The Sun.
London, England, 1866-01-12 00:00:00

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THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, JANUARY 12, lE€6.

LAW INTELLIGENCE—This Day.

__,..____

COURT OF CHANCERY.
(Before Vice-Chancellor Sir W. P. Wood.)
KNOX V. GYE-THE ROYAL ITALIAN OPERA.

COURT OF QUEEN'S BENCH.
(Before Mr. Justicls Blackburn, Mellor, and Lush

SWARBRICK V'. WILLIAMS, AND OTHERS.
Mr. Brett moved for leave to enter the verdict in
this case for defendants. The case was tried at
Liverpool, and was instituted by the plaintiff,
Mrs. Mary Swarbrick against the defendants,
who were the trustees of the second St.
Andrew's Perpetual Building Society, for
the recovery of £lO7 profit and iaterest, the
amount the plaintiff had deposited with the
society. It was stated in the rules that a member
not having executed a mortgage, and being desirous
of withdrawing, should be enabled to do so by giv-
ing a month's notice. This being the position of
the plaintiff she wished for the repayment of her
deposits, and gave the requisite notice, but the de-
fendants said the money of the society was invested
in mortgages, and therefore they were not in a posi-
tion at the time she applied to return the money,
but that it would be paid her in the order of rotation,
as other persons had given notice of withdrawal, all
of whom would be paid as soon as the money from
the mortgages turned into the society. The jury
gave a verdict for the plaintiff for the amount
claimed, but reserved leave to defendant to move.
The Court granted a rule to show cause.

COURT OF EXCHEQUER.
'Before Chief Baron Pollock and Barons Bramwell.
Martin, and Piggot.)
WILSON V. JONES.

Mr. Brett in this case moved for leave to enter
the verdict for the defendants. The action was
heard at Liverpool, and was instituted by the plain-
tiff to recover the value of a policy of £2OO
effected with the defendant upon his interest in
the Atlantic cable, he being a shareholder in the
company. The cable was shipped on board the
Great Eastern, and the vessel sailed, but after more
than half of the cable had been laid, it will be re-
collected, the cable parted, and the plaintiff then
called for the payment of his policy. For the de-
fendants it was alleged that they were only liable
for the amount under certain circumstances. It
could not, they alleged, be called a peril of the sea
that caused the cable to break, because the ocean
was calm at the time, and, also, that it was not un-
likely that the part of the cable now submerged
would be recovered and used for telegraphic pur-
poses.

The court granted a rule to show cause.
PIERCE V. BROOKS.

Mr. M. Chambers moved in this case for a new
trial. The action was originally brought against
the defendant for the recovery of the price of a
brougham purchased of them. At the trial it was
alleged that the brougham was supplied for the
purposes of display, and there were other matters
in the case which induced the jury to give a verdict
for the defendant. Mr. Chambers said the jury
had taken upon themselves to judge of the character
of the lady using the brougham, and therefore they
had gone beyond their province, and on that ground
he felt he was entitled to the rule.
The Court said it would take time to consider.

COURT OP PROBATE AND DIVORCE.
(Before Sir J. P. Wilde.)
DAVIS V. BEES.—CUP.IOUS WILL CASE.
This was a suit promoted by the plaintiff; as exe-
cutor, to prove in solemn form the will of Enoch
Rees farmer, formerly of Morgdunchary Lllanarth,
Cardiganshire, which was disputed by the defen-
dant, the next of kin of the deceased, on the ground
of:undue execution.
Dr. Spinks was for the plaintiff, and Dr. Swabey
for the defendant.
It appeared that the testator at the time he made
the will was suffering from smallpox, and was blind.
He affixed his signature to the will, but not in the
presence of the attesting witnesses, who signed the
document in an adjoining room. The two attesting
witnesses were examined, after which the learned
judge pronounced against the will, but allowed the
costs of the litigants out of the deceased.

