The Express. — London, England, 1853-12-28 00:00:00

. _ zt a. .% great many heavy sales this morning were ro oted to for the among of English capitalists. itt re~y ,st, ue d a t :3.75, with a fail of 60e. They were at on. time as low us 73.63 E, but towards the e ke of pu-wrw there was a slight improvement in the tone of the market. St. Germain Railway fell 13, Northern 10, Orieans 13.7., ltouen 12.50, Stras bourg 11.25. Lyons 10, Lyons and Mediterranean 12. 54 . 1- • It was vi ry generally expected that an extraordi moy number of the Monifeur would appear this mo rainic to innounce the entry of the fleets. The so souncem nt, however, has not been made, for the reason, as I believe, that alter all the news of the sctuai cutr, of the fleets has not arrived. In conse quence of ti.e holiday yesterday, none of the Morning per m (the Nude excepted) have made their appear ance. Tim cold is intense ; water freezes indoors, and the Seine is frozen over. GERMANY. The Culuyne Gaulle states that the Prussian go esrnment I. is named commissioners to fix new bases for the pry. minarics of a treaty of commerce between Belgium at •1 the Zollverein. A letter •rom Vicuna, of the 21st, says "A Rus sian councillor, M. Dun, has arrived here with pre 'eats from the Emperor Nicholas for the Emperor Francis Jo. eph. Amongst them is a magnificent camp tent ..nd the necessary furniture." The Vicuna journals announce that Count Ernest Esterhazy Is, at the beginning of the year, to marry, at St. Petersburg, the daughter of the State Coun cillor Teng.•borski. One of his brothers has already married a Russian lady. The Chambers of the Grand Duchy of Baden are Convoked f the 9th January. The Neu Prusium Gazette, of the 24th, states that Austria al.: mediate in the difference which ban' arisen bet .ieen the government and the catholic clergy of It •den, the Baden government having itself solicited lti r interference. The Papal Nuncio at Vienna is, it is said, about to leave for Rome to fill the post of Nliuister of Foreign Affairs. His suc cessor is ni • yet mentioned. VIENNA, 131 c 23. 'f ho eia:. M. of to-day reproduces a semi-official article fur , . the (*At. Corr espondenz of last night, to the rt presentations of which the government evidently letiuhes importance. On the second day aft. r the signature of the Protocol and Collective /tote of the Vienna Conference (i. e., on the 7th of Deeembet!. we openly spoke of its importance. Now that the test of the above-mentioned documents has been made public elsowL•re, It is cesifirmed that the endeavour. of all Earope he the restoration at peace between Russia and the Porte ma 1.. he carried out by pacific means alone, without violation of er prejudice to any rights formerly acquired. Nothing is less calculated to excite surprise than that the cost eneraldienry interpretations should have been given by the perk' !teal press, according to the national view, or r4im ica each separate paper, to the act of the 6th of ber Po correct, clear up, or confirm these opinion., u not star I..sineas, and it would be Sisyphas-work to at tempt it. (:u task cnn-ista in the truthful presentation et facts, and in the important documents signed on the sth of December a e discern with satisfaction the common will of the Powen t . aim at the maintenance of peace, as also the ite , sfa ,eiois it the necessity for maintaining the Turkish Empire in. "ate which has obtained the sanction of time. When it is. ...sibered that the observance of the ancient treaties bets •en Russia and the Sublime Porte—particu larly those Redondo. and Adrianople—is made the fun damental c ,ndition of the future treaty of peace, and that the rte Its acknowledged the obligations aris ing from 'tie same, every dispassionate judge of the state of ah.irs must share our opinion that a par tkulsr fat.dtty must be attached to this question should the otuanous endeavours of the four Powers— whom bona nrwia have already removed so many impedi ments outoi toe way—fait to bring about by moral iotlu ences a torn and satisfactory arrangemeat between Russia and the Poi , . As his 3lojesty the Emperor of Russia bad expressed lionself ready to enter into negotiations for peace, the ants ha- been lint addressed to the Sublime Porte. If in the face . • '1 state of things which is not only notorious, but, so to sly, " protocolled" by the whole of Europe, the writen of ti.• leading articles and correspondence of some of the foreign papers profess to have some peculiar initio bon into tb. whole secret of the recent course of diplomacy sad to tan something shout a certain operation of secret motives—pr ifess, indeed, to speak of a less friendly or even Menacing position msumed by Austria towards Russia, it is macient to refer to positive facts to show that the Imperial nye govern:cent by again amicably and sincerely uniting with thg two great Powers, is order by a common mediation le relaxer the disturbed peace of the East, has not in the bet renounced her friendly sentiments towards her allied neighbour, and will not have to renounce them in future. On the cc--trary, we see in the intimate friendship between the two great monarchs the surest guarantee for the peace of the world, and fur the conservative interests of Strops. ITALY. The Op ,, Atone of Turin of the 23rd states that a few days vilore a revolutionary placard was found stuck up at tunes, inciting the people to rebel against the Piedo.‘.ntese government. It produced no ex citement, tve that of ridicule. The author has not yet been d.scovered. • DESPERAIE STATE OF THE PAPAL TREASURY. ROME, Die. 20. Loud complaints against the ministers and their operations have characterised the first sittings of the newly-reamiernbled financial council of state, nor will any strength of expression or energy of debate surprise us in future on its part, if we reflect that the Pope himself gave it an example of dissatisfaction only a few days ago, by showing himself moved even to tears whilst recapitulating in his speech to the councillors the disastrous condition of the state finances. What remedy can be proposed for the evil of an annually increaaing deficit remains to be seen, as also whence the money is to come for this year's deficit, amounting to 2,700,000 scudi, about a quarter of the net revenue of the state. There are but three methods, and all are impracticable, especially the last :—to contract a new loan, to impose fresh taxes, or to lay hands upon some portion of the eccle inpatient property. The government has ceased for three months making its payments 'martially is silver, and the em• h19. 1 s are again entirely - paid in paper . The mint, owever, is hard at work, providing a sufficient amount of silver to cover the dividends which will fall due on the Paris loan at the end of the year, and to substitute for the 100 scudi notes which are to be withdrawn from circulation at the same period. These notes are at a considerable premium, in conse quence of their being now considered almost equiva lent to silver. The em: ion of notes of the value of outfaced° each (41. 