The Montreal witness, 21 décembre 1861, samedi 21 décembre 1861

[" COMMERCIA REVIEW AND FAMILY NEWSPAPER.VOL.XVI | MONTREAL, SATURDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1861.No.102.(To the Editor of the Daily Witness.) Loxnox, C.W., Dec.17th, 1801.Sin, \u2014 With referenes to certain statergents which lave recently appeared in some of the Provincial journals, as to anti-Lritich sentiments alleged 10 have been cxpressed by Joo.B.Gough, Esq, in one of his lectures recently delivered in New York, I have the pleasure to inform you, that afler a direct and most emplatic denial by letter from Detroit, and also on the public platform in\u2019 this city, the following resolutions were unanimously carried by a large and enthusiastic meeting in the W, Methodist Church, on the occasion cf bia lecture on the Power of Example,\u201d on the evening of the 16th inst, when ubout 1,000 of our most respectable citizens were present :\u2014 Morel by Mr.E.Rowland, seconded by Mr.A.J.G.Henderson, Resclred,\u2014That 1be cordial thanks of this meeting are hereby given to J.L.Gough, Es, for the very able Jecture he hag delivered this morning.Moved by Rev.C.P.Watson, seconded ly W.Bowman, Eq.Resolved, That the members of this large audience express their sympathy with Mr.Gough, at the unwarrantable and shameful attacks, which Lave been made on his character, by certain anonymous orrespon- dents, in two of the public journals of this city, and they hereby rejoice to express their undiminished con- i lence in Mr.Gough as a man of honor and Christian integrity; and they sincerely pray that a kind Providence may long spare him t¢ be in the future, as be bas beeu in the past, an instrument of great good in the Temperance Lefurmation.Also, flesolved,~\u2014That a copy of these resolutions, be forwarded for insertion in the city journals, and also in the Globe and Leader of Toronto, and Montreal Witness.I have, therefore, to request the favor of your compliance with the wish of that meeting.And remain, sir, respectfally yours, E.RowLAxD, Sec\u2019y Jt.Com.Sons of Temp\u2019ce., and Y.M.Ç.A.(To the Editor of the Montreal Witness.) Sm,\u2014In & transaction between two business men, there resulted a difference of $6.50.The one raying it was not fairly bis, sent it to the other ; the other, saying neither was it bis, returned it.They agree to give the amount to some good object; and it is enclosed with the request that you will take the trouble of sending it to Mr.Davidson for the Montreal General Hospital, and no further notice or acknowledgment of it is needed.Yours, M.Mn.DotGaut, Dear Sir,\u2014Please acknowledge in the Witness the 36.50 you sent me yesterday for the Hospital.Yours truly, D.Davinson.Tbursday, Dec.19.PARIS CORRESPONDENCE TO MONTREAL \u201c WITNESS.\" Panis, Nov.25, 1861.There are ia France from two to thres million Protestants, the majority of whom constitute the Reformed churches, nnd the churches of the Augsburg Confession of Faith, Their pastors, B07 in number, are supported Ly the Government.They have two Theological Seminaries, one at Montauban in connection with the reformed church, where from 60 to 70 students are prepared for the Ministry ; and the other at Strasburg, which is under the direction of the churches of the Augsburg Confession.The other class which constitutes the minority comprises the Independents, the Methodists, the Baptists, &e.The ladependents, known as the Association of the Evangelical churches, have about 2,000 members, who are required to make an explicit and personal confession of faith, 30 chapels, 30 pastors, 16 primary schools, and 12 Suuday-schools, where 600 children receive religious instruction.The association has as yet no theological institution, but the young men desirous of laboring as pastors may complete their studies iu the scboolsiof Geneva aod Lausanne.The Methodista commenced Mistionary operations in France 70 years ago.For a long period they were connected with the English Wesleyan Missionary Society, and ia 1852 they became organized as French churches.\u2018The conference, whose field of labor extends also over French Switzerland, and the islands of the English Chancel, bas under its supervision 150 chapels, 29 pastors and candidates for the mivistry, 71 local preachers, 1,600 members, 41 Sabbatbeschools, with 1,857 children, and & daily schools.The Library Agency, establisbed in Paris by the conference, under the name of Evangelical Library is now sel ini and issues twice a month a paper known as l'Æran- geliste, \u2018The Baptist churches in conne ition with the Ameri- «sn Baptist Missionary Union, huve bees founded but recently, and comprise 300 membx *¢, all of whom, with {few exceptions, are converts from Popery.The chapel of Chauney, in the Departmen: of Ajmes, is still closed by the (lovernment.Notwi bstanding this, the congregations of the other chapels (an now meet together for public worship without mole tation on the part of the authorities.14 pastors and ¢ rangelists are en- seged in the work.lost important communications bass been made to the Italian Parliament by Baron Ricasoli relative to the settlement of the all-absorbing Roman question.Unfortunately, the Papal Government bus opposed to the project of settlement, theie favorite mazim\u2014non ssumus,\u2014and all \\be effort of the Italian Cabinet as proved utterly unavailing, notwitbstaudlvg the many privileges guaranteed to the Pope in the eleven articles contained in their programme, which 1 take the poser of transcribing, the Pope retains bis dignity, inviolability, and avery other prerogative established by custom.The cardinals retain thelr title of Princes.ull liberty Is secured to the Pontiff in all that relates to bis divine right as Ohief of the Church, Primato of Italy, and Patrigrch of the West, Pope may send Nuncios to foreign courts, com te with his bishops without the intervention of Government, and convoke synods and councils.Bishops and priests to be independent, though subject to the penal laws like other subjects.The King renounces Lis jus patronalus over ecclesiastical bonefices, and his right of appointing bishops and pays a dotation to the Holy See.This project is preceded by an address to the l\u2019untit!, and there is a letter to Cardinal Antonelli, in order to invite him to receive the project favorably.Next follows a note to Chevalier Nigra, Ambassador of laly to the Freach Court, by which he is requested to invoke the good cllices of France in forwarding the above document to the Roman Ponti.The note concludes with the remark tbat if tbe offers are rejected, the Italian Goveroment may not be alle to repress the impatience of the people, who call fur jts capital\u2014 Rome.The Emperor bas caused a chapel 10 be crected ia the camp of Chalous fuz the use of the soldiers who prof.s53 adbesion to the Protestant faith, This indicates a spirit of liberality.It is asserted that Napoleon bas no aversion for Protestantism, and that on the contrary, Le hails its extension with satisfaction.The Académie Francaise bus just bestowed upon M.Suint ltilaire, l\u2019rofcssor of History iu the Faculiy of La Sorbonne, in Paris, an honorable mention for à work which be is engaged in writing upon the History of Spain, M, Saint Hituire is à Protestant lately converted from infidelity, and is a mest exemplary Christian, The work of evangelization progresses with much success in Italy.A Thelogical Seminary is to be opened in Genoa, under the euperintendence of MY, de Sanates and Mazarella.Tbe latter bas taught Philosophy in the University of Bologna, and ho is now called to fill the chair of Philosophy in the University of Genoa.Three young men from Naples nre students of Theology in the Seminary tecently established at Florence.W.N.C.Propartiities of Wir.\u2014Monday was n day of in- terse excitement and warlike anxiety and alarm throughout the United States as well as Canads, and the New York papers of Tuesday chronicle and reflect the state of public opinion so far, which is, we are happy to add, anything but warlike.The Tribune, for instance, says: \u2014 ¢ We give this morning full reports by telegraph of the state of public feeling throughout the country with regard to the position said to taken by England.There seems to be no general disposition to bluster, but there is yet evidence of a quiet determination to maintain our righte, being first careful to clearly ascertain what they are.\u201d This ia certainly s very sensible conclusion.The following is a portion of the city article of the same paper, reflecting the opinions of monied men :\u2014 \u201cThe news from England, as was to be expected, created a profound sensation yesterday in the city.The stock market experienced a heavy decline, as will be seon by our commercial reports, rallying somewhat however, at the close, on receipt of favorable advices from Wasbington, it being generally conceded that the probability of a war was, at the worst, too remote to excite serious apprehension.Of course there was à good deal of blustering ou the part of the reckless and unreflecting, nod disposition to defy England to do her worst; but it appeared to be the sentiment of the % solid men\u201d that if, after mature examination, wo find wo are in the right, then we must maintain the course of Capt.Wilkes at all casts, If, on tho other hand, we find we have erred, then we should frankly and fairly say g0,and end the matter.The general opinion, however, favored the retention of Mason and Slidell\u201d Again, in à leader advocating an immediate explanation, on the part of tbe United States, thai no offence was intended to Britain in the Mason-Slideil arrest, accompanied by an offer to submit the whole matter to arbitration, the same icfluential paper says: \u2018It was not to be expected, nor did anybody expect, that England would take with any meastre of meekness so signal and emphatic a disregard of her aseumed sovercigaty of the seas und of Ler national dignity, as that conveyed in the act of Capt.Wilkes.Nor, it must be coufessed, has onr tone since, j«biic and oflicials becn one to modifs ber indignation.If we put ourselves in their place it is cesy to understand that they might very bonestly ask the question\u2014Do these people mean war by such an unprecedented indignity ?And the mere suspicion, which seems almost inevitable, very properly suggests the probibition of (he exports of the constituents of gunpowder, of which, presently, they think they may have much need.So far it seems Lo us their conduct is perfec .y natural, and we bonestly ronf-sa that it is not one whit worse than we expected ; for it is only fair to measure their estimate of the act of Capt.Wilkes, on the one hand, by our owa estimate of it on tho other, If, therefore, in this first burst of Indiguation tbe Eoglish peopl can stop to consider the question as ons turniog upon the technicalities of international law, there only needs a little patience on our part to avert sucha calamity as a war between the two countries.\u201d The Albany Jrgus, & very influential Democratic paper uses the following language: \u2014 © Let onr Government put itself cleacly in the right ; and though ail tbe Powers fa Europe combine for its destruction, it will survive, The magnitude of the danger should rouse every true patriot to the utmost sacrifice; and should awake the Government to the ne- cestily of concentrating the whole sentiment of the country, for this supernal struggle.\u201d \u2018The Albany Statesman says :\u2014 «Mr.Seward is charged with seeking to provoke a war with England, and with high words the terror of British cannon ls presented to our view.This is a mere pretence, 83 is the clamored danger of Osnada, There is not an English statesman nor & Loudon acrib- bler, who does mot know that the American people are at this time especially anxious to preserva peace with all foreign patios, and that the A ministration basal- ready submitted to inzults which, bad not the Southeru inaurrection engaged our attention, woull have been prowpily resented.\u201d # Mavecocx Conrs\u201d-\u2014The Adrertiser notices the intention to form a company of Artillery under the title of the \u201cITavelock Corps of Garrison Artillery.\u201d That paper deprecates the attaching of fancy names to corps, saying :\u2014* The country bas grim work before it, and the people musi enter on their new duties with sober earnestness, and resolutely discard all euphonious shams.\u201d It is most important (Lat there should Le no levity or trifling connected with this movement, and that every man should feel that if bis services be called for, he bas a fearful duty to perform ; and exactness in drill and determination to obey orders, are the important matters.Names, titles, uniforns, and war-songs must be kept within bounde.Yet if there is one namo more than another that speaks of * sober earnestness\u201d iit the mids: of * grim work,\u201d it is Muveluck.May the Havelock company, sbould it be formed, have their eye fixed on the cxample of him whose name they bear, and tLeir faith in Him in whom Uavelock trusted ! Rip River ITexs.\u2014Assinipota.