The Sun.
London, England, 1863-08-29 00:00:00

'FRE SUN. LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, AUGUST 29, 1363.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
THIS DAY.—Morning, 2h. 2m.—Afternoon, 2h. 25m.
To-moßs.ow.-Morning, 2h. 48m.—Afternoon, 3h. 12m.

The Weather—Sun Office, Aug. 29, 1863.

This morning ............................ 70
This day at Two o'clock ................... . 74.
Barometer-30.02.
Wind—S.; fresh, and fine.

THER3IO3IETER.

•
47:411, rs)lo*"..."i Utt

LONDON, SATURDAY, AUGUST 29, 1863.

The acquittal of the editor of the Marseilles
Semaphore by the very liberal and enlightened
tribunal.of Marseilles is one of those great facts
which become landmarks in the path of progress
This decision will constitute, notwithstanding al,
Government opposition, an indubitable and inevit •
able precedent in the history of the press in France.
The charge brought against the Semaphore was of
publishing false news calculated to disturb the
peace. A very serious charge, if capable of
due substantiation, but the Marseilles authorities
exercised a very wise and deliberate discrimination
in the matter.. They go so far as to say that they
do not consider a Ministerial denial of any piece of
intelligence a sufficient proof of the truth or falsity
of that intelligence, inasmuch as " such news is
likely to be avowed or denied, in accordance with
the political exigencies of the moment and the cul-
pability of an honourable citizen, whose good faith
there are no grounds to suspect cannot be made to
depend on those daily fluctuations which policy may
command, but which the tribunals do not accept
as a rule of their judgments." Furthermore they
declare that the republication of any immaterial
rumours cannot come within the definition of " pub-
lishing false news." It is impossible to " recognise
in any such ephemeral and virtually unimportant
publication, the offence of publication or reproduc-
tion of false news, such as it is likely to suppose
that an intelligent legislator and protector of public
liberties desired to reach and to punish." Hence they
freely acquit M. BARLATIER, the accused editor of
the Semaphore. As HENRY IV., exulted in being
the Sovereign of a Judge who dared to enforce the
laws, and the father of a Prince who submitted to
obey them, in like manner the Liberals of France
may rejoice in having not only some few journalists
who dare venture to assert a spirit of independence,
bat above all in having some enlightened tribunals
before whom that spirit of independence is not re-
garded as a crime. It is rumoured that
the Government Prosecutor will attempt to
get this decision of the • Marseilles Tribunal
reversed. We are hardly inclined to believe that
the Government will venture upon so impolitic a
step. The Marseilles authorities may have brought
themselves into disfavour in high quarters, but they
have earned golden opinions from all true friends of
liberality and the independence of the press—terms
which are indeed synonymous and identical. Far
otherwise has it fared with the Courrier de St.
Etienne. That unhappy journal has ventured upon
some critical remarks respecting the elections, and
the conduct of the Mayor—whether correct or un-
truthful we have no means of becoming
informed, as the proceedings of such
trials are not allowed to be published in
France, but, judging from the result, we should
surmise that the charges are not without
foundation, on the principle the greater the truth
the greater the libel ! The unhappy Courrier de
St Etienne is suppressed. Its principal editors, M.
ROBIN and M. lIYEINIE, are subjected to heavy fines,
and the one is condemned to be imprisoned for
fifteen days, the other for no less than a whole
month! We will hope, for the sake of French
justice, that the libel was really most unfounded
and severe, otherwise the French law respecting
the Press is likely to receive even greater damage
from such a victory as that achieved over the hapless
Courrier de St. Etienne than from the vet more
remarkable defeat it has sustained in ite attack upon
the now triumphant Semaphore of Marseilles,

