The Sun.
London, England, 1854-02-03 00:00:00

LONDON, FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 1854.

M. DE KISSELEFF took his departure from Paris
yesterday evening, and. M. DE BRUNOW his from
London this morning. Instructions are known
to have been already forwarded by their re-
spective Governments to M. DE CASTELP.AJAC
and Sir G. H. SE-nroun, recalling them from St.
Petersburg. Beyond all which, it is now posi-
tively asserted that the proposals entrusted by
the CZAR to Count ORLOFF, with a view to open-
ing up fresh negotiations, have been at once re-
cognised as inadmissable by the French and. British
Administrators. Wherefore, a decisive rupture
has at last taken place between the Western Allies
of Turkey and his Imperial Majesty the Russian
AUTOCRAT. No more positive indication of this
rupture could be given than by the withdrawal of
the diplomatic Representatives of the Emperor
NICHOLAS from the Courts of St. James's and the
Tuil eri es almost simultaneously with the
retirement, from St. Petersburg, of the French
and English Ambassadors. War, under these
circumstances, cannot any longer be consi-
dered. as probable, but as having "actually com-
menced—war, that is to say, between England
and France, on the one side, and Russia as their
antagonist. It is no longer a matter of rumour,
but of fact. We are not left merely to anticipate,
but simply to obscry
e—t observe the course
taken by sea and by
laud by the belligerents.
The struggle is no more one of the closet, but of
the battle-field—no more one of "` Paper-pellets, but
of bomb-shells—no more one of diplomacy, but of
ordnance. It cannot any longer be audible in
the Ministerial clamour of notes, and seneds, and
ultimatums, and similar documents, but in the
roar of a cannonade. Our expectations have
thus been, unhappily, to the full realised. Our
predictions have been deplorably verified. Eleven
months of culpable weakness and hesitation
have been followed, not, as was promised, by a
pacification, but by a deadly strife between the
chief Powers of Christendom—by a strife no longer
restricted to Moldo-Wallachia, but extended far
beyond the frontiers of those ill-fated Principalities,
until it has at last involved in a great European
war the arch-representatives of Despotism and of
Constitutional Government—of Barbarism and of
Civilisation.

It is worthy of observation, meanwhile, that
materials have at last been given to the world,
from the scrutiny of which a correct estimate
may be formed of the policy hitherto pur-
sued in this Eastern Question by the
Coalition. A ponderous blue-book, containing
all the various documents relating to it, has at
length been laid, by command of her MAJESTY,
upon the tables of both Houses of the Legislature.
Therefore, before long we may now confidently

look forward to the discussion of the whole of
this complicated and most important subject
within the walls of the Imperial Parliament.
Censure may be given as to the Past, but support,
we rest satisfied, will be readily accorded as to
the Future. Censure from the Opposition—but
support from the majority of the whole House in
the shape of acceptable votes in answer to that
passage of her MAJESTY'S gracious Speech from the
Throne—" I think it requisite to make a further
augmentation of my naval and military force; with
the view of supporting my representations." That
further augmentation of the military and mari-
time resources of Great Britain will, as a matter
of absolute certainty, be at once most readily and
even eagerly accorded by the national representa-
tives. For, however much we may differ with
Ministers as to the nature of their bygone policy
—that policy has, at length, been formally
abandoned, abandoned, unwillingly, it may be,
and in spite of themselves, but still abandoned.
An energetic course is even now being adven-
tured upon simultaneously by the French and
English Governments. A resolute attitude is
being assumed. There is no longer the prospect
of the continuance of any more craven negotiations.
England and. France are formally pledged to the pro-
tection of the Turkish territory. Russia has no fur-
ther likelihood of being in a position to repeat such
acts of unparalleled barbarity as the ferocious
bombarding of Sinope and the massacre of its un-
fortunate population. The combined fleets now
in the Black Sea are still reported to have had a
collision with the maritime forces of the Russian
AUTOCRAT. Whether or not there be any truth
at all in that statement—it is indisputable that
Admirals DUNDAS and HAMELIN are in a position
to deal a crushing blow at the power of the CZAR
whenever they may deem it advisable, and that
they are empowered so to do at the earliest' rea-
sonable opportunity. Confident, therefore, as to
the ultimate result of this dread struggle between
the navies (a struggle before long, no doubt, to
be extended also to the armies) of the great
races representing, as we have said, on the one
hand Barbarism, and on the other Civilisation—
we await, with comprehensible and allowable so-
licitude, intelligence of the first contest between
the belligerents. It yet remains to be seen
whether Austria and Prussia will take any active
part iu that contest, and, if so, on which side, the
side of the Western D3feaders of Turkey, or the
side of its daring assailant or whether, in-
stead of this, they cautiously resolve upon main-
taining henceforth a strict course of neutrality
throughout. Fortunately for Turkey, fortunately
for Europe, fortunately for Christendom, fortu-
nately for C;vilisation, one thing at any rate does
not remain yet to be resolved upon, one thing at
any rate has, by this time, been definitively de-
cided—the cordial and complete alliance of the
Cabinets of VICTORIA and NAPOLEON, the cordial
and complete alliance of the French and English
Governments.

