The North Wales Express

AH IMPUDBHT IMPOSTER. -Before the Barrow magistrates, on Wednesday, Jane Bellingham was charged on three informations with asking for alms. For several months past she has been asking charity on the ground that she was suffering from a bleed- ing cancer. Miss Fielding on Saturday discovered the imposition, and she and another lady found the bleeding cancer to consist of chopped pluck or steak, tied up in blood-stained rags. The prisoner endeavoured to imposo on the magistrates by faint- ing in court, but they could see it was a sham fit, and sentenced her to six months' hard labour. SCOTLAHD AND THE PAPACY.—The Prime Minister has received a communication from the Pope, through an English Catholic peer, with reference to the promulgation of a Papal hierarchy for Scot- laud. It appears that the English ambassador at Rome had an interview with the Pope some days ago, and that the Pontiff stated his intention to proceed with the establishment of the Scottish hierarchy, in a consistory to be held forthwith, but lie explained that he did not wish to offend the English Government, or incite dissension in Scot- land, and as this might be his last public act for the benefit of Catholics in Britain, he was desirous to be assured that the promulgation of the bull already prepared for signature would not be re- garded by the British Government in a hostile spirit. Our ambassador informed the Pope that the English Government c )uld not deal with the subject until it had become an accomplished fact, but that some popular commotion in Scotland might be expected to ensue. Thu Pope decided, it is said, to address a letter to a certain Catholir. peer in England, requesting him to communicate the Pope s wish and intention to Lord Beaconsfieid. This has now been done. Vice-Chancellor Malins had before him on Saturday an application arising out of a singular fraud. A gentleman nimed Stanley had clan- destinely married a v.urd in Chancery, a minor, who was entitled under her father's will to an an- nuity without power of anticipation. Oil an im- perfect copy of the will (omitting the clause prohibiting anticipation) the husband and wife joined in obtaining i61000 from a firm of solicitors, aud when the fraud was discovered an order was obtained, charging the dividends in the hands of the Paymaster-General. -The Vice-Chancellor dis- charged this order, and remarked that income settled as this was upon a married woman was absolutely incapable of being touched by any other person. A shocking occurrence has taken place at Gar- vaghy. A poor but respectable couple, named Massey, above eighty years of age, and both bed- ridden, have been found burnt to cinders among the debris of their house. 0 In the Divorce Court, on Tuesday, an applica- tion was made as to the mode of trial of the divorce suit brought by the Earl of Aylesford. The Earl petitioned the court for a dissolution of his marriage with Edith, Countess of Aylesford, on the ground of adult ey with George Charles, Marquis of Bland- ford. Answers had been filed den ing the allega- tion in the husband's petition.—Mr Bayford said the case would be undefended, and wished it taken before the court itself.—.Sir J. Hannen as- sented. Mr John de Morgan made another application to the Master of the Rolls on Friday, January 25, to be released from prison, but his affidavit was of such a defiant character that the motion was refused.

HOUSE OF LORDS.—MOHDAY. Lord Stratheden and Campbell moved a resolution declaring that, in the opinion of the House, neutrality, whether conditional or absolute, in no way prevented the Government from adopting such measures as were necessary to conform to the treaties of 1856 and guard Constantinople from a hostile occupation.—Earl Granville would leave it to the Foreign Secretary to state if, in giving assistance to Turkey at the present moment, the Government would consider that we were not breaking our neutrality. He also expressed a hope that Lord Derby would feel himself in a position to offer some explanation as to the circumstances which led to the rumour of his resignation.—The Earl of Derby said the conditions of neutrality were clearly laid down in the despatch penned by him before the commencement of the war, and contended that the language and policy of the Government had been consistent throughout. As to personal matters, he said the Cabinet decided on taking a step with which he could not agree, and he tendered his resignation. Within a few hours circumstances changed, and the Cabinet thought the step no longer demanded, so that he felt no difficulty in withdrawing his resignation. He counselled the House to reject the resolution before it, the principle it enunciated not being borne out by the cases cited.