The news brought by the Eastern mails is, on the
whole, of a satisfactory character. India is peace-
ful and prosperous, and the principal subjects under
discussion are points of civil government. The
recent s chitn_lbof Ameers in Affghanistan has as
yet produced no disturbance, although the present
ruler is said to be bitterly hostile to the English.
He is brother to ABB
AR KIIAN, whose name was
well known in our old Indian wars, and appears to
share his sentiments of animosity towards us. How-
ever, internal factions and intrigues
seem likely to
keep his attention centred at home, and rivals near
the throne will give him enough to do in his own
dominions, if he is wise, to prevent him from rush-
ing into certain destruction by provoking a quarrel
with us. Of the intentions of Persia nothing is
known in Calcutta ; and the Anglo-Indians content
themselves with keeping a watchful eye on her
proceedings, expecting to be more fully enlightened
before long. With regard to the supposed NANA
SAHIB, whose capture was the most prominent lea-
„true of last month'o news, the convic:ion that we
have indeed secured the veritable criminal is in-
creasing is Calcutta. Official opinion as to his
identity with the prisoner now in detention is, we
are told, unanimous. An English Eergeant-major,
who had often seen the Nana at Meerut before the
mutiny, is positive on the matter. It seems, accord-
ing to the aceonnt now given, that his present cap-
tnre is owing to a feeling of revenge. A Brahmin
of Bithoor, whose village had been pillaged and his
relatives murdered by the Nana's troops, had vowed
revenge, and, with the cunning and vindictiveness
peculiar to Eastern minds, he Las long been watch-
ing his opportunity. A year ago he obtained in-
formation that the object of his search was is

Nepaul, and set out in the disguise of a religion&
mendicant to find him. He did not succeed in tb e
attempt, and then pursued his journey in other
quarters, gathering fresh tracks, and obtain-
ing the aid of two detectives from 13(An-
bay. At last, we are told, he came up. with
his prey at Saloombur, where he won his
confidence, passing for a fanuir, This is th e most
singular part of the story, for it seems strmge that
six years of hiding for his life should not have
taught the fugitive more caution than to trust in an
acquaintance of an hour. However, if he prove to
be the real miscreant whom we have secured we
can only rejoice at his imprudence, a ,at the ends of
justice may be at last satisfied, and t hat the natives
may be taught that there are soTae crimes which
English mercy cannot forgive.

In matters of internal government India is pro-
gressing satisfactorily. The bill sides are being
rapidly covered with tea plantations, and the estates
situated in their cooler and healthier climates are
fast passing into English hands. The possession of
the plains is likely to be left to the natives, but the
more Europeans can settle themselves in the conge-
nial atmosphere of the hills the bettor. Thanks to
the rapid extension of the railway system through-
out India, it will soon be nolonger
qaufaorrtmeristbalue
expedition to reach those pleasant
expedition only undertakenit,
afonrdmwerhliyeh
when
health imperatively demanded
neces-
sitated complete absence from business. How many
valuable lives might have been spared to us had it
been possible to vary the oppressive routine of offi-
cial work during the hot months in Calcutta with
an occasional trip to the hills without sensible in-
terference with regular duties! Mr. MAINE, the
law member of Council, is preparing a code of civil
law, drawn up under the auspices of the commis-
sion. This gentleman is said to have proved of
great service in India by the various improvements
he is endeavouring to introduce into the law--a
task by no means easy in India, where old cum-
brous statutes remain to be cleared away, where
local practices, traditions, and prejudices require to
be taken into account, and where the educated natives
are no contemptible critics of the equity or efficacy
of our legal administration. The best means of
selecting civil servants for the Crown continues to
occupy attention. It seems that the majority of
the candidates are considered to be deficient in some
particulars not to be secured by examination tests
and similar precautions. There are, undoubtedly,
many difficulties attending this question, and it is
an indisputable fact that the men most likely to be
useful public servants might not be in the first rank
at an examination. Success in competition depends
on the possession of certain faculties—a habit of
application to close and abstruse study, a retentive
memory, and a cool self-possession. But for the
great warfare of life, for those sudden crises that
are apt to test the resources of an official, especially
in a half-civilised country like India, many other
things are needed than an accurate knowledge of
dates, or an extensive acquaintance with nearly
forgotten history. Energy, presence of mind, de-
cision, tact, resource, are the qualities that England
require 'in her Anglo-Indian servants, together
with a large amount of that common sense
and knowledge of human nature by no means
inseparable from the proficient scholar or the well-
read pedatt. The mistake has been in trusting too
exclusively to mere scholastic examinations, and in
making these so severe and comprehensive in their
nature that young men of average talent, without
any bookworm tendencies, shrink from the inevi-
table " cramming." Of course a certain amount of
proficiency in the Indian dialects must be secured,
together with a fair share of useful general know-
ledge, but it is idle to exact from every third-
class clerk an amount of abstruse and profitless
learning which he will probably never be called
upon to exercise, and to submit him to an exami-
nation which we very much question if some of
the greatest men in Anglo-Indian history could
have passed. Sir CHARLES TREYELYAN'S sugges-
tions are open to some objections, but the discus-
sion to which they will give rise will probably be
productive of benefit; and we may hope, after a
few more experiments, to reach that happy medium
which shall secure us able and energetic gentlemen
for our civil service, without, on the one hand, fall-
ing into the errors of indiscriminate patronage, or,
on the ether hand, falling into the error of sup-
posing that if candidates have certain abstruse
questions answered they are therefore qualified to
be efficient public servants.

