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

4 0NEY and COMMERCIAL NEWS (From The Son of last Night.) The sales of Cotton at Liverpool yesterday were 5,000 bales, of which 2,500 were American on speculation. There was no alteration in prices. Shares were rather higher. Speculation in Cotton at the port above named i 3 now exceedingly flat indeed. It app etrs to be a settled point that the directors of the East India Company, and the Board of Control have grant, d the concession of the first line of railway to be coin:fleeced in India to the East India Railway Company, t he managers of which, after incorporation, are to have the power of t.xtending branches in those directions from Calcutta which may receive the sanction of the Indian Government. Interest at the rate ce.' four per cent., is to be guaranteed, and the Government of India are to have power to purchase the lines out and out, at the current value of the day. At first the East India Railway Coirpiny are to pre - vide a Capital of three mi:lions sterling. There are not any late arrivals announced in the City Many in mercantile circles, especially connecte Itith the East India trade, have recently heard with re gret of the suddin death of Mr. James Wilkinson, the Indigo broker. Having on many occasions availed our aelves of the information practically possessed by him, annexed we give a remarks contained in a strictly corn raerciatcontemporary, believing in sincerity that the Picture drawn of the deceased is not overcoloured "Died on the 15th inst., James Wilkinson, of Leaden -441 -street. He was a native of Yorkshire, and as well k nown and respected by the manufacturers of that tin dustrious district as he was in London. For many lean his monthly circulars have been quoted for corn 14ercial information by journals of all parties. :His at tachment to the late William Cobbett is well known, and be have oft e n h ear d hi m re p ea t th e pl easure he felt at t ihe Predictions of his prototype with regard to the 4of the potato and introduction of Indian corn I nto Ireland. Mr. Cobbett called the potato the soul ritbasing root ,' an d ascr ib es to i ts genera l use th e degra tion of that unfortunate country. Mr. Wilkinson ; ? as himself averse to potatoes as a substitute for better , t)° d• yet at the moment of his death he was engaged in ,t ;I! purchase of a cargo to ship to Ireland, at the in r°lnce of a Noble Lord with whom he had recently hued an acquaintance. In fact, whether with the birth, man, the merchant, or the man of noble t l r ..th, his demanour imparted cheerfulness and c0n ,72. Like Cobbett, Mr. Wilkinson entertained "'rung opinions in favour of his countrymen, hence his t i t Position to Cobden at the Anti-Corn-law meeting in it e Guildhall ; for, although in favour of free trade, ilkinson felt that native produce should have the Preference over foreign, and maintained the injustice of l ing malt, hops, &c., whilst foreign produce was im r?rted duty free. Mr. Wilkinson was a good statistician, i t ci the pri nc ip a l officer of that department at the Board . 4 Trad e h as p u bli c ly d ec l are d t h at hi s i n f orma ti on was be depended upon. W e must not forget to mention that among st his numerous acts of public usefulness, the re e is one to which the maritime interest are much in debted, namely, the alteration in the adrneasurement of me rchant vessels ; and in assisting to effect this great nge, he had the proud satisfaction of seeing our own ssels made equally, if not better, adapted for speed of stow age to the ships of other nations. The subject r these remarks devoted his time more to the advance ment of the public weal, than his own pecuniary advan se, which, with the changes in trade, brought him ti) *(l from the pinnacle of greatness in his profession, ki ci rcumstances when money had lost his influence with 04 e l. . vi • He has, however, brought up respectably a numer- Li: family, mostly sons, some of whom follow him in b : established business. He died without a struggle, trently in a tranquil state." v T he Consul M a rk e t h as b een ver y fi rm thi s morn i n g ito 94 for the Account. At th e same ti me it m ay t ku l"ted that but few investments for cash have been in the Stocks now open. There has b ee n an bvld movement in the premium upon Exchequer reii!l, the val ue o f w hi c h i s now a t 12 s . B an k S toc k h as N it, d to 206. The New Three-and-a-Quarter per T . • have been quoted at 958. k e le Foreign Fund s are rather i n more reque st. A or " t 'ean for the Account have been sold at 241; the th e l tl'uese Four per Cents. are at 36 for the Account; aadTeree per Cent. Spanish at 388; the Dutch Two too-11alf p er C ents . are at 60 1 ; t or t h e A ccount at V e tted the Four per Cent. Certificates at 94. t4 l .!th the exception of the North Staffordshire, and bri 4 ilst India Railway Shares, the market has not been ' 0 day. The quotations are annexed. ~' Ph re ONE CLOSING PRICES. ilit hk „S OF BRITISH FUNDS. O'CLOCK. a tock .205 206 206 x. Per 0 qo w ,-iellt. Reduced Anns 94 1 4 il 94% 95% tot "4 per Cent. Annuities 96 95% 934 ton g Annuities to expire Jan.lB6o 9 7 4 4 4; 8 4 0 18 for Opening 12 p e quer Bills, 1000/. I%cl. ••• 11 8 12 p D itto, 500/ — ' t to. Small ONE CLOSING O'CLOCK PRICES 87% 24 24% 381/2 F k e 11,, OF FOREIGN FUNDS. 4.4411ian Bonds '?scitn, 5 per Cent. 1846 — 24% ? unto, Account D i tto, Bonds, 4 38 D per Cent R.. to. Account ••• •••••• ***** —. 'Pal.lish 5 per Cent. 1840. ••;•• 36% Ditto 3 per Cent. •" Ditt o , Account . 37% 37% 0 7/ Du tch 2 1 Divid par Cent ends on the above payable in London. 6°3/I, 4 . / 60 3 4 itto, A ccount tto. 4 p pr Cent. Certificates 603 92 3 / 93 1 4 93 1 4 itto Bonds .••• 9 2 14 92 1 4 It., P itteEs OF BUSINESS DONE CLOSING ,•L'cirk... 'PAID. AT ONr. O'CLOCK. PRICES. kb e _, x SIIARES 25% 1 _ rue en .. 25 'nber., Nott., Boston, 3 4 end Eastun Junction 254.. 2%3/, Tagi l , C o l era ine, and 2 1%... .. _ _.c - ortrush vMast & County Down 4 3 / 4 ..... trningharn and Dudley 425. .. .. 6 p Alin. and Gleuceste r 100 1 28 t.uitto New 17% •" it nl, Ingham and Ox tail. Junction 11:—"entieed, Lancashire, 41141. Cheshire Junc.... 2 3 / 4 — hri4Stamfd, & Birm. 225. ,• 1 7 5 - r,_,llitt e ‘si Exeter 75 ...nst oi ...` •••cw Bristol 'LA Gloucester... 30 kleltin,,,,,cl Liver. June... 2 1 / 2 -- eled, Yiarnshire B itto ril t_r 44 ,,, 3O . .... 2 9 %% b. t - .481 r hares._... 21 / i 2%••• ...... •"*. tl. l to, c lYdesdal e June 25 - 2 7% t h , rnet ••• and Blythe.-- 2 tkelter and Manchester 425. — treltexharn and Oxford 2 . o nce . ............. ....100 h • Ist Class, 6 per Ct. 10 _ D 0• 2d Class, 5 per Ct. 10 ...... 'O. Government Loan, i,Tiper........ ... ....., t ( 1 Killarney ... 1 2 1 ,4 . .. . ...... t.,-.tit an d Waterford ... 11,4: ..... "„nwall 44"itto, Half Shares .............. : ...... ... .... 'tett Lincoln, East Ret- _ bintd,and Sheffd. June. 2% - ............. 2% 214% ......... - hltect Northern 1 6,4rectN'orwich b il l/ h l ,!il and BelfastJunc l2 1 2 ' ... ........... t - " 1 3 , Belfast, and o • 1) eraine _ ............... t a ,, 114 .1a1k & Enniskillen 10 23% ... ............ - h rrne u t• l4l. 16s 440 N un 168 121. 16s — b., ew ,40 Peetual, 5 per ~vent, No. 1....... 6/.135. 4d... to ditto, N 0.2... 61. 13s. 4d... 3 5/ % t it, h., York Extension.. 2 •••••• / 8 tast. Ler einn andNor'ch 1 "' l ll U ' b it WWI t h_lto, Quarter Shares 10 • -1,). Ext en.(llarwich) 1% — 4 4,t .; Canal). and Ely.. 2 %•••••• DotLae h. , es hire 14 40 New :, dn. (late Preston ,Do`.4d Ormskirk)... .. 5 ..... 8% ................. tt 7 ! I n., New Scrip... 1 1 4 tkit .„tneolnshire . ..N s 11 4•••••• E 4, West of En and 1%.••••• bei„bilrgh and Glas l gow 50 ...... 761/2 b i n' , Half Shares ... 10 ttdini:'°, Quarter Shares 12% .•-•• —• dinbUrgh &Northern.. 