The Sun.
London, England, 1868-01-18 00:00:00

THE SUN LONDON, SATURDAY EVENING, JANUARY 18, 1868

MISCELLANEOUS NEWS.

From the Anglo-American Times.)
PARIS, Jan. 16, 1866.

The recent distribution of prizes and decora-
tions by his Imperial Majesty to the agricultu-
ral and horticultural exposants at the late Exhi-
bition withdraws again for an instant the veil of
oblivicn which, after a time, enwraps all things
earthly, and brings again before our contemplation
the mighty cause of which the effects will ever be
perceptible in the long future of progress, and
which will form a noble reward to the noble
genius with whom originated not merely the ab-
stract thought, but the perfect success of its em-
bodied reality. A visit to the ruins of the
Universal Exhibition conveys a touching and
instructive lesson of the perishable nature
of all earthly things, but, like the contem-
plation of a cemetery, conveying also the
feeling that the spirit of progress like that
particle of divine essence, the soul of man,
sleeps but to rise again, though no one knows
the shape or form which it may assume—and
whilst wandering through the ruins of that ex-
tinct temple one almost expects to find graven
upon the fragments the restirgam of the monu-
ments of the cemetery. Bnt it is more pleasant
to dwell upon the phases which yet form the link
between the future and the past. The brief re-
marks contained in the President's Message, in
allusion to the Exhibition, would serve to imply that
the Commissioners had presented their report to
Congress. Neither the report itself, however, nor
any great amount of detailed information con-
nected therewith, has as yet reached Paris, and it
is only in the occasional comments and compa-
risons of the Press that one can perceive again
and again the truth of the assertion that what-
ever may have been the drawbacks and circum-
stances which prevented the American section
from being so fully supplied as those of its neigh-
bours, that there were to be found in every
group and class chefs d'oeuvres unapproachable,
and foretelling with unmistakeable certainty a
future of unqualified success. In one or two letters
I have endeavoured to criticize the group of the
fine arts in the American section, and have, I think,
clearly proved that although lacking the advan-
tages of a long past of artistic renown, the native
energy has created in the reproduction upon canvass
of the glorious landscapes of their country at least
one special school of art, whilst in those which de-
mand labour and initiation, American artists have
acquitted themselves most creditably, and bad I
time in my present letter to pass categorically
through each group, and even class, I should find
in each, abundant testimony to the truth of my
assertions. Amongst the instruments of precision
and apparatus for instruction in the sciences, what
in the entire Exhibition could equal the planetarium
of Barlow, an instrument which reduces to practical
utility the sublime discovery of Galileo, and is un-
doubtedly one of. the most sublime discoveries of
modern science ? What musical instruments can
surpass those o! Chickering and Steinway, or of
the Schreiber Cornet Manufacturing Company,
New York ? But it is in those classes of industry
which refer more especially to the wants of every-
day life that the genius and energy of the American
character has displayed its most gigantic propor-
tions in the various steam engines of Hicks and
Co., Corliss, Dart, Pickering, Brown and Sharpe,
and Sellers, in the steam-drill of General Haupt,
in the various improved sewing-machines which
had their origin in the genius of the late lamented
inventor, in the locomotive engine of Grant, in the
numerous agricultural implements exhibited by
Wood, by M'Cormick, Bidwell, and many others;
in the safes of Herring and the locks of the Yale and
Wain Manufacturing Company, in the Ferris and
Gaffing guns, and in the perfect exhibition com-
prised in Mr. Bacon's bakery, in the soda fountains
of Dows and Guild ? But I have said enough for
my present limits, and in support of the hypothesis
which I have always so steadily maintained, I do
not speak of the rich mineral treasures from Ne-
vada, Colorado, &c., those rich and fertile districts,
rich not only in mineral wealth, but in natural ad-
vantages, which America so lavishly forwarded to
the Exposition, inasmuch as though bearing in-
direct testimony to the energy of American citi-
zens, its more direct testimony goes to show the
present advantages possessed by America, and those
still greater once of the future. I postpone further
consideration of this most interesting subject, but
before I dismiss the American part of my cor-
respondence, I may incidentally remark that there
exists a rumour in America that our respected Mi-
nister, General John A. Dix, will probably be
nominated for the Presidency on his return to
America, after the completion of his official career
at Paris, which approaches its termination; whilst
amongst the Americans recently presented at the
Tuileries on the Bth inst. are to be found the names
of Mr. and Mrs. and Miss Lippincott (Philadel-
phia), Mr. Walsh (Japan), Mrs. Cauldwell (New
York), Mrs. Bouligny (Washington), Mr. Wells,
General Quincy, and Miss Paine (Boston), Miss
Thomas, Mr. and Mrs. Frazer, Miss Blood, Miss
Forbes, Mr. and Mrs. Marop, Mrs. and Miss Clax-
ton, Mr. B. R. Winthrop, Miss Winthrop, and Miss
Gilbert (New York), Mr. and Mrs. Fassett, Miss
Wilson, and Mr. M'Cormick (Chicago).
Political news is at a discount at present in Paris,
whilst in the Legislative Assembly the discussion
upon the reorganization of the military service
winds its slow length along the debates, rendered
interesting from time to time by the clear and all-
persuasive eloquence of the War Minister, Marshal
Neil. There is no doubt of the measure of the
Government passing in its entirety and to the satis-
faction of all friends of order. Within the last few
days a thaw has succeeded the recent severe weather,
and Paris is, consequently, knee deep in mud. The
ice is breaking up on the Seine, which presents at
this instant an appearance well calculated to give
an idea of primitive chaos. Numbers of men
are employed in fencing off from the various vessels,
bathing establishments, &c., the immense blocks of
debris which the strong current of the river ever
and anon dashes against them, whilst countless
carts are engaged in withdrawing from the river
the same masses, and piling them in huge heaps
upon the shore, to be returned to their proper ele-
ment at a later period when the current shall have
again freed itself from its icy prison. The wolves
also have been making themselves remarkable of
late, and accounts of depredations upon the flocks

