/limp nub crolunial.

,f t AU rt.—The French public has been occupied with the proceedings of M. de Persigny, the new Minister of the Interior. The one con- spicuous omission in the decree of November 24th was any reference to the press ; H. de Persigny has supplied it. On the 6th, he issued a cir- cular to the Prefects, intended to describe the spirit with which he would exercise the power conferred on him by the law on the press. He began thus- " I have just been living among a people who may be justly proud of their institutions ; where the liberty of the press is openly exercised, without being a danger either to the State, to public order, or to the safety of per- sons and of things ; and where; useful to all parties, appealed to and re- spected by all, it forms the surest guarantee of public liberty, of order, and of the prosperity of the country. I have long witnessed that noble, spec- tacje ; and, if formerly I had not liked true liberty, I should have acquired

i a taste for t in that country."

How has England solved the problem ? H. de Persigny reviews our history to show that the Legislature has ever placed the most terrible weapons at the disposal of the Executive. Down to the annihilation of the Jacobites, the law on the press had only a single object, that of crushing an enemy. It was only at the end of last century that Mr. Fox amended the law of libel ; yet five and twenty years afterwards fresh powers were taken.

"It happened that a kind of republican doctrine spreading in the country caused serious uneasiness to the authorities, and that juries, intimidated or influenced by the new opinions, and using largely the enactments of Fox's bill, often prevented the judges of the Crown from applying to the delinquents the principles of the common law. In those new cir- cumstances, the English Parliament did not hesitate to give to the Govern- ment the means of forcing the jury to defend the State, and, in conse- quence, a law was enacted in 1819, which punished by fine and imprison- ment, and in case of a second conviction with transportation, the author, publisher, and printer of any seditious writing or libel against the King, the Royal Family, the Regent, the Government, the constitution, and either House of Parliament ; and this was effected by means of provi- sions so minute, so precise, that it was scarcely possible for the conscience of jurymen to avoid meeting the necessities of the State. But when the crisis of 1848 came on, and with it new emotions, and new parties hostile to established order, further difficulties were experienced from juries. The necessity was then felt of determining with still greater clearness and pre- cision the attacks to which the State might be exposed ; and a new law, intituled An Act for better AESUI ing the Security of the Crown and of the Government,' was accordingly added to the terrible arsenal of English le- gislation. This time the success was complete—the weapon was so keenly sharpened that it triumphed over even an Irish jury And now, can any one suppose that, if these judicial expedients, in conformity with the genius of the Anglo-Norman race, proved inefficient, England would be brought to a halt by mere theories Certainly not. Ever faithful to her grand principle that, before being a free people, it is necessary to be a united one, England, which, in the past century, shrank from employing no means when it was necessary to defend the dynasty of her choice, would not hesi- tate now if any new peril menaced the State. " In recapitulation, the spirit of the English legislation, as regards the press, may be thus summed up—Complete liberty for whatever is an advan- tage or not dangerous for the State, and negation of all liberty of attacking the State • so that the liberty which the English press enjoys so completely is, in reality, the expression of the political and social situation of the country. As there is not at present any party, any sensible man, who would for a moment think of overthrowing either the Queen, or the Govern- ment, or the Parliaineut, or the constitution, there is no ground for any kind of interference with the liberty of the press, which is an advantege for all. But if any party should arise and propose to overthrow the State for the benefit of some other dynasty or doctrine, from that moment the liberty of the press would cease to exist for that party. "Thus when, whether in France or elsewhere, declared enemies of an established Government adduce the example of England to claim the liberty of attat king the existing policy,by means oft lie press, they act under mistaken views. When they utter indignant invectives because they are not allowed to attack the State if their indiguation is sincere, they misunderstand the conditions of liberty possible among men, and at all events they calumniate English liberty. "The truth is, that the example of England proves to us, on the contrary, and in the most striking manner, that the liberty of the press must follow, not precede, the consolidation of a new State, or new dynasty ; that, as long as there are parties hostile to established order, struggling not like the Tories and Whigs for the Ministry, but as the Jacobites formerly did, to overthrow the throne—that is to say, as long as there are nations a ithin the nation, liberty can be given to the enemies of established order only among degenerate nations, who, like the Greeks of the Lower Empire, prefer the right to quarrel and to destroy themselves to the safety of the State." M. de Persigny instructs the Prefects to tolerate discussion short of attacks on the State, and calls upon them not to forget "that the more exceptional the discretionary power of the Administration is over the press, the more should the exercise of it be directed by a scrupulous good faith. Call to mind more particularly that it is the interest of the State and not of the Administration that this power has been delegated to my ministry. Let not your acts therefore shelter themselves behind that protection ; but let them, on the contray, be like mine, exposed to public discussion."

