The Sun.
London, England, 1855-04-02 00:00:00

STATE OF THE ICS' IN THE BALTIC.

NTBORG, MARCEL 25.—Two days ago the Great Belt
was passable, but a severe storm from the south-east,
which has been blowing ever since this morning at day.
light, has brought in large fields of ice, which have
completely blocked up the Westerinne, so that the
passage between Kuudshoved (Canute's Head) and tLe
island of Sproe is no longer to be attempted. The bay
and port of Kierteminde are free from ice, as well as
the whole of the upper part of the Belt, and six boats
came across from Seeland yesterday.
At Elsinore the Sound is free from ice ; but between
Vedbek and the island of Hven it is stilt firm, and at
Copenhagen it extends beyond the Trek roner Battery.
The Bay of Kiel was partially free of ice, but the
prevalent easterly winds have drifted in large masses.
The ice in the harbour has not yet broken up.
Several colliers from English ports to Elsinore and
Wingo Sound, with coals for the Ba'tic fleet, were
seen on the 21st near Gotheuburg entangled in the
ice. Some ice-boats were sent to their assistance.

SWITZERLAND.—A letter from Berne of the 27th, in
the Piedmontese Gazette, announces that the Federal
Council of Switzerland has rat fied the convention of
Milan, which had been ratified by the Grand Council of
Ticino on the 231
WAR APPLIANCES : COLT'S REVOLVING FACTORY.—If
we were to describe the factory (we can scarcely call it
manufactory, the hand has so little to do in it),
which Colonel Sam Colt has set up at Thames-bank
for the production of " Revolvers," fully and at-
it deserves, we should be led perhaps a little too
far out of our more particular track : for a few me-
moranda, however, we must find room. It is so
well ordered, so complete, so striking in its results, that
all engaged in manufacture may learn something from
it : it is itself one large machine, well oiled too, which
takes in at one end a shapeless lump of iron and a piece
of wood, and puts out at the other a beautifully-finished
arm, which you may load and fire six balls from sepa-
rately in three-quarters of a minute, after a certain
amount of practice. In each pistol there are 53 distinct
pieces, including 14 screws ; and, for the formation of
these 40 or 45 separate machines co-operate—hammering,
milling, cutting, drilling, punching, rifling, and shaving ;
all put,into motion by a gallon of water "in a violent
perspiration ; " in other words, a 20-horse power
steam-engine. Some of the machines are especially
beautiful ; look at that for rifling the barrels for ex-
ample, with the brush to keep the cutters clean ; and
the one near it for drilling the six chambers around
the central boring in the solid cylinder, where accuracy
is so indispensable. That regular irregularity, the en-
centric plays an important part in this, as it does in the
hammering machine below ;—the machine patented by
Ryder. Last week they turned out 525 perfect pistol
here, and there are the means for making 800 or 900 a
week, if it were necessary to do so.—The Builder.
[ADVERTISEMENT.]—Holloway's Pills a Superior Medi-
cine for Females.—The unparalleled effects of these re-
markable pills in all complaints incident to females mark
them as the greatest wonder in the annals of medicine.
From the experience of many years, they are incontest-
ably proved to excel all other remedies, and may be
taken with perfect safety by females of all ages, being
peculiarly adapted for removing any disorganisation or
irregularity of the system, thereby restoring the patient
to robust health, even at the most critical periods of
life. Therefore every female that suffers from weakness,
nervousness, tremors, pains in the back, or any °the!
disorder, should have recourse to Holloway's pills.
—Sold by all Medicine vendors, and at Professor Hol
loway's establishments 244, Strand, London and 80,
Maiden-lane, New

In-a few days we are to have that very rare
spectacle in this metropolis,—an Emperor, and
that still rarer, if hot altogether unknown, an
Empress. The event is so strange that people ask
what it means, as they would of a comet or an
earthquake. We need not, however, go further
than the first meaning, which is, that there is pro-
bably more real unanimity and a more thorough
resolution to continue friends than there has been
at any former period of our history. Our dynastic
relations with France are singular. Her last five
sovereigns, including the first and the present Na-
poleon, have visited this country in their adversity,
either before or after their enjoyment of power.
Of these five the three Bourbons certainly might
be regarded as under deep obligations to this
country. Yet Napoleon 111. is the first Sovereign
of France who has neither been at war with us,
nor obliged to give in to an anti-Anglican agitation
to the very verge of war. While, however, the
Sovereigns of France seem to have thought a
quarrel with England the last and best stay of a
tottering throne, there exists no proof of a national
antipathy. There is no reason to doubt that the
mutual feelings of the two nations conspire with
their interest, which certainly is on the side of
peace. It is from Franfe, that is from the Nor-.
nun element, that, we have derived no s .11 part
of that atullitidu-a,W tilit. versatility, tha combi-
nation 7
of the mercEoo4-and the martial nalities,
which has given us so *Rich success, and 'entailed
m us so much en*. Our continual wars
may be traced to a series of unfortunate acci-
lents ; to the French possessions of our wilier
'cings; to their subsequent conquests in France,
to their final expu'sion thence, to religious
feuds, and to the ambition of this or that
inan on either side—causes, latterly, as the light
fuel that falls on the embers of a recent quarrel,
Ind blaz3 up into sudden fury. But, if we go
either to the solid int3rests, or to the great mind
trid.warm, heart of either nation, there is ample
material and security for au alliance beneficial be-
yond all conception to both countries and to the
world. So, if we are asked the meaning of this
new prodigy, we are ready with an answer. It
augurs that England and France will henceforth
tot together as they never before acted ; and that
they will see more of ono another, and learn more
from one another, and impart more to one another,
than they ever did before. Why, indeed, should
we think such a friendship, lasting possibly for cen-
turies, more incredible than the fact of the former
long alienation ?
But, to come to a question of more immediate
interest—what are we do with our Imperial visi-
tors ? How are we to entertain them ? What are
we to show them? As it happens, they are both
pretty well acquainted with almost everything
that they would care to see in this metropolis.
This being the case, it is rather a fortunate circum-
stance that they have not yet seen the interior of
our Court and that the Emperor can have only
the faintest recollections of any other Court, ex-
cept that which he has been obliged to create. If
they are taken in succession to London, Windsor,
and Osborne, they will see British Royalty under
the convenient, the grand, and the comfortable
aspect. There is a very proper variety even in
Courts. Non omnia possumus °runes. The Ern-
n
peror of France has not a marine palace in the
of thick groves, smooth lawns, and green
knolls, that sees the finest fleet in the world at
anchor or manoeuvring before it. Nor has the
Emperor that combination of the Norman fortress,
the mediaeval palace, and the modern mansion, that
all foreigners admire in Windsor Castle. On the
ather hand, we have no miles of marble columns,
inlaid floors, statues and paintings, as at Versail-
les ; no Louvre,- no Tuileries. Very desperate at-
tempts are in progress, as we hear, to furbish up
the Royal upholstery for the occasion ; canopies
and thrones are in demand ; old embroidery has
been cut out to be appliquéd, if we may Anglicise
the word, to a new silk ground ; the Court func-
tionaries are anxiously looking out precedents and
settling the paces of Royalty. Curious people are
impertinently expecting the results of a meeting
between potentates so different, yet with so much
to say for themselves. On the one hand, there is
the half-feudal, half-constitutional Queen ; on the
other hand, the self-raised, army-named, people-
elected Caesar of the old Roman sort. The Emperor
has done a great deal ; the Queen has happily no
need to do much. She has only to be good, and
kind, and wise, and the work is done for her ;
although it is not easy even for a sovereign to be
always prudent and amiable. Their consorts are
both handsome, agreeable, and accomplished ; and,
when a fair lady is in the case, we need not attempt
to strike a balance between German sovereignty
and Spanish nobility. Heaven has made our Queen
the mother of a family. Her guest has yet to make
his heir as well as he can by force of testaments,
po ohr t
senseant qualities
aa and
good
edicts, senatus consulta, and we know not what
machinery of empire. It really is some comfort to
think that, strange as it may seem, the whole four
i n tempercommon.
havehave asellinceomilme
but*good can come of a meeting in which' tho first
conditions of mutual benefit are
the most promi-
nent qualities ?

