The Sun. — London, England, 1866-02-28 00:00:00

-._A.-....' ... ' , abr. uesday. -ping, ac .Alortitner of Caitli ., as Lord WALES• e of Lords drive. seeded the ting to the fm esses the ed, attended h a v isit lits . m ime. 1 118 a of St. Al ivate b0%05. ormanee. ugh enter' Ling at their a assembly scent. party last ed a sele ct in Cumber- id General .e Loudoa loyd's, has r AnthonY 7 8 ag ent at met from ry-Gene ra interest to infortuoat.° nt to Pa ris y's Govt ' , s i r, your .'ERRIER• General of 1). )ottles were xuariaqu@ti Englis h 9'5 don, Thlirs iinking ; —May 6 71 o f etern' They °'l.B , oard sue' lost boots' voyag e °II a the Chao itto ; We d : louth ; Ld vie 3ther L cabin; , nay we ge Launeest°,llfet is dear wi l y ws yOU a . 0 1 Stealll4ll4 Ait lenis 1.11111, •others, steam er — lO o'clo w too crank; everywhere. to send th too vi°l6l he shoalo °t at half - P it c l sheets, 3.l'te m will r a the W° 3 ,, picked lIP of ers the l ; aP colopo. a LI/ • 11.13 55- 4 ., tb ° o. a botiv ie ot ou . ect qb 1 0 Cl' r. O ,IIC f 7e i 3r t,t ' ivg: if o s c iteo cilt r e vben tDc [ONEY MARKET AND COMMERCIAL INTELLIGENCE, TWELVE O'CLOCK. Activity prevails in monetary circles to-day O wing to the settlement at the Stock Exchange. Short loans have been iu request at 7 per cent. from day to day, but the rates for the best commercial paper show no change of importance. Gold amounting to £34,000 was taken to the 'lank yesterday afternoon. The following notice has been posted in the Stock Exchange :—London, Chatham, and Dover Railway -- Metropolitan Extension B and C Preference St ocks. Official information has been received to the effect that the contractors (Messrs. Peto, Betts, and C rampton) have extended their guarantee of 6 per el it• on the abo v e s tocks to 31st December, 1866, bei ng . ,. twelve m on th s f rom the opening of the June "°ll with the Metropolitan Railway for public traffic. At the 39th annual meeting of the Liverpool and London and Globe Insurance Company, held at Liverpool, on Monday, the 26th inst., the report showed that the fire premiums for the past year amounted to £739,332 ; that in the life department 1,418 policies were issued for £779,912 ; that the new annual premiums amounted to £27,010 ; and that the total premium revenue was £250,103. The reserve in the life branch now amounts to £1,775,058. The usual dividend of 40 per cent. was then declared. The total invested funds of the company now amounts to £3,177,616. The directors of the Agra and Masterman's Bank have declared a dividend, payable Bth March, at the rate of 10 per cen t . per annum (il s s . p er share) for the half-year ended 31st December last, toge th€r 'with a bonus of 15s. per share, free of income tax, being a distribution to shareholders at the rate of 16 per cent. per annum. Two O'CLOCK. According to Reuter's telegram the French Three per Cent. Rentes were quoted at 69f. 22c. -Very flat. The English Stock Market has been "very in active, and a fu r ther decline in the Funds has taken Consols are now 87 1 for money, and 871 1 fo r the account. The settlement of the fortnightly account is progressing satisfactorily, and activity p r evails in the foreign and share departments. The New Threes and Reduced Annuities are quoted hills e 7/ 86k ; Annuities,.lBBs, 13 13-16ths ; Exchequer 7s. 3s. ; India 5 per Cents., 1024 ; ditto 4 Per Cents. Debentures, 994. A good bu s i ne s s h a s been negotiated in Foreign Stocks. Turkish 5 per Cents. are 38 ; Mexican, ~, ; do. New, 204 21; Greek, 14 1; Spanish assive, 274 1 ; the Certificates, 161 17 ; Italian, 60 i 61 ; the Confederate Loan, 41 5 ; Brazilian Scrip, 2 4 prem. ; and Egyptian Railway Scrip, 1 ! United States Government 5-20 Bonds are 70 4 7 1 ; Erie Shares, 55 1 ; and Illinois, 781 !. The New Chilian Scrip is quoted 21 1 prem. Business in the Railway Share Market have con tinued inactive, and in one or two instances prices a re a shade flatter. Caledonian have receded to 130 ;, and South Eastern to 77 ; North Western a re quoted 1221 !, ex div ; South Western, 92 4 93, ea div ; Midland, 1231 124, ex div ; and North astern (Berwick) 1091, ex div. The Foreign and Colonial lines shares little c eange of importance. Grand Trunk of Canada are marked 41. Bank and Miscellaneous Shares are very dull. e itY Bank are dealt in at 21g. London and County at 78 ; Oriental Bank Corporation at 531 ; Credit -v o neier and Mobilier of England at 81 ; Hudson's 13 a Y Company at 171 ; National Discount Corn l'anY at 141 ; and Overend, Gurney, and Com pany 19/1 s. The shares of the Imperial Land °l nPany of Marseilles are quoted 2i 3 prem. BRITISH FUNDS—CLOSING PRICES. , GovP.Ramtmrr FUNDS. " per Cent. Consols „ Do. A ccount, March 6 B7* 1 4 tier Cent. R e d uce d B7* 64 7 New 3 per Cent B7f 64 74 21 per Cent. Jan. 1894 . A s . 1) ( : ). 5 per Cent. Jan. 1873 — --Leluities, 30 yr expire sth Jan., 1880 DO. for 30 yre, s 'expire sth AprillBBs l3 13-16 E (Rd Sea Telegraph), Aug., 1908 — - " . c o equer Bills, X 1,000,3 per Cent. 7 3 1)0. £5OO — Do £lOO and £2OO — ink of England Stock, 5 per Cent /,;,,N l3 , rkl GovERNMENT SECURITIES. "`-,„' i an Stock, 104 per Cent., AprillB74 — 4.10 Account L ' O ' 5 Per Cent. July, 1870 _ 00. 4 per Cent. , Oct. 1888 Do. Ce r tifi cates 1) , 0 . Enlaced Paper 4 per Cent — DO - "°. 5 per Cent., Jan. 1872 ~ 5 1 per Cent., May 1879 — 4 -..0. Deb., 4 per Cent., Aug. 1866 i.,.-!0. Bonds, £l,OOO "0- under £l,OOO , FOREIGN FUNDS—CLOSING PRICES. '''r, gentine Republic, 6 per Cent., £l5 pd — A„astrian Bonds, 5 per Cent, 1859 Brazilian 5 per Cent Do. 41 per Cent., 1852-58-60 Do. 1863 Do. 1865 Do Account .. - ..... Do. Scrip, £35 pai d Buenos Ayres 6 per Cent Do. Account ~, Do 1 per Cent. (Deferred 3 per Cent )'h 6 per Cent r. Do. 4-1 per Cent. -.,,loinbian 6 per Cent. miba, 6 per Cent. Danish 3 per Cent., 1825 — - - 1 -, ° . 4 per Cent., 1863 0, -° - per Cent., 1773-77, £25 paid —...... nubmn Principalities , -Do Account 734 49„1lador New Consolidated, 1 per Cent - E uoi Proirisional Land Warrant — '.8.-xptian 7 per Cent — e,, Second Issue — Do £lOO Bonds 954 Do. bo. Government 93 t o Railway Debentures. 914 GI- ° k • X ,.' 5 Paid * 4 4 DPm ee ~ per Cents , 1824-5, ex Coupons Account 0. O n , pons , % Account 4 11 a a .h ternala. .- 5 per Cent. — - a t , e D o . '') Per Cent, 1865 to Account Doc• Marenunana Railway an 3 per Cent Accomat Do 6 Do 1864 204 • 11 0 ,,,. Per Cent. Anglo-French — 14 0 Z e videan 6 per Cent, £3O paid 'll e -311 Imperial 5 per Cent Iv G rua _ 13 ° Per Cent 314 ° l 'fe — DD,. rre D a. sand Warrants (Hectares) D O ',per Cent, 1864 — P iii Li varanteed, 4 per Cent — e ti o via ll 5 per Cent., 1865 Do. Account D O A6,Per Cent. (Uribarren) — Po rt „"1 Per Cent., 1862 D O _ "gli ese 3 per Cent., 1853 DO. ' Per Cent., 1856, '7, '9, '6O, '62, '3, 11480. Per _ 1:1 8 , i4 4 a, 5 per Cent., 1822, £ St — D O A l Per Cent. 1850 D o ',I Per Cent., 1860. t,') Pet Cent. 1859 — b o " u, Per Cent. 1862 9O Bardi h ", Per Cent. 1864 — 0 D '" a a per Cent 60 £4.0 Bands — Spa, : 1 Per Cent — DOB 3 per Cent Account ... -,, - D " IN evf Deferred — D O ° Account hAPassive — a 1,,„ ° .'-ecount 271 4 0 1.81 1 Cert. of Coup not funded ...... ...._ 0 Account 164 1 7 164 we dlsh 4 . D o 4/ Per Cent. — -uurki: L ' Per Cent. 1864 D o 1 --6 Per cent. 1854 — DO - A C Per 914 D o ' A Per Cent. 1858 — DO, 'ee o unt — o 4100 B onds — Doo 6 A eP:r Cent. 1862 6_ £lOO Bonds 0" 6 Per Cent., 121°5 Per Cent., 1865, paid up Scrip 3B 74 84 , A 4 c count V ' ' Per Cent• Guaranteed 4 Ditto ei l iela . 3 per * Cent. D O account _ D 'APer Cent., 1862 °' ' l „ c eount -ue• 1864 _ .&4, Dividends on the above payable in London. P4l 111 ' n, 5 p3r Cent., Ex. 10 Florins I) .