M. de Persigny did not stop here. He obtained from the Emperor a decree, cancelling all " warnings " given to the journals up to the 10th of December—" a new pledge" to the generous policy of the Em- peror.

It is not to be expected that the French journalists would be satisfied; but in general they have received the relaxation with a good grace. The bona fide of the new Minister has been put to two testa. Ile has been officially asked to sanction the candidature of a M. Chatelus, for the Puy de Dome. 31. Chatelus is a friend of H. de Morny's. IL de Persigny refused his sanction to this candidate. The second test is.an application from M. 011ivier to start a new journal, to be called Suffrage Universel, the Liberte, or L'Eleeteur. No answer has yet been given. Further, it is said that H. de Persigny is strongly in favour of a disso- lution of the Chamber, and that the Prefects support him.

The Passe has changed hands. The new proprietors are H. Emile de Girardin M. Amalie Houasaye, and M. Rouy. M. Nefftzer retires.

The imperor has been to Itambouillet, bunting with a great company. M. de Metternich was of the party.

There are now no less than six vacant sees in France. The Emperor does not 1111 them up because he knows the Pope would not confirm his

appointments. This state of things cannot last much longer. The Emperor must either reconcile himself with the Pope, or become a new 'Henry VIII.

The decree reorganizing the Government of Algeria has been published. .` The Constitutionnel alleges that there is no foundation for the news that the Marquis de Lavalette had insisted at Constantinople upon the prolongation of the French occupation of Syria. "Up to the present, the convention of the 4th of September has not given rise to any diver- .gence of opinion between the representatives of the foreign Powers at Constantinople."

St 111.—Sing Victor Emmanuel returned to Naples from Sicily on the 7th. He is to go to Turin for the Christmas festivities. Naples continues to be the scene of great excitement. The people sing the Garibaldian hymn, and force others to sing it. The popular ferment is believed to he stimulated by the agents of extreme parties disguised as Garibaldians. An opposition to Fesini has arisen and taken shape. An address to the King has been signed, praying for the adoption of these measures-

" First, to remove from the Government of Naples Farini and his coun- Ateliers, because they have rendered themselves, deservedly or undeservedly, unpopular. Second, to recall General Garibaldi, and to place him at the "head of Southern Italy. Third, to demolish the Castle of St. Elmo. _Fourth, to commence public works for the general prosperity of the country, and in order to remedy as far as possible the urgent wants of the lower class. Fifth, to dismiss General Nunziante. Sixth, to replace the Bourbon functionaries, who during the past years have displayed a notorious hostility to the country, by the men who are most deserving from their enlighten- ment and from the sacrifices which they have made. Seventh, to organize zoilitarily the whole country, in order completely to realize the national unity by the conquest of Rome and of Venice."

The return of the Archbishop of Naples. Riario Sforza, occasioned a popular tumult.

"In the dead of the night, believing that he was unobserved, he at zlength landed, but the scouts at once made his landing known throughout 'the whole town. The Government, anticipating a riot, thought it prudent to call out only the National Guards. But a few minutes had elapsed after -the cardinal had reached his palace, when crowds of the lower orders gathered below the windows, shouting 'Away with the masks!" Away with the enemies of Italy ! ' 'Away with the partisans of the Bourbons! ' I Long ;live Garibaldi !' The gates of the palace had been closed. The National Guards had arrived on the spot, and endeavoured to allay some- what the fury of the population ; but they did it after a fashion which seemed only to throw fuel on the flames. The populace demanded that the archbishop should make his appearance on the balcony, and, in token of repentance for his past conduct, should bless the tricoloured flag, end should himself join in the cry of "Long live Garibaldi !' His eminence refused.

