The Sun.
London, England, 1855-02-13 00:00:00

THE LOSS OF LIFE AT ISLINGTON.

The
bodies- of the twe other parties known to be in
the ruins were, after some time, dug out, but life in
each case was extinct. The following is a correct list of
the killed .

.....
Thomas Hodges, aged 14 years.
George Hodges, aged eight years.
Joseph Glover, aged 26 years, a married man.
Jane Glover, aged 30 years, the wife of the former.
Joseph Glover, the younger, aged four years, a son of
the before named.
Sarah Lane, aged 40 years; and
Francis Stoker, a police-constable of the N division,
No. 262, aged 33 years, who has left a widow and ono
child (not four, as stated yesterday) to deplore his un-
timely end. This bravo fellow, baying heard the cries
of a female in the house, rushed through one of the
doors, reached the place the woman was in, took her in
his arms, and was in the act of carrying her down stairs
wstaierres
when a portion of the side wall fell, and bothfereed down. They were instantly covered with the
rubbish, and when extricated both were found to be
quit dead.
theTNllrc,envoitshitorn,owEflictehrgo,„noati7inerdi,ractsii,:decitv)iixeley B, of
4a31 of
third
Stoker,
. They' '3 tallileyrewc'eelive
,hared the Lame fate as their
named Woolston, nearly •
received
dl
some knocked
se-
unfoltnnate comrade,
>gutw3nloist.hing serious is apprehended.
Odve::.":.nrc,fb°s:utthtuehBeic°ofisils'litalliWes had, lioAever, to force his way
through the rubbish, and to climb from the ground
floor to the top of the premises, when a ladder was pro-
cured, and be was taken down in safety.
The bodies have been taken to the deal-house of the
parish, but there seems no chance of the inquest taking
place before Wednesday or Thursday next, as Mr.
Wakley, the coroner, has to finish the adjourned in-
quest on the body of Mr. Southeote, of the City, before
he can open the present inquiry.

Letters from Munich state that the Crystal, Palace
built f,r the late Exhibition is ordered to be entirely
emptied, and converted into an exercising grQ and for
.drilling and parading the troops.

ASTERN COUNTIES RAILIV.A.Y.-
• 'A The Directors are prepared to receive TENDER Snore OANS,
for a period of three years, on the security of the Compy'Deben-
tures, bearing interest at the rate of 416 peOW
rye. per annum.
J. . ES, Secretary.
Secretary's Office, Bishopszate Station, Feb. 9,1855.

only 53,863 in 1848, in 1853 it had amounted
to 174,599. As a further indication of an in-
creased cultivation may be noticed the rapid aug-
mentation of the export of flax and tow chiefly
to Great Britain. So late, we are told, as 1850,
the export of Irish flax and tow was but 3,166
tons. Of the crop of 1852 6,696 tons of flax
and 2,308 of tow, in a 119,004 tons, value 392,5001.,
were exported. Of the crop of 1853 the large
amount of 7,486 tons of flax and 2,763 of tow,
in all 10,249 tons, value 505,9891., were shipped
`from Ireland to England, Scotland, and France.
Gratifying, however, as this increase undoubt-
edly is, and creditable to the society of whose
exertions it may in a large measure be regarded
as the legitimate fruit, there is still, as it will take
no great effort to show, ample margin for further
exertion. In Ulster, for instance, the whole lands
under crops last year, according to the Govern-
ment returns, amounted to 1,808,935 acres. Of
these only 139,003, or one-thirteenth part, were
devoted to the growth of flax ; and in Leinster,
Munster, and Connaught the proportion was still less.
In these counties the acres under crops amounted
to 3,759,441, and of these only 11,969 or a
proportion of about 1-314th part were under this
species of growth. A small proportion indeed—
so small as to excite some degree of wonder and
regret, more especially under existing circum-
stances, we mean in connection with the present
War. Out of an annual average of 80,000 tons of
flax from all countries, nearly 60,000 have been
brought from Russia alone ; and of the entire
yearly import of flax seed for sowing in Ireland,
from two-thirds to three-fourths have come from
Riga. Hitherto, it is true, contrary to expecta-
tion, these supplies have not been intercepted—in
point of fact, the import last year was greater
than usual ; but it is clear such a state of things
cannot last, and when it ceases, however tem-
porarily, what is to become of the staple manu-
facture of Ireland ? To this inquiry the Society
had been doing its best during the past year to
furnish a satisfactory reply, and there is reason to
believe the area under flax will this year
far exceed the average. The quantity of
Irish seed saved last year for growing was,
it is gratifying to add, greater than
in any previous year, and there is a fair
prospect of every prejudice against its use being
speedily and permanently dissipated. Improve-
ments on the mode of cultivation, and in the
various processes of manufacture, have also been
discovered, and by these, it is probable, a great
impetus will be given to the growth of flax. The
advantages to be derived from this extension we
have already shadowed forth. It may, however,
in conclusion, be well more minutely to specify
them. It would prove of signal benefit to the
agricultural interest, the crop being one as ad-
mirably adapted to the condition of the great body
of the tillers of the soil in many parts of Ireland
as to the soil itself, small holdings being numerous,
and the crop one as profitably raised by the poor
as by the rich. It would tend also to cement a
bond of common interest between the agricultural
and commercial bodies—securing to the one a
home market, and to the other independence of
the uncertainties of foreign supply. To this
country also it would be highly beneficial. To Eng-
land, as to Ireland, independence of Russian im-
ports has become a serious question, and if this
can be achieved a double advantage will be (lb-
, twined—a greater certainty, of supply, and
a closer and more cordial union between
the two islands. Viewing the matter in this light,
our readers will sympathise with us in the ex-
pression of an earnest wish that the efforts of the
Society may not be slackened, but that, by means•
of increased exertions on the part of its paid in-
structors distributed throughout Ireland, and the
powerful aid of the press, more signal triumphs
may yet be achieved than those which already
adorn the Society's annals.

