The North Wales Chronicle and Advertiser for the Principality

LLANGEFNI. PRESENTATION OF A TESTIMONIAL TO THE KEV. J. D. EVANS, BAPTIST MINISTER. Mr Evans has officiated as a minister at iibenezer Chapel for the term of eight years, and his christian zeal and unblemished conduct have made him most popular and respected, not only amongst his own connexion but amongst those of all the different de- nominations in the town. Though the shortness of the notice of his departure mi?htuuder many circum- stance have been a great detriment to the success of the movement, fortunately the high esteem and respect in which Mr Evans was held over-ruled this occurence, go that in the short period of a week a handsome and substantial Testimonial was realised, consisting of a magnificent purse well fillt d with the sovereign of this world—Gold On Wednesday evening, the 18th inst., a very numerous and inteiesting meeting was held at the Ebeuezer Chapel to present the above testimonial to Mr Evans. We noticed present on the platform the fol- lowing reverend gentlemen :—Revs. J. Owen, David Thomas, J. Watkius, Amlwch, ltd. Jones, Capel Gwyn, litigii litighei, &e. The meeting was opened by the Rev. J. Owen giving out a hymn, aud reading a chapter of the book of the Acts, and by offering up a most solemn and impressive prayer. itlieii the Rev. J. D. Evans gave out a hymu, after which the Rev. D. Thomas was unanimously elected to preside over the meeting. Mr Thomas re- marked that he regretted that the arduous duty of presiding over such an important meeting had not de- volved upon some one more able to conduct it with the efficiency it deserved than himself; however, he would exert himself to the utmost to make the meeting as suc- cessful and agreeable us it lay iu his power. Mr Thomas further remarked that meetings like the present could not otherwise but be meetings in which a combination of feelings inet-aii amalgamation of different and of quite an opposite eharacrer, but resulting in one happy harmonious and pleasing sensation creditable to civiliza- tion and Christianity. No doubt they one and all pre- sent felt sorry ou being deprived of Mr Evans's efficient services —of losing such a kind and sincere friend yet they could not but feel happy, yea proud, that his de- parture was signalized by such a pleasing and auspicious event as the present, which reflected much credit on all concerned. It was highly complimentary to Mr Evans and the church that he remained with them so long,- that Mr Evans came there perhaps in a sense under unfavourable circumstances, after the last great revival when something soon after like a reaction swayed over the feeling of the churches yet he was happy to re- mark that Mr Evans' ministrations in every sense had been most successful, surpassed by none in the Island. They all knew that when Mr Evans came to them a heavy debt remained on the edifice, but happily, shortly after his arrival, they had the pleasure of witnessing the bond burnt, and its ashes receiving the rights of a sacer- dotal burial! And they all knew that the external ap- pearance of the chapel, through the exertions of Mr Evans, had in every sense been vastly and wonderfully improved. (Cheers.) The President then called upon the Rev. Rd. Jones, Capel Gwyn. Mr Jones remarked that to attend meet- ings like the present was entirely new to him, and he hardly knew what to say. However, he would exhort them all not to grieve as those without hope. Mr Evans possibly was not leaving them for ever. To in- dulge in too much grief under any circumstances was not right or judicious. He bore high evidetice-to Mr Evans's abilities as a minister, and he felt happy that Mr Evans was leaving them under such pleasing signs of esteem and respect. Mr Evans himself must feel happy at that, and in seeing his departure in every way marked with such tokens of true brotherly love though mingled with the deepest sorrow, and it was possible for a man though steeped in the depths of sorrow, to be relieved by the pleasing consciousness that the source of his sorrow was not caused by any sinful or wrongful action of his own. He sincerely wished Mr Evans the guidance and blessing of the Almighty God in his future career. The President next called the Kev. John Watkins to adaress the Illuding, Mr Watkins remarked, that when a boy in the South he knew Mr Evans at the time he (Mr i-lvans.) commenced preaching, and from that early period he was instructed by his parents to respect and honour Mr Evans, and since he had grown to years of maturity his conscience prompted him to endorse those injunctions of hi# parents. He could assure them that he felt most deeply at losing Mr Evans from the Island. He (Mr Watkius) had but recently come to reside amongst them, and he had anticipated to have Mr Evans as his monitor and guide on any difficult occasion that might fall to his lot; but to his deep sorrow he was unexpectedly deprived of his valued friend's counsel. Mr NVatkins further remarked that if any individual deserved a Testimonial it was a faithful minister of the Gospel. For who was on all trying occasions so self- denying as he ? He enjoined all present not to think that the connexion with them and Mr Evans became void or annulled on his departure; no, it was such that would bear an everlasting result either to his or their woe or happiness The connexion between a minister and the church of his care was beyond a doubt a point of more seriousness and solemn importalJce than many were willing to believe but, he feared, that the day of judgment only would flash that conviction to many an unconvinced bosom. Mr Watkins concluded by wishing Mr Evans all prosperity, and the blessing of God. The President then called upon Mr It. Davies, (Sim- tax), to address the meeting, which he did in a very im- pressive and pathetic manner, on behalf of himself and the church-deeply regretting their depreviatiou of Mr Evans's services, and wishing him all prosperity. Mr Evans also recited some Enghjnion of his own, highl y appropriate to the oceasion. At this stage of the proceedings the Rev. James Donne ascended the platform, and his advent was marked by a general feeling of gladness and appreciation. Next the President called the Rev..1. Owen to address the meeting. Mr Owen was glad toobstrve the absence of that common habit of over-praising, which was too often indulged in on occasions like the present. All appeared to him to have spoken from their conscientious belief. Mr Owen as a rule deprecated the habit of presenting what are called testimonials, as he would prefer seeing a man paid straightforwardly what was due to him. The President then called Mr David Owen, (one of the deacons, and who had been most indefatigable in his exertions on behalf of the testimonial movement), to pre- sent Mr Evans with the handsome purse above alluded to. Mr Owen, in handing the purse, said :—My dear friend, I assure you that it is with feelings of sorrow and happiness, that I, on behalf of the church, and many others of your friends, present you with this small token of their sincere respect and good wishes for your future happiness and welfare. You can better imagine our Kelings on this occasion than I am able t-i express them. We wish you God speed in all your affairs. Mr Owen then placed the purse around Mr Evaus' neck. Mr Kvans briefly addressed the meeting in a tone inaudible to your reporter. The meeting was then pathetically addressed by the Rev. James Donne, who deeply regretted the departure of Vr Evans but by this time it was so dark in the chapel that the reporter could not possibly take notes of Mr Donne's powerful address, which we much regret. The meeting was brought to a close by Mr Donne giving out a hymn, aud offering a prayer which was most im- pressive. The meeting throughout was a most successful one, all evincing the best feelings towards Mr Evans, and good wished for his further happiness and prosperity. THE BELGIAN VOLUNTEERS. CLLTAND BALL TO THE BELGIANS IN THE AGRICULTURAL HALL. The ball given on Thursday night at the Agricultural Hall to our Belgian guests was, if we may use the word, demonstratively successful. The Hall, under the able management of the well-known firm of Defries and Son, was transformed into a most elegant ballroom, and it was difficult to induce the Belgians to believe that it had only temporarily been fitted