The Express. — London, England, 1853-09-09 00:00:00

Cur le'):-:Z t0. TO COItItEsPONDENTS. 4 E Ittl•ee ol • Toe wevv." evatalativa Ere ease 'wolves •••1..0..t1e," V NW obed every UN 'ay *ad Imlay ittgtH, tri uM Inv I.lt. ANONVMIPIII• imeadol kir "The Lapis's." Lambs LsesSis psis?. iss4 st ski I N 6.. la. lissaserawirset. by Tao o'..ks.k so tl.• Psi ul pub.ssuks. • 111041 WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. Tern MT —ll..rnier, sib . Arlerres. N. Ns. To-roluevw —Wm fun,. Gk. . ...Aftersima. N. 13... LONDON, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 9. A GREAT effort was made by the Times yesterday to disparage and lessen the weight of the able note of RESCGID Pies % to the representatives of the Four Powers at Constantinople. The Times affects to be astonished at the unwillingness of the Porte to adopt expressions which imply that all the privileges granted by the Sultans of their own accord, since the time of NiAIIONET 11., have been owing to the active solicitude of the Russian Czars. But to establish the active and efficient intervention of Russia in such eases, the Taxes can find no more appropriate "came in point " than the steps taken by Lord STRATFORD DE ILEDCLIF FE in 1813, on the occasion of the punish ment of an Armenian renegade, who had abjured Islamism. We have no wish to palliate the repealed law in Turkey, according to which all professors of the Mussulman faith were punished with death if they abjured it. We cannot however forget that the law was little more than the translation of an old Byzantine law, which denounced a similar punish ment against all who, after being baptised, should abjure the Christian faith. Nor can we shut our eves to the fact that the MADIAI had their constitutions permanenly undermined by imprison ment in Tuscany for becoming Protestants; or that to this day the Swedish law inflicts the punishment of civil death on all Protestants who become Catholics,—the culprits being deprived of all their property and civil rights. The Osmanlee might plead regarding their late persecuting law, as Shylock did, that they only copied the Christian exemplar; and they may boast that it has been re pealed before Tuscany and Sweden (to say nothing of other European countries) have made equal ad vances in the path of toleration. The present SULTAN has abolished the law referred to; and if credit is due to any foreign diplomatist for having been the first to move him to such a step, it is not to the Russian Ambassador, but to Loll STRATFORD. Nor would that states. man have found even the amount of difficulty he did in the cased the Armenian renegade, had the Minister who signs the note to the representatives of the Four Powers been then in office. The re preach of requiring foreign interference to teach them tolerance is totally inapplicable either to AB DUL•MEWID or RESCRID PACUA. In 18.50 an at tack upon the Christians was attempted by a few fanatic Mussulmans in Aleppo—just as Protestant street preachers were put in danger of their lives, a few week. ago, in Ireland—but the Turkish autho rities in that city repressed and punished the tumult, without even waiting for instructions from their own Government at Constantinople, much less for appli cations from foreign consuls or ambassadors. Even in the dispute out of which the present diffi culties have arisen Russia does not stand forth to protect Christians generally, or even its fellow believers of the Greek communion. Russia does not aim at elevating the members of the Greek Church in Turkey in moral or material well-being. Its ostensible aim is to resuscitate an old, obsolete, in vidious claim of precedence by Greek over Latin ecclesiastics; its real though unavowed aim to in• terfere in civil and political affairs between the SULTAN and his subjects. Russia seeks for political power in Turkey, which no Government can safely grant to foreigners; and the first use she would make of this power would be to degrade • all Christians of the . Latin communion. Russia would fain prevent the SULTAN from realising his generous intentions towards his Christian subjects, would perpetuate every Christian grievance, real or ima ginary, in order to obtain a pretext for meddling in the domestic affairs of the Ottoman empire. Having by its misrepresentations on this point attempted to prejudice its readers against the Turkish Government, it proceeds to find fault with RLSCIIID PACUA fur having explained imperfectly the rationale of his fifth Umendatent, which relates to the privi leges granted by convention or private provision to other Christian communions. The Times is well aware that to have entered fully upon this point would have rendered irritating exposures and com ments unavoidable. The sagacity of ItRBCGID PACEA taught him to indicate this part of the Russian pre tensions was enough; had he done more the Times would have been the first to denounce him for ren dering a pacific termination of the negotiations im possible. Lastly, the noes is indignant at the Ottoman Government for having adopted military measures for the defence of the frontier, in the event of all negotiations proving fruitless. What would the SULTAN'tI Ministers have deserved had they neglected to take such precautions, in the presence of a Russian army of some hundred thousand men ? Had the mediation of the Four Powers failed (are we yet certain that it has been spoons ful-?), and had the Russians found no Turkish army ready to oppose them, even. the Mits itself must have denounced the Ottoman Ministers as traitors to their Sovereign and their country. It is with a sense of humiliation that we reflect that the doubts entertained by the Porte of fair and honourable terms being obtained for it, and its diffi culties with the Russian Government peaceably ter minated, have been principally ins; fired and justified by the language of as English journal, which, while it advocates the views of Beesia, affects to speak as an English ministerial orpa. PARIS has no me apt of laifoludes. The Len doser lives in peepetud danger of king barricaded. He scarcely drivesalong a main thoroughfare through which he is sure to be allowed to pen. Detachments of sappers and miners start up unexpectedly in all quarters, and break up our roads, without our know ing why or wherefore. Roving commissions seem to be granted to numerous individuals to wander *boot at will with armies of labourers armed with pickaxe and shovel. and block up the streets to the discomfiture of the wayfarer. There seems to be no masbod or order in the establishment of these obetruc- time. Gas-men, water-men, sewers-men, paving- Elea do with us as they please. At the present Moment the two greatest thoroughfares in London are blocked up. The