The Press. — London, England, 1856-02-09 00:00:00

fi rs t part. The second includes the "Enraged Musi cian," which is already familiar to the public ; the conscientious maid-o!-all-work, the poor Italian boy, the loquacious old landlady, and the French singer are all personated by Mrs. Reed with peculiar skill and talent. In the last character she gives "Robert toi que j'aime" with her magnificent contralto voice with such power and execution as to cause regret for the loss of so fine a voice from its proper sphere. The first part of the entertainment has been entirely rewritten by Mr. N. Brough, and is exccedingly clever, while the second is too well-known and too popular to need remark. The rooms have been crowded every evening, and Mrs. German Reed's success at the Gallery of Illustration is already assured. FEBRUARY 9, 1856. gabat a RtiWag itttiligtntt. Her Majesty, under her Royal Sign Manual, has been pleased to institute a new Naval and Military decoration, entitled the " Victoria Cross." The rules and regulations, fifteen in number, establishing this new" Order of Valour," have been published at length in the Gazette. The distinction will consist of a Maltese Cross of bronze, with the Royal crest in the centre, and underneath an escrole, bearing the in scription, "For Valour," to be suspended from the breast by a blue riband for the navy, and a red riband for the army, with bars added to the riband for every succeeding act that may be considered worthy of notice. The decoration is to be granted to officers and men for acts of valour only, performed in the presence of an enemy, and may be conferred on the spot by the commander-in-chief, or admiral, commodore, or general officer in command. The grant of this distinction to non-commissioned military officers and privates, and to warrant or petty naval officers, insures an annual pension of 101., with an additional 51. for every bar won by additional acts of valour ; the honour and pension to be forfeited only upon conviction of treason, felony, cowardice, or any infamous crime, the Crown reserving to itself the right of restoration. Admiral Sir Edmund Lyons, G.C.8., will return in a few days to the command.in-chief of the Medi terranean and Black Sea fleets. Rear-Admiral Sir Henry Chads, K.C.8., is appointed 0 the command at Cork, vacant by the promotion of Rear-Admiral Sir George Sartorius to the list of vice-admirals. Commodore John Shepherd, Captain Sidney C. Dacres, C. 8., and Captain Thomas L. Massie have peen appointed to receive the vacant good-service pensions at the disposal of the First Lord. General James Wallace Sleigh, C. 8., Lieut.-Gen. Thchard Clarges, C. 8., Brigadier-General William Williams (of Kars), Rear-Admiral Hon. R. S. Dundas, C. 8., and Commissary-General Sir George Maclean, have each been promoted to the rank of Knight Commander of the Bath. General Sir John Burgoyne, K.C.8., has been created a baronet by her Majesty, in consideration of the long and faithful services which, from an early period in the late war down to the siege of Sebasto pol. have connected his name with the principal achievements of the Bntish army. H.M.S. Polyphemus was totally lost in a fog on the 29th ult., off Hantslom Light, north-west coast of Jutland. The master and fourteen hands were drowned. Orders have been issued from the Horse Guards for 2110 of the Coldstream Guards, and 224 of the Scots Fusilier Guards, with the customary comple ment of officers, to hold themselves in readiness to embark early in the ensuing week on board the Indus, at Portsmouth, for active service in the Crimea. fflontg latatt anb Citg FRIDAY EVENING. TITE return of th, Bank of England for the week ending Feb. 2 shows the following changes compared with the return for the previous week : Decrease in Circulation £206,117 Increase in Pudic Deposits Increase in Other Deposits Decrease in Go-ernment Securities 543,900 Increase in Privste Securities —.1,465,741 Increase in Bullion Increase in Rest Increase in Reseive 537,743 This comparison is satisfactory so far as regards the addition to the stock of bullion and the increase an the Reserve. It appears that all the bullion which arrived in the week ending the 2nd inst. was pur chased by the Bank ; and as gold may now be presumed to be returning in small amounts from the East, we may anticipate further additions to the stock, al though the competition for purchases on continental account still continues. The account of the Govern ment is not much better than last week, for it will be observed that the addition to the Public Deposits nearly balances the diminution in the amount of Government Securities ciaised by sales of Stoek. The additions to the " Other Deposits" are consider able ; and it is believed that a large proportion have been made by the Accountant-General of the Court of Chancery, and other great trustees. The increase in Private Securities is very