LONDON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 521, 21 August 1863, Page 9 (Supplement)

LONDON.

(FROM OUR OWN CORRISSPONDEST/)

June 24th, 1803

England, France and Austria have again •sent notes to St. Petersburg. An Armistice and full amnesty are now demanded, and with some faint hope of success, for the hydra head jof rebellion is this time difficult to crush, and Mr Alexr. may gladly allow himself to be helped out of the mess. In fact Eupope is of one mind in putting a stop to the inhuman atrocities attending the Polish war; they are truly awful—mince meat is the order of the da}-, and the general conduct of the Avar is aptly termed a thorough disgrace to civilisation and a fatal blot on the escutcheon of the Czar. The whole country is one vast Pandemonium; Russians murder, hang and burn ; the Poles retaliate in kind, and the natural consequence is a wholesale poisoning of the public morals. Telegraphic communication is annihilated, so no reliance can be placed on the contradictory accounts of successes and reverses ; but if we may believe what we read, De Berg is ably seconded by Mouravieff in devilish cruelty—they have a strangling match every morning for breakfast at Warsaw, and now adopt female punishment, in the hope of reaching the hearts of revolutionary leaders through the sufferings of mothers and .wives, sisters and daughters—the horrid knout is to be administered to poor naked women for the heinous offence of wearing mourning, in hopes of compelling them to divulge the names of their relatives and other "secrets worth knowing ;" but this surely will never be allowed—humanity cannot lookon this malignant crime and allow it to continue. Really this paragraph ought to be written in Magenta color, for the indescribable horror of Mus- \ covite infamy is almost enough to turn into blood the ink with which we write. The Russians nevertheless made a great mistake the other day when they mercilessly hung the Count Plateus ; he was a most intimate friend of a certain gentleman named Louis Napoleon who is much distressed at the poor Count's fate, and it is more than probable his indignaation will . take --a-retributive form slightly in favor of Poland. Indeed, to judge from the present excited temperamentof la belle France, should the victorious army from Mexico suddenly return, the enthusiasm, in behalf of the Poles would be too great for N. 111. to resist, even were he disposed to refrain from active interference. . America has duly mourned her hero '' who like a soldier fell"—few public men dying in defence of their country ever received such funeral honors as those bestowed on the remains of " Stonewall" Jackson—a man and a soMier in every sense, he died too soon for the cause he had made his own; and he is allowed to have' been one of the few great men the war has produced ; but he met a soldier's death, with the cheering consolation, like Nelson, Wolfe, and Abercombie, of j-ield-ing up his heroic spirit in the hour of victory; and his grateful "countrymen express their fears they shall never look upon his like again. The present news is shortly summed up with several weeks' hard fighting at Vicksburg and other places on the" Mississippi, where Grant and Porter have gained credit for some decent perfonnanceson the Federal side ; but as usual it all erita with the customary sacrifice of 20,000 or 30,000 brave fellows and no other result, except a reasonable probability that whilst Vicksburg is beleagured by land and water, and Grant in fancied security is master of the situation, his whole army may be suddenly surrounded and cut to pieces by the facetious activity and better generalship of the Confederate, Johnstone. Fighting Joe Hooker seems somewhat divided in his affections Between the Kappahannock and the Potomac, the latter for choice, however, as being nearer to comfortable quarters, and further, from the disagreeable presence of rebel commanders. Old Joe must keep a sharp look out, though, as Lee's whereabouts : are at present unknown, and terror reigns supreme at the White House. The wasted ' regiments of the North can now only be recruited by Negroes or conscription, they , already announce a quarter of a million black i soldiers, but while thi? large nigger army is I likely to do more harm than good, the con-. ■ scriptnn is a thing, which wi'l never be sub- [ mitted to by a people so tenacious of personal ! Jibert}'. Vallandigham, so recently tried, con- . viefced, and exiled for talking too freely on the doings of his betters, meets with honorable treatment in the rebel camp, has an audience 1 with JefF Davis, and is now (in his absence) being elected Governor of Ohio. In addition to this, peace meetings are adopting energetic action; Fernando Wood boldly denouncing • the war, its origin, its principles, its conduct, and its end ; he called it a crime, a folly, and a failure; using other strong terms aught but nattering to the powers that be, and instead of being sent a close prisoner to Fort Warren he was' shortly atterwards closeted with Uncle Abe and allowed to reitei'ate his arguments in private discourse. These tilings are significant, but witnessing the stubborn madness of the authorities, prophesy is idle, yet really, a better sense seem 3 gradually creeping over the American mind; and who shall say the inevitable day is not drawing near when a sudden light shall be burst upon the nation? However it's first on the cards that N. 11l once relieved from his Mexican embroglio, will make his powerful voice heard in very different tones from those he used in his former attempt at mediation; Spain and xiustria have offered to join him, and he knows well that whilst the world will applaud him, there is reliable hope of the exhausted Americans themselves hailing his interference with delight ; for the}' cannot be bl'md to the probable increased horrors of servile war, now that the blacks are anned —800 of the poor devils were sent into the broach lately at Port Hudson and literally chawed up ; scarely a hundred escaped, but that little hundred will communicate to their color the frightful butchery they witnessed there—reprisals will beget reprisals, life Avill be held cheaper than ever, and the land vvi 1 flow with blood Surely then if the bold Bonaparte puts a stopper on all this, there will be iittle grumbling at his mode of" doing such an act of mercy. The old Ber in wool shop is closed at last, and spooney William is off on his travels — time he went too, for he and Bismarck had stirred up a hornet's nest; they began their mad career by emulating our King Charles and Buckingham; t! iey close it by an imitation of the French King Charles and Polignac; they overthrow the constitution, dismiss the parliament in abrupt and unmannerly language, gag the press, defy the people and dishonor the nation; and the question will probably come to a practical climax when the exchequer is empty, otherwise the present dead-lock might as well continue till a fresh reign. Old pipeclay is reported very ill; he has evidently got sick of political blundering, and has gone to waste his sweetness on the desert air of Karlsbad in the Austrian dominions; poor Prussia meantime being left 1 "without master or man. The Crown Prince

