The Sun.
London, England, 1867-12-11 00:00:00

LONDON, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 11, 1867.

The arrival of the Bremen from New York on
the 28th ult. brings us little specific intelligence.
The negro element in the South is still trouble-
some, and 15 negroes, we are told, are among the
delegates elected to the, Alabama Receustructiou
Convention. Judging from what this Conveltion
bac; alt.t.arly done, we can hardly suppose that the
exp...ritnent will do much towards popn!ati inr
legislation by the blacks. Disfranchisement and pro-
scription are their leading principles, and among
those whose who are to be disfranchised they now
include all who will not swear to support
negro suffrage. The members have voted
themselves eight dollars a day, and the
same sum fur every twenty miles they
travel to and from the capital. This illustrious
example was set them, it will be remembered, by
their Radical friends in the North, whose travelling
expenses assumed a formidable shape in the list of
Cougl•ezzioD4l expenses. The members of the Ala-
bama Convention, however, have a way of their
own of managing financial affairs. To settle these

claims they have appropriated funds set apart by
the Alabama Legislature for the interest ou the
State debt, although the method of paying the mem-
bers is provided by the Reconstruction Acts. It is
true, that the Reconstruction Acts did not pro-
vide for such a scale of payment. The Virginia
Reconstruction Convention met at Richmond on
the 28th, but we have yet to learn with what suc-
cess. The Lower House of the Tennessee Legisla-
ture have passed a resolution requesting the Ten-
nessee delegate in Congress to vote for the
impeachment. With reference to this impeachment
question we now have interesting details. The
Committee, it will be remembered, consisted of
nine members—seven Republicans and two Demo-
crats. Under this arrangement it is only surprising
that the majority was so small, but it seems, from
the accounts given by one of the minority reports,
that so late as June last the case was actually re-
versed, and the committee hadngreed, by a vote cf five
to four, that the charges against the PRESIDENT
did not warrant impeachment. The subsequent
change of one member of course transformed the
majority into a minority, and the two Republican
dissentients, both of them lawyers, aver that this
change was brought about by no elucidation of
facts, no fresh evidence, but simply by the persua-
sion of the PRESIDENT'S opponents. Mr. WILSON,
the chairman of the committee, is one of these dis-
sentients, and the report to which he has affixed
his name objects to the verdict of the majority
as affirming facts as established in support of
which there is not a particle of evidence
which would ba received by any court
in the land. The two Democratic members are
of course bolder in their censures. " Acts," they
say, " for which Mr. LINCOLN was clamorously
applauded, are deemed high crimes in Mr. JOHN-
SON ;" and they remind the impeachers that they
have been themselves impeached, and that the
verdict has already becu given against them.
Some of the evidence given in the voluminous
reports is full of interest, though the greater part
of it is worthless. The evidence of such men as
STANTON, SEWARD, and GRANT will be turned to
with curiosity. STANTON was forced to admit tat
the Cabinet never questioned the right of the PRE-
SIDENT to reorganise State Governments according
to his own discretion, and that he himself enter-
tained no doubt of the Presidential authority so to
do. Mr. SEWARD said that the scheme of recon-
struction pursued by Mr. JOHNSON grew up
gradually during his administration and that of
Mr. LINCOLN, and was from time to time modified
by circumstances. The Secretary to the Treasury,
Mr. M'CULLOCII, stated that the appointments to
minor posts under the revenue in the South with-
out insisting upon the test act was forced upon
the Government by the necessities of the time, and
was unceremoniously agreed to by the Cabinet. " Our
aim," he said, " was to do the best we could, and the
evidence of all the Ministers, past and present, con-
firmed this statement. The ex-Attorney-General, Mr.
SrEED, admitted that pardons had been given un-
sparingly ; but he said that they wished to fling
them broadcast, and that into every pardon they
put a condition that the person pardoned should
never thereafter hold a slave, or make use of slave
labour. If they had only given a few pardons,
urged Mr. SPEED, such a condition would have been
useless, but if they were scattered among a number
of the influential classes it would be efficacious.

