The Sun.
London, England, 1864-02-23 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 23, 1F64.

more necessary to put down with a strong
hand than murder on the high seas, since
nowh2re is the victim more d,lfericelesEl, no-
where aro the opportunities offered to the
criminal so great. Two cf the wretched men
who received sentence of death were, however,
fortunate enough to obtain a commutation of their
punishment. SANTOS and MARSALINO have been
respited from death, thanks to the exertions made
on their behalf by Mr. BEARD, the solicitor for the
defence, assisted by the Spanish Consul, the grounds
on which the appeal was made for them appearing
just and reasonable. The difference of character
and disposition was strongly marked at the last
trying hour, two of the prisoners shrinking, as they
well might do, from the awful ordeal before them,
while another attempted by a reckless and jaunty
air to manifest his complete indifference. It was a
painful and tragic spectacle, and one which we
trust it may be long before we again witness in this
metropolis; but so long as we retain the punish-
ment of death in our criminal code, so long should
it be inflicted without hesitation in retribution for
all such deliberate and brutal crimes. Those who
shrink from the notion of such a wholesale execu-
tion should remember that if one of these men had
committed one murder there would have been no
remonstrance as to his death, and assuredly the
crime was not lessened but enhanced by conspiracy
being added to it. It was no doubt a solemn sight
to see five guilty wretches despatched into another
world, " with all their imperfections on their head ;"
but it was a still more awful thing to send men,
secure in fancied safety, hurredly and savagely
without a moment's preparation into the presence
of their great Judge. Justice is a virtue which
states must regard before the softer claims of merry,
for assuredly the trembling of the balance will lead
to results more cruel and disastrous than the
observance of most Dztconic laws.

The inquiry which was held on Friday by Dr.
LANKESTER, concerning the death of a child in
Clerkenwell Workhouse, seems to call for especial

attention, alike from its sad particulars and from
the bad effects which will be produced on others,
through the unwholesome practice which has been
recorded. The father of the child had written to
Dr. LANKESTER on the subj;ct, and gave his evi-
deLce in a moderate manner. The details of the
case are very distressing. The parents with two
children became inmates of the house some time
past, and it appears that the sleeping accommoda-
tion was very insufficient. The children were placed
in a ward in which a child had the whooping
cough. This was a most reprehensible proceeding,
and it was surprising that such a careless and in-
considerate practice should be allowed in a place
where the spread of sickness is so rapid, and where
disease is at all times so prevalent. To add to
the confusion the mother of the children had to be
taken from them, as she caught fever ; but that

ought to have rendered them more careful, instead
of leaving the deceased, ten months old, to take his
chance. Not only have these two children died,
but others have fallen victims to the very un-

wholesome place in which they were confined. The
evidence of the surgeon seems in itself a sufficient
proof of the faulty arrangements of the establish-

ment. lie admits :that the room in question was
occupied by 5 adults and 13 infants. The apart-

ment was not large enough for so many occupants,
a►nd, added to the oppression of the atmosphere,
the fact of a child with a disease being allowed
to remain with other chilaren is enough to account
for any subsequent disaster. It seems almost unao-
countab!e that the medical officer did not represent
the exprema impropriety of the affAir to the proper
authorities, and that these did not at once order a
change, and LlT_ct some remedial alteration. If all

HOUSE OF COMMONS, FEB. 22.
THE DANISH PAPERS.