But how is the Queen to amuse her guests ?
Well. It's only a week or ten days, and, as the
time is to be divided between three palaces, and the
work is already cut out for several long days, there
will not be much time even for princes to feel dull.
There are, as it happens, a few things our Imperial
visitors have not seen. There is the Crystal Palace,
which, of course, they will see, for no king or em-
peror can see the like in his own country. Will
they pay a visit to the Great Globe in Leicester-
square, or to the Panopticon ? If they venture on
theatricals they will have to choose between Chas.
Kean in Setrdanapalus and Mr. Robson in
the Blighted Being. They are to go to Woolwich,
and by the way will probably see Mr. Scott Russell's
leviathan ship, 'already showing its proportions.
The Great Western station, pretty as it is, hardly
beats some French oxes ; but the Great Northern,
in vastness at least, has no rival at home or abroad.,
What other new sight can be suggested ? The B at-
pern 119,4 done a good, deal in now §treeth 1261-7--

docks, new buildings for the working classes, new
sewers, new barracks, and other splendid, or grim,
utilities. Will Aldershott be ready for a visit? What
is left of the Guards, or what has been found of the
militia, will hardly supply materials for a review.
Diving into precedents, one remembers that the
Allied Sovereigns dined in Guildhall and paid a visit
to the University of Oxford. In case Napoleon 111.
should think helms something owing to him in that
quarter, happily the _ whole programme exists,
speeches, poems, and all. It so happens, indeed, that
throughout these pompous documents a certain
personage is described as the pest of the earth, a
torch of war, a fury of hell, a forger of chains for
mankind, a restless demon ; but the word Russi
fortunately possesses the same number of syllables
as Galli, and neither the scanning of a verse nor
the flow of a sentence would be disturbed by a
substitution. • Why should not the Emperor of the
French be made a D.C.L. as well as a K.G. ? He
has evidently studied the civil law to some purpose
in his own case. But he is also a mathematician,
and Cambridge may put in its claim for a day. But
what a change since this day forty years, when
Europe was preparing. for her last struggle with
Napoleon, and had just pronounced him out of the
pale of social order and civilisation How have
we boxed the whole compass ! So true is it, that
we should always remember our enemies may one
day he our friends, and our friends, if we don't
take care, may one day be our enemies. We may
forget the past if we please, but now is the 7 time to
thinker the future: Surly something iAay _ 113 W
be done—something more effectual and lasting than
combined fleets and armies, to remove for ever the
old wall of separation between England and France.
Here Russia has been our ally for halt a century,
and not an idea, not a thing have we got from her,
except hides, hemp, and tallow, and a lew bits of
malachite. How much more have wo got—how
much more can we still get, from the bugbear of
our infancy—lmperial France !

TIIE GOVERNMENT AND THE
NEGOTIATIONS FOR PEACE.

(From the Morning Chronicle of this day.)

The sinister rumours —on the subject at this moment
of the greatest interest to England, nay to the civilised
world—which for the last few days have been current,
are receiving confirmatiod in various ways. Even the
most sceptical persons begin to believe that this country
—at least, in so far as it is represented by its Government
—is about to be led into concluding a doubtful if not a
dishonourable peace.
There is but much reason to suspect that those who
are officially responsible for the interests of the people
are bartering them away for a renewed lease of power.
The present Prime Minister was placed where he is
that he might perform one great duty. His imme-
diate predecessors had a very difficult game to play.
Their pledged devotion to the commercial principles
with which their party had been identified led them to
desire that the peace of Europe might be preserved and
the development of civilisation assisted. There were
many reasons why they could not contravene the deep
faith of the permanency of a peace which already had
endured hard upon half a century. The peculiar state
of our diplomatic relations with some of the chief Euro-
pean States compelled them to proceed with the utmcs;
caution. While they were steadily preparing for war,
they were obliged to maintain at least the formal sem-
blance of pacific purposes. Indeed, with the exception
of a few persons, of whom still fewer could be suspected
of a sound judgment, neither the public nor the Parlia-
ment believed it possible that Russia could withstand the
formidable cealition organised against her, or that moral
influence which hitherto has been found to be binding
on the rulers of civilised communities.