LEGAL and GENERAL LIFE ASSURANCE
SOCIETY,
No. 10, Fleet-street, London, btli February, 1853.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, That the ANNUAL GENERAL
MEETING of the Members of this Society will be
aheld at this Offie,e,
on TUESDAY, the 27th day ot February inst., O
cisely, when the vacancies created by four of the Directors and two
ligib
of the A
will filled .
By order of the Board.
JOHN NETTLETON, Secretary.

.4.f
Ary
4414,

7:: Lessee and Manager, Mr. Wm. Cooke.
/ 7-, - ~
'l, ' ' ''';', , .. N THIS EVENING,
ill: •. ': '.4 •. -. liLlit% resentation of the BATTLE of the ALMA, an announce-
casts into the shade every nOtice of any contemporaneous
i V j:- .3 i;.ki ' '• 141ildt., tile classic SCENES in the ARENA, invented and
lit
xot;.‘ /:.\1; 1 7, - - ..,_ _ . Mr. William Cooke.
......i ~,,,t, , .I.:.44tablsslode midi the Graull Equestrian Comic Pantomime of GUL
'zi , ,-..,, sad the LILLIPUTIANS ; or, Harlequin and Britannia.
,n ii vz, i c,';
).I.4x.ediee open from Eleven tin Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W.
st,iGt::: =or.: fir. W. H. Cooke. Equestrian Director.

DRURY-LlNE.—Lenee, Mr. E. T. Smith.—
Reduced Prices as usual.— A Morning Performance every
Wednesday. at Two o'clock.
THIS EVENING, FEB. 13,

