The Statesman. — London, England, 1823-04-12 00:00:00

T: abhorrence of the ex-ofScio information. It was mach a terrible precedent to introduce! If this precedent had been adopted, we should have been the admiration of sur rounding nations with a vengeance ! The bottle .tort', and the rattle story, had a mixture of ridicule in them. When they were swelled out into an affair of high treason they became laughable; and that was all ; but this ex-officio information coming to supply the place of the finding of a Grand Jury; and that, too, after the Brand Jury had been tried: this was something to frighten onc, indeed. If this were suffered to go on, it was pretty clear that the word Jery might as well be blotted out of the Dictionary. We never approved of the conduct of the Orange-men, though we have always thought it hypocrisy to accuse them of violence', when they really do no more than stoutly adhere to the Protestant Church and the Protestant system. Look at the list of sums of money voted last night, for all manner of things in Ireland ; for literary institu tions, as they are called ; for all manner of things, is short; but look, particularly, at the sum of nine thou sand two hundred and thirty pounds for the building• and repairing of Churches, and the building 0-Parson age-Houses, and the purchasing of Glebe-Lands for the Parsons, in Ireland! ! ! Yes, in that Ireland, where the Church is already such an intolerable burden, and where one man out of one hundred never goes near . the Church! Only think of this. Not only have they all the tithes of all Ireland; not only have they all the Glebe•Land that is there already ; not only have they all the immense landed possessions called Church Property; rot only have they all these, and that, too, when ninety Line hundredths of the people are Catholics, and will not go near their Churches ; but, here are we, taxed to the amount of nine thousand and odd poundsthis year, and every year we are taxed more or less, for money to be given to these people, over and above all Vie immense sums which they swallow up in other ways !—I s not this enough to make us boil with rage; to snake us tear oar flesh off our bones? Oh, no ! It is much better to keg p ourselves cool. It is much better to show coolly how the thing works; to show, that out of the eighteen Irish Bishops, there are twelve belong ing to noble families, and that there were thirteen before the pious Percy Jocelyn formed that too strict alliance with the Soldier, which cost his bail as much money as Mary Ann Carlile has to pay in the shape of tine! Oh, blessed THING! No, no. It is foolish to get into a rage. Let it work on ; but, while this THING is thus working on, while this Irish Church is to get this sum voted to it out of the taxes raised in England, what base hypocrisy it is to pretend that the Orange-men have something so offensive about them, and something too, which is contrary to the spirit and disposition of the famous THING itself ; what abominable hypocrisy to pretend that the Orange-men do any thing more than simply express the feelings of the THING. What whim led to an attempt to prevent the Orange-men from making their usual exhibitions we know not. It was a whim, certainly ; and it was a mat ter of very little interest to the public ; bat, if out of this had come a precedent for bringing men to trial upon ex-officio informations, it would have been a seri ous matter, indeed. Orangemen or Devils, we are not for t eating them in this sort of way. The dead weight project was before the House last nigh►. The bargain with the Bank was found fault of by Mr. Hume and Mr. Baring. But, it is a matter of no earthly interest to thepublic. This dead weight is a part of the national debt. It is a part of the sum contracted to be paid on account of the late war. It amounts, annually, to very nearly twice as much as the whole of the interest of the whole of the French National Debt! That is enough for you, Parsons! That is enough for you, Irish Bishops ! That is enough for you, Oaten and Old Sarum !