The Aberystwith Observer

fratki Craesjjimlretii (Wedeemitright to state that we do BOt at tJ 'times IdentUg Igjpelves with our correspondent's opuuons.J A Session, which bids fair to be one of the most important we have had for many years, having com- menced, speculations are naturally rife as to the course which business will take and as to the legis- lative measures which we may expect. Now that the Queen's Speech has been circulated throughout the country, it may be well just to note down the par- liamentary measures that were rumoured just before the Session was inaugurated. It was then rumoured that we were to have measures for army reform, partly founded on the report of the Recruiting Commission Poor Law reform, evidently necessitated by recent facts and revelations; the amendment of the law of capital punishment; an amendment of the law of master and servant; an amendment of the law of bankruptcy; a modification of the merchant shipping law an alteration in the law of landlord and tenant in Ireland; an amendment of the law of joint-stock com- panies the extension of the Factories Acts to women and children in other employments; and bills to place the gas and water companies of the Metropolis under the control of the Metropolitan Board of Works. We now know perhaps a little better than a week ago, how many of these things we are likely not to have, and how far we shall once more have an illustration of the old axiom that those who expect least will be likely to be the least disappointed. It is to be hoped that the statement by a usually well-informed Irish journal is correct, that the Prince of Wales will have a residence in Ireland where he will pass a portion of each year. It is said that the present Ministry proposed this step to the Prince, and that he cheerfully acceded to it. His Royal Highness must, however, often have heard this proposition before, for it has been made often enough. A Royal residence in Ireland during a portion of the year would do much towards making the Irish generally as thoroughly loyal as the greater part of the nation now is. It would do something towards killing Fenianism by kindness. The Irish perhaps have some little cause for grumbling when they notice that though Her Majesty makes a long stay annually at Balmoral, no Royal visit is ever paid to the Emerald Isle. If the rumour be true that the Prince at once heartily acceded to the proposition made to him, this may be taken as another proof of his willingness to devote his large influence to the good of his country gene. rally. During the seclusion of her Majesty this five years past the Prince and Princess of Wales have done their uttermost to counteract the de- pression which has naturally arisen from that seclu- sion. They are now at Marlborough House, ready to assist ill the gaieties of the London-season, and we can scarcely take up a paper without noticing how hard the Prince works, and how much he does to aid all those objects that the nation has at heart. For instance, after having given twenty guineas towards establishing a central hall in connection with the Working Men's Club and Institute Union, he has now given another 25l.; he has given 20l. for a cup at the annual exhibition of the Norfolk Agricultural Society, at which he intends to be an exhibitor and competitor. Such acts as these are numerous, and it is no wonder, therefore, that his popularity daily in- creases. It should be added, however, that there are pleasing signs of the Queen coming more prominently among htr subjects than has been her wont. A Court will be held at Buckingham Palace on the 27th, and this, no doubt, will be followed by others. Pope tells us that Tig education forms the common mind; Just as the twig is bent the tree's inclined. I suppose, too, that education forms the Imperial mind; and if so the Prince Imperial will be a perfect prodigy of mental training. Every hour seems to be appor. tioned he has tutors for every possible branch of study, and his very recreations are regulated to such an extent that he would no doubt feel delighted to escape from tutorial trammels and wander about like a young Haroun Alraschid. Much of his instruction, however, must be of an agreeable character, his riding and fencing lessons to wit. There is always a great difficulty in ascertaining what really are the attainments of a Prince, but some of the accounts I have read, if true, show that the young Prince Imperial, who is not yet eleven years of age, has acquired the mastery over several—I am afraid to say how many—languages, and that his knowledge of the arts and sciences is by no means despicable. As the Prince of Wales is to go over to Paris to assist at the opening of the Exhibition, would it not be well for the Prince Imperial to come over here with the Empress, on a return visit ? There is so little reliance to be placed upon the weather that it does not do to rejoice too much when we see and feel the first gleams of a February sun, but they are deliciously cheering, nevertheless, especially after the the miseries of frost and thaw that we have so lately suffered. Cheering, too, it is to read, and to learn from private sources, that trade is reviving. The working classes have suffered immensely this winter, and the effects of want of employment still linger among them; but the revival of work out of doors is perceptible enough even to casual observers, and this naturally has its effect upon employment generally. It is rather remarkable how the first gleam of sunshine has set people talking of going to the Exhibition. Although it will not be open for two months, and although thousands who talk about going will not under any circumstances go for many months, people like to have the pleasures of antici- pation, and talk of it accordingly. There is every reason to believe that the rush of visitors will be some- thing enormous, but I do not anticipate that there will be much difficulty in the way of board and lodging. The fears on this head have been exaggerated by the alarming statements that have been spread abroad; but the fact appears to be that the Parisian hotel. keepers, lodging-house keepers, and restaurateurs have now learned that if there will be an immense demand there will be an immense supply, and that ridiculously high charges will be out of the question. As to the facilities for getting to Paris they will in all probability be very largely increased. It was at one time thought that the chief railways would raise their rates, but au cvntraire they are lowering them. The Northern of Trance Railway has reduced the fares between Calais and Paris by six francs, so that the journey via Dover and Calais (the short sea route) is only four francs dearer than via Folkestone and Boulogne; and it is stated that when the mails are carried between London and Paris by way of Dover, Calais, and Boulogne in March next, there will be one uniform fare on the French railway to Paris whether the traveller go either by Calais or Boulogne. The South.Eastern Railway haa announced special facilities for visitors to the Ex- hibition, and the London, Chatham and Dover will also do something in the same direction amongst these facilities being that the cargo boats will take third-class passengers. Apropos of visiting the Exhibition, there never perhaps was any- thing like the passion for learning French as has now suddenly manifested itself. Everybody—all the world and his wife and children—are goingr to Paris in the spring or summer, and everybody considers it necessary to be able to speak French; at least people are all of a sudden making violent efforts to learn it. The truth, however, is, that never was French less re- quired than it will be during the era of the Exhibition. But I should be sorry to say a word to discourage the desire to learn Freneh, not only because it is always nseful, but because this new-born desire may do some- thing towards benefiting a very deserving class of per. sons in this country—the teachers of French, many of whom have but a very sorry time of it. A controversy is now being carried on here in which I can scarcely expect those out of London to take much interest, but it nevertheless is of no little interest to all who are "long in populous city pent." Sir Thomas Maryon Wilson claims Hampstead Heath, and asserts his claims in the most practical way possible—by building on it selling gravel from it, and telling us that anybody who comes there may be prosecuted as a trespasser. and on the other hand there is a. defence fund being raised for the benefit of the public For myself I have little doubt that Sir Thomas is legally in the right and hence we have another illustration of the old adage that possession is nine points of the law But surely there is wealth in London to buy the Heath for London for ever. The easyway in which large sums are raised for any special object in London ought to be a caution," as Americans say. An appeal to the public generally would I believe, be most generously responded to, and thus Hampstead Heath, the beauty of which is 80 generally acknowledged, might be preserved to London for ever. Deputations, leading articles, and abuse let it come from whence it may, are of no use it is simply a question of money. There are every day, and all day, little crowds of people in Trafalgar.square, looking at and admiring Sir Edwin Landseer's lions. They have been very long coming (I think Sir Edwin received the order for them eight years ago) but they are well worth waiting for. The site in Europe" has nowfour magnificent lions, which transcend in grandeur anything of the kifidfa the world. Massive and ponderous, they are AMriertheleii beautiful in outline, and though the at- titude of all is alike, they naturally present a variety •f aspects, according to the point from which they are viewed. Coming up to see the lions will be no longer a joke. They are worth travelling many miles 0,

PASSING EVENTS, RUMOURS, &c. The Times declares that in regard to Reform delays are now dangerous, not for any peril to the cause, but because the mischiefs of the movement are growing. A single year has given them a nerceptible impulse! We find ourselves drifting towards a state of things in which the great middle class, of which this country has long been so proud, and which certainly loses no opportunity of asserting its own merits, would lose character, political power, and social consideration, leaving the field to the many and the few.

Joseph Karam, the Christian agitator in Lebanon, who for years has been a thorn in the side of the Porte, is now safe in Algeria, and the influence of France, by whom he was always patronised, has obtained the removal of the sequestration of his property, so that he will have a handsome income to live upon in Algeria, where doubtless he will long remain quiet.

