The Express.
London, England, 1862-02-10 00:00:00

NAVAL AND MILITARY.

PORTSMOUTH, Fez. 9.
The Sidon, 22, paddle-IA lw'i nteam frigate, Cap-
tain IL B. Cvawfosd, arrived at Spitbead on Friday nights
(rein the Gape al Good Hope, bring* a mail, which she
landed early on Saturday mortal* She has only bees
about two years and eight months in coramisam, but lase
stemmed to Witod im consequence of the deteaive embat-
tle& of her Wilma. She will come into harbour tomorrow

morning.
Tue Euryalus, M, screw frigate, Captain Alexander C.
Gottl.m, took up her moorings od tampon yesterday morn-
ing to prove her compasses.
The Himalaya, iron screw troopship, Captain John Sec-
combs, sailed from Porteruouth yesterday afternoon fur
Plymouth to be docked.
Captain H. Hewlett, of the gunnery ship Excellent., pro-
ceeded yesterday in the screw sloop Chanticleer to the Mee
ward of the isle of Wight, to witness sumo experimental
I practise' in ginusery, returning to Portsmouth in the alter-
I woo.
The Fox. screw store ship, fitting for the pendant, is or
dared to be gut out of hand with despatch.
It it very probable that before meuy years have elapsed
the mode of constructiug and arming British teen of-war
will uudergo another material alteration. An experiment
I will be made ou board the old gun vessel Hazard, in Ports.
mouth luirbonr, during the ensuing week, to determine one
or two nation of detail respecting Captain Cowper Colee's
cupola shiekla before this system of arming ineu•of•war is
adopted to her Majesty's service. We learn, on the best
authority, that the specifications have been drawn out for
i the constniction of a vested of 2,50 U tons burthen,
to be annul with six of these cupolas, each
motintmg two 10d-pounder Armstrong guns. The
ship is to be fitted with engines of power to enable her
I to teethe a speed of 13 knots, under full steam, and the
estimated cost is 175,010. She is to be built by private
contract, and provimon for her construction will probably
be made in the navy estimates shortly to be submitted to
the House of Commune. The experiments have been, and
wili continue to be. carried out under the immediate super
I • iiio77 of Captain Coles.

WOOLWICH, Fn. 9.

A series of interesting experiments will be carried
net during the masa week at the government practice
range. shoeburreees, in the presence of the Ordnance select
committee. for the of testing the extraordinary
recently man actured at the factory. et Sir W.
Armstrong. Ls wick, and forwarded to Woolwich Arsenal.
The gun Is a muzzle loader, weighing 12 tone 8 cwt., and has
hems provided with a cerrieg►platform, masufv,ztured at
the Royal Arsenal

CHATHAM, Fs& 9.
The Royal Engineers forth. 2nd sad 17th cow-
ponies of Royal Engineers to augment both those companies
which are to do duty at the Great Exhibition, were selected
from the various companies at besd-quarters yesterday.
They will leave this garrison, in all probability, during the
present welsh.

Another good. service pension will be placed at the
disposal of the Genera Commanding-in-Ch' ef by the death
of Major-General Sir Thomas Harts Franks, K.C.B.
Praccaoas Yann.—Moorings 'nave been laiddown
for eight gun-boata, as an instalment of the intended protec-
ties of the fort and arsenal. They are to be kept in • partial
state of ordinary, but ready for immediate service, and to
be manned by the onset blockade crew of her Majesty's
block ship Bleeheim. There is no addition yet to the troops,
and the fortifications are still without men. On the gaper-
annustion of Mr. Impactor Saunders, Mr. Pritchard has
succeeded him os the amassed salary.
THE CHINA COMMANIA—Rear-Admiral A. L
Kuper. C. 13., has accepted the command of the East India
ststion, in lieu of Bear-Admiral J. J. Stopfonl, whose
appointment has bees cancelled at his own request. Cap-
' tam J. J. S. Jolting has been appointed flag captain, and
will take command of the Enryalus. in room of Captain
Gordon; but Mr. Shanks, who had bees nominated seam
tery to Rear-Admiral Stopford, hes bass appointed secre-
tary to Rear- Admiral Kuper. —United Device Gazette.
Tus HON. ARTILLZWY CONFAB* AND VICTORIA
Rtrute.—A coalition is reported to hare recently takes
pl
_re between the Hon. Artillery Company and the Victoria
'Rides. by *Lich they have bees virtually Incorporated into
one regiment, although each will retain its distinctive
racier. By this arrangement the Duke of Wellington be-
coulee colonel of the Hon. Artillery Company as well as of
the Victoria, whilst Lord Colville becomes lieutenant-
colonel of bah regiments, leaving Major Robinson in his
position as major of the Hon. Artillery Company, and Major
Whitehead in that of the Victoria.. Some difficulty was
espressod in the matter of amalgamation, by reason of the
fact that, whilst the COMML64OIIII of the off sere of the
Honourable Artillery Company are signed by the Queen,
throe of the Victoria Rifles are by the lord.heutenant. It
is understood to be arranged that the officers of both corps
will pa's their examinations and receive their oommi'sions,
signed by the guess, direct from the Waroffice.—Otservi r.
Orctist: AVOLMITHIS Dana. SHED.—On Satur-
day afternoon, Vise:oust Sydney, loriblieutenant of Kent.
opened at Blackheath, is the preseace of • large number of
ladies and gentlemen of the district, a very elegant atma
tore. although teemed • "drill abed," which had been
erected for the service of the 25th Kent (Blackheath) Rifles,
by Captain Rucker, the commandant of that corp.. The
building covers ground 150 feet in length by 50 in breadth,
and has coot Captain Rucker 3,00Uf., who, with praiseworthy
patriotism, Lse also pieced it at the disposal of mighbousiug
several of which were present with their bends. The
lord.lieubmant, who was supported by Major-General Sir
Richard Deere., Admiral Hamilton, the borough members,
Alderman Saloinons and Mr. Augersteio ; Viscount Holmes-
dale, M.P., So , congratulated the volunteers and the
county that so magnificent a building had been erected at
the cost .d one man of patriotic spirit, and urged others to
follow so noble an exaniple. Viscount Holinesdale, 51,P.,
moved the tint resolution :—" That this meeting. recog-
nising the great value of the volunteer movement. scimitars
it the bounden duty of all classes to support it either by
active service or pecuniary aid." Mr. Alderman Salomon.
seconded the resolution, and it was carried unanimously.
Major-General Sir Richard Deem proposed a resolution to
the erect, "That the valise of the volunter force depended
greatly ou its permanence." Admiral Hamilton .ecouded
the resolution, which was also carried. A resolution of
thanks to Captain Rocker for his munificent gift was given,
and suitably acknowledged, amidst great enthusiasm, and
the noble chairman declared the drill shell opened amidst
renewed plaudits, the several lauds playing the National
Anthem.