The Sun. — London, England, 1858-03-05 00:00:00

MONEY MARKET. AJD co m CIAL INTELLIGENCE, CITY, Two o'CLocK. Daring the past few days rather more activity has prevailed in the Foreign and Colonial Produce Markets, and in some instances improved prices have been current. A moderate business has been done in tea, at about previous rates ; whilst sugar has been brisk, and the finer grocery qualities, as well as the refining sorts, have risen 6d. to ls. per cwt. The telegraphic advices from Holland s ate that at the sale of the Dutch Tra , ling Company, 53,850 baskets of Java were offered, which went at an advance of 14 to 2 guilders for the yellow qualities, and guilders for the white descriptions, compared with the rates realised at last November auctions. Coffee has been in steady demand, and Plantation Ceylon fully supports its value. Cocoa and rice have been dealt in to some extent and at improved rates. Spices were qu et, and saltpetre rather cheaper. The public sales of cochineal went off with little animation, and only a part of the quantity offered sold at about former quotations. The public sales of foreign and colonial wool have progressed with a rather heavy appear . mace ; there has been a fair attendance of home buyers, but of foreign very limited. The finer qualities of Australian and Cape wools have maintained their opening prices—namely, an advance of about id. to td. per lb. on those realised at the last December sales, but owing to the large quantity of low Cipe wools in the present sale inferior qualities have shown 130 im provement. The Tallow Market has been exceed ingly firm, and a rather large business has been done in P.Y.C. at improved rates; for immediate delivery the quotation is 545., April to June 535. 6d., and last three months 514. Gd. per cwt. Letters from Liverpool mention that the Cotton Market yesterday closed very firmly, and prices were fully maintained. The sales were estimated at 5,000 bales, 500 of which were taken by the spe- culators. The Railway Share Market manifested a quiet appearance, and prices were barely sustained. During the shutting of the transfer books, the Bank of England will make advances on Govern ment Securities at 3 per cent. This privilege will extend to the 14th April. The commercial bills which fell due yesterday, the 4th, were met with promptitude, and no im portant instances of failure were reported. Money continues easy, the minimum in Lombard-street being about 2? per cent. At the Bank the appli cations have consequently been limited. On the Stock Exchange there is a superabundant supply of money, and loans can be obtained at 2 per cent. The half-yearly meeting of the West London Railway Company has been held to-day. The re port stated that the revenue of the Kensington Canal had fallen off by 2501. in the half year, but the revenue showed a balance in favour of the company of 1,4151. 7s. 9d., from which the directors recom mended the further payment of ss. per share to the first-class preference shareholders. The report was adopted. Flatness has again been the prevailing feature in the market for English Securities. The few trans actions recorded have been at lower quotations, but the alteration has not been very extensive, viz., fto per cant. ; and the market is in such a position that a slight demand for stock on the part of the public would no doubt reproduce buoyancy. Consols have been 96 a and 961 for money ; and 96i 97 for account. The Nrw Three per Cents. are 97 to 971, and the Reduced, although shut, are 97k. Exchequer Bills are 38s. to 425. premium. The Bonds 100 to 1008, and India ditto, 30s. premium, being firmer. Bank Stock is dull at 225 to 226. Foreign Securities are quiet, and prices in most instances have declined. Turkish 6 per Cents. are 1014 ; ditto 4 per Cents., 103 i ; Spanish 3 per Cents., 44i ; Russian 5 per Cents., 1091 ; ditto 41 per Cents., Nog ; Sardinian 5 per Cents., 911 ; Brazilian 45 per Cents., 101 ; Buenos Ayres De ferred, 174 ; Mexican 3 per Cents., 20k ; Peruvian 4f per Cents., 801 4 ; and Portuguese 3 per Cents., 46. The following are the nominal prices of Foreign stocks :—Grenada Deferred Bonds, 51 6/ ; Mexi can, 23k to 208 ; Peruvian 41 per Cents, 80 to 81 ; Ditto 3 per Cents,, 56 to 57 ; Portuguese 3 per Cents., 451 to 464 ; Russian 5 per Cents., 108 to 110; Ditto 44 per Cents., 98 to 100; Spanish • a per Cents., 44 to 441 ; Ditto New Deferred, 261 to 264. Messrs. D. Bell, Son, and Co., give the follow ing as the prices of American Securities : GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. Redeemable. Per Cent. United States 6 per Cents. 1867-1868...101 103 United States 6 per Cent. Bonds 1868...101 103 STATE SEOI7RITLES. Alabama 5 p er C en t ... 78 Xentucky 6 per Cent. Bonds 1868-1872... 91 93 Maryland 5 per Cent. (Sterling Bonds)... ... 88 90 Massachusetts 5 per Cent. (Sterl. Bonds). ...101 103 Mississippi 6 per Cent. Pl. Bk. Bonds lB4l-1871... Mississippi 5 per Cent. Union Bk Bonds Pennsylvania 5 per Cent. Stock Pennsylvania 5 per Cent. Bonds 1877... 82 83 Tennessee 6 per Cent. Bonds Virginia 6 per Cent. Bonds 1886... 83 85 Virginia 5 per Cent. (Sterling Bonds) - 1888— 81 83 LOANS OF CITIES. Boston 41 per Cent. Bonds 1883... 83 90 kontreal6 per Cent. Bonds 1856-1865... New Orleans 6 per Cent. Stock 1883... RAILROAD BONDS. Illinois Central 7 per Cent. Ist Mortgage, not Convertible 1875... 86 87 Illinois' Central 6 per Cent 1875... 85 87 Illinois Central 7 per Cent. Freeland Bond s 1860... 81 82 Illinois Central (Shares), $3O paid 8 d 6 d In the Railway Share Market this morning busi ness has been exceedingly dull, and a decline of about I per cent. may be noticed on most of the leading lines. Brightons have declined ss. to 10s. ; South Easterns, 10s. ; Great Northern, Great Pi r tstern, Lancashire and Yorkshire, Midland and North Eastern (Berwick), 15s. ; Caledonian, Eastern Counties, North Western, and North Eastern, (York), 1/. The Foreign lines have been inactive, Antwerp and Rotterdam and Dutch Rhenish improved about ss. In the Colonial Market Great Western of Canada have receded 103., and Grand Trunk of Canada 11. Great Indian Peninsula, Madras, and Scinde realised yesterday's quotations. Joint-Stock Bank and Miscellaneous Shares are flat. English, Scottish, and Australian Chartered %declined ss. ; London and County, ss. ; London and Westminster, ss. to 10s.; and Ottoman Bank, 11. Australian Agricultural shares declined 10s. and Peninsular and Oriental Steam, 10s. BRITISH FUNDS.—CLOSING PRICES —THIS DA Y. ( lroni the Offictal Ltst:l Buelneos done Ban, Stock 4 ent itPrinced Annuities 3 pe r .Tew Console Annuities New 4 per Cent. Annuities 97 7 i 6/ lodia Stock ............. ... .... lad,a Bonds, £l000 ')itto, under k,lOOO C a sols I.;r :et:count 29 p ......... 97 6 ... Exchequer Bills, 24d. X1000. ..... ....... ..................... 42 Exchequer Bonds, 185 R, :14 per Cent 100 .--- PRICES OF FOREIGN FUNDS —THIS DAY. Bealliltill ii per Cent. ........ Ditto Account, Ditto 1852, 4i per Cent. . .............. 101 1 limos Ayres Bonds, 6 per Cent — Ditto Deferred, 3 per Cent. . ....... 17 18 Grenad a New Active, 2i per Cent. ........ • 20 1 Ditto Deferred klexican 3 per ent .... Di tto A ccoun t 2ok r ernvian Bonds, 4A per Cent I)itto &count Ditto 3 per Cent Ditto Account Po tuguese Bonds, 5 per Cent., Con. 1841 Ditto 1853, 3 per Ce n t 4 : 1 Ditto Ac coun t 4 ......... D itto 1857, 3 p er C en t. 46 Itlissian tiouus, te , 21.:, i.: St., 5 per Cent.... lopi 9 ~.t D itto, 4i per Cent. lOl 100 grdiniau Bonds, 5 per Cent. ............ 91 i D n U uili Bonds 3 per , , ent. ei_Ditto Account .grklbt.. 1 eTI(./b. f. per Vent . - Ditto Account .. Ditto Guaranteed, ; per Cent. Di tto Account Dividends on the above:payable in London. ) 41 4 • Riau 4i per Cent., ex. 25 francs I°4 Exenaug,,, 2:1 per Cen:,., 12 Guilders 66,E s.t /MBE (Y OLOOR eGnsolp, mo tl ey Consols for Account, (April 8) „„ .... , 96i if LAW INTELLIGENCE.—(This Day.) COURT OF BANKRUPTCY. (Before Mr. Commissioner Holroyd.) THE ROYAL BRITISH BANIC.