biglam/hmd_newspapers huggingface dataset:
The Press.
London, England, 1856-03-01

RUSSIAN MOVEMENTS.

The Russian batteries kept up their fire and threw
shot and shell into and beyond the Redan. A large
portion of their force (25,000 men) is said to have
lately left the northern forts and fallen back on
Simferopol. At Tractir their battery seriously
threatened the position of the French second division,
and it was believed in camp not an improbable thing
if between the 11th and the expected armistice a
little sharp fighting on behalf et per contra of that
battery were to come off.
London, England, 1856-03-01

APPELLATE JURISDICTION OF THE HOUSE

OE LORDS.

The Earl of DERBY, ou Thursday, moved " for a
select committee to inquire whether it is expedient
to make any, and if so what, provision for more
effectually securing the efficient exercise of the
functions of this house as a court of appellate juris-
diction, and to report their opinion thereon." De-
London, England, 1856-03-01

THE PRESS.

in which it was situated, and anxiously expecting the ex-
plosion, was excited, just at the time fixed, by a sudden
outburst of giey-white smoke, which rapidly broke into
two columns. One rose almost perpendicularly upwards ;
the other bent towards the eastward. While watching
these volumes of smoke unfolding and expanding, there
came the report of the explosion. Unlike the dull, distant
sound which accompanied the springing of the mines by
which Fort Nicholas was destroyed, the report of this ex-
plosion was intensely loud and sonorous, was accompanied
by a violent agitation of the air, so that a strong coneni.
situ was produoed against the huts and buildings in the
camps, and was followed by a grand roll of echoes like a
peal of thunder. This had scarcely died away, when a
second mass of dense, almost black, smoke rose a little to
the westward apparently of the first explosion. The re-
port which followed the explosion was not quite so loud
our the shock so violent us that of the one preceding.
Then came a third. The violence of the concussions

caused by these three explosions, and the loud reports,
roused all the persons in the ottmpe, and both officers and
men came running in crowds to the crests of the hills to
gain a view of what had happened. The effect of the ex-
plosion was not visible at such a distance.—D. News ear.,
Feb. 12.
The wall form;ng the western enceint of Sebasto-
pol, the public buildings, Fort Constantine, are all to
be destroyed :

It is said that all the mines necessary for destroying the
Quarantine Battery, and various public works and build-
ings still remaining in the parts of the town and fortifica-
tions intrusted to the keeping of our allies, are nearly
finished. Between three and four o'clock p.m. of the
same day, the English engineers destroyed, by a sucees-
sion of explosions, all the groups of buildings, some of
them rather massive in character, which occupied the area
comprehended within the inclosure formed by the Barrack,
or White Buildings. It is expected that the whole of these
buildings, together with the terrace in front, will he blown
up in the course of the week. The terrace, which is faced
by a very highly-finished wall of compact masonry, has
been a work of great labour. On the low ground in front
ate the foundations of the new Admiralty buildings, which
were in progress prior to the breaking out of the war.
They are also on a magnificent scale. The whole of these
works are to be broken up and destroyed.—/b.
London, England, 1856-03-01

NATIONAL GALLERY OF

Earl STANHOPE, on Tuesday, gave notice that on
that day week he would move an address to her
Majesty, playing that her Majesty will be graciously
pleased to take into her royal consideration, in con-
nection with the site of the present National Gallery,
the practicability and expediency of forming, by
degrees, a gallery of original portraits, such portraits
to consist as far as possible of those persons who are
honourably commemorated in British history as
warriors or as statesmen, or in arts, in literature, and
in science.
London, England, 1856-03-01

SCOTCH SPUN SILKS

FoR LADIES' and CHILDREN;S SPRING
and SUMMER WEAR, in all the CLAN TARTANS and
newest Fancy Patterns. made in permanent colours and an extra
quality, expressly for SCOTT ADIE.

Also, TARTAN IRISH POPLINS, in great choice, at
SCOTT ADIS'S ROYAL CLAN TARTAN, SCOTCH
SHAWL, and WATERPROOF CLOAK WAREHOUSE, In,
REdENT-STREET, corner of VIGO STREET.
Patterns sent to the country free.

p ESPIRA TOR S.-F. C. REIN'S
it CORK RESPIRATORS for the MILLION.—They are not
affected by the atmosphere nor the acids of the stomach, will
remain perfectly dry while worn, and allow free respiration. By
Its use it is impossible to breathe any other than warm and per.
featly pure air. It will be found highly beneficial on leaving
heated rooms, crowded assemblies, &c., for the Prevention of
Coughs, Colds, Consumption. and all Affections of the Throat
and Lungs. Price 3.. ed., sent free to any part of the kingdom
Address F. C. Rein, at his Paradise fur the Deaf, 108, Strand
London.—The Trade supplied.
Also, Rein's Double-Action Fountain, Railway Convenience,
Elastic Stockings, Trusses, and all other mechanical assistance
for infirmidee. N.l3.—Mrs. Rein attends ou Ladies.

THE PRESS.

SIR ARCHIBALD ALISON'S

HISTORY OF EUROPE,

From the Commencement of the French Revolution
in 1789 to the Rattle of Waterloo.

LIBRARY EDITION, in 14 vols., demy Bvo., with Portraits £lO 10 0
In 20 vols., crown Bvo.
PEOPLE'S EDITION, publishing in Monthly Parts, at ls each.
"There is no book extant that treats so well of the period to
the illustration of which Mr. Alison'. labours have been devoted.
It exhibits great knowledge, patient research, indefatigable in-
dustry, and vast power. Few men living could have done greater
justice to tip) subject"— The Times.

"Hie work forms a magnificent portal to the present; it con-
tains a key to the etrange characters which the passions of men
are now writing upon the eiuth."—Dublin University Magazine.
WILLIAM BLACKWOOD and Solis, Edinburgh mid London.
London, England, 1856-03-01

EIGHTEENTH YEAIL—Now ready, price be.

