tht Alttropolio.

The grand test of the Crystal Palace has now been experienced, in the opening of the doors to the huge one-shilling public, with very satisfac- tory results. The anticipations, indeed, were at first somewhat balked ; for instead of an overwhelming rush on Monday, there was a marked fall- ing off, not only in receipts, but even in numbers. On Saturday, the number of five-shilling visitors was 20,312, and the season-ticket-holders swelled the number to 30,000, or 35,000. On Monday, the number of shilling visitors was 21,258; the receipts falling to 9201., exclusively of 401. for season-tickets. Great preparations had been made to keep order. Stout chevaux-de-frise were placed before the outer rails to repel pres- sure ; within, the Police were instructed to make the visitors proceed in one direction ; and this rule was so stringently enforced in some instances, that a gentleman who was comparing two similar articles was told that if he desired to go back he must make an entire circuit. The comparative thinness of the concourse on Monday, however, the steady order of the crowd, and the far more equable distribution, removed all apprehensions : the clievaux-de-fiise were removed before night, and the circuit rule was enforced with a much discreeter leniency. Three thieves were seized on Monday—two women and a man, the man "fashionably disguised as a foreigner" ; but they were soon detected, captured, and removed ; and the incident of their visit probably had nothing to do with the change of price —excepting so far as that may have been affected by their own amount of capital for investment. Other arrangements, such as removing seats from the transept to the less frequented spots, were materially conducive to the general convenience. And the continued addition of new works, es- pecially in the Russian part, contributed greatly to fill up the general picture.

As to the aspect and demeanour of the crowd, it may be said to be far less different from the five-shilling multitude than many expected. Some degree of sombreness had crept over the dresses of men and nations ; some of the younger folks, especially girls, talked louder and were less reserved in their carriage ; there were a few fustian jackets ; there were great numbers more of children. It is noticed that the shilling visitors arrive early, and that many go away about one or two o'clock ; also that they go more heartily at a general survey of the whole exhibition in detail ; hence the more thorough distribution. Outside you might notice a marked diminution in the array of carriages ; but by Thursday, these were re- turning to the scene. At first, few of the "distinguished" class appeared, dreading a crush ; but the visit of the Queen on Tuesday morning re- assured the season-ticketers, who had already begun to come back like birds after a flight ; and by Thursday a greater brilliancy of costume was sprinkled over the now truly great multitude. For the resort did increase, steadily and largely. On Tuesday the numbers were about 30,000, the receipts 13471. ; on Wednesday, the numbers probably 40,000, (by some mistake they were not counted,) the receipts 1859/. ; on Thursday, 47,587 shilling visitors and 7080 season- tiekcters ; in all 54,667, the receipts 23791. Yesterday, the first half- crown day, another change took place—people 30,345, receipts 28391. Bodies of workmen and schools are beginning to make their appearance. On Thursday, Messrs. Cubitt's men and other large establishments were there ; and the Queen again came early with her Court friends ; again stopping till after the opening of the doors, and watching the influx of the multitude with unconcealed interest.

The City Corporation contemplates a grand entertainment to celebrate the Exposition, the Queen and Prince to be invited ; the cost to be 82501. But Alderman Sidney demurs to so much outlay on so transitory an ob- ject, and hints at a more resthetical plan of action.

The Fishmongers Company has taken the lead of the City Companies in showing hospitality to the distinguished foreigners now in town. A banquet was given on Wednesday evening—Sir John Easthope presiding —at which many notabilities British and Foreign were present ; among them, Earl Granville, Lord Palmerston, Baron Charles Dupin, Sir James Brooke, Comte von Harrack, Comte H. de Kegorlay, Sir H. de la Beche, divers Members of Parliament, and gentlemen connected with the Exhi- bition. Lord Palmerston was compelled to retire early, and other Minis- ters were unable to appear at all, in consequence of the Queen's concert. Earl Granville replied to the toast of The Royal Commissioners." Apropos to the corporation that gave the entertainment, he jokingly ad- verted to the exclusion of fish from the Exhibition—

