The Sun.
London, England, 1867-06-25 00:00:00

FRANCE.

PARIS, Juno 25.
A report of the Marquis de Moustier to the Em-
peror, published to-day, proposes that Prince
Napoleon should be appointed President of the
Monetary Conference.

Yesterday Prince Arthur and Lord Cowley were
received by the Emperor and Empress.
The Prince Imperial visited the Exhibition yes-
terday, and was loudly cheered.

The Prince of Wales and the Duke of Cambridge
are expected in Paris on Saturday.

Al notice in the Moniteur of this morning an-
nounces that the Italian coupons will be paid on the
Ist July, by M. M. Rothschild.
BOURSE, June 21.—The market closed as fol-
lows :

4j per Cents 96 60
Do. end month —
3 per Cents. 69 47
Do. end month 69 45
Credit Mobilier 382 50
Do. end month
Credit Foncier
Do. end month 1467 50
BALL'

Bank Shares 3170
Italian Loan 62 70
Do. end month 52 75
Mexican Loan —
Do. Bonds —
Spanish Threes
Home Debt —
Deferred
AT&

For Account.
Orleans BB5
Northern 1222 50
Lyons and Mediterranean 892 50
Southern _ __
Western 560
Eastern 538 75
Sardinian
Austrian
Lombard 398 75
North of Spain lO5
Saragossa
,j''7, Roman.

LI TERA TURE.

The Cabinet Secret. By Leigh Spencer. 3 vols.

Hurst and Blackett.

This novel will attract those who seek for some-
thing more than mere amusement when they turn
to the pages of fiction, for it contains very apt re-
presentations of character, and descriptions such as
are calculated to awaken thought and interest. The
story is in two divisions as it were, for the Lees of
Lee Manor belong to a very different world to the
Lockstones, Merestown, High-street, who usurped
their place, but could not emulate their popularity,
or take their position in the regard and the respect,
of the county. Of these the former do not come
out near so strikingly in the sketch as their
opponents the Lockstones. Mr. Lee was almost
reduced to imbecility in consequence of the
annoyances and persecutions to which he had been
subjected, and he performs no put in the drama
before us but that of concealing, through confusion
of mind, an important paper, the existence of which
was not known to any but himself, and the dis-
covery of which would speedily have changed his
day of mourning into one of rejoicing, and put a
period to his banishment. The manner in which
all the attendant circumstances connected with this
the " Cabinet Secret " are told to the reader is very
ingenious, and the extreme naturalness of the
descriptions strikes us forcibly; for many writers,
in seeking to convey an idea of a thing of this sort,
narrate these details with an air of improbability
which defeats the purpose aimed at, and totally misses
its end, but in these pages it is simply told, that
the unfortunate old gentleman clung with a striking
tenacity to the preservation of a curious old cabinet,
and manifested extraordinary anxiety lest any in-
jury should befall it. The vast importance of cha-
racter in its influence over others is shown by the
manner in which Mabel acted, or rather did not act,
in connexion with the mystery appertaining to this
cabinet. Sarah Lockstone in her place would have
speedily solved the difficulty, and set at rest the
doubts that existed on the subject, but it was other-
wise with the gentle daughter of the fallen race.
She did not look beyond the present moment, and
hence much confusion arose, and grievous losses to
her own family. The scene is almost dramatic in
its excitement and interest, in which a minute
investigation is made into the intricacies of
the affair, and the significant words, " too late,"
meet the gaze of the disappointed prize-seekers.
The intimacy between Sarah Lockstone and Harry
Neville is a curious one, but not inconsistent with
her strange character and peculiar circumstances.
Before the tale closes one cannot help entertaining
a sort of respect for this young girl, although she is
not at first sight calculated to win regard. She
possessed great natural abilities, and a very bold
spirit, which attributes were a misfortune to one
circumstanced as she was. A complete retirement
would have suited far better with her most equi-
vocal position, and her attempts to force her unwil-
ling father and herself into the county society
was as ill-judged as it was unseemly. Her
brightest moments were her last, when she
did her utmost to redeem the past, and to let jus-
tice take its course. It must have been a satisfaction
to Harry Neville to find that his devotion to her
was not altogether thrown away, but that his in-
fluence had acted in the right direction in urging
her to make restitution, instead of braving it out
to the last, and endeavouring to add one wrong to
another. Stephen Lockstone himself is an unsatis-
factory character, and through his hesitation and
drawing back does not seem to derive any profit or
pleasure from his daring ventures and unscrupulous
conduct. " Not half a villain and not half a
knight" would serve for his definition when he
attempted to shine forth as a county mag-
nate, and still to play his part as a crafty
attorney. His conscience stood in the way of
his success, and the poorest labourer on his
estate was a greater object of envy than the
new master, who occupied so ungracious a position,
and whom no man wished well to. It must be con-
fessed that the heroes of the tale have the advantage
over the heroines, for Frank Marsden, Dr. Arms-
daile, and Harry Neville are each in their several
ways distinguished for sincerity of purpose, and
for kindness of feeling displayed too under circum-
stances of the most trying description. A friend
in need is a rare acquisition, and in a different
manner Harry Neville showed his steadfastness and
sincerity of trust when Sarah Lockstone was placed
in a most painful position. The judgment of their
sins do not always overtake the wicked so quickly
in this world as was the case with the Mereston
lawyer, but the epitome of life and death thus
put before us cannot fail to impress all who
peruse the striking record. He who had sacrificed
all things to gain his point, found out that he could
not acquire peace of mind and contentment for him-
self. Ile who had driven his employer in his old
ago from his home met himself with a wretched
end. In flying from the pursuer he caine to a fright-
ful death, and all that he had perilled so much to
obtain passed subsequently into the hands of those
whom he had so fraudulently'deprived of their rielts.
While it cannot be said that some of the events here
met with are very probable, none of them are im-
possible, and some very naturall follow upon re-
vious occurrences. rtlo'p
het Cabineteilntiye e Secret"of
all is a
who
llivkoer work
that commends itself"
descriptive novel, one that sketches characters
most completely, and dives below the surface
that superficially attracts attention. In its
pages we meet varied events, and can recognise the
truth of some of the lessons inculcated. Depth of
cunning and unswerving energy
nayoften
the ends which the wicked seek fo'r; but t
hceoymipnaasys
at the same time fail to satisfy the very ones who
succeed in the eyes of the world, for the upright
mind can face adversity with a better grace than
the cowardly spirit can bear ill-gained prosperity.

