The Sun.
London, England, 1858-07-30 00:00:00

THE ARMY.

The following important circular memorandum
has been promulga•ed:—
" Horse Guards, S.W., July 19.
" The following regalations in regard to the exa-
mination of officers, prep iratory to promotion in
the army, are to be f,r those promul-
gated by the circular niemorai.durn of M-ty 14, 1850,
and that of July 4, 1851.
"The qoalitioations required of candidates for
commissions will be made known to their friends,
and the time and pl tee of examilia ion will be stated
in each case, so That the same may take place be-
fore any commission is granted.
" Before officers are recommended for promotion
to the rank of lieutenant she eommandine officer is
to have them examinsd by a board of officers, con•
slating of himself, another field officer (if there
should be one pi esent with the regiment.), and the
senior captain, or if there should be uo second field
officer present with the regiment, then the two
senior captains present.
" This board is to report to the Milstary Secre-
tary, for the information of the Commander-in-
Cilief, that the officers abivat to be recommended
for promotion to the rank of lieutenant have been
instructed on the following points, viz.:--
" 1. They must have a perfect acquaintance with
the standing orders of the regiments in which they
are serving.
" 2. They must have a thorough knowledge, and
must give an account t.f the duties they have to
perf rat as regimental orderly officers, as officers
commanding guards, or as subaltern officers of
guards under officers of superior rank.
" 3. Theymust be able to put a company through
the manual and platoon exercise, and be capable of
exercising both a squad and company in the drill
and evolui ions as prescribed in the first two parts of
the regulations for the field exercise of the infantry.
"4. They must know exactly the place of all the
company officers in every situation of the battalion
whether in line, or in open, close, quarter, or half!
distance column, and whether right or left in front.
"5. They must be acquainted with the general
regulations and orders of the army, and with the
Mutiny Act and Articles of War.
" 6. They must be acquainted with the Queen's
regulations and warrants in regard to the supply of
necessaries to the troops, wi•h the price of each ar-
ticle, and the regulations applicable to the same.
"7. They must know the weight of the
lknap-
sack, the weight of the soldier's fireleck, with ne
a
wituout the bayonet ; of his pouch, with
and with-
out.t ammunition ; the quantity of ammunition is
h
calculated to carry, and the weight of ac •
coutrements.
" 8. In addition to such portions of the above
carnets
as may apply to the cavalry service
a
must be required to be well acquintedthweitics
stable and barrack duties, to have completed their
course of instruction in the riding-school, and to
be able to exercise a troop both on foot and
mounted.
" Lieutenants who may have entered the service
subsequently to July, 1849, and all who may here-
after enter the army, will, in addition to the above,
before they are recomm-nded for promotion to the
rank 9 .
Aof captain, be required to have—
,,knowledge of geography, so as to be able
to state the general divisions of the world, the
o thereat pri nßc
Britain,
taali v elrrse,l,suei adr ratns ,d a de r m
name of the capital of each nation in Europe, and
h
at
jaersytyp,sostsdoin.
minions in every pa, t of the world.
" 10. They must be perfectly acquainted with
the forms and proceedings of courts-menial.
" 11. They must have studied some of the
standard works on courts-martial.
" 12. They must understand perfectly the evo-
lutions of a battalion of infantry, or regiment of
cavalry, as laid down in the regulations for those
services respectively.
‘‘l 13.
Ti ey
must be acquainted with the light
infantry
" 14. They must perfectly understand the inte-
rior economy of a troop or company, the regula-
tions for the messing and subsistence of the soldiers
and established system of keeping their accounts.
"Ih. They must be acquainted with the Royal
warrants which regulate the pay, provisioning,
pensions, rewards, periods of service, clothing, and
equipment of the soldier.
" 16. They must be acquainted with the general
regulations and orders of the army, more particu-
larly with those for the government and manage-
ment of the troops on.barked in transports and
convict ships.
" 17. And it must be ascertained that they are
competent to take charge of a c mpany or detach-
ment in every pesition in which it may be placed.
"The Examination of officers for the rank of cap•
tain, as far as relates to matters of regimental