- gla , 4i utq, 2 . per cent., Ex. 25f. D o , t per Cent., Ex. 12 Guil Pre nc e Per Cent.ertificates 964 It a l i ' itentes 3 per Cent an 5 D o per Cent. 1861, Ex. 2sf. Ac count ' Coneoi , e f or THREE O'CLOCK. money (). Ae cOuUt . ........ 9 SHARE MARKETS,—This Day. Railways, Bristol and Exeter Caledonian Cambrian ••••• Cork and 8and0n...... Cornwall . Dublin & Belfast June. Dun„Perth,& A b.Junc. B. London, bcrip Certi. 93 05 131 132 65 70 13 15 4 6 87 70 70 72 Do. Glasgow & S. Western Great Eastern, Ord. stk. Do. E. Angl. st. No. '2 Great North of Scotland Great Northern D. A stock Do. B stock 116 118 381 39, 61 7/ 121 126 14) 14: Do. New, Is. at 25 pm GtS, and W. of Ireland Gt. Western -Original. Do. S. Val. Rail. gua. Do. South Wales 90 02 58} 58, Do. W. Mid.—Oxford Do. Newport Do. Hereford Lancashire &Yorkshire London and Blackwall Lon., Brig - h., & S Cala Lon., Chat., and Dover Do. Metrop. Ex. A Lon. & North Western Lon. & South Western Man., Shet., & Lincoln Aetrop9litan.... Do. New 60 6. 39 41 35 38 101 103 1191 120 87 8 96 98 38 40 45 5 , 1 12::8 122 t, 92 i 3 64 63 138 134 3 :lip 1 1" 1 97 49 Do. Extension...... Metropolitan District. Do du. do. Do. and St. John'aW'd lidiand Do. £9 Share _ 123 123 2 21 96 98 Do, Birmin.. & Derby vl id Kent .. North British Do. Ed., Pth , & Dun , Nth. Eastern—Berwick Do. G.N•E purchase Do. Leeds Do. York Do. Carlisle ..... 61 63 <7 28 112 114 72 73 108 110 Stock. & Darling. Do. 10. 1860-61 North London Do. do. 1864 37 38 106 116 p 125 128 11 2p 16 2p 75 77 11 12 148 149 69 71 112 114 Do. do. 1865 North Staffordshire N. & S. W. Junction Scottish Central Scot. N. E . Aber. stock Do. Scot, Mid. st..)ck Shropshire Union South Devon South Eastern Staines, Wok., & Wok Taff Vale Do. C Vale of Neath Waterford & Kilkenny Waterloo & Whiteha West Cornwall 53 55 761 77J _ 8 9 194 118 3 91 102 104 51 53 ORDINARY SHARES AND STOCKS. 39 1 125 Hoi I 581 / 88 4 74 124 31 704 107 61 P— s`*l I Closing Business done. 1Q22 924 3 644 13311} 1001 P BUITISII P 100 st 1 20i 10 100 1 Atlantic &St.LaWreliCe Born., Baroda, .tr, Cen.ln. gu. 5 per cent........ Do. F shares ........ Buffalo & Lake Iluron Do. Preference Buff:, Bran t, & Go derich 6 p.c. 87-3- i..• •••• • Calcutta & S. E., lim.. ,:ape Town & Dock, gu. Demerara, 7 p.c. per. pi East. Berwal, gu., 5 do East Inclian, gu. .5 p.c. Do. J Eitension Grand Trunkof Canad% Do. Equip. Mort, Bonds, 1 charge 6 p.c Do. Ist Pref. Bonds Do. do. deferred •• • • Do. 2d Pref. tionds 1 Do. do. deferred . • • • Do. 3d Pref. stock Do. do. deferred Do. 4th Pref. stook Do. do. deterred ... • Gt. India Pen. gua. sp.c. co. Gua. 5 per cent Do. New pia. 6 p. 0 Gt. South of India ..... • gua. 5 per cent D 41 per cent bo Great Wes. of Canada.. OSSE ISIONS. bi 60 99} 1001 id jp 74 8 10 11 74 78 96 98 65 70 100 102 100 101 102 103 45 49 87 90 68 70 60 63 62 64 53 56 48 51 44 47 38 40 36 38 103 104 t S 9 100 91 93 171 171 3 3 1 A 92 O 4 81 16 1 4cl 93 101 90 92 86 88 Do. New . Do. 6 p. c. Bds. pay. 1873 Do. N do. pay. 1877-8.. fndian Branch, limited 3ladras, gua. 5 p.c Do. 4 do Do. 43 do Do. Fifth Extension Melb. Cor. 6 p. c. Bnds. Mel. & Hudson's Bay N. R I.C'da, 6po Ist pf. bs &Jude Do. Delhi Do. do Do. Punjaub , „ 0.3 Do.lndus 1001 1021 2 3 41 37 I 106 51 61 161 17 64 66 8' 82 981 991, 98 99 98 99 98i } COLONIAL GOVERNMENT SECURITIES. - British Columbia, 6 per cent., Dec. 31,1872 100 - Can.Gov.6 p.c.Ja.& July 1877-b4 - Do. 6p. c. Feb. & Aug l, 0 93 96 - Do. sp. c. Mar. & Sept 10) 95 97 - Do. sp. c. Jan. & July 100 1. 0 82 - Do. sp. c. Inscribed sk 100 78 SO - Cape G.Hope, 6 p.c. 1873 100 101 103 Do.ApL&Oct • 1890-1900 100 104 106 - Do. do: 1880-9, 100 104 105 - Do. Jan.&July, 1890-9) 100 101 103 - Do. 5 per cent. 15 April and 15 Oct., 1900 lOO 00 92 92 - Ceylon, Nov. 1868, 6 p.c 100 101 903 - 1/o. 1878, do lOO 106 E 8 - Mauritius, 6p. c, 1873, Jan. and July - Do. 1878 - Do. 188?, Mayls, Nov. ib 101 103 105 - Do. 1895, Feb. & Aug IP Ic4 106 - Natal qov. 6 per cent 1 0 99 101 - N.B.Gov.6p.c.Ja.&July 100 93 95 - N. S.W. Gov. 5 lye., 1866 100 - Do. 5 p.c. 18;1 to 1876 100 93 95 - Do. 5 p.c. 1888 to 1892 100 871 88j - New Zealand, 6p. cent 100 100 102 Do.- s ()t ae G sp o ec not Gov. 6 p. c. ... . Nova sterling, 1875 l9O V 8 103 - Queensland Gov. 6p. c: 100 98 200 - 3. D A O u . B G 7 o o v s z . 6 u p p w o a l r B d 6B s 1 10 ( 0 0 10 - Vic,Grov. 6 p.o.Ja &July 100 - - 6 - Do. do, April & Oct lOO 1061 1071 107 BRITISH MINES. 2 Cam. ConsoL Gold, lim. 1 - Chiverton Clifford Amalgamated. 30 15 17 - Devon G. Cons. (Taoist. 1 560 68) - Drakewalls 2.1.0 1 1 - East Bassett (Illogan) 291 19 21 - East Caradon 2.14.6 8 9. - East Carn Brea 3l 31 44 - East Grenville 2.14.0 31 4 - East Gunnislake ... 8.3.6 - East Lovell 3.9.0 94 104 - E. Russell (Tavlstk 10.8.0 3 35 - Gam.& StAubyn(Gwen. 66 5 7 4 Great L ntey, limited all 20 21 - Great South Tolgus 0.14.6 If 2 - Great Wheal Busy 14.9.6 31 - G. Wheal Vor (Helstnn 40 3C 31 - Grenville 8.18.0 31 31 Flerod's Foot . . 8.10.0 33 40 llingston Downs .. ... . 5.10.6 41 5 - Margaret (Uny Lelant 18.17.6 5 7 Marke Valley 4.10.6 4 41 4 51wyndy Iron Ore, lim 21 24 14d - New Se ton - North Roskear N.Wh'l Bassett(lllogan 4.4.0 1 North Wheal Crotty -- Prosper United 7.1.6 - Providence Uny Lelant 10.6.7 32 34 - S. Caradon (St. Cleer) l} 390 410 - South Condurrow 3.2.0 2 I.} S.Wheal Fran. (Mogan 18.18.9 18 22 Stray Park 35.15.6 9 11 - Tin Croft 9 19 20 5 Vigra and Clogan, lim all 4 6 - West liassett (Mogan - W. Caradon (Llskeard 9 8 10 - West Chiverton ll 75 60 - West Seton 474 165 175 - Wheal Bassett 'lllogan 51 80 95 - Wheal Buller (Redruth 16 25 27 - Wheal Mary Ann (Men. 8 3 5 - Wheal Seton 5Bl 2'5 215 Wheal Trelawney (Lis 7 165 174 LINES LEASED AT FIXED RENTALS. Chester and Holyhead, 54 Ditto, 5 p-r cent., 110 London and Chatham, 4i per Cent., Ditto, Corn. Fund stock 5 per cent., 96 Manchester, Buxton, and Matlock, 5} Northern and Eastern, 5 per cent., 52 FOREIGN RAILWAYS. South Austrian and Lombardo Venetian, tbi FOREIGN MINIM. Chontales Gold and Silver Mining, 41:i Frontino and isolivia Gold, lim., If Washoe Gold, lim., Ditto (£4), 1i BANKS. Agra and Masterman's, lim., 64 Alliance, lira.. 29 Anglo Egyptian, lim., 13 Chartered Bank of India, Australia, and China, 24 City, 2 Consolidated Bank, lira., 9) 1 English and American, lira., 6 European Bank, lim., 12 Land Mortgage Bank of India, lira., 41 London Chartered Bank of Australia, 23 21 London and County, 78 Midland Bank, lim., 191 National Provincial of England, Ditto, d and 3d issue, 45 Oriental Bana Corporation. 531 Oriental Commercial Bank, lim., late 0. C. 4.51 Scinde, Punjaub, and Delhi, lim., 51 Dit o, issued at 2 pm.,121 Union of London, 531 MISCELLANEOUN. Atlantic Telegraph, 8 per cent. gua., 21 Bombay Gas, Um., 51 Ceylon Company, 10; City of London Real Property, lira., 4 City Offices, lira., 41 Credit Fonder and Slobilier of England, 8} Credit Fancier of Mauritius, 11rn., 71 8 East Indian Laud Credit and Finance, lira., 61 Ebbw Vale, 8; Electric Telegraph, 136 Fore-street Warehouse, lim.,"101 Gen. Credit and Finanae of Landon, lira., 5 Hudson's Bay, 171 1 Imperial Mercantile Credit Am., 1im.,1 International Land Credit. lim., 6 Italian Irrigation (Canal Cavour), Ditto, 6 per cent. Bonds, redem. Ib7o, issued 90,10 Joint Stock Discount, lim., 4; 4 London and Caledonian Marine, lim., 3) Merchant Shipping, lim., 12; Millwall Freehold Land and Dock, 41 National Discount company, 141 National Provincial Marine, lira , 1;1 ' orth British and Mercantile Insurance, 20; Ottoman Financial A esociation, lim., 8; Overend, Gurney, and Co., lira., 19; Panama, New Zealand, and Australian Mail, Urn., Ditto (all), 3; Peninsula and Oriental Steam, 7 ; Quebrada Land, Rail, and Mining, lim., 41 Royal Mail Stearn, 121 IP south Australian Land, 29) United Kingdom Telegraph Co., lim.; 3; A THING TO COME.