come in from all parts. The Carnival is approach-
ing its termination ; and whilst the great mass of
theatres, opera-houses, &c., are in full play, one
sees constantly advertisements of balls, Pars
Masques et Travesties, involving military music,
the triumphal entry of the King and Queen
of the Bean, with their guard of honour, composed
of the first dignitaries of the Court of Charles the
Seventh with the banners of the epoch. As the
entrance to these balls in Paris varies from 20 francs
to 25 centimes, there is accommodation for all
classes. The old custom of the King and Queen of
the Bean, the same as that observed in Twelfth
Night in England, is much kept up in France, and
last year it is said an amusing incident happened to
one of the employes in one of the public bureaus,
which turned out not a little to his advantage. Our
hero, who was a good-looking young fellow in the
Finances at some 1,200 francs per annum, though
by no means intemperate as a rule, was apt on some
occasions in the exuberance of his spirits to allow
the malt to rise above the meal. On the evening of
the Tivelfth Night the Medoc had proved somewhat
too powerful for him, and he sallied forth to brace
himself by the aid of the sharp breath of the frosty
Christmas night. As he descended the Rue Lafitte
a long line of aristocratic equipages blocked the
streets. An idea came into the confused brain of
our hero—be would see what it was all about-'-he
would take part in the affair; and opening at hazard
the door of one of the most gorgeous-looking equi-
pages, he shouted to the immovable-looking coach-
man "To the hotel." The carriage moved off at
once. Our hero, falling immediately into a blissful
slumber upon the luxurious cushions—not, how-
ever, before he had had time to see sitting opposite
to him a lady of the most ravishing beauty, and
covered with lace like a Madonna. When he awoke
he was in a splendid saloon, and by his side his fair
companion of the carriage. Your are the King of
the Bean, said a silvery but arch voice, and it is

now for you to choose the Queen of the evening.
Our hero had begun to recover his senses and
natural shrewdness. His first act was to choose as
his royal partner his fair protectress. "It is well,"
said a grave personage in black, " for the remainder
of the evening no one will take any orders except
from his Majesty the King of the Bean." I have said
that our hero had recovered his shrewdness, and as
he looked around the glittering uniforms of the
Marshals, the magnificent dresses of the ladies, and
last, not least, the presence of his Excellency of the
Finances, in person, clad in black, with the simple
ornament of the Legion, showed him that he was in
no ordinary assembly. Plucking up courage, how-
ever, and bethinking himself of the Arabian .Nights,
he addressed the Minister. "As you happen to be
Minister during my reign," said he, " I beg to re-
commend to your Excellency, for promotion, a
young friend of mine, at present engaged on a
salary of 1,200 francs a year." " I should be happy
to oblige your Majesty," said his Excellency, slyly,
" but they say your friend drinks a little." " That
will pass," was the reply, " when he is able to afford
a better wine." His Excellency laughed, and
bowed. The reign of the King of the Bean was,
however, rapidly approaching its termination, and
yielding to the repeated bumpers of champagne,
passed out by the fair hand of the Queen. His
Majesty again sank into the regions of forgetful-
ness. When he awoke again it was:naidday Ihe
was again in his little garret, and he rubbed his eyes
to assure himself whether or not the events of the
first night were not a dream, when the Concierge
entered with a letter and packet. The former was
from the Bureau des Finances, and announced his
promotion. The latter simply contained a diamond
ring. Our hero never found out his unknown pro-
tectress, but it is reported in diplomatic circles that
a certain most lovely and spirituelle Ambassadress
always laughs at the mention of Christmas festivi-
ties in Paris.

