The Express. — London, England, 1846-12-30 00:00:00

the-Moment the terms of annexation offered by the United ewes were accepted by Texas, the latter became so far a P ot of our own country as to make it our that f duty or to afford that c h protection and defence, and --a P o ur squadron had been ordered to the Gulf, and our army to " take a position between the Nue ees and the Del Norte," or Rio Grande, and " to repel any mnisioa of the Texan territory which might be attempted by the Mexican forces." It was deemed proper to issue this order, because, soon after the l'resident of Tees', in Aoril, 1845, had issued his proclamation essivening the congress of that republic, for the pOl of of Submitting to that body the terms of annexation p ro omed by the United States, the government of Mexico setae serious threats of invading the Texan territory. These threats became more imposing as it became more $ pparent, in the progrem of the question, that the people of Texas would decide in favour of accepting the terms of an nexation ; and, finally, they had assumed such a formidable c haracter, as induced both the Congress and Convention of Texas to request that a military force should be sent by the United States into her territory for the purpose of protecting and defending her against the threatened invasion. It vrould have been a violation of good faith towards the people of Texas to has refused to afford the aid which they desired against a threatened invasion, to which they had been ex posed by their free determination to annex themselves to our union, in compliance with the overture made to them by the joint resolution of our congress. Accordingly, a portion of the army was ordered to advance into Term c orpus Christi was the position selected by Oen. Taylor. He encamped at that place in August, 1845, and the army remained in that position until the 11th of March, 1346, when it moved westward, and on the 28th of that month reached the east bank of Rio Grande opposite to Meta mores. This movement was made in pursuance of orders from the war department, issued on the 13th of Jan., 1846. Before these orders were issued, the despatch of our Minister in Mexico, transmitting the decision of the Council of Govern ment of Mexico, advising that he should not be received, and also the despatch of our consul residing in the city of Mexico—the former bearing date on the 14th, and the latter on the 18th of December, 1815, copies of both of which accompanied my message to Congress of the 11th of May bas'—were received at the Department of State. These communicatimis rendered it highly probable, if not Abso lutely certain, that our minister would not be received by the government of Gen. Herrera. It was also well known that but little hope could be entertained of a different re sult from Gen. Paredes, in case the revolutionary move ment which he was prosecuting should prove successful, as was highly probable. The partisans of Paredes, as our min ister, in the despatch referred to, states, breathed the fiercest hostility against the United States, denounced the proposed negotiations as treason, and openly called upon the troops and to the people pnt dawn the government of Herrera by force. There conquest of Texas., and war with the United States were openly threatened. These were the circumstan ces existing, when it was deemed proper to order the army under the command of General Taylor, to advance to the western frontier of Texas, and occupy a position on or near the Rio Grande. The apprehensions of a contemplated Mexican invasion have been since fully justified by the event. The determina tion of Mexico to rush into hostilities with the United States was afterwards manifested from the whole tenor of the note of the Mexican Minister of Foreign Affairs to our minister, bearing date on the 12th of March, 1846. Paredes had then revolutionised the government, and his minister, atter referring to the resolution for the annexat on of Texas, which bad been adopted by our Congress in March, 1845, proceeds to declare that "a , fen such as this, or, to speak with greater exactness, so senalie an art of usurpation, created an imperious necessity dot Nesico, tar her own honour, should repel it with pro aess and dignity. The supreme government had yl~takan.l declared that it would look upon such an act as genie belli ; and, us a consequence of this declaration, nego- Mallon was, by i s very 'titre, at an end, and war was the only recourse of the Mexican government." The moveme it of our army to the Rio Grande was made by the commanding general under positive orders to abstain from all aggressive acts towards Mexico, or Mexican citizens, and to regard the relations between the two countries as peaceful, anises Mexico should declare war, or commit acts of hostility indicative of a state of war, and these orders ho faithfully executed. Whilst occupying his position on the east bank of the Rio Grande, within the limits of Texas, then receatly admitted as one of the states of our Union, the commanding general of the Mexican forces, who, in pur mance of tie orders of his government, had collected a large arinfon the opposite shore of the Rio Grande, crossed the river, invaded our territory, and commenced hostilities by attacking our (rms. The United States never attempted to acquire Texas by conquest. On the contrary, at an early period after the people of Texas had achieved their independence, they sought to be annexed to the United States. At a general election is September, 1836, they decided with great una • tensity the appointment of a minister to bear their request to this government. This government, however, having re mained neutral between Texas and Mexico during the war between them, and considering it due to the honour of our country, and our fair fame among the nations of the earth, that we should not at this early period consent to annexation, nor until it should be manifest to the whole world that the re conquest of Texas by Mexico was impossible, refused to accede to the overtures Made by Texas. On the 12th day of April, 1844, and after more than seven years had elapsed since Texas had esta blished her independence, a treaty was concluded for annexation of that republic to the United States, which was rejected by the Senate. Finally, on the Ist of March, 1845, Congress passed a joint resolution for annexing her to the United States, upon certain preliminary conditions to which her assent was required. The solemnities which characterised the deliberations and conduct of the government and people of Texas, on the deeply interesting questions presented by these resolutions, are known to the world. The Congress, the Executive, and the people of Texas, in a convention elected for that purpose, accepted with great unanimity the proposed terms of anuexa ton ; and thus consummated on her part the great act of re storing to our federal Union a vast territory which had been ceded to Spain by the Florida treaty more than a quarter of a century before. After the joint resolution for the annexation of Texas to the United States had been passed by our Congress, the Mexican minister at Washington addressed a note to the Secretary of State, bearing date on the 6th of March, 184.5, protesting against it as " an act of aggression, the most tiniest which can be found on record in the an nals of modern history ; namely, that of despoiling a friendly nation, like • Mexico, of a considerable portion of her territory ;" and protesting against the resolution of annexation, as being an act " where- Sy the province of Texas, an integral portion of the Mexican territory, is agreed and admitted into the Ameri can Union," and he announced that, as a consequence, his mission to the United States had terminated, and demanded has passports, which were granted. It was upon the absurd pretext, made by Mexico (herself indebted for her indepen- ' deem to a successful revolution), that the republic of Texas still continued to be, notwithstanding all that had passed, a province of Mexico, that this step was taken by the Mexican minister. Every honourable effort has been used by me to avoid the war which followed, but all have proved vain. All our attempts to preserve peace have been met by insult and re sistance on the part of Mexico. My efforts to this end com• mewed in the note of the Secretary of State, of the 10th of March, 1845, in answer to that of the Mexican Minister. Whilst declining to re-open a discussion which had already been exhausted, and proving again what was known to the whole world, that Texas had long since achieved her independence, the Secretary of State expressed the regret of this government that Mexico should have taken offence at the resolution of annexation passed by Congress, and gave assuranco that our most strenuous Fora should be devoted to the amicable adjustment of every cause of complaint between the two governments, and to the cultivation of the kindest and most friendly relations be tween the sister republics. The consul of the United States at the city of Mexico was, therefore, instructed by the Secretary of State on the 15th September, 1845, to make the inquiry of the Mexican govern ment. The inquiry was made, and on the 15th October, 