The Sun.
London, England, 1866-01-04 00:00:00

THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, JANUARY 4, lE€6.

LONDON, THURSDAY, JAIV UARY 4, 1866.

Mr. BRIGHT has a great contempt for all that
appertains to antiquity, and therefore we have a
good right to suppose that he includes proverbs
and sayings among his dislikes. Certainly, he
totally ignores the meaning of the adage which
implies that you can have too much of a good
thing. It is difficult to understand for what pur-
pose lie is continually addressing large meetings,
and repeating himself over and over again. It
cannot be to prejudice the people against any at-
tempt on the part of the Government to bring in
a measure of Reform, which was unquestionably
his motive at the period of the DERBY Go-
vernment contemplating the introduction of
such a measure. It cannot be that Mr.
Considers any educated person in the
country to be ignorant of his extreme views on all
public questions. Perhaps We shall be nearer a
solution of the enigma if we come to the conclusion
that the hon. member wishes to impress upon
Ministers his own vast importance ;
his he is speaking
to
opponents, but at his friends. We have be-
fore this met with some significant allusions made
by his friends and supporters as to the neglect with
which he has be
been treated, and Mr. BRIGHT went
say that, so far as to had he manifested a desire for
office, he could have obtained it. This may or may
not be interpreted into a declaration that he
would not assume the responsibili• ty. We know
that CESAR refused the crown at first, and thus

has furnished an illustrious example to all
who deem it advisable to hesitate be-
fore proceeding to extremities. Mr. Purlieu,
M.P., however, thinks it quite time that plain
speaking should be adopted in this important respect,
and therefore he boldly expressed his opinion that
" he should have had more confidence in the Re-
form movement if the great leader of the Reform
party in England, Mr. BRIGHT, now held a seat in
the Cabinet. If proof were wanting of the total
unfitness of the hon. member for Birmingham for
, occupying such an important position he certainly
' afforded it during his discourse last night.
Truth and justice were totally cast to the winds
when Mr. BRIGHT touched upon the dangerous
topic of Jamaica. If possible lie spoke out
still more vehemently than before, and displayed
his bigotry and intolerance to no ordinary degree.
He began by saying that the Government displayed
their weakness in tNo points : the first was their
conduct respecting Jamaica. As far as we can
make out, Mr. BRIGHT seems to think that Mr.
CARDWELL did very wrong in having nothing to
tell the great deputation when they waited upon
him. Mr. BRIGIIT told us before that he considered
the execution of GORDON to have been murder,
and he now drags in all the judges of the country
to keep him in countenance. He declares that there
is not a judge in the kingdom, not a law officer in
the three kingdoms, nor a lawyer in practice, who
will differ from him, when he says that the
execution of GORDON in all its acts " was a
mass of illegality," and no judge in the
United Kingdom but would say in his private
capacity that GORDON was murdered. We ask
emphatically is a man who addresses a public meet-
ing in this strain fit to lecture then upon the im-
portant subject of a change in the representation of
the country. He shows himself in his true colours
when he gets upon a topic like that of Jamaica.
He contradicts facts, makes unfounded statements,
charges honourable men with the commission of
deadly crimes, and, to crown, all he becomes abso-
lutely profane in his frantic attempts to give vent to
his excited feelings. Those who considered Mr.
BRIGHT, if mistaken in some points, was at any rate
sincere and consistent, will be shocked to peruse that
passage in his speech in which he refers to the last
letter written by GORDON. He declares that his
first thought on reading it was—" Why this re-
minds me of the temper and language of the martyr
STEPHEN. Men who go to such extreme lengths as
this are the most dangerous witnesses against
themselves, and in point of fact need no further
condemnation in the sight of intelligent and inde-
pendent persons. But it is because a large class of
ignorant and infatuated persons listen to Mr.
BRIGHT, and applaud his remarks to the echo, that
we take every opportunity, and trust that others
will take every opportunity, of denouncing his mis-
chievous course. In the first place, GORDON was
not hurried to death, but had two days for pre-
paration.

