The Sun.
London, England, 1860-01-19 00:00:00

Ni) MORE MEDICINR.

DU BARRY'S 'HEALTH RESTORING FOOD,
the REVAL NTA ARABICA.--We find it to be ad-
mirably adapted to metore a healthy action of the stomach,
liver, and bowels, ward thereby to remove dyspepsia (Indiges-
tion), habitual constipation, flatulency, diarnhera, dysentery,
nervousness, biliousit less, fevers, sore throats, catarrhs, colds,
noises in the ears, rheumatism, gout, impurities, eruptions,
hysteria, neuralgi at., irritability, sleeplessness, acidity,
palpitation, heartlyurn, headache, debility, despondency,
cramps, spasms, nausea and sickness, sinking, fits, cough,
asthma, bronchitett, consumption, also children's com-
plaints, teetering, at about a penny per meal, perfect diges-
tion, strong nerves. :sound lungs, refreshing sleep, and func-
tional regularity, wf.thout medicine, inconvenience or expense
to the most disordered or enfeebled. Dr. Andrew lire, M.D.,
F.R.S., Dr. Shorland, Dr. Harvey, Dr. Bright, Dr. Campbell,
Dr. Wuraer.

(From the Morning Post )
Da. LITINGSTON'A EXPLORATIONS IN THE INTERIOR OF
AFRICA.—The indefatigable researches of Dr. Livingston
have suddenly made us accquainted with one of the happiest
people in the world, of whose very existence little
was hitherto known in civilised Europe generally.—
The province of Angola,pDhirg.aLi isvioengiestty7„wproistesessinsesthgree"aJtour
nal of the Royal Geographical
fer-
tility and beauty, and its capabilities, both agriculturally and
commercially, are of a very high order ; indeed, I do not fear
contradiction in asserting it to be the richest In Western
Africa. The great scientific traveller, who spent 16 years
among this favoured people, has had ample opportunity of
studying their physical and moral condition, and his details
are most curious, They appear indeed to enjoy an Elysian
felicity, requiring neither p ysie nor the physician, for Dr.
Livingston found their staff of life to be the Revalenta Ara-
bica Food, which keeps them perfectly free from disease, "con-
sumption, scrofula, cancer, Arc., being scarcely heard of, and the
small-pox and measles have not been known for twenty
years. ' In England also the Revalenta Arabica has produced
a wonderful improvement in the health of the people, remov-
ing cough, consumption, asthma, debility, indigestion (dys-
pepsia), constipation, nervous, bilious, and liver complaints,
and restoring the faculty of digestion, and nervous and mus-
cular energy to the most enfeebled, as proved by testimonials
from the many thousand well known individuals, whose
health has been restored by this useful and economical diet,
after all other means of cure had been tried in vain for many
years, and all hopes of recovery abandoned. We extract
a few expressions of gratitude from invalids thus cared.
Cure No. 71, of Dyspepsia, from the Right Honourable
the Lord Stuart de Decies : " I have derived considerable
benefit from Du Barry's Revalenta Arabica Food. Stuart de
Decies."—Cure Na. 49,832: " Fifty years' indescribable agony
from dyspepsia, nervousness, asthma, cough, constipation,
flatulency, spasms, sickness at the stomach and vomiting,
have been removed by Du Barry's excellent Food. Maria
Jolly, Worthen Ling, near Diss, Norfolk."—Cure No. 62,067:
Field-Marshal the Duke of Pluskow, of a gastric inflamma-
tion of the stomach.—Care No. 51,614: Baron de Polentz.
Prefect of Langenau, of many years' horrible sufferings of
the nerves and an obstinate constipation. Cure No.
48,721: General Baron de Zuluskowsky, of many
years' fearful disorders of the digestive functions.—Cure
No. 47,121: Miss Elizabeth Jacobs, of Nazing Vicarage,
Waltham Cross, Herts, a cure of extreme nervousness,
indigestion, gatherings, low spirits, and nervous fancies.—
Cure No 48,314 : Miss Elizabeth Yeoman, Gateacre, near Li-
verpool : a cure of ten years' dyspepsia, and all the horrors of
nervous irritability.—Cure No. 18,216: Dr,'Andrew Ure, of
constipation, dyspepsia, nervous irritability.—Cure No. 24,210:
Dr. Shorland, of dropsy and debility.—Cure No. 36,212: Cap-
tain Allan, of epileptic fits.—Cure 42,116 ; Major Edie, of
enlargement of the liver, and total prostration of strength.
—Cure No. 35,418: Rev. Dr. Minster, of cramps, spasms,
and daily Yomitings.—Cure No. 26,418: Dr. Harvey, of
diarrhoea and debility.—Cure No. 39,518: Dr. Wurtzer, of
consumption.—Cure No. 32,880: William Hunt, Esq., Bar-
rister, of paralysis.—Cure No. 46,270: Mr. James Roberts,
timber-merchant, of Frimley, Surrey, 30 years' diseased
lungs, spitting of blood, liver derangement, partial deafness.
—Cure No. 51,816: Mrs. Holze, aged 107 years, of dyspepsia
(indigestion), debility, irritability and nervousness, which had
tormented her for 70 years.—Cure No. 46,814: Mr. Samuel
Laxton, Leicester, of two years' diarrhoea.—Cure. No. 52,612 :
The Dowager Countess of Castlestuart, of many years' ner-
vous irritability, bile and indigestion, -Cure No. 54,812: Miss
Virginia Zeguers, cured of consumption, after her medi-
cal advisers had abandoned all hopes of recovery.—
Cure No. 180: "Twenty-five years' nervousness. con-
stipation, indigestion, and debility, from which I have
suffered great misery, and which no medicine could re-
move or relieve, have been effectually cured by Du
Barry's Food in a very short time. W. B. Reeves, 181,
Fleet-street, London."—No. 4,208 : "Eight years' dyspepsia,
nervousness, debility, with cramps, spasms, and nausea, for
which my servant had consulted the advice of many, have been
effectually cured by Du Barry's health-restoring Food. I shall
be happy to answer any inquiries. Rev. John W. Flavell,
Ridington Rectory, Norfolk." No. 32,236: " Three years'
excest'Are nervousness, with pains in my neck and left arm,
and general debility, which rendered my life very miserable,
has been radically removed by Du Barry's health-restoring
Food. Aloe. Stuart, Archdeacon of Ross, Skibbereen."
Cure No. 3,905: Thirteen years' cough, indigestion. and gene-
ral debility, Dave been removed by Du Barry's excellent
Food.
In Canisters : lib. 28. Od., 21b, 4s. 6d., 12Th. 225., 241 b. 40s.
Superrefined quality : 51b. 225., 101 b. 33e. The 101 b., 121 b., and
2elb. canisters carriage free on receipt of Post-office Order, by
Barry Du Barry and Co., 77, Regent-street, London ; Fort-
num, Mason, and Co., 182, Piccadilly ; Abbis, 60, Gracechurch-
street ; also at 6.3 and 150 Oxford-gtreet, 330, Strand, 4, Cheap-
aide, London ; and through all groceii 1d chemists.

