The Express.
London, England, 1864-05-21 00:00:00

in Chinese waters. That expedition has rettSed
without anoompliebing pupae, and atli
Council has been revoked, and there is
of sending another expedition ; forlbe
shall do no mare than protect the treaty porlii ;
bat the country will approve of the policy of the
Government, which bad it been fully carried out
would have been "one great step towards the solo-
" Lion of the cotton supply."
Thus much Lord PAixissrox, in defence of •
policy which, on his own confession, is already more
than half abandoned, which our own Ambassador
at Pekin discountenanoes, and which even our
merchants concerned in the trade of the treaty
ports disapprove. And while the Pastaza
is reassuring the House as to the further
development of that policy, he mentions with
deep regret that a gallant British officer has
received a severe check and has been wounded in
command of a Chinese Imperialist force against
the Taepings. It is notorious that leading mem-
hers of her Marines present Goverameut were
the first to disapprove of that policy of interven-
tion in China which Lord PALYKEISTON now pro-
, mises shall be discontinued, while in the same
breath he defends it. The conversation on the
subject last evening was but the prelude to a
I formal motion and debate. But can anything
be more unsatisfactory than Lord Pszmxarron's
explanations, or more painfully like the confused
explanations of the Mexican expedition in the
French Legislative Corp., as an expedition
undertaken for the punishment of certain out-
rages committed by the governments preceding
that of M. JUAAKZ ; for the vindication of French
military honour ; for the protection of religion
which M. Juke= had assailed by secularizing
Ichurch property ; for the glory of the
Latin race ; as a counterpoise and re-
straint to the American Republic ; for the
development of French commercial interests on
the two oceans ; for the good of the Mexican
people in particular, said of all mankind t—which-
ever you please.
Somewhat less unsatisfactory were Mr. CARD-
sexia.'s explanations on the melancholy and absurd
little war we have been waging with the
King of ASHANTZE and with the deadliest climate
of all Africa, in resistance to a demand of extrae;-
tion which that potentate attempted to enforce
on territory subject to British protection. The
Szcarraar for the Cowries enures the House
that transports will be sent without delay to bring
back what remains unburied of that impossible
expedition, and that no further sacrifices of brave
English lives will be offered to the offended dig-
nity of the King of ASHANTK/L So far so good.
But when shall we cease to contrast these mon-
strous follies in China and Africa with the excessive
cantion of our political and military movements in
Europe ?

THE DOCKYARDS.

REPORT OF THE SELECT COMMITTEE.

This morning was issued the following first report
from the select committ2e on dockyards :

I. Your committee ware inttruetcd. on 25th February,
to "inquire into and report upon the basin and dock aci.

comma/atlas' of the mot dockyards in the United King-
dom, sod its sufficiency for the pubic service, having
refereope especially to the proposed extrinsic° of her
Majesty's dockyard at Portsmouth."
2. By • sitheequeet order of 20th April, we ware directed
to extead oor ingo;ries to, and report upon " the dock and
byte scoommodatoon aveqable for the repair of her
Majesty's ships when employed on foreigolstatioss."
3. Your committee have hitherto directed their especial
atteatiosi to the proposed extension of her Majesty's dock-
yard at Portsmouth.

4. The present ospabalties of the dockyard for repairing
and fitting out ships consist of 11 docks (two only of which
are of sufficient length and breadth, and on. only of ea&
cieet depth, to dock • first due ship, with her weights on
beard), and of two basins-one the ship bane, containing
two acres twelve roods thirty perches, with a depth of
water at ordinary spring tides of 24 feet 6 inches over
the entrance ; the other, the steam basic, of seven acres,
with 25 feet 6 inches depth of water.
. _

3. The svldeeos is unanimous that this acoommodatioa is
inadequate for the ordinary requirements of the navy, men
in time of peace.
6. Various opinions have been given as to the number of
additional first-class docks required. SOON witnesses con-
sider that four, others that as many as eight are required.
The Duke of Somerset thinks that at least three should
be cosstnteted. Ae to the extent of the additional repair-
ing basins required, the evidence goes to show that from 20
to 30 NNW are considered necereary ; sod it is urged by some
wittier.* that, instead of mooring the ships in ordinary
in the harbour, economy and safety would be beet secured
by placing them ,hips is a basio devoted to that purpose.
7. The factory establishment is stated to be capable (or
nearly so) of effecting the repairs and refitting of the fleet.
8. A site, the property of the crown, but subject to cer-
tain rights of way, comprisiog about 93 acne, bounded Ly
Fountaio Lake, and covered at high water, immediately
contiguous to the north end of the dockyard, is st►ted by
unanimous evidence to be an excellent site for the proposed
works. The subsoil is mid to be of stiff clay, reodel:ng
piling fAundatioos unnecessary, and of good quality for
making bricks.

