The New York Herald Newspaper, December 27, 1878, Page 4

4 FRANCE. Anxiety Concerning the Coming Senatorial Elections, POLITICAL RUMORS. M. Dufaure’s Alleged Defiance in the Cabinet. ee THE SPECTRE ROUGE. Meaning of M. Gigot’s Mission to London. ” % 4 Panis, Dec, 13, Aswe approach the day fixed for the elections (the 5th of January), the more manifest be- comes the public sense of their importance. Upon their results may be sail to depend the fate of the Freneh Republic. It is all very well for the republi caus to say that oven should they prove adverse to them the existing institutions would not be imper- | illed. They would merely be subjected to another year or two of ordeal similar to that through which they have just passed, but that the struggle must finally end in the consolidation of the Republic. Lam not quite satisfied of the correctness of this assnmp- tion. ‘The French have always heen a fickle people in their political impressions and convictions, and Tam not sure that the terrible lessons inflicted upon them by the German invasion have effected muuch altera- tion im the national character. Owing to my family relations [live very much“among them, and have opportunities of judging intimately of their senti- ments which but tew foreigners possess. The gen- eral impression which I derive from what I hear is that they tolerate the Republic more from necessity than conviction, and that it is only the impotence of the monarchical tactions that secures their lukewarm adhesion to it. ANOTHER REPUBLICAN VICTORY EXPRCTED. It is this state of things which imparts to the im- pending elections such all-engrossing importance. Should they transfer the majority from the Right to the Left of the Upper Chamber the opportunities of the reactionists will be lost for many years. Not only will they be unable to profit by the chances which the imprudence or bad administration of the republicans might afford them, but they will be sub- jected to the disintegrating influences which long continuance in power will enable the latter to ex- ercise on the ranks of the opposition, It is the con- sciousness of these facts which gives to the approach- ing elections the character of a life and death struggle. As to their issue the indications are those of a foregone conclusion. With a constituency of @ modified character, like that which was devised for its own purposes by an Assembly of monarchical proclivities, of course it is impossible to forecast with any degree of certainty what the result will be, but judging from the discouraged tone of the oppo- sition journals there seems to be little doubt that it will give a small republican majority—say from thir- teen to fifteen—suflicient to insure the passage of all governmental measures, but not large enough to en- a”*> the preponderating majority in the Lower Cham- ) orto render the Upper House a mere bureau of reg- ustration for its proceedings. As long as this numer- ical proportion is preserved there will be no danger for the Republic, for so long the extremists in the Chamber of Deputies will feel themselves restrained by the bonds of party discipline. Should it be ex- ceeded the only safegnard against the so much ap- prehended debordements of radicalism will be found in the political education of the masses—a result which takes time to accomplish. AL (GED DISSENSIONS IN THR MINISTRY. Despair .g of their chances in the approaching sleetions cbe opposition journals are resorting to all Xinds of inventions and manceuvres to seek to accom- plish by fear and distrust what they cannot effect by the force of argument. Never at any time in the politi- eal history of France has the press lent itself to such shamef ~erversions of the truth as are resorted to at the cesent time to shake confidence in the Min- istry. No sooner is one calumny refuted than another is started to disquiet the public mind. When the con- tradiction is likely to be too immediate for the object in view the slander is originated in some distant provin- cial journal and then copied into the columns of papers like the Univers or the Fays. Take as a specimen of this ingenious but discreditable kind of warfare the following, extracted this morning by the Figaro from the Journal du Loiret, a paper which professes to be thoroughly posted in regard to all that occurs at the ‘We are credibly informed,” says the latter jour- nal, “that at one of the last ministerial councils M. Dufaure expressed himself freely im relation to an ar- icle of the National headed, ‘Programme, or Kesigna- on.’ ”” M. Dufanre declared that for his part he was not ared to accept the alternative indicated by this aded dilemma of the National, Then, without ng toward any one of his colleagues, but look- the Marshal, M. Dufaure said, in the firmest ossible, that if there was in the Cabinet a Min- ho found the present programme of the gov- t insufficient he was at liberty to resign. As for 4. part, he (M. Dufaure) would propose imme- diat * to the President of the Republic the replace- men of the refractory Minister. M. de Marcére made no reply. Si non ¢ vero ben trovato. The story is an ingenions ove, but its ouly claim to vrdisembiance lies in tho efforts that have beeng made for some time past to engender distrurgf ward his colleagues on the part of M. Dufay; irst, it was songht to arouse lis suscepti- bility a re sard to M. Garnbetta, the President of the eahinet ovculte, s called, owing to the correct conduct of the latter, the same lying devices ate being resorted to to set the Presi- dent of the Cowell and the Minister of the Interior by theears. Thus far these mancuvres have been utterly unsuccessful, and the Cabinet is as perfect a Unit ag it is possivie for it to be. THE MINISTERIAL PROGRAMME, ‘The fuss made about the programme of the Na- tional, to which Ihave jnst made allusion, is all one- sited, In indicating a series of measures which should occupy the attention of the Ministry as soon as the Senatorial elections had removed the reaction- ary obstructions in the Upper Chamber that journal never intended to formuiate an ultimatum to an ad- | ministration which has distinguished itself, not only by the fulfilment of all its promises, but which is proceeling as fast in the way of reform as it is possi- wie or safe for it to do. The impatience that has been manifested in regard to the magistrates is nat- ural enorgh, in view of the strange decisions that hove beer Ondered by some of the tribunals in elec- toral mat.cea, but it is confined principally to the extremists of the republican party, who would gladly ace the lective principle introduced in the jndicatory, but the great majority of the party are satisfied that this would bo no improvement, and are willing that M. Dofahre should carry out his reforms gradually in its ranks. as he wa A BOGY FOR VoTrns, In this connection let me not omit to mention an important movement which has just been oriyinated by M. Albert Gigot, our public spirited and energetic Prefect of Police, You might have seen it statod that he had paid a visit to London to concert im. ures with the police magistrates of that city against the socialist conspiracies which are jnst now disturb- ing the peace of Kurope. This was the motive given for his journey by the reactionary prints, which, in view of the Senatorial ejections, have Ween trying to get Up anothér spectre rouge to frighten timid voters It is scarcely necessary for ne to assure you that M. Gigot had 4 more serious object in view in quitting his post at this the most inconvenient period of the year. You are no doubt aware (hat under the present | court house, but not in a prison. | cases of MM. Gayini and Abat + failing in that, | } police system in France # party arrested for any kind of charge may be kept alinost any number of days in prison before the tharge against him is examined. We had ploutifnl evidence of this during the bigh- banded period of the 16th of May. You will remem Der, for iustanee, the case of M. Pey rot, # Councilor NEW YORK HERALD, FRIDAY, DECEMBER 27, 1878.