The Daily News says that no true Liberal will re- fuse to accept a satisfactory settlement at the hands of the present Administration, but proclaims that such a thing is utterly impossible. It is just possible, how. ever—though in the highest degree unlikely—that a coalition of Adullamites and Tories might enable the Government to pass an illusive measure, or to avoid dealing with the subject of Reform at all. But the respite would be temporary; and it would be followed by an agitation which the opponents of sweeping changes would be mad to provoke, as they would be powerless to resist it.

The various Nonconformist denominations appear to be everywhere rapidly increasing in wealth and in- fluence. The last annual report of the Wesleyan body is an instance in proof. Within something like a year, official sanction, it is reported, has been given for the erection of 114 chapels, at an estimated cost of 136,0571. t?n ministers' houses, costing 6,482?. twenty-six school-houses, at an expenditure of nearly 20,0001. and then there are upwards of one hundred cases of enlargement, modification, and erection of organs, upon which a further total of more than 38,000/. has been expended. Most of the chapels recently completed, or in course of construction, are, it is said, Gothic structures—and some are charac- terised by great beauty.

Some French statistics of 1864 which have been published strikingly bear out the assertion that the number of men which the Emperor proposes to take annually for the army amounts to almost the entire pro. duct of able-bodied youth ichich France can produce. It will astonish many to learn what a large proportion of the young men who are forced to draw lots every year and liable to serve as recruits in the order of their nnmbers are rejected by the medical inspectors. In 1864 the number of men liable to Berve was 325,000. Of these were rejected 18,106 below the standard height; 30,524 weak constitution, consumption, &c. • 15,988 mutilated from birth, hernia, &c.; 9,100 hump- backed and flat-footed; 6,988 blind or deaf; 963 stammerers; 4,108 insufficient teeth; 5,114 syphilis and cognate diseases; 5,213 goitre and scrofula 2,158 cretins, lunatics, and paralytics; 8,236 divers incapa- cities. The total youth of the year unfit to serve in the army was 109,000 odd.

The following table lately laid before the American Congress by the Commissioners on Emigration will the number of immigrants in that country for 1866 and the countries from which they oam. Great Britain and Ireland. 107,308; Germany. 86,675; British North American Provinces, 29,189 Norway, 8,075 France, 4,950 Switzerland, 2,704 Sweden, 4,523; Denmark, L.769; West Indies, 704; Italv 1,028; Holland, 1,314; Belgium, 1,185; Spain, 518; Poland, 391; Azores, 348; Portugal, 238; Mexico 118; Russia, 152 South America, 233; Africa 27- Australia, 19; Turkey, 17; China, 2,278; Greece, 3 Sicily, 9o; St. Helena, 2; East Indies, 30; Japan 2 • 18r'™'

•ntJ81?n?on-nced "on authority," that the Qneen will hold during the ensuing season, at Buckingham Palace, five Courts for the reception and presentation of a certain number of ladies and gentlemen. In order to avoid fatigue to her Majesty, the number of ladies and gentlemen attending each Court will be limited to 260. Her Majesty's Courts will be held on the 7th 14th, and 23rd of March, the 2nd of April, and on a day to be hereafter fixed in the month of June. The regulations will be the same as last year.-Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales will, after Easter, hold on behalf of her Majesty two Drawing Rooms at St. James's Palace, to receive those who cannot be included at her Majesty's Courts under the above regulations. His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales will, as last year, hold levees at St..James's Palace on her Majesty's behalf. The first levee will be in the first week in March.

The Times observes that because we had a short but sharp war in the summer of 1866 it seems to have become with many persons a fixed idea that we may look forward to a fresh outbreak of the same scourge in the spring, or, at the latest, in the autumn of 1867. It does not seem to strike these prophets of evil that a delay of six months may make considerable difference in the state of European affairs, or that political combinations which admit of postponement from the green to the sere leaf, in consideration of a World's Show, are likely, after all, to rest upon no very serious and deliberate a plan.

The Memorial Diplomatique learns with regret that the efforts made by the court of Madrid to induce the Italian Government to restore the private property of the ex-King of the Two Sicilies have not been success- ful, although supported at Florence by the French and Russian envoys The sequestration is to be main- tained unless m the case, not to be at present expected, of Franca II. formerly renouncing all pretensions to the crown of Naples, and taking himself away from Italy.

The Commissioners of Income Tax in their last report give the per centageof increase, under Schedule i> trade in various localities of Great Britain, for the year 1864. It appear* that the in- creage was greatest in Dundee, where it amounted to 64'81 per cent. In Dudley it was 41*71 per cent., in Dumbarton 41'76, and in Burton and Sheffield 32'28 per cent. The increase was of course greatest of all in the metropolis, but the return deals with the metro- politan districts individually. The increase in Green- wich alone was 22'41 per cent.—In connection with the income-tax, it may not be uninteresting to note that formerly the profits assessed in the City of London under Schedule D of the income-tax amounted to 819.564J. This was under the assessment of the general commissioners; but on the appointment of special commissioners &nd the sub-division of the City into dis- tricts for the more careful assessment of the tax the amount was at once raised to 7,315,510?.!

The death of Nathaniel Parker Willis, the well- known American writer, is announced. Mr. Willis has been for some time past in failing health Mr Willis was purely a literary man, and not a politician; but, like the most eminent of his contemporaries he sympathised with the party of progress in hi3 own country. Years ago no American was better known in English society, and although he may have com- mitted some violations of good taste in his writings, no American traveller ever more thoroughly admired the ol £ uC2? Vove *or England was a passion with him to the last, ae many of our countrymen can testify who have visited him in his beautiful retreat at Idlewild.

It is not a little amusing to hear and read the various criticisms on Landseer's Lions in Trafalgar Square. One learned critic denounces them as too large. Another declares that about the fdre-paws there can be but one opinion. They seem as if they were in poultices. A third objects to the mouths being open a fourth thinks the mane might have been more tastefully arranged. The verdict of the public is that the lions were worth waiting for and London may be proud of possessing them.

The Manchester Examiner says that the labour market and the condition of trade continue in an un- satisfactory state in several parts of Lancashire and Yorkshire. On Friday, the Oldham cotton spinners decided to work only three days a week for the next fortnight. The firms represented on the occasion em- ploy at least 1,000,000 spindles. In Rochdale, the flannel manufacturers have given notice of a reduction in wages throughout the mills in that town, in case the Munrow flannel weavers, who are now out on strike, -it1? jar,e 8UPP"ed mainly by contributions from the_ Rochdale weavers, do not immediately resume their work. A large number of the ironworkers of Blackburn struck work on Friday, and more are ex- pected to follow their example, in consequence of the proposed reduction of their wages. Trade in the Dewsbury heavy woollen district is depressed, and short-time working is becoming more general.

There are, it appears, just 39,786 houses with a rental of 1007. or upwards situated in Parliamentary boroughs, and of these 20.541, or more than one-half, are in London. Only three towns, Manchester, Liver- pool, and Birmingham, have more than 1,000 such houses, and only eighteen have more than 200. Rents do not run so high in any but the great manufacturing towns, but it is curious to note how comparatively small u the number of really wealthy persons still dweJJmg in towns. Even of these 40,000 houses at least hall must, it may be fair to suppose, be shops.

The Government are having an immense number of needle-gun cartridges manufactured. One of the largest private manufactories Df cartririata kingdom is that of Mr. in Over 4,000 girls are constantly employed there-°but the proprietors are engaging several hun<ir(;d additional hands, and over-hours are being worked by au on the needle-gun cartridges. The manufacture of the ordinary breech-loader cartridges is also being carried on with increased activity. °

Among the samples of adulterated tobacco examined lately at the Inland Revenue Laboratory were several containing licquorice, others fermentable sugar, and some tannic acid, sulphate of iron, and logwood, whilst one sample of "roll" sent from Scotland actually con- sisted of oakum, covered with a thin wrapper of leaf tobacco, and was, from its outward appearance, indis- tinguishable from genuine tobacco. The principal of the laboratory gives the weight of tobacco yearly con- sumed per head of the population at one pound four and three-quarter ounces, which shows a continuous increase during the last twenty years.

