The Express.
London, England, 1865-12-27 00:00:00

THE EXPRESS, WEDNFSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 27, 1865.

JJOHNBROGDEN recommends the public to
hare the rent gold stated on the invoke. Fine gold
led Weird: as applied to Jewelry, being a delusion. JOHN
MOOD GOLD CHAINS are sold upon this principle only,
and at reanulacturefe prima. blantatory, 16. Henrietta-
street, Corent-prden, W.C. This eatasusament is closed at a.
and on Saki:days l

MESSRS,
Gold THsmi WAths and EON
ers.and SON,
ItST
Je well
Have Ready for Inspection a Great Variety of JEWELLERY,
of the latest Designs. suitable for
EDDING PRESENTS and NEW-YEAR'S GIFTS.
East.

WER OVEROOATS of the BEST
'j
ATMAI!! ale kept for Inspection or solo
RAILLLTON and KIM MX%
Tailors and overcoat MOW%
100. (STRAND, opposite &Mee LIAM

.ONDON intuit have a SUPPER and MUSIC
-LA Roux tor Gentlemen. Iteaeseeber, ire welt tor you at
IVANS," attar the Covent-garden Opera. lad the Tbeatzea

ght erprexiis.

TO 001X111101rDIIN18.
lowteentente ed The lemon " Loodon Muting
Palmr , nowt Dent the Moe 10. tioavateotreei, by Two
o'clock on the day of publication.

eAymAiliT.
nos TIM M. BROTHER 11•1 L Krum Bothers. Back-
mad Compton Vilma Neel _ Kamm ii&owdom.
OMMI:18 IN TILE HAYMARKET. Memo Tama And Maher
Mama Keeley. Howard & Wrighi—And SHOCKING EVENTS.

Panrcirms.
Ting biome, Qum LOD9lllGlL—After which IT 18
!AVM TOO LATI TO NAND. Maim Ylubs. 0.
T. K.D.NA Yung. 8. CaHomy re Vinod. J. G. Awe, O. Mur-
al. and A. 08111.1114 Mow L. 111001.0 mad L Bolgen.

Ming.
TsuP Immo, TIM ILLUSTRIOUS STRANGER —After
which TVA MASTER OF RAVRNSWOOD. Maas. Foehim
Jordal. Vega, Emory, vikuucemb. Fitlegkdak. &ad Inas :
Madams Twain, Illiworthl. limn% and u• LisissdS-

BRITANNIA.
Ting rams, OLD DADDY LONOI/08 AND MR REGENT
CIRCUS: OR, THE RACE TOR TRH GOLDEN APPLE.—
Y. and Airtime. Stertzerrlmch.--Signor BersAL—Olear.--111t0wer
of Golden Baln.—And JE&SIE, THE NORNION'S DAUGHTER.

HIGH WATT& AT LONDON-331DM
Mu Du gamin& U. .... Miasma, OIL 295.
Toaionow-• Yoruba, itb. 60e.....Aftersoce,101.

LONDON, WEDNESDAY. DECEMBER 27.