—Hear distinctly w hat I say : this dead weight costs England twice as much annually as the whole of the French National Debt annually costs the people of France!! Read that, Gatton and Old Sarum. Tne pom pons Jolterheads, in blue coats with yellow buttons, and in leather breeches, whose tender feelings for hares and pheasants are so well known, read that! And, as you read it, recollect how insolent you were in ISlS.—This " dead weight" is a most charming appellation ! We hope it will never be given up; and, indeed, will take rare that it shall net. tre. ems ,kett le a my. e Pt. co'. wore prc ili. Id be very LI out COMMENCEMENT OF HOSTILITIES BETWEEN FRANCE AND SPAIN. By an Express which left Paris on Thursday afternoon, intelligence has been received from the Army, dated the 7th. The Duke de Belluno, Minister of War, who is still with the army, bas transmitted one despatch, enclos inganother, giving an account of the passing of the Bi dassoa by General Guilleminot. His Royal Highness had sent a bulletin, which arrived on Wednesday, con taining the account of his arrangements for entering Spain, and a programme of his first day's march. Some of these despatches hare been to-day carried to the Legis- lative Chambers, and there read. The following is an account of what took place in the Chamber of Dept:. ties : CHAMBER OF DEPUTIES-SITTING OF APRIL 10. Before the opening of the sitting the Minister for Fo reign Affairs, and Viscount Digeon, charged with the War Department, entered the Hall. A numerous groupe of Deputies belonging to the right side surrounded them. They conversed long together, and appeared pleased. At 2 o'clock the sitting was opened. The Minister for the War Department rose (a lively sensa tion) and said—Gentlemen,—All efforts to stop the course of the faction which governs the councils of Spain having proved fruitless, Monseigneur the Duke of Angouleme received orders to pass the frontier, and on the 7th of this month passed the Bidassoa at the head of the army. I have now, gentlemen, to read to you the first despatch which the Government has received from the Major-General of the army. " Head-quarters, St. Jean de Luz, April 7, " half-past Sin the morning. MONIZIGN nl4—l have the honour to report to your Eacelleney. that yesterday a troop of French and Italian Refugees made their appearance on the Bidassoa, and endeavoured, by songs and seditious cries, to instigate the soldiers of his Majesty to desert. At the sight of a piece of artillswy, these wretches cried, • Vine Parilikrie Franfons? Oneral Walla replied by another cry, THE STATtSMA N. thos e — , Yea, Vise rartillerie, but Vire k Roil Fire!' At this very instant, a company of the 9th Light Infan try, which had been masked, debouched, and completed the dispersion of those whom the grape-shot had spared. Thus the troops have manifested their love for the King by something more expressive thee habitual accla mations. Your Excellency will find annexed the sum mary of the examination of four wounded men who have - been picked up : it will give a just idea of the pitiable aux iliaries whom the Spanish Revolutionists have chosen, and whom the Imperial Regiment of Alexander, in garrison at Inn, have in a manner delivered up to slaughter, as they withdrew their posts before the arrival of the refugees on the banks of the "river. A few moments after their Bight, all the inhabitants of both sexes assembled together, and the communication between the two kingdoms was im mediately established. The Alcade of I run has even in formed us that the Imperial Alexander has evacuated that city, and that the Band of Firmin ha. also abandon ed Fontarabia. In the number of this day's victims, who are 8 killed, and 4 severely wounded, are recognized the persons named Mullett and Delamot, already implicated in several conspiracies. " I am, &c. " Count GUI LLEMINOT, Major-Gen." • After the reading of this despatch, unanimous cries of " Vine k ! Vine les Bourbone!" burst forth in the Chamber. While the Interim Minister of War was reading this de spatch in the Chamber of Deputies, M. de Villele, the Minister of Finance and President of the Council, had proceeded to the Peers to read a similar despatch from the Duke de Bellano. The despatch of the Marshal, which enclosed that of Guilleminot, contained nearly the same facts. The whole amount