COURT OF BANKRUPTCY.
(Before Mr. Registrar Hazlitt.)
IN RE NORRIS (LATE M.P. FOR ABINGDON).
This bankrupt was described as a printer, of
Aldersgate-street, and he came up to-day to pass his
last examination and for the order of discharge. It
may be remembered that at the time of the adjudi-
cation considerable surprise was expressed at the
failure, as Mr. Norris was supposed to be a man of
property. He was M.P. for Abingdon up to the
time of the dissolution of Parliament, and, in addition,
was a common councilman of the City of London.
When the case was called on this morning, the re-
gistrar remarked that there must be an adjournment
as no accounts had been filed.
Mr. Reed, for a creditor, stated that he should
have on next occasion to put some questions to Mr.
Norris as to certain property which had not been
handed over to the creditors, and the learned
counsel would add that the inquiry might be
of a somewhat painful character, in the event
of the property not being handed over. He
made these remarks, and based his observations upon
letters which had been written by the bankrupt,
who would do well to communicate with the as-
signees before the next hearing.
Mr. Norris said he had nothing to conceal.
Mr. Beswick, who appeared for a number of com-
positors, urged that they were entitled to a fort-
night's notice in accordance with the rules of the
trade.

The Registrar referred the matter to the bank-
rupt's manager, and generally adjourned the case
for two months.

(Before Mr. Registrar Pepys.)
IN RE WOOD.
This bankrupt was described as the secretary to
a number of Irish railways, and to-day he came up
to pass his last examination and for the order of
discharge. The debts are about £74,000, and the
assets £4,000.

Mr. Lawrence, for the assigness, did not oppose,
and the order was granted.

POLICE INTELLIGENCE.—This Day.

MARLB ORO UG 11-STREET.
A SAD CASE.—lnspector Harrison, of the C divi-
sion, accompanied by a young man, named John
Carnal, waited upon Mr. Knox this morning, when
the inspector stated that the young man had saved
up with the intention of commencing business as a
fishmonger the sum of £l7 13s. He deposited the
money in a box, in which there was also a quantity
of clothes and other articles, and left the box in his
room, while he went out to find an eligible
situation to open a shop. On his returning to his
room, after being absent some hours, he found that
some persons had entered the room, and carried
away the box and its contents. The police had
been usinr, every endeavour to trace the property
and the thieves, but up to the present time had not
succeeded in doing so.
In reply to Mr. Knox, the inspector said he had
not the slightest doubt as to the truth of the young
man's story.
Mr. Knox, after remarking that it was a cruel
robbery, ordered the young man £2 out of the poor
box, for which he seemed thankful.

WESTMINSTER.
MATRIMONIAL CAUSES ACT. PROTECTION
ORDERS IN HUMBLE LIFE.—A poor but cleanly-
looking woman, appeared before Mr. Selfe, and
asked him to grant her a protection order.
Mr. Selfe—What are you ?
Applicant--A charwoman. I get my living en-
tirely by going out to work at ladies' and gentle-
men's houses.

Mr. Selfe—How long has your husband leftyou?
Applicant—He went away in the morning of last
Christmas-day twelvemonth, sir.
Mr. Selfe—Has he done anything towards your
maintenance since ? .

Applicant—Nothing. He left me under very cruel
circumstances. I have three children to maintain,
and being left by my husband in such distress I was
obliged to go into the workhouse with my little ones.

This was another phase in this complicated case.
The plaintiff in the first instance instituted pro-
ceedings against Mr. Frederick Gye, the lessee of
theßoyal Italian Opera, Covent-garden, with whom
it was stated a partnership existed with respect to
the management of the theatre, for a statement of
the profits of the undertaking. The parties were
executors of the late Mr. Thistlethwaite, who was
an officer in the army, and who was killed in the
Crimea, and who, previous to his departure from
England, was interested in the theatre. The
Vice-Chancellor, after hearing counsel at great
length declared against Col. Knox, but directed that
a certain sum of money should be paid him under a
bond, which was then in existence. The case was
then taken before the Lords Justices on appeal, and
their lordships refused to alter the decision of the
Vice-Chancellor. 'The present proceedings were
now commenced by Col. Knox, as executor of the
late Mr. Thistlethwaite, against Mr. Gye for a full
inquiry into the expenses and profits of the theatre,
and also for payment of the money directed by the
Vice-Chancellor. The suit was opposed by Mr. Gye
one of the pleas being that the time that had ex-
pired since the death of Mr. Thistlewaite, had put
a barrier to all further proceedings by Col. Knox.
The case seemed to occupy the Court over the
whole day.