2d.) not by the government, but by the Roman bank, has been objected to by the directors of that establishment, as adculated to bring their paper into discredit. Amongst other propositions which have been submitted to the Pope by the ministerial league, which now directs every operation in the state, is that of forming a monopoly of colo nial prod we. similar to that of salt and tobacco, which has been farmed to Prince Torlonia for the last twi lie years. If this plan is adopted, the mono poliste 'Ali engage to pay the government an annual sum amounting to 1,200,000 wadi over and above what is now derived from the duty on colonial pro duce, on condition of being allowed to fix the prices of sugar and coffee at much higher rates than those current at present. It is doubtful whether a scheme so directly opposed to the modern demonstrations of sane political economy and commercial prosperity will obtain the sovereign approbation, especially as the Nlinieter of Conimerce, Jacobini, is directly opposed to it, and th_ iiimnion of the financial Con sults can hardly he' mire favourable. A fresh loan with Rothschild is also spoken of, but as that capitalist would require the salt and tobacco moropoly to be made over to him as security or the expiration et Torionia's contract in 1 01, which monopoly the ministerial league is desirous of getting into its own hauds ea soon as possible, it will , be difficult to come to terms satisfactory to both I Parties. Meanwhile M. Fould, junior, is here, cos /mated, as appears., with another scheme, put forward bc I company o f e p uu l a t ora f or th e crea t io n of a new debt in the form of C.insols, for the execution of the kaft-proji cted rails ay line from ltome, via Ancona, to Bologna. Whatever may be the means which the government decides upon adopting, there seems again to be a ifeneral opinion that the paper money will really be withdrawn from circulation ere long, and the coneestuence of tLis rumour is already perceptiloc in the red' ieed price of specie. 4 0 14,1 00 W AMA RAILWAY. he the week gilding Dec. 24, 1853, 4,6381. 15s. I ld. eseessosssdins 4,110.. 184. 11.1. Incrtsss .8 1 8.Rw Ih• 04. THE EXPRESS, WEDNESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 28, 1853 GOLD MINIM.; SHAREHOLDERS' MEETING. -•- Yesterday a meeting of shareholders interested is the Australasia Freehold Gold Miss was held at the London Tavern; Mr. Guadat.t.a in the chair. The CHAIRMAN opened the proceedings by stat:ng that the Australian Freehold Gold Mine Company had been one of the very first formed for the purpose of mining in Australia, having been first projected in December, 1851, and from that day to the present it bad not furnished a single account, nor publi led a single statement as to the position of the company. He had attempted to obtain some information, but had been refused, on the plea that he was no shareholder, inasmuch as be had shares, the secretary adding that the company being on the cost-book principle, such registration was absolutely necessary to constitute him a shareholder. (Hear.) They had further informed him when demanding a meeting, that meetings had been held every two months on the cost-book principle, which had been attended by the registered Astra -1 holders. lie bad then asked how many registered share holders were there, and the answer was eight or nine. (Laughter.) He pronounced such proceedings a regular farce. (Hear, bear.) Now, at the original projection of this company 100,000 shares were issued at 11. each, and no deed was required to be signed, nor was the cost-book principle notified. lie asked, if the cost-book was to be the • principle why not state it oz the scrip, and not first catch the shareholders money and then tell them what were the coudi , ions by which they were to be guided. The prospectus told them they had obtained a ♦aluable property, which was freehold, abounding in gold quartz, and held directly from the Crown, under the protection of the colenial laws. Why this was quite as at tractive as a play bill, but the fact was that these com panies were nothing but regularly got upend manufactured articles, made to order. Names were obtained and brokers were employed to disseminate their shares all over the coun'ry, and this might accouat for the thin attendance on that day, as the fact was that the proprietary was scat tered over all parts of the United Kingdom. Ile was glad to say, that in the log ' he had felt it to be his duty to male he had received every facility from the committee of the Stock Exchange, and had found all the shares to be paid up. The public, he believed, had paid in 66,0001., and that 25,0004 in shares bad been paid for the land, about which, be might observe, there was something very curious, as it was part of the celebrated Bathurst estate, and the vendors were the same. It wu stated that 25,000 shares had been given for the mine ; but until they got out all the facts, it would be impossible to may how all those shares bad been disposed of. That the sellor had received 25,000!. was a fast which he did not believe. His suspicion was that the directors had gone anacks is the matter. There was no doubt but that hir.)dathews had received the 25,000 shares, but the question was how hs bad distributed them. (Hear, hear.) They had all heard how Mr. Hudson stated he had paid 6,0001. in bribes to members of parliament, and had offered to prove it, but wu not allowed. Perhaps something in the acme way had taken place in this ease, but it was enough for their present purpose to say that the land had turned out utterly worth- less, Ind that the company had been obliged to content themselves with speculating in gold which had been raised elsewhere. There were many unfavourable reports about the company, one of which was that the first agent sent out had turned out badly ; but on this as on other points he had been refused all informa tion. His belief was that the company had lost 10,0001. or 12,0001. through this person, and this, with the 25,000 shares, accounted for the 37,0001 of their money. In December, 1851, they sent out a working staff to Mr. Pula ford, and these, finding nothing upon their own ground, had been nothisit bat a set of tramps ever since, digging haphazard all over the country. However bad this might seem, there was is this ease something to go upon. He believed that the directors were not averse to • winding up, and that there was still about 30,0001. of their money left. The directors were all wealthy and men of standing and reputation, and having placed themselves in a false position, their obvious duty was to give every facility for the fullest investigation. Why, truing bun betrayed into giving an enormous price for a few acres of land, which bad turned out to be worth nothing, their duty was to have returned the shareholders money without any deduction for expenses, as they were all self-elected persons. This had been done in the eases of two unsuccessful companies, with one of which Mr. Gurney was connected, the money had been all returned to the shareholders. (Hear, hear.) He had now stated the prin cipal facts connected with this company, and it was for the meeting is consider the best means of putting an end to such a state of uncertainty. In his opi nion the Winding-up Act would be the beat re medy. Let them first divide the assets, and then would come the question of whether, the directors having pur chased an estate for 25.000/., which had turned out to be perfectly worthless, without due inquiry, they were not bound, both in honour and equity, to indemnify the share holders? (Hear, hear.) His belief was, that by a trifling subscription amongst themselves they might get out of the affair with credit. Directors, fur instance, should not re ceive free shares. He could not say positively that they had done se in this case, but he bad every reason to suspect that they had gone snacks with the vendor. (Hear, hear.) Who had taken 100, and who had taken 1,000 sh ares, he could not say, bat these were the facts that he wanted to come at. He had received letters offering disclo sure, • thing which was only to be obtained by peaching" among the guilty. In all job. of this kind some parties were