The Sun.
London, England, 1854-12-16 00:00:00

THIS EVENING,

A Grand Military Spectacle, in Two Acts, by J. U. STeconi.l.Eit.
Be called THM 13ATTLE: of THE ALMA, giving a vivid repre-
sentation of that tremendous conalet, upon a vast space, combhing
the Stage aid the Ring, and occupied by Four launched Auxiliaries,
in acl.lition to the numerous Company.

After which, LES ELITEiI DU CERCLE will appear in the
'varied SCENES in the CIRCLE of Equestrian Talent.
The whole to conclude with a RISIBLE FARCE.

tox-office open from Eleven till Four. Stage Manager, Mr. W
West. Acting Manager. Mr. W. 11. Cooke. Equestrian Director,
Mr. Wm. Cooke, jun.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
Tcvn DIT —ncl-nitr 43 min.sitoz 10 Evaulai, 12 mla.aft.ll
To- :mow - Morning 40 mino I lter 11 Evaning 0 C

THE WEATHRE.-5.1.rw Ornui, Dec. 16.

Talsmourreu, IN THI6 SEL4I3II.
r,G - highest since noon yesterday.
48 —'o vest this morning and. during the night.
48 —tLis day, at noon.
BA.ROMETR3, 29.93.
Wnrn, N.W.—Moderato breeze, and fine cold thy
weather.

evx

c~.

LONDON, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16, 1854,

The Foreign Enlistment Bill has passed through
Committee in the Upper [louse, but not without
opposition. Many Noble Lords urged powerful,
and, we will venture to add, conclusive objections
to its progress, but the old cant prevailed. The
changes were as usual rung on " the exigencies of
the War," and the "necessity of strengthening
the hands of Government," and the most degrad-
ing and wholly unfounded motives were ascribed
to those who ventured. to oppose, or ask reason-
able time for considering a matter of vast consti-
tutional importance, and acknowledged.by Minis- ,
ters to be open " to some objections on the ground
of general principles."
These reckless imputations cannot, however, in
any decree benefit the cause in which they are
advanced. The slightest truce of reason is worth
an infinity of hard words. It might do very well
in the olden time "to abuse the Plaintiff's At-
torney," but it is now generally understood that
such instructions are accompanied by an ac-
knowledgment that there is no adequate de-
fence, and violent personalities in ordinary
discussion raise a strong presumption that the
party who has so far lost his temper must have
a very bad cause. Those who seek to substitute
a body of dictators for a constitutional Govern-
ment, who carry their subservience to the extent
of demanding a lelindand unreasoning acquiescence
in every Ministerial suggestion, under the penalty
of being dubbed " factious," or " friendly to
Russia," place themselves in this category, and at
once afford the most striking evidence of the
weakness of their cause. They would fain sup-
press rational argument, and carry every matter
with a high hand, the "sic vole, sic jubeo" being
all that is deemed necessary for those who must
obey whatever suits the Minister of the day, for
whom absolute " infallibility" is thus practically
claimed. Far better that the matter should be
placed in its true light, and that unquestioning
and unmurmuring obedience should be at once
claimed for that . dear, infallible ABERDEEN, the
CZAR'S impeccable friend of forty years' standing
Now these arguments aro as unconstitutionsi
as they are slavish and debasing. They are as
unconstitutional as the principle of the bill which
they are intended to promote, and it is impossible
to say anything stronger on the point. TLe
value of perfect liberty of speech has always been
recognised ; and a sturdy, independent Opposi-
tion, ready to scrutinise every measure brought
forward—expose ev(ry weak point, and examine
every detail—has been invariably looked on as
one of the most valuable elements of the British
constitution. " Her MAJESTY'S Opposition" have
only been second in importance to her MAJESTY'S
Government ; and the dread of what might be
said by Noble Lords or Right Hon. or Hon.
Gentlemen on the other side of the House, has ope-
rated as a very salutary check on those holding the
reins of power for the time being. GOD forbid it
should ever be otherwise, or that the nation should
be bound to swallow without resistance any dose ;
the Ministers of the day might think proper to
prescribe.
Even in the matter now under diecussion.'
a striking proof was afforded of the value
of this freedom of discussion. Ministers
acknowledged the justice of the objection put
forward against the employment of foreign
.mercenaries in domestic service in this country,
and modified the bill so as to render such a result
impossible, or, rather, illegal, for if the men are
here under arms, and paid by the country, we
cannot see how their employment can be avoided.
That they aro present will be sufficient to raise
the constitutional objection, which cannot be got
1.4 of by any arguments, however plausible, or
Isieedges, however specious. The people of Eng-
t'l,-1 participate in the spirit expressed by theoil
S'"ttish legion. They " would be hanged by
n Ins blt SANDIE WILSON, the auld marshalman
of their all, ed and if an English, Scotch, or I
Irish mobslioulrd,)rove a little refractory,
i-
they
have the police,
ir aiu with staffs ready to adm
ni ;ter the necessary coercion, or, if more be re-
quired, the regular troops and. militia of their own
country:
stipendiaries
sndaibasluierds to say that the Swiss or
German,
their aid
ov,i.nagis
reecin,uainreddfboyr
serious disturbance was would remain quiescent
w bile a
tl.e sapnre-3sion
tie local authorities.
But even if this grave, and, to
our minds,
superable obstecle could be overcome, there are '
other difficulties that can scarcely be set aside.
The more we consider this new phase of cg Ger_
manisin " the more obnoxious it appears to our
national feelings—the more, derogatory to our
national honour. It is a practical con-
fession of weakness—an acknowledgment to
the CZAR that without the aid of German
troops we are unable to make the efforts
necessary to resist and punish his aggres-

