in the first contact, and sixteen seconds in the last; and it is quite possible that in the first instance the Professors may be right, as there is every possibility that the observer may slip a few seconds ere he makes the first discovery.-Colonist.

GOVERNOR GENERAL'S SPEECH.

Quebec, June 13, 1854. To-day at three o'clock the Governor General, the Earl of Elgin, proceeded in state to the Council Chamber in the buildings.

The members of the Legislative Council being assembled, his Excellency opened the second session of the fourth Parliament of the Province.

SPEECH.

delay, and I rely with confidence on your willingness to make the necessary provisions for the exigencies of the government. The prosperous condition of the revenue may suggest to you the propriety of making such reduction in the tariff as may be compatible with security of the public credit and efficiency in the public services.

During my sojourn in England I was much struck by the proofs which I received from all quarters of the increasing interest of Canadian affairs; and I trust that my acquaintance with the Province, derived from a long residence within it, may have enabled me to render some service in spreading more widely a knowledge of its resources and of the feelings of the inhabitants.

Although a state of warfare has a necessary Hon. Gentlemen of the Council, and Gentlemen tendency to restrict operations involving large exof the Legislative Assembly.-During the recess penditures of capital, I feel confident that the credit the Province has sustained, I regret to say, serious of Canada has attained a position in English opinion loss by fire in the destruction of the Houses of Par- which it never before achieved; and that to enable liament, and the buildings which were secured for the temporary occupation of the Legislature-the best arrangements possible have been made for your accommodation.

Her Majesty the Queen having failed in her anxious and protracted endeavours to preserve the blessings of peace, has felt herself called on through regard for an ally, the integrity and independence of whose empire has been recognised as essential to the peace of Europe, to take up arms in conjunction with the Emperor of France for the defence of the Sultan.

The manifestations of the loyalty and sympathy which have been so general throughout the Province at this conjuncture, will, I am confident, be heartily responded to by the Legislature.

you to retain it, nothing more is required than prudence in your undertakings, and the maintenance of the high character for fidelity to pecuniary engagements which the Province has at all times borne.

PROVINCIAL PARLIAMENT,

Quebec, June, 23, 1854. This evening the House met at 3 o'clock amidst great excitement. After the speaker had taken the chair Sir Allan McNab addressed the meeting, asked, if it was the intention of his Excellency as reported to prorogue the House? Mr. Hinck's said yes. Sir Allan McNab: In order afterwards to dissolve it? Mr. Hincks, yes. Sir A. McNab, The cordial co-operation on this war is well cal- without altering the Franchise bill so as to make it culated to call forth the sympathies of a country come into immediate operation? Mr. Hincks; of peopled by the descendants of those two Empires. course. Sir A. McNab: I have then to say for Having, during my recent visit to England, been myself and friends near me that we are quite honored by the Queen's command to endeavor to ready to give our assistance to pass that bill in effect the settlement of various important questions order to make it available at the next election. bearing upon the interest of the British North We are also ready to pass the supplies or give anyAmerican Provinces, which had long been pending thing else to enable the Governinent to be carried between the governments of Great Britain and the on in the best manner. It is not necessary for me United States, I proceeded to Washington, where, to remark on the proposition without affording the after frank discussion with the authorities of the country the means of understanding its reasons; United States, I was enabled to conclude a treaty we can only say that we are ready to return a reswhich now awaits ratification, upon terms which pectful reply to the speech, and if the good sense it is my firm conviction will prove in the highest of the House was to insert in that reply sentiments degree advantageous to the colony generally, as not in accordance with those of other gentlemen opposite, the latter ought not to have shrunk from

well as to the United States.

A measure to give effect to that treaty will be the responsibility of presenting it and thus avoid submitted for the United States approbation. I by advising his Excellency, to do what he took to will communicate to you the dispatch from the be a breach of the constitution, they then preventSecretary of State for the Colonies. ed the House from giving its views to the Gov

With reference to the addresses to the Queen ernor General. I think it necessary to express from the two houses of the Legislature on the sub- these sentiments, in order that the truth should be ject of the constitution of the Legislative Council, known.