BELGRAVIA.---" Birds of Prey" forms as usual
the most exciting of the subjects offered to the
public, and this portion of the story is more attrac-
tive than the last, because the researches of the
indefatigable llawkshurst lead him to Yorkshire,
where he enjoys country quiet and home
scenes after his overdose of town pur-
suits, and of its not most elevated pleasures.
The scene which tells us of the Muses being at tea
is a refreshing one, and the versatile talent of the
author is as much at home in still life as in sensa-
tional adventures. " Lyrics of the Months" tells of a
dinner at Richmond ; the representation is effective,
and the verses pleasing on the whole. " Circe "is
proceeded with, and at some length ; the story is a
brilliant sketch of fashionable and artistic life, and
in the accounts we meet with of the divinity of the
scene, we recognise that she is a heartless and un-
principled woman. The mistakes which the in-
fatuated young man made who sacrificed his art to
his devotion for her are very truly shown.
Moccatti's decisive manner and outspoke❑
language are quite a relief after the platitudes of
some and tke falsehoods of others in the tale. ,t Lon-
don Squares" contains some curious revelations, and
this, with its predecessors on the same subject, pre-
sents a good idea to the unsophisticated reader of
London, past and present. An account of the
Paris Exhibition does not appear to take a very
flattering view of the Palaceof Art and Industry i❑
the Champ do Mars.

THE RECENT RIOTS AT WATERFORD.—On Fri
day an application was made to the magistrates at Water-
ford, by Mr. Power, solicitor, fur the next of kin of the
late Denis Walsh, who lost his life in the recent unhappy
riots in that town, to have information sworn for the com-
mitment of constable Robert Mercer on a charge of murder.
The application was refused on the ground that no sum-
mons had been served ou the constable. The mayor
and the other magistrates made use of the occasion to
compliment the police on their conduct during the riots,
stating that their forbearance was beyond all praise.
DREADFUL DEAT/I.—An accident of a most
lamentable and heart-rending nature took place yesterday
in Liverpool, at the brewery of Mr. John Lane, Oriel-street.
It appears that one of the men, named William Carr, was
engaged at a large mash-tub, containing boiling-hot liquor,
some five or six feet in depth, when suddenly the unfortu-
nate fellow lost his balance, and was precipitated into the
scalding liquid. his fellow-workmen hastened to his as-
sistance, and after considerable exertion got him out, but
he was so frightfully scalded that ho expired very shortly
after the occurrence. At the inquest held by Mr. Devey,
deputy coroner, the jury returned a verdict of accidenta
death.

