The Sun. — London, England, 1866-12-27 00:00:00

trayed. Miss Carlotta Leclercq, as Pauline, acted Very charmingly and well. Mr. J. C. Cowper Played the part of Eric Gautier very cleverly, and Mr. S. Emery, as Gaspar, was excellent. Smaller Parts were well supported by Miss Henrade and Messrs. Evans and Price. The chief objection to " Rouge et Noir" is its length ; it commenced at 8 o'clock, and was not over until past midnight. The mounting of the piece is quite worthy of the reputation enjoyed by the Lyceum management for this speciality. The last tableau, representing the destruction of a hut by fire, was perfectly contrived. The piece was preceded by the " Two Polts," which enabled Mr. Willicomb to keep the early comers 1 0 a roar until the fashionables arrived. PRINCESS'S, The management at this house, relying upon the Qtlic attractions of " Burnaby Budge," have pro vided no pantomime proper this year, but have, to Messrs. Watts Phillips and Vining':, adaptation of Dickens's powerful and touching story, merely added a revival of Planch6's " Lirisible Prince." The Boxing -night audience followed the fortunes of poor Burnaby and Maypole Hugh with unabated interest, bailed the beautiful sunset scene in the second act, got excited at the way in which the Warren was fired,:watched with eagerness the sword combat un der the moonlit ruins ; and at the close called be forethe curtain Miss K. Rodgers, Mr. C. Horsman, Mr. S. Calhaem, and Mr. G. Honey. The latter actor for the first time appeared as Miss Miggs, in the place of Mrs. John Wood, and his acting was the most popular thing in the play. The afterpiece, "The Invisible Prince ; or the Island of Tran- quil Delights," introduced Mrs. John Wood iu burlesque, and an additional attraction was the entirely new scenery of Mr. Lloyds and his assistants. The scenes were gorgeous and full of fine natural touches " that brought down the house" repeatedly, and about half-way through the piece caused the artist to be called to the front to receive the rapturous cheering of all sections of the audience. Miss Wood's representation of Don Leander was a marked success throughout ; and sharing the honours bestowed upon her were Mr. G. Honey and Miss Fanny Heywood, who made a very Promising and successful debut in the part of Princess Xquisit's little pet. Of the dresses, the Music, and the general conduct of the entertain- Merits, nothing but praise can be recorded. PRINCE OF WALES'S. Miss Marie Wilton has again secured for her at tractive little theatre a graceful extravaganza from the pen of Mr. Henry J. Byron, entitled " Pandora's Box ; or, the Young Spark and the Old Flame." The piece was extremelyarwell received, and there lvas a loud call for the author at the fall of the curtain. STRAND. Here Mr.Oxenford's comedy " Neighbours," pre ceded, and the farce of " Boots at the Swan," fol lowed, the piece of the evening. This was a bur lesque by Mr. F. C. Burnand, entitled " Guy Pawkes ; or, the Ugly Mug and the Couple of Spoons." The piece was capitally put upon the stage, and the audience applauded vociferously throughout. NEW HOLBORN. The popularity of " Flying Scud" renders any Change at this house unnecessary. ST. JAMES'S. Mr. Boucicault's comedy, " Hunted Down," was the chief attraction of Boxing-night, and the pro duction of Mr. Gilbert's burlesque is postponed unti Saturday next. NEW ROYALTY. Mr. Craven's little drama, " Meg's Diversions,' and Mr. Burnard's amusing burlesque, " Black- Eyed Susan,"are sufficient attractions at this theatre for the Christmas season. NEW SURREY. The New Surrey Theatre celebrated its first anni versary last night, and the friends of Messrs. Shep herd and Creswick, who assembled to bid them and their Christmas pantomime welcome,were so nume rous that there was scarcely standing room in boxes, pit, or gallery. At length, after a good deal of patience had been manifested, the curtain drew up for the performance of "A, Apple Pie, and Harle quin Jack in the Box and the Little Boy Blue," which for splendour surpasses all Mr. Shepherd's former great successes in the old theatre. The audience were in raptures, and when the business of the harlequinade was about to commence, Mr. Shep herd was called to the front, and loudly cheered by his friends and patrons. ASTLEY'S. Very prudently the manager of this theatre, in snaking out his Christmas bill of fare, has had re gard to the natural impatience of his holiday pa trons by placing before them as the prelude to the tune-honoured pantomime the very short but clever drama " Delicate Ground." But brief as it is, the good-humouredly, boisterous, and crowded audience of Boxing-night found it quite long enough to ex haust the stock of self-denying tolerance which they had laid in for the occasion, and the anxiously looked-for pantomime came not one moment too soon, although it commenced as nearly as possible Punctually at the hour announced, viz., a quarter to eight. " Hush-a-by Baby on the Tree Top; or, harlequin Fortunio, Prince Heydiddle, Princess Olivebranch, King Frog of Frog Island, and the Magic Toys of Lowther Arcadia," is the elaborate title of the novelty, which has been written by Mr. Chas. Millward and another gentleman, who wishes to remain as one of the illustrious unknown. The Pantomime is a decided success. VICTORIA. The pantomime here is called " Harlequin Cock robin ; or, The Children in the Wood." In the opening Mr. Yarnold plays the wicked uncle, and Miss Daly, Walter True Blue, the good boy of the Piece. Mr. Harry Sanford is the Clown. S ADLER'S WELLS. The pantomime at this theatre is founded on one of the countless D'Aubray's fairy tales, and its title is " The Golden Cask, the Princess, the Page, and the Pageant ; or, Harlequin and Queen Grumble." -rhe opening was a series of extremely brilliant scenes, and the harlequinade was crammed full of bustle and fun, which caused the pantomime to pass off to the entire satisfaction of a crowded audience, and Miss Marriott, under whose snper intendence the pantomime was got up, and Mr. Arthur O'Neil, the author, both appeared before the curtain to receive the ovations of the audience. CITY OF LONDON. The pantomime here is by Nelson Lee, and is called " Ding Dong Bell, PuSsy's in the Well." The popular vocalists, Miss Constance and Madame Losebini, are expressly engaged. The pantomi ibists are Harlequin, Mr. Carera ; Columbine, Miss Wieland ; Clowns, Messrs. Delevanti and Almonte; Sprite, H. Wardini ; Pantaloon, Mr. Simmons. The scenery is by Mr. Richard Douglass and Mr. John Neville. GALLERY OF ILLUSTRATION.-Mr. Tom Taylor's capital little piece, " The Family Legend'," one of Ur. and Mrs. Reed and John Parry's greatest suc cesses, has been revived to serve as Christmas fare at this favourite and elegant hall of entertainment. That charming little cantatrice, Miss Susan Galton, has also been engaged to sing " The Legend of Sir Gryffyd." Mr. John Parry's " Wedding Break fast" concludes the performances. _ _ MADAME TUSSAUD'S.