unwary traveller, who has taken a cab at the Marble Arch, wishing to keep an appointment in the City, on coming down Oxford street, finds himself more than once turned oat of the main road, and obliged to form part of • solemn preemies a drays, trucks, omnibuses, and other vehicles, programing at the rate of two or three miles an hour, by a round-about back street. It is in vain that he chafes at the delay—he is the vic tim of a conspiracy against locomotion as effective as a Parisian &mile. If he wishes to proceed through Plees-etreet, the ism fate awaits him. This great arterial thoroughfare of the City is blocked op from the foot of Ludgate hill to balisbury-equare. The enormous tragic which should pass along this way , streets. Heavily-laden waggons narrow lanes, scarcely wide vehicles abreast. Shoe-lane, such stinted avenues, are through which the comr,e rce slow length along." L t h ere beret , to be any directing authorivi in these matters? Are we to be for ever at the mercy of a number of separate autho rities. any one of whom seems to assume at will a power of 'Mocking up our thoroughfares? Why should London present the appearance of an entrenched camp ? Why in time of peace should we be subject to (Pie of the great annoyances of war? Is there any other capital in the world in which the two great arteries of its commerce would be closed at the same time ? Is is not a disgrace to us that such an occurrenc• should be possible here ? The enemies of travelling in London have many devices by which they inflict inconveniences upon us. Paving•stones, ga►pipes, water-pipes,sewagepipes, all afford innocent pretexts to impede the circulation of traffic. When one company has had its will upon the unfortunate tra veller, another begins. The largest and the richest city in the world has its roadways for ever in a state or patching, and thus its inhabitants are denied the privilege of driving through some or other of its streets. It is surely time that something should be done to introduce a little better method into our manage ment of these matters in a city containing two millions and • half of inhabitants. Authority ought to be lodged somewhere, to prevent the oc currence of such interruptions as we have been no ticing. There are, however, worse evils than these resulting from the absence of any competent super vision over our streets. The papers this morning contain an account of a frightful accident, which, if the cause be rightly stated, should never have hap pened. A house in the Strand fell in with a tre mendous crash, burying four persons in the ruins, three of whom perished. It appears that the home on one side of it had been removed, and that excava tions were being made on the vacant spot previous to laying the foundation of new buildings. Shores had been put up against the house to protect it during the excavation. It is stated, however, although not yet confirmed, that the workmen had actually dug underneath the supports, which consequently gave way, and the accident ensued. This account of the way in which the disaster was brought about seems too serious for belief, and is not therefore a subject for present comment. We withhold criticism till evi dence has been given before the coroner. The great point to be taken into consideration now is the absence of any responsible au thority to watch narrowly the commencement and progress of works of this nature, and to insist upon the adoption of such precautions u would make such accidents almost impossible. Is there no local surveyor ? If there is—should he not be called to task ? It is said that the separation between the house that fell and the next house was eo complete, that there must have been a breach between the walls of both houses for some time. The state also of the buildings appears to have been a subject of observation, many persons, it is alleged, having remarked that the house in question, was in a dangerous state, and must soon falL It cannot be supposed that this would have been allowed' to take place, had there been a competent responsible authority existing in the neighbourhood, whose duty it was to see that the public safety was consulted, in any alterations proposed in public streets for private utility. London must be made subject to regulations, which will prevent arbitrary stoppages of the streets, and reckless demolition of houses. Judging by the disaster in the Strand, and by the blockades of Oxford-street and Fleet-street, there is at present no authority of the kind. London lies at the mercy of excavators of all kinds. It is made the subject of perpetual experiment. Let it be protected against the consequences of these, and let us no longer hear the reproach that the greatest City in the world is one of the least carefully regulated. , REY:- of further Peters and journals to the 25th nit. The Journal i the 24th is quite pacific in its , entitled " Why the Turco-Russias ,r yet settled," concludes as follows: " We hope that the four powers, and Russia itself, will_ appreciate the grave considerations which have guided the Porte in its examination of the proposed settlement. The Porte has received it as a testimony of friendship and sympathy for the empire ; as a proof of the justice of its course; and u a new sanc tion of the spirit of the Convention of 1841 ; and, foe thb noble sentiments of the powers, it has L'atyt hl wed only such modifications as were absolutely demanded by respect for its own rights and indepen dence—objects alike conformable to the interests of the East and the West. These modifications in no wise restrict any ancient rights appertaining to Russia: they are left intact, and the assurance of their confirmation required by the Russian court are entire a^ d complete. No one can desire more ; and, doubtless, in less than a month, we will learn that, thanks to the great wisdom of the Porte, and the good offices of the four great Powers, the Turco- Russian difference is finally smoothed; and that it has not been sooner settled no blame can attach to the Porte." In the same journal we find a notice of incendiary writings industriously disseminated in Bulgaria. Their object is to persuade the Bulgarians that the object of the Russians is to liberate the Christian po pulations from the Mahometan yoke, and the Turks themselves from the present ministers. These repre sentations have had no effect upon either Turks or Christians. The Journal de Constantinople asks whence came these brochures, but does nut answer the question. Without doubt they came from the same source as the Greek pamphlet some time ago at Constantinople. The Wanderer of Vienna publishes a letter from Odeesa, of the 26th ult., which states that the Rus sian army in the Principalities was daily receiving '''''"•• - . 