was certainly invited to a Regency, but lie could'nt see it; the King's brother was then appealed to, but that would'nt do ; and now as the newspapers are beginning to speak plain language, in spite of warning No. 1, and ditto No. 2, some very unpleasant truths are being told ; and the country is about to pay the penalty for hem-:* so long misgoverned hj' the two royal brothers of the Hohenzoliern—the first a tippling roysterer, and the last little better than a maniac. The Prince and his English wife have fallen on evil times, and anxious to escape paternal compromise, have set out on a festal tour in tiie provinces ; but it proves aught hut joyous to the unhappy couple—a more miserable pilgrimage can scarcely ba imagined; the pro-' vincial authorities reserving their loyalty for more auspicious occasions, tip 'em the cold shoulder; and the royal party can't even r.et a dinner without paying for it ; still they are in no hurry to get back into the hodgepodge of Berlin politics and seem prepared to rough it awhile, waiting like Mr Mieawbc-r, for something to turn up. 'Tis a hard lot to be , thus placed between two fires —a headstrong sovereign and mischievous ministry one way, and an incensed people on the other; but they side with the latter, and publicly repudiate papa's unholy doings—the traitor prince is duly called over the coals for his disloyal speechifying, and commanded to retract or be deprived oi' all his honors and appointments. The demon of obstinacy possesses the King, and he retires for recreation to an Austrian Spa, while thj Queen, sharing the sentiments of her children, escapes to England, and is now .the honored guest at Windsor Castle. The nation may yet for many months peaceably persevere in its resistance; but it[can now call the heir to the throne its leader, and there's little doubt as to the result of the struggle, j Nevertheless, it will be some time before Prussia is politely requeste-1 to play first fiddle in Germany ; and this is Austria's opportunity—if Eras. Jo?ep'.i will but take the hint and adopt Poland for his motto, the game's his own. The Grecian establishment has got a managing man at last—King George the First takes peaceable possession, and Europe says God speed. For seven months there has been something very like anarchy in that quarter; foreign intrigue, domestic discord, and a licentious soldiery were sorely trying the Hellenic race, and patience had nearly readied its limits; but happily all is over now; and the youthiul monarch begins his arduous task under wise counsel, an! with the support of the great powers against all evil doers. His uncle's parting blessing was a sensible performance; indeed the little kingdom of Denmark itself has so long been tossed about upon a sea of troubles, that words of warning flowed, natural and easy from the royal lip-; of experience; and while all join in good wishes for Alexandra's brother, we know he has hard up-hill work to do; and we shall take special care that he has fair play—let him but prove any way equal to the emergency, success is certain; and the Grerian kingdom will yet cut a very respectable figure. The young monarch has already landed at the Pimeus, taking in his cai'pet bag as a present to his adopted country, the lonian Islands, on condition that they pay him LIO,OOO annually. The protecting powers hold Greek bonds ibr L 12,000 a year, which they hand over to the youngster; ■ thus making his royal screw L' 22,000 per annum. Of course his loving subjects will themselves vote him a trifle, as a civil list besides, and this i 3 the long and the short of the Greek question. The French general election is over—between Government and people it was a firstrate tussle, and was an important crisis in the second Empire; for although the Provincial Prelects had an easy job in returning their own i Candida!es, the good folks of Paris have given their Emperor such a slap in the face as he little dreamt of. Imperial nominees were nowhere, and the opposition five of last session is now swollen to 34. Once more the eloquence of Thiers, Dufaure, and Berryer will ring in Parliament, and cause the present portfoliomediocrities to sing very small. The new members, be it observed, are not considered as returned to favor any particular party, but Paris protests against the Empire, and it is a serious ' defeat. All France has been told who to elect, and as Paris is cheeky enough to elect the men of of its choice, there is no knowing how soon the yokels will play follow my leader. To Persigny's blundering insolence the mishap is attributed, and his master must pocket the affront. France has latterly enjoyed a slight taste of liberty, and any attempt to re-intro-duce the gag system might peril the dynasty ; should, however, anything like Ministerial responsibility arise out of this contretemps, a point will be gained, beneficial alike to natives and foreigners. But although a great fuss i 3 made by the \ press, .the elections don't much alarm Mr Bonaparte; he works hard at his " Life of Cajsar," 2 volumes of which are in the printer's hands, and he never looked better than 1 the other day when he took Genie and the boy | to welcome English sportsmen at the Intrnational Races; perhaps 'twas the fine old British salute that warmed the cockles of his i heart as he entered the grand, stand —there was a clump of betting men from ■perfide Albion surrounding Jack Greaves, the Yorkshire giant, and they tipped the Imperial party such a hip, hip, hooray, as never before was heard in foreign lands. The "grande prix de Paris" came off on Sunday, the 31st iilt.—it was truly a grand prize, and many of our Derby horses went in for it—Ls,ooo sterling and the Emperor's cup were thing, not to be sneezed at; and lucky it was for our national fame that we had more than one good nag in the race, as the French mare La Tocques was a tough 'un ti> contend with: however, Mr Saville's Hanger did the trick, and landed just in time to save our English bacon ; the British ensign was hoisted, and the usual racing compliments being duly exchanged, our turfveterans hurried home to exercise their functions at Royal Ascot, and thus ended the first Grand International Exhibtion of all the racing world which was honored by the Royalties of Belgium, France, and Portugal. N. 111. and his wife betted freely, backed the mare, and (like our own P. W. at Epsom) lost their money. English bookmakers were there in shoals ; and, considering the majority of them were never before away from their native land, and few could boast of speaking foreign lingoss fluently, curious dialogues must have taken place in mutual eagerness to get on to some good thing. "I'll bet 5 to 2 against Ler Tok " shouts the bold Briton, and chauces it. " Teins e'est pour moi" replies the polite Mounseer. Now whether the international gamblers fully understood the extent of their obligations, will remain a mystery, as also whether they would ever have met again had the ioreign quadruped come in first; but as Ranger put the French mare's nose out of joint, it's more than 5 to 2 that our bonny sportsman claimed a second interview with his customer, and quickly made the "Furriner" understand the result of their commercial transactions. But now comes news from Puehla, which, had it arrived earlier, would probably have saved the election defeat. Only a few days back the most gloomy accounts cauie from the seat of war, and 10,000 fresh troops were being hurried off to help Forey out of his trouble. French despondency looked alarm-

