The Sun.
London, England, 1865-12-25 00:00:00

FRE SUN, LONDON, MONDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 25, I.E€F,

Lyceum Theatre.

On Saturday evening "the Master of Ravens-
wood," an adaptation of the great novel of Sir
Walter Scott, the' Bride of Lammermoor," by Mr.
Palgrave Simpson, was produced at this theatre,
and met with a brilliant success. Mr. Fechter's
embodiment of the part of Edgar is the great
feature of the play ; and we may say at once that
anything more artistic cannot be conceived. It is
equal to his " Ruy Blas." The mounting of the
play is absolute perfection,. and the applause it
elicitedwas enthusiastic, spontaneous, and universal.
We reserve a more detailed notice of the play for
another occasion, and therefore on the present oc-
casion we merely record with high satisfaction the
successful production of " the Master of Ravens-
wood."

thus rendering this theatre a really architectural
work, and free from that upholstery look which dis-
figures many buildings of this class. The stage is
60 feet in depth and 70 feet in width between the
scene docks, which are each 15 feet deep, making a
total of 100 feet for the working room ; beneath this
is a large cellar, capable of receiving the heaviest
set scenes that may be required. Great care has
been taken that this part of the theatre should be
unexceptionable. In order to arrive at this result,
the machines and appliances of theatres, not only
of England but on the Continent, have been studied
and examined ; the consequence is that there are
features in this part of the building that have never
been seen before in this country, and the whole eco-
nomy of the scenic art will be here carried out with-
out that confusion, noise, and delay which so sadly
disfigure the drama, even in many of our principal
theatres. It may be here mentioned that the soli-
dity of construction and economy of space in this
theatre is remarkable. The green room, refresh-
ment and retiring saloons, dressing rooms, ballet
room, property room, wardrobe, treasury, and
numerous offices, are all spacious, lofty, and conve-
nient; quite equal, and in many cases far superior,
to any theatre in London. Had the architect been
commissioned to erect an opera house or fashion-
able West-end theatre, no doubt alterations and
modifications in the box department would have
been needed, and greater architectural decoration
aimed at ; but his instructions were to build a solid,
strong, airy, and spacious theatre, as befits the
Royal Surrey, and the public must admit that
he has admirably accomplished the task allotted
to his care. The contractor entrusted with
the building was Mr. C. N. Foster, of
New Wharf, Whitefriars, for whom the iron
roofs, girders, and columns were made by Messrs.
Rankin and Co., of Liverpool ; the iron staircases
by Mr. Pountney, of Blackfriars-road ; the gas-
fittings by Messrs. Jones, of Bow-street, Covent-
garden ; the furnishing by Mesa's. Green, of Mor-
timer-street.; the modelling and decorations con-

jointly by Mr. E. W. Bradwell, of Great Portland-
street, and Mr. Parlby, of Rathbone-place, from
special designs by the architect ; the sun-light by.
Messrs. Strode, of St. Martin's-le-Grand ; the sta-
tuary by Messrs. Squires and Owen, of Oak Wharf,
City-road. Mr. John Hurley superintended for the
builder, Mr. Bilborough acted as foreman for the
excavations and brickwork, Mr. Joseph Derry, fore-
man of carpenters, Mr. Mesher as foreman for
Messrs. Rankin ; the whole of the stage was en-
trusted to the care of Mr. William Mather, and the
portico to Messrs. Bellman and_lvey ; and it must
be acknowledged that all have done their work most
thoroughly and efficiently, and this without any
serious accident to life or limb from commencement
to completion, although the early part of the work
was of a very dangerous character, and the latter
part principally performed by gas light. The whole
of the drawings and designs were supplied by Mr.
John Ellis, architect, Austiufriars, and carried out
under his personal superintendence, on behalf of
Lieutenant-Col. Temple West, to whose taste and
liberality, both in the erection and in the additional
expenses incurred, we sincerely trust the building
now completed may remain as a substantial monu-
ment of the judicious investment of a large amount
of capital."
After the inspection the company repaired to the
green-room, where an expellent collation had been
laid out. Mr. John Oxenford took the chair, hav-
ing on his right Mr. R. Shepherd, whose health and
success to the new house was drunk with much
enthusiasm. Mr. Shepherd, in reply, stated that it
would be hiS intention to make the new Surrey
second to no other house in the metropolis, and
threw out an invitation to dramatic authors to
supply him with works of a sterling quality, for
which he promised an ample remuneration. The
healths of the architect and of the builder were sub-
sequently drunk, and after a brief list of toasts had
been disposed of the majority of the visitors dis-
posed themselves on the luxurious seats in stalls and
boxes, whence they witnessed a dress rehearsal of
the rnew pantomime, which is to bo produced to-
morrow-night, and which it may safely be predicted
will attract crowded audiences for two months to
come at the very least.

