The Sun.
London, England, 1846-07-16 00:00:00

DRURY-LANE THEATRE.

The Brussels' opera company, under the management
of' Mr. Charles Hanssens, have taken Drury-lane for a
short season, and opened last evening. The admirable
manner in which this company gave the best French
operas at Covent-garden last season, the unity and
completeness of all their performances will not
be soon forgotten. The same singers, the same
admirably drilled chorus, and the same full and
perfectly conducted orchestra were there last even-
ing. The piece chosen for the opening was
Meyerbeer's opera Les Huguenots, with Laborde as Raoul,
Zelger as Marcel, Madame Laborde as Marguetite,
Madame Julien as Valentine, and Madame Guichard as
Urbain. Zelger, although not equal to Staudigl as Mar-
cel, gave an excellent and spirited version of the cha-
racter. The" Piff-Puff" song in the first act was given
with great spirit, and was enthusiastically applauded. It
was the genuine outburst of a rough old soldier. M.
Laborde is by far the best Raoul that has yet appeared
in England. His rich clear voice is admirably suited to
the music, and he throws such anintensity of impassioned
feeling into the part that he completely carried his audi
once with him throughout. His duet with Madame Julien,
at the conclusion of the fourth act, was the great
triumph of the night. The applause was most enthu-
siastic, and both artistes were called for at the conclu-
sion of the act. Madame Villiomi Laborde was the
Marguerite, and her grand scene d'entree at the com-
mencement of the second act was one. of the most won-
derful pieces of tasteful execution ever heard. The
compass of her voice is great, and without a
break from the highest note to the lowest. Its
power is immense—without an apparent effort it fills the
vast area of Drury-lane. Its flexibility is wonderful,
and over this magnificent organ she has complete and
perfect command. The brilliancy of her fioritore in this
scene was quite dazzling. The audience seemed per-
fectly astonished at her wonderful execution; but at the
conclusion the applause was rapturous, and bouquets
were thrown to her from all parts of the house. But
fine as are the airs of this magnificent opera, they
are as nothing when compared with its massive
choruses and its elaborately concerted music. As a
musical critic of eminence has well observed " The
manner hi which the chorus is used throughout the full
five acts of this musical tragedy distinguishes it from
most operas. The plot of the opera is absolutely un-
folded, not by recitatives and airs, but by the most ela-
borate concerted pieces." And most perfectly were those
concerted pieces elaborated last evening by the chorus
and orchestra of the Brussels' company—and not only
perfectly elaborated as to the music, but as to the
acting also. Each chorus singer is an actor ; he has his
part to perform in the general action of the drama, and
he performs it. This gives an appearance of vitality to
the opera, which contributes, in a very essential man-
ner, to keep up the interest of the audience. The house
was very well attended, and almost all the private boxes
appeared to be occupied. The principal artistes were
called for at the conclusion of the opera.

