The Sun. — London, England, 1846-12-25 00:00:00

IRELAND. MEETING OF THE COMMITTEE OF LAND- LORDS. DUBLIN, DEC. 22.—Another meeting of the Repro ductive Employment Committee was held this day, at Radley's, College-green. A new circular was adopted, to be distributed throughout the country, urging the adoption of petitions to the Legislature praying the sus pension of the navigation laws, as the means of facili tating the import of food, and also that all available vessels of war should at once be employed in the trans mission of food from the American and continental ports. Another suggestion in the circular is, that relief com mittees should be empowered to sell food to the poor under cost price. STATE OF THE PROVINCES. The same deplorable tale of destitution and death is repeated in the accounts from the provinces received to day. The distress is becoming universal, and even in the metropolis it is very severely felt. The Lord Mayor, in compliance with the request of a numerous class of the leading citizens of Dublin, has convened a meeting to be held in the Music Hall, to-morrow, for the purpose of adopting measures towards the relief of the poor. The distress which prevails among the poor in this city is of a character as deep as that by which other districts in the provinces is afflicted. The Cork Examiner contains accounts furnished by its reporters in Bantry and Macroom, of the appalling distress in those places. That journal says : "Another week, and Bantry will see 1,500 men look. ing out for employment. One fact speaks volumes for the deplorable condition of the people here, that the relief committee are about to advertise for a coroner At the meeting of the committee, held on Saturday last, Mr. Power said, I have written for the coroner re garding the death of a person in the town. " Rev. Mr. Begley: 'Tis impossible they can attend to all the business that has recently accumulated on them. " Rev. Mr. Freeman: Otherwise we will die, and no body will be the wiser of it. I really think it would be judicious to advertise for a coroner.' " Our reporter remarks upon the apathy and utter in sensibility which are fast taking hold of those famine stricken beings. In a people proverbially remarkable for kindliness of feeling, generous impulses, and strong home affections, this is a most remarkable change. Utter misery will confound the head and the heart, the affections as well as the reason. Cold and hunger are sad destroyers of our holiest sensibilities, and the desolation of hearths and hearts turns our blood to ice and our best emotions to marble. A woman bearing the mouldy and putrid body of a dead infant in her arms, solicited charity from one of the committee to enable her to purchase a coffin. She bore the body since the preceding Thursday, and then threatened to throw it by the ditch unless a suffi cient sum was given her for that purpose. "In the meantime the land is neglected. The poor people have neither seed nor labour. Some of them, as a last resource, are compelled to kill and use the misera ble skeletons of what was an apology for stock on their small farms. " In Macroom and its neighbourhood matters are not so bad at present. The acting of the Board of Works in this locality is also unpopular, and spoken of with seve rity. The people employed on the works cannot earn as much wages for the purchase of food as would keep soul and body together. Their work is task work, and, from the peculiarly rocky nature of the land, they are com pelled to work more and receive less than in other dis tricts. There is no appearance of cultivation here either. The state of feeling of the people in the country may be summed up in a few words. " Their firm and undoubtel belief is, that they are all reserved for the same fate as is daily occurring to their neighbours—that they are doomed, without either ex pectation of relief or release, to expire before the termi nation of a few months—that they will be found either in the fields or on the mountains, without either the con solations of clergy or the comfort of friends." The letter from Bantry contains the following appal ling details:— "On Wednesday evening last a poor man from distant portion of the parish, exhausted by want and hunger, was with extreme difficulty enabled to reach the town, where, however, his physical capabilities were ex• hausted, and where he fell almost lifeless and unable to proceed further. The Very Rev. Mr. Parry was imme diately called upon, and administered the last conettion of relie'on to him in the public street, from which place he was subsequently conveyed to the workhouse, where he expired in an hour afterwards. "On Thursday evening I was accosted by a w,rnan having in her arms a deed child, which she was unahle to bury for want of a coffin; and which I understand is still unburied from the same necessity. " Within the last ten days the Rev. Messrs. Freeman and Begley have attended the dying beds of from fifty to sixty psrsons; it is their decided and unqualified conviction that out of that number there are not at present one-third of those individuals existing. There is an important and melancholy reflection attached to the consideration of this fact, that those deaths are not in the great majority of cases either the result of infirmity, confirmed disease, or old age, but proceed from exhaustion, consequent upon con tinued want of food. Another painful source of mortality amongst the labourers employed by Govern ment is the insufficiency of clothing., the principal portion of which has been long since confided to the care of the pawnbroker, or sold to the most available purchaser. The condition of the people ir. this part of the country is such, that their immediate friends hardly recognise them, as the Rev. Mr. Freeman observed, ee extraordinary a metamorphosis has been effected, that in some instances the Catholic clergy—their constant attendants in every change and vicissitude—find it diffi cult, if not impossible, to recollect their parishioners from personal appearance.' " On Thursday evening last a poor woman died s denly on the road, at a — place called Bawlgurm. Sh. was on her way to implore relief at the workhouse, but death, as if in mercy, terminated her sufferings. fler daughter came into town the same evening, for the pur pose of soliciting the aid of the charitable tovrards pur chasing a coffin to inter her deceased parent. " I have heard the details of other cases equally affect ing, and resulting from similar causes; but the misery and destitution which they depict present no diStin guishing feature from that observable amongst all the labouring population living in this and the adjoining baronies." COUNTY OF ARMAGH.--The Armagh Guardian states that attacks were made upon bread shops in that town on Thursday, by labourers from the public works, sus pended on account of the frost and snow. Great desti tution prevails in the district. EXPORT OF MEAL FROM NEwßY.—Yesterday (Mon day) morning, as a vessel was about to pr ocee d d own the canal with a cargo of meal, bound for an English port, it was signified to the authorities that there was reason to apprehend an attempt would be made to prevent its removal. A party of the 7th Fusiliers, at present stationed here, were immediately ordered on board, who, with Mr. Singleton, R.M , accompanied the vessel and cargo until out of reach of attack. Innumer able hearty maledictions were, however, bestowed on the owners of the cargo and the military, by the old women and others stationed on the bridges while the vessel was passing. —Newry Telegraph. COUNTY OF CLARE, ENNIS, DEC. 21.—We under stand that it has been suggested to raise amongst the landed interest of the county, a sum of money sufficient in amount to purchase a large supply of provisions, to store up for future issue, when provisions shall become scarce. Meal has now risen in the retail shops here to 33. 6d. per stone. We again repeat this alarming Let, that provisions are nut in this country. PRODUCTIVE WORKS. —An adjourned session was held in Fermoy on Saturday last. Presentments to a very large amount, for drainage and sub soiling, under Mr. Laboachere's circular, were voted, on the part of Lord Kingston, Lord Donoughmore, and many other proprietors. Lord Mountcashel was absent, and the (at tire of his electoral division was assessed for roads, but the great bulk of the entire sum voted, 15,8 151., was foi prodiwtive works. CORK, DEC. 21.—We understand that two gentlemen, commissioned from the Irish metropolis, have arrived in this city, bringing with them money stated to be to the amount of 5,0001., for the purpose of distribution in the localities of the south, wherever the popular distress more particularly calls for it. It is said to have been contributed at the Castle, and by several official and other wealthy citizens of Dublin. We shall be heartily rejoiced to find the report correct.— Cork Eaaminer. ROYAL AGRICULTURAL SOCIETY. The following important letter has been addressed by the Earl of Shannon, one of the Vice-Presidents of the Royal Agricultural Improvement Society, to Mr. Bullen, the secretary, and, we trust, that the other nobletned and gentlemen similarly circumstanced, will follow his example in rejoining the society:— " Castlemartyr, Dec. 19, 1846. " Sir,—l am rejoiced to find that the Royal Agricul tural Society have restored the 14th rule, and instituted measures to guard against future infringement of the fundamental rules. I felt strongly the necessity of that rule, to prevent the very inconvenient discussions that might arise in a society composed of men of various political opinions, that I felt it my duty to withdraw when the rule was rescinded. I feel great pleasure now in restoring my name to the books of the society, and, as one of the vice-presidents, will endeavour to procure additional members, though I have hitherto met with little success. "I enclose a check for my subscription (101.), and re quest that you will be so good as to inform me of its safe receipt. " I am, sir, your obedient servant, "SHANNON. "Edward Bullen, Esq., Secretary." THE MINISTRY. The Dublin Evening Post says, " There have been absurd and gossipping rumours in some of the news papers about divisions in the Cabinet. They are utterly destitute of foundation. The members of the Adrninis tration will meet on the 19th of January, cordially and thoroughly united in their policy." COURT OF CHANCEY.—(THIS DAY.) The Lord Chanceilor this day gave judgment in the Limerick cases—The Attorney-General v. BE.II and Marrett. His Lordship set aside one of the leases, but dismissed the Bill in the other case, the party being * purchaser for valuable consideration, and without notice. STATE OF THE IRISH MARKETS. Dusuts.