—An annual concourse of People visited the Baker-street museum yebterday, and all appeared to find something to amuse their various tastes and attract their attention. There are many novelties both in the great gallery and in the smaller rooms, from the Court Circle to the Chamber of Physiognomy, and besides the portrait models a large collection of various curiosities is exhibited EGTP: lAN HALL. —Mr. Artemus Ward still " speaks a piece" at the small hall of this building. CHRISTY MINSTRELS.—This famous troupe, in order to accouunodate the host of additional patrons that may fairly be anticipated dgring the Christ. HER MAJESTY, &c• OSBORNE, Dec. 2G. The Queen drove out yesterday afternoon with Prince and Princess Christian, and her Majesty, accompanied by the Princess, drove out this morn ing, attended by the Dowager Due!iess of Athole. Princess Louise drove out this morning ; and Prince Leopold, Princess Beatrice, and Prince Henry of Prussia walked in the grounds. Prince Christian rode this morning, attended by Major-General F. 11. Seymour. Prince Arthur left Osborne to-day for Greenwich Park, attended by Major Elphinstone. mas holidays, have secured the large St. James's hall for their performances. An entirely new pro gramme has been prepared, in which all the old favourites and several new names appear. Amongst the special features of the entertainment is a new comic shadow pantomime by the Messrs. Nelson Lee, sen. and jun. There will be day and evening performances. NEW AMERICAN MINSTRELS.—The new troupe of " niggers" who have established themselves at the Polygraphic-hall, announce, in addition to the other popular features of their entertainment - , a shadow pantomime. MADAME STODARE'S ENTERTAINMENT.--This ad mirable conjuring entertainment is still given in the large room of the Egyptian-hall. ALHAMBRA PALACE.—The theatrical, musical, and miscellaneous performances at this theatre of varieties have been entirely changed for Christmas. A new grand spectacular and allegorical ballet, representing the wonders of industry, and employ ing the services of one hundred coryphe'es and fifty juvenile figurantes, has been placed upon the stage, backed by one of those marvellously constructed and brilliantly painted scenes, with novel changes, that have won for their painter, Mr. William Callcott, a European reputation. The Oxford and Canterbury, Weston's, Phil harmonic, Islington, London Pavilion, Regent, Westminster, Metropolitan, Cambridge, Maryle bone, the South London, Deacon's, and the smaller outlying halls have all special attractions suitable for the season, the chief of these being operatic selections, and comic singing and dancing. V,CI (Omaha. A LETTER FROM THACKERAY, The following letter has just appeared in a Phila delphia paper : " Neufchatel, Switzerland, July 21, 1853. "My dear Reed,—Though I am rather slow in paying the tailor, I always pay him. And as with tailors so with men ; I pay my debts to my friends, only at rather a long day. Thank you for writing to me so kindly, you who have so much to do. I have only begun to work ten days since, and now, in consequence, have a little leisure. Before, since my return from the West, it was flying from London to Paris, and vice versa—dinners right and left—parties every night. If I had been in Phila delphia, I could scarcely have been more feasted. Oh, you unhappy Reed ! I see you (after that little supper with M'Michael) on Sunday, at your own table, when we had that good Sherry Madeira, turning a-side from the wine-cup with your pale face ! That cup has gone down this well so often that I wonder the cup isn't broken and the well is as well as it is. Three weeks of London were more than enough for me, and I feel as if I had had enough of it and plesuure. Then I re mained a month with my parents ; then I brought my girls on a little pleasuring tour. We spent ten days in Baden, when I set intrepidly to work again; and have been five days in Switzerland now—not bent on going up mountains, but on taking things easily. How beautiful it is.. How great and affable, too, the lAdscape is. It is delightful to be in the midst of such scenes; the idea gets generous reflec tions from them. I don't mean to say my thoughts grow mountainous and enormous like the Alpine chain yonder; but, in fine, it is good to be in the presence of this noble nature. It is keeping good, keeping away mean thoughts. I see in the papers now and again accounts of fine parties in London. Bon Dieu! Is it possible any one ever wanted to go to fine London parties, and are there people now sweating in Mayfair routs ? The European Continent swarms with your peo ple. They are not at all as polished as Chesterfield. I wish some of them spoke French a little better. I saw five of them at supper at Basle the other night, with their knives down their throats. It was awful. My daughter saw it, and I was obliged to say, 'My dear, your great-great grandmother, one of the finest ladies of the old school I ever saw, always applied cold steel to her victuals. It's no crime to eat with a knife,' which is all very well, but I wish five of 'em at a time wouldn't. Will you, please, beg M'Michael, when Miss Glyn, the English tragic actress, comes to read Shakespere in your city, to call on her— do the act of kindness to her, and help her with his valuable editorial aid? I wish we were going to have another night soon, and that I was going this very evening to set you up with a headache against to-morrow morning. By Jove, how kind you all were to me ! How I like your people, and want to see 'em again. You are more tender-hearted, ro mantic, sentmental than we are. I keep on telling this to our fine people here and have so belaboured your [ Here the paper was t u rued and the sketch revealed. At the top is written, " Par don this rubbishing picture ; but I didn't see, an d can't afford to write page 3 over again."]