Sir RODERICK MURCHISON'S speech at Newcastle
is worthy of particular attention. He made special
allusion to the vast progress in discovery that had
been made, and especially by Englishmen. Australia
had been so rapidly colonised by British subjects
that before long she bids fair to rival the vast re-
gions of North America, which were first inhabited
by English subjects. He then alluded to the more
recent discoverers in Australia, and said that while
"the bold expedition of WILLS and BURKE cost
those noble fellows their lives, the latest researches
of their successors stand out as, indeed, most singu-
larly successful." After alluding to the achievements
of 3PDONNELL, STUART, M`KINLAY, and others,
Sir R.MURCHISON went on to remark on the marvel
of the rapid rise of colonies in Australia, and re-
joiced to be able to state that the settlements on
the north coast were progressing satisfactorily; this
occupation he had been advocating for many years,
on political as well as on commercial and colonial
grounds. A few years of experience have enlight-
ened the ignorance that obtained regarding these
territories,in which there are desert tracts certainly,
but also fine oases of pasture grounds. "Ashort time
only (says Sir R. MuncetisoN), I venture to pre-
dict, will elapse before towns arise at the head of
the Gulf of Carpentaria, as well as at the mouth of
the Victoria River of the north, whence, as well as
from the new settlement of Cape York, Australians
will have a direct communication with our great
Indian empire." Further on in his remarks the
speaker commented on the state of Queensland as
being particularly distinguished among its notable
compeers. This wonderful colony possesses a sur-
face which is six times greater than that of the
United Kingdom ; and the Governor, Sir G.BOWEN,
observed that its very grazing_grounds are twice
as large as the British Isles, and that is saying
nothing of large tracts adapted to the growth of
cotton. Certainly it is a matter of great mo-
ment that a state of such magnitude should
film prosperously, and its welfare concerns
many The progress which our Australian colonies
proved they had made at the Great International
Exhibition was adverted to in forcible terms by SirK.
MunculsoN.
He truly said that they exem-
plified their attainments, not only in wealth and
material prosperity, but in all that can dignify a
people. We saw exhibited in that great edifice
not cr-11.7 the rich natural products of gold and
i beautful
silver, with beautiful views; but the
l
and cataogues of the Sy
excellent maps and and
Melbourne libraries proved that there was scarcely
a branch of industry and knowledge which was
not cultivated in Australia with a zeal and energy
that rivalled that of the mother Country. This
tribute of praise was well deserved, and it i,
always satisfactory when distinguished men, like
the speaker here referred to, come forward and

give their testimony to the merit of our distant
colonists: Sir R. MURCHISON remarked that he
regretted to hear some people allude to the time
when a separation would take place between Eng-
land and these colonies. He trusted that Australia
might long continue to be a source of strength
and wealth to the mother country, and for ages
furnish an example that the people, " which lives
under a constitutional monarchy enjoys much
truer freedom than those that have formed part
of any democracy, either ancient or modern,"
After this interesting dissertation on Australia
was concluded the talented speaker went on to
discourse upon the great geographical wonder of
the day—the discovery of the Sources of the Nile.
This passage was, of course, particularly interest-
ing, from the importance of the subject, and the
attractive nature of the exciting history of the ex-
plorers.
_ _ _