-THE LAST EXAMINATION MEETING, To-day was appointed for the last examination of the directors of the Royal British Bank, and the Court was crowded in the expectation that the whole of those who were recently convicted would be present, but only Messrs. Esdaile, M`Leod, and Kennedy were brought up, being three of the parties who had been called upon to join in making out the balance-sheet. The general balance-sheet, prepared by Mr. Coleman, and a separate balance account by Messrs. Cooper and Co., for Mr. Stapleton, have already been published at length. Mr. Linklater said this was the day appointed for the last examination of the directors who had been called up sn to file the balance-sheet, and the assignee did not consider that any further adjournment would be neces• sary, as they had arrived at a crisis with respect to the affairs of the bank, and as far as these proceedings in bankruptcy went, it would conclude by the directors passing their last examination, except the declaration of the dividend. He had, however, to make some re marks on the balance-sheet of Mr. Stapleton, which he considered unsatisfactory, as he had put down a great number of debts as doubtful when they were des perately bad, and others as bad since the bankruptcy, when he must have known they were hopelessly bad long before that time. He mentioned this, as some of the creditors might otherwise think that the official assignee had not exerted himself, and that he ought to have realised a larger amount. Mr. Freshfield, on the part of Mr. Stapleton, con. tended that the accounts were made out from the best information which Mr. Stapleton could obtain. His Honour suggested that a memorandum should be placed on the proceedings qualifying such statements. Mr. Linklater, after going into details, which have already appeared at different times, announced that the assignees would be prepared to pay a dividend of 2s. in the pound, and the official assignee expected in a few days to pay 3s. in the pound in addition. He was also happy to say arrangements had been come to with respect to the Welsh mines, and that the shareholders appeared to be willing to come forward with contribu tions. After some further remarks from different gentlemen, and his Honour complimenting Mr. Linklater for the zeal he had displayed, the last examination was declared to have concluded, and the proceedings terminated. POLICE INTRT.T.TGENCE.— (This Day.) MARLBOROUGH-STREET.' DAMAGE BY A CABMAN WHILE DRUNl.—Daniel Flynn, a cab-driver, the number of whose badge is 2,929 and vehicle 1,640, was this morning charged before Mr. Bingham, with being drunk last night in Park-lane, and, losing all control over his horse in consequence, running his cab against a job-master's brougham, and thereby calving much damage. Police-constable C ;187, Moore, said he found the defendant in Park-lane, at 11 o'clock last night drank, and not able to take care of himself and cab. There was a brougham standing near, whioh was very much da- maged by the defendant, as he was informed, driving furiously against it. Joseph Stokes, job coachman, was driving the brougham in question in Park-lane, and saw the defen dant, coming down in an opposite direction at a furious rate, but not soon enough to get out of his way. Witness was almat crossing into Chapel-street at the time. lie called out to him, but defendant neither stopped or turned off, but ran against him, running the shaft through the apron of the brougham, and doing other damage amounting to 71., as estimated by Mr. Barnes, coach-builder, of Knightsbridge. The policeman said defendant had come into collision with two other vehicles before. Defendant denied that he ran against the brougham. The case being elearly proved, he was eJmmitted for two months. THAMES. ROBBERY BY A SWEEP.—Stephen Chapman, whose sooty appearance indicated his trade, was brought before Mr. Selfe, charged with stealing a chimney-sweeping machine, value 41., the property of Edward Brazier, a master chininey-3weeper, of No. 7, Plea's-buildings, Bromley. It appeared that the prisoner had been employed by Mr. Brazier for a fortnight previous to the 18th of last month, on which day the prosecutor sent him out with a sweeping machine, and directed him to cry "Sweep, sweep," and bring home as much soot as he could. The prisoner did not return, and was not again seen until yesterday, when he met him in the street and asked him where the machine was. The prisoner said he knew where it was, but there was money lent upon it. He was then given into custody. Joseph Page, of No. 9, Lower East-alley, Wapping, said the prisoner brought the machine produced to him o❑ the 18th of Feb , and asked him to buy it. He gave the prisoner 6s. for the machine. Mr. Selfe—OLly 65.! Why the value of it is put down at 41. Mr. Brazier—l gave 4/. for it, but I can't say it is worth that now. Mr. Selfe—l should think so. A second charge of a precisely similar description was stated by a master chimney-sweeper, who had intrusted the prisoner with a machine. Mr. Selfe----Is the second machine forthcoming I A. police-constable replied in the negative, and said he knew where it was. The prisoner pleaded guilty, and Mr. Selfe sentenced him to three months' imprisonment and hard labour. LLOYD'S SHIPPING.--(This Day.) LONDON, March s.—Wind this day at noon, E.; light airs, and cloudy. SOUTHAMPTON, March s.—Wind E.—Arrived—Pera (s) from Alexandria; brings a large large quantity of specie. Sailed —lndus (s), for Alexandria. WATERFORD, March 3.—Wind E.N.E.—Arrived— Golden Age, from Africa for Liverpool. PLYMOUTH, March 4.—Wind N.E.—Arrived—Dorade, from Camillas for Antwerp. Sailed—Premier, for Bom bay. CARDIFF, March 3.—Wind E.—Sailed—Ganges, for Rio Janeiro. _ _ _ SWANSEA, March 4.—Wind N.E.—Sailed—lsabel, for Singapore. GRIMSBY, March 4.—Wind E.—Arrived—John Ber tram, from New York for Hamburg; Temperantia, from Porsgrund for Teignmonth, very leaky, with loss of sails, and damage to rudder. (BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.) LIVERPOOL, Friday Morning. Wind N. Arrived, March 4.—Orient, from New York ; Beeja pore, Callao ; Jane and Mary, Terceira; Mischief, St. Michael's. Sailed, March 4—Anglessa, for St. Thomas ; Taurus, (se), Trieste ; Anne E. Hooper, Baltimore; Tweedside, (ss), Madras, via London. Sailed, March s—Sarah Palmer, for Calcutta. Off—Elizabeth Hamilton, from New Orleans. (BY SUBMARINE AND BRITISH TELEGRAPH.) GRAVESEND, Friday Morning. Wind N.E. ; low water ; cloudy. Arrived, March s—Elizabeth and Ann, from St. Michael's ; Antelope, steamer, from Liverpool. Sailed, March 4—Canopus, from Baha. Sailed, March s.—Basilia, for Bilboa ; Rhine (s.), Bou logne ; Adler (s.), Bremen ; Collier, Antwerp ; Mallard, Calcutta ; Symmetry, Leghorn. DEAL, Friday Morning. Wind N.E. by N., moderate. Passe l.—Bertha Kohn, for Buenos Ayres ; Donor, Venice ; F re d er i c h d e Groose, Valencia ; Regulus Mobile ; Galatea, Algoa Bay ; Dolphin, Buenos Ayres ; Robert Bright, C ape o f G oo d H ope ; A nn a Krell, Bombay ; Horns, V a l enc i a ; Oak ford, Sydney; Lord Raymond, Madeira ; Lizzie Oak - Caroline Agnes, Bombay; Forester, St. Vincent (all f rom L on d on ) ; Willi am Singer, ship, from Callao for London (in tow of two brigs, Victoria and Napoleon). THR HAYMARKET MURDER.—Since Lani has been in the House of Detention he has written a letter to his father, telliog him not to forward as he had requested in a former letter, any money for him to Monte Video, "as he was still in L on d on, and was likely to b e f or some time to come." He complains of much of his property being detained by the police, and says if justice is done to him by the authorities the money he paid for his passage to Monte Video will be restored to him. He seems perfectly indifferent to his situation, eats voraci ously, and in exercising walks with an easy buoyant air. In personal appearance, as well as in dress, he i anything but prepossessing ; but, evidently a young man, he looks but a youth of great muscular power. He pays great attention to an Italian Bible which he has been provided with. DBTERMINED SUICIDE AT BETHNIL-GREEN.