The Illustrated Usk Observer and Raglan Herald

MODERN STATESMEN; OR, SKETCHES FROM THE STRANG ERg GALLERY OF THE HOUSE OF GOMMONS. —>— THE RIGHT IION. SIDNEY HERBERT. As regards ourselves, perhaps the most responsible post in the Ministry is the Secretary of the War Department. I don't say that England is in any danger of invasion-I don't suppose for a moment that a successful invasion is possible; but the moral influence of a nation greatly depends upon its display of physical power. And if you travel in France, or converse with Germans, or, indeed, with almost any class of foreigners, they will tell you that England has seen her best days that she does not take the high position among the nations of the earth she once assumed; that, in short, we are used up, and only fit to play second fiddle to France. If we ask for proof of this monstrous assertion we are referred to the Crimean war, and our linfrieadly critics forget that, if, at the first, our official system broke down—that, if our brave men were badly officered -that, if we lost them by thousands—that, if our stores, and plans, and generals proved old and useless- public opinion had been "aronsed-efforts, such as only England can make, were made, and that wq were in a condition to carry on a successful struggle, just as France, exhausted and weary, was but too glad to have recourse to peace. Let Europe see that our army is in a thoroughly effective state, and Old England will be held in as much honour, and her alliance as earnestly desired, and her displeasure as deeply dreaded, as in the days of Nelson, or Wellington, or the other mighty heroes of the past. But, in order that this may be the case, we need a man at the head of the War Department in the House of Commons who is above that fear of giving offence in* high quarters which bringeth a snare—a man who thoroughly understands the faults of the present condition of the army—who is desirous to remove them, and who is .determined that the English army shall be as effective as it is costly. Is Mr. Herbert the man for this ? That is a. question which the future alone can decide. What we know of him is to his credit. In a small way he has done the State good service. He has been "faithful over a few things." For many a useful reform, for many an extra comfort, the English soldier has to thank him. Let us now speak of HIS ANTECEDENTS. Mr. Herbert is one of the governing classes. The right honourable gentleman, born in 1810, is son of the eleventh Earl of Pembroke by his second wife, the only daughter of Count Woronzow, and is half-brother and heir-presumptive to the present earl. I am particular in giving Mr. Herbert's genealogy; because it was a favourite cry of the beery politicians of London that Odessa was spared because Sidney Herbert's wife was a Russian princess. Small politicians made considerable capital out of the charge, and one daily paper the in- telligent reader can guess which -laid considerable stress upon the fact. The real truth is, that in 1846 Sidney Herbert married a daughter of Major-General A Court, a lady well known for a life of untiring activity and energy in the walks of philanthropy more especially fitted for female co-operation and aid. It is said a change of blood improves the breed. The nobles of Spain intermarry and become intellectually and physically weak. The French occupation of Hamburg is said much to have aided in the production of a better race of citizens in that pleasant and thriving town. Speaking of the celebrated Irish Brigade, Lord Cloncurry tells us in his Memoirs, "There could not be a better example of crossing blood than was afforded by these gentlemen. They were generally the offspring of Irish fathers and French mothers, and were the finest models of men I ever recollect to have seen." The fact that the true-born Englishman has in his veins the blood of almost every country under heaven, may account for the beauty and energy of which we boast, and which even rival nations reluctantly confess, I believe there"is nothing like the infusion into an English family of a little genuine northern blood. Sidney Herbert is emphatically a case in point. There is undoubtedly something very fine and vigorous about his personal appearance. He is the very model of the modern English gentleman;—not the port-wine drinking, anti- French, Church-and-King man of the last generation, under whom the nation was going headlong to the devil, but of a man born in affluence, whom Christianity has made decent, and whose intellectual and bodily powers have been strengthened and matured by the habits of a life. At the same time, he exhibits all the disadvantages of having been brought up in a class, and accustomed to look at everything in a distorted light. Such men are like men coming out of a cave, and it, is long before they discern things as they really are. Hence, as in the case of Lord Stanley, half their time is devoted to unlearning the preposterous notions acquired at home, or at school, or college. The parliamentary career of Mr. Herbert illustrates this, He began life in 1832 as a Conservative. The first occasion of his taking part in a debate in parliament was on the 20th of June, 1834, upon a motion for the second reading of a bill for the admission of Dissenters to the universities. Mr. Estcourt, the pre- decessor of Mr. Gladstone in the representation of the University of Oxford, having moved as an amendment, that the bill be read a second time that day six months, he was seconded by Mr. Sidney Herbert, who opposed the measure on the ground that, in these times of dissen- sion of every species, the admission of Dissenters to the universities would be nothing less than opening those institutions to conflicting opinions, and making them the arena of religious animosity. Again, up to the year 1841, Mr. Herbert's opinions on the principle which should guide us in our commercial intercourse with the nations were decidedly protectionist. lIe opposed the motion of the then Whig Government, to substitute for the sliding scale an eight shilling fixed duty on the imports of corn, as well as Lord John Russell's proposal for the reduction of the duties on foreign sugar but when Peel turned round, Sidney Herbert, who had been succes- sively Secretary to the Admiralty and Secretary at