The zeal which distinguished Captain SPEKE, and
his resolute determination to proceed, invest the
affair with a peculiar interest, and seem to rank
him among those ardent spirits of earlier times who
pursued their arduous course amid difficulties and
dhfas
liai
Isrychneoi
history.
tmrnoaerugyoeß.
fmc
lle,t
Fste sooNgrurtanergataietlle;s tt she
after
said
degaoltgooherr
that
ouhtpahi sdni
geographical
ahorz l
isteerdei
exploit
u:
opmn ls w_po
hittsrowaon
yeller after traveller, from the days of the Egyptian
priests and of the Roman Emperors, down to
modern periods, had endeavoured to ascend the
Nile to its sources, and all had failed ! By revers-
ing the line of research followed by all former tra-
vellers, and by proceeding from the east coast of
Africa, near Zanzibar, to the central, lofty, and
flat plateau-land forming in that meridian the
water-shed between North and South Africa, these
gallant Indian captains reached the true reservoir
from whence the Nile flows." He said it was very
gratifying to know that the QUEEN had signified
her satisfaction that two of her own gallant officers
had succeeded in an undertaking in which many a
European nation had failed. Some foreign nations
had also testified to the merits of these explorers,
and some medals which had been placed in his
hands to present to the adventurers reminded them
that, through the enterprise of her sons, "England
has won glory through many a danger at the
sources as well as at the month of the Nile." Sir
R. MußonisoN concluded his very interesting
speech by referring to the most notable papers that
were about to be read at these meetings. It is a
great privilege for people to hear such speeches as
the one now referred to. Nothing
can impart in-
formation in a more attractive form than to receive
it, as it were, from the fountain-head. All the most
important topics that are afloat concerning disco-
veries, explorations, and striking events are
briefly but emphatically touched upon. In
a country like England, such a compre-
hensive discourse is peculiarly appropriate, for
the largest foreign possessions appertain to our
sway, and the most daring feats performed in dis-
tant lands have been performed by the inhabitants
of the British isles. It has been truly observed
that " the chart of our colonies is a chart of the
world in outline, for we sweep round the globe
and touch every shore."

ADELPHI THEATRE.

The last novelty produced at this favourite

theatre—a petite-comedie entitled " The Hen and
Chickens," bids fair to become a standing attraction
for a considerable period ; and we feel a pleasure in
making that announcement, because the principal
part in it is sustained by one of our most genuine
and finished actresses, viz., Mrs. Stirling. We most
heartily welcome the lady's return to her profes-
sional duties, as we possess none amongst the un-
doubtedly talented actresses on the metropolitan stage
who can fill the void which exists in the theatrical
world when the name of Mrs. Stirling ceases to
appear in the daily " bills of the play." In " The
Hen and Chickens" she has to pourtray the
struggles and weakness of an over-ford and doting
mother, who, through too much affection, prevails
upon her newly-married daughter to accept half
her house as a dwelling-place for her and her hus-
band, Mr. Caseby. The last-named gentleman at
first willingly accepts the offer, and promises,
moreover, never to separate permanently mother
from daughter. This arrangement, for a fe w
months, goes on most satisfactorily, but even-
tually Mr. Caseby begins to tire of the un-
ceasing attention the said Mrs. Soft Sawderly
lavishes on her daughter, Mrs. Caseby. Scarcely
for an hour during the day does the mother allow
the husband to enjoy the society of the wife, owing
to Mrs. Soft Sawderley's over anxiety to do every-
thing that is required ; and ultimately to rid him-
self of the killing kindness of his mother-in-law,
Caseby rushes from her house, and engages a villa
at North Bank, Regent's Park. This coming to
the knowledge of Mrs. Soft Sawderley, she at once
comes to the conclusion that it is for some person
other than his wife. Caseby humours the notion
for a short time, but eventually the whole is ex-
plained, and Mrs. Sawderley is reconciled to the
loss of her daughter by finding that her son Tom,
a rollicking officer in the Royal Navy, has been
left a widower, and also a father. The pride and
honour of becoming grandmamma is so strong that
Mrs. Sawderley, without the slightest solicitation,
determines to adopt her son's daughter, and the
curtain descends amidst universal congratulations.
From the foregoing brief outline of the piece it will
at once be seen that abundant opportunity is given
to Mrs. Stirling for a full display of all her bril-
liant powers, and Nee are perfectly at a loss to
say whether she excelled most as the affectionate
parent, the indignant mother, er the good and loving
grandmamma. Each was perfection, and taken as a
whole, we have never seen a more natural display
of the ability of this truly great English actress.
Miss Henrietta Simms excellently supported the
part of Mrs. Sawderley's daughter, Mrs. Caseby,
and Mr. Billington that of the husband, overloaded
with kindness, to the life. Mr. Phillips and Mr.
Stephenson—the former as James, a fine specimen
of the genus flunkey, and the latter a goodly hus-
band, who (lees as he is told"—act their respective
parts with spirit and ability. The drama has been
most carefully
mounted, and to those who wish for
the gratification
of witnessing a perfectly acted
The ‘ Haunted
recommend a visit to the Adelphi.
petite-com, ed
aited
Man," in which the great
"Ghost Effect" is
displayed, and the capita bur-
lesque
Toole o f
tableand Paul Bedford, and the fascinating
sisters Nelson, still ,continue highly attractive ;'and,
although it has been said that London is to a great
extent deserted, yet, from the crowded appearance
of the Adelphi Theatre, one would imagine that the
season was at its height instead of at its close.