THE YEAR-BOOK OF FACTS
11 IN SCIENCE AND A ItT for 18;6; exhibiting the most
important Diacovetiee and Improvements of the Past Year
iu all Branches of Science auu the Arta. 115 JOHN TIMIiS,
F.S.A.

" this book does for us what we have not done for ourselves—
it stores up every useful bit of Worn:inon to be found in the
records of learned societies or announced through scientific and
news fournals."—Globe.

DAvtn BOGUE, Fleeet-street.
London, England, 1856-03-01

ANNUITIES BILL

On Wednesday, on the order for the second reading,
the CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER stated that he
proposed to introduce into this bill, when in com-
mittee, a clause of indemnity for subscribers to the
existing loan, which would not throw any doubt upon
the decision of the committee of last year.
The bill was then read a second time, as were the
Consolidated Fund Bill and tne Eimhequer Bills
Funding Bill.
MERCANTILE LAWS OF ENGLAND AND
SCOTLAND.

The LORD CHANCELLOR, on Tuesday, called atten-
tion to the second report of the commissioners
appointed to inquire into the commercial law, and
pointed out the inconsistencies which these laws ex-
hibited, and showed the necessity of making similes
commercial laws for the whole of the United King-
dom, and brought in two bills on tie subject, which
were read a first time.

IRISH BAR AND LEGAL EDUCATION.
Lord BROUGHAM, on Thursday, presented a peti-
tion from the Irish bar, praying that the Irish be
placed on an equality with the English bar; and that
in any measure with reference to legal education
Ireland should be treated as an integral part of the
United Kingdom. The petition was ordered to lio
on the table.
London, England, 1856-03-01

THE PRESS

Thesiger, Mr. Lowe adverted to the doctrine of
compensation, contending that this was no case for
compensation, or for throwing the dues upon the
community. _ _ _

Mr. HOIISVALL strenuously opposed the bill. He
contended that the town dues paid at Liverpool in-
flicted no hardship upon shipping, and enumerated
the large sums which had been expended by the cor-
poration of that port for the benefit of the general
commerce of the country. In defending the corpo-
ration of Liverpool against certain allegations of
Mr. Lowe, he passed some severe strictures upon
that gentleman's published speech, insisting that his
statements, as regarded Liverpool, were not founded
on fact.

Mr. Ridley, Mr. Tollemache, Mr. Hildyard, Mr.
J. C. Ewart, and Mr. Liddell, severally disputed the
principle of the bill, and opposed it.
Mr. COLLIER supported the second reading. The bill
was based upon the only sound theory of taxation. It
would at once sweep away a mass of iniquitous taxes.
The only argument against it was founded on vested
rights; but he regarded municipal corporations as
essentially public institutions, and hence liable to be
dealt with by the Legislature.
Mr. CAIRNS said he had at first intended to vote
for the second reading of the bill ; but when he
heard the explanation of its details, he determined to
oppose it. He disputed the doctrine of Mr. Lowe,
that a tax was not property, and that it was robbery
to take a tax without rendering an equivalent, con-
tending that it was inconsistent with his own bill.
If this doctrine were true, and the Liverpool Corp-
ration had, had, as alleged, improperly spent the money
so raised, the Government would be entitled to
take possession of the buildings and other property
into which the corporation had converted the town
dues. He insisted that, although the bill was said
to be for the relief of shipping, the local dues did
not fall upon ships, nor did the differential dues,
while new imposts were to be levied upon shipping.
Mr. BAINES pointed out that the arguments
against the bill were more against the details than
the principle.
Sir F. KELLY reiterated the objection that the
principle of the bill was to take from corporations
property which was theirs by law, and was held in
trust for the inhabitants. He insisted not only
upon the injustice of the measure, but upon the
serious effect which it would have upon the vast
amount of property purchased by these corpora
tions, and upon the claims of the creditors of those
bodies.

Upon Mr. LINDSAY moving that the house ad
journ, the SPEAKER put the question, when Lord
PALMERSTON interfered and proposed that the debate
be adjourned till Friday.
Mr. DISRAELI objected to so long a delay in a
debate of such deep interest to the country. If the
debate were adjourned till Friday, it would be most
unsatisfactory, as on that day came on the hon.
member for Sheffield's motion with respect to the
appointment of the late military court of inquiry. He
could see no reason why the debate should not be
continued on Tuesday night.
Lard PALMERSTON acceded to this proposition.
WITHDRAWAL OF THE LOCAL DUES ON
London, England, 1856-03-01

GENIUS has ways of its own of manifesting its
peculiar powers. It is of so volatile a nature
that it cannot be shut out or corked up. It
will have its way. Aut inveniam aut faciam is
inscribed on its front. It creates means for
the accomplishment of its ends when the
means themselves do not exist. It is as sure
in its action as fate itself. The believers in
astrology loved to invent fables in which the
predictions of the stars came to pass under
the most impossible circumstances. In The
Tempest, Gonzalo derives comfort from the
boatswain having no drowning mark upon
him :—" I'll warrant him from drowning,
"though the ship were no stronger than a
"nutshell." The decrees of nature and des-
tiny are not to be circumvented. Some way
or other men will fulfil the part they were
meant to play.
The genius for blundering is no exception
to the rule. Au ordinarily stupid fellow will
run his head against some stone wall which
happens to stand in his path ; but if he
is a genius in his particular line, he will
build swell for the express purpose. A
few weeks back the course of the Govern-
ment was as clear as that of any Government
could be. No one bad the slightest desire to
interfere with them. The important negotia-
tion which bad to be carried to a successful
close was so superior to all the other subjects
of the time that party politics were in abeyance.
What was a peace-budget with its savings here
and there, and its reductions of duty on this
commodity and that, to the issue of a trans-
action involving Peace or War for years to
come? The question to be decided was not
whether one interest or another should be
most favoured in an homoeopathic degree, but
whether an expenditure for purposes of peace
should fall to fifty millions, or for purposes of
destruction should rise to a hundred millions.
The strife of party was hushed, as it well
might be, in so grave a conjuncture. The
Government found the Opposition ready to
smooth its path. It had only to ask and to
have. It had only to be moderately discreet
to be certainly prosperous.
Its instincts, however, prevailed over its
interests. We should libel it to say that it
vesignedly adopted a dangerous policy. Its
members seem to have employed the re-
cess in manufacturing halters, which at the
commencement Of the session they might
fasten round their own necks.
There was no call for life peers. No one
save a few theorists of incorrigible flightiness
imagines that the institution would save or
even serve the State. The worthy BARON
PARKS did not happen (fortunately for him-
self) to be a Wilkes in popular estimation.
Whether he was made a peer for the term of
his natural life, or with remainder to his heirs,
was of no sort of consequence. The LORD
CRANcattoß and his colleagues have trailed
the Crown through the mud for no other
London, England, 1856-03-01

