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Some years ago, in a town in Pennsyl- vania, a number of women had assembled in one of the neighbours houses, for the pur- pose of confering with each other. and to devise some means whereby they could assist in stemming the tide of iniquity which flows from the traflic in intoxicating drinks. Some of them of them were young, others were of middle age ; but all were the wives or widows of men who were or who had been the victims of intoxication. It was evident from the appearance of each that they had passsd through great anxiety, toil and suffer- ing in consequence of this terrible vice. Before proceeding with the business of the evening. it was proposed that each should recite some of the incidints which had occurred in her past history ; and oh, what tales of sulIor‘ " We. wreteh'e nose 'and misery which had been brought into once happy homes ? What fair prospects did each have in view as they left the home of their childhood, with their whole affections centered in the manly form of the one who had solemnly promised to be their guide and protector ? But alas, the intoxicating cup had blighted their fond hopes ; their domestic joys had been changed into intense sorrow; their husband’s love had been alienated ;drink had transformed them into demons ; and the once bright and happy homes became the scenes of poverty, wretchcdness and strife. b . three days and nights there was a steady . experienceda storm like this. .’ and if it did, nothing,r could save it from being ' could not reach us. « until my courage failed, and I began to de- t ' very I Ioould see that they were my two brave boys - usual swept them oil their feet, and I saw , f further in the stream ;|but like brave heroes ' ; boys were. , neared the middle of the current, and I was But, unfortunately, this state of things was soon to come to an end, as the sequel will show. It was now the season of the year when the autumn rain began to fall, and for down-pour with no signs of abatement. The fourth day there was no improvement. On the fifth day the stream was rushing past our home in torrents, carrying with it whatever object came in its way, and we began to have grave fears for our safety as we had never The rain was still coming down, and it was evident that in a few hours it would reach our home; swept away. My husband became greatly alarmed for our safety ; and at length it was decided that our only hope waste cross the stream and seek shelter and protection on the hill, where it was thought the water I put on my shawl, and wrapping up my babe, I pressed it to my heart, and commenced to cross the stream, which reached my waist. Many times I fell and was carried down the stream, but on each occasion I caught some passing, or stationary object and regained my feet. I started again and again with the same result. 8 air. agd at length reached the rising ground In exhausted condition. As soon as I ‘ recovered a little, I became very anxious or the safety of my husband and sons ;how earnestly I prayed for them that they might be saved. As the last rays of the dull light ‘ was dissappearing,I saw two objects strug- gling in the water ; and as they came nearer, But inspired with hope, I tried again. trying to come to me. How intensely I watched them, when a wave larger than them disappear. But in a few seconds I saw them again and this time they were they were nobly struggling for life. I spoke to them words of encouragement, telling them to persevere ; and I heard their feeble 'vcioes as they called, mother. They strug- , 310:! on, but made little progress as they alraid the water would be too deep for them. Several timesI saw them dissappear and rise again, but when they were half way , across the stresmI began to cherish the fondhope that my boys would be saved. Just at this timeI saw in the distance a » large object coming down the stream. I soon discovered it was a huge tree, and that _ it was floating towards the spot where my I tried to warn them of this danger, but I could not utters. word; my tongue refused to move. and I stood com- . pleter paralysed. But it swept on, and on, and as it came nearerI could tell that my boys knew that it was coming towards them ; ‘ tor I saw them make a desperate effort to get out of the way. How bravely they struggled tordeer life, as if suddenly endowed with superhuman strength. But as it neared them they gaVa a. lcui cry, and I saw them throw up their arms in despair ; the large The recital 0? each tale of woe excited the deepest sympathy in the breasts of allpresent; and at the close there was only one whose eyes were not wet with weeping. This was an aged woman, whose hair was white, and on whose forehead were indelibly stamped deep furrows, wlnch showed very conclusively that she had passed through more than her share of trouble. She sat apparently un- moved, its if she had not been interested in what had been taking place around her. At length one of them, addressing her, said, dear sister, cannot you say something on this important question ; you have seen and felt something of this direfull evil; let us hear your experience. My father was a prosperous and wealthy farmer, and mp mother was one‘of the lovli- est of women; and our home was surrounded with almost every comfort and luxury which wealth could command ; domestic peace, joy and love reigned supreme. At an early age} was sent to school, and soon male great progress in my studies ; and after a few years, when I returned home, I became acquainted with a young man, whom I soon loved with all the favor which my youth could command. My love was reciprocated; and after some months he sought and obtain- Qed my parents consent. and I {led :to as braweJMeTW‘ :woman could wish to love and. call by the endearing name of husband. Soon after we were married, my husband purchased 31 farm in a thinly populated part of the State, 1 where only a few pioneers had settled ; a} cottage was erected on a rising slope, at the: foot of which ran a broad but shallow stream.