LONDON.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 1119, 22 July 1865, Page 5

LONDON.

(JEOM OOTI OWU COKHESPffKBBtJT )

Thursday, 25th May.

The American war is over, and Slavery is extinct! It is a proud privilege to write such words —for that dreadful conflict which but a few weeks back seemed endless, and on the result of which it baffled the wisest to prophecy, is now a thing of the past; it enters the domain of history: and when the faithful records are btfore the world we chall read of America with tears and laudations, hoping that the fell struggle will teach its proper lesson, and that such a trying season of horror and privation will produce its own good fruit. And although a task of immense difficulty and responsibility iies befare the present rulers, there is no imaginable reason why the Great Republic should not produce great men equal to the occasion ; to reconstruct the Union on enduring bases will require tact and talent of the highest order ; aad with the manifold examples to guide them we must leave our cousinstatesmen to their duties. The shocking news sent by last mail created a panic not only in English stock and share markets, but throughout commercial Europe—and in every country of the Old World one universal shout of detestation arose which was solemnly echoed in high places; Queen Victoria and the Empress Eugenic sent special letters of affection to Widow Lincoln; whilst genuino and true-hearted condolence was forwarded to the American people by every outgoing steamer.

A brief resume of the recent startling events it would be presumptuous to promise, but I will endeavor to be concise and consistent; hoping next mail to have more agreeable subjects for my text. On the 9th April Lee surrendered the Virginian army; on the 12th Mobile fell; on the 14'h Lincoln was assassinated; on the 18th Johnston surrendered to Shermnn. under conditions which were disavowed at Washington, and on the 2Gth lie surrendered all the armies under his command in Tennessee, Carolina, Georgia, and Florida to Orant, on the same terms as those allowed to Lee; since then Taylor is reported to have surrendered the trans-JVli-sissippi army—and there remains now only Rirhy Smith's Confederate forces in Texas to he dealt with, and, as it is conjectured that Jefferson Davis in hia flight™ endeavoring to reach that army witli thirteen million dollars plunder, the Federal General Stoneman is after him in full chase, and at Rockville, South Carolina, was only one day's march behind on the 28fh April; • escape, therefore, is highly problematical unless he can get to the coast. The mortal remains of poor Abraham Lincoln received the highest honors in their transit from "Washington to Illinois, and were consigned to the tomb in Springfield amidst a nation's sorrow and the sympathy of the civilised world. John Wilkes Booth was run to earth and met a brigand's death within eleven days of his crime; but his accomplice Harrold was captured alive, and some fearful revelations are expected; mean time credit is given to the Southern Chiefs for a syste matic conspiracy aiming at wholesale assassination, winch is said to have been organised in Canada and approved in Richmond ; excitement, indignation, and revenue predominate in the Ynnkee breast; L 30,000 sterling is offered for Davis's apprehension, and for arch-traitors of lesser fame than he LSOOO and upwards; hundreds of prisoners await their trial, which is 6aid to have alrewdy commenced with closed doors in New York; a despatch is sent to Canada for the in-tant delivering up of parties implicated; Davis will be demanded from any neutral country in wh'ch he may seek refuge, and sufficisnt force will accompany the avenying m> ssengers to enable them to execute their commissions; and the Ist of June is appointed by proclamation as a general day of humiliation and mourning wherever the stars and stripes are respected. Amongst the cart load of telegrams which have lately arrived from America is one which foreshadows an inclination of the new President to insist on indemnity from England respecting the losses of American citizens occasioned by the Alpbama and other privateers which started from our ports. There i* al-o one of a truly horrible nature, to the effect that Dr. Blackburn, of Southern proclivites, has purchased at Bermuda large quantities of infected clothing and shipped same to New York, with intent to spread the yellow fever throughout the States —but 'tis hard to swallow this tale, for the Doctor has, during his;professional career, been a benefactor to mankind by his skilful treatment of patients afflicted with that scourge; and it is remembered that last year, while on a visit at Halifax, the plague was raging in the Bermudas, he volunteered his services and rendered such timely aid as, coupled with other testimony of his benevolence, induce our disbelief of so foul ■a charge. The Washington authorities are industrious in ferreting out traitors of all grades just now; but we look for an early recantation of their claim to the surrender of Dr. Blackburn.

