The Sun. — London, England, 1859-02-09 00:00:00

property in pictures of rare value thus enhanced, when the kindred enterprise recently inaugurated in a private house down at Westminster, was set on foot under the congenial presidency of the accomplished Earl STANHOPE—the project of the National Portrait Gallery—a Gallery of the Por traits of Great British Worthies, Poets, Warriors, Orators, Actors, Artists, Statesmen, Philosophers, Philanthropists. The unsightly structure look ing down upon " the finest site in Europe," upon the fountains and the NELSON statue, and the equestrian figures of Kings GEORGE and CHARLES, and the vast colossal form of the slightly-built, but terrible conqueror of Scinde, and the squat sic sede bat statue of JENNER beside him—that wretched structure surmounted with vinegar-cruits and pepper-castors, even if freed from occupancy by the Royal Academy, had become incapable of contain ing conveniently anything like the whole of the national collection. The time had obviously arrived for the removal of the Royal Academy from its precincts, preparatory to the enlarging of the site of the present edifice and the rebuilding of it from its very foundations. Hence the general feeling alluded to by Mr. DISRAELI last night, " that the Government should attempt to cut the Gordian knot and bring the question [at last] to a settle ment:" We will let the Chancellor of the Ex chequer now speak for himself. "I undertook," said the Right Hon. Gentleman, " on the part of the Government, in deference to the feeling of the house to obtain that result, and I have the pleasure of informing the house that I have succeeded in accomplishing that which appeared to be the gene ral wish of the country. The whole of the building in Trafalgar-square will speedily be entirely de voted to the National Gallery. (Cheers.)" No wonder the statement was received with cheering. It is precisely the one we have so long waited to hear from the lips of one speaking authoritatively on the part of her MAJESTY'S Government. But the sequel is especially deserving of note, relat ing, as it does, the manner in which this long looked-for conclusion was thus happily arrived at. " I •was so anxious," said Mr. DISRAELI, " on the part of the Government to bring this long-vexed question to a satisfactory settle ment, that I was prepared to offer to the Royal Academy terms which were conceived in a liberal spirit. We are prepared to recommend her MAJESTY to grant them a site, and I may say we are pre pared even now to recommend this House to ♦ote a sum of money to raise that build ing. But the Royal Academy, animated by a spirit which the House will appreciate, and which is worthy of that distinguished body, con sidered that if the academy were built by public funds, their independence would be compromised ; and, being in possession of sufficient property them selves, they announced their determination to raise the building for themselves. Having had a resi dence furnished, if not granted, by the Crown originally, and enjoyed so long, the Royal Academy did not consider that in accepting the offer of a site their independence would be at all compromised." That site, it appears, is to be part of the ground around Burlington House—the interior of the future building there to be left to the disposition of the Academy, and the exterior, if necessary, to be subordinated to the design of the Government. As to the mysterious gallery in course of erection down at South Kensington, that, happily, proves to be merely a temporary home for the safe keeping of the. VERNON and TURNER 4Valleries, together with . the SHEEP SHANKS' Collection, already there in its propin quity. Marlborough House being required imme diately for the future residence of his Royal Highness the Prince of WALES—and the present National Gallery, even when vacated by the Royal Academy, not being available for the concentration of the national collection within its walls until after the period of its final and comprehensive re construction. Nothing, indeed—we must perforce here repeat—could have been in every way more satisfactory than the explanation as to the rival interests of the National Gallery and the Royal Academy, given to the House of Commons last evening, with admirable lucidity, by the right hon. gentleman (who must henceforth be grate fully regarded as the re-organiser of the National Gallery) her Majesty's Chancellor of the Ex chequer. THE WEATHER.—SUN OFFICE, FEB. 9. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 47—highest sines noon yesterday. 47—lowest this morning and during the night. 48—this day at noon. BAROMETER-29'48. WIND, S.W. ; fresh, with rain, and dirty weather. Our hopes have been fully realised in regard to the harmonising of the confiicting.interests of the National Gallery and the Royal Academy. Our confidence in the satisfactory settlement of this long-pending difficulty byAhe combined decision and discretion of Her MAJESTY'S Government has been justified to the full. Nothing could well be more gratifying than the whole of the admirably lucid statement given upon this matter last even ing to the House of Commons by the Right Honourable Gentleman the Chancellor of the Exchequer. As Mr. DISRAELI was the first Minister of the Crown to kindle in the popular mind a distinct and sanguine expectation of a new palace of art—a gallery in every respect worthy of containing en permanence the art trea sures of the United kingdom—so it was but fitting that he of all men should have been the one (as the event happily proved yesterday) to gratify the com munity at last with the explicit announcement that the obstacles hitherto intervening between us and the realisation of that golden hope have now really been at length removed alto gether ! The explanation given yesterday by the leader of the House of Commons, in answer to the inquiry addressed to him by Sir H. WIL LOUGHBY, cannot by any possibility fail to give to every reasonable mind the most complete satisfac tion. Are we to have peace or war ? That is the great, the momentous question which disturbs Europe, and occasions a downward movement in the public funds of every nation. A satisfactory assurance would, even at this moment, lead to general pro sperity. ; but notwithstanding the 'affectation of can dour, there is still a reserve perceptible in the Im perial Speech, which induced the Parisians--who should be the best judges —to accept it " cum grano salt's," and which has unquestionably prevented it s from having the desired effect of bringing up stocks and funds to the peace level, when the index of the political barometer could point to " set fair." We want deeds, not words. And if the EMIT,. non would relinquish 'the preparations for war that haN'e excited other nations, it would have much . greater efficacy than any language, however conciliatory, that could be adopted. The alliance with England may be spoken of in high terms, but it would have been much better if England hadbeen spared the necessity of strengthening her navy, and maintaining at a heavy outlay the position which it is not only an imperative duty but a decided resolution to maintain. Britannia will still rule the waves, and whenever she shall abdi cate her maritime sovereignty, it will require no extraordinary powers of vaticination to predict her speedy decline and fall. The arrangement which has now been de finitively made reflects the highest credit at once upon the Royal Academy and upon the Govern ment. Hitherto the former distinguished body, as we all know, has found shelter for itself under the roof-tree of one or other of the great public buildings. It , first of all had a home in Somerset House. It has latter l y for many years past occu pied an entire moiety of the so-called National Gallery, in Trafalgar-square. Custom, in this way, might perhaps, not unreasonably, be pre *limed to have given it a certain claim upon th e national consideration. But the habit in re gard to the past gave it, unquestionably, no right in regard to the future. The Royal Academy found welcome year after year within walls not belonging to itself, but to the oountry at large—but it remained there all the :while, so to speak, simply on sufferance. The national collections of pictures all the while were toeeming year after year more and more numerous. The National Gallery, even if entirely devoted to its