‘ When all was ready I cheerfully left my‘ parents and friends, to start in life in a very humble way ; but with my [and husband, 1 oovld brave all the dangers of a pioneer life. By incessant toil and perseverance, we sucâ€" ceeded in a few years in attaining a position of comfort and independence. Our farm was well filled, and our farm yard was amply stocked with fine cattle ; and the future appeared bright and prosperous. At this time we had been married about fourteen years and we were blessed with three boys, one about twelve years, another ten. and a baby a few months old. They were the darlings of my life, and the joy of my soul. How devotedly I loved them; and if ever a mother l‘elt happy in this world I did. The old woman then said, I have listened with considerable pain to the recital of your ’sufierings and woe, and I trust you will {or- give me it I say that though you have endur edgreat hardships, not one of you have seen trovble. I will relate to you my history, though in doing so it will bring up past memories which I would much wather were buried in oblivion ; and though it will wring my heart stringsto do so, 1 will tell you. VOL. XIX. NO. 31. THAT’S NOT TROUBLE. When Ireturned to consciousness it was quite dark. and my babe lay crying at my ‘side. I took it up and pressed it closer to {my heart. to protect it from the cold ; and lseeking the shelter of a tree, I prepared to spend the night. When daylight came, what an awful scene presented itself. The water was still rolling past in torrents ; sweeping away cattle, trees and every object which came in its way but the rain had ceased. During the whole of that day and the follow- ing night, I was compelled to retain my uncomfortable position, my clothes still dripping wet ; and I soon began to feel the pangs of hunger, whilethe terrible scene that I had witnessed was racking my brain and driving me to madness. That last struggle, and the piercing cry of my brave boys, which is still ringing in my ears I shall never for get. 0n~the following day. the water had so far receded that I determined to make an efiort to reach my home and ascertain what had become of my husband, who had to mauled to protect our dwelling and cattle. I succeeded in crossing the stream, and started for home ; but, oh God, what a fearful sight presented itself. A few timbersjonly marked the spot where a few days before stood our happy home ; cattle and everything had been swept away byul the unmerciful current, and my noble and heroic husband lay dead beneath a mass of fallen timber. In protecting our home he had nobly sacrificed his life, our home was swept away, my hussband and two sons had perished. and I was left alone with my babe. But that was not trouble. mass came upon them; they sunk, and I saw them no more. But that was not trouble. I made my way to the nearest neighbor,‘ which was about two miles distant. Here I was provided with clothing and food ; but I was completely prostrated by the ordeal through which I had passed. For two days I lay unconscious of what was goirg on around me. When I had recovered sufficiently to attend to my babe, how precious it was to me, now all that was left of my once happy home. I loved it as only a mother could under such circumstances. My whole afl'ee- tions were centered on it and I resolved to devote my life and energy to the welfare of my only child. After my husband had been buried, and I had sufficiently regained my strength, I removed to the nearest town, where I soon procured some needle work, and by this means I was enabled to provide a home for myself and boy. As soon as he was old enough I sent him to school where he made satisfactory progress with his learning , and became a favorite with his sohosl mates. How I idolised my boy, and .With what pleasure I looked upon him as the supportor of my declining years. After he left school I procured for him a situation in amercantile house, and here he made the acquaintance of a number of boys older than himself, who were in the habit of Visiting one of the taverns in the neighborhood ; and I knew to my sorrow tnat my boy drank in- toxioating drinks. How earnestly I prayed for him. and entreated him to give it up ; but it was all to no purpose ; the accursed drink had hardened his heart, and blighted his affections; and before he had reached the age of twenty he was o' druiikard, and used mfiinc with associates as bad as him? self. One night they were drinking and gambling, and at the close of one of the gamesaquartel ensued. From words they came to blows ; and my son. whose passions were inflamed with liquor. drew a knife and plunged it into the heart of his drunken com- panion. He fell dead at his feet ; and my son was a murderer. But that was not trouble. He was taken before a police magistrate the next day. and committed to stand his trial for wilful minder. Every day I visited him in his cell and took him what my slender means could aflord ; and as the time drew near I engaged eminent counsel to defend him. When the day arrived, I begged permission to be near him to comfort him with my presence. How attentively I watched the proceedings, and listened to every word as they fell from the lips of the ‘witnesses, as they recited the facts as they ‘occurred on that fatal night. When the evidence was completed. the counsel arose andmade an able and eloquent appeal for mercy. The jury then retired to considers. verdict; andwhen they returned into eourt, a. death like stillnes prevailed ; not a word was uttered nntiltv toreman paroseand, with a voice trembling with emotion pronounced the word “guilty”. The Judge then passed a sentence of death. Igave one loud cry and fell back insensiable,‘ and was carried from the room. I remembered no more for several days. As soon as I was able I visited him in his cell. and he then appeared resigned to his (ate, 0n the morning of the execution I visited him very early and I found him en- gaged in prayer. Soon after the minister came to give him spiritual advice and con- solation ; but our meditations were disturbed by the entrance of prison oflicers, having ‘with them the executioner. In a few moments fall was ready : the solemn procession was ‘formed, and I walked by the side of my lson until the reached the steps leading to the scaffold, where I gave him the a last fondkiss. . My brain reeled and 1 should have fallen, had not one of the ofiioers caught me in his arms. For a few moments I was unconscious of what was going on, until]. my attention was attracted by a dull heavy noise, which caused me to look up ; and I saw my son, my only child, hanging between heaven and earth. He had paid the full penalty of the law. He had perished on the scaffold. and all through the ,aooursed drink. Sisters that was trouble. TIT FOR TAT. So long as men are what they are, those who can hit will give blow for blow, literally or metaphorically as the case may be, and sanders-by will delight in the passage.