The Sun.
London, England, 1860-05-14 00:00:00

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.

A brilliant auditory came together on Saturday
at her Majesty's Theatre to witness the debut of
two artists new to the operatic world, the one
Mdlle. Maria Brunetti, in the interesting role of
Gilda, the hapless daughter of Rigoletto, the other
Signor Sebastiano Ronconi, in the part of the
court jester,

The aria d'intrata of the Duke, " Questa o
quella," set Signor Mongini at home with his
audience, and the following scene which brings
Rigoletto prominently forward, satisfied them that
Sebastian Ronconi inherits the histrionic talent of
the family. The court ball was illustrated by the
admirable dancing of Mdlle. Pocchini, whose
fascinating pas were immensely applauded, and
two of the more striking choregraphic efforts
vehemently encored. The length of this diver-
tissement caused the drop-curtain to fall at the close
of the scene, thereby finishing the first act, and thus
adding a fourth to the opera. The second act ac-
cordingly opened with the house of Rigoletto ; and,
after Signor Ronconi had earned applause in the
fine tragic recitative and interview with Sparafxcile
(Signor Vialetti), wherein he hires that ruffian to
assassinate the Duke, the new prima donna, Mdlle.
Brunetti, burst upon the admiring audience, bring-
ing with her that irresistible " letter of introduc-
tion," a charming and intellectual countenance, a
stately and graceful figure, luxuriant fair hair—a
fresh, youthful, and transparent complexion. In
the words of Coleridge, there she

" Stood a lady fair to see,
And beautiful exceedingly."
To say that the sternest of musical critics can be
insensible to such advantages as Mdlle. Brunetti
possesses, would be to deny him the admiration for
beauty as addressing the eye, in proportion to his
perception of beauty as impressing the mind
through the kindred sense of hearing. But on
this point also—despite the fact that a first appear-
ance is not a fair criterion of an artist's talent—we
were soon agreeably assured. Mdlle. Brunetti, in
the fine and trying scene with her father, showed to
much advantage. Her voice is a pure, fresh, and
pleasing soprano, flexible, sweet, and sympathetic.
The lovely duo " Veglia o donna," Itigoletto and
Gilda, was immensely received ; and her sur-
prise when the Duke interrupts her rhapsody
at the point of her declaration of love for the
stranger who has met her at her devotions, was
worthy of an experienced actress, in voice and
gesture. The aria, " Caro nome it mio cot.," was
sung with finished taste, and its bravura passages
with clear and flexible facility; its close, as well as
that of the preceding " addio" with Mongini, being
followed by a call and a recal, and the former with
a shower of bouquets.

The triumph of Mongini came with "La donna 6
mobile," which raised a furore, the great tenore robusto
pouring forth the passage " muto d'aceento"fortissimo
- and electrifying the house. The song was encored,
sung completely through, and Mongini once more
recalled. The quartett, "Bella figlia dell 'amore,"
the Duke, Madalena (Madame Lemaire), Rigoletto,
and Gilda, went most accurately and effectively.
The barbarous death of Gilda, the song, e dentro, of
the escaped Duke, and the discovery of the body of
the fair Gilda in Sparufacile's sack, with the crown-
ing " Maledizione" of the horrorstruck Rigoletto,
brought down the curtain. Again did the leading
singers walk across, and the success of Mdlle.
Maria Brunetti on her first appearance was afait
aecompli. We await with some interest the ap-
pearance of this elegant cantatrice in other music
than Verdi's, convinced she is an acquisition to the
powerful corps of her Majesty's Theatre.
MARINE INSURANCE COMPANIES.

Although three marine insurance companies have
lately been introduced, it has been known for some
time past that a new one, with powerful provincial
support, was in course of formation. The prospec-
tus has been issued, and the undertaking, which is
to unite the interests of London, Liverpool, and
Manchester, is to be called the Thames and Mersey
Marine Insurance Company. The proposed capi-
tal is £2,000,000, in shares of £2O each, on which
£2 will be called immediately, and an additional £2
after the lapse of six months. The direction is re-
markable, and perhaps unprecedented, for the num-
ber and aggregate wealth of the firms represented,
comprising 33 names, of whom 11 belong to London,
12 to Liverpool, and 10 to Manchester. Thus a
board is to be constituted at each of the three great
centres of commerce, " so as to afford in each loca-
lity the same facilities for the immediate transaction
of business on a large scale, and to secure, by ex-
tending the basis of average, a corresponding in-
crease of stability and profit." Whether the annual
growth of insurance business is such as to call for
another company, or whether any success that may
attend the Thames and Mersey will he mainly by a
proportionate diminution of the transactions of its
competitors, is a question for the various share-
holders ; but it appears certain that, in the present
instance, the direotors will be able to control,
even from their own firms, an amount of business
sufficient for any ordinary company. They esti-
mate, however, in their prospectus, that the field
of marine insurance is extending at the rate of at
least 15 millions sterling per annum, and conse-
quently it is quite possible for the new interest to
be created without damage to the old ones. It may,
indeed, prove to the advantage of the latter, since
it is desirable that any fresh concern to be called
into existence should be with a capital and on a
scale such as must totally preclude the future con-
coction of an endless number of smaller schemes
that might otherwise be got up, not for the legiti-
mate satisfaction of large trading communities, but
merely for the purpose of the share-market.—Times.

