The Sun. — London, England, 1852-12-21 00:00:00

Ca -- G i• ed , become a subject of serious embarrassment t o th e a c h ange of policy, and that it is consequently our duty to o vernment. It is hoped, however, th a t a ti me l y an d j ust mingle in these contests, and aid those who are strugglin g Provision by Texas may avert this evil. for liberty. "No appropriations for fortificati ons were ma d e a t t h e " This is a most seductive but dangerous appeal to the two last sessions of Congress. The cause of this omission generous sympathies of freemen. Enjoying, as we do, the is probably to be found in a growing belief that the system blessings of a free Government, there is no man who has of fortifications adopted in 1816, and heretofore acted on, an American heart who would no t re j o i ce t o see t l ese bles requires revision. sings extended to all other nations. We cannot witness the " The subject certainly deserves full and careful investi- struggle between the oppressed and his oppressor anywhere gation ; but it should not be delayed longer than can be without the deepest sympathy for the former and the most avoided. In the meantime, there are certain works which anxious desire for his triumph. Nevertheless, is it prudent have been oommenced—some of them nearly completed—. or is it wise to involve ourselves in these foreign wars? Is designed to protect our principal seaports, from Boston to it, indeed, true that we have heretofore refrained from New Orleans; and a few other important points. In re- doing so merely from the degrading motive of a conscious Bard to the necessity for these works, it is believed that weakness ? For the honour of the patriots who have gone therefore, little differenes of opinion exists among military men. I, bef ore us , I cannot admit it. Men of the Revolution, who prosecute them to be made. recommendappropriations necessary t o d rew th e sword against the oppressions of the mother country, and ed to H 'their lives their fo " I invite your attention to th e remar k s on this subject, and their sacred h o nour' to eaven maintain their:freedom, r tunes, could and on others connected with this department, contained in never have been actuated by so unworthy a motive. They the accompanying report of the Secretary -at-War. knew no weakness or fear where right or duty pointed their " Measures have been taken to carry into effect the law way, and it is a libel on their fair fame for us, while we of the last session making provisions for the improvement enjoy the blessings for which they so nobly fought and bled, of certain rivers and harbours, and it is believed that the to insinuate it. The truth is, that the course which they arrangements made for that purpose will combine efficiency pursued was dictated by a stern sense of international jus with economy. Owing chiefly to the advanced season when tice, by a statemanlike prudence and a far-seeing wis the act was passed, little has yet been done in regard to dom, looking not merely to the present necessities, but to many of the works, beyond making the necessary prepara- the permanent safety and interest of the country. They tions. With respect to a few of the improvements, the knew that the world is governed less by sympathy than sums already appropriated will suffice to complete them ; by reason and force ; that it was not possible for this na but most of them will require additional appropriations. tion to become a `propagandist' of free principles without I trust that those appropriations will be made, and that arraying against it the combined Powers of Europe ; and this wise and beneficent policy, so auspiciously resumed, that the result was more likely to be the overthrow of re will be continued. Great care should be taken, however, publican liberty here than its establi s h men t th ere . Hi s t ory to commence no wor k w hi ch i s not of su ffi cient importance has been written in vain for those who can doubt this. to the commerce of the country to be viewed as national in France had no sooner established a republican form of Go its character. But works which have been commenced vernment than she manifested a desire to force its blessings should not be discontinued until completed, as otherwise on all the world. Her own historian informs us that, the sums expended will in most cases be lost. hearing of some petty acts of Parliament in a neighbouring " The report from the Navy Department will inform you principality ' The National Convention declared that she of the prosperous condition of the branch of the public would afford a succour and fraternity to all nations who service committed to its charge. It presents to your con- wished to recover their liberty ; and she gave it in charge sideration many topics and suggestions of which I ask your to the Executive power to give orders to the Generals of approval. It exhibits an unusual degree of activity in the the French armies to aid all citizens who might have been operations of the department during the past year. The or should be oppressed in the cause of liberty.' Here was preparations for the Japan expedition, to which I h ave th e f a l se step which led her to subsequent misfortunes. already alluded; the arrangement s made for the explora- She soon found herself involved in war with all the rest of tion and survey of the Chinese seas, the Northern Pacific, Europe. In less than ten years her Government was and Behring's Straits; the incipient measures taken to- changed from a republic to an empire : and finally, after wards a reconnoissance of the continent of Africa, east- shedding rivers of blood, foreign Powers restored her exiled ward of Liberia; the preparation for an early examination dynasty, and exhausted Europe sought peace and repose of the tributories of the River La Plata, which a recent in the unquestioned ascendancy of monarchical principles. decree of the provisional chief of the Argentine Confedera- Let us learn wisdom from her example. Let us re • tion has opened to navigation ; ;—all these enterprises, and member that revolutions do not always establish freedom. the means by which they are proposed to be accomplished, Our own free institutions were not the offspring of our have commanded my full approbation, and I have no Revolution. They existed before. They were planted doubt will be productive of most useful results. in the free charters of self-government under which the "Two officers of the navy were heretofore instructed to English colonies grew up, and our Revolution only freed explore the whole extent of the Amazon river, from the us from the dominion of a foreign Power, whose Govern confines of Peru to its mouth. The return of one of them meat was at variance with those institutions. But Euro has placed in the possession of the Governmentan interest- peon nations have had no such training for self-government, ing and valuable account of the character and resources of and every effort to establish it by bloody revolutions has a country abounding in the materials of commerce, and been, and must, without that preparation, continue to be which, if opened to the industy of the world, will prove an a failure. Liberty, unregulated by law, degenerates into inexhaustible fund of wealth. The report of this explora- anarchy, which soon becomes the most horrid of all despot tion will be communicated to you as soon as it is com- isms. Our policy is wisely to govern ourselves, and there pleted. by to set such an example of national justice, prosperity, "Among other subjects offered to your notice by the and true glory, as shall teach to all nations the blessings of Secretary of the Navy, I select for special commendation, self-government, and the unparalleled enterprise and ma in view of its connexion with the interests of the navy, the cess of a free people. plan submitted by him for the establishment of a perma- "We live in an age of progress, and ours is emphatically nent corps of seamen, and the suggestions he has presented a country of progress. Within the last half century the for the reorganisation of the Naval Academy. number of States in this Union has nearly doubled, the "In reference to the first of these, I take occasion to say population has almost quadrupled, and our boundaries that I think it will greatly improve the efficiency of the have been extended from the Mississippi to the Pacifip. service, and that I regard it as still more entitled to favour Our territory is chequered over with railroads, and fur for the salutary influence it must exert upon the naval rowed with canals. The inventive talent of our country discipline, now greatly disturbed by the increasing spirit is excited to the highest pitch, and the numerous appli of insubordination, resulting from our pre sen t sys t em. cations for patents for valuable improvements distinguish The plan proposed for the organisation o f th e seamen this age and this people from all others. The geniu s o f furnishes a judicious substitute for the law of September, one American has enabled our commerce to move against, 1850, abolishing corporeal punishment, and satisfactorily wind and tide, and that of another has annihilated dis sustains the policy of that act, under conditions well tance in the transmission of intelligence. The whole coun adapted to maintain the authority of a command, and the try is full of enterprise. Our common schools are diffusing order and security of our ships. It is believed that any intelligence among the people, and our industry is fast ac change which