The Sun.
London, England, 1867-11-30 00:00:00

ABYSSINIA.

Mr. YOUNG asked the Secretary of. 'kat° for Forei',n
Affairs if he had any objection to lay upon the table of the
house the list and name of every merchant ship engaged in
the Abyssinian expedition, with the nett and gross register
mane of each ship; also the horse-power of each
engine; also the price per ton each ship was
chartered at ; also the names of each registered
owner of such ship as appeared upon the register when
the ship was tendered to the Government for hire and the
name of each owner as he now stands on the register, with
the name of the broker who tendered such ship; and also
if a member of that House could participate in any of the
profits, directly or indirectly, of that expedition.
Mr. CORRY said he should have no objection to lay the
return on the table of the house as far as the Admiralty
could do. Of course no member of that house could enter
into any public contract without forfeiting his seat.

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.

From the Anglo-American Times.)

PARIS, Nov. 28.

You may break, you may ruin the vase if you will,
But the scent of the roses will hang round it still.

The roll of the artillery has been heard in Paris,
but it has been a peaceful roll, being no less than
the rolling away, en route for Cherbourg, of the
gigantic cannon founded at Ruelle, and weighing no
less than 38,000 kilogrammes, or nearly 80,000 lbs.
By the way, all purchasers at the Expositiou who
have not yet done so are requested to remove their
purchases with the least possible delay. I went
down the other day to look at what was the Expo-
sition, but I must leave the roader to imagine the
change which had taken place. De mortuis nil nisi
&num. I have as yet heard nothing as to whether
or not our report has as yet been presented to Con-
gress; but, as I have said before, I feel certain that
it will be a satisfactory one, and afford sufficient in-
ducement to Americans to enable them to eclipse
all the world on the occasion of the next Exhibi-
tion, the more especially if such Exhibition is to
take place in America. I have already expressed
my opinion, not lightly formed, that America comes
well out of a comparative examination in the pre-
sent instance, but as every theorem requires demon-
stration, and every hypothesis proof, I will just
venture to glance at Group No. 1 in my present
letter, viz., the Fine Arts. It is, of course, well
understood that the contributions of American
artists are not so numerous in proportion when com-
pared with those of other nations, but much is not
required as a test of quality. As regards paintings,
the subjects exhibited may be divided into land-
scapes, portraits, general subjects, and a supple-
mentary class, which may be considered as a com-
pound of the two latter. I am of opinion that
landscapes predominate ; but what landscapes,
paintings, which have created for America a special
school of art, possessing a glorious natural beauty
nowhere else to be found, and offering in the soli-
tudes of nature an inspiration to au artist of genius
that the teaching of no master could equal. It is
a matter of doubt with many persons whether the
palm in this class of painting should be awarded
to Church or Bierstadt, though be it understood
that there are many other landscapes exhibited in
noways me judice inferior to those exhibited by the
two former. The subject chosen by Bierstadt is a
scene in the Rocky Mountains, the groundwork
being a rich meadow prairie, the mountains at the
back, a torrent pouring down through a cleft into
the lake. In the meadow is encamped a tribe of
Indians engaged in their various occupations of
hunting, cooking, &c., a gleam of sunlight being
reflected with especially beautiful effect upon a re-
mote group posted near a glade of trees on the
borders of the meadow. It is difficult to believe
that for beauty of colouring, fidelity to nature, and
exquisite arrangement. of light and shade, the
picture exhibited by Mr. Bierstadt can possibly be
surpassed. Almost the same thing, however, may
be said in behalf of Church, who exhibited two
pictures—" The Rainy Season in the Tropics" and
" Niagara." The former depicts a ravine in the
heart of the mountains, a number of whose conical
peaks form the right-hand side of the picture.
Through the midst of the ravine flows a mountain
torrent, on the left side of which, over a rug-
ged path cut in the scarped rock, bordered with
stunted tree-boughs, are climbing a muleteer and
his team. A thin gauze-like mist shows the com-
mencement of the rainy season, in which a rainbow
is exquisitely reflected, the varied tints of the picture
being clearly lit up beneath the veil of silver gauze,
which appears, as it were, to cover it. " The Niagara"
is a most elaborate representation of the Falls, with a
portion of the shore showing at a reflex angle. It
is sufficient to remark, first, that it has been con-
sidered by connoisseurs as about the most perfect
and faithful delineation of water known. Among
the artists of the highest order in this class, I must
not, however, forget to place Mr. 11. Beard of
New York, who exhibits what he denominates the
" Bear's Dance." The subject is, of course, an
American landscape, the bears being introduced
simply as pieces d'appui. In the arrangement of
light and shade the scene chosen is fixed in a glade
in the very heart of a forest, the natural openings
in which afford space for the very original fete ima-
gined by Mr. Beard. The scene, as I have said, is sup-
posed to be a Bear's Fete, and long strings of bears
—black, white, brown, and particoloured--are danc-
ing in long strings upon the green turf to the music
of two bands, whilst numberless others are lying, sit-
ting, or rolling about in various attitudes and posi-
tions, not forgetting those who are at the table of a
rustic restaurant, well furnished with wine, fruit,
flowers, &c., or those who are under the aforesaid
table. A small basket of flowers and fruit, lying
as it were by accident upon the emerald turf, has
been most carefully elaborated ; the whole picture,
in fact, possessing a weird-like attraction, which
adds in no ordinary degree to its beauties of execu-
tion. 1.. R. Mignot, of New York, exhibits a land-
scape well qualified to bear competition with any in
the Exhibition, in the Sources of the Susquehanna.
As may readily be imagined, the sources of the
Susquehanna must present features of no ordinary
beauty. The quiet source or lake is encircled by a
border of primeval-looking rocks covered with
brushwood, &c., all of which have been most
elaborately depicted, whilst the rich gold and purple
tints of our autumnal sunset are replaced is dif-
ferent parts of the tranquil waters with surpassing
beauty and effect. I might cite several other land-
scapes, but will stop my criticism on Group No. 1
for the present, and until the next week, as I must
not allow them to monopolise the whole of my
letter.