Will be performed THE BRIDE OF LUDGATE.
After which, THE WRITING ON THE SHUT rERs.
To be followed by the entirely original, extraordinary, lite-
rary, traditionary, comical, gastronomical, and peculiarly culinary
and fantastic domestic grand comic Christmas Pantomime, entitled
JACK AND JILL; or, Harlequin King Mustard and the Four-
and-Twenty Blackbirds Baked in a Pie. The extensive scenery, en-
tirely new, by Messrs. Nicholls, Cuthbert, Cooper, Gordon, Wilson,
and Moore. The machinery by Messrs. Tucker. The extraordinat y
properties, decorations, tricks, changes, and transformations by Mr.
Needham. The choregraphic arrangements by Madame Louise.
The overture and music composed and selected by J. H. Tully.
Leader, Mr. Hayward. The whole of the designs, models , and sketches
furnished from the studio of Dikwynkyn, who for many weeks past
has been personally supervising their execution. The novel grotesque
burlesque opening invented and written by E. L. Blanchard and
the whole arranged and produced under the immediate superin-
tendence of Mr. Edward Stirling. Principal Ingredients in the
Christmas Bill of Fare : —The Hall of Hypochondria in the Domains
of Dulness.—Misanthropy ((l'enius of Gloom), Mrs. Belford. Fog,
Drizzle, Taxes, Spleen, Indigestion, Quarter-day (his Ministers of
Melancholy), Messrs. E. V. Debt, E. V. Wet, E. V. Load, E. V.
Day, E. V.
V Weight, and E. V. Bills. Azure Diabolicals in attend-
ance, Messrs. Croak, Quake, Fret, Fidget, Worry, Flurry, Fume,
Vex, Groan, Growl, Grumble, and Grizzle. Apparition of Misan-
thropy on her favourite Nightmare, and Magical Appearance of
Good Humour in her Christmas Car. Good Humour, Miss Alder .
Lightheart and Sunshine (her Attendants), Miss,es Honey and
Brown; Mrs. Glasse (the original "Cook's Oracle; and the well-
known adviser of the " First catch your hare," &e.), Miss Rosina
Collins. The receipt given to make a good pantomime, and its con-
coction accordingly. Cottage of Jill on the borders of Fairyland (by
Sunrise), with Enchanted Kitchen, Garden, and Region ef Preserves.
"Sing a song of Sixpence,
" Pocket full of rye,
"Four-and-twenty blackbirds,
"Baked in a ple."—Ancient Nursery Legend.
Jack (the interesting hero of the olden story, who went up the hill
to fetch, &c.), afterwards Harlequin, M. Milano; Jill (the heroine of
the adventure, in love with Jack), afterwards Columbine, Mdlle.
Bolen ; Marmalade (the Fairy Queen of the Preserves), Miss K.
Warrington ; Pineapple, Raspberry, Lemon, Cherry, Apple, and
Greengage (her Assistants), Misses Clifford, Gower, Johnson, Love,
Lungs, and Richardson ; Strawberry, Cranberry, Gooseberry, Cur-
rant, Apricot, Damson, Quince, &c. (Fancy Preserves), Misses Grace
Honey, Ellen Honey, Laurance, Louise, Therese, Charles, Rine,
Sidney, Gordon, Barnes, Emily Barnes, Richardson, Eliza Richard-
son, Rose, Sidney, Emily Moore, Elizabeth Smith, Lilla Ellis, Rosa
Harrison, E. Box, Tayler, Matilda Chenley, Martiney, St. Clare,
Evans, John Levines, S. Johnson, and Roberts ; Preserved Ginger
their warm ally), Master Pungent; Fruit Blossoms by a Blooming
Selection of Coryphees. The Will and the Way—the Talismanic
Sixpence—The Change. Grand Ballet. Principal Dancers, Mdlle.
Therese and Annie Cushnie, Therese, Smith, &c. The Four-and-
Twenty Blackbirds, Masters Tweet Tweet, Toot Too, Loodie Loodle,
&c. The Reading of the Will—
"Jill must not a husband take,
Till she a pie can make and bake."
Interior of Jill's Cottage (by Moonlight).—Coal, Mr. Nobbs ; Bundle
of Wood, Mr. Halfpenny ; Congreve Box, Mr. Fizzer ; Bellows, Mr.
Leathertongue ; Dutch Oven, Mynheer Von Tan ; Rolling Pin, Mr.
Smoothpaste ; Gridiron, Mr. De Bar ; Frying Pan, Mr. Broadrim ;
Soyer's Three-legged Iron Pet, Herr Potluck. Cruet Castle in the
Table Cloth Territory (by Moonlight), and Golden Palace of King
Mustard.—King Mustard (afterwards Clown), Harry Boleno ; the
Empress Vinegar (afterwards Pantaloon), Herr Kohl ; Black Pepper
and White Pepper (Sentinels on duty at Cruet Castle), Mr. Husky
and Mr. Sneezums ; Sweet Oil, Miss Florence: Cayenne, Mr. Capsi-
cum ; Harvey's Sauce (attendant in waiting), Mr. Savoury ; the Army
of Zcsts, Messrs. Indian Soy, Curry, Capers, Ketchup, Mushrooms,
Garlic, Shalot, Sweet Herbs, Potted Tongue ; Potted Beef, Potted
Bloaters, Potted Anchovies, Potted Shrimps, &c. ; Horse Radish
(from the King's stable), by a Racing Nag. Grand Review—Ter-
rifle Attack upon the Appetite, awl Rally of the Relishes—Great
Progress of Jill in her Culinary Career. The Abode of Chutnee in
the Province of Pickles (ay Sunset).—Chutnee (Chief of the Pickles),
Mr. Fiery Fact se, a ; the Pickle Army, Messrs. Onions, Walnut, Gher-
kins, Cauliflower, Red Cabbage, &c.; Small Jar, Master Piccalilli.
Great demand for Pickles and determination of the Door to Stand a
Jar. Interior of he Stupendous Salt Mine (by Moonlight).— Salt
Rock (a bright White Sprite), Herr Willikind Moleno. Imminent
danger of Jill in splitting upon a Rock of Salt—Treachery of Vinegar
—Upsetting the Pail above, and Evaporation of the Saline Stalactite
Columns, disclosing The Emerald Temple of Salad.—Magical
Union of the Sweets and Sours, and " a Pie" termination of the
Loves of Jack and Jill. The Transformation. —Harlequin, M.
Milano; Columbines, Mdlle. Boleno and Miss Ellen Honey;
Pantaloon, Mr. Cole ; Sprite. Herr Willikind Moleno ; Clown, the