—TRIPLE SHEET. of Arrondissement in the Hante Loire, a man of high position and the most honorable character, who was imprisoned for ten days on a frivolous charge with- out being able to obtain a hearing. There is an arti- cle in the Code of Criminal Instruction, it is true, which directs that an aceused person against whom a warrant has been issued shull be interrogated within the four and twenty hours, and another article which provides that dur- ing that delay he shall be held at the disposal of the oxwnining magistrate in an ordinary house or in the ‘These provisions of the law, as I have stated, are more honored in the breach than in the observance, and in uo part of Vrance more than in Paris, The subject has long engaged M, Gigot’s attention, It was with a view to study the system of legal guarantees with which in- dividual liberties are surrounded in England that he undertook the journey to London, There he had frequent conferences with the magistrates and police authorities, end has come back provided with the elements of large reforms in this and other branches of his administration, INVALIDATIONS OF DEPUTIES, The inyalidations of the Deputies who owed their seats to the afiches blanches and Prefectional and cleri- cul pressure inaugurated by the Cabinet of the Léth of May have nearly been brought to a close. With the . which may pos- sibly be adjourned over to the next session, they will in fact all be disposed of. In view of certain rather inconsistent decisions which have been made by the Chamber, it is now seriously questioned whether the House would not have better consulted its own in- erests and dignity if it had invalidated the whole of the cases where the ajicke blanche, the prima facie evidence of Ministerial pressure, had been em- ployed. Be this as it may, some of these invalida- tions are regarded with regret by many of the Deputies themselves who were compelled to vote for them and none more than that of the Due Decaze, Considering his antecedents he was no doubt highly blamable for having resorted to such practices, and having consented to associate his fortunes with those of the Fourtou-Broglie Cabinet he has no reason to complain of the equai measure of justice that has been dealt out to him with his colleagues. But he is 4 man of great diplomatic talent and it cannot be de- nied rendered most important services to France during perhaps the most critical period of her his- tory. Such men can ill be spared from public life, and it is to be hoped that if the Republic should en- dure, his patriotism will induce him to rally frankly to its support. PARIS THEATRES. M. Pierre Newsky’s new piece, “The Princess Borowska,” has had but a quulified success at the Ambigu. M. Pailleron's three act comedy, “L'’Age Ingrat,” has had better fortune at the Gymnase, It is one of the most lively and effective pieces of its kind that has been produced here for some years. The new three act vaudeville at the Nouveautés, which has replaced “Coes,” is also asuccess, The piece is by MM. Hennequin and Bernard, and the music by Codes. Theo. Montaland and Brasseur sus- tain the principal parts. Capoul’s lease of the Salle Ventadour expires on the 15th, and then the house will be made over to the purchasers, Baron Soubey- ran and bis associates, who have bought it for the purpose of starting a large bank in opposition to the Crédit Foncier. Faure returns to the opera again, very much to the satisfaction of the Paris audiences. ON ‘THE MISSISSIP. (from the Paris Figaro,} A young and rich American lady, with her three children, boarded one of the Mississippi steamboats which have the dangerous habit of enjoying a little raciug when @ couple of them are carcering up or down the stream. “Captain, I will make the trip with yon on onecon- dition—give me your word of honor that you will not race.” “Madam, I pledge my word.” ‘They start, After half an hour another steamer begins to overhaul the first. ‘The lady rushes franti- cally to the captain. Captain, d’ye see ? d’ye see 2” “Yes, madam.” “And will you endure it ? give you the go by? No! Impossible! least try.”’ “Heavens! madam,” replies the captain coldly, “Idon’t race, but it Idid Ihaye no more wood to pile on and show her our heels, unless og “Quick! qui What is it?’ “Unless I burn one of your children.” “Very well, captain,” ‘she cries, straining over the railing and looking wildly at the advancing steamer; “hurry up! Burn the biggest!’” Will you allow her to You will at BRITAIN'S COLLAP D BANK: PARLIAMENT ASKED TO APPOINT AN ARBITRATOR TO THE CITY OF GLASGOW BANK—THE ROCH- DALE CONCERN RUINED BY SPECULATION— SCHEME TO REOPEN THE WEST OF ENGLAND INSTITUTION. Lonpox, Dec. 14, 1878. The bank failures continue to attract public atten- tion here. It is seldom that English faith has been so rudely shaken, Several meetings have been held to consider the situation. A meeting of shareholders of the City of Giasgow Bank, trustees and others, has been held in the Royal Hotel, Edinburgh, “to consider the proposal for a settlement of the affairs of the bauk by arbitration,” and it was agreed that a measure to this effect should be pre- sented to Parliament. ‘The gist of the resolution was that it is important for the common interests both of shareholders and ereditors that all matters re- lating to or arising out of the affairs of the bank should be reterred to a judicial personage of the highest standing, to be namea by Parliament, as ar- bitrator. ‘THY, ROCHDALE SMASH. ‘The worst anticipations in regard to the stoppage of the Messrs. Fenton's bank appear likely to be realized. Although it was only suspected that the catastrophe had been brought about by Stock Exchange specula- tions of one ot the firm, thety ean now be no longer & doubt as to the fact. No report has been issued by the accountants in whose hands the books of the firm were placed, but since the petitions were filed, not only of the banking concern, but of Mr. Jonathan Nicld, who carried on one of the lurgest stock and share broking businesses in the country, and tho private petitions of several imenibers of the tirm, as woll as that of the Baxeudan ‘Turkey Red Dyeing Company, which wus carried on by the members of the bank, vartons facts have ed ont of @ most extraordinary character, The liabilities to depositors are roughly esti mated at £020,000, and in Mr. Nield’s petition the sum of is stat owing to the bank. Mr. is indebted to banks in various parts of the country, in Scot- land and in the North of Kagiand, ( Lancashire joses