A grand review of the Northern armies, to celebrate the closing of the war is about being held on the slopes of Manaesas—that it will be most imposing none can doubt, -and that it will be read of with universal feelings of joy is also beyond question, for the daily records of a four yeais' slaughter have wearied us all. The soldiers will be then and there disbanded ar>d sent to their long neglected homes. But, will this enormous host be content to resume their former industrial pursuits and offer ploughshares in lieu of swords to their bleeding country, is a serious question which arises. The attitude of such legions, and the probable conciliatory or vindictive policy ■of the new President affect not only the American continent but all the world besides; and we anxiously wait for telegrams more assuring than any which have yet arrived. Earl Russell has addressed a letter to the iLords of the Admiralty) stating that

henceforth. American vessels will Dot be required to leaye our ports at 24 bour*' notice, nor will there be any restriction upon their coaling, and a similar order is issued in France. President Johnson, at the same time, proclaims that '* if neutral powers do not utterly forbid Confederate cruisers! to take refuge in their harbors, he will refuse hospitality in Federal ports to all vessels of such neufnlf, and will adopt measures towards vindicating the national sovereignty." These documents appeared in the English papers within a few days of each other; but whether the European instructions will or will not satisfy America we have yet to learn. Andrew Johnson seems to be a most resolute and determined character; he holds treason as the greatest of crimes, and says, that to confiscate the property of rebel Southerners and hang the leading men, is a duty which his country demands of him. The hard heart may yet soften nevertheless, for Mr Seward is getting well again, and with lih ini'd and enlightened policy, aided by General Grant's generous chivalry, the unrelenting tone now adopted may disappear. Need |I say, that every fresh arrival of an American mail creates a great sensation in London. Verily, we know not what a day may bring forth.

Meyerbeer's posthumous opera ISAjricnine, was produced ia^Paris, 28th ultimo. The Emperor and Empress witnessed its first appearance, and a furore was created unprecedented in musical annals. With all its acknowledged beauties, however, it is doubtful whether it will achieve the world-wide fame of Lea Huguenots. Its extreme length (five actI', occupying six mortal houre) may suit a Parisian audience, but will scarcelybe tolerated in England ; and the difficulties of curtailing, without destruction, may prove toj Herculean for any genius less exalted than that of the immortal author. But the sublimity of U Africaine, as a whole, is beyond this humble criticism, and the above short notice must suffice. Adelaide Patti was to have represented the sable heroine, but she had for some time heen invalided from a tumour forming in the head, which required the skilful care of Dr Nelaton. Vincent Wallace has unfortunately experienced a relapse, and again lies dangerously ill in Paris; and poor Donato is said to be dying, his great exertions as a one-legged dancer having induced consumption. The Emperor Napoleon embarked for Algeria Ist instant, and is expected to be an absentee for six or seven weeks. Prince Napoleon goes to Corsica, to preside over the inauguration of statues in honor of the dynasty, and the founder of their fame, leaving the fair Eugenic Regent. But France is quiet enough just now, and having decreed peace to Europe and silenced his noisy Parliament, the great man had little or nothing to do, and could safely confide the Prince Imperial and his mother to the watchful care of I'armee de Paris, The Algerian speculation has been a losing game for 35 years, aud to prevent bad growing to worse is the object of this journey. Military commandants and fussy prefects do extraordinary things when their seat of power is far removed from autocratic ken; but those gentlemen, and even the Governor-General himself, now have to give a good account of their stewardship, and will find it no easy matter to hoodwink such a master of arts as the mighty chief in .their midst. Couleur de rose, will of course be the tint during the Emperor's sojourn, and many ugly sores will remain perdu, but much benefit will flowlrom Imperial inspection; and although Algeria may not be made a pattern to other countries, it now stands a chance of be- I coming at all events a respectable colony.

Mexican accounts have announced the retirement of Juarez from further contention against the powers that be, his forces dispersing, and Maximilian henceforth to be allowed to enjoy his honors in peace and quietness. This was all very delightful to read, and provided always that he obtains the grace of President Johnson, such might be the cas?; but we now hear of Juarez installed at Sonora as the bead of the Republican party, of his agents negotiating in America for volunteers on the Monroe principle, of Mexican registry offices publicly open in New York ; of large bounties, with divers acres of land, advertised as the reward of adventurers, and of the disbanded soldiery enrolling their names by the thousand. All this is notorious, and as the authorities take no steps to check the enthusiasm, it is fair to presume there is no objection to it. If this be so, there are troublous times at hand, for it cannot be supposed that France will be intimidated into surrendering the Mexican position after such great exertions to acquire it; au contraire, the first telegram which reaches Bonaparte on his travels, will speed him home with lightning wings, and his trained legions will hear the gratifying news that they are called on once more to avenge an insult offered to the glorious tricolor in Montezuma's distant land.

