The Express.
London, England, 1867-04-04 00:00:00

MISCELLANEOUS TOP/CS.

The Daily NI ins returns to the subject of our naval
expenditure, explaining and commenting on some of the
more important of Mr. Seely's calculations and state-
ments. The figures produced give some idea of the laby-
rinthine difficulties of our Admiralty accounts, and show
the nature of the service which is rendered by those who
break through the barriers erected to exclude the intel-
ligence of the unofficial world, so as to bring the facts
under the cognisance of parliament.

The Times refers to the statements of Mr. Childers and
Mr. Stanfield, who, it says, deserve credit for having placed
our naval expenditure during the recent debate in a vely
clear light, and enabled the country to consider the esti-
mates front a comprehensive and important point of view.
The expedient recommended of maintaining what in fact
would be marine Aldershot' at one or two selected points
instead of breaking up a large force into weak detachments,
is discussed with evident sympathy, and the conclusion
arrived at is that the mere duty of observation or demnn-
atiation, which is all that our squadrons can accomplish,
might be left very well to a much smaller number of
vessels. We have been told that the " policy" which de-
termines the strength and number of our foreign squad-
rons is so deep a secret of state as not to be imparted to
all the lords even of the Admiralty itself ; but it is a sub-
ject, nevertheless, which, as it governs the application of
eleven millions a year, may very wisely be drawn into that
area of more open discussion which Mr. Childers has
suggested.
The Standard and Herahl contrast Mr. Disraeli's
method of dealing with the Reform League with Mr. Glad-
stone's, finding all the advantage on the side of the Chan-
cellor of the Exchequer.
The Telegraph expects that Mr. Disraeli will propose
to-night a repeal of the remaining duty on fire insurance,
and while approving of the step, adds that the remaining
duty on corn should be taken off, as it prevents the im-
porter from landing his grain under bond and reshipping
it. Nor can the movement towards the extinction of the
national debt he allowed to subside.

The Standard expects to see Count Bismarck use what
is called public opinion to intimidate France, and prevent
the cession of Luxemburg if he can ; but if the Emperor
should pluck up courage enough to maintain his bargain
the count will certainly yield. As to the statement of the
Owl that Count Bismarck has succeeded in inducing Lord
Stanley to interpose in his behalf the Siamdart is quite
certain that the English government will not use its in-
fluence at the Hague to enforce the cancelling of a bargain
which does not concern this country in the slightest
degree.
The Daily New remarks that the adjournment of Con-
gress till the usual day of meeting in December is the beet
proof which can be given of its confidence in the success of
its reconstruction policy. The prevalent impression in and
out of Congress is that the judiciary committee to which
the question of impeachment is committed will have no
occosion to report, and that Congress and the President
may meet in peace, if not in amity, on the 2nd of Decem-
ber next. Under the Supplementary Reconstruction Act
the co-operation of the President and the Southern people
would render it possible for nearly all the states to place in
his hands new constitutions to be submitted to Congress
when it meets on December 2. At the latest the states
may be ready to claim representation before the end of
January, and it will be the fault of the people themselves
if they are not represented in Congress before any im-
portant legislation has been completed. Mr. Johnson's
next message will be received as an overture of final con-
ciliation with Congress and the country, if he is fortunate
enough to be able and wise enough to be willing to an-
nounce that the Reconstruction Act has been duly exe-
cuted, and that even a few of the excluded states are at
the doors of Congress waiting for admission in obedience
to it.

THE SALE AND PURCHASE OF SHARES. —The fol-
lowing is a copy of Mr. Leenisn's bill, as amended in
committee :—" Whereas it is expedient to make provision
for the prevention of contracts for the sale and purchase of
shares and stock in joint-stock banking companies of which
the sellers are not possessed or over which they have no
control : May it therefore please your Majesty that it may
be enacted, and be it enacted by the Queen's Moat Excel-
lent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the
Lords Spiritual and Temporal,and Commons, in this present
parliament assembled, and by the authority of the
same : I. That all contracts, agreements, and tokens of
sale and purchase which shall, from and after the
day of 1867, be made or entered
into for the sale or transfer, or purporting to be for the
sale or transfer, of any share or shares, or of any stock or
other interest, in any joint-stock banking company in the
United Kingdom of Great Rritain and Ireland issuing
shares or stock transferable by any deed or written in-
strument, shall be null and void to all intents and pur-
Poses whatsoever, unless such contract, agreement, or
other token shall set forth and designate in writing such
shares, stock, or interest by the respective numbers by
which the same are distinguished at the making of such
contract, agreement, or token on the register or books of
such banking company as aforesaid, or where there is no
such register of shares or stock by distinguishing numbers,
then unless such contract, agreement, or other token
shall set forth the person or persons in whose name or
names such shares, stock, or interest shall at the time of
making such contract stand as the registered proprietor
thereof in the books of such banking company ; and every
person whether principal, broker, or agent who shall wil-
fully insert in any such contract, agreement, or other token
auy false entry of such numbers, or any name or names
other than that of the person or person in whose name
such shares, stock, or interest shall stand as aforesaid,
shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and be punished accord-
ingly, and, if in Scotland, shall be guilty of an offence
punishable by fine or imprisonment. 2. Joint stock
banking companies shall lie bound to show their share
register to any registered shareholder during business hours
from 10 of the clock to 4 of the clock."