proposes permanently to dispense with this cumulating the comforts and luxuries of life. This is in mode of punishment should be preceded by a system of part owing to our peculiar position, to our fertile soil, and enlistment which shall supply the navy with seamen of comparatively sparse population ; but much of it is also the most meritorious class, whose good deportment and owing to the popular institutions under which we live, to pride of character may preclude all occasion for a resort to the freedom which every man feels to engage in any useful penalties of a harsh or degrading nature. The safety of a pursuit, according to his taste or inclination, and to the ship and her crew is often dependent upon immediate obedience entire c on fid ence th at hi s person and property will be to a comm an d, an d th e authority to enforce it protected by the laws. But whatever may be the cause of must be equally ready. The arrest of a refractory seaman, this unparalleled growth in population, intelligence, and in such moments, not only deprives the ship of indispens- wealth, one thing is clear—that the overnment must able aid, but imposes a necessity for double service on keep pace with the progress of the people. It must parti others whose fidelity to their duties may be relied upon in cipate in their spirit of enterprise, and while it exacts obe such an emergency. The exposure to this increased and thence to the laws, and restrains all unauthoised invasions arduous labour, since the passage of the act of 1850, has of the rights of neighbouring States, it should foster and already had, to a most observable and injurious extent, the protect home industry, and lend its powerful strength to effect of preventing the enlistment of the best seamen in the improve men t o f suc h means o f i ntercommunication as the navy. Th e p l an now suggested is designed to promote are necessary to promote our internal commerce, and a condition of service in which this objection will no strengthen the ties which bind us together as a people. longer exist. The details of this plan may be established "It is not strange, however much it may be regretted, in great part, if not altogether, by the Executive, under that such an exuberance of enterprise should cause some authority of existing law ; but I have thought it proper, individuals to mistake change for progress, and the inva in accordance with the suggestion of the Secretary of the Navy, to su b m it it t o your approval. sion of the ri g ht s o f o th ers f or nat i ona l prowess and glory. The former are cons t an tl y ag it a ti ng f or some change in the " The enli s t men t o f a corps of apprentices for the nava', organic law, or urgi ng new an d un t r i e d theories of human or boys t o b e en li s t e d until they become of age, and to be rights. The latter are ever ready to engage in any wild employed under such regulations as the Navy Department crusade against a neighbouring people, regardless of the may devise, as proposed in the report, I cordially approve justice of the enterprise, and without looking at the fatal and commend to your consideration - and I also concur in consequences to ourselves and to the cause of popular the suggestion that this system for 'the early training of government. Such expeditions, however, are often stimu seamen may be most usefully engrafted upon the service of hated by mercenary individuals, who expect to share the our merchant marine, plunder or profit of the enterprise without exposing them referred The other proposition of the report to which I have selves to danger, and are led on by some irresponsible —the reorganisation of the Naval Academy —I re- foreigner who abuses the hospitality of our own Govern commend to your attention as a project worthy of your ment by ' seducing the young and ignorant to join in his encouragement and support. The valuable services alread rendered by this institution entitle it to the continuance y scheme of personal ambition or revenge, under the false of your fostering care , and delusive pretence of extending the area of freedom. " Your a tt en ti on i s respectfully called to the report of These reprehensibl e aggress i ons b u t re t ar d t h e true progress of the Post mas t er -G eneral for the detailed operations of his th o ur nation and tarnish its fair fame. They should, erefore, receive the indi gnan t f rown o f every good department during th e l as t fi sca l year, from which it will seen that th e rece i p t s f rom postages for that time were citizen who s i ncere l y l oves hi s country and takes a pride be its prosp er ity an d h onour. a decrease o f a b ou t 2 3 per cent. - leas by $1,431,696 th an for the preceding fiscal year, being in " Our Constit u ti on , th oug h no t per f ect, is doubtless the best that ever was formed. Therefore, let every proposi " This diminution is attributable to the reduction lathe tion to change it be well weighed, and, if found beneficial, rates of postage made by the act of March 3, 1851, which cautiously adopted. Every patriot will rejoice to see its reduction took effect at the commencement of the last authority so exerted as to advance the prosperity and fiscal year. "Although, in its oper a ti on d ur i ng th e last year, the act honour of the na ti on, w hil e h e w ill watch with jealousy referred to has not fulfilled the predictions of its friends by any attempt to mutilate this charter of our liberties, or pervert its powers t o ac t s of aggression or injustice. Th us increasing the corresp on d ence o f th e country in proportion shall conservatism and progress blend their harmonious to the reduction of postage, I should nevertheless question action in preserving the form and spirit of the Constitu the policy of returning to higher rates. Experience war- tion, ard, at the same time, carry forward the great im rants the expectation that, as the community becomes ac- p- we - melts of the country with a rapidity and energy customed to cheap postage, correspondence will increase. which freemen only can display. It is believed that from this cause, and from the rapid “ growth of the c oun t ry i n popu l at i on and business, the re- In closingthis, my last; annual communication, permit me, fellow-citizens, to congratul a t e y ou on th e prosperous ceipts of the d e p ar t men t must ultimately exceed its ex- condition of our b e l ove d coun t ry . Ab roa d i ts relations with penses, and that th e coun t r y may sa f e l y rely upon the con- tinuance of the pres en t c h ea p ra t e o f postage, all foreign Powers are fri en dly, its rights,are respected, and its high place in the family of nations cheerfully recog "ln former messages, I have, among other things, re- aired. At home we enjoy an amount of happiness, public spectfully recommended to the consideration of Congress and private, which has probably never fallen to the lot of the propriety and necessity of further legislation for the any other people. Besides affording to our own citizens protection and punishment of foreign consuls residing in a degree of prosperity o f which, on so large a scale, I kn ow the act of th e 10th of March, 1838, to restrain unlawful the United St a t es ; to rev i ve, with certain modifications, of no other ins t ance , our country is annually affording a military expediti ons aga i ns t th e i nhabitants of confer- r e f uge an d a home to multitudes, altogether without ex minous states or territories ; for the preserv a ti on an d pro - ample tection from m u til a ti on or t h eft of the papers, records, " W from the Old World. We owe these blessings, under Heaven, to the happy and archives o f th e na ti on ; for authorising the surplus Constitution and Government which were bequeathed to revenue to b e a ppli e d t o t h e payment of the public debt in us by our father s , an d w hi c h it i s our sacre d d u t y t o trans advance of the time it will become due • for the establish- mit in all their integrity to our children. We must a ll meat of la n d o ffi ces f or the sale of public lands in California consider it a great distinction and privilege to have b een and the territory of Oregon ; for the construction of a road chosen by the people to bear a part in the administration from the Mississippi valley to the Pacific Ocean ; for the of such a Government. Called by an unexpected dispensa establishment of a bureau of agriculture for the promotion tion to its highest trust, at a season of embarrassment and of that i n t eres t , perhaps the most important in the coon- alarm, I entered upon it s arduous duties with extreme ry ; for th e p revent i on of frauds upon the Government in diffidence. I claim only to have discharged them to th e applications for pensions and bounty lands ; for the esta- best of an humble ability, with a single eye to the public blishment of a uniform fee bill, prescribin g a specific corn- good ; and it is with devout gratitude, in retiring from pensation for every service required of clerks, district at- office, that I leave the country in a state of peace and pro tonieys, and marshals ; for authorising an additional regi- sperity. ment of mounted men, for the defence of our frontiers against the Indians, and for fulfilling our treaty stipula tion with Mexico to defend her citizens against the Indians `with equal diligence and energy as our own;' for deter mining the relative rank between the naval and civil officers in our public ships, and between the officers of the army and navy in the various grades of each ; for reorgan ising the naval establishment, by fixing the number of officers in each grade, and providing for a retired list upon reduced pay of those unfit for active duty ; for the appoint ment of a commission to revise the public statutes of the United States, by arranging them in order, supplying de ficiencies, correcting incongruities, simplifying their lan guage, and reporting them to Congress for its final action ; and for the establishment of a commission to adjudicate and settle private claims against the United States. lam not aware, however, that any of these subjects have been finally acted upon by Congress. Without repeating the reasons for legislation on these subjects which have been assigned in former messages, I respectfully recommend them again to your favourable consideration. " I think it due to the several executive departments of this Government to bear testimony to the efficiency and integrity with which they are conducted. With all the careful superintendence which it is possible for the heads of these departments to exercise, still, the due administra tion and guardianship of the public money must very much depend on the vigilance, intelligence, and fidelity of the subordinate officers and clerks, and especially on those iutrusted with the settlement and adjustment of claims and accounts. lam gratified to believe that they have generally performed their duties faithfully and well. They are appointed to guard the approaches to the public treasury, and they occupy positions that expose them to all the temp tations and seductions which the cupidity of speculators and fraudulent claimants can prompt them to employ. It will be but a wise precaution to protect the Government against that source of mischief and corruption as far as it Th c a'l e be done, by the enactment of all proper le g al penalties, law s in this respect are supposed to be defective, and I ltherefore deem it my duty to call your attention to the sub eflcet4r n ' i l ah t° recommend that provision be made by law . for but p also _,. l ripnt, n o t on l y o f th ose w h o shall accept bribes, , g i ve, to a ! n those who shall either promise, give, or offer to touchine, or relating of those officers or clerks a bribe or reward duty. relating to any matter of their official action or ' It has been the its foundation totunifonn policy of this Government, from ' terference in the d he present day, to abstain from all in ornestic affairs of other nations. The consequence has b een d that while the nations of Europe have been enga ge d i cannr.a:.ftico,lating wars, our country has pur sued its peaceful piness. The wars in whi c j i inexam pled Prosperity and hap righzvse have been compelled to en gage, in defence of the have been fortunately of Short and honour of the country, rific contest of nation again st na tion duration. During the ter ch succeeded the French Revolution we were enabledWtiy the wisdom and firmness of President Washingt on to maintain our neu trality. While other nations were sweeping whirlpool we sat quiet an d untrav at e , c this wide own shores. While the flower of their nurneraoupon our was wasted by disease or perished by hundreds „f thousandslan d Permitted to enjoy the blessings of peace beneath th e pater nalw roof. While the States of Europe incurred enorm ou debts, under the burden of which their subje c t s still groan s and which must absorb no small part of the product of thZ honest industry of those countries for generations to come, the United St a t es h ave once b ee n enabled to ex hibi t the proud spectacle of a nation free from public debt ; and if permitted t o p ursue our prosperous wa y f o r a f ew years , nger in peace, we may do the same again. " But it is now said by some that this policy must be hanged. Eu ro p e i s no longer separate d f rom us b y a vage of months, but steam navigation has brought her within a few days' sail of our shores. We see more of her if li si kr , loverne!lts, and t a k e a deeper interest in her controversies. ig,n no o ne proposes that we should join the frater . o 0 ,,,.... 7, ., z y ..tentates who have for ages lavished the blood and . \ . .; . d thei r . subjects in maintaining ' the balance of , • , . , ye t i t is said that we ought to interfere between ,4 11 )> , ,a "‘s l ' ~.oc? sovereigns . and their subjects for the purpose of :1 - . 'wing the monarchies of Europe, and establishing in i,, r 7, place republican institutions, It is alleged that we ~/VI it . ' • 11_113e tOfero pursued a different course from a sense of, , a . ,i• ' 11 = wiliness, but that now our conscious strength dictates' ON ir 4 ' '-' ' *** No other Packets call at the Grays, Greenhithe, or Parfleet Piers. Star-office, Gravesend, December 21, 1852. BELL'S LIFE IN LONDON will be Published on FRIDAY, In consequence of Christmas-day falling en Saturday. Advertisements cannot be taken after Eight o'clock on Thursday Night. Office, 170, Strand, South Australian Copper Mining Co mpany, S , Grhs ree t OUTH AUSTRALIAN aceehurc COPPER MINING COMPANY. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN, that the Committee of Manage. ment, appointed at an Extraordinary General Meeting of the Share holders on the Ath inst., have Resolved as follows :- Ist. That alt Shares in the Company be duly Registered in the cost-book of the Company. 2d. That notice of the same be given, by public advertisement, requiring the shares to be sent into the office of the Company for registrat'on accordingly. 31. That a pro rata allotment of the unappropriated shares in the Company be mad* at par in respect of every Share so sent in for registration as aforesaid, on or before Tuesday, the 18th day of January, 1853, but that all Shares not sent in for registration es aforesaid on or before the said 18th day of January, be absolutely excluded from all benefit of such allotment. Notice is therefore Given, that ail Shareholders are requested to send in their Shares for registration accordingly. The Committee of Management beg to intimate to the Shareholders, that those only who are registered will be entitled to the bonus arising from the preminms realised on the Shares already sold, which under the au thority of a Meeting of the Shareholders, might be divided among them. Dated this 21st day of December, 1852. 17, Gracechurch Stree:, London. By order of the Committee of Man agement, J. THOMPSON, Chairman. RAWL. H. ARMITAGE, Purser. TO the SHAREHOLDERS of the AVE MA RI GOLD •QUARTZ MIN COMPANY.—On the 20th September l A ast the Directors advertised that the Reports upon the progress made at the Ave Maria Mine were at the offices for the inspection of the Shareholders, in which it was stated, " that notwith standing many difficulties, the Company had obtained possession of the sett purchased on Colonel Fremont's Mariposa property." These reports were highly faysurable, and the Directors placed the infield confidence in them ; but, although satisfactory, the Direc tors felt great anxiety as to Colonel Fremont's title to the Mariposa property, acrd this claim being at the same time strongly contested they were induced to consider the most prudent means of protecting the interests of the Shareholders, and decided on procuring, if possi ble, a mine in operation, o , indisputable title, the auriferous value of which had been already profitably tested. At this juncture, the Di rectors had offered to them an extremely rich Gold Mine (unequalled, they believe), situated in the Nevada district, and they entered into a conditional arrangement to secure an interest in this valuable property. They dispatched to California without loss of time (in the month of April last) Mr. R. C. Duke, their late Secretary, in whose prudence and integrity they had the greatest confidence, giving him instructions to obtain a faithful report of the Mine through the most searching scrutiny of the Company's Mining Captain, Mr. W. E. Gill, and several other competent miners, whose full and able reports are here appended, as received November last, fully proving the great richness of the Mine. By the same mail which brought the important dispatch, the Directors received less encouraging accounts of the Ave Maria Mine from their agent and superintendent, dated Mariposa, 27th August, stating that the veins alluded to in their previous reports proved not to be sufficiently auriferous to war rant the powerful machinety sent out per " Lyme Regis" and "Ellen Simpson," in July last, being put upon the location. Although the Directors have still reason to believe the sett con tains valuable auriferous veins, the works have been suspendel in order to concentrate all their powerful machinery, without delay, on the Company's new and valuable property; and thus they trust the temporary delay will turn to the ultimate advantage of the Share holders, and that large profits will be made by immediately plac'ng their heavy machinery at work on the new mine, which has during two years been worked by manual labour only, and has produced immense returns : the decomposed quartz being of the richest quality known in California. Under the arrangements made, the Company become entitled to work one thousand five hundred feet, to be approved by the Com pany's agent, of the New York Mine, of which one-fourth of the profits arising from the manual labour, from and after the 7th December instant, is reserved to this Company. The Directors do not deem it necessary to dwell upon the great value of the Mine, referring the Shareholders to the able and scientific reports annexed, and drawing their attention to the fact of the Mine being freehold, in quiet possession, water carriage to Marysville, and a good carriage road thence to the Mine, a distance of thirty-five miles, and to the advantage of the miners being now in California, in readiness to be placed on the Mine without delay. The Directors have further to inform the Shareholders that, since the conclusion of the negotiation, arrangements have been made, by which the privilege of importing such quartz as that alluded to in the report of Messrs CLAY and GILLMAN, has been secured, and a ship, now in California, has been chsrtered to bring to this coun try a cargo, at a low rate. The Company has also the privilege of sending out any additional machinery to be worked upon the Mine. The New York Mine is situated upon "Poor Man's Creek," Ne vada, extending over 6,200 feet, exclusive of the dips and angles, through the whole of which veins of highly auriferous quartz have been traced, proving the supply to be inexhaustible, in confirmation of which the Directors annex copies of the reports of Mr. W. E. Gill, Mining Engineer of this Company, Mr. Carrington, (a gentle man employed by the Carson Creek Company, to report upon their property,) and Mr. C. Duke, and Mr. Andrew Smith. By order. 