THAMES.
BROTHER AI\TD SISTER.—Mrs. Susannah Emmer-
son, a very respectable matron, of No. 22, Buros's-
street, St. George-in-the-East, appeared to answer
a summons which charged her with assaulting Mr.
Joseph Woodley, ginger-beer maker.
The complainant, a tall, strong, and hearty man,
said—l'live at No. 4, Hope Cottage, Church-lane,
Limehouse. I was in the house of my sister. I
went there to ask for a few things belonging to me.
She flew into a violent rage and struck me over the
head and stunned me.
The complainant, having thus briefly delivered
himself, was about to leave the witness-box when
Charles Young, who appeared for the defendant,
said " Stop, Mr. Woodley ; I have a good deal to say
to you." He subjected the defendant to a long and
searching cross-examination. He said he was not
inebriated when he called on the defendant.
He asked her for a white sheet, and she said she had
it away. He did not say to her " Your husband
frightened me so much as to force me to bed." He
might have said she was a liar. He did not make
a hole in the wall with his fist. He did not break
a lamp.

Mr. Charles Young said this was a most un-
founded charge. The complainant, who was a
" great hulking brute and a coward," went to the
house of his sister and abused her. He slapped her
face twice, and then made a blow at her with his
fist, but fortunately he missed her, and "sent his fist
through the lath and plaster division of her sitting
room. He also kicked at her. To prevent the
complainant preferring a charge of assault, he had
preferred a charge himself,
The defence was completely proved by witnesses,
and the summons was at once dismissed.
POOR-BOX AELIEF.—The principal city companies,
noblemen, gentlemen, and, tradesmen having placed
at the disposal of the magistrates (Mr. Partridge
and Mr. Paget) large sums of money for the relief
of the poor a large amount of good has been effected.
This morning upwards of 500 destitute persons,
mostly aged females, thinly clad, and poor widows
with families, who bad been recommended by the
clergy and respectable ratepayers known to the
officers of the court, were relieved with money and
tickets for coals, grocery, and bread. Mr. Living-
ston, the chief usher, who had made all the neces-
sary inquiries to prevent imposition, distributed the
cash and tickets, and he was assisted by his
son and Mr. Charles Young, the solicitor,
who entered heart and soul into the good
cause. People having business in the court were
put to some inconvenience by the assemblage of so
many persons opposite to, and in the passage of,
the court, but this was counterbalanced by the
gratification of so many of our necessitous fellow-
creatures being relieved at this inclement season of
the year. Great numbers asked for printed forms,
and were informed that no more would be issued by
the magistrates this year, and that those whose
forms had not been already filled up, and whose
cases had not been investigated, would be relieved
on Friday morning next. After that relief would
only be afforded in cases of well-known and urgent
distress arising out of investigations in open court.
Mr. Paget disposed of the urgent charges (only
five) at 11 o'clock, heard a summons, and adjourned
the court for an hour.

Burning of the Ship taranoa at Sea.

-1-

The long list of casualties in connection with Bombay
shipping during the present year is now increased by the
burning of the ill-fated ship Maranoa nine days after leav-
ing Bombay, but fortunately unaccompanied by the circum-
stances of distress usually attendant upon the burning of a
ship at sea.
The Maranoa, Captain Birch, left Bombay on Nov. 6,
with a cargo of coals for Aden. She experienced fine
weather and a fair wind until the 14th, up to which time all
went well. On this date the wind dropped and a calm en-
sued, the heat of the weather being excessive. During the
day steam was observed coming up the hatches, when an
immediate examination of the cargo was made, but nothing
was discovered to lead to the conclusion that the coal was
on fire ; all appeared perfectly safe, and the hold was quite
cool.