ing, and attempts were made to drown it hi 11 gallopmles en ruililuim ; garrison field days < were held twice a-\veek, and Paris resounded J with martial strains. The Algerine light in- * fantry regiments, Spfihis, and Turcos, like so c many motley colored bundles of military rags, ' were under continual inspection on the Espla- * nade of the Invalides, or performing an Arab c fantasia in the Bois de Boulogne. Discredit s had befallen the French arms, and the cry was, N '• Spain to the rescue-and perish the Mexicans'' * —the army of invasion was to be increased to 1 90,000, and Fore} r superseded by General * Froissard—the vaunted military promenade x from Vera Cruz to Mexico had turned out all c bosh ; and although the Imperial eagle which a was being so roughly handled might even- a tually ilap its proud pinions over the capita] * of the Caciques, French vanity had received a s check and Paris growled accordingly. Napo- 1 leon 111. was daily attending camps and re- ? views, or engaged, in naval inspections at x Cherbourg and Brest; and preparations were * being made for any emergency, no one know- * ing whether it was all for Mexico or a little \ bit" for Poland, when .suddenly the heavy c hoom of cannon sounds throughout Use F.m-. 1 pire, and the glad tidings spread like wildfire, T " Puebla has fallen—and not an hour too scon j did the good news come: never did a more ] welcome dispatch arrive than that which an- ' nounced the fall of Puebla. On the 16th of ; May Ortega surrendered unconditionally with 13,000 men, and Forey entered triumphantly, on the 18th, to the tune of 101 big guns. On the 20th, General Bizaine marched on to I Mexico, and its capture is, no doubt, long ere this, unfait accompli, although we know it not; for the fall of Puebla is the fall of Mexico, and further opposition is not apprehended. The details were to leave Vera Cruz oa the Ist of June, and are expected in France next week; a hasty dispatch reached Bonaparte while he was doing a pipe at Fontainblcau, bang went the guns, ami the fall of Puebla was written on slips of paper and thrown out of the palace windows by the Child of France, ' like so many hon bons to the gaping crowd below; and "the sympathy of the nation is now with its gallant sons who, in the land of the Montczumas, have endured an 18 months trying campaign, have brought off a siege of 62 days, and are now on the high road to the crowning point ot victory and fame. Oh, thrice happy Forey ! you are indeed a hero, and have only to name your reward; Imperial popularity trembled in the balance, and your own successor was buckling on his armour to take your place and send you home dishonored. Congratulations are now pouring into the Tuileries from the crowned heads of Europe, and pseans of praise are j chanted all over France —as the ancient mariner sings, " 'twas a glorious victory, and doubly welcome when least expected—" the victorious soldier is already dubbed a marshal of the empire, and his first lieutenant is created a Senator ; and further honors will be a mere conflict betwixt their bashfulness and the Emperor's gratitude. Ortega and the other Mexican swells are being politely transported to Paris, while the 13,000 captive rank and file are to be comfortably deposited at Gruadaloupe, &c. A letter from Hambourg gives an amusing account of the opening eeason at that Vanity Fair—thousands of titled families have already arrived; and Koyalties are so common that its scarcely a compliment to be mistaken tor a King or Queen —villainous gambling of the usual order and its detection \ sundry cases of ruin, despair and suicide, with the customary interludes of a few duels, just make up the morale at this very interesting assemblage of the good and the great. Our Ascot races are over, and the annual festival of the upper ten thousand'is a thing of the past; it will nevertheless be long remembered as one of the grandest—the weather was genial, and all the Royalty and nobility within a hundred miles were there—the Prince and his wife had two days' racing, and the Gold Cup was won by Mr Merry's Buckstone, beating Lord Powlett's Tim Whiffler after running a dead heat. " After rate's manners," so, Ascot over, the lower ten million held their carnival at Hampton—the cockneys' holiday at MouSsey Hurst is little better than a second edition of Old Greenwich Fair; pots of porter, three shies a penny, and Aunt Sally, transfix the multitude; and the races are condescendingly looked at as a make-weight in the amusements of the day. Next week brings the noble Goodwood handicaps, to be immediately followed by the military sports on the famed Southdowns at Brighton—and thus we shall have polished off our grand metropolitan races; when the betting world and all true lovers and judges of horse flesh will be distributed broadcast over the British Isles, to meet again in solemn conclave for the final excitement at Doncaster, where Queen Bertha is expected to carry off the great St. Leger stakes in September. Several of our best jockies have come to grief lately in some of the principal races; Fordham, Wells, and others were severally unhorsed, and although their very lives were jeopardised, they have luckily escaped with terrible shakings. On the Bth instant the City'ball came off with eclat; it was a perfect success, and will be something to talk off by our merchant princes lor ever and a day; above 2.000 guests were there, comprising the elite of thi3 mighty country, while Thackeray and Dickens represented the literature of England. After the formality of presenting the freedom, and receiving the pledge of the newly made citizen to obey the Lord Mayor and honor the Queen, they soon got to work. It will be sufficient to mention the two leading couples in the dance, viz., Lord Mayor and Alexandra, Prince of Wales and Lady Mayoress—and thus went on the waltz, the polka, and quadrille for two good hours or more; then the banquet, a little speechifying, and. the " good bye at the door" about two o'clock in the morning. The mere fit ring up of Guildhall cost more money than I like to mention; the elaborate invitation cards cost los each; and the good things ! of this life which were spread in profusion came to another trifle. It was a spanking affair, and all went off well barring two little accidents. When the Prince had to sign and swear, there was no silver inkstand; and when the Bride of England got into her husband's state chair instead of her own, of course Gogand Magog frowned, city customs could not yield even to the babes of Majesty, and the Rose of Denmark had to shift her quarters —the Princess smiled at her blunder, the Prince did ditto, the laugh went round, and Civic wrath vanished instanter. Now were honors as easy of acquisition in England as a 4th class of the Red Eagle in Germany, our worthy Lord Mayor would, on the late occasion, have gone to bed dreaming of his future nobility, and her Ladyship would not have danced with the Heir appaent in vain; but all in good lime friend Rose, your