The evacuation of Rome by the French troops,
in accordance with the promise given by the

Emperor, has been commenced, and has given
universal satisfaction. Garibaldi sailed from Spezzia
f:)r Caprera on the 26th, on board the Esploratore.
The Presse of Vienna states that France

and Austria have succeeded in evercom-

ing the objections of Prussia and Russia
in regard to joining the Conference ; the great,st
existing drawback is supposed to be the difficulty of

inducing Italy and the Papal States to enter upon
the subject with a sufficiently good mutual under-

standing. One meets with ingratitude under so
many shapes and forms, that one can hardly fancy
the possibility taking any novel appearance. The
absurdity, however, of such an hypothesis was very

clearly demonstrated last week at the French police
court in the case of a farmer summoned by his do-
mestic for the illegal deduction of 3fr. from the
amount of wages due to him at the period of his dis-
charge. Some little time ago a quarrel had taken

place between the farmer and his servant, which had
ended in the latter's discharge. On receiving the
balance due for wages, he perceived a reduction of
3fr. On inquiring, he was informed that it
was in consequence of spoiling a new stirrup
leather by cutting it. As the domestic did not feel
the justice of this deduction, the case was
brought before the police, when it appeared
that some time ago the farmer, labouring under a
fit of despondency, had attempted to destroy him-
self by hanging in a hay loft. The servant hap-
pening to come in just in the nick of time, suc-
ceeded, at considerable personal risk, in cutting
him down. The reader will scarcely believe that
the stirrup leather in question was the instrument
by which the farmer had attempted his life, and for
the spoiling of which by cutting him down he had
deducted three francs from his servant's account.
It is needless to add that the f armer was ordered to
rerund the money, after which he was ecorted to
his residence by an admiring crowd, who were
curious to observe an instance of such affecting
gratitude. " Truly it was a pity I have spoiled that
stirrup leather."
The receptions at the Tuileries will commence, it
appears, earlier than usual. The first Grand Wie-
ter Ball will take place, it is said, on the 23.1 of
December. I learn that W. J. Edwards Hauer,
the American pianist, whose playing at the Expo-
sition was so universally admired, will probably, in
compliance with numerous solicitations, give a con-
wt,:t-

ci.r tt

!our •. rnoto!_

.en, the appreach;ng 3 (iveDt
The wild birds arc app)arii;:;;

hoary

Jecer

earlier than usual, and last, not least, brilliant tar-
tans and winter Cheviots are beginning to ap' dear.

