The Sun.
London, England, 1856-01-18 00:00:00

(From the Times of this day. )
Over the sounds of warlike preparation but yesterday
resounding from one end of this laborious island to the
other has fallen a sudden lull, and the hammer of the
annonrer is uplifted and the hand of the ship carpenter is
stayed, while they listen with wonder and surprise to the
unexpected tidings of peace- We have become indurated
to a state of war, and it seems now almost as impossible
for England to fall back into the old pacifi.7. routine of the
last forty years as it appeared two years ago for her to
shake off the peacefoi habits and associations which those
forty years had created. Nor would it, wo suspect, be
perfectly true to say that the country hails tho prospect
so suddenly offered of a return to peace with unmixed and
unalloyed satisfaction. No one is so inhuman as to argue
for war in the abstract, but there are a great many, we
suspect, who think that its continuance for another year
would have more of good than of evil. Our preparations
are so vast, our army and navy are assuming so much
more promising an aspect than before, and the power of
Russia is so visibly reduced and shaken, that we might
reasonably hope at the end of another campaign not only
to dictate terms much more favourable, but to have for
them thebest of all possible guarantees—the utter exhaus-
tion and prostration of our adversary. In such cases, how-
ever, it is wise to propitiate that Nemesis which is so apt
to wait on those whose overweening expectations of future
good fortune render them blind to the opportunities of the
present, and to close our hand upon that certain success
which is within its grasp, rather than open it to snatch at
some fortune more alluring, but also more doubtful and
dangerous. To be delivered from the continually recur-
ring catalogues of slaughter, from the rapid increase of our
n ational debt, from the prospect of a ten per cent. income
tax, and a constant derangement cf our monetary system ;
to curb effectually the insolence and aggression of a Power
which two years ago would only condescend to answer our
earnest remonstrances by a haughty and expressive silence,
treating them, to use the metaphor of the Empress Cathe-
rine" as the moon does the wolves that bay at her,"—
these aro advantages so solid and substantial that we would
not change them for the most brilliant future that ever
allured and deluded the visionary or the enthusiast. Let
us only he sure that we have got what we ask for, and wo
shall bear with much philosophy the loss of all the fine
things that another year of war might bring us.
We would, however, caution the public against the per-
suasion that the telegraphic messages of our correspondents
at Vienna and Berlin, and that poste 1 by the French Go-
vernment on the Paris Bourse, necessarily imply what
their words certainly, taken in their literal sense, would
fairly comprehend—that all the propositions upon which
the Allies insist have been unconditionally accepted by
Russia. The terms of the fifth proposition are general,
and do not necessarily include the undertaking not to for-
tify the Aland Isles, any more than any other the Allies
might think fit to make. We do not believe that this re-
quisition has yet been specifically submitted to Russia,
amt, whatever may be the probabilities of the case, we are
certainly not justified in saying that she has uncondition-
ally accepted it. Two other terms on which we must pe-
remptorily insist—the disarming of the eastern coast of the
Black Sea, and the allowing Consuls of the Western Powers
to reside in the Russian ports on its waters—have been
only slightly and ambiguously mentioned. Why this is so
we do not know. That is the concern of Austria. We are
not principals in the negotiation, but have employed the
mediation of a third Power, whose duty it is to see that
Russia be brought to an unconditional acceptance of our
terms, with all their stipulations, before we enter into ne-
gotiation. We do not believe for a moment that these
things are likely to off r permanent obstacles to the con-
clusion of peace, but our readers must remember that the
announcement is that of an Austrian, not of an English
diplomatist, and that he speaks from a point of view not
always identical with our own.
again, what does Russia mean by an unconditional ac-
ceptance ? Wo have held au acceptance of hers before, and
have some experience how coolly she can dishononr it.
Other despatches from Vienna speak of the terms being
accepted as the bases of negotiation. Logically, there is no
distinction between the two, for the foundation on which
a negotiation rests must be accepted unconditionally, or
they are no foundations at all. We must begin somewhere,
and that with which we begin must be unconditional ; but
wo have some experience how Russia understands these
things when we remember that last year she undertook to
do away with her preponderance in the Black Sea, and.
could he brought to assent to no means of carrying out this
condition which did not tend directly to defeat it. We do
not believe, as we have said, that any of these difficulties
will really be allowed to interfere with that peace which
the Court of St. Petersburg seems to have determined to
be necessary to its interest, but merely wish to cool the
ardour of those oversanguine spirits who may infer that
everything is already done, and that nothing remains for
England and France but to ring their bell, light their
bonfires, and pay the bill.
Nothing should induce us to relax for a single moment in
our preparations until all the stipulations we have men-
tioned have been clearly and unequivocally put by Aus-
tria, and as clearly and unequivocally conceded. W e must
remember that by the pressure we have put upon Russia,
and not by the mediation of Austria, has the present
happy alteration in our circumstances been brought about,
and that, if we would preserve the advantages of our posi-
tion, it can only be done by a constant adhesion to the
very means by which that change has been produced. Let
Russia once see reason to believe that we have allowed the
hopes of ease and tranquillity to unnerve our vigilance and
disarm our courage, and the whole work must be done over
again, for she will assuredly find means to wriggle out of
the concessions she has made, and to resume her old atti-
tude of haughtiness and defiance. The way to obtain peace
is to make our adversary feel thoroughly—what is, indeed,
no more than the truth—how much more necessary that
peace is to her than it is to us. We have tried reason and
remonstrance with no effect, have tried vigour and action
with the most encouraging results. By energetic action
we have compelled the enemy to negotiate ; by a continu-
ance of that energy and that action we shall bring those
negotiations to a happy result. It is the common error of
historians to attribute in these matters too much to the
talents of plenipotentiaries, and too little to the relative
force of the contracting States. No negotiator was more
successful than Charles XII., before the battle of Pultaws,
or Napoleon before the expedition to Moscow, for their
arguments were backed by their bayonets, and faults in
their logic passed unnoticed amid the thunder of their
cannon. After these signal reverses they negotiated with
equal talent but entirely different success, to the power
that gave force to their propositions was gone.
if ever in the course of the war, it is necessary to push on
Now, then,
those preparations which are required for the efficiency of
Never be-
our 803 and land forces in the next campeign-
fore was that necessity so urgent, never would the effects
of any relaxation or remissness e so inime&aindtely felts
We have the goal in sight, and b
that ought touce us
rather to double than remit our exertions. By observing
this line of conduct we shall either have gained the noblest
victory—a solid and lasting peace, or be in a position to
inspire those who shall have withheld it from us with a
still more durable repentance.

