The Sun. — London, England, 1858-09-29 00:00:00

riIiIEATRE-ROYAL, DRURY-LANE. 1 Under the Management of Miss L. r yne and Mr. W. Harrison. THIS EVENING, Balfe's ROSE OF CASTILLE : Miss Louisa Pyne, Miss Susan Pyne, Miss M. Prescott Mr. Fer dinand Glover, Mr. A. St. Albyn, Mr. George Honey, Mr, Bartlenian, and Mr. W. ffarrisen. Conductor Mr. Alfred Mellon. To conclude with a Ballet Divertissement : Mdlles. Zinn , Michclet, lirsquale, and 3lorlacchi. ►THEATRE -ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Lessee, Mr. J. B. Buckstons. THIS EVENING will be performed THE WAY TO KEEP HIM. Messrs. linckstone, Howe, W. Farren, Szt.; Mesdames Sinclair, B. White, and Miss Reynolds. After which, THE DAUGHTER OF THE GUADAL QUI VElt. Perea Nena. With THE KING'S GARDENER. And JOHN JONES. Commence at 7. ROYAL LYCEUM THEATRE. Manager, Mr. Edmund Falconer. TIM EVENING, the New Comedy of EXTREMES; ot, %lex of the Day. Supported by Messrs. Leigh Murray, Emery, J. Rogers, and Barrett; Mrs. A. Mellon (late Miss Woolgar), Mrs. Weston, Miss Kate Saxon. After which the Ballet of THE RENDEZVOUS, in which the Lauri Family will appear. To conclude with DON'T LEND YOUR UMBRELLA. Mr. inloch. Doors open at half-past e, to commence at 7. Box-office open front 11 to 5 daily. ROYAL STRAND THEATRE. Lessee and Directress, Miss Swanborong,h. THIS EVENING, MY AUNT'S HUSBAND; Mr. Swan borough, Mrs. Selby, Miss Ternan. After which TILE LAST OF THE PIGTAILS • Messrs. C. Selby, J. Bland, and J. Clarke, Sic. Followed by THE BONNIE FISH WIFE. And I'LL WRITE TO THE TIMES. Commence at 7 o'clock. CANTERBURY HALL, Westminste r -road.— OPEN EVERT EVENING.—The following Company of Vocalists are engaged for the performance of Selections 1 rom all the popltlar OI'ERAS, MADRIGALS, CHORUSES, GLEES, ry,,Ers, viz.:-31i,s Russell, Mrs. Badsey, Miss Brunell, 3liss Ray;-.Madame Bartoletti, Miss Montague, Mrs. Lawren and 3frs. Anderson ; Herr F. Jon,thmans, Mr. Ibmshaw, S. Jones, J. Barker, W. Melling;-Senor Antonio, 1. L Ilime, Mr. Badsey, Senor Tiroli, Mr. Cozens, Mr. Rell, Mr. Barnard, and Mr. St. Albyn. Mr. John G. Forde and E. W. Hackney. Pianoforte, Mr. Cecil Hicks—Harmonium, Mr. Courtnay—Director, Herr F. Jonghmans. Commence at 7 precisely. Suppers, &c., until 12 o'clock. NOTICE.—The Proprietor begs respectfully to announce tnat in the month of October, A FINE ARTS GALLERY, now in course of construction, will be thrown open in coi'- ncxion with the above Hall. THE WEATHER.—SuN °mem, SEPT. 29. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE. 61—highest since noon yesterday. 58-lowest this morning and during the night. 66—this day at noon. BAuomETER-29.99. Worn, South-Easterly ; light and fine. TII E SUN, WEDNESDAY. SEPTEMBER 29, 1858. We have become so accustomgd to satisfactory accounts of brilliant victories and energetic action from India, that but little attention is paid to ex ploits which, under different circumstances, would excite intense enthusiasm and admiration. " The gentlemen of England, who live at home at case," scarcely think of the difficulties that impede the progress of their countrymen in India. The rainy' and sickly season is altogether omitted from their calculations. The oppressive heat which, although disregarded by natives, is far more formidable than the guns or tulwars of the rebels, is thought a mere trifle by those who indulge in iced beverages at home. It is scarcely remembered that Delhi has been captured, Luck now and Agra, and a score of other important positions relieved and occupied—that the rebels are flying in every direction, never venturing to resist an English force, no matter how great may be the odds in their favour. We still look for great victories, albeit there are none but a set of fugitive and despairing brigands to be encountered. - We have, however, had very decided success — which should satisfy even the most exigeanti. We had before heard of a victory gained by General ROBERTS, over the shattered remnant of the Gwalior mutineers, who had not merely turned against the Feringhees, but had seized on the capital of their acknowledged Sovereign, by whom they hadbcen paid and fed; plundered his treasury, and raised an usurper to the occupation of his musnud. These men had long remained in the field. They kept to a certain extent aloof from other rebels. Although willingly receiving accessions to their ranks, they did not join other bands. They were wealthy, too, fur the plunder they had acquired at Gwalior and elsewhere had stored their knapsacks and belts with gold and silver coins and other valuables that could be packed in et tii. mailer parcels. Every rebel left on the field was worth a large sum, and the soldiers of the lucky corps were becoming fastidious, looking at mere silver with disdain, as being scarcely worth the trouble of carrying away. If, as has been asserted, the Gwalior rebels had obtained booty to the amount of seven or eight millions sterling, each man must, on the average, have possessed from £BOO to £l,OOO, and that would render them a prey not merely to the troops legitimately opposed to them, but also to their own countrymen, who, whatever might be their feelings towards the English, would be prepared to sacri fice any stranger for a tittle of the sum above referred to 'These richly-freighted rebels were " delivered into the hands" of General ROBERTS on the 14th August. It is almost needless to say .that they were defeated, with but little loss to our • troops. They however left -7001illed Cal-the field of battle. Tae fallen must have proved a mine of wealth to their conquerors. After their defeat the survivors retreated in a south-easterly direction, intending to carry the war, such as it is, into the Bombay Presidency, but finding that they would be interfered with by the corps from Neemuch under Colonel FRANKS, they turned north towards Bheelwarra. They then took possession and plundered the town and fort of Jalza Patteen, which, after some fighting, surrendered at discretion. They had then but native troops to encounter, and were accord ngly exceedingly brave. The RANEE has, how ever, taken refuge at Colonel LOCKHART'S camp at Soorneen. Asa column under Colonel HOPE had left Indore to support Colonel LOCKHART, we have but little doubt that a satisfactory account will be ren dered of the rebels, notwithstanding that they have been repairing the defences of Patteen, and throw ing up breastworks on the roads approaching thereto. There was an appearance of insubordination by some of the 69th and C2d Native Infantry and the Native Artillery, who had all, fortunately, been disarmed. They attempted to disarm the British troops that were stationed in the district. It was, however, completely defeated, and the mutineers were dispersed with great loss ; many prisoners were also captured. It is strange that the painful lesson already taught should not have proved more decisive; but it is not FAREWEL LS E MANAGASON O ER F R. CH THE AR LES KEAN the only instance in which men have engaged in a OF ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE.— hopeless cause at a time when the commonest di e - This THEATRE WILL OPEN on SATURDAY next, the 2nd October, with the Farce of fates of prudence should have convinc them of DYING FOR LOVE. .. To be followed by the folly of such a proceeding THE MERCHANT OF VENICE, which play will be performed for a Fortnight, and then with drawn for the production of Shakspere's Historical Tragedy of KING JOHN, wkich will be revived on Monday, 18th October. Elsewhere in our impression of tils evening we give a resume of this last year's record of our own Coast Shipwrecks. It will be seen from these me lancholy statistics how frightful still is the havoc resulting in this way to the general community in the annual destruction of life and property—not far out at sea, but along the shores of our own " Snug Little Island." It will be perceived, moreover, that, notwithstanding all the pre cautionary measures adopted for some time past, systematically and increasingly—there were actually in 1857 as many as 400 ships lost, and with them 800 lives and property destroyed to the amount of £1,500,000! In spite of life-boats, harbours of refuge, rocket and mortar apparatus, in spite of cheap charts and accurate compasses, and improved systems of navigation ! Notwithstanding all these increased and increasing advantages there is the terrible sum total before us—for 1857-400 ships lost, 800 lives, and property to the value of £1,500,000 ! Obviously—though " much has been done"—" yet more remains to do." We must have more lifeboks—more rocket and mortar appa ratus, and, above all, more liarbours of re fuge. For the first we may look to public charity- and private enterprize. For the last we must look mainly to the patriotism, energy, and determination of her MAJESTY'S Government. The chief of these deplorable disasters occur along the east and the north-east coast of Eng land—from the Firth of Forth to the South Fore and. Shipwrecks occur, of course, with lamentable frequency, further south—off Beachy Head and Dungeness : and in a miserable abundance, too, in various parts of the Irish Sea and British Channel. But the principal amount of havoc is off Yarmouth and off Newcastle. To look at the Wreck Chart of the British Isles for a minute is to have food for melancholy reflection for a year. A glance shows us what serious cause there is for the People and the Administration bestirring themselves. That glance tells us plainly enough, also, in what particular direction the remedy ought first to be applied. In Heaven's name let us be xp and doing as a people : for apathy upon this matter is not less arrant folly than monstrous inhumanity. During thirty-four years there has been in existence the Royal National Lifeboat Institution. It is one of the noblest of our great charitable establishments. It has already extended far and wide—it is still extending farther and wider—its beneficent operations. It behoves every one who can do so, to co-operate in the further ance of this enterprise. Among the latest donations contributed to its funds there is one which we conceive to be eminently well deserving of notice : it is a donation of £3oo—as " a grateful offering from a Lady, whose life was saved from drowning "—apparently somewhere off the Irish coast. A noble leaded lady truly —one indeed, whose heart is manifestly capable of feeling the emotion of gratitude. Gladly would we see humanity like this exciting emulation among those who have reason for the same gratitude, and (with the cause) the capacity for its manifestation. But, beyond the encouragement of the Lifebortt Institution, we look anxiously for the more and comprehensive construction of Harbours of Refuge along our coasts by her MAJESTY'S Govern ment. Of the imperative necessity for this we have already written in these columns earnestly and repeatedly. And to this most important subject we shall revert upon every possible opportunity. f• • S'tau f• 4, 44 •• .4,t4 •‘1417 1 63 ik jf • - 41 t. ' • • • Dix , " -bit° • COURT CIRCULAR. BALMORAL, SEPT. 26. The Queen, the Prince Consort, the Prince of Wales, and the Duchess of Ke „accompanied by the ladies and gentlemen in waiting, attended divine service in the parish church of Crathie. The Rev. Dr. Robeitson officiated. His Excellency the Duke de Malakoff will leave' London, for Paris, on Friday or Saturday next. Maria Marchioness of Ailesbury has returned to Claridge's Hotel, from visiting the Duke and Duchess of Marlborough, at Blenheim Palace, Woodstock. The Baron and Baroness Dalloz have left the Brunswick Hotel, for Paris. The Baron and Baroness Von Linden have arrived at the same establishment. The Right Hon. H. T. L. Corry, M.P., returned to the Admiralty, yesterday, from Scotland. _ _ _ Mr. Garmier and the Countess ielli Garmier have arrived at the Queen's Hotel, Upper Norwood, from Paris. Mr. and Mrs. F. Wagner and Miss Rhodes have left Edwards's Hotel, for New York. Mrs. M'Cord and Mr. and Miss *Cord have arrived at the Clarendon, from South Carolina. ELECTION OF LORD MAYOR.—This mornin g (being Michaelmas-day) the ancient ceremony of electing the Lord Mayor took place. The Aldermen having "seratch9d " in the usual way, the majority was found to be in favour of Alderman Wire, who was thereupon de clared duly elected. INFANTICIDE.—Yesterday afternoon Mr. Wakley the coroner for the western division of Middlesex, held an inquest in the boardroom of Clerk - enwell workhouse, on the body of a newly-born female infant, whi c h h a d b een f ound in the enclosure of Lloyd's -square, in the same parish, on Sunday morning last. Mr. Benjamin Foster, the landlord of the St. John's Gate, stated that about half-past eight on the morning in question he found the body as de scribed, N:Tapped in a piece of old cotton oPlinen, _and tied with black tape. Il e h an d e d i t over to the custody of the police, by whom it was taken to Mr. Taylor, the divisional surgeon. Mr. Taylor told the coroner that he had minutely examined the body, but found no external violence. The umbilicus had never been tied, and death was the result of sheer neglect. The child was unusually large, measuring 32 inches in length, and weighing as much 91b., the ordi nary weight of similar aged children being only about 61b. Ho did not entertain the slightest doubt but that it had been born alive, as everything confirmed that belief. The coro ner said a finer child he never saw in the whole course of his experience. Those cases were very lamentable and were on the merese. The present was the seventh in his dis trict within the last three weeks. Two of them were at Islington, one with its throat cut. The child which was the subject of the inquiry was murdered as much as if its throat had been cut. If the parents of the child wilfully destroyed it to get rid of it in the mode described, the jury could not return any other verdict than that of wilful mur der. Any other verdict would encourage that kind of crime, and as no person was culpably before the jury, their opinion might deter other parties. The jury returned a verdict of wilful Murder cgainst some person or persons unknown. THE SONS OF BURNS.—The worthy sons of our national bard are at present, we understand, at the fashion able Stirlin g shire Spa, Bridge of Allan. A correspon d en t states that they are both among the most enthusiastic bowlers to he seen daily exercising their skill on the public green, at the -Westerton Arms Hotel.—Ayr Express. SINGULAR ACCIDENT TO A HORSE.—An accident of a most singular character' happened about 1 o'clock on the 22d instant to the horse of a trooper of the 11th Hus- Ku - s stationed at the stables of the Royal Pavilion, Church street. From some cause or ether which will be the subject of inquiry the animal was in the room of the backyard, known as the grooms' kitchen in the time of George IV., and there, having slipped, f e ll on a fl ags t one about three inche s thick and a turd square, which formed part of the coverin,, of an old dry well, and which, with the 'sudden weight upon it, became . displaced and fell into the opening, followed 'by the poor animal, which in its descent was abruptly stopped by a stage that was fixed across the well, about 28 feet from the top, and became jammed in on its haunches. The noise caused by the oc currence soon brought some of the men to the spot, and attempts were made as quickly as possible to let a lighted candle down to learn the condition of the gas animal, but the flame was soon extinguished. Meanwhile the poor creature continued to kick with his forelegs; and it was not till a lantan was lowciA that its exact position could be discovered, when a - windlass and tackle