The Express.
London, England, 1863-07-16 00:00:00

EXPRESS. TIIEESDAY EVENING, JULY 16, 1863.

of a faithful follower of 'Lord P.H.stavurros to feel
himself degraded by dining comfortably at the
national expense, and would rather go back to the
Englishman's sacramental alternative of "steaks or
"chops," than be at the mercy of a caterer
who cannot make two ends meet. Mr. Bass would
make the House of Commons a normal school of
cookery, and, sa a I'ALMERSTONIAN liberal, pro-
bably regards the enlargement of the kitchen and
refreshment rooms as a perfectly safe and temperate
measure of reform. Mr. CoweEn, characteristically
enough, cannot ith those ill-natured gentle-
men who represent tins question as unworthy of
the attention of the House. On the con-
trary, it is a question that concerns the
temper of members, fur who shall say how
often the course of legislation has been changed
by the hunger or indigestion of a wavering majo-
rity ? Those of our readers who have visited the
Zoological Gardens at feeding time will under-
stand the force of Mr. COWPGICS allusion to the
"temper" of the House at 7 p.m.
. .

. .
For our own part, we should be glad to find
the British Parliament setting an example to their
countrymen of dining lightly, yet substantially ;
simply, yet with some reference to culinary art.
Good cookery is no enemy to public spirit and
patriotic energy ; nor is the prevailing mode of
dining in this country a guarantee of public virtue,
because it is but two removes from cannibalism.
We are very far from grudging a good dinner to
our legislators, though we are tempted to exclaim,

That we can call these delicate creatures min,
But not their appetites

PUBLIC INCOhlli AND EXPENDITITRE.--SURPLUS
OF A MILLION.—The total revenue of the Unit 24
Kingdom of Great Britain 'and Ireland in the year
ended the 30th of June last, was 70,683,8601.
Ile. Od. The total ordinary expenditure was
68,621,5961. 18e. Id., showing an excess of income
over ordinary expenditure of 2,059,2631. 13s. Bd. ;
but the vote for fortifications (9C3,C301.) reduces
this excess to 1,159,2631. 13s. &I. The balances in
the Exchequer on the 30th ult. were 6,892,1141. 2s.

Vbe court.

OSBORNE, Jou IE.

The Queen drove out yesterday.

Her Majesty received the New Zealand chiefs to-day at
Osborne, consiating of thirteen persons, ten male and three
female, who arrived from hoodoo to have the honour of an
interview, accompanied by Mr. Jenkins, government inter-
preter, and two other interpreters. The Duke of New-
castle, Secretary of State fur the Colonies, was preeent.
The chiefs erased over from Southampton in her Majesty's
yacht Fairy, which was sent to meet them.
The Queen, accompanied by the Princess Helena,
Princes Louise, Princess Beatrice, and Prince Leopold,
and attended by the Hon. Mrs. Bruce, the Hon. Beatrice
Byng, and the gentlemen in waiting, received the chiefs in
the Council-room, where they were severally presented by
Mr. Jenkins, and had the honour of kissing her Majesty's
baud ; the heads of tribes then addressed the Queen through
the interpreter. Aftt r partaking of luncheon the whole
party were taken on board the Victoria and Albert, and
went afterwards to Portsmouth.

The Judicial Committee of the Privy Conned eat yester-
day. The appeal from Ceylon, "Tatham r. Andrie and
another" (part heard), was concluded ; and an appeal from
Bengal, " Khajah Gour Ali Khan r. Ashrtiffoonissa," was
commenced. The lords present were Laid Kinpdown, the
Lords Justices Knight Bruce and Turner, and Sir Lawrence
Peel.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

be *worded to them if they desire it. It cannot be doubted
but that the nobles will require time to disease a version
involving a change in the country's constitution ; and they,
doubtless, feel that the discussion of this matter cannot very
well be delayed. On oar side delay is likewise wanted in
order to allow time for the arrival of troops from India, which
have been sent for, if report speaks correctly. The only
operation which the admiral could proceed with would
be to attack Prince Satsuma's castle at Kagosima, which is
down on the charts near Cope Chikskoff and opposite Pistol
Island. Ile might also impound this prince's revenues at
the Loo•kiu (Loochoo) bleach. At the present time the
prospects of a peaceful settlement to the Japan difficulties
are very amalL The Illustrated London News artist
arrived here en route for Japan lest mail, so that in the event
of hostilities the public at home will be kept well informed
as to the details and incidents of the war. The following is
the latest notification by 11.51. charge d'affairea :
•' Yokohama, April 25, 1863.