-Lord Stratheden and Camp- bell then withdrew his motion, and moved the previous question, which was uegati-ed, and their lordships adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—MOHDAY. The House, very shortly after the commencement of "le sitting, went into C mimittee of Supply, \v, MI the Chancellor of the Exchequer moved the supplementary vote of six millions tor military and naval services. In a long statement lie reviewed the course of recent events in connection with the war in the East, the negotiations for peace, and the action taken by Her Majesty's Government. He cited the proposed Russian terms as communi- cated to the Earl of Derby by Count Schouvaloff, the Russian Ambassador, and contended that these embraced matters which could not be arranged be- tween the belligerents themselves, and without the Powers of Europe being taken into counsel and their assent obtained. This vote was asked for not necessarily to be expended, but to enable the Government to go into the European Conference with the power of utilising the strength which Englan I possessed, and they regardel the issue in the light of decision upon a vote of confidence in the Government. The Marquis of Hartington ap- plied to the Government, as they had placed the question before the House as one of confidence, to permit the debate to be adjourned till Thursday, a suggestion which was supported by Mr Gladstone and Sir R. Peel, and subsequently acquiesced in by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. The debate was then adjourned.—Mr Sclater-Booth rose to move fur eave to bring in a Bill to amend the law re- larii.7 to the administration of county business and to iii.,ke further provision for county government. He said he acknowledged that there was some truth in what Mr Bright had once said, that he wanted a "municipality for the counties," and he hoped the Bill would provide this in its true mean- ing. Municipalities guarded the interests and guided the policy of the districts under their ad- ministration. In that sense he adopted the ex- pression of the right hon. gentleman, but as to the more material objects of the municipalities, there were many of them already attained in the counties by our sanitary legislation. The local government already enjoyed by the counties might appear con- fused and interlaced to the outsider, but it was understood and appreciated by the inhabitants themselves. He hoped to improve the financial powers of the local authorities. There were griev- ances arising out of the conditiou of the main roads of the country, from the extension of the lunatic asylums, and in connection with the flooding of various districts. The Government were of opinion that the time had come for constituting a new county authority which would remedy such grievances, and without engaging in administration of detail might direct county policy with a view to the economical and more effective administration of large counties. The Government was anxious that such a body should be of a sufficiently representa- tive character, so as to enjoy general confidence, that it should command the services of the most competent and experienced men in the county, and that if possible it should be free from political bias (hear hear). The petty sessional area would be adopted for the working of the Act, which would come into operation on the 1st of January next. The magistrates would appoint two mem- bers of the new Board, and the Boards of Guard- ians would elect two men of their own body, or men qualified to be guardians. All towns under 20,000 inhabitants would for the purposes of this Board be considered part of the county. The right lion, gentleman explained at length the various duties of the new County Board, and its powers over roads, rivers, &c., incidently mention- ing that in future it would appoint the coroner. He next alluded to the Highways Bill and the Valuation Bill, concluding by asking the House to set a good example to the country, and to discuss these questions, which were independent of politics, without any reference to party feeling. Sir Bald- win Leighton, who said he had had considerable experience in local administration, congratulated the President of the Local Government Board upon having skilfully grappled with this difficult question. He hoped that the Quarter Sessions, in electing the members from the Petty Sessional Divisions, would not be restricted to magistrates belonging to those divisions. Although theoreti- cally direct election to these Boards seemed de- sirable, there would be great difficulty in getting the best men to act on these Boards if they were to be popularly effected- He strongly approved of vesting the election of the members in the Board of Guardians, and believed that in this way better men would be chosen than by direct election. As to political bias, that was a thing from which, in the administration of county business, the magis- trates were entirely free. He trusted that in dealing with this Bill political considerations would not be obtruded, and felt sure that if the best men on both sides put their heads together, they would be able to make a satisfictory Bill. After further discussion, leave was gifen to bring in the Bill. HOUSE OF LORDS.