•Rightly or wrongly, the public at home condemned
this our policy abroad, although it was both wise and
timely. Multitudes do not reason—they act on im-
pulses. Because at last Russia threw off the mask, and
stood confessed au unprincipled aggressor, the British
Public forgot all the antecedents of the question. A
prudent reserve, adopted more from necessity than
choice, was interpreted as moral cowardice; and in-
evitable delays were charged as a kind of crime against
the national interests. When, at last, we were hurried
into the attack on the Crimea, the public took no note
of the material difficulties that stood in the way of suc-
cess. An outcry raised against the mismanagement of
our army caught the public feeling at the critical mo-
ment, and then came the crash which resulted in the
elevation of Lord Palmerston to the post of Prime
Minister.

Why was he placed in that proud position ? Was it
to effect a peace at the expense of the national honour ?
Was it to leave the army precisely in the same position
as before, trusting to the change of season for a remedy
of the evils complained of ? Lord Palmerston was placed
at the head of the Government, because it was thought
that the country had shown too pacific a temper. The
policy of the Aberdeen Administration was not con-
demned by that choice, because Lord Palmerston had
been a not unimportant member of that Ministry. But it
was considered that an open manifestation of the altered
feeling of the nation was necessary ; and there was no
mode of denoting that change more effectual than put-
ting at the bead of affairs a man whose name had be-
come identified with all that was anti-Russian in the
recent policy of England.
How is Lord Palmerston discharging the duty thus
confided to him ? Hitherto he has disappointed the ex-
pectations of the public. In what respect has he de-
parted from the policy of his predecessors ? Scarcely in
any. Talk of " vigour !" Where has the present Ad-
ministration shown vigour? Except in a species ofpoco
curantP, flippancy, the Premier scarcely condescends to
addrets the House. A few high-sounding but most
hollow phrases, as to the necessity for an " honourable"
peace, as distinct from a " hollow truce "—this is all tbe
enlightenment of the public mind the noble viscount
deiv,ns to offer ! Sometimes, indeed, some misplaced
and untimely joke, on subjects the most seiuu
serious,
in ndi
cates that the lev;ty for which Lord Palmerston
for-
mer days was noted is in no way changed by his new
and grave responsibilities.
All Europe knows by this time thatLorodnPtaerlminearws,noino'ns
Ministry is prepared to concludea peace
fall very far short of the standard
spirith
is
to override our
try. Ws have not been accustomederniai u
thusual 'tiot itehl toc ourun
enemies, or allow our commercial
is
quite true that other
old chivalrous sentiments. I
parties in the State have in a gre.a,t measure invited this
by openly' conspiring to form a coalition
catastrophe,equallyoftrpuea,rttyh,att„hheayvianrge
against the Government.
jealousy
succeeded in alarming
now congratulating themselves on the success of their own
rnanceuvres. It is one of the great evils of the constitu-
tional system of Government, that party spirit thus ~prev-
ails in the councils of a nation whose affairs are so
Adp*aiit@flG_lt. In Pa' At_ Mil for power

interests and the honour of the country are too
often lost 'sight of. Lord Palmerston is not the first
Whig chief who ha's thus "given up to party what was
meant for mankind," nor are the present chiefs of the
Tories the only leaders of an opposition who have forced
the Government of the day into unpatriotic courses by
menacing them with defeat. The only difference con-
sists in the gravity of the issues at stake. The British
people expected something better from Lord Palmerston
than that he should forget the interests of his country
in the petty manoeuvres of Parliamentary tactics,. Had
he fulfilled his mission in the spirit in which it was con-
fided to him, no one would have asked of what materiali
be had composed an Administration of which he was to
be the chief and guide. But if Lord Palmerston has
only taken office in order to "let down" his country,
by effecting a peace on conditions short of those de-
manded by the necessities of the case, the public will be
very ready to inquiry why the late Ministerial chwages
were made at all. Indeed, if we reflect that to Lord
Aberdeen was owing the Austrian alliance—the only
positive gain we can count since the commencement of
this dispute—it is difficult to comprehend why that
noble earl was driven from office, and why Lord Palmer-
ston was placed at the hel►u.

We perceive, on the part of the organs of the Oppo-
sition, a great desire tb hold up the Emperor Napoleon
the Third as having " consented" to conditions which this
country will regard as something only short of ignomi-
nious. Taey are chuckling over the disgrace-which such
a peace would bring on the British Ministry which would
agree to it. Those who have attentively watched the pro
ceedings and policy of the French Emperor, since the
commencement f this Ea:stern question, will be slow
to-believe t'iat a
,•the_cilkive4h--hou-r he_liaa.chanc,red:,!',lle
'-one or will itirst the other. Anxious he naturally wit
be to pr..tect the mt:r.ests of those of his subj,cts•whu
are engaged in commercP, but he will not sacrifice the
military hda,ur of the French nation to so temporary
an object. Unlike Lcrd Palmerston, he has not to fear
the loss of position, because the French people have
unbounded confidence in his firmness and sagacity.
He, at least, is not so placed as to shrink from a thrca:-
eried coalition of political 'gamesters and f toatical or
interested advocates of peace for the mere sake of peace.
It is a melancholy pesitien for England when her
honour is neglected by her own rulers, and she is com-
pelled to look for its protection to the chief of a foreign
people, the successor of her fiercest foe !

What may be the fate of this attempt at a compromise
Cannot yet be known. That the Emperor of the French
does not rest bis faith on the hope of peace may be in-
ferred from the state of his preparations. Perhaps the
most favourable result that could be desired for England
would be that which would nevertheless discourage large
classes of the community, buoyed up by expectations of
peace. Painful as it is to contemplate war, especially
such a war as would be required to humble Russia, the
dignity and the permanent interests of the country would
best be served were the Emperor Alexander IL arrogant
enough to refuse the offers so humbly made to him, and
thus to fcrce our Ministers to do their duty in spite of
themselves.