—country with praise in private, that I sometimes think I go too far. I keep back some of the truth ; but the great point to try and ding into the ears of the great, stupid, virtue-proud English public is that there are folks as good as they in America. That's where Mrs. Stowe's book has done harm, by in flaming us with au idea of our own superior virtue iu freeing our blacks, whereas you keep yours. Comparisons are always odorous, Mrs. Malaprop says. lam about a new. story, but don't know as yet if it will be any good. It seems to me lam too old for story-telling ; but I want money, and shall get $20,000 for. this, of which (v.v.) I'll keep 15. I wish this rubbish [the sketch] were away ; I might put written rubbish in its stead. Not that I have anything to say, but that I always remember you and yours, and honest Mac, and Wharton, and Lewis, and kind fellows who have been kind to me, and I hope will be kind to me again. Good-bye, my dear Reed, and believe me, ever sincerely yours, " W. M. THACKERAY." IRELAND. DUBLIN, Dec. 26. The nomination for Waterford county tookplace this morning. A special telegram in the Freeman states that after the writ was read each side called on the other to proceed first. The discussion was terminated by two supporters of Mr. De La Poer— namely Mr. Shea and Mr. Antho—•proposing and seconding Captain Talbot. Sir Richard Musgrave proposed, and Mr. John Bagwell, M.P., seconded, Mr. De La Poer. Captain Talbot could not get a hearing. Mr. De La Poer got an enthusiastic re ception. The Court-house was densely crowded, and nearly all hands were held up for Mr. De La Poer. The polling is fixed for Saturday. Charges of bribery were made in the Court-house against tha Conservatives by Sir R. Musgrave and others. James Mulligan and Anthony Qarroll were brought up before the police magistrates to-day for using seditious language. Thomas Kavanagh, the carpenter, at whose resi dence, on West-road, arms and a large quantity of ammunition were seized on Monday last, was charged to-day, and after evidence was given he was remanded. SINGULAR AND FATAL ACCIDENT TO A CHILD.— Or, Monday an inquest was held at Henley on the body of Sarah Milton, aged five years. The deceased ran against a young man carrying a heavy cheese, which fell on her and fractured the base of the skull, killing her the spot. Thcrjury rottutted`o, maid of accidental death, 'THE SUN, LONDON, THURSDAY EVENING, DECEMBER 27, 1866. MONEY XARKET AND COMMEROI aL INTELLIGENCA TWELVE O'CLOCK. The Bank directors have not varied their rate of discount, and the general Money Market is un moved; the inquiries are on a moderate scale, and fine qualities of commercial paper are taken as low as 31 per cent. There was an influx of gold to the amount of £65,030 at the Bank of England yesterday. The new edition of The L'anl,•ers' Almanac and Diary for 1867 has been issued, edited by Mr. D. Moricr Evans, and published by Me,:srs. Groom bridge and Son, and Messrs. Waterlow and Son. This volume will be found extremely useful, as it contains a full account of all banking, financial, and other mercantile failures that have occurred during the past year. The meetings of creditors and balance-sheets render it valuable for reference, and, detailing as it does the events of the crisis, it should be on the table of all merchants and managers of banking, financial, and other companies. The last week's Railway receipts, ascertained up to this day, are in round figures as under :-- 1866. 1865. Great Western 80,497 81,409 North Western 138,681 139,219 South Western 27,669 29,762 Brighton Midland South Eastern 25,726 23,651 Great Northern Lancashire and Yorkshire 48,120 43,788 Bristol and Exeter 8,330 8,559 . North Eastern 76,433 75,665 Manchester, Sheffield, and Lincoln 23,103 22,055 London, atham, and DoTer.. , 10,209 10,346 Great Eastern These returns, when compared with those of the corresponding period of last year, are in several in stances of a rather unfavourable character. On the Bristol and Exeter there is a decrease of £229 ; on the London, Chatham, and Dover, of £137 ; Great Eastern, £2,512 ; North Western, £538 ; South 'Western, £2,093 ; Midland, £1,542 ; while the Lancashire and Yorkshire Shares show an in crease of £1,646; North Eastern, £768; Manches ter, Sheffield, and Lincoln, £1,049 ; Great Western, £912 ; Brighton, £1,620 ; South Eastern, £75 ; and Great Northern, £2,131. Two o'CLocx. According to Reuter's telegram from Paris to day, the French Rentes were 69f. 80c. Firm. Considering the period of the year there is more buoyancy on the Stock Exchange than might have been expected, but it is beyond all doubt that there is a vast overflow of capital finding its way into good investments. Each market seems to have its turn. English Government Securities, for instance, are still in favour, while foreign Government loans lately sought for are now temporarily depressed, and Railway Shares, which a short time since were sacrificed by frightened shareholders, are now mostly in the ascendant. Consols are now per cent. higher than they were yesterday, viz., 90/ 8 for money, and 94 f for the account ;—the rise since the 12th of this month is no less than 2 per cent. The New Threes are 89i3- 8, and the Redhced Annuities, 891 f, both being considerably higher. Bargains have taken place in the India 5 per Cents. at 107* / Fresh arrivals of specie have been announced to day, amounting to £63,800, viz., £5,734 from Bom bay, via overland, by the Poonah, from Alexandria, and 59,066 from New York, by the America, arrived at Southampton. A very small amount of new business has keen negotiated to-day in Foreign Stocks, attention being still absorbed in the settlement. Though dull iu tone, the department is not altogether depressed. Spanish Passive have declined 1 to 204 21, but - the Certificates have advanced / to 138 14/ ; Italian, to 551 4 ; Greek, 4 to 13f 14 ; Mexican, / to 18/ 1 ; and Turkish 5 per Cents. / to 328 33-k. The New Russian Loan Scrip has advanced to 1/ s premium. Business in the Railway Share Market has been moderately active, but the transactions generally have been in connection with the half monthly set tlement. Prices in most instances show increased buoyancy. Lancashire and Yorkshire), advanced 2; Caledonian, 1/ ; Metropolitan, 11; Great Northern, and Midland each 1 ; Great Eastern, Great Western, and North Western each 1 ; and South Eastern 1. The Foreign and Colonial lines exhibit 'little change of importance. Grand Trunk of Canada have improved to 181 19, and Great Indian Penin sula to 1061. Five-twenty Bonds have gone up per cent., making a rise of nearly I per cent., the latest prices being 721 ; Erie Shares have receded I, to 46 1 ; and Illinois I, to 78/ 79/. Atlantic and Great Western Railway Debentures have declined 1, to 51 56, but the Consolidated Mortgage Bonds are steady at 41/ 42. The shares of the Belgian Public Works Company are steady at 1/ 11 prem. Bank shares are inactive, without any material alteration in values. Chartered Mercantile of India, London, and China have improved to 35, Consoli dated to 4i 1, and Imperial Ottoman to 91 1. According to the Ironmasters' returns just made the quantity of pig iron produced this year in Scot land was 994,000 tons, showing the striking de crease of 170,000 tong as compared with last year. Finance and Miscellaneous Shares remain in very moderate demand and without material alteration in prices. Atlantic Telegraph 8 per Cents., how ever, have declined to 65 ; Credit Foncier of Eng land are marked 3/, ; General Credit, 4/, 8 ; National Discount Company, 14/, 4 ; and the Viceroy of Egypt's Mortgage Loan has declined to 73 i) ;1-• MINING MARKET. THURSDAY, Two o'clock. Business in the Mining Market has been animated, and the transactions in a few of the principal ad ventures have been to a fair extent, at slightly en hanced rates. The shares chiefly in request have been Seton, West Seton, Great Retallack, North Crofty, Clifford, Prosper United, Prince of Wales, Crebor, West Frances, and Tincroft. Annexed are the current quotations : Chivortou Moor, 41 ; Chon:ales Gold, 21 ; Clifford Amalgamate, 61 71 ; East Basset, 201 211 ; East Camden 5 51; East Lovell, 9 91; East Wheal Grenville, 21 1; Great Retallack, 20s 01 25s Od ; Great Wheal Vor, 14 14; Marko Valley, 31 4 ; North Crofty, 21 3}; North Tres kerby, 21 ; Prince of Wales, 24s 26s ; Prosper United, 21 3; Providence Mines, 23 25; South Condurrow, lls 13s; South Grenville, 7s Od 9s; Tincroft, 111 12; West Caradon, 121 131; West Chiverton, 521 53 ; West Frances, 10 11 ; West Seton, 120 ; Wheal Buller, 17 18 ; Wheal Chiverton, 61 7; Wheal Crabor,- 12s 14s Od ; Wheal Grenville, 25s 27s 6d; Wheal Rose, 6 7; Wheal Seton, 135 140. BRITISH FUNDS—CLOSING:PRICES. GOVERNMENT FUNDS. 