War, with a seat in the Cabinet, turned round with him and in a debate in 1846, on the motion of Sir Robert Peel for.a committee of the whole House upon the customs and corn importation acts—having been taunted by the Earl of March with an abandonment of his oft expressed convictions, the right honourable gentleman confessed that, after the most mature deli- beration, he had been compelled to take the course he had. Of course, Mr. Herbert's constituency was Pro- tectionist to the backbone all the same and, when a general election came in 1847, an attempt was madetodis- placehimintherepresentationofthecounty. Mr. Herbert's influence in Wiltshire is enormous; and Wiltshire, in the person of its representative, decided in favour of Free Trade Then came the Crimean war, when one statesman after another became bankrupt. The Duke of Newcastle became the scapegoat, and was sent forth, like the goat in Mr. Roberts' picture, into the desert, bearing the sins of the ministry. In the unpopularity of that period Sidney Herbert had his share; nor was his unpopularity undeserved. It is clear that he relied upon the mis- statements of the officials, and contended that our army was in a prosperous condition,, when, in fact, it was the reverse that he and those who acted with him never thought we should have had a real war and that, when war actually broke out, they were not prepared to carry it on with vigour, or to punish Russia as she deserved. This is another disadvantage Sidney Herbert experienced on account of his birth and breeding—he had lived in an ideal world-he had never stood face to face with the English nation. Had he lived and toiled as the people live and toil, his sight would have been clearer and his blundering less. I am aware that the people is not a profoundly learned or acutely logical body; but they had the idea, and in this they were right, that Turkey was wronged-that Russia was an aggressive power, and they believed that as Russia had been the mainstay of despotism on the continent, that a war that would have crippled Russia would have aided the cause of freedom and of man all over Europe. Under such an idea alone was war justifiable. Our statesmen entered on it with no such idea, and by large classes the war-cry was re-echoed for even still less worthy ends—as a means of plunder after inglorious years of inactivity, half-pay, and peace. The war came, and the people grew mad as the Times told them what Sidney Herbert and the Government denied. Mr. Roebuck's motion was carried, and down went the Aberdeen Cabinet like a ship at sea. We remember well the night of the debate. Generally, when the tellers come up to announce the result, they are cheered by the winning party as only Englishmen can cheer. For a wonder, on that occasion, not a cheer was heard There was silence, amazement, wonder everywhere; and then a short derisive opposition laugh, as they saw the vaunted opposition melt into thin air. They did well to be silent and amazed. Thoughtful men were already asking, of this victory who was to reap the fruits. Were the Derbyltes again to be placed in power; or was the Great Britain of the nineteenth century, the mother of colonies, compared with which those of imperial Rome were pigmies—the asylum of I liberty denied elsewhere, to be the appanage of the House of Bedford or was there to be but a shuffle of the cards: Palmerston, premier, in the place of Lord Aberdeen—Lord Panmure in the room of the Duke of Newcastle—Fred. Peel, vice Sidney Herbert; were the old faces again to come back to us was the old fearful system of administration again to be continued was the old hideous weight of the aristocracy again, like a nightmare, to press upon the land was there to be no hope of a better state of things ? Well, there was then silence, for who was there to cheer? Lord John Russell ignominiously escaped from the sinking ship. Sidney Herbert and his colleagues, at any rate, bravely stuck to their posts. Sidney Herbert was driven from office, that Mr. Frederick Peel might fill his vacant place. We doubt whether the nation gained anything by the change. HIS PHILANTHROPY. A man who is born to £ 70,000 a-year, like Sidney Herbert, owes much to society. A landlord who knows nothing of his property, but to draw his rents from iten who merely comes into the country to hunt, and th spends an idle and vicious career in the capitals o* Europe, is the most dangerous possible character and, in times of peace, political excitement. would precipitate anarchy and revolution. But the landed class have grown philanthropic. Their aim is to build churches, p u to form schools, to caution their labourers against beer- shops, to send out distressed needlewomen to Australia, to turn ragged boys into decent and industrious shoe- blacks, and to learn St. Giles the value of a cheap bath and a clean shirt. Of this class of philanthropists Lord Shaftesbury may be placed at the head next, perhaps, is Sidney Herbert. He has done as much, perhaps, as could be done, in mitigating the hardships of the British poor, and while in office, it must be remembered that he did much for the improvement of the soldier's condition, and that it was he who broke through routine, despised the clamour of the religious peers as to infecting the army with Puseyism, and suffered Florence Nightingale and her noble company to proceed on their mission of mercy and love. SIDNEY HERBERT IN THE HOUSE. But I have not yet pointed him out to you. You will see him seated side by side with Palmerston and Russell and his colleagues, on the right hand of the Speaker. It is the time appointed for private business. Military men are numerous in the House, and as every man of them has his own peculiar views, which he is anxious to see put in practice, Mr. Herbert has enough to do to answer the numerous interrogatories addressed to him on all sides. Look at him on his legs. What a con- trast to General Peel, or Mr. Frederick Peel, or Sir Joshua Ramsden, and other amiable mediocrities, his predecessors What strength seems to lie in his well- formed and manly figure How full is his face of power, and sharpness, and determination how clearly and pleasantly he speaks In debate, how ready and prac- tical he is He may not be a great orator, but he is certainly a useful and able man.