JAYMARKET.—MR. TURPIN'S DENEFIT.--Mr.
George Tnrpin, whose courteous and obliging conduct lass
won him so many friends among the visitors to the Hay-
market Theatre, will take his annual benefit on Wednesday
next. A new comedy, by the author of "Box and Cox,"
is among the entertainments announced for the occasion.
We trust that the " benefit" will be, by the aid of his nu-
tUerous friondsl somethinq raorg tha a merely nominal
•

LATES'I'

LANDING OF GARIBALDI.
The following telegrams were received at Mr.

Reuter's office :

VIENNA, MAY 14.

It is stated in financial quarters, on reliable in-
formation, that part of Garibaldi's expedition dis-
embarked at Marsala on the 11th inst. from two

vessels.

The Royal ships were obliged to cease firing
during two hours, being, it is asserted, prevented
by English steamers. The firing could not be re-
sumed until the English officers had returned from
the shore to their vessels.

The volunteers who had landed were fighting
with the Royal troops at the moment of the mail's

departure.

(OFFICIAL.)
NAPLES, MAY 13, 9.3 P.M,

The firing of the two Neapolitan frigates off
Marsala has killed several of the Fillibusters. As
regards the two vessels in which they had arrived,
the Lombard was sunk and the Piedmont has been
captured. The royal troops marched on to meet
those who had disembarked.

PARIS, MAY 14,

The Constitutionnel publishes an article, signed
by M. Grandguillot, which says :—" The reply of
Count Cavour to M. Thouvenel proves that Pied-
mont as well as France energetically blames the
audacious attempt of Garibaldi. If the expedition
of Garibaldi is contrary to the interests of Pied-
mont, it nevertheless responded to the sentiment of
a part of the people of whom Garibaldi is the hero.
Piedmont could not constrain the man who repre-
sents so large a popular force. Such an act would
raise a dangerous reaction in Italy."
If the enterprise of Guribaldi is censured by
Europe, the state of things in the Two Sicilies is se
critical that the success of the enterprise would
astonish no one.

Without foreseeing the issue of the expedition,
we cannot admit the supposition that it may lead to
an European conflagration.

The Constitutionnel, speaking of the reports that
England wishes to possess Sicily, says :—lt would
be no more easy for England to take Sicily than
for Russia to occupy Constantinople.
M. Grandguillot recals that France and England
have always acted in concord as regards Neapolitan
policy. No one ought, therefore, to suppose that
to-day they oppose one another.
M. Grandguillot concludes as follows :—We still
hope that the Neapolitan question will not be un-
ravelled by revolution, but in ease it should it is
only by union and not by antagonism and rivalry
that the great Powers, particularly France and
England, could meet its dangers.

PARIS, MAY 13.

The Moniteur de la Flotte of to-day says :
"It is announced that the Mediterranean squa-
dron had received orders to re-enter Toulen in order
to set out again on a more distant mission, respect-
ing which no particulars are known. We may, how-
ever, be permitted to suppose that if not destined
for the coasts of Sicily, the squadron would cruise
in the Levant, where agitations both political and
religious have recently arisen, which at no distant
period may necessitate the interference of the
Western Powers."

The Patrie of this evening says—" The rumours
of Russian military movements in the southern pro-
vinces of the empire are entirely false. The number
of troops in those provinces does not exceed 50,00t1.
They have made no forward muvon2ent, neither is
there any sign of unusual activity."

PARIS, MAY 12.

The Patrie of this evening contains news from
Genoa to the 11th inst., stating that Colonel Medici,
the friend of Garibaldi, was forwarding the prepara-
tions for a second expedition, of which the colonel
would take the command, and for taking part,in
which 6,000 volunteers have already been enrolled.
All the arms have been purchased of the manufac-
turers. Great excitement prevails at Genoa and
Lombardy, from which quarters almost all the
volunteers have come. It is asserted, however,
that the energetic diplomatic representations made
to Piedmont would decide the Government to pre-
vent the departure of a second expedition. The
Patrie adds that the Neapolitan Government is in
a position to resist all attacks.
The Opinione Nationale believes that General
Garibaldi would disembark near Terracina on the
frontier between the Neapolitan and Papal States.
Another version in the same journal affirms Calabria
to be the place of disembarkation.