“ Certainly it is pleasant to hear a. seyer of ill.ne.tured things put down by an intended victim of his cynical tongue. “The great assembly,” as Manningham terms it. must have greatly enjoyed the disoomfltnre of a certain Lord Puget, who, oblivious of his own mean origin, thought to extol his superiority by asking Sir Thomas White what he thought of the quality of the cloak he wore. "Truly," replied the worthy alderman, “it seems to be a. very good cloth ; but I remember when I was a. young beginner, selling your lordship’s tether e. far better, to make a gown when he was sergeant to the Lord Mayor ; and he was at very honest sergeant.“ Nor diri those behilfd the scenes at a. certain‘ theatre mil to spprecmts the situation when a prosperous equestrisn's daughter observed to a. retired actress :» “Alter all, you were only a circus artist ; my father recolleots you well ;” and the elder lady retorted ; “I dere- ssy he does, my dear ; he used to chalk my wheel." When Lincoln and Douglas stumped Ill- inois as rival candidates, the letter in one of his speeches declared he remembered his opponent when he served liquor behind a bar. “That's so." said Lincoln; but the judge has forgotten to mention that while I was servingthaligucnpn one side otthe bar. “he was drinldng It on‘ the other." A mild ‘bit of retaliation compared with that inflicted {by Brougham upon his fellow-ache: Burton. AND YORK COUNTY».INTELLIGENCER. in}. . taverja, _drin_k?’ng RICHMOND HILL, ONTARIO, CANADA; DECEMBER 27, 1877. In reply to the first-named asking if he had read the‘lsst number of the Lantern, a. comic paper in which Brougham was personally interested, Bun-non said he never read the thing unless he was tipsy ; a. compliment his questioner acknowledged with I bow and, “then,Mr. Burton, I am sure of one con- stant reader I" ‘ stunt reader I" It is well not to show contempt for a book to its author’s face, as newly made sergeant Murphy learned when dining in company with the author of Ten Thousand a. Year. He called across the table; “Warren. 1 never had patience to finish that book of yours; tell me when was the end of Gammon ?" “Oh.” add Wmen to the lawyer, “they made him a sergeant, egd _he was never 1199.:de _efter." _ Charles Dickens turning over the leaves of a literary lady’s album, came upon a page bearing the autographs 0! Daniel O’Connell and J oeeph Bonaparte, and over against them read, in Southey’e hand-writing : Birds of a. feather flock together ; But vide the opposite page ; And thence you may gather, I’m not of a. teather With some of the birds in this cegm Underneath the Leureat‘a lines the novelist wrote : Now if I don’t make The completest mistake That ever put man in a rage, This bird of two weathers Has moulted his feathers, And left them in some other eageâ€" reflection upon the poet‘s poli tical incon- stancy, that called forth a quid pro quo Irom one of Southey’s admirers, who thought a. man hadfias much right to change his opin- ions as to alter his style ; Put his first work and last work together, And learn from the groans of all men, That if he has not altered his leather, He’s certainly altered his pen. Seeing that men of all sorts delight in gird- ing at the professor of law and physio, it is strange that instead of making common cause together, lawyers and doctors rather cherish a mutual antipathy, which finds vent, in an amusing interchange of asperities. Gross- examining Dr. Warren, a New York counsel declared that a doctor ought to be able to give an opinion of a disease without making mistakes. "They make fewer mistakes than the law- yers; responded the phypician. 7 "That"? notso,” said ihe counsellor ; “but doctor‘s mistakes are hurled six feet under groqu ; s. lquegjg are not.” Said apompous man of money to Pro- fessor Agassiz : “I once took some interest in natural science ; but I became a banker. and .[ am what I am I" “Ah I" replied Agflfi'iz. “my father procured a. phqe Ant, me in fibunk;b‘flf‘ I begged for one more year of *study, then' for a second, then {or n. third.» That fixed my (ate, sir. I! it had H "No," replie'd Warren : but they are some- times hung as many feet above the ground.” Th} advantage was with the doctor. It was on the other side when, disputing as to comparative merits of their professions, Sir Henry Holland said to Bobus Smith, ex- advocate-general : “You must admit that your paofession does not make Angels of men ?”