THE EFFECTS OF LORD ABERDEBA'S
HOSPITALITY TO PRINCE RADZIVIL.

In the course of last summer, when Lord Aberdeen
was premier, a lieutenant general in the Prussian ser-
vice, the Prince von Radzivil, visited England. Not-
withstanding that this general's master, the King of
Prussia, was all but openly siding with England's
enemy, the Emperor of Russia, the authorities of this
country did not think the moment inopportune to grant
the general permission to inspect the do3kyards and
arsenals of Great Britain, and afford him opportunities
to review the newly-embodied militia regiments,
almost the only military force then left in the
country. It was muttered amongst observing people at the
time that this officer did not observe much delicacy in
the appropriateness of his visit. But the General's
bearing was so nonchalant, and exhibited such utter un-
consciousness of any impropriety or want of good taste
in what he was doing, that the authorities to whom he
was introduced appeared to be thrown off their guard,
and treated him with that deference ordinarily due to
his military rank. It is true the general commanding
the western district, the renowned hero of Aliwall,
after passing two militia regiments in review before
the Prince, observed to his Highness m bearing of
all present, " that braver troops did not exist in the
world thanlthe Prussian troops, that they stood heroically
at the side of the English in the well-fought field of
Waterloo, and no doubt would do so again if occasion
should require it." This allusion of Sir Harry Smith to
Waterloo was considered by many bystanders as inap-
propriate, injudicious, and indelicate towards our brave
allies the French, and thus public attention was drawn
from canvassing the indelicacy of the general's visit. Let
us now pass over these few months in which the British
army in the East has been enduring unparalleled horrors
in the support of its country's honour, and we shall
discover, by the merest accident, that the gentlemen
at whose disposal were placed the means of acquiring
the most accurate knowledge of-bur defences, has carried
that information to the service of the Czar, where he is now
employed, commanding a Russian army in the Crimea. In
the correspondence from Eupatoria we learn thaantditnhae
parlonentaire with one of Omer Pacha's generals and
Russian commander, the former discovered in. the n
noffildeceor.mrTadhee oeffiarnceer,nnoriresPpornindceeneveongoßesatohdnzeivoil
tdistinguished
messengers passed to and fro between
courtesies and ac-
parlementairiens, exchanging civilities, Radzivil,
detaile German
officer.
Can any one
politician, or spy.
cfeerprteadb le
that presentsth e yr i
nf
co
er
vonth the table,
Radzivil. wh whence it
m ansiatyabaaeamin:
d the King of
Sir
he
Harry
informi sh ed t
public
who
it
Prussia's envoy extraordinacirzear
the
.wa.s thatt visit
tbltehe
tpresented himself n
subrne hopweihtdeh a min4terial t I °
defences of
fortunes England
aa
fndwarref report
stooniteohfe futureii,
Smith into the hands
of Shouldncowetdil:aleveiyor:ehnloatnitthtr?ieaolrdewzi
will
.i in b
Crimea, it is
Was the
eat
in mind the civilitiesmer,
the r°'
ue-
omhjaeacatt
Wisewhe n ,p
alraasdttoe,
armed
tion, and requested to examine fliclency of the
landwehr of England. If it bet so. facile a thing, as this
German prince discovered it be, to throw dust in the
eyes of the mini,terial . officials at
ilileielosensß:roti,
tfriiastthßeed•ltbinsyhlihia)ttho-(biffieley be
ecf
wondered at that the hneascaounftdetn
mSeyb,assatoaplioslsasrhiLu,ldanb
de visitedth e
evaded.—Daily NeWS.

.A.IISTRIAN FINAXCE. is supposed in political cir-
cles at Vienna that the mission of Field Marshal Degen-
feld to London relates to a loan of 60 millions of florins,
which the new finance minister, Baron de Bruck, has,
it is said, proposed to contract abroad. The Weser Ga-
zette in mentioning the subject, states that to this sum
will b 3 added another of 20 millions, to be employed in
withdrawing from circulation the paper-money issued by
the Beath.