—Ye,ter +lay afternoon, shortly before four o'clock, a determined act of sell-destruction was committed by Mary Joyce, aged 61 years, lately residing at No. 3, Fuller-street, Brick-lane, Bethnal-green. It appears that the deceased was the wife of a Spitalfields weaver, and for some time past she had given way to bad habits. She ate a mutton chop for dinner with her husband, after which he left home, when the deceased seemed perfectly tranquil and in her usual health. Upon his return at four o'clock, he found the deceased suspended to the cross-beam of a weaver's-loom by a piece of thin netting. She was cut down immediately and an alarm was raised by the hus band, who sent for Mr. Edmundo, the surgeon, of Brick lane, but when he attended life was extinct. No reason can be assigned for the rash act at present. The body awitits an inquest before Mr. W. Baker, the coroner. THE SON, LONDON' FRIDAY EVENING, THE ATTEMPTED ASSASSINATION OF THE EMPEROR OF FRANCE. From G. T. F. Smith's predictions, originally published in 1852, and re-published in the Chelten ham Examiner, in the autumn of 1856, as follows : "PREDICTION. "In the year 1857, not very wide of th© autumn another critical epoch in the life of the Emperor presents itself. Adverse rays prevail, and adverse results and tests will form the accompanying proofs when time matures the scene. "Peril, hostility, and violence, in addition to a domestic affliction, will beset his path." The malific directions upon which the foregoing is founded have been operating during summer, and the entire of the autumn of 1857. These smouldering evils finally exploded January 14th, 1858, but must have been secretly concocting for two or three months previous to these manifesta tions. The prediction mentions a " domestic affliction," The critical epoch referred to was perilous to the Empress as to himself, both were miraculously saved by the interposing hand of Providence ; causes uniformly preced effects, and explode when fully matured. I intend shortly to state the next critical epoch in the life of Napoleon. G. T. F. SMITH, 6, Northfield Terrace, Cheltenham. His Royal Highness the Duke of Cambridge bad a select party at dinner last evening, at his Royal High ness's apartments in St. James's Palace. His Excellency the Count Chreptowitch leaves Chesham House to-day, to join the Countess at Paris. Immense quantities of snow have fallen during the last few days between Christchurch and Dorchester. The mail communication between Yeovil and Dorchester was interrupted on Wednesday. O❑ Thursday the Rev. John Dutton, M.A.., clerk, was instituted to the rectory of Bredfiold, St. Andrew, and the vicarage of Pettistree, in this county on the presentation of her Most Gracious Majesty the Queen. —lpswich. Journal. A NOVEL IDEA.-Mr. Howard Paul, a gentleman well known iu Cheltenham and the provinces generally, has applied to Captain Harrison for permission to give his entertainment, " Patchwork," on board the steamer Leviathan, on her trial trip, which, it is hoped, will take place about the latter end of August. Hors.—The total number of acres under culture for hops in the various "collections" of England amounted last year to 59,9741. 47,717,5611 b. weight of hops were charged with duty in all the collections last year. The total amount of duty received on hops was 417,4261., at the rate of 81. 3s. 9d. per acre. DEATH FROM THE BITE OF A CAT.—A short time ago, a man, carrying a cat, had to pass a dog which was tied up in a yard of a house at Stow - on-the-Wold. The cat struggled to extricate itself, and gave the man a severe bite on the hand. Inflammation supervened, and, ex tending, caused death. CONDEMNATION OF A BELGIAN EDITOE.—The Lade pendance has the fcllowing brief notice :—" M. Victor Halm, editor of the Crocodile, hes just been con demned, par eontumace, to 15 months's imprisonment and 1,000 francs fine, by the Court of Assize of Brabant, for insults to the Emperor of the French." SUICIDE OF A FRENCH SENTINEL AT HIS POST.-1111 occupants of the Palais do Luxembourg were alarmed on Saturday night at hearing the report of a fire-arm as the clock was striking twelve ; and, on some of them going to the spot from which the report came, it was found that a soldier named Bonnefoy, of the 4th Reg ment, on duty as a sentinel at the post of the Senate, bad blown out his brains with his musket. His reason for the act was not known. DOVER, March 4.—The Maharahja Dhuleep Singh and his suite left the Lord Warden Hotel this morning for Calais. The Siamese Ambassadors, and a vary numerous suite, arrived by special train at 12 o'clock, accompanied by Mr. Knight, of the South Eastern Railway, and were received by S. Smiles, Eq., and Mr. E. Way. Her Majesty's steamer Vivid, Captain Ailed, tcolc Excellencies to Calais to-day, after parqak'ng of a dejeuner at the hotel. TEE APPROACHING DEPARTURE OF DR. LIVINGSTONE. —Dr. and Mrs. Livingstone arrived at Liverpool yes terday (Thursday), and until their departure for Africa, which is expected to take place on Saturday, they will be the guests of Mr. Crosfield, of Liverpool, and Mr. John Laird, of Birkenhead. The beautiful new screw steamer Pearl, in which Dr. Livingston and party will sail for the Zambesi river, arrived in the Mersey yester day morning from Glasgow. As she lay in the middle of the river, the Pearl excited great interest, her elegant appearance evoking universal admiration. She will take out the river launch, built by Mr. Laird, and packed up in compartments which can be rapidly and easily joined together. BANK FAILURE —The failure of Messrs. Oak and Snow's Bank at Blandford, in Dorsetahire, has caused wide spread distress. The Salkeld Memorial Fund, raised in honour of one of the heroes of the siege of Delhi, was deposited in the bank ; also the savings of many poor people who had withdrawn them from the savings bank, in consequence of their being tempted to do so by the high rate of interest offered by Messrs. Oak and Snow. Mr. Oak was Mayor of Blandford at the time of the failure, and his partner, Mr. Snow, was a member of the town council. RECEIPTS AND EXPENDITURE OF THE LIVERPOOL WATERWOEKS.—The water supply for the town of Liverpool, which is in the hands of the corporation, comprises both local wells and the gigantic and recently completed works at Rivington, near Bolton. During 1857 the total income from the works was 79,6371. The expenditure, however, the Rivington works not having been completed, was 93,3251. Over a period of 9 years the water accounts show a surplus over expenditure of 5.1591. The " extraordinary " expenditure of 1857 in cludes 58,1571. for contracts at Rivington. EXPORTS OF COAL IN 1857.—Messrs. W. and H. Laird, of Liverpool, yesterday (Thursday) issued their annual statistics of the coal trade. The total exports in 1857 amounted to 6,225,050 tons against 5,347,674 tons in 1856, showing as increase in 1857 of $78,376 tons. There were exported from the northern ports 8,638,081 tons; from the Yorkshire ports 230,855 tons ; from Liverpool 499,173 tons ; from the Severn port 1,430,057 tons ; and from the Scotch ports 427,884 tons. Oar best customers was France, the exports to that country amounting to 1,283,749 tons, and the smallest quantity exported to any one locality was 51 tons to the Sand wich Islands. THE DIFFERENTIAL TONNAGE RATES AT THE BIRKENHEAD DOCKS.—This subject, which has excited so much attention amongst the ship-owning interest, was reported upon yesterday by the finance committee of the Mersey Dock board. The opinion of the com mittee was that it would be inexpedient to make any change until the pending dock bills providing for the equalisation of the rates on both sides the river should become law, in which case the committee recommneded that an allowance be made. During the discussion which followed this report, it was stated that this allowance would amount to an equalisation of rates from the Ist of January last. PENAL SERVITUDE SENTENCES.--A letter from the Home-office gives the proportions of sentences of penal servitude which " may be remitted in case of good con duct," on the part of persons condemned to that punish ment. In a sentence of three years, one-sixth, or six months ; four years, one-fifth ; five year , , the same ; six years, and up to twelve, one-fourth ; and 15 years "and upwards," one-third; so that a person sentenced to 15 years may by good conduct be liberated at the expiration of ten. Under this provision, therefore, Robson, whose two sentence being concurrent make one of 20 years, may by good conduct be set at liberty on the expiration of 13 years and four months. Sen tences for life will be dealt with according to the special circumstances of each case ; but in some instances the orimes may be of so aggravated a nature as to preclude the criminal from the operation of the ordinary rule. AGGRAVATED ASSAULTS.