—A bill is passing through the United States' Congress authorising the President to appoint three commissioners, at a salary of $5,000 each per annum for three years, to arrange, consolidate, royiso, and simplify all tho statutes of the United States. THE SUN, LONDON, WEDNESDAY EVENINk FEB 11 1 , 7) ARV 2S, 1866. SPORTING INTELLIGENCE.--This Day. VICTORIA CLUB BETTING—Tms DAY. LIVERPOOL smErLEciusE. 9to 1 agst Cortolvin (taken) 10 to 1 agst Alcibiade (taken) 12 to 1 agst Laura (taken) 13 to 1 agst Creole (taken) 13 to 1 agst L'Africain (taken) 15 to 1 agst Mistake (taken) 25 to 1 agst Garotter (offered) 30 to 1 agst Merrimac (offered) 33 to 1 agst King of Hearts (offered) 33 to 1 agst Turnus gelding (taken) 40 to 1 agst Thomastown (offered) 40 to 1 agst Philosopher (taken and offered) 50 to 1 agst Innellan (offered) 50 to 1 apt lieurleys (taken) 50 to 1 agst Reporter (taken and offered) 100 to 10 agst Ace of Hearts CITY AND SUBURBAN. 25 to 1 agst Mephistopheles (taken) CHESTER CUP. 25 to 1 agst Gong (taken) NOTTINGHAM RACES. Races postponed until to-morrow (Thursday) on account of the frost. Derby races will follow on Friday. Forest Plate. Six furlongs. Run I.3o.—Queen of Trumps, The Clown, Pantaloon, Catalogue, La Mechante, Vixen, Echo, Bishopton, Cutaway, Risk, Sweet Anne, Novice, Maid, Havannah, and King Maker, are here. Little John Stakes. Half a mile. Run 3.--Problem, Sacrifice filly, Romney, Atalanta, Marquis, Worcester, Catherine Hayes filly, Kinghorn, Bouaceaway, Gold finder's dam filly, Lady Rosehill, and Greenhorn, are here. . - SELLING STAKES.—Cotillion to be sold for £4O ; Queen Bee, £4O ; Transformed, .£4O ; Nunnery filly, £4O ; Thor, £4O ;Rambling Late, £lO ; El Ole, £4O. All are here. HURDLE RACE.—West End, Attraction, Clairvoyante, Sanford, The Beau, The Cutler, Dermot Asthore, Cutaway, and Shakspere are here. HUNT Cur.—The horses fn this race are here. PROGRAMME OF STOCKBRIDGE SPRING MEETING. Stewards Marquis of Hastings, Earl Poulett, and J. Anderson, Esq. Judge and handicapper, Mr. J. F. Verrall. Clerk of the course, Mr. Thomas Brown. SATURDAY, March 3. The Trial Stakes of 5 soya each, with 20 added; three-yr olds, 7st 71b ; four, 9st 31b ; five, 9st 121 b; six and aged, lOst 21b ; mares and geldings allowed 41b ; a winner of 100 soya, 71b ; twice, or of 300, 101 b extra ; the winner to be sold for £5OO ; if for £4OO, allowed 51b ; £3OO, 101 b £2OO, 141 b ; £lOO, 211 b. One mile. The Stockbridge Spring Handicap of 10 soya each, 3 ft, with 50 added ; winners of any handicap value 50 soya after Feb. 17, at 10 a.m., 71b; any other winner, 31b extra. About 1 mile. 17 subs. Age st lb Ago st lb Twilight ... a 8 12 Alberta ... 3 6 10 Fisherman's Daugh- William Pitt ... 3 6 8 ter ... 5 7 12 Sweet Anne ... 3 6 7 Pelios 5 7 10 Her Ladyship 3 6 4 Dr Swishtail 4 7 9 Kingsley 3 6 2 Olivia ... ... 5 7 4 Glendale 3 6 2 Defy ... 4 7 4 Wild Dove 3 6 2 Voightlander ... 5 7 4 Slender 3 6 2 Flying Horse 4 7 2 Ropley ... 3 5 12 A Selling Plate, value 30 soya; two-yr-olds, 7st 71b ; three, 9st 101 b ; four, lOst 31b ; five and upwards; lOst 91b ; maiden three-yr-olds allowed 31b ; four and upwards, 71b ; the winner to be sold for £lOO ; if for £BO, allowed 51b ; £5O, 101 b ; £3O, 161 b ; £2O, 201 b ; mares and geld ings allowed 41b. Straight half mile. The Hunters' Plate of 25 SOTS, added to a sweepstakes of 5 sovs each ; four-yr-olds, 10st ; five, 11st 31b ; six and aged, list 71b; winners of 100 sovs, 71b; twice, or 200 soya, 141 b extra. About two miles. The Danebury Stakes of 5 sovs each, with 40 added ; for two-yr-olds ; colts, Bst 101 b ; fillies and geldings, Bst 61b ; winners once, 51b ; twice, or of the value of;200 sovs, 71b entra. Straight half-mile. 17 subs. Miller's Maid Hiss Bateman F by Dundee—Sacrifice Novice Rebecca Autocratrix Misa Fanny Nursery Girl Curiosity . JaneirO Fascination Robson Romney Virdis F by Nutbourne—Nourrice Distaff Maesgwatha The Andover Innkeepers' Plate (handicap) of 30 sovs winners after Feb. 17, at 10 a.m. 71b extra. Straight three-quarters of a mile. Age st lb Pantaloon 4 8 12 Queen Mary ... 4 7 10 Defy ... ...4 7 10 Age st lb Wild Love 3 7 2 Lecturer ... 3 7 1 Nelly 3 7 0 Black Prince ... 3 7 0 Pearl ... 3 6 7 Grand March 2 5 7 Jasy ... 4 7 7 Chicken Hazard ... 3 7 5 Lovelace .. 4 7 4 Her Ladyship ... 3 7 4 The Trial Stakes, Selling Plate, and Hunters' Stakes close at 7 o'clock on Friday night. RACING FIXTURES FOR 1866. MARCH. Derby Spring 1 Liverpool Spring Warwick Spring Doncaster Lewes Spring Croxton Park IG Northampton 2O Windsor Spring Newcastle Spring 2B Newmarket Craven 2 Durham Blackheath & Woolwich 2 Catterick Bridge Abergavenny 5 Lichfield Spring Chelmsford Spring Thirsk lO Epsom Spring Newmarket Ist Spring l6 Liverpool Hunt Cup 2O Chester Curragh 24 Ascot Spring 1 Salisbury Bath 8 Harpenden lO York Spring Epsom Sum mer l5 Uxbridge 2l Manchester Ascot Summer 29 Windsor Summer 5 Newton Hampton 7 Odiham Sibury l3 Stockbridge Chelmsford• l9 Liverpool 19 Beverley 2O Ipswich Hungerford Newcastle on-Tyne Curragh 26 Worcester ,Y. Stamford l9 Radcliffe 23 Winchester Southampton Huntingdon Goodwood JII. Carlisle Newmarket July Pontefract Abingdon Reading Nottingham Down Royal Corp lB AUG Brighton 7 Brighton Club Lewes lO 4gham 14 Wolverhampton 14 Stockton l5 Oxford l6 Hastings 2l UST. York August ............... 21 Plymouth .................. 23 Lichfield .................. 27 Devon and Exeter ....•... 28 Tunbridge .................. 28 Derby Summer ......... 29 Weymouth .................. 30 SEPT] Warwick September 4 Curragh Leicester 6 Doncaster Brecon l7 Canterbury lB :MBER. Richmond lB Hendon 2O Monmouth 2O 1 Manchester Autumn 21 Newmarket Ist October 25 Walsall I BER. Newmarket Houghton 22 Worcester ............... OCT( Northampton 2 Newmarket 2d October 8 Curragh NOVE Lincoln Liverpool :MBER. I Shrewsbury 19 Leamington Hunt IRISH RACING FIXTURES FOR 1866. APRIL. Tralee MAY. Curragh Baldoyle Spring B, 9 1 Monday afternoon, by the Messrs. Tattersall, and realised' the prices annexed : Barbarosa, 4 yrs, by The Great Unknown out of Lady (39. I Hercules Mr. Dally Chestnut Mare, by Harkaway, dam Miss Lucy Mr. Rice b 6 Astrologer, br h (sire of Bohemian and Necromancer), by Sweetmeat out of Fair Star Mr. Garraw , t y 20 Bay Gelding, by Joe Lovell out of Palmer... Mr. Bal o .ock Bay Colt, 2 yrs, by Thunderbolt out of Alarsellaise Mr. nurray 17 The Flying Mist (own sister to Mysterious Lady), 3 yrs, by The Great Unknown out of Prestige Mr. iayton 21 Agag, it is currently reported, injured hi* back whilst at exercise. South Essex Steeplechase are anuouncea for the sth of April. Upton-on-Severn Steeplechase; aunoumed for March 26, have been postponed to April 10. Overton and Church Milita• a t are struck out of their Derby and Liverpool engagements. Aibrighton Hunt Steeple , ehases will take place at Tong Norton, near Shiffnal, on 'March 26. Brandsburton Steeples chases are to be held as usual, about the middle of New Buckenhani, Norfolk, Steeplechases will take place on Thursday, March 15. Tralee (Ireland) flat races and steeplechases have been fixed for April 4. and 5, and the handsome sum of £250 will be given to six events. Colchester Garrison Steeplechases have been postponed until Wednesday, April 4, in consequence of the original fixture (March 21) clashing with the Norwich Steeple chases. Mr. Foster will dispose of a quantity of blood-stock on the second day of the forthcoming Doncaster Spring Meet ing, amongst which we notice Pas d'Extace and Ess Bouquet. County Dublin Drag Ilunt, about four miles, will come off within 8 miles of Dublin, on Tuesday, March 13. The entries close on the sth, to Mr. E. Sewell, hon. sec., Lowe Mount-street, Dublin. Valenciennes Races take place on July 8 and 9, and Deau ville on August 4,5, and 6. At the latter meeting there will be an international race for horses of all countries, for a cup value 400 sovs, with 800 added. The Master of the Horse has made a special exception in the case of the Queen's Plate, at the forthcoming Northamp ton Meeting, permitting it to be run for at an earlier date by four days than fixed by the rules governing her Ma jesty's Plates. A foot race, which excited considerable interest, has just taken place at the Avenue do l'lmperatrice, Bois de Bou logne, between the groom of Mr. Watson, an American gentleman, and the jockey of M. de Cerilly. The bet be tween those gentlemen was 20,000 fr, and more than £l,OOO was sported by the backers. The distance was about two miles. M. de Cerilly's jockey performed it in nine minutes and five seconds. The groom took two seconds more. DEATH OF MR. THOMAS WILSON.