—TUESDAY. Lord Emly, with a view to the discussion of the Russian terms of peace, desired the production of the correspondence in reference to the main- tenance by Greece of neutrality during the war. Lord Haddington considered that it would be injurious to political morality if the Greeks should suffer for having kept faith with Turkey,—The Earl of Derby said complaints had not unreason- ably been made by the Greek Government of the misconduct of Circassian emigrants in the neigh- bourhood of the Greek provinces, and a remous- trance from this country had elicited from Turkey an assurance that emigration should not be continued beyond a point at a considerable distance from the frontier of those provinces. lie was afraid there had been a good many outrages committed during the last few months by unpaid irregular troops, and it was not very extraordinary in the present state of disorganisation of the Turkish Empire that such things sheuld occur, though the accounts, coming as they did from Greek sources, were probably exaggerated. He had more than once requested ta know whether, in the event of an European conference on the Eastern Question, Greece would be at liberty to send a representative, but the reply had always ■yeen that it was too early to speak of the com- position of such a conference, when it was not even known that a conference would be held. No pressure had been brought to bear on Greece to prevent her entering into the war, but friendly advice had been given to her on the subject, and, considering her great extent of sea-board and large commerce, she had acted wisely in the course she had taken, but the fact that she had abstained from picking a quarrel with her neighbour did not give her a claim to a share of her neighbour's territory. He quite agreed that their lordships ought to have the correspondence relating to Greece in their hands when the time came for dis- cussing the Russians' proposals of peace, but having regard to the strong war feeling of Athens, the present moment was not a convenient time for laying before Europe the details of all j h differ- ences that had arisen between the tv.,) Govern- ments.-After a few words from Earl Granville, the subject dropped, and the House rose at six o'clock. HOUSE OF COMMONS.—TUESDAY. In reply to Mr Shaw Lefevre, Mr Bourke stated that in the present aspect of affairs the Govern- ment did not think it desirable to submit any des- patches relative to affairs in Crete other than those already given in Blue Book No. 1. It was hardly right to say that Crete was in a state of insurrec- tion, though there was no doubt it was in a very disturbed state.—The Chancellor of the Exchequer, replying to Dr Kenealy, said her Majesty's Government had no knowledge of any understand- ing between Russia, Austria, and Germany for an offensive and defensive alliance, and having in view the partition of the Ottoman Empire. As regarded at least one of the Powers, they had strong reasons for doubting this was so. A few weeks or months would show probably show whether those Powers weie acting in concert or separately.—In answer to Mr Cart- wright, the Chancellor of the Exchequer said that the papers containing the correspondence between her Majesty's Government and the Government of Greece and Turk *y as to the attitude of England aud Greece towards Turkey were being prepared, and as soon as they were ready they would be sent to the representatives of Greece and Turkey to asce, tain whether those Powers objected to their being published.—Mr W. E. Forster gave notice that on Thursday he will move an amend- ment to the vote of credit moved by the Chancellor of the Exchequer. In reply to Mr Chaplin, the Chancellor of the Exchequer said her Majesty's Government had received no information of an armistice having been signed. As to another question, namely, whether the Russian forces were rapidly advancing on Constantinople, it would be better that notice should be given of it.—In reply to Sir H. Holland, Mr Lowther said a telegram had just been received from the Cape, dated Jan. 8, stating that the Guika rebellion was spreading, but communications had been restored after two brilliant affairs under Major Weare and Colonel Lambert, of the Connaught Rangers. Colonial reinforcements were arriving slowly, and the rebellion could not be speedily suppressed with the forces they at present possessed. This telegram was sent before it was known at the Cape that a regiment of infantry, and a battery of artillery had already been despatched, and that another regi ment was to be sent out.—On the motion of Hr W. Hart Dyke, a new writ was ordered for Oxford- shire, in the room of Mr Henley.—Mr Howard postponed his motion for a Select Committee on the Water Supply of Lancashire from the lakes until the second reading of the Manchester Cor- poration Water Bill, which he would oppose.—Mr O'Donnell moved for a commission to inquire into the administration of the Dunkeld Bridge Trust.- The motion was opposed by the Lord Advocate, and rejected by 185 to 71.