—The following is a list of the number of convictions for aggravated assaults upon women and children at the various police offices of the metropolis during 1857 :—At Bow-street, 19 ; at Clerk unwell, 54 ; at Greenwich, 35 ' • at Woolwich, 22 ; at Hammersmith, and Wandsworth, 31; at Lambeth, 6 ; at Marlborough-street, 34 ; at Marylebone, 30 ; South wark, 84 ; Westminster, 28; at Worship-street, 62 ; and the Thames Police-office, in Arbour-square, Stepney, 16. These convicted ruffians were punished by sentences to various terms of iropriQonment, varying from 14 days to 6 months. In many cases hard labour was superseded, but at Marlborough-street, Marylebone, Thames, South wark, Lambeth, Worship-street, Bow -street, and Green wich offices, hard labour apparently formed no part of the punishmer t. Of course many of the victims of these assaults were the wives of their brutal aggressors , . PUBLIC MONEYS.—The report of the select committee of the House of Commons on public moneys has already been laid before the public in the columns of the Times. Yesterday appeared a copy of a Treasury minute, dated the 15th ult., on the subject of the said report. My lords discuss the report in detail, and appear generally to ap prove its recommendations. As regards Exchequer issues and Paymaster's payments my lords are pleasei to adopt certain recommendations, and to give orders for the drawing up of a bill to amend the Exchequer Aet. On the payment of the gross revenue of the Exchequer my lords deem it advisable to postpone the consideration of any further interference with the Act 10 Geo. 4, Gap. 50, and the Act 1 and 2 Viet., cap. 2, until a future investigation, preparatory to a new surrender of the revenue of the Crown lands to the public, and the grant of a now Civil List to the Crown. The recommendation of the committee respecting the direct payment of money to the Exchequer is pronounced to be in accordance with the established practice, and my lords will take care that it is regularly adhered to. As regards deficiency bills a bill has been ordered to be drawn for carry ing out the recommendations of the select committee. As regards their recommendations on the sub ject of supply Exchequer-bills my lords, after having weighed them well, and the obj,otione against them adduced, have arrived at the conclusion that their adop tion will not cnly be beneficial to the public service, but will promote the security and the convenience of the holders of Exchequer-bills. My lords hope that the sug gestions as to the system cf keeping the accoun tc., of which they recognise the value and importance, may be fully adopted at no distant date, but an inquiry (which will be made) is considered an indispensable preliminary to any change. The recommendations on the extension of the appropriation check and the presentation of audited accounts to Parliament are reviewed by my lords at great hargth, and will be carried into effect to a great extent; the constitution of the Audit Board ie reserved as a subject for future consideration. The recommen dation respecting the votes for civil services, the annual accounts of income and expenditure, and the regulation of the Treasury Chest Fund are approved and adopted, and will be carried out by bills to be submitted to Parliament. LITERATURE. Mervyn Clitheroe. No. VIII. By W. Ainsworth. Routledge. Although in this new instalment of Mr. Ains worth's popular serial story of the "Life and Adventures of Mervyn Clitheroe" we have ended the second Book and begun the third, we have yet, be it said, advanced here no more than some two months further in the life, and but very slightly indeed in the adventures. Com paratively, that is to say, with the numbers pre viously published. The eighth number relates, nevertheless, how Ora avows to Mervyn an affec tionate. interest in J o h n B r id eoa k—h ow Applua, throws off her engagement to Malpas, and with it her allegiance to her mother—how Miss Hazle rigge receives a declaration from Cuthbert Spring, at a moment when the old Spinster and the old Bachelor are in the heart of a labyrinth—how Sissy, who proves to be dazed out of her senses for a while, recovers them again, and with them the affections of her husband, honest Ned Cul cheth—and last but not least startling of the in cidents, how M erv y n one f ine moonlight night, by his mother's grave in Marston churchyard, catches a glimpse of a tall, military-looking figure, evidently his father. It will be suffici en tl y ev id ent from thi s ra p i d syn opsis of the cont en t s o f a num b er ra th er deficient in interest as compared with its predecessors, what attractions those predecessors must, in our esti mation, have possessed. A laughable scene closes the current instalment of Mervyn Clitheroe—a scene of necromantic incantation—the wizard being no other than Old Hazy and that arrant rascal Dr. Hooker, alias the ex-Barber-surgeon Simon Pownall. The silent witnesses of these nocturnal feats of magic being the grimly spectres clustered together in one part of the beautiful old-fashioned garden of Owlarton Grange—the same phantom forms consisting of nothing more than wondrous specimens of topiarian art, yew trees and box trees and other evergreens clipped into the shape of goblin birds and beasts and giant huntsmen. The confusion caused by the sudden apparition of the young hero of the tale is so extreme that the reader naturally looks with freshly kindled curio sity for the chapters following. These we must wait for, however, as patiently as may be—it is the penalty of reading an interesting story issued from the press bit by bit in th e f orm o f a perio dical. :arrison John Brown's Hard Lines, being a .Royal Mar riage Ode, and Stanzas on the Death of Havelock. Holyoake, Fleet -street. We would willingly accord our word of praise to this " poetical" brochure if we could. The inten tion of the writer is doubtless good, but his manner of expressing that intention is woefully destitute of gain is a mere tissue proselytes to his opinions.o the q tat coarsei t i rhymes,e s , ,The calculated Marriage Ode' indeed, is so imbued with offensive epithets, that we have declined the entire perusal of it. " The Stanzas on th e D ea th o f Havelock," partake very strongly in o c f i t p h le e s s , am an e d ta w in i t t: we should b e sorr y t o allow ßEWeeseys a heartilylw ou i trh. arrangements,h patriotism oand evsot e as c t o o rbl iiub exhibit t p ala t a ble truths" as those printed by Mr. John Brown. A New System , of Drill. By Lieut. Hartley. so entitled, has just made . ia i d ng e e i n ts io a l p s pe li a t r tl an e c P e. clin l P t h e le l t u ' cidate s a new sys tem of drill, "Adapted . to the read y tra i n i ng of large bodies of recruits in times of emergency"—a consideration in every way of the first importance. The inventor of this new system of drill proves himself in every sentence of his very sensible trea tise on the subject to be an emi nen tl y pract i ca l man. So far as we can judge of his theory while watching the evolutions ho describes simply upon paper, it certainly appears to us to be in every way very reasonable. At any rate his argument is throughout so straightforward, and, at the same time, so very striking, that we cannot but deem it to be entitled to attentive consideration. We ob serve that Lieut. Hartley (of the Royal Pembroke Artillery) announces, at the close of his present pamphlet, as shortly forthcomiug, two companion brochures, oue sutgesting how the Royal Marines might be reorganised, the other being a treatise on Floating Batteries, together with an account of a new description of Floating Battery invented by himself, a contrivance entitled " the cannonader." MARKET NEWS.