The Express.
London, England, 1867-02-07 00:00:00

[STAMPED, id. ADDITIONAL]

were to draw up special papers, setting forth the
useful results to the human family which might be
drawn out of the Exhibition. The commission was
to be composed of Frenchmen and foreigners. Each
commissioner might do his part of the work, apart.
Meetings were declared not to be indispensable.
Lastly, the Imperial Commission promised to pub-
lish any of the papers or reports which they might
deem worth publication. A stranger international
scientific conunissi,ai was surely never conceived !
The learned men of the world are invited to submit
their ideas for the world's regeneration to the im-
perial commissioners, who reserve the right of doing
what it may please them to do with them ! Down
to the present time I believe this great international
scientific commission has existed only in the vivid
imagination of its author. I cannot think that in
England—to put a case—if the leading men of our
learned societies were invited to call themselves a
commission, on the understanding that they were
to work apart, and to submit their labours to the
approbation of half a dozen civil servants of the
crown, who would decide whether they were worth
higher place than the waste-paper basket.-1 cannot
think, I repeat, that such an invitation would get
a cordial reception from the Royal Society or the
British Institution. The ghostly international
scientific commission has already been relieved of
lan important part of the duties allotted to it. The
I Minister of Public Instruction has directed a num-
ber of learned men to trace the history of the pro-
gress in the exact sciences, in social science, and in
/etters, which has been made in Prance during the
last twenty years. Two duties, and they are im-
portant ones, remain to be transacted, when the
present ghostly commission shall have assumed the
solid proportions of real flesh-and-blood savants.
They will be called upon to indicate how useful dis-
coveries may be beat spread over the world, in the
first place ; and in the second place, to push forward
reforms of international utility. How a commission
is to set about these two tasks—a commission, more-
over, with the world for an office-table, is, I confess,
beyond my comprehension

It has been pointed out to the Imperial govern-
ment that international reforms have been discussed
in congresses—ill London, Brussels, Berne, Amster-
dam, and Liege ; and that free meetings are more
likely to hasten sound international action, than
any commission subjected to the final judgments of
imperial bureancrats. A congress might be held
with good effect, in Paris, in the course of next
Isummer ; provided always that its deliberations
might be freely published, and its resolutions might
be sent forth, uncontrolled by the dignitaries of
the Champ de Mars. The prizes offered in the
tenth group, or rather as a supplemeut to it, to
those who have promoted the well-being of the
working classes, and the harmonious relations of
employers and employed, have, at length, found
severe critics on this side of the Channel as well as
in England. Tho recent note on the subject put
forth by the English commission is undoubtedly
open to this condemnation—that it is ridiculously
late. There is no fair reason why it should not
have seen the light months ago ; or at least at the
time when I was able to describe to your readers
the nature of the prima, and the conditions on which
they were offered. The conditions have been
altered since I first referred to them ; but then the
final alteration is dated November 13, 1865 ! Now,
the candidate must have bettered the material con-
dition of the working man • originally the condition
was that he must have assured the workman's pros-
perity. The objections taken to this supplementary
hat of prizes ia, that the rewards are in solid cash.
The greatest benefactor or social doctor is to receive
4,0001. cash ; while the exhibitor of the finest ox
is to have a medal set ins work of art ! The argu-
ment appears to be that fernier Hodge can appre-
ciate beauty of form and design ; but that, say,
Mr. Mill's mind is own only to the temptation of
a handful of lonia. The moral philosopher is• to
have his reward in a purse ; while the artist is to
reward the grazier. The composition of the jury,
it is alleged, is open to grave objection. Political
men are not the best judges of familisteries and the
like. A strong party man makes a bad commis-
sioner. M. Ad. Blain), writing in the Liberfl, urges
the suppression of the special jury for this supple-
mentary group, and advocates the withdrawal of
the prizes for social and moral reforms into the
tenth group, to which, indeed, they naturally belong.
He insists that the prizes should not be in money.