—Mr Forster laid on th table his amendment to the vote of credit to the effect "That this House having been informed in her Majesty's gracious speech that the conditions ou which her Majesty's neutrality is founded had not been infringed by either Belligerent engaged in the war in the East of Europe, and having received no information since sufficient for a departure from the policy of neutrality and peace, sees no reason for adding to the burthens of the people by voting unnecessary supplies." Mr Hutchinson moved the second reading of the Libel Law Amendment Bill.—Mr Newdegate was oppos- ing the measure when the House was counted out at 8 10. HOUSE OF C SIMONS.—WEDNESDAY. Captain Bedford Pim gave notice that on going into committee of supply on the vote of credit he would move "That this House, whilst giving her Majesty's Government due credit for maintaining the policy which they had determined upon after the solemn assurances of the Emperor of Russia, given on his sacred word of honour, and which were published in the London Gazette at his Imperial Majesty's request on the 21st of November, 1876, namely, that he desired only the immunity of the Christian subjects of the Porte, and aimed at no aggrandisement whatever, is of opinion that those assurances are being deliberately evaded by the proposed terms of peace and by the advance of the Russian armies, believes that the time has come when immediate action on the part of Great Britain is an absolute necessity, and requests her Majesty's Government to lay on the table forthwith estimates for placing the army and navy upon a war footing." Mr Ashley moved the second read- ing of the Criminal Law Evidence Amendment Bill, the object of which, he explained, were to allow accused persons themselves to give evidence on their own behalf. He contended that the rule which closed the mouths of prisoners was not based upon any sound principle of justice, but was due to the tyranny of the judges at the time of the Rebellion. Sergeant Simon moved the rejection of the Bill. He believed that whilst the change would be of no advantage, but rather an injury, to innocent persons, it was opposed to the humane and well-recognised principles of English juris- prudence. The grievance was a mere sentimental one. If a prisoner could give evidence he must be cross-examined, and the change would lead to those scenes which occurred so often in the French courts. Sir George Bowyer, Mr Forsyth, and Mr Russell Guruev supported the second reading, whilst Mr Rodwell, Mr Herschell, Mr Paget, and Mr Morgan Lloyd opposed it. Sir H. James sup- ported the Bill. The arguments against it were the same that had been used against every amelior- ation of the criminal law, and he believed that it would tend to the further benefit of the country, by insuring a greater certainty of the acquittal of innocent and the conviction of guilty ones, whilst the objections against it could be provided against in committee. The Attorney-General, while ad- mitting that under the principle of the Bill a greater number of convictions might be obtained against guilty persons, said the system of subject- ing the prisoner to cross-examination would place a prisoner at a groat disadvantage, and especially would that be the case where the question of identity was in doubt, and the prisoner be known as a bad character. So, also, a clever rogue might in the solitude of his prison invent a story which might stand the test of his own cross-exahiination, and allow his escape. In its present shape he objected to the Bill, but admitted that it was di sirable in mauv cases to allow defendants to give evidence in their own behalf. He was willing to take the Bill as an embodiment of this princi- ple, and suggested its being referred to a select committee. Mr Ashley accepted the offer of the At orney-General. Sergeant Simon declined to withdraw his amendment. For the second read- ing, 185 against. 76.

THE REMAINING FENIAN PKI.SOHKRS.—In view of the proposed meeting to be held at St. James' Hall at an early date for the purpose of discussing the treatment of the Fenian prisoners in gaol, and seeking for the release of those who will remain in confinement, it may be interesting to give a list of those yet in gaol undergoing their sentences, with the terms to which they were condemned. The following is a complete list:—Captain Edward O'Meara Condon, condemned to death, sentence commuted to penal servitude for life, in Portland Convict Prison Patrick Melody, condemned to death, sentence commuted to penal servitude for life, in Portland Convict Prison; Thomas Ahearn, condemned to death, commuted to penal servitude for life, in Dartmoor Convict Prison; James Claney, condemned to penal servitude for life, in Portsmouth Convict Prison Edward O'Kelley, sentenced to penal .servitude for life, in Spike Island Convict Prison; Edward O'Connor, sen- tenced to penal servitude for life, in Spike Island Convict Prison John Dillon, sentenced to penal servitude for 20 years, in Spike Island Convict Prison Robert Kelly, sentenced to penal servi- tude for 15 years, in Spike Island Convict Prison.