—(This Day.) NAVAL AND MILITARY INTELLIGENCE. A detachment of 72 non-commissioned officers and gunners belonging to the field batteries were yesterday morning paraded at Woolwich and de spatched to Shorncliffe to join the three companies of Artillery on duty at the latter station. His Royal Highness Prince Alfred frequently visits the dockyard and ships at Portsmouth, at tended by his tutor, Lieutenant Cowell, R.E., and Commander Bickford, of the 'Tictory, and shows much courtesy towards the senior officers of the port, whom he has entertained at his residence at Alverbank. His Highness is pursuing his studies, so we are informed, with the view of pass ing the Royal Naval College at the approaching quarterly examination, and entering the service as a navel cadet. The Euryalus, 51, Captain Tar leton, C. 8., will take him on his first voyage. The paddlewheel steamvessel Black Eagle (tender to the Fisgard at Woolwich) has been admitted into basin to undergo some considerable repairs in her boilers and machinery, as well as a general overhaul. The steamer Vivid, on speoial service, was yes terday morning despatched from Woolwich at an early hour to Dover, to await the arrival there of their Excellencies the Ambassadors from Siam, the Vivid having been placed at their disposal by the Admiralty for their conveyance to the Continent. The gunboats Widgeon and Bullfrog, of 60-horse power each, are or d ere d up f rom %'heerness to Woolwich to have engines and boilers repaired, and to be prepared for first-elass steam reserve, The steam transport Rhadamanthus, Master Commander Sturdee, left Woolwich yesterday morning for Portsmouth, laden with steam boilers and machinery for her Majesty's steamships Re venge, Orlando, and Aurora, under construction at Pembroke. The Marlborough, 131, Captain the Right Hon, Lord F. H. Kerr, flag of Vice-Admiral Arthur Fanshawe, C. 8., has moved from the steam basin to the dockyard jetty at Portsmouth, where she will complete her equipment. She progresses fast. The Hannibal, 91, Captain the Hon. G. F. Hast ings, C. 8., has moved from the dockyard up to moorings off Hard way magazines, where she will be stationed as the depot ship of the steam reserve at Portsmouth. The officers of the militia regiments (Royal Wilts, Royal North Lincoln, and Roscommon), quartered in Portsmouth garrison, gave two theatrical enter tainments at the Portsmouth theatre on Tuesday and last night, under the patronage of Major-Gen. the Hon. Sir J. Yorke Scarlett, 1C.C.8., the mili tary governor, and %Admiral Sir George F. Sey mour, 8., the naval commander-in-chief, in aid of the fund for the relief of the distressed by the Indian mutiny, which realised a handsome sum, the house being fully and fashionably attended on both occasions. Britain would be freighted back with our manufac tures. By this route the Erie Canal and the trad ing emporium of New York would encounter a for midable rival, and the fears of Washington might be realised. On these combinations Canadian energy has fixed its attention, and is eager to seize the advantages that present themselves both by land and water, by railways and canals. The Grand Trunk Railway, with an ocean terminus at Port And, i❑ the state of Maine, never frozen, and the Great Western Railway, are magnificent under takings ; but when the ice does not impede, a com plete system of canals, giving a continuous passage from Chicago through the St. Lawrence, must bear away the palm. We are not writing of any distant future. All the facilities we have described are now available, and indeed many exist, for already a voyage has been made through the lakes to Liver pool, through the Welland Canal to Liverpool, though the vessel was of moderate burden ; but a ship canal from Ontario to Huron of ample depth would completely revolutionise trade. Such are the brilliant prospects dawning upon Canada, and such are the new markets which may be opened up to our manufacturing industry. The inauguration of a Conservati►e Government• having released us from the turbulent rule of Lord Palmerston, we may now hope to live in peace with our neighboirs, and devote our thoughts and energies to the deve lopment of the useful arts, both in India and throughout our colonial empire. A VISIT TO THE PRISONS OF NAPLES. A letter dated Naples, Feb. 26, says :—Like most of those who have had occasic n to speak of the prisons of this kingdom I have painted them in colours dark enough ; nor do I believe that I have in any degree exaggerated the state of the case. That which I have asserted I have done either on the authority of credible witnesses or on the evidence of my own senses. Strict impartiality, however, demands that I should give a brief out line of a visit which I recently paid to two which may be called model prisons those of San Francisco and St. Agnello. A Roy a l decree published some months since put these and all other prisons under the control of the Fathers of Jesus. In many the very name will awaken a prejudice. I cannot help that. I must speak only of the results of their labours, and those appear to me to b e o f th e b es t kind. Of course I can only contrast what I have now seen with what I had heard described, but the truth of those descriptions was abundantly con firmed by the Father who accompanied us, as he pointed with just and reasonable pride to what he and his companions had effected. Leaving de tails I must confine myself to a very general picture of what I saw, and the impressions which that induced me to form. The prison of San Francisco is at once a hospital, a workshop, and a place of confinement for the young. The hospital was tolerably clean and in good order, and I trust we saw it and the other portions of the prison in their normal state, though it did not escape me that people preceded us in every room burning incense, and the doors were all opened readily as if in anticipation of a visit. As we passed along, "Muoio di fame" escaped from the lips of many, but I regarded it as the expression of a habit, for generally speaking the looks of the pri soners belied their lips. In one re om after such an exclamation had been utterel, I observe], in turn ing sharp round, a Cuetode threatening the unfor tunate lad as he lay in bed with his stick, and I mentioned the fact to tl e Father, who, I am per suaded, disapproved it, and would in obedience to his orders labour to suppress all capricious sever itit s. The prison allowance, I was informed, consists of a basin of soup of bears or haricots, or at times of pasta, and of 20oz. of bread—and it is quite enough, for they have not much appetite, said the priest. In the working apartment are shops for carpenters, tailors, shoemakers, weavers, bookbinders, cabinet makers, tte. I observed many respectable pieces of workmanship, and the influence of occupation was very apparent in the countenances of the unfortu nate men. Before leaving the prison we were in vited to hear a musical class ; the singing was rather "forte," but it was in good harmony, and very respectable. We did not see by any means the whole of the prison ; perhaps what we saw was under the most favourable circumstances, too. One great evil might be suggested for removal, and that was the horrid stench which arose in almost every department from the privies and from bad sewerage. The Father admitted it, but added that it was " still a prison." The least satisfactory part of the building was that appropriated to the juveniles. The youngsters were all ranged in line to receive us, one being imprisoned for homicide, and the youngest, a child of six years of age, who had bean found " unclaimed" on board a steamer. The injustice of this infant's imprisonment was evident enough, and as I remarked upon it he was questioned and a promise held out that he should be sent to St. Agnello. I think too that the wisdom and the moral influence of accust. ruing the minds of these young persons to the degradation and the stigma of a prison may be questioned. It may be doubted, too, whether the occupations of the chil dren were precisely those adapted to them. Thus, in the morning they had to attend to certain religious services—mass ; then they dined ; after wards, more religious services ; then a run on the top of the building ; afterwards, the "bene diction ; " then they consumed the remain der of their bread, and off to bed. The courteous and intelligent Father who accom panied us was everywhere received with marks of great respect and affection, and seemed to take a great interest in his labour of love. A hypercritic might point out many defects, but his is not the spirit in which to observe and speak of a compara tive recent attempt to purge and reform the foul prisons of the Two Sicilies. For myself lam dis posed to speak with much satisfaction of this the first step in prison reform, and to hail it as promis ing other and more successful