IBRAHIM PACVIA.
In the early part of yesterday the "Pacs.3 was wholly on.
caged in private business preparssory to bk ; departuretega
London.
His Excel ncy, Baron Brunnow, the _Re of Cardigan, tlis
Marquis of Westminster, and several of ,th4t
leading aristas-
cracy, visited his Highness yesterday afternOk u, at Mivart's.
Lord and Lady Dinorben had the honour of an introduc-
tion to his Highness, and had an interview of sou le duration.
The Marquis and Marchioness of Saldanha, as. 'd Made-
moiselle Saldanha, were introduced to the Pacha by Colonel
ds
Bonfort, who apprised his Highness that the Marge
was
well acquainted with the Pacha 's son, now studyn.lg at
Paris, while at Vienna. The Pacha gave the noble Ltiploma-
tist a cordial greeting.
Shortly before six o'clock Edib Effendi, the Turkish C 'berg&
d'Affaires, accompanied by M. Zohrab, arrived at Miv. art's,
and immediately after his arrival dinner was announ coda
The Pacha received a select circle of fifteen guests to dinn'er,-
inclusive of the several members of his suite. Captain Peri "1:-
Grace, Mr. S. Briggs, M. Hippolyte Lapeyre, Edib Effendi, •
M. Zohrab, &c., were among the guests.
At half-past seven o'clock four carriages were ordered to
convey the Pacha and party to the South-Western Railway
station, at Nine-elms, Vauxhall. A vast crowd of persona
had collected in front of the hotel expressly to obtain a sight
of the inetnotts Pacha, and the animation of the scene was
increased by' the presence of a band of instrumental per -
formels opposite the hotel. On an intimation of the ap-
proach of his Hielmets, the band struck up the national
anthem, a'a4 amidst the loud cheering of the populace the
Paella entered his carr:age, accompanied by M. Nubar, Sang
Pacha, and Major Dickso:i.
Colonel Bonfort, Edib Ei'frendi, M. Zohrab, and the circle
who dined with the Pacha, foi:qwed in the other carriages.
Just before the Pacha took his !final departure, he sent for
Mr. Mivart, and through M.- Nubaf eaid how pleased he had
been at all the arrangements that had .been made for We per-
sonal comfort, and the satisfaction he had experienced w:hile
residing at the hotel. His Highness further stated that .he
bad left a handsome sum for the domesijcs connected with-
the hotel as a substantial proof of his approbation.
We have also to add that his Highness has considerately
left a liberal gratuity for the police force, which has daily
attended at Mivart's during his sojourn there.
On arriving at the Vauxhall terminus of the South-West-
ern Railway, the Pacha and suite were received with every
distinction becoming his elevated station. His Highness was
welcomed by the chairman and deputy-cfmirman, and several
of the directors of the company, besides the principal officials
of that railway. The platform was covered with crimson
carpeting, and all parties were unremitting in their attention
to the illustrious Pacha.
Atter a trifling delay the Pacha took farewell .Edib Ef-
fendi, his Excellency Sami Pacha, Mr. Briggs, end M.
Zohrab, and then entered the carriage allotted for his Nigh-
ness in the special train. The signal was given, and the
train instantly started for Gosport, where his Highness s,•B-1
expected to arrive by half-past ten last night.
We understand that circumstances may delay the Pacha'af
embarkation till to-morrow from Portsmouth. As his High-
ness contemplates visiting Cadiz and Gibraltar, and most
probably Lisbon, it is uncertain how long it will be before he
reaches Alexandria; but he is desirous of being there by the
15th of the ensuing month.
His Excellency Sami Pacha, after the departure of higi
Highness, returned to Mivart's.

SIR ROBERT PEEL.—The inquiries after the health'-
of the Right Hon. Baronet, yesterday, were very numerous.•
Sir Robert took a carriage airing yesterday afternoon. and in
a few days he will no doubt be able to attend the House of

Commons.
JACKSON'S UNIQUE RIDING EST&BLISHMENT FOR THE
NOW ADMIRED TOWN APPROACHING KENSINGTON-GARDENS..
—The Lew town that during the last few years has reared
its magnificent head in the viciLity of Kensington-gardens,
' and seems to possess every comfort any advantage that fami-
lies of good means can desire—this said town (or city,
as it is now styled) still lacked the one thing, indispensable
both for the old and the young, who congregate in this
locality—and that one thing was a riding,house : this is at
length accomplished, and the plan of novtsitY with never-
ceasing convenience is perfectly accomplished—in short, it
may lay claim to be without any contemporary'--it is quit&
a novel feature, placed within ten acres of rich laid, encom-
passed by high fences, and an inner circle approprOted, ex-
elusively for the ladies, who are taught this polite ft.' u In-
dispensable art by the Misses Jackson, while the gentle/41m
are placed under the able direction of the sons, and in bob::
of these departments these young folks are at the top of their.
profession. The establishment is, in fact, worthy of the &Mt
locality in England. It has another great advantage: if
iG
should come on to rain the riding-house presents immediate.
cover, and it is arranged with such ingenuity that fifty may
be accommodated at once, and during their ride have only
to look on the extensive flower beds that adorn and give fra-
grance to the interior. Jackson's establishment justly claims
to be called unique, and its character for respectability, talent,
and civility, marks its superiority over all its compeers
throughout the metropolis. The stud is worthy of New-
market renown. The convenience for teaching the grown-
up folks the preparatory steps for arriving at pel:fection in
the art of leaping over fences, is quite perfect ; ant.l we can
truly say the neighbourhood are greatly indebted I') the
indefatigable proprietor for a riding- house that leaves' sly
others at an immeasurable distance.—P.S. There is an &a-