Le spite of the pressure of great and small
agricultural societies, and other representatives
of the farming interest, Government has re-
fused to issue a compulsory
order forbidding
the transit of live cattle. But it has so fax
increased the powers of the local authorities in
this respect that all the good which a general man-
date could have effected may now be secured by
the action of these local bodies. The former
Orders in Council were defective in two particulars.
They constituted in country districts the magis-
trates in each petty sessional division the local
authority. This subdivided a county too much,
and required, to make the orders really efficacious,
that they should not only be approved by the ma-
jority of the magistrates in the county, but by a
majority in each of its districts. The remedy pro-
vided now is, the enlargement of the districts from
those of petty sessions to those of quarter
sessions. The second defect in the former
rules consisted in their not committing to the
local authority power to prohibit the movement of
cattle within the district, the power given being re-
stricted to prohibiting the importation of cattle
from other districts. The necessary authority for
controlling all local traffic has now been accorded. '
Thus there is now vested in the magistrates of
each county the means of as fully preventing the
spread of the plague by contagion as if an impera,
tive order applicable to the whole country had
been issued by Government. For by the former
rules, which are still in force in this respect, any
local authority which, being contiguous to others
that have taken advantage of the powers con-
ferred upon them to stop local traffic, should, by
itself refusing to adopt them, render them nuga-
tory in the neighbourhood, may be compelled, by
representation to the Home Office, to conform to
the practice of its neighbours. At the same
time there is the obvious advantage in em-
ploying local agency, that the regulations
of each district may be adapted to its peculiar con-
dition and necessities, and that parts of the
country which are free from the plague shall not
be subjected to the same vexatious system of rules
which may be desirable where the disease has
actually appeared. In some quarters nothing more
than the stoppage of importation is demanded by
prudence ; in others, the stoppage of internal
traffic is necessary for the fair trying of the experi-
ment ; but it would obviously be impossible for
any government rule to adapt itself to the variety
of circumstances which lies between these ex-
tremes.
We cannot but think, however, that the main-
tenance of the principle of localinetead of centralised
action will be attended with • further advantage
at the present stage of the disease. It will allow
the real opinion of those who are most interested
in the suppression of the disease to be in-
dicated on the question whether the stoppage
of traffic is really efficacious, or whether
the inconvenience and the cost exceed the pro-
bable benefits. It must be remembered that
stoppage of traffic is no more a certain specific
than arsenic, or chlorine, or any other suggested
preventive. If it were a certain means of extir-
pating the plague we might count up the evil
against the advantage, and, probably wisely, de-
cide in favour of the adoption of the method. But
it is only an experiment. The disease has hitherto
been so erratic, that we can only say that we
know that in some cases it is contagious. But
many animals out of those exposed to the infec-
tion escape altogether, and many are seized where
there has been no infection, save such as no Order
in Council could reach, the infection carried by
the wind, by birds, by food, or by some other
medium equally beyond our control. In these
instances even the advocates for the contagion theory
can only suggest such possible methods of infec-
tion as these, while others plausibly argue that there is
less probability of an infection so subtle than there
is of a general predisposition, breaking out from
some special exciting cause other than contagion.
Thus, at all events, it cannot be said that there is
ground for expectation that the stoppage of traffic
will do more than remove one of the sources
of diffusion. Now, for • mere experiment or par-
tial benefit of this sort, it is obvious that the parties
concerned will naturally not be always disposed to
submit to the sacrifices which they would make for
the sake of a certain remedy. And we must think
that it is for them to judge, rather than for the
Government to judge for them. If • prepon-
derance of opinion is shown in favour of the
adoption of a uniform rule, it will be easy for
Government hereafter to make it universaL But,
at least, it is desirable in the first place that we
should know how far the opinion is general.
This is the more necessary because the action of
the representative agricultural bodies on this ques-
tion his hitherto been at least peculiar. They
have not urged the local authorities to use the
powers which Government has given them, nor
have they pointed out what farther powers should
be conferred on them, but they have united in
urging Government to resume these powers, and
supersede the local authorities altogether. This
certainly seems to indicate that the persons who
have undertaken to speak for the trade have felt
considerable doubt whether the trade would sup-

port them. But if the measure would be so un-
popular that the local autho • do not the
responsibility of executing iriabdig it is
clear that it would not be leas tab tar 1f
• eimp
cuted by Government. And Ass bly •
thee question would arise,whille hot in
the background. A rulett•elekills by • bid
authority, for the benefit of its own dietrict, would
not afford any good claim for imperial compensa-
ticm. But a rule enforced by Government for the
benefit of the whole country, but at the coat of a
particular trade, within which it was deemed
objectionable, would afford a very strong basis for
a demand that the country should reimburse the