guest was not the Sovereign, and British titles must not be distributed wholesale, even at a city banquet. But what a jolly brick is this young prince, and what a wife he has got; he's up with the lark and always at work—he goes everywhere, and is seen by everybody; he is quite a celebrity now, and take to sporting as kindly as a duck does to water—rumor sayshe's going into partnership with St. AJbans Duke; a magnificent stud is to be purchased, and they'll make a book between them; thus, with horses and dogs, guns, boats, and cricket, patronised by the first in the land, our national

pastimes are looking up, and grand doings are ours for many a day to co:i;e—oven. .Ism Mace and mad Win&ham exjv^t to come in for their share of royal psiisuip next time they catch him in the neighborhood of Sandringliam hall. But what say the croakers to all this ? The Mornine? Pod and some of the cryins? journals are alarmed at royalty descending from its lofty pedestal and mingling with the common herd, but it has no effect; the Prince and his fair young bride are new to life and intend seeing it; " the whole hog or none " they both sing together, and where's the harm on't. Their troubles, like those of ordinary mortal?, will come soon enough in all conscience. At present they glory in being amongst the people, and vice versa. Bat really what with Levees and Drawing-rooms, presentations, reviews, and invitations, Master Albert Edward must he sometimes puzzled as to the nature and extent of his engagements; in fact nothing but a sort of lawyer's diary can hjlp him on his way; and we may judge of the " freedom" existing between prince and people when we reflect on his so readily accepting it, not only from the ancient, city of London, but he makes no bones of becoming a merchant tailor, a goldsmith, a cutler, and a fishmonger; the Templars long since made w professional of him, and if he's not more chary of the company lie keeps they'll soon have him amongst the butchers and bakers; honors await him in all quarters, and already a bencher and Vice-Chancellor, his chief clerk often has to reply '• the P. W. regrets that owing to numerous engagements he is obliged to decline the honor, &c." The Queen and all the youngsters attended at South Kensington a fortnight back to witness the uncovering of the Memorial Statue of Prince Albert and the 1851 Exhibition; iti3 by Durham, and allowed to De one of the few good things we have in England. Her Majesty still enjoys her privacy and retirement, and is expected to accompany the Queen of Prussia back to Germany in a week or two. Prince Alfred is gazetted Junior Lieutenant, and will shortly join the Racoon, 20 gun ' steam corvette, Captain Count Gleicken, and taken altogether, our royal folks make up a happy family. God bless 'em. Cardigan v. Calthorpe or Balaklava No. 2, has iust been fought in the Queen's Bench— the Rule for criminal proceedings being dismissed without costs. Colonel Calthorpe was officially rebuked by the big wigs for unseemly comments on his superior officer in a situation of extreme peril and difficulty, and Earl Cardigan is proclaimed a hero by the Lord Chief Justice of England. It is quite clear Cardigan did not relish a few wholesome truths on the Balaklava charge put in print by his subordinate ; and it is equally clear that Calthorpe did not understand the subtleties of libel-law so well as blood and thunder —he has had to pay for plain speaking ; and the wounded feelings of. his commander are soaped over in a Civil Court because the military authorities deemed the slur on his fair fame too insignificant for a Court martial —the moral will perhaps make them both. • wiser and better men. : The long trial " Attorney-General v. SII--lem, Miller, and others" (the builders of the—. suspected Confederate ship Alexandra), has ended in the defeat of the prosecution •, and the law is nowjaid down that British com-, merce is not to be impeded by hap-hazard guesses as to the ultimate destination of any vessel whatsoever. At the same time it is hoped the Washington Cabinet will be