3 per Cont. Consols ii Do. Account, Jan 10 . 90* 3 per Cent. Reduced B9 New 3 per Cent B 9iiiii New 2} per Cont. Jan. 1894 • Do. 5 per Cent. Jan. 1573 — Annuities, 30 yrs, expire sth Jan., 1880 Do. for 30 yrs. expire sth April, lBBs — Do (Red Sea telegraph), Aug., 1908 — Exchequer Bills, .£l,OOO, 4 per Cent ll pm Do £5OO II 11 pm. • Do - £lOO & £2OO 11. 7 pm lt_ Bank of England Stock, 6 i per Cent ... INDIAN GOTERNISENT Lu4iau stock, 101 per Cont., Apri11874... Shut. Ditto for Account Do. 5 per Cent. July, 1880 Do. 4 per Cent., Oct. 1888 Do. Certificates — Do. Eufaced Paper 4 per Cent — . Do. 5 per Cent., Jan. 1872 Do. 51 per Cent., May 1879 — Do. Deb., 5 per Cent., Aug. 1873 Do. Bonds,4 per Cent., £l,OOO pin Do. under £l,000 FOREIGN FUNDS—CLOSING PRICES. Argentine Republic, 6 per Cent — A.ustrian Bonds, 5 per Cent, 1859 — Brazilian 5 per Cent Do. 41 per Cent., 1852-58-60 Do. 1863 — Do. 11365 — Do Account 7ll. 1 Do. £lOO Bonds Buenos Ayres 6 per Cent Do. A ccount Do 4100 Bonds DJ 2 per Cent. (Deferred 3 per Cent ) Ulitlian 6 per Cent Do. 8 per Cent. tllq. 0 per Cent A Do. „ B looi Coloinbian, 6 por Cont. . Cuba, 6 per Cent. Danish 3 per Cent., 1825 — Do. 5 per Cent., 864 _ Danubian Principalities Do. Account Equador New Consolidated, 1 per Cent — Do., Provisional Land Warrant — Do Delon ed &gyptian 7 per Cent. — Do., Second Issue — Do £lOO Bonds — Do. 1864 B3l 3 4 Do £lOO Bonds B5 Do. Government Rail way Debentures 84.-} 5 4/ Greek 5 per Cents., 1821-5, ex Coupons 131 'o Account .)o. Coupons G rttemala 5 per Cent. It .zut 5 per Cent 1865 1..):. A cco un t Do. Marenunana Failway — 'loxicac 3 per Cent Do. Account Dn. 1861 — Do 6 per Cent. Anglo-French — , linttevidean 6 per Cent,. — . . : . _ _. . qoorish ImperiTOL 5 per Cent , :ew Gr;tnada — Do 3 per Cen , — Do. Deferr.3,l Do I.r. ..A ~, a rrants (Ilootares) 'e-uvian 5 per Cent., 1865 Do Account 7Ol Do 41 per Cent. (Uribarren) Do 44. per Cent., 1862 Do Account Portuguese 3 per Cent., 1853 Do 3 per Cont., 1856, '7, '9, '6O, '62, '3, 44 1 31 41 Do. Account • 441 4 Russian 5 per Cent., 1822, £ St B6l Do 41-per Cent. 1850 Do 44 per Cont., 1860 Do 3 per Cent. 1859 Do 5 per Cent. 1862 Do 5 per Cent. 18G4 — Do. Anglo-Dutch, 1866, all paid BGI i i Do. do. £lO paid lf pm Sardinian 5 per Cent , Do. Account 3panish 3 per Cent Do Account Do New Deferred 33 2i 31 Do Account Do Passive Do Account 24 1 Spanish Cert. of Coup not funded l3l Do Account l4 S wedish 4 per Cent. Do. 4i per Cent. 1864 Do. Scrip, £6O paid Turkish 6 per Cent. 1854 — Do. Account Do 6 per Cent. 1858 — 571 Do. Account Do £lOO Bonds Do 6 per Cont. 1862 Do Account 591 9 Do £lOO Bonds Do 6 per Cent., 1863 531 De 5 per Cent., 1865 Do. Account - 321 Do. 4 per Cent. Guaranteed Venezuela 3 per Cent. Do Account Do 6 per Cent., 1862 Do Account no. 6 per Cent, 1864 Ditto 11 per Cent. Dividends on the above payable in London. Austrian, 5 per Cent., E. 10 Florins 1301gian,,41 per cent., Es. 25f. Dutch 2i per °Ant. Ex. 12 Guil„ _ Do. 4 per Cent. Certificates 4 French Rentes, 3 per Cent., Ex. 25f. — Wallah 3 per Cent. 1831, Ex. 2sf. Do. 5 por Cent. Account 551 1 THREE O'CLOCK. Consols, Money 9Ol xd Do. Account, Jan. 9oi xd COMMERCIAL TRAVELLERS' BENEVO LENT INSTITUTION, MEETING THIS DAY. A half-yearly general court of the supporters of this excellent charity was held to-day at the London Tavern for the purpose of transacting the ordinary business, and electing three members out of a list of five candidates to the benefits of the institution. Mr. J. JONES, vice-chairman, presided, Mr. Cherrer, the Chairman of the Board of Manage ment, having to bring forward a motion affecting the interests of the charity. From the report it appeared that the whole re ceipts for the year amounted to £2,265 3s. Bd., which, compared with last year, showed an increase of £383, and with 1864 of £5OO, and the reserve fund had been increased to £6,200. The report was adopted. Mr. CIIERR ER then rose to move a resolution, to the effect that, in June next, the grants to the annui tants should be increased from £4O to £5O a year, and to their widows from £25 to £3O a year. He said that he rose with great pleasure to move the resolution, for in proposing the alteration he was prepared to show that the friends of the institu tion would warrant the increase in the al lowance to the recipients of their bounty. (Hear, hear.) Those who were present at their first meeting were aware that £3O a-year was the suns originally proposed to be granted to the annui tants, but he thought the body whom they proposed to benefit would not accept that amount, and he considered that they were entitled to receive something deserving of the position which they had occupied, and he proposed that the amount should be £5O a year. However, a medium course was proposed, namely, that the amount should be £4O, to which he consented. Since that time the expenses of living had increased, and £5O was not more in value than £4O at the time the amount was fixed, and he believed that the object of the governors was that their annuitants should be placed in the same position in regard to comfort as they had been previously. (Hear, hear.) Having alluded to the creditable conduct of the members of the body, he said that those who applied to them for assistance should partake of the improvement in the state of their funds. (Hear.) The present was the time when the annuitants were so limited that the proposed increase would be made without the difficulty that would exist when the numbers were increased. No subscriber would be called on to put his hand in his pocket to meet the increase, and all they would be required to do would be to endeavour to promote the interests amongst their friends. He found that the income for the present year was £2,265, and the expenses only £1,668. The friends of the institution had gra dually increased since 1861, and there was every pro bable reason to expect that they would further in crease from to time ; and