tip. Every one, after a dance or kso," says the Pall Mall Gazette "formed in a dellse mas. to greet the arrival of the Prince of Wales and the Sultan. The latter did not come, but his Royal Highness did, and was cheered and stared at with the most laudable persistence during the whole time he re-. mained there. At the hour appointed for the commence- ment of supper the hall was crowded to snffocation, and a strange scene enough it was. In the centre, laudable efforts were made to dance, but it resulted in little be- yond a continued iolting and knocking one against the other. The Belgians meanwhile formed on the outside and looked on with some amusement, though so far as we saw no one offered to introduce them to partners. The lime-light was turned upon the crowd; the fount- tains were in full play and illuminated with various coloured rays the band was playing its loudest; cheers broke out ever and again as the Prince turned towards the hall. When some 7,000 or 8,000 people all rush to supper, and want to be served at once, there must necessarily be much crushing and confusion. There was an abundant supply of refreshments of all kinds, but the difficulty was to get at them. The consequence was that a regular scramble ensued. Here was to be seen a gentleman, hot and panting, with a champagne bottle grasped firmly in one hand and a huge fragment of pie held gallantly aloft in the other, vainly struggling to fight his way back to his party. Close at hand ladies strove to raise a glass to their lips, but often just as it reached their mouth an unkindly jerk sent the whole of its contents flying. As to the Belgians, they fared badly at first, for it seemed to be nobody's business to attend to their comfort, but they soon saw there was nothing for it but to take their own part. In the midst of all this turmoil and bustle, however, there was one oasis of quiet, one haven of rest which the weary guests eyed with some envy. The lady patronesses ana their frieiidq, at least, were in no danger of discomfort, and no doubt thoroughly enjoyed their position, carefully partitioned off from contact with the Belgians whom they were sup- nosed to entertain. There was plenty of champagne, it is true, but hospitality does not consist altogether in merely providing abundance of wine, however good. This remark is capable also of a literal interpretation, for, although there was wine to be had in any quantity, after the first onset of people oil the supper table, there was a rapid disappearance of all the solids. Our own observations as well as that of others, suggested that the crowd of policemen and miscellaneous attendants some- how contrived to help themselves to a good share of Mr Willis's supplies. As the champagne began to circulate freely, the cheeis and counter-cheers between the Bel- gians and English became very frequent. "Vive la Belgique," Vive I'Angleterre" came from all sides. At length the majority of those present had either obtained supper or given up the contest as hopeless. The hall by this time was much less crowded, and dancing, which had been a farce before, now became possible. Cham- pagne, too, had given our guests courage, for they too began to take part. It went on in quiet and orderly fashion till past three, and then, the beau-monde having taken its departure, the demi-monde had the stage pretty clear. A number of strange-looking individuals, guilt- less of evening dress, also put in an appearance, and no check whatever was imposed upon the very eccentric movements of sundry riflemen who had stayed too long in the galleries, aud thought proper to dance with one another and knock against everybody else. The Belgians weie one and all, of course, loud in their praises. But they had to fight for supper, and were obliged to admit that there really was trop de mitnde present to do them honour. As an evening's amusement for a very mixed assemblage there can be no doubt, however, that the ball served admirably. MISS BURDETT COUTTS' FETE. On Friday afternoon the grandfctc given by Miss Bur- dett Coutts to the volunteers took place at Holly Lodge, and was one of the most successful entertaiuments yet given. The whole route from the Regent's Park Bar- racks presented a very animated appearance from the crowds of personson the pathways, in ani on the honses, and from the display of flags. The inhabitants of High- gate had erected a triumphararchat the foot of the hill, adjoining the commencement of Miss Burdett Coutts's grounds, '['he card of invitation issued by Miss Coutts, is very handsome, and designed to serve a most useful purpose beyond the pleasant invite which is expressed on it. A general view of Holly Lodge and the beautiful gardens it stands in is picturesquely given on the face of the ticket, while,on the back is a clear plan of the gardens, meadows, and ornamental grounds, and of the roads by which the entrances thereto are to be reached. Thus the strangers were enabled to easily fillcl their way about the beautiful domain of their hospitable hostess, and at the same time carry away with them an excellent memorial of their visit,if they preserve this card. Another thought- fularrangement on the part of the hostess was that every- thing, even to the large joints on the table, was cut up before the dejuner, and held together by silken strings. The company assembled to welcome the volunteers was most select, including almost all the members of the Royal family now in town, some of the Princes of the House of Orleans, and many members of the aristocracy. The Belgians were delighted one and all with the enter. tainment, and the fine weather, almost for the first time this week, gave additional zest to the proceedings. After the garden fete at Miss Burdett Coutts's the grand con- cert to be given at the Agricultural Hall, under the auspices of the Reception Committee took place. THE LORD MAYOR AND THE BELGIAN OFFICERS. One of the crowning entertainments that have been given to our Belgian friends since their arrival in this country was a banquet on Saturday night at the Mansion House. The Lord Mayor, after heartily co-operating with the Corporation in the proceedings of Thursday night, and with the view of further manifesting his re- ciprocity of the lielgian sentiment accorded to our volun- teers last year, issued invitations to upwards of 200 of the Belgians officers to dine with him on Saturday night. Owing, however, to the late hour at which the Wimble- don Review was brought to a close, and the impediments that existed of getting to town, little more than a hundred of those officers who had accepted the invitation were enabled to put in an appearance. Seven o'clock was the hour named for dinner, but long before that the Belgians began to arrive, and were received in the grand saloon by the Lord 1 ayor and Lady Mayoress. They were after- wards conducted to the Egyptian Hall, where covers were laid for 2.50 guests. The Lord Mayor was supported by Colonel Gregoire and other general officers of the con- tingent, as well as by several members of the Belgian Reception Committee. At the conclusion of a recherche dinner the usual loyal and patriotic toasts were druuk with marked enthusiasm. The Lord Mayor, in propos- ing what was called the toast of the evening, namely, the "The Belgian Officers," dwelt in appropriate terms upon the pleasure he personally, as well as the city, felt in according to the Belgians a sincere and hearty wel- come. lie also spoke at length upon the friendly re- lations that existed between the two countries, and ex- pressed his hope and belief that such a state ot things would result in a continued prosperity and a lasting peace. Colonel Gregoire replied to the toast in French, to the effect that the hospitality which had been shown to the Belgians was not only duly appreciated by them, but that it would serve as a lasting memento to each and every man who had had the good fortune of partici- pating of it. The Lord Mayor afterwards gave the Municipal Institutions of Belgium," to which M. Anspach, the Burgomaster of Bruges, replied in suitable terms, and the company shortly afterwards broke up. About one thousand of the Belgian Volunteers left Englaud on Monday for Belgium; but of those still pro- longing their stay in this country a number visited Manchester, and others visited Derby on Monday. At each place they were appropriately welcomed.

