The Express.
London, England, 1861-09-25 00:00:00

MONTENEGRO.

A despatch from Ragusa of the 19th states that
the advanced guard of the Turkish army, which
had reached Zabel, in the direction of Sutorina, and
Zaslap, towards Gnhovo, on the road leading to
Cettiugne, for a distance of about 20 kilometres (121
miles), fell back during the 10th and 17th on
Trehigue and Mobil*. This measure appeared to
have been caused by a bold movement of the insur-
gents under the famous mountain chief Luca Vu-
calowich. The Serdar, Outer Pa.:lia, at the latest
&tea, was concentrating his troops at Trehigne,
which he makes his base of operations, and has
strongly fortified it. The Vladika of Montenegro
had got all his contingents under arms, and was
awaiting the approach of the Turkish army on his
territory.

The Nofinsalities of Turin announces that Gen.
Klapka, like Gen. Garibaldi, has refused to take service is
the Federal army is America.

A letter from Naples of the 19th, in the /t,tiir of
Turin, says :—" St. Januarius is, like M. Nicotera, on the
best possible terms with Cuddle' ; be performed his miracle
this morning at a quarter past 10, notwithstanding the
absence of the cardinal from Naples, and the recent arrest
both of the Vicar-General Mgr. Maresca and of Ave (MOM
of his own chapter. The ceremony took place u Usual,
and the immense crowd present preserved the mot exem-
plary order."

EXPRESS FROM PARIS.

(ram ous ows column-yo 7.)

PARIS, TUDIDAT EVENING.

The Constif of inn nrl gives the following ingenious,
but not altogether veracious, explanation of the
inquisitorial pro m-111pp which have co greatly ex-
cited the indignation of a portion of the provincial
prow

- This is what took place :—On the occuion of the Pt* of
the 15th August the Minister of the Interior, in his solici-
tude for the departmental press, thought of proposing to
the Emperor, for the decoration of the Legion of Honour,
some of its must eminent members. But it so happened
that there WAN sus absolute want of the necessity informa-
tion as to the position and personal character of the princi-
pal provincial journalists. In order to be hatter infannail
in future, the minister naturally applied to the prefects ;
but, iu truth, be could not have anticipated that his in-
structions, which were marked by a spirit of kindoess,
should be so ill-understood and so singularly executed.
On this note, which, it i 4 taken for granted,
comes from the Home-office, the Press remarks :
The severity of the concluding passage prevents us from
adding anything.

The ()pia jos Nationede, in its character of a ;me-
ad siiiisfait, seem; also to be content, and mays :

Whether it was au error, a misunderstanding, or au in-
stance of mi+judged zeal, we now have this singular
attempted inquiry explained to the advantage of the dignity
of journalism, and, also, let us say it frankly, to that of the
superior administration. We cannot but congratulate our.
wives on having provoked the explanation. _

Tlw Trot" however, looking more closely into
the matter, does not consider the explanation as
either true or well imagined. M. Nefftzer writes :