--Most sporting men who aro acquainted with the Spotted Dog, in the Strand, will regret to learn the deatlrof the respected Tom Wilson who died on Friday evening last. Apart from sporting and sporting men, as a life subscriber to the noble institu tion of the Licensed Victuallers' School and the Asylum, he was always zealous and practical in the cause of charity, but without ostentation. Mr. Wilson was in the service of the late Duke of Cambridge, and subsequently a valued and trustworthy servant of Baron Knesebeck. In sporting matters there was many a forfeit saved by the. timely aid of - Mr. Wilson, and not one of the worst traits in the character of Jom Mace is that he has never forgotten a kindness once rendered in an emergency, and always makes the Spotted Dog his "house of call," an example others would do well to follow for the benefit of those who are now bereaved. He has left a child and sorrowing widow who, it is hoped, will not be forgotten by hi friends. THAMES.—This river has baen much too thick for anglers generally for some time, but Mr. Birchfield, the indefatigable roach-fisher, who has during the season taken 870 pounds weight within the past fortnight, had some very fair sport at Great Marlow. The Thames rises 376 feet above the level of the sea. The flood-mark near the railway bridge at Staines is 40 feet above the high water mark at Teddington Lock. In 1821, the Thames rose 40 feet ; in 1823, 39 feet 9 inches ; in 1824, 38 feet 9 inches in 1828, 38 feet 8 inches ; in 1834, 38 feet ; in 1841, 38 feet 7 inches; in 1852, 39 feet 2 inches; and in January, 1866, 37 feet 6 inches. SHIPPING INTELLIGENCE—This day• LONDON, Feb. 28.—Wind .this day at noon—North- Westerly; moderate breeze, and fine weather, but rather cloudy. CLYDE, Feb. 27.—Wind S.W.—Sailed—Wm. Gillies for Cochin. BniszoL, Feb. 27.—Wind S.W.—Arrived—Willie, from New York. PLYMOUTH, Feb. 27.—Wind W.—Arrived—Wigton shire, from Rio Grande ; Utopia, from Callao. CARDIFF, Feb.. 27.—Wind N.W.—Sailed—Lizzie, for Gibraltar. LEITH, Feb. 26.—Wind W.N.W.—Arrived--Cyclone, from Callao. RAMSGATE, Feb. 27.—Wind .—Arrived—The Maria, from Sunderland for for Nantes. SWANSEA, Feb. 26.—Wind S.W.—Arrived.—Madeline, From Caldera. PORTSMOUTH, Fob. 27.—Wind SW.—Arrivod—Vivid, ;rom Antwerp for Greenock. LBY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH.I GRAVESEND, Wednesday Morning. Arrived, Feb. 2 7.—Martha Jane, from Christiana; Naid, from Riga. Arrived, Feb. 28.—Fortuna, from Groningen. DEAL, Wednesday Morning. Passed, Feb. 28 . —Douglass, screw steamer, from the north for the west. Sailed, Feb. 27. The whole of the outward bound. THIRD EDITION. SUN OFFICE, 7 o'CLocK. ELECTION INTELLIGENCE—Ths Day. - BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH. TIVERTON-OxE O'CLOCK. Ll= .) Denman Hay ••• ... • ... 172 SUNDERLAND—ELEVEN O'CLOCK. Candlish ••• 040 ••• () Fenwick ••• ••• •• • 0•0 817 National Rifle Association. This afternoon the annual general meeting of the members of the National Rifle Association was held at Willis's Rooms, under the Presidency of the Duke of Cambridge. His Royal Highness, in opening the proceedings, said that this year there would be a Belgian prize, out of compliment to the Belgians who had so well received our English Voluntems. He announced that Cap tain Martin, who had given another prize in addition to £4OO which he had previously contri buted. The report which has already been issued was adopted. A long discussion took place on matters of detail, and a successful meeting at Wimbledon in July next was anticipated. Lord Bury and other gentlemen simply condemned the con duct of the Birmingham Small Arms Company, who had inflicted a penalty of £6OO upon the Association for a mere clerical error. A resolution on the sub ject was moved, but it was withdrawn. A very stormy discussion arose on the election of members of council. Ultimately the members of the old council were re-elected, with the addition of Colonel Lloyd Lindsay. CENTRAL CRIMINAL COURT—This Day. OLD COURT. THE ALLEGED MURDER OF A POLICEMAN. (Continued front our First Edition.) The jury found all the prisoners guilty of manslaughter. The learned Judge sentenced Daly to five years' penal servitude, and the other two to be imprisoned and kept to hard labour for twelve months. JUNE. Curragh 26, 27, 28, 29 JULY. Carlow SEPTEMBER. Curragh _ _ _ OCTOBER. Curia gh l6, 17 18 CONTINENTAL RACING FIXTURES FOR 1866. MARCH. La Marcho 4, 25 Vincennes ll, 18 AP: Vincennes Pan 2, 4 Paris (Spring) 2,8, 15, 22, 26, 29 lIL. I Bordeaux l9, 22, 26, 28 Bruxelles Bruxelles 3, 6 Chantilly (Derby) 6, 10, 13 La Marche 2l Vissembourg 2 Paris (Summer) 26, 2 Touloizso Vincennes 3 Montaüban Toulouse St. Omer LY. I Abbeville Lo Pin 22 Chalon-sur-Saone 22, 23 Saintes 2B, 29 Caen UST. Le Mans l9 Leon l9, 20 Tarbes l9, 22 131ois 26, 28 I Baden-Baden 3l Rouen Metz ... Amiens , . 8, 9 ~ 8, 9 AUG Deauville.... 4, 5, 6 Rochefort 5 Bourge5... Valenciennes Moulins Cherbourg SEPT Baden-Baden 3, 5, 7 Chantilly OCTI Paris 7 Chantilly l4, 18 MBER. Paris (Autumn) 23, 31 , BER. Vincennes SALE OF HORSES BY MESSRS. TATTERSALL, The undermentioued thoroughbred gook were sold oil COURSE OF EXCHANGE—Last Evening. AAm5terdam.................. Short. 11 18 11 19 Ditto ........................ 3 Months. 12 2 12 2i Rotterdam .................. 12 2 12 21 Antwerp ..................... 25 52* 25 571 Brussels ..................... 25 55 25 57 Hamburg ....... ..... 13 101 13 10 ............. 25 30 Paris ..................... ..... S hort 25 22i Ditto ........................ 3 Months. 25 50 25 55 Marseilles .... 25 52 i 25 57 ............ Frankfort on the 7 1lain° 121 1211 Vienna-. ................. 10 55 10 65 Trieste ..... ....... . ........ ....... 10 55 10 671 Petersburgh ..... -- 291 291 ......... Berlin ........................ 6 291 6 291 Madrid........................ 461 461 Cadiz ........................ 47* 471 Leghorn. ..................... 25 65 25 70 Milan ........................ 25 65 25 70 Genoa ........................ 25 65 25 70 Naplc aples ........................ 