open to them the path to a higher standing in
society. It has been shown also, indeed all of us
are fully aware of it, that the rich and the middle
classes send their children to school, not to be
taught religion, but secular knowledge from the
alphabet and the numeration-table upwards.
Most of us would suspect the schoolmaster who
made his assiduity in teaching, not to say the
Church or Assembly's Catechism, but the Bible
itself, the prominent feature in his prospectus.
We should think that between ourselves and our
minister we could do that most to our own
satisfaction, and request him rather to concen-
trate his attention on writing, reading, and
arithmetic, or on the classics and mathematics,
as the case might be. Rich and poor seem
to perceive intuitively that, in a good school,
secular knowledge must not be the secondary
but the principal object. It ia, indeed, but carry-
out the principal of division of labour.

It was a really noble sight, at Edinburgh, to
witness persons and ministers of all denominations
coming forward to ask the State for leave to tax
themselves to any extent needful, only making
one condition, that the State should know nothing
of their religious differences, and should prevent
any sect which happened in any place to be in a
majority from depriving the minority of any
school advantages on that account. Members of
the Established Church, and Of the Free
Church, United Presbyterians, Baptists, and
Independents, all were strenuous in support
of the one request, for power of self-tax-
ation, in support of strictly unsectarian education.
It appears to be indispensable that the salaries of
the Scottish parish schoolmasters should be raised,
and the occasion is seized for demanding that the
Established Presbyterian Church, now, of course,
but a minority, should no longer have the parish
schools immediately in connection with its Pres-
byteries. We sincerely hope that the same spirit
which has driven the tests of bigotry out of. the
lay chairs in the Universities of Scotland will
drive them also out of her parish schools.,
Mr. CHAMBERS, the well-known publisher, bore
testimony to the working in America of the
system advocated by the meeting. In Nova
Scotia and Western Canada, in the states of Mas-
sachusetts, New York, Rhode Island, and Penn-
sylvania, the plans, though slightly differing,
agreed in these leading principles. Ist, the schools
are open to all sects, and no denominational senti-
ments are allowed to be taught. 2dly, the school-
masters are selected for their qualifications with-
out regard to sect or party. 3dly, the schools
are under the charge of local trustees, who levy
assessments for their support under statutory re-
gulations. 4th, there are head boards and gene-
ral superintendents, through whose exertions the
system is kept up .to a certain standard of effi-
ciency. sthly, the education is free, or the fees
very small. 6thly, the clergy, as such, have no
power to interfere, and it is, only as elected
trustees that they can exert any influ-
ence. In the New England States education
is the birthright of every child. The rule is, that
the common highway shall not be more free
than the common school. Nor is this liberality
confined to mere elementary teaching. The child
of the poorest man may get the best college edu-
cation for nothing ; if they can pass an examina-
tion, nothing hinders their rising through the dif-
ferent schools ; and in a school at New York, pa-
rallel with the High School at Edinburgh, out of
700 boys, Mr. CHAMBERS found 34 who were the
sons of carters, and whose aim was, of course, the
higher professions. He saw the same thing at
Philadelphia ; and especially observed that their
habits of good order were worthy of a drawing
room. It islittle to be wondered at that the poor
in America prize the public seminaries there as
much as the same class neglects them here.

