The Sun. — London, England, 1859-01-01 00:00:00

RUST AND LOAN COMPANY OF UPPER CANADA. Incorporated by Royal Charter. TRUSTEES. Thomas Baring, Esq., M.P. George Carr Glyn, Esq., M.P. - • DIRECTORS. T. M. Weguelin, Esq., M.P., President. William Chapman, Esq., Deputy Chairman. The Right lion. Edward Pleydell Bouverie, M.P. James Hutchinson, Esq. • Charles Morrison, Esq. William Gordon Thomson, Esq. Matthew Uzie . lll, Esq. Aiiiik.Xtriiordinary General Meeting of Shareholders, held at the Offices of the Company, No. 65, Moorgate-street, on Friday, the 31st December, it was unanimously resolved : —That the Directors be authorised to exercise the borrowing powers of the Company, in accordance with the 10th clause of the Act of the Parliament of Canada, passed 1858. T. M. WEGUELIN, President ROYAL ENGLISH OPERA, COVENT GARDEN, under the sole Management of Miss Louisa Tyne and Mr. W. Harrison T I IS EVENING; Auber's grand Opera, FBA DIAVOLO, Mr. Harrison, Miss Susan Pyne, Misslt. Isaacs, itc Conductor—Mr. Alfred Mellon. To conclude with the new Pantomime of LITTLE RED RIDING HOOD; or, Harlequin and the Wolf in Granny's Clothing - Commence at Seven, ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, Under the Management of Mr. Charles Kean. THE CORSICAN BROTHERS. Mr. C. Kean, After which, a new grand Christmas Pantomime, entitled THE KING OF THE CASTLE; or, Harlequin Prince Diamond and Princess Brighteyes. r r HEATRE-ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Lessee, Mr. J. B. Buckstone. THIS EVENING, will be performed SHE STOOPS TO CONQUER. Messrs. Buckstone, Chippendale; Mesdames Reynolds and Poynter. After which, a new grand Comic Pantomime, entitled UNDINE ; or, Harlequin and the Spirit of the Waters. Commen.e at 7. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Manager, Mr. Edmund Falconer, This Evening, will be produced a new Burlesque, written expressly for the Lyceum Company by Robert B. Brough, and entitled THE SIEGE OF TROY. The new and gor eous scenery by Mr. William Callcott. The principal cha acters by Mrs. Keeley, Miss Julia St. George ; Mrs. Weston, "figs Portman, Miss Talbot, Miss Kate Saxon, Miss E. Romer, kc. ; Mr. Emery, Mr. Charles Young, Mr. Ellerton, Mr. .1. Roger, Mr. Parrett, Are. ; Miss Rosina Wright, Miss M. Charles, Miss -Harriet Dalton, and a numerous Corps de Bal let will also appear. After the Burlesque a new Comic Pantomime, replete with new tricks and mechanical devices, entitled HARLEQUIN TOY HORSE ; or, The Cremorne Fete. Clown, Mr Charles Lauri ; Harlequin, Air. John Lauri ; Pantaloon, Mr. Henry Lauri ; Columbine, Miss Jenny Lauri. The Performances will commence the Comedietta of TOO MUCH FOR GOOD NATURE. Reduced Prices—Dress Boxes, 4s. ; Upper Boxes, 3s. ; Pit, 28. ; Stalls, ss. ; Gallery, Is. Box-office open from 11 to 5 daily. Doors open at hall-past 6, to commence at 7 every evening. NEW THEATRE - ROYAL, ADELPHL Sole Proprietor and Manager, Mr. Benj. Webster. THIS EVENING, MR. WEBSTER'S COMPANY IS :REQUESTED AT A PHOTOGRAPHIC SOIREE. l'lanager, Mr. B. Webster; Photographer, Mr. J. L. Toole; memory, Miss Woolgar ; Everybody, by Everybody else. After the first piece the New Act Drop by Clarkson Stan fie, M, Esq., R.A., and painted by Mr. Wm. Telbin. With the Occosional Address, spoken by Miss Woolgar, and presented to M r. Ben. Webster by Shirley Brooks, Esq GOOD FOR NOTHING. Mr. Toole and Miss Woolgar. _ To conclude with the grand Christmas Pantomime, entitled MOgHER RED CAP ; or, Harlequin Johnny Gilpin's Ride to Edmonton. Clown, Mr. Croueste ; Harlequin, Mr. Hilde brai td ; Columbine, Miss llayman ; Pantaloon, Mr. Lupino ; Spritte, Mr. Le Barr. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE, Lessee and Directress, Miss Swanborough. THIS EVENING, THE RULE OF THREE. After which, the new Extravaganza, KENILWORTH ; or Ye Qeen, ye Carle, and ye Maydenne. And THE LITTLE SAVAGE. Commence at 7 o'clock. A s ThEY'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE Westminster-road. Sole Lessee Mr. William Cooke. Dress Circle, 4s. ; Boxes, 35.; Pit, 2s, ; Gallery, is. ; Upper Gallery, 6 d. During the week, the great Eastern Spectacle of THE REVOLT IN INDIA; or, The Fugitires and their Faith ful Steed. After which SCENES IN THE CIRCLE by the Star Riders of Europe. To concludewith the great Operatic and Burlesque Eques trian Pantomime, entitled HARLEQUIN BARON MUN CHAUSEN, AND HIS COMICAL CREAM COB CRUISER. Harlequin. Mr. H. Hemmings ; Sprite. Mr. - M Thorne ; Pant aloon,r. H. Morley; Clown, by the inimitable grotesque, Mr. A. F. Forrest. The gorgeous Transformation Scene the perfection of modern art. • Stage Manager, Mr. R. Phillips. CANTERBURY HALL, Westminster-road.-- Proprietor---C. MORTON. The üblic is most respectfully informed that the FuvE ARTSGALLERY, in connection with the above Hall, IS NOW OPEN DAY 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 ing Music Hall, the New Fine .Arts Gallery, and the recently added Ante-Hall, will present an attraction which, whether as 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 ♦aried instrumental pertbtmances have created so marked a sensa tion in the principal cities and towns of the Continent, will peribrm every Evening at Nine an i Eleven o'clock. THE WEATHER.-SUN OFFICE, JAN. 1. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 47—highest since noon yesterday. 45 —loxrest this morning and during the night. 48 —this day at noon. BARpmEnnt-29.42. WIND, South-Westerly; with rain. THE SUN. SATURDAY. JANUARY 1, 1859. New Year's Day, 1859, happily brings with it Hope as its chief accompaniment. An assured hope, and not merely vague aspirations. Hope not tending in one direction alone—but in every direction simultaneously. It is the amiable and time-honoured custom -at this peculiarly auspicious season to regard everything as much as possible in the best light, under one prevailing tinge of the couleur de rose. Ordinarily, our so doing is, for the most part, little better than the indulgence of a genial and wilful hallucination. At this present writing we are fain, however, to regard the general aspect of affairs distinctly otherwise— we are disposed to look upon them as reasonably suggestive of the most encouraging anticipations. As matters stand in regard to our home policy —we have surely never before been. so near the attainment at last of a comprehensive series of Parliamentary Reforms. Our statesmen generally upon this head appear to be openly bidding o ne against another. The movement is encouraged by the Opposition as well as by the Government. Lord DERBY and his colleagues are pledged to it. The energetic leaders of the Manchester school—at their head the eloquent and patriotic member for Birmingham—are labouring heart and soul to further the popular cause by the timely champion ship, during the remnant of the recess, before the Ministerial measure can be announced, of the boons most desired by the advanced liberals throughout the United Kingdom-Ist., the Ballot; 2dly, a considerable extension of the franchise; 3dly, the more equal distribution of electoral districts ; 4thly, the diminution of the periodical duration of Parliaments. Whatever the amount of reform obtained before the close of this Reform Year of 1859, we may, at an rate, under any circumstances, rest perfectly well assured that from whomsoever it may be received., it will not be inconsiderable. The melancholy fate of the two abortive projects, brought forward by the noble lord the Member for the City of London, is demonstrative clearly enough of the futility of attempting any further hairsplitting or cheeseparing compromise. The increasing maj ()rifles supporting ses • sion after session the motion of Mr. LOCKE KING in regard to the Franchise, and the motion of Mr. HENRY BERKELEY in regard to the Ballot, afford, moreover, sufficiently satisfactory guarantees that, even in the existing state of the House of Commons, some of these vitally important 'problems may obtain a certain amount of candid con sideration. Not that we conceive, for a single instant, that the rival Reform measures about to .be sub mitted to the popular branch of the Legislature, on the one hand by the Chancellor of the Exche .quer, and on the other by the Member fcr Bir- • , I • 44 ? 