At 4 a.m. the next morning-, the 15th, it was noticed
that very little steam was coining up the hatches, but at
daylight it was observed that the steam began to assume
the appearance of smoke, and about the same time a mo-
derate breeze sprang up. At six o'clock it was ascertained
beyond doubt that it was smoko coming up from below,
and the terrible reality broke upon them that the cargo
was on fire. In order to be prepared for any emer-
gency that might arise, two water casks on the deck
were immediately filled with fresh water. Shortly after-
wards the cook, who was going aft towards the captain's
cabin, perceived flames coming up the after ventilator,
which he immediately reported to the captain, who had
remained on deck nearly the whole night from apprehen-
sions of danger. The captain immediately ordered the
hatches to be battened down, in order if possible to stifle
the flames, and assembled the entire crew to acquaint them
with their position. He then divided them into gangs.
The first was placed under the orders of Mr. Cowell, the
Ist officer, who was directed to get the boats out; the
second gang, under the direction of the steward, was ap-
pointed to g6t provisions and water in readiness for the
boats ; while another was employed in passing water on to
the after hatch, it having burned through a few minutes
after being battened down. It was then found necessary
to place all the spare sails over the hatch in order to get the
boats off the skids, which were directly over the after batch.
The fourth gang was occupied, under the direction of the
fourth officer, in getting the topgallant studding sails out
of the tops to make sails for the boats. By half-past 9 the
chronometer, compasses, the crew's kit, and a supply of
provisions had been passed into the boats. Having only a
limited quantity of fresh water, an attempt was now made
to get a supply from below. The head pump pipe was cut
away as far down as possible, when the Ist officer and a
seaman named James Roach volunteered to proceed below
and place the end in a water cask, which they succeeded
in doing, although the smoke was most dense at the time.
At that moment the hatches blew up with a loud explo-
sion, when flames and densoyolumes of smoke issued from
all the hatches. The crew were then called aft, and held
in readiness to get into the boats. By noon flames were
breaking out all over the ship, and the masts and sails
then caught fire. The crew immediately took to the
boats ; the flames in the meantime were found breaking
out of the ship's side within a foot of the water-line. At
half-past twelve the boats were compelled to cast off from
the ship in order to avoid being swamped by the falling
masts and spars. Ten minutes afterwards the main-
mast fell by the board, the boats meanwhile lying
on their oars to watch the progress of the flames. Au
hour afterwards the mizenmast fell over the side, and at
three o'clock the foremast fell, taking with it the jibboom.
As nothing was to be gained by staying longer by the
burning vessel, the captain considered how best to provide
for the safety of the crew. They were then in lat. 1541
N., and long. 58.34 E., or about 700 miles from Bombay.
To have returned to the latter place would have been im-
possible, owing to head winds, and it was therefore de-
cided to steer for Aden (about 900 miles.) Sails were at
once rigged, and in order to keep together, all the boats
were taken in tow of the long boat. At nine o'clock the
same evening it was found necessary to cast adrift the
second cutter, it being leaky, and three men being found
insufficient to keep it afloat. At midnight the ship had
burnt down to the water's edge, and at four o'clock the
flames suddenly disappearing, it was then known that she
must have gone down. At daylight no traces of her
could be seen.

During the whole day the boats continued their course
without a vess3l appearing in sight. No vessel was seen
either on the following day ; the boats continued in tow of
the long boat ; the provisions were served out at regular
hours, but it was found necessary to restrict the water to
one quart for each man per day. On the 18th they ex-
perienced a moderate E.N.F. wind, but no sail appeared in
sight. At daylight on the 19th they sighted Bast Fortak,
bearing N.N.W., and about 40 miles distant. It was found
necessary to still further restrict the supply of fresh water
to one pint and a half per day for each man. On the even-
ing of the 19th the breeze freshened and the sea rose,
during which the stern of the gig was dragged out, and her
provisions and crew had to be transferred to the other
boats, the injured boat being cast adrift. This day
and the next were both passed without any vessels being
sighted, but on the morning of the 21st a vessel was ob-
served bearing south. They trimmed sails and put out all
the oars to overtake her, which they accomplished in two
hours, when she proved to be a native bungalow. They
obtained a supply of water, and parted company at nine
o'clock, being then abreast of Macullah, and made all sail
again for Aden. No other vessels were seen during the
remainder of the day, and at daylight the next morning
(the 22d) land was seen a long way off. During the day
several birds alighted on the boat and remained.
At noon the smoke from a steamer was observed,
bearing S. W. by S. Sails were trimmed in order to ap-
proach her, and the oars got out to assist their progress.
The ensign was also placed at the masthead of the
long-boat, with the " Union" down as a signal of dis-
tress. The anxiety of the crew was now intense, but it
was soon relieved, for by the steamer changing its course
and bearing down for the boats it was known that their
signal of diStress had been observed. By 1.20 they were

Mr. Selfe—What property have you, then, to be
protected ?
Applicant--Furniture.
_ _

Mr. Selfe—Haveiougot it since your husband
left you, or is it what you had with your husband ?
Applicant—lt is the furniture that we had toge-
ther, but it was seized for rent. Some ladies and
gentlemen have redeemed it for me, and I shoald
not like my husband to come back and take it away.
Nobody will do anything more for me unless you
grant me a protection order.
Mr. Selfe—The law says the order must be for
property acquired after the desertion. This furni-
niture was seized. You may take the order for
what it is worth.