12 1 ,i — ••• ........ ".. kly gh and Perth... 3 ... •• tn :-'" fiUntingdon 121' •••••• ... t..ll4ltillen and Dorset ... 21'2 -- j ete r , Ye ( • *** i, afig o,.. >vd,& 2% Ditt,'"lmar.,& Ayr 50 ...... Gb ~ iNlew • 15 *, 14 Shares (5 per ~eeut• guar.) ... ...... 121 ••• bs:e, Eoncaster, &c . 2 ...... ... gre,r4tt ,e.stlve.rn Western. 2% — .... ... •••• •• 4(lrrantlil.and West. _ eat .. _ ............. 27% bf_ altlnster ...... 2% gftat North of • S. cotlan .... d . mrbieattobTolsirtehwof E ngland..100 ..... ......... ti t to _ ............... 5 - (;motto' Ne w •.. ........ 15 .....• ........ " 2 q...... 28% ''• • • t*Ne ......... ... 1% 126 bi„ ester, .......... 85 126 73 D itto li Shares .... :50 17 1 4 Ditto t° shares .. 10 ,„2,„.. ......... 29% 1,14%151ns .......... 20 631 qukierrA evf ......... .. 2 -- illbit* Ueld & Manch - es. 13 •••••• 8 0 , Eat • •—• an., ension ...... 3 .... Do . /.? 84 1, by ............ 50 51% ,_ Ditt„ - a`f Shares ...... 25 23 1 ,4 4 Pttei v - i ," -$ Share s .. .. 12% D o -•"' "‘ bury St. Edna. 14 1 "' Latu:2_ 6 _ 4s °;, and Norwich 5 ...... 4% , 0;7 6 ,1; wand Carlisle... 5Q i 'eod lt e ............... 5 +•e1e,4,141 Bradford Leed s It, and Bedford.., 16s. — Do'iyewsbnry, &c.... 22% —•• ........ •-• De,?i,uritnell( (Blue) ~,, 2% ......... -.... te„,_',xtension(Green) 2 th.. tir2ilnd Thirsk ......... 17% 161% , b tto, New ... 5 et*,' prefer, p 6. pe .... r . iii .3% 4% ~._..ainchst r& Ne . w • 1.517t1e J unction ... 2%•••••• - N.111441(1 Blackwell. 161. 13s. 4d . , Dit to r •. •... 3 ..... ...... "" 5 •-•ol4loo:';irtFtl.SiOn ~.... 7%...... - • So4t„U ihton, and 59 Dote,Du Coa st,L. .... .. ..... 50 .. .. 59% 59 47% if-th3* ......... 40 ...... 48 47% ~ D e. c,°nBol. Eighths.. 10 - ••• • +Aldo s'uarant. 5 per et. 9 h...l...l4lldGregnivich 12/ 15s4d j.,`'n'a) 11.ereference ...18/17s 2d — • _ sc,e, Hounslow, and ( .44,1 ( i ort i rn, ............ ... 2 D e. n a nd •N. Westernloo . 195 194 D o ' cu arters .. ..... ~. 2 Ditto ci,9.... New ......... 2 o. ails ..... ... 2 A Shares (G. J.) 5 .•• 194 k 154 191 A, Do 40/. Shares( L. M.) Do. 404 (M. & B. ) ... 40 Do. 107. E . 1. & B.) A. 5 Do. 10/. (M. & B.) B. 5 Do. 10/. (ill. , & B.) C. 1 London, Oxford, 'and C'-ultenhain on i. & S.WestPrn 41/ N 10d 63 62% Do. New Omsol. Bths 40 D.). Ne-v 1)o. N'HW Ditto Tenths . ... .. 5 Ditto Tenths ... ..... 4 Ditto Scrip Ditto ditto ... ... .... 4 L •rinn ..,-, ' V.. k ...... .. 2 1 4.... Do. Extension London, Salisbury, and Yeovil Londonderry&Coleraine 15 Londonderry and Ennis killen l5 — Lynn and Ely Lynn and Dereham :5 — 1T anchester and Leeds .. 82 Ditto is Shares Do. Quarters 2 .... 67/ 8 .•• Do. Fifths 5 . . 10 , 4% .. Do. Sixteenths 64 - Do. Extension 42s. 1%% p ll/2 p Do. Liverp. and Bury 24 - - Do. do. Fifths ..... .... 1 - - Manchester,Buxton,and Mat10ck....... 425....... 1 1 / 4 p l l /4 P Manchest. & Southampt. 2 Midland lOO 129 128...... l2B Do. Fifths 2 - - Do. NeW - Ditto, gew Do. Birm., and Derbyloo - Midland Great Western Irish l5 Newcastle and Berwick 20 Do. North Shields ... 25 - Newcastl e andCarlisle...loo - Newmrket &Chesterfrd 5 - Newport& Abergaveuny 2%...... - ... - Newry and Enniskillen 7 - ... . ..... - Newry, Warrenpoint, and Rostrevor 5 - •• ......... ••• ...... Norfolk lOO - •••• • 129 Ditto Half Shares .. 9 Do. Extension - - Northern Counties Union 2% North British ... ..... ... 25 Do. Half Shares Do Quarters Do. Extension Ditto Thirds Northern and Eastern... 50 Do. Scrip (issd. 5 dis.) 45 - - Do. Quarter Shares... 12% - - Do. New - North Staffordshire 5 ----- 91 /06% North Wales - .. •• Northern and Southern Connecting - North Western .. 2% - .....„ Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton - Oxford, Witney, and Cheltenham.... - Portsmouth Direct 3% - Preston and Wyre 25 - Do. 1 ,4 Shares - Reading, Guildford, and Reigate 3/. 12s. - dis. Richmond l5 - Royston and Hitchen ... 1% - Scottish Central - ••• ......... •• Scottish Midland 12% 14% . ..-. ....... Sheffield & Manchester 100 - •• •• Do. Quarter Shares... 8 ___ - 9% 14, Do. Lincolnshire June. 1 1 % — Do. & Great Grimsby. 10 Do. do. Extension 425. Shrewsbury and Bina._ 3 .... Ditto ditto, Class B. 1 1 4 2% Shropshire Union South Devon 4O South StatfordshireJunc. 2'/2 - o •th Eastern & Dover. 33% ; 3 9 3% 3 9 3% Do., No. 1... 1)o., NG 2. Do., No 3 - ••• •••• •••• D0., No. 4 St.Alban's, Hattield,and Hertford Junction ... 425. — •.•• StatTordsh. & Shropshire 2:% South Wales 5 Swans. & Loughor & Ca- s '/s .... dis moron's Stri. C0a 1.... 2 Taw Vale Extension ... 2 ••• •• ****** Vale of Neath ••• ...... 2 Wakefield, Pontefract. & Goole .... 22'/ — ••• ......... Waterford and Kilkenny 11 . Waterford and Limerick 2714 2% 3% Waterld,Wxfrd,Wicklw, and Dublin Wexford, v v aterford, and Valentia Waveney Valley ..... .... 2 Welsh Midland West Riding Union 42s. — West Cornwall ...... 2 ... ffexford and Carlow ... 3 1 / 2 ...... ••• Wilts, Somerset, & Wey mouth York and Newcastle. ... 25 .. ... Ditto New 5 l 2 l / 2..... • 1 2 3 /4 Do. Preference ...... 2 ...... 7%14 ork and North Midland 50 Ditto 1/2 5hare3........ 25 Do. Selby Do. Extensiox Ditto, Preference Do. East and 11' est Rid ing Extension FOREIIiN RAIL v't AY:, Anglo-Belgian 4 Barbadoes .. 1 Belgian Eastern Junctn. 2 1 A Boulogne dad A miens... 18 15 t% Bordeaux & Mediterran. 2 Bordeaux, Toulouse, and Cet to (Mackenzie's)... 2 .. Do. (Espelete's) .... 2 .... Calais, Dunkrk, and West - 15% . . Flanders Calcutta and Diamond Harbour ....... ... •••. Callao, Lima, and Pacific Coast l.. ••• ••• •• ......... Central of Spain ... Ceylon Demerara2% . ..... Dendre Valley 4 . MM. .. Direct Bombay and Madras Dutch Rhenish East Indian ... ..... .... ss. Fampoux & Hazebrouk 4 Great Indian Peninsular ss. Great Western Bengal... ss. Great Western Canada... 3 1 4 Italian and Austrian.... 4 ... , — Jamaica S.Mid. Junction 1 Jersey ...... .. . ....... 1 Louvain ala Sambre ... 6 ... Luxembourg.... ..... . 4 Lyons and Avignon 2 — Madras ....... ............. 1 Madras. Nellore, and Arcot .................... % — Madrid and Valentin.... 2 ... .. Mauritius .. . ............. 1 N at nur and Liege Nn of France Constituted 5 .. ... North Jamaica... ...... Orleans and Vierzon ... 10 ...... Orleans and Bordeaux... 6 ...... 15:3 , 8 ... .... Over Yssel ............413s 4d ...... Paris &Lyons Constituted 8 Paris ,rPansr:oon iuu rrbnsnaraaenanaa e : indad, d dnadljdt Orleans ouumr aeeinsu.:e. : Havres :.a.se.. : ... CeL.. .. c.a.. n.. .n... .. ... 12 2 21 0 0 05:40 .. • .. ... ... .. • Pari s mrasbouanr: ansrasbourg Constituted Laurene Rouen Atlantic — ............... .. ............ d st e i n tu , t Trinidad . 1-148selt. • ..... 8 - ............... r , '''' West glanders ~,,,• 2% Real dcl Monte Unregd. MINES 3 _ 14 - 3/4 - 10% - F% 4% THE ROBBER Y A.---'—f-----AnEssas. ROGERS AND VO. A BILL RETURNE D . the property stolen from Messrs R ogers ant i C o . f or the efforts recovery of which so many was hav e b een ma d e , a nd such large rewards offered, ve returned yesterday to the accepters, Messrs. Batty, Melville,ltvv and Co. : whole sale stationers, Ablersgate-street. contained in a letter, the writer of which stated theaffairto would never he traced, and the bill being of' no us ehe re turned it to its owners. This is the second of i ' m, b d,cuments which has lately been returned, evidently by the same party. The writing of both the le which the securities were enveloped is similar an er d s ' ink of the same colour. The orthography, also, is equally defective. So far as we can learn, no clue to the - rece• very of the stolen property is afforded by these letters._ CLOSING THE EQUITY COURTS AND OFFICEII.