25 65 26 70 United States Postal Arrangements. Mails for the United States are made up in London every evening, Wednesday morning, and Wednesday evening.Saa s mu d s t reach o t i u l ly ' Saturday Lettersthse for of the Saturday and Wednesday evening m thethe Wednesday General momorning no by in 6 a i o'clock ls hby 6 p.m., o'clock a.m. that day. Newspapers must always be posted half an hour earlier. The Wednesday and Saturday's mails are taken up at Queenstown, on the following day, by the takenLiverpohoy Liverpool the ste Southamptonamers.The steamers. Wednesday morning mails are Mails from the United States are due in London on Mondays and Thursdays of each week. Periodical works not of daily publication, issued in the shape of pamphlets, may be sent to the United States, California, and Oregon, by packet, at the following rates : —Not exceeding 2 oz., ld. ; above 2 oz., but not exceeding 3 oz., Gd.; above 3 oz, but not exceeding 4 oz., Bd. ; with an addition a of 2d. for every additional ounce up to 16 above which the Privil ege d oes not ex t en d. At the same rate of postage, any be more any ounces, not pamphlet aperiodical not publication) weighing may be sent to the United States, California, and Oregon. This postage is only the British portion, a further sum chargedage must than 8 oz (even though i l or pamphlets must always be sent in a cover open at the ends (not more than one being sent in a single cover), and the Other printed papers or being st on be delivery, prepaid, repa The periodical works id. books (except thoSe specified above), addressed to the places above named, are liable to letter rate of postage. addresseswntin of the persons to whom they pamphlets, &c., or up on the covers, ex g, or other marks upon such are sent; nor upon th e co vers must there be any printing, except the names and ad dresses of the persons to whom periodicalo T e h p etr the en must alvn I oet b . ok s e a, o n pd o they are sent and the names and addresses of the senders. Any other writing, ex., will render the packets liable to letter rates of postage. AIR. AND AIITITLARENcir.,_These talented artistes, so favourably known in the Australian colonies and New Zealand, have been fulfilling several highly suc cessful engagements in the provinces; where their friends and admirers have given them a most hearty and flattering welcome. On the occasion of th e i r fi rs t a pp ear an ce a t Birmingham last week m " Belphogor" they received at the hands of the crowded audience quite an ovation, being called out at the and of each act to bow their acknowledg ments. Mr. Clarence Holt is an actor of great merit, and we trust the time is not far distant when we may give him a welcome at one of our legitimate theatres, when, we doubt not, he will shine a particular and brilliant star. MEMORIAL OF LORD PAL3IERSTON.—The com mittee appointed at a general meeting held towards the close of last month, consisting of Viscount Eversley, Sir J. C. Jervoise, the Doan of Winchester, the Mayor of Romsey, and other gentlemen, have determined that a statue of tho deceased nobleman shall be erected in the open air, in some public place ; and that the memorial in the Abbey Church of Romsey shall consist of a mortuary chapel, made by the reproduction of the eastern apse, with a recumbent or sitting statue, within it. IMPERIAL PARLIAMENT HOUSE OF COMMONS-THIS DAY. Tho SPEAKER took the chair at 12 o'clock. QUALIFICATION FOR OFFICES ABOLITION BILL Mr. HADFIELD moved the second reading of this bill, the object of which was to abolish the oath required to be taken by persons taking office. Every person who assumed municipal office, like those called to some of the higher offices of the State, were required to subscribe an oath on the true faith of a Christian that he would not exercise any power of which he might become possessed of by virtue of the office he was about to take to injure the Protestant Church of England as by law established. There were many persons amongst the Non-Conformist body who felt that such a declaration was highly objec tionable, and one great reason why the declaration should be abolished was that it was not taken by those of the very highest offices in the state, but that an annual bill of indemnification was brought in to relieve them of the consequences of not subscribing the declara tion. This was the sixth time he had brought the matter forward, and he did hope he should succeed in getting his bill made law. Mr. NEWDEGATE opposed the motion. He looked upon the bill as an attempt to abolish the declaration in serted in the Test and Corporation Act in place of the sacramental test. He greatly preferred the declaration tc the test which was removed, because that was objec tionably used as was then required. He knew that the declaration now sought to be removed was of itself not of very groat importance, but he looked upon it like the bolt in a ship. Remove one of these bolts, and where was the safety of the crew ? He objected to the bill, because it might be one of those small causes which would lead to great and important political changes, and therefore moved as an amendment that the bill be read a second time that day six months. Mr. BAXTER was surprised that a gentleman should get up in his place in Parliament and defend an obsolete Aet of Parliament, which was not of the slightest use to the Church of England. The keeping up such miserable, absurd, and irritating tests as that now proposed to be got rid of, only tended to keep up sectarian animosities which it was of the last importance should be avoided. He should vote for the second reading of the bill. Mr. HUNT said, having been engaged in a committee up stairs, he had not had the advantage of hearing the arguments of his hon. friend on that occasion, but he sup posed they were the same as he had favoured the house with on several occasions against his bill, notwithstanding that he hoped his hon. friend would not divide the house on his amendment. Sir G. GREY said ho had on former occasions expressed his approval of the bill, and therefore he did not think there was any necessity for him to repeat his views. The oppo sition benches showed that there was no desire to reject tho bill, and therefore he hoped the lion. gentleman would not press his motion to a division. Mr. NEWDEGATE said he felt it his duty to press his amendment to a division. The house then divided, when there appeared— For the second reading 176 Against it Majority —l2l The bill was then read a second time and ordered to be committed ma Friday. FELLOWS OF COLLEGES DECLARATION BILL. Mr. BOUVERIE moved the second reading of this bill. the object of which was to relieve graduates who were eligible for fellowships from the necessity of making a de claration that they would adhere in all particulars to the Liturgy of the Church of England. The list was found in an out-of-the-way corner in the Act of Uniformity, and he therefore proposed the present bill for the purpose of get ting rid of it. Mr. NEATE suggested that the hon. gentleman should confer with the hon. member for Exeter, who had a bill of a similar nature; in order that a good general bill might be proposed applicable to both Oxford and Cambridge. Mr. SELWYN intimated that his hon. friend (Mr. Wal pole) would, on the motion for going into committee, move that the bill be committed that day six months. He should not, under those circumstances, disturb the arrange ment that had been come to relative to tho discussion of this bill by objecting to its passing a second reading. The bill was then read a second time, and ordered to be committed on the 18th of April. JAMAICA GOVERNMENT BILL. On the motion for the third reading of this bill, Mr. CAVE made a few observations relative to the state of labour in Jamaica. Mr. MILLS hoped that something would be done to reform the present state of ecclesiastical endowments. Mr. CARDWELL thought it would be premature to state the alteration which it was proposed to effect in the state of matters in the island. They were now laying the foundation of a new state of things, and he hoped at pre sent that they would confine themselves to that step, in order that they might build upon an edifice of future pro sperity. ,The bill was then read a third time and passed. THE CATTLE DISEASES BILL. The report of amendments on this bill was read, and the bill ordered to be read a third time to-morrow. PRINCESS HELENA'S ANNUITY BILL. This bill was read a second time. PRINCE ALFRED'S ANNUITY BILL. On the motion for the second reading of this bill, Mr. HADFIELD hoped that the annuity would be made inalienable, and fixed for his royal highness's enjoy ment. The CHANCELLOR of the EXCHEQUER said the money voted by the bill was a grant to the Crown, and not to Prince Alfred. The bill left it to her Majesty to decide upon the form in which it was to be conferred. He, however, was of opinion that the annuity could not stand as assignable property. The bill was then read a second time. The house then adjourned. HOUSE OF LORDS.