The Sun.
London, England, 1860-02-17 00:00:00

YORK.

Yesterday (Thursday) a public meeting was held
at the Guildhall, York, under the presidency of the
Lord Mayor, for the purpose of considering that
portk.n of the Budget which proposes to grant a
license to sell wine and beer to eating-houses.
Mr. J. BACKHOUSE said it was the experience of
magistrates, which was confirmed by the observa-
tion of every one who had attended to the subject,
that the multiplication of places for the sale of
strong drink invariably increases drukenness. The
truth of this had been very painfully proved in the
extension of houses under the Beer Act, and it was
not only the experience of this country, but of all
other countries. He moved,—
"'That it is the opinion of this meeting that the pro-
position made in the Chancellor's Budget to grant to eat-
ing-houses the option of taking a license from the Excise for
the sale of wine and beer would be but an extension of the
Beer Act, the effects of which have hitherto been most
injurious, and also that the increase of places licensed
to sell intoxicating liquors is always followed by
increased intemperance, immorality, and crime. Should,
therefore, the above proposition pass into a law,
it would tend to demoralise the community by
throwing additional temptations in the way of the working
classes, would lead to au alarming increase in juvenile de-
pravity and Sabbath desecration, and entail greater even-
ditnre in prosecutions for crime."

Mr. Alderman RICHARDSON seconded the motion,
which was carried unanimously.
The Rev. C. ROSE moved the adoption of a peti-
tion to Parliament against the proposal of the
Chancellor of the Exchequer, to be signed by the
Mayor on behalf of the meeting.
Mr. W. WHITEHEAD seconded the resolution.
It was proposed that the meeting should be ad-
journed, but the original motion was carried by a
large majority.
Mr. Alderman MEEK, jun., moved that the peti-
tion be presented to the house of Commons by Mr.
Westhead, one of the members for the city, which
was seconded by Mr. Whitehead, and carried.
The DEAN, in moving a vote of thanks to the
Mayor, remarked that after so much that was being
done in this country to raise the morals of all
classes, and when there was so much sympathy
pressed for their poorer fellow-creatures, he mustex.
say to have such a proposition submitted to Par-
liament by -one of the most responsible advisers of
the Crown was a subject of great paid and regret.
He hoped the Chancellor would withdraw this part
of his measure. (Applause.)
The resolution having been passed, the meeting
separated.

LEEDS CHAMBER OF COMMERCE.
'We ate requested to state that the resolution
brought before the council of the Leeds Chatriber of
Commerce on "Wednesday, in reference to the flax
trade and the commercial treaty with France,
though approved by the council was not formally
adopted, but stood over till the sojourned ne-esting
of the council, when other matters affected' oy the
treaty will be discussed.

THE APPROACH FROM LEICkSTER-SQU :ARE TO
CovENT-GARDEN.—Yesterday the occupiers of premises
in Rose-street, Long-acre, New-street, Covent-1r apden, and
St. Martin's -lane, received notices of removal,. -prf Jparatory
to the materials being sold and the sites yam .00. This
will form the last portion of buildings requiree, fc,r !this im-
provement, and the Metropolitan Board of W. irks a re inde-
fatigable in their endeavours to have the stre et in s . condi-
tion to be opened for public traffic before the ft 4it and
vegetable season commences.

APUBLIC MEETING will be held at the
THATCHED HOUSE TAVERN, St. James'-street,
on SATURDAY, the 18th of February (instead of Saturday,
the 11th, as originally advertised), with a view to establish
PRELIMINARY DRILL in Public Schools, in connectionin
with the Volunteer Movement. Lord ELCIIO, M.P.,
the Chair. At one o'clock. Lord Ashburton, the `villa Geo.
Byng, M.P., and the lion. W. F. Campbell, M.P., ssist
in the proceedings.

BENSON'S WATCHES.
" Perfection of mechanism.".---Dlorning Pineal.
Gold Watches .................. 4 to 100 guineas.
Silver Watches ................ 2to 50 guineas.
33 and 31, Ludgate-hill, London, E.C.
Bend 2 stamps for Benson's Illustrated Pamphlet on Watches

ROYAL

E NGLISII OPERA,
co V ENT -G A RD EN.
Under the management of Miss L. Pyne and Mr.W. Harrison.
THIS EVENING, THE CROWN DIAMONDS. Messrs.
H. Corri, G. Honey, St. Albyn, and Wm. Harrison. Miss
Louisa ryne and Miss Thirlwall.
Condactor, Alired Mellon.
To conclude with the new grand pantomime, called PUSS
IN BOOTS or, Harlequin and the Fairy of the Golden
Palms. Messrs. W. H. Payne, H. Payne, F. Payne, Barnes,
Tallien, Infants Lauri, and Miss Clara Morgan.
Doors open at half-past 6—Commence at 7.