—Attl an Dublin Corn Exchange, the canals being free, w e had increased supply o all descrip tions of grain to-day. In the begin n i ng t h e extreme paid fc prices of Friday were r picked ssmp les but the market became generally dull:he bestancl malting, 61. t o Is. we note Wheat and Oats 6d., and Barley, exc e pt per barrel lower than on Friday.Baryehyita Wheat, 40s. L. , 255. to 28s. ; to 44 ; red ditto, 38s- to 4qs. ; to 26s . second Oats, 183. 6d. to 21s. 6d. ; Oatmeal, zzs. Flour, 0 23. to 2.34. 6d. MARLOW, SATURDAY. — Yesterday being our market day, Wheat and Oat s were in great demand. Th e for mer fetched 41s. Sd. per barrel, and the Oats 20s. per barrel of 14 stone. The average price of Oats 20s. THE SUN, LONDON. FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER, 25, 1846. per barrel of 14 :Acme. The average price of Oats in ordinary years was from 7s. 6d. to 9s. But even at the starvation price of 20s. the scramble to obtain it was frightful. TRALEE, SATURDAY.—During the week wheat has been steadily advancing on a limited supply and a good many bidders, until it may be quoted this day at from ss. to 55. 3d. per peck of 2.1 stone. Oats, however, has receded. There was a tolerable supply in market this day, and may be bought at 151 d. to 15d. per stone—a decline of three farthings per stone on the general prices of the week. There was very little barley offered—it is a scarce article in the market—but what was presented brought 16d. per stone. There has been an advance of 4s. a bag on flour, and in the retail prices sd. per stone, on first quality flour. Coax.—Several vessels, laden with grain, have arrived from the Continent since our last. They are all, how ever, with the exception of one destined for Sligo, of small tonnage. The supply, notwithstanding, is very seasonable. A large American has also come in. Amongst other cereal produce, she brings 3,000 barrels of flour. We believe she discharges here —Cork Examiner. could exceed the indissoluble closeness, nay, the affec tion of the Union. But when adversity comes upon us, in consequence of this legislative identity—when famine walks, like the destroying nngel, through the land, and the instances of death are now too many and too fami liar to select one for peculiar commiseration—then we are to be told, You have no claim on us—we have no connexion with you—sink or swim, look to your selves, and rely on your own resources.' Would such be the language to Yorkshire in the days of a vengeful visitation? Is it thus the Minister would repulse the cries of the starving people of Northumberland? Oh, no; he would not have the heart to give utterance to such a sentiment, or, if he should, Yorkshire and Nor thumberland would not tamely forego their constitutional right to a share of the common imperial exchequer, to the funds of which they had contributed. It is only Ireland that can be flattered with the name of a Union, when giving her heart's blood to the prosperity of the empire; and then, in her anition, to be abandoned to starvation. "We value property, but we value, the peace of the country and the lives of the people more. Nay, the most efficient guardians of property are those who are solici tous for preserving the lives of the people. They are not ignorant of what the instincts of nature suggest, and the axioms of jurists lay down on the rights of pro perty, when life is becoming the victim of starvation. For the patience they evince, society is indebted to the sacred influence of religion. Yes, it is to the hallowed teaching of the Catholic clergy the peace of the country is due ? What is their requital ? The exhibition of a rancorous bigotry, which has been infused into the com position of relief committees from high quarters. The curates, forsooth, are not persons of sufficient considera tion to be, put on reliefcommittees ! Yet more than once, when all the influence of armed men and stipendiary ma gistrates had failed, have those very curates been se lected and sent forth to calm the stormy masses of the people rushing for food with all the rage of hunger chaf ing w;th any opposition to their terrible instincts—in stincts which it would have failed any other influence on earth to appease. I say nothing of the marked exclusion from the benefits of the public works of those sacred edifices from which such humanising in fluences go forth. It is better that they should rise and be sustained by the poor people themselves, and, like the priesthood who officiate in them, stand aloof as sacre d monuments, free from the desecration with which an official anti-Catholic patronage would be sure to soil them. It is fortunate for the country that its priests and temples are in a state of holy independence. For should your infidel colleges ever flourish, o r th e pro miscuous education which you patronise bring forth its natural fruits, you woul 1 find that lectures on the rights of property in extrentis would scarcely be listened to with the grave and qualifying commentaries of the bench or the pulpit. " Your Lordship has now a great destiny to fulfil—the rescuing an entire people from the jaws of famine; for nothing less than millions from the Imperial Exchequer can avert the do 'in that hangs over the Irish nation. 13e prepared, then, to advocate such an enlarged mea sure; or, since your humanity would shrink from the spectacle of a nation perishing by famine—you will, doubtless, retire from the helm which you may find yourself unable to guide. Such a measure of relief from the Imperial Exchequer must be indispensable, notwithstanding all the aid and apsthy which may be lent by the Irish landlords. Their apathy and listlessness, their want of council and concert, at a moment which requires their united energies are not among the least melancholy of the forebodings which our awful condition forces on every reflecting mind. It would seem as if there were no aristocracy in the country, or as if the confusion of the great ones of Tanis' were come upon them. They seem altogether unmanned, and shorn of those national attributes with which some of their ancestors were endued. Their pro perty is shifting away from under their feet, and they seem seizel with an utter inability to arrest the ruin. They are clamorous for reproductive works, in order to be relieved of the labour-rate. They talk much of re munerative labour, but little of remunerative tenure, utterly forgetting that it was the tenant's want of per manent security to enjny in substantial food the fruit of their improvements, that consigned our popula tion, as if they were wandering tribes, to such a preca rious root as the potato, and that without a tenure A% 111( . 11 will make the labour reproductive to both tenants and landlords, no agricultural improvements such as the crisis demands, will ever be achieved. Let the security of tenure, then, and a fair remuneration for improvement, form an essential part of any amendment of the Labour Act, and it will be seen what a magical effect it will have in drawing away the people to the seasonable cultivation of their own little farms. The landlords are continuing too long with their arms folded. They seem unwilling to meet in Dublin, and take counsel of each other. Perhaps they are apprehensive lest some mighty conjuror in the assembly should scare them awa) by evoking the unwelcome apparition of a repeal of the union. Such fears afford sufficient evidence that they who entertain them, whilst they listlessly look on the ruin of their property, are not the 'persons who would bring much of the wisdom to the deliberations of a national legislature. " But whether they meet and aid you by their coun sel, or whether they remain aloof in their isolated help lessness, the Prime Minister cannot be absolved from the high responsibility of providing for the public weal. The period that is assigned for the meeting of Parliament may appear near to the children of opulence, and amidst all the charms and solace of society it will soon pass over. But it will be a dreary and a long period to the perishing inhabitants of Ireland. Deep snow is at this moment covering the earth, and even the miserable day's hire, which could not afford half a meal in the twenty-four hours to all the members of a wretched family, is, in many instances, withdrawn. I shudder at the conse quence. 3. It is too painful to contemplate. Unless you adopt more enlarged measures than throwing the relief of the people on the landlords, who, whatever be their sins, should be corrected and reformed rather than anni hilated, your Ministry will be memorable in Ireland; and if you are ambitious of a monument, the people's bones, slain with the sword of the famine,' and piled into cairns more numerous than the ancient pyramids, shall tell posterity the ghastly triumphs of your brief but dis astrous administration. " ;;-1 JOHN, ARCHBISHOP OF TUAM.' FLANDERS MAIL. BRUSSELS, DEC. 21.—Sir George Hamilton Seymour, Minister Plenipotentiary of the Queen of England is ex pected at Brussels shortly, to have his audience of leave of their Majesties. Sir George is appointed Ambassador to the Queen of Portugal, as successor to Lord Howard de Walden, who is appointed in the sa me qua lit y at t h e Court of Brussels. The Chamber of Representatives continue in the dis cussion of the articles of the budget of the Interior, and was engaged to-day on th e 11th c h aper , re l at i ve to agri culture. The proposal of the central section for grant ing 220,000 francs was adopted by the Chamber. The third article of the 11th chapter (74,000 francs for the encouragement of agriculture) was the subject of a debate which was not concluded on the question, whe ther it was proper or not to encourage, by bounties, the cultivation of madder. Messrs. Corswaren, Osy, and Desmet were in favour of granting bounties, which were opposed by Messrs. llopschrnutt and Vanien Steen, who considered the cultivation of madder as impossible in Belgium. The Chamber will decide to-morrow. At the commencement of the sitting, M. de Garcie presented his report on the Project of 1.2. w for granting a provi sional credit of five millions to the war department. This report will be discussed to-morrow. In the same sitting, the Chamber adopted unanimously the project of law which authorises the Government to vxempt from importation duty salt, used for the feeding of cattle or as manure for the land. The senate, in its sit ting to-day, after hearing several reports, adopted the project of law relative to the contingent of the army for 1847. It then entered on the general details of the budget of ways and means. On this occasion, several ' members made many useful remarks. The discussion closed, and the article is to be voted to-morrow. Their Majesty's the King and Queen will return from Paris before New Year's day. The price of wheat has again risen at Brussels, and this circumstance excites the murmurs of the lower classes. The rise in the price of wheat in Brussels market during the two last weeks was only 20 centimes per half hectolitre, ending Friday, Dcc. 11, and the fol lowing day bread rose one centime per kilogramme. Last Friday, the 18th Dec., there was a rise of 29 centimes per half hectolitre on wheat, and a fall of 17 centimes on rye. Bread rose again one centime. The price of bread of the third quality is now 40 centimes per kilogramme at Brussels. This is as dear as in the scarcity of 1816. A letter from Orleans of the 16th says---“ For these ten days the snow covers the whole province of Luxem burg, and in some places to the depth of several yards. The roads are blocked up, and carriages are delayed for at least 10 hours on the road from Liege and Namur to Arlan. In the direction of Boulogne and Sedon the diligence have been obliged to stop halt-way and pass the night. Wolves appear in great numbers this year in the province o f L uxem b urg . Th e c old is intense, and suspends all labour. This increases the privations of the working classes, and will augment them yet more if it should b e p ro l onge d. Thi s season i s t o t a lly d i fferent from that of th e w i n t er 18 4 5, it i s , th ere f ore , f eare d in the Ardennes, that the distress will be still greater than last year, though the potato crop has been more favour able than it was last season. GALICIAN FRONTIERS, DEC. 12.