The Brecon Reporter and South Wales General Advertiser

POLITICAL GOSSIP. A FRENCH paper has the canard of all canards this week, namely, that Lord Palmerston is to be made a Marquis and retire. THE Right Hon. Thomas O'Hagan has been sworn in before the Lord Chancellor of Ireland as fourth Justice of the Court of Common Pleas; and James Anthony Lawson, Esq., LL.D. was on Saturday morn- ing sworn in as her Majesty's Attorney-General for Ireland, and took his seat as such at the sitting of the Court of Chancery in Dublin. IT is highly probable that a bill will be introduced in the next session to allow of the principals in a b divorce suit being themselves examined upon oath. WE understand, says a contemporary, that Mr. Dodson, M.P. for East Sussex, will be nominated by the Government as successor to Mr. Massey in the poet of Chairman of Committees, and that his appoint- ment will be proposed to the House as soon as it meets. THE following is given as an instance of the stern military rule prevailing at Savannah since its fallA belle stepped off the sidewalk, the other day, with a pouting expression, to avoid walking under a Union flag which hung in front of an officer's head-quarters. General Geary, military commandant of the city, im- mediately gave orders to have her promenade back and forth under the hateful symbol for an hour, as a warning for similar offenders. A CONTEST is foreshadowed in connection with the representation of Newcastle. The coming candidate is Mr. Ald. Cowen, chairman of the River Tyne Com- missioners, who, at a meeting convened for the purpose in the Town-hall last week was publicly invited to contest the borough at the next election. The requi- sition bears the signatures of upwards of two thousand electors. TEE London Gazette has the following:—The Board of Trade have received from the Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs a proclamation forwarded by her Majesty's charge d'affaires at Washington, declaring the port of St. Albans, in the State of Vermont, en- titled to all the privileges in regard to the exportation of merchandise in bond to the British North American provinces adjoining the United States, which are ex- tended to the ports enumerated in the 7th section of the Act of Congress of the 3rd of March, 1845, afore- said, from and after the date of this proclamation. A MEETING of the inhabitants of Nottingham, to promote the cause of Parliamentary reform, was recently held in the Exchange Room, Nottingham. The Mayor occupied the chair; and.there were present Sir R. Clifton and Mr. Paget (the borough members), Aldermen Vickers, Cullen, Heymann, Wright, the Revs. H. Hunter, J. R. Little, R. P. Claydon (Noncon- formists), Councillors Sweet, Heath, &c. &c. The large room was filled to overflowing. The Rev. J. R. Little proposed: That the present state of parliamentary representation, excluding, as it does, a large majority of the people from a share in the Government, is most unjust and unsatisfactory." The resolution was seconded, and unanimously carried. Mr. Heath moved "That a further delay in remedying this injustice after it has been repeatedly admitted in speeches from the throne, and by the leaders of both parties, would be derogatory to the character of Parliament, and de- structive of public morality." This resolution was seconded by the Rev. P. W. Clayden, and carried unanimously. Mr. Paget and Sir Robert Clifton, who were well received, afterwards spoke strongly in favour of a reform of our representative system. In reply to Mr. Mott, Sir Robert Clifton said he would vote for a £ G town and a X10 county franchise. A petition, embodying the sentiments of the resolutions, was then adopted; and the meeting, which had been very disorderly, terminated with a vote of thanks to the chairman.