the present position of the funds enabled them to make an election of three more candidates. As their chairman for a few years he had predicted their progressive success, and his predictions had been fully verified by re sults. He expressed his firm conviction that the effect of the proposed increase would be to promote the interests of the institution by commending it to the sympathy and support of the body at large. (Hear, hear.) The CHAIRMAN seconded the motion, and said that it was most gratifying to know that the best faith had been kept with the annuitants, who re ceived their cheques punctually, and that candidates who were more successful at one election were chosen at the next. £2OO would cover all the cost of the increase. Mr. POTTER asked if the increase was to be re trospective in its operation, and if so whether the motion would have his cordial support Mr. CHERRER replied in the affirmative. Mr. Fount said he considered £5O a year was a sum below which they should not offer their breth ren, and that their widows were also entitled to the income proposed. Mr. M‘MORELAND supportedthe motion, and said that £5O was a sum which would be more worthy of their brethren, and induce them to make greater endeavours to obtain it. He regretted to find that their society had not received more extensive sup port from the body generally, and mentioned that when he was canvassing for votes in Leicestershire he found that out of 70 of the body there was not one subscriber. Some discussion as to whether by rule 46 they could increase the pensions until the permanent fund amounted to £20,000, and it was also con tended that instead of increasing the amount of the pension the number of the annuitants at the pre sent rate should be augmented. However the resolution Was carried by a majority of 38 to 4. Messrs. W. John Langham and Sloane having retired from the board of directors, Messrs. Watson, J. Webb, and J. Hanson were re-elected in their places, and Mr. Hoply was re-elected auditor. Thanks having been voted to the chairman, the election was proceeded with. A gentleman met a half-witted lad on the road, and placing in one of his hands a sixpence and a puny, asked him which of the two he would choose. The lad re plied he would not be greedy, ho would take the smallest. —American Paper SHARE MARKETS.—This day. ORDINARY SHARES AND STOCKS. 85 117 ItB 120 40 45 all 100 Ico all 100 4 0 E 5 OS ;0 72 1 4 .27 ZS 5 6 !.0 117 ;2G 12,-.! 91) 02 511 30 3) 3j 125 i 127 84 87 15j 16, 13 1.0 118 j 11S 81 R 3; 43 50 .24 125 1i 2 p 10 11 84 86 100 100 100 100 all 100 7 100 all 100 100 100 16.13.4 Ali 122 1t 2 e 2 35 36 1201 83 1211 4 18 105 1:7 106 7 Faid. l Closing Business Prim. dene. 65 67 98 93 34 55 9 10 p 116 120 1 2p 1 2p 70 72 114 118 148 152 42 44 65 65 8 9 150 253 3 42 Railways. Bristol and Exeter ..•• Caledonian Cambrian Cork and 8and0n...... Cornwall Dublin & Belfast June Dan„Pertli, & Ab.Junc , l . London, scrip Certi Do. ilasgow & S. Western I Grtat Eastcrn, Orl. :4 , k. Do. E. Ang I. Nt. No.'s lirzat Northot Scotland hi re:lt Northern A stock Do. 13 stack Do... New, Is. at 25 pit, S, and W. of Irelan,l I;t,. V,"estern Do. S. Val. Rail gua. Do. South Wales : Do. W. Mid.—ONlon, Do. Newpoit fleveford Lanc..shire& Yorkshirt , Loudon and lilackwaq . Lon., 8ri411.,& S Goat Lon., Chat., and Durt.r Do. Metrop. Ex. A Lou. & North Western! Lou. Lc South Western Man., Shet., ,S; Lincoln Metropolitan.... . Do. New Do.l tension... Sletropolitan District. Do. do. do. Do. and St. John'a IT'd Midland Do. £9 Share Do, Birmin.. & Derby .lid Kcnt . INorth British ...... Do. Ed., Pth., & Dun. Nth. Eastern—Berwick Do. (I.IN•E purchasti Do. Leeds Do. York Pc. Carlisle ... Do. Stock. & Darling. Do. do. 1860-61 North London Do. do. 1861 5 . Do. do. 1866 . North Staffordshire N. & S. W. Junction Scottish Central Scot. N. E , Aber. stock Do. Scot, Mid. stack Shropshire Union South Devon South Eastern Staines, Wok., & Wok ratr Vale Do. C V ale of Heath Waterford & Kilkenny Waterloo & Whiteha I ,West Cornwall BRITISH POSSESSIONS. Atlantic St. Lawrence Born., Baroda. &Cen.ln. l gu. 6 per cent Do. F shares Buffalo & Lake Huron' Do. Preference BiltE,Brant,dr Goderichl 6 p.c. 1871-3- Calcutta & S. E., Bin.. 2al.e Town As Dock, gu. Demerara, 7 p.c. per. pil East. Bengal, gu., 5 do East Indian, gu.6 p.c. Do. J Extension .. , irand Trunk of Canada Do. Equip. Mort. Bonds 1 charge 6 p.c Do. Ist Pref. Bonds Do. do deferred De. 2d Prif. Bonds Du. do. deterred Do. 3d Pref. stook Do. do. deferred Do. 4th Pref. stook.. Do. do. deterred .... Gt. India Yen. gua. sp.c. I:o. Gua. 5 per Dent.. Do. New oia. 5 p. c t. South of india gua. 5 per cent D 41 per cent Do treat Wes. of Canada.. Do. New Do. 6 p. n IRAs. pay. 1873 Do. 54 do. pay. 1877-8.. Indian Branch, limited ladras, gua. 5 p.o Do. 41 do Do. 4i do Do. Fifth Extension Nielb. Cor. 6 p. c. Bnds. Mel. & Hudson's Bay.. N. lil. 6pc Ist pf.bs. Scinde .... 1 Do. Delhi Do. do Do. Puniaub......l t 54. Do.lndus St.Flot 10 100 100 all 100 100 100 {lOO 5 100 100 66 0 102 103 Id ip 4 4 3 / 4 7 3 / 4 b3/4 60 65 101 103 101 IG3 105 108 16 20 85 88 57 69 60 61 50 51 37 40 23 25 10d 107 6 1p i 1c COLONIAL GOVER, British Columbia, 6 per' cent., Deo. 31, 1872: . ,Uar,!.Gov.6 p.c.Ja.dz July 1877-84 - Do. 6 p. c. Feb. & Aug.. Do. 5 p. C. Mar. AZ Sept Do. 5 p. c. Jan. t July Do. 5 p. t. inscribed sk Cape G. Hope. 6 p.c. 1873 Do.Apl.di.Oot 1800-1000 Do. do : 1880-oi. Do. Jan.&J uly, 180-91 Do. 5 per cent. 15 April I and 15 oct., woo .I.yion, Nov. 1868, 6 p Do. 1876, do 31 , tnritius, 6 p. C, 1674, Jan. and July Do. 1578 ')o. tBB2, Mayls, Nov , Do. 18:15, Feb. & Aug Antal qov. 6 per cent N.B.Gov.6p.c.Ja.&July N. S.W. Gov. 5 p•c.,1866 Do. 5 p.c. 1871 to 1876 Do. 5 p.c. 1888 to 1893 'New Zealand, 6 p. cent Do. 5 per cent.... Nova Scotia Gov. 6 p. c sterling, 1875 queensland Gov. 6 p. c 5. Aus.Gov. 6 p,o 18684 Do. 1878 & upwards Vlo,Gov. 6 p.c. la SD July Do. do, April & Oct BRITIS Cain. Consol. Cold, Hai Chiverton .:lifrord A malgamated. Devon G. Cons. (Tavist Drake walls East Bassett (Illogan) East Caradon East Cara .BrPa East Grenville East Gunnislake East Loved E. WI Russell (Tavistk Gam.& StAubyn(G wen. Great L kacey, limited Great South Tolgus Great Wheal Busy Wheal Vor (lielston Grenville Herod's Foot lllngston Downs Margaret (Uny Lelant Starke Valley tawyndy Iron Ore, lien Ne;y Se ton . North Roekear N.W h'l Bassett North Wheal Crotty Procter United Pr vidence Uny Lelant S. Caradon (St. Cleer) South Condurrow S.Wheal Fran. (Mogan Stray Park . Tin Croft Vigra and Clogan, tim (Vest V , assett (Mogan W. Caradon (Ltakeard West Chicerton ►Vest 5et0n...... Wheal Bassett !Mogan Wheal Buller (Rcdruth Wheal Mary Ann (Men Wheal Seton IWheal Trelawney (Lis 1.4.6 2.13. , 7.1.6 10.6.; 3.2.0 18.18.0 35.15.6 all 58,1 5.17.0 PREFERENCE s HAIC S. North Eastern, G.N.E., 4 per cent. pref., Stockton and Darlington A, s:per cent., LINES LEASED AT FIXED RENTALS. Great "Western, West Mid., Hereford, 97f 8 Vale of Neath, 100 FOREIGN RAILWAYS. Imperial Mexican, lim., 51- _ FOREIGN MINES. Chontalcs Gold and Silver Mining, 21 Scottish Australlaua BANKS. Chartered Bank of India, A11E41%1121, and China, 16 Consolidated Bank, Bin., 41 I London and River Plate, 474 London Joint Stook, 431 London and South African, 114 National Provincial of England, 133} Ditto, and 3d issue, 39 Union of Australia, 494 Union of London, 414/ DOCKS. London and St. Katharine, 08 MISCELLANEOUS: Australian Mort. Land and Finance, lira., City of Moscow Gas, lira., 101 East India Irrigation and Canal. 