sensible of our endeavors to prevent any infraction of International law as embodied in " The Foreign Enlistment Act." The AttorneyGeneral's Avitnesses were principally Northern spies who had been bold enough to take service with the Confederates, signed articles with Captain Scimnes, and actually served for months on board the renowed Alabama; what their fate had been could Mr Semmes only have formed a notion of their "little game" we can easily imagine—they had sense enough, however, to desert the Pirate before they were found out; and although they just escaped " yard arm" legislation on the high seas, they pretty well understand the estimation in Avhich their villainous conduct, as dis« closed in evidence, is held in this country, and they will be in no hurry again to undergo ; a cross-examination by Sir Hugh Cairns before a British Jury; verily they must hide their diminished heads henceforth and for ever. The young Marquis of Hastings has been convicted at Quarter Sessions of cruelty to animals, and fined L5. The noble defendant was caught in the fact, or the act, of indulging in the science of cock-fighting at Donnitigton Hall, Lecestershire, on one fine Sunday morning, in the merry month of May last. Witnesses testified to his marvellous skill in handling the birds and fitting the cruel steel spurs; and tbeir horrified worships let fly vast indignation at such enormities being practised in high places,—which of the orators his lordship will most gratefully remember when he becomes Lord Lieutenant of the county, perhaps the British public will never be informed of. The Exhibition building is tobepurchasedby Government for L 480,000 and to be "Converted to the following pu;poses, amongst others :—A picture gallery, a patent office, geological collections, natural history, and a,:'general museum for all the grand productions of nature and man. Now, although'it: is "on all hands admitted to be one of the. most ugly and discordant buildings any country was ever blessed with, yet it is our fate to have such things; pay what we will we cannot get a decent structure —but who knows—we may perhaps continue to gaze upon this ugly thing till we really begin to like it. At all events it is spacious; and as all our museums are overcrowded, we are content to give half a million for that which is already built, rather than risk a larger sum and probably get a wusser — bad as it is, we know what we buy; and as there are 16^ acres and a building large enough for our national purposes, we come to the conclusion that it's the. best bargain we can make for poor John Bull—of course a little grumbling and its all settled. Soines's stale beer bill for closing publichouses on Sunday has met it's fate, and is consigned to the tomb of all the Capulets— thus perish all such attempts at class-legisla-tion. If we could make the good folks of these realms pious and sober by act of Parliament, it would ba well; but '• a draught of good ale is a dish for a king," the poet says, and this interference by wholesale with the slender comforts of the million is at present no go. "I loves a drop of good beer, I does," is still the Englishman's ditty; and the time is not yet come when he will tamely submit to see his" pal, the bold John Barleycorn, utterly proscribed from the face of the earth. The "Dundonald Peerage" has lately engaged the attention of the Privy Council. In this case the most abominable, unfounded, and infamous charges against both father and mother, were brought by Captain Cochrane, P,.N., in order to prove his eldest brother illegitimate ; his venerable and widowed mother had personally to deny them before the .Committe, and the noble lords believed her, and allowed the eldest son to be the true heir to the title. The gallant captain will henceforth luxuriate in the honored'calling of an officer and a gentleman all to himself, as few others will take the trouble to recollect that he is such ; and the brave Tom Cochrane, persecuted alive and dead, will, it is hoped, be now allowed to rest in peace in his thrice* hallowed tomb. •