Mr. BRIGHT'S indignation is aroused by the re-
port that when Parliament meets there will be
a " desperate onslaught" made on the Go-
vernment respecting the course they have
pursued in this Jamaica affair. " One of those Tory
gentlemen said, " Ay, if So and So had been Prime
Minister, he would not have given way to the cla-
mour of a hundred Dissenting parsons." Such re-
marks Mr. BRIGHT considers most absurd, and he
drew a melodramatic picture of Mrs. GORDON
appearing at the bar of the House, and demanding
justice, and still further of her going as a suppliant
to the steps of the Throne as the widow of the
" murdered" GORDON, to seek redress from Eng-
land's widowed Queen. Such a claptrap ,style of
oratory is contemptible, and alike derogatory to the
dignity of him who indulges in it, and insulting to
the common sense of those who listen to it.

The course pursued by Mr. BRIGHT, and some
others of the leading Radical members about this
Jamaica business, has covered them with disgrace,
and proves how totally unfit they are to be trusted
with the conduct of affairs, or even to influence, in
any especial degree, the policy of the country. Fair
play is quite out of their line, and after proof has
been afforded they reiterate their former charges,
with a sublime contempt and a total indifference
for all that has been adduced since the subject was
first broached. Earl RUSSELL has made a complete
mistake, and one of an irretrievable character. It
has cast a blight upon the opening of his new career
of Premier, and may yet bring his tenure of office to a
premature and precipitate termination. It appears,
from Mr. BP.IGHT'S speech, that he has given offence
by not going far enough in vindicating the claims
of the ill-used blacks, so that the noble lord will
reap the due reward of his vacillation by pleasing
neither side. Mr. BRIGHT trusts that Mr. DISRAELI
will have too much sense to permit the " shocking
atrocities" committed in Jamaica, or a defence of
them, to be in any way associated with his public
character or career ! Perhaps he speaks his wishes
in thus expressing himself, and endeavours to pro-
pitiate the Tory party by informing them that he
can't believe they will make the question
of Jamaica a battle-ground during the enis
suing session," as if the faction of Exeter Hall
had not been making it a battle-ground with
a vengeance for some weeks past, and
were not ready to hurl defiance at all
who presume to treat their comments with the
scorn which they deserve, or compare their extra-
vagant assertions with correct details aad authentic
reports.
The second proof of feebleness which Mr. BRIGHT
has discovered in the present Government is, that
Earl RUSSELL has asked Lord STANLEY to join his
Administration. This is a confession of weakness,
it seems, as if Earl RUSSELL " acknowledged to
the world that the Whig party, as far as States-
manship was concerned, was worn out. If so, he
considers it to be their own fault, because they have
never been careful to fill up their vacancies by the
able men of their own party. The hopeful spirit of
the member for Birmingham will not quail, however,
iAf
bablely. He thinksthe old Whigs are deposited in Westminster
that a very good Government
might be formed out of the three hundred and
sixty Liberals who now appear in Parliament, and
that it is quite inconsistent to go over to the
Opposition to seek recruits. We have no doubt
that Mr. BRIGHT thinks Earl RUSSELL might have
looked in his direction, instead of seeking the ser-
vices of Lord STANLEY.

The chief impression whichll.lr. BRIGHT'S speeches
carry to us is that he is more like a barrister hold-
ing a brief than a public man representing the in-
terests
of a great country. The other day it was the
Tory party that had to sustain his sledge hammer
attacks ; now the Government come under the tire
of his denunciations for their hesitating policy
about Jamaica. He talks glibly enough about new
Reform Bills and the importance of enfranchising
the people, but we look in vain for principles, for
steady purposes, and for a consistent character in
his orations. He accuses his opponents oZ mono-
poly and prejudice, but we see how prejudiced he
can be himself when he takes up an idea. To con-
vince him of the injustice of his language concern-
ing Governor EIRE and those who assisted him
would be a hopeless task ; but he will find out,
when it is too late, that he has squandered his repu-
tation and thrown away his influent; by preferring

to advance the cause of a faction instead of taking
his stand on the broad basis of principle, which
knows no divisions of party, and is fettered by no
ties of bigotry.