—Accounts from Vienna state that Count Flahaut has presented the French protest against the incorporation of Cracow. It is s)id that the three protesting Powers will, in the course of this month, draw up a second justification and declaration on the question of Cracow, to be presented to the Cabinets of London and Paris, which will after wards be published in the public journals. The nego tiations between Prussia and Austria, respecting the commerce and the custom duties on the frontiers of Silesia and Cracow, are said not to have yet led to any result. CHEAP RE-PUBLICATION OF IMPORTANT WORKS. —We observe that Mr. Colburn announces a re-issue, in cheap monthly parts, of those two important and national works, " The Nelson Letters and Despatches," and Burke's History of the Landed Gentry." The first part of each work is to appear with the magazines on the Ist of January, and there can be little doubt that they will attain in this popular form that wide circula tion to which they are so justly entitled. The Russian Government has just ordered the cap tains of foreign vessels laden with cotton and bound for the Ru: sian ports in the Baltic, to provide themselves at the Sound with certificates from the Danish authcrittcs, declaring that the cotton of which their cargo consists is not of a dangerous kind, as witholtt th:3 precaution the vessels will incur a risk of being refused admission. It is added that it may even happen that the authorities in the Russian ports will require the destruction of the cotton. STATE OF TRADE. (Frcm the IVine Trade Circular.) A heavy and inert feeling still continues to hang ow r the wine market ; and, although we do not generally expect any very large transactions, so close to the turn of the year, still, we are inclined to think, that there is even more than the usual degree of dulness exhibited, just now. This ought not to be the case, as there is nothing like the same amount of capital locked up, that there was last year, at this period, and leeitimate business has now taken the place of the reckless spirit of speculation, which seemed to have seized upon every one, at about this time twelve-months. Under these circumstances, we are much surprised to find, that scarcity of money in the wine market, and even those whose means are known to be very large, showing such great reluctance to part with one shilling. This cannot last, and we are certain, that as soon as the new year commences, we shall find a much brisker trade, and that at very fair pr ces. The goods more in demand, just at this moment, are common crusted Ports, about 6 to 12 months in bottle, and vary ing in price from 235. to 265. per doz. The Brandy-market is now rapidly assuming a.more favourable aspect, the rage for speculation having abated, and that for a very simple reason, viz., " those who have bought Brandies at the extremely high rates, in expec tation of a further advance, have been seriously disap pointed, and compelled to part with them, in many in stances, at the prices given, but more frequently at a considerable reduction." This, we have reason to be lieve, is now nearly all over, and the daily increase in the consumption will warrant us in calculating that brandies will now remain at about Is. per gallon advance on the price before the reduction of duty. There are now, comparatively, few old-landed br an di es in the market, and those will not command a price com mensurate with their real value in point of &your, in consequence of their lowness in strength ; for instanc,a brandies landed in 1840 or 1841, will come out at 12 to 15 per cent. under proof, which serious loss almost places them out of the market, unless for certain pur poses ; we would ; ther e f ore, a d v i se all parties holding these brandies, to vat them with newly landed 1844'5, and the result will be as fine a spirit as can be desired. The brandies most sought after at the present time, are 1844'5, landed in 1845; these-brandies possess nearly all the eoftnees and flavour of 1842'5, with the additional advantage of coming out at proof. We have been shown some Martell's 1844'5, (old-landings), that it would be almost impossible to distinguish from 1842'5, and e e have no doubt will command nearly the same price, after the tnrn of the year. By advices from Jamaica, received yesterday, we find Otard's brandies quoted at 6s. to 6s. Gd. We shall take an early opportunity of reverting to this subject. In rums we find a very fair business doing at firm rates, and with an almost absolute certainty of an advance. In speaking thus, we are influenced by the fact, that in Jamaica there is much agitation upon the question of a reduction of the duties upon British possession rums, in conjunction with the feeling of almost the entire trade of the United Kingdom, that this spirit ought not to be exempt from the free-trade principles, but that a very great reduction ought forthwith to be made in the duty, which is now almost prohibitory in England, and entirely so in the Sister Isle. In the House of Assembly, at Jamaica, there has been some very strong resolutions passed, to be forwarded in the shape of a memorial, or rather remonstrance, to the mother country, and in speaking upon this subject, Mr. Thompson said, " there is another point which must be urged on the Government, and it will be urged with success, for it will carry the support of the advocates of the free trade system, as well as the advocacy of every man of sense and justice :—it is, that we should have the application of the free trade system to our spirits— the eaualisation of duties on British plantation spirits, and the admission of our sugar and Molasses in the Bri tish breweries and distilleries. At present the duties upon our spirits in Great Britain amounted almost, and in Ireland to an entire prohibition. The effect of this reduction may be calculated on the increased consump tion that had taken place, when the duty had been re duced 6d. per gallon. If they would do these, it would make up in some measure for the depreciation in sugar. Let them concede to us that boon, or rather let them perform to us that act of justice towards us, and our lot may yet not be hopeless. The Brilish distiller would still have the advantage over us, for he manufactured in his own country, whilst we had to pay freight and other contingent expense of shipment ; that was sufficient protection to him. If our sugar were admitted not alone into the British distilleries and breweries, but also for many other uses, it would give so great an im pulse as to keep up the demand, and the price may remain as it is, at the present day. It might probably happen, that a regard for the revenue of the country may preclude the immediate favourable consideration of this point ; but it would not be long ere they would be obliged to yield to the voice of the country, who must see the justice, and relieve the urgent necessity of our case. They could not refuse to carry out the system they had themselves begun ; they must adapt that sys tem to the necessity of our case, or we must indeed go to the ground." Besides which, we find Mr. Moncrief informing the House, that, "in 1833, 34,000 puns. of rum were exported, whilst, in 1845, there were only 16,000 exporteci.. ; showing a difference o f 18,000 puns. If these facts do not speak plainly to the trade, we do not know what will, more particularly when we add the following latest quotations in the market at King • ston, Jamaica :—" Rum is looking up ; 50 puns. have been parted with at 4s. 2d. per gallon ; small parcels command 4s. 3d. for ordinary descriptions, and 4s. Gd. for best sorts." Hero we have plain, straight-forward, honest truth speaking trumpet-tongued to our Legisla ture, and that, in such homely phrase, but, at the same time, with such firmness, that it- must command attention. Is it worth while considering what it is our colonists demand, and whether those demands are founded on justice? To this we fearlessly reply, that there demands are both just and reasonable, being founded upon the true spirit of international, or rather—if we may use the word—inter-colonial trading. Why should we preserve the old and highly-exorbitant rates upon rums, whilst we have granted a very considerable reduction in the duties upon brandies?—and why should we grant the latter boon to a nation whose feeling towards us is cer tain—at the least, very unquestionable; —whose laws nearly prohibit the importation of our manufactures, and whose Government has, even up to this moment—so far from showing any signs of reciprocity —still continued all the old restrictions, and by every means in its power encouraged the manufacture of our staple commodities; we repeat, why should we grant them this great boon— and a great boon they must acknowledged it to be, as we have not only consumed 200,000 gallons extra of their spirit (here we only refer to that upon which duty has been paid, to say nothing of the immense extra importations), but that an advance of fully one shilling a gallon upon the previous rates, and, up to the present time, at a loss to us of revenue of 50,0001., and still refuse the same proportion of reduction of Auty to our colonists, whose laws almost compel them to consume British manufac ture; and British manufactures alone, and whose sole trade is confined between themselves and the mother country? Is this justice? —is this even-handed legislation?