--n We h.e.sday the Lor.l Chancellor, the Vice-Chancellor of England, the Meter of the Rolls, and the Vice -Chan cellors Wigram and Knight Bruce, sat in their respective courts, for the last time before Hilary Term. The Re git trars, Masters, and Six Clerks Offices, as also the Affidavit Office, closed this day for the purposes of general business, and will continue closed until the 7th of January next. The office of the Accountant-General of the High Court of Chancery will also be closed dur ing the same period. Notwithstanding the closing of the offices and the rising of the respective courts, in cases of positive emergency, where the parties are desirous of filing a bill for the purposes of obtaining an injunction, &c., in pressing cases, a limited attendance at the offices will be given, to file the necessary bill and affidavits pre paratory to an application to either the Lord Chancellor or one of the other judges at their respective houses for such i•iju s toll We have already mentioned the failure of the house of Schiller and Co., of Breslau, fbr a sum of 800,000 thalers (3,200,000 r). We now learn from Dresden that M. Schiller, the chief of the house, attempted a few days days ago to commit suicide in a bath in that city, by opening the veins of his arms. He aas found alive, and removed to an hospital, but in such a state cf exhaustion that little hope was entertained of his recovery. M. Schiller had a fortune of half a million thalers (two mil lions of francs) from his father, which by long industry he had trippled, but latterly he had speculated exten sively in railway shares and other securities, and lost so much, that the amount to be divided among the creditors of the house is estimated at only 100,000 thalers (400,000 f). M. Schiller is said to have lost one million of thalers (four millions of francs) by the incorporation of Cracow; the shares of the Cracow Railroad, of which he was a large holder, having fallen 30 per cent.—Guligiali. CHURCH PREFERMENT. — The Right HOD. Lord Ward has presented the Rev. Charles Girdlestone, M.A., to the valuable rectory of Ktngswinsiord, Stafforeelire, void by the death of Dr. Tenfold. 11 1 h 1 / 2 P 75 29% 2% -- 114 2 1 A, 231 4 -- 3% 17% 7GIA 28 1 / 7M4 16 1 4 43/4 THE SUN, LONDON, FRIDAY MORNING, DECEMBER 25, 846 LITERATURE. JANUARY EVE. 12 3 A Tale of the limes. Br/ George ..come, B. A. _ _ The names of the three chapters of this little volume would lead us to suppose that, like the gene rality of Christmas tales, it has some dealings with the supernatural.. However, on perusal, we find it no fairy legend, but an only too probable " Tale of the Times," yet the author assures us it has no poli tical tendenc;-, his object he tells us is " moral and not political—to show that while class is perpetually crying out against class, the fault all the while is in human nature; or rather, in that misdirected educa tion of the g nerd mind, which cramps its best powers, and darkens it with prejudices." The object is certainly most commendable, and is, to a certain extent, w -11 cap ried out. The first chapter, "It strikes twelve," discovers a party of villagers cele brating New Year's Eve in the parlour of the Black Lion. These individuals in their own opinion were " a set of the most ill-used, miserable rascals possible. The word rascal, be it observed, had no reference whatever to any self-depreciation of their own moral, or other qualities, but to the way in which they were used by the rich and powerful, those insatiable tyrants of the land, who by some odd jugglery had got pos sission of every thing, fed high, and slept soft, while the rest of the world were working for them. A pleasant set of fellows were these liberals." This chapter is by far the best in the book, the whole scene is very forcibly, and, alas, naturally' pourtrayed. Led on by Tom, the poacher, the com pany indulge in much abuse of their " betters," and in an enumeration of their own grievances. After contrasting the good things in the squire's hall with their own humble fare, " sitting in a hole, drinking muddy ale" (to which comparisft, however, the land lord strongly objects), Tom indignantly asserts that he and his companions have the best right to all the good things, " we it is who make every thing and do every thing. It would be long enough before any or them ploughed the land.", " If we did not work for them," he continues, " the lazy hounds would starve." " And why do we work for them ?" asks another; " that's what always puzzles me." " Because we can't help ourselves. Because they are tyrants, and we are slaves," &c., &c. The next chapter " the metamorphosis," shows Tom i❑ a totally different cha racter ; by an unexpected inheritance he is himsell become a squire—he is himself one of the " tyrants,' and one not only in name and station, but in heart and conduct—the metamorphosis is complete. Now, if the object of this tale be simply a moral one—if it be merely intended to show how virtue and vice, hap. piness and discontent, are " fixed to no spot," and Confined to no class or community, it is well enough ; it is a good idea well illustrated. But if written with any political object—however, the author denies all such intention—so we will not allude to it, yet, in any case, we should have welcomed a companion picture to Tom's meta morphosis. Let us agree that " patriots " and " republicans" would, t.)o many of them, become, in like situations, the very characters they denounce. Let us agree that complaining tenants and fault finding poachers would, if raised to the squirearchy themselves, be the sternest and strictest of landlords 62% '2 64 10% - 61/2 341/ 1 51 4 and game-preservers. But, en revanche, let us also belie•re that this whole "Tale of the Times" might be carried out in a very different manner. Turning from the grumblers in the ale-house, let us join the group gatherei round the Squire's board; let us listen to their complaints, to their abuse of poachers and idle vagabonds, &c., and then let us take the loudest complainer of the whole and place him in the situa tion of the wretched man he contemns—let him learn the cruel sufferings of poverty ; above all, let him feel the bitter sense of humiliation, let him know that he is despised and looked down upon, and let him believe that he is wronged, and then—and then, may we ask—will the censorious, that strictly vir tuous man, be only a poacher, or only an idle vaga bond ? The answer is obvious. And we must con- elude, with the author of this little volume, " while class is perpetually crying out against class, the fault is all the while in human nature," or rather, as he adds, in misdirected education. Perhaps when this truth is generally admitted, when the evil is fully acknowledged, a remedy will be sought for; in the meantime, we gladly welcome all things which tend to propagate this very desirable belief, and among others the little volume before us (thlugh we cannot hut think it to be somewhat one-sided). There is, of course, a little story connected with the incidents we have alluded to, some parts of which are improbable, but the whole is sufficiently interesting, and is told in an interesting manner. DANIEL DENNISON AA'D THE CUMBER LAND STATESMAN. By the late Mrs. Hyland. 