1145, the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Mexican govern ment, in a note addressed to our consul, gave a favorable re sponse, requesting at the same time that our naval force might be withdrawn from Vera Cruz while negotiations should be Pending. Upon the receipt of this note, our naval force was withdrawn from Vera Cruz. A minister was immediately "pointed, and departed to Mexico. Every thing bore a promising aspect for a speedy and peaceful adjustment of all tar difficulties. At the date of my annual message to con tress, in Dec. last, no doubt was entertained but that he would be received by the Mexican government, and the hope was cherished that all cause of misunderstanding between the two countries would be speedily removed. In the confident hope that such would be the result of his mission, I informed Congress that I forebore at that time to " recommend such elterior measures of redress for the wrongs and injuries we had so long borne, as it would have been proper to' smite had no such negotiation been instituted." To my surprlse and regret, the Mexican government, though solemnly pledged to do so upon the arrival of our minister in Mexico, refused to receive and accredit him. When he mulled Vera Cruz, on the 30th of November, 1845, he found that the aspect of affairs had undergone an unhappy change. „. Life goverement of Gen. Herrera, who was at that time President of the republic, was tottering to its fall. General ?modes (a military leader) had manifested his.determina -64n to overthrow the government of Herrera by a military revolution; and one of the principal means which he employed to effect his purpose, and render the government of Her. era odious to the army mid People of Mexico was by loudly condemning its determi astern to receive a minister of peace from the United States, alleging that it was the intention of Herrera, by a treaty with.. the United States, to dismember the territory of (desk°, by ceding away the department of Texas. The government of Herrera is believed to have been well disposed to a specific adjustment of existing difficulties ; but, Probably alarmed for its own security, and in order to ward off the danger of the revolution led by Paredes, violated its solemn agreement, and re fused to receive or accredit our minister; and this, although informed that he had been invested with full power to &sl iest all flues' ems in dispute between the two governments. Among the frivolous pretexts fur this refusal, the principal ,e was, that cur ministers had not gone upon a special mis sion, confined to the question of Texas stone, leaving all the outrages Upon our flag and our citizens unredressed. The government well knew that both our rational honour and the protection due to our citi boun imperatively required that the two muestions of and indemnity should be treated of to segtther, as naturally and inseparably blended, and es toeyolre t h e ntto have seen that this c urse was best calculated Unitial Stabs to extend to them the most cal just ice. On the 13th of December. 1845, Gen. Her risilizied the presidency, and yielded up the government to Gen. Paredes without a struggle. Thus • revolution was accomplished solely by the army commanded by Paredes, and the supreme power in Mexico passed into the hands of a military usurper, who was known to be bitterly hostile to the United States. in order to prosecute the war with Mexico with vigour and energy, as the best means of bringing it to a speedy and honourable termination, a further loan will be neces sary, to meet the expenditure of the present and the next fiscal years. If the war should be continued until the 30th of June, 1848—being the end of the next fiscal year—it is estimated that an additional loan of twenty-three millions or dollars will be required. This estimate is made upon the assumption that it will be necessary to retain constantly in the treasury four millions of dollars, to guard against contin gencies. If such surplus were not required to be retained, then a loan of nineteen millions of dollars would be sufficient., If, however, congress should at the present session, impose a revenue on the principal articles now embraced iu the free list, it is estimated that an additional annual revenue of about two millions and a half, amounting, it is estimated, on the 30th of June, 1843, to four millions of dollars, would be de rived from th at source ; and the loan required would be re duced by that amount. It is estimated, also, that should congress graduate and reduce the price of such of the public lands as have been long in the market, the additional revenue derived from that source would be annually, for several years to come, between half a million and a million of dollars ; and the loan required may be reduced by that amount also. Should these measures be adopted, the loan requited would not probably exceed eight teen or nineteen millions of dollars—leaving in the treasury a constant surplus of four millions of dollars. The loan pro posed, it is estimated, will be sufficient to cover the neces sary expenditure, both for the war and for all other put pwes, up to the 30th of June, 1848; and an amount of this loan, not exceeding one half, ne y be required during the present fiscal year, and the greater part of the remainder during the first half of the fiscal year succeeding. In order that timely notice may be given, and proper measures taken to effect the loan, or such portion of it as may be required, it is important that the authority of Con. gress to make it be given at an early period of your pre ent session. It is suggested that the loan should be contracted for a period of twenty years, with authority to purchase the stock and pay it off at an earlier period, at its market value, out of any surplus which may at any time be in the treasury rip plicable to that purpose. After the establishment of peace with Mexico, it is supposed that a considerable surplus will exist, and that the debt may be extinguished in a much shorter period than that fur which it may be contracted. The period of twenty-years, as that for which the proposed loan may be contracted in preference to a shorter period, is sug gested because all experience, both at home and abroad, has shown that loans are effected upon much better terms upon long time, than when they are reimbursable at short dates, Economy in the public expenditure is at all times a high duty which all public functionaries of the government owe to the people. This duty becomes the more imperative in a period of war, when large and extraordinary expenditures become unavoidable. During the existence of the war with Mexico, all our resources should be hesbanded, and no appropriations made, except such as are absolutely necessary for its vigorous prosecution and the due adminisu oleo of the government. Objects of appropriation, which in mese, may be deemed useful or proper, but which are not Indio. pensable for the public service, may, when the country is engaged in a foreign war, be well postponed to a future period. By the observance of this policy at your preseat Kelton, large amounts may be saved to the Treasury, and be applied to objects of pressing and urgent necessity, and thus the creation of a corresponding amount of public debt may be avoided. It is not meant to recommend that the ordiniry and ne cessary approp. iations for the support of government eboald be withheld, but it is well known that at every sesame of Congress appropriations are proposed for numerous objects which may or may not be made without materially affecting the public interests, and these it is recommended should not be granted. The act passed at your last session " reducing the duties on imports" not having gone into operation until the first of the present month, there has not been time for its practical effect upon the revenue, and the business of the country to be developed. It is not doubted, however, that the just policy which it adopts will add largely to our foreign trade, and promote the general prosperity. Although it cannot be certainly foreseen what amount of revenue it will yield, it is estimated that it will exceed that produced by . the act of 1842, which is superseded. The leading principles established by it are, to levy the taxes with a view to raise revenue, and to impose them upon the articles imported according to their actual value. The act of 1842, by the excessive rates of duty which it imposed on many articles, either totally excluded them from importation, or greatly reduced the amount imported, and thus diminished instead of producing . revenue. By it the taxes were imposed not for the ligitimate purpose of raising revenue, but to afford advantages to favoured classes, at the expense of a large majority of their fellow citizens. Those employed in agriculture, mechanical pur suits, commerce, and navigation, were compelled to con tribute from their substance to swell the profits and over grown wealth of the comparatively few who had inve.ted their capital in manufactures. The taxes were not levied in proportion to the value of the articles upon which they were imposed ; but, widely departing from this just rule, the lighter taxes were, iu many cases, levied upon articles of luxury and high price, and