THE ST. ALBAN'S PROSECUTION. —The MC for
the promoter in the prosecution of the St. Alban's clergy
will be conducted by Dr. Stephens and Mr. Coleridge,
Q.C., that for the Rev. A. H. Machonochie 'ay Sir g.
Phi Elmore, the Queen's Advocate, and Dr. Deane. The
solicitor for the promoter (nominally the Bishop of
London, but really the Church Association) is Mr. J.
Murray Dale. The defence will be undertaken by the
English Church Union, in connexion with which a Urge
subscription is expected to be raised. This body at present
numbers about 5,000 members, who are "banded to-
gether for the defence of the doctrine and discipline of
the Church of Euggland."

Cite (sun.

WINDSOR CASTLE, APRIL 3.

The Queen, accompanied by Princess Louise and
Princess Beatrice, drove out yesterday afternoon in • car-
riage and four, attended by Lady Churchill.
Prince and Princess Christian also went out driving.
Her Majesty walked and drove this morning, attended
by Lady Churchill.
Prince and Princess Christian went out walking.
Princess Louise, attended by the Hon. Emily Cathcart,
also walked out.
Prince Leopold took • drive, attended by Mr. Legg.
Princess Beatrice rode in the Home-park.
. . .

The Prussian Ambassador and Cotinteu de Bernstorff
arrived at the Castle yesterday, and had the honour of
dining with the Queen and the Royal Family.
Captain Von Schroetter had also the honour of being
invited.

The copy of Winterhalter's portrait of Prince Christian,
exhibited by Mr. J. A. Vinter, at Windsor Castle on
Tuesday, is a lithograph, not a photograph, as stated
yesterday.
The King and Queen of Denmark and the Prince of
Wales, attended by Madame de Bilk, the Danish Minister,
Ocneral d'Oxholm, and Captain Ellis, paid a visit to St.
Bartholomew's Hospital yesterday.
A deputation from the National Association for the
Promotion of Social Science, consisting of Sir J. Kay
Shuttleworth, Bali, Mr. H. W. Rummy, Dr. Hardwick°,
Mr. S. H. Carl, Rev. W. L. Clay (Secretary), Dr. Archi-
bald H. Jacob (Dublin), Dr. Lankester, F.E.S., Mr.
James Real, Mr. Charles Hawkins, Mr. L'yard, M.P.,
Mr. Beadle, Captain Clode, Colonel Sykes, M.P., Mr. A.
Pocock, and Dr. Stewart, had an interview with the Lord
President of the Council at the Privy Council-office on
Tuesday to present a memorial from their council in favour
of a revision, consolidation, and amendment of the laws
relating to public health.

The Princess Mary Adelaide and Prince do Teck 1
honoured the Lord Chancellor and Lady Chelmdord with
their company at dinner last evening, at their residence in
Eaton-square. There were also present the Earl and
Countess of Longford, the Earl Grosvenor, Viscount Hin-
chiribruke, Lord and Lady I)elamere, Lord and Lady Col-
ville, Colonel and Lady Jane Taylor, Hon. Charles and
Mrs. Thesiger, Hon. Edward Thesiger, and Hon. Hiss
Thesiger.

Hie Excellency the Prussian ambassador and the
Countess Bernstorff returned to the Prussian embassy
yesterday morning, from a visit to the Queen at Windsor
Castle, and are now on a visit to the Duke of Rutland at
Belvoir Castle.

The Earl of Derby was last night "decidedly
better," but his lordship is still compelled to keep his bed.
It is thought the noble earl will not be able to resume
his duties in the House of Lords till after the Easter
holidays.

Frances Countess Waldegrave and the Right
Hon. Chichester Fortescue, received at their resi-
dence in Carlton-prdens last evening to dinner his Excel-
lency the Austrian Ambassador and the Countess Apponyi,
the Earl of Clarendon, the Earl and Countess of Charle-
mont, the Earl and Countess of Dartrey, the Countess of
Cork, Viscount and Viscountess Halifax, Lord and Lady
Lyveden, the Lord Chief Justice tr Alexander Cockburn),
the Right Hon. Sir George Grey, M.P., and Lady Grey,
Sir John Johnstone, M.P., and Lady Johnstone, Mr.
Gregory, M.P., Major-General Francis Seymour, and Mr.
Hayward.

The Duchess of Marlborough last night had a
■mall and early dancing party at the family residence in
St. James's-square. Nearly 230 of the leading fashionable
society at present in town responded to the invitations.

The question of Liverpool versus Birkenhead,
which has agitated Liverpool for more than 15 years, is
now before a committee of the House of Commons in the
shape of a petition from the Mersey Docks and Harbour
Board, whose debt amounts to 13,444,289/., to be allowed
to mice more money.