124, Bishopsgate-street, London, 15th December, 1852. C. KELLY, Secretary. THEATRE ROYAL, HAYMARKET. Farewell Season of Mr. Benjamin Webster as Lessee and Manager. THIS EVENING Will be performed the popular and highly attractive Comcdy of MASKS AND FACES; or, Before and Behind the Curtain—by Messrs. Benjamin Webster, Leigh Murray, Stuart, and Parselle; Mrs. Stirling, Miss Rosa Bennett, Mrs. Leigh Murray, and Miss Fanny Ms sk ell. To conclude with the Farce of A CAPITAL MATCH. THEATRE ROYAL ADELPHL Open for the Season. Proprietor, Mr. B. Webster.—Directress, Madame Celeste. Last Night but Two before Christmas. THIS EVENING, The successful new Drama of SLAVE LIFE ; or, Uncle Tom's Cabin—by Messrs. Alfred Wigan, Emery, 0. Smith, and Cullenford; Madame Celeste, Miss Woolgar, Miss Collins, Miss Harding, Miss Laura Honey, and Mrs. Keeley. After which, the admired Farce of A MODEL OF A WIFE. To conclude with the Comic Opera of GOOD NIGHT, SIGNOR PA N TA LON. ROYAL PRINCESS'S THEATRE, OXFORD-STREET. Under the Management of Mr. C. Kean. THIS EVENING Will be performed the new and original Play, in five acts, by West land Marston, Esq., entitled ANNE BLAKE. Principal characters by Messrs. C. Kean, W. Lacy, and Addison ; Mrs. Winstanley, Mrs. Daly, and Mrs. C. Kean. To be followed by THE CORSICAN BROTHERS. Principal character by Mr. C. Kean. To conclude with A ROLAND FOR AN OLIVER. Prial characters by Messm. Lacy, Meadows, Add'son, and Ev e r e tt; Misses J. Marston, Mash, and Leclercq. ROYAL OLYMPIC; THEATRE. Lessee and Manager, Mr. Farren. THIS EVENING Will be presented ABELARD AND HELOISE. Abelard, Mr , W. Farren, Jun.; Maximilian, Mr. Compton; Heloise, Miss H. Gordon; Jocette, Mrs. A. Phillips. Alter which, GO TO BED, TOM. Thomas Gotobed Smith, Mr. Compton. To conclude with UNCLE TOM'S CABIN. Uncle Tom, Mr. G. Cook ; George Barris, Mr. W. Farren, jun. ; Eliza, Miss Gordon. Box-office open from Eleven till Five, under the superintendence of Mr. Edward Chatterton. ASTLET'S ROYAL AMPHITHEATRE. Proprietor and Manager, Mr. W. Batty. The greateet novelty of the season is Uncle Tom's Cabin. In consequence of the crowds unabla to obtain admission nightly, the Grand Spectacle of Uncle Tom's Cabin will be repeated tin further notice. On TUESDAY, Dec. 21, and following Three Nights, the Enter tainments will commence with the highly popular Dramatic Spec tacle of UNCLE TOM'S CABIN. To be followrvl by new scenes in the Circle by Native and Foreign A_tVetEs of the first celebrity. To conclude with, for the Last Four Nights, THE DEVIL TO PAY. "MILLARD FILLMORE, "Washington, Dec. 6." SUPERANNUATED APPOINTMENTS. - Sir Fleetwood Pellew, in a green old age, has been appointed to the command of the naval forces acting in the Burmese waters, or rather in the Burmese mud. He has taken the place of Admiral Austen, an officer who was also so advanced in life when he assumed the com mand, that he rapidly sank before the combined influ ences of a pestilential climate and a responsibility of the most anxious kind. It is not a little difficult to discover what kind of principle presides over such appointme n t s , unless it be the object of her Majesty's a d v i sers at the Admiralty to kill off our aged sea-officers with the utmost possible dispatch. Something, indeed, we might venture to urge, as far as the interests of the public are concern ed, against this method of clearing up the navy lists. It is unreasonable to expect great energy from great age. How can it be supposed that a man who has not ' been afloat for the last thirty or forty years can have the nerve, the decision, the tact requisite for naval command, and that at a period when the fleet under his orders is engaged in active hostilities ? The censure should not be directed against the old men who are transferred from their easy chairs to the quarter-deck of a first-rate, but against the Government which can be so reckless of the public interests as to sanction such appointments. In the present case of Sir Fleetwood Pellew, we find, on referring to the navy records, that he has not been afloat for the last thirty-four years, and has, of course, had no experience of the management and manoeuvres of ships propelled by steam. The practice at present is—and no doubt it is a very proper one —to require of any sea officer who would take the command of a steam-ship that he should go through a regular course of steam-navigation. Now, it is far from our in tention to recommend that all our old Admirals should be sent to school again at the age of threescore, or thereabouts, but it is scarcely too much to ask that they should have seen a steam squadron afloat before they assume the vast responsibility of com manding such a force in the face of an enemy. With regard to Sir Fleetwood Pellew—the son of a gallant father—it is far from our intention to say a word which should painfully affect his feelings or the feelings of his friends. He entered the navy more than fifty years ago, and at the beginning of the century he appears to have distinguished himself. He was ga- 1 zetted in the years 1806-7-11. We said that his last appointment, which was to the Revolutionnaire, in 1818, must be referred to a period long antecedent to the introduction of steam in the Royal Navy. In point of fact, we should be justified in speaking of his last service as performed in the year 1813, when, in company with some other ships, he succeeded in cap turing a hostile convoy off Port D'Anzo. After this date came four years on shore, and then four years of summer sailing in the Mediterranean. We leave it to the public judgment whether or no, upon such a state mentfnaacostwti i as einn te cho t olle mudhmeisam g na S ne i dr of might the ofth ie, Fleetwood Pellew i s a proper person to he placed in command of th e s t eam - squadron now lying rrilnaanwdedadedfd,oyrce haves A op y nu o z u tzh n l e g a dt e youngers and htea toi offi m nc o —e r r e perhvaps that is the motive of the appointment. —Times. Doors open at Half-past Sit o'clock. Commence at Seven. Stall., 6s ; Dre - a; Boxes, 4s. ; Upper Boxes, 38.; P.t, 2s. ; Lower Gallery, is; Upper Gallery, 6d. Half Price at Half-past Eirsht. ttox-oefice open daily from Eleven to Foar. Stage Manager, Mr. W. Welt. NOTICE. --A. New Grand Equestrian CHRISTMAS COMIC d our PANTOMIMEon MONDAY, De cem b er 27,, by Nelson Lee, wi ßoxing Nighll be producetd with great splen . HIGH WATER AT LONDON BRIDGE. is DAY --Morning 7 min. after 10 I Evening 38 min. a ft. 10 Ifoß aow — Morning 8 min. after D. Evening 37 min.aft. 11 THE WEATHER.--Surr OFFICE, Dec. 21. THERMOMETER, IN THE SHADE, 54—highest since noon yesterday. 39—lowest this morning and during the night. 47—this day, at noon. BAROMETER, 3014. WIND, W. by S., fine breeze, and sunshiny weather, We noticed on Saturdath e ext raor di nary rise the barometer in London. The following was the rise in Preston, from a memorandum copied from the register kept at the Scientific Institution in that town r " Atmospheric pressure at noon, Friday, Dec. 17 " Atmospheric pressure at noon, Satur day, Dec. 18 30'324 "Increase of pressure in 24 hours DAILY WEATHER TABLE. • TUESDAY, DEc. 21, 1852. State of the wind and weather at each of the following places at nine o'clock yesterday morning. The stations are arranged in order of latitude. HASTINGS—S.S.W. fresh breeze—partially cloudy. FOLKESTONE—S.W.', fresh breeze—overcast. TUNBRIDGE—S.W. gentle breeze—cloudless. BASINGSTOKE—N.W., strong breeze—scud—rain. GREENWICH—S.W., hard wind—partially cloudy. STROOD—S.W., strong breeze—partially cloudy. SWINDON—W. , strong breeze—cloudy. LEIGHTON—W, strong breeze—overcast. YARMOUTH—W., gentle breeze--partially cloudy. The returns from. the following places indicate the state of the weather on Saturday morning at nine o'clock LEIGHTON—N., calm—partially cloudy. HOLYHEAD—E., gentle breeze—frosty. LANCASTER—W., calm—cloudless. WHITBY—N., hard wind—principally clear. DARLINGTON—W.N.W., gentle breeze—cloudless, frost. SNAP—N., calm —overcast. fTHE WEATHER IN THE ATLANTIC.