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whether in the far West or in the dis- tant East, there exists between the Governments of France and England the most frank and the most honorable concert." -_ Aproposition for the purchase of the 'Jnternational Exhibition buildings, by the British Government, was recently "brought before the House of Commons. It was designed for a Natural History Collection: the museum of patents ; -and the National portraits, and the Vote asked for was $2,420,000, The proposition was rejected by a large "Majority, and the Ministry defeated. '. Captains Speke and Grant, the two successful explorers of the sources of the Nile, have arrived home, after suf- fering frightful hardships for the last hree years. The Alexandria case terminated in '@ verdict for the defendants, amidst considerable applause. "A great meeting was held at Pres- ton, under secession auspices, to ex- Press sympathy with the South. A Tesolution was offered, declaring in "the opinion of the meeting the Con- federates, by their efforts to accom- lish their independence, have enti- tled themselves to its sympathy. <A "counter resolution was proposed, de- | ciaring it desirable to maintain con- | tinued strict neutrality. After a de- ' bate and considerable disorder, the - original motion was carried by a large majority. A feeling of uneasiness with refer- | ence to Russia gains ground, 'The F prospect of war between Russia on the one side, and England and France on the other, although not imminent, looms in the distance. In the House of Lords, on the 26th, | Earl Russell denied the statement that Napoleon had renewed his over- tures for joint mediation between the Federals and Confederates. In the Commons, Mr. Roebuck stated that he should bring on a mo- - tion for the recognition of the Confed- | erate States. The Vienna " Journal"? mentions a | report, that Lord Palmerston will en- -deayour to induce the belligerents in _ America to submit their differences to the King of the Belgians. A grand Conservative banquet was held in London on the 26th. No al- ~ lusion was made to foreign politics. The Custom House authorities near Liverpool had notified the owners of | the " Gibraltar," late the '* Sumpter," "thatunless the two guns of large cali- | bre on board were landed, the ship. would be detained on suspicion that _ they were for Confederate ports. FRANCE. The news of the fail of Puebla caused much rejoicing. Gen. Forey is to be raised to the rank of Field- Marshall for his services, and Gen. Bizaine, who defeated the army of Commonfort, will be a Senator. It is reported that Count Persigny will go to St. Petersburg on a speeial mission. The general wish is that war with Russia be avoided, though many think it inevitable. The French Government is, it ap- pears, increasing the artillery by about 200 guns, and the order from the War Office was very sudden. La France asserts that the three Powers have addressed fresh observa- tions to St. Petersburg against the acts of the Russian agents in Poland, It is reported that France has made fresh remonstrances at Rome to ob- tain the withdrawal of the ex-King of Naples from that city. AUSTRIA. Count Rechberg stated in the Lower House of Reichrath, that the policy of the Government was peace on all foreign questions, combined with the defence and integrity of the empire. Much sympathy has been shown in the Austrian Council of the Empire for Poland. . RUSSIA AND POLAND- The Polish question and insurrec- tion is unchanged. The Polish Minister of Public Wor- ship' has resigned. The national government published a warning to the citizens of Warsaw that the Russian Government desires to excite a rising in that capital. In additional cases of atrocities published, it is stated that the Cos- --sacks in one case, tired of slaughter- ng the wounded insurgents, actually 'burned them alive. St. Petersburg letters say that there is little proba- bility of Russia making satisfactory concessions. This opinion is con- firmed by formidable warlike prepar- ations throughout Russia. The Moscow Gazette contains spe- cxlations on a war with England, and shows how vulnerable she is, owing to commerce on the ocean ec eee the issues of peace or war depend, Focal Inielligence. 