-+_- MOLD LADIES' CLUli.-ûn Thursday last the anni- versary of the Mold Female Benefit and Assurance Society was held. Though the weather was rather unsettled, about 180 uut of the 250 members belonging to the club assembled. The procession was formed at the County Hall about ten o'clock, and was very im- posing, the honorary members carrying beautiful bou- quets of flowers, young boys bearing neat flags beside them, whilst the benefit members had evidently vied with each other in procuring the neatest bunch of flowers, which they carried on staffs. The procession was headed by the band of the Royal Flintshire Militia, under the leadership of Mr John Jones. After parading the principal streets the members of the society went to the Parish Church, where a sermon was preached by the Rev. Samuel Evans, of Pontblyddyn, from Eccle- siastes v. 1. Tea was gratuitously provided for the members in the Assembly Room, Market Hall, and they were joined by a number of visitors. About half-past five o'clock the Bowling Green was thrown open, the band discoursing excellent music. Dancing soon com- menced and the green was rapidly filling till about seven o'clock, when heavy showers profusely descended, and the company adjourned to the Assembly Room, where dancing was kept up till nine o'clock. There was a de. crease in the receipts from admission into the green of something like jC30 as compared with the previous year. Among the honorary members present were Mrs Lewis, Prcswylfa (Lady Patroness), and Miss Lewis, ditto; Mrs Ashton, Llwynegryn Hall; Mrs and the Misses Buddicom, Penbedw Jiall; Mrs C. B. Clough, Bough- ton House; Hev. J. Davies, vicar; Rev. B. Hallowes, Cilcen; Miss Jones, Pendre House; M rs Keene, Llanerch; Miss Pcmberton, Plas Issa: Miss Shand, Gwysanney Hall; Mrs and Miss Wain, Fron Hall, &c. -Chester C'ourcint.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—FRIDAY, July 19. In deference to appeals from Lord Derby and Lord Russell, Lord Stratford de Redcliffe did not proceed with a motion of which he had given notice for an ad- dress of condolence to her Majesty upon the death of Prince Maximilian. In reply to Lord Clanricarde, Lord Derby said the Tornado had not been restored to her owners, nor had the fresh inquiry promised upon the intervention of Lord Stanley been opened, but neither party seemed anxious for an investigation into the merits. Attention has already been called to the unseemly language in which Air l'urcell, who has been acting as a stipendiary magistrate in Jamaica, and was to have been one of the new judges in that colony, referred to Chief Justice Cockburn's charge on the prosecution of Colonel Nelson for the murder of Gordon. Iu answer to Lord Russell, the Duke of Buckingham stated that, the language used by Mr Pnrcdll being quite indefensible, that gentleman's contemplated appointment as judge would not be completed, and he would probably cease to fill the office of stipendiary magistrate.. Several Peers expressed their concurrence in the action of the Govern- ment, the Lord Chancellor vindicating Sir A. Cockbuvn from an imputation, made by Lord Melville, of partisan- ship in his charge. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—FRIDAY, July 19. At the morning sitting the House of Commons spent some time in the discussion of a variety of subjects, be- fore going into Committee of Supply. Colonel Sykes complained of the suspension of storm warnings, which used to be issued by the Board of Trade, especi- ally as the new arrangements, which did not include these valuable warnings, cost more than twice as much as Admiral Fitzroy's system. Mr Cave explained that the storm warnings had been abandoned because they could not be given on any trustworthy or scientific basis. Tlie other duties of the department were now discharged with great efficiency by a committee of the ltoyal Society. Mr Headlam next moved an address to the C'rown ex- pressing the opinion of the House that the demand made on the Spanish Government for compensation, in the case of the ship Mermaid, was just, and ought not to le withdrawn. In 1864 the Mermaid was sunk in the Straits of Gibraltar by a shot from the Spanish fort of Ceuta, on the pretext that she had not shown her colours. Lord Stanley, acknowledging that in his opinion truth and probability were on the side of the English account, said the Spanish Government preferred the evidence of their own officers, and adhered to their refusal to give compensation or to refer the matter to arbitration. All that could now be done would be either to withdraw our Minister from Madrid, which would be an inadequate remedy, or go to war, a step which the case was scarcely grave enough to warrant. The American Government had neither withdrawn their Minister nor declared war when we peremptorily refused arbitration on the A tabania claims. He assured the House he did not mean to let the matter drop, but to bide his time for renewing the demand. After some discussion, in which Mr Neate and Sir R. Peel censured the conduct of Spain in very strong terms, and Mr Milner Gibson remarked that acts of this kind were not likely to occur again, as a convention had re- cently been concluded by which Spain agreed to aban- don her practice of compelling merchantmen to show their colours on passing the forts, the motion was with- drawn. In Committee of supply, a number of votes in Class 5 (Colonial Establishments) was agreed to.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—MONDAY, July 22. The attendance of peers was unusually crowded. The steps of the throne were crowded with foreign ambas- sallors and other privileged persons, and to give addi- tional grace and splendour to the occasion, the peeresses' gallery was crowded with ladies. Lord Derby, in moving the second reading of the re- form bill, contrasted the circumstances attending the introduction of the present measure with those attend- ing the bill of 1832. He then proceeded to explain at great length the reasons which induced the Government, though unpledged oil the subject of reform, to deal with the question, and defended their policy in reference to the-character of the particular measure which was now before the house. In reference to the amendment of Earl Grey, he said he could not conceive what useful purpose it was intended to serve, ag, in the first place, it utterly condemned the bill, and then proposed to try and amend it in committee. He concluded by making a forcible appeal to the house to support the Govern- ment, and ptos the measure. Earl Grey, in moving the resolution of which he had given notice, said his object was not absolutely to reject the bill, though he considered it not only faulty, bnt dangerous. His object was the amendment of it in com- mittee. So far from his resolution being an insult to the members of the House of Commons, he believed that two-thiids of the members of that house considered the bill so bad that they had fully coincided with the views which he wished to express. He quite agreed tnat if they once departed from the £10 franchise they could not stop, but that fact would have led him to ad- here to the £ 10 franchise, and devise other means of admitting those who were entitled to votes. The prin- ciple