Ex-Secretary Stanton is at Washington, en-
deavouring to move Congress to restore hi-Di to his
old place, but it is now said that General M'Clel-
lan is the man. It is a fact that General Grant's
economic administration has injuriously affected
Mr. Stanton's interests, as the immense retrench-
ments accomplished by the General are taken as
proof of Stanton's extravagance. It is not likely
that Congress will move in his favour. Although
General Sherman is expected at Washington, it is
denied that he is about to take command of the
military district, his business at the seat of
Government being solely connected with Indian
affairs. Secretary Welles is seriously ill, indeed so
seriously that little hopes are entertained of his reco-
very. Secretary M'Culloch had tendered but with-
drew his resignation at the request of the President.
secretary Se ward is busy with his territorial
acquisitions, the cession of St. Thomas being now
the most important matter. It is rumoured at
Washington that Mr. Thornton was selected by
the British Government as Minister, from his
knowledge of the West Indies, which will enable
him to watch and counteract the tendencies of the
United States Government to establish itself
strongly there.
The Wall-street Journal, alluding to the Great
Republic Gold and Silver Mining Company, whose
mortgage bonds for £lOO,OOO sterling at 7 per cent.
were offered in the London market at a discount of
40 per cent., observes, that the company do not
state where their property is, or of what it consists.
In this our contemporary is mistaken, as a map of
the country accompanied the prospectus, and the
locality was very distinctly marked. It is situated
in the Manhattan district, in the Smoky Valley,
about 70 miles south of Austin, Nevada. What the
value is of these lodes is another question, but that
the district is one of the richest in the world is be-
yond dispute. The mines offered in the London
market, situated in the Pacific States and territo-
ries, should attract attention in those territories, as
the inhabitants are most deeply interested that no
spurious claims should be imposed on the British
public. One or two swindlers might benefit, but it
would be at the indirect expense of the inhabitants
of those States. I.Ve hope soon to receive Commis-
sioner Ross Brown's report, which, if possible, we
will publish. These mines will prove a fund of
wealth for judicious investors on this side, and it is
for every one's interest that any attempt at impo-
sition should be exposed and denounced.
The Hon. Thaddeus Stevens has arrived in Wash-
ington, having left Lancaster in a" special car" on
the morning of the 13th inst. He appears to be in
much better health and in good spirits, which is
saying a great deal, considering the reception his
last letter has met with. A Chicago correspondent
writes :--" The last letter of Thad. Stevens—that
upon the currency—has created much surprise. The
opinion is quite prevalent that he had better make
haste and die, and thus save his reputation. No
man can stand and advocate repudiation. The
American people have too much honour to permit
their Government to violate its solemn obligations."
A newspaper in Washington, it is stated, has an
obituary notice of the hon. gentleman in type, suffi-
cient to fill several columns. Thaddeus Stevens
might have played the same trick attributed, if our
memory serves us, to Lord Brougham, who, anxious
to anticipate the post-mortem verdict of the Press,
allowed his death to be announced, and quietly read
the obituary notices, which must, indeed, in the
case of great old men, often be in type all ready,
or they could not appear so promptly as they do
iu the dailies.