Austria and Prussia are gradually coming to terms. The Duchies are compared to JSlaboth'a vineyard—an unenviable possession—and the dismemberment of Denmark brings little besides disunion to the German freebooters. Francis Joseph being denied a fair share of the spoil, insists on his non-German territories being guaranteed ere he agrees to his august ally's rapacious designs, and Bismarck being determined on making Kiel a Prussian port, craftily promises anything to attain that object; but the minor States cry, " a plague on both your houses," they refuse to pledge themselves to assist Austria, and decidedly object to Prussian annexation; the frantic Duchies call on the Duke of Augustenberg to rescue them from the squabbling bandits, to assert his sovereign rights, and at once to place the Schleswig-Holsteiners on a regal footing with their covetous neighbors. Whether Bismarck's unscrupulous obstinacy will yet over-ride his timid opponents, or what else is to bring a solution of the sickening question we must wait to know; but that anything like Teutonic unification will arise out of the Danish war, few people believe—so, however, that all ends peaceably, we must be satisfied. Continental affairs require consolidation, and peace is a necessity of the day. France Is resolved oa it ; Germany has had enough of war to last awhile;

and Italy is disposed to bide her time, for Rome is considered a certainty, and light is dawning on a compensation to Austria, in order that Venetia may quietly depart from German rule. We learn from Bucharest that the Principalities are most unsatisfactorily governed by Prince Couza, and it is reckoned aught but a difficult tii>k for clever diplomacy to snatch the prince's dominions away from him, and turn them over to Austria; and thus, if by degrees we can get ail these troublesome customers to be content with their respective bargains, what a blessing it will be.

Until the Emperor returns from colonial travel, we shall hear but little that is truthful respecting Papal reaolve«, but it is pretty well understood that Persigny has paved the way for settlement. Pope Pius must, ere now, see his position tolerably clear, and to kick against the decree of the Tuileries any longer would be sheer madness. Every one wishes a quiet end to the fleeting life of the good old man, obstinate and intractable though he be, and his best friends will advise him to ace;pt the inevitable. King Victor has taken formal possession of bis Florentine capital, and things look bright and fair in " Sunny Italy." Of Garibaldi and his party of action we hear nothing; silence and patience become them all; for even as Rome was not built in a day, so imy not their country he regenerated at a fool's gallop. The nation is in a fair way of doing well, and those who are wise will let the great performer play out his game after his own fashion. Neapolitan brigandage is still rampant, despite the joint action of Franco-Italian bayonets. Mr Ainstie Murray and another Scotchman were captured la3t week, and a ransom of LBOOO demanded, poor Murray being detained whilst his more fortunate chum is sent to find the siUer.

Spain still groans with discontent, anl reluctantly submits to Court intrigues and the stern rule of Narvaez and Bravo; from end to end the kingdom quivers, and a sudden eruption of the smouldering volcano will surprise none of us; but as no advice is asked, and the disorder affects only themselves, the people will probably be allowed to work thtir own cure without the meddling and muddling of European busy-bodies. Grecian politics are calm enough; the general election is approaching, anl whether the country is to be well or ill governed will soon appear ; meantime King George visits the provinces, sovereign and people becoming better acquainted, and all parties will be more prepared to face the next storm with whatever violence it may burst forth.

The disagreeable intelligence flashed by the Indian wire last month is more than confirmed. Sir Charles Trevelyan, on retiring from office, declares a deficiency for the past year of L 344.143, and to meet this, export duties of 3 per cent, are imposed on jute, wool, tea, and' coffee, and 2 per cent, on hides, sugar, and silk; the income tax, which produced above a million sterling, and was really a popular impost, is abolished; the salt duties are proposed to be increased, and a loan of L1,200,000ia to be raised. Fortunately, Sir Charles is no longer finance minister, or worse might befall; his career has been most disastrous ; in 1862 the surplus revenue was L 1,827,345, since when it has continuously declined, attributable to increased expenditure and the low price of opium, which sells now for LB4 a chest, whereas it used to realise LIB 4. But the outcry at Calcutta against the Trevelyan budget is very loud; remonstrances are sent home, and the Queen's government agree in its destructive tendency atid refuse to ratify it —and as Mr Massey, who succeeds to Indian finance, carries out with him some admirable lessons from our Gladstone, we look for batter tidings very shortly. The Bhootan expedition is reported well doing, and the entire frontier is in our possession; on the 2nd April Dewangiri fell toour arms after sharp fighting, and the mountaineers were to a man swept from the plateau at a trifling British loss; and General Tomb?, who was the hero of this dashing exploit, gives hopes of securing our position; the season, however, is against v*, and there is much sickness in camp. We have, in addition, a stubborn foe before m, and as the rascals know how to fight, we mint expect many eallant struggles during the campaign. The Bhooteas, now as ever, when defeated, are disposed to offer liberal terms of peace and goodwill, but we begin to understand such professions, and shall doubtless help ourselves to "material guarantees" for future docility. There seems to be abundant hot work in the East; the Emir of Bokhara is preparing to assist Kokan against the Russians, whilst in Persia and Jabool the fighting men are buckling on their armour. Sir Wm. Mansfield succeeds Sir Hugh Rose at the head of the army; his age is 45, and he is said to be the right man in the ri'iht place— both soldier and statesmen of the first water, and at the hands of the new Com-mander-in-Chief much is expected. Sir H. Rose has arrived home, and with him comes intelligence that the fall in the price of cotton is so great as to stop all dealings in such a treacherous article; also that commercial failures are very heavy, and that distrust, alarm, and panic prevail to a considerable extent in India.