-LAST EVENING. THE CATTLE PLAGUE BILL. Earl GRANVILLE, in moving the second reading of this bill : said that he regretted it was not one of those measures which could receive the unqualified support of the Government, as being calculated to arrest the progress of the present epidemic which unfortunately prevailed. The Government felt bound to object to the principle of the bill, but without reflecting in the slightest degree on the hon. gentleman who introduced the bill into the other house, and who had bestowed EO much care and labour in framing its provisions so as to meet the exigency of the time. Notwithstanding the care bestowed on th e preparation of the bill, ho was satisfied that its provisio ns would nullify the object proposed. The attempt to introduce a new system, having uniformity in its obj ect, which was to effect a great alteration in the existing law, and to take effect in three weeks, was a measure that re quired grave consideration. But apart from that, as he had already stated, there were objections in detail. The noble earl then went through the different clauses of the bill, and said the course he pro posed was to refer the bill to a select committee, in accord ance with what he had stated last night. In order not to throw any delay in the progress of the bill, he had con sulted with the noble earl opposite (Derby), and it was considered advisable that the house, contrary to its usual practice, should sit to-morrow. lie trusted that the house would be in possession of the amendments proposed by 5 o'clock on Thursday evening. Lord BERNERS supported the second reading of the bill, but took exception to the stringent powers it proposed to confer on inspectors, who would be empowered to slaughter animals without giving the owners any compen sation. lie believed that such a course amounted to actual robbery. The Marquis of BATH also supported the bill, which he considered contained some good clauses, and hoped that it would be so amended as not to be a temporal measure. (Hear, hear.) However, ho suggested that the prohibi tion of moving cattle from one part of the country to the other should be left to the discretion of the local magis tracy, whose local knowledge would enable them to act properly under the existing circumstances. Ho also ob jected to the qualifications of the inspectors; he did not think they were the persons best suited to discharge efficiently the important duty to be intrusted to them. The Earl of WINCHILSEA objected to the bill with tho exception of one clause, namely, that relatingto the im portation of cattle. He thought it was too late to endea vour to stamp out by legislative measures or to limit the area of a disease that had talcen such deep root in the country. The Duke of MARLBOROUGH objected to indiscrimi nate slaughter of cattle, and hoped that some modifications would be introduced. He also urged the necessity of ob taining accurate statistics of the cattle in the country, which the Government should have power to demand. After a few remarks from the Duke of BumrsoirAm and Lord ROMNEY, the bill was read a second time, and was sub sequently referred to a select committee. Lord STRATHEDEN moved for certain returns having reference to the general elections of 1835 and 1865 ; but Lord RUSSELL stated that some of the returns asked for could not be made, and others had already been pre sented to the house. The motion was withdrawn. Lord AIRLIE, in moving for a copy of a memorial pre sented to the Privy Council, called attention to the increas ing proportion of recoveries of cattle attacked with finder pest, which he contended rendered it inexpedient to sanc tion the wholesale slaughter of animals at the discretion of inspectors. After a few words from Lord GRANTILLE the motion was agreed to, and Their lordships then adjourned. HOUSE OF COMMONS-LAST EVENING. RAILWAY BRIDGES. Mr. O'BEIRNE asked the President of the Board of Trade whether his attention had been called to the danger to the 'horse traffic of the metropolis which arose from the exposed state of the railway bridges crossing many of the leading streets ; and whether it was his intention to take such steps as would insure the erection of screens upon each of such bridges ? Mr. M. GIBSON said his attention had been called to the matter by one individual. When the local authorities made representations to the Board of Trade they had the power of ordering the, erecting of screens, but the Govern ment had no authority to act on the representation of a private person. THE CUSTOMS' CLERKS. In reply to an liox. MEMBER, Mr. CIIILDERS said the attention of the Govern ment had been directed to the addresses that had been presented to the Treasury. An inquiry had been made, and it had been determined to issue a new scale of salaries in place of that ROW in use, and which would be found referred to in the estimates. The umber of classes would be reduced, and the salaries re-arranged and augmented, by which means promotion would be facilitated. The Government also proposed to introduce into the service a large body of ser vants, to be called "writers," who would be quite a dis tinct body from those gentlemen now engaged as Govern ment clerks. INDIA. Mr. OTWAY begged to ask the hon. Secretary for India whether the telegram from India Which appeared in the newspapers of the day mightbe looked upon as authen tic, and that the war in Bhootan might be considered as brought to a termination. Mr. STANSFELD said ho had no reason to doubt tho authenticity of the telegram referred to. He had no posi tive information as yet on the matter. RAILWAY TRAVELLING. Mr. H. B. SHERIDAN moved for leave to introduce a bill to compel railway companies to provide efficient means of communication between the passengers and guard and guard and engine driver in charge of passenger trains. The system was to a great extent in operation in France,and to a small extent on some of our principal rail ways ; but the object in introducing the bill was to make the arrangement general in all railways in the country. Mr. M. GIBSON said he had no objection to the intro duction of the bill, but he could not commit himself to ap prove of the measure until he had considered it in detail. The bill was then brought in and read a first time. COLONIAL GOVERNORS. Mr. B. COCIIRANE moved for and obtained leave to bring in a bill to amend an act passed last session called the Colonial Governors' Retiring Pensions Act. METROPOLITAN LOCAL GOVERNMENT. Mr. AYBTON rose to movo the appointment of a select committee to inquire into the local government and local taxation of the metropolis. Mr. TITS seconded the motion. Lord R. MONTAGU remarked that a similar inquiry in stituted five years ago had turned out a failure, and he did not anticipate any more satisfactory conclusion to the in quiry now proposed. An investigation of the questions of direct and indirect taxation was enough of itself to over whelm any