The Sun.
London, England, 1867-12-12 00:00:00

THE SUN, LOD,,N, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 12, 1867.

THEATRE ROYAL, DRURY-LANE.
Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. F. B. Chatterton.
Last 10 nights of the Company's performing previous to the
Christmas Holidays. Notwithstanding the Triumphant and Bril-
liant Success of the DOGE OF VENICE, it cannot be performed
after Thursday, December 19, in consequence of the preparations
for the GRAND CHRISTMAS PANTOMIME. To be produced on
BOXING NIGHT.
THIS EVENING, her Majesty's servants will perform the new
Romantic Play, in 4 Acts, entitled THE DOGE OF VENICE,
adapted by Boyle Bernard, and Musically illustrated by Selections
from the Operas of "Marino," by Donizetti, and the "Duo Fos-
care" and "Bravo" of Verdi and Mercadante, with New and
311gnifIcent Scenery by Mr. Wm. Beverley. Principal characters
31y Mr. Phelps, Messrs. J. C. Cowper, 11. Sinclair, E. Phelps,
liarrett, James Johnstone, C. Warner, W. M'lntyre, C. Harcourt,
'W. C. Temple. C. Webb, &c. ; Mrs. Hermann Vezin, Miss Grat tan,
e. Increased orchestra and numerous chorus.
To conclude with each evening THE LADIES' CLUB. Mes-
irlam,s Beatrix Shirley, Kate Ilarfleur, Grattan, Hudspeth. L.
tyi lm Mrs. H. Vandenhoft Messrs. J. Rouse, Thrratt, C. Webb.
T. Moreland. Harcourt, James Johnstone, W. C. Temple. Stage
intanager, Mr. Edwarl
Doors open at half-past 6, commence at 7 o'clock.
On Thursday, December 2G. will 1 e produced the Drury-lane
GRAND COMIC CHRISTMAS ANNL AL, entitled FAW FEE
FITM; or, Harlequin, Jack the Giant Killer. First Morning
Is^rf,nnance on Saterlay, December 25, and every Wednesday
ani Saturi:l3.,, until February 15.
Box-office open from 10 till 5 daily.

THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET.
Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Buckstone.
THIS EVENING, OUR AMERICAN COUSIN. Messrs.
Nothern, Raymond, Chippendale. Braid, Gordon, Rogers, Clark,
Coe, &c.: Mesdames Robertson, lone Burke, Chippendale, Dal-
. ton, F. Wright, &c.
After which, TO PARIS AND BACK FOR FIVE POUNDS.
31r. Buckstone.
To conclude with THE SPECTRE BRIDEGROOM. Messrs.
T. Raymond, W. Gordon, Sc.
Commence at Seven.

THEATRE ROYAL, ADELPIII.
Solo Proprietor and Manager, Mr. B. WEBSTER.
Directress, Mrs. Alfred Mellon.
THIS EVENING, at 7, MAN IS NOT PERFECT, NOR
WOMAN NEITHER. Messrs. G. Belmore, J. G. Taylor, C. H.
Stephenson, Miss E. Pitt, and Mrs. Alfred Mellon.
After which, 44th time, MAUD'S PERIL. Messrs. Billington,
G. Belmore, Ashley, Eburne, C. J. Smith; Miss Herbert, Mrs.
Billington, Miss Emily Pitt.
To conclude with UP FOR THE CATTTLE SHOW. Messrs
G. Belmore, Ashley, Miss E. Pitt, and Miss Harris.

HOLBORN THEATRE ROYAL.
Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Sefton Parry.
THIS EVENING, at 7, the highly successful Drama of FOR
MOVE. Mesdames Stephens, lienrade, C. Saunders; Messrs.
Montague, Price, Widdicombe.
At 8, Burnand's new Burlesque, MARY TURNER; or, The
Wicious Willin and Wictorious Whine. Mesdames Fanny
Josephs, Saunders, Wilmore, Clinton, &c. ; Messrs. Robins, Mon-
tague, Garden, Wilmot, &c. 31agnitIcent new scenery, dresses,
and appointments.
A OTE.—Seats may be secured a month in advance
Box-office open from 10 till 5; and all Libraries.

