25 DECEMBER 1869, Page 3

Lord Clarendon has addressed to M. Lesseps the congratula- tions

of the British Government on the successful completion of the Suez Canal. M. Lesseps, not unnaturally perhaps a little astonished, has communicated this fact to the Emperor, who replies, with true French politeness, not that such congratu- lations from us somewhat resemble the professions of a death- bed repentance, but that he is happy to hear of them, and sees with pleasure that " justice is done,"—without Sven an " at length,"—to M. Lesseps' efforts. Lord Palmerston's friends will thank Heaven he is spared this affliction.