original design, that of affording the paintings belonging to this country a collective conserva tion w ou l d have s been found altogether inadequate for that purpe Within the compass of the last ten years the increase in the number of national art treasures h as b een Munificent patrons progressing by wholesale. of art have bequeathed enti r e in collections to the nation the Pe rp etuity. Mr. VER NON was the first to set TonNezxample of this princely munificence. M r. left the unrivalled productions ( , )t en h. dying, IS own rare genius to the country that ge n i us h ad tended thus directly to enrich as w well as directly to adorn. Mr. SHEEPSHANKS waited n o t for death, but enjoyed the noble satisfaction duri ng his own lifetime of witnessing the transfer "of hi s superb gallery to the nation, of whose art it will afford henceforth so very admirable and compre hensive an illustration, Scarcely was the national The EMPEROR is particularly sweet on all the Powers with whom he is in communication save Austria. FRANCIS JOSEPH is the black sheep who is to be expelled the flock, and who may be " hit hard in the absence of any friends." The reorganisation of the Danubian Principalities is the pretext adopted, but it is manifest that is not the real difficulty. There would in such case be no necessity for " drawing closer to Piedmont, which had been so devoted during war, so faithful to the French- policy during peace." Sur Sardinia cares but little about the Danube Principalities. It i s the Lombardo-Venetian kingdom, with perhaps some slight aspirations after the States of the Church, that VICTOR Mu mANTIEL is looking. He -would have no objection to become a " lay Pope," and to become the Mon arch of United Italy. But that object cannot be quite so easily obtained as it might have been ten years since but for the interference of French and Austrian bayonets. r t r e i q a u , i r s e p d e a t k o s s u o c f ce " d th in e" He now reproaches Austria, great spirit of concil solving questions of principle; the "drawin g closer " to Piedmont, in the notorious state of its relations with Austria, beyondproves Franeeis the possibility of doubt or difficulty that pre pared to enter the field at any moment, and to tak the initiative against Austria. It will not be very difficult to find a point whereon to dispute. There are open questions that will furnish any bellicose nation with abundant excuses. Indeed, there are always standing topics that might be made pre texts for hostilities, that require what the EMPEROR terms a " great spirit of conciliation" to keep in re serve, but which may at any moment be resorted to by the party anxious to commence hostilities. The EMPEROR himself has been astonished at the uneasy feeling, " vague anxiety, and hollow agita tion" that has disturbed France. He is grieved .rather than surprised, in consequence of society having been shattered by so many revolutions, b'it he wishes to reassure these timid parties, and to show that the peace and tranquillity of Europe will be preserved, notwithstanding his bellicose demonstrations. Some may invoke war with all their hearts, without legitimate reasons— others may amuse themselves by showing to France the dangers of a " new coalition," he will re main firm, and peace, he hopes, will not be disturbed. This great, this all-important question, depends on his mysterious will. He can " cry havoc, and let slip the dogs of war;" if he thinks proper so to do. He can preserve the peace and tranquillity of Europe, and promote the prosperity of trade and commerce. A great - :esponsibility rests upon him, but, as we have already stated, " acta non verbs" should be his motto. He should, by relinquishing warlike pre parations, prove that he was resolved to preserve peace, and then his professions would be univer versally credited, and other nations would be enabled to spare expenses, now very onerous to their respective exchequers. An announcement which will be found in ano ther part of our impression of this evening explains the nature of a very interesting enterprise of a philanthropic character, which has within the last few days been inaugurated under the happiest auspices. We allude to the Public Readings now taking place night after night in various parts of the metropolis, in our different school-rooms, public halls, and mechanics' institutions. The project, Originally set on foot by EDWARD W. Cox and CHARLES J. PLUMPTRE, Esquires, both of the Temple, has been brought into effective operation by the cordial sympathy and energetic co operation of other gentlemen following the track marked out by their own generous zeal and intelli gel perseverance. The first of these public read ings took place on Monday evening in Crosby Hall, Bishopsgate-street Within, when the two able origi nators of the enterprise were signally aided by the Revs. J. M. BELLEW and W. H. BROOKFIELD. Last evening, at the second reading in the school-room of St. Martin's-in-the-Fields, Charing Cross, those assembled there proved themselves (bytheir alternate silence and laughter) to be attentive and delighted listeners to Mr. PLumrTßE's admirable reading of BULWER'S humorous apologue of the Wooing of the Fox. Subsequently to which they listened with no less eager attention to Mr. Cox's charm ingly pathetic declamation in the delivery of CAMPBELL'S Exile of Erin—and (to close tho whole performance effectively) were convulsed with laughter by the nasal unction with which the Rev. ALEXANDER WATSON read a few of Sam Slick's notions upon soft sawder and human natur'. The admission charge to these public readings —(viz., what MONTAGUE TIGG would call " the ridiculously small amount" of One Penny)—will, we do sincerely believe, render them efficient and eventually, we hope, triumphant rivals to those dens of abomination—the penny gaffs—still fester ing, like plague spots, in various parts of our metropolis. ELECTORAL MAP OF ENGLAND. BY JAMES WYLD. PROPOSED BOROUGH OF PADDINGTON.—At a special meetilig of the Vestry, of Padding,ton, held yesterday —the Rev. Mr. Campbell, the rector of the parish, in the chair—it was agreed to petition Parliament to form Pad dington into a separate borough, with power to return re presentatives to the House of Commons. Sir B. Hall is to be requested to present and to support the petition. The commissioners appointed by Prince Napoleon to report on the expediency of continuing the engagement of negroes on the coast of Africa for the French colonies, were unanimous in favour of it. The concession of the principle proves the great desire of the Emperor to con ciliate the people of England. GOVERNMENT EMIGRATION.—The Government emigrant ship Mary Pleasants; 786 tons, Captain Moore Gilchrist, which sailed from Liverpool on the 28th of July, in charge of S urgeon -Superintendent Philip Beal, with 35 married couples, 62 single men, 95 single women, 21 boys between the ages of one and 12, 20 girls between the samo ages, three male infants and five female, making a total of 276 souls, equal to 2471 statute adults, arrived at Sydney, New South Wales on the 16th Nov. Two deaths (one adult and one child) occurred during the voyage. Her Majesty's Emigration Commissioners will receive tenders to-morrow (Thursday) for ships to proceed to Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and to Sydney ; the former to be ready for the reception of passengers on such days as the commis sioners may appoint between the 7th and 14th March,: and the latter between the 21st and 28th. FLOGGING A ROYAL MARINE AT CHATHAM.— Yesterday morning the Commandant of the division issued regimental ordes for the whole of the officers and men comprising the battalion to assemble at the rear of the barracks, to witness the proceedings being read, and the sentence carried into execution, by the infliction of corporal punishment on a prisoner named Charles Thier, 41st Company, who was tried by a district court-martial for striking Sergeant Philip Grady, 21st Company, a violent blow over the head with a fire shovel. The sergeant was on duty at the time, and in consequence of hearing there was a disturbance in the public-house called the White Swan, at Chatham, he went into the taproom, when the prisoner committed the offence. The proceedings of the Court were read by. Lieut. Caircross. The Court directed the prisoner to receive 50 lashes, and to be imprisoned in the Military Prison, Fort Clarence, for 56 days. The prisoner bore the infliction of the cat with a great deal of fortitude. He was afterwards removed to the Infirmary ; and as soon as he is able he will be transmitted to prison, to undergo the remaining part of his sentence. He bears a very bad character. THE TELEGRAPH AS A PREVENTIVE OF RAIL WAY ACCIDENTS.