3 vols. In pronouncing judgment upon any work, the critic has a duty to perform, not only towards the public, by satisfying them as to the merits of any new claimant upon their favour, but towards the ,luthor. It is his pleasing or painful office by hearty eulogium or kindly reproof, to bestow commendation or censure upon the present effort, and afford encou ragement or warning for the future. But such a task is dispensed with in the present instance, those four letters on the title-page—" by the lute Mrs. Hofland"—precludes all criticism, our comment shall consequently be very brief. These volumes, being her latest work, will doubtless be valuable to Mrs. Hofland's admirers ; they are certainly more valu able on that account, being as it were a parting legacy, than from their intrinsic merits. The authoress was justly celebrated by her writings for the young, and the attention to minor details and the extreme simplicity, so attractive in juvenile works, are prominent features in her later and more ornate compositions. This is, especially, the case in the first of the tales contained in the volumes before us. Daniel Dennison, the autobiography of a country apothecary, which is rather a narrative than a novel, but, perhaps, that is rather an advantage for a biography a simple relation of supposed facts. The second story is greatly the superior ; there is more in terest in the plot, and it contains some very graphic sketches of the men and manners of the north Os England, in all their simplicity and kindhearted ness rendered more striking by a few scenes of Lon don life, in which such qualities are strangely deficient. li THE GOOD GENIUS THAT TURNED EVERYTHING INTO GOLD. A Christmas Fairy Tale. By the Brothers Mayhew. The Ettrick Shepherd used to say that whoever disliked children was cursed with a bad heart. If the aphorism had embraced fairy tales as well as children, it would have been much " nearer the mark." We remember in his immortal Carol, that Dickens exclaims, " It is well to be a child sometimes!" And so it is. The authors of the present little offering are convinced of thit noble truth, they are conscious that, on the average. " men are but children of a larger growth;" they know well enough the fascination which the superna tural always possesses over the minds of the multi tude, and they dream day-dreams, and write allegories accordingly. Since the " Rape of the Lock ' was first published, no more fanciful or more aerial sprite has been imagined than the little gossamer of a fairy, hight "the Queen Bee," in this Christmas story. A bee she is, notwithstanding her voice ; and a lady-fay he is notwithstanding her propinquity to the workers of the honey comb. Wonderful is the preservation of the incongruous identity and it dividuality of this fanciful being by the pencil of th e peerless Cruikshank ! Indeed the etchings scat tered through this is vollnumeneebayftohraetstairs sev t r is e ta l r i e ng in i t t h e e e i i t i way masterptee or decorating o into a fleet , a strayrie of the yards with an unusual hough still clinging to a b owspr i t. cover ing of leaves. In another a rock is being transformed sc ulptured architrave s a pp eare d on ed precipices, the fragments of a on the half-formed roof, co l umns and arches forest still grodan a raghoqued design bursting out of the shapeless granite. into a an In another a magnificent viaduct has the hriepkal eafcersugng a tunnel has just scooped' through a mountain , just spanned a val le y , and a monster dragon—i n truth a steam-engine and a railway train—is just rushing i n t o the foreground. And in all, the quaint atid antic form of the Queen Bee vith her full-blown _like a dainty " lady-bird"---N_id sir. is visible, hovering i The ed-.:,- garment and gossamer wings in ' immeasurably the most hellishments indeed are valuable and graceful portions 0 hem than they of letter -press is rather illustrative of t • s of splendid the letter press. They are „ wes t ion s • even the f the book • the reveries to the most matured imagineion , wood-cuts afford food for contem from the one representing the Good Genius, as s first appeared on the stump of an oak tree, to the one pourtraying the fountain of gold "- glittering in the_ light like a liquid sunbeam, and dropping pieces of money that tinkled against each other as they fell:' plation, he The story of it se lf i ncu l cates a noble moral, name l y , that the g o o d gen i us th at turns everything i n t o gold, is none other than patient industry ; nevertheless it is written so much in the words-of -one-syllable style, "as to become absolutely nauseous to a lover of our master writers. It reminds one of tl te musical adver tisement, which must be familiar to everybody, " Pretty Little Changes for Pretty Little Fingers.' Messrs. Henry and Augustus Mayh , aw have composed just such another piece in a literary w ay:—Pretty Little Chapters for Pretty Little Readers. There is a wisdom in the book, we must admit, but it i:3 diluted down by the verriest prattle ; it is a mere s poonful of brandy in a hogshead of plum porridge. For the pantotni mests this little story-book will be a ;vade mecum. IRISH DIAMONDS By John Smith., A capital addition to the immortal work of Joseph Miller is this little volume, grotesquely entitled " Irish Diamonds," and most graysqu •ely illustrated by " Phiz." Mr. Smith has endeavoured to explain a certain theory of Irish wit and blunders, which he concocted many years ago. We have ex amined that theory, and regard it as somewhat ingenious, not so much in its exceeding the definition of the Edinburgh Reviewers, or of Mr. and Miss Edgeworth, as in its forming a species of skeleton upon which to hang a multitude of vagrant anec&tes and witticisms. The book, indeed, is little more than Joe Miller redivivus ; but, as Major B tgstock would say, it is more palateable than Joey M., Sir— it has more individuality than J. M., Sir—it is better than Joseph, Sir, by far. Unconsciously, no doubt, the writer has pilfered here and there from different sources, and, among others, we detect many tid-bits from " Reilly's Reminiscenses." Phiz's embel lishments are delightfully droll, the frontispiece being illustrative of the anecdote of the English traveller dropping into a Chinese tavern on the frontiers of the Celestial empire, and regaling him self with some delicious potage of an unknown de scription. John Bull, pointing to the dish and look ing at the attendant, says to John Chinaman (inter rogatively)" Quack ! quack ! quack !" Whereas John Chinaman, shaki ng hi s h ead, saith to J o h n Bull)expla natorily) " Bow-wow -wow-wow !" The disgust of the Englishman on heating this horrible piece of intelli gence is wonde r f u ll y pourtrayed b y t h e d ra f tsman. The title-page again is inimitable with its grotesque figures of Hibernians, with potatoes for heads, and one unfortunate wretch with another man cooly standing on his face. The distant landscape with an extinct volcano in the form of a bottle, topped by an empty glass, is a sly hit at that partiality for the " crater," which has been so mar vellously diminished by good Father Mather. Then there is a laughable etching of the Irishman who has been hauling in a rope for a full half hour, and it last cries out in desperation, " 0 begarra, I do be lieve somebody's cut the end of it aff!" About the richest anecdote in the collection is the following of a bull about about a bull. Surely Teddy must have have been born when the sun (and his father's son too) was in Taurus. Here, however, is the jeux d'esprit. " A merry evening party, in an English country town, were bantering poor Teddy about his countrymen being so famous for bulls. " By my faith,' said Teddy, 'you needn't talk about that same in this place; you're as fond of bulls as any people in all the world, so you are.' " Nonsense!' some of the party replied; how do you make that out?' " Why, sure, it's very aisy, it is; for in this paltry bit of a town you've got more public-houses nor I ever seen wid the sign of the bull over the doors, so you have.' " Nay, Teddy, very few of those; but there's some of 'em, you know, in every town.' " Yes,' said Teddy, obstinately sticking to his text, for he had laid a trap for his friends, but you've more nor your share, barring ►hat you're so fond of bulls, as I say; I'm sure I can count halt-a-dozen of 'em.' " Pooh, nonsense!' cried the party ; that will never do: what'll you bet on that. Teddy? You're out there, my boy, depend upon it; we know the town as well as you, and what will you bet?' " ' Indeed, my brave boys. I'll not bet at all; I'm no better, I assure ye,—l should be worse if I wur.' This sally tickled his companions, and he proceeded. But I'll be bound to name and count the six.' " Well, do, do,' said several voices. " ' Now, let me see: there's the Black Bull.' " ' Yes, that's one.' "' Then there's the Red Bull.' " That's two,' " And the White Bull.' " Come, that's three.' " And the Pied Bull.' "' So there is; you'll not go much further.' "' And then there's — there's—there's—th e Golden Bull, in —what's it street?' " Well done, Toddy; that's five, sure enough: bu - ou'reshort yet.'