anything by this failure. It is sup- posed, however, that the banking con are fally secured from any loss, ‘wo banks in Scotland are involved rexpectively to the amount of £10,000 and 260, three Kugliksh banks respectively ‘to the of £10,000, £15,000 and £9,000. rary to expectations a considerable joss wili fail upou Lon- ugu none dou by Mr. Nieid’s failure. One gentleman in the city will lowe £4 another £52,000, 4 third upward of while an assur- ance compeny is intere to the extent of ondon firm is alto involved to the ex- ‘tinineter to the extent nen in the metropolis creditors to the amoun several thousand nds. A Liverpool merchant is scheduled for 0), aX aeRurauce company for £380 and a trades- un for £680, A Manchester broker has placed to ), anotner in W of £11,00), and several gent arc bis credit the sum of £50,000. A celebrated firm of Mauchester picture dealers is credited with £14,000, and @ firm of builders is scheduled for £200, A clergyman in the neighborhood of Ttochdale has L400) “i opposite hie nam in aw men over £2,000, and several others for sm sums. A Glasgow firm is scheduled for £1,100, another £970, while # Cheltenlum doctor loses £700, above are the principal items owing by Mr. Niela, and the total amounts to over £950,000, The eredit- ors of the bank number 1,600, and thirteen clainis amount to £ 440; one creditor claims £130,000, Many of the creditors have only small sums deposited Th in the bank, the smallest sum being 58. In look- ing over the list the striking feature ia the large number of accounts on trust for Church, scholastic and other objects. One friendly society in the neighborhood of Heywood had ell its funds £1,500), with the exception of Se,, deposited in the ank, The Baxeuden Company owes £4,500, Mr, Joseph Fenton, who is a landed proprietor, in his private capneity owos considerably over £100,000, Mr. William Fenton owes £5,000, Mr, James Pouton over £4,000 and Mr. William Fenton, Jr., £700, Great ety is felt by the depositors as to the assets, of which nothing is definitely known, as thove acting for the partners retuse to give the creditors any in formation as to who is secured and who is not. RECONSTRUCTING THE BRISTOL BANK, A definite scheme for the reconstraction of the West of England Bank was decided upon by the dix rectors yesterday, wnd the prospectus detailing the objects of the promoters will be pagan ary on Satur. ) new institution is to be called “The Weat England Bank (Limited),” and is to be incorpo. rat under the limited Hability acta. The tal will be £1,500,000, in 60,000 shares of £30 | & but only £25,000 are to be at firet fesue and only £10 called up. Tho buainess is in- tended to be carried on nt the head office at Bristol ot the West of Eugland Manking Company, ab the oflices of thas bank iu Uuth, Bridgewater, Taun- tou, Exeter, Torquay, Plymouth, Barnstapie, Cardiff, ‘Newport and Swansea. r. Dester and . Pickin, manager and sub-manager of the West of ab Bank will hold the same positions inthe new bank. It is proposed to give a preference in allotment to the shareholders in the West of England Bank, and to those who become customers of the new bank in the districts proposed to be covered. A very influential list of promoters has been secured. A LONDON SENSATION, AN OLD WOMAN MURDERED IN BURTON CRES- CENT-—ARREST OF A FEMALE SERVANT, WHO IS CHARGED WITH THE CRIME. {From the Standard, Dec, 14.) ‘The murder of Mrs, Rachel Samuel, which took place at her residence, No. 4 Burton crescent, Huston road, on Wednesday night, which was at first thought likely to prove another mystery, will now probably be unravelled. A large mass of cireumstantial evidence has been accumulated, pointing in a di- rection which the police have followed, Acting upon the information obtained in their inquiries upon the spot, Inspectors Kerley and Lansdowne yes- terday visited the house of a woman named Mary Donovan, who was living at No. 42 Lancaster street, Borough, and errested her upon the charge of wil- fully murdering Mrs. Semucl. This woman, who was for some ten years a servant in the deceased's employ, but who had ceased to be so for a consider- able time, married some short time since a respect- able man engaged as night watchman at a large brewery, he being at the time a widower, with two childrea, Since, then, however, up to within a few weeks, Mrs, Donovan has been in the habit of going to the house of Mrs. Samuel to work about two or three times a week, and it is stated that she was treated by her with the greatest confidence. For a short time she has been unable to yo on with her work there in con- sequence of having reveived some bruises by a fal! ‘dutit appears that on Tuesday night she was “at Bu ton crescent at ten o'clock, being then the worse for liquor. She then saw Mrs. Sarnuel, but left immedi- ately, On the following day (Wednesday), when the murder was commit a women saw both the deceased and Mary Donovan as late as half-past eight in the evening, and nothing more was known uutil the lodger in the house, Mr. Borschidsky, a Pole, Game inate ead discovered: the wingle oithe police inspectors cajled upon Donovan yesterday, when she admitted that she went to Burton crescent about eight o'clock and while there let a man in to. look at some apartments. She stated that she after- ward went out to fetch some fish for Mrs. who told her not to wait any longer. The man looked like a plasterer or paperhanger. He had not left when she came away, On being asked what shawl she wore on the night of the murder she pointed to one at the foot of the bed. On examination it was found that there was a mark upon it which looked like blood. She was then asked to produce the dress she had on that night. Tt was the one she was wearing, and she stepped ior- ward and turned her back to the window. Upon looking at the front of the dress it was found to be covered with blood, aud upon these suspicious cir- cumstances the woman was arrested, SUSPICIOUS ACTIONS. On the way to the police station in acab with the Aotective officers the prisoner attempted to tear out the front of her dress, but was prevented trom doing so. It has been discovered that she was out all Wednesday night, which she accounts for by saying that she lost her key and that the lady would uot let her in (her husband being away at his work). but the landlady says that she never heard her kuock at the door. ‘The theory is, that atter murdering her old mistress Donovan intended to rob the house, but that the smashing of the window pune (undoubtedly by the murdered woman, a8 the door is covered with blood), so frightened her lest some one had heard the crash that she decamped. As Mrs, Samuel to have been inthe hubit of placing her Lode ‘6 supper ready before tea, and she was seen alive at half-past cight, the crime must have been committed between those hours. The milk for the supper of Mr. Lorschidzky was found in the cupbourd untouched, Donovan Knew that on Wednesday evenings the lodger was in the habit of not reaching home until about midnight, in consequence of a weekly profes- sional engagement, inst of, #8 on other evenings, about two hours earlier. BEATEN TO DEATH. Mr. Phineas John Kendrick, M. R, C. 8., 63 March- mont street, said:—I was called a little before one o'clock on Thursday morning, and went with him to 4 Burton-crescent. 