The Sun.
London, England, 1854-03-22 00:00:00

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

A highly satisfactory prospectus of the forthcoming
season of the Italian Opera has just been published. It
appears that the opening night will be on Thursday, the
30th of this month, in lieu of Tuesday, the 28th, as pre-
viously announced. The directors promise their
con-
tinned efforts to carry out the original design of this
great lyrical establishment. It is stated that the great
artist Madame Viardot, after an absence of three years,
will return once more to shed lustre on the representa-
tions of the theatre. Mademoiselle Sophie Cruvelli,
whose eminent talents are already so highly esteemed in
this country, will appear for the first time at the Royal
Italian Opera. Sigcor Lablache will also, for the fir:t
time, lend his powerful aid in supporting the efforts of the
directors, and will enable then to produce many of the
most popular works with a.. unprecedented c ts;e
of characters. In addition, Madenroiselle Marai, a
young singer of great prolike, WOO hbs airea.lf tilt le
very successful debuts, both at St. Peteribarg aid
Vienna, will appear for the first time in E ; also
Signor Susini, for the first time at the Royal Italian
Opera. Mdlle. Bosio, who during the past winter has
acquired fresh laurels in the French capital, c.nitinues
tier engagement. Those unrivalled performers, Signor
Mario, Signor Ronconi, acid Sion it Tamberlik, together
with Signori Tagliafico, Pul,ni, Lechesi, Stigelli,
have been re-engaged, while the directors still have the
advantage of the invaluahle services of Signor Costa.
"The forthcoming season, however (says the pros-
pectus), brings with it one subject of regret—viz., the
retirment from the lyric stage of a lady who for many
years has been one of Its brighest ornaments Towards
the end of July A ida:ne Giulia Grisi will mike her last
appearance before an English audience. It has probably
never before fallen to the lot of any candidate for public
favour to sustain for 21 successive seasons the highest
and most arduous characters of the lyric drama, and
most certainly never with such unanimous cJintnerela-
tions as have been unceasingly bestowed on Madame
Grisi. The directors are convinced that not only will
the subscribeis of the Royal Italian Opera, as well as
the musical amateurs of the metropolis, participate in
their sentiments on this occasion ; but they feel sure
that the retirement of Madame Grisi will cause one
general feeling of deep regret in the minds of all those
who take any interest in the musical affairs of this
country.

"It is the wish of Madame Grisi, during this her last
.tigagement, to repeat those impersonations in which it
has been her good fortune to obtain her greatest suc-
cesses, and it will accordingly be the care of the direc-
tors to contribute every possible eclat to these perfor-
mances, relying with the greatest confidence that the
subscribers, the patrons of the opera, and the public,
;vill on these occasions still extend to their long-favoured
artiste the cheering influence of their countenance and
support."

-lit addition to the repertoire already formed, several
pieces are announced which have never been performed
at this theatre, and which will be, in effect, new to the
public. Among these are La Vestale of Spontini, the
Domino Noir of Auber, the Matilda di Shabran of Ros-
sini, and (the most remarkable of them all) the Oberon
of Weber. The subscription is to consist of 46 nights,
,:ommeticing on the night already mentioned, and end-
ing in August.
Madlle. Plunkett is engaged, and will be assisted by a
very talented and efficient corps de ballet.

ANQUI;II AT THE FRENCH EMBASSY.

Yesterday evening their Excellencies the Count and
Countess Walewski gave a grand banquet to the gene-
(As of the Eastern expeditionary force and a select cir-
cle of the aristocracy, at their magnificent official resi-
dence, Albert-gate.

The guests upon the occasion were his Royal High-
ness the Duke of Cambridge, Lord and Lady Raglan,
Lord De Ros, the Duke of Newastle, the Marquis of
Lansdowne, the Earl and Countess of Clarendon, Vis.
countess Palinerston, the Hon. Major Janes Macdonald
Right Hon. Sir Jaines Graham and Lady Graham,
Right Hon. Mr. Sidney Herbert and Mrs. Sidney Her-
bert. M. Jules De Saui and M. Veitlat, Secret tries of
Legation, were also present at the entertainment.
Later in the evening the Countess Waleswki threw
open her saloons for the reception of a select circle of
the aristocracy and beau monde, and was honoured with
a numerous and brilliant attendance.