CO7RI' OF CtIMMON COUNCIL.:I-Z
A Court of Common Council was held yestpr4y
at Guildhall, the Lord Mayor presiding: :
THE CLERRENWELL IMPROVEMENTS AND METROPO- • ;
LITAN RAILWAY.
Mr. Deputy BOWER (chairman of the improve-
ment committee) brought up a report relative 'to
railway communica•ion on the line of the Clerken-
well improvements, and recommending that per-
mission should be given to Mr. C. Pearaon,-the
City Solicitor, to absent himself for a period: of
three months, as far as may be necessary to enable
him to take personal proceedings in promoting the
object. The report was as follows
" To THE RIGHT HON. TgE LORD MAYOR, &C.
"We whose names are hereunto subscribed, of
your-improvement committee, to whom from time
to time it has been referred to' carry on the requi:
site proceedings for effecting the improvements at
Clerkenwell, northward of Farringdou-street, do
certify that since the contract was entered into by
the Corporation for the sale of the surplus ground
for the purposes of tie Metropolitan Railway,
anxious inquiries have been repeatedly made, par-
ticularly by members representing Fairingdon
Ward, as to the reasons for the ground remaining
so long unoccupied. Your committee found that
the untoward state of the money-market had pre-
vented. the company from making the financial
arrangements requis;ta to enable them to commence
their work,, aad as the contractor was allowed till
June, 1859, to complete his arrangements, we were
obliged to accept of that information as an answer
to the inquiries. _