1 found deceased lymg there in a pool ef blood, dead and dressed. I have taken no description of the body. I found the hands clenched; the face blackened. Her face was black, and looked like having been rubbed over with dirty fingers. ‘The right eyelid was a little swollen, I could xot say it was done by viole I had the body raised, and at the back of the head there were two cuts—distinct scalp wounds—the scalp being absolutely detached from five inches on either side, Death was unquestion~ ably caused by some act of violence, I looked about the place for some instrument that might have sed death, but only found an old knife on the » smeared with blood, I subsequently saw the piece of wood produced (a broken oak hat rail, strongly made, and covered with blood, evidently split in two by force), but do not think it would pro- duce the wounds on deceased, A blunt hatchet might do it. (Great dissatisfaction was expressed by the Coroner and jury at the manner in which the witness gave his evidence.) Samuel, Mr. F. Hutchinson, F. R. C. 8., said:—I am acting ag divisional surgeon and was cailed by Inspect w De Maid to go to the house. 1 went into the kitche and found Mrs, Samuel lying on her back. There was a large quantity of blood saturating her clothes and upon the floor, There had been blood wiped up. I raised the head and found two large sealp wounds. I passed my finger round to endeavor to find a frac- ture, but there was none. ‘The hands were quite black and have some punctured wounds—I think they must have been caused by her putting up ber hands to protect herself from the blows. I went over the place with the inspector and saw the piece ot wood found, ‘The blood was quite fresh, and there was also some hair tpon it, the same as the de- ceased’s, Mrs. Samucis’ ands were covered with blood; there was blood in the sink. I generally cor- roborate the whole of the evidence of the inspector. I have this evening made a post-mortem examination, 1 opened tie scalp and found the whole of the inside of it covered with blood. Deceased must have been beaten terribly. There was no fracture, but great contusion of the iace and head generally. L tuink the canse of death must have been trom con- cussion of the brain and tie great hemorrhage. She was not killed instautiy, but doubtless battled as long as she had life. The blows must have been laid on with great force, I think unconsciousness must have Deen caused by the battering. RUSSIANS AT CABUL. INTERESTING OFTICIAL CORBESPONDENCE FROM AFGHANISTAN—-THE AMEER'S SPECIOUS REASON- ING—HOW THK MUSCOVITES WERE RECELVED, {From the London Standard.) Sir Lonis Mallet sent to the Foreign Office, by order of Lord Cranbrook, on September 30, a do- spatch from the Governor General of India enclosing some news letters from the government agent at Peshawur, ‘The following is printed ax a “confi- dential statement” made by a person whose name is not given :— A European envoy of the Russian government, at- tended by two musahibs (aides-de-camp) and forty-tive attendants, arrived at Cabul on the 2ist Rajab (Qud duly, 1874), and was received by Sirdar Muhammad Ibrahim Khan, son of the Ameer, who went out with General Daud Shah, and two troops of cavalry. The envoy. was lodged in the State yarden in Bala- hisar, and Musteufi Habibuila Khan and Sirdar [bra him Khan are appointed to look after bis comforts. ‘The envoy had an audience with the Amevr the follow- ing day, and laid before him presents cousisting of arti- cles of Russian manu urns, A musical box and & watch—which were necepted. It'was learned place of Sirdar Wali Muhammad Khan that the had been intrusted by his government proposels for the execution of @ treaty between sia und Afghanistan ed before the Ameer that friendly re bet Kussinn government aud His Highness for past, and that the Rustian authorities desired this friendship should be strengthened and perpetn- ated by the execution of @ treaty of amity, The is said to have remarked in reply that quired consideration and consultation with iniaters and the grandees of his State, and that a proper reply would be given to’ the pro- posal after this had been do After ‘this conversation the audience broke and the envoy rdging. It is rumored in Cabul th envoy in coming to the Amoer’s capital is to try to induce His Highness to break off all friendly relations with the British government, and to contract ce with Russia, The Min ters of the Ameer’s Court are generally of opinion that His Highness will not enter into any engagement with Russia which will impose a condition of Rus- sian interference with his country. It is, moreover, said that the Ameer asserts that he would like an English officer ot excellence, learning, and aequainted with the affairs of Afghanistan, to come to Cabul for a few days in the capacity of euvoy from the British government, with whom he may personally discuss the proceedings which passed be- tween him and the English ees within the last few years, when he would acknowledge, without any grudging, oy blame which might be justly thrown on Lim, but at the same time the British envoy should acknowledge (or give in) if, with refer. ence to the principles of justice, he is cony: of the soundness of His Highness’ objections to tue pro- posals made to him by the British government, ‘The Ameer further remarks that he i# quite aware that the news writers in the employ of the two gov- ernmonta (Cabul and the English) have unnecessarily widened the guif of imaginary differences. His Higli- ness says that a small territory, of Which he is the ruler, lies between the dominions of two great Powers, and that, as @ imatter of policy and in the interests of his country, he will incline himself toward the party whose alliance would be deemed more beneficial to him. It ix said that the Chief in now in reat anxiety on account of the arrival of the European Bassian envoy at his capital, An aienymous writer ent @ petition to the Amoor from Peshawur, in which be informed tho chict that the British and Russian governments were on friendly terms with each other, and in the unity of perwane: that Persia was on the side of Kus- sia und the Persian territory adjoins the Russian possessions, and that the three Powers desired to somehow take possession of His Highness’ domin- ions and to partition them among themselves, ‘The writer further remarked that it was known that Tur- key was first weakened, and that Russia, England and the other Powers then intertered with the country aud encumbered the Turkish Mx- chequer with a large war indemnity; and that, under these circumstances, the chief should not be jax in the administration of the aifairs of his country at such a critical time, but should issue arms and money to the different tribes inhabiting the hills and he pint snd induce them to be ly to engage in a religious war in his behalf. The petition having been read to the Ameer, His Highness uttered jetty Bey of abusive words against its writer, and tore it up. The reporter of thie n learned at Gandmak, while ou his way to Peshawur, that Shah Mard Khan, late Hakim ot Jelalabad, died at Cabul. ae nobles of Afghanistan are pouring into the capital, ‘The tollowing is an “extract from Peshawur Con- fidential Diary,” dated