—The ilerma,nn mail-packet, which reached Cowes on Sunday, from New York, experienced the most tempestuous weather ever known, during the last three days of her voyage. Captain Higgins, her commander, was obliged to heave her to at one time for 13 hours. The sea washed the stern boat to atoms. The tempest experienced by the Hermann was also felt by the Orinoco on the 16th inst. ; although at the time the Orinoco was light and has hull sixty feet high, the sea i beat over her stern, While bowsprit was under water, THE SUN, LONDON, TUESDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 21, 1R 52. CHRISTMAS. GRAVESEND STAR PACKETS will L eave the BRUNSWICK WHARF, Blackwall, on the arrival of the following Trains from the Feachurch-street Terminus:--at 9%, 11, 24; Terrace Pier, Gravesend, at 8%, 11%, 1%. N.B.—A PACKET will Leave the TERRACE PIER on CHRISTMAS-EVE, at FIVE Pin. went. Everything considered, the eulogiums pronounced by the " coming men" upon the most prominent, if not the most gifted of their antago nists, bore the aspect• at least of magnanimity. Referring to the EX-CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, Lord JOHN RUSSELL observed :—" I can only say for myself, I admire the ability and talent the Right Hon. Gentleman displayed on the part of the Government, and on behalf of their cause, and the struggle in which he has been for some time engaged ;" while Sir JAMES GRAHAM remarked— " I have never failed to admire the talents of the Right Hon. Gentleman, and the signal ability with which, under great difficulties, he has conducted the course of Government in this House." In a somewhat kindred spirit Mr. HUME spoke of the facilities afforded by the late Cabinet in the way of supplying whateverinformation had been desired, adding, upon his own experience--" I have met with civility in every department." Naturally enough the expressions which fell from the lips of Mr. CAYLEY were rather more fervent than those of the preceding panegyrists. Speaking of the late Leader of the House of Commons, he declared that " He entered the Cabinet with a high reputation, and he goes out of office with that reputation not only untarnished, but in creased greatly in the estimation of his country men"—an opinion which must have fallen grate fully upon the ears of the Right Hon. Gentleman the ex- CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER, coming as it did from one who, in his personal capacity scarcely less than in his position as the Member for the North Riding of Yorkshire, is universally recognised as one of the most important re presentatives in the interests of the agricul turists. Meanwhile, the Noble Earl the Leader of the defeated Ministry was pronouncing in the House of Lords his authoritative eulo glum upon the Administrators who had avowed official allegiance to him from February to December as the chieftain of the Tory-Reforming Government. Nothing —and we say this as the dispassionate sympathisers with Liberalism—no thing could have been more worthy of the orator, or more satisfactory to the subjects of his very ear nest encomiums than the reference made, in the course of that remarkable speech, to the eminent and peculiar merits of several of the more import ant members of the late Administration. It was a speech, constituting not so much a direct com mendation of his more noteable colleagues indivi dually, as an indirect, and, to a great extent, a singularly successful vindication of the past acts and general policy of the departed Government. Especially and peculiarly may this be said in allu sion to the remarks made by the EX-PREMIER upon the conduct of the ex-Foreign Secretary —the Earl of MAL3IESBURY. " Our foreign relations," said the Noble Earl, " are on a far more friendly and satisfactory footing than they were when my Noble Friend near me, the Foreign Secretary, assumed his office ; and I rejoice at having this opportunity of bearing my testimony to the merits of one than whom no one has been more unspar ingly and more unjustly maligned than my Noble Friend, and to state that, from first to last, I have had no cause for anything but self-congratulation in having obtained the services of one who, with out previous political experience, has brought to bear diligence, ability, and good judgment upon affairs of great difficulty, which have reflected the very highest credit upon himself, and which, I may say without fear of contradiction, have ex torted the applause and admiration of old and experienced diplomatists, against whose views and wishes he more than once combated." A splen did, and, in several particulars, eminently well deserved panegyric upon the energy, the activity, the patriotism, the tact, and the determination displayed by Lord XLI.LRESBURY upon more than one occasion, and that, too, sometimes under very trying and momentous cir cumstances ! Turning from the Foreign-office to the Court of Chancery, turning from the SECRE TARY Of STATE to the LORD CHANCELLOR, the ex-PRIME MINISTER said :—" My Lords, if we look to the department of the law, we shall see that greater improvements and greater reforms have taken place in that department within the last twelve months than had taken place for many previous years—reforms, the magnitude and im portance of which have been freely acknowledged by both sides, and for which the Government and the country are indebted to the unwearied zeal, the untiring assiduity, the distinguished talent, and pround professional knowledge of my Noble and Learned Friend on the woolsack, who, when he shall leave office, it will be difficult for any Government to find a successor that will not give rise to regret he has quitted it." Assuredly an eulogium the correctness of which no one will have either the ingratitude or the ' temerity to gainsay. Whatever we may think of their previous antagonism to Free Trade (an antagonism which they have now at length and for ever abandoned) ; however much we may re gret their lack of sympathy for the political aspi- I rations of the multitude (a lack of sympathy which they have virtually compensated for by their active and undeniable efforts at reform)--it would be unjust and ungenerous not to subscribe in the fullest extent to the accuracy of such tributes as the foregoing; offered to his colleagues by a states man like the Earl of DERBY, at the moment when he is announcing to the country, through the Par liament, the fact of his Ministerial resignation. Another portion of the ex-Pnzmun's speech of last evening, we would here, moreover, particula rise with the utmost possible distinctness. It is that portion which had reference to the measures adopted by the Legislature in compli ance with the suggestions of his Cabinet--mea sures affecting the national defences of the country —measures, let us add, which would alone of themselves suffice to shed some degree of lustre upon this Tory-Reforming Government. Alluding to the circumstance of his Ministry having already carried those military and maritime improvements into effect, and speakiag of them, moreover, with justifiable pride and really enviable satisfaction, the Noble Earl expressed his earnest hope in their regard as follows :--(` I trust," said he, " those great elements of self-defence which we have suc cessfully called into operation will not be ne glectedthe compl e ti on of that constitu mtheyMilitia, a n d th e i ncrease o f t h at tiona force,— namely, naval force on which primarily and in the first instance the safety and the honour of this country depend." Mark that ! The Earl of DERBY has spoken of our naval force as the force " 071, which primarily and in the first instance, the safety and the honour of this country depend." It is precisely what we our selves have insisted upon for years past—a truth now recognised by one of the foremost statesmen of the age, and proclaimed from his place in the Upper branch of the Imperial Legislature. Let his successors profit by the avowal. Let the Earl of ABERDEEN--if it must needs be the Earl of ABERDEEN who is to be thrust upon the nation as Prime Minister —let " Athenian ABERDEEN," " that dear ABERDEEN," " that excellent ABER DEEN," remember that truth of vital import, while he is actually in the process of making his Ministerial arrangements. Rumours are afloat to the eff ec t , that Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT is to be placed at the head of the Board of Ad miralty. What another civilian—presiding over the destinies of the Royal Navy of England ! Suppose a similar announcement were made in regard to the Army —suppose it were intimated that Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT is to be placed at the head of the Horse Guards ! What would our soldiers think ? And are our sailors of no account ? Hadn't we enough of Sir FRANCIS BARING ? Is not the country sick of seeing these civilians in supreme command at the Admiralty ? We by no means disparage the abilities of Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT. We believe him to be a very able and efficient Administrator. But we think he would more fitly be in place anywhere than at the head of the Marßime Department. No : we would see sol diers commanded by soldiers—sailors commanded by sailors. It is intimated, in some quarters, that Viscount HARDINGE is to continue at his post as Commander-in-Chief, notwithstanding the change of Administration. Then, why not have the Board of Admiralty still presided over by the Duke of NORTITUMBERL AND ? If that be impossible, why not, instead /of nam- ing Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT his Grace's succes sor, place Mr. SIDNEY HERBERT at the head of some other department, and give the direction of the Board of Admiralty to an illustrious