General GRANT'S evidence is in every respect
the most important, and the Committee
seem aware of this, for they publish it
entire. Both from his past and present posi-
tion, and his probable succession to Mr. JOHN-
SON'S office, General GRANT'S views were eagerly
sought. All the serenades and blandishments of
the political parties at Washington and elsewhere
had failed to extract any declaration of opinion
from the silent and reserved soldier. The ques-
tions of the committee forced him to depart from
this rule, but the examiners gained very little. So
irritated was GRANT at their repeated cross-exami-
nation on the question of parole, and their manifest
desire to inculpate somebody, that the blunt soldier
at last exclaimed, "he was not certain who
was upon trial, himself or somebody else."
The Committee upon this replied that no one was
being tried, and were probably more careful for the
rest of their inquiries. General GRANT maintained
that since General LEE and his companions had
faithfully abided by the terms of their parole they
could not be brought to trial. General LEE would
not, he said, have surrendered his army and given
up their arms had he thought that of ter surrender
he was to be tried for treason and hanged. GRANT
very quietly added that he thought the Federals had
got by that surrender a very good equivalent
for the lives of a few leaders, and this was the
unanimous verdict of the country at the time.
With regard to reconstruction, the General said
that he had simply given his opinion that some sort
of Government should be organised in the South
without delay, and he was very anxious that civil
government should be restored. The animus of the
Committee was clearly shown by the absurd cross-
examination to which they subjected the General as
to the words he had used in conversation with the-
PRESIDENT months age, the exact terms of their cor-
respondence, &c. Gen. GRANT, however, was proof
against all, and administered incidentally some severe
rebukes to the Radicals. Upon being catechised re-
specting the advice he had given as to the policy to be
adopted towards the South GRANT said plainly, in
words that will not be forgotten by the country,
" I know that immediately after the close of the
rebellion there was a very fine feeling manifested in
the Soutb, and I thought we ought to take advan-
tage of it as soon as possible, but since that there ,
has been an evident change there. I may have
expressed my views to the PRESIDENT." We need
not seek far for the reason of the " evident change"
in Southern feeling to which GRANT refers. It is
not the fault of the Radicals if disaffection has not
before this assumed a more active shape. The
publication of this evidence will no doubt do good,
and will help to exhibit the Radical policy in its
true colours.

We have all heard of the skeleton at the Egyptian
feasts, and amid the gaiety and rejoicing of the
scenes of Christmas London seems likely to realise
the description of old, through the scenes of dis-
tress and misery that are taking place,more especially
at the East-end. All that concerns that wretched
quarter naturally claims regard and awakens inte-
rest. A letter from the lion. Secretary to the
East-end Mission appears in the Times of to-day,
which sets forth the imperative mei for some help
to be afforded at once in an effectual manner. In
the firzt place, it refers to a statement
recently made by the clergy of Poplar and other
places disputing the appeal just made by the Com-
mittee, is which it was said that the " ordinary
machinery was utterly inadequate to grapple with
the need," To this Mr. SA UNDERSON replies that
all the Committee meant to imply was the means
ordinarily placed at the command of the clergy were
utterly inadequate to enable them to afford relief to
the necessitous. The area of the East of London,
through which so much distress is found, extends
considerably beyond those limits referred to, and
the aim of the Committee has been a very
laudable one, namely, to collect from the public

beyoni t' ie district the necessary funds, and to
obtain 01 .1 possible means of information. The
public Ti certainly appreciate the liberal and
philantb o mpic spirit in which the committee prose-
cute thei r labours, and impart the aid so urgently
required. • In reply to applications from Noncon-
formist b Idles and from Roman Catholic priests, it
has been estid t,'lat the distribution of the funds will
be so ar. ranged .as to relieve distress without regard
to religiuus. distinctions, " selecting from all those
really Tv :cessitous with the utmost impartiality."
A very just line of deinarcation is drawn with re-
spelt to this important but most difficult subject.
Where Roman. Catholics c oject separate relief is to
be riven ; but as regards ethers, opportunity will
be tr wd by the clergy, ministers, and lay friends to
bring before the recipi.mt the " Word of Life, as
tang it by the Church ol" _England and other Pro-
testant communities." IL would indeed be neglect-
ing a valuable opportunity that might never recur
to omit spiritual instru ztiou to those who are in
so much need of it, and whose distress of
mind equals that of their bodies. When the
relief is given at evening classes, ragged schools,
and cheap dinners, man - chances will be afforded
of imparting knowledge' of the most valuable kind,
and concerning which ,so much lamentable defi-
ciency prevails.