August 14:— A grand review of the troops took place on the 2d of August, but owing to the heat of the day it did not last Jong. On the following day the envoy visited the Ameer in Durbar. Conversation took place segarding the Ameer’s unsatisfactory relations with the British Government. The envoy replied that hiv had heard about it, The conversation then turned upon trade, and the envoy proposed that t! Ameer should lower the dutics and allow Russian merchants to visit Afghanistan. Some talk then tollowed about the Turks, the Russians and the English and the Durbar was closed. The Ameer gave the envoy writ- ten replies to the letters that hha ‘Deon’ brought by the envoy. Special Russian horsemen, escorted by some Afghan sowars, conveyed them toward Turkestan. It is said that the Ameer requested the envoy to remain at Cabul until a reply was received to these letters. The general i, terme is that the Ameer has not concluded any definite arrangement with the Russian envoy, and that he is trying to gain time with the ae fk watching what action the British government w eC. BEACONSFIELD'S DEFENCE. AN EXTRACT FROM HIS GREAT SPEECH ON THE AFGHAN QUESTION—HE JUSTIFIES RUSSIA'S CONDUCT ON THE INDIAN FRONTIER. (From the London Standard.) On the 8th inst, I received a telegram from Lord Napier of Mugdala, in which he stated that much study of our frontier convinced him that a rectifica- tion was necessary. (Hear, hear.) These were the words of one of great experience, of consummate ability and judgment, who for along time wes op- posed to that which he now deemed absolutely necessary, (Hear, hear.) He did not shrink from using the word “rectification,” although it had been defined by several critics of your lordships’ house by a variety of definitions which were not to be found in any dic- tionary. (Laughter.) A noble earl deciared that it recalled the worst period of the French Revolu- tion—(laughter)—and the noble marquis who ad- dressed us from the bench opposite seemed to tremble when he used it. (Laughter.) ‘‘Rectifi- -cation of frontier” was a great diplomatic phrase, and it all the treaties for the rectification of frontiers were disturbed the peace of the world would be in danger and might be destroyed. Between 1856 and 1868 several such treaties have been made be- tween the several nations of Europe, including Great Britain, and they do not necessarily involve diminution of territory. (Hear, hear.) Many treaties for the rectification of frontier are carried on by equivalent. My lords, it has been said upon a recent occasion, not in this House, that I stated that the ob- ject of the war with Afghanistan was a rectitication of boundaries; that we were to have a scientitic fron- tier instead ot a haphazard one; but I never said that that was the object of the war, but that I treated it as. a consequence of the war, and that was a very dif- terent observation to make. RUSSIA JUSTIFIED. What is a scieutitic frontier? Ihave heard from a military authority that we defend it with 5,000 men, while we could not defend a haphazard one with 100,000 and not be free from attack. But it is not for us to consider this question at this moment further than to say that ine korernbcas will take care of the security of our Indian Empire. (Hear, hear.) But. whatever may be our objection to the preseut fron- tierson the northwest of India, I have no doubt all things would have gone on in the same way and no obstacles would huye presented themselves had it not been for the sudden appearance of Russia upon the frontier of Atghanist About eight months ago war with Russia was more than probable, and any imprudent word might have precipitated it, but we know now that we are on good relations with all Powers, and not less so with Rus: than with any other Power. (Hear, hear.) I will say of the expedition which Russia was preparing at the time iu Central Asia, when she believed that war was in- evitable between her country and ourselves, that I think that the preparations on her part were’ allow- able, and had we been in the place of Russia we might have done many things of the same kind, (Hear, hear.) There have been dreams indulged in which were never realized, and perhaps Russian horsemen might have liked to cool the hoofs of their chargers in the waters of the Indus, and our troops might have liked to view the Caspian and rejoice at the sight. But all these things were dreams, and I can only say that, if war had taken place between the two countries, all'the proparations made were perfectly justifiable. (Hear, wear.) They said, “It is very true we did intend to attack and injure you on your Indian frontier, but war has not taken place, and we have already’ given orders to our troops to retire to their old stations beyoud the Oxus. Our mission is merely temporary and one of courtesy, and as soon as possible it will be with- drawn.” I think that was a sufficient and satisfactory undertaking on the pee of Russia with regard to this country. But, my lords, it was totally impossible for us, after all that occurred, to leave things as they were. You could not go on after you bad found the Russians with their army almost in sight of Afghan- istarf, and the embassies within the walls of Cabul, you could not yo on on the old system, and indulge 'u the fancy that your frontier was secure. It was therefore absolutely uecessary to consider what course we should THE VACANT THRONE —VAILURE TO ESTABLISH A GOVERNMENT—INTIMIDATING TURKS AND VIO- LATING THEIR WIVES, . (London Times Correspondence.} No one, it may be said, thinks of restoring the old order of things, and the aim of the International Com. mission at Philippopolis is to establish a new system, by which there will be perfect equality of all races and croeds and a large measure of local self-govern- ment. ‘This is quite true, but things do not appear in this light to the Bulgerians, The most erroneous ideas are afloat regarding the aims and intentions of the Commission, and evon the few who know the truth are not satistied, More than once I have been toid that the Comtuissioners, though animated with the best in- tentions, cannot do much. They may produce the most pertect organic statute, but it it has to be worked by the Turks it will share the fate of the Hatti Humayoun and other admirable pieces of legislation alread; romulgated by the Sultans, When L suggested that the Governor General must always be # Christian I was told that an Ottoman Christian would be worse than a genuine Turk, for he would have special reasons for endeavoring to gain the imperial favor. “Give us,” said several to me, “a Prince of any nationality you please—English, French or German— and we shall be content; but’ we have nothing to hope for if the Sultan's authority is re-established.” A foreign prince would be, I believe, acceptable enough to the ass of the people; but he would not receive & very heerty welcome from the educated men, who have well defined political aspirations. 