The Express.
London, England, 1865-11-23 00:00:00

PRIISSLL

The semi-official Prosinzial CUrrespondenz of to-
day publishes an article upon the projected reduc-
tions iu the French army, in which it mays :—" The
Prussian government will not hesitate to follow the
example of other states, and more especially of
France, should really material reductions of mili-
tary force be effected. A careful investigation of
the subject might show that the proposed measure
can scarcely be of importance as affecting the real
war effective of the French army and its readiness
for service against other powirs. It would be an
unjustifiable and foolish demand to require changes
in the organisation of the Prussian army on ac.
count of the measures which have been adopted in

France."
The same paper states that the rumours of a
modification of the Prussian Cabinet are entirely
, unfounded. _ _ _

SLESWIG-HOLSTEIN.
ECELF.NFORDE, Nov. 22.

The Central Committee of all the Sleswig-Hol-
stein political associations has been dissolved to-
day by order of the government, and all future
meetings prohibited under penalty of a fine.

THE PRETENDED DEPARTURE OF THE FRENCH
HUMP= 71011 WABBINeADN.—The Temps of yesterday
says A despatch published by Mr. Reuter put London
in a fright yesterday, despite its easily discernible impmbs-
bility. According to this despatch, the rumour nn in New
York on the Bth November that the French Minister it
Washington had suddenly demanded his passports, and was
preparing to depart on the 10th. It should be remarked
that this rumour did not even coma direct from New York
to London ; it came from Liverrool, as the echo of
a despatch sent from New York to the Halifax
papers. Thus, between Washington and Paris the ram=
had four rolays, and, no doubt, it was merely a Boone
rumour originsily. We mar remark, that other despatches
to the same date had previously appeared in the English
papers. Now, if the news had any foundation, it is impos-
sible that it should not have bees given at once. We io-
dine to the belief that it simply owes its origin to • recent
letter from New York, dated the 4th, and inserted in the
Daily Betas last Saturday. The writer was expressing his
views on the subject of the forthcoming meeting of the Con-
greseof the UnitedStstes. Arriving at the Mexican question,
he announced that the conduct of this matter, as well as of
all the other diplomatic controversies, would be placed in
the bands of Mr. Charles Sumner, President of the Com-
mittee of Foreign Affairs in the Senate. With regard to
this the correspondent declared incidentally that he had
heard it said by • person of good authority that diplomatic
relations with France would probably be suspended during
the winter, only to be resumed when Maximilian bad
quitted Mexico, or at least when the French had abandoned
bum to himself. As will be seen, this was only a
personal appreciation, proceeding no doubt from some
radical partisan of the Monroe doctrine; besides, it was
expressly added that no event of this kind had any chance
of taking place until after the meeting of Conners, and
subject to its approval. The very terms employed by the
o a-respondent of the Daily Netes,• declared adversary of
the French expedition to Mexico, concur in making us
contradict at present the sematims news of the Reuter
oHos.'
CHEMISTS' AND DILUGOISTS' BENEVOLENT
Soorry.—A dinner io aid of the funds of this iostitation
was given at the London Coffee-house, last night. Mr.
Thomas Hughes, ALP., was in the chair, and there were
present about • hundred guests, including several dele-
gates, and • fair proportion of ladies. The emaciation
was organised about four years ago, for the consolidation
of the body of chemists and druggists throughout the
kingdom, and for the establishment of almshouses sod
szhools, and it is now not only free from debt, but has •
Wanes of more than 5001. with which to nom ment, bens-
voient operations. The chairman, in proposing the first
toast, intimated, amidst the cheers of the company, that
her Majesty intended to open the next session of Parlia-
ment in parson, which might be taken as an earneet of
her return to society. In giving the toast of the evenieg
he took occasion to remark upon the desirability of union
in the profession of chemists and druggiets, and he saw
no
with them
the phaaceutists should not haronies
with them on • broad rmand liberal basis. Be was amlso in
favour of the pealing of an act for the prevention of the
sale of drugs by unqualified persons. A list of subscrip-
tions, amounting altogether to • very considerable sum, was
reed by the secretary. Vocal music was given under the
direction of Mr. nadirs& of St. Paul's.
CRuTAL PALACE.— ONA SHILLING DAs.
WEDNESDAY, Nov. 22.—Admisiima ors pncreins, 457 i ditto
by moos Veber, 810 ; total visitors, 1,57.