There is a theatrical row between Messrs Fechter and Phelps. Mr F., after the fashion of manager-stars, likes to hear himself speak, and to be top-sawyer on his own boards; and Mr Phelps cannot reconcile his own professional standing •with the idea of playing second fiddle even to hjis master's fine reading of Hamlet; Phelps thus refuses to carry out his engagement, and literally gives up the ghost, the play-goers meanwhile being done out of a rich treat. It's a pity these gentlemen cannot agree to play first and second alternately; the time is not so far back but we can remember Edmund Kean and Charles Young doing so, to the gratification of the audience, and the benefit of the treasury—but in this instance the disputants prefer going to law, which must prove anything but beneficial to cither party.

Another rumpus has placed litigious Fechter face to face with Walter Montgomery in the Chancery Court; but, despite Vice-Chancel-lors and writs of injunction, Walter essayed Othello at the Princess's on the 20th instant. He had been duly puffed and paraded for a long time, and, although it was a creditable performance, we looked in vain on the eventful evening for "that bright particular star" which is to shed a new light on the Shaksperian page. As in the case of many previous aspirants for histrionic fame, too much was expected, and critics must deal gently with a first appearance; however, the new actor has face and figure, voice, and stage-play, all in his favour, and it will be lu3 own fault if he groweth not in public estimation.