Education is now asserting equal claims with
Russia and Reform to public and Parliamentary
attention. Hereford and Edinburgh have fol-
lowed the example of Manchester, and have each,
and on the same day, had their public meeting.
The programme of each was in perfect keeping with
the habits of a cathedral and agricultural city in
the one case, and with those of the head-quarters
of Scotch Presbyterianism and intellectual
enlightenment in the other. At Hereford it was
a public meeting of the Diocesan Board of Edu-
cation, the Lord Bishop of the diocese presiding ;
at Edinburgh, a meeting of the National School
Association, a lay Lord, Lord PANNIVRE, in the
chair. In deference to religion, as an essential
part of school instruction, there was con-
siderable agreement between the speakers of
the Cathedral and Presbyterian cities, but be-
yond this very general harmony there was
all the difference possible. Dr. HAMPDEN, at

Another husband has been condemned to per-
petual banishment for a murderous and unpro-
voked assault on his wife. The name of Wir,r.raar
ENTWISLE WILLIS has been inscribed on the
black catalogue of unmanly miscreants, who, in
the indulgence of their demoniacal passions, in-
L flicted the most dangerous wounds on their unfor-
• tunate partners. It was not -the fault of the
f cowardly scoundrel who on Wednesday was called
• on to answer for his offence at the bar of the Cen-
tral Criminal Court that there had not been a
fatal termination to the sanguinary outrage. Ile
took his measures coolly and deliberately with
that end and object. He waited till the contem-
plated victim had divested herself of her wearing
apparel and retired to bed, so that she would be
unprepared and unable to offer any decisive re-
sistance to the would-be assassin. She had been
two hours asleep, when awakened by the man
who, after twenty-two years of wedded life, had
made up his mind to take her life, and surrender
his own to the public executioner as the price of
his dearly-purchased vengeance. It was on
Christmas Eve that the wretch determined on put-
ting his diabolical purpose into execution.
He got in to the bed which for some time he had
voluntarily abandoned. But it was not to effect
a reconciliation, to abandon the causeless animo-
sities in which he had indulged, or to seek the
forgiveness of his injured partner. The time, the
season, the associations connected with the ap-
proaching festival might have diverted an ordi-
nary villain from his atrocious resolution. The
prisoner was not, however, to be diverted from
his sanguinary purpose. At the very -moment he
got into bed he commenced his attack. As the
sufferer declared, " almost at the same moment
she found herself cut upon the ear and neck with
some sharp instrument, and on putting up her
hand to save herself from further injury, one of
her fingers was nearly cut off." The providential
protection afforded by that finger saved her life.
The intensity of the blow was diminished, and
although her life was for some time seriously en-
dangered, she ultimately recovered. Her screams
brought assistance. Her not courageous assailant
fled on the first alarm. He went into his own
room, and there made what was merely a plau-
sible pretext against himself, or if he were
really serious in his attempt at suicide his
want of courage prevented the carrying his
intention into effect. On being arrested he de-
clared to one witness that "if his 'wife was not
dead his hand must have been nervous." In
another he said, "I am only sorry that I did not
do it effectually !" The instrument, or rather
instruments, with which he attempted to achieve
his purpose were also discovered. The Police
constable found a razor covered with blood in the
bed, and the daughter of the prisoner also got " a
carving knife very bloody" in the same place.
And yet a Jury, who had solemnly sworn to
return a true verdict according to the evidence,
declared that the murderous determination was
not proved. They only found him guilty of an
assault, with intent to do some grievous bodily
harm ! We are not often disposed to censure
a mistake on the side of mercy ; but surely if
ever there was a case where from the acts and
the declarations of the accused the intention
could be safely inferred, where, in fact, it
was established beyond the possibility of
any reasonable doubt, it was the one
under notice. Every circumstance proved
it clearly and distinctly. Even the unsupported
allegation of the prisoner, as to her infidelity, de-
monstrated the fearful nature of .the vengeance
which he imagined he had obtained. But the
Jury thought otherwise. Disregarding their true
function, they endeavoured to prevent the capital
punishment of the prisoner. They quailed in the
discharge of their painful but most important
duty. Now, such conduct, though it may be
regarded as "an amiable weakness," is pregnant
witb very dangerous consequences to society.
Juries are not law makers, nor is it any portion
of their privilege to decide on the penalty which
is to follow a' conviction. They are only to
speak to the fact, and, in so doing, they must
altogether disregard the consequences of their
decision. Sympathy,' or pity, should not exercise
any influence ; and it is impossible to over-esti-
mate the dangerous consequences of such a yield-
ing to a morbid feeling of compassion. So far as
the wretched criminal at the bar was concerned
it made little practical difference in the result.
He was sentenced to transportation for life. And
if. sentence of death had been recorded, as it,
would have been if he had been found guilty

