The Express.
London, England, 1867-01-19 00:00:00

THE WEATHER AND THE PARKS.

After the fall of snow which commenced about
midnight on Thursday, and continued until an early
hour yesterday morning, the biting northerly wind almost
departed, leaving the temperature much milder,
although the thermometer at the Receiving-house regis-
tered 25 degrees only during the night and up to nine
o'clock yesterday morning. After that hour it gradually
rose, until at noon it had reached 33k, but again gradually
decreased, and at nine o'clock last night it stood at 31, or
1 degree below freezing point, with a slight wind from the
north-west. The following is the official report from the
various parks:
On the Serpentine the ice is in
_good condition, being
from 3j to 4 inches in thickness. There were 10,000 per-
sons on during the day, without any casualty having
occurred. Last night at 9 o'clock there were about 2,090
persona on the ice, either skating, walking, or sliding, with
a bright and clear moon. The banks were crowded with
People.
On the Round-pond, Kensington, the ice is also in good
condition, 31 inches thick. About 6,000 persons on during
the day, without any casualty. On the Long-water the ice
is sound, and of the same thickness as above. About
7,000 persons on during the day, and no casualties.
In St. James's-park the ice in many parts is dangerous.
Upwards of 7,000 persona on during the day. There were
15 immersions, and 11 persons badly cut from falls.
These cases were all attended to by Dr. ?Vegan. About
three o'clock in the afternoon, Robert Trowbridge, •
private. in the Scots Fusilier Guards, had • severe fall,
resulting in concussion of the brain, and about the Mlle
time John Sheppard, of 3, Burnham-street, Plaistow, fell
while sliding, and fractured his knee joint. Both these
oases were attended to by Dr. M'Cann's assistant, and the
former oonveyed to the Military Hospital, and the latter
to Westminster Hospital.
No skating was allowed in the Regent's-park. A large
number of persons were on the waters in the Battersea and
Victoria-parks, the ponds at Hampstead-heath and Clap-
ham-common, without any casualties taking place.
The navigation of the river Thames has been partially
opened for lighters towed by steam tugs.

CITY WARD AND NATIONAL SCHOOLB.-011
Thursday evening the distribution of the prizes to the
successful candidates from the Ward and National Schools
in the City took place in the hall of Sion College. The
fellows of the ancient foundation of Sion College, London-
wall, have fur mune years past been endeavouring to give
encouragement to the progress of education in the ward
and national schools of the City by holding an annual exa-
mination in their large hall and distributing prizes to the
best candidates. The examination lasts from 9 a.m. to 4
or 3 and comprises written papers of questions on
scripture, arithmetic, geography, English history, gram-
mar, Lc., as well as an oral examination in scripture and
spelling. The examinations, both written and oral, are
conducted by the clergy of Sim College. At the last exa-
mination in December over 60 candidates were present.
Of these seven were placed in the first class and received
valuable books, also the six best in the second class. The
prize boys in c lass 1 were :—David Williams, Baldwin's-
gardens, Holborn, 563 marks ; James East, St. Peter's,
Bethnal-green, 543 marks ; Herbert Anderson, Baldwin's-
gardens, 496 marks; John Green, St. John's, Limehouee,
456 marks ; F. C. Jones, St. Peter's, Bethual-green, 443
marks; Walter Smith, St. James-the-Less, Betbual-green,
445 marks; John Mullerhausen, Cornhill Ward, 433
marks. The prizes were distributed by the Bey. W. F.
C. Webber, canon of St. Paul's, and president of the Sion
College. After tea and coffee had been served a discussion
took place on the examination, and the wish expressed
that more schools competed at them.
A VERY PRETTY QUARREL.—MdIIe. Schneider,
the celebrated Belle Wine of the Varietal; Theatre, and
Mlle- Silly, the scarcely less celebrated Orate, have at
last, after playing together on the same stage for two hun-
dred nigbts,come to • fierce quarrel,almostad unours,upon
• subject familiar to all who listen to the gossip of the
enalisees. Since the two charming ladies could not control
their tempers on the stage the manager was obliged to
separate them, and Millie. Silly was eacrifioed to the
Schneider ; whereat Mdlle. Silly rushed into print, and
edited, if she did not write, • latter most feline. She re-
pudiates ever having been wanting in reepect for Mdlle.
Schneider's age and her fortune, "so laboriously
amassed." "If at times, out of espieglerie, I may have
nwntre sees deals, is it my fault that she is unable to do
the same r and then follow some personalities, of which
the perfume evaporates in a translation. The clubs in
Paris have been waiting in breathless excitement for a
retort courteous or discourteous; but, attar a published
correspondence with her director, " La Belle Helene" very
judisiously declines to reply.