celebrated Harry Boleno (his first appearance in London for
many years) ; Aerial Evolutionists, by the inimitable Italian
Brothers. The Turk's Head Public-house and Hairdresser's
Shop.—Hairdresser, Mons. Pomade ; Publican, Mr. Billy Williams ;
Customers, Messrs. Rednob, Smockface, Owen Swift, Beardless,
Whisker Want, Baron Nicholson, and Tom Steed ; the British Pub-
lic by themselves; Policeman A. 1, Mr. Vigilant. Approach of the
Great Rugged Russian Bear—How he Whines after the Porte, which,
being rather old, turns out somewhat crusty—A Dose of Turkey
Rhubarb—A Don-e Cossack—Pure Circassian Cream—How ono
Sham 11l makes all well—The Great Bear turns out a Great Boar
—Russian Attachment to Grease—Clown Cuts his Customer's Hare
and afterwards Dresses it a la Soyer—The Great Moustache Move-
ment—A Close Shave —Clown shows his high attachment to the
Pole—Sudden Rise In Porter—An M.T.M.P.—A Patten Leak at 10
o'clock—A Bona Fide Traveller—Ginger Beer and Gin without ger
—A Mill, a light, a Regular Row and Station-house for Two.
Great American Baby Show.—Arrival or the Infantry—Sudden
Squall—Ma's upon the Eve of Battle—General Attack—Awarding
the Prizes—Clown and Pantaloon's Offsprings—The Prettiest Baby
in the World—A Model Baby and a Spirit Child —The Wonderful
' Effects of Dr. De Jongh's Cod Liver Oil—Clown's Great Prize Baby
—Fresh Arrival of 300 more Babies—The Judge Confounded - Great
Uproar—An Unwelcome Visitor to a Ladies' and Juvenile Party—
And Extraordinary case of Suspended Animation by the Ita-
lian Sprites. Scott's Oyster Shop, Newspaper-office, and Pursell's
31scuit Baking and Confectionery Establishment, Cornhill.—" Up-
ouse yo then, my merry men, it is our opening day"—A Hoister
for one and a Lobster for two—A Mussulman and a Man for a
Muscle—Duty and Cr:stom —A Bride Cake and a Wedding Cake—
First Edition and Second Edition—Left Out for Want of Room
Press of the Privilege and Privileges of tha Press—" Oh, what a
row, a rumpus, what a rioting." Baker, Mr. Crusty; Fishmonger,
Mr. Scales; Master Newsboy, Christmas-box; Printers, Messrs.
Typo and Chapel ; Editor, Mr. Cutemilown ; Critic, Cutcmnp; Pas-
sengers, Messrs. Trot, Cosey, Strutalong, Lounge, Loiter, and Walk-
about ; Boarslman, Mr. Bobaday. Hoek r's Shop and New Wing of
Setnerset-house.—Here we are—Merry Christmas and a Happy
New Year—high Prices and Tow Prices—Manchester Stuff Eli e-
Itch Comforters—Stocks on Hand and Handsome Stncks—Ford's
Eureka Shirts---Reform in the Civil List and Unc"vil Treatment of
the Clerks—Transfer-day at the Bank, and General II .iyday at
Somerset-house.—Hosier, Mr. Stocken: Shopsian. Mr. Early-
bird ; Boy, Master Toddles. Soyer's Magic Kitchen.— Chef de
Cuisine, Mons. Soyer; Kitchenmalda, Misses Basteaway and
Drippingsell ; Guardsman, Corporal Longshanks ; Policeman,
Sergeant Podger. Cupboard Lovers—Soyer's Last Soup
Where's the Knives and Forks?—Boiled and Unboiled Lob-
sters—Healless Swains—Lobster ratty and Giblet Soup—Clown
Gone all to Pot—Harlequin Gets well Towelled and afterwards
Mangled—Clown and Pantaloon in a Stew—A Regular Broil-
-7 hou comest in such an unquestionabie shape, that I will speak
to thee (Shyer, or rather Shakspeare)—Teo Many Cooks Spell the
(Clown's) Broth—The scene finishes in a very spirited manner.
An Illuminated Page of the History of England.—Grand Allegorical
Tableau with Panoramic Effects, illustra• lye of the Triumphs of the
Allied Forces. Young Jullien's Allied Army Quadrille," by the
double bawls of the English and French. "God save the Queen,"
Partant pour la Syrie," and " Rule Britannia." Daughter of the
Itegbnent, Miss Rebecca Collins, in which character she will sing
the spirited patriotic effusion, published in "Blackweod's Magazine"
for December, and written by. Corporal John Brown, of the Grena-
dier Guards, when the men got some drink for the first time at
Ba klava, Sept. 28th :
"Come all You gallant British hearts that love the red and blue,
.And drink -be health of those brave lads who made the Russians rue.
Then fill the glass, and let it pass, three times three, and one more,
For the twen'eth of September, eighteen hundred and lifty-four "
Vestibule of the Temple of Victory. The Tribute of England to
the Brave Patriots. Distribution of Laurel Wreaths, Gorgeous and
Electric Scenic Climax, with Revolving Columns and Variegated
Illuminations. Terrific Flight of the Italian Brothers. The whole
scene presenting a coup d'mil never before witnessed on the English
stage. Adneissios :—Stalls, Os. ; dress circle, 45.; second price, 25.;
upper circle, 35.; second price, la. 6d. ; pit, 25.; second price, is.;
.ower gallery, Is. ; second price, Cd. ; upper gallery, 6d. t private
Doges, 10s. 6J., 155., 215., and upwards. Doors open at half-past 6,
Performance at 7 o'clock. Half-price at 9 o'clock. The box.office
open daily, from It till 5 o'clock, under the direction of Mr. Edward
Chatterton. Notice.—The lollowing pieces are approved and in
Preparation, and will shortly be produced : —The Grand Christmas
Pantomime, by E. L. Blanchard, Esq. ; a Drama, by Dion Bourci-
eault, Esq. ; Two Dramas, by A. Harris, Esq. ; an Adaptation from
Meyerbeer's Opera, L'Etoile da Nord, with new scenery, properties,
and effects; to be succeeded by an English version (by Mr. Reynold-
son) sf Glack's Iphigenia in Tauride. The Grand Historical Egyp-
tian Drama, many months in preparation, will also shortly appear.