MARSEILLES, MAY 13.
A letter from Talamon, written by one of Gari•
baldi's officers, says :

" The number of men who embarked at Genoa
was 1,100. Double that number of volunteers pre-
sented themselves, but it was found impossible to
receive them on board the steamers.

" The ,expedition is commanded by Garibaldi
and Bixio. The volunteers were feted by the in-
habitants, who soon dispersed."
The Grand Duke Nicholas of Russia has arrived
here in a Russian frigate, and will, it is asserted,
leave this evening for Paris.

MARSEIELES, MAY 12.
Letters from Naples give a formal denial to the
reported protest of the consuls at Messina.

ROME, VIA MARSEILLES, TUESDAY.
Gen. Lamoriciere continues to concentrate the
Papal troops at Gubbio.

It is asserted that Gen. Allegrino, the command-
ing officer at Ancona, has been reduced to the non-
effective.
The King of Naples has subscribed one million
scudi to the Roman loan.

TOULOUSE, MAY 12.
The Spanish Princes slept here last night, and
continue their journey to Paris to-day.

TURIN, MAY 12.

Various rumours are current respecting General
Garibaldi's expedition. A few disembarkations are
said to have taken place on the coasts of the Ro-
magna and near Montalto. The cruising in the
roads of Malta and the Straits of Messina is very
active. Vessels of war are seen, at intervals of
about 30 miles, off the coasts of Sicily. The mem-
bers of the Chamber of Deputies have assembled in
committees for the examination of the treaty of
Savoy and Nice.

Sardinian Rente is quoted at 823 for money, and
821 for account.

The journals publish a proclamation of Garibaldi
o the Italians.

In this proclamation Garibaldi calls upon the in-
habitants of the Marches, Umbria, and Sabina and
the Neapolitans to revolt, in order to divide the

`orees of the enemy.

Another proclamation, addressed to the Romans,
recalls the insurrection of 1849, and urges the
Romans to act like their brethren who fell in de-
fending Rome.

The French Government has forwarded to the

Sardinian Government a quantity of muskets and
ammunition and about 400 cannon, the greater part
of which are for marine sGrvice. No news has been
received of the expeditions.

GENOA, MAY 12.

According to advices from Naples to the 9th inst.
the Court, the Government, and the people were in
a state of great agitation. Vessels with troops had
left Naples. Several battalions were returning
from the frontier. Notes of the banks of Palermo
and Messina had ceased to circulate at Naples.

ST. PETERSBURG, MAY 14.

The principal members of the diplomatic corps,
excepting the Minister for Turkey, were a few days
ago convoked by Prince Gortschakoff, who declared
to them that the position of the Christians in
Turkey had become so intolerable, that Russia is on
the point of addressing strong representations to
the Porte in favour of them, and hopes to obtain
the support of the other powers.

It is asserted that that the journey of M. de
Budberg to Paris, where he will replace Count
Kisseleff as ambassador of Russia, has brought
about an understanding between Prance and Russia
in reference to Asia Minor, where the agitation is
continually increasing.

"SIMLA, APRIL 22.
Lord Clyde will return to England by the first
steamer in June from Calcutta."

" APRIL 24.

"THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL To SIR C. WOOD.
"I shall leave Simla for Calcutta on the 7th of

May."

"A disturbance at Peshawur respecting taxes, but
founded on a misapprehension, has been greatly
exaggerated by the newspapers. All is quiet, and
the people satisfied."