_ 77_
The fortieth anniversary " dinner of this institution
took place on Saturday evening set the Freemasons
Tavern, the Right Hon, the Lord Mayor in the chair,
supported by Mr. Alderman and Sheriff Muggeridg.
and Mr. Sheriff Crosley, 'and a numerous company;
among whom we noticed the Rev. Dr. Cfoly, Sir Cs L.
Eastlake, P.R.A., Sir W. C. Ross, R.A., Sir C. Barry,
R.A., Messrs. D. Roberts, R.A., R.A.,
C. R. Cockerill, R.A., Philip Hardwick, R.A., W. P.
Frith, R.A., with many other associates and members
of the Royal Academy and gentlemen connected with
the fine arts.
After clue honour had been rendered to the usual loyal
toasts,
The LORD MAYOR proposed ." The Army and Navy,'
and, after paying a well-merited tribute to the gallantry
and devotion displayed by our forces in the East, said
that it must he a source of intense.gra.tifiCation to all pre-
sent, as Englishmen, that he should be able to couple
with Out toast Allies." (Cheers.) He
hopLa'thal the union which now-existed' between France
and Eimgland mould remain unshaken long after the pre-
sent contest had been decided on a basis consistent with
the honour and dignity of the two countries. (('heers.)
cenvinced alSo that the .Emperor Of the French,
on Its approaching visit to this tesuntryi would be re-
ceived with -the honour gal re-Teet to which, by his
loyal co-urchition, lie was so well entitled. (Cheers.)
The toast was drunk with enthusiasm. In proposing
the toast. Of the evening, "the Prosperity of the
Artists' General 'Benevolent Institutioe;" the Lord
-Mayor explained that=its object; was jo extend re-
lief to diStressed artists, whether :enbscribers to its
fund or not, whose works had been generally known
and esteemed by the public, as well as to their widows
-and orphans. He was sure an appeal of this kind
would induce all present to do their utmost in aiding
and assisting 30 laudable an undertaking. (Cheers.)
The toast having been duly honoured, '
Sir C. L. EASTLAKE next proposed "The Health of
the Chairman," and in so doing said he regarded the oc-
cupation of that chair by the Lord Mayor as an auspi-
cious event, inasmuch as it was calculated to recommend
the institution to these distinguished and influential
'ividuals in the city of London who, when once as-
sured that the objeetseof the society were laudable, and
its affairs judiciously administered, would lend their
valuable aid and promote it by their sympathy and sup.
port. (Cheers.) There. was, however, another cause of
congratulation. No one present could be ignorant of
the manner and of the extent to which the present Lord
Mayor of the city of London had been connected with
the fine arts of this country. (Cheers.) Could any one
forget that through hid enterprise the works of our artists
had been made familiar, by means of excellent engrav-
ings, not only throughout our cwn country, but .he might
say without exaggeration throughout the civilised world
(Cheers.) When he remembered that grand work re-
presenting the scenery of Egypt, of Syria, and of the
Holy Land, recommended and adorned as it was by the
able pen of Dr. Croly, he could not but regard it as a
lasting record of the spirit of its publisher, while it was
a monument partly raised by him to the fame of Davicl.
Roberta. (Cheers.)
The LORD MAYOR having returned thanks,
Dr. CEOLY then gave the toast of "The Royal Acae.
demy," coupling with it the name of Sir Chas. Eastlake.
In the course of an eloquent address the reverend gen-
tleman said they were all acquainted with the history of
the Royal Academy—that it began in quarrels—like
Richard, was " tetchy and quarrelsome" in its youth, but
had since risen to man's estate, and had sustained the
talent, the arts, and honour of the country. If he were
to speak of art, a question altogether beyond his power,
he should say that it was the source of the strongest and
most permanent power of a country. In all iustances
which he had seen, in all those recollections of history
which are common to us all, he found that the arts_ have
been the only permanent, powerful, and influential evi-
dences of the fame of those countries to which they were
common. How little did we care now about the con-
quests even of Athens, yet we saw its fame immortalised
by the relics of its art. How little did we care now
about the squabbles and factions of Italy, her princes,
and her potentates ; for we looked to Italy only as the
country of Titian, Michael Angelo, and Raphael. The
history of Louis XIV. presente a similar example. He
was a great man and a great conqueror. His conquests
had long since disappeared, but his proudest memorials
—the illustrations of his country's glory— still remained
in the arts. (Cheers ) If England desired to be the
first country in the world—a natural desire it was, and
one which was put within her own power—she must,
make her cities the temples of the arse. He did not
wish to speak disrespectfully of individual patronage,
but before the arts could receive their full development
the patronage must be national in its extent and charac-
ter. Why should not all corporate halls advance the na-
tional appreciation of art l Why should not the history
of England be explained on those walls, which might
contain the noblest illestrations ; and our-pe4santry be e
taught the hitltory oftheir forefathers by seeing that his-
tory emblazoned on walls which they were wont .to see
10 their `dark- \avoeatiors ? Could they doubt that it
would pr)motem...in tbatit would be an incite,
tnei,t ? We might produeeteany a man
who w s now lost to titsmctoty merely by the coi Seenplation
"f the glerieue deeds of '3`,'.l.ke days that tire vine." Might
be ryused to i
not maav "mu te nglor:orms‘24iitomi"
the ofhisi,iifrividlYdepicted b, fore
his eyee,l4l.lfiht u,,t many an,
It,4l._Ptigo.l,P,s hero kt-
t led toy
,df,!r hitimse•l for the honour or hi .:..)I!infry by se, ein:gri
;that had been done by those who bad gone
\light not the whole spirit of the country be incitedi
elevated, and inspired by that noble vision, from things
that were past up to timings that were to come ?
he conctilvol, were the legitimate purposes of art. They
sere called upon that evening t 4 administer such bene-
volence as they might to individuals who had supported
the honour of the country and gratified the taste of in-
dividuals. In ring to such as these it must lie
borne in mind that they were supplying the necessities
~f those who were more sensitive to sorrow than any
other men, who were the distinguished of our age, and
whom it should be the glory of our age to cultivate,
sustain, and honour. Thu lutist was a patriot of the
first water, unstained by faCtion, not looking to the
mere circumstances of the moment, but a patriot striving
after immortality, and seeking to confer that immor-
tality upon his country. (Loud cheers.)
Sir C. L. EASTLAKE, on the part of the members of
the Royal Academy and of himself, in returning thanks,
expressed his special acknowledgments to the eloquent
speaker for the kind manner in which he had recom-
mended the toast of the Royal Academy. Among the
members of the Ronal Academy there had been, and
there were, many who had enjoyed the friendship of
their chairman. Among those who were now no more,
he could not mention one who had a steadier regard for
his lordship than David Wilkie. He stated this from.
his own experience, for he remembered well the terms of
respect with which the great painter uniformly spoke of
his friend Mr. Moon. (Cheers,)
The SECIIETARY ,read the report of the proceedings of
the society fsr the past year, from which it appeared
that a sum of 8261, hal been expended during the year
in the relief of 65 applicants, the amount awarded to
each applicant varying from 351. to 81;, according to
the necessities of the case.

The TREASURER (fr. C. It Cockerel], R.A.), in ac-
knowledging the receipt of the subscriptions in the room,
congratulated the meeting on their having reached the
suns of 6111., beinu upwards of 1001. more than was col-
lected at the anniversary dinner last year.
The remair.ing ordinary routine toasts having been
disposed of, the proceedings terminated.
A selection of vocal music by Madame Weiss,. Mrs.
Lockey, and Miss Williams (who was much applauded),
assisted by Mr. Weiss, Mr. Lockey, and Mr. J. L.
Hatton, contributed much to the enjoyment of the
evening. Mr. Harker officiated as toastmaster.