'Town Council Proceedings. The adjourned meeting of the Town Council was held on Thursday night last. Present, the Mayor, and Councillors Stoney, J A Scott, D Scott, McDonald, Imlach, Sayers, Kirk, Rob- arts, Watson and Baily. The report of the Committee appointed to consider the applica- tions for the Constableship was read and adop- ted. appointed for the remainder of the year ata salary of $300 per annum. A By-law was read and passed appointing Mr McCarthy, &e. "A report from the Board of Works' Committee was read. It recommended as follows: The Bridge over the Avon to be repaired at once; that suf- ficient plank and scantling be given to com- plete the side-walk from opposite Mr Jarvis' place to that leading to the Station; the par- ties interested to do the necessary grading and lay the plank, &c. at their own cost. Thatsuf- ficient plank and scantling be given Mr Daly to continue a two plank side-walk from opposite the Kirk to his own place; Mr Daly to have the work done at his own cost. It also recom- mended that the prayer of the petition of Mrs Linton and others be complied with, viz., that sufficient plank and scantling be supplied by the Council to complete a side-walk four feet wide from Mr King's Hotel to St Patrick's St. : the petitioners &c., to do the grading and lay the plank at their own cost. We think the town in this case will have the best of the bar- gain. The petitions of Robert Rigg and others ; J. Dutton and others, and J. Sharman and oth- ers, were recommended to be laid over, as the granting of the prayers of the petitions would involve too much expenses at present. The re- port also recommended that the constable be instructed to notify Mr O'Higgins to have the side-walk in front of his new store lowered to the proper grade. The Board of Works were ordered to see that a culvert be built on Mill Street; cost not to exceed $50; also to contract for an additional 100 loads of gravel. A detail- ed statement of thestate of the Finances from Mr McGregor, Treasurer, was laid on the table, --referred to Finance Committee. The state- ment shewed "No funds on hand." We think the Council should pause before they undertake any more improvements, and consider whether the finances of the town can afford it, It is sup- posed the taxes will be somewhere about 30 cents in the $ this year! Can the rate-payers afford it? It would be well to have more side- walks--more improvements of every kind, but we think, under present circumstances, it would be highly injudicious to continue going on with improvements with a prospect of the taxes being so high, The expenses so far have been very heavy. We do not doubt but the money has been properly expended. We do not doubt but the improvements made were necessary, and there are still more improvements needed which are equally necessary, equally desirable; but the question to be considered first of all is, can we afford the money. If we can, by all means let us have these improvements ; if not let those improvements stand-over, . With a prospect of the taxes being 30 cents in the $, we do not think the ratepayers can afford money for any more side-walks, &c. this year. 'Upper Canada Tract Society.--As previ- ously announced, the Rev. Mr Cook, agent of the Upper Canada Tract Society, held a meet- ing in the Canada Presbyterian Church, Nor- man street, on Friday evening last, with the view of explaining how the Society generally is progressing, and also with a view to re-or- ganize the Branch Society here. The number present was not as large as might have been ex- pected. The President, Secretary, Treasurer, and all others supposed to be Office-bearers in the Society were absent. The Rev. Mr McPher- son, in the absence of the President, acted as chairman. He explained that for some time, from conscientious scruples, he had kept aloof from the Upper Canada Tract Society, because it was closely connected with, and received and circulated, as genuine, the spurious works of the American Tract Society. Heretofore that So- ciety had expunged everything in opposition to slavery from their works, and these mutilated publications were freely circulated in Canada. Now, however, that cause of complaint was re- moyed, and he was prepared to aid in further- ing the interests of the Society. He said some such society was very much required to coun- teract the evil influence of the wide spread yel- low covered literature of the day. There was also a vast amount of reading in the shape of political newspapers certainly not of the most wholesome kind. He considered political dis- cussions were useful and good in their place, but editors were too prone, for party purposes, to publish what was incorrect. There were, no doubt, a few exceptions, but as a general thing the tendency of the newspaper