_&nd the lawyer replied; “TheEe you have the best of it ; yours certainly gives them the best chance.” not been for that littfe firmness of mine, I shggld now hays peennothgng bu; p banker; The money-dealer must have felt no lmall as the American judge who, finding his en- forced bed-fellow by no means overwhelmed by the company of a. person of his dignity, observed : “Pat, you would have remained along time in the old country before you could say you had slept with a. judge.” "True for you," said Pat ; “and yer HonmI would have been a. long time in the ould country, I’m thinking, before ye’d been} judge I" Joseph Bume,the economical reformer. having occasion to visit Brussels when Sir Robert Adair was our representative there, mindful of the minister's repute as a host. lost no time in leaving his name at the legation. Remembering Hume's constant attempts to out down ofiicial salaries, Sir Robert was inclined to ignore the hint ; but taking a second thonght, invited the trouble. some economist to dine with him. Hume put his legs under the ambass dor'l mahogany in the expectation of tasting the choicest viands and the most exquisite wines. but had to content himself with poor soup and poorer sherry, roast mutton and light Bor- deaux, a chicken and a salad ; supplemented with Adair’s apologetics] observation when the banquet was over ; “You see, sir, what these confounded Radicals have brought us to with their reductions. Byâ€"snd-by, I .daresay we shall come to prison diet. with pudding perhaps on Sundays? Scribe'the dramatist met his match in s nobleman ambitions of gaining 3 liters: y ro- putation by proxy; from whom he received- tho following curious epistle ; “Sirâ€"I have the honor to propose to you to associate with me in the composition of a drama. Your name will figure by the side oi mine ; you alone defrsying all the expenses of th first representation. You shall have 3.1 the profits, I work only {or 31031.” Scribe replied: ‘ Sir I have never been accustomed to harness together in my car- riage a horse and a5] ass ; I am therefore unable to_qccept ygur {or}: kind ofier." The nobleman closed the correspondence with: "Monsieur Scribeâ€"I received your note of refusal to unite our litem'y labors. You are at liberty not to underuth your own interest, but not to allow yourself to call me a horse.” Would-be wits are apt to have the tables turned upon them. At a dinner given in hon- or of Nick Denton, one of the stat! of the Illinois Central Railway, his friend Jaok‘ Wallace, intrnsted with he toasts of the even- ing. proposed it in t is wine: “The two Nicksâ€"01d Nick and Nick Danton l” Danton rose to respond, saying he appreciated the honor conferred upon him by connecting him with Mr, Wallace‘s most intimate friend. and scarcely knew how to req lute the compliment; but as one good turn deserves another, he would give “The two Jacksâ€"Jack Wallace and Jackass l” Chem thecericlurist turning into a. restur- ant, chanced to take possession of the favor- its sect of a. stockobroker. Upon coming in and seeing how things were. the letter called the proprietor acids and inquired if 110 were aware that the tall "fiv- ~tâ€"n-~' ' noon. pying his usual place my Q ufio not. The horrified man hu..l-uth.u“\“...u end entreeted him to go away, sayin M. Holden ‘ioh need not pay for what he be eaten it he would only leave at once. “Who told you I was the heedlman ?" asked 0h . with- out any surprise at whet he” ed heard. The landlord pointed out- his informant. "Ah," said Chem, as he rose 'to daplrt. “he ought to know me ; I flogged and branded hire at Toulon‘not two years ago." Hood once took a rope: revenge upon some practical jokers w o upset a. boat before he could get out of it, giving him e. thorough ducking. "Directly he was sets on lend he began to complain of cramps and stitches, end at last went indoors. Hie Mend: tether 1eehamed of their rough fun, ereueded him to go to bed, which he imm ' ter did. His groans and complain: increased so alarm- ingly that they were at their wit'a end whet The editor~of the Terra Ilaute Journal had the impudenoe to write : “The reason why Lafayette doesn’t build a rink is this. The ladies of that city’ have such big feet that no more than four or ’five could skate in a rink at one time ; therefore the concern wouldn't pay." "Whpreupon the Lafm ette' {carnal retoflgd_;_ ‘jlt is. 3. 21119111» 8 62! lie. The Lafayette Indies are celebrated for their pretty feet. Ali's well, you know, that ends, well, and the Terre Haute editor, afflicted with the daily exhibition of agricul- Aurel boots, is dying of envy. Goodwin of 10111‘ city once made a pair of twenty-sights, 1for a Terre Haute belle. He built them in the baek-yerd on a sort of marine railway, and launched them. If ever an old women lived in her shoe, it was down at Terre Hunts." General Gharietie. known some thirty years ago as acapital talker, clever vereifier, skilfulmusioian, bold better, daring horse- men, and dead-shot, was as cool as the pro- verbial cucumber. He once hired a Hert- tordshire manner for the shooting-season, and in following his game was not particular about trespassing on the adjoining estate, belonging to 9. lord of high degree. The iatter’s keeper out with his master one morning. heard the General 'blazing away in the adjoining cover, and calling attention to the intruder’s proceedings, was instructed to go and shoot one of the General’s dogs and turn him oi} the ground. “You had better take the pony ; you will get back quicker," said his lordship; and the keeper centered away on a perfect treasure of a pony, that its owner would not have parted with for any amount. Upon reaching the spot, Charretie was blazing away at the pheasants, the keeper told him to get OK the ground or, by his master’s orders he sh vuld shoot one of his dogs. ’ “Very well." said the General ; “shoot the old one ; but if you do, I shoot your pony ; and as I am not sure where my manor ends, I shan‘t stir.” The old dog dropped at a shot from the keeper; and before the man could turn round, the pony he bestrode was as dead as a dog. “Now, my man," said Ohm-ratio in the mildeat of tones, “if you shoot again, the next barrel is for yoqrgelf I” the keeper took'to his heels, told the dole- Iul stay to his master, who had not made up his mind how to act ere he receives a challenge from the General for insulting him by ordering his servant to shoot his setter. Seeing the sort of customer he had to deal with, the nobleman thought 't best to come to an amicable arrangement nd accept the defeat. to do. Mrs. Hood had receivee a quiet hint from the sufierer, and was therefore only amused at the terrified efforts and pre- scriptions of the repentant jokers. There was no doctor come-stable ; and all sorts of queer remedies were suggested and tried ; the poet shaking with laughter, while they thought he was shaking with egue and fever. One rushed up-stairs with a kettle of boiling water, another tattered in under a tin bath. and a third brought a quantity of mustard. Road then gave out fine sep- ulchera. Voice that he was dying ; and pro- ceeded to give the most absurd instructions {or his will, which his hearers could not eeei the fun of, (or their; fright. They heg- red him to forgive them for their unfortunate joke, and beseeched him to believe in their remorse ; till unable to keep up the force any longer, Hood burst into a perfect shout of laughter, which they thought at first was de- lirious frenzy. but Which ultimater betrayed that the biters ware bit. Ladies know how to give tit for tat, as e politican learned when. piqued by a. fair listener noticing a pet dog while he was bold» ing forth to her on the Eastern Question, he asked howa woman of her intelligence couldbceo fond 01a dog. “Because he never talks politics." was the significant reply.