Mr. R. W. Crawford, M.P., says that the aver-
age number of journeys made by every individual in the
United Kingdom in the year is eight.

The following Roman catholic clergymen have
been served with • summons from the Speaker of the
Howie of Commons to appear without delay before the
select committee of the house at present engaged in trying
the merits of the petitions presented against the return of
Captain the Hon. Charles White, and have left for Lon-
don :—The Rev. John Scanlan, P.P., Toomevara ; Rev.
Joseph Magrath, P.P., Silvermines ; Rev. Eugene Malone,
P.P., Puckane ; Rev. Cornelius O'Brien, P.P., Lorrha ;
and the Rev. Con Gleeson, R.C.C. of Poi troe.

A letter from Rome says :—" We have got
half through Lent without British society in Rome having
achieved any of its usual annual matrimonial Anti. It is,
indeed, reported that the princely representative of one of
the oldest families in Rome has proposed to the beautiful
Miss W—, related to a noble English house, whose bead
is now high in authority. Difference of religion forms an
obstacle, and it is hardly expected that the young lady
will change her creed for a coronet. The current of true
love runs smoother between young Prince Ruspoli, son of
the head of that Roman house, and Miss Davis, of New
York, whose union will not be prevented by any difference
of creed. Two of Miss Davis's sisters are already married
in Rome—one to the Marchese Oavotti and the other to a
member of the Duke Lante's family."
M. de Girardin is not quite satisfied with the
Exhibition, particularly with the obstructions to circula-
tion during the opening, when the invited, foreign
visitors, holders of season tickets, ite., were shut up in
their respective salla, where they could see nothing, and
which they could not leave when they wished. It was,
indeed, the perfection of "order "—that is, order such as
Is conceived in France and practised in China—" order
raised to the dignity of immobility." lie would have
nobody pay for admission ; and he would not have ex-
hibitors, after going to considerable outlay, higgling about
minor expenses; and a few millions of francs more would
be of little importance to France and its capital. The
money saved for space in the building, and the money
saved from entrance would be spent in Paris by the visitors.

The Emperor of Brazil having heard of the desire
expressed by Rossini to taste a particular kind of Brazi-
lian coffee, the excellence of which bad been greatly
praised, has sent to the celebrated maestro ► quantity of
it, enclosed in a box inlaid with the most precious woods
of Brazil, and of such exquisite workmanship as to deserve
a place in the Universal Exhibition._

THE HEREDITARY PEER.—With a large number
to be a peer is equivalent to being • great man. A noble-
man is born not only with a silver spoon in his mouth,
but also with a golden key in his band, which serves to un-
lock innumerable doors. The very nurse who dandles
him, looks upon him with awe, for will not the puling
infant one day sit among the highest in the land ? At •
public school, the young nobleman may suffer at the
hands of his comrades, who, along with the disingenuous-
ness of youth, posse., the healthy instincts of republicans;
yet he will have the compensation of being the centre of
attraction to tuft-hunters at the university. Should he
be the heir to a splendid title and large possessions, he
will have society at his feet. Where others would not
dare to sue, he will be entreated to accept all the gifts
that beauty can bestow. Let him attend • public meet-
ing, and be will be voted into the chair by acclamation,
and his speech will be applauded, whether appropriate, in-
telligible, or the reverse, simply because it is his. Let
him write a commonplace letter to a newspaper, and the
editor will honour it with insertion in the large type and
conspicuous place reserved for the weighty articles of dis-
tinguished writers. If he condescends to attend
the debates in the House of Lords, and take
an apparent interest in public affairs, the members of
his party will agree that he is • heaven-sent candidate for
a seat iu the cabinet. What wonder is it that such a man
should defend the privileges of his order, resist innova-
tion, openly or insidiously combat reform ! It is neither a
merit nor a fault of his that he has been born a member of
the British peerage: like every man he loves to exercise
power, and dreads anything which may tend to lessen it.
And, after all, his high position is far less enviable in
reality than in appearance. His luxuries are not enjoyed,
because they are common things to him. His estates may
be large, yet his accustomed outlay may render him more
dependent than the man who earns with the labour of
his band or brain the bread which he eats and relishes.
Instead of having the prospect of rising to social emi-
nence by industry, or benefiting mankind by his talents,
the peer is denied social advancement as the condition of
his rank. Seated among the gods, be is not stimulated,
as other men are, to strive for • place on Olympus.
Hence his ambition is confined to discharging some menial
duty at court, to holding a wand, or guarding a door. If
he fail to obtain such • post he Is a bitterly dissatisfied
man ; he becomes a nobleman having a grievance which
gives him as much pain as any that can oppress • com-
moner. Than this he can staffer no more poignant anguish,
except the denial of • request to the prime minister of the
day to be allowed to wear • ribteei across his shoulder or
• garter round his knee.— Westminster Revive, April
number.

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