The area of distress las been divided into ten
districts, and it extends from Clerkenwell to
Bromley ; for these effective committees are being
formed as speedily as possible. It is the aim of the
committee to induce the laity to come forward and
act on these committees, and the aid of those is
especially sought for who are acquainted with
the poor and familiar with their condition.
Wherc the services of laymen cannot possibly be
obtained the assistance of ministers is asked for ;
but, as a rule, it is considered better not to request
those engaged in spiritual matters to undertake
tasks which may properly belong to others. It
cannot be said that anything like an exclusive
spurt is shown in these arrangements ; and, indeed,
on the contrary, we may affirm that the greatest
care has been taken to render it otherwise.
To forward this end the secretary declares
that they will rejoice to hear of con-
tributions sent to the clergy and to other
bodies, and those who distribute the funds will com-
pare their lists with those of others, in order that the
same person may not be a charge upon more than
one fund. It will give a notion of the pressing
necessity of the claims, when it is mentioned that
the funds at present received are about two-thou-
sand pounds, but " such a sum must be continual
if the relief is to be effective."

There seems, indeed, no doubt of the truth of the
remark here made, that the committee have not
applied to the public one moment too soon,
for some of the details speak volumes as to the
grievous condition of things, and the utter want
and destitution which prevail. There is the case
of the family in Bromley, lately discovered dying
of starvation, and many other similarly distressing
facts have been brought under the notice of the
Committee, as, for instance, that of one hundred
children in Whitechapel-road who attended a
Ragged School, and who had not " tasted food until
the afternoon," when casual relief reached them,
which proves how wide spread is the condition of
abject misery that exists. In conclusion, the
writer observes impressively that they have no
desire to monopolise charity ; but " beyond the
funds contributed through ordinary demands, they
call upon all who love the LORD and feel themselves
responsible to aid the naked, the starving, and the
dying around them, to come forward and show the
reality of their Christian love by giving substantial
aid, through whatever channel they may think fit,
to those whose wants are clearly laid before them."
We cannot believe that this and other appeals
of the like nature will be made in vain, for the
English public are never deficient in liberality when
au emergency arises, and this distress at the East-
end is catainly a case that calls for more than
ordinary means to check its ravages and stem the
tide of destitution that has already set in, and
threatens to become overwhelming during the in-
clement season approaching. Some of the details
met with in the Registrar-General's weekly return
confirm all that has been lately said as to the inju-
rious effects of the cold weather on those who are so
scantily furnished with the means of sustenance. It
is said that the "poor especiallysuffer from the effects of
cold, and young persons and old persons, insufficiently
clothed and without a proper quantity of food, fall
easy victims to disease. The returns of last week
show that three persons have recently died suffering
from "privation," and at this inclement season sup-
plies of food, fuel, and clothing would save many
lives. At this comparatively early stage of the
winter much may be done to prevent those evils
complained of extending and increasing to an un-
manageable extent, and those who cannot actuallygive
money may yet do much to assist alleviating distress
and preventing utter destitution. Many articles
of clothing that are given away heedlessly to the
undeserving, and to those not actually in want,might
be more profitably disposed of, and the great waste
that prevails in the kitchens of large establishments
and in many places might be as much as possible
prevented, that while want and misery met the eye
in one quarter of the town recklessness need not
be met with at the other. One thing is certain,
that more than all the care that can be taken, and
far more than the money likely to be subscribed,
will not prove too much to meet the pressing de-
mands of the case, and be afterwards looked upon
as superfluous efforts and needless preparations.

however, is only too clear /rem Lr. LETHEBY'S
analysis. Sewage is not to be got rid of by pouring it
into rivers. The same materials which have raised
the level for several feet on 160 acres of the
Thames, to the prejudice of navigation and the
injury of public health, would, if spread over fifty
times as many acres of agricultural land, have
been an advantage to all parties. The difficulties
of disposing of sewage should not blind us to its
" manifest destiny."