__ An Englishman attlched to the Washing~ ton Commission inosutiously remarked to his pretty American partner at a. ball, that al- though he had seen many beautiful women, he hld never come across a. handsome man in the States. “I suppose there are plenty of hangsome _men_in Englpnd 7" she _obset_'v- £15.01; yes. lots," saidv he ; provoking the poser : “Then why didn't Queen Victoria send some over here ?” ' LONDON, Demâ€"The London corres- pondent of the Manchester Guardian teie- grlphs it was the gossip of all the political clubs on Monday that the Cabinet is divid- ed about the measures to be taken to pre- vents. one-sided alteration of the Treaty of Paris, and that Lord Derby and the Marquis of Salisbury are opposed to the pet scheme of Lord Beeconsfield to summon Parliament much earlier than usual. It is exceedingly probable that Parliament will meet on the 17th January, to which time it was proregued last week, but the means by which Lord Beeconsfleld hopes to maintain British interests under. the Treaty of Paris will require further deliberations. (NOTEâ€"Parliament usually meets in Feb- ruary.) ' A Northampton special says a. Member of Parliament says the Government are awarding contracts in Northampton for the prompt supply of 300,000 pans of boots and sheet. This is the largest order known sincs the Crimean war. LONDON, Dec. 18.â€"'I‘he Timcs’ Constan- tinople dispatch says England is in great aisfavor here on account of Servla’s treach- ery, which English influence in favor of Servia. rendered possible. There is a strong impression that England will oppose the opening of the Dardanelles, which Turkey and probably all other Powers are prepared to concede. lithe Turks refuse the con- cession, it willbe because of the conviction that}: England will help them. . u The Standard states the Cabinet have decided to ask Parliament to vote a grant of money {or such increase of the British army as the present state of Europe de- manda. “To make England'eworde heard, to make mediation respected or intervention efiective, it ia necessary to appeal to the representatives 0! the nation for the requisite support. We cannot entertain the slightest doubt that Parliament will not only readily accord what- ever moneys are necessaryto put' the national- ;etrength in a condition of active efiieiency.‘ but will heartily undone the policy in accor- dance with the true interests of permanent peace and the noblest traoitione o! the counâ€" try. It is certain the Cabinet is united in its relolve. and with the opening of the New Yes: we shall witneee'the meeption o! a clear and national poliyy.’ The Post in a. leading editorial also fore- IhadoWl a. grant for military preparatians, and after a renewing the rumours current of this eonoeming the separate arrangements between Russia upd Turkey! sgys :_â€" The swtddi'difi its leader eXplsina the victory of the Russians is not the cause of THE WAR- ENGLAND’S ATTITUDE. "The Cabinet has come to a wise re‘glu- tion. It in these days. after reading £19 history of the last ten years, after making the relations of the continental Powers, after learning the lesson which the conditions of Europe at this moment plainly teachesâ€"if after this any man thinks a rfch Empire can exist without ever ssetting a disposition to tight for its possessions and existence. that man must be a tool. If without thinking so he maintains his point. then he must be some kind of a traitor. perhaps one who declares himself a. humanitarian or a. Churchman, first, and agfinglishman afterwards. The “A J: ,__ __.L A._L_L‘_ ______ The lTimes thinks such a conclusion in this case would be fez-in edvenoeot the truth. Parliament will not meet to enforce e resolu- tion. By the time Parliament meets the Government will, perhaps, be able to show that our interests in some way are attacked, but for the present the country, however irritated at Russian ambition and Servien treason, cannot believe itself in any fienger. The Daily News says it cannot help fear- ing Lord Beaconflfield has summoned Par- liament rather to obtain an indemnity for something actually done than to oonlult it as to his future policy. LONDON, Dec.â€"19.â€"The Pall Mall Gazette thisjftelgnoqn in_ a leading articlp, sear;â€" summoning“ Rarliament probably means no more the A warning to the other Powers that England does not propose-to allow the Eastern question to be settled by the three Emperors, and that she must have some voice in the disposal of her own future." The Financier this morning says :â€" “All sorts of statements, more or less im- probable, were in circulation on the Stock Exchange on Tuesday. One might go on with an enumeration of the idle reports and dis» cussions which are exercising men’s minds, the multiplicity of which ettefls the! univer- sal interests felt in the questions at issue, and the general belief that another crisis in the war is reached., All that can be truly so.th an uneasy ieeling prevails, the efiect being visible in the drooping prices of puhlic securities." The Times deprecutas too much import- ance bei 'attached to the eerly ummonv. in; of Per 'ment, and points to the numer- ous instances in which the Cabinet's action has been misinterpreted, even by" their own supporters, as, for