LONDON AND WESTMINSTER BANK.

The ordinary half-yearly general meeting of the
proprietors of this bank was held yesterday, at the
central offices in Lothbury ; Alderman SALOMONB,
M.P., in the chair.
After the reading of the advertisement calling
the meeting,
The CHAIRMAN said, we are happy, gentlemen,
to meet you at this our annual general meeting, to
lay before you the report of the proceedings for the
last half-year, and of the general condition of the
bank for the past year.
The SECRETARY then read the following report
and statement of accounts, which, by the frequent
cheers it elicited, appeared to give universal satis-
faction :

" The directors have the pleasure to report that,
after making ample provision for all bad and doubt-
ful debts, paying the income tax, setting apart the
sum of £2,000 towards the new buildings in West-
minster, Bloomsbury, Southwark, ant. Temple-bar,
and presenting a gratuity of 10 per cent. on their
salaries to all the officers of their establishment-
the net profits of the bank for the last half-year
amount to £105,413 10s. 4d. This sum added to
£18,116 18s. 6d., the unappropriated balance of
the preceding half year will amount to £123,530
Bs. 10d. Out of this amount the directors have paid
the interest ox the rest or surplus fund at the rate
of 5 per cent. per annum, and they now declare a
dividend to the shareholders at the rate of 6 per
cent. per annum, and by way of further dividend
out of the profits, a bonus of 7 per cent. on the paid-
up capital. After these payments are made, there
is an unappropriated balance of £lB,BBl 17s. 4d.,
and the directors recommend that the sum of
£9,408 6s. Bd. shall be added to the rest or surplus
fund, which will then amount to £200,000, and
that the balance of £9,473 10s. Bd. shall be carried
forward to the credit of the profit and loss account
for the current half-year. The directors who retire by
rotation are John Garratt Cattley, Esq., James
Denis De Vitre, Esq., and George Hanson, Esq.,
all of whom being eligible offer themselves for re-
election. In accordance with the arrangement
communicated to the proprietors at the last half-
yearly meeting, Mr. Gilbart resigned his duties on
31st December to his successor, Mr. E wings, and
the directors recommend that Mr. Gilbart be now
elected an extra director in anticipation of the next
vacancy. A resolution to this effect will be sub-
mitted to the meeting.
" Dr.-To proprietors for paid-up capital,
£1,000,000 ; to amount due by the bank on deposits,
circular notes, &c., £11,115,697 2s. 7d. ; to rest or
surplus fund, £185,943 ls. 10d. ; to balance of
profit and loss account, June 30, 1859, £18,116 18s.
6d. ; to net profits of the past half-year, £105,413
10s. 4d. Total, £12,425,170 13s. 3d. By Govern-
ment Stock, Exchequer Bills, and India Bonds,
£1,682,884 13s. ld. ; by other securities, including
bills discounted, loans to customers, &c., £9,720,939
10s. 7d.; by cash in hand, £1,021,346 9s. 7d.-
Total, 112,425,170 13s. 3d.
" Profit and Loss.-Dr.: To total expenditure of
the seven establishments, including rent, taxes,
salaries, stationery, &c., with a gratuity of 10 per
cent. on their salaries to the officers of the establish-
ment, £34766 65.7 d. ; to amount set apart towards
the new buildings in Westminster, Bloomsbury,
Southwark, and Temple Bar, £2,000; to amount
added to net or surplus fund by interest at the rate
of 5 per cent. per annum, £4,648 1 le. 6d. ; to the
payment of the dividend now declared at the rate
of 6 per cent, per annum, fpr the last half-year, on
the paid-up capital of £1,000,000, £30,000; to bonus
of 7 per cent on the capital, £70,000 ; to balance of
profit and loss, £lB,BBl 17s. 4d. ; total, £160,296
15s. sd. Cr.: By balance of profit and lobs account,
June 30,1859, £18,116 18s. 6d. ; by growl profit of
the last half-year, after paying the income tax, and
making provision for all bad and doubtful debts,
£142,179 16s. 11d.; total, £160,296, 15s. sd.
" Rest or Surplus Fund-Dr.: Present amount,
£190,519 13s. 4d. Cr.: Amount on the Ist of July,
1859, £185,943 is. 10d.; by interest on ditto at 5
per cent. per annum, £4,648 1 le. 6d. ; together,
£190,591 135.4 d."
The CHAIRMAN-Gentlemen, I have a very grati-
fying duty to perform in proposing the reception of
this report, of which I need only say it reveals to
you the working of a very prosperous year. (Hear.)