—The Lancashire and Yorkshire Rail way Company, imitating the example of several other large lines of railway, have resolved to extend the telegraph through their system, and by its aid anticipate increased advantages as regards speed, economy and safety. The work has been placed in the hands of Sir Charles Bright, and the plan intended to be adopted is as follows :—When a train leaves Wigan for Bolton and Manchester, Wigan will telegraph to Hindley "Train on," and put up the danger signal or semaphore, to prevent any train passing the station till Hindley telegraphs back " Line clear," which will be done as soon as the train has passed that station. Wigan then drops its signal, the semaphore being raised at Hindley, which will also have telegraphed to Westhoughton, and the trains both on the up and down lines are thus handed from station to station along the line with great facility : and as the stations are seldom above three or four miles aparrt, it will enable trains to run at intervals of even five minutes without the possibility of a collision. Too much value cannot be attached to the arrangement, which appears to be as perfect as it is simple. DISCOVERY OF HUMAN SKELETONS.—Two per . Another admirable map of the electoral districts of England and. Wales, by her Majesty's Geo grapher. It reveals with perfect lucidity at once —the state of the representation before the Reform Bill of 1832—as amended by the Reform Bill of 1832—and as proposed by the correspondent of the Times newspaper, whoever that mysterious per sonage may be. The boroughs wholly disfran chised, disfranchised of one member—the places marked down to return additional members—those to return members not now represented in Parlia ment—the counties and divisions of counties—the boroughs in which no change whatever is proposed —all these are distinguished one from the other with equal exactitude. Besides which there is an immense map of the Metropolitan Boroughs— including among them the future boroughs of Chelsea and Kensington. The publication is emi nently acceptable, and will, we doubt not, be received as such by hundreds both within and without the walls of Parliament. ROUTLEDGE'S NEW ILLUSTRATED NATURAL HISTORY. EDITED BY THE REV. J. G. WOOD, ISLA., F.L.S. The want of a comprehensive and, at the same time, accurate work on the natural history of the animal kingdom has long been felt. The taste for natural history becomes developed in an increasing ratio by the extension of our colonies and our com merce. There is scarcely a cottage in the British dominions where the desire to know something about God's creatures in strange lands is not fos tered by some present from the emigrant, the soldier, or the sailor of the family. We are, therefore, glad to see an announcement of a new Natural History, which will embrace the most remarkable varieties of the animal kingdom, from the gigantic elephant to the minute manufacturer of the coral reef, and which is intended to instruct both the eye and the imagination of the reader. The graphic pen of the Rev. J. G. Wood, already so popular' for his lifelike descriptions of animal life, and his " Common Objects of the Country and Sea Shore" is a guarantee that his " Illustrated Natural History," while securing scientific accuracy, will possess that charm, of a vivid delineation of the habits of the creatures described, which will render his undetliaking as amusing as it will be instructive. In order to bring this work within the reach of every one, it is intended to issue it in Shilling Monthly Parts, each containing forty-eight pages of letterpress and thirty illustrations from designs by Wolf, Harrison Weir, Harvey, Coleman, &. ; and we have no doubt that whoever sees the specimen number, which may be seen at any bookseller's, will thank us fordrawing attention to this book. A letter from Berlin of the sth states that the Princess Frederick William is going on so favourably that no further bulletins will be published. The Prince Wladimir Bariatinsky and M. Rosch kouski have left the Clarendon for Paris. His Excellency the United States Minister enter tained at dinner, on Monday last, Lord Lyons (the newly appointed Envoy to Washington), the Brazilian Minister, the Swedish Minister, the Danish Minister, Mr. Seymour Fitzgerald, M.P., Mr. Thomas Baring, M.P., Mr. Thomson Hankey, M.P., Lieut.-Col. Scarlett, &o. The Duke and Duchess of Marlborough and ily are expected at their new mansion in St. James's aqi:liare, from Blenheim, early in the ensuing month. The Duke and Duchess of Wellington have re turned to Apsleysliouse, from Strathfieldsaye. The Marquis of Bristol has arrived at his resi dence in St. James's-square, from rekworth Park, Suffolk. The Earl and Countess of Craven and family have arrived at their mansion in Charles-street, fro - m Ash down Park. Viscount and Viscountess Grey de Wilton arrived in town on Monday, from visiting the Earl and Countess of Craven at Ashdown Park, Berks. Viscount Clifden has left town to pass a few weeks in Paris. Lady Dover and the Hon. Mrs. Coke come to town to-morrow from staying with the Right Hon, Henry and Lady Mary Labouchere at Stoke Park, near Windsor. The Hon. Mr. and Mrs. Sydney Pierrepont will arrive at Claridge's Hotel to-day from Evenley Hall, Brackley. ' Sir Robert Gerard has arrived at the Clarendon, from Garswood, near Warrington. 'We have to announce the death of Sir Chaloner Ogle, Bart., son of the late Sir Charles Ogle, Admiral of the Fleet, which took place at Brussels on the 3d inst. He is succeeded in his title by his eldest SOIL Magendio, who is in his 16th year. The Earl of Ripon is likely to take his seat in the House of Lords on Thursday or Friday of this wet* ; and the writ for the West Riding will probably b e issued on the same evening. feet human skeletons have been dug up by the railway labourers, employed in excavating the earth for the abut ments of the new railway bridge over the Severn, near Pitchcroft meadow. They were lying side by side with their hands crossed over their breasts, as though interred in an orderly manner, at a depth of 12 or 13 feet, in a deep bed of dark clay, or silt, which bore no appearance of having ever been disturbed. They were skeletons of rather more than the average height, and in both skulls the brains remained in a pasty mass. The teeth were nearly perfect. On the breast of one of them was found some small leaves, apparently of the salix (withy or osier), which were to all appearance as fresh and as green as though but recently placed there. It is thought they were among the slain at the skirmishes at the siege of Worcester, but the most feasi ble conjecture •is that they are the remains of two men who were drowned in the river at a time when the locality where they were found was a morass. Some time ago near the same spot, at a depth of 21 feet, was turned up some river silt, with layers of broad and narrow-leaved safix and orle, and which would therefore favour this supposition.—Bir mingham Daily Post. WHITTINGTON CLUB.—On Monday evening the half-yearly meeting of the members of this club was held in the great hall of the club-house in Arundel-street. Mr. Ald. Mechi presided, and in his opening observations dwelt very strongly on the importance of that care and promptitude in the monetary matters which he was glad to perceive in the conduct of the institution. He attached great value to well kept honest accounts, and he had examined those of the club to form his own opinion of its real position. He was con vinced that the institution was in a solvent condition. The secretary then read the report, which spoke of the great success which, in spite of many difficulties; had crowned the efforts of the provisional committee, under whose con duct the club-house had been rebuilt and refurnished, and the ordinary literary and club operations of the institution re-organised. The report was unanimously adopted, and its printing and circulation suggested. A managing com mittee was then appointed, several subjects of interest only to members were discussed, and the proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to the chairman. Arrangements have been made for a grand concert on the 17th of the month, and a full-dress ball on the Ist of March, and it was stated that in a week or two at farthest the dining department of the club would be re-established and in full work. NORFOLK ESTUARY COMPANY.