The Express.
London, England, 1851-08-27 00:00:00

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

MUSIC.

-------- - -----
Last night concluded the season nt her Majesty's
Theatre, though there are to he extra rformnnct•s during
this week "at playhouse pricer." The season has been
protracted this year, on account of the Exhibition, con-
siderably beyond the usual time—too long, we conceive ;
for, when pa:liament has risen, and when the Queen, the
court, and the greater part of the fashionable world
, have taken their departure from town, it is high
time to close what is, par excellence, the fashion-
able place of entertainment. The concluding night
of the season is usually one of the fullest and most
brilliant. But this was by no mans the case last night,
notwithstanding the high and attractive quality of the
entertainment, which consisted of "Anna Botena" with
Madame Barbieri Nini in the character of the heroine, and
of Ceritu's exquisite dancing in " Ondine."

WORCESTER MUSICAL FESTIVAL.

[FROM OCR CORRESPONDENT.]
WORCESTER, TVESUAY EVENING.

The rehearsal last night at the College-hall, which
commencod at seven o'clock, was not brought to a termi-
nation until nearly midnight. A great deal of this time
was occupied in rehearsing Mr. Mori's new cantata,
" Fridolin " which was directed by the composer himself,
who seemed very anxious (and naturally so) about it. Such
of the public as were present—aiid by a good rule of the
management, they were limited to a very select few—were
delighted with the composition, and it is expected that the
curiosity of the public wdl be aulßcieutly canted to lead to
a large audience at to-morrow evening's concert, for which
it is set down. The non-appearance of Madame Castellan
and Ilerr Fornat s at the rehearsal last night led to sonic
uneasiness, being expressed; but as regards the latter, it
was dispelled by the appearance of the priino basso iu the
cathedral to-day, about one o'clock, be having arrived in
Worcester by a mid-day train.
T o give (WO to the festival the Mayor of Worcester (W.
S. P. Hughes, Esq.) gave a grand breakfast this morning
to a large party of the residents of the county. Invitations
were very freely issued, and, no doubt, but for the unfavour-
able state of the weather, there would have been at least
700 persons. The day opened with wet however, and it
scarcely ceased raining up to the close of my parcel at five
o'clock this evening. • '1 h e party at the Mayor's breakfast
exceeded 3.10. 'I hey were met in the 11,94.1111)11y-room of the
Guildhall by the woi thy Mayor and his lade, and utter a
promenade in the beautiful room (which is kept in such a
state of order as to do credit to the civic authorities), the
party proceeded to the town-hall, where a sumptuous
entertainment was served up ; after which, the Mayor
thanked his guests for their attendance, and the w hole party
at once proceeded to the cathedral in carriages: the rain
pouring clown very heavily. Considering the state
of the weather, the cathedral was well filled,
though there was a falling off in the number
of In-runs present, us compared with the number present
on the first day of the Worcester Festival of 184 S, of about
200. The following return skews the attendance to-day,
and on the first day of the last Festival at Worcester in
158:

Iftil 148
Ist. scats, nave 4Ol °MI

2wl *cats, west gallery.... 312 Y.
:3rd MOM. aisle 4711 lit I

Total 1,932

1,117

There were, however, about 'id others pre-cot in the
nue whose tickets were not reckoned, they has M.: tt6ien
the 3/. tickets for the whole of the performances ut the Fes-
tival, which are not given up until its close.
Contrary to what has been the custom hitherto, there
was no intrusluctory overture to the morning service. It
has Insai usual hitherto to play the " Esther" overture of
Handel, but in the place of it Mr. Arnott performed a vo-
luntary or the organ on the entry of the bishop and canon,
lay clerks, and choristers of the cathedral, for whom
stalls were placed at the foot of the orchestra. The
whole of the clergy and officers of the cathedral were
surplices'. A temporary pulpit was erected against
one of the pillars near the middle of the save ; and
seats were reserved for the mayor and corporation near the
western gallery. Looking from the floor, the whole of the
seats in the gallery and nave appeared to b filled, but the
western gallery would have held 200 or 300 more.
Prayers were chanted by the 11ev. T. Littleton Wheeler,
minor canon of the cathedral ; and the lessons were read
by his father, the Rev. Allcu Wheeler, the ones:mon The
psalms were sung to a double chant, composed by the Rev.
W. 11. Havervral, a local composer in great favour here.
The pieces and responses were those of Talli<, and their
etfeet, albeit there were some few blunders in the execu-
tion, was sublime, the unaccompanitsl harmonies swelling
and rolling slang the vaulted roof of the sacred building
with a grandeur of effect not to be produced in any other
manner. Th., congregation was devout and appeared to
be deeply touched at the solemnity of these responses, deli-
vered in such a place and upon so touching an occasion.
The 'Fe Deans was Handefs—that composed for the Het
tingen victory, and which is annually repeated at these festi-
vals, either at Worcester, Hereford, or Olourester.
The sermon was preached by the Rev. Canon Cradock,
who took for his text St. John, ix. v. 4, " For the night
cornett' when no man can work." Upon this text plain
doctrine was preached, enforcing the duty of Chris-
tians to do good while living, rather than to leave
their charities till their death. The collection on behalf of
the charity for the relief of the widows and orphans of
the clergy amounted to 2921., being only 81. less than on the
tint day of the festival of 1848.