sure to be discontented with their share, and as these parties were only waiting for an opportunity to " blow," there would he plenty of Queen's evidence and all theme dark matters would soon come to light. (Hear, hear.) Since these meetings had commenced he had received letters from holders in nearly sixty companies complaining that they had not been in cluded in his list. Carson's Creek shareholders were espe cially discontented. (" Hear," and a laugh.) They had had no meeting since 1852, and one of the directors was a member of her Majesty's government, Mr. Sadleir, M.P. This gentleman had influenced the board to lend out the money of the company on estates ha Ireland. A very goodinvestment, it was true, and that was a comfort to the shareholders, but then the original purpose for which it had been subscribed vies gold mining in Australia, and its destination should not have been altered without the consent of the shareholders. His belief was that in all these cases the money might be legally recovered in full, but then the pro cess was most tedious and expensive, as in the case of the Madrid and Valencia, which occupied years, and cost 3,0001., when the directors were at last brought to book, and the shareholders got back half their money. He would recommend a middle course, which might obtain them an inWalment. He did• not Wish to Dear too hard on the directors, and should, therefore, in the first instance, pro pose a committee of investigation. Mr. STIVINSON, in seconding the resolution, expressed the obligations which gold mining shareholders were under to Mr. Ouedalla. (Hear, hear.) With respect to the Aus tralian Freehold, he thought it was not the interest of the shareholders to quarrel with the directors, especially as they had still a large sum of the share holders money in their hands. (Hear, hear.) There seemed to be a great difference of opinion as to the duty and respunsibility of directors. He looked upon them as trus tees of the property of others, and he considered them to be legally and equitably responsible if there had been any misappropriation of shares. Then came the question of how far they were responsible fur the 25,000 shares they had paid for the land, which was said to be worthless. He had been an original allottee, and could have sold his oha.es at a premium; but he relied on the directors, and had since found that these gentlemen had allotted 500 free shares each to themselves. (Hear, hear.) Here were 7,000 shares gone at once, bed tea the 25,000 given for the land. The public had subscribed 66,0001., and the questioa was, what bad been done with she money? Mr. Outdate had informed them that there was 30,0001. yet in hand ; if so, the best course would be to appoint a committee to carry out one of two plans, either to have the affairs wound up or to compel the directors to allow of a new infusion of strength into their board. lie bad never had much confidence in a board composed of majors, and colonels, and captains, who might be very honourable men, but never were able to cope with a commercial difficulty. Of their directors Sir C. Rumbold was dead, and another had retired, so that they were now reduced to a small clique, sad there woo every necessity fur an infusion of aew strength. There was another point to consider, and that was in bow far the com mittee of the Stock Exchange had been justified in allow ing of the exhibition of these shares in their official list. His opinion was that the committee would not come' out of the matter with very clean hands. In the same way as a company obtaining an act' of parliament gave them the stamp of authenticity, an admission to the official list of the Stock Exchange, gave a new undertaking a status which influenced the public, 500 iniluced th , mto invest their money, and therefore it lit - cam the committee to exercise great care and caution in their admissions. (Hear, hear.) As to the probability of getting back their mosey, be had called at the office a letc days since, and knew something of the circumstances uu kr which their estate had been purchased. There was a ceetem Mr. A., who having been transported some years since hail ultimately obtained a ticket of leave, and having mice. cited in amassing some mosey, had purchased a thousand acres of I land for 1,0001. The person who time over sail wild this land to the Lake Bathurst Company was the eon.iu-law of this Mr. A. (Hear, hear.) Now, their directors ell, ged that they had been gree.ely 'repos. don in the purchase of land, and he now asked them on whose judgment they had felt themselves justified in giviug 20,0001. lir 300 acres of this land. (liver, hear.) However. all the men cannected with their bourd were men of wealth end stand- leg, and the only question was how to get at then,. lie thought the shareholders should, as men of business, be contented with getting beck a portion of their money, and with these views he should second the motion for a com mittee. Mr. Of VALLS reenti .ned the case of a solicitor, of whom he had heard, and abs had received 000/. es • gratuity. Mr. CIIkKNOCa said that the great question to constncr was what was the extent of power really possessed by the fairways. He believed them to be merely delegates ap pointed to do the bovines' of the shareholders. Hers, the n, was n ow in which a company had been in existence for two years, and had given 25,0001. for 500 acres of land, because they were told it contained gold. He wanted to know were directors to be paid - for such conduct as thin ? They were all aware how these things were got up. A stockbroker probably not overwhelmed with business, and an attorney In a somewhat similar pre dicament, said, " Let us get up a company." Away they went and gut hold of a captain, a major, and a colonel. lf they could get hold of an M.P. or an alderman, the public was caught by the now at once. A prospectus, nicely got up on hotpressd paper, was then issued, and tne shares distributed throughout the country. Then the directors made themselves a present of a thousand free shares each, and proceeded to bay a piece of land. Somebody had got • piece to sell covered with nuggets, and away they went and bought it, without making a single inquiry as to the truth of the representations. (" Hear," and laughter.) Then, every time the shareholders made aay inquiry at the office, they were told they had not commenced opera tions yet, or they would next week, or they expected ad vices from their agent next week, and in the meantime the directors had their weekly luncheon and wine, all of which went into the petty cash, and out of the pockets of the shareholders. (Laughter.) If any shareholder got troublesome, he was boldly asked, "Who are you r" " You ate nobody, we are the directors, and you the com mon people. We will give you no accounts . " (Laughter.) He thought that if these directors were respectable men, they ought themselves to come forward with the account/. Mr. LIND° said he had looked over the prospectus, and did not find it stated that their company was on the coat book principle ; on the contrary, the prospectus clearly indicated that they were nut established on that principle. Towards the conclusion of the prospectus, it was intimated that it was "intended" to adopt the cost book principle, but it Wll clear that the decision on that subject ',mild be come to at a general meeting of shareholders. In fact it could not be done without their consent. (Hear, hear.) The course he should recommend would be for an original alluttee to bring an action against a director, and he would undertake to say that if such action were properly conducted, they