of the bill, he maintained, had not wrought well in the United States and the Australian colonies, and it was still more impossible to expect that they would work in harmony with the complicated and artificial state of society in this country. Lord Raveusworth denounced the amendment as un- parliamentary and contradictory. The Earl of Morley ridiculed the idea that the per- sonal payment of rates would be a guarantee of the fit- ness of an elector, or prove a barrier against further democratic demands. Lord Stratford de Redcliff sympathised with those who did not regard with approval the conduct of both parties with respect to this question. An artificial necessity had been created which might have been over- come, but now he saw the shadow of democracy loom- ing in the future, and advancing with gigantic strides. He should, however, oppose the amendment. The Duke of Rutland thought the agitation in favour of leform was hollow and fictitious, and lie felt the Government would have done well to have delayed the bill until the question of the trades unions had been settled. The Earl of Camperdown taunted the Government with their inconsistency in being drifted into household suffrage, and how that could be a Conservative triumph he could not understand. He was convinced that the personal payment of rates could not stand, and that they must ultimately drift int3 universal suffrage. The Earl of Carnarvon said he had objected to the bill of last year as based upon incomplete information, and as likely to swamp the intelligence, the independ- ence, and property of the country. But they were now asked to pass a larger measure upon absolutely no infor- mation at all. The principle of the bill he condemned as unsound and illusory, and said its result would be to disfranchise the intelligent and educated classes of the country. He was no convert to the new Conservative faith if he did not protest against it as loudly as he could, lie would do pennancein sackcloth and ashes, and confess that his whole political life had been a great hypocrisy. The Earl of Beauchamp defended the Government. The Earl Granville congratulated the Government and the Conservative party on having so long concealed their burning desire for household suffrage, but warned them that they would lose their character as ardent reformers if they condescended to adopt the words as well as the arguments of the great reactionary person, Mr Bright. With respect to the bill, he did not share in the appre- hensions expressed by many speakers; and as he be- lieved the extension of the franchise would greatly strengthen the constitution, he gave that part of the bill his cordial support. With respect, however, to the redistribution of seats, he did not think that it, couldlast for even two or three years. The Duke of Marlborough said the bill was brought in with a sincere desire to settle the question, and had the unanimous approval of every member of the Government. He contended that they had acted patriotically, and consistently with their promises, and that they could bear the taunts directed against them in the belief that the country would approve their con- duct. On the motion of the Earl of Shaftesbury the debate was then adjourned until next day. HOUSE OF CO NJ MONS.- HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MONDAY, July 22. In reply to Mr Mill, Lord Stanley undertook that Sir William Wiseman should not proceed to Turkey until there was an end to the Cretan insurrection, or until Parliament had an opportunity of considering the subj ect. The Chancellor of the Exchequer stated that there remained on the paper fifty Government bills, of which he proposed to abandon nine; of the other forty-one, eleven came from the Lords, and they would be kept over till the latest period of the session. He proposed that there should be morning sittings on Tuesday and Friday. The Scotch reform bill was read a second time, amid considerable laughter. The Home Secretary then moved the second reading of the royal parks bill. He argued that the parks be. longed to the Crown, and stated that meetings held without permission of the Crown should be punishable with fine or imprisonment. Mr Neate objected to the measure as inadequate. Mr P. Taylor declared it to be an attempt to create unnecessarily a new statutable offence, and moved that the bill be read a second time that day three mouths. ■ Mr Newdegate thought that all public meetings what- soever should be prohibited within three miles of the houses of Parliament. Mr Mill viewed the proposal as one to take away the right of holding political meetings. Mr G. Hardy, commenting on the speech of Mr Tay- lor, said that the hon. member was returned by the re- fuse of the constituency he represented, and on being called to order withdrew the expression. Ultimately the second reading was carried by a majority of 181 to 64. The house then went into Committee of Supply, and several votes in the Civil Service were agreed to.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—TUESDAY, July 23. The debate upon the second reading of the reform bill was resumed. The Earl of Shaftesbury said they were placed in some difficulty with the bill, which they did not intend to reject, although they felt themselves unable either to approve or amend it. lie was not hostile to reform, which, although not necessary for the good government of the country, was inevitable but he would have pre- ferred to have held up the suffrage to the working men as a reward for thrift, sobriety and industry. It would have been better, lie. thought, to have reduced the fran- chise to the extent proposed by the bill of last year, but the present proposal was like jumping out of a window when they could have walked down stairs. The bill, especially after the concession of the lodger franchise, who paid no rates, could only be a stepping-stone to universal suffrage. The Lord Chancellor regretted that Earl Grey had not before this withdrawn his resolution, as it was not likely to be supported on either side of the house. He asked what would be the result of a defeat by a majority obtained in support of such a resolution- the defeat of a bill on which the House of Commons had bestowed so much time and labour, both sides uniting to try and make it as complete and perfect as possible. He depre- cated the way in which the bill had been received by the Opposition peers, for their arguments were only cal- culated to make the public dissatisfied with a bill which they did not intend to reject or amend, and thus to produce the very evils which they professed to deplore. The Duke of Argyle did not share the apprehensions of his friends, but did not conceal from himself that the bill would effect a great change. It was a complete sur render of all the views ever held by the Conservative party. The payment of rates principle was an imposi- tion upon common sense, for what could be the differ- ence between a man who paid X7 a year rent and the man who paid 5s to the rate collector ? The Duke of Hichmond repndiated the charge that Early Derby had treated the majority of his colleagues as mere puppets, asserting that the bill had received the unanimous assent of the whole Government. The Marquis of