the heavier taxes on those of necessity and low price, consumed by the great mass of the people. It was a system the inevitable effect of which was to relieve favoured classes and the wealthy few from contributing their just proportion for the support of government, and to lay the burden on the labour of the many engaged in other pursuits than manufactures. A system so unequal and unjust has been superseded by the existing law, which imposes duties not for the benefit or injury of classes or pursuits, but distributes, and, as far as practicable, equalises the public burdens among all classes and occupations. The favoured classes, who, under the un equal and unjust system which has been repealed, have here tofore realised large profits, and many of them amassed large fortunes, at the expense of the many who have been made tributary to them, will have no reason to complain if they shall be required to bear their just proportion of the taxes necessary for the support of government. So far from it, it will be perceived by an examination of the existing law, that discrimination in the rates of duty im posed, within the revenue principle, have been retained in their favour. The incidental aid against foreign com petition which they still enjoy, gives them advantages which no other pursuits possess, but of this none others will complain, because the duties levied are necessary for revenue. 'these revenue duties, including freights and charges, which the importer must pay before he can come in competition with the home manufacturer in our markets, amount, on nearly all our leading branches of manufacture, to more than one third of the value of the imported article, and in some cases to almost one-half its value. With such advantages it is not doubted that our domestic manufacturers will continue to prosper, realising in well-conducted establish ments even greater profits than can be derived from any other regular business. Indeed, so far from re. quiring the protection of even incidental revenue duties, our manufacturers in several leading branches are extending their business, giving evidence of great ingenuity and skill, and of theie ability to compete, with increased pros pect of success, for the open market of the world. Do mestic manufactures, to the value of several millions of dollars, which cannot find a market at home, are annually exported to foreign countries. With such rates of duty as those established by the existing lbw, the system will probably be permanent ; and capitalists who have made, or shall hereafter make, their investments in manufactures, will know upon what to rely. The coun try will be satisfied with these rates, because the advan tages which the manufacturers still enjoy result necessarily from the collection of revenue for the support of govern ment. High protective duties, from their unjust operation upon the masses of the people, cannot fail to give rise to extensive dissatisfaction and complaint, and to constant efforts to change or repeal them, rendering all investments in manufactures uncertain and precarious. Lower and more permanent rates of duty, at the same time that they will yield to the manufacturer fair and remunerating profits, will secure him against the danger of frequent changes in the system, which cannot fail to ruinously affect his interests. Simultaneously with the relaxation of the restrictive policy by the United States, Great Britain, from whose example we derived the system, has relaxed hers. She has modified her corn laws, and reduced many other duties to moderate the revenue rates. Aber ages of experience, the statesmen of that country have been constrained by a stern necessity, and by a public opinion, having its deep foundation in the sufferings and wants of impoverished millions, to abandon a system, the effect of which was to build up immense fortunes in the hands of the few, and to reduce the labouring millions to pauperism and misery. Nearly in the same ratio that labour was depressed capital was increased and concentrated by the British pro motive policy. The evils of the system in Great Britain were at length rendered intolerable, and it has been abandoned, but not without a severe str uggle on the part of the protected and, favoured classes to resin the unjust advantages which they had se long enjoyed. It was to be expected that a similar struggle would be made by the same classes in the United States, whenever an attempt was made to modify or abolish the same unjust system here. The protective policy had been in operation in the United States for a much shorter period, and its pernicious effects were not, therefore, SD clearly perceived and felt. Enough, however, was known of these effects to induce its repeal. It would be strange if, in the face of the example of Great Britain, our principal foreign customer, and of the evils of a system rendered manifest in that country by long and painful experience, and in the face of the immense advantages which, under a more liberal commercial policy we are already deriving, and must continue to derive, by supplying her starving population with food, the United State s should restore a po licy which she has been compelled to abandon, and thus diminish her ability to purchase from us the fo od and other articles lw hichi she so much needs, and we so much de sire to sell. By the simultaneous abandonment of the pro teetive policy by Great Britain and the United States, new and important markets have already been opened for our agricultural and other products ; commerce and navi gation have received a new impulse; labour and trade have been released from the artificial trammels which have so long fettered them ; and, to a great extent, reci procity in the exchange of commodities has been introduced at the same time by both countries, and greatly for the benefit of both. Great Britain has been forced, by the pressure of circumstances at borne, to abandon a policy which has been upheld for ages, and to open her markets for our immense surplus of bread stuffs ; and it is confidently be lieved that other powers of Europe will ultimately see the wiadom, if they be not compelled by the pauperism and sufferings of their crowded population, to pursue a similar policy. Our farmers arc more deeply interested in maintaining the just and liberal policy of the niustias law than any 'HE EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 30, 1846. other class of our citizens. They constitute a large majo rity of our population ; and i- is well known that when they prosper, all other pursuits prosper also. They have hereto fore not. only received none of the bounties or favours of go vernment, but, by the unequal operations of the protective policy, have been made, by the burdens of taxations which it imposed, to contribute to the bounties which have en riched others. When a foreign as well as a home market is opened to them they must receive, as they are now receiving, in creassld prices for their products. They will find a readier sale, and at better prices, for their wheat, fiyur, rice, Indian corn, beef, pork, lard, butter, cheese, and other articles which they produce. The home market alone is inadequate to enable them to dispose of the immense surplus of food and other articles whi. h they are capable of producing, even at the most re duced prices, for the manifest teas in that they cannot be consumed in the country. The United States can, from their immense surplus, supply not only the home demand, but the deficiencies of food required by the whole world. That the reduced production of some of the chief articles I of food in Great Britain and other parts of Europe may have contributed to increase the demand for our bread-stuffs and provisions is not doubted; but that the great and efficient cause of this increased demand, and of increased prices, con sists in the removal of artificial restrictions heretofore im posed, is deemed to be equally certain. That our exports of food, already increased and increasing beyond former example, under the more liberal policy which has been adopted, will be still vastly enlarged, unless they be checked or prevented by a restoration of the protective policy, cannot be doubted. That our commercial and navigating interests will be enlarged in a correspond ing ratio with the increase of our trade is equally certain • while our manufacturing interests will still be the favoured interests of the country. and receive theincidental protection afforded them by revenue duties ; and more than this they cannot justly demand. In my annual message of December last, a tariff of revenue duties based upon the principles of the existing law was recommended, and I have seen no reason to change the opinions then expressed. In view of the probable bene ficial effects of that law, I recommend that the policy esta blished by it be maintained. It has but just commenced to operate, and to abandon or modify it without giving it a fair trial would be inexpedient and unwise. Should defects in any of its details be ascertained by actual experience to exist, these may be hereafter corrected, but until such defects shall become manifest, the act should be fairly tested. It was submitted for your consideration whether it may not be proper, as a war measure, to impose revenue duties on some of the articles now embraced in the free list. Should it be deemed proper to impose such duties, with a view to raise revenue to meet the expenses of the war with Mexico, or to avoid to that extent the creation of a public debt, they may be repealed when the emergency which gave rise to them shall cease to exist, end constitute no part of the permanent policy of the country. DEM/LT FISH ENCOUNTEL—The other day, an unusual commotion was observed in the Findhorn, at one of the spawning beds, by a party of men. It was soon discovered to be occasioned by the fighting of two salmon, both large males. After a long struggle the water be-came still, and one of the combatants floated to the surface, dead. COLONIAL. NEW ZEALAND. [The Charter and instructions under the sign manual, of which an abstract is here subjoined, were officially published in the Gazette of last night. They are now, therefore, in virtue of the act for the government of New Zealand, the constitutional laws of that colony, although they will not come into operation until they have been proclaimed there.] The CHARTER consists of twenty-five clauses or sections. Clause 1 constitutes and establishes municipal corporations in New Zealand, with such powers, qualifications, and restric tions as are enumerated in the iorructions under the sign manual. 