DEPUTATION OF RUSSIAN MERCHANTS.—This depu-
tation, which waited on Lin! Clarendon yesterday, con-
sisted of IVlessrs. Wegueiin, Brandt, Morgan,
Tooke, Hill, Ribinson, and Hodgson. In answer to
their inquiries, his t rdship stated that the Government
are disposed to respect the persons and property of all
Russian subjects residing as merchants in this country
to the full extent pi omiA,cl by the Emperor of Rissia
towards British suhjcets, and that all necessary measure,
will b.> alopted to enable them to remain unmolested in
the quiet pro.,;ecution of their business. With regard to
licenses for special shipments during the war, it was
stated that each case must be considered on its merits,
but that the Government will do all in their power, after
concert with their naval allies, to protect the bona fide
property of British subjects in Russia. Finally, on the
question as to the trade of neutral ports, his lordship said
that the desire is to avoid throwing any special obstacles
in its way, and that certificates of origin will not be
demanded. Produce shipped from the port.: of Prus•ia,
or any other friendly or neutral country will conse-
quently be considered prima facie a§ friendly Carp,

IMPE MAL PARLIA IE NT-
HOU,*II OF CWIUONS---(THIS DAY.)
The SPEAKER took the chair at 12 o'clock.
PETITIONS..
Several petitions were preseuLed against the opening
of public houses on Sundays.
Mr. BAINES presented two petit ons from Bradford
and Leeds, atzitinkit the Medical Practitioners Bid.
Lord GOD ERICH presented a petition from the
medical practitioners of Leeds in favour of the bill.
Sir J. DUKE presented a petition from St. Andrews,
Holborn, agatost the Poor Removal Bill.
Mr. BRADY- presented petitions from different parts
of the country, in favour of the Medical Registration
Biil.
Mr. STRUTF presented a petition from the manu-
facturers of Nottingham, against the Payment of Wages
(11)sierv) Bill.
Mr. BRIG-ET presented a petition from Manchester,
against the Medical Practitioners Bal.
NEW WRIT, -
On the motion of an hon. member a new writ was
ordered for NVestmoreland, in the room of Alderman
Thompson, deceased.

LLOYD'S SHIPPI Na.—(27llS DAY.)

LONDON, March 22.—Wind this day at Noon, N.E.;
moderate breeze, and cloudy weather.
SourEwlrrorr, March 22.—Arrived—Trent (s), from
the West Indies.
SUNDERLAND, March 21.—Wind, N.E. Arrived--
Devon, from Roterdam; Fraw, Amsterdam.
DOVER, March 21.—Wind, N.b. Arrived—New Great
Britain, from London, for Montreal.
PORTSAIOUrH, March 21.—Wind, N.E. to E.Y.E. rived—Su:hum, from Demerara; Catheline. Nysted ;
Cornet, Sunderland, fur Ve,iice, with bowsprit b prang,
jibbootn, cutwater, and head rails carried a ay, having
iu collisiuu, at to entrance of the Gull Stream, with • the Royal Goorge, from Hartlepool, fur Ramsgate.
MILFORD, March 20.--Sailed--Nautilus for Melbourne;
Speedy, Corfu ; TurJea, M ilta ; Helianthus, Naples.
DARTUOUTII, March -I.—Wind, E. Sailed—Dromo,
for Malta.
PaLmouril, March 21.—Wind, E., strong breeze. Ar•
rived—Gezina, from Groningen, for Truro; Nymphs,
Permirnbuco ; Levant, Palermo.
PLYMourii, March 21.—Wind, E.N.E Arrived—SU-
saun,b, Payti, fur Hamburgh ; liv.reoell, Callao, for Ber-
wick ; Marco eolo, Monte Video, for Cherbourg ; Fortuna,
Santa Martha; British Queen, Salunica ; Brant, Malts,
for Newcastle.
LIVERPOOL, March 21.- The Atlantic (s), from Liver-
pool to New York, which was on shore, March 8, on the
mud at Sandy Hook, got off same day, and arrived at
Now Yoris, without damage.