gaini AO Pilitarg nttiligentt.

The Royal Warrant appointing a board of general
officers to inquire into the statements contained in
the report of Sir John M'Neill and Colonel Tulloch,
has this week been published. It is dated Buck-
ingham palace, 25th of February, and appoints
General Lord Seaton, General Sir Thomas McMahon,
General Earl Beauchamp, Lieutenant-General Sir
John Bell, Lieut.-General Sir William Rowan, Major-
General Knollys, and Major-General Jonathan Peel
as the Board, with Lord Seaton as President, to
conduct the inquiry demanded by the general officers
whose conduct has been animadverted upon by the
report. The necessary witnesses cost to be sum-
moned immediately, and the report of the hoard to
be forwarded through the Field-Marshal Com-
manding-in-Chief to the Queen.

The advanced squadron of the Baltic fleet, in-
cluding H.M. ships Impirieuse, Pylacles, and Falcon,
under the command of Captain Watson, C.B. left
the Downs on Saturday last, and Deal on Monday,
for Kiel.

Lieut.-General Sir H. Littler, G.C.8., after a
brilliant military career in India, died last week at his
residence in Devonshire.

General Sir John Grey, K.C.8., formerly Corn-
mander-in-Chief at Bombay, died last week at Nor-
wich, Northumberland. The death of the gallant
general leaves vacant the colonelcy of the sth
Fusiliers.

Orders have been this week sent to Southampton,
to prepare for the conveyance to the Crimea of de-
tachments of the Royal Artillery, of 487 men and
580 horses, besides stores. To embark on the 4th,
oth, and Bth inst.
Colonel Prosser contradicts a rumour that he is
about to retire from his post at the Royal Military
College. He is absent from ill-health for the first
time for eighteen years, and his medical attendant
hopes that he will be able to resume his duties in a
short period.
The third and fourth divisions of gun-boats are
now assembling in Portland Roads.
. _

An Admiralty circular has been issued, stating that
" it is their lordships' desire that officers of the navy
should not wear beards or moustaches on board her
Majesty's ships. By the regulations of the service,
meu are expected to be properly shaved, and it is
essential that a good example on this point should be
set by their officers."
Another augmentation to the Royal Regiment of
Artillery is now decided upon, and the addition to
the establishment of the Royal Horse Artillery will
be—one captain, two lieutenants, and 272 men to the
regiment. The augmentation to the establishment
of the battalions of Foot Artillery will be 125 men.
London, England, 1856-03-01

THE PRESS.

form the basis of some wholesome and perma-
nent measure. The Times calls his motion
a triumph of public opinion ; and in this
we perfectly agree. Public opinion has
supported their Lordships in resisting an un-
just aggression ; and their Lordships will re•
spect public opinion by amending whatever
experience may pronounce defective. But,
before this could be done, it was absolutely
necessary to expose and throw overboard the
suggestion of those who would have used the
occasion for their own purposes ; to show
the country that the question of life peerages
was not inextricably wound up with that of
legal reform, and that, though they might
touch each other at certain points, the origin,
character, and tendencies of the two were
completely and widely separate.
London, England, 1856-12-20

THE EARLY FLEMISH PAINTERS

NOTICES OF THEIR LIVES AND WORKS.
BY J. A. CROWE AND G. B. CAVALCASELLE.
JOHN MURRAY. Albemarle Street.

UNIFORM WITH " HALLAM'S HISTORICAL WORKS."

This day, to be completed in Ten Monthly Volumes, crown ?Ivo., tis. each, Vol. J. of a POPULAR EDITION of

THE LIVES OF THE LORD CHANCELLORS,
And KEEPERS of the GREAT SEAL of ENGLAND, from the Earliest Times till the Reign
of George the Fourth.

By the Right Hon, JOHN, LORD CAMPBELL, LL.D„ Chief Justice of England,
FOURTH AND REVISED EDITION.

" A New Edition of ' The Lives of the Chancellors ' being called for, I have employed this long vacation in care-
fully revising the whole work, and I now offer it to the pnblic in as perfect a state. as I can hope that it may ever attain.
The minute criticisms which it has undergone in print, the private communications which I have received from friendly
readers, and my own subsequent researches, have enabled me to correct various mistakes in the ttxt, and to enrich the
notes with valuable illustrations and references."—Extract from Preface.

JOHN MURRAY, Albemarle Street.

Now ready, with Portrait of Lord Raglan and Plans, 2 vols. post Bvo.,
London, England, 1856-12-20

THE LATE sin JOHN MALCOLM.
Just published, in 2 vols. svo., withl'ortrau, price 365. cloth,
THE LIFE AND CORRESPONDENCE OF
MAJOR-GENERAL SIR JOHN MA LCOLM, G.C.8.,
late Euvoy to Persia and Governor of Bonshay from Unpub-
lished Letters and Juurnels. By JOHN WILLIAM KA STE,
Author of the " Life of Lord Metcalfe," "The History of the
War in Afghanistan," &c.
London: SMITH, ELDER, and Co., GS, Cornhill.
London, England, 1856-12-20

THE PRESS.