ha v i ng b een pro cured from the yard of Messrs. Cheesman and Son, builders, a man named Benham awell-digger, descended tofix s li ngs round it; hut the peculiar eirciunstances Of the . case so un nerved him that it was not until the horse was dead—about half-au -hour —that he could commence his task. From the room not being veryhigh pitched there was much difficulty in working the apparatus brought into requisition, and three hours elapsed before the carcass was drawn out. We may mention that several of the soldiers volunteered to de scend the well with a view to assist, but the officer on duty prudently prevented them. —Brighton Observer. PUBLIC DRINKING FOUNTAINS AT SUNDERLAND. —The corporation of Sunderland are at present erecting public drinking a t the fountains firxaeil i d n waa t gy h u e si i nt r ast b i borou gh, in in i na t t thehenepl public a r d i princi pal o i - f which orthe inside, in . sh?pe E so i m .gh e . w t. -h foatul t Simi the walls pal thoro h u onao g s hf em ar 0 11 e e s I. cp r rtk to ir t o h Tn ose at Liverpool; the design is exceedingly neats, a a r n e d a is t anus.but t he number will presentsurmounted i n course byth eo borough o r erection, ug shortly be increased. The cost of each fountain is about £5. SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENING, SEPTEMBER 20, 1858 LATEST' ; .NEW 8 INDIA. The following mettsage has been received at the East India House EASI' INDIA HOUSE, TUESDAY, • SEPT. 28, 3.10 P.M. Supplement to 3.1 r. Secretary Edmonstone's mes. sage, do ted August 26,1858.. OUDE. On the 26th c.f August Sir Hopo Grant sent a force across the IGoomtee at Sultanpore, and occu pied three villas in his front. Bcnares Division—Capt. Mac Mullen, with his Sikhs, fell in with rebels at a village near Reatien Ghazee, Pocken district, on the 23d of August, drove them out, killing and wounding 60. Allahabad Division.—Captain Dennehy, with detachment of regulars and a party of military police, came up with Wunjab Sing, of Rewa, at Bearroh, on the 28th of August, and killed about 200 of his men. 'CENTRAL INDIA. The Gwaliar rebels, after their defeat on the 14th of August, fled in a south-easterly direction, giving out that it was their intention to enter the Bombay Presidency via Mundisore. However, on finding this line of retreat was menaced by the force from Nemuch, under Col. Franks, they turned north towards Bheelwara. On the 28th of August reached Jabra Pattecn, which they surrendered after some days' fighting with the Rana's troops. They obtained possession of the town, which they have plundered. The Rana fled, and is now in Col. Lockhart's camp, at Soos neen. Soosneenis 55 miles off Oojein. A column under Col. Hope left Indore on the 3d inst. to support the one which had been previously despatched under the command of Col. Lockhart, 92d Highlanders. The rebels are in full possession of Patteen, re pairing defences and throwing up breastworks on the roads approaching. Adil Mohamed has moved from Jerouge, and taken possession of Poorassa ; the movement threatens Bhalsa, and toward Guzerat. A small force from Ahmedabad attacked and dispersed a body of Munbranees and Bheels, at Mundelte, on the 22d of August. The rest of the Bombay Presidency is quiet. Bombay Castle, Sept. 7, 1858. (Signed) D. L. ANDERSON, Secretary to Government. P.S. The following message, dated Kurrachee, Sept. 4, has just been received:— Major Hamilton writes from Moortas (?) that, at noon, on the 31st ult., the 69th and 62d Native Infantry, and the Native Artillery, all disarmed, broke out and tried to seize the guns and arms of the Fusiliers. They were repulsed, great numbers slain, and the rest driven from the cantonment to jungles towards the river. Our loss was four men of the Royal Artillery, and, we regret to say, Captain Mules, of the Fusiliers. Major Hamilton heard of the intended out break in time to warn the military authorities. He had, with the police battalion, already arrested 90 of the fugitives. D. L. ANDERSON, Secretary to Government. Bombay Castle, Sept. 7. Received at Malta, Sept. 28, 8 morning. V. MONTANAIto. To J. D. Dickinson, Esq. MALTA, SEPT. 28. The dates are Hong Kong, August 10 ; Calcutta, 22; Bombay, 7. Bombay—lmports not very active ; 'linseed in better demand, cotton quiet, money easY, freights steady. Exchange-2s. g i-d. to 2s. 3d. Calcutta—Produce in better demand ; imports the same as last ; money unaltered. Exchange-- 2s. id. to 2s. 4d. Madras exchange-Is. 10 Id. to 2s. Singapore--Manufactures in demand ; produce in advance; freights low. Exchange -4s. 2d. to 4s. 4d. Hong Kong—Exchange -4s. 4d. Shanghae—lmports more in demand; tea and silk quiet. Exchange -4s. 10d. to Os. Foochow—Forces, under the Viceroy in person, has started for the tea district. FRANCE. PARIS, TUESDAY. The French ship-of-the-line Bayard arrived at Brest on Thursday last, to be transformed into a screw steamer. On getting into dock the breaking of a cable caused her to strike against a gunbrig, which she dismasted. The steam frigate Souveraine and the corvette Artemise arrived at Brest on the 26th. A pilot boat, having five pilots on board, who went out of the port of Founts on the 21th, during a gale of wind, to pilot a ship of war into Itochfort, •vas capsized, and all hands perished. It appears that affairs arc becoming worse in Mexico. In consequence of the anarchy which pre vails there, M. Leon Favre, the French Consul at Tampico, has written to the commander of the French naval station in the Gulf of Mexico to claim protection for tim French in that place. It is rumoured that the bull has arrived in Paris for the erection of the bishopric of Rennes into an archbishopric. Pere Brumond, director of the establishment for Le education of orphans, at Boufferick, in Algeria, . _ _ has arrived in Paris to remonstrate against the de cision of the Minister of Algeria to stop the Govern. nient grant to the charities. The Great Russian Steam Navigation Company :ook possession, on the 20th inst., of the establish- ment at Villafranca, granted to them by the Sar. dinian Goveanment. BOURSE, Sept. 28, Two o'Clock.—Stock was in great request at the opening at 73f. 65c. and 73f. 70c., but it afterwards receded to 73f. and 73f. 45c. The share market has been rather heavy ; Northern, from - I,ooof, to 995 f. ; Lyons, 895 f. to 890 f. ;. East em, 760 f. to Thsf. ; Orleans, 1,450 f. to 1,440 f.; Southern, 612 f. 50c. to 610 f. ; and Mobilier, I,ooof. to 985 f. The market became unsteady towards the close, and prices underwent sudden fluctuations. Totally wrecked V 3B4s, essel Totally lost in co lli s i on ...... 53 Seriously d amage d 482 Damaged seriously by collisions January Vessels . 281 February March May April 76 June 33 .............. , . 34 July 3O Total As we have often stated before, wrecks will occur notwithstanding all the precautions, experience, and vigilance that may be exercised to prevent them, but there can be no doubt, that a very large proportion of the casualties which happen must be attributed to neglect and carelessness on the part of those to whose special charge the vessels are com mitted, as well as of those who send them to sea ill-found and unseaworthy. It is a notorious fact too many of those vessels have not a single appli ance, such as a lifebelt or lifelmov, to save life in case of an emergency. Besides, the masters of colliers and coasters scarcely ever think of laying down courses, or using the lead, or consulting charts. Their motto is, as the register tells ms, "Follow th e leader, -until they get on a s h oa l or sandbank, and thereby add to the number of wrecks caused by negligence or inattention. These remarks are fully corroborated in the fol lowing table, showing the nature and cargoes of the vessels lost last year : V In ballast, no t colliers_ 138 essels. Coal-laden .38'2 Colliers in ballast Cotton Fishing smacks Fish or oil 2O Grain and provisions 90 General cargo B5 An analysis of the tonnage of these disasters is thus given : Vessels under 50 tors.... 172 601 and under 900 tons .. 