The tax on cotton is at present engrossing atten-
tion in the United States. From all the Southern
States come news that the planters, heartily sick of
the heavy losses they have sustained by the staple,
have turned their attention to wheat. The trial
has shown that corn has proved in the South a
remunerative crop. A large area, hitherto devoted
almost exclusively to cotton, is now being prepared
for grain. The subject will be fully discussed in
the present Congress, and a large reduction advo-
cated on the tax not only on raw but on cotton
and woollen fabrics. The Hon. David Wells
recommends the repeal of the Cotton Tax, if accom-
panied by a corresponding reduction in the tariff
rates on the manufactured articles. Nothing can
have such effect on the price of cotton in Liverpool as
a reduced production. If that price, instead of
being remumerative, leaves the producers losers, it
will quickly correct itself. The facts now trans.
pining furnish a strange commentary on Thaddeus
Stevens's theories.

A newspaper announced some time since, under
the title of the United States of Europe, has been
published at Berne, under the direction of M.
Jolissaint, member of the Government Council of
that city. It is the organ of the Swiss " League of
Peace and Liberty," under whose auspices the late
Peace Congress met. The publication has for its
object the pacific solution of all politiCal, econo-
mical, and religious questions by means of a free
interchange of opinions, and the establishment of a
Republican Federation iu Europe. The rival league,
founded at Paris last summer with a similar object,
under the title of "the Parisian League of Peace,"
has also a representative in the press, called the
Peace of the rVorld. It is published at Geneva, and
edited by M. Pascal Robert.
On the Pacific side of America, where it is diffi-
cult to recognise anything English through the haze
of a vast distance, the Irish have picked up an
enemy on whom to vent their spleen. They must
have something to kick at—whether it be the pricks
of British power, or the shins of the Chinese. In
Europe they have selected the greatest nation of
whom to make an example, and following the tra-

ditions to which they are so attached, the inomen

they lave their feet in an ocean which does hot
wash the shores of the tyrant country, they select
the greatest of the countries it does lave, on which
to wage war. In San Francisco they rob, beat,
aye, and even murder the Chinese, almost with
impunity. Their avowed object is to drive these
useful labourers back to Asia. The alliance of the
Irish with the Democrats enabled that party to
carry the State, and their allies demand, as the
price of their assistance, the control of the police, by
whom they have hitherto been in a measure re-
strained. If they succeed in this they will either

generate a servile war, to the frightful injury of
the State, or injure it in scarcely a lesser degree, by
barring it to that industrious and intelligent race
whose labour guided by American skill would in the
natural course of things quickly elevate California
into an unequalled material prosperity.
A correspondent of the Cincinnati Commercial,
following a system daily growing into fashion, has
published a conversation with the Hon. Ben Wade.
He describes old Ben " as large as life, and twice as
natural ; head and tail erect, as full of snorting
defiance as if he had won instead of lost." The
correspondent was informed by the "old horse" that
he "would not back a d—d inch" from the position
on universal suffrage to which tho Republican
party was committed. " lle had not made up his
mind exactly whether he ought to vote for Mr.
Sumner's Suffrage Bill or not ;" that " if it had
not been for that infernal thing of office-getting the
Impeachment would have been settled last winter,
as it ought to have been, " that Mrs. Lincoln's story
that Mr. Lincoln left little or no property behind
him was a d—d lie, and that Thaddeus Stevens's
Confiscation Bill was d—d foolery." It will be seen
that these profound remarks were uttered in choice
language, and doubtless Ben Wade swill owe an in-
populari;y to his friend the correspondent
of the Cincinnati Commercial. We would suggest
to Senator Wade a supplement to the little project
to which he alluded in his Kansas speech. After
an equal redistribution of the property of the
States, and when all are fairly started, that those
who most quickly reach the goal of ruin should be
nominated to office as they arrive in the race.
If old Ben were there to receive them and pro-
claimed the winning candidates as they came in, the
nation would have no further trouble, the competi-
tors showing their qualifications in this expeditious
and natural manner. Although our readers may
consider that we are jesting, we assert that such is
t • !,, „r,•T• it,. NV, .1 it,ici for

voul,l be a simile ci:xlaratirm by the :.icats that
vice, icileth,e33, end improvideuce vie to be re-