2. The extent and boundaries of these munici palities, the elections, and qualifications of the members of their corporations are to be as directed in the instruc tions. 3. Two separate provinces, the " Province of New Ulster" and the " Province of New Munster," with separate assemblies, consisting of a governor, legislative council, and hou-se of assembly, arc constituted: the limits of the provinces and the time and manner of convening the assembly, arc to be as set forth in the instructions. 4. The appointment of members of the legislative council, and the election of representatives, are to be as set forth in the in structions. 5. Constitutes a general assembly for the islands of New Zealand, in terms of the instructions. 6. The general assembly is to be constituted, to deliberate and legis late, and i:s enactments are to be sanctioned or disallowed, as set forth in the instructions. 7. The stun of 6,000!. per annum is set apart out of the revenue of each province by way f civil list, to be applied, appropriated, and accounted for, as set forth in the instructions. 8. No grants or appro priations of public monies are to be made by the assem blies, unless they are first recommended by or in behalf of the crown, with a view to some specific public service within the provinces. 9. The letters patent of 4th Victoria are revoked all laws and ordinances made, or acts done, under them are valid and effectual, so far as they do not interfere with or prevent the operation of the present charter. 10. The course of proceeding in the gene ral assembly and provincial assemblies is to be as set forth in the instructions. 11. The governor of each province is to summon as an executive council for each province the persons designated in the instructions, or who shall hereafter be appointed under the sign manual. 12. The governor-in chief and the governor of each province, respectively, is to keep and use a public seal. 13. The governors of the pro vinces are empowered, with advice and consent of their re spective executive councils, to divide the same into counties, hundreds, towns, townships, and parishes, and to appoint the limit's thereof by proolamatiun. 14. The governors have power to make grants of waste land under the public seals of tneir respective provinces to individuals for their own use, or to bodies cor porate in trust. 15. In making such grants the governors must conform to the instructions. 16. The governors are authorised to appoint (and in case of need suspend) judges, commissioners of oyer and teratiner, justices of the peace, end other administrative officers. 17. Provided that in such appointments and suspensions they conform to the instruc tions. 18. The governors are empowered to administer the necessary oaths to all officers, civil and military. 19. The governors are empowered to grant to convicted criminals free pardons, respites of executions, or total or partial, con ditional or unconditional remissions of tines, penalties, or forfeitures. 20. In event of the death, absence, or incapacity of the governor-in -chief, his functions shall be discharged, during the vacancy, by the governor of New Ulster; failing him, by the governor of New Munster ; fail ing him, by the chief officer in command of the forces in the islands fur the time being. 21. Lieutenant governors of the provinces are to be appointed by commissions under the signet and sign manual. In case of their resignation or incapacity the governor-in chief is empowered to make interim appointments. 22. The lieutenant-governor exercises and enjoys all the authorities and powers vested in the governor of the same province, with these exceptions: in the case of the office of governor in-chief becoming vacant, the governor of New Munster succeeds before the lieutenant-governor of New Ulster, and the officer in command of the forces before a lieutenant governor whose commission has only been issued by the governor-in-chief. 23. Power is reserved to the crown to appoint the same person et the same time governor-in-chief and governor of one or both of the provinces ; and to appoint the same person at the same time lieutenant-governor of both provinces. 24. Power is reserved to the crown to amend or repeal the charter and instructions. 25. The charter is only to take effect in New Zealand after it has been proclaimed by the person commissioned to be governor- SOUTH AUSTRALIA. We have papers from this colony to the Ist of August. The accounts of mining operation' continue fa vourable. Considerable excitement appears to have been occasioned at Adelaide by Mr. Morphett's motion in the legislative council, to appropriate a sum out of the public revenue for the promotion of educatien and religion; the money to be apportioned to the various Christian sects in the ratio of their numbers, as shown by the government census. A petition against the propoesl, subscribed by most of the dissenting clergymen in the colony, and upwards of a hun dred other persons, was presented to the council. Mr. Morphett's motion passed by a majority of 4 to 3. One of its opponents, however, only asked for delay, intimating that ultimately he would, in all probability, vote for the grant. There was no other public movement of consequence. Among other gaieties, we observe in our files of Adelaide papers, repeated meets of the Adelaide hounds, and alum nae ball given by the governor. PROGRESS OFDISCOVERY.—The followingparagraphs from the South Australian Register, indicate the progress of settle ment and discovery in the colony :—The expedition under the command of Mr. Horrocks, the object of which is to explore the hitherto unknown country north-west of the ranges of Mount Arden, started from Adelaide on Satur day morning, the 11th of July. Whether policy or a proper carefulness swayed the legislative body in refusing to vote the sum of 801. in furtherance of this new attempt at useful exploration is now of little moment, since the public has evinced a proper appreciation of the objects by subscribing towards the outfit a sum rather above 1401., within the short period of ten days. Mr. Hor rocks has taken with him rations for five months, and is ao companied by Mr. Theakatone, the friend and fellow-travel ler of the late Mr. Darke; Mr. Gill, the artist ; Martin Mann, a veteran soldier, late of the 96th ; an aboriginal native who has been some time in Mr. Ilorrocks service, a man named Bernard Koiing; and last, not least, the camel (notpar excellence, being the only one in the colony), but the one of which Mr. Horrocks is esteemed the distinguished or by the wondering natives, and which will doubt r=ove a valuable appendage. LAND SALES.—Monday, July 13, was the day for pay ment of the balances of land purchases made on the 13th of June, when thirty lots around Kapunda, the entir: number offered, were sold; and the aggregate sales amounted to 30,0811. Is. Various rumours were prevalent since the sale, and diligent local examinations were made by the re spective buyers, but none of the confidently expected forfei tures of deposits have occurred; all the money, in hard cash, having found its way into the colonial treasury where the balance in hand amounts to upwards of 70 , 0001. The sales, constituting the 30,0811. Is. referred to, were (in effect) the following:—To the Grand Junction Mining Company, 10,718; Captain * . Bastot, 6,3581. Is.; and '.' lessrs. Stephens and Aston, 3,0051. Not only will the 20,0001. for the Mount Remarkable special survey be forthcoming in a few days ; but it is confidently asserted that " the needful " for another " special " has been provided ; and although the parties concerned seem to think that all they can do is to bespeak, iii the teeth of the Lieu tenant-Gurcmor's avowed intentions, this they ar4 re solved to do, in order to establish the best claim to priority in respect of a most valuable locality. So that we have daily proofs of the zealous ac tivity of colonists in attraisting hither large funds for in vestment, and only to be met by arbitrary determinations on the part of the local government. Viewing the late conjoint expenditure in addition to the large outlay for special sur veys, we see no great cause for garm ; but the greatest alarmist may take consolation from the fact that no mineral lands will be likely to come into the market for a period of three months, and there is no saying what the extent of im ported capital may ba before that time. Meanwhile the expenditure by the different mining concerns and the government will put an extraordinary amount of money into circulation. Mit grout*. WINDSOR, TUESDAY. The Queen and Prince Albert walked this morning on the Eastern terrace of the Castle and slopes. Lord Edward Howard is expected to arrive at the Castle to-day, on a visit to her Majesty. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge visited her Royal Highness the Duchess of Gloucester yesterday, at Gloucester House. Mr. Samuel Palmer, of Great Yarmouth, had an interview yesterday with the Right lion. Thomu M. Gib son, at the Board of Trade. Despatches were received yesterday at the Colonial office trim the Governors of Hong Kong and Gibraltar. Despatches were sent off yesterday evening from Colonial-office for the Governor of the Mauritius. From Last Night's Gazette. DOWNING -STREET, DEC. 28.—The Queen has ap pointed G. Grey, E. to be Governor-in-Chief of and over the islands of New Zealand, and Governor and Commander in-Chief in and over each of the two separate provinces of New Ulster and New Munster. Her Majesty has appointed E. J. Eyre, Esq. to be Lieutenant Governor of each of the two said separate provinces of New Ulster and New Munster. DOWNING -STREET, DEC. 28.—The Queen has ap pointed Sir J. G. Le Merchant, Kut., Lieut -Col. in the army, to be Governor and Commander-in-Chief in and over the Island of Newfoundland and its dependencies. WAR-OFFICE, Due. 29. Ist Life Gds.-Lieut. Hon. W. H. S. Cotton to be capt., by par., vice Anderton, who ret. ; Cornet and Sub.-LLut. 11. W. Sault n to be lieut., by pur. ; E. J. C. Lord Eliot to be cornet and sub.-Boat., by par 3rd L. Drap-Cornet E. J. Thaekwell to be neut., by pur., vice Ireland, who rid. ; T. C. B. St. George to be cornet, by pur. 4th L. Drags.-Major Lord G. A. F. Paget to be lieut.-col., by pur., vice Vandeleur, who M.; Capt. H. Fane to be major, by pur.; Lieut. F. B. Barron to be rapt, by par. • Cornet C. Montgomery to be lieut., by pur.; H. A. Sparke to be cor net, by pun 9th L Drags.-Burg. It. J. G. Giant, from 16th 1.. Drags., to be surg., vice Wool, w.t, exch. 16th L Dragv.-Surg. A. Wood, M.D., from 9th L. Drags., to be mtg., vice Grant, who each. Coldstream F. Oda.-Lleut.-Col. Lord T. Cecil, from h: p. That., to be apt., and lieut--ooL (repayg. the differ.), vice J. 11. Pringle, who exch. • Brev.-Major Lieut. and Capt. C. A. Windham to be rapt. and lieut.:mt., by pur., vice Lord T. Cecil, who ret.; Ens. and Lieut. (Adjt.) P. G. H. Somerset to have the rank of lieut. and capt. ; Ens. and Lieut. G. J. W. Melville to be lieut. and rapt, by pur., vice Windham ; W. 11. Reeve to be ens. and heat., by pur. lst F.-U.ll. E. Muller to be ens., without pur., vice Rivers, prom. in 36th F. sth F.-Capt. S. R. Jeffries, from h: p. 25th L. Drags., to be copt.; Lieut. W. C. Master to be capt., by pur., vice Jeffries, who ret. ' • Sec.- Lieut. W. R. C. Potter to be first lieut., by pur. ; G. Bennett to be see. lieut., by pur. 13th F.-Assiet.-Surg. F. W. Tupper, from 57th F., to be assist.- aurg., vice Frau; app. to Staff. 19th F.-Ens. J. C. Taylor, from 74th F., to be ens., rite Palmer, who exch. 27th F. -Act.-serj.-Major W. Crozier to be ear., without pur., vice Dickson, app. to 3th F. 10th F. Ens. J. Rose to be lieut., without pur., vice Whitmore, app. adjt.• Ene. F. A. Edwardee to be lieut., by pur., vice Shum, prom. Cadet T. W. Co from RI. CoU , to be ens., vice Rose ; ; W. W. 11. Greene to be d ß by pun, rice Edwardee; Lieut. E. A. Whitmore to be adjt., vice Macdonald, prom. 36th F.-Ens. C. Rivers, from let F., to be lieut., without per., vice Carew, prom. 40th F.-blaff Aasist.Surg. J. Dickson to be asaist..aurg., vice Johnston, preen. on Staff. 56th F.-Lieut. It. Anderson to be capt., by pm., Tice Barclay, who ; Ens. 11. J. Tolcher to be lieut., by pur., F. J. G. Saunders to be can., by per. 61st F.-Cupt. G. Fitrßoy, from h: p. RI. WM India Rangers, to be capt., vice W. Ward, who exch. ; Lieut. J. F. Briekdale to be rapt., by pur., vice FitzHely, who ret ; Ens. E. S. Powvn to be lieut., without pur., vice Maher, der.; Ens. It. G. Brockenbury to be lieut., by pur., rice Brickdale ; Gent-Cadet J. Nagel, from RI. Mil. Coll., to be ens., rice l'owys; 'T. li. Harrison to be ens., by pm., vice Braekeribury. 61th F.-Ens. It. Dickereitaff to be lieu'., by pur., vice Maddison, who ret. ; E. W. Armstrong to be ens., by pm. 66th F.-J. T. La Presto to be assist.-aurg., Vitt Romper, prom. in 56th F. 67th F.-To be Copts., without per: Leads. C. Coape and 8. G Bunbury. To be Lieute., without pur : Lieut. W. Du Vernet, from 50th F.; Ens. J. Graham; and Ens. F. Pratt, site Coape. To be Ensigns, without per.: Gent. Cadets E. Ilaubeny and A. A. Jones, from RI. MB. Coil. ; W. W. Davy, vice Graham ; W. C. Sheila, vice Pratt. 74th F.-Ens. H. W. Palmer, from 19th P., to be ens., vice Taylor, who exch. 77th F. -Ens. R. Mostyn to be lieut., by pur., rice Walpole, who ret. ; W. Itonalds to be ens., by pm. 11.5 th F.-Brev.-Col. IL C. Browne, from b: p. rnat., to be lieut.- col., vice Sir J. G. Le Merchant, who exch. ; Major 11. Taylor to be lieut.-col., by pur., vice Browne, who ret. ; Capt. J. Blackburn to be major, by pur. ' • Lieut. E. L. Parrott to be rapt., by pm. rice Pat terson, who ret. ; bent. Lord S. S. Coinpton to be cap[., by pur., vice Blackourn ; Ens. W. A. Fllder to be lieut., by pur., vice Pat rott; Ens. lion. W. S. Knox to be lieut., be pur., vice Lonl S. Compton; Sir If. 11. Edwardes, Bart., to be ens., by pur., vice Flitter; F. Thistle thwayte to be ens, by pur., vice Knox. 04th F.-Lleut. W. If. Dore to be cap. ' without par. vice Deere, dee. ; EAS. 11. T. M'Crea to be lieut.; R. 11. Lewis to be ens. 2nd W. I. Regt.-Ens. A. W. Dickson to be lieut., by per., B ice Hill, who ret. ; C. De Blaquiere to be ens., by pm. Ithever.-Lieu[:Col Lord T. Cecil, of Coldstream F. Gobs., to be col. in the army; Capt. S. B. Jeffries, of sth F., to be major in the army; Capt. G. litaltoy, of 61st F., to be major in the army. lletarracer.o.-Lieut. H. Capadoee, from 6th F., to be apt, with out pur. eIIAI.LAIN.--The Rev. W. W. Jackson, MA., to be Chaplain to the Forces. Ito ITAL STO7. —Ani.C.Surg. J. T. 0. Johnston, M. 0., from 48th F., to be staff burg. of sec. class ; Moist-Sorg. A. A. Prout, from 13th F., to be asaist..surg. to the forces. THE ST. PANCRAS GUARDIANS r. THE POOR-LAW COMM ISSlONERS.—Yesterday a very fully attended meeting of the board of directors and guardians of the poor of the parish of St. Pancras was held in the hoard-room of the workhouse, King's-road, Camden Town. when the chair was occupied by Mr. J. B. E. Wright.—Mr. M'Gahey, the vestry-clerk, read the minutes of the last meeting, which were confirmed, and after transaction of some routine and general parochial business, the subject of the interference of the Poor-law Commivsi mers with the authorities of the parish was brought under consideration. It was stated that Mr. Cooper, the house-surgeon, and other officers con nected with that establishment, had received, since the last meeting of the board, communications from the Poor-law Commis,ioners, apportioning certain duties to each, with an order that the same should be carried out on the 30th inst., quite irrespective of all former regulations. The an nouncement was receive' with general dissatisfaction, and after a very lengthened discussion between Messrs. Howarth, Clarke, }fatten, Douglas, and others, Mr. Marley moved the following resolution " it being the opinion of the vestry, expressed in the resolution of the loth inst., that the order of the Poor-law Commissioners, bearing date 9th Decetnber, 1546, relating to St. Pancras, it, not valid, and in which opinion this board fully concurs - lie•olved : That the duties of the surgeon, as well as those of other officers of the be performed under the instructions of this board and the vestry, as heretofore, and that no books, papers, or documents belonging to the parish be produced to any parties whatever, or any instructions of other parties be followed by them, without host obtaining the con. sent of the vestry or the directors. Mr. Clarke seconded the motion, which was put and carried unanimously ; after which, upon the motion of Mr. Douglas, the whole of the officers were then called in (fifteen in num ber), and the resolution read to them, when a copy was ordered to be given to each. After some further business the board separated. BATHS AND WASH-HOUSES FOR THE POOR.— Yesterday the committee of the baths and wash-houses made a report of the numbers of persons who had mailed them selves of the benefits of the institution, situate in George street, Euston-square, since its opening on the 3rd of August last, during which period, up to the 27th December inst., 34,631 males and 4,394 women have bathed ; 7,961 poor women have washed the wearing apparel of themselves and families, amounting to 30,761. REFUSAL OF BURIAL RlTES.