41 Al and under 100 tons.... t2l 901 „ 1,200 tons .. 1 101- 300 tons.... 473 1,200 tons and upwards.... 13 601 llOO tons.... 11-t The Site of each wreck can be easily traced on the wreck chart. Let the reader pause for a moment, and look again at this grim wreck chart, and con sider what an amount of misery it unfolds. L e t him then inqui re w h e th er or not it be in his power to assist in mitigating the necessary evils resultine , from these„sad calamities, causing as they do the desolation of many a home, and.many a wife to .be come a widow a n d h et c hild ren o rph ans. These in nocent sufferers from shipwrecks are already too numerous in our coasting towns and fishing villages. The following is a list of the principal sandbanks on which .wrecks have occurred during the past year :—Abertay, 2; Arklow-bank, 2 ; Barber, 2 • Blyth-sand, 1 ; B ra k e , 2 ; B ur b o- b ank, 1 ' • Cardiff: sands, 1 ; Corton, 2 ; D ogger- b ank, 1 ; Dudgeon, 5; Galloper, 4 ; Goodwin, 18 ; Gunfleet, 5 ; Has borough, 4 ; Head, 10 ; Holm 10 ; Kentish K noc k, 3 ; Ki s h-hank, 1 ; L ong, 18 ; Holm, Scar, 3 ; Maplin, 3; Middleton, 2 ; Scr o by, 8- ; S on k , 3 ; Shipwash, 5; Swin, 1 ; 8 ; Nash, 3; New com b e , 2 ; O wers , Tctncy, 1 ; Whitburn Steel, 1 ; Whiting, 1 ; Wool pack, 1. Iron and other ores VesselBB Manure and k e lp l5 !Passengers 2l • Potatoes or fruit Salt Sugar, coffee, spices, tea, molasses Stone,slate,litne, or bricks 30 Twenty-nine vessels are recorded to have been utterly lost last year from unseaworthiness ; and many others were lost from rottenness, imperfect gear, carelessness, defective compasses or charts. There are many prolific causes of shipwreck, in• dependent of storms, rocks, and sandbanks ; and among the molt insurances, un seawarthiness, the overloading of glaring are—inconsiderate marin e vessels, ill found in anchors, cables, sails, defective compasses, want of good charts, and incom petency of masters. If we analyse the cases of col lision that occurred last year we shall find that by far the larger portion of them occurred in the open sea, and in clear bright water. Out of 277 colli sions, involving total and partial loss, bad look out was the cause of 81, and neglect of the rule of the read of 33 collisions. Simple and easy of per formance as the casting of the lead is, it is almost invariably found, when the causes of the wreck are inquired into, that this precaution has been neglected. Sir S. Lushington, Judge of the Court of Ad miraltylt is not o f B r i t i sh vessels we speak every day, ay , but our ports, especially the port of Liverpool, are so thronged with vessels from every part of the world, and especially from the United States of America, that I speak the truth when I say that within the last two months of my time WRECK STATISTICS OF THE UNITED KINGDOM FOR 18.57. The extensive and increasing commerce of the United Kingdom renders, unfortunately, shipwrecks on its shores a matter of daily occurrence. Indeed, their frequency is so great that, in the aggregate, the public at large fail to realise the terrible con sequences arising from them ; but they are, never theless keenly felt in many a home and counting house throughout these realms. As it is, the sad tale of disaster at sea comes to us too often weak ened by the lapse of time and the distance of the scene of the catastrophe ; instead of having the harrowing sight of a shipwreck before our eyes, we have only dry statistics, which raise no emotion, and even rarely arrest attention. The materials from which the important Wreck Register of the Board of Trade is compiled are de rived from returns furnished by the officers of the Coastguard service and the receivers of wrecks stationed on the coasts of the United Kingdom. After having been analysed and tabulated by the Board of Trade they are printed, accompanied by a Wreck Chart, and presented annually to Parlia ment. The register for the past year is a very com plete one, and reflects credit on its compilers, who have evidently devoted much time to its excellent arrangements. Among other information which it contains are tables descriptive of the means adopted for saving life on the coasts, and containing lists of the stations supplied with the mortar and rocket apparatus. - Compared with previous periods the register in forms us that the wreck experience of the past year is favourable; yet if we analyse it carefully we shall find that, without reckoning collisions, there were no fewer than 384 vessels, or more than one a day, totally lost on or near these islands last year. The whole of the wrecks and casualties for the year 1857 may be thus classed:— Total 1,143 The number Of di,iaqers for one year is at the rate of more than three per diem. The number of wrecks in each month of the year 1857 is thus given : els. Brought forward Vess 687 August September • 66 October November 94 December 7 By these casualties 2, 68 200 of our fellow-creatures were placed in imminent peril of losing their lives, and 532 of them actually found a watery grave, many of whom, it is believed, might have been saved had the National Lifeboat Institution had the means of placing additional lifeboats on the coasts. Be sides there can be no doubt that the number of 532 persons drowned does not correctly represent the actual loss of life during the past year from casual ties on and around our coasts, inasmuch as the loss of fishermen and other boatmen is not included in the Board of Trade returns. If we examine closely the sites of the shipwrecks we shall find that no less than 600, or more than one-half of the whole number of wrecks, occurred between Dungeness and Pentland Frith. Along this perilous sea, biset with sands, shoals, and rocky headlands, no less than 150,000 vessels, manned probably by half-a-million of men and boys, pass annually, a great part of them being ill-con structed, deeply-laden colliers, and the wonder is, how they manage to survive a gale of wind. A remarkable and sad case of this description occurred only a few months ago on the Norfolk coast. Sud denly a gale of wind sprang up where one of these rotten colliers was riding ; she made a signal of dis tress ; the National Lifeboat Society's lifeboat was as soon as possible brought out of the boat-house, but before the boat was launched the ship had gone to pieces, and every one of her unhappy crew had perished. On examination of the - vessel's timbers they were found to be perfectly , rotten ; otherwise, it was said, she might easily have weathered out the moderate gale of wind that proved her destruc tion. A somewhat similar case occurred off Brid lington the year before last, when four or five poor fellows perished —so rotten was the vessel that her anchors pulled out her bows, consequently causing her instantly to sink. Again, the south coa s t, ex t en di ng from Dunge ness to ie Land's-end, is comparatively safe, only 84 wrecks having occurred in 1857 ; while from the Land's-end to Greenock, where the influence of the Atlantic gales and currents is most severely felt, the numbers rise again to 286; and the Irish coast contributes a total of 173 wrecks. If we take a retrospective glance at the shipwrecks which haVe occurred oil our coasts during the past five years, we shall find 4hat no less than 5,128 wrecks and collisions toot place, being an average of 1,025 a year—than= the loss of life thereupon amounted to 830 a yeatrand that the destruction of property averaged a million and a half sterling per annum. It is not an uncommon occurrence for a single gale to strew our coasts with wrecks. In the gale of the 25th Sept. 1851, as many as 117 vessels were wrecked, an d for each of