The Sun.
London, England, 1859-02-19 00:00:00

THE FRENCH PRESS.

The Independence Beige gives the following as a
copy of a circular which has recently been addressed
by the French Government to the prefets, in ex-
planation of the Emperor's speech :

Paris, Feb. 12.
M. le Prefet,—The speech delivered by the Emperor on
opening the Legislative Chambers has become the subject
of very contradictory comments, the result of which is to
agitate and unsettle the public mind. This is an evil which
must be remedied. The policy of the Emperor is as de-
finite as it is elevated. Immoveably established, as he has
said, in the path of right, justice, and national power, it is
never provocative, but will never be pusillanimous. It is
ready to manifest itself wherever the cause of justice and
civilisation is to be assisted.
It is important, M. le Prefet, that the journals published
in your department should also be inspired with this noble
sentiment, and that they should say to the population, for
this is the thought of the Emperor, that war without a le-
gitimate motive is impossible, but that if the preservation
of his honour demands it, if one of those causes should arise
to which France is at all times passionately attached, tho
Government will not retreat from the idea of war, for war
would then be a necessity. Let the papers say, and say
again, that towards whatever result the will of the Empe-
ror may lead it, it is the duty of the nation which has so
often received the benefit of his wisdom, and which he has
made so great, to follow without hesitation.
A danger greater than any that can be incurred by war
is, that the spirit of the nation may become careless of all
but material interests, and forget the traditions of honour
and patriotism.
In this spirit the editors of journals should write, If it is
power ofEmperor, the
which hasimade itself heard
press to raise iteaanguago to the
throughout Europe, it can at least abstain from weakening
not
te in
adtohpeted pby
the effect of this interpretation by manifesting egotism or
pusillanimity.—Receive, &c.,
DELANGLE.

The Oriental Bank Corporation have notified that
the supplemental charter applied for subsequently to the
last annual meeting has been granted by her Majesty's
Government.

THE NAVY.

Yesterday morning the officers and men of the
Royal Marine Light Infantry, at Forton-barracks,
Gosport, were assembled at full parade in the bar-
rack square to witness the presentation of a silver
medal and gratuity to a non-commissioned officer
of the corps, awarded him by the Lords of the Ad-
miralty for long and meritorious services. 11711,--en
the men had been formed in the usual order Colour'
Sergeant Williams was called to the front, and after
being addressed in appropriate terms by Colonel-
Commandant T. Hurdle, C. 8., and Aide-de-Camp '
to the Queen, had the medal fastened to his breast
in the presence of the battalion on parade. Colour.
Sergeant Williams received with the medal the
gratuity of £l5. A similar ceremony took place the
previous day at Fort Cumberland, the head-quarters
of the Artillery Companies of the Royal Marines,
when the gallant Colonel presented Colour-Sergeant
Small, Royal Marine Artillery, with the silver
medal and the £l5 gratuity from the Lords of the
Admiralty—also awarded for long and meritorious
service.
Her Majesty's ship Nankin, 50, Commodore the
Hon. K. Stewart, was paid off at Chatham yester-
day.
Her Majesty's screw steam frigate Termagant,
25, Captain R. Hall, fitting at Portsmouth, bent
sails yesterday.
The following appointments were made yester•
day at the Admiralty :—Commander C. T. Curial
to the Algiers; H. Wilson, Assistant-surgeon, t°
the Algiers; R. Muuday, Paymaster additional to
the St. Jean d'Acre ; John St. John Wagstaffe, As'
sistant Paymaster, to be secretary's clerk of the
Chesapeake ; Edward R. Key, Assistant.payniete,rl
to be secretary's clerk of the Victory; Henry K.
Houghton, Clerk, to the Arrogant ; Alexander D.
M'Arthur, Clerk, to the Chesapeake ; Nicholas B.
Dennys, Clerk, to the Britannia; Alfred Hackman, ;
Master's Assistant, to the Persian ; Henry M. C,;
Welsh, Master's Assistant, to the Gannet; and
,
John Aylen, Master's Assistant, to the Termagam•