the children in the ward had died, it would not
have been at all surprising; and even if a disease
had not existed, they went the way to superinduce
one with their very deleterious arrangements. Dr.
LANKESTER stated that the amount of air which
each inmate of the ward had was only 250 cubic
feet, and that the minimum he allowed was 500
cubic feet for each member of a family in the parish
of which he was medical officer of health. Now
that so efficient a judge has stated his opinion, it
is to be hoped that the authorities in this and other
public places will pay more attention to the im-
portant point of ventilation, and especially in re-
spect to sleeping rooms take care that all possible
arrangements may be made for the health and com-
fort of the occupants. How bitterly must the
parents regret that they ever entered the work-
house. The same affliction might have befallen
them elsewhere, but still the poignance of grief is
doubled by the idea that bad management
aggravated the evil, and doubtless accelerated, if it

did not occasion, the calamity. The feelings of
individuals in a case of this sort is not the primary
question. The matter rests on a broader basis,
and there is something very faulty in the
sanitary arrangements of a place where the medical
officer is compelled to give his opinion that children
were placed in a locality where they were likely to
suffer from a contagious disease. A more absurd
custom can hardly be supposed, and there is no
cause to be surprised at the pernicious effects which
it has wrought. It is not likely that with a little
forethought and consideration some temporary ar-
rangement might not have been made, which would
have at all events prevented the child attacked by
disease from being placed with others in an unaf-
fected state. The results of this culpable negligence
have made the affair public, and it is to be hoped
that all concerned will benefit by the sad occurrence.
Yet there are many other persons who are placed in

positions of trust, who are equally to blame, if they
escape censure from some of the sufferers and their
friends not bringing their case forward. Let these
take heed and reflect that their fault is as great, and
their want of thought and want of heart will
one day produce sad effects if they do not take
heed in time, and amend so grievous an error as
negligence in sanitary arrangements. It is a cruel
thing to neglect the health of those whose very
existence depends on their keeping their strength
unimpaired, and it is the solemn duty, and
the sacred charge of those who regulate
the establishments where the lower orders are col-
lected in very large numbers, to do all that possibly
lies in their power to render the atmosphere they
breathe as free from infection as that enjoyed by
their:wealthier brethren. Instead of this proper pre-
caution and wise care prevailing, we too often find
that peop!e are ready to huddle the poor together,
place them in damp and unwholesome localities, as
if they ought to be glad to get anything like a shel-
ter, and were made of different clay to the rest of
their species. The sooner such ignorance bccernes
enlightened the betterfor all concerned. The poor
have much to contend against, but there can be no
need for them to be exposed to evils whic‘i en-
tail suffering, disease, and bereavements, and
add more burdens to their already overtasked
strength. One of the first considera.liens of the
thinking mind and feeling heart should be to adopt
all measures that are calculated to secure the pos-
session of health, and this sovereign blessing of
humanity can never be retained where inattention
prevails concLrning the observnnco of its primary
laws. Overcrowding is at all times to lie avoided,
as its effects are moat pernicious, but if one place

mor3 than another is unfitted for its inconvenient
and disastrous influence, it certainly appears that a
workhouse comes under the category.

LREUTER'S TELEGRAMS.]