0 2.1 4 t-01- 7 1•• , • r 1., ,41 , bt OiT • 'VC very formidable magnitude —a cloud rising orig, inally (as marvellously, in its way, as the Geni out of the Arabian Fisherman's casket) out of the explo sion in the Rue Lepelletier—has long since passed. away, let us trust, never to return, with its evil threat of a sullen mutual suspicion, ready to burst, at any moment, into an open rupture between the two great champions of modern civilization. The mis understanding, again —which, in 1858, gave promise only of becoming increased and intensified in bitter ness between the United States and the United King dom, has now, by the New Year's Day of 1859, cleared away from the political horizon. And though the last Presidential Message is in some measure ominous of a stormy futuro for the American Republic-if the affairs of that demo cracy are allowed to be swept on in the direction of war and pillage by one who, like BUCHANAN, indi cates clearly enough a sympathy for filibustering schemes of wholesalC annexation—we will yet believe that the goodfellowship now existing be tween the Governments of St. James's and Wash- . ington may be maintained intact, through the good sense of the great trans-Atlantic population. Re turning peace in Asia—continued peace in Europe, in Africa, is America—an advancing development of the resources of Australia—the dis coveryof new goldfields, and the establishment of a new colony around those new goldfields on the the north-eastern shores of the Pacific—are conspicuous among the abundant external sources, of Hope to England upon this New Year's Day. May some, at least, of all these golden hopes be realised during the auspicious year, across the threshold of which we are now advancing in san guine expectancy. Notwithstanding the extraordinary cheapness of money which has distinguished the latter part of the year just terminated, trade and commerce have not revived to anything like the extent that might reasonably have been anticipated. With " money a drug in the marker—the great discount establishments underbidding the quasi National Bank, which had reduced its rate to 21 per cent., it might be supposed that all would " go merry as a marriage bell," and that every fair and bona fide trader would obtain the legitimate accommodation which he might require, and to which his antece dents fairly entitled him. Such, however, is not the case. The terrible commercial crisis of 1857 has left a bitter sting behind, and still exercises a paralysing influence over the industrial interests of the country. Capitalists, proverbially a timid race under the most favourable circumstances, were panic-stricken by the monetary convulsion, so that what might have been considered as salutary cau tion degenerated into abject terror. Credit, on which the foundation of national prosperity so greatly depends, received a heavy blow and great discouragement. The worst feature of the transac tion, too, was, that it was withdrawn from the small hard-working parties to whom it would have been a real boon. Any person putting forward high pretensions can obtain any facilitiei, albeit a strict investigation might show that it was by no means merited. He may be the daring speculator, gam bling with other people's money, against whom so many cautions have been delivered, but so long as he carries a lofty head, money will be freely tendered for his acceptance ; while the tradesman who has paid his way fairly and honourably for a series of years will find his name scorned and his bills rejected unless be consents to pay an extravagant rate of discount. ' And yet the commercial frauds that have excited so much comment and so much terror were not committed by the latter class. The offenders oc cupied a more exalted position. They dealt in hundreds, or in thousands—not in twenties ' or thirties. They talked largely, and presented a good appearance to the world ; and, therefore, capitalists were quite willing to discount or en dorse their obligations. We are told that " a bitter wail has gone forth against the criminals," but the punishment is inflicted on those who have had nothing to do with the offence, but who are made the victims of a system for which they could not in any degree be considered as justly responsible. They are deprived of the accommodation which they justly deserve, and which would be peculiarly bene ficial in their trades or callings. Foreign loans or companies, however, possess far greater attractions than the legitimate demands of our own fellow ningham, can in any contingency obviate the n ecessity of an appeal to the country, before either 01 . , e scheme or the other can be formally embodied i n an Act of Parliament. But—that in the exi: "ting state of public opini . n from • one end this country to the other W 2 are persuaded that even the present House of Commons is pre pared in this year of grace, 1859, to prepare the way fo. the substantial realisation in it subsequently j of man) 7 of the long deferred hopes of the popu lation. Again, As to the present " situation" in reference to the vitaflly important alternative of war or peace —is not • the , New Year now commencing fraught with the n tort cheering promises at the very moment of it; commencement ? During the lapse of its immeditTte predecessor how many dark and threatening, and some of them disastrous and de structive clouds of battle and revolt have been most happily dissipated ! The Sepoy insurrection in the Bengal Presidency has been for the most part triumphantly suppressed—the last smouldering embers of the flame kindled by Hindoo fanaticsm are even now being trampled out by Lord CLYDE'S army, and utterly ex tin gi omished. The Victorian era has commenced for Hinostan. The Honourable East India Company is no more—the three PreBi_ denbies—together with Scinde, and the Punjaub, and Ceylon—own their allegiance henceforth as due en tirely and directly to Hex Most Gracious Majesty ICTORIA India Imperatrix. While this 'moment ous transfer of authority, . moreover, has been .peacefully accomplished, the Envoy s from the Crown of England to the Empires of China and Japan has been securing not • only to his own country, but to the world at large, the invaluable advantages certain to accue sooner or latter-from the final overthrow, the complete a n d i ns t ant overthrow of the barriers of separation hitherto dividing one entire third of the human race from their fellows unanimously regarded by them as the outer barbarians. Civilisation, that is to say the modern civilisation of the Europeans, may now look forward confidently to new and gigantic conquests in those vast regions, sacred to the tea shrubbery, and the mulberry plantation, to the growth of " green" and " black," and the manufacture of silk and crape—regions