loss.
We think for these reasons that Government has
done well in refusing to go further than confer
ample powers on the 'arming interest for its own
protection, in so far as any regulation can afford
protection. Where an incalculable dislocation of
business must follow from the adoption of •
remedy, its adoption should be voluntary. The
principle of taking tha butcher to the cattle
may possibly obviate some sources of contagion,
but it as obviously introduces another, for the
wandering butcher and salesman must carry infec-
tion with them in their rounds, if it can be carried.
And the abolition of markets is too serious • thing
to be enacted by a mere government minute, on
the representation of certain leaders in farmers'
societies. It cannot but tend to make prices un-
certain, for in one locality the farmer will be
wholly in the hands of one or two butchers ; in
others the butchers will be in the power of the
farmers. The public, however, is always the
sufferer where trade cannot be conducted by fair
competition. Doubtless there are districts where
the change could be effected with little difficulty,
and in those we may hope to see the experiment
tested. But it is well that Government should
await the result, before enforcing a doubtful bene-
fit on districts where public, opinion is adverse to
its voluntary adoption.

OUR CONTEMPORARIES.

(TBIB DAY.)

Ten IMPORT OF TIM CAPITAL PIIMUSHMINT COMMISSION.
Noticing in the cane of the above document the
departure from the rule by which reports made by royal
commissicseers are kept from the public until they have
been presented to parliament, and assuming that the con-
temporary (the Star) tyke yesterday gave the Capital
Punishment Report to the world &dyed his infor-
matics from a satisfactory quarter, the Daily News
repeats the terms of the commissioe. aid proceeds to
pronounce the recommendations of the commiasioners,
as far as they extend, to appear sound and
practicable. It will be remembered that they propose to
inflict capital punishment only in two cases ; first, where •
murder has been deliberately committed, with malice
aforethoight, and where the radios has been found a fact
by a jury, Instead of being considered as involved in the
very got, as at present ; secondly, where murder has been
committed in, or with a view to, the perpetration, or
escape after the perpetration, or attempt at the perpetra.
Mon of murder, arson, rape, burglary, robbsey, or piracy.
The Deily News is of opinion that these nommen-
&time will greatly facilitate the administration of
criminal justice, by diminishing the extent of discretion
reposed both in judges and in juries, and by defining more
accurately the duties of each. The only other result of the
long deliberations of the commissioners is that sentence of
death should be executed within the precincts of the prison
under proper regulations. Bat certain important questions
which have been often diseased in parliament and in the
prep they evade. Do they approve or disapprove of the
Home-office overriding the opinion' of judger; and
juries If they think that some sort of appeal
is absolutely necessary in criminal cases, do they
believe that the Home Secretary and his sub-
ordinate of the day constitute the beet tribunal by
which so important a jurisdiction can be exercised? Do
they tell the public nothing of the manner in which the
Home Secretary practically exercise the royal perogative
of mercy or of the principles which guide that minister in
advising his royal mistress to grant pardons and to com-
mute sonatas? Above all, do the commissioners vouch-
safe no opinion on the subject of blame criminals? These
things they have wilfully wad by, recommending that
another commission should be appointed to report upon the
points which they have declined to express an opinion
on. Probably the best plan would be to re-appoint them,
with the distinct understanding that they should complete
the inquiry which they have begun.
The Post discusses very fully the various features of the
report, specially noticing the recommendation in cams of
supposed infanticide. Referring to the distinction which the
commissioners have made between murder with general or
express =diction the enabled and manslaughter on the other,
the Poet says many would think that the hotheaded, pea
Monate man, reedy to take the law into hie owe hands and
kill anybody at • moment's notice, is the more dangerous
member of society of the two, and that, consequently, the
severer quantum of punishment is more applicable to
his case in order to keep him in cheek land pro-
tect society. The law provides redress for insults to
oneself, or to one's wife, or daughter, or mother,
or any other relation ; and if the ioeult, real or supposed, is
so slight that it is beneath the notice of the law, it ought
not to be deemed a sufficient excuse to reduce • homicide
from murder to manslaughter. It would have been as well
if the report had discussed whether it is expedient to reduce
the cases of homicide in which hinging is the penalty, at a
time when the tendency to destroy human life in a certain
section of the criminal climes is at least as strong and as
great as ever it was. If • man commit only one murder, he
is liable to the same quantum of punishment as if, like For-
ward, alias Southey, he had committed half a dome, end
the Post suggests that this objection might be got rid of by
awarding, in cases of " great enormity," to use the words of
the report, • certain number of floggings prior to execution,
To say that this report is one which will satisfy those at
whose instance the commission was issued would be, the
Advertiser remarks, to give it more praise than it deserves.
But in judging it, we must bear in mind that it is essen-
tially, though perhaps not intentionally, tentative. Some
of the commissioners would go further than their colleagues
are prepared to follow them. But even these recommend
the abolition of capital punishment to a certain extent.
This is an answer to those blind advocates of the scaffold
who in the vest pollution and infamy of the practice of
hanging think they perceive an institution essential to the
safety of society. Even those commissioners who hesitate
to recommend the abolitic of capital punishment admit its
corrupting influenee.
The Telegraph thinks it would be premature to express
• positive opinion upon the report until we have seen the
evidence on which the conclusions are founded. For
example, it should give the exact criminal statistics of
those countries in which the capital mashy is now
unknown. If executions ceased, won'd human life be
safer or less safe than at present?—that is really the
grand questioo, and all vague maculations as to the
abstract propriety or impropriety of our prreeut system
are of subordinate importance. Evidence throwing light
upon this part of the subject ought to be forthcoming.
The Star forams that It will need all the vigilance of
those who advocate the proposed changes to preserve the
work of the commission from mutilation in the progress
of the consequent measures through parliament. We have
a painful recollection of the anti-reforming tendencies of
law lords and bishops, and of some country gentlemen who
have a higher regard for the preservation of game than
the sacredness of human life, end whose tactia will no doubt
be insidiously exercised for mischief if public opinion does
not keep the government alive to its duty. As some members
of the commission, by their appended declaration, may hold
themselves free to advocate a more complete change than
the report recommends, as the present Prime Minister and
many of his cabinet are avowed opponents of capital punish-
ment, and as many of the most notable additions to the
legislature effected by the late election are pledged to sup-
ped total abolition, more even than the commissioners
suggest may possibly be accomplished ; but for the work
they have conscientiously performed they deserve, the Star
says, the hearty thanks of the country.