Adelina Patti (under age, and over head and ears in love with some bold Baron of Belgium) has likewise had her pretty nob in Chancery. She accused her dear papa and brother-in-law of prigging her hard earnings, keeping her in close confinment, bodity fear, and mental excitement, and other malpractices against the peace of our Sovereign Lady the Queen, her crown, and dignity. Now, it is not in human nature to listen unmoved to such a voice as Adelina's, accordingly an Injunction was granted with ail Ihe formidable etceteras, and. the British press, taking the part of injured innocence fired off indignant pellets at the cruel relatives. But 1q and behold! nexi day the prima donna, contradicted all her previous accusations.—a kinder father never lived, she was happy as a sandboy, &c, and no more is heard of this siren of song in an enchanted castle, guarded by two ugly dragons, and immured from the young knight of her early love, and the whole romance is dissolved like the baseless fabric of a vision. Whereupon the newspapers are flabbergasted, and the betrothed of the Netherlands will have no further truck with one who can so falsify herself; and thus the lady loses at once her intended husband, and the sympathy of a deceived, and rather disappointed community ; and she once again entrusts her fortune and her liberty to that tender and kind hearted parent, who but a few days previously was keeping her a close prisoner, opening her love letters, and appropriating to his own base purposes the produce of her vocal talent (which is £24 000 a-year at least). Altogether its a mysterious and romantic affair, but being purely domestic, perhaps we know as much about it as we are entitled to.

Ben Lumley has had. his benefit performances at OldDrury, and real bumpers they were. The- far famed Piccolomini (although now a Florentine marchioness) emerged from continental retirement, and left her princely halls to sing for old Ben; and thus, honored by Koyalty, and supported by the profession and the public, his theatrical career has been wound up under tolerably favorable circumstances. He has promised to let the world know the why and the wherefore of these performances not taking place at Her Majesty's; whether such disclosures will prove edifying, and %o whom, remains to be seen.

Your readers may recollect that Balfe's daughter married Sir John Crampton, British Ambassador, formerly at Petersburg, now at Madrid. It may seem very grand ibr young ladies to get elevated from the position of an actress to that of a titled dame of England's aristocracy; but sooner or later comes reaction. " JSTature commonly, prevails," our schoolboy copies tell us; and so now, when we have the old story of May and December being revived in the Divorce Court, we must hot be surprised.

The Championship of the. World resulted in an easy victory by Chambers over the Australian. , Green attributed his defeat to .severe illness, «inu is satisfied of being able in.another trial to wrest the laurels from Newcastle. There are many knowing parties who hold the same opinion, and even hint at foul play ; and as Green proposes for another struggle, and offers to stake, without meeting a response from the champion, the rumor gains strength that indisposition had much to do with the late result. Of course Chambers is bound to accept a second challenge, and the next match is looked forward, to with considerable anxiety by all who are interested in aquatic sports.

Jem Burn has just died, aged 60. Some of your readers may ask " who was Jem Burn?" Verily he was a fighting man, and one of the •survivors of the old school. Ned Neale and White-headed Bob in days of yore had many a good punch at the nob of departed Jem B.; he stood the brunt ef many a well fought field, and generally came off second best; but he was a jovial soul, full of fun and sentiment and honest as the day. For many years the sporting portion of" the upper ten" patronised this ancient relict of pleasurable bye-gones ; and his hostelry was always noted as a scarce article, one of that class where a man could £ moke his pipe and view the celebrities in peace, comfort, and safety. Our old friend Lamartineis in sad affliction; bis wife is dead, and he himself but a shadow on the earth—bowed..down by poverty and affliction—prostrated by disease, his noble mind still soars aloft; and human aid so frgely proffered is still so gratefully declined. His numerous friends and admirers can thus only wish him well, while they continue lo regret not being allowed to alleviate those burthensome sorrows by which he is known to be surrounded.

Managerial cares and responsibilities, combined with physical ailments, have proved too much for the exhausted frame of Swanborough, sen.; the poor fellow has died a violent death, and the Strand Theatre is now in the hands of the younger members of his family. May better fortune await them than fell to the lot of the indulgent father and lamented manager.