__ _ _ " Ay,' said a little letter-carrier, who sat smirking in the corner, and he will be short, for there is'nt one more, /know.' " And then, remimber,' continued Teddy, carefully pursuing his enumeration, there's the D un C ow .' " At this, a burst of laughter fairly shook the room, and busy hands kept the tables and glasses rattling amidst boisterous cries of A bull! a bull!' Looking serious at all around, Teddy deliberately asked,— " Do you call that a bull?' " ' To be sure, it's a bull!' exclaimed several voices at once. " "rhen,' said Teddy, ' that's the sixth!' " Ilere an unavoidable defeat in the di rec t was con verted into a victo r y in the antipodean, by the cleverly obtained admission of the vanquished parts themselves." In the postscript to the letter quoted in page 132, the writer has purloined a facetious notion which was si milarly introduced in one of the opening numbers of " Master Humphrey's clock." Delightful as the book is when consumed sectionally, it palls upon the appetite when devoured at a sitting, like every other jest -book. Fora ten minutes' glance, ajest-book is as pleasant a companion as Tom Sheridan could have been. Yet we would as soon hobnob with a resurrectionist as read the consecutive pages of that same jest-book to the end. Such is the partial merit of the present volume. THE FIRESIDE. By Percy B. St. John. The fireside is welcome always, more particularly is it welcome at Christmas, and not the less welcome is the " Fireside" to which Mr. Percy St. John wel comes us, because it is an American fireside. Not among the vast prairies of the south-west, not in the scarcely yet settled land of Texas, not among Ba•3lc woodsmen and Indians and Mexicans is the scene of the present story laid, but in the city of New York, and Mr. St. John depicts American domestic scenes, and American civilization, with the same graphic power with which he has hitherto depicted the wild life of the pioneer of civilisation amid the un cultivated tracts of the New World. The story is a simple one. The hero, Alfred Somers, is a physi cian in New York, living with his mother, who, albeit our author does no t state the fact, i s, t h ere can be no doubt, a li nea l d escendant of " one of t h e o ld Pilgrim Fathers"—th ere i s the same h i gh pr i nc i p l e, .he same worship of the ste'ner virtues, the same in tolerance of " amiable weakness"—because in her estimation " amiable weakness " is but vice disguised —the same undreading spirit in Mary Somers which were the distin gu i s hi ng characteristics of the Pilgrim Fathers, and which enabled them to become the founders of a mighty nation. Alfred Somers marries Eugenia Lawrence, a girl of admirable dis position, but spoiled by the precepts and the example of the worldly-minded tricky, extravagant mother. The husband is ruined by the roguery of the mother-in-law. Believing the wife has deceived him, he separates from her. Convinced of his wife's truth—convinced that she has been the victim of the fraud of her mother (who dies mad), he re-unites his fate with her's, retrieves his fallen fortunes, and in the society of his wife and his mother, is once again happy by his own fire-side. This story gives Mr. St. John opportunities o f g i v i ng us some admirable sketches of American society. The following description of a ball in New York is admirable:— " The ball was such a ball as is to be found perhaps nowhere else but in New York, where, whatever may be the faults existent in society—and society his faults Enough everywhere imputed to it, as if civilisation were a horrid monster, spreading misery and sorrow—thefe is more of that cordiality, and determination for enjoy ment, than is found in the drawing-rooms of the old world. There is much of the same love of display, of Shining beyond the rest—of idle, foolish gossip, about nothing—which is wicked waste of one of God's : i r t e i s a t t e e s a t n g d if fi ts a , t t t i e m r e te time—but still there belles ereism, not ore expected wof heartiness. Refinement is, o f course, however local writers may pro have reached, in a new country, that pinnacle 'l,ls in the old ; an d when we know what refinement hich to have often hides —the courts of the Louis were in one sense refined —we may be pardoned if we wish that America may retain its ,juvenility. " And is not this juvenility, this rough, hearty, some times coarse state of being, a thing rather to be envied and admired, than to be made the subject of satire and burlesque by flippant travellers, who see as much of the country as did he, who, passing through Alsace, and only , atching a glimpse of a being of each sex, reported thereupon that all the men were red-haired, and all the women squint-eyed —or something equally veracious." Neither is this tale deficient in poetry : " A smile is as the dew ; whence it riseth, and how it cometh, must be known, ere its value be appreciated. As the dew of the bituminous swamps of the Amazons, pregnant with rank vegetation, is in'ectious and destruc• tive to life, so is the smile of the seared heart and guilty soul poison to all around ; but as the dew rising from healthy soils is surcharged with qualities favourable to Ve. so is the smile of the pure and good delightful to the observer. The philosophy of Mr. St. John is sound and healthy, and, as worshippers of the truth, we thank him for the energetic manner in which, in the follow ing passage he has entered his protest against the mawkish sentimentality, detest a bl e i n point of taste, worse than detestable in point of morality, whi c h h as of late polluted what we were her e t o f ore wont to con ider the pure fount of English u n d e fil ed literature : '•' Alf re d,' sa id e : ug .. n i a , su dd enly, ' why not come with me? It would give me so much pleasure.' " Thanks," replied the husband, with an affectionate and gra.tifi , d smile—for little Attentions are great to the sincere— . but duty calls me hence. I have many calls °tuhuetw'Oman. But is it a t ,, make this evening, and must snatch a few hours for readinz. duties but those of home ? Is in the eyes of certain fashionable and popular roman ,. This compelled denial and absence f from amount around which a narrow e rn re h te orn an e d w ab u a l n d : man to be nothing sphere of occupations are to turn ? We think that the truthe n t, doubtless ,fthd aotm e me x sa c tni u e s hb e d,utust a t n niae y osp world, society, and the good of our fellows, demand much and that woman—when her character is of our tune ; noble and elevated, as it should ever be—looks with de eds u jos r lti e sn; de light and pride on him, who, a tender and affectionate husband and and father, is also a good citizen. The stern calls of a prof e ssion, be that profes s i on t h at o f a statesmen—even a popular member —or a mere money compelling one, such as law or physic, are of course without appeal, and yet we have seen them unsparingly satirised by the hands either of ignorance or malevo e Gee. A PRACTICAL COMP N oIIUM OF THE 11W AND USAGE OF MERCANTILE CeoUNTS. By Alexander Pulling, Esq., of the Inner Temple. Burrister-at-Law. In this little work the author has given us a com- I p'a'e