THE ARTS, LITERATURE, &c. THE great triennial Handel Festival of four thousand performers will be held at the Crystal Palace in the last week of June. PRESIDENT LINCOLN has commissioned Captain Wemyss Anderson to paint for the White House, at Washington, The Last of the Alabama." THE decoration of the interior of the Wolsey Chapel, Windsor Castle, as a memorial to the late Prince Con- sort, with mosaic work, by Dr. Salviati, of Venice, is making great progress. Although only a small build- ing, the decorations will probably cost some £ 20,000. Mr. Scott is the architect-the cost of the decorations I being defrayed by the Royal children. THE Exhibition of Pictures at the British Institute was opened on Monday. The collection contains I many "gems from our best artists, and is attracting, considerable attention One of the most important pictures is contributed by Mr. Ansdell, and is entitled "The Death of Gassar," the Emperor being represented by a gIgantIc mastiff, who lies at the foot of the tomb of Pompey, another dog to whom a monument, in the Roman style, has been erected by a fpnd master. Gassius, a vicious-look- ing dog, sits howling in the background, where is also Brutus, similarly occupied; they seem to declare to heaven that they have done a good thing in cutting short the career of Coesar. fortune in finding As an instance of a.n artist's good fortune m finding materials close to his hand, let us five, says a con. temporary, that of Mr. Maclise in pasting the figure of Nelson in the picture of the death ot that admiral, now nearly completed in the Royal Gallery, Parliament. Desirous of correctly painting the hat; ot Nelson, Mr. Maclise, in the morning of a recent day, ascertained that among the effigies which form the very curious" ragged regiment" in Westminster Abbey, was a figure of Nelson in full costume; this Was used at his funeral, and if it is not clothed in a sllit of the admiral's own clothes, is, beyond all ques- tion, not only contemporary, but so dressed as to have been recognisable by thousands who must have seen him alive. The face of this figure, as we can bear witness, is' a striking portrait. Informed of the existence of these garments, Mr. Maclise obtained permission to borrow the hat, and ere the evening of tha same dav, had completed a portrait of this interesting relic. Let 115 hope the hat has been carefully returned to its place in the glass case amongst a dozen or so more of these very curious figures. The effigies in question are placed over Abbot Islip's Chapel in the Abbey; twenty-five years since they were withdrawn, from public view, as out of keeping with the sacred cha- racter of the building. T-H-E late Mr. Greville's memoirs, being a journal of bis life's observations, may be expected to be issued at no remote date. He entrusted the editorship thereof to his friend Mr. Reeve. THEBE is a rumour, says the Court Journal, that the Empress Eugénie will shortly superintend the compilation of a small volume relative to Marie An- toinette and her daughter, the Princess Elizabeth. MR. W. STANLEY JEVONS is about to publish a volume on "The Coal Question; an Inquiry concerning the Progress of the Nation and the probable Exhaust- tion of our Coal Mines." OF books and pamphlets which have appeared during the last week we may notice the voluminous Report of the Commissioners appointed to inquire into the Health of Metalliferous Miners." The men employed in working our metalliferous mines are short-lived. The miners who work upon our coal-beds enjoy a fair average duration of life. Why this difference in two classes of men who are alike engaged in subterranean labours? To solve this problem has been the prescribed duty of the Mines Commission, and the Crown directs the Commissioners to suggest the most practicable means of improving the health and safety of persons employed in such mines." The inquiry has been a pro- tracted ene; and with much industry the Commissioners have visited every mining district of Great Britain, inspecting the mines, and subjecting the miners and the managers to strict examination. The result of this has been to confirm the belief that the metal-miners die young. The principal resolution at which they have arrived at is, that the em- ployment of boys underground at an early age contributes to produce disease and premature death." We have also The History of the Reform Bill of 1832," by the Rev. W. N. Molesworth, M.A.; Pas- sages of a Working Life during Half a Century, with a Prelude of Early Reminiscences," by Charles Knight (concluding volume); and The Economy of Capital, or, Gold and Trade," .by R. H. Patterson (Blackwood and Sons). WE might mention also that the Earl of Gains- borough has caused to be distributed amongst the tenantry, &c., nearly one thousand copies of the work by the Rev. H. Bonar, D.D., Entitled "God's Way of Peace, or, a Book for the Anxious." It is printed on fine paper and bound in calf.