committee composed of ordinary men. Mr. CRAWFORD supported the motion. Sir G. GREY also assented to it on behalf of the Govern ment, considering that certain parts of the local manage ment of the metropolis, such as the conflicting jurisdictions and other matters, formed sufficient ground for inquiry. Mr. LIDDELL contended that, as a rule, metropolitan improvements did not benefit the pooror classes, and that it behoved the house, in considering this question, to boar in mind that, whilst they sanctioned interference with the dwellings of the poor, they ought to be careful how they touched the pockets of the poor. There was scarcely a more objectionable impost than the coal tax ; and he pro tested against the continuance of the mortgage of that tax for any extended period. The discussion was continued by Mr. H. Lewis, Lord Elcho, Mr. Locke, Sir F. Goldsmid, and Lord J. Manners; and ultimately the motion was agreed to. Mr. CRAWFORD moved the appointment of a select committee to inquire into the practical working of the pre sent system of telegraphic and postal communications be tween this country and the East Indies. The hon. member laid as ground for the proposed inquiry the very imperfect and inefficient manner in which these services were now performed. His complaint of the telegraphic communica tion principally rested upon the fact that for the purpose of transmitting a message from London to India not less than seven or eight different administrations were em ployed on the route. The service in this country, and in France and Germany, was all that could be desired, but in Turkey it was in the hands of persons who were totally ignorant of our language, and exhibited an amount of insortsiance and indifference which rendered all improve ment hopeless. Proposals had been made to the Turki h Government to employ Englishmen in the service; but at once the jealousy of France and Russia was excited, and no improvement whatever took place. In like manner, it was only just to say that any suggestions for improvement which came from Franco were regarded with equal jealousy by Russia and England. Great inconvenience and injury to our commercial interests was obviously and too generally the consequence. With regard to the postal service, at pre sent the Peninsular and Oriental Company had a mono poly, but that would expire in the course of time, and when the Indian railway system was completed, and it was now fast approaching completion, the whole of the postal service with India would pass through Bombay. The time was therefore near at hand when our communi cations with our Indian empire might and ought to be put on amOre efficient and satisfactory footing, and with that object in view he proposed to in s tit u t e an i n qui r y by means I of a committee. Mr. HORSFALL seconded the motion, although he believed it would have been preferable to limit the inquiry to the subject of telegraphic co mmunication, the complaints of which related to the great irregularity in the delivery of the telegrams and their groat incorrectness when delivered. To persons who had relatives or friends in India the ques tion was a most important social one, and he was sure that no one could bo more alive to its political bearings than her Majesty's Government. He hoped if a commit tee were granted that practical men would be placed upon it, and that inquiry would result in the establishment if not of a perfect at least of au effective communication by telegraph. Sir C. BRIGHT said that but for the defective state of the Turkish line of telegraph messages might be des patched to India in three or four hours. Indeed, that line was so wretchedly constructed, so badly workod, and its staff so utterly unfitted for the performance of the duty entrusted to them, that, until improved, it would be in vain to expect that telegraphic communication would ever be extended to China and Australia. Mr. MOFFAT supported the motion, and approved of including the subject of postal communication in the in quiries of the committee. Mr. CHILDERS said the Government did not object to inquiry. He admitted that the present state of things was not satisfactory, and if the committee entered upon the investigation with the understanding that the object was simply and solely the consideration of the general question and the adoption of practical improvement, he thought it would be a judicious measure, and ho hoped the inquiry would prove successful. After a few words from the CHANCELLOR of the Ex- CIIEQUER and Mr. AYRTON, the motion was agreed to. Mr. EWART obtained leave to bring in a bill to amend the Free Public Libraries Act. The National Debt Reduction Bill, and the Savings' Banks and Post-office Savings Bill, were read a third time and passed. The Cattle Diseases (Ireland) Bill was passed through committee, and the house adjourned at nine o'clock. • The Cattle Plague. Though the record of the riuderpest has yet to be written, it is easy to foretell in what manner those who shall " write its annals true" must speak of the means for its repression and ex tirpation adopted by the Government of Earl Rus sell. The halting, hesitating, uncertain mode in which the great national calamity has been paltered with by her Majesty's advisers has been the subject of repeated remark and of by no means compli mentary comment. They have done as little as they could help, as badly as the country would bear it, and as late as the public would submit to wait for it. Like Robert of Normanby, they have ever been wanting when the occasion arose—or to use a less dignified comparison, they have ever been ready to shut the stable-door after the steed was stolen. For many months we have known that the seeds of the cattle plague may be sown by contact with in fected substances, by housing in infected sheds, by carrying in infected cars, by pollution conveyed through the medium of manure or litter, blood or hides, of infected animals, the persons, clothes, or implements of their attendants and slaughterers. The difficulties of disinfection have been debated, and the means of surmounting those difficulties have been discussed, but the absolute necessity of some measures in that behalf has never been dis puted. Yet now, when the malady has reached a maximum unparalleled as yet, but soon to be sur passed by the next weekly return—when our losses of stock arc little short of 150,000, and new cases continue to grow in number and augment in fata lity —we hear for the first time of any official sug gestions or recommendations by which disinfection may be secured. And even now these recommen dations do not come from the Government. They proceed not from the Lords of the Council, but from the royal commissioners. They result not from that " wisdom and understanding" with which we are accustomed to pray that her Ma jesty's advisers may be endowed, but from the spontaneous action of certain gentlemen whose advice every one may follow or not as he feels inclined. The royal commissioners points out a duty, but they impose no penalty for its vio lation. They indicate a public peril, but they inflict no punishment on those who recklessly incur it from lazy love of their own private case or culpable in difference to the losses of others. In short, we may say that while the country is sensible of the perils with which infected sheds, and cars, and skins, and clothes are fraught; while the farmers fear them, and the royal commissioners so dread them that of their own mere motion they come forward with sug gestions for removing or mitigating them, the Go vernment alone is content to fold its hands, to hold its tongue, to leave its powers unexercised, its func tions undischarged, while the