of the force that presented itself with the tri-coloured flag, on the Spanish side of the Bi dassoa, is stated by private accounts, to have been be tween 150 and 200 men. General Walin, who was on the French side of the river, ordered three cannon shots to be fired on this body, and fifteen men were killed or wound. Among• the latter is Delamotte, formerly a Captain in the Legion of the Seine, and implicated in the affair of the 19th of August, 1820. The Bidassoa was crossed on the 7th. The army marches in three di visions ; one upon Toloso, direct for Madrid ; one upon Patupeluna, and another upon St. Sebastian. The Duke of Angouleme was to sleep on the Bth at ]run ; on the 9th he will advance 3 or 4 leagues, and proceed by short marches to Tolosa, where he will arrive on the 12th. He will stop there some days, to wait a little the effect of his entry into Spain. The slowness of his march is said to be owing to the necessity of allowing time for all the materiel of the army to join. The Moniteur of Thursday contains a royal ordinance, dismissing the Mayor of Brest from his office, for the proclamations in which he attacked the conduct of the Swiss Guard. It appears by the Quotidieane, an ultra paper, that the clothing magazines at Bayonne had been intentionally set on fire; and that two Captains and others bad been arrested on suspicion of having kindled the flame. The Portuguese Ambassador is said to have left Paris, having received an order from his Govern ment to ask for his passports as soon as the French should declare war against Spain—his Excellency considered the Duke of Awdovirsta's proclamation as such decla ration of war. Letters from Perpignan, quoted in the Constitutionnel, state that Saguntum, the fort of Mur-1 viedro, had been retaken by the Constitutionalists. Faxstcu FUNDS ON TUBODAY.—Five per Cents. for money opened at 81f.40c. ; rose to Sif. 75c.; and closed at 81f. 40c. ; same stock for the end of the month, opened at 81f. 30c. ; rose to 82f. 75c.; and closed at 821. 55c. Neapolitan Stock, 69j; Spanish Bonds, 341. French Funds on Wednesday, opened at 82f., and closed at 82f. 50c. for money ; opened at 82f.50c. for the account, and closed at 82f. sc. Price of the French Funds at 4 o'clock on Thursday, 84f.—Spanisb, 341. Frankfort papers have arrived this morning, bat they bring no intelligence of importance. The Austrian columns are gradually coming from Lower Italy. The King of the two Sicilies, it appears, intends to remain the whole Summer in Germany. An ar ticle from St. Petersburg, of the 19th ult. states the progress in Russia of the manufacture of the infe rior and middling woollen cloths to be so great, that there is an excess of some millions of yards, after clothing the army and navy ; and that in order to promote the manu facture of fine cloths, the Emperor has just ordered the establishment of a manufactory at Moscow for dying and preparing them. One hundred and fifty pupils will be admitted into this institution, who being spread over the whole empire will, it is expected, diffuse the true princi ples, and the most approved practice of the art. STOCK EXCRANOZ. HALF-P4ST 12.—The market has taken a sudden rise this morning, in consequence of the important news from France, added to the further rise in the French funds. Consols fur the account opened at 76.; since which they have been done as high as 7611. ; and are now doing briskly at 764. FOREIGN MARKET.—Spanish bunds opened at 291; they shortly rose to 30, and have been done as high as 32. They are at prevent doing at 301. Russian, nothing done—Banish, old, ditto—New, 291, 304, 1 I.3ol—Prussian, Sl—Colombian, 391—Chili, nothing done—Peruvian, do. THE KINO'll LEVEE AND DRAWING-Roots.