the head of his clergy, thought that the question
"to them was of no great difficulty." Certainly
not ; the clergyman is the proper master of the
parish mind, the Bishop of the clergyman's, and

if all would but listen to him and his, the
children might all be easily drilled in the Church
Catechism, and in proper attendance on the
Church itself. Lord PANMURE, on the other
hand, asserted most strenuously for himself and for
the majority of the community, " that to the ex-
clusive charge of the Clergy he would not deliver
the education of the people." The Bishop would
put the clergyman at the head of the school ;
Lord PANMURE and his friends would only
allow the clergyman to be elected like another
parishioner to a place in the local board

if the ratepayers thought him a fitting person.
To do justice to the numerous, influential, and
intelligent clergymen of all denominations present
at the Edinburgh Meeting, this was the utmost
extent of their wishes. The difference is, how-
ever, a very serious one, and in our opinion
every way ih favour of our intelligent
Northern friends. The temper of the age
refuses a priestly drill and training ; the
clergy now do not enjoy a monopoly of knowledge,
nor, in the opinion of the vast majority, any divine
right to prune and train the branching minds of
youth, and' nail them to the walls of church, kirk,
or conventicle. Unsectarian education is the
great desideratum of all but Churchmen, and
the daily diminishing minority yet in clerical
leading strings, and such is the education which,
though deemed golless in Cathedral precincts,
is loudly demanded by large meetings at Man-
chester and Edinburgh. Mr. HORACE MANN'S
Report comes most opportunely in sanction of the
justice of the demand.

We have remarked that both Edinburgh
and Hereford asserted the importance of
Religion being a part of School instruction ;
Edinburgh, however, almost, if not quite,
shakes hands with Manchester on this question,
while Hereford quotes Manchester but to de-
nounce it. The two great cities agree in wishing
Government to let the religious part of the instruc-
tion alone, and in desiring to confine Government
support to secular education. They agree also in
wishing education to be supported and extended by
local rating, and managed by local boards or com-
mittees. The Scotchmen would leave it in the
hands of the local boards to order such religious
instruction as they please, but strictly forbidding
the detention of any child while it is imparted,
if its parents object, and also strictly forbidding
the refusal of full and equal secular instruction to
all, or the consideration of anything but
qualifications, independent of creed in the
choice of a schoolmaster. The Manchester gentle-
men, we believe, lay stress on the prohibition of
religious instruction during the ordinary school
hours, but do not object to the use of the school,
especially if erected by any Christian denomina-
tion, for teaching religion at other hours. The
difference between the two is, therefore, mere!y
formal. Both are anxious that every pa-
rent shall find in the common schools a
thorough good secular education, without the
slightest danger of having his religious, or even his
irreligious, prepossessions at all interfered with.
The opposition to this most desirable object, we
regret to say is very strong, but we think it must
gradually, perhaps rapidly give way. The
cant of godless education, is no longer a spell to
charm with. It is but tooplain that few parents, and
no sober men, dream of " ignoring" religion in
the education of their children. The only ques-
tion is whether, by teaching the religious views of
a sect in inseparable intermixture with the know-
ledge requisite for daily life, the latter shall be
made unpalatable to those who most need it.
Education by and through the religious denomi-
nations has failed extensively. The poor do not
:ike it ; they want, not a theological education,
but such a one as Lord ASHBURTON would give
them 3 they value the schools but little, because
they neither fit their children for cottage life, nor

THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 3, 1854.

on the capital charge, the same punishment would
have followed. But the moral effect of such a
verdict is to be deprecated. Nothing has so great
an effect in the prevention of crime as the know-
ledge that juries will firmly perform their parts,
without favour, or affection, fear, or prejudice.
The escape of JAMES HAYES through the weakness
of one Jury hasalready led to serious consequences ;
we trust that the more recent verdict may provo
less prejudicial to the best interests of society.
It, however, affords additional corroboration to
the arguments we have so frequently and so
strenuously urged as to the imperative necessity
of affording powers for the suppression of the
cowardly assaults, which, by being:attended with
comparative impunity, too often occur, or at least
lead to more formidable offences, calling for the
extreme penalties of the law. When cowardly
wretches wlio maltreat their wives, are rendered
liable to corporal punishment, when the first
unprovoked and wanton assault is followed by a
well-merited castigation, then, but not ' till then,
may we hope to be no longer shocked by atrocious
murders, or equally brutal attempts at murder,
when the culprit, if not legally, is at least as
morally guilty as if his vindictive attempt had
been more successful. Let these things receive
due consideration in Parliament, and some effi-
cient remedy be devised to check the horrible
practice that is casting a heavy stigma, a sangui-
nary blot on the national escutcheon.

moNEY MARKS

AND
CO M AIERCIAL INTELLIGENCE.