SPORTS AND PASTIMES. AMONG the events that occurred in connection with the visit of Prince Frederick Charles of Prussia a grand Imperial boar hunt took place. A herd of boars, num- bering precisely 300, had been driven together for the sport of the Court magnates on this occasion, and some idea of the slaughter may be gathered from the fact that but one of the 300 remained alive at the close of the hunt. AN Enfield rifle match recently took place at Barton Moss, between the 9th company of the First Man- chester Rifle Volunteers and the 10th Company of the Third Manchester Rifle Volunteers. Ten men from each were selected as competitors, the distances being 200 and 400 yards, five shots at each distance, hits and points counting. The scores made were not particu- larly good, the cold weather having an unfavourable influence. The totals are,-9th company (1st M.R.V.), 240; 10th company (3rd M R.V.), 207 marks. PEDESTRIANIsM.-On Saturday afternoon three different races came off at Newton-heath, the one of the greatest interest being at the Royal Oak-park. The competitors, Daniel Thompson, of Ddwpbury, and John Caton, of Openshaw, were matched to run 140 yards, for £ 25 a side, the last-named being allowed one yard start inside. Nearly 600 persons were present, and there was some brisk betting; at one time 5 to 4 was offered on Caton, but at the start the odds were 5 to 4 and 6 to 4 on Thompson. Caton, having the advantage of a yard, led for ninety yards, when Thompson collared him, soon passed him, and won by two yards. Mr. James Holden, jun., acted as referee. A quarter of a mile race, for X5 a side, followed, between Davies and Bake, for which Davies was installed the favourite, at 6 to 4, but the layers of odds had the tables turned on them, for Bake took the lead and won by 20 yards. Soon afterwards about 200 persons assembled at the Copenhagen Grounds, Newton Heath, to witness a 300 yards race between George Rushton, of Whitworth and Rochdale, and John Rushton, of Facit. 6 to 4 was invested on John, but to a large amount. At the start he got the advantage of a yard and a half; he was never headed, and won by five yards. On the 1st of February the salmon fisheries of Eng- land and Wales, which have been closed (except for rod fishing) for the last five months, were re-opened, and fishing was resumed. The Severn was, however, almost in flood in consequence of the melting of a heavy snow, and consequently the success of the fishermen was very small. We learn from the centre of the fisheries at Worcester that enly some half- dozen clean fish were taken in that neighbourhood. A good many foul salmon were taken in the nets, but re- turned again to the river. At one fishmonger's in Worcester two fine fish weighing from 181b. to 201b. each were exhibited. The price asked, in consequence of the scarcity, was no less than 5s. 6d. per lb. The putts and putchers in the lower district of the Severn, in Gloucestershire, are not yet in work. The flooded state of the water will pass many new fish up to the higher portion of the river, where there is always the best fishing early in the season. THE members of the Waltonian Angling Society met at the Rose and Crown, Tottenham-court-road, a few days ago, to celebrate their first annual supper; Mr. Thomas Curtis in the chair, faced by Mr. H. Slater. The usual loyal and patriotic toasts having been proposed, "The Chairman," "Vice-chairman," and "Secretary" were duly given and responded to, and the business of the evening commenced with the presentation of the prizes of the past season, consist- ing of rods, tackle, and articles of jewellery. An elegant scarf-pin was presented to Mr. Hall, the secre- tary, as a testimonial, by his brother members; and numerous private prizes, consisting, of gold medals, a silver cup, and sets of handsome vases, were then announced for competition during the ensuing season, which, together with the society's prizes, will amount to nearly X30 in value. The flourishing and continued success of this society was descanted on by the chair- man, and the members and angling friends were in- formed that though the last season only consisted of nine months, yet prizes to the amount of X25 were given and competed for.