PELICAN LIFE INSURANCE COMPANY.
ESTABLISHED IN 1797.
70, LOMBARD-STREET. CITY, and 57, CHAR ING•
CROSS, WESTMINSTER.
DIRECTORS.
Bobert Gurney Barclay, Esq. I Kirkman D.Hotlgson,Esq.
William Cotton, D.C.L., F.R.S. Thomas Hodgson, Esq.
John Davis, Esq. I Henry Lancelot Holland, Esq.
William Walter Fuller, Esq. Benjamin Shaw, Esq.
Jas. A. Gordon. M.D., F.R.S. Matthew Whiting, Esq.
Henry Grace, Esq. M. Wyvill,J un., Esq., M.P.
NOTICE.
In order to remove any apprehension that might be enter•
taitied as to the perfect security of the Policies granted by the
PELICAN LIFE OFFICE, the Directors have omitted every
Clause that would render them void by reason of any error in
the Statements made by the Assured before or at the time of
effecting an Insurance.
The Company offers:—
Complete Security.
Moderate Rates of Premium, withparticipation in
Profits.
Low Rates without Profits.
LOA N S
in connection with Life Assurance on approved Security.
For Prospectuses and Forms of Proposal apply at the Offices
as above, or to any of the Company's Agents.
ROBERT TUC KE.., Secretary.
London, England, 1856-12-20

THE PRESS.

settlements, such as Sidney and Melbourne
once were? Is not, indeed, the very condi-
tion of these two places the best argument for
doing so? Is not the fact that they have
become so prosperous and cultivated as to
repudiate our convicts, a pretty good proof that
they could not have suffered much harm from
receiving them? If, therefore, in recommend-
ing a return to transportation we confine our-
selves to the establishment of new penal
settlements, we think the last-named argu-
ment fairly falls to the ground, and that thus
the whole case of the advocates of tickets of
leave is disposed of.
Of course, it is still open to those who hold
different opinions to challenge us to find
suitable localities for these establishments.
That, however, is a mere question of physical
fact, about which it is useless to wrangle.
We would only observe that it is marvellously
strange if we cannot do with our vast colonial
empire what countries like France and Russia
manage to accomplish. Each is provided
with an outlet for her diseased members.
Shall England alone, with no boundaries but
the ocean, be without one?

But suppose, it is said, that your new penal
island is discovered; that you have a place
with a thin population, and plenty of natural
advantages—such, for instance, as Vancouver's
Island. What then? If you transport your
criminal for a term of years, he returns upon
your hands as bad as he went out ; and if you
transport him for life, you might just as well
keep him locked up in a penal prison at home.
The fallacy of this argument lies in the
assumption that ho would return upon our
hands. We believe, if a proper selection of
criminals were made, that not one in ten would
desire to return where he would feel a relapse
to be inevitable. Independently of which
feeling, if we take into account the thousand
accidents that may always prevent a man
coming back from so distant a country,
we shall see that this argument is
not worth the prominence which has been
assigned to it. But we have arguments
to adduce from fact as well as from theory.
Did our criminals invariably return from
Australia? We know that such return was
the exception, not the rule. Both fact and
theory, then, are against this view of the sub-
ject, and still appear to leave untouched the
broad ground on which we advocate the
change,—namely, the removal of crime from
amongst us.
In conclusion, we will merely repeat what
we urged in our article last week, that in case
of new penal colonies being established, per-
sons who do not like the neighbourhood of
crime are not obliged to go to them ; but that,
if they do so, they must accept the conditions
on which they are founded, and not demand
that Government shall give up to them a
settlement founded at great expense for a spe-
cial and well-known purpose.
London, England, 1856-12-20

MARRIAGES.

'HOFMANN —WILSON—On the 13th instant, at St. Anne's,
Wandsworth, Dr. Augustus William Hofmann, F.A.S., to
Rosamond MargaretJ an°, daughter of the late W. Wilson, jun.,
Esq.
ROBE—NIATTHIE—On the 16th instant, at St. Saviour's
Church, Upper Chelsea, Colonel Frederick Holt Robe, C.ll ,
son of the late Colonel Sir William Rube, K.C.R., K.C.H., and
K.T.S., to Louisa Georgians, daughter of the late John Met-
thie, Esq., H.E.I.C.'s Home Service.
SYKES—WALTER—On the 11th instant, at Trinity Church,
Marylebone, William Henry Frederick Sykes, Esq., 3rd Bom-
bay Cavalry, son of Colonel Sykes, to Julia Elizabeth, daughter
of Charles Walter, Esq., of Devonshire-place.
DEATHS.

-----
ALLEN—On the 18th instant, at Cumberland-street, Warwick
square, Captain 11. Murray E. Allen, R.N., aged 4r.
BURCIIELL—On the 11th instant, at Hans-place, Chelsea,
Lieut.• Colonel Basil Herne Burchell, formerly of the 3rd Refits
BURGH—On the 11th instant, at Hampstead, the Rev. A.
Burgh, vicar of the united parishes of St. Lawrence Jewry
and Bt. Mary Magdalene, aged 88.
CHURCHILL—On the 12th instant, the Lord Almaric Atha,
stan Spencer Churchill, SOU of his Grace the Duke of Marl.
borough.

SATURDAY:

WIAN—On the 13thtinstant, R. R. /Agin, Esq., A.RA., Edin.,
of Charlotte-street, Portlaud•place.
PURVIS—Ou the 12th instant, at Pau, Basses Pyrenees, R. B.
Arthur Purvis, Captain 78th Highlanders, and sou of Vice-
Admiral Purvis.