I will commend to your consideration the passing Mr. McKenzie entirely agreed with the learned of a law for bringing into early operation the act and gallant Knight. (Loud cries of "hear, hear.") of the last Session which extends the elective fran- The House has placed on the Statute Book a Bill, chise in order that the constitutional expression of to which it had given an unanimous assent, to give opinion may be obtained as speedily as possible a wider expression to the popular opinion of the under the system of representation recently esta- country; this was not a measure of party or class, blished on the various important questions on which but concerned all, and he would just read the legislature is required. preamble to show how necessary and just it was Gentlemen of the Legislative Assembly, the thought. He read as follows:-" Whereas it is public accounts for the past year and the estimates the right to extend the election franchise to cerfor the present will be submitted to you without tain classes of persons who are now excluded

from voting at elections of members of the Legis-ion. Mr. Speaker stated he had said, admit the lative Assembly." (Here a messenger from the messenger, and that being done, the messenger Council appeared at the Bar, and the Speaker read within the walls, he thought a discussion irregular. the notice to prorogue.) Mr. Mackenzie,-There [Cries of Chair, Chair.] Mr. Brown still standing was no necessity for delay. The bill in question and attempting to speak. could be passed immediately. The £10,000 job

bill was passed through all its stages at once, and The House arose and went to the Legislative passing this bill, would give the franchise to 100,- Council Chamber. On entering, the Speaker of 000 people. Would they dissolve before they had the Assembly read the following Speech to the completed it? The bill should be carried at once. Governor General :

(Great cheering through the House,) (The Speak- May it please Your Excellency :

er here rose.) Mr. Mackenzie said, wait a min

It has been the immemorial custom of the

ute, give me a minute. (Cheers and cries of "go on,") (the Speaker standing all the time.) He Speaker of the Commons House of Parliament, asked if the Inspector who had so earnestly opto communicate to the Throne the general result posed his exclusion from the House was now to of the deliberations of the Assembly, upon the deprive thousands of their political rights, were the principal subjects which employed the attention of representatives to be thus driven from their seats Parliament, during the period of their labours. It like soldiers by a drill sergeant in a garrison house, is not now part of my duty to address your Excelthey had come to see the public acts. Where lency, inasmuch as there has been no Act passed were they? The treaty. What has become of or judgment of Parliament obtained by your it? To lower the tariff. Why is it not done? Excellency's announcement of the cause for sumWas information to be thus shut out from them. moning Parliament by your gracious speech from Though their table was furnished with the best of the throne. The passage of an act through its reports which ought to be presented (bursts of several stages according to the law of the custom applause, cries of order). As an old Reformer he of Parliament, solemnly declared applicable to cried shame on the government. Cries of hurrah, Parliament proceedings by a decision of the Legisshame on them! Cries of order, hear and hurrah. lative Assembly of 1851. It is held to be necesThree knocks were now heard at the door. Shame sary in order to constitute a Session of Parliament on them. Cries of go on. What was to be said this we have been unable to accomplish owing to to the constituences about this summary, disposing the command which your Excellency has laid of the House, he would move that the House sit upon us to meet you this day for the purpose o till six o'clock. Mr. Speaker. That cannot be prorogation and at the same time I feel called upon done if any member objects to it. Mr. Mackenzie, to assure your Excellency on the part of her Mathe Governor General had declared, in a late jesty's faithful subjects, that it is not from any want speech, the people of Canada were thoroughly of respect to myself or to the august personagewhom loyal to the Queen. Was this a way to increase you represent in these provinces, that no answer has their loyalty? Mr. Mc Donald (of Kingston) be- been returned by the Legislative Assembly to your gan to speak with great vehemence, in the midst gracious speech from the throne. After the speakof great uproar, saying the House was quite ready ers had done reading, Lord Elgin then read the to return a respectful answer. Mr. Mackenzie speech proroguing the Parliament. here walked with his motion to the Speaker's chair. Mr. Sherwood here rose to a question of order: the messenger had been admitted without the consent of the House. Mr. McDonald, still standing, proceeded, he stood here for the liberties of the people of Canada-[Here the uproar became tremendous, Mr. McDonald speaking at engrossed in the war with Russia, and other the top of his voice, with violent gesticulation; but affairs are only interesting, so far as they affect being quite inaudible-and the Speaker standing the great question of checking Russian asup, as if to speak.]-Mr. Drummond called the Scarce a doubt now

NEWS FROM ABROAD.