The exorbitant price of butchers' meat has long
been a standing grievance to all classes of the com-
munity, and, thanks to the steady and unrelenting
progress of the cattle disease, there appears little
chance of any speedy reduction. Setting aside the
vexed question of the butchers' profits, there has
been for the last several years an increasing demand
for meat, and consequently an increase in the price.
Housekeepers nowadays would rejoice over the
prices of some ten or twelve years ago as a wonder-
ful boon, but even without the cattle plague there
was no prospect of a return to them. The demand
is, in fact, increasing very much among
the working classes, who, naturally enough,
when they earn good wages, like to obtain
the best and most nourishing food. Neither are
they wrong in trying to obtain the best kind of
food to sustain them under the exhausting influences
of hard work, and too often of bad air and bad
water. But the consequence of the growing de-
mand on the butcher from classes who in the
last generation hardly ever thought of touch-
ing meat naturally induces him to raise his
prices, especially since, thanks to our English
fashion, everybody wants the same parts of the
animal. A Frenchwoman would make an excellent
dinner out of what an English mechanic's wife would
scorn to buy. The inevitable frying and roasting are
very ill-adapted to economising the material, and
consequently many very useful parts of the animal
are almost put out of the category of regular
butchers', meat, and only sold, if sold at all, in
scraps to the very poorest. It is very much to be
regretted that more efforts are not made to teach
our young women the art of cooking, since, how-
ever homely an accomplishment, it closely affects
the health and wellbeing of those working classes
which form the sinews of our population. Simple
as the question of household management may ap-
pear at first sight, the intemperance and improvi-
dence which throw thousands on the public charge
owe a great part of their origin to the lack of it.
We should like to see this homely lesson included
in our national schemes of education, since, if pro-
perly learned, it would tend very much to diminish
the struggles and sufferings of the respectable
poor.

There is another department of purveying in
which almost all English people, high and low, are
very neglectful. With the continued high price of
most kinds of nourishing food, and with dairy pro-
duce liable, as we have seen, to be at any time
affected by an epidemic, pleasant, wholesome food
may be obtained almost for the trouble of getting
it, and yet this trouble is not taken. The natural
advantages which we possess we do not avail our-
selves of, and, thanks partly to old-
fashioned prejudice, partly to mismanagement,
and partly to indifference, our magnificent
supply of fish is turned to very little account.
With railways running in every direction at all
hours of the day and night the question of transit
is not to be considered ; and with a very little con-
trivance, far less than is necessary to bring up the
thousands of gallons of milk now daily coming to
London, our hard-working poor might get a com-
fortable and nourishing meal for about half the
price they would have to give for an indifferent
meat dinner. With improved legislation, or rather
the removal of legislative interference with the
fisheries, there would probably be still more
difference, while a considerable increase in the
consumption of fish would of course diminish the
excessive demand on the butcher, and thus reduce
the price of meat. The consumption of fish in
London is by no means insignificant ; but, thanks
to the price, it is chiefly used by the upper classes,
and not by those within whose means it ought to
come more readily than any other kind of food.
The Report of the Deep Sea Fisheries Commis-
sion which is now before us is full of interesting
information. This Commission was appointed some
two years ago to inquire into the condition of the
deep sea fisheries, and more especially to ascertain
how far they had been affected by the modern
system of fishing. In pursuance of these objects
the Commissioners have visited most of the fishing
stations of the three kingdoms, taking the evidence
of the fishermen and others [acquainted with the
subject. The value of the British fisheries proves
to have been hitherto underrated rather than exag-
gerated. " The produce of the sea around our
coasts bears a far higher proportion to that of the
land than is generally imagined. The most fre-
quented grounds are much more prolific of food
than the same extent of the richest land. Once in
the year an acre of good land carefully tilled pro-
duces a ton of corn, or two or three cwt. of meat
or cheese. The same area at the bottom of the sea
on the best fishing grounds yields a greater weight
of food to the persevering fisherman every week in
the year." Weare further told that five vessels in one
night's fishing brought in 17 tons of fish, or an
amount of wholesome food equal to that of 50 cattle
or 300 sheep, and yet the ground which they
covered during the night's fishing was not more
than 50 acres in extent. On a rough calculation,
the Commissioners have estimated that London con-
sumes an average of 90,000 tons of beef annually,
and 80,000 tons of trawled fish, irrespective of her-
rings, sprats, and shell-fish, supplied by other means.
So that the weight of beef and fish annually con-
sumed in London is in no great disproportion,
though when we come to consider the relative price
the case is very different.
" The fisherman receives on an average little over
£7 a ton for his fish, prime and offal together—the
farmer is readily paid for his beef not less than £6O
a ton." This difference in price does not benefit
the consumer but the retail dealer, who charges
ls., is. 3d., and ls. 6d. a pound for prime fish
which he buys at Billingsgate for 3d. and 4d. per
lb. The Commissionersivery seriously suggest that
a check might be put on these exorbitant charges by
the publication of a daily return, signed by
the Clerk of the Market, giving the wholesale
prices of the different kinds of fish sold at Bil-
lingsgate. If this were regularly published
in the newspapers, the IVest-end fisherman would
feel a little embarrassment in quietly asking fifteen-
pence a pound profit for his own share, or five-sixths
of the amount charged to his customer. It is strange
that competition has not brought down the prices, but
this is probably due to the fact of fish being regarded
more as a luxury than as a cheap and wholesome part
of the regular household supply. Yet, even as
the supply at Billingsgate is not equal to the de-
mand, while the old adage which tells us that there
are more fish in the sea than ever came out is
strictly and literally true. The North Sea fisheries
are only partially fished. The Dogger Bank
has an area of several hundred square miles
yet unworked, and new grounds are constantly
being discovered where fish are most abundant.
The average depth of theGermanOcean between Eng-
land and the Continent is ninety feet, and one-fifth
of it is occupied by banks which are being con-
stantly increased by the muddy deposits of rivers.
In extent these banks are equal to the superficial
area of Ireland, and " this great, and prolific area,"