THIRTY-SEVENTH REPORT of the
LONDON JOINT-STOCK BANK.
At a GENERAL MEETING of the SHAREHOLDERS, held at
the Banking-house of the Company, in Prince's-street, Mansion-
house, on Thursday, the 17th of January, 1856,
GEORGE lIOLGATE FOSTER, Esq., Chairman,
WILLIAM JAMES LANCASTER, Esq., Deputy-Chairman,
Dinncroas. •
William Bird, Esq. Archibald nestle, Esq., M.P.
William Blount, Esq. William J. Lancaster, Esq.
All. Sir George Carron. Sir John M'Taggart, Bart., M.P.
William Miller Christy, Esq George meek, Esq.
Ald. Sir Jaynes Duke, Bart., M.P. Ambrose Moore, Esq.
Phiap William Flower, Esq. John Timothy Oxley, Esq.
George Elolgate Foster. Esq. John Joseph Silva, Esq.
Francis Bennett Goldney, Esq.. George Tayier, Esq.
Will. Ormsby Gore, Esq., M.P. Thomas Maori, Esq.
Hoary Grace, Esq.
Tin MANAGER—George Pollard, Esq.
SOLICITGRE—Messrs. Clarke and Morice.
The following Report was presented :
" The Directors have again the pleasure of presenting to the share-
holders the accounts of the Bank. which show that the net profits
realised during the past six months, and the balance of 35,1241.9 x. 2d.,
brought forward on the 30th June last, amount to 80,3551. Os. 6d.
"By this result the Directors are enabled to declare a dividend at
the rate of 121. 10s. percent .per annum, and a bonus of 14s. 3d. per
share, and to carry the sum of 1051. vs. 6d. to the credit of the
Guarantee Fund, which now amounts to 160,8531. 13s. Id.
" The seats in the Direction which become vacant on this occasion
are those of William James Lancaster, Esq., Wm. Blount, Esq., Sir
John 314Taggart, Bart , M.P., John Joseph Silva, Esq., and Alder-
Iman Sir George Carroll, all of whom offer themselves for re-election.
" The dividend and bonus, free from inoome tax, will be payable
on and after Friday, the 25th instant,"
The precading report having been read to the meeting by the Secre-