eventually, we may now believe, to be traversed by the rail guided steam-engine, and threaded by the magical wires of the electric telegraph. The Hindoos, therefore, the Chinese, the Japanese, the Asiatics generally, yield Hope for England in 1859—thanks to those bloodless victories won by British' state craft during thememorable year just terminated. Happier than in 1858 are the anticipations opened up to view in 1859 in regard to our alli ances, both in the eastern and western hemispheres. The thunderous cloud of estrangement in the early part of last year hanging over the Anglo-French alliance—a cloud, at first, no bigger than a man's hand, but rapidly assuming to itself, afterwards, a • The Revenue Returns for the year and quarter are once more before us. They present no very remarkable features, and all that can be said is, that they are about what might have been ex- petted. There is an increase on the quarter of £1,125,496, but it must be borne in mind that the comparison is made with the most disastrous period which the nation has witnessed for many years, when trade and commerce were completely paralysed, and no money was paid that could possibly be avoided, the minimum ...rate of discount at the Bank of Eng : land being 10 per cent. The decrease on the year,' however, is no less than £4,103,347. Far more than that has, however, been lost by the Income Tax on which the diminution on the year has been .no less than £7,546,809, a result by no means astonishing when we consider the reductions that have taken:place in the duty, in consequence of Mr. DISRAELI having kept faith with the na tion in reducing it to sd. in the pound, and it may be remembered that each penny of the tax was estimated to produce £1,000,000 sterling to the • revenue. There is an increase in the Customs on tho Quarter of £619,169 when compared with 1857, but a decrease of £20,000 if the comparison be made with 1856 ; on the Year the increase as com pared with 1857 is £1,627,648, but £518,000 only as compared with 1856. These increases are owing also in part to a reduction of balances in the hands of collectors ; the net increase arises prin cipally upon Sugar, Tea,. Corn, and Tobacco. The increase in the Excise on the Quarter . is £235,000, and £494,000 on the Year, arising chiefly from the Malt Duty, The results, when compared with 1856, are less favourable, there being a decrease on the year 1858, as compared with 1856, of £lOB,OOO. As the increase of duty on Irish Spirits was estimated to yield an increased revenue of half a million, the result in this respect is not satisfactory. We fear that the failure of the duties on spirits to produce the' estimated additional revenue may, in a great degree, be attributed to the increase of illicit distillation which invariably attends high duties, where a sufficient premium is offered to the unfair trader to engage in the demoralising traffic. The Revenue from Stamps is more encouraging ; the Quarter shows an increase of £268,000 bqyond the same quarter of 1857, and of £191,000 beyond 1856; the increase on the year 1858 as compared with 1857 is £727,120 and about the same sum as compared with 1856 ; the augmen tation arises from an improvement in the receipts from the Succession Duty and other heads of Revenue, and , from the new tax on Bankers' Cheques. In taxes there is a slight improvement. This does not go far to indicate any great prosperity. As an enlarged population must have a greater number of dwelling houses ! The increase on the quarter is £22,000, and on the year £54,013 — small but satisfactory results. As we have stated, the loss on the Income-tax for the .year is £7,546,809, but on the quarter it is only £261,307. This proves that the smaller amount is more cheerfully and promptly liquidated. The Post-office exhibits an increase of £50,000 on the .Quarter, and of £83,000 on the Year, due mainly to the progressive increase of the busi ness of . that department. The Crown lands show a trifling improvement on both year and quarter. Much more might, however, be, and doubtless, will be, effected. There is also an in erase on miscellaneous both on the quarter and the year. On the former of £192,264 and on the latter of ' £453,895. This is, however, but casual revenue, the mere waifs and extra that come into the clutches of the Chancellor of the Exchequer. On the whole, as we have stated, the result is as well as could be expected, and seems to indicate a good time coming, when the country is recovered from, the paralysing effects of the undue caution now exercised respecting honest ind solvent traders. There passed through the General Post-office this morning (Jan. 1) not far short of 2,000 pack ages enveloped in folding-papers, upon each of which was imprinted, in staring characters, " WRONGS WHICH CRY FOR REPRESS." Some hundreds of them were directed to Members of Parliament. • subjects, or of our own colonies and dependencies, We have, accordingly, a large allotment of such investments tendered for our acceptance, respecting which it would be well if small capitalists exercised the caution which they are disposed-4 exhiNt on every domestic matter. Such commercial delinquency was prac tically unknown in the olden time. Men en tered into speculations, and occasionally failed ; but there was not the wholesale manufac ture of fictitious paper, nor the gigantic stakes played for, that have been witnessed in later days. Then discount vibrated between 4 and Oper cent., and the main point required was, that the " merchant adventurer"—a designation that beto kened:a certain amount of risk—should make himself thoroughly acquainted with the state of the pro duce market, and the fair prospect of improvement or depreciation in the particular article in which he was about to speculate. Another element occa sionally entered into the calculation.• He might have to estimate the probable price of gold ; but as the balance of trade was generally in favour of Great Britain, and there were no rapid fluctuations in the value of the precious metals, no great per turbations were occasioned to compel men to re sort to criminal means to bolster up their affairs, or to incur the danger of penal servitude, in order to carry on a few months longer; those few months being capable, however, of changing the bankrupt speculator into a wealthy and respectable merchant: It is the Act of 1844 which has occasioned all the mischief. The fluctuations in the value of money e., in the rate of discount) have led to com mercial fraud. They proceeded directly from that unjust and impolitic law. Before its enact ment the changes were of comparatively trivial amount and inconsiderable importance, but since its fatal operation we have seen discount varying from 2} to 10 per cent. at head-quarters, and in almost a duplicate ratio out of Thread needle-street. The soundest calculations were thereby defeated. There might be famine in the land, our brothers and sisters starving, and yet orders for flour should be countermanded. Cheap ness was of no importance when the merchant could not obtain credit to pay for that which he desired to import, or the purchaser for what he wished to consume. The former might recklessly dash onward on the principle that, if he succeeded he would realise enormous profits, sufficient to extri cate him from other embarrassments ; but, if other wise, the consequences of his failure would be scarcely more disastrous. The speculation might prove the plank to the shipwrecked sailor, that would bear him from the sinking ship, and although some might have strength of mind to resist the temptation, many would yield. Such are some of the results of the Bank Charter Act, which, should it remain unmodified, will be the cause of the decline and fall of British prosperity and British honour. VENING, JANUARY 1, 1859 LATEST NEWS. AMERICA. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) LIVERPOOL, SATURDAY MORNING The Persia has arrived, with the New York mails of the 22d December and 675,417 dollars in specie. The Ariel, from Southampton, had put into Halifax for coal. It is stated that Mr. Field had received on the 19th or 20th some very good current through the Atlantic Cable, including the name "Henley." Foreign exchange was firm at the high prices asked, and the leading drawers, best bankers' bills, 109-1 to _109;: The following were the latest quotations at the Stock Board :—Missouri Sixes, 891; New York Central, 831; New . York and Erie, 171- ; Reading Railroad, 514 ; Michigan Central, 49} ; Michigan Southern, 20 ; Cleveland and Toledo, 81-Z ; Panama Railroad, 120 ; Illinois, 671; Illinois Central Bonds, 86 ; Chicago and Rio, 591; Milwaukie and Missis sippi, 121; Galena and Chicago, 701.;' La Crosse, ; Del. arid 'Hudson, 961; Pacific Mail Steam ship Company, 90:. State and Western flour heavy, and prices in favour of buyers.. Middling uplands cotton, 12c. At Havannah on the 16th exchange on London was Into 13 premium. THE WEST INDIA, MEXICO. AND PACIFIC MAILS. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) SOUTIIAIVIttON,. SATURDAY MORNING. The 114a1 Mail steamer Atrato, Captain 'Woolley, has arrived,' :With the West India, Mexico, and Pacific mails . . ,She left St. Thomas on the 19th ult. Her dates nre = Jumaica, Dec. 11 ; Demerara, 19 ; Trinidad, 10 ; Barbadoes, 12 ; 'Grenada, 10 ; 'Colon, 9 ; Vera Cruz, 5 ; Tampico, 1; Havannah, 10. • She brings 53 'passengers, 932,135 dols. in specie, diamonds and jewellery value 16,105 dols., 382 serous cochineal,' 235 cases cigars, 384 bales - tobacco, and general cargo. . • .Business at Jamaica very limited. Sugar ranged fronil9s. to 21S. ; coffee, 38s. to 505., at which over 500 bags changed hands. East India rice 145., and Patna 17s. Freights very dull, nothing offering. ... . .. . Exchange on London, 90 days, -3- per cent, pre mium ; 60 days, 1 ditto ; 30 days, -11 ditto. Crops damaged by heavy rains. Publicleald. good. • . • • Legislative Council still in session. , • A bill to . extend steam communication with the island was before the House. Trade was animated at Grenada, and a large number:of vessels lapding, their cargoes. • Shipping plentiful at Demerara, and freights low, averaging ls. for London and Bristol: ". Very little news from the South Pacific. Trade at Valparaiso reported unusually dull. A large part of the city was destroyed by fire on the 13th November, and some of the firemen lost their lives. Ecucador continued blockaded by Peru, , the mail steamers being the only vessels allowed to enter or clear from Guayaquil. The Chilian Congress opened on the 7th of November. The British schooner Lord Raglan, from Halifax for Cuba, with fish, put in at St. Thomas's, dis. masted, and leaking badly. CONSTANTINOPLE, DEC. 29 Numerous 'sittings of the Council of Ministers .have been held relative to the state of affairs in Servia, which seriously occupies the attention of the Porte. The Presse d' Orient states that instructions have been forwarded to Cabuli Effendi, at Belgrade, and that a note has been sent to the different embassies. The Sheik-ul-Islam is dead. Two Russian line-of-battle ships have arrived from Nicolaieff on their way to the Baltic. It is said that her , Majesty has Written a,,m9st affectionate letter of condolence to the Bishop otPetCr borough on his late severe bereavement. The bistiop, it will be remembered, was tutor to the Princess Victoria (the Queen). DEATH OF THE ARCHDUCHESS MARIE ANNE AUSTRIA).—A telegram from Vienna announces the death of this lady on Wednesday. The deceased duchess was born on the Bth of June, 1804. She was sister of the Emperor Ferdinand 1., who abdicated in favour of the present Emperor, and of Archduke Francis Charles, Ether of the latter. She was consequently aunt to the present Emperor. RUMOURED ROYAL MARRIAGE.—A letter from Munich, of the 27th, says:—" The departure of the future Princess Royal of the Two Sicilies remains fixed for the 12th of January, and her brother, Prince Luis, is to accom pany her Royal Highness to Trieste via Vienna. It is said that the Princess Matilda, born in 1843, and fourth daughter of the Duke Maximilian of Bavaria, is to marry the Count do Trani, born in 1838, younger son of the King of Naples ; but the marriage is not to. take place for a year. These two Princesses are sisters of the Empress of Austria." The Duke and Duchess of Montrose are expected in town in a few days, from visiting the Countess of Powis, nt Towis, Welshpool. The Marquis and Marchioness of Exeter have returned to Burghley, from Hastings, where the noble marquis and marchioness have been residing for several months past. The Count and Countess de Jarnae have arrived in town from Ireland. Sir John Shelley, M.P., Thal left Maresfield House for Chirk Castle, North Wales. Sir Edward and Lady H u l se h ave arr i ve d a t t h e i r residence in Burlington-street. ,HEALTH OF THE EARL OF CHARLEVILLE.—We have authority to state that the Right Hon. the Earl 'of Charleville has been pronounced to be convalescent, and that he is now rapidly progressing towards recovery. This is an announcement which will afford very great and gene ral satisfaction throughout this and the adjoining counties, his lordship being deservedly respected and esteemed.— King's County Chronicle. It is - rumoured that by the Budget of 1860 the salary of the professors of the college of France will be doubled—Oa It is td say, increased from 5,000 f. to 10,000 f. There. a:srumour that Mr. Berkeley, M.P. for Bristol, is about to 'assume the' editorial pen, in the direc tion of a paper to advance his favourite topic, and to be called the Ballot Box. General. Garibaldi is passing a few days in Nice, where he is respected and liked. He is one of the few public men -who rose to eminence in Italy in 1848, and have preserved the good opinion of their- followers and of the people. RINGING THE' OLD YEAR OUT.—Last night, according, to ancient custom, the' depcirting knell of the year 1858 was" tolled on the bells of the several churches throughout the metropolis, and at midnight a merry pea heralded and welcomed the commencement of the preseni year. A piece of intelligence appears in Thursday's Constitutionnel, not alluded to by any English paper: It is to the effect that Lord Palmerston has received a severe injury to the knee, and that, in the . o pi n i on e t his lordship's physician's, lie , . will consequently be unable to resume his place in the House of Commons next session. The Con stitutionne s' authority is "a letter from London." - The officers of the _garrison of Alessandria— where, by-the-bye, the works are at • a stand-still,' in spite of the declaration to the contrary of certain Piedmontese journals—have established a first-rate club, on continental principles, that is, provided with a concert-room,, fencing. room, library, reading-room, &c. IMPROVEMENT -OF BOULOGNE .HARBOUR.