\u2014The Nurs Wester devotes an atticle to the future of the Red River settic- meuf, referring to the fact that the country must soon rise to the rank of a colony of Britain, und t.kes up the important question of naming the colony.After showing that aboriginal names are at the same time the most beautiful, the most distiactive and characteristic, it proposes the above nume, saying :\u2014 \u201c For these reasons we like the name Asziniboi The Assiniboines were 4 tribe, or part of a tribe t once overran this district.The name literally means Stone Sioux-Indians, or, Lo use the common expression, Stone Indians, or Btonies.This would, of itself, give the name an appropriateness ; and the fact that the main tributary of tbe Red River, joiuing it at Fort Garry, beara the name Assiniboine, in ail maps, would further ideotify the name with this particular region.And if it be true that the red man is destined to disappear before the steady advance of the white, would it not be pleasant to the generous and philanthropic of future times to find mementos of these interesting tribes preserved in the nomenclature of the country ?It is tbe smallest tribute that can be offered.Itritish antiqua- 1ians delight in unravelling the atory of Roman occupation, or of Celtic times, from crumbling walls pulverising weapons, or wasting mounds; and (key can tell much of Saxon movements and Scandinavian invasions from the nomenclature of the country; why notin a small way, duriog the pre-historic period preserve for future generations such relics, or mementos as we can of the interesting race which is steadily recediog and disappearing before the white man ?\u201d CANADIAN NEWS.REINFORCENENTS AT Haxo\u2014The steam transport + Melbourne,\u201d escorted by the \u201c Orpheus\u201d steam frigate, sailed from England on the 5th instant for Bic, or River du Loup if possible.The '* Melbourne\u201d brings Armslrong guns, rifles, and fixed ammunition for the cannon, great coats and other stores.ler arrival may be expected about the 5th.The * Austra- lesion\u201d and ¢ Persia\u201d are also bound for Bic with troops, These veasels are all piloted by tho most experienced captains of the regular ft.Lawrence traders, Captain Auld of tbe \u2018 City of Quebec,\u201d being the pilot of the i Australasian.\u201d A large number of cxtra officers will accompany the troops, to take command of and drill the militia.\u2014.dverliser.Tue New Yon \u201cHenatn's\u2019 CourksPONDENT IX Quenec.\u2014The New York [Herald has gent a correapon- dent 10 Quebec\u2014and an Argus-eyed correspondent he seems to have been.We wonder who it was that got hold of him here, crammed bim well and seot him of gape and wondering?Some of our fast men, whe love a lurk, we know, He says \u201cthe batteries and walls are lined with cannon of the largest calibre.\u201d \u201cThe whole entire Upper Town ia completely surrounded by a wall of immense thickness.\u201d \u201c À great military curiosity, also, is the subterranean streets which lead under the whole Upper Town like the sireels above them.\u201d Poorman.Ife must have\u201c becn wholly and entirely\u201d taken in, Tle must Lave see double\u2014no, much more than that\u2014to imagine that our walls are © immensely thick.\u201d But the subtetranean streets! Why the feliow must have looked at (he sewers or perhaps the gas and water pipes and taken them for fortifications, Wo have heard that although the Federal armies thought the Soutberpers had fortified and armed Munson's Hill, yet when it was evacuated they saw that what they had taken for cannon wero merely old charred (ranks of trees.We have listened, too, not without incredulous wonder, to tales about Leaufort and Alexandria and lots of other places being undermined, We shall know in future what to believe.For we shall take the man who was here as a fair sample of the correspondents that write foolish lies for the Now York Herald.\u2014 Quebec Chronicle.A Bioamist Cacaur.-The notorions Joho Mavor, with various otber assumed names, of whom a notice appeared a few months ago ia the Keclesiestical Record, and went the round of the newspapers, is captured at last, From information received from one of the victims, it appears that last summer ho bad been travelling in the State of Michigan under the assumed nsme of John Melville Gordon, and obtained charge of a Presbyterian congregation in Alleghany county in that State, where be acquired some celebrity as a preacher, te had not been long settlod among his flock when be resumed his old practices by paying his addresses to & respectable young lady In that neighbor hood, to whom be was married.1lis honeymoon was but of short duration, for two days after his marriage be was n.rested by the authorities of that place as an- swering the description of the person contained in the Abuve mentioned notice, which had been copied into the Michigan papers, Other circumstances transpiring which placed his identity beyond a doubt, be was accordingly lodged in Alleghany county prison, where he new ig, awaiting bis trial on a charge of bigamy ,\u2014 Kingston News.Great Fee 1x Mourisrown\u2014Loss $20,000.\u2014 Mr.Donald McPherson, of Morristown, informs us (lac a disastrous fire, attended with the destruction of à large amount of property, occurred in that place yeaterday morning about 3 o'clock.The Puslineh Mills\u2014con- sisting of a grist mill, oat mill and saw mill, were total.1y consumed.The fire started in a dry kiln attached to the oatmeal mill, and spread very rapidly, the buildings being principally of wood.There were nearly 600 bushels of wheat, 1,000 bushels of oats, and 60 cwt, of oatmeal, besides a number of grists belonging to farmers, which were all consumed.The mills were owned by Messrs.Melons & Clark.The total loss is estimate ed at $0,000, We beliere they are insured in the Gore Mutual for $2,000, and $4,000 in the Liverpool and London.\u2014I'umfries Reformer, Trausovy 1x Nova Scoma\u2014Thue Pictou (NS) Chronicle contains over s column account of the me- lanekoly death of Mr.James R, McDonald, Superintendent of the works of the Lunenburg Gold Mining Company, by the bunds of bis intimate friend Mr.F.Trunweïzer.The latter kad with some friends been firing a revolver at a target, for a treat, and at the conclusion of the fring reiarked that be would himself discharge the last shot remaining, which Le did apparently to the full conviction of bis friends.Mr.Mc Donald, with whom it was sworn be had last parted on most intimate and fricindly terms, met him just 2s the party were entering Trunweizer\u2019s door, wheu the Intter said in a jest\u2014*Il4llo ! Mac, stand off,\" and boid- ing up the pistol, shot him right through the left vie, and killed him on the sput.Tue bystanders weiv ut first of upinion that McDonald fell in fun till they saw his life blood streaming on the ground, Ivproenonta.\u2014MNr.James Watts toll-gste keeper at Cold Springe, died of Iydrophobis on last Friday week.Some six or eight weeks ago, he noticed a dog suspended by the neck Letween two of the rails of a fence, and went to his relief.No sooner was the dog free than be turned upon Mr.Watts and bithishend.The place healed up and nothing wag thought of the matter until the Wednesday preceding his death when the unfortunate man showed signs of Hydrophobis.Medical aid was sent for, but availed nothing, and after forty-eight hours of intense suffering the poor mae died.\u2014 Pelerboro Review, Rascatity 18 Cosorrc.\u2014An old pensioner named Conner, was found dead in big house in Cobourg, on Saturday week last.The post mortem examination led to nothing connected with the poor man's death, but it revealed the fact that on the preceding night, a number of young rufliang had been at tbe house carousing, and had made a crimiaal assault upon Mea Conner.Four of them hire been committed to g al.\u2014.Farat Accipext.\u2014Mr.Coolin, of Madoe, mt with an accident on Monday, the 2nd inst, by which ke lost his life.He had just stepped on the horse-power of a threshing machiae, and losing his balance bia le) came in contact with one of the arms of the * bul wheel,\u201d tearing the flesh completely off the sole of his foot.Mortification set in, and although medical aid was promptly in attendance, be died a few days after.\u2014 Belleville Intelligencer, Burrato Hunr.\u2014Tble hunters have been coming ia during the past few days, from their third and last trip fur (bis season.This is what is commonly known as the \u201cgreen meat party,\u201d\u2014those who go for fresh, in contradistinction from dried meat and pemican.They have only been three weeks away, and bave come in heavily laden with ¥ cow's meat.\u201d We are happy to bear of such abundance.Our grain crop is rather serimp this year, and it is well that meat provisions are plentiful, This will still further depress the farmers\u2019 market, which is very low already.Scarcely any beef, mutton or pork enn sold, as it is, alibough prices arc at the lowest point possible.Flour is the only article that issalenble.Red River haa never been better cleared of money then ot present.\u2014 Nor'- Wester.PrxcavtionanY \u2014Gen, Williams, on Saturday iast, paid a fying visitto Colliogwood, for the purpose of sceing (be place put in à state of defonce, and we believe, gave directions for the construction of iwe batteries for the protection of the harbor, one lo be lo- eated at or near the old Hurontario Mills, about & mile to tho eastward of the town, end the other on ome of islands koown as the \u201clien snd Chickens,\u201d about tires miles from shore to the westward.\u2014 Barrie Spirit, \u2014 A fow weeks ago Margaret Jane Taylor of Mums ray, near Brighton, was committed to gaol to stand her trial for having administered poison to her husband James Taylor, with intent to kill.James Sutlife, paramotr, Was also arrested as an accesory ; but by some means both of the prisoncts made their escape tlie same night from the constables.We lonra from the Brighton Flag that Sutliffe bad been retnken and is in jail in Cobourg awaitiog bis trinl.It appears that one day last week he carclestly entered the Post Office at Smithfield, as if perfectly fearless and secure.A constable, Mr, John Fa lor, followed him and claimed him as his prisoner.Sutliffe threstened to use a pistol if he was not released, but tho constable saved him that trouble by instantly felling him to the floor with handle which lay upou the counter, Since But arrest, the other prisoner, Mrs.Taylor, bas come forward and given herself up to justice.\u2014 Kingston Da ly Nees, ~\u2014 The Peterborough Review chronicles the desth of Colonel McDowell ono of the earliest settlers of the district surrounding Peterborough.In 1834 and 1838 he represented the Newcastle District, which then included the County of Peterborough.\u2014 Parties connected with Bishop's College, Lennoz- ville, bave formed n Company of Rifes.The Catholic Bishop of Toronto is in a precarious of beslth.j F \u2019 + \u2014\u2014\u2014 comtes muse = etl 810 IN Cotemporary Press.THE BREAK-DOWN OF IMPERIALISM FRANCE.(From the Ties) The extrnordinery fronknes of M.ould, the wonderful facility with which the Emperor confesses his faults, und the hutility with which the lord of 660,000 soldiers and countless ships promises that be will do better in future, have so startlcd aud astonished the public miud, that there is consideruble danger le: \u20ac the disctvaures in which these muvifesta.tions of superhuman virtue took their rise should s without exciting the attention they deserve.We leave to others the tusk uf congratulating Civanr on his admission that he is a finite and fullible being, and that, reigning by the indisputable power of the sword, he does not pretend to rule by virtue of divine right.We had rather inquire wast have been the financial results of ten years of Imperial sway, which are better wonh thinking of than the iu which those results have been mude ki A hudget bas been regularly submitted to the French Chambers during «ach year vf the last decud-, but tbe Imperial Government does not spear to have considered itself bound either to restrict iselt within the limits of the votes for the services enumerated, or to abstain rom creating us many pew lruds of expenditure as it might think proper.[tis a mere waste of time to examine minutely with M.Fould the forms under which the budget was voted and the money spent.The truth is, that the Executive took what it pleased, thut the Mivisters were responeible 10 the Emperor alone, that the state of the fluances was eutirely concealed from the public and the Cbam- bers, and that the annual form of voting a budget, instead of a check, wos a mask; instead of à protection, a delusion, What, then, bas been the efluct of the munificence of the French people in placing their liberties and their possessions st the disposal of a single man?We cannot even now answer the question, for we bave looked in vain through M.Fould\u2019a statement for details as t9 tbe actusl state of tbe unfunded debt of France, utd, for reasons to be explained presently, we must regard any statr- ment that may be put forward with the very greatest jealousy.Of thus much, however, we are informed, on M.Fould's authority,\u2014that between 1851 and [#58 ex- traordinsry credits have been opened to the umount of 2,800,000.000f., er about £112,000,000 sterling, and that the deficit for the present year amounts to no less than £10,000,000 sterling, the largest deficit, we apprehend, of which the history of mankind farniches us with an example.We do nut know how these sums were raised, hut sssuredly, it bas not been by taxation.We are told that four millions paid by the Bank of France for ihe renews! of its privileses bave been apeat, that five millions oud a atl of the Army Dotation Fusd bave bron bot rowed, aud that securities of different kinds lave heen continually issucd by the French Government.As to the present state of ufluirs, our corresponded in Paris assures us that there is not money in the Trea sury to pay the half:yearly dividends due next month.Such is the disastrous, the dizgraceful state of French flaance, after ten years of brilliant and successful Imperialism.All this had been done amid constant professions of financial prosperity, and it is only when it is actuslly without money to discharge its current obligations that the French Government has taken the uation ia some degree into ita confidence, and shown it a little of the reality that has lain bid behind the financial prosperity of which it has been 80 often amured: nay, ot this very moment the Revue des Deux Mondes is undergoing a species of persecution for making statements with rezard to the financial position of France, the only fault of which is their utter inadequacy to describe the real position of the national balance-sheet.What, then, ara the causes which have led to a crash so disgraceful and so disastrous, \u2014a calamity far worse than the loss of «+ battle or even a campaign, full of the most grievous regrets for the past and the most gloomy anticipations for the future?There has been no failure ne 10 the resources of the country.