(BT ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.)
LIVERPOOL, Wednesday, 10.30 a.m.
Wind, N.N.W. ; fresh breeze, and fine
Arrived—Charles Ward, from New Orleans.
Off Port—Otter, from Bremerhaven ; Albion, Constan•
tinoplo.

QUEENSTOWN, March 20.

Wind, E. N E.
Arrived _Roe, from Benin, for Liverpool ; Jenny Jones,
Vaiparaiao, for Liverpool.
Put in—Crown, from Liverpool, for Jamaica ; Louisa
Munroe, Liverpool, for Bay of Fundy.

(BY SUBMARINE AND EUROPEAN TELEGRAPH.)
GRAVESEND, Wednesday, 10.16 a.m.
Wind, E.N.E. ; tide, half ebb ; fresh and fine.
Arrived--Sophia, from flAlmstadt ; Hannibal, Randers;
Concordia, Stettin ; Lowina, Emden ; Maria, Copenhagen;
Everhardus, Bremen; Droningen, Mollerup ; Gustavo,
Helsicborg.
Sailed—Alar (s), for Dunkirk ; G. B. Lamar, Nevt
York ; Amaulipas (s), Liverpool; Euphrok. ne, Cape of
Good Hope ; Seine (s), Boulogne.
DEAL, Wednesday, 9.45 a.m.
Wind, NE. fresh and fine.
Passed—Partisan, from Shields, for Constantinople ;
Maria, Sunderland, for Carthagena ; Beverley, do., for
Malta ; Pyrenees, transport, No. 1, from London, for
Malta.

MR. BuNN.—Thig gentleman, labouring under severe
cold, was unable last night to repeat
the lecture on
America, which he delivered on Monday evening at the
Regent Gallery for the first time.
LIEUTENANT SAMUEL GURNEY CRESSWELL.—The
Queen having been pleased to command Lieutenant
Samuel Gurney Cresswell, formerly of the Investigator
discovery ship, and the first to accomplish the north-
west passage, to attend at Buckingham Palace, the en-
terprising young officer had the honour of complying
with her Majesty's commands on Monday, and sub-
mitted his sketches, made by him during his service in
the Investigator, and exhibiting some of the most in-
teresting scenes brought under his notice during the
discovery of the north-west pas-:age by Capt. M'Clure.
Her Majesty examined the drawings minutely, and
put numerous questions to Lieutenant Cresswell
relative to the long and hazardous voyage of the Inves-
tigator, which he answered to the entire satisfaction of
the Queen. The sketches are to be, by special permis-
sion, dedicated to her Majesty. Lieutenant Cresswell is
now serving in the Archer, 14, screw steam-corvette,
and leaves for the Baltic iu the course of the present
week.

MORE APPRHENSIONS AT PRESTON.—PRESTON, TUES-
DAY, 10, P. M.—Nine delegates and committee men have
been apprehended, and warrants have been issued against
others. Five prisoners have been under examination all
day, charged with con,piracy, the alleged offence being
the sending back of hands broiL:ht from Manchester.
The examination was adjourned till to-morrow (Wed-
nesday). The prisoners ;lave been liberated on bail.
The town is in a state of great excitement, but peace is
happily preserved.-
PRICE OP GOLD.---The quotation of gold at Paris is
about 3 per mills discount (according to the last tariff),
which, at the English Mint price of 3/. 17s. 104 d. per
ounce for standatd gold, gives an exchange of 2.5.091 ;
and, the exchange at Paris on London at short being
24 95, it fu:lows that gold is about 0.58 per cent. dearer
in Paris than in London, By advices from Haqiburg
the price of
gold is 419 per mark, which, at the English
Min pic t 31.
17s. 10d. per ounce for standard gold,
gives an excharge of 13.4 ; and, the exchange at Ham-
burg on London at short Wine' 13.1 if, it follow's that gold
is at the same price in Ha4urg and Loffilon. The
course of excliatie at New York nit London for bills at
60 days' sight is 109 per cent., and, tie par of exchange
between England an,' America being 109 '23.40 per cent.,
it fidlows that the exchange is nominally 0.58 per cent.
against E.igland. But, after making allowance for
charges of transport and difference of interest, the pre-
sent rate leaves no profit on the transmission of gold
either way between the two countries.
S. PETERSBURG.—The St. Petersburg advices an-
nounce the prohibition of the ,_.xliort of bullim, and a
cons,quent fall in the exchange on London to 34,1.,
thus showing a ser:.,us depreciation in tlse paper cur-
rency. Under these circumstances, on the London
exchange yesterday bills on RtlAgia were unsaleable.