Clanricarde thanked the Government for having brought in so large a measure, and in going to household suffrage they had taken the only basis likely to be permanent. After some remarks from Lords Feversham, Hough- ton and Harrowby, Lord Cairns said the merits and demerits of the bill were really more important than the consistency of the Conservative party. As to the franchise, no one would maintain that it should be retained as it now stood, but for himself he would have been glad if the country could have been content with the settlement of 1832, which had worked admirably. Abandoning, however, the £10 franchise, if the Government had made a pro- posal for E6 they would have been met with one for X5, and the result would have been a Dutch auction until they came to household suffrage pure and simple. He denied that the present scheme, with the personal pay- ment of rates and residence, was pure household suff- rage but, on the contrary, he asserted that there was a test of thrift and punctuality in the discharge of public burdens. He proceeded to show that the difliculties of the compound householder had been greatly exaggerated, and generally made an eloquent and impressive defence of the main features of the measure. Earl Russell did not find fault with the Government for bringing in a reform bill, and did not in any way regard it as the monopoly of his own party. The first necessity was to extend the franchise to the working classes, so as to satisfy their claims the second was to check the prevalence of bribery. The bill, he contended, rather avoided than met the first demand, for it in- clined other evils which it was needless to incur in attaining the object; whilst the redistribution scheme was admitted on all hands to be so defective that it could not last. In conclusion, he deprecated the amend- ment of Earl Grey as one which would commit the house to an extreme and possibly a false position. Lord Derby, in reply, said that the objections to the bill were vague and general, and that in no single case had any one ventured to point out in what respect it was defective, or how they would remedy its deficien- cies. At the close of his remarks, he paid a high com- pliment to the Chancellor of the Enchequer for the ability and patience he had shown in the conduct of the measure in the other house. The amendment was then negatived-two voices only being in its favour, Earl Grey and Lord Harrowby. The bill was read a second time. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TUESDAY, July 23. On the order for going into supply, Mr Gregory drew attention to the c-ues of the Tornado and Victoria. He held that the papers on the table showed that the Tornado was in fact a Chilian man of war, and that she might have been legally condemned and her crew de- tained as prisoners of war. Sir R. Palmer expreesed his approval of the policy of Lord Stanley in general, but thought that in this par- ticular instance he had committed an error in condemn- ing the course of procedure of the Spanish Government. Instead of dictating to Spain the manner in which she should conduct her prize courts, the Government ought to have waited for a decision, and then objected to ir- regularity. The Attorney-General defended the course of the Government, observing that if we had no right to dic- tate, we had no right to protest against proceedings which were irregular and we had also a right to demand that the defence should be heard before the decision was given. Mr B. Cochrane, as one personally interested in the case, said he believed he could satisfactory prove that the Tornano was never intended for the Chilian service. She was built and fitted up originally for the Confede- rates, but when the American war closed she was em- ployed only for trading purposes. After some remarks from Sir R. Collier and others, Lord Stanley said that with regard to the Victoria our claim had not been disputed, but the settlement had been so much delayed that it became necessary to enforce it in an emphatic manner. He declined to enter into the merits of the Tornado, as the question was still under judicial consideration. He did not blame the Spanish Government for seizing the Tornado, but thought the crew had been treated with unnecessary severity. Tbe present positioll of the matter was that the Spanish Government admitted the nullity of the previous proceedings, and an early decision might be ex- pected. The motion for going into supply being withdrawn the sitting was suspended. The house resumed at six o'clock. Lord Naas stated, in reply to a question, that two Feuian prisoners had been sent to a lunatic asylum. Mr Alderman Salomans asked, concerning the Jewish persecution in the Principalities, if Government had any information of Jews being thrown into the Danube, and other atrocities. Lord Stanley replied that his information was to the effect, that in the expulsion of a number of persons across the Danube, two were drowned. His lordship also stated, in answer to Mr Layard, that the Arkadia, on being chased by a Turkish cruiser, fired on her, and thereby, no doubt, committed a violation of international law.

HOUSE OF COMMONS.—WEDNESDAY, July 24. The new member for Coventry, Mr Henry Jackson, took his seat. The adjourned debate on.Mr Fawcett's motion, that it was undesirable to approprate the fellowships and found- ation scholarships of Trinity College, Dublin, exclusively tc those who are members of the Established Church, was resumed. Mr H. Bruce, admitting that the present state of edu catiun in Ireland was most unsatisfactory, said that he preferred the amendment of Mr Monsell, recommending that the constitution of the University of Dublin should be altered so as to include colleges connected with other forms of religion. Mr O'Reilly and Mr Pim also supported this amend- ment. Mr Graves did not think the schemes proposed would be satisfactory, and said that instead of dealing with tha question by an abstract resolution, it would be better for the Government to frame a measure which might be satisfactory to all parties. Mr Fortesque contended that the only remedy was to carry out, unflinchingly, the principle laid down by Mr Gladstone, to consult the wishes of the Irish people. The Senate of the Queen's University had, he believed, without difficulty, prepared a most satisfactory pro- gramme under the new charter, now, unfortunately, Bil, and the responsibility of this must rest with the Government. The Attorney-General, with some warmth, defended the course taken by the Government in reference to the supplementary chatter of the Queen's University, and he maintained that no case had been made out for parlia- mentary interference with Trinity College, Dublin. After some further discussion, Mr Monsell withdrew his amendment, and a division took place on the motion. The numbers, however, being equal, the Speaker gave his casting vote ag linst the motion, inasmuch as it was of an abstract nature and ought to be aflirmed by a re- gular majority. The "oolition of church-rates bill was, on a division, read a third time by a majority of 129 to 99. The Sunday trading bill, in committee, did not get beyond the first clause when progress was reported, and the house adjourned.