The sympathies of the English public have of
late been very strongly excited on behalf of the
Danish people. Kindred in race and in character,
cherishing the same love for feeedom and the same
resolution to maintain it at any hezirds, we have
watched their conflict with the invaders with the
keenest interest. Whatever view individuals may
take of the vexed and entangled question of the
Schleswig-Holstein Duchies, it is impossible to avoid
sympathising with a brave people in their resistance
to a hostile force advancing upon their rights. The
story of the campaign has, as yet, been short but
eventful. It has resulted in much bloodshed and
suffering, if in nothing more, and the eager desire
so generally felt by Englishmen to lend some aid
has at length found the means of expression in at-
tempting to relieve the distress occasioned by the
encounter. In waiting for the production of the
long-promised correspondence Parliament has not
even ventured upon a decided declaration of indig-
nation or of sympathy. The public has ceased co
hope for the despatch of an English fleet, or even
the vigorous expression of the Cabinet's displeasure
Half-a-dozen English vessels appearing on the
scene would dispel a good many German illusions ;
but everything, so far as this country and its
rulers are concerned, is to take ita own course.
Chafing under this inaction, some earnest and warm-
hearted Englishmen have devised a plan by which
they can at least diminish the sufferings inflicted
upon Danmark by this unjust and causeless war, if
they are prevented by the fainéant policy of the
Whigs from arresting the infliction of those suffer-
ings. The Marquis of CLANRICARDE has addressed
a letter to the Times, announcing the formation of
a committee with a view to the transmission of aid
to the sick and wounded Danes. Many persons, as
the noble lord informs us, have stated their willing-
ness to contribute to such a scheme, and we have
little doubt that the subscriptions will flow in
largely and freely. Lord CLANRICARDE says that
the sufferings of the Danes, suddenly called upon
to protect their country against overwhelming num-
bers, must excite our compassion, whatever may be
our political opinions. In this we apprehend that
he is mistaken, since those who (spouse the German
cause would be scarcely likely to subscribe for the
assistance of the Danish wounded. Happily this
point is likely to create little disturbance in the
present instance, since the public has been through-
out on the cause of the marine people—our old
allies, to whom we are so nearly bound by the late
happy Royal marriage. To the ordinary horrors
of battle are superadded the sufferings caused by
cold; and in spite of the hardihood of the people, it
will be a severe trial to the health and fortitude of
the strongest to brave exposure during the bitter
nights of a northern winter. This trouble, although
not remediable, can at least be mitigated in its
stern effects, and we cannot doubt that English men
and women will seize this opportunity of showing
that national sympathy for the oppressed and ill-
used Danes which the supineness or timidity of
their Government hinders from more tangible and
active expression.

PARLIAMENTARY DIVISION.

Order for committee read, Motion made and question pro-
posed, " That Mr. Speaker do now leava the chair."
Amendment proposed, to leave out from the word " That"
to the end of the question, in order to add the words " the
consideration of the navyestimatos be postponed till this day
three weeks" instead thereof. Question put, "That the
words proposed to be left out stard part of the question,"
The house divided—Ayes, 220; Noes, 47.