A deputation, chosen on the spur of the moment from amongst the crowd, was sent to renew the demand. His eminence again refused. His refusal seemed likely to lea to extremely unpleasant consequences. No sooner had the de- - putationmade known to the crowd the second refusal than there appeared, in the twinkling of an eye—for where they all came from it was impossible to di- vine—thousands of faggots, which were immediately piled up before the doors and windows of the palace ; and nothing more was wanting than the scratch of a single heifer match to add Cardinal Riario Sforza to the list of the beat roasted and best grilled martyrs of the Romish Church. Yes, one little Incifer match would have done the business. When matters had got. to this point, and the National Guards felt themselves unable to restrain any longer the fury of the populace, their Commander-in-chief, General Tup- puti, offered to go in person to persuade the Archbishop, and the intended conflagration was, in consequence, delayed until the result of his mission should become known. The kind-hearted and energetic old general frankly set forth to the Cardinal Archbishop the true position in which his Rau- nence was placed, informing him that he had no more than than a minute to choose between being roasted alive or to come out on the balcony and bless the flag. Before the inexorable logic of facts, the scruples of his Eminence completely vanished. He stepped forth on the balcony—he blessed the tri- coloured banner—he blessed it wholly, and in all its details—he blessed the cloth, he blessed the pole, he blessed the red stripe, he blessed the white

stripe, he blessed the green stripe, and then he shouted, 'Long live Garibaldi!" Long live Italy !' with a most stentorian strength of voice. And

then the many-headed monster growled forth from its thousands of throats tones of satisfaction, and stalked back to its lair in the countless lanes and alleys of the city. The riot lasted from the time the Archbishop landed, until the following midnight." Several attempts have been made in the provinces to raise an insur- rection. Even in Caserta the Royalists showed a bold front, but were speedily put down. In Averse, also, there was a rising. It met with the same fate. In the Abruzzi, however, the Royalists maintain a con- flict.

The following persons have been appointed Councillors of Lieutenancy for Sicily—La Farina Director of the Interior ; Cordova, Director of Finance ; Scalia, Director of Public Works ; Pisani, Director of Public Instruction.

The siege of Gaeta has begun in earnest. The rifled guns invented by Cavern have opened fire with great effect ; silencing a powerful battery on the Monte Orlando, and filling the besieged with terror. It is again repeated that the Emperor Napoleon has determined to leave King Francis to his fate.

A despatch from Perugia says that the religious orders have been sup- pressed, and the convents closed. Other measures in favour of public instruction and charity have also been decreed. There are in the Neapolitan provinces twenty-one archbishops, sixty bishops, three grand abbots, a grand prior, an archpriest of the Royal church, and an upper chaplain. Now, of this number very few have given cause of complaint ; still fewer have abandoned their dioceses, and betaken themselves to Naples or elsewhere. The offenders altogether do not amount to a fifth of the whole number. It may be confidently affirmed, therefore, that the majority of the bishops is not hostile to the Government. Among these may be mentioned Cardinal Cozenza, Arch- bishop of Capua, whose noble and pions conduct during the civil and military events that have taken place in his diocese has gelded him the highest approbation.—Nazionale.

The Espero of Turin states that the Italian army is to be divided into two great corps; one to be called the army of the South, the other that

• of the North ; the former to be under the command of General Della Rocca, with its head-quarters at Naples ; the other under General

• Cialdini, with his head-quarters at Milan. The reserve of both divisions to be under General La Marmora. The effective force of the army is fixed at 300,000 men. • SIM an 11.—A ministerial crisis in Vienna has terminated in the resig- nation of Count Guluchowski, and the appointment of the Chevalier von Schmerling as Minister of State. This is regarded as an event of great importance at Vienna. The Vienna Payne says—

The name of Schmerling is popular with the moderately Liberal Ger- man party, but not with the Ultras. We know little of the political princi- ples of the new candidate for office, who has spoken publicly but once during eight years. In the summer of 1849, Sehmerling, who had been one of the Ministers of the Empire at Frankfort, became a member of that Constitu- tional Ministry of which Prince Schwarzenberg was the chief, and he quit- ted it two years later, became he had a presentiment that the Constitution of March, 1849, the provincial statutes, the municipal laws, the freedom of the press; and trial by jury, would soon be done away with. Schmerling's name is in _itself a programme, but one which is incompatible with Count Rechberg's system of government. As things now stand in Hungary, it is evident, unless recourse be had to violent measures, that the validity of the electoral law of 1848 must be recognized. If it be recognized, the Diet will insist on a return to the personal union' between the two countries, and ignore a Ministry which is compered of old Conservatives. The Hungarian Diet may, however, have confidence in, and come to an understanding with, a Ministry which has no bias in favour of a particular class. As all this must be well known to M. von Sehmerling, he will hardly consent to take office under Count Rechberg unless that Minister agrees to a complete change of system, and to a reinforcement of the German element in the Cabinet."