Timis observes with satisfaction that the Court of Common
Courted have accepted • report from their Police Com-
mittee, which propos that the force should be inc=
by fifty additimal mu. at an emenal rues* et :
though thie addition will hardly he foiled Ingham* The
City fame already inadequate the. duties Miguel
It, and thgee duties wiabe most increased, U the
"w 4411.1.14111 Pin 4011111. It WOW be to look brarard
to the eelargement of all, or even of dm Milliority, of the
narrow lanes in the City. Land is too valuable for such •
gigantic improvement. But it ought to be the object of
the corporation gradually to construct ample thoroughfares
between at lout the main centres of badger. A very few
streets like Cunonatreet would be sufficient to afford an
immense relief. It is to this necessity that the Metro.
polite° Board are directing their energies, and we hope
their example will not, be lost upon the corporation. The
Tines bad mesh sooner the City sad the vestries should
do the work for us Luisa of compelling us to do it for
them, u would shortly be the cue ; and it weloomes the
display of • little more energy even though it be at the

Lot moment.
The Star Sods in the scheme of the City of London for
making their own gas at West HIM a plan which may be
executed with great advantage to the public of the City.
The profit now pocketed by the companies who poems lb*
monopoly comes out of the purses of the gas mamma ;
whatever profit the City Corporation gas department may
make is to go to common purposes—to improve the City
and its streets. The Stor Mosta that this Gas Bill and
the bill for the regulation of the street Maio may prove
the commencement of a new and better ors in the local
government of this metropolis.