_
--f7iNa. • AID
'hint*icH cicr ti neat
,-1--1151trThuv..

HER MAJESTY, &c.

WINDSOR CASTLE, June 21.

The Queen, accompanied by their Royal lligh-
nesses Princess Louise and Prince Leopold, drove
in the grounds this morning. Iler Royal Highness
Princess Beatrice rode in the Horne Park.

Princes; Louise and Prince Leopold dined wi:h
Prince and Priness Christian, at Frogmore, yes-

terd ty.

Their Royal Highnesses were attended by Lady
Caroline Barrington and Mr. Legg.
Their Royal Highnesses Prince and Princess
Christian and Count Gleichen visited the Queen
this morning and remained to luncheon.

The Prince of Wales presided yesterday at a
meeting of the Paris Regatta committee at Marl-
borough House. Present--Rear-Admiral Sir F.
Nicholson, Bart. C. 8., Rear-Admiral Ryder, R.N.,
the deputy master of the Trinity House ; Mr. C. J.
Selwyn, M.P., Mr. S. R. Graves, M.P., Rev. W.
Rogers, Mr. J. W. Chitty, Captain llonelly, R.E.,
Mr. C. Wylde (hon. secretary), and Mr. E. 1).
Brickwood (manager).
The Prince of Wales rode out, attended by
Lieut.-Colonel Keppel.

TIIE PRINCE AND PRINCESS CHRlSTlAN.—Yester-
day evening their Royal Highnesses the Prince and Prin-
cess Christian of Schleswig-Holstein, attended by their
suite, left Frogmore House for London, arriving at Pad •
dington at nine o'clock. The Prince and Princess are
about to make a trip to Schleswig-Holstein via Brussels
and Berlin, in order to visit the Prince's father, the Grand
Duke. Their Royal Highnesses will remain abroad for
about two months.

Lord Vane will shortly proceed to St. Petersburg
to invest the Emperor of Russia with the Order of the

Garter.

The Earl of Belmore, Under-Secretary of State
for the Home Department, will succeed Sir John Young as
Governor of New South Wales.