It is asserted that the new Minister has made conditions with the Government. He has submitted a " programme " to the Emperor, and got it accepted. "The programme may be thus summed up : revision of the Concordat and liberty of worship ; abrogation of the provincial statutes; and a general constitution for all the empire, with the excep- tion of Hungary and Venetia." M. von Plener has been definitively appointed Minister of Finance, and it is said he had declared he would not remain in that office unless the finances were subjected to constitu- tional control. The Vienna correspondent of the Times says, a person who must be well acquainted with Count Bechberg's views and opinions plainly told him that no real concessions will be made to the Austro- German provinces as long as that statesman is at the head of affairs. "The Minister President," said he, "is a very narrow-minded politician and, if things should continue to go at the pace they are now going, hie; stay in office will soon be impossible."

It is now said that the result of the inquiry into the case of Richter, the Bank director, proves that he deserves reward rather than punish- ment for his conduct towards the State during the war, for he seems to have paid more attention to the interests of the Government than to those of the establishment of which he was the principal director.

The Lower Chamber of Hesse Cassel has been dissolved, because it voted almost unanimously in favour of 'the constitution of 1831. The Upper Chamber was adjourned.

13liii g at!I.—Accounts of serious riots in Hungary continue to arrive. In the midst of this, Count Karolyi opened the Congregation of the county of Pesth on the 10th of December, and the city was splendidly illuminated. Counts Karolyi and Nvari spoke in favour of the re- establishment of the laws of 1848. On the 2d of December, the Car- distal -Primate of Hungary sent invitations to 100 notables to assemble at Gran on the 17th instant. "The object of the meeting," says his Emi- nence, "will be the settlement of the question relative to an electoral law, by means of which the Diet is to be constituted."

The ferment in Hungary has extended to GaRicia and Russian Po- land.

Judgment was delivered on Thursday in the case of M. Richter. He was found guilty of the charge of having induced a public functionary to abuse his official power by corrupting General Eynatten. He was acquitted, for want of proof, on the charge of referring to the bills of exchange, and was declared not guilty on all the other charges. The attorney for the Government recommended him to the favourable con- sideration of the Court.

IIII5518.—" A St. Petersburg letter " says the Opinion ltiationale, "informs us that the decree emancipating the Russian peasants has been signed by the Emperor Alexander, and that it is expected to be promulgated on the 1st of January. Various rumours are in circulation respecting the essential character of this great reform, but nothing cer- tain has yet transpired, except the important fact that the personal liberty of the serf is formally stipulated.

Surkg11.—Letters from Constantinople to the 1st of December, give some details of the efforts of the French Ambassador to obtain axt exten- sion of the French occupation of Syria- " During the week, M. de Lavalette has had three several interviews with the Grand Vizier on the subject, and at each of these, as I know from an excellent source, urged his point with a degree of energy that Count de Persigny would scarcely: venture to imitate in Downing Street. Whatever may be its weaknesses in other respects, the Porte has learned its strength in the jealousy of its neighbours, as well, too, as in the sufficiency of work to be settled amongst themselves, and now shows such an independent front to one and all of the Legations as even Reschid Pasha would not have dreamed of exhibiting in 1853 or 1854. Accordingly, M. de Lavalette's proposal for a renewal of General d'Hautpool's lease of six months has not as yet met with the compliant acceptance which would have been almost a matter of course during his last residence at this Court. The Grand Vizier stoutly maintains that Fuad Pasha has substantially pacified the province, and dealt out such retributive justice to the offenders as will render the de- finite settlement of these troubles quite within the ability of the Sultan's own forces. Though none of the other Legations have as yet interfered on the point, the sentiment of our own Embassy is sufficiently well known to the Porte to encourage it in resisting the French Minister's demand ; and should Sir Henry Bulwer at all overtly interfere, there can be no doubt that Mehemet Eiprisli and his colleagues will flatly refuse a single day of grace to General d'Hautpool's force. In evident anticipation, however, of such a result, the French Consuls and other agents at Beyrout and Damas- cus—as I learn by private letters of the 22d—have already begun their can- vass amongst the Christians for petitions in favour of a prolonged occupa- tion." The Grand Vizier has sent in a report upon his tour of inspection through Roumelia. He states that "he found no indication of the alleged system of persecution organized by Mussulman fanaticism against the Christians ; the assassinations, violations, robberies, and spoliations, the list of which had even been put before friendly and allied Courts, have almost all disappeared before the conscientious examination of the court. each matter has been the object of a special inquiry ; no legal method has been omitted." He does not mean that he had not to punish mime, but he means "that it is completely untrue that your Christian subjects have to complain of the least systematic persecution on the part of their Mussulman fellow-countrymen ; that, as in all human society, each com- munity furnishes its contingent of criminals calling for the severity of justice ; and that the contents of the list above-named have existed only in the minds of those who seek to lower us in the sight of foreign Powers." Ho points out what requires prompt reform— The method of farming the tithes, the organization of the rural police' the state of the roads, give to all subjects without distinction just cause for complaining of the administration. The creation of a few criminal courts, offering to accused persons all kinds of guarantees, is one of the reforms which would answer the wishes of the country." The Grand Vizier only sees in the great things already accomplished in Turkey a motive for further reforms.