the earlier months of the present year the returns of the Board of Trade show that there has been from four to five casualties a day. These facts are sufficient to prove the appalling loss of life and property, and the absolute necessity , that exists for the construction of harbours of re fuge, and for renewed exertions in the establish ment of additional lifeboats on some points of our coasts. one half has been engaged . ; upon foreign vessels. From the very mouth of the Mersey down to the coast of Ireland, I regret to say, we have had some of the most unfortunate collisions and the greatest loss of life." Still, it is satisfactory to find that collisions do diminish, and that as compared with last year a diminution of their number to the extent of 39 has taken place. Moreover, 662 of the wrecks, apart from collisions, that took place last year arose en tirely from stress of weather, and not from the fault of any parties. A most gratifying feature, however, is to be found in the Register—viz., the large number of lives saved from shipwreck by lifeboats and other means during the past year, winch is given as follows : By the lifeboats of the National Lifeboat Institution and local bodies By luggers, Coastguard b oa t s , an d sma ll cra f t 512 Byships and steamboats 507 By assistance from shore with mortar and rocket apparatus, ropes, &c By individual exertion 243 Total 1,668 Although this number were entirely saved from wrecks, yet it must be borne in mind that 2,206 persons were in addition placed in actual danger, a large proportion of whom would probably have perished but for succour of some kind or other. In a great many instances, such as in cases of collisions and founderings far at sea, escape has, of course, been due to the ships' own boats or to the many fishing vessels and other crafts which are, fortu nately, constantly plying about • but 398 persons during the past 12 months actually owe their lives to the lifeboats of the Royal National Lifeboat In stitution, and to those of local bodies. The life boat, as is well known, is chiefly used on perilous emergencies, and when no other craft can be made available. A lifeboat esta blishment is not, like a harbour of refuge on a dangerous point, a matter of great expense ; it is easily surmounted, and its permanent efficacy equally as practicable. We have no doubt in future years, if the excellent system of management adopted by the National Lifeboat Society be ad hered to—and a lifeboat soon becomes more than useless if she is not well attended---that the ser vices of its lifeboats will prove still more effective. The pecuniary means to increa ,e the number of lifeboats is now really the only impart:lnt point for consideration. If there be any nation in the world which should be honourably distinguished above others for its appliance 3 to save life in cases of ship wrecks, England is emphatically that one. It is the sea that has made us what we are, and which has borne our countrymen to all par L 3 of the world. It is our naval preponderance which has raised us to our present great position among the nations of the earth. It is upon the prowess, and skill, and adventure of our seamen that the fabric of British power at the present moment rests. One might suppose, then, that all persons who could afford it would only be too ready to lend a helping hand to an institution of the character of the National Life boat Society, whose annual income is out of all pro portion to its extensive sphere of usefulness. We therefore again appeal to the community at large to help a society which has charged itself with this great national work, and which has zealously and satisfactorily endeavoured to di3charge its onerous duties in the cause of suffering hinnanity. THE ARMY. The 3d company of Royal Engineers, under the command of Major C. H. Sedley, is under orders to proceed from Shorncliffe to Chatham this day, for the purpose of joining head-quarters at Brompton Barracks. The companies of Royal Engineers at tached to head-quarters are all very strong, in con sequence of the large number of recruits who have recently joined this branch of the service. On the occasion of the recent visit of the Commis sioners in Lunacy to the. Asylum for Insane Sol diers at Fort Pitt, Chatham, it was ascertained that there were scarcely any amusements provided for the patients, as was the case at other lunatic asylums, the inmates being left almost entirely to their own resources. This subject, with other im provements suggested by the commissioners, came under the notice of General Peel, the Secretary of State for War, who has issued directions to the authorities at Chatham to carry out several of th e recommendations of the commissioners. Among other improvements orders have been given for space to be appropriatedfor a bawling-green, where the patients may amuse themselves at that sport. A portion of the asylum is also to be set apart for indoor amusements, and bagatelle and other games are to be provided for the inmates. The space appropriated for the patients as an exercise ground will also be considerably enlarged, and at the same time additional facilities are to be given the inmates for amusing themselves under cover, during wet and unfavourable weather. In addition to these recommendations of the commissioners several minor improvements will be effected, having for their ob.; ject the increased comfort and amusement of the 'unfortunate patients confined in the. asylum. A' library, containing works chiefly of a light and amusing character, has been formed, and the books are eagerly read by the patients. They are alto supplied with newspapers, which they appear to prize very highly. The two prisoners of the Royal Marines under orders to be tried by court-martial, who succeeded in effecting their escape from Melville Hospital, Chatham, have both been apprehended, and are now under strict confinement at Chatham, until the neees.-:ary orders are received from the Admiralty, when, in. addition to their other crime they will also be tried by court-martial for making their escape while prisoners. A special Admiralty order has been forwarded to Chatham for Mr. J. T. Smith, the Mayor of Mel bourne, to be permitted to visit that dockyard in company with his friends. The following reinforcements from the battalions of infantry at Chatham are under orders to embark at Gravesend for Calcutta on the Gth Oct., viz. :- 22 men of the Bth (the King's) Regiment, Ensign G. F. Vesey and 20 men of the 19th, 22 men of the 20th, 1 officer and 13 men of the 23d Royal Welsh Fusilecrs, 22 men of the 29th, 12 men of the 35th, and 28 men of the 75th. The following are to em bark for Kurrachee on the sth of Oct.:—Ensign W. H. Warren and 25 men of the 81st and 20 men of the 94th Regiments. TILE NAVY: The Virginia, freight ship, A. P. Paulson, master, arrived at Chatham on Monday from Leghorn, which port she left on the 18th ult., with a cargo of Italian timber for the dockyard. She commenced unshipping her cargo yesterday. The screw steamship Hawke, 60, Capt. Crispin, and her tender, the gunboat Magpie, sailed from Plymouth Sound for Ireland on Sunday. The paddlewheel steam frigate Terrible, 21, Capt. F. H. H. Glasse, C. 8., has received from the Prospero, in Plymouth Sound, 81 supe rnumerar i es for conveyance to Malta, chiefly for the screw steam ship Marlborough, 131, flag or Vice-Admiral A. Fanshawe, C.B. ltmr-Admiral R. S:u &rt, K.H. ; Mr. Laws, Store eeper of Chatham yard ; Mr. Chatfield Master ShipwrightM of Deptford yard ; and M. Murray, with Circe other gentlemen, comaiencPd duty at the office of the Ad - niral Superintendent in Devonport dockyard, on Monday morning. Their object is to ascertain the economical condition of the Admiralty establishments at Plymouth, with a view to curtail unnecessary expenditure and to imorOve the capa bilities of the yards. Several of the, principal -offi-, cers have been examined. The Archer, 13, screw, Capt. J. Sanderson,sailed morning fo r Ply from Portsmouth yesterday mouth. The Bullfinch, gunboat, embarked a company of Royal Artillery f!om Gosport yesterday, and - ceeded to Hurst Castle, to relieve the company there. The Lucifer; - steam-vessel, was brought down Portsmouth Harbour yesterday morning to take he place of the, Piginy during .the time she is under Capt. Willson, Second Liqutenant Younghus band, with five sergeants, four cornorals, one bugler, and 90 privates, Portsmouth Division Royal Marine Light Infaat:7, arrived, by her Majesty's ship Argus, from Portland, on Sund a y evening, and rejoined head-quarters at Forton on the 27th inst. The detachment has been doing duty at the Convict Prison, Portland. THE MILITIA. .The 7th Lancashire Rifles.