04 Oft- . .er is diverted-tato by.: :Pl' intlA " A fn 5 rire..loeu tiding Joi ! / calf to a ll ow as ; 04) are ittilt.ceipt a f Aloe 'tter-strcet, Itsa frem CoPstlpapople to th th us o tortuo passages ds its •• dfo'Conatt..! maple of the 2 e of London " win I tone. An article, entitled difference is not yet settle( THE LAW OF DIVORCE. TO TIM 11DITOR OP TIM LUMP Bin,—Ths new act relating to the ill-treatment of females is revealing a state of society which it is de sirable to probe a little deeper, and apply a remedy more efficacious. Would it not be desirable to insti tute some inquiries u to the condition of the labour ing classes, the number separated from their wives or abandoned bythem,the number that have deserted t►eir wives or families, the number so separated living in concubinage, the number living in open' concubinage P This would enable us to appreciate the working of our marriage law, and the indissolubility of divorce— whether our ethics are correct. Else all legislative efforts are merely plucking at the few prominent results—not eradicating the causes. Men do not beat their wives for nothing—or for sport—or for exercise ; the women often invoke the evil by extravagance, inoompatihility of temper, drunkenness, neglect, sharpness of tongue, and in fidelity. Held by the unclosing bonds of an indissoluble union, the woman continues to be ill-treated—the man to exhibit his brutality on the ignorant and uneducated. Where there is higher intellectual culture the public is startled bT the scandal in a war of words, or edified by extensive litigation, prurient in details. The remedy which legislation ought to apply to this wound of civilisation is an extended facility of divorce, which should protect the civil rights of all in an equitable manner, but allow of a total separa tion and power of remarrying in cases of judicial condemnation for the natural life, insanity, openly prov ed, bad and perverse temper, extravagance, in ducieg debt or imprisonment of the husband, neglect of home and duties, drunkenness, robbery, and other moral delinquencies, infidelity. The commission upon the law of divorce would have rendered the public a service had they entered upon these questions instead of splitting hairs about marriages with deceased wife's sisters. Does not society commit an injury in condemning a man for life to an unworthy partner whose case after marriage is the " sad reality of the beau ideal before ? Are the children edified by the domestie jars of such homes? Is their interest consulted in condemn ing them to witness such scenes as daily fill our police sheets? The rich can evade to a great extent such evils, for they can exchange the wife's frown for the smile of the concubine, and answer, with the Roman Em peror, " Uzorem nomen ease dignitatis non volupta tis," but on the middling classes and lower orders it is a galling chain. How many of our noblest minds have our mar riage laws tormented and unhinged ! It is time to open our eyes to glaring facts, not to be led by pre conceived prejudices ; at all events the sufferers are entitled to an inquiry. Too long have we been bound by the rescripts of the Ecclesiastical Courti— ng infallible as the laws of the Medea and Persians, and about as bad. For example, as the law now stands, a man must beat his wife before they give her the advantage of the plea of cruelty—nothing a kess being cruel.—Your., &e. Sept. 8. THE CHOLERA. It is said that the cholera is snaking great pro gress in Russia, espe6ally in the southern provinces, where large bodies of troops are stationed. The disease has made its appearance on various points of the frontier of Eastern (!elic* At Copenhagen the epidemic has nearly disap peered. Yesterday's list was :—Attaeks, ; deaths, 8 ; total from dip beginning, 7,433 sink, of whom 4,029 died. Tug waAntaa continues most favourable for the labours of •he harvest, which us now wawa is all qaarters.—Olsefore Scottish Guardia& FRANCE. PARIS, THURSDAY Seesaw°. It is very positively reported to-day that the Emperor of Russia has refused to accept the modi fications made by the Porte in the note of the Four Powers. The Russian organ, the Assemblee Nationale, which has hitherto asserted almost daily that no doubt could be entertained of the acceptance by Russia of the " unimportant " alterations, now admits that, ac cording to the latest despatches, the " first impressions of the cabinet of St. Petersburg have not been favour able to the modifications," and after faintly suggest ing that this impression may possibly be changed by further consideration, it proceeds to argue that at all events there is no ground for alarm, because of course if Turkey persists in refusing to adopt the course recommended by her allies, she will be abandoned by them and left to struggle against Russia in hopeless isolation. It is a melancholy fact that this view finds favour with the public here. Whether the Russians evacuate the Principalities or not, whether the fleets advance to the Dardanelles, or sneak back to Malta, the Bourse is supremely in different, because it says. and apparently with much reason, England and France have plainly given the world to understand that, whatever may happen, they do not mean to go to war. Nothing but a change of ministry in England can pre vent our position from becoming more and more hu miliating. The Russians here laugh to scorn the idea of Nicholas evacuating the Principalities. The Bourse has been again lower to-day, though the fall has not been considerable. The rente de clined 10e. It was said that the Bank Council broke up without voting any increase in the rate of dis count. A deputation of directors of the principal railways is about to wait upon the Emperor at Dieppe, to as sure him of their cheerful acquiescence in the sug gestion of government that they should lower their charges for the transport of corn, flour, and other provisions during the present crisis. M. Charier Lafitte, represenung the Havre Railway, will be the spokesman. There have been some disturbances in the depart. ments owing to an apprehended scarcity of bread. They do not however appear to have been of a very serious character, and in every instance the local authorities have succeeded in quelling them without recourse to military force. The Emperor did not go to En yesterday as it was announced he would do. The weather was probably too unfavourable. According to present arrange ments their Majesties may be expected at St. Cloud from Dieppe in the afternoon of Saturday. SWITZERLAND. It appears that the Swiss Federal Council, tired with the progress of the Austro-Swias conflict, now wishes, contrary to its former conduct, to bring that dispute within the