The Sun. — London, England, 1848-12-29 00:00:00

torsi wails; four of the crew saved. The hum" Ed mund, Nente.i to fauhlyticl at, her anchors i Freshwater Hat.t 13.1 , y , •styr,,y ; urt:w n tat.rgo thsAummus DEc. 27. —The lionry, of anti fur Newly, frOal when was en shore 1.011 P(11111,m lie It t 011 the 15!li inst, has di7 , ell,rged h r cargo (whi al) shit h has been sold. The FA.zAbe,th Lehootwr, flou t Yar mouth to Liverp.) , 1, and the Jotnniii schooner, of have put in here d to 81.1113, tallWaZk3, tie., ha - ring been in contact off dos port. IVATERFORD, 27.--The U6lllO Caziats, which got on inure on Druturni IL:11,k on th, 20th inst. is fit!l of water, and not I , lce!y to be g , it off. CowEs, DEc. N E.—Arrd. Gambia, Tid &man, Rival- Gambia. Shl. o.illiond, St. Croix. PLYAIOUTII, Disc. 28.-IVind her Majest)'s ship Calliope, C , quinibo. Shl. Julindl, Sydeoy, N ! , w South Walt ~,; Mary A nn , Ad e kid e, South Australia; Spartan, Port Philip; !Melia, 11 tvannah. OFF PILL, DEC. 27.—Cilares Oak, New York. Poirrolotru, DEC. 28.—Wind N. to N.E.—Sid. or]; Town, New Yolk ; L or d P etro, Mauritius; MaLchester, Mobile. LIVERPOOL:, DEC. 28.—Wimi N.N.W. to N.N.E Arrd. Prot , . us, Paraiba; Hendry, Ware, New Orleans; Colonist, Heron, Savrtn!,ah ; Rob Roy, Drummond, Vir ginia; Britannia t;cltconer, Halifax and Boston; Fre dericks, Quebec. Ski. Alice, Hobart Town; Richard, 'Pernambuco; Ilawkhill, TriLidao. Put back, Mazeppa, for Africa. The Snowdon, Peock, from this port to New Orleans, put into the Island of Rum, on the 20th inst., with masts cut away, and it is feared she would Ise wrecked if the weather did a t moderate. The Avon, from Bangor to N-w Orleans, has come into port fr,m Beaummis, for riq airs. ROTRSAY, ISLE OF I3UTE, DEC. 26.—The Esquimaux, of Green , :ck, for Antigua, in wet-king out of the Channel on the 25th, got on shore near Dtatutstuart, Isle of Bute, where she now lies; crew saved; should the weather mod, rate, may be got off. WAINFLEET, DEC. 27.—The Catharina, Hamburgh, to Cadiz and Sevill e , h as b een t o t a ll y l ost near this place. CROSIER, DEC. 28.—The Teesdale, of Stockton, sank off here yesterday; crew saved. . MARKET NEWS -(THIS DAY. CORN EXCHANGE-FRIDAY. Since this day se'eni g ht tho arrivals of English Wheat for our market coastwise have not exceeded 1,220 quar ters, chiefly from Essex, By land carriage and sample the supply has been extremely small. Although the quantity of Wheat of home produce en offer to-day was trifling the demand for all descriptions was in a very sluggish state, at about last week's quotations. The imports of foreign Wheat have bzc•n only 5,910 quarters. There was a steady, though by no means brisk, demand for this article free of duty, at full prices. In bonded parcels and floating cargoes no sales took place. Owing to the large arrival from abroad the Barley trade ruled exceedingly htavy, and prices had a downward tendency. The show of English was small. In Malt, the supply of which was limited, next to nothing was doing, at almost nominal currencies. The best samples of Oats were quite as dear, but all other kinds were neglected. In all other articles we have no change to notice. ARRIVALS THIS WEEK. Wheat. Barley. Oats. Flour 1,220 qrs. 350 qrs. I 239 qrs. 11,070,x: English ...... Irish. • • •..... Foreign ~.... 5,910 18,030 I Malt, 390 qrs. SZIITErFIEXaI. 9,040 1 For the time of year our market to-day was very mo vlerately supplied with beasts, bath as to number and quality. Still, however, the Beef trade, owing to the limited attendance of buyers, was in a very &pressed state, ut a decline in the quotwi,ns of Monday of quite 2d per 81bs. Only four foreign Beasts were on offer. The arrival from Scotland comprised 200 head. The numbers of Shecp were again limited; yet all breeds moved off heavily, at a fall in value of 2d per 81bs, with out effecting a clearance. Calves, the supply of which was small, sold slowly at 2d per 81bs less money. The sale for Pig, was dull, and prices had a downward ten dency. Mi►ch Cows were selling at from 141. to 18/ each, including their small Calf. Fer 816 s. to 81 a. d. to a. d. Inferior Beasts..... 3 0 3 4 Second quality .• • 3 6 3 8 ink the offal. s. d. to s. d. Second qual. Sheep 3 6 310 Coarse-woolled ditto 4 0 4 6 Friine large Oxen— 3 8 310 Southdown Wether 4 8 5 0 Prime Scots •• •• 4 0 4 2 Ditto eut of the wool 0 0 0 0 Large coarse Calves 3 6 4 2 Large Hogs •••• 3 8 4 2 Primesmall ditto .. 4 4 4 6 Small Porkers .... 4 4 4 8 Suckling Calves ..18 0 24 0 Quarter old Pigs ..1G 0 22 0 Inferior Sheep •• • 3 2 3 4 Lambs .....• •• 0 0 0 0 TOTAL SUPPLY AT MARKET. Sheep. Calves. I Pigs. I 4,930 150 100 FOREIGN SUPPLY. I 5 550 heep. Calves. I Pigs. 12 Beasts, 969 Beasts. 4 NEViTGATE AND X.VADE 1%111A.7.1f... These markets were very dull, and prices were not supported. At per stone by the Carcase. s. d. to s. d. s. d. to R. d. Beef,lnferlor.• •• .• 2 8 210 Mutton, inferior .. 210 3 2 - middling 210 3 0 middling.. 3 4 3 6 - primelarge .. 3 2 3 4 prime .... 3 8 4 4 - prime small .. 3 4 3 6 York, 1arge........ 3 6 4 0 Ve51.........• •• •• 3 6 4 4 - small.. BoLlouGH r.OP Although our market is but moderately supplied with all kinds of Hops, both new and old, the general demand is in a very inactive state. Selected samples are, how ever, held at full prices; but the inferior parcels are somewhat easier to purchase. New Hops:—Sussex pockets, 21 5s to 2/18s; Weald of Kt-nt ditto, 21 8s to 31 5s ; Mid and East ditto, 21 12s to 5/ 17s per cwt. COLONIAL. The markets have been closed this week, and not much has been doing privately. SUGAR.—The feeling in favour of this article seems to be good, but until the active resumption of business, there will be no established alteration in prices. COFFEE.—For this article also there is a favourable im pression, and for foreign sorts there is rather an active inquiry. The consumption of all descriptions, in the United Kingdom this year, has been 1,000,000 lbs. The stock at present held shows an increase, compared with last year, on British Plantation sorts, but a drerease on Foreign. The market has varied a good deal this year; the decline being greatest in the interior qualities. In Ceylon ord Native the fluctuation this year has been lls to 14s per OWL TEA..—The market has been steady. COFFEE.—A fair business has been done. Tait.Low.—There is not much doing. P. Y. C. is 42s 6d per cwt. on the spot, and 42s for delivery from January to March nex. GREEN FRUIT.—The market has been quiet this week, the trade having fully supplied themselves pre vious to Christmas. A cargo of Oranges ex Adventure from Seville, and one ex Lady Elizabeth from St. Michael. sold by Keeling and Hunt, at public sale, although landed out of condition, realised high prices, the market being bare of Oranges, owing to con t rar y winds preventing arrival 3. - Messina Lemons without alteration in price. Small Nuts dull of sale. French Chesnuts have advanced in price. Spanish without de mand. There is every appearance of the approaching New Year commencing under favourable prospects for the fruit trade, the improvement in the manufacturing districts acting favourably for the consumption of articles of the kind. SECONDARIES'.—(THIS DAY.) (Before Mr. Secondary JAMES.) TEE SHREWSBURY AND BIRMINGHAM RAILWAY COMPANY v. DOSSER. This was an action to recoy,r the sum of 181. 19s. for calls on shares of the Shrewsbury and Birmingham Rail way Company, of which defendant was a shareholder. The defendant allowed judgment to go by default. The Learned SECONDARY said it would be necessary to identify the defendant as the party who was the share holder. The Solicitor to the Company put i❑ the register, in which defendant was described as of Albert-place, llull, gentleman, and it was proved that notices of the different calls had been forwarded to him. Defendant held four shares, on which three calls had been made—the first of 21. 10s., second 1/., and the third 11.; and interest was also claimed, making together the sum sued for. The Learned SECONDARY said the Act of Parliament very much simplified the evidence required in such cases, and that adduced was sufficient in this case, defendant not having pleaded, to entitle the plaintiffs to a verdict. A verdict for 181. 19s. was accordingly given. This was the only case. BANKRUPTCY.—(THIS DAY.) (Before Mr. Commissioner FONBLANQUE.) IN RE JONES. An application was made by the solicitor to the assig nees of the bankrupt fur the allowance of extra costs. The Solicitor said that the bankrupt had been a plumber in Somerset-street, Aldgate, but had been charged with felony and convicted at the Central Criminal Court, and sentenced to be imprisoned for ttso years. The assignees were therefore deprived of his assistance in carrying on various proceedings, as he (the Solicitor) could nut get the bankrupt up as a witness, nor could an order be got to sue him as to his accounts, or no doubt rather an important amount might be re covered. - His HONOUR said that the assignees ought to have taken some steps to have tried the question whether they could not have brought the bankrupt up. He (hi , Honour) had no doubt that they could halve enforced his attendance; under the present law he could be called on to give evidence though imprisoned under any judgment or sentence w hutever. The application was granted. WISBECH.—ACCIDENT.—News of an accident which betel Captain Horsefield, of this port, whilst on his way to the north, were brought to Wishech on the afterno')n of Thursday last. It appears that the boom of the vt ssel which carries the main,ail struck the captain, carrying him overboard. Captain Horsefield, who has been much injured and narrowly escaped drowning, is recovering. The amid: tit excited much sympathy in the town, Captain Horsefield being universally respected. FALL OF A PUBLIC-HOUSE IN THAMES-STREET.— On Wednesday night a great portion of the Wheatsh( of public-house, Upper Thames-street, adjoining Puddle dnxk, fell with a loud crash into the th,roughfare. A cart and horse that was passing received a quantity of the materials upon them; tortunately the driver and horse were in advance, and the injury they sustained was trifling. The back part of the cart was smashed. No other person was passing at the time, or their death must have been certair. The police at once closed the thoroughfire against all ptrsons, and yesterday %soil men were employed removing the walls that were left standing. The premises belonged to Mr. Castles. They were not teeant,d. to St. 1 ) .W;.'1. on 5L1116.1.) last, ill( re V.,1%.2 flu o.eq. 30 pair ntlieu in the " Holy Bonds 0: Matrimony," and on the day following (Christmas-day) 15 couple more, the fees amounting to 251. 17s. cd. C,‘,llu7ch THE SUN, LONDON, THE DRAMA AT WINDSOR. Ye,terhy evening the first of a series of d:amaqo entertainments, commanded by Royalty, took pi-ice un the temporary stage, fitted-up in the Reubens' Room at Windsor Castle. The scheme of these dramatic represent itions has been for seine time known to the world, and so far as it was a matter of public comment, we have nut hesi t.ted in avowing our sympathy with those consid,•ra tious of art which may be fairly presumed to have had some share in prompting these entertainments, as well as our satisfaction with those preliminary arrangements which have, from time to time, and through different channels, become known to the public. Court patronage cannot do everything fur the drama, but Court patronage can assuredly do much. In whatever form it may come—whether Royalty proceed frequently to the theatres, or the theatres are, by such a :theme as the present, brought ; as it were, to Royalty—the effect cannot be other than salutary with respect both to art and artists ; while, by the arrangements observed in the present instance, the compliment involved in appearing on the 'Windsor stage is at once delicate and significant. Mr. Charles Kean, to whom—as our readers are aware—is intrusted the management of the temporary theatre at Windsor, has been indefatigable in his exer tions to produce as perfect a tout ensemble as could be attained ; and the result was, in all respects, worthy of the unremitting exertions, aided by the great experience and approved dramatic taste, of this gentleman. Indeed, without attaching any undue importance to the Windsor Castle theatricals—with out seeking to heighten or idealize the thoughts to which they naturally give birth, it will be felt that there wr.s something particularly becoming and grace ful in the spectacle of the Monarch of these realms, surrounded by her household, listening in her own feudatory palace to a masterpiece of the national drama, in all respects set forth and interpreted by national artists. Statements have from time to time appeared as to the progress of the fittings-up of the temporary stage at Windsor. Although, of course, merely a theatre in miniature, it is a singularly neat and compact one, and perfectly adapted for dramatic representations, if not for scenic display. The stage occupies, perhaps, about half of the Reubens' Room. To give space for it, one or two of the large pictures of the Flemish master have been temporarily removed from the walls. The stage rises about three feet from the rich car peting. On either side, above the neatly-painted proscenium doors, are traced medallion representations of the Tragic and the Comic Muse; while, stretching across in front, beneath the footlights, is emblazoned the distich, _ " All the world's a stage." The straitened dimensions of the theatre allow room for only two entrances on either side; and as it would be impossible in such a narrow space as that necessarily allotted to the "wings " to work the usual apparatus of " flats," the scenes are arranged so as to full from rollers fixed above the stage. A darkened effect upon the scene is produced by the raising of a shit screen before the footlights, and the simultaneous obscuring of the lamps at the " wing" by means of a similar contrivance. The arrangements in the audience portion of the theatre are very simple. The space which might be described as forming the pit in an ordinary play-house, is left unoccupied. In front of the centre of the stage, upon a dais ap proached by three steps, and encompassed on either side by a gorgeous screen of purple velvet, fringed with gold, are placed, in a double row, the chairs oc cupied by the Royal Family. From these again, three rows of benches extend diagonally from the line of the stage s thus filling up the opposite corners of the room. On the left, looking from the stage, is the door leading fr om t h e pr i vate apar t men t s of the Castle to the theatre. On the opposite side, a corresponding portal is fitted up as a species of box for a few of the higher domestics of the Castle. The stage, as has been stated, rises directly from the floor of the apartment. There is not, therefore, in the usual sense of the word, any orchestra. ller Majesty's private band was, however, stationed in the vaulted chamber on the left of the theatre (always looking from the stage) while on the opposite side, running at right angles from the audience portion of the house, if we may so describe it, the state ante chamber did duty as a green room, and two of the neighbouring apartments, neatly fitted up for their temporary purpose, and hung round with chef d wuvres of Guido, furnished dressing rooms not much resem bling the style of apartments ordinarily used in thea trical life for the purpose in question. So much for the general preliminary arrangements The play represented last night was The Merchant of Venice. This is one of the Shaksperian dramas in which the refined taste of modern days, differing so much from the code of minor morals in force during the Elizabethan era—is occasionally offended by a broadness of allusion, and a free and unre strained play of repartee, which, especially in the last act, is allowed to run riot through the dialogue. To mould these portions of the drama to more modern taste—to smooth away these little asperities, without injuring the structure of the fabric—is a task not easy of satisfactory accomplishment. In the present I, instance, however, the manager has wisely preferred i to be on the safe side. Phrases and allusions, which may be legimately permitted in the general range of a mixed audience, could not well be tolerated in the presence of a household circle—of a party, the prin cipal members of which are so closely and dearly connected. Mr. Charles Kean has felt all this, and arranged matters accordingly. The cast of the Merchant of Venice, so far at least as the principal parts go, has been already published. 11Iany of our readers may, however, thank us for giving verbatim—as an interesting memorial—the play-bill printed, on this remarkable occasion, for the use of the Court. It is as follows : ROYAL ENTERTAINMENT. BY COMMAND. Her Majesty's Servants will perform, at Windsor Castle, on Thursday, December 28, Shakspere's Play of THE MERCHANT OF VENICE. Duke of Venice ... ... Mr. Diddear Antonio (the Merchant of Venice) ... Mr. Rogers Bassanio (his Friend) Mr. A. Wigan Salanio Mr. Boyce Sal aria o Friends toAntonio and Bassani° Mr. Conway Gratiano Mr. Webster Lorenzo (in love with Jessica) ... ... - Mr Leigh Murray Shylock (a Jew) ... ... ... ... Mr. Charles Kean Tubal (a Jew, his Friend) ... ... Mr. Howe Launcelot Gobbu (a Clown, Servant to} Mr. Keeley Shylock) ... ... .., .. Old Gobbo (Father to Launcelot) ... Mr. Addison Leonardo (Servant to Bassauio) ... Mr. Field Balthazar 1 Servants to 1 ... ... Mr. Clarke Stephano I Portia f ... ... Mr. Coe Portia (a rich Heiress) ... ... ... Mrs Charles Kean Nerissa (her Waiting Maid) ... ... Mrs Keeley Jessica (Daughter to Shylock) ... ... Mrs Compton (late Miss Emmeline Montague). Director ... ... ... ... Mr. Charles Kean Assistant-Director ... ... Mr. George Ellis Prompter and Stage Manager ... Mr. Frederick Webster. The Theatre arranged and the Scenery painted by Mr Thomas Grieve. From this cast, it will be seen that the play is re• presented by artists chosen from three of the prin cipal theatres in London ; the Haymarket, the Adelphi, and the Olympic; while the provincial drama has its representative in Mr. Addison of the Birmingham Theatre. Eight o'clock was the hour specified for the com mencement of the performance. The punctuality of her Majesty is well known, and by the appointed time, the Queen and Prince Albert, surrounded by the juvenile members of the family, had taken their seats, the room was filled with the invited guests, and the play began. As might have been expected, the drama was care fully and most effectively performed. As each speci men of the beautiful scenery of Mr. Grieve was dis played, the applause was general, Prince Albert leading and encouraging the signs of approbation. The play commanded, during its progress, a most attentive and discriminating auditory. Mr. Kean's powerful acting, and Mrs. Charles Kean's exquisite declamation, called down, particularly in the trial scene, the heartiest marks of approbation. Thanks to the ability of the artists, and the care with which the play had been got up and diligently rehearsed, the effect was, in every respect, excellent ; and the curtain fell upon a brilliantly successful opening of the Windsor theatricals. The next performance will be an essentially comic one, the pieces selected being Used Up and Box and Cox, embodying, as they do, the principal talent of the Lyceum. (From the Post.) The first of a series of plays was given last night at Windsor Castle. Her Majesty and the Prince Consort were seated on the dais, and the Prince of Wales, attired in his naval dress, with two of the Royal Princesses, were seated on the steps. The Royal Children retired at the end of the second act. The Merchant of Venice gave entire satisfaction, and Mr. Charles Kean received a message, through Col. Phipps, to say that her Majesty and the'Prince were quite charmed with the performance, and never before had witnessed a play so perfectly acted in all its parts on the English stage. There were about sixty per sons seated. The scenery, painted by Mr. Grieve, was greatly admired. The Queen's private band played between the acts, in an adjoining apartment with open doors, the following pieces : Overture, " Les Aveugles de Toledo " Nehul. Sinfoni. I)ie Orientalen Valzer Grw , s au Paris Polkas Labitzky. Carlsbader Sprudel Galoppe (From the Court Circular.) Shakspere's play, The Merchant of Venice, was performed by command in the Castle this evening. The stage for the performance was erected in the Ittibent room. I - hr Majesty and Prince Albert, and tine Duciicss of Kent, and the ladies and gentlttnin of the royal suite in waiting, sat on a raised platform in the centre of the apartment. The other guests ho noured with invitations to the entertainment were seated on either side on seats of crimson satin damask and gold. her 111i)je-ity's private band attended in an ante room. The company consisted of her Royal Highness the Duchess of Kent, Lord John Russell, the Marquis of Breadalhane, the Earl and Countess Grey, the Earl of Liverpool, Viscount Canning, Lady Fanny Howard, Baroness de Speth, the Countess of Mansfield and the (2) Ladies Murray, Lord and Lady Ruthven, Dowager Lady Lyttelton, Miss Pole Carew, the Right lion. Henry and Mrs. Labouchere, the Right 'lon. Sir William Fremantle, Mr. and the Hon. Mrs. G, E. Anson, Lieutenant-Colonel the lion. Charles and Mrs. Phipps, Miss Bathurst, Sir George and Lady Couper, Miss Couper, Lady Isabella Wemyss, Colonel and MrS. Malcolm, the Dean of Windsor and Lady Charlotte Neville Grenville, the (2) Misses Neville Grenville, the Rev. Frederic Anson, the Provost of Eton and the lion. Mrs. Hodgson, the Rev. Dr. Haw trey, Dr. Meyer, Mr. Glover, the Field-Officer in Waiting of the 2 , 1 Life Guards (Colonel INPllouall), the Field- Officer in Waiting of the Coldstream Guards (Colonel Paget). COURT CIRCULAR. WINDSOR, THURSDAY.—The Queen and Prince Albert walked at an early hour in the Little Park. The royal children took pony and walking exercise to-day. Lord John Russell arrived at the Castle in the afternoon, fr om P em b ro k e -l o d ge, Ri c h mon d-park, on a visit to her Majesty. The Queen's private band was in attendance on 'Wediasday, in the Castle, and performed the follow ing pieces after dinner : Overture, " Tamerlan" Winter. Selection, " Malek Adeb" ... Costa. Herbstbtumen Walzer ••• Labitzky. Allegretto •• ••• • • Minuetto and Trio Sinfonia (No. 12) .. Haydn. Lord and Lady John Russell left town yesterday morning for their residence in Richmond-park. COWES, ISLE OF WIGHT. (FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT.) COWES, DEC, 28. DESTRUCTIVE GALLE.—Soon after midnight, last night, a heavy gale set in from the east, veered to north, (Icing considerable damage to the boats, vessels, and quays in the harbour. A boat belonging to Nicholas Harris was knocked to pieces against the quays, as was one belonging to Joseph Clarke. The sloop Active drove against and knocked down the quay belonging to Mr. Thomas, builder. The Emma pilot-vessel drove on the mud and knocked her rudder off. The Pit, afterreceiving a good deal of damage alongside of thellarriet brig, went on shore near the Vine quay. One of the large tow boats (used by the steamers to convey carriages, &c., to and from the island), after doing great damage to the quays, went down near the Salterns ; several other ves sels drove during the gale. The South Parade was much damaged, and the coffee-rooms and the ground floors of the lower rooms at the Globe Hotel were covered with water. The weather has been moderate to-day, and all the vessels that were driven on shore i❑ the night have been got off. THE. COMPASSIONATE FUND.—This excellent institu tion has commenced its work of kindness ; the com mittee last week distributed 190 cwts. of coals amongst the widows and orphans, and the destitute poor of this town. The funds are furnished by the tradesmen and others subscribing during the year 6d. each, per week; some few charitable individuals giving also donations, enabling the directors to give yearly as much as 1001. to the poor in their hour of need. SCOTTISH HOSPITALITY. There is a proverb in France that Scottish hospi tality may be had, but cannot be bought; however this may be, if we are to judge from what took place on Saturday night last, Captain Lamont, R.N., must have had ample gratification in return for his hospita lity. Captain Lamont invited some friends to dine with him on that evening (instead of Christmas eve, it falling on a Sunday), at the Piazza Hotel, Covent garden, where the dinner was served up i❑ Mr. Cut triss's best style. The juvenile band of the Royal Caledonian Asylum, with their leader, Mr. Byford, were present and enlivened the party with their de lightful playing. The gallant Captain did not forget their parents, who were specially invited to partake of the good cheer—they were regaled with an excel lent supper, with all its concomitants. After drink ing several loyal and patriotic toasts, the benevolent host addressed the boys, in which he forcibly pointed out their duty to their country, their gratitude to their benefactors, to each other, and to themselves. He reminded his guests, that in the ordinary course of nature, to those little fellows around them, they must ultimately resign the stage of life, and who would take upon himself to say, that amongst them some of the future governors of this great country were not to be found? 'low much, then, was it not his and their duty to cultivate, both by precept and example, all the kindlier feelings of their nature, that, in order to be happy themselves, their first care ought to be an endeavour to make those within the sphere of their own influence happy. It was but little that he had in his power to do, but it was the delight of his heart to do that little towards the interests of the rising generation. The gallant Captain sat down amidst much cheering—the boys having paid the most marked attention to the address. One of them re turned thanks and begged his schoolfellowstojoin hit* in wishing their friend, Captain Lamont, good health, and many happy returns of the season ; the pipers of the band playing " A man's a man for a' that." The next toast was, " The Caledonian Society of London" (of which the gallant Captain is president), for which Mr. Craig myle (one of its members) returned thanks, and took that opportunity of advocating the views of its president, to establish a fund to be de voted to the apprenticing of the children of the Cale donian Asylum, and after referring to the host's active benevolence, proposed the Captain's health, which was received with warm enthusiasm. The health of Charles Forbes, Esq., and the patrons of the Caledonian Asylum followed, with well merited com pliments to their generosity and patriotism. The boys and their friends took leave of the worthy Cap tain in the most grateful manner for his kindness towards them, and the interest he takes in their wel fare. The rest of the guests soon after retired, much delighted with what they had seen and heard that evening. THE MELANCHOLY OCCURRENCE AT THE VIC TORIA THEATRE.—Upon snaking inquiries last evening it was ascertained that Henry Neat, one of the unfortu nate persons injured on Tuesday night at this theatre, was lying at his residence, No. 97, Whickham-street, Vauxhall, in a very precarious condition. Ile is still attended by Mr. Sewell, but during the last day or two he has complained much of pains in his side and ribs, and it is extremely questionable whether or not the latter are seriously, if not fatally, injured. The boy Astell, of 3, John-place, Webber-street, New-cut, is also attended by the same gentleman, and it was yesterday found upon examination that he was most extensively bruised about the shoulders and back, the latter being extensively swollen. The lad Tutchin is, owing to the treatment he has received at the hands of Mr. Sewell, considerably better; the lad Fraser is still suffering from concussion of the brain, but it is the opinion of Mr. Sewell that he will recover. A further investigation was male yesterday by Mr. Osbaldiston, with the view of learning the precise cause of the calamity, the result of which was the following:—Mr. Edgar, the stage door officer, stated that some hours after the gallery door had been opened, a couple of boys came to him and brought the lower hand-rail of the gallery, saying at the time that it had been torn or forced down by the people waiting for admission, and about a quarter past five o'clock a man belonging to the Rifle Brigade came to the stage door, and said that he had been wait ing on the gallery stairs for admission to the theatre, but so great was the heat that he was obliged to make a retreat the best way he could, and if the doors were not opened immediately some dozens of people at the least must be suffocated. Edgar upon hearing that went on to the stage and communicated the intel ligence to Mr. Higgie, who forthwith gave the signal for the doors to be opened, and the crowd made their way into the theatre. One man had hold of the beam on the second landing, and with his other hand he succeeded in pulling several persons up, whom he handed to those below in the hopes of saving their lives, and it is no doubt that the boy Leonard Tutchin was one of them. The stairs were six feet wide, and one of the windows on the staircase had the whole of the glass removed to afford proper ventilation, the inside being protected by heavy iron bars to prevent any one from being pushed through. FRENCH PRINCES AT OXFORD: DEC. 28.—The Duke and Duchess d'Aumale and the Duke de Nemours, with their suite, accompanied by the Rev. Mr. Hudson, chaplain to the Queen Dowager, from whom the Princes have just come, have visited to-day several of the prin cipal buildings of the University, the Bodleiaa Library, University Printing-office, the Raffaelle and Michael Angelo:Collection of Drawings,&c. The illustrious party, who are staying at the Angel, were attended by the Rev. Mr. Andrews, Senior Proctor, and the Rev. Mr. Raw linson, of Exeter College. THE IRON TRADE.—WOLVERHAMPTON, THURS DAY.—The usual meeting preliminary to the general quarterly meetings of the ironmasters of South Stafford -hire and the surrounding districts was held at the Swan Hotel, in this town, to-day. The attendance of the tirst firms in the neighbourhoods was unusually numerous. Amongst those present were Mr. Foster, the Messrs. Williams and Co., Messrs. Thorneycroft, Mr. Grazebrook (the chairman), &c. After some dis cussion it was unanimously resolved to maintain, without advance or reduction, the prices of the present quarter. here will, consequently, be no alteration. Notwith standing that at the present time the Welsh makers are uederselling those of Staffordshire, the ironmasters of this district, rather than reduce the wages of the men, are determined to adhere to the present rates. REPRIIsVE OF THE CONVICT THOMSON.—On Tues day afternoon a dispatch was received in Greenock from the Home-office, intimating that the sentence of death passed on John Thomson was respited during her Ma jsty's pleasure. A letter was on Thursday received in Greenock free] Ile. Sherie . -Depute, in Which he informs the Town Clerk that Thompson's life would be spared, and requests that the fact may be made known to the magistrates.—Greenock Advertiser. FRIDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 29, 1848: RAILWAY INTELLIGENCE. DIRECT LONDON AND EXETER. A meeting of shareholders was held yesterday at the George and Vulture Tavern to consider what course should be adopted in the present state of the company's affairs. Mr. Fowler was vo t e d to the chair. It was stated that the company was pro j ected in May, 1645, and in the September of that year applications had been made for 400,000 shares from bankers and other respec table parties ; that only 58,000 shares were allotted, of which the deposit was paid on 23,495, producing 32,3051. ; of this sum 5,800 L was expended i n r i gging the market. Solicitors were employed by the provi sional committee. In October, 1845, to proceed with an application to Parliament for a Bill, being awar e that it would require a deposits of 150,0001. to com ply with the standing orders of Parliament. The com mittee reserved 62,000 shares for themselves, and put advertisements in the papers stating that all ;he shares had been allotted ; the panic came, and the prospect of realizing premiums on the reserved shares vanished. A meeting was held on the 13th of December, 1845, at which the provisional committee produced a statement of accounts made out by the com mittee of management, showing a balance of 4921. re maining in hand. This statement had since been de clared by the accountant and bookkeeper to the com pany to be wholly untrue, the company's ledger at the was handed over to the solicitor a few hours before th e time showing a balance of 18,479/., less 6,250/., which meeting in three cheques of 500/., 1,7501., and 4,0001., and consequently leaving a balance of about 10,0001. after all just claims were satisfied. A number of cheques were drawn on the morning of the meeting for the pay ment of various accounts due by the company, which were afterwards burned by the committee, and of course never paid to the parties in whose favour they were drawn. A long discussion ensued on the best mode of proceed ing, when it was agreed to authorise Messrs. Bromley and Aldridge to take proceedings against the managing committee of the company, for the purpose of obtaining an account of the money received by them, and of ob• taining the distribution of any surplus amongst the shareholders, and that a subscription not exceeding Gd. per share be made to defray expenses. After a vote of thanks to the Chairman the meeting separated. ARMY CLOTHING. TO THE EDITOR OF THE SUN. SlR,—The Liverpool Financial Reform Association has transmitted to me its tracts, desirous, I suppose, to fix my attention on the statements relative to the army; and truly I find something very worthy of attention in the folio wing paragraph, introduced after an assertion that the colonels of regiments supply bad clothing to obtain greater profits. 4th Tract, page 52 —" It is also necessary to remark that the clothes provided by the colonel are only a part of what the soldier wears. All linen, flannel, hosiery, shoes, forage saps, stocks, brushes, combs, and small articles, besides at least one cloth overall for Dragoons, and, occasionally, trousers for infantry, aro provided by the quartermaster and his chief, the clothing colonel, and paid for out of the soldier's pay by, daily stoppages. The profits accruing from these regimental clothes. shops afford an inducement to the heads of that department of the service to be continually devising changes in the style of dress, of underclothing, of boots, of shoes, and the other necessaries, so that the men are obliged to purchase new articles and submit to stoppages in PP' meat of them, while the articles set aside and declared to Le unregimental are yet in good condition—in many cases not half worn." In opposition to this statement I offer the following facts, and call upon the public to say what the honour of that association can be which thus, knowing the truth, publishes the false ; or, what its title to guide and instruct th e na ti on , it i n ignorance, arisin g f rom want of due inquiry, it scruples not to vilify a n d insult officers having the honourable claim of long a n d arduous services to the respect of the people. .First, as to the injurious assumption that colonels profit by furnishing bad clothing to their regiments, The clothing of the army is settled by the Queen's Government. The colonels hare only to furnish it according to the royal warrant and established pattern. It has been the same from time immemorial. It is, as to texture and value, superior to the clothing of any continental army, and to protect the soldier from unfair practices in the supply the following checks have been provided : A permanent board of general officers, sitting in London, receive samples of every article, and, if according to the Royal warrant, those samples are sealed and transmitted to the regiments as a test for the examination of the clothing for the year ; but not until the clothing has been again checked by the examination of the inspecting officers of army clothing, a climactic, bvtly th. board of generals. When that clothing arrives the Lieutenant-Colonel orders a board of regimental officers, assisted by the master tailor and shoemaker, to examine if the articles agree with the sealed pat terns; if not, the whole, or part, as the case may be, is thrown back on the Colonel's hands, and he must provide better articles, and settle as he can with the clothiers. The interest and pride of the Lieutenant-Colonel and board of regimental officers are evidently in volved in this examination—with the soldiers as officers having a just feeling for the rights of the men ; with the Horse Guards and the public, as presenting a contented, well-dressed corps, or the contrary. But, the check does not stop there. The general officer comTanding is bound, at his half yearly inspection, to ascertain whether the Queen's regulations have been obeyed; whether the soldiers have any complaints to make; and he transmits formal reports of these things to the Commander-in- Chief. Nor is this duty lightly performed. Nothing is more frank and just than the intercourse on such occasions between the General and the soldiers. The officers are ordered to retire, the General remains alone with the men ; he invites, he encourages them to state their just grievances, if ey have any. Nay, if they only think they have cause of dissatisfac tion, his duty is to listen patiently, and show their errors, if there be error. So much for profit derived from bad clothing. Let me now examine the paragraph quoted from page 52, Tract 4. That paragraph assumes that Colonels of regiments, officers who have passed their youth in honourable service, do, in their old age, ab an d on a ll sense o f justice and decency, to eke out their allowances with miserable frauds on the soldiers by whose valour they have been raised to the situations they thus disgrace. Is there even seeming grounds for such a revolting insolence of falsehood ? Let the following statement of facts answer : 1. The extra articles of clothing, termed in mili tary parlance "necessaries," are not provided by " the Quartermaster and his chief, the clothing Colonel." They are not provided by the Colonel at all. They are obtained, under the control of the Captain, by the pay-sergeant and the men themselves; and the Queen's regulations strictly command that the best and cheapest articles shall be provided. If the Quartermaster's stores are resorted to it is because the articles for the soldier are strictly regi mental in fashion, and, being purchased wholesale, are better and cheaper, the price being fixed from time Co Lluic by tie Lteut,einsur,-Culuimi, ussl3Lell oy a board of officers; in any case the Colonel has no partnership in, or control over, the sales or purchases ; his operations are confined to the general clothing established by the Queen's warrant. So entirely un constrained are the soldiers, that good men, and generally married men, are allowed, and even en• couraged, to purchase for themselves, and when the pay-sergeant is employed to buy (at the retail shops) for the company, one or more soldiers, shoemakers, tailors, or other handicraft men, go with him to over look and advise him as to the bargains ! 2. The royal regulations admit only of a specified number and fashion of necessaries for a soldier. The Colonel, who is never with the regiment, knows nothing of this supply, nothing of the cost, nothing of the arrangements as to form, fashion, change, or duration. Such matters belong to the interior eco nomy of regiments, and, subject to the regulations, are under the control of the Lieutenant-Colonel and the Captains. But there may be abuses; look at the checks,- 1. A Captain orders a soldier to take a new pair of trousers,—but within the regulations ; he cannot travel out of them as to form or number. The sol dier demurs, appeals to the commanding officer, who decides against him ; the man ,can still appeal to the inspecting General, or he may have a court-martial on the case, though that, in a doubtful matter, would be hazardous; but he is not debarred by any fear from complaining by letter to the Commander-in- Chief. Is this official protection all he has to rely upon ? No; there is for the Lieutenant-Colonel a personal motive to do justice to the soldier. All complaints made to the inspecting General must be reported to the Horse Guards, and many of them would se riously affect his reputation and prospects. It is the same for the Captain, who has also a pecuniary inte rest to contract rather than to augment the sol dier's expenses.``. Foul dealing cannot be hidden. Each soldier has a little book of his accounts, signed by the Captain ; the inspecting-General compares this with the Captain's books, signed by the soldier, and a_ reference to the regimental defaulters'- book would show whether the man was well or ill behaved ; if the former, it would give weight to his complaint. Again, the inspecting-General, if he finds the aggregate debt of a company of 100 men to ex ceed 101., must make a special report of the fact, and if no satisfactory explanation be furnished the Lieu tenant-Colonel and Captain would incur the Com mander-in-Chief's displeasure. . . The Captain's pecuniary interest is powerfully in favour of the soldier. If a man dies, or deserts, his accounts are immediately made up, and the credit balance transmitted to the Secretary- at- War for the heirs, or failing of heirs, for the public Treasury. But if there be a debt balance the Captain loses it, and the expense of the man's funeral also, and there an end. He must, therefore, be at once both stupid and dishonourable to cheat the soldiers, and take money out of his own pocket to put it in that of his Colonel, a man whom he has probably never seen, may never see, and from whom he can scarcely hope any benefit. Such, Sir, is the system est a bli s h e d f or t h e protec tion of the soldier, who has also the guarantee, no slight one in the British army, of his officer's honour as a gentleman. Will those persons who have so wantonly and so recklessly assailed that system and that honour make public their system towards the poor labouring men, women, and children, from whose ceaseless t o il th ey d er i ve th e i r own riches? Will they publish a t rue d e t a iled account of their truck system? Will they state what care, what money, what help, what protection, they bestow , on their sick labouring people when profits are falling . W. NAPIER, Major-General, Col. of the 27thRegt. MASTFR BAILERS' PENSION SOCIETY.—Last night a numerously attended meeting of master bakers, con nected with the city of London, was held at the White Hart] Tavern, in Bishopsgate-street, for the purpose of electing three pensioners, not under the age of sixty years, upon the funds of the institution, from which de serving parties are allowed, if males, Bs. per week ; and if females, ss. per week. There were 44 candidates, and the names of the successful ones, with the number of votes polled by each of them , was :as follows, as de clared by the Chairman, Mr. Burnett, shortly before nine o'clock, viz. :—Elizabeth Wheeler, 1,051 votes ; James Gray, 683 ; and John Fencock, 1,007. The amount paid by this society to pensioners is about 7001. per annum, the whole of which is obtained by dona tions and voluntary subscriptions. The poll having been declared, thanks were voted to the chairman, and the meeting separated a short time after nine o'clock. THE EARLY CLOSING MOVEMENT IN SHOREDITCH. —The oilmen and tallow.chandlers carrying on business in the main line of street, from Knigsland-gate to Bishopsgate-street, have, without exception, signed a declaration to the effect that they consider the late hours to which retail business is protracted to be altogether unnecessary, and highly injurious to the health of those so engaged. They have, therefore, agreed, that on and after Monday next, the lsrJanuary, they will close th e i r respective shops at nine o'clock, instead of ten, as at pre sent (Saturdays excepted). A NEW PRINTING MACHINE. Twenty years ago we noticed in these columns a printing machine designed and constructed for us by Mr. Augustus Applegath, of Dartford. It was then thought impossible to improve on the plan, and though our sheet has long since been doubled, and its sale more than quadrupled, we have ever since continued to use ma chines on the model of 1827. We have now,lhowever, to thank the same engineer for an invention of much greater power, which, with an accidental interruption, has worked the principal part of this journal since the 3d of October, and, therefore, may be safely introduced to our readers. But it will be necessary to describe the machines in use since 1827 before those who are unac• quainted with printing machinery can understand . the means by which we are now enabled to print the T u nes r a c t a t ( li k e r rate wll o u f n n f oeladr this sl•lsOhsheet impressions ttotful l a s minute. jz, hhe will It the the reader will unfold this sheet to its full siz, he will ob serve that on each side there are four pages, containing altogether twenty-four columns. In the ordinary steam press the type prepared for the printing of this immense surface is securely wedged in one iron frame, which is laid on a table traversing a species of railroad nine or ten feet long. As the table moves backwards as l forwards the type laid upon it passes under tour cylinders, covered with woollen cloth, and placed crossways over the " railroad." These are called " the printing cylinders," as it is by their pressure upon the type in its passage under them that the impression is produced. The sheets of paper, previously stamped at Somerset-house, and then damped in this office, are con veyed to the four printing cylinders by means of endless tapes from four flat tables or " laying-on boards." Any one who has seen how a common thrashing machine is fed with successive handfuls from the rick will easily understand how the successive sheets of paper are sup plied to the printing-machine, and carried round the cylinders by the circulating tapes. The cylinders are so arranged that two act upon the type in its passage to the right and two in its passage to the left. Other smaller cylinders, or " rollers," similarly disposed across the path of the type, supply it with ink. The sheets, as they pass round the printing cylinders, are pressed upon the moving type, and receive its impression. They are then carried by endless tapes to the hands of persons, two on each side •f the machine, who receive them, and pile them on the " taking-off boards." The paper thus printed on one side is conveyed to a second machine, where it is printed on the other side by a similar operation. The frame, or, technically speaking." the form" of type, with its iron bed, and appurtenances for receiving the motion, weigns altogether three quarters of a ton ; and the machine is worked at the rate of 5,000 copies an hour, this pon derous mass traverses a distance of six feet forty times in a minute. The most ordinary mechanical knowledge will at once suggest two limits to the productive power of this machine—first, the danger of increasing the speed ; secondly, the difficulty of multiplying the print ing cylinders. In days when locomotives weighing thirty tons, and trains weighing more than a hun dred, will travel on a railroad sixty miles an hour, it might seem that we could venture to move three quarters of a ton at a greater speed than 80 yards a minute, or not quite three miles an hour. But, in this instance, instead of one onward and uniform motion, there is a check and a recoil at the end of every six feet, when, if nut a collision, there is at least a heavy con cussion, and forty such concussions in a minute are as much as this delicate machinery will bear. The other limitation is the email number of cylinders that can be brought to bear upon the type in its very short passage each way. Two are all that can be attempted, and in order to admit even them, they, as well as the inking rollers, are made as small and set as close to one ano• ther as possible. It must be remembered that every additional inch traversed by the type, given its speed, is so much loss of time, besides other inconvenience. In machines upon this principle the only result of further multiplying the cylinders would be a greater complication of machinery, with little, if any, in crease in the number of impressions. The great im provement which has now been effected by Mr. Apple gath, and of which this page exhibits a successful result, is the substitution of an uniform rotatory motion for the horizontal reciprocating motion of the old ma chines. It is the change from a plane to a circular " table." Instead of being laid on a table traversing a railroad, the types are now built up as it were, on the face of a cylinder revolving on a perpendicular axis. This cylinder is a drum of cast iron, about five feet six inches in diameter. The "forms," or pages of type, are made segments of its surface, just as a tower of brick might be faced with stone, or a column inlaid with marble. Eight printing cylinders, forty inches in cir cumference, are arranged round the drum, and suggest the idea of an orb and its satellites. Instead of the four impressions taken by the old machine in its double journey, eight sheets are now printed in every revolu tion. Any one who knows the immense weight of metal type, and the impossibility of giving it any hold upon the " form" besides weight and pressure, will at once perceive the extent of the obstacle overcome by giving the central drum a vertical position. No art of packing could make the type adhere to a cylinder revolving round a horizontal axis and therefore aggravating cen trifugal impulse by the intrinsic weight of the metal. In the vertical disposition there is the same centrifugal im pulse, bnt it does not operate in the direction of gravity, and therefore is more easily neutralized. It is neutra lized chiefly by means of the " column rules," which make the upright lines dividing the columns of this page. The " column rules" are usually long strips of brass, and in this instance they are so screwed to the oidco c,r sae iron frame, or " chase," as to become powerful tension ties ; and being made with a wedge like section, that is, thicker towards the outer surface of the type, they keep it in its place, like the key-stone of an arch, or the stone ribs of a rubble vault. Without the aid of drawings it is difficult to convey an idea of a machine so different from those on the horizontal principle. On entering a large room the first thing that strikes the eye is a circular gallery about 25 feet in diameter, and 6 feet from the ground, surmounting eight large and complicated fabrics radiating from a central tower or drum. Each of these fabrics is the feeding apparatus attached to one of the eight printing cylinders. On the gallery are seen eight men at so many " laying-on tables," feeding the machine, by carefully pushing successive sheets into its eight mouths, each man at about the rate of one sheet in four seconds. Directly under those eight men are eight others on the ground, employed in taking off and piling the printed sheets thrown out by the machine. The eye soon detects the four forma or chases of type fixed on the face of the drum, and accommodated to its shape, and vainly at tempts to follow numerous sheets of paper in rapid and inexplicable motion. The printing cylinders surround ing the central drum, and in occasional contact with it, bear about the same visible proportion to it as the pillars of the Temple of Tivoli to the circular wall within. The framing which supports the central drum also car ries the bearings of the eight printing cylinders, which all revolve in perfect correspondence. The type only covers a small portion of the circumference of the drum, and in the interval there is a large inking table fixed, like tho type, on its circular face. This table communi cates the ink to upright inking rollers, placed between the several printing cylinders, the rollers, in their turn, communicating the ink to the type. So far the arrange ment is perfectly easy, the machine being, in fact, com posed of the parts in ordinary use, only made circular and placed in a vertical instead of a horizontal position. The great problem for the inventor was the right mode of " feeding," or supplying the sheets of paper to the printing cylinders in their new position. The reader will easily understand by spreading out this sheet the difficulty of changing it in less than four seconds from a horizontal to a perpendicular position, and back again; and through still more changes of direction. No alter ation has been made in the manner of "laying on " the paper, which is carried from a plane table in the usual way, downwards between two sets of endless tapes in rapid motion. But when the sheet has travelled down to a certain point, it is sud denly stopped by thin pieces of wood placed edgeways, and brought in contact with the paper on both side at once ; it is at the same moment released from the tapes, and, being now at rest, is held in a vertical position between the thin pieces of wood, or " stoppers;" these stoppers are then withdrawn, and the sheet hangs for a moment suspended between two small pulleys called finger rollers; a set of vertical rollers (be tween the stoppers), revolving rapidly, are immediately brought into contact with the sheet, and impel it hori zontally between two new sets of endless tapes, which convey it round the printing cylinders. It there meets the type, receives the impression, and is led out under the feeding-gallery into the hands of the "taker-off," who draws it down and lays it on a table before him. It now only remains to explain how an even and clear impression is obtained from a segmental surface of type. Tho printing or impression cylinders are forty inches in circumference, and each cylinder always touches the type at the same corresponding points, the surfaces moving with equal velocity. The blanket or cloth round the printing cylinders is un derlaid or packed out with slips of paper ; and by this simple means, and the use of a type cylinder of large diameter, an impression is obtained, to use the words of the patent, " not discernible from that given by a flat form of type." The rate at which this machine has hitherto been worked is about 1,000 revolutions per hour, or 8,000 impressions. This rate will be gradually increased until we ascertain how far it may be urged without injury to the impressions and danger to the delicate and complicated fabric. The horizontal ma chines, with four cylinders, have been driven up to 6,000; and it is probable that this machine with eight cylin ders will be ultimately worked to 12,000 copies an hour. —Times. COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' SCHOOLS.—Yesterday morning the quarterly court of the supporters of the above schools, was held at the London Tavern, Bishops gate-street, the Lord Mayor in the chair, for the pur pose of receiving the year's report and electing addi tional inmates. The report stated that when the last annual statement was presented there were 35 children in the institution. On the 28th of June following the numbers were increased to 50; and that day (yester day) the number would be further extended to 60— comprising 19 girls and 41 boys. An educational com mittee had been appointed, and during the year had watched over the studies of the children. Donations of 50 guineas had been received from Sir Robert Burnett and Co., Messrs. Boyle and Sons, and Spence, Bagally, and Co. The total receipts of the year had been 6,337/. 19s. 5d., while those of 1847 had amounted to only 3,6251. ls. After the unanimous adoption of the report, Mr. Evans, pursuant to previous notice, brought forward a motion to allow a child standing the highest amongst the' unsuccessful candidates at any subsequent election, to procure admission to the institution on pay ment of the sum of 251. The motion having been se conded. several governors objected that the proposed plan would interfere materially With the freedom of elec tion. The motion was then withdrawn, after which, thanks were voted to the chairman, and the meeting separated. SAMBRE AND MEUSE. The half•yearly meeting of this company was held yesterday at the London Tavern; Mr. W. P. Richards in the chair. The Secretary read the roporta. The CHAIRMAN stated that the first section of the line had been opened under circumstances of difficulty and embarrassment, which seemed to increase as they ad vanced, and were far from being removed. He did not consider the arrangement with the Belgian Government respecting the traffic by any means satisfactory. The directors, before settling with the contractors, appointed an English engineer to measure the works and re port on them, for which purpose Mr. Pinchbeck, one of the late committee, was appointed. M. Granda voir, the company's engineer in Belgium, objected to this appointment, and resigned in consequence, his example being followed by all his dependents, with the ception of one gentleman. Mr. Pinchbeck was then selected to fill the place of M. Graudavoir, and be (the Chairman) saw no reason to regret the change. He thought the appointment of Mr. Sheward as resident director in Belgium would be found very much to the advantage of the proprietors. When the concession was accepted by the company it was on condition of receiv ing certain tolls; they were allowed to take from the Sambre to the Meuse for goods, if they were not taken over the summit level, 4d. per ton per league, and if they ascended the incline the charge was to be 50., and for descending the toll was to be 40., averaging sd. per ton per league. They were higher than those charged on the State lines, and were granted for the purpose of in ducing the investment of English capital in Belgium. When the present Belgian Minister came into office he proposed a plan for simplifying the Belgian tolls, by charging 3d. per ton per league on all heavy goods, a fixed rate of 10d. per ton being charged, without re ference to distance, on everything that went along the line. On application to the Minister for permission to open the line, he refused to grant it unless they acceded to the tariff of the Belgian lines, against which the directors strongly remonstrated, and it was eventually agreed to open the line on those terms, rather than excite great opposition by an opposite course. Under the concession the toll averaged sd. per ton per league, but they were now taking 3d., and the fixed charge of 10d., which was divided between the company and the Government. This alteration in their tolls only affected the through traffic, the intermediate traffic on their line not being affected by it. He concluded by moving the adoption of the report. _ _ _ Mr: MELLOR considered that the assistance given to the development of Belgian resources by English capi talists entitled them to better treatment. Ile thought the latter would in future be very unwilling to embark in Belgian undertakings, unless the present policy was departed from. The line not being finished, and in order to accomplish the entire scheme, it became a matter of considerable importance that they should well under stand their future position with the Belgian Government. Mr. SHEWARD said they were told that though their tariff would be reduced their gains would not, and that at the end of twelve months they would be satisfied with it. The loss by the reduced tariff would be about 12 per cent., but they would ha►e au iuuacaoe itt itha yaw. senger traffic of 17 per cent. The convention was for twelve months, terminable on six months' notice. It was stated that the money in hand would be suffi cient to complete the works on the first section of the line. The company were bqund to complete their under taking in three years, which would require about 380,0001. for a double line of rails. The present passenger traffic indicated that it would be three times that of the original estimate. The company had expended 80,0001. on the por tion of their line not opened—viz., between Walcourt and the Meuse. After some further observations the report was adopted, and the election of the new, directors confirmed ; the meeting then separated. SOUTH DEVON. Since the opening of the Torquay extension of this line, the inhabitants of Brixham, Paignton, and of the coast towns on the southern side of Torbay, have me morialized the directors for an extension of the railway that now terminates at Tor, so as to give a continuous pleasure line through the valleys and the coast of the West of England. The approaching meeting to con sider the atmospheric: question has been fixed to be held at Exeter, and not, as usual, at Plymouth. LONDON AND NORTH-WESTERN. At the Rugby sessions, just held, the eompany ap pealed successfully against a poor-rate in the parish of Church Law ford, levied at 1,8001. per mile per annum. It was urged by the company, and confirmed by the bench, that 7501. per mile per annum should be the sum assessed in future; and in other portions of the parish the rate was reduced from 1,500/. per mile to 5001. THE CANADA COMPANY. Yesterday a half-yearly general Court,of Proprietors of this company was held at Canada House, St. Helen's • place, for the purpose of determining upon a dividend, and fur electing a director in the room of Martin Tucker Smith, Esq., who had disqualified. The GOVERNOR (Charles Franks, Esq.) was in the chair, and announced that the only candidate for the vacant directorship was Sir W. M. T. Farquhar, Bart., and, therefore, according to a by-law of the company, the election must take place by a show of hands. A PROPRIETOR having put the motion, it was carried unanimously. The GOVERNOR then proceeded to state that the ac counts of the company were made up annually in Canada to the end of December, and were laid before the meet ing of proprietors held here in - March, the question of the dividend at present to be declared depended upon the accounts submitted last March. For the satisfac tion of the proprietors, however, he (the .Chairman) would read a few particulars of the company's operations in Canada this year to the 30th of November last. The sales of land were—Crown reserves, 3,409 acres, at an average of 17s. per acre; and in the Huron tract 8,931 acres, at an average of 13s. Id.; making a total of 12,340 acres, at an average of 15s. per acre. In the correspond ing period of 1847, the sales were 25,321 acres. The quantity of land leased was 14,032 acres in the Crown reserves, and 37,479 acres in the Huron tract, making together 51,531 acres against 80,603 acres to the corre sponding date of 1847. The total sold and leased this year to Nov. 30, had been 63,871 acres, and to the same time last year was 106,124Fre5. The amount received in Canada was, for first pay ments on land, 614/.; in bills receivable, 11,706 Z; rent of land, 7,7201.; interest, 5,681/.; transfer fees, 123/.; and timber cut, 1191.; and the total was, 31,497/. 16s. 4d. During the corresponding period of 1847 the receipts were 38,1031. 13s. 4d. Bills receivable overdue 30th Sept ... £107,544 Interest—say ... ... ... ... 44,456 £152,000 Rents overdue to 30th Sept. ... 22,467 Amount raised on debentures ... ... 125,200 The amount remitted through the company by set tlers this year, to Nov. 30, was 9,1061. 15s. 2d., in 1,731 sums, giving an average of Si. ss. 2d. for each person. The amount deposited with the company in London for remittance to Canada was 26,2951. 18s. The number of emigrants arrived at Quebec this year has been 27,939. The GOVERNOR was not aware that he had anything further to communicate of interest to the proprietors, but was ready to answer any questions. A PROPRIETOR then moved that the dividend on the capital stock of the company for the half-year ending the 10th of January next should be at the rate of 6 per cent. per annum, free of income-tax, and the resolution being seconded and carried, A vote of thanks was passed to the Governor and directors. Mr. FRANKS returned thanks, and the meeting adjourned. IMPORTANT CUSTOMS REGULATIONS.—An order, materially affecting the interests of the wholesale dealers iu foreign spirits, has been issued by the Board of Cus toms to the officers at the outports, for the purpose of preventing what was intended to be an indulgence to the trade becoming a source of loss to the public revenue. In future, on the subdivision of spirits into smaller casks the quantity ascertained in the original or import cask on examination before the operation is commenced, is that on which duty must be paid, no matter how much deficiency in quantity or strength occurs in the process of racking off, and no allowance or remission of duty will be had for waste or loss of strength occurring in the repacked casks, no matter how long they are suffered to remain in the bonded warehouses. Among the list of penalties for the regulation of Queen Elizabeth's household was the following:—" That none toy with the maidens on pain of fourpenoe.' LITERATURE. SYNOPSIS OF SUMMA/;Y CONVICTIONS. By George C. Oke. We highly approve of the general plan of this un pretending volume. it is a compilation calculated to prove of the greatest practical utility, not only to the general practitioner in the courts of minor and more cir cumscribed jurisdiction, but may be referred to with advantage on many important points by those who practise in the higher walks of the profession. It shows at one view the penalties for no less than 1,300 different offences on summary conviction, with the mode of proceeding in each. The introductory ob servations are sound, succinct, and clear. The epitome of matter coming before justices at sessions, with the li s t o f i ndictable offences, will be invaluable to the magistrate and country gen tleman as a most useful guide on the subject to which it refers. Mr. Oke divides his sub ject into three parts. In the first, he clearly points out the practice in each stage of the proceeding from the information to the conviction, beginning with the offence, the statute under which the offence is punishable, the form of information, the evidence, adjudication, and penalty. In the second, he has arranged a most elaborate synopsis of offences in alphabetical order, with very useful notes and ob servations. In the third, he gives a general epitome of all matters usually coming before justices in spe cial and petit sessions. In the supplement he gives an abstract of the Juvenile Offender, Act (10 and 11 Vic., c. 82), with critical and explanatory observations. We are happy to find that a second edition has just issued from the press, "enlarged and improved," ac cording to technical phraseology. These are not mere words of form, in the present instance ; the work is indeed really enlarged, and very substantially im proved in many important particulars. Great altera tions have been made in the branches of law treated of by Mr. Oke, since the publication of the first edition, by J ervis's Administration of Justice Acts (11 and 12 Vic., caps. 42, 43, and 44), which came into operation in October last. The present edition embraces these statutes, and gives a compendious adaptation of all new points, conform.. ably with the present state of the law. The changes that have been made in the division of contents are cal culated to increase the utility of the work very con siderably in the way of reference. On the whole, we look upon Mr. Oke's book as a work of great practical intinstry and labour devoted to its revi sion is deserving ot the will prove a cheap, concise, and accurate book of reference not only for the general practitioner and magistrate (to whom it will be indispensable), but also to the private gentleman. The manner in which it has been brought out is highly creditable to the pub lishers. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE. TATTERSALL'S.—YESTERDAY. CHESTER CUP. 1,000 to 20 apt Lord Eglinton's Eagle's Plume —taken 1,000 to 20 agst Mr. Lillie's Great Western —taken 1,000 to 20 agst Mr. Greville's Geraldine —taken 50 to 1 agst Mr. Nolan's Blucher—take 1,000 to 15 1,000 to 15 agst Mr. J. Peck's Melody—taken 1,000 to 12 agst Mr. Disney's Keleshea—taken 1,000 to 12 agst Lord Eglinton's Lugar—taken 1,000 to 10 agst Mr. Humphries's Escape—taken 1,500 to 15 agst Mr. Merry's Limestone—taken 1,000 to 10 agst Lord Chesterfield's Mrs. Taft.—taken The above are the latest prices; 4,000 to 60 was laid early in the afternoon agst Great Western, and 1,000 to 15 agst Eagle's Plume. DERBY. 13 to 1 agst Lord Clifden's Honeycomb—tkn to 25/. 1,000 to 30 agst Lord Stanley's Escalade—taken 20 to 1 agst Lord Stanley's Strongbow-1,000 to 30 laid once 1,000 to 20 agst Mr. Pedley's Old Dan Tucker—taken THE STOURTON STEEPLE CHASE ENTRIES. The Stourton Sweepstakes of 10 sous. each, 10 ft, and 5 only if declared. Proceed, aged—St. Leger, aged—Chatham, 6 yrs— Wolverhampton, aged—Prince George, aged--Thur garton, aged—La Sylphide, aged—The Victim, aged— Chandler, aged —Venom, 5 yrs Marengo, aged— Khondooz, aged—Lincoln, aged—The Doctor, aged— Alfred, 5 yrs—The Painter, aged—Peter Simpl-, aged —Jerry, aged—Boxkeeper, aged—Miss Brown, aged— Knight of Gwynne, aged. The Hooton Park Sweepstakes (handicap) of 10 soya. each, h. ft. Sauterne, aged—Carlow, aged—Pantaloon, aged— Lincoln, aged—Abd el Bader, aged—Charity, aged— Rover, aged—Pallaway, aged—Gayhurst, aged—Fortu natus aged—Royston Gower, 6 yrs—Dicky Misfortune (late Richard First), aged—Little Fanny, 6 yrs—Pro ceed, aged—Fanny Elssler, aged—The Witch, aged— Tim Whiffler, aged—Egremont, aged—The Hack, aged. Sweepstakes of 5 sovs. each, and 30 added, 12st 71b each. Three miles. Petticoats, aged—Equinox, aged—Johnny Boy, aged —Mignionette, aged—Banshee, aged. HUNTING APPOINTMENTS. Mr. Drax's hds., Mon., Holnest kennel; Thurs., Five B ry. s . H., Mon., Pointington D. Cheshire hds., Mon., Sutton Pinfold; Wed., Tarpor ley ; Thurs., Oulton Park; Sat., Pever Hall-10 . Brighton harrs., Mon.., Patcham: Wed., Racecourse; Fri., Dyke-101. Brookside harry., Moe., Newmarket Hill ; Thurs., Telscombe Tye-10i. era% ley and Horsham hds., Mon., Cuckfield; Wed., Charlwood Village; Fri., Coolhurst Lodge—lot. East Essex hds., Tues., Belchamp Bells; Thurs., Felix Hall; Sat., Topinghoe Hall-10i. Essex Union hds., Wed., Kits Hill; Sat., Ramadan Heath-10i. _ _ _ Oakley Ids., Mon., Great Oaks; Tues., Reahold; Thurs., Cranfield ; Sat., Skelton Village. Tiverton hds., Mon.,Butterleigh Village; Thurs., third milestone on the Bampton new road-10i. Worcestershire hds., Mon.. Bishop's Wood; Wed., Cotheridge; Fri., Radford Gate-10i. IRELAND. DUBLIN, THURSDAY MORNING.—Owing to the ma jority of the provincial journals having, in honour of Christmas, " dropped " a publication this week, the intelligence from the country for the last few days has been extremely meagre this morning, in fact, amounting to nil. Here, at head quarters, too, everything is even duller than usual at this proverbially dull season. " Excitement," in every shape, seems to be thoroughly " squelched. " Repeal, republicanism, rotatory Parliaments, State trials (including the one now pending), have all lost their charms, and an apathy, the most marvellous known to the " oldest inhabitant," appears to have in fected all classes and parties. The weather has become dreadfully severe. Last night there was a sharp black frost, with a dense and damp fog, which completely ob scured the city and suburbs up to the dispatch of this letter, at halfpast seven this morning. THE PENINSULAR MAIL. SOUTHAMPTON, DECEMBER 29.—The Peninsular and Oriental Company's steam-ship Pacha, Captain John Weeks, arrived this day, and landed mails from the following places and dates, in charge of Lieuteuant Peter Rainier, Admiralty agent. During the homeward voyage the Pacha expe rienced heavy gales from the south west, which, with the tempestuous weather out, accounts for her late arrival. Her dates of sailing were—Gibraltar, December 19; Lisbon, 22; Oporto, no communication; Vigo, 25; Cadiz, 20. The foll Owing are the passengers :—Major-General Sir J. Burgoyne, inspector general of fortifications, and two daughters; Messrs. Marks, Greaves, Fehr, and William Kemp. The freight of the Pacha consists of 52 packages of specie, 74 cases of eggs, 8 cases of leeches, 14 cases of saffron, 800 boxes of oranges, 15 barrels of dates, 8 cases of sundries. STATIONS or HER MAJESTY'S SHIPS.—Her Ma jesty's ship Rosamond arrived on the 19th instant at Gibraltar, in nine days, from Plymouth ; all well. She went into the New Mole to coal, and will pro ceed to Sir W. Parker's squadron. The Polyphemus was at Gibraltar. The racer sailed on the 22d for the Azores from Lisbon. Her Majesty's brig Harle quin was left in the Tagus. It is rumoured in political circles that the following change of Ministry would take place :—Costa Cabral, Home Department; Marquis Fronteira, Marine; Jose Cabral, Justice; Ferreira, War; Falcao, Fi nance; Gomes de Castro, Foreign. Costa Cabral arrived on the night of the 21st from Madrid, having been sent for by the Queen. Affairs, especially finance, are in a sad state, everything un settled, and the expenditure far beyond the revenue. On this point the Government expect to meet with very serious opposition on the opening of the Cortes. CORONERS' hlQUESTS.—Yesterday, Mr. Bedford, the Westminster Coroner, held two inquests at the Charing-cross Hospital. The first was upon the body of Edward Clifford, aged forty-seven. He was a ma thematical teacher, and lately resided in Chapter-street, Westminster, and was possessed of great abilities in his profession. Last Thursday the deceased was seen to alight from a cab, when opposite Drummond's bank, and to lean against the railings for a few minutes. Whilst in this position some boys passed, and made some jeering remarks. This appeared to enrage him, and he attempted to pursue them, but, unfortunately, before he had gone half a dozen paces, he fell off the pa►ement into the roadway. At that moment the carriage of the Mexican Ambassador was passing, and both wheels went over his body, by which several ribs were found to be broken and the collar-bone dislocated. Deceased lingered till Sunday, and then expired. The cause of death was, inflammation of the lungs. Verdiet—" Ac cidental death." The second inquest was on the body of Robert Smithers, aged thirty-three, lately a porter in Covent-garden-market, who also died last Sunday in the hospital.' The cause of death was from the tilects of a fall received on the previous Thursday, while he was going down Bridge-lane, a narrow place leading from the Strand down to the Fox under the Hill Pier, with a load of apple-cases on his bead. Verdict—" Ac cidental death." At the same time the jury stated that the parish, with whom the matter rested, should direct attention to the place in question, as extremely dan gerous. Letters from the Baltic ports generally speak of the setting in of the frost, and the consequent dulness of the grain markets.