flttJe Caurt, &C. PRINCE ALFRED IN GREECE.—The following is an extract of a letter from Athens, dated 25th November, 1859" The Euryalus, with the royal middy on board, cast anchor in the Piraeus harbour on the 10th instant. Sir Thomas Wyse, with the members of the legation and the consular authorities, immediately went on board to pay their respects. Notwithstanding a most pressing invitation from his Majesty King Otho to take up his residence at the palace, the prince decided on accepting the hospitality of our own minister during his stay in Athens. Sir Thomas Wyse gave several dinners, and on the 16th a grand ball, which was honoured with the presence of the King and Queen of Greece, who were most gracious to every one present; the whole corps diplomatique, with all the notables in Athens, were in full dress. The King opened the ball by dancing with Miss Wyse, and the Queen with Prince Alfred; the Queen afterwards honoured Major Cowell and our Secretary of Legation by dancing with them, and the King honoured our consul's lady, Mrs. Neale, by dancing a quadrille with her."

REFORM CONFERENCE IN LONDON. On Wednesday afternoon a conference of "those who are in favour of a real and honest measure of parlia- mentary reform," was held at the Guildhall Coffee-house. The meeting was convened by the Parliamentary Reform Committee, and the object of the conference was stated in their circular to be freely to confer together as to the course to be adopted in the present position of the question." It was at the same time intimated that the gathering was not intended to assume the cha- racter of a political demonstration, but was simply summoned for deliberation and counsel, and it was therefore limited to those who had received invitations. The attendance was, therefore, more select than numerous. On the motion of Mr. Cox, of Finsbury, seconded by Mr. S. Morley, the chair was taken by Mr. William Har- greaves. Amongst the gentlemen present were Lord Teynham, Mr. Bright, M.P. Mr. A. R. Bristow, M.P.; Mr. Kershaw, M.P.; Mr. J. Clay, M.P.; Mr. Scholefield, M.P.; Mr. Serjeant Parry, and several gentlemen from the provinces. Letters of apology were read from Mr. Roupell, M.P., Mr. W. S. Lindsav, M.P., Mr. James Stansfield, M.P., Mr. J. H. Whalley, M.P., Mr. Cobden, M.P., Mr. Henry Pease, M.P., Mr. Thomas Mills, M.P., Mr. Frank Crossley, M.P., Mr. Thomas Bazley, M.P., Mr. T. S. Duncombe, M.P., Mr. W. Coningham, M.P., Mr. Edwin James, M.P., Mr. Titus Salt, M.P., and several others. The Chairman reminded the meeting that this time last year a similar conference was held, and a Tory Govern- ment being then in office the course of the reform party was clear enough. The Government conceded more than was expected of them; but still it was very far short of what the country had a right to expect, and the short- comings of their measure led to their downfall. The course of action open to this conference was somewhat difficult. They had to deal now with a Whig-Radical-Con- servative Government, and since the Cabinet must decide within the next month what the nature of their Reform Bill should be, upon the pressure from without would depend the amount of concession that would be made to the just demands of the people. He looked with some apprehension upon the Rifle Volunteer movement, because it was supported almost exclusively by the Tories, and he was very much afraid that the movement would be used in the support of the false cry that nobody wanted reform. The necessity for parliamentary reform was un- deniable, while it was equally clear that like all past reforms it could only be obtained by spirited agitations. The reform committee <had nothing to do with govern- ment; they would accept instalments from any adminis- tration, but their exertions would not cease until a thorough measure of reform was obtained, as being the best means for securing the economical and efficient government of the country. Mr. E. S. Pryce then read a report of the past year's proceedings of the committee. Mr. W. Jansen, jun., read the first resolution :— That this conference desires to express its cordial acknowledgments to Mr. Bright, M.P., for the ability with which he has urged the question of parliamentary reform on the attention of the country and for the care and labour he has bestowed, at the request of a preceding conference, in the preparation of a bill, which, in its main provisions, as set forth by him, appears eminently adapted to meet the wishes of the great body of earnest reformers throughout the kingdom." Mr. A. R. Bristow, M.P., seconded the motion, but he reserved to himself the right of canvassing and dealing with Mr. Bright's Bill in such manner as he should deem best when the measure was before him. He was a strenuous advocate of the ballot, believing that without that protection no extension of the franchise would correct the abuses of our parliamentary system. He therefore urged the reform party to make the ballot the sine qua non for their acceptance of the Government measure (hear, hear). He also advised them to adopt the "whipper-in" tactics of the Whigs and Tories, in bringing Liberal members up to the scratch when their presence or votes were required (hear). The resolution was carried unanimously. Mr. P. A. Taylor moved the second resolution- That, in the judgment of this conference, no measure will be regarded as a settlement, which does not include a large extension of the suffrage, both in counties and in boroughs; an equitable re-distribution of seats, in pro- portion to the population and property of the con- stituencies an assimilation of electoral laws for England, Scotland, and Ireland; the repeal of the Septennial Act; and such protection to the voter, by means of ballot, as may arrest that corruption and intimidation which have been so fearfully prevalent in the late elections, and which threaten to undermine the political institutions of the country." The object of this conference, in his view, was to give nationality t.o the Government and representatives of the country, and he recommended the committee to cultivate the good wishes of the working classes, by raising a distinctive standard, such as that of manhood suffrage (hear, hear). Lord Teynham seconded the resolution, observing that in dealing with this question reformers had to deal with men—not with money—and it was their duty to treat all men, from the highest to the lowest, with all candour and full confidence. His lordship made a long speech, with the object of showing that every man of full age, against whom there could not be proved any ground of disqualiifcation, was entitled to the franchise. Any- thing short of manhood suffrage would never settle the question. Mr. Serjeant Parry, and Mr. Clay, M.P., spoke to the resolution, which was afterwards carried, as were also two others arranging for a subscription list, and urging reformers to keep a strict watch on the new Reform Bill. Mr. Bright, M.P., subsequently addressed the confer- ence at some length. The discussion extended to a late hour.