QUEEN'S THEATRE, Long-acre.
Lessee and Manager, Mr. Alfred Wigan.
THIS EVENING the performances will commence with (at 7
o'clock) HE'S A LUNATIC.
After which (by particular desire), the celebrated comedy, by
Toni Taylor, Esq., called STILL WATERS RUN DEEP. Prin-
cipal characters by Messrs. Alfred Wigan, W. H. Stephens, C.
Wyndham, W. M. Terrot, C. Seyton, Miss E. Terry, and Mrs.
Alfred Wigan.
To conclude with the Comic Drama of THE FIRST NIGHT.
Achille Talma Dufard (a French actor), Mr. Alfred Wigan.

NEW QUEEN'S THEATRE ROYAL.
Mr. and Mrs. ALFRED WIGAN every Evening.

ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.
Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Vining.
TAIS EVENING, THE COLLEEN BAWN. Mr. Dion Bouei-
vault; Messrs. Dominick Murray, E. Atkins, G. F. Neville, J. G.
shore, 11. Mellon, Gresham; Miss Elsworthy, Miss E. Barnett,
Mrs. Acidic, and Mrs. Dion Boucicault. The wild scenery of
Kerry and the Water Cave have been painted by Mr. F. Lloyds
and assistants.
The Drama preceded by A LITTLE FLIRTATION, and fol-
lowed by NO. 1, ROUND THE CORNER.
Doors open at half-past 6, commence at 7.

N.a—Due notice will be given of the next representation of
ARRAII-NA-POGUE.

ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE.
Sole Lessee and Manager, Mr. Fechter.
EVENING, at 8, ROMEO AND JULIET. Romeo, Miss
Vestvali ; Mercutio, Mr. Walter Lacy ; Friar Laurence, Mr
Ryder; Nurse, Mrs. Marston; Juliet, Miss Milly Palmer.
Preceded by, at 7, PERFECTION. Messrs. J. Neville, Dalton,
J. Francis, and Miss Maud Shelley.

ROYAL STRAND THEATRE.
Sole Lessee and Manageress, Mrs. Swanborough.
THIS EVENING, at 7, NOTHING TO NURSE. Mr. Thorne
and Miss 1\ ewtou.
After which, a New Comedy, KIND TO A FAULT. Messrs.
Parselle, Belford, and Turner; Mesdames Johnstone, Gwynne,
and Hughes.
To conclude with Byron's WILLIAM TELL WITH A VEN-
GEANCE. Mess's. James and Fenton; Mesdames Holt and
Weathersby.

ROYAL OLYMPIC THEATRE.
New Management.
Sole Lessee, Mr. B. Webster; Manager, Mr. H. Wigan.
THIS EVEN ING, FROM GRAVE TO GAY. Messrs. H. Neville,
11. Wigan, Addison, and C. Mathews; Mesdames L. Moore and
Stirling.
Followed by IF I HAD A THOUSAND A YEAR. Messrs.
11. Wigan, Cooper, C. Mathews, and Farrell; Mesdames L. Moore
and St. Henry.
To conclude with MY WIFE'S BONNET. Messrs. R. Stutter,
11. Cooper, and J. G. Taylor; Mesdames L. Moore an,l E. Farren.
Commence at Seven.

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- -
ONDON, THURSDAY, DEC. 12, 1867.