HINTS UPON GARDENING. POTATOES.—Whole potatoes are preferable to cut sets for planting at this season of the year. Cut sets may be used in April or May, because vegetation is then more active, and a set containing one or two eyes will make a plant directly. Potatoes always grow better, and come to maturity sooner, if the sets are sprouted before planting. Long white flexible sprouts are almost useless—perhaps injurious, because such of them as do not get broken in planting are so debili- tated as to be scarcely capable of making a good plant. But short, stout, hard green or purplish plants, with a frill of roots around them, grow with vigour from the first. The best way to deal with the seed is to allow it to make sprouts about an inch long (not more) in the dark, and then oarefully spread them on the floor, or in baskets, or on a shelf, in full daylight. They ought not to be more than two deep, and if laid singly all the better. Exposure to light will cause the sprouts to form clorophyll, which is essential to healthy growth, and the short green or purplish sprouts will be so hard as to bear reasonable handling without breaking. In planting potatoes, it is a good rule to trench them in; or, as the land ought to be already laid up in ridges, the planting will consist of laying the sets in a trench, and throwing upon them from the ridges on each side. From the present time to the end of March is the best for spring planting autumn planting has its advantages, but it is seldom i 'a^e spring planting—say after the end or March—-is t.o be avoided as. much as possible, it is so important, however that the ground should be in a sweet condition that a delay of a week or two is always to be preferred to planting while the soil is very wet or frozen, or before it has been deeply stirred, and for some time exposed to the air in a rough state to sweeten. To manure for potatoes is, in a general sense, objectionable; but if the ground is poor, it must be done, in which case let there be sufficient laid on and thoroughly well dug in some time before planting. Where a proper rotation of crops is followed, the ground best adapted for potatoes is where celery, cauliflowers, and other crops for which manure was liberally applied, were grown last year. There are three rules to be observed in view of the possibility of disease—viz., choose sorte that ripen i early, plant them early, and take them up early. The early bird gets the worm, but the early potato does not take the disease; it usually appears wiiti fogs, heavy rains, and thunderstorms lato in the autumn, by which time potatoes should be, not in the ground, but in the store, and the ground again dug for winter greens. Ranunculuses and anemones must be planted this month, if not planted already. Get them in if possible before the 20th. The soil should be deeply broken and abundantly manured with cow-dung. In planting, draw shallow trenches three inches deep and six inches apart. In these place an inch of sharp sand or clean coal ashes, and lay the roots on the ashes-the ranun- culuses with their claws downwards, and four inches apart. Sprinkle sand or coal ashes on them, and then cover with an inch and a half of soil. Rhubarb may be forwarded by covering the stools with boxes, casks, seakale pots, &c., without ferment- ing material, but the latter will pay for its cost in an early supply, and the benefit of the crop by forking it in when the heat is spent. Choose fine dry weather for sowing seed. SEEDS TO BE SOWN.—In open quarters sow peas, beans, parsnips, drumhead savoy, red cabbage, and parsley. Sow on warm sheltered borders, cos lettuce, horn carrot, early York, Shilling's queen, and other early cabbages, onions, &e. Sow in boxes, and for- ward with moderate heat, lettuces, tomatoes, cauli- flowers, Walcheren broccoli, celery, and capsicums. Hoses may still be planted. Bushes from which flowers are to be cut for show should be planted in a firm loam, well manured with turf and half- rotten dung. Dwarf-growing varieties of tender habit, which are useful for the front lines of roseries, require an admixture of sand and leaf- mould, or peat, to lighten the soil and pro- mote the formation of an abundance of fibres. STOCKS.—If any delay has occurred in securing stocks for working, get them in at once-briers for standard roses, manettis for dwarfs, quinces for pears, &e. &e. Pot a lot of brier suckers for budding with choice roses for greenhouse culture, and pot also a few young pivots, with one clean stem each, to work oleas on. STOVE.—Now is the time to repot and start a number of fine subjects, such as gloriosa superba, crinums, begonias, gloxinias, various orchids, &e. There may be an increase of heat as the weather improves, and with it also an increase of atmospheric moisture. Remove all flowering plants to cool places to prolong their beauty. Train in and prune climbers, and keep a sharp look-out for vermin, for there will now be a general wake up in the insect world. STRAWBERRIES.—When put in to force, the pots should stand on fresh dang, and the plants should be allowed to root into it. By the time the berries are swelling the roots will be revelling in this rich food, and the fruit will be fine. As much light and air should be allowed as possible, and if the cultivator has time it will be well to fertilise the blossoms arti- ficially. When a certain number of fruit are set, so as to swell off nearly simultaneously, rip out the remain- ing bloom buds, and be content with a moderate crop. It is very important to keep the plants well watered; a few days' neglect of this may cause them to cast off their fruit.- Gardener's Weektq Magazine and Flori- cultural Cabinet.