adds the commissioner, "is free to the industry of
all." The substance of their recommendations is
simple and practical. They advise that all acts of
Parliament which profess to regulate or restrict the
modes of fishing in the open sea be repealed, and
unrestricted freedom of fishing be henceforth per-
mitted. They encourage the adoption of free trade,
recommending that foreign fishermen should be
freely allowed to enter British ports for the sale
of fish, and that the same liberty be secured to
British fishermen in foreign ports. With the ex-
ception of a few police regulations in certain dis-
tricts, they are opposed to any interference with the
public right, though they think of leases for a
limited period might be granted to companies.
They consider that the total supply of fish ob-
tained upon our coasts has not diminished during
the last few years, and that the modern system of
fishing is not wasteful or destructive. The supply
they believe to be capable of augmentation "to an
extent the limits of which are not indicated by any
evidence" they have been able to obtain.

There is no doubt that the publication of
this Report will give a stimulus to enterprise
and competition, and if any method can be
adopted which shall guard against the profits of
a plentiful supply, and an increased demand going
into the pockets of the retail dealer to the detriment
of all other classes of the community, great good
will be done. We can hardly believe it possible
that so profitable an opening to enterprise and in-
dustry will be longer neglected, especially when the
question of how to feed our ever-increasing millions
becomes daily more and more urgent.

CORRESPONDENCE FROM PARIS.

--~o- -

(FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.)
PARIS, Monday Evening.