—is this what our suffering colonists have a right to demand from the fostering—we almost think the better word would be ruinous—care of the Home Government ? We fearlessly answer, No. If they are to be shackled with our legislation— if they are to be almost swamped by officials sent from England, to be maintained at their expense—if they are still to be considered as integral portions of this king doge—we say, give them not only the full onus of me la an union, but at the same time give them the full benefit of it, and allow them to stand upon the same footing as our British manufacturers. This is what they are ju-stly entitled to, and this they must eventually obtain—not, we expect, so much from a sense of justice felt by the Ministers of her Majesty, but by that power which always has, and always will, compel them to do justice, however tardy; we mean, the voice of the nation—vox populi est vox Dei ; and, in this instance, we think that the old and hacknied quotation may he properly applied. The West India Interest, once almost overwhelming, is still formidable, and only wants to be thoroughly aroused to obtain this fair and proper alteration in the law ; and we trust that the day is not far distant when their slumbering energies- will be aroused, and they will arise like one man and claim their just, their undeniable rights. Let it, however, be distinctly understood, that so far from condemning the reduction of duty on brandy we highly applaud it, and only contend for, at least a proportionate reduction on spirits, tho produce of cur ill-fated West India Islands. It is very probable, however, that we may find the Ministers that be, assuming a fearful tone respecting this reduction in the duty upon rums, which the West India colonists are now so emphatically calling for, under the plea of loss of revenue ; but they should take into consideration that, however homely, still there is much truth in the phrase, " what is sauce for the goose is sauce for the gander," and that that reform which the high rate of duties un brandy called for so imperatively,was a bold measure, and one which would certainly for the first few months cause a defalcation in the revenue. Ex perience has Rot always proved that a reduction in duties causes a corresponding reduction in revenue ; but so far from that, in many cases, we find that each reduction has not only added to the consumption, thereby turning the tide of trade in our favour, but also increased our revenue. Another consideration with them may perhaps be, that a serious injury would be caused to our English distillers, by the proposed reduction ; but this is also a fallacy, as it is an acknowledged fact, that the consump tion of British brandy has increased, even in a greater ratio than that of foreign brandy, and that, at the pre sent moment, many who never before thought of using British spirits, are now consuming largo quantities : still, presuming that our distillers should suffer from this re duction—we ask, is it fair, that so small a class should be benefited, to the great detriment, or indeed, almost cer tain ruin of those colonies, for whose support we have already expended ? Either our colonies are worth supporting, or they are not. Either we ought to place them upon such a footin g , as w ill ena bl e t h em to ma i n t a i n themselves, or we oug h t to abandon them ; and not b y such paltry legislation entail, in the first place, ruin upon the colonies themselves, with a certainty of having to put our hands in John Bull's pockets, eventually, to help them out of the position in which an obstinate, and short sighted policy has plunged them. We, however, contend that the said colonies never have been, nor will they ever be worth, in point of revenue, one maravedi to the English nation ; but as our statesmen, one and all, consider them amongst the brightest (l) jewels of the crown, it might be well worth their while to consider how far they may play with these jewels, without the fear of tarnishing their splendour, to say nothing of the further chance of some very kind neighbour, or annexing ally, quietly appropriating such inestimable treasures to their own purposes. Such things have occurred within the memory of man, or else rte.ir:L3 ; ate! we thick that, in tee present days, when treaties see quietly slurred over on the on part, and cleires of right are so very quietly put forward on the other, some little care and some little nursing would not be amiss, to prevent the possibility of such a fearful disaster; or, to speak more plainly, We may say, that although the West Indian colonies are not, of themselves, sufficiently strong to take upon them selves the onus of throwing off their loyalty to the Bri tish Crown, still, batked on the one side by France— who has long coveted the in—and encouraged en the other the United States—who always consider them as a part of their territory,--they may, unless we take more prudent measures for their government, prove very troublesome and refractory jewels, and lead to another scene of war and bloodshed, which ought to be avoided at any price, short of sacrificing our national honour. We again repeat, that with the above-mentioned facts before us, we have no hesitation in stating that the Rum-market must go up coasiderably, and that speedily, the more so when we find that our prices are not at the present moment one penny above those of Jamaica. INSTITUTION OF THE FINE ARTS IN ROME.-CONGREGATION OF VIRTUOSI. Second to the academy of St. Luke, the other great institution of the fine arte is the congregation of the virtuosi at the Pantheon, instituted 1523. It meets in the chapel dedicated to St. Joseph, opposite to that of the Madonna, under which is interred the immortal Raphael. Its founder was a canon of the Pantheon, named liesidezio Adjutoria, and it is called " dei Vir tuosi," because orginally only admitting those who col tivate the fine arts professionally. A reformation was effected in its system a few years ago, for the benefit of the youthful students of the arts of design, and in 1839 its new statutes were approved of by Gregory XVI. According to these, its members are now composed of virtuosi of merit, and of honour ; the first divided into resident and correspondent Inen:hers, all of whom are artists of distinction; the second, either patrons of the arts, or literary men. The resident virtuosi do not exceed the number of forty-five; - the correspondent, of thirty; the number of virtuosi of honour unlimited; and at present reaches to 200; that of virtuosi of mer. at present twenty-three; and in this congregation wome!: also, who have distinguished themselves in any walk ol the fine arts, are admitted. The institution has at its head a regent (at present the Cay. Fabris, a sculptor); and is governed by another triennial regent (the Cay. Podesti, a painter), and by a council composed of thirty virtuosi of merit ; of these are ten painters, ten sculptors, and ten architects, who till different offices, all held for three years, except those of the secretary and archirista, held for life. The institution not having directly for its object in struction, does not hold public schools, like the Academy of St. Luke ; but, aiming rather at the encouragement of the arts, has established concourses, bimestral and biennial. The first meets to pass judgment on some subject of sacred or philanthropic argument, treated in painting, sculpture, and architecture ; artists of all na tions may take part in it, provided they be Catholic, and the works are each judged by that class of artificers to whom they aispertein. The reward consists in a silver medal, of five ounces weight, with the effigy of Raphael on one side, and the inscription, " Concorso bimestral al Pantheon ;" and on the other the arms of the congregation, with the motto, " Florent in Domino." The next bimestral concourse will take place in December of the pre sent year. The works of the concurrents to be exposed, witl be an the following subjects. In painting : The Generals of Holofernes, who, after long expecting, enter his tent, and find him dead. In sculpture : Raquel, who, having received Moses into his house, a wanderer and fugitive, offers him his daughter Zippora us wife : a basso-relievo. In architecture : design for a building for the exposition of works in painting and sculpture. When the works presented have been examined by the assembled congregation, and those worthy of receiving the reward have been determined on by secret vote, the accompanying letters are opened containing the names of the artists, who are then informed of the decision in their favour. In the biennial, also caked the Gregorian concourse, artists of every description, on condition of being Catholic, may compete. The works are exhibited in the Church of the Pantheon ; and ten days before the feast of the patronage of St. Joseph (3d May), the virtuosi assemble and pass judgment on each, according to its class, selecting three, one of painting, one of sculpture, and one of archi tecture, to be awarded ; sometimes a second reward is given to some worthy of especial notice, or a testimonial of honour conferred upon the artist. The premiums are solemnly conferred in the Pantheon an he festival above -ince tioned, consisting of a gold medal for each' class, similar to that of the bimestral concourse, and of the value of twenty-five sequins. The benefit secured to the interests of the fine arts by this institution, is unquestionable. It opens to young artists a field for distinguishing themselves, and stimulates them by the hope of reward conferred with every circumstance of honour. In the Apostolic Hospital of S. Michele at Mini Grande, to which we shall conduct our readers sone future time, exists a magnificent institution of the fine arts; and of this we may here give a gem.Tal idea, in the sole school of design. Here, frum the multitude of youths, between the ages of nino and twenty-one, who are gratuitously maintained and instructed in every branch of arts and trades; those are chosen who give promise of succeeding best in the cultivation of liberal arts, and are devoted to the elementary study of these. At present, those employ e d i n th e sc h oo l o f design are one hundred in number; seventy of these are engaged in figure drawing; ten in ornamented, and four in architectural; each to dedicate himself subsequently to whatever art he pleases; thus, at present, two dedi sate themselves to painting, twelve to modelling, and out of these, five to working in marble also. Others work in intaglio and cameo. These young artists also receive instruction in algebra, geometry, perspective, mythology, geography, anatomy, and history (sacred and profane), from various able professors, almost all belonging to the academy of St. Luke. They also attend at the evening school, and at the school of the Nude, given by the academy, on the capitol, where their sketches are exa mined and corrected by a member deputed for that pur pose.