Imperial China once more marshals her forces against the rebel forces; again are traitors doomed. The Amoy rebels are committing great devastations, and we are promised next mail a thrilling record of Mandarin matchlock butchery; but we put small faith in the valiant bearing of those would-be warriors. And as Sir Rutherford Alcock is now the British Ambassador at Pekin, with vast experience in such crafty diplomacy as he must have acquired in the tortuous region of Japan, a vigorous policy is certain, and our interests re in safe-keeping. His vacated place amongst the Daimios is given to Sir Henry Parkes, who reports all quiet in that quarter; as also that the Japanese Government have announced a foreign policy j which excludes all the subjects of non-treaty powers. News from the Cape of Good Hope tell of great dissatisfaction respecting the annexation of British KafFraria; likewise, amongst the Gaika Chiefs, on the Government project to collect the scattered tribes of the frontier, and locate them in their

ancient possessions beyond the Kei, Kieli being as obstinate and discontented as ever, and threats were held out of exterminating the white man. At Port Elizabeth, at Natal, and throughout the Eastern Provinces, commercial failures were of alarming magnitude; and although affairs were | somewhat improved at Cape Town, the general tone of the deapatch is adverse. The Emperor of Abyssinia is sadly misbehaving, and the intricate problem is started how to bring his dark-skinned majesty to book. Our Consul, Mijor Cameron, the Missionarie?, and all other Europeans, are imprisoned, and we have neither power nor influence sufficient to release them. It is not easy to arrive at facts; but the supposition is that the Major was requested to promote an embassy here, offering the Royal black hand, and blacker heart, to England's widowed Queen. The Royal wish was further expressed, that England should assist him in a war against Turkey and Egypt; but our intelligent Consul could not see his way clearly to recommend and forward such very delicate matters, and he was, iv consequence, (together with every pale face in his majesty's barbarous dominions) duly cast into prison, where, dark and dank, they have remained for 18 long months past. Earl Russell says that our best efforts have been used on behalf of the wretched prisoners; that two months ago he heard they were to be liberated when the King returned from the wars; that it is not considered advisable to use force, and that is all the information vouchsafed. Truly, an African Consulship is a berth likely to go begging henceforth ; and reflective minds are curious as to whether the subjects of France, Russia, or America would be left so long at the mercy of any potentate on earth, whatever might happen to be the color of his skin. Unhappy Major Cameron! we wish him well out of his grief, but he must appeal to some Higher Power than Earl Russell for rescue. This matter has ajrain been brought before Parliament, and all the papers and documents which can possibly throw light on a thing bo gloomy are ordered to be produced ; and if, with a knowledge of the causes which originated the poor prisoner's incarceration, we also learn that their dreadful captivity is, by some agency or other, likely to end, it will be a great relief to us all. A crowded house at St. Stephen's received MrGladstone's budget, and eagerly listened to finance made musical by our brilliant Chancellor. An intellectual treat of 2 hours 40 minutes was none too tedious for those who heard it: and cheering from all sides greeted the world-famed orator, who, it is allowed, never spoke better. He shewed us a surplus revenue of L 4,031,005, which enabled him to reduce the income tax from 61 to 4d, the tea duty from Is a pound to 6d, and the fire insurance duty from 3s per cent, to Is Gd. These popular reductions nearly exhaust the surplus, but we are promised (bar accidents) a similar balance sheet next year, and every body for once in a way is satisfied—except the lawyers, by the bye, who pleaded their own cause so pathetically as to obtain (by a majority of 3) a resolution of the Hou3e that it is inexpedient to continue the tax on attorneys' certificates, and the profession will thus be relieved from the obnoxious burden of paying the large sum of L 9 per annum for liberty to exercise their calling; but not one voice was raised for the licensed hawker, he can possibly best afford to wait his turn at the relieving officer's gate. After the Budget came England's condolence to America, which was sanctioned by both Houses in such glowing terms as should maks us all friends —fast and firm, for many years to come, and it is said that nearly 300 addresses of symDathy from the British have been forwarded to their American cousins.