Admiral Sir George Elliot died yesterday, aged 80. He began to fight in the wooden walls of old England as a volunteer, when only ten years old, ard kept on ever after, as his tiny arm got strong, to hammer away at the enemies of his country in all quarters of the globe; his last campaign being the Chinese war, in 1840, from which lie was invalided. It speaks well for Britannia's sons, when we find such kinchins of gentle blood as master Georgey, cheerfully exchanging the cradled lap of luxury for bubble reputation at the cannon's mouth, in such troubled times as those of' 9 4; and now that he is removed from the world of his usefulness, we shall remember his valorous deeds, and admit that if some of bur titled families are content to eat the bread of idleness, old George has at least rescued the name of Elliot from odious comparispns. The Maori chiefs have arrived in Lpndorj, •anil'on the 13th instaat they hail an audience

of an hour with the Prince find Princess of Wales. By the aid of Mr Jenkins, the interpreter, the introduction was highly agreeable to all parties; the Prince and Princess were delighted with their visitors, and declared that the ': noble savage'1 \\\-ich authors love to talk about is not altogether a myth ; whilst the illustrious strangers seemed much to enjoy their courteous reception ; and it ended with the mutual hope of an audience with the Queen. They afterwards did a pipe with Newcastle's Du!*e, each party explaining the friendly desires of their clients, and the cordial wish for better acquaintance. There is no doubt much benefit will accrue from this incident, and when our friends have fhi filled their mission and become tired of "lionizing," we wish them a safe journey home ; and hope they will convey to their brethren the earnest wish of this country to deal with them in the spirit of honesty, truth, and concord. At the same time should the recent outbreak in the Maori districts not. be healed up, their long voyage and its troubles will be more than recompensed by the good they will effect in pacifying their friends and helping to cement a permanent good understanding. Before leaving this subject one reflection is worth hoarding—ere they depart, should one of them find his way on to London bridge, let us pray he may.not fancy himself the gentleman alluded to by Lord Macaulay, and make notes accordingly for the guidance of his countrymen might lead it to fad mistakes hereafter.

A very candid letter dated 16th March, from Miss Rye, has gone the rounds of the London press ; tins letter justifies both the hopes and the fears that have hitherto been expressed respecting female emigration—it clearly demonstrates that unless the demoralisation attending a long sea voyage is obviated, and better arrangements generally speaking adopted at home and abroad, the ideas of the promoters of a female exodus are doomed to disappointment; all prejudice should be cast to the winds; the colonies and the mother country must mutually co-operate and leave nothing to chance. Let it be once understood that every precaution is taken, all contingencies provided for, and the beneficial end will be attained, but not till then—mean timeall credit is given to the lady for her praiseworthy endeavors to alleviate female distress —go a-hcad Maria, your cause is holy, persevere and prosper. The Australian colonies, hy-the-hye, seem to envy Dunedin the John Duncan's freight; they plainly invite Miss Rye to bestow on them, similar favors, and promise a cordial reception.

London, June 26. The French corps Mgislatif meet next mouth. As was expected, the Elections brought on sickness in the Cabinet, and now the ministerial crisi3 arrives. Persigny addressed an explanatory letter to the Prefects, but it was generally understood his official days were numbered; he was evidently a doomed nian, and his address was taken as a last dying speech and confession, ;.nd now he is removed from his position; no longer a minister he will, doubtless, have a tidy berth on foreign service, for he has long been a good staunch pal to one who don't often forget service rendered in the hour of need. Walewski, too, goes out and De Moray comes in.- Poland is supposed to lose a friend at head quarters by Walewski's retirement, but in truth Napoleon 111. will not be much guided by him or any other man on this very ticklish question.

~No answer has yet been returned from St. Petersburgh; but should Gortzchakoff come any more of his diplomatic foolery, it will, most probably, be answered with a voice of thunder ; for the Continent is really assuming a threatening attitude, and in our British Parliament there's a perfect uproar on behalf of Poland, which exhibits itself almost nightly. Palmerston has just enlightened us as to the six points for Poland contained in our last note; and it is beyond dispute that a general feeling of uneasiness -pervades all classes in England The Times says we are losing our caution and drifting into troubled waters, that we have made demands which are inconsistent, and which shall never be granted except by force, and finally that we are compromising ourselves to the extent of war or discredit. Be all as it may, there is no second opinion about this, that on the great question of the day, "Is it to be peace or war," the answer must and will come from the Tuileries.

New York dates of the 13th inst. state that all is excitement and expectation. No fresh news had arrived from Vicksburg or Port ■Hudson, and fighting Joe Hooker was reported as still on the gui vive, and most anxious for another mill with Lee and Longstreet Napoleon 111. is again urging us to join him in mediation, so that with America, Poland, and Prussia, there's plenty of gossip afloat—" wars and rumor 3of 'wars"—and we are nervously waiting for a peaceable solution to some of the many difficulties whichat present cloud the political horizon.