efforts in the very wide field which yet lies before the philanthropist. My guide told me that this prison had been placed under the control of the Jesuits since 185 3. The question suggested itself to me directly, did this merciful movement receive any impulse from the publicity given to the prison abuses of that country by Arr. Gladstone and others ? I will assume that it did, for I have faith in the healing influence of light, and, if the assumption be not incorrect, then there is cause of self-con gratulation to them that their labours, however evilly spoken of, have not been altogether lost, and are an encouragement to all who have it in their power to enlighten the world to speak the truth fully and courageous:y. From San Francisco we were conducted to what is called the " Istituto Artistico" of St. Agnallo, about a mile distant. Into this institute are draughted off those youths who have finished the term of their imprisonment at San Francisco, but with regard to whose moral strength there is some doubt. It is a neat new building, and every effort has been made to divest it of the character and associations of a prison. On the right as we entered was a large room, in which many were taking a singing lesson, while they were accompanied by a maestro on a pisno. On going into an upper room we found a number of youths who were learning to play on wind instruments, and a very respectable performance it was which we had. In another part of the building we were shown rooms where the members of the institute were learning to bind books, to lithograph, to print, " and we have too our theatre, an some good acting at times," said the benevolent Padre Cucinello. The performances I ascertained on inquiry to be pieces in illustration of moral sentiments. On leaving the Institute the boys were all drawn up in the courtyard under the command of a sergeant, went through some exer cises, and performed the military hymn to the Virgin. A little fellow was brought to us in his new uniform to show how the band was dressed, and proud and happy enough he looked. Not only in the name of the establishment and general dis cipline adopted is there a difference made diet ; e between this institution and the prison, but c. is always in stead of black it is white bread which ti h served, and then twice a day they are sensibly made another step in taught that they Is was a very short were. soc i a l progress, an h cl av t e hat they are no longer what they paid, but what I saw gave me almost The Padre, who had unmingled his nursed the institute, evidently regarded labour visit which I satisfaction. as one of love—his whole soul was absorbed in it— and the members appeared to repay his exertions with their affection. They were evidently happy and contented, and the influence of discipline and education and increased self-respect was very marked in a superior degree of refinement in ap pearance and manner. I was struck by it on listening to the singing class as I entered. Their voices were not merely mechanical instruments, as were those in San Francisco, exhibiting what conclusion l were caution beginning two power they possessed, but th e y expresse d sentiment ctlaoss be s e mind and a an w d ak fu e e n l e in d g . In of readers,—firet, the generalisers, wh©, bec ause a prison is under tie e course of reformatory institute being established, draw the inference that what has been said of the prisons of this country is false. It is not so. No language could have exaggerated, and, gene rally speaking, I believe that no language can exaggerate their state. San Francisco and St. Agnello are "exceptional models of what the Jesuit Fathers propose to do, and are labouring to do, in opposition to many difficulties." Secondly, must caution those who may be inclined to disparage the pro vide comparatively slight effort which is mad e to when vide against a great evil. It is a grteae t conyiction t the necessity of reform is forc ed on the CORN EXCHANGE. Fresh up, to-day, a very,limitecl supply of English wheat same to hand, coastwise and by land carriage. Although the show of samples was small, the demand was inactive, but without leading to any change in prices, compared with Monday. Only 360 quarters of foreign wheat have come to band this week. Good and fine qualities sold slowly at full prices. Low and damp qualities were much neglected. We had a steady demand for barley at full quotations. The transactions in malt were rather limited, bat no change took place in prices. Oats— the supply of which was small—were in fair re quest at extreme rates. Beans, peas, and flour changed hands at full prices. ARRIVALS TINS WERE. Wheat. Barley. Malt. Oats. 950 20 1,070 2,140 Flour. 480 Eaglish.. Foreign... 300 j 1,350 4,180 12,2":1: METROPOLITAN CATTLE MARKET. The supply of beasts in to-day's market was only mode rate, yet all breeds met a dull enquiry at Monday's cur rency. We were again scantily supplied with sheep, which sold slowly at unaltered quotations. Calves were in short supply and steady request, at an imprevement in value of 2d. per 8 lbs. In pigs, scarcely any business was doing, and mulch cows were very dull. Per Sibs to sink the ofrals • a. d. 8. d.l ff. d. s. d. Inferior Beasts.... 3 4to 3 6 PrimeSouthdown 410 5 2 Becend quality. ~.3 8 3 10'La1ie crse. calves 310 4 6 Prime large oat tt 4 0 4 2Prime s mall d 0... 4 8 5 2 Prime Scots, 4c. 4 4 4 61Lffzge hogs :• 30 4 0 • Enferior Sheep ...3 2 3 6;Small porkers ... 4 2 4 4 Second quality ...3 8 4 0 1 Suckling calve 5..19 0 26 0 Prime crse.-wiled.4 2 A e Quarter old pig 0.9 0 25 0 TOTAL SUPPLY. I FORXIGN SUPPLY Beasts 7O Sheep and lambs .. - Calves 7O Pigs 4 Beasts . Sheep and lambs Calves lOO Pigs 2lO NEWGATE AND LEADENHALL. The supplies of meat were seasonably large, and the trade generally ruled heavy as follows : Per 81bs by the carcase. s. d. s. d. Beef, interior 0 10 3 2 Do., middling ..... 3 4 3 6 Do. prima large.. 3 8 3 10 Do., do. small...A 0 4 2 Purk, large ....... .3 0 3 8 e. d. e. d Mutton, Inferior 3 0 3 6 Do., middling 3 8 4 0 Do., prime ...... ~ 4 2 4 6 Veal 3 8 4 8 Pork, 10 4 6 BOROUGH HOP. The supply of most kinds of hops continues seasonably extensive. F or th e f i nest samples there is a slightly im proved demand, at full quotations ; but all other kinds aro very dull. New Mid and East Kent Pockets 70s to 1 203 ,• Weald of Kent do., 56 s t o 70 8; New Sussex do., 52s to 62a; Year lings, 21s to 48s. COLONIAL. TEA.—The market has continued very quiet. Common Congou is quoted 12d to 13d per lb. &MAR.—A moderate business has been done, and at public sale considerable quantities of the finer qualities found buyers at fully former rates. In the refined market prices are firm, particularly for piezes and wet lumps- COFFEE.—There was no public sale yesterday, but Plan tation Ceylon continues in fair demand, and at firm quota tions. RlCE.—There has been a fair inquiry for most descrip tions, and in some instances rather higher prices were current, fine white Bengal sold for 8s to 9s per cwt. Rum.—Business has been exceedingly dull and it is dif ficult to find buyers, although reduced rates are current. SALTPETRE.- -The market is dull,lbut,a good demand for the finer qualities is apparent at a slight decline upon pre vious rates. WOOL.—The public sales of forei gn and colonial woo l have qualities ac remainiesdeedd very muchlraantlscurrent languidly , dlyat the o p en i ng. Oth e r , and only th e fi ner qua liti es have same as a t th e close of the last TALLOW.—More firmness is apparent, an d a good busi ness has been done at improved quotations. P.Y . C . on th e spot is at 54s ; April to June, 53s 6d ; an d l ast t h ree sales i p n r December. r months, 51s 6d per cwt. LOCOMOTIVE ENGINE AND TENDER FOR THE PACHA OF EGYPT.