They might, perhaps, have tried the exhibition of the manufactured arti- cle, such as dried or potted fish ; but with regard to the raw material, con- sidering that every article once exhibited there would not be allowed to be removed for at least four months, he was afraid that, even if it were put to the Fishmongers themselves, to use an old and a bad pun, the "noes" would carry it. (Laughter and cheers.) It was difficult to specify all the happy results which might be expected to follow from this Exhibition, but some of them were patent to the world ; and he believed that this Compa,sfy, which had always been remarkable for its attachment to the liberal institutions of the country, would concur with him in thinking that it could not but be pro- ductive of good that the Consort of our Sovereign should have the opportunity of cutting, if he might use the expression, a section of the different strata of society, that he might ascertain for himself the feelings and the wishes of the different classes, and appreciate the distinct and individual merits of each. (Cheers.) Nor should he think it a disadvantage that his Royal Highness should have the opportunity of showing the people that he was not only capable of conceiving a great idea, but that he had also the business habits which would carry it out. The Chairman proposed the "Health of Baron Charles Dupin and the Foreign Commissioners," with a complimentary reference to the surpass- ing beauty and elegance of the articles in many departments of the French exposition. M. Dupin reciprocated the compliment. While he fully concurred in the sentiment of the Chairman that there was no absolute superiority in any nation however great its merit, and that they all had something to learn from each other, yet he also felt that foreign nations had much to learn from the great discoveries and the practical wis- dom of this country. When he came to England to know and describe the various monuments of its industry and civilization—their public ways, their bridges, their docks, and their ships—he felt that he was exceedingly glad to return to his own country with the new views lie had obtained from Eng- land; but he should have been still more glad if he could have taken with him those monuments themselves—the roads, the bridges, and the docks ; and most happy of all should he have been if lie could have carried away with him not only the material results but the very spirit of the 'industry which had astonished him—that everlasting perseverance which so strik- ingly characterized British exertion in the pursuit of industry—that con- stancy in adversity, and, what was even more difficult to practise, that steadiness in prosperity, and that increasing activity, whether in good or in bad fortune.

The toast of " Sir James Brooke and the honorary members of the Com- pany" produced a characteristic and much-applauded speech from the Rajah of Sarawak—

Could he have spoken three years ago, he would have told them then what he told them now, that he claimed from his country and he claimed from the members of that guild that they should appreciate the motives on which he acted. "More I will not say—more in this place it would not be be- coming in me to say ; but this I say over and over again, in the face of my country,—and whoever may be the man who slanders me, I will say that, even while at the opposite end of the world, where my voice must be un- heard, I still trust to my brethren here, and to my country, that they will defend me as you have done tonight. For myself, I feel persuaded that no

clamour excited in this country, nor any other earthly. power whatever, will move me from the high resolve I have taken, that I will suppress piracy, and that in defiance of the men who say that there are no pirates. But this is no sub- ject to deal with in this place. I beg you, however, again and again, to believe that gentlemen of character, members of Christian communities, do not, when removed to a distant part of the world, of necessity turn out to be 'ogees and scoundrels. I beg you to believe that we are actuated by the some motives by which you are actuated. I be you to believe that we live in the same wa_v hat

.

e you do—that we speak in the same way that I dare address you at thrseinnomsent I know the strong sense of my countrymen ; I know their good ,„ I i know that they will never cry `peace, peace,' when there is no peace. They feel that whenit -is necessary to use the strong hand, the strong hand will be used, and that, whatever may be said to the contrary, it is necessary that might and power should rule this world occasionally. You were good enough to hope that the people under my care would make pogrom iu civilization say that we have progressed ; and if there is' one man iu this country—or in this world—who doubts it, ha him come over and judge for himself, in- stead of talking at the other side of the globe of what he does not under- stand. Ay, by Heaven, even if it was the honourable gentleman who sat there tonight—[pointing to the seat which Mr. Ihnne had shortly before va- cated)—let him came over, he shall receive -a hearty welcome; he shall be received as a Christian man, with the right hand of fellowship, and he shall have full opportunities to judge for himself. And though these are fearful times, yet I throw down my glove on behalf of the truth and justice of my cause, and I challenge any man to come and judge for himself But if he be a mere slanderer, then let him take up the glove that I have thrown down."