PRINCE ALBERT'S BlRTlEDAT.—Yesterday his
Royal Highness completed the thirty-first year of his age.
In honour of the day the bells of the principal metropolitan
churches sent forth their peals, and the royal standard was
displayed from numberless public edifices. The various
craft in the river glittered in the colours of all nations, and
some of the more considerable fired • respectful salute,
which was replied to from several of the large wharves on
the river. At noon the park and Tower guns were heard
booming through the damp and heavy air; and from Woul-
wich lines Captain Crawford's artillery early fired a royal
I salute from a battery of 12-pounders. In the evening the
I illuminations were numerous, but robbed of much of their
effect by the gusts which incessantly swept across the jets.
Pall Mall, St. James's, Regent-street, and Bond-street,
were, as usual, conspicuous fur the number and
brilliancy of the devices. St. James's Theatre displayed
a large star in jets of gas, lighting up a number of imi-
tation paste ornaments, which produced a very brilliant
effect. The Guards' Club-house had an imperial crown,
surmounting a star, and the prince's initials, all in gas jets.
The Gallery of Illustration exhibited over the entrance a
largo star, having the letters P.A. arranged on each side,
and in front of the building an allegorical representation
having reference to the great event of the year. The Ex
hibition Committee-rooms, at 188, Piccadilly, displayed a
representation of the arms of his Royal Highness the
l'rince on a blue silica ground, with a wreath of laurel in
green, amber, and white lamps, shaded with the motto
" Prince Albert, the exhibitors' true friend !" At Mitchell's
Royal Library, a royal Brunswick star and the initials
" P.A.," all in eradiated jets of gas, were seen. The
tradesmen etl her Majesty exhibited their customary
devices.

THE CASE OF THE BARON DE ISont.—The con-
struction put upon the act of parliament 50th George 111.
c. 31, by the judges, having precluded the House of Lord:
from hearing the case on its merits, has excited the atten-
tion of several distinguished members of the legislature,
and the matter is likely to become the subject of parlia-
mentary inquiry in the next session, when Lord Lyndhurst
will take it up. In such hands substantial justice cannot
fail to he attained.

CHARGE OF FORGERY AGAINST A CLERGYMAN.—
We (IV. stern Flying l'ust) announced last week in our se-
cond edition that the Rev. IL P. Hope, incumbent of
Leigh, and chaplain of the Sherborae Union Workhouse,
had been arrested on a charge of forgery, and remanded
until Thursday. On Thursday he was again brought up in
custody, and the examination resumed before J. Wood,
Esq., and J. Goodden, Eaq., with closed doors, the magis-
trates haring in their discretion considered it avisable that
the case should be beard in private. We are, therefore,
unable to publish the evidence, but the following summary
of the facts may he relied upon as correct. There were
several charges against the reverend gentleman. Ihe first,
that on which he was arrested, was preterred against him
by MJ. John Bird, of Batcombe, a farmer advanced in
years. The information charged him with having forged
a bill of exchange for 200!. It appears that some
months ago Mr. Hope applied to Bird to join him in an
accommodation bill, and, after some time, the old man
was persuaded to sign his name to a blank acceptance for
501., leaving Mr. Hope, in whom he seems to have had great
confidence, to fill in the amount. Mr. Hope took the
stamp away with him and subsequently drew the bill for
200/., instead of 50/. Mr. Andrews, of the firm of Manfield
and Andrews, Dorchester, conducted the case for the prose-
cution; and Mr. Phelps, ,of Meare, appeared to watch the
proceedings on the part of Mr. Hope. The magistrates,
after hearing the evidence, committed Mr. Hope for trial on
the charge of forgery. There were several other cases of
a similar character against the prisoner, and the magistrate.,
after hearing some portion of the evidence, adjourned the
Further examination until Tuesday ,yesterd.iy). It is sup.
posed that the reverend gentleman was deeply. involved in
railway speculations, and being unable to eatneate himself
from the difficulties by which he was surrounded, adopted
these desperate means of raising money to meet hisengage-
meats. The amount of his def.dcations and liabilities amid
to be enormous, but at the present moment it is impossible
to estimate their (aunt. We are sorry to hear that several
estimable individuals arc liLely to be sufferers to a very
serous amount.