[i wasthe peculiar felicity of the Emperor to found his dyuasiy at a moment when the means of developing the internal resources of France were matured, but not realised.The railway communication of the country was in its infancy, and it was reserved for hios to cmmplete the great arterial lines which connect France with Switzerland, with the Mediterranean, and with Spain.Agriculture and manufactures have been greatly developed, snd, uo doubt, the accamalation of savings in the bands of private raons bas been enormous, There has been no ailure in the resources of l'rance.She has been called upon to support two wara\u2014obe for a reality, the other for au idea.jut these Bre far indee from explainiag the present state of her finances.Whence, then, arises this wonderful disparity lu.tween the 1csources of a great nation end the bur dena which have been laid upou them?Alas! the question is only too easily anawered.It has been the pleasure of the present Emperor to coustitute himself arbiter of Vurope, to revive the dormant spirit of territorial ambition, and to encourage France to contend once more with England for the su premacy of the seas\u2014to her a matter of distinction anc glory, to us a question of life and death.For these purposes the youth of l'rance bave been with.deawn from tho pursuits of labour and industry to Jive in idleness and discontent at the expense of the community whose wealth it ought to increase, in the listless routine of garrison life.An army of 600,000 men bas given to France the barren satisfaction of shaking the repose of uvery nstion iu Europe ; snd besides military glory, «i which ashe had already enough, she had gained the westeru slopes of the Alpe of Savoy.Mer enormous exertions in ship- buildiog bave called forth corresponding exertions on our part, moat unwillingly made, aod have probably placed her farther than ever from the object sho desires, besides creating a spirit of ditfidence most injurious to the commerce of the country.Another cause has heen the duty which the I'rench Government has taken upon itselt of finding employment for the masses aud regulating the price of foud.Hence an expenditure on public works utterly dis proportionate to tbe wants of the community, the only effect of which has been to rivet the conviction that the duty of the Goverament is not so much to govern as to feed and support one part of the nation at the expense of the rest, THE MONTREAL WITNESS But all this is insufficient to account for 1bis frightful deficit.A gressive naval sod military arm- ameuts, public works, and occasionsl wars would still, we believe, bave left tbe public resources in & atate short of actual exhaustion, bad it been for a system of pillsce more searching, more shameless, und more universal than we could have believed pos sible in 8 country where the sense of justice ia so strony acd the jealousy of unmerited fortune 80 keen as in I'rance.À shower of gold has descended upon the empire and its supporters.The enormous fortunes suddenly and unuccountably sccumuiated by publie men bave been the cause of seandal and wonder, till scandal grew dumb and wonder weak from the frequency, utmost the universality, of the phenomenon.Mosiern France has taught us better tu understand those pussages of the Iloman satirist in which he seems to trent suddenly nequired private wealth ss a sort of crime agsiust the public.The splendid man: sions, the brilliant erjuipages, the enormous expenditures of men who till the coup d\u2019elat were notoriously poor, have been iu every Ones mouth, The court has been conducted on a scale of expeuse almost incre- die.New palaces have arisen as by the wund of an enchauter, und the splendours of ancien regime have becn emuiated and surpassed.Extravagance haa had no limits but public money snd public eredit; the one is gou- aud tLe otber shattered.This is wht ten years of Imperialism have done for France: irt those wha chafe at the slow and cumbrous machinery of limited motarchies look and learn.The French were weary of the sway of the peu sud tbe tribune.They desired order, strength und uuity, they longed for 8 distinguished position in Europe and an extension of lerritory.They spurned parlismentary zovernment sud u lunited auf- frage.Fey wished 1hat democracy sbould rule and rule in the person of one man.They longed for military supremacy.Wherever there was war they wished to be in it; wherever iuterveution was posible they wished to uudertske it.Their prayers have been granted hy a too eary divinity, and now they find {emselves at the end of ten years iva position such as one of the South American repub- lies might blush to avow.THE BURNING OF CHARLESTOX.(From the N.Y.Tribune.) By this time, probably, where Charleston once was, is only & heap of smoldering ruins; nor is it like.\\y that it will ever be rebuilt.As the rack growth of a rich soil, under a Southern eun, shall cover the crumbling wala of 8 once fair city, most goodly to look upon, à monument may arise there as pictur: caque us the facts of its history are striking.When the Colonies were striking to establish their iude- pendence of Great Lritain, Charleston was filled with the most malignant Tories; she, with her State, came reluctautly into the Federal Union, under the preseat Constitution, even with the concession of twenty years free trade in native Africans; in less tban half à century later, she attempted the destruc tion of the Government, and failing only because its head, Gen.Jackson, was prompt and energetic in the punishment of tresson, and because she could then find no accomplices in her sister States; but again, thirty years only pass sway when ebe once more stands forth the head and front of rebellion.Her State is the first to pass an act of Sccession; for months, by word and deed, sbe leaves no moment unemployed, no occasion unused, to iullame the passions of the whole South, to drivejother States into some act of committal from which they could not recede with honor.Mer hand fires the first hostile shot; and the flag of the Uuion, by au unhappy necessity, is lowered, for the first time, before a domestic fue.Thus hasshe been the enemy of the Union, a stumbling-block to buman progrers, a biudrauce to the cause of Popular Governmsns the friend of despotism, the encmy of the people.Te this purging by fire accidental?Who cau sn.swer now, even if ever the question can be setuled ?Nothing is more certain than that crime is epidemic ; that, from murder and arson germinate murder and arson as certainly as the seeds of tbe fruits of the earth produce after their bind.In times of disorder and popular pauic a frenzy seizes 1he minds of the uncultivated, aud they grow drunk with the horas they feed vo, and hasten to their reproduction.Would it be strange if such should have been the influruce of events on the dark and simple minds of the slaves ?Would it not rather be strange if it were otherwise 7 We know that for weeks past all along the consta of South Carolina there has seemed to be à wall vf fire, A panic has spread throughout & wide region and the planters flying from e foe, who the simple sluves believe, comes for their liberation, leave their houses, their barus, their stores of cotton, their stacks of bay and grain, in blazing piles telind thom; or, if in their haste to escape they leave their property untouched, they lurk in swatnps and woods that thoy may return in the stillness of night sud put the torch to theic own dwellings.The mudness of destruction \u2014of destruction by fire\u2014seems to bave reiz-d upon the people, aud nut only tu destroy what mizht now, but what might pussibly hereafter, fall into other bands.llurni burn! has been tho frantic deed, where thu loss could only fall upon the owuers.They never seem to bave reflected for a moment that isolated houses, six, eight, ten miles apart, could never be of any use to an invading and marching army.But one impulse, however, seems to bave moved them : that the Federal forces should enter only upon a desclated country, made a wilderne ta by fire, Whether the aluves or the poor whites, who bave nothing of their owa to burn, have caught this in- fe ction, and are etealing nhout with five-brauds in their hands, or nol, it in perfectly natural they should do so.Inthe mere wautouuess of the frenzy they bave caught from their masters they may bave fired Charleston, and base thus been the unconscious in.stcumeuts of retribution for centurics of wrong suffered by their own people.But we do not know, neither can we koow\u2014per- haps never shall\u2014whether this is & part in the plot of en insurrection.Insurrection may very Tibely follow, but whether a contioustion of previous plotting or as a consequence of events to follow, who can teil?Ifthe masters to their present madness add tbe not unreasonable notion that their negroes bave begun with fire and will, probably, follow with the knife, it is more than probable that in their des perate measures to suppress a real or fancied insur- rection\u2014no matter which\u2014unrestrained by an feeling of bumanity, they will produce that whic than any other possible calamity.How imposeible, therefore, it is to distin uish cause from effect under such circumstances, This only we do know, thet there are four millions of people at the South of whom we know little except their wrong and their degradation, and that we cannot much longer ignore such un element in civil warfare, Mere bumsnity may compel us to hold a restraining uid & guiding band over thesa poor creatures\u2014-this tremendovs but untamed force.THE MILITIA LAW.(From Montreal Heruld ) At this moment it muy be interesting to many ot our readers to sce the wrms of the Militia Law as to the requirements to be made under it for service, in case of war, invasion, or insurrection.The Provincial Militia are, by the Act, divided into two clusses \u2014Sedentary and Active.The * Active\u201d are the Volunteer Companies.The Sedentary Militis consists of sll the male inhabitants of the Province, of eighicen or upwards and under sixty, not vxempt- ed or disqualified by law.\"The Sedeutery Militia-men, are, moreover, to be divided into two classes to be called respectively service men and reserve men : the service men shall be those of eighteen years und upwards but under forty-five years, and 1he reserve: men shall be those of forty-five years, und upwards but under sixty years.The following persons ouly between the ages of eighteen and sixty ws nf resaid, shull be exempt from enrolment snd from us val cer- vice in nny case, Judges of the Superior Courts of Law and Equity ; the Judges of the Courts of Vice-Ad- miralty ; the Judges of the Circuit and County Conrts ; the and Ministere of all religique denominations ; the Professors in any College or University, aud all teachers in religious orders ; the Wardens, Keepers and Guards of the Provincial Penitentiary.And the following, thongh enrolled, shall be exempt from muster and from actual service, except in time of war, invasion, or insurrection, viz.: The Îteserve Men, Members of tbe Executive and Legislative Assembly ; the Officera of the said Coun- cila und the Assembly respectively; tbe Attornies ad Solicitors Geueral; Provincial Secretary and Assistant Secretaries; all Civil Officers under the Great Seul; all persons lawfully authorized to practice Physic or Surgery; al] Advocates, Barristers, Solicitors, and Attornies ; Notaries in Lower Canada; balf-pay and retired Officers of Her Majesty's Army or Navy; Postmasters and Mail carriers ; Seafaring men actually employed in their calling ; Masters of Public and Common Schools actually engaged in teaching ; Ferrymen ; one Miller for every run of stones in every Grist Mill; Keepers of Public Toll.gates; Lockmasters aud laborers employed in attending to Locks sud Bridges on Pablic Canale; Eugine-drivers, Conductors, and Switchmen conneet- ed with the various Railways actually in use in this Province; Members of Fire Companies; Jailors, Constable and Officers of Courts of Justice, not being such solely by virtue of their being non-commis- sivney Officers of Militia; Students attend Seminaries, Colleges, Schoo\u2019s aud Acdemies, who bave been attending such at least aix months previous to the timo at which they claim such exemption; «ll bled by bodily infirmity.Also, all per- ing certificates from the Society of Quak- ere, Memuouists.end Tuvkers, or any inhabitania of this Province ot any religious denominaliva, otherwise subject to military duty in time ot peace, but who, from the ductrines of bis religion shall be averse to beuring arms, and sball refuse personal military service, shall be exempt therefrom.With à view to actus) service in time of wat, invasion, or insurrection, the Service Men shall be divided into two classes, tobe called respectively firat-class Service Men and second-cless Service Meu ; the firat-cluss to consiat of unmarried mea and widowers witbout children, aud the second claes of married wen wud widowers with children, When the S-deutary Militia are called out in cone of war, invasion or insurrection, those firas taken for actual service shall be volanteers from the Ser vice Men; then the first-class Service Men; und, (nstly, the Reserve Men, A Milani dealivd for actual service waet either phy a penalsy of £10, to he given to an approved man, ot the dame class, not himeelf denfted fur ner vice, whe will werve, or he may provide un approved substitute: of the sume class, and not dratted, to rerve 10 his place, they fear more BE KEADY.