—The commission appointed to examine the question of a low water landing, or guai de maree, have been unanimous'in approving of the plan which has been sanctioned by the Government, We learn from* the best authority that the works will be commenced next month, and that there will not be 20 times in a year in which a vessel cannot land her passengers at low water. The Galway Vindicator has been given to under stand on good authority, that the report of the commission ers has been presented to the Lords of the Admiralty, and that it is highly favourable to the port of Galway as a transatlantic packet station. Sir Allan M'Nab, -one of the directors of the. Atlantic - Steam Navigation Company, ar rived in Galway on Wednesday evening. HER MAJESTY'S- DOCKYARDS.—As a sequel to the Order in Council making it compulsory to retire at seventy, we are informed that officers and clerks who shall have attained the age of sixty-five, and those ranging from that age to seventy, on the 31st of March next will be at liberty to retire. This will add materially to the efficiency of our dockyards, and doubtless will prove the best minute ever issued by their lordships for the benefit of the public service. AB±there is a committee of inquiry into the eco nomy of her Majesty's dockyards now sitting; we would draw their attention'to one of the principal sources of the waste of public money in the dockyards—viz., the system of dismantling ships and returning their stores after three years, instead of re-commissioning such vessels for another period of three years.--Civil Service Gazette. RECOVERY OF. AN ENLISTED APPRENTICE.—An application was made- to the Liverpool stipendiary magis trate yesterday, for the delivery up by the 28th Regiment of a youthinamed Thomas Byrne, 18 years of age/who hid enlisted while yet .an apprentice to Messrs. Ronalds and Jackson, rope manufacturers, Old Swan, near Liverpool. Proof of Byrne's age, and also proof of the apprenticeship (which will not expire before November, 1860) having been tendered and accepted by the court, the apprentice Was given up. Mr. Mansfield remarked that the law in such cases was, that at the expiration of the apprenticeship the young man would be claimed by the regiment, and if he refused or evaded-this claim he would be punishable as a deserter. Mr. Garnett; the law clerk, said that the law recognised another punishment, namely, that the delin quent could be prosecuted for obtaining money by false pretences. MILES STANDISH'S PIPE AND PISTOL.—At the administrator's sale of the effects of the late Zechariah Standish in this city yesterday, by S. M. Parks, the veri table pipe of Captain 11liles Standish, which came over-with him in the Mayflower, and was smoked by him till the day of his death, was sold. It is a little iron affair, of about the size and shape of . a • common clay pipe, and though some what dilapidated by time, is still capable of being smoked. It was struck off to Mr. Gates, of Lebanon, for 15 dols: A pistol, which also belonged to the Puritan hero, was sold at the same time. It is of antique make, worn and rusty, and is past milit a ry serv i ce . I t b rought 15 dols. from Mr. McCamm.on—cheap enough, considering the antiquarian interest which will always attach to it. —Albany Journal. THE CASE OF SUSPECTED MURDER IN EDINBURGH. —We understand Francis Thorburn, who was apprehended on Tuesday in his house at Heriot's-buildings, Leith-walk, for assaulting his wife; who had that morning been found dead, and bearing • various marks of violence on her body, has been remitted- for examination on a charge of murder. A post mortem examination of the body of the - deceaseu was made on Wednesday; and it would see.._ w be the opinion that the cause of death was suffocation, and that the Suffo cation was evidently not self-caused.—Eu.nburgli Courant. ANOTHER COLLIERS' STRIKE IN WEST YORK suinr.—The colliers in the employment of Messrs. J. Lock and Co., of Kippax, have refused to resume work on the same terms as all the other men, who have gone in at a re duction of 7f per cent. instead of 15 per cent., but ask for an advance of 5 per cent. above the rate of wages paid before any reductionewas made in April. The Messrs. Lock refuse to, accede to this demand, but offer the same rate of wages as agreed upon when the rest of the men went in. A meet ing of the coalowners of the' district was held on Tuesday, at the White'Horse Hotel, Leeds, when it was resolved to support the Afehsis: Lock in resisting the demand. ' SPECIAL ItELIGIOUS SERVICES AT ST. JAMEs'S nALL.—We have received the announcement of a series of special Sunday evening services to be held in St. James's ball, Piccadilly-, to which all classes are invited. The list of preachers for the first quarter includes ministers of the Wesleyan, Baptists, Countess of Huntingdon's, Indepen dent, and Presbyterian connexions, and is as follows : Rev. W. Morley Punshon, Rev. Newman Hall, LL.B. Rev. William' Landels, Rev. J o h n G ra h am , R ev. J o hn Stoughton, Rcv.Henry Allon, Rev. Francis Tucker, Rev. J. Baldwin- Brown, 8.A., Rev. William Chalmers, M.A.,. Rev. Thomas ArCher, D.D., Rev. Francis A. West, Rev William Brock.' HORSE RACING IN FRANCE.—From a statistical return published by the Sport, it appears that in the course of the present year the stakes at horse races consisted of 66,500 f. given by the Emperor, of 302,200 f. given by the Government, of 77,900 f. by the Jockey Club, 118,340 f. by racing societies' 77.900 f. .by municipalitie s o f t owns , 39,600 f. by counitils-general of departments; and- 16,500 f. by railway companies. In addition, 18,300 f. were given for flat races' at' Ghent, Spa, and Tournay, in Belgium,, and 63,950 f. for steeplechases at La Marche, Bordeaux, Dieppe, Spa, and Waereghem. The total of all was 780,790 f. The amount of entries for the various races and steeplechases was 342,000 f. Of the total stakes 121,500 f. were rnn for •at Paris in 37 events, and 73,000 f. at Chan tilly in 28. Of the steeplechases 27,450 f. were given at La Marche in 13 events.—Galt:qmini's Messenger. GUN ACCIDENT.—A lamentable accident occurred at .the. house of Mr. M. Mitchell, farmer, at Greystones, Wheatley, in the West Riding of Yorkshire, on Monday evening last. Mr. Mitchell's son had been out shooting-, and on returning home he left the gun, loaded but without a cap, on a rack above the fire. Some time afteiwards, when the family were seated round the' fire, Mr. Mitchell took down the.gun. Not knowing that it was charged, he put a cap upon the nipple. and tried to blow out the candle by way of amusement. The eldest daughter of Mr. Mit chell, who was seated nearly opposite her father, at a dis , tance of but four or five yards, was severely wounded on the left. side., and the •• other members of the family were thrown into a state' of great consternation. . Mr. Jubb, surgeon, Halifax, was early in attendance. . On examining Miss Mitchell he found 30 shot wounds, nearly all on the left side, and succeeded in extracting eight shots. Hopes are entertained of her recovery,. Had it not been for the thickness of her clothing where the shots penetrated, she would probably have been killed on the spot. AUSTRALIA.