THE TIMES'SOUTHERN CORRESPONDENT.--It may
be of interest to know that the fervid and admirably
written letters of the special correspondent of the .7inzes in
the Confederate camp aro from the pen of Lieutenant
Butler, one of the two young Englishmen who, it will be
recollected, threw themselves into Silistria, and who ac-
quitted themselves with such conspicuous valour in the
defence of that place against the RUBBittllS.—London Cor-
respondent of the Glasgow Citizen.
DRESS AND DISEASE.—There is no truth more
firmly established among medical men than that
di-seaso follows fashion as much as bonnets do. When
thin shoes prevail, consumption is the prevailing
epidemi3 with females in every fashionable commu-
nity of the country. When low-necked dresses are
in the ascendant, sore throat and quinsy are the raging
maladies. When " bustles" and " bishops" made their
appearance, spinal affections became " the ton." The reign
of corsets is denoted by collapsed lungs, dyspepsia, and a
general derangement of the digestive organs. Indeed, so
intimately aro dress and disease connected, that a doctor
says all he needs to determine what a majority of the women
are dying of, is to have an inventory of their wardrobe
handed to him.—The Queen.

RELIGION, according to a noble phrase of Dr.
Johnson, should appear to be the Voice of Reason, and
NCralitY thQ Will of God

LATEST INTELLIGENCE.

(REUTER'S TELEGRAMS.)

THE POLISH QUESTION.

PARIS, AUG. 29.
The Courrier du Dimanche of to-day gives a sum-
mary of the Note which has been appended to the
despatch sent by M. Drouyn de Lhuys to Prince
Gortschakoff.

M. Drouyn de Lhuys explains the European
character of the stipulations which were accepted
by Russia, Austria, and Prussia at the Congress of
1815. The French Minister recalls-Ist. That
Russia has entered into an engagement to bestow
on the Kingdom of Poland a distinct constitutional
regime. 2d. That Russia, in making the reserva-
tion to approximate the Polish institutions to those
of Russia, could only allude to the Polish provinces,
without the Kingdom of Poland Proper.
The Powers have a direct and positive right to
claim for Poland a faithful execution of the treaties.
The Courrier du Dimanche further believes itself
able to state, that on the 19th inst., M. Drouvn de
Lhuys addressed a circular to the French agents
abroad, stating that the attitude of Russia had
strengthened the good understanding between the
Powers. It stated also that the Emperor's Govern-
ment was convinced that the Polish question was an
European one, and would continue to watch events
in Poland with the solicitude which it will expect
to be also manifested by all the other Powers. The
Emperor's Government will act in concert with the
other Caost in bine o:e ftos
rimn tit
yh e pathwith twhhe i ch
principlesw ill be
f
public
law and the exigencies of the situation.

THE AUSTRIAN NOTE TO RUSSIA.
VIENNA, AUG. 29.
The note of Austria to Russia on the Polish ques-
tion has been published to-day.
Austria therein expresses great regret that Russia
had not given a more satisfactory reply to the
notes of the Great Powers. The note then proceeds
to state that the interest of Europe de-
mands an early fulfilment of the work
of conciliation in Poland. Foreign influences,
it says, are not the only cause of the insurrection.
Poland would be tranquil if Russia had fulfilled the
political and religious engagements which she had
contracted. The proposed conference of the eight
Powers ought certainly to be acceptable to Russia.
In conclusion, Prince Gortschakoff is requested
to give his most serious attention to the present
state of things, for the consequences of which Aus-
tria declares Russia "alone will be responsible.