10 91 Gen. Credit and Finance of London.mu.. tieneral Steam Navigation, lira., 261 Italian Irrigation (Canal Cayour,, 7 London General Oninibus.Company, lira, 31 Madras Irrigation and Canal (4 per cent. guaranterd by In; dian Government), Ditto 'all), 1, Panama, New Zealand, and Aus. It. Mail, 711 Rio de Janeiro City Improvements, 191 Telegraph Constructiun and Maintenance, lira.. Ditto (£l5), 131 Viceroy of Egypt, Mortgage, Loan, 73i I MYSTERIOUS DEATH IN NORFOLE.—Yesterday an inquest was held at Postwick, Norfolk, on the body of Mr. Christopher Robinson, whose lifeless body was dis covered on Sunday morning in a field in this village. The jury returned as their verdict that thejeceased terminated his existence while labouring under temporary insanity. The dreadful wounds which the deceased appears to have inflicted on himself led at first to the inference that he had been murdered. DEATII STOPPING A PROSECUTION.—A charge of larceny should have been preferred against John Martin an old man, and Clara Martin, a girl of 19, who claimed to bo man and wife, before the magistrates at Kirby Moorsido last week, but the prosecutor dropped down dead. The pri soners, however, were taken to Helmsley, and brought up on another charge, and on Saturday were committed for trial. When arrested at Malton the man was wearing four shirts and the woman five chemises and a shirt, all stolen mostly from Ness, North Riding. D ie quotation of gold at Paris is about at par, and the short exchange on London is 25.14 per £1 sterling. On comparing these rates with the English Mint price of £3 lOid. per ounce for standard gold, it appears that gold is about the same price in Loudon and Paris, POLICE INTELLIGENCE.--This Day. MARLBOROUGH-STREET. BOXING DAY.—Several persons were brought before Mr. Knox this morning charged with different offences. When the charge was only for being "drunk and incapable" the offenders were discharged. Thomas Davis, a carman, living in Westmoreland-street, was charged with being drunk and incapable of taking care of his horses and waggon. Sergeant Binley, 7 E, stated that the prisoner was very drunk, and Tilt() incapable of driving his horses. 'A companion of the prisoner's who was along with him ist night, and who was also drunk, fell off the waggon, and was so seriously hurt that he was obliged to be taken to TJaiversity College hospital, the wheels of the waggon having passed over his side. Mr. ;Knox hued the prisoner ss. for being drunk, stating that if there was any reason to believe the prisoner was to blame for the injuries the other man had received he could be again taken into custody. William Lambert, cab driver, badge 14,12;, was charged with being drunk, furiously driving a horse, and damaging cab 978, the property of Charles Clark. The case having been proved by John Wright, the driver of the damaged cab, and Gatland 746 A, Mr. Knox fined the prisoner 10s. or seven days forbeing drunk and furious driving, and adjourned the case, as far as the damage was concerned, for a week, to give the owner an opportunity of ascertaining the amount of damage. _ _ Richard Bellamy and Henry Darling, two butchers, were charged with being drunk and assaulting Richard Gamble, a young man, and Police-constable 336 A. Gamble said that Bellamy came up to him last night in Newport-court, and said, "You -, now I'v3 got you," and knocked him down, and Darling then kicked him in the chest. Gambles then stated that he was also assaulted by the prisoners' friends. Godwin, 336 A, said that hearing a disturbance in the neighbourhood of Newport-market, he went up and saw Bellamy strike Gamble, and on going to take him into custody Darling knocked him down and Bellamy fell upon him. In answer to Mr. Knox the police stated that the pri soners were drunk. John Osborne, a labourer, was charged with attempting to rescue Darling from the custody of the police. Evidence having been given, Godwin stated that there was an ill-feeling existing on the part of Bellamy and his friends against Gambles be cause of some information they had given the police re specting a young thief named Knott, who has been con victed. . Mr. Knox fined Osborne 20s. or 14 days, and committed the of her prisoners for a month each, without tho option of a fine. James Mayhew, a cab proprietor, was charged with being drunk, and incapable of driving a horse and cab in Regent-street. Police-constable Staines 123 C proved the charge. The defendant said that several of his mon got drunk yesterday, and he therefore went out with the cab. Mr. Knox—And followed the men's example ? The defendant (smiling)—That was the case. Mr. Knox said it was no smiling matter, and the de fendant, being a cab proprietor, ought to set an example to his men. He would fine him 205., or 7 days. Ellen Murphy and Emily Bryan, two servants, were charged with being drunk and fighting together. The women were found rolling about on the pavement, both very drunk, and fighting together. One of the defendants said she had nothing to say, while the other said she did not know what to say. The women were discharged with a caution. THE POLICE AND THE BIRD DEALERS.—Mr. Perry, of No. 10, Little St. Andrew-street, St. Martin's-lane, Mr. Harrison, of No. 29, Great St. Andrew-street, and Mr. Garrett, of No. 27, Great St. Andrew-street, appeared to answer the complaint of the police of the F Division of causing an obstruction by hanging out bird-cages in front of their shops. The evidence of the police went to show that the de fendants hung out cages in front of their shops, and that persons collectedto look at the birds, and that thus an ob struction was caused. The defendants stated that no obstruction was caused by hanging out the cages, which were only a few inches in depth, and that the: cages were hung some feet from the ground and over the area gratings, and the facias of the shops. Mr. Tyrwhitt said that ho could not see that any of fence had been committed by the defendants, and that the police might just as well summon all butchers who hung meat out in front of their shops, and say they caused an obstruction. As for persons collecting that might bo caused by a person even holding up his finger. He did not consider any offence had been committed, and he should dismiss the summonses. 