man like the heroic Earl of DUNDONALD ? Are there not other distinguished members of the service capable of presiding over its fortunes with honour to themselves and advantage to the country ? Is there not, for example, such a man in existence as Sir CHARLES NAPIER, the victor in the Tagus, and the conqueror at Acre ? And would not individuals thus eminent in their professions, and renowned for their brilliant achievements, be more qualified to conduct the affairs of the Admiralty than your mere civilian and red• tapist ? We are chagrined at having still to make the inquiry-- as chagrined as your Salt-water JACK must be to see some black-coated Administrator lording it among the naval uniforms in our dockyards ! Briefly, in this, as in many other instances, it would be well for the country if the Whig-Peelites took a leaf out of the book of the Tory Reformers —if the new ABERDEEN Administration took a hint from the late DERBY Governmeftt. What will be done with respect to the renewal of the Property and Income Tax ? That point must speedily be disposed of. The impost will expire at the termination of the financial year, on the sth day of April next. Five millions and a half will thus be lost to the Exchequer, unless the charge be renewed, or a suitable substitute pro vided. The Legislature has unequivocally de clared itself against any addition to indirect taxa tion. The amendment proposed by Lord PAL MERSTON to Mr. VILLIERS'S resolution, and carried by an overwhelming majority against the 53 dis sentients, is conclusive on that subject. The division of Friday morning will also prevent any tampering with the House Duties by those who rejected the first resolution, and thus refused their assent either to an increase of the rates, or any ex tension of the area of taxation. Something in the shape of a Property Tax must then be brought forward ; and the only question is, what will be the nature of the new measure. We strongly suspect, that the envenomed shirt of NESSUS was not a more fatal bequest - to his -Conqueror than the unsettled Income Tax will prove to the new Cabinet. It must be renewed. But in what form ? The answer to the interrogatory is of vital importance. The welfare and prosperity of the country, the ' contentment of the industrious classes greatly depend on the answer. We believe that the Representa tives of the people will not consent to a renewal of the tax in its present unjust, unequal, and oppressive form, without change or modification of some kind, recognising the distinction between permanent and precarious income. The Libe- ral party, whose opinions are represented by Messrs. HUME and COBDEN, are solemnly pledged to obtain justice—or, at least, some ap proximation towards justice—for the industrious classes ; to resist, toto ccelo, the equal taxation of all descriptions of income, without reference to the sources from whence it may be derived. The only objection to the proposition of Mr. DISRAELI, on this topic, was that it did not go far enough. The amendment of Mr. Hums, whose efficient exer tions on the Select Committee were beyond all praise, proceeded on that assumption. A large proportion of the more immediate followers of Lord JOHN RUSSELL entertained similar opinions. It was the obstinate refusal of Sir CHARLES WOOD to listen to the voice of public opinion on this par ticular topic that led to the secession of many of his supporters, and the ultimate dissolution of the Whig Ministry. If, then, a large proportion of the ma jority which, by refusing its assent to the finan cial scheme compelled the resignation of theDEHBY Administration, agree with the minority on the justice and expediency of distributing the burden more fairly on those by whom it is to be sustained, it is manifest that no Cabinet, based on a perti nacious resistance to that salutary principle, can hope for a long continuance in office. It is our anxious desire to show every degree of fair-play to the Ministry. We did so to the DERBY Government, even before they had fully and completely shaken off the slough of Protec tion, and we shall do so to any Administration that may be honoured with the Royal confidence, until they bring forward propositions not calculated to promote the welfare and prosperity of the country. " Measures, not men " has been, and ever shall be, our guiding principle, and by that we shall continue to be guided. We, therefore, deem it our duty emphatically to caution the Leaders of the new Cabinet against a per verse and obstinate determination to maintain the existing system. If they do so, it must prove a stumbling-block in their path —an insuperable obstacle to their retention of office. We repeat, what we have frequently and advisedly put for ward, that the strength and permanency of any Government must chiefly depend on its fiscal policy. The public attention has been strongly directed to that quarter ; and, although considerable in terest is also naturally felt with respect to ques tions of Parliamentary, legal, sanitary, educa tional, colonial, ecclesiastical, and other reforms, there are none of deeper or more vital importance than those affecting the collection of the public revenue ; or, in other words, the matters which fall especially within the department of the CHAN CELLOR of the EXCHEQUER. - Now we confess that we listened with consider able alarm to the opinions expressed during the late debate by three Right Honourable Gen tlemen, who will naturally assume prominent positions in any Administration that may be formed under the presidency of Lord ABERDEEN. We willingly acknowiete the vast practical ex perience and great administrative talents of GRAHAM, GLADSTONE, and GOULBURN, and the effect of the presJige a 2; to the most cher ished colleagues of the lamented Statesman whose name has become a household wo::d in English families by English hearths. Wh - e the name of " PERT," is respec'xd and reverenced in every lo cality throughout the length and breadth of the land, considerable indulgence will be extended to his principal followers, who retained the opinions and vindicated the memory of their distinguished leader. But there is a poin's; beyond which indul gence cannot be extended. If they refuse to listen to the voice of public opinion -4o accord that which is a matter of simple justice—which is alike demanded by equity and expediency—they must abide the consequences. Even their names cannot avert the hostility of those whose principle it is to look to "measures " rather than to " men." If there is anything on which the mind of the community is firmly set, it is the extension of the principle of direct taxation on an equitable basis, and the gradual removal of the indirect imposts by which industry is unfairly clogged and restrict ed, and which cost far more to the consumers than finds its way into the public purse. Sir JAMES GRAHAM, ,however, expressed himself strongly opposed to any measure of direct taxation, except in the time of war--::hat it should be expressly reserved for a period when we were opposed to some great European Power—for an extraordinary emergency, and to terminate with the crisis to which it owed its existence. On the other hand, Messrs. GLADSTONE and GOULBURN objected—and that in the most energetic terms-- to any modification of the existing system, which would look to the source from whence income was obtained. It is therefore our duty, even before the Ministerial arrangements are finally completed, to direct attention to this subject of primary im portance, on which the fate of the future Adminis tration must greatly depend. It may induce the Righ Hon. Gentlemen to Whom we have alluded to modify their opinions while there is yet time, and. not to act on views which, if attempted to be carried into practical operation, must lead to the destruction of the forthcoming Administration ; or, at least, to the serious damage which must at tend the abandonment of propositions deliberately put forward—a damage and disgrace that the DERBY Government surrendered office rather than , submit to, The trial and condemnation of Mr. KIRWAN suggest some very serious questions respecting trials involving capital punish.ment. We have none of that injudicious sympathy with the crimi nal which would endanger the lives of numerous innocent persons, either by acquitting in the teeth of the strongest circumstantial evidence, or by laying hold of some technical informality in the indictment. A jury or a judge who do this are answerable for all the blood shed afterwards by the human tiger whom they liberate amongst the defenceless and unsuspecting. Neither can we share the views of those who think capital punishments inconsistent with the Christian faith. If so, the Apostle PAUL set a very wrong example when he declared that he refused not to die if he had done anything worthy of death : and taught unchristian views of the Ruler's duty when he as serted that he was " Goes minister for good, not bearing the sword in vain, for he is the minister of GoD, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil." We think that the man who has proved himself dangerous to the lives of his fellow men has forfeited his right to liberty, and that he who has actually taken another's life has no claim to retain his own. We are met, however, by religious considerations, on the awful accountability of sending into eternity a man so obviously unprepared to enter it ; but, if the man be at large, how many more may he send thither without a moment's warning ? One wretch we have heard