OTTB MISCELLANY. The Coquette.— Caress'd or chidden by the dainty hand, And singing airy trifles, this or that, Light Hope at Beauty's call would perch and stand And run thro' every change of sharp and flat; And Fancy came and at her pillow sat, When sleep had bound her in his rosy band, And chased away the still-recurring gnat, And woke her with a lay from fairy land. But now they live with Beauty less and less, For Hope is other Hope, and wanders far, Nor cares to lisp in Love's delicious creeds; And Fancy watches in the wilderness, Poor Fancy sadder than a single star, That sets at twilight in a land of reeds. The form, the form alone is eloquent! A nobler yearning never broke her rest Than but to dance and sing, be gaily drest. And win all eyes with all accomplishment: Yet in the waltzing-circle as we went, My fancy made me for a moment blest To find my heart so near the beauteous breast That once had power to rob it of content. A moment came the tenderness of tears, The phantom of a wish that once could move, A ghost of passion that no smiles restore- For ah! the slight coquette, she cannot love, And if you kiss'd her feet a thousand years, She still would take the praise, and care no more. Wan sculptor weepest thou to take the cast Of those dead lineaments near thee lie ? 0 sorrowest thou, pale painter, for the past, In painting some lead friend from memory ? Weep on: beyond his object Love can last: His object lives more cause to weep have I: My tears, no tears of love, are flowing fast, No tears of love, but tears that love can die. Pledge her not in any cheerful cup, Nor care to sit beside her where she sits- Ah pity! hint it not in human tones, But breathe it into earth and close it up With secret death for ever, in the pits Which some green Christmas crams with weary bones. ALFRED TENNYSON. A bachelor shoemaker says that an old maid is like an old boot-of no use without a fellow. An old lady, not remarkable for the clearness of her ideas, describing a fine summer evening, said:— It was a beautiful bright night; the moon made everything as light as a feather." It seems to me I have seen your physiognomy somewhere before," said a fop to a stranger whom he met, "but I cannot imagine where." Very likely," replied the other, "I have been the governor of a prison far the last twenty years." The Title of Clarence.—It is not generally known that the title of Duke of Clarence is taken from the small town of Clare, in Suffolk. Lionel, third son of King Edward III., who married Elizabeth, daughter and sole heiress of William de Burgh, Earl Ulster, by Elizabeth de Clare, had the new title of Duke of Clarence given unto him. Sheep's Heads.—An eccentric party, of which Douglas Jerrold was one, agreed to have a supper of sheep's heads. One gentleman present was particularly enthusiastic on the excellence of the dish; and, as he threw down his knife and fork, shouted, "Well, sheep's heads for ever, say I!" "There's egotism 1 exclaimed Jerrold. What Is Humble Pie P-Mr. C. W. Smith's Clerical Elocution gives the following explanation on this subject: Humble-pie" is an incorrect spell- ing of umble-pie," a pie made of "umbles," a plural noun, meaning a deer's entrails. To eat umble-pie is to eat of the poorest dish. Corrupting Influence of Prosperity. A curious instance of a change of instinct is mentioned by Darwin. The bees carried to Barbadoes and the Western Islands ceased to lay up honey after the first year. They found the weather so fine, and the materials for honey so plentiful, that they became exceedingly profligate and debauched, ate up their capital, worked no more, and amused themselves by flying about the sugarhouses and stinging the negroes. Song of the Skylark.—White, in his ".Natural History of Selbourne (Letter 27), says that the sky- lark sings in February, and on to October." This year, on the morning of the 12th of December, I saw a lark rise out of a pasture by the road, and ascend about the usual height, singing as heartily as if his mate sat on the daisied sod beneath. Tue welcome strain at such an unusual time, and so unexpected, was doubly sweet, and I could not help exclaiming, with honest Izaak, "Lord, what music hast thou pro- vided for the saints in heaven, when thou affordest bad men such music on earth? "-Jno. Banson, York. Diet versus Drugs.—Really, some physicians, instead of taking care of the whole health and comfort, moral and physical, of their patients, seem to think of them only as beings created to be sick and born to swallow drugs. What sort of homes should we have if paterfamilias kept a vile cook, bought wine at auctions, and let the decorations and furniture spoil, but mean- while kept a capital fire-engine in the hall and a brigade of detectives in the butler's pantry ? So is the physician who studies drugs, and knows nought of diet.—'Medical Times and Gazette, December 24, 1864. How Politicians are Made.—The first time I ever saw Lord Normanby was in 1816, during a morn- ing visit at the Right Hon. George Tierney's, in Stratton-street. He was then a remarkably pleasing and good-looking young man and I remember a cir- cumstance which may account for his entering poli- tical life as a Liberal. His father, Lord Mulgrave, was a high Tory, had long been a member of the adminis- tration of Pitt and his successors, and at the time of which I speak he was Master-General of the Ordnance. On the occasion to which I refer, Lord Normanby, in the course of conversation, informed those present that his father had in a most unceremonious manner, j been dismissed from his high post to make way for the Duke of Wellington. He denounced, in the bitterest terms, the conduct of the Government towards so old a servant as his father, and swore he never would for- give them.