—So much importance is justly at tached to all matters connectod with our Australian colo-. /lies, which are so rapidly increasing in the commercial scale of nations, that it is well to separate from the recently published returns of the Board of Trade those details of our exports which refer exclusively to those territories. By these statistical documents, we find that, in the month of November of the year 18.58, the total value of enumerated exports was deelared at •X 837,100, which for the same period of 1857 were £635,008 ; so that there is an increase of £202,792; and this is allowing for a collective de crease of £31,469, which occurs in iron to the extent of £12,112, spirits to £9,722, increase, apparel to £8,751, and earth enware to £BB4. Of the apparel and slops take first rank, being to the extent of £44,394 over 1857. Next in importance as to value is millinery, which was £46,497 ; third is stationery, in £31,557; fourth, woollen stuffs, in £27,202; fifth, wrought •leather, in £20,183; cottons are sixth, in the sum of £14,454 excess; woollen cloths are seventh, in £13,094; eighth is linen, in £11,282; and so downwards in beer, silk stuffs, tin-plates, lead, saddlery, &c. —.Vining Journal. FRANCE. PARIS, FRIDAY. The Mo9aiteur publishes a series of decrees making sundry promotions and nominations in the magis tracy and in the sub-prefectures ; also, a long list of promotions in the higher grades of the army. Among the number are Generals of Brigade Dupuch de Feletz, Beuret, Guerin de • Tourville, and Fros sard to the rank of generals of division, and Colo nels and Commandants Blondel, De Fayet de Cha 'banes, De Bailliencourt, Le Rouxeau-Roseneoal, Chambarlhac, Saurin, Favas, Raguct de Bran don, De Pontbriant, Fiereck, Dejcan, and Chau win to that of generals of brigade. A number of promotions and nominations has also been made in the Legion of Honour among officers in the army and navy. The list contains six to the rank of grand officers, the names being—Generals Reibell, Fieffe de Lievreville, cuny, Baron Guillot, Count d'An thouard de Vraincourt, and Chanfroid ; eight to that of commander; 39 to that of officer; and 45 to that of knight. It is stated that despatches have been received from Algeria positively announcing that the tribes in the mountains were still in full insurrection. Though no fears were expressed for the safety of the colony, reinforcements were demanded in order to resume the offensive. Prince Napoleon has appointed a commission to report on the expediency of establishing a service of French steamboats between Suez, the Island of Reunion, China, Cochin China, and Japan. The Minister "of War has presented to the Em peror a topographical album of. the war in the Crimea, executed by the officers of the staff under the direction of General Blondel, Director-General at the War-office. It is said to be the finest topo graphical work yet executed on the Crimea, BOURSE, Dee. 31.—The market continues flat; the option of premiums was declared at 72f. 95c. Shares steady. Threes were done at 73f. 10c. to 72f. 95c. ; Mobilier, from 985 f. •to 987 f.. 50c. ; ,Austrian, 641 f. 25c. to 642 f. 50e. ; Lyons, 885 f. to 886 f. 25c. ; Northern, 1,003 f. 75c. to 1,005 f. ; and Seuthern, 586 f. 25c. to 587 f. 50c. The follow ing were the last quotations :-- per Cents. .... 98 Credit Foncier 675 Do. end month .. 97 85 Belgian 4f -3 per Cents 72 90 Piodmontese (.5) .. 94 Do. end month 72 90 Roman 93 Bank Shares. 3OOO Austrian Credit Mobilier .. 980 Spanish Threes Do. Account ..... 983 75 Horde Debt 43 50 BAILWAYFL Ca.qh. Account. Orleans Northern New ditto .815 843 75 Lyons and Mediterranean BB5 .. 885 New ditto Genthra" Midi Southern "'7" • • .. 622 60 . 587 50 West9rn.. - .. 610 Eastern Grand Central — . OIP Sardinian Austrian ' ' 640 -- .. 640 Exchange on Londtm, at sight, paper, 25f. 15c. ; money, 25f. 121 c.; three months, paper, 241. 971 c.; money, 24f. 95c. AUSTRIA. VIENNA, Dee. 28.—Some time ago it was made known that certain measurcS would be . token by the State for facilitating the resump tion of cash payments by the Bank, th© sub joined official statement will show that the in formation is, in substance, correct. The Imperial Royal Finance Depart/I - tent will: deliver over to the Bank on the 15th of January, 1859, 10,000,000f1., Austrian currency, which is the first instalment of the sum to be paid by the neWly-constituted Rail road- Company for the . Vienna-Trieste and . other ' lines of railway. Further, the State will pay to the Bank on the Ist November, 1859, the second instalment of 10,000,000f1., Austrian currency, and also the instalments-600,000,0001, Austrian cur rency,—which will become due on the Ist of Nov., 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, and 1864. The State, however, reserves to itself the right in case of need , to demand' from the Bank the sum of 20,000,000 florins Austrian currency in notes, instead of the two first-mentioned instalments, which will be paid in silver. The State will also give to the - Bank " Grundent-lassungs- Obligationen" (Soil Emancipation Bonds) of the value of nearly 20,000,000f1. This sum and the instalments for the years of 1860, 1861, 1862, 1863, and 1864, will reduce the debt of the State to the Bank, for which the State domains arc held in mortgage, to 100,000,000f1. Austrian currency. It is credibly related that the French Govern ment wishes to bring the Moldo-Wallachian ques tion before the Paris Conference again, but it is not probable that either England, Austria, Prussia, or the Porte will approve the idea. Reliable information has reached here that the state of public feeling has not improved in the Austrian provinces in Italy. The army in the Lombardo-Venetian Kingdom has been re-inforced by four regiments, and all the men who were on leave of absence have returned to their posts. SERVIA. The Skouptschina made known to Prince Alexander its wish that he should abdicate in the following 'words : "Sir (Gospodaru),—The nation has had sufficient opportunity of observing that you have neither the talent nor the wish to make Servia happy. The nation, therefore—through us—begs of you to ab dicate, but permits you and your family to remain in the country, where not a hair of your heads will be injurrd. The nation expects your reply; abdi cate without hesitation, and by so doing prove your to be a good patriot." SPAIN. The following telegram has been received " MADRID, Dec. 30.—Yesterday the Congress apprOved the address in reply to the speech from the Throne, by 186 to 26 votes. " The Senate resumes its sittings to-day." THE :IRISH SECRET SOCIETIES. BELFAST, Friday Evening. The inquiry into the case of the 16 prisoners ar rested in Belfast on the sth December, charged with being members of an illegal society; com menced this day at eleven o'clock in the county gaol. It was believed that the authorities had previously determined that the proceedings should be conducted in private, but one of our reporters attended at the gaol, and was admitted to the board-room, where the investigation was to take place. He was duly accommodated by the officials, but on the arrival of Mr. Tracy, the stipendiary magistrate, our reporter was informed that the presence of representatives of the Press would not be permitted. Sir. Hamilton, Crown Solicitor, conducted the case on the part of the Government. Mr. John Rae, solicitor, appeared for the pri soners, but previous to the commencement of the proceedings, he addressed the magistrates, stating that he was about to withdraw from the inquiry, and stated his reasons for adopting that course. He then handed in to the magistrates (Mr. Tracy, R.M., and Mr R. Thomson, J. 1 3.) a written protest against the inquiry on the following grounds. First, that it was contrary to practice and repug nant to.the laws of a free country, to hold any ju dicial inqUiry in, a common gaol. Secondly, that it was derogatory to the position of an advocate to discharge his duty in such a