Agriculture is just now in the ascendant, and
those who, during the other eleven months of the
year, pay very little heed to the merits and demerits
of sheep and cattle, are now busy discussing every
question of size, shape, and quality. Two days ago
more than 20,000 persons paid the admission fee at
the Agricultural Hall, and yesterday the number
was evidently 'quite as great. The immense hall
was inconveniently crowded as the afternoon ad-
vanced, and a rough calculation estimated the
numbers within the building at one time at more
than 10,000 persons. What is more satisfactory, as
evidence of the improved condition and prospects of
the trade in cattle, the sales proceeded briskly, not-
withstanding the restrictions imposed by the Privy
Council as to the removal and slaughtering of the
beasts within a given time. The whole proceedings
of the year, indeed, are marked with unusual spirit,
which is the snore encouraging to all interested, as
the meetings of the last few years have been re-
markably dull, owing partly, no doubt, to the evil
influence of the cattle plague, and partly to the
depressed state of trade and other causes. Her
MAJESTY is a successful exhibitor of stock of her
own breeding, and the Heir Apparent has also en-
tered the lists, though not s 3 fortunate as his mother.
The annual dinner took place in the evening, and
was largely attended by agriculturists. Several
speeches were made, the principal being by the
chairman, Major-General the Hon. A. How). The
chairman congratulated the members on the supe-
rior qualities of the exhibition, and he alluded with
satisfaction to the perceptible improvement in the
young stock, which he thought had been materially
assisted by the prizes offered by the Smithfield
Club for young animals. The disappearance of
the cattle plague was another matter of congratu-
lation, and the removal of so many of the
prohibitions attending the transit of cattle
from one part of the kingdom to another

is naturally a great relief to agriculturists. Major-
General HOOD remarked that he had presented the
resolution of the Council of the Smithfield Club to

the President of the Council, respecting the slaugh-

t2ring of foreign stock at the ports of debarkation.
Th:s is a matter very earnestly desirod by English

agriculturists, and so much importance do they at-
tach to it that Major-G.:neral lloon believes that,
!iy the establishment of markets for foreign stock,
we should get rid not on!y of the cattle plague,- but

of the foot and mouth disease. The pre,ideut o

the council has stated that it is the intention of the
Government to bring in a bill to this effect; but
there is one very important consideration respecting
foreign cattle which should not be overlooked.
there can be no question but that many of their
diseases are actually contracted during the voyage
owing to the barbarous manter in which they are
consigned by the dealers, without food or water,
packed together like inanimate things. The ac-
counts which have been given of the condition
of these poor beasts when they arrive at Eng-
lish ports are quite sufficient to account for any
amount of pleuro-pneumonia in foot and mouth
disease among 'them. It will no doubt be a wise
precaution to provide separate markets for foreign
stock, and to arrange for their being slaughtered at
the port of debarkation, but every consideration of
economy as well as humanity protests against the
waste of property and the unnecessary suffering
occasioned by the treatment of these poor
animals. " The cattle plague," says Major
Hoop, " has cost the agriculturist of this
country five millions of money, and the consumers
as much more. As is usually the case, it is the
class between these who have been the loudest in

their complaints. Its results were certainly as the
chairman observed, quite serious enough to arouse
the energies of our rulers.
Coming to the fortunes of the Smithfield Club

itself, the speaker was able to give some very
satidactory statistics. It was established so far
back as 1798, and in 1799 it held' its first show.
fn 1817 its finances were at a very low ebb,
and in 1821 its dissolution was proposed. This,
as we know, was not carried out, but the year after
it was left without a President. Soon after, how-
ever, its fortunes took a turn, and Lord Amionr
assumed the presidency in 1825, to be succeeded by

the late Duke of RICHMOND. Both these noblemen
rendered good service, not only to the direct inte-
rests of the Club, but to the cause of agriculture
generally, and now the fortunes of the Club are in a
most flourishing state. A sum of £l,OOO has been
given for the enlArgeineut of the galleries of the
Agricultural Ball, and this is likely to be a very
profitable investment, as in this year alone
the additional space has brought in nearly a quarter
of the money expended. Major—General Hoop has
made a very wise suggestion, which has been
accepted by the Council, which is to have an annual
report of the show.
Another meeting, held yesterday at Hanover-
square, was full of interest to agriculturists. The
Royal Agricultural Society of England held its an-
nual assembly, and many very interesting and im-
portant statistics were brought forward. Among
ale many pressing subjects of commercial in-
terest which engross our attention in the
,metropolis we arc very likely to overlook the
real importance and value of agricultural questions,
and their hal ience upon the public health and wel-
fare. It is therefore well that these exceptional
gatherings should now and then bring before us the
more salient points of interest, that we may at least
understand rightly the views and requirements of
the agriculturists, and so be able to legislate for
them in a fair and enlightened spirit.