instance, sending of the fleet to Besiks Bay. If my previous Cabinet had summoned Parliament this early, the natural inference would have'been they were about to demand, agrant of money to support some step taken by the Queen on the advice of her Ministers. ' The Manchester szrdin‘s« L ondon cor. pondont says :â€"- “If Lord Beaconsfield's wishes had been fullyconsulted Parliament wouldhav 0 met at a much earlier date than January 17th, so that the benefit of the counsels of the nation in . the proposed arrangements for peace. Lord Beaconsfield despairs of carrying a majority or the Cabinet with him in his Eastern policy. : Two or three prominent members of the Cabinet take their stand on the plea that : no questions which are beyond the compe- tence of the Ministry have yet come before them. There is further fear that the Pre mier‘s influence with his party would bring lupon them an uncomfortable pressure in ifavor of his personal policy. Instead of a , December session, which the Premier was known to desire, Parliament meets three ; weeks earlier than usual. The date, how- ever, will be too far Oh to assist the Ministry in the deliberations now engaging their attention. The mediation proposal is already dead, even though Turkey may yield to the pressure now long applied to her to accept the Conference proposals to the full instead of the present ofler to place her own reforms under the guarantee of Europe. Russia is backid by the more influential Powers in her demand that Turkey‘s overtures for peace shall, in the first instance, be addressed to her. The real difficulty Lord Beaconsfield has to confront is a single-handed peace. which would not be objected to, provided it respected the views of the Cabinet. The labours of the Foreign Office of late have been directed, not simply to ascer- taining what proposals beyond those of the last conference will satisfy Russia, but in what respect British intrrests, relating mainly to Arman annexation, the fate oi the T urkiih fleet, and the neutralization oi the Dardanelles, though the Government are willing to forego their treaty right to hand in asettlement. If their views and interests be’fully admitted,there is at present no sign from Russia that she will in any way bind herself. The Premier thus comes to be credited with a personal policy, of which the leading idea is to compel Russia to respect our interests in case of a single- ' handed peace. No one suggests Lord Bea- consfield would go to the extent of an im- mediate declaration of war, but he would ' enter on a course of warnings and threaten- ings which would inevitably lead to war if Russia did not give proof of unexpected ' moderation. It is this phase of the question which has recently occupied so much time during the Cabinet sittings. No little asperity has been shown in these discussions in consequence of what may be regarded as an act of flagrant party disloyalty by a very prominent member of the Ministry. It is stated one of the most active opponents of Lord Beaconsfield's policy has recently exchanged opinion with Earl Granville and the Marquis of Hertington respecting a coalition Minlstry, in order to carry out the GladstoneSalisbury policy. Two Liberal leaders are said to have thrown cold water upon the suggestion. At the present mo- ment oilice is not particularly desirable.” H..â€"~wv-.â€"u .Herw quarrel b ' artmged'on these terms. She may even ave cause to demur to peace made directly between the benign-ante. She claims a voice in the settlement and it is that she may be prepared to inliet upon that voice that the Government is adopting those measures which Parliament will be invited to sanction. interesfig. . England 091: ngyer o'gngent to _t_ho the summoning of Parliament. but the license which is given to Russia by Germany and Austria to use the viot'o in ‘her own way. This is what cogstitum e‘dflnger to The Liverpool Post (Provincial Conserva- tive organ) printed a. London specialtie- spateh yesterday, saying the absoluteness and almost insolent tone of Germany’s reply made a deep impression in Mmiszerial (moms. A Vienna. correspondent says it was thought for some time England might bring‘ the Turkish note officially to the knowledge‘ of the Russian Government, but according to the latest information the British Cabinet decided on Tuesday that in view of the difierenoe of opinion among the Powers any ;att§mpt to mediate wouldla‘a inop‘oorfiqne. u~.v_r- - ._v.._..- .. LONDON. Dec. 20.-â€"Ihe Manoherter Guardian’s London correspondent says every attempt to strike out a new foreign policy for the Gox‘remmentr rzevives the dissamliong Iv. unv u- .-.__-_. in the Cabinet. The retirement of Lord Derby is by no means improbable. Among a. numbrt of rumoured Inject: necessitating the summoning of Pa! imam are increased ENGLAND EXCITED. 'A ialegfam from Athens says that speedy participation in the warJJy Greece is expaqted. LONDON, Dec. 15.â€"Sulieman Pasha is for- tifxing his posithns on the} Lom. A Constantinople despetoh says the cir- cular note despatched by the Prote to the signatories of the treaty of 1871 commences uy the statement that the origin of the pres- ent important events is perfectly known. The'Imperiel Government is conscious of having done nothing to provoke war. It has done everything to avoid it, and vainly sought to discover Russia’s motives in her aggcessive campaign. The Porte has shown its desire for improvement by organ- izing its judicial system and devising reforms, without distinction of race or religion, ac- cording to a, constitution which has every where been well received. Partial reform is of no avail. The adoption of improvements is one part of the empire only would be a ’premium to other communities to revolt. The Times says :â€"“We are not going to allow our interest to be bound up with the maintenance of the Ottoman Empire in its integrity or independence. It will be found when Parliament meets that the commun- ications the Ministry will have to make in both Houses are not inspired by that terror which now disturbs the mental vision and distracts the judgmentgf so many;" A Daily New? leading articio says :â€" “We think Parliament is summoned to approve of war preparations.” Any doubt as to the execution of reforms should disappear before the solemn declara- tion the Ports now makes that a state of war simply retards such reforms, and is disas‘ trans to the country generally, destroying agricultural interests, killing industry, and ruining financial reorganization. Inhperf- dently of these arrangements for reform, what reason can there be for continuing war! Russia has declared that she is not animated by a spirit of conquest. The military nonor of both sides must be abundantly satisfied; what object can there be in prolonging a con- test ruinous to both countries? The moment has arrived for the belligerent Powers to ‘ accept pesos, wiihout afiecting their dignity. 