(From the Globe.) The people of Canada will watch with anxiety the events of tbe next few weeks 68 they tranapire in England and the United States, hut it is evident to ull men of ordinsry apprehension, that they bave also a duty to attend to at home which will call for all their energies.Wao have resioted ail attempts to hurey the country into a war which, whatever the ultimate result, must bo disastrous to Canada; we shall continue to oppose everything calculated un- necesusrily to provoke a contest, aud shall hope to the last that the drind ordeal may pass from us.But in spite of all our efforts, in spite of the exer tions of the wise and prudent of both countries, war may be forced upon us.Ere many weeke yo by, we wny be called upon to defend our soil from the grasp of invading armies ; to fight for our homes, aud for the connection with the mother country which is our pride and boast.Lookin: the probabilities of that event fairly in the face- regarding ita approach with sorrow, but with no uomanly fear, it is our plain and evident duty to prepare for iv.Not ouly is it necd- ful that Canndiina should be ready\u2014drilled, armed ard enuipped\u2014to meet the {oe at every point, should his temerity tempt him to touch our ores, at itis our duty to show at this, the turning-point of the preliminary movements, that we are a united people in this issun, that an invader will encounter oti Can: adian soil, not the resistance of a Government or a party, nor even of an army brought from bèyond the sea, but of 8 powerful people, two millions end & half in number, harmonious, united aud resolved, defending their bomes and their families, and ready to fight to the death for their country and their Queen.It is the habit of many Americans to indulge in vague idess that Canadians are averse to British connection, and secretly friendly to a political slli- ance with themselves, \u201cThe notion has been sedulously inculcated by foolish meu within our own borders, and it is not wonderful that it should be generally accepted in the States.The attitude of DxrczmBer 21, 1861.the Canadian people at this important crisis should dissipate these vagaries st once aud furever, \u2018© urge our friends and readers to join heartily in the arrangements already in progress for forming volunteer companies, and bringing into active opers- tion the sedentary militia organization.Volunteer companies are being formed in almost every town snd village, sud they should be actively aud von.stantly drilled, in order to form a corps which way be available for immediate eervice, The officers of the militia should either resign their commissions, ur commence to fit themselves for their duties b drilling either by themselves, or in connection witl the volunteer corps, If we had but an efficient body of officers, there is no doubt men con be had.7 The reports of the despatch of troups for Canada from England are still vague and uncertain, but no one can doubt that whatever is necessary will be douce.Supported by a powerful British army, amply supplied with arms and smmunition, our Tale covered by the time navigation opens with a sufficieot fleet, manned by British blue jackets, no one doubts that the Canadian people are strong enough to drive invaders from their soil.We treat with ecorn tbe suggestion of Eastern contemporaries that the Peninsula of Upper Canada must be abandoned to the enemy.It was defended before and it will be de- feuded again.With God's blessing, we aball not yield un inch of our soil to an invader.IMMIGRATION\u2014MEMORIAL HIS EXCELLENCY.Yesterday noon, Mr.McGee, M.P.l\u2019., for Montreal, who bus been here 88 a witness before the Emigration Commissioners, waited, by appointment, upon His Excellency the Governor Geucral, and presented the memoriul of the German Sceiety of that city, which is ulso signed hy the Presideuts of all the British National Societies, preyivg his Excel: leney's ivtervention to enforce better sanitary regu.lutions for the future on board of Gerinan and other foreizn ships, carrying emigrauts from foreign ports, into the St.Lawrence.The statements in the memorial were sustained by affidavits of several of last yeur's passengers, and a letter to the same effect from the medical officer at Grosse Isle, In reply to an observation of His Lxcellency\u2019s, Mr.McGee stated that present emigration and Quarantine laws (Con.St, of Cunada, 22 Vic.cap.40) were susceptible of amendment 1a two or three par ticulars, and that the existing provisions might be wore effectually put in force.He further stated 1bat he believed the Consul for Hamburg, Mr, Ryan, bud expressed bis desire to co-operate with the German Society and the Government, in uny vew regulations they might adopt to meet the prayer of the memorial just presented.Mr.McUee further stated that there were, at present, about 23,000 German and Dutch settlers in Upper Cunads, and 1,000 in Lower Cuvads, one half on whom resided in Montreal.That thuse in Upper Canada inbabited chietly in Waterloo, Perth, Huron, sud Bruce, Oxford aud Wellund ; that they were almost ail agriculturalisis, 81d 8 most frugal, laborious and successful class uf settlers.He slau stated that they hud five vewspapers printed in the German language, published at Berlin, Preston, New Hamburg, and Waterlooville, ul! in the County o! Waterloo.Of the German emigrauts arriving iv the Province be believed & mere fraction\u2014a teuth or a twelftb\u2014 were ail that usuully remuined in the Province.He thought, however, that «ith proper exertion on our rt, & much larger share might be led to remain wn future, upon both sides vftbe Ouawa.There has been, lately, a succesetul settlement of same 400 or 500 Germans, in the County of Renfrew.In reference to the memorial just presented, Mr.McGee further observed that, as the sguuture attached to it showed, it was signed hy the Presidents of all the Nutional Societies representing emigrants of ull origins in Montienl\u2014an evidence of the good feeling existing between the ditlerent nationalities, which he was sare, must be gratifying to the Gover nor General, His Excellency expressed himself much gratified at the evidence of good feeling between the citizend of Montreal of different nationalities exbibited by the signatures to the memorial, and promised that it should have his ewruest consideration.The ioter- view theu torminuted.\u2014 Quebec Chronicle, Dec.1%, GERMAN TO Hassas Oonrcs.\u2014The suspension of the Hades: Corpus has been supported by Congress, by the decided defeat of a vote of cersure on the President.The Herald saye:\u2014 \u201cThis approval, of course, atose necessarily out 6 the condition of the times; for, a3 we bara often poiot- ed out, no nation with nn army in the field can submit to have its coetly operations there counterplotted by traitors, sheltering themselves under the delays whict belong to the proceedings of the Courts.In our owt Canadian troubles, it wiil be remembered that, ia circumstances of mach lesa public peril, the Goverpment suspended two of the Judges, Meesra.Valliéres and Bedard, for granting this writ to persons accused of disloyalty; and though it is undoubtedly, à thing greatly to be deplored that any such guarantee for liberty should be even momentarily dove awsr with, sell-preservation will sometimes overbear ail (he considerations which control the course of Governments in ordiuary times.There is, probably, no nation at the pregent day which has a higher appréciation o constitutional liberty than Piedmont, yet, lefore Piedmont engaged iv the lite and death streggle with Aus- trin\u2014a struggle revdered in some respects more dangerous on account of the necrssaty allinuce with France \u2014the Leglolsture abdicated Îte functions nod erected the Sovereignty into a Dictatorship absolutely unlimited either ag to power of duration.It is & hard necessity to abandon such precious possessions as political sud still; more personal freedom ; but there are times when these even, must be risked for the still higher object of preserving the national integrity.\u2014 disturbances in Russia are still jocreasing.The wont of the Czar in the Caucasus bave been bu- millated.An army of 15,000 men bave been beaten by 10,000 Tscherks, Joniog ,000 men and à General In Wilns & gentleman bas been shot, because he ha 60 bayonet-guns and a hun fred weight of powder ia bis possession.The Archbishop of Warsaw bas bees Incarcerated for closing those of the churches whic! has been desecrated by the soldiers.Ladies coming the boundaries of the empire are coarsely searched 7 the officers, and the authorities are treated in their tu by the le with a contempt quite new in the charac ter of À bicberto servile Russiau, LE December 21, 1861.THE MONTREAL WITNESS.811 BRITISH AND FOREIGN NEWS.ANOTHER MILITARY Moroes.\u2014We deeply lament the occurrence of another of the dreadful crimes so frequent of late in the army.On Saturday evening rivate Thomas Jackson, of the 78th Highlanders, cliberately shot Serjeant John Dixon and Corporal William Campbell, of the same regiment, while they wore calling the roll.The serjeaut was the person aimed at, but the ball, after passing through bis right shoulder blade and through his body, diagonally making its exit at the left breast, entered the right shoulder of the corporal, who was standing beside the serjeaut passing throuzh the bone, but for tunutely clear of the chest, When the serjeunt was cht, be turned partly round, fell forward on his face, and almost in au justant ceased to exist, The on! word he ejaculated wera, i Who did it?\u201d to whic! Jackson replied, #1 did it, cld boy.\u201d As snon as the report of the rifle was heard, Privates William Marshall and Alexander Milligan rushed upon Jackson and secured him, aod with the assistance of some others conveyed him to the guard room.He was there placed in the strong root with another prisoner who was confined for being drunk, the serjeant of the guard pot then knowing his crime.Directly afterwards, Marshall informed the serjeant that Jackson was charged with tbe murder; and on the serjeant enterinz the cell for the purpose of hand- euflng him, he found that the prisoner bad made au attempt to strangle the drunken man, and said he certainly would have murdered him but for the ser- jeant'sentrance.While the irons were being put on, be said to Marsball (who being employed at rifle io- struction, was always present in the room when the rigoner was dismissed from drill) that had the room Been clear, bis intention was to load ten rifles, and fire them at the regiment on parade.Ji appears that previous to the occurrence be had becu in & car- teen, and was heard by private Andrew Cormick to say tbat be would have some one\u2019s life that night.MayyiNG THE Guy-Boars.\u2014lu the \u2018* Army and Navy Intelligence\u2019! of a recent number of the London Times, we find the following paragraph: \u2014** An order bas been received to hold in readiness for active service, at an hour's notice, sll the gunboats In the first-class reserve at that port.To enable this order to be carried cut in the most efficient manner, the officers and crew of each vessel have been told off to her from the ships in harbor\u2014the officers, seamen, and marines, from ber Msjesty's whips Victory, St.Vincent, and Excellent, the warrant officers and stokers from Her Majesty's ship Asia (the reserve guard ship) and the engineers from the Haslar.On the signal being made from the flaz- ship Man gunboats,\u2019 each one told off will collect his sea-kit, and, whatever may be the duty upon which at the moment Le may be engaged, will at once proceed in the ship's boat to the gunboat on board of which he has been warned to bold himself in readiness to serve.The two first manned will then take in 8 month\u2019s provisions, which will be held in readiness for them, and when complete will be succeeded by the remainder, Aa soon as the provisioning is completed, the whole force will be in readiness for any service, home or foreign.Each boat carries a forty-pounder Armstrong forward, and a hundred pounder Armstrong aft, with shot and all the necessary stores, except powder, which will be sent to them ou the signal to man the boats being made.\u201d Minvrary Excertence\u2014How ro LoveTuE Rire.Love rules the world, we are told, aud the actual dominion of the little deity is pretty generally acknowledged, but we don\u2019t know that we should have looked for ony particular manifestation of his presence in the School of Musketry at Hythe.Yet there, as elsewhere, love keeps the world going.The firet leason impressed upon à voluuteer is that he must regard his rifle as & mistress, It is not practice that makes marksmen, but love.Volunteers,\u201d says General Hay, \u201c must love their rifle, and then shooting will come of itself.