proportions of a simple cantonal affair. Ina letter which it recently addressed to the Ticino* government, after having announced that while taking the necessary steps to induce the Cabi net of Vienna to maintain existing treaties relative to the export of corn, it will take the opportunity to renew the demand for raising the blockade. It adds, that there is reason to believe that Austria will not consent to it without restrictions, if the Confederation does not in the first place make concessions. It observes, that uto the refugees, no other measures can be taken, without affecting the honour and dignity of the Confederation; but that, on the other hand, as far as regards the affair of the Capuchins, it persists in thinking that the dispute is purely a cantonal one, and that, conse quently, it is for the canton of Ticino to decide whether it is better for it to resist, and continue subjected to the rigorous measures of Austria, or to make to that power, either directly or indirectly, I offers of a nature to lead to a renewal of negotia tions; and in the latter case the Federal Council 1 1 offers its mediation for the pacific solution of the question. This unexpected turn which the superior central authority of the Confederation has jest given to a dispute which had been looked upon u fedual, has caused great agitation in Ticino, and it is said that the government of that canton, in the reply it has sent to Berne, has expressed its opinion with great bitterness. The consecration of the new English protestant church at Geneva took place on the 30th ult., the Bishop of Winchester officiating, the Bishop of Lon don having deputed him to go over in his place. GREECE. This L il liputian state is arming as well as its neighbours. A royal ordonnance, based on resolutions of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate, decrees that the army shall receive an addition of 593 men. 'This will make the whole force under arms amount to 9,630 of the line, the frontier guard and the gensd'armerie; and 893 veterans. It is impossible to read this decree without calling to mind the frog blowing itself out in emulation of the ox. A ministerial exhortation has been published to all the loyal subjects of King Otho to contribute to the relief of the inhabitants of Thebes. An appeal is also made to Greek residents in foreign countries; and a modest hint is given to foreigners also that they may send in their mites. Our modern G ree k s will let nothing slip that may be had for asking. When the British government some time ago made a present of caws from the Elgin marbles to the Royal Museum, the Athenian journals began forth with to propose that England should give money to build a house to hold them. GERMANY. The Prussian and Austrian governments have jest published the official reports which have re ac h e d ;hem on the results of the harvest. In Prussia, although the frequent rains prevented the harvest from being an abundant one, there is, it is stated, far from a scarcity. The crop of rye in the province of Prussia, and in the provinces of Posen and Braude burg, is good, and even abundant; in Pomerania, Saxony, and Silesia, it is moderate, and it is orlv io Lithuania, in Western Pomerania, and in West phalia, that it is bad. The same may be said of the crop of wheat, with this difference, that in West phalian is better, and in the ithenish province rather worse, than that of the rye. In Lithuania, Saxony, and Silesia, the crop of barley has been a fair one. The crops of forage have been every -1 • here abundant, but a part of them was afterwards j destroyed by the bad %leather. The price of corn 1 appears to be kept up from a fear of failure in the potatoes, but the disease in that vegetable is only partial, and there is nothing to indicate that the pro duce will be less than in former years. The crops are satisfactory in the Tyrol and to Upper Austria; middling in Carniola and in Austrian Silesia ; good in Moravia and the liukowine, and very fair in the duchy of Cracow. The reports from Hun gary, Galicia, Transylvania, Lombardy, and other parts of the empire have not yet been received, but there is nevertheless reason to believe that without being as abundant as might have been hoped the returns will be satisfactory. The price of land, in certain parts of Hungary, has doubled, a fact which shows the progress making by agricul ture in that country. THE AFRICAN MAILS. TILIOIIA.PR.) PLYMOUTH, FRIDAY MORNING. The Forerunner, Capt. Barnwell, arrived at Ply mouth last night from the West Coast of Africa. Her dates are : Calabar, July 30 ; Fernando Po, August 1; Accra, 6; Cape Coast Castle, 7 ; Liberia, 11 ; Sierra Leone, 16; Bathurst, 19; Goree, 20; Teneriffe, 26; Madeira, 28; Ferrol, September 6. She brings twenty-four passengers, and a full general cargo of oil, gum, cotton, &c. Her voyage home has been lengthened by calling at Ferrol for coals. The boats of the Faith, supposed to have been lost bad been seen, and search was being made for th m by her Majesty's vessels Ferret and Water witch. The Volcano, 5, Commander Coote, was at Sierra Leone. The Constitution, American frigate, and the Britomart, sailed from Sierra Leone on Aug. 13. The Polyphemus, Commander Phillips, was at Accra, AuF. 6, and was expected at Lagos, Aug. 16. The Faith, mail steamer, was spoken with off Cape Finisterre. The Encounter, one of the Channel fleet, is reported to have broken down off this port. The steam-tender Avon is sent out to tow her in. T,HE EXPRESS, FRIDAY EVE'NI*TI-L SEPTEMBER 9, 1853. THE UNITED STATES. ARRIVAL OF THE HUMBOLDT. A summary of the following appeared in our im pression of yesterday : The Humboldt arrived at Southampton yesterday morning. She leR New York on the 27th of August. The correspondence between Lord John Russell and Mr. Crampton, respecting the tripartite treaty, has excited great interest in America. It is stated that Mr. Marcy has informed Lard John that any combination of European powers, by which the interest of America would be affected, would not be viewed with indifference by the United States Go veniment. A Washington correspondent of the New York Herald says, in reference to this subject : We have reason to believe that Lord John Russell's let ter relative to the proposition for a tripartite treaty hat been answered by Mr. Marcy in a meaner which will not only convince the English Secretary of State of his want of correct geographical knowledge as to the distance between the United States and Cuba, but also of the fact that any combinations of European powers by which this country is likely to be nearly or remotely affected, will not be re gardel with indifference. We are further of opinion that the truly American doctrine enunciated by