—The King Rill hold a Levee on Monday, the 2lst inst. and a Draw ing-Room on IVednesday, the 23d inst. for the celebra tion of his Majesty's birth-day. • _ _ . Mr. Villiers, who arrived at an early hour yesterday mnrning, at the Foreign Office, from Madrid, is not a King's Messenger; he is the son of the Lion. Villiers, and was attached to oar Embassy at Madrid. Baylen, the town at which the King of Spain was to sleep on the 31st ult., was rendered famous by the capitu lation of a whole French army under the command of General Dupont, in the Peninsula war. The hlartress of Hastrogs had completed every ar rangement tor embarking on board the Glasgow, 50 guns, on the 20th of December last; so that he may be expected by his numerous friends in the usual course of an East Indian vcyage. The 10th regiment of infantry has received orders, on bring relieved by the 12th foot, to proceed to Ireland, to relieve the 52d regiment. The 52d regiment of foot bas received orders to prepare for embarkation for Halifax, on being relieved by the 10th foot. SHIPPING INThLLIGENCE. DEAL, Arm. 11.—Came down from the river this after noon, the Sophia, Sutton, for Madras and Bengal; Friend ship, Senner, for Malta end Alexandria; Amethyst, Thom son, for Quebec and Montreal; Demerara Packet, Venn bles, for Demerara ; Lord Wellington, Wood, for Nova Scotia; Triton. Marshall, for St. Andrew's, N.B. ; Mary Ann, for Marseilles; Stockton, Langley, for Miramichi ; end Nelly, Daly, for Pictou ; the whole have sailed, except the Sophia, for Madras, &c. which ship has a defect in her fore-topmast, and remains to replace it.—Wind N.E. ' PORTSMOUTH, APRIL ll.—Sailed the Benson, Smith, for Quebec; Mayflower, Cooper, for Miramichi ; Flora, Moore for London; and Heroine, Scott, for Cadiz t —Wind E.N.N: PLYMOUTH. APRIL 10.—Arrived the Laurel, Bundy, from Matanzas; Lively, Mitchell, from Nassau ; Eliza. Morri son, from Bordeaux; and Vestal, Robertson, from London. The Tribune frigate arrived from Portsmouth, and not the Triton as before stated. Sailed the Wm. and Amelia, James, for St. John's N.B.—Wind B. FALMOUTH, APRIL 10.—Arrived the William. from Pa lermo, for London; and Letitia, Underhill, and John and Elenor, from London.—Wind E. MILPORD. APRIL 10.—On the sth Inst. was driven on shore in St. Bride's Bay, the head and stern part of a vessel, painted on the stern, Mary, of Greenock. The Ulysses, of Bristol, laden with timber, was driven on shore near Tralee, without any person on board. Cowan. 10.—Passed at the back of the island, the Poto mac. Webster, from Antwerp for Batavia; and Brasilia, Whitney, from do. for Calcutta.—Wind, East. FaLmouTu Psassz.—On Saturday last his Majesty's ship Calliope, Lieut. Justice, sailed from Falmouth for Lisbon, with a mail under the new arrangement. FROM A CORRESPONDENT.—We hare every reason to believe that the Spanish Government is about to decree the formation of an auxiliary European force, to be placed under the command of one of our countrymen of known valour and experience. The measure is one fraught with the most beneficial consequences to every na tion interested in the preservation of the Spanish inde pendence. No country, whether free or enslaved, can be indifferent to the issue of the impending contest. Spain has, however, at this moment, an exhausted trea sury. Will, then, the generous people of Great Britain suffer a measure so imp irtant to the cause of freedom, and so immediately connected with the dearest interests, to languish for want of pecuniary assistance? Fitt ea thousand stand of arms, equipments, &e. &c. are required for a force of MOW men, to be raised immediately ; the expense of this amount is estimated at from AWOL to 70,0001. What is this sum to the British Empire, considering the magnitude and importance of the cause, even were it not to be again diffused (which it inevit ably would) through all the different channels of oar own manufactories and commerce? We, have, there fore, most earnestly to suggest that subscriptions may be raised, in every city, town, and village of the coifed kingdom to accomplish this most desirable object, and to convince the world of the sincerity and zeal of the British people in the cause of freedom and n itional i nde prudence: We know the money so subscribed will be placed in the hands of a committee deserving of tie highest confidence, and that every part of it will be ap propriated to the accomplishment of the subscribers' in• tentions. The Prospectus of the plan proposed, and the banking-houses where subscriptions are to be received in all the towns and cities of the United Kingdom, will be regularly announced in a few days. „ . Sir Charles Bauspfylde, at half-put 12 o'clock yester day, was going on as well as could be expected ; but the ball was not extracted. A Plymouth paper states, that the buds on the apple trees in the South Hams are thick, and appear remark ably fine and promising. The Lord Bishop of Ely has appointed Henry Storks, Esq. (Deputy Recorder of Cambridge), Chief Justice of the Isle of Ely, in the room of the late Edward Chris tian, Esq. ArIAIR or Hoxoun.