sion—that England is only formidable from her
wealth, by which she can purchase hirelings to
make the exertions and brave the dangers which
she is unable or unwilling to encounter herself.
What a left-handed compliment to the brave fel-
lows who so nobly fought and bled in the Crimea!
What an infelicitous adjunct to the vote of thanks
so eminently deserved by these gallant troops !
an act in direct opposition to the speeches made
from both sides of the House, and affording another
illustration of the vast difference between sayings
and doings.

We fully concur in the expressions used with re-
spect t• it by a contemporary, who truly remarks
that " it is an outrage on public feeling; a stigma
on the national character. It will be time enough
for Groat Britain to employ hired mercenaries to
fight her battles when she has ceased to have the
spirit or the power to fight them herself. It
would rob our anticipated victory over tie Rus-
sians of half its glory were a set of hired
foreigners able to boast of having fought side by
side with our soldiers, and sensibly contributed
to the defeat of the foe. The presence of such
persons on the field of battle would discourage
the hearts and paralyse the arms of our own
noble and brave army."

Not the least objectionable part of the measure
is that it is already generally ascribed to a certain
influence supposed to prevail in Court circles. It
would be a false delicacy to conceal that it is in
many quarters supposed to have originated with
Prince ALBERT—who seeks the development of
his German tastes in this measure. If it be so—
and it certainly has the appearance of truth—it
will by no means add to the 'popularity of his
Royal Highness, which we should wish to see
fully maintained. Englishmen are beginning to
ask why foreigners should be preferred on every
occasion to the natives of the country, in which
his Royal Highness found a very happy home and
comfortable abiding place. These matters, already
loudly spoken of, may lead to very unpleasant
results that should, if possible, be avoided.