Mr. I Everett in his celebrated state paper in reply to Messrs. Crampton and Sartiges, has been endorsed and emphasized by the present administration to the fullest extent. From present appearances, whilst no dis position is manifested to assume a hostile attitude on the part of our government, it is evident that if the threat of Lord John Russell, that Great Bri•ain is fres to act singly or in conjunction with other powers, as to her may seem fit, means that she will enter into combinations to thwart the policy of the United States, that there will be no hesi tation on the part of President Pierce in protecting the interests and honour of the country. It looks squally. The mission to France is yet unfilled, but the matter will pro bably be decided in a few days, If it had been supposed probable that General Case would accept the position, the President would gladly have availed himself of his great ability and experience in the present critical state of Europe. It is understood the mission has been tendered to Mr. Cobb, and now awaits that gentleman's acceptance. At last advices all was apparently quiet in Mexico, and Santa Anna was as busily engaged in promul gating extraordinary decrees as ever. One of his last official acts expunged the word " sovereign " hitherto prefixed to the different states. Whether he considered the appellation not sufficiently demo cratic, or whether he is determined that there shall be no other sovereign but himself, is not stated. The epidemic still continues in New Orleans with all its malignity, and with an unchecked destructive tendency truly frightful, carrying off its two and three hundred victims with every revolution of the earth i nor will it cease, has become a settled opinion, so long u there is material for it to work upon, Cannons are fired, tar barrels are burned, and the streets are cleansed as well as they can be with the small force at the command of the corporation, but all, as it appears , without producing the much de sired effect, or without in the least lessening the virulence of the disease. But, while the epidemic is doing its death dealing work, we rejoice to find that the labours of that praiseworthy institution, the Howard Asso ciation, among the dead men, and their visits to the sick and suffering are rendered as light as material aid can make them. Owing to the prevalence of the fever business of every description has been nearly suspended in New Orleans. Cotton has almost become a mere drug. The increased receipts at all the southern ports over those of last year at this date are set down at 195,900 bales. Accounts of immense injury to the crops reached New York from various of the southern states. Cotton is reported to have been greatly damaged by the heavy rams in Mississippi, A laba ma, and Florida. From the Grand Bahamas we also learn that the crops had failed, and that the people apprehended fearful suffering in consequence. The steam-ship Cherokee, with a full cargo, bound for Panama, was burned to the water's edge in New York harbour on the 26th. She was lying at the company's dock, at the foot of Warren -street, North River, and all the necessary arrangements for her voyage had been completely made, her cargo, which was a very valuable freight, consisting of all kinds of merchandise, including a large amount of specie, to be shipped to New Or- leans, and a large quantity of oil had been stowed away in the hold and other parts of the vessel. Their berths had been taken by the passengers, who, however, were not on board, waiting for the last moment of sailing, and no one was there ex -2t the private watchmen and a few of the and men that composed a portion of the orew. Suddenly, as mentioned above, a bright flame shot up from about midship of the vessel, but whether it proceeded from the hold or from the galley, where the cooking is performed, and which is situated in the middle of the vessel, between the paddles, we have not been able to ascertain. On the alarm being given, the fire engines from all parts of the city hurried to the spot, and proceeded to play upon the burning steamer from the pier at the foot of Warren-street, beside which she lay. As soon as possible several steam togs, six or seven in number, were brought up to the side and in front of the vessel, which attempted to tow her out into the ' stream, but this was found to be an impossibility, as the steamer had stuck in the mud, the water being very low at the time, and the tide still going down, and here she remained the whole time until com pletely destroyed. Every ono expressed the greatest regret fur the loss of such a favourite steamer. COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE. Naw Yogi. ADOUST 27. There was less activity at the Stock Board this morning, and prises were scarcely maintained. At the Ennead hoard there was considerable activity and more firmness. The movement in Cumberland was the principal feature—some 5,000 shares having been sold, closing at the second board at 441. and being in demand after the board at 46, with con siderable sales. The advance since yesterday is 21 per cent. Phan's also recovered from the extreme depression of yesterday 2 per cent., and closed at about 171. Parker Vein wee dull. The fancy railroads were without important change, accepting Reading, which was Arm at If per cent. advance. Hudson River fell off 3 per cent.; Harlem was steady ; Ene about theism. as yesterday. Canton is Are. The Mining Stocks were not active. McCulloch was in demand at the second board at 11. North Carolina copper sold at 7. Premium Railroads are quiet at previous rates. New York Central sold at 118; Michigan Southern, 120; Michigan Central. 1181. Government fl's, 1888, sold at 1241, which is as advance. State Stocks are quiet but firm. In Railroad Bonds there la but a moderato business. The iaqiiity for exchange is small, and sterling is quiet at $1 to 93 per cent. Frames, 6.16 to 6.131. Mum—The receipts of ashes continue light, and with a steady demand cud small stock. there bu been an improve m .nt in prices of hoth kiods. We notice sales of 300 barrels of pots at 4 del.. 871 c., and 400 barrels of pearls at 5 dole. Pte. to 5 dols. 25c. per 100Ibs. COTTON.—SinCto our last we. have hail a more mein% t led market, with firm prices. Our quotations rentals the some as on Wednesday. The sales of the week amount to 5,C00 bales. Other Gulf Atlantic Porta. Florida. Porta. Ordinarylow togood tn 91 el to 91 ep to 91 'diddling low to good 10 to 11 19 toll lOg to 111 tair tofair COrm.—Sinee our last there has been an active demand for Brasil, and prices have advanced fully 1 per lb. Other descriptions are firm at full prices. The sales of the week are :-7,000 bags Brazil, at 9 to 10c. ; 2,000 mate Jara, 11 to 111 e. ; 5,000 bags Lagueyra„ 91 to 10c. ; 200 do. Purto Rico, 91c ; 500 do. Maracaibo, 90c. FLOns.