—A meeting has taken place be. tween Licot. Colonel CH—RCH—LL, late of the Grena dier Guards, and Lieut. F. of the 13th Light Dragoons. The latter received the fire of his antagonist, hat did not return it. The cause of quaff el is supposed to be of a domestic nature. On Thursday last Mr. Hunt made his public entry into this town from Taunton, between one and two o'clock. — The procession consisted of a band of music, 14 on horse back, headed by the Rev. H. Cresswell, a barouche and four, in which were seated Mr. Hunt and Mr. Northniore ; a gig, with Mr. Parrett, and an empty waggon decorated with laurels. On entering the town the band played—" See the conquering hero comes," which circumstance was also an nounced by a discharge of several guns on the quay. The procession then moved on through the town to Mr. Ilellier's, and returned to the Fountain Tavern to dine. Before Mr. Hunt entered the inn, he delivered a short oration to the multitude, expressive of his thanks for the handsome manner in which he had been received, and retired amidst the plau. dits of those present. There were filty-three who partook of the dinner provided on the occasion, which was served Op ill a neat but plain style. Mr. Hunt took his departure at about eight o'clock in the evening, when he started for Taun- I ton.—(Dorchester Gazette.) We lament to and, that accounts just transmitted by a gentleman, who was commissioned by Government to in spect the actual state of the extensive district of Canna mars, gives a most deplorable view of the want which prevails there. Nearly one-half of the families almost entirely depend for annual support on the produce of a small portion of ground, in general three fourths of an acre fur each family. From the dearth of last year, and the consequent epidemic, many of those poor people were unable to put down their usual crop of potatoes; they are at present without stock of any kind, clothes, or provisions, and are described, from their aversion to beg gary, which they consider a hereditary disgrace, to have suffered with extreme patience. The Government has al ready distributed 900 tons of seed potatoes, and we under stand that his Grace the Archbishop of Tuain distribut ed large supplies of wheels, flax, and wool, to enable the women to return to their foruivr industry. Indeed, the ac counts we have received of the pure benevolence of this truly amiable and Christian Divine, spew him to be the true shep herd, and an honour to human nature. Some public work —improving roads, which are almost impassable, will be af fordedthem, and what remains of the oatmeal, biscuit, &c. in the stores of Galway, furnished by the bounty of Govern ment, and the British nation, will be forthwith applied to theirrelief.—(Dnblin Patriot.) CORK, APRIL 7.--Ou Saturday, in the county Court, an important trial on smuggling occupied the attention of Baron Pennefather and a respectable Jury. Mr. Michael Long was indicted under the Revenue Act, for being, with divers persons, in arms, and running ten bales of tobacco on the strand of Curryheg, near Skibbereen, in this county; anti also in a second count, for assisting in removing said tobacco on Suday night, the 3d of Nov. last. After the Learned Baron had explained the evidence, the Jury retired, and in a short time returned, and stated that they were not likely to agree. They again retired, and hav►ng remained lucked tip till half-past II o'clock, came into Court, and said it was impossible they could agree.—They were then locked up until half-past 10 on the following morning, when Baron Pen nefather, finding that they persisted in their original disagreement, dismisa•d the Jarv, and signified his in tention of admitting Mr. Long to bail. A few swallows have made their appearance to remind us of the approach of sunitner.