Latest English News.

New Zealand Spectator and Cook's Strait Guardian, Volume XII, Issue 1287, 2 December 1857, Page 3

Latest English News.

Pat'lament was prorouged on the 28th August. '1 he Queen's speech contains a list ot some of the most important measures passed during the )a-t session, from which it will be seen that the new Paarbament devoted itself to its work throughout its short sitting with extraordinary energy. The speech is in other respects all that could be desired. It announces the pacific state of our relations with the powers of Europe, and refers to the mutiny in India with a touching expression of the deep grief her Majesty feels at the sufferings to which sornany of her loyal subjects have been exposed, declaring, at the tame time, her fullconfidence, under Providence, in the powerful means at her disposal for the restoration of tranquility, lhese are not mere words of course. On this occasion the language ef the royal speech is not intended to conceal the thought of the speaker, but is on the contrary too weak to give it adequate utterance. We have reason to know, apart from the public channels of information, that her Majesty is profoundly afSicted at the disasters which have occurred in India, and that she watches the course of events there with the most painful interest. The profound and universal sympathy felt throughout England, and, indeed, we mav justly add, Europe, for ths sufferings of our brave fellow-countrymen, cannot be adequately described. AR the foreign journals, French and German, and even the Russian organa, have expressed sentiments honorable to them at such a time, and, we believe, that if it were necessary, or desirable, we could obtain any amount of help in the way of levies from the continent. In Germany, our consuls have dec iued the offers of service which have been tendered to them. Nor is it the least remarkable feature in the general demonstration on behalf of the English soldiers in India that the Americans, always loath to meddle in foreign quarrels, have intimated their willingness to aid us. At home, the progress of events in the disturbed presidency is almost the only topic discussed. The daily papers teem with extracts from letters written from forts and stations by beleagured officers, and their wives, sisters, and daughters, and if we add to these the correspondence that pours in from all parts of the United Kingdom (not a tithe of which is published) containing advice and commentaries, and if we crown the whole with the leading articles which daily appear under the editorial sanction, it may be inferred what space India occupies in the journals.

Nor is it merely in this shape that the general interest is shown. It takes a more immediately available form in the direction of large subscriptions for the bereaved widows and children of the slain. The first movement of this kind originated in London, under the auspices of the Lord Mayor, and has been nobly responded to. The provinces have since taken up the benevolent agitation, and the principal towns are now in course of organising subscriptions. Amongst the most prominent persons who have already contributed, we find the names cf the Queen, of the Emperor of the French, and of Lady Forbes, for £i,CGO each, followed by a train of munificent donations of lesser amounts. No limit can be anticipated to the accumulation of this fund, except that of the necessities which have called it into existence. The aspect of affairs in Europe is peaceful and hopeful. The Emperor Napoleon has established a grand picturesque camp at Chalons, where he is amusing himself receiving guests, and playing at soldiers with an ulterior view no doubt to any emergencies which mav hereafter arise. A meeting has been fixed to take place between him and the Czar at Stuttgardt, and, as might he expected, it has given occasion to many surmises. But whatever mav bo the object of the meeting—if it have any special object—we have no grounds to suspect the loyalty of Louis Napoleon in his alliance with England. The King of Prussia has been invited to be present; and, it is said, the Czar is afterwards to proceed to Paris to meet Queen Victoria, Cf the truth of this latter rumor we have no means of judging. A >eport that Persia would take advantage of the mutiny in India to refuse to execute the treaty of peace, or to evacuate Herat, proves to be without foundation. After a delay, which has been satisfactorily' accounted for, Herat has been evacuated, and our relations with the Shah placed upon the most friendly basis. Mr. Mur: ay is said to have established himself on the best understanding with the Government, and, having completed his mission, to be about to leave the country, on account ef his health. We hear from Constantinople that Schamvl had achieved succession of brilliant victories over the Russisns. He had recovered a part of Daghestan, forced and interrupted communications between Kiplar and Derbent, and obtained possession of no less than ten forts, built by the Russians, in the face of incredible obstacles, during the last twelve years. Scbamyl justly exults over bis triumphs in a proclamation, in which he tells his people that the time is come for the assertion of Islam independence.

The “ European Statistics of Suicide,” recently published in France by M. Lisle, show that England is no longer at the head of the dreary poll. The French author proves that France is highest in the scale, and Russia lowest. In Loudon wo have one suicide in 8250 people. Paris gives one in 2221. For the whole English population the suicides reckon one in 15,900; France, one in 12,489. The north of France is the most prolific in suicides, that district yielding nearly half of the whole number in the entire empire.

A statement relative to the Patriotic Fund and the claims upon it has appeared during the last few days. These claims involve mi expenditure of nearly £BO,OOO n-yetir. It appears that there arc on the books 3704 widows, 3900 children, and 15G orphans—the only classes eligible fcr relief under ihc royal commission. The town of Belfast was the scene on Sunday Inst of n serious riot between the Roman Catholics and the Oran;jcmeu, caused by the

street preaching of a Tresbytciiun clergyni; n named Hanna. The riot act was read, and tl.o mob fired on by the constabulary. The conduct of the local authorities has been strongly condemned, and the Lord-Lieutenant has issued a commission to enquire into all the circumstances and report upon them. The Irish executive has determined on the adoption of the.most rigorous measures to prevent these unseemly displays. The Emperor of the French has heen busy during the present week in fighting with an imaginary enemy in his camp at'Chalons. He was so engaged on Monday, commanded the field in person, and, it is needless to say, routed the foe. The troops fare sumptuously at Chalons, have rations of wine daily, and lead a highly exciting life. Amateur’theatricals, in which the leading officers ot the army play the principal parts, have diversified the entertainments, The Emperor honoured the first dramatic representation with his presence. The superior officers of the array dine daily with his Majesty, and whist parties follow ; but the festivities close early, so that the Emperor may be stirring in good time on the morrow. The rumour prevails that the Prince Consort of England will pay a visit to Lcuis Napoleon be. fore the camp breaks up, and the middle of the present month is named as the time of his de* parture.

The closeness of the alliance between the two great Western Powers cannot be more unmistakably exhibited than in the letter which the Count de Pcrsigny, the French Ambassador in London, has addresssd to the Lord Mayor of that city, inclosing a telegraphic despatch from his Imperial master the Emperor. The despatch, which is characteristic, runs thus—"l send you £lO9O sterling as my subscription in favour of the officers and soldiers so cruelly afflicted in India. I also send you £4OO, the result of the subscriptions of the Imperial Guard. We have not forgotten the ucnerous subscription of the Queen and the English people at the time of the inundations.’’ This communication was immediately followed by one from Balmoral, to the same civic dignitary. desiring that the Queen’s name might be entered for £lOOO towards the same object. Prince _ Albert’s for £3OO, and the Duke of v-ambridge for £lOO. Lord Palmerston gives £lOO. Movements are taking place over the country to raise money for the same purpose. The London subscription is little short of £20,000.