exposition of the law and usage relating to ac counts in any way connected with trade. Thework is divided into three chapters. In his first chapter he treats of various points in the law of debtor and Ireditor ; Partnership, principal and agent; bank ruptcy and insolvency. In the second chapter he pescribes the system and routine of book-keeping and accounts, adopted among the trading community; and in the third chapter, which is devoted to the sub ject of the investigation of mercantile accounts are collected the rules of pleading, evidence, and practice. for the investigation of disputed ace )unt:i under the various forms of proceedings at common law, in equity, bankruptcy, and insolvency, and by arbitration. This is a work which will be found equally useful by the ' lawyer and the trader. The former will acquire from the perusal of the second chapter much practical knowledge, a subject on which he is but too often lamentably ignorant, viz., the system and routine of book-keeping as actually practised in the counting houses of merchants and traders ; while to the latter, the knowledge which he will acquire of the law and merchants' accounts, from the perusal of this va luable little treatise, cannot but prove eminently useful. MR. H YLD'S RAILWAY MAP OF GREAT BRITAIN AND IRELAND. Mr. James Wyld, of Charing Cross, has published two beautifully executed railway maps, for 1847, the one of Great Britain, the - other of Ireland. These maps are drawn on a large scale, and with that accu racy and neatness which characterises every publica tion of Mr. Wyld's. They show the lines of railway at present completed in the respective countries—the lines in progress, and the projected lines to be proposed to Parliament in 1847, pans of which have been de posited in the Private Bill-office. The number of plans fear new railways deposited at the Private Bill office, and on which Parliament will have to adjudi cate in the course of the ensuing session, amounts, as appears from Mr. Wyld's map to three hundred. CHRONOLOGY OF STAMFORD. By George Burton. It is not often that we notice works of merely local interest. We are, however, induced to notice the present publication, because Mr. Burton has, deviating from the usual forms of such works, adopted an alphabetical arrangement. " That form being deemed the most advantageous in a work the primary object of which is to present in a con venient compass an epitome of all the remarkable events pertaining to the locality." The plan is an admirable one, and we would advise the adoption of an alphabetical arrangement for the future in all works of a similar character. The book itself is an amusing and instructive little work, and will be found very serviceable as a book of reference concerning all matters of local interest. The illustra tions are numerous and well designed, and the typo graphy end getting up reflects great credit on Mr. Bagley, of Stamford, by whom it is printed and pub lished. RAILWAYS FOR THE MANY AND NOT FOR THE FEW. By James Ward, Esq. This brochure fully answers its title. Not only would Mr. "Ward secure to the many the use, at a low rate, of railways as means of locomotion, but he would adopt, as the most efficient means to that end, the throwing open of the railway trade, so as to make the many the great proprietors of the railroad*. At present, the large capitalists command the rail ways because railway property is divided into shares of large value. He would encourage small capitalists to invest their savings in railways by making the shares of small amount. Instead of having the capi tal fur a railway raised in shares of 1001., 501., or 251. each, he would have it raised in shares of 51. If this plan were adopted, it would, according to Mr. Ward, " Keep the market in a healthy state, advance the pro gress of the system by bringing to it the aid of capital, which is available now to no other process in the pro duction of wealth ; promote economy and industry among the humbler classes, by affording a profitable field for the investment of their savings ; and diffuse amongst the nation at large the beneficial interest of the of the grand economical invention of the day, which, as already pointed out, the commonwealth should never have abandoned to the few. " There is a large class of persons in this country possessed of property varying from the amount of 101. up to 2001., with which they have no opportunity of em barking in any speculation in which they feel an interest, or of which they have the capacity to form a judgment of. Consequently, the less wealthy of this class deposit their savings in the savings bank, which allows them rarely more interest than 2 per cent., while the wealthier invest theirs in the funds, which afford about 3 per cent. Of course, a man possessed of less than the price of 100/. stock is deprived even of this trivial advantage ; and hence it has long been a desideratum that there should be some sort of sate and transferable security in which sums under 1001. could be put to s more profitable use than they can be in a savings bank. Railways would afford such a medium, if our suggestion of reducing the amount of shares to 51. were adopted for the invest ment of small amounts; they would no doubt become ex ceedingly popular, if, moreover, interest of 4 per cent. upon deposits as low as ss. were guaranteed until the completion of the works. " The class who possess these small shares---carpen ters, masons, mechanics, and labourers of almost every description—are perfectly aware of the remunerative character, as well as public advantage, of these great undertakings. They come home to 'their business and bosoms ;' for the demand for labour which they create is sensitively felt by them in the advancement of wages which it produces. They know, moreover, sufficient of the result of those projects which have already been completed, to feel assured that they are not likely to be losers by embarking in any similar, reasonably enter twined, and honestly conducted project ; while, on the other hand, they are fully alive to the almost certainty of considerable gain which they present ; and this im pression cannot fail to become stronger as the financial statistics of railways come to be more popularly under stood. The asrumed difference, therefore, on the score of safety, between a railway security and a Government security is very little upon their minds; and a railway in vestment would, we repeat, soon be in great favour with them. Indeed they could not but be embued with a prejudice in their favour from self-interest ; for they would not fail to see that railways increase traffic, that traffic in creases trade, and that trade is the ultimum mobile by which the demand for labour is augmented, and that thus their means of subsistence are improved." He contends that these small shareholders would keep down fares, and keep down expenses; that they would, from their position and their numbers, be enabled to keep a check upon profuse expenditure ; and that, under such a system, engineers and solici tors would, instead of being the tyrants, be reduced to their proper position as the servants of the compa nies. He thus concludes his argument : " The doctrine of experience teaches us that the doc trine of cheapness of construction must be consulted by us ; for if-we do not consult it, it will certainly force it self upon us. But economy we shall never have in the construction of railways until the really economical part part of the community—the productive and saving classes, can invest their savings in them. But the option of doing so bas not only not been afforded, but has been positively denied, to them, by the impolicy of bolstering up railway shares to a. nominal amount beyond their reach. Railway investment has been made a sort of tabood ground, upon