\u201d Colonel Wildford fol lows up the General's lecture with equal single- windedneas and devotion.1le tells his class that 430 jewel on our gracious Sovereign's dressing table requires so much care, or merits 80 much attention, aa the rifle placed in the bands of the volunteer.\u201d What cape the whole story is the remark that every vclunteer, before leaving Hythe, does really come round to these opinions.Colonel Money, who gave us yesterday tho fruits of his experience, lays it down as an eternal truth that ¢ every man who has no defect in his sight\u201d\u2014and, we suppose we must add, who loves his rifle\u2014¢ can and will become a good shot.\u201d \u2018The thing needs only common care and attention.It is all mechanical work.If a man will but learn his drill and keep his rifle clean, bis bullet will be safe to hit the mark, This cleanliness, however, is à most important element in the business.The state of the rifie governs the result of the whole practice ; in fact, we may say, on the authority now produced, that rifle practice, to 8 great extent, mean rifie-cleaning.\u2014 London Times.Tak \u2018\u2018GreaT Eastern.\u201d \u2014This vesgel is now lying safely moored at Milford Haven, where she has satisfactorily ridden out the recent terrific gales.She is discharging her coals into vesacls alongside, to hasten the completion of which relays of men are at work day and night, 80 that she may be placed on ber gridiron at Naylend (prepared for ber purposely when she was last bere) with all possible despatch.Every necessary preparation is being made for speedily effecting her repairs, to expedite which even the resources of the adjacent royal dockyard are readily ATorded.\u2014 English paper.Frrrisn.\u2014The Opinione Nationale says that in a work for children called the Hosier de Marie, there is an engraving of a footprint within which is written :\u2014* This is the exact measure 0\u201d the most holy Virgin's foot, taken from # sandal carsfully preserved in one of the monasteries of Saragossa.Pope Innocent I.granted one huadred days\u2019 indalgence to whoever would devoutly kiss this measure three times and say three Ave Marias.This indulgence was con: firmed by Clement VIII.\u201d ZanzivaR.\u2014On the lower portion of the Zanzibar coast is the mission established a fow years ago by the devoted Pastor Harms of Hermannsburg, Germany.The missionaries proper, of whom there are fifteen or twenty, are accompanied by about & bou- dred missionary colonists, men of deep piety, and trained expressly for this work, who have taken up land iu the country, and serve their Master alike in the field, the ir.aud the house of God; and their influence on natives Las been very great, leading them to see and to desire to imitate the virtues of a Christian community, its industry aud enterprise, and its integrity and God-fearing spirit.A mission ship, owned by 1Le church at Hermanns: burg, plies regularly between the mission and their native country, bringing supplies and additioual settlers, and carrying Lome the products of their toil._\u2014 Dr.Chapman, the Bishop of Columbo, has resigned his see.It has been offered by the Duke of Newcastle, with whom ss Culonial Secretary the appointment rests, to l>isho;r Claughton of St, Helena.\u2014 The Paris Presse publishes extraordinary news from Russia.Three young ladies\u2014M'lies Corsini, Liuthner and Badanow\u2014who attended the lecture at the University of St.Petersburg, have heen arrested, and one of thet, Mlle Badunow, whipped at the office of the secret police.AMERICAN NEWS.Tas Naval STRENGTU OF Exciasy, Fraxce asp Auguica.\u2014The New York 7'imes bas au elaborate article on the condition and strength of the three leading pavies of the world.From it we gather that the American navy now consists of total of 246 effective vessels, mounting 1,892 gus, of which number 82 are sailing vessels and [G4 steamers, and of a number of line-of-batile ships on the stocks and not adapted to Lhe requirements of the present day ; also, that this formidable navy, considering the little time which has elapsed since its reorganization, is mauned by 22,000 seamen.The French navy con- siets of 449 vessels of all descriptions, carrying 8, 322 guns, with a strength of uearly 78,000 horse power ; and in case of war the State can rely upon the services of 90,000 sesmen\u2014a quantity sufficient to man every vessel in the leet, She also possesses a fleet of irou-clad vessels, of which ¢ La Gloire\u201d is the most formidable, euch of 900 horve-power, snd carrying 36 rifled guns, with a muzzle made to throw 80-pound hollow explosive projectiles.The French ure said to be buildiog twelve mor: frigates of this description.It is pleasing to see thay, in spite of these atlempts to rival her, Britannia still rules the waves, In 1860 her fleet consisted of G13 actual war vessels, without including 1he large number of trauaporis and other ships that could at short uotice, like the majority of the American navy, be converted into men-of-war.This immense feet could carry between 15,000 aad 16,000 guns, or more than the fleets of nny four uations in the world, In 1860 it was divided as follows\u2014transports of all descriptions and vessels buildiog then or since built notincladed : \u2014Steau : Ships of the line, 53; Frigates, 40; Iron cased shipe, 1 ; Cocvettes, 19; Sloops, 93; Small steamers, 24 ; Gunbosts, 183 ; Floating batteries, 8; Mortar ships, 4; Total steam, 431.Sailing: Ships of tha line, 10 ; Frigates, 17; Sloops, 18; Mortar vessels, 83; Total sailing, 128; Grand totai of ve- sels, 559; and those building, 54; Effective vessels of the British navy, 613.In addition to this number, on the first of October last, there were building in England 54 ships, appointed to carry 1,254 foe, of a horse-power of 10,930, aud & tonnage of 96,- 000 ; and nine gunboats, to carry ?goss, of G0 borse- power, and about 236 tons each.The iron-plated vessela of the * Warrior'\u2019 class uow fitting out are believed to be as superior to the \u201c Gloire\u201d in armament and weight of metal as ehe is to the old class of line-of-battle-ships.The British fleet now cruising on the American coast includes 31 war vessels, mounting about 630 guns.Tac Reser Anuv.\u2014The New York Herald gives a specific snd detailed statement of the whole military organization of the rebels, compiled from authorities and the most authentic records, with the aid it says of private information.This shows that (be rebels have in the hundred and fifty regiments, which, reducing the average strength of a regiment to eight hundred men\u2014which is probably about the nearest approximation to the truth\u2014gives an sggregate force of 360,- 000 men.To raise this large army the South bus had to resort to compulsory imeans\u2014to drafting, conscription, impressment, and the Îssh of infuristed pub- lico pinion\u2014even although there was no resource but that of a military life leit for ber young men.On the other band, our still more immense army of 660,000 men, has been raised by voluatary enrol- meut alone, the only influence acting upon the volunteer being the sentiment of patriotism and love for the Union of our fathers.The aggregate strength of 360,000 men, which we give to the rebel army, may fairly be regarded as the maximum which they are capable of attaining.They have been preparing this rebellion for many years past, and have already put forth their full strength.In this effort they have exhausted themselves, nnd the disorganization of that force will probably Le more rapid than ita organization apparently was.With a moderate effort ou the part of the national government we bave been able, withcut uny pre- concert, without impressment, conscription or resort to any measure of compulsion, to put in the field an army of nearly double the number, thoroughly equipped, and supplied with tbe most improved arme and munitions of war, Our preparations are now complete, and tho vast machine of our military power has only to be once fuirly started before we sball see the rebel hordes melt away like feostwork hefore the warm days of the sun.\u2014 Am.Paper.Tue VictiMs oF OrrRESSION AT THE SEAT OF Govensmext.-\u2014The people of the United States have seen with astonishment the recent disclosures of the atrocities committed by the minions of their own Government in the city jail at Washington and they demand of Congress au instant and thorough reform.Notbiog will quiet the deep indignation of all tbe humane aud honest, short of ths immediate dincharge of every man who is guilty, either by action or by connivance at these cruelties.They demaud not releace, but recompense to the poor sufferers, and the final abolition of slavery and all its adjuncts in the District of Columbia, including every vestige of the old slave code of Maryland, still in force by act of Congress.\u2014 Independent.Rynxt, Testimony ox tok Brockave.\u2014The New Orleans Cresent says :-* The Federal steamer tBouth Carolina\u2019 has captured seventeen schooners in attempting to run the gauntlet between New Orleans end Texas ports.Frere bare been only three or four vessels from Europe\u2014one the ** Bermuda\u201d \u2014 that bave successfully run the blockade.Some fow West India traders have met with success on the Carolina coast.It is misleading foreign governments to make assertions of this character, that the block- nde is easily avoided, when not a vessel hag entered tbe port of New Orleans via the river for over five months, and only one from foreign port.\u201d Losixc or Ranroan Care.\u2014Since the war has broke, out the freight cars of the different railroads have been used freely upon oue another's roads.The result in that uone of them know where their cars ure.It is no unusual thing to see cars of the New Jersey Central, or Williemeport and Elmira 8nd Penusylvania Railroad cars standing about the sidings in Washington.The Haltimore and Obie Railroads huve lost over forty they cannot find, and have, accordingly, sent out men all over the country, wherever a railroad runs, to hunt them up and get them home.The freight coming into Wwshington every moruing would make one continuous string from two and half to three miles long.À few days since à wood train vearly a balf mile Fonz came into Washington.Before the war, wood a'ong the road was poor sale, little or none being sent over the road ; now the trade is immense, and prices Lave gone up for wood! and to almost fabulous rates.\u2014 Milwaukee Sentinel.PorrLanD.\u2014The work of grace in the Payson church, under the labors of Mr.llammond, has already attained large development.The Portland Courier, Nov.25th, says: \u2014* Five bundred, it was estimated, went away from the old Payson church last evening, unable to get near the door, to listen to the addresses of Ur.Kirk and Mr, Hammond.Hundreds remained to the solemn inquiry meeting.Young gentlemen, who a few nights ago were scoffing, last night stood up and testified the grace of God in leading them by his Spirit to Jesus.It is quite evident that a divine influence has attended the preaching of Mr.Hammond during the past three weeks.\u201d Reuter ro Irecasp.\u2014 Captain Adams of Kingston, Mass.a veteran shipmaster retired from active service, i+ willing to contribute one hundred barrels of flour toward a cargo of provisions to be sent to the starving puor of Ireland.The generous Captain will likewise gratuitously command Lhe vessel! on ber pnssage to aud from thut unhappy country, provided no speeches are to be made on either side of the Atlantic.This is a benevolent proffer.Who will second the movement ?\u2014 American Paper.DimisuTion or tue Turis Race.\u2014A letter from Dr.Dwight in the Missionary Herald says: \u201cI eball have some interesting and deeply instruc: tive statistics to present in my report, if I live to complete this tour, respecting the gradual diminution of the Turkish race in this country\u2014the drying up of the Euphrates\u2014but bere I will speak only of Diar- bekir in this respect.Several entire quarters of Diar- bekir, that were formerly Turkish, have now passe into Christian hands, aud the process is continually going on.Christians, that is, Armenians, Jacobites, and Protestants, sre continually boying Turkish houses, but never does it happen that u Turk buys a Christian house.\u2018Around the outskirts of the city there are extensive Turkish quarters, all in ruins.\u201d Gov, Piereont\u2019s Jurispicriox Extexpep.\u2014The jarisdiction of Gov.Pierpont has been extended over all Virgivia west of the mountains, and in the northern as far as Hampshire county, the region about Fortress Monroe and Newport News; also Accomac and Northampton counties on the eastern shore, making half the state.A Goop Tuixo \u2014It is not 8 bad thing to be a Lieut.-General in the U.8.army.Gen.Scott is still in receipt of full pay, which is $270 per month; besides which he gets allowance for rations, servants, and horses, in all $770 per month.Gen.McClellan, we presume, gets the same.It would be wonderful if the war were not a long one.A Nose Bov.\u2014A drummer boy in the United States army, who was connected with the Sabbath achool of Olivet church, Philadelphia, writes home that he received his pay ($18 75) recently, of which he sent $18 to his mother, and 25 cents out of the remainder a8 & donation to the Sabbath school.Magyincest Prams Fires.\u2014During the last fortnight, our vast level prairies have Leen overrun by magnilceat fires.The long rich grass covering them is now dry, and as the ground is nuw pretty dry, these conflagrations are brilliant affairs at uight.When lashed by impetuous gales\u2014such as characterise this country\u2014the flames roll and sweep majestically.