OUR LONDON LETTER.

Hawke's Bay Herald, Volume 7, Issue 441, 28 November 1863, Page 2

OUR LONDON LETTER.

Introduction-^ Giwst at Some— The GJtost t in Cliancery— Sir Robert Peel at Tamworth Grand International Rifle Match— Tlie St. Leger— The Sun an animal—TJie Confederate steam rams — Tlie Confederate steamer Florida — ttur men hanged at Liverpool—Exciting Sport — Talk— A Wizard hilled— Death of Mr. Ellice, M.P. — Tlie fleet at Liverpool — European politics — America — Miscellanea. London, Sept. 26, 1863. We have got a very pleasant glimpse of fine weather, though, as a rule, for the last few weeks the pleasure-seekers have been badly off. A friend of ours -who had been for two or three weeks in Scotland, replied to a question if the weather had been fine, " Oh, pretty fair, one day it didn't rain at all I" The harvest has not finished quite so successfully as it began, though it is still very good. The Queen, Prince, and Princess remain in Scotland, but are expected back south before verj long, whereupon it is supposed all loyal subjects 'will also return from east and west, and north and south, to their respective homes. The Germans have been having a politico-economical conference at Dresden, and our own Social Science Conference is shortly to.be held in Edinburgh. THE GHOST AT HOME. While all the world is running to see the wonderful ghost of Mr. Dircks and Professor Pepper, you would perhaps like to have some description of the apparition. It is really the most marvellously effective illusion ever publicly exhibited, as there is nothing but actually seeing a real man tlwovgJi the unreal one, to prove to you that the latter is not real flesh and blood. One of these performances consists of three scenes f-om the well known story of Faust and Marguerite. The theatre is darkened, and, as the curtain, rises, Faust is seen as an old man poring over his books. Disgusted with the result .of all his studies, and longing for the return of that youth which he now looks back upon as wasted, he invokes the Fiend. In a moment Mephistopheles is standing in the middle of the stage, with a satanic smile and beckoning finger, and offers to the old man youth, health, and wealth, for the trifling equivalent of his soul. The figure of Mephistopheles has such a solid look, the play of the features, the stirring of the shoulders, the quivering of the limbs, and the movements of the lips as he speaks are so visible, and so absolutely true to life, that the spectator begins to think that this cannotyet be the Ghost. It is, however, for as Faust passes behind you can see him through the body of the Fiend. To make certain of his prey, Mephistopheles shows Faust a vision of Marguerite, on which he consents, signs the bond, and is immediately transformed into a young and vigorous man. Marguerite again appears and the scene closes. It will be needless to describe the scene throughout, the story is so well known ; but the effect is surprising, and the last scene, where the repentant Marguerite is carried to heaven by angels, is really beautiful. The great illusion, of course, results from the fact that the ghosts are the reflected images of real persons, so that every look and gesture is appropriate to the words spoken. To increase the deception in the instance spoken of, all the persons represented do actually appear on the stage during the performance. THE GHOST IN CHANCEKY. But the ghost is not confined to theatres and music halls. It has had the honor of being formally introduced to the Lord Chancellor. Certain pei-sons pretend this is no new invention, and that the patent is, therefore, invalid. Accordingly, these objectors and the proprietors of the patent took the ghost (or, rather, the ghostly apparatus) down to Lord Westbury's country house, and then and there exhibited him to his sagacious eyes. The result was in favour of Dircks and Pepper. Who can disbelieve in ghosts when they are not only patented, but get into Chancery ? SIR BOBERT PEEL AT TAMWORTH. Those who know Sir Robert Peel by sight, — who have watched the jaunty way in which, his hat slightly on one side, he strides through the lobby of the House of Commons, despatch box in i hand, — or who have listened smilingly to the coolness with which he replies to the attacks of the Irish members, and repays them in their own coin, would say at once that he was the very man for a row. In the first place he is a big man, and has rather an imposing presence. Then he is naturally combative, and loves nothing better than a trial of strength, and lastly he is fond of fun. Well, he has been having a row to his heart's content, and perhaps a little more. There are two candidates for Tamworfch, the Hon. Mr. Cowper and Mr. Peel. In spite of the similarity of names, Sir Robert sides with Mr. Cowper, and was present to aid hi m