"As the state of the money-market no longer
affords a satisfactory reason for the delay the sub-
ject has been recently again brought under our
consideration. At the instance of several members
the City Solicitor was asked whether be could
afford the committee any information on the sub-
ject, to which he replied in general terms, and at
the same time volunteered, in his own name, and
ou his own behalf, to obtain from the persons
directly interested in the undertaking some more
precise particulars.
" The City Solicitor subsequently informed tbe
cmninit C 3 that he had had various conference 4, as
well with the contractor as with the officials of the
Metropolitan Railway Company and the other great
companies indirectly interested in the undertaking.
He had likewise had several important communica-
tions with meneb-rs of tome of the leading whole-
sale houses both in London and Manchester.
" Front all these sources of information he was .
led to conclude that there existed a general anxiety
in all parties to carry the project into execution,
but he feared, unless some more active and vigorous
measures could be put in motion to concentrate
these scattered f Tees and unite them in one settled
purpose, the proj-ct might fall throuoi for want of
pecuniary means to carry it into execution.
" It is a fact which was known to the committee
at the time, and was reported to your honourable
Coutt, that during the present session a bill was
brought into Parliament, and subsequently with-
drawn, for winding-up the affairs of the Metropoli-
tan Railway Company.
" It appe trs by the Metropolitan Railway Com-
pany's Act, that heir compulsory powers will expire
on the 7th of August, and the contractor inrormed,
the solettor it w.,s a question under consideration,
whether the norces to take land should be given
in execution of these powers before the 7th of
Augu=t, or whether they should be permitted to
die a natural death.
"The GO, Solicitor stated to the committee that
he was desirous to dedicate the approaching vaca-
tion, and perhaps a portiou of his time for a month
or two after the recess, in endeavouring to promote
a unity of action in favour of the railway on the
part of the various companies and individuals who
are directly or indirectly interested in its construc-
tion. He is of opinion that his name having been
for so many years connected with the project, he
might by his personal exertions materially promote
its present success, but he feels that being City
Solicit*, he ought not to engage in such an under-
taking 4hout the consent of the Common Council.
" Having regard to the expressed opinions of
your honourable Court that the construction of
such a railway would be of material advantage to
the trade and commerce of the city, and having
regard likewise to the great cost of the vacant
ground included in the contract, as well as to the
value of the surrounding property belonging to the
Corporation, which would be indirectly benefited
by a railway in that direction, your committee are
of opinion and recommend that Mr. Pearson be
allowed leave of absence during the Official and
legal vacation, to occupy his time as he may think
proper, so far as may be necessary for the purposes
stated, provided he do make such arrangements
as will prevent the business of his office from suffer-
ing during his absence.
"All which we submit to this honourable Court.
Dated the 29th day of July, 1858.
" BENJAMIN BOWER, &e.”
Mr. Deputy Bower, in moving that the Court
should agree with the committee in their report,
said Mr. Pearson some years back bad been ex-
ceedingly active in promoting ad
Toilwdaoymtuoch
passto through the heart of the city, and
improve the business facilities of the metropolis,
and, at the same time, the property of the Corpo-
ration. At that time it was supposed by some
gentlemen that the part taken by Mr. Pearson in
the promotion of that object was inconsistent with
the due discharge of his duties to that Court, and
Mr. Pearson then withdrew from the company.
' That bill was subsequently lost. A bill, however,
had since passed • but in consequence of some diffi-
culty which was found in raising the funds another
bill had been introduced during the present session
for the abandonment of the undertaking, which,
in its turn, was withdrawn, and another attempt
was made to car)? out the undertaking, with every
probability of ultimate success, although a little
more pressing was wanted in certain quarters,
where it was suppos d Mr. Pearson could bene-
ficially exercise his influence. He (Mr. Bower) was
glad to say that the committee of the Metropolitan
Railway had decided to go on and that the ne-
cessary notices had that morning been issued.
(Hear.) The Great Western Railway, he believed,
bad sub,cribed towards the undertaking, but the
Great Northern had not yet done so. If they did
not subscribe the scheme would still be carded out,
a:though perhaps with a little more delay, and if
Mr. Denison did not make haste, he would pro-
bal,ly find himself too late. (Hear, hear.),
The report was then adoptd unanimously.
PROPOSED NEW DEAD MEAT MARKET.
The subject of the appropriation of the vacant
site of Smithfield-market again came before the
Court upon a petition of inhabitants of Smithfield
and the surrounding neighbourhood, that steps
be taken to establish a dead meat market there.
Nothing new was elicited in connection with the
matter, and the petition was referred to the Mar-
kets Improvement Committee, with instructions to
,0
draw up a plan for such a market, and report it t
the Court forthwith.
REFORM OF THE CORPORATION;St 1011 111-
Mr. J. WOOD, chairman of the Corp
0_
BJ
Londonll for the tbhaed
Secretaryittee stated,
ved the adop-
quiry Conani-tee, brought uphaendoomo
tlon of a report in which tours
to secure the
with regret, that their endearvetterße_gulation of the
Corporation Walpol
that Bill havinge
failed,
IC) veinsaorp o ra otifon theof
been withdrawn by Mr.e. tinder
these circurnst,nces the committee asked for powers
to confer with her Majesty's Ministers on the sub-
ject of any Bill for the Regulation of the Corpora-
tion which Ministers might intend to introduce
next session.
Af er some discussion the e
por WU adopted,
and the Court adjourned.

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.—
Reduced Prices.

FINAL PERFORINIANCES.
ik THIS EVENING, FRIDAY, July 30, will be performed
PE time) Rossini's Opera,
It BARBIERE DI SIVIGLIA.
Rosiun, Madame Alboni ; Bertha, Madame Ghioni • II
Conte Almaviva, Signor Bela t ; Basillo, Signor VialAti ;
Nortolo, Signor Roesi ; and Figaro, Signor Belletti.
The last scene of Donizetti's I MAP.TIRI, comprising the
grand duo, " Soon dell' arpe Angeliche." Paoline, Mdlle.
; Polinto, Signor Giuglini.
To conclude with a Divertissement, in which Madlles.
Boschetti, Annetta, Pasquale, Morlacchl, and M. Caron will
appear.
The Opera will commence at 8 o'clock.
'Prices— Pit stalls, 12s. 6d. Boxes, grand tier, 3/. 35.; one
pair, 2/. 12s. 6d. ; pit tier, 21. 25.; two pair, 1/. 55.; three
pair, 1564 gallery, 10s.; pit, 35. 6d. ; gallery stalls, 3s. ;
gallery 2s. May be had at the Box-oPace.—No free list.