Prussia is, it is said, now prepared to accede to
the new Treaty. The contracting Powers having
exhibited their profound indifference as to the
course which she would adopt, and she being un-
consulted, and consequently incapable of procras-
tinating or embarrassing the negotiations, now
seeks to creep in at the back door, in order to
regain the influence and position she has justly
forfeited by the vacillation and indecision of her
rulers. She sees that even Austria has taken the
lead, and that her own proceedings are no more re-
corded than those of some of the petty principalities
which are notoriously under Russian influence.
And while her vanity has received so serious a
slight, she has not in any degree advanced the
interests of the formidable neighbour on whose
behalf she has been intriguing. Her very ex-
istence is ignored, and she is thus rendered
powerless for evil by those with whom she so long
played "fast and loose."
There can, however, be but little doubl, of the
game which Prussia has been, and is still desirous
of playing. It is not to serve the cause for which
the Western Powers have taken up arms that she
professes her willingness to join the so-called
Alliance. Far from it. Her main object is to be
enabled to raise dissensions and difficulties among
the other parties. By acceding to the Treaty—
the text of which is now before us—she binds her-
self to nothing. Austria has accorded the privi-
lege to the SULTAN to send his troops and those
of his firm and unflinching Allies through
the portion of his territories which the
Austrian troops have, unfortunately, been
permitted to occupy. But she does not bind
herself to take any active part in the operations
now pending. If attacked by Russia, she insures
to herself the aid of France and England for that
so-called concession, and for defending the Danu-
bian Principalities against any Russian invasion.
But what would Prussia give? Nothing—literally
nothing. She should, however, also be defended
if attacked. But that is not the worst : she
must be allowed to deliberate with the Allies on
any question before an arrangement can be
entered into, founded thereon ; and should she
get in any way involved in the 'War, she
must come to an "'understanding" with the
others before any overture or proposition of
Russia can be even entertained. We thus give a
gicaL accil nitlavub any- ...mbar onacinirioa., nlrt el rm-rn;+•
a pretended friend to obtain a place in our coun-
cils, from which she cannot easily be dislodged.
We never thought very highly of the Austrian
Alliance, but the state of affairs will certainly be
by no means improved by the accession of Prussia
1 to the so-called Treaty.

Like every good object, the legitimate purpose
of the war must gain by discussion. Let every
thought come manfully out. No good cause needs
the defence of Lynch law ; and even Messrs.
BRIGHT and STURGE serve the truth by disposing
us to look more thoroughly into the grounds of
our proceedings. One who styles himself "A
Man of Business" addresses a pamphlet to the Earl
of DERBY, and entitles it " Why besiege Sebasto-
pol?" resolving it into a clever scheme of NAPOLEON
111. to avenge NAPOLEON 1., and to enlist us in
his service. He sees all that England can rea-
sonably desire in the recrossing of the Pruth
Another at the other extreme would wage war
until all the overpowered nations, and Poland
especially, stand once more upon their feet. Able
writers contemn the folly of a crusade for liberty;
tii.(l still more able writers point out that till
nations, as contrasted with dynasties, obtain their
rights, Europe must continue in danger of revolu-
tion. They accuse, and justly, the despots who
force alien languages, habits, and religions into an
unwilling union, and call the combination a nation,
of being the great revolutionists. Let the discus-
sion go on, and let the English press, if no other,
bo a mirror, for all who have access to it, wherein
i they may see the inmost and honest thoughts of
men.

The Emperor of RUSSIA appears to have pro-
fited somewhat by this freedom, and his fears
and hopes to fluctuate with the tidings which reach
him through English broad-sheets. With good
reason. The press is not only the exponent of
the people's wishes, but for that very reason it is
the pioneer of the Cabinet's policy. We will not
accuse our Ministers of misrepresenting their
early purposes regarding the War, yet we aro
much mistaken if it was not the press of this
country which sent the expedition to the Crimea,
and which formed the siege of Sebastopol. It
had to be attempted not only because essential to
the future repose of the East, but because essential
also to the reputation and existence of a Cabinet
responsible to a free press and a passably free
House of Commons.

It is striking to notice, amongst other points.,
how what was openly ridiculed at first by the
scoffers at everything trenching on the status quo
ante of the Cznt and Austria has become at last
a part of their daily topics, and bow little respect
has been shown even for the pretensions of HAY-
NAU'S master. Especially has the name of Poland
been uttered with increasing emphasis from the
time Prince ADAM CZARTORYSKI observed, in his
admirable letter from Paris, that though at that
time hardly whispered it was arising in the
thoughts of all reflecting men. That it was na-
tural a KOSSUTH, impelled by kindred sympathies,
should advocate its claims, not even the great
scorner of all elevated objects of policy was hardy
enough to deny. It was hardly less natural that
a genius of Mr. LAYARD'S stamp should brand as
worthless any arrangements for peace which did
not re-establish-an independent nation as the ad-
vanced guard of Europe between Germany and
the ever-watchful aggressor. Perhaps but few,
however, were prepared to hear the Earl of DERBY
on Thursday night describe a Polish Legion as the
one most appropritte, by its undoubted aid just
hatred of our enemy, to form a part of the foreign
troops whom our Ministers proposed to enlie.
To be sure the Noble Lord did not urge it as
Lord DUDLEY STUART would have done, but lie
indicated unmistakeably that in his view, as in-
deed in that of all reasonable men, the Polish ele-
ment in Europe is the most effectual auxiliary
again" Russia. If it be hopeless to cure our
Government of hoping
against hope for aid from
Austria, then of course we must give the cold