It is further satisfactory to know that that pros-
perity which we experience here is only the reflec-
tion of the general prosperity of trade and com-
merce throughout the country. I believe that, with
the single exception of the shipping interest, the
trade of the country generally during the last year
has been very good, and under recent arrange-
ments, with which you are doubtless acquainted,
we have the prospect of a more intimate acquaint-
ance with France, which there is every reason for
hoping will be the means, not only of making trade
still more active, but of making the peace of the
world more secure. (Cheers,) If, gentlemen, you
compare the statements which we have made to you
to-day with those which we laid before you this
time last year, you will find that the aggregate of
our deposits is somewhat less ; but that has
reference entirely to that portion of our de-
posits upon which we pay interest. For the
rest, with regard to our trade, although the in-
terest of money has been low, we have found the de-
mand for capital has been very active, and has en-
abled us to employ our balances constantly, and
consequently to give you the magnificent result
which is before you. (Hear, hear.) As to our
dividend, I am happy to find that it has been one of
gradual increase. We divided in 1857, 16 per cent ;
in 1857, 17 per cent.; and 1859, 18 per cent., and

this without any effort ati7you see, for we have
thought it consistent with your interests, with the
interests due to the estabiShment, and with the
position of the bank, besides paying this increased
dividend, to bring up our reserve fund to £200,000,
and to carry forward to the current half Tear
£9,473 10s. Bd. in aid of the next half-yearly divi-
dend. (Cheers.) lam not aware that I need de-
tain you with any further details with re-
gard to the mode in which tyNccounts are made up.
You are all aware that the (item of deposits means
actual deposits lodged here by the public, and that
the dividend we pay is the result of our ordinary
current business, not including anything like profit
on stock. Our investments stand in the accounts
at their prime cost to us, and if they were sold to-
day they would realize a very large profit. These
are the only points in
.regard to the accounts to
which I would call attention, bit I shall be happy
to answer any questions that may be put, and to
give any lurther explanation that may be re-
quired. As to the other matters referred to in
the report, I shall have to move the re-election of

three of my excellent colleagues who go out by ro-
tation at this meeting, and to move that which I am
sure will meet with unanimous concurrence, that
Mr. Gilbart, the late manager, take his seat at the
board as an addition the present number of the di-
rectors. (Hear.) Wi h these remarks I beg to move
in the ordinary way hit the report just read be re-
ceived, adopted, prin ' , and circulated among the
.proprietors. ~.'
Mr. HADDO seconda the motion.
A SIIAREHOLDER—ra the whole of the expense
of this building now /sal-doff?
The CHAIRMAN—It-is all paid off, and the build-
ing stands as an asset of £30,000. (Cheers.)
Mr. TITE, M.P. (a director)—Which is not half
its value.
Mr. T. H. SMITH, referring to the £4,000 set
aside annually towards the cost of the new build-
ings in Westminster, Southwark, and Temple-bar,
suggested that having now a rest of £200,000, they
should pay for any additional expenditure incurred
in enlarging, altering, or repairing premises out of
the current revenue of the year in which such ex-
penditure was incurred. _ _ _

A PROPRIETOR inquired, with regard to the elec-
tion of Mr. Gilbart to the direction, whether that
gentleman would be placed on the aamo footing as
the other members of the bard, and under what
power the board proposed to make this addition to
their numbers ?

Another PROrMETOR asked whether the deed of
settlement did not limit the number of directors to
24

The CHAIRMAN—Yes.

The PROPRIETOR—Then is it quite consistent
with the law to alter that number without the
sanction of a special meeting P
Mr. HIDDO observed that the hon. proprietor
was evidently labouring under a mistake as to the
present number of the board, which he believed was
only 15, so that it was open to them to add 7 or 8.
The PROPRIETOR—Might not Mr. Gilbart be
substituted for one of the gentlemen who retire by
rotation ?