literature was not to elevate or improve those who indulge in that kind of reading,--the tendency was rather the other way. He considered the free circulation of tracts was one of the best means of correcting the evil influence of the literature to which he had referred, and hoped an interest would be taken in the matter. The Rev. Mr Hugill addressed the meeting at some length on the great good which the circulation of religious tracts among the people was calculated to effect. He enumerated several cases where men had been turned from wickedness by the accidental reading ofa religious tract. He referred to the great power of the Press, either for good or for evil as it chanced to be used for a good or bad purpose. The Press at the present time was used to scatter broadcast over the land light literature calculated to vitiate and destroy the taste of those who freely indulged in it; the friends,"therefore, of religion and truth should bestir themselves to counteract such an evil in- fluence, and no better means could be used to that end than the circulation of the religious and wholesome publications of the Tract Socie- ty. The agent next addressed the meeting giving a brief history of the Society and It recommended that J. A. McCarthy bey 64 years since it was started. It had issued since its commencement over 959,000,000 of works. It issued last year over 47,000,000 of ligious tracts and books, It published works in 116 different languages. This would give some idea of the amount of good the Society was effecting. At the close of the speaking Mr Mc- Pherson enquired if there was a Branch Society in existence here in connexion with the Upper Canada Tract Society. The Agent considered there was. Mr McPherson--Then, where are the members? Agent--I suppose they are at home! We suppose a Society had been organ- ized, and we have no doubt but Mr Cook, the agent, has done all in his power to keep it alive; but, from the fact that none of the members thought it worth while to be present at the meeting, the conclusion is torced upon us that it has been in bad working order, and might just as well not have been in existence at all. The following officers were then appointed :-- W N Hossie, President, Samuel Vivian, Secre- tary, Dr. Hyde, Treasurer. The following were named as a Committee : Revd J Hugill, 'Rev Mr McPherson, " Mr Swift, Mr N Campbell, Mr John Whitley, Mr James Crosset, Mr H Darche. With power to add to their number. We are sorry to find that some people refuse to take an active part in behalf of this important matter. We know of no reason why every pro- testant denomination should not put its hand to the work. The Upper Canada Tract Society is purely Catholic--it knows or recognizes no sect or creed---its objects are to benefit every man--- to disseminate truth as opposed to falsehood. Why then should any hold back. Was it be- cause the meeting was held in a Presbyterian Church? Surely that could not give offence The Pastor of that church has been ever ready to co-operate with those of other denominations where the object was the propagation of Gos- pel truth. Let those parties who refused to take part in the Tract Society meeting held on last Friday evening ask themselves ifin so doing they were emulating the example of Him whom they profess to follow! We speak not harshly; we wish not to give ofience ; but we are, for the sake of truth, constrained to say, that the spirit manifested in this town in regard to the Tract Society is an unchristian spirit; and if fostered, is calculated to do a great amount of evil. We hope tosee it die out, however. The evils---the many evils which exist in our midst at present call for united and immediate action on the part of all christian denominations. Police Court.---Last week a young lad was brought before his Worship the Mayor and 8. L. Roktarts, Reeve, charged with having attempted to embezzle some money from Mr Hine, of the Palmerston Hotel. It appeared that Mr Hine gave the boy money and sent him to Mr Worth's butcher's stall for meat. The boy notreturning as expected, Mr Hine went to see what was the matter, and found that he had not gone for the meat at all. Mr Hine supposing something was found the boy ready to go off by the train,-- When brought before the Mayor he refused to speak, but after a time he said his name was Thos Tillson, that he had formerly resided at Mount Forest, but lately at Guelph and Lon- don. He said his father and mother had been dead three years; he had neither brother nor