—Messrs. Sharp, Stewart, and Co. , of the Atlas Works, Manchester, have just compl e t e d a power ful locomotive engine, with tender, which will be sent off on Monday next for shipment to Alexandria, they being intended for the special use of the Pacha of Egypt. The engine has six wheels of 5 feet diameter, 17-inch cylinders with 24-inch stroke, and 1,167 square feet of heating surface ; and it is capab!e of drawing, on a level, 600 tons at 20 miles an hour. It is of the kind known as having inside cylinders, outside framing, and all the wheels coupled. The tender also has six wheels, each 3ft. 6in. diameter; and while the tank will hold 1,400 gallons of water, there is room on the tender for a ton of coke. Taken together, the engine and tender are JO feet long, and in working condition they will weigh 45i tons. All modern improvements are introduced in the details of the engine. It is for the narrow gauge, and it cannot be said to exceed in power some en g i nes a l rea dy existing in this country, although the ordinary load for what is called a pewerful goods engine is from 400 to 500 tons. The new engine and tender are intended ter use when the Pacha travels in company with a number of soldiers, or when he is accompanied by a large retinue, those furnished by Messrs. January,desir desired travelling.b e being retained re t a i T e e h d e f s o h r a sharp use wh e n e n Stewartgreat in speednew engine and tender are elaborately and handsomely j decorated in the Italian style. is MARCH 5, lB5 B MILITIA. The Queen having granted permission to the Aberdeenshire Militia to call the regiment " the Royal Aberdeenshire Highlanders," and to wear the Highland uniform, recruits have come forward in large numbers, and the depot promises not only to have a full complement, but to supply many volunteers well drilled to Highland regiments of the line. The Royal Aberdeenshire Highlanders are now at Dublin. GREAT SHIP CANAL. (From the Morning Herald.) As the discovery of the passage to India round the Cape of Good Hope comp'etely changed the course of trade between Asia and Europe, so in our times on the North American continent we may witness a revolution of a character scarcely less important, which will render the ports of St. Lawrence the main conduit of the produce of the north-western States of the American 'Union, superseding the Erie Canal and the harbour of New York. The Canadians already speculate on the junction of the Atlantic and Pacific by a rail way stretching from the St. Lawrence to Van couver's Island, through British territory ; and they are actually preparing to connect Lake On tario with Lake Huron by a ship canal. They cal culate on transporting to Europe the agricultural products of a million and a half of square miles, lying around the great lakes, with the region west and north-west, where all the grains and grasses are capable of growing luxuriantly, where flocks of sheep will yield rich fleeces, and fat beeves reward the enterprise of the grazier. The line of coast formed by the margins of the lakes is upwards of 4,000 statute miles, and the region above the lakes, organised into the North-Western territory in 1787, now embraces the States of Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin, and it is proposed to divert the whole of the enormous and annually expanding trade of these vast countries through the channel of the St. Lawrence forshipment to Europe. Nor is the scheme visionary, but has many recom mendations, among which relative distances are prime elements. The distance from Quebec, to Liverpool is 475 miles less than from New York to Liverpool. Kingston, at the foot of Lake Ontario, is 125 miles nearer Liverpool than New York is. From Hamilton, at the head of Lake Ontario, it is the same distance as from New York to Glasgow. From Lakes Ontario, Erie, and the southern point of Huron, is nearly a straight line to the ports of Great Britain, through the St. Lawrence and the Straits of Belle Isle. The sagacity of Washington foresaw this possible revolution in trade. In writing to a member of the national legislature, he urged the policy of prevent ing " the trade of the western territory from set tling into the bands of either the Spaniards or the British." " If," he observed, "either of these happen, there is a line of separation drawn between the eastern and western country at once, the con sequences of which may be fatal. . . If, then, the trade of that country should flow through the Mississippi or the St. Lawrence—if the inhabitants thereof should form commercial connections which, we know, lead to connections of other kinds, they would in a few years be as unconnected with us as are those of South America. It may be asked how are we to prevent this 1" In answer he recom mends the extension of the inland navigation of the eastern waters, connecting them as neatly as possible with those which run westward; the open ing of these to the Ohio ; of those which extend from the Ohio to Lake Erie ; and, these points accomplished, then he considered that his country men would not only draw the produce of the wes tern settlers, but tke peltry and fur trade of the lakes. As soon as the war of independence had been brought to a successful termination the citizens of the new republic desired to reach the unexplored territory of the west and utilise its natural resources. The plan proposed was by the construction of canals, and Washington himself projected a plan which was to stretch to the west by ascending the Potomac. But this effort and some others failed, because public opinion was not sufficiently ad vanced, or because capital was wanting. At length the genius and energy of De Witt Clinton, whose name will ever be honoured as one of the most emi nent benefactors of the United States, conceived and executed the plan of the Erie Canal connecting New York with Buffalo, and by this channel Ame rican enterprise had access to the western territory. The canal is 363 miles in length, and seven feet in depth. The original cost was 7,143,780 dollars, and the enlargement 12,989,851 dollars, being at the rate of 13, 8651. stg. per mile. This truly mag nificent work was commenced in 1817 and finished in 1825 ; audit is a remarkable proof of the spirit of the population of the state of New York who then only numbered 1,300,000 souls. The British Government, perceiving the value of internal trade to Upper Canada, constructed the Welland Canal, which connects the Lakes Ontario nd Erie. The length of the main trunk is 28 miles ; he junction branch to Dunnville 21 miles, and the Broad Creek branch 1i miles, making altogether 50i miles. It is not sufficientfor traffic lyinground Lake Erie, and now it is proposed to carry a ship canal from Ontario to Huron, a distance of 100 miles, by which the commerce of all the lakes would be brought into direct communication with the St. Lawrence. With equal spirit the merchants of Chi cago are prepared to cut a canal 140 miles in length through the southern part of Michigan, to avoid the dangerous navigation of the St. Clair Flats, which connect Huron with Erie. The position of Chicago for commerce is most commanding. It is the prin cipal trading mart of Illinois, standing on the south western bend of Lake Michigan, at the head of navigation as regards the lakes. Its rapid advance is a wonder, for in 1833 the Red Indian built his , wigwam on its site, and the stag, free and fearless, bounded over its plains. Lake Michigan opens to Chicago the trade of the north and east, while the Illinois and Michigan Canal gives it the trade of the south and south-west, traversing about 100 miles to the head of steam-boat naviga tion on the Illinois River. It opens a water communication of. f 1,700 miles to the Gulf of Mexico, and ulf of completes an inland navigation of 3,200 miles St. Lawrence, by way of the lakes,ies to the the Canada 1 canals, and St. Lawrence River ; and also by way of the lakes, the Erie Cana l, and the Hudson to the city of New Yo rk, a distance of River, 3,100 The country surrounding Chicago, a mixture of woods and prairies, diversified with gentle slopes, and irrigated with numerous clear streams, is the most fertile and beautiful that can be imagined. These rich territories demand an outlet to the ocean to avoid the heavy cost of trans-shipment, and this can be effected by the junction of the Ontario and Huron by a ship canal. Good s cou ld then be conveyed from Chicago to Liverpool and Glasgow without breaking bulk, and the same vessels that carried the agricultural products of the Far West to of a Government ; it is yet a greater step when the wedge has been put in, and every philanthropist will watch with interest the expe riments, slight and slow though they be, which are now being made to improve the prison disci pline of Naples. Let merit be given where merit is due, but let no one from false notisns of