large ; it shows the heavy pressure to which the Bank was subjected last week for advances, a process that has been repeated to almost the same extent in the present week. Money was in very great demand in the early part of the week, in connection with the commercial bills falling due on the 4th. On Wednesday it began to be easier; but the market has since been stringent, and there is no immediate prospect of much ease. Rates are unchanged, and only good bills are taken at those current in Lombard-street, which are a point lower than are charged by the Bank. A wholesome dread of speculation seems to pervade most classes of capitalists, but in cases where reasonable and bonl fide profits can be shown to arise from objects of legitimate mercantile enterprise advances are made with liberality, and shares subscribed without hesita tion. Several such undartakings are now receiving encouragement and assistance in this way. But the ordinary trade of the country has still to struggle against the disadvantages of heavy discounts and a disposition not to contract engagements of importance until we shall have passed out of our present transi tion state with respect to peace or war. This affects manufacturing production to a large extent, and, as it naturally prevents the accumulation of stocks, employment in many trades is irregular and uncertain. Nevertheless, trade must be reported as sound and improving, though the reduction of profits is a sub ject of general complaint. The confidence felt by mercantile men in peace with Russia is not abated. Nor is there any serious apprehension of an interruption to our pacific rela tions with the United States. Still the subject is causing anxiety, and dissatisfaction is expressed at the silence of our own Government, knowing as they do that the statements published in America are already injuriously affecting commercial transactions between the two countries. The pacific assurances, however, of Lord Palmerston in the House of Com mons last night will mitigate this state of feeling. Consols have not materially fluctuated during the week. On Wednesday they showed a tendency to decline, but they recovered upon a large purchase by an influential broker. The general characteristic of the week has been that of steadiness, owing to con tinued purchases on the part of the public whenever they have drooped to 91 or thereabouts. The settle ment, which was concluded yesterday, passed over well, though several failures, of no great amount, have resulted from it. The Contango, which had ranged from one-half to five-eighth early in the week, went down yesterday to a quarter, and dealers proved short of stock. This proved that the Account was not so " bullish " as had been anticipated from the extraordinary rise caused by the news of peace. The closing price of Consols to-day was 911 to i, against Ali to last Friday. Railway Shares are not so firm as they were in the early part of the week, and prices have generally receded. Great Westerns are 31. lower than this day week. Caledonians are also lower. The dividends, many of which are still uncertain in amount, have been the main cause of the tone giving way : it is, moreover, considered that the maximum value of most descriptions has been attained, bearing in mind that the next is the worst of the two half years with respect to earnings. The weekly traffics continue exceedingly good. In Foreign Securities Turkish Six per Cents. have been principally dealt in. Joint-stock Bank Shares maintain their prices, with a tendency to further improvement. Bank of Egypt are at 4 to 41 pm. The import of gold during the week has been under 330,0001., the whole of which will be trans mitted to the Continent. Gold, however, seems likely to come back from Constantinople, but it can only be in small amounts for some time to come. The General Iron Screw Collier Company have divided five per cent., leaving a balance of 11,3541. in hand. The capital is to be rearranged, and the un dertaking brought within the provisions of the Limited Liability Act of 1855. The London and County Bank have declared a dividend of five per cent. for the half-year, with a bonus of five per cent., equal to fifteen per cent. per annum. The reserve fund is to stand at 100,0001. The shares in the Western Bank of London are being well placed. From the high character of the direction, and the great influence of the shareholders, this undertaking is certain to obtain a large propor tion of the best and most profitable class of banking business. Joint stock Banks are now paying far better than any other commercial investments ; and their dividends are higher than at any other period in oar financial history. The Western Bank of London is, therefore, started at a favorable period, and, being based upon principles of undoubted sta bility, we have no hesitation in commending it to the attention of all who desire to obtain advantageous