The "Roman Catholic Oaths Bill" is the name of a recent legislative enactment, and the oath is now and forever abolished, whereby Roman Catholic members on taking their seat in the House, used to swear never to compass the Sovereign's deith, nor permit of others to blow up the King and Parliament. 134 honorable gentlemen could nevertheless be found to oppose this measure, in their fear far the validity of the Protestant faith and the danaer to Church and State.

Mr Baioes, M.P. for Leeds, has been agitating an extension of the borough franchise to L 6 householders ; a mere sop to o'emocracy, and the stepping-stone to universal suffrage. As such at all events it was viewed in Parliament, and rejected accordingly ; it stood a three nights' warm debate, honorables and right honorables alike showing a laudable ambition to stand well with their constituents on the eve of a general election. The question is peculiarly located just now: all parties are pledged to reform and profess their honesty in desiring that the House of Commons should more truly represent the opinion of the country by admitting the better half of the working classes to the franchise: at the same timewis'hingto save the Constitution from the danger of universal suffrage. That Reform will come in due course we doubt not, but it is wisely suggested that to come properly, it must emanate from the ministers of the day, and by it they must stand or fall. The Edmunds pcandal oozes out by the report of the Lords Committee, the* gentleman being found guilty of every charge laid at his door. Chancellor Bethell is acquitted of all complicity, save and except grave indiscretion and the assumption of an excusable responsibility—high officers of the State are justly censured for bad watch and ward over public servants entrusted with the national purse —and Lord Brougham is exonerated from blame or cognizance in the nefarious transactions with which hi 3 name was associated. The fact remains that the various Governments for the time being have tolerated a laxity of discipline and control in the Patent Office, and now that a public defaulter crops up no parties can be found with sufficiently clean hands to pro • secute; indeed, in lieu of high pain 3 and penalties attaching to his offences, Edmunds j was actually awarded a retiring pension of LBOO (for past Parliamentary services), at a time when his malfeazances must have been apparent to the great majority of the Peers of the Realm; and then, when the outcry was so great that the scandal could no longer be smothered, the Upper House

received the Report of their own Committee with unblushing1 consideration for the sensitive feelings of their dishonest Reading Clerk, and only for very shame do they ultimately decide on rescinding the pension, and even then several Peers outspokenly advocated the culprit's cause; whilst he himself, although so publicly disgraced, knowing the sympathy existing for him in high places, threatens to appeal lo the law of the l^nd to recover his pension, instead of deeming himself only too fcrtunate in escaping the penal clauses of the statute book.

Mr Punch, in noticing this affair, says that Edmunds, in his dealings with the public cash, was too bad, and the Lord Chancellor in rewarding such conduct with a pension, was too good. But taken as a whole it was certainly a very warm discussion for Lord Westbury; so warm indeed as to raise his blood to fever heat, and he tendered his resignation ; but his offence* were officially considered venial, and Lord Palmerston being very ill at the time it was not thought advisable to risk the endurance of the Ministry, and so,Westbury is still on the woolsack. But he is not yet out of the fire, for he is now called on to answer sundry ugly questions of nepotism and corruption which are mooted in the House of Commons; and another special Committee is ordered which, it is promised, shall be of the most searching character and bear a judicial stamp, in relation to certain appointments in Bank ruptcy and elsewhere; and if this second enquiry be bona fide it may happen that some of the juvenile Bethelis will yet have to vacate the fat livings provided for them by an affectionate relative, and so make way for public servants somewhat more fitted for official duties—and thus for the present we must leave this remarkably unwholesome business.

" The property of Convicts" is the name of a Bill introduced by Government to the notice of Parliament. Henceforth the property of persons convicted of treason or felony will not be forfeited, but held in trust by Commissioners; out of it the expenses of prosecution will be defrayed, as also all just debts, including restitution or compensation to any persons injured by the criminal acts of the convict —and at the expiration of the sentence, or on pardon or death, the residue and remainder of such property will be revested in the convict, his heirs, executors, or his administrators.