How many projects that appear brilliant over the
"beaded brim" of a wine cup make their authors
tremble or laugh on the morrow. The Paris Society
of Social Economy is composed of sober-minded
men, who are very much in earnest about the sine-
, lioration of the condition of their unfortunate
fellow-creatures. Let me note their predicament.
Some time back they begged for, and obtained, space
in the Exhibition park for the construction of a
building in which they were to show a model family
of Paris workmen. The idea appeared admirable
at first, and they set to work to realise it. But
every step discovered a new difficulty. They deli-
berated, only to find themselves in a more perplex-
ing entanglement than the last. Finally they ad-
mitted that they had made a blunder, and aban-
doned the project, amid roars of laughter. At
least, they were wise in time. Yet there will be
model families or groups at the Exhibition. We
are to see a family of Lapps, in their native hut, in
the Swedish department. The Swedes are among
the must active exhibitors this time. They have
built a house with indigenous wood and iron, mo-
delled on that of Gustavus Wass. Moldo-Wallachia
has also ventured into the model-family department.
A Roumain family will be exhibited in a bordei, or
farm—at work ! The natural riches of Moldo-Wal-
Ischia will be fully represented— and will be very
interesting. Already M. Ambroise Baudry is raising
a pavilion of pretentious design for the prince
regnant, on the model of the Kurtea of Argent.
The Seine has been and is very troublesome. It
has submerged the works on the banks, and spread
consternation among the authorities.
French horticulture will make a brilliant figure.
MM. Alphand and Barillet's garden in the French
section of the park will be a flowery fairy land,
lively with rippling streams and flashing falls. In
the centre of it will be a crystal palace. In this
palace there will be a series of fourteen flower
shows, each show lasting about fifteen days. The
arrangements are on an extensive scale. There
will be fourteen competitive exhibitions of bridal
flowers, and of bouquets for the ball room, of flow-
ers for table ornaments, &c. There will be fruit
and vegetable shows also. M. Petit, the photo-
grapher, has taken some views of the Exhibition in
the snow that will amuse visitors who will see
building and grounds under an August sun.
Among the institutions which have been created
for a good season's sport among the Exhibition
visitors there are few much more suggestive than
; the Couriers Club. This club is actually installed
in the Faubourg St. HonortS, and has fifty members.
These are the noble fishermen ; not bourgeois
anglers for a frit ere. They despise excursionists,
' and detest Mr. Cook, as having vulgarized the
grand tour. Remark them hovering about the
Grand Hotel. They wear jewellery in a marked
manner ; have frequent business interviews with
the people who are going in or out. Quick-eyed,
quick-witted, ever on the scent for a gain, they are
mighty gentlemen withal, whose club room will not
be the smallest scandal mart in the capital. I fear
we no longer occupy a high place in their esteem. As
a nation we know our Paris pretty well. They may
I catch a British nouveau riche or two ; but the tra-
veller from afar is a more promising bird now-a-days.
Such birds will be plentif al in the spring. Paris
will have visitors—yea, from China. I have de-
' scribed the arrangement for the Chinese depart-
ment in a previous letter. A few details have just
been made known. In the food line, which is to
circle the main building—food being the end of all
or nearly all the labour exhibited within—will be a
portable Chinese kitchen.
The latest Exhibition rumour is that some adven-

' turous members of English swimming clubs have
determined to swim across the Channel on their way
to the Exhibitign. They are to be accompanied by
umpires in boats ; and are to be furnished with
planks to rest upon at stated intervals.

Drama.

PRINONWS.

Mr. T. W. Robertson, whose comedies of Society
and Oars have owed their well-merited SUCOMII &jetty to
the literary excellence of their dialogue, made his first
essay last night at this theatre as a " sensational" dra-
matist by the production of a three act play, called
Shadow Tree Shaft. The stage is remarkably rich
in dramas with a Jacobite plot—as rich as it is
in comediettas of high French morality—and Mr.
Robertson, dropping fur once his originality, has
given it another play of the same cuinplexion. The
author obtained a " call " at the close of the second act,
and would probably have obtained another at the end of
the drama if it had concluded at an earlier hour. The
house was well filled with the usual distinguished literary
and artistic people who now attend tint nighta.

CANDIAN REPT:GREW RILLIEI Ft:M.—The com-
mittee of this fund have received from 111r.Pendeli Thome'
Rai, the munificent donation of 1,000/.