t4i it IL—Late on Saturday an interesting telegram was received, with the information that Pekin had been captured and was in possession of the Allies. The China mail, which arrived yesterday, brings details of the capture. The Overland China gad states that two of the gates of Pekin are in our hands ; Mr. Harry Parkes and Mr. Loch have been returned by the Chinese ; but Mr. Bowlby, of the Times, has not yet been heard of. It is resolved that the Allied army shall winter in China- " In our last Overland we mentioned that the Allied army was in a hos- tile attitude, seven or eight miles from Pekin, waiting for the siege guns, and demanding the release of the captives who had been taken. There does not seem to have been any change in the position of matters from the 22d of September till the 3d of October, when an advance was made in search of the Tartar army, which only resulted in a few piokets of the enemy being seen and driven back. On the 6th, a further advance resulted in an earthwork near Pekin, where no defence was made, being taken by our troops ; and the Tueng-min-yuen, or summer palace of the Emperor, was taken and completely looted, affording immense spoil. The chief share of the plunder appears to have fallen to the French, who had the first ran- sacking of the rich ornaments, jewels, and clocks and watches, the rich robes and embroidered silk's, of the Son of Heaven; but a quantity of treasure which was taken is to be divided between both French and English. Some privates are said to have sold their shares for about 30,000 francs. The en- tire British share; including both treasure and private loot, is estimated at about 90,000 dollars. Next day, in reply to a demand for the release of the prisoners, Messrs. Parkes and Loch were given up, together with a French officer and seven or eight privates. Later letters than those we have re- ceived bring unfavourable accounts in regard to the other prisoners, but they -do not appear to speak with authority, nor do we attach much importance to them.

"On the 12th, everything was prepared for the first great event of the war—the assault or the occupation of Pekin—the uniaolated capital of China. The siege guns and other artillery were in a position to bombard the town, unless it should be surrendered by noon of the 13th; and a gene- ral order was issued by Sir Hope Grant for the disposition and control of the force under his command-

" His Excellency takes this opportunity of expressing to the soldiers the satis- faction he felt at their conduct on a late occasion, when a large amount of plunder was as the mercy of the troops. No crime has been brought to his Excellency's no- tice, and the discipline of the army remains intact. "His Excellency has ordered all property collected by officers on this occasion to be sold for the just benefit of all ranks, and he wishes them to bear in mind that he has taken upon himself a serious responsibility in appropriating to their benefit the treasure which was found in the Emperor's palace, and which by right belongs to the Crown.

" The troops are now about to occupy the Imperial city of Pekin, where they will be exposed to many and more serious temptations, and his Excellency trusts that the boon just conferred upon them will act as an additional inducement to them to preserve their uniform good conduct, and prove to them that they best consult their own interest in maintaining it."

"The Emperor acceded to all our demands. Harry Parkes and Colonel Stephenson, the Deputy-Adjutant-General, went in a hall of reception out- side this morning, to confer with Hung Key (late Hoppe of Canton). They told him the city would be bombarded if it was not surrendered at noon. "The siege guns were in position, and other artillery ready to open fire at the hour appointed, when, at a quarter before twelve, Hung Key came out, and said all our demands were acceded to, the gate was open, and no resistance would be made.

"The generals and staff, with the Punjaubees and 67th Regiment, then entered the outer and inner gates, and ascended to the ramparts, and took possession of the gate and a number of brass guns (thirty, I believe), and mounted our guns in their place. The British Jack and the French tri- colour were hoisted, the former on a high pole by the side of the gate, the latter out of one of the portholes, where they show that Pekin was in the occupation of the Allies, and that the vaunted invincibility of the Imperial Celestial city was a myth. "The wall is sixty feet wide, and paved, and the troops inside have their tents pitched on it. The only thing the Chinese asked was, that the Chinese coolies should not be allowed to enter the city. This was conceded."

