LONDON

Otago Witness, Issue 853, 4 April 1868, Page 4

LONDON

" (pbom otra own ookkbspoj^jb^t.') ] -' Londo^, January'2sth, 1868.' v The Taamanian with the Panama Mail, December.29#i, brought Mr Cargill from Otago ; Captain Leatham, from Wellington ; Mr Coatesi from Lyttelton. The mails via Suez, arrived' 12th and 18th instant ; the -Panama mail reached Plymouth to-day. '

Now that your Parliament is in holiday* we presume you are very busy with the reception of Prince Alfred, as according to programme, he should be amongst you at this time. And we look for the Of ago Daily Times to tell us of his safe arrival, and that he was received by Sir George Grey; for, "whilst it is of the utmost importance that - something more than a superficial view of such a Colony as New Zealand should be taken by the Queen's son, no other Governor could so readily furnish the information sought by His Royal Highness, or so efficaciously economise the limited time. The Middle Island too would assuredly be visited, as, independent of its other attractions, there are cities peopled with the adventurous sons of MidLothian ; and the Duke of Edinburgh would probably regretyere such an opportunity missed of receiving a bonnie Scotch welcome at Dunedin. Australian papers inform us of the Duke's hearty reception at Adelaide and Melbourne, news highly gratifying to Her Majesty and other Home friends. Thus far all goes well with the cruise of the Galatea, and we trust the remainder of this notable voyage will be performed under equally happy auspices. Ships Arrived : the Ironsides, Anglesea, Lincolnshire, Sylvia, Lindo, Dover Castle, Liberator, Strathdon, John Paul, Kent, Bruckley Castle. Ships Sailed : the Gainsborough, Albion, Celestial Queen, Wave of Life, Sir John Lawrence, W. H. Haselden, Ben Lomond, Ornate, Velocidade, Esses, Knight of Snowdon, Queensland, Royal Oak, Rob Roy, Borelias, Vidfarlie, Northampton.

The Celestial Queen, for Dunedin, left London 16th instant, with 200,000 salmon ova. Mr R. Dowben has charge of this remarkable freight ; and we hope to hear some tine day that New Zealand rivers are as plentifully stocked with the noble fish as the Severn, the Tweed, and the Barm.

Abyssinia begins to ope its dreary portals, and at last we really know something about it ; but a stumbling block meets xis at the outset. At Massowah the Egyptians pitch their tent, and insist on accompanying us, or simultaneously sending a separate mission to King Theodore — a proceeding calculated to embroil us with sundry Chiefs, and otherwise clog our movements. Habitual grumblers, too, with right on their side, tell of official confusion and non-ar-rangement in Annesley Bay, which brings to mind the old Balaklava muddle : and even as the Crimean expedition was imperilled from the want of ordinary management, so is this Abyssinian one. We have no evidence yet of troops actually dying through insufficiency of food or clothing, but we do know that several hundreds of costly animals are lost, together with many a£ their biped attendants, from sheer nc giigence. The cavalry horses, too, were so sadly cut up by the plague at Zoulla as to cause fears of the troopers being literally dismounted, the mules and camels also falling fast ; and although the epidemic is fading, we have already lost nearly a thousand quadrupeds, including 250 horses. But Sir Robert Napier himself is now at the front ; 40 elephants, too, accompany the expedition. The dreaded climate is somewhat shorn of its terrors : the country is comparatively easy of access'; the s\ipposed deadly jungle is nowhere to be seen ; unwholesome natives are readily caught and bought ; and the original ! gloomy aspect of the Abyssinian picture ' is fancifully brightened. The Royal Tigre Chief was an apparent ugly obstruc r tion, but even he speedily informed us how liis loving smile could be purchased with good hard English sovereigns and Maria- Theresa dollars ; and, as other gracious and greasy potentates evince asimilar weakness, we grope our way with the gold and silver key. At the rate of about L 4 a month, we buy up, one after another, all the swarthy warriors in our line of march. Sacks full of the precious metals are in the military chest ; and, howsoever the expedition may end, we shall' assuredly leave our mark in Ethiopia's land. We have several mighty chieftains in our pay ; and are thus enabled to push on to Senafe in the highlands (700O£t above sea- level) -without other than natural impediments, and at the date of last despatch, Senafe ■was Sir Robert's head-quarters. It is distant some 70 miles from Annesley Bay; and as the communication is entirely open, we shall be constantly informed of progress. The country is inundated with