THE SULTAN. The Sultan remained at Buckingham Palace during the early part of Friday. In the evening his Majesty dined with the Duke of Cambridge, at Gloucester House, Ilark-lane. It was a full-dress banquet, and all the ser- vants of the Duke of Cambridge wore their state live- ries. The Sultan, attended by Lord Raglau and Major- General the lion. Nelson Hood, and accompanied by Youssouff Izzedin Effendi, Murad Effendi, and Hamid Effendi, arrived at Gloucester House at eight o'clock, and was received by the Duke of Cambridge and Col. the Hou. James Macdonald (Equerry in Waiting). On the arrival of his Imperial Majesty the band of the Grenadier Guards played the Turkish Anthem. Covers were laid for thirty-two. Immediately facing the Duke of Cambridge was the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg- Strelitz. On the right of the Duke of Cambridge sat the Sultan, Fuad Pasha, and Musurus Paoha (Turkish Ambassador to the Court of St. James's); on the left Prince oussouff Izzedin Effendi and Prince Teck. On the left of the Grand Duke of Mecklenburg-Strelitz were the Prince of Wales, Prince Murad Effendi, Prince Ed- ward of Saxe-Weimar; and on the right Prince Louis of Hesse and Prince Hamid Effendi. A number of no- blemen and gentlemen had the honour to meet his Imperial Majesty at dinner. The party separated a little after ten o'clock, and then the Sultan went to the grand ball at the India Office. I THE INDIA OFFICE BALL. Whatever may be thought of the theory that the India Office is especially bound to do the honours to the Sultan on his visit to England, there can be no question that it was a happy inspiration to give a ball at the India Office. Nowhere else could such a fete have been given with anything like the same effect and splendour. A fortnight ago this magnificent ball-room had no exis- tence even in imagination. The quadrangle of the India Office was then a rude, dirty chaos of mud, scaffoldings, piles of rough-hewn stone, and mounds of mortar. Could the Sultan have compared the aspect of the place then with that which it presented on Friday night, his admiration could hardly fail to have been enhanced by astonishment, and he would have discovered another illustration of the prompt enterprise and energetic action which distinguish our national character. The simplicity of the conception was, no doubt, as remarkable as the success with which it has been attended. The four walls were ready, and all that was wanted was a floor and a roof; but then that all" constituted a formid- able work to undertake in so short a space "f time. It was done, however, but the workpeople were still put- ting the finishing-touches to their task when the first guests began to arrive. Mr Dighy Wyatt and Mr Crace deserve the highest credit for the good taste of all the decorations—not merely for what they did, but for what they left undone. Crimson velvet hangings, fringed with gold, in the windows and the arches of the arcade on the first floor, and a Maze of light from innumerable chandeliers, candelabra, and long lines of gas in jets on the upper story showed off the rich orna- mentation on the walls of the quadrangle, without hid- ing any of it. The elaborate sculpture of the frieze, the medallions of Indian generals and statesmen, the statues in niches, the mosaics, and the bright variety of coloured marbles, had an air of splendour which surprised any one who had observed the very poor effect they present in ordinary daylight. The roof was gaily painted in red and blue; a dais, curtained and canopied with crimson velvet studded with golden crescents, was erected at the upper end of the hall; and the band of the Cold- streams was placed in a projecting gallery at the side. Early in the evening the bare wooden lfoor was an in- congruous feature in the brilliant scene, bnt it was q uikly covered with an assemblage of guests which even outdid the rest of the hall in bravery of colour. There was a great variety of costume—statesmen aud diplomatists in gold-breasted coats of green or blue, members of Parliament and public officials in court suits, several Highlanders in plaid and kilt, the Duke of Argyll among the number, a few Indian and Persian celebrities in native dress, and a fair sprinkling of yeomanry and volunteer officers in dark blue, dark green, or grey. But the two chief colours which stood out predominant in the brilliant crowd were crimson and white—the crimson tunics of the Guards and the Line and the ladies' white robes, decked of course with ribbons of every hue. High up, overhead, a large body of spectators in evening dress spent the night in a hot purgatory gazing on the delights of the blessed below. Beyond the limits of the ball-room the decorations were equally effective in another way. Staircases and corridors were lined with palms, plantains, and rich exotic flowers, and in one recess a refreshing cascade dripped with gentle murmur down rocks, green with moss and ferns. Supper was laid for the Sultan and the chief guests in the India Council Room, amid trophies of massive gold plate and stands of regimental colours. The Sultan is said to have been much impressed by the magnificence of the entertainment, but nothing could be divined from his impassive countenance. He sat silent (wearing his usual uniform of blue and gold) in the centre of the Royal party on the dais, with the Duchess of Cambridge on his right, and the Princess Louis of Hesse on his left hand. A little space was cleared before the throne where the opening quadrille was danced by the Prince of Wales and Lady North- cote, Sir Stafford Northcote and Princess Louis, and other distinguished personages. The Prince wore a hussar uniform, and danced with unflagging spirit all time he was present. The Princess Mary, the Duchess of Mecklenburg, the Duchess of Aosta, the Duke of Mecklenburg, Prince Teck, the Marquis of Abercorn, the Duke of Beaufort, and others took part in various of the Royal dances. During the first part of the pro- gramme the rest of the company crowded round to wit- ness the performance, except a few of the younger and giddier folk, who, actually preferring to dance them- selves to seeing others dance, contrived to get through an occasional waltz or quadrille, under difficulties that would have made .Mark Tapley radiant, at the lower end of the room. About an hour and a half the Sultan and the chief guests went to supper, and dancing became general. Our Imperial visitor left on Tuesday. Perhaps we shall have fine weather now that our guests are de. parted, but this morning it rained as usual when the Sultan was setting out for Buckingham Palace for Charing Cross Station. Nevertheless, a great many per- sons had come together to see him off and to take a friendly farewell. By nine o'clock numerous groups had gathered in the park avenues leadin to Buckingham Palace. Her Majesty's Yeomen of the Guard paraded at half-past nine o'clock in readiness for the departure. The Hegiment of Royal Horse Guards, commanded by Colonel liaillie, was marched to the front, of Charing Cross Station, where the troops were posted. Large crowds of spectators collected in the approaches to the terminus and within the station itself, where everything that could be done to do honour to the Sultan was effected. At 10.47 the Prince of Wales, with the Duke of Cambridge attended by the Duke of Beaufort, Gene- ral Knollys, Colonel Ponsonby, Colonel Kingscote, Sir J. Cowell, the Master of the Hoyal household, &c., drove to the station in three of the Queen's state carriages. A fourth gilt coach contained the Sultan and little Prince, and as it drew up by the platform loud cheers greeted their appearance, while the band of the Guards played a Turkish air. The Sultan left for Calais in the yacht Osborne at 2 p.m. An ironclad fleet accompan- ied the Osborne. The weather was fine, with a fresh breeze.