AMERICA.

ARRIVAL OF THE SCOTIA.
(Via Roche's Point.)
NEW YORK, Dec. 13 (Morning).
The following concurrent resolutions have been
introduced in Congress and referred to the Com-
mittee for Foreign Affairs.

Whereas iu pursuance of the policy expressed by
Napoleon, in his letter to General Forey, dated
on the 3d of July, 1862, an attempt has been
made to establish a monarchy in Mexico, contrary to
the people's wishes, and to support Maximilian in
his usurpation by European soldiers, and Maximi-
lian having practically established slavery, and vio-
lated the usages of civilised warfare, by declaring
Republicans outlaws ;

Therefore, the Senate contemplates the condition
of Mexico with profound solicitude. The attemft
to establish a monarchy on the American Con-
tinent, sustained solely by European bayonets, is
opposed to the declared policy of the Federal
Government, offensive to the people, and con-
trary to the spirit of their institutions. The
President is requested to take such steps con-
cerning this grave matter as will vindicate the
recognised policy, and protect the honour and in-
terests of the American Government.

Both Houses have requested the President to
furnish all correspondence touching the French
occupation of Mexico, Maximilian's decree order-
ing armed Republicans to be shot without trial, and
the establishment of Peonage.

Another resolution, strongly pointed against
Mexico, was introduced in the house, and laid

over.

The Senate has passed the resolution appointing
a committee to decide the claims of the Southern
members to seats, with an amendment making the
resolution concurrent, permitting debate on the
subject, and providing for the admission of one or
more State delegations without waiting for the cases
of all to be decided.

The house has consented to receive the credentials
of the Tennessee members, and has referred them to
the joint committee. Pending a decision the Ten-
nessee members have been granted the privilege of
the floor. The other Southern members
_are ex-
cluded.

The House has refused to allow the introduction
of a resolution declaring the insurrection to be sup-
pressed ; that the, paramount duty was to restore
the privileges and relations of all the States as
quickly as possible, and that the President's recon-
struction policy is the best adapted to attain that
end.

The House has passed a bill to prevent the cattle
disease by the temporary prohibition of the impor-
tation of cattle.

The New York Times believes that the opposi-
tion of the Union members to the admission of the
Southern representatives is diminishing.
The Charleston correspondent of the _Herald as-
serts that General Grant, in the course of conversa-
tion at the dinner given by General Sickles, stated
that now was the favourable moment to drive Maxi-
milian from Mexico, and that such an opportunity
might not occur again.

General Grant has returned to Washington, and
reports that the negroes are in comparative idleness,
and refused to renew their contracts. He believes
that the professions of loyalty expressed by the
Southern masses are sincere.

General Logan had an interview with Mr. Seward
on Monday on the subject of Mexican affairs. The
reports concerning his acceptance of the Mexican
mission are still contradictory.

President Johnson has instructed the Provisional
Governor of Georgia to continue in his f unctions
until specially relieved ; and also not to issue certi-
ficates of election to candidates elected to Congress.
The Provisional Governor of Georgia has since
asked to be relieved, and recommended the installa-
tion of the newly-elected Governor.
The Mississippi Legislature have declined to pass
the constitutional amendment because of the second
clause.