vagabond* Kings and* Princes, -and Chiefs of every grade, all .squabbling fpr supremacy ; but th.c, black-hearted , ,Theodore claims toJbe.-Lord.of All, Son of King Solomon and. Sneb'a's ' Queen, King of Kings and Ethiopia. . Hopeful as things look at present, we are palpably working like moles in dark" ness. We have certainly climbed with' [ ease 7000 ft up the mountain gorge ; but jin doing so, we are assisted by willing I allies. We have yet a formidable ridge ahead, with some other TOOOft to mount*, and, we cannot even guess what ob- 1 stacles strew the rocky passes. Again, we are compelled to treat with un[known. tribes, and the information we rely on may be steeped in deceit land treachery, our troops betrayed land ambushed at any moment. But i there is now no alternative : whatever risks are before us, we nuist run them — and the state of the case appears 'thus :—: — Rassam, Cameron, Prideaux, Blanc, and | some other captives, remain confined at Magdala, a strong fortress, long since surrounded by rebels, although no black bandit has yet had courage enough to i storm the place. King Theodore's head- \ quarters are at Debra Tabor, 100 miles west of Magdala, and in his attempt to reach the captives he has to battle with his enemies on the road ; and the belief obtains that the success of our expedition depends upon reaching Magdala, and rescuing our friends before the King's i arrival. Now, as against this favourable j chance, it must be remembered, 'rheodore j left Debra Tabor, 11th October, and had j [ only to fight his way 100 miles ; whereas Sir Robert could not possibly leave Senafe until the middle of this month, and he would then have to wander 300 miles in i the unknown land ; showing a start of i three months and 200 miles in Theodore's favor. A more reasonable hope of success | lies in the probability of Magdala being I stormed by the rebels before the King ; arrives, and the captives being handed over to our troops for a consideration. On the other hand, should Theodore reach Magdala, capture the prisoners, and escape with them back again into the interior, our Expedition will be critically j situated ; one campaign will then be inj sufficient for the achievement of our ob- ! ject, and unless the genius of Sir Ro' crt i Napier prove equal to the emergency, calamity must ensue. The uncertainties and perils of this war are nndeniably great, and, with every precaution to guard against reverses, we can only hope for the best, and p\it our irust in Providence. The Imperial Parliament sets to work within a fortnight, and with much to do. The Reform Bills have to be completed ; inteniationallawsrevised; Colonial wrongs [righted; Abyssinian difficulties narrowly watched ; trades unions argued ; poorlaws readjusted ; standings nourished ; Fenians resisted ; traitors and murderers punished. Ireland will naturally be an exciting topic, equally as regards insurrectionary tendencies and the I grievances on land tenure, Established Church, education, railways, &c. The education of England's poor must also be vigorously handled and brought at once j into harmony with sound political social economy ; the scandal of one million and a quarter of our people uneducated must ' be removed ; the State made answerable to our descendants ; and education be every child's birthright. Technical education, elementary education, education before dogmatic teaching, education enfranchised from ecclesiastioism in all its grades from parish school to university — such are the sounds now heard all over the kingdom; National conferences are held, and ministers called on to initiate a general measure, lest the matter be entirely taken out of their hands. Schools are to be erected wherever necessary by local rates, locally administered, the rating and scholar's attendance to be permissive or compulsory, a3 may be finally determined — ther^e being, of course, many influential voices raised against a too rough-and-ready upsetting of the denominational ' system. — Debating the Reform. Bill, Robert Lowe and others sounded tlie educational tocsin, and it is argued that the only safe corollary to an extended franchise is extended intelligence ; many converts being already numbered to the code of compulsory education. — Next. our Exchequer is low : the proverbial elasticity of revenue is no longer boasted — the late returns show a grievous diminution ; and Mr Disraeli's budget-brain will be sorely troubled, in a season of exceptional privation, excessive expenditure, and general alarm. We have evidently more heavy business on hand than can be compassed ; but let there be an ■ absence of party strife, and much may be accomplished. The diabolical outrage in Clerkenwell continues to haunt the public mind. Seven deaths are now numbered — 41 victims in hospital, 111 others wounded ; and, in addition, 26 maternity cases from fright. One entire street is in ruins ; 14 other streets, containing 200 houses, more or less shattered. Thus, the Relief Committee have an arduous task. Temporary

assistance. ia.rendereito .all the sufferers, whilst permanent provision has to be made f or'^t'hbse who are disabled for life ; 600 families' have to be provided with fresh'homes ; , 60 bread-winnerß with new implements of trade. And now we ■gradually penetrate the gloomy arcana of this horrible " gunpowder treason and plot.'* The woman Justice and eight men are- charged with* committing the monstrous crime, others being in custody for the lesser- offence of treason-felony ; but neither of them feels disposed to turn approver, and although two men apprehended^ in Glasgow are partially identified, we fear the real " Guy Fawkes" is still at large. In South Wales there is great excitement, the loyal Welshmen being barely restrained from administering Lynch law on their Fenian fellow- workers; an extensive conspiracy being disclosed at Mevthyr Tydfil, and ten of the leaders in custody. Mr Ashworth, foreman of the jury at the Manchester trials, is a special mark for Irish vengeance ; but up to now he has miraculously escaped the miscreants' bullets.

Now, to break up (if possible) the Fenian organisation, and at the same time to check the growing Anti-Irish feeling among the British community, an addres3 headed " To Her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen" is distributed through the country for signature by "loyal Irishmen ;" those who sign the address expressing indignation at the outrages committed, vowing unalterable devotion to the Throne, and promisingto support Government against treasonable attempts on the peace of the realm. Those who refuse to subscribe must abide the consequences. Hundreds of thousands of special constables aid ,the authorities ; the British .Volunteers too, join the civil ranks, staff in hand— soo of the "London Irish" being notable amougst them — and thus the lawless crew must soon be convinced of their impotency. The permanent Police force is largely increased, and they, of course, have a heavy time. The Army is likewise kept up to its work, furloughs and leaves being suspended in Home regiments. And what is to be done ? is asked by every body. Martial law for Ireland ; enforcement of the Alien Act ; suspension of Habeas Corpus in Great Britain : such are the stringent remedies 'sometimes advocated. But, without resorting to extreme measures, we yet hope by the ordinary course of law to ferret out from their dark abidings the very formidable assassin-bands by whom we are surrounded.