The crew of the Maranoa, numbering in all 31, had thus
been more than a week in open boats, during which they
had proceeded over 800 miles, and had arrived within 160
miles of Aden. During this time the whole of the crew
behaved most courageously, not a murmur" having escaped
any of them. They are loud in their praises of the kindness
shown them by the crow and passengers of the Malta.
The men of the Maranoa were fortunate in saving all
their kit, but the, captatn has been a heavy loser by the
dreadful calamity which has overtaken his ship. A sub-
scription was raised on board the Malta for the relief of the
sufferers. The idea was suggested by Captain Hyde, and
so warmly commanded the sympathy of Mrs. Black, that
Rs. 700 were collected, the list being headed by his Ex-
cellency Sir Robert Napier. Of this sum it is proposed to
give Captain Birch Rs. 200, owing to his heavy losses, the
remainder to be delivered among the crew. At dinner on
Wednesday evening a letter was read from the captain
acknowledging, on behalf of himself and crew, the great
kindness and liberality shown by the passengers and officers
of the Malta.

The cause of the burning of the Maranoa appears to
have been spontaneous combustion. The vessel was owned
by Messrs. Gibbs, Bright, and Co., of Liverpool, the Bom-
bay agents being Messrs. Wallace and Co. She was insured
for £16,000, and had been chartered, as above stated, to
convey 2,000 tons of coal to Aden for the use of the Bom-
bay and Bengal Steamship Company, which cargo is also
insured.

AMERICA.

-0-

Our advices fronrNew York are to the 30th ult. The
New York Times of that date has the following article upon
the President's Message :
The treatment of foreign affairs by President Johnson,
in his annual message, has been received with as general
favour abroad as was accorded in this country to his treat-
ment of domestic affairs. Its dignified, moderate, and
statesmanlike character is recognised, and its pacific tone
is pointed out and warmly praised. It is evident there
was an expectation that the message would have assumed
somewhat of a belligerent style in its discussion of our
English and French relations ; but neither with regard to
claims against England, nor Mexican intervention, can a
threatening phrase be found. President Johnson, as one
of the journals remarks, has been denounced in Europe as
a violent, sanguinary, restless demagogue, only eager for a
cause of quarrel with other nations ; but though no better
cause is likely to present itself than has bean within his
reach, he exhibits no eagerness to plunge into war. The
Star philosophically sets forth a principle which we have
from time to time attempted of late to enforce, when it says
that the President " has apparently arrived at the con-
clusion that the refusal of national demands does not neces-
sarily require an immediate appeal to arms ; that nations
may differ, even about important questions, without hurl-
ing their armies to mutual destruction, and striving to
crimson the sea with blood."
The few sentences devoted to Mexico in the message were
of course scanned with the most eager interest.; for this
was the question, above all others, on which the opinions of
the American people were known to be at once unanimous
and decided, and the question upon which several high
military and civil officials had expressed themselves with
most vigour. What the President said on this subject was
found less easy of exposition than other parts of the mes-
sage ; but the London writers do not regard it as in any
way menacing. It would of coursa be more interesting to
know what is thought on the subject in France ; but our
dates from Paris do not reach to the time at which the
message was there received. It is gratifying to see by the
general scope of the European press for the last few months
how rapidly the impression is passing away there that we
are a quarrelsome and bullying people. We do not wish the
idea removed that the Americans are a high-mettled pedple,
ready to defend the national honour against any assailant,
and we do not fancy there is any danger of this being called
into account anywhere ; but far as this spirit differs from
that of the braggart, so far would we have our policy differ
from that which has been so generally attributed to us in
Europe. The change abroad may be attributed to two
causes—firstly, a better knowledge and estimate of Ameri-
can character; secondly, to the better tone of our public
documents and the public press. There has been a thou-
sand times more intelligence circulated in Europe about
America during the last five years than during the whole
of the previous period of our national existence ; and this
circumstance will contribute much to the maintenance of
mutual respect and of our pacific relations. We have few
demands to make of the Governments of Europe. Our re-
lations with them-should be very simple. It is our fortune
not to be interested in their dynasties, or to be capable of
trenching on their boundaries, or to have any antagonisms
with their interests. If we dislike the despotism of some
nations or the manners of others, we do not propose to at-
tempt the overthrow of the one or the reform of the other.
All we ask of them in their dealings with us is the meres t
justice ; and while they concede this there is no clangor
whatever of our insulting them, or seeking for a war with
any one of them.