Judge Jefferson of the Circuit Court of Ken-
tucky has dismissed the indictment against General
Palmer for abducting slaves, on the ground that
the requisite number of States having adopted the
constitutional amendment previous to the indict-
ment all criminal and penal acts of the Legislature
relating to slavery are null. General Palmer has
issued a proclamation declaring slavery to have
ceased in Kentucky.

The Fenian Senate have impeached John
O'Mahony and deposed him from office for mal.
feasance and misappropriation of funds. They have
elected W. R. Roberts President, and issued an
address urging all Fenians to rally round the new
organisation.

O'Mahony's supporters act independent of
the Senate, and have called Congress to
assemble in New York in January. Meet-
ings of the supporters of both parties
have been held throughout the country endorsing
the respective organisations. The Fenians are
making preparations for the reception of Stephens,
who is expected in New York. It is believed
that he will be accepted as arbiter between O'Ma-
hony and the Senate.

The steamer Colorado left San Francisco on the 9th
with a million dollars, of which $860,000 are for
New York.

The Teutonia and City of Boston have arrived
out.

The remodelling of Ford's Theatre, Washington
has been completed. It cost $20,000. _ _

Peace is reported to reign in Texas. The freed-
men are making contracts for next year's labor.

Many English merchants and bankers have agents
in the Southern States selecting cotton lands.

The Louisiana Legislature has passed resolutions
endorsing the President's policy, and stating that slavery
is abolished for ever in Louisiana:

Elaborate preparations are being made for solemn
obituary services for President Lincoln in Congress. Many
members will deliver eulogies.

In New York, the Fifth Avenue Hotel pays
$BO,OOO rent; the St. Nicholas and Metropolitan, $70,000
each ; the Astor and New York, $60,000 each ; and the
Everett, $40,000. A. T. Stewart owns the Metropolitan
and St. Nicholas, and William B. Astor owns the Astor
House.

The committee of the French Universal Exhibi-
tion of 1867 has just decided that there shall be no days of
admission gratis. The charge will be one franc, except on
Friday, when it will be five. Persons who may wish to
enter before ten in the morning will pay one franc extra.
The price of season ticks will be 100 f. for men, 60f. for
women, and 20f. for children.

Hon. Tom Corwin, of Ohio, says that he would
hare continued in the Mexican embassy, but that he had
to climb mountains and keep on foot all the time to keep
in roach of the Mexican Republic, and he was too old for
that.

Steamers are running between Charleston and
Savannah and ports in Florida.

A correspondent of the New, York Herald writes
from the Valley of Virginia that there is abundance of
food and a good deal of money in that region ; and says,
also, that the prejudice against Northern immigration is
dying out.

On Friday, December the Ist, a coal train on
the New Jersey Central Railroad, running on an up-grade,
broke in two. Part of the cars ran back down the grade,
and smashed an express train coming at full speed towards
them. Seven persons were killed and twelve wounded.
Libby Prison and Castle Thunder at Richmond,
so famous during the war, will soon be converted into
warehouses. .

COMMERCIAL.

NEW YORK, Dec. 13, Morning.

Money abundant. Gold, 1441. Exchange on
London, 158- ; on Paris, $564. Stocks very firm.
Erie, 931 ; 50.20 Bonds, 1021. Cotton heavy.
Midland Upland, 48. Flour quiet. Wheat steady.
Corn good inquiry. Provisions firm. Coffee quiet.
Sugar dull. Molasses steady. Petroleum steady.
Crude, 41i ; refined, 66 67.

NEW ORLEANS, Dec.
Middling Upland, 47 49. Sales to-day, 800.

THE ARCTIC EXPEDITION.—The New York Times
states that a second part of Captain Hall's report on his
search for fuller information about Sir John Franklin's
rctic expedition has been received. The wrecked ships
of Franklin appear to have been visited, the remains of a
large number of their crews seen, frozen and mutilated,
and the valuables left in the ships appropriated by the
Esquimaux. They encourage Capt. Hall to believe that
some of the men may still be living.

General Schofield, who has just paid a visit to
England, has returned to Paris, where he purposes spend-
ing the winter.