THEATRE ROYAL HAYMARKET.
Under the management of Mr. Buckstone.
THIS EVENING. FEB. 13,

Will be performe.l THE KNIGHTS OF THE ROUND TAttr.E.
Characters by Messrs. Farrel), I, illier., F uckstone, and Compton ;
Mrs. C. White, Miss Lavine, &c.

Followed by the new grand Christmas Pantomime, entitled LITTLE
80-PEEP; or, Harlequin and the Girl who Lost her Sheep. Little
80-Peep, Miss L. Thompson ; Harlequin, Mr. Chapino ; Pant eloon,
Mr. W. Barnes; Clown, Mr. Appleby ; Columblne, Wes M. Brown.

ROYAL PRINCESS'3 TITEATRE, OXFORD-STREET.
Under the Management of Mr. CHARLES KEAN.
TIII3 EVENING, FEB. 13.
Will be presented the original adaptation of Casimir Delavigne's
Historical Play, entitled LOUIS THE ELEVENTH. Principal
character by Mr. C. Kean.
After which will be produced a New Grand Christmas Pantomime.
entitled, HARLEQUIN BLUE-BEARD; or, The Greit Bashaw.
Harlequin, Mr. Corrnack ; Clown, Mr. Huline ; Pantaloon, Mr. Paulo ;
and C'.:lduabine, Miss Desborough.