at a meeting of the constituency. The meeting was contumacious — it would listen to nobody, and especially it would not listen to the jocular baronet. It appears that an impression has gone abroad that Sir Robert has abused his position as landlord, and coerced the voters. This, however, he emphatically denied in the course of the evening. The scene was sufficiently lively. Sir Robert Peel was constantly interrupted with crie&of "nonsense," "gammon," " you'd better shut up," &c, to which last piece of advice he replied, " He was not at all likely to sit down, and on that score they need not alarm, themselves in the least." Later on the cry was, " We'll turn you out next time." Sir Eobert—" I hope you won't turn me out. I don't think you i will." Voices — " We will if we can." Sir Robert (blandly)— " Oh, no ! Come-now! (Confusion.) (Waving his hand) I won't go." This must have been ior Sir Robert quite a pleasant break in the dulness of the session. A NERVOUS BARRISTER. There was rather an unusual scene at the Old Bailey a few days ago. The judge (the common sergeant) rebuked Mr. Ribton for speaking so *

loudly that his witnesses who were out of court could hear what he. said. Mr. Ribton retorted. He was nervous, and when he was nervous he always spoke loud. The contest between bench and bar became so warm that the judge adjourned the court. Next morning Mr. Ribton made a sort of apology, which was accepted. The exceedingly amusing part; of the story to everybody is the idea of an Old Bailey barrister being nervous ! What next 1 GRAND INTERNATIONAL RIFLE MATCH. The captain of the Milang company of Volunteers in Australia sent over to this country a challenge to whatever company had the most marksmen in it — a position occupied by his own companj' there. The first company of the Robin Hood Rifles, of Nottingham, stood last year in this respect, and on Tuesday last the affair came Off, as was arranged, simultaneously. The agreement was that they should in each case be on ground not previously known to the competitors, and the Robin Hood ten, with their captain (Munde'lla) went to Lord Vernon's splendid range at Sudbury, where they were most hospitably received and treated. The shooting was on the whole very good Each man had seven shots each at 200,300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800, and 900 yards. The grand total of points was 1,155, or an average of 115.5 for each man, which is by no means bad for 56 shots. Of course it will be a long time before we can hear the result of the shooting in Australia, but the general opinion here is that it will not be better at all events. The Robin Hoods decided to stick to the Hythe position, though the agreement allowed any position at the longer ranges. THE ST. LEGER. The last great sporting event of the year is over, and a most exciting affair it was too. Doncaster was crowded, of course, all Yorkshire and a good part of the rest of England, being there. There had been all sorts of rumours about the various horses, and the betting fluctuated to an unusual degree. Now it was that Ranger was " amiss," and now that Lord Clifden had " bro- ; ken down." The " knowing ones " had such a - bewildering variety of knowledge, that the prophecy of one day had to be contradicted the next. It only needed that Macaroni, the Derby winner, should have been in the race to raise excitement to the highest point. As it was, no one who looked on the scene could imagine greater intensity of excitement, especially in the ring, through which frantic betters struggled, yelliug and almost mad with anxiety to get '"on" or "off" some one of the starters. Loi'd Clifden, about which Lord St. Vincent, the owner, took £11.000 i to £1000 not very long ago, from one man, looked, as he always does, as grand a horse as ever stepped, much to the consolation of his adherents, though sore to the dismay of those who had ' betted against him. Bluemantle, who has au abominable temper, spoiled several starts, and had at last to be frightened off by a boy with a big stick. When they did get off, Lord Clifden was a hundred yards in the rear of all the other horses, and remained in that position for a great part of the race. Shouts of derision were raised by those opposed to him, and all the attention was turned to the leading horses ; but when, suddenly, with that wonderful stride of his. he gradually drew up to his horses, passed one after the other with apparently the greatest ease, and came in winner by a neck, the growing excite- j ment was immense, and exploded in such a shout as scarcely even Doncaster has heard before. Lord St. Vincent came running down the steps of the Grand Stand, declaring that be was the best horse that ever ran. He wins about £20,000, and the Marquis of Hastings £15,000. The bookmakers are, it is said, rather heavily