NAPLES, Jan. 10.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius is growing daily
more interesting. Last night two large streams
of lava were flowing down in the directio❑ of
Resina, but fortunately the cultivated lands are
still untouched. From Naples the sight is magnifi-
cent at night, the whole of the great cone appearing
envelopel in fire and smoke.
Signor Rattazzi has left for Florence after gather-
ing such ovations as a certain class of politicians
could offer him. The cafe gossips tell wonderful
stories of his negotiations with Lord Clarendon.
They are far too sharp to believe that a British
statesman can come to Naples merely for a holiday ;
and if the two notabilities have not met in public,
it was only better to hide their secret game !

The Pennsylvania Convention had its day of im-
portance, and for its little space made as great a
figure as any meeting either before or since. Mr.
Raymond, of the New York Times, in publishing the
part taken in it by him in answer to the Albany
Evening Journal, asserts that it originated with the
President and the Secretary for Foreign Affairs,
and that it was nbt intended for the foundation of a
new party, but to inaugurate a true Union move-
ment in the South. At that time Mr. Johnson
had not thrown those over by whom he had been
placed in power; he did not intend to help the
Democrats, but to tone down the extreme Radicals,
and to bring into the ranks, the moderate, the
doubting, and the wavering. The President had
been struck by a speech then lately made by Mr.
Raymond in the House, and Mr. Johnson urged
him to write an address embodying the same views
for the Convention, which Mr. Raymond agreed to
do, on the understanding that he would retire if the
meeting fell under the control of the Copperheads.
The feeling in the North was unknown to the ori-
ginators of the Convention, and in consequence all
the claptraps and stage effects not only added to,
but made ridiculous its failure. The celebrated
tour followed, and that Presidential escapade be-
came associated in the minds of the people with the
Convention. We regret the failure, and believe
that had the North been ripe for the moderate
measures then proposed, much of the suffering and
difficulty would have been averted. Mr. Raymond
says the " Republican party was not ready for it,
and the only Republican party we have, or are likely
to have in the South, is the Black Republican."
On the 27th of December the Legislatures of On-
tario and Quebec were opened the former at
Toronto, by Lieut.-Governor Stisted, and the latter
by Sir N. F. Belleau at Quebec. The occasion was
observed as a holiday, and the ceremonies were
greeted by the people with enthusiasm. Twenty-
nine delegates were present at Toronto, Mr. John
Stevenson being unanimously elected Speaker. The
Lieut.-Governor said he hoped that encouragement
would be given to immigration by the enactment of
making free grants of land
resources at the disposal of
tao 1 iabeetruaall hsoe mt t
leesrtse a. d
The resources
the Legislature were sufficient for all necessary pur-
poses, and he recommended a system of strict eco-
nomy. He ha,' reason to hope that the territory of
the dominion might shortly extend across the con-
tinent. At Quebec, Dr. Blanchet, of Lewis, was
elected Speaker. The Consuls of the United States
and of the principal nations of Europe were present.
Mr. Robert L. Harris has discovered an error in
the elevation hitherto given of Sacramento, Cali-
fornia, above the high-tide level. In running a level
for a railroad be found that the true height was but
21 feet, while that on which all calculations had been
based was 56 feet. The low tule grounds, just below
Sacramento, which have been hitherto considered
36 or 37 feet above the sea, are but one foot and a
half ! This fact, now established by Mr. Harris, is
very important, and especially valuable to the State
geological survey, and the various railroads, all
having heretofore accepted the commonly received
reports of the elevation of Sacramento as sub-
stantially correct. The Mining and Scientific Press,
remarking on this, adds that the California State
surveyhad been supposed to have
computing the height of Mount
geographical
an error
in
Davidson, as the figures of the Central Pacific
Railroad, based as they were on the idea that
Sacramento stood on an elevation 56 feet above the
level of the sea, gave a different result. The dis-
crepancy is thus accounted for, and the accuracy
of the measurement of the geographical survey
fully established.
Mr. Thornton left Liverpool for his post of Minif-
ter to Washington last Saturday. His presence is
required, as the question of naturalization is assum-
ing important dimensions, and the Alabama claims
are again rising into notice. The New York Herald
says :--" In view of the serious points for ulterior
issue which the Alabama claims question has at-
tained as between the Governments of the United
States
_and Great Britain, and in order to correct
misapprehensions as to the precise period and exact
character of the etecutive course of the Cabinet of
England towards the Jeff. Davis's rebel Confederacy,
we present our readers with a chronological record."
If the paper most extensively read in America de-
liberately desires to fan existing ill-feeling into the
flame of war, we have nothing more to say, for it is
free to choose the course it thinks best. But the
United States is mad in selling its surplus ironclads,
for if the points are so serious, and are to be met in
this spirit, all of them will be wanted, and a
great number more. The New York Tribune an-
nounced that Mr. Thornton was to proceed with full
authority to re-open the Alabama question. This
is contradicted by the Standard, which, in a leading
article on Wednesday, declared it to be morally im-
possible for England, without compromising her
dignity and honour, to snake any further proposi-
tion on the subject. The Standard is persuaded
that Mr. Seward's object is to keep open this ques-
tion as a convenient pretext hereafter for war—
which is bosh, for nations who desire to fight are
never at a loss for an excuse.