place. Thirdly, that he considered his personal safety imperilled in the event of any conflict between him and the Crown in such a situation. Fourthly, that the Mayor of Belfast and the county magistracy were excluded. Fifthly, that it was unconstitutional to rest the adjudication of such a case solely in the hands of a stipendiary magistrate; and on other grounds. Mr. Rae then withdrew, and the investigation was conducted in strict seclusion. We have ascertained the following particulars : —Two of the prisoners have turned approvers. The informer, one of the approvers, was examined, and also Mrs. M'Kay, in whose house the arrests took place, and her servant. This evidence occu pied six hours, at the end of which the investiga tion was adjourned until next morning at ten o'clock. It is believed that sufficient has transpired to warrant-the committal of some of the prisoners. The extreme secrecy of the inquiry is regarded with great dissatisfaction in the town. In conse quence of Mr. Rae's withdrawal, the informations have not yet been furnished, and the prisoners have been entirely undefended. BRIGHTON AND SOUTH COAST AND SOUTH-WESTERN RAILWAYS. The dispute between these two companies came formally before the Vice-Chancellor's Court yester day, when Mr. Rolt, upon the application of the London, Brighton, and South Coast Railway, ob tained an injunction, restraining the South-Western Company from running o t cr the disputed portion of their railway, .pending the decision of the arbi trator, Mr. Harrison, upon the terms on which the traffic from Godalming and Havant Railway is to be allowed to pass into Portsmouth. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. BETTING AT . MANCHESTER. —FRIDAY. MANCHESTER STEEPLECHASES. 4 to 1 offered on the field. TWO THOUSAND GUINEAS. 4to 1 agst Promised Land (offered) 6to 1 agst Ralph° (offered) CHESTER CUP. 35 to 1 agst Polestar (taken) 50 to 1 agst Drogheda (taken) Nothing done on the Derby. CRYSTAL PALAct.—One Shilling Day.—Friday, Dec. 31.—Admissions on payment, 1,557 ; ditto by season tickets, 623 ; total, 2,180. A STARTLING FACT.—When the passenger ship Isaac Wright was on fire a week ago, and all hope of saving her had been given up, she was towed up the river to the Sloyne, so that she might be scuttled, out of the way of the other ships. Some of the guns of H.M.'s frigate Hastings were fired into her at a short range, with the view of aiding in the sinking ; but, strange to say, now that she lies dry, it is apparent that not a single shot penetrated her hull. This being the fact, the question naturally suggests itself, of what use are such guns in naval warfare, and irore par ticularly when war ships are built of stouter timber than the merchant service. With regard to the Isaac Wright no good can be done to her hull, and she will have to be broken up.—Liverpool Post. FATAL OCCURRENCES AT PADDINGTON.—Yes terday Mr. Wakley, coroner for West Middlesex, held a joint inquiry at the Bank of England Tavern, Paddington, touching the deaths of Henry Bynian, aged 29, a railway porter, late in the employ of the Great Western Railway Company, and John I homes Coppins, aged 22, a lab ourer , also in the servi ce o f th e same company , both of whom met with instantaneous and frightful deaths at the Paddington terminus, underthe following circumstances :—lt appeared that Hyman, on Monday night, fell between the platform and a moving train ; his left leg was crushed in a most fearful manner, the limb being twisted ronnd like a piece of cord, and cut to pieces by the wheels of the carriages, while the whole of the lower part of his person was crushed and mutilated most shockingly. He was conveyed to St. Mary's Hospital, where he expired a few minutes after his admis sion. In the case of Coppins it appeared that the hapless man was proceeding along the roof of the engineer's resi dence, at the station, on Wednesday morning, when he fell over on to the pavement, the height of 60 feet. Death was instantaneous, for he was literally dashed to pieces. A ver dict of accidental death was recorded in each case, a recom mendation being added in the latter that the company should erect a railing onithe roof of the engineer's residence for the protection of others who might be engaged in such perilous work as the deceased. The inquiry then termi nated VACANCIES, APPOINTMENTS, ANI) PROMOTIONS IN TILE CIVIL SERVICE.—Foreign Department.—The consul ship at Naples has become vacant by the death of Captain Thomas Gallway, R.N. General Post Office.—There are several vacancies in the secretary's office for junior clerks ; commencing salary, £l2O per annum. There are vacancies for junior clerks in the mail office ; commencing salary, £BO per annum. There are vacancies for junior clerks in the receiver and accountant-general's office ; commencing salary, £BO per annum. There are vacancies for junior clerks in the money-order office ; commencing salary, £BO por annum. There are vacancies for junior clerks in the circulation department ; commencing salary £BO per annum. Mr. David Ogden, third assistant inspector of letter-carriers, General Post-office, Dublin, has been appointed inspector of letter-carriers, in the room of Mr. John Banmen, retired on full pay, after 50 years' service. Law Department—There are vacancies for twelve clerks in the New Court of Probate and Divorce. Audit Office—There is a vacancy for a junior clerk in this office ; commencing salary, £9O per annum. Customs—The inspectorship of patrol at Plymouth has become vacant by the death of Mr. James Cowell. The offices of third clerk, of fourth and fifth searchers, and two second-class tidewaiter s ; a l so 'b oa t men an d weighers, are vacant at Newhaven. These vacancies are consequent ußoil the 'largely increasing trade with Dieppe. Mr. Win. R. Stavely has been appointed a landing waiter at Now haven. - Mr. William A. Wetherall has been appointed a landing-waiter at Ramsey, Isle'of Man. Mr. A. Baker, landing-surveyor at Folkestone, has been promoted to Greenock. Mr. Leitch, landing waiter at Greenock, has been pronioted to be landing surveyor at Folkestone Mr. C. Heyward, comptroller at Folkestone, has beenipromoted to be collector at Goole.. The comptrollership at Folke stone is to be abolishecl,—Civil &twice Gazette. ASTRONOMICAL SUMMAI?I7-1818, The following are the chief discoveries year 1858: Comet (i.), discovered by Mr. H. P. Tutt, the Harvard College Observato r y, U.S., on v of January; visible for about seven weeks. comet was also detected by M. Bruhns, at 1 ] on the 11th of January, and has been idet with the second comet of 1700. Its period is 131 years. Planet (51), by M. Laurent, at Nismes, o 22d of Jan.: named Nemausa. Planet (52), by M. Goldschmidt, at Paris, o 6th of February : named Europa. Comet (ii.), by Dr. Winnecke, at Bonn, 01 Bth of March; visible for about three ro° This comet has been' identified with the fil 1819. Period 51 years. Planet (53), by M. Lutlu, at Bilk, on the 4 April : named Calypso. Comet (iii), by Mr. H. P. Tuttle, at 111 College Observatory, U.S., on the 2d of visible for several weeks. Comet (iv.) by M. Bruhns, at Berlin, on the of May ; also visible for several weeks. Comet (v.), by Dr. G. B. Donati, at Fld on the 2d of June, visible in Europe for abou t ) months. ths. .1 Comet (vi.), by Dr. Forster, at Berlin, on _ti of August ; visible for about nine w ee k s . u' known as Encke's comet. Comet (vii.), -by Mr. H. P. Tuttle, at go College, on the sth of September ; visible for three months. Comet (viii.), by M. Bruhns, at Berlin, 0 Bth of September; visible for about eight Usually known as Faye's comet. Planet (54), by M. Goldschmidt, at Paris, ( 11th of September : named Alexandra. Planet (55), by Mr. G. Searle, at Albany! on the 111th of September. Planet (56), by M. Goldschmidt, at Paris, 9th of September. The following are among the more imp( events that will take place during the year Eclipses of the Sun.