would recover every shilling they had paid. (Hear.) Mr. Sums said that it appeared the directors had 30,0001. in head. if they had taken 500 free shares he must withdraw all confidence from them. Mr. OVIDALLL had one other statement to make. Long after the directors had ascertained the worthlessness of the estate, they bad permitted the shares to be sold et t premium. He was for the " wind-up," as the office would not pass the " whitebait feeds " in the accounts. Mr. &PARE suggested that one of the committee should register, and try conclusions with the directors. Mr. LIND° was against registering. The resolution appointing a committee palsied unani ' money, as did also one of nomination, and one of thanks to Mr. Guedalla, which terminated the business of the meeting. THE MISSION 01' THE FLEETS. The Charivari has the following amusing article on the report of the combined fleets having entered the Black Sea, with instructiovs to protect the Turks, but to abstain from giving any offence to the Russians. It is given in the form of a conversation between two bourgeois of Paris at a cafe over a game of dominoes : " It is your turn, my dear Monsieur Prndhosene : have you seen the newspapers this morning ?" "Itis my daily custom—l put down the ace four, my dear Monsieur Cag nerd." " The situation is grave." " I cannot deny that —and yet it does mot seem to me to be desperate. I have confidence in the efforts of diplomacy." " Don't talk to me of diplomacy!" "Do you :deny the science of the Talleyeends and the Capefigues F" " Heaven forbid ! but it is arms which will decide!' " Who says so ?" All the newspapers. The fleets have entered the Black Sea." " Happily !" " Yon call that happily ; have you by chance become a demagogue!" " The conduct of all my life places e out of the re — i;ll of such a suspicion. Six at both ends." Play on—however you see war with pleasure." " What makes you think so ?" " The indifference with which you receive the news I give you." " The news gives me plca •ure, I contras—two-four." " I perceive it clearly block the four." '• I am sure that you would be as much charmed as I am, if you had read the whole despatch. Hew is it drawn up : ' We are assured that the combined fleets have entered the Black Sea, not to attack the Russians, but to defend the Turks.' Is that what you have read ?" " Perfectly." " Now, follow carefully my reasoning—double five." " I don't play." "The English fleet and the French fleet enter the Black Sea—that is admitted. They meet the Russian fleet at sea. Immediately the English admiral makes signals to which the Russian admiral hastens to reply. The two admirals go on their quarter-decks, and take their speaking trumpets. They ask each other news ci their health, and if they have Lad • pleasant voyage. The Russian admiral invitee the English admiral to break fast—he accepts. The boats are put oat. The breakfast tiuished, the admirals embrace, and separate after having mutually wished each ether a pleasant voyage. During this time a division of the Russian fleet meets a division of the Turkish fleet. It would, perhaps, desire to attack it, but • French squadron escorts the Turkish fleet, and the Russians seeing that they are not the strongest avoid the combat, and take another direction. In not attacking the Russians, war is not declared. In protecting tie Turks, peace is maintained. Thus are verified the terms of the telegraphic despatch. You see then that you are wrong in being alarmed." "You are right." "And that I was .perfectly right in expressing pleasure at the entrance of the fleets into the Black Sea." "Perfectly." "Go to the Bourse—and you will see that all people ol common sense think absolutely as I do. The entrance ol the fleets will prove the good understanding which has not ceased to reign between Russia and the great Western powers—since the English and French vessels will not endeavour to burn the Russian vessels. It will equally testify to the profound sympathy which France and Eng land feel for Turkey, since the allied fleets will prevent the vessels of the Sultan from being destroyed. In this way war becomes completely impossible. I'hree and five." " I can't play." " Then domino." " Now that lam tranquil! let us play another game." " Willingly." TELEGRAPHIC CURIOSITIES. The Patrie, of Monday evening, publishes the fol owing respecting a despatch from Trieste, which ap peared in the Morning Chronicle and several other papers on Monday last, Dec. 26 : " A telegraphic despatch from Trieste, of the 24th inst., mentions the entry of the Russians into Khiva. This news appears inexact. It is very true t►at for a year put Persia Mid Affghanistan have been the object of Rumba atten tions. An envoy extraordinary left Astrachan at the com mencement of the summer, charged with an extraordinary mission to the Khan of Shin ; but his efforts were not succusful. It wu on this account that a military expedi tion left ',Orenburg. The commander of this expedition having encountered extraordinary difficulties, has demanded reinforcements, which could not have reached him till very lately. It is not then probable that he proceeded on his march before their arrival, or that he was able so easily to seise Khiva, from which the Russians, from the time of Peter the Great to the present day, have often been re pulsed." ' Such is the explanation of the Patric. A much simpler one, however, is close at hand. The Chronicle's despatch of Monday lust was thus framed : " PARIS, SUNDRY MORNING. " The following despatch has been received from Trieste : " ' Trieste, Dec. 24. " ' News has bee* received from Bombay to the 26th of November. 0 . According to these accounts, the Shah of Persia we' touching towards the north with an army of 40,000 ma and 100 cannon. ... The English were, on the other hand, marching to wards Afghanistan, to bar the defile of Cohat by means of • fort. The Russians, it is added, have entered Khiva, and destroyed Ackmetzen, in Independent Tartary.' " On the 7th of October last the advance of the Shah and hit army to the north was reported with considerable cir cumstantiality in the Daily News, on the authority of letters from Tabriz. Four days afterwards the following was given in the Daily News :—" A letter of the 26th ult., in the Dresden Gazette, says—' Important intelligence has arrived relative to the advantages obtained by the Russian troops on the Asiatic frontier of the empire. The capture of the fortress of Akmetsb, situated on the Sudaria, in Turkic tan, can only contribute to augment the influence of Russia in Central Asia. The Kergbises, established beyond the Sudaria, have recognised the supremacy of Russia since the Emperor Alexander's time. The inhabitaats of the steppes of Sauthern Turkistan have made several incursions on the aortheru districts. The Khan of Khiva hastened to draw closer to Russia as soon es he heard of the capture of A kmetsh. Russia has some idea of uniting by a canal the Caspian Sea to Lake Aral.'" . . . . Subsequently, all the facts mentioned in the Trieste despatch were fully discussed, the reported presence by the Russians at Khiva forming the subject of a letter by our correspondent, "Anglo-Indian," and it was reasonable to suppose that we should advance with eveats, when to! at the expiration of ten weeks, the old story meets us again as latest intelligence." The trunk is, that the news of the taking of Ahmetzek was transmitted from Europe to Delhi and Bombay, and is acknowledged by the Indian papers themselves. The Bombay Tinsel is the authority upon which this newest alarm was raised, but the Bombay paper acknowledges that its authority is the Agra