[STAMPED, IS.

THE REGENTS PARK ACCIDENT.

RECOVERY OF FIVE MORE BODIES.

When the business of searching for the dead
was resumed yesterday morning, an almost blind- I
ing shower of snow was falling. The night's
frost bad covered the water already cleared
with a thin sheet of ice ; but this was easily
and speedilY broken up, and the grapnels were I
once more scouring the bottom of the lake. I
The bodies of a youth and a stout built man I
were recovered before noon, and it was stated that ;
a third bad slipped front the hooks before it could
be drawn to the surface. 4n itinerant band of ,
musicians were playing at the end of Sussex-place
as the corpse of the man was carried along the road,
and the clangour of their instruments could not but '
Hr harshly upon the ear at such a moment I
appily there were comparatively but few wit- I
newer of this incongruous incident, as the crowds
bad not yet nrrired, owing no doubt to the cheer-
I less and unpromising ,appearance of the weather. I
Later in Doe ' day, however, the snow-charged
, clouds srefe dispelled by the warm rays of
the sun, and the result was a great
accession to the number of spectators, com-
posed fag the: most .part of working men, many
of whom were evidently devoting their dinner-hour
to the visit. About thin timq the bodies of two
adults were found lying together within a short
I distance of the island near *hich the disaster hap- t
paned, and where the water, it was said, rs
,not more than four or five feet deep.
They were dragged into the same boat ; and upon
being conveyed away to the workhouse on separate
stretchers were followed, as on the preceding
days, by a mob of the morbidly curious, in
the hope of passing through the dead-house
before any recognition conld take plow. Shortly
after these two had been recovered the body
of a youth was fished up, close to the spot
where the grapnel had failed in the early part of I
, the day. The search was continued up to dusk,
but none others were found. It may be mentioned
I that the position of the stiffened arms of most of
the poor victims of this sad affair shows that they
' must have perished after a long and terrible
struggle to balance themselves on :011:g
pieces of ice. The names of the d
;=kna whose bodies were found
_yesterday are
Glenfile aged 15, of 18, Francis-street,
Tottenham-court-road ; James Jobson, 35 painter,
49, William-street, Albany-street; Samuel Holley,
20, wood turner, 98, Bolsower-street ; William Ro-
bertson 40, 24, Stanhope-street Hampstead-road;
and Harold Giles, 16, 76, St. Paul's-road, Canon-
bury. This list makes the nuniber recovered from
the water amount to forty. A labourer, named
Edward Crook, aged 40, who resided at 49, Cale-
donian-road, has been traced by his wife to the Mid-
dlesex Hospital, whither he was carried after
being rescued on Tuesday in an exhausted state,
and where he afterwards died. The number of
. ascertained victims is therefore 41. Notice has
• been given to Mr. Douglas, the master of the work-
house, of a number of persons who have been mis-
U sing since Tuesday Ten of these are known to
have been, if not on the ice, at least in the park
, the time of the accident ; and one of the in-
; formanta, a lady named Edgerton, residing at
Haverstock-hill, states that she saw her two sons
' fall beneath the water to rise no more when the ice
suddenly broke op. The office of Woodsand Forests
have undertaken the duti of dragging the lake,
and it seems to be left to the park-keepers and
• moms of the Humane Society's men, who statethat
' with the small means at their command they have
' now searched three-quarters of the space over which
the disaster spread itself.
- It has been stated thht• ir• largo ifteltietrtaver-
• dog, which had last seen its master on the ice on
Tuesday, would not leave the banks of the lake,
;:and rejected all offers of food. Yesterday the
faithful animal was seen during the greater part of
I the day pacing regularly to and fro on the north-
eastern bank. It attracted the attention of
persons assembled to witness the dragging process,
and received many a kindly pat.