Every now and then some misfortune arises
which, from its suddenness or severity, arrests the
attention of the most careless, and makes the most
indifferent feel that a real change has intervened.
The calamity which has just befallen Mr. 21Ariz-
SON is indeed one of these direfurnaisfortunes, and
we are glad to see that the subject has been taken

by some influential persons. A letter from the
D uke of NEWCASTLE sets forth the state of the
ct .se very truly ; and it is said that the sympathy
st generally expressed leads to the belief that
c‘ were the initiative taken many would be
gl ad to come forward to alleviate in some measure
ti Le severity of his position, and assist him in the
rt sumption of his career." In pursuance of this
bject, and duly appreciating the energy which the
lessee and director of her Majesty's Theatre dis-
ph Ted in his task, the noble duke declares his
re s(iiness to further a subscription, and expressed
I) is desire to receive communications from those
w filling to " co-operate with him.' We hope
th at this kindly suggestion will meet with all the
nt )tice it deserves, and that in consequence of it
st tch a sum may be raised as will extricate Mr. '
VtArLEsoN from his present difficulty, and enable
Um to pursue his career with his old spirit and
•energy. When an actor has devoted himself to the
amusement and recreation of the public, and em-
ployed his best energies in their service, it is not
too much to expect that some special interest should
be shown when a sudden and unexpected calamity
threatens to overwhelm him and extinguish his
future efforts. In connection with the calamity at
Her Majesty's Theatre, it is not surprising that
many suggestions have been made in various quar-
ters, and it would be well if those immediately con-
cerned would pay heed to them ; and now that the
chief part of the excitement of the affair is over con-
sider what steps to take to prevent the recurrence
of such fearful scenes in other places. At any rate
we have had a warning that should not be neglected,
and it behoves all to attend to it. It often appear s
upon strict inquiry that the adoption of the most
simple measures May prevent the occurrence of
fires, that the greatest efforts cannot check when
it has once arisen. It seems, indeed, a matter of
regret that when so much care is taken to produce
effect some sound precautions cannot be take❑ to
insure the safety of the audience, and to protect
the property so constantly exposed to great risk •
A great part of the mischief arises from the habit
people get into of thinking that a misfortune which
may come any day will never befall them ; and
hence they rest in fatal indifference, putting confi-
dence iu chances that may in a manner turn com-
pletely against them, and cause them irreparable loss.

The policy of France still continues to excite in-
terest and attention, and the bulletin of the
Moniteur de Soir will be certain to attract notice.
This expression of opinion does not seem exactly to
coincide with the emphatic announcements just
made in the Legislative Chamber by M. MOUSTIER
and M. ROLMER. It alludes to the almost una-
nimous vote of confidence which had been given
in favour of the Government, and affirms that there
was never a better understanding between the
Ministry and the Chambers. In conclusion, this
article declares that the Government of the EMPEROR
will solicit the concurrence of the Houses for the
work of conciliation and justice, which has been
undertaken in the interests of the Papacy and
Italy. One passage may be looked upon as a very
significant one, namely, that which sets forth
that the Government " desires that all hatred, and
secession, and mistrust may bo forgotten, instead
of invoking disorder and indifference upon Italian
unity." This, no doubt, means that there has
been of late too much discussion upon theories
rather than a regard to the principles of action.
It appears that the idea of the Conference has not
been given up, and that it still gives rise to
anxiety and expectation. It has, we hear, lost
nothing of its " opportuneness." This can, no
doubt, be explained by its advocates ; but, at the
same time, it seems to tho lookers-on that
a Conference at which the chief parties
cannot or will not agree is not likely to prove a very
promising affair. As Lord STANLEY said, in the
House of Commons the other day, there does not
seem much likelihood of such an affair coming to
much, however earnestly the well-wishers of both
countries might desire it to answer for their own
interests and for the maintenance of the peace of
Europe. It cannot be doubted that the somewhat
hasty declarations of the French Ministers have
tended to unsettle things still more, and that the
Italians feel irritated thereby. Perhaps this bulletin
may soften down things a little, and induce all parties
to incline to more moderate views. Of course it will
require time to set things straight again in Italy,
but meanwhile little or no good can come from
using expressions that excite and irritate, rarely
proi,lucing any good effect. As for the " complete
understanding and sympathetic bearing " here
referred to, as existing between the Government
and the Chambers, it has not been very fully proved
of late; but no doubt the Emperor NAPOLEON has
discovered the awkward state of things, and taken
steps to obviate the consequences of any difference
or disagreement between the Government and the
Legitl dive Chamber. What with ono thing and
another, the work of the French EurEnon has
indeed of late been a most arduous one.