Ireland is still infested with evil spirits, cunning enough to evade justice, cruel enough to slaughter or maim the unwary. To no purpose the continual arrests, the trials and punishments, the vigilance of constabulary, the harassing duty imposed on the troops and the fleet, martello towers are successfully stormed and emptied of their contents ; gunmakers' shops and powder-magazines burglariously plundered, in the dead of night, and in the open face of day ; murders and savage assaults committed and threatened ; and alarms scattered all over the country, as though some great danger were imminent Attempts are now being made to restrain revolutionary writings which, beyond cavil, have lately gone far to inflame the populace ; and, with all due respect for liberty of the press and freedom of speech, it is agreeable to public opinion that the Attorney-General takes action. Richard Pigott, proprietor of TJie Irishman, and A. M. Sullivan, of The Nation, arc indicted for articles full of treason, anarchy, rebellion, bloodshed, and murder ; and exciting prosecutions are before us. They will doubtless be conducted temperately and firmly, and, whatever be the issue, we trust it may tend to tranquilize men's minds, and bring peace to distracted communities. The most recent conspicuous arrest is that of George Francis Train, the tramway inventor, notorious also for his Yankee stump- oratory and his violent harangues on British despotism, who, on landing, at Cork, was apprehended as a suspected Fenian, incarcerated for two days, and only liberated after undergoing magisterial examination. But Mr Tram happens to be a very great man in his own country, a candidate for the Presidency ; and he threatens to make us smart for this outrage by action at law and otherwise. He lays his damages at L 300,000, and as lie appeals to the American officials fqr protection, we shall be involved in extra unpleasant protocols.

Altogether; Europe's new year is ushered in with lowering clouds. We yet see awkward Continental complications ; whilst at Home an unwonted distress is added to the horrors of a truculent conspiracy which makes the brave heart tremble, and the uncertainties of an East African war. The old year leaves a legacy of embarrassments to the future, after presenting us with grim memorials of earthquake and tempest, storm and fire, fever and famine, ravaging the known world, and the full force whereof is but now fully realised. Surely such sad reflections on the past should soften the hearts of neighboring Potentates,

who bqast, of, . mighty armaments', and in the same breath talk of peace and progress. But with the knowledge that seven million fighting men are Tfeady for instant parade, knowing also the disquietude existing in many quarters, 'tis almost hoping against hope for any lengthened international peace, whilst the bare fact,. o£ such a military mass of humanity being excluded fr^m the productive industry of our time precludes the reasonable expectation of real progress. Be it for good, or be it for ill, the new year opens midst deeper shadows than usual : tmr "elastic revenue" for once in a way declines ; commercial confidence has yet to be restored, the monetary mistrust removed : there is uncertainty abroad, insecurity at home. But we readily believe with our seers that England's course isstill " forwards ;" that there are no signsindicating a permanent decline of her virility, no premonitions of decay ; and we clutch with fervor the glorious British flag, which has already " braved a thousand years," and which no Fenian or other violence shall lower.

France's rulers have struggled safely through opposing elements. It was difficult enough to quiet the angry on Italian affairs ; more difficult still to convince the Parliament and people of the necessity for 1,200,000 soldiers, with nine years 3 service. But even this much is done ; and, with the proverbial wonders accomplished by time, we have only to wait patiently and witness the passing of other extraordinary events. Jour d&VAn, has come and gone without sensational oratory from Imperial lipa : solemn warnings and portentous hints made way for common-place civilities : even the Representative of the North German Confederation was received with open arms at the Tuileries, and from each bank of the Rhine came expressions of confidence and good feeling — V Empire e'est la Paix was again joyously announced, the Ambassadorial phalanx dismissed, fco the discussion of delicious bon lons, and Europe to its studies.

Italy has likewise passed a stormy time, and continues thoroughly distracted. — Prussia now joins France in recommending to Italy a Tetnrn to the normal state of the September Convention : but Garidaldi promises another movement, and his disciples pledge their support. The people want Rome ; the matter about a rupture with France, " Rome or death " is a cry which apparently will never be hushed while temporal power rests in the Vatican. — Meanwhile Pius IX, relying on the strength of foreign bayonets, revives some dark usages of the Holy Inquisition, and apes extensively the despotism of olden times. Revolution too is promoted in the South, and Young Bomba indulgesin a dream of Restoration. It is seriously asked, have leading men lost their reason ? Can Parliamentary Government be maintained? For the present, General Menabrea retains office ; but it is at the King's special request, the position being every way unenviable. The Cabinet, reconstructed with much difficulty, is merely one upon sufferance ; the talented Opposition, and even the Moderate Liberals, refuse to enter it, and the General has again to solicit a vote of confidence from the Opposition majority. This conceded, we may conclude the nation accepts its degraded situation, the impossibility of resistingthe French decree, and the prudence of waiting the cotir3e of events ; otherwise, revolution may be only averted by dissolving Parliament, and once more appealing to the patriotism of the country. Dishonest officialism, squalid poverty, cruel cholera, and more cruel brigandage, added to the political miseries, of Italy, make up a truly doleful picture. It is indeed a troubled land ; the end is not yet. The Pope is naturally well satisfied with the turn of the wheel, and grateful accordingly. On the tapis is a splen i did batch of new Cardinals, in which. France is largely represented, the " Abbe Bonaparte" being of the number ; and when in due course St. Peter's Chair becomes vacant, we may tolora 1 ly well guess who will be the new Pope of Rome. Prussian Liberals have defeated the King's Ministers on the important question " Freedom of Debate," by a respectable majority ; but Count Bismarck can well afford to pocket the affront ; his sole idea is to consolidate the Confederation : and thus he intends to keep on good terms with his countrymen, as also with neighboring States. Austria also progresses well in reconstructing the Empire, founding a Constitution which shall lift the people from the slough of despond, and courting amicable relations with Foreign Powers. Maximilian's body has arrived. The solemn funeral engrosses universal attention, and all honor is paid to the earthly remains of a Prince so much beloved. From Trieste to Vienna the mortuary parade met with extreme sympathy, the afflicted Hapsburgs taking their melancholy part in this closing act of the Mexican tragedy. The Empress Charlotte Is reported slightly "improving. Turkey listens attentively to good ad-

