The Express.
London, England, 1866-04-13 00:00:00

PRUSSIA AND AUSTRIA.

The Telegraph expects that the Diet will refuse even to
consider the Prussian proposal that a German parliament
be convoked to reform the Federal constitution. Count
Bismarck obviously relies—to use the language of •
Berlin °BMW newspaper—" upon the readiness of
German patriots to stand by the Prussian govern-
ment without party considerations, in its labours for
the union of Germany." But it is by no means cer-
tain that such a trust is well-founded. The national party
desires not only a united but a free Germany, and Herr
von Bismarck has not yet made rip his mind to come for
ward as a constitutional statesman. Many patriots, more-
over, who would be willing to adjourn the question of in-
tonal liberty in order to secure unity, are doubtful
whether a war between Prussia and Austria would conduce
to that end. The most probable results of such I conflict
—the overthrow of the Confederation and the division of
the Fatherland between the two contending powers—
would certainly not promote the wishes of the men who
believe, rightly or urongly, in the possibility of • united
Germany.

THE .REFOSM BILL.-SCENE AT THE HOUSE
OF COMMONS.

An immense assemblage of people congregated
last night in New Palace-yard, and crowded the specious .
area of Westminster Hall, St. Stephen's Chapel, and the
chief lobbies leading to the home. Commencing at the
entrance to the ball, the crowd branched off on either
side, extending up to the street in one direction, and to
the New Palace on the other, while opposite the entrance,
and running along the side of the cab-stand, another mass
of people found standing room.
Members began to arrive early, some on foot, some in
cabs, and some in their own private carriages. Among the
arrivals there was a large number of carriages con-
taining ladies. Between the two crowds members
walked or rode up to the entrance of the hall. Several
of the most prominent members were received with
more or lees cordial recognition, but the warmest was
reserved for Mr. Gladstone, who arrived in an open car-
riage, accompanied by Mrs. Gladstone, and who was
welcomed with ringing cheers several times renewed.
Mr. Fawcett, as he was led slowly along Palace-yard by a
friend, was the first liberal member who elicited any
expression of opinion from the people. He was very
warmly cheered, and in fact his reception was almost
equal to that of Mr. Gladstone himself. Mr. Goschen, the
Duke of Argyll, Mr. Leyard, and Mr. T. Hughes were
all recognised as they drove up, and were warmly ap-
plauded, not by cheers so much as by clapping of hands.
Mr. Disraeli, who came a few minutes after 4, in a close
brougham, passed quite unnoticed to what is called the
Speaker's entrance. Not the slightest feeling, either of
approbation or dissent, was elicited by his appearance.
Mr. Bright, who would also, no doubt, have been received
with a warm welcome, drove to the Speaker's entrance,
and drove so fast that he was recognised by but few.
Then, however, cheered him loudly.
The lobbies exhibited similar though more constrained
demonstrations of public interest and excitement. In the
house itself the attendance of members was extremely full.
Every seat was occupied in the body of the house. The
gallery on the opposition ride was equally full,
from a wish to see Mr. Gladstone while listening to

him, and in the opposite gallery there were very
few seats to spare. The passage at the bar was
choked up by members awaiting the commencement
of the debate. Amongst the numerous peers pre-
sent were the Marquis of Glamicarde, Lord Taunton, Lord
Ebury, and Lord Houghton. The appearance of various
members with heavy bundles of petitions produced cheers
and laughter from time to time, which culminated when,
upon Mr. Gladstone rising to move the second reading of
the bill, Mr. Barley presented himself with a bundle
amounting in size to the dimension' of a small trunk. The
questions were got through with impatience, but not with
haste, and it was not until nearly half-past 5 that Mr.
Gladstone rose, amidst loud cheers, to perform the duty
which devolved upon him.

the Court.

OSBORNE, Amu. 12.

The Queen walked out yesterday morning accom-
panied by Princess Helena, and drove in the afternoon,
accompanied by Princess Louise.
Princess Beatrice walked out in the afternoon.

A deputation from the Thames Haven Company
(Limited), consisting of Mr. G. C. Graves, Mr. J. Brewster,
Mr. R. Phillipps, and Mr. J. Louth, had an interview with
the Right Hon. T. Milner Gibson, at the offioe of the
Board of Trade, yesterday, on the subject of conveying
cattle direct to the Metropolitan Cattle Market from
Thames Haven.

