The Sun. — London, England, 1848-12-15 00:00:00

:51ARKErr -Cr T), l Y,) CORN EXCHANGE-FRIDAY. The arrivals of English Wheat for our market, this Week, have amounted to nearly 3,000 quarters, chiefly from Essex and K e nt. By land carriage, the receipts have been on the increase ; and the show of samples, This morning, was better than for some time past. selected qualities of both red and white moved off readily, at prices fully equal to those paid on Monday at. In the middling and inferior kinds only a moderate business was doing, at late rates. A large quantity of foreig n Wheat-13,980 quarters—has come in; but, as most of it has been landed in bond, the supply on offer, to-day, was not to say large. There was a fair retail demand for most descriptions, at full rates of currency. The finest malting Barley was mostly taken off as it tame to hand, at very full prices, but grinding and dis tilling parcels were very difficult to sell. The supply of malt was fully equal to the demand; only the finest Samples commanded any attention. Oats, the supply of Which was moderate, were in steady request, at full Prices. In all other grain, including Flour and Meal, Very little was doing. ARRIVALS THIS WEEK. Wheat. I Barley. Oats. I Flour. 2,980 qrs. 4,470 qrs. I 3,130 qrs. 5,910 skt. English • Irish. .... Forei gn 13,980 3,621 3,360 Malt. 3,890 qrs. SMITHFIELD. There was a somewhat extensive supply of Beas is on Bale here to-day, the number exceeding 1,700 head, at least two-thirds of which were turned out unsold on Monday. The primest Scots, Herefords, &c., were with difficulty disposed of at from 4s to 4s 4d per 81bs. In all other breeds next to nothing was doing, at, in some in- Stances, a decline in the quotations of 2d per 81bs. With Sheep we were tolerably well, but not to say heavily, supplied. Generally speaking, the Mutton trade was in a very depressed stat, at barely stationary rices. There was rather more e inquiry for Veal, at an improve ment in value of from 2d to 4d per 81bs. Pigs were in moderate request at extreme currencies. Mulch Cows 'Were selling at from 141 to 181 each, including their knell Calf. . Per Sibs. to sink the offal. s. d. to s. d. s. d. to s. d. calor Beasts... 3 4 3 6 Second goal. Sheep 3 6 4 0 •.. 13l eolid quality 3 2 310 Coarse-woolled ditto 4 2 4 6 •ur,, !tee large Oxes.• 310 4 0 SouthdownWether 4 8 3 0 4 1101 e Scots rge coarse Calves 4 0 4 6 Large Hogs .. •• .. 310 4 4 ;prime small ditto 1 4 ekling Calves l7 0 24 0 Quarter old Pigs —IS 0 21 0 thferior Sheep •• 3 0 3 4 Lambs .......... 0 0 0 0 TOTAL SUPPLY AT MARKET. Beasts. 1,923 I Met I C 238 s. I P 220 FOREIGN SUPPLY. Beasts. Sheep. I Calves. Pigs. 159 710 73 I NEVITGATE AND MEAXIENXIAIM. These markets were very dull, at barely stationary prices. At per stone by the Carcase. s. d. to s. d. I. d. to s. d. leeef,inferlor...... 2 4 2 8 Mutton, Inferior • 3 2 3 4 "--- middling . .. 2 8 210 middling.. 3 6 3 8 "---- prime large •. 3 0 3 4 prime •• .. 310 4 4 --- prime small .. 3 6 3 8 Pork, large •• • ..... 3 8 4 4 Ve5d.............. 310 4 8- small . ... BOROUGH HOP NIARAELET. The supply of really fine Hops on offer is small; hence, - the demand for them is steady, at fully last week's quo tations. In all other kinds of hops scarcely any busi ness is doing. at, in some instances, further reduced cur lencies. The quantity of yearling and old hops in ware :house is large. New Hops:—Sussex pockets, 21 5s to 2118 s; Weald of Kent ditto, 218 s to 31 ss; Mid and East Kent ditto, 21 12s to 51 17s per cwt. COLONIAL. SI:WAIL—There has been a better market for British Plantation, and the quantity sold has been considerable. Prices range higher than last week. Barbadoes by auction sold at 39s 6d to 40s for fine yellow; at 35s to 86s for mid 4. at 34s to 34s 6d for low. REFINED.L-Standard lumps have been at 47s to 47s 6d per cwt. EAST INDlA.—Fuller prices have been obtained for Mauritius, but the public sales have not been large, holders rather keeping back. Mid and good yellow sold at 34s 6d to 365, low at 38 8 to 345, fine brown at 32s to 32s 6d, and low at 28s per cwt. Bengal also has been at full quotations; 2,788 bags brought 42s to 44s for Benares fine white, 39s to 41s 6d for damp and washed, 39s to 42s for fine strong yellow, 33s to 33s 6d for mid, and 32s 6d for fine brown. FOREIGN. -3,498 bags Pernambuco at public sale were taken in at 365 to 41s per cwt. COFFEE.—The market has been good for both de scriptions, and full prices have been obtained. British Plantation is held firmly. Ceylon brought 29s Gd for .good ord. Native 28s for ord. Plantation has risen about 3s; good mid, 54s to 54s 6d; low mid, 42s to 48s; if fine ord, 35s to 40s; and some very superior as high as $U Madras has been taken in at 25s to 48s per cwt. Rio has been sold at 24s to 25s for good ord, and at 33s to 36s 6d for fine ord. Jamaica, mid and low ord, 25s 6d. Cocos.—This article was bought in at 27s 6d to 29s )er cwt. for Bahia red, and Trinidad mid has been sold .t 39s to 40s. RicE.—There has been a full supply, and prices have Z tot been se high. Bengal has been taken in at lls to I is 6d for good and fine white, and good white has been I old at lOs 6d to I ls, mid 9s 6d per cwt. Java has been I old at lOs for mid white. Carolina has been sold at .9s to 19s 6d. SPlCES.—Pimento has been taken in at 4d to 41d per I b.; Mace has been sold at is 8d to 2a 6d ; Cloves have 3 ealised 7d to is 3d ; Nutmegs have been sold at is 2d 0 3s 6d ; Black Pepper has realised 21d to 2k for 3atavia. Rux.—There has been a brisker demand. East India at is 30 to Is 4d, and for Leewards at is 4d to ss 4-id per gallon. SALTPETRE.—Rough has been in request. Calcutta, to Hid per cent. refraction; low and mid to fine I >old chrystal, 25s to 27s per cwt. Corrox.—The market has been firm, with a shorter iupply. TALLOW.—Prices still are heavy. P.Y.C. 445 to .1 14s 3d per cwt on the spot. TEA.—This article is steady, but not much has been lone. ARROWROOT.—St. Vincent's was held for Bd, and 3ermuda for 100 to is per lb. SAGO.—FuII prices have been obtained. SECONDARIES'.—(THIS DAY.) (Before Mr. Secondary JAMES.) LITTLE AND OTHERS V. DAVIS. The plaintiffs in this action are clerks to the trustees of the Stroud and Chelmsford (Gloucestershire) Turn pike Roads, and the action was brought to recover da mages under a bond entered into by defendant, as lessee, 'for the payment of the tolls. The bond was put in, by which it appeared that the - defendant had agreed to pay an annual rental of 4261., 'l3y twelve monthly instalments, four of which were 'still due. The defendant having suffered judgment to go by 'default, the jury gave a verdict for 1421. 10s. BANKRUPTCY.—(THIS DAY.) (Before Mr. Commissioner GOl:ri.nuitx.) IN RE SPENCER PARKER. IMPORTANT QUESTION As TO COUNTY COURT VosTS.—The agents to the solicitor to the assignees ap plied in this case for the allowance of (amongst other bills) one for the recovery of debts, the suits having been brought in the County Court of Dorking. The Taxing master considered the costs too heavy. His HONOUR ascertained that one of the debts had not been recovered, and in the other only 31. Its. Bd., and the costs charged amounted to 81. 13s. 6d. His Honour considered that persons acting in a representa tive character ought to exercise even greater caution and judgment than on their own accounts. He could not • allow such charges. The ATTORNEY said that the County Courts gave a long day for payment, and no doubt that one debt for 20/. would ultimately be recovered, but he was a cora tnercial traveller at present out of employ. His HONOUR said he would not make any order at Present, but must have a fuller explanation. CLERKENWELL.-(THIS DAY.) Alexander Robertson, a jobbing cabinet-maker, was charged before Mr. Tyrwhitt with obtaining, under • false pretences, and unlawfully disposing of, a chest of drawers, of the value of 2/. 25., the property of Mr. George Smith, of the Bagnigge Wells-road, upholsterer. It appeared that the prisoner had made the drawers for the complainant, and was paid for them ; but, upon examination, Mr. Smith found the top and side of the carcase defective, and required Robertson to make the defects good on his premises, forbidding his fore man to allow the drawers to be taken away. This day three weeks the prisoner called at the shop in Bagnigge Wells-road, and told the foreman and carter that he had seen Mr. Smith, who bad ordered him to take the chest away to repair it. They believed the representation, and the carter took it to his workshop. They heard no more of it until Monday last, when the prisoner being taxed about it by , Mrs. Stnith, said he bad sold it, but would make another 'in its place. This morning the prosecutor gave him into custody. The prisoner said that upon examining the carcase he -found it would be cheaper to make a new one than to repair it, and accordingly he disposed of it in a sale room, having first told Mrs. Smith and the two men, in th e prosecutor's absence, that he meant to do so, and to replace the chest with a more perfect one. The witnesses denied that he had ever told them any such thing. Mr. TynwarrT said he feared that the only way in which the prisoner could be punished, was through the medium of the County Court, unless Mr. Smith could satisfy a jury that he had the intention of unlawfully disposing of the furniture whon he took it away. How ever, he would remand the prisoner, to give the prose - cutor time to ascertain when the property was sold, as, if he sold it immediately, it might be more clear that he had obtained possession of it with that intent. In the mean time, he would admit the prisoner to bail, on the surety of one housekeeper, to appear another day. ALARMINO FIRE AT A LICENSED VICTUALLERS.-- This morning (Friday) shortly before one o'clock, a fire attended with great damage, broke out in the lower part cf the Blue-coat Boy public-house, near Islington • .green. It originated in the cellar, and having been ob served by some persons who were passing, an alarm was instantly raised. The police of the N division procured the parochial engine from Islington green station, and messengers were dispatched for other aid, when the engines of the brigade from Farringdon-street, White - cross -street, the West of England, and County also ar tived. From the timely assistance tendered the fire was confined to the cellars. The proprietor is believed to be insured. 12 , s 20% 10% LY.) with Sun r, got Lively S.W. ig to with with been tour. rt on THE SUN, HA''MARKET THEATRE. Shakspei e's comedy of the Two Genilemen of Verona was revived here last evening, for the benefit of Mr. Archer, the box book-keeper. Mrs. Charles Kean sus tained the character of Julia for the first time, and her Julia is quite worthy of her Viola, or any other of her beautiful Shaksperian impersonations. In the scene in which she discovers Proteus serenading Silvia, nothing could exceed the exquisite pathos of her mute expression of agony; indeed her acting throughout was the very personification of womanly tenderness, and concentrated and impassioned devotion. Mr. Charles Kean was Valentine, and his Valentine proves how much a man of genius and of true artistic feeling can make of a part which is usually considered as affording little scope for acting. His honest enthusiasm when speaking of his mistress was given with a heartiness which told most effectively, and in the scene in which the robbers choose him as their chief, his bearing was most dignified. Keeley and Webster as Lance and Speed were quaint and truly Shaksperian, and the character of Proteus was well sustained by Mr. Creswiek. The comedy of the Honeymoon followed, with Mr. C. Kean as Duke Aranza, and Mrs. Charles Kean as Juliana. Mr. Charles Kean made of the Duke a high-minded, dignified gentleman, and Mrs. Charles Kean infused into that of Juliana a degree of tenderness and love, which contrasted admirably with the shrewishness which is the basis of the character. Juliana is a shrew with an excellent heart, and as such Mrs. Charles Kean represented her. Keeley's mock Duke was exceedingly rich, and the Volante and Zamora of Miss Julia Bennett and Mrs. Buckingham were ex cellent. The house was crowded to suffocation. WEST RIDING ELECTION. LEEDS, THURSDAY FTERNOON.—The poll for the election of a representative for the Weat Riding com menced this morning at the 26 different polling districts of the Riding. The two candidates, as is well known, are Mr. E. Denison and Sir C. E. Eardley. The friends of each candidate were early on the alert, and the poll ing throughout the Riding has been carried on with a good deal of spirit, but with much less noise and display of colours, bands of music, and Bacchanalian festivity, than has usually characterised contested elections. In nearly the whole of the polling districts the majority of the votes were given in favour of Mr. Denison, of whose election there is little doubt. The poll closes to-morrow (Friday). By a joint arrangement between the committees of the two candidates and the Electric Telegraph Com pany the returns of the poll from the whole of the dis tricts were transmitted at different periods of the day to the railway station at Normanton, whence the gross numbers were sent to the different districts for publica tion. Each return had the sanction of both parties, so that any false statements of the progress of the poll were prevented being published. The following were the numbers issued for the Leeds district poll at different periods of the day :-- TEN O'CLOCK. Mr. Denison... ... ... Sir C. E. Eardley ... ... ELEVEN O'CLOCK. Mr. Denison ... ... Sir C. E. Eardley ... ... TWELVE O'CLOCK. 381 252 Mr. Denison... ... ... Sir C. E. Eardley ... ONEO'CLOCK. Mr. Denison Sir C. E. Eardley ... ... TWO O'CLOCK. Mr. Denison Sir C. E. Eardley ... ... ... GENERAL RETURN. TWELVE O'CLOCK. Mr. Denison ... Sir C. E. Eardley ... Majority for Mr. Denison ONE O'CLOCK. Mr. Denison Sir C. Eardly TWO O'CLOCK. Mr. Denison 5,658 Sir C. Eardley ... 3,551 QUARTER PAST THREE O'CLOCK. Polling Places. Denison. Eardley. Aberford ... ... 363 ... 37 Barnsley ... 354 ... 370 Bradford ... ... 836 ... 819 Doncaster... ... 743 ... 175 Halifax ... ... 465 ... 488 Hebden-bridge ... 44 ... 97 Holmfirth ... 85 100 Huddersfield ... 368 ... 388 Keigbley ... 263 ... 235 Knaresborough ... 185 ... 15 Leeds ... ... 872 ... 587 Pately-bridge ... 107 ... 113 Pontefract ... ... 320 ... 94 Ripon ... ... 257 53 Rotherham ... 263 ... 165 Selby ... ... 278 ... 42 Setif° Sheffield Skipton 216 ... 43 581 ... 555 190 ... 179 SnEiith 192 ... 7,099 TOTAL—FIRST DAY'S POLL. Denison Ear&ey ... ... Majority RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. SOUTH DEVON EXTENSION TO TORQUAY.-Yesterday the Government inspector issued his permissive order for the opening of this extension line. The directors have consequently decided upon opening on Monday next. The new line commences at Newton, 214 miles from Paddington and 30 miles up the South-Devon main line, with which it runs parallel for a mile and a half, when it diverges to the left towards Torbay. It is five miles and a half in length, having its terminus at Tor, one mile and a half from the centre of Torquay, into which at present it has not been carried, in consequence of the difficulty experienced in the purchase of land. Being a single line, it is provided with the electric tele graph to insure security of working. Passengers will now be able to run through the 220 miles to Torquay, in the same carriage that takes them from Paddington. SHREWSBURY AND CHESTER.-The Oswestry branch is completed and ready for traffic. The first accidents thathave happened on this line occurred during the week, when, in consequence of collisions, a guard and time keeper were killed. LONDON AND BRIGHTON.-Mr. Peter Clarke, the general manager of this company, has resigned, and will return to the management of Mr. Hudson's lines at Derby. It is not the intention of the Brighton Com pany to fill up the appointment. DUBLIN AND KINGSTOWN.- Traffic for the week ending 12th December, 1848:-Daily passengers, 604/. I ls. Bd. Subscriptions, 171. Total amount, 7214 lls. Bd. Corresponding week of 1847:-Daily passen gers, 5071. 17s. lid. Subscriptions, 391. 17s. 6d. Total amount, 547/. 15s. bd. ULSTER.-The traffic on this railway was, for the week ending the 10th of December, 1848 (thirty , six miles):-Passengers, 8,967; amount, 4411. 76. 3 d.; goods, 3451. 146. 9d. Total, 7871. 2s. Corresponding week, 1847 (twenty-five miles):-Passengers, 11,208; amount, 421/. 4s. 5d.; goods, 243/. 7s. 4d. Total, 6644 lls. 9d. BELFAST AND BALLYMENA.-The traffic on this railway was, for the week ending Saturday, Dec. 9, 1848: -Passengers, 5,353; amount, 2521. Bs.; goods, 991.46. 2d. Total amount, 361/. 12s. 2d. UNIVERSITY INTELLIGENCE. CAMBRIDGE, DEC. 14.—Notice has been given, that there will be congregations on the.following days of the ensuing Lent Term:— Saturday, Jan. 27 (B.A, commencement), at 10 o'clock. Wednesday, Jan. 31, at 11 o'clock. Wednesday, Feb. 14, at 11 o'clock. Wednesday, Feb. 21, at 11 o'clock (Ash Wednesday). Wednesday, March 7, at 11 o'clock. Friday, March 23 (M.A. inceptors), at 10 o'clock. Friday, March 30 (end of term), at 10 o'clock. ORIENTAL Thum.—The annual meeting of this company was held yesterday, when it appeared that the profits of the year's operations were to the extent of 92,9161. 13s. 9d. The bank had incurred losses to the extent of 52,000/., which were, however, amply covered by the large reserve fund. The dividend on this occasion made up, with the June dividend, eight per cent. for the past year, The report of the directors was adopted. REPRESENTATION Or LEOIANSTER.--LEOMINSTER, THURSDAY.—Sir Edward Bulwer Lytton, who has been absent from this borough for a few days, in order to be of f presentthe country o t h h t e r y m , a rhr has marriage , of now wf returned,his brother, ahlna continuesdi st n t part hs canvass of the electors to - day. M r. Phillimore has found Leominster too warm to hold him, and has made his parting bow to the electors, being, as he says, un willing to weaken the Liberal cause by div i s ion . Mr. Peel, who is attended in his canvass by the political sup porters in the borough of Mr. Barkly, the late M.P., is proceeding stedfastly in his canvass, and his friends ex press the greatest confidence iu the result. MR. AND MRS. CAuDLE.- 7 -Yesterday, at an inquest held in the Grand Hotel, Covent-garden, before Mr. Bedford, the behaviour of one of the jurors named Caudle gave rise to the following dialogue between the coroner and the juryman in question:—Coroner: I perceive, Mr. Caudle, that you are in a state of intoxication, and therefore not fit to sit at this inquiry.—Mr. Caudle (with some warmth): No, I am not intoxicated.—The Coroner: Who's to decide whether you are or not, you or I?—Mr. Caudle: Let the jury decide if you are not intoxicated.—The Coroner: I shall commit you to prison for coming here in the state you are, and for insolence to me.—Mr. Caudle appeared to make light of the threat, and the Coroner was about to order his committal, when a juror said there were some extenuating circumstances in the case. The fact was that Mr. and Mrs. Caudle had that day had a few words together, the result of which was that Mrs. C. ran away from her husband, and that Mr. C. was so much affected at her departure that he immediately shut up his shop, and unfortunately drank rather more than was good for him. The Coroner re gretted this domestic affliction , a nd under the circum stances would excuse Mr. Caudle , w ho, at the desire of the Coroner, retired from the jury. BANK OF ENGLAND.—The quarterly court for the transaction of the usual routine business was held yes terday. The secretary read the minutes of the last quarterly court, as well as those of the adjournment day, when the question of the amount of dividend was deter mined by ballot, which was confirmed; and, there bein g no other business, the court was adjourned. The whole of the proceedings occupied merely three minutes and a half, during which there was not so much as a single proprietor present. DEATH OF GEL SIR HECTOR MACLEAN, K.C.B• —This venerable General died on Monday last, at the extreme age of 93 years. He entered the military ser vice of the East India Company as tar back as 1775, and bad taken part in the early wars in India under Lord Clive, Viscount Lake, Lord Cornwallis, and had seen considerable active duty in the army. In 1808 he ob tained the rank of Colonel; Major-General in 1311; Lieutenant-General in 1821; and General in 1838. In 1815 he was nominated a Knight Commander of the order of the Bath. COVENT -GARDEN.—There was a meeting of the principal performers yesterday, with a view of opening Covent. garden Theatre after Christmas on their own account, and with the laudable intention of assisting the numerous families which have been thrown out of em ployment by the closing of the house. EXHIBITION OF FARMERS' STOCR.BIRMINGHAM, THURSDAY.—The first exhibition of pigs and poultry, intended to be the nucleus of future great annual agri cultural shows in Birmingham, commenced to-day. The arrangements, considering the short time allowed for preparation, were admirable. Some thousands of per sons visited the Bazaar during the day. Until to morrow evening, when the exhibition closes, we give no opinion upon the relative merit of the stock exhibited. SCHOOL FOR TILE INDIGENT BLIND,—A quarterly court of governors of the above incorporated charity was held yesterday at the London Coffee-house, Lod gate-hill; Rear-Admiral Lord Radstock presiding. The minutes of the former court having been read and con firmed. the secretary rea d a report from the chaplain relative to the progress of the pupils during the last quarter. From this document it appeared that the ST. JAMES'S THEATRE. Mr. Mitchell has re-engaged Robert Houdin, and this dexterous professor of popular magic commenced a winter series of entertainments last night at the St. James's Theatre. None of the wizards who have previously amused the town have possessed the adroitness of this individual, whose exploits baffle the keenest vision and cheat the senses in the most agreeable manner possible. Robert Houdin is the inventor of most of the apparatus which modern necromancers use, and his ingenuity in this department of mechanical art is remarkable. His programme last night contained several of his best feats, all of which he demonstrated with his accustomed skill and precision. The " second sight " performances of his son Emile, and the " Suspension Etheriene " were, as usual, prominent features in the list. The house was well attended. WESTMINSTER SCHOOL PLAYS. Last night, the Phormio of Terence was performed by the senior alumni of Westminster School, before a very numerous audience. Amongst those present were, Dr. Buckland, the Dean of Westminster; Lord Mahon, M.P.; Mr. Sergeant Talfourd, M.P.; the Chancellor of the Exchequer; Sir F. Thesiger, M.P.; Mr. Justice Williams; Mr. Hawes, M.P., &c. &c. The different characters were thus personated : Phormio, Mr. R. G. H. Somerset; Geta, Mr. N. R. Smart, Captain; Demipho, Mr. A. Johnson; Antipho, Mr. H. Clapcott; Dorio, Mr. R. A. Cook; Chremes, Mr. Waterfield; Phtedria, Mr. E. Balfour; Sophrona, Mr. C. P. Ingram; Nausistrata, Mr. W. D. Somerville; Hegio, Mr. Chamberlayne; Davus, Mr. Elliott; Cra tinus, Mr. F. W. Stokes ; Crito, Mr. W. G. Armstead. The prologue was delivered by Mr. Smart, as captain, and composed, as we heard, by Mr. Little, one of the masters. After deprecating tho criticism of the audience, and bespeaking a favourable consideration, if not on ac count of the actors, for the sake of the author, allusion was made to the disturbed state of the Continent, and a contrast drawn in favour of England as compared with the Gallic cock, agitated and fretted in the pursuit of new theories of government, and Germany abandoning the culture of philosophy for the same object. These allusions were receivei with loud applause. It also re ferred in flattering terms to the late and present Deans. Of the play little more need be said than that it was acted in the usual excellent style of the Westminster boys. The nice characterization for which Terence is distin guished was well sustained, and very few of the telling points were missed. The second scene in the second act, and the last scene in the last act, were particularly good. Messrs. Somerset, Clan cott, and Balfour acted their parts with much energy and vivacity. Somerville made a capital Nausistrata. The voice answered excellently well for the part of a female, and the histrionic points of the character were evidently well appreciated. The play was terminated by an epilogue, in which the petition and the incendiary projects of the Chartists were classically ridiculed. The cassis and cuspis, the helmet and spear—arms which would strike terror into the hearts of either Windisch grat or Jellachich—were exhibited a la Punch, in the form of spit and coal-scuttle, amidst peals of laughter. Somerville, as the leader of the female Chartists, de manded perfect equality with the men ; and a band of young Chartists came forward with their six points, the last of which was that they should be allowed to go home as often as they pleased. The other principal speakers in the epilogue were Messrs. Smart, Somerset, and John son. The allusion to the peace of the kingdom and to her Majesty, at its termination, was received with the greatest enthusiasm. COURT CIRCULAR. OSBORNE, THURSDAY. His Serene Highness Prince Victor of Hohenlohe Langenbourg paid a visit yesterday to her Majesty and Prince Albert. This morning the Queen and Prince Albert walked injthe royal pleasure grounds. The Royal Children took their accustomed exer cise in the walks and rides this afternoon. Prince Albert went out shooting this morning. His Royal Highness was attended by Lord Elphin stone and Colonel Bouverie. The Hon. Miss Dawson, Maid of Honour, left this morning, and Lady Caroline Somers Cocks, Maid of Honour in Waiting to her Majesty, arrived at Osborne to-day. Mr. Bancroft, the American Minister, had an in terview with the Chancellor of the Exchequer yes terday, at his official residence in Downing-street. The Ecclesiastical Commissioners for England had a general meeting yesterday, at their office, in White hall-place. Dispatches were received yesterday at the Colonial office, from the Governor of th e Mauritius. The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council sat yesterday. An appeal from Bengal, " Maharajah Mahtab - Chund e. The Government of Bengal," was commenced. Mr. Turner, Q.C., and Mr. Wigram, Q.C., were heard.—The case was adjourned. MARRIAGES IN HIGH LIFE• The marriage of Mr. P. Henry Pepys, eldest son o the Bishop of Worcester, and nephew of the Lord Chanf cellor, with Miss Louisa Disbrowe, only daughter o, Colonel Disbrowe, K.H. (late of the Grenadier Guards) and the Hon. Mrs. Disbrowe, was solemnised yesterday at St. Peter's Church, Eaton-square, by the Lord Bishop of Worcester, in the presence of a select circle of the relatives of both families. Colonel and the Hon. Mrs. Disbrowe gave an.elegant dejetiner to the wedding party after the performance of the ceremony. The happy pair left town in the afternoon for Cot se Hill, near Wimble don, which was placed at their disposal by the Lord Chancellor. On Tuesday the nuptials of Mr. Richard Brooke, eldest son of Sir Richard Brooke, Bart., of Norton Priory, Cheshire, and Miss Louisa Toll'mache Duff, second daughter of General the Hon. Sir Alexander and Lady Duff, and niece of the Earl of Fife, took place, the marriage ceremony being performed at St. Peter's Church, Eaton square, by the Hey. George Can liffe. Viscount and Viscountess Brabazon, General the Hon. Sir A. and Lady Duff, Mr. Duff, Sir Richard Brooke, Mr. and Mrs. Ricardo, and a large family circle were present at the solemnity. The bride was attired in a white poult de soie d'ltalie glace, entirely covered with magnificent Brussels lace, and scarf veil of the same costly lace. A wreath of orange blossoms and a bouquet to correspond completed the beautiful costume. The bride's trousseau was extremely splendid. TEE SAILORS' HODlE.—Yesterday a meeting of the ' board of directors of this excellent institution was held ' at the Home, in Well-street, London-docks. The report ' for the past year stated that 4,392 seamen had during that period passed through the home; of these, 1,604 were old or returned boarders, making a total since its commencement, in 1835, of 37,359 who have been pro vided a receptacle on being paid off from their respective ships on arriving in the port of London, or otherwise out of employ, whore they are boarded at as low a charge as possible, and their religious and moral condition carefully attended to. The establishment is capable of containing 300 inmates, but one dormitory for 35 men is at present unoccupied for want of funds. During the year 128 large ships have been manned from the insti tution. 26,2821. had been placed in the hands of the cashier, and paid to the men, or their relatives. During the last seven years 750 of the boarders have invested money in the savings bank, and the amount at present deposited is 2,630/. 18s. 9d. The receipts for the year were 7,0761. 19s. ld. The expenditure left a balance of 6711 ss. ld. The advices from Brussels furnish some statistics of the trade in provisions in Belgium during the past eleven months of the present year, from which it appears that the export of potatoes, although considerable, was less during the month of November last than in October. In the former they amounted to 1,769,18 0 kils., whereas in October the exports were 3,444,810 kils. The total export during the eleven months was (to 30th Nov.) 16,118,690 kils., against 2,104,550 kils. imported. The total export of alimentary produce during the whole pe riod has been 128,535,157 against 47,707,1530 f imports, leaving a balance in favour of exports of 80,888,004 kils. Of barley alone the exports have been to the ex tent of 21,542,207 kils. A local paper observes, with re spect to these re.fults, " Then, notwithstanding that the two last harvests have been very abundant, we have still recourse to foreign markets to complete our stock of provisions, and in estimating the imports of the year at 70,000,000 kils., it may be considered equivalent to 6,000,000 f. It is suggested that by the application of judicious duties the Government might derive a benefit of some hundreds of thousands of francs per annum." It was thought quite possible that the Government might be induced to add an additional export duty upon provisions, as the public treasury needed every aid that could be brought to bear in its favour. Mercantile advices from Amsterdam of the 11th state that the coffee market was animated, the whole of the lots bought in at the last public sales of the Dutch Trading amountingCLoirnttpleanyh,adbten do n t i 5, eo in s r 9 ao bags, ers. wsugar h . std found Indigobuy was in slight demand, cotton was firm, Banca tin held at 46f. More had been done in corn, principally in rye. Most kinds of grain were firm at farmer rates. LONDON, FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 15 1 1848. ... 591 ... 378 ... 1,823 ... 1,297 ... 4,293 ... 2,485 4,556 10,797 8,043 2,754 number of pupils in the school were, boys, 42; girls, 35; and that their progress was, generally speaking, satis factory. They were taught the ordinary routine of a national school education chiefly by means of embossed frames. The religious instruction was conducted wholly by the chaplain, and was exhibiting the best results. There were, at present, forty communicants, and the number was increasing. The present being merely a quarterly meeting there was no financial statement, but our reporter was informed by the secretary that the balance in the treasurer's hands at the last audit, in No vember was 8671. lie. 7d. From a printed book, pub lished for the benefit of subscribers, it appears that this institution has funded property to the amount of 63,5911. 4s. Bd., besides freehold and leasehold property in St. George's-fields, Burton-crescent, and Wal worth. The income of the charity for the year 1847 was (including the balance from previous year) 9,4681. 12s. ld., and the expenditure 7,8671. 7s. 11d., leaving a balance in favour of the institution of 1,601/. 4s. 2d. Of the expenditure 1,258/. 13s. ld. stands for salary and %ages. EMIGRATION MOVEMENT.—BIRMINGHAM, Trifles- DAY.—This afternoon a meeting was held at the Town hell to receive a deputation from the Colonisation So ciety, and to hear an explanation of the objects contem plated in a systematic method of emigration to various parts of our colonial empire. The attendance, for a mid-day meeting, was good. The Right Hon. Lord Lyttelton occupied the chair; and there were also pre sent the Right Hon. Lord Ingestre, Hon. W. H. Leigh, Hon. and Rev. G. M. Yorke, G. F. Muutz., Esq., M.P., W. Scholefield, Esq., M.P., B. Adderley, Esq., Rev. J. Garbett; rural dean, Rev. J. C. Miller, W. James, Esq., High Bailiff, Mr. Thomas Clark, Captain Tindal, Colonel Fielding, Rev. Sydney Gedge, the Rev. George Smith, and many other gentlemen. The deputation consisted of Lord Mandeville, M.P., Hon. F. Scott, Hon. W. Wrottesley, Mark Boyd, Esq., C. D. Logan, Esq., C. Boyd, Esq., and A. Hodgson, Esq. Several excellent speeches were made on the occasion, and resolutions in conformity with the objects of the meeting were agreed to. RAILWAY TRAVELLING.—On the southern part of the line of the London and North-Western Railway carriages have lately been running furnished with axle boxes so constructed as to render the inspection thereof, at almost every station (for the purpose of renewing the grease with which the " journals" are lubricated) quite unnecessary. Some of these axles-boxes have travelled with express trains 6,000 to 8,000 miles without ex hausting the grease with which the box is filled at start ing. It follows of course, that the " journal" of the axle, and brasse forming the rubbing surfaces, are preserved in their best condition, while, with the axle-boxes, gene rally used, the grease exudes, dirt, grit, &c., get between the rubbing surfaces, and frequently a carriage is re turned for repair from these causes after its first journey. By this invention :the saving in grease and repairs is enormous, and under no circumstances, will the axle-box " fire," as it is technically termed. The inventor is Mr. Normanville, of the engineers' department at the Euston station. ANOTHER NEW COMET.—On Saturday evening, the 25th Nov., at 6b. 30w., a telescopic comet was dis • covered at the Observatory, Cambridge, United States, by Mr. G. P. Bond. It is situated in the constellation Cygnus. Its motion is towards the south. EXTRAORDINARY TAKE OF HADDOCKS..--.TWO boats belonging to Buckie, and in the employment of Mr. Macdonald, fish curer there, are reported to have brought ashore the week before last at one haul 7,000 haddocks.—Edinburgh Advertiser. THE PITCAIRN ISLANDERS.--"The last accounts from Valparaiso describe a visit recently paid by her Majesty's ship Calypso to the inhabitants of Pitcairn's Island. The population was found to be 140, of whom 71 are males, and 69 females, and the present chief ma gistrate is George Adams, the son of John Adams, one of the mutineers of the Bounty. The island contains about 400 acres of land, which is quite capable of culti vation, and which might supply 2,000 inhabitants, but only 60 acres are in use, that amount being fully suffi cient for existing wants. Formerly, the absence of water, of which there is not a single spring on the island, was found to be an insuperable objection to living upon it, but this is now obviated by the use of well-constructed tanks, which enable the residents not only to collect enough for themselves, but also to supply the vessels that visit them. The condition of the entire community, both as regards intelligence and morality, is spoken of in high terms, and they are likened in their appearance and in their general arrangements to the inhabitants of one of the better sort of villages in England. They consider themselves English subjects, and acknowledge no other supremacy or allegiance.—Liverpool Mercury. At Marseilles, the sugar market during the week ending last Saturday had been very dull, not quite 300 barrels only of Martinique and Guadeloupe having gone off at 27f. to 28f. the 50 kill. A little had been done in Brazilian coffee, but only at a discount of 20 per cent. In olive oil business was likewise very dull; a few sales had been effected for home consumption--in those from Genoa at from 156 f. 25c. to 164 f. 05e. per hectolitre. SCENERY: We have had little opportunity lately to continue our notices of scenery and theatrical decora tion, little of striking novelty or more than ordinary ability having been produced in this way since the re opening of the houses for the winter season. The time, however, is corning when we shall doubtless have to record progress. At the Lyceum, Mr. Beverley pro duced a room-scene a short time since, for a piece called My Father did so before Me (written to introduce the son of the late John Reeve, of comic memory, to a London audience), which without any pretence or glare, was perfect of its kind. In the revival of Merry Wives of Windsor, lately played there (revived with all that attention to costume and keeping which distinguishes the house), the same artist has introduced some land scape scenes, which are beautiful picures. At the Haymarket Theatre, the decoration of which we justly praised some time ago, a elever landscape has been painted for the new and interesting drama called the Knight of Arva. The scenery at this house, generally, has been greatly improved lately. At the Adulphi, where people laugh so much that they are not able usually to criticize, the Liverpool burlesque, called the Enchanted Isle, has afforded opportunity for some pretty effects.—Budder. FAC-SIMILES OF BUSTS AND SCULPTURE.—Mr James Gall, of Edinburgh, is said to have discovered a method ef taking a strictly accurate likeness in form of a bust, by means of a mask of so peculiar a kind, that sitters are able even to read at ease while the mould is being taken, and which is so light that not a feature is falsified by its weight or pressure. We are not told what the precise nature of the substance is, but we shall ven ture to guess that Professor Simpson's invention of the Samaritan oil of gutta percha dissolved in chloroform, for pouring into wounds, has something to do with it. The chloroform evaporates i n an i nstant, l eav i ng a skin of gutta percha, which repeat e d un til t hi c k an d resistive enough, would form a mask which, at all events, we will venture to say, Mr. Gall's will not excel in either light ness and delicacy, or convenience and comfort. We recollect, by the way, a rumour, many years s i nce , th a t a Parisian had invented a machine for copying sculpture, or taking likeness. busts, which consisted merely of a crop, as it were, of needles or fine wires, so fitted into a frame, that on pressure towards the face or other object to be copied, they yield e d to the form, an d were th en screwed tight, or fixed in the form or mould so taken, which served the purpose of a mask for the reproduction of the bust or sculpture.—Builder. THE SALMON SEASON IN THE RIVER AND LAIR OF Cm:LA.—ln the cou rse of last week Mr. B arr y ac companied b . y another g en tl eman, b ot h I nspec tors of Fisheries, visited the S a l mon Weir on the R i ver C ara with a view to ascertain whether salmon caught in the river in the month of November were fully in season, as had been so frequently and so confidently asserted. Mr. Michael Foley, the proprietor, had previously re ceived instructions to put down the boxes and have some salmon taken, in order that the Inspectors might on their arrival have an opportunity of setting the disputed point at rest by personal examination. Accordingly, when these gentlemen arrived at the Weir, the boxes were taken up and were found t o conta i n seventeen sa l mon , s ixteen of which were in pri me season , fi ne s p r i n g fish, while the remaining one contained a large pea, but only a good judge could distinguish it s qua lity from that of the others. This is a very i mportant f act an d mus t lead to a new legislative enactment distinguishing the pecu liar seasons of salmon on the different lakes and rivers of the kingdom.—Kerry Examiner. FORGERY ON MESSZN. AIBIANDERS' BANK.—A rumour having prevailed in the town, for the last week or fortnight, that a person has been lately apprehended on suspicion of forging a number of notes of . Messrs. Alexanders' banking establi s hment, it may be desirable, in order to set go s sip on the subject at rest, just to state that, though not substantially true, the rumour has some shadow of truth in it. About two years back a few forged notes of the above bank were circulated in the neighbourhood of Manningtree and the surrounding dis trict; but owing to the rigid inquiries then instituted, a further issue ceased. A twelvemonth elapsed, when a larger number of these notes was found to h ave b een put into circulation. On this occasion Forrester, the cele brated detective officer from London, was employed t o take the matter in hand. With his accustomed shrewdness and success, be soon obtained a clue to the offender —a party residing at Manningtree, whose m arve ll ous skill with the pen had enabled him to imit a t e th e intri cate finish of the note with such exactitude as to deceive any but the closest observation. Aroused to a sense of danger by the presence of Forrester, th e party decamped; and, though tracked from one place t o another, finally succeeded in eluding the vigilance of that officer. No thing more was heard of his w hereabout s unt il two or three mo nths ago, when intelligence was received that an individual tallying with his personal description and ac quirements had been lodged in Oxford gaol, to take his trial at the Assizes, on a charge of having played a simi lar game with his pen on one of the banks in that county. We believe there is no doubt as to its being the same party, but no steps will be taken by th e M essrs . Alexanders in the way of prosecution, unless the issue of the present charge should need them.—Su folk Chronicle. THE EX-KING OF VHF FRENCH AND THE ISLE OF WIGHT.-It is reported that East Cowes Castle has been token for a term of years by the Count de Neuilly. PROVIDENT RATS.—A few days ago, as two men were walking on the banks of the River Leven, their at tention was attracted to a dog they had with them, which began barking at the mouth of a rat-hole. They got a spade and dug part of the hole out, when a large rat bounced out and fastened on the dog. The dog soon destroyed his assailant, but still refused to leave the hole, and ou the men digging in a li tt l e f art h er th e y f o und a largo quantity of carrots and potatoes, which we ighed 24 pounds. The field where the rats had evi dently procured the esculent roots i s s i tuate on t h e oppo site side of the river to that on which the hole was found, and the occupier had suspected s ome sc h oo l l a d s o f be ing the plunderers of his field, and his astonishment may be better imagined than described, when he was in formed of the enormous weight of roots which a couple of rats had laid up for their winter store.—Doncaster Chronicle. LITERATURE. DIARY OF SAMUEL PEPYS. Edited by Lord Braybrooke. Vol. IV. A standard work like " Pepys' Diary " requires no comment or commendation. The new edition just brought out by Mr. Colburn deserves, however, a few words of notice. Of this edition four volumes have already made their appearance, the fifth volume will complete the work. This edition is greatly superior to all its predecessors in as much as it contains a considerable portion of original matter never published in any former edition. This important alteration has been made under the supervision of Lord Braybrooke, who has performed the duties of editor in a most sa tisfactory manner. His annotations are remarkable for their brevity—a very desirable thing in foot notes —the necessary information is given without embar rassing the reader with long interruptions in the narrative. The " Diary of Samuel Pepys," like the " Letters of Horace Walpole," is alike attractive to the lovers of history, and the lovers of romance—to those who read for information, and to those who only seek for amusement. In these volumes history appears in its undress, which cir cumstance, far from diminishing, only increases its interest and attractions. By these glimpses behind the scenes we learn what Kings and Ministers really are, and we obtain an inkling of the wheels-within wheels system by which the state machine is kept in motion. The new edition of " Pepys' Diary," ap pears in handsome octavo volumes, printed in clear and very legible type, and covered with an elegant and durable binding. MEMOIRS AND ADVENTURES OF SIR WILLIAM KIRKALDY, of GRANGE. 1 Vol. This very delightful volume is one of a class at tractive to all readers, whether they be learned or ignorant, or old or young. It is a chapter of history written in the language of romance, a tradition of truth, but of that truth which is stranger than fiction. The memoirs of Sir William Kirkaldy are inse parably interwoven with the most important in cidents of Scottish history, during a most memorable and romantic period, and those in cidents are detailed in this biography in the most interesting and attractive manner possible. The first important scene in which we are introduced to the young Kirkaldy, is one which is far from en listing our sympathies in his favour—the murder of Cardinal Beaton. This terrible tragedy is here por trayed in a most emphatic and heartrending manner. The scene in which the Cardinal, having unbarred his door, stands before his murderers, is very simi lar to the death of Coliquy, as described in " The Henriade." After this event the first half of the volume is devoted to Kirkaldy's adventures in France. It is the latter portion of the volume which is possessed of the most enthralling interest, for it is the latter portion which relates to the history of Mary Stuart. Kirkaldy it was to whom the unhappy , Queen surrendered herself at the battle of Carberry hill. Kirkaldy conducted her a prisoner into the hands of her enemies. This melancholy duty was, according to this biography, performed with most chivalrous courtesy by the Scotch knight, who was ignorant of the severe intentions of the insurgent nobles. Mary's sufferings under the uncourteous and un manly treatment to which she, a Queen and a woman, was subjected by the nobles and by the po pulace, are described with heartrending pathos. To all who love the stirring narrative of bold adventure, softened by occasional gleams of tenderness, these memoirs of Kirkaldy—memoirs in which truth is ro mantic and romance is true—will possess a lively in terest and an enthralling fascination. We say this without forgetting that the "Abbot" has been written. THE ROMANCE OF THE PEERAGE. Vol. IL By G. L. Craik. __ __ The " Curiosities of Family History, " which occupy the secoad volume of " The Romance of the Peerage," are thus enumerated in the table of contents :—" The Kindred of Queen Anne Boleyn— The :Lady Dorothy Devereux—The Old Percies— Earl Henry the Wizard—The last of the Ruthvens— The last Lord Cobham—The last Lord Grey of Wilton—Mary Tudor, the French Queen (a very beautiful portrait of this royal lady forms the frontis piece to the volume)—The Sister of the Lady Jane Grey—Margaret Tudor the Scottish—The Lady Arabella Stuart." From this list the lover of romantic history will be enabled to estimate the attractions of the volume here presented to him. One of the most interesting chapters records the painful history of Lady Catherine, the unfortunate sister of the unfortunate Lady Jane Grey. " The Romance of the Peerage" is fraught with interest both of an historical and a biographical character. TIIE EVENING BELL; or, The Hour of Relating Entertaining Anecdotes for Young People. By Caro line Reinhold. Translated from the German by the Rev. G. S. Mangan, A.M. To young - students of the German language, no book could possibly be more useful or more attractive than this very elegant and very interesting volume. The tales •f Miss Caroline Reinhold are peculiarly calculated to please youthful readers, and they are adorned with many excellent illustrations. The German and English are placed side by side, one on the left-hand page, and the other on the right. " The Evening Bell " will be a welcome as well as useful gift for the young; half of its contents being adapted for the morning's study, and the remainder for the evening's recreation. PRESBYTERY EXAMINED: An Essay, Critical and Historical, on the Ecclesiastical History of Scot land since the Reformation. By the Duke of Argyle. The Duke of Argyle has written the ecclesias tical history of Scotland in a very able and interest• ing manner. This work will be the means of making many familiar with the characteristic history of Presbyterianism to whom that form of church government has been hitherto little more than a name, and it is also calculated to excite among members of the Scottish Church a warm veneration for that form of religion which their ancestors es tablished and maintained in the face of the most ve hement opposition. The Duke of Argyle is evidently a heartfelt and zealous Presbyterian; to the members of his own Church, it is, therefore, that his work will be especially interesting and Taluable. The style is animated and eloquent, and the arguments are ren dered peculiarly forcible by the ,writer's unwavering conviction and zealous enthusiasm in and for all he asserts. LAMARTINE'S ~ THREE MONTHS IN POWER." TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. SIR,—My attention has been called to the critique on the translation of M. de Lanaartine's " Trois Mois au Pouvoir" that appeared in your paper of the sth inst., in which you state it is by the author "of the admirable translation of the Girondists." Permit me to correct an error caused by the similarity of name, and to say, that the " History of the Girondists" was translated by my father, the " Three Months in Power" by his son, and Your very obedient servant, HENRY JOHN HYDE. Dec. 14, 1848. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SU.Ar. Sru,--Lasthtl — Went to the Grecian Saloon with a party, and paid 4s. for the admission of two ladies, two gentlemen, and a lad of fifteen, Being desirous of proceeding to the balcony, I tendered 2s. 6d., the extra charge, as stated in the ordinary bills of the establish ment ; this was refused, and ss. demanded, which I at once paid. Thinking this demand an unfair one, I pur chased a bill of the box-keeper, which I enclose, you will there seo the price of admission distinctly set forth as ls. each for gentlemen, 6d. each for ladies and ju veniles, with 6d. each extra for the balcony. May I beg to ask whether the proprietor or beneficiare have the right to make such a charge, or whether it must be classed as a theatrical imposition ? Friends who were with me paid in the same way. I inclose my card, and remain, your obedient servant, Dec. 14,1848. INQUIRER. LIVERPOOL CURRENCY REFORM ASSOCIATION. TO THE EDITOR OF THE MORNING CHRONICLE. Sir,—Your editorial effusion on Saturday was not very complimentary to the British Consols, on which we pro pose to found our paper money. It always struck us that there were some essential differences between them and the French Assignats. We hardly expected to hear remarks derogatory to British ability to pay, and British honour to acknowledge, a lien on every man who owns a shilling of capital or a rood of land in this England of ours ; and suspect that new lights have burst on our old friend, the Morning Chronicle, who seems inclined to read the British consti tution according to the political gospel of Cuffey. As treating your readers to mutilated extracts of our proposal of the reasons which seemed forcible to us, and of the modes operandi by which we meant to work it, is hardly fair, I send you the whole manifesto for your insertioo. Allow me to trouble you with one argument as good as the five hundred which might be brought against gold as a money. In the present relation of our wealth to the quantity of gold we can muster, a pair of boots or a hat is worth a sovereign, but there is no reason why the wealth of England should not quadruple, with the help of the steam-engine--the hat will be worth then only five shil lings. A century might see our boots, hats, &c., in creased twenty-fold, and then the price comes down to a shilling. But what becomes of national debts, fixed charges, and annuities? I remain, your obedient servant, JAMES HARVEY, Hon. Sec. Brown's Coffee-house, Clayton-square. " MANIFESTO. " A currency—based not on gold, which is barter— I but on national property." "It is surprising that our mercantile men have not long since arrived at conclusions respecting a system of currency which can be recegnised as correct by all parties, and which would lead to the adoption of princi ples and practice, by means of which the ruinous alterna tions now constantly recurring would be rendered im possible."—Porter's Progress of the Nation, p. 426. " The committee .of the Liverpool Currency Reform Association have been led, by their consideration of the commercial phenomenon of periodical excitement and depression, to inquire whether this extreme oscillation, productive of so much evil, be the necessary consequence of extensive commerce; and if so, within what limit of productive enterprise ought a commercial people to be restrained? For if the calamities that have been ex perienced by this nation within the last twenty years be a necessary effect of extended trade, it behoves the Le gislature immediately to impose restraining measures that shall prevent such frightful ruin and devastation in our domestic trade, and relieve from so cruel a scourge the commerce of the whole world, which, from the mag nitude of our transactions, becomes involved in our mis fortunes. " In pursuing their inquiry, they have cerefully ex amined the evidence brought under the consideration of both Houses of Parliament, appointed to inquire into ' the cause of the present national distress.' " After the most deliberate consideration of the evi dence therein stated, and the uniform agreement of all other facts and information they have been able to col lect, they are of opinion, that the cause of periodical ex citement and depression is not necessarily involved in extensive commerce, but that the sole cause of our com mercial crises is to be found in the absence of a steady measure of value and an insufficient medium of exchange or, in other words, in the inefficiency of our present monetary system; an insufficiency further proved by its inadequacy to sustain a system of credit, so neces sary to the development of the productive energies of this country. " From the evidence above referred to, two all-im portant facts are established beyond question: First, that there was at one period a superabundance of the present medium of exchange, and at another not a suffi ciency for the ordinary necessities of trade. Secondly, the measure of value has, within the last three years, fluctuated from one to twelve per cent. " Here we have, under the gold standard, an enormous alternation in the value of money—which, by inciting speculation at one time, prostrating credit at another, causes extreme changes in the prices of commodities, and disturbs the relation between debtor and creditor. These facts were placed so forcibly before the public by the memorial of the merchants of this town, addressed, in October, 1847, to the First Lord of the Treasury, that the association feel emboldened to offer for consideration a monetary system, which, they believe, will prevent the recurrence of such evils. " THE OBJECTS REQUIRED IN A MONETARY SYSTEM ARE A STEADY MEASURE OF VALUE AND A SUFFICIENT MEDIUM OF EXCHANGE.—It is necessary, for the facility of commerce, to adopt some description of property of admitted value, that shall be used as the standard by which to measure the value of all other property, and it is imperative that the property so used be of a descrip tion least liable to variation. The association, there fore, propose "THAT THE NATIONAL FUNDS BE TAREN FOR THIS PURPOSE, AND THAT GOVERNMENT BE EMPOWERED TO ISSUE MONEY AND CONSOLS—which represent a bona fide amount of capital to the amount of 800 millions, guaran teed by the property of the British nation. " WHILST THE NATIONAL REVENUE IS PLEDGED TO THE PAYMENT OF THE INTEREST THEREON, so that both the capital and interest are perfectly secured.—What better or safer basis can there be whereon to found a na tional currency? " Thus, by adopting the funded property, we obtain two essentials—a sufficient medium of exchange, and a steady measure of value for the pound in account; so that the relation between debtor and creditor will be de finitely fixed, that the former may not, at the expiration of his credit, have to refund a greater or a less value than was implied in the pound in account at the time of the contract. " The plan by which the Association propose to carry their system into practical operation is as follows : " THE ESTABLISHMENT, BY ACT OF PARLIAMENT, OF A NATIONAL BANK, AUTHORIZED TO ISSUE BANK NOTES ON THE RECEIPT OF CONSOLS, such notes varying from one to a thousand pounds, to suit the convenience of the receiver. " THESE NOTES TO BE THE ONLY LEGAL TENDER throughout the United Kingdom, and to be convertible into value, that is to say, into Consols, on demand, at the National Bank. " THE CONSOLS TO BEAR A FIXED RATE OF INTEREST, which will, of course, cease during the time they are in the bank. "By this plan, when money became scarce, and ex ceeded the fixed rate of interest, the Consols certificates would flow into the National Bank, and the currency be extended to the relief of our commerce; while in pe riods of prosperity, when money is abundant, they would be withdrawn, and the circulation proportionally con tracted; thus securing a principle of self-adjustment, which would preclude the possibility of any great fluc tuation in the value of money, leaving the price of commodities subject to the natural law of supply and demand. "It may be objected that, under this system, the whole amount of the national funds might be converted into money, and the country be over-supplied. The as• sociation has no such fears, feeling convinced that, as the demand for money is necessarily limited by the ability of employing it profitably—the supply of it may be left to adjust itself to the requirements of trade. In conclusion, the advantages offered by the proposed sys tem of currency are these:— A SECURE Basis that cannot be disturbed. A READY CONVERTIBILITY of the legal:tender note into value. " AN EQUABLE SUPPLY or MONEY—to which may be added a NATIONAL SAYING of interest on the Consols, while in deposit. "In bringing forward this very important subject, the association would earnestly invite the active sup port and co-operation of every individual who may be friendly to their views ; whilst they hope to elicit from those who may differ from them a candid expression of their objections to the proposed system, as they are only I wishful for the establishment of a self-acting principle, that will give steadiness to the value of money. " JAMES Ilinrzr,:llon. Sec. " Brown's Hotel, Clayton-square, Liverpool, Nor. 20, 1848." METROPOLITAN COMMISSIONERS OF SEWERS.—A meeting of the Metropolitan Commissioners of Sewers was held yesterday, at the offices in Greek-street, Soho. The Hon. F. Byng presided, and the other commis sioners present were :—Mr. E. Chadwick, Dr. Southwood Smith, Mr. Lambert Jones, Mr. Hutton, Mr. Bidwell, and the Rev. W. Stone. Representation was made that a number of defaulters within the Westminster commis sion positively refused to discharge the claims upon them for contributions to sewers, cleansing, &c., unless they were summoned to show cause why they should not. These arrears were stated to be considerable, and sum monses were accordingly ordered to be issued for the next court. In the course of the proceedings, the chair man inquired the expense charged to parties who wished to have their house-drains connected with the sewers? Mr. Hertslet, the clerk, said this question came before him daily, but, in order to insure the greatest accuracy, he had procured a report from the surveyor. This report was then read, and it stated that th e average cost was not more than from 2s. 6d. to 3s. per foot run in cluding all expenses of labour, dr a i ns , and making g , ()o d p the surface; but when the pipes were m a d e b y machi nery it was anticipated the cost would be reduced to 2s. conversation or Is. 6d. In the cour se of a subject it was stated th a t the fees upon this formerly paid to the district surveyors upon the execution of works of this nature had been abolished. separated. The commissioners then. Advices from Vienna of the 9th of December men— tion the announcement of a new Five per Cent. Loan for eighty millions of florins (c-qual to eight millions star • ling, or about seven millions at the present rate of ex change), which it is expected will be readily taken abroad, particularly as the dividends will be made par able in London and elsewhere. Meanwhile, in consi: • qucnce of large importations, rendered necessary by shut stocks of raw material, and the purchase of supplies fc r the army, the exchanges were becoming more adve ;s:, and the quotation on London had risen to 11.18. '1 Che stoppage of commercial relations with Hungary c on tinuid to be most - severely felt, produce being shut out on the one hand, and the return of manufactured go ads on the other. The active I:rosecution of the war tam ter Windischgratz was appointed to commence on the 12 't of December, and the incorporation of the Hungariui kingdom with Austria Proper had been definitively re solved upon. The army is described as so numerot Is and well equipped as to render success almost certaii J. The Funds continued to improve, and the Five er Cents. where at 79, while the shares of the North ern Railway had risen 3 per cent., the quotation being li )21. The Bank of Vienna had declared a divided of 46 do tins for the half-year, besides a reserve of 4 ferias, and the price of its shares was I,los.—Tietes, NAVAL INTELLIGENCE. SIR CHARLES NAPIER'S SQUADRON. PORTSMOUTH, DEC. 14.—Sir Charles Napier went to Osborne in her Majesty's steam-yacht Fairy, on Wed nesday, to pay his respects to his Sovereign before leaving the neighbourhood with his fleet. His Serene Highness Prince Victor of Hohenloe Langenbo urg, naval cadet of her Majesty's ship Powerful, 84, at Spit head, accompanied the Gallant Admiral, to take leave of her Majesty and Prince Albert. His Serene Highness dined with the Royal circle, and returned to his ship in the evening. The squadron unmoored at five o'clock this morning and commenced preparations for weighing anchor, but the wind appearing very changeable, no other movement was made than crossing topgallant and royal yards at eight o'clock. About noon the wind changed, and began to blow until it increased nearly to a gale at S.S.W., at which point it continued until dark, raining incess a ntly and very heavily, which now continues (five o'clock P.m) with every prospect of a foul night. The Ikon. Mrs. Norton is staying at the official re.idence of the Com mander-in-Chief, awaiting a passage to Lisbon in the St. Vincent. The Sharpshooter iron screw-schooner, Lieu tenant- Commander Bailey, sailed after dark last night for the Sussex and Kentish coast. _ _ _ The Princess Royal transport arrived this morning to embark detachments from the Isle of Wight for service in the West Indies. _ The Superb, 80, Captain Purcell, is to be expedited in her fitting out, as she is wanted for sea service. APPOINTMENTS. Assistant-Surgeon —George Edward Freemen, to the Penguin packet brig, at Plymouth. Midshipmen—Henry IL Stuart, to the Superb, 80 guns, at Portsmouth ; R. Morris, to the Superb; C. A. Johnson, Thos. M. M. Wynyard, R. J. Lawrence, L. A. Whymper, and Charles Broadhead, to the St. Vin cent, 120 guns, at Spithead; Thomas J. Young, to the Excellent gunnery-ship, at Portsmouth ; J. T. Jeyes, to the San Josef, flag-ship at Devonport; W. K. Bush, to the Plumper screw-schooner, at Spithead. Naval Cadet—William Moriarty to the Superb. Passed Mates—Thomas Commerel, late of the Comus sloop; M. Vernon, late of the Vernon frigate; Messrs. Fair holme, Bickford, and Parkin, late of the Superb, passed their examinations at the Royal Naval College on Tuesday. The following received certificates yesterday —Messrs J. Ward (b), Dashwood. Bush, Warrington, Balfour, Dawkins, and Symonds. THE AVENGER SUBSCRIPTION.—The committee will pay the widows and orphans on Saturday, the 16th inst., at the Naval College, for the month of December. COAST GUARD.-CIRCULAR MEMORANDUM. " Houston Stewart, Coast-Guard Office, Dec. 7, 1848. "Having reported to the Lords Commissioners of the Admiralty and to the Honourable Board of Customs the result of the great•gun drill for this year, and expressed my hope that the excellent conduct and zealous atten tion displayed by the officers and men of the Coast Guard and the revenue cruizers would elicit their ap probation. " I have much pleasure in transmitting, for the infor mation of the respective inspecting commanders, and of the officers and men of stations and cruizers under their orders, extracts from the letter which has been addressed to me by the Secretary of the Admiralty, dated the 25th ult., and also in communicating the agreeable fact that the Board of Customs have been pleased to signify their marked approbation of the zeal and ability displayed by Captain Jerningham, and of the alacrity and attention shown by the officers and men in the Coast Guard em ployed in the service in question. " It is impossible for me to state too strongly the satis faction I have derived from the general good spirit and cordial feeling evinced in each of the districts which have been subjected to the gun drill of 1847 and 1848, and I beg the respective inspecting commanders wilt receive and convey my grateful acknowledgments to all the officers and men of the Coast Guard and cruizers con cerned. -------- " The respective Inspecting Commanders, &c." [EXTRACT U.S.] " Admiralty, Nov. 25, 1848. " Sir,—With reference to your letter of the Gth inst., reporting the result of the training of the men belonging to the coast guard and the revenue cruizers to the use of the great gun, I am commanded by my Lords Commis sioners of the Admiralty to acquaint you that the report contained in your letter is most satisfactory to their Lordships; first, as showing the cheerful zeal and ex cellent spirit existing throughout the Coast Guard ser vice, including the revenue cruizers, under your orders. Secondly, as exhibiting the intelligence and ability of Commander Jerningham and the instructing officers; and from the result being such as to convinee their Lord ships of the importance of this arm of the service for the purposes of home defence.—l am, sir, &c., " W. A. B. HAMILTON. " The Comptroller-General of the Coast Guard." Lord John Hay has sanctioned the alteration of the Horatio, frigate, at Sheerness, as a screw guard ship, to mount 24 guns, instead of the Eurotas, at Chatham. The Earl of Auckland, G.C.8., has left the Admiralty on a visit to the Marquis of Lansdowne, at Bowood. Rear-Admiral Deans Dundas, C. 8., M.P., has re turned to the Admiralty, from his country seat, Barton, Hungerford: EXPERIMENT AT THE ROYAL ARSENAL, WOOLWICH. DEC. 14,—A series of experiments have been carried on for some time past at the Butt, in the Royal Arsenal, to ascertain the practicability of Captain Chads' sugges tion of employing two shots at one firing in actual ser ♦ice, and how far danger was to be apprehended to those employed in working the guns when double shotted. Captain Chads made several experiments on his prin ciple on board the Excellent, gunnery-ship, ut Ports mouth, which were most efficient and satisfactory to him, and on submitting the plan to the authorities, the matter was referred to the members of the select com mittee at Woolwich, who gave instructions that an 8-inch gun of 65 cwt., 9 feet long, should be selected from a quantity recently received from the Low Moor Com pany, in Yorkshire. The gun selected had been pre viously tested in the usual way, by firing two rounds with one solid shot and twenty pounds of powder each time; and the experiments were com menced by firing two SC-pounder hollow shot with five pounds of powder each charge, and con- Itinued with the double shot and the same quantity of powder up the 60th round. From the 61st to the 70th round, six pounds of powder were used in each charge; from the:7lst to the 80th round, seven pounds; from the 81st to the 90th round, eight pounds; from the 91st to the 100th round, nine pounds; from the 101st to the 110th round, ten pounds; from the 111th to the 120th round, eleven pounds; from the 121st to the 130th round, twelve pounds; from the 131st to the 140th round, thir teen pounds; from the 141st to the 150th round, four teen pounds; from the 151st to the 160th round, fifteen pounds; from tho 161st to the 170th round, sixteen pounds; from the 171st to the 180th round, seventeen pounds; from the 181st to the 190th round, eighteen pounds; from the 191st to the 200th round, nineteen pounds; from the 201st to the 210th round, twenV pounds; and from the 211th to the 220th round, twent one pounds. The last ten rounds with the heavy charge of twenty-ono pounds of powder, and the gun doubly shotted each time, were fired yesterday, and on examin ing the gun after the experiment, it did not appear to have any perceptible injury, n,otwithstanding the se vere test it had undergone. The gun is only of met metal, but this trial has shown the superiority of the castings of the Low Moor Company, and the small risk to the gunners employed in firing them, under a test which it was never contemplated they would be sub jected to. It is intended to carry on the experiment until the gun is burst, and to add an additions.' peund weight of powder to each charge after every ten rounds. The firing has already disabled one carriage, and a car penter attends the experiments in case of injury to the platform by the recoil. The ultimate result is now looked forward to with great anxiety, the test the gun has already experienced having so far exceeded the an ticipations of the officers who have witnessed the expe riments. A STRANGE FREAK.—Lsst evening, some persons pass Eng the premises of Mr. Baker, ship-chandler and roperna, ker B er mondsey-wall, saw an unusual glare of light in a room on a second floor. Having been in form ed of this the inmates hastened to the reom in ques tion, the door of which was fastened inside. They forced an entrance, and found the maid -servant sitting upol A the bed undressed, her head and hands coverett wall her mistress's jewellery; a quantity of wearing ay).- parol had been taken from the cupboards and wardrobes and placed in the fire, which was blazing away furiously, anet there is no doubt if a few minutes longer had eta psed, that the female would have lost her life, and the pmmises would have been destroyed. As it was, the fia:mes were soon extinguished, the damige done to the premises not being very considerable. The female”wks yr: Is the causo of the fire has been taken into custody. FIRE ON THE EASTERN COUNTIES RAILWAY.—At a. late hour on Wednesday night the inhabitants of Strat -I;3rd, and the contiguous districts, were greatly alarnrd. by the sudden outbreak of a fire on the Eastern Counties :Railway, near Stratford-bridge. The flames originated in the workshops on a siding at Chopham Farm-bridge, which were of considerable size, and at the time of the outbreak contained a number of trucks and other pro perty. The damage done is as follows:—Shedding, used as workshops, about 150 feet long by 25 feet broad, with a number of trucks, the property of the Eastern Coun ties Railway Company, at Chopham Farm bridge, near Stratford -bridge, destroyed; buildings and contents tin insured. The fire was extinguished by the parish engi ' Ineer and the company's servants. MEETING OF MIDDLESEX MAGISTRATES.—Yes- terday a meeting of the magistrates of the county of Middlesex took place at Clerkenwell for the transaction of general county bibiness. Mr. Pownall occupied the chair. There was an unusually full attend ance o f ma.- gistrates. The prison reports having been received, Mr. Armstrong moved—" That the labour cal the treadwhael of our prisons having from its establishment to the pre sent time been proved useless and totally inefficient as a reformatory punishment, be discontinued." The motion was, after a long discussion, negatived, there being only to o votes in its favour and thirty-eight against it." LICENSED VICTUALLERS' INSURANCE COMPANY. At a special court of this company held on Tuesday last, C. S. Butler, Esq., of Clapton, was unanimously chosen a director, in the room of Charles Bleaden, Esq., re ' signed. A highly complimentary vote of thanks was passed to Alderman Musgrove, the newly-appointed chairman, who, in returning thanks, stated that the busi ness of the company had greatly increased within the last few months. We understand that Dr. Bowring, whose eminent qualifications as a linguist are so well known, has been. appointed her Majesty's Consul at Canton. The Learned Gentleman has long been in a state of health which re quired his residence in a warmer climate. We believe that Sir J. Walmsley will succeed J.):. Bowring in the representation of Dolton. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. SIR,—I was much surprised at seeing a statement in your paper of yesterday that a fiat had been issued in bankruptcy against Lord Suffield as a horse dealer by a Mr. Ker, an attorney. Now you must be aware that any nobleman or gentleman under the present state of the law is liable to the same vexatious annoyance at the hands of any ill-disposed person, and that the pro ceedings, up to " adjudication," are " ex-parte," and that no advertisement can be issued until five days afterwards, such a period being allowed for a bankrupt to dispute the fiat. I need hardly add that I have his Lordship's instructions to oppose this absurd attempt, with what success will be seen when the proper time comes. But Ido think his Lordship has great reason to complain of the premature (and I may be permitted to add) gratuitous publicity thus given to that which would have otherwise, probably, passed without notice, and consequently increased annoyance to his Lordship. I am, Sir, your very obedient servant, ARTHUR JAMES LANE. 4, Falcon-square, Dec. 15, 1848. We have much pleasure in announcing that the basis of the postal convention with the United States has at last been finally settled,. and a draft of the convention itself will be sent by this day's steamer to America, for ratification by the Senate of the U n i te d States. By the conv ention a considerable reduction will be made upon the postage of American letters, an d we t r ust that the ill-feeling on both sides which th e eiws tion bud occasion ed will be definitively renioN Times. The Havre accounts of yesterday st a t e th at b us i ness c ontinued very brisk in cotton, a n d was i ncreasing, in consequence of the intelligence th at t h e election was going on tranquilly at Paris. Prices, from the same cause, had risen as much as lif. Common New Orleans is quoted at 66; vary common at 62 to 62 50; but it was difficult to purchase, even at these prices. The sales on Tuesday exceeded 3,000 bales. In other articles there was no business doing, with the exception of a little in coffee. moms 10 1 4 2% 39 28 5 die. _ 104 9 3 / 4 1% 26% 114 - 6% 227 14% 6% 28 241% 25 1 4 12% 13 _ oil ..... IA 7% 2%, r and last red. oner, heat, die t St. aria, krrd. tker, 'ton, lats for )001, lack ;a of row. ran ex- )ale tier, the ink►. as, that el- Lad g° .r..