DUNG ARVON ELECTION.
The members chosen to serve i n the Dungarvon
election committee were called to the table and sworn.
The committee to meet to-morrow.
PROPERTY TAX.
The CHANCEL it of tae EX'.:;fIEQUER brought
in the Property Tax Bid, which was read a first time,
and ordered to he read a second time to-inerrow.
SIMONY LAW AMENDMENT BILL.
Mr. PHIL LIMOR E moved .the second rea ling of
this bill, which he said, with cone slight a flitions,.
was precisely the same measure that he laid on the
table last session. Tile present state of the law of
simony was highly objectionable, and the amendment
which he proposed to make in it had received the assent
of the assembled judges of the land. • The first statute
which related to the subject of simony was passed in the
reign of Elizabeth, and it inflicted a very severe punish-
ment upon parties convicte.l of the offence of sittionV.
Subsequently various acts ware passed (limn to the reign
of Anne ; and now, according to the existing law, it was
competent for a layman or a cergyinati to purchase ad-
vowsons, or the right of next presentation to a living.
The consequence was that the law as it now stood gave
rise to great abuses ; the living could only be sold
while the present incumbent was living —so long as
he had a particle of breath in his nostrils, the
right of presentation could be legally sold and purchased
and the ohject of this bill was to prevent even such a
sale as that- a course which, he repeated, had been re-
commended by the assembled judges of the land. The
sale of civil offices in patronage was prohibited alike by
law and morals, and the reason for that was obvious.
Patronage, or the right of presenting to an office either
clerical or civil, could only be treated in the former as a
spiritual, arid the latter as a moral trust. It certainly
was not property, and therefore it was idle to tell him
that a bill like this was an undue or improper interfer-
ence with the vested rights of individuals or corporations.
Trafficking in matters connected with the cure of souls
become quite a cornition-p-actice in modern times ; livings
were daily hawked about and advertised in thepublic prints
for sale, while the cure of souls was knocked down to
the highest bidder at auctions, the price in such cases
depending, of course, upon the annual returns of the in-
cumbency. For the purpose of preventing such abuses
in future he had introduced this bill, and he hoped the
house would allow it to go to a second reading.
Mr. G. BUTT moved as an amendment that the bill
be read a second time this day six months. The hon.
gentleman who had just addressed them had not quite
correctly stated the law on this subject. Au advowson
was an alienable estate in fee, but the right to make the
next presentation was only a chattle. Both, however,
were saleable, and liable to be made the subject of settle-
ment or mortgage; in fact, they were properties which the
law of England allowed to be bought and sold, and all
the restrictions which the law imposed upon the owners
was contained in the qualification which the person pre-
sented to the living was bound to possess. In all times
both the advowson and the right of presentation had
been treated and dealt with as properties ; and this
measure, therefore, was a direct violation of the
rights of property. (Hear, hear.) But the bill, if
passed, would -prove inoperative, because it did not in-
terfere with the advowson ; all that it did, in fact, was
to prevent the sale of the next presentation ; hut did'
not the house perceive if that were prohibited, recourse • 1[:
would be had to the sale of the advowson. How, then,
would the bill get rid of the evil complained, if evil it was?
It would do nothing of the sort, and inasmuch as it
would not only interfere with the rights of property, but
would have a tendency to prevent lay patronage, he
trusted the house would reject the second reading
of the bill. Two-thirds of the livings of England
are private patronage, and it would be most
unjust to adopt the Romish principle of transferring it
to the bishops or heads of the Church, which would be
the ultimate effect of this bill.
Mr. SPOONER seconded the amendment.
[LEFT SITTING.] •

1

Ma