CITY, TWO O'CLOCK.
The sales of cotton at Liverpool yesterday were
estimated at 6,000 bales, of which 500 America)."
and 500 Surat, taken on speculation. The market
closed heavily, with prices of American rather
easier. The sales comprised 4,250 American, 530
Pernam and Maranham at 60. to 7a., 160 Bahia
at 60., 250 Egyptian at 61d. to 101 d., 800 Surat
at 34d: to 40., and 20 Sea Island at 11d. to is.
4d. perlb. Railway Shares were firmer.
Colonial produce meets with a fair inquiry, but
owing to the large quantities offered there is no
advance in prices. Sugar, coffee, spices, itc., com-
mand about previous currencies. Tallow and hemp
have again become in favour at firmer quotations.
Holden of saltpetre ask higher prices. Rum is
duller after the late activity. Tea is steady, and
cotton quiet.

Of die silk market, Mr. H. W. Eaton reports
that during January it has been quiet, compared
with December, and then states as follows :
" In China we have to report further large arrivals, the
deliveries however it will be seen have continued most
satisfactory. Best natio° silk again forms a very small
propertion of the recent imports, and has been all taken
off from 10s. to 20s. Gd. In other sorts but little has been
sold. The Taysaams are mostly of a middling to inferior
quality, and have been selling from 14s. to 15s. ; about
700 bales have also been sold, to arrive, from 13s. Gd. to
L-Is. 4 Cantons 700 bales have changed hands, chiefly of
the middle and coarse sizes, from lls. to 13s. Chinese
throwns have again receded to 18s. to 18s. 3d. The ac-
counts received this week from China, report the total
settlements of the season (Canton included) to be 34,000
bales, of which 22,000 bales have already arrived. In
Bengals there is no new feature, the very low qualities,
especially the Beanleah, called Commercolly, recently im-
ported, being entirely neglected. In Brutias, a few
Kestoops have been sold from 15s. Gd. to 165., and Sele
from 16s. Gd. to 17s. 6d. Ot Persians 350 ballots have been
taken, partly for exportation, from 12s. Gd. to 13s. 6d.
The uncleared stock of the former consists of 60 bales, and
the latter of 1,400 ballots. Inltalia.ns a fair current busi-
ness has been doing."
Of the. wool market; at Liverpool, Messrs. Jo-
seph Robinson and Co. report that it was brisker
towards the close of last month. Oils advanced,
the accounts from abroad continuing bad as to the
crop. Dyewoods have been in animated request.
In a letter from Messrs. Walton and Bushell,
dated Cape Town, Dec. 23, it is stated—

" A very rich copper mine had been discovered at Clan-
william to the north, and quantities on the way to Cape
Town. The copper is said to be exceedingly pure. Several
companies had been formed for working the mines and
Cape Town was in a state of great excitement when the
steamer left. A report had also arrived, stating that coal,
fit for steam purposes and in quantities, also gold, silver,
copper ore, iron, and quicksilver, had been positively dis-
covered at Port Natal."

The accounts by the Orinoco, from the West
Indies, mention that the cane-fields in many por-
tions of Jamaica exhibited great promise of large
yieldings. In the provinces the weather had been
very windy, so much so as to prevent the fishermen
following their avocations. The coolies were leav-
ing, which was a matter of great inconvenience to
the planters.

In Demerara there was a great scarcity of ship-
ping, and freights had considerably advanced. This
was attributed by many to the presence of yellow
fever. To the planters this was a severe loss, as
produce there was almost unsaleable at anything
like reasonable values.

Accounts from Now York state that money was
slowly but steadily becoming easier, and all parties
engaged in trade or speculation were much relieved.
Stocks were dull.