At the weekly meeting of the guardians of the
Marylebone Union, held yesterday, Mr. Charles
Beevor, the chairman of the board, presiding, the
following resolutions were unanimously adopted :
"That this board desires to record its unalified ap-
proval of the prompt energy and discretion dlshiyed by the
master and matron on the occasion of the late lamentable
accident in the Regent's-park, and to acknowledge the
pest skill and kind attention of Dr. Randall and Mr.
Fuller, to whom several of the survivors were indebted for
the preservation of their lives, and to express its gratifica-
tion at the great zeal and energy displayed by the whole
staff of the bouse."—" That the board desires to record its
recognition of the admirable services rendered by a large
body of the police force on the occasion of the late cala-
mity, not only in the park, but also in the workhouse,
where their active assistance proved to be of the utmost
value."—" That a committee be appointed to consider the
best mode of acknowledging the services rendered by the
officers of the workhouse in the emergency."—"That copies
of each of the resolutions be engrossed on vellum, and pre-
sented to the respective officers."

DEPUTATION FROM THE ROYAL HUMANE
SOCIETY TO THE HOME SECRFTARY.

A deputation from the committee of the Royal Hu-
mane Society yesterday waited by appointment upon
the Right Hon. Mr. Walpole, at the Home-office, with
reference to the serious accident and loss of life on the
ornamental waters in the Regent's-park.
Mr. BAKER, the treasurer of the society, explained that
the object of the deputation was to represent to the
right hon. gentleman that the Royal Humane Society
were practically powerless in preventing accidents beyond
cautioning the public when they deemed the ice unsafe,
and that really their province wasconfined to the objects
of collecting and circulating the most approved and
effectual methodsfor recoveringpersoos appareutlydrowned
or dead; of suggesting and providing suitable appa-
ratus for, and bestow rewards on, those who assist in the
preservation and restoration of life. Under these oil..
cumsnuices, the deputation would venture to suggest.
that the Home Secretary should institute such measure'
as lie might deem judicious to prevent persons from
going upon those parts of the ice which should
be pronounced unsafe. The society had no power
and no wish to obtain power. to inter-
fere with the free action of the public, but
recommended that the Home Secretary, in conjunction
with the proper authorities, might with the late sad acci-
dent before them arrange for the safety of the public by
reducing the depth of the water and mud both in the
Regent's-park and the Serpentine, in which latter sheet of
water it was represented that there was a maximum
depth of 13 feet of water, and several feet of mud under
it, the mud having been the cause of many lives being lost
which would otherwise have been saved by the society's
men, as the victims were completely smothered in the mud.
If an arrangement were made which would give a
maximum depth of eight feet in summer and five feet in
winter, clear of all mud, not only would fatal accidents
in winter be prevented, but the ornamental waters would
be more enjoyable and' healthy in summer ; whereas at
present they were, in the summer season, very noxious to
the public.
Several other members of the deputation having spoken
to the above effect,
Mr. WALPOLE expressed his deep regret at the late acci-
dent and his intention to give the suggestions of the depu-
tation his careful and earnest consideration, with the
view of determining on such measures as might, with the
least possible interference with the free action and enjoy-
ment of the public, tend to the preserve them from danger,
and from a recurrence of such a frightful accident as that
which had just occurred.
After some further remarks from the deputation, they
retired, thanking the right hon. gentleman for his courtesy
and attention.

ST. GEORGE THE MARTYR, LINT-STREET, SV!tDAY
RAGGED SCHOOL. On Thursday evening telo parents .of
the children attending the above school were invited to
the annual entertainment which the teachers give at this
season of the year. They were regaled with an excellent
tea, after which the superintendent, Mr. Tait, who pre-
sided over the meeting, called upon the Rev. Mr. Newton
to open the proceedings with a short address. During the
evening the Misses Rates and Trotman performed on the
piano, which was received with great applause. Anthem.,
glees, and recitations were given by the teachers, which
gave great satisfaction. The Rev. Mr. Randle moved a
vote of thanks to the teachers, which was seconded by
Mr. Potts. A powerful address was then delivered by Mr.
R. J. Searle. Prayer and praise concluded the entertain.
meat.

[TWOPENCE

.01u0tc.

SACRED HARMONIC SOCIITY.