The Commissioners of the Inland Revenue, in a report issued on Monday, express some surprise at the great increase of the consumption of spirits in Ireland as compared with the quantities consumed in England and Scotland. The proportionate increase in England is 0*544 per cent. in Scotland, 3'44 per cent. and in Ireland, 8'68 per cent. The export of spirits from England has suddenly been diminished by nearly 2,000,000 of gallons. The distillers attribute the fact to the very low prices of Prussian spirits made from potatoes and roots, and which," says the commis- sionerf, "though extremely coarse, and in every respect inferior to the productions of this country, are taken in large quantities for fortifying wines, and for naxkig with such ■pint* and liqueurs aa hare sufficient flavour to disguise Are unpleasant taste of the" adulterating material. They are much u*ed in this country for fortifying wines in bond." The commis- sioners <g>me to the conclusion that in England there are consumed two bushels of malt per head, and about half a gallon of spirits in Scotland, seven-tenths of a bushel of malt per head, and more than a gallon and a half of spirits; and in Ireland, four-tenths of a bushel of malt, and eight-tenths of a gallon of spirits.

The 32nd report of the Commissioners of National education in Ireland has been issued. There were 6 J63 schools in operation, which had on their rolls for the year then ended 870,401 children, with an average ■k-ij ,ance> for tho fame period, of 315,108 children, and an average number of children on the rolls for the year of 572 486. At the close of the year iNbo the number of schools in operation was 7,372. he oofonn8 ^llr atten^ance of children for the year was 321,209; the average number of children on the rolls was 598,408; while the tetal number of distinct children at any time on the rolls for the year was 822,084. As compared with the year 1864 there is an increase of 109 m the number of schools in operation for the year 1865; while in the daily average attend. ance the increase amounts to 6,101, in the averag- number on the rolls the increase amounts to 22 ("or and in the total number of puoiJs enrolled during year the increase amounts to 51,683.

On Friday a tVV7 imoortant deputation direc the attention of Mr. Walpole to the law affect p v „The recent decision of the Ouer Bench declared that the privileges of friem. societies do not extend to them, because they r' mote certain objects which cannot properly included under the denomination "not illega °f ^.deputation appear to hi IE™ if conclnsion, that trades' unions a thus altogether put beyond the pale of the la-* but that is clearly a mistake. The Court gueen s Bench did not intend to outlaw such s b?4 BUnP}y to decide that they were n f^!n certain very special privileges. T} friendly societies duly registered have a sun S/tTi 7 a?,alI18t fraudulent officers; to th 2 peculiar remedy is denied, but they wil S3J5? I to prosecute defaulters for embezzlement according to the ordinary course of justice.

On the 10th of July, 1866, about half-past twelve at night, a «>llision occurred near the Start Point between H.M.S. Amazon and the Cork Steamship company s screw steamship Osmv, whereby the Ospi ey was almost immediately sunk, and ten lives were lost, while the Amazon foundered in about two hours and a half afterwards, and was also loat. Last week the Admiralty Court was occupied for two days in apportioning the blame to be attached to the otheers respectively in command of the Amazon and Osprey.^ Dr. Lushington, assisted by two masters of the irimty Board, after having heard counsel on both sides, decided that H.M.S. Afnazoti was alone in the wrong, and that the Osprey was wholly and entirely in the right. The Trinity masters concurred in his lordship's conclusion to this effect, and desired him to say that they could not leave the court without expressing their surprise that the Amazon should have been left in the charge of so young and inexperienced anomcer as the sub-lieutenant, scarcely twenty years old. who had charge of the watch at the time of the collision.

The printers of the Paris press have met and drawn up a petition which they intend to present to the Senate upon the recent measures of reform proposed by the Emperor. In this document they reduce their pretensions to the extreme minimum, and, instead of demanding impunity in all cases, simply Mk not to be put out of the pale of the common law; not to be treated more rigorously than assassins and robbers; and not to be deprived of the benefit of extenuating circumstances. They solicit a cessation of their pecuniary responsibility when the offence has been committed by solvent and resident authors and editors. Lastly, they ask to be responsible only in default of writers, arising either from their desire to remain un. known, or from their not offering sufficient security for the payment of the fines incurred.

The Dutch Commission on the Cattle Plague has just published a report. It recommends that all the cattle in the infected provinces should at once be slaughtered, and that the bodies should be immediately burned, together with the hay and straw on the farms. The loss which will be entailed by this wholesale sacrifice la estimated at 10,000,000 florins. It is be- lieved that a bill will shortly be submitted to the Chambers for carrying out this scheme but th#re is, if we may judge from the state of feeling in the agri. cultural districts on the subject, very little chance of it being passed.—The Prussian Government has issued severe regulations prohibiting the entry from Belgium and Holland not only of every kind of living animal, down to cats and pigeons, and of flesh, whether fresh or salted, horns, hides, hair, but of old clothes, straw, hay, and everything that may have come in contact with cattle. No packing-case will be passed in which there is any hay or straw.

v T{^ P^ris cc'resP°ndent of the Post states that Jian Cowley, who has long been entitled to his re- tmng pension, intends to leave the diplomatic service. When the late change of Ministry occurred, as usual on such occasions, the British ambassador at the court of the luuenes sent in his resignation. It appears, however, that Her Majesty expressed a wish that Ljord Cowley should be in Paris when the Prince of Wales, and it may be Her Majesty herself, might visit the great exhibition in the spring. Under such circumstances Lord Cowley could only place the Queens request before Lord Stanley. If, then, his Lordship returns to Paris, it will only be for the occasion above stated; his long and often difficult mi-sion at the court of the Tuileries is doubtless termi. nated.

General Peel has presented to Eton College a Russian trophy in the shape of a cannon captured at Sebastopol, and this gives occasion to the PaillJlall Gazette to remark :—" Is the sowing of Sabaatopol guns never to cease ? General Peel has announced m* intention of presenting one of these trophies to Eton, twelve years after the capture of the Russian arsenal. There are some men who see a difference between guns taken after a struggle in the field or in position, and guns, unused or disused, found in an abandoned dockyard, and inquire whether we should feel ourselves justified in exhibiting by the side of the enemy's flag struck to ours in action, the bits of signal bunting that might be found on board the captured vessel. Anyhow, the distribution of these guns all over the country is in doubtful taste as an exhibition of a triumph, and after such a laps* of time might now surely cease."