Mr. HADDo should regret if Mr. Gilbart's ac•
cession to the board was obtained at the expense of
any one of the old directors.

The CHAIRMAN observed that it was quite clear
the hon. proprietor was under a mistake as to the
number of directors. The deed declared that the
board should consist of not less than 12 nor more

than 24 directors. They have now 15, anef it was
in the sense of an extra director in number until a
vacancy occurred that Mr. Gilbart was now pro-
posed to the proprietors fog election. (Hear, hear.)
Of course it was not intended by this arrangement
to add to the expense of the direction, and the pro-
prietors would have the services of the sixteen
while paying for only fifteen. (" Hear," and a
laugh.) With regard to what had fallen from the
hon. gentleman who spoke of the rest, he (the
chairman) hoped that under no circumstances
would any step be taken to interfere with that
which the board considered an important element
in their position and credit. They had been going
on for many years increasing their dividends very
steadily and very securely. It was not for him
to anticipate what another year might produce, but
he would certainly say wait till they were going
back before they proposed to interfere with the
rest, or any of those securities by which the high
prsition and credit of the bank had beenBttained.
Mr. SMITH explained that he had not proposed
to interfere with the rest, but merely suggested
that any expenses incurred for enlargement or al-
teration of premises should be borne out of the
current income of each year, besides setting aside
the £4,000 a-year towards the new buildings.
The CHAIRMAN replied that they were always in-
curring an expenditure for enlargments and altera-
tions rendered necessary by the continual increase
in their business, in fact the hammer was always
going, and when they had an extraordinarily good
year they did defray such charges out of the cur-
rent revenue. (Hear.) He thought, when the
bank paid at the rate of 20 per cent per annum and
carried £lB,OOO over, that the proprietors might
place confidence in the directors that they would
deal with these matters in that way which would
conduce most to the general interest. (Hear.)
The resolution was then put, and carried unani-
mously.
The CuAIRMAN—The next resolution I have to
put is, that my excellent colleagues, Messrs. Caltley,
De Vitre, and Hanson—who, I can assure you, from
experience, are all good working men, and most
efficient members of your board—be re-elected.
This resolution, having been seconded, was car-
ried nevi. con.

The CIIAIRMAN—Now, gentlemen, I have the
pleasure of proposing that Mr. Gilbart, our late
able manager, be appointed a director extra in
number, pending the next vacancy.
This motion was carried by acclamation.
Mr. GILBART, in returning thanks, said that he
never felt so strong an inclination in his life to make
a long speech, and he had ample materials he
thought for making a good speech ; but as he could
not make his voice heard throughout that assem•
bly, he thought he should but show his prudence
and discretion by merely returning his best thanks
for the honour they had just conferred upon him.
(Cheers.)

Mr. TEMPLETON moved that the best thanks of
the meeting be awarded to the directors for their
able management during the past year, of which
they had the best possible proof in the balance-
sheet they had in their hands, and in the dividend
they were about to receive. He expressed his grati-
ficationbank with such ability for nearly a quarter of a
century, and who had so largely contributed towards
that Mr. Gilbart, who had managed the
placing it in the high position of public confidence
in which it now stood, was about to be added to the
list of directors. He added that their experience of
Mr. E wens, and their knowledge of his managerial
talents, reconciled them in some degree for the loss
of Mr. Gilbert from the office he had so long and so
ably filled.
The motion was carried.
Mr. HADDO desired to add a vote of thanks to the
chairman, upon whose great business talents he
passed a high eulogium. He congratulated the
meeting upon the high dividend they had attained,
and without hazarding an opinion as to whether
they had yet reached the summit, he had every
confidence that they would be able to continue the
present rate. (Cheers.)
The resolution, having been seconded, was also
put and carried.
The CHAIRMAN, in acknowledging both resolu-
tions, said, nothing can be more gratifying to us
than the kind and cordial feeling which exists on
your side of the table. The duty we have to perform
is a very important one—we are all partners, and it
is evident to every one that nothing can tend more
to promote the general prosperity and give confi-
dence out of doors, than for the public to know that
complete harmony exists between the directors and
proprietors at large. As far as we are concerned, wo
will endeavour to merit your confidence on all
occasions, and I believe that while good service
stands well, good service, coupled with a good
dividend, will always be acceptable. (Cheers, and
a laugh) One gentleman suggests that the summit
of dividend has possibly been reached. I am not
prepared to say that it has, but without wishing to
anticipate the future, all we know is, that all
that can be done by us in the way of good manage-
tnent to maintain the good character you have been
pleased to give us and the high character which
the establishment has maintained out of don's for
high honour and prudence will continue to be done.
(Cheers.) 'With regard to myself I am here on
sufferance as one of the senior members of the board,
but nothing can be more grateful to my feelings
than to know that you are so kind as to express
yourselves so favourably towards me. Before we
conclude the business allow me on behalf of the
board to move a vote of thanks to the manager, the
secretary, the managers of branches, and all the
anrdnizeearleswoleuatiroensho
allairnggelybeienndpebutteadn.
officers of this establishment to whose intelligence
d carried,
Mr. GILBART, the late manager, briefly returned
and
EWEN; the new manager, followed in an
ikr.s,