The performanoe of liandel'a Israel ise Egypt,
given by this society last night, drew • crowded audience ,
in spite of the deterring influences of the weather.
The performance was such as can only be heard from
such resources, choral and instrumental, so those at
the command of the Sacred Harmonic Society. The
" Hailstone " chorus, the most popular but by no mesas
the beet of the aeries, met with the usual encore; and
most of the other choral moverr ents, especially that grand
climax, " The horse end his rider," produced the mine
profound impreasacu' a which must ever result from sack
music, when efficiently performed, however often bawd.
A most important feature in last night's coneert wee Mr. - •
Sims Reeves's performance of the principal tenor music ;
smell in quantity, but all-important ea an element of the
general effect. In the very trying air, " The sew
said," Mr. Reeves sang with that grand declamatory style
and thorough command of the difficult pampa of vocalises
tion that no capabilities can realise without laborious
study. Yet we sometimes find such music attempted by
an aspiring tenor who actually cannot execute a single
scale panne correctly. In the short recitatives, too, " For
the house of Pharaoh,"suid " And ICniam the prophetess,"
Mr. Reeves proved what forte and oignifieenee can be
given by declamatory and elocutionary art to a few simple
notes. Mr. Reeves's reception wee lOW enthusiastic, end
the demand for a repetition of the sir above specillell
so persistent as to interfere for some moments with the
progress of the next pins. Mr. Reeves, however, contented
himself with bowing him acknowledgments—a practice
which we would gladly moo universally followed by public
performers. The soprano and contralto solos were most
efficiently given by Mies Banks, Miss R. Header-
' son, and Madame Sainton•Dolby. The tenor solos
not assigned to Mr. Reeves were smoothly
sung by Mr. Montem Smith, and the great duet for two
basses, "The Lord is a man of war," with its passages in
imitative rivalry, admirably declaimed by Mr. Weiss and
ISignor Foli, and encored.
Judas fllaccaotrus is to be given on February 1, when
Mr. Reeves is again to appear.

The prospectus of the Musical Society of London,
recently issued, promises well for the coming season of that
institution. The trials of new orchestral compositions
which have been held during past years are judiciously
discontinued ; by which change a large expenditure will be
saved, and (to judge by experience) no new work of the
slightest value is likely to be lost. There are to be trials
of chamber compositions, choral practices, and lectures ;
in addition to the usual four grand orchestral concerts,
with (u before) Mr. Mellon as conductor. There is
every reason to believe that the orchestral performances of
this society will maintain that excellence which, during
former seasons, has given them a specially high position
among London concerto

A concert is announced to take place on March 2, at
the Hanover-square rooms, in aid of the Building Fund of
the Female School of Art. The orchestra of the " Wan-
dering Minstrels" is to assist on the occasion, conducted
by the Hon. Seymour J. G. Egerton. The long list of
patrons and patronesses, headed with the name of her
Majesty, coupled with the excellent educational object is
view, should ensure a substantial result in furtherance of
the scheme.