of, in South Wales, who escaped through some technical defect in the evidence, if we remember right, when executed at last for another murder, confessed it was the rinth he had committed since his acquittal, all sent quite sud denly into eternity. We remember also that a Governor of Malta, finding murders among the soldiers becoming frequent, and that the murderers appeared satisfied with the priest's absolution, de termined that the next time he would allow no confession and absolution. The culprit begged hard for a priest. " No," was the inexorable re ply ; " you sent your victim unshrived into eternity, and you shall go there unshrived yourself." The murders ceased from that time. Neither in Scripture, therefore, nor in the dictates of justice and humanity, can we find that the murderer has any claim to his life. On the other hand, we differ quite as much from those who would find in Scripture reasons binding us to execute the murderer, whether we think it for the good and safety of society or not. We are not to be bound in the nineteenth century after CHRIST by laws given to a nomadic patriarch, four-and-twenty cen turies before CHRIST. No ; we hold ourselves quite free to deal with the murderer in the way we think most likely to repress the crime of mur der. To hang him if it will most effectually deter others ; to imprison him for life, if that be found fo render life more sacred in the eyes of those who might be likely to commit the crime. Now, we will freely own that we think the arguments of those who plead for life-imprison ment very strong. To a great many of the bru tal Led, animalised minds capable of murder, the idea of confinement, to a large extent, of course, solitary, combined with deprivation of their accus tomed low and sensual enjoyments, would be more terrible than death itself. Then the cessation of the sight or spectacle of judicial killing, which is of course manslaying, would deprive the spectators of the suggestion of manslaying. And nothing is more certain than the mys terious tendency in many minds, especially amongst the uneducated and excitable, to repeat any horrible, awful, or extravagant act which they have witnessed. The comparative certainty ,of conviction, too, when juries were aware that irre vocable, as well as awful punishment, did not depend upon their verdict, would, and must have, a most beneficial effect. Theorists may argue that a jury have but to keep to their oath, and that they are not responsible for the consequences ; fact, however, shows that men whose word no one would doubt, will violate an oath rather than have even the innocent share of a true verdict in depriving an undoubted murderer of life. Much more will most men magnify very small defects in evidence into ground for an acquittal. With such facts as these in their favour, those who would abolish capital punishment, even for murder, and who expect thereby to diminish the number of murders, have a strong case in their favour. It does no'.; appear, however, that they yet carry the majority of the community any more than a majority in Parliament with them, while it is, nevertheless, notorious that many murderers do escape, who would not were the punishment not irremediable in case of mistake. It is this single circumstance which interferes with almost any one's self-possession in a capital case. It is known that, where the circumstantial evidence has been the strongest conceivable, the person executed upon the strength of it has proved to be perfectly innocent. Hence every juror feels that he may himself by possibility be instrumental, by his verdict, in what is really a most painful murder. He cannot think there is reasonable doubt, per haps, in the case before him ; yet so other jurors have thought, and, by acting on their thought, have agonised their minds in after years by the recollection of their innocent victim. If, then, the community does not see its way clear to abolish capital punishment, can nothing be done to remedy its admitted evils ? Mr. DICKENS made an earnest appeal to Lord JOHN RUSSELL to render executions private ; a practice adopted in some of the States of America, and of the Continent of Europe. This would, of course, put a stop to the dreadful scenes of every kind attendant on public executions, but would not lessen the tendency of jurors to acquit, if possible, in trials for murder. We venture to suggest the desirableness of giving the jury, in every trial for murder, a double form of verdict ; that they should be allowed to record in their verdict the nature of the evidence; that they should declare the ac cused " guilty on ocular testimony," or " guilty on circumstantial evidence," and that in the latter case life, of course, should not be taken, but per petual imprisonment be the certain punishment, without discretion on the part of the Judge— leaving, however, inviolate the Sovereign's right to pardon. The effect, surely, must be to dispose prosecutor, judge, and jury to weigh Without apprehension all purely circumstantial evidence, and not to be looking out for some loophole in the evidence through which a guilty man might escape. We can hardly conceive a much stronger case of circumstantial evidence than KIRWAN'S. The impossibility of any one else being on the island ; the cries heard being in compatible with suicide ; the clothes being found after KIRWA /*I had returned to the men, in a place where they swore they had searched before ; and then the adequate motive, his consciousness of hav ing grossly wronged a beautiful young woman for twelve years, certainly present as strong a com bination of circumstances as we can well conceive of to prove his guilt. Yet there remains the bare possibility of her having committed suicide. Some minor incidents were indeed incongruous with it ; it might have been expected especially that she would have done so in her ordinary dress, more clearly to show that cruelty and grief had driven her to it. Accidental drowning seems moss un likely of all ; the bare possibility of suicide, how ever, does remain, and we doubt not that it was a trying doubt to some of the jurors. Perhaps some jurors would even have considered the case not sufficiently proved. The course we have sug gested would have prevented even the hazard of an acquittal. No doubt, we shall be told that evidence has the same ...value and force whatever the results may be. It is sufficient or insufficient to convict, whether the conviction be followed by death or by a trivial fine. No doubt it is. So evidence may be sufficient to show a venture to be a good one, whether you would gain or lose Si. by it or 5,000/. Yet no one would make the venture in one case on the same evidence that he would in the other. Still less would he do so were his li berty or his life at stake. It is no more use to oppose legal theorising to people's intuitive per ceptions in this matter than for Mr. GLADSTONE to oppose his mathematical theory of the Income Tax to the intuitive perceptions of men of comm on sense, and the practical habits of the actuaries. We throw out the above suggestion with not a little confidence, that, in practice, it would be found to work well. Letters in our columns prove that some intelligent persons would have ran ui k from ~ri~l',~ .-- •- • e. gi) 4 4 . 44 A v de M4,44 -•`= LONDON, TUESDAY, DECEMBER 21, 1852. Yesterday a variety of graceful and deserved tributes were offered by the leading members of the Opposition, to the abilities displayed by the ex-Ministers during their tenure of office under very difficult and discouraging circumstances. These complimentary remarks were, of course, apropos of the announced resignation of the Earl of DERBY and his colleagues in, the late Govern- Ms~~w a convicti on in ICIRwAN's case. We aPP re—e : however, th a t t h ese ve persons would 1 106 . been unwilling to conv ict if they bad be en ce4 of not committing an irretrievable mistake' entitled " A small pamphl e t o f 24 pages, Synthetical Vie w o f th e Resu l ts o f recent Cot mercial and Fi nanc i a l L eg i slat i on, " has Just, bei t published by RIDGWAY, from the very able std tical pen Of JOHN MACGREGOR, MY• for O s which will be at once appreciated by the P ub • for I not more for its timely production, than e clear, s ucc i nc t , an d admirable e l uc idation ol atic present financial position with regard to ,„ r t in general and our commerc i a l i n t er ests cular. We may enlarge more to-morrow, u'o the meantime we cannot refrain from gi l U ' g be th MACGREGOR'S graphic picture of what woula., consequences of a national stoppage of cre dit t The revenue for 1852 willprobably exceed t k a , ib 1851 ; and if the income tax continued, either i. present or in a modified form, the duty on h°Ps ti ru e: l / 1 perhaps, be abolished, and the tea and win e " also reduced. s or " But the p u bli c cre di t of the nation mu st be -fuerdlel before any t ax can b e repealed or reduced. 13 Y ". i z economy, and l oo ki ng f orward to the terraj ns i be j oall annuities in 1856 an d 18 60, we may ge t rid ° obnoxious taxes. to 1 ) 1 " In the meantime, it requires but little inq u ' r h .' e par convinced th a t the calamity of a stoppage °f !0 .- De bt ' ment of the di v id en d s, or interest of the Nation.