At the fourth annual meeting of the Proprietors
of the Royal British Bank, a very favourable re-
port has been made by the directors. A dividend
is declared at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum.
The reserve fund amounts to 10,7661. The follow-
ing are extracts:—

" But the most remarkable feature of their accounts for
the year is the sum which they have paid and allowed for
interest on balances, deposits, &c., and which has amounted
to the comparatively large sum of 19,4851. 9s. Ild. or six
and a half times as much as the dividend to the proprie-
tors. To the public this should be a satisfactory proof of
the fulfilment of the early promise of the directors, that
their customers should most largely participate in the
benefits of the establishment, and be an incentive to those
who still have no banker, or who cannot more profitably
use their unemployed moneys, to place them on drawing or
deposit accounts with the Royal British Bank.
" Its open accounts, which, at the end of the first, se-
cond, and third year, were 2,989, 3,994 and 4,411, were,
at the end of last year, 5,150, and has been noticed above,
the sums of interest paid by it, which were, during the
first three years, 4,4561. 145., 9,6011. 103. Bd., and 13,391/.
Bs. 6d., were last year 19,4851. 9s. Ild. The number of
operations Dr. and Cr. for the year 1852 was 431,370,
amounting to 24,673,9181. 12s. 2a., and for the year 1853,
523,695 amounting to 33,348,9231. 4s. 5d., being an in-
crease of 21 per cont. on the number, and 35 per cent. on
the amount."

The capital of the Bank has been doubled. Eight
Directors are stated to be sufficient for the future.
Mr. MacGregor and Mr. Owen retire, and Mr.
Macleod and Mr. Valiant offer themselves, and
are recommended by the Board.

The English funds have been extremely buoyant
again, the scarcity of Stock, and the belief that the
German Powers will draw closer to England and
France, having a decided effect. Consols have been
90i I, since 91, and are now about 901 The
New Three-and-a-Quarter per Cents. have realised
92 to 92g. • There is less business doing. Bank
Stock is at 215. Exchequer Biils are 11. s. to 14s.
premium. •
_

The foreign securities have been generally well
maintained. Mexican have been supported at 24g
to 25. Equador Stock is worth 4i to 4/. Brazil-
Bonds have been marked 98 for the Small.
Spanish Deferred Stock is at 18r-, to 19i. Russian
4i per Cents. have been done at 90, and Dutch 4
per Cents. at 91k.
BRITISH MINES.—A fair demand sprung up for
shares this day, and the following prices were
current :—Afred. Consols, 26 26l ; Great Alfred,
32 33 ; Sortridge Consols, 1; Poltimores, dis.,
par ; Great Crinnis, 325. 6d., 355. ; Senpeire,
Silver Brooks, 305., 325. 6d. ; Arundels, 1 ; East
Broom, 4s. 6d., ss. 6d., 7s. 6d.; Cwm Darens, 16s.
6d. ; Molland, i; Pencorse, 305., 355.; Great Tre-
gune, 3 / ; Porkellis, 10& ; Wheal Zion, 27T 3 ;
Wheal Wrey,-305., 325. 65.; Borinaton Bs. 6d. to
1- ' • Britannia, it.
The current prices for the Jamaica Mines not
officially quoted, are as follows :—Jamaica,
premium ; Metcalfe, to R premium; Sue River,
discount to par ; Port Royal, to premium.
The Railway Share Market has been buoyant,
but the transactions are not large. The French
Shares also are better.

The Land Companies' have risen slightly.

BRITISH FUNDS THIS DAY AT ONE O'CLOCK.
(From the Official List.)

Business done.
Bank Stock
per Cent. Reduced Annuities 9l
3 per Cent. Consols Annuities 9O 1- 1 90
tiew 31 per Cent. Annuities 92122
Long Annuities, Expire sth Jan., 1860 -16
India Bonds. £lOOO ~
Ditto, under £lOOO 2 p
Consols for Account 15th Feb. 9OA 1 90a
Exchequer Bills, ld.
£IOOO
£5OO ll 14
Small ll 14
PRICE OF FOREIGN FUNDS AT ONE O'CLOCK.
Brazilian Bonds, 5 per Cent.
Ditto Small
Equador Bonds . 4l
Mexican 3 per Cent.
Russian Bonds, 1822, 5 per Cent. £ St
Ditto 4i per Cent 9O
Spanish New Deferred, 3 per Cent lBB 1911
Venezuela Bonds, 31, per Cont.
Dividends on the above payable in London. 4
Dutch Exchange, 2i per Cent. 12 Guil
Ditto 4 per Cent. Certificates 9l A
HALF-PAST TWO.
Consols 9Ol k
Ditto February Account