Other letters from China give interesting particulars of the present position of the Allies, and of the country which has fallen into their hands. One letter from the camp, dated October 9, says—

"In the evening of the 6th a communication was made to the authori- ties, demanding the release of the prisoners. A promise was given that those who were in the capital should be released next day. The surrender of the gate was also demanded, with an intimation that it would otherwise be taken. The first has happily been complied with, so far that we had the pleasure yesterday of welcoming the return of Messrs. Parkes and Loch, with a French odor attached to the Societe Scientifique and six or eight French and privates of the Sikh cavalry. They were, whilst with San-ko- lin-ain's army, treated in a most cruel manner, forced to kneel before every mandarin, however petty, their faces rubbed in the dust ; they were bound with their hands behind them, and carried on horses to Tung-chow, and thence, in the same state, in one of the carts of the country, to Pekin, where they were placed in dungeons, and remained so until ten days ago. Mr. Parkes was beaten when he did not instantly reply to a question, and Mr. Loch because he could not speak Chinese. Within the last week these atrocities have been discontinued, and they have met with some considera- tion. It appears that when the party was returning from Taug-chow, where you will remember Mr. Parkes went to remonstrate against the Tar- tars encamping on the ground appropriated to the British army, they ar- rived at Chang-kia-wan, where the battle of the 18th was fought, and see- ing preparations for an attack, they consulted together, whether to charge through them or to apply to San-ko-lin-sin, who was a short distance be- hind, for a pass. They resolved on the latter course. He received them with insult and abuse, and made prisoners of them. Thel do not know where the rest of the captives are, but suppose them to be with San-ko-lin - sin's army, whether in or out of Pekin is not known."

Another letter from the camp before Pekin, dated Oct. 13, has the following- " Last evening nine Sowers of the Sikh cavalry were released and came into camp. They bring the distressing news that Captain Anderson and Mr. de Norman died from the effects of the brutal treatment received from the Tartars, the former on the 8th, the latter on the 11th day after they were captured. The wounds caused by the cords binding their wrists, insufficient food, and other inhuman torture, have caused their death. One of these Sikhs, a sergeant, was bound with them, he survived, and baa made a deposition of the facts ; they are all suffering much, and it will be long before they can return to duty. They were brought from a town some thirty or forty miles off, to which theywere conveyed soon after their cap- ture. No information has been obtained about the two other Europeans, Captain Brabazon, and Mr. Bowlbv, the Times special correspondent.

Another letter speaks of the division of labour and spoil between the two armies-

" I wrote to you on the 9th relating that the British army encamped here on the 6th. The French on the same evening attacked theEmperor's Sum- mer Palace, Yuen-min-yuen, entered and sacked it, while the only British troops present were the cavalry and artillery, who weret by command of the French General, placed in a position to cut off retreating Tartars. There were none, as the Palace was only occupied by 300 eunuchs, and thirty or

i

forty men n charge of the gardens. They made a slight show of resistance, when two were killed, and two French officers wounded. The next day the Palace was given up to indiscriminate loot, after the French had made flat selection. They got a vast amount of jewellery, watches, fic., much of which could be purchased from them afterwards at very low prices. Some privates sold their shares for as much as 30,000 francs. The officers, front the Gene- rat downwards, are said to have enriched themselves greatly. "A General Order from the British Commander-in-chief desired that all articles taken by officers and men were to be sent in for sale by public auc- tion, for the benefit of the army, which was done. All were permitted to have the articles they had brought away for themselves valued, and have the option of taking or rejecting them. Many beautiful curios and souve- nirs were thus obtained at a nominal price. The sale realized 32,000 dollars, which, with the value of the treasure, estimated at 61,000 dollars, is to be divided as prize money on the spot. The garrison of Peltha is reported to be 60,000 to 70,000 men, or eight standards of 8000 each - but probably not three-fourths of that number exist. There were a few guns on the wall opposite to our battery, and our works for riflemen were extended to within 190 yards of the wall. The Earl of Elgin and Baron Gros are at the headquarters. Mr. Bruce has been sent foe; it is not therefore certain that Lord Elgin intends to winter in the North. Mr. Ward, the American Minister, called upon this ambassadors on his way home.

The great event at liongkong has been a visit of the Japanese Princes, who visited the institutions of the place and made minute inquiries.