Sir James afterwards apologized for any warmth that he might have betrayed. This was the most stirring incident ; political allusions not forming part of the dessert.

The annual dinner of the Geographical Society, on Monday, followed the pattern of this peculiar season, and was highly cosmopolite. Sir • Roderick Murchison,' who presided as Chairman, on his second installa- tion as President of the Society—" bis consul"—is himself .a man of in- . ternational honours ; and he had invited representatives of "all nations," from RussiaM California, some of them men of great eminence.

The fourth monthly soiree of the National Reform Association, held in the London Tavern on Monday, was marked by the delivery of an excellent address on the objects of the Association, by a Norwich opera- tive, Mr. C. J. Bunting ; and by the presence of Mr. Hume and Mr. _Cobden, to deliver speeches of encouragement and practical alliance. The address of Mr. Bunting was remarkable for classiness of argument and abundance of illustrative political facts : its tone also was calculated to disarm the fears' of aristocrats at the objects of the " working classes."

It is objected, he said, that a mere representation of numbers would en- danger the Monarchy, the House of Lords, and the Established Church. But it is certain the Eiglish people were never more attached to the person of their Sovereign than at the present moment. (Cheers.) As to the House of Lords, the best means to secure its safety will be attention to its own business, and an absence of interference with the rights of the people. At present the House of Lords is deprived of its proper function ; for there is sno hasty legislation to cheek. (Cheers and laughter.) It cannot be doubted that the House of Commons would be largely composed of the advocates of . popular rights; but.the liberal and enlighteued members of the aristocracy would not necessarily be excluded. Whatever is useful would be retained ; for the English are a conservative people—they reform to preserve ; and the great danger is in delaying reform too long.

Mr. Hume declared that our parish vestries are a type of what the na- tional representation ought to be. How much safer would the Crown ' feelaf supported by a representation of six millions, instead of one mil- lion as at present.

. Mr. Cobden defended his conduct in reference to franchise reform, by dwelling on Iris own characteristic of being a "practical man."

Ho must take one thing at a time. When he took up Freestrade, neither 'the blandishments of the Whigs, nor the "almost unanswerable appeals of the Complete 'Suffragists," nor the ferocious attacks of the Chartists, -ever induced him to swerve one moment from that practical question. If he has done some injustice by.taking no prominent or active part in this agitation, he has been a yearly contributor to the funds ; and he feels grateful to those - who have trimmed the lamp of reform under circumstances of neglect from himself and others. He had taken this, the fast opportunity of appearing at a Reform meeting after •the recent declaration made by the Prime Minis- ter that he would be prepared in the next session of Parliament to introduce a measure of Reform—to declare that he considers this question as the most practical question that politicians have to deal with. And in doing so, he would say to his friends everywhere throughout the country—to all those who are practical men, and with whom he has the honour of combating on other questions—that we shall forfeit our character as a practical people un- less between now and the next spring we-throw ourselves into this question of Parliamentary Reform in a way to prove to the world that the English people have not lost that old attribute of their nation—that they know how to seize the proper time for doing their own work in their own way. He felt . inclined to believe that Lord John Russell will give a pretty liberal exten- sion of the suffrage next session ; but nothing will be carried if he does not create enthusiasm for his scheme in the present electoral body ; and there will be no enthusiastic support of any measure, especially in the county con- stituencies, unless the proposal shall include the ballot.

The annual festival of the Drury Lane Theatrical Fund was held at Freemasons' Hall on Wednesday ; Mr. Benjamin Bond Cabbell in the chair. The donations, including 601. from the Queen, amounted to up- wards of 4001.

A meeting was held at the Freemasons' Tavern, on Wednesday, to es- tablish a Metropolitan Association for the temperate but efficient reform of the National Church. It was attended by many clergymen, chiefly from the country ; but also by laymen. The meeting pledged itself "to endeavour to carry out the glorious Reformation to its legitimate deve- lopment" ; to "clear the Church of England from every- ground or pre- . text for Romish teaching " ; in all matters of mere ceremonial to seek "general union rather than strict unity," to promote "a comprehension of Evangelical Nonconformist Christians," to promote a revision of the Prayer-book, and to remove abuses of Church property and patronage.