bt,VIR Wig the beetle of eitraerd in ail pettotitl,
roes On S.und4. 31iit tyrannolis British 'authori-
ties gave up the city to an immense Fenian mob in
order that they might demonstrate against "an
" arbitrary and despotic rule." For of necessity
the funeral procession which lined the streets of
that city meant nothing less, and it could mean
nothing more. As a ceremony, it was merely the
mockery of a solemn service. There could be no
reason in the world why-ALLEN, LARKIN, and GOULD
should be buried more than once, or why there
should be more than one funeral procession.
The n arching of 20,000 men through the streets of
Dublin, and the similar processions in London,
in Cork, in Limerick, and elsewhere, with an
unlimited number of bands—such as they were—
was not likely, we fear, to assist the repose of the
dead any more than of the living. The object,
however, was not religious. Plainly it was political.
The strains of Orator MARTIN prevailed over the
" Dead March " and " Savourneen Dheelish,"
and with every desire to respect whatever
of really patriotic motive there might be
beneath the crape, the green ribands, and the drab
embroidery, we can hardly forbear saying that the
whole affair was as much a parody of religion as a
protest against "British misrule." Yet this it was
intended to be. Unfortunately, a large class of the
Irish people aro glad to avail themselves of any
pretext for sheaving their aversion to the Govern-
ment of England ; and as this long and apparently
solemn file paraded the streets of Dublin, flaunting
their green banners in the very eyes of the Castle,
the uppermost thought was doubtless one of satis-
faction—such a satisfaction as MILTON has made
the Arch-Fiend glory in—one of demonstrating an
" unconquerable hate."
Perhaps we are partial. We fail, let us suppose,
through prejudic3 to see the justness of the com-
parison of Ireland with Poland ; of the rule of
England of the presentday, and of the dispositions
of the English people towards the Irish with the
rule of the CZAR and the feeling of Russia to-
wards the Poles. How would an " intelligent
" foreigner" have reflected on the Dublin proces.
sion ? Ho would to likely to ask who were ALLEN,
LAIVKIN, and Goyim? Could any honest Irish-
man say they were patriots and keep back that
they were murderers ? Could it be possibly affirmed
that they were executed for political offences
Could it be alleged that the Government of Eng-
land was wantonly oppressive, that its rule was
increasing in severity, that it was indifferent to
grievances, that Irish complaints were hushed
in the Legislature ? Could it be asserted
truthfully that Ireland was really ruled by Eng-
land ; that it was :lot quite as truly self-governed
as either of the three kingdoms ? or that, in fact,
England is not as much governed by Irish-
men as Ireland by Englishmen ? Could any recent
act in fine be alleged against the present Govern-
ment, or any Government for the last fifteen
or twenty years, to account for these three
" patriots " shooting Sergeant BRETT ? We do not
at all deny that Ireland fa litaftering from unjust
treatment. But the injusialii chiefly fossil ; the
agents of it are in their gram. The present gene-
ration of Englishmen have inherited the co nee-
quences of their misrule, but none of its spirit. If
our impartial observer knew nothing but the
spectacle before his eyes in the streets of Dublin,
it is hardly conceivable that he could believe any
explanation of it that could be given to him. If the
Government was harsh and despotic, why did it
allow the demonstration ? Why were there no police
visible, no soldiers, no arrests? Any European
observer would bo astounded, and even an Ameri-
can would bo surprised.
It is contemplated to celebrate some such cere-
mony as this in Liverpool next Sunday. The
authorities appear to hesitate whether it is safe to
permit it. We hope they will decide that it is.
Some danger to the peace of the town is appre-
hended from the possibility of a collision with the
Orangemen. These have never shewn a superfluity
of moderation in their behaviour, and perhaps the
local authorities alone are capable of judging
whether the Orangemen can keep their tempers.
The sight of a little Fenian crape or a green flag, or
the sound of " three cheers for the Irish Republic,"
might have an irritating effect. Some of
them have, it seems, already declared that they
will prevent the procession at the cost of their lives.
Otherwise there could be no reason for preventing
all the Irish in Liverpool from joining in the
demonstration. As a political act, it would not
only be inane, but would positively defeat itself,
by exhibiting in the most decisive manner the
calm self-possession of the Government, which,
confident in the loyalty of the majority, had con-
ceded an excess of liberty to the disaffected. No
doubt thousands of Irishmen, not blinded by the
passions of the moment, would object to it. They
might regret, perhaps, that the three men had
been hanged, but they would feel no amount
of parade or sophistry could make them
into martyrs. Their names have no right
to be spoken in the same breath with that of
ROBERT EMMETT. The broad distinction between
assassins and rebels never can be effaced. A very
clear line separates the RATAILLACS, the BOOTHS,
the BBREZOWSKIS, and the ORSINIS from the
LAFAYETTES, the STONEWALL JACKSONS, and
the LANGIEWICZS. The Manchester Fenians
were on the wrong side of that line. The
more their friends demonstrate, the more will
this moral distinction assert itself. Bloodstains are
not easily effaced. And while the memory of
Sergeant BRETT remains it will be impossible to
float his murderers to an honourable immor-
tality.