WORKING MEN'S EXCURSION TO THE PARIS
EXHIBITION.
The members of the working men's clubs in
London having, in September last, formed • committee,
under the presidency of Mr. A. H. Lewd, M.P., to enable
working men to vWt the Paris Exhibition, a meeting was
held on Thursday evening, at the Working 's
Club and Institute Union, 150, Strand, to receive a report
from Mr. Hodgson Pratt • member of the Union
CounciL He had undertaken to visit Paris for t;Er-
glee aseertainipg whet smumms could be Ao
enable the ex cants so see the Exhibition at a m te
cost. He stated that through the kindness of our ambas-
sador, Lord Cowley, he had had an interview with the
president of the Exhibition conunisaion' 11. Le Play,
Councillor of State, who expressed the warmest in-
terest in the proposed visit of English workmen, and
stated that they should have the full advantage
of whatever arrangements might be made to facilitate the
visits of French workmen from the provinces. He added
that a commission had been appointed for the special pur-
pose of enabling workmen to obtain board and lodging on
moderate terms, as well as to obtain as much benefit as
possible from their visit to the Exhibition. Through the
kindness of Count L Hugo and Dr. Louis, Mr. Pratt ob-
tained an introduction to the President of this second
Commission " For the Study of Labour, and the Encourage-
ment of Workmen." This gentleman, M. Devinck, late
President of the Tribunal of Commerce, and formerly a
representative for Paris, promised moat cordially that he
would do everything in his power to assist the English
excursionists, and that nothing would give him more plea-
mire than having an opportunity of showing his high regard
for the workmen of this country. At his invitation Mr.
Pratt attended an important meeting of this commission,
when he was introduced to the several distinguished mem-
bers of that body, M. Devinck informing him publicly, on
behalf of his colleagues, that whatever facilities they
could provide for French workmen should be afforded
qsally to foreigners. The commissioners then proceeded
to consider what steps should be taken to enable working-
men visitors to obtain their meals in the Exhibition at the
lowest price compatible with due regard to quality, and •
contract was concluded for this purpose, as well as for the
erection of refreshment-rooms to accommodate 2,000
sitters. It was stated that an excellent dinner would be
supplied for about a franc, as well as other meals. The
more difficult question of providing sleeping accommoda-
tion is now under the consideration of this commission,
and the secretary (31. Deavernay) has kindly promised to
inform Mr. Pratt of the result of their deliberations. There
is reason to believe that the government is prepared to ren-
der most liberal assistance in this respect, and to provide
accommodation for workmen at • merely nominal charge.
Mr. Pratt also made careful inquiries as to the accom-
modation which might be obtained from private persons,
and with this object he visited many of the suburbs,
placing himself in communication with hotel keepers,
house proprietors, and others. It appeared to him that,
considering the very great difficulty of arranging for the
accommodation of large bodies of visitors going simultane-
ously, it would be desirable to lent several fiats or suites
of rooms, unfurnished, for • period of three or four months,
and to render them available for parties of from thirty to
fifty persons coming weekly, and remaining a week—the
period selected being after midsummer, when prices will
probably be lower. This plan met with general approval
in Pans ; and as the proprietors of houses now ready would
not let for so short • term, it was thought desirable to
seek for the proprietors of houses now in coarse of construe.
tion, but which will be ready by midsummer. Apartments
in such houses could be had at moderate terms, and
Mr. Pratt is in correspondence with two building com-
panies on the subject. It will be easy to hire
beds and furniture for these rooms at a small cost. As at
present advised, Mr. Pratt believes that accommodatiOn
could thus be obtained at about fist • week for each parson,
bat he is not prepared as yet to speak. positively on as
point. He proposes to return
to PAM in March for the
puni.oee of learning exactly the nature of the an angements
made by the authorities for the accommodation of foreign
workmen, and of concluding such definite agreements
with house proprietors and others as the committee may
desire. The meeting concluded with • hearty vote of
thanks to Mr. Pratt for the labour and expense incurred,
and with resolutions expressing the gratitude of the com-
mittee to Messieurs Le Play and Devinck for the very
kind interest which they had shown in the proposed ex-
cursion of English workmen. Members of clubs and others
proposing to visit the Exhibition are invited to apply to
Miss Horsbrugh, the treasurer ; or to Mr. W. 0. Pock-
lington, the secretary to the committee, at the offices of
the Working Men's Club and Institute UlllOll, 150, Strand.

THIS MIDNIGHT MEETING MOVEMENT.-011 Wed-
medal' evening a meeting was held at Woolwich. Notwith-
standing the inclemency of the weather sixty poor out-
casts were present. The following minister and gentle-
men took part in the proceedings of the evening :—Cap-
tain Browne, of the Royal Arsenal, Captain Mete, CUD.
tain Gardiner, Rev. Balgarnie, and Rev. G. Small.
Four girls were brought to town the same evening snit
placed in a home ; and applications are being made daily
by others to be rescued from their wretched course of life.
CRICKET MATCH ON THE ICE AT NOTTINGHAM
Yesterday afternoon a cricket match was played on a sheet
of ice near the Trent, by the members of the Nate Count
Cricket Club. The men wore skates, and the match
crested considerable interest. Sides were chosen, and
some very exciting play followed, Butler, on Br. vsn's side,
running up the excellent score of ;Z. A very extraordi-
nary catch was made by J. C. Shaw. The following is the
wore :—Grundy's side: J. Go 'truly, 10; G. Ilsutia, 0 ;
J. C. Shaw, 6 ; Stokes, 6 ; J. Clem 10 ; Lowe, 0 ;
total, 32. Brown's side : C. Brown, 20 ; W. H. Butler,
33; J. Dance, 0 ; Harvey, 15 ; Hough, 0 ; Geary, 9 ;
total, 77.