AYES —220.
Acton, Sir J. Fitzroy, Lord F. Morrison, W.
Agnew, Sir A. FICMIRif., T. W. Naas, Lord
Annesley, Col. IL Foley, li. W. . Neate, C.
Aytoun. rt. S. Foster, W. 0. Nicol, William
Bag-well, J. Fortescue, Hon. F. North, F.
Baillie, H. J. Fortescue, C. S. O'Brien, Sir P.
Baines, E. Fraser, Sir W. A. Ogilvy, Sir J.
Baring, 11. B. French, Col. O'Loglilen, Sir C.
Baring, Sir F. Gard, It. S. PacKe, Col.
Baring, Thomas Gavin, Major • Paget, C.
Baring, Thos. Geo. Gibson. T. M. Paget, Lord A.
Barrow, W. 11. Gilpin, C. Paget, Lord C. E.
Bar ttelot, Col. Gladstone, W. E. Palmer, Sir It.
Bathurst, A. A. Glyn, G. C. I'aull, 11.
Baxter, W. E. Glyn, G. G. l'eacocke, G. M.
Bazley, Thomas Goddard, A. L. Peel, Sir It.
Beach, W. W. Goldsmid, Sir F. I'eel, F.
Beale, Samuel Goschen, G. J. I'ecl, J.
Beaumont, W. B. Gower, G. W. L. Peto, Sir M.
Bellew, R. M. Gregson, S. Pilkington, James
Beutinek, G. W. P. Greufell, 11. R. l'inney, Col.
Berkeley, C. Gray, Capt. Pollard Urquhart W
Biddulph,;Col. R.M. Grey, Sir G. Ponsonby, A.
Black, Adam Gurney, Samuel Potter, L.
Blencowe, J. G. Hadfield, Geo. Powell, J.
Bonham-Carter, J. Hanbury, H. Pritchard, John
Bowyer, Sir G. HankeY, Thomson I'roby, Lord G. L.
Bridges, Sir B. Hardcastle, Jos. A. Pugh, D.
Briscoe, J. I. Hartington,Marquis Robertson, 11.
Browne, Lord J. T. Hassarcl, M. D. Holt, J.
Bruce, H. A. Ileathcote, Sir W. Rothschild,Baron 31
Buchanan, W. Henley, J. Russell, Hastings
Buller, Sir A. Henley, Lord Russell, A. J. E.
Burrell, Sir I'. Hervey, Lord A. Salomona,Aidermari
Bury, Viscount Hodgkinson, G. Scholelie;d, W.
Butler, C. S. Hodgson, K. Sclater-Booth, U.
Buxton, C. Howard, Ron. C. Scott, Sir W.
Caird, James Butt, W. Scourfielr), J. H.
Calthorpe, F. H. Ingham, R. Selwyn, C. J.
Cardwell, Rt. Hn. E. Jervoise, Sir J. . Seymour, A
Carnegie,lln. C. Johnstone, Sir J. Sheridan, E. B.
Castlerosse, Vist. Kekewich, S. Smith, J. B.
Cave, S. Kinglake, A. W. Smith, Augustus
Chapman, J. Kinglake, Serj. J. Smith, J. A.
Clay, James Kinnaird, Hon. A. Smyth, Col.
Clifford, C. C. Knatclibull-Ilugess Smollett, I'.
Close, 31. C. Laird, J. Stanhope, J. B.
Colebrooke, Sir T.E. Layard, A. H. Stansfeld, J.
Collier, Sir it. P. Lanigan, J. Sykes, Col. W. H.
Coithurst, Sir G. Lawson, W. 'Pita, Wm.
Cowper, Hon. W.F. Leatham, E. Tracy, Hon. C.
Craufurd, E. 11. J. Lefevre, G. J. S. Turner, C:
Crawford, R. W. Lee, W. Vansittart, Wm.
Dalglish, Robert Legh, Major C. Verney, Sir Harry
Davie, Sir H. it. F. Lennox, Lord G. G. Villiers, Rt. lion. C.
Davie, Col. F. Lewis, Harvey Vyse, Co!.
Denman, G. Lindsay, W. S. Walcott, Adm. J. B.
Dering, Sir E. Lloyd, T. Walpole, S. H.
Dillwyn, Lewis L. Locke, John Walsh, Sir J. B.
Dodson, John G. Lowe, Rt. Hon. R. Walter, John
Du Cane, C. Mackie, J. Warner, Edward
Duff, M. E. Mackinnon, W.(Ly.) Watkins, Col. L.
Dundas, Frederick Mackinnon,W. A. IVeguelin, T.
Dundas, Sir David Maims, R. Westhead, J.
Du Pre, C. Manners, Lord G. Whitbread, S.
Dutton, Hon. It. H. Marshall, W. White, Jas.
Egerton, E. C. Martin, J. Willoughby, Sir H
Ellice, E. Massey, W. N. Wood, Sir C.
Enfield, Viscount Mildmay, 11. Woodd, B. T.
Evans, 'l'. W. Miller, William Wrightson, W.
Swart, William Moffatt, George
Ewart, J. C. Moucreill, J.
Fellowes, Edward Montagu, Lord It.
Fermoy, Lord Montgomery, Sir G. Brand, H. B.
Finlay, A. S. Morris, D. • Dunbar, Sir Wm.
NOES —47.
Beaumont,Somerset Griffith, C. D. Malcolm, J. W.
Cargill W. Ilaliburton, T. C. Manners, Lord J.
Cecil,Lord It. Hamilton, Lord C. Morritt, W.
Clifton, Sir It. Hamilton, 1. T. North, Col.
Cox, W. Harvey, R. B. Parker, Major W.
Darner, S. D. Hennessv, J. P. Roebuck, J. A.
Dickson, Col. Hopwood, J. T. Smith, Sir F.
Doulton, F. Itomalt, T. B. Sorties, Joseph
Elphinstone, Sir J. lngestre, Viscount Stracey, Sir 11.
Mine, Col. Jolliffe, Sir W. Sullivan, M.
Farquhar, Sir H. Knox, Col. Talbot, Hon. W. C.
Ferrand, W. Langton, W. H. G. Thynne, Lord H.
Getty, S. G. Leader, N. Verner, E. W.
Gore, J. R. 0. Lennox, Lord 11. G.
Greene. J. Long, It. I'. TELLERS.
Greville, Col. F. Longfield, Robert Osborne R. B.
Grey delVilton,Lord Lygon, lion. F. hay, Sir J.