THE A T RE- ROYA L, HAYMARKET.
Lessee, Mr. J. B. Bnokstone.
THIS EVENING, will be performed
AN UNEQUAL MATCH Miss Amy Sedpvick.
♦fter which, the new Haymarket Comic Christmas Panto-
mime, VALENTINE'S DAY; or, Harlequin and the Fairy
of the True Lovers' If not. The pan tomimists the unrivalled
Leclercqs.

THEATRE-ROYAL LYCEUM.—
sole Lessee and Directress, Madame Celeste.
Due Notice will be given of the recovery of Dona Isabel
Cubas from her severe indisposition.
THIS EVENING, a new Drama, called A TALE OF
TWO CITIES, by Tom Taylor, Esq., from the story of that
name by Charles Dickens, Esq. Principal characters by Mr.
James Vinimr, Walter Lacy, Villiers, Rouse, Forrester, J.
Johnstone, T. Lyon, Morton, Palmer, White, H. Butler,
Clifford, and Fredericks ; Misses Kate Saville, Stuart, Turner,
Mrs. Campbell, and Madame Celeste.
After which, will be produced a new Grand Christmas Ex-
travaganza and Pantomime, KING THRUSHBEARD, the
LITTLE PET and the GREAT PASSION, in which is pre-
sented one of the most novel, coqtly, and brilliant effects ever
witnessed —designed and painted by Mr. William Callcott.—
King Thrushbeard, Miss Julia St. George.
Commence at 7.

ROYAL PRINCE S S'S THEATRE.—
Lessee, Mr. A. Harris.
Re-engagement of the Wonderful Dancer, Mons. Espinosa.
First appearance of Mdlle. Marietta Rosetta, Principal Dan-
sense of La Scala, Milan ; and the Delapierre Family.
These highly-talented Children will appear every night.
The Royal Princess's Rifles on parade every evening.
Tins EVENING, CAUGHT IN A TRAP.
After which, a new Christmas burlesque pantomime, by 11.
J. Byron, called JACK THE GIANT KILLER ; or, llarle-
Lo
quin King Arr,ur and the Knights of the Round Table.
Jack, Miss Louise Keeley—Harlequin, Mr. Cormack Panta-
loon, Mr. Paulo--Columbine, Miss Caroline Adams—Clown,
Mr. A. F. Forrest.

NEW THEATRE - ROYAL, AD ELPHI
Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Benj. Webster.
! Combination of Talent.—Engagement of these popular
artistes, Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Wigan, who will appear for
a limited number of nights.
THIS EVENING, the comedy of THE HOUSE, or THE
HOME? ,Messrs. A. Wigan, C. Selby, Billing-ton ; Mrs. A.
Wigan, 3liss IL Simms, and Miss Laidlaw.
FoEowed by the petite drama of ONE TOUCH OF
NATURE. Messrs. B. Webster, Billington, Eburne, C. J.
Smith ; Miss H. Simms,
After which THE NYMPHS OF THE LURLEYBERG ;
or, The Knight and the Naiades. Messrs. Toole, Bedford,
Eburne, Smith, Powell, Romer, Miss Woolgar, C. Webb, K.

Kelly,
Doors open at half-past six—Commence at seven. Box-
Office open from 10 to 5. No charge for securing seats,
nor for bills of performance. All fees to servants of this
establishment are strictly prohibited.
Acting Manager—Mr. Wm. Smith.

ROYAL ST. JAMES'S THEATRE,
King-street, St. James's. Lessee, Mr. T. B. Chatter-
ton. Directress, Miss Wyndham. The nearest Theatre to
Chelsea, Pimlico, and Westminster, the Park being open to
carriages and foot passengers all hours of the night.
THIS ETENINC'r the performances will comment* with
(fifth time) FIRST AFFECTIONS. Messrs. IL T. Craven,
G. Spencer, and Miss fVyndham.
After which, MAGIC TOYS. Miss Lydia Thompson.
Followed by a new burlesque called DIDO. Mr. Charles
Young, Mesdames Wyndham, Clara St. Casse, Murray, Eliza
Arden, C. Ranoe, A. Evans, and Corps de Ballet.
To conclude with I WILL, IF YOU WILL.
Reduced Prices—Gallery, 6d ; Pit, ls. The Box-ofEce open
from 11 to 5 daily. Doors open at half-past six ; perform
ance commences at 7.

ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE,
Westminster-road.
Last Six Nights of Mr. W. Cooke's Management.
THIS EVENING, to commence with a grand and spirit-
stirring Hippodramatic Spectacle.
Graphic, Picturesque, and Fascinating Scenes of Horse-
inapship by Miss Mice Maude Cooke, Miss Emily Cooke, and
John Henry Cooke, the leading Equestrian of the day.
To conclude with the Comic Pantomime of HARLEQUIN
TOM MOODY; or, Old Towler the Huntsman and the God-
dess Diana ; Diana, with Songs, Miss Jacobs ; Tom, Mr.
Herbert; Patty, Mr. G. Belmore.
Commence at 7.
Stage Manager, Mr. R. Phillips

CONCERTS.-

CANTERBURY HALL
THIS EVENING,
LUCREZIA BORGIA,
(Donizetti)
Donna Inerezia 'Miss Russell
Maffio Orsini Mrs. Anderson
Gennaro Mr. Henry Herbert
Don Altonzo Signor Tivoli.
Conductor—Mr. Jonghmans.
Comic Vocalists —Messrs. George Hodson (the Irish Come-
dian and Mimic), W. T. Critchfield, and E. W. Mackney.
Several interesting Pictures are added to the Fine Arts
Gallery. The suite of Halls have been re-decorated and
beautified, and constitute one of the most unique and brilliant
sights of the metropolis.
The gallery is open from 5 till 11 on Sunday Evening.

THE WEATIIER.—SUN OFFICE, FEB. 17, 1360.
THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE.
45—highest since noon yesterday.
39—lowest this morning and during the night.
43—this day at noon.

BAROMETER-30.38.
WIND, North•Ea►sterly ; rather fresh, with fine cold
sunshiny weather.

lIIGII WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
THIS DAY.—Morning, 10h. 3Sm.—Afternoon, 11h. 24m,
To-monnow.-Morning, Oh. Om.—Afternoon, 12h. 4m,

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THE SUN.
LONDON, FRIDAY, FEB. 17, 1860.

So then the doubt entertained in many quarters
has at length been cleared up in respect of the
annexation of Savoy to France. For our part we
suspected that the evasion in giving a decided
answer to questions put in both Houses of Parlia-
ment boded no good. But now the mystery is
solved. The Imperial Masker is unmasked. France,
or rather NAPOLEON, did want that Savoy should
be annexed to France, on the plea that if Sardinia
were to annex Central Italy to her dominions,
France would not be safe on her frontier on the
slopes of the Alps without Savoy were ceded to
her ! This is Imperial friendship with a ven-
geance. And yet NAPOLEON went to war for "an
idea"—an idea of conquest, as it now appears by
his own showing. It was indeed a strange
proceeding on the part of a Despot to go
to war to restore freedom to the Italians—he that
scrupled not some years ago to put down freedom
in the sister Republic at Rome ! That was the
first manifestation of the "coming events" which
have outraged freedom in the very capital of her
doubtful birth. But it is all of a piece. Profes-
sion goes for nothing where the performance nulli-
fies the promise by its utter disregard of all
decency. But now the question comes nearer
home : and it is well that we are arming both by
ships and riflemen-volunteers. True, we are at the
same time endeavouring to shut our official eyes to
the state of our "situation" by conceding treaties of
commerce, in the guise of reciprocity, all on one side
—and taxation on the other ! Time will show how
It can work if it be ever carried out.

It is now some eight months since we stated our
belief that Prince NAPOLEON was not lagging in
Florence 'without a purpose, and we stated that,
instead of hurrying on with his division to join the
Emperor on the :Nl:ilt*o w
he
to secure a snug little kingdomwas making all right
of his own on the
banks of the Arno. Tuscany was a tempting prize,
RICO he was nothing loth to ply his suit. But
eve): is baffled his purpose and his uncle's
'The courtship was too hot to be lasting,
to boot.'
and the
Higdom slipped from his grasp. ly
e now see
the t some of our contemporaries are clever enouol,
to a pound the accomplishment of our suggestions
!non. the and months ago.
La st night Lord JOHN RUSSELL stated in the
Howse of Commons the real position of affairs with
respee tt to the proposed annexation of Savoy to
Firanc. a. England was ro party to it. The "idea"
F; Its al 1 French! But it has come to Nothing as
et. ^ Jhe Emperor NAPOLEON is now fain to let
the n xatter stand over until the sanction of the