—Yesterday after noon the twenty-fifth half -yearly meeting of the share holders of this company was, held at the Gray's-inn Coffee house, Holborn; Mr. West, Commissioner of Bankruptcy for the Leeds district, in the chair. The report stated that in consequence of the instructions issued to the solicitor of the company to enforce the arrears upon calls, upwards of £4,000 had been received on that account during the past year, and it was their intention to persevere in that policy until all recoverable arrears were paid up. After alluding to the loss which the company had sustained by the death of the late Lord Orford, and the late Mr. A. G. Day, the report proceeded to state that the directors had made a call of £2 10s. per share, payable on the 3rd of May, making the amount paid up on each share £34. According to the capital account the sum expended by the direc tors since the formation of the company was £316,289 3s. ld., or £242 ls. id. in excess of the amount re ceived on calls, interests, &c. The report of the en gineers stated that within the last six months the works of reclamation had been so far proceeded withNthat 500 acres had been enclosed, the increased value of which would accrue to the company, and now that they had got seaward of the old frontages, all future enclosures in that direction would be entirely to their own profit. In consequence of a difference of opinion between the company's engineers and the contractors (Messrs. Peto and Betts) with regard to the feasibility of some of the works contracted for, the Messrs. Cecil, of Hull, had propsed to undertake the completion of the work, and Messrs. Peto and Betts were willing to pay over to them the difference in the cost of the execution of the work. This offer the engineers advised the directors to accept, as it would preclude their having recourse to legal proceedings to enforce the completion of the work by the original contractors, and save the loss of time which would otherwise prejudice the company. On the motion of the chairman, the report was adopted. The outgoing directors and auditor were then re-elected, and the proceedings ter minated in the usual manner. A GOVERNMENT "AGENT."—On Friday evening last a person dressed in a gold-laced uniform, and wearing an Albert chain, called at the Haunch and Venison Inn, Maidstone, and represented to Mr. Cheeseman, the proprietor, that he was an officer in the service of the Government, and required beds for twelve men, besides one for himself, as he had been sent down by the Secretary of State to take charge of the county prisons. He further stated that he had - already been to the gaol, and put the governor "under arrest," and that he had left his men there. The fellow told -his tale with so much plausibility that Mr. Cheeseman though tar easily "done"—was induced to give credence to it, as also were others persons there at the time. Ac • cordingly, one of .the best beds in the house was placed at the disposal of the " Government official," and he was treated with all the respect and attention which a person of such authority would be supposed to command. Next day he made known the " important busindlli" which had brought him to the town to several parties who came to the house, and even spoke of it openly at the ordinary of the inn, going so minutely into details that no one appears to have questioned the truth of his assertions. As may be supposed, his " mission" soon got noised abroad, and coming to the knowledge of Mr. Hillyard, the governor of the gaol, he went down to the Haunch, to inquire after the dis tinguished stranger by whom he was to be superseded. By this time, however, the stranger was figuring in the cha racter of "a drunk and incapble," in the hands of police sergeant Hills; ,and, on inquiry, it turned out that his name was James Donelly, and that he was formerly in the 6th Carabincers, but latterly had been employed as a warder in the convict establishment at Brompton, having obtained leave of absence till Saturday night, and made application to Mr. Hillyard, with a view of getting a situa tion in the Maidstone prison. When asked for an expla nation of his conduct next morning, he said he was sorry for what had occurred, but he attributed it to a blow he had received while in the Crimea, and which he said had affected his brain. As there was not sufficient to detain him he was discharged, leaving the duplicate of his watch, which he had pawned for 10s. at the shop of Mr. Edmett, as security for the payment of his bill to Mr. Cheeseman. —South _Eastern Gazette. THE AFFAIRS OF MESSRS. FELIX CALVERT ANID Co. —Yesterday, a meeting of the creditors of this firm, con vened by Mr. Smalley, secretary of " The Incorporated Society of Licensed Victuallers," was held at the London Tavern, Bishopsgate-street. On the motion of Mr. Funnell, seconded by Mr. Dolamore, Mr. Smalley was called to the chair. There were about 400 persons present The object of the meeting, as stated in the circular convening it, was to ascertain whether the admitted. creditors of the existing firm desire that the rights of the creditors of the old firm should be further litigated, in the face of an adverse decision in the case already adjudicated, or whether it should be at once agreed to treat the whole as one estate, without any distinction of old or new firm. The chairman, who said he had called the meeting at the desire of the in spectors, entered at some length into the circumstances at tending the bankruptcy, and the various proceedings which have been instituted under it. After showing the saving which had been effected by the inspectors in the carrying on of the concern, he asked whether it was better to allow them to continue than to wind-up the affairs, the suspen sion of which would create a wide-spread - distress. He hoped that by the vote of that day they would show the firm of Calvert and Co, that they were their friends ; that they helitted the inspectors were doing their duty; that they had confidence hi them, and if they did this, he be lieved at the end of two years such a statement would be submitted to them as would be found highly gratifying. In reply to a queStiori, Mr, Smalley stated that the partners could not object to the arrangement until it should result in paying the creditors more than 20s. in the pound. Mr. Funnel said that 4 1W had spoken to two of the partners, Mr. Nicolton.Calvert and Mr. Phelps and they were both in faVolif of the motion which would now be proposed. Mr. Funnel then moVati resolution to the effect that it was not expedient further to contest the right of the creditors whose debts were not taken over by the now firm to rank as Mr. Gol e , creditors of the existing firm. Mr. Leeds Paine secondeddrin the motion, which was carried unanimously the inspectors for their past exertions, and requesting moved, and Mr. Leeds Paine seconded a vote of thanks to continuo for the future, which was also unanimously agreed to. On the motion of Mr. Harrison, seconded by r Mr. Wood, a vote of thanks was passed to Mr. Smalley . f ks the t m o consideart ion, e p h a a rt ir ie t s ha i t il d t e a i y ,e , 4n a and d i n for t the the mattersrvi underhe h il l Ci s conduc t rendered ll the el THE SUN,/ LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, FEBRUAEI 9, 1859. LATEST NEWS. THE INDIA MAILS. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) The Pera, with the mails from Calcutta and China, left Malta for Southampton on the 6th inst., at 5 p.m. The Euxine left Marseilles on the 7th inst., at 6 a.m. The Ripon, with the Bombay mail, left Malta for Alexandria on the 7th inst., at 8 a.m. The Panther sailed on the Bth, at 6 a.m. The following telegrams have been received at Mr. Reuter's office, Feb. 8 : MARSEILLES, FEB. 7. Advices have been received from Rome to the sth inst. The Prince of Wales arrived there on Thursday evening incognito, The following day the Pope sent his major domo to pay him his respects. Prince Albert of Prussia has left again, after having had several interviews with the Pope. The official journal contradicts the statement published by some papers that Ferrara has been declared in a state of siege. VIENNA, FEB. 8. The semi-official Austrian correspoUdence Oester r eichische Correspondenz ), in an article of this evening, characterises the Emperor Napoleon's speech as peaceful, and states that the alliance of France and England is a guarantee for the main taining of the treaties. The same article hopes for the speedy solution by diplomatic means of the question respecting the military occupation of the States of the Church, and also for the discontinu ance of the warlike preparations in France. TRIESTE, FEB. 8. The Austrian Lloyd. mail steamer has just ar rived here from Alexandria with news from Cal eutta to Jan. 9th. Exchange on London 2s. to 2s. 10. Imports little doing. Exports inactive. Prices firmer on account of rising freights. Canton, Dec. 29—Imports quiet: Arrivals of produce small. Hong Kong, Dec. 30—Freights lower. Ex change 4s. 7d. to 4s. '74d. Shanghai, Dec. 22—Imports more in demand. No fresh tea arrivals. Exchange 6s. 6d. to 6s. 64d. Freights for tea 30s. to 325. Freights for silk 70s. FRANCE. PARIS, TUESDAY. settled to-day, and Rente has been in fair demand Threes, after having been done at 68f. 15c., improved to 68f. 50c. Mobilier varied from 777 f. 50c. to 795 f. ; Austrian, 550f.43 555 f. ; Orleans, 1,315 f. to 1,322 f. 50c. ; Northern, 922 f. 50c. to 927 f. 50c. ; Lyons, 827 f. 50c. to 835 f. ; Southern, 515 f. to 517 f. 50e. Considerable sales were made towards the close, when the following were the quota tions 41 per Cents. .... 96 50 Credit Fonder 650 Do. end month .. 06 50 Belgian 41 — -- 3 per Cents. 6B 10 Piedmonteso (5) Do. end month.... 68 10 Roman — Bank Shares 2900 Austrian Credit Mobilier .. 780 Spanish Threes Do. Account ..... 775 Home Debt 39 50 The Count de Morny, in his speech to the Legis lative Body to-day, said—" Let us have confidence when the Emperor tells us, 'resume with calmness those works of peace which I hope will not be in terrupted. I shall remain firm in the path of right, justice, and national honour ;' and when recalling those celebrated words—' The Empire is peace,' he adds that peace cannot be disturbed except for the defence of great national interests—religion, philo sophy, and civilisation. Credit and labour have made of peace the great bond of modern society. The blood of the people is no longer shed lightly. War is the last resource of right mis understood, or of honour offended. The great mass of difficulties is smoothed down by diplomacy, or solved by pacific arbitration. Publicity and the rapidity of international communicat ion have created a new European Power, of -which all Governments are compelled to take account. This Power is Opinion. It may for a moment be unde cided or mistaken ; but it always takes its place ultimately on the side of justice, right, and huma nity. Let us hope that, under existing circum stances, the generous ideas, the loyal an d disinte rested intentions, of the Emperor will make their way in the world, and that in accordance as they are with the sympathies of nations, and sustained by the influence of sovereigns, they will succeed in solving peaceably all the questions of difficulty that present themselves." The Emperor's speech is commented on by several of the Paris journals, but the Constitution nel, Debuts, Pags, and others have abstained from favouring the public with their views on 'this important docu ment. Our contemporaries, at their discretion, overlook the fact that the first maxim o:f successful journalism is to strike while the iron is hot ; to-day their opinions would have been consulted with respect ; to-morrow their most elaborate arguments will be received with comparative indifference. Moreover, by their silence they allow the warlike hints of the Presse and Siecle to exercise unopposed influence over the public mind. We commence our extracts with the Patrie ; " This speech, in which is interpreted, in splendid lan guage, the logic and power of a great country, responds to everything that was awaited from the sovereil pi of France. It will inspire regret in thOse who may have questioned the moderation of the Emperor. It will give confidence to those who believed in his wisdom. Finally it will create a feeling of justifiable pride in all those who are fired by national honour. . . . The speech will a 3rtainly attain the double aim proposed by the Sovereign of France—it will at once strengthen and calm public opinion. The country will give its unanimous approval to this wise and generous policy. Europe will learn once more that , the Emperor sincerely ,desires peace—but a peace which 'corresponds to the interest of his honour, to the legitimate g randeur of his influence, and to the cause of civilisation over the entire world." The Courrier de Paris observes : " Our readers will recognise in the Imperial language a fresh proof of the wisdom and patriotic spirit which for ten years have constituted the glory of the Imperial Govern ment." The Siecle describes the points which particu larly excited the applause of the senators and deputies ; these were—the remark "th at the inte rest of France exists wherever there is a just and civilising cause to be carried out," the allusions to the Piedmontese alliance, and the pa:ragraph on Italy. The observation that France e.nd Russia had' been in accord on all points in discussion" excited, according to our contemporary, a marked sensation in the Assembly. We extract the con cluding remarks of this journal : " The skill with which the speech was drawn up, and the happiness of its arrangement and language, were gene rally remarked. The deputies, in applauding in the most intelligble manner the above passages, have protested against those who circulated the report that ..they had ar rived from the departments with ultra-pacific views." The Presse has the following article : " This speech will create a great sensation ha France and in Europe. The Emperor, without departing from the re serve dictated by the serious nature of circumstances and by his high position, was able to depict in a rapid manner the characteristics of the relations maintained by France with foreign Powers—the accord with England, the cordi • ality of the Russian relations, the community of interests between France and Piedmont, and the numerous scissions with Austria." The Debats maintains that Turkey has no right to interfere in Wallachia on account of the double election of Colonel Couza ; that the consent of the Powers who signed the Treaty of Paris must first be obtained ; that Turkey may complain, but can not annul that election by her sole will. Poor Turkey ! The secret of the animosity borne by " lawyers and journalists" towards the Papal court is thus explained by the Univers : "No good places exist there. The Pope is the most economical of Sovereigns. The priests placed at the head of the various branches of the administration are satisfied with poor salaries, and do not move heaven and earth for promotion." The same journal advances this tremendous argu ment against the politicians who propose a reor ganisation of the Roman States. " The Roman States are not the property of Pius IX ; they are the property of St. Peter. The Pope has a life interest in them. . . . There is no possibility of a con federation in Italy, and the Pope has not the faintest desire to be nominated to the nominal rank of head of the Italian Confederation." BOURSE, Feb. B.—The market has been more TA:ur 7 m AI , -4 41 . ;peg: , N a pr_, 3 . 4 „ , .4‘,4110 1 A. t t ari i i cis tiy. t . ". Tr le -44°1T THE SUN. WEDNESDAY. FEBRUARY 9, 1859. ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVE NT GARDEN, under the sole Management of Miss Louisa I'yne and Mr. W. Harrison THIS EVENING will be presented an entirely new and romantic Opera, by Mr. W. Balfe, entitled SATANELLA ; or, THE POWER OF LOVE. Conductor—Mr. Alfred Mellon. cpnclude with the new Pantomime of, LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD ;- or, Harlequin and the Wolf in Granny's Clc thing. Commence at Seven, TH:EATRE-ROYAL, DRURY-LANE. Lessee—Mr. E. T. Smith. THIS EVENING, OUR GAL. Mr. - 2tal Mrs. Barney Williams. Followed by BARNEY THE BARON. J'o conclude with the new pantomime, ROBIN HOOD ,• or, Harlequin Fria r Tuck and the Merry Men of Sherwood Forest. OYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE. 11, Under the Management of Mr. Charles Kean. THIS EVENING will beperformed the play of LOINS XI. Louis (King of France), by Mr. C. Kean. After which, a new grand Christmas Pantomime, entitled 'RijE KING OF THE CASTLE; or, Harlequin Prince D;amond and Princess Brighteyes. THEATRE -ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Lessee, Mr. J. B. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, AN UNEQUAL MATCH. Miss Amy Sedgrwick, Mr. Buckstone, &c. Atter which, a new grand Comic Pantomime, entitled UNDINE ; or, Harlequin and the Spirit of the Waters. Commence at 7. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Manager, Mr. Edmund Falconer. THIS EVENING, will be performed EXTREMES ; or, Hen of the Day. Messrs. Emery, E. Falconer, Rogers, &c, To be followed by the new Drama of T HE SISTER'S SACRIFICE. Messrs. Emery, Barret, and Rogers. Madame Celeste, Mrs. Keeley, and Miss Julia St. George. Reduced Prices—Dress Boxes, 4s. ; upper Boxes, 3s. ; Pit, 2a. ; Stalls, ss. ; Gallery, is. Box-office open from 11 to 5 daily. Doors open at half-past 6 to commence at 7 every evening. NEW THEATRE - ROYAL, ADELPHI. Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Benj. Webster. THIS EVENING, the performance will commence with THE BIRTHPLACE OF PODGERS. Mr. J. L. Toole, Mr. C. Selby, Mr. Billington, Miss Kelly. To be followed by THE LAST OF THE PIGTAILS. Mr. C. Selby. Mr. J. L. Toole, C. J. Smith, Mrs. Chatterley, Miss Henrietta Simms. After which, GOOD FOR NOTHING. Messrs. J. L. Toole, Billington, Eburne, and Miss Woolgar. To conclude with the grand Christmas Pantomime, entitled MOTHER RED CAP ; or, Harlequin Johnny Gilpin's Ride to Edmonton. Clown, Mr. Croueste ; Harlequin, Mr. Hilde brand ; Columbine, Miss Hayman ; Pantaloon, Mr. Lupino ; Sprite, Mr. Le Barr. Doors open at half-past six—Commence at seven. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE, Lessee and Directress, Miss Swanborongh THIS EVENING. THE BONNIE FISH WIFE. Atter which, the new Extravaganza, KENILWORTH ; or Ye Queene. ye Earle, and ye Maydenne. And THE LITTLE SAVAGE Commence at 7 o'clock. ASTLEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE Westminster-road. Lessee and Manager Mr. William Cooke. Crowded Houses Nightly. Another high'y attractive and successful Drama. THIS EVENING, and during the week, the grand Spec tacle of THE GIPSY GIRL OF MADRID ; or, The Edict of Spain. After which, the inimitable SCENES IN THE CIRCLE, Introducing Mr. Win. Cooke's beautiful and highly-trained palfries and ponies and the Starßiders of Europe. To conclude with the great Operatic and Burlesque Eques trian Pantomime, entitled HARLEQUIN BARON MUN CHAUSEN, AND HIS COMICAL CREAM COB CRUISER. Baron Mnnchausen, Mr. W. Anson ; Harlequin, Mr. IL Hemmings ; Pantaloon, Mr. Morley ;1 Clown, Mr. A. F. Forrest, the Grimaldi of the day; Columbine, Miss Julia Weston. Brilliant and unsurpassable Transformation Scene, with dazzling effects of Colour and Fire. Gorgeous Scenery, and every incident in bustling reality, from Regent-street to he "New Palace for the People, at Muswell Hill," Dress Circle, 4s. ; Boxes, 38.) Pit, 2s, ; Gallery, is. ; Upper Gallery, 6d. Stage Manager, Mr. R. Phillips. CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road. — Proprietor —C. MORTON. The public is most respectfully informed that the Firm ARTS GALLERY, in connection with the above Hall, IS NOW OPEN DAT AND NIGHT, from 11 o'clock a.m. until 12 O'clock p.m. The New Gallery contains an extensive Collec tion of Pictures, by Ancient and Modern Masters .and is also devoted to Art productions generally. The Proprietor feels he may confidently assert that, viewed altogether, the exist ng Music Hall, the New Fine Arts Gallery, and the recently dded Ante-Hall, will present an attraction which, whether regards the architectural beauty of the structures them selves, or the varied and hitherto unattempted combinations within, will be found to be wholly without parallel in the Kingdom. The MUSICAL ENTERTAINMENT commences as usual at Seven o'clock. In addition to the usual entertainment, the SAUVLET FAMILY, of Amsterdam, Eight in number, whose varied instrumental performances have created so marked a sensa tion in the principal cities and towns of the Continent, will perform every Evening at Nine and Eleven o'clock. THE LATE MR. B. TVYON. debit Anioiig the losses with which we have to the year so recently elated, we must not omit some record of one who was himself an eminent member of a family long eminent in the branch of art which they professed. Benjamin Wyon, who died on the 21st of November last, was the son of Thomas Wyon, the well-known chief engraver of seals to Kings George 111. and George IV.—and was born, in London, on the 9th of January, 1802. He began his Art career, of course, under the eye of his father; and, along with his cousin, the late Win. Wyon, he studied under his distinguished brother Thomas, the chief engraver to the Royal Mint; whose short career, as is well remembered, though it endedat the untimely age of 25, yet sufficed to raise the medal list's art ,in this country to a height of excellence which before his day it had not at any time attained. If the prize of pre-eminence be due to the early dead, Benjamin Wyon had yet his ample share of the family gift. At an early age, he carried off several prizes for medals from the Society of Arts, and the silver medal of the Royal Academy was conferred on him for a head of Apollo, which afterwards the Royal Academy of Music adopted as the design for their prize medal. At the age of nineteen, young Wyon was employed, with much credit to himself, on the great seal of George IV. He also attracted considerable notice to himself, while still young, by a head which he executed of Dr. Hutton. In 1830, as a natural consequence of such antecedents, he was appointed to fill the vacancy which his father left in the office of chief engraver of his Majesty's seals—and he executed the seal then required for the new sovereign, William IV. The works, however, which earned for the late Mr. Benjamin Wyon his highest repu tation were the seals which he executed for the present Queen.—Out of a vast number of other medals, regal and corporate, public and private, which during his successful career Mr. Wyon pro duced, we may select the following for separate mention :—The Shakspere Medal of the City of London School, presented to that institution by the late Mr. Beaufoy. The model of the Royal Scottish Academy; at Edinburgh. Medals, for the Art-Union of London, in commemoration of the architects, Wren, Chambers, and Vanbrugh. The medal awarded by the Board of Trade for gallantry in saving life at sea. The medal for the Humane Society at Ply mouth. A medal commemorative of her Majesty's marriage,—and one commemorative of the baptism of the Prince of Wales, and the King of Prussia's visit to this country as sponsor on the occasion. A medal commemorating the visit of the Emperor and Empress of the French to the city of London, — and another on occasion of a similar visit from the King of Sardindia. These two latter medals were executed at the cost of the Corporation of London, — and are splendid specimens of the medalist's art. — By a large circle of friends, to whom the qualities that do not belong to a record like this had endeared him, Mr. Benjamin Wyon will long be missed. He leaves a widow and many children to mourn his loss ; but it is pleasant to know, that if the long accustomed pitcher be broken at this old family fount of Art, death has not dried the well. Mr. Joseph S. Wyon, whom his deceased fathertrained to his own profession, and who was the assistant of his later labours, inherits the family gift,—and has in virtue of it, been permitted to put on his father's fallen mantle as chief engraver of seals to the Queen.—Art-Journal. A Berlin letter, of the sth, states that her Majesty Queen Victoria, the Emperor of Russia, the Queen of Prussia, the Grand Duke of Weimar, and the Princess Charles of Prussia will be the godfathers and godmothers of the infant prince. A private telegraph from Algeria, dated Tester day, announces that the 23d and 90th Regiments of the Line and Bth Chasseurs were to commence embarking on that day for Marseilles, and the'4lst and 56th Regiments were to embark the following week. At a pension of the Society of Gray's-inn, holden on the 26th ult., Mr. Joseph Thackwell, the first son of Lieut.