There is nothing of political interest to-day, and
if there were, even an important event would be
disregarded, for this day—New Year's Day--is con-
sidered as the greatest of the year, and is devoted
to friendly and cordial visits and kindly greetings.
The weather has been magnificent. Seldom has
such been remembered in January. The sun has
been shining from morning till evening, not a cloud
was seen, and it has been really hot. All Paris has
been out of doors ; and the friendly visits paid.
Every one has been to see the gaudy and curious
novelties in the shops. In addition to the regular
establishments for the sale of all sorts of " unconsi-
dered trifles," on the boulevards are erected not a
few but miles of temporary wooden shops, at
which you may buy any imaginable or unima-
ginable production under the sun. The array
of attractive wares gives a flat contradiction to the
assertion that there is nothing new under that lumi-
nary. Then as to the crowds? In all they have to-
day formed a dense mass of human beings, reaching,
if one abreast only, almost from " Indus to the
Pole." As to the display of articles, each year
more novelty, ingenuity, and industry seem to be
exhibited. The toy shops are really marvellous.
There is much in them to drive the rising generation
half mad ; but " children of a larger growth" have
to-day been spurred into the same category. The
prices of these glittering wonders must suit all
purses, for you can buy things for a few sous or
lay out hundreds of pounds even upon toys. You
pay your money and you take your choice. At one
of these establishments are figures of two ladies,
the cost of whose dresses and ornaments is esti-
mated at more than two thousand pounds. A
story is current of the silly exploit of an Eng-
lishman at one of these toy-shops. Seeing
the representation of a battle between the mutineers
and the English troops, and conveying the idea that
the latter were defeated, he purchased the toy, pay-
ing for it the modest price of 25 francs. He ex-
pressed a desire to buy more, and was accommo-
dated with a dozen—all in the shop. He then went
all over the shop, which is in the Rue de Rivoli, and
purchased more toys of another kind. Having paid
the " little bill," amounting to the respectable figure
of 1,875 francs, he gave vent to his indignation at
the exhibition of articles, which he said were " in-
tended to turn England into ridicule." A parcel
was made of them all, and our Englishman, beckon-
ing the shopman towards the fire, asked him to help
him to burn them. The astonished shopman, after
some hesitation, complied with the request, and the
customer seemed to gloat with delight over the
burning remnants of the articles made for the pur-
pose of " insulting England." Their destruction,
however, did not sate his vengeance, for on leavinghe
expressed his determination to go to all the other
toy-shops and serve all articles intended to bring
England into contempt in the same way. Upon the
whole, there is more cordiality and goodwill in the
New Year's Day greetings in France than in Eng-
land. In the villages and small towns the inhabi-
tants rise at daybreak, and go from house to house to
wish each other la bonne anne'e. Then there is such
kissing and cordial shaking of hands. Men all kiss
each other as well as the women and children. It
is not a Judas kiss, but a kiss of fraternity and
hearty aspiration for a happy new year to each
other.

To-day, among the " upper ten thousand" costly
presents are made, and mountains of visiting cards
exchanged. At Court this has been a busy day of
diplomatic ceremony and etiquette. The Emperor
has received all the Foreign Ministers, and lunder-
stand that the complimentary answers of his
Majesty to their addresses exhibit even more than
the accustomed spirit of cordiality and hearty
good-will.

It may not be generally known that Napoleon
the Third is as religious at home as he is cou-
rageous in the field and wise at the council. He
seldom omits to attend Mass at the Chapel in the
Palace. On great fete days—Christmas-day for
instance—the service is very impressive, and a
select number of visitors are admitted by card or
invitation. Gentlemen pay a certain attention to
dress, and wear white cravats. The ladies are care-
ful in their toilette. On such occasions the hour
for Mass is noon. The Emperor and Empress, with
the young Prince and members of the Imperial
family, are seated on a Tribune opposite the Altar.
When the huissier announces the Emperor every
one rises, the Priests come from the vestry-room,
and. after bowing to the Altar salute the Em-
peror before beginning Mass. It lasts about
half an hour. The credo, and all the principal
passages of the Mass, are executed by the most eminent
artists of Paris, under the direction of Aubor. Behind the
Emperor are the Grand Marshal of the Palace, having at
his right M. Darboy, the Archbishop of Paris ; and at his
loft the Grand Chamberlain, the Duke of Bassano. Around
them are the Marshal Commandant of the Imperial Guard,
the great officers of the Crown, the aide-de-camp, groom,
and State attendants. The latter attend Mass every morn-
ing at eight o'clock. Behind the Empress are the chief
Lady in Waiting, the lady on service at the Palace, the
Grand Chamberlain to her Majesty, and other attendants.
When Mass ig finished the priests who have celebrated it
at the foot of the altar again bow before it, and again salute
the Emperor and Empress. They then retire to the
Sacristy, and their Majesties proceed to their apartments.
The Emperor gave a private audience yesterday to
Prince do Metternich Winneburg, Ambassador Extraordi-
nary for the Emperor of Austria, who presented to His
Majesty the insignia of the Order of St. Etienne, just
conferred upon the Imperial Prince. The Ambassador
stated that the Emperor of Austria was desirous that the
heir to the throne of France should at an early period be
made acquainted with the sincere interest felt by his
Majesty towards him, and which would never diminish.
The Emperor, in his reply, said he was deeply ton hed,
and that he should express his feeling by letter to the
Emperor; and that the young prince would ever remem-
ber the high proof of solicitude exhibited on the part of
a Sovereign for whom his father felt a sincere friendship.
The Empress yesterday received M. Paul Feval and the
Curateur of the Society of Men of Letters, to present a
work published by the care of the Committee to herself
and the young Imperial Prince. Her Majesty, in grateful
terms, expressed her thanks and those of the Prince.
A man named Cheron, residing in the commune of Thi-
bouville, has just murdered his wife. The children, on re-
turning from their work, found the poor woman dead
behind the door. The husband on being arrested con-
fessed that having quarrelled with his wife he struck her
on the head with an iron bar.