9. A large convict establishment being contiguous, your
comeelttee are informed that much of the work eau be ac-
complished by convict labour, as is the rose io similar works
now progressing at ChathamDockyerd.
10. Your committee have thought it tight to stoertain
whether the water on the bar of Poi tsmooth harbour can
be maintained at a sufficieot depth for the largest ships;
sod they have received conclusive evidence on this important
matter, showing that no apprehension need be entertained
of future inconvenience.

11. From the foregoing evidence, your committee have
come to the conclusion—lat. That additional basin and
dock accommodatioo at Portsmouth is required ; 2nd. That
the site recommended ie well adapted for the purpose.
12. Your committee haveartreed to report at mom their
opinion upon that branch of their inquiry which relates to
Portsmouth Dockyard, in order to enable the government
to bring in a bill to suthoriae the diversion, stopping up,
and appropriation of certain streets, roads, and lending
plscee, preparatory to the extenaioo of that yard.
13. Your committee are proceeding with the farther
branches of the inquiry entrusted to them.

It appears from a parliamentary return issued
this morning that the total out of the Ordoanoa Survey
Department including military pay and every contingency,
from the year 1791, to the 31st March, 1864, was
2,991,6241., divided as follows :—England, 1,303,7611. ;
Ireland, 1,083,5931. ; Scotland, 604,267/.

. .
On the 17th of next month Mr. Hubbard will
mill the attention of the house to t►e returns of the row
Intim and proosediop of the finical Armament Commit-
tees, and to the nesamity for usistiog their operations in
effecting a system of equal and uniform usematent

At the court at Osborne House, Isle of Wight,
the 28th day of April, 1864, provost, the Queen's Most
Excellent Majesty in Council. her Majesty in couacil was
this day pleased, on the representation of the Right Hon.
the Lords of the Committee of Council on Education, to
appoint P. Le Page Record, Esq., to be roe of her Majesty's
inspectors of schools.—Gazette.
WAR-OFFICE, MAY 18.—The Queen bas been
grsciously pleased to give orders for the appointment of
Major Patrick Stewart, of the Royal (late Bengal) &gimes;
to be an ordinary member of the Civil Division of the Third
Clam, or Companions of the Molt Honourable Order of the
Bath.—Garcon.

Tam Asuarraa Waa.—The aonouucement made
by Mr. Cardwell last sight, that it bee been determined to
put a stop at owe to the so-called Ashantee war, will give
universal satisfaction, and be a relief unspeakable to the
unhappy families who have say of their members expound
to its deadly and useless perils. Transporta are immediately
to be seat to the Gold Coast, to bring away all the troops
except thews which are ordinarily employed there.
The pestaleetial mod villages which we have este-
Wished is the interior under the mock name of camps are
to be immediately evacuated, and the provisions and
stone we have been accumulatiog are, if necessary, to be
abaudolied, rather thee expose our troops any longer to the
horrible destruction that surrounds them. It is ouite in-
excusable that these troops should sot have boss withdrawn
months ego. The Colonial-odor roust have known, or
might easily have known if men who were expendieg the
lives of Englishmen bad felt a proper interest in their duty,
all the mein features of the tragical story which has bus
lately told by private letkre in these columns. Yet they
wait till public iedignation is roused by thin private appeal
before they take a smile step is the matter.—Times.

TEE EXPRESS, SATURDAY E'

• gain. „
ad• A --"ThiLMORAL. ait
osalget the attest/on witet
Dunne. -
The Prince at Wales rade on hornbook tr fen.
nose, attended by Maier Tendslc
The Prime sad Prisons of Wale' wok • carrier, drive.
The Prime awl Manes of Wake Mead the Dad
of Claniaides yesterday wenn at Oisessaira Haim Is
atteedans were Lady Kano. sad lloter Teradsho
A domestics of Wise 6001 Ireland &Waded at fat!-
borough Boon to reerat Nome lace to the Primes of
Wales.

The deputation created of the Xerchieems of Waterford,
the Meraltioet= of Drogheda., the llatchiomme of Mari-
cards, the Karobirmem of Kildare, the Ocemtme of Cork,
the Coastme of Err= the Vemesetem Geri, the Lady
Aruialy, the Lady Clermont, and lire Taylor.
The Marquis of Kildare acoompaaied the ladies, sod pre-
sented as oak =ht.

A deputation of ladies from Worcester attended to pre.
sent to the Pitmen °Wales three mom of Limaggesemmiel,
manufactured at the Royal Porcelain Warks,Woroniter,and
promoted by the ladies of Worcestershire.

The depotatios emshand of Lay Georgina Vireos, Lady
Raglan, Lady Blount, I skis to, sad /in. Holland.
A deputation of teatimes frees the city of Wormers
atteeded to prevent a bromides' serviee.

The deputation consisted of W. Alexander Clause (sheriff
and mayor of Worcester), Mr. James Dyson Perrino (sheriff
of Worcester), Mr. Richard Wool (town clerk), and Mr.
Richard W. Bins, F.S.A., of the Porthlaie Works.
Mr. Lenard C. Wyoa was honoured by the Prince of
Wales ?frith a sitting for his portrait oe the medal of the
Society of Arts, of which hls Royal Highnem is presideat.
A deputation frees the oorporatioa of the City of London,
headed by the Right Honourable the Lord Mayor, Mr.
Crawford, ICP., Mr. Oeschen, M.P., Mr. Alderman Rosa,
M.P., sad Mr. J. T. Norris, LP., and °minting of Mr.
Depatyßoas (thairmanof the Coal, Coro, and Pinsace Com-
mittee), Mr. Harris (chairman of the Board of Corn Meters
in Trust), the Common Serjeant, the Chamberlain, the
Remembranier, and the City Solicitor, had an interview
with the Right Hon. the Chancellor of the Extdinther at
his official residence in Domani etreet, yesterday.
A deputation from the oorn trade of the City of London
bad an interview with the Chthoellor of the Exchequer, at
his official residence in Downingstroet, yesterday. The
deputation consisted of Mr. Millis Coveatry, Yr. Koos
Kingsford, Mr. Edward White, and Mr. Thomas Look*,
secretary.

Despatches were received yesterday at the Colonial-0 6k*
from the Governors of Vancouver's Island sod the Falkland
Islands. Capstan were sent to the Lord High Commis-
sioner of the lonian Wands.

The Prince and Princess of Wales will attend
the choral service in Westminster Abbey ou Thursday mot,
the 26th, when a sermon will be preached la aid et the
Special Appeal for the Qlergy Orphan Corporation, the
object of which is to clothe, maintain, sad educate the
orphans of poor clergymen of the established church.

Hia Royal Righums the Duke of Cambridge was
honoured by the presence of their Royal Highnesess the
Prince and Princess of Wale, at dinner yesterday at Glos.
°eater House. The Prince and Princes.. of Wales, who
were attended by the Constar of Morton and Major Tees.
dale, arrived at 8 o'clock, arid were webromed by the Due
of Cambridge on their arrival. A select circle were invited
to meet their Royal Highnesses.

Their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cam-
bridge and Princess Mary honoured Visoount and vis-
countess Castlerome with their company at dinner 1-st
evening, at their residence is Eaton-Owe. There were
present to meet their royal highseeses the Dike and
Duchess of Manchester, the Earl of St. Germane, the Earl
of Liatowel. Viscount and Viscountess Walden, Lord Den-
MAUL Lord Claud Hamilton, Lady Marian Allard, Lady
Ocastance Grammar, Lard Hinthinbrolie, Lady Geraldine
Somerset, Colonel Home hums, Dr. Quin. la.
The Earl and Countess of Clarendon entertained
his Excellency Biros de Baud sad a select party at dinner,
on Thursday evening, at their residence in Grosvenor-
maneent.

The Karl and Countess Russell received a select
party at dinner, yesterday evening, at Pembroke Lodge,
lticbmoed•park.

The Lord Bishop of London and Mrs. Tait have
moved from London House, St. James's-slave, to Fontein
Palace, Middlesex, for the remainder of the seam.