IWHEATSTONE'S HARMONIUMS,
in solid cases, manufactured by them expressly for
churches, chapels, schools, &0., have the full compass of keys,
are of the beet work.nanship and inatorial, and do not require
tuning
With One Stop, 5 Octaves, Oak.. .. 10 guineas.
With One Stop, Figured Oak or Mahogany case 12 guineas.
With Thee Stops, Organ Tones, large size .. guineas.
With Five Stops.. .. • . 22 guineas.
IVith Eight Stops .. 24 guineas.
With Ten Stops .. de guineas.
Messrs. Wheatstone obtained the only Great Exhibition
Prize Medal for Harmoniums in 1651. An extensive assort.
ment of French Harmoniums, by Alexandre, of the newest
make, at reduced prices.
20, CONDUIT-STREET, Regent-street, London.

PATENT CONCERTINA for 165., of
I superior make, six-sided, with the double action, to play
In live keys. Concertinas, having the full compass of notes
(46 keys), from 4 to 12 guineas; the latter as used by Signor
Regondi. Manufactured by the inventors and patentees,
WiIEATSTONE and Co., 20, Conduit-street, Regeut-street,
where may be had their new Patent Duet Concertina, at
11. lls. 6d. and 21. 25.; also a Tutor and eight books of Airs
for ditto, 2s. each. Messrs. W. and Co. having a large manufac-
tory, and confining their business solely to concertinas and
harmoniums, are enabled to supply them not only cheaper but
better made than elsewhere.
London, England, 1856-12-20

THE PRESS.

Switzerland must not, therefore, be astonished if, in the
course of events, she should no longer find that good•will
which she might so easily have obtained at the coat of a
very slight sacrifice.
Prince Frederick William of Prussia has during
the week enjoyed the hospitality of the Emperor.
His Royal Highness leaves Paris this day.
The opening of the Conferences is not yet defi-
nitely fixed. It was believed that M. de Hubner
would repreFent the Cabinet of Vienna, M. de Brunnow
Russia, and Count Walewski France.
The Patrie says of the Conferences, that the
importance of them must neither be exaggerated
nor diminished. They meet for a special and definite
object—that of interpreting certain doubtful points
of the treaty of Paris, and the meeting will not be a
congress. But the foreign journals which say that
all is settled beforehand, and that nothing remains
but to affix the signatures, are, the Patrie asserts,
" quite wrong." The plenipotentiaries meet for some-
thing else than to fulfil a mere formality, and " every-
thing announces that the discussion will be warm,
serious, and not without difficulty." The opinion of
the Patrie is supported by the semi-official periodical,
Revue Contemporaine.
M. d'Agioul, the confidential agent of the King of
Naples, is in Paris. He has merely come, it is said,
on private business.
London, England, 1856-12-20

BANK OF ENGLAND.

n Aocount, pursuant to the Act 7th and Rth Victors a, cap. ai
for the week ending on Saturday, the 13th day of Dec., 1866.

IRRIIC TFPARTMENT.
"Totes issued .... 1:24,525A15 Government Debt 111,615,100
Other Securities .. 3,459,960
Gold Coin & Bullion 10050,995
Silver Bullion .... ---•

£24,525,993 I 124,325,995
BANKINO DICPARTIMT.
Proprietors'Capitalal4,ss3,ooo Government Seou-
Rest
Public Deposite 8,300 625 DeadWeightAn.) £lO 640 867'
Other Deposits
Seven Day k other Notes 5,823 185
Bills
433,934,311 X 33,934,311
• Including Exchequer, Commissioners of National Debt,
Savings' Banks. and Dividend Accounts.
London, England, 1856-12-20

PRUSSIA AND NEUFCHATEL.

It is confidently stated that Prussia is resolved on
an armed intervention in case the royalist prisoners
shall be condemned.

Letters from Berlin confirm the seriousness of the
resolution which the Prussian Government has taken
and communicated to the great powers. Already
diplomatic communications have been opened to
secure a passage to the Swiss frontier for Prussian
troops.
The New Prussian Gazette states that the royal
army will advance into Switzerland, seize a few
important points, and hold them as a material
guarantee until justice is done to the King's claims.
At Neufchatel people have recovered from the fear
hitherto entertained of an attempt to rescue the
royalist prisoners, who are now permitted to enjoy all
reasonable liberty. Persons are admitted who come
to visit them. M. de Pourtales and M. WoMath
have been liberated on bail. _

The Suisse says :—"lt is stated that a similar
favour will he granted to five other prisoners. The
Confederation will indemnify the state of Neufcbatel
for the costs of the safe custody of the prisoners and
of the local arrangements for their trial."

ITALY.

Milano, the soldier who attempted the assassina-
tion of tile King, has been hanged. Before his exe-
cution he wrote out the following deposition:—
For six years I have cherished a hatred against Ferdi-
nand 11. I belong to the class of insurgents in Calabria
in the year 1,418. It was my intention to purge the earth
of this monster. I have not the slightest intention of
revealinr, the names of my brethren who conspire like me
to rid the world of this tyrant; but the occasion will come
when their dagLtrs will avenge all.
The insurrection in Sicily has been completely
suppressed.
The Chevalier Boncompagni, President of the
Chamber of D.Tuties, has been named Minister
Plenipotentiary of Piedmont at Florence.
Letters from Bologna state that Count Lavatelli
has died of his wounds after three days' suffering.
London, England, 1856-12-20

On the Ist of January will be published, a Cheap and
Uniform Edition of the
NOVELS OF MR. CH.tRLES LEVER.
ITandsomely printed in crown Bvo. Each Volume will
contain Eight Illustrations by H. K. BaowNE.
Bound in cloth.

The First Volume issue will be
HARRY LORREQUER.
Price ts.