WALES AND HER M.P.s (?) Snt,—Wa!c seems to have fallen into a stale of torpor, and « r representatives in Parliament seem to have b. on infected by general dormant eou- ditiou of their constituencies. During the period when the whole kingdom was filled with horror and iudignation by the discovery of Turkish atro- cities in Bulgaria, Wales hardly raised a voice- hardly made a sign. A few meetings were held here and there, it is true, but the nation at large remained listless, and I am not aware that one coin of the realm was sent from the Principality to any of the funds established for the allevation of horrors worse than death endured by the Christian victims of Moslem fanaticism, lust, lawlessness and cruelty. Again, when every constituency in England—at least, literal constituency—was com- plimented by its representative in Parliament with his presence and his views on the question that was convulsing, and that still does convvulse the whole of Europe, the Welsh members, with the exception of Messrs Osborne Morgan and Watkin Williams, have neither tried to enlighten the people, nor pronounced their own opinion on the question of Peace or War. Where are your liberal leaders ? Where our local and central officials of Liberal Associations ? Wliere our organizations to influence current e\ .nts and provide for future emergencies: Aienough I believe that the Tory phalanx will carry the "vote of credit"—or, as Mr (riadstone called in his great speech at Oxford on Wednesday this week, the vote of ^/wcredit"—with a con- siderable majority, I believe quite as firmly that ere many months elapse, we shall have a general election. In that event, the Liberal party in Wales will be found either without efficient cap- tains to lead them into battle and victory, or with a disorganised host of electors tha' •an neither be led nor gathered to take pi.- m the con- test. Of late years, our beloved country de- served well of Liberals throughout the realm, and justly gained the regard and confidence of the whole party. Shall it be said, after the coming election, as it has been said in connection with many public movements and social schemes, that it is characteristic of the Welsh people to be easilv rou-ed into enthusiasm, and just as prone to sudden defections? I appeal to all who have hitherto taken active parts in all Liberal move- ments to rouse themselves and their followers. Let them summon every remnant of every political organisation that Welsh Liberals possessed until j lately, seeking'new blood, forming new auxiliaries, and re-establishing a state of complete prepared- ness in every district, rural and urban, throughout t ic Principality. A VETEIIAH FROM THE RANKS. THE LLANRWST EISTEDDVODIC FIASCO. SIR,—Permit me, as a well-wisher to the Llan- rwst Eisteddvod, to use a short space of your welcome journal to express my regret, and that of many of my neighbours who take interest in Eisteddvodic matters, at the unseemly, to use the mildest term I can think of at this moment, squabble that has been raging between two Eis- teddvod factions in our old town and neighbour- hood. I beg to abstain from entering into any controversy regardingthe soundnessor unsoundness of the arguments recently used in support of post- poning the Eisteddfod or of proceeding to hold it this year as per original proclamation. Neither shall I pronounce any opinion on the legality or nonlegality, in a bardic or gorsedd point of view, of the position taken up by either faction. All I desii-e is to try and induce both parties to subdue pique and every prejudice, and re-form the com- mittee so as to ensure an eisteddfod that will gladden the heart of every nationalist, reflect credit on the patriots of the Conway Vale, and promote and stimulate anew the Welsh taste for literature, music, and the arts and sciences. EISTEDDFODWR. Llanrwst, January 30, 1878. "FLINTSHIRE TO-WIT." Sm, -As an old resident in Flintshire I haveoften been struck by the marked lack of unanimity exist- ing in the Liberal ranks. It is no matter whether the election be an imperial or a local one, the result is always the same—schism. At all times there is in the party a lack of that sympathy which should tie up the bundle of sticks. Personal interests are thrust forward to the detriment of the public weal, preventing the due consideration being given to matters of paramount import. And, indeed, in this, I have seen the demon enter the body corporate, and before it could be cast out, rend and tear and cast its patient upon the ground and leave it bleeding, an object for the pity of humanity, the sympathy of true Liberals, and the ridicule of the Tories. In looking over the items of election news pub- lished from time to time in the press, I find there is much of a muchness in the country all over. Greenock the other day was revelling in the super- abundant strength of its discord, and presented a trinity of aspirants for parliamentary honours. Statesmen certainly they were not, and Liberals only by profession. It is of the essence of states- manship to legislate for the national welfare, and the core of Liberalism to abdicate private isms in favour of the public good. I put it then that the man