Intelligencer, find it supports its summary by the following extract from that joarnal :—" The Delhi Gazette some time ago an nwoced the advance of a Russian army towards Khiva ; and now the Caksdia Morning Chronicle has got letters— whence is not stated—declaring that this force has reached Klima, while a London correspondent of the Delhi Gazette states that the Russians having taken the fortress of Ah metsek, the road to Khiva was open to them." Thus it is shown that the details of an event in Penia are published in London in October, and then at the end of December, fragments of the same news reach London by 1 Electric Telegraph from Trieste. DEATII or PROFESSOR IE, DEC. 26. - -Dr. Wm. Hodge Mill, Regina Professor of Hebrew, canon of Ely, and rector of Brasted, died at Ely on Christmas-day at 9.30 p.m., after lees than a week's illness, On Monday week he went up to London to attend a meet ing of the Foreign Translation Committee of the Society fur Promoting Christian Knowledge. The extreme cold of the day brought on an obstruction which no medical skill could counteract, and he died, without pain, and with all such consolations as his friend/ could wish, on Sunday night. Dr. Mill took a very high degree in 1813, and was elected Fellow of Trinity College. In 1820 he went out as first principal of Bishop's Coilege, Calcutta, the noble foundation of Bishop Middleton. On his return, in lb3B, he received the honourable and important appoint ment of domestic and examining chaplain to the late Arch bi-hop Howley. Subsequently he was appointed Christian Advocate. In 1843 his patron and friend, Archbishop Howley, presented him to the living of Brasted, Kent ; and in 1848 he was elected Regius Professor of Hebrew, to which a canonry at Ely is attached. Dr. Mill's acquire ments in Sanacrit have won him a European reputation ; and, as a classical production in that language, his " Christal Sangrita" is a work unparalleled in modern literature. MASSEtts AND CUSTOMS or THE NATIVES OF COILVE CAsTLII.—At Corfe Castle, in Dirsetshire, a curious ; cuamm prevails at Christmas time. A man is dreassd up in the skin of a bull, head, horny, and all. A ring is placed through the nostril of the bull's akin, to which is fastened a chain, and another man leads the one that is so disguised about. They enter every holm, and collect money. The man disguised bellows like a bull. This I custom is a very ancient one. PRESENTATION OF AN ADDRESS TO THE REV. F. D. MAURICE. Last evening a festival was held at the hall of the Working Men's Association, for the purpose of affording the working claws an opportunity of presenting an address to the Rev. F. D. Maurice, expressive of their regard and admiration of his general conduct, and their regret at his being deprived, in consequence of his opinions on certain theological points, of his position as a public teacher in con nexion with King's College. The room was exceedingly crowded, amongst the compauy were several ladies, and a number of the perienal friend, of the rev. ex-professor. Mr. JOSEPH Coarmo took the chair, and in a brief speech explained the object of the meeting, and paid a high compliment to Mr. Maurice fur the exertions he had made to improve and elevate the working classes of the metro polis. With regard to the dispute between Mr. Maurice and the council of King's College, and which had led to his separation from that establishment, it was not his (the chairman's) intention, nor was it the intention of the committee, to express any opinion. lie would only say, in reference to this point, that it was to be expected that with his kindly disposition and known benevolence, Mr. Maurice would give a more liberal and a more genial interpretation to those passages of Scripture relating to future punishments, than those would do who were not impressed with similar feelings. (Bear, hear.) But whether Mr. Maurice's interpretation was right or wrong, he thought the course which the council of the college had pursued towards him was not calculated to narrow those uivisiuns in the Church of England which unfortunately existed. (Rear, hear.) It was a fact which there was no disguising that the clergy of that church did not at present possess that influence over the working deem which their position, their talent, and their means ought to give them—(hear, hear)—nor would they possess it until they followed Mr. Maurice's example, and instead of merely preaching to them from the pulpit, came amongst them, made themselves acquainted with their feelings, their wants, and their defects, and endeavoured to elevate and instruct them by practical means. (Cheers.) The following address, which bore the signatures of 960 persons, was then presented to the reverend gentleman by a deputation of the committee : " SO TILE REV. FREDERICK DENISON MAURICE, M.A. "Dear and respected Sir,—The undersigned members of the working class of this metropolis desire to express to you those feelings of admiration and regard with which your conduct has inspired them. To the greater number you are known chiefly from the services you have rendered to the class to which they belong, by your efforts to improve their condition and introduce a higher and purer tone into their daily life, and from the sacrifices you have made for the maintenance of what you conceive to be vital and es sential truth. Those only among them who have enjoyed the pleasure and the privilege of persona: communication with you, can fully understand the extent to which those services have been enhanced by the urbanity of manner and kindliness of heart which your intercourse with them has uniformly exhibited. It is with pain and bitter regret that they have become acquainted with recent events connected with your position as a public teacher in one of the chief educa tional establishments of this country; and while they desire to avoid any expression of opinion as to the theological aspects of the dispute which has unfortunately arisen, they are convinced that that establishment will be less favourably regarded in consequence of its results ; and the authorities in connection with it having looked upon you as unfit to rank among its most honoured teachers, working men will come to the conclusion that those authorities are not en. titled to their respect. As working men, living among working men, knowing their views and feelings, they assert with confidence that the affectionate regard fur you which they have attempted to express may be accepted as a faith ful reflex of the feelings entertained by many thousands of their fellows; and they believe that if anything tends to bring the many into real communion with the church. it is that it numbers among its members men like yourself. That you may long continue to pursue your useful and honourable career ; that the eminent services you have con fessedly rendered to the church and to the cause of educa tion may meet with a more generous and grateful apprecia tion ; that those who at present misunderstand and mis represent you may learn by your example, and that they may at least emulate you in the wisdom and zeal with which you have advocated the cause of the working man, is the sincere and earnest desire of those whose names are hereunto appended." The Rev. F. D. Mauston, in returning thanks, said he was gratified that so little was said in the address of the circumstances which had recently occurred to him in cnn nezion with the college in which be had been a teacher ; and he would dismiss that subject by expressing his grati tude to those who, differing as some of them must do from him upon many points, had yet joined in this address. He