—Yesterday evening, a Mr. Hagerty, a respectable tradesman, applied to Mr. Baker, the coroner, when holding his co u rt , tbr his assist ance. He stated t hat, on the 17th instant, the body of his sister-ia-law was found in the basin of the London Docks, and, after an inquest, a verdict was recorded of " Found Drowned." Mr. Baker then issued his warrant for the burial of the body. The applicant took measures to have it in terred in the churchyard of St. George's-in-the-East, and paid the usual fees to the Rev. Bryan King. On the body being carried to the grave, the reverend gentleman, though he retained the fees, refused to perform the burial service, and the body was buried with no other ceremony than a few prayers spoken by the friends. The applicant wished to know, as Mr. Baker had issued his warrant for the burial of the b ody, whether hecould afford himanyredress. The Coro ner said his warrant was permisaive, and he had no authority whatever to interfere. Mr. Hagerty left the court, expressing a determination to obtain redress, if redress could be had. THE WILL OF TIIE LATE MR. ALSAGER. This document has just been proved by the executors and trus tees, H. 11. Cannan, Esq., of Tulse-hill ; John Oxenford, EN., and Alexander Dobie, of Lancaster-place. The per sonal estate was valued at 25,0001. The will was executed in the presence of three witnesses on the 12th of November, three days before the deceased expired. He has left to his son, Thomas Hicks Alsager, when of age, his share in the Times newspaper ; in the meantime the profits are to be applied for the benefit of all his children. But if his said son should not arrive at that age, his interest in the Times to be valued at six years' average, and to be offered to his nephew, Mr. John Oxenford. Should he decline to purchase, then it is to be offered to any one of the p-oprietors of the paper, or sold to the best advantage. The trustees are to sell all his real estate. The testator leaves to each of his executors 501. (whom he appoints guardians of his children), and all his personal estate to his daughters, equally amongst them. His age was 67.—Morning Post. BEQUESTS BY THE LATE MR. GRENVILLE.—In addition to his library, left to the British Museum, the Right Hon. T. Grenville has bequeathed his splendid mansion, with furniture, to the Duchess of Sutherland. The orna mental work and plate has been bequeathed to Lady Dela mere ; the funded property and estate in Bucks to the Dean of Windsor, father of Mr. Neville, M.P. The servants of the right hon. gentleman also receive bequests, as do several of his immediate relations, &e. The Hon. Mr. Fortescue and the Bon. Mr. Cholmondely, M.P., are named as exe cutors. The latter is still on the continent. TUE SOCIETY OF FIALEND3.—Sir,—In your remarks made the other evening upon the seizure of Quaker's goods for church-rates, you then held the doctrine that the liability of the Quaker to pay church-rata would eventually be done away with, as the system was of forcing the Quaker to take oath, before the affirmation act took place. Now, in my bumble opinion, the two things are totally different If it is opposed to the Quaker's religious feelings to abstain from taking an oath, and if anything of a substitute in the shape of affirmation can supply the place of au oath, by all means adopt the remedy out of respect to the Quaker's religious feelings. But, as regards church-rates, they are, as I said before, totally different. If the Quaker has no right to pay church-rates, the Roman Catholic can have none ! What right has any other dissenter to pay church-rates? And what right have they to pay tithes ? Now I consider the Quaker is no harder dealt by than the Churchman; and although they have to pay church-rates, still it is through their holding some property that is assessed in the parish rate-book, and consequently it is the property that is the actual thing that pays the rate through the occupier. And the rate can always be evaded by the conscientious Quaker relinquishing his tenement; while the property will pay the rate, through a less conscientious occupier. Now I think I have shown that it is not the person that pays towards the Church, but property. The Quakers, as a body, I entertain the greatest respect for ; yet I do hope, if church-rates are to be removed, that they will not be the only sect relieved, but that it will be extended to all denominations.—Yours, A FREETHINKER. DomEsnc FIRE-ENGINES. Sir,—As calamitous fires are of almost daily occurrence, and as they too frequently end in the entire destruction of much valu• able property, every one who gives attention to the sub ject must be impressed with the conviction, that we have not as yet, at instant command, a power suffici ent to grapple with, or effectually subdue, this fear ful agent of destruction. This more especially holds true in regard to those large manufactories which are situated at a distance from large towns, where alone any fire esta blishment is to be found. With the exception of one or two cause, where a few feet of leather hose can be attached to a very insufficient supply of water, I am not aware that anything has been done for those extensive works which are scattered over the country, and where so much capital, and even the prosperity of a large district, is at stake. A few months ago a fire occurred in a large manufactory, abort six miles from Edinburgh, and no efficient means of extinguishing it being procurable nearer than Edinburgh, the result was the destruction of the greater part of the stock tuid premises. Since then it has occurred to the proprietor, who is reconstructing his works, that he might provide himself with a complete and most powerful fire establishment within his own premises, which, on the first alarm, could be brought into instanta neous operation. For this purpose he proposes that the pumps already employed in his works, and propelled by steam and waterpower, shall also be connected with a separate train of pipes, for the sole purpor eof extinguishing fire ; these pipes being made to surround the manufactory, and be provided at suitable distances with the means of attaching leather hose, as in the ordinary fire engine. An essential feature of the plan, and I believe an original one, is, that a safety vale, similar to that used in steam boilers, is to be fitted to the main delivery pipe of these pumps, so that the pressure of water can be regulated to any degree required. Thus, if a fire should occur, by merely turning a cock, the whole discharge from I these pumps will be sent through what may be termed the fire pipe, and a volume of water will be at command, 1 equal to at least six first-class fire engines, and projected with a force the limit of which is the strength of the I pumps and pipes, or the power applied to them. The im mense importance of this arrangement, as well as its sim plicity and efficiency, will at once be apparent to any one acquainted with the principles of hydraulics. Con sidering that there are few manufacturers who have not steam power and water in abundance at command, it is astonishing that they have never thought of applying them to this very useful purpose, and, by the outlay of a mode rate sum fur a set of pumps and pipes, be thus enabled to secure themselves against any serious loss by tire. It is a mistake to suppose that, by merely attaching a hose to a supply of water, at any ordinary pres sure, we gain all the power that is necessary for the suppression of fire. It is a well-ascertained fact, that more depends upon the force with which the water is projected upon the flame, than upon the quantity itself. Now, by the use of pumps with a pressure-regulating valve and a sepa rate train of well-proved pipes, both quantity and power can be obtained, and brought to bear to an almost unlimited degree. A very few inches bore in the pipe would suffice. But might not this principle be brought into opera tion in large towns also? Much importance has been attached to the constant and high-pressure se tern of supplying water to towns by the Health of Towns Commission, be cause of the great facilities it affords for the suppression of fire. But it must be borne in mind that the pees- Mars in all such cases is limited to the highest point eldelivery, and it is not desirable, for many reasons, that it should exceed this. However, it will be found that this is rarely sufficient for the purpose. Indeed I believe it was once tried in Edinburgh, and found insufficient, and con• sequently dangerous to be depended on. Might it not, therefore, be worthy of the consideration of those who are interested and engaged in the unitary movement, whether or not this plan could be advantageously combined with the sanitary measures now in contemplation. In the vicinity of towns there are frequently canals and other large supplies or collections of water, unfit for cooking or other household uses, but which would be quite suitable for water ing streets, or cleansing lanes, sewers, &c. With the aid of a small steam-engine and pumps, as before described, these supplies might lie applied fur these purposes, as well as for extinguishing tire, and would have the advantage of being entirely distinct from the supply of pure water for the more immediate use of the inhabitants, and consequently not limited to the varieties of quantity and pressure incident to that system. Of course, the economy of the arrangements and the application of local advantages are subjects for the engineer, but pumps might be attached to steam engines presently at constant work, or in connexion with bathing establishments, or wash-houses, which are likely soon to become universal in every town. At all events this plan un doubtedly deserves the serious consideration of all proprietors of works where everything, in the event of a fire, depends upon an instant, copious, and powerful application of water. —J. S. A CARRIAGE AN!) SERVANTS MISSING.