The Sun. — 1863-12-23 (London, England)

WELLINGTON COLLEGE.  The boys of Wellington College gave their annual concert on Monday evening to a numerous assemblage of the neighbouring nobility, gentry, and clergy. Music has now re• covered its place—lost for two centuries—as a recognized part of a gentleman's education, and by the aid of an efficient music-master, a good organist, and choral service, the Wellington scholars enjoy an opportunity desired by many in vain, and are making good use of it. Everybody was struck with the palpable improvement upon last year. Of course, when the material consists exclusively of boys, variety can only be attained by the ingenious adaptation of pieces meant for matarer voices, and by efforts of rather an ambitious character. But, under these circumstances, the success was great. The concert opened with Bishop's glee, " Stay, prithee, stay," sung by the whole choir in a way to assure their own courage and inspire the hearers with confidence. Of Mendelssohn's " Lark Song,"and Leslie's, trio, "Memory," the former was sung with appropriate buoyancy; the latter with as much melancholy as Messrs. Hay, Strettell, and Burton had at command on the eve of breaking•up day. Mr. Maxwell had to surpass his last year's performance, and, as this could not be done in brilliancy and flexibility, it could only be in graver sentiment. Bishop's " Daughter of Erin" appeared to be chosen for this purpose, and was sung with most touching sweetness and pathos. Leslie's "From your choral chambers" showed a careful mastery of difficulties. Mr. Bishop, the music• master, with the aid of the whole choir, wound up the first part with Bishop's " Tramp Chorus," with a spirit and precision that showed his command on the attention of his pupils. After a pause the " Vesper Hymn," from the music of Beethoven, was given by Messrs. Hay, Strettell, Baker, and Moberley—the effect of distant chanting by the chorus in another apartment—and the illusion would have satisfied the most mystic cravings of our London playgoers. Mr. Maxwell again was himself,—that is, what he was a year ago, but can hardly expect to remain a year longer, in Balfe's " Good Night," sung by him and Messrs. Browne and Moberley. Mr. Bishop had a piece to himself in More's wine song, "I come from the bountiful Rhine and gave it with all the joyous effect which the theme is supposed to inspire. The full choir bade adieu to the brilliant ranks before them in Greenwood's serenade, " Gentle Lady," and finished with Leslie's " Joy Bells" and " God save the Queen." Mr. Bishop, Mr. Maxwell, and several others were rapturously encored. Of the instrumental pieces, all done with much care and taste, perhaps the most striking was the overture to " Guillaume Tell," by Messrs. Ghica and Maitland,  The trial of Luke Charles, for the murder of his wife, at Pendleburg, was brought to a close at Liverpool, yesterday. The prisoner was found guilty and sentenced to death.  A PUGILIST "AT HomE."—A good story is current respecting King, the pugilist, and the "host" of Hassocks'-gate Inn, where he resided during his training. It appears that a day or two previous to the encounter with Heenan, King, during his " play hours" from training— the " ruling passion" being strong in him—induced "mine host" to have a set• to in the parlour, the host to do all the hitting, the great pugilist stipulating not to return it, but only to parry the blows. Warming at his work, "mine host" let fall his blows both fast and furious. " Now," said King, who was standing with his back close to the wall of the room, " hit me full in the face." Quick as thought the request was responded to, and with equal quickness aid King avoid the blow by shifting his head, when the knuckles of the worthy host went with such tremendous force against the wall that the sponge was immediately thrown up. Indeed, so serious was the injury sustained, that mine host was compelled to seek surgical aid in Brighton, and there is every probability of his retaining a lasting memento of the visit of the great pugilist to his house.—Surrey Standard.