the sanctity of which no one must intrude who cannot approach it at least with the air of a capitalist. The money of the humbler producers and distributors of wealth is proscribed as if it were too ple beian to associate with that of the aristocracy who monopolise the entree to Capel Court. But, non olet. If it comes from the till of the village tradesman, or the hard hand of the mechanic, it has the same purity, tha same virtues and uses, as if it had come from Coutts's, Drummond's, or Glynn's. " Why are the middle and lower classes to be debarred from the profitable employment of their savings in any way not injurious to the community, and more especi ally in a way by which the interests of the community would be so largely promoted, as facilitating and econo raising the internal communications of the kingdom? The aggregate of their myriads of small savings should not be repelled from, but invited to, railway investment! as it would be, if the nominal amount of railway shares d w , e ic i i e ng br t o h u e g m lit to wi s t l hi , n w th e e re s p c e o a t t le of , and paying mtheeaunssu. usual in n terest upon deposits so small as 55., would accomplish this ; and the property and contr..l of railways would then be in the hands of the general community, instead of the hands of a few , who both injure and defy the public, and laugh at the Legislature into the bargain!" The theory of Mr. Ward is novel and startling, yet we can see no reasonable objection that can be urged against it; and if the railways afford a safa means of investment to the middle and lower classes for their savings—if railways will afford them as great security as saving batiks, with a higher rate of interest, and with greater power over the disposal of thoir capital, then is Mr. Ward's proposition worthy of serious consideration. THE. FRENCH PLATS.—Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, accompanied by Prince Frederiek of Hesse, and attended by Mr. Edmund St. John Mildmay, honoured the French plays with $ eir presence on W( dnesday evening. BRITISH PHILANTHROPIC PENSION SOCIETY.—On Wednesday a dinner was given to the pensioners on this admirable institution, at the house of Mr. Titchener, the Britannia Tavern, Bishopsgate-street Without, where an excellent meal, consisting of meat, poultry, m ince-pies, &c., was provided for the a ge d rece i p i ents of t h e society's bounty. In addition, g ra t u i t i es o f half-a crown to each pensioner were kindly given by Mrs. Perrin and Mr. J. Flemming. The British Philan thropic Pension Society, which, we are informed, was established in the year 1838, for the purpose of affording permanent relief to the aged and infirm of both sexes by means of a small weekly allowance for life, is dis tinguished from other associations of a similar character by requiring no claim to its bounty beyond that of age and distress—its charity not being restricted to the members of any particular trade or class—it is there fore eminently worthy the support of the benevolent, is order that its sphere of usefulness, at present bounded within a somewhat scanty space by its means, may be extended still further, and thus gladden the hearts of m any now sinking beneath the accuttulated afflictions of age, poverty, and :sickness. STATE OF TRADE. (Frcm the Wine. Trade Circular.) A heavy end inert feeling' still untinues to hang over 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 legitimate 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 prices. The goods more in demand, just at , his 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, via. " those who ha ve b , ught Brandies at the ex t reme l y 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 ls. per gallon advance on the price before the reduction of duty. There are now, comparatively, few old-landed brandies in the market, and those will not command a price com mensurate with their real value in point of flavour, in consequence of their lowness in strength ; for instance, 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, th ere 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 softnees 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 we have no doubt will command nearly the same price, after the tern of the year. By advices from Jamaica. received yesterday, we find Otard's brandies quoted at 6s. to 6s. 6d. 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 equalisation 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 i 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 exported ' • showing a difference of 18,000 p uns . 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 4a. 2d. per gallon ; small parcels command 4s. 3d. for ordinary descriptions, and 4s. 6d. for best sorts." Here 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 mauufacture 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 duty to our colonists, whose laws almost compel them to consume British manufac tures, 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—Re 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 aro 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 dom,—we say, give them not only the ful onus of stub 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-tly 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 be 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 enargies 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, the produce of our 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, tinder 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 tin brandy called for so imperatisely, wa , a bold measure, and one which would certainly for the first few months eau , e 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 large quantities : still, presuming that our distillers should suffer from this re daction —we ask, is it fair, that so small a class shoal I be benefited, to the great detriment, or indeed, almost cer tain ruin of those colonies, for whose support we have already expended millions? Either our colonies are worth supporting, or they are not. Either we ought to place them upon such a footing, as will enable them to maintain themselves, or we ought to abandon them ; and not by 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 packets, eventually, to help them out of the position in which an obstinate, and short sigh'• 1 policy has plunged thqn. We, however, contend that the said colonies never have been, nor will they ever be worth, in paint of revenue, one maravedi to the English nation ; but as cur statesmen, one and all, consider them amongst the brightest (!) 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 our historical records lie ; and we really think that, in the present days, when treaties are quietly slurred over on the o le part, and claims 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 possibiity oh such a fo rful disasttr; or, to :peak more plainly, we may say, that although the West Indian colonies are not, of themselves, sufficiently strong to take upon them selves :he onus of throwing off their loyalty to the Bri tish Crown, still, backed on the one tide- by France— who has long coveted th, na—and encouraged en the other bi 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 ag&in repeat, that with the above-mentioned facts before us, we have no hesitation in stating that the Rum-market must go up considerably, and that speedily, the more so when we find that our prices re 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 Desiderio Adjutorio, and it is called " dei Vir tuosi," because orginally only admitting those who cul tivate the fine arts professionally. A reformation was effected in its system a few years ago, fur 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 members, 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 merit is at present twenty-three; and in this congregation women also, who have distinguished themselves in any walk of the fine arte, 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 fill different offices, all held for three years, except those of the secretary and archivista, 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 -übject 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 appertain. 