courtesy and moderation sacrifice the interests of humanity by shrinking from giving publicity to well-known social evils. I have had many a painful truth to tell you, and shall have many more to recount if I continue to write as I only can write, but my letter of this day will at least prove to you that I am not indisposed to praise and approve when praise can be honestly given. vromEN AND WATCHWORI. Last might Mr. Bennett, the well-known watch maker of Cheapside, delivered & lecture on the his tory, manufacture, and construction of an ordinary pocket watch, in the schoolroom of St. Barnabas Church, King-square, Clerkenwell. The room was crowded with men and women, as might be expected in a locality where watchmaking is the great staple trade, although there was at first a disposition amongst the male portion not to give Mr. Bennett a fair hearing, in consequence of his advocacy of the introduction of female labour in the construction of some of the finer portions of horology. Mr. Ben nett's good-humoured and hearty manner, how ever, ultimately secured for him the attention of his audience. Mr. BENNETT, having explained that be appeared amongst them by invitation to deliver the present lecture, began by giving a history of the origin a n d progress of horology from the water-clocks of the Greeks to the beautiful contrivances of modern times. Almost all the great improvements in horology were due to Englishmen. But it Was not enough that time-keepers were accurately and ele gantly. In the present age it was indispensable they should be made cheaply. How then could the best possible watch be made for the lowest price / Mr. Bennett said that his attention was strongly directed to this subject by the beautiful display of Swiss watches at the Great Exhibition, and after wards at the Paris Exhibition, and by finding that the Swiss manufacturers could produce an instru ment as good as one of English makeand as beauti ful in finish, 20 and 30, and in some cases 59, per cent. lower than it could be done in this country. This was a startling fact ; and to ascertain the cause of it he paid a visit to Switzerland. lie en deavoured to ascertain the secret of this superiority on the spot. He saw everywhere an amount of in dustry, cleanliness, good order, and intelligence which, he regretted to say, contrasted very un favourably with what he often met with in Clerkonwell. He was told that only 2,000 watches had been manufactured in the Neufchatel district, 80 yt ars previous to his visit, and only 8,000 watches 50 years before. The year before his visit he was told, on the best authority, that the Neufchatel people manufactured 1,500,000 watches, whilst that very year the number of Hall-marked watches made in England amounted to only 186,000. Thisvoun try received in 1853 no less than 42,000 Swiss watches for home consumption ; in 1854, 79,000 ; in 1855, 90,000 watches. He expected the returns fur 1856 in a few days, which he would make known ,as soon as he had received them. This was not taking into account the number of watches which were smuggled, and which probably were quite as numerous as the watches which paid duty. Now, he protested against the Swiss making watches for them to this extent. (Hear.) And let them tact suppose that the Swiss were not capable of making good watches. Some of the highest class of watches were being brought over here from Switzerland. Mr. Bennett then dilated on the causes of the superiority on the part of the Swiss, which he attributed to the greater division of labour, the employment of women, and the greater diffusion - of education amongst the population of Switzerland. By these means a maximum of quality was pro duced at a minimum of cost. Mr. Bennett con cluded his lecture by referring to his own efforts to introduce female labour in the manufacture of watches, and said that the watchmakers of Clerken well were the enemies of their own welfare in throwing obstructions in the way of the employ ment of women. He expressed his readiness to renew the subject on a future occasion if it should be their pleasure to desire it. (Cheers.) SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. TATTERSALL'S-YISTEUDAT. About a dozen subscribers were present, and only the following bets were laid :-100 to 5 agst Harry Lorre. quer for the Liverpool Steeplechase; 500 to 40 agat Clydesdale, and 16 to 1 agst Toxophilite for the Derby. 1,000 to 15 was betted agst Clydesdale's winning tbe Two Thousand and Toxophilite the Derby. BATH AND SOMERSI Nominations for the Sotilerfi and a d. Age. Telegram 8 Pavillion Cu!tivation Rosa , i East Langton 3 Zigzig Knight of the Shire a Peeping Tom Gin Flying Englishman 4 Anton Humming Bird York Brother to Farthingale 3 The Borderer Coral Night Ranger 3 Dupe Riseber Spacial Lioense Peeress . 3 Kug of the Gipsies 5 Lifeboat Schiedam 4 Vighacconi 4 The Old English Gentle- M MEETING—MAY 11. ietshire Stakes. Two miles istance.n Age. ( Martha 3 Wilton 3 Bridal Tour 3 Pole Star 6 Prince of Denmark 3 Compromise _ 3 Rocket 3 Bird in the Hand General Bosquet 4 Wrestler 3 Laodamia Sichmus Childley Barbarity 4 Hobgoblin Flimsy Misty Morn Arcanum Fisherman Fanny Kaye ... 3 Chaperon 3 Mitraille f by Jericho—Dividend 3 Poodle a Odd Trick Minerva Sobieski Nougat . 4 Fulbeck Yorkshireman 4 Bellefield Gemai di Verily 4 Neva . . 4 man V 4 Melissa c by Surprise—Beeswax 4 rinyinaker Fadladeen Cotswold 5 King Cob 5 Tricolor CROXTON PARK.—Meacs 26. Acceptances for the Granby Handicap.—About a mile and a half. (The highest weight accepting being list 131 b, it has been raised to 12st., and the rest in pro portion.) Aga at lb Kestrel Zuyder Zee Prince of Orange 5 11 8 Bay Hilton,.. 5 11 7 Hobgoblin Knight of Shire all 5 Nougat Acceptances for the Cap. weight accepted being list 5 and the rest in proportion.) Age et lb Age st lb Hobgoblin 4 12 0 Bracken a 10 10 Bay Hilton Bold Buccleuch... 511 4 Out-and-Outer Age at lb Lazy Last Omar Paella (b b) a 10 0 Saleaica 4 10 0 Peter Trout Gorsebill Spero Two miles. (The highest 1, it has been raised to 12st, AQUATICS. ROYAL THAMES CLUB, The arrangements have A fo lA r E tte YACHT approa L ch C ing season just been completed by the officers of this disti ngu i shed club, and as they materially influence th e fi xtures of o ther regattas round the coast we h asten to communi cats them. The opening trip will take place on Saturday, the 15th o f May. Yachts to rendezvous at Blackwell at 2.30 p.m., to sail thence to Gravesend. The first match of the Season to be sailed by cutter yachts, of the First and Second Claw, on Saturday, the 22d of May. First Class, exceeding 35 tons, a p r i ze o f 100 guineas. Second Class, not exceeding 35 tons, a prize of 50 guineas. Half-a -minute time allowed for difference of tonnage, up to 60 tons. Coarse, from Erith round the Nore-light and back. Entries to close, Thursday, the 13th of May. Second Match o f th e sea son for schooners only, to b e sailed on Tuesday, the 22d of June. First Class, exceeding 75 tons, prizes value 100 guinea?._ Second Class, not exceeding 7i tons, prize vales i• guineas. A quarter of a minute time allowed for dif ference of tonnage, up to 150 tone. Course, from of Itosherville round the Mouse light, and back to Green hithe. Entries to close on Monday, the lith of June. Third match for cutters, of the Third and Fourth Clan, on Tuesday, the 6th of July. Third Class, exceeding 12 tons, but not more than 20 tong, a prize value 40 guineas. Fourth Clas , , seven tons, and not exceeding 12 tons, a priz3 value 30 guineas. If four start, an additiona l e prize of 10 guineas to the second boat. Half ? bead i n. g time allowed. Course from Erith to the Clispti and back. Entries to close on Monday, 25 0 J II yep. t e I t mb i e. is suggested that a fourthimatch take PIA... qa a s ta tis ti cal ssBhlw;e3wbrBloen,gi9a expo rt e dl. ; in 81 , Err is atb ri de eGLiverpool 2,823,1321. The DECREASE IN THE ExrciaT LIVERPOOL. — From tChuabttothmes valueßill of of i Entry ri t h of e gb t ro h uo i s ad rs d y s e y ox fp ( ot F rht r ie ld d n ) a a p e er m s . usa m :nn O d n ii t ' hs of 1857, being last from Liverpool amount ed to to 3,483,2651., against pdF i re , ec B ber l e 4 au , ws : er 6 i i. tfiTh i t n aehnes F uaa e l b rye r e goods valued in this return ships, 168 being British and 113 foreign. tote