-Celebrities of London and Paris. A "Bull."—An Edinburgh contemporary, in a report of a meeting of the Highland and Agricultural Society held last week, says-" The Secretary read the following list of gentlemen, who were balloted for and unanimously elected as members of the society," and then heads the list of gentlemen with the name of a lady!-Miss Hope Johnstone, of Annandale. Singular Epitaphs.-The following is in Chel- tenham churchyard:— Here lies the body of Mollie Dickie, the wife of Hall Dickie, tailor, Two great physicians first, My loving husband tried To cure my pain- In vain; At last he got a third, And then he died." At Portsmouth, upon the tombstone of a carpenter, these lines are incribed by his widow:— Here lies Jemmy Little, a carpenter industrious, A very good natur'd man, but somewhat blusterous; When that his little wife his authority withstood, He took a little stick, and bang'd her as he would. His wife now left alone her loss does so deplore, She wishes Jemmy back to bang her a little more; For now he's dead and gone this fault appears so small, A little thing would make her think it was no fault at all.' The Chinese Tallow Candle.—My attention was called to-day to the ingenuity with which the Chinese tallow candle is constructed, so as to prevent guttering—the outer coat being a thin envelope of wax, which, dissolving more slowly than the tallow, forms a ledge about the fourth of an inch round the tallow in solution, and thus its running down the sides is completely prevented. While our candle is placed in the candlestick, the Chinese candlestick is placed in the candle on the principle of a save-all," an improve- ment which, in combination with the wax envelope to the tallow candle, might be introduced for the benefit of the poorer classes in our own country.-British Arms in China and Japan, by D. F. Rennie, M.D. An Adventurer.—This catch for the Cheltenham mammas, at the ball I refer to, saw himself pointed out to me by a lady trumpeting his riches. He knew himself to be the subject of her conversation, and he cer. tainly knew me, though I was not aware of ever hav- ing seen him before. At once I discovered that the casual glance I bestowed on his appearance was most irksome to him, so I fixed my eyes on him again. The man did not know what to do. He could not let his hands alone, nor did he know where to put them. The fingers of each were constantly at work at the tight buttons of the tighter kid gloves, which, though strained to bursting everywhere else, were an inch too long at the fingers. That's no catch," I replied to the lady still hold of my arm; that man is not a gentleman, and he knows he has no business there, and thinks that I recognise him as having seen him in some other capacity elsewhere. Don't let your daughter dance with him on any pretext whatever." She took my advice, and in a very short time the bubble burst, and the billiard-marker and low tobacco-shop leg, as the Yankees say, skedaddled." Hon. Grantley Berkeley.

TOPICS OF THE WEEK. MASTERS AND MEN.—The opposition of the unions has been too strong, and, as was to be expected, the obnoxious note "has been unconditionally withdrawn by the masters, and the men that were on strike are again pursuing their usual avocations. The masters in deference to the generally-expressed opinion that they had followed a bad example in imitating the practices of the trades' unions' leaders, and also as confirmatory of their pacific intentions, now simply desire to agree upon trade rules which shall be binding upon all parties, and obviate the calamity of future strikes!" The trades' unions, however, are jubilant over what they claim as another victory. But it is to be hoped that, on this occasion, they will use their triumph with discretion. The attention of the public has been directed to the condition of the trade, and to the proposals of so large a number as 450 masters in one district alone- for the purpose of alleviating the consequences of dis- agreement. The resolutions passed by the masters are not in themselves unreasonable, although per- haps impolitic, under the circumstances of the case. As the masters have, however, shown a conciliatory spirit, the men will do well to enter upon the discussions about to take place in a similar state of mind. The various building trades of the country involve the weliare of so numerous &, body that a general dislocation would be a great public evil. And if it should turn out that the present state of things is a mere truce, arranged for the purpose of preparing for hostilities at a future time, the subject must force itself upon general attention in such a way as to com- pel legislative action in some form or otl-Ler.