rice, inaugurates sensible reforms in the administration of disaffected provinces, ana shews a reasonable disposition' to conciliate Christendom. That the Candian insurrection, is unquelled, likewise that the Porte will not be coerced into granting those extravagant demands which would dismember the empire, we have abundant evidence ; but there is now some prospect of the dangerous situation being mollified by the temperate intervention of England and France, Prussia, and Austria. An impression in favor of peace and goodwill is already made at Athens. The young King George promotes conciliation, and his anti- Mussulman Ministry give way to more prudent counsellors. A door is thus widely opened which negociation may enter ; and although the proposed discussion, ■which will advocate the annexation to Greece of Crete and Epirus and Thessaly, is surrounded with political and financial gravity, an amicable arrangement is on the cards. The Princes of Roumania and Servia are also made to see the folly of those reckless proceedings which, rightly or wrongly, are suspected to have been instigated by Russian agency ; and, taking its tout ensemble, this ugly "Eastern Question" improves somewhat in appearance. American despatches are woful in the extreme. Internal <Ussensions of no ordinary kind — paralysing fiscal embarrassments — gigantic official frauds— crippled trade throughout the Union — hundreds of thousands of artisans without employment — failing cotton crops— actual starvation in the South — three million persons, white and black, crying for food — a war of races imminent. Truly, the condition of the Great Republic, in its political, financial, and moral aspects, is alarming ; and if Congress really means j business, good work is plentiful to hand without seeking further domestic complications or foreign imbroglios. But the hostility of parties, we are told, is rancorous as ever ; and as there appears no recognised leader on either side, it is not easy to see he how the vast difficulties of ' the situation may "be met. Grant, Hancock, Chase, Butler, Train, Pendleton, Valandringhana, and others, are being j nominated for President ; but Grant is first favorite, and as the General sides with no party, should he be thus elected, xmtrammelled by pledges of any kind, the event will go far to a reconstruction of j the Union on principles of equity and j moderation. 243,000 immigrants arrived at New York in 1867, being 10,000 in excess of 1866. The abrupt termination of the Alabama claims correspondence between Secretary Seward and Lord Stanley created an angry feeling at Washington, and it is believed that our new Ambassador takes out full instructions to re-open the argument on a plan of adjustment foreshadowing success. General Butler's repudiation scheme is knocked on the head ; and whether the national debt be liquidated in 20 or 40 years, the Government has pledged its faith that all bonds shall be paid in sold. The tax on the cotton crop of 1868 is to be maintained. Fiftyfour surplus naval iron-clads are ordered to be sold. Generals Pope and Ord are removed from their Military Districts, and succeeded by Meade and M'Dowell. The Southern Commanders are, therefore, all men of Conservative tendencies, now a fact which augurs well for a revision of discord and misrule. The following string of resolutions recently passed in Congress do not, however, say much for +he institution of harmony. It is declared that there are no valid Civil Governments in Southern States, and all powers of appointment . and removal under the Reconstruction Act, are transferred from President Johnson to General Grant, as Commander-in-Chief. Mr Stanton is reinstated as "War-Secretary in place of General Grant. President Johnson is censured for removing Sheridan from commanding, and the General thanked for services rendered. A further issue of legal- tender notes is authorised, and Mr M'Culloch prohibited from contracting the currency. Immediate action is to be taken on the maltreatment of American citizens by the British Authorities in Ireland and in Canada. Information is demanded on the joint occupancy of the Island of San Juan by England and America,

Canada, having passed through the Session with tolerable success to Government, prepares for threatened Fenian raids ; and a good account is promised of any filibustering expeditions attempted against the New Dominion. Friendly relations with .the United States are maintained, and a new Reciprocity contract is under discussion. Lord Monck will remain in Canada another year, the Earl of Mayo being named as the next Governor.

