The Sun.
London, England, 1864-09-13 00:00:00

St. James's Theatre.

This theatre reopened last evening, under the same
management which presided over its fortunes during the
last season ; and it may be taken as a proof of the success
which has already attended Mr Webster's efbrts at this
establishment that he has not thought it necessary to make
any practical alteration in his plans, or any important ad-
dition to his list of artists. Mr and Mrs Charles Mathews,
Mr and Mrs Frank Mathews, and Mrs Stirling are again
the leading members of the corps, and it is intended that
their united efforts shall be directed to the performance of
those lighter specimens of genteel comedy for which
they are especially qualified. The pieces represented were
Mr Arthur Sketchley's new comedy, called " How Will
They Get Out of It ?" Mr Burnand's burlesque of "Faust
And Marguerite," and the farce of " Under the Rose." The
performance was extremely effective and entertaining
throughout. The house was well attended.

EARL RDSSELL FRATERNISING WITH SHEFFIELD
EXCURSIONISTE,—Mr John Young, of Carver-street,
bookbinder, requests us to publish the following paragraph,
for the correctness of which he vouches :—A. most pleasing
Incident occurred on Saturday last, during the pleasure trip
to Haddon Hall of the workpeople of Messrs Townsend and
Son, stationers and bookbinders, Surrey-street. While the
party were halting for refreshments at one of the hotels on
the road, Earl Russell (who was on a visit in the neigh-

bourhood), accompanied by a young lady and gentleman,
happened to pass. His lordship, being recognised, was re-
spectfully desired to " partake of a glass of old English
cheer." He cordially acceded, the party in the meantime
doffing hats, and started up "Rule Britannia." His lord-
ship appeared much gratified at this unexpected reception,

and continued to acknowledge the cheers, waving of hats,
Ste., until a turn in the road hid him from view. The glass
"so honoured " was purchased, and will hereafter be
zealously preserved as a valued reminiscence of the very
interesting occasion,--Sliegield _lndependent.
THE INTERNATIONAL ASSOCIATION FOR THE
PROMOTION or SOCIAL SCIENCE.—This association will

hold its congress for the present year at Amsterdam. The
meetings are to extend from the 26th inst. to the Ist Oct.
A large number of French liberals will be present, includ-
ing Gamier Pages, Eugene, Pelletan, Jules Simon, Henri
Martin, Louis Ulbach Lavertujon, Albert Leroy, The
first question to be discussed in the section of comparative
legislation is, " What are the most practical means for en-
suring the liberty of the electors and the security of votes,
under representative governments ?" Some very signifi-
cant speeches from the French members of tho association
may be anticipated upon this subject.
_ _

THE BRITISH ASSOCIATION.—The meeting of
British Association for 165 was fixed to be held at Dun-
dee, but that town having declined the honour, a meeting
of the inhabitants of Nottingham was held on Monday
morning at the Exchange Hall (the Mayor in the chair),
to consider the advisability of inviting the association to
select Nottingham as the place of meeting for 1865. The
addresses of the various speakers went to show that there
were few places in England which would better repay a
visit from the association than Nottingham, for indepen-
dently of the mechanical development for which the town
is celebrate], it is well situated for the exploring of the
rich mineral district of Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire,
and numerous places of antiquarian interest are to be found
in the neighbourhood. Resolutions approving of the object,
and inviting the association at Nottingham were passed,
and the meeting separated with a vote of thanks to the
chairman.

ANNUAL INSPECTION OF THE BIRMINGHAM
VOLUNTEERS.—The official inspection of the Bir-
mingham Battal'on of Rifles took place on Saturday last

in 6althorpe Park, in the presence of an immense con-
course of spectators. It had been announced that Colonel
M..Murdo, the Inspector General of Volunteers, would be
the inspecting officer of the day ; but before the men left
the Hall, Col. Mason addressed them, and read a letter from
the gallant Inspector General. Ile expressed in his letter
how much he had admired the organisation and drill of the
battalion, and concluded by wishing them continued suc-
cess. The :whole of the manoeuvres wore gone through
most creditably. At the close of the proceedings the men
were formed into square and the officers called to the front,
when Colonel Campbell, the Inspecting Officer, addressed
them in eulogistic terms. Lord Leigh expressed the plea-
sure he felt at hearing the remarks of the gaisnt colonel,
who, from his having seen service, was well qualified to
give an opinion, and would certainly not flatter them for
the mere rake of the flattery. lle was convinced from
what he had seen that the Ist Warwickshire was second to
none in the country. Its regretted that family affliction
prevented Major Ratcliff from being present. Col. Mason
briefly thanked the inspecting officer and Lord Leigh for
the remarks they had made, and the proceedings ter.
minated.
The King of Italy possesses at Rome, on a bean-
' tiful eminence above Frascati, the delightful resi•
dense known as the Villa Rufinella. At his Makisty
command the Minister of Foreign Affairs lately wrote a
complimentary letter to Mr Severn, placing the villa at his
disposal whenever ho should feel inclined to sojourn there.
This attention is in consideration of Nr Severn's acting as
1 Italian consul in