—The fol lowing singuler information was yesterday circulated throughout the divisions of the metropolitan and City police : —" I' Division, December 28, 1816.—At 3 o'clock p.m. this day a coachman and footman, with a carriage, set down at King's-cross, and have not yet returned. It is supposed they are locked up at some station. Description :—A yellow bodied chariot, arms painted red, a pair of light bay horses, IS hands high, harness brass mounted; crest, a tree; the servants in green livery, with drab great coats.'l Information to be sent to Mr. Macher, Oakfield Lodge, Lower Tube-hill, Brixton." MA DA ME Tussah: D'S Ex II IBITIO N.—The magnificent salons prepared by the proprietors of this well known collec tion of ' wax-works " continue to attract holiday-makers in large numbers. The tableaux of her Majesty's Coronation, and that of George the Fourth, and the group of the Queen, Prince Albert, and their progeny, are likely to prove attrac tions to the juvenile portion of the community. The histo rical portraits of senators, poets, statesmen, dramatists, and of actors, together with the cherished collection forming the " Napoleon Museum," may afford subjects of contemplation and delight to " children of a larger growth." The pro prietors have recently added several new figures to those which already grace the promenade. Of these we may espe cially mention the waxen effigies of Viscount Hardinge and Lord Gough, Mr. Itlacre . aly in the character of Coriolanus, and of James the Sixth of Scotland, and First of England, in the costume of the period at which they reigned. The " Chamber of Horrors ' contains subjects either to disgust or to delight, according to the sort of taste which the spectator may possess. Indeed, all tastes have been studied. TILE CHINESE EXIII BITION. —This Exhibition, which is to close in a few weeks, was visited last night by a crowd of persons principally belonging to the class of intelli gent artisans, from whose remarks we could plainly discover that the recent change in our relations with China has created a widely-spread interest for the people of that nation, and a desire amongst the many who had previously scarce known what was meant by the ' Celestial Empire "to be come acquainted with their national character, their man nets, and customs. Except for those who have sufficient means and leisure to peruse voluminous works upon the suhject, we can conceive no better, no more striking or con cise mode by which so useful a desire may be gratified, than by a few hours' examination of the numerous objects which have been brought together at this exhibition, giving, in reality, at one coup-fl'a'il, a better idea, of the general and external characteristics of the Chinese than ordinary minds would be likely to derive from pages of their history. So varied is the collection, embracing not only what belongs to the domestic habits of the people, but much that may give an insight into the state of their arts and sciences, that every one may find in it some article of virtu, some specimen of manufacture, some implement of labour, some model, paint ing.or costume, to excite his admiration or awaken his curiosity, and send him away determined to know more about the 350,000,000 M -his fellow-creatures who inhabit„,the "Celestialmpire. THE COLOSSEUM.—Amonet the many temptations which beset the sight-seeing holiday folk, there is not one which should act so strongly on their curiosity as the Colos seum. There we have a combination of attractions, each perfect of its kind, and almost puzzling the spectator as to which shall occupy the most of his attention. First we have the Museum of Sculpture, well-selected and most tastefully arranged, each statue or group enjoying a position which would draw tears from the eyes of a National Gallery Exhibitor. When the visitor has gratified his taste by gazing on the ancient Hercules, and his admiration for true greatness by a glance at the modern Brougham or Disraeli, he may adjourn to the Swiss Cottage, where, surrounded by its glaciers and cataracts, be will find the illusion rendered painfully perfect by the hard frost just now prevailing. Then we have the Adelsberg Cavern, Gothic Aviaries,and Conserva tories. The Cavern is so like nature that one would be almost tempted to take one of the stalactites home as a specimen, did not their close resemblance to a gothic interior make us doubtful whether we were not looking upon some perfect work of art. The Panorama of London, to be seen in its perfection of scenic illusion, must be visited at night. A man might live twenty years in London without enjoying a panoramic view of it as it appears by moonlight. An ascent to the top of St. Paul's would procure him that pleasure, but few, we apprehend, would be inclined to scale its gloomy interior at the witching hour. At the Colosseum he may enjoy the prospect, squares, streets, shops, g as-lights, from the best points for effect, and with the best scenic acces sories of light and shade. To suppose London to remain any length of time without a shower, would be an absur dity, and accordingly there is shown the progress of a than der-stnim with a fidelity which almost tempts visitors convulsively to clasp their umbrellas, and call imaginary cabs from the canvas. But their alarm soon passes awai , the bright moon comes out, and tinges with Ds silver light the Mourner:Ago steep! ca of the great metropolis, or is reflected on the calm surface of the river. The rialto's an reassured, and each proceeds delightedly to recognise that part of the City with which he is best acquainted. Every thing is to be seen except the smoke and, the bustle, and their absence few would bo fastidious enough to regret. 'Liken altogether, the exhibition at the Colosseum may claim first rank among the " sights" of London. In so other city would so much money be brought to bear on s mere object of amusement, and no where could it be mors judiciously or tastefully laid out. We were rejoiced to see it on last evening extremely well attended, and we trust th►t it will long enjoy the popularity which it so eminently deserves. INQUESTS, YESTERDAY.-DEATHS IN THE MILLBANIC • Pittao:s.—Surcing.—Two inquests were held yesterday. afternoon in the Millbank Prison, by Mr. Bedford, on the bodies of James Mills, aged 45, and Frederick Biggs, aired 17.—Mr. J. R. Groves, governor of the prison, aired that the deceased, Mills, described as a labourer, was via victed at the Chichester Quarter Sessions on the 22nd of October last, of stealing a shirt and sundry other articles, and sentenced to seven years' transportation.—Charles Quick, one of the warden, said deceased was placed under his cure in a cell with three other prisoners. He noticed not!'ing unusual in him except that he was more quiet than prisoners usually are. Deceased spoke very little, and sometimes begged that the others might not speak to him. Witness saw him several times on Monday morning, the last being about nine o'clock. Shortly afterwards, the other prisoners having occasion to leave the cell, the deceased was left alone, and at ten o'clock, when witness entered again, he saw him hanging by a piece of string to a beam of the room at which the prisoner worked.—John Francis, a prisoner, said deceased fretted a great deal about his wife and family, who were thrown upon the world, and he knew the parish would not allow enough to support them. He had a letter written to kis wife, and after receiving an answer seemed much more oppressed than before. Witness had h..ard him express a great wish to see one of his brother., who was in prison for the same offence. The governor said that the brother in the prison was in a lamentable state of mind. Verdict, "Temporary insanity."—ln the next ease, of Frederick Biggs, Mr. Groves, the governor, said the de ceased was convicted en the 4th of August last, at the Mid dlesex Sessions, of stealing handkerchiefs from the person, end sentenced to ten years transportation. He was received into the Millbrork prison on the 20th of the same mouth, and died in the Infirmary on the 26th inst. Dr. Bale, the physician, said the deceased was several times admitted into ; the Infirmary, and discharged cured. On the sth of the present month he was admitted for the last time with , symptoms of fever, soon followed by other symptoms, and • on the 26th he died. From the post mortem examination, the cause of death was found to be effusion of prurient I matter over the spinal cord and surface of the brain.