sisters, nor had he ever been in a Sunday School. He appeared to have very little idea of right or wrong. He was sentenced to one month's im- prisonment under the Juvenile Offenders' Act. It is to be hoped some of the Clergy of the town will visit the boy during his confinement, and endeavor to impress upon his mind some idea of rightand wrong. As it is, he appears to know nothing of Religion. Unless some kind person will take the trouble to visit him and converse with him on these matters, it is to be feared the confinement will do him little good. a> A Mutual Fire Insurance Company is be- ing formed in Stratford. So far everything ap- pears favorable to the enterprize. Farmers and others wishing to effect assurances will do well to defer for a few days, as the Institution from present appearances will become a mutual bene- fit to the inhabitants of the County of Perth. Full particulars will be given in our next issue. x The new Wesleyan Church at Knott's Mills, inSouth Easthope, will (D. V.) be opened for Divine Service on Sabbath the 26th inst.-- The Rey. E. Wood, D. D. will preach at 10 o'clock, A. M. The Rev. Mr. , at 21 P. M,, and the Rev. Mr. --, at 6} P.M. Collections will be taken up at the close of each service on behalf of the Trust Fund. To Correspondents.--" Ion" crowded out, will appear next week. Notices of the Pic-nics in connection with Mr Whaley's and Mr Mc- Lean's Schools crowded out also, will appear next week. Commercial. AP RAP LLLP LIL LPL LIP PPI PLD LIL ILL PPP PPPS Stratford Markets. Wepyespay, Jury 15, 1863. Fall Wheat & bush..........$0 82 @ $0 88 Spring Wheat Y bush........ 0 74 0 80 Oats Y bash... ..50.2..-22. 0:35 0 40 Potatoes & bush ...cessecers 0 25 0 35 Peas Y bush... 2.24.02. se seus 0 34 0 40 Barley ¥ bush.........-.<-- 0 70 0 75 Timothy Seed per bush....--. 2 50 3 50 Flour per bbl...... Cadeseoyes 400 4 50 Oatmeal per bbl.........----- 6 00 6 25 Butter per Ib....... Peeves ses 011 0 123 Eggs per doz...-...-.e+2seee 008 0 00 Mutton per 100 Ibs......- i is-'s SOO 5 00 Beef per 100 Ibs..........-.-- 3 00 3 50 Hay per ton......... Seewevee 10:00 12 00 Tallow per Ib......-----+.--- 0 07 0 08 Apples per bag.....--. eee xi 0 75 100 Cordwood per cord........... 1 25 2 00 Lard per Ib.....-+---.+-2-00- 0 08 010 Sheepskins. ....... Pons one's @ 150 1% FR Oa so vs eagsb hs gs 0 So ocde AMD @ 00 WOES obo sve Sed e'0'e5's ceetees ee 0 40 the good it had effected. He said it was wrong proceeded to the Union Station where he- Opinions of the Press. ---- Tae Perr County Heratp,--A newspaper just started in Stratford bears this title, and from the appearance and tone of the first number it is likely to become a respectable journal, the number of which in this Province is, we regret to say, extremely limited. The politics of the Herald are those of the Opposition, and it will doubtless be a capable and we hope successful defender of the anti-Grit party in the great county of Perth. Its typographical appearance is exceedingly good, if we except the heading, in which our taste would suggest a change. If it is conducted as well as the first number promises, the Herald deserves to prosper.--Lea- der. The Perth County Herald is the title of a neatly printed five column paper just issued from the County town, the first number of which comes to us as we go to press. It is published by Vivian & Co. The Editor says: " We shall be thoroughly Conservative in politics. But though Conservative we shall be liberal," what- ever that means. The enterprising publishers have our best wishes for the success--financially at least--of their neat little sheet.--St. Mary's Argus. x3- A new paper, entitled "The County of Perth Herald," has been established in Strat- ford. It is Conservative in politics, and is cleverly edited. Its publishers are Messrs. Vi- vian & Co.--Mhitchell Advocate. Tue Perta County Heratp, is the title of a new paper published at Stratford by Messrs. Vivian & Co. Mechanically the paper is like all the work from the press of Messrs V. & Oo., a model of neatness, clearness, and elegance. Politically, we regret we cannot speak so favorably of it, Its articles evince ability and judgment,---Perth Reformer. Tur Perta Counry Herap.---We are in receipt of the first number of the Perth County Herald, a Conservative journal, and published by Messrs. Vivian & Co., Stratford. The editor promises to use his endeavors for the elevation of the press of the province. While we may be exeused for considering this a little egotistical, we must confess that the numbers before us are a decided improvement on the other Conser- vative papers of the County of Perth, and we hope the Herald will have an elevating influence on that portion of the press, at any rate. The Herald is neatly printed, on good paper, at $1 25.