OPENINGOFPARLIAMENT. Her Majesty arrived at Windsor from Osborne on Monday night, and went to London on Tuesday morning by special train on the Great Western Railway. The Queen was accompanied by the Princesses Louise and Beatrice and Princes Arthur and Leopold, and attended by Lord Charles Fitzroy, Lord Torrington, Colonel the Hon. D. de Ros, General Seymour, and Lady Waterpark. The Queen drove to the Windsor terminus from the Castle in a closed carriage. The special left at ten o'clock, and arrived at Paddington at twenty minutes to eleven. A good many persons had assembled at the terminus to witness her Majesty's arrival. A guard of honour of the 14th Hussars was in attendance. Her Majesty on leaving the station at once drove to Buckingham Palace. Leaving Buckingham Palace at half-past one o'clock, Her Majesty went to the Palace of Westminster to open the new Session of Parliament, The arrangements were similar to those of last year. The old richly decorated state chariot was not used, but the carriage in which Her Majesty rode was drawn by the cream. coloured horses. A detachment of Horse Guards escorted the Royal procession. The weather was an exception to the usual sunshiM which has come to be expected almost as a matter of course on the occasions of Royal ceremonial. Notwithstanding, however, the heavy rain which began to fall soon after noon, the route of the procession was lined on each side by a numerous gathering of spectators, who cheered warmly as it passed. Her Majesty looked remarkably well, and smiled and bowed repeatedly in acknowledgment of the greetings of her people. A battalion of the Grenadier Guards, headed by their band, was posted near the entrance of the House of Lords, and the Coldstreams opposite Palace-yard. Her Majesty occupied what is termed a dress carriage." The doors of the House of Lords were not opened till twelve o'clock, but long before that time a con- siderable number of ladies had collected, and the dim magnificence of the long corridors and chambers was enlivened by the presence of exquisite toilettes in all the richest amplitudes of the latest fashion. In a few minutes after the hour had struck a considerable space of the Government benches was occupied, and from that time till after one o'clock the arrivals were incessant. The opposition benches filled more slowly, for on these occasions this part df the Chamber is reserved for peeresses only, and the majority of these did not arrive till shortly before the great ceremony of the day began. The gallery on the right of the Throne devoted to ladies connected with the various diplomatic bodies was soon filled, and also that on the left of the Chamber. At the upper end of this, near the Throne, sat a group of Indian princes, the extraordinary magnificence of whose dresses and jewels made them for a long time the prominent features of attraction to the ladies present. Early after the opening, Prince Teck, wear. ing the handsome uniform of blue and silver of the Austrian Hussars, entered the House, and was con. ducted by Sir Edward Cust, Chief Master of the Ceremonies, to a seat just outside the body of the House, in which, as not being a peer, he of course could have no place. Lord Houghton was the first lay peer to present himself, and he was quickly fol. lowed by the Marquis of Winchester, the Earl of Westmoreland, the Bishops of Oxford, London, and Z' Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and other peers. L^riar Jan^iersUto represent the Opposition were came Clarendon, and Sydney. After them Lord Damley, Churston, th^ Duke*of^Rke, -of Sutherland, Lord Lords ShrewsbSjr ghT' uL°^ Lyt-tODi Westmeath. Th?Marquis the M?r<n1?51, of Beaufort, Lord CoK anSfchester' the/Djke very §eldom seen in the House sareZr™' wh? are were also present, and by half-past one^^occasions, nearly full. At this time Lord^trentS"35' was a momentary hush as a brilliant There at the door, and their Royal Highnesse^ pK Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, and the Duke of Cambridge attended by their Equerries, entered! Both the Princes wore ordinary robes as dukes over their uniforms, and the Prince took his own seat—the hrst on the Opposition benches on the left next the ihrone, with the Duke of Edinburgh below, and the Duke of Cambridge next to him again. After these came Lord Chief Justice Bovill, with Mr. Justices omith and Keating. At ten minutes past two the doors on the right of uhi°h enters, were thrown w* wholk of the fltuatrftfua ttsvmtJlAgfe in the Chamber rose with a great rustle, which was instantly succeeded by an intense silence as every eye was fixed upon the door. Formerly, when the Queen used to open Parliament with the Prince Consort, her arrival was always proclaimed beforehand by brilliant flourishes of trumpets. On Tuesday, however, as last year, the splendid procession entered amid a solemn silence that was almost funereal. First came the Heralds, bowing stiffly in their tabards as they passed the Throne, then the chief officers of the Housshold, followed by Lord Derby, carrying the Sword of State, and accompanied by Lord Malmesbury. After these noblemen came Her Majesty, accompanied by the Princesses Beatrice and Louise, and Prince Arthur, and followed by the Duchess of Wellington, who stood behind the Throne. The Queen as she sat on the Throne, had the Princesses, with Lord Derby and Lord Malmesbury, on her left. On her right were the Lord Chancellor with the Soeech, the Duke of Buckingham, the Marquis of Winchester, with the Cap of Maintenance, and the Duke of Richmond, bearing the Imperial Crown, while officers of the Household, the Chamberlain's Department, aad the House of Lords closed in the back ground. 'I. 7 l 1 t I 5 e e *e at utu,uIlg among the first rows, which provoked an almost general smile in the Chamber of Peers. When complete silence was restored, the Lord Chancellor, bowing to the Queen, opened the Speech, and in an admirably clear voice read as follows THE QUEEN'S SPEECH. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, In again recurring to your advice and assistance, I am happy to Inform you that my relation* with Foreign Powers are on a friendly and satisfactory footing. I hope that the termination of the war In which Prussia, Austria, and Italy have been engaged, may lead to the es- tablishment of a durable peace ia Europe. I have suggested to the Government of the United States a mode by which questions pending between the two gpuntries, arising out of the civil war, may receive an amicable solution, and which, if met, as I trust it will be, in a corresponding spirit, will remove all grounds of possible misunderstanding, and promote relations of cordial friend- ship. The war between Spain and the Republics of Chill and Peru still continues, the good offices of my Government, in conjunction with that of the Emperor of the French, having failed to effect a reconciliation. If either by agree- ment between the parties themselves, or by the mediation of any other friendly Power, peace fhall be restored, the object which I have had in view will be equally attained. Discontent prevailing in some provinces o< the Turkish empire has broken out inactnjtl insurrection in Crete. In common with my alliel, the Emperor of the French and the Emperor of Russia, I have abstained from any active inter- lerence In these internal disturbances, but our Joint efforts have been directed to brir^irg about improved relations between the Porte and its Christian tubjeots, not inconiia- tent with the sovereign rights of the Sultan. The protracted negociations which arose out of the aceept- ance, by Prince Charles of Hohenzollern, of the Govern- ment of the Dannblan Principalities have been happily ter- minated by an arrangement to which the Porte has given its ready adhesion, and which has been sanctioned by the con- currence of all the powers signataries of the Treaty of 1856. Resolutions In favour of a more intimate union of the Provinces of Canada, Nova Scotia, and New Brunswick, have been passed by their several Legislatures, and delegates duly authorised, and representing all classes of 8010nial party and opinion, have concurred ia the con- ditieas 1Ipoa waieh 8uch an wnion may be but effected. In accordance with their wishes a bill will be submitted to you which by the consolidation of colonial interest and r8- soureM, will oive "trengtn to the several provinces as mem- bers of the same empire, and animated by feelings of loyalty to the same sovereign. I have heard with deep sorrow that the calamity of famine haspresfed heavily on my subjects in some parts of India. Instructions were ysued to my Government in that country to make the utmost exertions to mitigate the distress which Prevailed during the autumn of last year. The blessing of an abundant fastest has slnee that time materially improved the condition r the suffering districts. The persevering efforts and unscrupulous assertions of treasonable conspirators abroad have, during the last au- tumn, excited the hopes of some disaffected persons in Ireland, and the apprehensions of the loyal population but the Arm, yet temperate exercise of the powers entrusted to the Executive, and the hostility manifested against the con- spiracy by men of all classes, and creeds, have greatly tended to restore public confidence, and have rendered hopeless any attempt to disturb the general tranquillity. 1 trust that you may conrequently be enabled to dispense with the con- tinuance of any exceptional legislation for that part of my dominions. I acknowledge, with deep thankfulness to Almighty God, the great decrease wbich bas taken place in the cholera, and In the pestilence which has attacked our cattle; buf. the continued prevalence of the latter in some foreign countries, and its occasional re-appearance in this, will still render necessary some special measures of precaution; and I trust that the visitation of the former will lead to increased attention to those sanitary measures which experience has shown to be the best preventive. Estimating as of the highest importance an adequate supply of pure and wholesome water, I have directed the issue of a commission to inquire into the best m?ans of per- manently securing such a snnoly for the metropolis, and for the principal towni in dersely-peopled districts of the kingdom. CENTLEJIEN OF THE HOUSE OF COMMONS, I have directed the estimates for the ensuing year to be laid before you. They have been prepared with a due regard to economy, and to the requirements of the public service. You will, I am assured, give your ready assent to a moderate expenditure calculated to Improve the condition of my soldiers, and to lay the foundation of an efficient army of reserve. MY LORDS AND GENTLEMEN, Your attention will again be called to the state of the re- presentation of the people in Parliament; and I trust that your deliberations, conducted in a spirit of moderation and mntual forbearance may lead to the adoption of measures which, without unduly disturbing the balance of political power, shall freely extend the elective franchise. The frequent occurrence of disagreements between em- ployers of labour and their workmen, causing much private suffering and public loss and occasionally leading, as is alleged, to acts of outrage and violence, has induced me to Issue a Commission to inquire into, and (report upon. the organisation of trad as' unions, and other associations, whether of workmen or employers, with power to suggest any improvement of the law for their mutual benefit. Application will be made to vou for Parliamentary powers, which will be necessary to maka this inquiry effective. I have directed bills to be laid before you for the extension of the beneficial provisions of the Factory Acts to other trades specially reported on bv the Royal Commission OIl the employment ot children and for the better angulation, according to the principle of those acts, of workshops where women and children are largely employed. The condition of the mercantile marine has attracted my serious attention. Complaints are made that the supply of seamen is deficient; and the pro visions for their health and discipline on board ship are Imnerfect. Measures will be submitted to yon with a view to lncrease the efficiency of this important service. I have observed with satisfaction the relaxations recently introduced into the navigation laws of France. I have ex- pressed to the Emperor of the French my readiness to sub- mit to parliament a proposalfor the extinction, on equitable terms, of the exemptions from local charges on shipping, .wWch. are still enjoyed by a limited number of individuals 1* British ports; and his Imperial Majesty has, in anticipa- tion of this step, already admitted British ships to the ? Iaw- A bill upon this subject will forthwith be laid before you. A bill will also be submitted to you for making better pro- vision for the arrangement of the affairs of railway com- panies which are unable to meet thel^ engagements. Measures will be submitted to vou for Improving the management of sick and otherpoorinthe metropolis, and for a redistribution of some of the charges for relief therein. „ Your attention will also be called to the amendment of the law of bankrnptcy; to the consolidation of the Courts of Probate and Divorce and Admiralty and to the means of disposing, with greater dlspa>ch and frequency, of the ln- creasing business in the superior courts of common law, and ftt tne &8S1201. The relations betweon landlord and tenant in Ireland have engaged my anxious attention, and a Bill will be laid nronprtr°^Ti nffU Hi lnterferlng with the rights of encouragement to occupiers of Improve their holdings, sna provide a simple mode of obtaining compensation Jot permanent improvements. I commend to your careful consideration these and other measures which wUJ. be brought before you; and I pray that your labours may, under the blessing of Providence, conduce to the prosperity of the country ani the happiness oi my people. At the conclusion, his lordship turned to her Ma- j fsty, who graciously acknowledged her acquiescence and then retired, returning to Buckingham Palace by the same route, amidst the cheers of the populace. The members of the Lower House of the Legisla. ture began to assemble soon after twelve, and by one there were some 150 present. The front Ministerial bench, however, long remained vacant, the only member of the administration present up to half-past one being Sir John Hay, who con- tented himself with a seat on the second bench. Shortly after half.past one, however, the Chancellor of the Exchequer arrived, and was greeted with cheers from the Ministerial benches. On the front Opposition bench the late Solicitor General for Scotland (Mr. Young) sat for some time alone, and he and Mr. Layard were the only mem- bers of the late government who were in attendance at the earlier part of the day. Some merriment was excited by the circumstance that Mr. Buxton walked up the House and proceeded close to the seat which he used to occupy before the change of government, and it was not until he heard the laughter of the House that he seemed to become aware of his mistake. The Speaker entered the Houce at twenty minutes to two, and at this time there were upon the Govern. ment bench, in addition to the leader of the House, Mr. G. Hardy, Mr. Walpole, Sir. S. Northcote, Lord John Manners, and Mr. Hunt.