"Sir,—Communications have been made to me in urgent
terms by the Japanese government, which have resulted
in the accordance on my girt of an additional period for
the final and categotical answer to the demands I h►ve made
under instructions from her Majeety's government.
"The extended term now allotted will terminate on the
12th May inclusive. At the expiration of that period, if
no satisfactory settlement of the demands has been arrived
at, the same contingency as to the commencement of coer-
cive measure' on the part of the squadron under the com-
mand of Rear• Admiral Kuper, and the same risk of danger
to the foreign reeideuta at the open porta in Japan, will in
all probability prevail as heretofore, to her Majesty's sub-
jects.
"I have is the meanwhile Informed the Japanese minis-
ters that, should coercive measures be resorted to, it is not
the intention of the admiral to adopt any hostile measure
on shore at the open ports, unless the safety of the foreign
residents is imperilled by the menaces or acts of thegovern.
meat, or of hostile Daimios.
" It is, however, impossible to foresee or form an opinion
as to the ultimate determination or conduct of the Tycoon's
government.

" With the extended period before them—in granting
which their convenience was a strong element of my deci.
sion—her Majesty's subjects are advised to adopt such pre-
cautionary measures for the security of themselves and
property as may now be better within their reach ; bearing
at the same time in view that whenever coercive operations
on the part of the admiral may become neceas►ry, the
degree of protection which can be afforded this settlement
during the absence of the greater portion of the squadron,
cannot, as far es can at present be reckoned upon, exceed a
ship of war with two gunboats, exclusive of the guards on
shore, and whatever foreign ships of war may at the period
be present in port. _

" I have to request you to communicate the purport of
this despatch to her td ajuty's eubjecto as well as to acquaint
your colleagues, the consuls of foreign states, that a fresh
period has been accorded to the Japanese government,
extending to the 11th of Mey next, for the float answer to
the demands fur reparation rude to it by the British
government, —I have the honour to be, sir, your most
obedient humble servant,

"EDWARD ST. JOHN 14/KALE.
"Chutes A. Winchester, Eq., her hisjesty's consul,
Kausgews."

AUSTRALIA.

On the 19th of May the marriage of the Prince
of Wales was celebrated throughout Victoria with
the liveliest demonstrations of loyalty to the crown
and regard for the royal family, and the Mel-
bourne journals received by the present mail (the
latest date being Mty 26) are full of reports con-
nected therewith. The weather was uu•
favourable, but neither rain nor wind was
allowed to interfere with the rejoicings. Addresses
of congratulation had been presented to his Excel-
lency for transmission to ber Majesty and the
Prince and Princess of Wales. from both houses of
parliament, many municipalities, various incorpo-
rated bodies and charitable societies, the Cymru,
the Caledonian Society, the working men, 8::c.
On the evening of tha loth of May a scene
occurred within the walls of parliament which,
happily for the credit of the colony, is without
parallel in the annals of the Victorian legislature.
The Minister of Justice, Mr. Wood, was deliberately
assaulted by the hon. member for South Bourke,
Mr. L. L Smith, iu the presence of the Cuief
Secretary, the Attorney-General, and other mem-
bers of the government. The minister had been
asked by his assailant to apologise fur some offence,
and replied with a refusal. " I'll see you d—d
first," said the minister, upon which he instantly
received a blow in the face. Mr. Smith bad since
apologised to the house and resigned his seat.
The next mail from England was looked forward
to with some anxiety, as likely to bring intelli-
gence of the decision of the English government
with regard to the Grants for Public Worship Abo-
litiou Bill, welch was sent home for her Majesty's
approval in January last. The question having
been settled so far as our parliament is concerned,"
s iys the Melbourne Herald, "public excitement oil
the question is allayed, and will probably not be re-
vived should the home government, as it is expected
they will, ratify our legislation. Already the religi-
ous party who receive the largest share of the
grants for public worship are making preparations
iu anticipation of the gradual withdrawal of the
stipends. At the recent annual meeting of the
Church Society, one of the must influential of the
episcopalian clergy, while regretting on some
grounds the passiug of the State-Aid Abolitiou Bill,
said he batl no regret for the passing of any act
of the legislature that would lead to greater exer-
tions by members of the church, or to greater
reliance and zeal iu all parties."
Mining affairs are in about the same condition
as oe the despatch of the last mill. From New
Zealand 0.1 tuiuiug intelli..ence has beau of the
must meagre description, and the emigration from
Victoria to that colony has entirely ceased. Num-
ber-a are, in fact, retail-Mug, with anything but goo.l
accounts of the gohdtields. No new ground has
been discovered for a long time, and the yield from
that already opened is rapidly diminishing. lu
Victoria, there is also considerable depression
iu wining matters ; although the yields from
some of the districts are still very good.
Tee only fresh discoveries of any conse-
quence have been the Majorca and Blue Mountain
leads, the former being situated between M'Cill-
litw's Creek and the towu of Maryborough, and
the latter somewhere iu the Kyueton district.
B ttli rushes have proved payable, and several
thousand miners are employed on each. The
escorts for the mouth amount to 10.1,455uz.,
showing a slight decrease on the yield for the cor-
responding period of last year.

