The Sun.
London, England, 1862-06-27 00:00:00

W. S. WOODIN.

Our country cousins and our friends from the
continent, evening after evening, are in the habit of
finding a refreshing little oasis in their dusty and
foot-sore wanderings about this wilderness of Lon-
don and Westminster. About eight of the clock
they turn into it from the roar of the Strand—that
great thoroughfare which may be regarded as the
mystical bond connecting together those same
Siamese Twins among the cities of the earth—
London and Westminster. Guided by a happy
whim, out of that turmoil of the Strand, advancing
but a few paces down King William-street, turning
to the right through the open doorway
that whosoever enters in the dumps is
absolutely certain to leave laughing—the Visitor
in search of amusement, no matter whether he be a
Young Man from the Country," or " Any Other
Man," has reason to congratulate himself upon his
choice before he has been very long seated in the
Polygraphic Hall, into which Hall a lucky chance
may in a happy hour have directed his footsteps,
Why—we London habitues know perfectly well. The
Stranger, though he jumps to the conclusion often
with an instantaneous sense of exhileration—more
frequently arrives at the not unwelcome know-
ledge of the fact by a series of almost imper-
ceptible gradations. Once settled in his place—no
matter whether that place may he among the stalls,
the reserved seats, or the boxes—he finds at every
turn that his comfort has been sedulously cared for
by his Entertainer. A profusion of mirrors cover
the walls of the little theatre after that sparkling
Parisian fashion which tends so much to the
adornment of every cafe along the Boulevards from
the Place de la Madeleine to the Place de la Bastille.
There are flowers in abundance dispersed in grace-
ful vases or tazzas in front of the proscenium.
There are pleasant sprinklings and tinklings of
dropping water—there is a sense of delicate
fragrance in the air—it is Rimmel's fairy-like
device of little odour breathing fountains ! There
are new decorations visible here and there through-
out the whole interior. A better arrangement has
been contrived for the musical accompaniment
that occasionally enlivens the monologue of the
speaking, dancing, and singing Polyphonist. As
a whole the entertainment itself is, of course, the
same as last year's—the same, that is, with a diffe-
rence ! Two or three new Characters are intro-
duced, and one marvellous Imitation. The last-
mentioned being no other than what we may call,
with perfect truth, a veritable fac simile, or alter
ego of Mr. Sothern as my Lord Dundreary ! His
lordship it is, rather, we should say, in propria per-
sona—with all his elegance, with all his stutter, and
with all his unconscionable stupidity. the effluent,
slightly peg-toppish trousers—the unexceptionable
coat the long trailing half-whisker-half-
moustache—the hair parted from the centre of the
forehead up to the crown of the head in the very
straightest of sheepwalks—the eye-glass perpetu-
ally on service—are none among t hem more true
to the reality than the h-h-hesitating, st-stammer-
ing voice, than the in souciani and ineffable expres•
-.ion of the whole countenanc,-, than tLe little pre-
posterous tripping run of the whole figure, or than
heeverlasting baulk of th3.t oft threaten ed, but never
accemplished, sneeze ! Mee Woodin has certainly
s kneck beyond that even of Munden—whom Charles
Lamb describes as dipping for faces. Mr. Woodin
dips not only for faces, but with them for figures,
for voices, for complete and, some of them (as in
the instance of Lord Dundreary) most complex in-
dividualities. To Mr, Woodin, we should imagine,
the old familiar axiom, about two heads being better
than one, must appear not simply trite but ridicu-
lous. Ills heads, apparently, are about as nume-
rous as those of a Scotch Divine's prelection. Our
Polyphonist may, in effect, with confidence be pro-
❑ounced—a very Proteus, a very Politician, a very
Human Chameleon in his change-ability. Him-
self, however (as a Polyphonist), we would none of
us, for an instant, wish to change for anything
but—exactly what he is! Namely, less of an Actor
than of a whole Company ! And " capital com-
pany " too ! Whatever he may be in private life,
certainly we must say that of him, whenever he is
before the public, in front of the footlights! What
with his flexible features, and elastic figure, and
variable voice, and his wonderful adaptability, in
regard to air, and gait, and carriage, and general
deportment—however much he may imitate others,
he himself, we take it, may fairly be pronounced

'MANSION-HOUSE.—The Lady Mayoress gave a
ball at the Mansion. house, on Tuesday evening, to a -distin-
guished company. The invited guests, about 1,500 in num
ber, included the foreign ambassadors, a very large propor-
tion of the nobility, the Royal Commissioners and jurors for
the International Exhibition, many foreign visitors of dis •
tinction, all the members of the Court of Aldermen, and a
large circle of private friends. The company began to
assemble about 10 o'clock. All the state apartments were
thrown open on the occasion, the Egyptian-hall being set
apart for dancing, which was continued until some time
after midnight.