regretted that so much importance was attached to the ser vices which it was supposed he had rendered to the working classes, because the acts which were alluded to in the first paragraph of the address were clearly and obviously in. eluded in his duty as a clergyman of the church of Eng land. (Hear.) He valued this expression of their ap probation, not on account of his own acts, but for the cause in which he had laboured to sense extent, but in which others of his brethren, some of whom were now present, had laboured far more, and whose representative, when he was put so pro _ _ UNITED MEXICAN MINING ASSOCIATION. Yesterday, a special general meeting of the pro prietors was hell at the company's office, 5, Finsbury circus, fur the purpose of electing a director to fill the vacancy caused by the death of the late Mr. W. Flockton. Mr. WKILLor in the chair. Mr. Putt-tea said the special business of the meeting being the election of a director, be begged to propose Mr. J. Weston. Mr. J. Timm., a member of the board, seconded the motion, and exprenied bit confident belief that by his know ledge, experience, and influence, Mr. Weston, who, he was happy to say, was the only candidate, was well qualified for the office. The motion was carried unanimously. The CHAIRMAN having apologised for the unavoidable absence of Sir John liasthope, the chairman of the board, requested the secretary to read a report in anticipation of that to be presented to the next half.yearly meeting. The SIOANTARY (Mr. A. Weatmacott) then read a state ment containing a general account of the position and pros. pacts of the company. From this it appeared that the total amount of capital expended up to this time on account of the several mines of the company was 184,8441. The principle of extecaion had, it was stated, for some time given way to that of contraction. The number of mines was now reduced to three, and even of these only two were being worked. A letter was then given from Capt. Farrell, the company's manager in Mexico, dated 26th September last, containing detailed statements with regard to the present position of the mines, ant the absolute and imme• dicta want of further capital, and concluding with a request fur pecuniary assistance, in order that the works may be prosecuted with vigour. The directors' statement termi. nated with an intimation that the question of raising addi tional capital would be submitted to the approaching half yearly meeting in January, which would be made special tar the purpose. Mr. Pumps wished to know whether any measures had been taken to supply Captain Farrell with funds in the mean time, in order that his operations might not be im peded ? The CHAIRMAN replied that it was the intention of the Board to give him credit by the next mail for 3,0001., which would carry him over to March. Mr. nittrre said he felt great interest in the fate of this company, having belonged to several Mexican Mining Cimpanies, which, after being given up by the English adventurers, had proved very successful in the hands of these to whom they were resigned. From pershnal obser vation, and from all that he could learn, he believed the Jesus Maria and Trinidad mines afforded a fair chance of prude, and he hoped no efforts would ba wanting to ensure SLICCeIs. The meeting then separated. THE PANAMA RAILWAY. The Panama Star, of Nov. 26, announces that the bridge across the Chagres river is completed, and that on Thursday, the 24th Nov., the first locomotive creased it. and came as far up as the Maumee station. We (the Star) hail this long looked (or event with the highest satisiastion. Now we will begin to realise the fact that the railroad is being hurried on to completion. The great obstacle is over come—the passage of the Chagres river—and the can have already travelled several miles this side of Barbacou. We are assured by Mr. Gillett that before the second next ran of passengers, the mule road will be opened from the Obispo river—to which point the rails are already laid—to inter sect the Cruces road at Doe Hermanoe, so that we can pro mise all travellers that after the 20th of December they, with their baggage, can make the trip with all ease from ocean to ocean in oae daylight, and without the use of boats, as by that time the river naviga tion ;will be done away with. In six months from this day, provided we have a favourable dry season, we are assured that, with the exception of about three miles at the summit, the whole road will be travelled by cars from Panama and Aspinwall. We further learn from Mr. Gillet, that the .railroad company have at pre sent employed 2,600 men, more than 1,200 of whom are engaged on the works at Obispo. In a few days this force will be divided into two parties, and will proceed at onus to open the mule road before referred to, which is to intersect the Cruces read. Labourers both from the Uni•ed States and Carthegena are coming in rapidly ; and not a vessel arrives at Aspinwall from the latter place or New York that does not bring large additions to the present number. In a couple of months more, the railroad company will have landed here and at Aspinwall, at least 4,000 more labourers from Ireland and China—the latter landing here in our harbour, while the former will be lauded at Aspinwall. The whole of this large force will be engaged in the con struction of the road hence to the summit; and as it will then be dry season, there will be no sickness to dread, or other cause of difficulty to apprehend. COMMENCEMENT OF THE GEELONG AND MELBOURNE RAILWAY. A correspondent writes :—" The 20th of Septem ber last was a great day in the annals of Geelong, in Aus tralia, that being the day on which the commencement of the Geelong and Melbourne Railway was celebrated and the foundation stone of the first railway terminus in Vic toria laid. Thousands of persons formed a procession in Geelong, among whom were all the government, civic, and ecclesiastical dignitaries of Victoria. The stone was laid by his Excellency the Governor of the Province, Mr. Latrobe. A tribe of Aborigines, dressed in new blankets, and a party of Chinese, with banners, formed part of the procession, in which there was also a party of Germans working a printing- press. The Bishop of Melbourne, amidst thousands of persons, publicly blessed the undertaking. A banquet was given also to celebrate the event, to which a thousand I persons were invited. There was a banner in the banqueting hall with an aborigines motto, " Ohego maga, uri, uri," signifying, "nun away, quick, quick." The wheelbarrow which the governor used in moving the first shovelful of earth was made of polished cedar, with a carved wing on each side. The spade was of polished steel, and the handle wise made of Huron pine. The trowel was of pure gold, with an ebony handle. The mallet was of ebony, inlaid with gold. Ihe whole of these costly and beautiful tools were presented to the governor. During; the procession the printing press in the midst of it printed a copy of verses which were distributed to the multitude. RAILWAY ACCIDENT IN LANI Sun- day morning, between 5 and 6 o'clock, a Lancashire and Yorkshire luggage train, approaching Manchester from livlion, was run into, at the Clifton Junction of the East Lancashire Company, by a luggage train of the latter com pany from Bury tii Manchester. The Lancashire and York- shire train had been properly signalled by the semaphore at the Junction, and was passing at a slow rate. The East 1 Lintaahire wa. Irving at considerable speed, and the driver I is supposed to have been unable to check hie train in time. The Eat Lancashire train meat through the other, about lU carriages from the engine, and smashed five or six waggons to pieces, and scattered the goods about. The pointeman's box at the semaphore was also smashed, and the pointeman had barely time to make good his escape. 