—Ronan Advertiser, Nov. 7. LAW INTELLIGENCE. SHERIFFS' COURT, Dec. 24. DELL V. MAY AND STEWART. (Continued from our Afternoon Edition of yesterday.) The deed of partnership was then put in and objected to, en the ground that it was a deed made lr.thind the back of the plaintiff. The Learned UNDER-SHERIFF held that it could be admitted. In summing up, however, he told the jury that it did not follow that because a deed was executed on a particular day, that a partnership did not exist before as far as a division of profit and loss went, although they might not have held themselves out to the world as such. The set-off in the action was a point of consider. able importance—it was not conclusive evidence of a general partnership, but it went far to prove the fact, and it would be a singular thing if they were partners in September, 1843, and not so in February, but again so in March. The jury stopped the case, and found for the plaintiff. Mr. OGLE asked leave to move to set aside the verdict, as plaintiff had made out the bill to May only. The UNDER-SHERIFF said that if the plaintiff did not knew there was a partnership, he was not bound. It was entirely a question for the jury, and he saw no rea son to disturb the verdict. EDINBURGH HIGH COURT OF JUSTICIARY. The Court met on Monday, the Judges present being the Lord Justice Clerk, Lord Moncrieft; and Lord Wood. BREACH OF TRUST BY A BANK OFTICER Ronald Gordon, late secretary and accountant to the Exchange Bank of Scotland, Edinburgh, was charged with eleven acts of theft, or breach of trust ; libelled as having been committed at different periods from 25th January to 19th June, 1846, and involving property amounting in the aggregate to upwards of 3,0001. The prisoner pleaded Not Guilty. Mr. Neaves (with whom was also Mr. Fraser), in a speech of considerable length, made a number of ob- jections to the libel ; the charges contained in it, he contended, not being sufficiently specific, or according to the usual form. Mr Davidson having replied on behalf of the Crown, The Court, after consulting with the Lord Justice Genera), sustained one of the objections which related to a departure from the usual style in which the charge should have been framed in the indictment. The Court also suggested some alterations in the manner in which several of the charges were drawn up. At the request of the Solicitor General, the Court ad journed the case till Tuesday. James Hawks and James Buchanan, from Glasgow, were charged with falsehood, fraud, and wilful imposi tion ; as also perjury and subornation of perjury. Hawks was outlawed for not appearing ; and Bu chanan, having pleaded guilty, was sentenced to seven years' transportation. Melville Anderson, Greenside-place, was charged with resetting sums of money and bills of exchange, &c., to the value of upwards of 800/., which were taken from a farmer in September. He was found Guilty, but sen tence was delayed till to day. The Court then adjourned. JURY COURT, HIGGINS AND SONS V. DUNLOP, WILSON, AND CO, So T ns h , i i s ro c n as m e' er i c n h w an h t i s ch in Al L e i7e r r s. po V ol i , wneeenrte, lliggins, and pursuers, and Messrs. Dunlop, Wilson, and Co., iron merchants in Glasgow, were defenders, came before the Lord Justice General and a jury on Monday. It arose out of an offer made by the defenders to the pursuers of 2,000 tons of pig iron at 655. per ton; but as the pursuers did not an swer the letter containing the offer by return of post, the defenders held they were freed from it. The issue was couched as follows: Whether, about the end o f J anuary, 1845, the pur suers purchased from the defenders 2,000 tons Of pig iron at the price of 655. per ton? and whether the de fenders wrongfully failed to deliver the same, to the loss, damage, and injury of the pursuers? Damages laid at 6,0001. The pursuers produced six witnesses to prove that ac cording to the practice in mercantile matters they were not bound to answer in course of post, while the de fenders brought forward an equal number to prove that the contrary was the practice, to render the transaction obligatory. The jury, after a short deliberation, returned a verdict for the pursuers—dainages, 1,5001. TELEGRAPHS IN ITALY.—A line of telegraphs is about to be establishdd along the coast of the Adriatic, between Venice and Trieste. The distance is 26 Ger man miles, or about 119 English, and there will be 22 !stations, the expense of which is o=t;rna!M Zt 25,000 11.irins (2,8000 At time of ti - “-; do:niniithP; in Italy, a ini e fr0,.3 :o . aul t!)oigh 011 a:i was of great service to the French, in signalising the movements of the English fleet. LATEST PRICES OF SHARES, IN BANKS, ASSURANCE, AND OTIUN COM PANIES' STOCK. From Vie Official List, PUBLISHED EVERY TUESDAY AND FRIDAY EVENING, WM. safta ................ am0rri1k..................... - WORKS by ROBERT J. Curing-WELL. M.G. M. A G * 6 " One Shilling each. by post Oa" Awl Ai xpenca 0 N SINGLE and-MARRIED L.IFI (An Original Medical I.l. ( storf• i CONTENTS: ..4.7, n t—lf iS Analysis of the A ff ections—Early Convent . tonal IL-- - direction—Marital Anticipations and Realities— Matf:rnal Infinenee—Phe , omena of Gestation — •On.„,l'ltL,lic terms" ". '4O-s• Infertile Unions--Incougruous Alliances —Late =na,rrr - e .' Matches—Curiosities of Twenty-three Years' Me(..ined P 3 '-- - tc.&c. -Laws or Pa tern Ity ,i . 2. On CHASTITY and its INP.IINGEMEN Ttt (An Essay for 13.16.) "Of human ills and frailties I iiscourse, Those taught by nature, and IV" regaled. Of griefs couceal'd, and disappointments keen, Which young and gentle, the matured and sage. Tho lonely and thu mated—all sustain. In kindly spirit, herein counsel's gi'en• How health, - how hope, AOl4 happiness to Vain."' 3. WHAT to EAT, DRINK,and AVOID With Diet Tables for all Complaints. Contents :—How to ensure perfeet digs stion, tranquil fee l. '"_ good night's rest, a clear head, and a cm -dented mind. BY an' servance of the instructions herein contalia. (- the 'feeble. t ° N t, yously deice e, even to the most shatter ed co.ls Itution, reaYat"'" the greatest amount of physical happiness, full period of life allotted to man. .. How we should live—what eat, what drink, is hat shun, To reach in health full threescore years and tel .. sublects 0 These • interesting little volumes, although bearing a Pon -. i• mai ,a. very delicate import, as their titles implY, will be 101 lud t" ' ' crea• and ..'elto.li la health surable and general utility, for they tell of t iers'mater ev, iryliv.g., in tore able t, understand ought to know', but ,11 -Ju l f, rrn otr auj a egr these enlightened times, except that quit:tY proi ste el questionab a hamlets, is at a very terrible clibcount. "nthset In the exposltiodhereby offered of the till Row de" --,, ia ,t nature, ct human disappointments and their ways cif re:lel , ''' woo contended that every render shall bccorne his or tit Tow a phY_ t _ any more than their own Palsy., :"•„:• t it is insister- cipov t he law- , should know the _,,,„ whereby our existence and the issue thereof in their se- J eral il . e .. °::r i a l „o.l. ‘i th an states depend, the duties that arc expected of us in oir l lia . A eap:lefties in the family circle, and the terms on which the ._. happiness of the present and future race of mankind have. ito rely _, ,pines By such knowledge, and which is herein faithfully aa",,,,,-.aes tha health will be found to be in our own -keeping, and ,• 16P l 'inins within the attainment et all ; by the avallineut hereof srlal_...,s our duty to ourselves, we secure the lik e advantag,es on ot 6?_',P. — t e tc, follow, and finally by the cultivation of our faculties, iv l!f- 4 ,7"..,"' ina y onsistent with degenerate health, the mind aS well as the a 0" , ,, ha be exalted of God's creations. to the summit of perfection, as bast becomes I. itt migu , ids t tern writ ings. and the avowal of their integrity of PutP n ' e ' must be ' _ The author's justification for this seeming eulogY must -- u 4astite d d,at Ma by their perusal—his accredited qualigeatiois guarantoe ta• topics broached involve his legitimate study and igult ° •it 14 ; lo be had of Sherwood, 23, Paternostcr-rovr • Carvl sa in ; or Fleet-street ; Hannay, 63, Oxford street ; Mann, '39, C° -,ifie t, direct from the Author, 10, Argyle-place, Regent-street j i l y e . 90 J ia : Gat Marlborough-street), who may be advised Person ally t ill • Nine. matters daily till Three, and in the EV2Billg3 from Stave -----—---- - - - - - - - - - -----, • -. a „ „ 1 rpGoln t A POPULAR TREATISE en the HEALTH, LIP. — `' .....,„ of the BODILY FUNCNS. , ( ft s So." — NINETEENTH EDI wee by Test - 1 TION price 2s. 6d. ; THE slLENT Envelope) 3s. FRIENO* 'din-leans e t I.lel:to°rllag. t. on the loss of the reproductive powere , / 4 ' ion. The baneful effects Indulgence,. ~. ihtvirat _ ..a 1. .. condary Symptoms, graving. ; &c., are fully pointed nu'. 4 . sy 11,, sa Published by the Authors, and may followedby observations on iilarria6 • PERRY and Co., Consulting Surgeons, L o ndon. Medicgi ettat• reet ; Purls's, Compton-street, Soho ; Sold os by Strange, N Q Paternester Tow; street, and • - -ii, Roj al Exchange , and all hooksellers. e w t i o are m di e sq ar y a li f fic p a e t r i f o a n at s, a a a n a d ae w a ill et Part I. of this Work is articulari addressed to those r or cer prevented from forming, a MatrimonialpyAlLtance, thlc4ots h t!, ic tion to I the n howl n Partth e i r H. i ta t treats erg r Perspicuous!) upon those form s breersteournadtioainb el talvsn:alganbtiliretdhidi:rewujirrecia le.dniwthhiaraeir numkers who neglect to obtain competent in upon themselves secondary state, arisingGftored:l°llled4eiciall3; dal, oh Wing years of misery and suffering. ~, di: dyed 14 The CORDIAL BALM OF gYRIACUM is exclusive, a ear altn€ . the cure of nervous and sexual debilit irregulLuitY, Ice and tieSil renuess, loss of appetite, indi Y' eve ha 335. e z bet , cation consuMP 1 d 335, r ties arising ' from venereal excesses,g 'Price 116 4n &c. • anti' tie. The • Five-pourid eases may 3l be had as usu • _,-,E AN _ The CONCENTRATED DETERSIVE ESSEIs‘, * eo d ty ~.., 3 "- s a yp r l a dlitic remedy for searching out and puritY ing the 1 e An'''. -- 1 al e ce al contamination, scury blotches on the head, fac ~._,s „ . . _vest rations, and those painful ' ff arising from PopreP2 lls a ections _,, in . 