Tag sillition DODOXT.
The Post calls attention to points of distinction between
the Front* and Foglia systems of finance, which must be
bane in mind by those who desks to understand the report
of K. Fonld, and expresso its hopes that the anticipations
of the French financial minister will be realised. The
Isipieor is tally alive to the ..amity of reducing the
national expeediteur end of economising the notional
Annum No are oonfessedly has done more to secure the
meadows of the people than Y. Foald, and under hie ad-
nelnishetlon we are justified in believing that the fineeciss
of the empire will at all events be so regulated se to produce
the most favourable results consistent with the enormous
expenditure for which provision most be made.
The Telegraph congratulates Frlnee on the sacemetal inns
of her policy. She now evidently understands the net way
of promoting prosperity end castestment. Slowly sad eau-
tioualy she has entered into the path of freedom from mo-
nopoly end commercial restrictions, but the swam which
has followed her Ant measures will animate her to advance
still more resolutely end rapidly cc the same track ; and
who can tell what increase of resource sad activity she may
yet erparienoe ? Fourteen millions in the Ministry of War,
seven millions in the Mieistry of Marine, 1,800,000 Kr. is the
Ministry of Oommeros And Public Works, six millions in
the Ministry of Finance, end s coesiderable laving too in
the extraordinary budget—theee ere good sweats of more
comprehensive dimioutioas from year to year. Let such
retrenchments continue as they have begna,end every reform
becomes possible.
The Star ventures to suggest that the financial specula-
tions of K. Foetid area little too hopeful—a little too much
based upon sanguine expectations and prophecy. 1864
shows a heavy loss; 1865 may possibly balance ; 1866
looks likely to show s surplus ; but 1867 promises
surplus so large that when h
elds got it the minister
proposes to begin paying off debts with liberal
hand. Every year promises the Frenchman to pay
handsomely, end until it has long gone by nobody
knows whether it hen paid or not ; at lest everyone finds
out that it only bequeathed a more or less heavy deficit.
Such 'system of keeping the accounts appears to the Star
little likely to promote any national earnestness In themes*
of eoonomy. If, however, Franco is may soilous that M.
Foald's predictions for 1867 shell be realised she has in
her own hs ode the power to enure the accomplishment of
the prophecy.

. 1011013 T INTELLIGENCE.

. THE ITALIAN MINIIERY.
The Hord of yesterday says :
The reseestituis• of the Italian ministry* tenet with
strious difficult.% M. de la Marmon has not yet succeeded
in seeorophihtlesr the task entrusted to WI by the Sing,
and the neeerteloty resulting from this aslay gives tree
scope to the imaginations of the Italian journals, ends
which has its ministerial list quite complete.
cording to the Turin Gazelle, the new cabinet is coal.
posed provisionally of M. de la Marmara es Proddeat of the
Council and Minister of Foreign Affairs, M. Chisreo "
Minister of the Interior, M. Lanza en Vinous Minister,
M. Brigoone as Minister of War, M. Permits, as Minister of
Marine, and M. Dipretia en Minister of Publ. Works. The
Nazism, on the other band, speaks of M. Jartini as Minister
of Public Works, and of M. Vlsoonti-Venorla an Minister of
Foreign Affair.Aceordieg to this arrangement M. de la
Manure would take along with the presidency of the
council the alike of War Minister. According to another
rumour, it will be proposed to the Chamber to suppress the
ministries of Marine, Public Instruction, and Oossmeree.