punished, especially a few who have throughout made a dead set at Lord Clifden, and refused to back him for a shilling. During the race, while he was so far behind, one bet of £50 to a shilling was made against him, and, of course, lost. — The cricket season is also over, and the "cracks " are on the eve of starting for Australia. They have some idea of paying Calcutta a visit some of these days. THE SUN AN ANIMAL. Among the very interesting subjects started at Newcastle during the meetings of the British Association, and which have been a good deal talked about since, was the nature of the sun. There is a very old story of an astronomer who thought the comets were coal-carts to keep up the fire in the sun, but that very assertion is now gravely propounded. It is suggested too that the great luminary may be an organism, or several large organisms. Those who reject this theory are -troubled greatly to know what the sun is for, and whether any creatures do or could live in it. Some argue that it is the receptacle of lost spirits, and so delightful is it to get something to argue about just now, and so attractive is the object discussed, that a study of the sun has made sundry philosophers quite warm. It would be well if we were all so, for some of the swans on the same occasion said that we are rapidly exhausting our supply of coaL THE CONFEDERATE STEAM BAMS. To the great wrath and indignation of the Standard, and other literary advocates of the .Confederates, and to the equal joy of the Star and its friends, Earl Russell has given orders to prevent the steam rams, recently built in Mr. Laird's yard, from leaving the Mersey until their destination is explained. It is very doubtful indeed if the evidence against the vessels will be sufficiently strong (legally, that is) to justify Government in sequestrating them. Some people affect to pity Mr. Laird in the matter, while he is probably laughing in his sleeve at these sympathising friends,— the public not being aware that lie has been paid long ago, and that the rams are heavily mortgaged to a French banker. THE CONFEDERATE STEAMER FLORIDA. This now famous vessel is still at Brest refitting. The captain has written to one of the French papers a letter denying that he had sunk a French vessel; and strongly objecting to the Florida being called a privateer, as she is a regularly commissioned ship of war of the Confederate Government, and must lie recognised as such by all the Powers that acknowledge the Confederate States to hata belligerent rignts. Several Feder-

al cruisers are prowling about, and every effort will of course be made to capture the Florida, if she goes out. The last report, however, is that she will be sold, and her crew- shipped in a new : vessel just completed in some British dockyard. FOOT MEET HANGED AT LIVERPOOL. On Saturday week four men were hanged in front of Kirkdale gaol in the. presence of 100,000 persons, many of whom, the reporters say, looked " respectable." It is long since so many executions have taken place at one time, and a discussion has been raised or rather re-opened as to the wisdom of public executions, and on the main question of our having capital punishments at all. Leaving the last question out of consideration, it is difficult to believe that such a spectacle as that at Kirkdale would have a beneficial effect on any of the spectators, and if not doing good, then, probably, a good deal of harm. It is a curious fact that one of the men who were hanged, was present at the last execution which took place at Kirkdale, and on his way home attempted to commit a murder, and though he failed then, he subsequently consummated his crime. Greatefforts were made to obtain reprieves for two of the sufferers, but they entirely failed. EXCITING- SPORT. Perhaps the most exciting amusement you can , indulge in in London during the dull season is to' take a ride outside an omnibus where there is competition. You risk a broken leg or a broken neck, but you may escape unhurt. Some poor fellow starts a couple of omnibuses on a certain route. Two of the monopolist busses are detached to " nurse " him. One keeps beside or in front of the new omnibus, so as either to pick up intending travellers first, or run over any one daring enough to try and get on to the box. The other keeps close behind, with the pole almost inside the unhappy new comer's door, so as to terrify those who wish to get in. Then you have exciting races down hill, and if somebody happens to get under the horses' feet or under the wheels, why of course it can't be helped. It is time we put a stop to this little game, and as soon as a Common Council man has been run over, no doubt we shall. Members of Parliameut are scarce just now, or one of them might do. TALK. Lord Naas has been enlightening the agriculturists of