
from the °overran of Canada and the Settlements on the
Gambia. Despatches were sent to the Governor of
Gibraltar, Malta, Hong Kong, Ceylon, and Labium.

CABINET Courrem.--Summonaes were issued
but evening for a meeting of the Cabinet Wadden this
(Saturday) afterooou, at the official residence of the Pre-
mier, in Downing-street We are happy to state that Lord
Palmerston anticipates being able to meet his colleagues.

Their Royal 'Highnesses the Prince and Princess
of Wales are expected to leave Marlborough House about
the middle of next lweek, for Program. Their royal
highnesses will afterwards ko to Osborne, to stay a short
time with the Queen Lod the youthful members of the
royal family.

His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge
honoured the Marquis and Marchioness of Westminster
with his company at dime, lad evening at Grosvenor
Houma

Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cam-
bridge and the Princess Mary will leave town on or about
the 17th in for Germany.
Viscount and Viscountess Stratford de Redoliffe
entertained a selcct party at dinner last evening at their
residence in Grosvenorequare.
The Earl and Countess of Macclesfield enter-
teinedj at dinner last evening, at their residence in E aton.
square, their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cambridge
and the Princess Mary.

The Countess Do Grey has issued cards for a
dance on Tuesday the 14th instant, to meet their Royal
Highnesses the Duchess of Cratuidge and the Printer
Mary.

The Earl and Countess of Yarborough gave a
grand entertainment last evening, at their mansion in
Arlhigton-street, to his Royal Highness the Prince of
Orange.

MUSIC.

TEE NATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR TILE
ENCOURAGEMENT OF MUSIC.

The newly-formed association has announced its
existence by giving a concert, at St. James's-hall last even-
ing, with the view of obtaining the funds necessary for its
initiatory proceedings. It professor to have for its object
the diffusion of musical instruction on a uniform system
throughout the United Kingdom, by landing a school on
the principles of the continental conservatories. The
scheme, it is stated, will include annual prizes, and the
power of assisting friendless genius by gratuitous
instruction. And it is added that active measures are now
being taken to enable the council to offer on the most
moderate terms instruction from professors of the highest
eminence. The list of the council oontains the names of a
number of fashionable amateurs and several eminent pro-
fessional musicians, among whom are Mr. Benedict, Mr.
Frank Mori, and the Rev. Sir F. Gore ()mislay, Bart. On
the practicability of the plan, with the slight information
furnished, we are unable to offer any opinion, but we shall
look with interest to the further procecdinp of the society.
The concert of last night was announced as being under
the immediate patronage of the Prince and Princess of
Wales, several other members of the royal family, and •
number of ladies of high rank. Whether any of these pa-
tronesses were present we know not, but there was a full
and fashionable-looking audience. The first part of the
concert consisted of Sterndale Bennett's beautiful cantata,
" The May Queen"— a work which is au honors: to the
modern English school of music. It was admirably per-
formed, the sinpra being /drilla Parepa, Madame S•intan
Dolby, Mr. Sims Reeves, and Mr. Bentley. Thechorases
were sung by the members of Mr. Henry Leslie'schoir,andthe
instrumental band included the principal performers of the
Philharmonic Orchestra, of which (as everybody knows)
Professor Bennett is the conductor. This charmirg work
was greatly applauded. The second concert was • melange,
consisting of favourite sin, concerted Tool pieces, and
part-songs, the singers being Madame Alboni, Madame
Sainton Dolby, Madame Lemmens Sherrington, Mr. Sims
Reeves, Mr. Santley, and Mr. Hoary Leslie's choir. The
concert was conducted by Mr. Lane.