(FROM A 6ohiligi3Oilibiiff..)

MR. BOUCICAULT ON FIRES IN
THEATRES.

Mr. Dion Boucicault does not believe that theatres
can be made fire-proof. He has, however, a pro-
cess to recommend. He says :—" Above the stage,
and co-extensive with it, there is a gridiron floor,
from which hangs the pendant scenery. Let the
timbers of this floor, which is open work, be laid
on their under face, with lines of small iron pipe,
forming a gridiron, picked at every inch with holes ;
let this system be in communication with the water
main constant service. Let one lever which turns
on the water be against the wall of the stage on the
inside, another corresponding lever contiguous, but
on the outside, so that the water may be turned on
by a person either outside or inside of the building.
The effect of this operation would be to let fall a
continuous and even deluge, more effectual in check-
ing a firo than the jet from a Bose, because it not
only addresses itself to the seat of the fire, but to
adjacent material. A similar gridiron proc,.n:s
should be introduced underneath the stage ; another
on the rafters over the auditorium, and a fourth in
all av7ilable places around the ceiling, so placed
that the rain from such would fall or be projected
on the woodwork of the boxes and stalls. Each 'of
these systems should have a separate main, so that
each could be brought into operation separately ;
yet the whole might be under the operation of one
master main, by turning on which the whole theatre,
from the back of the gallery to the rear of the stage,
could be deluged in a moment. It is of great im-
portance that such a process should be as readily
worked from the outside as from the inside of the
building. I believe that the water companies supply
what they term sealed mains ; that is, the constant
service of the street main is conducted into the
building, and the lever is there sealed up : to break
this seal is to confess the use of the supply. Such
facilities exist, as I am informed ; and if they don't,
and the companies offer any impediment to their
introduction, an Act of Parliament might be ob-
tained to reader such assistance obligatory."

WE have recently referred to the atsposal of
sewage of towns on the soil as desirable. It would
seem to be gradually growing into a necessity.
Our illustration was taken from that portion of the
sewage of London which is utilised on Lodge
Farm ; we can now supplement the lesson by
the experience gained with respect to that
portion of the sewage which, instead of being
utilised, is poured into the Thames. In a re-
port which has just been made by the engineer
of the Thames Conservancy Board, it is stated that
a large area of the river is being gradually silted
up with the deposits of this sewage. On the south-
ern side of the river 120 acres, and on the northern
40 acres, have been covered with a deposit of
mud varying in depth down to seven feet. The
river conservators have made a representation to the
Metropolitan Board of Works on the ground that
this process is prejudicial to navigation. It
would seem to be equally prejudicial to health.
Dr. LETLIEBY has examined the quality of the de-
posits. He found them to consist of "broken-up
" sewage matter, with the remaina of- myriads of
" animafrarles, and a large quantity of carbonate of
" lime In a partly crystalline state." The
mud, he says, in each case was black and
foetid, and in a state of active putre•
(active decomposition. This, he observes,
may be " a cause for serious alarm," because the
decomposition sets free large volumes of sulphu•
rotted hydrogen, and the action of sewage on sea.
water always produces a very offensive change.
The presence of the carbonate of lime shows,
he adds, that the alkaline constituents of the
sewage are decomposing and precipitating the
calcareous constituents of the water, and thug
adding to the bulk of the deposit. Mr. BAZALGETTE
attempts to disprove the conclusion that the de-
posits are due to the sewage outfall, Their orizin.

THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 11, 1867.

CORRESPONDWE FROM PARIS.

Toiasni~,

he little WI has passed over, the ruffled feathers of M.
de Moustier are smoothed again, all traces of dissension
have been effaced, and as they are now no longer per-
ceptible, there are many, of course,ivho are ready to swear
that they never existed. One thing, however, is certain—
that the Emperor will make good the statements of M.
Rouher, and at the same time he will not renounce the
services of M. de Moustier. One hundred thousand copies
of the famous address of the sth have been printed and
circulated in all the communes of France.