vertisement, we perceive, in our front page.
DEATHS IN THE METROPOLIS.—The total number
of deaths registered in the metropolis during the week end-
ing Saturday, July 11, was 901 ; of these 886 were deaths
from disease, showing a decrease of 21 in the number of

deaths from disease as compared with the week preceding.
RETURNED CONVICTS. The Scotia, hired convict.
ship, which lately left England for Bermuda, with convicts,
has returned to Woolwich from the latter place, and at pre-
sent remains at moorings, off the Royal Arsenal. She has
brought home 120 convicts, whose term of transportation has
nearly expired; and with the exception of two retained mil
board in confinement, for having broken open the store.-
rooms on their passage home, the convicts have been re-
moved to the Warrior convict hulk, where they will remain
until liberated by an order from the Secretary of State for
the Home Department.
Railways have materially affected the value of fish.
The number of fishmongers in Birmingham has, since the
various railways which now centre in that town (since 1829)
increased from ten to forty; and the quantity of fish con-
sumed, from 400 to 3,910 tons annually. At Manchester OA
poorer classes are supplied daily at an average of 2d. per lb.
WOOLWICH COMMON ON FIRE.—On Monday the.
wadding from one of the guns of the Royal Artillery ignited
the grass on Woolwich Common. Had not the fire been
promptly suppressed, it might have done conside:able
plis-
chief. . .

SALISBURY, JULY 14.—Some of the Protection far-
mers who attended Salisbury market this day, feel very welt
satisfied with the present effect of the passing of the C./ern-
law Bill. They previously imagined, as soon as a Wm
quantity of bonded corn was brought out, that the priCisn
would have been depressed immediately, and at least 65. a
Bs. per quarter. The prices, however, were firm this day,
from 48,. to 545. per quarter, The barley trade, of course, it