TWELVE MONTHS WITH THE BASHI-
BAZOUKS.
By EDWARD MONEY,
Lieut.-Colonel in the Imperial Ottoman Army, and late
Captain in the Baahi•Bazouks. Poet Bvo , with Illustra-
tions, 78. [ This day.

A Cheap Edition of
THACKERAY'S CHRISTMAS BOOKS.
Containing " Mrs. Perkins' Ball," " Dr. Birch,"
"Our Street."
Tn one square volume 7s. Bd., with all the Original
I Ilustrat ions.
[This day.

A NEW LIFE OF LOUIS NAPOLEON,

EMPEROR of the FRENCH.
Derived partly from Private Sources; containing Ample
Details respecting his Education and Early Life, his
Rambles in Switzerland, his Expedition against the
Pope, Strasburg, Boulogne, the Chateau of Ham, the
Coup d'Etat, sic.
By JAMES AUGUSTUS ST. JOHN.
Post Svo. [lx the Press.
CHAPMAN and HALL, 193, Piccadilly.

In 1 vol. fcap., da. 6d. cloth, lettered,
MORAL TALES. By MARIA
EDGEWORTH. With Three Engravings from Designs
by HARVEY.
Als ), uniform,
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London : Sirnpkin, Marshall, and Co., Whittaker and Co., H.
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J. Cornish, Bickers and Bush, and Tegg and Co.

OUR NORTHWEST FRONTIER.
This day is published, in ?Pro., with Map of Persia and Afghan-
istan, prile One Shilling,
OUR NORTH-WEST FRONTIER.
London: JOHN CIIIPILAN, 6, King William-street, Strand.
London, England, 1856-12-20

SPAIN.

M. Gonzales Bravo, on the 12th, was to leave for
London at the end of the present month or the be-
ginning of January. M. Mon was again spoken of
for the Embassy at Rome. The Epoca says that a
royal decree re-establishing the octroi duties had
been submitted to the Queen ; but this was con-
sidered erroneous, though it is not doubted that the
Council of Ministers has resolved to re-establish
those duties.
London, England, 1856-12-20

BIRTHS.

ERSKINE—On the 12th instant, at Carlisle, the wife of Lieut.-
Colonel Erskine, of a son.
LEVETT—On the 11th instant, in Eaton square, Lady Jane
Levett, of a son.
NIAS—On the lath instant, at Upper Church•street, Bath, the
wife of Captain Nias, R.N., C. 8., of a sou.
PARRY—On the 15th instant, at Cambridge-terrace, Hyde-park,
the wife of Major Edward Lane Parry, of twins.
London, England, 1856-12-20

INCOME TAX.

WE remarked in our last publication that
the country was beginning to bestir itself on
the subject of the war portion of the income
tax.

Several very important meetings have been
held during the present week in this country,
and the metropolitan county has led the way
in the expression of opinion in Ireland. The
meeting there was a public one of the county,
convened by the High Sheriff.'The requisition,.
as stated by Mr. HAMILTON, one of the county
members, was signed by 87 out of 130 magis-
trates, 15 of the remainder being absent on
the Continent.

The meeting, attended by persons of all
parties, came •to the following resolutions,
supported by speeches which even the Times
is forced to confess were moderate and sen•
sible :

1. That the income and property tax, even in its original
shape, when imposed for the first time in 1853, fell with
peculiar pressure upon the people of Ireland, and that its
increase from 7d. to Is. 4d., however justifiable by the
necessities of war, becomes impolitic, unnecessary, and
unjustifiable upon the restoration of peace.
2. That the very conditions upon which the increase
was granted in 1854, presupposed its discontinuance, as

1203

soon as practicable, after the termination of war, the Act
of 1854 declaring that " the increase was to continue in
force during the war, and until the sth of April next after
the ratification of a definitive Treaty of Peace, and no
longer," and that, according to the provision of that Act,
the increase would cease on the sth of April, 1857.
3. That its further extension in the Act of 18.55 by the
introduction of the words, " until the 6th of April after
the expiration of one year from the ratification of a
definite Treaty of Peace," thereby in the present case
extending it virtually to more than two years from the
conclusion of the Treaty of Peace, which took place on the
30th March, 1836, is unjust and impolitic, and compre-
hends more than a year beyond the period usually limited
the case of war taxes.

We have quoted these resolutions, because
they place the whole ease accurately and con-
cisely before our readers, and because they are
such—with the exception of the first, which
relates to the peculiar case of Ireland—as may
he usefully copied by the meetings which are
likely to take place on the subject in this
country.
London, England, 1856-12-20

THE PRESS.

oue finds out what a loss they have sustained. Our allies,
especially the French, have shown great sympathy with us
on this sad occasion. The commanders.jn•chief of each
army, and the admirals of the allied fleets, came up to
head quarters on the morning of the 29th instant, to take
a farewell look at their late colleague. All seemed deeply
impressed by the event. It was a touching sight to see
these old warriors who had so often looked death in the
ace unmoved, shedding tears of regret over the body of
our late beloved commander. General Pelissier stood by
the bedside for upwards of an hour crying like a child.
In these volumes will be found numerous
notices of Lord Raglan's conduct in the
Crimea, which will enlighten the public as to
his true character. It will be seen how he
spared no labour to promote the comfort, to
raise the courage, and insure the safety of his
troops ; how he freely exposed himself to dan-
ger, and was always cool and colleted in the
thick of it; and how—which is of far the most
importance—results proved the soundness of
his judgment and the clearness of his views.
The only fault we are inclined to find with the
author is, that he sometimes seems to bear
more hardly than circumstances call for on
the conduct of our allies. We shall be curious
to see what our excellent friends across the
Channel will say to many passages of this
book.