The ball at the Indian-office is said to have cost £ 17,000. The first volume of the works of Lagrange has just been presented to the French Academy of Sciences. This edition of the works of the celebrated mathematician, which will be comprised in seven volumes, is published at the expense of the Government. The Society of Men of Letters having applied for authority to hold an international literary congress, and expressing at the same time a hope that a sum of 3,000f. would be allowed towards that end, the Empe- ror Napoleon on learning the application, immediately sent 10,000f. and the Minister of the Interior the author- isation required. [\fAX!}t![,IAN'S IVIDOW.-The Austrian organ, the Memorial Diplomatique, publishes the following informa- tion concerning the Empress Charlotte As is the case with respect to other maladies, pathology suggests different systems of treatment for mental alienation. Dr IIlek persists in maintaining the Empress Charlotte in a complete state of isolation, in order to spare her the emotion which the arrival of the Queen of the Bel- gians at Miraiuar would not fail to produce. Dr Hiede], one of the medical celebrities at Vienna, has, on the contrary, expressed the opinion that a removal of the august sufferer would. have no unfavourable results if the precautions and attentions required by her position were observed. The council of the Imperial family of Austria has consequently decided that the King and Queen of the Belgians cannot be denied the right of ordering a special examination of the situation of the Empress Charlotte oy Dr Bulkens, chief physician of the Lunatic Institution at Gheel, in Belgium, and whose name is of great authority in such matters. In the hope that the latter will be of the opinion of Dr Riedel, the Queen of the Belgians has gone to Miramar, and there is every reason to believe that she will bring back her sister-in-law with her to Lacken, accompanied by the celebrated Belgian practitioner."

I THE WIMBLEDON MEETING. The business of the W imbledon Meeting was on Saturday brought to a close by a series of interesting and attractive events. The day opened with good promise. The sun shone, the wind was brisk, the flags were flying gaily, the tents were in their holiday cos- tume, with their little gardens newly embellished by fresh supplies from the florists, and the vieitors, among whom were many ladies, made the camp as bright as an archery meeting and as lively as a racecourse. But the wind fell and black clouds came up, and before the day was over they spent their rain upon the crowd, and the review ended as dismally as even a member of the Peace Society could wish. The weather, however, re- mained tine until the prizes had been presented, and the association was honoured this year by having this office undertaken by the Princess Mary of Cambridge. Her Koyal Highness drove up to the Grand Stand at about halt-past three in an open carriage, with Prince Teck, m his colonel s uniform of the Surrey Artillery, Lady Spencer, and the Lady Cicilia. Molyneux. The prizes were arranged on tables set in front of the stand, and spreading from either side of the state chair placed on the carpeted turf for the Princess. Earl Spencer stood uncovered by her side, and read from the official list the nature of the prize, its donor, and its winner. Stich of the prizemen as were present, and many (from mod, sty, perhaps,) were absent, advanced and received their prizes from the hands of the Princess, or at least as many as she could conveniently hand, foi some were of such prodigious size and weight that she contented ht'rself with nodding towards them with a humorous twinkle of the eye, as much as to say, Take it, if you please," and the bashful winner in such cases bowed and withdrew, much to the amusement of the on-lookers. The Elcho Challenge Shield was carried oft' by the Eng- lish this year, and the team who had won it advanced in a body to claim the prize. They hoisted it oil their shoulders, and, passing the Princess, carried it to the other side of the tent. Here is a full list of the prizes won :— Silver Cup, value X40 (Fishmonger. Company), won by by Lieutenant Haldane, 2d Regiment, 72 points—200 yards. Needham Double Gun in case, value X50, won by Major Holloway, 11th Norfolk, 26 points 500 yards. A Statuette, value X20 (Messrs. Hunt and Roskell), won by Captain Burt, 1st Warwick, 26 points—500 yards. A Silver Cup, value X30 (Messrs. Hancock and Sons), won by Ensign Sprott, Liverpool Rifle 'Brigade, 19 points—200 yards. Birmingham Small Arms-A Rifle, value X20 (National Rifle Association), won by Private Burgess, 1st New- castle, 19 points—200 yards. Photographic Album, value X20 (Mr Vernon Heath), won by Sergeant M'Donald, 6th Inverness, 18 points -200 yards. A Silver Cup, value £25 (Messrs. Elkingtm), won by Sergeant Norsworthy, 23d Middlesex, 20 points—600 yards. Birmingham Small Arms Company-A Rifle, value zC20 (National liille Association), won by Lieut. Coates, 6th Kenfrew, 20 points— 600 yards. Wimbledon Tradesmen's Cup, value £ 31 10s (Wimble- don Tradesmen), won by Private Hope, Cambridge University, 20 points -500 yards. A dinner service, value £ 25 (Messrs. Gardner), won by Private Mcltae, 1st Newcastle, 19 poiut8-;¡\J() yards. Gold chain, value ,£20 (Messrs. Watherst m), won by Assistant-sergeant Masfen, 2.3th Staffordshire, 18 