In the House ot Lords, on February 5, Earl Beauchamp, on rising to move an humble Address, In reply to the Speectt from the Throne, observed that the topics touched upon were of so varied and so important a character, that it would be Impossible to allude to all of them. The first question of importance was peace or war; and it was matter for con- gratulation that her Majesty's relations with foreign powers continued satisfactory. He was sure he was ex- pressing the feelings of their lordships when he said Ii; was their cordial desire to keep on friendly terms with the great American Republic. Having alluded to the War between Spain and Chili and Pern, and the m. surrection in Crete, and the joint efforts of this Government 'iO'lth France to bring about a better relation between the Porte a*,} tu christian subjects his lordship reviewed the ever.ts ol the past YPRr, which had resulted In such vast cnanges in Continental Europe, and then passed on to con- sider the stain ot Ireland and the circumstances which had necessitated the »fc*nension of the habeat corpus, and ex- pressed a hope that IIl.V were so far lmprovfd as that the exceptional legislation regard to Ireland need not be long continued. Having inched on the suffering conse- quent on the fjgnlge of Ifldfe^ and other points in the Xoyd Bpeebh, tfc KtaVb Mat fhora wa* at last a prospect of the long-vexed question of Parlia- mentary Roform being brought to a conclusion, and said with rtgard to the intention of her M j^sty to issue a Commission to report on trades' UUIOLS, he observed it was no exaggeration to say there was uo freedom of trade without freedom of labour, and in the present condition of things the tradeof this country wss passing out of our h8..<1s In consequence of the mistaken notions of the artizan, and therefore remedial Iegi«iation was Iruperitavely called for. His lordship then briefly referred to the other points in the R< yal speech, and concluded by expressing the satisfaction of the House with the overwhelm^ g enthusiasm which greeted her Majesty's late visit to one of the great mining districts as an evidence of increasing loyal attachment to the Throne. H.R.H. the Prince of Wales here entered the House and took his seat. Lord Delamere. in seconding the Address, briefly glanced at the various subjects dealt with In the Sneech, and more particularly dwelt upon the Irish policy of the Government, which he cordially approved. The question of landlord and tenant was one of long standing, an t requiting immediate settlement, and it was one which could be very properly dealt with hy a Government whose head wall not only an Irish proprietor, but a landlord who ha ever been anxious for the welfare of his tenantry. After some remarks upon Traded Unions, the original objects of which he approved, but whose coercive operations he condemned, he proceeded to cor aider the subject of Reform. He thought that the people had spoken out decidedly upon the question, and he thought the time was favourable for the consideration of a Reform Bill. The extent of such a measure was a question for Iscusslon, but he believed that Parliament would sup- port the Government in carrying any well-considered scheme which proposed to extend the franchise to a degree com- Triemnra e with the Increased spread of education and poli- tical knowledge Earl Russell said no one could complain either of the brevity of the speech or of the variety of topics contained in It. The question of thrjlat^ war in Europe was adverted tn, and a hope was expressed that the termination of the late war mIght lead to the establishment of a durable peace. In the speech delivered at the close of last session her Majesty declared that she had not been an indifferent spectator of the war; but that she had not thought it expedient to take part in it, as neither the honour of the crown nor the interest of the British people were mixed up in tt. He entirely concurred in that view, but he was. afraid the spirit of aggression which of late years had animated some of the European powers, and espe- cially Prussia, might lead to future calamity. Referring to the question of reform, he said he trusted that a but would be introduced Into the other House without unnecessary delay, and that it would be of such a character as to enable the House to consider it with a real desire to settle the question. In consequence of the introduction into the bill of 1832 of the Chandos clause, which gave votes to the most dependent class that could be conceived, the question of reform had been since continually a subject of debate. He defended the bill of last session, which, he said, was de- feated by those who combined against it for factious pur- poses. II the bill promised by the government were a good bill he should give it his support, hut if it were a bad or a delu- sive measure he should oppose it. He cautioned the govern- ment not to attempt by a trick to deprive the artisans of the fair right they had to a share in the representation, or to give them less than they were entitled to. Most public meetings had declared for household suffrage, but parlia- ment was not likely to go so far. If they passed an unfair bill the people would say it was necessary to have a new government, a new House of Commons, and a new bill. The Eurl of Derby said he would relieve the noble earl's anxiety as to any attempt to delay the question of Reform by announcing that at the earliest possible day—probably Morniay next—it was the intention of the Chancellor of the Ercheq^r to lay on the table of the other house the pro- posals of the government. At the same time he wished to impress upon the noble earl that there was no hope of a satisfactory settlement of the question if it was to be taken up in the spirit and temper just manifested by him. If it were really desired to see a settlement of the question which, although not final, would render it Improbable that any agitation for a further mea- sure would occur for a considerable time, such a re- sult could not be attained by making it a question of party or political strife. They must be prepared to give and take, and to meet each other's views, for he was con- vinced that there was no government in the country which could, at the pret^t time, of itself carry a Reform Bill. With regard to tno relations of landlord and tel/ant ill Ireland, he said It was the wish of the government to give every facility to tenants to secure the value of their im- provements consistently with the rights of the landlord. The Address was then agreed to, and their lordships adjourned. In the House of Commons, at the evening sitting, the Speaker having read the Royal Speech, T,he Thomas de Grey ri»se to move an address in reply. The hon. member said—There were circumstances which required him to be particularly watchful in what he said, and tf he expressed anything distasteful to any section ot that House, he trusted it would be attributed to his youth and inexperience. Referring to the Speech, he commented on the nourishing state of trade at home and abroad, which he hoped was an augury that the peaceful statt of this country would be continued. But they must not forget that to preserve peace it was necessary that efficient arms should be put into the hands of our soldiers, and that the condition of the army should be as far as possible ameliorated. Tue past year had witnessed many changes In the map of Europe, and he trusted that the re-arrangement of Germany would produce a lasting peace. With reference to our re- lations with the United States, he trusted the suggestions made by her Majesty's Government would bs accepted in the same spirit in which they were made. It was satis- factory to know that her Majesty had directed efforts to be made with the view of effecting a reconciliation with reíe- rence to the Turkish subjects iu Crete, and it was to be hoped that the revolt would soon be terminated. A great famine had lately visited certain portions of India. There was no doubt that when further communication waa opened up, the people would be to a considerable ex- tent secured against the recurrence of such an event. Alluding to Fenianism, he remarked that the measures adopted last year had happily put an end to all apprehensions of a rebellion without shedding a single drop of blood; and, seeing that a bill was promised with reference to the tenure of land, there was a prospect of a better future for Ireland. Socgestlons had been made to the Government by the Royal Agricultural and other societies which would lead to the removal of those restric- tions which had lately been so beneficial to the country. The evils prevailing in the mercantile service were noticed in her Msj*sty's Speech. He admitted the importance of the subject, and thought that the condition of the men engaged in that service should be such as to increase instead of diminish their number. Flavins; glanced at the clause of the Speech relating So provision for the sick poor of the metropolis, he eametothitt which relared ¡ 0 th.. vexed question of Raform. In dealing witn this subject, he was of opinion that unless all parties were united, it was almost impossible that any measure was ever likely to be passtd in that House. In con- clusion. hf hoped the session would n jt be occupied in un- profitable discussion, but that the measurs promised by the Government would be allowed to be started and receive the candid considaratlon of the House. The hon. gentleman then read the Address in reply to the Royal Speech. 11 r. Graves seconded the motion, congratulating the Gov rrune'it on the exlen&ive prop,rcnime of important re- forms *mch they had m mitttid to the House. In adverting to the question of Parliamentary Reform, he admitted that a measure was a necessity, but sueigeited that as it had advanoa i but. Uttls In the h-inUs of pM-ty, the House should take the settlement of it into its own hands. Mr. Gladstone said he rose to support the Address. The three announcements of a measuie for the union of the North American provinces, of a measure on that most im- portant subject the state of the relations of landlord and tenant in Ireland, and the announcement, more gratifying than either, that in the judgment of the government the time had come when the necessity for the existence in Ireland of exceptional coercive legislation had ceased, were sufficient reamns tor adopting this course. He assured the govern- ment that the promised measures with regard to the army should receive careful consideration. The subject of the relations between masters and workmen was a most delicate and important one, but he thought there had been statements exaggerating the differences between work- men and their employers and he hoped that the forthcoming meaeure would be based' on the principle that masters and workmen alike had the right to sell their commodity, capital, or labour, on the best terms in their power, so long *? .t?ey those rights without prejudice to the rights of others. Oa the subject of reform, he said there was one branch of it that of proved corruption at electlous, which was a matter of national honour, and he expressed a hope that in the forthcoming measure they would give evidence of the sincerity of their desire to put down these practices. As regarded the general question of reform, the interests of the country demanded its speedy settlement, and it was the duty ot parliament to accept, wherever they couid get it, a measure which would be adequate to meet the just expectations of °i)"r!5r71 As regarded the substance of the measure, he think that a proper occasion to discuss It, but the suostance ot the measmre was hardly more imoortant than «f *eltl«ment of it. Inasmuch as until It was settled proceed *or the ordinary business of legislation to The Chancellor of the Exchequer expressed his gratification M, *Dnounoetuent that there was to be no amendment on £ ei?*i_ sta,ied that no measure on the subject of orioery had been prepared, because all the reports of the various commissions on the subject had not all been received; ne promhed papers on the Cretan Insurrection, and excused himself from going now into the question of Reform, as he intended on Monuay next to state the course which govern- ment intended to take on the subject. The address was then agreed to, and the House adjourned. In the House of Commons on Feb. 6, the Speaker took the chair at tweHe o'clock. Mr Kavanagh (the gentleman without legs or arms who was elected for the County of Wexford) took the oaths and U18 seat, Mr. Ayrton obtained leave to bring in a bill to appropriate a portion of the income of the estate lately belonging to the prebend of Finsbury in the cathedral of Saint Paul, London Siu of spiritual destitution in the metropolis The Hon. T. de Grey brought up the Address in answer to the Queen's Speech. On the motion that it be read a second time, Mr. Hadfleld regretted that no mention had been made in the Speech from the Throne of the much-vexed question of church rates which for more than thirty years had agitated the country' He moved as an amendment to the address, "That this House regrets that there has been no allusion in the Speech to the subject of church rates." Mr, Baines briefly seconded the amendment. The Speaker said hon. members were in order In express- ing their opinions upon any subject they chose, but they were not in order in moving amendments at this stage. The proper time for moving amendments was when the Address WM moved, Mr. Darby Griffith obtained leave to bring in a bill to enable shareholders of Joint-stock companies to vote by means of voting papers. In answer to Mr. Hibbert, Mr. Walpole said the Govern- ment intended to Introduce two bills with reference to capital punishment. In answer to Mr. Hadfleld, Mr. Walpole said the Govern- ment had no bill to introduce with reference to oaths and declarations. The House then adjourned. —^s——wmmmm