Despatches were received yesterday at the Cot:mill-office
from the Governors of the West India Islands, Now
Zealand, and the Australian Colonies.

His Excellency the Pruslian Ambassador and the
Counteu Bemstorff and the Countess Theresa and family
arrived yesterday at the Prussian Embassy on Carlton
Hoose-terraoe from Brighton.

Viscountess Palmerston is progressing towards
recovery. Her ladyship has been very unwell, but a
change has taken place within the last few days, which
affords hope of her speedy restoration to health.
. _ _

The Bishop of London and Mrs. Tait left London
House, St. James's-square, on Wednesday, for Hastings.
The right rev. prelate is considerably improved in health.
The Hon. Mrs. Granville Vernon Harcourt gave
her first dancing party this season last evening, at her re.
sidence in Belgrave-square.

Mr. George Peabody and a few private friends
were last night entertained at dinner by the Lord Mayor
and the Lady Mayoress.

Amongst the viaiton at the second Spring Show
at the Royal Horticultural Society yesterday, were
Lady Price, Baroness Hambro, Lady Wilson, Hon. Mrs.
Baring, Lady Stanley of Alderley, Lord Fgerton of
Patton, Bad and Countess Grey, Lord and Lady Dynevor,
' Major and Lady Saunders, Baroness de Rothschild, Lady
Scott, Earl of Cawdor, Lady Young, Sir IL Sullivan, Lady
Crossley, Archbishop of Armagh, Sir R. Belcher, Sir John
Young, Earl and Countess of Hopotown.

Nightingales were heard singing in the Nor
Forest a few nights since for the first time. Neste of
young thrushes were found in the forest nearly a month
since, and blackbirds and other birds have for some time
past been taws building their nests. Robins have not com-
menced building yet, as they wait until the hedges are
covered with foliage. Blackbirds see warming this year
in the neighbourhood of Rursky.

The United States man-ef-war. Canandaigua is
new lying la illeattamptes waist.

An Americas paper states that the spiritualists
of Cincinnatti have worked the spirit of the late Lord 'Pal-
merston, and that it has declared itself strongly in favour
of the Fenian movement 1

I\)kp

DENCF4I,

.
THE PRUSSIAN PROPOSITION FOR
FEDERAL REFORM.

The German . journals be to. Armes their
opinions on the proposal for Federal reform sub-
mitted by Prussia to the German Diet. The Pro-
vincial Gazette, one of Herr von Bismarck's organs,
says, " the Prussian government reckons on the
Prussian people, the national enthusiasm, and the
goodwill of German patriots to accomplish the
work of reform." The /Crew Zefteng approves of
the project, but exhibits distrust of the principle of
universal suffrage to which Herr son Bismarck ap-
peals. The Prussian members of the Nationalverein
declare " that Federal reform will only suoceed
when it is proposed by a government which respects
constitutional rights at home." The Austrian
journals express themselves very strongly on the
I subject. The Vaterland says it is a mine laid with
the intention of blowing up the Federal Diet, and
• proof that the Prussian government desires war
at any price. " The motion," it says, " will be
I rejected ; Prussia will then declare her secession,
livid& will be equivalent to a declaration of war."
The Morgen Poet affirms that the project will
be rejected by the Confederate governments, and
adds that a proposition will be submitted to the
Diet inviting Prussia, in the name of the Con-
federation, to suspend her military preparations.
The Cologne Gazette says that " for 18 years the
Prussian conservatives have been opposing uni-
versal suffrage as the incarnation of the devil, as
the dissolvent of all political order, and as the
essence of revolution. Herr von Gerlach and the
Kreuz Zeitung regarded it as a blasphemy against
the Holy Ghost. And now what do they see
The man whom they looked upon as their buckler
and their saviour declares that universal suffrage
and direct general elections are favourable to the
conservative principle." The Cologne Gazette adds
" that it will be impossible to maintain a restricted
suffrage in Prussia should universal suffrage be
adopted in Germany."

(sseriees emenAm.)
SPANISH FINANCE.
MADRID, Aran. 13.
The scheme of the minister of Finance for the
establishment of a mortgage bank by French
capitalists has been adjourned.

MR. E. JAMES, M.P.,AND THE FRANCHISE BILL.