. -
MEDICAL MEN APPOINTED EXECUTIONERS.—To the
unitiated it might perhaps appear not quite the thing
that a gentleman by birth and education, a member of a
learned and humane profession, should, on accepting her
Majesty's service, be degraded to a level with the com-
mon hangman, and forced to undergo a training in bru-
tality and ruffianism. • What is the opinion of the mili-
tary authorities on this point let the following letter tes-
tify. It is a verbatim copy of one written a week ago
by au Adjutant-General of Forces. For obvious rea-
sons we conceal names :—" Adjutant-General's-officer
E---, March • . Sir—ln reply to your letter of
td undergo
be•
undergo
tbhye
direction 9 tlrin st.,ofl
theli e the
Major-Generalhonour
itnyg,oui,rtivhaattt;
D
the sentence awarded him in the gaol ofb ------, and
, of the —th Regimenatt,iti.ss
the Regimental Hospital, by the,,Asins
that the prisoner must be markedopwp.i tothsittioenl eittteernDeo :nu,
fore being committed to gaol. Our reac'ers will re.
member the regulation under which the above letter ig
authorised, and also the vigorous
Can comment
tared in our pages when first proposed. C
be needed ? If the heads of the Army and Navy
eumpoonreefftual means than tDbee:
disappearance making the Medical
will Ser'
ever think of enter.
On
of the Rev.
itßinlNcE.—Considerabla sensa-
buiness.
Blivpoariagoccreet
imitorhlleevieceioyi
eti:nstethhohl
yiraclihddl
olllinooetg. resolved_te take
li:
ce:
n Gloucester, owing to the myste-
rious
drove
MYSTERIOUS pis . pp: ' Ihacs and Gazette,
tion has been createdA
i
g
into Golnouce.ster to see Mr. Davis, of Bell-lane, on.
George Watts, of
`lay,
_BeLlAne'ewa° Saturday last the reverend gentleman:
and
theing to his house, however, he was noU
last time he was seen was about mid-.
oif 1
theea rs
memberstliat lea
Isktlicnr,attnwthaerdDs„,tlhlesstaotnetshgtahatet-sthreeewt.asli:
a -), .
boaltililreadfca
mainiyart-rlantgueeemtenttheamitlai
tsotmb :at
Bell Hotel. They waited until half-past four o'clock,
but as he did riot return they drove home, thinking ha
had gone before them. Not returning, his friends and
relatives wer!. ratm ally in a state of great anxiety.
Information was given to the police and search was
made in every direction, and ultimately a reward of
501. was offered f, r his discovery, and a full description
of his pe=rson was published. Several reports have been
prevalent that he had been seen in different parts of the
county, but none on which' thorough reliance can be
placed. Yesterday ;t wa3 stated that he was found at
Hinton, near Bristol, but this turned out to be untrue,
another person having been mistaken for him. We are
sorry to hear that although every effort has been made
to discover him, and although messengers have been
sent to every part of the county, all search has as yet
proved ineffectual. We understand that latterly the
rev. gentleman bas suffered from severe headaches,
which it is stated may have 'affected his intellect. A-
most painful anxiety surrounds the affair, as it is not
known whether he is living or dead. life was much re.
spaded by his parishioners and all who knew him—.
gßocatg: brOUrflals - -
at.l_
_1,,,c,
when
njti

DRIIRY-LANE.—Lessee, Mr. E. T. Smith.— which the chief amounts are received—in that of
Reduced Prices as usual.
1854 only 99,3021. was realised ; while, pro-
THIS EVENING,
Will be presented a GRAND PROVE s:ADE CONCERT. The bably in consequence of arrears from the previous
Musical arrangements w.ll Include the whole of the Popular Mu is
from Meyerboer's Opera L'Etoile du Nord, executed by the Opera quarter, 194, 897/. was obtained. There is,
Band of 103 Performers and 60 Chorus. therefore, nothing to boast of in the quarter's

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-ST REET.
Under the,Management of Mr. CLuaLs.3 KEAN.
ON EASTER MONDAY
Will be performed LIVING TOO FAST.
To be folowed by THE CORSIOAN BROTHERS. Principal
eharacter by Mr. C. Kean.
To conclude with (first time) a Romance, in two acts, entitled
THE MULETEER OF TOLEDO ; or, King, Queen, and Knave.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. Wm. Cooke.
Mr. William Cooke begs to acknowledge one of the most successful
seasons of the Royal Amphitheatre, and announces that on EASTER
MONDAY there will be produced an original Equidrama, to be called,
THE FIELD AGAINST THE FAVOURITE; developing events of
peculiar character and general interest !
Novel SCENES in the CIRCLE, and a variety of amusements, will
1 end their aid to the evening's entertainment.
Box-oftlce open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W.
West. Acting Mana3er, r. W. 11. Cooke. Equestrian Director,
)lr. W. Cooke, jun.

NATIONAL STANDARD.
THIS EVENING,

Mr. G. HODSONT, the celebrated Irish Comedian, will give his
popular Musical Entertainment, called MY IR:SII PORTFOLIO;
or, Geme from the Emerald Isle; with Imitations of Henry Russell,
31. Robins, &c. the wonder of the world, Wellington Young, her
Majesty's Royal Conjurer, will appear in his Grand Soirees m agiques.
Madame Elster, the greatest Tight-Rope Dancer in the world. M.
Delevenlle and Pupils' Grand Drawing-room Entertainment. Lapong
and Son in La Perche. Morgan's Disselving Views, &c.

ROYAL STRAND THEATRE.
'Under the direction of Miss Rebecca Isaacs.
THIS EVENING,

The WIZARD of the WORLD will appear in his Magic Salocn,
with a variety of amusements.
To be followed by THE BARBER OF CADIZ, introducing the
Drury-lane Ballet COMf any.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tam DAT —Morning 4 min.after 2 j Evening 19 MITIAft. 2
To-Motaow-- Morning 36 min.after 2 j Evening 49 min.aft. 2

TEE WEATHER.--Strx Ornu, April. 1.
THZVONETZR, 13 THZ SHADS.
48—highest since noon yesterday.
32—lowest this morning and daring the night,
46—this day, at noon.