EXPEDITION OF GARIBALDI.
A letter from Turin, dated May 10, says The expedition of Garibaldi to Southern Italy is so
great an event, and likely to lead to such unfore-
seen and startling results, that I think I should ill
acquit myself of my task were I to omit to send
you a diary of all the rumours circulating about me
on the subject.
It is now confidently asserted that the two
steamers upon which he embarked convey a force of
1,400 picked young men. They are armed with
excellent revolvers and short cutlasses for board-
ing purposes. They took, it is stated, forcible pos-
session of the Lombardo and Piedmonte, the latter
a screw steamer. They left Genoa on the night of
Saturday last, the sth. The commotion throughout
these free parts of Italy is indescribable. I wrote
from Parma that several parties of young adven-
turers had started for Genoa; more than 100 had
followed that destination during my short stay in
that town, and I have seen their letters from Genoa
announcing their instant departure. A rush to the
various ports of the Mediterranean has equally
been observed in most cities.
There is a rumour afloat that some of the sharers
in this daring enterprise had preceded their com-
mander, and these, it is asserted, had already
been able to effect a landing in Sicily. The very
spot is mentioned; some lonely bay on the coast
between Marsala and Girgenti. You must under-
stand, however, that I can make myself no security
for the correctness of the report.
Garibaldi, in his private letters, expresses great
regret that he was obliged to leave without paying
his respects to the King. It would have been im-
possible to:conceal his design from the King, and he
did not wish to put his resolution to the test of the
winning manners of that Victor Emmanuel whose
earnest entreaty had already the power to dissuade
him from another of his bold schemes—the invasion
of the Marche& a few months ago. His professions
of devotion and attachment to the King are both
warm and cordial, and he inveighs against his pusil-
lanimous Ministers in no measured terms. There
are men about me who think all his indignation is
put on, and that there is a collusion between the pro-
jector of the expedition and those who affect to con-
demn and take apparent measures to thwart it :
but such people, I believe, only betray their igno-
rance of Garibaldi's character, and were not pro-
bably present at the sitting in the Chamber at the
time of the famous Garibaldi interpellation on the
subject of Nice. Cavour wounded the brave Niz-
zard incurably there.
Whatever may be the real views of the Sardinian
Government as to the opportuneness of the under-
taking, they neither could nor would attempt to put
a stop to the gathering of men and means in its aid.
The whole population swarming under tit. Turin
porticoes is busy with one only topic. There is an

earnestness and gravity about this Turinese crowd

which proves infallibly catching to strangers. You
see but little here of Italian gesticulation ; you here
nowhere the din of loud incessant Italian gabble.
The look is one of dismay and perplexity; an un-
easy boding of ill is to be read in most countenances

Yet " the man can rely on all that audacity and luck
can achieve. Was he not despaired of in the fearful
straits in which he had put himself, less than a
twelvemonth ago, at Varese ? Had he more than a
handful of men with him at Velletri ? And did ha
not drive the father of this very Bourbon to an igno-
minious flight—a flight which, but for the pressing
of the besieging French force around Rome, would
never have stopped except under the cannon of the
Neapolitan forts. Nry, was not King Ferdinand
within an inch of falling into the adventurer's hands,
and gracing with his presence a triumph which
might have given altogether a different turn to the
disastrous vicissitudes of 1849 ? The shunning
of the Neapolitan cruisers, the landing on the coast
of either of the Two Sicilies, the breathing of a new
heart into those Sicilian insurgents, the spreading
of an ungovernable alarm among those dastardly
Royal butchers, the destinies of southern and of all
Italy hang on the cast of a die. Is not the deliver-
ance of one-half of Italy little short of a miracle ?
and is there a limit to the might of a wonder-work.
ing Providence ?" Such are the remarks that rise
uppermost wherever two or three are gathered
together to discuss the one event of the day. We
shall not be long ere the first tidings set our minds
comparatively at rest.
I must add, for my part, that the Sardinian Go-
vernment sent out the fast screw frigate Maria
Adelaide, under the orders of Admiral Persano, it
is said, in pursuit of the expedition, a very ticklish
and dangerous mission for the brave patriot Admi-
ral. The Government here entertains serious appre-
hensions that Garibaldi's intention was to land
either on the southernmost Tuscan or the Roman
coast, between Piombino and Civita Vecchia, and
hence, striking across the country, to raise the
population of Umbria, who are awaiting him ; then
to beat up the quarters of that crusading hero, M.
Lamoriciere, in the Marches, and finally attack
the Abruzzi on the Tronto frontier. It is supposed
that this was Garibaldi's original plan, and this,
perhaps, led to the report, which I yesterday
gave, that the steamers had been seen off Telamore
or Orbetello, near Piombino. To-day the report,
equally premature I think, is that Garibaldi has
landed at, or near, Terracina. What the French
General Goyon and the Emperor Napoleon would
think of an attack upon the Pope it is not easy to
foretell, nor to what extent the Piedmontese Go-

vernment would be held by France answerable fir
the deed and made to pay for it. The Cavour

Cabinet, at any rate, are in almost feverish anxiety
about it. What is quite certain is, that if the
French of Rome would only look on without inter-

fering, neither Lamoriciere nor King Francis 11.
would hold out long against Garibaldi and the

prestige of his name. The die is cast. These Gari-
bali difficulties, and the differences with France

about the frontier (not of Nice, where the Emperor
Napoleon puts forth no unreasonable demands, but
on the side of Savoy, where he insists upon the
Alpine crest, while the Sardinian negotiators con-

tend for the Fort Esseillon on the western slope of
Mont Cenis,) are said to have raised dissensions

among the members of this Cabinet, not unlikely
to lead to a Ministerial crisis. General Fanti, the