Mr. E. James, M.P., hasaddressed the following
letter to the chairman of his election committee at Man-
chewer: _ .

" 24, Upper Wimpolastreet, Louden,
10th April, 1866.

"My dear Mr. Curtis,—l think it due to you, as the
chairman of my election committee, to offer some re-
marks
on the course which it seemed to me fitting to
adopt with reference to the meeting held lad Thursday
n Manchester. lam the more especially desirous of doing
this, as my sincerity has been challenged and my motives
misrepresented. I feel marred, although I have not heard
from you upon this subject, that you will not think that
I have violated any pledge, betrayed any trust, or swerved
from the path which, during those few mo-
mentous days in July I indicated to the elec.
ors of Manchester that I should pursue. I
declared myself in favour of an extension of the
franchise. My sentiments are unchanged. My opinion
then was that the great constitutional question of reform
should be treated as it deserves to be—in its entirety.
When the present bill was introduced, I was disappointed
in finding that the ministry took a different and nar.
rower view of the matter. Whilst I was of opinion that,
so far as this portion of reform went, the provisions of
the bill were moderate enough, I entertained grave appre-
hensions lest such a mode of dealing with the subject
should lead to difficulties and delays which might retard
indefinitely a satisfactory settlement of the question. In
addition to these considerations, it appeared to me amen-
dal that the House of Commons should be furnished
with some definite information as to the other measures
which the government might contemplate for the com-
pletion of their scheme. Under these circumstances,
having been elected not to promote the views of • par-
ticular section of the inhabitants of Manchester, but,
according to the best of my judgment, those measures
which would be calculated to confer benefit on all
classes, not of that city alone, but of the entire
community, I thought that I could not with propriety
take part in the proceedings of a meeting called by those
whose extreme opinions led the electors of Manchester to
confer so distinguished an honour upon comparatively a
stranger, and the objects of which meeting did not meet
with my entire concurrense. I therefore wrote the letter
which you may have seen in the newspapers, and the read-
ing of which seems to have created so grievous a misappre-
hension. No candid person could really believe that, because
I disapproved of partial, and consequently imperfect,
legislation, I was opposed to reform. Much less ought
any such to have inferred, from my stating that I should
hold myself at liberty to adopt that course in the House
of Commons which would, in my judgment, be the least
likely to produce inconvenience in the progress of public
business, that I should factiously oppose a government
with whose general principles and political conduct I
have always concurred. Through life I have given to my
opponents credit for sincerity. I demand from them
no less in return. We have now the matrons/ that those
measures which are necessary to complete the scheme, of
which the present is bat a part, will, before the bill shall
have passed through committee,. be laid before the house,
and that the government will, in the next se insisi
as strenuously upon the furtherance of those n-
tary portions as they intend to do on the present. Enter-
taining still the opinion, common to me and many sincere
and well-tried reformers, that the proper course would
have been that to which I have before adverted, I now
think that it is better not to take a course which might
have the effect of precipitately overthrowing the present
government, and so impeding public business. Never-
theless, if, acting upon these views, I shall feel it my
duty to vote for the second reading of the bill, it will be
on the distinct understanding that if the redistribution
of the seats shall be calculated to throw the government
of the country into the hands of any one particular elasa—
as was, not obscurely, shadowed forth at Bradford some few
years ago—l shall feel myself at liberty to oppose the pro-
gress of the bill at any future stage.
I owe you many apologies for thus t on your
valuable time, but I am anxious to srtees.nida:ggit in the
presence of all, and especially of one who dev so much
time and energy to promote my return to Parliament.—
Believe me, my dear Mr. Curtis, very faithfully yours,
16 NOWA= Jexze."

WEATHER REPORT.-{THIS DAY.)

FRIDAY, APRIL IA 8 LI.