SCHLESWIG HOLSTEIN.

FRANKFORT-ON-MAINE, AUG. 28.

The Europa of to-day publishes the declaration
made by Denmark on the 27th inst., respecting
Schleswig.

Denmark states that, though not in a position to
withdraw the proclamation of the 30th March, she
is ready to take into consideration the proposals of
the German Confederation, and to carry out in tie
non-Germanic provinces those resolutions of the
Federal Diet, compatible with the Sovereign and
Legislative power of the King.
Denmark, in
conclusion, states that having re-
cognised the political autonomy of the Duchies, and
declared herself ready to enter into negotations
concerning tie realisation thereof, she would be
compelled to regard a Federal execution as falling
under the provisions of International law.

TUR,gE Y.

CONSTANTINOPLE, Auo. 28, Evening.

The Porto and the Powers have decided upon
compelling Prince Conza to submit the affair of the
Greek Monasteries to arbritration.
The Prince offers a subsidy in compensation for
the sequestrated property.

Opening of the Canadian Parliament.

On the 14th inst. the Canadian Parliament was
opened by the Governor-General, who delivered the
following address in both the French and English
languages :

" Hon. Gentlemen of the Legislative Council—
" Gentlemen of the Legislative Assembly—
" I have called you together at this unusual season
because I desired, as coon as was practicable after
the dissolution of the last Parliament, to obtain
your advice and assistance in reference to the public
affairs of the province.

" Although the period of the year at which you
are now assembled is one that renders it difficult
for many of you to leave your other avocations, in
order to give attention to your Parliamentary
duties, I am persuaded that you will cheerfully co-
operate with me at the present time in considering
such proposals as the exigencies of the public ser-
vice may demand.

"Measures of importance, the progress of which
in the late Parliament was interrupted by the dis-
solution, will again be submitted to your notice.
"I would specially direct your attention to the
existing Militia Law, which requires extensive
amendment in order to place this important arm of
the public defence in a condition of efficiency.
" The large increase which has occurred in the
volunteer force, and the offers of service which I
continue to receive from new companies, ars grati-
fying proofs of the patriotic zeal which animates
the whole community in reference to the subject of
public defence.

"The interest which has been displayed in the
formation of chill associations, and the manifest de-
sire of the youth of the country to perfect themselves
in the use of arms, aro satisfactory evidences that
the people of Canada are prepared to submit to any
personal sacrifices which can reasonably be de-
manded of them, in order to enable them, in the
most efficient manner, to put forth their strength in
defence of theirinstitutions and their homes, should
circumstances eve: require from them such an ex-
hibition of patriotism.

" I trust to your wisdom to give a proper direc-
tion to the excellent spirit by which the people are
animated, and to your liberality to supply the
means by which practical advantages may be ob-
tained from it.

" A bill for the equitable adjustment of the rela-
tions between debtor and creditor and to afford relief
to insolvent debtors will be laid before you.
" Certain alterations in the laws regulating the
administration of justice NN ill be submitted for your
approbation.

" The existing laws affecting the registration of
titles to real property in Upper and Lower Canada
and concerning patents for inventions, as well as
the laws relating to the encouragement of agricul-
ture will also claim your attention.
" Gentlemen of the Legislative Assembly,—
" The estimates for the current year for which
provision was not made by the late Parliament,
together with such additional estimates as may be
necessary at the present time, will he laid before
you without delay.
" The last Session of Parliament having abruptly
terminated without the grant of the usual supplies
for carrying on the Government, I have been obliged
to undertake the responsibility of authorising ad-
vances out of the public chest to defray certain in-
dispensable charges. Statements will be submitted
to you from which you will perceive that these ad-
vances have been strictly limited to the unavoidable
requirements of the public service,
" Under these circumstances I confidently rely
upon your readiness to sanction the outlay which
has been thus incurred as well as to provide for the
necessary expenses of the Government for the cur-
rent year.

" Hon. Gentlemen and Gentlemen,—
" I urge upon your early attention the state of
the finances of the provinces,and the relation which
its expenditure bears to its income and resources.
" You will not fail to concur with me in the ex-
pression of regret that for some years past the pub-
lic expenditure has exceeded the annual income,
and I cannot doubt that you will agree with me
that the time has arrived when a strenuous effort
should be made to avert the continuance of this de-
ficiency.
"I have received a despatch from the Secretary
of State for the Colonies, enclosing copies of a cor-
respondence between her Majesty's; Government
and the agent of the Atlantic and Pacific ,Transit
and Telegraph Company, in reference to a proposal
made by that company for the establishment of a
telegraphic and postal communication between
Lake Superior and New Westminster, in British
Columbia.