Among the many blessings in store for regene-
rated Ireland, in the happy days to come when the
Union shall be dissolved, Fenianism triumphant, and
Messrs. STEVENS, ROBERTS, DEASY, and their asso-
ciates shall have assumed the reins of Government,
an increase of the privilege of free speech can hardly
be reckoned. If unmeasured abuse of the powers
that be can afford any satisfaction to the discontented

Hibernian, he has it at the present moment under
the oppressive sway of " greedy, haughty, robbing,
and insulting" England. We all know, however,
that a great deal can be said where very little is done,
and the old adage which tells us that " Still waters
run deep" may be safely applied in its converse, for
much noise is generally indicative of shallowness•
We had no mob oratory )vhen GARIBALDI broke

the yoke of the hated King off the neck of the
Sicilian people. We saw acts, not words, when
France could endure no longer the tyranny of the
Bourbons. But if an Irishman is not to talk of what
use would freedom, independence, or any other
national blessing be to him ? Knowing this, and
knowing, too, the easily moved sympathies of an
excitable and uneducated people, our authorities
are inclined to view with great leniency the ex-
travagant proceedings now going on in various
parts of Ireland with respect ' to the Manchester
executions. Men whom the common sense of man-
kind can hardly refuse to call murderers, seeing
they wantonly took the life of an unoffending man
in the pursuit of his daily duty, are wept and
mourned over as " innocent" martyrs, " pious and
virtuous men, who feared GOD and loved their
country." They showed courage and patience
worthy of " the greatest heroes that ever lived ;"
their memories are to be " held in honour." But
we need not pause to examine this rhodomontade,
easily spoken from a balcony to an excited multi-
tude, but we would caution the ringleaders of these
demonstrations that they are following a rash and
dangerous course. If their own sense will not
stop them they must be stopped otherwise, for
they are stirring up disaffection and creating
excitement in a dangerous and rebellious manner.
ALLEN, LAUKIN, and GOULD have been buried
often enough ; the best thing their friends and
their foes alike can do is to let them rest in peace.