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.
Under the Management of Madame Vestria.
THIS EVENING, Frs. 13,

Will be performed AGGRAVATING Principal character
by Mr. C. Mathews.
After which will be produced the new and original Fairy Extra-
vaganza, entitled PRINCE PRE PTYPET and THE BUTTERFLY.
To be followed by TWO lIEADS ARE BETTER THAN ONE.
Box-office epen from 10 until 6.
Sole agent for Private Boxes, Mr. Alleroft, 15, New-Bond -street.

TITRE ROYAL ADELPHI.
Proprietor. Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste,
THIS EVENT-NO, Vita. 13,
logue
Will be pert,rmed a new and orliarlat Drama, precede" by a Pro-
To be forowed by THE 'UNKNOWN AND THE BAYADERE.
Characters by Messrs. P. Ftedford and G. l• ; Misses Woo'gar and
Keeley, and Mdlleg. Maraquita and tenonl..

ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. A. Wigan.
THIS EVENING, Fits. 12,

Will be presentee the new Comedietta, called TIT FOR TAT, to
W:dch Messrs. F. Robson, A. Wigan, and Miss Maskell will
Followed by A LUCK FRIDAY.
'PPe .
ar
A ter which, a new Fairy Extravaganza entitled THE YELLOW
134, tliF AND TIIE KING OF TIIE GOLD MINES. Characters
F. Robson, Miss Julia S. George, Miss E. Ormonde, Mist
Marston, Miss Bromley, and Mrst. Fitzaßan.

EOYAL STRAND VIEATRE.
tinder the direction of Miss RLbec a Isaacs.

THIS EVENING
Will import; mot the popular Barletta. OUR, NELL'S% Principal
eh tractor, Miss Rebecca Isaacs.
After whicl, x new Operatic Burlesque, entitled, ALO -
T.IE
BHAVE.
To t,e fAlewe.l by ST.VIE SECRETS.

A 4TLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.

fr:
;

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 13, 1855.

California, with the mails of Jan. 1, and 1,251,565
dols. treasure on freight.
The steamer Hermann sailed from New York for
Southampton on the 27th ult., with 37 passengers
and 22,746 dols. specie on freight.
There had been a revolt at the California State
prison, which, after a serious fight between the
prisoners and the keepers, resulted in upwards of
20 of the former making heir escape.
San Francisco had been visited by a violent rain
storm, and a large amount of property was
damaged. The mines were suffering from want of
rain.

LATEST NEWS.

THE SIEGE OF SEBASTOPOL.

BERLIN, TUESDAY, FEB. 13.

Under date of St. Petersburg, 12th inst., we
learn that the following telegraphic despatch had
been received by the Russian Government :
" Nothing particular has taken place before Se-
bastopol, except a sortie on the night of the 31st
of January, in which we (the Russians) took three
officers and seven men prisoners."

VIENNA, MONDAY, FED. 12.

The Czar has issued a manifesto, under date of
St. Petersburg, the 12th February, in which he
calls the entire male population under arms.
An additional force of 300,000 men will be
despatched to the Crimea.
According to a Russian report, letters have
been received from Ba.gdad which announce that
the Kurdish insurgents have taken the town of
Zakko.

Persia.

THE OVERLAND MAIL.

INDIA.

On Saturday last we publi,hed a telegraphic despatch
from Trieste, in anticipation of the Overland Mail. We
have now received our letter.) and papers by the Mar-
seilles route.

The following are the letters of the Times correspon•
dents at Bombay and Calcutta :

" BOMBAY, JAL 16.
" The most important news of the fortnight is the des•
patch by the overland route of our first reinforcements
from India to the army in the Crimea. The first division of
her Majesty's 10th Hussars left Bombay on the 10th of
Jan., on brard the Punjaub and Sultana, towed by the
Victoria and Auckland. ThePunjaub took 230 horses and
the same number of men; the Sultana 84; and each of the
steamers a smaller number. The remainder of the regi-
ment sail in about 10 days. Altogether they will muster
650 sabres. Her Majesty's 14th Dragoons, equally
strong, are also on their way to Bombay to embark for
the Crimea via Suez. A third Queen's Cavalry Regi-
ment, the 12th, might well be spared from Bangalore,
as with the Madras Regular Cavalry and the Irregular
Horse of the Nizana's contingent, we have without them
a cavalry force more than equal to anything that could be
brought aga'nst it in Southern India. It is said that se-
veral infantry regiments are to follow; but I find that this
report is at least premature. It is, however, stated on
good authority that the Peninsular and Oriental Com-
pany's steamers Norma, Pekin, and Precursor have been
taken up to convey troops from Bombay to Suez. If it
was required, India could well spare a contingent of
120,000 or 25,000 excellent troops as long as Lord Dal-
, housie remains at the helm.