7'.1 W. ltel
B. F. 1
I P. Salrume. se
1
12 1 D. W. I. Ito
-
Nairn
Aberdeen _12959 : 8.8. W 6 5 KAI. ab 2
Leith 120.58152 8.8. W. 3 2 11. N. oe 3
Ardroman •2050 : &&E. 7 3 8. ob 001 11
Greencastle _179.43. • 8.8. W. $ 6 8. re 0.01 2
Vslentia 1 - - - -
,"pe Clear 39611 . B.W. It 6 ' H.W. to al 7
Liverpool 129.7362 8. 3 4 &S.& e 1.01 2
Holyhead •20.60 • B.&W 6 6 &&W. oc 0.06 4
Penzance 29.80153 W.&W. 6 7 8. W. ruc 0.21 6
Bred .. 1993 • , 11.8. W, 5 6 B.W. tbr 0.1 4
Laziest 129.88 • • B. 2 6 8. or 0.1 4
Rochefort.._ 20.116 . &&W. 4 3 B.&g. c 2
Plymouth —129231. B. 6 4 8. :no 0.18 4
Weymouth 129.88 61 B.W. 4 6 8. oc 0.38 4
Portsmouth 129.89153 B.&W. 4 5 &W, ro 0. 4
London
_ 139.88 53 B.W. 3 6 W. 1e 0. -
Ysrmouth 125.90.. W.&W. 4 6 N.W. 01— 2
Searborongh.l39.73 541 8 &W. 3 1 B. Sc 1— 0.04 s
Shields '19.110 62 li W 8 I 28.1.. iii 2
Helder

PItOBAILI
sATUILDAY. OX NORTXUS WIDAY.
Southerly sad urea= 00AstiL &S.W. to W.N.W.
to hush to strew.
ria, sons* rain.
As above.
Similar to above.
Waller.

Wes.
Bornisaw.

As above.
Wallas to above.
'bulbar.

Northers—liteaffind. Waslern—lrebad, Wake, and saw
comics. Southern-ImM% Chriael and Noy d Blow-
Idatorn—Eaotwoird Iddhiod and North Boa.

The French law papers acquaint us with the fact
that Mdue, Doirael, a prime dooms of the /3ouffes, has
been need by a leek lientalini who had so music is
soul, to recover 2081. for a little bill /Ulla Doiass/ ap-
pears to have aimed well, se the prime of each dress
reefed from 241. to 40f. The fair defendant pleaded in-
fancy, but the plea was not &Wired ; the .meant of the
bill, however, was reduced to 1681. Her salary is only 50f.
a year.

-91

ra: LAY INTMIGENCE.
' Oka DAY.)

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.
(Before Mr. Commissioner Holroyd.)
re az OLEAN AND CO.
The bankrupts in this case were John Gilimofo;e4
Baker Glenn, and Henry Mean, "lnilliers,
road, Islington. Ten liabilities are 6,9001. ; *mete stated
at 2051. ; property held as security, 6,0601.
The accounts not having been filed in time, on the
application of Mr. Lawranoe for the assignees, an ad-
journment was ordered.
IN NE B. X. NOM
The bankrupt was a merchant of Leadenhall-street. The
liabilities are 10,330/. ; sage* usko4rio beingdfCaent
on the result of consignments to New mamba. elm
has been before the court about 14 months.
After a short examination of the bankrupt he was allowed
to pass, the sitting for order of discharge being adjourned..
Kr. Baugh, Kr. Linklatsr, and Ilr. Phelps appeared in
the case.
(Before Mr. Commiadoner Goulbana.)
IN El INSIJSY.—PINTTrION DIANINAND.
The bankrupt was foremen to a bay salesman of Wharf-
road, Paddington. The debts were 96& only, being the
damages and was incurred in an action brought against
the bankrupt for an assault.
Kr. Denn opposed, and asked that the petition should
be •
His Honour said that the case, though small in amount,
involved a principle of great importanoe. The bankrupt
had only one debt—damages and costs in an action ;
and after the writ had been served upon him
he bad stripped himself of all he had by giving
a bill of sale, and then came to this east for
the sole purpose of defeating his auditor. Following the
principle adopted in the case of Rouse and others, the pe-
tition would be dismissed on the ground that it wee a
fraud on the bankrupt law, which was never meant to
, apply to such a ease.
Mr. Nicholson asked for protection to enable the bank-
rupt to appeal.
His Honour said he could not give it ; the petition being
dismissed, there was an end of the matter. He would,
however, fa the amount of deposit at the lowest amount
—lOl. _ _ _

RX PALLARTIZNI.
The bankrupt was demand sa a diamond merchant of
Rich°ls-equare, Hackney-road, and of Old Ford-road.
Debts USA This was a sitting for examination and dia.
charge but an adjournment was asked for goods, each, and
deficiency amounts.
After graing Mr. Doris. for the bankrugn:lum=
that he could neither readinor write, his
an adjournment.