BAROMETER, 30'33.
WIND, N.E.—Light breeze. In the morning there was
a slight fall of snow.
APRIL 2.
47—highest since noon yesterday.
30 —lowest this morning and during the night.
43 —this day at noon.
BAROMEns, 3013.
WIND, E.—Light breeze, with fine cold weather.

in crease.

,

'~~~
+-

1131,

::

LONDON, MONDAY, APRIL 2, 1855.

The new style financial year, which, according to
the Act of last session, terminated on the 31st
March, instead of on the sth of April, having
been brought to a conclusion, we once more have
the Revenue Returns to inspect and criticise. In
the present instance both terms have been
abridged by five days. The account for the re-
duced term of 85 days show that 15,021,276/.
had actually been received, being an average of
176,720/. 18s. per diem, so that but for the
change there would have been au addition of
883,6041. 10s. to the returns for the year and
quarter. Due allowance has, however, been
made for this alteration, inasmuch as the receipts
of the corresponding year and quarter were only
made up to the 31st of March in last year. Al-
though some confusion has for the time being
been occasioned by the alteration, it may be re-
garded as a valuable improvement in bringing the
accounts cf incomings and outgoings to the same
Period. Previously, the expenditure was only
reckoned to the end of the month—that is, 31st
March, 30th June, 30th September, and 31st
December, while, on the other hand, the receipts
were taken to the sth April, sth July, 10th October,
and sth January, by a whereof, a gross de-
lusion was practised oz. • 2 community, there be-
ing a deficiency of days in each of three
quarters, and ter js in the fourth, the Sep-
tember qi Henceforward the national
.salassee gl!‘'PL ii be correctly balanced to the
-san s one of the many fallacies, put forth
_ . 'Official authority, will be removed.
The receipts for the year, of 360 days, and the
quarter of 85 days, exceed those of the corres-
ponding periods last year by 6,312,6241. and
4,384,3081. respectively. These might be, and
have, by many of our contemporaries, been re-
garded as eminently satisfactory results. Looking,
however, to the increased taxation that has taken
place during the past year, we cinnot take quite
so favourable a view thereof. We know that in
the first budget—that of the 6th of March—the
then Chancellor of the Exchequer estimated the
revenue—with the doubled income tax for half
a year—at 56,600,0001. sterling. Two months
afterwards--on Bth of May—when asking for the
continued duplication of the Income Tax, during
the War, and increased duties on malt and spirits,
and the cessation of the gradual reduction on tea
and sugar, be calculated on obtaining from
these various sources 6,850,0001. additional,
making a grand total for the year of 63,450,000/.
The actual receipts have, however, been but
59,469,1541., or 3,954,8461. less than the esti-
mate. Considerable allowance must, however, be
made for taxes as yet in arrear, and which the
Right Hon. Gentleman declared might probably
be the case to the extent of nearly four millions.
It is, therefore, but justice to say that the pre-
vious calculation has been pretty nearly realised
in the gross amounts, although there have been
considerable variations in some of the details.
Looking to the particular items, we find that
in the Customs there has been an improvement in
the year and quarter of 295,725/. and 221,0601.
respectively. Mr. GLADSTONE'S estimate was at
the rate of 700,0001. per annum, but, as the
changes which he proposed did not come into
operation until the July quarter, we could not
reasonably anticipate the full extent thereof
already—the improvement for which more than
realises his hopes is in sugar and tea. Now, these
are the very articles where there had been gra-
dual reductions which were arrested by the Right
Honourable Gentleman ; and in these the revenue
obtained the benefit of these reductions in conse-
quence of an increased demand—a striking proof
that it is not the heaviest duties which are most
rci'llittive to the revenue.
The raise Returns afford additional corrobora-
tion to the 040,m3
the year and principle. The improvement on
czixArter lia(i been
211,284/. The1,077,5761.
'"ti• ated improvement for the
year in the
the deficiency is .2
May l'lldEgluct was 2,450,000/ so that
early
u 5001. How has
this occurred From the di.'rei,ai4l
of malt and spirits, or at least :bed consumption
paid duty, owing to the a, " of that which has
been well ascertained that anyina.derdi
unitional It has
edition is invariably attended vs- ith
contraband articles. Mr. GLADST the tax
e:issze:l,activity in
of this probability by ourselves, R' warned
8
by others. He disregarded the well as
salutary leases
i ng, and behold the result ! The consumption
of malt in the term ending sth January, 1854, ,
was 41,992,178 bushels ; in
that ending sth
January, 1855, 36,812,727 bushels only. These
figures speak for themselves, and require no argu.
guments to deduce the inevitable conclusion.
In Stamps the increase on the year is 176,1311.,
and on the quarter 54,9441., while in taxes there
is a decrease on the year of 105,5581. Both
these Variations may be ascribed to the stringency
of collection rather than to any alteration in the
amounts payable, which cannot greatly change.
The June- and September quarters are those in

The Property Tax is that in which the great
change took place, the improvement for the
year being no less than 5,137,3341., and that for
the quarter being 3,798,6121. As we have
already stated, however, it was estimated
to produce for the year 12,889,0001. ;
whereas 10,515,369/. only has been rea-
lised. As we cannot judge of the amount of
outstanding arrears, it is manifest that we are
still in the dark respecting this all-important
item.

In the Post-office, thanks to the efficiency of
one of our best public servants—Mr. ROWLAND
Nun—there is an improvement on the year of
230,1561., and on the quarter of 45,9221. The
outlay in adding to the postal facilities being—
like money spent in advertising—more than re-
turned, by enhanced profits. In Crown Lands
there is a deficiency on the year of 123,3161., in
consequence of the large receipts in the July
quarter of last year, but an improvement on the
quarter of 1,0001. ; while in Miscellaneous there
is a decrease of 375,4261. on the year, and of
44,1091. on the quarter. Such is the state of the
ordinary revenue, on which we have something
yet to say—and all we can say is, that while it
gives no occasion for any extraordinary exulta-
tion, there is none for depression of spirits. The
people feel these increased burdens ; there is less
consumption of the comforts of the million, but
our resources are still elastic, and we can do far
more if necessity should arise, and that extra
funds be required for the vigorous maintenance
of the just and necessary War in which we are
engaged.