In another article the same paper says :
The eminently conservative and conciliatory first annual
message of President Johnson to Congress had been received
and published in England only one business day preceding
that on which the Australasian loft Liverpool for this port.
Yet it was so favourably interpreted, and so generally re-
garded as " highly satisfactory" on all the important issues
of which it so clearly and cogently treats, that a prompt
and marked increase of orders for American securities in
London and Frankfort, and a decided improvement in
prices, were the immediate results. This sudden revival
of the foreign demand for our public funds found the prin-
cipal sources of supply abroad inadequately provided with
the favourite stock, the original issue of the Five-twenties,
which private letters from London to the latest dates quote
up to 65 and 654 on a steadily advancing market. When
the news reached Wall-street yesterday government bonds
and notes stiffened up sharply, and few large parcels were
obtainable at even the improved figures, partly because the
floating supplies had recently been much reduced by pur-
chases for home investment, and partly because the lead-
ing holders anticipated a further decided rise in prices,
both at home and abroad. An effort to execute the fresh
orders in season to make shipments by this day's outward
bound steamers led to an appreciation of 1 to lf per cent.
in the market value of the Five-twenties of 1862 and of 4 to
1 per eent. in the latter issues of the same class of bonds,
all of which were quite scarce in the open market. The Six
per Cents. of 1881, and Ten-Forty-Five per Cents. also par-
ticipated in the improvement, though rather less noticeably.
Seven-Thirties were in very brisk request, and decidedly
dearer. Some two weeks since, on the revival of the demand
for these notes, which were then selling as low as 96 to 964,
we predicted that they would approximate par before the
close of the year. The sales of yesterday were on the basis
. _ _

of 98f to 98i, and the firm closing quotations were 981 to 99,
the first series leading, of course. As the inquiry gains rapidly
on the supply, prices tend strongly upward. Compound inte-
rest legal tender notes were in active request and quoted on
the advance—the older issues being now very rarely offered
in, the open market, at any price. The growing ease in the
money line fosters the disposition to invest in the lucrative

and reliable national loans. The January dividends on
Government stock, bank and railroad shares, and other in-
terest bearing and paying investments, will be unusually
heavy, and at the opening of the new year will bQseeking
profitable employment. It is anticipated that a very liberal
portion of them will be re-invested in the public bonds and
notes, as these afford the safest and—all things considered
—most liberal income. With the assurance of an active
home and foreign competition for the national stocks, of a
rigidly economical administration of the national finances,
and of judicious legislative action on revenue and other

measures—our people can look forward with confidence to

.he future•of the credit, to maintain which, without _ . .

stain or blemish, has been their steady aim, and' uniform

purpose, from the foundation of the Government, as now
"by law established."
The Fenian squabble still continues to fill manycolumns
of the New York Herald. An address to the Fenian Sis-

;erhood appears in the same paper, and runs a.siollows

To ALL BRANCHES OF THE FENIAN SISTERHOOD, GREET-
[NG :-My Sisters—For years have we listened with an-

guish, as some breeze has floated round us laden with tears
and moans of agony, wrung from the hearts of our poor

people at home. But now we hear no moans ; we see no

ears ; a silence almost ominous announces that the storm

i • at hand. Steadily advancing, by " the patient dint,"
which it has taken years to accomplish, by "the powder
shock,", which will soon be felt across the waters, WO

know that the hour is nigh to give us back our mourn-
ing Erin, our " crownless queen." Two hundred thou-
sand mon at home in Ireland, stung to madness by
injury and oppression, have resolved to drive the tyrant
from their inheritance or perish in the attempt. Self-
sacrificing and noble, they gave their all proudly,
thankfully, but as the majority of these revolutionists
are poor. men, even their all is inadequate to the
great work before them. Thus is it that they call upon
their friends in America for aid. That aid will be given

promptly. The harvests in Ireland were never more
luxuriant or plentiful than now; the men are fearless and
determined, but they are not all armed. Yes, those brave,
glorious men of ours sigh not for "foreign aid," but they
will call upon their friends and kindred for arms. And it
behoves every man, woman, and child who cherishes a
spark of affection for the old land to see to it that their

aid, however trifling, be given in a cause holy and pure—
the freedom of our people—the driving out from "Holy