tary,
per mown, and a further division of
nthtuemnet profit of the year ending as above.
A dividend for the half-year ending the 31st December laat, after
Resolved unantmously—That the report now read be received. and
that it be printed for the use of the shareholders.
ed
The following Directors having retired by rotation, were unani-
mously reelected, viz. :
Vrilliant J. Lancaffter, Esq.
William Blount, Esq.
Sir John M`Taggart, Bart., M.P.
John Joseph Silva, Esq.,
and
Alderman Sir George Carrell.
Resolved unanimously-1 hat the thanks of the meeting be given
to the Directors for their assiduity anti success in conducting the
affairs of the Bank.
Resolved unanimensly—That the heartfelt thanks of the meeting
be also given to George Pollard, Esq.,
for his able management.
(signed) GEORGE ROLGATE FOSTER, Chairman.
Extracted from the Alinutei.
A. GIBBON, Secretary.
LIABILITIES and ASSETS, MONDAY, 31sT DECEMBER, 185 e.
THE LONDON JOINT-STOCK BANK.

Da.
To capital paid up, viz.,60,000 shares at 101. each.. .1600,000 0 0
To amount due Thethe Bank ... .. 6,241,58. 9
. 4 15
To amount of " Guarantee
Fund," 30th June, 1855 ...... £158,373 0 8
To six months' interest on ditto,
at 31. per cent. per annum

2,375 11 11

To undivided profit for the last heif_year......
To amount carried to profit and loss account..

160,748 12 7
35,124 9 2
92,106 9 4

£7,129,674 6 10

Ca.
By Exchequer-bibs and India-bonds
By cash, loans, bills discounted, and other securities 6,280,073 15 2
By building, furniture. &c.. in
Prince s-street
By ditto, ditto, in Pall•mali 8,375 0 0

38,05 0 0

£7,129,574 6 10
PEOFIT AND LOSS ACCOUNT OF THE LONDON JOINT-STOCK DANK, FOE
THE HALF-TEAE ENDING DEC. 31, 1855.

ewes, proportion of building Da.
To current ext)
ex-
penses, directors' remuneration, bad debts, in
come tax, SO .£23,679 7. 8
To amount carried to profit and loss, new account,
being rebate of interest on bins discoUnted not
yet due ............................. ;
To amount transferred to the credit of "the Guaran
capital upen
tee Fund," in addition to the above amount of
160,748/. 128.7 d
To dividend account for the payment of half-a-year's
duipvoindend,at
600,0001.,th ratuateouofral2j
paid
-up
per annum
60,000 shares
To ditto for the payment of a bonus of 14s. 3d. per
share .. ...... . • • • •• • •

23,196 10 4

105 0 6

37,500 0 0

£127,230

(From, the Morning Post of this day.)
We have now reached a most important stage in the
highway to peace ; and, if we persevere in the same steady
and resolute eouree that we are hitherto followed with