There ha I been uo material alteration iu the
import market, nor have we to report any very con-
siderable speculation. There had, however, been a
fair steady trade doing, and generally the market
presented a very healthy aspect. There had been a
decided improvement in the demand for both wheat
and flour, and prices had undergone a correspond-
ing advance.
"Winter is now upon us," says the Melbourne
A rpm, " with refreshing rains, which have already
supplied abundant moisture in all parts of the
colony for the purposes of the miner and the
agriculturist. Our great want is precisely that
which England and continental Europe can most
easily supply us with—more hands to develope
the resources of the colony—resources multiplied
by fresh discoveries from day to day."

In New South Wales the 11th of June had been
appointed aft a general holiday, when the demon-
strations in honour of the marriage of the Prince

of Wales to the Princess Alexandra of Denmark
would take place. The government will provide a
dinner on that day for the inmatee of the various
benevolent and charitable institutions under their
control

Au influential preliminary meeting had been held
in Sydney, for the purpose of expressing public
sympathy with the emancipation policy of Presi-
dent Lincoln.

The Adelaide parliament stood adjourned, at the
date of the last advicee, to the 2nd of June. The
proceedings of the recent lutercolonial Conference
were on that day to be fully detailed, and the
treasurer will iutroduee the new tariff, Wi agreed to
by the delegates of the several colonies during their
sittiogs in Melbourne. Whatever may be the
details of the scheme which this tariff embodies, it
is fully understood that it contemplates no return
to ad valorem duties.

NEW ZEALAND.
RESUMPTION OF HOSTILITIES.

LONDON JOINT STOCK BANK.(THIS DAY)

The half-yearly meeting of the proprietors was
held at noon, at the Bank, Priam-street, Yr. U. Camara
in the chair.
. . . . . . .

•
The following report and balance-chest were presented:
"The directors have the pleasure of submitting to the
shareholders the annexed moments, which show that the
net profits realised by the bank during the half-yea
ending on she 30th ult., amount to 58,6891. 18s, rd.
This result enables the directors to declare the usual divi-
dend of 12a. 6d. per share, and • bonus of Is. per chars,
both free from income tax. leaving • balance of le.
18e. 7d. to the credit of the profit rod Ices account of the
next half-year. The guaran'ee fund, with accrued interest,
amoutted on the 30th ultimo to 271.1801. 124. Id., from
which has to be deducted for decreased value of goverommt
and lodian securities since the :fiat December last, 6.675 i.,
leaving the present amount of the fund 261,2031. 12s. 4d,
The dividend and bonus will be parable on and after Friday,
the 24th instant. _ .

-7.l:irbiliTcs--end assets.—Dr.: To capital pad•
op, viz., 60 CZ3 shame at 10/. each, 600,030/.•
to amount due by the bank, 12,981,1721. 19s. 9d. ; to
amount of the guarantee food, Dec. 31, 1062, 267,1711.
Os. sd. ; to six months' interest on ditto. at 31. per oent.
per annum, 4,0071. Ils. ltd. ; together, 271,1801. 122. 41;
less demean since the enaction on Dec. 31, 1862, is
the market vslue of government and Ernst laden
securities held by the beak, 6,6731. ; lesvieg
264,5051. 12s. Q. • to amount carried to profit and
loss account. 118,6141. 10s. 9d. ; total, 13,967,363/. 21. 10d.
Cr.: By Excbequer Bills, India Debentures, and govern.
meat stock, 1,217,451/. 15e. fkl. ; by mink, loans, bills dis-
counted, and other securities, 12.706.3111. 7s. ; by boildiog,
furniture, &c., in Princes. street, 37,100/. • by ditto, in
6,5001. ; together, 43,600/. ; total, 13,967,363/.
2s. 10d.

--I;st and Loss Acoonnt.—Dr. : Tu current expeame,
proportion of building expenses, directors' remuneration,
bed debts, income tax, 31,6251. 3a. 7d. ; to
amount carried to profit and lows, new amount,
being rebate of interest on bills discounted not
yet due, 28,3691. Bs. 7d. ; to dividend account for the
payment of half a year's dividend at the rate of 124/.
per eentum per annum, upon 6C.3,0001., amount of paid-op
capital urns 60,000 shame. 37,5001. ; to ditto, for the pay-
ment of a bones of Is. per share, 21,C00/,; to amount carried
forward to profit and low, new account, 1891. 18e. 7d. ;
total, 118 6811. 10e. 91. Cr. :By balance brought down,
118.484/. 10s. 91."
The CHAIRMAN. after declaring a dividend st the rate of
121. 10s. per cont, per annum, with • bonus of 7e. per share
in addition, moved the adoption of the report.
A SHAREHOLDER said he saw 43.000/. in the amounts for
building and furniture. He wished to know whether that
amount included the recent improvement .
The CHAIRMAN replied in the affirmative.
The resolution was then agreed to.
A vote of thanks to the chairman and hi colleagues
having been posed unanimously,
The CHAIRMAN briefly acknowledged it.
On the motion of Mr. It. Terwit. thanks were given to
the managers and other officers of the bank.
Mr. Hauer?, the mansver, briefly returned thank', and
this terminated the proceedings.