Public attention in Europe seems to be wholly

Speaker to keep order to preserve the dignity of sumption and progress.

the House. Mr. Robinson rising with great excite- remains of the adhesion of both Austria and ment, "Dignity of the House! What dignity are Prussia, and the active co operation of the we treated with? Mr. Mackenzie: Put my

motion.-[Order!-Chair-Hear! hear!]-Sir former power may be looked upon as certain. A. McNab, during a moment's calm, said the In Denmark and Sweden, also, although the Ministry had not explained whether they had ten-Governments have as yet taken no decided acdered their resignation, or in what position they

stood before the Country. Was this like English tion, still, the voice of public opinion has been Statesmen? Left standing with only four inde- so plainly expressed as not to permit, at most, pendant votes from Upper Canada, and a bare more than the observance of neutrality. majority from Lower Canada they will allow nothing to be said, but dissolved the House the

The Black Sea, from being a Russian lake, now

moment it expressed an opinion different from bears on its bosom not a Russian sail, extheirs. Mr. George Brown attempted to speak; cepting the vessels at Sebastopol and Odessa, he was understood to say, why don't the Ministry and even under the guns at those places it is pass their necessary measures to escape inquiry

into their corruption. [Yeas and tremendous Noes.] doubtful how long the Russian flag will be perMr. Lancton here asked the Speaker whether he mitted to wave. Sixty-nine thousand of the could continue, if not he would yield to that opin- allied troops are even now at Silistria, and

decisive intelligence may be looked for at an freedom, we cannot predict any speedy deearly period from that quarter.

termination, to despotism on this continent."

The third question, affecting Cuba may now be almost said to be settled, as recent advices show that the Americans had really nothing to complain of, that, the Government have been merely feeling the public pulse, and that now they are satisfied that France and England will permit no fillibustering expeditions, excitement will be permitted gradually to wear itself out. Some of the most important items during the month will be found below.

In the Baltic, the French squadron has joined Sir Charles Napier, and the positions of Helsinfors and Cronstadt are so closely watched as to leave very little probability that a junction of the Russian fleets can be accomplished. The King of Portugal is at present in England, and from his presence there may be augured the establishment, or rather the continuation of the good feeling which has always existed between the two countries. In Greece the evil advice of the Queen has been met by such decided action on the part of the allied powers as to leave no The fleets appear to be still cruising before alternative to the King, but to discard his min-Sebastopol. For some days there had been a istry and to adopt the measures dictated to heavy fog, and the French and English vessels had to keep up a constant ringing of bells and him. From India, we have nothing of im-firing of guns, to prevent running foul of each portance to record, except the success of the other. The cable which is put across the Americans in opening the trade with Japan, a mouth of Sebastopol is described as consisting measure which will without doubt extend to of a number of chain-cables twisted together, and secured on each side by strong masonry, and is hove taught by capstans. From its

THE BLACK SEA FLEET.

other commercial nations. In the United States, three questions have en-being formed of separate chains, it would be grossed public attention. The Nebraska ques-vessel going at full speed. sufficiently strong to keep out a steamer or any

tion-the surrender of a slave in Boston, under the Rendition act, and the Cuban question. The first of these, the most iniquitous measure that ever disgraced a pseudo free country, has now become law, and the American Government has stultified itself by providing in the 19th century a new territory for further cruelties to be exercised on Slaves. In other words Nebraska is to be a slave territory, where God's image is to be subjected to the ruthless cruelties of develish men. Some hope may, however, be gleaned from the storm of indignation which the passage of this iniquitous measure has excited in the north, as exemplified in the following

extract:

THE BALTIC FLEET.