1 Mc. Blackmore, goods superintendent, from Manchester, j s rr.red on the spot in a short time, and succeeded in getting I • the line cleared by 9 a.m. The tra ffi c on the line being 1 light on Sundays no great inconvenience was suffered by i the delaying of passenger trains. The East Lancashire j train went on to Salford atter the accident, having sustained 1 little or nu ‘iamage. Fortunately no person was hurt. GENERAL POST-OFFICE, DECEMBER, 1853.—News- pipets addressed to the British possissiuns of Accra, on the West Coast of Africa, will be forwarded by the contract mail packet free of postage, provided they are posted in I conformity with the general regulations applicable to news papers sent through the post to British colonies and , • ts.uhtrir% beyond sea. Upon each Lcwspaper addresal t?. !' Dutch Loom a rate of a must be paid in admix, more espeeially incumbent upon them at a time like the present, when the war of classes was becoming more and more tremendous, as exemplified in the strikes in the north of England. But while it was the duty of the clergy to endeavour to allay the unfortunate did'er.nces that existed, and to bring about a reconciliation, they must remember that such a reconciliation could never be effected by merely preaching to the work men about the la• of supply and demand. (near, bear.) Let them endeavour to prove that the strife in which the workmen rued masters were engaged was hope less and ruinous to both, and to show how the money which was raised with so much of sacrifice by the farmer to support the strike might be employed for their permanent benefit instead of their certain injury. (Cheers.) After a brief reference to the war between Turkey and Russia, in which he denounced the conduct of Russia as anti•C:ristisn he concluded by warmly expressing his acknowledgments for the compliment the association had paid to him. The remainder of the evening was occupied in the deli very of addresses by friends of Mr. Maurice, and the per formance of a variety of musical pieces. HEALTH OF LONDON DURING THE WEEK. - The Registrar-General's report informs us that : In the week that ended on Saturday, 1,399 deaths were re gistered in the metropolitan districts. The increase arises from two causes: the rate of mortality has been raised by the coldness of the weather ; and more than a due propor tion of inquests are included in the return, such cases halt ing accumulated during the quarter without the coroner's sigusture, which is necessary to complete the registration. In the ten corresponding weeks of the years ISI3-52, the avenge number of deaths was 1,121, which if raised in pro portion to increase of population, becomes 1,23 G. The return of last week, therefore, exhibits an excess on the estimated amount. Last week the births of 800 boys and 745 :girls, in all 1,545 children, were registered in London. In the eight corresponding weeks of the years 1845 , 52 the average num ber was 1,267. At the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, the mean height of the barometer in the week was 29.748 in. The mean temperature of the week was 33.1 deg., which is 5.6 deg. below the ge of the same week in 38 years. The mean daily temperature was below the average on every day of the week, and on Sunday and Monday the decrease wee 9 deg. The highest temperature was 41.0 deg. on Friday ; the lowest was 27 deg. on Monday. The highest and low est on Saturday were 3G.3 deg. and 27.7 deg. The mean dew-point temperature was 30. G (leg. Toe wind blew generally from the north-east. THE WEATHER AND THE PARKS. The sharp frost of Monday night having covered the ornamental waters of the metropolis with ice, the lovers of skating and eliding have lost no time in availing them selves of the opportunity to pursue their favourite pastime. Yesterday, thirty or forty individuals, whose enthusiasm exceeded their prudence, paid the penalty of an immersion • in freezing water, happily, however, without any loss of life. ST. JAMBS'S PARK.—Some hundreds of persons, the greater portion of whom were boys, ventured on the ice opposite the yorse-Guards, and enjoyed themselves for some hours. Between twelve and one, however, a sudden crash announced that the ice had given way, and some ten or a dozen persons were found struggling in the water. The Itoyal Humane Society's men, who were on duty under the direction of Parsons, the deputy-superintendent, instantly put forward their sliding ladders and ropes, and succeeded in rescuing the whole of the number ; but some of the parties were in such an exhausted state from the time they had been in the water, and from the intense cold, that it was found necessary to convey them to the society's tent, where the usual stimulants were administered. The skaters and sliders, nothing daunted by the accident, then betook themselves to the western end of the waters, and continued their amusement up to the hour of closing the gates at half-past four o'clock, with only some trilling casualties. Should the present severe weather continue s- , mi• 24 hours longer, the ice will be in good and safe con dition. Much of the difficulty, however, arises from the necessity of keeping the margin constantly broken, in order to enable the collection of water-fowl to seek their natural element. It is to be regretted that some persons succeeded on Monday, notwithstanding the vigilance of the officers, in abstracting from the collection one black and three white swans of a valuable breed. THE SERPENTINII.—The ice generally here was very dangerous; but on the enclosed waters, and in Kensington Gardens, the skaters were very numerous. It was not as certained that any serious accident took place ; but too much credit cannot be given for the extreme care which has been shown by the officers of the Humane Society in marking out the dangerous parts, and in having every ap pliance in readiness. REGENT'S Paaw.—The ice was here more firm, and the skaters more numerous. There hate been no accidents of a serious character. CLAPHAM CONEXON.—On the open ponds and water near Clapham Church the skating was general, and the ice com paratively firm and good. COMMERCIAL TRAI:ELLERS' ORPHAN mineutly forward to receive the thanks of the working clones, he could only look upon himself to be. What he had done was merely in the performance of his duty as an English clergyman in carrying forward the business of the church, for which he believed it had been sent into the world—that business being to testify to the world, and bear witness or, the love of Ood for man in the great work that had been accomplished for his salvation, and to prove thereby that men of all classes and all stations were bound to unite and go forth as the helpers, the instructors, and the deliverers of their brethren. (Hear, hear.) This was the business and the duty of a Christian church, and this was the business and the duty for which the church of England existed. (Hear, hear.) This was the testimony which the clergy bad to bear ; and if they did not feel they had a right to bear it they had better give up their profession altogether, and say " our mission is nothing, our position is a lie." (Hear, hear.) The present meeting was a proof that there was a power in the land, which if exercised could not but operate for good —the power of the church in uniting all classes together, and claiming the working men as sharers in the great work of conferring the highest