We hear of great rejoicings at Bordeaux and
other towns in consequence of the Emperor's letter
on the new commercial reform ; of addresses pre-
sented to the Prefects by delighted merchants ;
and of deputations coming up to Paris to thank the
Emperor in person for the great and beneficial
policy he has inaugurated. The Protectionists, on
the other hand, are in great dismay ; they, of course,
predict that the downfall of their own monopoly will
be followed by the downfall of the prosperity of all
France. Among the strongest opponents of the re-
form is, it appears, M. Walev►ski, probably because
he knows little about the question. There may be
something also in the fact that nobody thought of
consulting him; he remained ignorant of the mea-
sure to the last moment. The opposition he can no
longer offer in the Cabinet he gives in the Privy
Council, of which he is, as you are aware, a mem-
ber of 100,000 f. power. M. Troplong is on the same
side; but M. Troplong is a prudent man; he will
not push his opposition to a dangerous point. It
will probably be carried on long enough to make
his conversion, particularly where the agent of con-
version is the Emperor, a graceful sacrifice to feel-
ing. Notwithstanding M. Magne's hostility, few
believe that he will sacrifice his portfolio on the
altar of Protection.

The Opinion Nationale, which had remained
silent the first day, now expresses itself in these
terms :

" The first effect of the publication of the pro-
gramme will be to cast ieto the shade the Italian
question and the Papal affair, which up to this day
have almost exclusively occupied public attention.
As to the Papal question, the legitimist crusade of
most of the French bishops, even though reinforced
by the unexpected co-operation of some repentant
liberals, will have no other result than to place in
evidence the absolute impuissance of the clergy,
whenever they abandon the sanctuary and are so
ill inspired as to enter on the domain of politics."
Our contemporary then enters more particularly
on the subject of the proposed changes :
" Among the measures enumerated, some are
di stined to obtain universal approbation. The.
suppression of all duties on raw materials is one
of them. Nor will the successive reduction of the
duties on sugar and coffee raise any objection. It
will be a benefit for the consumer without being
a sacrifice for the Treasury, which will be rapidly
indemnified by the progress of consumption. We
may say the same of the amelioration in the ways
of communication. The suppression of prohibitions
and the substitution of protective duties is an (x-
-cellent measure which cannot excite any serious
objection. We remark that the Emperor has very
properly taken care not to allow himself to be led
by his wishes for reform into the field of free trade.
That expression, which implies the idea of a sudden
and radical reform, alarms interests, and has a re-
volutionary appearance, not agreeable to capitalists,
who on the faith of tho ancient tariffs have engaged
in the branches of manufacture which are menaced.
Free trade would besides give rise to endless objec-
tions and interminable discussions, as always hap-
pens when two hostile and absolue principles are
in presence. The suppression of prohibitions, on the
contrary, cannot occasion any reasonable objection.
Prohibition is a sort of Chinese wall raised around
the manufaeturcs of a country, and our manufac•
tures have no need of one."

After a series of running comments oa the measures
to be introduced, the article concludes in the follow-
ing favourable language :
"On the whole, we believe that the publication
of the Imperial programme will bring back public
opinion to questions which have been too much
neglected for some months past, and will open a
profitable field to national activity. We shall, how-
ever, have to point out to the Government some
measures which we regret not to sea figure in the
programme, and which in oar opinion would hap-
pily complete it."
The Union also, which had held back, now allows
its views to be divined, but more from the manner
in which it speaks of the opinions of the other jour-
nals than by frankly avowing its own. It says :
"In presence of those modifications, and the
uncertainty which still veils their application, the
most resolute opinions hesitate and halt. Such,
at least, is the impression left on our mind by
the perusal of the journals of every colour which
appeared this morning. The Constitutionnel de-
clares that it would be difficult for it, after a first
reading, to attempt an examination of the Etnpe-
roes letter, and it will not at present look at the
foundation of things.' This reserve is singularly
reinarkable. Will it be explained by the hesitation
which is imposed on the Constitutionnel by its
well-known protectionist doctrines—doctrines
which the new programme would interfere with so
strongly that our contemporary would require at
least time to examine its new position and bring
about so delicate a conversion ? The Debats has
scarcely need to point out the most important pas-
sages of the letter. It nevertheless shows that,
while relying on victory for its free-trade theories,
it fears that the triumph will not be so prompt as it
could have wished, and as the English journals had
led it to hope. We avow that we have not very
clearly seen what the Debats thinks it has here
perceived, but that doubtless is the fault of our at-
tachment to the protective regime."
After noticing the language of some of the other
journals, the writer comes to the Siecle, and seems
there, above all, struck by the quotation of the
Latin verse which closes its article. It goes on to
say :

-" The Siecla quotina. Louis XVIII! that is a
triumph of a novel kind for the Restoration. It
is however only justice justice rendered to the
wisdom, at once liberal and conservative, which
sufficed in so few years, and in the midst of so
many difficulties, to repair the disasters of France,
to create credit, restore the finances, and raise pub-
lic prosperity to a height which it has never since
exceeded. For our part, it is to those traditions
of generous but prudent progress that we hold with
more energy than ever. We shall study with
scrupulous care, with moderation, but with all the
candour of language which such great interests re-
quire, the numerous and vast problems started by
the new programme. As jealous of defending the
true and wholesome doctrines of social economy as
of accepting legitimate ameliorations, we shall
point out what would appear perilous for the pub-
lic fortune, adventurous for our industry and na-
tional labour, and shall point out the real wants of
our agriculture and credit as well as the reforms
required or wished for by the conditions of modern
society."