1 Europe might now usefully interpose her 3good office, since the Prote is ready to come 1 to terms. The country is ready to sacrifice all for independent» and the integrity of the fatherland, but the Ports is desirous to stop further eflusion of blood. Meetings at the Cabinet are held daily, and the settled impressions is that prepara- tions for war are intended. At Woolwich and other arsenals orders have~been re- ceived stopping the discharge of men and to take back those recently discharged. While war may not be intended there is absolutely no doubt whatever that England is to be put in readiness for war should that be _necessa.ry. The Journal des Debuts, of Paris, states that there is no doubt that. England has earne'atly sounfled the Powers to ascertain whether it is possible to organize common diplomgtw action with-the view t9 pegcq. >_ > A Plevns. correspondent telegraphs that he believes the Russians will not advance im- medietily, but await the effects of the fall of that place. Heavy guns, which Were already on the Sophia road between Plevne and the River Vid, have been hauled back, which would have been waste of labor if a. speedy advance on theBalkens was intended, A Times’ leading arttcle throws out strong indications of the writer’s belief that Par- liament will be asked to vote money fq the purchase of a. further interest of some kind in Egypt, There are two purchases possible, namely the Khedive's remaining interest in the Suez canal and the Porte’s suzerainty avg: Egypt. A correspondent with the Grand Duke Vladimir shows that the Metschka affair was confined to skirmishers and cavalry with some field artiklery practice“ He thinks the Turks may have lost a thodsand altogether, as they were much exposed, but the Russian loss Ems» insignificant. Several financial articles in the morning’s London martial: note a marked firmness in Egyptian bonds yesteread amid the general depression, and aseribe it to pohtical rea- sons. A Bucharest despatch says Osman Pasha has sent ashort telegram to the Ports stat- mg that he had neither received reinforce- ments nor provisions, but had nevertheless resisted as long as possible. He attempted to tame a passage, but was defeated. The Czai leavés'for St. Petersburg on Mon- day. A Constantinople despatch says the Cham- ber of Deputies has elected a. Christian Pres- ident. A despatch from Bagot states that the Turks burned and evacuated on Friday. The Rugsjans {gfpcoupied it. armaments, a war'vote and the purchase 0 thq Turkish fleet. 7 ' Prinue Milan’s prqclamntion recounts the Turkish atrocities and violations of faith sincmthe treaty of peace last February, and concludes:â€" “Let us move forward alongside the vi“ torious banner of the Czar, the Liberator» with Christian falth in God, the plotector of the right, andAauccess is sure. “Gi'ven' in the name of our country’s wel- fare, Servia's independence, and her heroic people; It i5 God’s will. "‘(Signed) MILAN OBRENVITGH.” A Plevna. correspondent describes Osman Pasha's reception by the Russians 2- “The Grand Duke Nicholas rode up to Osman's carriage and for some seconds the two chiefs gazed into each other’s faces with- out utterance, then the Grand Duke stretch- ed out his hand, shook the hand of Osman heartily, and said ‘I compliment you on your defence of Plevna. It is one of the most splendid military tents in history. Osman smiled sadly, rose painfully, to his feet in spite of his wounds, and said something which I could not hear.- The Russian oflicers all cued “bravo l bravo l” repeatedly. and all saluted respectfully. There was not one among them who did not gaze on the hero of Plevna with‘ the greatest admiration and sympathy. Prince Charles of Roumania rode up. and repeated almost every Word oi the Grand Duke, and likewise shook hands with Osman, who again rose and bowed, this time in grim silence. He wore a loose blue cloak, with no apparent mark on it to designate his rank, and a. red fez. He is in large, strongly-built man. The lcwer part of his (see is covered with 'a short black beard. without a. streak of grey, and he has alarge Roman nose and black eyes." It was rumored [in Constantinople on Monday that Osman Pasha. was dead. The report was not credited here, as no informa- tion can reach Constantinople from Buchar- est. The latest advices from Bucharest mention nothing amiss with Osman. The ‘Daily Telegraph, however, asserts that dew spatohes from Bucharest state that Osman poisoned himself. and it is believed he’ was actuated by the Mahomedsn horror of am- putation, which the surgeons informed him was necessaiy. The story is still doubtful. "jib; Szahdard‘s ’Constefntinople special of Sunday asserts that Osman telegraphed to WHOLE NO. 1014. A Berlin correspondent telrg raphs that Germany replied to the Turkish note that German parlicipation in mediation depends upon Russia consenting to parley. The North German Gazetts and vNational‘ Gazette declare the Powers will not listen to Turkey's gappeil. The Observer states it has reason to be. lieve the Turkish circular was dispatched at thgjnsbauee Of England. The Scotsman'x London correspondent says it isaunderstool the English Govern. ment does not; wish to act without the con. currence of the other Powers. It is most anxious to avoid complications which might lead to unpleasantness with Russia. Mr: Layard, the British Ambassador, denies that he sounded the Porte as to the conditions of peace it would be wil ing to an. cop): A Constantinople telegram says several of the Powers have already acknowledged the receipt of the Porte’s circular. The tone of Italy’s reply was very conciliatory and friend- ly. It says Italy will endeavor to have steps taken, in concert with other Powers, for of- fering mediation. ' 'A Para. correspondent says 'the Turkish Government obviously feels its capability of resistance exhausted, and Would gladly make peace upon reasonable terms, but it appears they have no definite programme. LONDON, Dec. 18.