- The Press. LORD AMBEELEX'S REFORM: SPEECH. Viscount Amberley, Earl Russell's eldest son, made his first public speech to the constituency which he hopes to represent at the Leeds Reform meeting a few days ago. Lord Amberley's performance seams to have been creditable, and the warmth of his reforming enthusiasm was greeted with continual cheering, especially a sentence which was accepted as pointing to either universal or household suffrage as the true goal of the Reform movement. To each strong Radical strophe of Lord Amberley's there was, however, a cautious Whig antistrophe which took something from its force. Lord Amberley thinks the uneducated should be excluded from the franchise, but points out that an educational test would sift out not only many candidates for votes, but many legislators from the House of Lords. He has no objection to "violent changes" if they are changes far the better. He is against demagogues who appeal to political passions, but still more against the intimidating landowners who appeal to worldly fears, and so forth. The close of his speech was unfortunate. From the politician he rose into the pedagogue and improved the occasion," impressing on the working men of Leeds the great importance of "the argument of your own conduct." There the Dissenting minister in Earl Russell comes to the surface in his son. The excitement in speaking, which makes some men exchange a didactic for a declamatory style lifts others from the declamatory to the didactic. The argument of good conduct is generally reserved exclusively for children and non-electors, and by those much enduring classes seldom resented. Mr. Bee- croft, Lord Amberley's Conservative rival, who is Very popular in Leeds, says the working-men are too good to vote, just as some people are said to be too good to live. This is a grotesque though delicate flattery compared with the young viscount's appeal to them to earn rewards by exemplary hehaviour.-Tite Spectator. THE INDEX ON PEACE RUMOURS.—The Index, the Confederate organ in London, in its issue of yester- day, ridicules the officious meddling of Mr. Blair, which it classes with the recent Niagara Falls con- ference, that ludiorously came to grief. Still it does not discredit altogether the peace rumours, and as- serts that the North is unmistakably tired of the con- test, and that more rational counsels are beginning to prevail over the mad frenzy which hitherto has in. spired the conduct of the war. The Index argues that if the North has commenced to reason on its own prospects, it must know that the abandonment of the whole of its sea coast by the South, however inconve- nient in a financial point of view, would have for its military effect to add 50,000 men to the three prinei- pal armies of the Confederacy, and to ensure, humanly speaking, a serIes of brilliant Confederate victories in the inland campaigns. It must know, moreover, that even if ultimately it could crush the South by weight of numbers, its whole strength would be barely adequate during the next generation to hold an unproductive con- quest. It may, therefore, come to distinguish the substance from the shadow, and refer the reality of Union to the mere name. It may propose to the South local self-government, on the condition of so close an alliance as to make it practically a new union of two states only instead of thirty-four, as the old one was, and yet give the two jointly the prestige of each one's material power. We are not prepared to say," continues the Index, "that the South would effect such a peace, unless driven to it by stress of necessity but, if so, such a peace means peace between the present belligerents, and war for th rest of the world. However mad it may appear to Europe, war with either England or France, or perhaps both, would be a necessity of allies who had so lately and so desperately been enemies; and it is for such a war that the United State are now deliberately preparing, by abrogation of the Canadian treaties, by studied —— ;—— insults to the Mexican policy of France, and by the strengthening of the naval forces in Etiropeai3 waters. It is impossible to be blind to th" fact that the American war is reaching a crisis, when both France and England must decline to become friends of one of the belligerents or to fight them both, and events are occurring which may precipitate that decision, at least in the case of France. In the meanwhile we bidtLe friends of the South to be of good cheer, and we <. am. promise them shortly a series of agreeable surprises." —Manchester Examiner.

THE PALACES AND FAMILY SEATS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM. WINDSOR.-The name was derived from tie Saxon word cc wiLding shore," in reference to tl if particular sweep the river Thames makes at this spot. In the charter granted to the monks of West- minster by Edward the Confessor, it is desigrattd Windleshore, and the Norman William, the Cop- queror, attracted by the beauties of the situate K-, bartered it with the abbot for lands in Essex, and attached it to the English crown, and afterwards built a castle there, as a country residence for the kings of England, and hence Windsor Castle. WINDSOR CASTLE, the royal abode of our most Gracious Queen. This noble structure must now be so well known to all classes of her Majesty's subjects, that to offer any remarks upon either its locality, description, or history, may seem unsuitedr; but as in this publication we propose to draw attention occasionally to the family seats cf Britain, we may be permitted to commence with the time-honoured castle of Windsor, perhaps the most noble, artistic, prominent, and historical building in England. How many and various are the reflections suggested by the chronology of this place-its scenes of magnificence, and its memories of sadness, like the atmospheric changes of nature, now bright and sunny, now dark and gloomy, and anon alternating with light and shadow, as fleeting clouds cause such changes to fall upon the massive pile The present castle stands upon the site of one originally bidit by William the Conqueror, who, with his suc- cessors, held it up to the time of Edward III. Of its first possessors