Cumberland and Westmoreland on the subject of " Agricultural Science, and the use of Machinery," and concluded by a powerful appeal to the farmers for better lodging and fare for their labourers. He thought they could not better show their thankfulness for the harvest of this year than by increasing the comforts of their servants. Cardinal Wiseman talked to the people of Southampton for two hours on "Self-Culture." He insisted on the idiosyncrasy of individuals, and strongly reproved the practice of arguing, even for practice, in favour of opiuions in ■which you do not believe. One of the best speeches that has appeared for some time is that of Mr. Grant Duff, member for the Elgin boroughs, to his constituents. He reviews the session in a masterly manner, gives down as his profession of faith a statement which, without being extreme, is worthy of being called truly and nobly liberal. A 'WIZARD KILLED. The old belief in witchcraft has survived even to the time of spirit-rapping, table-turning, and patent ghosts. A poor deaf and dumb old Frenchman, called " Dummy " on account of his deficiencies, has just been "done to death" by the ignorant inhabitants of Castle Hedingham, in Essex, as a wizard. He appears in some measure to have brought his fate on himself, for he had traded on the gross superstition of his neighbours for some time as a fortune-teller. A woman named Smith came to him at a public-house late one evening, accused him of having bewitched her, and offered him three pounds to reverse the process. He declined her repeated offers, upon which she caught hold of him, and with the help of one Stammers, a builder, and another friend, dragged him to the water and threw him in. He managed to crawl out, but was dragged lower down the stream, and again thrown in. Finally he managed to crawl home, wet and miserable, and was found dead in the morning. The coroner's jury dismissed all the offending persons, but the Magistrates have committed Mrs. Smith and Stammers. The most painful part of the story is that though fifty persons, chiefly women, witnessed the assault on the poor old man, only one attempted to interfere in his favor. DEATH OF MB. ELLICE, M.P. An old man has just died, whose loss, though the public has heard but little of him, of late years, will be severely felt by the Liberal party. Mr. Ellice had 'become the Nestor of the Whig!?. He was whipper-in of the Reform Government of 1831, and afterwards for a short period, Secretary-at-War. Of late years he has appeared but little in public, but he was constantly referred to by successive Liberal cabinets, and his -advice carried great weight. He was member for Coventry for many years. THE FLEET AT LIVERPOOL. The fleet has been received enthusiastically and hospitably everywhere, but perhaps nowhere so much. so as in the Mersey. Not only were the usual courtesiesand entertainments exchanged between the town and the officers, but an entertainment was given to the sailors in St. George's Hall, and went off admirably. The tars sang some capital songs, and made most amusing speeches. One of them, in proposing the health of " The Lady Mayoress and all the females in Liverpool," said — " Only fancy the blue-jackets here surrounded by females. Why, it's enough to make a blue-jacket's heart jump like a dolphin, and all our heads to go round like capstans, and' make us all feel as if we were going before a gale of pleasure, into a haven of joy, instead of sailing I up the Mersey." EUROPEAN POLITICS. r . The politics of the -Continent at the present; , moment are even more than usually complicated, so that it is impossible to speak of them under the heads of. their respective countries. .The position is not a little alarming.. The Eussian replies to Austria, England, and France have excited considerable indignation in all three countries, but especially in the last. There is no doubt that the people would heartily support' the Em-

peror in a war, and the way in which the newspapers for the last few days have been allowed to assume a somewhat menacing tone towards Russia, proves that he is willing- at all events, to see which way the wind blows. One circumstance has excited great anxiety alike at Paris, Warsaw, and St. Petersburg. The Polish National Government recently issued a sort of state paper, discussing the diplomatic position of the Polish question. This manifesto has appeared iv full in the first page in the Moniteur, and in its largest type. This sent funds down two or three per cent, on the Bourse. A fact quite as ominous, is that the French ambassador at St. Petersburg, and the Russian ambassador at Paris, are both about to leave those capitals en conge. This simultaneous departure may mean nothing, or it may mean a great deal. The latest telegrams from Vienna are of the same alarming complexion. It is