5 went, seconder YsYmptoms, and all eruptions of the a. and 3' Ss. per battle. sm.. 4 , 4 6d-, I'ERRY'B PURIFYING SPECIFIC PILLS, Pri ce attic'"lire" andca Hs. p:r box, are the most effectual remedy for ,_ sizlo cs to flantmati !sc., Without nua on, irritation of the bladder, 0- business. ~.. is n ail of ci Consultation fee, if by Letter; 11. A minute det _ i de noel then . a cessary. _, _Y• Messrs. Perry are in daily attendance a' n till tgrOs -11 five till Oxford-street, London, from eleve till eight; and on Sundays from eleven till twelve. ilsnuay ar:CoB.tri:lll;:es, se. ------------------ a .4.si) o r y ta ON THE SECRET INFIRMITIES OF MATURITY. .„ cgc en e rica 1.7 wrrn TWENTY-P'IVE COLOURED A . enVetV, , _ r ....p., IP' Just published, Twentieth Thousand, In a S eal •rnstage 38 6 d• In , . 2s. 6d. .)r post paid, to any address, for • ,anise direct * from the Author's residence. A. Al &cal Tri IDS CIELP. PRESERVATION: e u _ , 3 f a t _ k_7 on the Secret Infirmities and Disorders Of Yonth:".„o,:rgtopns, illuerated with Twenty-five Coloured Plates_ o__ i n n nt we C hio Z i ng ' Physiology, and Diseases of the Urinary and Bel:_ ''';. and S c i otl lB explaining their various structures, the injuries that are produced in them, by solitarY habit . ent o f 2., 4 17 ,1, 0 he Trestm di was exc , sses. With Practical Observations on t _._,, othe r '% Debility, Local and Constitutional WeahnesS, and the Urethra. TING suRGEOIIs BY SAMUEL LA'MERT, CONSUL London; a , or Ad USOS, and fun. an, ~.00 9, Bedford -street, Bedford-senau:es,„,„burgb, LI Matriculated Member of the University of l" - i t , Licentiat e Member of the London Hospital llc Allca Apothecaries' Hall, London, &c., 80 * _......ATiss. CONTENTS or THE weo.riage, with its . ii 5...... CHAPTIR 1. On the Philosophy of 3481 ' u nroductive IJmo _ uei nr Generativ and Obligations, and on IntelicitouS A , T - hv,,eo;ogy of the 'Tea t CHApTER, 2. On the Anatomy and ,''..,-- • us , proving that lion, Organs, their functions, structures, and secr etl° , r , their earth} a' the Ilindranceg —CHAPTER 3. On Solitary Mental and Physical Power are dependant upc ..ious effects en cdo ns o f the f" ° the Animal Economy Lungs, oncealed cause of Debill, kness ~, gene t ai w ea r You ,, of the Stomach, and Brain, and gene- rders 0. _,,, Habits; their VI , Mental Faculties. CHAPTER 4. On the Secret Disc_ , __, waaltuer and Maturity, and the Treatment of Nervous and I 1" and 6. _ l 7 Mental Debility, and Premature Decay.—CitarrElla ' e. ,. 0 ,,,rbw" the Disorders arising from indiscriminate ExcesS, Gloet, Strictures, and other Diseases of the Urethra. lil l ' REVIEWS OF THE WORE. . gar git "The anther of this singular and talented work if R .&o, 0 fled medical mall, who has evidently had considerable uie Or the tee Atinent of the various disorders arising from the 1 ?..t.1e A I : frailties of early indiscretion. The engravings are an inviu . 01 3 `,. dition, by demonstrating the consequences of excesses, c n - e rao - act as a salutary warning to youth and maturity, and by its A 0 Sir many questions may be satisfactorily replied to, that admit I ' 14 peal, even to the most confidential friend."—Era. , . s ip Published by the Author, and may be had at his residence' IA - from Kent and Richards , 52, Paternoster-row; Hannay and. ''' ' l 44 Oxford-street, Starle, Tichborne-street, Quadrant; Gerag, l ' 01 Leadenhall-street, London; Newton, 16, Church-street. L W ''' . and by all Booksellers. d fret' home for Consultation daily, from Nine till T' c., Five till Eight ; and all letters immediately replied to , it ::::74 . 0 9- the fee of 11., for advice, &c.-9 BEDFORD-STREET BE''. IQUAltlt. LONDON -- f -,41. STEAM NAVIGATION AMONG T 11.9 S BORES Or g elOr —The Capri and the ireetlYio are new steam - of t he nav i g ation o f lately built in the Thames, for tl-e Mediterranean, and both are remarkable exam' ) ; s o what British. art and science can accomplish. The Cols' the property of the Neapolitan Steam Navigak il . _ a na pany, and are intended to run between 31-forsell;e_,' bia, 114alta, calling at Genoa, Leghorn, Civitit - V e r o t he Naples, Messina,and Syracuse bin - he Mongibell E 0 , ' rcolano, and Maria Christina, o to s it t English tourists as the best appointed in o' l , ,othe r ranean. One of them leaves—MarseilleB alja ,l7ol ! be Malta every week, and they stay one thlY at each of intermediate ports, giving the passeng ers I n a ls°lll.°4reg°:los :i f seeing them, Italy, and at the same time enjoying luxuries which bestthasewell as h inspecting the he , 7: 0 Vesuvio are built of iron, o h t y el D ea intc a hha o rn an, a s , l:l 6 re r , ooLne r ci ; are 180 feet long, 600 - d 220 41° ' -- f P.- tons, an m at aislo 0 00 the engines, double cylinder, are by Field • , and the speed of these vessels, 171itberto per hour, is beyond anything whick ba d fror o ‘, al : . been accomplished. Th - The Vesuvio i'ven hie W ~ lea mouth to Naples ' in seven days and 13 hours? to rap r can be performed; a less time that, the journey by land fr l a th a ctl'olC ce °3 i riiae : passenger who went entiarsille" remained a four daa s at Naples, one daY at ' .- h lelL i a i is4 F nd was in London on the twentieth clay ro i : the almouth, which we believe u Iralleled of . traveling. These vessels have s i ee pieg : flee° o in h e u , st tion for 180 passengers, and are fitted 1 1 P ' ll ,- t eeen s l,e 9 elegant and commodious manner. The salo boar d. ; `2l a drawing-room more than a cabin on shin i ; Are; panels are of maple wood, and the motl2'l7,rhs ria3o-11 carved in mahogany; the sofas are coverer:l,ll'loln figured velvet; the other furniture is MOP! Ay a 0- ing gang. This superb Lpartment is used toleiti--.. s leeL l • — mahger. There are two ladies' cabins, gai l liP C 10 ;4 cabin fur gentlemen, fitted up in an ecP ll3 l , - p . 6 'r e 7, f manner. Some idea of the style in which e'",:,:eacr A s are appointed may b.‘ formed from knowiag t•"" 1 1 10 ` .9 them has five hundred pounds' worth of Pl ate 'sar riir vessels have been built and fitted up under th e , o sse ra l e : tendence of Mr. Virgil Boni, the agent of thf 1 .100 111 :0 - who superintended also the Mon 'bell° and ":„. ate and who has been engaged in the Mediterranean 0 navigation since its introduction, in 1825. . ntia , 4 sl u e [ADVERTISE3IENT.] CURE or A BAD HOLLOWAY'S'",,,..- A OINTMENT AND PILLS Mrs• Warns! ',..°," f l r o f:p n l .o Spencer-street,George's-in-the-i — t I .l ' bad Dretr"e 11.'7' o , s , l . , a te 9 rable time, with several hard Min a ; ' ini a t ' ; abesideS tiiil'pli.llfs very much swollen and festered • the case altege t ' l jief- t Ticb desperate, that surgeons of eminence ' could afro rd her no re ent, _. Ointreedicle7 then had recourse to Holloway's celebrated Pills and soon cured her, and she is now as well as ever. These fin e w ' - ver ;id sovereign remedy for any sore and wounds , h°, l „t.s. 4 44 r standing, as also swellings, tumours, contracted or stiff P' n ot, - by all druggists, and at Professor Holloway's ESta bijsij- _.,,,,,.- Strand, London, .........................r. . th e BIRTHS. On the 22d inst., at Harrington-squ f a a re (la lt u eg t ll : 4Bl4 : oo o. wife of William Henry Wyatt, Es On the 23d inst., Mn.g Leech, of Finsbury I ;(ltra e ' °f t, tile On the 23d inst., in Abingdon-street, lady of 13. W. Holt, Esq_, of a daughter._...---*" ......--.' i.V. eStalioSte 4t , ii• MARRIED. R. Exw. v. "„ of On the 24th inst, at Bar w ick Church, by the --e 'of Trim, Incumbent of Sandford-Oreas, William Scott , ho t Downshire-hill. Haml stead, to Emily, eldest dellg i„,00, Robert Porter, Esq., of Barwick, near Yeovil. Ai tt " ter On the 22(1 inst., at St. Michael's, Esq., of Hans- place, Sloane-street, to .Jane, se con.. i i, Pimlico, Jek i n daa ff lh' of the late John Baber, Esq., of if ath Cottage, ! 3 _, llie fie lelj' t ie 44 On the 22d inst., at. St. Luke's, Chelsea, / i " tb, second daughter of the late Adrian Hardy lisiorsivise%:o F.L.S., to Mr. Tilden Chrismas, of Mountfieid-Park' Erede rj r On the 22d in s t., a t Ed gewor th, Gloucester, (layette Latimer, Esq., of lleadington, Oxon, to Mary An ne ' e 0 10 ' 1' of the late G. Jones, E sq ., o f R o dleys Manor kte ll ' ' cestershire, Georg ° ' DIED. On the 18th inst., at Fir-grove , Farnham• S, r lilaro Barlow, Bart., G.C.B. aged 84. g r°s.°' On the 20th i n st., M r . Richard Exley , o f T his Brompton, aged 27. s(l' On the 20th inst., at Richmond, Surrey R. Ramsai",t, s oce s On the 20th inst., at Sudbury-hill, Wing, aged 71. NficOle On the 14th inst ., at St. Germain-on-Laye, France, --: J. Morel, Esq., aged 81. . sc plar e ' On the 15th • . inst., in Great Ormond-street, Queull. II;rrow, MO xi Mrs. Jane Stu rges , age d 92. , g . te i r On the 19th inst., at G,sernsey, Katharine Jane, ualibely, of the Re v . H enry Curtis Cherry, Rector of Bu r g Barks, aged 14. ile i ' On the 19th inst., Major Blunt, formerly of the 67th eli lilt° ment. On the 20th inst., at Brompton, Elizabeth , relict of t Islington, Mr• O Charles Scott, Esq. On the 2lst inst., in Barnsbury-terrace, th T. Cardinal, aged 63. i rci- a On the 21st inst., Elizabeth, wife of W. Ward, Ab ba St. On aged 68. . o N o , o o O n n t t h h e e 2 2 1 1 , , t t . i i i i i i l s i t . : a l t V i. 1 1 0 V h a n if sv o o rd oti , , 1 7 . 11 i a . , t. orifeßealilli.)tujy:ir. ,0 o rb Charles Graham, E; ,, ed 32. „. ....,.' ,$, L -- - ---- --- - -'.------------"-- I. „r > o •Anci ozrt: i'rinted and rub:l:A:led by atURDO YOUNG; , ,n rrw - or Strand, Printer, at The Sun Office, N 0.112. stra nd, in to° irrldsi t of the savoy. in the County of liiddloseX. comber 25, 1846. LONDON, THURSDAY, XOINT-STOCIL Same of Company. tustralasia .......... Britshirorth American i'ommercial of London 'olonial ............ Londn and Westminstr London Joint-Stock aictropolitan Provilicidl of Ireland.. Ditto, New......... National of Ireland .. sat. Provncial of Eng. Ditto, Union of Australia.... Union of London... .. Dividend per Annum. 61. per cent. 51. per cent. 51. per cent. 51. per cent. 61. per cent. 61. per cent. 81. per cent. 81. per cent. 51. per cent. 51. per cent. Si. per cent. 6/. per cent. Si. per cent. INS UR. Name of Company. Albion .............. Mance trit. and For. Ditto Marine....... alas .. • • • • • British Commercial .. & Gen. Lice .............. Crown Eagle .. Eng. & Scot. Law • European Life ...... Fzecir..asons' ......... ciiobe • • • • ai IGuardian • imperial Fire ...; imperial Life Indemnity Marine.... Le•a' Life •..... Legal and General Life i.antion Fire •• •• • • ..ondon Ship ........ Marine.. .... • •- • • .. Y ed. Invlid & Gen. Life Fational Lean Fend National Life.... Calladium Life l'heenix . Protector Life.... Provident Lite • . • • .. Rock Royal Exchange - &in Fire.• Ditto Life Universal Life LIET or SCOT' Name of Company. dank of Scotland Royal Bank of Scotland British Linen Company Commercial Bank National Bank Union Bank of Scotland ' Western Bank North of Scotland Bank Clydesdale Bank • Eastern Bank Caledonian Bank Edinb.& Glasgow Bank Clity of Glasgow Bank . Scottish Union Ins. Co. Hercules Insurance Co. Insur. Co. of Scotlnd North British Insur. • Caledonian Fire Insur Edinburgh Life Insur Edin. & Glaag. Railway Ditto, IA Shares Edin., Leith, & Grantn Glasgw & Ayrshir Bail. Glasgw & Green ck Rail. 41sgw & Garnitirk Rail. Dundee & Arbroth Rail. Standard Life Ana rnce. I .NCE 0 Dividend per Annum. 31. 108 6 Ter cent. 61. per cent, 13s. 6d. pr sh. 7s. per share 51. per cent. 10s. 6s. 51. per cent. 5% per cent. 51. per cent. 61. per cent. 51. per cent. 61. and bonus 125. 11. sh. & bs, 11. ss. 10s. 10s. 51. per cent. 4'l. per et. ht. per cent. 81. per cent. 51. per cent. 3/. p. ct. & bs. 51. per cent. 1!. ss. 4s. 51. per cent. 61. 10s. 11. 6s. 10 3 4 t. pr cnt 'ISE CO Dividefid per Anituin. 61. per cent. 61. per cent. Si. per cent. 61. per cent. 61. per cent. 7%1. pr cent. 61. per cent. 61. per cent. 61. per cent. 51. per cent. 7%1. pr cent. 61. per cert. 51. per cent. 51. per cent. 71. per cent. Si. per cent. pr cent. 101. per cent. 61. per cent. 11.10 s. pert. 75.6 d. p. s. 20 0 0 100 0 0 10 0 0 200 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 12 10 0 20 0 0 7/.percent. 50 0 0 2/. per cent. 25 0 0 0/. per cent. 25 0 0 6/. per cent. 25 0 0 N. per cent. 50 0 0 DECEMBER 24 BANKS. Amount of Share. s. d. 40 0 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 25 0 0 100 0 0 10 0 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 20 0 0 25 0 0 50 0 0 IVIPAN; Amount share. s. d. 500 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 50 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 50 0 0 50 0 0 20 0 0 20 0 0 Stock. 100 0 0 500 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 25 0 0 25 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 20 0 0 100 0 0 50 0 0 20 0 0 100 0 0 5 0 0 Stock. :P.ANX: Amount of Share. X s. d Paid. I Pri, X s. d. 40 0 0 j 50 0 0 - 20 0 0 2. 25 0 0 20 0 0 10 0 0 7 10 0 25 0 0 10 0 0 20 0 0 35 0 0 10 0 0 25 0 0 10 0 0 X s. d. 50 0 0 75 11 0 0 18 5 0 0 5 0 0 15 50 0 7 2 10 0 10 10 0 0 50 0 5 0 0 20 0 3 All paid. 29 3 0 0 36 10 0 4! 50 0 0 131 10 0 0 - 5 13 1 31 10 0 0 2 0 0 12 10 0 1 , 12 10 0 I! 15 0 0 - 20 0 - 2 10 0 - 5 0 0 2 0 0 23/. 1 0 0 241. 10 0 0 2: 0 10 0 6 15 0 IS' PRICES. Paid. j Fri, X s. d 100 0 0 176 100 0 159 100 0 0 220 100 0 0 167 10 0 0 141.1 50 0 0 91 50 0 0 85 5 0 0 10 0 0 11 10 0 0 2 10 0 41.1 5 0 0 71. 10 0 0 131. 1 0 0 251, 10 0 0 i All paid. 10 0 0 2' 10 0 0 2! 12 10 0 II 50 0 0 7 All paid. I, 20 0 0 All paid. 61 All paid. 11 All paid. I 39 All paid. 37 1 210 0 9 Standard LifeAssernce.l N. per cent. 50 0 0 j 210 0 1 9 • CANALS. Names of e. ;Dividend 1 Price. Names of '1 Dividend per Companies. per Companies. A Annum. Price, Annum. to - - X ishtn& Oldh 97,51.55. p c - Monmouthsh 100 81. - Ashby-d-la-Z 113' 41. - 3lntgomrysh 100 51. - Ilarnsley.... 160 121. - Macclesfield . 100 - Basingstoke.. 100 - - - Neath •• • 100 171. - Brknk&Abrg 150 5/. - Nottingham. 150 12/. - Cromford 100 141. - Peak Forest .78 31. 75 Dudley lOO 41. - Regent's .... 33 1/. ss. 20% Derby ••• • • 100 6/. - Rochdale.... 85 41. - Ellsmre&Chs 133 41. 55 Shropshire • 125 81. - E:ewash - • 100 321. - Somrset Coal 150 71. 10s. - Forth & Clyd 100 41. - Do.Lk Fd St 12 61. p. c. - randJ unctn 100 71. 83 Stffrd &Worc 140 281. - t.• rand Union 100 1/. 10s. - Shrewsbury.. 125 15/. - Glarnorgnsh . 1721 13%1. - Stourbrldge.. 145 20/. 315 , listr&Brkly .001 - - Strtfrdon Av 79 11. 10s. - .I,rantham 1501 121. - Severn and Wye Rail. 26 1/. Bs. - fludderstield. 571 - Kennt & Avli 39 7s. 6d. 5 Trnt & Mr-) 50 301. Lancaster 47 1/. 10s. - sey, sh. " Leeds& Livrp 100 341. 522 1 4 Thams &Med 19 - - Leicester 78 21. 43 Leicstr &Nth 83 1 4/. 52 Birming. Loughborogh 1421 701. - Wilts & Brks 67 11. - DOCKS. Dividend Amount Name of Company. Per of I Paid. Price. Annum. I Share. X s. d. X s. d. Commercial ......... 3/. per cent. Stock. SO East and West India ..• 61. pr cent. Stock. East Country f 3ndon SL. Katharine •••• • • • • 5 per cent. Stock. 99% Southampton •••• • • • • 1/. per cent. ,50 0 0 50 0 0 31VILT.ER-WORX.S. Dividend Amount Name of Company. per of I Paid. Price, Annum. Share. £ a. d. East L0nd0n.......... 84 100 0 0 —, 205 Grand Junction •• .. •• 31. 10s. 41 13 4 90 Kent...........• •• • • 21. 10s. 100 0 0 Vauxhall •. • ......... 51. per cent. 100 0 0 West Middles° . • . 61.5s.prent. 63 12 9 130 RAILWAY SHARE MARKETS. LIVERPOOL, DZCEMBER 24. STOCK ExcHANGE.-The market for railway stocks has shown increased firmness to. day, prices generally better, and very little stock offering in the market. The sales are- Chester and Birkenhead, 50%-East Lancashire, New, 3%- Ditto, New (scrip), 1 9-16 p.-Eastern Counties, 23-Edin burgh, Leith, and Granton, 20 1 4-Ditto, Preference, 21- London and North-Western, 193-Ditto, Quarters, New, 13% p.-Manchester and eeds Extension, 1% p.-311d land, New, 5 1 4 p.-North Union (A), 225-Ditto (13), 155- Sheffield and Manchester, Quarters, No. 1, 3 3 / 4 p.-South- Eastern and Dover, No. 1,4% p.-Ditto, New, No. 4, 7-16 p.-York and Newcastle, 38-Ditto, New, 5% p.-York and Selby (East and West Riding), 13 1 / p.-Ditto, New, 12% p.-Belfast and Ballymena, 6 3 4 dis.-Dundee and Perth, 7% p.-Ditto, New, 7 ', p.-Edinburgh and Northern, New 251. Shares. 2% p.-Great Grimsby and Sheffield, Ex tension, 1 1 4 dis.-Huddersfield Canal and Railway, 4 p.- Leeds and Thirsk, New, par-Ditto, Preference, 1% p.--kre bergate and Eastern Junction, 3-16 p.-Birkenhead, Lanca shire, and Cheshire Junction, 1 5-16 p.-Birmingham and Oxford Junction, 9% p.-Boston, Stamford, and Birming ham, % p.-Buckinghamshire, 1-16 p.-East Lincolnshire, 1 1-16 p.-Glasgow and Dumfries, 1% p.-Liverpool, Man chester, and Newcastle Junction, par-London and York par -Ditto, Direct Northern, % dis.-Newry and Warren point, 34 p.-North Staffordshire, 4% p.-Shrewsbury and Hereford, % dis.-Shrewsbury and Birmingham (A), 2% p . -Ditto (B), 11 /s p.-Shropshire Union, 1 4 dis.-Sheffield and Lincolnshire, 3 / 4 dis.-West Riding Union, 1 15-16 p. MANCHESTER, DECEMBER 24. STOCK EXCHANGE.-The sales are-Ambergate, Nottin g .. ham and Boston, 1-16 p.-Birkenhead, Lancashire, an d Cheshire 7-16 p.- Birmingham and Oxford Junction, 9% -Blackburn, Clitheroe, &c., % dis.-Boston, Stamford, and Birmingham, 9-16 prem.-Buckinghamshire, par-Eastern Counties, Perpetual, No. 2, 7-East Lancashire, 3 1 4 p.- Ditto, New (scrip), 1 9-16 p.-Flectwood, Preston, and West 2,._ 1% 1 Riding, 3-16 p.-Glasgow and Dumfries , Hudders field and Manchester Railway and Canal, 4 4 p. -Leeds and Thirsk, Preferentials, p.-Liver pool, Manchester, and Newcastle Junction, ac. dis.-Man chester and Leeds Extension, 1% P. - Manchester, Bolton, and Bury Extension, 1 1 4 p.-North Briti s h Quarters, 21P. -Ditto, Extension, p.-Ditty, Thirds, 2 15-16 p.-North Staffordshire, 4 3-16 p.-Northern Counties Union, 1 1 4 die. Oldham Alliance, Ti p.-PrestOn and Wyre, Halves (A), 2% p.-Shropshire Union, % dis.-South-Eastern and Dover, No. 4, 7.16 p.-Waterford, Wexford, and Valentia, 235. dis. -West Riding Union, 2 1-16 p.-York and Newcastle, Pre ference, 5% p. LEEDS, DECEMBER 24. STOCK Excifarrox.-Business has considerably increased since our last, with steady prices, but yesterday and to-day a decided movement for advance has taken place, which promises to be well supported. Leeds and Thirsks, London and Yorks, Malton and Driffi Westerns, elds, North North Staffords, Sheffield, Rotherham, and Gooles, Dovers, York and Newcastles, and Manchester and Birminghams, are all in demand at improved rates. The North British arrange ment is not yet brought to a close : indeed, it is said a diffi culty has arisen i n determining th e' proportionate value at which the latter class of shares are to be taken. This has made them duller than they otherwise would have been. Callsfor the new projections are 113 W making with rapidity, but the money is brought forward much better than many people expected. The sales are-Ambergate, Nottingham, and Boston, par--Birmingham and Oxford Junction, 9 1 / 2 p.- East Lancashire, New, 3 1 % p.-Ditto, Scgip, I% p.-East Lincolnshire, 265. c. p.-Huddersfield and Manchester, 4 c. p. -Leeds and Dewsbury, 10 c. p. c. n.-Ditto, Halves, 61/ 2 c. p. c. n.-Leads and Thirsk, 10s. p. c. n.-Ditto, Now, % p. c. n.-Ditto, Preference, 325. p.-Malton and Driffield Junction, 265. c. p.-Manchester and Leeds Extension, 1% p.-North British, Thirds, 3 p.-Ditto, Quarters (late Car lisle Branch), 495. p.-Ditto, Extension (scrip), 17s. 6d. p. -North Staffordshire, 4 1 4 p.-North-Western, 16s. p.- Sheffield, Rotherham, and Goole, 17s. 6d. p.-Direct Northern, 55. 6d. dis.-Leeds, Wakefield, and Midland, lie. dis.-London and York, ss. dis.-West Riding Union&s. 6d. HULL, DECEMBER 24. STOCK EXCHANGE.-The sales are-North British, Quar ters, 722.-Ditto, Thirds, 58s. p.-Fleetwood, P r e s t on , an d West :Ridi ng , 1 4 p.-Great Northern (London and York), 2%-Leeds and Thirsk, par c. pref.-Ditto, New, % di s .- North Staffordshire, 4 1 4 p. GLASGOW, DECEMBER 23. STOCK EXCIIANGE.-The sales are-Aberdeen, 251.-Air drie and Bathgate, 875.-Ayr and Galloway, 275. 6d.-Cale donian, New, 518. Gd.-Caledonian and Dumbartonshire, 435. 6d. cum int.-Direct Northern, 465.-Dundee and Arbroath, 45/.-Dundee and Perth, 29 %-Ditto, New, 15/.-Dunblane, Doune, and Callender, 275.-East of Fife, 505.-East Indi an Railway, 11s. 9d.-E as t L ot hi an Central, 445. 6d.-Edin burgh and Glasgow, Halves, 211.- Glasgow General Terminus, 121-Glasgow, Kilmarnock, and Ayr, 6 8 3 4-Ditto, Halves, S%-Glasgow, Dumfries, and Carlisle, 6 1 %-Glasg ow and Greenock, la-Ditto, Preference, 358.-Glasgow,•Kilmar nock, and Ardrossan, 955.-Glasgow, Airdrie. and Monk land Junctioe, 735.-Great North of Scotland, 575. 6d.- Great Indian Peninsular, 6 5.-Kilmarnock and Ayr Direct, 565.-Madras, Nellore, and Arcot, 3s. 3 d.-Manchester and Southampton, 31s. 6d.-Midland, Halvei. 6%-North British, Thirds, 795.-Ditto, New Quarters (scrip), 325.-Scottish Central, 2 1:Y.-Scottish Grand Junction, 16 , 4.-Stirliugshire and lqidlata Junction, 506. 