It consists of a series of letters sent home
by the author to his friends. These letters
have been carefully revised, but are printed
substantially as they were written. The
earlier ones are full of interesting and, in
some degree, novel details. We particularly
relish the description of the author's ride as a
courier from head-quarters, at Varna, to Omer
Pacha, on the Danube. But we pass on to the
more important portions of the book. Often
as the battle of the Al►na has been described,
we never befere had so clear a conception of
some details of it as these letters convey. The
author saw the whole action as Lord Raglan
saw it. During the battle his lordship was in
continual danger. Thus, at the commence-
ment of the action :

The Russians kept a certain number of guns firing at
the staff, and, as for some time Lord Raglan remained on
the road, the shot came bounding along half a dozen at a
time: anything but pleasant. We were very fortunate, for
no one was hit. Two horses were killed, and the shot
that killed the last almost touched Lord Raglan's back.
He took no more notice of the firing than if he had been
at a review.
London, England, 1856-12-20

Complete m 2 vols.,

Now and Then, &c. By S• Warren,

Gd.
The Caxtons. By Sir E. Bulwer
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The Poems and Ballads of Schiller.
Translated by Sir E. 1311LWER LYTTON, Bart. Second
Edition, crown Bvo. 10s.

Noctes Ambrosianx. By Professor

WILSON. •1 vols., with Glossary, 1/. 48.

Lady Lee's Widowhood. By Lieut.-

Colonel lIAIILEI. A New Edition, swill Acts in 1 vol.,
with illustrations, 6s.

Katie Stewart. A True Story. Second

Edition, Gs.

The Quiet Heart. By the Author of

"KATIE STEWART." 103. 65.

Romance. By Mrs.

OLIPHANT. 3 vols. 31s. thl.
Miss Strickland's " Lives of the
QUEENS of SCOTLAND." Vole. 1. to VT. In post Bvo.,
with Portraits and Historical Vignettes, price 10e. thi. each.
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SEBASTOPOL. By Lieut.• Colonel HAMLEY. With
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The Sketcher. By the Rev. John
EAGLES, N.A. Crown nvo. 10a. Gd.

45, George-street, Edinburgh ; 37, Paternoster-
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London, England, 1856-12-20

TO CORRESPONDENTS.
It is impossible to acknowledge the mass of letters we receive
Their insertion is often delayed owing to a press of matter-
•nd when omitted, it is frequently from reasons quite hide.
pendent of the meritsof the communication.
We cannot undertake to return communications of which we do
not avail ourselves.
oommunicat4onsshould alwaysbelegiblywritten, and on one
side of the paper only. If loud it increases the difficulty of
finding space for them.
Whatever is i ntended rutin sertion must be authenticated by the
n►me and address of the writer, not necessarily for publics.
tion, but as a guarantee of his good faith.
Advertisements sentfrom the country must be accompanied by a
remittance o r a reference for payment in town.

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London, England, 1856-12-20

srotiaa

THE SCOTCH AGRICULTURAL STATISTICS for this
year have been published. They show an increase
in acreage and produce of wheat of 561 per cent.
over the two preceding years, '54 and '55, but a large
deduction has to be made for damage by wet. In
all, the gross results of this year's crop, as compared
with that of last year in Scotland, show an increase
of about one-twelfth in the yield of corn, but that
will be more than balanced by the deterioration of
quality and by the deficiency in potatoes. On the
whole, we gather from these returns that the Scotch
harvest of 1856 will yield hardly so much food as
that of 1855, and about five per cent. less than that
of 1854. This is now the third year in which these
statistics have been voluntarily returned by the
farmers of Scotland, and each year's experience has
added to their correctness and value. No testimony
could be more trustworthy than that of the farmers
themselves, as given in these returns, to their unob-
jectionable character. Mr. Hall Maxwell, in the
conclusion of his report to the Board of Trade,
states :

It is my pleasing duty to inform my lords that the re-
turns continue to be freely and voluntarily made by the
agricultural community. Instances there ate, no doubt, of
opponents, who plead the objections so frequently heard in
England; but such cases are singular. The farmers of
Scotland have practically satisfied themselves that the in-
quiry is in no respect inquisitorial, and that it cannot
possibly divulge or compromise individual interests. They
appreciate with intelligence the importance of statistical
information, and they would rejoice could the inquiry be
systematically extended over the three countries, believing
that its results are comparatively valueless so long as its
operation is partial.
London, England, 1856-12-20

Cori ant lastion.

Her Majesty the Queen and Royal Family left
Osborne yesterday for Windsor Castle.
The Windsor Castle theatricals, postponed in con-
sequence of the death of his Serene Highness the
Prince Von Leiuingen, will commence on the Ruh
January next-

The Duke and Duchess of Bedford are entertaining
n distinguished circle at Woburn Abbey. The usual
Christmas festivities will be kept up this year with
the noble duke's accustomed hospitality.
The Earl of Ellesmere is recovering from his
recent illness. The noble earl remains at Bridgwater •
house.
London, England, 1856-12-20

DIRECTORS.

Benjamin Hawes, Esq., ormonTllowie—, Old Kent-road, Chairman
T. Nesbitt, Esq. (A. and T. Nesbitt), Philpot-lane, Dep.-Chairman
Charles Baldwin, Esq., Sussex•gardens, Hyde-park
George Denny, Esq., Great St. Helen's
J. C. Dimadale, Esq. (Dimsdale, Drewett, dt Co., bnkrs.), Cornhill
J. P. Gassiot, Esq., I.R.S. (Martinez, Gassiot, and Co.), Mark-
lane and Clapham
Aaron Goldsmid, Esq., 3, Warnford-court, Throgmorton-street
Sidney Gurney, Esq., Paper-buildings, Temple, and Brighton
W. K. Jameson, Esq.. Fen•court, Fenchurch-st., and Camberwell,
John Nolloth, Esq., Union-terrace, Peckham
Nieaburn Staniland, Esq., Boston, Lincolnshire
Daniel Sutton, Esq., Earl's-terrace, Kensington
O'B. Bellingham Woolsey, Esq., 49, Weetbourne-trrce.,Hyde-prk.