INTERNATIONAL. COIN.—In order to try the re-
sults of the Prouch International Monetary Commission,
which sat at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, for the pur-
pose of ascertaining if a uniform coinage cculd be adopted
by all the civilized nations of the earth, a gold picco has
just been struck as a common standard of money in
France, England, and the United Status. On the obverse
is the effigy of the Emperor Napoleon, crowned with
laurels, without any inscription ; and on the reverse the
following:—" 5 dollars-25 Trans ;" and beneath—" Or :
essai monetaire." This piece is also of the value of an
English sovereign.
The National Patent-office reports that the whole
number
of patents issued during the year was 13,016, be-
ing an increase of 3,515 over the number of patents issued
in 1866.

EASTERN NEVADA.

Throughout Nevada and the other mining States
and Territories the veins of ore here and there
discovered more or less productive, have had the
various works and claims grouped around them.
For instance, in the great mining district of Washoe
there exists but one ledge, in length 31 miles, and
in width from 8 feet to upwards of 100 feet ; but
that vein is the Comstock—the most productive in
the world. On it a great number of mines have
been established, such as the Savage, the Yellow
Jacket, the Hale and Norcross, the Cholar Potosi,
the Gould and Curry, and many more, some of
which give returns almost fabulous in amount, and
others, nothing. In the Reese River District the
belt is some six miles in length, running in innu-
merable small veins of highly concentrated ore over
a breadth of half a mile. Upon this belt is room
and opportunity for many more mining companies
than those operating on the Comstock lode. Within
an area of 500 yards are the North Star, Oregon,
Great Eastern, Magnolia, and Florida, with a few
others ; and there is room, it is said, in the district
for one hundred times the present mining operations.
The few mines upon this belt; last March gave
$105,000, and if the vein were fully worked, it is
calculated to yield $10,000,000 monthly. Such de-
velopment awaitsthe opening of the railroad, bring-
ing capital, labour, and cheap subsistence, a time
that will speedily arrive. Professor Sillinaln pre-
dicts that Austin before 1875 will contain a popu-
lation of 50,000, supported by the wealth of this
vein alone, independent of the rich mining districts
around. According to the assessor's returns there
are in Lander county, which embraces all the coun-
try we have endeavoured to describe, upwards of a
hundred mines. The term mine has reference more
directly to the work done than to the vein or ore ;
and is only applied when the shaft has been sunk
below water level, or where rich pay ore has been
taken out. The average yield per ton, as the fol-
lowing table shows, is of a high grade. It is taken
from the County As-,essor's Report for the last
quarter of 1866, as published in the Reese River Re-
veille. Mr. Myron Angel considers that a table for the
quarter ending March 31, 1867, about the date at
which he writes, would make a better show, and as
we happen to have a report for the quarter ending
Sept. 30, 1867, as published in our issue of Jan. 4th,
we give the following comparison, although we re-
gret that the names of all the mines in the one are
not to be found in the other :