THE DINNER. The annual dinner of the Smithfield Cattle Club took place on Wednesday evening, at the London Coffee- house, Ludgate-hill, when about 100 gentlemen connected with the agricultural interest assembled. Lord Berners, one of the vice-presidents, in the absence of the noble president, the Duke of Richmond, occupied the chair, and was supported by the Earl of Feversham, Lord William Lennox, Mr. Alderman Mechi, Mr. Upcher, Mr. Milward, Mr. B. E. Bennett, Mr. Fisher Hobbs, Mr. Brandreth Gibbs, Mr. Jonas Webb, Professor Simmonds, Mr. Rigdon, Mr. R. W. Baker, Mr. Tuxford, Mr. Quartly, Mr. C. Stokes, Mr. Corbet, Mr. J. Hudson, &c. The noble Chairman, in proposing The Health of the Queen," expressed his regret at the unavoidable absence of the Duke of Richmond, who was unable to leave the Militia regiment of which he was colonel, now stationed in Scotland. The state of his grace's health also at this moment prevented him undertaking the journey. The health of the Queen was responded to in the truly loyal style of the English Yeomanry. The next toast was His Royal Highness the Prince Consort, as the Patron of English Agriculture; the Prince of Wales, and the rest of the Royal Family," which was also responded to with greatr applause. Lord Berners next proposed The Army and Navy," and said this toast was peculiarly interesting at the present moment, when they were about to have an addition to their regular army in the shape cOf that old constitutional force which he remembered when a boy, the old English Volunteers. They were now establishing volunteer rifle corps throughout the kingdom (hear, hear). He (the noble chairman) most cordially approved of that movement, not because he believed that illustrious man who presided over the destinies of France had the slightest idea of his own free will ever to invade this country (hear, hear); but he might be placed in a position which, to a certain extent, would render him a creature of circumstances (hear, hear). When, however, it was recollected that the Emperor of the French had a standing army of from 500,000 to 700,000 men flushed with victory, and that there was a feeling on the part of some of the officers of that army to wipe off that which they had considered as a stain upon them, hence there might be a war forced upon our ally. At the same time there were large numbers of the French people connected with agriculture and commerce who knew that nothing could be so detri- mental to the interests of their nation as a war with this country (hear, hear). At all events it was quite proper that this great country should not be in a position to be dependent upon the will or caprice of any single individual or nation (hear, hear). The rifle corps move- ment was, therefore, most essential, and he believed the same feeling which animated the breasts of their old volunteers, pervaded the feelings of the people of England of the present day. He was quite sure that in that move- ment the farmers of England would take a prominent part. Although an invasion of this country might pro- duce much mischief, still he knew that the farmers of England had sturdy hearts and strong arms, and that let the attempt be made, they would be sure to repel the invader (cheers). He begged to couple with the toast the name of Lord William Lennox (renewed applause). Lord William Lennox responded to the toast, and said he did not partake of the panic of the four merchants of Liverpool (laughter). He believed, as long as the ocean divided us, and so long as the English nation were de- termined to stand up in defence of our Queen, our laws, and our homesteads, so long they had no grounds to fear an invasion of this country (cheers). The noble chirman next proposed "The Smithfield Cattle Club," and success to it. It was now nearly thirty years since he (Lord Berners) had been a member of the club, and had paid much attention to its progress. He was prepared, notwithstanding the cavils which had been raised at times against the club, that the Smithfield Club had been one of the greatest benefits to the country at large (hear, hear). Its objects had been carried out in producing the best animal food in the largest possible quantity for the people, to produce the greatest quantity of meat at the smallest cost (hear, hear). The Smithfield Cattle Club was established in 1798, or sixty-one years ago. It was then very small in its numbers, and was held in a very humble position in Goswell-street. Some twenty years ago, the shows of the club were removed to Baker-street, and at that time the proprietor of the bazaar gave the club X300 a year. So far as the Smithfield Club was concerned, there was quite a unique principle introduced, which, instead of making the club pay for its accommodation for the show, the club were themselves paid for it. In- stead, therefore, of receiving.E300,the club now received £700. The non-members of the society who exhibit stock pay £115 a year. The implement department paid them £740, and the steam-engine exhibitors £50. The divi- dend on their funded stock produced £56, and the sub- scriptions £ 235. Their invested capital was £2,009, and at the present time they had 364 members. The number of entries for live stock during the present year were 365. The sums awarded for prizes for cattle and other stock amounted to £950, and in medals £114, or in rough numbers, £1,100. He mentioned these facts to show the progress of the club, and when they procured, as he hoped and believed they should do, a better space for their show, he had no doubt but that it would progress in a far greater proportion. There could be no doubt but that they ought to have a show yard, which would prevent the public being so crowded as they had been, and give more room for the implements, which were a very important department of the show. When this was accomplished, he had no doubt but the Smithfield Club would advance by rapid strides to further prosperity (loud applause, in the midst of which the toast was drunk). Mr. Torr, the vice-chairman, proposed "The health of the noble President his Grace the Duke of Richmond," which was enthusiastically received. Lord William Lennox responded on behalf of his noble brother, and assured the company that nothing but public duty would have kept him from among them that day. The various gold medal prizes were then distributed, and the healths of the successful competitors proposed and drunk. Mr. Rigden, of Hove, near Brighton, in returning thanks as the winner of the gold m/sdal in the South- down classes, said he had that year had the good fortune to redeem his promise in beating the Duke of Richmond's specimen of Southdowns (cheers). His Grace had, how- ever, beaten him for three years in succession previously, and he hoped it was now his turn to beat their noble presi- dent for the same number of years (cheers and laughter). It should not be his fault if he did not do so (cheers).

J ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY OF ENCLANO. On Friday morning the annual general meeting of the Royal Agricultural Society of England was held at the Society House, Hanover-square. Colonel Challoner in the absence of Lord Walsinghain, the president, occupied the chair. Mr. B. T. Brandreth Gibbs, the honorary secretary, read the annual report of the council, of which the fol- lowing is an abstract:—The society consists at the present time of 79 life governors, 128 annual governors, 933 life members, 4,082 annual members, and 18 honorary members.; making a total of 5,240 members, or an in- crease of 79 names since the last half-yearly meeting. The funded property of the society amounts to £ 10,0(TO stock, standing in the names of the trustees in the New Three per Cents. The council report upon the unfor- tunate circumstance which led, first to the suspension, and subsequently to the dismissal of the late Mr. James Hudson from the office of secretary to the society. It appeared that, a short time before his decease, Mr. Hudson executed a deed of assignment making over the whole of his effects for the benefit of his creditors; and under legal advice, the council determined to come in as creditors under the deed in question, and authorised the honorary acting secretary to sign it on behalf of the society for the balance due, viz., £1,771 8s. 6d. The council, however, have much pleasure in being able to report that, notwith- standing the funds having sustained a diminution by the large amount due from the late secretary, not only have they found it unnecessary to touch the funded capital of the society, but that its financial position is unusually satisfactory, the balance at the bankers on the 7th inst. being £1,711, whilst the claims on the society consist only of the ordinary current expenses. The council have now elected Mr. Henry Hall Dare as secretary, at a salary of X400 per annum, with residence, tire, and lighting. It has also been determined to appoint a professional accountant, constantly to examine the society's accounts, and report any irregularity to the finance committee, and also to suggest any improve-, ments which may from time to time appear to be needed in the system of keeping the books. The council have determined to appoint a literary and scientific editor of the society's journal, at a salary of X500 per annum; his duties to be performed under the general superinten- dence of the journal committee, and his whole time to be at the disposal of the society. The Warwick meeting was in every way eminently successful. The council have fixed that the Canterbury meeting shall take place in the week commencing Monday the 9th July next. The council have determined on the following arrangements for the meeting:—That the live stock shall all be in the yard the afternoon of Saturday, the 7th of July, which will allow of their recovering from the fatigue of the journey to the show, previous to the judges commencing their inspection on the Monday morning following. That the exhibition shall close on the Thursday evening, thn" enabling exhibitors' servants arid animals to- return home without breaking into another waek. It has been deter- mined to add to the prize list a class for heifer calves m -reford, and Devon divisions also to Rt- -^s for the Shropshire breed of sheep, < V ^rsh breed of sheep, and to classify pigsas fol ows^geb^aof any C0i0^; small white, small blacky and rigs not alible for the pre- ceding classes. The schedule of prize, for implements and machinery for 1860, according to tht quadrennial system which came into operation last year, will contain classes for thrashing machines, chaff-cutters, mills, crushers, oilcake-breakers, bone mills, turnip-cutters, &c.; and to these the council have added additional classes for the application of steam power to the cultiva- tion of the soil, for hand tools used in hop grounds and in land tillage, and for fieldgates. The local committee at Canterbury having expressed their wish to offer certain local prizes, the council have determined to accept those for hops and wool, to be competed for under such conditions as the council may determine. The following schedule of prizes for essays and reports to be sent to the secretary by the lst of Marii. next has been adopted: 1. Agriculture of Berkshire.—Fifty sov- reigns for the best report on the agriculture of Berkshire. 2. Application of manure.—Twenty sovereigns for an approved essay on the best period of the rotation, and the best time of year for applying the manure of the farm. 3. Influence of prices on farm management.— Ten sovereigns for the best essav on the alterations ren- dered advisable in the management of land of different qualities, by low prices of grain and high prices of meat. 4. Late improvements in dairy practice.-Ten sove- reigns for the best essay on recent improvements in dairy practice. 5. The proper office of straw on a farm. —Ten sovereigns for the best essay on the proper office of straw on a farm. 6 Farm capital.—Ten sove- reigns for the best essay on the amount of capital re- quired for the profitable occupation of a farm 7 Seedbed for agricultural crops.—Ten sovereigns for the best essay on the conditions of seed-bed best suited to the various agricultural crops. 8. Adulteration of seeds. — Ten sovereigns for the best essay on the adulteration of agri- cultural seeds. 9. Any other agricultural subject.-Ten sovereigns for the best essay on any other agricultural subject. A reprint has been made of Dr. Lang's Prize Essay on the Potato. This can now be purchased at a reduced rate. The society have from time to time been favoured, by order of the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, with copies of despatches received by her Majesty's Government relative to guano and mineral deposits. Extracts from these communications have appeared in the published reports of the council meetings before which they were laid. The council have the satisfaction of recording their belief that the society is steadily progressing, and that by adopting such improve- ments in its proceedings as experience may from time to time show to be necessary, it will continue to maintain its important position in promoting the advancement of scientific and practical agriculture. Mr. W. Corbett moved the adoption of the report. He considered it was the most important report the society had ever issued. It was full of useful information, which he was convinced would be highly interesting to the members generally. He was gratified to see that the council intended to avail themselves of the services of a professional accountant; while he felt that the society owed a deep debt of gratitude to Mr. Brandreth Gibbs for the able manner in which he had temporarily filled the office of secretary. The new secretary might well take a leaf out of Mr. Gibbs' book, and adopt some of that gentleman's plans in his conduct of the affairs of the Smithfield Club. On the occasion of the recent dinner, Mr. Gibbs might be said to have achieved the supposed impossible feat attributed to a celebrated Irish bird of being in :ctwo places at the same time (a laugh). Both the show and the dinner were in his hands, and nothing could surpass the skill and order with which each was carried out (cheers). Mr. Joseph Druce seconded the motion, which was put and carried unanimously. Mr. Thomas Raymond Barker, chairman of the finance committee, then read the half-yearly balance- sheet extending up to the 30th June last, and on the motion of Sir William Owen Pell, seconded by Lord Denman, a cordial vote of thanks was passed to the auditors, a compliment which was acknowledged by Mr. Joseph Druce, one of the body. Mr. William Astbury, Mr. Joseph Druce, and Mr. William Cobbett, were appointed auditors for the ensuing year. Mr. Fisher Hobbs gave notice that at the next assembly of the council he should propose an alteration of the bye-laws, to admit of the' annual meeting of the society being held on Thursday in the Cattle Show week. The Smithfield Club had brought their dinner forward a day, and many farmers left town generally in the afternoon of the succeeding day. Mr. T. R. Baker said hitherto the meeting had been held on a Saturday. It was altered this year to suit the convenience of the farmers, but it did not appear to have produced any larger attendance of country members. The Chairman said this closed the ordinary businegs of the meeting, and he might be allowed, "before they separated, to observe that this was the first year that the society had been able to meet all its liabilities out of the receipts of the year. Not only had the society done that, but, after every bill accruing in the year had been paid, there would still remain a balance in hand of between X700 and £800. He had therefore every reason to congratulate the society upon its flourishing condition and upon the good it had effected and was still accom- plishing. Not only the United Kingdom, but the whole of Europe derived advantage from its operations, while, as a slight indication that it had at length got into the right path, he might mention that the press had ceased to abuse its management (a laugh). At the same time he felt that a little secousse in the press must always have a wholesome influence upon their proceedings, and he was rather disposed to thank than to censure the journals that had considered the society worthy of notice (hear, hear). He therefore begged of them to renew their criticisms whenever any shortcoming of the society might seem to call for them (hear). On the motion of Lord Eversham, seconded by Lord Denman, a vote of thanks was passed to the chairman, and the meeting separated.