Ireland'? of the slimy serpent which has crept in among

alongside what appeared to be the Peninsular and Oriental
Company's mail steamer Malta. The captain of the Maranoa,
probably thinking it ho.peless to expect so many to be taken
on board the mail steamer, merelyasked to be supplied with
water, and to be allowed to continue their voyage to Men.
This, however, Capt. Hyde of the Malta would not listen
to. It appears that before reaching the boats they had ar-
rived at the conclusion that their services would be required,
and after consulting Captain Black it was decided to bring
all the crew on to Bombay. The preparations had already
been made, and tackle for raising the boats prepared ; and
before Captain Birch had time to express regret that
his boats would have to be cast adrift, they were hauled on
deck, and the mail steamer was again proceeding on her
voyage, but little more than two hours having elapsed since
the steamer was first sighted.

the heath and shamrocks, desecrating even our fathers'
graves. Ireland shall be free, and by our efforts. Blessed
thought ; how it quickens the pulse; how it gives fresh
energy to the fainting heart ! And new, my sisters, what
will you do ? This is the last opportunity you may ever
have to evince your devotion to the land you love so well.
Pray unceasingly, but at the same time work energetically.
Do not wait to have the way pointed out. A soiree, fes-
tival, or fair might prove a source of profit to our funds.
These are only suggestions, however. Different branches
will take the matter Pinto practical consideration. Lot no
true-hearted sister shrink aside in this crisis of our fate.
We are not raising money for a church, or a school-house,
but we are aiding to sustain a revolution that will free
our country. In the meantime preparations might be
made to swell the funds by outside contributions, such as
those suggested. Each branch, however small,' can ac-
complish something, if the true spirit exists among its
members; if they are worthy soldiers in our sacred army.
Ireland shall be free. Ah, think of this. Her smiling
valleys, her green hills, her lonely mountains shall be the
abodes of freedom and happiness. The banner of terror
shall float no more over her woe; but from " Bendearg
to Cape Clear" our glorious " Sunburst" shall flash out
from its olden setting, pure and unspotted as when
"Brien smote down the Dane." Surely, surely,
this object is one for which we may well work with super-
human strength. Surely the time has come when our
services are needed—when we may prove to the world the
object for which we organised 20 months ago. For this
object we have borne contempt, have brooked contumely
and insult from many who should have counselled and aided
us. But this is a time to "forgive and forget," and• all
who clasp hands for Erin now are our friends. As for us,
we will vie with one another to lay rich offerings on the
shrine of our common country. We cannot do too much
we must not do too little: For her sake, for our sake, we
will pluck at least one thorn from her lacerated brow.—
Faithfully, your sister in the.cause,
ELLEN A. MAHONEY, H. D. F. S.
Christmas passed over without any sign of the negro
"insurrection," which it was stated awhile ago had been
fixed for that period. A local disturbance at Alexandria,
Virginia, caused, it would seem, by ex-Confederate sol-
diers, is thus reported in the Washington Chronicle of
Dec. 27 :

"A serious disturbance occurred in Alexandria on Christ-
mas-day, which came near resulting fatally to a number
of coloured men, and indeed may yet so result. It ap-
pears that a large number of- men, as nearly as we can
learn chiefly ex-Confederate soldiers, took it into their
heads to celebrate Christmas by a general onslaught on
the negroes. They commenced by imbibing freely of
those beverages usually indulged in largely at this parti-
cular season of the year, and having, attained a very high
pitch of Dutch courage,' resolved themselves into a
sort of volunteer patrol organisation, and started out on 1