The situation of the journals styled mini-official is so
doubtful that we really do not know what importance to at-
tach to this explanation. If we are to accept it, we cannot
but think it is calculated to depreciate the Legion of
Honour in the public mind. No doubt, at first sight, the
solicitude of the government appears praiseworthy, but, on
the other h►nd, there is something painful in seeing the
government going to seek in this way for button-holes to
put Abend* in. In point of fact, there is nothing secret
in journalism, for all the works of the press are aa-orn-
pliahcsl the face of day. How is it possible that the
government should be without information about prov:ncial
journalists It is a manifest contradiction to assume that
unknown journalists deserve to be decorated. Everybody,
even in Paris, knows the must eminent members of the
provincial press, and could name them without hesitation,
and, we may say it without offence, there are many among
the most eminent whom the government will never deco-
rate; for decorations to the press are now, as heretofore,
given, with rare exceptions, not as a reward for genius,
talent, and courage, but fur certean opinions and real or
pretended services to the government cause. • • •
If, therefore, the explanation of the Cousti•otionnel is
true. it is stall events improbable. Besides, we remember
that such inquiries are not. new in the provinces, and we
know of journals within the last year or two that have coin.
plained of the inquisition.
You will observe that M. Nefftzor confirms the
statement which I made yesterday on the very
best practical authority—namely, that of an old
provincial journalist of first-rate standing—that
such iuquiriea had long been a matter of course.
M. Boitelle, the present Prefect of Police, has had
the good fortune, during some two or three years
of office, to make fewer enemies than most of his
predecessors. So little Las he made himself talked
about, that I believe nine Parisians out of ten do
not know his name. I am not about to say
anything to his disparagement now, but
merely to mention, as a curiosity, and by
way of commentary upon Paris life, a new de-
cree, which will certainly excite considerable
attention in the Quartier Latin. For nearly three-
quarters of a century a preserved fruit shop, "La
Mire Moreau," on the quay nearly opposite the
Pont Neuf, has been one of the sights of Paris.
Many years ago fashionable lathes used to drive
there in carriages to eat brandy cherries, preserved
plums and peaches, and, above all, little green
China oranges in syrup. The luscious fruits were
handed to customers by comely damsels, who pre-
'touted a silver spoon or fork to eat them with.
The character of the fruits and the plate remains
unchanged to the present day, but as much cannot
be said either for the customers or the handmaids,
the former being principally students, and the
latter such ladies u students iu their hours of
thoughtless recreation love to consort with. More-
over, the house of La Mere Moreau, instead of
standing alone, has now hosts of imitators, and a
silver counter, across which Prim e 4 et Ckiaoie are
sold, may be found iu almost every considerable
street in Paris. In this state of things the Prefect
of Police issues a decree, reciting :
That there has arisen in Paris a special kind of drinking-
houses called debits de prune., et chinoin, where the cus-
tomers are served by women.
That it is necessary to submit these establishments to
special regulations. Therefore we decree :
Art. 1. The keepers of the above establishments are
required to see that the girls of the counter should not
make themselves remarked either by their costume, by au
unseemly attitude, by shocking or provocative familiarity
towards passers by and customers, and that they do not
partake the libations of the latter.

tiubsequent articles provide that all such girls of
the counter, as aforesaid, are to be registered, and
made to have livrets like other servants.

The Bourse was leas firm to-day, but the Route,
after a momentary rise, closed at yesterday's prime,
69fr. 30c. and 69fr. 40e. Mobilier fell 2fr. We.
There was little change in railways,
The Lyons journals state that a marked improve-
ment has taken plat* in the silk trade of that city,
which suffered greatly from the American crisis.
The amelioration, they nay, is owing to demands
both for home consumption and exportation, which
have been made on account of the approich of
winter. Many 'moms which had been unocoupied
for six months have been set to work, and hopes
are entertained that the activity will be maintained
by tho receipt of new orders during the autumn.
It is rumoured that Mr. Gladstone is disposed to
alter the tariff in a sense more favourable to the
importation of French wines.
The vintage is being carried on with great activity
in the south of France and in Burgundy. "In our
department," says the Courrier dit Gard, "the
grapes are perfectly ripe, and yield a juice of such
sweetness and colour that they will produce very
superior wine. Moreover, the grapes are of such
large size that a greater quantity of wine is expected
than at ono time seemed probable." The Jounial
rte SeGoe et Loire thus speaks of the vintage in the
Macounais :—" The vintage is favoured with mag-
nificent weather. Everywhere the grapes are fine,
there being very few that have not ripened. The
belief accordingly is that the wine will be of a su-
perior quality. Some samples which have already
been obtained are rich in colour and in alcohol,
and extremely smooth to the palate, in place of
being rough, as was at first apprehended."

The Italian Opera, Paris, opens next Tuesday.
The negotiations with 111Ile. Patti, lately mentioned, cams
to nothing. "We believe," s►ys Galignani, "this young
lady, in accordance with the counsels of her friends, will
retire from the stage end coueert•room for a few months, to
afford a season of necessary repose to her voice. Exertions
like hers are not to be cnitintted with impunity by
human organs of whatever strength."
An ununual number of artisles are at present in
Paris from Italy and other places. The distracted state of
tin Peninsula and the prospects of war in the United States,
which hu hitherto proved a profitable place of refuge for
vocalists, has occasioned the present influx.

THE APPROACHING ELECTION OF LORD

MAYOII.-(17113 DAY.)