RAIL WAY INTELLIGENCE.

METROPOLITAN.

On Saturday the new Farringdon Station of this
company, and the extension line to Finsbury, were
successfully opened for traffic, great numbers of
passengers having passed over it during the day.
The time occupied in running between Finsbury
and the Great Western Railway at Bishop's-road
was 22 minutes, calling at all the intermediate sta-
tions. There are to be four lines of rails on the
extension line, two for the Metropolitan line proper,
over which the trains now run, and which will be
continued to Trinity-square, and there, by a junc-
tion with the District Metropolitan line, form a por-
tion of the "Inner Circle" line on the narrow gauge.
The other two lines lines are on the mixed gauge
for the accommondation of the Great Western,
Great Northern, and Midland Companies traffic,
but the mixed gauge lines are not carried further at
present than Aldersgate Station. They pass through
the intended site of the goods stations at the Great
Western and Metropolitan Railway Companies in
Smithfield, the goods stations being on a level with
the rails, and over the whole of which the new meat
market is to be erected, on the level of the sur-
rounding streets, which are to be 60ft. wide. The
goods stations underneath and market over them
will cover several acres in Smithfield. The Chatham
and Dover Railway Company can have access to
the Smithfield-market, which might hereafter be
extended to the Finsbury Station. The unfinished
works are actively progressing under Mr. Kelk, the
contractor. The completed works have been well
and carefully executed, the permanent way has been
most substantially constructed with steel rails 841 b.
to the yard, laid on large rectangular creosoted cross
sleepers, about lft. 10in, apart, the ballast is of the
best sort, having the great advantage of being ob-
tained on the spot. Mr. J. Flower is the engineer
in chief, and Mr. T. Marr Johnson the resident en-
gineer. The new permanent Farringdon Station
fronts Charles-street, a short distance to the north-
east of the temporary station, which until Saturday
had been in use since the opening of the Metropoli-
tan Railway on the 10th of January, 1863. It is a
large station well lighted with an iron and glass roof,
has very convenient and spacious booking offices and
refreshment rooms. The first and second class pas-
sengers enter by one doorway, and the third class
passengers by another, the refreshment department
being in the centre between them. There is an en-
trance platform running across the building, having
stairs to the train platforms below ; further on an
exit platform or gallery, also haring proper stairs ;
and an exchange gallery also across the station having
stairs for enabling passengers to go from the Metro-
politan trains to those of the Great Northern and the
London, Chatham, and Dover Railway Companies,
and vice versa when those trains can run over the
new line between Blackfriars and King's-cross. The
station in Aldersgate-street has an iron and glass
roof, is spacious, lofty, and convenient. The present
terminal station is a temporary structure, close to
Finsbury-pavement, and, like the other stations,
carefully planned and very convenient. It appears
that Mr. Fenton, the general manager, has devoted
a good deal of attention to the various details, so
that the stations should be as convenient and com-
plete as possible, and that the line should be worked
in the most efficient manner for the accommodation
of the public and the benefit of the company. Per-
haps one of the most important matters is the im-
proved mode of working the signals. The electric
disk or block system, by Mr. Spagnoletti, has been
used successfully on the line from the commence-
ment. Then, in combination with that, but inde-
pendent of it, there is a mechanical lock system,
patented by Messrs. Saxby and Farmer, for working
the points and signals on the line by means of levers.
They are so contrived that the points on any part of
the line must be changed first before a signal can
be given for a train to pass over them. One signal
must be changed before another at the samo place
can be given which might clash with it. The self-
acting system of locking the levers prevents those
from being moved which should not be moved until
the proper time, and thus prevents mistakes.
Signals out of sight of the signalman cannot be
properly given until verified by another signalman
near the spot, so that every signal for a train to
come on must pass through the hands of two men
before it can be given. The evil of overworking
has been provided against by the general manager
having arranged that the men who come on duty in
the morning shall be relieved at three p.m. by fresh
men, who continue to work the points and signals
until the day ends, so that no injury should arise
to the men or the company from that source.