—The operations of the week past have been in terrupted by !creeks in the Erie Canal, and our suppdes quite limited. The demand for home use has been active, and a number of sales on Freuch account have been made, but principally of the better kinds of State and Ohio. There is also a good demand (with several sales) for deli. very in September and October of State brands at some ad vance on present rates. At the close yesterday the en. - plies were short of the present demand, and prince were about 61e. per bbl. better. We quote ordinary to straight state at 3 181 dole. to 625 dole; mixed to good brands of Michigan and Indiana, 5 181 dole. to 5 370 doll. ; common to fancy Ohio, 5 311 dole. to 550. Canadian is scarce and wanted, with sales to arrive at ,5 50 dole. in bond. Southern is in moderate request, but prices firm at 6 371 dole. to 575 for common to favourite 13.1tiniore, Alexandria and Georgetown, at 6 75 dole. to 673 dole. for fancy and extra. Rye flour sells in lots at 350 dole. to 375 dole. Corn meal is quiet at 3 121 dole. to 3 181 dole. for Jersey, and 3 75 dole. for Brandywine. The expirts from this port, from the let to the 23d August, 18.53, wheat flour, 116,991 bbls : 1852, 106.780 bbls. GRAlN—Notwithstanding the last accounts from Eng land were unfavourable for wheat, there is still a good demand for export and particularly for delivery in the next two months. Within the last week sales ►are been made of white Genesee of the new crop, to ar rive in a few weeks, at 133 c. to 135 c. Many of the transactions are on private terms, but will all come within oar range. Among the operations of the week Pant we hear of 58,000 bushels Michigan white at 128 e. to 133 e.; 88,000 bushels Ohio white, at 125 e. to 133 c. 2,750 bushels red, 1 ise. in store ; 7,800 bushels mixed, 119 e. to 120 e. ; 51,000 bushels Genesee white, new, 131 e. to 1361 c. ; 2,700 bushels red ditto, 118 e. to 120 c. ; 5,700 bushels Southern white and red, 123 c. to 125 c. ; 14,100 bushels ' Canadi►n in bend, 128 e. to 127 c. Rye is quiet-86.:. to 8710. Oats are dull : 48c. to 50e. for state and western. For corn there is a moderate supply and good inquiry, with sales during the week of 150,000 bushels, closing at 72c. to 73c. for unsound; 73c. to 731 c. for southern mixed ; 74c. to 75c. for southern white and yellow ; 74c. to 7410. for western mixed. The exports from this pert from the let to 3rd August : 1853. 1852 Wheat, bushels 426,480 142,898 Corn, bushels Hu:mi.-The market is firm with a good demand. The sales include 2,000 Buenos Ayres, at 221 e. to 18c., 6 months ; 7,000 Rio Grande, at 221 e. to 171 e., do. ; 1,000 Porto Cabello, at 24c. to 131 c., less a large discount for cash ; 3.109 Buenos Ayres, 2111 b, at 171 c., 6 months; 6,600 Rio Grande, afloat, 221 b., part cash, less 444 per cent., and part 8 months, adding 2 months interest ; 3,500 do. hem store, 231 b., part for Canada, at 171 c. ; 1,646 Vera Cruz, at 141 e. at they run, and 141 c. rejecting bad damaged; 140 booked Porto Cabello, 25th., at 121 c.; 1,676 Pernambuco, 321 b., for another market, something over 12e.: 200 green salted Florida, at 7o , 7 months ; 130 Autigus, on private term ; and 600 city slaughter, light and middle weights, at 7c. cash; and In Philadelphia for this market, 4,000 Porto Cabello, 221 b., at 141 c. at 6 month', delivered here. NAVAL &mem-Spirits of turpentine has been in de mand during the week, and prices have advanced to 50c. to 63c. There are no large lots offering. The last sales of crude turpentine were made at 3 dols. 621 c. Common rosin sold to moderate extent at 1 dol. 44e. to 1 dol. 571 c.; White do., at 2 doll. 2.5 c. to 4 dole 50c. Tar, at 4 dole. 671 e. Pnovisrogs.-Pork has been ie fair demand, with con siderable sales, at from 15 dole. 371 c. to 16 dole. 60c. fur mess; prime, 12 dole. 75c. to 13 dole. Clear pork has been in fair demand at 17 dole. 2.5 c., and nearly all in the market has been sold-now held at 17 dole. 60c. Sour mess at 14 dols. 25e. to 14 dole. 60c.; prime, 9 dole. to 9 dole. 50c. Rump pork, 12 dole. to 12 dols. 60c. Cut meats are more inquired for. Hams in pickle and dry salt, 71c. to 9c.; shoulders, 6c. to 61e. ; sides in dry salt, 71e. to 71c. Smoked sides, 71e. to 8c ; shoulders, 61c. to 7c. ; haw, 9c. to 12e. Lord is very quiet, and the recent advance is nit main tained lolc. to Ile.; kegs, 12c. In beef there has been abetter demand ; City mess, 12 dole. to 12 dole .50c. ; repacked Chicago, and other good brands, sell from 11 dole. 60c. to 12 dole. 2.5 c. ; extra mess, 13 dols. to 14 dolt ; country mess, 8 dole. to 10 dole. ; railroad, 7 doll. to 7 dole. 76c.; City prime, 6 dole. to 6 dole. 25e. ; country prime, 6 dole to 5 dole. ifrOc. Prime mess beef is more inquired for, with sales, from 16 dole. to 19 dole. Beef hams are in demand, from 11 dole. 50c. to 13 dole. 50e. Smoked beef, 9c. to 10c. Butter arrives sparingly, and we quote State dairies IGc. to 20e.; Orange Co., 22c. ; Ohio, 13e. to 16c. Cheese is c %meted for by a few houses, and melts from 81c. to 9c. per lb. TOBACCO.-In Kentucky leaf only a limited business is doing ; in prices we notice but little change ; holders are generally firm, and the sales effected range, from 61e. to 91c., with a few lairds. selected at higher figures ; 11 blade. Hawn County, 71e. ; 200 cases Ohio and Cone (Tricot seed leaf at 51e. to 9c. ; 162 bales Havana at 2.5 e. to 65c. ; 200 do. Cuba, part at 211 c. W00r..-We have only to note continued inactivity. For no description is there a demand. A reduction in the price of tame descriptions of American would be submitted te, but the chief holders are pretty firm, and think that September will bring a more lively state of affairs, and that there will be ne real decline. Fll.llolire.-There is a fair amount offering for Europe. We quota : To Liverpool-Cotton, 3-16 d. to 7-32 d. ; tobacco, her bbd., 30e. ; flour, 2a. 6d. ; rosin, 2s. 71d. t o 2 s . 9d. ; avy good., per ton, 2.55. to 275. sd. ; grain, in bulk, per bash., 61 I. ; beef, per tierce, ss. To London-Tobeceo, per bhd., 275. to 305.; flour, per barrel, 3s. ; turpentine, per 2801 be., 3s. 6d.; measurement goods, per ton, 20s. to 30e. ; heavy goods, oil, &a., 30s. to 321. 