India frets for military movements, and the "little war" in Abyssinia is considered a godsend ; but the popular cry still is "annexation of Afghanistan ; Cabul a British city." Sir J. Lawrence, however, heeds it not ; and unless undue pressure from Home is put upon the

Indian Government, our Viceroy's "wisttom will yet save us' from such egregious fblty. He well knows that, with the Punjab for our north-western frontier, the friendly Afghans, being assured that we Bhall never invade, will form a listing barrier between British-India and encroaching Russia. A surveying expedition, commanded by Captain Sladen, to open the route to Western China, is decided on ; the King of Burmah guaranteeing every possible assistance. France, too, is in this field of exploration ; but as it is an enterprise of much promise, we are anious to be foremost, and the chances are all in our favor. Mr Massey retires from Indian finance this year ; his successor is not yet selected. The departure of Sir John Lawrence is problematical. Commercial depression rules in Bombay, consequent on the immense losses entailed by the Bank's collapse and the cotton panic. The Bengal famine is favorably reported. China's mineral treasures absorb much attention, and as the Tieut-sin treaty is about being revised, the present opportunity is deemed appropriate to shew the high oflicials at Pekin the policy of working the mines. Sir R. Alcock would probably find it no easy task even to obtain a patient hearing on a subject which necessarily involves throwing open the interior to strangers, introducing steamboats and railways, together with other innovations, undreamt of in Chinese philosophy ; but Sir Rutherford is bold and sagacious, as he is eloquent and persuasive ; and, should he feel warranted in pressing the argument, he may yet expand the industry and commerce of all nations, confer vast benefits on millions of the human race, and make unto himself a name to live in history. The Neinfei rebels, everywhere victorious over the Imperialists, create much alarm. The American Consul at Amoy states how he has conciliated the savage pirates of Formosa, and how shipwrecked mariners will henceforth be protected. The great fire at Hong Kong occurred principally among the Chinese Hongs, the damage ascertained exceeding 800,000dols.

Japan's Tycoon resigns his power, and the Government is to be conducted by the Emperor Mikado and a Council of Daimios : the opening of the Inland Sea would nevertheless take place on the Ist of this present January, the opening of the other ports and harbours being deferred until April Ist. Foreign relations are not expected to be in any way prejudiced by domestic politics.

Brazil, according to New York accounts, had fought the Paraguayan war to a close, the enemy granting all the points for which the Allies contended, viz. , free navigation of the Paraguay, cession of the Gran Chaco, banishment of Lopez ; but this bright news is dimmed by later intelligence, and it may be many months ere peace is vouchsafed those fertile regions. The Allies are now represented as gradually stretching their cordon round Humaita and perfecting the blockade : Lopez disarming his outer lines, concentrating his strength, and determined to resist to the last man. These desolating and ruthless campaigns have been a painful study for 2-k years, and we are told the bloodiest record has yet to be unfolded. The Argentine Provinces continue in revolt : the future Capital of the Confederation is undetermined.

Mexican Senators are in Congress preparing for business. They begin by expelling foreign ambassadors, and declaring perfect indifference ; as to any connexion with Europe, they can do without us ; and if they persist in their cherished sentiments, we shall, doubtless, be able to show how well we can dispense with their fraternal embrace. Juarez was inaugurated President last month ; revolution against his authority was at the same time reported. The dead body of their Royal victim being now liberated, let the time come when all Europeans and ex-Im-perialists are safely out of the horrid country, we can calmly leave the "Liberal" hordes to their special fancies without further inquiry. Jamaica struggles with the deficit in revenue, and Government introduces a Bill levying an additional ten per cent Customs duties on all articles imported. A day of thanksgiving has been observed for deliverance from earthquakes and hurricanes. At St. Thomas, 29th December, severe shocks were still felt, confusion and dismay pervading the island, and the putrid water of the harbour creating much sickness. Hayti and San' Domingo are reported full of dire anarchy. The African chiefs on the West Coast continue turbulent, and not until the fierce warriors of Brass and Bonny are sated with blood can trade resume activity. The Cape tells of fearful storms, playing sad havoc with crops which would otherwise have been luxurious; largely destroying town property ; causing much damage to shipping. The Bishop of Capetown was expected from England, having elected the Rev. W. K. Macrorie, Brase-

iiosaCollege, -Oxford^ " r Kr the "dioceVe 'of Natal, and' who is to be consecrated forthwith. Dr. Gray's violent proceedings' herein are severely, censured, and he is warned by the Archbishop of Canterbury not to consecrate 1 without' the* Royal License ; but Dr. -Gray ignores^the fact that Colenso is not yet legally deposed ; and while thus affording "the heretic" another opportunity of showing hjfcvalor in religious fight, the grievous Clmrchscandalis aggravated: - ' '

Livingstone safe! Such is the announcement. The news came from Zanzibar, dated October Ist, reporting the dauntless pilgrim in good health west of Lake Tanjamgika, attended by 13 followers — in addition to which, our Searchexpedition has returned to England ; and Mr Young (having personally visited the natives at the actual spot) ascertained beyond a shadow of doubt that the murderous tale of the Johanna men was a pure fiction. — On following up the trail, the people readily identified Livingstone's photograph, and pointed out the direction of his onward route; the tribes were everywhere friendly ; and Mr Young believes the Doctor to be descending the Nile into Egypt, and ihat we shall very soon hear from him.

Mr Thornton has started on his mission as British Ambassador at Washington. The Right Rev, G. A. Selwyn has been duly enthroned as Lord Bishop of Lichfield. and Coventry, with the usual ceremonial. His Lordship contemplates a speedy return to New Zealand on private affairs.