We have also items of general intelligence affecting the state of China-

" There have been rumours published at Shanghai of the outbreak of a new rebellion (in no v connected with that of the Tai-pings) in the pro- vince of Shen-si, which liesto the West of that where Pekin is. This, if true' would be of great importance, as placing the Emperor in a worse posi- tion than ever ; but the reports have the appearance of merely an insignifi- cant local outbreak. Of the Tai-ping rebels we hear little at present."

anittli Siatt3.—We have advices from New York to the let of December, three days before the meeting of Congress.

The Washington correspondent of the ll'eto York Times states that the fears of a secession of Southern States were subsiding. Many Southern members of Congress had arrived in the capital with their families. The Hew York Herald says that the feeling for secession in the South had not abated.

Governor Gist, of South Carolina, had issued a proclamation, declaring the purpose of the State to secede alone if not supported by other States. "He advises a guarantee of 5 per cent on a direct trade with Europe. He says the postmaster at Charleston, as soon as his State secedes, will sever his connexion with the Federal Government, and offer his services to the State, which., with the resignation of other postmasters, will enable the State to establish its own postal system. He suggests the temporary use of Adams's Express. He also advises the prohibition of slaves from States not members of the Southern Confederacy. He hopes all the Southern Slave States will unite in the Confederacy, and advises stringent laws against Abolition in- cendiaries. He says the failure of Mr. Men:anger to secure the cooperation in a Southern conference of only Mississippi and Alabama debars all hope of concerted action. It is too late to entertain the proposition of a con- ference now, and South Carolina will be wanting in self-respect if she entertains a He looking for a further continuance of the present Union. He does not doubt but that Georgia, Alabama, Mis- sissippi, Florida, Texas, and Arkansas will immediately follow South Carolina, and all the Southern States eventually. If a resort to arms is necessary, the service of Velunteers from every part of the South has been tendered. He does not believe the present or the next Ad- ministration will attempt to coerce South Carolina after secession by re- fusing to surrender the harbour defences, or interfering with imports and exports. But, if mistaken, they must accept the issue as becomes men, pre- ferring annihilation to disgrace. On the 24th an association, calling themselves the "Southern Volun- teers," displayed the Palmetto flag from their place of meeting at Balti- more. A large crowd was attracted by the novelty of the thing, and the flag was greeted with groans and hisses from the crowds and with plaudits from the Volunteers. Captain Jones of the barque Isabel, also displayed the Palmetto flag from the masthead of his vessel, when all the ships in the vicinity immediately ran up the stars and stripes.

A telegram from Washington professes to give the Attorney-General's opinion, called for by President Ruchanan, on the questions of law arising out of apprehended difficulties between the North and South, Judge Black not only discusses the important question of the constitutional right of a State to secede, but several other questions which are involved, such as the collection of revenue, and whether ports of entry can be changed or removed to other points ; and in the event of the resignation of the federal officers, the collectors, judges, marshals, district attorneys, &c., and if no one in the State or States could be found willing to accept the positions, what policy should be adopted, or 'whether the constitution makes any pro- vision in such an emergency. In fact, all the questions which may arise in all their various aspects are understood to be touched upon. He holds, it is said, in the first instance, that a State has not the constitutional right to secede.

A meeting has been held in Georgia for the purpose of eliciting the opinion of both sides. Mr. Stephens, a leading man in the South, a staunch Unionist, made an admirable speech in the presence of Mr. Toombs and other Secessionists. Mr. Stephens is stoutly in favour of maintiening the Union as it is, and of exhausting every means to do se, before aiding any secession. Advocating the principle of the sovereignty

bf the people, he calls for a convention of Southern States to discuss and decide on the various questions raised. Mr. Johnson supports these views. Governor Fitzpatrick, of Alabama, "takes ground against im- mediate secession." The Governor of North Carolina shows a stronger leaning towards secession than was expected. There is, however, little belief anywhere except in South Carolina, that secession is practicable or desirable. A South Carolinian ship has sailed from Charleston for Liver- pool under the "Palmetto flag ; " what reception she will meet with is a question of great interest. It is almost a pity some war-ship should not seize her as a pirate.

A despatch from Washington says that Mr. Taney has resigned the chief justiceship of the United States Supreme Court, after holding it for a quarter of a century. We have had but two Chief Justices in this century—namely, John Marshall, of Virginia, who was appointed in the early days of 1804, and who died in the last days of 1835; and Roger B. Taney, of Maryland, Judge Marshall's successor. Report as- signs the vacancy to Attorney-General Black, of Pennsylvania.