Greenwich Hospital at last is in good hands—a government scheme ia in progress which cuts up ancient abuses, and gives the sailor the chance of a reai home; outdoor relief is to be afforded in the downhill of life to all seamen who prefer to fight their battles o'er again and smoks a pipe by their own fire side, instead of being boxed up against their will and restricted to monastic life and! workhouse rules. With a revenue of L 154,000, 'tis hard indeed if the British sailors' refuge cannot be kept in going gear; such a noble frigate should be ever ship shape, all a-tant-o, an honor to these sea-girt isles, and no longer remain in a condition so disgraceful to a nation priding itself on the protection of her blue jackets and the vaunted wooden walls of Old England. The Dublin Exhibition gives Sister Erin one more hope of regeneration. It so far looks well ; and the mere presence of patent drain pipes should teich the Fenian Brotherhood and other foolish agitators the policy of vigorously putting a shoulder to the wheel, and dragging their country out of the slough of despond, rather than indulging in idle claptrap about "Repale" of the Uoion, and uselessly howling over the cruelties of Sassenach rule. One of the dampest regions of Europe may yet be converted into a land of paradise, flowing with milk and honey; and a prosperous and contented people may yet vegetate in the land of their fathers, and make unto themselves a local habitation and a name, instead of, as the rule now is, seeking a home amongst strangers, and bequeathing to their progeny little else but ignorance, prejudice, and vagrancy. No pains were spared to make the present effirt a signal success Royalty has been received with acclaim, and all things work harmoniously. But there was no lack of mis-called patriots to stop " the fun of the fnir"—sic semper tyrannis, red words fresh from the lips of American assassins were borrowed for the occasion, and that sinister heading in bold type was prefixed to inflammatory rebellious placards, which were profusely distributed on the landing of our prince: but the authorities took no notice of such gentle hints —and if, even in spite of herself, we contrive to make something of our wayward sister isle, we shall rejoice greatly. Sir T. Staples, the barrister, died in Dublin, 14th inst., aged 90. Sir Thomas had long been the father of the Irish bar, and was the last surviving member of the native Parliament.

The Queen and family are at Balmoral, all well. Prime Alfred has played out his English holiday, and returned to study at Bonn. Prince Arthur's eastern tour is ended, and he is now with her Mijesty in Bonnie Scotland. The Prince of Wales has been full of business lately; his seven days' trip to Dublin was quite a task, but he accomplished it fairly, and has since represented the Queen on State occasions. Continually does he give personal sanction to the opening of useful and charitable institutions. He goes one day to Lambeth, another to Whitechapei, another to the very far east, west, north, or south. At all such places he makes an appropriate royal speech, and is a very marvel for one so young and inexperienced. He does much good, and is deservedly popular; and we are all very proud of the eldest son of our Queen. The Princess is quite well, and little Albert Victor also. They are now doing the hospitable to the Danish Crown Prince at Marlboro' House. . Oii (lit: the late Czarewitcb, whilst on his death bed at Nice, bequeathed his betrothed Princess Dagmar to his next brother, the present heir apparent to the throne of all the Russians. She is, however, too full of grief for mundane thoughts, and her second suitor must wait awhile to inherit his departed brother's legacy; meantime sympathy is with Denmark in this last addition to her woes.

The London Fire Brigade, which has hitherto been conducted by private companies, is being taken up by Government.

Xv will be maintained by a halfpenny rate, producing L 30.000, supplemented by a Ministerial g'ant of Ll 0,000 and a contribution of LIO.OOO from the insurance offices. The services rendered by the brigade are notorious, and we can hope for nothing less from the servants of the Crown, especially with such commanders as the Prince of Wales and Duke of Sutherland at the head of the army of firemen.

We are to have another large addition to the accommodation afforded to our mercantile marine. Dagenham Lake, near Barking, Essex, once the favored resort of Isaak Walton's disciples, is purchased by a wealthy company, and no cost will be arudged in making the new Dagenham Docks sufficiently commodious to meet the increasing necessities of England's merchant fleet.

Good accounts arrive from all parts of our vegetable kingdom; warm weather and gentle rains have done their work; the spring corn is in splendid condition, the wheat never looked healthier; hay is abundant; Dame Nature sports a truly verdant hue ; a bountiful harvest is prophecied, and farmers cease to grumble. The annual meeting of the Grand Lodge of Free and Accepted Masons of England was held in Great Queen street, 26th April. It brought together the highest members of the craft from every part of the United Kingdom, and the Earl of Zetland was, for the twenty-second time, unanimously elected Grand Master of Masons. His Lordship congratulated his brethren on the flourishing state of their charities, and appointed Karlde Grey and Ripon as Deputy Grand Master for the year. A contemplated railway tunnel under Greenwich Park is being sternly opposed in the interests of science. It is asserted that such a line, although 1250 feet deep, cannot be constructed without fatally impairing the efficiency of the Observatory; and notwithstanding the desirability of direct railway communication between Greenwich and Woolwich (a thing which exists not at present), Sir James South is prepared to do stout battle against the advance of those invading monsters—iron and steam. The Great Eastern, at Sheerness, is rapidly shipping the Atlantic cable, and is expected to start with her precious freight in a month. Electric science is last approaching maturity, and the improvements effected in the manufacture of marine cables inspire the fondest hopes of success. It is needless to say that the operations on board the big ship are being most anxiously scanned. The Prince visited the leviathan yesterday, and brought home a cheering account of all the preparations. ! Monsignor Manning (late Protestant . Arphdeacon of Cliichester) is the new titular Archbishop of Westminster. It may be true that he is now one of the most accomplished and distinguished men among the Roman Catholic clergy, but whether he ever gains the esteem of our intelligent community which was accorded to Wiseman's Eminence, will depend on the judicious ministration of his high functions. With respect to the coveted Cardinal's hat, the reverend gentleman, as yet, sighs in vain for that crowning proof of Pontifical confidence.