The foundation-stone of a new church was laid at Poplar on Monday, by Cardinal 11 rifleman : the church is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and St. Joseph.

The first stone of a set of Roman Catholic almshouses was laid at Brook Green, Hammersmith, on Wednesday, by the Countess of Arundel and Surrey : the charity is founded by the Aged Poor Society.

At Exeter Hall, on Tuesday evening, a public discussion between Father Ignatius and Dr. Cumming was expected. Lately, seated in his study, Dr. Cumming was surprised by the entrance of a tall man, in pic- turesque gown, with sandaled feet and shaven crown, who invited har- mony omonrChriStians. This proved to be the Honourable Mr. Spencer, now " Father Ignatius," of the order of " Passionista." Dr. Cumming also desired harmony, but could not accept one half of Romish doctrine ; and therefore he required Rome to cast aside a burden so repugnant to him. The conversation ended in an agreement that the two should hold the public discussion alluded to. On Tuesday, however, Dr. Cumming . stated.that Cardinal Wiseman had forbidden. Father Ignatius to appear :

whereat the audience, convened in Exeter Hall to witness the theological duel, were much disappointed.

A remarkable letter brie Paetoir Monad has just been published. In A friendly letter to -the Marquis Chohnendely, the iBishop of london anxious to cultivate Christian brotherhood, .suggested an offer that certaii; proprietary chapels and the like non-parochial places of worship might be placed at-the service of foreign Protestant ministers of religion now in London ; but intimated that the use of 'the parochial edifices, or the aid-of clergymen of the Established,Church, is precluded by law. M. Idonad declines the offer, in the name of his brethren ; the -ministers of Conti- nental churches isoldirgathat they ought net toaceept at itaferior position. The letter declining the offer is written with timple dignity.; heartily acknowledging the -spirit of the &shop's offer, but pointing out the un- christian tendency of-exclusiveneas in the English law. The writer says- " We render full homage to your fraternal sentiments-and your charitable intentions. You have-done all that you could-do ; we -thank you for it, and we shall remember it with.gratitude : but we complain of,the law by which you are fettered—of the ecclesiastical system which prevents you from acting according toarour heartfelt wishes."

Mr. John Joseph Bristew, of Jleadon, _committed suicide on Saturday morning, at the Saracen's Head, Snow ]Till. Blood had passed through

the floor of The room, fallen into a cerielihouse below, and been observed

by the coachman. Mr. Bristow was found deed on the -floor of the bedroom. 21: six-barrelled revolving pistol was beside him; and a bullet had been

fired from one•barrelinto the roof of hie mouth. Two letters were found;

in one of these, addressed to his brother-in-law, he had written—" No one would think I am mad; but I have been mad a long time, and I now .know it. I have endeavoured to hide it even from my own dear wife a long time. My -race is run. Back my _favourite horse Farnhill for the St.

Leger, and Canezou for the Doncaster Cup." In the second letter he alludes to the state of his affairs being much involved, which he had never made known to his beloved wife : he Mined a miserable existence for years. He concluded—" My.brain is on -fire:" Mr. Bristow was in his fifty-fifth year : he had been a man of inde- pendent property, and had bred horses at Hendon to a great -extent, but

nine months ago he sold off the stock. His means had -been much reduced ; one witness at the inquest said he had suffered from not receiving rents from an Irish estate. The groom stated that his master went to Epsom on the Derby day. " Four years ago he parted with Farobill, which was now too old to run for the fit. lager. Deceased's establishment at Hendon has latterly been more quiet than usual. He had discharged some-of his servants." Verdict, "Temporary insanity."

James Crawford, a fashionably-dressed young man, was charged be- fore the Southwark Magistrate, on Saturday, with removing the sipaal- lamps from a train on the Epsom Railway. As the train was near the Bricklayers Arms junction, on Friday night, trawfbrd, who was in 'the last compartment of the last -carriage, leaned over, stook off the two tail- lamps, and threw them-down theamabankment : a guard-saw the act. There was another 'train following a short distance behead. ale accused-could only plead -that Ire -had been drinking at the traces : "he supposed it was done an a lark." Mr. Seeker remarked ou the awful consequences which miglA have resulted.; refused to deal summarily with the offence, and sent the ease to the Sessions.