pestilence progresses at a rate which makes the period when cattle shall have totally disappeared from our pastures a mere question of calculation. We have no wish to blame the Administration without just cause or beyond due measure. As we have often said, this is not a party question, and we can refer to the tone of our early articles upon it in proof that we have always re frained from dealing with it in a party spirit. But the complaints we now make we should urge against any Administration, whatever were its politics and whoever was at its head. The subject matter is the people's food, and the point in debate is whether one primearticle of that food is to rise or sink. from the position of an everyday necessary to that of an occa sional luxury. Surely this is a matter not unworthy the attention of statesmen of the highest rank, of administrators of the first order. To have met Parliament with a carefully prepared -measure, in which- the extent of the evil was recognised, its gravity admitted, the indisputable necessity of stamping it out made the basis of legislation, would have gone far towards restoring the coun try's waning confidence in Earl Russell as Premier. For the sake of such a measure we would have forgiven a great deal of folly and paltering with Fenianism, and would have condoned an almost unlimited amount of hesitancy in dealing with Reform. But the Prime Minister has no such plea upon which to rest. The course of the disease for several months, the daily increasing mortality, the well-grounded predictions of its continued progress, the advance in the price of meat, the dreaded scar city, the possible famine, had all been insufficient to satisfy the Government of the gravity of the situa tion. Only when Parliament had met, when public dissatisfaction had found vent, when opponents urged unanswerable arguments against administra tive supineness, while supporters sat silent or swelled the chorus of complaint, only then, when adverse divisions were threatened and "no confidence" votes were talked of, did the Government at last announce that they would bring in a measure in which the policy they had all along opposed should be em bodied, and in which they would ask the Legislature to condemn the very course which the responsible advisers of the Crown had persistently pursued. It may be said that though the Government acted late it did not act last ; that we have now a prospect of getting something like what we want, and that, therefore, we need not waste our thoughts upon what might and ought to have been done four or five months ago. If we could regard the present action of the Cabinet as satisfactory we might be not indisposed to accept these excuses. "It is never too late to mend," and as the farmer at the anti podes welcomed the penitent thief who came in the nick of time to save his life, so we might gratefully receive an effective measure of relief, even though it were one which the Ministry had concocted hastily and to which it had committed itself tardily. But the cases are not parallel. If there be any use in a Govern ment at all, it is that it shall initiate imperial legis lation. Its information is, presumably, more cora ' plete and accurate than that which is at the disposal of any private person. Constitutional traditions impose upon it the duty of introducing the measures which in its judgment are necessary for the public welfare. The willingness of the House of Commons to pass such measures is the test of its confidence in the Executive ; and the ease with which a bill intro duced by a member on the Treasury bench can be carried through is at least ten times as great as that with which one containing the self-same provisions would pass if brought in by a private member. Yet we have at this moment an example which looks like the direct contrary of all this. A Government bill and a private proposal are running neck and neck, and, what is more, the wearer of the Opposition colours is rather the favourite in the betting. Mr. Hunt has matched himself with Sir G. Grey, and has had the advantage in the competition. The member for North Northamptonshire has constrained the Home Secretary to enter the lists against him. Heavily weighted with the disadvantages which always attach to a private and an Opposition mem ber he has forced an unwilling Government into unwonted activity, and has compelled a Chancellor of the Exchequer positively pledged to a policy of confiscation practically to admit the justice of the cattle-owner's claim to compensation. Soon, we suppose, on some fresh fillip being administered, we shall have the disinfecting recommendations of the royal commissioners embodied in an act. After another interval of great and growing mortality the import of cattle will be interdicted, the suspension of all market trade in live stock positively enjoined. Long out of due time all that we have advocated will be done, but the evils of Government delays and inertness will never be undone. For years the cattle upen our hills will be fewer ' • the prices of meat upon our tables will be higher than they need be or would have been had Earl Russell and his colleagues by party adherents and political adve rsarie po niu ss g e , s c se o d ur a a b g il e ity to to g r d a e p a p l l w e i t m h ,i tt it e in itsin gb i lr t ye s so s wf b roti e nhe g s,n i n doo friends judgmentexperience , .e bw n yh o e u ns g u p h p rpe t os h rs u ste supporters s l ua and n e o dn t o tohy learn the Herald. ----- tions of theabo a v v e e CUSTOM-HOUSE CLERKS.—After more than two years' agitation, the Treasury, by the approval of d r are f xl dividedo Customs , into have three cir-- hw r e eh m o a l nt) ofle differenta t n h d e t c h l a se officesßs classifications c a i a • de partment. t a m n e i Thomassne t d . the F , classes, viz., the Ist class £230, rising £300; 2d class, £l5O, rising £lO per per annum to the 3d class, £BO, rising £lO to annum to £220 ; and £MO.The first two years of the junior classes is by £5 rises alterations are a great boonto te warehousing departments of the customs, but in such offices as the controller-generals; inspector-generals', examiners ', and long-room, the lower half is the only port i on slightly benefited by the change , whilst the upp er h a lf is damaged stances serious prospectivearn j a u g r e d has b and e e i nn cause d in , a a n n y d in injury that gre a t di scon t en t i s y the result. The n umber of clerks in the indoor departments of the Customs is 571, exclusive of principals, and not 161, as erroneously stated by several of our contemporaries. The Mauritius Land Credit and Agency Company (Limited) have issued the warrants for the interim dividend of 10 per cent. per annum, declared on the 20th inst, and that the same is now payable at the Union Bank of London. CHECK FOIL A PENNY.—The Treasury Depart ment, iu settling a balance of 2c. due to Erastus Foote, sent a draught to him worded and numbered as follows;_- " Draught 2,950 on Treasury warrant. Treasury of the United States. No. 1,951, Washington, Jan. 8, 1866. At sight pay to Erastus Foote, collector and disbursing agent, or order, two cents. F . E. Spinner, Treasurer of United States. Recorded Jan. 8, 1866. S. B. Colby, Registrar of the Treasury. Assistant Treasurer U.S., Boston, Mass. , ' On this important document there were seven • signatures and all for two cents. The gentleman who owned ' draught was offered 51 for it, but said he the would not sell it for ss.—Beston Traveller. A GRATEFUL DONATION.—Th 6 National Life boat Institution received yesterday, _ from Hanburgh, £5 from " One Saved with God s Help by a British Lifeboat ,from a Wrecked Steamer." ~_, - ~.=