On Tuesday evening Mr. aoldwin Smith con-
cluded his course of lectures at Bradford on the Political
History of England, and at the close received a cordial
vote of thanks.

The Freeman's Journal regrets to say that on
making inquiries on Tuesday night at the residence of Mr.
Darya, it was informed that no improvement had taken
place is his health, and his death was hourly expected.
Sir J. B. Kerslake, the Solicitor-General, is a
candidate for Andover, in the room of Mr. Humphery,
who has accepted the Chiltern Hundreds.
REFER:SENSATION Or EAST SUFFOLK. —On THlS-
day afternoon Colonel Mato Adair, who WHMOOSSAMN
contested East Suffolk as • liberal candidate in 1843 and
1811, addressed the electors at Ipswich. The gallant on.
lapel stated that it depended upon the promisesof support
which he received between that day and the nomination
whether or no he should then present himself as • candi-
date. He wanted' the umnistaikeable opinion of the con-
stituency collected in places of public resort, and what-
ever that opinion might be—and without it be should not
move in the matter—he should accept it with respect and
unfeigned thankfulness to the constituency for having
taken so much pains in judging and weighing him.
THE PARIS EXHIBITION.—A meeting of the
sub-committee appointed from among the members of the
History of Labour, to select objects for the exhibition, is
reference both to their own merit and to the space that
may be reserved for their use, was held yesterday at South
Kensington Museum. There were present the Earl
Cadogan (in the chair), the Earl of Warwick, Lord Hough-
ton, Hon. R. Curzon, Hon. Ashley Poasontry, Sir Coutte
Lindsay, Bart., Archbishop Manning, Very Rev. Dr.
Rock, Mr. G. Moffatt, M.P., Mr. J. H. Pollen, Mr. J. C.
Robinson, Mr. T. Redgrave (secretary). Mr. Cole, C. 8.,
Secretary to her Majesty's Commission, also attended.
THE LICENSING Qr E.STION.—Mr. Gladstone
yesterday received • deputation from Manchester, at his
residence, Carlton-house-terrace. It consisted of some
twenty working men of various trades and political parties,
who were appointed at a large and enthusiastic meeting
recently held in the Free-trade Hall, to consider the sub-
ject of the sale of intoxicating liquors on the &Imlay.
The deputation was accompanied by the Hon. A. Kin-
ward, ILP. and was introduced by the Rev. John
Garrett, I).D. The subject was opened to Mr.
Gladstone by Mr. F. Smith, joiner, who stated
various facts, and brought forward many arguments,
to prove the isapolicy and injustice of the present system,
and, as • working man, appealed to the right lion. gentle-
man to introduce or at least to support a bill, for extending
the preset retractions to the whole of Sunday, in order
that the neighbourhoods inhabited by working men may
be as quiet and orderly on that day as the localities in
which the wealthier classes reside. Mr. Gladstone entered
into • senvereation on the subject, which was prolonged
for more than an hour. Mr. Ball, and other members et
the deputation, brought before his notice facts and figures
to prove that them houses are demoralising the people and
causing increased crime and immorality, which was well
sustained by statistics quoted by Mr. }ester. Mr. Glad-
stone asked many questions, and requested. to be supplied
with detailed information upon three points, which be
specified as of vital importance in bringing the matter
before parliament, and expressed much pleasure at having
received such • deputation.
. meeting of the packing held in the alley schoolroom THE PACKING-CASE-MAKERS' STRlEZ.—Yesterday
evening an aggrer
atj....-case-makers
as w Farrmgdon-street,
to hear the report the committee, which, being read by
the secretary, stated that more than half the employees
belonging to the master? association had consented to
adopt the hours claimed by the men—viz., from 6 a.m. till
5.30 p.m. ; and had sent in • notice to that effect to the
committee. Deputations from the committee would wait
upon those employers who still held back, and there was
everyieason to believe they would come tothe men's terms,
as they had told their men it had nut been the wish of the
employers generally to alter the hours of working, but they
had been overruled by two or three of the large employers.
Several of the large shops were among those who had given
way. After the report had been read a discussion arose as
to whether work should be resumed in those shops which