-General Sir Jos. Thackwell, G.C.8., was called to the bar. Mr. Thackwell was, until within the last few months, in the army, and is favourably known as the author of "The Second Sikh War," in which he served as aide de-camp to Sir Joseph Thackwell. In consequence of an intimation that the depar ture of the Oneida from Sydney with the homeward January mail would be deferred, it has been ordered by the Government that the outgoing Australian mail be delayed for a week. The Teviot will consequently not leave Sou thampton till the 19th, instead of the 12th ; and the Wye will be despatched from Marseilles on the arrival of the London mails of the 23d. Letters for Australia can conse quently be posted here up to the evening of that day. It is said the Chancellor of the Exchequer con templates a change in the sugar duties, that discriminating rates are to be abolished, and a uniform ad valorem amount substituted. The extinction of the present system will be generally hailed, but the ad valorem principle will in turn involve endless difficulties. Some of the chief per sons in the trade desire the simple plan which prevails with regard to tea and other articles, of charging one duty without reference to differences in value or quality. " The Dutch flag," says the Pays, "has met with a serious insult, if the following fact, given in a private letter from Curacoa of 26th December last, is correct. It states that the Dutch schooner Amalie, belonging to the house of Jesurnn and Son, of Curacoa, has been taken possession of by the authorities of St. Domingo, who have transformed her.into a vessel of war without any legal formality, and simply alleging that she belonged to the republic. The letter adds that this news produced a great impression at Curacoa, and it was expected that the Dutch government would adopt energetic measures to obtain satisfaction." ROYAL INSTITUTION OF GREAT BRITAIN.—At the general monthly meeting, held on Monday last, William Pole, Esq., M.A., F.R.S., treasurer and vice-president in the chair, the Earl of Ashburnham, John ,plerby Allcroft, Esq., Capt. Augustus T. Hamilton, and M. M. A. New man Smith, were duly elected members of the Royal Insti tution, and G. F. Chambers, Esq., was admitted a member of the Royal Institution. The presents received since the last meeting were laid on the table, and the thanks of the members returned for the same. THE GUILDHALL REFORM MEETING.—We are requested to state that Mr. Whitehurst, of the Ballot Society, did not attend the reform meeting at Guildhall, on Satur day, to represent that body, but as an elector of the City, and that he moved the vote of thanks to the Lord Mayor without consulting the managers of the meeting, because it gave him an opportunity of protesting against the course pursued by them in calling a public meeting of the electors of the City of London, and intimating that certain speakers and resolutions only would be "permitted." FIRE AT EXETER COLLEGE-HALL.—The members of Exeter College, Oxford, were "yesterday morning, about four o'clock, aroused from their slumbers by the cries of fire, which it appeared had broken out iii their new hall (late Dickenson's coffee-house), opposite the college. The fire, which was fortunately confined to the top storey, broke out in the rooms of one of the undergraduates, and was caused by the igniting of a beam in connexion with the fire place, which was supposed to have been some time burning. A good supply of water soon extinguiahed the-fire, and but little damagewas occasioned. THE MYSTERIOUS DISAPPEARANCE OF MR. JENNINGS, AT MALTON.—Since the 21st of December, the disappearance of thimentleman has become more and W more a mystery. In i t ion to the £5O reward offered by his relatives, the Secretary of State has offered £5O more for the discovery of his body, if found murdered, and will advise the grant of her Majesty's most gracious pardon to any one giving the required information, and not being the actual murderer. As may be imagined, the greatest interest is felt that this strange case should receive some solution. COLLISION AT SEA AND LOSS OF LIFE.—FLEET wooD, Feb. B.—A fearful collision occurred last night by the Prince Patrick steamer coming in contact with the iron schooner Elphin, from Liverpool, for Ardrossan, laden with pig-iron, and almost instantly sinking her. The master, his wife and child, and two seamen, unhappily wont down 1 in the ship and perished. The remainder of the crew escaped by grasping hold of the steamer's bowsprit as their vessel went from under them. The steamer, which trades between this port and Belfast, immediately put back, and seems to be considerably damaged b . " the collision. FRIGHTFUL OCCURRENCE AT ELLIOT'S BREWERY. —On Saturday a man, named John Kirk, aged 24, a dray man, was very seriously injured at Elliot's brewery, Pim lico. The poor fellow was engaged hoisting a barrel of beer by means of a crane, when, by some meant, the barrel slipped and fell upon him, and crushed his arm and shoulder in a most frightful manner. He was taken to St. George's Hospital, and seen by Mr. Keal, house surgeon, when it was deemed advisable to amputate the arm, which was done ; and the unfortunate man now remains in an ex tremely dangerous state. EXTENSIVE FORGERY.—Within the last few days forgeries, on an extensive, scale, of leases granted by some of the city companies have been brought to light. The per petrator, Mr. James Purssell, formerly connected with the well-known confectioners, has succeeded in raising money upon the spurious documents in various directions, and has fled on the discovery of the fraud. Although in the aggre gate the amount reaches some £30,000, the loss in no indi vidual case will be very considerable, the transactions having been spread over a wide circle, and the measures adopted to secure his property prompt. The Roman Catholics of Sydney have been offended of late by the return to the colony, unsanctioned, of their bill to establish a Catholic College in connection with. the University of Sydney. In this bill the phrases "arch bishop" and "archdiocese" of Sydney were used, and the bishop remonstrated against them, not by petition to the Assembly, but by letter to the Governor, and privately by communicating with the high ecclesiastical authorities at home. Lord Stanley sympathised with the objection, and sent the bill back to be amended. Resolutions have been several times brought forward in the Assembly by the Catholic party, strongly condemnatory of Lord Stanley's conduct, but they have been invariably met by a count out. ESCAPE OF A CONVICT FROM DURHAM GAOL.— During Thursday night a convict escaped from Durham Gaol, and has not since been heard of. Great excitement was caused in the town next day on tho occurrence being made known, the officials declaring that they are totally unable to account for his obtaining possession of the means by which he made his escape. His name is James Gray, aged 21, by trade a shoemaker. He had got through a sky light, having previously secured a quantity of rope suffi cient to let himself down from the roof. As a new wing is in course of erection, he had ample means at command to scale the high wall which surrounds the prison. Gray was convicted at the July sessions of 1858 for highway robbery, and sentenced to 12 months' hard labour. A CENTENARIAN.—There is living at the present time in Rochester a man named John Hill, who has at tained the patriarchial age of 101 years. He was born at a village in Surrey on the 6th of January, 1758; conse quently, he is now in his 102 d year, and he has lived in the reigne of no fewer than five sovereigns. Nearly all his life he has been engaged in agricUltural pursuits of a laborious character, notvithstanding which, and also his great age, ho is -still comparatively strong and in the enjoyment of good health. his hearing and seeing are very good, and his powers of calculation, for which he was always remark able, still very extraordinary. He has a good memory, and frequently alludes to the incidents connected with the early years of the reign of the third George. RAILWAYS. Cash. Account. Orleans Northern 925 .. 920 New ditto. • BO5 .. 800 Lyons and Mediterranean 832 60 .. 830 New ditto — —. • • Geneva 537 50 .. 533 75 Midi .— .