little can be said of their moral or amiable disposition. The his- torian describes the personal characters of these men (William and his sons), "However their energy and courage might benefit them in time of war, made them feared and hated wherever they were known. They were sensual, cruel, and un- principled to a degree unusual even in those ages of rude manners and undeveloped conscience, Their personal appearance itself was an index of the ungovernable passions within. Fat, broad- shouldered, low-statured, red-haired, loud-voiced, they were frightful to look upon, even in their calmest moods; but when the Conqueror stormed, no feeling of ruth or reverence stood in his way. When he was refused the daughter of the Count of Boulogne, he forced his way into the chamber of the countess, seized her by the hair of her head, dragged her round the room, and stamped on her with his feet." And of Henry II. it may be said he was of little credit to his crown in his moral qualities. King John was so debased that of him it is recorded that he deserted his father, deceived his brother, murdered his nephew, and oppressed his people; he had the pride that made enemies, and wanted- the courage to fight them a knight without truth, a king without j ustice, a Christian without faith." Sad epitaph this to be inscribed on the tablet of history in memory of a British king. We are also reminded of King Henry VIII. and his unhappy wives; of Queen Mary and her cruel deeds, and of others whose lives deface the royal shield. But there are some who stand out ia favourable contrast, and cheer the hearts of En glishmen by a history of better memories and more righteous deeds—Elizabeth, William III., of glorious memory, and others; much allowance must be made for the different condition of society centuries ago. We deplore at the same time that we condemn, and desire to forget the evil, while also we wish to cherish and imitate the good. The reign of George III. did much to redeem the declension of some former reigns, and there hovers now over this kingly home a halo, though melancholy, still pleasing in associations; for it is here our Queen Victoria lives, and here Prince Albert died, whose memory will ever be cherished with deep affection by all who had the honour of his personal acquaintance, or could estimate his private worth and public usefulness. Great credit is due to the judicious taste of William the Conqueror for fixing upon a site so beautiful as that on which Windsor Castle stands. The mass of the present palace was built, nearly in the form in which it now stands, by Edward III., who was born here. The king appointed William of Wyckham his architect, and from his plane and drawings the whole design was erected. This William of Wyckham was the son of humble parents, but his incipient genius attracted the notice of a benevolent philanthropist, who sent him to school and college, and he became, as we see, the architect of this noble castle, and after- wards Archbishop of Canterbury and Lord High Chancellor of England. He is a type of many of England's peasant sons, who, if fostered by educa- tion, and trained by virtue's rules, would ever be found qualified to fill offices of eminence and trust. The building of Windsor Castle covers about twelve acres, and is divided into two courts. One consists of a fine spacious square, where are the Royal apartments, St. George's Hall, and apartments for the Prince of Wales and great officers of State; in the other is St. George's Chapel, and houses and apartments for the canons, minor canons, and clerks, and houses for the poor knights of Windsor: these are a foundation by King Edward III. for gentlemen of decayed fortune and of delicate health, that they might live in a genteel manner on diminished means, as had been their custom in more affluent circum- stances. The interior of the castle must be seen to be appreciated. No description can convey a proper idea of its noble rooms, and halls, and galleries— convenient in their arrangements, elegant in their proportions, artistic in decoration, and brilliant in their grandeur. The ceilings are rich in the masterpieces of those celebrated painters, Sir James Thornhill and Sir Peter Lely, and other famous British and foreign artists, whose works contribute largely to ornament the place. The castle was much neglected during the wars between the families of York and Lancaster, vben the nation was in a state of distraction; but Edward IV. made several additions, as did Henry VII. and VIII. and Queen Elizabeth; but in the Civil Wars it again suffered considerably. HiW- ever, soon after the Restoration Charles II. caused it to be repaired and restored to its ancient splen- dour indeed, he left little to be added except some few paintings, which were put up in the reigns of King James and King William nJ., when the whole building was completed. Many kings have resided in the castle since King William, and each has contributed somewhat to adorn and extend its capacities. But of all the accessories to this monarch of palaces, erected for the use of monarchs, nothing has contributed so much as nature has, to reader the place a fit abode for kings. The gentle slopes about the palace itself, and the undulating waves of meadow and of wool which the eye can trace far into the grey horizon—the silvery Thames, too, with its noble sweep gemmed with wooded islets and decorated banks-afford to the resident of Windsor Castle a panorama of exquisite beauty, and from which may be seen many of England's peaceful counties.—The Courier.