THE EXTRAORDINARY CHARGE OF SCUTTLING A SHIP. After a long and important, though somewhat tedious trial, which has lasted five days, in the Central Criminal Court, in London, the four men charged with scuttling the ship Severn in order to defraud the insurance companies, have been found guilty. Despite the asseverations of innocence which they all made in the dock, it is ddRcult to believe that the jury have not delivered » sound and righteous verdict. The Judge sentenced them to various terms of penal servitude—Holdsworth and Berwick, twenty years; Webb, ten years, and Dean five years.—The following outline ef the case, condensed from the leading journal, may not be uninteresting:— In the Rprlngof last year a ship sailed from Newport, bound ostensibly for Shanghai, She was fortunate in her weather, and reached the Tropics without encountering more than a tit of a puff." Nevertheless, soon after passing the Bay of Bl.8cal she began to lesk, and the pumoll bad to be COil- stantly worked. At length, on the 14th of Jane, the water began to gain rapidly, and on the following day the ship had to be abandoned. The crew took to the boats, and as the weather was very favourable, they were all picked up and reached England lnsafe' y. On their arrival the usual applica- tionwasmade for the insurance, which amounted to a laree sum. The bull of the vessel bad been Insured for 9,50(ll" the freight for 3 6001, and some cases of swords and firearms had been specially insured for 1,6001. Suspicion was raised that the ship had been wilfully scuttled, and eventually a prose- cution was Instituted by Lloyd's Salvage Association against four persons. One of these, named Webb, was the first mate two others, Berwick and Holdsworth, were the real owners, and the agents in fitting out the ship the fourth, Ddan, was either the confidential clerk or the subordinate partner of Holdsworth. These four persons were indicted on a charge of having played various parts in a deliberate scheme for wrecking the ship, and defrauding the ostensible j owners and the underwriters. The c -se Is one of grtat IIn- portance, not only from the magnitude of the crime, but as an Instance of a practice which seems by no means uncom- mon. The evidence is somewhat complicated, but the main facts may be readily told, and form a very startling story The prime agents in the transaction were unquestionably Berwick and Holdsworth They were both m«n in a sub- staDtial position. Berwick was a master mariner living at Liverpool, and had frequently been the owner of ships; Holdsworth was a ship and insurance broker, and had officesbotli la Liverpool and London. The88. oontrtrsd, bYacom.pllcateëfšerle, of transactions, to become possessed ol th- Severn, without having really paid any money tor fF I*f,rw'ck had a bad name at Lloyd s, and kept out of tight as much as possible. Holdsworth acted as broker, and persuaded Mr. Ward, a wine merchant in London, to allow his name to be registered as the real owner. The money for the purchase was advanced on the security of ,ortgAges and bills provided by Berwick through Holds- J J}'> j Ieal value of the ship is very clearly In February, 1865, she had been bought afollowing January sbe was sold for 4 250/, and the person who finally sold her to Holds- worth askei 6,5001 for her. No freight of any value was put on board Jut. and the shtp an(j fre|ght together were, at most, worth 8,0001. As we have *een, however, she was insured for no less a sum than 13,1001., and In addition to this, there was one special Insurance. The evidence respect- ing the latter insurance was of great Importance, as it afforded a clcur Judication of fraudulent character of the whole transactien, and supplied the chief ground for the conviction of the prisoner Dean. At the request of Holds- worth Mr. Ward received for him forty doaen Jars of salt, and, after selling some, sent twenty doz*adown to Liverpool, ad- dressed to Hol'isworth's office Holdsworth, at the fame time, wrote toa man named Pride, living in Liverpool, directinghlm to obtain some cases similar to those used for packlng "hardware," to repack the salt In these cases, and then to direct them to the captain of the ship at Newport. About a fortnight afterwards Pride received from Holdsworth a letter, which he was requested to copy, This letter was addressed to "Messrs. Allsop and Co, and stated that Holdsworth had sold to them on account of Mr. Smith, 600 revolvers, 200 carbines, 40 sabres, and 200 swords, and that these would be packed in cases and sent to Newport In a few days. It was shown that "Allsop and Co," were a fictitious firm, that the title had been employed by Dean, and that some of the letters with that signature were In Dean's handwriting. These cases and their contents, according to Pride, when sent on board the Severn, were worth about 61., but they were Insured, under a false description for the sum of 1,5001. In short, by a series of ingenious and fraudulent transactions, this ship sailed for China worth about 5,0001. more at the bottom of the sea than anywhere else; and if this large sum had been recovered from the insurance offices the profits would have gone to Berwick and Holdsworth, though, doubtless, the subordinate agents would have had some share in the spoil. We have next to describe the process by which the ship was got rid of. The principal evidence on this point is that of the captain, named Leyland, who, by his own confession, was a willing accomplice In the conspiracy. His evidence was corroborated in some Important particulars, and there can be little doubt as to the main facts of his story. He had been formerly captain of another ship for Holdsworth, which had been tost "tn a gale of wind" on the coast of Scotland. He was sent for by Holdsworth, and dined with him and Berwick in an Inn at Newport. He was here informed ft I.J A, "le ship would be somewhat over-insured, that they did not think she would reach China, and that if she did not it would be worth a considerable sum to him. He was also advised to insure his effects, which he did, and took the precaution also of insuring his life. Berwick also told him that he had brought a mate from London, named Webb, whom he had known for some time that this mate was a very trustworthy man. and was not to be Interfered with. Upon this sort of understanding the ship proceeded on her voyage, and it appears that very soon after she sailed Webb began to pay particular attention to the state of the boats, and to prepare the water kegs for them. At length, as we have narrated, without any apparent reason, the ship sprang a leak and steadily sank, and at this point we possess some im- portant evidence derived from the independent testimony of several of the sailors. As they were cruising about In one of the boats, they observed two holes, "from an Inch and a half to two inches In diameter, In the stern, as If they had been bored from the inside, as there were splinters outside." They called out to Webb, who declared they must have been due to the neglect of the carpenters before the ship started, but he neither examined them nor gave any directions to stop them up. He had, moreover, previously forbidden the carpenter to look for the leaks, and the captain seems also to have given the carpenter orders to unrig the pumps. It appears, moreover, that on the 14th of June, Just before the leak became so fatal, a knocking had been heard In the hold, and Webb came on deck covered with perspiration. These facts certainly tally with the story of the captain, who says that Webb explained to him on the voyage how the leak had been caused. During the first puff of wind he bored the two holes tn the stern. He afterwards bored six or seven holes in the vessel's bottom, plugging them so as to c ntrol the influx of water, and on the 14th of June, having broken one of the plugs, he drew all the others, and so scuttled the ship." It was further proved that the log of the ship had first been tampered with, so as to represent that she had encoun- tered stormy weather, and then, the alteration being too evident, the old log had been destroyed and a new one forged, the latter being submitted to the underwriters as proof of the fate of the vessel. Such are the main facts of this extraordinary story, and, perhaps, what will most strike the reader Is the barefaced and deliberate manner In which the conspiracy was con- ceived and executed. It appears, however, to be a fact that this practice of wrecking forms a regular trade. After the verdict, it was stated that Berwick had on two previous oc- casions been directly charged with the wilful destruction of ships, and that no less than fifteen vessels with which he had teen connected had been sunk at sea. It is evident that some such example was very necessary, and no one will dis- pute that the sentences were richly deserved. It must be remembered that the injury to property Is not the only nor even the chief enormity Involved in the crime. The plan could not be executed without exposing the crew to immi- nent danger, and it might have Involved murder as well as robbery But the crime has, at all events, been brought to light and punished In the persons of its chief agents, and It may be hoped that so severe an example will at least check this iniquitous and Inhuman abuse.