It is rumoured here that the sitting of the Italian Par-
liament to-day has been of most momentous interest.
The thing next expected from the peninsula is a propo-
sition for a diplomatic rupture with France.
After the occasion of the sth of December, to which
conversation continually goes back, and upon which the
journals are all still harping, there is not a single topic of
any interest discussed. The newspapers are filled with
the daily reports of the debates, and the ordinary matters
of life find no place.
The Minister of Agriculture, of Commerce, ane
Public Works states that the cattle plague has corn.
pletely disappeared from France and the neighbouring
countries, and it is only to be met with in its old haunts,
Prussian Silesia, Austrian Silesia, Gallicia, and Moravia.
In consequence of the freedom from disease in Western
Europe, the Minister of Agriculture has abolished many
of the restrictions which forbade the introduction into
France of cattle from England, Belgium, and Hol-
land.

A great statue of Voltaire is about to be erected here,
and the committee will meet for further arrangements on
the 22nd December.

The Times Paris correspondent is informed that the
Marquis de Moustier has again asked the Emperor to
relieve him from his functions as Minister of Foreign
Affairs. The Marquis finds himself placed in a false
position. The manuscript •f his speech, which he had
before him in the Tribune, was carefully composed, and
had been submitted to the Emperor for revision, and, if
necessary, correction ; so that it no doubt represented the
views of the Emperor at the time of its delivery. M.
Rouher, however, saw that the speech of the Minister of
Foreign Affairs did not gratify the Senate, and was
sure not to satisfy the Lower Chamber at all. As
Minister of State, he was alarmed at the prospect
of being deserted by the majority which Govern•
ment had so long commanded, and in order to avoid
this otherwise inevitable result, he felt that he must
concede more than his colleague, M. de Moustier, had
promised. This conviction he at once communicated to
the Emperor, who, rather than the Government should
lose a majority, gave his Minister leave to go so much
further than the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and
guarantee not only the maintenance and safety of the
Pope, but the inviolable integrity of the States in his
possession.

The semi-official Etendard speaks out with great vigour
and emphasis on the side of the French Government and
all that it has done or will do. The Etendard does not wish
to despair of the prudence of Italy; and, without having
been absolutely satisfied, thinks the sitting of the Florence
Chamber yesterday was not more stormy than might have
been expected. It remarks with grief, however, that M.
Lanza and M. Menabrea have thought fit to re-affirm
the pretended rights of Italy to Rome."
M. Rouher, according to the Paris correspondent of the
Daily News, is a more accomplished orator than M. Thiers,
and his last famous speech of the sth of December is the
,greatest he has ever made. " With this honest tribute,"
continues this writer, " to M. Rouher's eloquence in sup-
port of what I think a bad cause, I mention two mistaken
oratorical flowers which provoke a smile. While thun-
dering against the Peace Congress of last summer, he
called Geneva the ' City of the Lakes.' Now, there is but
one lake anywhere near Geneva. He also talked of the
chastisement which the revolution had received on the
plains of Mentana.' He might as well have said the
plains of Matlock or of the Trosachs."
France has now become such a devout daughter of the
Church, that, looking abroad upon.the world, she sees no
country whom, from a religious point of view, she can
commend but Austria. It is the role of France to flatter
Austria just now, and it is the role of the Etendard to
flatter France. The Etendard says that Austria alone is
pursuing without hesitation and without feebleness the
career of liberal reforms. The " Commission Coniessionelle,"
continues this semi-official organ, " proposes to confer
perfect liberty upon all religious denominations. In its
possibly excessive zeal the commission makes no reserve in
favour of the Sunday as it is observed in free Eng-
land."

Speaking of the rumoured dissensions in the Ministry
of France, which were said to have resulted from the
debate of the sth of December on the Roman question,
the Patrie observes : "A rumour is afloat to the effect
that dissension has broken out in the midst of Govern-
ment, and that, as a consequence, an immediate change
in the Ministry is expected. We believe we are able to
state that there is absolutely no foundation for these
reports, and the good understanding which prevails in the
Government has not been for a moment `disturbed."'