-+ _

This warning, at a quarter past eleven, a de.
potation, consisting of between thirty and forty liverymen
of the City of London, waited upon the Lord Mayor, by
appomuneut. ut the Alansion.house, for the purpose,
of presenting to him • requisition, begging that
be will allow himself to be placed in nomination to
serve for a woad year in the oft3"e he now bolds. Among
the deputation were Deputy W Weide, Mr. H. Spicer,
Mr. W. C. Fowler, Mr. 316:11fia Mr. Scarnmell, Mr.
Camden, Mr. Kearns, Mr. Biuntietir, Mr. Frodsham,
The deputation was introduced by Mr. H. Srtetir, who
observed that, but fur the rhortneu of the notice convening
that gathering, the uutuber present would no doubt have
been much larger. He did not receive his own notice, he
added, till the previous evening.
Mr. Sfr.nwiN then read the following requisition :
"TO TUE RItAIT LIONOURABLE WILLIAM crorrr, LORD

MAYOR, A.C.,
"My Lord—The period for which you were elected to
serve the Ml* of chief magistrate of the city of London
is approaching its completion. We have, as citizens,
during the but ten months, been deeply gratified in
observing the progressive dignity which, through
you, has been conferred upon the office you hold.
There have been so many features in your lordship's
mayoralty—solid and graceful—ea to render their enumera-
tion here impossible ; stiffiee it to say, we believe the great
respect in which your lordship is held by the citizens of
Loudon is so deep, undivided, and universal, and that this
fouling finds its natural utterance iu the request
which, with the utmost respect, we now make to your
lordship—that your lordship will consent to serve a second
year as Lord Mayor of this great city. The sacrifices,
personal and pecuniary, which your acceding to this request
will involve, will be very great; and did we not know the
readiness suit extent to which your lordship on all occasions
recognises the claims of public duty over private con-
venience, we could not hope to succeed. The coming
year promises to be one of unusual public interest.
Events, the shadows of which begin to appear,
will require from Loudon's chief citizen the exercise of no
ordinary dignity and skill, and also of that quiet, yet im-
pressive and graceful hospitality, which your lerdship, from
past experiences, we know, can so well dispense. The
International Exhibition, with its train of distinguished
visitors and events—the probable visit to England of large
masses of Eughiud's greatest neighbours, the French, their
Emperor and Empress—are amoug these events, and
will demand from, and give to your lordship,
that opportunity which, in a special degree, you are so well
qualified to use. Your knowledge of, and constant inter-
coulee with, the Continent—the frequent residence of your
lordship and of the Lady Mayoress in the French capital—
appear to ',Mut out your occupancy of the Mansion-house
next year as of almost national consequence. For these and
many other reasons, we beg most respectfully and urgently
to cull upon your lordship to consent to serve us as our Lord
Mayer duriug the ensuing year."
MEDWIN went on to state that the requisition had
appended to it 1,672 signatures, which, with about 25
exceptions, were those of liverymen. There were 6,100
liverymen residing within the seven-mile circle.
Circulars had been issued to all of them without any paid
agency, and up to 2 o'clock on the preceding day there
were 1,403 or 1,500 replies. Of these replies all but about
300 had been opened ; and the result was that !II per cent,
of the parties earnestly requested that their names might
be appended to the requisition, while nine per cent. de-
clined to sign it, and some 20 or 30 persons gave
reasons for declining. Had the 6,000 living out of the
circle been appealed to in the same manner the result
would no doubt have been similar ; so that in that case there
would have been 3,000 signatures. In the case of Sir John
Key's election there were three polls, the highest number
being 3,268 ; the second, 2,617, and the lowest; 2,C6.
The LORD MAYOR replied as follows :—Mr. Spicer and
Gentlemen,—!laving such a requisition presented to me is
the most gratifying incident that amid have occurred to my
mind, because I look upon it as an emphatic demonstration
of the approval by my fellow.citizens of the manner in
which I have endeavoured to perform the duties de-
volving ou me as chief magistrate of this great
city. (Cheers.) I have taken no part in this
movement, as most of you, gentlemen, are no doubt
aware. When, several months ago, some letters appeared in
the City Press suggestive of my being re-elected for an-
other year, I thought it my duty to speak out, and I wrote
to the editor stating that I should have had enough of the
toils and anxieties of office, that I should be satisfied with my
honours, and I should deprecate the disappointment of the
just expectations of the alderman who would follow in suc-
cession. I have to-day to repeat those sentiments. I have
had enough of toil and anxiety. lam content with my ho.
noun', and I should still be sorry if any
alderman aspiring to this office should feel
that he bad been put back through my being preferred.
You are, however, pleased to say in this requisition that
my serving the office for another year might be of great
importance. (Cheers.) If that be m—if my fellow.
citizens are really of that opinion, I would forego
all personal considerations ; I would place myself in the
bands of the livery if I could think that was the geteral
opinion, and if I could also think that my brethren in the
Court of Aldermeoconcurrelin that opinion. As it is, gentle-
men, I think! must ask you tolet me stand perfectly passive.
If it ehonld be the wish of the livery that I should serve
another year—an emphatic demonstration ought to prove
that—and if the Court of Aldermen should also con-
cur ; if by an unmistakeable vote in the hall

and in the court should be testified the desire of
my fellow-citizens that I should serve another year, all
I can say is, that I will do then what I promised to do
last year, exert myself to the utmost of my humble ability to
satisfy the just expectations of my fellow-citizenn. (Cheers.)
Mr. RICHARD Groan spoke of the admirable manner in
which his lordship presided at charity (homers, and amid
that no duke or other person could fill the chair with
treater dignity and effect.
Mr. Meowrx inquired of the Lord Mayor whether his
personal friends were at liberty to do anything they pleased
in the matter under consideration