The Road murder of 1860 has advanced another stage, and Constance Kent, adhering to her horrid tale of self-accusation, is sent for trial at the next Wiltshire Assizes. To revenue some trifling or imaginary slights, and to shew her extreme dislike to a kind father's second wife, this fiir youns» girl of sixteen committed as foul a.murder as any yet recorded. No signs of insanity are exhibited; and we are left to believe that such a she- mo ister exists as to be capable of first strangling, then cutting the throat, and finally stabbing to the heart her darling little halfbrother, for the mere sake of depriving an obnoxious step-mother of a pet child; at the same time taking such arf ful measures a3 effectually concealed her crime, and baffled the entire machinery of England's police, allowing her father to be the reputed murderer, bringing disgrace and ruin on the whole family, and she herself for five long weary years bearing the stings of such a guilty conscience. We can scarcely credit the terrible recital, but must remain content for the present, hoping that on or before the fatal day something may transpire more consistent with humanity. It is probable that the trial will take place at the Old Bailey (instead of Salisbury) next m:>nth; also, that other parties will be indicted with Miss Constance; in addition to which the sacred seal of confession i 3 not to hold good in the Criminal Court, and the Rev. Air Wagner will have to be more explicit or abide the consequences. The trial of Dr Pritchard, at Glasgow, for murdering his wife and her mother, will also take place next month. Arthur Sequin ha 3 just died here, aged 84; he introduced French plays into England 67 years ago, and has ever since that time been a conspicuous membsr oE the operatic department in this country; he was father to Edward and William Sequin, the vocalists, and grandfather to Madame Parepa. The death of Sam Collins, the comic singer, is announced this morning. Adelina Patti has sufficiently recovered to appear at the Royal Italian, together with an old London favorite, Mdlle Vanderheuvel; whilst at her Majesty's, a new prim* donna of German extraction, Mdlle lima de Muraka, shares with famous Tietjens the honors of the evening. Louisa Pyne and Harrison are dring English ODera at Astley's with Mrs Macready, as Meg Merrilies. Shakspeare has reigned the past month at Old Dmry and Sadler's Wells, a new tragedian, Neill Warner, appearing at the Wells with marked success. Sotbera is the undying Dundreary 'and Brother Sam at the Haymarket. Fechter is alternately Riiy Bias, Don Cae3ar de Bazan and Hamlet, at the Lyceum. The Ticket-of-Leave Man re-appears at the Olympic. Miss Bateman is the Adeiphi star. Madame Celesk is " over the water" delighting our southern artisans with The Woman in Red at the Victoria; indeed we have dramatic representations of the soft sex in all conceivable colors, mauve, red, white and blue predominating, who, with the Orange girl, the Corsican Brothers, and Geaeral Tom Thumb's little family,

are flitting about all over London. Another play-house has been latelybuilt and duly licensed; it is erected in the grounds of Old Highbury Barn, and called the New. Alexandra Theatre. Theatricals generally are reported well-doing, but the season for " legitimate drama" draws to a close, and several managers announce the intention of shutting up, refitting, and embellishing. Charles Kean and wife have just finished their engagement in New York, where the theatres had previously been closed for some time, in consequence of Mr Lincoln's tragic death; but now that money aboundttb, and the victorious Republicans are jubilant, out artistes will doubtless have wound up their very long ramble most satisfactorily, and we shall soon see their names again in English play bills preparatory to a final retirement from public life. Edwin James, our noted ex M.P. and Q.C. has doffed bis learned wig and gown, and taken to playacting; the last mail tells of his successful appearance as the Friar in Romeo and Juliet, at the Winter Garden. Theatre, New York. Miss Sarah Sberman> a niece of the renowned Federal Commander, is also reported as a recent acquisition to the American stage.