"The Burmese Embassy, from which so much was
expected, has ended in disappointment. Till their final
interview the Ambassadors had demanded nothing, and
the sole object of the Embassy had appeared to be the
cultivation of friendly relations and the establishment of
free commerce and diplomatic intercourse between the
Burmese and tho British ; but at the farewell reception
a scene took place, which is described in the Calcutta
papers as fellows :
" After a little of the usual complimentary language
had passed that is stereotyped for State interviews, the
Burmese Envoy proclaimed, that ho come, by com-
mand of the King of Ava, to seek restitution of the whole
of the captured provinces in Burmah.'
" We are informed that, despite this unforeseen explo-
sion, the Governor-General stood calm and collected, and
at once desired Major Phayre to make the following reply
—or words to this effect, Tell them that as long as the sun
shines in the heavens the British fi-ig shall wave over those
possessions.' The Envoy, it is said, scarcely expected any
other answer ; but having been entrusted with the mission,
he was of course compelled to perform it to the very letter.
" The reply of the Governor-General will no doubt be
considered by some to partake a little too much of the
Carnbyses' vein,' but those acquainted with the charac-
ter of Orientals will pronounce it to be the best answer
which he could have made.'

"It is not at all likely that the King of Ova will
venture to declare war against us openly, but it is pos-
sible that he may again shelter awl encourage the bands
of dacoits that kept the country in a :_state of siege the
year before last ; if so, he will either be deposed or
`mediatised.'"

" The following is the latest Cabul news :
..,...

"Sirdar Mahomed Arslan Khan sent word from the
Hazarah district that he had great difficulty in coliect-
iocr the revenue. The people had risen to the number
of' 4,000, and he had only 500 horse and foot to bring
against them. If he does not get reinforcements at once
he will be destroyed. Two guns, about 2,000 Persian
and Affgban horse, and a regiment of foot, were imme-
diately sent towards Hazarah.
"The Commissioner at Peshawur has told one Sayud
Mohsin that an English officer has volunteered to go to
Kokan, and that two more officers are needed to accom-
pany him. It is also thought that the English Govern-
ment will send some money to Kohan. When this re-
port was brought, the Ameer remarked that the Eng-
lish would never venture to send an officer to Kokan
until they had effected a good understanding with the
Cabul Government.
" Information has been received of the arrival at
Peshawur of Lord Dalhousie's letter to Dost Mahomed,
but nothing is known about its content. The Dost'J
agent writes that a Mooltanee named Foujdar Khan
has been appointed to accompany him with the Gover-
nor-General's letter.
" The King of Bokhara has reinforced the troops
which are fightinr, apinst Sirdar Mahorned-Atzul
Khan, in Balkh, and the fast has ordered the enlist-
ment of additional troops for the defence of the country.
"News has arrived from Sheburghan, in Turkistan,
of a rebellion against the Ameer, and his Highness has
ordered Sirdar Mahomed Sheereef, Khan from Cahul,
and Sirdar Valoe Mahomed Khan from Balkh, to start
at once with reinforcements for the troops at Shee-
burghan.
" It is not probable, that with Russian influence

mount in Bokbara, and Turkistan and Candahar in re-
volt, the Dost will be able to retain his possessions north
of the Hindu° Koosh unless assisted to some extent by
the British.