" The importance of such an undertaking to the
British North American provinces, both in a com-
mercial and in a military point of view, in •
duces me to commend the subject to your conside-
ration. Copies of the correspondence shall be laid
before you, and I feel assured that, should any pro-
posal calculated to effect the establishment of such
communication on terms advantageously to the pro-
vince be submitted to you, it will receive encourage-
ment at your hands.

" I cannot refrain from congratulating you at
this season of the year upon the prospect which
everywhere prevails of an abundant harvest.
sincerely trust that the prosperity with which it
appears likely Providence will this year bless the
agricultural classes, may produce a corresponding
improvement in our commerce and manufactures.
" In commending to your careful attention the
public affairs of this province, I depend upon your
zeal and ability to promote whatever may conduce
to the advancement of its fature welfare, and I
humbly invoke the Divine blessing upon your deli-
berations, and they may be entered upon in an un-
selfish and impartial spirit, and may tend to
the increase of unanimity, prosperity, and content-
ment throughout the land.
" The members of the Legislative Assembly then
withdrew."

THE " DREssom."—We moderns have exiled to
the kitchen a noble piece of furniture, which formed
one of the most conspicuous objects in the salons of the
French chateaux. This is the dressoir—a sideboard, rising
to some height, with shelves ono above another, on which
were displayed the gold and silver vessels, costly vases,
candlesticks, and other choice ornaments of the owners.
The height of these dressoirs was fixed by etiquette. A noble
of a certain rank was entitled to use a dressoir of three stages,
whilst those of a lower rank were obliged to content them-
selves with two. Mario de Bourgoyne, as daughter of the
Count de Charolias, had five ((ogres to her dressoir; but the
queens of France were alone entitled to a similar height.
Ladies of rank, on the occasion of the births of their chil-
dren, ceremoniously kept to their chambers for 15 days;
and these they decorated with all the articles "de luxe" at
their command. Their dressoirs were covered with bor-
dered linen, or embroidered velvet; and upon the various
shelves, which receded in breadth till they terminated in a
dorsal, they placed vases of crystal, ornamented with gold
and precious stones, ewers of gold and silver, bowls, silver
candelabra, and sweetmeat boxes (drageoirs) of gold, en-
rished with precious stones. Persons coming to see madame
partook of these sweets, as well as of Wine. When the
dressoir was so constructed as to admit of its being drawn
up to the dining table, or placed in the centre of a chamber,
it was called a bufet,—Builder.
A MODERN YILGRIMAGE.--On Saturday' even-
ing upwards of 1,600 pilgrims arrived here from
Paris, accompanied by their priests; a number of distin-
guished
members of the clergy also came. On Sunday
afternoon they joined the five parishes of Boulogne in the
grand procession, composed, as on preceding occasions, of
banners, reliquaries, groups of fishermen, young girls in
white bearing garlands of flowers, but richer and more
numerous than on preceding occasions. The ceremony
was presided over by Monseigneur Morris, Bishop of Troy,
who closed the procession, attired in full canonicals.
When it is considered that every class of the popula-
tion join in these processions, many incurring a con-
siderable expense and inconvenience to do so, Ave cannot
help admiring the religious spirit which draws the pious
crowd to the shrine of the Virgin. The elegant decorations
of the houses in the principal streets of the town, and the
orderly demeanour of the crowds which witnessed the cortege,
are not less commendable than the pious ardour of the pil-
grims themselves. Ia the evening a banquet was held at
Mgr. If affreingue's, at which all the clergy of the town and'
the priests who had accompanied the pilgrims were invited.
Here Mgr. Morris congratulated his host and the whole
assembly on the wonders he had witnessed—on the hand-
some religious fete in which the whole population had
participated.—Boulogne
We hear that a young man, who is about to start
for the New Zealand diggings, is mating arrangements for
the transport to that place 0; about 100 cats. It would
appear, by the last accounts from that quarter, that cats are
worth, from Ll to 0 each,--Ere,