RECENT DEATH OF ONE OF THE FOREMOST
WRITERS OF SP2.IN, Ventura de 19, Vega.—His lyrics are
of a high order; but his chief field was the drama. His
comedy, "The Min of the World," earned for him the dis-
tinction of a membership of the Royal Academy of Madrid.
HUNGARIAN WINES.—The soil and climate of
Hungary are admirably suited to a successful cul-
tivation of the grape. Nothing can exceed the grandeur
and beauty of its nountains, crowned with sheltering woods
and vines of exuberant vegetation. Wherever is seen a
lofty hill, there ?ill be found a carefully-tended planta-
tion. The superb Badscsony mountains encircle the ma-
jestic lake of Ba'aton, covering a surface of 125 square
miles; the aril ned elevated region of Menes, or Vilagos,
shelters the rich tales of the Banat,—the holy Canaan of
Hungary ; the pyramidal mount of Tokaj, a chaotic
and perdurable hndenark, dominates the borders of a
vast plain. It is like Vesuvius in form, and its existing
yet silent crater points irresistibly to the fact that it
was once a fume-consuming phenomenon. The tillage of
Euch a leeway isboth troublesome and expensive, the pro-
duce obtainable ever small ; but then in the latent fire of
this volcanic spot lives the peerless Imperial Tokay. The
territory exceeds ive miles in length, and covers upwards
of 60,000 acres, yielding on an average about 1,250,000
gallons of good ordinary wine ; 375,000 gallons of fair or
superior, and 50,030 more of superfine wine ; the two latter
sorts only forrairg a medium of external commerce, and
finding their wayinto G3rruany, Poland, and Russia. In
Franco and I:lngltnd there are, perhaps, scircely a hundred
bottles; the seas behag that the former people fetch Ihe
wino, which the Trench and English wait to do, whilst the
patient or.ners ac; negatively, end are content to wait till
buyers com; to t4m,"—,Ths Vine al2 a its Fruit.

LATEST INTELLIGENCE, DRURY LANE THEATRE.

DEFEAT OF THE PRUSSIANS,
SONDERBURG, FEB. 22 (4 41 p.m.)
The Prussians this morning, at 7 o'clock, drove
Ja the Danish outposts and occupied the village of

D appal.
They were dislodged by a cannonade from the
bastions.

"THE DIAN OF THE WORLD."

The action lasted four hours.
Two Danish regiments were engaged.
Two hundred men ate dead and wounded, with

many officers.
The Prussians left many dead and wounded on
the field.
The Danish army is in high spirits.

SPAIN.
NEW CAPTAIN-GENERAL FOR SAN
DOMINGO.

MADRID, FEB. 22, Evening.

General Gondara bas been appointed Captain-
General of San Mmingo and Commander-in-Chief
of the army there, in place of Gen. Vargas.

Steamer and a Prussian Battery.

Mr. PhQlps appeared last night as Sir Pertinax

Macsycophant, in Macklin's comedy of " The Man
of the World," and again showed how completely be
has made himself master of the difficulties that
encompass the embodiment of the character.
Happily the time is passed when a bitter animo-
sity existed in the minds of the British population
residing south of the Tweed against those located on
the North; and had it not been that Macklin's
comedy presented one strongly marked character,
in which George Frederick Cooke and Charles
Young in years gone by, and Mr. Phelps at a later
period, had so greatly distinguished themselves,
it would have been long consigned to oblivion.
To those, however, who have not witnessed the Sir
Pertinax of Mr. Phelps, an opportunity is pre-
sented, and of this we aro certain, there can Le but
one opinion regarding his representation of the
part. It is one of the most complete and wonder-
ful conceptions ever represented on the stage, and