I t would appear that the Cabinet of St. Petersburg has
re-considered its reported rejection of the Austrian pro-
posals, and has gone the length oven of surrendering the
terms contended for in its recent counter propositions.
The despatch in the ?bites, although dated from Vienna,
concludes with " This is authentic." We are, however,
too well acquainted with authentic canards proceeding
from the same source, and too much accustomed to the
confident tone of our contemporary when he has least
ground for confidence, to place implicit reliance, in the
absence of corroboration, upon the statement before us.
At the same time, we are by no means prepared to assert
that the report of Russia's concession is devoid of founda-
tion, but it wo incline to the belief that she has at length
closed with the proposals of the allies, it is from a conside-
ration of the nature of those proposals themselves, and not
from any belief in the source from whence the information
of that event has been derived.
Russia well knows that the terms recently offered are the
very best she could possibly have hoped for, and the states-
men who surround the Czar are sufficiently acute to see
that they present no real bar to the future pursuit and de-
velopment of that policy which Russia has so long and so
steamily worked out with the resolution of destiny. The
chances of another campaign might—nay they certainly
would—leave her far less confident than she finds herself
at the close of the recent campaign, and far less able to
resist the pressure which would infallibly be brought to
bear against her. The adhesion of the secondary states of
Europe to the cause of the allies would be, if the war lasted,
but a question of time. We do not believe—we never did
believe—that Austria would in any case take up arms to
redeem her plighted honour, much less that she would do
so simply in the interest of Europe and civilisation ; but it
was manifest that considerable time must elapse before the
German powers could be driven out of the neutral and un-
dignified attitude they have assumed, if, indeed, they
contemplated in any event its relinquishment. Russia
sees, and must for some time have seen, that the league
against her would increase formidably—that the free states
of Europe had discovered more than a tendency to gravi-
tate towards the Western powers. Without question the
war has begun to tell most seriously on her internal eco-
nomy, and although her resources are vast they are by no
means inexhaustible. Tier nobles are discontented—her
soil is untilled—her population swept to supply new and
extensive levies—her trade has suffered, not to the ex-
tent it might have suffered, for one of her enemies, at
least, did not care to cripple her in that respect ; and her
obsequious vassal at Berlin has taken care that he would
turn his neutrality to a friendly as well as a profitable ac-
count. On a calmer view, therefore, of her case—her con-
dition and her prospects —Russia must have seen that she
could only continuo the war at the cost of eventual pros-
tration, and that to support her prestige for a short period
she was paying the penalty of national ruin.

opinion of Europe.
It will be difficult yet to ascertain the probable effect of
this new phase of the question on our own domestic poli-
tics. The suspicious ambiguity of Mr. Disraeli's attitude
shuts us out from the ordinary means of calculation. If
we were to argue from the general tone of his supposed
organ, we should anticipate that the session of Parliament
would open calmly, and that no efforts would be made to
embarrass the Government while the negotiations were
still pending. Under any circumstances, it seems highly
improbable, if not impossible, that peace could actually be
concluded before the commencement of the session, or oven
that the terms could be generally understood. If we were
speculating on the expected conduct of any other party in
the State, or any other statesman, it would be easy to pre-
dict the future ; but, with such a party and such a chief,
what would it be safe to assume? Undoubtedly the pa-
triotic course, under such circumstances, would be to afford
to the Minister of the day every possible aid, in order that
he might be enabled to extricate the country with honour
from the war.
But aro the Tories in a position to afford such patriot-
ism ? Does not this intelligence put them almost hors-de-
combat ? Have they not—at least their chiefs—staked
their till upon a favourite polioy, and do they not now find
the chances are against them ? The intelligence that peace
had. virtually been agreed upon has long ere this diffused
joy throughout the country. Is that satisfaction shared
ill by Mr. Disraeli, and the ambitious few around him who
have of late been scheming to eject Lord Palmerston from
. office ? We speak not of the great bulk of the country gen-
, Kamen who constitute so largo a portion of the Tory party.
They, we feel assured, are true to their duty. Even the
honourable gentleman who is last enrolled among them—
. the son of the late Colonel Sibthorp—speaks the language
of chivalrous England, not that of mere political tricksters
. and gamblers. But there is every reason to believe, that
. whatever pleasure may have been communicated to the
English heart by the news of yesterday, it has not pene-
trated to the region of Grosvenor-gate.