GLASGOW—
AND SOUTIL WESTERN AMWAY.—
Traffic for tie week eal.ing Auir. 23 ..-4.923/. 94. Id.;
cmc,F.uoluvz week in :ast year, 3,•54)51.4a.110..

RAILWAYS.

THIS DAY.
Two o'Cioca.
This being "continuation-day" in the railway
share market, preparations for the settlement of the
account have attracted the attention of the dealers,
and the arrangements as they progress prove
favourable to the stability of the market, as the
stock of most lines is found to be scarce, and there
are few, if any rates of " continuation" payable.
Prices to-day have in most cases been negotiated at
an advance, though the full improvement has scarcely
been maintained to the present hour.

MONEY MARKET.

THIS DAY.

Two o'etoca.
The general feeling in the security markets to-day
is one of greater steadiness, as the real character of
the influences now at work in the commercial world
becomes more plainly seen, and the present condi-
tion of affairs sinks from the rank of a general com-
mercial crisis, to which some alarmists have so
eagerly endeavoured to raise it, and assumes
its proper position in the estimation of the
mercantile community as a season of difficulty,
merely, calling fur the exercise of an unusual degree
of caution. Much more confidence is to-day mani-
fested in spite of alarmist reports and opinions which
have been extensively circulated, and the feeling of
uneasiness is wearing off, the more especially as no
fresh difficulticsare to-day spoken of. in the Stock Ex-
change the tone has been decidedly firmer, and prices
have attained a fractional improvement.
Consols, which left off yesterday 96,1 to 1, both
for money and account, have been this morning
quoted 96 i toy for time, whilst for money isif to 1
is still the ruling rate. A further parcel of this
stock has been taken by the government broker.
The prices of the day's business are officially recorded
as follows : Three per Cent. Consols, SOL ; ditto
for account, 9617 1. Three per Cent. Reduced, 96; 97.
Three-and-a-Quarter per Cents., 981, 1. Three per
Cent. Annuities, 1724, 951. Long Annuities, MO,
74. India Stock, 2601. Bank Stock, 216, 215.
Scarcely anything is doing in the unfunded
securities, but a few sales of Excheepier Bills have
been made ut vesterday's rate of dfis. prem. India
Bonds, under 1,4)45,!., mark 535. and 565. prem.
The foreign stock market is rather flat, but there
is no great change in prices, and the depression is ,
chiefly attributable to the inactive character)
of the transactions. Sardinian Strip is again I
marked lower, having been at one time dealt
in as low as 11 discount. Spanish Bonds arc weaker, I
whilst Mexican are supported. The entire business
list of the morning is restricted to the following :
Brazilian Old Five per Cents., 1921. Dutch Two-
and-a-Half per Cents., 59!, ; ditto Four per Cent.
Certificates, 94 Mexican Snide, 284, I, t. Sar-
dinian Scrip, 11, 1 dis. Spanish Active nve per,
Cents., 20-1, 4; ditto Three per Cents., 38.
Much anxiety was expressed during yesterday as to
several firms, and rumours were freely spread, more
particularly as to two houses, a Spanish and a
Levant firm, having had dealings with one of the
embarrassed houses, but it is anticipated a suspension
will bo only temporary. It is very much to be re-
gretted that in a time of such difficulty the anxiety
of the public is increased, and great inconvenience is
caused to individuals, by the eager circulation of
statements affecting commercial credit.
Tho remarks we made yesterday on the failure of'
Messrs. Rucker have met stronger continuation to-
day, the liabilities being now rated at a higher figure
and the assets viewed with less confidence. Much
difficulty and embarrassment are likely to follow
this suspension, as, from the extent and cotnplica-
tion of their business, ninny claims will be contester,
parties eagerly canvassing their liability. The ap-
pointment of Mr. J. E. Coleman as the accountant
for the firm and several of the parties may have some
influence in facilitating the liquidation.
It is to be hoped that the difficulties which have
thus brought down an old and respected firm will be
accepted as a sufficient warning. The broker who
advances upon produce is led to accept advances him-
self, and from a touch of the speculative disposition
which has led him into overkeen competition he
comes to speculating himself. Indeed, a broker's ad-
vance upon produce is seldom other than the loan of
his acceptance, and, by putting another name upon a
bill, forwarding it an the way to discount. The end
is an undue application of credit, resolving itself into
speculations upon the capital of others. 'l•he more
closely the broker can be kept within his sphere the
better for all parties, for in the many complicated
cases which arise there is quite enough legitimate
strain upon the capital and responsibility of the
broker. If any delude themselves with the idea
that the brokers run the risk it must now be pretty
well dispelled, for the results show in pretty large
figures that the ultimate loss falls upon the
mercantile community.
In the market for foreign exchanges yesterday sel-
krs of bills preponderated considerably over buyers,
and the quotations advanced in nearly every in-
stance. Paris alone was rather in demand, and
maintained last post's rates of 25.71 to 12 for short,
and 25.25 to 271 for three months. Amsterdam was
decidedly higher, leaving off 11.181 to 4. For Rot-
terdam there was at first some inquiry, and an
amount was done at 11.171 for 60 days. Ham-
burg, which had been in demand throughout this
month, participated in the upward tendency, and
closed 13.81 to 1. Frankfort was offered at 1191,
and done as high as 12t), or par—a quotation that
has not been reached for a considerable thee
past. Bills on Italy and Sicily were dif-
ficult of sale, and the same was the case
with St. Petersburg, ad negotiations effected being
in favour of sellers. Madrid and Cadiz main-
tained previous prices. Vienna and Trieste were
hardly saleable, the nominal quotation being 12
florins. Altogether, there was very little money, and
a good deal of paper remained unsold. Merchants
and bankers appear desirous of keeping their cash
afloat, to be provided in case of emergency, which
may arise, as timid people apprehend more failures.
The prices negotiated were as follows :
Time. Prices negotiated.
Prom to
Amsterdam per S; Short 115.17 ate.... ltd. 17f eft.
Ditto
kotteretim
ri