—This regiment of which was inspected on Saturday, was dis iissed and paid off at the te:r7Drary storehouse, at ,adeliffe, on Monday. Durlag the period of their fining the conduct of the men has been very rly, and their drill and general appearance in to held elicited the marked approbation of Colonel 'aye, the inspecting officer. orde TUE W AR-OFFICE AND TIIE NON-PAYMENT OF LOCAL RATES.-At the usual weekly meeting of the mem bers of the Woolwich Local Board of Health, held last evening, Mr. T. Morgan in the chair, a communication was read from the authorities at the War-office, to the effect that according to the decision of the judges of the Court of Queen's Bench in the case of "Regina v. Stuart," all residences oc cupied officially by the Government were exempt from local rates, and that consequently the recent demands made for poor rates by the board in respect to such residences in the town would not bc paid. Mr. Rugg having instanced a recent decision of the magistrates at Chatham, in which orders were made for payment of such rates, moved that proceedings be taken before the police magistrates for the recovery of the rates in question, which, having been seconded, Was unanimously agreed to. The following were the last quotations : 4f per Cents. .... 96 50 i Credit Foncier G6O Do. end month .. 96 50 Belgian 41 3 per Cents. 73 10 Piedmontes© (6) Do. end month.... 73 30 Roman 92 75 Bank Shares. 3090 Austrian Credit Mobilier .. 980 Spanish Threes Do. Account ' . 9BO Home Debt 4O 62 RAILWAYS. Account. , .1436 2.5 995 -- Cash. Orleans northern New ditto. 845 Lyons and Mediterranean BB2 50 New ditto Geneva Midi . Western Eastern Grand Central Sardinian Austrian Exchange on London, at sight, paper, 25f. 20c.; money, 251. 15e. ; three months, paper, 25f. 2ie.; money, 25f. 886 25 665 • - .. 665 -- 602 50 .. 602 50 650 .. 645 - 752 50 .. 755 -- 467 50 680 - 465 - 676 25 PRUSSIA. We have advices from Berlin to the 27th inst. The King of Prussia is to leave Berlin for Meran, in the Tyrol, on the 10th of October. Apartments hive already been taken for his Majesty. The Prince of Prussia is expected back at Berlin on the 2d of October. He was to leave Warsaw on the 27th inst. for Baden. It is now said that the Prussian Chambers will meet on the 17th of October. Prince Napoleon was expected at Berlin on the evening of the 27th inst. V TUB WEEDaY FRAUDS. 11.41 L WAY INTELLIGENCE. CAPE TOWN. The directors of this railway and dock company lave just issued their half -yearly report. Thcy congratulate the shareholders upon having com pleted arrangements with the Government of the Cape of Good Hope for the introduction of the rail way system into the colony. 13y the contract which the board have concluded with the colonial Go vernment, interest at the rate of £6 per cent. per annum was guaranteed for 50 years on the amount " expended or Lona Ale paid by the company" for the construction of the line, not exceeding the sum of £470,000 . Th e Government guarantee would commence from the date of the opening of the railway, but the amount required to pay the same rate of interest on calls during construction had been, with eonsentof the Government, included in the estimate of the cost. The works were to be commenced within six months, and completed within three years of the signature of the contract, and to be executed to the satisfaction of the colonial engineer, or, in case of da rence, of Mr. Hawk shaw, who had been selectei as the standinm referee. Securities of the value of £25,000 1 avc to be deposited with trustees before the 10th of Novem ber next, as caution money, in order to secu-e the expenditure of a like sum of £25,000 on the en terprise, within a twelvemonth of the date of the contract. The line in the first instance would be a single one, but the land given by the Government would be sufficient for a double line. All materials for its construction, executing wood, might be taken from the Government lands free of charge, and all such as were imported into the colony would be ad mitted without duties or port charges. The board pledge themselves not to call up any more capital than could be covered by the guarantee, without the consent of an extraordinary general meeting of shareholders. The board feel justified in estimating that the entire preliminary expenses in England and at the Cape from Oct., 1853, to Dec. 31, 1857, including remuneration to directors, would not ex ceed £5,000. The directors recommend that the en tire management expenses in England during the construction of the line be limited to £2,500 per annum. They propose that a call of £1 18s, pe r share be payable in October. They recom men d the sharchohlers to give Capt. Raymond, the pr:- board,moter of in the conclusion, c oml ally2oo paid-up shares. e call attention to the sound position of the colony of the Cape. From the offi cial returns it appears that the revenue h as nearly £loy7e7a7r2s,hilialtvhe having risen f rom year endingd x o 2 u , b 2 l , e o ( o l o it isnelflBm4l,ltin 40,0 March 31, 1858. In the year 1857 the revenue was £353,737, and the expenditure £314,433, leaving a balance of £39,304. In the next year th e surp l us of revenue over expenditure had risen to £54,607. SECRET BAPTISM ANI) FORCIBLE ABDUCTION OF A Jewish communication from Italy informs us that the Paragraph copied from the Jewish Chronicle int the English p r ess , announcin g th e energetic measures tak ing by the Jewish Board of Deputies, particularly the in tention of sending a deputation to the Pope, has produced a deep impression on the Papal authorities. The disconsolate Mortara has, what under such circumstances is moat un usual, twice been permitted to see his child, - and is not alto gether without hope of its restoration.—Jewish Ci roniele. REPRESENTATION OF GREEN WICK.—MR. WM. ANGERSTEIN AT DEPTFoRD.—Last evening a public meet ing of the electors of Greenwich residing in the district of Deptford and the hamlet of Hatcham, was held at the Liter Institution, High-stre e t, Deptford, to hear Mr. W. Ang ary erstein as a candidate. The chair was occupied by Mr. Cobbett. Mr. Angerstein was received with applause, and a resolution to support him was passed, WEEDON, Tueiday.