\u2014 There is really something grand, somethiog terrific\u2014 in fact, something sublime in them.This much can be said for their Sppeatance; hut thelr effect is often a8 misclievous as beneficial.It is ndvantegeous in go far a3 clearing off the old grass is concerned, and pr.- paring the soil for a clear growth next year; but injurious in destroying our scanty fuel, and burning people's hay.\u2014 Western Paper.\u2014 À terrible accident occurred at Cleveland où Friday night.Mre.Kipp, the wife of a painter and paper hanger, was engaged in knitting while ber husband was reclined upon a lounge, asleep.The light of the lamp, à cosl-oil one, getting dim, she procured the can of oil and proceeded to replenisl Holding it too near tbe flame the oil ignited, and a terrible explosion followed, blowing the can into fragments and setting fire to the poor woman's clothes, which burned with frightful rapidity.The husband, awakened by the noise, sprang to his feet, when an awful sight met his eyes.Tris wife was writhing in the agonics of death\u2014kher hair entirely burned from ber bead, and her clothing entirely gone, with the cxception of a shred of the drawers.A portion of the room was also on fire, but was very soon extinguished.Mre.Kipp left three children.The oldest only four years and the ycungest little infant of ouly nine months.\u2014 The Cleveland Herald announces the death of three children of James and Marika Coitrell, all the children of the family, who died upon three consecutive days, of that childrew's scourge, diphtheria.The father, who follows the lakes, returned to his home on the mor- Ignorant that three lifeless bodies goiug to his bome met his wife and asked for the children.The mother could not speak.\u2018Is one of them dead 7\u201d ¢ Yes,\u201d she said, \u201c all of them.\u201d And the poor father fell to the floor.\u2014 À singular case is noted in the Cairo hospital among the wounded at Belmont, One man was shot in the right leg, and had to get it amputated.Sympathetic action at once took place jo the other limb, and at precisely the same spot where the knife had severed its fellow, & similar pain was felt.So severe did 1bis become that the leg is bandaged and treated ag if itself wounded.\u2014 Fremont's \u201cHundred Days\u2019 Campaign in Mise souri\u201d ie said to be the sabject of » series of papers in the Atlantic Monthly, to commence in the number for January, The writer is Major Dorabeimer, an officer of Fremont's staff, who bas already contributed papers on ning of the 27th ult, lay in the bouse, and CANADIAN NEWS, An Epitog In Lucx.\u2014We see by & late number of the Kingston IWhig, that Dr.Larker, its editor, has been presented with the tangible evidence of the esteem and respect of bis fellow-citizens, in the shape of one of Hoe's new Power Presses, value $1000.The Dr.fly gota present of bis own portrait from n number of bis friends, and while sitting for this purpose, bappened to hist the advantage which a Power l\u2019ress would be to him.About twenty of bis friends at once mado up tbe amount, and ordered the Press.The Company bavio; none of tbe article in stock, at once set to work fos made sn», which lately arrived in Kingston.It was formaily presented a few evenings ago, accompanied 3s, to which Dr.Barker made a suitable condition of any kind was attached to the present, the dunors being ay-parentiy satisbed that the Dr.would use it 10 their satisfaction, aoû to bis own benctit, Ju the addresses, allusion was made to the fact that the Uritish Wh the first daily paper published in Upper Cavacn; that even in Montreal, although the Jlerald and Guzete were at that time, (Juouary 1849) published daily in summer, they were issued only three times s-week in winter ;\u2014consequent- ly that the Whiy is in reality the oldest daily rews- paper in Cenada.While thia fact way no doub' He somewhat flattering to Dr.B., itis nevertheless a iu.t, tbat though the first, the Whiz bas long since been thrown in the shade by tlie dailies in sowe of ihe neighboring cilies ; attributable no doubt to the circumstance (bat while otler cities have since been progressing rapidly in wealth and population, Kingston bes been comparatively at & stand on these points.\u2014 Sarnie Observer.Navar Biacave AT TononTo\u2014A movement is at present on foot tu establish a naval brigade in Toronto.The members of the Royal Canadian Yacht Club have taken the initiative in (he matter, and the indefatigable Secretary, Mr.Armstrong, bas already received & number of names of gestiemen wLo purpose joining.VOLUNTEER MovewExT IN ToronTo.\u2014We are glad to see that the Street Railway Company are lending their aid to forward the volunteer movement.The City Council baving granted the Crystal Palace for the\u2019 purpose of drill, the Reilway Company have volunteered to run free trains at night as close to the Faluce n3 they cus.\u2014 Lewicr.Daitt Issircetors ron VoLusTEsr Corps.\u2014The following appears iu the Canada Guzeite of last Saturday :\u2014His Excellency the Commauder-in-Chicf having made arrangements with is Excellency the Livuteuant General Commanding ber Majesty's Forces in Canads, to supply Drill Instructutz, rec of cxpense, lo such Corps es shall apply for tiem, the Commauder-ia-Chinf invites the Officer commanding each Corps of the Vot- unteer Force (Artillery and Infantry) in the Province, it he should su desire, to apply to this Department for a Drill Instructor, and after such application sbail d have been sanctioned and the Drill fustructor appoiuted \u2014with a view to ascertain how far the Force shall avail themselves of the advantages thus affurded\u2014the Commander-in-Chief requests the Officer Commaading each Corps, to which 8 Drill Instructor sbali bave been appointed, to forward weekly to tLis Department, a copy of the inclosed Form sigoed by himself an marked so ag to show the attendance of Drill, during the preceding week, of each member of the Corps.The Commander-in-Chief takes this opportunity of expressing hia earnest hope that the members of the Active Force generally will avail themselves of the power thus (by the liberality of the Lieutensnt-Genersl commanding Her Majesty's Forces) placed within their reach of perfecting their discipline and rendering their efficiency equal to tbeir zeal and public spirit.Urn Couxenciak TREATY WITH Ganapa.\u2014The tone which the journals and authorities of Canads bave adopted towards this country, and the menacing waclike preparations in progress there and tauntingly 10 upon every possible vccasion, demand some decis ve potice from our government.There is no greater sccea- sion sympathizer than Canada, and no neutral proviace barbors so many refugees and treats them to s0 assiduous a welcome.Congress ought, in view of these facts, to immediately repeal our treaty with Canada.The loyal timber merchants and lumbermen of Maive, Now York and Pennsylvania hardly deserve to bs mulcted of immense sums of money for the benefit of Canadians, who pocket our money, under this treaty, and give us in return a litle lomber and & great deal of threats, abuse and villilication.\u2014 New York Herald.If there is any ooe entitled to complain of threats, abuse and vilification, it is certainly not the New York Herald.The agent of the Jeff.Davis government in 1kis city would never have ventured to take his present course, but for the ill-fceling created by the threats of the Heratd that Canada would speedily be conquered.\u2014Glube \u2018Tue Recirnocrry Treaty.\u2014The Washington correspondent of the Philadciphin Enquirer, wriling ou tbe 10th, says :\u2014* The sympathy for the Southern Oonfed- eracy, manifested in Canada and tbe British proviaces, will probably bring about the repeal of the Reciprocity Treaty, against which the agricultural interests of the ccuntry have remoustrated since it was passed \u2014or rather purchased.Home curious facts concerning the manoer in which the Treaty was ratified by Congress will bo elicited, and show the workings of the ¢ lobby\u2019 a dozen years since.\u201d \u2014 A correspondent of the Brampton Times, who lately visited the new Parliament Buildings at Ouaws, throws some light on the subject of the enormous extra expenses incurred.ila says: \u2014!The great mistake made has been in cutting out of the rock miles of passages for the purpose of entilating.Tho party contracting to ventilate and heat the buil power to order tho low=r part of the mason work to be done just to suit his fancy.Strange to say, wheu the contract was made with tbe builders, no provision had been made in the [lana for heating or ventilating.These parties, (the builders) of course now claims very large sum of \u2018extras We admit that the halls of Legisiature require the fullest ventilation, but what on rib is the meaning of equally ventilating all the ober, where the lazy clerks meet from 10 am.lo 3 pm.each day, and frequently not even that?Are their lives 30 very precious, that the country must pay dings bad entire à | over $300,000 tofan their delicate faces with pure alr?- The buildings were 10 be completed for a little over $500,000, now over one million have been spent, and at the lowest calculation, made by a very competent pe son, who accom nied me over the buildings, it willat least take ovo million and a hisif dollars more to coms plete them.The buildings will be very large and andsome, but this is & frightful price to psy for them.\u201d \u2014 A peioful report is current in Perth, says the Carleton Place Herald, that a native of that town, named Mclillan, & son, we have bean informed, of the .late Col.McMillan, who had enlisted in the Federal army and been appointed to à Sergeantey, bad been ; sentenced to be stot for desertion to the Confederates op Saturday last.[Its not yet known that tbe sea- tence has been carried into execution, as his widowed mother, resident in New York, would make strenuous Borr and Jefferson to that periodical, ntercession to obtain a mitigation of the sentence.j 2 THE MONTREAL WITN DECEMBER 2', 1861, TERMS OF THE \u2018\u201c MONTREAL WITNESS.\" The Daicy Wivxhss.contatnisg 4 pages.fe published every afteraoon.and ment by the evening mails st #4 per annunt The city in supplied by pews venders.The MONTEEAL Witxtexs.contalntag # pages, 1- published every Wednesday aul Saturday morning, and went by the carly morntu mile at ranuum.When ment by carriers iu the city, price | The WEEKLY WI1Xts, contaluing every Thureday moruioz.sul ~ni by ma apnusm In all the above editions the pric Is uniform\u2014 payable im sdvance\u2014and the paper stups when the subscription expires.unless renewed.The postage Is payati hy the Subseriber, vance, at his owb l'ost vifier, at the rate of aumber, For all Bu'scriptions out of Canada, half-s-cent a Number 1s to be remit od with, and in adlition to, the subscription price, Terms of Advertielns in Semi-Weckly sod Weekly 7.mess, 7 cents per line for firet Huacrtion, and 3 cents per line for each subsequent juscrtion, payshle cash in advance, without discount or allowauce, All Subscriptions and Communications tu be addressed lo JOHN DOUGALL.Proreieron = WiTxEss\" Montreal.12 pages, i= published bal ei ne por quartrly in ad - # The Break-down of Imperialism in France.\u201d * The Burning of Charleston.\u201d \u201c The Militia Law.\u201d \u201cBe Ready\u201d \u201cGerman Immi- gration\u2014Memorial to Lis Excellency.\u201d Third page: \u2014* British and Foreign News.\u201d ** American Nows.\u201d \u201cCanadian News.\u201d Sixth and Seventh Pages:\u2014\" My nia Countree.\u201d\u2014 The Curse of Africu\u2014Belief in Witcheraft.\u201d \u2018 Lord Stanley on ilealih.\u201d * Telegraph in Europe.\u201d ¢ Rind Words.\u201d *Pgem by Milton,\u201d \u201c The Pearl of Orr's Island : à Story of the Coast of Maine.\u201d * Emooth Stones Taken from Arcieut Brooks.\u201d CoNTENTS or Ivsipe PaGEs Nomice.\u2014We tender our best thanks to 1bose frie who bave kindly sent us lists of subscribers.As we have to depend mainly upon the voluntary efforts of subscribers for an increase of cireulution, we request their co-opt ration.Tux Next Vouvwz-\u2014Subscribers who intend to renew their subscrijttion for next year, will greatly oblige by remitting as early ns possible, to prevent confusion at the New Year.Misssonant Buzarrast MEETING \u2014A very interesting meeting of this kind, in connection with Wezleyan Metbodist French Canadian Missions, was held in the School-Room of the St.James Street Church un Thursday morning, 12th inst.At 2 o'clock nearly 200 sat down to a plain, substantial breakfast, prepared by ladies aud a committee connected with the three Churches in this city,\u2014Rer.E.Marper, the minister of St.James Street Church, ia the chair.After the breakfust, (most of those present retaining their seats) the assembly was addressed by the Chairman, Rev.Dr.Stinson, Rev.J.Gemley, and the French Canadian Missionaries, Rev.Mesars.Charbonuell and Dorion, also hy Ion.J Ferrier, Rec J.Bridon, ke.The tone of the meeting was very good, and the resulr, it is to be hoped, will be for good.The free circulation of the Word of God was one of the topics prominently referred to us essential to be secured to the French Canadians.Clearly also was it stated that the design wag aot proselylism,\u2014not to make licree onslaughts sud sweeping denuacistions,\u2014no® to excite a controversial warfare,\u2014but, \u201c speaking the fruih in love,\u201d 10 endeavor to win his most interesting and generally amiable race from a superstitious bondage of man's making, to a participation in the fulness and freences of Gospel privileges.In short, in this age of so-called progress, toattempt to get the people back to the aïm- plicity and spirituality of primilive days and early Christian worship ; to look away from vain refuges to tbe \u2018\u2019 Rock of Ages ;\" to trust, not in man or merits, or good works, or saints or iatercessors, for salvation, but by exercise of simple faith in Christ Jesus as the only same, the only way, the only Mediator, the only and ever-suflicient sacrifice for the sios of a lost race, and to receive, by the witoess of the Spirit in the beart, the assurance of forgiveness of sios and » full salvation.