Shirefslil
Iscosion, Is.
per Cents., I
a•llalf per (

(azgrsit's rxr.seassia)
AMERICA.
NEW YORK, Mc. 16, lgomasa.
Washington despatches assert that the late
popular and congressional manifestations of sym-
pathy towards Mexico had led to a correspondence
between M. Montholon, the French ambassador,
and Mr. Seward, in consequence of which M. Mon-
tholon despatched the Chief Secretary of Legation
to France on Wednesday last for definite instruc-
tions regarding the Mexican question. It is
rumoured that M. Montholon has intimated to
the Federal government that in case a Federal
minister is accredited to Juarez the French Lega-
tion will leave Washington. It is stated that a cabi-
net meeting was held yesterday upon Mexican mat-
ters at which General Grant was present. The New
York Tinter contains a rumour that General Logan
will, after opening relations with Juarez, propose a
treaty of commerce between the United States and
Mexico, guaranteeing to American citizens impor-
tant rights and privileges on the transit lines on
the Mexican gulf to the Pacific coast, and opening
the Mexican market free to American manufac-
tures. In exchange for these privileges, which
could be guaranteed if necessary by military inter-
vention, the United States would lend Mexico
20,000,000 dollars or guarantee Mexican bonds to
that amount. General Logan dined with Senor
Romero in Washington on Wednesday.
The Rouse of Representatives at Washington
have adopted the resolution concerning the admis-
sion of the Southern members, as amended by the
Senate. The house subsequently passed a reso-
lution embodying that portion of the resolution
which the Senate had rescinded, whereby it was
provided that the papers and credentials of the I
Southern members shall be referred to a committee
without debate, and that no member shall be ad-
mitted
until Congress declares his state entitled
to representation. The house has unanimously
adopted a resolution declaring that• treason is a
crime and ought to be punished.
The Secretary of the Treasury has announced
that Spain and Chili will not be permitted to bring
prizes into Federal porta.
In the Senate Mr. Wilson's bill declaring null
all laws of the Southern States recognising any in-
equality in civil rights on account of colour, was
called up and discussed.
Oregon has adopted the constitutional amend-
ment.
President Johnson has informed the provisional
Governor of Georgia, that whilst sanctioning the
inauguration!of the governor elect, this inauguration
will not terminate the duties of the provisional
governor, who will be informed of the time when
he will be relieved.
A communication has been received by the New
York Chamber of Commerce, recommending that
a national cotton growing convention should be
held to take measures to raise the cotton crop
next year equal to that of the year preceding the
war, namely, 5,000,000 bales.
The Fenian President Roberta has issued an
inaugural address, calling upon the Fenians to act
promptly. England must meet privateers on every
ocean, and must be struck wherever she is most
vulnerable, and where the Irish at home can be best
assisted.
The Fenians are said to hare over 2,000,000
dole. in voluntary cash subscriptions on hand.
A government sale of 3,000 bales of cotton has
taken place in New York. Middling fair Orleans
and Memphis were quoted 53. Strictly middling,
50} to 511.
The Hibernia, Java, and the City of Dublin have
arrived out.

NEW YORK, Dgc. 16, Ilogruma.

Money abundant. Gold, 1461. Exchange on
London, 160 ; on Paris, 3.521. Stocks firm and
advancing: New York Centrals, 961 ; Illinois,
134 ; Erie, 931 ; 5-20 Bonds, 1031. Cotton good
inquiry : Middling Upland, 49c. Flour slightly
firmer. Wheat advancing. Corn slightly firmer.
Provisions quiet. Coffee steady Sugar quiet.
Molasses dull. Petroleum dull : Crude, 41c. to
411 c. ; refined, 66c. to 661 e.
NEW ORLEANS, Dac. 12.
Cotton : Middling, 46c. to 41e. Stock, 146,000
bales.

MEXICO.
EW YORK. Mc. 16.

Senor Romero has received advices from Mexico
announcing that Escobedo after raising the seige
of Matamoros left for Monterey to raise resources.
Juarez has written a letter to the Mexican consul
at San Francisco, stating that his family and per-
sonal interests incline him to retire into private
life and that he will joyfully resign the presidency
lassoon as a new election can be held.

CALCUTTA, Dio. 15.
tiiipi'improving. Exchange on
Government secnritiee :—Four
; Five per Cents., 1041 ; Five-and-
a., lief. Freight, 40e.

CHINA.
(8y Omakad Telegraph from Gallo.)
CANTON, Deo. 1.
Total export of tea to date 92,00U,0001ba. Ex-
change on London, 4e. 7d.

SHANGHAI, Nov. 26.
The markets are unchanged sines the departure
of the French steamer.

AUSTRALIA.

MELBOURNE, Nov. 25.
Shipments of gold since the departure of the
last mail 86,7 W ounces.