AT a meeting of the Associated Chambers of

Commerce at Westminster, the other day, the
question of technical education was discussed at
some length, and the following resolution was
passed :—" That the rapid progress and high ex-
" cellence of continental manufactures are, in the
" opinion of this Association, mainly attributable
" to the schools for technical education which have
" for many years been established in Germany
" and other parts of the Continent, and by means
" of which the art of design and other valuable
" scientific knowledge has been very generally
" acquired to the great advantage of industrial
" pursuits ; and that, in order to enable our manu-
" facturers to ra intain the position which they
" have so long enjoyed, the necessity of institutions
" of a similar character be urged upon the Govern-
" meat, and for this purpose a committee be ap-
" pointed by the Associated Chambers." As a
result of this discussion, and as carrying out the
terms of the resolution, a deputation, accompanied
by six members of Parliament, waited upon Lord
ROBERT MONTAGE—who, in the absence of the Duke
of MARLBOROUGH, represented the President of the
Council of Education—and presented their memorial
respecting technical training. The subject was
introduced by Mr. MUNDELLA, and the most telling
facts of the case were set forth. Lord ROBERT
MONTAGU' replied that " Government were anxious
" to promote science-teaching, and, he might add,
" they had gone into a particular scheme, the
" details jof which he need not explain."
The subject is a most pressing and, important
one. We have not yet taken one single step of
any practical importance with regard to the subject
itself, though we are glad to learn that the Secre-
taries of Legation on the Continent have been
requested to report to Government upon the nature
and working of foreign technical schools. Many
of their reports have already.been sent in, and will
shortly be published ; so that the question is
clearly ripening for legislation. But we have a
long lee-way to make up: Other nations are
already considerably in advance of us. It is
quite a mistake to suppose that the recent
revival and development of art - manufacture
is a thing of yesterday. Forty years ago
designers were employed in all the great manu-
facturing centres of the United Kingdom to take
multiplied copies from imported French designs.
For in France the art of design, even before the
establishment of technical schools throughout the
Empire, has always been more or less successfully
cultivated, and long► ago a branch of commerce
flourished in Paris, with which to the present clay
we have nothing to compare—the export of designs.
British manufacturers buy these designs and place
them in the hands of their draughtsmen, who make
a dozen English patterns out of one French one,
with something of Parisian elegance in all of them.
And this export has become a great and lucrative
branch of trade since the establishment of practical
schools of art throughout France. The most suc-
cessful students in the provincial schools of art
find their way to Paris, to complete their know-
ledge of and accomplishment in design. They
then establish themselves in ateliers, and begin
the practice of their profession. All the
Parisian manufacturers seek their help the
artist produces the design in a drawing or a cast,
and the manufacturer carries it out in the proper
material. No manufacturer of any standing in
Paris, or oven in the provinces, either depends upon
himself or retains designers in his service—he pre-
fers to have his drawings from the professional
master of the art in Paris, one who has received a
thorough education—has, in fact, mastered the art of
ornamentation. Thus, thousands of articles of do-
mestic use, bearing upon them the stamp of cultivated
talent if not of genius, are manufactured daily in
Paris, and go forth into the households of the
people, carrying with them that air of grace and
elegance which goes so far to refine a people's -
taste.

And while we in England are only awaking to
the importance of artistic_ accomplishment in our
manufactures, the French, whose draughtsmen are
finished masters, arc urging upon each other the
absolute necessity of cultivating with ever-increas-
ing assiduity the art of drawing—the science and
practice of design. We have. not begun our art
education; the French are " finishing " theirs.
The constitution of the continental schools is
not yet thoroughly known. We know, however,
that in these establishments the more skilled teach
the younger and less skilled workmen ; that all
attend lectures by professors, and are taught design
scientifically. There are everywhere practical
workshops, museums, laboratories, art-libraries,
&c. In many instances the employers not only
give the time of their workpeople, but defray the
cost of their attendance at the classes. The schools
in Saxony are supported by Government grants and
voluntary taxation ; the teachers are specially
trained, and the establishments are under the
superintendence of Government. Indeed, every-
where on the Continent the expense of the techni-
cal schools seems to be divided between the Govern-
ment, the employers, and the workmen—though
upon the latter the burden laid is a light one:
Among us the most favourable circumstance
connected with this subject is that British working
men are becoming alive to the necessity of the case.
Let them only be faithful to themselves, and soon
this question, at present regarded in some quarters
as one of altogether minor importance, will be
carried out to a successful settlement.

BREMEN, Dee. 11.—The North German Poyd
have sold to the English Royal Mail Company, the steamer
Rhein, now in course of construction, and have ordered

two new steamers of Messrs. Laird and Co.
IRON SHIPBUILDING ON THE lIUMBEIL—For the
first time for many months an iron ship was launched
at Hull on Monday evening. This was from Messrs
Earle and Co.'s yard, the only one not► in operation. The
vessel was for Messrs. Wilson, Sone, and Co., of Hull, by
whom she is intended during the season to ply in the
Baltic trade. Sho is 217 ft. long, 29ft. broad, and has a
depth of hold of l7ft. Her gross tonnage is about 900
tons, and she will be fitted with engines with a power of
90 horses. The vessel was named the Fido. She will be
schooner-rigged, and has open decks, with the exception
of a bridge amidships. For the same owners Messrs.
Earle and Co. aro building another steamer of similar bur-
den and power. They also have on the stocks a vessel
of about 500 tons for another Hull firm, and a large one,
about 2,000 tons, for Mr. J. Moss, of Liverpool, for whom
several very large vessels have already been built at the