A statement just published by the Customs' Adminis-
tration gives us the following items of fact connected with
the commerce of France. The total of the international
exchanges of Franee during the first ten months of this year
is 5,097,132,000 f., of which 2,637,025,000 f. are imports, and
2,460,07,000 f. exports. Compared with the same period
of 1866, there is an increase of 100 i millions of francs.
In 1867 the importation exceeded the exportation by
176,918,000 f. As regards the imports, the total increase
of which over last year is 302,657,000 f., there
is an augmentation of 238,972,000 f. in articles
of food, falling principally on cereals, for 150
millions ; oleaginous seeds and fruits, 4 millions ; sugar, 5 ;
coffee, 4 ; cattle, 38 ; tallow, 10 ; and codfish, cheese, and
oil, 12 millions. Raw material for manufacture shows an
increase of 38,291,000 f. spread over twenty articles, de-
duction made for those in diminution—not, certainly, a
large amount. Manufactured objects have augmented 5
millions, and other merchandise not regularly classified, 20
millions. The total diminution of exports is 202,162,000 f.,
compared with the same period of 1866. It falls on menu-
tactured objects for 47,575,000 f., principally on silks for
40,000 f. As for natural products, articles of food, and
raw material for manufacture, the decrease is 168,778,000 f.
In other merchandise not classified there is an increase of
14 millions.

The following abstract from the annual report issued by
Baron Haussmann, Prefect of the Seine, contains some in-
teresting statistics concerning the growth, revenue, im-
provements, and population of the French capital. The
document. shews that during the year ending the 30th
Sept. last, 2,325 houses, comprising 14,287 separate apart-
ments, were pulled down in the 20 arrondissements ; while,
during the same period, 3,809 houses, consisting of 23,753
apartments, were erected ; the increase was consequently
1,484 houses, affording accommodation for 9,466 families.
The greater portion of the new constructions were in the
outlying districts included between the former ex-
terior boulevard and the fortifications ; in the more
central quarters the aggregate number of the construc-
tions and demolitions was about balanced, although rather
unequally distributed over the different arrondissements,
The report, moreover, shows that in the entire department
of the Seine, which, in addition to the twenty arrondisse-
ments of Paris, includes those of St. Denis and Sceaux,
the number of houses built during the last fifteen years
has been 86,944, and of those demolished 21,641. The
total direct revenue of the city of Paris amounted
during the year to 39,238,752 f., divided as follows :
Land tax, 10,995,702 f. ; furniture tax, 6,424,989 f. ;
doors and windows, 17,298,587 f. ; and licenses to
trade, 17,298,587 f. The return of the recruitment in
the city of Paris shews that although the population
has continually increased, the number of young men of 20
called on to draw lots for the conscription on the last
occasion shewed a falling-off of 528 from the previous
year. The report attributes that result, which has also
occurred all over France, to the famine of 1846, which
rendered the marriages in that year less prolific. There
were on the 31st December last, in the department of the
Seine, 1,843 primary schools, of which 361 were public
and 1,482 private ; the number of pupils was 183,375, or
6,939 more than at the date of the previous return."

THE WAGES QUESTION IN THE NORT/I.—The
reduction of wages by about ten per cent. proposed by the
ironmasters of the North will not be agreed to by the men
so soon as was expected. The subject has apparently
been amicably arranged on the Tyne, but at Stockton and
Middlesborough on the Tees most of the employers have
had interviews with their men, and they decline to accede
to the proposal. Messrs. Whitwell's men had a meeting
at South Stockton en Monday, and it is said that they de-
termined to remain inactive until they saw what the Mid-
dlesborough men did. Messrs. Richardson and Johnson's
men are acting in a similarway. Ame eting of the menwa,s held
at Middlesborough on Monday, and a deputation was sent
to Messrs. Hopkins, Gilks, and Co.'s works, who stated
that the men would accept a reduction of 5 per cent. The
answer of the employers was that the list prices, in ac-
cordance with the notice, would be adhered to. Messrs.
Bolckow, Vaughan, and Co.'s men have also refused to
work at the reduction. Notice has been given at the Atlas
and Cyclops Works, Sheffield (Messrs. John Brown and
Co. and Charles Cammell and Co.), of a reduction equiva-
lent to 10 per cent. We understand that, in the face of
-the present depression in trade, the reduction will be ac-
cepted by filo men. At the Parkgate, Midland, and
:Milton Ironworks notice of a reduction of from 10 to 12
der rot, 1)c012 given,