THE APPROACHING WAR.--Yesterday the principal
military contractors and accoutrement makers had an
interview with the Master of the Ordnance, and received
orders for the supply of military stores, &c., which were
to he executed in the shortest possible time.
MANSION-HOUSE ENTERTAINMENTS.—The Lord Mayor
and Lady Mayoress have issued cards of invitation for a
series of banquets in the present month—namely, Tues-
day, the 7th of February ; Thursday, the 9th ; Thurs-
day, the 16th ; and Tuesday, the 21st. The entertain-
ments will be given in the Egyptian Hall, with the same
magnificence as these lately given to the aldermen and
their ladies.
PRESENT TO THE HOUSE OF LORDS.—Three large
cases have been brought by a vessel from Dunkirk, con-
taining presents to the House of Lords by the President
of the French Senate, and intended for the library of
the house ; and the Lords Commissioners of her Ma-
jesty's Treasury have given directions for their free ad-
mission for that purpose.
Sim JOHN STRACHAN, BART.--117 death of this ba-
ronetadva oknetoedapgleacoof
7a6t
.TeTighninslotuittlh, e, iwnhDieehvownasshierer,eaatet the
dio
1635, is now extinct. The first holder of the title was
a distinguished financier, and the sixth holder was the
celebrated admiral who rendered such distinguished
services at Trafalgar. The family estates lay in Stir-
lingshire, N.B.
ARRIVAL OF 498 COAL-LADEN VESSELS fN THE
THAmEs.—Within the last four days the unprecedented
number of 498 colliers from the northern ports of Eng-
land were entered inwards at the Customhouse—viz.,
on Monday, 183 vessels ; Tuesday, 51 vessels ; Wed-
nesday, 118 vessels ; and on Thursday, 141 vessels, of
an aggregate tonnage of 109,500, and this quantity is
exclusive of a large number of vessels that have arrived
with Welsh coal, which is only used for particular pur-
poses, and is not fit for household consumption. The
arrival of such an immense fleet will, it is expected,
cause another reduction' in the price of coals at this day's
market to the extent of at least Is, a ton.

ST FOREIGN NEWS.

RUSSIA AND TURKEY.

RETURN OF THE FLEETS TO CON-
STANTINOPLE.
The following telegraphic despatch has been re-
ceived to-day, dated Constantinople, Jan. 2,3 :
"Yesterday the combined fleets returned from
the Black Sea to the Bosphorus, and anchored at
Beycos. General astonishment at Constantinople."

DEPARTURE OF THE RUSSIAN AMBAS-

SADOR FROM PARIS.

The Assembles Nationals of yesterday announces
that M. de Kisseieff had that day an interview with
the Minister for Foreign Affairs, and that the reply
of the French Government to the demand for an
explanation made by the Emperor of Russia was not
such as to satisfy that Minister, who accordingly
demanded his passports.
The same paper adds, that the proposals tending
towards opening new negotiations, of which Count
Orloff was the bearer, have not been deemed ac-
ceptable either iu Loudon or in Paris.

M. de Kisseleff, in fact, received his reply on
Wednesday, and was to quit Paris yesterday
evening or to-day.

The reply was in substance the same as that al-
ready mentioned, namely, that the Powers do not
intend to maintain in the Black Sea the neutrality
as interpreted by Russia, and that they cannot
place on perfect equality Russia and Turkey, see-
ing that they are resolved to protect the Turkish
squadron and the Turkish territory from the attacks
of the Russians—the weaker against the stronger.
There is no necessity to convey a decision in un-
courteous terms, and those of the answer were, it
is said, not so ; but they were firm. and determined,
and such as left no room for doubt.

He proceeds in the first instance to Brussels, and
thence goes to St. Petersburg. Baron Brunow
goes to armstadt.

It appears he was invited to the ball which took
place at the Tuileries on Wednesday evening, but
did not think proper to attend. On Tuesday even-
ing he was present at the debut of Mademoiselle de
Petrowitch, a young lady of high origin, grand-
daughter of Kara Georgewitch, during his lifetime
Hospolar of Servia, and who made her appearance
for the first time on the Italian boards in Paris.
It is said that yesterday or to-day the Moniteur
will publish a declaration on the subject of the
Russo-Turkish war, for the purpose of explaining
the departure of the ambassadors.