HER MAJESTY'S THEATRE.—
Final Performances.
REDUCED PRICES.
THIS EVENING (FRIDAY), July 30, IL BARBIERE
DI SIVIGLIA, last time. Last Scene ofl MARTERI, com.
prising tho grand duo, "11 Seron dell'
arpe Angeliche,"
paolina, Madlle. Piccolomini ; Plinto, Sig. Ginglini.
SATURDAY, July 31, DON' GIOVANNI (last time).
Madlle. Titiens' last appearance but two.
MONDAY, August 2, LUCREZIA BORGIA (last time),
and last appearance but one of Madlle. Titiens.
TUESDAY, August 3, IL TROVATORE (last time), and
last appearance of Madlle. Titiens.
WEDNESDAY, August 4, LA CENERENTOLA (last
night but three).
THURSDAY, August 5, LA ZINGARI (last night but
two).
FRIDAY, August 6, LA FIGLIA DEL REGGIMENTO
(last night but one).
SATURDAY, August 7 (the last night), LA TRAVIATA.
On each occasion a Divertissement, in hich Madlle. Bos.
chetti will appear.
Ap illcations to be made at the Box.oface at the Theatre.

ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA, COVENT-
GARDEN, NEW THEATRE.
The nobility, gentry, subfr.ribers, and the public are re-
spectfully informed that the season will terminate To-
morrow fortnight, To morrow (Saturday) being positively
the last night but seven. There will be no extra nights.
SECOND NIGHT OF DON GIOVANNI,
TO.MORRON4 EVENING (SATURDAY), July 31, will
be performed (for the second time this season), Mozart's
Opera,

DON GIOVANNI,
with the following cast
Donna Anna, Madame Grisi ; Zerlina, Madame Bosio ;
Elvira, Madlle, Marai • Don Giovanni, Sig. Mario (his second
appearance in that character); Leporello, Sig. Ronconi (his
second appearance in that character); Masetto, Sig. Polonini ;
Il Cotamendatore, Sig. Tagliafico ; Don (Ataxic., Sig. Tam
berlik.

Conductor—Mr. Costa.
The Minuet in the first act will; be danced 1)57 Midlle
Zina and M. Desplaces.
To commence at half-past 8 o'clock.
Pit, 10s. 6d.; amphitheatre stalls, 10s. 6d., 75., and ss. 1
amphitheatre, 2s. 6d. ; second tier boxes, 2/. 12s. 6cl.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
Proprietor, Mr. Charles Kean.
THIS EVENING, will be presented the new farce, en-
titled DYING FOR LOVE.
After which, Shakspeare's Play of THE MERCHANT OF
VENICE. Shylock, Mr. C. Kean— Portia, Mrs. C. Kean.

TRAND THEATRE. —Lessee and Directress,
i.. 71 Miss Swanborough.—This Evening will be
performed
ASMODEIJS, or the Little Devil's Share,
Followed by GOOD FOR NOTHING.
To conclude with DONE ON BOTH SIDES.
Commence at half-past 7.

Prices of Admission during the Summer Season —Stalls,
45.; Boxes 3s. ; Pit is. 6d. ; Gallery, 6d, Private Boxes,
1/. Is. and I/. 11s. 6d. Second Price to Boxes and Pit only,
at Nine o'clock—Boxes, ls. 6d.; Pit, is,