\u2019 It was nearly one o'clock before this meeting, one of the most pleasing religious social gatherings yet held in the ¢ity, was brought to a termination.X.Extraonoixany Sgasox.\u2014CQa thie 19th day of December, there is no snow on tbe ground, and no ice worth speaking of on the river.The navigation to Quebec, and, indeed to Europe, might bave been continued till now, bad there been any necessity for it, and vessels might have come from England or Halifax to Riviere du Loup, or even Quebec, up to 1Lis day.QF coarse we must look for & audden change to snowstorms and severe weather, and this anticipation bas kept farmers at a distance from availing themselves of the excellent bard roads for ten days past.They fear to come in on wheels, lost snow sbould full and preveut their return, except on runners, The winter of 1840 was aleo a remarkable one,~the first snow baviog fallen, we believe, on 12th December.But tho winter in which the Rebellion occurred was, probably, tbe moat extraordinary one in the memory of any person now living.On the 161b December, 1835, A steamer arrived at Montreal from Quebee, with a barge in tow, loaded with fire-arms; aud in Jsuuary, 1837, & steamer went from (bis city to Cornwall, having a Regiment on board.A continuance of the weather we are now experienc.fog for a sbort time longer, would, perhaps even yet, enable reinforcements for thls Province from Britain to be brought up the St.Lawrence without delay direct 10 Quebec, if not to Montreal! aif-a-cent each © Toabies\u2019 Frisch Cavaniay Misstoxany Sociery.\u2014The annual meeting of this Society 190k place on Tuesday evening ia the Lecture licom of Zion Church, nnd was, as usual, well mieuded.Rev.Mr.Bonar presided.The Report was read by Mr, Kemp, and addr sses , were delivered by Itev.Vilkes, Rev.Dr.Taylor, The fadies bad furnished n tale wii of useful and Fancy articles, which ret with ready >ale : and allogether the meet- iug was very pleasant and successful.The Girls\u2019 School a1 l\u2019uiate aux Trembles, under the charge of Madam Moret, kas nt present 35 scholars, and many additional aj plications bave to be refused for want of room.The éducation given in this schoul is now bighty sppreciated by Fe uch Canadians, who, general'y spenking, disire insiraction for their daughters even more thao for their sons.The prospects of the Society were never more encouraging.Me a great Val and Ib Tue \u201c Abv£atisen\u201d asp Tue * Wirxess.\u2014The Ad- verti or still shows the greatest reluctance to come to the jciut at issue betweso us, and eecks to get off by multiplying irrelevant statements, We would publish all be suys, ns the best answer Lo himaelf, were it not that Lis josragra; hs are usually appended each to one of oure, und we would have to re-publish ours to make bis intelligible, thus occupying too much of our readers\u2019 epee.The case is, however, so plain, that it needs no explanation.lie Las made and reiterated a distinct accusation agninst the Hitaesy stall) for which he must citber have Lad some suikority or Loue, If Le has acy reason Whatever for making tbe charge, he can state it.If he bas nage, he can apologise.Une or other of these courses is what any honest man would adopt.He pretends that giving vs an opportunity of denial is all the satisfaction to which we ar entitled.Let us see how such ethics would work if the case were reversed.Suppose we liad affirmed that _ the Adecrtiser was guilty of some disgraceful conduct, \u2014say, for instance, levying black-mail\u2014would he not very reasonably ask for some authority or proof fur our assertion, and failing that, for an apology ?And how would he like if we replied that we had gool reason to believe what we affirmed, but if the Advertiser would deny that be ever levied black-mail, we would be satisfied?Would he not bave good reason to reply that it was him wbo required satisfactivp, and that such a de- wand on our part was only adding insult to injury.Now, we simply require Lim to do as Le wouid be done by, namely, either give the reasons for his accusation or withdraw it.We should, perhaps, apologise to our readers for referring so often to this matter; but we think there is 8 question of public justice aud morality involved in the publication of reckless accusations.Onicix OF Tue Wan-Fesuise.\u2014The giving up of the Confederste Commissioners might quiet for a time, but could hardiy du away wilb the war feeling already roused.The increase of a feeling of enmity between the two happiest and most Christian nations of the world, i+, perhaps, more 10 be deplored than any other calamity (hat could happen among the nations; and this idea bas made the Witness careful about taking the responsibility of adding an iota to the force of the rising tide.When we look into the origin of this feeling, which would now almost bring the nations into war, Lad they no further pretext, we find its beginnings most contemptible.What made a large proportion of the people of Canada rejoice in the defeat at Bull's Run 1 It was nothing move than the mendacity of New York reporters.Men of small calibre were sent out to the seat of war, who, being apparently of warm, credulous fancies, believed sud wrote down every exaggeration they heard.People here were nu- turally disgusted with such bragging, and, unmindful of the source, got angry.The Southern sympathiscrs in the North, finding themselves in an unpopular position, saw their opportunity, sud turned the tide of popular feeling against Britain.Again, the popularity of this feeling reacting on selfish politicians gave them a chance to increase their power, by belpiug on the anti-British movement, aod they may now see where it bas landed thom, But, while it is evident that ibe unbridled tongues of the American press deserve ihe principal blame of this trouble, we would like to be able to say that our owa peopie and press were entirely free from blame.[tis not now, however, the time fo i quarrel, but let us take warniog from the Northern i States, aud imitate neither their divisions nor their boasting; but let us follow tbe Dritish Goverament in its calm rezolve 10 do its duty, whatever it may be, Tue Cuuxtian People or DBairain axp sux Usiean States.\u2014Tbo comparatively pacific aspect which af fairs Letween Britain and the United States have assumed within a day oc two, gives the greatest sntis- faction to thinking, and capecially religious men.That the two nations which bave gone hand in haud is spreading the Gospel over the world, should put the knife to each other's throats, would be a moustrous anomaly, alike disgraceful tocivilization and the Christian name.The very thought that the Christiun brethren who have fraternized with the grestest delight in missionary spd prayer-meetings, should point the bayonet at each other's breasts, or aim at each other with rifles, is abhorrent io the extreme ; and everything which tends to such & result should be energetically deprecated by all good men of hath nations.But has it beenso?On the contrary, we greatly fear there bave been serious faults on both sides.The New York Independent and other religious papers in the States, published supercilious and insulting articles concerning Britatn, which bave been repaid by equally angry and unjust articles in the London Patriot, Edinburgh Wilness, and other British religious papers.Latterly, the American press, apparently perceiving whither it ! Mr, Ai, a wissionary of the Society, Rev.Mr.McVicar, | tern rebeilion was dritting, Lus improved wonderfully in tone.But the wrath of tbe Lritish [ress has been, 80 [ar as we have goon, rather on the increase.Itis very remark- uble, als), that each ride hes precisely similar com- aints to make of the other.American writers coms Plain of wrongs and wirages suffered from England in the ail and comfort given by the latter to the South- tie Briti.h, of wrongs and outrages in- flier} iby Avserieus in stopping and searching rir vessels, The one says Mr.Seward is determined to fusten a quarrel upon Britain ; the other, that Lord Palmerston is intent on fiading a pretext to quarrel with the United States, is order to breuk the blockade and obtain cottoa from the Suuth,\u2014whilst each side complains equally of the big words and blustering of the other.We think Brituin has much more ground far such complaints than the States, alihougb quite prepared to admit tbat there ure great faulls on both sides ; but it is specially to be remarked that cach an- tion regards à war with the other as an enormous calamity only 19 bo encountered if absolutely forced upon it.In sucu cirourustances, should there not be special prayer offered to Jlitm who has the hearts of rulers und people alike in his banda, 50 to dispose meu's minds on both sides that war may be averted without lors of honor to either nation ?Tux VouuxTezu Movement \u2014The firat regular 10 et- ing of the Montreal Victoria Rifles took place last evening io Bonaventure Hall, upwards of 200 young men of Ligh respectability being present, The report of the Committee appointed 10 decid?upon a suitable uniform, was then read and adopted, as also the regu- Iaticns fur the guidance of the corps framed by Capt.Smith, Lieut.Houghton, and the Sub-Committee appointed.It was decided to meet for drill on Tuesday and Thursday evenings, at hal@-past seven, and on Saturday afternoon at four o'clock, and after a vote of tlanka to the Chairman the meeting broke up.The uniform uf the company will be a grey tunic with black braid and red facings, wide trowsers and shako, on the model now used in the regular service.The Corps will bave its Seat drill 10-morrow evening oa the Champs de Mars when 200 wen are expected to fail into line.A mecting of the cfficers of the sccond battallion Montreal Sedentary Militia was held at the residence of the commanding officer, Lient.Col.Jones on Monday evening ; aud it was there decided to petition the City Council fur the use of the Concert Hall for drill purposes.A drill jostructor will be engaged, and should the Council grant their prayer, the officers will immediately commence a course of drill.The various manufacturers and machinists in the vicinity of the St.Gabriel Locks, propose raising a battalion from the men in their employ ; they expect at an early day to muster 200 men.The medical and arte students of McGill College are each formiog rifle corps ; and the Montreal gymnasium are to have a meeting for the formation of one or two companies.The employees of the Grand Trunk, in Gt.8t.James Street, will form, we believe, rifle companies, who, on acconnt of their Railway duties, witl be used ns a bome guned.Major Morland has secured the services of sixty men and horsed in the employ of the city railway company for a cavalry company, to be offered to the Government forthwith, Councillor McCready also bas gone to Quebec for the purpose of eolicitiog the permission of bis Excellency the Governor-General to form a company of volunteer cavalry in this city.It is stated, also, that Mr.Coursol has offered the Government to raise & thousand men among the various French Canadian Societies, MiLttary Movewents.\u2014The City Concert Hall has been geented fur the uge of the Active Force of tifa Asti Burne, Esq, has [laced « large room at the Wl of companica for the same purpose.Captain Vesey's battery of Armatronge, 4th Brigade, Ruyal A: tittery, comes ont in the \u2018 Ansteslasisn,\u201d with hors s wud men.The \u201c Melbourne\u201d brings one battery, Cr, ne «ibs rwice reported, eix.Mr.Norland, President of the Street Railway Company, with the co-operation af Mr.Easton, the lesse, has secured (he services of the men, horses, und bacoess, sufficient for a Brigade of Artillery, nll ready to tackle the guns at an hour's notice.These he bas tendered to the Commander-ia-Chief offering to equip and drill them at bis owa expense, until the Mili- tin are calied ont, and put on pay, should such a course Prove necessary, Those batteries will be made up of the «ficient Water Police lately disbanded, and the employés of the City Railway Co., many of whom are old s.ldiers, together with & number of other pioked men ; but, inasmuch as tho majority are ia tbe employment of the City Railway Co., they could not be spared for permanent distant service, and are consequently only offrred for the defence uf the city, except in case of emergency.We presumo (bis would prove a very efficient Brigade for the purpose in view.The following items are gathered from various sources :\u2014 Counseller McCready tetarncd from Quebec yesterday anthorized to raise 3 troops of Cavalry.Wo believe that Mr.McCready had de offer of men sufficient 10 raite two troops.The manufacturers at St, Gabriel locke now feel confident of being able to raise four handeed men.Me.Forsyth, Engineer, of the Harbor Commissioners has formed a comp ny of Engineers, whose services have been fendered à the Government.It will consist of practical mechanics effirered by civil engineers.C.W, Macon, of the Cue- toms Department, bas, we understand, arranged with Me.T.Lecomoto of thls city to raise a Geld train, and hag written to the Government offering their services Tis aid that Mr.L.N.Durvernay is engaged in raise Ing 8 regiment of Canadian Chassenrs, 500 strong, for service on the frontier, or elsewhese, where the) may be needed.Oapt, Stevenson, of the Montreal Field t- tory, has tendered his services to the Executive, for the city.purpose of raisiog two batteries of artillery, Mr.A.4 Perry Las undertaken (Le formation of à cor,3 c!' Sappers and Miners, to be employed on the recssary works of defence wbich will be required between Montreal and tbe Province line, The Adrertiser says:\u2014 This a method of employing the intelligent inerka- nies uf this eity to the best adrantage which deserves encouragement.It is asid that the workwen in Dows Brewery are organizing ouder tke command of Mr.W.Scott.The Irishmen of the city meet this cvening, in cosueclion with the volunteer movement.The Light Infantry is Lestirting itself, and it is expected that the force can be increased to «ight companies, mastering 400 strong.The colored men of the country have also ulfered their services to the Executive.The movement ig suid to be almost universal.The JAdreriiser mentions a case of a Colonel of the Sedentary Militia, who, on raustering up Lis men, found that with the exception of | four, all had joined the Active Force.Miritary Dairt x Puslic ScaooL8.