The working men of Paris, who seem to be now sick of
strike; have just formed an important society called the
Mutual Association of Bricklayers and Stonecutters.. The
affairs of the society are to be managed by three directors,

and it seems likely to be attended with useful results to
the artisans connected with it.

There is now living at Chaillot, near Paris, a woman
named Lahoche, who, though upwards of 100 years old,
goes out daily to work as a sempstress. She is such a good
needlewoman that her services are always in demand, and
her eye-sight is as good as ever. She is the widow of a
sapeur of the Grand Army, and often relates anecdotes
of interest relative to the first Napoleon. The death is
announced of M. Thuillier, Councillor of State, after a long
illness. M. Thuillier, who had just attained his 50th year,
was not only distinguished as a Government orator in the
Chamber, but took an important sharo in matters con-
nected with religion and education.

For the advantage of the very few English journalists
who now attack the Emperor and his Government, it may
be well to explain the tenour of the regulations which
will in future be adopted towards foreign newspapers
generally. The Independance, a Brussels paper, was re-
cently seized at the Post-office because it contained an
article of an exceedingly bitter and injurious tendency
relative to his Majesty and his Government. French
newspapers are subjected to two warnings when they
indulge in such mischievous diatribes, and if the offence
be repeated, the future publication of the journal is pro-
hibited. Henceforward the seizure of a foreign newspaper
is to operate as a warning, so that after a second seizure
a newspaper so offending will not be allowed to enter
France again. lam in the habit of reading most of the
newspapers daily, and I can assure you, with confidence,
that much latitude is allowed to their political strictures.
I am inclined to believe that a French newspaper may in-
dulge as freely in fair and legitimate comments upon pub-
lic men and measures as any respectable and fair-dealing
English journals. Indeed there is one Opposition paper
here which uses such violent, uncalled-for, and unmeasured
language against the Government that if the Government
were as arbitrary as it is sometimes represented to be the
journal in question would have long ceased to be in exis-
tence.

PARIS, Tuesday Evening.

None of the Paris papers appeared this morning,
and the evening journals, although seized upon with
avidity, for the Parisians cannot bear to be without
news, do not supply any matter of interest. At the
Bourse to-day the feeling was that of confidence,
and the 3 per Cents. and 41 per Cents. closed at an
advance of 25c.