All that was known at Copenhagen up to Sunday last, was, that on the 23rd May, Sir Charles Napier lay before Hango Point, prepared to bombard the fortress Gustaffsvern. The Austerlitz was with him, and also Rear-Admiral Chads, on board the St. Jean d' Acre, RearAdmiral Plumridge, with the flying squadron, had been sent on special service up to the Gulf of Bothnia. Admiral Corry lay at Gottsaka Sandoe.

THE BOMBARDMENT OF SILISTRIA.

A tele

The eyes of Europe and Asia are still directed to this fortress, which, up to the latest desthe Russians. On the 16th, Mussa Pacha orderpatches, continued to hold out manfully against ed all warehouses exposed to the shells of the "When it is undertaken to deprive us (the enemy, and all buildings of every kind, and trees north) not of our money-which, for the sake outside of the town, which might have afforded of peace, we might be willing to part with-but them shelter, to be destroyed. In the interior of that whose value money cannot estimate, of the fortress intrenchments have been thrown when it is attempted to shut out from us the at- up, from which it may be inferred that Mussa mosphere, the essential life-breath of liberty; Pacha intends to defend the place to the last, when it is sought to gag our free mouths, to even if the walls should be destroyed. forbid and stop the beating of our free hearts, graphic despatch from Belgrade, of the 29th, to subdue us by penal statutes into a servile states that the Russians had attacked Silistria torpidity, and an obsequious silence, shall we with all the force available at that point, from hesitate one moment to repel this impudent the Danube and by land, and had been repulsed effort of despotism, because if we refuse to sub-four times. mit, it will endanger the Union? Perish the had offered to capitulate was a Russian invenHe has declared that, rather than surUnion; let it ten times perish from the moment it tion. becomes inconsistent with humanity and freedom! render, he will blow up the fortress. If such manly and noble sentiments animated Journal des Debats, speaking of the alleged the breasts of any large portion of northern men, imminent danger of the fortress being taken we should yet have hope of liberty in the United says: States. But with the clergy and cottonocracy If we may judge of the present by the past, steeped in selfishness, and callous to truth and the fall of Silistria ought not to be regarded

The rumour that Mussa Pacha

The

Their President is

as imminent. In 1828, after a siege of more facts on which it is based. than sixty days, the Russians were obliged to Gov. NATHANIEL P. TALLMADGE, Wisconsin. retire; and in 1829 they did not get possesion "Within the last two years, Spiritualism has of it until forty-four days after the trenches increased in strength and stature with a growth were opened. According to the last accounts unprecedented in the history of mental giants. the regular works of approach had only just If it be a lie, there is every prospect of its enbegun. In the last war Silistria was only veloping this world, and, by its weight, sinking defended by a fortified wall; whereas, since this world one degree lower in the depth of that period, four large detached forts have degradation. If it be a lie, it has come in so been added to the defences of the place. In lovely a garb that men will seek it unless they 1828 and 1829 the garrison of Silistria was only be warned by a strong voice; men will flee to composed of from 8000 to 10,000 irregular sol- it as though it were an angel sent from Heaven diers, while now it has 20,000 regular troops. will become enveloped in its false light, and All these reasons must tend to inspire the will be borne down to death by the weight of belief that the place cannot be on the point of being taken, but the fortune of arms and the changes of war are so great that in such a case, more perhaps than in any other, reliance can alone be placed on faits accomplis.

THE RECIPROCITY TREATY.

Quebec, Saturday, June 17, 1854.

its false glory. If it be a lie, ye men of America, who have one thought toward the good of your fellows, it is your duty to come forward as one man, to tear the veil from the face of the lie, and expose it in all its hideousness. challenge you, as men-as earnest men, as men desiring the good of your fellows-to come and do that thing.

We

The following is a synopsis of the Reciprocity "We believe that Spirituality is a Heaven Treaty, a copy of which was submitted yester-born truth. We profess to know that angels day to the Provincial Parliament by Lord Elgin. from Heaven-that the Spirits of good men Article I throws open the fisheries of British progressing toward perfection-have come here America excepting those of Newfoundland and upon the earth we stand on, and talked with the salmon, shad, and shell fisheries, to Amer-us, face to face, and uttered words to us bear

ican citizens.