THE TICHBORNE BARONETCY. A correspondent of the Morning Post says that pending the legal decision as to the rightful heir to the Tichborne estates, about which so much mystery has unnecessarily been made, and which is still con- tinued, the public may rest assured that Sir Roger Charles Tichborne has veritably returned to the home of his fathers in this country. The correspondent further says Letters were received last week by several persons from Sir Roger, announcing his Immediate return to Alrestord, and on Saturday last he arrived in Winchester, and subsequently left for Alresford. Amongst the gentlemen to whom he communicated this intention was Mr. Hopkins, solicitor, of that town. This is the family lawyer referred to In the correspondence with the Liverpool firm respecting the wreck of the Bella, and who requested particulars to lay before Lady Doughty Tichborne as to the fate of her son. Mr. Hopkins was requested to call uoon Sir Roger at Alresford, and to dine with him on Sunday, together with several other friends who were most intimate with the long-lost heir before he left Fiiigland. Sir Roger was positively identified both by Mr. Hopkins and other gentlemen (some of them residents of Winchester), who spent the day in his company. After this, and the equally positive declaration of his mother that he is really her "dear son" once more restored, it is reasonable to assume that he Is the right man what- ever Mr. Gosford or others might have said. There Is not the least question that Mr. Hopkins and the Win- chester gentlemen referred to were particularly intimate with the whole family, and therefore capable, and, I may say, trustworthy witnesses as to his identification. The great difficulty In the case Is with respect to the escape of Sir Roger Tichborne from the Bella. I regret that I am unable to furnish any further account than that given on a former occasion as detailed by Bogle. There is undoubtedly some substantial reasons for the closeness observed with re- gard to this Interesting point. Not a word can be got from anyone. It appears probable that It will eventually prove that Sir Roger did not ship aboard that vessel at all. But the solving of this great diffi- culty, together with many others of less moment, will (as I intimated on a previous occasion) probably be discussed by the legal prof est ion. It Is quite certain that, from present appearances possession of the estates will not be acquired without a passage through our law courts. The arrangements for the defence are already partly made. In c"se of a suit in Chancery being commenced, Sir Roundell Palmer and Mr. Cnapman Barber have been retained to defend the in- terests of the present ward and Lady Alfred Tichborne; whilst Mr. Coleridge, Q C., has also been retained in the same interests for any suit that may be brought on the Western Circuit. The trial of this most extraordinary case will be looked forward to with the most intense interest by the whole of the country. Rumour states that Sir Roger has returned the whole of the money forwarded to him by his mother, having been very successful In Australia as an agriculturist and speculator.