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 :Fear. The works of the concurs., nts to be exposed, will be on the following subjects. In painting : The Generals of Holofernes, who, after long expecting, enter his tent, end find him dead. In sculpture : Raquel, who, having received Moses into his house, a wanderer and fugitive, offers him his daughter Zippora as wife : a basso-relieve. 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 tho'se worthy of receiving the reward base been determined on by st eret vote, the accompanying letter; are opened containing the names of the artists, who are then informed of the decision in their favour. In the biennial, also calved 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 on the festival above-mentioned, consisting of a gold medal for each class, similar to that of the bimestral concourse, and of the value of twenty-five sequins. Tho 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 Ripa Grande, to which we shall conduct our readers some future time, exists a magnificent institution of the fine arts; and of this we may here give a general idea, in the sole school of design. Here, from the multitude of youths, bt-tween the ages of nine and twenty-one, who are gratuitou , ly maintained and instructed in every branch of arts and trades; those ate chosen who give protni-e of succeeding best in the cultivation of liberal arts, and are devoted to the elementary study of these. At present, those employed in the school of 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 cate 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, m) thology, geography, anatomy, and history (sactod and profane), from various able prota-sors, almost all beloiagmg to the academy of St. Luke. They also atten•l at the evening school, and at the school of the Nudo, given by the academy, on the capitol, where their sketc. , es afire exa mined and corrected by a member deputed for that pur pose.—Roman Advertiser, Nov. 7. We understand that some immediate chances are in contemplation in the royal establishment. Major- General Sir Henry Wheatley has been permitted, at his advanced age, to retire from the office of Keeper of her Majesty's Privy Purse, on a most liberal pension, and the dignity of a baronet. The office of the Keeper of the Privy Purse, and that of the Treasurer of the Prince's Household, are to be united in the person of Mr. Anson. The gentleman to fill the office of Private Secretary to his Royal Highness, hitherto held b y M r. Anson, has not yet been selected. ACCIDENT ON THE LONDON AND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY.—The Liverpool and Manchester parcels, con veyed by the express train, which was due at the Euston square station at 11 o'clock last night, were not delivered until a few minutes to 3 this morning. We learned on inquiry that the delay arose from some accident which occurred t) the train, and rendered it necessary to send on a portion of the carriages with the passengers, who arrived safely in town at half-past 2, whilst the re mainder of the train was delayed still longer. We were informed that the accident, a break down, was not at tended with the loss of life. A dreadful crime has just been committed at Landes (Nord). An old man, named Picquet, who had been a soldier under the Empire, and his wife, were dis covered murdered in their house. The Anil of the old man was split in two, and the body of the woman was discovered dreadfully disfigured in the cellar, where the murderers had thrown it. It is su:Tos-d that some per sons suspected the old man of having received the price of some land which he had lately sold, and had entered the house in order to carry off the money. The old people having probably recognised the thi, yes, w are mur dered to prevent detection —Faris paper. IMPORTATION OF POL I A.,TRY.—It is known that large quanti'ies of poultry are imported weekly from Franc, Holland, and Belgium—the latter more particularly; but the arrivals now taking place are much be yond the usual average, which the festive season of Christmas will readily account for. The steam-ship llar!equin, from Boulogne, brought on Monday 94 cases, 2 hampers, and 4 baskets, the production of France ; the Belfast, from Calais, 5 baskets and 14 clses ; the Rapid, from Harlingen, 10 baskets, of Dutch produce the Sir Edward Banks, from Ostend. 4 baskets and 43 cases, of Belgian production. These, with other arri vals, took place in one day, and comprised every descrip tion of poultry, both in a live and dead state, suitable to this particular time. The arrival by the Harlequin is one of the largest we remember to have taken place, and as further large snpplies are expected during the week, in addition to those from all parts of the country, of home growth, it is anticipated that poultry generally will be obtainable in th e metropo li s at a moderate price. The slight change which has again taken place in the weather will have a beneficial effect on the immense quantities of all sorts of meat and provisions with which the town will be stocked durin,f the present week. MORTALITY OF TOE Ma, rtoPoLis.—The total number of deaths registeacil in the tueiropolis for the eek . tiding December 19, 1846, was 1.262, of which 1,223 were from other causes than violence, showing an it:crease in the number of deaths from di-ease as compared with the week preceding, of 100. There were I.ix deaths, during the weak, as regist , d from privatitn. The births daring tan we k were 1,311. CHEAP RE-PURLICATION OF IMPORTANT WORKS. —We obs-rve that Mr. Col burn announces a re-issue, in cheap monthly parts, of thow to o important and national works. " The Nel,on Letters and Despatches," and " Burke's History of the Landed Gentry." The first part of each work is to appear with the magazines on thf' Ist of January, and there cart be littlo doubt that they will attain in this popular form that wide circula tion to which they are so justly entitled. MADAME A. - BISHOP.—Our accomplished native vocalist leaves town at the end of the month for an ex• tensive provincial tour, to fulfil a great number of en gagements long since entered into. She goes in the first instance to Cheltenham and Gloucester, where she will devote four days ; then to Brighton for a week ; thence fur three weeks to Birmingham, Liverpool, Manchester, and other places in that neighbourhood. The first week in February will be divided between the two University towns, Oxford and Cambridge. On• February the Bth she proposes going to Dublin, where she performs until the 22d, and thence to Belfast and Cork. On the Ist of March she takes Edinburgh for a fortnight, and Glasgow for three:days, retu, ning sc'nth again to Bath and Bristol for four days, and during Passion Week she will be at Exeter, for the sacred concert there. In short, the British syren has not a day disengaged between this and the beginning of April.—Observer. REDUCTION IN CAB FAR ES. — Yesterday severs: cabs, with placards announcing that they were running at 6d. a mile, were conveyincr. p assengers.at t h at ra t e in o is, much to different parts o f th e metr p chagrin of the rest of th e f ratern i ty, who greeted the drivers of those vehicles, as they passed the different cab ranks, with jeers and shouts of derision. Lipid and Lady John Itu•7•sell, and the Hon. Miss Lister, took their departure from the Castle, yesterday, for town.