(Front the Daily News of this day.)
How near is Peace ? The exact tenor of the answer re.
turned by the Cabinet of St. Petersburg to the overture
from Vienna must be known before this question can be
answered. According to the telegraphic despatches from
Vienna and Dresden, " Russia has accepted uncondi-
tionally the Austrian proposals ;" according to the Parisian
version, Russia has merely conceded that " the proposi-
tions forwarded by Austria ought to serve as the prelimi•
navies of peace." We have reason to believe that the des•
patch from Paris, though not very clearly worded, ap-
proaches more nearly than those from Vienna and Dres-
den, to the terms of the message received by the English
JOINT STOCK COMPANIES.—It is rumoured that the
Government. Russia, we are given to understand, has
only accepted the Austrian proposals as the basis of nego- new act now in preparation by Government for the in-
tiations. In like manner Russia accepted, last year, " the corporation and regulation of 'joint-stock companies
four points" as the basis of negotiations. We do not mean contains a clause which will increase by defining the re-
to imply that the cases are exactly Parallel. If we are to sponsibilities of directors. It is said that every director
have Conferences in 1856 as we had in 1855, it is to be shall be held to be acquainted with all acts of the board
hoped that the Allies will insist upon their being held in
isandrauyt at
hl saootf thattthhee
rt,
ate
aivltewerlyanyeduhi
trasescwtmohrai
cdsheh aatllil
le3bryeo
fivrtue, st
op
froonrtsthihba. 1 e
aflofrbtaht
bank
kye
Paris or London instead of •Vienna ; or in Brussels if it is
h
deemed necessary that they be held in a neutral state. But
oven if the Allies are weak enough to allow them to be
has assets to meet its engagements, they are to be held
held once more in Vienna, England will be much more
responsible to all parties interested for the truth of what
they thus publish—Shipping Gazette.
efficiently represented there than she was last year.
THE ATTEMPTED CLOTH ROBBERY AT CIIIIRWELL.—
It must also.be admitted that the " proposals" of the
Court of Vienna aro more precise than " the four points."
The proposals do not admit of the same amount of cavil
On Wednesday an inquest was held at the Leeds Court
and mystification on the part of Russia as did the four H ouse, before r. Blackburn, borough coroner, on the
points. It must be borne in mind, however, that there is body of David M
Steel, who had died from a gun-shot
a Postscript to the Austrian proposals, which may enable wound received during a struggle which
ises took
of placess on
Russia to open up a series of interminable discussions. Sunday morning last, on the prem Mers.
" The belligerent Powers reserve their right to produce, in Crowther and Co., woollen cloth manufacturers, of
the interest of Europe, some special conditions beside the
Cherwell, between a gang of thieves and a number of
four guarantees." Since the Austrian proposals were
framed the relative position of tho belligerents have under- watchers. The principal facts have already appeared. in
gone some change, through the publication of the defensive our columns, and the evidence tendered on this occasion
alliance between Sweden and the Western Powers, the showed that after the thieves came out of the mill two
announcement of the fall of Kars, and the failure of Omer of tho watchers, named Holroyd and Hirst, rushed for-
Pacha's expedition in Mingrelia. If Russia has only ward, the latter calling out to the thieves, "If you
agreed to negotiate on the basis of the Austrian proposals, don't stand, I'll fire !" Immediately afterwards Hol-
with a view to induce the Allies to relax in their prepare. royd was knocked down, and then a shot was fired by
tions for a vigorous prosecution of the war—a supposition
quite in harmonywith the antecedents of Russian diplo- the thieves, apparently from a pistol. Hirst heard the
whiz of the shot as it passed closed to him on the right
macy—she will find in the Postscript ample pretexts for side, and he immediately fired in the direction of the
evading any obligations she may have contracted with thieves. The deceased fell wounded. He was removed
Austria. to the Leeds Infirmary, where he died on Tuesday morn-
Nor must it be forgotten that the Austrian proposals are .
T hejury returned a verdict of justifiable homicide.
more in favour of Austria than.of Turkey. All that the lng• dson, one of the watchmen, who was seriously
latter Power gains by them is the guarantee, such as it is,
Richer
.n. -e
newly-
and lay!
that Russia shall not maintain a formidable fleet in the injured, is recovering.
Black Sea, or re-establish the military arsenal of Sobasto- LADVNItTISESMENT.I—S
IG
HT
AND REARING.—DSAMSS AN la