had given way before all had done so, and ultimately the
following repletion was adopted almost unanimously:—
"That the men resume work on Thursday wonting (this
day) in all those shopswhere the employers have cemented
to the hours of working, being from 6 mm. until 5.30
p.m." The meeting terminated at a late hour by the men
giving three cheers for the success which had attended
their three days' strike.
MR. VANCE, M.P., AND THE
John Vance, the newly-elected member for the borough
of Armagh, has just been the victim of an extraordinary
printer's blunder. He was made to say, by a local paper,
during his speech in returning thanks to the electors :
" He never tasted liquor ; no doctor could induce him to
take it,as he knew more about its evil effects than doctors.
(Laughter.) He never paid a doctor's bill nor never had
sickness. Water drinking preserved the health. If a man
wax true to the pi: 4-, he would preserve his health ; and if
he had already bad health it would improve it. He bad
never employed a lawyer. Lawyers studied law for those
who could not restrain their temper; and doctors studied
physic for those who would not take care of their
health. Was a man anything the worse for being able to
live without • doctor or a lawyer? A lawyer might be
useful at first to arrange and settle atfeirs of property ;
but if the parties concerned bad frequented the public.in's
they would have had no property to settle. He was not
himself au isolated case of the good effects of total absti-
nence. He could point to hundreds and thousands of
others who had been receiving the same good results.
Then there was this fact which might at first seem
strange—that one man might live more in 24 hours than
another could in 48." How this language came to be put
into Mr. Vance's mouth is explained by the journal itself,
which says :—" In • number of copies of our paper of
Thursday last a transposition occurred, • portion of the
report of &temperance meeting having been made to follow
closely Mr. Vane's speech at the Armagh election pro-
ceedings. Both reports were thus incomplete."
ANTI-SLAVERY CONFERENCE.—We understand
that the committees of the British and Forein Anti-
Slavery Society and the Spanish Abolitionist Society (La
Sociedad Abolicionista Espanol) have agreed to • sugges-
tion made by the " Cumin": Francais d'Eutaneipation," to
hold in Paris, in the second or third week in Jane next, a
conference of friends of the anti-slavery cause. It is pro-
posed that this conference shquld comprim, representa-
tives from Brazil, England Ad the English colonies,
France and French colonic., Monona and Mach colonic".
Haiti and Santo Domingo, the African republic of Libe-
ria, Portugal, Spain and Spanish Antilles, Venezuela,
and the United States of Aus rica ; amp its im-
mediate object is to take cognisance of the actual state of
the anti-slavery question in these countries, and to con-
sider what further means may be adopted to promote the
abolition of the slave trade and slavery where these evils
still exist. It is also hoped that representatives from Chili,
Peru, and Mexico, and travellers and missionaries from
Africa may be present. The notification of this intention
is signed—on the part of the Eugli.h, by 1 Valiant Allen,
Joseph Cooper. the Rev. Dr. Massie, and Henry Merry,
' the sub-committee of the British and Foreign Anti-Slavery
Society; for Spain, by Julio L. de Virearrondo, secretary
of the Spanish Abolitionist Society ; and for France, by
Edouard Laboulaye, member of the Institute, president of
the Coinite Francais d'Ensancipation ; and Augustin
Cochin, member of the Institute, honorary secretary.—
Calif/want:.
A TERRIBLE CASH Or " STAMPING OCT."—The
Dublin Express says—" A dangerous epidemic has broken
out among the Portedown farriers. Many have succumbed
to the disease. and it has been found necessary to destroy
the remainder."

DU BARRY'S DILICIOI7B REVALENTA Alighted
FOOD owes dyspepsia, indigeaUon, cough, lotions, consumption,
debility, constipation, diarrhoea, palpitation, ueryous,
liver, and stomach complaints Cure No. 03,41 S —" home, Jody
SI, 181111.—The heath o the Holy Fattier is excellent, se
sines, abandoning aU other remedies, he Ina confined himself
wig,* to Du Barry's Food, and hio Holiness cannot prudes
Ulla excellent food too highly."--Oaatate du SI SIL Du harry and
Co, No. TT, Regent-street London, W. lu tins, at la. lid.;
11b., la 911. Ulla.. eta 24114., Mu.—(AdVoctiootsinit