who g lides the party by dividing it is not a Liberal, but a sham one, who is often in the pay of the enemy. There is wanted then, in this Flintshire of ours, a voice audible and decisive, to say unto one go and he goeth, to another come and he cometh, and to a third do this and he doeth it. Is there such a living voice now or can one be created ? The fact is, there exists not an organisation of any kind for parliamentary or other purposes. Hitherto the motto has been "every man for himself and the devil take the hitidermost." I take it that this is not as it ought to be. Can anything be done to remedy this state of things, to reduce chaos to order? The "stupid party" in this district has an as- sociation, industrious, active, and energetic, I can't say it controls many voters, or commauds itself to the common sense of the constituency. But that is not the fault of the party usually wise in its generation. They do all they can to command success," and it is not in "mortals to do more." That even is more than the intelligent Liberals have hitherto done, or if I am to judge from appear- ances are ever likely to do. And I will go so far as to intimate that although the constituency i8 essentially Liberal, none more so in the kingdom, I am prepared to stat J from my own personal exper- ience of the district, that unless precautions are taken, and the premises put in order, the much- prized steed will be stolen, and the stable door found unlocked. *4* DOG LICENSES. SIR,—In your issue of the 25th instant, I notice a letter signed "Watchman" on the subject of dog licenses, and as the effusion in question amounts to a grave charge of neglect of duty on my part, I beg you will allow me to make a few observations in reply. Your correspondent in query No. 1 says—" Why is it that, country people who really need dogs on their small tenements are always pounced upon. and their poverty enhanced by the heavy fines inflicted upon them, whereas there are scores of persona in this very town who are allowed to keep unlicensed dogs with impunity." With reference to the first part of the question I deny in toto that the slightest partiality has been shown to the residents in town, and if the "innocent country people with whom Watchman" sym- pathizes have suffered most. it is because they are more lax in renewing their licenses. I miy here mention that these parties have the remedy entirely in their own hands, as by taking out their licentes at the proper time, they will save themselves from the risk of being prosecuted, and considerably lighten the labours of excise officials. I need hardly say that the assertion as to "scores of persons in this very town who are allowed to keep unlicensed dogs with impunity," is utterly untrue, and if Watchman will have the courage to disclose his name, I shall be able to satisfy him on that point. In the year ended the 31st ultimo there were three hundred and seventy-two dogs licensed in the town of Carnarvon, and from personal observa- tion I have no hesitation in saying, that excepting those under six months old, there were very few, if any, remaining unpaid for. I trust that when Watchman reverts to this subject, as he has promised to do, he will confine himself to the truth, as far as the exigencies of his case will admit, rather than indul e in reckless and exaggerated statements under the cowardly shelter of a nom IÙ ptume.-I am, air. Your Obedient Servant, THOMAS HYDE. Officer of Excise. Carnarvon, 29th January, 1878. THE VOTE OF CREDIT. DEAR Sir,—To most readers of the press it must now be very apparent that our Government is hopelessly adrift, and that its members do not know their own minds, or understand each other f 11' four and twenty hours together. This is a most lamentable position for a strong ministry with i "apiritia foreign policy," and a large majority at its back to be in. Like Samspon ly- ing in the lop of Delilah they are been shorn of their strength by the Charmer who will hand them over bound to be mocked by their enemies. If, however, the evil would rest there, 1. for one, would not complain. But unfortunately they are (lrag-ging the nation with them by asking for a vote of credit, or something else, to the tune of £ '3,0 .'0,D()0. At first this was asked for because the Russian Government had promised to make known the terms of peace in a tew days, and hav- ing failed to keep that promise this vote was wanted to enable us to compel them to keep their promise. Well, the terms were obtained, and still the^money is wanted because the fleet was ordered to Constantinople. The fleet, by the bye, is sent back, and still the money is wanted, not this time to fight, but to show our confidence in the ministry, and that our plenipotentiary may present a bold front in the forthcoming peace con- gress. Who but the stupid party coul d reason with such charming innocence? Within the narrow limits of old Wales the peasantry are apt to deify a millionare, but to assume that a gentle- man in a European Conference will receive more deference or carry greater weight for the more trivial and paltry fact that he has in his breeches pockets six millions of solid cash, is the very easense of—Dizzr\Ess.