shoulder to Italy and Hungary, although much
more might have been hoped from encouragement
given to them than from enabling their oppressor
to oppress the unfortunate Principalities also.
But to talk of encouraging revolution by
encouraging the Poles to rise against
their chief oppressor is pre-eminently ab-
surd. Are we not encouraging the Tartars of
the Crimea to cast off their allegiance to the same
savage conqueror, and do we hear that called
revolution ? Is it not matter of open boasting
that the inhabitants received us as liberators, not
as enemies, and that they still continue to supply
us with provisions ? Are we then to be horrified
at the idea that the nobler nation of the Poles
would aid a siege of Warsaw with tenfold zeal,
and to call a Pole a revolutionist for that which
we praise in a Calm= ?

The grand truth is, the spoliation of Poland
was the great revolution, the actors in it the great
revolutionists, and the diplomatists of Vienna in
1815 their great abettors. To reverse all this,
to restore Poland to itself, and to circumscribe
Russia within her natural dimensions, is the very
converse of revolution. It is placing, so far, the
nations on theirnatural bases, and providing against
their being again easily revolutionised. It is pro-
claiming effectually that revolution by conquest
is over, by undoing its past nefarious works.
It is preparing the way for a brotherhood of
European nations, and for an efficient international
law, by first recognising the existence of the nations
between whom those laws ought to be binding. It
is indeed manifestly absurd to call on Russia, and
on Austria too, to respect international law, when
these empires, as now constituted, exist but by
the most atrocious violation of its elementary
precepts. Those who demand a Polish Legion
and the Polish banner as a first step, and the carry-
ing war into Poland at the fitting moment, are,
in fact, the very opponents of revolution—of the
bloody, the murderous revolutions of CATHARINE
and NICHOLAS. The CZAR is just now showing
that, as all Europe is thinking of Poland, so is he.
Troops are pouring in thither again abundantly.
It is not Austria that he fears ; we wish ho had
reason to do so. It is Poland for which his con-
science quakes. " The damned spot" of 1830
he can never wipe off his red hand. We hope
and pray that retribution may be nearer than he
I thinks.

MONEY MA RK ET

AND

COMITERCI AL INTELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO o'CLOCK.

The cotton market at Liverpool yesterday was
very flat. Sales 6,000 bales, all to the trade. The
week's sales of cotton at Liverpool have been
38,290 bales, and at a decline of Ad. per lb., with a
tendency further to decline. Railway shares were
firmer.

The position of the Bank of England during the
week to last Saturday was improved as respects the
bullion, while the demand for discount accommo-
dation was but slightly increased. The amount to
the credit of Government was augmented, and it
is to be hoped will rise steadily before the quarterly
payments are made. The following were the
changes compared with the previous week

Active circulation..
Decrease ..

Bullion .

Increase.

Rest

Increase
Public Deposits

X 19,405,585
211,205
14,005,444

135,421
3,124,711

3,069
5,545,408

Increase
Other Deposits

550,515
9,691,373

Decrease
Seven-Day and other Bills
Decrease
Government Seciirities
Increase
Other Securities
Increase
Notes unemployed
Increase

. -
67,873
1,022,107
30,551
11,604,267
86,529
13,732,473
22,005
7,928,830
301,160

