At home the only event of interest has been the
vote of thanks by Parliament to the Chinese expedition. Both Houses passed the - vote unanimously, the only difference of opinion being on the pro- priety of levelling the summer„ palace: Mr. White; however, who has had some experience in China, took up the position that the re- duced tariff under the treaty was of no value; for formerly the mer- chants smuggled their goods in at half duties, and now they must pay the whole. Mr. Mite obviously thinks purity of election at home far more important than purity of pecuniary morals abroad. The nation will hardly condemn a treaty because it puts an end to official' corruption. The money market has been strangely tight all the week. Nine and ten per cent, were freely offered on 'Wednesday for short loans, and on Thursday the Bank raised its rate of discount to eight per cent. The stock of bullion is higher now than the average - of last year, when the average rate was 51 per cent., but the Bank would appear to expect heavy calls from America. Three of the elections in progress have been completed. Mr. Barnes has been returned for Bolton, and Mr. W. E. Forster for Bradford, without opposition. Mr. Barnes is for a redaction of ex- penditure. Depend upon it.; he said, the French will never invade us while we have 140,000 volunteers, and we must now tell the! Government we do not require so many soldiers, amid insist on a reduced expenditure for the Army, Navy, and Militia. Nobody has ever feared an attack except from the French, and 110W a great man,- Mr. Cobden, has bound the French to keep the peace in a stronger bond than any ariny ever could put upon them. 'The new treaty of commerce will be a treaty of lasting peace." Mr. Barnes is for the abolition of the paper duty first, and separation of Church and State as soon as may be.
The third election is that for South Wilts. Here the Conservatives are triumphant. The Liberal candidate, Mr. Grove, withdrew at the' eleventh hour, and Lieutenant-Colonel Bathurst, the Conservative, was returned on Thursday without Opposition.
The Conservative candidate for Cork county is Mr. Leader, of Dromagh. Major Freke, brother of the Earl of Carberry, a moderate. Conservative, was put up, but he has withdrawn. Major O'Reilly, the Papal brigadier, was implored to stand, but he wisely declined to enter on a ruinous and fruitless contest.
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