—(Brighton Herald). Heathfield stock fair takes place on Monday, the 14th, that being the day (according to an old adage) of the first appearance of the cuckoo. It is a matter of doubt, hoc ever, whether we shall Lear that summer-visitor so early this year, on account of the hitherto cold state of the weather.--(Mid) ROBBERY OF THE DERRY MAIL, AND uNE 01. 4 THE GUARDS KILLED. (FROIS TRa DVOLIN MORNING ►OST OF THIJOSDAT.) It is our painful duty to state, that a desperate attack was made on the Derry Mail-coach which left Dublin at eight o'clock on Tuesday night, by au armed banditti, conslstin of about twenty in number. The place chosen for the eases is about eighteen miles from this city, a little beyond Gut manstown ; the road had been blodked up by cars, and a lad der having been placed across it, previous to the time of the arrival of the coach. Between the hours of eleven and twelve the coach reached the spot ; one of the robbers Bred on the instant, by which means one of the guards was unhap pily killed. One of the outside passengers, (a butcher, ss e understand, from Drogheda) was slightly wounded in the head. Another passenger, a Mr. Gibson, we learii,""Was also wounded. One of the horses was killed on the spot. The coach was then plundered of the mail bags, luggage, arms, &c. All the property the coach contained, we learn, was carried off, even to the rings and trinkets of lit() ladies and a child, who were inside passengers. The Guards of the coach, which arrived yesterday, state that they met the Coachman, the other Guard, and a lady and child. about is mile at this side of Drogheda, walking. It is said that one man, an outside passenger, is missing. The name of the Guard who is killed, is Alexander Mackay; he is a oat; vn of Banffshire. The place where the above attack on the Derry Mail was made in near that where the Belfast Mail was attacked and robbed last January ; it is supposed ►hat it is the saute banditti that robbed both coaches, The neighbourhood where those occurrences took place, has been the scene of many of the celebrated Collier's depre dation.% SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. YORK CRAVEN MEETING .—WEDNESDAY, ERNESDAY, APRIL 0. The CRAVEN STAKES, (Handicap) 5 sovereigns each. One . . mile and a quarter. Mr. R. Fergusson's b. e. Toni Paine, 4 yrs old, 1I st 41b I Mr. Ridsdale's br. g. Pitzwaher, 4 yrs old. Ilst 101 b 2 Mi. Ridsdale's b. g. Bishop. 4yrs old, list 6:b 10 to 4 egst Tom Paine-9 to 4 agst Fitzwalter—Won eat). A Gold Cup, value 70 sovereigns, by subscription of 7 sovereigns each, for horses, &c. not thorough bred. Two . _ 111;..Caidwell's ch. h. Speculation, 6 yrs old I Mr. Stewart's br. m. Lille, 5 yrs old Mr. Copland's h. m. Bess, aged 8 Mr. R. Ferguson's b. h. Get-away 4 Mr. E. K. Bayard's b. h. Wallflower. . 5 Mr. Bayard's br. h. Cardinal. 6 Mr. Wentworth's hr. b. Farmer 7 Mr. Pigou's b. h. Pilgrim 6to S agst Speculation-5 to 2 agst Lilla-1 to 1 agst NV alt flower—Won easy. Sweepstakes of 23 sovereigns each.—One mile and a half. Mr. Stewart's b. m. Pecunia, llst Olb Mr. Fergusou's b. g. by Jupiter, 6 yrs old, Ilst 2 Mr. Pigou's t,r. g. Conrad •• P 4 3 to lon Pecunla. The Hunter's Stakes of 5 sovereigns each.—Heats, one mile and a hart Mr. Hume's b. c. Tom Paine, 4yrs old.. Mr. Stewart's b. m. Petunia, aged 4 2 Mr. Smith's b. m. Jenny Horner, aged 2 3 Mr. Leake's gr. b. Flaxtonian, 5 yrs old 7 4 Mr. Worsley's b. h. Skipjack 3 5 Mr. R. Ferguson's b. m. Jenny, aged 5 dr Mr. Dancombe's b. g. Get-away, aged 8 de 4 to 1 agst Tom Paine, after Ist heat 8 to 4 on him—lU to 4 on Jenny Horner—Won easy. Middleham Craven Stakes. on Monday last, was won by Mr. Ridley's Comte D'Artols, beating four others. The Bolton Stakes of 30gs each, was won by Mr. Wilson's b. c. Ringlet, beating three others. Tuesday, April ti, the 20gs Sweepstakes was won by Mr. Jacques's b. f. Ringlet, beat ing Mr. Fergusson's Octavian ; and the 301. Plate was won by Mr. Peirse's Baron Bowes. BOXERS.—SPRING AND Neava.