— - - -- Southern Western 585 .. 585 Eastern Grand Central - -- — Sardinian Austrian Exchange on London, at sight, paper, 25f. 12.10. ; money, 25f. 10c.; three months, paper, 25f.; money, 25f. 971 c. LITERATURE. The Three Clerks. A Novel. By Anthony Trol lope, author of " Barchester Towers," &c. Bentley. This new and cheap edition of Mr. Trollope's clever novel will be very acceptable to readers of fiction. It is vigorous and original as all his writings are ; many of the characters are skil fully drawn, and many passages of the story vividly interesting. If the reader is occasionally inclined to think that a little taming down and condensation would have improved it, suchfaults are easily overlooked in a work which displays so much ability and right feeling. We are glad to see it again in this new and popular form. Unica, a Story for Sundays. By the author of " found the Fire," &c. Smith and Elaer. This is another of the series for very young children which are so pleasantly and profitably told by the author of" Willie's Rest," and " Uncle Jack." It is simple in style and suitable to chil dren's understandings, but there is a good deal of variety in the story, and the little trials and troubles of childish life are very interesting. The moral is excellent and thoroughly practical in cha racter. It will enable many little readers to spend a Sunday afternoon with pleasure and advantage. The Irish Quarterly Review. No. XXXII. Simp- kin - and Marshall. A singular paper, entitled'' Eating and Feeding," opens this number, It gives us a good deal of curia ous information about food and drink, and will pro bably make the casual reader smile with its eccen tric discussions, and puzzle the physiologist with its anecdotes and examples. A paper about sculp ture will repay perusal, and invites the attention of all lovers of the fine arts. An article entitled " Begin at the Beginning," pleads in forcible terms the condition of the neglected and uneducated masses. The questions referring to reformatory and educational institutions are fully discussed ; and several other articles, some of them on subjects of general interest, others less attractive to the Protestant reader are met with in the number. The Partnts' Cabinet. No. 111. Smith and Elder. This abl% and attractive series, which combines amusement and instruction, has several very attrac tive papers in this part. An account of the Dis covery of America, and of " A Visit to Manches ter," will be especially fascinating to boys, while a. description of the habits of martins. and a conver sation about the old Castle at Hastings will be equally adapted to younger readers. A pretty story about a girl's school occupies a prominent position. The Art Journal. No. L. Hall and Virtue. A fine engraving of Mr. Foley's statue of Vis count .Hardinge occupies the first plate in this number. • The second is from one of Claude's beau tiful pictures, and represents a sea-port. The other plate shows us Guercino's " Woman of Samaria," engraved by Mr. Meunier, both the originals being in the Royal . Collection. The prose contents of the magazine are, as usual, full of artistic interest. Mr. and Mrs. S. C. Hall's Excursions in South Wales are continued, and give us some charming little sketches. The series of papers on British Artists gives us this month an account of the works of Paul Falconer Poole,:the accomplished associate of the Royal Academy. Mr. Fairholt's interesting history of " Rubens and his Scholars" is continued ; and another attractive illustrated paper gives us numerous woodcuts from the beautiful volume recently published by Messrs. Longman, " The White Doe of Rylstone." Many of the remaining essays, as those on Colour, on the Florentine Painters, and on Stained Glass, are especially worthy of perusal. The iornal fully maintains its reputation as a cultiv of the public taste, and is full of fascination for all who admire the artistic and. refined. THE .RESPONSIBILITY OF BANK DIRECTORS. (From the Honetary Times.) . In the recent trial of Scott and another v. Dixon, in the case of the Liverpool Borough Bank, to which we briefly referred last week, there are some important lessons conveyed, which should not be lost sight of by those who occupy the responsifile position of bank directors, or directors generally in public companies, if they would desire to escape from the penalties of the present law. It appears, indeed, a hard case that a man occupying Mr. Dixon's position, and who was desirous of actin upon his own c onv i c ti ons , s h ou ld h ave b een f orce d into a course which was condemned by his own judgment. At the same time the law could take no cognisance of such motives, when they were opposed •by the deliberate act of an individual. We are glad, therefore, to find that the judg ment originally given by Baron Martin has been confirmed by the Court of Queen's Bench. If a body of men acting as directors to a bank are allowed to meet and deliberate, and put before the public a flourishing state of their accounts, at the time they know that the company is insolvent, without being amenable to the law, why there can be no security against frauds of every shade and character; and that such has been the case, has been fully established by the failure of several other banks. If a false statement is deli berately put into print, and circulated publicly, it can be for no other purpose than to deceive those who have not the means of testing its correctness. `The law, therefore, has very properly made such parties liable to severe punishment, by the recent Act 20 and 21 Vic., cap. 54. Without such a law, there would be no end to the latitude taken by 'unscrupulous men. In the case of Mr. Dixon we see how- even men, otherwise unimpeachable is , their integrity, are induced to lean to a false and dangerous policy. It has been the same with other banks, where the directors have been of the most , unquestionable character ; they have been wrecked under a false system : they have taken things • for granted . that they knew nothing about ; and they have lent the influence of their names as a substi• tute for personal knowledge. While on this sub ject, we may refer to thd growing necessity for a . more simple and satisfactory mode of dealing with Joint Stock Companies' accounts and reports. As Lord Campbell very pertinently remarked, in con firming the judgment of Baron Martin, " was it fair that it should require a microscopic eye to examine such documents P" Mr Dixon's case may be a hard one, in not being able to reverse the decision against him, so far as he is concerned; but any other decision would have failed to correct the evils of joint-stock banking which have grown up to such magnitude. And it should be generally known amongst directors of public companies, that the recent law will deal with such cases far more severely, by rendering them liable to criminal proceedings for making any false statement of accounts, or by making a false report of the position of a public company. Here are the words of the act which related to this sub ject, clause 8 :—" If any director, manager, or pub lic officer of any body corporate or public company, shall make, circulate, or publish, or concur in making, circulating, or publishing, any written, statement or account which he shall know to be false in any material particular, with intent to de ceive or d e f rau d any member, or shareholder, or creditor, of any such body corporate, or public company, or with i n t en t t o i n d uce any person to become a shareholder or partner therein, or to entrust or advance any money or property to such • body corpo ra t e or public company, or to enter into security for the benefit thereof, shall be guilty of a misdemeanour." • ROYAL COLLEGE OF SURGEONS.—The following gentlemen, having undergone the necessary examinations for the diploma, were admitted members of the college at a meeting of the court of examiners on the 7th inst., viz. :--- Messrs. William Sutton, Smethwick, near Birmingham ; Daniel Barker, Macclesfield; Charles Cameron, Calcutta; Robert Cottam, Leeds; Richard Tyrrel Pope, Bristol; Cayley, Stamford, Lincolnshire; John William Kay, Huddersfield ; John T. Milburn, Ryton, near New.. castle-on-Tyne ; Adolphus J. Hughes, Dartford, Kent; Robert E. Edward Barkway, Bungay, Suffolk; William Alexander Provis, Holyhead, and Pryce Jones, Llaarivot , North Wales. Pr in a,