-â€"-1t is reported the ltou. maniun troops decline to cross the Balkans, It is reported from Constantinople that the Porte has granted‘autonqmy to Crete~ LONDON, Dec. 16.â€"A Constantinople de- epatch says it is reported England. has sound- ed Russia as to the conditions of peace. The Porte, however, has been informed that Russia desires Turkey to negotiate direct with her and mediation would only make the terms harder. The peace party seems to be gaining ground. Great discontent prevails among the population of Stnmboul. Sedi- tious placarfls are frequently found. A Pesth despatch states that a, meeting of eight thousand persons resolved ,that the Government should resist, if necessary with arms, afurther extension of the power of Russia. The President of the Ministry re. fused to receive the deputation from the meeting, as it was accompanied by a. crowd. The crowd becoming disorderly, the police cleared the streets. A Paris despatch says a. correspondent states that the Russian Minlster of Finance has notified loan contractors that he has de- termined not to receive a second insta meat of the war loan, amounting to fifteen million marks, the option of refusing which he had reaerved. _ A Constantinople despatch gays it is GEL cmlly explained that Turkey does not ap. proach the Powers as a. vanquished State since she still has two lines of defence wind; the Government believe she would Be able to hold. The l’rote, by its recent circular desires its willingness to consider the pro: posal made by the Constantinople (Women once to be known. As the war began own] to Turkey’s refusal to adhere to those ‘ pro}? posals the Porte thinks it might be termin- ated now on that basis. A Constantinople despatoh says the Ser- vians crossed the Turkish frontier at Pilot, and are marching on Kossova. Mehemet Ali has arrived here. A Copenhagen despatch says the report that the Russian Minister here was believed to be negotiating with Denmark with a. view to proposing Prince Waldemar or Prince John of Glucksburg for ruler of Bulgaria, is declared unfounded. An Alexinatz telegram states that Prince Milan, of Setvja, has arrived there. The Ieport is confirmed that Sei'vians hav . . e occupled Adhe. The place had be a,th 9y the Turks. fan evacu- A thharest despatch says Princ ‘ chakog has instructed the Russia: 2:113:- sentgtives abroad to observe the greages; posSIble reserve relative to the conditions of peace which Russia. mi hi; b advance. g c dammed to A Verbitza special says 40,000 Russians leaveflfor Qrc'lganiq or} Saturfiay. A Bucharest correspondent re )or' . t. ordelrs have pe'en given in Russia 1101‘ tietfigt medmte mobllization of 60,000 fresh troops- New battalions are contiuall - u ‘ Danube. y mo‘smg the his family his wounds are prdgressing well. The total Russian loss up to December 13th was 77,658. A Belgrade despatch says Princs Milan has started for Alexinatz. The Servinns, under General Legcbjanin, occupied with artillery the heights of Topolnitza and Zecâ€" anika commanding Fort Marrow, near Nisch. - A Belgrade correspondent sa ' ‘ Hogvatovitgh is advancing easbzvharfijelgféfi {Adina ngd 1t tl'S rumored he has already ef ea 9 a 1mm Ion with the R _ ' . mania“. uqsmns and Ron. A Vienna codespondont says the intelli- gence from all sides leave no doubt that the Russians from Pievna have commenced a forward movement in every direction. There are sevoml indications they are about to attack the Schipka Pass. There is great dissatisfaction in Constantinople with Sulie- man Pasha, and his recoil probabm. LONDON, Dec. 19.â€"â€"A Turkish circular'is issued, complmning of a breach of neutral- ity on the part of Italy, in allowing volun. beers to join the Montenegrins. LoNndN, Dec. 19-â€"A Viénua telegram SB, 5 Count Andrgssy yesterday made a long speezh in a. secret sltting of the Finance Committee, and explained the policy of Austria. in to the Eastern question. regard A Ragusa desputch says 6,000 Turks from Podgoritza, have compelled a. Montenegrin corps to zetreat into their own territory, and now marching to succour Scutari and Anti- van. A Belgrade despatch states the Serviang hay? oc_cppi9d Fprt Mramor, near Niseh. The St Petersburg Gazette announces that General Todleben has been appointed Com. mander of Rustchuk, with Prince Imeri- tinsky as chief of his staff. A Vienna. correspondent says the Porte intends to lay the whole question of nego- tiation before the Turkish Parliament, mak- ing further stgps dependent on its decision. 1 Berlin despatch says the impression prevalent here is that the German Govern. mantis desirous ofa termination of the war, that it will adhere fully and freely to whatsoever conditions Russia. may resoive to ask, and has resolved neither itself to advance any obstacle, nor, so far as it can help, to permit any other Power to hinder the extinction of Turkey as a. European power. A Belgrade ‘teleg’i‘am says she Servians have occupied Erohopolle nnopposed. A bonfimmfi’l’lâ€"e despifoh guys it is said the Ports has mstructedits Mimster at; Rome tohqs: for an qxplanation of the relations w 1c are growmg more and more . t. befiwggn Italy and Greece,‘ In 1mate . A Vienna. despatch says Count Andrassy, addressing the Budget. Committee to-day, said he had come to the conclusion he could under no circumstances whatever make the slightest alteration in the policy hitherto pursued, which consisted 1n maintaining Continued on Fourth Pug;