4 hope of these men is to see a united Bulgaria, including the new Bulgarian principality, Eastern Roumelia and @ great part of Macedouia, or, in other words, the Bulgaria of the San Stefano Treaty, Any- thing short of that would fail to satisfy t! , and some declare they are ready to lay down their lives towns, at least, there are educated Bul- arian officials who are anxious to show Europe that their countrymen are worthy of self-government, and such mea strive to protect the Mussulmans from ill treatauent. In the vil sition of the Mus- suimens is more precarious. Much depends upon the Tchorbadjee, or village elder. If he happens to be a man like the Tehorbadjee of Tcholluk, whom I mentioned in my last letter, the Turke run great tisk of being robbed and beaten; on the other hand, if Le be & man like Stoinof, whom I saw at Oxtchilar, they may live unmolested, uniess there happens to be in the village some fanatical Bulgarian who has more influence than the village elder. ‘The motives of the occasional outrages perpetrated on the Turks seem to be of three kinds. First, there is the simple desire of gone re but this motive cannot have much to do with the disorders, for the 'Curkish families in their present condition are generally too poor to excite cupidity. Second, there is the old fanatical hatred and the desire of vengeance for past wrongs, ‘Third, there is the wish to frighten away the few Turks who are at préwent in the villages aud to prevent the others from returning. Besides this, it sometimes happens, as I found in Tchirpan, that there are a few lawless spirits who think it a pleasant amusement to break into the Turkish houses at night and violate the women when there is little or no danger of being punished for it. ‘To sum up, | may say that the present state of Eastern Koumelia seems to me far from being satin- factory. If Russia's object was to introduce into that Ved of Turkey a good government, which should give liberty, security and Jegal equality to all races and is, she has not yet succeeded in her mission and has not even made a good inning, for among the Bulgarians there is a general conviction that the Turks be ill-treated with impunity, and among the Tu there is so little confidence in the existing administration that very many of them think it useless to claim protection or redress from the au- thorities, Some of the latter say that they expected things would change after the arrival of the Inter- national Commission, but that they are now begin- ning to despair, for their condition has lately become worse rather thaa better, IN A RUBBER SUI. Daring Voyage Down the Tagus from Toledo to Lisbon, SWEPT OVER A HUNDRED WATERFALLS. How Boyton Startled a Pair of Arcadian Lovers. One of the most interesting voyages made by Cap- tain Boyton was down the Tagus River, from Toledo in Spain to Lisbon in Portugal. This was the lougest and most dangerous of his trips. He completed 1,000 kilometers in eighteen days, from the 31st of January to the 17th of February, passing 102 waterfalls, vary- ing in height from a few feet to twenty-five meters, besides innumerable rapids. Hardly anything bas hitherto been published respecting this voyage. 1 shall therefore allow the intrepid voyageur to tell his own story again. “It was a most difficult voyage,” says Captain Boyton, “I could not get any information about the river, and none of the maps are correct. Many and many & town is marked on them as being on the river that is not near it. I wrote to mayors of the Spanish | and Portuguese towns on the banks, asking for in- formation and enclosing « stamp; but in most cases the Spanish mayors did not reply. Only two of them replied, though all the Portugueso mayors did. I stayed in Madrid during the ceremonies and festivities attending the King’s marriage, and then I got thinking I had been three or four weeks with- out going a voyage and soI determined to make a start down the Tagus. Toledo, I found, was the only place I could start from, Everybody said the thing was quite impossible. Not a single person who knew the river was to be found. It is not navi- gable and had never been descended. We were told it was all canyons winding through the moun- tains. I got pretty well tired out staying there doing nothing, and so I started from Madrid at night, er- riving at Toledo about midday. ‘That was the 30th of January. I was met at the station by an officer sent by the Governor of Toledo. TAKING WATER. “I took the water a little below the manufactory of the celebrated Toledo blades, with my little voyage boat in tow. I knew there was along trip ahead of me. I knew nothing of the river and the map I had was bad. In about a hundred yards I lost sight of the party who saw me off, After dropping over a small waterfall I kept running on all that day, The sun always made the weather tolerable in the day- time, but at night it was piercing cold. I wanted to make a place called Puebla de Montalban. It took me thirty hours to run there with a quick current. There are frequeat breaks and falls, but I continued running all that day. The country there is but little inhabited. You may see here and there a man plou ing, but the most of them you see are herding s| ‘The first adventure I bad was with a couple of primi- tively clad shepherds, who, hearing my voice and see- ing a strange form in the river, ran away with all speed, but fortunately leaving me their frugal meal, which they had been preparing before I came round the bend of the river. EXCITING NAVIGATION. “Tran along them for some time without seeing hardly 4 human being. You can, see here and there men mounted on bulls, and accompanied by fierce dogs. There are lots of great black bulls on the hills, ‘waiting to be driven into the arenas. It was pretty hard work getting along with my boat. Every water- fall-we came to I to pick her up and go over with her in my arms. The river went winding about good deal, and during the day 1 passed a number of mills, where the passage would be only two or three fect wide, The country now became quite desolate, the only thing like civilization in view being occa- sionally a great wheel with earthen pots attached to it. These dipped into the river and lifted the water into a sinice, which carried it to irrigate the land. At nightfall I could see two snow- capped mountains right ahead of me. Then they would appear at one side and ugain at the other, so extraordinary was the winding of the river, I ran all that night. The falls were something terrible. Sometimes L T used to shut my teeth and go ahead. would £°, on smoothly enough, and at other times would bring up sharp againstarock. The current was going so quickly that I was atraid of coming full tilt one the rocks. At three o'clock in the morn- ing L heard a noise that frightened me, and saw the river running among jagged rocks, CLUTCHING AN ISLAND. “It seemed impossible to go through them in the dark, so Iinade a grab at a little island of rock and landed. Here I could see the water running and swirling all round me. I remained on the rocks, jumping about until daylight. It was awfully cold, You must remember that the river at Toledo is 3,000 feet above the sea, and this is the distance it falls from Toledo to Lisbon, I thought I must have already passed Puebla, But the windings of the river had deceived me and it was not until three o’clock that afternoon that L reached that place. There I was met by a large crowd of poople, and by the guardia civil who had received instructions to receive and protect me, Similar orders had been sent to those officials all through the Spanish territory, and the governors and alcadles had been instructed to give me every as- sistance and courtesy in their power. “Just below Puebla J strack a portion of a bridge (which had been blown up during the first Carlist war), and injured my dress. The sharp stones cut a hole iu it, a8 with knife. This I remedicd by stick- ings patch on it, 1 there abandoned my boat, ting in its place a tin tube, in which I put all my L well remember a little incident that oc- papers, curred there. The Mayor's little daughter came to | me and asked me if I were going down to Lisbon. I said ‘Yes.’ She answered in her childish wa “You will never get there, I am sure—it is so dange: ous.’ When I got to Seville I received a letter infor: ing me that the child was dead. . A NOVEL AMUSEMENT. “On leaving Seville an interesting sight was pre- sented on the clitts above me. Men and women were flying about on mules, the men with their Spanish cloak: the women with their picturesque red and yellow skirts, When I had got under way pretty well it began to snow, aud the only amusement [ could find was to try to catch big flakes on iny nose. ‘The next town met with was Cevalla, which place I passed in the dark, and Lyre gone shouted to me ‘Look out for the mills,’ and I knew iy old friends, the mills, were about, and a short time afterward saw a light looming up on the other side of the river. Here there was a sluice in the river, and I went dash- ing right past and got out safely. Until eight o'clock the next morning I never experienced such cold weather. Tarrived at Tallavera on Sunday ing about midday. I procured something to eat, an: was received by the Syndic and others, I then got in the water again and was soon shooting waterfulls at the rate of two or three a kilometer. They averaged from four to six feet in fall. All the town came out to see mo shoot a fall below Tallavera. Just as lL was coming to it out of mere bravado L stood up and was thrown forward head foremost. If 1 had struck a rock I would have been killed. The people shouted ‘Viva,’ thinking I always took water- talls that way, but I was glad to get out of it, I ran wll that night, and @ tearful night it was, KB INKVITABLE MULLS. “Nota dog barked. The country was dreadfully desolate, The next day I passed acouple of milis, shooting the dams, In some places the river fairly went down stairs—one fall tollowed another like sleps. At the end the river seemed to be stopped by a huge rock right across the channel. I thought ‘it goes underground.’ I could not stop. I cod myself to go under with it, when I saw that after strikiny ainst the rock the water gathered up and ran off at right angles. The Tagus was not igh when I went ¢ id the rocks here showed the marks to which the water sometimes rose to a height of thirty or forty meters. Pieces of rock jutting out into the water were carved and cut into the most beautiful shapes by the water. There were spirals and rounded columus that you would hardly think water conid form, There were some of the ‘most wonderful things I ever saw. After going through this ravine | came out into a large sloping valley, aud then was shot into another canyon again, nt Meal ie “| went flying through amid tocks polished by the water, and over one fall after another. The river then began to narrow in, aud as it was getting late I was afraid Ishould have to stop in this place all night, 1 kept descending, and got some fearful blows from stones, but at last got through, ‘Then L heard @ terrible roar. Itcame from # great dam. [ made @ shoot for that, and got into the same kind of 4 place ax at Florence, but by working against the stones I got out safely. There are two great towers here, like two piers of abridge. Lcould not make out what they were for. They seemed Moorish, After passing the towers I came to Puente del Arzobispo. Two guardia civil roxe wp on the bank, I hailed them = and asked them where the town was, wud they, pointed behind a bend. It was now getting dark, and when I got a little further around I saw lights. ‘These guards had been sent to stop me at @ yreat waterfall of twenty-live meters, Lights had been placed all along the river on my account, and when I came into the place I was received by the Mayor, the Governor and all the town, They kept me there that night. Here I was escorted to a great castle and afterward attended a banquet in the Archbishop's palace, at which all the principal citizens were present, After the banquet I tu i and slept soundly, ASKED TO TAKE A TUMDLE. “In the morning I was asked if I would go over the atertal, Lhe yitls said, ‘don't go.’ J went auc —_——_— looked at it, took 9 drink of wine and shot for the waterfall, I could not stop when I got above it, and after going over was a little stuaned. | From there I came into the ‘of the Vagus. ‘The river strikes into a wild country through tie mountains, & perfect wilderness. ‘Sometimes there would be great bowlders in the stream like big paving stones, round on all sides; at other times there would be layers of sand, I kept on turough that wild country three days and three nights. All the provi- sions I had was a piece of bread about as big as my two fists, The second day I got some olives in a tree, and on the morning of the fourth day I had snothet adventure—to me very amusing:—I saw abeed of me on the top of the rocks a shepherd cutting of olive branches, which he was casting down to a girl who stood on a ledge close to the river feeding goats. ‘The girl perceiving me uttered a cry, and, the attention of the man being thus called to the curious object in the river, he was so frightened that he fell from the treo and made off. ‘The girl, with more courage, picked up a big boulder and waited, watching with ber big eyes, wondering what the itrange ing could be, But the current took me swiftly along, and thus left them.” ‘tHE WRECKED HOOGLY. A PASSENGER'S STATEMENT—SCENES OF WILD TUMULT AND DISORDER ON BOARD-—THE CON- DUCT OF THE OFFICERS CONDEMNED—HOW ‘THE PASSENGERS WERE SAVED AND CARED FOR, Monrxvipeo, Nov. 23, 1878. The following particulars of the wreck of the French steam packet Hoogly, Captain A. Reyné, on the evening of November 16, at a point on the coast of Uruguay known as ‘‘Castillos,”’ is furnished by passenger who has just arrived here from the scene of the disaster :— ‘This fine steamer, one of the new boats belonging to the company “Messageries Maritimes,” loft Pauil- lac on the 20th of October with about three hundred assengers, destined for Brazil and the Rio de La ata. The voyage up to the time of arriving at the mouth of this river was devoid of interest, and on the 16th inst. her course was given as customary, she being in latitude 33 4 45 min. south, and longt- tude 55 deg, 23 min. west m Paris, The distance ran from twelve the preceding day was 287 miles, and we had to make 205 miles more to arrive at Monte- video. SHAMEFUL LACK OF DISCIPLINE. At half-past four P. M. on the 16th a dense fog set in; it was dificult to clearly distinguish objects at # distance of 250 feet. At five o’clock, as usuzl, dinner wus served, and the captain hustily repaired to the bridge to direct the steamer’s movements, We were going at only half speed, and every ten minutes the whistle was sounded. Coffee was being served, when a dull shock