blessing the world could possess. (Hear, hear.) It was clearly recognised that the power existed, and that it should be exercised not to oppress any class, but to aid—not to crush down but to raise up. (Cheers.) But while the working men were thus forward with their gratitude when they believed that power was exercised properly, he trusted they would be equally ready with reproof when they felt that it was neglected. The word " education " was used ta the address in reference to his late connexion with King's College ; he hoped that word would not be allowed to fall without some result. The ball in which they were assembled had been established as a hall of association for those who were bound together as fellow labourers, but it was also a hall of education—education being one great purpose of the association. Now, as every one appeared to have hie own particular scheme and notion of education, let those who were pledged as members of that association to work with sod for each other, determine upon some plan of their own, and, within their own sphere, carry it out. (Hear, hear ) Something had been done last year in the establishment of classes and otherwise, let something more be done in the ensuing year, and in this way they would confer more practical benefit than if they talked for years about the possibility of doing something greater in a larger sphere. (Cheers.) For himself, if circumstances prevented his working as he had worked, and would wish to work, in one department, he felt that it was his duty to work more in another. He believed the educational institution with which he had until lately been con nected had been, and was still, doing g reat toastmasirr. work for the middle and higher classes of society—he hoped --- -- it would continue to do that work. (Hear.) There were PoIsONING WITH GIN.—On Saturday last, an dear and honoured friends of his connected with that Col- inquest was held at Carmarthen, on the body of Daniel lege, in whose hearts and understandings he had the Howells, a labourer, *aerie death had taken place early in greatest confidence, and he trusted they would go on la- a th p e p, m are ort , iin t g a o t f t t h h a e t t ( l i sl o r d ro w m as th o e t eve It intaltucete and d it bouring. and that the highest amount of good would result addicted to taking liquor. On the night prior to his from their teaching. But it was his duty, in conjunction death he was drinking et a spirit shop and left there with those whom he was now ndlressing, to consider whe- shortly before S o'clock, quite intoxicated. He was saber ther they could not do something of the same kind for the quently seen in Quay-street by t his sister, who described him as ie n d o is t p te clog a ed e h v e eri to i.sytamnid,toer.ec of . m O e u nt tinlc t o r r ti e n tedausts, working classes, and extend to them something of the come hind of training and instruction which the other classes quentiy ejaculated, "Mother I am dpag.” Mr *tow. enjoyed. (Hear, hear) Re solicited their aid to this end, Lords, surgeon, wa ai.bt for, but though his arrival was and requested them to furnish him with such hints and prompt and a stomach pump applied, and iniDed- every means used r f v o i r v h e i , l t r i ermy ut which could:them: 4 suggestions as might occur to them, so that working men and their children might be brought within the influence of those gi e n o w n ls ejected from his stomach. o Verdict, " Died bj'tx o aim drinking of gin." The deceased was 33 years age, collegiate institutions which of late years had been so beneficially extending their operation in this country. IVe/sliman. Returning to the duty of clergymen, he remarked that the TIIF. SISTERS OP Loris KOSSUTII.—Thi -- 1441.0 church could only maintin its influence by working for the York Tribune nays :—We are reminded by a nets from a - Tom eminent Aineri,:s - i aathore...., that li.piuth's sisters naion of all classes. The clergyman ought to feel that he iveastore a. ,cfor theale ac ri w f abeautifuly sod I ,n 1 4 1 L i n d t was not identified with one class more than with another, kerchiefs, and that he stool amongst them not to glorify himself or st r eets, whereby in B roadway , th-y 4re htriring to earn ao honest list:d ills order, Mato bring all climes together, This duty woe hood for themselves and children. SCHOOL. Last night the anniversary dinner of this charity was celebrated at the London Tavern, the Right Hon. the LORD MAYOR in the chair. After the usual loyal toasts, The CHAIRMAN propose d the toast of the evening, " The Prosperity of the Schools, " and in doing no stated the fact that the children of the charity had been educated, sup ported, and clothed for 191. per head, whilst in the gaols of the country the average expense was from 221. to 251. per head, and in Newgate no less than 391. per head. Remarks bad been made en the charities of the City of London, and he must say not without justice, because at least 30 per cent. of the funds of those charities had been expended on the management. (Rear, hear.) He, therefore, thought the time was come when boards of management should be appointed for the distribution of the money collected for the several charities in the City. It appeared from the statement of Mr. Moore, the treasurer of the society, that the object of the present festival was to procure sufficient funds to complete the new building at Harrow. It was estimated that this building would cost 15,0001., but, in consequence of the rise in the price of labour and materials, it would cost at least 20,0001. before it was finished. For this purpo.e there was 14,0001. invested in the Long Annuities, and all that was wanted was the collection of the remaining 6,0001. Meetings had been held in the principal towns of the country, for the purp, se of raising this sum ; and it remained for the members of the society to collect this sum of 6,0001., and no one deserved the name of commercial traveller who did not contribute his guinea thereto. (Hear, hear.) There were at present 134 children in the institution, and in a few days es many more would be elected into the charity as would make 94 boys and 47 girls. The contract for the new build ing was, that it was to be completed by March, 1855, and he hoped that by that time the commercial travellers would raise amongst themselves the sum required for the comple tion of the building. There was a sum of 10,000/. in vested in the funds beyond the sum of 14,0001., but this was not more than was necessary for the maintenance of the institution. He therefore hoped that the 6,0001. required for the building would be raised, in order that they might be placed oa secure foundation. . . . ----- The toast was drunk with great enthusiasm. The amount collected during the evening amounted to about 2,000/., including 100 guineas frinn th, National Mer cantile Insurance, 50 guineas from Mr. N cholson, 50 guineas from Mr. Skelton, 25 guineas front Messrs. Keens, 25 guineas from Mr. Fox, 140 guineas from Mrs. Cattley's list, 200 guineas from Mr. Mees, 75 guineas from Mr. Malden's, 50 guineas from Mr. Higgins'. 60 guineas from Mr. Mar -1 tin's, 50 guineas from Mr. M'CulTnch'e, 40 guineas from. Mr. Barton's, 40 guineas from Mr. %Wheaton's, and several donations of 10 guineas. In the course of the evening, the children—the recipients of the charity—were presented to the visitors, all of whom appeared to be in excellent health and spirits. The musical department was under the super intendence of Mr. G. Gray, Miss E. Lynn, Mr. M. Smith, and Mr. James Ilowe, members of the Musical Union, and Mr. Harker acted with his usual elticiency aa v. I