The Sun.
London, England, 1866-01-19 00:00:00

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TIIE PRINCESS OF LEININGEN.—IIer Serene High-
ness the Princess of Leinin,gen:was yesterday after-
noon delivered of a son and heir, at Osborne, Isle of Wight.
The gratifying news was shortly afterwards received by
the Prince of Leiningen (captain of her Majesty's yacht),
at present in town. We are informed that the princess
and infant are both doing favourably. The Prince of
Leiningen intends to leave St. James's Palace by the early
train this morning for Southampton, on his way to
Osborne.

The Marquis and Marchioness of Lansdowne
have been entertaining a large circle of friends at Bowood,
Wilts. On Tuesday night a ball was given to the tenantry
and others, at Bowood, to celebrate the coming of age of
the Earl of Kerry. The distinguished guests staying at
the house participated in the festivities for a few hours.
Earl and Countess Russell and family returned
to town yesterday, from Pembroke Lodge, for the season.
The Earl and Countess of Hopetoun have ar-
rived at Long's Hotel.

Lord Dahneny, grandson of the Earl of Rose-
bery, and son of the Duchess of Cleveland, left town yes-
terday to join Christchurch, Oxford.
Lady Stanley of Alderley and the Hon. Miss
Stanley have arrived at the family residence in Dover-
street, for the season.

The Right Hon. Sir Charles Wood, M.P., and
Lady Mary Wood and Miss Wood have arrived at their
residence in Belgrave-square, for the season.

National Choral Society.

On Wednesday this Society performed Men-
delssohn's great oratorio " Elijah ;" and, as this
was announced to be the last time this season the
unrivalled composition could be given, the audience
was larger and more enthusiastic than usually is
the case. The soloists on this occasion were not
those who usually take part in Mr. Martin's
glorious concerts, and therefore an air of new-
ness was imparted to the performance. The
principal soprano was Mdlle. Ida Gillies ; and we
have the greatest pleasure of congratulating her on
the very favourable impression her efforts produced.
Her singing was marked with fervour, taste, and
great expression, the higher notes in her register
came out with the greatest brilliancy, and at the
termination of the oratorio Mdlle. Gillies was set
down as one of the vocal favourites of the Hall.
Madame Elwood Andrea was the contralto, and
again we have the pleasing duty of awarding
praise. Mdme. Andrea sang the music allotted to the
part with the most reverential correctness, and such a
circumstance never fails to draw forth the greatest
applause from the critical audience that invariably
fills the hall on the performance of an oratorio.
Miss Lucy Franklein sang her portion of the music
with faultless accuracy, and again fully justified the
high opinion it has been our duty to pronounce on this
talented young lady's musical ability. Mr. Leigh
Wilson advances further forward every evening he
appears, and although " Elijah" does not give the
greatest scope for the tenor, there was enough for
Mr. Wilson to elicit unbounded applause. His
delivery of the solo, " Then shall the righteous,"
fairly enraptured the audience. Mr. Thomas,
Who had been announced for the important
bass part of " Elijah," was, unfortunately,
unable to appear, and Mr. Winn at the
last moment undertook the part for him. He
acquitted himself under the circumstances with the
greatest ability, and well deserved the applause his
efforts called forth. The chorus and orchestra were
all that could be desired, and the whole performance
did the utmost credit to the talented founder of the
society, Mr. G. W. Martin.