The Univers, which had not made any observa-
tion on the new programme, now does not even go
the length of the Union, as it merely sneers at the
unpleasant, predicament in which the Constitu-
tionnel is placed with its protective tendencies :
" The Constitutionnel," it says, " which up to this
day has energetically supported the ideas and in-
terests of the Protectionists against all that even
hinted at free trade, feels some embarrassment in
presence of the Emperor's letter. It contents itself
with declaring that the letter is an event of the
most important kind. No one doubts the result of

the examination which the Constitutionnel is about
to undertake. Its conversion will assuredly be en-
tire and complete."
The Debuts also has a fling against the Protec-
tionist journal, which on this occasion remitads one
of the position of Ivanhoe in the lists of Ashby-de-
la-Zoueh, where the various combatants dash against
him at the same time from the most opposite quar-
ters, and without any previous concert. The fol-
lowing is the language or the Debuts:—
" The Constitutionnel has not yet arrived at the
point of knowing what its opinion is ; it is absorbed
in reflection, and is preparing, we hope, for a change
of opinion which, if effected, will be the most
curious of all those whieh it has undergone. The
Constitutionnel becoming a Freetrader could really
only be compared to St. Paul stricken on the road
to Damascus by a sudden light. We know not yet
if we shall have the happiness to see this miracle.
The institutionnel confines itself to saying that
more than one reading will be necessary to attempt
the examination of the Emperor's letter,' and it
contents itself with admiring it in general."
On its side, the Constitutionnel publishes an
article of several columns on the new system, de-
claring that it opens a vast field for examination.
On the point of conveying goods the writ( r says :
" But it is not sufficient to take off the duties on

raw materials ; it is not less necessary to find means
to cause them to arrive cheaply at places where
they are to be employed. That is particularly true
as regards coal, which now plays so great a part in
the manufacturing system of all nations, The

Administration of Mines has pointed out some ex-
tremely curious facts in this respect. Thus it has
established that if the consumption of France be
taken in the lump, the average price of coal at the
place of consumption is more than double what it
is at the place of production. We speak of the
average price—the augmentation is much more con-
siderable in many localities. It has been ascer-
tained for example that more than half the depart-
ments which consume the coal of the Loire pay four,
five, or six times more than the price of coals at the
pits. The report from which we take these facts
arrives at the conclusion that the inferiority of the
French as regards mineral fuel is not owing, as is
often said, to the dearness of extraction, but prin-
cipally to the insufficiency of means of communi-
cation. Our readers will see that the Emperor goes
to the bottom of things when he demands that the
means of communication, canals, roads, and rail-
ways, shall he executed as promptly as possible, in
order to bring coal and manure to the places where
they are required ; and when he insists that efforts
shall be made to establish a just competition be-
tween canals and railways."
The rest of the article is written in the same ge-
neral manner, and nothing seems to intimate any
change of opinion, except the following phrase,
which concludes the series of remarks:—

" The new era of peace could not be better inau-
gurated than in presenting to public opinion such a
programme, and in promising to the future such
serious and bona fide ameliorations."
The only extract on miscellaneous questions that
we think worth\giving is the following from tit ;
4 iecle

" We have asked the Legitimist journals whdt
Course they would advise in the Malian . question.
The Union has frankly replied that it would fain
see France adopt. the same policy in 1860 as in
1849, that is to sacrifice French soldiers and money
to restore Romagna to the Pope. Such is not our
opinion, but we are well pleased to have induced
the Ultratnontane journal to express its sentiments
so formally. Thus, the Union, which no doubt ex
Fresses the opinion of all its party, would have
rance make war in Central Italy to re-establish
the authority of Cardinal Antonelli, and probably
also of the Grand Dukes, but we do not think
France has any inclination that way."