There was no general change yesterday after-
noon in the rates at which bills of exchange were
negotiated here upon the principal Continental cities,
but Amsterdam, 90 days, was rather higher,
being 11 17i to 17. Hamburg was a shade lower
at 13 5 to sk, and Paris was steady at 25 32& to 35.
Silver is in demand. The dollars per last West
Indiaacket have been sold at ss. 031. per ounce,
i being d. higher. The gold by the steamer Orcesus
from Australia is deliverable to-day, and, except
the sovereigns, will probably be taken for export.
The specie shipments to the Continent, direet
trom London, during the week' ending Thursday
last, comprised 427,767 ounces of silver and 16,790
ounces of gold.
The amount of specie brought by the La Plata
is about 130,0001., making, with the arrival per
Croesus, from Australia, a good total this week.
The fetters by the Overland mail, via Marseilles
from India, are, it is stated, now in course of
delivery.
Tho West India accounts are generally satisfac-
tory in respect to the weather and the crops, but
Trinidad appears to be an exception.
The monthly return of the Bank of France shows
a decline of 42,200,000 francs in the total specie,
and an increase of 15,706,000 francs in the discounts
at Paris alone. The prices of the Rentes are still
in arrear per telegraph, and it is now alleged that
the battery is too weak on the other side.
There has been an improved market for English
securities, and money is not in quite so much de-
mand as it was yesterday afternoon, when provision
was sought for the instalment of 15 per cent. due
this day upon Turkish Scrip. Upon the other por-
tion of the loan, however, the 2,000,0001., there
will also be 15 per cent. payable next Tuesday. The
easier state of the market is apparent by an im-
provement in the value of the u lanciel deb',
whiJh has been done at 4s. to 7s. premium.
Consols opened at 92 to I, a rise of to 4 upon
yesterday's closing values, and have since been 911;
and 92. The New Three per Cent. Annuities have
been quoted 911 to 92, and the Reduced 91g to 4.
Bank Stock has been heavy at 207 to 2081.
Foreign Securities have been very quiet. Turkish
Scrip, however, is up to 6t to 6 dis. Dutch 21 per
Cents. have been 611 to 61.2, and the 4 per Cents.
91 /. Brazilian Small Stock has been quoted 97i
to 981.

The following are the nominal prices of Foreign
S:ocks:—Grenada Deferred Bonds, 51 to 52; Mexi-
can, .21 to 21g ; Peruvian, 69 to 71 ; ditto
3 per Cents., 48 to 50 ; Portuguese 4 per Cents.,
41 to 43 ; Russian 5 per Cents., 97 to 99 ; ditto
4k per Cents., 87 to 89 ; Spanish Now Deferred,
I.Bi to 19i ; ditto 3 per Cents., 382 to !391 ; ditto
Certificates, 5i to ; ditto Passive, 46 to 4ft.
There has been an improvement in all the prin-
cipal raileay shares, and the quotations are up
about per cent., and in some instances more.
The North-Western are 1/. better, the Lancashire
and Yorkshire have risen 18s. to 1/., and the Mid-
land about Si. The Foreign lines aro quiet, East
Indian and Luxembourg, however, continuing
firm.

The Foreign and Colonial Mining Market has
been depressed. In Joint Stock Banks there have
been a few transactions at about the previous
rates, the London Chartered of Australia being
rather higher. Crystal Palace are fully supported,
and the Peel River Land was also firmer.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLO.:IF.
(From i 1 OPial Lie.)

BaAirless done
4 yak Stock
3 per Cont. Reduced Annuities_ 914
3 per Cent Corsols Annuities
Now 3 per Cent. Annuities
:Ann,: Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1800
Consols for Account, 10th January
Exchequor Bills, 24d.
21000.
groan 7 4
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Brazilian Bouda, 5 per Cent
Ditto Small .. . . 983 7:1
Porkis Scrip G per cent 63 a
Ditto for the Account 6
Dwend3 on the a'xive IN-,,abla In London.
Dnteli Exchanee, 23 per Cent. 12 Genii 6ll
Ditto 4 ver (hut. G.lrtilicates......
TWO O'CLOCK.
92

Consols..

LIEUTENANT ROBEETSON.—Lieutenant Patrick Ro-
bertson, of the 4th Foot, who is mentioned by Lord
Ragan AS having greatly distinguished himself in re-
pulsing a sortie of the Russians, is a son of Lord Robert-
son. Lieut. Robertson also rendered good service during.
the Kaffir war, and was repeatedly named in ,the de-
rpatelies for Lis gallant conduct. —Et/in/m-A Courant.
ANNE Bount.—This tale, published by Saunders
and Otley, i 3 written with great power, with here and.
there touches of exquisite tenderness and simplicity.
The suppression of the religious houses during the reign.
of the usurious Henry gives the author, who is a pro-
found searcher into the evidences of the church iniquities
of that period, an opportunity of both interesting and.
astonishing the reader by facts almost incredible were
they net traceable to documents of irreproachable ve-
racity. The tale appeals strongly to the common human
sympathies, and while it can alone chafe the temper of
the prejudiced it is universal in the application of its
sentiment.