said that the French Government has pointed out to \ Austria that the latter having taken the initiative about the six points, is bound to maintain it. This prominent position is not at all agreeable to the Austrian cabinet, but if, as we are told, it is coupled with any decided hints as to the Italian provinces of Austria, it is of the utmost moment,, as it shows that Napoleon 111 intends to put the Italian screw on Austria, to induce her to take an active part in. the Russian question. The poor ■ Poles themselves are still carrying on their struggle with the same varying success, but show no sign of failing vigour. The Prussian Government has finally replied to the propositions agreed to at the meeting of monarchs at Frankfort. It will accept them, on conditions which entirely change the whole programme, and of course do away with the intended supremacy of Austria. By giving to these conditions a rather more popular form than that of the original propositions, the Prussian Government has made its first good stroke of policy for a long time. In spite of all the Government efforts, the people are still determined to return to the Prussian Parliament the same members. It is most likely that even this will not open the poor old King's eyes. There are rumours of wars in Scandinavia. Sweden is said to have entered into still closer alliance with Denmark, and is strengthening her navy, which in the event of war, will be united with that of Denmark, under the command of Prince Oscar. Meanwhile, Federal execution is threatened in Holstein, and in Saxony and Hanover the invading troops are being prepared. AMERICA. j From America, with the exception of one ra- . ther important piece of news received this morn- ! ing, there is little of great moment. The attack on Charleston continues, but only Forts Wagner and Gregg, and Morris Island, on which they j stand, have as yet been taken. Fort Sumter, though a heap of ruins, seems less accessible than ever. The Confederate flag still flies over it, and a recent assault by the Federals was repulsed with loss. General Gilmore has been ordered to bombard the city till it surrenders. Nobody seems to know what General Lee is doing. A considerable part of his army seems to have fallen back, but he has just defeated an at- j tempt made by the Federals to cross the Rapidan j in three places. It is difficult to over estimate the importance of the uews received this morning. President Liucoln has suspended the Habeas Corpus Act throughout' the United States in all cases where the military, naval, or civil government officers hold persons under their command or custody, as prisoners of war, spies, aiders or abetters of the enemy, enrolled, drafted, or enlisted officers, soldiers or seamen in the Federal service, or deserters. This startling decree has excited the great indignation of the democratic papers, and the Daily News (American) says that " all that remains of Republican Government is a memory and a name." North and South are alike enraged with England. In the former there is much bellicose talk on various accounts, though the recognition of the Confederates by France is also greatly dreaded, in connexion with Mexican affairs (about which, by the bye, nothing is decided). The Confederate Government have withdrawn their agent, Mr. Mason, from Londou, because Earl Russell has not treated him with the deference which they regard as his due. He goes to Paris, to join his colleague Mr. Slidell, who ap- ! pears to be on the most friendly terms with the j French Emperor. It is reported by the last telegram that a messenger from General Forey, the ! French commander, is in Richmond : that a special meeting of the Cabinet has been held, and that it is confidently believed that overtures have been received from MISCELLANEA. There have been one or two murders, suicides, and other crimes, but none presenting any features of special interest or excitement. Of talking there has been much in the way of pastoral disquisitions at Harvest Homes and Agricultural Society meetings. Sir Bulwer Lytton has discoursed on sheep as wisely as though he had never written a book, or sat in the House of Commons. Mr. Bentinck, Mr. Puller, Mr. Augustus Smith, and the Due D'Aurnale, have all been holding forth on similar subjects. In the way of books, one or two interesting promises are made. Mr. Fronde's next two volumes, treating of the reign of Elizabeth, are coming, out shortly. Among other announcements also, are Capt. Speke's history of the Nile discoveries ; a book by Nathaniel Hawthorne on England, called " Our Old House." and the posthumous volumes of Palgrave's Normandy. Kinglake's book is in its fourth edition, and has a new and caustic preface.

By the Indian mail received this morning, we find that the man supposed to be Nana Sahib is somebody else.