" I have already u.11.d.d to tu. prol4ability of Persia
becoming the paramount power in Affghanistan on the
death of Dust Mabomed, and there are two other direc-
tions besides Candahar in which she is rapidly extending
her frontier.
" A battle has been fought at Bonder Abbas between
the Arabs and the Persians, in which the latter were
successful. A Persian force of 12,000 horsemen, with
six guns and two mortars, appeared before Builder Abbas
in the beginning of December, and shelled the place for
two days atAl nights ; on the third day the garrison,
consisting of 1,700 men, met the Persians at the gates,
and an engagement took place which lasted for several
hours. The Arab force, overpowered by numbers, took
to their boats and fled to the man-of• war belonging
to the Imaum of Muscat. The Arabs lost in killed and
wounded about 1,400, whilst the Persians lost about
4,000. The Arabs were commanded by the eldest son of
the Immure He is determined to hazard another battle
before giving up Bundar Abbas to the Persians. The
Imaurn is said to be mustering a large force, which he
will command in person ; so that we may shortly expect
to hear of another engagement.
" The ownership of Bonder Abbas cannot at all
affect the British interest,, but with the probability be-
fore us of the Shah becoming the paramount power
along the whole extent of our Indus frontier, from
Mekran to Peshawar, it is unquestionably our policy
to do all in our power to prevent Russian influence
from becoming paramount in Persia ; and were the
Russians established in Turkistan, Persia would be merely
a Russian satrapy.
" The Indian navy squadron in the Persian Gulf has
dispersed a gang of Arab pirates, and destroyed their
boats.
" From Central India we learn that a force is assem-
bling to go against the Meeuahs, who a short time ago
looted some of the border villages. It is to consist of a
wing of the 10th Born! ay Native Infantry, from NUB-
- ; two 18-pounders and a mortar from the Ajeneer
magazine ; four companies, a troop of cavalry,
and two guns Kota contingent ; four companies
Joudpore Legion, two companies Mhairwarrah Bat-
talion, and some companies of the Meywar Bheel Corps.
Besides those a considerable number of troops are to be
furnished by the Jeypore, Odeypore, and Kota Govern-
ments. The whole force is under the superintendence
of Sir 11. Lawrence.
"The communication by electric telegraph is now
complete between the three Presidencies, the North-
West Provinces, and Lahore. The lines between Bom-
bay and Madras were joined (by moonlight) near Bel-
gaum on the night of the 31st of December, and the
communication between the two Presidencies completed
on the first day of the year.
"There have been meetings in all three presidencies
in aid of the Patriotic Fund. By the latest accounts the
subscriptions to the fund amounted in the, .oty of Cal-
cutta to 70,000 r., in the city of-Madras to 30,000r.,-
and in the city of Bombay to 65,000 r. These figures
represent pretty fairly the comparative intelligence,
wealth, and influence of three presidential cities.
"The Governor-General is about to proceed to the
Neilgherries. The Governors of Madras and Bombay
are at the seat of their respective governments. Sir
William Gomm is at present on a tour of inspection in
the Punjaub."

"CALCUTTA, JANUARY 8.

"The intelligence I originally sent you was correct,
though the sustained mendacity of the Burmese Envoy
induced me to contradict it. The object of the Embassy
was not simply to make professions of friendship, still
less to sign a treaty. At the farewell interview with
the Governor-General the real olject of the mission
was declared. It was nothing less than to demand
the restitution of the entire province of Pegu. The
present King of Ava, argued the Envoy, has no
quarrel with the British, why should the Indian
Government retain his country ? He .is very
friendly, and should not be punished for the crimes of
the King he superseded. So repeated had been the as-
severations of the Envoy that he had nothing to re-
quest, that Lord Dalhousie was taken by surprise.
Fortunately he was not thrown off his guard.
Had he hesitated for a moment, bad he uttered a
smooth sentence, or had he even retired to consult
his Council, Pegu would have been depopu:ated.
The news would have spread through the length and
breadth of the land, that the great white ruler
might surrender Pegn. Every Peguau lives in fear
of the vengeance which would follow that retreat.
Every Peguan consequently would have made his peace
in time by fleeing across the border. Lord Dalhousie
was equal to the occasion, and none the less, perhaps,
because his policy and his temperament happened to he
in unison. With something of oriental exaggeration
he replied, while the sun shines in the heavens,
the British flag had wave over those possessions.'
As fur the character of the King the British
Government bad punished a faithless country and
not an indivi,lnal. The Burmese have returned with
this answer, which they fully anticipated. Directly after
the interview the envoy was questioncd.by an official in
high employ as to his object in making ,o prepost ruus
a demand. I had to g,±t it out of toy stomach,' was
the cool reply, meaning that he knew its absurdity,
but obeyed imperative command. The embassy
has therefore left matters exactly in tin it original
position. That position is, with one exception, not to
be lamented. A treaty, giving us the right to enforce
the free navigation of the lirawaddy up to the Chinese
frontier, would have been valuable. The remain-
ing stipulations could have, answered no real
end. A Greek of the Lower li,inpire is 'trustworthy
c m3p;,..red with a Burmese politician. The treaty
would have been broken at the first opportunity,
and then we must have abolished the dynasty
of the White Elephant, Nor is the position of Pegu so
unsatisfactory as seems to be believed in England. We
cannot turn a junzle into a populous province in a