The Express.
London, England, 1864-12-15 00:00:00

LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING,. DECEMBER 15, 1864.

TELEGRAPHIC INTELLIGENCE.

(surna's rusaimcs.)
SPAIN.

MADRID, Dix. 13.

The Conesporidencia of to-day says :—" We are
authorised to deny the statements that the miniita7
intends making a declaration to the Cortes witk
the object of proving that its policy is not reac-
tionary, as represented by its adversaries.
"The government will conduntheadministration
of public affair on the principles of a moderate,
legitimate, and straightforward policy."

THE MINISTERIAL CRISIS.
MADRID, Dec. 14.

The Noticias of to-day says that it having been
officially announced that the English government
intends to recognise the insurgents of St. Domingo
as belligerents, the Narvaez ministry have tendered
their resignation.
The Epoca of to-day says :—" The Council of
Ministers had unanimously decided to announce the
abandonment of St. Domingo in the speech from
the throne, but the Queen having refused ber assent
to this resolution, a ministerial crisis took place."
The resolution of England to recognise the rebels
as belligerents was in pursuance of the reservation
expressed by her at the time of the annexation of
the island to Spain. This course was adopted by
England on account of the Spanish blockade of
St. Domingo having been declared ineffectual.

MUSIC.

NATIONAL CHORAL SOCIETY.

This society began its fifth season by an excellent
performance of Eli)ah last night at Exeter-hall. The
National Choral Society, like the Sacred Harmonic,
is • body of amateurs, and, like it, has risen from
small beginnings to its present prosperous condition
and its important position among the principal musical
institutions of the metropolis. It owes its success to the
energy and activity of its founder and manager, Mr. G. W.
Martin, who is an accomplished musician, • skilful
conductor, sod an able administrator ; end the crowded
state of Exeter-hall lot evening, and the applause with
which the whole performance war received, showed that
the Society has gained • large share of public favour.
The performance of so well-known a work as Shrub,
1 the most uni►ersally popular oratorio (saving only
The Messiah) ever produced in England, does not Gall for
much remark. The solo parts were sting in • manner that
could scarcely be excelled. The w hole of the soprano part wu
given to Miss Louisa Tyne-11 much better plan than dividing
this mode between two performers. Miss Pyne is • tho-
rough mistress of every branch of her art, and as much at
home in the concert-hall as on the stage. She has been
comparatively little known as an oratorio singer, having
been in a great measure drawn away from sacred music by
her theatrical avocations. Lot her performance of last
night showed the extent and variety of her vocal attain.
meats, for her style was as pure, her expression u large,
and her execution as chaste and simple as if
this Clan of music bad been the chief object of her study.
We were glad to see Mr. Sims Reeves again after his severe
illness, end to perceive that he wee no longer suffering from
it; fur his voice had recovered its line qualities, and
he bang with ell hie accustomed coerey and effect. The
clntracter of the Prophet was sustained by Mr. Lewis
Thomas, whose performance was equally remarkable for the
drsmstic truth and force of his conception, and the power
end Enish of his vocal execution. The contralto part was
beautifully sung by Miss Palmer. The subordinate, but not
uoimportaut parts —for in this Oratorio every pert is important
—were assigned to Miss P. Lyle, Miss Annie Cox, Mr.
Walker, and Mr. E. Murray, who contributed to the ad-
mirable effect of the concerted piece; especially the
exquisite double quartet. The choruses were given with
all their grandeur and power ; and we may say that the
whole of ifendelasohn's chef craurre was performed in •
manner with which the illustrious author himself would
not Lave been dissatieffed.