- ,ge. would bre a k u p every monetary and commercial el%.ty, ment in the U n it e d Kingdom. The rights of P r° ,,P r ed. whether in lands or moveables, would no longerbe ether Bank St oc k, I n di a Stock, and all other stocky t4llWould bs with private b an k s and private credit involved in th e general calamity of a national failll,l, , e f'o ( " In the City of London, and other large t0 v , 4 0 11 families k ee p more ready money in the i r house' „ o re may be sufficient for the week's expense ; few il A d ' a l v e 01 than th e d ay ' s prov i s i on in their larders. .tota" credit would f a ll w i t h pu b lic credit, the grazi7e'f i r e not trust the b u t c h er h , nor the latt er the families not plied. The farmer would not trust the corn deal er ' o se' the latter the miller, nor the miller the bake r quently the latter must cease to su rpad pl his tomers. So o n w ith a l l other te y s any - ", Therefore, at phatever amount of ta xa tion,the n-tl ailr credit of the B r iti s h E mp i re must and will be I tained." COURT CIRCULAR. OSBORNE, Df hpr t, tba Her Maje s ty, hi s R oyal Highness Prince A Prince o f Wales, the Princ ess R oya l , P r i nc ess st Os' the Prin ce o f L e .iningen, attended divine servic e borne, yesterday morning. The Hon. and Rev. G. Wellesley & officiated. An oest ic The ladi es an d gent l emen in waiting , and the — household, were also present. A meeting of members of the House of v ", 4, 71 3, supporters of the Earl of Derby's Administra,ideoc" held at twelve o'clock yesterday, at the official r e "treet' of the First Lord of the Treasury, in Dowoilr;toile The conference with the Earl of Derby lasted a l ' °- hour. ati° Mr. D. Waddington, M.P. had an i n tervie lv oce. Mr. Secretary Walpole yesterday, at the 110 131 , e , Mr. Hall had also an interview with the OP" Secretary. er Dispatches were received at the Colonial Offices day, from th e G overnors of the West India Isil°6". MEETING AT LORD DERBY'S• ty We underst an d th a t a very numerous en d ential meeting of the Conservative Party, c° 0 1. 5 ing of memb ers o f b oth Houses of Parliament held yest er d ay , i n Downing-street, at the °."" residence of Lord Derby. His Lordship ad a r n tit the meeti ng a t l engt h , stating his determillat'4r all sacrifices of personal convenience, not tot don the powerful party of which he is at l;ils, the leader ; but to continue to guide their ecn irl i d The most gratifying unanimity prevailed ; we believe that we are fully justified in stating t o an unqualified resolution was expressed W o o meeting to conti nue th e i r und i minished confider in their Leaders in both Houses of Parliament' PARLIAMENTARY BUSINESS. 00 W (Prom Votes and Proceedings of the House of CO CONTROVERTED ELECTIONS. d re . The SPEAKER acquainted the house that he - ric df ceived Reports from the Ex am i ner o f R eco gelz, t i o o stating that th e recogn i zances to the election riald) respecti ng th e f o ll ow i ng places were unobjectl°ll- viz..— Cork. Carlow County. Ennis. Liverpool. Westmeath. Sligo Borough. Sligo County. Louth. ' T M fig,i l " DEATH OF LORD WILLOUGHBY DE BROKE.— The don. Henry Peyto Verney, eighth Lord Willeng", p , 01 ' Broke, died suddenly at his seat, Compton Ver n- I i Thursday last, in his 80th year. His lordship, then weii had been some time in an infirm state of health, was f l i t 10 as usual on Wednesday evening, but about midnig ar ,itii servants found that he was speechless, and on morning he expired. In politics the deceased Pe e in strihtly co nserva ti ve, b ut he had taken little or no ~,t public affairs for several years past. .4° GOVERNMENT PATRONAGE.—The Earl of liar 4,10 has appointed Mr. Joseph Long to the office of P re pos t' of the Mon e y- or d er D epartment of the Irish Genera' ..e oea' office, in success i on t o M r. Stephen Creaghe, de(2.401 The salary i s 350/. per annum. Mr. Long, who was call unconnected with the Post-office, had for several Joie) taken an active p ar t as unpa i d agent to the Censer% Are party in Dublin, and the present c ity representati,v B 0 0 in no slight d egree i n d e b ted to his exertions for Owl' in the House of Commons. to DEATH OF MR. P ETER B ORTHWICK.—We regret tar record the death o f thi s gentleman, who expired on,Shewtcl4 day last, after a l ong an d pa i nful illness. Mr. Borupest represented Evesham i n t wo P ar li aments, and was a for speaker and a ready political writer. Mr. Borthwi o etr the last three years, filled the office of editor of the ing Post. very la ROYAL LOND ON Y ACHT C LUB.—There was a ve•J assemblage of the members of this very popul ar and . raPiot advancing club, at the Caledonian Hotel, Adelpa)St. night—the Commodore, W. Goodson, Esq., in the % g The occasion was rendered peculiarly interesting, o .,,Nc l ii dos the name of the Chief Magistrate of the City of -Li e ,apt. being at the head of the list of members proposed for b. b y Upon the motion of Mr. Lott, seconded by Mr. Tres , tot lordship was u nan i mous l y elected, and there is no, nor that his excellent example will be followed by a vas t „,cer her of the C or p ora ti on, many of whom are already 7 . 0 hers. Capt ain Gil es, R.N. having been el ec t e d Sor e v ing vice Mr. T. G regory, and some routine business he been disposed of, the club adjourned. SUICIDE OF A FEMALE FROM LOVE.—Yesterday, _. Baker h e ld an i nquest at the Vestry, John-street, bridge-heath, H ac k ney, respecting the death of Posed Locke, a ge d 22, a s i ngle woman, who was found dr° fie on Saturday morning last, in the Regent's-canal, neat' tit toria-park. She was in service in the family of a lady of Streatham, and h a d b een i n a very melancholy o _ l to a mind for the la s t f ew wee k s. She was much attache' 501 young man, who had been paying his addresses to her , oo who suddenly b ro k e o ff th e connection. She has sniff three several occasion, attempted to drown herself. diet, " Found drowned." THE WELLIN GTON T ESTIMONIAL FUND.—The f‘,llOlP ing complaint has been addressed to the Times :—";:a 0 B • ug an admirer o f th e i a t e Duke, I spell over every e no ial Being the subscripti on li s t s to the Vellington Testn e w. n s s Fund, and each name , as I read it, receives from L o e sympathetic tribute of respect ;for as admirers of the r we may be said to stand in a parallel relation to one becl other. But I have come to one name which has disbu' ii ed all harmony o f f ee li ng — that of a gallant Colonel el M.P., who sub scr ib es 20/ . Now, Sir, this very o : i t the and M.P. owes me money, some 150/. or 2001., and os , risk of bein g th oug ht a h ard man, I will confess to i,(O although the a c t m i g ht not b e justified before a commit at Stafford-house, that I endeavoured, after all ° or means had fail e d, to obtGin payment by putting an 01 tion into the M.P.'s house. The execution produced si i. l ie be 2/. 3s. 4d. ! Th e so f as which he pressed, the Plan 0 used, the horses he rode, were all hired, and his Pwl ll . was of course protected ; but the sheriff ingeniously vv o f trived to seize a few books, including Tice Whole P li Zal Man, which the M.P. had overlooked in his grit hi arrangements. Now, Sir, can you not rectify your inserting my name for the balance of the 301., after credit for 2/. 3s. 4d., instead of the name of my gan o t, and " honourabl e " debtor, and thus oblige your cbedo servant, THE EXECUTION CREDITOR." FIRST MEETING OF THE NEW BURIAL BOARD 1N 40 . 0 PANCRAS.—Yesterday, pursuant to a notice si gne d by " 0 ,4 of its members, the Burial Board, recently apPl 13 under the N ew Metropolitan Interments A c t , 15 an„. 0, 0, Vic., cap. 85, me t f or the first tim e i n th e Vestry PAO King's-road, Camden-town, for the purpose of taking u . necessary steps to put in forts the enact men t s o f this ° a l e tary measure. The Rev. Thomas Dale, the vicar, in n s, chair, and the other eight membe rs o f the board T re ll i s ; namely, J. P. Pierce and W. Billett, churchwara&o. Henry Stock, Esq., J. P., W. D. Cooper, F. Henley, timore Timpson, H. Farrar, an d R. F. BrittinSjo After some preliminary busine ss , and the Rev. T. ro having been nominated p erpe t ual chairman, th e board T AI ceeded to appoint a cle r k, th e choice falling unanimous;; upon Mr. G. W. F. Cook, solicitor to the parish- 00 also agreed that meetings of the board should be ?r,,tioa the first Monday of each month, and that an aPP I ; c „ - 0 should be made to the vestry for the use of offices the vestry building wh ere i n to carry on the affairs °` board. The board then broke up. „ in bere THE BONAPARTE FAMILY.—In a list of the n e in nsf of the Bonap ar t e f amily, which appeared in our coin the and in those of some other journals, a few weeks slo wee gag e '• ht names of fiv e c hi ldren were given as those of the -"l Hon. Tho mas W yse, the present Ambassador of Engirjeeo at Athens, an d of his wife, Letitia, the daughter of 1 -1 i , 13 - o re Bonaparte. W e have authority for stating that have been but two children (sons), Alfred NaPolnen.A. lega l and William Ch ar l es W yse, b y that marriage. 1828. Ye separation took pl ace b etween the parties in the a r b i lls t e. ,7 R AILWAY AND CANAL Bilds.—Yestereay thefirsa port from th e se l ec t comm i ttee on railway and co' was issued, stating, " that it is the opinion of this u se, mittee that all railway bills introduced into t 1 "„4 0 he during th e p resen t sess i on, should, as a general,i,r.Vtioll made integ ra l i n th emse l ves, and that the greate s t than should be exercised in admitting into them, otherwl s i n ue, by specific en a ct men t, provisions which repeal, e ° r;„,, i tiee or extend th e p ower o f f ormer acts, and that the at of committees on priv a t e bill s s h oul d b e di re cted Mint." e- this 4, itoi — /