fisasbuti sad Alma 7, 13ntea.aschl. 13mae.
Prunktart-os.4ha-Malisa „ „ 1190. Okr.
Vanua
Visas „ 53kr. 134. .kr.
Antwerp
Paris „ abort 257 r. 12c. Mr. 120.
Ditto ............ „ •Seatlts2s(r. 23r. ... 25fr. 222 c.
Hans „, 2Sfr. 2 vta. 151 r. 30e.
GOMM
Logtoorii ~ 3lr. 43301 r. 504.15.
sp4=e.. Par 09501 „ 402 pease ... 4al prime
per mice „ 1232 pelves ... 1231 pram
tdraisri
Maria ..... —.per attar „ 491 pence ... 49 pram
Culls ...... 50 Ponce 50 Prow
Lisbon ..................p nulrei „ 5J penes .. 53 psalm
°Pnrt° 53 peace 51i pence
372 pv—

iZielmaarea. per rUbl. 7, ii I-5-rp: pine
The last quotations of Exchange at foreign places
on London are on follows :

Previous Latest
Quotations. Quotations.
Antwerp, short 2sf. 121 25f. 121*
Amsterdam, short
Ditto, 2 months
Christiania, 3 ms 4.64 4.64
Copenhagen, short
Ditto, 3 months
Frankfort, short
Galata 93 92 93
Gothenburg, 90 days
Hamburg, short
Ditto, 3 months
Lisbon, three months
Leipzig, 3 months 6.20f 6.20 f
Montreal lll 111
Milan, 3 months
Naples
New York, 60 days
Odessa 2l6i 2180 2174 2190
St. Petersburg, 3 months 38.1. Id. 37/d.
Stockholm, short
Ditto, 90 days
Trieste ll6. 41 118. 42
1...•
Rank Stnek. 21516
3 par Ct. iledue.l.l.6l 7
3 par (.1.. e...,14. 9,* f
D f per et. Comm*. 1.1 I
(Pools fug Ao.L. 04

ENGLISLI ➢C:

1Ua...1.1118 DAT.
Long AnnaWog, 71
la lla nt. ck,
nal° 1101 I. 1,(00'.. —9.
Egninnuor

708E10:
Ij par Ct. 114150.93 3
3 per Ct. lirnstttan, 90 3
!rwr. 80 91
8 per Ct. Bursar 375. 33 3
4 per ft. CAI 4ors. 1.4 t
3 per Ct. CA:Ohm 64
3 pur Ct. leut.sll. 77 11
21 per Ct. hutch, 1443 4/1
4 pa Ct. trash. all 33
Egtift t.,r. 71
I let Ct. lis.tark. 1313
tr 5 p.

FUND!.
3 tr.. r Ct. Ntestenn, 21,5
51 t., Ct. PurtDlLn.
Dits4 lAferre!. 42 C
5 p, CL 87 9
g p rCr C12.4:1. 111101
11 pa (it. KI.. 411 21
5 per Ct. .14.11,54. A444'5.102
314 f Ct. 1t10t5141 7:1
Do. Pa.ove 51 2
4 4 t Sr Ct. Voe/4,D.. SA 2
...I), P..f.:rr. I. 11 12
: 1; 4 It..