6d. ; beef, per tree, 6e. 6d. to 65.; oil cake, per barrel, 3s. To Havre-Cotton, square bales, per lb., le.; ashes, per too, 7 dole. to 9 dole.; rice, 8 dole.; quercitron bark, 8 dole. to 10 dols.; measure ment goods, 8 dole.; whalebone, &c., per lb., ic.; flour, per barrel, 600. ; grain, per bush., 10e. GREAT BRITAIN, CUBA, AND THE UNITED STATES. REPLY OF THE BRITISH GOVERNMENT TO MR. EVERETT'S LETTER. LOAD IOHN 11:1111aLL TO MIL CRAW Foreign Office, Feb. 16, 1863. Sir,—Lord Malmesbury received, just before leav ing °Mee, the note addressed to you by Mr. Everett, and left it for the consideration of his successor. The absence from London of the ambassador of France has hitherto prevented the communication between the two governments which the circumstances of the proposal made jointly required. I have now to inform you of the view which her Majesty's government take of Mr. Bveretrareply to oar overture. It is doubtless perfectly within the competence of the American government to reject the proposal that was made by Lord Malmesbury and M. Turgot, in reference to Cuba. Bach government will remain as free u it was before to take that course which its sense of duty, and • regard for the interests of Its people may prescribe. I should have satisfied my obligations as Secretary of State by this obvious remark, had not Mr. Everett entered at large into arguments which the simple nature of the question beta* him hardly seemed to require. The governments of Great Britain and France, when they made this proposal to that of the United States, were fully aware of the growth of power and extension of terri tory which have marked the progress of the United States since the period of their independence. The absorption or annexation of Louisiana in 1803, of Florida in 1819, lof Texas in 184.5, and of California in 1848, had not escaped them ; still leas did they require to be reminded of the events of the seven years war, or of the American war. It occurs to her Majesty's government. therefore, to ask for what purpose are these arguments introduced with so much preparation, and urged with so much ability ? It would appear that the purpose, not fully avowed, but hardly concealed, is to procure the admission of a doctrine that the United States have an interest in Cubs, to which Great Britain and France canno pretend. In order to meet this pretension, it is necessary to set forth the chine ter of the two powers who made the offer in question, and the nature of that offer. Mr. Everett declares, in the out set of hie despatch, that " the United States would not see with indifference the island of Cuba fall into the possession of any other European government than Spain," ike. The two pow'ss mast likely to possess themselves of Cuba, and most formidable to the United States, are Great Bri tain and France. Great Britain is in possession, by treaty, of the island of Trinidad, which in the last century was a colony of Spain ; France was in possession, at the commencement of this century, of Louisiana, by voluntary cession from Spain. These two powers, by their naval resources, are in fact the only powers whn could be rivals with the United States for the possession of Cubs. Well, these two powers are ready voluntarily to "declare, severally and collectively, that they will not obtain or maintain for themselves, or for any one of themselves, any exclusive control over the said island (of Cuba), nor assume nor exercise any dominion over the same." Thus, if the object of the United States were to bar the acquisition of Cuba by any European state, this convention would secure that object. But if it is intended, on the part of the United &Atte, to maintain that Gnat Britain and Franco hare no interest it the maintenance of the present status t the united States have alone • right to a voice in that matter, her Majesty's govirnment at once tiro* to admit such • claim. Her Majesty's possessions iu the West lodise alone, without insi , tiog on the importance to Mexico and other friendly states of the present dace abution of power give her Majesty an interest in this gut stivn *Lich iik; cannot forego. The possessior.s of France in this American seas, gin similar interest to France, which, no doubt, will be put for ward by her government. Nor is this right at an tar W, dated by the argument of Mr. Everett, that Cuba is to the liniteti States as an island at the mouth of the Thames or the Seine would be to England or France. The distance of Cuba from the nearest part of the terri tory of the United States, viz., from the southernmost part of Florida, is 110 miles. An is:and at an equal distance from the mouth of tha Thames would be placed about ten miles north of Antwerp, in Belgium ; while an island at the same distance frog Jamaica would be placed at Manzaoilla, a morn in Cuba. Thus there are nu grounds for sayi the poistision of Cuba by Great Britain or France V i be menacing to the United States; but that its poosessien by the United States would be so to Great Britain. There is one argument of the United States Secretary of State, which appears to her Majesty's government not only unfounded, but disquieting. . . Lord Malmesbury and M. de Turgnt put Lirward, u a reason for entering into the proposed conso.na, •' the lateral whice have lately been made on the Island of Cuba by law. leu bands of adventurers from the United States, and with the avowed design of taking pobsession of that Island." To this reason Mr. Everett replies in these term.: " The President is convinced that the conclusion of such a treaty. instead of putting a atop to these lawless proceeding; would give a new and powerful impulse to them." The government of Great Britain acknowledges, with respect, the conduct of the President in disavowing and discouraging the lawless attempts here referred to. The character of these attempt*, indeed, was such as to mite the reprobation of every civilised state. The spectacle of bands of men, collected together in reckless disregard of treaties, for the purpose of making, from the ports of the United States a piratical attack on the territi.ry of a power in amity with their own state ; and when there, endeavour ing, by armed invasion, to excite the obedient to revolt, and the tranquil to disturbance, was a sight shocking, no doubt, to the just and honest principles of the President. But the statement made by the l'resident, that a Come., tion, duly signed and legally ratified, engaging to respect the present state of possession in all future time, would but excite these bands of pirates to more violent breaches of all the laws of honesty and good neigh bourhood, is a melancholy avowal for the chief of a great state. Without disputing its truth, her Majesty's govern ment may express a hope that this state of things will not endure, and that the citizens of the United States, while they justly boast of their institutions, will not be insensible to the value of those eternal laws of right and wrung, of peace and friendship, and of duty to our neighbours, which ought to guide every Christian nition. Nor can a people so enlightened fail to perceive the utility of those rules for the observance