The City of Baltimore, which touched at Queenstown on Tuesday, ar- rived at Liverpool on Wednesday, bringing intelligence that the secession feeling was not gaining ground. The Hew York Times says- " Many of the Southern members of Congress who have arrived have brought their families, which is considered an indication that they intend to remain. Among the arrivals yesterday was Mr. Breekinridge, and his rooms last night were crowded with visitors, anxious to hear his views rela- tive to the present crisis. He talks hopefully, and counsels moderation, forbearance, and compromise. The opinion appears to be pretty generally received that early in the Session, before the assembling of the South Caro- lina Convention, the leading Republicans in Congress will bring forward some measure calculated to reassure the South, which, if it will not prevent the secession of South Carolina, will at least prevent any other State from following her. Indeed, it is asserted that a compromise measure is actually in the course of preparation, which will cover the entire sectional issue, and leave no State the shadow of an excuse for wishing to leave the Union. it is now stated that Secretary Cobb will not resign his position in the Cabinet until after the assemblino. of Congress and the delivery of the Pre- sident's message. It is expected that Messrs. Cobb, Floyd, and Thompson will then issue a manifesto disclaiming the sentiments of that document, and that this will lead to a rupture with the President and other members of the Cabinet. Nothing of special interest is telegraphed from South Caro- lina. The proceedings of the Legislature yesterday were unimportant. In the Georgia Legislature, on Thursday, a debate took place on the bill to protect the rights of the citizens of the State, which called out strong Union sentiments from several members, and quite a scene of commotion ensued. The debate was finally postponed. Yesterday, the Legislature chose Presi- dential electors. The Breckinridge ticket received 173 votes, the Bell ticket 54, and the Douglas ticket 8; about 70 members not voting." - The Hew York Tribune states that the friends of Mr. Cobb were "making efforts to have Mr. Cobb's retirement from the Cabinet made in a friendly spirit towards the President, and that course would proba- bly be pursued." The Chattanonga Gazette reports a conversation alleged to have taken place between a Southern planter and the President elect. The Gazette says- " This planter desired to purchase an additional supply of Negroes to pick his present crop of cotton, but feared to do so on account of the great de- preciation in their value, and the alarming excitement which pervaded the .South. In order to ascertain from his own lips Lincoln's policy, he visited hint at his residence in Springfield, Illinois. „ "Mr. Lincoln informed him that he was opposed to any interference with slavery in the States, or with the inter-State Slave trade ; that he was op- posed to abolishing or interfering with slavery in the district of Columbia ; i and that he was only opposed to its extension n the territories, but added, that was only an opinion of his.' He was then asked what would he do in the event that South Carolina seceded from the Union. He replied that he would let her go, if Congress did not pass a Force Bill.' "He stated that if no one would accept office in that State, of course they could receive no benefits from the Government, and the whole ex- pense for the distribution of the mails would devolve on her own citi- zens. He concluded by advising the Mississippian to purchase as many Negroes as he needed, and expressed the opinion that in twelve months slave property would be worth more than it ever had been. Upon these assurances the gentleman was, on Saturday, making his way to Virginia to purchase more Negroes. He says that Lincoln is a man of profound ac- quirements, and that he doubts not will make as good, if not a better Pre- sident, than Mr. Buchanan has done."

The Thanksgiving-day had interfered with business on the 29th. The following quotations indicate the condition of the market—

Per cent per annum.

Loans on call, State Stock securities 6 to 7

Ditto, other good securities 7 to 8 Prime endorsed bills, 60 to 90 days' 10 to 12 Ditto, four to silt months' 12 to 15 First-class single signatures, four to six months' 15 to 18 Other good bills 18 to 21 Names less known 18 to 24

It is somewhat amusing to find that whilst, on this side, we are somewhat anxious on the subject of the monetary crisis in America, the feeling on the other side is on our account, lest we shall be obliged to suspend the Bank Charter Act ! Probably the disclosures in our Bank- ruptcy Court has produced a feeling of sympathy. The total vote in the Union shows a majority of the popular voices against the in-coming administration. Of the whole number of votes, 4,527,561, Lincoln will have 1,781,798; Breckenridge, Pro-Slavery candidate, 684,025 ; Douglas, mild Pro-Slavery candidate, 910,236; Bell, Southern Conservatc, 1,148,502; thus leaving Lincoln in a popular minority of nearly a million of votes. Out of 303 votes in the electoral college, Lincoln will have 177, or 25 more than will be required to elect him.—Letter front Xeic York.