FOREIGN CLEANINCS. MARRIAGE OFFERS IN SWEDEN.—The fol- lowing rather singular project has just been presented to the Chamber of Nobles of the Swedish Diet. Baron Creutz proposed that, from the age of fifteen, young girls should be allowed to answer of their accord, yes or no, to any suitor for their hand. M. Montgomery opposed the project, declaring that at the age of fifteen love, though strong, was too blind, and that the age of twenty-five was indispensable to be able to see clearly on so important a question. Baron Alstroemer treated such an objection as madness, and proposed to the Chamber to decide who was in the right, Baron Creutz or the Apostle Paul. The Baron replied that the words of the Apostle applied to paternal authority, which was very severe among the Jews and the Romans, and could not now be invoked when the manners and customs had so much changed. Baron Alstroemer said that if the Chamber were to- adopt the project Mormonism would become general. Baron Creutz replied warmly that it was ridiculous to talk of Mormonism, that his project was a serious one, and calculated to have a salutary effect on manners and ideas. The project was referred to a committee. MARRIAGE OF GAIRIB ALDT.- Garibaldi is still at Fino, in the neighbourhood of Como, where, on the 3rd, he met with an accident while riding on a restive horse. The news at first occasioned some alarm at Milan; but a letter from his medical attendant, published in the newspapers, removed all apprehension. Further evidence of the slight nature of the injuries is found in the fact, that on the 7th the gallant general was married to the eldest daughter of M. Raimondi, an Italian patriot, who possesses one of the most beautiful of the residences on the Lake of Como. In 1848 M. Raimondi was obliged to take to flight; his property was confiscated, and his palace used by the Austrians as a barrack. Under the new regime, however, everything has been restored to him. Great rejoicings took place at Como on the occa- sion of the marriage of his daughter to Garibaldi. FIGHT BETWEEN A MAN AND A DOG.—A butcher, named Charles Van den Winckd, residing at Ninove, in Belgium, went three day3 ago to Brussels, in consequence of a stupid bet, to fight with a large dog in that city. Winckel had before engaged in several com- bats of the kind, in which be had come off the conqueror, but in this case a different fate awaited him. At the very commencement of the fight, the dog, rendered furious by "the blows it received from his antagonist, made a spring, and seizing the man by the throat laid him dead at his feet. AN UNDESIRABLE NURSERY MAID. The Salut Public of Lyons says:—" A young widow residing in this city lately took into her service a girl who had excellent testimonials. Two days ago, as the lady was sitting in the drawing-room, the girl entered, carrying under her arm, like a bundle of linen, her mistress's little daughter, about three years old, with the head foremost, and proceeded deliberately to open one of the windows. The lady, astonished at her manner, asked what she was going to do with the child, to which the servant, with the greatest coolness, said she was going to throw it out of the window. On this the mother jumped up in alar^ and rushed forward to prevent her, but the servant the stronger, succeeded in opening the window, >y"a w. have accomplished her purpose had not th" 1 r. moment of desperation, seized the gir1". iV rr,er teeth, and compelled her to relii-^ hf h?1(L The child was thus saved, but the bef ever since seriously ill. The g- aas been Placed m a lunatic aS^NGLAND AW SPAIX.—The Nord of Brussels nnhHsW wli-» it: calIs a .serious announcement on the subject our relations with Spain. England, that ancj^-i £ troubler of the nations, inwardly mortified^ at „emg the Spanish Government persist in "its expedition against the Moors, has sought and found a pretext for annoying the Cabinet of Madrid. With a bitterness unworthy of a great nation, she now claims from Spain payment for the warlike stores furnished at the period of the civil war in the Peninsula. The Spanish Govern- ment is inclined to yield, in order to take from England all pretence for acts of violence; yet. as bad reasons have never been wanting to England for getting up a quarrel, there is reason to fear serious complications, notwith- standing the desire of Spain to yield." There is not a word of truth in this elaborate statement. The claims of England upon the Spanish Government, far from being an afterthought suggested by the war with the Moors, were urged a year ago, while Lord Malmesbury was at the Foreign-office. Since that time the two Governments have been in communication upon them, and Spain has admitted a liability of half a million sterling, only some minor sums remaining to be settled. There is thus some prospect that a debt long due is at last about to be paid; but the war with Morocco has certainly had no connection whatever with the settle- ment.