--Huron Express, "Tur Perro County Heraup."--We have received the first number of a new weekly journal, the Perth County Herald, published at Stratford. The Herald is Liberal Conservative in politics. We congratulate our cotemporary on his enterprise, and wish him a long and prosperous career, There are three papers now published in Stratford, two of which support the Opposition. We regard it as a significant fact that the defeat of Mr. Daly should have had the effect of rousing up Conservatism in Perth to prepare for the next tussle when it comes.--- Protytipe. : Tue Prrra Country Heranp is the nomme de plume of a newspaper recently started in Stratford. From what we have seen we can recommend it as sound in opinion, and un- equivocal in argument ; it will be of great use to its neighbourhood, as it contains a general summary of the world's news, with every in- cident of local interest. 1n fine, it is just what a country newspaper ought.to be.--- York Herald NEW ADVERTISEMENTS. PD ad J. & F. DUTTON PHARMACEUTICAL CHEMISTS. PURE DRUGS AND CHEHM™MICALS. GENUINE PORT WINE, For the use of the sick always in stock. Stratford, July 14, 1863. 3-tf FARM FOR SALE. 5O CRES of good Farming Zand, 45 A acres cleared, being Lot 14, Con- cession 8, Township of Downie. There is on the premises a good Log House and Barn 50 x 30, 2 Frame Sheds 60x11. Also a good Sta- ble. Apply to JOB LAMB, On the premises, Downie, July 3, 1863. 2-3in MARSHALL BROTHERS Have on hand, and are constantly receiving A LARGE, CHEAP, And well assorted stock of DRE GOODS, MILLINERY, CLOTHING GROCERIES, All of which they offer On the best terms for Cash or Produce. They are now selling COTPONAYARN From Dunbar's Mills at $2.75 Cash. Observe the place THREE DOORS WEST OF ALBION HOTEL. Stratford, July 1, 1863. S 1stf Soap and Candle Factory. HE Subscriber begs to intimate to the pub- lic generally, that he has constantly on hand a large supply of SOAP AND CANDLES, Of the first quality, which he will sell Cheap by Wholesale or Retail. Manufactory--Eliza- beth Street, a little East of the Court House. JOHN DONAGHY. Stratford, June 30, 1863. 1-3m HARDW eae -- = AR wHOLESALE AND RETAIL. HE Subscriber has received, and is receiv- ing the most EXTENSIVE STOCK OF English aud American HARDWARE, Ever brought into the Huron District. Owing to the great scarcity of money this year he has resolved trom this time to Reduce his Profits TOA BARE COMMISSION ON ALL CASH TRANSACTIONS So those wishing to build or make improve- ments on their farms, may take advantage of this reduction. The following is a few of the leading articles: , 120 Tons Glasgow Bar and Rod Iron, 49 " Pig Iron, 100 Blacksmith and Foundry Coal, 20 = Serap Iron Nails, 600 Boxes Glass, 400 Spades and Shovels, 1000 Cornand Grass Scythes. A complete Stock of Rakes, Forks, Cradles, &c. All kinds of HOUSE FURNISHING, SIGN OF THE CIRCULAR SAW. W. H. MITCHELL, Stratford, June 8, 1863, 2-tf THE NEW STORE, Second door West of THE POST OFFICE. M. J. McCLELLAN, General dealer in Fancy and Staple DRY GOODS, READY-MADE CLOTHING, BOOTS & SHOES, GROCERIES, CROCKERY, WINES AND LIQUORS. His motto is SMALL PROFITS AND QUICK RETURNS. He sells cheaper than any other House in Stratford. r= A call is respectfully solicited. ey TERMS:-CASH AND BARTER. e Price List of a few Articles : Sugar 12 and 13 lbs. for $1; Rice 20 lbs. for $1; Teas per lb, from 62} cents to $1; Men's Stoga Boots $2.50; Men's Kip do,, $2.75; Women's Calf Boots $1.25; White Stone Ware Tea Sets $2.50 (44 pieces.} Stratford, June 1, 1863. 1-tf Buggy for Sale. E will sell cheap on time, or trade for a Horse, a good, substantial, new Buggy. VIVIAN & CO. 1-tf JUST RECEIVED. SPRING GOODS, In great variety, P. WATSON. TO TAVERN-KEEPERS. Just received a very heavy stock of Wines and Liquors, Which will be sold to Tavern-keepers and oth ers by wholesale at unusually LOW PRICES. P. WATSON. DRY GOODS, SUMMER CLOTHING, In great variety, forsale cheap by P. WATSON, a AS, ea AS, Pure and unadulterated, Imported direct from China, | Stratford, June, 1863. In the Spring the subscriber received a large cargo of Teas from his correspondent in China, which he will be able to OFFER AT WHOLESALE At rates very favorable to Country Buyers. P. WATSON Stratford, June 2, 1863. ee