—Notwithstanding that Spring for holding a watch as time-keeper at the late fatal boxing match at Brighton, was called upon for sureties for his keeping the peace, himself in 1001. and two sureties is 00/. each, some amateurs, in a meeting yesterday, were de termined that the battle should take place between him and Neate, and the like resolve was made with respect to She!- ton's fight with Josh. Hudson, Shelton having been held in sureties also for usistiug in keeping the ring. How the forfeited recognizances, were to be paid atter the battles, was the question. Two benefits at the Fives Court was first suggested, as sufficient to pay all the entreated recognisance., as many thousands would take tickets rather than the fights shou:,l not take place. Secondly, By public subscription, without the meeting at the Fives Court. Previous to the third proposition being made, one belong ing to the Commissary Department proposed that the part.es should cross the Channel, as the lawyers did. "You cant o cheap enough by water carriage (said lie), and I know :,:ti will all go."—(Shouts of "All, all.") PEDESTR lANISAL—On Saturday last, Townsend complet ed his great undertaking of walking from Coventry to War wick and back, three times a day for six successive days, making in the whole 996 miles. Many bets were depend ing upon the' result of this extraordinary feat ; and dur ing the week groups of persona were collected in various parts of the line off road, to mark his progress. Hal in 4 ac complished his arduous task, his entrance into this city, on the above evening, was cheered by the acclamations Lf seve ral thousand persons, who testified their satisfaction at Ito successful termination of his labours. A band of music, a:- tended by torch lights, accompanied the pedestrian to the White Lion :he appeared fresh and well. Liberal cows:- buttons have been made in his behalf. GLASGOW, APRIL 3.—This day the funeral of the late Principal Taylor took place. It was most numeroply and respectably attendeed by the Magistrates of Glasgow, Professors and Students of the College, in procession, followed by the numerous friends of the deceased. A great crowd of spectators attended. EDINBURGH. APRIL 18.—Wednesday the Lord Pro vost, Magis rates, and Council, resolved to, present a petition to Parliament, praying that the duty might be taken off stones and slates carried coastwise. The duty on stones amounts to abuut 27 per cent. which I! is hitherto almost prevented our builders from using toe Forfarshire stones, except as cisterns; although, tr,ni the closeness of their texture, and their mOOOllO9l and durability, they are peculiarly suited fur inside st;:irs, and for foot-pavements. The Rev. Dr. WFarlane,of Drymen, has been appoint ed by his Majesty, Principal of Glasgow College. The presentation reached town on Friday morning. Since the snow disappeared, the weather has been un commonly favourable for all agricultural pursuits, so that the sowing and ploughing have proceeded with rapidit7. We are glad to find the provincial papers all concur its their reports of the rapid progress of the oat sowing all over the country. The average temperature of the month of March last, was, at eight in the morning, three degrees colder, and at eight in the evening, two one-third degrees colder than in the same month last year. The average greatest degree of cold during the night was three degrees inure intense last month than in March, 15•22. _ _ _ ligasNock, April 2.—The U ttnlop, Brown, of and from Greenock, fur St. John, N. B. in working down the river on Wednesday evening with a pilot on board,ruissed stays and drove on shore below Ketnpet•k. She makes no water, and is expected to be gut off to-day with a trifling damage. THE POOR COUNTRY OtßLs.—ln the coarse of yeiter.!ay several Gentlemen, actuated by the most commendable tee'. ings of humanity, called on Sir R. Birnie, at the office, fur the purpose of subscribing to the relief of the two poor gir.s, of whose case a report appeared in our Paperof yesterday ; the gir;tl having actually set off for their home, the money was left for the old woman, who was the first to pity the uti fortuoate objects, and the means of saving them by her dis interested charity. The poor woman, nowever, retired, without intimating where she resided, and neither the Ma gistrates nor Mr. Bowen have any clue to find her. .~