Mr. Benedict's Conceit.
4

The great event of the musical season—viz., gr.
Benedict's annual concert, which, for over 30 years,
has attracted such vast audiences—took place yes-
terday afternoon at St. James's Hall. The attend-
ance on the occasion was no exception to the general
rule ; every seat in the hall was occupied, and it
more brilliant or elegant audience has certainLY
never assembled within the building. Their Royal
Highnesses the Grand Duchess of Mecklenburg
Strelitz, and his Serene Highness the Prince de Teck
and suite occupied a splendidly-furnished box on
the right of the orchestra, and altogether a scene °I
no ordinary description presented itself to the
talented composer, which could riot but have been
in the highest degree gratifying to him. The pro-
gramme, as usual, was an extraordinary one, 35
it contained the names of all the
greatest
artistes in the profession, both vocal and instru-
mental, and of such a length that ti polite
suggestion was submitted to the audience to avoid
the demand for the repetition of any of the pieces.
The concert commenced with Beethoven's overture
" Egmont," splendidly played by the band, which
was composed of the pick of the two Italian opera
orchestras, and then Mr. Weiss sang a new song'
entitled "King Canute." Madame Trebelli-Bettina
followed with Bevignani's brilliant tarantella,
" Vieni alla danza," which she executed in the most
charming manner. A triple concerto, by J. 6;
Bach, for three pianofortes, was then performed
by Mr. Benedict, Mr. Lindsay Sloper, and
Master Cowen, which was, of course, one of the
great features of the concert. The manner iu
which the piece was played was all that could b°
desired by the most exacting musician ; the Willi-
gti,t o
site touch, the astonishing ;recision, and the Val"
of
es toneo were
e'slakeh rweem rakv ae bbl ee, f
oarned
referred
et therfroerd it
w"
osunig
w would
have had to have been repeated, an honour it most,
unquestionably deserved. M. Jules Lefort el°
sang a very sweet romance " Chanson d'amenr,
and Madame ,Rudersdorff followed with a very
sparkling and pretty gip;y song 131
Randegger, entitled " Hasten hither, pretty
maidens." The bright particular vocal star,
Nladlle. Christine, Nilsson then appeared, and sang
Mozart's aria, " Voi the sapete" with the most ex-
quisite taste. The audience were rapturous in their
applause, which was renewed again and again de-
spite the graceful acknowledgment of the fair and
accomplished artiste. Piatti then played one of his
best solos on the violoncello ; then followed Blan-
qui's duo " Per valli, per boschi," by Madlle. Nils-
son and Madame Trebelli, and such was the extreme
beauty of the performance that, despite all remons-
trance to the contrary, the audience insisted on
an en:ore, which the ladies at once complied
with. Mr. Sims Reeves sang a new bal-
lad by Blumenthal, entitled " My Queen,"
but why such a dull and twaddling song should
have been selected is very peculiar. Of a
.very dif-
ferent description was Miss Edith IVynn's new song,
"The Maiden's Dream." That was as good as the
other was indifferent. Mdlle. Nilsson then again
appeared, and sang two of her national airs with
charming archness, and when again the audience
t
loudly pleaded for the repetition of at least
one of them, she, with the sweetest of smiles,
complied, and at its conclusion she made
who
very pleasant observation to Mr. Benedict,
accompanied her -- at least we judge so foal.
the warm and hearty manner in which both
shook hands as they quitted the orchestra.
The second part of the concert was Mr. Benc,;
dict's cantata, 'The Legend of St. Cecilia,
supported by Mdlle. Titiens, Mr. Sims Reeves, gr;
Santley, and Mdlle. Drasdil. We have before had
occasion to notice in unmeasured terms of
need
this cantata, so that on the present occasion we
r_
only say that the splendid composition was Pc„
formed again in the most perfect manner P.'.
d use
that most accomplished vocalists in the worl I
use
that it called forth the unanimous aPPluthat
as it virasvidt. etut;
of one of the most appreciative audiencesPrir
us to
ever assembled. Space will not permit utics
at much greater length into the remaining bna to
of the concert, but on no account must we orate of
compliment Mdme. Goddard for her'performanc
orchestral
Besetnraeldicate'scocnolnpcaenritmo
einntEs, flat for the piano'
;eat
work, admirably performed. Aldine.
chanted the audience with Spohr's n° jui
fuggi ormai," from Faust ; and Signor A-11„
well displayed his vocal power in the ITindlaio
" lleserto in terra." Madame Enequist, l‘la
Liebhart, Madame Dolby, Herr Reichardt, Sco.,
nee.
also appeared, and in turn delighted the andie,
re-
At the conclusion of St. Cecilia, Mr. nenedi6
°Tato.
ceived in person the warm and gratifying cony
c..
lations of the Royal party. The entire arrac 61r.
ments for the audience were undertaken by
Nimmo, and none but such a skilful and aetive.c.,3dPi,
tain could have so admirably provided for the 1"
vidual comfort of over 2,000 persons.

DEATH OF THE ARCHDEACON OF CARLISI' 3"d
W The Rev. W. Whitmarsh Phelps, ALA. Archdeacon ~
Canon of Carlisle, Chaplain to the Bishop' of Carlisle in3o"a
Vicar of St. Lawrence, Appleby' Westmoreland, (I,ci,d.isti
Saturday evening. lie was educated at Corpn3
College, Oxford, and for several years was (oe of the as,,a)
-
tant warders of Yarrow. Afterwards he beearuc Fcrlic)`u

curate of Trinity Church, Reading.
A meeting of the creditors of Messrs. Frastehr'
Trenholm, and Co., the representatives in England ic4;l
Into Confederate Government, was held ou England
Liverpool. A statement was read, from which it all1)63::
that the mooting had reference solely to the affairs of
to')
Liver pool house, two partners in the American house J'i's:(-1
ing no connection with the English firm. The
States Government had taken proceedings in 21.merlcaf
o;
attach the whole of the property of both firms on 001
all property shown to have arisen front funds remitted /Nd
America during the war, thus subjecting the
assets in the statement of affairs to any contin
ing therefrom. The following is the stateavnt
£sll,o°°:
liabilities, £1,218,000 ; unsecured creditors,
eslimated asset, £282,000. Mr. C. K. Priol,;au's Priv:oef
debts, after payment of private claims, exhibited £B,OOO to
assets. It was resolved, after considerable discusi a.
wind up the estate under the inspection of the 1'01(011
gentlemen :—Mr. John Torr, Mr. Norton (J. Rewitt
CO), Mr. H. brown, and Mr. H. W. Daauer.
gevoies ar;