of international relations, which for centuries have been known to Europe ley the name of the law of nations. Among the commen tators on that lAw, some of the most distinguished American citizens have earned an enviable reputation; and it is diffi cult to suppose that the United States would set the example of abrogating its most sacred provisions. - - Nor let it be said that such a convention would have pre• vented the inhabitants of Cuba from asserting their inde pendence. With regard to internal troubks, the proposed convention war altogether silent. But a pretended decla ration of independence, with a view of immtiliotely seeking refuge, from revolt on the part of the black., under the shelter of the United States, would justly be looked upon as the same in effect as a formal annexation. Finally, while fully admitting the right of the United States to reject the proposal that was made by Lord Malmerbury and M. de 'Forgot, Great Britaiu must at ones resume her entire liberty, and upon any urcasiuu that may sall for it, be free to act singly, or in conjunction with other powers, as to her may seem tit. 1 am, &c. J. RUSSELL. TO THE EARL OF CLARENDON. (Eltract.]l Watibington, April 18, 1853. In obedience to the instruetiou contained ‘ in Lord John Russell's despatch, of the 21st February, I have read to the Secretary of State of the United States, and placed in his hands a copy of his lordship's despatch, of the 16th of that month, upon the subject of Cuba. My French colleague having also received instructions from his government to communicate to the government of the United States, a despatch upon tho tame subject, and eery much to the same effect, it was agreed bet aeon us that we should, as upon former occasions, in regard to this matter, make our communications simultaneously; and we accordingly waited upon Mr. Marcy together, for that par pose, on the 16th inst. Mr. Marty, after having listened attentively to what M. de Sartirtes and myself read to him, said that he would submit the observations of the two governments to tho President; and remarked that several weeks might pro bably elapse before any reply would be addressed to us, even should the President be of opinion, which Mr. Marcy seemed to think doubtful, that any further discussion of the matter between the two governments was desirable. It would, he added, of course be necessary tor him again to read over the despatches, in order to comprehend their full import; but, as tar as he could now judge, the opinions of the two governments seemed to coincide in reference to two points—viz., the one that the right of the United States to decline the proposals made to them by the English sad French governments wan admitted ; the other, that some of the geaeral positions taken by Mr. Everett, in his note of the let of December, 1852, appeared to those government to render a protest against them on their part necessary, lest it might hereafter be interred that those positions had been acquiesced in by them. We replied that, without pretending to point out to Mr. Marcy what further step he was or was not to take in this matter, the object which our respective governments had ls view seem tons to be,generally,such as he bad stated it ; and that we, for our part, considered the discussion of the ',ab ject closed by the communication which we had just made. Mr. Marcy appeared to receive our observations in a ma eiliatory manner, and concluded by expressing his hope sad belief that no misunderstanding would arise between the great maritime powers in regard to this matter. GERMAN REFUGEES. TO THE EDITOR OF Till EXPRESS. 81s,—Perm nWiCo correct so m e inaccoraciee in the report of the proceedings at the Clerkenwell Police Court, yesterday, when I had the painful duty to appear against my fellow-eountryman and exile, Mr. Wintersberg. Your reporter probably misunderstood the statement of my learned counsel ; at all events the report is neither accurate as to facts nor as to the statement of Mr. Doyle. The facts are shortly these—A well known German leader, now a refugee in England, had strong reason to believe that another refugee who had for some time enjoyed the confidence of the emigration, was, if not in the service, at least in confidential relations with the police of foreign go vernments. My friend felt it to be his duty to warn his compatriots in exile, and he did not so without giving strong reasons for his suspicions. I shared. and still sham, the suspicions of my friend, and I did my best to warn my countrymen to be cautious with whom they associate d. For some unaccountable reason Mr. Wintersberg, for whoa I had every respect as an honest fellow-labourer in the great cause for which we are now exiles, chose all at once to become the champion of the suspected individual. Had he contented himself by opposing facts by facts, I should have respected his chivalry; but his advocacy only consisted is writing scurrilous, threatening, and hostile letters to all who refused to diehelieve the most palpable proof of guilt. A large share of scurrility and provocation fell to my lot, and as I desire to testily my gratitude for the safety I enjoy is your country by respect for its laws, I had no other COWS. left to me but to appeal to it for protection from an in tolerable annoyance. This is the short statement of the facts as they were stated by my learned counsel. Let me briefly refer to another inaccuracy of the report. I I am represented as having been a colonel in the Austrian army. [tie true that some twenty years ago I held a commie- Ision as an officer in that service, hut the only command se • colonel held by me was against the army of Austria. I bad the distinguished honour to serve as a coloael under General Bem.—l remain, Sir, your very obedient servant, 2, Delmore Cottages, Camden-street, G. FRANCK. Camden-town, Sept 8, HOS. • Paitrrette Psmoot; SocierT.—The usual meeting of the committee of management, and other supporters of the above society, es ablished in 1827, for the relief of aged and infirm printers, pressmen and compositors, and their widows, was held at the Loudon Tavern, for the transaelisa of general business. The 26th report congratulated the subscribers on the present prosperous condition of the so ciety. During the put year the committee have boss enanled to add 47.51. 144. 10d. to their funded property — making the whole amount invested with the Commission!" for the Reduction of the National Debt, 6.2371. lls. 180 male and female pensioners have already participated in the benefits of the institution, and at the hut date them were 66 pensioners. The amount paid to pensioners lest year was 6721. 12s. The expenditure, at the date of lag audit, :aft a balance of 1651. 176. ~ ~;l