PORTSMOurir .4 ND ITS DEFENCES,

The new lines of fortifications now in course of
construction for the defence of Portsmouth Dock-
yard and Arsenal, are already sufficiently advanced
to enable the spectator to form a pretty correct idea
of their plans and extent. The island of Portsea is
of an irregular oval figure, of about 16 miles in cir-
cumference, averaging more than four miles in
length, and about two in breadth. It is separated
from the mainland by the creek h2tween Hilsea and
Cosham, uniting the harbours of Pcrtsinouth and
Langston, and is bounded on the west by Ports-
mouth harbour, with its dockyard, gun wharf, and
victualling yard, &c., and on the south by Spithead
and St. Helen's. The only entrance to the island on
the land side is by the turnpike road over Port's-
bridge, crossing the creek already referred to be-
tween Hilsea and Cosham. A short distance in the
rear of this bridge the new line of works intended
for the defence of this portion of the island crosses
the road. extending about two miles from the
"Great Salterns" in Langston Harbour to Tipner
Lake in Portsmouth Harbour. Ascending to the top
of a portion of the casemated works of the " central
bastion" the eye can take in the whole position.
The main line of works consists of three huge bas-
tions, with flanking batteries of 10 guns each, in
easemates, on the top of ono of which we are stand-
ing. At the east and west end of the works, on the
shores of each harbour, are two demi-bastions, also
with casemated batteries. The whole of the case-
mated works on the flank of each bastion are of
brickwork, of immense extent and solidity, and
more resembling in form—with the arches spring-
ing overhead from their piers—the cloisters of sonic
monster cathedral than a simple battery of 10 guns.
In the rear of each gun is a barrack-room for the
accommodation of the 10 men belonging to each
gun. Peculiar means are adopted to clear the
interior of the works from the smoke of the guns.
All parts of the brickwork that come in contact
with earth are faced with glazed bricks, laid with
cement. The top of the brickwork is covered in
the usual manner with concrete, Seyssel asphalt,
and earth, the latter to a depth in some parts of 10
feet. A rampart of earth will also face the brick-
work of these easemates to a depth of 25 feet. The -
faces of the bastions are of earth. The base of the
whole of the line will be 116 feet by 30 feet in
height. The number of guns which will be mounted
on the main bastions and on the top of the whole
line of works has not yet been decided on, as it will
be yet upwards of three years before they are coin-
plate. At the present time 600,000 bricks are being J
used weekly in their construction. In front of this
main line will run a moat 150 feet wide, with means
of closing each end at high water. In advance of
the main line of works will be constructed three
triangular-shaped outworks of enormous strength
and extent, probably the largest of their kind in
the world. They will be connected with the main
defences by draw-bridges, covert-ways, &c., and
strengthened by every means known to modern
engineering science. Through the eastern work
will pass the line of railway to the town, and
through the western one the public turnpike road,
which for this purpose will be diverted to the west-
ward of its present course, passing through Tile
Barn Farm, and again joining the old road near
Cosham. In rasing over the works the turnpike
road crosses three extensive moats, in addition to
the creek separating the island from the mainland.
This creek, considerably deepened, and increased in
width to 200 ft., runs along in front of the whole posi-
tion, and will enable a fleet of gunboats to pass to
and fro between the harbours of Portsmouth and
Langston, and act in conjunction with the line of
works on either flank, in the event of an attack by
hostile troops, who, after effecting a landing to the
eastward or westward of the port, mast advance
along the Fareham or Chichester roads, and can
only attack the front of the position with a cer-
tainty of marching along a narrow causeway to de-
struct:on. So far the position appears impregnable;
but, recollecting that we are supposed to be stand-
ing in a central position of the main works, that the
crest of Portsdown-hill stands in frowning grandeur
in your front, at a distance of only 2,250 yards, and
that batteries can be placed at 2,000 yards, you feel
uncomfortable in the midst of your contemplation of
your fancied security in the event of a siege, with
an enemy in possession of Portsdown ; and this feel-
ing in not very much diminished even when you are
told that with the present height of parapet the line
of defence is perfectly sheltered from any artillery
planted at Portsdown, and that nothing can affect
it except a vertical fire. As the works have been
much criticised in military circles on this very point
we will quit them and ascend Portsdown. A mag-
nificent view lies spread out before us, and appa-
rently at our feet lies Portsmouth Dockyard, its
harbour and shipping; and, in dangerous proximity
to the western demi-bastion, and within short range
of us, lies Tipner, with its extensive powder maga-
zines. Portsdown-hill is evidently the key of the
whole position, and whichever troops held it in pos-
session could with impunity destroy or protect the
dockyard and shipping in Portsmouth Harbour at
their pleasure. It has been urged that with the
"Hill" so near to the garrison of Portsmouth, should
a war break out at any time with a powerful neigh-
bour which might render invasion possible,
a few thousand troops from the garrison could
in a few days render it quite impregnable, and
for that reason the erection of works at the pre-
sent time would be a waste of public money.
Returning to the easternmost point of the new
line of defence, we find that the guns from its
demi-bastion cross their fire with those of Cum-
berland Fort, at the entrance of Langston Harbour,
regularlya fortified work, mounted with 46 pieces ,
of havy ordnance, and now occupied by the Royal
Marine Artillery. Within short range is a new
fort to mount 17 guns, in course of erection on the
site of the old " Lumps" fort; and at an equal dis-
tance further to the westward stands Southsea
Castle, with its auxiliary earthwork s, and defending
with its numerous 8-inch guns the entrance to the
face 32
harbour channel by the " Spit" buoy. T
of Portsmouth lines, with their 8-inch anidlelosenag
our channel,
i
complete the cordon of defence of the island of
pounders, and Blockhouse Fort, with its 56 guns
of the same calibre, raking the hatb
Portsea so far, but, with the new works in progress
on the opposite side of the harbour, and the in-
tended sea forts, do not in reality comprise one-half
its defences. The boring operations in connection
with the foundations of the two sea forts on the
"Noman" and "Dean" shoals are being earl ied on
under the superintendence of Sir Charles Fox.
Each fort will mount 100 guns, and will command
the narrowest part of the entrance at the east end
of the Isle of Wight to Spithead from the sea. At
the western or Needles entrance are the works of
Hurst Castle, 68 guns ; Fort Victoria, 52 guns ;
and Cliff-end Fort, 40 guns. All these guns are of
the heaviest calibre. Recommencing our descrip-
tion from Blockhouse Fort at the entrance of Ports-
mouth Harbour, on the opposite point of the penin-