it cannot be witnessed without producing the
highest delight in all true lovers of good and legiti-
mate comedy. The revelation, by Sir Pertinax, of
his early life to his son Charles—how he rose from
a poor, friendless, ill-paid clerk to the millionaire,
the M.P., the friend of the Minister, and the patron
of three boroughs returning six members to the
Parliament House, is a perfect triumph of histrionic
skill, and draws forth, as it unquestionable deserves,
the loudest applause. The comedy is, in the
other parts, well supported, and the artiste next en
titled to high praise is Miss Atkinson, who, as Lady
Randolphe Lumbercourt, the spoiled pet of a
northern grandmamma, acted with a spirit that was
quite refreshing. Mr. G. Melville's Egerton was a
very good performance, and the Lord Lumbercourt
of Mr. Barrett was also deserving of high commen-
dation. • Th e entertainments concluded with the
gorgeous and still highly attractive pantomime of

" Sindbad the Sailor," which from present appear-
ances, did the arrangements of the management
permit, would maintain its paitioa in tho bill for
months and months yet to come. _ _

A very clever contrivance has been adapted here
'or the prevention of accidents from fire from con-
Act with the "fl3ats." The lights aro now all

fenced off. The burners are enclosed in wire globes;
and while all apprehension for the suture is entirely
removed, the protection is not the least obstruction
of a good view of the stage. It is to bo hoped that
other managers will practically follow the example
of Messrs. Falconer and Chatterton, in preference to
resting satisfied with merely expressing their con-
dolence or sympathy after an accident has, occurred.

Engagement Between a Dalthh Iron-clad

The following details of the engagement between
a Danish iron-clad steamer and a Prussian battery
at Alsnoer, on the 18th inst., have been received:—
" The Danish iron-plated steamer Rolf Krake
came in eight this morning at nine o'clock, when
the rifled gnns (12-pounders) belonging to the 2d
Magdeburg Battery were hastily placed in position
to receive the vessel. The fire was opened by half
a battery of these guns at Holnis, and was kept up
quickly. The vessel did not deign to reply, but
stationed herself opposite the other half battery at
Alsnoer, and opened fire. Their intention was to
first silence the battery and then to destroy the
pontoon bridge at Ekensund, by the construction of
which the Duppel defences were liable to be
attacked in flank. It was a moment of intense
expectation as the armour-plated monster stationed
herself at a distance of 1,500 paces, and opened fire
from three heavy guns. The battery at Holnis
could do nothing with the vessel; and if her plates
could withstand the fire of the Alsnoer battery, the
pontoon bridge was given up as lost. Whilst the
artillery officers were discussing the distance, a 64-
pounder came over the battery from the vessel, and
the distance was estimated at 1,500 yards. The first
gun from the battery proved that the vessel was only
1,400 yards Gff, and as soon as the elevation of the
guns was properly adjusted their fire became ex-
ceedingly accurate, but the vessel replied with great
precision from her revolving turret, and with the
mortars from her after deck. Her balls also flew
over the battery, and caused much injury in the
village and the facings of the fortifications, besides
lodging in the roof of the magazine, demolishing
the residence of the captain of artillery, and knock-
ing to pieces several pontoons which were placed
in the rear of the village. The firing lasted for
an hour and a half, but was slowly maintained
towards the close by the battery, which, however,
at length poured in a well aimed volley. The
ironclad seemed to feel the effect of this, for she
seemed to ride deeper in the water, her firing
was inaccurate, and at last, after receiving, as it
was supposed, 40 balls, she slowly steamed away
into the open sea past Holnis, whence she was
fired at by the other battery, and did not reply. It
was thought that she had sustained much damage
in the after part; and as the men were seen to be
at work at the pumps, it was clear that there was a
considerable leak. As soon as she was without
range of the land battery she lay to, apparently
to remair damages."
Another account states that the ironclad was
the Esbern-Snare.