\u2014A public meeting was recently held in Edinburgh to consider the ad- visahility of introducing military drill as à part of the regular instructions given in schools in Scotland.\u2014 Lotd Elcho presided, aod in course of some remarks said :\u2014 \u201cIt would contribute greatly to the permanency of tue voluuteer movement to make drill a part of the teivil life of the country, taught in public institutions, where the youth could be trained to military drill, so ; that in after-life they might be able to take their place | in the volunteer ranks ad a further part of social duty.(Apvlauee,) About eightern mouths ago a meetisg wap held in London, at which he presided, when gentlemen cupnected with education aod the volunteer movement met together, and tLe result was & series of resolutions which nnanimously showed the desirability of establishing military training in publie schools, and a committee was appointed to forward the movement.In a very short time they had volunteer corps at Eton, Rugby, Harrow, and other public schools throughout England.The movement bau since increased, and some of the boys had even shot at one of the most exciting and interesting matches at Wimbledon last year.As regarded the public schocls in England, be believed the system of military drill had beea permanently established.(Ajplause.) Tle believed there were some schools in Edinburgh which had volunteer corps attached to them.He did not know whether this was general, hut unquestionably it was desirable.He would like to ree the system established not only in the schools of Edinburgh, but in all the parochial schools in the country.\u201d A committee consisting of the principal volunteer officers, and the chief teachers in several public schools, was appointed to organize n system of drill classes for the echools in Edinburgh.We understand that the boys in the McGill High aod Model Schools have for some time past bad military drill-instruction given them by Mr.Dearnelly, of this city,\u2014aud that they enjoy the healthful exercise very much.When David Stow, of Glasgow, exerted Liimseif so successfully in favor of Jufant Schools a quarter of a century ago, a portion of the Normal Students\u2019 teain- ing consisted of a partial military drill, conducted by the principal, Mr.M\u2018Crie to enable the future teachers of what was designated the \u201cJuveuile Training System,\u201d (we write from memory,) to impart similar instroctions to their pupils.The young men attending the McGill Normal Schools might be bencfitted by a similar course.Errzcrs or Wan wiry Brivaty ox Tux Unite States Ayb CoxrepEnats States.\u2014If war grow out of Commodore Wilkes\u2019 rash, and as it now appears, unjustifiable act, the effect will obvionsly be to establish the Confederate States ns an acknowledged independent power, never more, in all probability, to be re-united to the Northern States.Ta any ordinary quarrel with Britain, there might accur a grand patching up of dif- | ferences between themselves, in order unitediy to carry on war with a power which both sections of the States secm most unreasonably to dislike ; but even slaveholders could not turn against Britain in & War growing out of her claim to defend their own Ambassadors against Northern seizure, But the independence of the Confederate States would not be the only result.Britain would, ascaredly, blockade every Northern port, whilst the Southern ports would be thrown open to the commerce of the world ; and it would, in that case, be the grain aud provisions of the North that would be shut up instead of the cotton of the South.This is a state of things which the Great West would feel keenly, and probably deeply resent, The commerce of the Kastern States would, iu like munner, sufler farfaily, her vessels being either detained in port or linblu to seizure on cvery sea.fo fact, general ruin woold fall upon fermer, merchant, snd capitalist alike ; and, we trust, they will all see thisere it be too late.Ina just quarrel, it would be right to encounter all these woes withont flinching ; but not merely tosustain à piece of illegal aggression ! Tux Lrxconx Caniver.\u2014The Cabinet at Washington must havo ap anxious time just now, ia considering whetber to plunge the United States into & gigantic contest with Britain, or to take back their boastful words with the best grace they may.If Secretary Welles bad not approved jn such a 1asrked manner of Commodore Wilkes\u2019 conduct, in seizing Mason and 8li- dell,\u2014chidiog him only for being too forbearing, which forbearsnce, however, was not to become n precedent, \u2014ibe Cabinet might have come to the consideration of the question comparatively untrammelled.But the mere fact of the President presenti.g that report lo Congrem stamped upon it che approval of bis Administration, Were there any doubt on this point, the censorship which be exeroised over the Secretary of War's report showed that he would, in like manner, have cat any paragraph out of the report of the Secretary of the Navy, had be dissp- proved of it.As matters stand, that Cabinet must bave its [\u2014\u2014\u2014\u2014 \u2014\u2014 4 Verret = December ZI, 1561 rs ore rt Saar et © bands fuil.solves, and nving to rely, to a large extent, on somewhat ineapab'e apd unfaithful subordias ey hace se Southern rébellion to contend with, while th ir sup - i Joriers 41 the Northare angrily and bitterly disiled on If they add to all these cuuplica- .they I siavery question.a gratuitous nd unjust war with Dri 1 cottaiuly te ir à position Jtnte to he envir- Urixion 1x WasuiséTon.\u2014The following +xtracts om the last Wesbington telegrapis to the Tribune, are worthy of perusul.TIE WORK O7 SSEAK-TUAITORS.The fiercest wlvoestes of war with England ot all hazsda, the noisieat blusterers ubout the Ametican eagle and the British lion, are men who lave long been suspected of being rebels at heart.Vallandighaw is the londoat-mautbed patriot of a'l, and Cox is not fur beliad lim, Those wh) heariily wish the rebellion pat down are got 89 Ansi aig to precipitate hostilities, HEPATATION, Me 5 aaner feo the C -mmit'ec on Foreign RUntions will report a bith moving $1,000 10 the owrer of the British ship ** Perthsbi illegally detaioed hy our blockading squadron in the Gulf.This prompt reparation in our present relations with Englaud at- tssts the disposition on our part 10 fail in no account of justice.The bull his the unanimous sanction of the Committee.EDITORIAL ITEMS.\u2014 Ia addition to Dr.Dwight, and the Rev.Juba McLoud, who bave beea invited to the Anniversaries gext month, the Rev.8.J, Spaulding, of Newburyport, Mass, and the Rev.Mr.Carpenter, of the Labrador Mission, will probably be ire fo take part is 1be meeting for Foreign Missions.\u2014 We notice by the Quebec papers that Lord Manck makes it a practice to attend the drili-parades of the Quebec volunteers.\u2014 The iron clipper-ship * Noseneath,\u201d recently made thie trip from Quebec to Glazgow in 18 days.\u2014 Capt.Gaskin, ship owner at Kingston, has placed 1wo schooners at the command of the British Gorern- ment, should they Le required.Government declines immediate neceplance.\u2014 We are informed that there is an unlicensed grog geryon the St.Antoine road Levond the toll-gat is 12 be hoped that the Municipal Council of Tos will look after 1bis drinking place, wlich.it is sod, does much miselief.\u2014 The escaped prisoner, Campbell, was captured on Tuesday vight at about 10 o'clock, by Mr.McGinn and Detective O'Leary, after a week's incessant search.We understand (bat Campbell, on entering hia old quarters, expressed his surprise that he should be placed for the might in a cell detached (rom the wards of the gaol, ulleging that he was quite unconscious of having acted inconsistently with the prison regulations.\u2014 In Ottawa, the Militia-men are active.Col.Coffin seems to be taking a prominent part in the movement.During the present week meetings are to Lie held at many places in the neighborhood of Ottaws far the purpese of forming Volunteer Companies.\u2014 At Dunville, Canada West, the loyalty and en- 1husiasm of the people is aroused, and a grenadier company is in course of formation, which is to be attached 19 the Dunville Rifle Company, under Captain Amsden.\u2014 The Chutham Planet states thut twenty-four ofticers of the Fifth Kent and Firet Ch abam Batialions of Sedentary Militia are now drilling twice a wick, As goon a3 the officers know their work, the men of the battalions will be brought together.\u2014 The officers of tbe First Wentworth have determined to qualify themselves for the position they hold.Drill is to be commenced at once.\u2014 L'Ordre says that, sioce the outbreak in the United States, 30 French Canadian families, comprising 160 souls, have returned from that distracted country to settle ia the parish of St.Anicet.\u2014 The Plattsbargh Express of Saturday states that considerable works are to be constructed at Rous Point, aod » number of troops quartered there, The bacracks at Plattsburgh are to be enlarged immediately, 30 as to accommodate a large force.The drawing of stone for it has commenced.The supervision of the defences from Rouse's Point to Buffalo, is under the direction of Colonel Waite.\u2014 The barn and stables of Mr.ifiram Dunning, of the township of Cumberland, were destroyed by fire on tha night of the 4th instant.In the stables were ten horges, one yoke of oxen and uineteen sheep, some baruees, sicighs, &c.All were consumed.\u2014 The celebrated cantatrice, Jenny Lind, has recently been singing in Aberdeen, Scotland, and before leaving that city she gave one hundred guineas to Provost Anderson, to be distributed among the local charities.In passing through Perth, abe also gave twenty guinens to the l'adigent Old Men's Society.\u2014 Rev.Dr.Guthrie ix nominvted to be the next Moderator of the General Assembly of the Free Church of Scotland.\u2014 À translation nf the poems of the celebrated Al- orian Chief Abd-el-Kader will shortly appear in Paris, t is said, that they are ofa sup:rior style and beauty, and persons of high connection desire, that (he next vacant seat in the Academy should be filled by the illustrious Arabias poet.\u2014 A terrible accident occurred ny Cleveland on Fri- dey night.Mrs.Kipp, the wife of a painter and paper banger, was engaged in knitting while ber husband was reclined upon a lounge, asleep.The tight of the lamp, a coal-oil one, getting dim, the procured the cas of oil and procosded to replenishit, Holding it 100 near the fleme the oil ignited, and a terrible explosion followed, blowing the can into fragments and setting fire te the poor woman's clothes, which burned with Fight rapidity.The linsbard, awakened by the noise, surang to his feet, when an awful sight met his eyes.Vic wife was writhing in the agonies of death\u2014her hair entirely burned from ber ead, and her clothing entirely gone, with the oxception of a shred of the drawers.\u201cÀ portion of the room was nlso on fice, but was very soon Pxtiaguisheä.Mee.Kipp left three children.The oldest only four yeara and the youngest a little infant of only nine months, \u2014 The Cleveland Herald anuounces the desth of three children of James end Martha Cottrell, ail the children of the family, who died upon three consecutive days, of that childrev\u2019s scourge, diphiberia.The father, who follows the lakes, returned to bis home on the mor- ping of tbe 27th uit, tgnorant that three lifeless bodies lay tn the house, and going to his home met Lis wife and asked for the children.Tho mother could not speak.\u2018Is one of them dead?\" ! Yes\u201d she said, \u201c all of them.\u201d And the poor father fell to the floor.Men of pu commandiog powers tiers THE MONTREAL WITNESS.COMMERCIAL.' MoxtikaL WiTsEss Office, Friday, 0, There Was à uw yesterday altertoon, w% night frost his Muctiug made the ronds like , and pedestrisuism io tle city very difficult: barcm.at #75 thirm, at same Lour, 242 ahuve zero; © above; L a senan\u2014U No Spode Przgmen uf 18th 883; \u2014Th re past a wi derate dr do for gu s all of it prudential, altnest