Article II provides for settling fishery disputes by arbitration, and also gives to the British a right in the American fisheries to the thirtysixth parallel of north latitude.

ing the impress of their divine origin. We sincerely believe this. We are respectable men; we do not believe ourselves to be insane. We ask you to come and meet us, and discuss the question with us; to examine these facts which we allege, and to prove, if you are able, Article III provides for the free exchange of either that these facts never did occur, or that four and breadstuffs; all kinds of fresh, smoked their origin is other than that which it purand salted meats; cotton, wool, seeds and vege-ports to be."

tables; dried and undried fruits; all kinds of

fish and the products of fish, and all other

DESCRIPTION OF FIRST PLATE.

creatures in the water; poultry and eggs; furs MRS. GRUNDY'S GATHERINGS. and skins; undressed stone and marble in its erude or unwrought state; slate; butter, cheese, tallow and lard; horns; manure; ores of all Fig. 1st.-Dress of rich blue silk, with very kinds; coal; tar, pitch and turpentine; ashes; broad black stripes; the skirt is long, full, and has lumber of all kinds, round, hewed, or sawed, three deep flounces. Jacket body, high at the and manufactured in whole or in part; firewood; back, opening in front en demi cœur. Talma of plants, trees and shrubs; pelts; fish oil; rice; black satin, trimmed on the bottom by a broad broom corn; barley; gypsum, ground or un-black lace, above which is laid a black velvet ground; burr or grindstones, hewn or rough, band en bias, finished at each edge by a very narwrought or unwrought; dye stuffs; flax; man-row silk braid; this velvet is continued up the left ufactured tobaccco; rags. side of the front and round the neck; but on the Article IV throws open the River St. Law-right side, which crosses over a little, is a Grecian rence and the Canadian Canals to American border of velvet, and four small buttons close it tovessels-the American Government undertaking with blonde; low on the right side is a white feawards the top. Bonnet of white silk, trimmed to urge the State Governments to admit British ther; a smaller feather is placed on the left side Both nations to enjoy above the flowers.

vessels into their canals.

the navigation on equal terms.

Fig. 2 is a skirt of lilac moire antique, with very Article V provides for the ratification of the broad black stripes; it is long and full. Black velvet treaty within six months, or sooner if possible. basquine body; the corsage is low, and the basGreat Britain may withdraw from Americans quine closes to the bottom; a square handkerchief the right of navigating her waters, in which of brussels net is worn over the shoulders, the ends case Americans can annul article second.

crossed in the centre of corsage, and fastened by a

Article VI provides for including Newfound-rose colored satin rosette; these rosettes graduatland, with her consent.

ing in size, are continued to the bottom of the basquine. The tight sleeves are open at the back of The Spiritualists have organized a National the arm to the elbow; each side is cut in two Society for the diffusion of their faith and the points which meet in the centre, the full sleeves

of Brussels net sitting in puffs between the points; two rosettes ornament the sleeves. Black lace cap, with narrow border of white blond next the face.

Fig. 6 is a linen chemise. The neck is encircled with an embroidered linen band, delicately pointed at the outer edge; the pattern is divided into polka spots done in satin stitch, and exquiDESCRIPTION OF SECOND PLATE. sitely wrought eyelets in sloping lines. The sleeves Fig. 1 is a jacket of brown silk. It is cut open are cut entire with the garment, and the embroiin front, and a black ribbon, striped with satin, laid dered edge is united on the shoulder in a point that flat on the edge, graduating towards the waist, meets the band upon the neck, uniting with it by where it unites in a bow and ends. The basquine a lace button. The garment is of very fine linen, is rather deep, and rounds gracefully to the person. gathered full into the band before and behind; it The sleeves are modified from the original pagoda is open directly in front five or six inches, and the form, and are somewhat close to the arm. Both opening is finished with an edge of the embroidery. sleeves and the basquine are edged with black gui

pure lace, and knots of ribbon are arranged upon GENERAL OBSERVATIONS ON FASHION

them in tasteful order.

AND DRESS.