Eije Cream of ^punct). THE following frightful attempt at wit was perpetrated this morning, just after breakfast, by that man Jones, whilst waiting with a few friends for the conveyance to town :—Q. When our vehicle is in sight, what river does it remind you of ?—.4. Why the Bu,s for us, to be sure. -As we believe Jones meant the Bosphorus, we don't intend to ride with him again. A DISAGREEABLE BED FOR THE PRIXCE CONSORT. —We were very sorry to learn from the Times'1 cattle correspondent's account of the Smithfield Club Show this year, that His R. H. F. M. Prince Albert- not having been successful with his horned stock-has been forced to fall back on his pigs." We trust that neither the pigs nor His R. H. were injured in the execution of this manoeuvre; but considering His R. H.'s substantial figure, we should fear the pigs had the .worst of it. PICKED UP AT THE CATTLE SHOW.—Why is a sove- reign like a pig ? Because it's all the better for having a ring in it. A NEW TURN TO AN OLD QUESTION.-There is a brisk fire of letter-writing just now about Works of Art found in the Drift." The question we should feel inclined to ask is not, Are there many Works of Art in the Drift;" but "Is there a Drift in many Works of Art?" A SMASH AMONG THE SOUTH AMERICAN CROCKERY. —Our old friend "The Plate," of which we had heard nothing for some time, has turned up again, and with such news of row, skrimmage, battle, burning, and destruction—what with Urquiza and his army, Buenos Ayres and her soldiers, Lopez and Paraguay, Montevideo and her President—all jostling, buffeting, rebelling, and revolutionising, that the wonder would be if The Plate" were not—not that it is—"cracked" bevond all hope of mending.

BANKRUPTS.—FEIDAT. DEC. 9. W. H. HEXDRY, Aliltoi-next-Gravesend, Kent, coal merchant. E. HARRIS, Folkestone, Kent, tailor. F. W. THOMAS, Water-lane, Great Tower-street, commUsien agent. J. R. W, J. P. "WOODWARD, Oundle, Northamptonshire, inn- keeper. M. GCTKIXD, Noble-street, City, merchant. W. KNIGHT, Portobello-terrace, Kensington-park, and Herefor road, Bayswater, cowkeeper. C. MORBY, Southsea, Hampshire, builder. J. CKOKLR, Nottingham, hosier. T. POWJTING, Truro, Cornwall, grocer. M., W., and S. DICKENS, Liverpool, woollen-drapers.

BANKRUPTS.—TUESDAY, DECEMBER 13. R. HOCRLEY, Chrisp-street, Poplar, victualler. H. HARRIS, Wood-street, Cheapside, mantle mouufactnrer. W. FORRESTER, Hanley, Staffordshire, iron merchant. C. JONES, Gloucester, aailmaker. o. BEATT, Long-town, Cumberland, draper.

LONDON, MONDAY, DEC. 12. Notwithstanding the advanced period of the season, there is a large business doing in Colonial Produce, and rates generally have an upward tendency. In Russian Produce an increase in the amount of business transacted, and an advance for Tallow. Demand for Metals is favourable, and the upward movement has not ceased for Spelter and Scotch Pig Iron. In Dye-stuffs not much passing, but the currency is unvaried. A fair business in Textile articles, and the currency rules firm.

MONEY MARKET. CITY, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14. The funds to-day remain flat. A fresh decline of i per cent, has taken place. Very little business is going forward, attention being chiefly directed to the settlement in shares and foreign stocks, which has commenced this day. The sha"e market, however, continues firm, with a tendency to improvement. South Eastern and Bahia Railway shares have advanced.