6d. ----- Viscount and ViacogiaLs,s Pending arrived at Far rance's Hotel, Upper Be'gra ve- street, yesterday, from St. Leonard's-on -sea, IRISH BANKS OF ISSUE! It appears by the return of the Irish Banks of Issue, which appeared in the Morning Chronicle of Monday, that the total average circulation of the Bank of Ireland for the period embraced in the return has been lessened by 55,975/. as compared with that for the previous four weeks; and the average amount of gold and silver held by the Bank shows a decrease of 13,111/. from the last return. The Provincial Mills's circulation has been lessened by 21,221/. ; and the bullion has been increased by 21,2891. Belfast Banking Company—Average circulation, in creased by 23,882/. ; bullion increased by 35,0301. Northern Bank—Average circulation, increased by 4,6251. ; bullion increased by 3,4831. Ulster Bank—Average circulation, increased by 29,7711. ; bullion increased 30,8011. National Bank—Average circulation, increased by 15,9521. ; bullion increased by 9,4281. Carrick•on-Suir National Bank—Average circulation, lessened by 1,310/. ; bullion increased by 843/. Clonmel National Bank—Average circulation, in• creased by 7,0481.) bullion lessened by 3,2341. VICE REGALCOURT.—His Excellency the Lord. Lieutenant entertained the following party at dinner yesterday evening, at the Vice Regal Lodge :—The Ladies Ponsonby, Mr. and Lady Maria Ponsonby, Hon. General Ponsonby, Mr. H. Ponsonby ; Mr., Mrs., and Miss Fortescue ; Sir William Somervill, Col. Browne, Mr. Hervie, Mr. Hayden, Lord Dankellin, aid-;le-camp in Waiting. REDUCTION OF THE TEA DUTIES.—The Belfast Chamber of Commerce has resolved, by an unanimous vote, upon memoralising her Majesty's Government for a reduction of duties upon tea. DESTRUCTION OF SHANNONVA LE MILLS.—A report is current in town that these mills, the property of the Messrs. Allen, were destroyed by fire last night. If true, this unfortunate event is at the present crisis, and in the present melancholy position of the poor of that district, a national calamity. The benevolent owners of these concerns were actively engaged in doing everything to alleviate the distress of those around them, and were, when the fire took place, about to bring round a cargo of barley for the supply of the wants of the poor in that district. We have mrparticulars of the occurrence, but we give the sti.tement as we have had it. It is said 8,000 barrels of wheat were consumed.—Cork Examiroi:r. DISTILLATION F itO3I GRAIN.—At a general meeting of the Belfast Chamber of Commerce, held on Saturday. after a lengthened conversation regarding the means of supply and amount of demand for food in these kirg doras, it was considered that our present state and pros pects imperatively call for the precaution of every economy in its use ; and it was unanimously resolved that a memorial be forwarded without delay to the Trea sury, fram the Chamber of Commerce of Belfast, pray ing, under existing circumstances, for a temporary pro hibition of the use of grain in distilleries and breweries. An address to the Mayor, asking him to call a town meeting for an early day, to consider the subject, has ob tained numerous and influential names, and been most generally signed. DISTRESS IN IRELAND. The following are the most prominent passages of a letter addressed to Lord John Russell by Dr. M'llah : " St. Jarlath's, Tuarn, Dec. 15, 1846. t" Dignus imprio . . si non imperasset.'—TAcrrrs. "'Had he not the misfortune to rule, he would have been deemed deserving of empire.' " My Lord,—This sententious contrast between the hopes of the aspiring Cm'ar, and the disappointment in flicted by the reigning emperor, is but too applicable to those statesmen whose talents, so hopeful in opposition, seem to be blighted on their attainment of political power. Within the brief interval of twelve months, two remarkable letters have appeared, bearing your Lordship's signature. The one boldly promulgated the sound doctrine of free trade, and expressed a generous sympathy with the destitution of the Irish people, which was but light compared to the famine with which they are now afflicted. The other was so chilling as to have filled those with despair whom it would have been wisdom to console—among whom hunger now rages with such terrible activity, that it is consigning to the grave its daily victims. The one was the studied essay of a popular candidate for the distinctions of office, the other was the cold and conventional language which was borrowed from the political ritual of preceding prime ministers. It was on buoyant hopes inspired by the lan guage of the first your lordship was borne to your pre sent responsible position; and should you persevere in a line of policy towards a suffering nation accordant with the cold-hearted sentiments contained in your second letter, it requires no extraordinary prescience to predict that it will assuredly prove the precursor of your political fall. "By one of those awful calamities with which Provi dence sometimes visits states and nations, five millions of people, forming an integral portion of a flourishing and mighty empire, and entirely deprived of food, arc con signed to all the horrors of famine. The Prime Minister is naturally and rightfully appealed to to relieve the suffering part with an equitable application of the wealth of the entire body, and he replies to them to look to them selves, and to rely on their own resources. Self-reliance is a fine theme when sufficient for any crisis ; but to tell a people to supply themselves with food, when both food and means ofj procuring it are gone, appears like the requisition to the Hebrews to make bricks without ma terials. And does your Lordship, too, advocate, by this singular letter, the nullity of the Imperial union ? For forty-six years the people of Ireland have been feeding. those of England with the choicest produce of their agri culture and pasture—and while they thus exported their wheat and their beef in profusion, their own food became gradually deteriorated in each successive year, until the mass of the peasantry was exclusively thrown on the potato. New improvements in agriculture were projected, scientific reforms in the rearing and feeding of cattle were discussed and adopted ; but to the mass of the people the practical fruit of these improvements was a fresh interdict of the use of flesh, meat. or of flour, and a further extension of the dominion of a less nutritive kind of that same vegetable, to the exclusive use of which they were inexorably doomed ! "No matter ; a cry of Irish prosperity was raised by those who were enabled to subject the growers of corn te the uniform consumption of an inferior quality of fond ; and the same cry was re-echoed from the shores of Eng land, gladdened - with the abundance with which its in habitants were supplied, careless of the misery of which that abundance was productive in Ireland, and losing sight altogether of the dietary destitution, which, during the spring and summer months, its people were uniformly fated to endure. The English Legislature was not un grateful to the Irish landlords for those exporting ser vices, so beneficial to the English population, and in re turn for the increased quantity of the nobler food, which alone they would consent to make use of, it furnished them with facilities of seizure of crops and ejectment of tenantry never known before the union ; so that if any of the peasantry should become too fastidious for the use of potatoes, or aspire to the interdicted food of flesh, meat, or flour, destined to swell the rent-rolls of the one, and feed the petted population of the other, they were sure to be summarily driven from their tenements for not raising further food for export, and reproached with utter ignorance of the very elements of agriculture. On the expulsion of the tenantry to the skirtings of the moor, cattle shows became all the rage in Ireland, and meetings were held to witness and applaud the success ful zeal with which Irish graziers could supply with still larger quantities of beef, and pork, and mutton, the in creasing demands of the English people. The animals were exhibited—not such an exhibition, however, as when the animals passed in review before him who was constituted by their common Creator the lord of the earth as well as of all its animal productions. In these exhibitions, this order appeared reversed, and whilst the neglected condition of the poor peasantry showed the estimation in which they were held, the unnatural di mensions of those pampered brutes would indicate that they were looked on as the beings which shared to the greatest extent the kindred sympathies of their owners. Such, with a few benevolent exceptions, was the spirit that guided those cattle exhibitions. " In a great national chastisement, all must in some degree be involved ; and though many of the poor are made victims, perhaps from the want of due resignation, and to teach them that there can be still deeper misery than that which they endured, the entire destruction of the potato crop reads an awful lesson of the cruelty of which that aliment has been made an instrument. It was intended by the Almighty as a valuable adjunct of human sustenance to his creatures—it has been abused by man as an instrument of rapacious wealth, of dire oppression, and of national degradation. Its destruction sho SFS what some seemed ignorant of—that the interests of all are identified ; that one class cannot permanently flourish, and another be abandoned to decay; and that the people cannot be pushed to the verge of starvation with out landlords and rulers sharing in all the perils of their position. The perishing potato is the most formi • dable agitator the oppressors of the people had ever vet to wrestle with. But, though the transition to the full harvest will be severe, it will become, in the hands of Providence that caused the decay, the fructifying seed of our national regeberation. " Such is now the frightful state of this country, brought on, as it were, by a systematic collusion be tween the Irish landlords and the English Legislature, and to which Ireland never would have been reduced had she the protection of a native Parliament. The famine has not, it is true, directly sprung from the Union. But severe as it is, it would not be so fatal if Ireland had not been rendered too feeble to cope with the calamity by the emaciating process to which it had been previously subjected. As it is then an in contestible truth that it is to the Union our present un prepared and destitute condition is to be traced, we have a strict right, without any imputation of injustice or mendicancy, to large grants, proportional to the crisis, from the Imperial Exchequer. Whilst we supplied you with our abundant produce, we were as dear and as cherished a portion of the empire as Yorkshire, or any other shire in England. Nothing 100 0 Ms. Paid. 1' In a Thi ll' e t Cot; ieta L444 4 1)4 "qtly der 11 the (1 th At T blt bi nt 4 4 4rtiriu to m te ar s e ,41, t tre ; 11 1 , 11 ? 211„ .. li a The 1 ° th ..........e.