points—501) yards. Photographic Album, value zC20 (Mr Vernon Heath), won by Private Bzeley, 10th Gloucester, 18 points- 510 yards. Birmingham Small Arms Company Rifle, value X20 (National Rifle Association), won by Sergeant Clarke, 1st Staffordshire, 18 points—500 yards. Birmingham Small Arms Company Rifle, value X20 (National IZido Association), won by Ensign Radcliffe, South Middlesex, 18 points—500 yards. Gilt Candelabra, value L25 10s (Messrs. Mappin, Webb, and Co.), won by Captain Sanderson, 11th Somerset, 19 points—800 yards. Most Central Cartoon—200 Enfield, value £ 20 (National Rifle Association), won by A. G. Smith, 21 points. Most Central Cartoon—500 Enfield, value £ 20 (National Rifle Association), won by J. Page, 39 points. Most Central Cartoon—200 any rifle, value t20 (Na- tional Rifle Association), won by Ensign A. Black, 7 points. Most Central Cartoon—500 any rifle, vziltio £ '20 (Na- tional Rifle Association), won by C. J. Ewen, 121 points. Most Central Cartoon—600 Enfield, won by A. G. Smith, 111 points. Most Central Cal tooll-COO any rifle, won by Captain Costin, 101 points. Alexandra (special) value S20 (National Rifle Associa- tion), won by Private Formby, Liverpool Rifle Bri- gade, 19 points—600 yards. Alexandra, value X20 (National Rifle Association), won by Private Roberts, Bristol, 18 points-200 yards. Alexandra, value X20 (National Rifle Association), won by Ensign Wakeman, 10th Wilts, 19 points— 500 yards. Alexandra, value £ 20 (National Rifle Association), won by l'rivate Brookes, 9th Leicester, 19 points- 600 yards. Alexandra, second stage, value X50 (National Rifle Asso- ciation), won by Ensign Radcliffe, South Middlesex, 21 points—600 yards. Albert, value £2'.1 (Xational Rifle Association), won by Captain Hon. Gordon, 2d Aberdeen, 20 points-204 yards. Albert, value X20 (National Rifle Association), won by Captain Dighton, 20 points-.ioO yards. Alnert, value .1.20 (National Rifle Association), won by Colour-Sergeant Evans, 55th Lancashire, 20 points— 600 yards. Albert, Rifle Association), won by Lieutenant Waterman, 19th West York, 19 points— 801) yards. Windmill, second stage, value X25 (National Ilifle As- sociation), won by Ensign Grieve, 4th Roxburgh, 23 points—600 yards. Highest at all Distances—Albert, value £ 20 (National Kifle Association), won by Private Cameron, 6th Inverness, 73 points-20°, 500, 600, and 800 yards. Daily TelejraiJi, value X.-)O (D(iily Teley)-tzl)h), won by Sergeant-Major Cook, 3rd West York, 20 points ou0 yards. Daily Telegraph, value £ 25 (Editor of Land and Water), won by Private Read, 14th Suffolk, IS poiuts—500 yards. The Henry Peek," value zC25 10s (Henry Peek), won by Sergeant Bingham, Bristol, 39 points—500 and 600 yards. Any Rifle Association Cup, value X30 (National Rifle Association), won by Mr Farquharson, Blairgowrie, 3S> poiiits-200 and 600 yards. Enfield Association Cup, value X50 (National Rifle As. sociation), won by Private Marsh, 12th Norfolk, 37 points—200 and 50u yards. Any Rifle Wimbledon Cup, value jElOO (National Rifle Association), won by Ensign Boynton, 51 points-GOO and 1,000 yards. Enfield Wimbledon Cnp, value Rloo (National Rifle As- sociation), won by Private Robins, 1st Wilts, 33 points -200 and 600 yard3. Belgian Challenge Cup, value £30 (Chasseurs Ecela- rieurs of Brussels and Belgian Visitors to Wimbledon 1S66-67), won by ten members of 7th Surrey R.V., 144 points—400 yards. 2d Stage Albert, value £ 100 (National Rifle Associa- tion), won by Private M'Kenua, 3d Ayr, 70 poiUts- 800, 900, and 1,000 yards. The Martin's Prize, value lC50 (National Rifle Associa- tion), won by Ensign Gow, Edinburgh, 18 points— 600 yards. St George's Challenge Vase, value zC2,50 (Lieut.-Colonel Lindsay on the part of St George's Rifles), won by Sergeant Bailie, 15th Middlesex, 27 paints—500 yards. Dragon Cup, value zC50 (Lieutenant-Colonel Lindsay on the part of St George's Rifles), won by Private Itoe, 1st Administrative Battalion, Salop, 14 points—600 yards. China Challenge Cup and X25, value zC525 (Vuliiiiteers in China and N. itA.), won by ten members of West York, 296 points—200 and 500 yards. Chancellor's Challenge Plate, value X100 (Duke of Devon. shire and Earl of Derby), won by Oxford University, 369 points—200, 500, and 600 yards. International Enfield Challenge Trophy, value tl,(JOO (Volunteers of Great Britain), won by Scotland, 1,08G poiuts—200, 500, 600 yards. International Enfield Challenge Cup, value 150 (Gun- makers' Company), won by Private Smyth, 1st Lan- ark, 68 points—200, 500, 600 yards. Irish International Challenge Trophy, value X50 ) (Mar- quis of Donegal), won by Private Hay, London Scot- tish, 66 points—200, 500, 600 yards. Elcho Challenge Shield, value A:Ilooo (Lord Elchol, won by Englaud, 1,097 points—800, 900, and 1,000 yards. Duke of Cambridge, value jESO (H.R.H. Duke of Cam. bridge), won by Private J. M'Rae, 1st Newcastle, 20 p(-itits-8110 yards. Prince of Wales, value £ 100 (H.R.H. Prince of Wales), won by Corporal Hepplestone, 6th Lancashire, 42 Poiiits-200, 500, and 600 yards. The prizes won by the Belgians were not formally presented many of their meu were absent through some mistake, and those who were present simply mar- ched past the Princess, and saluted as they did so. The ceremony ended with three hearty cheers for the Prin- cess, when they drove off to the cottage to await the second part-of the day's programme.