The Rev. J. J. Hornby is elected Head Master of Eton College. The Rev. E. H. Bradby is Head Master of Haileybury College.

Professor Chas. Wheatstone is knighted; also Charles Lanyon, M.P. for Belfast; also Richard J. T. Orpen, Solicitor, of Dublin.

Generals Sir John F. Burgoyne, Sir Alexander Woodford, Sir Wm. M. Gomm, and Sir Hew D. Ross, are created Field Marshals.

Major-Genera! Edward Frome takes Burgoyne's place as Inspector- General of Engineers and Director of Works. Sir H. K. Storks is appointed Comptroller-in-Chief at the War Office, his principal assistant being Major-Generalßalfour. General Lindsay is appointed Inspector- General of Her Majesty's Reserve Forces. All these nominations are considered of the utmost importance, and hopes are now entertained of emerging from chaos, so long reigning in the War departments.

The Banda and Kirwee prize money is at length distributed, and thus do some of the gallant fellows whose devotion and courage carried them through the horrors of a Sepoy mutiny reap a tardy reward.

Our Volunteer institution is in danger of disruption ; at least so says Viscount Ranelagh, and his Lordship ought to know. The idea obtains that the men are badly officered, flagrant instances not

being wanting; the 48th Middlesex (Havelock Corps) offering a special case in point. Our very old friend George Cruikshank, at the age of 75 is Lieut. - Colonel, with incapacities patent. Being called on to resign, good George indignantly declines ; his subordinates retire ; one whole Company return their rifles, and relinquish all connection with their comrades, and the entire regiment is disorganised. Now this is simply calamitous ; and, as Lord Ranelagh says, be has a panacea for these military ill, the noble Doctor and the Horse Guards cannot too quickly come to terms.

The Queen and family remain at Osborne, surrounded by soldiers and sailors, and additionally protected against Fenianism, by a cordon of valiant special constables. The Prince and Princess of Wales are at Sandringham, the Princess steadily approaching recovery. We have another Royal contribution to literature — " The Queen's Diary, or Life in the Highlands," a work composed of Her Majesty's fragmentary notes and sketches during her marriage and widowhood, down to a very recent date. It is favorably criticised and well received.

Theatres now are nearly all burlesque or pantomime, critics proclaiming the late productionsinferior to those of former times, and our enterprising managers complaining of unremunerative treasury returns. Toole has made a great hit in "Dearer than Life," at the New Queen's, and the dramatised "No Thoroughfare" at the Adelphiis also an extraordinary success. Marie Wilton and Sydney Bancroft are married ; also Minnie Leigh and J. L. Warner ; also (in America) Mary A. Warren and Joseph Jefferson. Her Majesty's theatre, rumor says, is being rebuilt, and expected to open March 1869, with a much larger base than its predecessor, costing L 250,000 — a rumor which is said to be premature. Meanwhile, however, Mr Mapleson takes his Operatic Company to Old Drury. Charles Dickens is netting LISOO a week by his readings in America. Lady Don is doing well at Detroit. Charles Kean died 22nd inst., in Mb

great name, he venturedbefore the public ere he wasllfc It was a 'Comparative failure ;' but he soon picked up. Bydinfc of hard -work he made a name for himself, and , a long career of success was the--merited regard of 'his industry and intelligence. As is well known, he married. Ellen Tree. He led a blameless life, and died much respected and lamented. Obituary. — Charles John Keany 57 ? Maria Foote, Countess of Harrington, 70 ~ r Mrs Emma Yarnoldj 53 j Dr Mark y i musician. , •

Scotland determines not to let the Cockneys have illustrious Tom CarLyle to themselves; he is made a J.P. for hiftnative Dumfriesshire ; and if ever the*learned gentleman can spare time to sit~. on. the Bench, 'many would like to hear v the philosopher's quaint and wholesome style of admonishing wrong- doers. Mr ■ George "Worms is appointed Austrian. .. Consul for Edinburgh — the first nomination of the kind in that city. - TheDuchess of Sutherland has obtained final judgment in the Court of SessiQn. against Cromarty fishermen. The mussel beds are declared the absolute property, of the Sutherland family, and no one may/ fish there without permission. The Clydeshipbuilders begin the new year with.abundance of work on hand, a rattling: trade on something like the scale of six years back being anticipated. This is comforting news, as Scotch papers lately spoke of severe distress at Greenock and elsewhere. The strike in the moulding: trade at Aberdeen continues ; that at Glasgow ends by the men going in to work on the masters' terms, pur et sitrvple. Obituary. — Captain John Forbes, B.N\, a hero of the Nile, aged 88 ; Donald Cameron, piper to Seaforth, 68 ; J. S. Chisholme, Esq. ; James Mackie, Esq. M.P., 46 ; Professor P. C. MacDougall, 61 ; Dr J. D. Macbride, principal of Magdalene Hall, Oxford, 90. A sorry Christmas at Home has been Jthe lot of many thousands. Distress among the poorer class.es is unparalleled, and is alike beyond the reach of the Poor Law or the hand of public benevolence. In London and other large cities privation naturally shows more glaringly than in rural districts ; and it is really shocking to see column after column of the daily press occupied with fearful accounts of destitution and consequent earnest appeals. Trade as a rule is very dull; and in East London things continue so bad as to almost paralyse attempts at relicf — a scheme is now started for raising L3ojooo by a subscription loan, -wherewith to build a ship called <" The Goodwill," and thus set the poor men to work. The vessel, when constructed, to be sold, and subscription monies returned. Should success attend the venture, another ship will follow in due course, and a wide span of industry may tide over the these bad times till better come. In Cornwall, too, distress increases apace; the inhabitants of St. Just, Chasewater, and other districts, arein the most deplorable condition ; and case 3 are instanced of whole families depending on turnips for sustenance. The relief fund goes but a small way to meet the evil, and as there are no signs of an improving trade, it is sad indeed to reflect on ,the very hard lot of our West of England miners. That the large number of one million. British paupers are shamefully neglected and inhumanely treated, we are now told in the plainest possible language, and not for the first rime either. An investigation on the doings in Farnham Workhouse reveals the most horrible system, imaginable (little short, indeed, of Pandemonium), suggesting to the ratepayers of | the United Kingdom a couple of very serious questions. Why is not a proper and effectual supervision maintained ? How can any Poor Law Minister of the Crown, professing statesmanship or humanity, retain the office and allow such; things to endure ] Earl- Devon, one of the kindest souls in the realm, is now the Minister in question, and from his lordship answers are required.