LATEST NEWS.

THE SIEGE OF SEBASTOPOL.

VIENNA, FRIDAY, DEC. 15.
Advices have been received here from Constar',
;inople, of the 7th December.
The Russians made a sortie against the French
Lines on the sth.

Eight divisions of the line, under General Forey,
repulsed them with great loss.
The French are arming batteries with guns from
the Henry IV.

The English have constructed new 50-gun bat-
teries.

Guyon, Haslan Pacha, and ten Polish staff
officers go from Erzeroum to the Crimea.

We have received the following important de-
spatch from Vienna, dated Thursday evening :
From a telegraphic despatch in the Presse,
dated Constantinople, Dec. 4, it appears that the
Russians at Sebastopol have retired to the second
line of defence.

They have quitted the Quarantine Battery, and
are conveying the guns to their ships.
Kamiesch is to be fortified.
Two thousand British troops passed the Bos-
phorus for the Crimea on the 2d December.
The Turkish camp will be removed from Chu-
ruk-su to Batoum.

PARIS, SATURDAY MORNING.
The Moniteur of this day publishes intelligence
from the Crimea of the '7th.

The batteries will be ready to open their fire in
three days.

The intrenchments of the Allies being com-
pleted, they can winter in their present position.
They were easily and regularly supplied with pro-
visions.

A despatch from Marseilles of last night brings
news from Constantinople to the sth.
Prince Napoleon was ready to return to the
Crimea. •

The Duke of Cambridge was to return soon to
the Crimea.

Accounts from Braaklava of the 3d state that a
new battery of 36 guns had been established
against Sebastopol.
The French will have 150 pieces of artillery in
position.

Great precautions had been taken against the
Russian fire directed against 92 fusees (fusees)
which had been landed to set fire to the Russian
fleet.

The garrison of Enpateria, has 'been reinforced
by two battalions.

It was reported that 60,000 Russians had passed
into the Crimea by way of Perekop ; also, that an
engagement had taken place between a Russian
corps and an English detachment. The latter is
said to have pursued the Russi nis into the very
town.

On the 6th, two Russian steLmers came out
under the protection of the bxiteries, and ex-
changed shots with two small French steamers,
but without hitting them.

Some English frigates came up and protected
them.

From Toulon it is stated that the division of
General des Salles has left on board of several
men-of- war.

We have received the following from Berlin :
" ST. PETERSBURG, FRIDAY.
" Prince Menschikoff, writing on the Bth, re-
ports that nothing of importance had occurred at
Sebastopol up to that date.

" The fire of the Allies confirmed to be very
weak, and caused the Russians scarcely any loss."

ACCESSION OF PRUSSIA TO
THE NEW TREATY.
BERILTN, DEC. 15.
At the Cabinet Council held yesterday it was
decided that Prussia shall join the Western
Powers ; stipulating for the concession of certain
advantages on the North Sea anal the Baltic.
Baron Vineke's motion for ant address in answer
to the King's Speech has been reziected.
M. Bethmann Sollweg's motion has been with-
drawn.

Another despatch from Vievxa, dated Thurs-
day, says :

" There is a reliable report t 1 .at Russia accepts
the four points as bases for po ace negotiations ;
but rejects every interpretation derogatory to her
honour and dignity. The razin g of Sebastopol,
or reduction of the Black Sea 'Meet necessary for
the maintenance of her possessions, will never
voluntarily be ceded. If inoffensive equivalents
should be proposed, Russia promises acceptance."
The Moniteur of yesterday says

" Some of the jonrnals have lately alluded to propo-
sitions of peace alleged to have been made by Russia
to France and England. The Courts of Paris and Lon-
don have not received any proposals of the kind from
the Cabinet of St. Petersburg.

TAI E OVERLAND MAIL.
mARSEILLES, FRI 1) AY AFTERNOON.
The India and China mail n,rrived here at one

DENMARK.
COPENHA GEN, DEC. 14.
Several on Monday next,
serenade
by torehlij t, for changing the
corporations
the
King will,
Ministry.
Parliament opens on Monday, and adjourns
immediately till January.