LONDON CORN EXCHANGE. MARK-LANE, MONDAY, DEC. 12. In English WHEAT many transactions, and supply not lar<*e. The rates realised were for white 41s to 52s; and red at SOs'tci 4Gs A fair trade in Foreign: the value is from 44s to -54s and for Russian 3Ss to 44s. The currencv for FLOUR is firm, with a fair trade doing: town- made at 42s to 43s per sack; ditto household 35s to 38s; and country-made 29s to 33s. In BARLEY not much passing, and a fair amount on offer: the value of English Malting is from 30s to 45s per qr. grindin"- and distilling 24s to 29s; and foreign 21s to 24s. ° A fair amount of business in OATS English brought 22s to 2Gs Scotch 22s to 30s Irish 20s to 2(!s and foreign 20s to 27s. The value of pale MALT is 04s to G7s. e RYE a slow sale at 25s to ZGs. BEANS not much required: rates for small English 44s to 48,; midd. size 40s to 43s: large 3 Is to 3'Js and Egyptian 34s to 36s. Several parcels of PEASE were sold: white at SSs to 42s maple 363 to 40s; and grev 33s to 35s. The value of MAIZE is 29s to 33s per quarter; and not much passing. MARK-LANE, WEDNESDAY, DEC. 14. The weather in London was yesterday fine, seasonably mild this morning bright sunshine, sharp frost. The attendance or the trade to-day was small, the torn quiet. Prices of most articles of the trade were unaltered. The mpply of home-trrowu ¡rraia was small, and of country-made flour small. The imports of foreign grain into London since last Mouday were reported this morning nil of flour, very small of wlleat, snull of barley and small of oats.. WHEAT—English retail trade at last Monday's rates Foreign unaltered in value. English white 42s to 52s: re.! ;J88 to 44s per qr. Dantzic and Konigsberg 428 to per 434U- Rostock 42s to 50s other Baltic ports. 40s to 4Gs; French 3Ss to 42s. FLOnt quiet in demand at last Monday's prices. Town. 35s to 43s; Norfolk 31s per 2s01bs; French 23s to 33s per 2801b.; American, U.S., 26s to 27s per barrel, BARLEY.—Dull sale at barely last Monday s rates. OATS in slow demandat about last Monday's prices. British 20s to 308 per qr.; Russian 19s to 24s per qr.; other Baltic ports 2Zs to'27? per qr. BEANS.—English and Egyptian sold slowly at about last Mon- day's prices. English tick, 36s to 41s; harrow, 42s to 46s per qr.: ii, 40s to 50s per qr.; Egyptian 34s per qr. PEAS dull at last Monday's prices. English boilers 3Ss to 40s; hog and grey 36s to 40s; foreign white 43s. FLOATING CARGOES.—Since last Friday only three grain- laden vessels were reported arrived at ports of call, viz.—1 wheat, 2 maize, 1 barley. The sales last reported were:—Wheat arrived: two cargoes Taganrog Grhirka, 47s per 4921b. To-day, np to the lime of going to press, not a single fresh sale was re- ported. There ware only 3 wheut and 5 maize cargoes, now off the coast offering on sale, and held with firmness upon last Monday's rates.

LIVERPOOL CORN MARKET, TUESDAY, DEC. 13. Corn market inactive, but prices firm. Wheat in moderate request at Friday's rates. Flour and beans neglected. Indian corn quiet, but steady. Oats rather cheaper. SMITHFIELD HAY MARKET, TUESDAY, DEC. 13. Trade very dull at the following prices: prime meadow hay, 70s to 75s; superior ditto, 7Gs to SOs; inferior ditto, 50s to 60s rowen, 36s to 50s; clover old, S5s to 100s; second cut, 70s to 80s straw, 25s to 28s. METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET, DEC. 12. A large supply of BEASTS, and the rates ruled from 3s 6d to 5s 4d per stone—Sheep met a ready saie at 4s to 58 6d.-A fair trade in Calves at 4s Sd to 5s 4d.

LONDON PRODUCE MA-KLETS. MINCING-LANE, MONDAY, DEC. 12. SUGAR.—Many transactions, and the rates of Friday are rather exceeded for both lower and better descriptions, there being a Jarge consumption, and Stocks reducing. A brisk trade for REFINED SUGAR, and advanced rates are realised: lumps of low quality not easily to be obtained under 51s. In COFFEE much business has been transacted and stiffer prices are given clean native Ceylon brings 55s to Cis, and plantation GSs to SOs. COCOA much in request, and an advance, supply being light. For TEA a firm market, but not much passing, and the value of sound common Congou is Is 2d. RICE is held with firmness, still only a moderate business doing: low to fine white Bengal 9s Bd to 138 6d. An extensive demand for SALTPETRE, and another advance low to fine Calcutta 353 to 40s. sliced In SPICES an increase in operations, and Pimento has Supply of DRIED FRUIT exceeds demand, ar,'1 "*lCS a*e on decline for Currants and Raisins.. still in the value In COTTON or in WOOL not much passb" in ani(. change. taken for clean Russian. HEMP less required: and £ 2-1 & 55s 6d t0 55s „d M In TALLOW a large busmen c 1 for P Y. Candle on the 'd the value of Linseed on the spot is 0. ir, a'e m Med Rape 39s 6d to 40s; and of brown 36s to 2/s 6d foreign 36s Gd.

A HE FOG ON SUNDAY.—The metropolis on Sunday afternoon was enveloped in the most dense fog we have been visited with since October, 1851 from half-past 12 at noon until 2 o'clock the darkness was so intense that it was dangerous to attempt crossing the carriage-road. Several cases were brought into the hospitals, owing to accidents which occurred to persons returning from places of religious worship. Few, how- ever, were serious. At half-past 1 o'clock the darkness had attained its climax. On the river the atmosphere was even more dense than on land, objects at a few yards' distance not being discernible. The steamboat traffic for nearly two hours was totally suspended, and the large continental, Scotch, and Irish screw and paddle steamers were compelled to bring up at Blackwall, in order to avoid the intricate navigation of the upper and ower pools. On the ebb tide much damage v as occa- sioned in spars and rigging by vessels dropping down and coming into collision with others in the tiers.