The LORD MAYOR thought that if there was a general
desire that he should be elected it would not he nece.ary
for hiv personal friends to exert themselves; but he should
not attempt to lay any embargo on them. (Cheers.)
The deputation then withdrew.

The .11.1:.imte of Florence contains an account of
a name between the Pope and the Duo de Gramoat, oac►-
sioned by the order given to a Signor Venturelli, a Sicilian,
naturalised in France, to leave Home within a fortnight.
"Holy Father," said the duke, " I must trouble myself
about the matter, for not only is Signor Venturelli a French
subject, but he has even been specially recommended to me
by a letter from the privet., cabinet of the Emperor." " I
am really very sorry for it," replied the Pope, "but refugia
nnhx, Signor Venturelli must leave." " But"—
"There is no but in the matter'—"l pray you, Holy
Father, to consider that I shall be obliged to make a report
on the subject to my government." "By all means make
your report." " And that I shall be compelled to demand
a large sum as a compensation for Signor Venturelli."
" Demand it, by all means." " And that the government
of your holiness will be obliged to pity it.' "That remains
to be seen."

The moat succietsful department of tho whole
Exhibition at Florence appears to be the sculpture gallery,
In which Magni, of Milan, has two clever groups of " A
Girl feeding a Goat with Grapes," and " A Young Loly
in a Swing," worked by a small boy, probably Cupid, from
his contempt of garments, though he has no wings. Mr.
Power, the American sculptor in Florence, has re-
peated his subject of " A Boy with a Shell to his Ear."
There is an excellent " Sleeping Ishmael," "Eve with the
Apple," a "Boy Asleep," with his haul on a dog's head,
and a new " Dying Gladiator." In alabaster vases and
statuette. Barbetti of Florence hurt the palm. There is
a bronze repetition of the " Castaway," the statue of tho
London Exhibition in Trafalgar-square last summer. A
pair of magnificent carved doo,Ls in wood, also by Barbetti
and some ivory carvings by Giusti, of Siena, stand at the
sod of this gallery. . . -

A curious notice appears iu Monday's Moniteur :
Antoine Gastrin entered the 2nd battalion of the Mitten,
Train on the sth December, 1812, and on the Ist Septem-
ber, 1813, he was made prisoner of war ; it appears that he
is now missing, and notice of the fact is now given officially.
It is not stated whether he has been absent without any
news being received of him since he had the ill luck to fall
into the hands of the enemy ; but if so, his (lianas must be
sumewhat tired of waiting for him.

A Berlin letter says that the affair of Lieutenant
Stobbe, who killed the waiter at an hotel in Magdeburg,
has caused much excitement in the Prussian capital, which
has been somewhat allayed by the assurance that the
lieutenant will be severely punished. He is at. present
under arrest in the citadel of Magdeburg.

Miss Cushman, lately arrived from New York,
has just passed through Paris, co route for Rome, where
she p„+cases a handsome iesidence, and purposes passing
the whiter.

THE CITY OF LONDON REOISTRATION.

(TIIIS DAI.)

This morning, at 11 o'clock, Mr. Hansou, tin•
newly.appoieted noviaing barriter in room or the late Mr.
T. Y. !!'Christie, commenced the of the 114 ”f
voters for the City of London, in the court of Conunou
Pleas at Guildhall. . _

The liberals were represented by Mr. Sidney Smith PO
Mr. Ledger, and the conservative futerests were watched
over by Sir. Nukes.
The revisiug barrister, in opening the proceediogs, said
he hoped he should revive the same assistance from el!
parties as his predecessor had done, especially as these west
su large a number of objections.
It was then arranged that the livery lista should la•
taken before the householders, and that the court shoal
not sit on Satunlay, that day being fixed for the electum of
Lord Mayor.
The serious parish lists having been handed in the sum.
mark• of objections and claims was submitted, giving the fel.
lowing result*: