The Sun. — London, England, 1848-02-21 00:00:00

_ . that surprissd those who have been in the habit of i ls.st • okieneci. A few minutes beiuro eight o'clock she ,vas 'arken out of the room in which she had been placed since her trial, into what is termed the broad-room, where the act of pinioning and tying the lower parts of her gar ments was performed. She then thanked the Sheriffs and Under-Sheriff's, and the _matron, for their uniform kindness to her, and she proceeded to the scaffold. Within two minutes after eight o'clock the law was satis fied by her death. The wretcheci woman was aryssed in deep mum ning She appeared to suffer much. The last words she uttered was, " May the Lord have mercy on me." After hanging the usual time, she was conveyed into the gaol, when a bust of her face was taken, previously to her being interred within the gaol. ELECTION COMMITTEES. (THIS DAY.) LYME REGIS. This Committee met at the usual hour; Lord Ashley in the chair. Mr. Bird, engineer, was called, and questioned by the Chairman as to his having disobeyed the summons of the Committee by not appearing on Saturday. The witness stated that he received the summons late on Friday night, and he did not immediately obey it because he laboured under the impression that the Com mittee did not sit on Saturday, and, moreover, he had 280 labourers to pay on that day. The witness was then examined by Mr. Sergeant Wrangham. He stated that he was the nominal contractor of some works on the Oxford, Worcester, and Wolverhampton Railway, near to Moreton in the Marsh, in Gloucestershire. He was acting under a body of which Mr. Abdy was a member, and he had in his employment a man named Clyde, who Was recommended to him by Mr. Abdy, the sitting Member. KINSALE. The Kinsale Election Committee re-assembled this morning; Mr. Bouverie in the chair. Mr. ANDREWS addressed the Committee at some length on behalf of the sitting Member, and stated that he should be able to prove that the case which the peti tioners had attempted to make out was a fabrication from beginning to end. He should have refrained from calling witnesses had this been an ordinary case, but the characters of so many parties had been jeopardised by the te s ti mony o f t h e other side that he felt constrained to go into evidence that he would otherwise have kept back. This evidence would show that Mr. Guinness's supporters had been subjected to the most unjust perse cution—those of them who were Roman Catholics had been denounced from the altar, while others had been compelled to have recourse to the columns of a public Journal to repel the foul attacks which the priest of Kin sale made upon them. ROYSTON AND HITCHIN RAIL- WAY.—(THIS DAY.) The ordinary half-yearly meeting of this company was held to-day, at twelve o'clock, at Radley's Hotel, Bridge street, Blackfriars; Lord Dacre in die chair. The usual preliminaries having been gone through, the Secretary (Mr. H. Hope) read the report:— " The directors have to congratulate the proprietors on the continuedood understanding an d friendly alliance with the Great Northern Railway Company arising out of the agreement which was confirmed at the special general meeting held in February, 1847, by the terms of which a lease in perpetuity, at an annual rent equal to 61 . per cent. on 200.000/., the share capital proposed to be called up, will be executed on 16th July, 1849. Pre vious to that time the stipulation provided by the Leasin g Act of last session will have been fulfilled, viz., the calling up by both companies of one-half of the whole amount of share capital authorised to be raised by them respectively. In the meantime interest will continue to be paid in accordance with the powers given by the Act of Incorporation. The directors believe that they have consulted the interests and convenience of the shareholders in not calling up capital for the purpose of pressing on the works, whilst ample time remains for Completing them within the limit provided by the con tract. Agreements for the purchase of nearly all ,the laud required for the line and stations have been entered into upon fair terms, and arrange ments have been made by which possession can be given to the contractor so soon as he requires it. In accord. *nee with the authority given to them by tile unanimous Tote of the proprietors at the last half-yearly general meeting, renewed application has been made,to Parlia ment on the part of this company for powers to extend the sanctioned line of railway to Cambridge, with branches and in relation to which they have ent e r ed into arrangements with the Great Northern Company , similar in effect to those agreed upon in reference to the Extension Bill of last session. By this arrangement the present surplus capital of the company, amounting, ee stated in the last report, to 66,666/. 13s. 4d., will be applied towards the new works; and, in the event of su ccess, an option to take their quota of the additional new capital which will be required has been secured to those holders in shares in this company who, in De cember last, intimated their willingness to take up the Itry capital under the terms then propo sed, but which Plan, as the proprietors are aware , was subse q uentl y withdrawn for the reasons stated in the circular letter addressed in January last to the subscribers. The directors confidently trust that the course they have adopted will b e satisfactory to the proprietors. They believe that it is beneficial to the company; and the terms entered into with the Great Northern Company being equitable and mutually advantageous, the directors 'eel .confidence that both companies wili cordially co operate in all such measures as shall he necessary to Carry them into complete effect. " The receipts from the commencement of the coin- P i ny , on the 14th of April, 1845, to the 16th Jan., 1848, Were 44,0481. 155., the expenses, 38,6851. ss. 11d., leaving a balance of 5,363/. 9s. id. in cash and Exchequer-bills." The report was received and adopted. An extraordinary meeting followed, and the Bills mentioned in the report were approved of, and the directors empowered to carry them out. Mr. WILTSHERB intimated that the opposition of the Eastern Counties had proved unsuccessful, as the Stand ing Orders' Committee had determined that they could not proceed with the Bills brought against the company during the present session. —(Hear, hear.) The ground, therefore, they proposed to traverse was perfectly open. The Bills were adopted, and a vote of thanks having been awarded to the Chairman, the meeting separated. SINDE PRIZE MONEY. The following appears to be the distribution of the prize money for Captains in Sinde, from which the alx months' donation haul from those who were present at Meanee and Hyderabad is to be deducted. The shares are to remain in India in distribution twelve to_onths a— FOR MEANEE. 3 Lieutenant-Colonels, each st ... Rs. 311,686 11 6 12 Majors ._ ... ... .. 26,457 13 0 30 Captains, Surgeons, &c. ... 13,22$ 14 6 68 Subalterns, &c. ... ... ... 6,614 7 3 I Conductor ... ... ... 1,653 9 9 330 11 6 220 7 110 3 10, 1 0 Sub-Conductors, &c. . 3 4 Colour Sergeants, &c. .. 66 1 Corporals, Privates, &c. ••• FOR HYDERABAD. 2 Lieutenant-Colonels,&c., each at Rp. 26,655 5 7-, la Majors ... ••• •••. 17,770 3 9 4 5 Captains, Surgeons, &c. ... 8,885 1 10i 126 Subalterns, &c. •.• •.• 4,442 8 11/ 1,110 10 2; 6 Conducic,Nro, &c. ••• ••• 23 Sub s ., di t t o guff-gerjeants, &c. 222 2 0 4 ° sergeants, &C. ... 148 14i 74 0 8: 1137 Corporals, Drummers, &C. ... FOR SINDt. Lieat.-Colonel, &c., each at Rs. 10,723 2 7i $ Majors C 7,162 1 9 41 C apta ins, Surgeons, &c. 1,576 0 10i 12 $ Subalterns, &c. ... 1,788 0 5} $ Conductors, &o. ... 447 0 $ 4 Staff Sergeants ... ••• ... 69 6 5 $ 1 Colour Sergeants, &e. 59 9 7* 1 ' 224 Corporals, Privates ,&c. ... 29 12 94 Further information respecting tho above may be obtained on application to Mr. Ridgway, No. 42, Lei cuter-square. Bell's Life in London, of Sunday, Feb 20, contain "T all the particulars connected with Lane and Walker's "l a ir, has been reprinted, and copies can be had at — ill's Life office all this week. Bells Life is regularly riblished in time for the Saturday afternoon railways. be sale of BelTs Life exceeds 27,000 20 CoNTerers or YESTERDAY'S " OBSERV ER, " FEB. T he l . Budget, & c., near seven folio colum n s of Fri ` Debates—Upwards of a folio column of the v' e ell'e Theatre, Saturday—Upwarda of a folio column °I Saturday's Marylebone Vestry—Health of Towns, G al, Income Tax, and Toll-bars—Midland Railway ti c eeting a t D er b y, on Saturday, a colu mn and a half— rann gueen and Oxford, at Dee's Hotel, on Saturday, col umn and a half—East India n Railwa y Meeting at te Lond on T avern, on Saturday, a colamn—Bucking areshire and other Railway Intelligence, over a column - -The G as Question, N o. 3 , M a rylebone, near a column Monetary 3: City matters, two columns a nd a half—Dr. -t iles Clark's case—Wills, Arts, and Artists, the Arch bishop's Funeral, together over two folio colums—A column and a half of Births, Marriages, and Deaths — About 100 Mi sce ll aneous Advertisements, and fiftee n f olio columns of Foreign and Domestic News. P rice of Observer, the 4O folio columns, Sixpence. The Observer 11 Published at six on Sunday mornings, and an edition `with Monday's Markets, best adapted for the Country and Abroad, every Monday afternoon, at four o'clock. hula FEMALE EMPLOYMENT SOCIETY. —Believing it to be a far kinder thing to help people to help them than to bestow what is called charity, we hail the I t u,!'re-mentioned society with much satisfaction. The Iris have long been celebrated for their proficiency in needle-work, And under the patronage of her Majesty, I l s n . l many ladies of rank and influence, the society so Prospers, that A depot for the sale of' work has lieen established a t the Soho B a zaar. Some of the specimens fay;re really very beautiful, and the p urchaser must b e really who cannot please herself , so m an y and v arious cu re r , the articles from which to choose, ranging from a f a il,;, l " l Y worked cotton counterpan e to the delicate le of berthes collars a nd cuffs. ~ FEE. 19.—The Clyde, Halcrow , hence to New Orleans,on which put back 20th ult., having b een on shore nand' but t d e llasborough Sand, sailed and got up on the same came off with loss of false keel, and proceeded D O -r En. 18.—The Marion, for Alexandria, has ellll assisted in here by two smacks, having been in D+'' Pips position on shore on the Longslips. THE SUN LONDON, THE PROVIDENT CLERKS' 1 ASSOCIATiv: , The seventh annual meeting of the members of the benevolent department of this valuable society was held, at six o'clock, on Friday evening, in the large room at the London Tavern. Baron L. de Roths child, M.P., one of the trustees, took the chair at the appointed hour amidst considerable applause. Among the gentlemen present we observed Thomson Hankey, jun., Esq., George Hankey, Esq., James Mackil lop, Esq., R. Bell, Esq., A. Smee, Esq., F.R.S., T. W . Jones, Esq., M.D., W. Ratray, Esq., Dr. Ray ner, and the whole Board of Management. The room was crowded. The CHAIRMAN said—l have to express to you the regret of Mr. J. A. Smith, who promised to preside over the meeting this evening, that he is unable to attend, in consequence of being obliged to be present in the House of Commons to-night, to hear the financial statement of Lord John Russell. I regret this for your sake as well as my own, fer he Las done so much good service to the institution, and has its interest so much at heart, that his presence here to-night would have given you and me, I am sure, the greatest pleasure and satisfaction.—(Cheers.) On account of his unavoidable absence, the humble indi vidual now addressing you has been selected to fill his place ; but I am sure, after you have been ac customed to have so able and so excellent a chairman as Mr. Smith, that I must present myself to you under considerable disadvantages ; I assure you, however, if I can be of any utility to the institution I shall feel extremely happy.—(Cheers.) With your permission, gentlemen, we will immediately proceed to business. I have also to apologise for the un avoidable absence of Mr. Baring, for the same reason as that which has kept Mr. Smith from amongst us ; both of them, but for the reason I have stated, would have felt great pleasure in being here to-night. With your permission the chairman of the Board of Man agement will read the seventh annual report. Dr. MULLINDER, L.L.D., having read the adver tisement convening the meeting, Mr. R. H. JONES (the chairman of the Board of Management) then read the report, which stated— " That, although great commercial distress had prevailed during the year 1847, the board had to re port that the progress of the Association, in connexion with the Mutual Life Assurance Brandi, had been very satisfactory. That the annual meeting of this department, held on the 25th of February, 1847, had, by resolution, sanctioned the election of two additional annuitants, viz., one clerk and t one widow; that the hoard had given every {publicity to such resolution; that four candidates offered themselves, viz., two clerks and two widows ; but, before the day of election, one of the clerks resigned; that, on the 31st of May, the day appointed for the election, and at which T. Baring, Esq., M.P., presided during a part of the proceedings, one clerk was elected to an annuity of 251., and one widow to an annuity of 15/.; that the Board, fully commiserating the condition of the unsuccessful candidate, at their next weekly meeting presented her with a gratuity of 101. That the Board, in their desire to conduct their operations with the greatest delicacy, had abstained from pub lishing the names in full of the several candidates, and had given the initials only, which course had been universally approved. " That from the great derangement of commercial affairs affecting all classes, the board could not rea sonably expect any addition to their list of patrons or augmentation of the funds of the benevolent de partment; they were, however, enabled to state that the invested fund of 10,300/. Three per Cents. has re mained untouched, and that during the past year they have received £126 0 0 from 104 new subscribers, 412 15 6 from 355 old members, 638 15 6 459; in addition to which they have also received 57 5 oin donations. £596 0 6 That the board, with these means at disposal, had paid the annuities to two clerks of 251. each, five widows of 151. each, and had granted 14 gratuities to dis tressed members. That 66 loans had been granted _ _ during the same period, amounting to 1,1651. in sums varying from 101. to 251., the instalments on which had been creditably repaid. The report stated that the board considered this pare of the associat ion ' s operations a very important one, inasmuch as many instances had come to their knowledge of real and permanent good having been effected by such timely assistance. The Situation Book had also been pro• ductive of much good, having been the instrument of obtaining situations for many members ; that the board were most anxious to render this item still more efficacious, and earnestly called upon principals wanting clerks to make refer ence to it, being certain that they could at all times obtain clerks of character and respectability; while at the same time they appealed to clerks to inform them of any vacancy which might be known. The report then stated that the talented medical offi cers in London had, with their characteristic kind- ness, continued to afford their valuable professional advice gratuitously, and that such example had been followed by many of the provincial medical referees. The report then stated that the balance-sheet had been duly certified by the auditors, and afterwards sub mitted to the treasurer and trustees, at a meeting with which they honoured the board on the 14th instant, and by them approved. " The following is an abstract of the balance-sheet, by which it fully appears that the board have realised the expectation held out at the last annual meeting, that the expenses of this department would be re duced, and from the anticipated great increase in the Mutual Life Assurance department, the board antici pate that during the present year still further reduc tion of expense will be effected. In confirmation of such expectation, the board were happy to quote from the annual report of the assurance depart ment, presented on the 17th of January last, that the number of policies issued during the year had been 417, for sums aggregating 84,750/., being the largest amount of business ever done by the associa tion in any one year ; that the board, in their anxious desire to promote the interests of the association, had sent deputations to Liverpool, Manchester, Bir mingham, Bristol, Gloucester, Exeter, Cardiff, Mer thyr, and Neath, for the purpose of holding public meetings, and affording opportunities to parties in the country the means of making themselves per sonally acquainted with the benefits of the association; that such a step had been productive of beneficial results, inasmuch as not only had publicity been given to the association, but that many had been led to join; that local committees had been formed, and several principals been induced to give their names as patrons and annual subscribers. "The report then stated that the board now came to the most pleasing part of their duty, that of re commending to the meeting that three additional annuitants be elected on the list May next, viz., one clerk and two widows, or in the event of no clerk offer ing, then three widows to be elected. " The report then referred to the circumstance that the board did not deem it expedient to commemorate the last election of annuitants by a public dinner as in previous years, but that .on the list May next, a public dinner would take place, on which occasion they hoped to be favoured with the company of every well-wisher of the association. "In conclusion the report expressed the deep gratitude the board felt for the support and patronage hitherto afforded them, and respectfully suggested to principals the desirableness of stimulating their clerks by themselves becoming patrons, and adding their names to the list of donors and subscribers. To clerks holding superior appointments, and who per haps think they may never require the assistance of the association, the board appealed to add their names to the list of annual subscribers for the benefit of their less fortunate brethren, that should they them selves suffer the reverses of fortune they would have the satisfaction of knowing that the day of prosperity had provided for the season of adversity; and to the clerks generally they would observe that all human events are uncertain, but, in this association, specially established for their benefit, and that of their wives and families, all are enabled, by a moderate exercise of economy, to provide for some of the contingencies to which all may be subjected. Many have proved the value of membership, then why should there be a solitary exception ? The board then again earnestly called upon the clerks, as a body, to come forward and place the Benevolent Fund of the Provident Clerks' Association at the head of the many excel lent institutions with which this country abounds." Mr. R. H. Jones then said, before the Chairman proposed the adoption of the report he was anxious to make a few observations with re spect to it. The amount of good they had been able to accomplish during the past year, as set forth in the report, was satisfactory, as far as it went, for they could only afford aid to the extent of their means, hut at the same time he felt ithis duty to observe that the result of the seven years ' experience which he had had of the working of the institution had far from satisfied him, as he had hoped to have seen 6,000 instead of 500 sub scribers to this depart ment.—(Cheers.) The board had used every exertion —had spared no trial—to make the advantages of the institution known ; yet such had been the result of their labours. They could only take the horse to the water—they could not make him drink—(Laughter) —but they hoped that this strong additional appeal would have the desired effect upon the large body of clerks in the kingdom, whose sufferings, in the hour of adversity, the institution was established to assuage. This question had been asked by many when solicited to become members—" IV hat shall we receive for the guinea we are asked to subscribe ?"—(Hear.) He (Mr. Jones) thought, after they had heard the report, that they would not i fe.i! to be of ipinien that the advantages to be derived Eby the annual payment of this small sum—and none were so poor that they could not afford to pay it— were so apparent, and so valuable, that no clerk in the kingdom should be without its pale. In the first place, the subscribers were entitled to receive medical advice, which in itself was an important advantage, as it was well known that a physician generally re ceived a fee of a guinea for each of his visits ; but the subscribers to this institution who required such advice, nut only once, but several times in the course of the year, were entitled to receive it from the medical officers.—(Hear.) But there were some other equally important advantages. A situation book was kept, to which the members might at all times have access, and it was satisfactory to record the fact that, during the last twelve months, twelve or fourteen clerks had obtained situations through its instrumentality.—(Cheers.) Then, gratuities of 51. and 101. were given to distressed members at those seasonable times when such aid was most acceptable, and when, perhaps, it might save many from ruin. This had been the case during the past year; for the institution had afforded aid to many who, without it, might never have been able to extricate themselves from the difficulties in which they were involved.—(Hear.) He bad a list of those who had participated in the benefits of the institution in this way during the time he had mentioned, and all the cases showed the absolute necessity for extending its operations. With respect to pensions he might say, there was not the same certainty attending them as gratuities; there was the certainty of a few obtaining pensions, but not all who might require them. This, however, would not be the case if the institution had more ample means; all those who might be reduced to the necessity of seeking a small pension in their declining years, would have no doubts of obtaining a pension. This was an additional reason why every clerk in the kingdom should subscribe a guinea a year to it. If they would come forward simultaneously the managers would be enabled to give abundantly to all deserving of its aid.—(Cheers.) At present five widows were receiving 151., and two aged clerks 251. each. With the exception of one widow who was disappointed in being elected on the last occasion, he believed he might say that no one who had applied for assist ance had not -obtained it—(Cheers) —and he trusted that on the next occasion, when three additional annuitants would be elected, that the unsuccessful candidate to whom he referred would he successful. —(Cheers.) It was pleasing, on the other hand, to observe that during this year they had received several instances of goodwill towards the :association. He would read the following letter from the chief clerk in a mercantile house, of considerable importance, and though it had already been published he thought that the proper time to lay it before the members. The spirit in which it was couched was one which he should be delighted to see generally followed. He troubled them with it, as he believed it a document of a very important character, which was as follows : " London, Jan. 12, 1848. "Gentlemen,—On behalf of myself and brother clerks in the establishment of --, I beg to hand you a donation for the Provident Clerks' Association of 161. Bs., the amount of which be pleased to acknow ledge. It is in consequence of our having been pre served from the disasters which have within the last few months befallen so many of our fraternity, and to lend them a helping hand, that we have determined on making the donation in question. ".I am, Gentlemen, yours, 19 (Loud cheers.) Then one of the agents had generously surrendered his commission, which amounted to about 51. ss. a year, to the benevolent fund.—(Loud cheers.) There was an excellent spirit in this spon taneous offer. He did not wish to single out the names of parties who had shown themselves such earnest friends of the institution, as they might object to it. That morning they had received a letter from a gentleman at Birmingham, stating that he had re ceived a guinea as an annual subscription from the High Bailiff, in consequence of the recent visits of the deputations of the association to that town, and adding that the Lord Ilayor had consented to take the chair at their next visit—(Loud cheers)—at the same time he enclosed a sub scription from Mr. Clark, an influential gentleman there. He could • mention many other equally satis factory results, but it was needless to do so ; that, however, was the spirit he wished to see followed. Before he resumed his seat he might mention that they had issued this year in the assurance department 67 policies, amounting altogether to 15,0501. ; that was a good beginning to the year.—(Cheers.) In the same period they had received donations amount ing to 28/. 95., 24 new subscriptions, gave two gra tuities of Si. each, and had granted 13 loans, amount ing in the aggregate to 270/. He wished to mention that they had received letters from the following warm friends of the institution expressing their re gret that unavoidable circumstances would prevent them attending that evening :—Sir T. Pirie, Bart, M. Boyd, Esq., James Blyth, Esq., T. Baring, Esq., M.P., J. A. smith, Esq., M.P., &c. Sze. The CHAIRMAN then rose and said—Gentlemen, before the adoptioi of the report, which I hare heard read with a great deal of pleasure, is moved, I can not allow the opportunity which now presents itself to pass without offering a few remarks to you with respect to this institution. A general feeling seems to prevail in the meeting that the Chairman was quite justified in the expression of astonishment which he just now gave utterance to, that the number of the subscribers to the institution have not increased during the seven years it has been established to a greater number than 500.—(Hear, hear.) On my own part, having been one of the original subscribers, and having always taken a great interest in its ob jects, I must also express my unfeigned surprise when I look at the great benefits and advantages to be derived from it. I confess I cannot, in my own mind, really account for the tameness with which it has been taken up by those for whom it was designed, because on all hands I behold its advantages. 1 see that it may confer inestimable benefits on the subscribers .themselves, should their circumstances become reduced ; and if they should not happily require its aid, that in sub • scribing to the institution they are simply doing that which every man whg wishes well to his neighbour should do as a matte': of duty.—(Loud cheers.) In looking at the institution merely as a benefit, or an assurance society, in the ordinary acceptation of the term, you do it injury, for I beg you to recollect that for a guinea a year you have the chance of receiving 251. a year in your declining years, and your widow, in the event of your death, 161.: if you look at the institution in this light, I am sure you will be of opinion that it has much stronger claims upon your support than an) other benefit or assurance company, for its object is to confer far greater advantages upon you than they profess to give.—(Cheers.) It appears by the report that three additional annuitants are to be elected in the course of the year ; but you have heard that there are more applicants than can be relieved by annuities. There are, I believe, four applicants; it is possible there may be more—but being able to meet the wishes of three, is a very great proportion of the number seeking relief. I, as a matter of course, prefer certainty to uncertainty ; but, it may reasonably be assumed, that if the society receives the support it should, the uncer tainty of a clerk, in the decline of life, receiving an annuity, should he be in a condition to require one, will be in a great measure removed ; at any rate this is perfectly certain, that the subscriber of a guinea a year purchases more advantages than could he ob tained by the investment of a similar sum in any other benefit or assurance company. (Cheers.) Looking at mere personal benefits—and that is not the only light in which you should view a matter of this kind I think every clerk ought, merely as a matter of business, to invest a guinea a year in this institution.—(Loud cheers.) By the investment of that sum you may have the satisfaction of knowing that you can _assist a man with whom you have been in daily , T may say habitual communication. As a charitable institution, I consider it ought to receive the assistance of the whole country. An objection is made to the institution, with respect to which I wish to say a few words (I have heard the chairman allude to it on a former occasion). It is this—that clerks are afraid if they subscribe to it that it might interfere with their promotion, and prevent their principals from making that provision for them which they ought to do, and which they would do if they did not make any provision for themselves elsewhere. In my own establishment we have a great many gentlemen (and there are many like them in other establishments), who are very careful, re• gular, and attentive in their own affairs, and I have invariably remarked that those who thus distinguished themselves are the most regu lar and attentive to our own. This shows that those who look to the future advantage of themselves and their families have, from their assiduity, stronger claims upon their employers ; therefore if those who serve us best, and who are, in consequence, promoted, subscribe to a charity like this. I am convinced that they have our business as much at heart as their own. Those who are careful of their own matters, therefore, serve us the:best and have the strongest claims upon us.—(Cheers.) I do not con sider on these grounds that there is any force in the objection that principals do not suffi (gently attend to the promotion of their clerks because they many subscribe to an institution like this, which may afford them in the future ad vantages which, at present, they do not in o they should need. I have not heard of any other objection raised against the institution, and I do, therefore, hope and trust that the example which we have recently seen of the necessity of supporting it will have its due effect. I allude to the failure of houses which but a short time ago occupied high MONDAY EVENING, FEBRUARY 21 lB4B. positions ; houses of long standing, and occupying a great ptmitiun ill thc commercial a orld have beee unforseen circumstances—either by reckless specula tions or ambitious views—hurled to the ground, as it were, from positions which no one could have had any idea would become so postrated.—(Cheers.) Looking at the lessons of forecast inculcated during the past period of commercial depression, I con sider this an excellent and opportune mo ment for making the appeal I now do the clerks of this country to become subscribers to this institution without delay.—(Bear, hear.) At the same time I cannot help observing, for it is a remark able fact, that if the clerks in the houses that have fallen had subscribed, that we certainly should have had a greater number of applicants for relief ; it cer tainly leads to the inference—and it is one, I think that does not admit of doubt—that the clerks in those houses were not subscribers.—(Hear, hear.) I ought not, perhaps, to embitter their recollections by any complaints as to their supineness, but I must say, if they had subscribed that the books would have shown the fact.—(Cheers.) Those clerks, therefore, who do subscribe hold situations, it would seem, in houses that have weathered the storm. It is very satisfac tory that such should be the case, but it would, perhaps, have been more agreeable to our feelings as regards charity, if those who have been thus thrown out of employment had been in a condition to apply far as s i s t ance . It may, how ever, be some satisfaction to us to think that, though they were unfortunately not subscribers, they are not destitute of the means of support. I feel that I ought not to detain you longer after making this appeal to you and through you to others. I trust that it will be generously and immediately responded to. We cannot, I think, give too much publicity to the objects of the institution, and we must do all we can to induce our neighbours, and our friends arid others, to become members without delay.—(Cheers.) The report was then adopted. Mr. Tnosisosi HANKEY, jun., said he rose to pro pose the first resolution with the greatest pleasure, because it marked in a considerable degree the pro gressive improvement that had taken place in the in stitution since its commencement. He was sure every one present would echo the sentiment he expressed when he said that they all deeply deplored the absence of Mr. John Abel Smith, who had here tofore presided over their assemblies, from any meet ing of this kind in the city of London.—(Loud cheers.) The interest he had taken in the institution from its commencement must have endeared him to them all, if there was no other circumstance in his life to entitle him to a prominent and enduring place in their memories. (Cheers.) His memory, he repeated, must be endeared to every subscriber and every clerk in the city of London for the warm in terest he had ever evinced in their welfare. But the regret which they felt for his absence possessed one consolatory feature—it had given them their present chairman (Cheers) a gentleman not less con spicuous in the city of London, and whose interest in all public charities and in everything connected with the welfare of the citizens rendered him as prominent as any gentleman in the city of London. —(Loud cheers.) He considered it no small satisfaction certainly it is no small satisfaction to him, and it could not, he thought, be a source of small satisfaction to the meeting—when they recol lected that for the first time that day they were pre sided over by their own City Member—(Loud cheers)--and let them remember that if he was not in his place in the House of Commons that evening, it was on account of peculiar circumstances over which he had no control--(Cheers)—but their grati fications must be still more enhanced by the recol lection that, notwithstanding these peculiar circum stances, his fellow-citizens had felt it due to his position, as one of the greatest merchants in the City and in the world, to elect him as one of their repre sentatives.—(Cheers.) The institution could not fail to prosper under such a presidency. The commercial depression, and the consequent failure of many great and old-established houses, referred to in the report, must be long retained in the memories of those con nected with the city of London. No one could re collect the year 1847 without the distresses and troubles that befel so many great and eminent firms, many of which had disappeared, and which caused so much dismay by their fall, recurring to the minds. This was a matter which all who felt an interest in this institution could not fail to consider most important. It was to provide aid for those whom the failure or altered circumstances of mercan tile houses might leave in a friendless state that this institution had been established—to anticipate any sudden change in their affairs, and to mitigate them. It was necessary, therefore, that it should receive that, support which every one must feel to be so essential to its welfare. The paucity of numbers had been so recently alluded to by the Chairman, that he should say very little on the matter. The Chairman of the Board said, instead of 500 members, he had antici pated 5,000. He (Mr. Mulkey) confessed that he was more sanguine, as he had expected that no less than 10,000 clerks would have joined it.—(Hear, hear.) He was the more surprised at this as he had heard it stated in that room, or in that house, at the first anniversary of the Commer cial Travellers' Schools, that the institution had 12,000 subscribers.—(Hear, hear.) From the posi tion in life of most clerks in the city of London they were in a position to aid the institution, and it was therefore to him a source of deep regret that its ob jects had not received that cordial and general sup port he had anticipated.—(Hear, hear.) At the same time he was not inclined t o d es p a i r . H e was ready to admit that circumstances prevented many clerks from sparing even the small annual subscription, but he was sure that all who could would do so for their own sakes as well as for those dependent upon them, and that a great increase of subscribers would take place. By becoming subscribers to institutions of this kind they purchased more effectual good than by means of any assurance office. He hoped, there fore, to see the institution placed on the footing on which it ought to stand. As a well-wisher of the institution he could not help observing that the ex penses of theinstitution were great, compared with the benefits derived. The expenses certainly had b een large ; they continued to be so, and it was, therefore, desirable to cut them down as much as possible. A great reduction had taken place last year, and he understood th at t h ey wou ld b e s till furt h er diminished. It should, however, be recol lected that the benevolent department would receive this year, for the first time, a large sum of money f rom the bonus to be declared in the assurance department; their command for the purposes of charity. trusted that th e expen di ture wou ld every y inure proportion a t e t o th e rece ipts of the company the benefit s d er i ve d b y t h e su b scr ib ers . cu ffunds ldrearnestlysa atn becamey a so that th e managers wou ld h ave more In proportion as the number of subscribers increased, so would the proportionate expenditure diminish. He was highly gratified to learn from the report that so large a number of persons had participated in the benefit of the loan department. He cordially approved of the practice of not giving publicity to the names of those persons who were so accommodated.—(Hear, hear.) He was also happy to see that the association was so well supported by clerks holding superior offices, who .probably never expected to derive any benefit from its funds, but who having the means at their command are willing to contribute a portion towards those who are in a lower position in life than th e mselves.--(Hear, hear.) It was necessar y, how ever, to make still furth er appeals f or ass i s t ance to all parties in this country. —(H ear , h ea r.) He was aware that it was very difficult to obtain the formation of any new association, and persons natu rally looked to London as the f ocus w h ere it should be formed, and this society ought t o t a k e the lead of every local association, and thus deriving subscrip tions, it would be enabled to act upon the averages, for it was only upon the principle of large averages that any assurance office could be conducted with safety and profit to the proprietors.—(Hear.) snhoould be refused. — He hoped that the day was not far distant when the society would be able thus to act in an extended such institutions as the identified the interests of all application made 8 appeared to him that to s o: l eest present nr e f e t o the hw f b sa a rrc usefulness,. this—that ne persons employed in commercial houses—(Hear) — and tended to promote a good and,. honourable feeling among them. Great benefits might be expected to s o t _ lft b t e b h t l a e t ad fi n i benefits i management when yen result from the diffusion of this sort of feeling, and it ought not to be lost sight of when advocating the interests of such an associa tion as this.---(Hear, hear.) He hop e d t o see th a t feeling extending wider and wider every year among That 7H the ea r p m teK l a n n g d printed, according the members of the association, and tr uste d t h at every i r h e e p a o r ; ) t He now felt re a d great r epcleeiayseudr, e ad i n o year its prosperity would be increased._ to the discretion of the board. J. MAcieieLor, Esq., said that he should best con sult the feelings of those whom he had the honour to address if he simply ccnfined himself to seconding the motion of his Hon. Friend. He was sorry to see that the institution had not made that progress which he anticipated it would have done. No doubt they had had great difficulties to contend against, but he believed that they had now passed through the worst ; they were now, he thought, upon a " railroad," and should move with accelerated speed.—(Hear, hear.) He had no doubt that next year he should have to Lcngratulate the meeting upon a large in crease in the number of the members of the associa tion.—(Hear, hear.) The report was then ne animousl, agre e d t o . Mr. HOWDEN then moved—" That on the 31st May next, or such other-eday as the board ma y ap point, due notice of the sa me being given to the members, a special meeting be held for the purpose of electing three addit4onal annuitants • duly qua lifi e d according to the rules, viz. — o ne, being a member, to an annuity of 251.; the others, widows of members, to annuities of 15/. each ; and in the event of no member offering himself, then to elect three widows of mem- Isdrs to eiffluitiss of 15/. eacil." Itlis reso:ution had been put into his hand, because he had been intimately connected with the society front its com mencement up to the present time. He had had the honour of proposing for election one of the first annui tantsstd::hie whoiiceadl iymtel 1 only. society d ) dfi f hije t i Ithinteiehnsee insured isociety,r(udi:lsiohyebvreheanalini:dl.ftlii,d‘friNe whoithe I li what inieie,erhmt acib r ihee ' sg a i ntsl i rdoee, d a ficort eeiutte w npesltd,iyi i do d werth o faoreao w ibrvrv:eeee t tedlh f cerfotf a etnhreobd p a ny.t e iviz r ei becomestot3tchhhtnriese: f, society was not encouraged more than it was by those persons who might be expected to require assistance from its funds. He remembered hearing Mr. Tattersall saying, at a dinner of the Provident Postmasters, " that all the wealthy came and supported the institution well enough, but those who wanted assistance were the veriest ' jibbs ' in existence, and unless they ap plied the double thong to them they could never get them to go."—(Loud laughter.) There was no doubt that at present the poorer classes were suffering under some privation, and had very little to risk in such an association as this ; their more wealthy brethren must, therefore, bear the risk for them for a short time, and he had no doubt that they would then soon come in and join them. Mr. W. RENNELL, in "seconding the motion, said that no person could dispute the fact that the year 1847 was one of a momentous character. Firms which had stood as it were, in the opinion of some individuals, impossible to be shaken, had fallen, and in their fall how many clerks had gone with them ? The principal had failed, and where was the man ? Failed, of course. Then it must implant in the breast of everyone the necessity of institutions of this nature.—(Cheers.) But how was it supported ? There were upwards of 50,000 clerks ' in London, and this society numbered among its members only 500 ! This was very miserable in deed. Instead of being called the provident clerks, one would think that they were the " improvident clerks" who had joined the association, and that the provident ones were the majority.—(Hear.) He deeply regretted that he did not see more fresh faces among them—seeing the old faces so constantly made it almost irksome for him to address them.—(A laugh.) He felt it his duty to reprove them. He did not mean the clerks present, but those who were absent, and perhaps they would be good enough to communicate his opinions to them.—(Laughter.) He knew that some clerks might say what was the use of joining the Provident elerks,•becauselwhen they got old or lame or nearly blind their employers would say "you can go to the Provident Clerks." He was happy however to hear their Hon. Chairman state that among his clerks he would select those as the objects of his protection who had connected themselves with the association; that was a sentiment which did honour to his generous heart.—(Hear, hear.) The resolution was then unanimously agreed to. R. H. JONES, Esq., then rose to move—" That the warmest thanks of this meeting are due, and are hereby presented to the treasurer, and trustees for their con tinued patronage and support." With respect to an observation which fell from Mr. Hankey, he begged to say that nothing was more difficult to deal with than the question of expenses. The ma nagers strove all they could to reduce them, and yet they were constantly told that they did not advertise enough. Such was the position of the ma nagers. With respect to a statement also made by the same Hon. Gentleman, that the country sulsscri hers would not stand so much chance as the London ones, he begged to say that if any partiality was shown at all, it was shown towards the country members, in consequence of their being absent.— (Hear.) Mr. Rennell had stated that the members of the society were only 500 ; now-in the two depart ments they had nearly 1,700 ; that fact would, per haps, tend to relieve the Hon. Gentleman's mind.— (Hear.) With respect to the resolution he had pro posed he was sure that there was not one present who would hesitate for a moment to agree to it; he would not, therefore, detain the meeting by any remarks upon the subject. J. W. Wzrxn, Esq., seconded the resolution. The institution owed a debt of the deepest gratitude to those gentlemen who had bestowed their valuable time upon the interests of the association.—(Hear.) It was a subject of deep regret to him that the society was not supported in a more liberal manner, for, be sides the feeling that it would advance their own in terests and those connected with them, there was also a far nobler feeling, which this society appealed to, and that was tne desire of doing good to others : there was the noble feeling of charity which should find a place in the heart of every man.—(Hear.) Upon the question of the expenses, the meeting would perhaps recollect that, a short time since, a full and complete statement of the affairs of the society were laid before the trustees and managers, and it was finally resolved to conduct the business of the asso ciation with more energy. The directors had acted upon that recommendation ; the expenses had neces sarily been increased in consequence. The directors did all they could through the medium of the press ; and to the gentlemen connected with the press the best thanks of the society were due, for the very cordial manner in which they responded to the appli cations made to them.—(Hear.) Then a certain por tion of the office expense fell upon this department, but he trusted that in a short time the expenses under that head would cease, and the charges be merely nominal. There was every disposition on the part of the board to proceed with the greatest economy and care in watching over the interests of the association. There was no doubt such an institution as this ought to be well supported. An association was recently formed among the Coast Guard and other officers of the Customs, the subscription to which was sixpence per month, and although most of the persons subscribing had other means to de pend upon in times of necessity, still so well was it supported, that although it had only been in existence a few years, it had funds now to the amount of 9,0001. He hoped that the clerks would come forward and support this institution in a liberal manner, and that this would be the last time that they would have to be appealed to for aid in support of a noble cause of charity.—(Hear, hear.) The resolution was then put, and unanimously agreed to. The CHAIRMAN said that, on the part of himself and the other trustees, he begged to assure the meeting of their gratification in the resolution they had just una nimously passed. Upon the subject of the expenses, he must say, that upon looking over the balance-sheet, he thought that they were large, considering the amount of receipts, and they had felt it their duty to call attention to the subject, in order to induce them to increase the number of the subscribers. He felt with his friend Mr. Hankey, a considerable pleasure in devoting a little of his spare time to the institution. Such an institution as this could not fail to be of service, and it was gratifying to him to be able in any way to do good to his fellow-creatures,—(Hear, hear.) He trusted that at the next annual meeting they would have the pleasure of meeting them in a more prosperous condition; nothing would give the trustees greater pleasure than to witness the continuous prosperity of the institution.----(Hear.) Mr. HOWDEN then proposed a resolution to the effect, that each member should subscribe an addi tional guinea, for the purpose of increasing the general fund of the society ; no seconder, however, being found, the resolution fell to the ground. The CHAIRMAN said that he. feared he might be misunderstood upon the question of expenses. What he intended to have conveyed to the meeting was, that the expenses were too large for the receipts. There must of necessity be considerable expenses connected with an association of this nature, but he felt convinced that the gentlemen who managed the affairs of tke society did use a great deal of talent and economy, and he trusted that no observation of his with respect to the expenses would be construed in any way as having reference to their management, but merely to the proportion of expenses compared with the receipts, thus showing the necessity for in creased support. What he complained of was, not that the expenses wore too large,, but that the sub scriptions were toe small.—(Hear, hear.) J. J. IsEeisz, Esq., then movedi—" That the best thanks of this meeting be presented to the auditors, medical officers, both in town anal country„and to the honorary solicitors for their valuable services.during the past year." He would merely sts.te in moving that resolution that the auditors, the medical officers, and the solicitors, one and all of thrum, rendered their valuable solstices gratuitonsly to the company. W. J. JORDAN, Esq., secondea the motion, which was also unanimously agreed to, H. B. REYNOLDS, Esq., then moved—" That the best thanks of this meeting are due to the board of management for their oontinued, attention and de votion to the interests of the. association." He would just make one remark :—He thought that the persons who were most wanted t.o support the insti tutions were those who gave their guinea and never expected to have anything.in return for it again. Mr. borax seconded the motion, which was also unanimously agreed to. Mr. Josiss returned thanks for Himself and his col leagues. They had done all that they could possibly do to promote the success of the institution, and he would add also, that they had beets able to meet every case that had been brought before theca.—(Hear.) Mr. Pales then proposed a votes of thanks to the Chairman of the evening. The meeting were not only under great obligations to him for his ki n d ness in coming down to preside ovei th em that night, but also for the great interest which l'e took in watching over the concerns, and interests c if th e soc i e t y . This kindness in attending to the inter( ssts of the associa like shame upon l t t i h o o n Ke re v‘ fl ,ho reflected, he tthoougcokmt,e f so o m rw et a h r i : ig and support the society, for whose benefit it wa s instituted. The meeting was deeply indebted to t he Hon. Chairman for his kindness in taking the char, the ability with which he had conducted the business of the meeting. and tins urbanity and affability to all present. Mr. LINTOT seconded the motion, which was car ried by acclamation. The CUAIRMAN returned his most sincere thanks for the vote of thanks which they had just accorded to him, and for the handsome manner in which it had been tendered to him, for his having passed a few minutes with them. He hoped that what they had heard to-night would prove of service, and that their meeting together would not be entirely useless— (Hear, hear)—and that at their next meeting he trusted, under more favourable auspices, they would have reason to say that they had done some good by their meeting of to-night.—(Cheers.) The meeting then broke up. COURT CIRCULAR. The Queen and Princ• Albert took their accus tomed early walk on Saturday in the gardens of Claremont. His Royal Highness Prince Albert afterwards went out, accompanied by his Royal Highness the Duke of Saxe-Coburg and Count Arthur Mensdorff, and attended by Captain the Hon. A. Gordon. Their Roy al Highnesses the Prince of Wales, Prince Alfred, the Princess Royal, and the Princess Alice, took their usual walks and rides on Saturday last in Claremont Park. The Hon. and Rev. C. Leslie Courtenay arrived at Claremont on Saturday afternoon, and had the honour of jo ining the royal circle at dinner. Her Majesty, accompanied by her Royal Highness the Duchess of Saxe- Coburg, took a drive in an open carriage on Saturday afternoon. Colonel Buckley, Equerry in Waiting on the Queen, attended on horse back. Yesterday, her Majesty and Prince Albert, and the royal party, attended Divine service at Claremont. The Hon. and Rey. C. Leslie Courtenay officiated. Her Royal Highness the Princess Helena was taken an airing on Saturday, in the gardens of Buckingham Palace. Her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent arrived at her residence, Clarence House, St. James's, at one o'clock on Saturday afternoon, from Frogmore House. Her Royal Highness was attended by Lady Fanny Howard, Baroness de Speth. and Sir George Couper. Yesterday their Royal Highnesses the Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Mary, and his Serene Highness Prince Frederick of Hesse, paid visits , to the Royal Duchess, at Clarence House, St. Jame s s. Their Royal Highnesses the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, and the Princess Mary, and his Serene Highness Prince Frederick of Hesse, arrived at Cam bridge House, on Saturday, from Kew. The Duchess of Cambridge and the Princess Mary attended Divine service yesterday, in St. Michael's Church. Mr. Edmund Mildmay was in waiting on the Royal Duchess. A Cabinet Council was held on Saturday after noon, at the Foreign-office. The Ministers present were—Lord John Russell, the Lord Chancellor, the Marquis of Lansdowne, Sir George Grey, Viscount Palmerston, Earl Grey, the Chancellor of the Ex chequer, the Earl of Auckland, Lord Campbell, Sir John Hobhouse, the Marquis of Clanricarde, the Right Hon. H. Labouchere, Viscount Morpeth , and the Right Hon. T. B. Macaulay. The Council sat two hours and a half. . Colonel Conolly had an interview with Sir George Grey on Saturday, at the Home• office. Mr. Morrison had an interview with the Right Hon. Edward Strutt en Saturday, at the office of the Commissioners of Railways in the Board of Trade. Dispatches were sent off on Saturday evening from the Colonial-office, for the Governors of Hong-Kong and Malta. _ The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council sat on Saturday, and heard an appeal from Ceylon, " An struther v. Arabin." . V -----__ The Duke of Wellington attended divine service early yesterday in the Chapel Royal, St. James's. The prayers were read by the Rev. Dr. Wesley, and the sermon was preached by the Hon. and Rev. A. Phipps. At the daily service the prayers were read by the Rev. Dr. Vivian, the lessons by the Rev. T. Helmore, and the Communion Service by the Bishop of London. The sermon was preached by the Hon. and Rev. A. Phipps. The anthem was, " When the , ear heard him" (Handel). Sir George Smart pre sided at the organ. Ladies St. Germans, Jersey, and Ebrington, the Bishop of Ely, Lords St. Ger mans, Granville, and Ebrington were among the no bility present. DIPLOMATIC RELATIONS WITH THE COURT OF ROME. HOUSE OF LORDS.-Fm Is. LORD EGLINTON'S AMENDMENT. CONTENT. Sandwich Strangford Mal=e/bury famsorti. Warwick Middleton Delawarr Redesdale Hardwicke St. John Stanhope Sheffield Eglinton Rayleigh Waldegrave De Ros Pomfret De Lisle Eldon Sondes Ellenborough Stanley Erne Crofton Digby Abinger Orkney Lyndhurst Lonsdale Colchester Harrewby Tenterden Verulam: Kenyon Dartmouth Faversham Egmont Ashburton Clanwilliam Saltotm Roden Skelmeredale iIp3OOI7NTIP. Southampton Combermere Colville Hill Wynford NON-CONTENT. lIIIIIIOTS. Winchester Chichester Exeter Rochester Liandaff London DMA. Wellington Richmond Beaufort Manchester Buckingham Newcastle entrose staliAnlirs• Exeter Cholmondeley Ailesbury Salisbury Breadalbane Downshirs Lists. Aberdeen BISHOPV. St. David's Worcester Manchester DIJ/CIV. Norfolk Roxburgh Leinster MAILQUULLI• Lansdowne Anglesey Clanricarde Donegal' EARLS. ritzy,'lliam Granville Radnor Spencer Strafford St. Germans Scarborough Shrewsbury Charlemont JIAZONS. York Gesford Carew Auckland Howard de Walden Huntingdon Campbell Grey Camoys Morley Beaumont Essex Erskine Fitzhardinge Sudeley FOR. Cowper - Keane Chichester Dacre Devon Monteagle Clare Van.% Bruce Cremorne Sefton Carrington Morningten Kianaird Kingston Glenelg viscae NTS. Montfort Sydney Elphinstone Canning Mostyn Falkland Crewe, sastoNs. De Manley Cottenham; Holland Hatherton Monson Foley Langdale Allsa, Marquis Munster, Earl Airlie, Earl _ Lauderdale, Earl Sinclair, Lord Stradbroke, Earl Winchilsea, Earl Castlemaine, Lord Cardigan, Earl Howe, Earl Longford, Earl Abingdon, Earl Wilton, Earl Grantley, Lord Sherburne, Lord PAIRS. AGAINST. Yarborough, Earl Suffield, Lord Thanet, Earl Belhaven, Lord Wharnclite, Lord Fortescue, Earl Byron, Lord De Freyne, Lord Cllfden, Lord Somerset, Duke Portman, Lord Sutherland, Duke Cork, Es rl Fitzhardinge, Earl Lovelace, Earl INCOME-TAX. The following are the resolutions proposed in the Committee of Ways and Means on}ridgy night by Lord John Russell: — Motion made, and question proposed, " That , t owards raising the supply granted to her Majesty , the respcetlve ! duties in Great Britain on property, profits, professions, trades, and offices, and the stamp duties in Ireland, granted by two Acts passed in the sixth year of her present Majesty, and further continued by two Acts passed in the eighth year of her present Majesty, shall be further continued for a time to be limited. " That, towards raising the supply granted to her Majesty, there be charged annually, for a time to be limited, the several additional rates ane duties following, that is to say— " For and in respect of all property, profits, profes sions, trades, and offices whatever, upon which an a nnual rate or duty of sevenpence for every twenty shillings of the manual value or amount thereof is now payable, there shall be charged for every twenty shillings of the annual value or amount thereof, an additional rate or duty of fivepence. " For and in respect of the occupation of any lands, tenements, and hereditaments, upon which an annual rate or duty of threepence halfpenny for every twenty shillings of the annual value or amount thereof is now pa), hie t h e re shall be charged for every twenty shillings of the annual value or amount thereof, an additional duty of twopence halfpenny. For and in respect of the occupation of any lands, tenements, and hereditaments, upon which the annual rate or duty of threepence halfpenny for every twenty shillings ^f the annual value or amount thereof is now payable, there shall be charged for every twenty shillings of the annual value or amount thereof, an additional duty of twopence. " Chairman to leave the chair, and ask leave to sit again." Sountiittrrox, SUNDAY Moiniss. — The Oriental Company's steam-ship, Ripon, Captain Moresby, lett the docks at nine o'clock this morning, en routs for Alexandria, with the East India and China mails, under charge of the Admiralty agent. The Ripon has taken out seventy passengers, and a very fall cargo of bale and other goods. The Iberia, Captain Burney, is hourly expected from Italy ; as also the Royal West India mail-packet Tay, Captain Sharpe, with the West India and Mexican math', SACRED HARMONIC SOCIETT.—The " Creation" will be repeated at Exeter-hall on Wednesday, the Ist of March, when Miss Wallace, whose successful debut w have already noticed, will make h er second appearance. e PROPERTIC-TAX.—F.rOM E. Parliamentary paper just printed, it appears that the amount of the prop .; i erty n tax, in 1842, was 5,458, 04 1 / ; in 1843, 5,458,0411 1844, 5,372,47714 and in 1845, 5,603,4431. THE BUDGET.—At a meeting of ,the M arylebone vestry on Saturday, it was resolved to petition against the addition to the income-tax. I The Duchess de la Victoria, wife of General Es t pater°, left Bordeaux on the 15th for Logrono. s u ..!•'..-•,> ~' -1,.-40..0 , -1- A r. l4 ; - • 1 -. t tili r ..1 .To . - 1 ; -.) • '. .. 47.:! 4 1 :311 ' \ee : • eti !." . "..(Tir' i, ler‘roe '.. rit . i i a l l iP *4 HER MAJESTY'S T The season has commenced, any with great eclat. Her Majesty's Saturday evening, and opened, as\ opened since Mr. Lumley assumed the nagement, in a manner which reflectKibe credit on his enterprise, taste, and assiduity. The opera was Verdi's Ernani, and the artistes, with the exception of Gardoni, who appeared in the character of Carlos, were all new to the English boards, but before the conclusion of the first act they had all established themselves as first-rate favourites. The following was the cast : Don Carlos, the King Signor Gardoni. Ernani Signor Cuszani, (his first appearance). Ruy Gomez de Silva Signor Belletti, (his first appearance). Elvira . . (her first appearance). Mdlle. Sofia Cruvelli is, if we mistake not, des• tined at no distant day to become the prima donna, par excellence of the Italian lyrieal stage. She has only just completed her musical education, and is not yet twenty years of age, and has appeared for a short time only at the theatre of La Fenice, at Venice, where her success was immense. Where Mr. Lumley saw her or heard of her we know not, but we congratulate him on having been enabled to secure the services of one in every way so calculated to sustain and to enhance the well-earned fame of her Majesty's Theatre. She is beautiful, and possesses that freshness which youth alone can give. Her eye is most expressive, and her finely developed forehead gives an air of intellectuality and majesty to her whole demeanour. Her action is graceful exceedingly, and her elocution fervid and impassioned. Her voice is one of the finest, most perfect sopranos ever heard, clear, rich, even, and sweet; its compass is most extensive, and in her lower notes there is a depth of intonation, a clear ringing silvery tone, which is seldom heard in soprano voices. Her first song s " Sorts I la notte " at once obtained for her a favour able attention, which her fine acting in the scene with the King which immediately follows secured. From this moment to the conclusion of the opera, the part of Elvira increases in intensity, and Mademoiselle Sofia Cruvelli was always found equal to the demands made upon her. The last scene was a perfect triumph, and the success of Mademoiselle Sofia Cruvelli was complete. Equally complete was the success of Signor Beletti, the new baritone. Rich, deep, clear, pure, and flexible. his voice is one of the finest baritones ever heard; it is cultivated up to the highest pitch of perfection, and his intonation is per fect. There is about the voice of Signor Beletti none of the tremulousness which so marred some of the finest efforts of Fornasari, nor any of the rigidity which is too commonly the fault of this quality of voice. His acting too was very fine, full of dignity and pathos. His opening scene, " Infelice e tuo credevi," at once stamped him as an artist of the very highest powers, and was received with an enthu siastic encore. Signor Cuzzani, the new tenor, was suffering from influenza, notwithstanding which he went through the part of Ernani with infinite taste and feeling. His voice is of very pure quality and his intonation beautiful. His appearance is greatly in his favour, and he is a first-rate actor. Gardoni, as Carlo, sang the music (transposed to suit his voice) with that exquisite sweetness and expres sion which characterises everything he does. He makes a great part of the King, which none of his pre decessors have ever done. He looked exceedingly well, and was in admirable voice. At the con clusion of the opera all the artistes were called before the curtain, and were received with the most rapturous applause. Then came " God Save the Queen," and nothing could exceed the splendour of the coup (foil presented by the house at this moment; every box was occupied, and then when the company, in honour of the national anthem, rose and came forward to the front of the boxes, was realised the gorgeous imagining of the artist who first suggested the bouton d'or decorations for the hangings. Each box was a framed picture. The pit and the stalls too were crowded, and the effect of the whole was gorgeous. The orchestra, under the direction of Balfe (who on his first appearance was greeted with enthusiastic applause), is greatly improved ; indeed nothing could be more perfect than their performance of the music in Ernani on Saturday evening, and the choruses are admirable. Then came the new ballet Fiorita; ou La Reine des Elfrides, one of the most beautifil and consequently one of the most successful of ballet creations. The scene is laid in Sicily, and the scenery, by Marshall, is exquisitely beautiful. The groupings in the second tableau are some of the most exquisitely classical and tasteful ever exhi bited, and the concluding scene, in which the queen of the Elfrides is turned into a statue, and in which are introduced several beautifully designed fountains of real water, is perfectly novel, and drew down rapturous applause. The great feature of the ballet, however, is the dancing of Rosati, and of the young Marie Taglioni. Rosati is now a perfect dancer; there is the same complete mastery over the difficulties of her art which she exhibited last season, joined to more grace and elegance ; she now com pletely possesses the ars celare artem, and therefore is she now truly great. Her reception was most enthu siastic, and:she would have had to repeat every pas more than once had she attended to all the encores with which she was greeted. Marie Taglioni has returned to us greatly improved in her art, and still retaining the delightful.naleete, one might almost call it fascinating, simplicity of childhood which constituted the great charm of her dancing last season. She does great things, without being apparently conscious of it. The two promising artistes of last season, Mesdemoiselles Julienne and Lamoureux, have more than fulfilled the promise they then held out, and bid fair, ere long, to take their place in the foremost ranks of their profession.! The ballet, which is by M. Paul Taglioni, was mounted in the most superb manner, and its success was decided. The house was crowded in every part. Her Majesty's box was occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk and the Ladies Fitzalan Howard,.. Viscount Morpeth, and Lady Mary Howard, &c. In the Queen Dowager's box were Lord and Lady - Ernest Bruce and party. Among the general company in the boxes and stalls we observed—His Excellency the Russian Mil nister, the Baroness Brunnow, and Mdlle. Olga die Lochner; his excellency the Hanoverian Minister, his Excellency the Sardinian Minister, his Excellency the Swedish Minister, the Duke of Welling ton, the Duke and Duchess of Montrose, the Marquis of Clanricarde, the Marquis of Done gall, the Marquis of Ailesbury, the Earl of Munster, the Earl Granville, the Earl of Lonsdele, the Countess (Dowager) of Essex, the Viscoiant Cantilupe, the Viscount Clifden, the Viscount So merton, the Viscount and Viscountess Seaham, Laxrd Sandys, Lord Adolphus Fitzclarence, Lord SuffieLld, Lady Charles Somerset, Lady Webster, Lord Dun more, Lord and Lady Holland, Lord Gardner, Lady Fremantle, Sir John and Lady Bailey, General the Hon. C. Cavendish, Sir George - Wombwell, Sir Ralph and Lady Howard, Major-General Sir Alexander- and Lady Woodford and the Misses Woodford, the Count de Bearne, M. de Berg, M. C. lioudriaffsky, M. Canofari, Colonel Stanhope, Colonel Cricht on, Colonel Brownlow Knox, Colonel Knox, Major Baring, Major Buckley, Mr. Hubert de Burgh, TA.Ir., Mrs., and Miss Trelawney, Mr. B. Trelawney, Mr. Craven Berkeley, Mr. Henry Broadwood, M.P., Mr. S. Lane Fox, Mr. Williams, Mr. and Mrs. Eleimg, Captain Smith, Captain and Mrs. Townley, Mr.. T. Knox Holmes, Mr. G. Cornwall, Mr. 0. Mo re-an, Captain Gerard, Mr. Barry Baldwin, M.P., Sze. STRAND THEATRE. The new management of this theatre by Mr. Oxl parry continues to improve in public favour, the entertsin meuts are now well selected, and put upon tne tit :age with care and judgment, and if the same pains be t ken with the forthcoming novelties as has been with, the pest, success and a full treasury must be certain. The performances on Saturday evening commenced with - . the romantic drama of The Denouncer, in which. Mr.. E. Laws—an excellent actor—sustained the part of Cl aisle Dunaude witk much ability. The character of 'Viet°. rine was allotted to Miss Love, who, in the acting of the part evinced talent of a high order. Then followk a new and very clever and burlesque opera, by the author of the Norms, which was produced some time ago at. the Adelphi, entitled Lucy of Lammermoor, the leading; in cidents of the romance are adhered to very strictly, and the burlesque is every evening hailed with loud ap plause. The acting of Miss E. Terry, as the broken hearted Lucy, was the very cream of burlesque. her manner of singing the parodies was excellent. Oxtesrry was the Colonel Ashton, whose rich de e p voice told 'with great effect in the diferent pieces of concerted music allotted to the part ; Edgar of Ravenswood foundl. an efficient representative in that excellent actor Yarn old ; Rogerson as Lockhart was very good. The enter Lain meats concluded with the admired comedietta A Roland for an Oliver, in which Miss Egan appearod. as Maria. Miss Jane Coleman made a pretty and inte fast ing Mrs. Selbourne. A beautiful little ballad, compos.ed by Lee, was sung by this young lady very sweetly, and was honoured by an encore. Mdlle. Louise Mane he appeared in the course of the evening in one of )e'er • f asc i n ating pas. The house was well attended. The Right Hon. the Speaker of the House of Commons gave his second Parliamentary dinner om',Ba at his temporary official residence, in tu a r t d o a ny. ve s o cius n r i e n, .g Hi s Excellency Lord Howard de Walden, the British Minister at the Court of Belgium, arriv,ed. in London on Thursday night, from Brussels, on a elbcrt leave of absence. His Excellency Sir Stratf o rd Canning leaves vn this week, accompanied by Lady Canning and daug las rs, for Constantinople, to resume his diplomatic fun( :tic fis as Ambassador to the Sublime Porte. Lord Cowl ey returns to England within a month after the arrival of Sir Stratford. Viscount and Viscountess Palmerston gave a g rat !d entertainment on Saturday last, at their mansio a 111 Carlton-gardens.