a general reconnaissance around the city, many of them
armed with pistols and other weapons, and wherever
they met a man with a darker skin than their own instantly
declared war against him. These rowdies, for some time
during the forenoon, had matters very much their own way,
going about the streets singly or in squads, freely display-
ing their weapons and boldly hallooing for Jeff. Davis,
Gen. Lee, and other leading rebels. Three coloured sol-
diers, belonging to Battery Rogers, while standing at the
corner of Prince and Fairfax streets, were set upon by a
party of these ruffians and badly beaten. Another party
broke into Chappell Hall, corner of Duke and Washington
streets, where the coloured people were holding a meeting,
broke up the assembly, and inaugurated a general mel6e.
The coloured men defended themselves, and shots were
freely exchanged, a white man named Mitchell receiving a
severe wound in the head, which it is thought will prove
fatal. The firing of pistols was heard in streets in diffe-
rent parts of the city all through the day, and a number of
coloured men were assaulted and beaten, besides several
wounded with pistol shots. Among the latter were John
Anderson, shot in the head, and Robert E. Sanders, skull
fractured. They were both removed to the hospital, but
are not expected to recover. The riot having become
serious, about 1 p.m. Mayor Ware applied to the military
for assistance. A telegraphic despatch was sent to General
Augur, who sent instructions to use as many troops as
were necessary to restore order and preserve the peace. In
pursuance of these instructions three companies of the Bth
Regiment, Hancock's corps, were called out, and some
threescore or more of the more conspicuous among the
rioters were arrested and sent to the slave pen. The affair
seems to have been arranged beforehand, if we may judge
from the accounts that have reached us, as it has every ap-
pearance of having been deliberately entered upon, and the
men appear to have come out in the morning fully prepared
for it, many of them wearing grey uniforms and carrying
pistols, as before stated. We could scarcely have believed
it possible that such madness could have existed almost
within the shadow of the capitol. The ruffians who

thus gave vent to their blind rage and prejudice
against the coloured race are the worst enemies the
South now has. It is to be hoped they will meet the

punishment they so richly merit, and be taught a lesson on
this subject which will not soon fade from their memories.

Every man convicted of participating in this disgraceful
affair should suffer the full penalty prescribed by law. It
may bo that further information will place the matter in. a

less unfavourable light; but so far as we can judge at pre-
sent, the disturbance was entirely the work of the white

men, and from no provocation whatever, but, on the other
hand, had every appearance of being premeditated and pre-
concerted.

Governor Worth, of North Carolina, has announced his
assumption of office in the following telegram to Mr.
Seward :

Raleigh, N.C., Dec. 28, 1865.
Hon. W. H. Seward.—Sir,—In pursuance of your de-
spatch of the 23rd instant, communicating to me a copy of
a communication addressed by order of the President to
W. W. Holden, Provisional Governor, whereby he is re-
lieved of the trust heretofore reposed in him, I have this
day entered upon my duties as Civil Governor of the State,
having been heretofore qualified before both branches of
the General Assembly. I desire, through you, to assure the
President of my earnest desire to co-operate with him in all
measures tending to the complete restoration of harmonious
relations between North Carolina and the 'United States.—
I have the honour to be, with great respect, your obedient
servant, JONATHAN WORTH.
The following general order has just been issued by
General Grant :

War Department, Adjutant-General's Office,
Washington, Dec. 28, 1865.

General Orders, No. 169, from the Adjutant-General's
office, dated the 11th inst., is hereby revoked, and the fol-
lowing is substituted :—" Military division and department
commanders will reduce the civilian employes in the seve-
ral corps and staff departments of the army within their
respective commands to the lowest possible number. At
all posts, stations, and places where troops are on duty in
sufficient numbers to furnish details to take the places of
civilian employ& without injuriously affecting the efficiency
of the troops for the strictly military duty required of
them, the civil employ6s, except clerks, will be discharged,
and extra duty men substituted for them. When civilians
are retained, preference will be given to persons who have
been honourably discharged from the military service,
those disabled by wounds being first preferred. All civi-
lian employes who have not been in the military service
will be discharged as fast as they can be replaced by those
to whom preference is given in this order. Department
commanders will see that no unusual or unnecessary num-
ber are retained, and that every facility is given for pro-
perly and efficiently guarding and protecting the public
property.—By command of Lieut.-General Grant.
E. D. TOWNSEND, Assistant Adjutant-General.
Captain Semmes has arrived at Washington from Now
Orleans, by way of New York, under the custody of Lieut.
French, of the Marine corps, and is a prisoner at the
Navy Yard. The details of the court to try him had not
been prepared,