THE LONDONand WESTMINSTER BANK
issues CIRCULAR NOTES of 101. each, payable at every
important place in Europe. These Notes are issued without
charge, and they are cashed abroad free of commission, The
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The rate of Interest allowed on Deposits of 5001 and upwarda
at the Bank, or any of its branches, is now 5 per Cent.
J. W. GI LBART, General Manager.

EAST INDIA TEA COMPANY.
Seven Pounds of Excellent CONGOU or SOUCHONG
may be had for ONE GUINEA. Coffees from Is. per lb.
Offices, 9, Great St. Helen's-churchyard, Bishopegate.

CHRISTMAS IS COMlNG.—Remember
that a Present of one of LETTS'S DIARIES, POCKET
BOOKS, or HOUSEKEEPERS, in their many forms and
varieties, in plain and elegant bindings, from Sixpence to Four-
teen Shillings (or even from Three to Four Guineas) each, may
be had of any Bookseller in the Kingdom (Catalogues gratis) ,
and will confer on the Recipient nit merely a pleasure, hut a
BENEFIT; a LASTING SERVICE as well as a passing kind-
ness. LETTS, SON, and Co., 8, Royal Excbange, Ordnance Map
Agents, (be.
London, England, 1856-12-20

This day, Svo.,
STATE PAPERS and CORRESPONDENCE
Illustrative of the Political and Social State of Europe, from
the Revolution to the Accesmion of the House of Hanover.
Edited, with Historical Introduction, Memoirs, and Notes, by
J.M. KEMBLE,
London : Jour; W. PARKER and Sort, West Strand.

Fes!). Bvo. cloth, price 3s. 641., Froutiepiece,
SIR WALTER SCOTT'S LETTERS
on DEMONOLOGY and WITCHCRAFT. Addressed to
J. G. Lockhsrt, Esq.
London : WILLIAM Tine, and Co., 83, Queen street, Cheapside

On the 23rd instant will be published, price 125., uniform with
the First. the
QECOND SERIES of PICTURES of LIFE
S
and CHARACTER, from the Collection of Ma. PUNCH.
By JOHN LEECH.
BRADBURY and EVANS, 11, Bouverie-street.

This day is published, price 3d., stamped 4d.,
PUNCH'S ALM ANACK
FOR 1857.
PUNCH Office, 83, Fleet-street.

CHRISTMAS PRESENTS,

AMUSING LIBRARY for YOUNG and OLD.
17 Vols., now ready, iu most elegant covers, and may be
had of every Bookseller in town and country. Detailed Casa.
lquesgra
Most amusing lusin'rigees.
and instructive:6daiid2L eaancyll'one of whatever creed
may read these books without scruple."—Kentish Independent.
The Contributors are H. Conscience, Mrs. S. C. Hall, Gerard,
NLIII2OIII, Miss Pardue,
LAMBERT and Co., 13, King William-street, Strand, and all
Booksellers.

ADVENTURES OF JULES GERARD,
the LION-KILLER. Twelfth Thousand, with New Fancy
Cover 25., sloth 2s. cd., gilt ss.
This work is authenticated by M. Girard himself, as follows :
—" My work, entitled " Le Tueur de Lions," published by M.
M. liachette of Paris and Lambert and Co. of London, is the
only one which contains a complete and authentic account of
ni3 personal adventures among the lions of Algeria."—Gerard.
"This volume is not simply a sortsmon's book, like many
others of the kind, but is full of the most interesting tales and
sketches of Arab life." "We have seldom," says the Saturday
&rine, "seen a manlier, a more simple-hearted, or a more
amusing book."

THE BETROTHED. A Romance of the Seventeenth
Century. By DIANZONI. Fancy boards 25., cloth 2s. 6d.,
gilt 3s.
This unrivalled romance, which stands wilte alone in the
literature of fiction, is now brought within the reach of every
reader in this very neat and portable edition.
" I am not sure," says Rogers, " that I would not rather have
written ' The Betrothed ' than all Scott's novels."
LAMBERT and Co., 13, King Wlllhsm•street, Strand ; idassiar.o
21, Edgeware-road.)
London, England, 1856-12-20

elution ,nttiligturt.

LANARK.—Lord Eleho bas intimated to his con-
stituents in East Lothian that he has been ordered
by his medical adviser to abstain from all business
for the next twelve months, and that he is about to
proceed to the Continent in order to the re-estab-
lishment of his health. He regrets therefore the
prospect of being absent during the next parliamen-
tary session.
SOUTHAMPTON.—AII attempts to heal the divisions
amongst the Liberal party in Southampton have
failed, and both sections have declared for war. It is
not now doubted that Sir Edward Butler, the Conser-
vative candidate, and Messrs. Weguelin and Andrews,
Liberals, will go to the poll, and that the contest will
be one of the fiercest ever known. The address of
Mr. Richard Andrews, the Radical coachmaker, and
mayor, was issued on Tuesday. After stating his
views, Mr. Andrews says to the electors :
If they meet with your approval, I am your man. I have
not sought this position, but being in it by the kindness of
so large a numoer of friends who have not deserted the
good old cause for which we have so often struggled toge-
ther, 1 pledge you my word that negotiation is now at an
end, and I sin resolved to poll to the last man.
GREENWICH.—Major-General Sir William Codring-
ton, K.C.8., is about to be requested to stand for
this borough. . . _

TEWKESAURY.—The Hon. Frederick Lygon, young-
est son of the Earl of Beauchamp, intends to offer
himself as a candidate for this borough, in the Con-
servative interest, whenever a vacancy may occur.
Smoup.—The electors of Stroud have issued an
address, pledging themselves not to vote for any can-
didate at the next election unless he is prepared to
support every measure having the repeal of the
income tax for its object. The address is already
signed by about 50`► electors.