Dion Boucicault is once more in litigation. It appears that one Berger luxuriating in the proud ownership of a periodical called the " London Herald,'* anxious to amuse his "gentle readers," took the liberty of publishing the Joys and the Sorrows of Sweet Arrah-na-poguc, but the Vice-Chancellor decides that the unhappy publisher was wrong, and the heavy costs of a suit in Chancery will be a fearful warning to friend Berber for all time. Rumor says that Boucicault and Fechter are going into partnership; if one of these gentlemen is really blesstd with the worst possible temper, and the other with a worse, 'tis a pity ; and if we may not venture to predict success to their joint action we at all events maywish it.

W. F. Witherington, the English landscape painter, died 10th April, aged 79. Sir David Daviep, the Royal Physician, has died, aged 72. Sir Samuel Cunard, aged 72, the originator of the famous line of ships trading between England and America, died April 28. He was created a Baronet in 1859. W. Williams, E?q., M.P. tor Lambeth, died April '28. Assuming the mantle of Joseph Hume, his parliamentary duties were chiefly devoted to matters of finance ; and the office must now, ungracious as it is, be taken up by some other disciple of economy, or we may look in vain tor the realisation of Gladstone's happy sketch of public retrenchment.

Admiral Fitzroy committed suicide April 30; as also did Mr Prescott, the banker both sad cases arising from mental derangement consequent upon over exertion of the brain. Mr Prescott held a high position in monetary circles, and was much esteemed for private worth, numberless kind acts, and unbounded charity. The lamented Admiral wa3 more widely known. Born in 1805, he entered the navy at 14, and when 29 yeara old commanded H.M.S. Beagle, in surveying the coasts of South America. In 1843 he was Governor and Commander in Chief of New Zealand, and for the last ten years had presided over the meteorological department, but we have now lost our stormweather guide; many bold mariners owe their lives to the timely warning of Admiral Fitzroy, and it is to be hoped that the new science of meteorology willbe speedily provided with a worthy successor to the good man so suddenly removed. Mr Glaisher, the celebrated aeronaut, is already ranied.

The Champion of Ea/rland is dead. The honorable Sir Henry Dymoke, Baronet, aged 64. The last time he mounted his war horse as the steel-clad defender of royalty was at the coronation of George the Fourth, a pretentious monarch, who would not have dispensed with the flimsy pageant for worlds; since when the brave champion has never been called on to throw down his gage for the new Sovereign. He was the seventeenth of his family who inherited the proud title, and dying without male issue, the honor of defeuding the majesty of England against all comers devolves on his brother, a clergyman—the office, however, is a mere sinecure, sufficiently obsolete to die outright without a groan, a relic of barbarous ages long gone bye; and the general contentment of the lieges "in these weak, piping times of peace," is championship enough for the sovereignty of Greac Britain and Ireland.

Newmarket First Spring Meeting commenced on the Ist instant, and thither wended all true lovers of the high-mettled racer, to take stock of the numerous "cracks" which annually show their qualities on the Heath, preparatory to the great struggle for Derby honors. Without venturing a guess what will happen at Epsom, next week, it is noticeable that all the favorites were defeated at Newmarket. Count Legrange'a Gladiateur won by a neck the limed Two Thousand Guinea Stake, Archimedes was 2nd, and Liddington 3rd, the winner starting at 7 to 1. The Chester Cup was contended for on the 10th, in a deluge of rain and a sea oi mud, and was won by Mr Bennett's Highflyer, dam colt (since christened "Dal by"), by a short head ; Buckfoot was 2nd, and Leprochaun 3rd; the winner Btarted at 5 to 1. The Great Northern Handicap at York, on the 16th, wa* won by Mr Hudson's Cathedral; Stauntoa was 2nd, and Sidewind 3rd. The great Derby comes ofi Wednesday next, the 31st; Gladiateur is the favorite at sto 1; the 2rd favorite is Breadal.bane, at 7to 1; the 3rd favorite is Archimedes, at Bto 1. The Oaks will be run for on Friday, June 2nd; the. favorites are Siberia, Dilaine, and Wild Agnes, at sto 11 each. Wild Duck and Zephyr are at 8 to 1.

The Racehorse transport is preparing at Sbeerness to start with 500 convicts for Westera Australia, and is expected to leave daily. The King of Italy will leave London next week with a large party of emigrants for Albertland. The following have been spoken:—The Trebolgan, the Surrey, the No. 9254* the Dora, the Glendower, the Cold-stream, the Aboyne, the Xantho, the Gresham, the M.D.G.H., the Jessie Gilbert.