Amongst the most tasteful dresses we

no

Fig. 2 is a child's mantilla of mode-colored silk, remarkable for that elegant simplicity which is so becoming to the young. It is cut almost round, tice a Silk dress, the skirt with three broad descending in a slight wave in front, and falls open flounces, with deep festooned edges; in each fesat the neck. The edge is cut up in slits, three toon is a palm of either stamped velvet or silk inches apart, and gores are introduced into the gimp; the edges of the flounces must correspond opening, which creates an unique and remarkably with the palms, and mnst therefore be either nargraceful border; a satin ribbon, quilled full, runs row velvet or gimp. Low body in the Watteau up inside the gore, ending at the point in a bow style, with small basquine; its trimmed with a and ends. A quilling of the same ribbon surrounds narrow revers to correspond with the flounces; the garment, running up the front and around the

neck.

A garment that accords so well with the innocence and simplicity of childhood, is sure to meet with approbation, and that alone is sufficient to demand for it an extensive sale.

Fig 3 is a specimen of black guipure lace, some two inches and a half wide, deeply indented with pointed scollops. These scollops are edged with a delicate range of minor scollops that surrounds a sort of mosaic pattern. These patterns are divided by delicately wrought stars, and the centre of each is embellished with an open star. exquisitely wrought. This style of lace, as our readers know, is among the most elegant and expensive trimmings of the day, and in selecting this from the best stock, we simply keep up with the demands of a fashionable toilette.

Fig. 4. The material is black silk twisted into fine even cord. The head, close and narrow, diverges into tufts of silk that are netted three inches deep in square close meshes, about an inch from the head, a change is made by the netting needle, and by some trick of the art a row of small stars is produced, that give one of peculiar elegance to the net-work. This netted border descends in points, and the silk from each point is gathered into a long slender tassel, which flows open and free, forming a united fringe as it escapes from the netting.

bows of narrow black velvet armament the front of corsage; the edge of basquine is festooned, the festoons and palms being of the same size as those of the revers. The sleeve is of a moderate width at the top, and very wide from the elbow; it is trimmed with two broad silk frills laid on the sleeve, they are narrowed towards the front of the arm; the top frill is placed a little above the elbow. Small lace cap trimmed with tri-coloured ribbon; long black lace lappets tied under the chin.

It is not difficult to see that the highest in the French nation are adapting all the best taste in fashion that prevails in England, in the same manner that we are adapting all that is refined and tasteful which is produced in Paris.

Skirts of dresses are worn long, and when without flounces they are extremely full; plain skirts are equally in favour with flounces for the promenade; the edges of flounces are generally trimmed, when not woven a disposition; some of the styles of trimming will be seen by referring to our plates; narrow silk braid, gimp, or several rows of narrow velvet are much in favour for the edge of flounces whether plain or festooned. Skirts to be worn with jacket bodies should be laid in large flat plaits where the jacket or basquine closes to the bottom, in the front and over the hips; for those bodies the fulness is better set into a plain piece cut on

the bias.

Fig. 5 is one of those bathing dresses so necessary to a sea-side excursion or residence, if the in- Jacket dresses continue in favour for morning vigorating sea-bath is to be enjoyed as it should be. dresses; we have given several varieties of them The material is common Scotch plaid, green and in our costumes already; sleeves, with some red, in alternate checks. It is cut short in the few exceptions, are generally of the pagoda form; bloomer fashion, which, though very convenient some being left open in the front of the arm, some when half veiled in snowy surf, ought to astonish at the back and crossed with braid or ribbon; the sharks themselves on dry land. But a bathing some are slashed, others have revers turned back; dress is only intended for convenience, and the least some ladies are wearing the tight sleeve, others idea of making it elegant would be preposterous. the full sleeves divided into three or four bouillons, The dress is made with a loose skirt set to an old but these are exceptions. fashioned tight yoke, and gathered around the waist Mantles will be worn short; at present those of with a plaid belt; it is cut short, leaving the feet the Talma style prevail; but as the season adand ankles free. Long bishop-sleeves, fastened vances, the scarf mantilla, low on the shoulders, around the wrist and a band, protect the arin. The will, without doubt, be much in favour; taffetas pantalettes are made loose, and fastened around and thin silks will be the materials for this style of the ankles with narrow bands. mantle.