same yard.
COUNT MONTROND.—GeneraI -Count Montrond
was not an unfrequent combination of diplomatist and
gambler. He had outlived the Reign of Terror, was held
in some favour during the Empire, and got pensioned by
"the citizen king." He was singularly fortunate at cards,
and won money in England from everybody with whom
he played, particularly the Duke of York, Lord Sefton, and
Lord Foley. He was frequent in attendance at the clubs,
where he was known as " Old French." He passed for a wit,
and his bald pate, bright complexion, somewhat sly, demure
look, and his corpulent figure, were sure to be recognised
wherev.ir the laugh was loud and the play high. Mr.
Duncombe met him frequently, always in the best society
—at Prince Talleyrand's more than anywhere. Montrond
is said to have been 'attacked with epileptic fits after dining
wick Prince Talleyrand. For a few minutes the latter
watched the writhings of his guest, stretched at full length
on the carpet, and then exclaimed, with a sardonic smile,
" C'est qu'il me parait qu'il vent absolument descendre."
He, however, recovered, and presently returned to his
avocation, won more money, told more anecdotes, and was
again the leading star of all the dandies and wits about
town.—Life of 7'honias Slin[jsby Duncombe.
TIIIERRY AND BLOB.—AII French colleges consist
of eight classes, and a 3 there are many prizes iu each class,
their distribution, however interesting at first, when those
with moustaches were being kissed, became afterwards
tame, se that I did not remain to see it finished. At this
school all classes of society are educated, except appa-
rently the lowest, the ouvrier class ; there the children of
the judge and cure sit side by side with the bourgeois. It
was here that Augustin Thierry, author of the "Norman
Conquest" was educated; and he himself tells how, in one
of the class rooms, reading "Les Martyrs," he was first
inspired with the enthusiasm of an historian, the zeal
which afterwards cost him his eyesight. Tho " Homer of
History," as he has been called, seems to me the greatest.
of the Bloises; and the city seems to have recognised his
importance in the prominent position which they have
assigned to his bust in the public library. He was born
in Blois, and of very poor parents ; his father was an
organ-blower, or something of that sort in the cathedral.
His brother Ainedee Thierry, also was a historian, the
work by which he is best known being the "itistoryof the
Gauls."—Once a Week.

OORRESPONDRNOE PROM PAUL

(FROM A CORHSPONDENT.)

W EDNESD AY.

The great debate on the affairs of Germany and Italy

was long, verbose, and dreary. The several speakers
MM. 011ivier, Thiers, and Rouher—l shall say nothing
about M. Gamier-Pages, as he does not count for much—
did not by any means exhaust the subject, but skimmed
over it with the lightness and the brightness of swallow-
flight. M. Thiers was proud and triumphant ; his voice,
in itself not of 'much account, rose above and put
down the sonorous tones of M. 011ivier, the deep base
of M. Jules Favre, the piercing tones of M. Pelletan, and
the yelpings and barkings of M. Gueroult, who was so
enraged at the overbearing manner of M. Thiers that he
became purple in the face.
It is said here that the French Government will refuse
to support the claims of the Papal Government, which,
among other demands, asserts its right to obtain from
Italy full indemnity for devastations committed during
the Garibaldian invasion and the occupation of the Italian
troops.

Quite a sensation has been caused here to-day by
rumours from Italy. It was said that General Menabrea
had been defeated, and that M. Rattazzi had resumed the
Presidency of the Council in consequence of a compro-
mise with the Party of Action. No story is too
absurd not to be believed by some ; but although
Menabrea's position is a most precarious one, and
no political emeute, however extravagant, is at all impos-
sible in the present condition of affairs in Italy, I cannot
accept this rumour as having any foundation. What is
ascertained is, that General Menabrea, stated, in answer
to a despatch from M. de Moustier, that the
Italian Government was inspired with the most
pacific sentiments, but that it could not make known
its programme before the conclusion of the debates
of Parliament. lam further informed, from a source
usually well-informed, that the idea of a Conference has
again emerged, and that Austria, acting in harmony with
England, has resumed negotiations to this end with
enthusiasm.