The young man was tried-at the Surrey Sessions, on Thursday. He pleaded " Guilt s" - It is said that he is connected with "a family of some

distinction." In mitigation of punishment, Mr. Robinson urged the youth of the accused, his having been intoxicated, and the fact that the act was foblish but not Malicious—the:prisoner'a safety-was bound -up With `that 'of other passengers. Sentence, nine months' imprisonment in the House of Correotion.

Mr. Marriott, the proprietor of an Islington omnibus, has been -fined. itg. at Guildhall Police Office, for having a.croseaseat at the end of -his vehicle,

contrary to law. He had thought the -late aecisionsof the Aldermen were

wrong, and had persisted hi retaining the seat: hut on reexamining the act while at the Police Office he admitted- the-decisions tobe.right. The con-

ductor of a Hammersmith omnibus has been fined in 10s., a mitigated fine,

for carrying thirteen persons inside when only licensed to take twelve : Alderman Wilson was lenient as this-was theman's-first offence. On ?don- day, Mr. Willy, the secretary of the Waterloo Omnibus Association, stated that he had communicated to a meeting of proprietors the Magistrates' disapproval of 6d. being charged to Sloane Street -and 4d. from Sloane Street : the proprietors will yield to the desire of the Magistrates, and in fu- ture charge 4d. each way.

William Trobble, coachman to a gentleman residing at Clapham, was charged before the Marlborough Street Magistrate, on Monday, with -horse- whipping Policeman Mower. Trebble was seen driving a Vrougham.at- a furious rate towards the Exhibition on the wrong side of the-road.; con-

stables signalled him to stop, but in vain ; and when Mower caught hold of the reins, the defendant struck him on the face with his wliip. Trebble de-

nied that'he was driving at a furious rate ; and said he whipped his horse,

not the officer. His master had ordered him to come to the Exhibition at-five o'clock. Mr. Bingham said, the regulations of-the Police-were to be obeyedin preference to any orders he might:receive from his master. as a-warning that the law must be respected, he should send him to prison for seyon days. A person in court gave the defendant a very good-charm:lei, and begged that the punishment might be altered to a fine. Mr. Bingham—" Certainly not." The coachman was then locked -up.

After repeated examinations, the Lambeth Magistrate has finally com- mitted Cane, Ileckey, and M'Elligott, on a charge of murdering Policeman Chaplin, in Vauxhall Walk : the seven other men accused have been liberated.

Henry Charlton, pointaman at the Battersea Rise junction on the South- western Railway, his been charged before the Wandsworth Magistrate with

being asleep at Ins post. Two trains came up, and one was due, while the pointsman was Sleeping ; and it was only by great good fortune that no mis- chief occurred from his not turning the points. He was fined N.

Mr. Shoesmith, landlord of the Cross 'Keys, Lawrence Street, -Chelsea, has been fined fi01. by the Westminster Magistrate, for having in his possession materials concocted to adulterate beer. A keg purporting to -contain' X or American spruce;" was found to he full of a preparation of molasses, liquorice, and gentian. As this was:the first offence, the Magiatrate•did not inflict the extreme penalty of 2001.

Malian, a man in the employ of Mr. Wetherby of Newgate Market, has been fined 20s. by Alderman Challis, for-cruelly plucking fowls while they were yet alive. The ,plucking of the fowls before they are quite dead .is said to give a trifling addition to the -weight of the feathers.

While two boys were playing on a timber-raft at Millbank, one slipped through the logs into the water and disappeared; two gentlemen imme-

diately hastened to attempt his rescue ; the foremost in his eagerness was incautious, and as the logs separated he-fell into 'the water : both toy and man weredrowned. On " the Derby day," many aetions accidents occurred on the road. One was fatal : a party. arerre driving a dog-cart rapidly, the wheel get on a 'hank, and the carriage terned over; 'Mr. Tomlinson was so badly hurt that be died before he could be got to bislome at Camberwell.