CIANTERBITRY HALL, Westminster-road.—
OPEN EVERY EVENING.—The follow-
ag company of Vocalists are engaged for the pe,formance of
S ‘lections from all the popular OPERAS, MADRIGALS,
CHORUSES, GLEES DUETS, dic., viz. : —Miss Russell, Mrs.
Badzey. Kiss Brnnell, Miss Ray, Madame Bartoletti,
Miss Montague, Mrs. Lawrence, and Mrs. Anderson ;
Herr F. Jonghmans, Mr. Renshaw, S. loner, J. Barker,
W. Melling, Senor Antonio, E. L. Hime, Mr. Badzey, Senor
Tiroli, Mr. Cozens, Mr. Bell, Mr. Ber lard, and Mr. St. Albyn
Mr. Yanin, John G. Foyle, and E. W. Mackney. Piano-
forte, Mr. Cecil Hicks ; harmonium, Mr. Courtnay ; Direc-
tor, Herr F. Jonghmans. Commence at Seven o'clock pre-
cisely. S Ippers, dze., until twelve o'clock.

THE WEATHER—SUN OFFICE, JULY 30.
IHERIMMETER, IN THE SHADE.
63—highest since noon yesterday.
57—lowest this morning and during the night.
67—this day at noon.
BABO'RETER, 30.18.
WIND, Northerly; light and fine.

HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE.
THIS DAT —Morn., 28 min, aft, 4 —Even 46 min. aft. 4
To-Moßnovir Morn., 3 min. aft. 5 —Even., 22 min. aft. 5

Tfoll 1 un

LONDON, FRIDAY, JULY 30, 1358.

Last night the House of Lards entered on the

consideration of the reasons for which the repre-
sentative branch of the Legislature refused to accept
certain amendments carried by their Lordships.
Lord DEBBY made several concessions, but there
- were-some points on which he remained firm, and
on which a conference will probably take place.
The chief matter now at issue is that respecting I
competitive examinations for admission to the
scientific branches of the military service in India.
They have yielded on the civil service, and thus
the most lucrative situations in India will be given
to the most deserving. But they make a stand
on the question respecting the nomination to
commissions in the Indian army.

This is the question now to ba decided, and which
may probably delay the prorogation for a day or two
beyond the time anticipated. As we explained in
our impression of yesterday, we always desire to
see appointments given to the most meritorious
candidates, without fear, prejudice, favour, or
affection. Such a regulation would greatly sti-
mulate sound education amongst the middle
classes, education which would be particularly
_ valuable even to the defeated candidates, who
would be fully prepared to enter on " the battle
•of life" in any other capacity. But, although
we agree in the advantages of a stringent exami-
nation, we must candidly admit that something
• may be said on the other side. Great proficiency
in literary matters is not required from every
officer. It may be better that he should be a

good cricketer, able to take a horse across a
eountry, and an adept in manly amusements,
than that he could give an erudite disquisition on
a disputed passage in one of the Greek poets, or
be. able to translate Virgil or Cicero at sight.
'lt is not the man that obtains the highest num-

berg in the aggregate of many different courses
that may eventually prove best qualified.
.It is, of course, essential that a dis-
* crimitiative examinatien should be success-

fully encountered, to show that the can-

. didate had received sound instruction. But
some little discretion should be allowed to those
on whom responsibility is cast, and who should
- therefore be enabled to select their own officers
' for carrying out their views and opinions.
It-is universally admitted that there would be
no danger in conferring the power on Lord
STANLEY, but it has been said that there could not
be equal security with respect to his successor.
But Parliament has still the power to correct any
existing evil, and when the great experiment has
been fairly worked out, it will have better mate-
rials for so doing. We trust, then, that a measure
of such vital importance, in which the welfare,
happiness,
_and prosperity of 150,000,000 of her
subjects so greatly depend, may not be
endangered by any undue obstinacy on either side.
Lord CAMPBELL suggested the propriety of com-
petitive eximinations for admission into the
House 'of Commons itself, which he describei as
" having gone wild " on the subject. With all
respect to his lordship, however, each candidate,
unless of high political reputation, has to pass
through a tolerably stringent examination
before he can hope to be selected by
an independent constituency. It is not
. -the best man that always wins. Political
adventurers and impostors sometimes succeed.
But still, despite the corrupt influences too often
in operation, despite bribery
and intimidation, a