sula stands Fort Monekton, at the,
Stokes Bay ; and, with its 47 heavy
with those of its earthen auxiliarrbattei
a strong point on which leans the extreme easteiii
point of the new line of defensive works being
erected on the western side of the harbour of Ports-
mouth, and extending by Fort Gomer to Fort Elam
—a distance of upwards of four miles—and may be
said almost to represent two sides of a square. On
the sea face, from Fort Monckton, a plateau rises
abruptly from the low ground beneath to a height
averaging about 18 feet, and extending to Lord Ash-
burton's marine residence at the end of this portion
of the line near Fort Gomer. On this plateau stands
Anglesea-terrace, Alver Cliff, the residence of Mr.
Bingham, the well-known London police magistrate,
Alver-bank, the late residence of his Royal Highness
Prince Alfred, while studying on board her Ma-
jesty's ship Britannia, and the beautiful marine re-
sidence of Lord Ashburton, to which we have already
referred. The whole of these, with the exception of
Anglesea-terrace,Will be pulled down to make room
for the forts, &c., about-to be erected ;as on this
plateau will be concentrated the main strength of
this part of the position. Commencing from the
eastern end, there will be there formed a strong
battery of 11 guns, firing over all, and sweepingthe
ground in front, the line of railway, and the rear of
the auxiliary batteries on the right flank of Fort
Monckton. In the rear of this latter work is a
quantity of swamp through which a wide trench
has been dug, and in connexion with this trench
along the low ground at the foot of the plateau on
which the chief forts will be erected runs s wide
deep trench and rampart at an obtuse angle, the
apex inclined inward towards the centre of Angle-
sea-terrace, and the western arm extending to op-
posite Alver Cliff. In the centre, or gorge of this
work, runs out an immense work of rampart and
moat, which, to describe plainly, may be called the
two sides of a triangle with the apex cut off; this
will be joined to the main line by drawbridges, &c.,
and the intended Stokes Bay Railway will pass over
its eastern parapet. On the main line,. in the rear
and centre ,of, this work, will, be, erected aarnaller
Work, with guns sweeping its interior and-the line
'of teats ism all directions. At Aker Cliffifrm oat and
rampart form a sharp angle for auffiaispediefithee to -
mount a battery of guns to siveteri.
•,W": Oilortianimee
of the moat and the groUnd in front, while in the
rear of this will be erected one of the heavy forts,
mounting about 30-guns, which, as we have before
stated, will form the really defensive works of the
position. The line continues its course to Alver-
bank, and thence to its extreme western point,
opposite Fort Comer, where it will end in a strong
casemated square work, surrounded by ditch and
morass, and under the guns of Fort Comer.
The works at Alver-bank will be of a most' ex-
tensive character, including an entrance to the
country inside the works by a public roadway
from the new road to be formed outside the line of
works ; rolling wooden drawbridges over the moats,
and a culvert for the admission and retention of
water, &c. In the rear of this, on the elevated
ground or plateau, will be erected another of the
large forts, and at the extreme rear of the line a
battery, or sedan, mounting 11 guns, similar to the
one at the eastern extremity. In advance of and on
the right of the whole line are the two auxiliary
batteries of 21 8 inch guns (the Brown Down bat-
teries). The Erie of defences from this point form a
right angle from Fort Comer, with its 32 pieces of
the heaviest calibre, to Fort Elson, at Praterlake,
on the western side of Portsmouth harbour, and
comprising five detached forts, hereafter to be con-
nected by ditch and parapet, Forts Comer, Grange,
Rowner, Brockhurst, and Elson ; the first and last
named completed, aul the other three in course of
construction. Standing on the parapet at Fort El•
son we see on the opposite or eastern side of Ports-
mouth harbour the works of Miser., the point
whence we start( d, and have visited the entire cor-
dori of defensive fortifications already in existence,
and those now in course of construction at an enor-
mous expense, for the protection of Portsmouth
harbour, its shipping, dockyard, and arsenal. Ex-
tensive as they are, and will be when completed, we
arc still told by military men that the plan must re-
main incomplete, and Portsmouth harbour still vul-
nerable to the attacks of a powerful and enterpris-
ing enemy, until the two sea forts on the Noman
and Dean shoals are built and armed, and Ports-
down-hill regularly fortified.