The Belgain Government has appointed M. Von
Praet, Minister of the Household of the late King
Leopold, to make the official announcement of the
death of the late Monarch to the Emperor
Napoleon. It is stated that certain confidential
instructions, sealed and addressed to M. Von Praet
by the late King, contain some important political
views which King Leopold has entrusted to his
executor to communicate to the Emperor. This
fact will explain the change of the personage now
selected to confer with Napoleon the Third relative
to some essential points arising out of the new posi-
tion in which Belgium is placed. The Prince de
Ligne was at first designated as the individual ap-
pointed for this delicate, if not difficult, mission.
I have reason to believe that the communication
chiefly relates to eventualities which might arise
from the change from a Protestant to a Catholic
Monarch in Belgium.
A trial for murder is about to take place at Ver-
sailles, before the Court of Assize for the Department
of Seine et Oise, the circumstances connected with
which will give it a place among the causes celebres
of modern times. The accused, a man named
Poucet, is about thirty, and for about half of his
life he has been in prison for various offences. He
has been convicted of forgery, coining, and robberies
of all kinds. His companions and friends have
generally been convicted thieves. He has escaped
from prison over and over again, and, having been
transported to Cayenne, he contrived also to escape
from that penal colony, and, embarking on
board an American cruiser, he reached New York.
There he made the acquaintance of a rich
old gentleman, named Lavergne, who formerly held a high
Government situation at the Mauritius, and came with
him to Paris. The prisoner obtained possession of a large
sum of money belonging to M. Lavergne. He was on
very intimate terms with M. Lavergne. A few months
ago he induced him to go to Argenteuil, town not far
from Versailles. Two days 'afterwards the body of M.
Lavergne was found in a wood frightfully mutilated.
Various circumstances have been discovered which tend
to connect the prisoner with the murder and robbery. In
1862 the prisoner was tried for robbery. He was defended
by M. Leon de Bartholemy, who obtained his acquittal,
although the circumstances wore very suspicious. The
prisoner has written a curious letter to that gentleman,
requesting him to undertake his defence upon this more
serious charge ; and his former advocate will again appear
on his behalf.

A Italian paper received in Paris to-day states, that the
difficulties in the way of the recognition of the new king-
dom of Italy by the Government of Wurtemberg are now
removed, and that the recognition will shortly take place.
The Emperor, in his reply to the congratulatory ad-
dresses of the Diplomatic Body, said :
"Every year at this period we look at the past and
throw a glance at the future. It is fortunate when we can,
as it is the caso now, congratulate ourselves upon having
avoided dangers, removed apprehensions, and drawn
closer the bonds which unite Kings and peoples. Fortu-
nate, above all, of the experience of accomplished events,
allows us to augur for all the world long days of peace
and prosperity. I thank the Diplomatic Body for the
congratulations which they have just addressed to me
upon the occasion of New Year's-day." You will see
that this reply of the Emperor completely confirms the
anticipations which I was enabled to give of it yesterday.

PARTS, Wednesday Evening.

The congratulatory tone of the answer of the
Emperor to the usual addresses of the Diplomatic
Body on New Year's-day, and the expression of
his desire to draw closer the bonds which unite
kings and peoples, has produced a satisfactory feel-
ing in Paris, and confidence at the Bourse has in-
creased to-day again, exciting a tendency to a rise.
Some of the Paris papers speak of it in a highly
laudatory tone ; but, strange to say, the leading
Opposition journal, the Siecle, does not even publish
the document.
A letter has been received in Paris from Rio
Janeiro, stating that considerable sensation has
been excited by the attempted assassination of
three Frenchmen at that town on the 30th of Oc-
tober last, but no details are given. Indeed
the circumstances do not seem to have transpired,
as a committee of their countrymen had been ap-
pointed to investigate the matter.
The taste for Exhibitions seems to be on the in-
crease in France. There is to be an International
Exhibition of articles connected with fishery at
Boulogne-Sur-filer, from the Ist of April to the
16th September of this year. It will embrace the
fisheries of the ocean, rivers, lakes, canals, and
ponds, and all matters connected both with sea and
river fishing, comprising models of fishing boats,
their equipment, and those of fishermen, nets, and
machines for catching fish ; specimens of salt used
in curing them, and modes of curing and packing
them for transport. Also plans to improve the pro-
pagation of fish, and books and engravings illustra-
tive of facts connected with them. There will also
be an aquarium to rear and feed fish.