was felt, and at the same time # kind of sinking sensation, as if the stern had sunk. Fora moment the passengers were stupefied, but they soou recovered themselves and rushed precipitately om deck. The scene was almost ludicrous and difficult to describe, It was @ perfect helter-skelter, Each was possessed of the sole idea—safety. Some men antched the ladies’ shawls and bonnets, and, with opened umbrellas as a protection against the threat- ened danger, presented & most ridiculous appearance. ‘All were frightened—men, women and children. Some had one, others two,.and others again had even three life preservers on. Everything was confusion and disorder. No voice of authority was raised to inspire confidence and calm fear, Little by little the fears of the passengers subsided, but sll protested against the conduct of the officers. LIGHTENING THE STEAMER Every few moments a grating noise was heard, as if the serew were dragging over the rocks, and with the swell of the sea the vessel lurched heavily from side to side, threatening destruction to ali, Thus the night of the 16th was passed between fear and hope. At tour o'clock the following morning an order was given (not known by whom) to disembark the passen- gers, since al! that had been done ducing the night to fave the vessel had proved futile, and she had already commenced to make water fast. From the moment the steamer first struck efforts were made to lighten her by takin, 0, consisting of pipes of wine and boxes of tol , out of the bow and placing it astern. Anchors and hawsers were also run out and steam kept up to endeavor to work her off. A quantity of valuable merchandise was thrown over- board. She still stuck hard and fast on a ledge, about one hundred and seventy-five yards from Rosa Island. Asand bank runs out from the spot. Behind this island is snother, named Eucantada, and 4 little further off the Seca and San Marcos islands and & breakwater between Polonia and Rosa. LANDING THE PASSENGERS. The lan about tive A.M. and was suc- cessfully conducted throughout. All the passengers were saved and with a comparatively «mull loss to their personal effects. Polonia, in the department of nado, where we struck ‘‘terra firma,” is a col- lection of some old ranchos, inhabited by a few mea who are occupied in sealing. It is @ solitary, deso- late spot, without water or vegetation—a blesk, sandy stretch of plain. People from the neighboring dis- tricts, hearing of the ter, came to render ussist- ance and kindly furnished the shipwrecked ——- gers with many luxuries, especially caring for thy comfort of the women wnd children. All were lodged in ranchos and tents, and with the rough, but sub- stantial diet of the country, together with some pro- visions from the wreck, we managed to pass the time pleasantly. On the morning of the 19th the French ato ‘Themis, the gunboat Brunet and tug Artigas arrived from Montevideo—the last named belongs to @ wrecking company—and started at once for Mal- donado fo procure lighters and assistance. Wo waited the calming of the sca to enable us to embark on board the French man-of-war, and at half-past four P. M., under a good soaking and loss of some personal effects, we succeeded in getting on board to proceed to Montevideo, Active measures have been taken to get the cargo out of the Hoogly as rapidly as possible, in the hopes of saving the steamer, but the rough weather which has prevailed leads to the conclusion that she will prove a total loss, BRAZIL. DIFFICULTIES IN THE EMPEROR'S CABINET— SMALLPOX RAVAGING THE CEARA DISTRICI— A HUNGRY MONARCH. Rio Janemo, Nov. 30, 1878. ‘Their Majesties and the Ministers returned to Rio Janeiro late on the night of the 28th surfeited with “vivas” and illnminations, but with a tremendous appetite for a meat supper, a waterspout having car- ried off that thorning a piece of the railroad in the highlands of Cantagallo and detained them five hours, during which time they were yearning after the flesh- pots, for, like Bussia, the Emperor bas s special weakness for turkey. THE CABINET TROUBLES. The life of the Sininibie Cabinet appears to be fast on the wane, and a “Crowner’s quest” verdict would be “killed by the overhonesty and scant discretion of the Minister of Finance.’ No Cabinet in Brazil ever entered power with better auspices, for the Premicr possessed the unlimited confidence of the Emperor and people, and his colleagues, though new to office, ‘were respected for ability, energy and integrity. In. these respects none exceed Dr. Gaspar Silveira Mar- tins, but his inexperience in administration and in- nate pugnacity, combined with want of tact and fondness ot hitting hard and interference with de- tails and departmental etiquette, has alienated the entire press and brought a swarm of boruets around himself and his colleagues, compromising the Cabi- net to such an extent that it is doubtful that even his retiral can now save it, though the Emperor will, if possible, maintain Sefior Sininibie as Premicr. If a new Cabinet has to be forined it is probable Senator Saraiva will be the Premier, with Dantas in Agricui- ture, de Campos in Empire, Affonso Celso in Marine. SMALLPOX IN THR NORTH, ‘The examination ordered by the Minister of Financa into the Santos Custom House has revealed great irregularities and several ascertained cases of fraud, such as clearing silks as kitchen knives, trimmings for ladies’ aresses a8 guns. The health of Rio is still and the smallpox is gradually decreasing. wever, amallpox has been making fearfuk ong the famine refugees collected at the capital, 3, and the daily mortality reache ing 300 a day in a population of 60,000, ARGENTINE REPUBLIC. A WAR IN PROGRESS AGAINST THE INDIANS OF THE INTERIOR—A PATRIOTIC LOAN, La Piatra, Nov. 25, 1878, In the Argentine Confederation reports from the western froutier declare an invasion by Indiana and Chileans. Colonel Rocea has telegraphed a eomplete denial of the alleged shooting by him of sixty tame Indians who had come to him to make complaint of their treatment by the authorities of Rio Puorto. Before commencing the operations for the purpose of dviving all the indians to behind the Rio Negro Ve the Minister of War has determined to carry the telo- eae to the present Indian frontier. ‘The patriotic loan of $4,000,000 for meeting the cost of tho operations against the Indians is being freely subscribed throughout the interior, THE DICTATOR LATORRE. La Puata, Nov. 27, 1878. In Uruguay the elections have been favorable ta the maintenance of the Dictator Latorre for anotheg term of two years. TAMMANY GENERAL COMMITTEE. A special meeting of the Tammany Hall General Committee was held in the Fourteenth street heud+ quarters last evening. About one hundred and fifty members were present, among them Comptroller Keliy, John Foloy, Augustus Schell, Joel 0. Btevens, Fire Commissioner Gorman, Park Commissioner Lane, Corporation Attorney Boyd and jor Quincy, Mr. Henty L. Ciinton presided, The ea te the primaries to elect the General Committee for 1879 ‘wis read and adopted, These primaries will be held on Monday evening, Decomber 40. The new General Committee will meet for organization on January 2. After the aos torial of @ vote of thanks to the cont, Biiltee vilicers for 19/8 the mevting adjourned sine dig, \ P