but trilling at this time of the year, but that with other
grain was also firm, and this at a period when the crops are
looking exceedingly well, and a promise of a most luxuriant
harvest,which is already commenced in this neighbourhood.
TEE ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.—This very extraordi-
nary and useful invention is now at work from Yarmouth;
and Norwich to Londetn—the first message sent by it was on
Thursday last from Norwich to London. It is net at work
at present between Yarmouth and any station from Brand=
to London ; this, however, occasions practically but little de-
lay, as a message can be sent from here to Brandon, and
there the clerk telegraphs to any intermediate station. We
believe it is not intended to have the apparatus fixed at any
station between Brandon and London in connexion with
Yarmouth and Norwich.—Yarmouth Chronicle.
MALICIOUS ATTEMPT.—On Tuesday morning last, A 5
the down mail train and the luggage train, which followed it.
almost immediately, were proceeding from Bristol to Exeter,
on passing the bridge at Parson's-gate, near Bedminster-
down, a sudden shock was felt by the engineers, who, ima-
gining that one of the springs of the tender was broken,
instantly shut off the steam and made a careful examination
of the tender, but finding everything right they pro-
ceeded on their journey, and reported the circumstance
to the next policeman, who, upon examination, ascer-
tained that a large five-barred gate bad been placed
acmes the rails. Inquiries were immediately set on foot by
Mr. Burton, the superintendent of the railway police, who.
succeeded in apprehending three men for the offence. Yes-
terday the prisoners, whose names are Isaac Green, Thomas
Gray, and Henry Hazel], were taken before the Rev. Mr.
Mil ehouse and Mr. T. Kingson, two magistrates for the
county of Somerset, at Charlton-house, Wraxall, and charged
with the offence. A witness, named Emma Shepherd, de-
posed that she was standing at the hatch of her father's
garden at about one o'clock in the morning; the moon was
shining, and she saw the three prisoners, who are well knowzr
to her, with another man, whom she did not know, go and
unhang a large five-barred oak gate, belonging to Mr. Cham-
berlain. They carried it across the turnpike-road, and threw
it; over the parapet of the bridge—Parson's-bridgel at—ci othe
on the rail. The prisoners were committed for p-
ensuing assizes. It should be remarked that various
articles
have frequently been placed
the railway near this
spot, and that on the same across
from this bridge, which
gssas the luggage-train was
m
which if it had struck either the engineer or stoker must
sptassrucikngthaelaerngeginrannedwbaseatthinr7wthne casing of the boiler, and
have killed them.
DEATH FROM DROWNING.—COURAGEOUS CONDUCT
OF A COAL PORTELL—On Tuesday evening, Mr. Carttarf
the coroner for East Surrey, held an inquest at the Crane
public-house, Wandsworth, on the body of William Henry
Everest, aged 13, who was drowned whilst bathing in the
creek. The deceased and two other lads went to bathe on
Sunday, and the deceased not being aware of the depth of
water, jumped in, and not being able to swim, sunk imme-
diately. An alarm was raised, and James Ockham, a coal
porter, in the employ of Mr. Lyon, immediately stripped
and dived after the unfortunate youth. Not till he had
dived four times did he succeed in finding the body and
bringing it on shore. The usual remedies were resorted to,
but all of no avail: life had ceased to exist. The coroner
and jury warmly eulogised the conduct of Ockham, and gave
him a small sum of money. It was stated that Ockhani had
previously saved two persons from drowning.
SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION.—This summer the banks
of the Cam exhibit an unusual multitude of those singular
phenomena—cases of spontaneous ignition and combustion'
in growing willows. About a week ago we observed in one
instance, at a point of the river not far from Grancheater, the
process rapidly going on. It was really astonishing to look
upon a fine willow, in 'the full vigour of robust vegetable
health, pouting forth clouds of smoke from its half-burned
stem, and doomed speedily to expire—itself its own funeral
pile. How explain this ? How account for the fact that this
tree, yet hale and green, covered with a rich mass of foliage
and flourishing 4, like a green bay tree" on the river bank—
should suddenly burst forth into ignition, burn like tinder to
its very core, and to-morrow be prostrate! There is no pu-
trescence—we thick there can be no fermentation in this pro-
cess. If instances of spontaneous vegetable combustion
thus frequently happen, why dispute the analogous case of
spontaneous animal combustion? The tree which we
ob-
served last week, as stated above, is now prostrate—its very
foliage charred—a vegetable ruin—as if stripped, shattered,
blasted, and half-consumed by the electric fluid.—Cambridge
Advertiser.,
FICTITIOUS CHARACTERS.—Joseph Moore was
charged, at Westminster Police-court, with obtaining a situa-
tion by means of a false character. Mr. G. W. B. Lee, of 43,
Wimpole-street, stated that about the middle of May last he
requested a Mr. Parrott to get him a servant, and, in conse-
quence of a communication made by that gentleman to him,
he wrote to a Mr. William Turner Smith, Eaglesfield Lodge,
near Bishop Stortford, applying for the prisoner's character.
In three days lie received an answer, posttd at Southampton,
signed W. T. Smith, and, in consequence of that letter, he
took the prisoner into his service. Complainant subsequently
ascertained from the postmaster at Bishop Stortford that
there was no Mr. Smith living there or known in the neigh.
bourhood. He added, that he had been written to to forward
any letter addressed to that person to the post-office, Mount-
street, Lambeth, which had. accordingly, been done. W.
T. F. Parrott, residing at 5, Wilton-street, deposed to having
suffered a similar imposition. The prisoner pleaded guilty to
the charge. Mr. Bond fined him pt., and, default, CAII%°
nutted him fa three ramtlis.

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