THE Inisrt NATIONAL GALLEY, recently opened,
.consists of a picture gallery on the upper floor, and
a sculpture gallery beneath it, each about 200 feet long.
Of the pictures in the former 71 have been obtained by
purchase, 31 on loan from the trustees of the London Gal-
lery, and 25 have been presented. An oil colour portrait of
Lady Morgan, and the Taylor collection of water-colour
drawings, 103 in number, have been bequeathed. A collec-
tion of castes from the antique forms an important feature
in this gallery. It has been obtained by private subscrip-
tions and donations. The cost defrayed by Parliamentary
grants bas been £21,000, to which £5,000 has been added
by the Dargan Committee. A portrait of Mr. Dargan, by
Mr. Catterson Smith, has been placed in it,
MR. ROGER ACTON-1 gentleman long and
honourably connected with the London press—has accopted
the editorship of the lthatrated London News.

A NEW PicruitE.—A very clever historical
painting has been exhibited in Munich, " The Last
Banquet of \Vallenstein's Generals," by Julius Scholz, of
Dresden. The subject is from the fourth act of Schiller's
"Piccolomini." The rendering of the wine glasses, the
wine, and the dresses of the figures, are spoken of us mar-
vellous in their illusion.

SIIAKSPERE'S PERSONALTTY.—We hear that an
English poet, of some reputation, whose name will doubt-
less be mentioned in due time, is engaged on an article for
the Qua,. lerly Review, to be published in April, on the
" Personality of Shakspere," apropos, we believe, of the
numerous works published on this subject of late years by
Lord Campbell, Miss Bacon, Mr. Thorns, and others.

AN OPEN-HANDED TITLE-PAGE.—A wealthy
lay member of the Scottish Episcopal Church bee
offered to endow the church in which he worships with a
tenth of the income of his estate there, if other members of
the congregation will contribute a lik'3 proportion of their
income.-11te Scotsman.

DEATH OF COUNT ROSSI, the husband of Mille.
Sontag, the celebrated singer.—lie quitted the diplomatic
service in 1850 to accompany his wife to America. Since
his return he has lived in retirement at Brussels, occupying
himself with the education of his children. He leaves two
sons and two daughters.

THE PRESERVATION OF PICTURES.—The two
numbers of the Art Tourna% for the present year contain
excellent articles, by Mr. Pyne, on the preservation of pic-
tures painted in oil colours, principally in reference to var-
nishing and on preventing cracks. He urges the general
propriety of varnishing pictures, but is not much in favour
of covering with glass. It is not, he contends, a preserver
of the beauty of tha picture, although it may be of its ma-
terial, from accidents, for newly-painted works suffer cones-
derabls for the want of free accsss of the air.
AUTOGRAPHS AND POSTAGE STAMPS.—Collectors
of postige stamps are now supplied with four separate pub-
lications issued for their sole use. Gatherers of autographs
are about to be similarly catered for in the Autographic
Merror, the first number of which was published last Satur •
day. The contents of No. I. are of a varied and not unin-
teresting character :—A letter in cypher of Charles I. ; a
letter from Charles 111. of Spain about Gibraltar; a letter
from Louis Philippe; letters, &a., from Hubens, Sydney
Smith, Lord Derby, Mr. Disraeli, Charles Dickens, Mr.
Macready, Lablache, Mario, Itubini, Grisi, &c.; a letter of
Count d'Orsay, end sketch of Lord Byron and inedited

caricatures, with autograph, by the late Mr. Thackeray.
A CURIOUS MARRIAGE was solemnised the other
day at St. Paul's Churcb, in Tiverton. The bride.
g,rocro, who wants but one y3ar to corrplete the ago of fur.
score, assiste;l totterim: steps to the altar with a crutch
and stick, while the bride, who is four years his junior, usExl
a crutch only, purely will not he wanting be-
tween this newly married pair,—jivert°ll 6fize4(°'