The Sun.
London, England, 1860-01-17 00:00:00

.4STLEYS ROYAL AMPIIITERATRE.

Last evening a new piece of the kind which, for
want of a better name, we may call melodramatic
comedy, was put upon the stage at Astley's before
the equestrian, gymnastic, and other characteristic
exhibitions of this popular place of entertainment
began. It is entitled " The Warrior's Career,"
otherwise The Emperor's Decree," and the scene
being laid in Russia, the interest turns upon the
fortunes of one Michael, the brave sledge-driver,
who is tyrannically compelled by an off.mded Czar
to marry the daughter of a baron, as a punishment
for her disobedience of the imperial commands, and
thereupon, whilst the lady is sent to Siberia, goes
perforce into the war of the Caucasus, where he
achieves prodigies of valour, and comes back re-
splendent with well-earned decorations, a noble-
man and a high officer in the military service. The
old Emperor by this time is dead, and has been
succeeded by his son, who was formerly the clan-
destine lover of Alexina, Michael's wife by com-
pulsion. She has been recalled from her Siberian
banishment, and the hero conceives a just suspicion
that her return, simultaneously with the rewards
and bounties bestowed upon himself, is intended to
favour the young Emperor's designs upon her, with
an attempt to purchase her husband's connivance.
Indignant virtue, however, disarms the autocrat's
injurious desire, and Michael, being dubbed a
prince and knight of St. Vladimir, goes off happy
and glorious in the affections of the noble Alexina,
between whom and himself, in spite of their strange
enforced union eighteen months before, a real
attachment has grown up. The whole thing is
rather weak and silly. The performing elephant,
the very amusing dogs, the feats of horsemanship,
posturemaking, and tumbling, and the scenes,
humorous and brilliant, of the pantomime, " Har-
lequin Tom Moody," which has already been
noticed, were Astley's chief attractions last even-
ing. The auadrupeds are the stars of this company.

LEWES ELECTION.

LEWES, MONDAY AFTERNOON.

The election of a successor to the late Right Hon.
Henry Fitzroy, President of the Board of Public
Works, in the representation of this ancient
borough, took place this morning, at eleven, in the
Nisi Prius Court, County Hall. There was only
one candidate, Mr. George Blencowe, of
The Hooke, Chailcy, near Lewes, and a
member cf a family of great influence. He is a
Liberal, and sought the confidence of the electors
on principles very similar to thOse professed by the
late member, Mr. Fitzroy. Though a compara-
tively young man, he has been in the commission of
the peace 17 years, and in conjunction with his
father, It. W. Blencowe, has taken an active part
in many local and political movements.
At one time Mr. Amphlett, Q.C., the Conserva-
tive candidate at the recent election, was expected
to come forward--in fact that gentleman paid a
visit to the electors about a fortnight ago—but
having been persuaded (considering the majority
obtained against him at the last election, and the
fact that he would have but little chance of success)
to relinquish all intention of again coming forward,
he at once left the town. Since then several meet-
ings have been held, but, with th© exception of a
dispute as to whether Mr. Blencowe would support
vote by ballot, that gentleman has had it all his
own way.

Mr. 131cscowe was accordingly declared duly
Elected, without opposition.