—The commissioners—Mr. Selfe, the magistrat e , M r . A. T urner, M .P., and Col. French—appointed to inquire into the army contract system and the Weedon defalcations, as sembled this morning, and devoted the greater' por tion of the day to an inspection of the clothing and accoutrement stores there, in order to facilitate their further inquiries. After going through a number of the rooms the commissioners proceeded to hear the following evi dence. James Grove—l have been in this establishment nearly three years. I came as foreman of viewers in the boot department, at a salary of 275. a week. I lodged with a man named Eary aloout ten months after I came. Whitham came in 1856, and lodged with me at Eary's for some time. I was suspended in April, before Whitham came, for being insubor dinate to my superior officer. That was the only reason. I was called before Mr. Elliott, who said I had been insolent to my superior officer, and that he had complained of me to the 'War-office. I do not think lie said anything about my passing boots improperly. A man named Holmes had said some thing about my having accepted a bribe, and Mr. Elliott mentioned the circumstance to me, but not as a ground for my suspension. I was suspended for a month,.and then appointed in the capacity of packer for a little time, and I went to Hayter and Howell's, in Mark-lane. I had 275. a week before I was suspended, and'when I was reappointed I had 225. a week. The Chairman—Did you ever receive a bribe ? - Witness—l never did, on my honour and word, either in London or in Weedon. I solemnly declare I never told Whitham or any other person that I had been suspended for bribery, or that I had received £2 on one occasion and £1 on another. I never told him that Holmes had split upon me. I was suspended for passing boots irregularly, as stated by Mr. Elliott in. his report to the War-office at the time. I was never accused of bribery to my knowledge until the report made of me by Holmes ; that was about the time of the suspension, about two years ago. It was nota subject of conversation here, to my know ledge, that I was b r ib e d. I asked Holmes why he had so accused me, but he refused to make me any answer. I positively assert that I never received £2 as a bribe on one occasion and £1 on another, as stated by Whitham. Robert Eary—l live in Weedon, and am a painter. Grove lodged with me for some time, as did also Whitham. They occupied the same room, and, in deed, the same bed. I never heard anything said of Grove being suspected of receiving a bribe. I remember Grove being suspended for incivility to his superior officer. Grove was a sober man. Whit ham was very irregular in his babits. Hoyle—l am an inspector of clothing at Weedon. I remember making a report to the War office which led to G rove ' s suspens i on. T here was nothing in that report about insolence to his supe rior officers or about bribery. I learnt from Mr. Elliott that he was suspended. Some time after that a labourer named Holmes, not of a very good character, said that Grove took a bribe of half-a crown. The matter was reported to Mr. Elliott by me, and he investigated it. The story was this : Some short time after the formation of the depot the canteen, which had belonged to the barracks, was continued, and the men employed at the depot used to resort there for beer during the dinner hour. On one occasion, when Grove and some others called at the canteen, the man who kept it said, " A gentleman has been here and left you half-a-crown for some bread and cheese and beer." The money was spent among them in that way, and I believe that is the sum and substance of the story about bribery. Grove was a man of good character. After his suspension his testimonials were " fished up" and considered satisfactory, and he was re-em ployed, but not in his former capacity. It is but right to say that the two inspectors who re ported Grove have since stated in writing that he was not more lax as a viewer than the viewers in the Tower, of whom he had been formerly one, but happening to " come down " first on this poor fellow they reported him. William Walter—l am a boot viewer at Weedon. I came here at the beginning of the establishment. My wages are 30s. a week. They were formerly 225. I have worked in my business, after hours, for Parker and Son, of Northampton, who were not then contractors, though they have since become so. I had then only 225. a week, and a wife and family to support. I have not viewed any of Parker's boots since I worked for them. I have never known the inspector reject boots that I have passed, but I have known him pass a few that I have rejected. My hours of working are from half-past 7in the morn ing to half-past 5 in the afternoon. By Mr. Turner—Th e con t ractors never came into the viewers' room unless accompanied by one of the clerks of the establishment. John Thwaitcs said he was a practical bootmaker and had been employedatWced.on,partly as viewer, for two years. He had never 'made a boot for a contractor for 25 years, nor had he received any compliment, nor had any compliment been pro mised to him by any contractor. He never knew one of the inspectors pass boots that the other had rejected, as stated by Whitham in his evidence. By Mr. Turner—l receive los. a week, which is more of a certainty than if I worked at my business on my own account. Edwin Mawsbridge, a boot-viewer at Weedon ever since the establishment of the depot, also stated that he had not worked for any contractor. He had never had boots rejected by an inspector that he had passed, but in some few cases boots that he had rejected had been passed by, the inspector. He had never known one of the inspectors to pass boots which had been rejected by another. John Daly, a packer at Weedon, denied the state ment of Whitham that he had packed damp cloth. He did not remember Whitham ever 'remonstrating with him for packing damp goods, nor had any in jury resulted to goods from that cause. He did not remember ever packing goods at Wcedon direc for shipping. The inquiry was then vdjourned until the nex morning. THE COMET. AT GREENWICH MEAN NOON. sets Right Ascension. Declination. Comet London. in li. m. s. Q , h. m. Sept. 28 l2 46 30 .....2 39 9N . 958 p.m. Sept. 29 l2 56 19 S .... 31 3 21 66 „ 943 „ Set. 30 l3 638 .... 30 6 943 „ Oct. 1 l3 17 26 .... 8534 „ 9 36 Oct. 2 l3 28 43 .... 27 10 9 „ 928 „ Oct. 3 l3 40 22 .... 25 13 4 „ 920 „ Oct. 4 l3 52 24 .... 22 59 8 „ 911 Oct. 5 l4 441 .... 20 30 0 „9 2 Oct. 6 l4 17 11 .... 17 44 3 „ 853 „ Oct. 7 l4 29 45 .... 14 44 0 „ 841 „ Oct. 8 l4 42 19 .... 11 31 0 „ 835 „ Oct. 9 l4 51 47 .... 88 0 „ 825 Oct. 10 l5 7 5 .... 438 2 „ 815 „ „ Oct. 11 l5 19 7 .... 15 4 „ 8 6 Oct. 12 l5 30 49 .... 2266 S. 756 „ Oct. 13 l5 42 7 .... 554 2 „ 740 „ Oct. 14 l5 53 0 .... 914 5 „ 735 „ Oct. 15 l6 326 .... 12 25 1 „ 725 Oct. 16 l6 13 23 .... 15 24 4 „ 714 „ „ Oct. 17 l6 22 52 .... 18 12 1 „ 73 „ Oct. 18 l6 31 50 .... 20 47 2 „ 6 1 5 „ Oct. 19 l6 40 22 .... 23 10 0„ „ 6 4 „ 1 Oct. 20 l6 48 26 .... 25 20 9 630 Oct. 21 l6 56 4 .... 2 7 20 8 „ 619 „ Oct. 2 9 The comet will arrive at its least distance from the earth about midnight on the 10th Oct., when we shall be separated from it by rather over 51,000,000 miles. Its maximum brilliancy will be attained the day previous, when the intensity of light will be twice as strong as at , the present time. It is, therefore, obvious that during the absence of moon light in the evening hours for the next ten days or upwards the comet will form a splendid object in the western heavens. THE CHINESE TREATY. The great feature of the treaty is the admission of Europeans into Central China. The high road along which our communication with this part must be conducted is the great Yang-tse-kiang or Yellow River. Our readers are familiar enough with the map of China to remember two huge rivers rising in the mountains of-Thibet, and flowing with a tortuous course across the whole breadth of China. The southern of these is the Yellow River, and is called by the Chinese " The Girdle of China." The northern is the Hoang-ho, and bears the more ominous title of " The Grief of China." Its turbid rapid stream almost defies the clumsy attempts at navigation made by the Chinese, and the vast quantity of mud which it bears down in its waters causes a continual deposition on the sides and bed of the stream by which its channel is gradually raised, and the sur face now flows several feet above the average level of the surrounding country. When, therefore, its mud banks, or the artifieial works by which these have been strengthened, give way before the pres sure of the flooded stream, a scene