A marriage has been arranged between Mr.
Henry Milbank, third eon of Mr. and Lady Augusta BUl-
bank, nephew of the Duke 'of Clevelmod, and brother-in-
law of the Earl of Stamford and Warrington, and Lady
Swazi Osborne, eldeet daughter of the Duke of Lc As, end
aster-ia•law of the Munitionam of Carmarthen.

Lord and Lady Cremorne received at dinner last
evening, at their resideece, in Cursoe-street, the Earl and
Cameros Cawdor and lady Victoria Campbell, the Earl
and Counters of Cbarlensont, Lord and Lady Wodehogae,
the Earl and Countess Somers. Lord and Lady Shaheen-
dale, Lord Stanley, M.P., Viscount Acheson, Mr. and Lady
Mary Stanley. Mr. Charles Balfour, Mr. dunes Napper,
Ho,. Vow Dawson, &c. Later in the evening her lady.
ship had an assembly.

His Excellency Prince de La Tour d'Auvergne
gave a brilliant ball last night at the French &gamy,
Albert-gate. Knightsbridge. Notwithstanding the thunder.
storm a very distinguished company responded to the invi-
tations of his excellency. Aram the ambassadors and
foreign ministers were the Prince of Tour sod Taxis, the
Turkish Ambassador and Mdlle. Minium, the Austrian
Ambassador and the Countess d'Appoeyi, the Russian
Minister, the Belgian Minister sod Madame Vaa de Weyer,
the Italian Minister, the Bavarian Minister, the Spaniel;
Minister and Madame Camps, the PRIM Minister, and
the Nethsrlaods Minister, the Right Hon. the Cban-
oellor of the Exchequer and Mrs. and Miss Glad-
stone, the Right Roe. E, Cardwell, M.P., and Mrs. Card-
well, the Right Hoe. Thomas Ni. G.bsoe, IL P., and Mrs.
Gibson, the Right Hoe. Benjamin Disraeli, M.P., sad Mrs.
Disraeli, the Right 800. C. P. Villiers, the Right Hos.
Sir J. Palringtoe, /LP., and Lady Pakiegtoo, ttc., were
wooing the guests.

The Queen has nominated the Rev. Charles
hone.' Rootledge, MA., of Kites College, Cambridge,
to be one of her Majesty's inspectors of schools.

Among the royal collections at Windsor (says
the attestrion), a map has been discovered, which has on
it the esrliset have iestanoe of the word America. It is
a mappensoode, or map of the world, by Leonardo da
Vinci. At the next meeting of the Society of Antiquaries,
Mr. Major, of the British Muaeum, will explain the par-
ticulars connected with the character and diseovery of this
intercedes map.

The President of the Institution of Civil Engi-
neers has issued cards foe a oonseraszione on Tuesday even.
ing, the 31st of May.

The last performance at the Sacred Harmonic
Society of Rawson will take plate oa Friday seat.
Mr. Hullah is now delivering his new lectures on
music at the Royal leetitatioa.

It is now said that lifireille will be given at Her
Majesty'. Theatre.

We (A thenattm) are informed that a cantata by
Mr. Henry Smart will be given at The Barmiogham Festival.
A new Italian Opera-house has been erected at
Madrid by a company to be called after Maestro-Rossini
Its license extends only from Jose to the end of September.
The principal artists already mimed are MM. Tamberlik,
Moogioi, Vidal, Bartolinio, Vialetta ; Mmes. Tedesco,
Poch, and Garolli. The build* will be inaugurated by
Guillaume Tell, to be followed by Ofello, jr Propiett,
and Anna Bolena.

The Emperor Napoleon is understood to have
formally offered himself as A candidate for the vacant chair
of Mechanics, in the Academy of Sciences.

General de Lamoriciere was present in the
sittiog of the French Legislative Body on Thursday, and
con•ened for some time vitt M. Thiel*.

In the French Legislatif Corps on Thursday,
W. Jules Simon rid that the protestant religion is more
favourable to education than the catholic, inasmuch aa pro.
instant. are always possessed of a Bible. After the religious
ceremooy has been celebrated between protestant., the
pastor hands to each a Bible, which is presented by the com-
mune. That is a custom atones profoundly respectable and
affecting, and if he dared to give advice to catholic priests,
he, s philosopher, would say to them, "'fake a lesson from
the protestant., std where you accomplish the most august
function of religious worship which is intrusted to you, take
from the altar the sacred volume, give it to the newly.
married couple. and tell them, This is the rule : this is the
law of God and perhaps in propagating morality you will
propagate education itself."