AN AMBITIOUS BUG,—The followicg appears in
an advertisement in yesterday morning's 7 Imes :—" I, Nor-
folk Howard, heretotore called and known by the name of
Joshua Bug, late of Epsom, in the county of Surrey, now
of Wakefield, in the county of Yirk, and landlord of the
Swan Tavern in the same county, do hereby give notice,
that on the 20th day of this present month of June, for and
ou behalf of myself and heirs, lawfully begotten, I did
wholly abandon the use of the surname of Bug, and as-
sumed, took, and used, and am determined at all times here-
after, in all writings, actions, dealings, matters, and things,
and upon all other occasions whatsoever, to bst distin-
guished, to subscribe, to be called and known by the name
of Norfolk Howard only. I further refer all whom it may
concern to the deed poll under my hand and seal, declaring
that I choose to renounce the use of the surname of Bug,
and that I assume in lieu thereof the ab(ve surnames of
Norfolk nom end, and also declaring my determination,
upon all occasions whatsover, to be called and distinguished
exclusively by the said surnames of Norfolk Howard,
duly enrolled by me in the High Court of Chancery.—
Dated this 23d day of June, 1862.—Norfolk Howard, late
Joshua Bug."

GALLANT CAPTURE.—The capture of a notorious
burglar took place at Southsea, near Portsmouth, on Wed-
nes , day and is somewhat remarkable for the determined
spirit which was displayed by the captor. At the eastern
part of Soutbsea, close to the sea beach, is an educational
establishment, where young gentlemen are prepared for
their examinations for entry into the military and naval
services, the principal of whom is Mr. Kempshead, who
was formerly an inspector of Government schools. On
Wednesday morning Mr. Kempahead was awoke just pre_
views to daylight by a noise in the house, and, arching him-
self with a sword, left his bedroom to ascertain the cause.
He soon discovered there was an intruder in the house,
who, however, seemed to be making a rapid retreat, and
eventually escaped from the house, and fled across Southsea-
common. Mr. Kempshcad's clothing was slight, an easterly
wind was blowing, and the figure of the burglar was fast
lessening to view ; but the gallant principal did not hesitate
many seconds before he dashed across the common in pur-
suit, came up with the chase atter a hard run of some mi-
nutes' duration, captured him and conveyed him back in
triumph. a prisoner, to the house he had •taken so much
trouble to outer, but had fled from so preci itatelv. On
arrival home with his prisoner Mr.
.Kernpsheapd sent to the
nearest C,,astguard station for assistance and delivered the
prisoner into their charge, byh
where he was recormised by
Portsmouth gaol, whom was conveyed to
the governor
(Mr. Astridge) as an old hand, whose last name was Henry
Thompson, and who had recently been discharged from
penal servitude,

LATEST NEWS.

PARIS, JUNE 26.

During the discussion on extraordinary credits in
the Chamber of Deputies to-day, 111. Jules Favre
censured the expedition to Mexico, and requested
explanations, which he said public opinion awaited
with [impatience. He recalled the origin of the
expedition, and cited .the Convention of London
limiting its extent. M. Favre also examined the
phases of the expedition, the Convention of Sole-
dad, and the councils of the Plenipotentiaries of the
three Powers which finally led to a rupture_ M.
Jules Favre maintained that France ought not to
support Almonte, who had just revolutionised
Mexico. He alluded to the affair of the Jecker
loan, and regretted that the Government appeared
to disdain the calumnies which had been spread
abroad on this subject.
"I hope," continued he, " that France will
not persist in claiming that 75,000,000 f., the fruit
of scandalous speculations. Things have reached a
point at which it is necessary that the resolutions
to be taken should be explained. To my view the
sole course to take compatible with the interest and
the honour of the country is to treat with Mexico
and withdraw. (Murmurs.) It is easy to justify
this opinion. The contrary one rests on generow.
illusions, or a disastrous predetermined course. We
•
have not to avenge a defeat in Mexico. Our soldiers,
in the midst of insurmountable natural difficultie?,
have valiantly carried the name and honour of
France, and they can return to their country with
the glory which attaches to generous devoted-
ness and duty loyally accomplished. To
advance would be a disastrous enterprise.
We should be obliged to maintain the
Government which we might establish by an
army of 15,000 men. The consequences of the
policy we have followed in Mexico have been to
compromise our relations with several Powers."