of devastation and ruin is presented which perhaps can find no parallel in the whole world. The whole province of Honan is occasionally laid under water, and the loosened floods, seeking the lowest channel to the sea, reduce vast tracts of fertile and populous terri tory to absolute desolation. Of late years the re bellion has drawn so heavily on the exchequer that the usual funds for these works have not been sup plied, and a vast amount of suffering and waste has been the consequence. Very different is the beneficial course of the Girdle of China. The first province oftho empire which it enters on the west is called Vernon, and is the richest of all the provinces of China in the extent and variety of its mineral wealth. Through this and in its course to the sea, this vast river passes by no less than 100 cities of the first, second, and third order, and upwards of 200 vil lages and towns. A population of 100,000,000 people dwells upon its banks. The great city of Ilankow, perhaps the most important commercial city in Asia, is situated on this stream stream, and may be reached by steamers of mcderate size. This town, with its vast wealth, fell early into the hands of the rebels, and has since been re peatedly taken and retaken by both the con tending r arties. Its importance is therefore for the present diminished, but so excellent is its situation on the banks of this noble river, and in the very centre of the Chinese empire, that the re can be little doubt it will soon regain its late im portance, and become a valuable emporium for Eu ropean trade. For a time, at all events, the value of the treaty will be impaired by the disturbed state in which the country watered by the Yellow River is at present kept by the almost chronic re bellion smouldering on its shores. With keen sa gacity the rebel leaders resolved to seize upon this great artery of the empire, and in a comparatively short time after the active outbreak of the rebellion all its principal towns, including Nankin, the for mer capital of China, fell into their hands. Here their success began and ended. The strong army of 40,000 men sent from Nankin against the Imperial city of Pekin was driven back after long fighting, a handful of fugitives, to the rebel quar ters, nor have they advanced further since. But, on the other hand, neither have they greatly re treated, and the fairest and richest provinces of China have for years been the scene of those atro cious massacres and harassing devastations which a state of smouldering warfare among Asiatics is sure to engender. Should this wretched state of society be changed, and peace once more happily restored, we know sufficient of the eagerness of the people to engage in commercial enterprises, of the keen eye they have to their own interests, and their readi ness both to sell their own goods and secure the well manufactured fabrics of foreign countries, to feel convinced that with ordinary prudence on the part of our consuls the opening now made to com mercial enterprise may soon produce the most solid and beneficial results.—Leeds Mercury. RAILWAY DIFFERENCES. —We (Manchester Guardian) have received the following statement on this subject :—The Great Northern and Manchester, Sheffield, and Linc:dnshire Companies proposed, on the conclusion of the Railway Congress, to the London and North-Western Company, that all questions, between them, of cv:ny de scription, and whether the subject of litigation or no t , s h ould be referred to arbitrati on , with a view to the establishment of a permanent peace. The proposition was not accepted, though it was stated it would be considered, and the next day the London and North-Western Company repeated the proposition (which had previously been declined by the Great Northern and Sheffield Companies) of an arbitration of rates and fares only, and named Mr. Cawkwell (who is now appointed their geFeral manager), Mr. Newcombe, and Mr. Allport. This proposition was again declined by ti e allied companies. Sobsequently, the Sheffield Compare again again proposed th a t a ll quest i ons o f di fference w i th the Lon don and North-Wc,ttern Company, of every description, and whether under litigation or not, should be settled by arbitration, two directors first meeting to dispose of as much as could be agreed ; the proposition to stand over for acceptance or rejection until the 23d inst. This proposition not having been accepted by the London and North-West ern Company, the Sheffield Compeny's b oar d met on Fri day last at Sheffield, and passed a resolution, approv'ng what had taken place, and expressing deep regrat at the non-acceptance of a proposition which was in strict accord ance with the resolutions passed at the Railway Congress, held at the Euston Hotel_ on the 9th. inst. Mr. Hind, the astronomer, states that the follow ing places of the comet of Donat i have been obligingly furnished by Mr. Farley (who is well known to be one of the most expert calculators of the present day), and are founded upon an orbit which, to in sure accuracy, he has computed in duplicate with me from observations extending to the 21st Sept., and including a series taken with the equatoreal of the Liverpool Observatory, for Which I am indebted to the kindness of Mr. Hartnup, the able director of that establishment. It may be fairly assumed that the ephemeris will nearly represent the course of the cornet until it finally sinks below the horizon in Europe, and I transmit it in the hope that day light observations may be secured by those who are provided with good Tquatoreally-mounted tele scopes : • On the evening of the sth Oct. the nucleus will make a near approach to Arcturus, the principal star in the constellation of Booths, which, according to the above calculations, will be near the border of the tail during the early part of the evening, and as it descends towards the horizon may possibly be enveloped in that appendage. If the sky be clear, this close approach of the cornet to so conspicuous a star will doubtless prove a very interesting phe nomenon. At 6 p.m. their distance will be littlo more than one-third of a degree. It is not probable that the comet will be visible in this country after the end of the third week in October, unless a few daylight observations be sub sequently procured. We must then leave it to the care of astronomers in the southern hemisphere, and more particularly to that of Mr. Maclear, at the Royal Observatory at the Cape of Good Hope, who never allows an opportunity to pass, wherein his position enables him to render any service to the science. When the Cape observations are com bined with those taken in Europe up to the middle of October we may perhaps be able to assign a period of revolution to this fine comet, though at present it must necessarily be open to conjecture. The general telescopic appearance of the comet has not materially altered, but some of its features have come out more distinctly, as was to have been expected. In a somewhat hazy sky last evening the apparent length of the tail was about 12 deg., corresponding to a real length of 16,000,000 miles. As usual in great comets, the tail is very visibly curved in the opposite direction to that of the mo tion of the nucleus. After it is lost to view in Europe the comet will traverse the southern extremity of the constella tion Sagittarius, and thence pass through Telesco pium into Indus, where it will be found about Christmas, not far from the star ain Pavo. It will remain in the, same constellation during January and part of February, slowly approaching the prin cipal star in Toucan, and, indeed, will continue in that part of the heavens until it has nearly com pleted its next revolution round the sun, and again presents itself to the gaze of another Donati a few hundred years hence. 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