Various and conflicting reasons have been as-
signed for the journey of M. DROIIYN DE L'HUYS
to Vienna. It is positively asserted in some
quarters that the participation of the French Mi-
nister in the Conferences is likely to tend to a
pacific solution of the existing difficuties ; that
M. DE BOURQI7ENEY has not exhibited a suffi-
ciently conciliatory manner ; but from too ri-
gorous an adhesion to his instructions had
given offence to the Russian and Austrian Diplo-
matists. Should these statements, unfortunately,
prove well founded—should greater concessions
be contemplated, and a discreditable and tempo-
rary " truce"— ffe shall not term it " peace"—
be patched up, we shudder to think of the results,
which will be fully as injurious to France as to
England.

We, however, hope better things from our mag-
nanimous and chivalrous Allies. We are there-
fire disposed rather to credit the opposite version,
also in circulation, and to believe that the im-
portant step may be occasioned by a desire to
keep the English Plenipotentiary up to the mark,
and to counteract the symptoms of yielding already
displayed by Lord JOHN RUSSELL. This view of
the case is Srengihened by the hasty journey to
England of M. DROUYN DE flltrys—his prolonged
conference with Lords PALMERSTON, LANSDOWNE,
and CLARENDON, and subsequent audience by her
Most Gracious MAJESTY. If the necessity had
arisen from any deficiency on the part of M. DE
BOURQUENEY, that would have been under his own
control, he could himself have supplied an ade-
quate remedy. He would have required no com-
munication with the English Government to do so.
It is therefore more than probable that the neces-
sity has arisen from the too complying disposition
of Lord J. RUSSELL, who has so frequently yielded
to pressure at home that he is quite accustomed
to the operation. Something also may be attri
buted to the already ascertained duplicity of Aus-
tria, and the propriety of having the very highest
French authority, save that of the EMPEROR,
ready to pronounce on any alternative that may
arise.

The second view of the case receives additional
corroboration from the very significant report that
recently appeared in the books of the Viennese
Police—" Lord JOHN RUSSELL has walked arm
in arm on the Glacis with Prince GORTSCIIAKOEF."
Now, while repudiating the feeling which induced
the illustrious ProxwicK to dilate with great ab-
horrence on the cold-blooded villany with which
Mr. Sergeant BUZFLT; the counsel for Mr:.
BARDELL, presumed to tell Sergeant SNUBBIN,
his own advocate, that it was a fine morning
—we cannot help thinking that such dis-
plays should have been avoided. In all such
matters :appearances should be kept up. A
very powerful effect .might, and very probably
has been produced on Austria by the announce-
ment. The probable conclusion would be that
there was some underhand or secret negotiation
going on, in which the Representatives of Eng-
land and Russia were trying to arrive at a conclu-
sion without consulting the other parties to the
Diplomatic Conference. We have no doubt that
Lord J. RUSSELL was very innocently betrayed
into the indiscretion, but still it was an indiscre-
tion, and one of a very grave character, which a
Plenipotentiary entrusted with such important
and responsible duties should carefully have
avoided—not, as we have stated, for its results so
far as he himself was concerned, but for its pro-
bable effects on Austria.

We must again, then, repeat the warnings
which we have so frequently uttered against any
undue dependence on the co-operation of that
slippery Government. As we have already
pointed out, we have only sayings, but no doings,
to rely on. It is notorious that the German
policy—that at least of Austria and Prussia has
been strictly selfish—and now that the points in
which Austria is chiefly, if not exclusively, in-
terested, have, to a certain extent, been conceded
by Russia, we can look for no further assistance
at her hands. We do not believe that Russia ever
centemplated a bona fide or lasting peace. The
navel interpretation given to the Third Point
proves this almost beyond the possibility of doubt.
It was, however, desirable to supply a plausible
excuse for Austria, and this has been afforded
by the pending Conference. Should the treachery
of Austria become apparent, the presence of the
French Minister may terminate the diplomatic
farce. To his Imperial Master the destruction or
cession of Sebastopol is even more important
than to ourselves. He should, therefore, firmly
reject every substitute, and press for that which
can alone be deemed a satisfactory solution of the
difficult problem. Should this not be promptly
achieved a fifth point may be added, and the re-
establishment of Poland be henceforth regarded
as an indispensable condition to any treaty nego-
tiateas' the Western Powers. The hints of the
British premier have excited hopes which we
fervently trust
" 41°111d willju" yet be realised, and for which
aces. nalY vsubmit to any further sacri-
A striking
e
inataeor worse, of
which our rulers are ca 0f the
la
dente and want of honour Pa and of signal impu-
on.
sian officer, sad that omeer
the part of a Prus-
a •gp .
come to light. Last year, while has just
"'"ormi was

pottering at the head of affairs, and Prussia was
playing catspaw to Russia, the Prince Vox RAD-
.armed with a Ministerial introduction,
presented himself to the Hero of Aliwal, and was
permitted to accompany Sir HARRY in his review
of a number of militia regiments—Sir HARRY
embracing the opportunity to pay a most flatter-
ing compliment to the Prussian army, somewhat
at the expense of the French. The presence of
the Prince occasioned surprise at the time, con-
sidering the position occupied by Prussia, and the
fact that our raw militia was then almost our only
military defence ; but the expression of that feel-
ing was stayed by the indignation felt at the want
of good taste displayed by Sir HARRY. Time passed
on ; and where and how should the nonchalant
PrinceVoN RAnziva turn up ? Why, actually before
Eupa'oria as the Russian General-in-Command !
So, from these and other circumstances, it would
appear this princely Prussian rascal deliberately
threw himself on our hospitality in order to be-
tray us ; and having closely inspected, as we
have no doubt he did, all our defences, and ascer-
tained our weak points, posted off with his infor-
mation to the enemy ! There is no difficulty in
stating what the Prince is, but really we are
puzzled to determine whether the Minister who
gave him access to that information—threw open our
citadel, in fact, to an enemy's spy—is a traitor, a
fool, or both.