M. Jules Favre concluded by expressing a hope
that France will not be engaged in compromising
enterprises without consulting the Chamber of
Deputies.
The sitting was then adjourned, and on its re-
assembling M. Billault commenced by describing
the anarchy which has prevailed in Mexico for the
last 25 years, and continued,—
" It was the robbery, pillage, and assassination
of strangers that determined the three Powers to
carry out the expedition. France and England
were not hostile to the candidature of the Archduke
Maximilian if the Mexicans chose him voluntarily.
Spain would have preferred a Bourbon Prince."
M. Billault established a difference between the
withdrawal of the Spaniards and that of the English,
who were always adverse to an expedition into the
interior. He censured negotiations from which it
was impossible to obtain any result, and stated that
the Emperor was compelled to disavow the conven-
tion of Soledad as contrary to the honour of France.
The explanations given to M. Barrot gave ground
to hope that Spain had the same policy in Mexico
as France, viz., the establishment in Mexico of a
Government, either a republic or a monarchy, as
the Mexicans may wish.
M. Billault stated that, notwithstanding the mo-
mentary disagreement between the three Govern-
ments, they remained on good terms, and quoted,
as a proof of this, the recent eloquent speech of
Lora Palmerston. The Minister paid a higa tributi
to the character of Admiral Jurien 'le la Graviere,
who had repeatedly said that France wished for
neither a monarchy nor a -republic, but simply a
good Government. M. Billault maintained that it
was incorrect that France had sent Almonte to
excite a civil war. "He was only to arrive in tht
city "Of Mexico when the ballot had been opened to
consult the national will. He arrived in Mexico
under the protection of our flag, and committed no
hostile act before the rupture of negotiations."

M.
Billault said, uit toan i
thnat et rwu phteion from
when
hemM.
French
Jules
flagflFoaatvsrien,
Mexico the population will, as in Italy, be called
upon to express their intentions. " If," says M.
Billault, " they reply that the Juarez Government
suits them, we should reply, 'Amen !'"
The Minister expressed great indignation at the
calumnies disseminated in the correspondence of
several foreign journals relative to the aims of
France. He said, " Excessive pecuniary demands
have been spoken of. The committee will verify
the rights of the persons claiming compensation."
He energetically repelled the counsel of M. Favre
to teat with the Juarez Government, and con-
tinued :—" Our honour is engaged, and we must
avenge the insults offered to us. On the departure
of our allies the Emperor sent the following in-
structions direct to General Lorencez :—a It is con-
trary to my interest, origin, and principles to
impose any Government whatever on 11Iexico. Let
the Mexican nation choose what form of govern-
ment suits them. We only ask of them sincerity
in the elections. We desire the happiness of that
fine country under a stable and regular Govern-
ment.'"

The rectified budget was afterwards voted.

The Patric asserts that orders have been sent to
the seaports requesting the naval authorities to pro-
visionally suspend the embarkations for Mexico.
The Presse says :—" It is confirmed that General
Douay has rejoined General Lorencez at Orizaba,
with 400 men."

BELGRADE, JUNE 25.

The first conference between the Special Com-
missioners of the Porte and the Serviau Govern-
ment took place to-day.
The Prince required the demolition of all the
fortresses.
A Turkish division, with eight cannon, has ad
vanced towards the frontier.

JUNE 26.
The Turkish Commissioner has had an audience
of the Prince of Servia.

The new Governor of the Citadel has arrived.
The armistice is confirmed, but both sides con-

tinue their armaments.
Public opinion is favourable to war with Turkey.

SCUTARI, JUNE 25.
Yesterday the whole Montenegrin force concen
trated behind the village of Yenikoi, on the right
bank of the Cetta, was beaten by Abdi Pasha.
On the first attack the Turks entered the
negrin works, the defenders of which they
after great slaughter.
Several hundred Montenegrins were left on the
field. exl7:te.
11ed

The Turks captured two Montenegrin cannon.

PARIS, JUNE 26.
The Petrie of this evening publishes the follow-
ng telegram
" CETTIGNE, JUNE 25.
Yesterday a battle was fought at Raffovina

Glavitza.
The Turks left 3,000 dead before the enemy's
entrenchments. The Montenegrins had 100 killed
and 200 wounded.
,4 The Turks were vigorous'.y pursued, and took
refuge at Sponto."
The Paris papers publish the fornwing :
" RAGUSA, JUNE 25.
" The Montenegrin§ have surprised 350 Bashi-

BazoukP, near Spuz ; 300 are reported to have
fallen, the remaining 50 having taken to flight.
"A battle took place yesterday near Zubzi.
"Dervisch Pasha has made a demonstration upon
Grahovo, it is believed with the intention of con-
cealing his actual movements."

PARIS, JUNE 26 (Evening).
The following telegram has been received here:
" RAGUSA, JUNE 26.
•
"On Tuesday last Abdi and Ismail Pasha at-
tacked the Montenegrins between Zurkownige and
Lueize.

"After a combat, lasting six hours, the Turks
were repulsed and fled precipitately towards Spuz,
with a loss of 3,000 men."

MADRID, ItYNE.26.
Notwithstanding the suspension of the London
convention, Spain is disposed to open to France the
ports of the Antilles for the sick belonging to and
the revictualling of the French expedition to
Mexico.

M. Barrot, the French Ambassador, has left for
Paris.

Her Majesty and the Princess are doing well.

AMERICA.
ROCHE'S POINT, FRIDAY, 10 55 A.m.
The Persia, from New York, on the 18th inst.,