The recent Metropolis Traffic Act plunged us into all sorts of difficulties. . By it, the costermongers' stalls were removed, and a large class of the industrious poor driven to transgress the law ; . but their case was so warmly advocated by sympathising communities as to bring" an Amended Act in the November presession, which last Act conditionally restores to the humble vendors a means of honest livelihood. Another clause in the obnoxious Act ordered lighted lamps to> cabs, with a 40s fine in default. Thisregulation entailed an increased expenditure of 3s per week per cab. " No> lamps" was at once poor cabbies' cry : at* organised strike took place on a dark and. dismal day ; all vehicles left the ranks — the British public were left in the lureh — and the Home Office was memorialised. Mr Cabby argued rationally ; Mr Hardy~. statesmanlike : so, the operation of the law got suspended, and we shall all be? righted by-and-by. . Another verdict against our vicious.

" railway system" cornea 'from the north*. x Hhe Caledonian Company has long been , fighting the North. British, tooth and nail, absorbing and amalgamatingadjacent lines, untilthe shareholders' fine dividends -♦f 7£ per cent, are almost reduced to nil, and a ruinous insolvency barely averted. Here, the vigorous action of an Inquiry Committee >cemes just in time: The belligerents shake hands and join interests ; and another lesson is taught on the blessing of friendly relations supplanting bitter animosity on competing lines, ' Statistics also sound the note of warning ; from 1861 to 1866 the Railway Companies of the United Kingdom paid L 1,378,167 for legal and parliamentary expenses, about L 19,000 a month; and "that's' the way the money goes" — a pleasing retrospect for lawyers, bub a most gloomy one for 'Shareholders.

The London and "Westminster Bank pays shareholders a dividend of 30 per -cent, for th© year 1867". The Union Bank of London, 15 per cent. The old bank of "A. Butlin and Son" is disposed of to Lloyd's Banking Company. The banking business of " Crawshay, Bailey, and C 0.," at Abergavenny, Monmouth, and Newport,- is transferred to the National Provincial Bank of England. It is in contemplation to relieve the London bankers' clerks to the extent 'of one hour in their daily toil, the establishments opening at 10 a.m. instead of 9.