The event of the day in the musical world is the
production of a new opera at the Theatre d'Lyrique.
It is the composition of M. Adrien Barthe, and is
called "La Fiance d'Abydos," but were
Byron alive he would be puzzled to re-
cognize it as his " Bride of Abydos." M. Jules
Adeni', who is responsible for this ingre-
dient of the opera, has, however, produced some
very dramatic effects. The heroine, Zuleika, has a
very different fate from that assigned to her by By-
ron. Her name is preserved, but her destiny is
changed. At the moment when her brutal father
insists upon her union with Osman, and attempts to
poison her for refusing, a faithful mute slave gives
her a perfumed rose, which acts as an antidote.
When her lover is about to put the fatal draught to
his lips, the slave stops his arm, and points
to the reviving Zuleika. All ends happily,
and they are married. As to the music it
is somewhat mediocre and wants originality.
One is often reminded of Verdi, Rossini, and
Auber. I must, however, say that some
morceaux were much admired, but this opera will
never be a great success. For the most part it is
too noisy. There is too much clashing of instru-
ments. Ismael did what he could as the father,
and Madame Carvalho as Zuleika was at times
encored.

While I am speaking of music, let me tell you
that Verdi has entered into a contract with the
director of the Grand Opera to compose a new
opera, and it is said that he has undertaken to
compose in future only for the French stage. The
new production is to be called "Don Carlos."
" Don Juan" will first be produced with what is
called a marvellous cast.

The past year was not very remarkable for musi-

cal progress. The great incident was the produc-
tion of Meyerbeer's " l'Africaine." Next to it in at-
traction, or at all events in production, was Mozart's
"Enchanted Flute," which still delights the Parisians.
Auber's " Muette de Portici," and the debut of
Mdlle. Lichtmay in the "Huguenots," that of Mdlle.
Manduit in " Robert le Diable," and of Mdlle.
Bloch in " The Trouvere," formed the succeeding
attractions to the lovers of music, and then the
production of " La Duchessa di San Guilians," and
" Crispini e la Comare," at the Theatre Imperial.
The Opera Comique had not a very tempting year.
The great exception was the production of Felicien
David's " Saphir." The chief revivals were " The
Mousquetaires de la Reine," " The Deux Chas-
seurs et la Laitiere," " The Toreador," " The
Porcherons," and " The Ambassadrice." The
debut of Madlle. Flory in " The Chalet" was very
successful.

Rather a curious circumstance is mentioned in one of the
Paris papers : the death of a pony aged 37 years. A re-
markable fact is that the animal, though fed like the other
horses belonging to his master, preserved his fatness and
strength to the last, and drew easily a four-wheeled chaise
containing four persons. It would jump over ditches, and
never seem fatigued, for after a long course it would return
to the stable quite fresh. By a strange coincidence this
animal died a few days ago, after the death of an old servant
of his master, M. de Cardhaillac, residing at Vic-Bigome, in
the Lower Pyrenees. This man paid particular attention to
the pony, which recognised him as a dog does his master.
Lately we had in Paris the freedom of theatres. The
monopoly of coach masters is about to expire, and there
will shortly be no monopoly of public vehicles. After the
lath of this month any one who wishes to have a coach for
public hire may do so upon obtaining permission from
the Prefect of the Seine and paying the required duty
The privilege of the Imperial Small Carriage Company
is withdrawn, upon payment of an indemnity. A strange
document is translated by some of the Paris papers from
the Europe, a Frankfort journal. It is an address from the
Greeks of the Valley of the Danube to Prince Couza.
Stripped of its metaphor and laudation, the object
of this address is to invite Prince Couza to co-ope-
rate, with the aid of King Georgo of Greece, Prince
Michael of Servitt, end Nicholas of Montenegro, in over-
throwing the dominion of Turkey, and to divide that por-
tion of the East between them. Prince Couza, is known to
have written an answer to this address, but the tenour of
it has not transpired at present. It is said, however, to be
couched in gracious terms.
It is said that the opening of the session of the French
Chambers will take place on the 22d inst. The workmen
have already commenced the requisite preparations for the
reception of his Majesty at the Louvre in the Salle des
Etats, where various changes are to be made.
The herring fishery has concluded for the season. The
French fishermen report that the take of herrings was most
inferior to that of the previous year. Indeed, long resi-
dents at Paris state that within recollection the season was
never so short as this year, and the fish never so scarce and
so dear.