100 102 91 93 111 (4 1: 12i F 8 92 81 84 11.1 162 103 12 94 85 90 82 85 99 101 97 98 11 i ,1 98 90 1001 } 181 } IT SECU. 93 94 90 92 90 92 77 78 75 7 7 104 106 103 105 It 2 104 104 106 88 ;10 it(' 102 It 4 1.6 105 107 IG. 106 105 (07 1(6 108 96 100 90 #2 90 92 90 95 85 17 8 100 81 85 96 98 92 Pi 106 108 103 101 ,ITIES. 96} i • 86 35 } .. ,II MINES. 61 71 Sy 6. 4C5 415 Its 20 5 6 2 3 2 3 9 10 24 2/ 5 6 17 13 IS 16 1} 16 30 32 2t 2 4 31 44 2} 11(1 35 45 2 4 21 3i 24 26 300 320 ti 18 22 1 2 9 kJ i lo 12 14 54 56 115 126 63 75 14 20 10 12 185 145 7 0 2.1.0 294 2.13. t 3i 2.14.0 3.ttO THAMES. CHRISTMAS FESTIVITIES.—This was a quiet morning in the court after Boxing-day, there being only 21 charges of every description. Among them were 11 charges of being drunk, with the addition of incapable being attached to one, assault to four, disorderly to one, and wilful damage to two. Three were charged simply with being drunk. Considering that the population of the district is 300,000, this is not an alarming amount of crime, and Mr. Partridge, on taking his seat upon the bench, said that the paucity of crime in the district was truly wonderful. There were only 40 charges yesterday, and these embraced a period in all of 48 hours. The first "drunken charge" waa that of a boy aged 14. He was quite incapable when dis covered by the police. Mr. Partridge—You are very young to be getting drunk. It is quite shocking. I shall fine you ls. to make you re member being intoxicated on Boxing-day, 1866. William Dacey, an Irish labourer, was charged with assaulting Catherine Dacey, his wife. The complainint, a young woman, was bleeding from the ear, and her face and head were bandaged. She had been married to her husband a short time, and he had turned out a savage one. He beat her, turned her out of doors frequently, and made her very uncomfortable. She once charged him before his Worship with beating her and begged him off. Last night she went after him to the Seven Stars public house, in Rosemary-lane, to ask him to come home, and ho struck her on the oar, and threw her down. Her ear had been bleeding ever since. Her husband got drunk with the money which ho ought to have expended on his home. The prisoner, in defence, said ho gave his wife 4s. on Monday last. Mr. Partridge- And went to a public-house yesterday. You had better have spent the day with your wife. The prisoner—lt was Boxing-day. Mr. Partridge—That is no reason whatever you should become intoxicated and beat your wife. There is no doubt you struck her very brutally ; her ear is bleeding now I shall remand you for a week. Next Thursday I will decide what is to be done with you. MARKETS.—This day. METROPOLITAN. CATTLE. There was about an a verage supply of 'beasts on sale hero to-day for the time of year. Prime breeds moved off steadily at full prices ; but inferior stock was a slow in quiry, on former terms. The top figure was 5s 4d per 81b. We were fairly supplied with sheep, w hi c h met a fair de mand, at Mond a y' s d ec li ne in value. The best Downs and half breds realised Gs 2d per 81bs. The few calves on offer met a dull inquiry at barely late rates. The sale for pigs was heavy, and the highest price did not exceed 4s Gd per 81bs. Per 81b to sink the offal. s ds d s dad Crse & inf. beasts... 3 6 3 8 Pine crs-wool sheep 5 0 5 8 Second quality do ..3 10 4 o Prime. S'thdown no 5 10 6 2 Prime large oxen ..4 tl 5 0 Large merge calves 4 6 5 2 Prime Scots, &c.... 3 2 3 4 Prime small do 5 4 5 8 Cm. and inf.sheep.3 64 0 Large h° l B ' Second quality do .. 4 2 4 10 Small por 'era 4 2 4 6 L a mb.... 0s Od to 03 Od. Suckling calves, 20s to 23s ; and quarter-old store pigs, 261 to 29s each. fload of stock on sale. Total supply. Foreign supply. Beasts ................ 9.2 Beasts Cows.. ............ Cows. 211 Sheep and lambs 3.000 Sheep and 1 alibi Calves ................ 56 Caves Plgs ............ • ll2 , Pigs 35 10 SPORTING INTELLIGENCE—This Day. EALING RACE S—Tms DAY. MIDDLESEX HANDICAP. The Middlesex Handicap of 5 607 a each, in case of accept., ante, with 30 soya added ; winners after Dec. 14 (at 10 a.m.) 71b extra. About two miles. Acceptances to be declared by 8 o'clock iu the evening of Monday, Dec. 24• Siuite The I.l9gue Piret.. Won by ten lengths. Niue ran. 3 GREAT WESTERN PLATE. The Great Western Plate of 30 soya ; llst 71b each ; win ner to be sold; certain allowances. Two Wedding Peal Tourist Caufusion 1 .3 MEAT. NEWGATE AND LEADENHALL.—The supplies of meat are moderate, and the trade is inactive. Beef, 3s 4d to 5s Od ; mutton, 3s 4d to 4s 10d ; veal, 4s 2d to 6s 2d; and pork, 3s 4d to 4s 6d per 81b by the carcase. HAY. SMITHFIELD.—Meadow hay, £3 5s to £4 5s ; clover, £4 Os to 15 15s Od ; and straw, £1 16s to £2 4s per load. A limited supply. CUMBERLAND.—Meadow hay, £3 5s to £4 7s Od ; clover. £4 Os to £5 12s ; and straw, £1 16s to £2 4s per load, Trade inactive. WIIITECHAPEL.—Meadow hay, £3 5s to .£4 5s ; clover, £4 Os to £5 15s Od ; and straw, .£1 16s to £2 4s per load. A slow trade. Liverpool Cotton Market—This Day. The market opens very steady, with a good de mand. Sales probably 15,000 bales or more, at ad vancing prices. FROli THE PLOUGH TO THE MITRE.—The death has been announced of Cardinal Gousset, Arch bishop of Rheims, which event took place on Saturday, in the Archiepiscopal Palace. The deceased, born in 1792, was the son of a farmer, and worked in the fields before ho entered a clerical college for his education. Ile was afterwards known as a man of extensive learning, and became Bishop of Perigueux in 1835. Ile was promoted to the Archbishopric of Rheims in 1840, on the death of Mgr. do Latil. Ile was created cardinal in 1850. The whole career of the deceased prelate furnishes a remark able example of what can be effected by a strong will supported by fair ability, THIRD EDITION. SUN OFFICE, 7 O'CLOCK. Won by three lengths. Ten ran. HAMILTON HUNT CUP. The Hamilton Hunt Plate of 200 sovs, added to a sweep stakes of 10 sovs each, 3 ft, open to any horse in the United Kingdom ; 14st each ; winners of a steeplechase 71b extra ; professionals 71b extra. About three miles. Marengo ............................................................... Miltown ............................ . .............................. 2 Merrimac ..... 3 Won by three l engt h s; bad third. Nine ma. SELLING HANDICAP. The Selling Handicap Steeplechase of 3 sovs each, with 20 added ; winner to be sold for £4O. About two miles. Salamis Tourist .............................................................. 1 2 Gunner .......................................... . .................... 3 Four ran. Won by two lengths. EALING HUNT CUP. The Ealing Hunt Cup, value 60 guineas, for hunters, th ree year-olds and upwards ; weight for age ; winners of an.y steeplechase value 50 sovs, 71b extra; non-profession. a l s allowed 51b ; about three miles. Hungerford ...... 1 Newcastle Harold Five ran. Won in a canter. BANK OF FRANCE. PARIS, Dec. 2,7. The return of the Bank of France for 04e week ending to-day shows the following changes corn pared with that of last week : INCREASE. Cash in hand Bills discounted Private accounts 8,600,000f. Treasury Balance DECREASE. Notes Advances Stationary. Bank of England Returns,.-This Evening. An Account, pursuant to 1 cap. 32, for the week ending ISSUE DE he Act 7th and Bth Victoria, Arednesday, Dec. 26, 1866. .ARTMENT. Notes issued ..,.£33,307,880 Govornmt. Debt.Xll,ols,loo Other Securities.. 3,984,900 Gold Coin and Bullion Silver Bullion .., — £33,307,880 X 33,307,880 BANKING DJ Proprietors' Capi tal £14,553,000 Rest 3,264,777 Public Deposits (including Ex chequer, Sav ings' Banks, Commissioners of National Debt, and Div, _ _ _ EPARTMENT. Governmt. Secu rities(including Dead Weight Annuity) .... £13,011,222 Other Securities 20,241,256 Notes 11,374,515 Gold and Silver Coin ---.- 339,979 Accounts) 8,706,361 Other Deposits 18,592,224 Sovon Day and other bills 450,610 £45,566,972 566,972 The Public Health. (From the Registrar-General's Weekly Return.) In the week that ended on Saturday, Dec. 22, the births registered in London and 12 other large towns of the United Kingdom were 4,476 ; the deaths registered, 2,990. The annual rate of mortality was 25 per 1,000 persons living. In London the births of 1,055 boys and 1,079 girls, in all 2,131 children, were registered in the week. In the corresponding weeks of 10 years, 1836-65, the average number, corrected for increase of population, was 1,964. Tho deaths registered in London during the week were 1,377. It was the 51st week of the year, and the average number of deaths for that week is, with a correction for increase of population, 1,452. The deaths in the present return are less by 75 than the estimated number. Two deaths from cholera and 16 from diarrhoea were registered during the week. A coachmalser's labourer, aged 59 years, died on the 17th December at No. 10, Shouldham-street, Marylebone, of cholera (35 hours.) The widow of a publican, aged 36 years, died on the 18th December at 16, Exmouth-street, Mile-end Old Town, of choleraic diarrhoea (three days.) Twenty-six deaths from small-pox, 30 front scarlatina, 43 from whooping -cough, and 55 from fever were regis tered in the week. The annual rate of mortality last week was 23 per 1,000 in London, 29 in Edinbu rg h , an d 24 i n Du bli n ; 22 i n Bristol, 21 in Birmingham, 33 in Liverpool, 32 in Man chester, 31 in Salford, 23 in . Sheffield, 28 in Leeds, 20 in Hull, 34 in Newcastle-upon-Tyne, and 29 in Glasgow. At the Royal Observatory, Greenwich, the mean height of the barometer in the week was 30,111 in. The barome trical reading increased from 2940 in. at the beginning of the week to 30.36 on Thursday. The mean temperature of the air in the week was 41.3 deg., which is 2.0 deg. above the average of the same week in 50 years (as deter mined by Mr. Glaisher). The highest day temperature 53.5 deg. on Tuesday. The lowest night temperature was 29.8 deg. on Thursday. The entire range of temperatur e in the week was therefore 23. d deg. The mean of the highost temperatures of the water of the Thames was 124 deg. ; that of the lowest was 11.1 deg. The difference be tween the mean dew-point temperature and air tempera.. ture was 3/ deg. The mean degree of humidity of the air 82, complete saturation being represented by 100. Rain fell to the amount of 0.05 in. The general direction of the wind was south-west. According to a return fur nished by the engineer of the Metropolitan Board of Works, the average daily quantity of sewage pumped into the River Thames at the southern outfall works, Cross ness, was 207,513 cubic metres. FATAL ACCIDENT AT THE AGRICULTURAL HALL. —Last night a man was killed at the above place under very distressing circumstances. One of the grooms, in attempting to seize one of the horses' bridles, missed his hold and fell, and the wheels of a carriage went over him, killing him on the spot. THE FERGUSON BEQUEST. —A great stir is being made in Scotland just now about the administration of a fund left for religious purposes, some time since, called the Ferguson Bequest, and the Glasgow Herald gives some interesting particulars of the individual by whom it was devised. Mr. Ferguson had no claim to the title of phi lanthropist till he was on his death-bed. His chief plea sure iu life seems to have consisted in amassing an immense fortune, and something of niggardliness marked his con duct in that not very amiable pursuit. When worth hundreds of thousands he could squabble like a beggar for a sixpence. Ho was too grasping to enjoy his wealth ; but he seems also to have boon of too shrewd a disposition to be able to feel all the raptures of the miser. He used to say to his friends, "I am a poor rich man—burdened with money, but I have nothing else." He was in the act of signing a check for £ lO , OOO when he was struck with paralysis, and the check remained after his death with only half of his signature appended. He remembered on his deathbed the poor relations whom ho had forgotten durin g his lifetime, and he made amends for his neglect of th e in terests of religion and charity by some noble bequests. U p .. wards of 100 private persons, some of them already in good circumstances, shared in his wealth; but the sudd en trans formations which took place among many of th em f rom poverty to affluence were both astonishing and amusing. Day labourers, masons, grocers, and, in one case, a poor hawker of fish, became possessors of thousands. More than half a million of money was thus disposed of. Mr. Fergu son's great religious bequest somehow looks like a lump sum paid to Heaven for oversights during a long, intensely worldly, and even mean sort of life. He was not what is called a religious man. Some have asserted that he was a member of the Church of Scotland; but the Herald be lieves it would barnore correct to say that he had not Leen within the walls of a church for 40 years before his death. When near the close of his life the stoical indifference " to these things" broke down somas hat, but, too proud to go to church, he actually asked a minister of Irvine who was at the time preaching on the Sunday evenings in the streets to come opposite his door and deliver his sermon there. And this "poor rich man," wrapped up in shawls, sat in the lobby and listened to it. This was the man who who left about £40 0 , 000 f or the spread of the Gospel, mad e it a condition that the trustees should be communicants of the Churches which they represented, and who was spe cially careful to note in his will that the books of the fund should be balanced every year, on the 31st of December, except when that day fell upon a Sunday.—Pall Gagne, ed be ce ue be et a )y r- ,s. Lb a 'hare 20 et et 100 20i 10 100 1 at 190 100 100 110 100 100 lk 21 105 i