poi. In what regards the Immediate causes of the war—
DeFECIIVII VISION EL.— Messrs. S. and B. Solomon%
Albemarle-street, Piccadilly. Observe—oppo-
foreign interfenee with the Christian subjects of the Porte, opticians, 39,
aud :foreign Protectorate over the Danubian Principalities, soitregantilcievYiboii.airtorl,iaonteel.xtraDoredaifunaersys
Turkey is left pretty nearlywhere she was. England, —Now
and Austria—and perhaps Russia—are to interfere /el
in
- invented instrument for deafness, entirely different from all
a Protectorate over probably ever can be, produced. Being of the same colour
tively between the Sultan and the Christian subjects in- others, to surpass anything of the kind that has been o /
stead of Russia alone. By
Russia insertsl the thin end of the as the skin, is not perceptible ; it enables deaf persons to
the Principalities,
wedge to separate them from the Turkish empire ; the ar • hear distinctly at church and at public assemblies ; the un-
raugement proposed by Austria: will on y drive the wedge ant sensation of singing noises in the ears is entirely re•
a little further in. These conditions may find favour in moved; and it affords all the assistance that possibly could
the eyes of many, but nobody can say that that they tend be desired.—Newly-constructed Spectacle Lenses of the great-
to ensure the " independence and integrity" of the Otto- est transparent power. The valuable advantage derived
the end of the pre- from this invention is, that vision becoming impaired is
reaa it' eNsru'apriwrei'll,llifkothtehy areatof agreedmost to,othe wars, forget its be- preserved and strengthened, and very aged poros are
giuning. But, leaving the Ottoman Government out of enabled to employ their sight at the most minute occn-
the question, is the acceptance of these proposals likely to patione cans ee with these lenses of a much loss niaguifYe
benefit the Ravalis or the inhabitants of the Danubian ing power—and they do not require the frequent changes
Principalities? We have our doubts. A joint protect°. to the dangerous effects of further powerful aluassistance.an
rate of the Rayahe appears to sits to mean nothing more than By leer Majesty's Royal Letters Patent for
vable
extraordinary
the permanent establishment of representatives of the extraordinary improvements in the most powerful and
Great Powers at perm, constantly interfering with and brilliant Telescopes, Camp, Racecourse, Opena, and Per.
paralysing the action of the Ottoman Government, and spective Glasses, to know the distances of objects viewed
thereby perpetuating anarchy throughout its dominions. through them—of great importance to the army, navy,
Jupiter's moons, Saturn's rile,
Until we know what kind of constitution the Priacipali- and others. These telescopes P 0585" such
with the same telescope can be
ties aro to receive, and until we see the Austrian army of powers that some three and a-half inches, with an extra eye.
occupation withdrawn from these provinces, it will be piece, will show distinctly
premature to congratulate the Moldo-Virallachians on the and the double stars,
stipulations made ostensibly in their behalf. seen a person's countenance
three miles and a half distant
All that can with certainty be said at present is that if and an object from 10 to 20 miles. They are of larger and all
Russia is prepared in good faith to accept unconditionally Sizes, with increasins powers accordingly ; while their vary-
the Austrian proposals, this is a proof that she already ing from 4 to 6 inches enable us to discover more than tale
feels so severely the pressure of the war as to be hopeless above
and the GeOrgian,Witil his 6 satellites, &c.—The Royal
of the future. The acceptance of such terms cannot but Exhibition, Ism—Valuable, newly-invented, very small,
be most mortifying to the pride of the Russian Govern- powerful waistcoat-pocketglass,the size of a walnut, by which
ment. At the outset of the war it asserted a right to arbi- a person can be seen and known 1 i miles distant ; they answer
trate between the Sultan and his Christian subjects, and every purpose on the race-course, and at the opera louses,
seized upon the Principalities as a " material guarantee" country scenery, and ships are clearly seen at Bto 10 miles.
for submission to its arrogant claims. At the end of the They are invaluable for shooting, deer-stalking, yachting, to
war, if the Proposals are accepted, it will submit to have sportsmen, gentlemen, gamekeepers, and tourists. Opera,
the protectorate. of the Rayahs wrested from it by other race-coursc, camp, and perspective glasses, with wonderftl
Alberaarle-etreet, Piccadilly. Observe—opposite
Powers, and will cede permanently a part of its territory. P"'
Thill will be all it 100 &mil by the lose of ite Black lea tko York hotel.