-2d of February, 4 March, 29th of July, and 27th of A ugus t ; al tial eclipses only, and all invisible in Inglani Eclipses of the Moon.-17th of Februal 13th of August ; both total, and b o th invisil England. There will be 11 occultations of the planet the Moon, viz., 9 of Saturn, 1 of Venus, and Mercury ; all invisible in England except Saturn on the Bth of May. The well-known Comet of Biela, remarkabl e ' j its double nebulosity-, will return to periheh' May. A remarkable conjunction of the planets. I f and Jupiter will occur on the morning of the of July. At the moment of least distance, edges will be separated by an interval of 13 rather more than the diameter of Venus, bu t ., than one half that of Jupiter. Thi s higoo teresting phenomenon will be visible in this en, and at the moment of conjunction th e t w o IN will appear as one star. The Sun enters Capricornus and Winter IS —lB5B, December 21, 14h.:12m. The Sun enters Aries and Spring begins--"I March 20, 16h. 20m. The Sun enters Cancer and Sumner beg' 1859, June 21, 11h. 58m. The Sun enters Libra and Autumn begins — September 23, 2h. 10m. The Sun enters Capricornus and Winter] —1859, December 21, 20h. 3m. The Sun will be in - the Winter signol h. Bm. The Sun will be in the Spring signs, 90h. 38m. The Sun will be in the Summer signs 4h. 12m. The Sun will be in the Autumn signs ; 7h. 53m. The Summer is therefore 4cl. 13h. 4m. 1° than the Winter; 3d. 20h. 10m. longer thos j Autumn ; and Od. 17h. 34m. l onger th at th e Sp P The Sun will be north of the Equator (1 prising the periods of Spring and Summer) I 10h. 50m. The Sun will be South of the Equator prising the periods of Autumn and Winter) 1 19h. lm. METROPOLITAN BOARD OF IVOR 1 A meeting of this board was held in the Co Chamber, Guildhall, y es t er d a y. Th e P res id e n' , i Thwaites, Esq., took the chair at 12 o'clock. FINANCE. The cash statement for the present week s ll4 a total general balance of £230,061 ss. • A report was brought up from the finance mittee, recommending, among other things— t l 1. That, inasmuch as a special fund i s e reo by the act of the l as t sess i on o f P ar li ament for in) 'drainage works, the sums in the hands of the be t or which may hereaft er b e rece i ve d by theimj respect of the £140,000 borrowed from the Om Mutual Society, be appropriated to general poses, under the ordinary precepts for 1858, 5° as concerns the cha rges inc l u d e d th ere i n app li c o l to entire parishes. _ " 2. That the board do, in the ensuing se ssion` Parliament, seek statuto r y p owers to re-appor tP among the several parishes concerned, the d e bt respect of the £200,000 borrowed by the Metro,, Titan Commissioners of Sew ers f rom t h e Rock P: Office, and expended on seweracre works, aeeoral l to the actual benefit deriv e d by each parish P i ; that expenditure; and that it b e re f erre d to / Works and General Purposes Committee to con'. der andframe a proper app or ti onment on that b° , and submit the same for the approval of the how " 3. That the board do apply, in the ens' session of Parliament, f or s t a t u t ory powers to ;' distribute the debt of £43,721 15s. the amol l expended in the const ruc ti on o f the dounter's ere', Diversion Works, and to make such debt a 010 on the metropolis at large. Mr. TFRNER, pursuant to notice, moved as amendment to the first reco m m en d a ti on —,, , inasmuch as the recommendation of the committ e sanctions the perman e nt a ppli ca ti on o f b orro oi , ,: money to meet the current exp enses o f the boar, and such recommendation, if acted upon, will tlir° upon the ratepayers of future years a burden it is not just to impose upon them, the recoP; l mendation be not adopted ; an d th at t h e su bj ec t t ; the appropriation of the £140,000 be referred boc to the Finance Committee for further considei 4 tion." Mr. DALTON seconded the amendment. After considerable discussion, in which sevo'i members took part, the amendment was put fo l ; negatived upon a division, by a majority of 31 to The .original motion to adopt the recommendati on of the committee was then put and carried. The two other recommendations of the commio were adopted without any serious opposition. The other business disposed of was of a routill' character. ATROCIOUS AND EXTRAORDIN-1-11 CHARGE. At the Clerkenwell Police Court, yesterday, Philip Ccii ford, described as a lathrender and timber merchant, ° Kingsland, was charged, at the instance of the Londe!: Society for the P ro t ec ti on o f Y oung Females, with a l'Oe revolting and atrocious offence. Mr. Buchanan, of Basing - hall-street, who was instructe 4 ' 1 by the above society to prosecute, stated that the dial against the prison er was one o f th e most appalling that had. ever come under his notice. Prisoner had taken advantag e of the tender age and inexperience of two girls, aged re spce' tively 12 and 11, to ruin one and to materially i n j u re 0 1 ° other. The girls, named Emma Jane and Rosa Bulwinkle , were the daughters of,a respectable newsvender. Prisone r had visited the shop for the ostensible purpose of purchaa' ing papers, tobacco, or ginger beer, but really to accoar plish one of the most infamous purposes that isl e ever conceived. After visiting the shop for s olve little time, he ingratiated himself into the good graces of the family. On Whit-Monday prisoner invited the Baugh" ter Emma to accompany himself and daughter to Black heath. He sent his daughter home, and, taking E mm a to a house in Whitechapel, succeeded, under circumstances of unparalleled aggravation, in effecting her ruin. - under threats that he would inform her mother, she frequently met him, and he took from her various small sums Of money. At last he persuaded her to leave home, and he took a room for her. Now one would suppose that that was villany enough for a man. But no i Prisoner still con' tinned his visits, and, condoling with tke distressed mother, said he thought he could find her.' To the poor child he conveyed the intelligence that her mother had desired ' l ira to say she would inflict some injury upon her if she caug ht her. In July he called upon the mother, and saw Rosa (aged 11) in the parlour, and he then and there so far succeeded in effecting his purpose that be communicated a foul disease to her—(sensation) —being only disturbed by the entrance of her sister. The child Emma was discovered by the mother ene night outside the Victoria Theatre, and was at once taken home. Mr. Buchanan then called the mother, whose statement contained circumstances entirely unfit for publication. Amongst some other statements, she said that prisoner had offered her daughter some sovereigns if she would be quiet, and he could show her how to get her living on the town. She described with many tears the visits of the prisoner after the abduction of her daughter, and his condolations I upon the subject. In answer to the charge, prisoner, who did not examine any of the witnesses, said it was all lies. He was accordingly remanded till a future day, for the completion of the depositions. qfrfr ... , .