THE JAMAICA PROSECUTIONS. At Bow-street, on Wednesday morning, an applica- tion was made io the Chief Magistrate, Sir Thomas Henry, by Mr. Fitzjames Stephen for warrants for the apprehension of Colonel Nelson and Lieutenant Brand, on the charge of the wilful murder of Mr Gordon, at Morant Bay, in the county of Surrey, in the Island of Jamaica, in October,. 1865. Mr. Stephen, with whom was Mr. J. Horne Payne, was Instructed by Messrs. Shaen and Ro coe. He stated that t he actual prosecutors were Mr. John Stuart Mill, the Mtmber of Parliament for Westminster, and Mr. P. A. Tay'or the Member for Leicester, both now present. The name of Governor Eyre was not at present Included becau'e that gentleman was not at the present moment within the jlnis- dtctlon of the court. There was no doubt, however, that he would be ready and willing to meet the charge, and they had an intimation from his solicitor that he would attend upon due notice. He was desirous of doing perfect justice to all parties, and must therefore state that Mr. Eyre had shown the most honourable and courageous determinv ion to meet most fully and fairly every responsibility properly de- volving upon him. He (Mr. Stephen) was sorry that the gre .t questions at issue could not be decided upon a less grave charge than that of murder, the parties who instituted the prosecution being actuated solely by motives of public justice, and not by any petty party or personal ill-feeling. But he should contend that the act, if, as he alleged, illegal, was an act of murder, and not of manslaughter. The deliberate putting of a man to death illegally was murder, and was not excused either by the good faith or Ignorance of the parties or by the argument that they acted under orders of superiors. Mr. Stephen went into an elaborate statement of the motives of the prosecutors, the facts, and the law of the case, contending that the question at issue was whether the law of England was mpreme, or whether the sovereign had power In time of rebellion to suspend all law, and set up a military despotism, with absolute power over the lives of the subjects of the realm. A number of witnesses were examined in support of the application, and after a discussion between Mr. Stephen and Sir Thomas Henry, it was agreed to adjourn the proceedings.

STRANGE SCENE IN A THEATRE. A curious scene occurred the other night at the Chatelet, Paris. A gentleman named Serviere was amongst the audience, and supposed to occupy box No. 18. About nine o'clock a messenger arrived at the stage entrance and informed the controller-in. chief that he had been sent to apprize M. Serviere, who he said would be found in the part of the theatre just mentioned, that his house was on fire, and that his attendance was required immediately. No snob person, however, was to be found in box 18, and the Rtage authorities determined to announce the fact of the fire publicly from the stage, and called out M. Ser- viere by name, adding that he was requested to hurry home. At this announcement the audience burst out laughing, and M. Serviere himself, who was in the slips, joined in the hilarity, regarding the intelligence merely as a practical joke, played upon him by some friend who knew he was at the theatre. In the mean- time the actor who made known the news, observing that the audience regarded the matter in the same light as the person immediately concerned, assured them in the most solemn manner that there was really nothing to laugh at, that the affair was very serious, and the gentleman's house was actually on fire. Upon this the risible faculties of the spectators were again strongly excited. After this interruption the performance proceeded. The gentleman in question, on returning home at midnight, found to his regret that there was no blague in the earnest ansu- ranees and repeated calls for him, which had excited so much merriment, his house being then in flames in every part.

THE END OF THE MORMONS COMING. A raid upon the Mormons would not be looked upon with disfavour by the mass of the American people (writes a New York correspondent). There is a deeply-rooted opinion in the States that the Mormons are the inciters of the numerous forays by the Ind-ans upon the caravans of emigrants and upon the mining settlements. The notion is also general that the Mormon leaders hold the key to a vast treasure house, mines of gold and silver inexhaustible and that these riches are kept for the sole benefit of future generations of Mormons. Congress has already shown a dispo- sition to attack Mormonism. A bill introduced by Senator Howard which, if passed, will practically ex- tirpate Mormonism, is now before the Senate, with a fair chance for the passage. Briefly, this bill, makes polygamy in Utah a penal offence. A few months since one Dr. Robinson, editor of the Salt Lake Vidette, was murdered in Salt Lake City by a party of men, supposed to be Mormons. Dr. Robin- Bon was a native of Maine, and the legislature of that state is about to institute an official investigation, and to summon the aid of Congress. It is unquestionably true that the lives of "Gentiles" living in Utah are in constant peril. Even the general (Viele) commanding the military department is compelled to remain within doors after nightfall, and Federal soldiers never singly venture upon the streets of t • after dark. A few months since cer- tain Gentile merchants, suffering under the perse- cuuons of the Mormons, addressed Brigham Young offering to leave the territory if the Mormon leaders would purchasetheirstocksatafair price. To this propo- sition Brigham returned a characteristic answer. He avowed that nobody was persecuted by the Mormons on account of creed or social opinions, or of any reason whatever. A certain class," however (meaning the merchants), had always persisted in misrepresenting the Mormons, and stirring up wrath against them. With these men the Mormons would not trade. He (Young) would not resort to coercion or intimidation to drive Mormons away from the stores of such men but he would use his influence" to keep them awav. Y o'wg informed the merchants further that they might go or stay, as they pleased.

A FEMALE CAVALRYMAN!" A Mrs. Sigel is now in Washington applying at the Pay Department for back pay for services rendered in the Western armies as a cavalryman. She says she enlisted in 1861, with her husband (John Cleyton) in the 13th Missouri cavalry, and fought for two j ears as a cavalryman in our armies. She fought under Grant, Sheridan, and Rosecranz. She was in the battles of Shiloh or Pittsburgh, Landing and Stone river, and at the latter battle her husband was killed and she severely wounded. Her sex became known and she was discharged from the service. She has married since and is now endeavouring to get the pay due to her when discharged but there is no law authorizing her payment, females being not recognized by any as soldiers. Mrs, Sigel a appearance and manners cannot be said to be very prepossessing, (remarks the American paper from which we are ^quoting.) She has evidently seen hard service in camp or elsewhere, and has con. tracted all the rude airs and attitudes and manners of a man. She wears a Scotch cap cocked on one tide of her head, chews tobacco, smokes, and swears like a very trooper, as she claims to be. She is accompanied by her present husband. Both are very poor, and have been compelled to sleep in the station house every night they have been in Washington. Altogether Mrs. Sigel, who bears traces of having once been in better condition-once even good looking-presents a sad illustration of the effects of a woman stepping out of her natural sphere to enter upon a career entirely foreign to the design of her creation. A friend asks "W ould she not be a valuable subject for the study of the advocate of what is called Woman's rights?'

A STRANGE DREAM. The Lmming (U.S ) Democrat mentions some clrcum- afanoMof a most remarkable nat«re in respect to a recovery ol a large sum of money which had b«en loat for lve years. TIt. strange and almoet Incredible story Is told as follows by a tacky finder, wko passed throagh this city for Muntre:il list week for the purpose of having the bills redeemed at tie bank On the 6th of Dec., 3861, Mr. S ■, who then lived I on the Grand River Road, near this city catrw to market with a load of wheat, accompanied by his son, the narrator of these circumstances. The wheat, with a span of horses, was sold for the sum of 578dols. 50c., and the man returned home, where, soon after their arrival, the father was taken with the cholera morbus, and died just at daylight next morning. After his funeral search was made for tlfe Eaoney -which until then the family had been too sore afflicted to think of—but to their astonishment only the 78dols. 50c. could be found. What had become of the remainder was a question which could not be satisfactorily solved. The whole home was thoroughly searched, and at length it was con- cluded that the money must have been lost on the way home; yet, after advertising extensively through the columns of the Detroit Free Press, and offering a reward of fifty dollars to the finder for the recovery of the money, no trace of it could be discovered, and the the money, no trace of it could be discovered, and the event gradually passed out of mind. But now comes the sequel, unlooked-for and singular, in which the money is recovered through a dream. The young man, who, with the family, now resides in Ingham County, has been recently suffering with a painful whitlow, which tortured him so with loss of sleep that, on ihursday night of the week before last, he took a { dose of opium, under the influence of which, after re- } tiring to bed, he fell into a profound slumber. la the midst of this sleep he dreamed over the trip made to this city with his father, every circum- stance of which was repeated minutely, with the incidents of time and place of sale, both of the wheat and the horses, the counting of the money, &c., in addition to which he saw, in his dream, that two men were closely watching his father while reo ceiving the money that they afterwards went away, when his father took off his hat, and placed nearly all the money inside the lining of oil-skin. The dream, several times repeated, finally awoke Mr. S who [" related it to his wife, who had not yet retired, when she went to an old chest, long unused, and brought out the hat which the old man had last worn. It was old and moth-eaten, seemingly anything but a money b nr, « yet, on turning back the lining, 500 dollars in Canada j bank bills were found in a tolerable state of preserva- » tion. The strange but "owertrue tale," as well as the respectability and trustworthiness of the relater, an vouched for by respectable parties.