— Ann Molina, the mother of deceased, complained that she had s not been informed ...f her son's illness.—The governor an . ;;;;;dil;;;;;Sick prisoners might obtain permission to see their relations, but the deceased made no request of the kind. Verdict, " Natural death." At the request of the jury, the coroner and the governor of the gaol under took to write to the Secretary of State for a new rule, authorising the officers of the prison to write to the re lations of all prisoners admitted into the infirmary - DEATHS IN BERMONDSEY WORKHOUSIL—By Mr. Carter, in the board-room of Bermondsey workhouse, on the body of Frederick Wolfrum, a German, aged 72. The de. , used had been a leather-dresser, but had long been an in mate of the house, being blind; he was air.° Lou°, and led about by a man. On Monday he suddenly fell down and died. Verdict, "Natural Death."— Also, on Ann Bottomley, aged 70. On Thursday, de ceased was seen to fall down apparently in a fit, and was soon afterwards dead. The surgeon said death was caused by apoplexy. Verdict, " Natural Death."—Also, on B..rah 1 ork, need 44, deceased had been in much distress, hut bad not wanted food. On Thursday she went to a neighbours opposite, and Raid she was very had in her head, and was carried up stairs and put to bed, and about seven o'clock in the evening was found dead. The sur geon was of opinion that death bad been caused ky disease of the brain. Verdict, "Natural ALLEGED MURDEIL—By Mr. W. Baker, at the George public-house, Mansell-street, Whitechapel, on the body of Mary Fitehenry, an infant aged five months. The parents of the child, Thomas and Caroline Fitzhenry, were brought before Mr. Yardley, at the Thames police-court, on him:day last, on a charge of causing the death of the child by unfair means, hut after a long investigation they were di , charged, and the magistrate directed a post modem csaminuition of the body, fur the purpose of ascertaining the precise cause of death. The particulars of the case were stated in the police report. Mr. John Liddle, a surgeon, deposed he was celled to see the deceased on Sunday morning last. There was an extensive burn, extending from the lett thigh, fire inches in length and three inches wide. The burn was either pro duced during life or immediately after death. He hail since made a post mortem examination of the body, and the lings were highly congested, resulting in his opinion from stitliea tion, and quite sufficient to cause death. The jury said that the deceased was a victim to its parents' intemperance, and they had no doubt the infant had been suffocated. V, relict, "Found dead, apparently from suffocation."—Mvarent oes DEATH.—At Guy's Hospital, before Mr. Payne, on the body of a person whose name is supposed to be James Cup ping, about fifty years of age. Alex. Murray, a labourer in Woolwich dock-yard, said that, about twelve o'clock ou tho night of that day, October 16, he was passing through the burial- round adjoining Woolwich Church, when Ii salt deceased standing against the railing and beckoning to him with his left hand. Witness went to him, when het:claimed " I have cut my throat." Deceased was subsequently con veyed to Guy's Hospital. No knife nor ravor .waa Deceased wsii about five feet eight inches in height. Ii is hair was grey, and his complexion was lair. lie had on a block bodied coat and over it a brown great-coat, black cloth trow sera, a black figured silk waistcoat, Cossack boots, &e. Be fore lie was removed he attempted to tear the wound in his throat open. Mr. Muriel, one of the house-surgeons of Guy's Ilospital, produced the card found on deceased, on ss hick was amarquis's coronet, with the name on it printed " II Mar cheav de Beceadclli." Deceased died on Sunday from the effects of the injury. Shortly after his admission he stated that, in the course of Thursday, previous to being found, he had been drinking with some soldiers, but he could not tell where. When he came out he did not know what became of him till he discovered that he was at the hospital. The sister of Cornelius ward, in which deceased was placed, stated that deceased informed her that he had been living on the con tinent for the last twenty-four years. Ile had then been only three days in England. Ile had lost a great deal of property, on account of which, during the last two years, he hail given way to drinking, from the effects of which, for forty eight hours, he was almost in a state of unconscious ness. lie could not say whether any one had cut his throat, or whether he did it himself. lie had a chest which he brought over with him, but he could not say where it was left. He was at one time a collector of minerals. Verdict— " That the deceased died from a wound in his throat, but how the injury was caused there was not sufficient evidence to satisfy the jury." IRELAND. DUBLIN, DECEMBER 28. . . The committee of landed proprietors resumes its sittings to-morrow. A heavy task and a still more heavy respon sibility is theirs, and it is to be hoped their serious functions will be discharged with temper and intelligence—a ith a proper understanding of the grave evils they are called upoa to assist in removing, as well as of the practical remedies necessary to restore a fast disorffanising society. The meat, pressing evil on Irish property . is the labour rate act. That, I stands in the front of proprietary grievances ; and as the. 1 reproductive substitution which they have been pleased to put forth has not found much favour with the government, they must seek out some other lege objectionable mode of ministering at the same time to their own and the public relief. The draft of an amended bill which is now in course of preparation by a member of the committee, will be shortly laid before that body for their approval, and in the event of its acceptance, will be pre sented to the Irish members for their advice and support. The general character of the measure is a modification of the Labour Rate Act, partly based on the principles laid down in the first circular of the committee, and partly embracing other improvements suggested to the committee since the issue of the circular. A programme will also be sketched out for the Irish representatives of a more comprehensive character, including a varietyof amendments, improvements, and suggestions, on the great sheaf of measures which it is be lieved ministers will lay before parliament. 1 trust the policy of the committee will he the policy of the country, and not inimical to the sanitory restorataves of the government. There is a feeling abroad that government fears the con vocation of Irish landlords and representatives. This is not credible. You will see from the northern journals that the govern ment are pushing forward the investigation relative to the jury frauds brought to light during the recent combination trials. Mr. Nelson, Q.C., an eminent barrister on the north east circuit, and a native of Belfast, presides over the inquiry Some very discreditable practices have been brought to ligh'. but more still remains for exposure. At the conclusion of Mr. O'Connell's speech to-day at the Repeal Association, he stated he would have an addreac issued to the people, calling upon them to desist from attacking or plundering convoys of pros isions —a foolish propensity on the side of the people, but one whose economic bearing is not understood when the appeal lies dv ectly to the stomach. The government is resolved to puni'.h such infractions of the general good, if persevered in, with some severity, which in truth would be mercy to the COMMUI: ity. REPEAL ASSOCIATION.-THIS DAY. The usual weekly meeting was held to day. The atoen• dance was above an average one. Upon the motion of Mr. O'Connell, the chair was taken by the Hon. Cecil Lawless, M.P., who, in addressing the meeting, referred ti the present poverty of the country. If they had n tome government, Ireland could not be in such a state of wretch edness, for, if a parliament were sitting in College-gram, the ports would be opened, and they would not be told that the Irish should starve, lest the English might suffer in their trade. (Cheers.) The Secretary having read the minutes of last week's meeting, Mr. O'CONNELL handed in several renewed sub scriptions, and amongst them 11. from a Mr. Crunt , ,n, of the county Meath, who, he said, had asked him what had become of Henry Grattan: He (Mr. O'Connell) WA , sorry to say, he was afraid that it was ill-health which de ;,rived them of the services of the son of the immortal Grattan, but although absent, his spirit, if not his came, is amongst The learned gentleman then handed in some money, i..clud ing._2ol. from Wexford. Mr. O'Cox•ELL then rose to address the meetinr. He slid he had only a few words, a very few words to ,ay, as his mind oppressed him too strongly in consequence of the intelligence he was hourly hearing from all parts of the • Lund surreyors, with twelve acres, land Mew:tan, achoolrii,tera, farmers holding from ten to twenty liras lien:, in n.vt Iv/ drer 1113.0114, cirroenters blacksmid:is, tailors, rkl,VCIr, hur.kratis, shim makers, mtsuut bop, &c. 1