After the sudden thaw yesterday keen frost as suddenly
;et in, and the pavements were literally covered with
sheets of ice. Accidents, many of them serious, have oc-
curred in the streets. A great deal of ice floated down
the Seine, and the rapid steamers, which visitors to the
Exhibition will well remember, met with some difficulty
in getting along.
Speaking of the Exhibition, an interesting fact has just
come to light. We now know the exact number of the
visitors to the Exposition Universelle. The railway
companies, with the view of facilitating the immense
movement towards Paris from all quarters, organised
special trains to run at a rate 50 t ) 70 per cent. below the
usual tariff. The number of visitors, exclusive of those
who arrived by express, was 437,784 during the seven
months—May till November. Of travellers by express
train there were tout 150,000, so that the number of the
visitors during the time the Exposition was open was about
600,000.

The Imperial Family will return to the Tuileries on the
23rd December. The intention was to have returned a
considerable time ago ; but the alterations made in the
apartments of the Prince Imperial not having been com-
pleted the Emperor and his household took refuge in St.
Cloud.

In Italy, the rage of the people, aroused by M. Rouher's
speech, finds full expression in the Opposition news-
papers, and especially in the democratic and Garibaldian
portion of them. The Riforma says : " The audacity and
insolence of the Imperial language addressed to Italy are
unbounded." The Diritto exclaims, " War or isolation
from France ? " and again : "We should be miserable
wretches if we ever forgot that France has atrociously
injured us," The Florence correspondent of the Times
seems to have caught the national enthusiasm, and
thus expresses himself : " Let us protest and
retire to our tents such is in substance the
language of the paper which represents advanced
Liberal ideas, but not those of the most extreme section
of the Left. Let us leave to the Emperor the responsi-
bility of his military occupation and appeal to the future,
If war be impossible, let us tranquillise our souls and
labour to strengthen this Italy which one day will find
troops and ships and guns and financial credit accumulated
in the storehouses of peace, and a people ready, and
unanimity of purpose, and unbounded hatred and favour-
able opportunities. All these things we then will hurl
against France if she still would bar the path to Rome.
And it will be war, the holiest war that Italy can ever
make !"

The Budget of the Italian Government has not yet been
voted, but the estimates have been distributed to the
deputies, and they spew a deficit of about eight millions
sterling on the coming year. But this fact is not the only
one which presents itself as evidence of what is practically
the bankruptcy of the country. There are arrears which
have been Sated at twenty millions, though the precise
figure has
,not 1.44' ascertained. If the arrears of taxes
could he g 4 in, the country would experience much relief ;
but heavy sums still remain due on the years 1866 and
1867, a circumstance which results not from the insolvency
of the taxpayers, but from the inefficiency of the suc-
cessive Governments. It is a somewhat ominous fact that
paper-money to the value of 844 millions 'of francs
is in circulation in Italy, and that besides this amount of
notes having a forced currency, " it is estimated that those
issued by popular banks and private establishments amount
to fifty millions more." It thus appears that there is
nearly half the paper-money in Italy alone that there is in
the United States ; but in proportion to the resources,
prospects, and elasticity, there is really more paper-money
in the small European peninsula than there is in the vast
country of the new world.
We learn from the Standard's Athens correspondent that
the Provisional Government of Crete has addressed to the
Consuls of Christians residing at Canea a refutation of
the last proclamation of the Grand Vizier, and also
a protestation against the behaviour of the Turkish
troops who, at Diraliseari, had attacked and shot,
on the 12th of November, women, children, and
old men, who were waiting along the shore
for steamers to convey them to Greece. Hostilities were
expected to be commenced on a large scale, for the Turkish
troops had moved forward to Laki, where the insurgents
were massed. The demonstrations on the arrival of the
newly-married King and Queen of Greece were of the
most enthusiastic description, and have not been sun
passed by any event of the kind since the celebration of
the arrival of the Princess Alexandria in England. Hex
Hellenic Majesty Queen Olga has already won the cordial
rood-will of the people.