The eruption of Mount Vesuvius, long . so beautiful and grand, now assumes ter-. rible proportions. A panic prevails in the villages on the slopes, and very serious results are apprehended. Nicaragua, Itfovemler 30th, reports the breaking out -of a new volcano eight leagues east from the city of Leon. It roared and blazed for 16 days, and covered the surrounding •country (from the volcano to the Pacific, a distance of 50 miles) with a fine black • sand of rich fertilising quality. Obituary.. — Viscount Bridport, aged 80 ; Lady Elizabeth Waldegrave, 48 ; Countess of Tyrconnel, 67 ; Dowager Lady Chamberlain, 82 ; Sir J. C. Reade, Bart., 83 ; Sir H. Dcs Vaux, Bart., 62 ; Sir C. H. Miller, Bart., 39-; Sir C. S. Kirkpatrick, Bart. ; Hon. W. M. Vaughan, 60 ; Hon. Capt. John O'Grady; 0. A. Moody, Esq. M.P., 75 : A. McCarthy, Esq. M.P., 60; Archdeacon Greenall ; Archdeacon Henry Tattam, 82 ; Admiral J. W. Watling, 80 ; Vice-Admiral Sir W. Dickson, Bart., 70 ; Bear- Admiral W. N. Fowell, 68 ; Commander G. I. Gardner, 73 ; Captain W. ■J. Lake, 52 j C. M. Mathison, 50 ; J. C. Sicklemore, 67 : T. W. Sawyer, 56 ; Hon. Lieut.- V. A. York, R.A., 25 ; the Hon. Lieut. -Colonel H. C. Lowther, M.P., 77 ; Lieut. -Colonel Sir S. E. Falkiner, Bart., 77; General Sir R Ll wellyn, 84; General De Moleyns Lord Ventry, 82 ; General Sir T. W. Brotherton, 84 ; Capt. Robert Grier, 75 ; and Major JohnMiddleton,B6 (seven Waterloo heroes) ; Colonels Gilbert Hogg, 52 ; W. F. Eden, 54 ; Maxwell Close, 85 ; E. J. Honeywood,7B • J. C. Kennedy, 54; Lt.-Cols. J. J. M'Murdo, 70; M. Watts, 59; P. LeFeuvre,69; N.R. Sneyd, 60 ; S. H. Murray, 63 ; JC. Childs, 40 ; R. W. Williams, 37 , James JFraser, 53; Lieutenant- Generals Maurice Tweedie, 81; C. Godby,77; Major W. E. Pickwick, 69; Captains E. R. C. Sheldon; T. J. Jackson, 76; W. J. Dalzel, R.A., 76; L. B. Disney, 61; T. F. L'Estrange, 71; Thomas Marquis, 83 ; Lieut. G. S. Fabricius, 76; Capt Robert Embleton, 76; Revs Miles Bland, 80; J. Dornford, 76; Malachy M'Mahon (of Kildare), 107; Dr J. Hannah (Wesleyan), 76 ; H. H. Hamilton, 52; George Hodson, 67; E. N. Braddon, 66; R. Gwillym, 65; J. R. Hogg, 56; J. C. Gordon, 71; James Waters, 87'; F. S. Wall, 75; Joseph Provan, 67 ; H. M. St. Aubyn, 70 ; F. K. Eyre, 63 ; W. W. Berry, 66 ; G. O. Leman, 79 ; Alex. Rendison, 60; C. K. Hartshorn, 38 ; G. H. Franks, 57 ; D. B. Sherry, 63 ; Thomas Fleming, 50 ; F. J. Wethered, 60 ; John Prior, 64 ; Doctors John Davy, 78 ; T. P. Teale, 07 ; E Salmon, 70 ; William Wright, 74 ; W. <?. T. Dyer, 55 ; R. D. Forster, 62 ; H. Y. Chapman, 54 ; C. O. West, 56 ; G. S. Snowden, 59 ; J. A. Gaitskell, 84 ; B. L. Jemmett, 44 ; John Clark, 65 ; M. T. Kays. 66 ; C. G. Round, ex M.P., 70 ; F. Slack, Mayor of Bath, 60; Barristers E. Charles, 32; G. T. White, 53 ; C. W. Borrett, 50 ; Joseph Pedley, 36 ; J. F. Morgan,, 47 ; C. R. Kennedy, 59 ; W. R. Phelps, 38 ; W. H. Rose, 70 ; William Brereton (Galway), 62 ; Francis Bruen, (Wexford); Robert Grimshaw (Belfast), 79 ; and H. E. Sharpe, 73 ; Andrew Russell, Esq. (late of Melbourne), 59 ; Professor C. G. B. Daubeny, 73 ; and H. J. Parker, ■ 60 ; W. S. Kenny (author), F. Halleck (American poet), 72 ; Doyle (pere), artist (the renowned "H.B" of 40 years back), 71 ; Baron Marochetti, sculptor, 62 ; John Grey (Northumberland agriculturist), 83.

January 27. Bank rate, 2 per cent. Consols, 92£,

.93. New Zealand, 5 per cent., 97, 98 ; ditto,

161 6 per cent., 3891, 106, 107; ditto, March and September, 108, 110; ditto,., June and December, 106, 107 ; Bank of Otago (limited), 54, 4% discount ; Bank of New Zealand, 7, 8 premium; P.N.Z. and A.R.M. Co., 4, 5 ; JS.Z.T. of Auckland, 6 per cent, loan, 1 and 2 series, 1896, 102|, 103 i; N.Z. Loan and Mercantile Agency (limited), par., £ prem. ; N.Z. Trust and I Loan" (limited), |, l£ prem. ; Otago and Soxithland lnv. (limited), |d par. We are receiving distressing accounts 6f wreck and disasters ; violent gales rasing round Great Britain's coasts. I)r. Gray — after creating quite a sensation by his pertinacious opposition to ecclesiastical authority — has, at the eleventh hour, postponed the consecration of his new Bishop of Natal until the Scotch Bishops are consulted. From Abyssinia, Senafe, January 13th, no forward movement yet ; captives all well at Magdala; King Theodore difficultly situated in a ravine, surrounded by rebels who are in friendly communication with General Napier.

The Editors of ten Paris newspapers fined 1000 francs each and costs of trial, or six months' imprisonment, for publishing illegal reports of Parliamentary debates. A Governmnet loan of 16 millions sterling talked of.

A re-assuring tone prevails on the Continent. Romish affairs are in Napoleon's own hands — Italy must submit. The Papacy is warned by France to abstain from encouraging Bourbon agitation against the Italian Government. United action of England, France, Prussia, and Austria is confirmed, and considered a sufficient guarantee against disturbance on the Eastern Question.

Petersburg journals publish articles in favor of peace, and denouncing war.

American telegrams state determined hostility between President and Congress. General Grant is now nominally "Dictator, but the vast powers vested in Mm by recent Congressional Acts will be resisted by President Johnson. Resolute action is to be taken respecting the Alabama claims. Cholera in the German ship Leibnitz ; 105 deaths ; ship in quarantine at New York. Gold ; 140. Revolution in Peru, Bolivia, and Hayti.