returns upon their investments. An attempt is being made by the Madras Railway Company to obtain some modifications in the exist- THE PRES.S. ing rates of guarantee possessed by that undertaking from the East India Company. _ _ The suspension of Me4rs: Scott Russell and Co., with liabilities to the amount of 180,0001., was announced on Monday. A meeting of creditors is called for next Tuesday. The bill brought in by the Vice-President of the Board of Trade for the abolition of local tolls on goods and shipping is regarded with a good deal of apprehension in several seaports. This is especially the case in Liverpool, where it is considered as a triumph of the Manchester interest. The two bills brought in by the same official to amend the law of partnership by allowing persons to lend money to partnerships on condition of receiving a share of the profits without rendering themselves liable to any loss beyond the sum so advanced, and to amend the joint stock system by providing that all partnerships of more than six members may avail themselves of the advantages of incorporation with limited liability upon complying with a few inexpensive formalities, have both been well received by the commercial community. Some apprehensions, however, are felt that both measures may possibly be abused, owing to the very simple restraints which it is proposed to enact. Banking and assurance companies are ex cluded from the operation of the latter bill. BRITISH FUNDS. Closing Prices. OFFICIAL QUOTATION. Mond. I Tweed. Wed. t per Cent. Consols 3Ol 190 901 1 Ditto for Account 3 per Cents Reduced 3 per Cents Long Annuities Benk Stock, 7 per Cent 2lll 3 213 1 214 Omnium — Exch. Bills, 21d. per diem 10 3(1;9 bd 1 9 A India Bonds, (1,00014 1 6 4d 191} , 911 ine 192 a 1 I 3 1 1412 4 I 94 I 91f 91i i 1 921 214 Sle 7 8 d BANK OF ENGLAND. As Account, pursuant to the Act 7th and Bth Victoria, cap. 32 for the week ending on Saturday, the 2nd day of Feb., 1856. ISRUX DTPARTYILNT. Government Debt 411,015,100 Other Securities .. 3,459,900 Gold Coin & Bullion 10,057,690 Note• issued .... X 24,632,620 Silver Blanes .... £24,332,620 BANKING DE Proprieters'CapitalLl4,333,ooo Rest Government Secu rities cincludino Dead NN eight An.) 412,092,361 Other Securities 18,91807 Notes 1i,411,986 Gold a Silver Coin 648,256 Public Deposits* 3,702,679 Other Deposits 13,807,248 Seven Day & other Bills 436,30,099 £36,369,091 issioners of • including E:ch xluer, Savings Banks, National Debt, and Dividend Accounts. SHARES. Mold. Trod. , ired. 25 23 7 43 7 ,71 81 1 7 3 8i 71 8i 84 6 Ma 6 .85 7 sett 1,55 i i; 121 so2t 3eilde 311 RA I LAil 13-• Aberdeen Birm. Wolv. btour VaL Bristol and Exeter Frid. 25 7 7 1 ai 85 7 3ii 6 121 3i 4 2 d 121 31 19 21 Caledonian Chester and Holynead Cork and Bandon Dublin it Belfast June.' East Anglian Eastern Unior.(B) East Lancashire Eastern Counties Great Northern Gt. Sth. and Wit of Ire. Great Western Lancashire B Yorkshire Lon., Tilbury, & Sthend Lon., Brighton, ac London and Blackwall London and Nrth-West. Midland 1 4 2i, 12i 3111 19 Ili 124 3i :112 21. Newmarket. Newry and Enniskillen Norfolk Nrthrn. Counties Union North British North Staffordshire... North-Western o:f., Wrestr., and Wole Scottish Central Scottish Midland South Devon South• Eastern and Dov South- Western South Wales Waterford et Limerick II ISCELLLIZOVS-- Australian Agricultural Canada Crystal Palace Crystal Palace of France North British Aus. Land I Peel River Land & Mid. Scottish Aunt. Invent. South Australian Land Van Diemen's Land Antw.& Attrdm. Belgian East. J. Dutch Rhenish East Indian Gt. Indian Pen G. W.of Can.,Bh Lyons & Geneva Madras Na. & Lge.(w.in ) Nrthrn.of lornet . Sorw. Truk. Prf. Paris & Lyons Paris & Orleans ?aria & Rouen In 4 In 4 io'9l 10 1 91 2 6 19ui 1i 104 104 6' fibbi Gi! dle 9.81 t it - F 10311; G 1 71 1 97 9id I 6/ 104 69* !47 d! SO 1. .7i aidi 1 22 4 1 ;106 6 176 7 11, 611 3! 170 1 214 6j l 127 321 1i 11 21 I 111 IA 014 364 ° 364 64 34 4 114 6 164 6,14 61 FOREIGN' RAILWAYS. Mond. Tuesday. Weems. , Thurs. 7i .7i 84 I7i 8i:1 13 31 31 21d i 3 * I 7 3 21.1 IP IP t b 11 2 .21* 211 21 1 90 3 20 4 90 4 23 1 23 4 'ls 9 IP 9 ip 96 56 4 9 4P 37 19 37 19 # # 1 #l9 1 6 31 6 14 364 TAI 6 af # 1 6 74 BT7 8 7 d 49 4 9 46 4 94 4 • 491 1 43 90 1 49 50 64 94$ 48 i 9 ii —— 1 72 $ 2j -- 14 1.0 1 103 - s :it r 97_ 9 6 f T C 9 100 a 1 j ;0 t -1 S 9 30 8 7gel 29 4 104 • 75 7 _ _ . lia - 4 6le 94 70 2 127 89 25a ce 2 1 9 I I i2 I I I 3 •634 7 F i rkla s t 3 21 d ,iP 41 e 201 f Si 24/ sit s iis 19 Si_ 34f 7_ a Tk 14 30 1 F t did, 104 t_ I 11 .4 3 , 3i! 68 701 123 k 6i 127 32 ti Thur. lb 7 joie 61 12t 31 i 2d 121 111 19 21 72 3 9j 101 901 14 1103 b !1717 aid! --- l 0 7 ;10 1 1 49 bl —d 11 2 518 0 4 1,71 did 22 4 104 6 76 I Ile 21 61, 2 94 6 70 2 !Hi 6 1127 3 'l2} . 19 21 172 31 91 10 914 11 1103 5 !HS I 80 1 6; • ' ;100 ~" d ; 9tl 48 - 1 1224 jlO4 !75 7 lie 2$ 164 24 I:0 4 170 2 !ill i 141