GERMANY. At Wilhelmshohe. nearCassel, the German staff, under Marshal Molfke's presidency, met in con- ference yesterday, which will last until Sunday, with sixty officers of all arms of the service, to consider a plan for remodelling the mobilisation of the army, which is always 1. id down even in its slightest details, and whereby it is possible to bring the German army on a war footing within a few days. ITALY. The Pope's health is somewhat better. The disseusions at the Vatican are on the increase. It is thi'Ught that the Cardinals who arc urging the Pope to violent measures, especially Cardinal Manning, wish to cause such a reaction on the part of the Italian Government as shall lead to the holding of the Conclave out of Rome. Several Cardinals have notified to the Pope their dis- approval of such a policy. It is said and believed at the Vaticen that when the ship Keber, which had remained at Corsica at the Pope's disposition, was removed by France, another Power (not a Catholic one) offered to send a ship at his request to any port named. England is evidently meant by this. Great efforts are being made at tho Vatican to pocure the censure of the Archbishops of Turin and Milan for their pastorals on the late King. The Pope will probably refuse this. Tho Envoys Extraordinary who are the bearers of autographic letters from King Humbert notify- ing to the various European Courts his Majesty's accession to the Throne, left Rome last night. FRANCE. Lord Lyons, the British Ambassador, had a long conference on Wednesday morning with Wad- dington, the Minister for Foreign Affairs. Speaking at a meeting on Wednesday of the members of the Left Centre, M. Christophle, Minister of Public Works in the former Cabinet of M. Dufaure, and subsequently in that of M. Jules Sinison, vehemently attacked the bills of M. Fre-I cinet for purchasing the railways and carrying out extensive public works. GREECE. A telegram from Athens on Wednesday says that a great many volunteers arrive daily in Thessaly. A Thessaloniau Provisional Government has been formed, with Dr Staraoulis as president. Warlike demonstrations have been made in the provinces. In the Chamber of Deputies on Wednesday, M. Coumoundouros, tho Prime Minister, pointed out the grave circumstances in which the country was placed, and moved that the House should deliberate with closed doors. The Minister's motion was adopted, and the Chamber accordingly hold a secret sitting. There has been an engagement between the Turks and the Greek insurgents near the village of Surpi, on the Grecian frontier. The Turks were defeated, and took refuge in a monastry, where they shut themselves up. TURKEY. The following telegram from Mr Layard has been received at the Foreign Officp :Constan- tinople, January 29, 1878: — I have been cati- gorically and distinctly informed by the Grand Vizier that the Porte sent by telegraph to the Turkish Plenipotentiaries at about two p.m. on the 23rd instant, order- and full powers to accept the bases of peace as submitted to them in writing by the Grand Duke Nicholas. The Porte has tele- graphed to the Plenipotentiaries three times since the despatch of these orders to ask them to report the result, but no answer whatever has been received from them. The Grant Vizier cannot admit that any delay or pro< rastination in the matter on the part of the Turkish Plenipotentiaries is possible. Telegraphic communication with Kyzanlik is still open, as is proved by tho fact that. a member of the mission has telegraphed to his family here, and that messages from Kyzanlik have been received in twelve hours from the time of their being despatched." INDIA. Large and enthusiastic meeting was held at Madras on Monday,at which delegates from all parts of the Presidency and from Mysore were present. They acknowledged the munificent generosity (Jf British people in all parts of the Queen's domin- ions, and tendered special thanks to Sir Thomas White for initiating the Mansion House Fund and taking so active an interest in it. Native speakers were especially grareful for the help rendered. Full particulars of this expression of sincere and heartfelt gratitude would follow by post, adressed to all the committees and municipalities of Great Britain. Au interim report was read, showing the nature and extent of the good done by the fund. Crops promised poorlv, and the yield had been defective. All the fund had been allotted save nine lakhs, which would probably be disbursed during the next two months.

A BRITISH TRANSPORT SHORT OF COALS. — Lloyd's agent at Malta telegraphs under date Jan. 30, 12.10 p.m.:—"The British transport Sgrapi* (bound from Bombay for Malta and Portsmouth) was spoken with at 7 a.m. yesterday, short of coals, in lat 35 N. lou. 17 by th Tnmtham Uall, steamer. The British frigate Raleigh has gone in search of her.